www.claytonpioneer.com
HOWARD GELLER
IT’S YOUR PAPER March 11, 2016
925.672.0500
City to install new landscaping on seven gateway medians TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
MAYOR’S CORNER
On concerts, walks and history The best lineup of bands in memory highlight the “Concerts in the Grove” summer series, and the weekly summer series of Saturday shows begins May 7. Our Classic Car Shows and mid-week concerts move to Wednesday nights, with seven car shows and four concerts scheduled. The Clayton Business and Community Association’s popular Art and Wine Festival takes place April 30 and May 1. Find details for these events at www.ci.clayton.ca.us. The City Council approved concept designs to enhance the appearance of seven subdivision entry medians. Our maintenance department now must prepare detailed competitivebid packages to include options for power and light features. Also, the drought’s water restrictions mean “hardscape” renovations figure to be the only ones approved within the approved budget of $300,000. Future funds under this pay-as-you-go improvement plan depend heavily on voter continuation of the Citywide Landscape Maintenance District parcel tax that appears on the June 2016 local ballot. My wife, Debbie, and I really appreciated the seven new bridge tops during our walk on the Cardinet Trail the other day. The bridge tops were installed recently and were funded by our Trails and Landscape Tax. During the walk, we came across people walking their pets, in groups, on bicycles and jogging. It was an awesome way to get exercise, greet fellow Claytonians and enjoy the early spring weather. The City Council reviewed the City’s mid-year budget in detail and accepted it without modifications. An analysis of our General Fund status at the mid-year budget revealed actual revenues exceeding revenue projections by $251,000. This one-time infusion of revenue by Contra Costa County and the state of California brings the possibility of an operation surplus for fiscal year 2015-16.
SEVEN OF THE CITY’S ENTRY MEDIANS ARE SCHEDULED FOR LANDSCAPE UPGRADES this year. At the Feb. 16 council meeting, the city council directed staff to move forward with the improvements for entry medians at (1) Eagle Peak and Oakhurst (west); (2) Keller Ridge Dr. and Eagle Peak Dr; (3) Eagle Peak Dr. and Oakhurst Dr. (east); (4) Peacock Creek Dr. at Clayton Rd. first median; (5) Regency Dr. at Marsh Creek Rd.; (6) Entry to the city on Marsh Creek Rd. at Diablo Parkway; (7) Marsh Creek Rd. on the east side from Town Center sign to Center St.
PATTI PRATT Special to the Pioneer
Clayton’s Maxwell Renner and Kyle Metz earned a ticket to the Cannes International Film Festival by winning critical acclaim for their comedic short film “Showdown,” a production they put together while attending San Diego State University. The two full-time students launched their endeavor while running SDSU’s premier sketch comedy group Party of Dos. They entered their short in the SDSU Campus Movie Festival, the largest student
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Cleans Up 2016 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
opportunity to attend the Cannes International Film FesAWARDS ABOUND tival after catching wind of the Festival rules required the movie. The Cannes is the piece to be made in a single largest professional film festiweek, but Renner and Metz val in the world. finished their production in one day. “Showdown” earned FRIENDS SINCE PRESCHOOL Renner and Metz met in the two the coveted Jury Award, and Renner also won preschool and caught the comthe prestigious Best Actor edy bug together at Drama award. The film also is up for Mama Productions when they Best Comedy and Best Actor attended middle school. They at the Oscars of Campus graduated from the Clayton Movie Festival and the duo has Arts Academy at Clayton Valbeen invited to the event in ley Charter High School. Metz won the school’s Grand Altair KYLE METZ, LEFT, AND MAXWELL RENNER earned an invitation Atlanta. to the Cannes Film Festival after winning critical acclaim for Campus Movie Officials offered Renner and Metz the See Cannes, page 6 their comedic short “Showdown.”
film festival in the world.
Performing Arts school less than five months from reality
Save the Date
City Hall Courtyard
See Medians, page 6
Laughs, honors follow Clayton pair
See Mayor, page 7
April 23
With the recent rains, the city is finally seeing some light at the end of the water-restriction tunnel and is ready to move forward on one long-needed landscaping project. Last April, the City Council directed Maintenance Supervisor John Johnston to draw up plans for replacing the landscaping in entry medians and set aside $300,000 from the Clayton Landscape Maintenance District reserves for the project. At the Feb. 16 council meeting, Johnston presented conceptual designs for the entry medians at the main subdivision entries and the eastern entry to the city on Marsh Creek Rd. All of the designs incorporate a variety of hardscapes
MICHAEL BERRY will be artistic director for the new School of Performing Arts charter school opening in August.
The countdown has begun for the start of the inaugural school year for the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts. The new public charter school will welcome students in grades six through 10 starting Aug. 10. Founder Neil McChesney and his staff are in the final stages of securing a site within Mt. Diablo Unified School District boundaries to house 300 students and a staff of about 20. McChesney says the “long-term vision” of the School of Performing Arts is still at the Concord Pavilion. For now, they are in the process of finalizing a site that will be the school’s home this fall and perhaps indefinitely. He adds that “we will have a
relationship with the Pavilion starting this year.” While there is a great deal of excitement as the school continues accepting students (“about 260-270 so far”) for the initial student body of 300, McChesney is glowing over the hiring of Michael Berry as the school’s artistic director. Berry has been associate artistic director and chair of the School of Theatre at Oakland School for the Arts for the past seven years. The SPA website says, “A veteran actor, director and educator, Berry brings with him a wealth of artistry, vision, dedication and passion as he continues to influence and shape the artistic direction and academic success for all students with which he works.” His accomplishments as an
Creekside Arts Celebration Honoring Our Ancestors April 1-3
educator, include being the creator and visionary for such initiatives and projects as the Bay Area Collegiate Theatre Auditions and “Oakland’s Got Talent.” Among Berry’s most distinguished accomplishments was winning a 2014 National Teaching Artist Fellowship Award, enabling him to study abroad at the Royal Conservatory of Scotland, focusing on Deaf/Visual Theatre. Berry says his philosophy “is deeply rooted in the belief that all students can learn. Arts and academics share equal value in the ultimate vision; creating wellbalanced students, prepared for future success and equipped to be contributing members of their community, regardless of their future career endeavors.” In the 2016-17 school year
Art sales and interactive entertainment for all ages.
Clayton Community Library
claytonlibrary.org
McChesney anticipates about 66 students (two classes of 33) for grades six through nine and about half that many in 10th grade. There will be a waitlist this year of nearly 200 students. The following school year the student body is projected to increase to 500 as 11th grade is added. The first seniors will graduate in 201819 school year. The school is currently funding its staff and other financial obligations through grants from the Silicon School Fund and Public Charter Schools, a federal program for startup charter schools. They have also applied for a State Charter School loan. It will most likely be sometime in the
See School, page 6
What’s Inside
Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Community Calendar . . . . .15 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 School News . . . . . . . . . . . .8
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Around Town
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Wedded bliss for 65 years
‘Clampers’ do the honors at annual Camellia Tea
CARL BAUMANN AND STEVE LASSAIR demonstrate proper pouring technique at February’s Camellia Tea.
JESSE AND RUBY CHRISTENSEN
Ruby and Jesse Christensen celebrated 65 years together on Feb. 18. They were high school sweethearts from the small town of Hagerman, Idaho. They were married in San Francisco at Old St. Mary’s Church while Jesse was on leave from the Air Force. They lived in Sacramento and Lafayette before landing in Clayton where they have enjoyed the small town and its many trails for more than 20 years. Jesse is retired from International Harvester and Ruby is retired from McCaulou’s. They have three children and eight grandchildren. Their retired years have been spent with their children and grandchildren on trips and local adventures and traveling the country together. Please submit your Around Town items at ClaytonPioneer.com
On Valentine’s Day, Clayton’s favorite Clampers polished up their boots and belts and traded in their beer steins for teacups and saucers at the 39th Annual Clayton Historical Society’s Camellia Tea at the Clayton Museum. The “Clampers” are all members of E. Clampus Vitus Joaquin Murrieta, Chapter 13, a local group dedicated to preserving the area’s history and
Western heritage. The organization has helped the CHS many times, most recently when they constructed a stone monument TAKING A BREAK FROM THEIR POURING DUTIES are E Vitus Clamper members John Kelley, Carl recognizing The Grove as a Baumann. (Center) Red Read, Steve Barton, Steve Lassair, Tyson Freeman, Matt Hazen, Johnny Campanile. (Front) Joe DeCosta, Rich Johnson and Eric Schrepel. historical place in Clayton. The annual event gives Clayton’s pioneering families a chance to visit and catch up. The event was started by Eldora Hoyer and Phyllis Frank Easton.
Build it and they will fill
MDES fifth-grader, Dominic Vines received special recognition from City Council last week for his work in constructing a sandbag filling station for the city of Clayton. The four-hole station was a father-son project with dad Derek who estimates it took about seven weeks to complete. Dominic earned the Webelos Conservation Project Badge from the Boy Scouts of America.
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Krista Purser from Clayton was recently honored by the student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Purser was one of five recipients of the Cal Poly SWE Outstanding Women in Engineering Award, which recognizes members who have shown potential to make significant contributions to the engineering profession. Honorees are selected based on work experience, leadership activities and academic excellence. The current president of
the award-winning Institute of Transportation Engineers student chapter, and a key player on several of its championship teams, Purser is known for her work ethic and initiative at Cal Poly, financing her education through a combination of scholarships and work. The Society of Women Engineers is a not-for-profit educational and service organization that empowers women to succeed and advance in the field of engineering, and to be recognized for their life-changing contributions as engineers and leaders.
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Windmill Canyon at Oakhurst Country Club! Stunning Single Story “Keller” model! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approximately 2053sf. Gleaming hardwood floors. Gorgeous updated kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances including wine fridge & slab granite counters. Private lot on a tranquil court! $729,000
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Clayton’s Krista Purser receives engineering award from Cal Poly
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Clayton Market Update
March 11, 2016
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114 Samuel Ct . . . . . . . . . . . $765,000 . . . . .1814 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .2/29/16
708 Anizumne Ct . . . . . . . . . $555,000 . . . . .1666 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .2/12/16
411 Chupcan Pl . . . . . . . . . . $500,000 . . . . .1235 . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . .2/22/16
5954 Wallace Dr. . . . . . . . . . $700,000 . . . . .2217 . . . . . .5/3 . . . . . . . .2/5/16
1363 Shell Ln . . . . . . . . . . . . $499,000 . . . . .1355 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .2/23/16
1824 Yolanda Cir . . . . . . . . . $840,000 . . . . .2398 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .2/16/16
1331 Shell Ln . . . . . . . . . . . . $530,000 . . . . .1355 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .2/8/16
7 Clark Creek Cir . . . . . . . . . $420,000 . . . . .1113 . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . . .2/5/16
March 11, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town
Local kids ‘Do the Right Thing’
Kids in Clayton are all busy doing the right thing, and the city council knows it. The students were all nominated by their teachers and honored by the Council as part of the local character-building initiative, “Do The Right Thing.” The program which began in 2010, has been embraced by the Clayton police department and the local schools. Six character traits rotate through the year as way to help kids focus on making good decisions. At a January meeting, the students were recognized for showing great “kindness” in their dealings with peers. At the March 2 meeting, seven more students were called out and recognized by the mayor for exercising “self-discipline.” The remaining four traits are Integrity, Responsibility, Courage and Respect.
Page 3
Students recognized for their self-discipline (with Mayor Geller): From CVCHS Vanessa Mayorga, Sehaj Sahota, Alexandria Uy; From DVMS Caitlin Reimer and Valeria Gutierrez-Camarillo; From MDES Michael Albert and Ava Chan.
Chili contest nets three winners and chili for a crowd
Clayton Club Chili contest judges CBCA president Bob Steiner, Mayor Howard Geller and Police Chief Chris Wenzel filled their pockets with Beano and Rolaids before heading down to the club on Feb. 28. The judges tasted and retasted 16 pots of chili until they narrowed the field to the four best, among them Clayton Club owner Cindy Barton’s pot. Cindy was worried there wouldn’t be enough chili to satisfy the packed club when tasting time rolled around, so she and Steve cooked up their own batch. Barton’s pot was eliminated from the top four and the three winners were announced with first place going to Mike Ghelfi, second to George Millward and third CHILI CONTEST WINNERS: From left: Second place, George to Naomi Orcutt. Millward; First place, Mike Ghelfi; and Third Place was Rebecca Loehnig accepting for Naomi Orcutt.
ClaytonPioneer has egg on its face
Students honored for being exceptionally kind shown with Mayor Geller: Michael Drolette, Chloe Wigton from DVMS; Nicholas Grant, Kyle Lehman and Zachary Fine from CVCHS; Ryan Bernal and Emma Del Bianco from MDES.
As Easter approaches and eggs take center stage, Clayton egg collector and egg artist Lenka Glassner is ready. “People don’t realize how much history is behind egg decorating - so many lively traditions and inventive techniques,” says Lenka. “I etch my designs on painted egg shells the way I learned from my mother in the Czech Republic. This is a timeconsuming and meticulous process, but I constantly experiment with new techniques, too. Inspiration may come from my husband’s tie, the
Clayton artist Lenka Glassner finds an unusual use for past issues of the Clayton Pioneer.
lacy-like leaves on the trail behind the Clayton library, or from the headlines in Clayton Pioneer.” On March 15, Glassner will talk on the ancient art of egg
decorating in the Walnut Creek main library from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Register online at http://tinyurl.com/eggdecoration, or call the library (925) 977-3340.
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Regency Woods – Breathetaking views of Mount Diablo from this lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom rancher. New windows and plantation shutters, beautiful hardwood flooring and newer central heating and AC unit. Sparkling pool with waterfall and spa, fruit trees and RV parking.
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Mota Ranch – Lovely 3 bedroom, 2 full bath townhome. . Master suite with walk in closet, updated kitchen and living room with wood burning fireplace. Tri Level unit with balcony and attached two car garage. Convenient location with easy access to freeway and BART.
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Got Boats? – Enjoy gorgeous sunsets from this luxurious 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home at the end of a court. Master on 1st level with fireplace and spa-like bath. Grand entrance with views to the water, Gourmet kitchen with walk in pantry, and great room with double high ceilings. Deck with built in bbq and double covered boat slips on deep water. Carol vanVaerenbergh, (925) 672-1772 CVanVaeren@aol.com Cal BRE#01221965
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Willow Walk – Gorgeous 3 bedroom + office & 2.5 bath townhome built in 2004. Open and light with plantation shutters and hardwood flooring. Kitchen with granite countertops, inside laundry and designer, gas fireplace in living room. Great complex centrally located near freeway, transportation, and shopping.
Mitchell Canyon – Charming 4 bedroom, 2 bath rancher with owned solar. Updated kitchen with granite counters. Backyard with sparkling pool and patio area, perfect for entertaining. 2 car attached garage PLUS 2 car detached garage/workshop & RV parking. Low maintenance front yard and fruit trees. Carol vanVaerenbergh, (925) 672-1772 CVanVaeren@aol.com Cal BRE#01221965
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March 11, 2016
Concord to select CNWS Master Developer PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
It wasn’t exactly a Shakespearean tragedy, but the recent events in the selection of Master Developer for Concord’s Naval Weapons Station had at least one observer, County Democratic Chair Jeff Koertzen noting that “there’s something rotten in the city of Concord.” And the Concord City Council tried to quell that stench Tuesday as it responded to an independent investigator’s report that found one Master Developer at fault for lobbying and the council itself responsible for Brown Act violations. “We’ve hit some bumps in the road in this process,” said Mayor Laura Hoffmeister. “Now it’s up to us to regain that trust of the city.
TRUST AND INTEGRITY That trust in the city and a sense of integrity of the Master Developer selection process came under fire often at the meeting, exploding in a swell of public disgust — aired in newspaper editorials and on local blogs —after news of campaign contributions to then-Mayor Tim Grayson’s Assembly Campaign by groups affiliated with developer finalist Lennar Corp. and the removal of other finalist Catellus Corp. from the final staff report by City Manager Valerie Barone. The distrust grew after the release of an independent report by Michael Jenkins of Jenkins & Hogin LLP, tapped by interim city attorney Brian Libow to investigate the allegations. The report claimed that four donations to Grayson’s Assembly bid were solicited by Lennar for the sake of “lobbying” in its favor, which it deemed
was prohibited in the agreement. While several speakers at the meeting called on Lennar’s disqualification, the council ultimately decided not to, arguing that the city needed the two developers for the public benefit of comparison and making a thoughtful decision. As Councilman Dan Helix pointed out — and was noted in the Jenkins report — Grayson was unaware of the four companies’ ties to Lennar, and when he did find out, he quickly gave back the money. He also recused himself from voting on any issues that dealt with the Master Developer selection. That leaves the deciding number of council members on the important vote at three, as Vice Mayor Ron Leone can’t vote on the CNWS development because he lives within a close enough distance to the property that it would be construed a conflict of interest. The other major controversy stemmed from what Jenkins called a “serial meeting” conducted via email between Barone and three council members — Grayson, Hoffmeister and Edi Birsan — about pulling the staff recommendation for Catellus, leading some to wonder if Grayson and others were being pressured by Lennar. Barone had told this newspaper and others that the decision to pull the recommendation was hers alone, but the Jenkins report called that into question, and the information Barone shared via a series of phone calls with the council candidates constituted a serial violation of the Brown Act. In the end, the council unanimously approved all eight staff recommendations resulting from the Jenkins report, with Grayson recusing himself only
from the disqualification question of Lennar. The remaining issues, it was determined, did not demand his recusal.
GOING FORWARD The council decided to inform both Master Developer candidates that the City would apply the meaning of the word lobbying as set forth in the agreement, as opposed to the state’s definition, which says campaign contributions are not lobbying and which Lennar lawyers had vehemently argued for. As a council it would approach the Master Developer selection dispassionately, disregarding previous history and proceed impartially, consider all public testimony and adhere to a merit-based evaluation of the two proposals and schedule a public meeting to select the Master Developer for Phase 1 of the Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Plan. The council would have advanced Brown Act training in an open and public meeting and Barone was directed to provide advanced Brown Act training for the executive team and key staff who support the City’s boards and commissions. The council directed the staff to provide at least quarterly updates to the council on the status of CNWS project, once a Master Developer is chosen. The situation was summed up eloquently by Helix, who served on Governor Schwarzenegger’s Military Council and participated in the process that facilitated the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, and who returned to the council in 2011 to “finish the job.” “The Weapons Station property is our best chance to obtain significant revenue for
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Concord’s future… A meticulously developed plan was designed to select a Master Developer solely on the basis of merit. We were concerned that politics would rear its ugly head. And, tragically, it did in the form of a verified illegal campaign contribution solicited by Mr. Bonner of the Lennar organization. I find it passing strange that three other friends of Lennar, who never met Mayor Grayson, were moved to make the maximum contribution allowable to his campaign.” He harshly criticized Lennar’s alleged solicitation of campaign contributions, and stated he was opposed to removing the staff recommendation of Catellus. “I do not need anyone to explain what course of action my personal judgment tells me is best for the city,” he said.
has with the Jenkins report was who did not participate. Lennar President Kofi Bonner did not agree to be interviewed by Jenkins, but instead answered via attorney, as did Grayson’s campaign consultant Mary Jo Rossi, who inexplicably showed up at three site visits the council took to see different projects by the developers. Former San Francisco Mayor and Lennar lobbyist Willie Brown, who met with Grayson to discuss his assembly race, refused to answer questions. And an unfinished report by the late Mark Coon, whose suicide coincided with his investigation of the Lennar contributions and its impact on the Master Developer selection, was not included in the report. In fact, the report contained no mention of the questionable timing of Coon’s death at all, a tragedy that BirJENKINS OMISSIONS san called a “coincidence.” One of the issues that Helix Former Concord council
member and mayor Steve Weir, the retired county’s clerkrecorder, delivered perhaps the most scathing assessment of the council’s actions. “I believe most of you [the council] owe this community an apology by admitting your mistakes… Your ability to regain the trust of your constituents has been severely shaken. When you act with such callous disregard for the public’s right to know, you cast a pall upon the whole mechanism of government.” The City Council will select the CNWS Master Developer at a public meeting on Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 at the Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Council meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at Civic Center. The change of venue has been made to accommodate the large number of residents expected to attend.
Clayton says OK to medical marijuana deliveries, nixes testing TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
There will be no medical marijuana testing labs in Clayton, says the City Council who last week voted unanimously to prohibit testing labs, but agreed to permit cannabis deliveries to Clayton residents. The staff had initially recommended the Council ban both deliveries and testing, but council members elected to separate the two issues. The City Municipal Code currently bans medical marijuana dispensaries, but was silent on deliveries and testing. There are at least ten services listed on the Internet that will deliver medical marijuana to Clayton. In her staff report, Community Development Director
Mindy Gentry, discusses several potential security risks associated with cannabis deliveries. Although deliveries are typically made in a low profile, non-descript vehicle, they do frequently carry large amounts of marijuana and cash. She noted a recent Antioch incident in which a dispensary delivery person was robbed of $8,000 worth of product. The Council opted to consider the two issues separately after an impassioned plea from Clayton resident, Gary Carr who said he was speaking for “a significant number of Clayton residents” that rely on the delivery of cannabis to their homes. “You would never know when they arrive or leave,” said Carr. “Deliveries are
made by neat, clean young people who look like they were fresh out of prep school...” If patients could not rely on home delivery, they would have to drive to the “far reaches of Oakland” for their medication, creating a significant burden, Carr said. The council agreed with him voting unanimously to allow medical marijuana deliveries, but to prohibit testing labs within city limits. While medical marijuana is still illegal under federal law, California law leaves the regulation and control over medical marijuana to local authorities. The Clayton Municipal Code allows for the cultivation of small amounts of marijuana if it is grown indoors by a “qualified patient or caregiver.”
‘Honoring our Ancestors’ theme for Creekside Arts Celebration The 13th annual Creekside Arts Festival weekend fundraiser runs from April 13, beginning with the opening reception on April 1 from 68:30 p.m., Arts and crafts, “live” painting, music and Professional Jury Award winners all highlight the offerings on the first night. Also Friday, retired teacher Dick Ellis offers a brief history of
Joel Clayton and the Clayton family ties to prominent members of the Bay Area. Plein air painting and a charcoal drawing workshop take place on April 2, along with presentations on African Fable storytelling, a Doc Hale cultural history talk, and a “Discover Your Family History” talk given by The Concord Family History Learning Center.
On Sunday, April 3, “Open Mic” begins the festivities, which feature ukulele, hula and taiko workshops, lots of music and the People’s Choice Awards. Creekside Arts Celebration runs April 1-3 at the Clayton Community Library. For more information, contact Arlene Kikkawa Nielsen, Nielsenjanc@aol.com.
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March 11, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Candid and clever, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff takes on county issues [Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of interviews with Concord/Clayton regional leaders.] PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Karen Mitchoff might like to put purple streaks in her hair for the next Board of Supervisor’s meeting, but then again, it might send the wrong message. “I love purple, that’s who I am,” she says. “But I also have to look the part.” “The part” is that of District IV Supervisor, reelected to her second term in 2014 following a long career in county service and as a Pleasant Hill City Council member and mayor of that city in 2010. This is perhaps the culmination of her political aspirations, which began in first grade with an election made up of felt elephants for Nixon and felt donkeys for Kennedy. “Politics always seemed fascinating to me,” she says from her sunny corner conference room at her district office, tucked away in Todos Santos Plaza. “I came of age during Watergate,” she says with a smile. But never in her wildest dreams did she expect to become a policymaker herself. LOCAL GIRL Born in Portland Oregon, Mitchoff moved to California in 1962 when her father — not a very political man — had a job transfer, and the family landed in Pleasant Hill. She attended Gregory Gardens Elementary School, Valley View Middle School, College Park High School and then attended Diablo Valley College, earning an AA in Business. She returned to college in
SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF (seated) and District Representative, Lisa Chow, confer in Mitchoff’s District Office on items for an upcoming board meeting. Chow is one of four District Office staff members.
2000 while working full-time, and graduated from Cal State East Bay on the day of her 30th high school class reunion. She says that college was an eye-opening experience. “When you go back to school in your 40s, you have learned certain life lessons that some professors didn’t appreciate. Yes, I had a few run-ins.” Her first job for the county was with the office of former Sherriff-Coroner Richard Rainey. She also worked as a fiscal and administrative analyst for the county’s Employment and Human Services Department, and as Chief of Staff for former Supervisors Sunne Wright McPeak and Mark DeSaulnier. Moving into civic service was a natural next step, she says. She was appointed to the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Board of Directors in 2003 and was elected to that board in 2004 and 2006. She served as Chair in 2005 and 2006, and served on a variety of committees during her
tenure there. She was elected to the Pleasant Hill City Council in 2008, and the rest, she says, is history. “I hit the ground running,” she says of her job as supervisor. “Unlike serving on a city council, you can’t really have another job.” The job is considered part-time, despite the 50-60 hours per week she spends on it. “You don’t go into this business for the money,” she says, which leads her to discuss last year’s highly contentious decision for the board to give themselves a 30 percent raise, from $97,500 to $129,200 per year — a move they later scaled back to 7 percent. “If I had to do it over, I’d do it differently,” she says. “I did not correctly gauge the reaction of the public employees.” She said she would instead have a special commission study the best way to give Supervisors cost of living and other increases. Still, it underscores her guiding principle in governing:
“I try to be fair to all concerned,” she says. “I listen, I take into perspective all sides, and I decide what is best for the majority of the people. “We can disagree — that’s part of my job. But I will always listen to all sides of an issue.” That’s apparent to her colleagues on the board. “Karen serves with passion,” says District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen. “She is forthright and doesn’t hesitate to say whatever she is thinking. You don’t ever have to wonder what her thoughts are on an issue! She is always well prepared and her years as a County employee before becoming a Supervisor provide her with great institutional knowledge. I enjoy working with her. She has been a thoughtful and helpful colleague.” It hasn’t always been easy. Mitchoff remembers one of her hardest votes, when she was the swing vote against the redistricting proposal a couple of years ago. “If it had gone through, it would have divided Concord, and I didn’t think that was a good idea,” she says. “I didn’t think it was good for my constituents, or the county, to break up Contra Costa’s largest city. But it was hard to go against my friends on the board.” APPROACHABLE, FAIR AND PURPLE
Mitchoff is a no-nonsense, what-you-see-is-what-you-get person, and she will have to use all her talents in dealing with what she says are the three major issues facing Con-
See Mitchoff, page 9
Page 5
Longtime arts supporter Robert Rezak dies at 83 PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
The local arts community is mourning the loss of Robert R. Rezak, whose keen enthusiasm for theater, music and visual arts propelled him to one of the pillars of the local arts scene. A longtime employee at Pacific Bell in corporate communications, he maintained an avid interest in the arts, volunteering in the arts community in a variety of ways. After his retirement he served as publicist for such organizations as the Diablo Symphony, Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Contra Costa Wind Symphony and others. He was a founding commissioner and chairman of the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County, and he served on the boards of Diablo Light Opera Company, the Willows Theatre and Contra Costa Children’s Chorus, among others. Rezak also acted as a trustee for the Diablo Regional Arts Association, and served for 22 years on the executive committee of the Concord Pavilion Associates, a volunteer support group for the outdoor concert venue. One of the projects he worked on was the Pavilion’s “Walk of Fame,” of which local jazz superstar Dave Brubeck was the first honoree. His impact was not lost on those he worked with in the media. “I hope our local arts groups appreciate how
Photo courtesy of the Rezak family
ROBERT REZAK is shown here with daughter Sharon Vanni and grandson Nick Stirm. Rezak died Feb. 12 after a long career supporting arts organizations in the East Bay.
effective he was working behind the scenes, steering us to good stories, helping arts institutions understand what their local paper could [and sometimes could not] do for them. He will be missed” says Lisa Wrenn, Features Editor for Bay Area News Group. He was also a beloved husband, father and grandfather. “I am so lucky to be the daughter of this special man,” says daughter Sharon Vanni of Concord. “He has left quite a legacy. He instilled in me the values of family, education, hard work, doing the right thing, good stewardship, enjoying arts and culture, eating well and most of all, finding humor every day.” A memorial service will be held Friday, April 1.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Impound account not required on all mortgages
It’s an early Fiesta for CVV Mar. 4-6 p
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cessfully “Helping seniors live suc in their own homes.”
Get a jump (a big one) on Cinco de Mayo
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CVV Meet ’n’ Greet Social Hour
Get updated on Clayton Valley Village. Meet the Volunteer Team – Share Ideas. Find out what “Tapatio” means.
El Tapatio
4633 Clayton Rd. in Concord
Info at www.claytonvalleyvillage.org Joe Ronco/Owner 925-872-3049 jaroncoconstruction.com
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REAL ANSWERS
Q. Are impound accounts required for all mortgage loans? A. Impound accounts typically can be waived on a conventional loan if the loan amount is 80 percent or less of the purchase price. I have heard of lenders charging up to an additional quarter-point for the option to waive the escrow. Sometimes, the lender agrees to let the borrower raise the down payment slightly to avoid an impound account., which usually also can be dropped on an owner-occupied loan once the load-tovalue ratio equals 80 percent or
title company that helped facilitate the sale or the county recorder’s office can provide this information. Store the information in special folders that go in your filing cabinet. File everything electronically, too, with all the safeguards. 3) Invest in home security from disasters and theft. Select a home insurance company before the close of the deal and find a security company after the move. Referrals are helpful in finding the right companies. 4) Get to know your neighbors and make yourself familiar with your new town or city. Remember, you are joining a new community. 5) Enjoy your new sanctuary. Reward yourself with some relaxation after all of the hard work house hunting, moving and settling.
A. Early readings on February inventory and activity show that the spring home-buying season has started. Home sales have accelerated in a way not normally seen until well into March or April, driven by a strong demand and slight inventory growth. “It looks like the groundhog was correct,” Realtor.com chief economist Jonathon Smoke said. “Spring is coming early this year and not just when it comes to weather.” Incidentally, California maintains its real estate dominance by featuring eight of the top 10 markets in the country.
“We want our Flowering Pear trees replaced,” says Kahni Horton, who says the city has received insurance proceeds for some of the trees, but has not spent it on replacements. “We haven’t replaced them because of the drought,” said Johnston, who said the replacement is a “priority,” and suggests replacing the Flowering Pears with Chinese Pistache, a hardier variety. The missing trees and lack of watering has created visual blight and a safety hazard, say the Hortons, who want the trees replaced before the entry median landscaping. Johnson has referred the Peacock Drive project to the Trails and Landscape Committee for evaluation and recommendation.
BALLOT MEASURE LOOMS All of the city’s landscaping costs, except the city parks, are financed by the Clayton Landscape Maintenance District, which is set to sunset in 2016. The Council has opted to put a ballot measure renewing the District on the June 2016 ballot. The renewal proposes to continue the same tax rate calculation as the current $234.84 per year for a single family residence. Any CPI increase is capped at 3 percent per year. When the Landscape Maintenance District was formed in 2007, it passed by a whopping 83 percent, far higher than the two-thirds required. The council expects residents to support the District again. Should the measure fail, there is no other option for landscape funding.
in college productions. The duo returns to Clayton later this month to teach an exclusive Improv Comedy Class for teenagers. The threeday course runs from March 29-31 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at
the Clayton Community Church. Students will learn about great comedy improvisation and how it’s harnessed for performance. The class also will explore writing and specifically how to write for film. The $100 cost will help raise funds for their trip to Cannes and includes a daily
lunch. For more information, please send email to melcathryn@gmail.com. To see their short film or donate to the pair’s Cannes travel fund, please visit https://www.generosity.com/ community-fundraising/ max-and-kyle-vs-cannes-filmfestival
CHARTER WINS LAWSUIT McChesney also announced that the school successfully defeated a lawsuit filed by MDUSD challenging the approval of SPA’s charter petition on appeal by the Contra Costa County Board of Education. “SPA is pleased with the Court’s decision and is excited to
move forward with its plans to open this fall,” said the executive director. “The approval of SPA’s charter petition withstood MDUSD’s challenge. This outcome is a victory for school choice in our community and acknowledges the County’s authority to exercise its expertise to approve charter petitions.” Last October, the school district filed a lawsuit against the CCCBOE and SPA alleging that the county board abused its discretion in approving SPA’s
charter petition and improperly amended SPA’s petition through a subsequently entered Memorandum of Understanding. The relief sought was the setting aside of the approval of SPA’s charter petition and an order to CCCBOE that it re-evaluate and vote to grant or deny the petition in accordance with Education Code section 47605(b). Contra Costa County Superior Court rejected MDUSD’s arguments and denied all relief sought earlier this year.
less. In this case, restrictions usually apply and payments have to be current and the record of making on-time payments needs to be solid.
Q. What are some tips to help make the “Dream Home” we just purchased feel like home? A. Congratulations on securing one of the most important investments of your life. Here are some tips for your dream home: 1) Select the right moving company. Moving remains one of the most stressful aspects of buying a home, and hiring movers can give you hands-on control of every aspect of it. A realtor or Send your question and look for friends can provide a recomyour answer in a future column. Email mendation, and those who can Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is afford movers should receive the broker/owner of Windermere at least two bids before decidLynne French & Associates. Contact ing whom to hire. 2) Confirm the Q. When does the spring her at 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 recording of the house deed. The buying season start? Center St., Clayton.
Medians, from page 1
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with water –saving features and drought-tolerant plants, saving existing trees and shrubs wherever possible. Johnston plans on using bricks and boulders to give texture and color to the designs. “They are better than plants,” he said. “They don’t grow and block sightlines, and they don’t take water.” Johnston favors a more formal look at the city entrances and low-growing shrubbery and pavers in the subdivision medians. All hardscape will be designed to catch rainwater for absorption into the ground. The council was impressed with the designs. “I know how
RESULTS
much love you put into this,” said Mayor Howard Geller. “Looking really good,” said Councilwoman, Julie Pierce. The designs are similar in feel to the landscaping around the city fountain.
SOME SAY TREES FIRST Less impressed with the median designs were Peacock Creek residents Kahni and Dane Horton who question the city’s priorities. They want more attention given to the median that runs up the hill along Peacock Creek Drive where sometrees have been destroyed in separate car and van accidents over several years.
Cannes, from page 1
award, and Renner received the Maestro Award after touring with Clayton Valley’s Honors Choir in Boston. They formed Party of Dos at SDSU to work on their own projects when they weren’t cast
• Wonderful 2,310 sf ranch-style home with large yards and views • Over an acre of corrals, barn and outbuildings for your animals • Large yards for play and entertaining • Beatiful view lot • Adjacent to Lime Ridge Open Space with miles of trails • Close in location for the commuter
KNOWLEDGE
March 11, 2016
School, from page 1
fall before the school starts receiving “average daily attendance” funding from the state. McChesney says that “over $100,000 in cash donations and in-kind services have been pledged” to the charter. That includes 1700 square feet of free office space in Walnut Creek for the current staff of five.
St. Bonaventure Catholic In Concord Community 5562 Clayton Rd.
HOLY THURSDAY- March 24
(925) 672-5800
Morning Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:00 a.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Bi-lingual) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m.
GOOD FRIDAY – March 25
Morning Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:00 a.m. Stations of the Cross in the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m. Ecumenical Prayer: The Seven Last Words of Jesus - Church . . . . . .12:15 p.m.
In collaboration with Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, Concord United Methodist Church, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Passion of the Lord - Church (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3:00 p.m. Church (Spanish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:30 p.m. Parish Hall (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m.
HOLY SATURDAY - March 26
Morning Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:00 a.m. Easter Vigil in the Holy Night: (Bi-lingual) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m.
EASTER SUNDAY: The Resurrection of the Lord - March 27 English Masses: Church, 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. English Masses: Parish Hall, 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. Spanish Mass: Church, 12:45 p.m.
No 5:00 p.m. Mass on Easter
Easter Sunday is March 27
• All new Jewelry Collections have arrived too! Mon-Sat 10-5
925-672-2025 1028 Diablo St., Clayton
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March 11, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Paid Advertising
Local Travel Agency Received Carnival Cruise Line’s Excellence Award
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor
CLAYTON, CA – A new local travel agency, Clayton Travel and Tours, has received Carnival Cruise Line Excellence Award distinction which recognizes the agency for its innovative marketing, brand advocacy and success in selling the “Fun Ship” vacation experience. “With this 2015 Excellence Awards, we’ve chosen 15 outstanding agencies, including Clayton Travel & Tours that demonstrate a keen understanding of our industry and innovative approaches to expanding their business,” said Carnival’s Vice President of Trade Sales & Marketing Adolfo Perez. “Agencies recognized have not only shown tremendous growth but also introduced unique selling methods that set them apart.” A Carnival sales leadership panel, led by Perez, evaluated all submissions from the sales field to select 15 “Excellence
S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré
C ORRESPONDENTS : John Jackson, Kara Navolio, John T. Miller, Jennifer Leischer
We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit guides us
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US
Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 www.ClaytonPioneer.com
Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send School News to
schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have
priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail.
CIRCULATION as of Sept. 2014 Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes, businesses and post office boxes. We cannot start or stop delivery to individual addresses. This must be done directly through the Post Office. The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,500 in Concord by carrier. Papers are delivered once a month on a Friday morning near the end of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please call us or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
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Awards” recipients based on the nominees’ strengths in each category. Clayton Travel and Tours attended the 2015 Excellence Awards celebration in Miami and received transportation to Miami for the event, hotel accommodations, an introduction to senior Carnival executives and a gala awards reception. In addition, the agency received a free balcony stateroom on a seven-day Carnival Caribbean cruise, sailing on March 26, 2016. In addition to the Excellence Award from Carnival, Clayton Travel & Tours also received the Best Year-Over-Year Growth from Cruise Planners, and was selected to participate in this year’s 2016 Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show at the Santa Clara Convention Center on March 5-6, 2016. For more information please contact Jessica Algas at 925-285-2117.
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CLAYTON HISTORY CONTINUED: In 1864, fires destroyed most of downtown Clayton’s wooden buildings, which were heated by coal and wood stoves and lit by kerosene lamps. The only water available to put out the fires came from wells, and the fires spread rapidly. The town rebuilt quickly. Joel Clayton died in 1872 from pneumonia. He caught the fatal bug trying to save a calf during the cold spring rains. His wife died in 1908, and only four of their nine children survived both parents. The Claytons were buried in Concord’s Live Oak Cemetery. In 1890, with coal mining and agriculture flourishing, 111 students attended the two-room Mt. Diablo School, the largest student enrollment ever recorded there. Nine hundred people populated the city. Horseback delivered mail to the “Coal Mine Area.” George and Jack Atkinson built horse-drawn wagons with large wooden wheels in 1898 to navigate the
rugged roads in the rainy season. The roads linked Martinez, Pacheco, Concord, Clayton and Antioch. They carried passengers, money, freight and the regular mail. Drivers were armed with .45-caliber Colt revolvers, as required by U.S. Mail contract regulations. Coal (“black diamond”) production in the area declined when cheaper, better coal became available. After that, cattle and dairy ranching; hay and grain production; orchards; vineyards, and farms became a mainstay in the valley. • Clayton vineyards produced wines that won state, national and international awards until infected vineyards and the start of the Prohibition Era in 1919 combined to end that run. Almond and walnut orchards replaced the vineyards. Stay tuned to hear about Clayton’s residential building boom of the 1960s. As always, e-mail questions or thoughts to hgeller@ci.clayton.ca.us
Page 7
Directory of Advertisers
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Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700
Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144
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Brentwood Theater Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . .513-3863
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Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Events
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Financial, Insurance and Legal Services
Aragon, Al - Citibank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-697-5000
DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .210-1400 Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . .432-4211
Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . .672-2300 Flowers
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Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden
Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Silvia’s Housecleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .350-9179
Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-5609 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243
The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025
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Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services
The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Pet Services
Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Photography
Rochellez Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-677-4170 Real Estate and Mortgage Services
Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . .606-8400
French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . .672-8787 Guillory, Hollie – Alain Pinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .382-8729
Hayes, Diane and Bill – Better Homes Realty .890-4701 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-3184 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593
Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .305-9099
Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170
Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness
Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301-7496 Senior Services
Oakmont of Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326-6482 Services, Other
Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . .682-4518 Wally’s Rental Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-1030 Travel
Clayton Travel and Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285-2117
Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840 Worship
St. Bonaventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5800
Integrity
Do the Right Thing
Schools Is America really the best?
Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
ing that so many are quick to declare America the best country in the world when many of them would struggle to explain why. Don’t get me wrong. American patriotism is a swell concept, but blind patriotism will not fix our country’s clear deficiencies. A 2014 Commonwealth Fund study found the United States ranked last in healthcare among 11 countries examined, and also rated last with regard to medical care access, efficiency and overall outcomes. America also spends more money on healthcare per person than any other country in
the study. A 2009 Harvard Medical School study showed that approximately 45,000 Americans die each year because of a lack of basic health care. Twenty-nine million Americans remain without health insurance despite incremental improvements since the Affordable Care Act came to pass. This is the America we live in, with problems not found in any other industrialized nation. Countries such as Canada and Denmark use a single-payer national healthcare insurance system, a system proven to work. Rather than implementing this system, many of our
elected officials would rather allow private insurance companies to control the healthcare industry and manipulate it for their own for-profit interest. America does lead the rest of the world in mass incarceration. Per capita, more people go to prison here than in any country in the world. The United States imprisons 724 people per 100,000, according to the International Centre for Prison Studies. Of those, 60 percent are African-Americans, even though they comprise only 12 percent of the American population. The United States invests more money in its prisons than
it does in its schools. We throw people with drug addictions into a cell, rather than rehabilitating them. By comparison, only 581 people per 100,000 are incarcerated in Russia. America’s elitism is a nice idea, but the evidence doesn’t back it up. Rather than scream from the roof tops that the United States is No. 1, we should understand that we are not the best. Before we crown ourselves No. 1, we should catch the rest of the world first.
Mt. Diablo Unified does a great job of providing a wellbalanced instructional program for all students. Research shows us that if students are connected to an extracurricular activity, their likelihood of graduating increases, as does their chances of continuing to a college or university. We see this to be true at our campuses DR. NELLIE MEYER and celebrate the excellent work of our school leadership MDUSD and teachers. SUPERINTENDENT In February, we saw our teams excel in the playoffs. College Park High School cel- who placed second in the 106ebrated a freshman wrestler pound weight division and
qualified for California Interscholastic Federation Championships. Concord’s boys soccer team beat Rancho Cotati in the North Coast Section quarterfinals. Northgate sent a wrestler to the CIF Wrestling Championships, and Ygnacio Valley’s boys soccer team brought home the school’s first-ever NCS soccer title, beating defending champion Marin Academy in the final. We also honor our artists and musicians who were recognized in a variety of ways. College Park recently participated
in concerts that included members from elementary school and advanced high school players. They also held a concert with Diablo View Community College and demonstrated the professional-caliber quality of their musicians. Northgate High and Concord’s Honor Orchestras held a concert at Diablo View Community College, and Northgate participated in Band on the Run. Future events include Concord’s Music Hope Night, Annual Band Dinner Dance and Choir’s Crab Feed; College
Park’s Area Band Festival, Choir’s Bella Notte Italian Dinner Show and the Choir Performance Tour to Disneyland.
TOMMY VO
TEEN SPEAK Growing up, Americans are taught that the United States is No. 1. We’re the best in the world and no other comes close. Are we? Our country falls behind in many important measures compared with the rest of the industrialized world. It’s amus-
Tommy Vo is a senior at CVCHS. Send comments to tomvo47@icloud.com
District students excel in sports, arts
CVCHS dishes up gourmet academics
In February, I attended the Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee Leadership Symposium —Leading to Ignite Innovation. More than 1,500 superintendents and instructional leaders from the school district and county offices also attended. Together, our focus throughout our state and this nation is to graduate students from high school with better preparation than they’ve ever received for college and a career. Great educational researchers John Hattie, Larry Ainsworth and Sal Khan spoke and delivered a message that schools should strive to have all students meeting admissions requirements for the Cal State and UC systems. Such skills will lead to college graduation and a successful career that can provide a middle- to upper-class lifestyle. I am proud to say that Clayton Valley Charter High
work hard in preparing meaningful and relevant lessons. I have maintained a laserlike focus in this area, because student interest and motivation to excel are keys to academic achievement and college. To put it another way, imagine inviting friends over to dinner and choosing to prepare a seven-course gourmet meal served on fine china with a beautiful setting and music playing in the background. We seek this kind of “ambiance” in our classroom. Now picture a meal of leftovers, served on paper plates and plastic utensils. Of the two, which would you prefer? CVCHS supports its staff by offering opportunities throughout the year and during the summer to enrich the knowledge and instructional practices that occur on a daily basis in different classes. We
DAVID LINZEY VOYAGE OF THE EAGLE
School has been on this mission from Day One. Throughout my educational career, it’s been my privilege to lead school improvement efforts, and it remains my passion today. The quality of the teacher standing in front of students in a classroom is the most important factor affecting a student’s learning and preparedness for college. So we need to equip teachers with the knowledge, instructional strategies and inspiration to
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Mt. Diablo Elementary School 15th Annual Benefit Auction The Mt. Diablo Elementary School Parent Faculty Club hosts its 15th annual fundraiser from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, April 8 at Centre Concord. The theme is “Prom Do-Over.” Come dressed in the decade of your prom or as you wish. The night will be filled with a live auction, silent auction, dessert dash, games, dancing and food. The MDES PFC is looking for donations and volunteers to help run the auction also. Centre Concord is at 5298 Clayton Road, Concord. Cost is $50 per person. For more information, go to mtdiabloelementary.mdusd.org or send email to stacysummer79@gmail.com.
Talent show, Career Day keep DVMS busy
NATALIE PURSCHE
DVMS
CORRESPONDENT
celed, but willing parents and and other volunteers helped to get it back up and running. Career Day provides an excellent way for students to learn about various professions and to begin thinking about what they may want to do for a career. About 40 visitors talked about their professions, including a secret service agent, a court reporter, a director of engineering, Disney employees, a few scientists and members of NASA. The school hosts the Eagle Arts Expo from 6-9 p.m. on April 21st in the Clayton Valley Charter High School multi-use room. Students from CVCHS, DVMS, and Pine Hollow Middle School can participate in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, video, digital computer, mixed media and 3D modeling exhibits. All submissions are due by March 18th to your art teacher.
The past couple of weeks were busy at Diablo View Middle School. The school held its 12th annual Talent Show on Feb. 25, a Disney-themed performance that included the seventh- and eighth-grade leadership classes putting on dances and skits. Camylle Callahan and Emma Wilcox each sang Adele’s “Fire in the Ring,” and Ashley Willer sang a song she wrote. All of their ticket proceeds went to the Make a Wish Foundation. Kelly Tuohey and Kelly Natalie Pursche is a seventhMarshall worked especially grade student at Diablo Valley David Linzey is executive direc- hard to make the DVMS annuMiddle School. Send comments to tor of CVCHS. Contact him al Career Day possible. The natalie@claytonpioneer.com. David.linzey@claytonvalley.org March 9 event nearly was can-
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base that instructional program on the Rigor and Relevance Framework put together by Dr. Bill Dagget. The program engages a student’s critical-thinking skills and makes applications to realworld scenarios. We also focus on using John Hattie’s research-based strategies and Dr. Robert Marzano’s data-proven strategies that yield the most academic gains. The symposium clearly showed that a large group of California educational leaders are driving in the same direction with the singular focus to empower every student with the academic skills that lead to college and careers of tomorrow. I am proud of our passionate pursuit of educational excellence here at CVHS.
Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org
March 11, 2016
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Don’t make it easy for the bad guys Remember that as the weather improves, criminal activity increases. We need to remain vigilant in securing our property not only in our city but wherever you go in the East Bay. On that note, mail theft has occurred again recently, so it remains important not to make your property a target of theft. Residents should check their mail daily and enlist a trusted neighbor to do so when away for a vacation. If requested, the U.S. Post Office ceases delivery of mail, too.
CHRIS WENZEL
CHIEF’S BEAT
ciency of the drop-off and pick-up of students. An important part of that push: Drivers obeying the laws and acting in consideration of the system that’s established. Hopefully, STUDENT DROP-OFFS We are partnering with Mt. we can improve this process Diablo Elementary School to through education, engineering help with the safety and effi- and enforcement.
My officers patrol that area block captains at the end of of the school during those times the month. I’m seeking their and will continue to do so. concerns, as well as their suggestions for providing better NEW HIRES service. I look forward to We’ve started the process meeting as many people as of hiring three new officers possible and would like to to replace three of our own channel some of that feedback officers who are in back- toward the police department ground checks in their bid to and special events. work at another agency. LosI helped to judge the 16th ing three officers equates to Annual Chili Cook-Off at the approximately 30 percent of Clayton Club Saloon on Feb. our sworn officers, and the 28, and the event appeared to city approved the allocation be a big success. Plenty of of funds to ensure a quick chili was had by all in the large and smooth transition. The audience. funds also prevent service delivery issues that could Chris Wenzel is Chief of Police happen during the hiring of Clayton. Send questions and comprocess. ments to chris.wenzel@claytonpd.com I hope to have a meeting with the Neighborhood Watch or call (925) 673-7350
Will El Niño be a ‘Splash Brother’?
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS
This winter there have been two main story themes dominating Northern California newsprint and airwaves: The Golden State Warriors and the El Niño influenced weather. Seemingly unrelated, both story lines have a common link – rain. For the Warriors, threepoint shots have been falling like rain. The uncanny longrange accuracy of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson has propelled the team on a record breaking winning pace. It has also reinforced their nickname “Splash Brothers.”
For El Niño, the 2015-16 event evolved into one of the strongest on record. Over the last 50 years similar strong events have led to above-normal winter rains in California. At the beginning of winter there was hope that a droughtrelief Splash Brother would emerge. By the end of January, the Warriors’ record stood at 44 wins with only four losses. Similarly, El Niño generated storms brought rain and snow to California during these first months of winter. Many California cities reported above normal rainfall amounts through the end of January. Snowpack in the Sierra is an important predictor of future water supply in our state. California’s Feb. 1 snow survey results indicated statewide snowpack conditions of nearly 115 percent of normal. While not a record setting trend like the Warriors wonloss record, the above normal snowpack was good news,
especially compared to the previous year’s snowpack of 22 percent. In February the Bay Area basketball wizardry continued as the Warriors lost only one game in the entire month. Unfortunately, the El Niño rains didn’t keep pace as the storm door was closed for nearly the entire month. Last month’s rainfall totals in the entire state were paltry at best. Many Northern California weather stations reported only 10 to 20 percent of normal rainfall for the month. Sierra snowfall was also sharply curtailed in February as the storm track avoided the state. The March 1 snow survey indicated that statewide snowpack fell to 83 percent of normal for the date. Although still a welcome improvement to the prior year record low snowpack of 5 percent, this February’s precipitation pattern was downgraded from Splash Brother to Drip Brother.
What happens this month will be interesting for both basketball fans and weather watchers. The Warriors have the talent and momentum to continue their winning ways, hopefully resulting in record winning streaks and a second consecutive world championship. We can only hope El Niño has that much stamina. So far the first part of March has brought a return of wet storms to the state. If this pattern continues winter rainfall totals and snowpack could again exceed normal values by the end of the month. We may have a Splash Brother rainfall season after all. Watching a rain gauge fill may not be as exciting as watching the Warriors win, but both are very satisfying to Bay Area residents.
Page 9
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Reviving the Round Up for Relay PAT MIDDENDORF Special to the Pioneer
This year, the Relay for Life teams kick off the season with a revival of the old CBCA Round Up barbeque and dance at the Easley Ranch on Marsh Creek Rd. The Round Up for Relay event is set for June 11 with the goal of raising funds for the fight to end cancer —an issue that affects so many. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is the world’s largest fundraising event for the fight against the disease, uniting communities across the globe. The small community of
Clayton regularly raises more money than Relays in many other much larger cities. Last year, nine relay teams raised more than $90,000. When this year’s relay teams contemplated how to do better, Clayton resident Debra Gonsalves supplied the answer, saying, “Let’s bring back the Round Up!” Relay tri-leaders Michelle Hill, Pat Middendorf and Nancy Salmon didn’t need much convincing, reminiscing about past occasions of the Round Up from 20 years ago. The Clayton Business and Community Asso-
Mitchoff, from page 5
tra Costa residents. First is fighting the Delta Tunnels proposed by Gov. Brown; second would be recovering from the recent recession so that the county could provide services where they were cut; third would be focusing on transportation as the county continues to grow. “There are still a few people who aren’t convinced a sales tax measure to increase transportation funds is the right way to go,” she says. She says that many residents still aren’t aware of the scope of services covered by the county, including fire services, libraries, the agriculture department, animal services, the sheriff ’s office, jails, crime lab and public and private land use. “We are also the ‘city’ for
the unincorporated areas,” Mitchoff says. She explains one such decision that did not make her a lot of friends — allowing left turns from Treat Blvd. onto Cherry Lane to provide easier access to the John Muir facility located at the corner there, against the wishes of neighbors. “There were some people that were sure I was out to kill little kids,” she said. “But it had to be done.” Her dedication to her job is not lost on other local and regional leaders. “Karen’s inspiring dedication to her constituents is one of her greatest strengths,” says Clayton Councilwoman Julie Pierce, President of the Association of Bay Area Governments. “Working with
ciation ran the popular and successful Round Up for 10 years, but the event went away after its decision to focus on fewer events for the community. Mayor Howard Geller and others who helped run past events were convinced, and several visits with ranch owners Rob Easley and his sister Michele Tammaro sealed the deal. Already, more than 30 people have signed up to help with the event, and the excitement is building. Permits were filed with the city, a catering team was hired and negotiations for a top-not band
remain in the works for this boot-scootin’ fun event. Tickets go on sale in a few weeks. The Clayton Relay for Life team will fundraise through the summer, forming new teams and calling on people and businesses to become sponsors. This year, the 24-hour Relay will be held once more on the track behind Mt. Diablo Elementary School on August 13-14. For more information, to join or form a team visit us at www.relayforlife.org/claytonca or visit the Relay for Life Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RFLClaytonCA
her for over 20 years in various capacities, I can attest to her passion, energy and commitment to serving our county and the Bay Area. As colleagues on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and at the ABAG, Karen’s insight and creativity shine. We can always count on Karen’s informed and stimulating discussion points.” With the stress of the job, it’s important that a politician have some down time to relax. As a single woman with no kids, Mitchoff winds down by visiting with girlfriends, seeing movies and remaining active in Pleasant Hill’s Faith Lutheran Church. And ruminating about dying her hair purple. Mitchoff is adamant that this is the end of her personal political ladder. “I have no aspirations to go to Sacramento,” she says. “Everything is so
partisan up there. Here, 95 percent of the time, we [the Board of Supervisors] are in accord, voting 5-0 on most issues.” She says her best friends would call her a very caring person, one who is approachable and always sees both sides of an argument. She is very warm, engaging, but nobody’s fool. “That means a lot to me,” she says. “One time, after a meeting, a member of the public came up to me and thanked me because he said I always looked him in the eye and paid attention to what he was saying. It made my day. But then again, that’s who I am.” After all, she says, “My job is to listen to you.” It’s clear she takes her job very seriously, but not herself.
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Sports
Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 11, 2016
Heartbreak, victories for local NCS playoff teams JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The final phases of a league season and the North Coast Section playoffs bring stories of triumphs and disappointments. This year was no different with the final season of Diablo Valley Athletic League soccer and basketball a prelude to NCS competition. De La Salle and Carondelet, each with a rich sports history, have had an unusual amount of success in winter sports and this year was much of the same, mixed in with big disappointment for each school on the soccer pitch.
Girls BasketBall Carondelet was shocked by Dublin in last year’s Division II NCS finals but the Cougars won their 11th Section championship since 2003 when they eased past Acalanes 68-42 in this season’s finals. This placed Carondelet as the eighth seed in the NorCal Open Division Championships. And a reward for that is an opening-round game this Friday at the No. 1 team in America, St. Mary’s of Stockton. Miramonte of Orinda is the second seed and ranked among the top seven teams in the US as well. Carondelet and Concord claimed the East Bay Athletic League and DVAL titles, respectively. The Cougars this season ran their EBAL unbeaten streak to 53 games. They have lost one league game since 2008-2009 with six undefeated seasons in seven years. Concord defeated Clayton Valley Charter 62-50 in the finals of the DVAL playoffs at Diablo Valley College, giving them three wins over the league runner-up Eagles. Concord was undefeated in DVAL play and reached the NCS DII quarter-finals with a young team. Clayton Valley Charter was moved up to Division I a year
were caught and passed in the fourth quarter by College Park 68-65. The Falcons then upended regular-season champ Concord in the league finals.
Eagles won their first NCS game in a shootout under inclement weather conditions at Gonsalves Stadium 1-0 over Castro Valley before running into Carondelet, which scored Girls soccer five minutes into the game and Heartbreak is the word to led 2-0 at halftime. describe Carondelet’s final minutes of the 2015-16 seaBoys soccer Clayton Valley Charter won son. The Cougars were in their 25th and final game without its first league title since backsuffering defeat until league to-back DVAL championships rival San Ramon Valley beat in 2010 and 2011, earning the them in overtime of the NCS Eagles a sixth seed at NCS. They prevailed over California championship match 1-0. Carondelet won the first of San Ramon 4-3 on penalty meeting between the teams in kicks in miserable weather to league play and they drew the mark their return to NCS for other. SRV’s title was their the first time since 2012. Coach Guillermo Jara’s eighth. Carondelet has three NCS titles, the last coming in team lost to defending champ 2011 when the Wolves were on DI San Ramon Valley 3-0 in the losing end of a 1-0 over- the quarterfinals for just their second loss of the season. SRV time score in the finale. The Cougars beat defend- ended up NCS runner-up after ing champion Liberty of a 1-0 loss to crosstown rival Brentwood 1-0 in the NCS Monte Vista. De La Salle won six consecsemi-finals. Carondelet, with Clayton utive North Coast Section seniors goalie Kaylie Collins Division I soccer champiand Tina Rafallo playing key onships from 2009-2014 roles, won their first EBAL before losing to San Ramon regular-season title since Valley on penalty kicks in last back-to-back championships year’s finale. This year’s Spartans also in 2010 and 2011 and that gave the unbeaten Cougars fell out of the tournament on the top seed in NCS Division penalty kicks but it was in the 1. The Concord school opening round to Heritage of Jay Bedecarré blanked DVAL champion Brentwood after a scoreless CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER BOYS SOCCER had a great three-year run from 2010-2012 culmiClayton Valley Charter 3-0 in draw through regulation and nated with back-to-back semi-final games in the 2011 and 2012 North Coast Section overtime. DLS ended with a the quarterfinals. playoffs. The Eagles then missed out on the Section playoffs until this year when coach Clayton Valley had an out- losing record and were out of Guillermo Jara’s team won the DVAL title and got back in the post-season. League MVP standing season that included a NCS at the first hurdle for the Osboldo Solis (right) and DVAL offensive MVP Pedro Hernandez played big roles in the Ea- 10-0-2 DVAL record. The first time in memory. gles revival.
ago after a fantastic DII run in recent years. The Eagles were the last team into the NCS bracket and had to face top seed Castro Valley in the first round where they were outclassed by the eventual champs 65-19. Eagles coach Paul Kommer said of his young team, “We don’t have that level of experience and talent yet. I would not be surprised to see Castro Val-
The Spartans won all 14 ley [seeded second in NorCal Division II] compete this year EBAL games while being ranked No. 1 in the Bay Area for a state championship. most of the season. The Boys BasketBall Spartans two losses have De La Salle (28-2) under come in prestigious tournanew coach AJ Kuhle also won ments against Bishop Gorits 11th NCS championship man of Las Vegas and Cenand the first since 2012 with a tennial of Corona. revenge victory over EBAL Clayton Valley Charter’s up rival Monte Vista 47-29.The and down season ended in the Mustangs had eliminated DLS semi-finals of the DVAL playthe last two years at NCS. offs when the young Eagles
De La Salle sweeps both NCS team wrestling titles, 9th at State JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The North Coast Section added a dual team wrestling championship in 2005 and since that time the school that wins that competition has gone on to win the traditional NCS Championship team trophy every year but once. That proved the winning formula this winter as coach Mark Halvorson’s De La Salle Spartans dominated both Section championships, taking two team titles for the seventh time in the past eight years. At the NCS Championships De La Salle set a record with 339.5 points. Five Spartans won individual titles and a total of nine DLS wrestlers qualified for State Meet, which was held last week in Bakersfield. Two-time Diablo Valley Athletic League champ Ian Morford of Northgate and junior Ryan Fischer of Clayton Valley Charter both took second at NCS and got tickets to State. DLS’s Donovin Guerrero won his fourth East Bay Athletic League individual title and then captured his third successive NCS championship medal this winter, beating No. 2 seed Bryar Edwards of Liberty. Incredibly the friends met in the section finals for the third straight time. Guerrero continued his winning ways to the State finals
Jason Rogers
THE DVAL WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS AT CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH crowned 14 champions who moved on to the North Coast Section seeking tickets to the State meet in Bakersfield. DVAL champs are, front row from left, Gus Petreske (College Park), Nathan Sutton (Northgate), Noah Quinchocho (Mt. Diablo), Josia Monjares (CP), Cole Penneck (NG), Johnny O’Shea (Concord), Jacob Coppa (Clayton Valley Charter); back row, Gabe Lomas (CP), Evan Carter (NG), Ian Morford (NG), Joey Rondondi (CP), Jack Chillemi (Berean Christian), Ryan Fischer (CVC) and Andy DeLira (CVC).
where he lost 6-3 to David Campbell of Mission OakTulare in the championship match. Their 126-pound division was considered the toughest at the meet with seven returning State medalists in the field. Guerrero beat the top seed, Gary Joint of Lemoore, in the semi-finals. Joint is a two-time Kansas state finalist. Ironically, De La Salle was runner-up in that division for
the second year in a row with Nathan Cervantez second in 2015. Guerrero was fourth at 119 pounds a year ago in State. Morford won a pair of 182pound matches at State but was eliminated with losses to the eventual second- and eighthplace finishers. Dominic DuCharme of Windsor defeated Morford in the Section finals and was third at State. Fischer of CVCHS was
ousted from State after a pair of losses. Darryl Aiello of De La Salle beat Fischer in the 220-pound NCS finals and took eighth at State. At NCS, Patrick Ramirez (120), Peyton Omania (145) and Andrew Cervantez (152 and the younger brother of Nathan Cervantez) joined Guerrero and Aiello at the top
See Wrestling, page 12
CVCHS Eagles boys soccer team finishes season of redemption PABLO HERNANDEZ Student Correspondent
though, it only served as motivation for us to play better. We wanted to prove everyone wrong,” This motivation was key for the success of the team this year. Marching over opponents, CVCHS took on California High in the first round of playoffs in what turned out to be an absolute thriller. In the end, Clayton Valley emerged as the victor, bring down the Grizzlies in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The Ugly Eagles were matched against the defending champions in the next round of playoffs. Taking on the San Ramon Valley Wolves was never going to be an easy task. In fact, it was most likely going to be the hardest game of the season. Despite their aggressive, fast style of play, the Uglies fell to the defending champions by a score of 3-0. Regardless of the outcome, Clayton Valley has plenty to hold their heads high about. “I still feel that we accomplished more than a title,” says senior captain Dylan Gois. “We made friends that became family and created memories that I will never forget. It’s amazing to see all the records we’ve broken and the wins we achieved and we can say that we proved everyone who doubted us wrong. We’ve paved the way for the future of CV and now it’s their turn.” Ending the season with a record of 18-2-3, a Diablo Valley League title under their belt and ranked sixth in all of NCS Division I, the Clayton Valley varsity soccer team accomplished more than anyone said they would. History was made, and now it is time for the future players of the program to make their mark as well.
Heartbreak: the word that best describes the feeling that surrounded the Clayton Valley soccer community at the end of the 2014-15 season after they suffered a defeat that excluded them from the playoffs. Although that season ended on a rough note, the Clayton Valley Charter boys varsity soccer team knew that there was work to be done this season. As November came around, the intensity in the team’s nature increased continuously. Hard trainings only made the team better and the results began to show when the team went the first stage of the season with only one loss. Ranked number three in Division I of North Coast Section, CVCHS was already proving its doubters wrong with the second half of the season still to go. To top the regular season off, Clayton Valley went without a single loss during the second part of the season. Outstanding wins against dangerous teams such as Freedom, Foothill and College Park prepared the team both physically and mentally for the next stage of the season and launched them into playoffs with a record of 17-13. Clayton Valley hadn’t been in playoffs for nearly five years and, based on that, bloggers constantly doubted the abilities of the team this year. “Clayton Valley poses no threat to any team in playoffs. They have been playing in a cupcake league and will struggle against difficult teams from leagues elsewhere,” read one of the abundance of posts. “I was disappointed and thought everyone was pretty much Pablo Hernandez is a senior rooting against us the entire journalist at CVCHS and played season,” says senior defender midfield for the DVAL champion Ryan Bolender. “In the end boys soccer team.
Sports
March 11, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Athlete Spotlight
Ryan Fischer
Grade: Junior School: CVCHS Sport: Wrestling, Football
Ryan Fischer was the only varsity wrestler from Clayton Valley Charter High School to compete in the CIF State wrestling tournament last weekend, a new experience for him after reaching the North Coast Section meet this year and last. A team co-captain who balances homework, sleep and sports, it’s no wonder Fischer leads by example. After seeing his older brother Scott (DVAL champion for Concord High in 2010) join wrestling when he was in eighth grade, Fischer was drawn into the competitive, challenging
Photo: Juan Pablo Jimenez
sport. His biggest challenge as a wrestler is facing opponents who are bigger and have more experience than him. He says, “I’ve gone against some opponents who are pretty good and I just try to get past their offense and what they do best.” Away from school he wrestles for the Community Youth Center team in Concord. With all of his accomplishments, Fischer credits his success to his coaches. “I would like to thank my coaches. The have lives to live and families, but they’re helping me become a better wrestler.”
CVCHS head wrestling coach Kyle Behmlander says, “Just want to say how proud we as a staff are of Ryan. What he accomplished this season is awesome. It is a reflection of the dedication and hard work he has put in. Due to that work he has steadily improved his technique and stamina and that has led to his wrestling during matches.” Fischer has played in back-to-back state championship games the last two years for Clayton Valley’s Ugly Eagles football team, this seasons as an all-DVAL lineman. At school he is involved with AVID Club and is a part of the Medical Careers Academy on campus. After he graduates next spring he wants to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and continue to wrestle. CVCHS student journalist Celine Herrera contributed to this Spotlight.
the clayton Pioneer congratulates ryan and thanks athlete spotlight sponsors Dr. laura lacey & Dr. christopher ruzicka who have been serving the clayton and concord area for 25 years at Family Vision care optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
Ipsen makes collegiate, international history as Olympic quest heats up JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
February was quite a month for Clayton’s own Kristian Ipsen as he was first named to the All-Century Pacific-12 swimming and diving team and then earned his first-ever international senior diving medal at the site of the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. At the FINA Diving World Cup Ipsen took third in the three-meter springboard, earning the US its first World Cup medal in that event in 10 years. For Ipsen it was his first time to place in the top five, let alone on the podium, on the senior international stage. He was twice a world junior champion in 2006 and 2010. A major component of the World Cup was the placement of divers to determine how many slots countries would earn in each event for this summer’s Olympic Games, which will be held in the same outdoor Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre. Ipsen helped the US secure spots in both the 3M springboard and 3M synchro. Who will fill those places on the American team will be determined at the US Olympic Diving Trials June 18-26 in Indianapolis. Olympic diving competition is Aug. 7-20. Ipsen finished with 457.60 points in the 3M for the USA’s first World Cup medal in men’s three-meter since Troy Dumais (Ipsen’s partner for the bronze medal in 3M synchro at the 2012 London Olympics) won bronze at the 2006 World Cup. Rommel Pacheco of Mexico scored gold and Jamaica’s Yona Knight-Wisdom took silver. Shockingly, China didn’t win a single medal in the men’s 3M, the only event of the World Cup where they did not make the podium. The Chinese won gold in six of the eight World Cup events, ironically missing out only in the two events Ipsen competed in. “I didn’t think this was how this was going to happen, but I’m really happy. I actually felt zero pressure. The most pressure I felt was in the prelims because I wanted to be top 18 to get an Olympic spot for the U.S.,” said Ipsen after enjoying his bronze medal ceremony. “I’m actually really tired, but I was excited to compete in the semifinals and finals because I hadn’t done individual three-
Spring training sendoff starts baseball season
TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK
The start of the Major League Baseball regular season is right around the corner with both the A’s and Giants kicking off their seasons April 4. Both teams were extremely busy in the offseason. The A’s attacked their bullpen issues and the Giants added three high-profile free agents. a’s – The A’s finished last year in the cellar of the AL West with a record of 68-94. Billy Beane retooled the roster of his 2014 playoff team and his decisions subsequently blew up in his face, as new players like Billy Butler and Brett Lawrie severely underperformed. Beane attempted to right the ship this offseason by acquiring relievers Ryan Madson, John Axford and Mark Rzepczynski. The A’s pitching
Page 11
staff was putrid last year with a 4.63 collective ERA, third worst in the league. Madson is far-and-away the best reliever acquisition. He had an amazing year for the World Series champion Kansas City Royals with a 2.13 ERA and a WHIP under one. A healthy Sean Doolittle will also do wonders for the A’s bullpen. However their batting wasn’t the greatest last season either, which led Beane to trade for Khris Davis last month. Davis is a power hitter who hit 27 home runs for the Brewers last season and should add some much needed pop to the heart of the A’s batting order. The AL West is stacked this year, so the Green and Gold have a tall task ahead of them to be competitive with the Astros, Angels, Rangers and Mariners. Even if this year is another down year for the A’s, the farm system looks very promising. According to a San Jose Mercury News article, Beane felt the infield prospects for the A’s are the best he’s seen in 20 years. Giants – It’s an even year, so odds are the Giants have a
See Spring, page 13
Justin Mashore, CV Hot Stove dinner heat up fans for baseball
Photo courtesy USA Diving
KRISTIAN IPSEN EARNED HIS FIRST-EVER INTERNATIONAL SENIOR DIVING MEDAL last month at the site of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. At the FINA Diving World Cup Ipsen took third in the three-meter springboard, earning the US its first World Cup medal in that event in 10 years.
meter since 2013. I didn’t have many expectations and I didn’t really know how it was going to go. I think it actually helped me because I wasn’t nervous and was just excited to compete.” Ipsen led after four rounds in the finals, but he missed his reverse 3½ tuck for just 47.25 points and dropped to sixth with one round to go. He finished with a front 2½ with three twists, a relatively new dive for him and the most difficult one performed by any diver in the field. After missing that dive in the semifinals, Ipsen’s risk paid off in the finals with 95.55 points to move him back up to third. “I was using a new dive at the end. Thankfully it went well, and I was happy with it. I wasn’t happy with it in the semifinal. I felt like I needed a little more adrenaline and I definitely had that in the final. I missed my fifth dive and I thought I was out of it. I thought I would be in eighth or ninth. I didn’t think I had the potential to get a medal, but my coach told me I was still in it. “He told me I was seven points out of a medal and so I got excited. Usually I would be a little nervous knowing, but he wanted me to know I still had a chance,” said Ipsen, whose previous best finish on three-meter at a World Cup or World Championships was sixth at the 2010 World Cup. Sam Dorman and Ipsen scored 391.98 points for sixth place, coming from behind to clinch the final men’s threemeter synchro qualifying spot by .36 points. In fifth place through four
rounds, they dropped to seventh with one dive to go after scoring just 56.70 points on their fifth-round reverse 3½ tuck. They trailed Canada by 4.92 points heading into the last round but needed to finish in the top six to secure the Olympic berth. The Americans responded with 77.70 points on their reverse 1½ with 3½ twists to move ahead of the Canadian pair. “That was a great contest. I don’t think either of us were really watching, but after our reverse, I think we were both kind of discouraged. Then I looked up at the scoreboard before our last dive and I was like ‘Oh my gosh, we still have a chance.’ I don’t think we even realized that. I felt like we could easily do it, especially finishing up with our gainer twister,” Ipsen said.
all-century laurels Ipsen was a standout in conference and national collegiate meets during his 2011-2015 career at Stanford, including winning the school’s first men’s NCAA diving title in 82 years as a freshman in 2012. The most recent of Stanford’s seven allcentury selections, Ipsen was a four-time all-America standout in all three diving events, threetime Pac-12 champion in the one-meter, a two-time threemeter titlist and platform champion. He won the NCAA 1M and 3M national championships in 2013. A panel of 20 coaches, swimmers, administrators and members of the media selected the Pacific-12 Conference team consisting of 26 swim-
mers and six divers, plus a coach, swimmer and diver of the Century. The Pac 12 is celebrating its first 100 years of 1915-2015. Culminating the selections, the panel picked Olympic champion Matt Biondi of Cal (and the Concord Swim Club) as the conference swimmer of the century, USC coach Peter Daland coach of the century and Joona Puhakka of Arizona State as top diver of the past hundred years.
USA Diving contributed to this story.
925.348.5609 Nick Eisenbart
Owner/Service Provider Concord resident
Photo by Colleen Ralston, courtesy CVCHS baseball
CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAMER JUSTIN MASHORE (second from left) was the featured speaker at the fourth annual Clayton Valley Hot Stove dinner. Over 250 were in attendance as the ex-Eagle and now one of two Texas Rangers hitting coaches gave an insightful, funny talk and then answered questions for 20 minutes from the audience of alumni, current players, parents and team supporters. Mashore, who last month lost his father, ex-major leaguer Clyde Mashore, also worked with over 50 current CVCHS players on their hitting approach and swing at two practice sessions in the days before the Hot Stove. At the dinner he thanked his Clayton Valley coaches—Bob Johnson and George Smylie—as well as a number of current and former staff members. After being drafted out of CVHS in 1991 it’s taken him 25 years to reach the big leagues, something both his dad and brother Damon accomplished as players. His high school teammates, from left, Andrew Grant, Daniel Talmadge, Mike Coakley and Steve Pisano were at the dinner.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 11, 2016
Sports
Clayton Valley Charter garners top DVAL soccer honors JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter’s two varsity soccer teams lost only one of 24 Diablo Valley Athletic League games while winning girls and boys championships and moving into the North Coast Section playoffs. That success was reflected in the all-league teams announced this week as seniors Osboldo Solis and Savannah Pomeroy were selected DVAL MVPs. Adding to the laurels, junior Pedro Hernandez was the boys offensive MVP. Three more Eagles were picked first team all-DVAL from both the boys and girls championship teams. CVCHS was second in the DVAL during the girls basketball regular season and playoffs as Concord High went undefeated through the schedule with a young team that ended up with five all-leaguers—-none of them seniors—-including MVP Ciara O’Kelley. Another junior, Raazhel Watkins of College Park, was the boys basketball MVP as the Falcons upset
Jason Rogers
MATT OSTERKAMP led the DVAL in three-point shots this season for Clayton Valley Charter. The senior averaged 16 points a game with over half that total coming on treys. The Eagles lost a lead to eventual league champ College Park in the semi-finals of the DVAL playoffs to end their season.
regular-season champ Concord in the playoffs. Solis had eight assists and three goals as a defensive midfielder for Clayton Valley soccer. The team ended the season with an 18-2-3 record for coach Guillermo Jara with the
Wrestling, from page 10
of the podium for De La Salle. Halvorson was proud of his team’s NCS accomplishments. “Their goal was to break that [NCS team scoring] record and they did that. All the kids contributed and scored points so it was a good team effort.” The Spartans were ninth at State, once again topping NCS schools as they did a year ago while taking sixth. Besides Guerrero’s second place and Aiello in eighth, Omania was fifth and Marshall Huberty (195) seventh. Huberty was third at NCS, barely qualifying for State. The Spartans also rolled through three opponents at the NCS Dual Meet Championships while giving up three points in two matches and none in the other. The finale
was a 55-3 win over Liberty of Brentwood, who beat Logan in the semi-finals. Liberty was also second at the NCS Championships. Clayton Valley Charter coach Kyle Behmlander lauded Sierra Sleight (seventh at 143) and Jasmine Schiappapetra (eighth at 150) for their placements at the NCS girls championships in February. Both were first-year wrestlers.
coPPa, Fischer DVal chamPs Jacob Coppa (134) and Fischer (222) were crowned champions leading eight CVCHS wrestlers into the NCS meet by finishing in the top three at the Diablo Valley Athletic League meet the team hosted in Dan Della
Sports Shorts
reGistration enDs this week For all out sPorts leaGues sPrinG ProGrams
second loss coming in the second round of the NCS playoffs to defending champ San Ramon Valley. Hernandez, a junior forward, had 14 goals and two assists. Forwards Taylor Heuerman and Jesus Martinez and mid-
Gymnasium last month. There were four repeat champions at DVALs including Gabe Lomas (147) of College Park and Evan Carter (162) from Northgate who each took their third titles. Morford (172) and Jack Chillemi (197) of Berean Christian (seventh at NCS) were repeat winners. All four moved up one weight class from last year’s winning division. Team champion Northgate advanced 11 wrestlers to NCS while runner-up College Park sent nine, Clayton Valley Charter eight, Mt. Diablo six, Concord five and Berean Christian three.
DVal ncs qualifiers (1st through 3rd place): 108- Gus Petreske CP, Gabe Mettler NG, Jack Giddings Berean; 115- Nathan Sutton NG, Anthony Revetta
fielder Elham Rahiq all were named first-team all-league. Senior midfielders Peyton Rhodes and Miguel Hernandez were second team and goalkeepers Ronaldo Hernandez and Isaac Salcedo garnered honorable mention. Last year Savannah Pomeroy was injured in the middle of her first varsity season, didn’t play much towards the end of the year and wasn’t even mentioned for all-league. This year coach Cristina Ballard said the senior central defender saw a chiropractor regularly to keep her back pain away and it resulted in the league’s outstanding performance with the Eagles posting 11 shutouts in 22 games. “Savannah was the pinnacle of our defense. She controlled the defensive line and provided vocal leadership,” Ballard added. Her twin sister Madison Pomeroy was a goalkeeper on the undefeated league championship team. Pomeroy’s classmates midfielder Julia de Jesus and defender Emma Nelson were
CP, Chris Palacios CVC; 122Noah Quinchocho MD, Nate Prado CP, Cormick Hamilton NG; 128- Josia Monjares CP, Christian Utne CVC, Mark DeGuzman Con; 134- Coppa CVC, Ben Scheve BC, Elijah Blake MD; 140- Cole Penneck NG, Christian Jimenez CVC, Joaquin Acuna MD; 147Lomas CP, Angel Lease-Marney NG, Alex Portillo MD; 154- Johnny O’Shea Con, Jack Fulp NG, Tyler Blazer CVC; 162- Carter NG, Hunter Cantrell CP, Dominic Jenevein Con; 172- Ian Morford NG, Razvian Mihalache CP, Ben Acebo CVC; 184- Joey Rondondi CP, Grant Chachere NG, Ethan Cruz Con; 197Chillemi BC, Mark Baros Con, Steven Garcia CP; 222- Fischer CVC, Rudy Perez MD, Skyler Morford NG; 287- Andy DeLira CVC, David Maake NG, Jarreck Leafa MD.
DiaBlo Fc teams accePtinG tryout aPPlications online
The area’s competitive soccer club, Diablo FC, is accepting online tryout registration for its United States Development Academy under 12-14 boys teams and its U15-U19 girls and boys teams. Diablo FC Premier teams compete in the National Premier League of US Club Soccer and participate at several college showcase tournaments each year. Tryouts for all U15-U19 teams will be held in May. For more information on the club, USSDA and premier teams and tryouts for all ages contact director of coaching Zach Sullivan at zachsullivan@gmail.com or visit diablofc.org.
Spring programs offered by All Out Sports Leagues in Clayton are wrapping up registration this week for adult softball and volleyball plus youth spring basketball and Tee ball. Spring Break Basketball Camp is Mar. 28-31 for boys and girls in first through 10th grades. For complete information on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com. Concord Cup XXIII coming May 14-15 The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord reD DeVils GolF classic returns June 24 Cup, returns for its 23rd season at a variety of local parks. Boys The Red Devil Golf Committee is holding its 21st annual and girls club and recreation teams from under 10 through U19 Red Devil Golf Classic on Friday, June 24, at Diablo Creek Golf are eligible to participate. Visit concordcup.com for complete Course in Concord. Proceeds help athletic and academic proinformation and to register a team or referee to participate. grams at Mt. Diablo High School. Registration starts at 11 a.m. followed by lunch, golf, dinner and raffle/silent auction. For concorD hiGh school has 2016 more information contact Lou Adamo (212-9332 or Fall coachinG Positions aVailaBle louadamo@gmail.com) or Ralph Vallis (825-7593 or Concord High School is seeking a boys varsity head water rv76667@aol.com). polo coach and girls varsity and JV volleyball coaches. All three positions come with a stipend. Coaching requirements include st. BonaVenture cyo track siGn uPs continue MDUSD fingerprint, current TB and First Aid/CPR, coaching St. Bonaventure CYO spring track and field is open to boys principles course, concussion course and sudden cardiac arrest and girls in second through eighth grades. Practices are Monday, course. Interested coaches can send resume to CHS athletic Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6:15 p.m. at Newhall Park. The director Megan Coddington at coddingtonm@mdusd.org. season runs through May 7, culminating with the Oakland Dio-
DeB harrison intense PickleBall workshoP in concorD aPr. 14-17
Pickleball gold medalist Deb Harrison is visiting the East Bay from Florida and offering a series of her Intense Pickleball Camp Workshops in Concord April 14-17 on the Willow Pass Park tennis courts. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America and Harrison’s workshops are for tournament and recreational (intermediate and advanced) players. The daily workshops are limited to 24 players. The city of Concord is cosponsoring the workshops. Email cathytaruskin@yahoo.com for more information on the workshops.
22nD cVchs athletic Boosters craB FeeD & auction saturDay
Limited tickets are available for the Clayton Valley Charter High School Athletic Boosters 22nd annual Crab Feed and Auction this Saturday. Must be 21 or older to attend. For more info email athleticboosters@claytonvalley.org or go to cvchsboosters.com to order tickets online for a night of food, drink, dancing, auctions and raffle prizes. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 7.
tabbed first team all-DVAL. Junior midfielder Kaci Trujillo was the team’s top playmaker with nine assists and nabbed first-team honors. Trujillo was second-team all-league last year and honorable mention as a freshman. On the second-team allDVAL were junior Sierra Bruni and sophomore Emily Kaleal. Juniors Viviana Aceves and Morgan Kreamer were honorable mention all-DVAL, giving the 2016-17 team five returning all-league players. eaGles BasketBall honorees
Clayton Valley and Northgate had won all seven DVAL girls basketball titles since the league was realigned in 2008-9 school year to setup the current configuration of schools. The Broncos won three of the first four league championships while the Eagles captured four of the last five crowns. The DVAL titlist was undefeated five times in seven years. This year, Concord won the final DVAL title while keeping up the undefeated league champ paradigm shuttling Clayton Valley and Northgate to second and third place, respectively. Clayton Valley’s youth was reflected as its three first- and second-team all-leaguers were non-seniors. The team won only one of its first six games but ended up with a winning record. Junior center Bridget Hyland was all-DVAL first team and averaged just about a double double at 9.5 points and 12 rebounds per game. She was second in NCS Division 1 rebounding. Sophomore point guard Kelly Osterkamp in her second year on varsity was secondteam. Coach Paul Kommer said one of her highlight games was the first-round DVAL playoff game against Northgate when Osterkamp had 13 points and 13 steals, which may be a school record. The youth movement also included freshman guard Kat Segovia on second team. She
Jay Bedecarré
SAVANNAH POMEROY was the master of the Clayton Valley Charter soccer defense as the Eagles won their second straight DVAL title before getting bounced in the second round of the North Coast Section playoffs. She was named league MVP for her efforts as CVCHS held half of their 22 opponents scoreless this season. They were undefeated in league play.
made six 3’s against league champ Concord. Nerisa Yokoyama, a senior, was honorable mention. Sophomore Garrett Pascoe saved his best games for the best opponents. He averaged about 14 points, six assists and four rebounds per game but his scoring was over 20 per game against the DVAL’s top three teams for the Eagles, who took third with an 8-4 record. He was a first-team allDVAL selection along with senior Matt Osterkamp. Osterkamp was the top three-point shooter in the DVAL with slightly more than half his points coming from behind the line. Another soph, Nick Klarman, averaged 11.5 points and eight rebounds to get a second-team all-league berth. Coach Eric Bamberger cited the “up and down” nature of the Eagles season to the youthfulness of the roster. Pascoe and Hyland each were honorable mention allDVAL a year ago.
all out sPorts leaGue crowns winter VolleyBall chamPs
Team Crush won the All Out Sports League winter Co-ed 5 volleyball championship. The team, which also won the league last fall, includes Konstantin Zadorozhny, Mike (Marat) Mudriyan, Segal Boaz, Britany Job and Taylor Job. Runner-up team was Demolition Crew followed by Hammer Time and Spike Happens.
DiaBlo Fc recreation leaGue BeGins aPril 4
Diablo FC is offering a spring recreation league April 4-June 4 for girls and boys born from 2007 to 2012. The nine-week program includes practice on Tuesdays at Newhall Park and Saturday morning games at the same park. The competitive club’s professional coaches will be conducting practices in conjunction with volunteer parent coaches. The program focuses on more touches on the ball and 1v1 offense and defense. Under 6 teams are co-ed while the U8 and U10 boys and girls teams are balanced. For more information contact coach Brian Voltattorni bvoltattorni@diablofc.org or visit diablofc.org.
Dana hills swim team online reGistration now accePteD For city swim chamPs
Dana Hills Swim Team is getting ready for the summer swim season with online registration now open. The Clayton-based team has won 23 of the past 24 Concord Swimming Championship meets. They have finished in the top five of the last five Contra Costa County meets. Practice begins April 11. For addicese championships. For more information call (925) 969-0207, tional info email registration@danahillsotters.com or visit email coach Matt Tillman at matttillman@gmail.com or go to danahillsotters.com. stbonaventurecyo.com.
oakhurst orcas set meet anD Greet Dates
Head coach Jasmine Castillo is back for her fifth season in charge of the Oakhurst swim team and has announced that the Orcas are accepting mail or drop off registrations for the summer rec swim team season now at Oakhurst Country Club. Meet and greet registration is on Thursday, Mar. 24, and Tuesday, April 19, from 6:30-8 p.m. Early registration discounts are available until Mar. 24. Visit oakhurstorcas.com for more information or e-mail head coach Jasmine Millan at swimcoach@oakhurstcc.com.
Jr. eaGles siGnuPs unDerway For youth FootBall, cheer
CVAA Jr. has opened registration for its 2016 football and cheer squads. Two of their cheer teams won national championships in January at the JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas. Visit their website cvaajreagles.com for more information and to register.
concorD aDult soFtBall anD PickleBall team reGistration now oPen
Adults looking for exercise in a fun environment should consider signing up for one of Concord’s adult sports leagues – softball or pickleball. The city offers one of the largest adult softball leagues in the Bay Area for all skill levels. Registration packets are available for the 12-game summer season that runs from April through midAugust. One of the nation’s fastest growing sports is pickleball. The game combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. Played on a badminton-sized court with a lower net, large wooden or composite paddles are used with a plastic whiffle ball. The sport is easy to learn and suited for all athletic abilities. There are drop-in hours at Willow Pass Tennis Courts six days a week. Introductory and intermediate morning and evening pickleball classes begin in April. For more information on all Concord Rec adult sports programs, call (925) 671-3423. For all Concord Parks & Recreation classes now taking registration, visit concordreg.org.
March 11, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Shelter behavior not always the best indicator of temperment
Thinking about adopting a dog from your local shelter? The best thing about adopting from there or a rescue group is that there are so many amazing dogs to choose from. Man’s best friend comes in all shapes and sizes and of course, personalities. Any shelter dog can make a wonderful, lifelong companion, though some dogs need more training than others. Some will need more exercise, and some will be happy just sitting on your lap.
what DoG to choose? Start with your lifestyle. If you live alone in a small apartment, adopting a large active retriever-type dog might not be the best choice. But if
you’re a runner and want a jogging partner, or if you have a family with kids who will keep the dog busy, a retriever might be a fine choice. A dog’s size, exercise requirements, friendliness, and compatibility with a family should all figure into the decision. Are you looking for a purebred or a mixed breed? All dogs fall into one of those two categories, and most animal shelters have plenty of both. The only real difference between the two is that purebreds have parents and ancestors who are all members of the same breed and similar to a specific “breed standard.” A breed doesn’t always tell you much about a dog’s health
or how he’ll behave, but it’s important to be aware of some breed characteristics. Some of them can indicate how big your dog will be. With a mixed-breed dog you get a unique, never-beforeseen blend. Mixed breeds are simply combinations of two or more breeds, so with knowledge of a mixed breed puppy’s ancestry — such as a Chihuahua Terrier mix — comes a good chance of knowing how that dog will grow, too. Visit with a shelter dog, and keep in mind that a shelter can be a stressful environment. Quite often a dog’s true personality doesn’t show until he’s out of the shelter and away from the other dogs. So when walking past a kennel, and a
Letter to the Editor
DEBBIE DEMELLO
PAUSE
FOR
PETS
dog is barking, jumping and not vying for your attention, don’t count it out. The dog may just be scared or lonely. A shelter adoption counselor can help you select dogs who will match your lifestyle. There’s a dog out there who will love being a part of your family. Debbie DeMello is a dog trainer and owner of Who’s Training Who in Walnut Creek. Contact her at debdemello@aol.com
Clayton sanctuary rescues senior dogs ERIN HORLACHER Special to the Pioneer
Years ago, Stephanie Meissner struggled to get to work on time. Yet, it wasn’t the traffic that made the hour-long commute to her first job out of college so difficult. Rather, the constant trickle of stray animals created the traffic mess. I shared a cubicle next to her, and those days stoked her passion for dog rescue. In the decade since then, she used that passion to create a non-profit organization for senior dogs. The organization, called Tails of Gray and located in the shadow of Mount Diablo, offers a peaceful, loving sanctuary for adoptable and senior dogs that need hospice. “The life of each senior
dog is important,” Stephanie said. “Each one matters.” Many of the senior dogs at Tails of Gray experienced the extreme stress that comes with neglect, abandonment, abuse and life on the streets. Tails of Gray allows these dogs who truly have suffered to receive veterinary care and unlimited love until they’re placed into a foster or permanent home. When rescue dogs can’t be rehabilitated, Tails of Gray provides a comfortable, dignified environment in their final days that befits man’s best friend. “This isn’t the end of their lives, even though they are older,” Stephanie said, when asked whether it’s difficult to place an older dog. “It’s really just the beginning. It’s a chance for them to have the life they should’ve had
years ago, and it’s a privilege to be a part of that as an adopter. Our Tails of Gray extended families understand and appreciate that.” Seven senior dogs remain available for adoption at Tails of Gray. The organization most recently rescued Butterfly, a blind Chihuahua mix found dumped in a field. Tails of Gray found her at a shelter where she was confused, scared and barely able to walk because of her long nails. Now, Butterfly appears content when being held, wags her tail more often, and has begun to regain her health and sense of safety. The daily lives of the residents at Tails of Gray can be monitored by going to the organization’s Facebook page at facebook.com/tailsofgray/. Volunteers or donors should visit www.tailsofgray.org.
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Dear Editor, I was a homeless mother of three when rescued last August and since then we’ve been living in a garage. We’re lucky – it’s a tough life out there for cats and their babies. I’m Sunny, a small, 3-year old cat, whose “babies,” Tommy, Gracie and Stormy are now 10 months old. Gracie was adopted - we miss her but know that she has a good home – something that we all hope to have soon. Tommy and I are both light orange in color, I’m a tabby while Tommy’s coat color is more solid with striped legs. He is a very sweet, funny boy! Stormy’s coat is a very pretty tortoise shell. She is very shy but can be quite sassy at times. We all take our jobs of playing very seriously – Tommy works hard chasing sponge balls while Stormy and I work to keep those strange creatures on the end of our wand toys under control! We enjoy it and
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Spring, from page 11
pretty good shot of winning the World Series! Superstition aside, the Giants made three huge acquisitions in the offseason to bolster their roster which could help them improve on their second-place finish in the NL West last year. Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija were two big signings that instantly made the
Giants starting rotation better. Both had shaky seasons last year, but if they can regain their 2014 forms they could help the Giants have one of the best staffs in the big leagues. Madison Bumgarner, Samardzija, Cueto, Jake Peavy and Matt Cain will certainly be a formidable staff over the course of the year.
Early spring training injury setbacks to Cain and Hunter Pence gave Giants executives and fans a lump in their stomachs after an injury-filled 2015. Along with the starting pitching signings the Giants also signed veteran outfielder Denard Span. The speedster takes the place of Nori Aoki, who left for the Mariners in the offseason. The Dodgers are always
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spending big cash and Arizona signed free agent superstar pitcher Zack Greinke, so it was imperative that the Giants kept pace with the spending of the rest of the NL West. Tyler Lehman is a senior at San Francisco State University and a 2012 CVHS graduate. He is majoring in print/online journalism and wants to be a sports writer. Email your comments or questions to tyler@claytonpioneer.com.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 11, 2016
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Not every book leaves you nearly speechless, but “Someone” by Alice McDermott did just that for me. Similar to Paul Auster’s “The Brooklyn Follies,” the most populous of New York City’s five boroughs becomes a world unto itself for Marie Commeford, the novel’s central character. Commeford’s family, neighbors and other men, women and children dot her life from the Depression into the 21st century, a journey that becomes in intimate story of love, young old. The magic of this 232-page book is in the storytelling, which links occasionally random events in Marie’s youth to the current destination in her life’s journey. Like real life, Marie’s path is not always a linear one. She is an Irish Catholic and must deal with the constraints and expectations of her era. During her journey, her eye-
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Superhero movies – as well as their small-screen counterparts – have become far too serious lately. Quips made by Tony Stark (“Iron Man”) aside, the recent spate of comic-based films generate nary a laugh. Actor Ryan Reynolds and director Tim Miller set out to change that with “Deadpool.” The film centers on the aptly named anti-hero title character created by Marvel Comics. What it lacks in story-telling, it makes up for with uproarious laughter, strong cinematography, and a couple of great action sequences. To fully enjoy “Deadpool”, one must be thoroughly ok with laughing at the misfortunes of others, especially such misfortunes as the severing of limbs, bullets to the head and removal of a person's skullcap. Ryan Reynolds' charm makes it easy to burst out laughing, or at least giggle uncomfortably. He delivers his lines perfectly Deadpool is a former cancer patient turned invincible vigilante, so his origin is not the funniest of stories. Miller
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sustains and enlightens her, and the friends of her youth remain powerful guides in her quest to trust. Along the way, Marie’s story becomes our own, giving it a strength and vigor that persists and inspires. In the end, McDermott presents no real resolution to Marie’s journey, and that may be disappointing to some readers who would prefer one. I wasn’t one of them. This was a novel I did not want to end. Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’
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sight becomes increasingly worse, a condition that requires her own acceptance and imagination. Marie’s difficulty with her eyesight becomes both a metaphor and a guide map to the other struggles by those around her. Her brother, Tom, as devoted as he is scholarly, becomes a priest but leaves the priesthood, the reader finds
out many years into the novel, after the death of their father. Death, along with the grief and wisdom it can bring, remains at the heart of McDermott’s tale throughout the novel as an experience Marie endures as a daughter, friend, parent, neighbor, spouse and lover. However, McDermott’s skilled prose helps to create life affirmation amid all of the death. McDermott also brings a real-life reminder that people move into and out of our lives. Through Marie, we see that our memories, fears and hopes move like the planets, circling in and out of view. McDermott weaves together Marie’s present with decades in her past, her existence orbiting around her willingness to trust herself, as well as her husband, three children and brother. Her memories of a lost first love, an unlikely job that
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tells most of it through backand-forth flashbacks and monologues that break the fourth wall. Yet, the subject of cancer, dark as it is, gets its share of laughs. The levity breathes some needed fresh air into the superhero genre. Deadpool does not want to be known as a superhero, telling metalskinned Colossus (thankfully given his Russian background from the original comic series) that he wants no part of the X-men. He wants to be free to kill and maim those who deserve it. Thanks to superior camerawork, Deadpool is able to kill with high-class panache. A swirling zoom-out starts the opening scene, the camera starting close in on a wound and pulling back to reveal that we are inside the freeze frame of a massacre. Deadpool has caused a car to flip upside down, killing all its occupants. Reynolds gives an explanatory narration over the scene (he does this throughout the film), but we don’t really find out what happened until an exciting car chase later in the film. Cinematographer Ken Seng follows Deadpool as he leaps into a car and causes all manner of hell to break out. With its simplistic, revenge plot, the film needs these fantastical action sequences to complement the humor. The
ANTIHERO DEADPOOL (RYAN REYNOLDS) reacts with humor in contrast to his more serious allies—steel-skinned Colossus and stoic Negasonic Teenage Warhead (seated)—in Marvel Comic’s violent and irreverent box office hit ‘Deadpool.’
climactic sequence brings Deadpool and his pals to a massive S.H.I.E.L.D. heli-carrier. It unfolds with all the steelbending glory expected by this point. Even with the situation at its most dire, Deadpool lightens the situation with inappropriate humor — much like when he is dying of cancer. Like Deadpool himself, Miller does not have much to say about society, except that we crave the release that comes with watching excessive violence. Most superhero movies have lessons to teach and morals to learn. "Deadpool" does not. It doesn’t find the need to teach. It just entertains. It’s good, old-fashioned, R-rated fun that Hollywood
needs to keep making. Already, it has become the second-highest grossing Rrated movie of all time, showing that films like this have been sorely missed at the multiplex for too long. Perhaps audiences have grown tired of the same young adult and banal PG-13 fare churned out over and over. “Deadpool” has not only re-invigorated the comic book genre of films, it has resurrected the R-rated action film. aJeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com.
March 11, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Clayton Community Calendar
PLEASE SubMiT YOur COMMuniTY CALEnDAr EvEnTS bY 5 P.M. MArCh 30 fOr ThE APriL 8 iSSuE. iTEMS MuST bE SubMiTTED bY EMAiL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com Mar. 23 Open House
IN CLAYTON
Clayton Community Emergency Response Team’s 10th Anniversary celebration and open house. 7 – 9 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. Free. Response required by Mar. 16: claytoncert@yahoo.com.
Apr. 1 – 3 Creekside Arts
Arts, entertainment, environmental education. This year’s theme, “Honoring Our Ancestors.” Fri. 6 – 8 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun. 12 – 5 p.m. Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Free admission. claytonlibrary.org.
Apr. 7 – 23 “Rumors”
A dinner party, an accident and the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. $15-$22. claytontheatrecompany.com. brownpapertickets.com.
Apr. 9 Identity Theft Protection Advice and Document Shredding
Clayton residents and small businesses can bring up to three boxes or paper grocery bags of documents to shred on site. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Travis Credit Union, 5441 Clayton Road. Free. traviscu.org.
Mondays Off the Grid
IN CONCORD
Rotating lineup of food trucks. 5 – 8 p.m. 2151 Salvio Street. offthegridsf.com.
Tuesdays Farmers’ Market
Tuesdays year round. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
On Sale Now Concerts
The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road. livenation.com. Concert schedule for 2016: Apr. 29, Luke Bryan, 7 p.m. May 17, Bad Company, 7 p.m. May 19, Janet Jackson, 8 p.m. June 12, Spirit West Coast, 4 p.m. June 13, Slipknot, 6:30 p.m. July 9, Bryan Adams, 8 p.m. Aug. 19, Disturbed, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18, Daryl Hall and John Oates, 7 p.m.
Apr. 2 – 3 Quilt Show
Quilts, demos, vendors, boutique, youth activities, opportunity quilt. Sponsored by the Guild of Quilters of Contra Costa County. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. $10; good for both days. gqccc.org.
ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.
Mar. 12 Spring Forward with Amphibians
Discover what’s living in our ponds at Black Diamond. 10 – 11:30 a.m. Meet in Black Diamond Mines.
Mar. 13 The Snakes are Back
Meet live snakes and learn how to share the trails. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet in Black Diamond Mines.
Mar. 26 Eagle Eyes: A Raptor-rific Bird Walk
Hike while using your own sharp eyes and ears to find raptors. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Round Valley Staging Area.
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Event Calendar for more information.
Apr. 17 Diablo Trails Challenge
5K, 10K, half marathon and 50K. Castle Rock Recreation Area, 1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek. See website for times, fees and registration.
Presented by Diablo Symphony Orchestra. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 11 “In the Mood”
Mar. 18 – Apr. 10 “Almost, Maine”
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A look at America’s swing era. Presented by Artbeat, Inc. 2 and 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $52-$64. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 12 Beatles Tribute
Presented by The Sun Kings. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Mar. 25 Riggs Canyon Hike
Hike Riggs Canyon and up to Highland Ridge. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Road parking lot. Reservations required: jvanakkeren@comcast.net by Mar. 23.
Mar. 26 Wildflower Walk
Walk up Mitchell Canyon Road looking for and identifying spring wildflowers. 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.
Apr. 3 Back Canyon and Diablo Falls Hike
Ideal time to see wildflowers and water on rugged north side of Mount Diablo. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Save Mount Diablo programs listed are free unless otherwise noted. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Activities/Guided Hikes for more information. 947-3535.
Mar. 13 Marsh Creek Watershed
Hike showcasing upper watershed while offering brief history of human impacts to Marsh Creek. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at State Park parking area off Morgan Territory Road. Reservations required.
Mar. 12 Craft and Vendor Fair
With speaker Pastor Sungho Lee; fellowship, lunch. 11 a.m. Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Free. concordumc.org.
Mar. 14 Stroke Support Group
A night of Scottish and Irish music by professional Celtic duo Men of Worth. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15 at the door. cvpresby.org. 672-4848.
Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$65. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Contessa Bunn of the California Telephone Access Program discusses free program for communication accessibility. 7 – 9 p.m. Sterns Conference Room, John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Free. Contact Ann Dzuna 376-6218.
Mar. 15 – 19 “Percussion Discussion”
Smashing spectacle of drums, cowbells, chairs and more by Ken Bergmann. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $9-$14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 17 22nd Season Celebration
Presented by Diablo Ballet. 6:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $52-$54. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 18 – Apr. 2 “Bloody Murder”
Is this actually just another formulaic, all-too-predictable mystery story or is it something diabolically different? Onstage Theatre at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. 518-3277.
Mar. 20 “On Borrowed Time”
A tender, wistful comedy presented by The Vagabond Players. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Mar. 20 “Pirates of Penzance” Singalong
Presented by Lamplighters. 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.
Mar. 20 “Textbook Classics”
Presented by the California Symphony. 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42-$72. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 24 Spring Concert
Presented by The Saklan School. 4:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Free. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 25 – Apr. 3 “I Love a Piano”
A celebration of the music and lyrics of America’s beloved Irving Berlin. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 26 “A Tribute to the Music of Patsy Cline”
Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $51. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Enjoy wildflowers and water on the rugged north side of Mount Diablo. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
Mar. 13 Sarah Chang in Recital
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 19, Apr. 2 Butterfly Walk
Mar. 20 Diablo Falls and Donner Canyon Hike
Delightful midwinter-night’s dream. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.
Mar. 12 “The Pink Floyd Concert Experience”
Presented by Joni Morris. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Walk up Mitchell Canyon Road to Red Road looking for butterflies and flowers. 10 a.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
SCHOOLS
Browse vendors, book parties, order and buy products; raffle. Lunch for sale. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Faith Missionary Baptist Church Gym, 4266 Thompson Drive, Concord. Free admission. fmbcevents@yahoo.com.
Mar. 13 A Jeweled Island in Suburbia
Learn about the plants and animals encountered on Mount Diablo. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.
Apr. 10 “Spring Yearnings”
Mar. 26 Corey Cerovsek Trio
Mar. 26 “Zep Live! The Led Zeppelin Concert Experience”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 1 – 30 “Art”
Three friends find themselves caught at the crossroads of art and friendship. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33-$53. centerrep.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 1 – May 1 “Gypsy”
Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee. Performed by Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45-$65. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 2 - 3 “Mad About Mozart”
Performed by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Apr. 2: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com. Apr. 3: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.
Apr. 9 Fleetwood Mask
Fleetwood Mac tribute band. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Apr. 9 “Spring into Improv”
Presented by Act II Improv. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 16 The Bible and Human Sexuality Mar. 19 Concert
Mar. 19 Family Movie Night
Movie and popcorn. Folding chairs provided or bring lawn chairs or blankets. Doors open 5:30; movie at 5:45 p.m. Faith Missionary Baptist Church Gym, 4266 Thompson Drive, Concord. Free admission. fmbcevents@yahoo.com.
Mar. 27 Easter Egg Hunt
Hosted by Crossroads Church. 10:30 a.m. 5353 Concord Blvd., Concord. Free for children fifth grade and younger. crossroads@astound.net. 798-5905.
FUNDRAISERS
2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast
Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
Mar. 12 Plant Sale
Plant sale and succulent discussion. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery. 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. Free admission. markhamarboretum.org.
Mar. 12 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
Corned beef and cabbage, raffle, Irish entertainment. Benefits parish outreach programs. 5:30 p.m. Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 2925 Bonifacio St., Concord. $30. Tickets and information at brownpapertickets.com or 212-9680.
Mar. 12 Treasures and Treats
Rummage and bake sales. Proceeds go towards Clayton Valley Charter High School Travel Club trip costs. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. CVCHS, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. For more information, contact Katie at katie.nolan@claytonvalley.org.
Mar. 26 Baking for a Cure
Bake sale for Relay For Life Clayton. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Starbucks, Clayton Station. Contact Sydney Alcock at sydney@sk-tm.com, Michelle Treshler at mrtres94@aol.com or Gigi Pishny at gmpishny@mmm.com to donate baked goods.
Mar. 26 Laps for Leukemia
Walk/run fundraiser by Clayton Valley Charter High School Public Service Academy to benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 7 – 9 p.m. CVCHS Track, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. $5. For more information, contact Katie Essayan at kessayan07@gmail.com.
AT THE LIBRARY
The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call 673-0659. Thru Mar. 15: St. Patrick’s Limerick Contest Mar. 12: Library Foundation Annual Meeting, 10 a.m. Mar. 14: Clayton Book Club, 7 p.m. Mar. 14: Mount Diablo Astronomical Society, 7 – 9 p.m. Mar. 14, 28: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m.
The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 646-5455. Thru Apr. 15: Tax Help, Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Mar. 22: LEGO creations, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Mar. 28: Movie Monday, 7 p.m. Apr. 7: Origami, 4 p.m.
GOVERNMENT
1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council
7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Performing Arts
SALLy HOGARTy
STAGE STRUCK
“Rumors,” one of my favorite Neil Simon comedies, comes to the Clayton Theatre Company in April. A couple’s 10-year anniversary party goes awry in this hoot of a play, with the host indisposed, the hostess missing, and the kitchen staff nowhere to be found when guests arrive. The confused friends try to help, but they add to the chaos with one
Alicia Nicole Andreatta-Jaques
STACEY MATTHES-WINN plays Winifred and Jason Best is Dauntless in Pittsburg Community Theatre’s “Once Upon a Mattress.”
Spring has sprung with comedy, mystery and music
guest tripping over a telephone cord, another constantly crawling on the floor after a back injury, and a third flirting with the guests in order to make her husband jealous. At one point, a gun goes off accidentally. When the police arrive, the hilarity goes up another notch. La Tonya Watts directs with Roxanne Pardi as assistant director. “We’ve set the show in present day New York to give it a fresh, modern day feel,” says Watts, who notes that the couples in the play “bring new meaning to family dysfunction.” The cast includes some local favorites and newcomer to the theater company, Clayton resident Chip Renner. The show runs from April 8-23 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center Street, Clayton. Tickets can be purchased at www.Claytontheatrecompany.com or www.Brownpapertickets.com. The two-week run of “Once Upon a Mattress” at the Pittsburg Community Center ends with Princess and Knight Day on March 12 at 2 p.m. Kids of all ages are encouraged to dress as their favorite prince, princess or knight and have a picture taken on the set. The fairy-tale spoof ends March 13 at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Avenue. Surprise guest Bill Chessman plays the mute King Sextimus. I’ve known Bill for years and never known him to be silent. For
TONY KUSHNER’S “ANGELS closes March 19.
history, the celebration includes “Tears from Above” by renowned dance maker Val Caniparoli, the solo from Gary Master’s “Diablo Opus,” “Sérénade pour Cordes et Corps” by dynamic award-
Bérenger Zyla
DANCERS AMANDA FARRIS AND CHRISTIAN SQUIRES are among the featured performers at the Diablo Ballet’s special Anniversary performance on March 17 at the Lesher Center.
IN
Jay yamada
AMERICA: PERESTROIKA”, at the Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette
tickets, go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com The Onstage Theatre Company in Martinez opens “Bloody Murder” on March 18 at the Martinez Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward Street. The British murder mystery takes place at a country estate and features all the usual suspects, including a major who served in India; an innocent ingénue; a mysterious Chinese gentleman and an exotic lady wearing red. When someone suddenly dies from poison, the lady who owns the country
Dekker returns to Diablo Ballet for anniversary performance On March 17, Diablo Ballet will celebrate its 22nd Anniversary with a special performance at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Featuring stunning works from the Ballet’s 22-year
March 11, 2016
winning Canadian choreographer Sonya Delwaide, the romantic pas de deux and finale from “La Fille Mal Gardée,” and a new breathtaking “Film” by Robert Dekkers in collaboration with filmmaker, Walter Yamazaki and composer Jacob Wolkenhauer. The evening will also feature “Pitch Pause Please,” created and danced by Dekkers, marking his return to the stage. Following the performance will be a Gala reception, wine tasting by Las Positas Vineyards, a silent auction and dinner with the dancers at Scott’s Garden, walking distance from the Lesher Center.
estate refuses to call police. Agatha Christie meets Pirandello in this play, as characters rebel, and it’s bloody murder for all. Hope you like the color red. Directed by Edwin Peabody, the cast includes Randy Anger, Anne Baker, Deborah Black, Dawn Day, Don Tamblyn and Ryan Terry. Call 925-518-3277 for tickets. How much would you pay for a solid white painting? Would a decades-long friendship matter? These are some of the questions at the heart of Yasmina Reza’s award-winning comedy “Art.” Three friends find themselves caught at the crossroads of art and friendship in this play, which is presented by the Center Repertory Company. It stars Cassidy Brown, J Michael Flynn and Liam Vincent and is directed
by Michael Butler, the Center REP’s artistic director. “Art” runs from April 1-30 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. For more information, call 925943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org. You have one more week to catch “Angels in America: Perestroika” at the Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette. Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece closes March 19. It’s directed by Joel Roster and features a heavenly cast. For tickets, call 925-283-1557 or you can go to the website www.townhalltheatre.com. Here’s a treat for lovers of country music: “Durt Cheap” will play at The Tavern at Pine Meadows Golf Course, 451 Vine Hill Way, Martinez, on March 19. The music, which
includes an Irish sing-along, starts at 7 p.m. The good-time band is composed of Mark Cornelius, Mike Stenberg, Colin Sacks and Rod Linn. Corned beef specials will be available for those who don’t get enough on Saint Patrick’s Day. For more information, go to www.durtcheap.com. The ultimate stage mother takes over the Lesher Center in April as the Contra Costa Musical Theatre presents “Gypsy,” from April 1 – May 1. Lynda DiVito plays the determined mother who pushes her daughters into vaudeville and then burlesque. Based on the memoirs of famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, the show gives a glimpse of life behind the bright lights and includes such wonderful Stephen Sondheim’s melodies
See Stage, page 17
Kevin Berne
LIAM VINCENT, SEEN HERE WITH ALONSO YABAR from Center REP’s 2015 production of “The Book Club Play,” is in Center Rep’s production of “Art,” at the Lesher Center April 1-20
Performance is Thurs., March Richard Schwab 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut DON TAMBLYN, RANDY ANGER AND RYAN TERRY appear in On Stage’s “Bloody Murder” at the Creek. For tickets call (925) 943- Campbell Theatre in Martinez through March 18. 7469 or purchase online at lesherartscenter.org. For Gala information, call (925) 943-1775 or go to diabloballet.org.
Sittin’ in on gin and romance Even amateur card players take their games seriously, but in D.L. Coburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Gin Game,” a contest of gin rummy becomes an explosive pastime for two old-timers. Alameda’s Altarena Playhouse, located at 1409 High Street, presents this high stake match between two septuagenarians from March 11 – April 10. Local performers Kip Wixson (Weller) and Sally Hogarty (Fonsia) bring these two curmudgeonly characters to life. Both have ended up in a notso-nice old folks home. Without friends and family, they are drawn to one another and to a possible romance. The gin rummy game brings out the best and worst in each of them as Coburn’s tightly wrought work shuffles its way to an explosive end. Making this intimate game even more so is director Sue
KIP WIXON AND SALLY HOGARTY are at their curmudgeonly best in ‘The Gin Game,’ now at the Altarena in Alameda.
Trigg’s decision to stage it in the round. Audiences practically sit at the card table as Weller and Fonsia try to outwit each other. As they play, the two tell intimate details of their lives which come back to haunt them by the final round
of cards. “The Gin Game” plays Fridays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. on Mar. 20, April 3 and 10, and Thursday, April 7, at 8 p.m. Several performances are already sold out. Call 510-5231553 or go to www.altarena.org.
March 11, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
It’s all about the drama with flowering ornamentals
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
These past couple of weeks the spring flowering ornamental trees of Clayton have been absolutely gorgeous. I can’t recall a year when the spring blossoms have been so spectacular. The displays have folks excited about the possibility of adding one of these fabulous trees to their landscapes. But choosing a spring blooming ornamental tree can be somewhat challenging. There are many varieties of flowering ornamental trees to consider. Which do you choose? Flowering cherry or plum, redbud or crabapple, perhaps magnolia? It is also hard to know their preferred growing condition differences, disease and pest tolerance and mature sizes. The baby pink colored blossoms that line our streets and many landscapes are flow-
Stage,
from page 16
ering plum trees. The blossoms are followed by reddish-purple leaves. Mature heights depend on the specific variety. Two of the most sought after selections are Krauter Vesuvius and Purple Pony. Krauter Vesuvius can grow fairly large. Mature heights can reach 18-20’ tall and about 10-12’ wide. Krauter Vesuvius has a single light pink flower, and may yield some small, edible fruit. Purple Pony is naturally semi-dwarfed, sterile selection. It will only reach 10-12’ tall and about half as wide. This selection has single pink flowers. Either one of these two flowering ornamental trees are standouts in the landscape. The purplish-red foliage is summer hardy, and will not green up with the heat.
showy cherry Flowering Cherry trees have showy, fabulous flowers that are either single or double blossoms of pinks or white. Some of the most popular flowering cherry trees are the weeping selections. Grafted trunks swell with age, and weeping arms can hang close or sprawl wide. Snow Fountains with its white blooms is a garden standout. Yae-shidarehigan is a weeping flowering cherry with a double, rose pink flower. This dramatic ornamental is rare to find and very desirable. The ornamental cherry trees are susceptible to scale infestation. Scale is very hard to control and just a few can become an infestation
quickly. So keep your eyes open for ant trails. Flowering Crabapple trees prefer to be installed in a welldrained area, like raised bed, or hillside. They have large, showy flowers. Royal Raindrops is a lovely selection to consider. Redbud trees are fantastic. Eastern and Western both do very well. You can find low branch habits, multitrunk and standard shaped trees. The spring-time white flowering trees in The Grove are a selection of redbud. Saucer magnolia trees have been in bloom for a couple weeks already. They are one of the first flowers of spring. Large flowers with heavy petals are a favorite of many. Install your saucer magnolia away from walkways, or drives, the petal drop can be messy.
get blight. This blight starts at the tip of the branches in the summer, and many think their trees limbs are being burned. Quickly, the blight can travel through the tree, getting worse as each new summer progresses. Spraying, and pruning infected limbs hasn’t been sucBaD choice cessful. We advise folks to Flowering Pear trees are the avoid planting this type of most beautiful, disappointing ornamental. trees around. When you read about this ornamental’s attribNicole is the Garden Girl at utes, it boasts speed of growth, R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. dramatic spring flower display, You can contact her with questions or awesome fall color, etc. Unfor- comments by email at tunately, Flowering Pear trees Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Welcome Buddha’s Hand into your home and kitchen
Kevin Berne
LYNDA DIVITO, shown here in Center Repertory’s production of “The Rosemary Clooney Musical,” plays Mama Rose in Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s production of “Gypsy,” opening at the Lesher Center April 1.
as “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Let Me Entertain You.” Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org for tickets. Talk about fractured fairytales! Folks still have time to catch cute Little Red Riding Hood and that mischievous Goldilocks as they change places for a day in Fantasy Forum’s “Once Upon a Time.” This original family musical by the award-winning Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble encourages audience participation and even allows some lucky little ones to sit on the stage and interact with the performers. The shows play at multiple times on Mar. 11-13. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org. I loved watching “The Addams Family” on TV, though I’m not sure which of the rather unorthodox family members was my favorite (I did love Thing). Now, performers ages 14-22 become these slightly bizarre but oh-so-lovable characters when Stars 2000 presents the same title in a musical comedy. Directors Diane Kamrin and Derek Travis Collard will hold auditions Mar. 11- 13 with callbacks Mar 20 and 23. The show runs July 22 – Aug. 7 at Diablo Valley College Performing Arts Center. Go to www.stars2000.org for more information. Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is also the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
Buddha’s Hand, or citron, is supposed to be one of the most ancient citrus known to man, originating in India thousands of years ago. It has the color of a lemon but has a lumpy texture with a thick rind. It has protrusions that look like fingers, thus the name “Buddha’s Hand.” The golden fruit is especially popular at New Year’s, for it is believed to bestow good fortune on a household. This fruit is used mostly for ornamentation in the winter months because it has little or no flesh (pulp) and no seeds. It is cultivated for its fragrant rind, which is used to flavor dishes, is candied or turned into marmalade. The citron has been used in China and Japan for scenting rooms and clothing
and has been used as an orna- malade jam. Candied: Cook down with ment in religious ceremonies since it is regarded as a sym- sugars and spices. Zest: Zest the peel and bol of happiness. use in desserts or infuse alcouses For citron hol like vodka. Fragrance: Break off the Marinades: Chop rind and “fingers” and place with whatever pulp is inside into other potpourri ingredients, marinades for fish or chicken. such as nutmeg and cinnaWe suggest just enjoying mon. its unique shape and lovely Marmalade: Mix with fresh fragrance in a bowl on other citrus to make a mar- the kitchen counter.
Sunday, Mar. 27 • Two Seatings at 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.
If you’re looking for place to go for a delicious Easter Sunday Brunch, come celebrate the holiday with friends and family at Oakhurst Country Club. Ring in springtime with a delectable selection of food, drink, & beautiful surroundings.
There will also be a Petting Zoo, an Easter Egg hunt, and pictures with the Easter Bunny for the kids.
$49.99++ Adults • $28.98++ Children (ages 4-12)
For reservations, contact (925) 672-9737 ext. 217 | eventdirector@oakhurstcc.com
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Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 11, 2016
Sugars, spice, and making kitchens nice
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR
w e i V o l Diab truction Cons Remodeling Specialist
Kitchens Bathrooms Windows Mouldings Decks Siding Painting interior & exterior w Kevin Schmidt, Clayton Resident w Family Owned and Operated license 962284
Every gadget and morsel has its unique place in the kitchen. The oils and spices go in the pantry. The cookies and crackers are stored in a secret snack drawer. The pots are in the extra deep drawers next to the stovetop. And the cookie sheets are stored vertically above the oven. It may not be rocket science, but the satisfaction of having an accessible and organized kitchen will have you jumping over the moon with joy. Whether starting a new kitchen project, customizing
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the interiors of your cabinetry, or improving the organization of an existing kitchen, taking the time to plan an interior layout is important. A completely organized kitchen is different from a kitchen that features items thrown into a nook Here are a few tips to guarantee the garbanzo beans and olive fork will be found at a moment’s notice. DiViDe anD conquer Drawers can get messy —scary messy. Dividers are the key, whether organizing a small pencil drawer or a much deeper drawer to house pots and pans. Dividers can be quite chic, some made of prefinished maple and custom designed to house specialtysized flatware, wooden spoons and so on. Big box retailers sell all sorts of shelf and drawer gadgets to help you achieve organized interiors. rack ‘em uP Spices seem to multiply at night. Start with one, and before you know it, dozens of tiny glass bottles take over the shelves. Are they really multiplying? Or are you buying the same spice bought over and over because you can’t see the old one on a flat shelf ? Consider buying a few tiered spice shelves to see what you have. Pulling out shelves inside your pantry, or in an extra deep lower cabinet will help you see what’s in the way, way back. If the pantry depth allows, create spice storage on the inside back of the pantry doors.
BrinG the DeaD sPace aliVe The corner cabinet can be called the dead space. People kneel down on their hands and knees to access this part of the cabinet. A few strategies exist for hidden space. The most well known is the installation of a Lazy Susan to access the depth. Lazy Susan’s come in different shapes and have various turning radiuses to accommodate storage needs. Corner drawers are an updated design on the corner cabinet. This bank of drawers, designed like others, follows the corner design.
Sometimes, a larger cabinet with a hidden corner cabinet becomes apparent when starting the hidden space project from scratch. Accessing this space can be a challenge, and big box organizational stores carry pullout modular drawers and extra deep wire baskets that can store your goodies. All of these storage solutions should help gain access to the extreme back of the cabinet. Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
Suit up to mean business
SUSAN SAPPINGTON
CLOTHES UP
For more information please contact
Ph: 925.672.9840
travel-2-go.com
Clayton Station Shopping Center 5439, CST #2033054-40
Clayton Road (Suite F) – Clayton, CA
† Save up to 50% is based on a discount off applicable Launch Fares on a space-available basis at time of booking on select sailings and apply to first and second berth guests only. Alaska voyages in this sale feature up to 30% savings. Launch Fares are offering fares and may not have been in effect for the past 90 days or resulted in actual sales in all categories. Intermediate discounts may have been taken and fares may remain at discounted levels after this promotion. †† Get up to $200 Onboard Spending Money per stateroom ($50 per guest) is applicable to reservations booked in any category on Alaska and Europe cruises 7 days or longer. Onboard Spending Money is applicable to first/second/third/fourth guests. Guests with single occupancy will receive double occupancy amount. Reservations must be booked and deposited between March 1 and April 21, 2016 for voyages listed in this sale only. Onboard Spending Money may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash, cannot be used for the casino and expires at the end of that voyage. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. Onboard Spending Money is quoted in U.S. dollars. * Fares based on Ruby Princess® 9/11/16 for 7-day Alaska Inside Passage, Star Princess® 8/31/16 Tour BBX for 10-night Alaska Land & Sea Vacations, Grand Princess® 7/30/16 for 10-day Alaska Inside Passage, Royal Princess® 7/16/16 for 7-day Mediterranean, Regal Princess® 7/28/16 for 11-day Scandinavia & Russia, and Caribbean Princess® 7/7/16 for 12-day British Isles. Fares apply to minimum lead in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares for other categories may vary. Fares are per guest, nonair, cruise-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth guests and does not apply to Holiday voyages. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses of $90-$485 are additional and subject to change.Offer is not transferable and is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older and receive this offer. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. Please refer to princess.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. Note: For assistance reserving a wheelchair-accessible stateroom, please call 1-800-774-6237. Offer Valid: March 1 - April, 21, 2016. Promo code: Q3© 2016, Princess Cruises, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.
We’ve come a long way, baby. Slowly, but surely, women have broken the ice, entering careers once predominately held by men. Women who started early on finding their voice have made a path for us, our daughters, our granddaughters and for generations yet to come. It comes as no surprise that Coco Chanel helped pave the way. She designed pants for women and borrowed silhouettes from menswear, creating boxy jackets with slim skirts— the perfect “uniform” for post WWII women trying to build careers. In the movies, roles became reflective of the upward mobility of women in the workplace, such as Katharine Hepburn as Tess Harding in “Woman of the Year” in 1942. In 1971, Bianca Jagger married Mick in a power suit; a few years later, in 1975, Diane Keaton wore her signature menswear style to the Academy Awards ceremony a year before she played Annie Hall. Tess McGill, played by Melanie Griffith in “Working Girl,” showed us the importance of dressing for the job you want. Tess was taken seriously only after she opted for a power suit
instead of the mini skirt. Who can forget that Hillary Clinton told David Letterman, “In my White House, we all know who wears the pantsuits.” It is hard to believe, but women were not allowed to wear pants on the Senate floor until 1993. Today’s modern woman wants neither matchymatchy pantsuits, nor a man’s business suit. The masculine look has softened and flexibility is key. Today’s professional woman can send the message “I Mean Business” without being boring or trying to dress like her male counterparts. Power dressing is no longer restricted to a sea of suits, but an abundance of separates. My attorney client’s courtroom clothing is often different from her “meetingwith-clients-in-the office” outfits. Business doesn’t have to mean a structured jacket, either. The monochromatic look is as hot as ever, making you look longer, taller and leaner. What’s not to love about that? Classic, beautifully tailored suits in luscious fabric will always be in vogue. The point is, become restricted. Use every piece of your suit in multiple ways, utilizing your
wardrobe investment to its fullest potential. Mix it up. The creation of the perfect yinyang balance of masculine and feminine will always be more exciting than plain white bread. Give a nod to masculinity, but add the power of female persuasion. After all, we can mean business and be women all at the same time. Rock on, girlfriends. Susan Sappington is the Area Development Manager and Wardrobe Consultant for ETCETERA Clothing of New York. Send comments to susan@etcstyles.com.
March 11, 2016
Anna’s hummingbirds come home to nest Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
There’s so much bad news out there about the natural world — habitat loss, endangered species, outright extinctions — that you have to go in search for good news sometimes to keep your spirits up. But every once in a while, the good news comes to you instead. This happened to me in early January when a female Anna’s hummingbird began building a
nest in the open-air atrium at the center of my house. Three of the atrium “walls” are floor to ceiling glass; the female chose a tall camellia bush under a wide eave in one of the glass corners, tucking the nest in just two feet from the windows and at eye level, making it easy for me to keep an eye on her progress. If you’ve got a hummingbird feeder hanging in your yard, you’ve seen Anna’s hummingbirds. They’re the most plentiful of West Coast hummers, but it wasn’t always this way. Up until the 1930s they nested only in northern Baja California and north to our area, mainly in dry chaparral. But now, in the summer, you can see them in the cities and suburbs as far north as Vancouver Island and as far east
as West Texas. Your hummer feeder is one reason. Your garden is another. North America’s ardent love affair with birds and bird feeders correlates with its love for gardens and flowers; and unlike most other hummers, Anna’s is quite ready to live among us. My first reaction to the nest-building was wary. It was really cold in early January, too cold — so I thought — for a hummer to nest and lay eggs. I mean, these birds weigh four grams. At four grams, you’d need a hundred of them to make a pound. But this tiny mom persisted, and over the space of a week, working parttime, she built a perfect, tiny bowl the size of a half walnut, using moss, lichen, feathers
What is Virtual Reality (VR) and why would you ever want to step into that world when computers are confusing enough in actual reality? It’s all the same, isn’t it? Isn’t VR just a bunch of hype anyway? Not so much. VR, as the Oxford Dictionary puts it, is “the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way…” So one needs only to slip on a head set to be ready? Not so fast Buckaroo Bonzai. VR has much more to it than just the slipping on of a headset. VR comes in several versions. Let’s explore a few:
Each VR comes with its own approach to the presentation and has a different effect by altering reality in various ways. Those can apply to travel and gaming fun, as well as industrial and medical purposes. VR offerings also utilize various tools to create the illusions and the way the illusions are created. One tool projects something in front of you, and through goggles, the image is superimposed upon reality. Others VR methods use a screen, such as the one on a smart phone, to create the illusion, a method akin to playing a graphically intense video game. Some VR methods don’t use headsets, but rather project the image directly onto the retina
from a pair of glasses. Or, as is the case with Google’s VR, the image is mounted to small screen on glasses, allowing the person to peer into a tiny monitor at leisure. Regardless how the image gets to the brain, the results are similar. Individuals think they may be somewhere doing something exciting when in actual reality they are not. According to the Association for Education Communications and Technology, four types of virtual reality exist, and they can be classified depending upon their characteristics. The four types: 1) immersive, 2) desktop virtual, 3) projection, and 4) simulation. Every company is different
STACI HOBBET
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Sorting through virtual reality and its many possibilities
Page 19
as the outlier. Sixteen days passed, then 17. I concluded TWO ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD NESTLINGS that the eggs were either inferhang out at home about a week tile or had chilled fatally during before leaving the nest. the cold snap. On day 18, the mother was gone for long periods of time, which I interpreted as an abandonment of the nest. Downhearted, I checked the nest and saw, deep inside, two little black, slug-sized driblets of panting life. Soon the babies will be standing on the edge of the nest, buzzing their wings, and one day soon — and I hope I’m watching — they’ll take flight into that and what looks like the poly- mother sat on the nest day and dangerous world out there. Good luck, little ones. ester stuffing in pillows. Then night with only short flights out two eggs appeared, 48 hours for nectar and insects. I began Staci Hobbet is a docent with apart, almost exactly the size counting the days. A little research had told the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Associand shape of a coffee bean. Then the waiting began. The me that 14 days was the aver- ation. You can send email to her at age incubation period, with 16 anastasiahobbet@gmail.com Photo: Richard Weber/realgardensgrownatives.com
WILL CLANEy
TECH TALK
and takes a unique approach when it comes to the four. Microsoft features the HoloLens, a see-through bubble lens headset with semi-clear lenses similar to sunglasses. The HoloLens projects an image onto a table top, floor, or bench, where the image is anchored. Thus, people in a room can see different objects from their own perspective. I may see the
See Virtual, page 20
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Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 11, 2016
Club News
Kansas City Barbeque comes to town
concorD mt. DiaBlo trail riDe association
The Diablo Equestrian holds its annual competiHeritage Association and tive trail ride with the He added that the Rib Concord Mt. Diablo Trail North American Trail Ride Cook-Off will be a major Ride Association hosted Association on May 7. fundraiser for the CBCA and their second annual Pan- This event is a test of may turn into an event the size The annual Clayton Busicakes and Ponies event on horsemanship, training and of Clayton’s Art and Wine Fesness and Community AssociaFeb. 27 at the CMDTRA conditioning of the horse tival and its Oktoberfest. tion Rib Cook-Off is about to clubhouse in Clayton. for this sport. There are The art and wine Festibecome even bigger. Over 200 people enjoyed horsemanship judges and val, to be held April 30 and The Cook-Off, scheduled breakfast, fun family activ- veterinarians evaluating May 1, filled all but one of its for Aug. 6, will be the first one ities with and about horses the contestants and their committee chairs. It is still under a new nationally sancand ponies and were intro- horses’ abilities. looking for volunteers, includtioned competitive format that duced to riding ing someone to chair the Parkinvolves both amateur and horses. Over 50 volunteers For more information about ing Control committee. More from the two clubs and 15 these two clubs or these events, than 200 volunteers are needed horses and ponies partici- contact Ellen Pofcher with the to do such tasks as pouring pated. Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride drinks and selling tickets, and clayton Valley woman’s cluB The Concord Mt. Dia- Association at 672-3733 or the CBCA is still looking for blo Trail Ride Association mtnoaks@earthlink.net. The Clayton Valley and Fashion on Saturday, April St., Concord. The event starts several. Anyone interested should call 925-672-2272. Woman’s Club presents their 23 at the Concord United at 11 a.m. with a social gather11th Annual Festival of Tables Methodist Church, 1645 West ing and opportunity prizes. Lunch from Rick’s on Second is served at noon, followed by the fashion show with outfits clayton Valley GarDen cluB from Talbots in Walnut Creek. Proceeds benefit the ClayThe Clayton Valley Garden ton Valley Woman’s Club char- Club delivered 1,230 gifts of ities and scholarships. For love and compassion for reservation information, call Valentine’s Day in the fifth year Judy Disbrow at 685-0394. of the Blossoms for Barbara Reservations are $40 each. event in February. All the fesThe Clayton Valley Woman’s tively-decorated flowering Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second plants were delivered and giftFESTIVAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shirley Adams, Dee yount, Tuesday of the month. For more ed to those under hospice care, Kathy Hester, Judy Disbrow and Jackie Waterson planned information, go to claytonvalleywom- in assisted living and convalesthe annual Festival of Tables and Fashion hosted by the ansclub.org. Clayton Valley Woman’s Club on April 23. cent locations, women’s shelters, a Veterans hospice and to the elderly and shut-in recipifrom Samsung Gear VR, Sony ents of Meals on Wheels in the 105-YEAR-OLD ELEANOR (last name withheld) receives a PlayStation PS4 VR and a host Contra Costa area. Valentine from garden club members Linda Manss Karp Linda Manss Karp created of start-ups producing their own and Marcia Hart. this event in memory of her front of a home as its being within enclosed goggles to block brand The arrival of VR already mother, Barbara Manss, who designed by an architect in that out all external reality. A special for Barbara has touched the Donations towards Bloshas touched the medical and passed away in November part of the home, while others screen inside the headset projhearts of 3,080 recipients so soms for Barbara are welcome in the back of the home may see ects the VR composite to its engineering professions and may 2011. Karp wanted to bring a far. When the venture started, throughout the year. be here in a few months for the little joy to those who were the back of the home. internal screen. The Clayton Valley Garden dying and their families who the club was hoping to put a HoloLens helps engineers As an example, the device gaming crowd. smile on much deserving faces. Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second were dealing with the grief of visualize and confirm a cus- allows its user to imagine being Members never anticipated the Wednesday of the month, February William Claney is an independent losing someone they loved. tomer’s needs and is an aid when on a field of athletics or battle. smiles it would bring to the through November, at Diamond Together with donations a walk-through is conducted. The perspective you see changes tech writer and former owner of Comcare givers, nurses, ministers Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Oculus Rift is another VR with each command typed on puters USA in the Clayton Station. from businesses, hospice agen- and counselors who helped Go to claytonvalleygardenclub.org for Email questions or comments to will- cies, local organizations, indioption. Originally funded by the keyboard. more information. viduals and families, Blossoms deliver the flowers. Kickstarter, it uses a headset Other VR option comes claney@gmail.com. GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
professional barbecue teams. Chairperson Rory Richmond made the announcement at the CBCA’s Feb. 25 meeting at Oakhurst County Club; Previously, only amateurs were eligible. The Kansas City Barbecue Society will certify barbecue judges at a certification class to be held May 21 at Endeavor Hall, and potential judges will
come from as far away as Nevada. The KCBS is the world’s largest organization of barbecue and grilling enthusiasts, and 20,000 members worldwide belong to it. It sanctions more than 450 barbecue contests per year. “This will be the largest barbecue judging class to be held in California this year,” Richmond said.
Virtual, from page 19
Nancy E. Bennett
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A little about the HomeExpo…
HomeExpo showcases excellent East Bay professionals that help homeowners upgrade their homes; contractors, plumbers, landscapers, electricians, roofers, flooring, painters, and many others.
Why Attend?
What projects are you thinking about? Drought resistant lawn? Energy efficient windows? Adding granite? Painting? Updating the bathroom or kitchen? Solar?
WHEN: Sat., March 19th, from 9 AM to 1 PM.
WHERE: Oakbrook Court, Concord, Behind The Crossings Community Clubhouse — in a 100 foot tent.
Coming Soon!
Lafayette home – fully updated, large wooded lot, great deck for entertaining and fantastic views of valley! Avail beginning of March.
Concord – Crossings home that needs you cosmetic updates. $625k. DIY project?
Pleasant Hill townhouse – 3 beds, 2 baths, over 1,500 sq feet – updated and excellent location to downtown.
Rental: Crossing Community, 4 beds, single story. Call for more information.
Concord Crossings – 4 beds, 2.5 baths, about 2,000 sq feet – rehab in progress, call for pricing.
WHY You Should Attend the Expo: □ □ □ □
Meet skilled home improvement tradesmen (and women) ready to answer your questions Nancy and Greg will be hosting seminars on how to prep your home for a profitable future sale
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It’s an established event in its 5th year- mix and mingle with your neighbors and vendors FREE Admission
Martinez home – 4 beds, 2 baths, 4 car garage for contractors, extended family – $500k
175 Miramonte Dr., Moraga
Location! Location! Location! This peaceful townhome features 3 bedrooms, den, and 2 baths in 1,525 sf, steps from the golf course and just a mile from downtown Moraga! OFFERED AT $650,000
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3067 Windmill Canyon, Clayton
Traditional 2-story home. 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths plus loft in 2,315 sf on .14 acres. Situated in the quiet neighborhood of Clayton and backing up to open space. OFFERED AT $728,000
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1902 Queens Rd., Concord
Single Story Charmer 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, 1,150 sf on a .16 acre lot. Large backyard is perfect for gardening and outdoor entertaining! Easy freeway access. OFFERED AT $418,000
We helped over 24 families buy and sell homes again so far in 2016. How can we help you and your family today?
Nancy Bennett, Realtor @ Keller Williams Realty #1 Realtor in Concord, #1 Team, Keller Williams East Bay #5 Team Nationally (U.S. & Canada) Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council, Mentor, Faculty Member and Community Sponsor CalBRE #01399870
Nancy@BennettBetter.com
925.606.8400
BENNETTBETTER.COM