May 10 Clayton Pioneer 2013

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May 10, 2013

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‘Nanie’ is a gift to essay winner Essay winner realizes ‘mother’ comes in different packaging JULIE PIERCE

Sometimes the greatest moms are not the ones who gave us birth. Sometimes the greatest mothers are aunts, an older sibling or a fostering adult.

For Antonio, she is his grandma.

Linda Thyken is “Nanie” to Antonio O’Conner Montes, 13, who wrote the winning essay in the Clayton Pioneer’s Mothers Day essay contest.

Linda, or Miss Linda to those who know her from Mt. Diablo Elementary School, knew something was in the works when Antonio told her she “just might win a spa day.”

When the Pioneer called with the news that his essay had won, an overjoyed and speechless Antonio handed the phone to his grandmother.

“He was so excited,” Linda said. “Before I got off the

MAYOR’S CORNER

City finalizes purchase of church property I am very pleased to announce the city completed the purchase of the vacant 1.66 acre parcel of land behind the Clayton Community Church offices on Main Street for the amount of $1 million. The sale was officially recorded April 24, successfully concluding months of amicable negotiations which began last June.

This vacant parcel is one of the last significant unimproved parcels in the Clayton Town Center. The city has long held an interest in the commercial or mixed use development of the site.

See Mayor, page 18

Tamara Steiner LINDA THYKEN AND GRANDSON ANTONIO O’CONNER MONTES, 13, were all smiles when they learned that Antonio’s essay, “Greatest Mom (Grandma),” was the first place winner in the Clayton Pioneer Mother’s Day Essay Contest. A grateful Antonio plans to save all his money to send his “Nanie, ” who is recovering from shoulder surgery, to Italy someday.

Mount Diablo School District Board moves quickly to replace fired superintendent DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer

The Mount Diablo Unified School District is wasting no time searching for a replacement for Superintendent Dr. Steven Lawrence, who was fired last month.

At a series of MDUSD board meetings lasting until late

in the nights, plans were made by members to interview interim superintendent candidates in an open session with stakeholder groups on May 14, with a vote for approval May 20.

Between Lawrence’s failed anti-Clayton Valley High School charter PR campaign, a FCMAT report fiasco that resulted in sharp words from the County

Board of Education President, and the recent controversy over conflicts of interest in MDUSD contract talks, not many people were surprised by Lawrence’s forced departure.

“I think that there has been low morale with a lot of teachers and administrators, and also that there are a lot of parts of the community that don’t feel

very connected or supported by the district,” said MDUSD board member Brian Lawrence.

Clayton Valley Charter High Executive Director David Linzey’s previous position was as a district superintendent (although for a significantly smaller district). He wasn’t surprised to hear of Lawrence leaving. “Unfortunately, it was pret-

NICOLE HACKETT Clayton Pioneer

PINK VERBENA, ORANGE LADY’S SLIPPER and tangerine colored Geum plants pile on top of themselves in a profusion of color at the home of Lori Turner and David Holmes, just one of the spectacular gardens included on the 2013 Clayton Historical Garden Tour, May 18-19.

The Clayton Historical Society held their first Clayton Gardens Tour 21 years ago, and this favorite Clayton event has blossomed through the years. Many look forward to strolling through the garden gates of each chosen landscape. Selected homeowners have graciously opened their gardens for this event, which is the largest fundraiser for the Clayton Historical Museum.

Gardens are busting with blooms in May, so it’s the perfect

What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Behind the Badge . . . . . . . .14 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

time of year to enjoy a gardens tour. This year the gardens on the Clayton Gardens Tour are exceptional. They are filled with fabulous flowering perennials, roses, groundcovers and shrubs.

Ornamental trees are also a highlight on the tour this year; you’ll see flowering Dogwood, Beech, Ginkgo, Japanese maple and Magnolia trees. Landscapes also display striking hardscape ideas including decorative and functional retailing walls, patio and pathway foundation ideas and exterior kitchens and lighting.

PERSONAL TOUCH Homeowners have also personalized their gardens and landscapes with creative touches to spotlight certain areas. TourCommunity Calendar . . . . .16 Design and Décor . . . . . . . .20 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 Doctor’s Orders . . . . . . . . . . .9 Estate Planning . . . . . . . . . .15

Tom Wills Dec. 1, 1947 – Apr. 24, 2013

ty apparent that the district was at a standstill,” he said. “There was difficulty in the governance team, and so when the district’s not moving forward, something has to happen.”

With a central administration managing policies for 36,000 students at 53 separate schools,

See MDUSD, page 9

Clayton flower lovers: see how your gardens grow Get ideas blooming at annual tour to benefit Historical Society

See Essay, page 9

goers will delight in seeing vinecovered arbors, and trellises, raised vegetable beds, a cottage inspired playhouse and even a boldly colored chicken coup.

The peaceful sound of babbling water will also be enjoyed throughout some of the landscapes, as fountains and even a natural creek flow through some of this year’s gardens.

Pieces of garden art appear in almost every landscape. Individuality shines through art, and in the garden there is no exception. Fences are adorned and garden beds and borders are embellished with pieces of each homeowner’s expression.

See Gardens, page 20 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .19 Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .21 Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .19

CVHS teaching legend, ClaytonArts Academy co-founder passes leaving lasting legacy with students, arts program JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Teachers can play such a pivotal role in the lives of their students and, judging by the comments of his students and teaching colleagues, retired Clayton Valley High School drama teacher Tom Wills gets a standing ovation and rave reviews.

The Concord resident, 65, passed away April 24 nine months after a cancer diagnosis.

See Wills, page 6 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Speaking of Sports . . . . . . .10 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . .18

Postal Customer ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 10, 2013

Around Town Comcast Cares cleans up Kevin Sullivan CVCHS with 400 volunteers honored for service to Boy Scouts

Clayton Cleans Up breaks all records with nearly 300 volunteers enjoying a sunny, trashy morning

On a warm and sunny Saturday morning, more than 275 volunteers signed in at City Hall to pick up their orange trash bag and don the t-shirts designed especially for the event

by Clayton artist Patricia Crane.

Volunteers included families, scout troops and church groups. Over a dozen young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were on hand in their bright yellow shirts to make the event part of their service projects.

With that many people combing the town’s streets, trails and creek banks, there were bound to be some pretty interesting items in the dumpster at the end of the day.

One family dragged a couple of chairs and a sleeping bag back to the trash pick up site.

Another group of girls loaded several full bags of loose trash onto a wooden pallet they pulled out of the creek.

But, by far the biggest, heaviest and most oddball of all the trash recovered was a bathtub.

By 11, when the streets were scrubbed clean, the volunteers

gathered back at City Hall for a BBQ. The annual event is sponsored by the Clayton Pioneer and the city of Clayton with generous donations from Allied Waste, Travis Credit Union.

Safeway, Peets Coffee and Fresh and Easy also contributed.

Clockwise from top: Clayton mayor Julie Pierce, front right, and husband Steve, filled up the hungry volunteers with hot dogs and hamburgers; CBCA president Keith Haydon, left, and Clayton’s new Community Development Director, Charlie Mullens; Bottom, We didn’t get their names, but these local teens were having a great time and their bags were almost full.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 was Kevin Sullivan Day in Clayton in honor of Kevin Sullivan, Boy Scout Troop 484.

Sullivan received the proclamation at the T484 Court of Honor on April 29 honoring his retirement after over 12 years of Boy Scout leadership. Sullivan led Cub Scout Pack 262 for more than four years and was a Scoutmaster since 2006.

Abby Hartlove and CVCHS Operations Director Pat Middendorf joined the crew of over 500 that converged on April 27 for a campus clean up day sponsored by Comcast.

Comcast Cares drew teachers, administrators, current and future students and Comcast employees, who worked together on the sunny day to paint, scrape and rake the campus into shape.

Hawaiian cruise with the Pioneer

New baby for the Ho family April 24 was definitely a red letter day in the Ho house.

That was the day Emily Rae joined her parents, Stephanie and Henry Ho and brother Avery, 3, at their Oakhurst home.

Emily’s mom is a regular around the Pioneer, regularly penning the Mind Matters column.

6024 High St., Clayton

DAVID AND SUSAN SISSON of Clayton recently returned from a 15 day round trip cruise from San Francisco to Hawaii for their 40th wedding anniversary. While in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii they stopped at the Pioneer Inn Grill & Bar to share the local news with the Cap’n.

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1882sf, inside laundry room with pantry & a finished 2 car garage! Eat-in kitchen. Separate formal dining and living rooms. Large family room with triple skylights and brick fireplace. Yard features a fantastic outdoor pavilion perfect for entertaining! Walk to Mt. Diablo State Park! $575,000

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1171 Shell Lane, Clayton Chaparral Springs at Oakhurst Country Club!

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3075 Windmill Canyon Dr., Clayton Ironwood/Windmill Canyon! Exquisite single story "Augusta" backing to open space! $579,000

SOLD 1023 Pebble Beach Dr., Clayton Peacock Creek at Oakhurst Country Club!

Spacious Belvedere model on a premium view.

SOLD over list! $935,000

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122 La Encinal Ct. ...............$620,000 424 Mount Sequoia Ct.........$563,000 216 Stranahan Cir................$470,000 2901 Coyote Cir...................$390,000 902 Arrowhead Ter...............$485,000 165 Mt. Etna Drive...............$403,000 33 Mount Wilson Way..........$302,000 201 Tumbleweed .................$598,899 1361 Yosemite Drive............$711,000 302 Chardonnay Cir ............$665,000 276 Mountaire Parkway .......$624,000 211 Tumbleweed Ct .............$857,000 1234 Buckeye Terrace .........$530,000 3051 Windmill Canyon Dr....$675,000

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May 10, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 3

s t r e c n o C The G rove

CBCA does it again with 2013 Art and Wine Sunshine is a good thing when you are planning an outdoor event. But, sometimes, there can be too much of a good thing.

Temperatures approaching 90 degrees last Saturday kept the crowds thin at the 2013 Art and Wine Festival.

But, just when the committee was starting to worry, the clouds rolled in, temperatures dropped to a very comfortable 70 and Sunday’s crowds filled Main Street shoulder to shoulder for the 18th annual Festival.

The Art and Wine Festival is one of three major fundraising events sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association each year.

Funds go to scholarships, schools and charitable causes.

in

e

Saturdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

At the Gazebo in The Grove Set up chairs and blankets on the lawn after 4 p.m.

May 11

The Sun Kings Northern California’s Premier Beatles Tribute band

May 25

Cover 2 Cover A high-energy and fun-filled dance band from the East Bay.

June 8

Tennessee River Band A Tribute to Alabama

1

June 22 Jason Rogers

1 Clayton’s iconic clock and Mt. Diablo set the stage for Art and Wine Festival; 2. CBCA event volunteers Marcy Busse, Nancy and Alonzo Becerra and Kevin Cuff; 3. Event co-chairs John Garrett and Lou Gernhardt; Crowds gather early to find shade at the music venue.

Diamond Dave Dave Hosley covers the classics of Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Justin Timberlake and even Lady Gaga

July 6

Livin' In The USA A Cross-Country Music Trip: This fully themed and costumed "all hits" cover band

July 20

The Chicago Tribute Authority This upbeat tribute band plays the music of the greatest hit bands of the last 45 years.

August 3 Live by the Groove Enjoy the sounds of your favorite music from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

August 17 Flashback 4

Six-piece band featuring hits from big band/swing, early rock 'n' roll, Motown/soul, R&B/funk, classic rock, disco and country.

2

3 Jason Rogers

Tamara Steiner

Jennifer Jay

Hortons and the Pioneer in New Zealand DANE AND KAHNI HORTON checked off another “bucket list” item as they completed a 30 day, 7,000+ km road trip through New Zealand. Almost all of the journey was completed by car except for the crossing of Cook Strait into the Marlboro Sound.

“The North and South Islands together offer the most varied UBER-scenery on the

planet,” said Kahni. “Miles of stunning seaside drives along nearly deserted coastal roads, amazement at every turn, from majestic cascading waterfalls, churning whitewater rivers, cavernous mysterious sea caves, bays filled with tropical islands, hikes through jungles to glaciers and through rainforests to pristine beaches of golden sand filled with

August 31 Mixed Nuts

seal colonies, penguins, with whales and dolphins visible in the distance. This exhilarating experience took about five months to plan and was truly “the trip of a lifetime”, with non-stop adventure every day. We figured we could rest on the 12-hour plane ride home! The photo was taken at Milford Sound.

Dance music from the 50s to today.

Sept. 14

East Bay Mudd This 10-piece cover dance band with a powerful 4-man horn section, will keep you on your feet asking for more.

For more band information, go to www.cityofclayton.org. Chairs and blankets may be set out after 4 p.m. on concert days.

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Brentwood

$569,000

Concord

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Clayton

$679,000

Peacock Creek – Sought-after single-story on prime corner lot has 3,303 sq. ft. of living space & over $200K in top-of-the-line upgrades. Enjoy an open, airy floor plan with lots of light. Incredible curb appeal & landscaping.

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Country Estate – Very private! Remodeled 4BD/3BA custom home sits up a long driveway on ~2.5 acres.

Enjoy a full horse setup that backs to acres of Regional Park and has mountain and valley views from decks, patio and landscaped gardens.

Clayton Valley – Updated 4BD/2BA ranch home has a charming floor plan with hardwood floors & designer kitchen with cherry & granite. Enjoy a 400 s.f. Florida room & pool. Located in a great neighborhood near to schools & shopping.

Dream Rancher – Updates in this 4BD/3BA go over & beyond, with raised ceilings & expanded rooms, including a family room addition. Living & dining rooms & spacious bedrooms with lots of storage. Enjoy private yard w/flourishing plants, pond and stream.

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Plambeck Rancher – Single level 5BD/2.5 BA offers a large lot with sparkling solar-heated pool surrounded by gardens w/auto sprinklers. Modernized kitchen with eating area. Living, dining and family rooms plus patio wired for sound. Ready for summer!

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Chef ’s kitchen has 6-burner island stove & butler’s pantry w/wine nook. Backyard patio areas surround the pool/spa, hot tub, outdoor kitchen and firepit.

Our office offers FREE REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY CONSULT on these matters including tax & credit implications.

Don’t wait another day – you need the right guide!

Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* *Statistics based on Clayton closed by sales volume (1/2012 – 12/2012). Data by Trendgraphix

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Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 10, 2013

CVCHS band marches to their drummers to raise money in Music-a-thon event

Donna Price

CVCHS

BAND CONCLUDES ITS MARCH

The streets were alive with the sound of music on the morning of April 20 as some 85 CVHCS student musicians, chaperones and Concord police volunteer escorts snaked through the streets of Clayton Valley Highlands for the annual Music-a-thon fundraiser.

The Highlands residents cheered the band as they stopped for frequent “lawn concerts” before ending with concerts at both the Clayton Valley Shopping Center and the Clayton Station.

“The response we had in the neighborhood was so generous,” said parent Vicki Anderson. “Many of the shop owners asked if the students could play every weekend.”

The Music a Thon is a big fundraiser for the Instrumental Music Department. All donations received during the march go directly into helping with the costs of running the music program. “But,” Vicki continued,

through the Highlands with a concert at Clayton Station.

“more than the donations, Mr. Scott, the music director likes to get the students out into the community to show younger incoming students what the

music program has to offer and what students have to look forward to when they join us at CVCHS.”

Tikes on trikes support St. Jude The children of Marsh Creek KinderCare raised $480 in a trikeathon on April 19. All proceeds were donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospi-

tal. Parents donated a flat fee and the children pedaled as many laps on their tricycles as they could in the parking lot.

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May 10, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Office/Retail Space for Lease Prime downtown location in the Village Oaks Building P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Pam Wiesendanger, Peggy Spear

Call Nick Adamson 408-371-8770 x21

We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

City of Clayton 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

Send School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com

Send Classified Ads to classified@claytonpioneer.com

CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word Non-profit: $24 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer

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

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

Also on our Website are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 250 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion.

Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.”

E-mail your letter in a Word document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.

Planning Commissioners Needed The Planning Commission is comprised of five members appointed by the City Council for two-year terms. The Planning Commission advises the City Council on land use matters, including General Plan amendments and zoning ordinance amendments. The Commission also makes decisions on development site plan reviews, use permits, subdivisions and variances. Planning Commission meetings are open to the public and its decisions can be appealed to the City Council.

Office Term: July 2013 through June 2015 The Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., in Hoyer Hall at the Clayton Community Library. Commissioners must be 18, a registered voter and a resident of Clayton.

Commissioners receive a monthly stipend of $120.

For more information or to apply in person, go to Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Or call (925) 673-7300 or email ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us for an application.

Visit the city website at www.ci.clayton.ca.us.

Application deadline is 5 p.m., June 7, 2013.

City Council interviews will be in mid-June and are open to the public. Appointments should be announced at the Jun 18 meeting.

Classified

Who or what

SERVICES Flower Gardening

by Nicole Hackett Perennial, ornamental, rose and container care. Keep your garden in flowers this year with monthly fertilizing and pruning visits. Email for consultation or details.

Gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.

are the

Ghosts of the Multiverse?

HELP WANTED Computer Tech Growing business has position for onsite pro computer tech in Contra Costa County. Must have experience in Windows and Mac OS, network repair and troubleshooting. ComputersUSA! 672-9989.

From local sci-fi writer, Harald Hansen, comes a novel of ideas that is both thrilling and hilarious.

In a town very much like Clayton, Fade, an everyman, meets a ghost and gets introduced to the Multiverse. dept and ter, a i r olence ruci w v s d i o e est ters y go "Ther some d n hana ver is charac ke – d s n i a n h h li se anse deat “Han ogue, and d minor a ith rald H the writing a H . l n n tio ftly; at dia – major a dividuals w . t all de holds your i g l s l n n e i i l a t d i ved l are -wr and oncei lling, over ten or dul uperb rough all the s c s l i l e w u rit n th nse - d dly-w w ttentio ts…” e a i v e no se are no ba t.” iew i ook R er Rev d even l l e B i d r m w o e F o P r S h f T – ew ks s; far –The N of Boo scene

l lectua to l e t n i ut ny, 's fun veryman o ssible, n e s n E po "Ha an acks and all its e the r t r e l l se ld– thri e wor rparts...we his charh t e v e sa ount d care for aceted c e t i n n if infi love a tory...mult ild new 's r o w auth and his s nsive, a s p r x e e s t ac Kirku ut an iverse." o – b a un tale of the n o i s vi

Directory of Advertisers Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717 Village Oaks Building . . . . . . . . . . . .408-371-8770, ext. 21

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Page 5

Islamic radicals descend on San Francisco, deciding whether or not to destroy the city. Navigating through sexual politics, our everyman tries to stop a war and save a family on the verge of falling apart.

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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.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Help Fight Hunger Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon Lady needs your help! Weekly commitment appreciated.

For more info, go to thelemonlady.blogspot.com.

Hospice of the East Bay Help needed at 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 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.

Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 Iron Horse Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595-3951 Remnant Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235-2200 Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Memo's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737, ext. 205 Events Bay Area KidFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KidfestConcord.com City of Clayton – Concerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7300 Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090 Financial and Insurance Services Held, Chris – Morgan Stanley Smith Barney . . . .930-3815 Littorno, Richard – Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211 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 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Groceries Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568 Home and Garden Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Contra Costa Water District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688-8320 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 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 Cat Hospital of Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2287 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie's Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 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 Anytime Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6700 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Doodleton Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-207-7467 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Kali Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-0845 Senior Services Diablo Senior Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-2936 Montecito – Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702 Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Tat It Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5674 Travel Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840

Courage Do the Right Thing

Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Thousands of voters need to update info Be ready, Contra Costa County voters: About 2,800 of you will soon receive follow-up letters in the mail asking you to update your voter information with your birthdate. And this isn’t a scam.

Some voters have expressed concern that the notices might be fake or a phishing scam. If you receive one of these letters, it is a legitimate request. The subject line in the letter reads “Missing Birthdate.”

More than 8,000 of these letters were sent to the voters in the county; 5,300 were returned already. If you get a second notice, county elections officials

ask that you complete the form and return it to them in the postage paid return envelope.

The Elections Division maintains the security of personal data.

Contra Costa County has 528,744 registered voters. The Elections Division works continually to ensure the voter information is as accurate and up to date as possible to reduce the number of problems that can delay ballot counting during an election.

If you have any questions, please contact the Elections Division at 925335-7871, or visit the website at www.cocovote.us.

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Organizers say this is a chance to attend the fair, while also being part of it.

The fair is looking for volunteers to help in the exhibit department, livestock area, agricultural education, fairgrounds

classroom and museum, gardens and the general office.

Volunteer applications are now available at www.ContraCostaFair.com. Fill out the form and return it to the Fair office at the fairgrounds, 1201 West 10th St., Antioch, by Tuesday, May 14.

For information, visit www.ContraCostaFair.com or call the Fair Office at 925-757-4400.

Wills, from page 1 Wills was on the faculty at Clayton Valley for a quarter century before retiring in 2010.

The enduring legacy of Wills’ time at Clayton Valley, besides the hundreds of students he educated and inspired, is the ClaytonArts Academy that he co-founded with Aline Lee. In 1999 Elizabeth Emigh was fresh out of college teaching choir two hours a day on an emergency credential when Wills “stuck his head in my classroom” asking her to help with a production of “Sweet Charity.” “He was an ‘out-ofthe-box thinker’ who believed that the process was as important as the product.” Wills subbed for Emigh when she was on maternity leave after he retired.

Jeff Hagerstrand (CVHS Class of 1992) came back to his alma mater from 2002-12. “[Tom] was my mentor for 10 years at CVHS and I collaborated with him in the ClaytonArts Academy, the program he invented and helped found.

He was also my teacher when I was in high school. Tom lived his philosophy: ‘Living is behaving imaginatively under truthful circumstances,’ which was his own re-phrasing of acting guru Sanford Meisner’s directive that ‘Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.’”

Lee is vice principal at College Park after teaching 15 years at Clayton Valley.

“Thomas Seville Wills was a gifted man, who had an eye for talent. He would develop the character that he knew you had hidden within you, whether on stage or in real life. The magical support he provided would allow you to transform yourself from a caterpillar into a butterfly. He guided you on your journey of growth. He was a director, mentor, coach, teacher, friend, father, husband and patron of the arts. He will be missed, but his spirit will live on in all his children — his sons and his students.

“It was an honor, a privilege and a pleasure to team-

teach alongside him. ClaytonArts Academy is a direct reflection of his joy of teaching through the arts. Where there was Wills, there was a play.”

Singer-songwriter Justin McRoberts (Class of 1992) posted on Facebook, “Tom Wills taught me that the stage could be a place where far more than entertainment took place. He loved the arts, he loved the kids he coached and because of that love the world is a more thoughtful, more beautiful place.”

Amber Lineweaver adds, “Tom was an extraordinary teacher and human being. He is a Clayton Valley legend and is remembered fondly by generations of students. In my 18 years as his co-worker, he inspired me daily and I hope to one day achieve even half of the respect and accomplishments he earned in his long career.”

The 15-time World Champion Blue Devils posted: “The Blue Devils are saddened by the passing of Tom Wills, a long-time fan, friend and supporter. Tom is known by many for his years with the A corps as part of the Devil’s Food Crew. Tom’s involvement was truly a family activity. His son Kris was a member of the C, B and A corps and his wife Katie served as membership chairperson of the Booster Club while Tom was club secretary.

Tom’s easy smile and unselfish hard work, at camps, on tour and in support of the corps members, was an inspiration to all who knew him.”

Wills is survived by wife Katie, sons JT and Kris, sisters Karen and Kathe and brother Mike.

A Celebration of Life/Memorial Service is this Saturday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church/ in Walnut Creek. Donations in his name can be made to MDUUC Walnut Creek or Cancer Support Community of Walnut Creek.

May 10, 2013

Obituary

Lawrence A. Post, M.D. 1922 – 2013 Clayton resident Lawrence A. Post, M.D., passed away April 16 at the age of 91.

Lawrence was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He received his undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin and his medical degree from George Washington University Medical School in Washington, D.C. in 1948. Lawrence had years of advanced medical training and practiced both radiology and child and adult psychiatry during his career as a physician.

He received a lifetime fellowship to the American College of Radiology and was a clinical assistant professor of radiology at UCSF. He served as chief of the adolescent program at Napa State Hospital, Chief of Staff of Napa State Hospital and vicepresident, Union of American Physicians and Dentists.

Lawrence served in both World War II and the Korean War. He was a seaman in the U.S. Navy. He served as a

midshipman and a lieutenant in the medical corps at Quantico, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina.

His military and medical career allowed him to live in many different parts of the country, including Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Florida. He moved to Clayton in 1978.

Lawrence was an accomplished violinist. His interests included tennis, travel, history and politics. He often said that despite his many life accomplishments, he was always most proud of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by wife of 46 years, Sherrie, and four daughters: Jerilyn Brown of Guam, Sherrie Meda Holes of Vacaville, Lauren Post Knowles of San Jose, and Diana Burnsides of Danville. He is also survived by nephew Arthur of Mequon, Wisconsin, and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Obituary

Robert E. Jenkin December 9, 1919 – April 13, 2013 Bob Jenkin passed away peacefully on April 13 at the age of 93. He was a Clayton resident for over 40 years and is survived by his three children, Judi Sudderth, Geri Morisky-Ross and James Robert Jenkin; and four grandchildren, AnneMarie Ilgen, Michelle Morisky, Jody Jenkin and Josh Jenkin. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Janet.

As a World War II Veteran, Bob was a charter member of the VFW Post 1525 and served as their Surgeon General for

many years. He was an avid railroad and steamship buff and a member of the Cal/Nevada Railroad Historical Society, the California State Railroad Museum and the Northern California Maritime Society.

A memorial service was held on May 8 at Endeavor Hall in Clayton.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation, please direct it to Hospice of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill, CA. 94512 and indicate it is for Bruns House.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 7

Concord High bands to perform at Lesher Center PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer

The award--winning Concord High School Instrumental Music Program will get a chance to toot its own horn and raise some money when it performs at the Lesher Center for the Arts

on Tuesday, May 14. All of the more than 100 young musicians in the program will play, and will be joined by guest artists Gordon Goodwin, Alex Rackages, and Dave Ridge.

To help defray the cost of the concert’s production, students will be selling raffle tickets

Todos Santos concert series kicks off May 23 Residents will again enjoy free music in Todos Santos Plaza again in Concord this summer, as the summer concert series is back for its 25th year.

For the last two years, the “free” part of the concerts was threatened – as well as their presence at all – as the city struggled to find funding for the popular events. With the demise of California redevelopment agencies in 2011, the summer concert series lost its funding.

Through fundraisers and sponsorships, residents and local businesses worked together to

keep the music going.

The 2013 Thursday Night Music and Market series debuts May 23, featuring the awardwinning Concord High School Jazz Band in a tribute to Concord native son and jazz great Dave Brubeck, who passed away in December 2012. On May 30, it’s the Steely Dan tribute band Aja Vu. Other highlights of the season include performances by audience-favorite tribute bands Foreverland (Michael Jackson),

Todos Santos, page 18

for two Apple iPads. The drawings will be held on the night of the concert.

Like most schools in the Mount Diablo Unified School District, CHS Music relies on fundraising to keep the program running. It receives $1,000 each year from the district, but the rest of its $100,000 budget comes from fundraisers and donations from the Concord High Band Boosters (CHBB), says Boosters member Soledad Cuenco.

Some of the expenses include music clinics, new instrument purchases, instrument repairs, uniforms, competition entry fees, sheet music, transportation, trip subsidies and more.

The boosters have no problem helping out the young musicians, Cuenco says, because of the value music brings to their kids.

“I believe that learning to play an instrument teaches our students patience and perseverance among other things,” she says. “Playing in the band also teaches them the value of teamwork, discipline, confidence and a great sense of responsibility

A MAY 14 CONCERT AT THE LESHER CENTER features members of the Concord High Marching band, as well as other musicians in the school’s instrumental music program.

toward the other team members.

This is evident in the manner in which CHS students carry themselves in and out of the band room.”

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for youth 17 and under. Call the Lesher Center at 925-943-SHOW (7469) to purchase tickets or for more information.

Concord has no reservations about promoting tourism PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer

Disneyland, Las Vegas ...

Concord? Contra Costa County’s largest city may not seem like it would generate a lot of interest from the tourism industry, but city business and political leaders are hoping to change that.

The Concord City Council is poised to establish a Tourism

Improvement District that would generate as much as $750,000 a year to promote the city as a destination.

The “Visit Concord” campaign would be generated by a three percent voluntary assessment on hotel room rental revenue, paid for by nine participating hotels, including the Concord Hilton and the Crowne Plaza.

Most of the marketing

effort would be aimed at attracting organizations to the conference facilities at local hotels, which would then spill over into an overall economic benefit for local businesses and restaurants, said Concord Economic Development and Housing Manager John Montagh.

The tourism district is being eagerly embraced by businesses leaders – especially those from the hotels that helped draft the

plan.

“We are up against other communities in the East Bay and the greater Bay Area when it comes to competing for tourism dollars based on conferences and events,” said Matt Hohenstreet, director of sales and marketing for the Concord Hilton.

“This is a win-win situation, because not only will it help us,

Tourism, page 18

Raffle tickets are $10 for a book of 12 tickets. To purchase them, email momopco@astound.net. Winners need not be present to win. Pro-

Concord to create Community Court to curb daytime curfew violations PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer

The city of Concord is inching closer into taking the law into its own hands – sort of – by establishing a community court to respond to petty crimes and specifically those who violate its daytime curfew laws.

The city council last month unanimously agreed to move forward with creating an alternative venue to respond to such crimes as loitering, vagrancy and

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ceeds will benefit CHBB and the Food Banks of Solano and Contra Costa Counties.

1970-B Arnold Industrial Place Concord, CA

drunk-in-public charges, so called “nuisance crimes” that clog up at the county court level and leave no long-reaching impact.

But perhaps the main focus of this new community court would be violators of the city’s successful daytime curfew ordinance, a system of warnings that has had an overall beneficial effect on curbing teen truancy from local schools.

Curfew, page 18

Concord

Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 10, 2013

Farmers’ Market opens this week DEBRA J. MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market

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Fresh-food lovers can rejoice: The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market will be back in action Saturday, May 11 with Northern California’s freshest fruits and vegetables and live music and activities to entertain patrons all summer long.

“We’re very excited for the reopening of the Clayton Farmers’ Market,” said John Silveira, Director of PCFMA. “We’ve got some exciting events planned and hope to make this a great year.”

The market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday at its usual location, on Diablo Street between Main and Center Streets, through Oct. 26. The entire Clayton community is invited to enjoy the grand opening festivities, which include a ribbon cutting ceremony with local dignitaries, music, contests, kids’ activities and a flower giveaway for Mother’s Day. Market manager Lisa Quaid says the market is looking forward to coming back to Clayton. “We

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The recent arrest of an assistant water polo coach from Northgate High School caught local swim club families by surprise.

Christopher Yang, 27, was arrested last week by Contra Costa Sheriff ’s deputies and charged with nine counts of felony sexual assault against a minor. Yang was an assistant coach with the Dana Hills Swim Team of Clayton for two years in the mid 2000s.

Mt. Diablo summit to be on Amgen Tour again this year Although Clayton won’t be on the direct route of the Amgen Tour of California bicycle race this year, cycling enthusiasts living along Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory Roads will have a front row seat for Stage 7 of this year’s race.

Stage 7 of the eight-day event will start in Livermore on May 11 . The racers will climb north up Morgan Territory Road, loop back over Marsh Creek Road to Livermore and then head northwest for the grueling climb to the summit of Mt. Diablo.

Morgan Territory and Marsh Creek Roads are narrow and winding with extremely limited passing opportunities, and drivers along the route can expect delays. The race takes both lanes of the road, so traffic behind the racers can follow, but not

pass. Traffic will be controlled by the California Highway Patrol.

The Amgen Tour of California is one of the nation’s largest and most recognized annual sporting events. The 730-mile event features elite professional teams and athletes from around the world.

For more details on the race, routes or timetables, go to amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Amgen Tour of California, Stage 7 Date: May 11, 2013 Start: 11:35 a.m. in Livermore Total Distance: 91.4 miles Finish: 3:48 p.m. at the Mt. Diablo Summit

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have a lot of great activities and events planned, and of course a terrific selection of California produce.”

The Farmers’ Market is a way to support California farmers. Whether you’re looking for earthy asparagus, flowering orchids, flavorful onions, juicy strawberries, Asian greens, or fresh meats and seafood, it all comes from local farmers and growers. More than two dozen California farmers and other food producers are expected to be selling their goods at the market on opening day.

Former swim coach arrested for felony assault

Cal Fire warns of high summer fire risk A lack of winter rainfall is fueling Cal Fire’s fear of a potentially higher fire threat this summer. Since the beginning of the year – and not including last week’s heat wave – Cal Fire has responded to more than 680 wildfires, more than 200 over the historic average for this time of year.

“Our firefighters have responded to an increased number of wildfires due to the very little rainfall we have received over the past few months,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, Cal Fire director. “Recently in Southern California we increased our staffing and moved our air tankers to their bases, which was needed as we saw several large wildfires.”

In late March, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted this year’s next-to-last snow survey and the low levels have Cal Fire concerned about the impact on this year’s fire season. This final survey found that statewide snowpack is just 52 percent of average. Due to low rainfall levels across the state from January to April, this year is likely to go down as one of the driest ever.

The lack of winter rains has resulted in dry conditions across the state leading to a number of unseasonably large wildfires that have already threatened people,

homes and the state’s watershed.

Over the past few months Cal Fire crews responded to an increased number of large wildfires, including the 296-acre Becks Fire in Lake County, the River Fire in Inyo County which grew to 406 acres and most recently, the 311-acre Jurupa Fire in Riverside County.

“In many other areas of the state we are currently training our seasonal firefighters and monitoring weather conditions closely to determine our staffing levels,” said Chief Pimlott.

“While we are busy transitioning into fire season, this is the time we want residents to begin preparing their homes for fire season by creating 100 feet of ‘defensible space.’”

Residents can prepare for wildfires by taking these actions: • Maintain 100 feet of “defensible space” • Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds from within 30 feet of your home • Trim trees six feet from the ground • Remove all leaves, pine needles and debris from roofs • Create an Evacuation Plan in case of a wildfire For more tips on preparing for a wildfire visit: www.ReadyForWildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov.

CHRISTOPHER YANG

The Walnut Creek man was taken to county jail in Martinez and released later on $390,000 bail, sheriff ’s spokesman Jimmy Lee said.

He is to return to court for arraignment May 20.

Senior deputy District Attorney Nancy Georgiou said Yang had worked as an assistant water polo coach at Northgate.

The school announced that he is no longer employed there. The offenses took place in Walnut Creek but it wasn’t known if the victim was a team member or student at the school.

A number of parents, swimmers and a fellow coach expressed surprise that this was the Chris Yang they knew. While coaching at Dana Hills Yang was a swimmer for two years at the University of Hawaii after transferring from Diablo Valley College. Hawaii reported he was all-state and Bay Valley Conference Swimmer of the Year at DVC and he also played water polo for the Vikings.

He dropped out of the University of Hawaii to attend the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, according to a Dana Hills family who knew Yang. He was a sous chef at Tender Greens in Walnut Creek at the time of his arrest.

Dana Hills board president Catherine Myers wasn’t involved with the club when Yang was a coach. She said that when the board switched insurance companies after last season its new insurer offered a background check for all adult coaches (18 and older) and that the club instituted that policy before this season.

The maximum sentence for these alleged crimes appears to be eight years and four months in state prison, according to Contra Costa District Attorney Mark Peterson.

May 10, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Get an edge on multiple offers Q. How can I compete if there are multiple offers on a house I want to buy?

A. Many buyers are finding themselves in multiple-offer competitions in our current market.

When inventories of homes for sale are low and interest rates are also low, buyers can expect to run into competition. Even in slower markets, the best listings at the best prices can generate more than one offer.

Some buyers shy away from multiple-offer competitions for a variety of reasons. They may be afraid of overpaying. They might have lost out before and don’t want to go through the agony of defeat again. Granted, a multi-bid encounter increases the anxiety level of the home buying experience. But, if you are successful, you have the benefit of knowing that you’ve brought a home that was high in demand.

The key to avoid over-paying in a multiple-offer competition is to have a good grasp of cur-

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS rent market values in the area.

To develop this expertise, look at a lot of listings. Then, follow up with your real estate agent to find out what these listings sold for. It’s also helpful to know how many offers there were.

Buyers who haven’t done their homework may not have a sense of how much they should offer when there is more than one offer. If you haven’t educated yourself about selling prices, you may feel uncomfortable offering significantly more then the asking price even

through this may be precisely what you need to do.

One thing you can do is write a letter, to be attached to the offer, telling your story. Usually the sellers have an emotional attachment to the property and they want an idea of who will be living there. You might even want to include a picture of your family.

It helps to work with a real estate agent who has intimate knowledge of the area in which you want to live. He or she can educate you about the listing and selling prices as you spend time together looking at listings.

Some buyers find it helpful to take notes and keep a file of listing flyers.

In general, the offer that wins in a multiple-offer competition is the one with a combination of the best price, the shortest closing and the fewest contingencies. A contingency is a condition that must be satisfied before the transaction can close.

Typical contingencies are for inspections and for the buyer’s

financing. Preapproved buyers have an edge because they don’t need a financing contingency.

Some buyers are choosing to waive contingencies in order to make their offers more attractive to the sellers. But, it’s risky to waive a contingency if in fact the contingency must be satisfied for the transaction to close.

For example, an appraisal contingency makes the contract contingent on the property appraising for the sale price for the purposes of obtaining a mortgage. If the property appraises for less than the sale price and you don’t have the protection of an appraisal contingency, your deposit could be at risk if you back out of the deal. If the appraisal comes in low and you choose to proceed with the transaction, you’ll need to make a larger down payment to make up the difference between the appraised value and the sale price.

Lynne French is a real estate broker in Clayton. Contact her at (925) 672-8787, lynne@lynnefrench.com

Women’s heart attack symptoms differ from men’s DAVID BIRDSALL, M.D.

DOCTOR’S ORDERS Consider you are a woman in your late 40s early 50s, in good shape, with no medical problems and you find out one day that the reflux symptoms you were experiencing was actually a heart attack. Talk about a shocker. Well, that is exactly what happened to Jackie Schroder this year on President’s Day weekend.

It all started in January following a bout of the stomach flu. At that time Schroder continued to feel run down and weak. She also began to experience burning and pressure in her chest. Schroder went to her doctor who thought, quite logically, that she was experiencing mild stomach issues that might be GERD (reflux) or an early ulcer. Cardiac issues really were low on the list as she had no risk factors. Schroder was subsequently started on a strong antacid and scheduled for an endoscopy.

Soon after that Schroder, an avid hiker, suffered pain following an outing so she drove herself to the emergency room at John Muir Concord, a Cardiovascular Center of Excellence.

HARD TO DIAGNOSE After an all-night stay and several tests, it wasn’t until the early morning blood tests came back that the diagnosis was clear: Schroder had had a heart attack. That morning she was whisked away to have an angiogram that showed she had a 95 percent blockage of the main artery to her heart. A complete occlusion would have meant a massive heat attack and possibly death. Schroder was lucky and was treated in time, but why did she and her doctors have a hard time figuring out what was going on?

The reason is, when it comes to heart attack symptoms, women are different from men.

Most people assume the symptoms of a heart attack include left-side pressure (like an elephant on the chest) that radiates to the left arm and/or jaw and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, and/or nausea. For decades the medical community felt the same way. However, over the last few years we have realized that the pain women feel may be different. In fact, only half of the women who have heart attacks even experience chest pain. If they do it may feel like a fullness or squeezing pain and it may be anywhere in the chest not just the left side. Women are more likely to have pain in their arms, back, neck, and jaw and

that pain can randomly increase and decrease in intensity. Stomach discomfort may be a common symptom, feeling like heartburn or an ulcer or even a severe abdominal pressure. This is what Schroder experienced.

Shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or extreme fatigue that comes on suddenly may be a sign of a heart attack in women. Also, sudden sweating episodes, like a nervous or cold sweats, may indicate a cardiac disorder.

Why the difference in symptoms? It is not entirely clear though the thought is that women are more likely to have disease in small vessels of the heart as well as the big ones and this can lead to the variable symptoms. Of course, many of these symptoms occur in nearly all of us.

DON’T HESITATE TO GET CHECKED OUT

So when should someone go and get themselves checked out?

The common thinking is that if you experience the symptoms noted above then you warrant an evaluation. This is especially true if you have some cardiac disease risk factors, namely high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, family history, and smoking. (Incidentally, smoking is a much greater risk factor in women than in men). However, for women, there are additional

female specific risk factors.

One such risk factor is the combination of fat around your abdomen, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high triglycerides. This combination apparently raises your chance of cardiac disease significantly.

Other female risk factors are, mental stress, depression and low levels of estrogen after menopause. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health many researchers think that the drop in estrogen levels during menopause combined with other heart disease risk factors leads to microvascular disease (disease in the small arteries of the heart). This further lends credence to my statement that women are different from men.

What can you do to prevent the development of heart disease? Start by exercising 30-60 min a day, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a diet that is low in saturated fact. Also, quit or don’t start smoking and make sure your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes are under control. However, most importantly don’t ignore the warning signs of heart disease outlined above. If you experience those symptoms then get to a doctor as soon as possible.

Dr. Birdsall is an emergency room physician at John Muir Hospital. Email questions or comments for him to mdbirdsall@aol.com

Page 9

Essay, from page 1 Her dream is to go to Italy someday. I will save all my money and send her there. But for now, I will hope I win this contest so she can be taken care of for once and let her see that I am thankful for everything she does. I love her so much and always will. Happy Mother’s Day to my Super Hero.

phone, he had called his sister and his grandpa and his aunties.”

Antonio’s essay, “Greatest Mom,” touched the hearts of all of us at the Pioneer and won his Nanie a gift basket of goodies donated by Clayton’s generous merchants.

Linda and her husband, John, have been married 20 years and together have raised their nine children and Antonio and his sister.

Antonio is a student at Spectrum School in Pittsburg.

We’ll let him continue the story:

Thank you to our generous merchants who donated the gifts for our Mothers Day Essay Contest and to Tammy Cerruti who designed the beautiful keepsake gift box.

GREATEST MOM (G RANDMA ) Linda Ann Thyken is her name, but she also goes by “beautiful”— that’s what my auntie calls her; “Bella”— that’s what my cousin calls her; “Miss Linda” — that’s what the kids at her school call her; and me—I call her “Nanie.”

She’s not my Mom, she’s my Grandma. She had already been raising three kids, pretty much on her own, and then added six more step kids and my grandfather to the bunch. When she had nearly survived all that, she was needed to take custody of me and my sister when we were both very young. She saved our lives and I can’t thank her enough.

To add to all of this, I’m special needs and a handful at times. But my Nanie has not stopped fighting for a good school for me and extra activities. My Nanie is a great cook, a great mom, and a great grandma to her 13 other grandkids. My Nanie never stops cleaning and working to make my life better.

Beautique, Skin care gift set Bella Mia Spa, Body lotion and a gift certificate Clayton Valley Bowl, 8 games and shoe rental Clayton Valley Shell, a $25 gift card Computers USA, a 2GB flash drive Ed’s Mudville Grill, Lunch or dinner for two La Veranda Café, a $50 gift certificate Rodie’s Feed and Pet Supply, LED reading glasses The Royal Rooster, Body lotion and a silver necklace

And thank you to all who entered. Show your mom your essay. That’s the best present you can give her.

MDUSD, from page 1 there has been some question as to whether MDUSD is too large and spread out to be managed effectively. School officials disagreed, however, that geography and number of students are at the root of the district’s growing woes.

“It’s not the size that is the issue. It’s the effectiveness of leadership,” said Linzey. “It’s too large if there’s not unity, there’s not vision, there’s not clarity of purpose around which visions are made.”

The district is moving fast to get back on its feet and find an interim as well as a permanent superintendent to lead the way.

“We’re going to get somebody who can hit the ground running,” said Board President Cheryl Hansen. “We need stability right away, to reassure people.”

While searching for an interim superintendent, the district

is also requesting proposals from three or more different search agencies to find a new permanent superintendent.

One such proposal offered services in the $30,000 range.

The board hopes to approve a contract in early May to begin the search.

Hansen said that her hope is to find someone who is able to manage the district as a whole, through everything from budget cuts to union negotiations to testing protocols, while still taking into account the needs of the many different constituents.

These include but aren’t limited to special-needs students, English learners, to those interested in AP classes.

“You have to be able to find out what each community needs, instead of a one-sizefits-all that you just try to cram into people,” she said. “It’s not impossible to do. But it’s tough.”

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 10, 2013

Sports Younger MDSA teams busy on tournament circuit JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Spring conjures up many things — none of which this year look like spring showers — and for AYSO youth soccer teams it’s the busiest time of the year. Already there have been tournaments in San Jose, Palo Alto, Pleasant Hill and Carson City, NV. Mt. Diablo Soccer Association teams have come home with 10 finalists in under 10 through U14 play from these four tournaments with four boys and four girls teams getting to championship matches and four times coming away with the top prize, all from U10 teams.

Locally, the tournament season climaxes next weekend in Concord with the 20th year of Concord Cup at a variety of fields including the Daniel Boatwright Youth Sports Complex on the Cal State East Bay campus. Over 100

teams will be taking part in Concord Cup XX, including a dozen MDSA squads. Diablo FC, MDSA and Concord AYSO co-host Concord Cup. MDSA United U10 boys have claimed a pair of tournament titles at PHMSA SoccerFest and Comstock Shootout in Carson City. The Comstock title came from four straight shutouts while the SoccerFest finale came down to a 4-3 win as the locals rallied from a 3-1 deficit and then blocked a late tying scoring chance from Davis Lightning to hold on to the gold medals.

MDSA Strikers were first in the President’s Cup third at SoccerFest in the same age group.

MDSA Galaxy has taken second at the El Palo Alto and SoccerFest events for U12 boys. The MDSA Legends were runners-up in U14 boys at El Palo Alto.

On the distaff side the U10 HydraGirls impressively

won their bracket at Comstock with shutouts in the semi-finals and finals after

finishing second at the President’s Cup. MDSA Phoenix were runner-up at U10 in

Pleasant Hill.

Taking second at the Shootout were the U14

MDSA Legends while MDSA Heat was runner-up in Comstock at U12 girls.

Photos courtesy MDSA

MDSA HEAT U12 GIRLS EARNED SECOND PLACE recently in the Comstock Shootout Tournament in Carson City, Nevada. The Heat includes, front row from left, Taviana Cabezas, Reagan Bowerbank, Micaela Davis, Angie Dubnoff; back row, coach Mark Kelly, Alaina Lindsey, Anne Patterson, Rachel Burnett, Haley Pozzobon, Morgan Kelly, Alexis Greer, Emma Wilcox, Georgia Moraes and coach Marvin Davis.

MDSA HYDRAGIRLS WON THEIR U10 GIRLS DIVISION AT COMSTOCK SHOOTOUT this month after earlier taking second in the President’s Cup at San Jose. The Comstock champions include, from left, coach Chris Ruzicka, Carly Urteaga, Sam Schauman, Sydney Mendelson, Robin Caves, Kylie Nielsen, Ryannne Boland, Lauren Utne, Leilani Fabriquer, Rylie Velez, Stephanie Ruzicka and coach Shane Velez. The HydraGirls outscored their final two opponents 9-0 to win the Shootout title.

MDSA UNITED WON BOTH THE PHMSA SOCCERFEST and Comstock Shootout U10 boys titles in recent weeks, including four consecutive shutouts at Comstock. The team includes, front row from left, Thomas Cordova, Keegan Boustead, Ryan Morimoto, Adam Rychtecky, Jacob Oledan; back row, coach Zbysek Rychtecky, Logan Gonzales, Christian White, Alex Hockenbery, Luke Maynard, Rune Lervaag and coach Mas Morimoto.

MDSA LEGENDS U14 BOYS TOOK ON AN ALL-LOCAL FIELD to take second place in the El Palo Alto Tournament at the end of April. The team includes, front row from left, Dylan White, Ricky Barba, Jake Haddad, Nick Zeller-Singh, Nathaniel Araujo, Logan Schoffstall, Niklas Weigelt; back row, team manager/coach Charles Schoffstall, Matthew Lavezzoli, Bryden Connel, Luke Mingham, Dante Maurino, Joseph Cicala, Adam Birder and assistant coach Joern Weigelt. Not pictured, Andres Reynoldo, John Cook, Aidan Jackman, Naldo Villarama, Michael Lizzarago and head coach JC Araujo.

Eagles athletes in league, section competition this month JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

The 2012-13 school year is wrapping up and that means so is the spring sports schedule. In fact, for Clayton Valley Charter High School the boys golf and tennis seasons just finished up at North Coast Section play while Diablo Valley Athletic League championships and Section play beckon for the other sports over the next three weeks.

The defending DVAL champion doubles team of Jimmy Young and Kevin Dong lost in the league tournament finals but they were granted an at-large berth into the NCS last week, where they were eliminated in the opening round. With the graduation of two-time league champ Jonathan Kim the Eagles didn’t have any singles player advance past the second round of the league tournament.

Liam Calkins shot the lowest score for Clayton Valley Charter at the league golf tournament and was one of three individual golfers along with the College Park team who advanced to the NCS Division I Tournament of Champions qualifier earlier this week.

Calkins shot 99 and Ryan Stickney 102 at the league meet when the Eagles took fourth.

Calkins was second-team allDVAL and Stickney honorable mention all-league.

On the diamond Clayton Valley has been making lots of

noise with its softball and baseball teams who were both undefeated in DVAL entering this week and are locks to enter NCS as high seeds.

The softball squad was tied with Concord High this week for first place and the two teams meet next week in a home and home series that will determine the league title. CVCHS is 15-2 overall and has been ranked in Northern California throughout the season.

Clayton Valley is trying to unseat defending baseball champ College Park and the two teams will decide things this week with two games including CVCHS hosting the Falcons this Thursday afternoon in a pivotal game. The Eagles were one game ahead of CP entering this week and are 17-3 overall.

Last Saturday Clayton Valley Charter played in the Dave Stewart High School Showdown at the O.com Coliseum. The Eagles beat Buchanan of Clovis 8-2 as part of a prep tripleheader on the home field of the Oakland A’s.

DVAL league swimming and diving meet is this Friday and Saturday at College Park with NCS a week later at Concord Community Pool.

Concord and Clayton Valley Charter met Tuesday in the opening round of the NCS DII boys volleyball playoffs. The winner will take on No. 1 seed Campolindo Friday evening.

The Eagles were 14-20 entering

the playoffs.

Section playoffs for boys and girls lacrosse begin next week after DVAL play concludes this Friday.

The DVAL track and field meet is this week, beginning four successive weekends of meets culminating May 31-June 1 with the State CIF finals in

Clovis at Buchanan High.

The Eagles girls 4X100 meter relay team broke the school record at the recent Warren Eaton relays as the girls won the Eaton team title. The record-setting relay included Janelle Bandayrel, Jessica Forrester, Jevoni Rogers and Sara Holt.

Parker Ewing is top seed in the 300-meter hurdles going into the DVAL championships.

Brad Lovick is the fastest 400 runner, Sterling Pascal of Clayton is top ranked in the high jump and the boys 4X100 relay team is currently leading the league. Holt is again one of the top 30 sprinters in the state with

a top time of 12.50 seconds in the 100 meters. In DVAL Forrester is No. 2 in the 200 at 26.86, Bandayrel is the top long jumper with a league leading best of 16-4, Amber Booth is the leader in the 400 meters with a best time of 1:00 and the girls 4x400 team has the top time of 4:10.

Raiders draft for character in 2013

TYLER LEHMAN

SPEAKING

OF

SPORTS

The NFL draft room, much like any football game, is a battlefield where professional teams and their managers try and get the most valuable players they can.

In this year’s draft, Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie made some great picks to help rebuild the struggling Silver and Black. Oakland

had the third overall pick in the draft, but they lacked a second round pick due to the trade for Carson Palmer a couple years ago. McKenzie wisely traded down to the 12th overall pick with the Miami Dolphins, and received their second-round pick. With the Raiders first selection in the draft, they took corner back D.J. Hayden out of the University of Houston.

Hayden is an outstanding cover man, but more than that he’s an outstanding person. Last November Hayden had a practice like any other, banging against his teammates like any practice. At this practice, though, Hayden had a freak injury where a vein near his heart was torn. Luckily he was rushed to the hospital and was able to fully recover. Since the injury he has been even more committed to football, and the

Raiders believe in that work ethic and commitment. The plan is for him to develop into a defensive leader and completely shut down the wide receivers he has to cover, much like the exRaider Nnamdi Asomugha.

With their second round pick the Raiders took offensive tackle Menelik Watson.

Watson played for the Florida State Seminoles and is a physical force. The only downside with him is that he is very much a raw talent. He is currently 25, and has only played a few years of football, primarily playing soccer and basketball before he switched to football.

He could be a steal for the Raiders, or he could end up being a complete flop. It all depends on how well he is able to improve his stances and footwork, which the Raiders staff can definitely help him with.

After the Raiders took Watson, they picked linebacker Sio Moore. Moore is a very talented young linebacker, and he had a great collegiate career at the University of Connecticut. He can cover as well as rush the passer, and he will compete for a starting job immediately.

The rest of the Raiders draft was more about drafting for value as opposed to need. They took some special teams players, as well as a running back and a couple of tight ends.

McKenzie at this point in the draft was simply looking for players who could come into training camp and compete, and hopefully they can make the roster and help the Raiders improve in the 2013 season.

Email your comments or questions to Tyler@claytonpioneer.com.

May 10, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Sports

Sports Shorts

Remarkable achievements “routine” for CVHS Hall of Fame Class of 2013 JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

A pair of coaches and eight athletes round out the third class to be inducted into the Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame on May 18.

NICOLE MCALLISTER ANDERSON CLASS OF 1993 Nicole McAllister earned seven varsity letters before graduating in 1993 as CVHS Female Athlete of the Year and receiving a full athletic scholarship to Oregon State University where she had a stellar career on the Beaver basketball team.

Her final two years of CVHS varsity basketball earned her more honors than we have space to print but she still holds the school scoring record and was East Bay Player of the Year, two-time league scoring champ and twice named all-State, team captain and MVP. She didn’t limit her skills to the basketball court as she was a four-year track letter winner helping the Eagles to four consecutive league titles. She was a State Meet participant as a freshman on the 4x100 relay and as a senior in the long jump. The Eagles won North Coast Section team titles her sophomore and junior years.

At OSU McAllister was a point guard who competed in Japan with the Pac-10 All-Stars, a team she also captained, like so many at CVHS. Her Beavers twice competed in the NCAA Tournament. She is principal at Highland Elementary School in Vallejo.

MELANIE TURNER CLASS OF 1998 Melanie Turner took no prisoners on the court for Clayton Valley basketball but does so now as a Berkeley Police officer.

She graduated from CVHS in 1998 as Athlete of the Year and with the notoriety of sinking the longest basket in school history, from the opposing team’s free throw line in the league championship game no less.

Turner was the basketball team MVP for four years (JV as a freshman) and capped her career leading the Eagles to the Bay Valley Athletic League and NCS championships before they were defeated in the first round of the NorCal playoffs. She was selected Concord City Player of the Year as a junior and senior, BVAL MVP her final year while averaging 17.5 points per game.

She was a three-time all-league

first-team selection and fourtime NCS scholar athlete.

She earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of San Francisco where she rose to team captain. After USF she played pro basketball in the Netherlands and then traveled around the West Coast playing collegiate teams while part of the San Francisco Pro-Am AllStar team.

DAMON MASHORE CLASS OF 1988 Damon Mashore came into Clayton Valley carrying the weight of his famous father’s reputation but soon set about making his own way. He was a two-way starter in football as well as the punter. He was all Diablo Valley Athletic League on offense, defense and as a punter his senior year and also first team all-East Bay and NorCal. Like his father it was on the baseball diamond that Damon Mashore really stood out. He was the starting centerfielder on varsity for three years, hitting 18 homeruns, setting and then resetting the school record his junior and senior seasons. He was first-team all-DVAL two years and senior team captain and MVP. In his junior year he helped the Eagles to their first NCS appearance in 10 years.

The following season the team was undefeated in league and went to the Section quarterfinals.

He concluded his high school career as Athlete of the Year, named to Baseball America Top 50, started the NorthSouth All-Star game and won a full-ride scholarship to Arizona.

As a Wildcat he started three years in centerfield, was Team USA selection in 1990, team MVP in ‘91 and third team allAmerica. He played for the Oakland A’s and Los Angeles Angels before going into coaching on the professional level, currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

JUSTIN MASHORE CLASS OF 1991 Justin Mashore completed the trio from his family to standout on CVHS athletic teams. He too won the Athlete of the Year award by capping his career with 11 varsity letters. He missed most of his senior (and fourth) year of varsity football due to an injury. He had racked up a slew of honors including being the first freshman to play varsity football at the school. He was a two-way starter at linebacker and

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3 SUMMER BASEBALL CAMP SESSIONS AT CLAYTON VALLEY IN JUNE Clayton Valley Charter High School coach Casey Coakley has put together a staff of current CVCHS coaches and players as well as Eagle alumni to provide baseball instruction to youngsters 6-13 years of age at the school. Summer baseball school sessions will be held June 17-20, June 24-27 and July 1-3. Each daily session runs 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Fee is $120 for one session with discounts for multiple weeks. To reserve a baseball school spot or to get more information email casey.coakley@claytonvalley.org.

27TH CLAYTON CLASSIC GOLF COMING UP MAY 20 The 27th annual Clayton Classic Golf Tournament at Oakhurst Country Club on Monday, May 20, still has openings for sponsors and golfers.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. with a noon shotgun start and dinner following the tournament, reports the sponsoring Clayton Business and Community Association.

For more information, visit claytoncbca.org or call (925) 672-2272.

Photo courtesy Oakland A’s

Damon Mashore is the middle piece of the Mashore Trilogy prominent in the Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Younger brother Justin and their dad Clyde have also earned CVHS Hall laurels. Damon Mashore was a football and baseball standout at the school before going on to be an All-America baseball player at the University of Arizona and then played for the Oakland A’s and Los Angeles Angels in major league baseball.

wide receiver every year and was first team all-DVAL and all-East Bay both his soph and junior seasons.

He got two varsity letters in basketball and one in track.

On the baseball diamond he also was a four-year varsity starter in the outfield. His freshman year the team was the first CVHS undefeated baseball team in league. They also won a cochampionship his senior season.

He was first-team all-DVAL for two years and set a league record with a .585 batting average as a senior. He stole 40 bases and scored 41 runs for school records.

The Detroit Tigers drafted him in the third round as the highest baseball draft pick in school history. He played professionally for 11 years and is now a hitting instructor in the Texas Rangers organization.

DARREN BALDWIN CLASS OF 1990 Darren Baldwin amassed eight varsity letters — seven in the pool and one on the basketball court. In water polo he was pulled up to varsity as a freshman for the NCS tournament and then spent three years on varsity, scoring nearly 350 goals

as well as twice being named CVHS and BVAL MVP and playing on two league championship teams. The Eagles took fifth and sixth, respectively, at NCS in his final two years. His scoring exploits earned him allAmerica honors in his last two seasons as well as first-team allNCS. He was also on the Jr. Olympic and National Youth water polo teams.

He only played varsity basketball his senior year on a team that won 20 games.

His swimming career was spent entirely on varsity with NCS appearances every year.

Baldwin and his Eagle boys freestyle relay teammates placed every year at NCS while he was a free specialist individually.

Baldwin was 1990 CVHS Athlete of the Year and earned a scholarship to University of Pacific for water polo and swimming. For the Tigers he helped the polo team to a top 10 ranking every year capped by the No. 2 National ranking as a senior and fifth place at the NCAA Championships as he scored over 50 goals, including seven at NCAAs.

See FAME, page 12

OAKHURST ORCAS SIGNUPS STILL ACCEPTED FOR SUMMER SWIM SEASON

Head coach Jasmine Millan is still accepting registrations for the Oakhurst Country Club recreation summer swim team.

For more information email coach Millan at swimcoach@oakhurstcc.com or visit oakhurstorcas.com.

CONCORD CUP XX MARKS MILESTONE MAY 18-19 Concord Cup will celebrate its 20th edition on the May 1819 weekend. The tournament began in 1994 and is co-presented by the Concord AYSO, Diablo FC and MDSA youth soccer organizations. The city of Concord co-sponsors Concord Cup. Over 100 girls and boys teams in the U10 through U19 age groups take part. For more information visit concordcup.com.

CLAYTON VALLEY HALL OF FAME TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will hold its third induction ceremony on Saturday, May 18, at Centre Concord. This year’s class of honorees comes from the 1960s through ‘90s. Tickets for the dinner and induction at $50 are available through Clayton Valley Charter High School website (claytonvalley.org, click on Web Store) or by sending a check to CVHS Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 842, Clayton, CA 94517.

MDSA GUARANTEED FALL LEAGUE PLACEMENT ENDS THIS MONTH Mt. Diablo Soccer is holding online signups for the fall AYSO season. Until the end of May every player who signs up is guaranteed placement on a team. Players who register during June are on a waitlist. Girls and boys 4 (must be 4 by July 31) through 18 are eligible for MDSA. Parents are strongly encouraged to also accept a volunteer assignment to assist MDSA operate. For more information email registration@mdsoccer.org or visit mdsoccer.org.

DIABLO FC U9-U18 COMPETITIVE SOCCER TEAMS WELCOME PLAYERS Diablo FC is now aligned with the San Jose Earthquakes and is encouraging boys and girls in the U9 through U18 age groups to visit the club website to get information on a player evaluation for the 2013-14 com-

petitive season. Players who missed tryouts can register today at diablofc.org and the appropriate age group coach will contact the player about an evaluation.

FOOTBALL, CHEER SIGNUPS OPEN FOR CLAYTON VALLEY FALCONS Registration is open for Clayton Valley Youth football and cheer. Football is open for ages 7-14 while cheer accepts ages 514. The next in-person registration days for the CVAA Falcons are Wednesdays, May 15 and June 5, 6-8 p.m. at Mountain Mike’s Pizza by Clayton Bowl.

The season starts July 29. For more information and online registration visit CVAAFalcons.com.

DVC HALL OF FAME HONORING 1989 FOOTBALL TEAM

The Diablo Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame will be honoring the undefeated 1989 Vikings football team early next year with induction into the DVC Hall on the 25th anniversary of its 10-0 regular season.

Please email Hall of Fame founder and chairman Steve Ward at sward@dvc.edu if you were a member of the team or know any of the players so they can be contacted about the event.

SUMMER YOUTH, ADULT PROGRAMS COMING TO CLAYTON GYM

Summer will be a busy time for All Out Sports League programs through Clayton Community Gym. Adult volleyball and summer leagues for youth volleyball (8-16 years-old), t-ball (3-5 year-olds) and basketball (416 year-olds) will all be offered in June and July. There are different deadlines for each program. For complete info, visit alloutsportsleague.com.

CLAYTON VALLEY FOOTBALL CAMP IN JUNE North Coast Section champion Clayton Valley Charter High School hosts its Future Champions Full-Pad Youth Football Camp June 24-27 at the Concord school. Camp Director Michael Dominquez and Eagles head coach Tim Murphy explain that the camp has individual and group instruction and team competition with fundamentals and techniques of football taught by the CVCHS staff. To register, email coach.dmngz@gmail.com or call (925) 381-5143 for an application.

Clayton Pioneer wants to hear your sports story We get plenty of information from local high schools, sports leagues and clubs. What we don’t hear about so often are from our neighbors who are competing below that radar screen.

There are Claytonians who are participating in sports and recreational endeavors that we don’t normally hear about but we’d like to tell their stories too. If you know of someone — or even if you are that someone — let us know what you’re doing and perhaps we’ll find it something our readers would love to read about!

If you’re running, jumping, hiking, biking, swimming, skydiving, bowling, golfing or participating in any of dozens of other sports and recreational activities let us know. Give us a brief rundown and your contact information and we might be in touch with you.

It’s as simple as sending an email to sports@claytonpioneer.com.

Page 12

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Sports

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In a surprise, Bernard Barnes won’t be returning next school year as Clayton Valley Charter High School girls basketball coach, concluding nine years at the school including six as head varsity coach.

Barnes coached the Eagles to a pair of undefeated DVAL titles, the North Coast Section championship game and the first round of the Northern California Championships in 2011 and 2013.

The Eagles were 34-2 in DVAL play over the last three years. Only a major injury to 2011 and 2013 league MVP Ashley Allen in the 2012 season likely kept the Eagles from three straight crowns.

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resigned as the boys coach after the season) soon. The school and Barnes had no comment about the reasons for his departure but

CVCHS is moving towards a coaching staff made up of oncampus teachers. Since last summer when the school become

Mike Dunn photo

BERNARD BARNES LED CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL girls basketball to a pair of undefeated DVAL titles, two North Coast Section championship games and the first round of the Northern California Championships twice since 2011 but he won’t be returning next school year. Barnes coached nine years at Clayton Valley, including the last six as head varsity coach.

Clayton Valley Charter 62% of the Eagle varsity teams have new head coaches.

Barnes previously coached at Mt. Diablo and Freedom high schools. He is also a coach for the Cal Stars AAU club with several other prominent high school coaches.

His assistant of five years Kris Pascoe also has left the staff. Her daughter Hailey Pascoe was a first-team all-DVAL player this season as a sophomore and is expected to remain in the program along with several other key contributors to the Eagles league championship team. Seniors Allen and Taryn Pascal graduate from the starting team.

Sullivan was in charge of Clayton Valley boys basketball for 10 years and 12 season overall at the school.

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from page 11 KASEY HARRIS BECKMAN CLASS OF 1997 Kasey Harris won a pair of varsity letters in water polo and one in track, footnotes compared to her swimming accomplishments. When she left CVHS in 1997 for a full scholarship to the University of Michigan she was among the most decorated swimmers in America.

She lost only one dual meet race and one individual NCS race in four years!

It’s been 16 years since Harris swam for the Eagles but still holds five school records. CVHS won the league team championship all four of her years and she was a NCS scholar athlete four successive seasons.

As a freshman Harris won two league and NCS individual and relay championships, set six school records and led the Eagles to the NCS team championship. She earned All-America honors in 100 and 200 free, 200 individual medley and 400 free relay. Their 200 medley relay was No. 2 in America.

Her final three years she was most inspirational swimmer and team captain. She won three individual and two relay titles at the league meet as a sophomore but did not take part in NCS as she was in Paris with the USA National Junior team. She was Junior National 100 butterfly champion, USA Swimming Scholastic all-America and a participant again at the US Olympic Training Center.

She was ranked No. 1 nationally in the 200 IM as a junior and was all-America in three events.

Harris won two events at both league and NCS. She competed with the USA National Team at the World Championships in Brazil while qualifying in four events for the 1996 Olympic Trials. That summer she made the finals of the 400 IM at the Trials.

As a senior she lost her only NCS race, taking second in the 100 fly while winning the 200 free. She had won two individual and two relay titles at league. She was All-America in the 100 fly, 200 free and 200 IM while ranking third nationally in the 200 free and fifth in the 100 fly.

KELLY HOWISEY KUNZMAN CLASS OF 1997 Kelly Howisey was part of golden generation of distance runners at Clayton Valley, earning four varsity letters each in cross country and track. The cross country team won league and NCS all four years. She was second twice and third two times individually at league while

Photo courtesy University of Michigan

KASEY HARRIS WAS A FORCE OF NATURE WHILE A SWIMMER AT CLAYTON VALLEY FROM 1994-97. She lost only one dual meet race and one individual race at North Coast Section in four years. Her achievements would have been slightly glossier but the four-year All-America didn’t go to NCS as a sophomore because she was in Paris with the USA National Junior Team. She was part of the Big 10 championship team for the Michigan Wolverines before transferring to Cal to conclude her collegiate career.

taking second at NCS as a senior after twice placing fourth. The Eagles were second three times at CIF State Meet and won the whole thing when Howisey was a sophomore as she took ninth, slightly better than her finishes the next two years.

The team also was first or second at the prestigious Stanford, Mt. Sac and Vulcan Classic (Birmingham, Alabama) cross country meets over the final three years of her career.

On the track each spring Howisey was no less successful.

Her team was first three times in league and no lower than third at NCS any year. Among her individual honors she set school records in the 800, 1500 and 1600 races while winning league titles every year (seven total). She was track and cross country MVP as a senior. During her junior year she was sixth in the 1600 at CIF State.

She was 1997 Athlete of the Year and the Dr. Richard B. Irvine Scholar Athlete. She was CVHS Scholarship Altair Award winner and the NCS Scholar Athlete of the Year. All of these accomplishments earned her a scholarship to Vanderbilt University. She competed in cross country, indoor and outdoor track for the Commodores, getting scholar athlete awards two years and allDistrict honors in 1997.

MICHELLE BARRIER MCGUIRE CLASS OF 1985 Michelle Barrier set the standard for Howisey and others with eight varsity letters as a distance runner. Her Eagles cross country teams won league and she was team MVP all four years.

Barrier won the league 400 meter track championship four times. Her relay team won DVAL titles three times. She was team MVP her freshman and senior years. She was second in the 400 and third in 800 at NCS as a soph. Her junior year who won

both 400 and 800 at league while matching her NCS results from the previous year. As a senior she was second at NCS in the 400 and qualified for CIF State Meet.

Six times that season she was the area prep leader at 400 or 800.

She was the 1985 Female Athlete of the Year and got a full-ride scholarship to the University of Montana. She was second in the Big Sky Conference 800 meters as a junior and senior and won the league championship as a sophomore in a meet and school record time of 2:07, a mark which still stands.

Her 4x800 meter relay also still holds the school mark.

Not content to end her athletic career after college, Barrier competed in masters track taking fifth in the USA 400 meters, fourth overall in the Iron Girl 5K and third at the Ballard Turkey Trot and Snoqualmie Railroad race.

COACH TOM DIMERCURIO After outstanding careers at Pittsburg High and Humboldt State Tom DiMercurio came out of college to teach and coach at Clayton Valley in 1965. He is a member of the Pittsburg Hall of Fame for his playing days in football, baseball, basketball and track.

He is now a two-time inductee in the CVHS Hall as a coach of the 1974 CVHS football team and this year with his ’77 Space Eagles baseball team that won the league championship and NCS Inland Valley championship before losing the NCS semi-final game.

He was twice the FitzPatrick Chevrolet baseball coach of the year (1970 and ’77).

Over his career DiMercurio coached baseball, football, tennis and gymnastics at CVHS. He retired from coaching in 1997 after gaining a reputation among athletes and fellow coaches for his skill and knowledge plus a great rapport with his students

and athletes.

Even in retirement DiMercurio worked with the late Jerry Coakley to put on youth baseball clinics.

COACH JOHN MILLAR Like DiMercurio, Millar coached multiple Eagles sports in cross country, soccer and track. He holds the CVHS head coaching record for most consecutive league championships (girls track from 1989-96).

Millar did post graduate work in Greece, Germany and Scotland as well as in San Francisco, UC Berkeley and Sonoma State before he even began teaching or coaching. He coached track and field for 15 years at Clayton Valley. He had over 100 athletes in the program each year and often required three buses to get the team to away meets. His girls track teams were 107-14 in dual meets while taking nine league championships. The boys were 96-25 and had three successive undefeated league championships from 1994-96.

He was an assistant coach for the legendary CVHS cross country teams of 1983-96. He coached girls soccer to a league championship in 1988. In 1996 Millar was selected Northern California Track and Field Honor Coach.

He further contributed to the CVHS community with his three children all graduating from the school.

This is the second of two parts profiling the inductees to the Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2013. The induction dinner is on Saturday, May 18, at Centre Concord. Hall of Famer Bud Beemer and longtime coach Herc Pardi will be master of ceremonies. Tickets are still available with limited tickets on sale at the door. See Sports Shorts (on page 11) for details.

May 10, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Ready to say goodbye to my hometown By the end of September, I will be a four-hour plane ride away from anywhere this newspaper is delivered. The fact that my life is going in such a crazy, exciting direction hasn’t fully sunk in yet. But I’ve had an odd revelation in the past week or so: there are things here that I am actually going to miss.

Don’t get me wrong, I know I won’t be homesick enough to want to stay. But the list extends further than just my friends and family. Although I certainly won’t miss things such as the traffic in the school parking lot or the near constant problems I’ve had with

CVCHS offers summer band camp Just because school is out doesn’t mean the music has to stop. Young local musicians in middle school can hone their skills at the Clayton Valley Charter High School Summer Band Camp, July 8-12 and 15-19.

Students with prior instrumental musical experience will have to opportunity to rehearse and perform in an ensemble, work in sectionals with local professional musicians, and work with Clayton Valley’s finest high school mentors. This will allow the young musicians to make a connection with the high school music department before starting school.

Camp times are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. There will be a concert performed at 12 p.m.

July 19. Camp cost is $200.

For more information, visit www.claytonbands.org or send a $50.00 deposit to 1101 Alberta Way, Concord, CA 94582 to reserve a spot.

new place is a bit unnerving; if I need something next year, I have no idea how to get it. I visited my future residence in April, and it hit me how much I will miss the familiarity that comes with going to the same grocery store for almost 18 years. Now I’m not even sure if there are Safeways where I’ll be. And as someone with a notoriously terrible sense of direction, I know it’ll be an adventure trying to find one.

Despite the fact that if I could fast forward to walking across the stage right now, I easily would, there are even things about my school I’ll miss. My lunches with my friends at our usual table in the quad are numbered. I’ll admit that what I’ll miss about school is mostly limited to seeing and spending time with my friends, but it’s a strange feeling to think that I

SARA CHAVEZ

TEEN SPEAK my school this year, the truth is, the city of Concord and its surrounding areas have been such an important part in shaping who I have become, that letting go and leaving will become more complicated than just packing up the contents of my bedroom.

Walking around a completely

Dry, Scratchy or Watery Eyes?

am almost completely finished. A good feeling, but still strange.

The truth of it is, Concord is my home, and despite the fact that I’ve used college as a ticket out of here, I always assumed I would be back in five years. Now I’m realizing I have no idea where I’ll go, but if I want a job out of college, it probably won’t be here.

These next four months that I’ll spend living at home, in my hometown, are likely the last ever, and right now, that feels a bit sad.

But I’m guessing that once I move on, I won’t want to come back for more than just a visit.

It could be allergies or Dry Eye Syndrome.

See us for a complete eye check.

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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.

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DVMS students look to the stars This year the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society set up their telescopes at Diablo View Middle School to spark an interest in astronomy among the students.

On Tuesday, April 16, the students were expertly guided through the way telescopes work and were able to see sun spots (or sun showers), Jupiter with its moons, the Orion Nebula, the Big Dipper and the moon. They learned how stars are created, and more about our galaxy and our universe. Not only did they get to see many different objects in space, they also got to see many different types of telescopes. If interested, students could fill out a worksheet about what they

learned and receive extra credit from some science teachers.

The Mount Diablo Astronomical Society provides free astronomy programs to schools, scouts, and other groups from March to October. At DVMS, the PFC sponsored this night of star gazing for an enrichment activity.

This was an amazing experience for DVMS students and their families. Students were able to speak with adults who have an interest in astronomy and learn that they can pursue interests in astronomy even if they don’t choose that as a career.

Hopefully, this has sparked an interest or a sense of wonder in the stars and planets. If you

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A BIG SHOUT OUT TO OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY FROM CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR MAKING COMCAST CARES DAY ON APRIL 27 A HUGE SUCCESS! We want to thank the following groups and individuals W for their tireless work and donations who made THIS DAY AMAZING!!

The Comcast Team led by Danny Bratcher The CVCHS Campus Beautification Team

Grounds Maintenance Donations and Lead

Flowers and Landscape Donation and Lead

Alison Bacigalupo Pat Middendorf Mary Ann Quinn Micki Walls

Cemax Kerr and Sons Conco Paul Farr Sr. Paul Farr Jr. Jim Middendorf

Debra Gonsalves

CVCHS Operations Committee

Volunteer Teams

Michelle Hill Jeff Peterson Stephanie Sproul Bill Jaggers Carla Neer Sunny Shergill Denise Erdum

CVCHS Sport Teams Football Boys and Girls Lacrosse Cross Country Swimming Trap Shoot Boys and Girls Soccer Softball Track Boys and Girls Tennis

Lead Painters Matt Hill Cory Quinn Ed Deeley Michael Domingues Boyd Taylor Andi Lineweaver Dave Cooney Dino Del Monte Tony Adams

CVCHS Executive Director Dave Linzey CVCHS Governing Board Jenny DeAngelis Neil McChesney Diane Bailey Pat Middendorf Alison Bacigalupo Megan Kommer Ted Meriam Kevin King Dick Ellis

Other Volunteer Teams CVCHS Cheerleading CVCHS Music CVCHS Leadership Class Ms. Maskaleris Art Class CVCHS Teachers and Staff CVCHS Custodial Team CVCHS Public Service Academy CVCHS Arts Academy CVCHS CSF CVCHS Sport Med Team Diablo Football Club DFC

Page 14

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May 10, 2013

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We recently welcomed our second child and I have spent a lot of time thinking about what it will be like to have two children and more specifically, what it will be like to parent siblings. I don’t have that sibling experience myself and when I look at both sides of my family, I see great examples of close, loving, healthy bonds as well as poor examples of tension, resentment and estrangement.

In my professional experience, clients often talk about being compared to their siblings and dealing with sibling rivalry.

Needless to say, I’ve had to do my research to help others as well as myself.

It is a given that all siblings will experience some tension, particularly when the second and subsequent baby is introduced. One local hospital nurse, who teaches a how-to-prepare siblings class, described the experience in this way: “Imagine that your spouse comes home,

when they become a big brother or sister. Also, even in the best of relationships, we remain human and so there is bound to be some conflict from time to time. That being said, here are some tips for how to nurture loving and respectful sibling bonds, according to psychological experts: Love each child just as they are. Be sure that each caregiver spend at least a half an hour each day with each child where you are doing whatever they want to do. Spend time roughhousing, playing or doing whatever together.

Remember that each child can be his or her best, rather than have to be “the best.”

Please don’t compare your children to each other or any other child for that matter.

Find ways to express gratitude and caring for one another.

Model and encourage saying “please” and “thank you.” At meal time, ask family members

STEPHANIE HO MIND MATTERS says to you, “Honey, I love you so very much. I love you so much that I want to share our love with someone else and expand our family. So, I’ve brought home a younger, newer, cuter spouse and we’re all going to live together and be so happy!” Suffice to say, I think that the vast majority of us might have some pretty strong feelings in that scenario.

It is important to understand that this is how little ones feel

to state what they liked or appreciated about what someone else in the family did for them that day.

Give kids their personal space, as well as the freedom to choose their own interests. Try, if at all possible, to have kids in their own rooms. If they need to sit next to each other in the car, then make sure each has their own toy or device to keep them occupied and not bored. And just because older sister or brother did an activity or sport and you’ve already got all the equipment and supplies, try to give their younger sibling a choice in whether or not to take it up as well.

Stephanie T. Ho is a licensed psychologist. She has a private practice office in Walnut Creek and also works at UC Berkeley. She can be reached at stephanie.ho.phd@gmail.com.

Safety smarts for the summer months Spring is upon us, and summer is right around the corner.

With the warmer weather, some of our daily habits will undoubtedly change. Windows and doors at home and in cars are left open, usually to enjoy the beautiful Clayton climate or to cool off a hot day. Unfortunately these habits also make it easier for criminals to ply their trade. Please help the Police Department help you safe by taking steps to decrease your

chances of being a victim.

Lock your doors and windows when you’re not home. If you enjoy having windows open in your house, consider having a locking mechanism that prevents the window from fully opening. This allows air to flow, but prevents somebody from entering through the window.

Lock your car and place valuables in the trunk. Leaving your purse, wallet, laptop or phone in the car with the

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windows down and doors unlocked is an open invitation for theft. This includes when you pull your car into the garage at night.

If you have a house alarm, please use it. We often hear from victims that they didn’t set the alarm. When asked why, they often reply “I was only going to be gone for a few minutes.” Sadly, criminals seem to pick those “few minutes” and make you a victim.

When leaving for an extended period of time, make arrangements to have your mail, paper, etc. picked up. Eliminate the signs that nobody is home.

Have interior lights on a timer to give your home the appearance that people are home.

Get to know your neighbors, let them know when you are leaving, and ask them to keep an eye on your home while you are gone. Whenever possible, be sure your neighbor has a means to contact you while away.

Contact the Clayton Police Department and arrange for a vacation house check while you are away. We have volunteers who will actually stop by your home and make sure everything is okay while you are gone.

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May 10, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Page 15

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Contra Costa Animal Services Adoption truck will be at Rodie’s Feed & Pet Supply’s Customer Appreciation and Pet Adoption Day from 10-2 on Saturday, May 18. There will be kittens, cats, puppies and dogs all looking for a new forever home. Bring the family for a free lunch, $5 pony rides, free door prizes, and amazing deals on pet and horse supplies. Come early and get a free gift.

See the back page of this issue for more information. Doors open at 9 a.m.

With spring comes the kickoff of sports like baseball, softball and spring soccer, bringing thousands of kids and adults to local sports fields.

These events also bring some uninvited fans – mosquitoes.

The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced recently that these pesky insects are off to an early start. They can cause anything from irritating bites and rashes to more serious illnesses like West Nile virus, so authorities are urging players, coaches and spectators to take care.

Since 2005, 39 county residents are known to have con-

tracted West Nile virus and two citizens have died. However researchers say the vast majority of people who contract West Nile virus do not receive a doctor’s diagnosis, so the true number of West Nile virus patients was not known until 2012. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes that up to 1,902 Contra Costa County residents have actually been infected with West Nile virus since the first known cases in 2005, but for a variety of reasons, they did not get tested for the disease.

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mends any players or spectators attending practices or games within two hours before and after sunset should wear repellent to deter mosquitoes that can make anyone of any age ill.

Also, remember to dump or drain any amount of standing water, because fewer places to lay eggs means fewer mosquitoes in the area. That makes nightly ball games and other activities not only more fun, but healthy as well.

For more information, please visit the CCM&VCD website at www.contracostamosquito.com.

Estate planning for adopted children and stepchildren RICHARD LITTORNO ESTATE PLANNING If you have adopted children or unadopted stepchildren, estate planning is critical to ensure that your property is distributed the way you desire. If you’re unmarried and in a longterm relationship with someone who has biological or adopted children, planning may be particularly important.

ADOPTED CHILDREN In most states, adopted children are placed on an equal footing with biological children for estate planning purposes.

Thus, adopted and biological children are treated the same way under a state’s intestate succession laws, which control who inherits property in the absence of a will.

In addition, adopted children generally are treated identically to biological children for purposes of wills or trusts that provide for gifts or distributions to a class of persons, such as “children,” “grandchildren,” or “lineal descendants.”

STEPCHILDREN Stepchildren generally don’t have any inheritance rights with respect to their parents’ new spouses unless the spouse legally adopts them. If you have stepchildren and want them to share in your estate, you should

either adopt them or amend your estate plan to provide for them expressly.

Of course, estate planning isn’t the only reason to adopt stepchildren. Adoption also gives you all of the legal rights of a parent during your life.

Before you adopt stepchildren, however, be sure to consider the potential effect on their ability to inherit from (or through) their biological parents. In most states, when a child is adopted, the adoption decree severs the parent-child relationship with the biological parents. That means the child can’t inherit from the biological parents – and the biological parents can’t inherit from the child –through intestate succession.

Most states also provide an exception for certain “family realignments.” Suppose that a boy’s father dies. If his mother remarries and her new husband adopts her son, the exception allows the boy to inherit from his deceased father’s parents or other relatives. If, for example, the boy’s deceased father’s sister (his aunt) dies without a will and without any other descendants, then her nephew inherits her estate. But in a state that doesn’t recognize a family realignment exception, the boy would receive nothing.

If you wish to exclude stepchildren from your estate, in most cases it’s sufficient to do nothing. But some states permit stepchildren to inherit through intestate succession under certain circumstances.

And a handful of courts have invoked a doctrine of

“equitable adoption.” Under this doctrine, if a deceased person has raised a child as his or her own but hasn’t legally adopted the child, a court may permit the child to inherit to prevent an “injustice.” The most effective way to make certain that stepchildren don’t inherit from your estate is to revise your will to exclude them by name.

‘SECOND PARENT’ ADOPTIONS

A growing minority of states now permit “second-parent adoptions,” in which an unmarried person adopts his or her partner’s biological or adopted children without terminating the partner’s parental rights.

Some of these states permit same-sex couples to perform second-parent adoptions, while some do not. And even in states that recognize second-parent adoptions, their intestate succession laws may not provide for a child to inherit from the “second parent.”

For unmarried couples who can’t obtain a second-parent adoption, or choose not to, estate planning is especially critical — if they want the “nonparent” to have custody of the child should the “parent” die or become incapacitated and if the nonparent wants the child to inherit from him or her.

First, the parent should consider using a power of attorney for parental authority and appointing the nonparent as a guardian to ensure that he or she can act on the child’s behalf and has priority over the “parent’s” blood relatives in the

event the parent dies or becomes incapacitated.

Second, both partners should amend their wills. The parent’s will should name his or her partner as the child’s guardian, and the nonparent’s will should spell out any property to be inherited by the child.

HAVE A PLAN To ensure your desired treatment of adopted children or unadopted stepchildren, the best strategy is for you and your spouse or partner to spell out your wishes in wills, trusts and other estate planning documents. As with most estate planning issues, relying on the laws of intestate succession can lead to unwelcome surprises.

Richard A. Littorno is an attorney specializing in estate planning.

He has offices in Walnut Creek and Pittsburg. Send your questions to Richard@LittornoLaw.com.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 10, 2013

Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MAY 15 FOR THE MAY 24

IN CLAYTON May 11 Concerts in the Grove 6 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3.

May 11 Plant Sale Annual plant sale by Clayton Valley Garden Club. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Endeavor Hall parking lot, 6008 Center St., Clayton. claytonvalleygardenclub.org.

ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO

Thru May 12 Company C Contemporary Ballet Spring 2013 program. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Thru May 12 “Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World” Romantic comedy exploring the differences between American and Middle Eastern cultural values and expectations. Parental advisory. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$35. centerrep.org. 943-7469.

calendar@claytonpioneer.com

May 14 Ed’s Mudville Grill This Tip a Teacher is organized by the Mt. Diablo Elementary Parent Faculty Club. Third- through fifth-graders are invited. Fliers available at mtdiabloelementary.mdusd.org. Bring flier and Ed’s donates 20 percent. Dine in or take out. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Located at 6200 Center St., Clayton. 673-0333.

June 15 Car Show Cars, awards, barbecue, activities for kids. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dave Brubeck Park, Concord Boulevard between Mendocino Drive and Denkinger Road, Concord. Free to spectators. $25 admission for car participants; $20 before June 1. Held by Calvary Temple to benefit Wounded Warrior Project. calvarytemple.org.

May 11, 18, 25 Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturdays. Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown Clayton. pcfma.com/clayton.

Thru May 26 “Salome” Butterfield 8 Theatre Company presents this one-act play telling the Biblical story of Salome. Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $10-$20. b8company.com.

May 18, 19 Gardens Tour Clayton Historical Society’s annual gardens tour. Five homes. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Self-guided tour starts at Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St., Clayton. Tickets $25; $30 day of. claytonhistory.org.

May 10, 11, 12 “Broadway Bash” A lively romp through some of Broadway’s best party songs, presented by Broadway Chorus. Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton. $10-$20. trivalleyrep.org.

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 672-2272.

May 11 Chamber Music SF Featuring pianist Garrick Ohisson. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets on sale May 11 at 12 a.m. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

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.

May 11 Delta Moon Student Film Festival Dedicated exclusively to showcasing the top films produced by high school students in North America. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $6.50-$9. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Thursdays thru May 16 Picture Book Time Story time for 3- to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. 11 a.m.

May 12 Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra French Connection. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.

May 13 Clayton Library Book Club Sunny Solomon leads a discussion of “The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet” by David Mitchell. Open to anyone who would like to join. 7 p.m.

May 17, 18 “Alice in Wonderland” Presented by Contra Costa Ballet Foundation. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $23-$33. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 13 Special Needs Trusts Workshop Ivette Santaella gives a presentation that focuses on transition issues for special needs individuals, families and caregivers.

Question and answer period. 6:30 p.m. Registration requested.

May 17 – June 22 “Sweet Charity” Meet Charity Hope Valentine, the girl who wants to be loved so much that she sings, dances, laughs and cries her way through romances. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42-$57. centerrep.org. 943-7469.

The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. 646-5455.

IN CONCORD May 11 Mom and Music Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Mount Diablo Music Education Foundation’s All Area Music Festival featuring music students from Mt. Diablo elementary, middle and high schools. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free. cityofconcord.org.

May 13 Stroke Support Group Speaker: Georgia Upshaw of Lingraphica. Topic: Alternative Communication Systems. 7 – 9 p.m. Concord Room, John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus, 2540 East St., Concord. Free.

Contact Ann Dzuna 376-6218.

May 18 Furry Pet Faire Pet parade, contest and adoptions sponsored by the Concord Senior Center and Contra Costa Humane Society. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. John Baldwin Park, 2727 Parkside Circle, Concord. Free admission. cchumane.org. 671-3017.

Thursdays May 23 – Sept. 12 Music and Market Thursday night live music and farmers’ market. Market 4 – 8 p.m.; music 6:30 – 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free. cityofconcord.org.

May 25-27 KidFest 24th annual event with nonstop activities for kids, tweens and parents; arts and crafts, food court and rides. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. $5 with canned food donation for Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano; $6 without. kidfestconcord.com.

ON THE MOUNTAIN Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information.

May 11 Summit Wildflower Walk Walk on Mary Bowerman trail. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meet at Lower Summit parking lot.

May 15 Birds and Wildflowers Pleasant walk with little elevation in Mitchell Canyon area. 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.

May 19 What’s That Bug? Learn about the fascinating insects that share the mountain. Join Naturalist Michael Marchiano in the Summit Audio Visual Room between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

June 1 Historical Loop Join Rich McDrew to hike several historical sites in the park. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at Curry Point on South Gate Road.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Thru May 11 “Grace and Glorie” A story of pain and wisdom, heartbreak and comfort, comedy and acceptance set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Diablo Actors’ Ensemble Theatre, 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. diabloactors.com.

May 18, 19 “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” Barney Cashman, a middle-aged, married restaurateur decides he wants to have an affair. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.

May 19 Diablo Symphony Orchestra Gypsy Magic. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 21 Diablo Wind Symphony Concert. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $4-$10. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 24 – June 8 “100 Lunches” OnStage Theatre performance. A successful playwright dines with a newspaper critic who consistently pans his work in public, yet privately seeks his help in writing a play of her own. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$22. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. claytonlibrary.org or 673-0659.

Tuesdays thru May 14 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver.

11 a.m.

Wednesdays Book Buddies A volunteer will read stories for children 3 and older. 1 - 2 p.m.

Call in advance.

May 11 Urban Cycling 101 The East Bay Bicycle Coalition presents a free bicycle safety class for teens and adults. Free reflective vest. Registration required. ebbc.org/safety or (510) 845-7433, ext. 2. 1 – 4:30 p.m.

May 18 Meditation at the Library Celebrate National Meditation Month by joining Dr. Marshall Zaslove for a presentation on the benefits of accurate meditation as well as a demonstration. 1 – 3 p.m.

May 25 College Workshop designed for college-bound teens.1 – 3 p.m.

SCHOOLS May 10, 17, 18 “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Clayton Arts Academy Advanced Drama Troupe presents this musical comedy. Clayton Valley Charter High School, Multi-Use Room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. $5-$10 at the door. Contact Elizabeth Emigh at (510) 590-1367 or Elizabeth.emigh@claytonvalley.org.

May 31 – June 1 Smuin Ballet Bouquet Smuin spring dance series. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $70. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.

June 1 “Rollin’ on the River” The Diablo Women’s Chorale launches its 71st Annual Spring Concert. 3 p.m. Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. $15 at the door; $10 for students. diablowomenschorale.org.

June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 Mini Mondays Children aged 2-5 discover the natural world around them.

Children must be accompanied by adult. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. $15. wildlife-museum.org. 935-1978.

CHURCHES AND RELIGION May 19 Dinner and a Movie Crossroads Church invites its neighbors to dinner and “The Perfect Stranger.” 6 p.m. Multi-Use Room, 5353 Concord Blvd., Concord. 798-5905. Free admission. Donations accepted.

FUNDRAISERS May 14 Concert An evening with Gordon Goodwin featuring the Concord High Jazz Ensemble and the Instrumental Music Program. Proceeds go to the Concord High School Instrumental Music Program and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

CHARLIE BROWN (Nicolas Noratto) brings Snoopy (Jacob Ben Shmuel) supper in Clayton Valley’s upcoming production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

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’

May 10, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 17

Fundraisers

Relay For Life plans fundraisers The third annual Clayton Relay For Life is Aug. 3 and 4 at Clayton Community Park. Relay For Life is not a race or run.

Teams form before the event and raise money for the American Cancer Society. At the relay, teams keep at least one member on the track for the full 24 hours to signify that cancer never sleeps and neither does the fight against cancer.

There are two fundraisers for Clayton’s Relay now. Luminaria, a tribute to people who have cancer, had cancer, or have lost their battle with cancer, will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at Mountain Mike’s Pizza. Come decorate a small paper bag dedicated to a loved one who has been touched by cancer. A glow stick illuminates the bag for a special ceremony during the Relay at dusk.

Materials for decorating will be provided. A suggested donation of $10 per bag is welcome.

The decorating event is at 5358 Clayton Road, Concord (next to Clayton Bowl). If people wish to order pizza or other meals at any time during that day, 30 percent of their food purchase will be donated to Clayton’s Relay for Life. For more information, go to relayforlife.org/claytonca.

Another fundraiser is flocking or making a donation in return for having a flock of purple flamingoes surreptitiously placed in a friend or neighbor’s yard for their early morning enjoyment. Contact Isabella Mercurio at 673-1150.

Postal carriers send their own message on ending hunger This Saturday your mail carrier will be looking for something more than mail when they make their rounds.

People from across the country will partner with their letter carriers to help “Stamp Out Hunger.” Now in its 21st year, the Stamp Out Hunger food drive is the largest singleday effort to combat hunger in America and the largest singleday food drive for food banks in the Bay Area.

Residents are asked to place a sturdy bag of non-perishable food items like peanut butter, pasta, rice, low-sugar cereal and canned foods such as tuna, meat, stew, soup and vegetables by their mailbox before their mail is delivered on May 11.

One question I am asked a lot of the time is whether I can install a customer-provided part on their car. Unfortunately, to this I have to say no.

The reason is liability.

Under California law a shop has to stand by its warranty on all work. Another reason is, what if the part is damaged before it’s brought to the shop?

If the shop installs the part and it fails, the customer is responsible for the cost of removing the part again as well as installing the replacement.

Another thing that comes into the picture are the possible storage/parking charges for the vehicle until the new replacement part arrives. Then there’s the question of when was the part damaged. Or what happens when the part fails five or six months from the time it is installed? Most suppliers won’t exchange a part that’s been installed, so just think what they will say about a part that’s six months old.

Now then the question comes up, is the part’s fault or was it installed wrong? Either way the customer has to pay for another part and labor to install it.

ment of Agriculture’s annual study measuring food security in the United States, more than 50 million Americans, including nearly 17 million children, are struggling with hunger.

“This drive comes at a critical time,” said Larry Sly, executive director of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

“Donations tend to drop off after the holidays, while the Bay Area food banks see an increase in requests from parents of school-aged children. With record numbers of people who never before needed help from a food bank, it is a difficult time right now.”

To learn more about the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, visit www.helpstampouthunger.com.

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My year in Clayton: Life as an exchange student KATHARINA WOESTE Special to the Pioneer

Have you ever thought about leaving your friends, school, language and country behind to go to another country where you don’t know anyone?

That’s what I did.

I am Katharina Woeste. I am 16 years old and an exchange student from Germany for one year. I arrived in Clayton Aug. 5, 2012, and that’s where my adventure began.

My first day in high school was scary but I was so excited. I always wanted to go to a high school in America. In my first week of school I found friends pretty fast, and now my favorite things are brunch and lunch to

Can my mechanic install my own parts?

GARY TAYLOR CAR TUNED

Letter carriers will collect the food items and deliver them to their local food bank, to then be distributed to the community to help. The donations will go a long way toward filling empty tummies, especially during the summer months when school is out and children don’t have access to meal programs.

Last year, the Bay Area Stamp Out Hunger food drive collected more than 835,000 pounds of food for those in need.

Despite the generosity of millions of Americans who have supported the letter carriers’ food drive in previous years, the need for food assistance still exists for many families.

According to the U.S. Depart-

If the part was bought through a shop and installed and it failed within the warranty time, the shop will replace the part with no charge to the customer and no hassle whatsoever. This means the customer does not deal with the hassle of returning the part for credit – the supplier works with the shop if there has been some kind of agreement worked out.

Now what about the price of the part? Shops charge more for their parts than the parts supplier. Why? This comes down to a question of quality. Most shops buy topshelf parts like OE to cover their warranty term, just so there is less a chance of a warranty problem. Any warranty work is more costly to the shop than the initial repair and that is why shops do everything possible to do the job right the first time and buying top quality parts is no different. When you go to a parts store they will quote you on the lesser-priced part (e.g. lower quality). There is not a lot of difference between the price a parts store charges a shop or the general public.

Now the shop charges for the price of the top part plus a profit. This is the reason there is a big difference in price.

Think of it this way: Would you go to a restaurant and ask the chef to cook the food ingredients you brought with you?

Gary Taylor is service manager at Clayton Valley Shell. Call him with questions at (925) 672-3900

meet up with my friends.

I am also on the Clayton Valley varsity lacrosse team as a goalie. It’s so much fun and I love my team. I never thought I would make it but I did. Especially because I never played lacrosse before. Two of my best friends are also on the team.

THANKS TO ROTARY I am not the only exchange student in this area. There eight more exchange students from Rotary in our school district. I go to Rotary meetings every Thursday before school.

With the other exchange students I have gone on trips to Lake Tahoe, Clear Lake, San Francisco and more. We are going on a trip to L.A., San Diego, Disneyland, Sea World, Las Vegas, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon I am going to see my family and friends again but I am also going to miss my family and friends over here.

I don’t Skype that often but when I do I start crying because I am so happy to see them. Big holidays like Christmas or Easter are hard, just because I know that my whole family in Germany is together and having a good time. On Christmas, I was sad because it’s just a really big thing for my family, but I had my host family here and they helped me a lot.

WEATHERING CALIFORNIA One of the best things in California is the weather. It’s always nice and sunny – I love it. The weather back home is most likely cold but it can be really hot during summer.

People think that we snowboard or ski a lot but I actually

SIGN-UP NOW FOR OUR LOWEST RATES EVER! • 24/7 365 Club access to more than 2000 Clubs worldwide • Cardio, strength and circuit training,TRX and more • Private bathrooms and showers GERMAN EXCHANGE STUDENT KATHARINA WOESTE learned what life is like as a highschool student in Clayton.

just learned how to snowboard over here in Nevada City.

The second time I went snowboarding was with other exchange students in Lake Tahoe. I fell and got a concussion. So now I have the whole American experience of a hospital visit.

I have had two host families, one for three months and the other one for the rest of my exchange.

I never had younger siblings but now I do, a brother who is nine and a sister who is 17. I love them – sometimes we have some fights but that’s normal.

It’s different to live with another family for that long time but you really get attached to them. When I think about leaving I am really sad. When I talk to my friends about my host family I most likely say “my brother” or “sister,” “mom” or “dad” and they always think I’m talking about my family back in Germany, but no, it’s my family here.

It’s going to be really hard to leave my best friends here. I do a lot with them and don’t really want to think about leaving them.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS This spring’s abnormally hot weather pattern scorched Clayton and the Bay Area. Afternoon temperatures reached the 80s and low 90s in late April and early May. It’s been great weather to enjoy all types of outdoor activities, but there are negative aspects to heat waves.

One of the biggest public safety issues is hyperthermia or heatstroke. We commonly associate heatstroke with people who overexert themselves and

fail to drink enough liquids.

An unfortunate and tragic form of heatstroke occurs when children are left unattended in automobiles. The statistics are startling. In the United States alone, there is an average of 38 heatstroke deaths of children per year!

As we all have experienced, the interior of an automobile can heat up intensely on a sunny day. The sun’s rays (short wave radiation) penetrate through the windows of a car and heat up objects in the interior. A dark dashboard or seat can reach temperatures of up to 200 degrees F. Car interior objects (dashboard, seats, etc.) heat the air trapped inside a car by process-

es known as convection and conduction. As objects in the car become warmer they begin to radiate (long wave radiation).

These long waves are very effective in heating up air inside a vehicle.

Scientific studies indicate that air trapped in automobiles will heat up rapidly on a sunny day. The air temperature inside a car can exceed 120 degrees F in as little as 15 to 20 minutes.

Cracking open a window does little to slow this temperature rise.

Almost 70 percent of child heatstroke deaths involved a child “forgotten” or intentionally left in vehicles by a caregiver.

Most of the remaining fatalities involved children playing inside

a car that was left unlocked.

Although it may seem obvious, the best way to prevent child hyperthermia is for the driver to check all car seats each time they exit a vehicle. Also, it is important to always lock your car at all times, especially in your own driveway, so that children are not tempted to use an automobile as a playground.

Summer-like weather in the middle of spring can be very enjoyable, but these hot sunny days also remind us of the potential dangers associated with children and pets left unattended in automobiles.

Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist with PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com

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it will drive business to local mom and pops as well as places like Sunvalley Mall.”

Montagh said that many other East Bay cities, including Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Livermore and Pleasanton, already have similar tourism districts in place to help attract business to their hotels.

Marilyn Fowler, director of the Concord Chamber of Commerce, agrees that promoting local tourism benefits everyone.

“It adds to the economic vitality of all businesses,” she said.

Lisa Bonnington of the Crowne Plaza Hotel said that people will begin to see Concord as a destination. “Basically, our message is ‘Stay Concord,

Shop Concord, Visit Again.’”

All members of the city council applauded the efforts of the businesses and hotels that helped set this program in motion. Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister said it shows the “self-help” initiative that the city needs.

“When we lost redevelopment funds in 2011, many residents and businesses asked me, ‘What are we going to do now?” she said. “Now, we can show them what our local hotel industry is doing to help themselves.”

A final public meeting on establishing the Tourism Improvement District will be held at the council’s May 28 meeting.

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The city council authorized funds in our Downtown Economic Development Project Account, other capital project savings and earned interest to pay cash for the property. While the use of these one-time funds will certainly limit the city’s ability to finance other future capital improvement projects or downtown economic development enhancements until the property is resold, the purchase of the property now allows the city to control and manage its land use and development.

At a minimum, the land purchase provides the city with diversity in our investment portfolio, since land often offers better returns than interest earning on our various other CDs and cash deposits in the Local Agency Investment Fund. And, we have already had inquiries from potential developers about future commercial development.

The Clayton Town Center Specific Plan outlines four goals for our downtown area: • The establishment of “an attractive and vibrant pedes-

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The Farmers’ Market runs in the park from 4 to 8 p.m., with music from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Blues lovers can look forward to Tuesday nights in July when a different band will perform each week from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the Todos Santos stage.

and the entire Clayton Community Church team for their patience, commitment and attention to detail in completing this transaction. We all said many times during the negotiations that we should celebrate when we got it all done. So, now it’s time for the ice cream with sprinkles!

MERRY MONTH OF MAY May is a busy month in our downtown. This Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. is opening day of our wonderful Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market. The Clayton Valley Garden Club will be holding its annual Plant Sale in the Endeavor Hall parking lot that morning too. The Clayton Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to noon, as well. And from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday evening is our first Concert in The Grove with the Sun Kings, the premier Beatles tribute band.

Chairs can be put out at 4 p.m.

And don’t forget the Clayton Gardens Tour on May 18 and 19. I hope to see you everywhere.

As always, you can contact me by email at JPierce@ci.clayton.ca.us. Let me know what you think!

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Evolution (Journey) and Hotel California (Eagles). The series will continue through Sept. 12 with a wide variety of musical styles, including country, rock, blues, zydeco and jazz.

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trian-friendly Town Center with a mixture of commercial, civic, recreational and residential uses.”

• “Maintain and enhance retail and restaurant uses in the Town Center in order to…support the city’s financial ability to provide adequate services to local residents and businesses.”

• “Establish the Town Center as the city’s focus for economic development....”

• “Preserve historical resources in the Town Center” by encouraging “the renovation and re-use of long-term vacant or under-utilized buildings…and parcels.”

The Clayton Community Church continues to maintain its offices in the former Pioneer Inn building while also marketing that land for sale. Combined, the two parcels offer a unique opportunity to revitalize our Town Center. Send me an email describing specific businesses you want to see in our downtown.

I want to thank all our city staff, Pastor Shawn Robinson

from page 7

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from page 7 “Too often, violators will not be seen in court until three or four months after they are cited,” said Concord police Lt. Robin Heinemann, who helped draft the plans for the community court. “It’s as if a child steals a cookie from a cookie jar, then four months later, her parent says, ‘remember that cookie you stole? Well, now I’m going to punish you.’”

Heinemann said that records show a close correlation between truancy and juvenile crime committed by and against minors. Truancy is a significant risk factor for substance abuse, gang activity, teen pregnancy, and school dropouts.

Under the new Community Court process, those cited – for curfew violators, these are students who have already received a warning – can either go the traditional route and have their case heard at the District Attorney’s office, or opt for a Community Court Hearing (CCH).

At the CCH, a third-party administrator will arbitrate the hearing, assisted by a Deputy DA and members of the Concord Police Department. Punishments will range from writing apology letters, in the case of curfew violators, to attending 12-Step meetings, in the case of chronic alcoholics who are disorderly.

“This gives us the discretion of a much more humanistic approach to petty crime,” Heinemann said. “If we see a pattern of lawbreaking, we can refer the person to the appropriate social service agency. We just have more tools in the toolbox to help our residents.”

Those opting to use the CCH will pay a sliding fee as low as $25, which city officials say will help the program pay for itself.

Councilman Edi Birsan underscored the fact that the CCH isn’t just for curfew violators, but also for others arrested on so-called “quality of life” charges such as vagrancy.

“It’s a bold move, but we can’t be afraid to try something and fail – we should only be afraid not to try,” he said.

Other council members were similarly excited to get the program off the ground. “This is a very beneficial program for everyone, and it should help the offenders get back on track,” said council member Laura Hoffmeister. “Our residents are concerned with reducing the quantity of these ‘quality-oflife’ misdemeanor crimes.”

Meanwhile, the daytime curfew ordinance itself is being hailed as one of the best in the county, Heinemann said.

May 10, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Performing Arts

‘Sweet Charity’ opens at the Lesher Center May 17

‘100 Lunches’ on the menu for Onstage Theater

LEWIS SMITH PLAYS A WRITER is consistently panned by a critic played by Rhonda Taylor, who secretly seeks his help in writing her own play in “100 Lunches” opening at the Lesher Center on May 24.

The Onstage Company will dish Lunches,” by Jack and Leo W. Sears,

Theater up “100 Sharkey May 24

through June 8 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.

Helen Means is directing

Page 19

this comedy that revolves around a successful playwright who dines with a newspaper critic who consistently pans his work in public, yet privately seeks his help in writing a play of her own. The playwright insists the critic foot the bill at the most expensive restaurants in New York.

The cast includes Lewis Smith, Rhonda Taylor, Babette Bilger , Cooper McAdoo, Don Tamblyn and Jennifer Brown Peabody.

Tickets are $22 general, $17 seniors and $10 youth to 17. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 925-943-SHOW (7469), or stop by the Lesher Center ticket office, 1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek.

It started with Fellini, was made world famous by Fosse, and now Center REP brings this multi-Tony Award winner by Neil Simon, Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields to the Lesher stage May 17-June 22.

Meet Charity Hope Valentine, the girl who wants to be loved so much that she sings, dances, laughs and cries her way through romances with the “animal magnetism” hero, the “ultra-chic continental” hero and the “impossible-to-believe but he’s better-than-nothing” type hero.

This delightful musical features fabulous dancing and great tunes such as “Hey Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now!” The show opens May 17 and plays through June 22 at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Drive in downtown Walnut Creek. For performance times and ticket info, go to CenterREP.org, call the box office at (925) 943-7469 or go to the ticket office outlet at Barnes & Noble in Walnut Creek and the Walnut Creek MOLLY BELL, TIMOTHY NEAR AND JENNIFER PERRY IN CENTERREP’S “Sweet Charity” based on the book by Neil Simon. The show opens Library.

May 17. Great songs (“Hey Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now”, make this show an audience favorite.

Book Review

Mind games abound in LaPlante’s latest read There is nothing more entertaining than an unreliable narrator. In her debut novel, “Turn of Mind,” (Grove Press; March 2012) Alice LaPlante gives us a delicious narrator who is as fascinating as she is unpredictable.

Dr. Jennifer White is a respected surgeon with a stellar career and grown children when she begins to slowly lose her mind to dementia. Compound the tragedy of the loss of her mental abilities with the murder

of her best friend and neighbor, Amanda, and Dr. Jen is one confused lady. Because she was a surgeon who specialized in the medical mysteries of the hands, and her BFF was found murdered in her home with three fingers surgically removed, Dr. Jen is the logical suspect. But the police cannot find the necessary evidence to officially charge her.

Because her own memory is dissolving by the day, there seems little they can do but to continue

Every girl’s crazy ‘bout a sharp dressed man

JUDITH MARSHALL

FASHION OVER 50 I’m very lucky. My husband loves clothes. He even likes to shop for clothes. But I realize that most men aren’t like my husband. Most men focus on comfort rather than fashion.

They’ll wear the same pair of pants for years and when they’re forced to buy a new pair (usually by their wives or girlfriends) they don’t care if they’re flat front or pleated as long as they are comfortable, in a neutral color and aren’t too expensive. Now, there’s nothing wrong with comfort, but age shouldn’t be a barrier to looking sharp.

Here are some simple suggestions for updating your man’s wardrobe: Wear more color – I’m not talking about taking a giant leap into a fuchsia dress shirt. For the color-phobic, a polo shirt in a rich blue or grass-green may be the first step. Wearing color next to your face gives you a more youthful, fresher appearance.

Invest in a good belt – If you’re wearing that old belt that has bends around the holes you can no longer fit into, dump it.

Invest in a good quality brown

and black reversible belt with an understated buckle.

Dark denim works – Men over 50 look great in dark inkcolored jeans, like Levi 501s.

Make sure they are not too high-waisted or not too lowwaisted. You’re too old to dress like a rapper. Take the old baggy ones to a thrift shop, or wear them to work outside.

Wear a classy watch – I’m not a big fan of men wearing a lot of jewelry. A good watch should be the main event. You don’t have to spend a fortune.

There are some cool brands like Diesel, Kenneth Cole and Fossil.

Buy some cool shades – Aside from looking stylish and hip, sunglasses will keep you from squinting, which can help keep those wrinkles at bay.

Grooming, please – When you get a haircut, ask your stylist or barber to check those nose and ear hairs. And don’t be tempted to dye your hair. It never works. If you’re committed to facial hair, keep it neat and trimmed. If your smile isn’t what it used to be, buy some whitening strips. Lastly, keep your nails short and clean. The Howard Hughes look is dead, as is Howard.

That’s it, gentlemen. You’ll know you got it right when the compliments come rolling in.

Live long and pester!

Judith Marshall is the author of “Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever.” Send comments to Judith.Marshall@att.net.

CYNTHIA GREGORY

FOR

THE

BOOKS

to doggedly pursue the case, asking questions, probing memories, and hope that she has a good day and can help them to solve the crime.

Jennifer White is a widow, but most days she doesn’t remember that. Instead, she insists that her husband is working late, that he is out of town, that he is somehow missing and will return. She lives with a caregiver and most days does not recognize “that woman.”

Magdalena helps Jennifer keep a diary of daily events. She helps her pour over photo albums, prompts her with questions about who the people are; what they mean to Jennifer.

Increasingly, Magdalena keeps Jennifer from wandering outside of the house and getting lost because she is as cunning as she is fast, and can cover a considerable distance before anyone notices she’s missing.

Then, there are her two children who should be familiar to Jennifer, but who have become

unknowable. Mark is an oily, seductive sort, and for reasons Jennifer cannot comprehend, is not to be trusted. Her daughter, Fiona, manages her finances.

Fiona is the trustworthy one.

Fiona is the one who looks after her mother and whose heart breaks to watch her fading inevitably away. On good days, Jennifer recognizes her children.

On bad days, she is liable to ask Mark if he is her husband.

Similarly, she will see her daughter and suspect there is a relation, but she can only catalogue facial features that refuse to attach themselves to memories.

As the story wends its way from the beginning to the absolutely fabulous twisted ending, we see Jennifer’s personality revealed. We are also privy to understanding Amanda, the relationship between the two women, and come to see why a person might want to harm Amanda. Not Jennifer certainly. . .or maybe so. The police detective who lost her own lover to Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t give up on Dr. Jennifer White and in the end, her patience pays off.

Here is a novel that will keep you guessing to the end, using the vernacular of a generation that has grown accustomed to the loss of reasoning.

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

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Page 20

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Go ahead, dress your bed

JENNIFER LEISCHER

LET’S MAKE YOUR BED. THE INGREDIENTS Sheets. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, textures and thread count. When choosing your sheets, find a set that fits your design aesthetic and feels good to touch. Sheets with a 300-thread count typically have a high quality construction with a smoother feel. Is a higher thread count better? Not necessarily. Do a touch test and be your own judge.

Bedspread, Coverlet, Comforters, or Duvet. Which one to use and why? A traditional bedspread is long enough to touch the floor on all three sides of the bed, with enough length to also envelope your pillows. Typically not used for warmth, it’s still an easy way to literally keep sheets and blankets under wraps.

A coverlet is just that, a cover for your bed linens.

SMALL AND LARGE SPACES The Clayton Gardens Tour gives those interested in gardening a chance to see what plants thrive in our extreme climate.

They can see what works, and where, and this can be very helpful. For those tour-goers that would like to see what types of plants succeed on a hillside or for

from page 1 those that garden in the shade, this is a chance to see what you can do with your landscape. If you have a small space, or large front yard, the Clayton Gardens Tour will give you great ideas for those landscape challenges.

The gardens of the Clayton Gardens Tour are open May 18and 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The tour is self-guided and will take about two hours. Tickets for the event are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. You can purchase ticket at the Clayton Historical Museum at 6101 Main Street in downtown Clayton, or on-line at www.claytonhistory.org. Tickets can also be purchased at R&M Pool, Patio and Gardens at 6780 Marsh Creek Road during business hours. Purchases at R&M need to be cash or checks.

Club News

DESIGN & DÉCOR Many of us start the day in a full-on sprint the second our alarm clock starts buzzing.

Adding one more chore to the morning ritual may not be a realistic option. But, if you need a jolt of “design time” to get you moving, instead of that extra-large Pike Place brew, try setting aside just a few moments to turn your tossed- and turnedin bed into a masterpiece.

Garden Tour,

May 10, 2013

Coverlets can provide warmth, but have more of a decorative purpose to keep your sheets covered up. You would typically pair a coverlet with a comforter.

A comforter is probably what most of us use. This is the thick, down-blend or syntheticfilled heavy blanket that keeps us all warm at night. Some comforters have patterns and can be on display all their own, and some come in a plain fabric intended to be slipped into a duvet. A duvet is the big “pillow case” for your comforter.

Duvet’s usually have coordinating pillow shams.

Pillows. There are a few types of pillows used on a well-made bed. Pillows for sleeping, pillows that have decorative shams, and accent pillows that tie everything together from sheets to bed skirt to duvet.

Bed skirt. A bed skirt is a great way to anchor your bed. If your bed does not have a closedin bed frame, you have the option to use a skirt. Skirts can be frilly and fluffy, or very tailored and sleek.

THE WELL-DRESSED BED Combine stylish bedding components with interesting patterns and coordinating colors, and a quick and effortless technique to assemble your bedding, and you have the perfect recipe for a well-dressed bed.

Try the “Fold & Stack” for a quick and easy way to dress your bed without any tucking, fluffing, or setting your alarm clock an hour earlier.

1) Throw the pillows off the bed.

2) Pull all sheets, coverlets and comforters to the head of the bed until smooth.

3) Together, fold all linens over so you have about 24-inches of your flat sheet exposed.

4) Stack pillows upright, starting with sleeping pillows, pillows in decorative shams, and accent pillows last.

Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design in Clayton.

Email her with questions or comments at jenna@j-designs.com

THE WIDE VARIETY of one gallon plants sold quickly at the 2012 plant sale.

CLAYTON VALLEY GARDEN CLUB Join the Clayton Valley Garden Club at their 2013 Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11, at Endeavor Hall.

Garden Club members will sell a wide range of one gallon plants that they have propagated, various blooming plants in color bowls, garden art and gently-used gardening tools and books. Expert advice is free.

The annual plant sale is the Club’s biggest fundraiser. With over 70 members from the Clayton and Concord communities, the Club undertakes main-

tenance of selected city plantings, supports local school and community projects, and travels far and wide on outings to special growers, private gardens and wildflower walks.

The sale is from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton.

The Club welcomes novice and Master Gardeners alike. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month, February through November, at Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton.

For more information, please go to claytonvalleygardenclub.org.

CBCA wants to fix lighting in tunnel GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer

Let there be lights, said the Clayton Business and Community Association. Or at least, that’s what the club decided when it agreed to look into any bright ideas on fixing the flickering lights for the walking tunnel beneath Clayton Road.

That illuminating subject was just one of the many topics covered at the CBCA’s April 25 meeting, held at the Clayton Country Club. Scholarships, athletics, choirs, storage and the Clayton Classic golf tournament were also hot topics at the meeting.

Association president Keith Haydon called for members to suggest lighting options for the walking tunnel. The tunnel is the safest pedestrian route between downtown Clayton and the library or Clayton City Hall, and any solutions should not impose any new expenses for the city.

Anyone with an idea should contact Haydon.

Haydon also said that reorganization of the CBCA storage shed, home to literally tons of materials used for the Art & Wine Festival and other community events, had been completed with the help of club members. Kevin Schmidt was recognized for volunteering to construct the new interior doors and shelves in the shed.

By the time you read this, the CBCA Scholarship Committee will have made its final selections of those high school students

who will receive club scholarships for their post-high school education. Last year, 11 students won scholarships, said Committee Chair Ed Hartley Members approved a request from the CVCHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee for three plaques recognizing the 2008, 2010 and upcoming groups of inductees to the hall. Inductions to the hall occur every two years.

The club also approved a request from the CVCHS Choir to assist with expenses for travel

to Boston for a national choir competition.

The Clayton Classic golf tournament is slated for May 20, with more than 70 golfers already registered. The event, now in its 27th year, helps the CVCHS Golf Team.

CBCA exists to benefit the entire Clayton community through fundraising activities like the Art and Wine Festival, Oktoberfest, Clayton Classic and other events. To join CBCA or to volunteer for an event, call 925-6722272 or go to www.claytoncbca.org.

Care Packages for our Troops from Blue Star Moms

BLUE STAR MOMS Gina Schepsis, Franca Schepsis, Beverly Love, Tammi Fuller, Judy Fuller and Sharon Betschart assemble care packages for the troops.

The Contra Costa Blue Star Moms are seeking donations to assemble Fourth of July care packages for troops deployed overseas. At the top of the list of requests from the troops are Oreo cookies, beef sticks and baby wipes.

Deliver all donations by the end of May for shipping on

June 8. Deliver donations to A-1 Self Storage, 5296 Concord Blvd., at the corner of Ygnacio Valley Road, in Concord.

Cash donations are also welcome. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information about donating or requesting a delivery overseas, go to ccbluestarmoms.org.

May 10, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 21

Deer Flat isn’t, but uphill climb is worth the effort

KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN Hike: Deer Flat to Murchio Gap to Back Creek Trail Total distance: 7 miles.

Time to finish: Three- to four hours+ This week’s hike is two things if nothing else, ALL UP and ALL DOWN. But it didn’t feel that way at all as I hiked out of Mitchell Canyon Staging Area (elevation 550 feet) with a course set for Deer Flat. Fireroad, intermittent shade and a breezy day kept me company for the first part of the hike as a gradual ascent had me feeling real good. The mostly flat trail begins transforming into an abrupt uphill climb that will get your legs going.

The geological presence in this park is at its best with rock formations towering above sections of the trail. I experienced mostly exposed sections of trail with sweeping switchbacks on the final push to Deer Flat.

Elevation gain from Mitchell Canyon to Deer Flat is approximately 1500 feet.

Deer Flat (elevation 2,120 feet) is a great spot for a break in the shade on a hot day with a few picnic tables in the area. No water is available, so make sure you bring along enough and then some.

I continued on the trail until the junction just past Deer Flat and jumped on Meridian Ridge Road, which descends almost immediately as you head down and over Deer Flat Creek. The creek was dry this time of year, but it didn’t matter much at all because I had my sights set on Bald Ridge and the final climb before a casual stroll back down the mountain.

I finally made it to Murchio Gap (elevation 2,330 feet) atop Bald Ridge and an intersection of trails that can take you in literally every direction. Having hiked both Bald Ridge and Eagle Peak Trails previously, I decided to hike down via Back

Creek Trail from Murchio Gap. The top section of this trail is the most technical by far with loose dirt, lots of loose rocks and plenty of poison oak around every bend. But, oh, how sweet this trail is with every turn opening up views of Eagle and Twin Peaks stretching to the horizon. Throw in some manmade steps and natural obstacles, and I’d say you have to keep on your toes if you want to stay off your butt. Trail navigation is usually not a problem, but even I had a few battle scars for proof, as this hike just never stopped delivering.

Back Creek Trail funnels out of shaded canyon and onto to open fields as you near Regency Gate. It was such a nice day; I just kept on walking into town and then eventually home.

Nothing better than a daily dose of Mt. Diablo with a downtown Clayton capper.

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

Get up to

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Page 22

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 10, 2013

Contra Costa County Animal Shelter Dog & Cat Adoptions

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