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June 14, 2013
Parents fume over day care closure PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
JULIE PIERCE
MAYOR’S CORNER ‘Family Fair’ highlights summer events School is out and summer fun is in full swing. Mark the date on your calendar: Saturday June 29, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s time for a “Clayton Family Fair & Picnic” in The Grove Park. Bring the whole family and a picnic dinner or grab take-out from one of our local restaurants and join us for an evening of fun. There will be live local musicians in the gazebo, and all games and activities are free, including balloon animals, face painting, craft booths and a show by the fabulous Clayton Bikes Stunt team from 6 to 7 p.m.
See Mayor, page 9
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
THE MARSH CREEK ROAD KINDERCARE CENTER WILL CLOSE ITS DOORS ON JUNE 14 leaving parents to scramble for daycare with only four weeks notice. The corporate-owned center is one of two in Clayton, but parents were told at a May 22 meeting that there may not be room for all the transfers at the Main Street facility.
A nasty battle between a large corporation and Clayton residents came to a head in, of all places, a preschool play lot recently, as parents of the Marsh Creek KinderCare facility fought to keep their beloved preschool and after-care program open. On May 17, KinderCare, which operates two childcare centers in Clayton, announced it was closing the Marsh Creek site, formerly the Clayton Children’s Center, on June 14. The news was greeted with a storm of protests from many of the 45 student’s parents, angry over the short time allowed for transition, as well as the fact that the company should zero-in on “their” center. “It makes no sense,” said parent Dave Moss at a May 22 meeting held at the school which was attended by more than 30 parents as well as
See Day Care, page 13
Cities draw the line with graffiti vandals In rough-and-tumble PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
You know you’re doing something right when graffiti artists start tagging about you. At least that’s Ed Moore’s take on things, as one of the small group of two or three Concord city employees who tackle the relentless problem of cleaning up more than 500,000 square feet of graffiti each year in Con-
tra Costa’s largest city. Graffiti is a common blight across public and private properties in Concord, whether it’s gangrelated tagging, teenage hijinks or the occasional artistic statement. But even sleepy little Clayton has its share of graffiti and vandalism, especially during the summer months when school is out, says Mayor Julie Pierce. And it’s a headache, both
financially and from a quality of life perspective. “In Clayton, we have a Graffiti Prevention and Abatement Ordinance,” Pierce says. “It’s our policy to try to clean up graffiti found on public property within 24 hours of our awareness of its existence.” Still, if graffiti is on private property – say a fence or the side of a garage – it is up to the prop-
erty to clean it up, according to Clayton Police Chief Chris Thorsen. Thorsen says that Clayton’s vandalism and graffiti problems aren’t nearly as bad as in other communities where he’s worked, and that’s a reflection of how much the residents here care about their city.
market, Pioneer blazes new trails
See Graffiti, page 4
Concord’s historic Masonic Temple makes moves to recapture lost glory PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
Pete Cruz/Clayton Pioneer
IN A TESTAMENT TO PERSISTENCE AND PRESSURE, the old Masonic Temple sits on its new site next to the splendid Galindo House on Clayton Rd. The building was moved from its original Galindo St. lot on May 25. When the move is complete, the building will house the Concord Museum and Resource Center.
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Behind the Badge . . . . . . . . .6 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Community Calendar . . . . .16 Design and Décor . . . . . . . .19 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . .14
Thanks to the tireless efforts of some local historians, Concord’s once-and-future dance hall will again be open for business when the Concord Masonic Temple becomes the Concord History Museum and Resource Center sometime in the next few years. All it took was a decade of planning, a lawsuit, an economic downturn, a $1 sale and the latest effort – moving the actual Galindo Street building across Clayton Road. Early in the morning on Saturday, May 25, construction crews moved the 85-foot-long by 50-foot-wide temple, weighing almost 300 tons, 1,200 feet to its new site.
See Temple, page 6 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .17 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Golf Tips (NEW) . . . . . . . . .11 Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .18 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
MEET THE NEW PIONEERS: In Concord, the Clayton Pioneer is delivered the old-fashioned way – by two crews of carriers walking the routes. Pictured here are John Leite, owner of ABC Direct Home Delivery, Frank Gallegos, supervisor and Carlos Molino, route walker. To meet the second crew, see page 4. DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
Proving wrong doomsayers’ rumors that print journalism is dead, the Clayton Pioneer newspaper recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, with the City Council naming May as Clayton Pioneer month. The proclamation noted that “the Clayton Pioneer is the “go-to” newspaper in Clayton providing reliable and unparalleled professional coverage of local community, government, and school news and events.” Readership of the community newspaper has grown consistently over the years, beginning with 5,400 homes in Clayton in Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Speaking of Sports . . . . . . .12 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . .12 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Teen Read (NEW) . . . . . . .14
2003. Three years ago, the paper expanded its free delivery service to Concord – adding 7,200 in the 94521 zip code. This month, the circulation is further increased with delivery to 2,500 additional homes in the 94518 zip code. With budgets chopped by corporate number crunchers, many of the bigger news corporations – Bay Area News Group, for instance, and CNN.com– have been forced to cut editorial staffs, and simply don’t have the manpower available to offer more than a cursory glance at the issues of the areas they aim to serve.
See Newspaper, page 4
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 14, 2013
Around Town Jr. Scouts’ cookie money buys library books Junior Girl Scout Troop 30905 recently completed a Journey Project entitled Agent of Change. To make their contribution to the community, the girls used the money they raised from their cookie sale to buy 14 new books at Barnes and Noble
to donate to the Clayton Library. The girls also held a book drive
and donated gently used books.
Enea wins 7th MADD award Front: Natasha Herrera, Madison Hess, Lauren Wickham, Madison Nance, Rochelle Cloven, Lainey Djajakusma, Olivia Yoshii, Francesca Brinkerhoff, Kendall Albert. Back: Brenna Duggan, Sydnie King, Emily Kinney, Annika Tuohey, Kellie Hintzoglou.
DTRT kids honored for their Integrity Nine local students were honored by the Clayton City Council for their exceptional integrity. Mayor Julie Pierce presented each student with a certificate at the May 21 meeting The students are nominated for the award by their teachers who commented on each student individually. While each student had their own special moment, several common qualities came through -- each does the right thing, even if no one is watching. The Do The Right Thing program is a community-wide initiative embraced by the schools, the police department and the city to encourage character building in students. The program emphasizes six qualities throughout the year. These students were recognized
In the war on drunk driving, the Clayton PD fights on the front lines. For the seventh time in his career, Officer Rich Enea has been recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his outstanding work. In 2012, Enea led the department in DUI arrests with 31. He is the department representative for both the “AVOID the 25” and the “Every 15 minutes” programs and has consistently led the department in proactive DUI arrests.
Front: Alayna Cloven, Makenna Brady, Allison Fuentes, Temi Okeowo, Yoshiye Longley, Jada Tillman, Alyssa Teixeira, Molly Reynolds. Middle: Kendall Kessinger, Zoe Lahanas, Grace DeSeelhorst, Olivia HenleyBush. Back: Molly DeSeelhorst, Rochelle Cloven.
4303 Coyote Circle, Clayton
for their integrity. The other qualities include self-discipline,
responsibility, respect, kindness, and courage.
Julian Rike donates to ‘Locks’
Daisy Scouts support the Food Bank Clayton PD Chief Chris Thorsen & Officer Rich Enea
Steve Pierce
DTRT Honorees: Front: MDES students, Sunny Pickett and Caleb Briscoe; DVMS student, Taylor Santos and Konlan Rondini (not in photo); CVHS students, McKenna DeLong, Charlie Jang; Back: Ben Morris, Alex Shimberg and Madison O’Conner
Daisy Girl Scout Troop 33195 has been busy all year collecting canned foods for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Last month, the girls donated 98 pounds of food.The Food Bank distributed 16 million pounds of food last year, of which 1 million came from food drives. The Daisy Scouts decorated “thank you” bags to be given to letter carriers in Clayton on May 11 during their annual “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive.
Julian Rike, Clayton Valley Charter High School freshman, donated his long locks to Locks of Love last month. Katie Coakley at Permanent Solution cut the 11inch tresses for Julian’s third donation. Julian has been donating his hair ever since a boy in his neighborhood lost his hair due to cancer. In Julian’s true Boy Scout spirit, he says donating his hair is something that he can do that will make a difference in the life and the healing of kids with cancer. Julian says, “Boys should have boy hair and I’ve got lots of it.”
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June 14, 2013
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Around Town
Memorial Day Tribute
s t r e c n o C he Gro
Pioneer Travels
T in
NEW YORK
BUENAS DIAS, AMIGAS We stowed away with Kevin and Krista Parker and their three boys on their recent trip to Mexico and joined them for a family
ov e
Saturdays
6 to 8:30 p.m. At the Gazebo in The Grove
Set up chairs and blankets on the lawn after 4 p.m.
June 22 Diamond Dave
Steve Pierce
A TABLE SET FOR ONE WITH AN EMPTY CHAIR at the 2013 Memorial Day service reminds us of those who will never return from the battlefield in time for dinner.
Rain clouds notwithstanding, close to 500 residents of Concord and Clayton gathered in front of the veterans memorial in downtown Clayton on
Memorial Day to honor those who’d given their lives for their country. Clayton Mayor Julie Pierce, Concord Mayor (Ret.) General Dan Helix, and State
Girl Scouts cross the ‘bridge’
Girl Scout Troop #31657 joined thousands of Girl Scouts from across America on May 11 at the 32nd Annual Golden Gate Bridging event. The girls participated in a rite of passage in which they bridge from Junior Girl Scouts to Girl Scout Cadettes. Back row: Dora Maramag, Troop Leader; Riley Bluth, Mariah DaSilveira, Paige Lawson, Christina Ferguson, Mary Chinn, Troop Treasurer. Front: Lea Chinn, Aiyana Cuen and April Hollars.
$459,000 Clayton Chaparral Springs – Beautifully landscaped and wellmaintained, this spacious 3BD/3BA remodeled town home is move-in ready! Popular end unit is located on golf course and has a sought-after floor plan with 3rd bedroom downstairs (currently configured as office).
Concord $569,000 Garaventa Oaks – 4BD/3BA w/updates & designer colors has 1BD/BA on main level. Living room has vaulted ceiling & lots of light; family room w/ fireplace. Kitchen has coffered ceiling, garden window & slab granite. Out in back is a stylish patio & mature landscaping.
Senator Marc DeSaulnier spoke about the importance of Memorial Day. County Supervisor Susan Bonilla summarized the view of most in the crowd, noting that, “This is a day when we come together in gratitude for what they were willing to do for us.” Following a fly-over by a Vietnam-era Huey UH-1 helicopter, local units of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, ROTC, Boy Scouts of America and Daisy Scouts brought in flags, while a band from Diablo View Middle School performed patriotic music. Musical group Yesterday’s Kids serenaded the crowd with songs with the themes each of the different branches of the military. Concord City Councilman Edi Birsan spoke of the meaning of each Memorial Day going forward following the start of the global war on terror not long ago. “When we face loss, a reminder that what we have in common means more than what divides us.” Denisen Hartlove
photo on the beach at Punta de Mita, Riviera Nayarit, about 30 miles north of Puerta Vallarta. Kevin is the Hiker’s Haven columnist for the Pioneer and promises that his next column will be a great Mexican hike. OMAHA BEACH
We tagged along with Linda Pinder and Bruno the dog last month when they drove across country to visit family in Sharon Springs, New York. Here we are at the Spring Garden Party with Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kelmer-Purcell, owners of the Beekman Mansion and the Beekman 1802 Mercantile. The Beekman mansion was built in 1802 in the Federalist style by the first judge in that county. The Mansion is just one mile from Linda’s childhood home. Brent and Josh had their own reality show called “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” and they were the winners of last year’s Amazing Race.
Dave Hosley covers the classics of Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Justin Timberlake and even Lady Gaga
July 6 Livin' In The USA A Cross-Country Music Trip: Fully themed and costumed "all hits" cover band
July 20 Mixed Nuts Dance music from the 50s to today.
August 3 Live by the Groove Enjoy the sounds of your favorite music from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
August 17 Flashback Six-piece band featuring hits from big band/swing, early rock 'n' roll, Motown/soul, R&B/funk, classic rock, disco and country.
BUENOS AIRES
August 31 The Chicago Tribute Authority This upbeat tribute band plays the music of the greatest hit bands of the last 45 years.
In May, Kathy and Herb Yonge with their friends Ron & Kathy Price spent a week in France. During their two-week trip they spent one week in Normandy and Brittany with a full day, with a guide, touring WWII sights.
On a recent trip to Buenos Aires, Punz and Cw Wolfe took a short hop, via catamaran, to Colonia, Uruguay, and made room for us in the back of the boat. Pictured with Punz (holding us) is Anita, a local Colonia artisan and shop owner.
Sept. 14 East Bay Mudd This 10-piece cover dance band with a powerful 4man horn section, will keep you on your feet asking for more.
Clayton $428,000 Oakhurst Golf Course Property – 2BD/2.5BA town home has amazing fairway and Mt. Diablo views from both the flagstone patio and the two master suites upstairs. Living and dining areas are filled with light, neutral berber carpet, and share a two-way fireplace.
$688,000 Concord The Crossings – Great location at end of a cul-de-sac on large, private lot. 5BD/3BA has family room with French doors & built-ins, living room w/fireplace, and kitchen w/extra work space. Vaulted ceilings & updated bath in master suite. Designer touches will impress you.
Concord $220,000 Roundtree Condo – One story end unit has 2BD/1.5BA with hardwood floors, fresh paint & kitchen with granite countertops. Washer/Dryer closet is super convenient. Walk to nearby restaurants, shopping, and schools. Nice community amenities including pool.
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
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Martinez $398,000 Hidden Lakes – 3BD/2BA has 1 BD/BA downstairs. Upstairs bedrooms: one with views & a bath with granite, the other with vaulted ceilings & plantation shutters. Enjoy a dining room, living room w/fireplace and a kitchen with granite. Extended deck with privacy.
Concord $429,000 Walnut Creek border – Move up to this great home in a convenient commute location & fantastic neighborhood surrounded by top schools, shops and parks! 4BD/2BA has a living room w/fireplace, nice kitchen and large, private yard with pool.
Concord $379,000 Clayton Valley Highlands – 3BD/2BA in sought-after neighborhood is close to all the Clayton Valley amenities – shops, restaurants, schools and parks. Large eat-in kitchen, tile floors, some updating. Nice size yard. Central HVAC for comfortable living.
Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* *Statistics based on Clayton closed by sales volume (1/2012 – 12/2012). Data by Trendgraphix
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Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Graffiti, from page 1 “People will report graffiti fairly quickly,” he says. “That way we can clean it up, and the spot won’t become a canvas for other artists.” It’s that quick response that is making Moore’s team a thorn in the side of graffiti artists who frequent Concord, especially on the Park Trail toward Port Chicago and the walls of the canal water-
ways that loop through the city. “We get on graffiti fairly quickly, and that frustrates many of the so-called artists,” says Moore. “We can even use techniques that make it very difficult to re-graffiti the site, so more and more people know to not mess with us.” It’s a small victory in a larger war, he says. Most of the graffiti is
LEIGH KLOCK
gang-related, and this time of year, it seems to be coming from out-of-towners who want to let Concord residents know they’ve been on their turf. What they may not know is that Moore and Concord’s Department of Public Works keeps a five-year file on graffiti artists, and that can be used in prosecuting criminal vandalism cases. “We have photos from the same artists, and they are financially responsible for the cleanup of all of those tags,” he says. While the canals, walls and buildings along the I-680 freeway get the most graffiti, Moore says that fences and houses on private property are also ripe for tagging. Even though Concord also requires property owners to remove graffiti on private lots, Moore says that if he sees some, he will clean it up. “It’s just easier, and it helps send the message that we have a very low tolerance for tagging,” he says. His budget for clean-up has ranged up to $350,000, money that his boss, Concord Public Works Director Justin Ezell, thinks could be spent elsewhere. “Graffiti makes people feel unsafe and affects property values,” he says. “I wish we could use that money for after-school programs and other positive, community efforts.” Concord councilman Edi Birsan, who campaigned for doing away with furlough days for the anti-graffiti squad, says he would like to see the city expand the crew to two fully staffed trucks to “get it off the walls faster.” He also encourages residents who see tags to call the anti-graffiti hotline, (925) 6713080 (24 hour a day) or report tags online on the city’s website: cityofconcord.org/for ms/ reportproblem.aspx. Thorsen also encourages his residents to call the Clayton Police at 925-673-7350 if they
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June 14, 2013
Newspaper, from page 1 Unlike other news sources based out of the area, with editors striving to find coverage from thousands of miles away, the Pioneer’s reporting comes from within. Pioneer owner and editor Tamara Steiner attributed the paper’s longstanding success to that local involvement. “Our staff lives in the community we serve and serves the community where we live,”
box derbies, political scandals and business booms alike have been reported within its pages. Denise Rousset, who serves as publisher and editor of a similar publication in the Danville area, the Valley Sentinel, sees this local coverage as the vital difference between the huge dailies and publications like hers and the Pioneer. “This is not interesting to the
Steve Pierce
PRINT NEWSPAPERS ARE ALIVE AND WELL, and we have the LOCAL staff to prove it. Front: Tamara Steiner, editor and publisher, Denisen Hartlove, writer, Pamela Wiesendanger, assistant to the publisher, Peggy Spear, writer; Back: Pete Cruz, graphic designer, Jason Rogers, photographer and Jay Bedecarré, sports editor.
Steiner said. “The columnists and writers are all local.” That is where local – and sometimes hyper-local – print journalism is picking up, not just in Clayton, but throughout the nation. WARREN BUFFETT WEIGHS IN One person who believes the newspaper industry has a chance to continue is Warren Buffett. Berkshire Hathaway, of which Buffett serves as CEO, has purchased 28 daily print newspapers in just over a year’s time, to the tune of $344 million. In his annual letter to shareholders, Buffett acknowledged that for reporting on certain subjects – national sports scores and stock quotes were two he noted – the Internet reigns supreme, reporting the details as quickly as they occur. But he said locally-based newspapers have a special relevance to the populations they serve. “If you want to know what’s going on in your town – whether the news is about the mayor or taxes or high school football – there is no substitute for a local newspaper that is doing its job.” Buffet said. “A reader’s eyes may glaze over after they take in a couple of paragraphs about Canadian tariffs or political developments in Pakistan; a story about the reader himself or his neighbors will be read to the end.” Over the years, the Pioneer has covered everything from a Boy Scout troop’s building project to area-wide battles over Clayton Valley High School’s charter petition. Weddings, soap
big papers,” she said of subjects such as municipal news and peewee sports. “They’re more anchored on the latest scandal with the latest politician, or whatever. We don’t have to bang
“If you want to know what’s going on in your town – whether the news is about the mayor or taxes or high school football – there is no substitute for a local newspaper that’s doing its job.” -Warren Buffett that drum. We can focus on the things that are really important, like where your money’s being spent, how the town council is doing, how the schools are doing. These things are what impact the lifestyle of the people who are living here.” Steiner meanwhile, sees continued growth both of the local print papers and the Pioneer in particular. “Print news is not dead. It’s going to live, and live on in the community papers,” she said. “Quality content and relevance will never be obsolete.” “This is our tenth anniversary. On our tenth anniversary we’re growing stronger.”
The Clayton Pioneer is on the move
ABC DIRECT CREW #2: Maria Santos, supervisor (second from left), with route walkers Herbert, left, and Mariano and Miguel (on the right) are part of the time-honored tradition of delivering the local paper right to your door.
With this issue, we are expanding our free home delivery to more addresses in Concord. The paper is delivered twice a month the old fashioned way – by carriers! Here is how it goes— Around 3 a.m. on delivery days, ABC Delivery Service drivers will drop bundles of papers on corners at predetermined spots around the delivery area. Later in the morning, the route walkers, Carlos, Herbert, Mariano and Miguel, will pick up the bundles and walk their routes, delivering “premier” local news to your home, free. The paper is fully supported by advertising. So, please support our advertisers. Should you miss an issue or if you are going on vacation or plan to be out of town
and want to stop delivery for awhile, please call the Clayton Pioneer, (925) 672-0500 and give us your address. Or, you can email your address to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. For a schedule of publication dates, advertising information or to submit story ideas and announcements, please visit our website at claytonpioneer.com. For advertising information, please call the office or email tamara@claytonpioneer.com. And, please, LIKE us on Facebook. The Clayton Pioneer is YOUR PAPER and we are proud and humble to be a permanent part of this great community. Tamara Steiner Editor and Publisher
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June 14, 2013
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
Directory of Advertisers P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA
R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers
AND
TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Pam Wiesendanger, Peggy Spear
We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com
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CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word Non-profit: $24 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 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. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Website 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 250 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include 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.
Before the 4th of July parade passes by … If you want to be part of the July 4 parade, you’d better start beating your drum…and beating a path to the city of Clayton website to sign up. The deadline is fast approaching for entries in this iconic downtown event. So, polish the trumpets, stock up on garland and flags and join your friends, neighbors, clubs, Scout troops, marching bands, carts and horses in this most patriotic and traditional celebration of our country’s independence. Applications for parade entries are due by June 24 and need to be approved in advance. The Kiddie Parade does not require advance entry. Just wash the dog and dress everyone up in red white and blue and show up at the flagpole by 10 a.m. Clayton’s, Cw Wolfe will be back on the grandstand as Grand Marshall again this year. And local choir Yesterday’s Kids will be joined by soprano Mechele Fong for the National Anthem. For parade applications, go to cityofclayton.org, or pick one up at City Hall. Volunteers also needed call 673-7304 if you can help out even a portion of that day between 6am-2 pm.
Fundraisers Loaves and Fishes The Loaves and Fishes annual fundraiser will be a Summer Garden Party from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sun., June 30,. at Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive, Moraga. For tickets, go to loavesfishescc.org or call (925) 687-6760. Loaves and Fishes has been feeding about 750 people a day for 30 years at their dining rooms in Antioch, Bay Point, Martinez, Oakley and Pittsburg.
Relay for Life Relay for Life will sponsor two fundraising events on June 29 to benefit local Relay teams. A Rummage Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the KinderCare parking lot located at 6095 Main Street. The sale is a multi-family event with different Relay teams participating with their own tables. The other event, Craft for Life, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside KinderCare. All monies raised will go to American Cancer Society and Clayton’s third annual Relay for Life.
Classified
Who or what
SERVICES Music Lessons Clayton teacher, your home or mine. Voice, piano and beginning guitar, all ages 5-100. All lessons are tailored to students’ goals and music preference. Over 20 years experience teaching privately and for the National Guild of Piano Teachers, a division of the American College of Musicians. $25 per 30 min private lesson. Fun lessons and we do two recitals a year. Julia D. Aguilar (925) 497-1003; juliaa99@gmail.com
are the
Ghosts of the Multiverse? From local sci-fi writer, Harald Hansen, comes a novel of ideas that is both thrilling and hilarious. In a town very much like Clayton, Fade, an everyman, meets a ghost and gets introduced to the Multiverse. dept and ter, a i r olence ruci w v s d i o e est ters y go "Ther some d n hana ver is charac ke – d s n i a n h h li se anse deat “Han ogue, and d minor a ith rald H the writing a H . l n n tio ftly; at dia – major a dividuals w . t all de holds your i g l s l n n e i i l a t d i ved l are -wr and oncei lling, over ten or dul uperb rough all the s c s l i l e w u rit n th nse - d dly-w w ttentio ts…” e a i v e no se are no ba t.” iew i ook R er Rev d even l l e B i d r m w o e F o P r S h f T – ew ks s; far –The N of Boo scene
l lectua to l e t n i ut ny, 's fun veryman o ssible, n e s n E po "Ha an acks and all its e the r t r e l l se ld– thri e wor rparts...we his charh t e v e sa ount d care for aceted c e t i n n if infi love a tory...mult ild new 's r o w auth and his s nsive, a s p r x e e s t ac Kirku ut an iverse." o – b a un tale of the n o i s vi
Islamic radicals descend on San Francisco, deciding whether or not to destroy the city. Navigating through sexual politics, our everyman tries to stop a war and save a family on the verge of falling apart.
Available on
Amazon
Toastmasters Develop public speaking, presentation and leadership skills with Toastmasters. Word Weavers Toastmasters meets Monday evenings 7 p.m. at Montecito, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. Visitors always welcome. contact400@toastmastersclubs.org or 400.toastmastersclubs.org. Flower Gardening by Nicole Hackett Perennial, ornamental, rose and container care. Keep your garden in flowers this year with monthly fertilizing and pruning visits. Email for consultation or details. Gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.
HELP WANTED Computer Tech Growing business has position for onsite pro computer tech in Contra Costa County. Must have experience in Windows and Mac OS, network repair and troubleshooting. ComputersUSA! 672-9989. Diablo View Construction is looking for a full-time employee. Requirements: Basic construction knowledge, driver’s license and car, hard working and dependable. Room for advancement. 822-5144. Come join Mazzei Realty! Currently interviewing and hiring new and experienced real estate agents. Call 693-0757 for details. Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today 672-
Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 Iron Horse Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595-3951 Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737, ext. 205 Events City of Clayton – Concerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7300 Clayton Theatre Company . . .Claytontheatrecompany.com Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090 Financial, Insurance and Legal Services DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . . . .210-1400 Held, Chris – Morgan Stanley Smith Barney . . . .930-3815 Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .432-4211 Mingham, Pete – Guild Mortgage Company . . . .906-8166 Prosperitas Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700 Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Groceries Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568 Home and Garden Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Contra Costa Water District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688-8320 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Optometry Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 Pet Services Cat Hospital of Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2287 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie's Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Landgraf, Linda – Prudential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .876-0311 Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-5626 Anytime Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6700 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Doodleton Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-207-7467 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Kali Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-0845 Momentum Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405-6599 Senior Services Chateau on Broadway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-1700 Diablo Senior Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-2936 Montecito – Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702 Services, Other Computers USA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Travel Celebrity Cruises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-456-7887 Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
Courage Do the Right Thing
Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Early fire season prompts CAL FIRE to increase staffing With dry winds forecast for many parts of Northern California, CAL FIRE has increased its staffing and is urging the public to be extra cautious due to the heightened fire danger. “We are into the fire season fully a month early,” said Cal Fire Batallion Chief Mike Marcucci. The peak fire season normally runs from May 15 to Oct. 15. This year, by April 29, the station was on full fire season staffing with two engines and six personnel on site around the clock. “Even with some recent rain in Northern California, conditions remain much drier than normal for this time of year,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “We have extra firefighters and equipment available to respond to new wildfires, but now especially is when we need the public’s help in preventing accidental wildfires.” Since January 1 CAL FIRE has responded to nearly 1,900 wildfires across California that have burned approximately 45,000 acres. In an average year
for the same time period, CAL FIRE typically responds to about 990 fires that burn around 7,700 acres. The significantly dry conditions are a major factor in the 90 percent increase in fire activity. During the fire season, CAL FIRE urges residents in the rural areas to exercise extreme caution outdoors in order to prevent a wildfires. “Mow or weed-eat in the mornings, early,” says Marcucci. Keep at least a 100-ft. defensible space around buildings, free of weeds, debris and fuel. “And call us right away if a fire starts. Don’t try to put it out yourself.” CAL FIRE operates the Sunshine Station on a contract with East County Fire Protection District. The District renewed the contract last month for the winter season beginning Oct. 15. To help prepare for a wildfire, the public is encouraged to review “Ready, Set, Go” procedures posted online at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
Runaway horse detours into downtown Clayton ELLEN POFCHER Special to the Pioneer
On the first Saturday every May, the Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association holds a long distance competitive trail ride for horseback riders. On May 4, rider Trish Pillsbury was looking forward to a beautiful ride through the state park, but Zoe, her mount, had other ideas. She wanted to go to the Clayton Art & Wine Festival. When Pillsbury dismounted on the trail to tighten her cinch, Zoe took off, charging down the Donner Canyon trail towards downtown Clayton. A Clayton resident in The Grove park saw the horse and phoned the police to alert them. About the same time, Clayton resident Brody Sanders saw three drivers using their cars to block Zoe from heading downtown. As he approached her, Zoe turned tail and began running back the way she’d come. Other drivers used their cars to block her path, and she stopped. Sanders was able to take hold of her bridle and lead her to Elizabeth Capella’s barn.
Capella, who lives in town and boards horses, has a standing arrangement with the Clayton police that when a horse or other animal shows up without an owner, the police can put the animal in a stall in her barn until the owner is located. The story didn’t end there, as there was fear of a downed rider. But about the same time, Pillsbury called 911, and dispatchers led her to Zoe. It’s another example of community members helping each other, said CPD Officer Alan Pike, who helped reunite horse and rider. “The heroes of the day were Capella and Sanders,” he said. Capella says that horses, cows, sheep and even an ostrich have been brought to her barn by the police “But in this situation, we were fortunate that those in the community were present and knowledgeable,” Officer Pike said. “Clayton is a small, closeknit community and we all take care of each other, of whoever is in need.” Even a horse needing wine.
June 14, 2013
Candlelight vigil this Sunday for Dylan Mitchell A candlelight vigil is planned for June 16, Father’s Day evening, in The Grove park supporting the Mitchell family of Clayton, who lost their eldest son Dylan in a tragic accident in San Francisco. The hour-long vigil will begin at 8 p.m. and the all are welcome. Dylan Mitchell, 21, had lived in San Francisco for just a week when he was riding his bicycle to work in the Mission District during the early morning hours May 23 and was involved in an accident with a garbage truck. San Francisco Police report that he was not wearing a helmet when he crashed into the rear of the truck and was dragged underneath it. The truck driver was unaware of the accident until he noticed bystanders getting his attention and he stopped. Mitchell was pronounced dead at the scene. The Clayton man was headed
to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 6, where he had been an apprentice for close to a year, following his father’s footsteps into the profession. Mitchell graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 2010 where he was a member of the wrestling team for four years. He discovered wrestling in sixth grade and continued through high school. He competed in the North Coast Section championships as a sophomore and junior and took third in the league meet as a senior at 130 pounds, when he was one of the leaders of the Clayton Valley team. His former Eagles teammates wore their uniform jackets to his memorial service in Lafayette last month. Mitchell was a nine-year member of the Dana Hills Swim Team, where his three younger brothers also swam. The Mitchell
DYLAN MITCHELL
family lives next door to the Dana Hills pool and Dylan was a student coach with the Otters for two years. Club president Catherine Myers says, “He was a good coach, swimmer and big buddy to younger swimmers.” The family mentioned that Tiger Woods was his idol and Dylan dreamed of being a pro golfer. “The Mitchell brother’s foursome [with his brothers Robert, Dustin and Matteo] will never be the same.”
He is survived by his parents, Julie and Paul Mitchell, and his brothers, his grandparents Terry and Jim Mitchell, and Saul Samuels, his aunts and uncles, Arla and Bill Samuels of Concord, Nechama and David Samuels of Israel, and Bonji and Michael Mitchell of Pittsburg, and many cousins. Memorial services were held at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette. The family suggests a donation to the Clayton Valley Wrestling Team as a way to remember their son. Checks can be made payable to CV Wrestling (write “The Dylan Mitchell Memorial Fund” on the memo line). Those wishing to donate to the Mitchell Family to help with funeral expenses can make a check payable to Julie Mitchell and mail to P.O. Box 141 Clayton, CA 94517.
Crime stats can hit too close to home
CHRIS THORSEN
BEHIND
THE
BADGE
Recently a member of the community asked me about the crime rate in Clayton. While not realizing it, the resident entered into an issue which is very near and dear to my heart. All police departments in the country submit statistical information to the federal government regarding crime, staffing levels, arrests, and a host of other information. These statistics, known as the “Uniform
Crime Report Statistics” or UCR, can be found on the FBI’s web site at fbi.gov/aboutus/cjis/ucr/ucr. The statistics for 2012 are not yet complete but the 2011 stats are in. If you view the site, you will see there are many ways to sort the data. For cities of comparable size, you will find the crime rate in Clayton is favorable. Depending on how you sort the data, we rank in the best two or three of comparable cities in California. Care should be taken, however, when reviewing these statistics. In a city like ours, given a low absolute number of crimes, a small increase or decrease in incidents can cause the data to imply a misleadingly large percentage change in crime rates. As an example, if a city had 10 reported burglaries one year and the next had 15, they would effectively see
Temple, from page 1 The Masonic Temple was built in 1927 by local craftsman Laurence Perry. It served as a community center, hosting both meetings and socials. From the early 1930s through the 1960s, the building was “the spot” for local dances, attracting big bands from San Francisco and Oakland, and even a 12-year-old musician named Dave Brubeck. “Generations of Concord residents danced here,” says former Concord Historical Society President Lloyd Crenna, who is overseeing the move. The Masonic Order sold the building in the mid-1990s, and the Galindo Street land surrounding it was slated for redevelopment.
Ultimately, the building was to be razed, Crenna says. “The developers offered to take some pictures and place them in the lobby of one of the new buildings,” he said. “The Historical Society didn’t think that was adequate, so we filed a lawsuit to preserve the building.” In a strange stroke of luck, the economic downturn in 2009 caused DeNova Homes, the developer, to pull out of the deal, and the city of Concord sold the temple back to the historical society for $1 – with the stipulation that it would be moved and turned into a museum. That was three years ago, says John Montagh, economic
a 50 percent increase in burglaries. However, the actual number of incidents increased only five. As I said at the outset, the issue of crime stats is very near and dear to me. Some time ago, at a community meeting in another city, the subject of crime statistics came up. It was pointed out the city I was working in experienced a decrease in reported crime – a good thing! I was asked by a resident very innocently, how much crime I considered to be acceptable? My answer was a somewhat curt, “Zero crime is acceptable!” It’s unfortunate that we may never achieve such a lofty goal as having no crime, but that should always be our target. Unbeknownst to the citizen who asked the question, my family had recently been the victim of a residential burglary. I had to look my wife and two
development and housing manager for the city of Concord. Despite the miniscule cost of obtaining the property, the preparation for and moving of the building has been anything but cheap or easy. Much of the historical society’s time and a chunk of the money they had raised for projects like this were spent on work on the Galindo House and Gardens, and it wasn’t until last year that they were able to turn their attention to the Masonic Temple, Crenna says. Between preparation costs, lumber and bracing before the move, and electrical and plumbing construction afterwards, the project ate up most of the $400,000 the society had left after the Galindo House repairs. And getting the temple up to 21st
small children in the eyes and reassure them that we were safe in our own home. I tried to explain to my young son why “bad guys” would steal the video games he had worked so hard to buy with his own money. We should be proud of the low crime and high quality of life here in Clayton. But as you consider the “crime rate” I hope we never forget that each one of those statistics represents a victim. That victim is a friend, neighbor or family member who’s experienced a loss. They are a parent who has to explain why “bad guys” harmed the family or took property and a sense of security. Not an easy or pleasant task, trust me … I know. Chris Thorsen is Clayton’s chief of police. For questions and comments, call him at (925) 673-7350.
Century standards – both in aesthetics and structure, such as making it earthquake safe – can cost up to $1 million, Crenna says. At least that is the target the historical society will use when it launches a fundraising drive for the new museum next week. “When this is all done, we will have a fantastic museum and resource center upstairs, and a great social venue with a stage, for performances and dances, downstairs,” Crenna says. “It will be just like it was in its heyday.” The annual Summer at the Galindo social will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. June 23 at the Galindo property, 1721 Amador Ave., Concord, next door to the relocated Masonic Temple. The $20 ticket includes a catered lunch. For more information, call 925-827-3380.
June 14, 2013
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 7
Can Clayton homes appraise like Danville’s?
ARE YOU PROTECTED?
Q. I would like to sell my high-end home in the Concord/Clayton area. I want my agent to use comps from Walnut Creek and Danville. There are homes there that are more like mine than in my area. He said we can’t do that. Do you have any pricing advice? A. Pricing a home correctly is more of an art than a science. It is a good idea to try to look at your home through the buyer’s eyes. After looking at the comps for other upscale homes in your town, what would you pay for the home? Be objective. What does your realtor suggest? I am guessing you don’t like his suggestion. Appraisal is the key. Unfortunately there is no way around that. Even if you get an offer for cash with no appraisal contingency, the buyer is still interested in knowing the value of the property. Appraisers have strict guidelines that they have to follow. Some of these are: Comparative sales should be within one mile of the subject property; they must be in the same city; a larger lot can adjust the price up, however, house square footage matters more than lot square
Your eyes need sunscreen, too!
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS footage in bringing in a higher price; the best comps are a similar size to the subject home. Most appraisers don’t use comps that are more than 400 square feet apart. If the property is in an industrial zone or backs to a busy street it affects the price. Comparables must be sales that have closed within the last 120 days. The best comps have closed within 60 to 90 days. If you can’t find comps to either pick or support your price it may be difficult for a buyer to get a loan. There are other methods that appraisers can use to determine value, such as replacement cost, along with other gauges, but a lender might not accept this. Good luck.
Q. My family is considering buying new construction for a home. That way we can pick the lot we want and the upgrades we really like. But we also love the charm of the older homes. Strictly from an investment standpoint, which is the best choice? A. There are reasons that new homes cost more than older homes. There are many attractive upgrades that aren’t standard. Landscaping and window coverings cost extra. New homes are built to current building code requirements, are generally energy efficient, and free of deferred maintenance that you might find in an older home. New homes usually have warranties for up to 10 years on structural issues and for several years on other components. You shouldn’t have many maintenance costs for several years. Be sure to investigate the builder before buying one of their homes. The builder should have a track record for taking care of problems promptly. You also want a builder with a history of building homes that don’t develop major problems. You can check out if the builder has strong financial footing through public records.
If you do buy an older home it may need refurbishing. It might cost you less initially but can end up costing much more when you take into account the expense of updating. To evaluate the true cost, find out the age of the roof, appliances and major systems like plumbing, heating/cooling and electrical. How long do you expect these to last and what will it cost you to replace them? Older homes require more maintenance than new homes but have more character. They usually have mature landscaping and often have better schools. And though they may need updating, they have stood the test of time. A good investment is an older home that has been meticulously maintained or a quality-built new home. But, whether you buy new construction or an older home, have it thoroughly inspected by licensed professionals.
2r0stOyFliFsh *
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Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions, contact her at 672878 7or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
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UTOPIC GARDENS
Train exhibit rolls into Clayton Museum
RAILROADS PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART in the area’s history and will be the subject of the latest exhibit at the Clayton Museum. Pictured with some of the art on display are Clayton Historical Society member Stephen Lane and asst. museum curator, Renee Wing.
CHARLES UCCIFERRI Correspondent
The Clayton Historical Society and Museum has been busy laying the tracks for its summer exhibit that is sure to open the eyes of local residents, taking them on a journey to the past. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the groundbreaking of the Transcontinental Railroad, “Railroads of the Clayton and Diablo Valley, and Beyond,” which opens this weekend, will showcase Northern California’s rich railroad history. Clayton Museum Assistant Curator Renee Wing and CHS Director Steven Lane are keep-
ing many of the exhibit showpieces and stories close to the vest, hoping to surprise visitors to the exhibit. “We’re going to make it so people new to railroad history – as well as people who have been around a lot more than I have – learn something new in this exhibit,” Lane said of the museum’s newest attraction. “That’s the goal.” Wing had initially wanted to unveil the exhibit in January of this year – the actual month of the groundbreaking 150 years ago – but it didn’t give the museum enough time to put together such an intricate exhibit. “We realized that the whole
thing is so complex,” Wing said on the preparation of the exhibit, “we wouldn’t have done it justice at all.” The exhibit, which has been under preparation since January, features a format that will allow visitors to really comprehend how local these old railroad lines really were. Using what the museum calls a “Now and Then, Above and Below” format, visitors will be able to compare photographs of old railroad sites and hubs with present day satellite imagery and photographs. Lane hopes to pique local interest in railroads as a whole, as not many people are familiar with California’s rich history of rail travel. “We live in one of the most culturally rich railroad areas in the nation,” Lane said. “We have the Western Railway Museum in Suisun City, where you can learn about the largest urban electric railway in the United States, and BART still uses those tracks.” Along with the photographs will be collections of historic maps, books and texts to further enhance and illustrate the railroad’s development. The Clayton Historical Society plans to open the exhibit on Father’s Day, June 16th, and it will run for the entire summer
of 2013. Rail Dust Randy, a musician specializing in railroad songs, will be performing live on June 16. Curators Wing and Lane will also be on-hand with special guests for the grand opening who will help provide an insightful look into the history of the Diablo Valley’s own back yard. The Clayton Museum is located at 6101 Main St. For more information, call 925-672-0240.
Curb Appeal
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Buyers and Sellers – the time is right THE MARKET IS HOT! INVENTORY IS LOW HOMES
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June 14, 2013
Clayton’s Nick Zefeldt makes final four for top teacher award JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Long-time Clayton resident Nick Zefeldt has made the cut as one of four finalists for the Contra Costa Teacher of the Year (TOY) award, which will be presented Sept. 26 at the Concord Hilton. A graduate of Clayton Valley High, Diablo View Middle and Mt. Diablo Elementary schools, Zefeldt is in his sixth year teaching at Live Oak Elementary in San Ramon and was one of 20 educators nominated for the award earlier this spring.
He just wrapped up his third year teaching fifth grade at Live Oak. After getting his teaching credential and master’s degree in education with a focus on curriculum development from the Cal State University East Bay Concord campus, Zefeldt landed his first job in 2007 at brand new Live Oak in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. The school now has 1,120 students and 45 teachers. This past school year Zefeldt, 29, spent the first three days of each week in his fifthgrade classroom with his 31 stu-
dents, teaching them their core classes. The other two days he’s teaching and training his colleagues in the brave new world of instructional technology. He taught third grade his first three years at Live Oak. The other three Teacher of the Year finalists are Carissa Sugden, Mt. Diablo Unified School District; Cindy Egan, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and Beth Levine, West Contra Costa Unified School District. Zefeldt, like Egan, represents San Ramon Valley Unified. Two of the four finalists will be chosen in late September to represent
NICK ZEFELDT FINALIST TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Contra Costa in the California State TOY Program. The county’s TOY program
is directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. The program uses a three-stage selection process, with a point and percentage system to determine the final candidates. The process began with application screening from a committee of 14, representing the county’s education, business and publicsector partners. This was followed by classroom observation and interview of five finalists in late April and early May. The selection process will conclude in August when the four TOY finalists will each give a three- to five-minute speech to another panel of a dozen educa-
tors, business and public-sector representatives who will judge the finalists on their speech and presentation skills. The four finalists will also give the same speech at the TOY banquet before the two winners are announced. Zefeldt and his wife Kirsten Graves live in Berkeley. His parents, Cecilia and Jim Zefeldt, have lived in Clayton since their oldest son Nick was in first grade. Currently, there is estimated to be more than 7,900 teachers educating approximately 169,000 students in Contra Costa County’s public schools.
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If you’ve found it harder to get a seat at the Clayton Library, it’s because a dozen worn-out chairs had to be retired. The Clayton Library Foundation asked the Clayton Business and Community Association for funds to replace the broken chairs, and the membership voted in favor. It’s quid pro quo, since many foundation members volunteer for CBCA events. The library chairs were just one of the grants bestowed by the CBCA at its May 30 meeting. Two student organizations
from Clayton Valley Charter High School asked CBCA for grants. The boys and girls golf teams requested funds for team shirts, golf bags, and related equipment, as well as for entry and greens fees for the coming year. The CVCHS Grad Night Committee asked for financial assistance for students who otherwise would be unable to attend the “Safe and Sober Grad Night,” San Francisco Bay cruise. Both requests passed overwhelmingly. CBCA also helped out the Girl Scouts, as Mayor Julie Pierce reported that Clayton
CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB On May 28, the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club hosted a brunch at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Concord to install officers for June 2013 to May 2014. The new officers are: President Nancy Boyle, 1st Vice President/Dean Linda Pasini, 2nd Vice President/Membership Aleta Huck, 3rd Vice President/Programs Barbara Glass, Recording Secretary Connie Weimar, Corresponding Secretary June Stewart, Budget Director Jeanne Groschwitz, Treasurer Rosemary Harwood, Auditor Priscilla Manlove, Parliamentarian Joyce Atkinson and Newsletter Editor Maggie Gardner.
scout Emma Hall’s Gold Award project is to work with the City in organizing a “Family Picnic in the Park.” The event, free to all Clayton families, is scheduled for June 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. in The Grove, with food, live music, the Clayton BMX team, and other activities. The city-wide picnic replaces New Year’s Eve’s “Clayton Counts Down,” said Pierce, who sees it becoming an annual event. The Girl Scout Gold Award is comparable to the Boy Scout Eagle designation. Acting meeting chair Ed
The GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club was organized in 1973 and will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. The members are community-minded women of all ages from the Clayton and Concord area and beyond. Members volunteer their time to support three fundraisers each year to benefit scholarships and donations to local non-profit organizations. Members also donate time, money and items for many service projects such as Blue Star Moms and Prevent Blindness of California. The club meets the second Tuesday of each month except for July and August. For more information, call 672-9448 or visit claytonvalleywomansclub.org.
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Hartley recognized The Clayton Pioneer for its stellar efforts in sponsoring “Clayton Cleans Up” last month. Besides the usual soda cups and plastic bags, volunteers picked up an abandoned bathtub and possibly enough auto parts to assemble an entire vehicle. As always, volunteers are needed to keep Clayton’s favorite events going. Sandra Johnson invited people in and out of CBCA to help at the Fourth of July parade and the Rib Cookoff on August 10. To join CBCA or to volunteer for an event, call 925-672-2272 or go to claytoncbca.org. DIABLO BOWMEN
Members of the Diablo Bowmen help guests learn about archery at last year’s Open House.
The Diablo Bowmen will host its annual Open House 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. This is a once-a-year opportunity to try archery. A lesson and lunch is $10. For directions and more information, visit diablo-bowmen.org or on Facebook at Diablo Bowmen Archery Club.
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MT. DIABLO AMATEUR RADIO CLUB In conjunction with the Salvation Army, the Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club is holding a seven-week course to learn what you need to earn a Technician Class (entry level) FCC Amateur Radio License. Course begins 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. There is a $5 materials fee. The textbook is less than $30. Follow-up training and license testing will be available. Register at HamRadioClass@gmail.com or call 465-9554.
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June 14, 2013
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Page 9
Tech gadgets: Tools or toys?
WILL CLANEY TECH TALK Have you ever felt that some new technology really wasn’t for you? You see something and shrug your shoulders and decide you really don’t need it because it’s just a toy. But then you buy one and within a few weeks start to wonder how you ever lived without it. Think back to the 1980s when a fax was the cool tool to own. You probably wondered how it would work for you and figured it was a passing fad, and you really
didn’t need it because mail was working just fine. Then one day someone showed you how your correspondence would be better, faster and less expensive if you owned a fax machine. So you bought one. Time passed and you wondered how you ever got along without it. Moving forward, are laptops, cell phones, smartphones, tablets, and Google Glass just toys, or are they useful tools? For me, a geeky type, they’re both, but for you – can you live without them? Could you remove yourself from the “grid” and become a tech recluse? Here’s one for you. Dual monitors. Toy or tool? I for one feel that two monitors, like two heads, are better than one. Panoramic views are cool, and I like the extra desktop space – the virtual kind – that I get using two monitors. I can play stockbroker on one monitor and write email on the other. When creating, I can have research info on one moni-
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tor and Adobe Illustrator on the other. Or my graphic work on one monitor and the toolbars on the second. There are dozens of reasons to own dual monitors. They are not very expensive. Two 19-inch monitors with mounting stand are less expensive than a single 24inch monitor, and you get more space. Most computers will support the extra monitor, and inexpensive upgrades are available if your computer is not equipped. If you’re interested, I suggest buying two identical widescreen monitors and a special stand that holds them up off your desk. Get one with a VESA connector on the back. The VESA designation is used to standardize the mounting of your monitors. Not all
monitors comply with this standard and that would mean leaving everything on your physical desktop. With two identical monitors so your panoramic views can be consistent. Windows 8 has special free panoramic backgrounds and screensavers for dual screens. I wonder how I ever got anything done with only one monitor.. What’s next – operating your home computer from your smartphone? Nah, that could never happen.
Think of a time when someone you cared a great deal about did something to you that hurt you very deeply. Can you recall how angry you were? Can you also remember how awful, sad, maybe scared or disappointed you felt underneath all of that anger? I would almost bet money that in the aftermath of that person’s actions you may have had some fantasies about what they could
do to make everything okay again and to beg you for your forgiveness. I see many people who struggle with old wounds and past hurts from the people they love the most. And, these same people will often not feel any better even after the apologies have been given and the amends have been made for the original wrongdoing. Why is this? Well, we tend to think that forgiveness is about the other person. For example, “If they would only do this or say that, then I could forgive them.” But, forgiveness is really about the person that was hurt or wronged; it is an internal process that does not depend on what the other did or said. While this makes the whole process that much harder, it is actually a good thing – because it means that you can forgive someone even if they never say sorry or makes amends, or if
you never talk to the person again, or if that person has passed away. There is always a chance to forgive no matter what. SO, HOW DO YOU DO IT? First of all, you have to connect with the underlying feelings and the pain of being hurt and wronged. Are you entitled to the anger and rage that blocks you from forgiveness? Of course, but it won’t do you any good. You have to, instead, recognize and articulate just how much you were impacted by what the other person did and let yourself feel all those feelings in order for them to dissipate. Second, you have to reflect of why the other person did what they did in order to cultivate some understanding, empathy and compassion for their actions; think about how they must have been hurt or wronged in some
Mayor, from page 1
Unattended chairs and blankets left before that time are subject to removal.
Clayton CERT will present safety information including how to perform hands-only CPR. The Clayton Historical Society Museum will be open for the event with its railroad exhibit, including information about the extensive railroad system that was once here in our area. The vent is the brainchild of Clayton resident Emma Hall, age 15. She is a member of the Diablo Shadows Girl Scout Service Unit and planned and organized the event as her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Emma wanted a family activity to replace the “Clayton Counts Down” New Year’s Eve event, which was cancelled due to declining attendance.
SUMMER SAFETY Many folks will be in and out of town over the next few months. Secure your home before leaving, have a neighbor keep an eye out for mail, parcel deliveries and newspapers, and contact our Police Department for its free vacation home checks. If you are taking an RV or boat, or having company visit in theirs, please remember that all on-site storage of RVs is restricted. On-street parking of RVs is also prohibited unless you get a RV parking permit from the Clayton Police Department. It’s easy to get a permit – just call the police department at 925673-7350 for more info.
Members of that organizing committee served as advisors to Emma as she arranged this new event for our community. That’s just one of the activities happening around town this month. This weekend, the Clayton Theatre Company is presenting a comedy show as a fundraiser at Endeavor Hall to raise money for their fall production. Details are in the “About Town” section of this paper. Next weekend, on Saturday, June 22, the ever-popular Diamond Dave will be back for our Concert in The Grove. The park will be packed, but please remember to wait until 4 p.m. to place your chairs in the park.
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way to do what they did. Does this mean that you condone what they did or let them off easy? No, it means that you accept what was and what will never be. I think Oprah Winfrey said it best with her quote, “Forgiveness is giving up hope that the past could have been any different.” Lastly, to forgive means to open yourself up and ask (whether from your higher power, or deeper source of being, or just within yourself) for strength and resolve to forgive that other person. You can say to yourself, “What you did was not okay. I deserved better. And, you deserved better, too. But, I forgive you. May I begin to heal and may you begin to heal from what has happened.” Stephanie T. Ho is a licensed psychologist. She has a private practice office in Walnut Creek and works at UC Berkeley. She can be reached at stephanie.ho.phd@gmail.com.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Clayton Historical Society is looking for beautifully decorated homes in the Clayton area for their annual Christmas Homes Tour. They are also accepting nominations for next spring’s Clayton Gardens Tour. Let me know if you have or know of homes for these great events. The Fourth of July Parade applications are on the city website: www.ci.clayton.ca.us. Register your group for the parade by June 24. The committee is still looking for volunteers to help with the parade on that day. It’s great fun and you still get to watch the parade with your family. Let me know if you can help. As always, you can contact me by email at JPierce@ci.clayton.ca.us. Let me know what you think!
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 14, 2013
Sports CV softball, baseball barely miss top billing Clayton Valley baseball ran into its NCS nemesis a game before the finals. The Eagles began the tournament with 4-1 win over Marin Catholic and then a 4-0 shutout of Newark Memorial before losing in the semis. The Eagles ended the year 22-5 in coach Casey Coakley’s return to the dugout. Ryan Snyder, the DVAL most valuable pitcher, gave up a tworun homer in the fifth inning for all the runs in the game. Left-hander Trent Sheldon shutout the Eagles on three hits, the same number the winners got.
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter almost capped the 2012-13 high school sports year with another North Coast Section team championship to bookend its first-ever NCS football title from last fall when coach Kristen Morley’s team reached the Section softball championship at the end of May at St. Mary’s College. Instead, crosstown rival Concord High cemented its credentials as a softball powerhouse program. The Minutemen won their third NCS title in four years by outscoring Clayton Valley 9-2 in the finals. It was the second time this year that an Eagles girls team was turned back by another Concord school in the NCS finals after Carondelet beat the CVCHS basketball team in the NCS championship game in March. Like Concord softball, Carondelet is on a roll in basketball with nine section titles in 11 years. Campolindo won its fourth straight NCS baseball crown after eliminating Clayton Valley 2-1 in the semi-finals. In 2011 Campo won its second of the four straight with a 5-3 win at Clayton Valley in the finals. The Eagles continue to maintain a strong presence at NCS with their fifth semi-final appearance in the past seven years, including the magical 2009 championship in the school’s Golden Anniversary year. The softball team wasn’t seriously challenged in the playoffs
Photo courtesy Clayton Valley Charter High School
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY CLAYTON VALLEY SOFTBALL MADE IT TO THE NORTH COAST SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. The team included, front row from left, Kaitlyn Montgomery, Kathy Mason, Bella Faleafine, Cassie Delmonte, Julia Arteaga; standing, coach Dave Cooney, Kaitlyn Covione, Julia Morgan, Rachel Siver, Jacee Almond, Ashley Daniels, Kierra Willis, Maddie Tamichi, Shannon Mestas, Jenna Zukowski and head coach Kristen Morley. Mestas rewrote the school record book.
until the finals. The Eagles defeated American 10-0 in five innings, won 5-3 over Maria Carrillo and then beat second-seeded Alhambra in Martinez 10-5 in the semis as Mestas blasted a pair of homeruns. At the same time Concord, seeded fourth behind their Diablo Valley Athletic League cochamps, beat Dublin, Pinole Valley and then top-seeded Petaluma to get back to the finals. Concord softball won the 2010 NCS title for the first Sec-
tion team championship in school history. They then captured the 2012 title and used that experience to help them in this year’s finale against CVCHS in the rubber match for the season series after the Concord rivals split home and home games to end the DVAL season and shared the league title. Clayton Valley made its ninth straight appearance in the Section tournament but had never won more than one game in the previous eight years.
In the championship game it was DVAL most valuable pitcher Kelly Drake of Concord who got the best of the Eagles and league MVP Shannon Mestas. Concord scored three times in the top of the first inning and stretched the lead to 4-0 before Mestas hit a two-run homerun in the fifth inning (her school record eighth of the year) to pull the Eagles close. Concord settled things with five runs in the seventh inning for the final margin of victory. Clay-
ton Valley made four errors in the game while Concord countered with a number of defensive highlight plays. It was a disappointing end to a wonderful run for the Eagles as seven seniors earned all-DVAL honors but came up just short of their ultimate goal in a 22-4 season. Led by Drake, Concord High figures to be right back in NCS contention next year with three other Minutemen juniors getting all-league notice.
CLAYTON VALLEY TRACK & FIELD Clayton Valley 2013 track and field came to an end at the NCS Meet of Champions, one step before the CIF State Meet. The girls 4x100 meter relay team posted another school record 48.27 for fourth place, just off the podium to reach State. Runners were Janelle Bandayrel, Jessica Forrester, Jevoni e Rogers and Sara Holt, who also missed qualifying for State by placing fifth with a time of 12.7 in the 100-meter dash. Tisi Allatini was eighth in the discus with a throw of 110 feet. The boys 4x100 relay was unable to advance to the finals, running 44.1 seconds while Alex Hernandez placed 12th in the 200 in 22.8. Coach Darren Newell’s team sent 37 athletes to the NCS Tri Valley meet and qualified in six events for MOC, the most entries the Eagles have had in more than 10 years.
New Clayton Valley boys basketball, soccer coaches named JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
New head coaches have been selected for the Clayton Valley Charter High School boys basketball and soccer teams and the Concord school has lined up a pair of men with extensive playing and coaching experi-
GUILLERMO JARA II is bringing his professional soccer playing experience with him as the new Clayton Valley Charter boys soccer coach and PE teacher beginning with the 2013-14 season.
ence, including as professional athletes. Eric Bamberger, who played and coached at Ygnacio Valley High School, replaces Troy Sullivan who stepped aside after a decade in charge of Eagles basketball. Bamberger takes over at the same time Paul Kommer moves up from junior varsity to varsity girls headman. On the soccer field Guillermo Jara II will be the third head coach in as many seasons for the Eagles, who endured a difficult 2012-13 season after a strong four-year run under previous coach Rory Gentry that included back-to-back NCS semi-finals in 2011 and 2012 before suffering a one-win record this past season. Jara brings with him a lifetime of soccer playing and coaching experience on many levels. He is listed as one of the top 50 athletes ever in the West Coast Conference after a four-year career at University of San Diego
where he is the all-time scoring and assist leader and was the WCC player of the year in 1995. He helped his team to a pair of conference titles and four straight NCAA appearances. He was on the United States under 20 and U23 teams and before that a Parade Magazine high school all-America. Drafted seventh overall in the 1996 Major League Soccer draft by the Los Angeles Galaxy, Jara also played with Tampa Bay Mutiny and Colorado Rapids in MLS. Jara has coached club soccer teams in Northern and Southern California as well as Lionel Wilson High School boys and girls soccer since 2008 in Oakland. He’s been working with the San Jose Earthquakes since 2011 with their US Soccer Development Academy teams and he’s also collaborated with Diablo FC in their affiliation with the Earthquakes this year. Bamberger helped Ygnacio
Valley to the Northern California Division I basketball championship in 1987, the first ever for a school east of the Caldecott Tunnel. The Warriors won a school-record 28 games that year and also featured future NFL receiver Chris Walsh and Chris Roach. They lost to Mater Dei in the State title game. As a senior Ygnacio and Bamberger won NCS and were runner-up at NorCal. YV Bamberger was a three-time all-league and two-time all-state player plus named 1988 Bay Area, Northern California and California Division 2 Player of the Year. The 6-9 Bamberger played basketball under four coaches at St. Mary’s College after turning down a football scholarship as a tight end to Cal. His Gaels went to the NCAA Tournament in 1989. After graduating from St. Mary’s, Bamberger competed in the Continental Basketball Association, a farm circuit for the
Jason Rogers photos
DAN DELLA GYMNASIUM AUDIENCES will see new head coaches leading the CVCHS varsity basketball teams next season. Paul Kommer (left) will be in charge of the girls while Eric Bamberger has taken over the boys program.
NBA, then in France, Australia and South Africa. Bamberger has coached basketball at Ygnacio Valley and Deer Valley. At the Antioch school Bamberger took the Wolverines to North Coast Section six times including DI finals in 2006. In
recent years he’s coached his daughter’s St. Bonaventure CYO basketball team. Bamberger will be teaching physical education and computers at Clayton Valley Charter starting in the fall. He lives in Concord with his wife Kate, son Mason and daughter Ali.
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June 14, 2013
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Sports
Kohler, Ipsen continue to flourish in national spotlight JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
It’s less than a year since Clayton’s Kara Kohler and Kristian Ipsen were preparing for their biggest athletic moment as each was striving to make the 2012 United States Olympic Team in their respective sports of rowing and diving. They each succeeded and went on to win bronze medals in London. In the past couple of weeks these local heroes have gained more medals and achieved new laurels. Ipsen easily won the one- and three-meter springboard competitions at the United States World Championships Trials in May and will be representing America in Barcelona, Spain from July 20-28. Kohler and her Cal teammates won the NCAA varsity eight crew championship as the Golden Bears finished second in the team standings to Ohio State in Indianapolis. With the 2013 result, the Bears have now placed in the top three as a team in the NCAA Championships each of the past six years and nine of the last 10 overall. The Bears captured their first national championship in the varsity eight since 2005 by winning by more than a second over second-place Princeton. “Today was a complete team effort capped off by a fantastic race by the first eight,” said California head women’s rowing coach Dave O’Neill. “All year long we knew they had some great speed, but the only time they raced to their potential was against Stanford. We had an honest conversation last night, and they understood this was one last golden opportunity to make it a great year. They certainly took advantage of this last chance, and I could not be more proud of them.” Junior Kohler and her classmate Agatha Nowinski were
selected to the All-Pac-12 team for the second consecutive season. Kohler earned the honor again after getting named to the team in 2011. She took last season off to train with the U.S. National Team. An excited Kohler posted on Facebook, “[I] really don’t know how else to say it but... I’m a NATIONAL CHAMPION! This team will always be remembered as LUCKY ‘13 because of the seniors that I will miss so dearly. We had our fair share of rough patches this year in training and racing but finally were able to get our s*** together and WIN THE DAMN THING!” IPSEN TO WORLDS Ipsen put together a score of 835.60 to qualify for his third World Championships team, although it will be his first time competing on one-meter at that meet. Ipsen teamed with his then new three-meter synchro partner Troy Dumais in Rome at the 2009 World Championships taking the silver medal. Two years later in China Ipsen and Dumais were fourth in the 3M synchro after being as high as second and then the local lad took 31st in the 3M springboard as he didn’t even make the finals. “I’ve always wanted to do one-meter at a world meet but I’m usually doing 3M and 3M synchro and three events is a little tiring. Since I’m not diving synchro with anyone this year, I thought I might as well do 1-meter. It’s fun,” Ipsen said after winning 1M by more than 51 points over secondplace Harrison Jones. He closed out his day with 87.50 points on a reverse 1 ½ with 3 ½ twists – the most difficult dive done by any diver in the contest. Ipsen finished the men’s 3M with 1372.50 points, 90.7 over runner up Samuel Dorman. “I knew finals was going to be a
Photo courtesy Cal Berkeley Athletic Communications
Clayton’s Kara Kohler was once again named to the All-Pac 12 rowing team but this time the honor played second fiddle to the national championship her women’s eight boat won earlier this month in Indianapolis. The Olympic bronze medalist was in the No. 4 seat for the Bears as they edged Princeton and Ohio State in the varsity eight race.
good event and in a competition like that, everyone feeds off of each other. Everyone in the competition was diving really well, so it allowed me to step up my game too. I’m really happy with how the final went,” Ipsen said. “Going to worlds with three years until Rio [2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil] is going to be an amazing learning experience, and so far the team is incredible. I’m really looking forward to it.” His Stanford coach Rick Schavone is on the World Championships staff, just as he was in London last summer. Contradicting what he said earlier in the meet Ipsen did compete in 3M synchro. His collaboration with Dumais ended after the Olympics and in a spur-ofthe-moment decision Ipsen teamed up with 10-meter gold medalist David Boudia. “I talked to David a couple days ago and we decided we’d go ahead and try
it just for fun to see how it went. We only practiced together for a few minutes,” Ipsen said. “I was surprised with how well we did.” Boudia at 24 is nine years younger than the veteran Dumais and may prove to be a long-term synchro partner with Ipsen. In the closest scoring of the meet’s final day, Dumais and Michael Hixon paired up to win the men’s 3M synchro, just 4.68 points ahead of Ipsen and Boudia. Earlier in the week, Ipsen said he wasn’t planning to compete in synchro. Because he and Boudia did not have an opportunity to train together before Trials, they had initially planned to focus on their individual events. As an added bonus for Ipsen his family planned a European vacation for him after the World Championships before he returns for his third year at Stanford. USA Diving contributed to this story.
Golf etiquette – keep it up to par Golf season is in full swing in the Bay Area, and all of the area golf courses in the area are very busy, including ours at the Oakhurst Country Club. I have now been in golf business almost 20 years and there is one thing that still amazes me: Many golfers know the rules of golf very well but many have skipped the most important part of the rule book: “Etiquette – Behavior on the Course.” I spoke with several experienced golfers this morning and found that none of them have ever read this section in the rule book. Knowing these rules will not only help you enjoy your day but help everyone else enjoy theirs, as well. Your skill level does not matter as long as you follow the simple rules. HERE THEY ARE: First off, it is not a sin to allow a faster group to play through. Each club has a dress code, if you do not know what is, call the golf shop they will be happy to give you all the information you need. For example, denim, exercise apparel and cargo shorts are most likely not permitted. You should wear a collared shirt, tucked in, and your hat on forward. If you do not know how to fix a ball mark, fill a divot or rake a bunker, ask the PGA Professional at your course. They will be happy to show you, and it helps makes this game better for all of us. Always leave the course better than you found it. Put your cell phones on
ROBERT BARNES, PGA
GOLF TIPS vibrate or, better yet, turn it off. Nothing is more aggravating to your group than waiting for you to finish your phone call so they can continue playing. Follow the cart rules. They may not go fast but many golfers have been seriously injured. Golf carts are topheavy and tip over very easily, and they are not a toy for children to drive. If, God forbid, an accident occurs and the driver does not have a valid driver’s license, insurance will be of no help. The game of golf is a great one, and enjoyed by millions. It is a game for “ladies and gentlemen,” and everyone on the course is entitled to enjoy their day. There should be no need for marshals or referees, etc. Please keep that in mind and take the time to read the chapter on etiquette. Here is a website where you can find those rules: usga.org/etiquette/tips/ Golf-Etiquette-101.
Robert Barnes is the Head Golf Pro at Oakhurst Country Club.
Clayton athletes key to De La Salle lacrosse, golf success JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
For the second time in three years De La Salle won the CIF Northern California high school golf championship with a pair of Clayton golfers playing key roles. Spartan juniors Jason Hurtz and Justin Nuval, who are regulars at Oakhurst Country Club, each gained their second NorCal winner’s medal while helping the Concord school earn another trip to the State finals. At the Norcal Championships in Patterson at Diablo Grande Country Club, De La Salle ended up nine strokes better than second place Archbishop Mitty of San Jose. Hurtz scored 76 and Nuval 77 for the Spartans. Robert Louis Stevenson of Pebble Beach was third at NorCal. Coach Leo Lopoz said of his team, “This group is as good as any we’ve taken to State before. It’s similar to a lot of the better
teams that have come through DLS. You need five, even six guys.” At last week’s CIF California State Championships De La Salle ended fifth as Stevenson School won its first-ever State title, fittingly in its hometown at Quail Lodge Golf Course. The Spartans were one stroke behind fourth place Mitty and nine in arrears of the winning Stevenson quintet. Hurtz posted 77 and Nuval 80 on the par 71 layout in Carmel. Hurtz was headed for an outstanding round until he played the last four holes five over par including a birdie on 16. Hurtz and Nuval had moved up from junior varsity during their freshman season in 2011 to earn spots on the De La Salle NorCal championship team. Brandon Roberts a junior from Clayton and Oakhurst was a leader on that team. De La Salle won the 2006 State championship and finished third the
OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB AND CLAYTON provided two golfers for the Northern California high school championship golf team from De La Salle. Spartan juniors Justin Nuval (left) and Jason Hurtz call Oakhurst their home course. The duo was part of the DLS title squad as freshmen in 2011 as well.
next year. De La Salle won the East Bay Athletic League tournament at Diablo Grande by 12 strokes over runner-up Football of Pleasanton at the end of April. Hurtz and Nuval each shot 77 in the league meet. The victory qualified DLS for the North Coast Section Tournament of Champions where Foothill turned the tables on the Concord team by placing first, two shots under De La Salle’s score. Hurtz carded a 71 and Nuval 74 at NCS. DE LA SALLE LACROSSE Defender Matthew Hennis of De La Salle lacrosse was selected all-EBAL first team. The Spartans finished the year 14-3 and were defeated as the No. 1 NCS seed in the championship game to Novato. The team traveled to Southern California for the first time during the season and won both games against perennial SouCal powerhouses Foothill (Orange County) and Coronado. Hennis was assigned duties guarding opponent’s best attack man and routinely won those battles in most cases, not giving up any goals, assists and few shots. The Clayton player has been a defender for only two years. He’ll play next year at Diablo Valley College. The Spartans figure to be strong again next year with a trio of returning Clayton players on the team—seniors-to-be Gio Rico and Brett Rideau and sophomore Brook Rideau. CARONDELET SWIMMING Jasmine Millan, coach of the NCS champion Carondelet swimming team was again named
East Bay swimming Coach of the Year. Millan coaches the Oakhurst Orcas during the summer recreation season. Carondelet dethroned two-time defending champion San Ramon Valley to win the NCS title for the second time in four years. As expected, seniors Chelsea Chenault and Madison White made major contributions but freshman Madelyn Murphy and Malorie Han were also crucial to the team’s success. All three Cougars’ relays qualified for the finals with the 400 freestyle relay setting a national high school record in the meet at Concord Community Pool.
Photos courtesy De La Salle High School
SENIOR MATT HENNIS (19) of De La Salle, a defender from Clayton, was named to the first-team all-East Bay Athletic League lacrosse team. The Spartans were top-seeded before losing in the NCS semi-finals to Novato.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 14, 2013
Sports
Do Warriors need prima donna Howard? Bruce & Zoey
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Golden State Warrior fans can be very proud of what their young team did this season. Coming off a year in which they won barely over 20 games, no one around the league really expected much from the young squad coached by Mark Jackson. Although they were not initially feared to start the season, the Warriors transformed into a team with sensational shooting ability and electrifying fast breaks. They made it to the second round of the post-season, losing to the veteran San Antonio Spurs by simply being outmatched by the experience of the Spurs veterans and their coach Gregg Popovich. The question is now raised, how do the Warriors advance further into the playoffs? Some believe the answer may lie in a so-called “Superman,” better known as Dwight Howard. Howard is a very intriguing
TYLER LEHMAN
SPEAKING
OF
SPORTS
player to say the least. Considered by many to be the greatest center in the game currently, Howard is a Goliath on the glass who averaged around 17 points and 12 rebounds a game this season for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is unquestionably a superstar player, but also has a superstar ego. He came to the Lakers in the 2012-2013 season in a trade with the Orlando Magic. Howard did not want to
play for the Magic anymore, and like many of the prima donna superstars that are so prevalent in basketball, he completely controlled the will of that franchise and forced his own trade. Now that the season is almost at a close, Howard is again facing the decision of which team he wants to play for. He could resign with the Lakers, be traded to the Rockets, Hawks, Mavericks, or the Warriors. Howard is a player with a very big ego, but the fact of the matter is that he could help the Warriors inch closer to winning an NBA title. With his dominant presence on defense and his postup ability, he is the type of player the Warriors desperately need. Currently, the Warriors have zero post presence on their team. David Lee and Carl Laundry focus on the outside, jump-shot game, and Andrew Bogut has little offensive capabilities due to his
battered body. Considering the Warriors focus so much on jump shooting, if the shots aren’t falling, you need a fallback player who you can dish the ball to down low, and Howard can be this player. If the Warriors want Howard, they would have to do a sign and trade. Unquestionably Andrew Bogut, the Warriors current center, would be in the deal, and then they would have to sweeten the deal with one of their young stars. They would have to include Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, or Harrison Barnes. All three of these players have superstar potential, so would it be worth it for the Warriors to trade one of them away for Howard? I say yes, because relying on merely jump shooters will not win Golden State an NBA title. Email your comments or questions to Tyler@claytonpioneer.com.
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Success as a team most often translates into individual honors and the Clayton Valley Charter High School softball and baseball teams were no different this spring. Shannon Mestas is the Diablo Valley Athletic League’s most valuable softball player while Jesse Medrano shared the baseball MVP award and Ryan Snyder was the DVAL’s most valuable pitcher.
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SHANNON MESTAS
Clayton Valley softball reached its pinnacle this year by making it to the North Coast Section championship game. There the Eagles lost to rival Concord High and junior Kelly Drake, who was the DVAL most valuable pitcher. For Mestas the honor is no stranger as she was the league pitching MVP as a junior and DVAL MVP as a sophomore. She earned first-team all-league honors her freshman year too. Joining their classmate on the all-DVAL softball team were Jacee Almond, transfer Kierra Willis and Bella Faleafine on the first team and Ashley Daniels, Julia Arteaga and Katilyn Covione on second team. Junior Rachel Siver was a second team choice too. NCS champion Concord
JESSE MEDRANO
had three more juniors join Drake on all-DVAL, making them the presumptive favorites next season. Like Mestas, Almond, Faleafine and Willis received allDVAL mention for four years. Medrano, who was also DVAL defensive MVP in football, capped his year by receiving the Clayton Valley Eagle Award for outstanding student taking into account his academic, athletic and other extracurricular activities. He will be playing Fresno State baseball next year. Athletic Director Greg Fister says, “Jesse is a captain, MVP, leader and role model. He always does the right thing and is exactly what every incoming freshmen at Clayton Valley Charter should aspire to emulate as a student and as an athlete.” Snyder was DVAL baseball
RYAN SNYDER
Sports Shorts 3 SUMMER BASEBALL CAMP SESSIONS AT CV IN JUNE Clayton Valley Charter High School coach Casey Coakley has put together a staff of current CVCHS coaches and players as well as Eagle alumni to provide baseball instruction to youngsters 6-13 years of age at the school. Summer baseball school sessions will be held June 17-20, June 2427 and July 1-3. Each daily session runs 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Fee is $120 for one session with discounts for multiple weeks. To reserve a baseball school spot or to get more information email casey.coakley@claytonvalley.org. MDSA FALL LEAGUE REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED FOR WAIT LIST Mt. Diablo Soccer is holding online signups for the fall AYSO season. Players who register during June will be placed on a waitlist. Girls and boys 4 (must be 4 by July 31) through 18 are eligible for MDSA. Parents are strongly encouraged to also accept a volunteer assignment to assist MDSA operate. For more information email registration@mdsoccer.org or visit mdsoccer.org. BLAZE TRAVEL BASEBALL TRYOUTS COMING UP JULY 13-14 Blaze baseball is a member of USSSA offering 11U and 12U teams which play in highly competitive tournaments throughout Northern California. This is a fall travel team that competes in weekend tournaments during September, October and November. Tryouts will be held July 13 and 14 at Clayton Community Park from 2-6 p.m. These competitive teams carry only 11 players. For questions about the Blaze program or tryouts, contact Casey Copeland (510) 282-4986 or visit alloutsportsleague.com to register for tryouts.
MVP as a junior and backed that up this season with the pitching MVP which he shared with Concord’s Cody Crocker. Joe DeMers of College Park was most valuable pitcher in 2012 as a freshman and this year was co-MVP with Medrano as a sophomore. Josh Ballard, Graham Primm and juniors Grant Meylan, Austin Cannedy and Ethan Utler were first team all-DVAL for the Eagles, who reached the NCS baseball semi-finals again this year. On the second team were Garrett Nelson and John Ballard while Eddie Juarez was honorable mention. Josh Ballard and Medrano join only 10 former Clayton Valley baseball players as threetime all-league selections over the past 54 years.
CASEY ADAMS
Casey Adams racked up a number of honors last fall for her water polo exploits including becoming a California finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. She continued her athletics with a senior soccer season while maintaining a 4.5 grade point average and earning a North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship Award. For all of these achievements Adams was awarded CVCHS Scholar Athlete of the Year, given to the top
CVCHS athlete (boy or girl) with the highest GPA and other criteria. Adams is headed to UC Davis where she hopes to continue her water polo career. Fister added, “Casey has been outstanding example to young female athletes at CVCHS how to lead, represent your school well, while excelling academically and athletically. Casey always looks to help others first and is an all-around great person.” Clayton Valley boys lacrosse senior midfielder Travis Kohlmeyer was first-team allDVAL and will continue his playing career next year at Cuesta College. Junior midfielder Clayton Martin and soph attacker Brent Tovrea were second-team allleague. Mike Kerr, Carlos Guerrero and Jack Zuercher were honorable mention. For the Eagles girls LAX Morgan Bennett was first-team all-DVAL in attack while junior classmate Val Wirfel and senior Megan Abcede were midfield first-team selections. Kyra Ortiz and Briana Parham were on second team all-league while Amanda Calimlim, Alaina Campbell and Lauren Valory gained honorable mention. The Clayton Valley boys tennis team had juniors Austin Arter, Jimmy Young and Kevin Dong were second-team all-DVAL while Harrish Sheikh and Ryan Stickney were honorable mention. Eagles boys golf placed sophomores Liam Calkins on second team and Ryan Stickney honorable mention. From the CVCHS boys volleyball squad Matthew D’Angina was first team, Garrett Blatter second team and Tyler Sun honorable mention.
CLAYTON VALLEY FOOTBALL CAMP JUNE 24-27 North Coast Section champion Clayton Valley Charter High School hosts its Future Champions Full-Pad Youth Football Camp June 24-27 for 4th through 9th graders at Clayton Valley. Camp Director Michael Dominquez and Eagles head coach Tim Murphy explain that the camp has individual and group instruction and team competition with fundamentals and techniques of football taught by the CVCHS staff. To register, email coach.dmngz@gmail.com or call (925) 726-1503 for an application. FINAL 2 FOOTBALL, CHEER SIGNUPS FOR CV FALCONS Registration is still open for Clayton Valley Youth football and cheer. Football is for ages 7-14 while cheer accepts ages 5-14. The final two inperson registration days for the CVAA Falcons are Sunday, June 23, 1-3 p.m. and on Wednesday, July 10, 6-8 p.m. at Mountain Mike’s Pizza by Clayton Bowl. The season starts July 29. For more information and online registration visit CVAAFalcons.com. TENNIS CAMP THIS SUMMER AT OAKHURST Clayton Valley Charter High School tennis coach Rick Ortega is holding the Oakhurst Grand Slam Summer Tennis Camp from June 17-Aug. 8 weekdays from 1-3 p.m. for high school players of all levels at Oakhurst Country Club. Contact coach Ortega for details at coachrickcvhs@aol.com. SUMMER YOUTH, ADULT PROGRAMS COMING TO CLAYTON GYM Summer will be a busy time for All Out Sports League programs through Clayton Community Gym. Adult volleyball and summer leagues for youth volleyball (8-16 years-old), t-ball (3-5 year-olds) and basketball (4-16 yearolds) will all be offered in June and July. There are different deadlines for each program. For complete information, visit alloutsportsleague.com.
June 14, 2013
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
It’s not hard – cats need soft food
MARYBETH RYMER,
DVM
PET PALS Many advances in feline nutrition have been made in the last decade. When I first graduated, we believed that dry food was ideal for its convenience, dental cleaning action and cost effectiveness as well as being less fattening. Many felt that canned food was less desirable due to expense, its hard-to-open cans, high calories, and smelly litter box potential. Today we know that most of these facts are unfounded. Cats are true carnivores.
They require high levels of protein in their diet. After analysis of small wild feline species and feral cat diets, we understand this need. Cats hunt small prey such as mice, moles, lizards and insects. They feed on these small high protein meals several times a day. Then humans, in our efforts to domesticate, feed cats large amounts of dry food twice daily to fit our own meal times. This predisposes to an overweight cat for two reasons: First, dry food is naturally high in carbohydrates and low in protein, being primarily made from plant materials, grains and fiber. Second, by feeding a large amount of food once or twice daily, we have now presented a situation where our cats start to gorge on the abundance, loosing their natural appetite control. FAT CATS The number of overweight felines, along with their human counterparts, has escalated over the years. As in people, Type 2
diabetes is prevalent in overweight felines. The key to preventing this dilemma is to feed our felines a diet that will keep their metabolism in proteinmode, not carbohydrate. Wet food best imitates mice morsels. Not only is it high in protein but the increased moisture content keeps the cat’s body hydrated, preventing urinary cystitis and blockage as well as constipation. If your cat must eat dry food, protein/carbohydrate levels must be additionally processed to achieve the correct ratio. Because of this, these diets are more expensive. But the alternative may be the expense of treating diabetes and the commitment of twice daily insulin injections. Also, veterinary dentists now suspect that cat’s teeth are not designed to crunch hard foods but to carve through soft mice muscle and small bones. Crunching down on hard food may create torsion on the roots cracking the tooth.
Nutritionists say that the ideal food should be over 45 percent protein and less than 10 percent carbohydrates. Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell by the guaranteed analysis on the label. Several equations are available to approximate these percentages, but are too complicated and inaccurate to discuss here. Feline nutritionist feel that feeding any wet food is better than dry. Poultry most closely approximates the mouse diet. Cats rarely eat fish and beef in the wild. Avoid gravy or sauces which add carbohydrates. It is best to discuss your cat’s nutritional needs with your veterinarian, who can make food recommendations and will carry diets formulated for maintaining the protein driven feline metabolism.
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Hibachi and Tammy are ARF’s Stars
HIBACHI
Three-year-old Hibachi is a sweet, sensitive, cuddly boy who likes to burrow his teeny-tiny frame into the nearest lap. Hibachi prefers a quiet home with calm, patient adopters who
TAMMY
understand that he might be a bit shy and unsure with new friends. Hibachi would be a great candidate for our Wallflowers class where he could learn how to navigate new situa-
Day Care, from page 1 Regional Vice President for KinderCare, Brian Cuda. Moss stated, “They’re closing the wrong center.” Despite being hammered by parents – some irate, some just puzzled – for more than hour, Cuda stood firm in his resolve that closing the center made financial sense, and the fourweek notice was the usual amount of time parents had at any site closure. “This is a transition, and transitions are very hard, especially when they involve your children,” he said. CLAYTON CHILDREN’S CENTER This particular center has seen its share of transitions over the years, going from the familyowned Clayton Children’s Center to corporate ownership, with KinderCare finally taking over two years ago. Through all the changes, a strong core group of parents and teachers has remained and kept the center thriving, said Holly Tillman, who organized the meeting. However, enrollment began dropping off, and KinderCare felt that many of the students could transfer to their other facility, located on Main Street downtown. “Since the Marsh Creek center’s lease expires in July, we decided to reduce the disruption to our families that moving centers can cause by closing the center only after the school year had ended,” said KinderCare spokesperson Colleen Moran. “Our general practice is to give
families four weeks’ notice prior to a center closure, and we maintained that timeline with our Marsh Creek center. This allows families time to adjust to the news and to look into the options we are providing for their children.” Most parents, however, balked at that idea, citing safety concerns, as well as the fact that many of the teachers at the Marsh Creek site would not be transferring to the other one. As of last week, despite offering positions to all five of the teachers at the Marsh Creek site, only two have agreed to go, Cuda said. ‘FORCING MY HAND’ Clayton resident Cory Brady, whose two children, ages 7 and 4, attend the Marsh Creek center, was one of the many parents who did not see eye-to-eye with Cuda. “This isn’t a transition; you’re forcing my hand,” he said, by only having a few weeks to find adequate care if he chose not to send his children to the other facility. Cuda did not know if the Main Street facility could accommodate all of the transfers from the Marsh Creek site, as he was waiting on a firm number of Marsh Creek families to make up their minds. It may not be many, as some parents are already in talks with the landlord of the Marsh Creek facility, Julie Gilcrest, about the possibility of opening their own independent center. “We think at some point KinderCare will regret this deci-
tions in a safe and friendly environment. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60% off one 7-week dog training session.
sion to close the center,” says Stephanie Cademartori, a longtime parent at the center whose children don’t even attend anymore, yet who was on-hand to organize opposition to the closing. “I think if they had allowed more hands-on advertising the center would have continued to thrive. But, instead management said ‘no’ to different marketing ideas.” In the past, the center used to have booths at many civic affairs, but has not been able to under KinderCare, she said. She also thinks that KinderCare is wrong to assume all families would move down the road to the center downtown. “With two centers so close to each other it was obvious that each center met a specific need.” All of the parents who spoke at the Wednesday meeting touted the center’s sense of family, its physical lot, and especially the teachers. Cademartori said that most of the teachers have been there for more than 10 years. “It is very unusual to have preschool teachers remain in the same location for over 10 years. In most centers, teaching staff remains constantly revolving.” Parent Larry Shulman, who has been actively fighting the closure, wrote several letters to KinderCare management. He is one of the parents who isn’t planning to send his daughter to the Main Street facility. “Let’s remember our relationship with KinderCare is a customer-supplier one and they are completely doing the wrong things to keep that relationship strong,” he said.
Ten-month-old Tammy is a gorgeous gal with a sweet disposition and a heart of gold. She is playful, cute, and loving, what more could you ask for? The adoption fee for adult cats is $50. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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June 14, 2013
Annual hike opens students’ eyes
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SAMANTHA TUOHEY
DVMS REPORTER Each year, Mrs. Brewington, the seventh grade science teacher at Diablo View Middle School, takes all of her students on a hike up Mt. Diablo. This year, about 80 students and 10 parents hiked 10 miles to Deer Flat and back down. Since the seventh graders learned about life science this year, the hike was a great field trip. The students saw the local trails, plants and animals on Mt.
Maddie Webster, DVMS student
A 10-MILE HIKE ON MT. DIABLO gave DVMS 7th graders a deeper appreciation of the ecology of the area. Diablo and the hike was a physical challenge for many people. “Another goal is hopefully to create future hikers that value the importance of public green space and foster good stewardship of local trails,” said Mrs.
Brewington. It is also a very affordable trip for the school and parents. Although the hike was strenuous, it was also very rewarding, as the views were magnificent. “I thought that it was arduous
and exhilarating!” student Zackey Sahebzada said. “It was really hard, but it was really fun at the end,” said student Julia Wickware. Mrs. Brewington said that her favorite part of this year’s hike “is my favorite part of every year’s hike – to watch students’ faces as they admire views they have never seen before and the pride they take in themselves when the hike is over. It’s really quite an accomplishment!” The hike is a wonderful field trip for seventh grade students. They got to take a break from all of their hard work and really enjoy themselves on the mountain in their own backyard. Samantha Tuohey is in the seventh grade at Diablo View Middle School and plans to be a writer someday. Email your story ideas, comments and questions to Samantha@claytonpioneer.com.
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Hot ‘Summer’ reading for teens We have all found that one book series that you just cannot put down, right? The one where you re-read the books until they all fall apart. For me, that series is The Summer Series by Jenny Han, which includes “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” “It’s Not Summer Without You” and “We’ll Always Have Summer.” This is the perfect series of books for the summer of 2013. These books are ideal for teenage girls who enjoy reading about young love. Every summer, Belly, Steven and their mother escape to their
mother’s friend’s summer house. There, they spend the season with her and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. In this captivating series, Belly has loved Conrad for as long as she can remember. But, throughout three summers, she starts to realize she may have hidden feelings for Conrad’s brother, Jeremiah. The heat, tension and feelings rise as time passes and words are kept unsaid. Then, everything changes after tragedy strikes in Jeremiah and Conrad’s family. The Summer Series by Jenny
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Clayton Valley High School Class of ‘63
EMILY YORK
TEEN READS Han are the kinds of books you can read in one day without a break. I recommend this series of books for teen girls everywhere. Emily York is an eighth grader at Diablo View Middle School. She loves to read and hopes her reviews will keep teens reading through the summer.
The CVHS Class of 1963 will hold a two-day reunion in July. The event begins with a 3 p.m. tour of Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord, on Saturday, July 27, followed by a no-host pizza party at 5 p.m. at Skipolini’s, 1033 Diablo St., Clayton. On Sunday, July 28, there will be picnic 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Clayton Community Park, 7411 Marsh Creek Road. For more information, contact Linda Amos Shelton at lincas@pacbell.net.
Watch for ‘Wallet Flushing’ at car repairs FREE estimates Specializing in Bathrooms and Kitchens Remodeling Windows/Doors Crown Molding Overhangs Decks Siding Trim
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The new term being thrown around the auto repair industry is Wallet Flushing. This refers to a job that has no benefits to the vehicle or owner, such as flushing the transmission fluid on a newer vehicle, brake fluid, power steering fluid, or any service that is not necessary to keep the vehicle in proper working order. With older cars there are a lot of services needed that the newer cars need less of or not at all. With advancements in both car design and fluid technology, some of the old services are being cut out. The first example is the oil change interval of new cars. In
GARY TAYLOR CAR TUNED the past we were taught to change the oil every 3,000 miles. With today’s oil blends and the tighter tolerances in engines, some manufactures are recom-
mending to change the oil and filter every 4,000-5,000 and even 10,000 in some models. With older vehicles if you were to go that far the oil would be diluted and thin, with not much lubrication left. The same holds true for the cooling system. However one big difference with cooling systems is with the constant heating and cooling of the coolant there is a crystal-like formation that forms. These crystals will adhere to gasket material and start to weaken it over time. This will cause leaks in the system. Most the time it’s the intake manifold gasket that starts leaking. This can be an expensive
repair. It is true that the long life coolants don’t break down like the old green coolant did; there is still the question of the gasket material. With some fluids the manufacturer does not recommends flushing unless there is a major failure. The new transmission in some vehicles are sealed, which means there is no dip stick to check fluid level or color. With the brake system, just because the fluid is brown does not mean it’s bad. With the new Dot-4 and Dot-5 brake fluids some manufacturers do not recommend replacing it until there
See Car Tunes, page 15
June 14, 2013
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
CVCHS grads shine with accolades, scholarships As the tassels are still swinging from the caps of recent Clayton Valley Charter High School seniors, many of the new graduates are turning their attention to the future. But in this issue of the Pioneer, we salute the efforts they made while in high school. Here is a list of the senior award winners from 2013, the inaugural graduating class of CVCHS:
Megan Abcede
Jared Deely
San Jose State scholarship President’s Award – Silver
President’s Award – Gold Public Service Academy Award
Casey Adams
Demi Diquattro
President’s Award – Gold Coca Cola – Johnston Legacy Award Wendy’s Heisman Award – School and State winner NCS Foundation Scholarship Award Irvine Scholar Athlete California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer
Clayton Business & Community Association Scholarship
Kayla Dodge Biliteracy Seal Award Physical Education Award – Female
President’s Award – Gold
Ashley Allen
Marielle Ednalino
Jacee Almond Biliteracy Seal Award
Joseph Altizer Abilene Christian University scholarship
Elks Lodge Award California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer & Scholarship Clayton Business & Community Association Scholarship President’s Award – Gold
Amanda Forbes
Jasmine Bandayrel
President’s Award – Gold
Clayton Arts Academy Award Academy of Art Univ. scholarship
Jacqueline Franco Biliteracy Seal Award
Crystal Barillas 2D Art Award
Michael Fryer
Marieflor Bauzon
Montana Tech scholarship President’s Award – Gold
President’s Award – Gold Biliteracy Seal Award PFC – Bridge For Success Program
Shabnam Ghassem President’s Award – Gold
Ganinna Gonzalez
Samantha Boeger CSU Chico soccer scholarship UC Riverside, Chancellor’s Award, Honor’s Society President’s Award – Gold California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer Engineering Academy Award President’s Award – Gold California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer Biliteracy Seal Award
Biliteracy Seal Award CVCHS Future Teacher Award University of Portland scholarship Grand Altair Link Crew scholarship Biliteracy Seal Award President’s Award – Gold
Luis Hernandez Biliteracy Seal Award
Vanguard scholarship
Madison Cogo Biliteracy Seal Award
Mc Kenna De Long California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer
Car Tunes, from page 14 is failure with the master cylinder or one of the other components, or there is a specific gravity reading. Power steering fluid is one of the ones it is still good to follow the old ways with: If the power steering fluid is dark in color and smells burnt, flushing
is a good idea. On some manufacturers there is a filter in line, or in the pump itself and needless to say this requires changing, too. Wallet flushes can also refer to unnecessary maintenance such as ignition tune-ups, and fixing drive belts and hoses.
Shannon Mestas Michelle Montgomery Senior Women – Bronze
Clayton Nodal Matt Nolen Memorial
Wilfredo Noratto
Katrina Su
Biliteracy Seal Award
Senior Women – Gold Biliteracy Seal Award AAUW scholarship California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer President’s Award – Gold
Madison Nuchols University of Alabama scholarship
Maddison Nuchols President’s Award – Gold
Nick Oatley CVCHS Football Award
Dwayne Oliver II Biliteracy Seal Award
Carla Perez President’s Award – Silver
Graham Pimm Whittier College scholarship Biliteracy Seal Award President’s Award – Gold Liberal Arts Award
Megan Tan UCLA scholarship California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer President’s Award – Gold
Michael Tarantino President’s Award – Gold Biliteracy Seal Award
Hailee Thompson
Santa Clara University scholarship President’s Award – Gold
Laura Valenzuela
President’s Award – Gold
Joe Protheroe Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo scholarship Male Athlete of the Year
Special Education Award
Gillian Reimann
Brad Lovick North Texas scholarship
Senior Women – Silver Biliteracy Seal Award President’s Award – Gold
Cesar Luengas
Tyler Riessen
With new technology spark plugs are designed to last a very long time. The old saying about getting a tune-up every 3,000to-5,000 miles is no longer true. Some of the new spark plugs are designed to go 100,000 miles, and most cars don't even have distributors anymore, so they have no rotors or caps to replace. This is the reason when you
Biliteracy Seal Award
Brian Pingel
Biliteracy Seal Award
President’s Award – Gold California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer Social Science Award
Lauren Valory City of Clayton: Do the Right Thing Outstanding Student Award Link Crew Scholarship Clayton Business & Community Association Scholarship California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer
Jayson Vicente 3D Art Award
Joshua Warzecha
Boise State – Western University Exchange scholarship
Music Award President’s Award – Gold Scholarship Altair Biliteracy Seal Award Clayton Business & Community Association scholarship California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer National Merit Scholarship Program – Commended Students
Bianca Rubalcava
Devyn Wiesendanger
President’s Award – Gold
Bailey Rogers
Saint Mary’s scholarship California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer Biliteracy Seal Award
Taylor Ryle Long Beach State University scholarship
Christopher Sanchez
President’s Award – Gold Margaret Ljepava PSA scholarship California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer
Tyler Sun
University of Portland Biliteracy Seal Award President’s Award – Gold
Alicia Lloyd,
Valeria Martin
Anthony Solhtalab California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer
Molly Reardon
California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer
President’s Award – Gold President’s Award – Silver President’s Award – Gold University of Redlands scholarship
Biliteracy Seal Award
Sophia Mak
Julia Silverberg
Ryan Snyder
Rachel Preeg
President’s Award – Gold Bucknell University scholarship Assistance League of Diablo Valley Good Tidings Foundation California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer
Saint Mary’s scholarship Biliteracy Seal Award
Female Athlete of the Year
President’s Award – Gold California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer
CVCHS Future Teacher Award
UC Berkeley scholarship Biliteracy Seal Award PFC – Bridge For Success Program Service Altair Ronald McDonald House Charities California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer and scholarship President’s Award – Gold
Physical Education Award Hot Stove Baseball Award Eagle Award
Kenneth La
Jennifer Lyons
Chunning Hu
Jesse Medrano
Deborah Preciado
Michelle Lutz
Southern Oregon University – Western University Exchange scholarship
Erin McGregor
University of Montana scholarship
CVCHS Football Award
Kaylin Herling
Heather Clary
UC Santa Barbara scholarship Clayton Business & Community Association Scholarship President’s Award – Gold
Judith Limon
Matthew Hamilton
Mills College scholarship
President’s Award – Gold
Biliteracy Seal Award
National Merit Scholarship Program – Commended Students Biliteracy Seal Award
Camila Gutierrez
Casey Henggeler
Stephanie Clarke
Gabriela Keneipp
Ashley Leung
California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer President’s Award – Gold Northwestern University scholarship PSEA – Pacific Service Employees Association
President’s Award - Gold President’s Award - Sliver Biliteracy Seal Award Univ. of Notre Dame scholarship Math award PFC – Bridge For Success Program California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer and scholarship Interdepartmental Math and Science Award Science Award
Carlos Guerrero
William Calkins
Sara Chavez
President’s Award – Gold California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer Biliteracy Seal Award
California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer
Heather Heilberg
Amanda Calimlim
Willamette University scholarship President’s Award – Gold Link Crew scholarship
Saint Mary’s scholarship Biliteracy Seal Award
Jeremy Bucher
Aleksey Shimberg
Western Oregon scholarship
Delaney Kutsal
Biliteracy Seal Award
Biliteracy Seal Award
Alexis McKnight
President’s Award – Gold Biliteracy Seal Award California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer UC Davis scholarship English award National Merit Scholarship Program – Commended Students
Michael Kerr
Mauricio Gomez
Katia Berg
Xenia Ivanova
Sterling College scholarship
California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer
Drama Award
Rita Sharma
Edward Juarez,
Melay Goitom
Jacob Ben-Shmuel
University of Nebraska scholarship Biliteracy Seal Award President’s Award – Gold
Matt Galvin Memorial Scholarship
Saint John’s University scholarship
Biliteracy Seal Award President’s Award – Gold Clayton Business & Community Association scholarship
President’s Award – Gold Biliteracy Seal Award
Javier Reyes, Jesus Ernesto
Luis Garcia
Nicholas Bazan
Emma Schoenstein
Peter Laurence Wrestling Award
Charley Jang
Jason Fernandes
Female Athlete of the Year
Matt McCoy
UC Davis scholarship Biliteracy Seal Award President’s Award – Gold Foreign Language National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students
Johnathon James
President’s Award – Gold California Scholarship Federation – Seal Bearer Senior Women – Bronze
Jake Adams
Olga Ivanova
Leadership Altair
Kara Woods Senior Women – Gold President’s Award – Gold
John Zuercher UC Davis scholarship President’s Award – Gold
President’s Award – Gold
ask for a tune-up the service writer should ask a few questions. Most of the time the answer we get is the engine is not running smoothly and the “Check Engine” light is on. Now I’m not saying that there is no problem with the ignition system, but that light will turn on if one of the many sensors is out of specification or not reading. Drive belts should be
inspected for cracks and wear. Hoses should be inspected for wear, too: Is the hose too soft, too hard, crunchy, showing signs of wear? Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have. If you think that there is something strange about a mechanic saying a part needs replacing, ask to see it after the repair. Remember, if a part comes off
your engine you can ask for it to be given to you. One last important point: If the service writer can’t explain the reason for a repair or service so that you understand it, there is something – or maybe nothing – wrong. And never be afraid to ask more questions. Gary Taylor is service manager at Clayton Valley Shell. Call him with questions at (925) 672-3900
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Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JUNE 19 FOR THE JUNE 28
IN CLAYTON June 15, 22, 29 Farmers Market 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays. Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown Clayton. Music: June 15, Tony de Grassi. June 22, Paul Anderson. June 29, Steve Fread. pcfma.com/clayton. June 22; July 6 and 20 Concerts in the Grove 6-8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3. June 22 Diablo Bowmen Open House A once-a-year opportunity to try archery. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $10 for a lesson and lunch. For directions, visit diablo-bowmen.org. June 29 Clayton Family Fair and Picnic 4 – 7 p.m. in The Grove. Live music, free face painting, balloon animals, children’s games, booths, and entertainment, bike show by the Clayton Bikes Stunt Team. Contact EmmaCHall@comcast.net for more information. July 4 Pancake Breakfast and Parade The day begins with the Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., followed by the parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. No registration for Kiddie Parade. Register for main parade at ci.clayton.ca.us.
IN CONCORD June 16 Dad Day in the Park Featuring a rock concert by PUSH and a Karaoke contest with news anchor Dan Ashley. Begins at noon. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free. concordfirst.org. Thursdays through Sept. 12 Music and Market Thursday night live music and farmers market. Market 4-8 p.m.; music 6:30-8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free. Music: June 20, Project 4, a high-energy dance and show band with pop, soul, Latin and funk. June 27, Zydeco Flames. cityofconcord.org. July 2 Car Show and Tuesday Night Blues No registration fee for the car show. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free. cityofconcord.org. July 2-4 Singing Flag A variety show that promotes patriotism, honors those who are and have served in the military, and highlights the fact that this nation was founded on Godly principles by Godly men. Featuring the Calvary Temple Choir. Free. 7:30 p.m., with fireworks at 9:20 p.m. Dave Brubeck Park, 4201 Concord Blvd., Concord. cityofconcord.org. July 4 Jubilee and Parade The day begins with a 7:30 a.m. pancake breakfast, followed by the 5K Run & Walk, sponsored by the Concord Police Association to benefit the community and the Monument Crisis Center. Free Kids Run at 8:15 a.m.; 5K at 8:30 a.m. Register at concordjuly4th.com/5k_run2013.htm. Parade starts at 10 a.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
ON THE MOUNTAIN Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information. June 16 Snakes Alive Meet the reptiles of Mount Diablo. Join naturalist Michael Marchiano in the audio visual room of the Summit Museum, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 21 Night Hike Join naturalist Michael Marchiano to learn about the seldom seen creatures that come out in the evening. Bring a flashlight, water and a snack. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Meet in the Mitchell Canyon parking lot. mmarchiano@gmail.com. June 22, 29; July 13 Evening Poorwill Hikes Join Denise Wight to hike White Canyon and listen to birds of the evening. Bring a flashlight, binoculars and water. Meet at Mitchell Canyon trailhead. 7 p.m. blkittiwake@yahoo.com. June 26 Evening Hike Families welcome to join Joyce Chin on a gentle 3-4 mile hike to
ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO
check for evening wildlife. Bring flashlight and water. 6:15-8:45 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. jchin.hikes@hotmail.com. Save Mount Diablo programs listed are free unless otherwise noted. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Activities/Guided Hikes for more information. 947-3535. June 15 “Stars: Our Family Scrapbook” Look through the telescopes at our galaxy’s family of stars. Bring kids, binoculars, snacks, water and a flashlight covered with red cellophane, red cloth or a red balloon. 8-10 p.m. Lower Summit parking lot.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Through June 22 “Sweet Charity” Presented by Center Rep. Meet Charity Hope Valentine, the girl who wants to be loved so much that she sings, dances, laughs and cries her way through romances. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42-$57. centerrep.org. 943-7469. June 14 Comedy Sliders Presented by Trapped in a Rumor Improv. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. June 14, 15 Clayton Theatre Company Comedy show starring Showtime comedian Monique Marvez and Clayton’s own Kyle Fitzgerald. Funds benefit the CTC’s first production in the fall. 7-8 p.m. no-host bar and food. 8 p.m. show. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Not recommended for children under 17. $30. Seating is limited. claytontheatrecompany.com. June 15 The Blue Devils Drum corps performance. 7 p.m. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. bluedevils.org. June 15 “The Princess Test” Presented by the Russian Drama Club Skazka. This fun musical story is loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Princess and the Pea” and is performed in Russian. 4:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 Mini Mondays Children aged 2-5 discover the natural world around them. Children must be accompanied by adult. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. $15. wildlife-museum.org. 935-1978. June 28-30 “The Lady Scribblers” Part of the Butterfield 8 New Works Series. This historical comedy follows female playwrights clamoring to get their work produced in 1690s London. 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $7-$18. B8company.com. June 28, 30 “Otello” Presented by Festival Opera. Verdi’s masterpiece “Otello” is a coproduction with West Bay Opera. 8 p.m. June 28, 2 p.m. June 30. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
FUNDRAISERS June 15 Car Show Cars, awards, barbecue, activities for kids. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Dave Brubeck Park, 4201 Concord Blvd., Concord. Free. Held by Calvary Temple to benefit Wounded Warrior Project. calvarytemple.org. June 22 Markham Nursery Plant Sale Featuring California natives, succulents and hard-to-find perennials. Become a member and receive 20 percent off plant purchases. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery, 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. Contact Trish at 681-2968. June 22 Poker Night Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista. 6:30-7 p.m. free instruction. 7 p.m. tournament. Moose Lodge, 1805 Broadway, Concord. $65, includes hors d’oeuvres and two drinks. Contact Sue Manning at 672-2727 or bsming@aol.com.
calendar@claytonpioneer.com
June 23 Virtuoso Al Fresco The Food and Wine Classic benefits the California Symphony and its Children’s Music Programs. 4-7 p.m. Lafayette Park Hotel, 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. $100, or $180 a couple. californiasymphony.org. June 27 Golf Tournament Get in some tee time while supporting the Animal Rescue Foundation’s lifesaving work. Silent auction, raffle, lunch, awards. Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. arf.net.
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. claytonlibrary.org or 673-0659. Through Aug. 13 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. Drop-in 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Wednesdays Book Buddies A volunteer will read stories for children 3 and older. 1-2 p.m. Call in advance. Through Aug. 15 Picture Book Time Story time for 3- to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. Drop-in 11 a.m. Thursdays. June 19 Cake Decorating Sue Faina demonstrates her techniques for cake decorating. 45:30 p.m. Ages 12-18. Registration required. June 20 Summer Reading Kick-Off Stories, crafts and other activities. 1-2 p.m. For pre-schoolers through fifth-graders. June 26 Cake Decorating II Techniques with Judy as a follow-up to program with Sue Faina. 4- 5 p.m. Ages 12-18. Registration required. July 11 Tea Party Come in your “tea time” best for stories and treats. 3 p.m. For children K-3rd grade. Registration required. July 15 Juggling Americana “Hijinks” with Thomas John, for all ages. 7 p.m. July 22 College Financial Planning The Heartland Institute of Financial Education, a non-profit that promotes financial literacy, will present a program on the new face of college financial planning. Aimed at parents and collegebound students. 6:30-8 p.m. Register at ccclib.org or 673-0659.
GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council 7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council 6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr .www.ci.concord.ca.us/
CLASS REUNION July 27-28 CVHS Class of 1963 The two-day event begins with a 3 p.m. tour of Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord, on July 27, followed by a no-host pizza party at 5 p.m. at Skipolini’s, 1033 Diablo St., Clayton. On July 28, there will be picnic 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Clayton Community Park, 7411 Marsh Creek Road. Contact Linda Amos Shelton at lincas@pacbell.net.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Events’
June 14, 2013
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Say ‘I do’ to easy, chic wedding attire JUDITH MARSHALL
FASHION OVER 50 ‘Tis the season for weddings, and it can be tricky deciding what to wear. You don’t want to outshine the bride, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look gorgeous. To start, here are some basic dos and don’ts: Do • Wear summer colors like turquoise, melon, strawberry or lemon to a day wedding; • Wear a comfortable cute pump or sandal (no stockings, please);
• Wear black (with color) to an evening wedding; • Wear a linen pants suit (add a large flower on the lapel for drama); • Wear a cool straw hat. Don’ts • Wear white unless the bride requests it; • Wear black to an afternoon wedding; • Wear a low-cut dress or anything too sexy. People will talk about you and not in a good way. When you get the invitation, consider the time and place of the event. An afternoon wedding outdoors may call for a light and frothy sundress, while an after 6 p.m. ceremony at a country club may warrant a silk pantsuit or lace cocktail dress. Also, choose complimentary accessories. Metallic sandals or
embellished flats are the perfect partner for a summer dress. For a ballroom affair, strappy stilettos or peep-toes are more appropriate. For an outdoor event, opt for flats or wedges so you don’t get stuck in the grass or sand. Add a small clutch for just your essentials. If you’re wearing a daytime summer dress, go light on the jewelry. Trade your chandelier earrings for pearls or studs. The same minimalism goes for make-up. Ditch the heavy lipstick and apply a shimmery gloss to keep your lips moist and shiny. Feel free to be more glamorous for a night wedding. Speaking of weddings, do you ever wonder why Lily of the Valley flowers are often used in bridal bouquets? As the story
goes, on May 1, 1561, King Charles of France – who was 10 at the time – was presented with a fragrant bunch of muguet: the delicate green sprigs capped with tiny white bells. It was a gesture signifying luck and prosperity, which so touched the king, he continued the tradition by giving the sweet-smelling blossoms to the ladies of his court each year on the same day. To this day, Lily of the Valley is sold on the streets of France on May l and sprigs of the blossoms are worn in the lapel. Carried in bridal bouquets, Lily of the Valley is often considered the “fifth thing” a bride should carry after something old, new, borrowed and blue. Live long and pester! Judith Marshall is the author of “Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever.” Send comments to Judith.Marshall@att.net.
A local service bringing organic, in-season produce straight from local farms to your doorstep.
“Good nutrition brings good health, brings happiness. Thank you, Doorstep Farmers.” -Clayton resident, Leo Schindler
‘Tis the season for stone fruit DEBRA J. MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
Stone fruit is now abundant at the farmers’ market: White and yellow peaches, nectarines, and soon, plums, apriums, and pluots. J&J Farms has delicious stone fruit, perfect for a picnic or barbecue. California peaches, plums and nectarines are available mid-May through September. Limited quantities may be available as late as October. Resendiz Farms and Lujan Farms, both from Hughson, near Modesto, have wonderful stone fruit like peaches, nectarines and plums, and Gotelli Farms has wonderful sweet cherries from Brentwood.
loosely and keep it at room temperature for one to three days. Check the fruit daily. Tip: Never use a plastic bag; it may cause decay and can produce off-flavors. Grilling is a wonderful way to bring out the sweet flavors of nectarines and peaches.
SELECTING STONE FRUIT If you’re buying fruit to eat the same day, it’s best to look for fruit that is soft, gives to gentle palm pressure and has a sweet aroma. The best indicator of high quality fruit is color. It’s easy to ripen firm peaches, plums or nectarines. Just place the fruit in a paper bag, fold the top over
GRILLED GINGER PEACHES WITH RASPBERRIES 2 cups raspberries 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract, divided 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. ground ginger 4 ripe fresh peaches, halved and pitted
1 pint vanilla ice cream Gently toss raspberries with granulated sugar and 1 tsp. of the vanilla in medium bowl. Set aside until ready to serve. Mix butter, brown sugar, ginger and remaining 1/2 tsp. of the vanilla in large bowl. Add peach halves; toss gently to coat well. Fold the edges of a piece of heavy duty foil to form a shallow baking pan. Place on grill over medium heat. Arrange peaches, cut-side down, on foil. Grill peaches about six to eight minutes or until browned and caramelized around edges, turning once. To serve, place two peach halves on each dessert plate. Top each with ice cream and raspberry mixture. Serve immediately.
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June 14, 2013
Performing Arts
After stroke, Clayton songwriter follows his dream JOHN JACKSON Special to the Pioneer
“There is music that plays all the time in my head,” says Clayton songwriter Stonewall “Stoneman” Towery. For Stoneman, who began singing and writing tunes at age 8, music is a gift that he feels he has been blessed with so that he can spread a positive message of togetherness and peace to those that hear it. “That’s how I became a songwriter,” he says. “God turned on this gift, there’s music that plays all the time. I learned how to decipher it, how to put it together and make it (sound like) what I hear.” This gift for Stoneman was discovered in a strange place, the coatroom of his second grade classroom. Stoneman had been in trouble for fighting and his teacher locked him in the room as a punishment. While waiting out his time, he sat there and began to sing to himself. The teacher, sitting in the adja-
cent room, heard something amazing – the voice of a future musical award-winner. “Hey,” she said as she opened up the door. “I didn’t know you could sing!” Stoneman looked at her with both surprise and embarrassment and a deal was quickly struck. If he would sing in the Annual School Program, his punishment would be severely reduced. The next thing Stoneman knew, he was singing in front of an audience. Not only that, he was enjoying it. “The response was so huge, I kind of got hooked. I liked the attention. All the kids were like, ‘Oh man, that was cool!’” From that point on, the love of music began to take deep root. He gradually started to pick up instruments, each of which came naturally and almost immediately. He started with a saxophone, then a trumpet, then finally settled on his favorite instrument – the keyboard. During all of his growing and formative years, he sang and
STONEWALL “STONEMAN” TOWERY
played these instruments with- ing these years. out formal training. At one As Stoneman grew into point, he was given sheet music adulthood, he began a career in by a band leader and asked to the Silicon Valley, working 28 play from it, which he could not. years at companies like Xerox, Everything was done by ear and Mac Store and others. During simply by what he heard in his this time, he continued to write head. He also played in several traveling groups and bands dur- See page 19
Stoneman,
Book Review
A family grows in an unlikely garden Clayton Theatre Company presents
“Cougar and Pray” Comedy Show
CYNTHIA GREGORY
FOR
Starring Showtime Comedian
Monique Marvez and Clayton’s own
Kyle Fitzgerald Two nights only.
June 14, 15 Endeavor Hall, Downtown Clayton 7 p.m. No Host Cocktails. 8 p.m. Show Seating is limited Tickets $30, includes a free drink. For tickets, go to
claytontheatrecompany.com For mature audiences
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THE
BOOKS
There is a power in naming things and Amanda Coplin’s debut novel, “The Orchardist,” (Harper; August, 2012) names an entire world. Coplin’s voice is poetic and subtle, so that it draws you in and before you know it, you are deeply involved in William Talmadge’s life and dive willingly into the avenues of his apricot orchards tucked away in the remote hills of Wenatchee, Washington. Talmadge is just a boy when his mother delivers him and his sister across the plains to the fertile fields of Eastern Washington. She plants trees and with the passing of seasons, a farm grows. The mother dies, and the sister vanishes one day, too. Still, Talmadge’s farm prospers, and he with it. A solitary farmer with a few close friends, it seems enough for him. Then one day, two girls appear at the edge of his field. Clearly runaways, the girls are dirty and hungry. Without comment, Talmadge adopts the feral strangers. He prepares large farm
dinners and leaves plates on the porch for the girls, whom, it soon becomes apparent, are both pregnant. Talmadge reasons that the girls are spooked and abused, and on the run from a terror that makes living in the woods and begging food from strangers seem a more reasonable prospect. And so he asks no questions. He prepares a cabin on his property where they can stay if they want, and he makes sure that they are safe and fed. Soon, a wanted poster appears and Talmadge learns that a reward is being offered for the return of the girls by a man named Michaelson. He travels to see the man for himself, to understand the kind of person that would turn girls into vagrants. Michaelson appears in a drug delirium and offers to clean up a
child who toddles into the room, to put a dress on the little girl for Talmadge’s sake, for his purposes, whatever they might be. Understanding the horror of the girls’ past reconciles Talmadge to continue to care for, and protect them. Talmadge hadn’t known that he was searching for a family, until one found him. What is astonishing about “The Orchardist” is that it is not merely a story of what family means, but that Coplin’s dexterity with language is so mesmerizing: “He had never been awed by Della, puzzled by her – never was relieved when she left. Never missed her severe quirk, her tendernesses that cut him to the quick. Her strange hair, her eyes, her glances. Her way. Never witnessed her, a girl barely reaching
CONCORD GEYSER Kurtiss Jacobs of Concord had a camera handy and seized the moment on May 25, when a burst water main at Ayers and Clayton Roads created a geyser that could be seen from many blocks, even over second story rooftops. Police were quick to respond, Kurtiss said, and kept crowds away while CC Water fixed the problem.
NATURE’S INCREDIBLE ART
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Cynthia Gregory writes book reviews, award-winning short stories and a blog. Visit her at www.twogirlstakeonlove.com or write cgregory111@gmail.com
Pioneer Photo Album
Sharon Anderson is a hiker. She goes “everywhere.” But, with her life-long appreciate for nature’s wonders, she has never seen anything like the bee hive on one of Clayton’s popular trails. Sharon estimates the hive to be about two feet long and up to 1 ½ feet wide. She shot this beautiful photo on Memorial Day with a Nikon Digital camera. So that we don’t encourage anyone to disturb this magnificent hive, we won’t say exactly where it is. But, if you walk the Clayton trails, keep your eye out for it.
Join us for dining, social events, cooking classes, live music, heated pool, swim, tennis & golf lessons!
his shoulder, on a horse as mean as any snake. Never sat with Clee in silence, smoking pipes on a summer evening. Never roamed with Clee as a boy through the tall grass, running after his sister: a game. Never was in prison. Never cried for his mother. Never sought to conjure his father’s face. Never tasted an apricot, or trout, or soil. Never slept under the slow-wheeling constellations, or bathed in a winter creek.” As the summer reading season has officially begun, “The Orchardist” is a must-read. In the season of getting away from it all, this is a novel that will take you to a place remarkably like home.
The Pioneer is proud to spotlight our readers’ photos. Email your photo in a high-resolution format to tamara@claytonpioneer.com with a description of the photo, where and when it was taken and a little about why you like it. Include your name and phone number. Then look for it in the next Pioneer.
June 14, 2013
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 19
Make your home office work work better and stress less about your environment.
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR The home office – what other work space allows you to come to work in your pajamas and bunny slippers? No need for make-up or even combing your hair. And talk about commute time, well, it’s pretty much non-existent. Yes, the home office definitely has its perks. The downside of the home office is, well, you’re at home. Some home offices double as the family craft or game room, maybe the guest bedroom that always seems to have a guest, or even a second garage to store all the “really special stuff.” Speaking from personal
experience, the home office needs to have a good balance of adequate work space, storage for your profession, organization, and of course, a decorative touch. Everything has to be just right to make you feel like you’re actually in a work environment, rather than an overflow storage space for your unfolded laundry. Here are some ideas to get your home office up to speed, so you can actually get to work: FURNISHINGS Regardless of your profession, your home office needs to
Stoneman, from page 18 songs and travel with groups on the weekends, his dream always being to write music one day for a living. Then everything changed. In 2003, Stoneman suffered a stroke that would end his Silicon Valley career forever. The next several years were physically very challenging and Stoneman made a decision to focus his emotion and energy on his music. During that time and since, he has become musically prolific and the success of many
industry awards has followed his years of hard work. Since his stroke, Stoneman has written and recorded more than 250 songs and has won more than 40 songwriting awards. Most recently, he received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting from the “Great American Songwriting Contest” for his song “Throw Up the Peace Sign.” This is the third time he has received this award in the past four years. Among his
have a well functioning layout and materials: bookcases, file storage, a comfortable desk chair or lounge furniture, and task and general lighting. And just like any other room in your house, a well functioning home office can be created on any budget. Many modular options can be found at several popular retailers that offer modern and traditional designs. Custom cabinetry is also an option to build just about anything you can think up that suites your business needs. The key here is tailoring your furniture to help you
many songwriting accomplishments are awards from the Dallas Songwriters Association, Unisong International Songwriting Contest, Billboard Songwriting Contest, Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest, and others. Stoneman is careful to emphasize the reason why he shares his story – to inspire others to be encouraged. “I want people to know that just because you have a debilitating disease, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of your life. I’d like to inspire people to realize that the dream you always had…now you can pursue it!”
NEW LISTING
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$299,900
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1109 Fairlawn Ct., Walnut Creek, Rossmoor $289,000 2190 Breaker Ct., Discovery Bay $299,000
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4652 Benbow Ct., Concord $419,000 4342 Briarcliff Ct. Concord $479,900 2104 Stewart Ave. Walnut Creek $1,100,000 Matt Mazzei, Jr.
SOLD: Buyer Representation
Broker/Owner
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mazzeirealty.net Clayton residents since 1959
925-693-0757 (Main)
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STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION Office supplies, invoices, samples, the list of “stuff” is never ending. If space is an option, really consider “going up.” Putting up ceiling-height bookcases, file cabinets and consoles that average 42-inches high or installing a closet system to make every inch of your closet a true storage space are options that will maximize your storage space when actual square footage is limited. When organizing your tools of the trade, have a little fun. Maybe invoices are not at the top of the “fun” charts, but what if you collected them in a vintage tool box until ready to be paid. Top hats full of party favors, muffin tins containing business cards, old paint cans full of paint chips, terra-cotta pots full of seed packets; you’d be surprised at how quickly you are able to create custom “décor” while at the same time, organizing your industry tools. COLORS Choose paints and fabrics that excite and encourage you to do great work. Warm hues of ivory, tan, and mahogany may be the right choice to bring out your best performance. Or possibly jewel tones with metallic accents and festive window treatments are a better fit for your personality and industry. Select colors that inspire you and you will create a space that literally works for you. Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com
FREE ESTIMATES
Lawn & Plant Installation Paver Patio & Walkway Retaining Walls Drainage Low Voltage Lighting
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Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Take a Vacation from Your Car Payments when you move your auto loan to Travis
good potting soil, rather than barklike wood chips. The hydrangea would thrive in a soil made up of fir bark, redwood compost, earthworm casting, chicken manure, bat guano, sea kelp meal and mycorrhizae fungi. Ingredients are listed on every soil bag you consider, so read your labels. Use 50 percent soil conditioner and 50 percent native soil when planting your hydrangea. Always begin and end using the soil conditioner. If you home compost, use that instead of the store-bought conditioner. Hydrangea flowers come in many shapes. Some are ball shape, some flat and other cone shaped. The ball shaped hydrangeas is called Macrophylla. This is the most familiar, and sought-after. They are available in blue, lavender, pink and white colors. Hydrangea Glowing Embers has the perfect pink blooming ball-shaped flower. Nikko Blue is a better choice for those of you feeling like some blue in the garden. Flat shaped, or lace-cap hydrangeas aren’t the easiest to sell. But once they are in the ground, they’re fantastic. The lace-cap varieties can hold their blooms up. They grow with in layers and really stand out in the landscape. Hydrangea Twist and Shout has a very desirable look. This hydrangea was introduced a couple years ago by the folks that developed the Endless Summer Series. It is a very worthwhile planting. Paniculata hydrangeas have cone-shaped flowers. They are
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June 14, 2013
Thriving hydrangea shrubs can be seen throughout our Clayton Valley landscapes and gardens during the month of June. This year, for whatever reason, the hydrangea plants look better than ever. As I drive down the hill to the nursery I see happy hydrangeas blooming everywhere. Hydrangea shrubs are a labor of love and they aren’t instantly happy when planted in our Clayton Valley soil. Hydrangeas need about three years in the ground with good care before they freely give that desirable surge of incredible flowers. Install hydrangeas in bright shade. They do not like any harsh, direct Clayton sun. Their leaves are too big to be sun tolerant. The larger the leaves on a plant, the more area for moisture loss. Large leafed plants most often need to be planted in the shade. Soil is absolutely something you need to consider when installing a hydrangea. Our native, hard, dry, clay soil isn’t too friendly to the roots of a hydrangea shrub. You will need to amend the soil for your hydrangea installation. Your amendment should be a rich, dark mix that looks more like
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some of the largest, woodiest hydrangea plants around and can easily be shaped into a small tree. This type of hydrangea takes up a lot of room in the landscape, and should be allowed to be all it can be. Hydrangeas will need to be fertilized. If you water using a drip system, use water-soluble fertilizers for acid loving plants. Maxsea makes an excellent fertilizer for your hydrangeas. Those that water with sprinkler can have to luxury of feeding with granular fertilizer. Look for a product with or around 4-8-5 on its label. Always follow product directions. Since a hydrangea’s color represents the chemical make up of the soil, you’ll add aluminum sulfate to keep your hydrangea blue, and dolomite lime to keep it pink. Some may add pennies to their soil, and others may mix in rusty nails. It is always interesting to hear how plant lovers color-up their hydrangeas. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her with questions or comments at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
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Family owned & operated since 1981
Our passion is pets.
Veterinary Clinic Drop-ins OK
Upcoming Dates SUNDAYS
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Senior Tuesdays
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5x8 – $49/mo. *This offer is for refinance of an auto loan from another lender. Cannot be combined with other consumer loan offers and is not valid on existing Travis Credit Union loans or loans paid to individuals. To qualify, auto refinance applications from another lender must be submitted on or after June 1 and no later than August 31, 2013. Coupon required to receive $100 offer. Auto refinance loan must be at least $15,000 and member must have valid registration in order to qualify for this offer. $100 will be deposited into primary member’s savings account within 45 days of the loan funding date. Member is responsible for applicable tax consequences associated with this offer. Please consult your tax advisor. Rates based on creditworthiness and age of vehicle. **90 days deferred payments: The interest on your vehicle loan will continue to accrue from the date your vehicle loan is funded and transferred. Federally insured by NCUA. Everyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in our 12-county area is eligible to join. Certain requirements may apply.
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