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IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
June 8, 2007
925.672.0500
Nephew carries torch for slain uncle JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
BILL WALCUTT
MAYOR’S CORNER
Using less water just makes sense With summer fast approaching, I know everyone is thinking about ways to conserve water. Well, maybe not everyone. I normally start thinking about it after I get my first summer water bill, which is a little late. Aside from saving money, we need to begin our conservation efforts early this year because this is the fourth driest winter on record. Unlike some of our neighboring water districts that are asking customers to meet specific voluntary rationing targets, the Contra Costa Water District is only asking customers to make efficient use of water. The district expects water supplies to be sufficient to meet demands for 2007 without mandatory or voluntary rationing. However, in preparation for a possible second dry year, CCWD is asking customers to use water wisely this summer and fall. Here are some fun, watersaving facts: A low-flow shower head can save 10,000 gallons per year. A faucet aerator can save 4,300 gallons per year. A high-efficiency washer can save 11,000 gallons per year. Replacing an older toilet with a high-efficiency one saves 19,000 gallons per year. Outdoor watering accounts for about half of the average homeowner’s use, so focus your conservation efforts on your yard. As a matter of fact, overwatering is the top cause of water waste and unnecessarily high bills.
See Mayor, page A7
What’s Inside SECTION A Around Town . . . . . . . . . .A2, 3 From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 Classified Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . .A5 Directory of Advertisers . . . .A5 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A7 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . .A8 Readers’ Forum . . . . . . . . . . .A8 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .A12 Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . .A13 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A14 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .A15 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . .A15 SECTION B Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 At the Movies . . . . . . . . . . . .B5 Paws and Claws . . . . . . . . . .B6 ARF Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B6 Sharing History . . . . . . . . . . .B7 On the Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B7 Community Calendar . . . . . .B8 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . .B9 Food for Thought . . . . . . .B10
Photo courtesy of The Barboza Family
Kelby Taylor was the torchbearer in this year’s Special Olympic run in Honolulu that was named in honor of his uncle, Troy Barboza. Barboza coached for the Special Olympics before being killed in the line of duty in 1987.
A fitting tribute to courageous vets JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The bright, sunny day on Monday, May 28 was in sharp contrast to a somber Memorial Day Service at the VFW Post 1525 Flagpole and Veterans’ Memorial in downtown Clayton honoring the men and women who gave their lives in the service of our country. Despite the warm weather, hundreds came to participate in the one-hour ceremony featuring community leaders, the Diablo View and Pine Hollow Middle School bands, VFW Post 1525, U.S. Marines, Olympic and Mt. Diablo High School ROTC and Boy Scout Troop 262. Master of Ceremonies was Vietnam Veteran and Green Beret Pete Laurence who introduced guests from the Governor’s office, Congressman’s George Miller’s office, State Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier, Supervisor Susan Bonilla, Clayton ViceMayor Gregg Manning, Concord Vice-Mayor Bill Shinn, Concord Mayor Mark
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
All branches of the armed forces were represented in the color guard at this year’s Memorial Day event. Here they are shown retiring the colors at the close of the service. Peterson and Concord City Councilwoman Laura Hoffmeister. Special guest speaker was Major General Daniel C. Helix, Korean veteran and retired U.S Army Reserves who acknowledged the courage of all veterans “who know the sound of
angry metal.” He discussed the origin of the haunting melody Taps dating back to 1862 on a battle field in Virginia with a confederate soldier and his father, a Captain in the Union Army. Present in the audience were vets from World War II including several survivors of
the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Vietnam and Korean Wars, and Desert Storm 1 & 2 and the current conflict in Iraq. The service concluded with America the Beautiful, retiring of colors and closing prayer by Mike Keppel, chaplain VFW 25th District.
Clayton students take CVHS Altair awards
See Altair, page A10
See Torch, page A4
Witnesses sought in truck versus pedestrian, June 1 A man was hit by a truck at the corner of Clayton Road and Heritage Way on June 1 and police are asking witnesses to please come forward. Robert Carnes, 92, was on his usual “speedwalk” at 11:27 a.m. when he was hit by a truck and knocked across two lanes of Clayton Road. The delivery truck drove off, apparently unaware of the collision, said Sgt. Scott Dansie of the Clayton Police Department. Carnes was helped to his feet by a passerby and was standing when police arrived. He was taken by ambulance to Kaiser Hospital where he was admitted with major injuries. According to Kevin Carnes,
See Witnesses, page A6
Performing Arts Center plans underway for CVHS TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Three Clayton students received coveted Altair awards for the graduating class of 2007 at Clayton Valley High School. Grand Altair honoree Marina Bohn is a 4.13 GPA honors student who will attend UC Santa Barbara in the fall. Bohn received numerous awards and scholarships, including a $3,000 scholarship from the
When families lose a loved one, they are reminded of that person during birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other special moments creating memories that are both difficult and healing at the same time. Long-time Clayton residents Jerry and Ron Barboza have taken one special memory of their murdered son and turned it into a poignant family tradition to help raise money for the intellectually challenged and Special Olympics. The Barbozas, their daughter Rhonda and grandson Kelby Taylor recently returned from Hawaii, where they participated in the 20th anniversary of the Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run. Troy Barboza, Jerry and Ron’s son, was killed in 1987 in the line of duty with the Honolulu Police Department. A dedicated coach for Special Olympics Hawaii, Troy devoted countless hours to the Special Olympics athletes. When he died, the torch run was named
If a group of motivated parents have their way, Clayton Valley High School will soon see a new state-of-the-art, 400-seat performing arts center somewhere on the Concord campus. Fed up with sharing the decrepit 50 year old multi use room with the cafeteria, the parents have organized the Clayton Valley Performing Arts Action Committee and plan to have a MARINA BOHN
JULIE CARUSO
CLAUDIA GALAN
See Arts, page A12
Page A2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 8, 2007
Around Town MDES pen pals meet Diamond Terrace seniors
DVMS raises the Distinguished School flag More than 700 Diablo View Middle School (DVMS) students, parents, faculty, staff and community leaders proudly toasted the school’s recent designation as a 2007 California Distinguished School, an award that recognizes the state’s most exemplary public schools. The unusual toast with glazed doughnuts on May 23 was accompanied by raising of the distinguished flag and some well-deserved kudos from principal Michelle Cooper for the DVMS
MDES
Distinguished School Award team who put the package together. She also acknowledged parents and students and teachers who played a major role in earning the coveted title. For the students, like 13year old Molly Kommer, the award means that Diablo View is a good school with good teachers. Seventh grader Camila Rowland feels very fortunate to have this distinguished award. Diablo View was one of 76 California middle schools chosen for the award.
SECOND GRADERS continue the pen pal tradition with the seniors of Diamond Terrace.
The students of Mrs. Didion’s second grade class at Mt. Diablo Elementary met their Diamond Terrace pen pals face to face recently. The
Diamond Terrace seniors hosted a small reception for the students last month. The seniors made “goody bags” for the children and the stu-
dents each presented their pen pal with a rose. This is the fourth year of the pen pal program.
Jamison Olivieri wins filmmaker awards
JAMISON OLIVIERI
Jamison Olivieri, senior at Clayton Valley High School and student of the ClaytonArts Academy, recently won the Delta Moon Student Film Festival for his two films, Earth Watch and Drowned. The Delta Moon Student Film Festival is in its 7th year receiving high school student film works from students throughout the United States. Bay Area film industry professionals judged the films and awarded Jamison’s film, Earth Watch, a short film on global warming, Best PSA/Documentary Film and
Drowned, a theatrical trailer thriller, Best Micro Short film. This is the young filmmaker’s second award. In 2005, Jamison won the KCSM-TV Student Film Festival with his movie, Missing, for which received two awards, Best In Show and Best In Sound. Jamison has been an avid filmmaker since he was eight years old, creating films in a number of genres: drama, explorative, public service announcements, advertising, memory and music videos. He plans to continue his passion for filmmaking as he moves on to college.
Photos by Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
DVMS students raise their doughnuts in a toast to their school.
Martins welcome new granddaughter Keira Bill and Judie Martin of Clayton have a new baby granddaughter. Keira Siobhan Maffeo was born April 17. The petite miss weighed in at 5 lbs., 4 oz. and was 18” tall. Her parents are Amy Martin and Mike Maffeo of San Jose.
Student body president Steven Cuff prepares to raise the flag.
CORRECTION In the last issue, the Around Town story (Page A3) about Sue Pfister receiving Head Start recognition contained an error. Under the photo, she should have been listed as Sue Pfister, not Pat Pfister. We apologize for the error.
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Clayton $519,980 Chaparral Springs Townhome – Manzanita model offers 3BD/2.5BA close to hiking trails, Golf Course, award-winning schools! Soaring ceilings, open living and dining area w/a 2-way marble fireplace, plus a convenient laundry room to ease multi-tasking.
Clayton $819,980 Casey Glen – 5BD/3BA incl. an in-law/office quarters w/separate entry. Amazing 2,600 s.f. w/ an updated kitchen. Private cul-de-sac location in a lovely neighborhood! Pool & hot tub nestled into wooded patio areas. Close to Lydia Lane Park and trails.
Clayton $845,000 Morgan Territory – Beautiful 20.75acre parcel of land w/ two possible building sites. Gorgeous views of the Morgan Territory Valley, Mt. Diablo and much more! Backs up to Mt. Diablo State Park. Perfect for horses or other livestock. Call today!
$774,980 Clayton Regency Woods – Lovely family home with 4BD/2.5BA & a flowing, fresh floorplan featuring an updated kitchen w/paneled appliances & wine storage. Gorgeous wood floors run throughout. Open great room & master bedroom w/doors to pool & patio area.
$519,980 Concord Central Concord – Custom touches on this 3BD/2BA include paint, baseboards, crown molding & dual pane windows w/coverings. Enjoy the outdoors w/a spacious Florida room, large yards w/auto sprinklers & storage. Great curb appeal w/a court location.
Concord $849,980 Clayton Border – Nicely updated 3BD/3BA home on 5 serene acres. Includes an In-law/guest unit, 3-zone HVAC & 4-car tandem garage. Very private & gated, this property presents unique business opportunities: kennel, horses, RV/commercial vehicle parking.
Concord $999,980 Crystyl Ranch – Spacious Waterford model has 5BD/3.5BA w/ bed/bath suite downstairs. Oversized windows & soaring ceilings highlight the formal living areas. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen, refined formal dining & family room w/fireplace.
Concord $1,199,980 The Point @ Crystyl Ranch – Desirable Barcelona model offers high ceilings & ample windows. Gourmet kitchen w/granite, island & butlers pantry. Wonderful master w/retreat, dual sinks & soaking tub. Fantastic yard with superb views.
June 8, 2007
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page A3
Around Town Clayton Graduates on the Move Clayton Valley High School this month. Jeannette was a California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer and the recipient of two academic scholarships. She will attend California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo this fall and major in Environmental Horticultural Science. This summer she will tour Europe for 16 days as a graduation present. SEAN LAFFERTY
Sean Lafferty will graduate from Clayton Valley High School this June. He will spend his summer working at Zumiez in the Sun Valley Mall and at Spitzer’s Music in Concord. He plans to be a snowboard instructor at Kirkwood this coming winter. His future plans include professional photography and he is currently considering several educational options.
Jeannette Rapicavoli, daughter of Paul and Terry Rapicavoli, graduates from
AMY ZSENAI
JEANNETTE RAPICAVOLI
Amy Leigh Zsenai graduated Cum Laude from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa on May 12. She was honored as a Top Senior Student at the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute Leaders and Luminaries Awards ceremony last month. Amy received a BS in Business Administration and has been hired by Employers Mutual Casualty Insurance as a Marketing Associate in their Corporate Headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa. She currently resides in West Des Moines.
Amy was a 2003 graduate of Clayton Valley High School and is the daughter of John and Cindy Zsenai. Meghan Pardi, Clayton Valley High School class of 2003, graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Meghan earned a BA Degree cum laude in Sociology with a minor in Business. She made the Dean’s list all four years and had a GPA of 3.8 for the spring semester. She was inducted into Alpha Kappa Delta of California (the International Sociology Honor Society). Meghan earned her fourth letter as Team Captain for the Women’s Water Polo Team. LMU captured the Western Water Polo Association Championship for the third time in four years. Meghan served on the LMU SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory committee) for three years representing her sport and earned a National Scholar Athlete Award for four years.
Beltran siblings named All American Scholars
LAURA HOFFMEISTER Special to the Pioneer
In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the city’s founding, the July 4th parade theme will be “‘Honoring Our Pioneering Past.” Decedents of city founder Joel Clayton will be special guests in the parade. Charles Calhan is Clayton’s great grandson and Ray Strong is his great-
great grandson. Both are descendants of Elizabeth Clayton, Joel Clayton’s first child. The parade also will feature floats and community participants, along with the ever-popular kiddie parade. This Norman Rockwell classic is crowded with children and their decorated
See Parade, page A12
Clayton Pioneer July 4 Photo Contest
RACHEL BELTRAN
Grab a camera and go shoot something! Get ready, get set, GO for the Clayton Pioneer’s Fifth Annual July 4 Celebration Photo Contest. Each individual may submit up to three photos, but only one of those photos can win a prize. Photos must be snapshot size prints (3” x 5” or 4” x 6”) and must have been taken during
this year’s July 4 Celebration in downtown Clayton.
DANIEL BELTRAN
MEGHAN PARDI
Join the pioneers and volunteer for July 4 parade
Rachel Beltran and Daniel “DJ” Beltran were recently named “All American Scholars” by the United States Achievement Academy. Rachel is a student at Kings Valley Christian School and DJ will be attending De La Salle in the fall. The students were nominated by their schools and are eligible to compete for the organization’s scholarships.
On the back of each photo, glue a label with your name, address, phone number and whether you are entering as an adult (over 12) or a child (12 and under.) Drop your prints off at the Clayton Pioneer office by 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 5. Please DO NOT e-mail photos. Photos will be judged on overall quality, composition and how well the image captures the spirit of Clayton’s July 4 celebration. The theme this year is “Honoring our Pioneering Past.”
CASH PRIZES: Adults: First Place, $100; Second Place, $75; Third Place, $50. Under 12: First Place, $50, Second Place $30; Third Place $20. Winning photos will appear in the July 13 issue of the Clayton Pioneer.
Stunning views from ridgeline lot above Marsh Creek Road
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Corner of Clayton Road and Kirker Pass Road
FREE Brake Inspection $57 value Clean and adjust all four brakes, inspect brake hydraulics* (*Valid if brake work is done at this location.) exp. 6/22/07
Smog Check
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This offering consists of two parcels, both certified by the County as lawfully divided the 155 acre valued at $2.8 million and an additional 3 acres valued at $1.1 million. Both must sell in one escrow.
Martin A. Easton Realtor Certified Legal Assistant (Harcourt Para-Legal)
office 925-672-8552 cell 925-381-4679 fax 925-672-3546 email eastonm@ sbcglobal.net
3 Offices Liberty Homes Belleci Realty Tassajara Valley Realty
Attended: College of the Pacific California Institute of Technology B of A UC Berkeley Dept. of Education.
“My family roots in Clayton go back 115 years”
Page A4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Police volunteers ready to present an updated Neighborhood Watch program
DAN LAURENCE
FROM
THE
CHIEF
With the organization of the Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS), the Police Department has been able to reintroduce an active Neighborhood Watch Program.
Several of our VIPS have volunteered numerous hours to develop an updated Neighborhood Watch Program for the city. The primary purpose of the Neighborhood Watch Program is to educate the community in order to prevent crime in our neighborhoods. Our Neighborhood Watch Program is presented to local neighborhood groups, such as homeowners associations, who wish to reduce crime in their neighborhoods. Presentations are also available to church and school groups and other organizations wishing to learn how to improve the security of their homes, how to report a crime
or suspicious activity and other related subjects. A 12-minute video gives an overview of home security. During the 90-minute presentation, our VIPS will discuss landscaping, exterior lighting, use of locks and dead bolts and the ability to identify your property should it be lost or stolen. The VIPS can perform a Home Security Check to identify areas within your home that could lead to an opportunity for a criminal to break in and enter your property. Identity theft, one of the fasted growing crimes in our country, is a component of the updated program. The presentation discusses how to handle
mail, receipts and your Social Security numbers. The ability to obtain more than one free credit report in a 12-month period is also reviewed. If you want to schedule a Home Security Check or Neighborhood Watch meeting, contact Lynn Christ at 6737350. Our VIPS look forward to meeting with your group in an effort to prevent crime in our community and to improve our quality of life.
Dan Lawrence is Clayton’s Police Chief. Please send your questions, comments or topics you’d like to see covered to DanL@cpd.ci.concord.ca.us
City work leads to fire in open space TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
A three-acre blaze at the corner of Marsh Creek and El Molino got this year’s fire season off to an early start on the afternoon of May 23. The fire began about 1:30 p.m. when a city maintenance worker was mowing the open space between the creek and the back yards of four homes on El Molino. The mower threw up a rock and sparked a fire, said City Manager Gary Napper. Fanned by the wind, the flames quickly consumed the dry grass and moved toward the homes. Firefighters from Contra Costa Fire Protection
District (CCFPD) Station 11 in Clayton responded and were assisted by three CCFPD wildfire units and a California Department of Forestry crew that was in the area. Although flames destroyed one fence at 158 El Molino and damaged several others, the homes were never in danger, said Capt. Anthony Garcia of Station 11. “It might have looked scary to the spectators, but we were never worried,” he said. “The residents had very good defensible space behind their homes and there were swimming pools and lawns between the fire and the houses.” The law requires that brush
and grass be cleared or mowed to create at least a 50-foot “defensible” space around residences. Fire officials are considering raising that to 100 feet. This isn’t the first time the city’s maintenance equipment started a fire. Last year, a tractor operated by the same maintenance worker sparked a small grass fire while mowing the vacant lot where the park is now under construction. “There does seem to be a bit of irony in this,” said Napper. “We start a fire while we’re trying to eliminate the hazard.” Garcia expects this year to be a bad one for fires. “It’s going to be one of the worst fire seasons we’ve ever had,” he
said. He urges residents, especially those in the more rural Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory areas, to be extremely careful with barbecues and to report anyone playing with fireworks or anything that looks suspicious. Last year, the Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory areas were plagued with a series of arson fires. Area resident Jesse Galvin, 54, was arrested for those fires last July and remains in jail with bail set at $375,000. Galvin originally pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of arson and is scheduled for a change of plea hearing on July 18.
June 8, 2007
Torch, from page A1 after him. It is the only torch run in the world to be named after a fallen officer. “Our family hasn’t missed a single torch run since then,” says his mom, Jerry. “It was too hard for us to go that first year and so we sent our daughter, Rhonda,” she adds. “We were so overwhelmed. Troy was bigger than life to us,” Rhonda says. The torch run is so important to the family that Rhonda introduced her son Kelby to the Honolulu experience when he was just 4 ½ years old. Although Kelby, now a sixth grader at Diablo View Middle School has participated in the torch run in the past, this year was special for him. In honor of the 20th anniversary, Kelby was asked to carry the torch for most of the nearly 4-mile run. Kelby led thousands of runners, including dignitaries, government officials and law enforcement personnel from federal military, state, county and local agencies, to the final destination at Les Murakami Stadium at the University of Hawaii. “It was a real honor for Kelby to carry the torch this year,” says Jerry. “We consider everyone there our extended family.” During their week in Hawaii, the Barbozas were amazed at the outpouring of support for them and for Troy. They were invited to a host of media and dignitary events and reconnected with friends that they met in the past 20 years. “Everyone there embraced Kelby as Troy’s nephew,” says Rhonda. But their focus continues to be raising money for Special Olympics, explains Jerry. Troy was introduced to Special Olympics in 1986, when he was appointed to the Honolulu Police Department and was a member of the 92nd Recruit Class. He ran in the last leg of the first law
enforcement torch run for Special Olympics in Hawaii that year and later became a coach in soccer and basketball for the Olympics athletes. According to Rhonda, the Special Olympics program in Hawaii raised half a million dollars last year. Since 1981, when the torch run began in Wichita, Kan., the event has raised more than $130 billion worldwide. The run was eventually adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and is currently held in all 50 states and more than 40 countries worldwide. “It’s important to raise a lot of money and to keep (Special Olympics) athletes fit,” says Kelby. He’s expressed an interest in law enforcement as a possible career, but for now, he loves going to Hawaii each year and helping the Special Olympics in honor of his uncle, says Rhonda. A 1981 graduate of Clayton Valley High School, Troy played football at Grinnell College in Iowa. Ron recalls that Troy didn’t particularly like the cold, so his dad suggested that Troy transfer to the University of Hawaii to be where Ron was raised. Troy moved to Hawaii and graduated from the University of Hawaii with a degree in criminal justice. He was later appointed to the Honolulu Police Department. His stellar performance in the department led him to a special duty with the “Alpha Detail,” an elite unit that specialized in the enforcement of street crimes in the Waikiki area. In retaliation for a drug arrest Troy made in the summer of 1987, he was shot and killed in his home by a known gang member and drug dealer. “We try to teach Kelby, you have to appreciate what you have and always give back,” Rhonda notes.
For more information on Special Olympics visit specialolympicshawaii.org
Dana Foods
Where the meat is Choice and the parking is easy
USDA Choice meats and poultry cut order by your top-notch friendly, neighborhood butcher
freshest fish in town produce to please the pickiest palate a deli to dazzle
Congratul
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Win $50 to spend in the store Bring this ad in and you could win a $50 Dana Foods gift certificate Name: ______________________phone # ______________________
Dana Foods-If you care what you eat. in Dana Plaza It’s worth the 10-minute drive down Concord Blvd.
4115 Concord Blvd. 925-609-7789 Store hours: Mon.-Sat. 8 am to 9 pm, Sun. 9 am to 7 pm
June 8, 2007
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page A5
Classified Too much stuff? No place to put it?
PETS
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Pet Sitting. Traveling on business or pleasure? Don't forget about your pets. In your home care provided. Call local resident Linda Pastor. Licensed, insured, bonded, PSI member. Reasonable rates.Call 672-9781.
Greeter. Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter the second Sun. of each month from 2 - 4 p.m. Training is provided. If interested, call 672-0240, email claytonmuseum@ sbcglobal.net or visit the museum between 2 and 4 p.m. on Wed. or Sun.
SERVICES
We can fix that. Call Easy Storage for a mobile storage unit. We deliver it. You fill it up. We come get it.
Perennial Garden Design by Nicole Hackett AKA The Garden Girl. Personal consultations regarding plant choices, placement, identification, fertilizing and maintenance. Spring is just around the corner. Call or email for information and pricing. 925-6731746 (leave message) gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.
VACATION RENTAL Cabin in Blue Lake Springs (Arnold, CA). Sleeps 6, fully remodeled, quiet, use of recreation facilities. $150/night, $950/week. Call Kevin Parker @ (925) 383-9430 or http://www.vrconnection.com/ parkerpaw.
Call us for a free quote 672-3476 Easy Storage is a Clayton business
easystorageclayton.com
Bring this coupon & receive a
Free bottle of champagne with purchase of any 2 dinners during June!
The Clayton Community Library is seeking to fill the following volunteer positions: (All positions require a minimum age of 13 years and a 6month commitment. Training will be provided). Shelver - to shelve and sensitize books. Must be detail oriented, various days and hours. Lead Tutor - To help with matching the student requests with the tutors and other related administrative duties in our Tutoring Program. Must have excellent skills in dealing with the public, all age levels and in group settings. Schedule is flexible. Tutor/Homework Helper - to work one-on-one with local students in our community. You choose the age range, subjects, remedial or light help, and days/times. Office Assistant - handle filing, word processing, create flyers, volunteer database input on Microsoft Access, assistance with meetings/programs. Contact: Arlene @ 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org.
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US
BouTEAque!
Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com
(from Beauty & the Beast)
A lovely afternoon of tea and shopping!
Jill Bedecarre jill@claytonpioneer.com
Saturday, June 16
Sunday, June 10
A great memory maker for dads & daughters of all ages! Moms welcome too!
Over a dozen booths w/ jewelry, bath & body, art, candles, chair massage, etc.
$20 ticket includes lunch & souvenir photo.
$20 ticket includes our Royal Tea & raffle ticket for over $500 in prizes!
TEA WITH MRS. POTTS!
Englund's Tea Cottage 5433 L Clayton Road
Open daily for lunch and afternoon tea
www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com
For Reservations, call 672-TEAS (8327)
10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Three $150 drawings throughout the day no purchase necessary
Refreshments, food & FREE MAC makeover 3 - 6 p.m. makeover provided by Nordstrom’s specialist
Please join us SORELLE
5438 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 40, Concord 672-3500
Hours 10:30 until 6 daily; closed Sunday
Beth Neudell beth@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Religion News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com
HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 672-0500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580 All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable.
LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages 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 your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter in a Word Document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580 TAMARA
AND
R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers
TAMARA S TEINER , Editor J ILL B EDECARRÉ , Assistant Editor and Display Advertising P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor and Feature Writer B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant
Directory of Advertisers Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 A Clayton Window Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0508 Acupressure for Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .674-0767 Aegis of Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 Antioch Paintball Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-2468 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Allied Waste Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4711 Andrus, Randi - Keller Williams Real Estate . . . . . .381-0659 Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . . .685-4523 Beautique Beauty Supply and Salon . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0405 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Butterfly Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4238 Calkins, Bill - Charlotte Clifford Realtors . . . . . . . . . .673-9164 Cartridge World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3500 Carol Keane and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-5200 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Chic'z on the Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-933-6644 Clark, Robert C., D.O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-7530 Clayton Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3325 Clayton Community Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672Clayton Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5470 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Mind and Body Connections . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clayton Valley Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3397 Clayton Valley Medical Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6744 Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Clayton Valley Villa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8401 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-5260 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Dana Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609-7789 Denim & Lace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0345 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . .524-5100 Dromlewicz, Kim - Century 21 Hosking Assoc. . . . .682-4663 Easton, Martin - Liberty Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8552 Easy Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3476 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 Eternal Life Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0295 Farrand, Greg - HomEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9737 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windemere Real Estate . . . . . . . . .672-8787 Golden Gate Satellite TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-5959 Golf n Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .754-5053 Hadox, Paula - Kropa Realty . . . . . . .1-800-283-5075X 1003 Help - U - Sell Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Holy Cross Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2000 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 HomEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9737 Insite Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6460 Kavanaugh, Mike Re Max Accord Real Estate . . . . .383-6102 Kelly Marshall Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0327 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Marchione, Terry - Eagles Peak Realty . . . . . . . . . .465-0435 Michael Dwyer & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3980 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Miller, Linda - HomEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .765-4765 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Moon, Steven Dr., Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8400 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . .280-8563 Nationwide Real Estate Investments . . . . . . . . . . . .777-1920 Nature's Creations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-624-2188 Navlet's Garden Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550 Neptune Society of Northern California . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Nickerson, Glenna - Diablo Funding Group . . . . . . .227-0100 Nuchols, Alicia - Premier Home Loans . . . . .691-5070 X 323 Nu Image Painting & Decorating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1777 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Peregrine Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .627-2564 Postal Annex + . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8900 Quantum Stress and Pain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .459-8595 Rahimzadeh, Helen - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . .932-7375 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 R.E. Carpet Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595-8623 Reed, Ruth - Remax Accord Real Estate . . . . . . . . .260-6731 Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Seasonal Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4425 Skuba, Arlene - REMAX Allied Brokers . . . . . . . . . .672-6009 Skuba, Lana - REMAX Allied Brokers . . . . . . . . . . .672-5501 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0138 Sonset Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-8200 Sorelle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3500 Sparkle Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5025 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .672-4433 Williams, Mike - Williams Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5363 Wooden It Be Nice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5595
Page A6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
CVHS freshmen take up the challenge and get REAL JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
After two student suicides in the fall of ‘04, Clayton Valley High School students, parents and faculty were left grief-stricken and concerned. Jill Collaro, a parent of a sophomore at the time, was overwhelmed after she left a school assembly that addressed the tragic events and talked to her daughter about students’ indifference to one another on campus. She had heard about the Challenge Day program, headquartered in Martinez at the time. The core of Challenge Day is a one-day experiential workshop for about 200 students that attempts to change the emotional environment on the campus. Collaro contacted the group and learned that there was money available to bring the program to Clayton Valley. About halfway through the Challenge Day programs at Clayton Valley, some parents, like Cindy Jakel-Smith, started wondering what was next for the students. They questioned whether something more was needed to continue the momentum set by Challenge Day. “We knew we weren’t hitting the
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CINDY JAKEL-SMITH leads the students in the end of the year REAL @ CVHS rally. thinking and we needed more structure,” says Jakel-Smith. Since she had worked on similar projects in the past, JakelSmith offered to write the curriculum. The emphasis switched from an optional program to a mandatory one, specifically for freshmen, followed by monthly small group interactions with peer mentors, activities and assignments.
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
According to Jakel-Smith, freshman English teachers offered intervention time for group sessions. About 30 mentors, most of them sophomores, stepped up to the plate to attend the sessions. Individual sessions focused on friendliness, first impressions,
Witnesses, from page A1 the man’s son, the senior Carnes has a broken elbow which required surgery, a broken pelvis and many cuts and bruises. Police say they are not viewing this as a hit an run, but rather an incident needing further information. “In a truck that size, it’s quite possible the driver could have been unaware of the collision,”
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CVHS STUDENTS GIANNI MANVL (LEFT) AND CHARLOTTE HARRINGTON hug each other as this year’s REAL @ CVHS rally draws to a close. mark,” she says. After meetings with Principal Gary Swanson, who strongly believed that freshmen should be the target group, a new approach beyond Challenge began to take shape. “We needed to switch our
June 8, 2007
said Dansie. Police have asked that the name of the company be withheld pending the investigation. “We are still seeking their cooperation,” Dansie said. Police are asking anyone with information about the collision to please contact the Clayton Police Department at 925-6737350.
listening and connections. In each session, a food item is introduced to wake up the students’ senses. For example, a bag of Chex mix shows that everyone is different and some food tastes better when it’s all mixed together. “Students remember experiential activities,” says Jakel-Smith. She took time to develop small group sessions that, for the most part, stayed together all year. She also matched mentors with small groups after the mentors took a personality test. In one of the assignments, students were asked to initiate one act of change. “I encouraged my friend to reach the top of the rock climbing wall,” one student wrote in a journal. “I helped a friend work up the courage to confront someone they were nervous about confronting. It’s not much, but that’s what I did,” wrote another. “I cleaned the campus by picking up trash,” reported a third student. “The biggest light bulb is for students to realize they are not alone,” says Collaro. “If one kid gets it, then our job is well done.” This past year, the program was officially named REAL @ CVHS. The emphasis is on consistency, keeping the students aware of the program and building upon the progress already made. Several weeks ago, a student rally was introduced into the program to further implant what was learned the previous year. However, progress can only be made if the REAL team gets some help. The core team for REAL includes Jakel-Smith, Collaro, Mikey Garaventa and Georgie Weston. The volunteers work on all aspects of the program, from group sessions and visual reminders around campus to fund-raising and development of a Website. Jakel-Smith reports that she spends 40 to 60 hours a month on the program and Weston contributes 25 to 30. All parents except Weston have children in the school. Weston, a stress and management counselor, came on board when Challenge Day was introduced to Clayton Valley and is currently
developing a survey for the students about the program and its impact. Garaventa suffered the loss of a brother to suicide and wanted to get involved in some meaningful work on campus. According to Jakel-Smith, funds are needed for basic supplies like food, paper products and incentives. Challenge Day workshops cost about $3,000 and are financially covered through the next school year with help from the Challenge Day organization, now located in Concord, the CVHS Parent Faculty Club and private donations. “We are looking for more parent support,” says Jakel-Smith. “If they can’t contribute, we need them to understand the program.” Collaro expects exciting things to happen with the program in the future. She would like to see the REAL program become a seed that grows throughout the school district and become a viable program in other local high schools. There’s even talk about the program working on the elementary and middle school level, where some of the negative attitudes about student relationships develop. The REAL team has already seen changes at Clayton Valley, including a cleaner campus, more respect for the school facilities, student camaraderie, and sophomores and upper classmen stepping up to become mentors for incoming freshmen. Chloe Luczynski was very effected by the Challenge Day program and became a mentor to help other students feel the impact of the program. Amanda Leary believes that the program is really all about being decent to other people. Freshmen Vivian Ly and Eden Mesfin have agreed to be mentors next year. “It was important that someone listened to my problems. I felt comfortable and was more willing to share,” Mesfin says. For more information on the REAL program or volunteer and fund-raising efforts, contact Student Services director Rocquel Colbert at 682-7474 or email michalen@ sbcglobal.net.
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MYSTERY PANEL DISCUSSION Saturday, June 16 at 2 p.m. Meet 4 famous mystery book authors and discuss their books and mystery writing!
Diana R. Chambers Mark Coggins Michelle Gagnon Camille Minichino e great v a h e W Day & s ’ r e h t Fa n gifts o i t a u d gra & cards
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In the Clayton Station New Owners and Clayton residents
Joel and Christy Harris
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Page A7
Be aware of exclusions when purchasing a home Suppose you’re selling a home and you can’t bear to part with your grandmother’s chandelier. Since light fixtures are customarily included in a home sale, you would have to exclude the chandelier from the listing agreement and from the purchase contract. Unless the seller specifies otherwise in writing, it’s assumed that the real property and everything that’s permanently attached to it will be included in the sale. This usually includes things like shrubs, trees, fences, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, window coverings, tacked-down floor coverings and built-in appliances. Your purchase contract should describe precisely what is included. The method of attachment is critical in determining if an item is real property or personal property. Personal property is not usually included in a home sale. For example, a bathroom mirror that is hanging on a hook like a piece of artwork is personal property. However, a bathroom mirror that is screwed or nailed to the wall is real property and should be included in the sale, unless it’s specifically excluded. Find out if there are any exclusions from the sale before you write your offer to purchase the property. This way you won’t be surprised to find out the sellers are removing the dining room chandelier that
you admired. It behooves sellers to notify buyers in advance of exclusions, in order to avoid disappointing the buyers during the home purchase negotiation. To avoid a misunderstanding, write any exclusions into your purchase offer. Ask the seller to patch and paint holes that are created by removing a fixture from the property. You may also want to ask the seller for a monetary credit at closing so that you can purchase a replacement fixture. Or if the sellers have a replacement fixture, you might ask them to install it before closing. Another use of the term exclusion in the home sale context refers to a prospective buyer who is excluded from the listing agreement. In this case, the seller doesn’t have to pay a real estate brokerage commission if the excluded buyer purchases the property. As a prospective buyer, you’re at a disadvantage if you’re competing against someone who is excluded from the listing agreement. Let’s say you’re interested in a listing that is offered for $600,000. If you make an offer, the seller will pay a commission, perhaps 6 percent, to the real estate agents. A buyer who can bypass the real estate agents can buy the property for 6 percent less than you can. In other words, if the excluded buyer offers $564,000,
Mayor, from page A1 Here are some things you can do now to keep your water use down this summer and beyond: Adjust and repair your sprinkler system. Over the winter, sprinkler systems can become clogged and sprinkler heads can get bent or broken. Give your system a good once-over, make repairs and make sure all sprinkler heads are adjusted correctly. For drip systems, flush the system and unclog the emitters before using. Aerate your lawn. Aerating creates channels in the soil that fill up with water, allowing deeper saturation to the root zone. This keeps it healthy and less thirsty. It also reduces soil compaction. Reduce the size of your lawn. You will save water and spend less time mow-
ing. Also consider replacing thirsty plants with droughttolerant species. Raise all sprinkler heads that do not clear the grass or other plantings when the system is on. If they can’t be raised, clip the grass or plantings around each head. This ensures that water from the sprinklers isn’t blocked. Water early in the day. Before 8 a.m. is best. This gives plants a chance to soak up moisture before evaporation picks up. As a result, you’ll need to water less often. If brown spots start to appear in your lawn, don’t just turn up the water. Check your sprinklers for bent, broken or clogged heads first. Also, brown spots can be caused by disease. To diagnose disease,
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE the seller will net the same amount as if you paid the $600,000 asking price. Some buyers and their agents refuse to spend their time on a listing where there is a possibility for other buyers to purchase it at a lower price. This can ultimately harm the sellers if would-be buyers back off from making offers. The best way for sellers to deal with a buyer who wants to be excluded from the listing agreement is to set a deadline. Give your Uncle Joe or your neighbor’s best friend two weeks to decide if they’re serious. Most people who express interest before a property is listed for sale don’t go through with a purchase. To keep from compromising your home sale effort, wait to fully market the property until after the exclusion time period has expired. Clayton resident Lynne French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates. For any real estate needs, contact her at 672-8787, email Lynne@LynneFrench.com or stop in at 6200 Center St. in Clayton.
take a sample of the sod to a local nursery. Sharpen mower blades. Lawns cut with dull blades need more water to repair themselves. Cut your grass high. High grass retains moisture better. Mulch, mulch, mulch. If you cover the soil around plants with mulch, you’ll water less and pull fewer weeds.
For more on conservation tips or water-saving device rebates, contact CCWD at 6888320 or visit www.ccwater.com/conserve. Let’s save for the future! When you are putting together your water conservation plan, remember what Will Rogers once said: “Nothing you can’t spell will ever work.” As always, if you have any questions, concerns, comments or advice, please send me an email at wrwalcutt@aol.com.
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Page A8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 8, 2007
Readers Forum In memory of Madison, her family asks drivers to please slow down on Mountaire Parkway It was Saturday, May 19 in Dana Hills on Mountaire Parkway. The time was 11 p.m; time to get ready for bed. It’s been a long week. Then it happened. The sound of another car racing up the street. A sickening snap and thud. A sound we’ve heard before as cars have crashed into trashcans, plants, even into other cars and houses. But there was a new sound this time. The sound of a dog yelping. “Where’s Madison?” We run outside as do several of our neighbors and there is Madison, dragging herself along by her front legs and yelping in pain. “Oh, no!” Blood is coming out of her mouth, her head has a 5-inch long gash, which allows us to see inside, her spine is snapped and she’s bleeding from the back end, too. As she relaxes in my arms, I sit in the middle of the street shocked that the driver is nowhere to be seen. “They just kept going and drove through the stop sign too,” our neighbor says. “All we could see were tail lights when we ran out”. We drag our beloved friend, our family member, our yellow
lab, to our driveway. As we stand with our neighbors, we realize a very horrid truth: She’s not going to make it. Fifteen minutes later, Madison is dead. Killed by a speeding car with a driver that was either too heartless or too drunk to slow down. What kind of person would do that? Why can’t people drive the speed limit up our street? How many deaths will it take? I guess dead animals and broken garages, destroyed shrubs, and plowed trashcans don’t matter to the powers that be. Or do they? Will it take the death of a child before someone takes us seriously up here? I wonder what the driver thought when they saw their car the next morning. It had pieces missing. We know this because the pieces were on the street in front of our house. There were no tire marks indicating any attempt to slow down to avoid hitting the dog. The only marks on the street were a strip of fur about 4 inches wide and 3 feet long, a long gap and then blood…a swirling pattern of blood from where she
tried to get herself moving…. and a big spot of blood that had flowed from her mouth. You can still see the marks in front of our house today. A morbid reminder that people drive too fast up Mountaire Parkway and blow past the stop sign at Mountaire Circle; a sickening switch to a video that replays itself in our heads every day; a gross memorial to a dog who loved life, loved people and was a shining light in our home. But the light is out now. It is dark. It’s not coming back on. Madison is dead. It’s a sad day in Dana Hills on Mountaire Parkway. Now it’s Saturday, May 26. The time is 11 p.m; time to get ready for bed. It’s been a long week. Tires are once again squealing up and down the street as people have “fun.” The video replays and the people having “fun” have no idea of our pain at the hands of a driver speeding their car up the street just one week ago. I pray that sleep will come quickly as we turn the lights out. And the video plays in my head… - Alexandria Lafferty Mountaire Parkway
Businesses need to consider employment liability insurance DOUG VAN WYCK FINANCIAL SENSE The number of employmentrelated claims has increased dramatically in the past decade. And while multi-million dollar verdicts against large corporations make the headlines, claims against smaller companies are becoming more common. Faced with that possibility, owners of small and mid-sized businesses are giving increased attention to Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI). During the 1990s, Congress passed several laws affecting the employer/employee relationship. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act have created new avenues for litigation against employers.
The Civil Rights Act of 1991, for instance, allows victims of intentional discrimination to request a jury trial and seek compensatory and punitive damages. Many states and municipalities also have enacted their own statutes and ordinances. Volatility in the economy, the changing nature of the employer/employee relationship and the publicity that surrounds large jury verdicts are often cited as causes for the increase in employee claims against employers. EPLI protects the employer against claims by employees or applicants for employment. Common allegations include discrimination (including age, gender, religion, race and sexual orientation), harassment and wrongful termination. The inclusion of legal defense costs is an important feature of EPLI. For some organizations,
EPLI coverage can be combined with Directors and Officers Liability coverage (D&O), usually for a nominal increase in premium. D&O protection is important, because these executives can be found personally liable for negligent acts, errors or omissions in the performance of their duties. There is also EPLI coverage for non-profits. Businesses can take steps to reduce the possibility of employee lawsuits. For example, companies may have legal counsel review policies and procedures regarding harassment, hiring and firing. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offers several publications intended to help small and midsized businesses (www.eeoc.gov). Doug Van Wyck is a Certified Financial Consultant and a State Farm agent. You can reach him at 672-2300.
Q plea uestion se c s or on co (92 tact R mme n 5) 3 a 81- ndi An ts, 065 dru s 9
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Set back off Clayton Road this 2 bedroom 2 bath condominium has all the amenities of units costing thousands more. This small 18 unit complex boasts a pool, spa and security gate. Unit #17 is an upstairs end unit with vaulted ceilings, wood burning fireplace, inside laundry and one car garage with one more assigned space. The kitchen overlooks a large sunny deck with enclosed storage room. Last upstairs unit sold for $36,000 more. Sellers motivated.
This gorgeous updated custom home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 2471 square feet of living space. It is located on a premium view lot in a fantastic area of Antioch. Surrounded by custom homes, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Mt Diablo and a peek of the Delta from the wrap around deck with numerous eating and entertaining areas. Don’t miss the fantastic 36X21 ft. Great Room or the Chefs kitchen with Wolfe Range and Freestanding Hood. Vertical grain fir Cathedral ceilings, custom ceiling fans, ¾ inch tongue & groove oak plank floors & dual pane windows are just a few of the many features this home offers. Sellers will look at all offers
Fantastic 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home in the Highlands. This home features an updated kitchen with granite counters and newer appliances, large family room with wood burning fireplace and formal living room with vaulted ceilings. There is also a separate office with built-in wet bar. All bathrooms have been updated and there are 6” baseboards and crown molding throughout. A custom front door with dual sidelights and newer dual pane windows complete the home. Don’t miss the fantastic back yard sportcourt area, built-in BBQ, RV/Boat parking and still room for a pool. Offered at $629,950
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June 8, 2007
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page A9
Senior project at City Hall proves valuable experience AMANDA MILLER Special to the Pioneer
Through the Plus II program, seniors at Clayton Valley High School work on projects that help the community while also preparing them for their futures. The project-oriented class, which is part of the Clayton Arts Academy, gives us a chance to create a portfolio to take to job interviews. We also learn proper speech skills and other professional skills. Before the Academy Plus II project can be started, each student finds a mentor to help him or her accomplish the project. I found arranging the mentor was one of the better parts of the project. I was very happy with my mentor, Clayton city clerk Laci Jackson. When I went in for my meeting with Laci, I was excited to find out what I would be doing at City Hall. I was responsible for indexing permanent city documents, such as minutes, resolutions and agenda packets. It was up to me to make sure that the information I entered was accurate. I also needed to keep a list of the documents that I scanned. Many large cities have already entered their minutes, resolutions and agenda packets into the Papervision program. This helps cities to be more organized. Retrieving a file is as simple as clicking on the program and typing in what is needed, and the document will come up on the screen. Before this program, city clerks had to run down into storage and look through countless boxes and binders to find what they needed. For instance, if they
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Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Amanda Miller with mentor, City Clerk Laci Peterson at City Hall.
wanted the minutes for a meeting which took place on April 24, 1979, they would have to find the binder for that year and then go through the hundreds of papers until they found that exact paper. With Papervision, all they have to type in is the date April 24, 1979, and the minutes for that meeting will come up. For me, working at City Hall was a frightening experience at first. I was not sure how the people who work there would react to me. I expected them to say: “A teenager can’t do anything right. How does she expect to do any of the work we give her and get it right?” I was wrong about this. Everyone was welcoming and no one made me feel uncomfortable. I was happy to know that adults really trusted me to do the work. This project taught me to be a more organized person. It also taught me to have patience and to work hard. I have learned to be more responsible with my
work, such as keeping track of exactly what I have accomplished each day. I was surprised with the amount of work involved in the project and also how tedious some of the work was. It seemed as if I kept doing the same exact thing: picking up the paper, putting it in the machine and pressing scan over and over again. Although once I got the hang of it, I was able to quickly do the job. One serious challenge I had to overcome was finding motivation. Some days I really didn’t want to work on the project, but I knew that it was my senior project and that I had to finish it. On other days, I found that I was excited to go to work. In addition to learning how to set schedules and be responsible, I learned to communicate better with people. I know how to ask questions on my own and to not be afraid to speak. These are valuable tools that I will carry with me through life.
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State law requires cities to recycle at least 50 percent of its garbage and the State Waste Board is recommending that number be raised to 75 percent. Even at 50 percent, Clayton is coming up short, hitting only 44 percent in 2005/06. But, Clayton residents have it in them to not only meet, but exceed the 50 percent mark. In 2003/04, Clayton recycled a whopping 54 percent of its trash. Because the city has a limited com-
mercial base, the burden of meeting the state’s mandate falls squarely on the shoulders, or should we say the carts, of the residents. If Clayton continues to fall short of the magic number, the state could hit the city with fines as high as $10,000 per day. How can you tell if you’re recycling enough? Well, unless your recycler is bigger than your garbage can and filled to the brim, you are probably falling short.
What can you recycle? In the GREEN CONTAINER: Yard waste. In the BROWN CONTAINER: Paper Books (paperback) Boxes, packages Carbonless paper Cardboard (cut to fit in cart) Catalogs Cereal boxes Colored and construction paper Computer paper Copy paper Coupons Detergent boxes Egg cartons (paper only; no Styrofoam) Envelopes with plastic windows Frozen food packages (remove liners) Gift wrap (non-metallic) Junk mail Magazines Manila folders Newspapers and inserts Office paper Paper (adhesive/ post–its) Paper bags
Paper packaging with tape Paper towel and toilet paper tubes Pet food bags Pizza boxes (no food residue) Ribbon Shredded paper (in a paper bag) Telephone books Tissue paper (gift type)
Metal Aerosol cans (empty) Aluminum cans Aluminum foil (clean) Aluminum pie plates Cookie sheets CRV beverage cans Food cans (clean) Paint cans (empty, dried, latex) Pet food cans Pots and pans Small metal appliances Steel cans Tin cans
Glass Empty; all colors; lids, caps OK Bottles CRV beverage containers Jars
Plastic Containers only; empty; with Chasing Arrows, #1-#7; lids, caps OK Buckets without handles CRV beverage containers (Soda, water, juice) Detergent bottles Food containers Fruit basket (plastic, #1-#7) Prescription bottles (empty) Salad dressing bottles Shampoo and cream rinse battles Tub containers (yogurt, cottage cheese, margarine, #1-#7) Water jugs
What CANNOT be recycled or thrown in the garbage: Most consumer electronics Batteries Mercury containing products Fluorescent light bulbs VCRs Microwave ovens
Glass thermometers Old thermostats Electronic chip toys Electronic chip greeting cards Shoes that have lights in them
The Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 4797 Imhoff Place in Martinez (call 1-800-646-1431 for information and hours) takes batteries, fluorescent bulbs, paints, solvents, pesticides and fertilizers. Computers, monitors, faxes, laptops, printers, keyboards/mice, and some TVs can be collected curbside for a fee. To make a collection reservation, call Allied
Paints, solvents, pesticides and fertilizers Computers, monitors, faxes, laptops, printers, keyboards/mice and TVs
Waste, 925-685-4711 You can also take electronics to the Contra Costa Transfer Station in Martinez, also for a fee. Other options for electronics disposal are the frequent E-waste collection events that are held by private companies. Watch Going Green for dates and locations of these events or go to http:\\awsccc.com
If you have questions about your easy recycling program, contact Allied Waste customer service at 685-4711 or visit their Website at http:\\awsccc.com
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Page A10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 8, 2007
Altair, from page A1
Kevin Adams Richard Ahlgren Bryan Alamillo Marlowe Altamirano Derek Anderson Rachel Anderson Blake Anderson Sierra Andrus Jacqueline Anton Hayley Atwood Victoria Austin Karl Barber Tyler Bartzi Mahomed Bassa Trevor Bird Garrett Bradley Connor Bradley Stuart Bredell Kendall Brescia Cheryllyn Brock Jordan Burger Emily Burnham Jennifer Butler Zachary Byers Brendan Campbell-Hartzell Bryan Carbajal Zachary Carvalho Sara Casey Laura Chase Ryan Claney Cassady Clifton Mackenzie Coleman Justin Couchot Katie Coverdale Lincoln Crane Bryan Crase Stephen Cuff Kevin Dalmacio Mitchell D’Angina Alexander Davis Holly Day Rahil De Silva
Patrick De Yoreo Andrew Deichler Gina Del Bene Melissa Del Bene Rebecca Ducker Christian Duenas Brenden Eddy Benjamin Egle Jarrod Ellison Rebecca Evers Joel Ferguson Jason Ferris Randy Freeman Austin Freitas Heather Gale Alissa Galeotti Scott Gardner Pavan Gill Mitchell Goldman Jonathan Gomez Alejandro Gonzalez Jessica Goodrich Courtney Gould Landis Grant Nicholas Grimmond Jackie Grohs Laurel Hansen Cameron Hansen Andrew Harris Shelby Heifetz Colby Heisinger Andrew Hennis Stefano Herrera Clayton Hertz Alyssa Hill Steven Hobbs Marissa Hobson Mary Hogan Dillon Hollinger Zachary Hom Lucas Hurlbut Benjamin Italiano
Emily Italiano Marina Jajeh Kevin Jo Madeleine Johnson Stephen Johnson Kenneth Johnson Jeffrey Jones Meagan King Yelizaveta Kirtsova Ashley Klekar David Kreisel Lucas Lazar Brigitte Leblow Karly Lee Andrew Lischeske Jack Loflin Wesley Louie-Vierra Kimberly Loyola Joshua Luczynski Daniel Mackin Mary Madera Ryan Mahlman Nicole Malmborg Zoe Manoguerra Darrian Matthews Nicholas Mazza Tyler Mc Clellan Michelle Mc Court Shelby Mc Coy Madeline Mc Grane Jonathan Mc Intyre Haley Mc Laughlin Donald Mc Murray Ryan Mc Murry Dakota Meyerhoff Deidra Miles Benjamin Moeller Stacy Moorehouse Matthew Morgan Shanov Mudaliar Eileen Munoz Sarah Nelson
Emily Nunn Jenna O Brien Joseph O Leary Shannon O Neill Sean Olacsi Kendra Oxman Ulyssis Pacheco Jordan Padilla Kristen Paetz Caitlyn Pallotta Mackenzie Parke Breana Partida Janelle Partida Kayla Pedrani Mackenzie Pell Amanda Peterson Ahalya Prakash Cristina Pratt Taylor Price Krista Purser Amy Putnam Najam-us Qureshi Justin Rackliffe Joseph Reeder Makenzie Reynolds Julie Ricks Kelsey Riessen Giovanni Rivera Alicia Roberts Priscilla Rodriguez Keenan Rondini Alexandra Rosado Austin Rubino Shayla Rydel Eva Sachtschale Joel Sanders Sierra Sanders Laura Savre Kayla Sawyers Rebecca Schiff Karen Schussman Monica Schwenzfeier
Ryan Sharapata James Shaw Megan Sheppard Anthony Silva Luke Simeona Clint Skuba Joshua Smith Shaina Smith Alexandra Sobilo Lauren Stafford Peter Stoiber Clark Stratford Michael Stupka Kendall Sullivan Megan Tang Ryan Tarpley Julia Taylor Ivan Tinoco Veronica Topp Marcie Torres Dana Trowbridge Haiden Tullis Samantha Van Heusen Audrey Van Horn Avery Van Horn James Van Wyck Brandyn Vandal Miguel Victorino Meghan Walsh Lauren Warzecha Brooke Weller Ryan Wenrich Garrett Whisten Dominic Wilkinson Laura Wolter LeQuan Woods Elizabeth Yates Daniel York Katarina Yorkunas Adrienne Young Lindsey Young
Clayton Business and Community Association and a $1,000 scholarship from the Clayton Branch of the American Association of University Women. She was the CVHS Associated Student Body president and a California Scholarship Federation Seal Bearer. Bohn competed on the CVHS swim team and was active in Girl Scouts. With more than 2,000 hours of community service throughout her four years at Clayton Valley, Julie Caruso received the CVHS Service Altair. She was involved in Habitat for Humanity, Belize and New Orleans mission trips, Clayton Community Church activities and Diamond Terrace Senior Living in Clayton. Caruso is musically gifted, with a specialty in horn, and she performed with the Young Artists Symphony Orchestra. She received a Whitworth College Academic Scholarship, Bank of America French Award and the Blackhawk Women’s Scholarship. The CVHS Leadership Altair goes to Claudia Galan, who was this year’s senior class president. She will attend UC Merced in the fall and hopes to pursue a medical career in plastic surgery. Galan was involved in leadership for the past three years at Clayton Valley and at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. She was a member of CVHS Senior Women and Hip Hop Club and competed in soccer, track and swimming. The fourth Scholarship Altair went to Concord resident John Gwynn. He received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and he was a California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer.
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June 8, 2007
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page A11
Clayton rewards seniors with scholarships
Photos by Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Former councilman, mayor and real estate broker Pete Laurence and Robert Perez.
JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton-based clubs and organizations recognized deserving local graduates with scholarships to help with college tuition. The Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA), the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club, the Clayton branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and former mayor and real estate broker Pete Laurence offered a variety of scholarships. CBCA awarded seven scholarships, including a $2,000 Art and Music scholarship to Stuart Kyawmyint. The Clayton Valley High School senior will attend UC Berkeley with a major in civil engineering. His favorite subject in high school was music and he was a member of the CVHS orchestra, the Young Artists Symphony and CC Suzuki
Back row: CBCA Scholarship Chair, John Rubiales, Stuart Kyawmyint, Justin Beutel, Erik Peterson Front: Deirdre Ruscitti, Kimberly Lowe, Marina Bohn and Katie Chirco.
Scholarship Chairs for the Clayton AAUW MaryAnn Hayes and Dee Totman with Marina Bohn, center.
Scholarship chairs for the Clayton Valley Women’s Club Nancy Domingo and June Stewart with Julie Caruso, center.
Strings. Some of his awards include a UC Berkeley scholarship and the California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer. Six other seniors were each awarded $3,000 academic scholarships. The Clayton Pioneer’s high school reporter, Deirdre Ruscitti, will attend the University of Pittsburg in the fall with a major in writing and two scholarships from the university totaling $45,000. Deirdre was editor of the CVHS Talon and was on the LIP Board for the Contra Costa Times. She received seven awards, including recognition from the CVHS Social Science Department. Justin Beutel will major in civil engineering and minor in music at UC Berkeley. He was a member of the CVHS string orchestra and marching band and received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Justin was also a California Scholarship Sealbearer. An avid athlete in swimming and water polo at
Clayton Valley, Erik Peterson will focus on social studies and English at Pitzer College in Claremont. He received numerous awards, including recognition from the CVHS Science Department and the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Katie Chirco plans to attend UC Santa Cruz with a major in biology. She is a Richard D. Irvine Scholar Athlete and received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Her favorite subjects in high school were government and photography. With a major in nursing and a $36,000 scholarship, Kimberly Lowe will attend the University of Portland, Ore., in the fall. She was a California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer and a member of CVHS Senior Women. Marina Bohn received the CBCA academic scholarship and a scholarship from the Clayton branch of the American Association of University Women. She was also the recipient of the CVHS Grand Altair. Bohn will attend UC Santa Barbara.
She was the CVHS Associated Student Body president, a member of the CVHS swim team and active in Girl Scouts. The Clayton Valley Women’s Club awarded CVHS senior Julie Caruso a $750 scholarship. Julie also received the CVHS Service Altair for contributing more than 2,000 hours of service during high school. She is active in Clayton Community Church and the Yaso Orchestra. She will attend Whitworth College in Spokane with a major in political science. CVHS senior Robert Perez received the Pete Laurence $1,000 wrestling scholarship. He will attend Diablo Valley College in the fall, with hopes of transferring to University of San Francisco to major in kinesiology. He participated in football and wrestling in high school. As a wrestler, Robert competed in freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling and was 2004-’05 state champion in Greco Roman. He also participated in World Duals in Holland.
CVHS Class of 2007 Award Winners Abele, Caitlin
Chua, Kareen
Jayko, Jessica
Murray, Michael
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence National Merit Commended Scholar
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Cole, Jessica
Kim, Yonji
Nickels, Cory
Multi-Cultural Scholarship Bank of America Certificate - Social Science University of California, Davis Scholarship
CVHS Industrial Arts Department Award
CVHS Home Economics Department Award
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence Senior Women Gold Scholarship
Allen, Karen
Coleman, Christine
Kirkpatrick, Kristen
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence Dominican University Scholarship
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Cornell, Caroline
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship President’s Award for Educational Excellence University of California, Berkeley Scholarship H.T. Payne Solo Award
Alexander, Lindsey
Armenta, Heather California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Senior Women Silver Scholarship
Bartolomie, Quaid President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Becker, Zachary
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence Crane, Ashley Bank of America Certificate - Drama
CVHS Art Department Award
De Brito, Mariana
Beckham, Courtney
CVHS Mathematics Department Award Bank of America Certificate - English Bank of America Certificate - Spanish Bank of America Certificate - Science Peer Tutor Scholarship President’s Award for Educational Excellence Tosco Enviormental Scholarship
Senior Class Vice President
Beutel, Justin California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Bohn, Marina CVHS GRAND ALTAIR California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship Associated Student Body President American Association of University Women Scholarship
Brown, Sophia
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
DeWitt, Mark
Laux, Alana
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
CVHS English Department Award California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
DeWitt, Michael California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
Esquibel, Jesse Bank of America Certificate - Art
Bucey, Robert
CVHS LEADERSHIP ALTAIR Senior Class President
Pete Laurence Wrestling Scholarship
Carlson, Stacy California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
Caruso, Julie
CVHS ClaytonArts Department Award CVHS Drama Department Award California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Lafferty, Sean
Galan, Claudia
Calica, Robert Roy
LaDue, Erik
Dell Immagine, Hailey
Bank of America Certificate - ClaytonArts California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
Kyawmyint, Stuart
Gonzalez, Elvira California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer University of California, Berkeley Scholarship
Gutierrez, Kayla Bank of America Plaque – Fine Arts
CVHS SERVICE ALTAIR California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Clayton Women’s Club Scholarship Bank of America Certificate-French Blackhawk Women’s Scholarship Whitworth College Scholarship Clayton Valley Future Teacher’s Scholarship
Gwynn, John
Chirco, Katie
Hill, Sean
Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship President’s Award for Educational Excellence Richard D. Irvine Scholar Athlete
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Associated Student Body Vice President
CVHS SCHOLARSHIP ALTAIR California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Hawthorne, Jessica CVHS Special Education Department Award
Horton, Madeline California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
Lee, Kelli California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence Soroptomist International Diablo Vista Volunteer Community Service Award
Lemos, Andrea California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence Bank of America Plaque - Liberal Arts
Lowe, Kimberly California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship University of Portland Scholarship
McNeill, Ryan California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
Mores, Scott CVHS Foreign Language Department Award Bank of America Plaque –- Science and Math California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Ojima, Stephanie
Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship President’s Award for Educational Excellence Univeristy of Pittsburg Scholarship University of Pittsburg Alumni Scholarship Fleet Reserve Association Americanism Award
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence Sonoma State University Scholarship
Sanchez, Christian
Olivieri, Jamison
CVHS Physical Department Award
Delta Moon Student Film Festival Award
Ong, Adrian President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Petersen, Erik CVHS Science Department Award California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship President’s Award for Educational Excellence Tosco Environmental Scholarshp Pitzer College Scholarship Bio-Rad Laboratories Scholarship North Coast Foundation Scholarship
KRON 4 Students Rising Above
Schiff, Gwendolyn Education
Schwarz, Patrick CVHS Business Department Award
Siver, Andrew California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Smith, Thomas CVHS Music Department Award California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Stoddard, Vincent President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Piccolotti, Eric
Swift, Max
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Senior Class Treasurer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
CVHS Publications Department Award Matt Nolen Memorial Scholarship
Piper, Erin
Teran, Erica California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Terry, Brittany
Polido, Alisha
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
Porcella, Katrin President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Quam, Elizabeth
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
Tremaine, Elizabeth
Vallero, Victoria Bank of America Certificate American Sign Language
-
Bank of America Certificate - Music President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Vance, Lauren
Rapicavoli, Jeannette
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
Robards, Jason President’s Award for Educational Excellence Bank of America - Math Certificate
Roberson, Megan President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Rojas, Christian President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Ruscitti, Deirdre CVHS Social Science Department Award California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer
CVHS Athlete of the Year
Waterhouse, Sydney Weller, Kyle California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Woodall, Terrell CVHS Athlete of the Year
Yung, Anita California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Associated Student Body Treasurer Senior Women Bronze Scholarship
Zamora-Cavin, Joey Matt Galvin Memorial Scholarship
Page A12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 8, 2007
Prepare your lawn and garden for summer NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL The spring of 2007 was fabulous. The sun shined long and bright, letting the spring-blooming trees and plants show off their blossoms with all their glory. As the first round of blooms fade away, it is time to roll up our sleeves, dig in and prepare for the flowers of summer. Yes, there is work to be done. And the first one finished is the first one relaxing. Let’s start with the lawn. It is time to feed for the summer. Lawn food works perfectly and is preferred. Unless you have more weeds than grass, avoid using a weed and feed product. The theory is that a healthy lawn, with its dense, dark blades, will be able to extinguish any weed seed from germinating. Have your lawn aerated and dethatched before you apply any products. The clay in our soil creates a concrete layer to the surface of the grass. Poking holes in the lawn and removing the dead undergrowth allows the grass to be responsive to fertilizer and water. Otherwise, the lawn food and the water just run off the lawn and down the street. Try to remember last year’s lawn. If you recall lots of dandelion or spurge, you will need to apply a lawn food with a pre-
emergent. Always water your lawn in the early morning before the sun comes up. Those who water during the heat of the day are not doing their lawns any favors. The water evaporates before it is used, and the wet blades are prone to burning. Watering your lawn every second or third day for 20 minutes should be more than enough for a mature lawn. If you have a flat front yard and get good coverage with your sprinkler heads, turn you water on every third to fourth day. Annuals also need to be addressed at this time. Snapdragons and pansies planted in fall or early spring probably need some love and care. As pansies lengthen with the heat, they will need to be severely cut back. Same with the rust-speckled snapdragons. These plants do not like the heat of the summer. Let them go dormant and maybe some will return when the weather cools. If you have installed any petunias or zonal geraniums, keep your eyes open for the notorious budworm. This common pest will not be knocked down with soapy water or horticultural oil. You need a specific caterpillar and worm killer called BT, made by Safer. You do not need to worry about the bees and butterflies. But for budworms, this product works when ingested by the
Arts, from page A1 bond issue on the ballot by next year. Preliminary estimates put the cost of a new theater somewhere between $6 million and $8 million. Students must now use the aging multi use room for their performances. The stage is too small to hold the school’s choir or band and too rickety to hold heavy sets. At the performances of last year’s “Seussical,” the orchestra was on the floor crowded between a wall and the audience. Two years ago, the school opened up the space between the main multi-use room and the cafeteria serving area making it impossible to darken the theater during daylight hours. “It’s a soup kitchen,” laments Lori Brook, chair of the action committee. Lack of space in the wings makes set changes nearly impossible, says Tom Wills, head of the drama department. Sets for that evening’s Spring One Acts were sitting on the patio outside the multi-use room. When it rains, the crews cover the sets with tarps and “we make do,” said Wills. Dressing rooms are non-existent. Costume changes for the women are man-
aged in a tiny room upstairs no bigger than a walk-in closet. “Sometimes there’s 15 girls in here doing make-up and costume changes,” said Wills. The boys change wherever they can find room. The plan for a performing arts center has received wide support from campus groups and school administrators including Principal Gary Swanson. The committee anticipates that the performing arts center will also serve community needs, says Brook. The school does six shows a year, leaving plenty of dates available for community use. This is not the first time the subject of a new theater has taken center stage at Clayton Valley. About seven years ago a group of students attempted to raise the issue, but money was a big problem. Brook estimates the cost of a bond issue campaign will run about $100,000. Parents who wish to join the action committee or otherwise support the effort can email Brook at www.cvpacac@yahoo.com.
worm as he chews off all your leaves and blossoms. Last year, the intensia phlox had a problem with budworm, and tomatoes commonly have worm problems, so keep your eyes open. Perennials will need some cutting this time of the year. The entire stem of former flowers of the following spiking perennial should be removed: Columbine, remove seed capsules down to the foliage and spread in yard. Delphinium, spikes should be removed to the base. Geum and red valerian, cut stems to the ground. Campanula ground covers and uprights, remove blossoms. Diascia and nemesia, cut plants two-thirds down, as well as salvia greggii. Pretty much any plant that gave you a spring display needs a haircut this time of year. As you cut, fertilize. If you water with a drip system, use water-soluble fertilizer. If you sprinkle your garden, then use a granular feed. Shrubs and roses need some tending to as well. Deadhead your roses and remove any diseased leaves. You may need to spray horticultural oil at this time. Spring-blooming shrubs like spirea, weigelia, hebe, and escallonia could all use shapely trims. Remove a third of the overall size of the shrubs. With so much growing sea-
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son left, the plants will have lots of time to replace the foliage and renew. This will trigger a minor rebloom as well. Give these plants a granular balanced fertilizer after cutting. Feed fruit trees at this time. There are many formulas to choose, some synthetic and others organic. Citrus will need food also. They have different needs, so select a different food. In extreme yellow cases, apply iron. Look deep into the branch structure of your citrus. As summer arrives, the likelihood of developing scale is high. This is a garden pest that one needs to get a handle on as soon as it appears. Now the last thing to do before you jump into the pool is mulch around all your exposed soil. Spread micro bark or medium bark, aqua mulch or mulch block. Expect a lot of evaporation of moisture from our soil this year. To keep our shrubs, trees and plants looking decent, we need to top the soil. This means your containers, as well. All dirt should be covered by a layer of something. Shop now for annual and perennial installs if you want summer blooms. Happy gardening.
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Parade, from page A3 wagons, strollers, scooters, bikes and, of course, the family dog. The Community Services Commission needs your help to put on the parade. If everyone wants to be in the parade or sit on the sidelines, they’ll be nothing to watch. Most of the help is needed on the day of the parade, on Wednesday, July 4, in the following areas: Barricade and street closure and setup. Decorations. Parking control. Crowd control. Parade lineup. Parade flow control. First Aid/Lost and Found. Cleanup. If you or your organization can help anytime between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on July 4, call Laci Jackson at 673- 7304 or e m a i l LJackson@ci.clayton.ca.us. The city also needs donations, as we do not have enough funds to cover the cost of the parade
and Kiddieland. Tax-deductible donations may be made to the Clayton 4th of July Parade, City of Clayton, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton CA 94517. Anyone interested in being in the Main Parade needs to submit an application to the Community Services Commission. Due to the popularity of the parade and limited downtown space, not all applicants may be accommodated. In order to provide a safe environment, those driving vehicles will need to provide proof of insurance and all entrants will be restricted from tossing candy or using water squirt devices. Applications are available at www.cityofclayton.org. The celebration will begin at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at Endeavor Hall, provided by the Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary Club. The streets will be closed to traffic and parking, so you need to park outside of the downtown area and walk in.
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June 8, 2007
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Page A13
Technology, family atmosphere merge at Clayton Valley Medical Group JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
“I wouldn’t work anywhere else,” says Sue McNabb, office manager for Clayton Valley Medical Group in the Clayton Station. “It is so family-oriented here,” says McNabb. “We try to make patients feel comfortable.” Employees treat each other as family and they know patients by their first name, McNabb explains. Dr. Steve Kaplan founded Clayton Valley Medical Group in 1991 when he moved his private practice to Clayton. Although the doctors on staff do handle Worker’s Comp cases, the center focuses primarily on family practice. “We treat all ages and all conditions,” says McNabb, noting that the facility is equipped to perform lab work and X-rays on site. The medical center is connected with John Muir Medical Center in Concord and Walnut Creek and uses the facilities there for major medical conditions. McNabb is excited about future technological changes at Clayton Valley Medical, including the center’s connection to the Internet. By this December, patients will be more connected than ever with the center’s new computer system. “Goodbye paper,” McNabb
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Physician Assistant Andrew Kelly, Dr. Steve Kaplan, Dr. Jana Tomsky and Office Manager, Sue McNabb, seated.
says as she explains that patients will be able to email their doctor, order prescriptions, book appointments, find out test results and access their medical records, all online. While the center maintains an intimate, welcoming atmosphere, its roster of patients is extensive – treating approximately 25,000 patients since 2005. The center has a staff of 15, including two doctors, Kaplan and Jana Tomsky, nurses, office staff and two Physician Assistants, Andrew Kelly and Debra Goettsch. After hours, patients can call in for medical advice. According to McNabb, the
center plans to continue their service at the Clayton facility for the next seven years. The staff is constantly looking to improve and they are currently running a special screening program for all patients. The free screening service changes each month and includes blood sugar, vision, body mass, blood pressure and depression. Patients can walk into Clayton Valley Medical Group from 1 to 4 p.m. to receive the free screening.
Clayton Valley Medical Group is located next to Computers USA in the Clayton Station. For more information, call 672-6744.
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Be wary of heat rash, cramps and heat stroke
Complimentary Blood Sugar Test offered Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. If you are not a patient of Clayton Valley Medical Group and would like to become one, please contact Sue at (925) 672-6744 x14
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ate amount of salt and water depletion due to excessive sweating during strenuous activity, heat cramps may occur. It is believed that the low salt level in the muscles may cause these painful cramps. This is a particular concern for people with hypertension who may be on a low-salt diet. If you experience heat cramps, it is generally recommended you seek medical attention. It may be a sign of early heat exhaustion. You should also stop the activity, get to a cool place and start drinking an electrolyte beverage or water. Heat exhaustion is the result of a more severe degree of fluid imbalance due to prolonged high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement fluids. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and fainting. The heart rate may be
DEBRA GOETTSCH
YOUR HEALTH fast and weak while one feels short of breath. Seek medical attention immediately. If untreated, this condition can progress to heat stroke. Persons at high risk are the elderly, those with hypertension and those working or exercising in a hot climate. Heat stroke is the result of the most severe degree of fluid imbalance and is caused by the body’s inability to successfully cool itself. The body becomes more dehydrated and its temperature rises, causing a severely elevated core body temperature known as hyperthermia.
See Health, page A14
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Summer is just about here and along with it comes the hot summer nights and blazing hot days we love. However, a number of conditions can develop as a result of the heat. A heat rash is an irritation of the skin caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. This is most commonly seen in small children but can occur at any age. The rash appears as a cluster of red bumps, usually on the neck and upper chest, in the groin and elbow creases and under the breasts. The best way to treat a heat rash is to get into a cooler, less humid environment and keep affected areas dry. The rash does not require medical attention. During the high heat of summer, it’s difficult to stay cool and hydrated because our system is constantly evaporating water and salt through the surface of our skin. With a moder-
Page A14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 8, 2007
The ’burbs greet high fashion at Sorelle JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Heather Carter has always had a passion for fashion. She waited patiently for the right time to pursue her goal, began her journey two years ago and then never looked back. The result is Sorelle in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center. “It should have been scary, but it wasn’t,” Heather says as she talks about planning and opening the new women’s boutique in the center, across from Seasonal Reflections. The grand opening is set for Saturday, June 9, with daylong activities that include a free Mac make-over from Nordstrom’s of Walnut Creek (3-6 p.m.), food and refreshments (2-6 p.m.) and three raffle drawings for $150 each throughout the day. Winners need not be present to win, and there is no purchase required. Over the past two years, Heather hired a consultant and traveled to fashion markets in Los Angeles to determine her image and store identity. She chose the Clayton Valley Center because she believed there was a need for a boutique fashion store in the Clayton/Concord area.
“It was a huge risk,” Heather says, reflecting on all facets of opening a boutique – from clothing styles and lines to marketing and the business aspect. “I love being here and everything about the store,” she adds. Customers are excited about the parking availability at Sorelle and the fact that they don’t have to drive to Walnut Creek to find great lines and boutique fashions, she explains. “Why fight the traffic, when you can find what you need within minutes of your home with little or no stress?” Heather notes. “There’s something here for everyone,” she says, explaining that her styles are generally for customers from 25 to 45. “I had a 60-year-old women come in the other day and purchase three pairs of jeans,” she adds. According to Heather, denim is hot right now and Sorelle carries its share – from shorts and jeans to vest and jackets. Sorelle also features Tylie Malibu handbags and belts, Havaina flip flops,
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Heather Carter’s passion for fashion takes shape in Sorelle, CV Center’s new boutique
Michael Star and Rebecca Beeson tees and collections from Joie, Generra, Velvet and Burning Torch. Alterations are free and new lines come in
weekly. Many aspects of her new store have special meaning for Heather, including the store’s name. When she was 3 years old, her mom left for a brief trip to the grocery store and was killed by a drunk driver. “I was devastated and bonded with my sister from that day on,” says Heather. When it came time to name the store, Heather chose Sorelle, which means “sisters” in Italian. Her dressing rooms also showcase photos of friends who have been like sisters to her. “I look at the photos and think: All of you have helped me achieve this,” says Heather, a single mother of three. Heather is already thinking ahead about new lines and products for the store. “Uggs are coming,” she says, plus exciting seasonal wear.
For more information on Sorelle’s grand opening, call 6723500.
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taught by credentialed middle school teachers featuring hands on experiments. Women who are professionals in the fields of math, science and technology will be guest presenters. AAUW volunteers serve as camp directors, nurses and chaperones. Students are nominated by teachers to attend the science, math and technology camp. The local Clayton branch of AAUW and the Clayton Business and Community Association provide the funding for the students to attend and make the selection of “campers.” The first Tech Trek was held at Stanford University in 1998, with initial funding from the AAUW Educational Foundation. This year there were six regional Tech Trek Science Camps. The various camps are held at CSUFresno, Mills College, Stanford University, UC-San Diego, Whittier College and UC-Santa Barbara. Tech Trek is continuing proof that AAUW puts its mission - to support equity and education for all women and girls- in action.
CLAYTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY The public is invited to join members of the Clayton Historical Society for the second annual Barbecue on the Mountain on Saturday, June 23. It will be held 3-7 p.m. at the Trail Ride Grounds on the
A dinner of tri-tip with all of the fixings will be served at 5 p.m. The price is $18 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Mail reservations to CHS, P.O. Box 94, Clayton CA 94517. For more information, call Janet at 672-1865.
Club News AAUW and CBCA send middle school girls to science camp at Mills College KAY LANE Special to the Pioneer
Miranda Case, Kelsey Rondini and Alex Tate from Diablo View Middle School, have been selected to get a preview of college life while learning that math and science can be
fun. They will attend the Tech Trek Science Camp for Girls, a summer program for 8th grade girls sponsored by American Association of University Women (AAUW-CA). The students will live on the campus of Mills College for a week this summer. They will attend classes
slopes of Mt. Diablo. The facility has a swimming pool and horseshoe pits. A cribbage tournament is scheduled, and people are encouraged to bring other games they would like to play, such as backgammon, dominoes or Scrabble.
Health, from page A13 The symptoms are high temperature, the absence of sweating with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, altered behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure
and coma. Immediate medical attention is critical to prevent permanent internal organ damage. Begin cooling efforts by spraying the body with water, using a fan to promote sweating and applying
ice to armpits and groin. Continue efforts until temperature decreases to 101 degrees. By using common sense and simply staying hydrated and cool, one can avoid heat illnesses. Enjoy the days in the sun; just be prepared. Debra Goettsch is a physician’s assistant at Clayton Valley Medical Group.
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With summer on the horizon, a good beach read can’t be far behind. Well, forget the sexy chick lit, the political thriller or the sophisticated sleuth, it’s time to return to picture books. Yes, picture books. You know, those large books for children. The ones cast aside like Margery Williams’ “Velveteen Rabbit” once the kiddies learn to read chapter books. I’m not sure who spread the crazy notion that once a child can read a chapter book, that child no longer needs pictures to go along with the text. Even worse, some parents are under the misconception that any story worth its weight should be sans illustrations. One of my great pleasures attached to working at a book-
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pines, and the expressions captured on the faces of the woman and the bear are as real as the words. What is she reading? “The Iliad?” Maybe “Sinbad the Sailor”? My vote is for “The Odyssey.” The bear misses nothing. He knows the scary parts by how she holds the book, the humorous parts by the sound of her laughter and the quiet parts when she lowers the book and looks out past the pages, into her imagination. But like all vacations, summer ends. How does bear cope? Ah, that would be cheating if I told you. Although this is a book for children, don’t be surprised if it ends up on your coffee table. We’ve forgotten that Thackeray, Dickens, Longfellow, Cather, Hemingway, Steinbeck – all the great writers – were illustrated. The history of book illustration is an old and noble one. If we didn’t believe pictures were important, we would shut our eyes when we go to the
SUNNY SOLOMON
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movies. So the next time you visit a bookstore, do not pass up the picture books. Pay attention to the illustrator as well as the author. If you see LaMarche’s name, pick up the book and open it. Be prepared to be enchanted. Sunny Solomon is the BookLady and manager of Clayton Books in the Clayton Station. She holds an MA in English and Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Sunny is a poet and loves to “talk books.” Reach her with questions or comments at 673-3325.
Rainbows flow from myth into science
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store is the reading of picture books. The ability to write truncated stories is a gift in itself, but to illustrate the story so that pictures enhance the tale and enchant the reader is an art. Case in point: “A Story For Bear.” This magical tale of a bear who discovers a woman reading in front of her summer cabin is the most perfect explanation I know for the joy of reading. The story is built around a most curious mountain bear who is a sucker for a pretty woman with a way with words. Author Dennis Haseley has her reading a mythical tale of an ancient sailor far from home. Jim LaMarche gives life to the bear with illustrations that fill the page and colors that satiate our senses. You can almost smell the
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Page A15
Dan Bettencourt
Rainbows are considered one of the most beautiful objects in the sky. This is partially because they display all colors in the visible light spectrum and partially because of their unique bow shape. In ancient history, rainbows were defined in terms of myths and legends. Many of us are familiar with the Old Testament story of Noah’s Ark and the great flood. The rainbow that appeared after the storm was considered to be a sign from God that the earth would not be subjected to this type of flood again. Some American Indian tribes considered the rainbow a pathway to heaven for the departed. Norsemen thought of the rainbow as a bridge over which the gods passed from earth to sky. Irish folklore stories tell of pots of gold at the end of a rainbow. Scientific explanations of rainbows likely began at the time of Aristotle, who surmised that rainbows were caused by the reflection of light off of raindrops. In the 18th century, the French mathematician Descartes
discovered that rainbows resulted from the refraction of light through raindrops. As a light ray from the sun strikes the surface of a water drop, some light is reflected and some passes through the surface into the drop. A rainbow results from light that enters the drop, reflects once inside the drop and then leaves the drop headed toward the observer’s eye. The multi-colored nature of the rainbow is due to the fact that each color in the visible light spectrum is refracted at slightly different angles. White light, which contains all colors, becomes spread out into the multi-colored array that we call a rainbow. So, you need sunlight and rainfall occurring at the same time for a rainbow to form. This explains why you often see rainbows at the end of a storm, when skies change from completely cloudy to partly cloudy. Rainbows are often observed just before sunset and just after dawn, when the sun is at a low angle and has a better chance of passing through an area of showers. One little known fact about rainbows is that the sun is always directly behind the back of anyone observing a rainbow. The angle between the sun’s rays, the top of the rainbow and the observer’s eye is always 42 degrees. Isaac Newton decided that there were seven primary colors in a rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
Newton, a scientist who discovered many basic laws of physics, apparently also believed in numerology. He thought special numbers governed all natural phenomena. There are seven days in the week, seven seas, seven continents and many other important sevens. In reality, the rainbow colors
ors may vary as you watch a rainbow. On rare occasions, a double rainbow is observed. Light that is reflected twice inside a drop produces the secondary bow. The angle of the second reflection is approximately 50 degrees. Since the angle is larger, the secondary rainbow is always above the pri-
Photo by Woody Whitlatch
A double rainbow fills the sky over Oakhurst. merge gradually into one another, but since Newton’s time, seven colors have been considered primary. The order of color in a primary rainbow starts with red at the outer edge and moves through green to violet. The number of colors visible at the base of a rainbow arc can be slightly different than those at the top of the arc. Most rainbows only contain red near the ground. It is rare that red is seen at the top of the rainbow. Due to differences in raindrop sizes, the brightness and width of the bands and col-
mary rainbow. Also, the color pattern of the secondary rainbow is exactly opposite of the primary rainbow, and the secondary rainbow is wider than the primary rainbow. Rainbows are among the most interesting natural objects in the sky. Whether you look at them from the perspective of myth and folklore or with a scientific eye, the beauty of this colorful mixture of sunlight and raindrops is truly amazing. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist with PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
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Page A16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 8, 2007
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Beautiful “Baccarat” Model! ! backs to open space with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3,266sf & rare 4 car garage! Upgrades throughout include: Neutral carpet, 13” tile floors, 2” wood blinds with box valances & designer paint colors! Living room with soaring ceiling. Formal dining room features a custom ceiling medallion, chair rail & view of open space. Downstairs bedroom with full private bath. Gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets including a built-in recipe desk, tile floors, counters & center island, spacious pantry & large eating area that opens to family room with built-in speakers & fireplace with raised hearth & custom mantle. Huge master suite looks out to open space, offers 2 walk-in closets, large stall shower & oversized soaking tub. Large private pool sized lot features an aggregate patio with trellis cover, custom BBQ island, elevated observation patio, rolling lawn area, lots of roses & flowers! $1,039,000 IRONWOOD/WINDMILL CANYON AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!
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on a premium golf course lot situated on the 11th fairway with spectacular Mt. Diablo, course & Heritage oak views! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,749sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage! Many upgrades include: laminate floors in kitchen, nook, living & dining rooms, designer paint colors/scheme, plantation shutters & 2” blinds. Living room with vaulted ceiling, upgraded marble fireplace & views. Separate dining room with upgraded chandelier. Gourmet kitchen offers a spacious eating nook & pantry. Spacious master with sitting area & sweeping views! Great lot backs to tranquil golf course setting with stunning views, deck, built-in benches, aggregate patio, lush lawn, lots of flowers & ornamentals. $625,000
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Great “Balustrol” model! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,315sf, inside laundry & oversized 2 car garage. Tiled entry features soaring ceiling. Sunken living room & formal dining room with neutral carpet. Gourmet kitchen featuring upgraded maple cabinets, pantry, tile counters, island, & floors. Expanded family room offers an upgraded tile fireplace & maple mantle. Spacious master suite offers view of neighborhood hills & features a walk-in closet, separate tub, shower & tile floors. Lot features a patio with stone accents, nice lawn areas, lot s of flowers & ornamentals. $749,000 DANA HILLS!
EAGLE PEAK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!
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on a prime view lot overlooking hills, city, valley & beyond! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 3,005sf, 2 fireplaces & 3 car garage. Beautifully updated & decorated. New carpet & designer paint colors. Desirable downstairs bedroom & full bath. Formal dining room features Tuscan columns & sweeping views. Step down living room looks out to hills. Gourmet slab granite kitchen with breakfast nook overlooking valley views opens to spacious family room with brick fireplace & granite dry bar. Gracious master suite offers a romantic two-way fireplace & sitting area with sweeping views. Private lot features a deck great for entertaining & enjoying the picture perfect views of hills, city & valley below. $875,000
nestled in a serene court setting adjacent to greenbelt & miles of walking trails! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1,740sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage! Parquet entry extends into cozy family room with slider to courtyard. Neutral décor, 2” blinds & new carpet throughout! Updated gourmet kitchen features gorgeous granite tile counters, parquet floors, bay window eating nook with hillside & wooded views. Living room offers a stone fireplace with raised hearth. Dining area with elaborate chandelier & slider to deck! Spacious master suite with dual closets. Awesome totally private lot boasts plenty of room for a pool & features a great trellis covered redwood deck with built-in bench seating & relaxing spa with wooded & $739,000 Mt. Diablo views. Sprawling lawn, lots of trees, ornamentals, roses & large side yard!
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!
JEFFREY RANCH!
Fantastic “McKinley” model!
NG I D PEN
Exquisite “Belvedere” model on premium view lot! nestled in a quiet court. Decorator’s
showplace features 5 bedrooms plus a den, 3.5 baths, approx. 4,100sq ft & rare 4-car garage. Downstairs bedroom with full bath. Extensively upgraded throughout featuring 16” tile floors, custom window treatments, ornate lighting fixtures, designer paint, central vacuum & extensive closet organizer systems. Gracious living room with fireplace & dramatic formal dining room. Chef’s dream gourmet kitchen offers commercial grade appliances, granite tile counters & island, maple cabinetry & spacious pantry. Enormous great room with impressive two-way granite tile fireplace & walk around bar. Lavish master suite boasts a large “Trex” deck balcony offing sensational views! Remarkable private oasis lot backs to open space with Mt. Diablo, canyon & ridgeline views & features a spectacular freeform pool with raised spa boasting a stacked stone backdrop featuring a cascading waterfall, custom outdoor kitchen & lush professional landscape. $1,495,000
Mortgage Market Update Conforming $417,000 or less
Jumbo $417,001 and up
30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . .6.375% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . .6.375% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . .6.375% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . . . .6.5% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.25% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.5%
30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . . .6.25% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . . .6.25% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . . . .6.5% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . . . .6.5% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.375% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.625%
Single Story with fantastic court location! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx 1926sq ft & 2 car garage. Open floor plan with neutral decor. Recent Updating & Upgrading throughout featuring dual pane windows, tile floors, 2” blinds, new paint, light fixtures and more! Living room features vaulted ceiling, hardwood floors, recessed accent lights, and large walk in guest closet. Formal dining room off kitchen with upgraded crown moulding. Updated/Upgraded kitchen features granite slab counters, 18” tile floors, oak cabinets with built-in wine rack, pantry style cupboard with pull out drawers, free standing stainless oven/range and microwave. Spacious master suite with sliding glass door to patio and upgraded light fixture. Private pool size lot with custom brick accented stone insert patio’s, $729,000 enclosed refreshing spa, paved side yard with shed and RV/Boat parking.
Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS 3066 Windmill Canyon Drive 967 Tiffin Drive 25 Mt Wilson Way 1774 Indian Wells Way 1019 Feather Circle 102 La Encinal Court 11 Donner Creek Court 3165 Bragdon Way 1487 El Camino Drive
PRICE $775,000 $685,000 $443,000 $620,000 $579,000 $775,000 $475,000 $2,550,000 $629,000
SALE DATE
SF
5/25/07 5/24/07 5/22/07 5/16/07 5/15/07 5/11/07 5/10/07 5/7/07 5/04/07
2315 1456 1075 1797 1338 2,390 1,457 5,310 2,070
BED/BATH 4/2.5 3/2 3/2 3/2.5 3/2 4/2.5 3/2.5 4/4 3/2.5
CLAYTON PIONEER June 8, 2007
Section B
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page B1
Austin’s Town Lake Trail is a visitor’s paradise lion bats live under this bridge. The Hike and Bike Trail meanders under the Congress Avenue Bridge, which provided an opportunity to see some bats during my hikes. If you visit Austin, priority No. 1 would be hiking the entire 10.1-mile trail around Town Lake. The trails are very flat, and while the humidity definitely increased the sweat factor, the diverse scenery makes this a perfect place to get outdoors. I also suggest visiting Sixth Street for the nightlife, and the Warehouse District, Ironworks BBQ, Eddie V’s and Sullivan’s Steakhouse for good eats. With summer upon us, remember that “getting out is in.” Enjoy.
KEVIN PARKER
HIKER’S HAVEN On a recent business trip to Austin, Texas, I was afforded the luxury of some downtime to explore what Austin had in store for a visitor looking to stretch his legs. A quick conversation with the concierge at my hotel led me to the Town Lake – Hike and Bike Trail. In order to get a feeling for the trail system, you need to envision a large metropolitan area with a major university nearby (University of Texas Longhorns). Insert a large lake marked with upstream and downstream dams to confine the Colorado River and then string 10 miles of diverse trail along the water. Finally, sprinkle in six bridges (Mopac,
Photos by Kevin Parker
Along Austin’s 10.1 mile Town Lake Trail, hikers will see lakes, trees, bridges, greenbelts and plenty of urban scenery.
Pfluger, First Street, Congress Avenue, IH-35 and Longhorn), clean trails and an
abundance of users yearround, and I’d say you have the perfect recipe for the ultimate hiking experience. Known for one of the finest trail systems in the country, Austin has more than 50 miles of scenic hike and bike trails that follow greenbelts into the farthest reaches of the city limits. The sunny skies and mild climate make it possible to use these trails during all months of the year. The Town Lake – Hike and Bike Trail encompass 17 ball
fields, beaches, grassy shoreline, fishing, rowing, kayaking and dozens of other recreational opportunities. You can bet this is a must-see destination for the out-of-towner in search of a slice of nature downtown. Since the hike and bike trail is actually more of a fitness trail than a hard-core hiking path, expect well-maintained, crushed gravel trails, asphalt and even compact dirt and sand to cover most of the trails that encircle Town Lake.
The IH-35 Bridge is one of six bridges along Austin’s Town Lake Trail.
hen you live in a place as exciting and beautiful as the Clayton Valley area, it’s hard not to be excited for each new day,” Lynne French says. “From the energy of the city to the natural setting of the country, there’s always something to keep me on the go.”
“W
Lynne brings this positive energy and love for the Clayton Valley to her long-running career as a real estate professional.
Always focused on your needs throughout your home purchase or sale, she does whatever it takes to help you make the most of your opportunities. With Lynne and her team as your guides, you can Discover the Possibilities in Clayton Valley real estate. Her intimate knowledge of the area and dedication to your goals ensure your success when buying or selling a home. Give her a call today!
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Due to a busy schedule during my stay, I was forced to use the trails during the early hours of the morning (6 a.m.), and I was surprised by the number of people who frequented the trails at this hour. I counted more than 150 people on my last day. One must-see attraction while in Austin is the bats who make their daily evening flight out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. During the height of the season, it is estimated that 750,000 to 1.5 mil-
For more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, contact Kevin at hiker@ claytonpioneer.com. What: Town Lake – Hike and Bike Trail Where: Austin, Texas Distance: 10.1 miles Activities: Jogging, biking, walking, hiking For more information: www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks /trails.htm
Page B2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 8, 2007
Clayton Sports Clayton swim teams focus in on technique BEV BRITTON Clayton Pioneer
In his second year as head coach of the Dana Hills swim team, Andrew Savine is hoping to continue the team’s winning streak. The Otters are shooting for their fifth straight championship at the Concord City Meet. “Our second goal is to improve our technique – to have the best dives, turns and finishes,” says Savine. “That is something that a lot of rec couches don’t really work on. So that is one way we can make a difference.” Down the hill at Oakhurst Country Club, coach Jane Robinson continues to refine her team philosophy. “Last year, I drove home technique,” says Robinson, who is in her third year as head coach. “This year, I want them to swim more laps at the beginning. Then as we go on in the season, I’ll have them sprinting more.” According to Savine, some of Dana Hills’ top swimmers have left to join year-round teams. “That’s good, because they’ve moved up,” the coach says. “We’ll have to have a lot of our younger swimmers step up, though, and take their roles and
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Oakhurst Orcas Head Coach Jane Robinson helps a young swimmer refine her stroke. fill the gap.” The 200-plus swimmers on the Otters A and B teams have a busy schedule, with two to three
meets a week this summer. Beyond the Aug. 10-12 City Meet, Savine wants more swimmers to qualify for the County
Meet on Aug. 18-19. Oakhurst’s first meet is June 9 at Springwood in Concord. That is one of eight dual meets
for the 122 Orcas, along with three invitationals before the Concord City Meet. Dana Hills swimmer Chris
Mills competed in a relay last year at the County Meet. He hopes his freestyle time is good enough for a slot at county this year. The 16-year-old also swims and plays water polo at Clayton Valley. As a junior coach at Dana Hills, he helps guide the team’s younger swimmers. For Mills, the motivation is simple. “I just like the water. That’s probably the main thing.” Teammate Taylor Ryle was only “a couple milliseconds” from qualifying for the county meet last year and her goal is to compete there this year. Her favorite events are the backstroke, freestyle and Individual Medley (IM). The 11-year-old enjoys the personal aspects of swimming, versus the team efforts of softball and basketball. “For me, this is more competition,” she says. “When I first started, I would get nervous before a race. Now, I just shake it out and know I can do the best I can.” Oakhurst team member Riley Shaw also thrives on the challenges swimming offers. She prefers the breaststroke and the IM, noting that they are some of the more difficult events.
See Swimming, page B4
13U Pioneers take second in Manteca tourney ANDREW GARTNER Special to the Pioneer
The Clayton Valley Pioneers 13U boys baseball team made it to the finals of the Milken Madness Memorial Day Weekend USSSA baseball tournament in Manteca. The squad included 11 boys from Clayton, Concord, Walnut Creek, Vallejo and Orinda. The venue was the Big League
Dreams facility, with replica baseball fields such as Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds. The Pioneers competed in four qualifying games Saturday and Sunday night, with only 10 players earning a second seed in the semi-finals on Monday afternoon. They had a 3-1 record, including two comeback victories. Playing the first-seeded team
from the second bracketed pool on Monday, the Pioneers held on to a 2-0 win. This earned them an opportunity to play in the championship game against the team that had delivered them their only loss in the tourney, the Prairie Rattlers out of Vancouver, Wash. The Pioneers lost the championship 3-0 in a well-pitched
See Pioneers, page B4
Clayton swimmers excel at NCS RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer
Two Clayton Valley High School students had strong showings in the North Coast Section Championship swim meet at the Concord Community Pool on May 1718. Sean Reilly, a junior from
Clayton, was an impressive second-place finisher in the 100yard butterfly final. His time was 50.92, just 0.33 seconds behind gold-medal winner Nick Ferrif of Lafayette. Senior Erik Peterson of Clayton also had a good race, finishing ninth with a fast time of 52.85. Reilly secured his second
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medal of the meet with a bronze in the 200-yard freestyle, with a time of 1:41.62. Both Reilly and Peterson were part of the Clayton Valley A 200-yard medley relay and 400-yard freestyle relay teams, which each took fifth place. The two also compete for the Terrapins Swim Club of Concord.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gartner
Top row, from left: Manager Andrew Gartner, Brian Hutfliess, Ronnie LaCour, Pete Nyznyk, Ken Walker, Coach Dennis Quinlin Jr., Lucas Dunne, Jacob Gartner and Coach Dennis Quinlin Sr. Bottom row, from left: Brandon Slattengren, Kevin Graham, Ryan Jeans, Matt Duncan and John Keane.
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June 8, 2007
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page B3
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Clayton Valley Bowl
Clayton resident Elliott Fuller was a key part of the success of Clayton Valley High School’s varsity baseball team. The junior pitcher was just honored by being named to the second All Bay Valley Athletic League team. Despite a tough 2-0 loss to the Alameda Hornets in the semi-finals of the North Coast Section playoffs, the Clayton Valley boys had a fantastic season. Elliott began playing baseball at the age of 5, with Clayton Valley Little League. He chose baseball because his
ELLIOTT FULLER father loved the game and it was a way for him to play with his friends. He played with CVLL for about eight years, including stints with the White Sox, Devil Rays and Giants. Elliott played frosh baseball
at Clayton Valley, then one year of junior varsity before joining the varsity squad this season. He made nine starts this season, and his overall record was an outstanding 8-0 with one no decision in a playoff game that CV won against James Logan. His earned run average for the year was a measly 1.80. This summer, Elliott plans to play for the Delta Indians, a traveling team that competes in tournaments all over the state. He looks forward to competing against some of the best clubs in Southern California, including Irvine and San Diego. Elliott is proud of the Eagles, because they were not predicted to finish any higher than fifth in BVAL. They came in second in league play with a 12-4 record and then made the semi-finals of the NCS play-
Favorite Sport: Baseball, of course Favorite Athlete: Huston Street Favorite TV Show: Sports Center Favorite Subject in School: History Favorite Food: Pasta Favorite Leisure Activity: Working on cars offs. “We ended up surprising a lot of people, and we have nothing to be disappointed about,” Elliott says. “We had a great season.”
The Clayton Pioneer spotlights a local youth athlete from our circulation area in the second issue each month. If you are a coach or an administrator and would like to nominate a young person (under 20 years of age) for the Rocco’s Athlete Spotlight, please send information to sports@claytonpioneer.com or fax to 672-6580. Nomination deadline for our July 13 issue is Sunday, July 1.
Eagles stung by Hornets in playoffs RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer
Under a beautiful blue sky and windswept conditions, the Clayton Valley Eagles baseball team’s dream season came to an abrupt end at Matt Mazzei Baseball Complex in Concord. The Eagles were defeated 20 by the Alameda High Hornets in the semi-finals of the North Coast Section playoffs. With a full house and both sets of fans cheering from the bleachers, it was a festive atmosphere. In a game where runs were difficult to come by, a play here and there was all that separated the teams. The Hornets took advantage of the rare scoring opportunities, while the Eagles were unable to get the big hit when it mattered. This was the second consecutive year the CV boys lost to Alameda in the NCS playoffs. Last year, they were defeated by the Hornets in the opening round. However, this year, the Eagles overcame both Liberty High of Brentwood and James Logan of Union City on their
way to the semi-final game. Although the game was played at their home field, CV was considered the road team and batted first. Alameda junior hurler Jordan Pries pitched an impressive game and was mostly in control as he went the distance. Clayton Valley phenom Sean Burns pitched out of trouble in the first, but Alameda scratched a run across on a couple of singles, a walk and a ball that was lost in the sun. After that, Burns settled in and recorded nine strikeouts while giving up only two hits the rest of the way. He had a tremendous curveball that kept the Hornet batters off balance the entire afternoon. Clayton Valley put runners at the corner with one out in the top of the fifth, as Clayton resident Darrell Matthews hit a one out single and moved over to third on a single by Seth French. Unfortunately, the Eagles were unable to take advantage of this situation and did not threaten again until the top of the 7th. In that inning, Mitch Wilhite began the rally by beating out an
infield hit. After one out, Matthews hit another solid single to right to put runners at first and third. Again, the Eagles were thwarted by pitching and defense and they were unable to push a run across. The Eagles can hold their heads high, based on this season and the future of the program, led by coach Casey Coakley. With only four seniors on the roster, the team is looking forward to the 2008 campaign. The returning team should include Clayton residents Matthews, Vince Bruno, Chris Mazza and Elliot Fuller (see Athlete Spotlight). Clayton Valley’s record for the 2007 season was 22-5, with a 2-1 playoff mark. They had a 12-4 record and a second-place finish in the competitive Bay Valley Athletic League. Coakley summed up the season by saying he was happy with the work ethic throughout the year. “The boys far exceeded expectations and few believed in us,” he says. “They did a heckuva job.” Clayton Valley baseball
Randy Rowland/Clayton Pioneer
Eagles pitcher, Sean Burns’ curveball kept the Hornets off balance all afternoon.
believes in giving back to the community and is running a summer camp, led by the coaching staff, current players and alumni. The camp will be June 19 to July 12. For more information or to sign up, visit www.eaglebaseballacademy.com
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Page B4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton Sports From belly dancing to soccer, Clayton YMCA has summer fun MEGHAN PARDI Clayton Pioneer
Belly dancing has made its way to Clayton, with the help of the YMCA. If you feel like trying something new this summer and shaking up your fitness routine to shed those unwanted pounds, this could be the class for you. Instruction on the movements and isolations of belly dance will be available to women age 12 and up from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays. Belly dancing is just one of the summer activities through the Concord/Clayton YMCA at the Clayton Community Gym. Equestrian Camp is offered
for those aspiring to ride into the sunset with the wind in their hair. The Willows Conservatory’s Theater and Improv Club is teaming up with the YMCA to offer classes at Endeavor Hall for youth (second through fifth graders) and teens (sixth graders and up) June 21 to Aug. 16. The weekly class culminates in a performance for friends and family. Other specialty camps include Art Camp, Wizard Camp and Experience the Bay Camp. These five-day camps are offered on specific weeks during the summer. Sport Leagues feature basketball for kids from preschool through eighth grade on
Swimming, from page B2
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM COACHES include, from left, Chris Yang, head coach Andrew Savine, Julie Bedecarré and Matt Zachan.
Saturdays, June 16 to Aug. 4. Soccer for kids from preschool through fifth grade will be Saturdays, July 14 to Sept. 8. Those not interested in traditional sports may consider the Ultimate Sports Camp, July 913. Meanwhile, the Summer Gym Club is a drop-off program available noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Kids will participate in structured activities, such as arts and crafts and sports. A complete schedule can be found at www.mdrymca.org or at the YMCA office at the Clayton Community Gym. Clayton residents and YMCA members receive a discount for all programs except the camps.
Riley, who also plays softball and basketball, sees swimming as a less stressful sport. “I like to be on the Oakhurst team because it’s a very spirited team and we’re not too competitive,” says the 11-yearold athlete. “Our coach doesn’t get mad at us if we get disqualified in a race.” Lindsay Treppa, who’s in her fourth year with the Orcas, agrees that the team always has a good time. The 10-year-old has a hectic sports schedule, with soccer, softball, basketball, golf and tennis keeping her busy year-round. She sees the swim meets as a relaxing place to have fun with friends. “We usually win the Spirit Award at the City Meet,” she notes. At Oakhurst, Robinson encourages the kids to swim in as many meets as they can. “We want them to compete and do well,” says Robinson. “But more than that, I just want them to be good swimmers – to look great in the water.”
June 8, 2007
Charlotte Clifford Realtors
Sports Shorts CVHS FOOTBALL CAR WASH Sat., June 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. CVHS parking lot, Cost is $5 and all proceeds benefit CVHS football. CLAYTON VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP June 25-29 at Clayton Valley High School, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Camp fee $125, Refundable equipment fee $75. Camp directors are Herc Pardi and Jerry Coakley. Full contact camp. Entering grades 4-9. Brochures are available at CVHS office. To apply, call 925-682-7474 x 3115 press. Deadline is June 12. THE CVHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT The 16th annual Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters Club Golf Tournament is Mon., Aug 20 at the Oakhurst Country Club. All proceeds benefit the football and golf programs and the Athletic Boosters Club. Entry fee is $175 if paid by Aug. 1, $200 after Aug. 1 and includes green fees, golf cart, raffle ticket, golf shirt, lunch and dinner at the banquet. Extra dinner guest is $40. Corporate sponsorship opportunities start at $150. Entry forms and additional information are at www.cvhsboosters.org or from tournament chairman, Fred Roper, 925-548445, fred.roper@att.com.
With 28 years of real estate sales experience Clifford Realtors will provide you with reliable, knowledgeable, and attentive service when buying or selling your home. At Clifford Realtors, we offer you ALL the services available from any of the big companies, combined with the personal touch that only a one-on-one local agency can provide without all the overhead. You won’t feel like you are just another client lost in the shuffle and you won’t get “passed” over to an assistant ever! Your needs are important to us, and as your AGENT we will be with you every step of the process, from the first Call to the Close of Escrow.
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CVAA FALCONS YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEER SIGN-UPS June 3 at Country Waffles from 10 a.m. -1 p.m.; June 13 and 27 at Mt. Mikes next to Clayton Valley Bowl from 6-8 p.m.; June 19 at Ed’s Mudville Grill from 68 p.m. For more information call 927-7377. CVAA Falcons are looking for youth football Coaches. Call Gil Bates, 927-7377.
Pioneers, from page B2
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match by both teams. The team scored 30 runs in six games in the tournament. Their success was attributed to consistent defense and great pitching by six different players. Other teams that competed in the same bracket pool included the Los Altos Titans, the Fresno Outlaws and the All Americans. The Pioneers faced the Benicia Bay Sox in the semi-finals. The boys train as a leaguebased team beginning in January every year, playing 28 season games in the Diablo Valley Pony Baseball organization. That season ended in May, and the 13U players only came together as a team two weeks ago. Competing against clubs teams that train and prepare solely as tournament teams is always a challenge. In this case, the strength of the Pony League was apparent. The Clayton Valley Pony Baseball organization forms three season teams yearly, a 12U team and two teams comprised of a combination of 13- and 14-year-old players. At the conclusion of the season, the 13and 14-year-olds are separated into age groups and form two tournament teams. They then compete in four or five tournaments between May and July. The 13U boys will compete in four more tournaments this year, in Fremont, Woodland, Pleasant Hill and again in Manteca.
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June 8, 2007
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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If you’ve seen a short film program at a film festival, you essentially know the experience of watching “Paris, je t’aime.” However, you won’t often see Elijah Wood or Natalie Portman making an appearance in such programs. The 18 films that make up “Paris, je t’aime” run about five minutes each. They’re named after areas of Paris and range from comic to tragic, logical to absurd, memorable to “huh?” As Steve Buscemi reads from his tour guide in Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Tuileries” that American tourists are never to make eye contact in the Metro, he does just that – with a young man (Axel Kiener) making out with his girlfriend (Julie Bataille) across the tracks. Being a Coen brothers’ film (think “The Big Lebowski” or “Fargo”), this has hilarious though dire consequences. Buscemi, a great physical actor, pulls off this speechless role with ease. In Vincenzo Natali’s “Quartier de la Madeleine,” an apprehensive American tourist (Wood) encounters a lovely suicide-girl … excuse me, vampire (Olga Kurylenko) sucking the blood from a victim. She soon catches up with Wood and what ensues is a terrifically silly take on doomed love.
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So call me at (925) 685-4523 today or stop by our office for a complimentary copy of the Dream Book . Mureleen Benton CFP® 5356 Clayton Rd., Suite 211 Concord, CA 94521 925-685-4523
Speaking of doomed love, in “Le Marais,” Gus Van Sant (“Good Willing Hunting”) tells a beautiful story about love at first sight between two young men with a language barrier. The silent paint shop worker is not what he appears to be. From the creator of “Children of Men,” Aflonso Cuarón, we have “Parc Monceau.” The end of this short brings a comic perspective
and contains no close-ups. I am saving the best for last. Alexander Payne has proven with “Election,” “About Schmidt” and “Sideways” that he can have it both ways – getting laughs and tears without the audience feeling manipulated. But make no mistake, as “14ème Arrondissement” begins, we are laughing at Martindale, not with her. Via voiceover, she tells us
JIM BRIGGS
AT
THE
MOVIES
Natalie Portman makes a surprising appearance in Paris j etaime.
ently human, whether or not we like to admit it. This, for me, is part of what makes a Payne film a cultural event. No one else makes loneliness and desperation appear so beautiful. “I fell in love with Paris,” says Martindale, “and I felt Paris fall in love with me.” I dare you not to be moved by that moment. Each of the 18 stories lends itself to the idea that Paris is never what we think it’s going to be. First impressions need not apply, and doomed love may not be doomed after all. If you can’t make the trip anytime soon, see “Paris” on the big screen.
that contrasts the previous four minutes. The film, starring Nick Nolte and Ludivine Sagnier, contains at least two Cuarónian (that’s right, and I want a nickel every time you say it) trademarks: It’s shot in a single take
Jim Briggs is a composer and music teacher. He has a BA in Jazz Composition from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He writes film reviews for Entertainment News Int. Send comments to movies@claytonpioneer.com.
about her trip to Paris. She speaks French with no accent, which proves to be a renewable source of comedy. Like “Sideways” and “Schmidt,” “14ème Arrondissement” is about a loneliness that is inher-
‘Shrek’ losing his reign in third film
Call for an appointment
Ladan Bahramnia
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THE
MOVIES
Prince Charming is booed offstage of his current gig, dinner theater, in the opening of “Shrek the Third.” The vain Charming, voiced by Rupert Everett, attempts to dramatically slay an ogre, except the only applause comes not from his valiant acting efforts, but from the ogre’s resemblance to the likable Shrek. It’s only appropriate for the good guys to boo the villain at everything they do – from their treachery to their stage presence. Unfortunately for the good guys in the audience, their story is not much better. When King Harold of Far Far Away croaks, both literally
and figuratively, Shrek is next in line for the throne. But all he wants to do is return to his smelly swamp, nowhere near kingly duties that require face powder, stockings and wigs. Shrek needs a replacement, and Fiona’s cousin, Arthur, is the next eligible successor. Yes, that is the same Arthur Pendragon of Camelot fame, creating a fitting premise for fairy tale adventure. Shrek is the only one not feeling the excitement, however. As his ship sets sail, Fiona shouts some news to her ogre husband: She’s pregnant. As if a future baby weren’t enough, Arthur still attends high school. Oh, the comedy, drama and irony a visit to Arthur’s high school could bring. Those familiar with the stories of Camelot could see the possibilities for snipes at love triangles and swords in stone. However, Arthur’s associated greatness is lost in adolescence. Hence, Lancelot is a burly jock, Guinevere pops her bubblegum every 10 seconds, and Arthur is a whiny loser. The potential dwindles from there.
N o t h i n g matches the punch or force of any quip of the previous “Shrek” films. The perfect set-up between the fatherless Arthur and the father-to-be Shrek, the basis of any emotional impact, is only In Shrek the Third, Princess Fiona (center, voice of glanced upon. Cameron Diaz) is joined by (left to right) Cinderella Puss in Boots (voice of Amy Sedaris), Snow White (voice of Amy Rapunzel (voice of Maya Rudolph), and and Donkey are Poehler), Sleeping Beauty (voice of Cheri Oteri). forced to rely on past cuteness, although the wide- mals for attack. Even Rapunzel eyed gaze of mercy has not got- puts her narcoleptic tendencies to good harm. ten old. It’s hard not to notice that The film’s slight saving grace the change in “Shrek’s” freshis the abundance of new characness coincides with a change in ters. Snow White (Amy Poehler), director. Chris Miller picks up Sleeping Beauty (Cheri Oteri), where Andrew Adamson Cinderella (Amy Sedaris) and reigned. “Shrek the Third” is Rapunzel (Maya Rudolph) get worth a peek, but still far far screen time when Fiona must protect the kingdom from the away from greatness, thus joining the lineup of half-baked vengeful Prince Charming. Appearances certainly summer sequels. become more than they seem as Natalie Budesa is 15 years old and Cinderella uses her glass slipper a sophomore at CVHS. She aspires to a as a throwing weapon and Snow career as a cinematographer. Send your comments to movies@claytonpioneer.com White summons the forest ani-
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Some important safety tips for those dog days of summer
JULIE BOND
PAWS
AND
CLAWS
While it is a terrific idea to include your canine friends in your summer plans, keep in mind that this season can be hazardous to their health and well-being if you aren’t prepared. Always take into consideration your dog’s age, health and temperament. Remember to clean up behind your dog, keep him quiet and well-behaved and follow the rules of the area where you are visiting. Here are some other summer safety tips for your pet: Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle. Even with the windows open, the temperature inside a locked car can exceed 105 degrees in a few minutes. Your dog could suffer from heat stroke. If a concerned citizen reports a dog left in a vehicle, the police can fine you and confiscate the dog. Exercise your dog in the early morning or late evening. This is particularly important for older dogs who don’t thermoregulate themselves well and for dogs with restricted breathing (i.e., brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, Pekinese, boxers, etc.). Keep your dog cool. Provide a shady area for resting and plenty of fresh water. Some dogs love water so much that
you can help them stay cool by providing a child’s plastic wading pool. There are even specially designed cooling collars and belly wraps for daily walks. Check them out at www.inthecompanyofdogs.com. Plan ahead if you are traveling with your dog. If traveling by car, keep your dog restrained in a carrier or safety harness that can be locked in place with a seat belt. Never let your dog ride unrestrained in your car or in the back of an open truck. If you are traveling by plane, make sure your dog is familiar with his airline carrier and acclimated to being enclosed in it for extended periods of time. Choose your travel times wisely so your dog won’t overheat in the cargo hold. Interstate travel, whether by car or plane, requires a health certificate, which can be obtained from your veterinarian no earlier than 10 days before your departure. This is particularly important if traveling to Canada or Mexico. In addition, make sure your dog is wearing a sturdy collar with current ID tag and dog license. Provide familiar food and water. When traveling anywhere with your pet, remember to bring plenty of food and water. Many dogs are sensitive to changes in water quality. Combined with the stress of travel, this can result in stomach upset and diarrhea. If you take your dog hiking, fishing or camping, do not let your dog drink from any bodies of water. Keep your dog on a leash. Most of our national parks and recreation areas require dogs to be on leash and under control. If
Date With Your Dog What: 10th annual Bay to Barkers Dog Walk/Run and Festival When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, July 15 Where: Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Description: This wonderful event is a great way to help celebrate the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society’s 80th anniversary. There is an entry fee of $25 per dog, and you can earn
more money for the Humane Society by obtaining sponsors to support your walk or run. The more pledges you collect, the better your chances of winning some of the great prizes, including a trip to Hawaii. There will also be booths hosted by animal rescue groups, community groups and other pet-related organizations. Look for the “Doggy Olympiad,” the canine fashion show and the
you are in an area where it is legal to have your dog off leash, familiarize yourself and your dog with the area first. Make sure there aren’t any poisonous plants or toxic mushrooms around for your dog to sample. Be wary of thick brush that can harbor ticks, burs and foxtails. Thoroughly inspect yourself and your dog after any wilderness outings. Practice water safety. Life vests for dogs are highly recommended for boating excursions and trips to the beach. Dogs can easily fall out of a moving boat and be pulled underwater due to strong tides or exhaustion. By the same token, if you have a backyard swimming pool, lock the fence surrounding it so your dog can’t fall in. If you don’t have your pool fenced, teach your dog where the steps are so he can find them if he falls in when no one is home. There are also specially designed pool ramps to provide your pet with an easy way out. They are also available at www.inthecompanyofdogs.com. Guard against sunburn. Many people don’t realize that sunburn is a real concern for animals. Fair-skinned dogs and cats, especially those with short, white hair and pink noses, are sun-sensitive. Avoid sun exposure during the hottest times of the day and talk to your vet about sunblock for your pet’s nose, ears and exposed skin.
June 8, 2007 Paid Advertisement
How to Avoid Costly Housing Mistakes Before and After a Divorce Clayton/Concord – Divorce is rarely easy and often means a lot of difficult decisions. One of the most important decisions is what to do about the house. In the midst of the heavy emotional and financial turmoil, what you need most is some nonemotional, straightforward, specific information and answers. Once you know how a divorce affects your home, your mortgage and taxes, critical decisions are easier. Neutral, third party information can help you make logical, rather than emotional decisions. Probably the first decision is whether you want to continue living in the house. Will the familiar surroundings bring you comfort and emotional security, or unpleasant memories? Do you want to minimize change by staying where you are, or sell your home and move to a new place that offers a new start?
Only you can answer those questions, but there will almost certainly be some financial repercussions to your decision process. What can you afford? Can you manage the old house on your new budget? Is refinancing possible? Or is it better to sell and buy? How much house can you buy on your new budget? To help you know what questions you should ask and how to arrive at the right answer for your specific situation, a FREE special report has been prepared by industry experts entitled: “Divorce: What You Need to Know About Your House, Your Mortgage and Taxes.” To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your free copy of this report, call 1-800-283-5075, and enter ID#1009. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call now to find out how to make this part of your current situation less stressful.
This report is courtesy of Paula Hadox, Kropa Realty. Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale. Copyright © 2007.
Julie Bond is an animal behaviorist. Address your pet questions to her at P.O. Box 21552, Concord, CA, or you can e-mail her at K9Freud@aol.com.
largest bone biscuit ever made. Before the event, you can enter your dog in the “Lead Dog Contest.” This is a random drawing, and the winner will be announced on the KFOG Morning Show the week of June 25. The winning dog will be crowned onstage before the event, lead the pack of walkers and receive publicity for one year. Contest entry deadline is June 22. For more information: www.baytobarkers.kintera.org Julie Bond
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Princess is a sweet and gentle kitten, who can be a little shy at first, but once she gets to know you, can become quite snuggly. She was raised/fostered in a home with a Golden Retriever so she may be ok with a gentle dog. The adoption fee for Princess is $125. Come fall in love with Princess and her fabulous feline friends at ARF. Visit www.arf.net, to learn more about adding a cat to your family, or call (925) 256-1ARF. Bethel is a very sensitive and
BETHEL
gentle girl. She will thrive in a calm home with an adopter who provides gentle guidance and opportunities for extra socialization. The adoption fee for Bethel is $200 and includes the first six training courses. Bring your pet’s primary caretaker and kids 16 and younger who will live with Princell or Bethel, as well as any canine family members – to meet them at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during
adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.arf.net or call (925) 256-1ARF for more information. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our Web site, www.arf.net, or call (925) 256-1ARF.
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Memories of the dancing live on long after the music stops
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Fred Astaire would have been proud. Marina Fitzsimon’s dancing feet have had her doing the rumba, salsa and ballroom dancing for many years, up until she was 89 years old. When I ask Marina, a petite and vibrant woman, her age, she smiles and says: “I am 98. No, actually I am 98 ½ years old.” With a chuckle, she adds: “I am doing pretty well, huh?” Marina’s shelves sparkle with all the medals she has won for dancing in the 1980s with her teacher and dance partner, Blake Kish. The photos that adorn this space show off the magic of her dancing. Marina’s favorite picture shows her in pink, flowing dress with an elegance that almost makes you hear the music. Attending glamorous dances and parties started many years ago for Marina. Born in Panama to a father who was a lawyer and congressman, Marina and her four siblings lived a good life. Marina remembers that when she was a child, her parents had a horse and buggy before cars were invented. “There were only three of these in Panama City at that time, and we had one,” Marina states. Growing up, Marina loved going to the clubs and dancing with her sister and friends. She attended school there and became a teacher. “But I didn’t want to be like
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MARINA FITZSIMONS WITH DANCE PARTNER BLAKE KISH
States for a year to learn English so that I could work at the consulate in Panama.” Shortly after returning to Panama, Marina went to San Francisco with her brother, who was appointed a position with the Panamanian Consulate there. “We went to marvelous parties and dances,” Marina recalls. “I had a great time and enjoyed meeting people from the different consulates.”
Later, Marina returned to Panama to work for the consulate and came back to San Francisco for a vacation. Marina met her husband there during the Depression. “It was a rough time and many of the boys were at war, but it only took meeting one boy,” Marina shares. “And this was my wonderful husband Clarence.” Married for almost 50 years, they were an admired couple with creative spirits. At parties, Clarence would often dress up in costume with Marina. They won prizes for their originality and their dancing. Marina shares a side note about her husband. “Clarence was directly involved in the development of those orange traffic cones. We had our own sales promotions agency and the cones were a friend’s idea,” she reports. “Clarence worked with the road engineers, and he was successful in getting them to start using those cones. Now you see them used all over the world.” After Clarence passed away in 1983, Marina won a prize for five free dance lessons at the Fred Astaire Dance School. She didn’t think much about the prize, but it became a gift to live out her passion fully. It was at this point that she traveled with the school’s groups to various countries for vacations and competed in the United
COLLEEN ELWY
SHARING HISTORY States with her dance partner. But times have changed in dancing, particularly in what is appropriate on the dance floor. “When we danced, we wore long, lovely gowns and surely nothing like they do now. And we weren’t suppose to do the kind of close dancing that they do today, either,” Marina says with a smirk. Some things have slowed down for Marina, but she enjoys regular visits from her four nieces in the area. Marina also has the urge to start working on painting pictures again and enjoys singing. “Here at Diamond Terrace, they keep you so busy that I don’t have time to do everything,” she says happily. When asked if she does any kind of dancing these days, she explains that she isn’t able to do that any longer. “And also,” she says with a smile, “the gowns just don’t fit me anymore.” But I have a strong feeling that if they did, you just might find Marina doing a small waltz around the room with her glowing smile adding to the elegance of it all. If you are a senior living in Clayton, or know of a senior that would like to share their life story with the Clayton Pioneer readers, please contact Colleen Elwy at 672-9565 or at colleensbyline@aol.com.
Internet health sites can be just what the doctor ordered
contact
Established 1980
all the other women,” she says of the typical female career. “So my mother told me to go to the United
THE
NET
While some Websites cater to niche audiences, health is a concern for everyone. Healthrelated sites aren’t a substitute for a doctor’s advice, but they can inform you on everything from drug information to descriptions of medical symptoms. W e b M D (www.WebMD.com) is the best of the bunch. The site, which is run by medical experts, covers hundreds of topics from diseases to healthy living strategies. It also provides extensive descriptions on drugs and allows you to easily investigate symptoms. The WebMD home page lists health-related articles and the most popular topics for men, women and children. Not sure why your foot is hurting? WebMD can identify conditions associated with particular symptoms. Start by click-
ing on the box called “Symptom checker” at the top of the page. You’ll be asked to specify your gender and age and then you can select which part of your body is experiencing the symptom on a 3-D model. If your foot is hurting, you would first select the leg region and then what part of the foot is affected. WebMD will list different symptoms, such as bruises or pain, and what conditions might cause these symptoms. Knowing the cause of your pain can help you determine if you need to visit a doctor. WebMD is also useful for looking up medical topics. Suppose you want to learn more about arthritis. To start, click the “Health A-Z” tab at the top of the page. An index allows you to search for topics alphabetically, which is more efficient than combing through the results provided by WebMD’s search engine. When you select a topic, WebMD takes you to a page that provides an overview of the subject. With arthritis, you can learn about the types of arthritis and their treatments by
No penalty for reservists Generally a 10% tax penalty applies to early withdrawals taken from retirement accounts, in addition to the income tax owed on the withdrawn amount. The 2006 pension law provides an exception to the penalty for military reservists called to active duty and for certain public safety employees, such as police, firefighters and medical emergency personnel. If you need more information about this penalty easing, call us.
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clicking the links on the left side of the page. You can also find information about drugs, both prescription and over the counter. Clicking the “Drugs & Treatments” tab takes you to a page where you can search for a drug’s name or the condition it treats. If you know the drug’s name, WebMD will automatically list matching drugs when you start typing in the search box. I searched for Lipitor, the popular cholesterol-lowering drug. As I typed the name, WebMD identified the drug, as well as how to take it, in this case “Lipitor Oral.” Selecting the drug takes you to a page that lists the drug’s side effects, how it interacts with other drugs and what to do in case you miss a dose. WebMD also features blogs written by medical specialists on topics like heart disease and asthma. My personal favorite was “TV Checkup,” written by WebMD’s chief medical editor on the accuracy of medical dramas like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “House.”
WebMD isn’t the only useful site for researching health topics. The Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) provides much of the same information and features articles on diseases, symptoms and drugs. For those who don’t like WebMD’s virtual symptom checker, the Mayo Clinic offers a simple questionnaire to help identify what’s causing your symptoms. The Mayo site, however, tends to be less organized than WebMD. When I looked up Lipitor on the Mayo Clinic, it gave me a 15-page document, whereas WebMD condenses the information into different tabs for easy reading. Always be careful when researching health topics online. Fishy sites may try to sell you miracle cures or offer unreasonable advice, so stick with sites run by medical professionals. Mark Freeman is a graduate of De La Salle High School and a freshman at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga. He plans to study economics and currently writes for the school paper. Questions/comments can be sent to mfreeman543@gmail.com.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 8, 2007
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., JUNE 13 FOR THE JUNE 22 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH JUNE 28 Growing up Asian in America Exhibit @ Clayton Community Library The exhibit features winning art and essays submitted to the "Superheroes" contest for students grade K-12. The contest is a program of The Asian Pacific Fund. The superheroes theme was chosen to learn what characteristics young people value and how their heroes make homes, neighborhoods and the world a better place. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. THROUGH JULY 10 Patty Cakes @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Story time for babies - 3 yr olds. Child attends with caregiver. Drop in any Tuesday. The program is free. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. JUNE 8 - JUNE 22 YMCA Art Camp at Clayton Community Gym For 3 - 6 graders. Call 609-9622 for more information. Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton. JUNE 8 - JUNE 22 YMCA Basketball Camp at Clayton Community Gym For 1 -6 graders. Call 609-9622 for more information. Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton. JUNE 9 Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society (MDAS) Celebration @ Mt. Diablo Summit 7 p.m. This year, MDAS is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and will mark the milestone with special activities at the June 9 star party on Mount Diablo. The club will have cake, beverages and some surprises to share with members of the public who attend that night's event, which will begin at 7 p.m. at the lower summit parking lot. MDAS hosts monthly star parties and talks by professional astronomers involved in the latest astronomical research, and outreach programs to schools and scouting groups across Contra Costa County. Nick Tsakoyias, President, MDAS, 925-825-6523; claytonjandl@aol.com. JUNE 11 - AUG. 20 “Get a Clue” Summer Reading Program @ Clayton Community Library Super sleuths can discover the key to summer reading fun with programs for babies - adults. Sign up and get a “reading record” on which to track your reading. Read books and get prizes. The program is free. For all ages. 6730659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. JUNE 13 CMYA Sponsored Modern Day Treasure Hunters @ Clayton Community Library 4 - 7 p.m. Participants are invited to start their adventure anytime during the 3-hour block. Bring the whole family for an outdoor scavenger hunt using a handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) system unit. Track clues while exploring the Clayton trail system to unlock a treasure chest with prizes. Personal, onsite instruction is available for use of the GPS. For ages 5 and up. $2 per person. Bring your own GPS or rent one for only $5. Contact Deborah Osteen, 482-5705, www. Moderndaytreasurehunders.com JUNE 14 Father's Day Crafts and Stories @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. For ages 3 - 8. Please register in advance. Show dad your creative side, with a gift he will treasure! The program is free. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
JUNE 23 Clayton Historical Society Walking Tour 10 a.m. Meet in front of the museum, 6101 Main Street. Guided tour takes about 1 hr. 30 min. and is about 3/4 mile. Wear comfortable shoes. JUNE 23 Clayton Historical Society's 2nd annual Barbecue on the Mountain 3 - 7 p.m. Swimming, horseshoes, cribbage and the game of your choice if you provide them. Tri-tip and chicken barbecue dinner will be served at 5 p.m. Adults, $18, under 12, $10. Mail reservations by June 18 to CHS, P.O. Box 94, Clayton. For more information call 672-1865. JUNE 27 Sisters in Crime @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. Meet mystery authors: Camille Minichino, Ann Parker, Simon Wood and Holly Wilson Bennett. Listen to this panel of local Bay Area writers discuss their work. Question and answer period. They will have books available to purchase and sign after the program. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road,Clayton. JULY 4 Rotary Club of Clayton Pancake Breakfast @ Endeavor Hall Parking Lot 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. 4th of July pancake breakfast continues until parade time or approximately 10 am. Pancakes with syrup, sausages, orange juice, coffee or tea. Have breakfast before the parade, meet your neighbors, and help support the Clayton Valley Rotary's student dictionary program. The Rotary Club gives away over $4000 in dictionaries to local 3rd graders each year. Adults $5 children (1/2 order) $3. JULY 6 "Lion King" @ Clayton Community Church Parking Lot, Clayton 7:30 p.m. Moonlight movies in Clayton. Enjoy hot dogs or pizza, popcorn, otter pops, ice cream and more every Friday night in July. We have a great selection of movies this year for your family's entertainment. Showtime will be at sunset. Join us for fabulous flicks on a giant screen with awesome surround sound in our parking lot on Main St. 673-9060. Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main Street, Clayton.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS JUNE 10, 17, 24, JULY 1, 8 Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting @ Clayton Community Church 7 - 8 p.m. AA Big Book Study, every Sunday night in the meeting room at Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main Street, Clayton, 673-9060. JUNE 10 Veterans of Foreign Wars Breakfast @ Concord Veterans Memorial Hall 8 - 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525 is hosting a breakfast at the Concord Veterans Memorial Hall. Breakfast includes eggs made to order, pancakes, sausage, coffee, and orange juice. The donation is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children 12 and younger. See you there. Pete Loechner (925) 682-6533. Concord Veterans Memorial Hall, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. JUNE 11 Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County @ John Muir, Walnut Creek 7 - 9 p.m. Speaking will be Don Larsen, author of "I've Never Been an Old Man." He will discuss his journey as a caregiver for his wife as well as becoming a volunteer in the community. For more information, contact Ann Dzuna at 925-376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public. John Muir Medical Center, Ball Auditorium, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek.
June 16 - Aug. 15 Teen Game Days on Wednesdays @ Clayton Community Library 3 - 7 p.m. Drop by and stay cool at the Clayton Community Library and play Clue and other board games in the Young Adult area. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
JUNE 11 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Farm Bureau Hall 7:15 p.m. 4-H is open to youth ages 5 - 19 and adults. Projects in small and large animals, leadership, community service, 4-H camp, conferences and fairs. Learn new skills including cooking, photography, arts/crafts etc. Contact Candy Hogan at 925- 969-1325 for more information. Meetings held on the second Mon. of the month Sept. - June. Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Rd. Concord.
JUNE 20 “Get a Clue” @ Clayton Community Library 7 - 8 p.m. Tie in with the summer reading program. Officer Jason Shaw from the Clayton Police Department will give a presentation on clues and evidence that ties into the library’s summer reading program. This program is recommended for upper elementary children through adult. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
JUNE 12, 26 Clayton Valley Woman's Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m. .Coffee, 10 a.m. Meeting. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tues. of the month. Garden Girl Nicole Hackett of R&M Pool, Patio and Gardens will speak. She knows which plants grows best in our climate. For more information, please call Joyce at 672-3850 or Sheila at 672-7947. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord.
JUNE 21 Buchanan Field Master Plan Public Meeting and Public Hearing @ Crowne Plaza Hotel 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. The draft master plan for Buchanan Field Airport will be presented to the public at a community meeting. Directly after the community meeting there will be a short break, followed by a public hearing for the Far Part 150 noise study. The public hearing will begin about 7:30 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord.
JUNE 12 Concord Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon @ Crowne Plaza Hotel, Concord 11:45 a.m. Barbara Kaufman, Director of the San Francisco Branch of the Governor's Office. "State of the State." Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr. Concord. Register online at www.concordchamber.com $25 for Chamber Members, $35 for Non-Members.
JUNE 21 - AUG. 2 Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Thursdays. Story time for 3-5 yr olds. Child may attend without caregiver. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. JUNE 21 Ravioli the Clown @ Clayton Community Library 4 p.m. Family fun for all ages! (Sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation.) 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
JUNE 12, 19, 26, JULY 3 Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Meetings every Tues. All are invited to check us out and be our guest for lunch. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust St., Walnut Creek. For more information call Sam Totah, 941-1536. JUNE 13 Creekside Artists Guild Meeting @ The Clayton Community Library 7p.m. Come and join this unique group of eclectic artists that meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month. If you like, bring your artwork for review...all levels and all artforms are welcome! "We provide an environment for all artists to inspire, create, educate and prosper". Questions? Arlene KikkawaNielsen (925) 673-9777 or akikkawa@ccclib.org Visit our website: www..creeksideartists.org.
The Clayton Pioneer’s “Music Notes” columnist
Clayton’s own
La Veranda Café Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton Fresh soups, salads, antipasti, pizza and pasta Dinner and lunch daily Brunch on Sunday Children’s menu and take out service available
For reservations call (925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON
Jim Hudak Pianist and Composer For bookings and performances:
Visit our Website www.jhudak.com E-mail jimmydak@pacbell.net Piano CD’s available on his Brainstorm Records label
Call Or Write:
Brainstorm Records P.O. Box 488 Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 673-7293
JUNE 13 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women @ Oakhurst County Club. 10 a.m. Lunch is $20. Please phone Barbara Allen at 672-5061. YVRW meets the 3rd Wed. of the month. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. JUNE 13 Clayton Valley Garden Club @ Diamond Terrace 7 p.m. The Clayton Valley Garden Club meets the second Wed. of the month. For June, George Schultz of Nature's Creations Inc. will introduce " Landscape the Organic Way." The Clayton - based company specializes in environmental landscape practices that nurture the soil ecosystem, protect air and water quality and follow water conservation practices. The Club maintains the flowers on Daffodil Hill, the planters on Main and Center Streets, the raised garden beds at the Library, and other civic projects. Anyone interested in gardening is welcome at our meetings. Call Jeff at 672-7579 for information. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton. JUNE 14, 21, 28 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thurs. for breakfast and usually features a speaker. www. claytonvalleyrotary.org. Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. JUNE 14, 21, 28, JULY 5 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau Building 10 a.m.and 5:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in and meetings on Thurs. 800-326-8450 x 2023. Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. JUNE 19 Concord Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon @ Heald College, Concord 11:45 a.m. Women's Networking Group. Joint Luncheon with Concord and Pleasant Hill Chamber Women. "Women's Health." Register online at www.concordchamber.com. $20 for Pleasant Hill & Concord Chamber Members, $30 for non-Members. Heald College and Conference Center 5130 Commercial Circle, Concord. JUNE 20 70th Anniversary Chamber Installation Luncheon @ Crowne Plaza Hotel, Concord 11:30 a.m. Visit the Chamber Website www.concordchamber.com for additional information. Crowne Plaza Hotel 45 John Glenn Dr. JUNE 21 Veterans of Foreign Wars Meeting @ Veterans Memorial Hall, Concord 6 p.m. Meeting begins. at 7 p.m. VFW meets the third Thurs. of the month. All Veterans of foreign wars are invited to attend. The VFW is here to support eligible Veterans and their families. Wives and daughters of eligible Veterans are invited to join the Ladies Auxiliary. Meetings are held at Veterans Memorial Hall, corner of Colfax and Willow Pass Road, Concord. JUNE 27 Blue Star Mom Meeting in Concord 6:30 p.m. Small group Blue Star Mom meetings held the fourth Wed. of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord. Call 676-3654 for information. JUNE 28 CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association) Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, last non-holiday Thurs. of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. Mike Fossan, President. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. JULY 1 Knitting Club @ Concord Library 2 - 4 p.m. Have you noticed that knitting is all the rage? Join the group and get creative. Club meets the first Sun. of the month. 646-5455, Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord.
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT JUNE 12, 19, 26 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tues. mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. JUNE 19, JULY 3, 17 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tues. of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. JUNE 12, 26 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd and 4th Tues. of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
Marsh Creek/Morgan Territory residents - This is for you!
June 8, 2007
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page B9
School News Why advertise in the Pioneer? Here’s one reason:
DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CV parents, school staff and community members came together at Centre Concord for a grand Fiesta De Mayo in early May, resulting in a fun evening and a “refilling” of the school’s Technology Fund. The successful event capped off months of planning led by committee chair Pamela Newacheck, who was ably assisted by nine other sombrero-clad Parent-Faculty Club members. DJ Terry Newberry entertained the crowd of about 200 with music and raffles. Congrats to Nancy Llacuna, the raffle grand prize winner. The auctions raised $12,000, with the overall profit at more than $30,000. Thanks to our generous donors, including the Dianda Family Foundation, Steve and Debra Gonsalves, Dorine Dianda, Modern Defense Institute and Bill Jacobus-Clayton Valley Realty.
As the owner of Burkin Electric, I have had my ad in the Clayton Pioneer for several years. I believe in supporting local businesses like the Pioneer. As our community grows, our businesses do also because of the success of the Pioneer. Having my ad in the Pioneer has helped my business and people recognize me from it. I get the extra exposure that I need. I want to thank the Pioneer and my customers who have relied on me over the years. Small business, small paper, growing community! James J. Burkin, Burkin Electric
*** EIGHTH
Bible Study for all ages @ 10am Worship @ 11:15am Wed.: Bible Study @ 7:15pm
Bible-based & Christ-centered worship, education & fellowship
5554 Clayton Rd., Concord (in the Farm Bureau building) (925) 524-0295 William Kant, Pastor
www.EternalLifeLutheranChurch.org Member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
GRADERS STUDY WILDLIFE in Mt. Diablo Creek
Eighth grade science students from Diablo View Middle School recently made a field trip to the Clayton Community Library’s outdoor wildlife habitat to study the water in Mt. Diablo Creek. Led by their science teacher, Sylvia Chatagnier, the students collected and studied the different forms of benthic macro invertebrates. Lisa Anich with Friends of Mt. Diablo Creek was on hand to discuss the chemistry of the creek water. Both studies help to determine the health of the water running through Mt. Diablo Creek and were originally made possible by grants through partnerships with DVMS, Friends of Mt. Diablo Creek and the Clayton Community Library Foundation. This is the third year the students have made the trip and every year the trip becomes increasingly difficult to arrange due to the lack of available drivers who can meet the school district’s insurance requirements. If you can help with driving, please let the school know.
The Clayton Valley string ensemble performed in the FiestaVal Music Festival in Williamsburg, Va., on May 18. The orchestra performed in the most challenging division of music at the festival, earning the Orchestra Champion award. The event included more than 500 musicians from North Carolina, Maryland, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Clayton Valley was the first group from California to perform there. While in the historic region, the students also visited Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, the College of William and Mary, the Armed Forces School of Music and the American Civil War Center. Mundy Viar and Elizabeth Emigh of the Clayton Valley Music Department invite students in grades 8-11 to perform with them in 2007-’08. For band and orchestra, contact ClaytonBands@aol.com. For choirs, email lizziewags@yahoo.com.
***
You can support the promoting eighth-graders by making a donation to the eighth-grade celebration on Wednesday, June 13. A preview for parents will be held at 6 p.m., with the celebration starting at 6:30 p.m. All supporters and their businesses will be listed at the school the evening of the event. For more information, email Tami Purser at tamipurser@yahoo.com or Karen O’Leary at kkoleary@comcast.net.
CVHS
STRING ENSEMBLE visits colonial Williamsburg during trip to
Virginia for music festival.
Church News CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Join us at the Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm, 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 8. Take a tour, decorate a pot and try out their new “duck races.” Picnic to follow at Clayton Community Park. $5 per pot/seedling. Bring your own picnic dinner. Preschool Play Days Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m. starting July 11. Activities include crafts, stories, music, games, snacks and free play for ages 35. Parents invited to stay. Cost for four days is $35. Individual, $10. Friendz N Fun, 2:30-4 p.m. TuesdaysKindergarten through third-grade. Includes art projects, games, snacks and theme-based activities. Parents
are invited to stay. Cost for 4 days, $35. Individual, $10. SummerCraze Dance Camp for preschoolers through third graders.9:30-11:30 a.m. June 25-29. $50 fee includes a daily dance craft, snack and water bottle. Soccer Camp 6-7:30 p.m. July 16-19 at the field next to the YMCA gym. Kindergarten through third grade. Led by Roland Engle and Rick Nylund. Basic soccer skills and daily scrimmages. Cost, $40 includes soccer ball, daily water bottle and snacks. SummerCraze Adventure Camp: Bee a Blessing will be held Aug. 5-8. Bee ready for fun dramas, lively music, games, small group activities/Biblical life lessons and a daily Bee a
Blessing Project. Daytime and evening sessions are available for preschoolers through fifthgraders and their families. Mini-classes taught by CCC staff and volunteers June –August at the church office. Each class is limited to 10 children. Parents invited. T-shirt Decoration, No-Sew B l a n k e t / P i l l o w, Scrapbook/Prayer Journal, Build a Picture Frame Nutrition/Stretching/Healthy Cooking, My First Cooking Class. Registration forms are available at the office, 6055 Main St. call 673-2101 or email patty.robinson@claytoncc.com. *** Fourth and fifth graders – Free Bible study and games,
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sessions are free. Bring snack and water bottle. Sign up at the CCC office or email mike.basil@claytoncc.com. CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Twenty church members participated in the annual Bike-A-Thon, which was organized by Jim McGuire. The bikers rode 100 miles over two days and raised $5,372 for the Heifer Project International. *** The church is having Vacation Bible School July 913, with a family BBQ on July 16. The church is at 1645 West St., Concord. For more information, call 685-5260.
FREE
Join Clayton Community Church for
June 25 - 29 Bible Camp
BEE a Blessing! Daytime Camp: Mon 8/6-Wed 8/8 9:30-noon, plus Wed Eve 5:30-8:15 pm Evening Camp: Sun 8/5-Wed 8/8 5:30-8:15 pm Preschoolers - 5 th graders and their families! Family Option: $75 for family (parents, siblings and grandparents welcome) Individual: $30 per child
BEE ready for fun dramas, lively music, games, small group activities/Biblical life lessons, and a daily BEE A BLESSING PROJECT
Registration/brochures are available at CCC, 6055 Main St., Clayton, or email Patty Robinson at patty.robinson@claytoncc.com.
July 16 to 20 Ages: K thru 6th grade, 9am - 12noon Call office for registration details 672-3397 “Once Upon a Time Shop”
pre-school thru 6th grade 8:45 am to 12 pm Pre-register by calling Holy Cross Lutheran Church
686-2000 1092 Alberta Way, Concord
ADDITIONAL SUMMERCRAZE CAMPS Dance Camp: M-F June 25-29, 9:30-11:30, open to preschool-3rd Graders. Soccer Camp: M-Th July 16-19; 6-7:30 pm, open to K-3rd graders.
Music Camp
Closing program & BBQ Friday night $20 per child or $30 per family
Clayton Valley Church, 5430 Michigan Blvd, Concord
CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Vacation Bible School July 8 - 19, 9 p.m. - 12 p.m. $20 for one child, $30 for two or more (family price) for children 3 years and up Call Concord United Methodist Church at (925) 685-5260 or email cumc@sbcglobal.net
Page B10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 8, 2007
The Pioneer -- It’s your paper!
Fresh or preserved, apricots are quite versatile. Here are some ideas to try. COCONUT FISH WITH APRICOT DIPPING SAUCE
LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
almost all of that. It’s hard to believe that Santa Clara had a flourishing apricot industry in the early 1900s. When postWorld War II commercial development started in the South Bay, it only took about 15 years to bring the industry into decline. Central Valley farmers soon established orchards, particularly around the Patterson area. Those orchards are now under pressure from housing devel-
1 c. flaked coconut 2 Tbsp. flour 1 Tbsp. Cajun or Creole seasoning 1 lb. catfish, mahi mahi or other firm white fish 1 egg, beaten ½ c. rice bran oil or other vegetable oil ½ c. apricot jam 2 tsp. Dijon mustard ¼ tsp. dried chili flakes 1 tsp. prepared horseradish Heat oil in frying pan over medium heat. Combine coconut, flour and seasoning in large bowl. Beat egg in sep-
THOUGHT
The apricot, that soft golden globe with a heavenly perfume, graces our markets this time each year. A member of the rose family along with peaches, plums, almonds and cherries, prunus armeniaca is native to China. Some historians say that cuttings from domesticated trees were traded along the Silk Road to the Persian Empire, then to the Mediterranean. Another version attributes Alexander the Great with bringing the fruit to Greece in the 4th Century B.C. However they got to Europe, apricots received royal acclaim by Britain’s King Henry VIII, who planted espaliered apricot trees at his Hampton Court palace. Spanish explorers introduced the fruit to the New World, and Spanish missionaries planted apricot trees throughout California. The noble apricot was considered the “nectar of the gods,” reputedly the drink of choice of Greek and Roman gods. In Asian countries, the fruit is known as “moon of the faithful,” while the ancient Persians referred to it as “egg of the sun.” The United States produces nearly 90 percent of the world apricot crop, with California accounting for
Just for Laughs Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor... Atheism is a non-prophet organization. I went to a bookstore and asked the sales woman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. What was the best thing before sliced bread? One nice thing about egotists: they don't talk about other people. Does the Little Mermaid wear algebra? How is it possible to have a civil war? If you ate both pasta and antipasto, would you still be hungry? If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done? Why is there an expiration date on sour cream? Can an atheist get insurance against acts of God
APRICOT ICE CREAM (Requires an ice cream maker) 1 12-oz. can skim or lowfat evaporated milk 1 envelope plain gelatin ¾ c. sugar 1½ c. diced fresh apricots (about ¾ lb.) 1 12-oz. can apricot nectar 8 oz. plain, low-fat yogurt 1 tsp. vanilla or ½ tsp. grated orange peel Combine milk and gelatin in large saucepan and heat until gelatin dissolves. Add sugar and continue to heat until dissolved. Remove from heat and whisk in apricots, nectar, yogurt and vanilla or orange peel. Cool to room temperature and process in ice cream maker. SAUTÉED APRICOTS AND CINNAMON TOAST 2 Tbsp. butter, softened 3 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. nutmeg 4 thick slices of French or other crusty bread 8 fresh apricots, cut in half 2 Tbsp. honey Preheat griddle or largebase fry pan. Combine softened butter and spices and spread on one side of bread. Reserve at least 2 tsp. butter mixture for apricots. In a small sauté pan, add apricots and reserved spiced butter mixture. Cook until apricots begin to bubble and brown. Serve atop toasted bread with 1-2 teaspoons honey drizzled over them. APRICOT COOLER 2 oz. apricot brandy 2 oz. club soda 2 oz. lemonade or lemonlime soda 1 tsp. grenadine Juice of one-half lemon Dash bitters Combine ingredients in tall glass and fill with ice.
APRICOT ICE CREAM
opment and foreign imports. Turkish dried apricots can be purchased here for about $3 a pound, while Patterson’s product is almost $6 a pound. There are hundreds of apricot varieties, with some more suitable for drying and canning than eating fresh. They are very perishable and bruise easily when ripe. Select fresh apricots that are slightly soft and aromatic, because they only ripen on the tree.
arate bowl. Cut fish into serving pieces and season with salt and pepper. Dip each piece into the egg and then coat with the coconut mixture. Sauté for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and the fish is cooked through but not dry. Stir together jam, mustard, chili and horseradish and serve as a dipping sauce with the fish.
Another apricot treat: Costco recently introduced bags of soft and sweet dried apricots, which I adore. They’re terrific by themselves or, with the renewed interest in fondue, they’d be great dipped halfway into melted dark chocolate. Linda Wyner is an accomplished chef and “foodie.” She recently opened her kitchen store in Pleasanton and the cooking school will open soon. Watch the Pioneer for details. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
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