MAR 15_Clayton Pioneer_2013 by Pioneer Publishers

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March 15, 2013

Clayton friends’ walk in the park takes them on eight-day trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

In her new book, “Lean In,” published this month, Facebook exec Sheryl Sandberg tells women to “own their power.” Chris Smith and Sue Elliott could have been the cover girls for Sandberg’s book. The 60something women have been friends since 1987, sharing a love of volleyball, the outdoors and long hikes. Last month, the two seriously powered up and leaned in with an eight-day trek up the steep slopes of Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro. At 19,341 feet, “Kili” is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world. The two have on taken on some pretty challenging hikes over the years. They’ve done the Grand Canyon National Park, rim to rim, climbed Mt. Tallac in Lake Tahoe, Half Dome and Yosemite National Park and as part of their training for the Kilimanjaro climb, they covered all four peaks in Mt. Diablo State Park in one day.

See Kilimanjaro, page 2

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‘Secret’ MDUSD report angers CVCHS officials DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer

“I don’t think I’ll taste anything I’m eating for a week,” said Clayton Councilman and veteran judge Howard Geller. Geller has judged the contest almost every year. Taking home the blue ribbon and $300 for her non-traditional chili made with turkey and chicken sausage was Clayton Club bartender Naomi Orcutt. Orcutt has entered the last three years but never expected to win. Orcutt doesn’t really follow a

Middle school math teachers say it over and over again to their students: check your work, make sure it’s right before you turn it in. Perhaps that’s what Mt. Diablo Unified School District Superintendent Steven Lawrence had in mind when he commissioned a study from the Fiscal Crisis Management and Assessment Team (FCMAT) to doublecheck his work with respect to how much of a financial whammy the district would suffer if Clayton Valley High School’s charter petition was approved. The report, issued in final form in January and published on the public FCMAT website in February, said nothing the district hadn’t asserted previously: that the cost to the district of Clayton Valley High’s going charter could be as high as $3.3 million. Those costs could be found in everything from central administration to school site maintenance expenses. Unfortunately, Lawrence forgot another useful school adage, that a result can only be as good as the information used. Working with MDUSD board members Sherry Whitmarsh and Linda Mayo last fall, he ordered the report without knowledge or input from the public or even other board members, using only the district numbers. The report’s final sentence pinpoints the problem, however. “The calculation follows generally accepted accounting principles applied consistent with client supplied information,” it says.

See Chili, page 2

See Report, page 6

WITH THEIR ULTIMATE DESTINATION STILL SEVERAL DAYS AWAY, SUE ELLIOTT, LEFT, AND CHRIS SMITH pause on the trail that will take them to the 19,341 ft. summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. On their eight-day trek, the two passed through five different climate zones, starting with rain forest at 6,800 ft. and finishing in the glaciers at the summit.

Chili winners decided in three-way taste off TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

CHILI JUDGES CLAYTON PIONEER PUBLISHER BOB STEINER and City Councilmen Howard Geller and Jim Diaz tally scores in search of this year’s best at the Clayton Club’s annual contest on Mar. 3.

To bean or not to bean ... that was the question on the minds of 18 local chili chefs as they prepared for the Clayton Club Saloon’s 12th Annual Chili Contest. This year’s event, held on Sunday, Mar. 3, seemed to top all others, said Clayton Club owner, Steve Barton. The crowd was bigger, the day sunnier and the judges hungrier. And a dramatic, double taste off for sec-

ond and third place proved that the chili was the best ever. The 18 chili pots that lined the walls of the 140-year-old saloon, represented every kind of chili on the spectrum. The only rule was “no canned chili,” said Barton. Some chilis were sans beans and thick enough to hold the spoon upright, others were “saucier.” Some were made with beef, some with venison and some with a combination of meats. Some were mild and some were not.

Clayton library has highest volunteer support in countywide system

JULIE PIERCE

MAYOR’S CORNER Eighteen years ago this month, we opened our Clayton Community Library. It was a grand celebration following years

of planning, fundraising and building re-designs. The effort was a collaboration of the Clayton Community Library Foundation, AAUW, CBCA, Woman’s Club, the City of Clayton and many volunteers, but the leaders then, as now, were our wonderful “library ladies,” Joyce Atkinson and Jeanne Boyd. A big “congratulations” to all who helped get it built and who continue to make it one of the busiest and most efficient libraries in the county library system. The Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) has issued a report critiquing the provision of library services within Contra Costa

County, including the Contra Costa County Library which operates our Clayton Community Library. Some of the information contained within the LAFCO document is intriguing as it pertains to Clayton’s facility and operation. For example, the median operational hours of the 29 libraries in the County is 35 hours per week; Clayton’s library is open 44 hours per week, including the city-paid four hours on Sunday afternoons. That places us number 18 of the 29 in terms of highest number of hours open to the public. Orinda and Danville are the highest at 60 hours per week.

What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Behind the Badge . . . . . . . . .6 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Community Calendar . . . . .14

Clayton’s library was built in 1995 and the facility is rated as in “Good” condition (the second highest of the four rankings). At 15,500 square feet it is fairly large. Though no attribution is given for its source, the report included a most interesting statement as to “Facility Needs:” “Clayton Library needs expansion (+3,500 sq. ft.) and upgrades (automatic checkout and coffee area) at a cost of $1 million. The project is not presently funded or budgeted by the City.” Sounds nice — does anyone need another project and more fundraising?

See Mayor, page 2 Design and Décor . . . . . . . .16 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . .8 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . . .9 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

THE CLAYTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY is open 44 hours per week – well ahead of the county’s 35 hours-per-week average.

Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .15 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Reader’s Forum . . . . . . . . . .7

Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . .12 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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Around Town

recipe, she said. “I just keep cooking until it tastes good.” Second place winner Scott Clarenbach grabbed $200 and bragging rights over his mom who also competed. His win was closely contested by Bob Coonradt of Concord who was one of the three chilis in

the double taste off for second and third place. Coonradt, a professional caterer won $200 and plans to be back again next year. As eager as the cooks were to cross the finish line, their enthusiasm was matched by the spectators who had been waiting all morning for a chance to judge for themselves. As expected, the winning pots were emptied first, but, with 18 entries, there was plenty of chili for everyone. Well, make that 17, since one contestant must have had other plans for his pot of chili. It disappeared from the table as soon as third place was announced. The Clayton Club Saloon on Main Street is Clayton’s oldest continually operating business. For a calendar of events, go to www.claytonclubsaloon.com

Local actress to perform in ‘Sound of Music’ Clayton resident Kristina Schoell will star as Liesl Von Trapp in Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s “Sound of Music,” opening March 22 and running through April 21 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. This is 17-year-old’s third show with CCMT. She has appeared in more than 20 musical theater productions throughout the Bay Area with such companies as Center REP, Diablo Theatre Company, Tri-Valley Repertory, Vagabond Players, and Contra Costa Christian Theatre. Kristina was honored with an Outstanding Actress Award at Disney’s Broadway

KRISTINA SCHOELL

Junior Festival in 2009 and has continued to pursue her passion for acting since.

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But, Kili was different. First, it was bigger. Second, it was higher than anywhere they’d hiked. And thirdly, it was very far away. This trip would take more than a trail map and backpack. They started researching trekking companies last September. First up was a bargain deal Chris found on Living Social. The price was right, but Sue had doubts and her instincts were right. That company had not yet successfully led a group to the summit. “We essentially would have been their guinea pigs,” she said. They finally settled on a company with a long track record and a nearly 100 percent success rate. It wasn’t cheap. Sue said, but this “really wasn’t the time for a bargain hunt.” Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in the world that you can “walk in.” It isn’t considered a “technical climb,” Sue explained, meaning no ropes or crampons are necessary. Still, the mountain is a challenge, if only because of the altitude. LONGER IS BETTER Once they settled on a tour company, the next decision question was which route up the mountain. The five day route to the summit was the shortest, but it also gave them the least amount of time to acclimate to the altitude. Neither had ever suffered from altitude sickness, but neither had they climbed to almost 20,000 feet before. They settled on the eight-day hike. At 42 miles, it was the longer route, but offered a more gradual ascent. Their climb began at 6800 feet in the rain forest on the west side of Kilimanjaro. They set off in the early morning mist with four other hikers – a couple from London and two doctors from Detroit – four guides, two servers and one toilet engineer.

In the next eight days, they would pass through five different climate zones. At first it was difficult to pace themselves. “We wanted to go faster, but the guides kept saying ‘pole, pole’ – Swahili for slowly, slowly,” said Chris. It was important to conserve their energy for the challenges ahead. Each morning began at 6:30 when the porters brought hot tea and the warm water and dishpans that would be the closest thing to a bath they would see for days. “We went through a lot of baby wipes,” Chris laughed. By 8:30, they were on the trail. On the fifth day, at 15,000 ft’, they hit a wall – literally. Between them and the summit was an 800 ft. scramble up the Great Barranco Wall and a slippery descent into the Karanga Valley below. “I love the scrambles,” said Sue. “I’m like a squirrel; I just jump from rock to rock.” Chris moved a little more carefully, waiting for step-bystep instructions from her guide while the porters, with their 45 lb. packs, “leaped ahead of us like antelope.” PUSH TO THE TOP Another day and a half of hiking would bring them to the Barafu Camp where all routes converge before pushing to the summit. Dozens and dozens of tents crowded together as hikers tried to rest before taking on the summit. Their final 5-mile, 4000 ft. ascent began at midnight on the sixth night and they would be on the summit at sunrise. With headlamps and a full moon, the trail was easy to follow, said Chris. But it was rough. The summit trail is all gravel, making the high-altitude even harder. Both women were getting pretty tired by this time. And it was cold.

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from page 1

CHRIS SMITH AT STELLA POINT, 45 minutes from the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. STILL

“I get how people can just sit down in the snow and freeze to death,” she said. Two miles into the ascent, Sue’s legs finally gave out. “I was beginning to hold up the others,” she said. “I’ve always had trouble with my legs recovering and I knew it was time to turn back.” Was she disappointed to get that far only to run out of steam? “Gosh, no. I made it to 17,060 ft. I felt successful.” Breathing hard and feeling foggy, Chris pushed on, arriving at the summit just as the sun was coming up. “You are above the clouds among the glaciers and everything turns yellow, gold and orange. It was breathtaking.” Victory was short, however. The guides gave them only about 15 minutes at the summit – time enough to catch their breath and get a picture. Then, it was back down to Barafu in time for lunch and tea. The next day, it was downhill all the way to the showers, a day or two of rest and then another 8 days on the Serengeti and touring Zanzibar before a 31-hour flight home. All in all, the two were together for 22 days, from January 18 to February 8. “And we’re still friends,” laughed Sue.

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Kilimanjaro, from page 1

Chili Contest, from page 1

CHILI CONTEST WINNER Naomi Orcutt with judge Howard Geller, left, and Clayton Club owner Steve Barton.

March 15, 2013

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Regarding expenses to conduct library services in Clayton, the operational cost (paid by the county system) is $717,700; the facility cost (all maintenance and utilities are paid by the City of Clayton) is $132,765; the operational cost per square foot is $6 and the per capita cost is $1, yes one dollar! As expected, Clayton’s operational cost per square feet and per capita were at the low and lowest end of the ranges for the various libraries. For comparison, the Orinda and Kensington libraries were at the high end of cost per square feet ($69 and $110, respectively), while the new Lafayette Library posted the highest cost per capita at $26. The Contra Costa Library system is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and library visits countywide continue to increase dramatically. Clayton’s library has among the highest circulation while serving our community with 3/5 the normal staff. With 95 adults and 53 students, Clayton boasts the highest participation of volunteers in the county system with 7,773 hours; a monetary value of over $187,951 in time! Last year, the Clayton Library Foundation raised more than $45,889 through donations and its twice-annual book sale (next one is April 12 to 14) and contributed $43,604 to purchase new materials, fund our volunteer coordinator position and support our library. The LAFCO review makes for rather dry reading, but reflects very well on the quality of our Clayton Community Library. Congrats to all on our first 18 years! As always, you can contact me by email at Julie_Pierce@comcast.net. Let me know what you think!

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Amgen Bike Race needs volunteers for May 13 Mt. Diablo finish Mount Diablo State Park has been selected to host Stage 7 finish of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California bike race. The finish will be on Saturday, May 18 at the Summit. This event will attract many thousands of spectators and live worldwide TV coverage. It is one of the premier road bike races in the world and will feature the best international riders and teams competing today. This race is a precursor to the Tour de France later this summer. “As a stage finish host, we are looking to recruit several hundred volunteers,” explained Steve Elliott, volunteer coordinator for Mount Diablo State Park. We will be staffing course marshal, hospitality, media support and a host of other volunteer roles. For more information or to register as a volunteer, go to amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Concord revving up to become East Bay car capital You!” In addition, the campaign includes a website: www.concordhasthecarsforyou.com, that will offer a one stop link to all of Concord’s new car dealerships: Acura of Concord, Audi Concord, Concord BMW, Concord Chevrolet, Concord Honda, Concord Kia, Concord Mitsubishi, Concord Toyota, Crown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Crown Fiat, Dirito Nissan, Future Ford Lincoln, Future Hyundai, Lehmer’s Buick Pontiac GMC, Lexus of Concord, Mini of Concord and Niello Infiniti. them to support their continued growth and success,” said John Montagh, Concord Economic Development and Housing Manager. The official unveiling of the new signage took place Feb. 19,when Councilman Ron Leone rode with one of the city’s bucket trucks to unveil one of the new signs at Concord Avenue and John Glenn Drive. Concord’s 17 new car dealers have partnered with the city officials on naming the new district. “Concord is the car capital of Contra Costa if not the East Bay,” said Marilyn Fowler, chief operations officer of the Concord Chamber of Commerce. “Concord offers a convenient central location and long-standing quality dealerships representing more than 17 lines of cars, which all add up to a great car buying experience.” This month, the city/business partnership will continue with a TV and radio campaign called “Concord Has the Car for

PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer

Last month, new street signs around the area of Market Street, Concord Avenue, Diamond Boulevard, Burnett Avenue and Marsh Drive highlight the area as the Concord Auto District. Concord tops all other Contra Costa cities in new car sales, and is one of the two top cities in the East Bay. Its 17 Concord new auto dealers generated more than $500 million in sales from October 2011 through September 2012, and have shown a growth of approximately 20 percent over the same time period in the previous year. That means strong sales tax for city coffers that just four years ago weathered devastating budget cuts to city programs and services, including police. “We appreciate our new auto dealerships’ contribution to Concord’s economic vitality and look forward to partnering with

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March 15, 2013

Creekside Arts Celebration Mar. 22-24 Schedule of Events The annual Creekside Arts Celebration will celebrate 100 Years of Stories when it comes to the Clayton Library March 22-24. The event is sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation with the help of the city of Clayton. Mar. 22, beginning at 6 p..m. is the opening reception with light refreshments. See a

“live” Eurasian Eagle Owl and sketch along with California watercolor artist Leslie Wilson as she paints this beautiful raptor. Also appearing is the local band, The Relyks. At the end of the evening will be the Presentation of Awards to the juried art entries. On Saturday, Mar. 23, festivities begin at 10 a.m. Storyboarding, outdoor pleinaire painting, a presentation on wood marquetry techniques, art sales, wildlife and environmental demonstrations and live music will be ongoing throughout the day. At 2:30, Jim Hale, wildlife biologist, will discuss

the wildlife and culture of the “Clayton Valley, 100 years ago in 1913.” There will be art sales and live art, music and wildlife demonstrations throughout the day. The day wraps up with an ArtWalk through downtown Clayton beginning at 3:30. Mar. 24 begins with poetry readings at noon followed by cultural music, storytelling and a ukulele jam session at 2 p.m. At 2:30, experience the power of Japanese drumming with Diablo Taiko. The celebration comes to a close at 4 p.m. with the presentation of the Peoples’ Choice Art Award.

Concord to hold public hearing on outdoor pot ban PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer

The public will once again have the opportunity to weigh in on the burning issue of medical marijuana cultivation in Concord at a public hearing during the Concord City Council’s March 26 meeting. Last December, the city council asked city attorney Mark Coon to draft an ordinance banning growing pot for medical uses outdoors after members of the Dana Estates neighborhood complained about the stench and safety fears due to a resident’s outdoor garden. The explosive issue divided many speakers at the meeting, some claiming that as homeowners they had a right to safe neighborhood, while others claiming that the outdoor culti-

vation was necessary, legal and life-saving. “We think we have a good compromise in the ordinance,” Coon said last week. The planning commission in February voted to have the council approve the ordinance. Proposition 215, passed in 1996 and called the “Compassionate Use Act,” allowed for the growth of marijuana for medical purposes. The state legislature reaffirmed it in 2004. However, the two laws do not guarantee the right to grow marijuana outdoors. That, Coon said, was left up to local jurisdictions. He said he is modeling his ordinance, which allows for growth of medical marijuana indoors, after a Moraga law that he says has worked successfully since 2011. All five council mem-

LEIGH KLOCK

bers indicated they supported the Moraga model, an ordinance that simply bans cultivation outdoors and is not as restrictive as other city ordinances. Still, many residents – and non-residents – argue that the restrictions were illegal, and detrimental to their and their loved one’s health. Speaking to the council at the December meeting, Bambi Yeley, a caregiver to her mother and father for more than a decade, said medical marijuana helped ease the pain when her mother and father died. “If I want to grow something in my backyard ... how dare you tell me I can’t do it. It kept my parents alive. My dad would not have eaten for a year if he hadn’t gotten high,” she said.

See Pot Ban, page 12

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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

Credit Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover

PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Nicci Shipstead, Pam

(925) 457-5423

Wiesendanger, Peggy Spear

www.belfastplumbing.com

We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

License. 906211

PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com

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CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word Non-profit: $24 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer

reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable.

650 sq. ft. of prime office space in downtown Clayton.

Events Home and Garden Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial and Insurance Services Held, Chris – Morgan Stanley Smith Barney . . . .930-3815 Leraul, Luciann – CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .518-9076 Littorno, Richard – Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211 Miller, Tom – CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354-1385 Mingham, Pete – Guild Mortgage Company . . . .906-8166 Prosperitas Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-877-8328 Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . . .672-2300

Private bath with shower. Great view of Mt. Diablo.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 250 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter in a Word document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.

Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242

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Develop public speaking, presentation and leadership skills with Toastmasters. Word Weavers Toastmasters meets Monday evenings, 7 p.m. at Montecito, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. Visitors always welcome. Visit 400.toastmastersclubs.org or Send Email to: contact-400@ toastmastersclubs.org.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND OUR NEWEST LOCATION!

With a new store open near you in CLAYTON, now you’re closer than ever to: • Exceptional paints and stains • Expert advice • Color solutions

FLOWER GARDENING BY NICOLE HACKETT Perennial, ornamental, rose and container care. Keep your garden in flowers this year with monthly fertilizing & pruning visits. Email for consultation or details. Gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.

WANTED Come join Mazzei Realty! Currently interviewing and hiring new and experienced real estate agents. Call 693-0757 for details. Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today 6728787.

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Retail sales only. Minimum purchase of $50, before sales tax & after all discounts have been applied. Discount is applied to qualifying items purchased on a prorated basis; if you return a portion of your purchase, some of the discount may be lost. Limit one coupon per transaction. Excludes Multi-Purpose primers, and gift cards. Other exclusions may apply, see store for details. Must surrender coupon at time of redemption. Cash value: 1/100 of 1¢ Not valid on previous purchases. Void if copied, transferred, purchased or sold. Oﬀer expires 4/15/13. Valid at the Clayton location only. ©2013 The Sherwin-Williams Company.

Clayton 925-673-5367

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Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Iron Horse Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595-3951 Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dentistry Perfect Smiles Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . .889-9212 Dining and Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Memo's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737, ext. 205

LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Website are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.

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Help Fight Hunger Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon Lady needs your help! Weekly commitment appreciated. For more info and contact numbers, go to thelemonlady.blogspot.com. Hospice of the East Bay Help needed at Hospice of the East Bay Concord Thrift Shoppe located at 5350 Clayton Road, Concord. 674-9072. For information contact Carmen Siems, volunteer coordinator at 887-5678 or carmens@hospiceeastbay.org. Clayton Historical Society Museum The Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays. Call the museum at 672-0240 and leave your name. Clayton Community Library Needs volunteers. Minimum age 13. Minimum commitment is 6 months. Some training provided. Contact: Arlene at 673-9777 or nielsenjanc@aol.com.

Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Flooring City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-8220 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Sherwin-Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5367 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Optometry Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie's Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Diablo FC Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-4625 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Kali Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-0845 Senior Services Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Montecito – Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702 Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840

Integrity Do the Right Thing

Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 15, 2013

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When Contra Costa’s Measure Q went down to defeat in November, the phrase “high county worker pensions” was frequently heard as the major reason residents chose not to open their wallets for the $75-ayear parcel tax that would have prevented the closure of some local fire stations. That’s why many local officials and watchdog groups were surprised when five members of the county’s employee retirement association board announced plans to attend a four-day, publicly funded national conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Terry Buck, Richard Cabral, Gabe Rodrigues, Jerry Telles and Debora Allen planned to attend the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems May 19-23. However, after the publication California Watch unearthed the planned junket in late

February, Allen and Telles reportedly cancelled their trip. Still, many local lawmakers say that the idea of an association-funded trip to Hawaii, with its pristine beaches and active social activities, sends the wrong message in times when local governments are fighting to keep agencies open and save jobs. “These are difficult financial times, and I feel it’s inappropriate to go to Hawaii on the taxpayers’ dime,” said Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, a proponent of Measure Q who has worked with the county fire board and Clayton officials to keep Fire Station 11, the city’s only fire station, from closing. “I’ve been to many conferences like this, and I know there is a lot of down time,” she said. “It gives the wrong perception to our constituents.” She says she supports the position of fellow supervisor John Gioia, also a pension board trustee, who questioned the Hawaii trip using public funds.

“Pension trustees should exercise self-discipline and consider public perception in deciding which conferences to attend, otherwise the pension board may have to set limits on the number of trustees it sends,” Gioia told the Bay Citizen when the story broke. Representatives from the county employees retirement association did not return phone calls from this newspaper as of press time. On its website, national conference organizers offered up a “justification kit” for attendance, indicating that the information-sharing and networking that happens at such a conference are valuable, and that there is new legislation that attendees would need to become familiar with. In an open letter on the national conference’s website, posted because of “criticism from some quarters, most of it generated by a handful of news articles,” the organizers defended the Hawaiian location, citing

that “Our President grew up there,” as well as touting the fact that Honolulu is economical as well as beautiful, with many things more inexpensive than on the mainland. “Objecting to Honolulu because it has beautiful beaches … is like objecting to New York because it has Broadway and Times Square.” Mitchoff doesn’t agree. “There are many other places on the U.S. mainland that would be helped economically by this conference, and would be much more economical to attend.” The preliminary agenda for the conference features such workshops as “How Do We Transform the Way People Think, Talk, and Act about Pensions?” and “How Does the Changing Demographic Affect Commercial Real Estate? And ironically, one of the conference’s seminars is entitled, “Avoiding a Front Page Scandal at Your Pension Fund: Learning by Example.”

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CHRIS THORSEN

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I often give presentations at neighborhood meetings regarding crime prevention and Neighborhood Watch. Neighborhood Watch is the concept

of looking out for one another, paying attention to your surroundings, noticing things that are suspicious and when appropriate, calling the Police. These concepts can be extremely effective in reducing crime in a neighborhood. Many times, I’m struck by how little we know about our neighbors. Many folks have lived next door or across the street for years but don’t know their neighbors’ first name or their profession. Neighborhood Watch is more than just a sign on the street or a monthly meeting. Neighborhood Watch, in a word, is being “neighborly.”

Do you know your neighbors name, how to get in touch with them if necessary? Do you know their children, what their names are, where do they go to school? Do you have cell numbers for your neighbors in the event of an emergency? All these things seem to be so simple. However, with so many two-career households, actionpacked weekends with soccer tournaments, swim meets, softball games and the like, sometimes there is little time to get to know each other. Spending the time to get to know your neighbors – being neighborly – is more than just

Neighborhood Watch. It builds relationships, it builds friendships and it results in a community. I invite you all to host a neighborhood open house or pot luck. Take time to learn about your neighbors, their families and their hobbies. You will find some of your neighbors to be interesting, and you may even develop a new friendship. Most importantly, you will develop the feeling of safety and security that comes from a community. For the good of us all, be neighborly. Chris Thorsen is Clayton’s chief of police. For questions and comments, call him at (925) 673-7350.

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Report, from page 1 COUNTY OFFICIALS UPSET The report refuels the controversy surrounding the charter, namely that it would negatively impact other schools in the district. This angered not only Clayton officials, who called the report one-sided, but the handling of the report upset members of the County Board of Education as well. Dr. Joseph Ovick, Superintendent of the Contra Costa County Office of Education sent a sharply worded letter to MDUSD Superintendent Lawrence once he was sent a copy of the report by charter officials. “I had requested and hoped to provide input into this latest FCMAT report ...” he wrote. “My request was ignored. This unnecessary tension has distracted from our efforts to provide a quality education to our students regardless of whether

they belong to the district or the newly formed charter.” CVCHS Executive Director Dave Linzey expressed a lack of surprise that, if the district didn’t make what he feels are common-sense changes following the charter’s approval, money would be lost. “The math is clear,” he said. “They certainly should have been able to make cuts to balance out their books. They’ve lost the $1.5 million in costs to run the school, we’ve inherited those costs.” He took on the report’s special education numbers as well. The high school has maintained about the same number of special education students as prior to going charter, and increased the hours of the school psychologist and speech/language pathologist who work alongside instructional aides and special

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education teachers to serve those students. “When MDUSD talks about they had to prepare or plan in their budget for our special education kids, that’s nonsense,” Linzey said. “We take care of our own special ed kids.” Ovick agreed. With the combined savings from special education costs the district need no longer shoulder, and a reduction in central administration needed to run the now 6 percent smaller district, he wrote, “the NET impact of the conversion ... might be closer to a break even.” MDUSD Board member Brian Lawrence is concerned over the impact of the district’s handling of the no-longer-secret report. In the 2012 election, he ran — and won — on a platform advocating greater transparency to the public by MDUSD officials. “I appreciated Dr. Ovick’s letter, and I think he raised some pertinent points,” he said. “I

would say that the public should be asking, are there other reports? We’re going to be reviewing this again at the next board meeting. “ He too sees the issue as going farther than this single document. “If people don’t have faith in our numbers and don’t believe we’re being transparent with them, when we ask for things like bond measures, we’re not going to have that public support,” he said. In the meantime, charter officials are pleased to see community support grow as more families learn what they have to offer. “If there’s one test of how are you doing, it’s who wants to go next year,” said Linzey. The school seems to be passing that test with flying colors. Five hundred and fifty new students are set to start Clayton Valley in the fall, and another 130 waitlisted, some ready to come from as far away as Oakland and Orinda.

March 15, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 7

Appraisals are tricky for home buyers Q. We are having a problem with the appraisal on a home we are selling coming in at the offered price. Why don’t appraisers just figure out the price per square foot? If they did that our appraisal would have come in higher than the offering price. A. There are several approaches to appraisals on a home that an appraiser might use, but cost per square foot isn’t one of them. When a home is being built, a builder figures their building costs on a per square foot basis. When it is resold an appraiser uses criteria from previous sales. The smaller the home, the higher the price per square foot is. The value of the land and the location, or premiums such as a view, add to the value of the home. Think of it this way: a 1,200-square-foot home which has a kitchen, three bedrooms, two baths, a living room and a dining area sold for $380 a square foot, or $456,000. If a 1,800-square-foot home, down the street, with the same amount of beds and baths, a living room and a dining room also sold for $380 a square foot it would go for $684,000. Anybody can see that is too much. Nobody would pay that much for the additional air space. The larger home

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS would have to sell for much less per square foot. Q. My husband and I are getting up in years and are thinking of downsizing. We have a large two-story home. The stairs are killing us. The cost of maintaining a home, where we use just a few rooms, is hard to afford. Any tips on how to proceed? A. Now that you are starting to think about moving, you can start the process by getting rid of things that you are not using or won’t be able to take to a smaller home. After living in your home for many years you are bound to have accumulated far more possessions than you need. One benefit of paring down early is that your home will show much better when it is on the market. If you are having

trouble figuring out how you will even start scaling back, you can hire someone to help you. There are people who specialize in helping organize and plan a move. Once you choose a realtor to assist you they can give you a referral. Many seniors and movedown buyers are looking for a smaller house with one level, in a safe location, convenient to shopping and transportation. They are often interested in reducing their overall costs to have money left over to fund retirement. One thing that can be a challenge is the fact that they might find themselves in competition with first-time buyers. There is frequently a higher demand for smaller, lower priced homes, especially single story, than a higher priced home. Please realize that the price per square foot will be much higher than for a larger home. When you buy a home half the size of the one you are selling don’t expect it to sell for half the price. There are subdivisions for 55+ residents. Of course in these homes you won’t be competing with first time buyers. Anybody that is buying and selling a home, including movedown buyers, wonders whether to buy or sell first. If you sell

Readers Forum MOTCO needed for national security The article by Peggy Spear in the Feb. 8 issue about Mayor Dan Helix and his goals was a good one. But, I disagree with the mayor’s position on the Concord Naval Weapons Station. He thinks the entire base should be closed and turned over to the city of Concord. I do not support that position. The former Concord Naval Weapons Depot has only closed the inland portion - mostly south of Highway 4. The tidal portion — mostly north of Highway 4 — is active and operational as the Military Ocean

Terminal Concord (MOTCO), and is a strategic part of our national defense. MOTCO is operated by the Army (since the closure of the huge Oakland Army Terminal) and is in an unincorporated part of the county, not in Concord. The MOTCO Tidal portion was intentionally NOT closed by the BRAC process when they decided the Inland portion could be allowed for reuse by the City of Concord. It is now the nation’s largest West Coast Deep Water Port for military ammunition shipping; and has three piers and cranes to support Department of Defense Operations for the entire Pacific Rim.

As long as we need to defend ourselves and our allies in the Pacific Rim and Central and South America – which will probably be forever – we need to support and be proud of this low-key but vital military base. As FDR said, America is the “arsenal of democracy.” MOTCO’s capacity and investment in docks, rail lines, trucking, storage, staging facilities, security and real estate dwarfs that of Seal Beach at Long Beach and Indian Island in Seattle. And, its advantages could not be duplicated anywhere else on our nation’s entire West Coast. – Pete Laurence Former Clayton Mayor Viet Nam Veteran

Plant some positive thoughts this season STEPHANIE HO MIND MATTERS Spring is right around the corner and many of us will be spending our weekends sprucing up our homes and yards. I’d like to think of this as an opportunity to spend some time spring cleaning our minds as well. Our minds can be our best friend and they can be our worst enemy. Our thoughts trigger our feelings and our feelings impact our action. We have on average 80,000 thoughts a day. You can imagine that if our thoughts are negative, self-critical, and punishing in any way, it can really have a negative influence on our mood and our behaviors. While we all have days when we are hard on ourselves, it becomes problematic when those days become weeks and those weeks become months, even years. Our inner voice, that running internal monologue or running commentary in our thoughts, is formed very early on in life. And that inner voice is influenced by a belief system about how “good” we are (or are not) and that belief system was created by our parents’ words and actions toward us. The good news is that there is always an opportunity to trans-

form that inner critic and spring clean those negative thoughts. Here’s how: First of all, try to pay extra attention to your thoughts. Consider being a non-judgmental observer of your internal monologue. What do you notice? Are there any themes to the commentary? Then, notice what emotions follow your thoughts. How does your mood get influenced by how you think? Question the validity of your

thoughts. Think of it as turning a monologue into a debate, or at least a dialogue in your mind. Ask yourself if the negative thoughts you are having are absolutely true and evaluate what evidence (true, observable facts) you have to support those thoughts. Acknowledge that you do not have to believe what you think. While our thoughts are plentiful and very powerful, they are not

first you will know exactly how much money you have to work with, but you may worry about finding the next home. If you buy first, you might worry about selling your current home. Many seniors are in a position to buy first, or have enough equity in the home after years of appreciation, to take out an equity line to buy the next house. If this feels too uncomfortable to you, an alternative is to sell your current home and put your things in storage, and live in a temporary rental, perhaps in the same area you want to buy, until the right house comes along. Before you put your home on the market, make sure that your realtor has shown you enough homes for you to be confident that you will find what will work for you when your house does sell. To soften the stress of navigating this move you might consider the tax advantages. If you have lived in your home for two out of the last five years, you and your husband are forgiven up to $500,000 of the capital gain you realize on the sale. If you live in Contra Costa County, you can transfer your property taxes to your new home if you move to another home in Contra Costa County, as long as the sale price of the new home is the same or less than the current home. You can consult with the tax assessor to see in what other counties you can transfer taxes. Please hire a trusted realtor early on to be your guide.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 15, 2013

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Next year, students will no longer take the STAR test, and instead will be taking a Core Curriculum test, which will be a nationwide standardized test. The goal is to standardize what students are learning across the country, so that when it comes to college admissions, everyone’s transcripts will be comparable. Regardless of which standardized test is taken, I don’t believe that these tests are nec-

CBCA to award $25,000 in scholarships to local students The Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA) will be awarding $25,000 in scholarships to deserving Clayton students this spring. Students must live in the 94517 ZIP code to be eligible for any of the three types of scholarships for academic achievement, community service and music/arts. Applicants must be accepted into a two- or four-year program and be taking a full course load. “The $25,000 allocated for college scholarships is by far the best money that CBCA spends” says CBCA president Keith Haydon. “The quality of students living in Clayton is outstanding and we take great pride in awarding scholarships to help these students in their continuing education.” Applications must be submitted by mail only and postmarked by April 5. After an initial assessment of the quality of student submissions, the committee will invite finalists to interview with the committee and awards will be announced prior to the end of the academic school year. Applications are available from high school career counselors or on the CBCA’s website (www.claytoncbca.org). For questions, call the scholarship committee chair Ed Hartley (925) 698-4191, or the CBCA office at (925) 672-2272.

essarily the best method of measuring one’s potential for success. When students go out into the workforce, there is a huge variety of jobs that require all different skills. Just because one person doesn’t do well on a series of multiple choice tests while in school should not brand them as unsuccessful. Instead of making sure everybody is learning the same material in the same manner, why aren’t we making sure every student is prepared for finding success in the way that best suits them? The focus seems to be standardizing the entire nation; schools are given money and funding based on their students’ test scores, teachers are ranked

Last month, DVMS staged its own version of “American Idol,” when 25 talented students shared their singing, dancing, acting and instrumental talents with students and parents. There was phenomenal talent across the board. “It was really fun to watch,” said 7th grader, Megan Southall. The show was coordinated by Mrs. Ruff, the leadership teacher and hosted by Cameron Martin, eighth grade, Payton Mannie, seventh grade, and Jessica Hevener, sixth grade. The winners in six categories were determined by a schoolwide vote. Skylar Hellstrom won most creative performance by singing and cup tapping to “Die

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The Clayton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will join with Clayton Police Department to offer a Fire Safety Familiarization workshop to the public on Saturday, March 23. The class will be repeated in three separate sessions: one at 9 a.m., one at 11 a.m. and the last one at 1 p.m. This class is tailored for the average citizen to gain basic understanding of the fire safety devices and utility shutoffs located in and adjacent to your residence. “When the unexpected happens and we need a hand,” says CERT representative Rich Veal, “the first place to look is at the end of your own arm.” Veal, a resident of Clayton, has 39 years of experience in public safety. He will teach the March 23 classes.

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Sara Chavez is a senior at Clayton Valley High School. She hopes to pursue her passions of writing and dancing in college, as well as working toward a career as a school psychologist. Email her at sarachavez@claytonpioneer.com.

Young/Don’t Wake Me.” Cameron Reinig won best dance with “Dub Step Mix.” The best solo singer was Erin Crahan singing “Titanium.” The best group singing was Synota Levitt, Kristin Wullenweber, and Savanha Groebner singing “Hallelujah.” Jared Xia won the best instrumental performance on the violin. The best leadership dance goes to the sixth and seventh grade leadership class. At the end all participants received a certificate for their excellent performances. Sadie Tomlinson, one of the performers said, “It was really nerve racking, but fun.” Many local businesses donated prizes for a raffle which was held at the end of the

SAMANTHA TUOHEY

DVMS REPORTER performance. All proceeds from the night went to Koins for Kenya, which helps build schools, provide access to health care, and other help for people in Kenya. DVMS gave an excellent showcase of talent this year. Samantha Tuohey is in the seventh grade at Diablo View Middle School and plans to be a writer someday. Email your story ideas, comments and questions to Samantha@claytonpioneer.com.

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ers fill in answers for students. If this is what adults are stooping too, isn’t it obvious that too much emphasis is being put on these simple tests? I understand that schools’ and teachers’ effectiveness must be measured somehow. There has to be some other way, which gives students the opportunity to show what they are capable of while teachers are allowed to spend their time preparing them for the real world.

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based on how their students perform, and classes end up spending an entire year preparing for a test which does not even count for their grade. Another problem that arises is students tend to have a cavalier attitude towards the tests, since they tend to be tedious and boring. This ends up having a negative impact on the school and the teachers, which has led to schools stooping to bribery to try to convince students to do well. However, usually a pizza party, or whatever incentive the school offers, is not enough to stop those who randomly bubble in answers. Some schools have even been caught cheating, by changing wrong answers to correct ones, and having teach-

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There has been a renewed home fire and life safety awareness since Station 11 in Clayton is now staffed less than 30 percent of the time. Life safety equipment such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and household fire extinguishers can make the difference when seconds count. All can be purchased at any hardware store The CERT training will help residents to feel more confident in the maintenance and proper use of invaluable life safety equipment. To Register, see form below:

Contact the Clayton Police Department for information on how to register for the workshop, 925-673-7350. Please cut out this Fire Safety Assessment questionnaire, fill it out and bring to the workshop you attend.

March 15, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 9

New map helps hikers navigate Mt. Diablo The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association has released the seventh edition of its popular “The Definitive Mount Diablo Trail Map.” The new seventh edition trail is a detailed topographic map printed on water resistant paper and is a “must have” for all visitors to the park. The casual visitor who is simply interested in picnic areas and roads as well as the serious hiker who wants to explore the

mountains back country will find all the details they need on this one map. This is the most detailed, up-to-date map of the park. This edition, which has been two and a half years in the making, is the result of a “labor of love” by MDIA board member Mike Woodring and his allvolunteer committee. The map sells for $7.50 at the Summit Visitor Center, the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center, at sev-

versal Transverse Mercator) grid, as well as latitude and longitude references provided. A backplate compass with map scales and magnetic declination is provided for easy navigation with a separate, printable compass in a pdf available by visiting BackplateCompass.pdf The back of the map provides general information, park rules and specific information about the mountains natural history and points of interest.

eral local outdoor stores and online at www.mdia.org. All net proceeds from the sale of the map are used to directly benefit Mount Diablo State Park. All supported trails in the park are clearly shown and adjoining trails that lead into the park have also been included. Trails suitable for bicyclists and equestrians are marked and those hiking with GPS will be pleased with the detailed elevation contours and UTM (Uni-

CVCHS student turns grief into life PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer

Mallory Landers is turning her sadness over her grandmother death from cancer into a lifesaving effort for others. “People don’t know how many people need blood transfusions as part of cancer treatments,” says Mallory, a senior at Clayton Valley Charter High School. In general, every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion, according to the American Red Cross website. Mallory is holding a blood drive in memory of her grandmother, Diane Sherwood, on March 22 at Diablo View Middle School. Mallory’s collection goal is 50 units of blood. Justin Mueller, director of Donor Resources Development for the Red Cross

in Northern California, says the goal is well above the Bay Area and national averages because “the Clayton community is very giving and tends to be very responsive” to blood drives. With the recent holidays and pandemic flu, this March is challenging in terms of getting blood donations. “We hope to achieve our goals and bring in additional donors.” Eligibility testing is also available for future platelet donors. Platelets, critical for cancer patients, have a shelf life of only five days. Mallory donated blood at school and at best friend, Molly Avilez’s, latest blood drive. “I was never afraid of needles or blood.” Mallory realized through her grandmother’s illness that cancer patients often need blood transfusions and chose to get the message out to the public as part of her senior project at CVCHS.

“I wanted to do something different; something difficult, but that I was interested in.” As part of her project, Mallory is going on a behind-thescenes tour with the Red Cross of what happens to blood donations from processing, testing, and storing through to distribution. Mallory starts a nursing program this summer at Carrington College. She hopes one day to be an emergency room nurse and will be on the distribution end of the process. Mueller suggests the next drive be the “M and M” blood drive. Mallory and Molly are “very extraordinary individuals,” Mueller says. “The Red Cross is a better organization for it.” To donate, you must be 17 or older and meet weight/health requirements. Donors can prepare by including iron in their diet, being hydrated and bringing their ID to the drive.

Sizing up your bra situation Every woman knows how frustrating and sometimes painful the wrong bra can be. Below is a list of complaints and some possible solutions to the most common bra problems. My straps always fall down. Frequent wear causes straps to stretch and slip. Rotate your bras frequently, tighten the straps regularly and consider investing in one with textured straps so they grip your shoulders. My straps are digging into my shoulders. This could mean you bra isn’t supporting you properly. Thin straps can also cause this problem. First, try going down a back size to shift some of the weight off your shoulders. If that doesn’t help, look for bra styles with wider straps. Only 10 percent of your bra’s support should come from your straps. I want more cleavage. Even women with fuller breasts need a little lift via padding on the bottom of the cups. For those

JUDITH MARSHALL

FASHION OVER 50 who require, ahem, more help, try a bra with padding on the bottom and the sides. If you don’t like padding, look for a bra with a three-sided cup. My strapless bra won’t stay up. Gals who are smaller up top should go for a strapless bra with a tighter band and elastic along the side to keep it in place. For those whose cups runneth over, try a balconette bra or a bustier with boning.

The back of my bra rides up. Try hooking the bra on a looser setting and loosening the straps. If that doesn’t work, you need a smaller size. The back of your bra should be level with the front. You can check this by facing the mirror and standing sideways to see if the back is horizontal with the front. The center panel of my bra doesn’t lay flat against my sternum. This could be a sign that your cup size is too small. Try going up a size. One final point (no pun intended), the apex of your breasts should be midway between your shoulders and your elbows. If your girls are heading south, it’s time for a new bra. Your bra is not a Honda. It won’t last forever. Live long and pester! Judith Marshall is the author of “Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever” available on Amazon.

The drive runs from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org for more information. For appointments, use sponsor code “mallorysgrandmother.” During March, donors give a pint and get a coupon for a pint of ice cream from Baskin-Robbins.

Tax Time . . . Social Security & IRA savvy Consider cashing your traditional IRA savings as opposed to other financial assets if you need money and are in the following rather specific position: you are over age 59.5, are not yet collecting Social Security and are earning little from other sources. This will avoid up to 85% of your Social Security being considered taxable on your tax return. And another thing about Social Security: people thinking of retiring tend to look at their Social Security statement (now on-line only if you are less than age 59 at www.ssa.gov/myaccount) and think that the number there will be spendable. Not so. From this number Medicare is subtracted which tends to range from $1200-$3900 per year as well as the taxes discussed above. Lastly, even if you do not retire at age 65, be sure to contact Social Security three months before your 65th birthday to enroll in Medicare. Luciann Leraul, CPA/MBA is ready to take the stress out of tax time for you. Call for an appointment,

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 15, 2013

Sports Clayton Valley girls eerily similar basketball seasons JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

That old philosopher Yogi Berra said a half century ago, “It’s déjà vu all over again.” For followers of the fortunes of Clayton Valley Charter High School girls basketball the 2012-13 season is almost a mirror image of the 2010-11 campaign for both the high points and low ebbs. The Eagles were eliminated from the Northern California CIF Championships last Saturday evening at home to seventh seed Presentation High of San Jose 58-50. Coach Bernard Barnes girls ended the year with a 22-8 record that included a 14-game winning streak before losing their final two games, just as they did in 2011 after racking up 21 wins in a row. Both times the Eagles fell to a lower seeded team in their opening NorCal game in Dan Della Memorial Gymnasium. It was more disappointing this year since CVCHS was the second seed in NorCal Division II and had a first-round bye while Presentation had to win a game to advance to Concord against the Eagles last Saturday. Presentation had a losing record in the ultrastrong West Catholic Athletic League, which sent five teams to the NorCal girls playoffs including Archbishop Mitty in the Open Division, and the Panthers only evened their season mark at 15-15 with the win over Clayton Valley. This year Clayton Valley faced a more challenging preseason schedule than two seasons ago and ended December on a losing note in the West Coast Jamboree finals (8-6 preseason record) before league play began at the first of the year. In 2010-11 the Eagles

Jason Rogers photo

DVAL MVP ASHLEY ALLEN (24) splits the Montgomery High defense for two of her 13 points in a North Coast Section semi-final playoff victory for Clayton Valley Charter. The Eagles defeated the Santa Rosa school 58-49 for their 22nd win of the season before losing in the NCS championship game to Carondelet. Montgomery and Clayton Valley both advanced to the Northern California Championships in Division II while Carondelet was seeded into the new Open Division.

were 5-2 by mid-December before starting their long win streak. Like two years ago Clayton Valley Charter marched through the Diablo Valley Athletic League with a 12-0 record and entered the North Coast Section Division II playoffs. After an opening-round bye as the NCS second seed, Clayton Valley trounced Casa Grande

of Petaluma 61-35 and then beat Montgomery of Santa Rosa in the semi-finals 58-49 making it 14 wins in a row and setting up the finale against Concord rival Carondelet. Senior Ashley Allen (25 points) dominated CVCHS scoring in the NCS girls finals at Dublin High when Carondelet overcame an early 3-2 deficit with a 13-1 run en route

to a one-sided 84-56 victory as the Cougars easily won the section title, their fifth in six years. The loss relegated CVCHS to a second NCS runner up finish in three years. In 2011 the Eagles lost a heartbreaker to Dougherty Valley by a point in the NCS championship game. The NCS Division II champs were placed in the new

CIF Northern California Open Division and reached the semifinals last Saturday. In the Northern California DII game last Saturday Presentation had a 28-21 halftime advantage over CV Charter and led by one, 37-36, after three quarters. The teams were deadlocked late in the fourth quarter but a series of turnovers doomed the host

Eagles to elimination. League MVP Allen scored 29 points and sophomore Hailey Pascoe added 17, leaving only four points spread around the rest of the Eagles. A running, off balance three-pointer by Allen in the final 10 seconds would have

See Basketball, page 11

Allen, Elms lead Eagles in all-DVAL honors JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Diablo Valley Athletic League recently announced its all-league teams for the winter season and two Clayton Valley Charter High School girls were given special recognition. Basketball standout Ashley Allen was named DVAL most valuable player for the second time. The senior guard was league MVP two seasons ago as a sophomore before missing

almost all of the 2011-12 season with a back injury. She rebounded this year to lead her team to an undefeated league championship — -matching the Eagles 2010-11 title mark —- and back to the Northern California Championships after finishing second again in the North Coast Section playoffs. Allen was an honorable mention all-league selection in her freshman season. Goalkeeper Megan Elms was tabbed as the DVAL girls soccer defensive MVP. The CVCHS senior was second-

team all-DVAL a year ago when her teammate Megan Coppa received the same defensive player of the year honor. Clayton Valley Charter and Concord were the only DVAL schools with first-team allleague selections in all five winter sports. For the league champion Eagles girls basketball team of coach Bernard Barnes, sophomore Hailey Pascoe and junior Kayla Taylor were first-team selections. Pascoe was second team all-league as a freshman

last season. Morgan Giacobazzi and Taryn Pascal were on the second-team DVAL squad while Kimmie Anderson garnered honorable mention all-league. Incredibly six CVCHS players got all-DVAL recognition, matching the dominance the Eagles showed on the court. Four of the six Eagles are underclassmen. The boys basketball team of Troy Sullivan missed out on the playoffs but did see senior John Moore a first-team all-DVAL honoree while his classmate

Photo courtesy Walnut Creek Aquanuts

Clayton girl claims synchronized swimming gold Jenna Simpkins, an 11-yearold sixth grader at Diablo View Middle School, swims for the Walnut Creek Aquanuts Synchronized Swimming 11-12B team. Last month her team competed in its first meet, the Pacific Association Invitational Routine in Santa Clara, and came home with first-place medals in the 11-12 intermediate division. Four of the five team members just started synchronized swimming this year. The Aquanuts team includes, from left, Michelle Kyutoku, Simpkins, Yasmine Litachevsky, Natalie Volkov and Mari Yamamoto. Alyson Haylor and Morgan Boneberg coach the girls.

Stirling Pascal and soph Jon Allen were honorable mention selections. Samantha Boeger and Marina Arcaya were all-DVAL picks for girls soccer. Boeger was second-team all-league as a junior and honorable mention as a soph. She will be playing soccer next fall at Chico State. Arcaya was honorable mention a year ago. Jasmine Bandayrel and Sydney Mendez were second-team selections for coach Scott Booth. Seniors Janelle Bandayrel and Casey Adams were given honorable mention recognition for the Eagles, who made the NCS playoffs for the eighth year in a row. New coach Jesus Martinez inherited an inexperienced CVCHS boys soccer team. Rey Velete was named all-DVAL first team and Alex Shimberg made second team. Esteban Diaz and Tyler Connel were honorable mention picks. Former Eagle Yojay Basulto, who transferred to Concord High and led the Minutemen to the NCS title, was DVAL co-defensive MVP. League champion Matt McCoy, 138 pounds, earned allDVAL honors for the fourth year in a row. McCoy was also a league champ as a sophomore while he was second-team allDVAL as a junior and honorable mention as a freshman. McCoy ended his season with a fourthplace finish at NCS. Fourthplace would have earned him a

Photo courtesy Elms family

EAGLES GOALKEEPER MEGAN ELMS was the DVAL girls soccer defensive MVP. Her work helped the team to its eighth successive North Coast Section playoff berth. The CVCHS senior was secondteam all-DVAL a year ago.

State Meet berth last year but NCS was only given three spots this year. Joining McCoy on the firstteam were Mustafa Sheridil (113 pounds) and Lorenzo Yacarini (126). Second team wrestlers were Tommy Elizaga (126), Jesse Davis (132) and Jake Lynch (152). Davis earned allleague recognition for the third time. Honorable mention picks were Kyle Tran (106), Christian Jiminez (120) and Dakohta Cramer (170). Cramer was another three-team all-DVAL wrestler for coach Kyle Behmlander.

March 15, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Sports Clayton Valley St. Bonaventure girls double up on CYO Little League’s National Division basketball championships 50th season begin’s next weekend with opening festivities

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It’s back to the future for Clayton Valley Little League when the local youth baseball organization begins its 50th season on Mar. 23 and 24 with several special events. The league began in 1964 when a group of baseball enthusiasts spearheaded by Merrill “Mack” McCarty got a charter to found an official Little League baseball organization in Clayton and Concord after Concord National and Concord American and the same year Concord Continental LL began. Prior to that, local baseball was centered around the Concord Recreation Department after school programs at Mt. Diablo, Highlands, Ayers and the now closed Clayton Valley elementary schools. On Saturday, Mar. 23, the majors softball and baseball jamboree will be held at the Clayton Valley Little League fields with the National Anthem kicking things off about 9 a.m. Tom McCarty, son of the league founder, will throw the first pitch to longtime Clayton Valley High School football and baseball coach Herc Pardi, who played in the first season of CVLL. The major league field will be rededicated as Mack McCarty Field. The next day, the annual opening ceremonies and parade of teams will be held in Dan Della Gymnasium on the Clayton Valley Charter High campus at 9:30 a.m. Pardi will be making remarks about the founding of the league and 20 members of the McCarty family are expected to attend. The CVLL Hit a Thon and picture day will follow the opening ceremonies. League president Kevin Christiansen has issued a “call to arms” for everyone who has served on the CVLL board over the past 50 years to “please show up to celebrate our 50th season.”

Basketball from page 10 brought CVCHS within a field goal but it was ruled off by an official’s whistle for a foul before the shot was released, much to the disappointment of the large home crowd. Instead, the senior missed the front end of a one and one and Presentation closed out the game. Barnes can look forward to a different squad next year with Allen departing after a pair of league MVP performances, sandwiched around a junior year lost to an off-season injury. Sophomores Pascoe and Morgan Giacobazzi plus juniors Kayla Taylor and Kimmie Anderson each earned allleague honors and will form the core of the 2013-14 squad. These past three years saw CVCHS reach the Northern California playoffs twice, matching the previous total by Clayton Valley girls basketball from the 1988 and 1998 teams, both CVHS Hall of Fame squads.

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ST. BONAVENTURE SEVENTH GRADERS had a very small roster with only seven girls. The team forfeited its first game of the season due to a lack of players but then ran off 11 consecutive victories, capped by winning the Oakland Diocese seventh grade National East CYO championship game 33-24 over Immaculate Heart in Concord. The team includes, from left, coach Krista Urteaga, Courtney Lally, Delany Weidner, Kelly Osterkamp, Julia Urteaga, Allison Fosbery, Teresa Martinez and Megan Kelly.

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COACH FERD SANTOS wanted to send his eighth grade St. Bonaventure National CYO girls basketball team off to high school with a championship. The team was a playoff contender throughout their school years and went 8-2 in this regular season to earn another playoff berth. In the CYO National East semi-finals and finals they were matched with two Holy Rosary foes. The finals were against an undefeated and top-seeded Holy Rosary M team at St. Francis in Concord. True to form Holy Rosary rolled to a 15-point halftime lead but St. Bonaventure regrouped at halftime and rallied for a 29-25 win and the championship. The CYO National East champs were, front row from left, Madison Downs, Taylor Thompson, Skylar Maltbie, Maya Stellini, Hannah Kommer; back row, Taylor Santos, coach Santos, Jade Davis, Kristin Wullenweber, Bridget Hyland and Sarah Condon. Taylor Santos was injured in the final regular-season game, the team’s second loss of the season, and missed the playoffs.

Brian Lizzarago wins AYSO Manny Hirschel Award Brian Lizzarago was recently honored with the Manny Hirschel Award as volunteer of the year in Area 2C at the annual AYSO Section 2 conference. Lizzarago of Concord is in his second year as Regional Commissioner for Mt. Diablo Soccer Association. The MDSA RC came to the area from Southern California due to a job transfer and became involved with the MDSA referee program after previously being serving AYSO as safety director in Chino Hills. He recently received his AYSO National Referee badge and also referees competitive games for Diablo FC. Area 2C covers the AYSO programs in Pleasant Hill, Concord, MDSA, Stockton, American Canyon, Manteca, Rio Vista, Richmond and Walnut Creek. The Manny Hirschel Award was given to its namesake in 2000 and since then each area in Section 2 has presented the award to individuals “for contributions made to the improvement of the quality of our AYSO program.” A member of the MDSA board says, “Brian has brought MDSA to the ‘next level’ in the short time he has been RC. He is organized, dedicated, structured and a good communicator. He

makes it easy to work with him on any issue that comes up and he represents what AYSO is all about.” Lizzarago has three children who have been participants in AYSO. Daughter Kaitlyn now

plays for Diablo FC 96 while son Michael is an AYSO under 14 player. Oldest son Steven no longer plays as he is getting ready for college but he stays involved helping coach beginning U5 and U6 MDSA players.

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All U15-U18 tryouts at Boatwright Fields, Concord U16-U17 Girls & Boys Mondays, April 8 & 15 4:30 - 6 p.m. U16 Boys & Girls 6 - 7:30 p.m. U17 Boys & Girls

U15 Girls & Boys Tuesdays, April 9 & 16 4:30 - 6 p.m. U15 Boys 6 - 7:30 p.m. U15 Girls

U18 Girls & Boys Wednesdays, April 10 & 17 4:30 - 6 p.m. U18 Boys 6 - 7:30 p.m. U18 Girls

BRIAN LIZZARAGO

Page 12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Sports

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SPRING ADULT VOLLEYBALL SIGNUP DEADLINE MAR. 18

OAKHURST ORCAS SIGNUPS FOR SWIM SEASON MAR. 24

Adult volleyball league at Clayton Gym begins a sevenweek Thursday night season Mar. 21 and runs through May 2. Registration deadline for this All Out Sports League program is next Monday, Mar. 18. For more information or to register for any program offered by All Out Sports at the gym, visit alloutsportsleague-clayton.com.

snapping a 31-year win streak by Stanford since coach Nort Thornton’s Cal Bears last won the title in 1981.

DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS ONLINE

City Meet champion Dana Hills Swim Team early registration for the 2013 opens online this Saturday, Feb. 23. For complete information visit danahillsotters.com.

DE LA SALLE HIGH SOCCER TAKES THE FIFTH

Coach Derricke Brown’s De La Salle High School soccer team won an unprecedented fifth straight North Coast Section Division I boys soccer championship recently. Concord High won the Division II title the same day. Clayton’s senior defender Kellen Simons was on the team. Diablo FC competitive players made up a large portion of the Spartans with seniors Nic Bob and goalkeeper Andrew Konstantino both earning their fourth NCS winners medal. Mike Guerrero and Tommy Lisiak each were on their third section championship team. Also representing Diablo FC were Dalton Depolo, Jack Karleskind, Max Shore, Simons, Kash Choudhary, Ryan Ringelstein, Scott Smoot and Miko Villarama.

Head coach Jasmine Millan announced that a registration day for the Oakhurst Country Club recreation summer swim team will be held on Sunday, Mar. 24, from 2-3 p.m. Parents will have the opportunity to meet the coaches and their coaching philosophy and learn about practice dates and times. For more information email coach Millan at swimcoach@oakhurstcc.com.

19TH CVCHS CRAB FEED & AUCTION SATURDAY

DIABLO FC U15-U18 COM-

Clayton Valley Charter High School Athletic Boosters will hold their 19th annual Crab Feed and Auction this Saturday, Mar. 16, at Centre Concord. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis and the popular event always sells out. Must be 21 or older to attend. For

Diablo FC is now aligned with the San Jose Earthquakes and is holding U15-U18 tryouts for the 2013 competitive soccer season for girls and boys competitive teams at Boatwright Fields in Concord. Those who

PETITIVE SOCCER TRYOUTS APRIL 8-17 IN CONCORD

missed earlier U9-U14 tryouts can register today at diablofc.org and the appropriate age group coach will contact the player about an evaluation. U15-U18 players can register for free tryouts now at diablofc.org. A complete tryout schedule is in the Diablo FC ad on page 11.

ST. BONAVENTURE CYO TRACK’S FIRST MEET THIS SATURDAY AT CVCHS Coach Darren Newell is doing double duty as coach of the St. Bonaventure track and field team along with Clayton valley Charter High School. St. Bonnies begins its 2013 season this Saturday, Mar. 16, in a trimeet at CVCHS with Holy Rosary and Immaculate Heart beginning at 9 a.m. Newell has over 100 grade school children eighth grade on the CYO team. For more information visit the new St. Bonaventure CYO website stbonaventurecyo.com.

MDSA Strikers win President’s Cup

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Clayton’s Kristian Ipsen just missed a sweep of all three men’s diving titles at the Pacific 12 swimming and diving championships earlier this month in Washington. The Stanford sophomore won the one- and threemeter springboard crowns before finishing second to Arizona State’s Harrison Jones on the platform. The 2012 US Olympian skipped last year’s conference meet before winning an NCAA title on three meter as he was preparing for the London Olympics. His efforts this year earned Ipsen both the Pac 12 diver of the meet and also diving newcomer of the year awards. Cal won the men’s championship

Photo courtesy MDSA

IPSEN TAKES PAIR OF PAC 12 DIVING TITLES AND HONORS FOR STANFORD

MDSA Strikers under 10 boys team got the AYSO select tournament season to a big start with a championship at the 2J President’s Cup last month in San Jose. The first tournament of the year didn’t start off too well for the Strikers as they were shut out 3-0 in their opening game before rattling off a trio of wins to reach the semi-finals where they won a penalty kick shootout over Davis Lightning. That put the local team in the championship game and a rematch with Mtn. View Spurs, who blanked the Strikers in the opening game. The Strikers turned the tables on the Spurs with a 3-1 victory in the finale. The champion Strikers are, front row from left, Devin Kelly, Garrett Alton, Hunter Bock, Alex Braginsky, Ryan Ross; back row, coach Jorge Cordova, Mateo Cordova, Ryan Chand, Jason Woodling, Riley Claunch, Nicolas Campos and coach KC Ross.

Give yourself the gift of being present Why become more present? Why try so hard to participate in the moment instead of worrying about the past or future? Well, doesn’t it make sense that if you start noticing what is going on around you and take to necessary steps to deal with it, the change that occurs can bring yet one more thing on your list of to-do’s to completion while opening up new doors to ponder a walk through. Try to be present in your daily life. There are so many benefits of being in the moment: Increased enjoyment. I find I enjoy my life more if I am present rather than constantly letting myself wander. Food tastes better, I have more fun with my family, even work becomes more enjoyable. Reduced stress. Worrying about the past and future creates stress. But being present is almost like constant mediation. You experience rather than worry. Better relationships. When you really commit yourself to being with someone to listen to them, you are being a better father, husband, friend, daughter, girlfriend. You have better conversations. You bond. Get things done. I find that focusing on what I’m doing,

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rather than trying to multitask or multi-think a million different things at once, I actually complete what I’m doing, do a better job on it, and get done faster. I don’t necessarily do more but I get things done. Focus tends to get things done, in my experience, and when your focus is split among a lot of things it is less powerful. So how do you become more present? Practice, Practice. There is no such thing a perfect...but practice makes better. There is no single method that will make you better at being present. I don’t have a magic formula, except one word that I often share with clients and friends who are trying to learn something or striving for the better at anything: practice.

When you eat, just eat. The best way to think about being present is to do just one thing at a time. Pay attention to what you’re eating, the taste, the texture, do it slowly. This is true whether you are driving, working or playing Be aware of your thoughts. You will inevitably think about the past and future. That is ok. Just become aware of those thoughts. Awareness will bring change. Be gentle. Don’t try to force thoughts in or out of your head. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Allow thoughts to leave in order to make room for more. Put up reminders. Reminders are great on the fridge or front

Pot Ban,

door, even the vanity mirror. Positive reminders are always best. Daily routines. When you wash dishes, practice. When you walk, focus on walking. Make anything you do become practice. There is no failure. You will mess up. BUT it is okay because it is impossible to mess up. The only thing that matters is that you practice, and over time, you will learn to focus on the present more often than you do now. You cannot fail even if you stop for awhile. Doing it all is success. Celebrate every success. Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fitness certifications. She trains at Levity Fitness studio in Clayton. Email Ilima at IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com

from page 4

Concord resident Patrick Hogoboom told the council that as a disabled veteran he grows allowable quantities in his backyard and did not want that right removed by an ordinance. Others vehemently supported the ban: “I’m 100 percent against the cultivation of

marijuana in a residential area,” said Evelyn Freitas. “It has no place to be there. We are not breaking any laws if we ask them to bring it inside.” The public hearing will start at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1950 Parkside Drive, prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting.

March 15, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Hilda and Dee Dee are ARF’s Adoption Stars

Page 13

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percent off one 7-week dog training session. Three-year-old Dee Dee is a sweet, darling little girl who will make a great companion. Dee Dee’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue

Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions

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Club News

From blossoms to tech, CBCA helps out GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer

Three young women from Clayton middle schools will be able to attend the acclaimed Tech Trek Camp at Sonoma State this summer, thanks to the help of the Clayton Business and Community Association. At its February meeting, CBCA agreed to again help the Clayton Chapter of the American Association of University

Women send the girls to the science and tech camp, which encourages girls to take math and science courses in high school and to consider majoring in science or technology in college. It was one of several projects the CBCA helped fund at its meeting. On the other end of the age spectrum, the club Executive Board approved a funding request from the Meals on Wheels and the Senior Outreach

CV Garden Club brightens up Valentines Day for many

Services Program to help with their upcoming Crab Feed fundraiser benefitting the programs. At its last meeting, the association also voted to grant funds to the Clayton Valley Garden Club for its “Blossoms for Barbara” project, which provides flowering plants to shut-ins and those in hospice care during the Valentine’s Day period. At the Feb. 28 meeting, Linda Karp, the originator of the program, thanked the CBCA for their assistance and gave a short photo presentation about the “Blossoms” project. Herb Yonge from Clayton Volunteers in Police Services

promoted the upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, particularly with the Clayton Fire Station’s partial closing. Dave Linzey, Executive Director of Clayton Valley Charter High School, followed with a very positive status report on the school’s activities, which included very successful seasons for its sports teams. CBCA’s mission is to benefit the entire Clayton community through fundraising activities like the upcoming Art & Wine Festival, May 4-5, and other events. To join CBCA or to volunteer for an event, call 925-6722272 or go to www.claytoncbca.org.

Members of the Clayton Valley Garden Club delivered over 700 festively-decorated flowering plants for the Blossoms for Barbara program and Valentine’s Day, starting on Feb. 4. The plants were delivered to those under hospice care, patients in assisted living and convalescent locations, women’s shelters, a Veterans hospital and recipients of Meals on Wheels in the Contra Costa area. This was the second annual event and twice as many people received flowers this year than last. Clayton Valley Garden Club member Linda Manss Karp created this event in memory of her mother, Barbara Manss. Karp says, “I wanted to bring a

little joy to those who were dying, and their families who were dealing with the horrible grief of losing someone so loved, such as my mother Barbara was.” Donations came from as far away as Virginia from family members of a recipient from last year and local supporters, including the Clayton Business and Community Association. For more information, go to claytonvalleygardenclub.org. The Clayton Valley Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month, February through November, at Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton.

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AAUW Spaghetti dinner to feed love of science

LINDA KARP, LEFT, DELIVERS BLOSSOMS to 102-year-old Eleanor at an assisted living location in Concord with Alyce Shikano on the right.

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This year again, the Clayton branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) is hoping that enough spaghetti will benefit science. Proceeds from its annual Spaghetti Feed on Wednesday, April 17, will raise funds to support Tech Trek, a science and math camp designed to develop interest, excitement, and selfconfidence in young women who will enter eighth grade in the fall. The Clayton AAUW branch typically sponsors three girls per year to Tech Trek, selected by teacher nomination from Diablo View Middle School, and then by essay contest. Tech Trek features hands-on activities in math, science, and related fields. All sleeping, eating, instructional, and recreational facilities are located on a university campus where camps are held. Tech Trek works to help girls continue their interests in science, math, engineering and technology through the tricky years when new distractions enter their lives. Studies have shown that girls’ interests can be sustained if they are exposed to the careers available to women in science today. Tech Trek provides some of that exposure. Also, a week’s stay on an exciting college campus helps girls picture themselves on such a campus and visualize college in

their future. They will learn to live with someone other than a sibling or a relative, share community bathrooms, eat dorm food, and explore the campus area under the careful supervision of camp staff. They also will interact with women who model a high degree of science, mathematics, or computer expertise as part of their daily lives. The spaghetti feed runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Endeavor Hall in downtown Clayton. Tickets are available in advance from any AAUW member, or at the door. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children between 6 years and 12 years, with children under age 6 eating for free. A wide variety of raffle items are also available.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MAR 20 FOR THE MAR 29

IN CLAYTON Mar. 22 – 24 Creekside Arts Celebration Clayton Library’s 18th birthday and 10th annual benefit depicting 100 Years of Stories. Art sales, workshops, storytellers, poets, musicians, authors, art and nature tours, creekside activities, cultural and environmental groups. Fri. 6 – 8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun. 12 – 5 p.m. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Free admission. Contact Arlene at akiksen@aol.com or 673-9777. claytonlibrary.org.

ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO

Mar. 16 Wildflowers in Mitchell Canyon Come see the wildflower explosion in Mitchell Canyon and learn about these amazing plants. 1 – 3 p.m. Ages 12 to adult. $20. Register with Lindsay Wildlife Museum. wildlifemuseum.org/education/family. Mar. 16, 17 “The Unexpected Guest” The Vagabond Players present this Agatha Christie mystery. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Mar. 23 Fire Safety Basic understanding of fire safety devices and utility shut-offs at home. Held by Clayton CERT and Clayton Police Department. 9 a.m., 11 a.m., or 1 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Free. claytoncert.org.

Mar. 16, 30, Apr. 2, 4, 6 Wildflower Walks Come see what is blooming on and around Mt. Diablo. Times and meeting places vary. $6 park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information.

Mar. 25 Better Living and Brain Function Pam Whitman, MA, presents specific movement activities for optimizing daily living skills and problem solving abilities. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women. 7:30 p.m. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Free.

Mar. 17 Falls Hike Enjoy amazing single track trails traversing up the slopes of North Peak, which open up to majestic views and Mt. Diablo’s famed waterfalls. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon trailhead. $6 park entrance fee. Registration required. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information.

April 27 Clayton Cleans Up Honor Earth Day with a town spring cleaning. Help pick up trash, pull weeds and share in community spirit. A great activity for clubs and organizations, school projects or a family outing. Meet at City Hall at 9 a.m., rain or shine. T-shirt, gloves and garbage bags provided. Barbecue at 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Clayton Pioneer and the city of Clayton with generous donations from Allied Waste, Travis Credit Union and many local merchants. 672-0500.

Mar. 17 Mount Diablo Join naturalist Michael Marchiano as he presents a photo collection of diverse plants and flowers found on Mount Diablo. Continuous from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Summit Audio Visual Room, Mount Diablo. mdia.org. Mar. 22 – 24 Artists’ Market

May 20 Golf Tournament Clayton Classic. 27th Annual Clayton Business and Community Association tournament. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. unkted@aol.com or 6722272.

Thru Mar. 17 “Jack and the Beanstalk” This giant of an adventure tale will grow before your eyes. Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469. Thru Mar. 23 and April 13 – 27 Wildlife Museum Classes Signs of Spring and Water Exploration classes. Saturdays. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. Register at wildlife-museum.org/education/kids. Thru Mar. 24 “Disenchanted! Bitches of the Kingdom” A brand new, fun-loving, hilarious musical revue proving that happily-ever-after can be a royal pain in the ass! Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Thru Mar. 24 “Othello” Shakespeare’s tragedy of falsehood, jealousy and revenge in this gender-reversed casting. Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $12-$18. b8company.com. Thru Mar. 24 “The Foreigner” Comedy revolving around two guests at a resort-style fishing lodge in rural Georgia. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Mar. 16 “The Sorcerer” Young Alexis hires a sorcerer to spike the punch at his engagement party with a love potion. Lamplighters Music Theatre. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25-$49. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Mar. 29 – Apr. 27 “The 39 Steps” A fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $38-$47. centerrep.org. 943-7469. Apr. 6 Bumps and Bruises True, live storytelling. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

CHURCHES AND RELIGION Mar. 22 Evening of Reflection The community is invited to an evening of reflection in preparation for Holy Week. 7:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Call TreEssa Palmeri for more information. 672-5800.

FUNDRAISERS Mar. 16 Plant Sale Early bird plants for spring on sale. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery. 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. 681-2968. Mar. 22 Blood Drive Mallory Landers’ blood drive in memory of her grandmother. 12:30 – 6:30 p.m. Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. redcrossblood.org/donating-blood. Code word: mallorysgrandmother. Apr. 27 Festival/Fashion Clayton Valley Woman’s Club presents their eighth annual Festival of Tables and Fashion fundraiser. 11 a.m. Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Reserve early. $35. Call Kathy Olson 524-0641.

First Thursdays Oakhurst Business Network Meets first Thursday of the month for social hour. Hosted hors d’oeuvres, cash bar. 5 – 7 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Drive, Clayton. oakhurstcc.com.

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

calendar@claytonpioneer.com

AT THE LIBRARY Sponsored by Civic Arts Education and Clay Arts Guild. Over 50 artists will exhibit a wide variety of artwork at two locations. Shadelands, 111 N. Wiget Lane; Civic Park, 1313 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. arts-ed.org or clayartsguild.com. 943-5846. Mar. 22 – Apr. 21 “The Sound of Music” Performed by Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$49. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Mar. 24 Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra Performs with world renowned pianist Soheil Nasseri. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Mar. 24 Diablo Symphony Orchestra Performs with violinist Yen Liang. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Mar. 27, 28 “In the Mood” A 1940s Big Band Theatrical Swing Revue that brings to life the era when all of America was listening and dancing to the same kind of music. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $54. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Mar. 28, April 4 Getting on the Air Two-part seminar to develop your amateur radio license getting-on-the-air skills. Held by Salvation Army and Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club. 7 – 9 p.m. Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. Class is free. $5 materials fee. Registration required. hamradioclass@gmail.com.

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. claytonlibrary.org or 673-0659. Wednesdays Book Buddies A volunteer will read stories for children 3 and older. 1 - 2 p.m. Call in advance. Mar. 19, 26, Apr. 9 Paws to Read Learn to read aloud by reading to a dog. Grades 1 – 5. Registration required. 4 or 4:35 p.m. The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. 646-5455. Mar. 18 Magic of Timothy James Come enjoy a night of comedy and magic with Magician Timothy James. 7 p.m.

GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council 7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Events’

March 15, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Performing Arts

‘Sound of Music’ comes to the Lesher Theatre The Mt. Diablo hills will soon come alive with “The Sound of Music” when Contra Costa

Musical Theatre (CCMT) opens with the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic musical at

the Lesher Center on March 22. The show, set in Austria just before WWII, tells the story of

KELLY BRITT WILL REPRISE JULIE ANDREW’S ICONIC ROLE AS MARIA VONTRAPP in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved “The Sound of Music,” opening Mar. 22 at the Lesher Center.

Uproarious ’39 Steps’ leads to Lesher Take a Hitchcock masterpiece and add a dash of Monty Python, and you have Center REP’s hilarious production of “The 39 Steps,” running March 29 through April 27 at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. “The 39 Steps” is a fastpaced whodunit, packed with non-stop laughs, more than 150 zany characters (played by just four actors) an on-stage plane crash and, of course, romance. The play is a two-time Tony

and Drama Desk Award winner. Cassidy Brown, Jennifer Erdmann, Mark Farrell and Ben Johnson are the busy stars. Mark Anderson Phillips directs the show, based on the novel by John Buchan. For Tickets and information, visit www.CenterREP.org or call 925.943.SHOW (7469). You can also visit the Lesher Center Ticket Office at 1601 Civic Drive or the Ticket Office Outlets at Barnes & Noble in

Jennifer Erdmann, Mark Farrell, Ben Johnson and Cassidy Brown star in the uproarious whodunnit “The 30 Steps” at the Lesher Theater.

Maria, a young nun that proves too high-spirited for the religious life. To give her time to consider her vocation, she is sent to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her love of music and generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern captain, and they marry. Returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the captain’s immediate service. The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theater. With music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, and book by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse, the original Broadway production starring Mary Martin opened in 1959, and was the final collaboration of the celebrated musical theatre team. The show won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Actress. It was adapted into a movie version starring Julie Andrews in 1965 and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film has been shown annually on television since 1979, making it one of the most widely recognized shows in the world. “The Sound of Music” plays at the Lesher Center for the Arts March 22 through April 21. Tickets range from $44 to $49 (with discounts available for seniors, youth, and groups) and are on sale now at the Lesher Center for the Arts Ticket Office, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek, 925.943.SHOW (943-7469); or online at www.lesherArtscenter.org.

Page 15

Acclaimed family friendly theatre company presents a ‘Giant’ show Walnut Creek based Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble opens with the classic tale, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” this weekend. This giant of an adventure tale grows before your very eyes as Jack and his friends climb to new heights. A heart-warming, friendly musical, “Jack” encourages audience participation, providing an exciting live theatre experience for the whole family. In its 40th season, FFAE brings original, entertaining and

Glenn Staller Returns

educational family shows to Lesher stage. At many of the shows, youngsters in the audience can sit up on the stage and interact directly with the performers. “Jack and the Beanstalk” plays March 14-17 with morning, afternoon and evening performances. For show times and tickets call (925) 943-7469 or go to www.leshercenter.org, or visit the Lesher Center for the Arts ticket office, 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek or the ticket outlet in Barnes & Noble, Walnut Creek.

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April 19 at 7:30 p.m. Extraordinary solo musician and master of international styles with an evening of Classical and Flamenco music

$15 at brownpapertickets.com or at the door Limited seating 925-672-8717 St. John’s Episcopal Church 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton

OEB Gay Men’s spring concert celebrates music written for men The oldest written music on earth are the chants of the ancient church, and they were written for men’s voices. So was the haunting organum of the Middle Ages. So were work songs and sea shanties, hymns and songs of battle, deeply moving elegies and many silly glee club songs. The Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus Spring Concert, “Man, Oh Man; Music for Men Through the Ages,” will travel back in time to bring these and other great songs written for men to Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church on April 13. Hear a beautiful motet from the Spanish Renaissance by Cristóbal de Morales, the great

American spirituals, “Go Down, Moses,” and “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” with other stops along the pilgrimage from Shubert to Copland. Bay Area composer David

Conte contributes his rip-roaring “Drinking Song,” for men’s chorus with piano four-hands. The trip ends with Wagner’s beautiful “Pilgrims’ Chorus” from Tannhäuser.

The performance is at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Rd, April 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online through the OEBGMC website at oebgmc.org or at the door.

Book Review

When religious faith is a tragedy There is perhaps nothing more interesting in the way of storytelling than to include the narrative of a variety of characters, and in his debut novel, “A Land More Kind Than Home,” author Wiley Cash spins a web that keeps the reading guessing to the end. The story begins with the words of narrator Adelaide Lyle describing a small town, peopled with folks she knows as well as she knows herself. First off, she describes the darkly menacing and oddly charismatic preacher Carson Chambliss — a devotee of a sect of Pentecostal religion that holds with the practice of praying with poisonous snakes. A dangerous zealot, Chamblis, who is pastor at the River Road Church of Christ in Signs, believes that working with snakes is a test of faith, and he is defiant of anyone who questions his right to do so. Chamblis urges congregants to handle the snakes, and if they are “pure,” they are safe. He takes up a copperhead, prays

CYNTHIA GREGORY

FOR

THE

BOOKS

over it and hands it to 79-year old Molly Jameson, who holds it “like a baby” to show the strength of her faith. The snake strikes her twice, the second time sinking its fangs into her hand so deeply that the preacher and two deacons have to pry it loose. She is carried out of the church and later found dead in a tomato patch behind her house. This is the first, though by no means last, instance in which the magnetic minister, a man with a shady past, uses God as a weapon.

Clem Barefield has perhaps the most difficult job in Madison County, being a sheriff just like his daddy was. After more serpent related deaths occur, Barefield is called in to investigate. What makes it difficult for him to make a clean case of it is that this is a small town where relations are complicated. People are not just friends and neighbors; they have a shared history that goes back generations. They are a kind and forgiving people, looking for answers that will give them peace. “I’ve gotten right used to feeling . . . after you’ve lived in a place long enough, it becomes harder and harder to pick out the things about it that once seemed strange, even if most folks still consider you an outsider after two and a half decades just because you weren’t born there and raised up knowing everybody’s business.” The most heartbreaking narrative in this kaleidoscope of viewpoints is Jess Hall. Jess is

just a kid with a special-needs brother and parents who can barely speak to one another, they are so weighted with the burden of a soured marriage. Jess’s mother is a big believer in the Reverend Chamblis. Worse yet, she is having an affair with him, which is perhaps why she brings Jess’s brother, Stump, to a revival meeting. Sweet, bighearted Stump is a mute, and Chamblis is convinced that the boy only needs saving, so coerces his mother to have him “healed” with snakes. Things do not end well for Stump. Or Jess, or anyone else in that sad family. Religious faith can be a beautiful thing, and in the wrong hands it can be a scary passage of survival. “A Land More Kind Than Home” is provocative reading and will make you question what you believe to be true.

Good For One $

Cynthia Gregory writes book reviews, award-winning short stories and a blog. Visit her at www.twogirlstakeonlove.com or write cgregory111@gmail.com

2 ADMISSION

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 15, 2013

KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN As I stood in the parking lot, aiming to hike the Hardy Canyon/ Miwok Trail Loop, I couldn’t figure out where all 2,024 acres of this natural preserve was hiding. Come to think of it, am I even in the right place? Not sure, but my instincts tell me to press on. However, within minutes of being on the trail, some of Round Valley’s best kept secrets began to reveal themselves on a crisp morning in early March.

Once home to California Indians, then later a ranching and farming operation, Round Valley is now open to outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking (with some restrictions). This preserve also contains a plethora of vegetation including blue oak woodland, wild barley, silver hairgrass, and manzanita chaparral, not to mention miles of trails and barely a person in sight. After the bridge crossing over Marsh Creek, make an immediate left onto Hardy Canyon Trail. The trail skirts the eastern most section of the park as it gradually rises above local farms and ranches that cannot be seen from the road. Continue uphill as the din of cars along Marsh Creek Road is exchanged for pristine nature at her best. Hardy Canyon Trail is so well cut into its surroundings that sometimes as you look ahead, the direction of the trail cannot

be determined at first glance. As you travel further into Hardy Canyon, the trail shadows High Creek and continues to gain elevation at a constant rate. With green grass covering the hillsides, the trail meandered through never ending tree groves, all of which made this my favorite time of year to visit the park. After approximately an hour of hiking, I began to make my way towards the summit from Hardy Canyon. A large meadow opened up in front of me but I knew the best views of the hike still awaited as I inched closer to Round Valley, the core of this regional park. Minutes later I finally reached the summit and rolling hills, too many trees to count, and Morgan Territory Regional Preserve all came into view as I stood there to enjoy a quick snack and some water. I cannot emphasize enough how spectacular Round Valley is from the summit of the Hardy Canyon Trail. Other trails such as Fox Tail and Murphy Meadow were easily seen as they stretched out over miles of grassy valley, groves of trees and fire roads. I began my descent into Round Valley, switching back and forth on the trail passing large boul-

Kevin Parker photo

Awesome views reward the hearty Hardy Canyon hiker

ROUND VALLEY BELOW AND THE HILLS OF MORGAN TERRITORY PRESERVE BEYOND come into view as dawn breaks over the Hardy Canyon Trail .The 4-mile hike is strenuous, but the spectacular views are just reward.

ders of shale and sandstone. This portion of the trail offers fantastic views of the landscape below almost the whole way into Round Valley. Hardy Canyon Trail eventually intersects Miwok Trail after a hearty descent from the summit. Make a right and follow the fire road, which heads you back in the direction of the parking lot. Again you are spoiled with large oak trees and healthy por-

tions of shade as you make numerous creek crossings (all by bridge of course). A sudden ascent followed by a gradual descent back into the staging area complete the loop. There are plenty of picnic tables, restrooms and drinking water at the trailhead parking lot. Dogs are not allowed. More information can be found at www.ebparks.org or 925-757-2620.

Hardy Canyon/ Miwok Trail Loop Trailhead: Round Valley Regional Park Staging Area Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult Distance: 4.0 miles Getting There: Follow Marsh Creek Road for 12.5 miles past Morgan Territory Road.

For more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, contact Kevin at hikershaven@claytonpioneer.com.

Discover new treasures from antiques ent shapes, heights and finishes gracing your mantel? This grouping not only tells a story (of how you found each one), but also shows off the contrasting items that while different, really work well together. This idea can be applied towards any object that you just can’t get enough of; a collection of distressed tin ceiling tiles hung in a quiet few hallway, vintage commercial thread spools standing in a line on a bookcase, or framed magazine covers from the 40s and 50s lining your breakfast nook walls. In cases like this, more really is better.

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There’s something really exciting about finding a one of a kind treasure for your home when you’re out and about at a neighborhood garage sale, antique boutique or even surfing the online classifieds and shopping sites. The possibilities are endless on what you may find; maybe a chandelier that used to hang in a restaurant that your grandparents used to frequent in their teens, or a chest of drawers from a hotel that is long gone, or even hand painted tiles that are miraculously in one piece after they were pried off a remodeled city fountain. Actual antiques or vintagelooking pieces add interest and depth to a living space. Whether these pieces are purely decorative, like a stack of leather books or a milk glass urn, or much larger like a painted secretary or over-scaled armoire, adding

A FEW WELL-PLACED VINTAGE FINDS can make an otherwise ordinary room truly unique. The key is keeping an open mind and using items that you truly love.

these one-of-kind pieces into a living space, combined with more mainstream pieces, will give your living space a more collected feeling, versus “page six” out of a retail home store catalogue. Of course there’s nothing wrong with copying exactly what you see in home catalogues. More often than not, the photos and layouts are beautiful. But if you’re looking to create a unique living space, head out into the world and see what you can find. Some things to consider when creating an eclectic living space:

KEEP AN OPEN MIND Sometimes the most unusual objects turn out to be just what you needed for that “certain spot” on your coffee table, on a bookcase shelf or hanging above your bed. The great thing about found pieces is that if you find something special, and you just love it – color, shape, weight, style – you’ll find a place for it. THINK IN TERMS OF MULTIPLES

One vintage candle holder is lovely, perched on your fireplace mantel. But what if you had three or five of them, all differ-

REUSE AND REPURPOSE You’ve recently found a perfectly sized chest of drawers for your guest bedroom. The only problem is the color is wrong and the hardware is not your taste. These are easy fixes with a new coat of paint and new hardware. This exercise can be applied towards any piece of furniture, maybe even pieces that you already have. Repurposing furnishings is a great way to reuse something you already have, but just giving it a second life with a new design. 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

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March 15, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 17

Save Mount Diablo taps Scott Hein to head up board efforts to preserve its wild lands, we will one day have California Condors flying over the Diablo wilderness,” Hein said. Hein has a Doctorate in analytical chemistry from Oregon State University and a B.S. in chemistry from Indiana University. He is co-owner of Diablo Analytical, Inc., a small technology business located in Antioch.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER SCOTT HEIN TAKES THE GAVEL of Save Mount Diablo this year and encourages students to enter organization’s first photo contest. Save Mount Diablo will have a new face at its peak. After 14 years of leading Save Mount Diablo’s Board of Directors, past President Malcolm Sproul welcomed longtime fellow board member and supporter Scott Hein as the new board president for 2013. Continuing in the original spirit of the local environmental non-profit organization’s late co-founder, botanist Dr. Mary Bowerman, both Sproul and Hein lend their scientific perspectives to assist with SMD’s

work to preserve, defend and restore the remaining unprotected 70,000 acres surrounding Mount Diablo. In addition to chairing the Land Committee and serving as a member of the Stewardship Committee, Hein has been a board member for more than a decade. He also happens to be a naturalist and nature photographer, providing SMD many of his images of the wild lands and life in and around the mountain. “My personal expectation is that, if we are successful in our

SCHOLASTIC PHOTO CONTEST Hein, as a wildlife photographer, will be in a great position to encourage young people to submit photos for SMD’s its first scholastic photography contest. “The photo contest will showcase our amazing Diablo wilderness, support local student talent and help raise awareness about lands that are still at risk,” said SMD’s communication manager Beryl Anderson. “Students can win great prizes like a $1,000 Apple store gift card, having your photo published in Diablo magazine and more.” Alameda and Contra Costa County students grades K-12, can submit an original photo from one of the Diablo parks, listed on the contest website, that showcases why he or she enjoys Mount Diablo’s lands and thinks they should be protected. Photos must be submitted no later than April 30 in order to be considered in this contest. Winners will be announced the week of June 3. To enter the contest or for more information, visit the website at www.SaveMountDiabloContest.com

Expires 3.31.13

Sunday, March 31 • Two Seatings at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. If you’re looking for place to go for a delicious Easter Sunday Brunch, come celebrate the holiday with your friends and family at Oakhurst Country Club. Ring in springtime with a delectable selection of food, drink, and beautiful surroundings.

There will also be a Petting Zoo, an Easter Egg hunt, and pictures with the Easter Bunny for the kids. $39++ Adults • $19++ Children (ages 4-12) For reservations, please contact (925) 672-9737 ext. 217 | events@oakhurstcc.com

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Page 18

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Dish up a little Irish for St. Patrick’s Day DEBRA J. MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market

Your farmers market will have all the ingredients that go into a traditional Irish feast — from potatoes, leeks and cabbage, to apples, breads, onions, and carrots. Traditional dishes include Irish stew, Irish soda bread, colcannon, corned beef and cabbage, and apple crumble. Here are the facts on some traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods: Potatoes: Spuds are not the “bad boys” that everyone makes them out to be. It’s all the “stuff ” you put on them that adds calories and fat. A medium baked potato with the skin left on (the most nutritious part) has 120 calories, 40 percent RDA of vitamin C, lots of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron as well. The farmers’ market has a nice variety to choose from — Russets, fingerlings, yellow, white, red, and more. Cabbage: So low in calories, it’s a miracle. A whole cup of raw cabbage is only 20 calories. It’s loaded with fiber, vitamin C, folate, thiamin, vitamin A, and vitamin B6. Red cabbage has even more vitamin C and lots of antioxidants. Pick out red, green, Napa, or savoy — it’s all good.

Leeks: This member of the allium family (onions, garlic) contains amazing amounts of vitamin K and A, folate, manganese, fiber, and B vitamins. They’re good for your heart because they have flavonoids which help cardiovascular healthy. Loaded with flavor, these lean green vitamin machines add texture and aroma to any dish. Get out the stock pot and try this easy soup and call yourself Irish for the day. EASY POTATO-LEEK SOUP 1-1/2 lb. leeks, cleaned and sliced thinly, trimmed including an inch of the green top 2 medium onions, peeled and quartered 9 cups chicken broth or stock 3-1/2 lbs. baking potatoes, peeled and cubed Salt and pepper to taste

Creamier version: Substitute low fat milk for some of the chicken broth. Put the leeks, onions and broth in a pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat; cover. Simmer for 25 minutes. Add the potatoes; return to a boil. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Process in a blender until smooth. Stir in the pepper.

March 15, 2013

Mexican Mock Orange makes a garden fiesta

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL Most Clayton Valley plant lovers have a spot in their landscape or garden for the evergreen called Choisya ternata. Choisya ternata is commonly called Mexican Mock Orange. This common name was given to the Choisya ternata to describe the shape of the shrub’s leaves and the fragrance of the flowers. Choisya ternata makes an excellent introduction to a setting where the shrub will receive mostly morning or filtered afternoon sun. Mexican Mock Orange has dark green leaves that are palmate in shape with rounded tips. The flowers appear in March and last through April as a stunning display of white. The flowers are born in clusters of five to seven, they are simple shaped and line the stems of the Mexican Mock Orange. A sweet fragrance surrounds this evergreen when blooming. You can expect random bloom throughout the summer as well. The display will not be, as stunning, but individual flowers will continue to appear. Mexican Mock Orange will mature to 3-5-feet tall and wide. It has a pliable stem. This shrub isn’t woody like the azalea or

rhododendron. It is more like the stem of the gardenia. This means any pruning of the shrub will be quickly repaired with new foliage. Prune in the spring after the first flowering surge. Install the Mexican Mock Orange where its fragrance can be appreciated. Locate near the entry of the home, beneath a window, near a sitting area, or spa. Companion plants to include with the Choisya ternata should be others that tolerate morning or filtered afternoon sun. Consider the cobalt blue flowering Brunnera with its dark green heart shaped leaves, or the purple fan-shaped flowering ground cover Scavola New Wonder. If you desire a different color leaf to contrast to the dark foliaged Mexican Mock Orange, install the bright lime colored Key Lime Pie Heuchera, or the cream and green variegated Stairway to Heaven Polemonium reptans. Finding complementary plantings for this type of sun exposure should be easy, and as creative as you want to make it. When installing the Choisya ternata and any of these companion selections, consider the soil. Our Clayton Valley native soil isn’t the best growing medium to get plants like these to thrive. Work a high nitrogen soil condition into the area before you plant. Take some time and effort to create a better planting bed. You will be glad that you did. Your plants will be happier, and you’ll feel more successful as a gardener. As always, dig your holes wider than deep, and be careful not to bury your new installations too deep. All of these plants mentioned will need regular water. Regular

water to me means every two to three days. There is no need to water everyday, unless you are establishing a new installation. In that case the daily watering should only be for a week this time of year. Choisya ternata, Mexican Mock Orange, or whatever you

want to call it is very Clayton Valley landscape – or gardenworthy. It’s easy to grow, evergreen and flowers. It is almost perfect. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her with questions or comments at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

Mind Matters, from page 7 undeniable fact and they are not always correct and based in reality. Your thoughts are simply that — just thoughts. They do not have the power to hurt you or others. Work to reframe your negative thoughts. Make a counterstatement that is a positive, alternate view of your previous negative thought. For example, the original thoughts might be: “I must have done something bad to upset my friend and that is why she has not returned my call; ugh, I cannot believe it. I’m such a lousy friend.” The reframe: “My friend might not have returned my call because she is really busy right now, or maybe something else is going on for her. I’ll try to check in

with her again next week. We had such a good time the last time we visited, so this was unexpected.” Practice, practice, practice. It takes time and consistent practice to become more aware of our thoughts, challenge them, and reframe them. But, by doing so again and again, we’re building what feels like a new emotional muscle that in turn helps shape a new, more positive, and more realistic inner voice. Happy spring cleaning! Stephanie T. Ho is a licensed psychologist. She has a private practice office in Walnut Creek and works at UC Berkeley. She can be reached at stephanie.ho.phd@gmail.com.

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