See Inside
East Bay Regional Parks Activity Guide
IT’S YOUR PAPER
Ein prosit! Raise your stein
www.claytonpioneer.com
October 12, 2018
925.672.0500
KEITH HAYDON
MAYOR’S CORNER
Digging into issues surrounding City Council election
With the City Council election less than a month away, I want to focus on issues raised by this important vote. Two council positions are up for election, and there are four candidates. City Councilman and Vice Mayor David “Shoe” Shuey is running for reelection, with Planning Commissioner Carl “CW” Wolfe hoping to step up to the City Council and residents Brian Buddell and Jeff Wan also running for seats. Residents have asked me how candidates qualify to run Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer for a City Council position, The Annual CBCA Oktoberfest got off to a “doggone” good start Saturday when the keg, followed by The Internationals, how the election campaign back for their 15th year, made their way down Main Street to the main tent where a packed house was ready for an process works and about afternoon of beer, food and good cheer. recent development issues downtown. In case you had similar questions, I will share some of these questions and responses with you: Q. What are the qualifications for a candidate to run for the Clayton City Council? A. A candidate must be a resident of the city of Clayton, complete and file an election packet that includes a nominating petition signed by at least 20 qualified, registered Clayton voters and pay the necessary filing fees.
CBCA did it again. Hit it out of the park. The final numbers aren’t in, but by all appearances, last weekend’s 15th Annual Oktoberfest drew the biggest crowd anyone can remember in the event’s history. New this year was the Pepsi recycler stationed at the west end of Main Street and the much smaller, but locally owned Naked Tomato mobile pizza oven. The business is a non-profit with a most interesting business model. Look for more on Naked Tomato in a future Pioneer. The Oktoberfest is one of three major fundraising events produced by the Clayton Business and Community Association each year. The others are the Art and Wine Festival in the spring and the BBQ Cookoff in the summer. Each event takes upwards of 150 volunteers to run from all corners of the community. All funds are returned to the community in the form of grants and scholarships. For membership information, go to www.claytoncbca.org.
Rocket scientist teacher encourages students, gamers JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Anthony Anderson gets a big smile when he answers the question, “Do you tell your students you’re a real rocket scientist?” The lead teacher in the Clayton Valley Charter High School science department is an honest-togoodness rocket scientist, witness his aerospace engineering degree from the country’s top AE school, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. In his second year at CVCHS Anderson is building a reputation among students
Q. How does a potential candidate gain experience to run for the City Council? A. Actual experience in an official city position, such as serving on the Planning Commission or Trails and Landscape Committee, is not required to run for the City Council. However, I highly recommend it because it would help candidates gain more knowledge about how Clayton’s city government operates under state and local laws. Being active in any of Clayton’s many volunteer groups and organizations PEGGY SPEAR would also be helpful to learn Clayton Pioneer about local issues, concerns and interests on the minds of Two distinct slates emerged other residents who volunteer in a civil but passionate canditheir time and efforts for the dates forum for the two open benefit of the entire Clayton Clayton City Council seats. community. It was city experience vs. new voices at the Sept. 24 event, sponsored by the See Mayor, page 7 League of Women Voters, the Clayton branch of the American Association of University Woman and the Community What’s Inside Library Association. Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .4 In one corner, council Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 incumbent David Shuey and Community Calendar . . . . .15 planning commissioner C.W. Directory of Advertisers . . . .9 Wolfe emphasized their experiHearts and Hands . . . . . . . .2 ence, while newcomers Brian Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .18 Buddell and Jeff Wan took Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 hard swipes at the way the Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
for his three computer classes—-game design and introduction to computer science. He also teaches two periods of geometry. During a recent visit to his classroom, Anderson’s introduction to computer science class began with two presentations from students. Their visuals were projected on a large screen at the back of the room with the speakers able to go through their presentation by touching the screen. Both presentations were done by female students. Sophomore Ada Fong went through the elements of the
pitch video her team made last year for the mobile app they developed and entered in an international Girls Who Code competition, part of a 90,000 female student movement. The CVCHS team’s app revolved around school safety inspired by the most recent school shooting last year. Before Fong gave her presentation, Anderson informed the class to put away all devices because not doing that “is the easiest way to fail the course.” For the rest of our visit the students were focused on the
council has made decisions.
three lots downtown. Those issues would come up time and again in the onehour debate. In Shuey’s opening statement, he cautioned voters to be wary of campaign claims. “You can’t fact check future promises,” he said. “You can only look at a proven track record, noting that he and Wolfe have “decades” of experience gained through city service and volunteerism. Shuey has held a council seat for 16 years and is running for a fifth term. Buddell credited the current and past councils for many good decisions. “The parks, the concerts, all those things are the reason I moved here with my family.” But he doesn’t like the way
See Science, page 3
Photo courtesy CVCHS
CVCHS teacher Anthony Anderson is encouraging and inspiring his computer science students by offering a course in game design and entering teams in Girls Who Code competitions. Seniors Analysa Espinoza (left) and Stephanie Keeler (middle) are teaming up with fellow students to develop a mobile app called Ride or Die that is geared to deter impaired driving and the resultant accidents that account for one-third of all teen deaths.
Candidates forum reveals major differences
VOTE
WOLFE Carl “CW”
Clayton City Council
DOWNTOWN AT ISSUE At the heart of the matter was downtown development. Yet it seemed the two factions differed on every issue moderator Gail Murray addressed – underscoring the sometimes brutal campaign being played out on social media sites and around town. Wan opened the debate saying that the council had made “bad decisions” when it came to three recent issues: It ignored parolee housing until it was almost too late to do something about it; it is selling big lots where the community holds its many activities; and it is planning to build high-density housing on
he says the current council appears to be “embracing big development downtown.” Wolfe, best known as the voice of the town’s Fourth of July Parade, said Clayton’s biggest issue is to “heal the divide and come together.” Wolfe has served on the planning commission for two years, one year as the chair and is an active member of the Clayton Business and Community Association. Wan and Buddell were notably silent on their civic engagement or volunteer experience. Wan, the father of three young children, said his volunteer time has been limited to helping with his children’s activities. Buddell “declined to
state” what, if any, community service experience he has saying his time and donations “are for cause, not praise.” When asked what is Clayton’s biggest challenge, Shuey said it’s the unfunded state mandates that small towns like Clayton can’t afford. “Housing issues, zoning, parolee housing – all of those things are there.” Buddell says the city is showing “fear” in the face of these mandates and should be fighting the state. As an “experienced litigator,” he said he is willing to take on the state. Wan said the biggest issue was what to do with the downtown. “The council persists in
See Campaign, page 3
Carl “CW” Wolfe for Clayton City Council
• Leadership with FACTS, NOT FICTION Current Planning Commissioner • Responsible, Well-Planned, Growth Experience Counts! to Retain Small Town Lifestyle www.WolfeForClaytonCouncil.com On Facebook www.fb.com/wolfeforclaytoncitycouncil • More Citizen Involvement
Postal Customer ECRWSS
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 12, 2018
Harvest Festival a treat for Meals on Wheels volunteers
FAitH BARniDGE
HEARTS & HANDS
All Meals on Wheels Diablo Region volunteers will be honored for their dedication and service at the Meals on Wheels Diablo Region Harvest Festival, 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. The volunteers participate in programs that enable senior citizens to age in place in their homes. Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals every weekday to homebound seniors, with a friendly smile and a short conversation that also provides an unofficial health and wellness check with every delivery. Drivers are always needed in your neighborhood. Volunteers may choose individual delivery schedules that fit comfortably into their lives. Meals on Wheels Friendly Visitors offer another, more long-lasting opportunity to befriend isolated seniors who may not have the comfort of nearby friends or relatives. Each Friendly Visitor is screened, trained and matched with a welcoming senior for a weekly one-hour visit that might include conversation, a game of cards or a ride to the grocery store.
Photo courtesy of Maricel Kinsella
Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers Mike and Vicky Farnham, of Clayton, deliver hot meals to isolated seniors as part of the St. Bonaventure community volunteer program. Both enjoy volunteering in their parish, and helping their neighbors.
There is a waiting list of seniors hoping for a match. The C.C. Cafe provides a hot lunch every day at 11:30 a.m. at the Concord Senior Center, 2737 Parkside Circle, managed by Meals on Wheels Diablo Region. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance at 925-825-1488. Meals for seniors 60 years and older are offered with an optional $3 donation. The seniors can stick around to relax and socialize after lunch. Volunteers are needed to take reservations, welcome guests and arrange tables. Volunteer for all Meals on Wheels programs by calling 925-937-8311. For more information, email info@mowdr.org or visit www.mowdiabloregion.org. Woman’s Club in motion: Get ready to party at the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Fall Fundraiser, 4:30-
6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Vocal impresario Mark Shaw will entertain with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bobby Darrin “oldies but goodies,” songs we all know and love, while guests munch on appetizers and desserts. A $25 ticket includes two glasses of wine. Members met in October to donate items for holiday care packages for our troops overseas coordinated by Contra Costa Blue Star Moms. CVWC members collect Sunday comics, prepare sugar and cream packets, sew comforting pillowcases and donate funds for postage. A Blue Star Moms care package costs $18.90 to mail to each son or daughter in service. Contra Costa Blue Star Moms accepts individual donations. Call 925-3495929 or email carepack-
ages@ccbluestarmoms.org. Many businesses have offered to receive and store items for care packages, including Accurate Business Services of Clayton, the Clayton Business and Community Association, Lynne French of Windemere Realty of Clayton, A-1 Self Storage in Concord and Perry’s Knife and Tactical in Concord. The Woman’s Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Center St., Clayton. New members are always welcome. Members also enjoy a book club and crafts group. Supporting survivors of domestic violence: STAND! for Families Free of Violence is the Contra Costa agency dedicated to providing support, counseling, emergency shelter and transitional housing for survivors
of domestic abuse. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the STAND! Rebuilding Lives Luncheon raising awareness and funds for STAND! will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Speaker Jennifer Jost will share the story of rebuilding her life after her abusive husband took their children hostage, killing them and himself. Now a local, successful career woman, remarried with two children, Jost is a role model for women who have survived domestic violence. Tickets are $100; tables seat 10. Visit www.standffov.org or call 925-676-2845 to purchase tickets for the lunch or for more information on volunteer training. Volunteer to read to children: The Bay Area Crisis Nursery needs people who are willing to donate three hours once a week for at least six months to play with, hold, read to and help with children placed in the temporary residence by their parents during a family crisis. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Weekend help is especially needed. Call Patti at 925-685-9740 or email volunteer@bayareacrisisnursery.org to sign up for a preliminary tour, a free TB test and fingerprinting. Visit www.bayareacrisisnursery.org for more information. Caring Hands and generous hearts: Caring Hands helps break the cycle of isolation and despair that may make health problems worse for seniors. Volunteers are urgently needed to offer 1-3 hours a week in their own neighborhood providing
services such as reading mail, letter-writing and outings to the store, doctor or pharmacy. Volunteers also may visit with homebound seniors while the family caregiver takes a few hours to run errands or just relax. The next training will be 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at John Muir Medical Center in Concord. To learn more or apply for training, contact volunteer coordinator Stacy Appel at Stacy.Appel@johnmuirhealth.com or 925-9522999. Or visit johnmuirhealth.com/caringhands. Supporting arts and culture: Contra Costa County Art & Culture Commissioner Elizabeth Wood, fellow commissioner LaMar Anderson and Concord artist and author Susan Pace-Koch recently met with local writers, artists and actors to discuss opportunities to collaborate and engage our community to support arts organizations in Clayton, Concord and Pleasant Hill. Representatives from Clayton Theatre Company, East Bay Artist’s Guild, Concord Art Association, Concord Historical Society and Heritage Event Center and many more were invited to brainstorm ideas for future community events. Stay tuned or email concordartassoiation@yahoo.com for more information. Mosquitofish giveaway: To contain the spread of the West Nile Virus, free mosquitofish are available to residents for use in water features, horse troughs and neglected ponds or swimming pools through the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District.
See Barnidge, page 3
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October 12, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Campaign, from page 1
Barnidge, from page 2
The fish are distributed in donated empty metal or plastic coffee cans. Bring your own or take up a collection in your organization and deliver them to the district office, like Carl Harper of the Concord Elks. Mosquitos are the local carriers of the West Nile Virus, and they have infected mammals and birds with other viruses and diseases throughout our history. The California Board of Health introduced the Western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, from Austin, Texas, into a lily pond at Sutter’s Fort in 1922. Twenty-five hatcheries were formed for municipal use, including Concord in 1927. Fish have been available to residents since the 1970s. Fish biologist Chris Miller of Concord raises more than one million of these guppies each year in an onsite hatchery. The fish are 1-2 inches long and feed on mosquito larvae. They will live in water features
GOING TO THE VOTERS? www.contracostamosquito.co When asked if all zoning m or call 925-685-9301 for issues should go to a citywide more information. vote, the candidates differed sharply on the role and responsiHearts and Hands shares news, bility of elected council memevents and opportunities for all of us bers. to learn more about our community, Wolfe said the role is one of have some fun, and combine our leadership, and that’s why the resources and talents to help others. council exists. “What you put us Send items to faithbarnidge@piohere for is to lead… If our decineerpublishers.com. sions aren’t right, then you are
speakers and then working on their assignments. The next group to present to the class was a team this school year developing a mobile app called Ride or Die. Another socially conscious app, they are trying to reduce the number of accidents involved impaired drivers. They said that one-third of all teen deaths are due to drunk driving and they are working on a business plan to make it a reality. Anderson says the hottest part of his computer program revolves around
League of Legends are the most popular games among his eSports students. When the student presentations were completed his students quietly and immediately got up and either took a Chromebook off a cart that is shared among CVCHS classes or sat at one of the 10 large screen computer stations to work on their classwork and projects. Anderson obviously has great rapport with his students, fostered from his 14 years teaching. He began as a science teacher in Florida following graduation and has also taught in Livermore, Pittsburg and Antioch. He grew up in Los Ange-
Photo courtesy Justin Sullivan/Getty images
Photo courtesy Barb Harper
the Concord Elks collected empty metal and plastic coffee cans for distributing mosquitofish. Andrew Pierce, right, accepted the donations from Carl Harper on behalf of the Mosquito & Vector Control District.
month” if elected. One of the hottest exchanges of the evening came on the question of high-density, affordable housing. Buddell criticized the city for what he sees as “bending over backward to encourage three-story, three-unit developments.” “There is no three-story project that is ready to come to the Planning Commission or the council yet,” Shuey rebutted. Further, Shuey said that, if elected, Wan’s and Buddell’s public opposition sets them both up for recusal when it comes time to vote on a project. “The law requires you to stay unbiased so that you can keep fair and impartial when it comes before the council,” Shuey said. Wan disagreed, saying candidates don’t need to “hold their voices.” He said he also is opposed to large-scale downtown developments.
going to remove us.” Buddell sees the council member as strictly a “conduit” between the city and the residents, pledging only to “vote your will, not mine.” He added: “I’m not a king.” Wan said the referendum is a potential tool but that more citizen input was the key. Shuey also sees the council member as a leadership role and said a referendum should not be mandated on every development. “Every time we do a special election, it costs the city anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000,” he said. “We cannot do a mandatory vote (on every project), because we elect officials to make those decisions under the rules and regulations.” Both Wan and Buddell were sharply critical of what they see as a lack of communication from the city. A major For a full screening of the oneproject should never come as a hour forum, visit the city website at “surprise” to the citizens, Wan www.ci.clayton.ca.us. The video is said. Buddell promised a under Agendas and Meetings. “town hall meeting every
Fish biologist and Concord resident Chris Miller harvests mosquitofish at the hatchery in Concord for free distribution to residents who want to control the mosquito population in home water features.
and reproduce as long as there is water to hold them. Should the resident drain the water feature or add chlorine or bleach, the fish die. One fish should handle each 4 sq. ft. of surface area. Residents may bring a surface measurement to the district office 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Visit
Page 3
trying to sell off our city,” he said, referring to the downtown lot that local organizations use for festivals and events. He also called attention to the high vacancy rate in the town center, saying “the city should do more” to encourage businesses to move into town and suggested the city consider a “vacancy tax” on building owners. The city is aware of the vacancies, Shuey said. “We’ve looked at a vacancy tax and other ways to bring business downtown, but we can’t force the owners of buildings to do something they don’t want to do.”
Science, from page 1
eSports. He has 57 official members and 187 total competitive players (80% male) taking part in eSports on campus. In his classroom he has 10 computers with 22” screens that can be used for playing eSports against their classmates and people around the world. Anderson says, “Colleges are now offering scholarships for ‘eSports athletes.’” This has added interest and legitimacy to playing video games. His CVCHS varsity eSports team will be competing against other schools. He says Fortnite and
les USD schools and went across the country for college to “be a creator of technology, not just a user.” He has continued his desire for learning by spending last summer as a research fellow at Stanford’s School of Engineering. He expects to finish up his Master of Education at St. Mary’s College next year. In a male dominated field, it’s refreshing to see the number of females in his class, fully engaged. CVCHS emphasizes the importance of encouraging high school girls towards careers in computer coding and Anderson is leading the way.
David “Shoe” Shuey and Carl “CW” Wolfe are the ONLY TWO candidates who have long term knowledge and experience with local Clayton issues, concerns and politics, and who have the hands-on knowledge of local, state and national laws and how they affect Clayton. They have a proven commitment to Clayton with decades of volunteer activities.
David “Shoe” Shuey
I grew up in Clayton and moved back after college and law school to raise my family with my wife, Shelly. We’ve been married for 26 years and have 5 children, ages 12 to 23. Two are adopted from China and one from Ukraine. All have and continue to attend MDE, DVMS and CVCHS. I have dedicated myself to Clayton in many ways, including:
• 4+ years Clayton Community Services Commission • 16 years Clayton City Council, 3 times mayor, 4 times vice-mayor • Clayton Business and Community Association member • Chair, The Grove Park Design Committee • Steering Committee, Clayton Valley Charter High School • Announcer and Emcee of the Labor Day Derby 11+ years • More than 16 years years as volunteer coach, board member, umpire, referee for CVLL baseball, softball, MDSA soccer, AYSO basketball and swimming
shuey@rankinlaw.com Visit my page on Facebook David “Shoe” Shuey for City Council Join us for an ice cream social at Cup o Joe’s on Fri., Oct. 19, 2:15 to 4 p.m.
Carl “CW” Wolfe
I have lived in Clayton for 30 years. Over the years, we have taken on the responsible growth that has been seamlessly integrated into the fabric of Clayton. The Grove, Clayton Library, Clayton Station, CVS, the CCCFPD Station #11 and the Ipsen Family Bocce Park are just a few of the improvements Claytonians now enjoy. Managing future growth will require great leadership, vision, planning and citizen input in order to protect our Clayton lifestyle. • Clayton Planning Commissioner since 2016 including one year as Chair. • Announcer for the Clayton 4th of July Parade since 2012 • Clayton BBQ Cook-off Committee member and event announcer • Clayton Business and Community Association member and volunteer • Proud supporter of the Clayton Theatre Company I recently retired as the Creative Director of a major corporation and am now ready to serve Clayton full-time
www.wolfeforclaytoncouncil.com Visit my Facebook page at www.fb.com/wolfeforclaytoncitycouncil Final meet and greet Sat. Oct. 27, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Email shuey@rankinlaw.com for address and directions
Around Town
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 12, 2018
Field of Dreams team breaks ground at MDES It took less than two years for the Mount Diablo Elementary School Field of Dreams committee to reach its lofty goal of raising $710,000. The celebrating began with a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 2. “Now picture a beautiful expansive green field, two new shiny backstops, dugouts and infields, surrounded by a smoothly lined track with the landscape blooming in the spring,” said organizer Pat
tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Field of Dreams committee members and administrative supporters Debra niethold, Kelly Scholes, Bethany Rose, Michele Hill, Pat Middendorf, Debra Gonsalves, Joe Bruno, Linn Kissinger, Brianna Pilon, Cheryl Hansen, nellie Meyer, Holly tillman and John Wilford.
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Middendorf. “We will finally have a field to make the community proud.” It took a village with the community and school district joining together to improve the safety of the children using the playfield. It started with Steve and Debra Gonsalves stepping up to make the first donation, followed by the Mount Diablo Unified School District, the Clayton Business and Community Association and a dedicated team that held fundraisers
and made generous donations of their own. The field is scheduled to be complete by the end of this year, but it will be closed until early spring to allow for the grass and landscaping to take hold. Parents and the community can still help with the finishing touches by purchasing a paver to memorialize their name in the donor plaza. Go to www.mdesplayfield.com to purchase a paver before Oct. 30.
Museum showcases personal side of WWI
The Clayton Historical Society and Museum opens a new exhibit, “Remembering the Great War: A Community Event,” with a reception 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at the museum. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Museum visitors will enjoy this collection of personal memories, heartwarming to heartbreaking, contributed by residents, their family, friends and neighbors. Family stories, artifacts, letters, poems and photos document the lives of people in a time of not only great turmoil, disease and war, but also of scientific, technological and social advances 100 years ago. The exhibit is the brainchild of volunteer Linda Pinder. Along with curator Renee Wing, Pinder and other volunteers spent months collecting
Museum curator Renee Wing demonstrates a WWi bayonet included in the new exhibit. inspiration for the exhibit came from docent Linda Pinder, right.
an avalanche of material from the community. “As the title says, it is a community event,” Wing notes. “We are not trying to educate the public about the history of World War I. We are merely presenting the
offerings of our participants, small snapshots in time; personal, yet universal.” The museum is at 6101 Main St., Clayton. Regular hours are 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays. For more information, go to claytonhistory.org or call 925-672-0240.
Responsible students honored by Council
Elect Cheryl Hansen County Superintendent of Schools
Authentic Experience Proven Leadership Real Accomplishment
• The only candidate with true experience as an educator – from classroom teacher to high school principal to County Office of Education administrator to Mt. Diablo School Board President.
• Has protected the educational rights and welfare of all students, from pre-school through adult, from the most fragile to the most independent. • Has served students in three diverse K-12 school districts.
• Has successfully taught alternative education students and expanded college and career pathways.
Julie Pierce/Clayton City Council
DtRt students Campbell McGee (DVMS), Sydney Skow (CVCHS), Mayor Keith Haydon, trevor Bluth (CVCHS) and Mathes Smith (DVMS) were recognized for their high level of “Responsibilty” at the oct. 2 City Council meeting.
Four students were honored at the Oct. 2 City Council meeting for showing a high level of Responsibility, one of the six character traits in the Do the Right Thing community initiative. Being “responsible” means “always doing what I’m supposed to, always trying my best and being accountable.” Diablo View Middle School
principal Patty Bannister presented two students from the Leadership Class, Mathes Smith, student body treasurer and Campbell McGee, who is student body president. Both are 8th graders. CVCHS teacher Bob Ralston presented Trevor Bluth and Sydney Skow. Trevor shows great responsibility, Ralston said. He main-
tains a 4.67 GPA, has a perfect score on the SAT while holding down a part time job. Sydney Skow is president of the Public Service Academy Leadership Council, a position of great responsibility. She team captian of the Varsity water polo team. Sydney is also school news reporter and TeenSpeak columnist for the The Pioneer.
The Pioneer Travels
• Has trained over 1700 school and district administrators throughout Contra Costa County and the State.
• Has the expertise and credibility to support our 18 school districts and County Office of Education.
• Endorsed by educators and other working people across the county.
www.cheryl-hansen.com Cheryl Hansen The Clear Choice for County Superintendent of Schools
Vote November 6
FPPC # 1398954
Clayton resident Angela Musiello and her boyfriend, Vernne Victa recently spent 10 days travelling in Barcelona, Portugal and Madrid, exploring castles, museums, cathedrals, restaurants and beaches. they are pictured above in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
Sonja Wilkin took us along on her visit to the magnificent and opulent Peterhof Palace and Gardens in St. Petersburg. We rode along in her backpack as she walked about three miles around it all.
October 12, 2018
Around Town
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Lots of memories shared in short visit to Buxworth
New Fall Listings
Page 5
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PETE LAURENCE Special to the Pioneer
It’s been on my bucket list for some time to visit Clayton’s “twin” city of Buxworth, England. During a family trip of the British Isles this August, I rented a car one evening and drove about 70 miles from Liverpool to Buxworth. Joel Clayton, an enterprising native of Bugsworth (later named Buxworth), came to America in 1838 and then to California. Instead of finding gold, he started a ranch with cattle and eventually vineyards. He laid out our town of Clayton with downtown lots of 50 feet by 100 feet that he sold to others settling in this beautiful valley. In 1983, Clayton Historical Society members Dick and Mary Lou Ellis visited Buxworth and began friendships that resulted in becoming sister cities in 1994. We had an official twinning ceremony when I was the Clayton mayor, and the Navigation Inn in Buxworth has displayed a photo of the proclamation for more than 25 years. After a few wrong turns and a flat tire, I arrived in darkness at the “Navi.” There to greet me were the very gracious friends of Dick and Mary Lou: Elaine and Trefor Jones and Glenys Hobson. The former village leaders were involved in the twinning and also have visited Clayton. After a celebratory drink, we went to Joel Clayton’s
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Elaine Jones, left, Glenys Hobson, Pete Laurence and trefor Jones celebrate at the navigation inn in Buxworth, England.
birth home. It is privately owned but has historic markers. The current owners have restored and modernized it very tastefully. After more visiting with my new friends, I drove back to Liverpool after midnight. This adventure was a highlight of a great trip
through castles, battlefields, historic settings, Stonehenge, London, Shakespeare’s home and Saint Andrews golf course. I recommend that Clayton residents try to stay two days in Buxworth to see the entire village and surrounding mountains and to learn its history.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 12, 2018
Clayton Valley Charter, local MDUSD schools will benefit from passage of Measure J bonds JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Meyer clarified the discrepancy to The Pioneer: “All of our campuses, including those occupied by charters, will be part of this bond.” In addition to six comprehensive high school campuses, MDUSD has 31 elementary schools (including local Mt. Diablo, Ayers and Highlands), 10 middle schools (including Diablo View and Pine Hollow), 18 alternative schools and adult programs and five school support sites. Measure J requires a 55 per cent affirmative vote to be approved. The ballot measure says the best estimate of the average annual tax rate for taxable property owners is $15 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) valuation charged for 15-18 years. The District has successfully
The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is going to the voters on Nov. 6 seeking approval to issue and sell up to $150 million of bonds to finance repairs and improvements to school facilities, which supporters say will enhance school safety and classroom performance. When the District board on July 23 authorized submitting a measure to voters, the resolution did not include Clayton Valley Charter High School among the schools that would benefit from this funding. But when the Contra Costa County Voter Information Guide came out, however, it did list CVCHS among the six district high schools included in the ballot measure. Superintendent Dr. Nellie
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With Halloween just around the corner, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of tips to help ensure that adults and children have a safe holiday. A responsible adult should accompany young children on neighborhood rounds. If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time children should return home. Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car. Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends. If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks. Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up
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As we approach fall, I wanted to share about the important responsibility that every adult age 18 and older has in our county, and that is to vote this November. As an elected official, I fully understand the responsibility of representing the interest of voters who gave me the opportunity to serve them. I write to encourage each of-age person in our County to register and vote. You’ve heard the saying before, “Every vote counts” and I truly believe it does. I will be at the voting booth on Nov. 6 and you should be, too. Many of us were taught at a young age that our vote is important to elect the President and Congress. While that is true, voting does so much more than this.
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against Measure J in the voter guide. Also on the Nov. 6 ballot, the County Superintendent of Schools election pits deputy superintendent Lynn Mackey against MDUSD board member Cheryl Hansen, who was the Board president when Meyer was hired. Hansen did not seek re-election with MDUSD to make her run at the top county post. She got 30 percent of the vote in the June primary while Mackey just fell short of the winning 50 percent with 46.5 percent. Three MDUSD board positions are not on the ballot since incumbents Debra Mason and Linda Mayo and newcomer Cherise Khaund were the only people to file papers for November and thus don’t stand for election next month.
14,000 hours of his time to keep the community safe. In his honor, the city named Sept. 25 Russ Eddy Day. We also saw the retirement of longtime Officer Alan White and the departure of Officer Tom Starick, who will continue his career with the East Bay Regional Parks Police Department. Officer Torrey Jarvis joined our team in March. Before entering into law enforcement, Jarvis spent five years in the Navy as an aviation structural mechanic. She has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Mercy College in New York and is working on her master’s in law enforcement and public safety leadership at the University of San Diego. Mitch Stroski is our newest officer, starting in September. Stroski recently graduated
from the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Training Center Academy. He is a former baseball player and has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from the University of Antelope Valley. Additionally, we hired Stacy Corr in April as our administrative clerk. Corr assists the public at the front counter with a variety of duties, including vehicle releases, alarm registration and RV parking permits. She also provides administrative support to the staff and has been a great addition to our team. Finally, I want to thank everyone who thought of us on 911 and shared your appreciation. We are honored to protect and serve this community.
ELiSE WARREn
FROM
THE
CHIEF
and walk, don’t run, across the street. I hope you have a great time trick-or-treating. Meanwhile, the Clayton Police Department has seen some turnover during 2018, and there are a number of new faces. Longtime Reserve Officer Russ Eddy retired on Sept. 25, after serving the city for 18 years. Eddy donated more than
Elise Warren is Clayton’s chief of police. Email comments and questions to Elise elise.warren@claytonpd.com.
Use your voice this November
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make necessary improvements. Providing a high-quality, 21st century education requires upto-date science labs, classrooms and school facilities. While we’ve made improvements to our schools, more repairs and upgrades are needed.” The Superintendent, who has been in charge of the 36,000-student district (K through 12th grade) since the summer of 2013, adds, “To support quality education, we need to improve classroom technology, update science labs and expand our vocational and career technical education classrooms so our students have the tools they need to succeed. We must ensure student safety, and that means repairing leaky roofs, improving outdated plumbing and improving campus security.” There was no argument
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gone to the electorate three times in the past three decades. Measure A was a $90 million Mello-Ross parcel tax in 1989 while there were Measure C general obligation bonds approved in 2002 and 2010. The bond measures have funded all MDUSD middle schools to add school gymnasiums, energy and money-saving solar panels at every District site, technology and safety equipment (alarms, safety doors) across the District as well as new classrooms replacing deteriorating portables, playground equipment, painting, heating and air conditioning, sports facilities and asphalt repairs, among other projects. Meyer says, “As we look to the future, we know we cannot rely on the State to provide the funding our schools need to
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Voting affects your daily life. This November will present the opportunity to vote for the individuals who can improve our roads, clean our air, preserve our environment, ensure the accuracy and safety of elections and more. This November, voters will go to the ballot box and have an opportunity to vote for many propositions, local measures and every statewide constitutional office including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction. In addition, every member of the State Assembly will be up for election, too. If that wasn’t enough reason, Californians will be electing a U.S. Senator and a member of Congress. All 19 cities in Contra Costa have at least one if not multiple city council seats up for election, as well as our school districts and other special districts - water, fire, parks and recreation boards, and community service districts. You may be thinking, “Big whoop. What do they do for me?” In California, our state government makes many decisions that impact our daily lives. The California budget funds things like Covered California and K12 education. If you have kids in school, every year the budget directly impacts the quality of the education your children receive. Local government can have some of the most direct
KAREn MitCHoFF
COUNTY
SUPERVISOR
and Board of Supervisor members from across the Bay Area who are all elected in their cities/county, and then appointed to these regional boards by their local governing body. If you have children in school, have asked to have a pothole filled on your street, drank clean water, had the fire department put out a fire near your house, then elected officials on the local level have impacted your life in some way. If you want to have a say in what your neighborhood looks like and how your community is taken care of, now is your time... now is your right. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. There are several ways to vote: go to the polls on election day, vote by mail or participate at an early voting site. If you are interested in registering to vote or need to update your residence information, please visit the Contra Costa County Elections at https://www.cocovote.us/. Your registration must be postmarked or submitted electronically no later than Oct. 22. To find out more information about what’s on the ballot this November or ways to vote please visit the Contra Costa County Elections at www.cocovote.us. This is part one of a twopart series. Next month I will discuss the importance of thoroughly reviewing propositions on the ballot.
impacts on your daily life. You will be able to vote directly on local measures. Local measures can change how a community develops. For instance, in November 2016, I voted for Measure K in Pleasant Hill. Measure K is a sales tax that generates revenue for the City of Pleasant Hill to use on city services and to construct a new library. This measure improved the streets where I live and allowed Pleasant Hill to solve the problem of the aging current library. The streets in your neighborhood and their safety is managed by the county or cities. The clean air that you breathe is regulated by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). The roads, freeways and other forms of transportation are managed by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA). If you commute through the Caldecott Tunnel or travel along the widened area of Highway 4, both projKaren Mitchoff is Contra Costa ects were driven by CCTA. County District IV supervisor. Email or comments to Both CCTA and BAAQMD questions karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us are comprised of city council
October 12, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Editorial
Page 7
Vote for David Shuey and CW Wolfe, best choice for Clayton David “Shoe” Shuey and Carl “CW” Wolfe are the only two candidates running for city council that are qualified to help the city navigate between the rock of unfunded state mandates and the hard place of citizens’ desires. State law requires every city no matter its size, to provide zoning for high density and affordable housing whether the city wants it or not. Non compliance means costly lawsuits and loss of tax revenues. In his 16 years on the council, Shuey, an attorney, has used his skill
and experience to keep the city in compliance with state laws and out of court. Brian Buddell vows to fight the state mandates—all the way to court if necessary. We find his “put your dukes up” rhetoric reckless and unrealistic. Buddell is also an attorney and should know better. Wan shows a dismal lack of understanding — or outright distortion— of the city’s land use process, persistently suggesting the city has endorsed a three-story project downtown. It has not.
Mayor, from page 1
Q. The City Council election appears to be quite contentious this year. Are there any guidelines on how the City Council campaigning is to be conducted? A. There is a Code of Fair Campaign Practices agreement that City Council candidates are asked, but not required, to sign and follow. This agreement commits the candidate to conduct a campaign following the basic principles of decency, honesty and fair play and not to use any dishonest or unethical practices. The candidate also agrees to immediately and publicly repudiate support derived from any individual or group that uses tactics that the candidate condemns. I understand that three candidates submitted signed agreements. I encourage you to find out if candidates have signed and are following the agreement.
Q. There seems to be some confusion about whether the City Council supported, or approved, an assisted-living/memory care facility and a three-story, highdensity housing unit downtown. What is the status of these development ideas?
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ly submitted to the Community Development Department and critiqued by city staff, the Planning Commission and City Council would conduct thorough evaluations, including obtaining public input via noticed public hearings, before ruling on such proposals. Meanwhile, the Diablo Valley Chapter of the League of Women Voters conducted a Candidate’s Forum on Sept. 24, with all four candidates in attendance. Each candidate had an opportunity to answer questions on a variety of topics. The Clayton branch of the American Association of University Women and the Clayton Community Library Foundation co-sponsored the forum. Residents can view the forum on the city’s website at ci.clayton.ca.us. Look under the City Council tab, then Live Streaming, City Council Meeting Archive for the Sept. 24 forum. I hope you enjoy the change in our weather to our mild fall climate, and I encourage you to take advantage of Clayton’s excellent trail system to enjoy our beautiful setting at the foot of Mt Diablo. I look forward to sharing more information about Clayton items and activities with you in upcoming issues. Feel free to send comments to me at khaydon@ci.clayton.ca.us.
view. As their employer, citizens deserve to know what a candidate brings to the table. We urge you to elect David Shuey and CW Wolfe this November.
Character Matters
We are longtime CBCA members. We attended the September 24 Candidates Forum. The first question focused on the candidates’ community service history. Messrs. Shuey and Wolfe provided lengthy resumes. Mr. Wan felt that community service is mutually exclusive of the “skill set” required of councilmembers. Mr. Buddell brashly declared that public service is strictly a private matter; then astonishingly asserted that anyone asking only wants to pat themselves on the back. Clayton’s citizens, not its government, determine our community’s character by how much of themselves they devote for the good of the Clayton community. This is CBCA’s simple mission – no different from the Garden Club, Historical Society, Library Foundation and many other groups
who make Clayton a wonderful community. The many free community events CBCA and others organize are possible only through the sweat equity of hundreds. Our community is immeasurably better because our citizens join together for something bigger than themselves. Clearly, an integral part of the skill set needed of our elected leaders is the extent of their community involvement apart from just showing up at events. Community service helps build character. Character is very much a skill set required of our elected leaders. Ed and Cecilia Hartley CBCA is a 501(c)(3) charity and is prohibited from engaging in political activity. The views expressed in this letter are the authors’ and not that of CBCA or its members.
Jeff Wan and Brian Buddell want to run for city council even though they probably would have opposed the homes being built that they live in. And neither has ever served in any civic groups like CBCA, which has done so much for Clayton. On the other hand, Dave Shuey and CW Wolfe are both active members of the CBCA. Both have served the City well—Wolfe on the important planning commission and Shuey on the city council. These are the two bodies that have been responsible over the years for making Clayton the fantastic place that it is.
I agree that the city’s sign ordinance, intended to stop sign blight, is too restrictive and will be corrected. However, the Council’s decision on restricting parolee housing is indeed a wise one and puts limitations on ANY parolee house moving into town. Without the ordinance, there was NOTHING on the books that could stop such a situation. As a former CBCA president and three-time mayor, I encourage you to elect Dave Shuey and CW Wolfe with their competency and commitment proven over time, motivated by service to the city and not by ill informed anger. Pete Laurence
Letters to the Editor
Vote for experience
Editor’s note: The Pioneer received no letters supporting other candidates.
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Discovery Bay
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$608,000
The Lakes — Beautiful home with gated courtyard leading to front entry. Spacious kitchen with granite counters, large island, gas stove, built in oven, microwave and pantry. Large master bath, walk in closets. tub and shower. 4 bed, 3 bath single story. Private backyard with no rear neighbors, covered patio area. Nancy Donofrio (925) 998-7705 NDonofrio@windermere.com
Clayton
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Dana Ridge — Gorgeous remodeled single-story Duet attached only at garage wall. Lots of upgrades: Bamboo floors, crown molding, ceiling fans, gas fireplace, Granite kitchen w/gas range, and slider to courtyard patio. Approx. 1442 sq.ft. including 3 bedrooms & 2 remodeled baths. Heather Gray (925) 765-3822 RealEstatebyHeather.com
Lodi
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Bridge Towne — Great opportunity for a gorgeous retirement home. Premium lot with access to canal in private setting. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home including a master suite with walk in closet. Spacious kitchen with breakfast nook and large island. Inviting patio with breathtaking sunsets. Carol vanVaerenbergh, (925) 683-2568 CVanVaeren@aol.com
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Dana Farms — Situated on a quiet court, this gorgeous home offers 3 spacious beds, 2 full baths, a family room with fireplace, and living room with beautiful hardwood floors. The property features an updated kitchen w/ granite counters, stainless steel appliances, double oven & a skylight. An entertainers backyard including a pool, spa and RV parking.
Concord
$439,000
Oak Glen — Charming townhome in desirable complex. Light and bright living room, eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar and indoor laundry room. 3 spacious bedrooms with beautiful laminate flooring, central heat and air, and a two car garage. Approx 1,468 square foot unit complete with private patio for entertaining.
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San Marco — Spectacular Genoa model, over 4,200 sq. ft. and elegantly appointed. chefs kitchen with gas stove, granite slab counters, and island. 5 bedrooms + office and bonus room. 4.5 baths, including a bed and 1.5 baths on first floor. Backyard that backs to open space & 3 car garage. Kelly McDougall (925) 787-0448 KMcDougall@windermere.com Cal BRE#01156462
on
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demonstrates a personal commitment to the community and provides context and historical data for decision making. A campaign is a long job inter-
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A. Two concept ideas were submitted to the city over the past year for an assisted-living/memory care facility on the large, vacant lot owned by the city between the church property on Main Street and Clayton Road. Each developer conducted further extensive analyses, one of which included holding public/community meetings. The City Council encouraged this to gauge public reaction. After this research, each developer decided not to finalize any plan. No formal proposal was ever submitted to the city for staff processing and critique, and no proposal was set for public hearing before the Planning Commission or City Council. Meanwhile, a private property owner has submitted renderings for a three-story, high density housing project on land behind the Post Office. The Community Development Department has the renderings, but no plans have been finalized and nothing has been submitted to the Planning Commission or City Council for public review. The Planning Commission and City Council have not taken any official action on either of these two ideas. Should any proposal be formal-
Shuey and Wolfe together have decades of volunteer service to the community. Neither Wan nor Buddell have any community service to speak of. To be fair, Wan says his three kids keep him too busy for outside activities. Buddell says he volunteers plenty, but doesn’t want to say when or where. We find his “decline to state” disingenuous at best. Community service is important, especially in a small town that runs on volunteers. Volunteering time
Clayton
$550,000
Dana Ridge — Handyman special! This pricedto-sell duplex boasts 1,310 square feet including 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Attached 2-car garage and deck. Desirable neighborhood with greenbelt, views of Mt Diablo and easy access to walking trails. This one wont last.
Concord
$625,000
Clayton Valley Highlands — Conveniently located 4 bedroom home near schools, shopping, transportation and park. 2 full, updated bathrooms, large eat in kitchen with pantry and inside laundry. Back patio with grass area to play or relax, shed for extra storage and several fruit trees. Amy Callahan (925) 699-1207 AmyCallahan@windermere.com Cal BRE#02055854
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*Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 12, 2018
County Board audit reveals Linzeys’ pay, undisclosed loan JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Confirming long-held concerns of community activists, the Contra Costa County Office of Education released an outside audit at its board meeting last week which questioned many hiring and financial practices of Clayton Valley Charter High School, including calling on its governing board to review and approve all posi-
tions and salaries. The audit pointed out this wasn’t always the case under former executive director Dave Linzey. The audit revealed CVCHS paid Linzey and his administrator wife Eileen $850,000 during their last 23 months at the Concord school. The Linzeys abruptly left their positions at the charter school in May, ending a nearly six-year tenure for Dave Linzey as the first execu-
tive director for CVCHS. Linzey’s leadership style became a focal point of teacher and community tensions halfway through the second year of the charter (2013-14) and continued up to his departure last spring. In spite of the school’s many successes, Linzey remained a lightning rod, dividing opinions among school stakeholders. The CCCOE engaged Christy White Associates to perform a forensic audit right after
CVCHS PRINCIPAL
Photo courtesy of CVCHS
new teachers Donna Mobley and Marcellus Waller bring enthusiasm, experience and a little romance to CVCHS.
family of teachers were thrilled) and in a community where they could someday raise a family of their own. They also decided that no matter what, they wanted to work at the same school. So together they applied for teaching positions at more than 60 schools in search of the perfect campus and community environment. After Mobley’s interview, we knew instantly that CVCHS needed her to teach our students. She was the department chair in her previous position, coached sports and was involved in making a difference for her students on so many levels. She will be an outstanding AP European history and
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world history teacher for our sophomores and juniors. But for all of the couple’s planning, we did not have a fulltime teaching position to offer Waller. Mobley loved the Concord community and our campus so much that Waller took the only position we had available at the time, a substitute teacher. Soon after they accepted, a full-time teaching position became available in our Culinary and Nutritional Science program. Waller jumped at the opportunity to become our resident chef. For three years in New York City before he started teaching, Waller was a professional musi-
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MDUSD
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The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is proud of and grateful for our strong educational partnerships. When our district and schools work together with local businesses and the community, everyone benefits because our educational programs become stronger and more successful. Our valued partners include local educational institutions like Diablo Valley College and Cal StateEast Bay, major corporations like Andeavor and civic organizations like our local Chambers of Commerce. We recently began a community partnership with Bike Concord, an organization with a vision of bringing a healthy transportation mode to our city. Biking is good for the environment and our physical well-being, and here in MDUSD, it is a pathway to
month—without formal posting of the position or interviews. Dave Linzey had an annual compensation package of $301,212. The audit shows Dave Linzey’s compensation between July 1, 2016 and May 5, 2018 totaled $555,109. His wife was paid $296,047 from February 2017 through May 2018. The Linzeys’ joint income from CVCHS between July 1, 2016 and May 15, 2018 totaled $849,776. The audit says the school created a new administrative position which could not be traced to board minutes. Concord councilman Ron Leone, an education veteran, was appointed without the job being posted, interviews conducted or board approval. He was paid $618 a day from December 2017 to May 2018 for total pay of $41,709. He resigned in June after unsuccessfully running for the County Superintendent position. The audit pointed out that there was a lack of receipts or detailed backup information on some charges made to school issued credit cards. The Procopio Cory and Hargreaves law firm was paid $47,819 from December 2017 to June 2018. It appears that most—if not all—of their services were for East Bay Tech Academy, proposed new charter schools in Antioch.
cal theater actor. Now, he employs those same skills to ensure students are engaged and focused on the course work. His grandma’s recipes are a class favorite, and Grandma Fish has become the talk of campus. Mobley and Waller have already found ways of integrating food into lesson plans that extend beyond our dynamic culinary arts program. Rumor has it the unit on African Imperialism will include a hands-on demonstration about the vital natural resources of the continent by using chocolate brownies and M&Ms. (I hope they’ll need help from the principal that day.) Transitions are not always an easy task, but we’re now less than three months into the school year and our two teachers are performing above expectations. Mobley and Waller are passionate educators who embody the positive and fun learning environment we’ve created for our students. CVCHS couldn’t ask for a better couple to join our teaching team, and we look forward The #MeToo movement to their next chapter of growth has sparked national debate on in our great community. the topics of sexual assault, Send comments and questions to sexual harassment and sexual violence in the workplace and jeff.anderson@claytonvalley.org in school. The stories we’ve heard have been about promising, hard-working employees, talents and students who have been treated with disrespect by trusted co-workers, fellow talents and mentors. Though the severity of the stories varies, the underlying effect remains consistent: We must tell the truth about our experiences in order to show others what is right and what is possible jobs in recreation. Bike Concord built a repair wrong. The #MeToo moveshop on the Olympic Continu- ment is making amazing ation High School campus, and progress by spotlighting the students from our school pro- brave people sharing their stograms participate in repairing ries. I am currently working bikes and work with the Bike through my college applicaConcord leadership. This started as the brain- tions, applying to a multitude child of Smitty Ardrey, who of schools across California shared his vision with Principal and the country. Soon, I will be Lynsie Castellano and me. We entering a world entirely differloved the idea and worked with ent from the one I’m living in our maintenance department now – surrounded by people I don’t know in an unfamiliar to make this dream a reality. The city of Concord has place. I want to feel secure and made great strides in making confident that I can trust the the city walkable and providing people around me. But as recent news coverroutes for bicycles. Bike Concord has been a strong advo- age has shown, one can never cate for bike lanes, riding to be too sure or too careful. Frawork/school as well as build- ternities and sororities across the nation have been involved ing new bike locks. Street Smarts Diablo in cases surrounding sexual Region has been a partner with assault, sexual harassment and MDUSD for many years. sexual violence. Because of Through their educational unit, these cases, the Greek system they visit our schools to teach is often included in the stereostudents the importance of type. The #MeToo movement bike safety. On Oct. 17, we will have an event at Highlands has opened the doors to conElementary School to spotlight versations about these topics. More and more people, specifthis partnership. We thank these organiza- ically younger generations, are tions for their support of our understanding what sexual students and our environment. assault looks and sounds like We are proud to call them part- and what to do if it happens to you or someone you know. ners. Most importantly, they are Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email learning that the people who questions or comments to inflicted this pain on them are wrong, and sharing their stomeyern@mdusd.org
The power of partnerships
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LINZEY’S PAY REVEALED Eileen Linzey was appointed chief program officer—a position which paid $17,789 a
Engaged couple become new teachers at CVCHS
JEFF AnDERSon When a school hires a new teacher, it’s important to find the best person for the job. Obviously, this includes knowledge of the course matter at hand. Beyond that, an ideal candidate possesses an innate ability to relate to kids and a positive attitude that contributes to the overall school culture. Over the summer break, Clayton Valley Charter High School was fortunate to bolster our amazing team with not one, but two energetic teachers who also happen to be engaged to each other. Donna Mobley hails from Germantown, N.Y., and taught in New York City, where she met fellow teacher and Foster City native Marcellus Waller. Before the completion of her 10th year at Leadership Public School, they decided it was time to find jobs in a new community for the 2018-19 school year and beyond. They wanted to be in Northern California (Waller’s
the Linzeys left the Concord school. The audit report was issued to the County District last month. Among the areas the audit covered were CVCHS’s hiring practices, purchasing policies and internal controls, and cash disbursements from July 1, 2017 to May 15, 2018.
CVCHS administrator Megan Moilanen was the lead applicant for the tech charter and Dave Linzey was listed as a senior advisor. In response to many public inquiries about any financial assistance CVCHS might be giving that charter effort, Linzey told the Pioneer that “CVCHS has not given or loaned any funds to EBTA.” The Antioch School board approved the tech charts last May, just days before Linzey’s departure from CVCHS. CVCHS SEEKS REIMBURSMENT
In CVCHS’s 56-page response to the audit, the school says it is working with the EBTA’s new board about a reimbursement payment schedule to Clayton Valley. New CVCHS executive director Jim Scheible says the school and its governing board has or will be implementing 19 of the 22 recommendations by the auditors. Because of its lengthy agenda, the board decided to move formal discussion on the audit to a future meeting. CVCHS also made its annual Local Control and Accountability Plan update to the county that evening. Principal Jeff Anderson and administrator Moilanen joined Scheible for the LCAP presentation.
How the #MeToo movement affects teens today
SyDnEy SKoW
CVCHS
CORRESPONDENT
ries is right. They are learning how to protect themselves if need be and how to recognize a potentially dangerous situation. When instances such as the assault accusations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh are widely publicized, those in support of the #MeToo movement are showing their support for fellow Americans and proving that everyone should be held accountable for their actions, no matter how much power they hold. I am desperately hoping that another aspect will result from this movement: education. I want the youth of our country to be educated on sexual assault and violence in order to protect themselves and others. Although we teach students “family life” in biology class, I believe our general education system doesn’t teach them enough about consent and safe relationships. The lessons learned from the #MeToo movement can impact generations to come, as long as we continue to stand in support of victims, instigate proper and full investigations and send out clear messages to the younger generations. I know the #MeToo movement has affected me. Has it affected you, too? Sydney is a senior at CVCHS. Send comments to editor@pioneerpublishers.com
October 12, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
TAMARA
AND
R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers
TAMARA S TEINER , Editor
P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design
B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor
J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports Editor
PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor
S TAFF W RITERS : Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré, Bev Britton
C ORRESPONDENTS : Kara Navolio, John T. Miller Remembering Jill Bedecarré February 24, 1950 - June 17, 2007
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schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have
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Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes and businesses. We cannot start or stop free delivery to individual addresses. This must be done directly through the Post Office. The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,500 in Concord by carrier. Papers are delivered once a month on a Friday morning near the end of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please call us or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
JOB OPPORTUNITY working with birds
Corvid Connection, a 501(c)(3) non-profit located in Clayton is looking for a special individual to help care for our collection of permanently injured wild birds. This position is 3 to 5 days a week, 8 hours a day depending on success of training and initial experience. Compensation is $23 per hour/no benefits with full pay during the training period. Avian experience is a plus. The successful candidate will be comfortable with and knowledgeable about animals, a team player, able to follow and recall detailed instructions and able to work independently. Must be able to lift 40 lbs. and be willing to navigate flights of stairs to access the aviaries and must demonstrate care in entering enclosures and in handling birds. Our staff is small and we spend quite a bit of time and effort to train, so we are seeking a coworker who enjoys the work, the birds, and plans to stay. This is not an internship. Interested? Send email and contact info to
corvidconnection@aol.com
Page 9
Blue Devils hire new director, announce B Corps tour change JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Only weeks after finishing second at the DCI World Championships in both the World and Open classes, the Blue Devils announced the hiring of a new executive, Shaun Gallant, and a major touring change for the worldfamous organization as it began preparations for the 2019 drum corps season. First, came an announcement with their friendly rivals, Santa Clara Vanguard, that the two powerhouse Bay Area corps, who have won 10 of the last 11 Open Class World Championships, will not be competing at the 2019 Worlds. Instead, both groups will restrict their B Corps season to California competitions. Then just days later, Blue Devils CEO Justin Heimbecker announced that he and his wife are moving back to the East Coast where they have lived most of their lives. Heimbecker joined the Blue Devils in early 2016 from Pennsylvania, replacing longtime CEO Dave Gibbs. Heimbecker posted on Facebook, “I’ll continue to work and support the BD organization remotely in a variety of ways. I’ll continue most immediately as the Western Bands Association executive director. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with and learn from David Gibbs over the past several
SHAUN GALLANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
years; it is clear why this organization is the very best in the world, and his leadership for the organization and activity are unparalleled.” Quickly, the Blue Devils hired Gallant as its new executive director. Gallant comes from the Vanguard, where he served as director of programs and led both Santa Clara corps to World Championship titles in August, finishing ahead of runner-up Blue Devils A and B Corps. Gallant was named 2018 Director of the Year by his peers at DCI. He began his drum corps career in 2004 for the Vanguard Cadets and aged out of the Vanguard in 2008. He also served on the teaching staff of Vanguard Cadets from 2010-12. He told the Pioneer, “It is a true honor to be involved with Blue Devils. Their commitment to innovative excellence and dedication enriching young people’s lives is unmatched. I look forward to continuing
Captain Grammar Pants Most of us learn the differences between
AS and LIKE during elementary school; it may be challenging to remember such a lesson, though. LIKE is easy: it is a preposition that explains how a noun is doing something, and it should be followed by a noun or pronoun. “He has hair like his father’s” and “I ate like a starving person” are all correct. “He lies like a dog” makes the humorous comparison of telling a lie with lying down, but it is still correct. Many people use “like” casually as a conjunction, as in “Here, like at home, it rains constantly.” However, in formal written English, we would write, “Here, as at home, it rains constantly.” I like it! Sean Williams is a professor of ethnomusicology at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. She is currently working on a Captain Grammar Pants book. Follow her regular postings on Facebook.
Clayton Police Activity Report
explained, “Each year BD Performing Arts evaluates all aspects of our organization in order to meet our standards of excellence and vision. The objectives of the Blue Devils B Corps are to provide a positive member experience, quality student education, a healthy and safe environment, and strong community involvement. “In order to achieve these objectives, we have decided to travel and compete only in California for the 2019 season. This is a very difficult decision and we make it with much deliberation and careful thought.” Santa Clara issued a similar statement the same day. In 2018, Blue Devils B, including recent Clayton Valley Charter High School grads Steve Potter and Ethan Puckett, competed in late July and early August in Ohio, Michigan, Maryland and Iowa in preparation for Worlds in Indiana.
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Education CVCHS Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .claytonvalley.org CVHS Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .cvhshof.com Election Grayson, Tim . . . . . . . . . . . . . .graysonforassembly.com Hansen, Cheryl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .cheryl-hansen.com Shuey, Dave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .shuey@rankinlaw.com Wolfe, CW . . . . . . . . . . . .wolfeforclaytoncitycouncil.com Events Pacific Coast Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . .949-3276 Financial, Insurance and Legal Services Chee, David – High Tech Lending . . . . . .(800) 967-3575 Parwiz, Sam – Edward Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . .635-8881 Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242
Activity for two weeks ending Oct. 4, 2018
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their success for many years to come!” Gallant follows Heimbecker as the first leaders of Blue Devils who were not homegrown in the local corps. Former CEO Gibbs is now senior executive advisor. “We feel incredibly fortunate that Shaun felt that the time was right for him to move across the Bay,” said Rosa Lee Harden, president of BD Performing Arts. “His gifts, proven skills, and vision for the future of the drum corps activity is exactly what BDPA needs to continue our commitment to innovative excellence.” The Blue Devils B Corps (comprised mainly of local high school age performers) has toured the US and competed at the World Championships annually since 2006, finishing first or second for the past 11 years. Prior to 2005, BDB were at the Open Worlds five times. The Blue Devils
Sept. 22, Mountaire Cir. ADW: Not Firearm. 25-yearold Clayton male.
Oct. 4, 5400 Clayton Rd. Disorderly Conduct: Alcohol. 28-year-old Clayton female.
BURGLARIES/THEFTS
Sept. 23, 5400 Clayton Rd. Petty Theft. Sept. 28, Stranahan Cir. Sept. 22, 5400 Clayton Rd. Petty Theft – Vehicle. Warrant. 33-year-old tranSept. 28, Semillon Cir. Petty sient male. Theft – Vehicle. Sept. 28, Stranahan Cir. Sept. 23, 5400 Clayton Rd. Petty Theft – Vehicle. Disorderly Conduct: Alcohol. Sept. 28, Semillon Cir. Petty 39-year-old Pittsburg male. Theft – Vehicle. Oct. 1, Nottingham Cir. Sept. 25, Kirker Pass Petty Theft. Rd./Concord Blvd. DUI: AlOct. 3, Forest Hill Dr. Theft – cohol; Driving While License Vehicle. Suspended: DUI. 55-year-old Concord female.
VANDALISMS
Sept. 26, Clayton Rd./Allegro Sept. 21, Mt. Zion Dr. Ave. Warrant. 27-year-old Antioch male.
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Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .mtdiabloresourcerecovery.com Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029
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Sports
Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 12, 2018
DLS, CVCHS have NCS fates in their hands after wins JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
De La Salle and Clayton Valley Charter started this football season at or near the top of Bay Area and North Coast Section ratings and with three weeks left in the regular season the Spartans are firmly entrenched in their usual spot atop the mountain and CVCHS is not far behind after rebounding from an upset home loss to Antioch. Should the Spartans (7-0) and Ugly Eagles (6-1) win their final three games they will both earn berths to the four-team North Coast Section Open Division playoffs. In the first two years of the Open Division DLS has eliminated the Eagles in the opening round, thus ending the CVCHS season. The goal for coach Tim Murphy’s team this fall was to move up one or two places so they would avoid a likely showdown with their Concord rivals in the opening round. Regardless of the outcome of the NCS Open Division championship game both finalists are likely to
advance in the CIF bowl setup. EAGLES CONTINUE LEAGUE STREAK
After a scoreless first quarter Campolindo scored a touchdown on the final play of the second quarter to go into halftime at Gonsalves Stadium last Friday night tied at seven with CVCHS. The Eagles recovered a Cougars onside kick to start the second half and posted a pair of touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters for a 35-7 win over their likely toughest challenger in the Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division. Murphy said, “Campo played us tough in first half. They played hard as hell. They’re tough and they’ve got good kids. A couple small adjustments [at halftime] and our kids’ conditioning and relentlessness took over in the second half.” The Sumter brothers, quarterback Logan and runningback Carson, have been providing many of the offensive fireworks for CVCHS but last Friday junior Makhi Gervais ran for 166 yards and three touchdowns and
Dennis Lee/SportStars photo
De La Salle continues to roll as the Bay Area’s no. 1 rated team. Senior linebacker and captain Jhasi Wilson (10) has been a key factor for the Spartans defense. Undefeated De La Salle has secured its seven wins over excellent opposition who have only five combined losses in all their other games.
senior Card Carter made a big play on each side of the ball in a key third-quarter sequence. Carter first stopped an impressive drive by Campo with an end zone interception and then concluded the ensuing offensive drive hauling in a 72yard touchdown pass from Logan Sumter to give CVCHS a two-touchdown lead. Murphy is not at all ready to claim a seventh straight undefeated league championship. “Miramonte is next with only one loss so we can’t let up.” After the game in Orinda the Eagles close out the season against Alhambra and Northgate, two teams promoted to the Foothill Division this year and both sporting losing records.
ANTIOCH UPSET STINGS Clayton Valley Charter revels in its Ugly Eagles nickname. However, in its 35-34 home loss last month to Antioch, Murphy says the home game put a different spin on Ugly Eagles. “Worst 1st half since I’ve been at CV. Three turnovers, four dropped passes, five penalties, missed PAT and two coverage breakdowns. We’ve gone half seasons without that many mistakes.” The Eagles fell behind 27-6, took a fourth-quarter lead but a missed two-point conversion resulted in the upset loss, which put a big crimp in their post-season hopes. At the time, Murphy said, “Overall, the loss will make us a better team.” MaxPreps veteran writer Mitch Stephens called it “Maybe the Bay Area game of the year.” Liberty of Brentwood (8-0) won last year’s NCS Division I championship and is undefeated this year after destroying Antioch 52-0 last Friday. The Lions are off this week before a showdown at Pittsburg (6-2) Oct. 19 that will go a long way to lining up the other two NCS Open
Christy Murphy photo courtesy CVCHS football
Clayton Valley Charter senior defensive end Antony trimble (6) sacked Campolindo quarterback Grant Harper (12) to bring an end to the Cougars hopes last Friday as the Eagles defeated Campo 35-7 at Gonsalves Stadium to maintain their seven-year unbeaten league winning streak. nick Diaz (49) jumped over the play.
Division playoff entries, as well Even with their 7-0 record DLS determining the second through has been challenged several times including a season-openfourth seedings. ing game with State Champion SPARTANS CONTINUE ROLL Folsom, National power Bishop Knowing their talent level Gorman and Buchanan of Clothis year, De La Salle took on an vis. Even games against fellow even more challenging that usual Bay Area parochial schools St. non-league schedule this fall and Francis and Bishop O’Dowd came through it without a loss were not easy from start to finfor the first time since 2014. ish.
Coach Justin Alumbaugh and his staff installed sophomore Dorian Hale as the starting quarterback and the offense has taken some time to catch up to the all-star laden DLS defense, which shutout Folsom in its opener and blanked East Bay Athletic League rival Monte Vista last Friday.
See NCS, page 12
Kohler .9 of a second from World Championships medal JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton’s Kara Kohler reached her first World Rowing Championships single sculls finals but missed a medal by just .9 of a second in a race that took seven and half minutes in Plovdiv, Bulgaria last month. The local athlete began competing in single sculls less than two years ago as she looks ahead to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, hoping to better or equal her London Olympics bronze medal.
Last year, she competed at Worlds in the women’s quadruple sculls after taking second at the US Trials in single sculls. This year, she was named the American entrant in the event and she had quite the meet with her parents Caryl and Mike Kohler cheering her on. The Clayton Valley High and Cal Berkeley grad won her heat to qualify for the semifinals and was second in her semi to undefeated defending world champion Jeannine Gmelin of Switzerland. This put her in the six-boat finals
Sunday where she missed a medal by less than one second, finishing fourth. Ireland’s Sanita Puspure dominated the race with Gmelin coming on for second. The American sculler got off the line last, slowly working her way into fourth position with 500 meters to go. The American and Austria’s Magdalena Lobnig continued to close the gap on a fading Danish rower for bronze, but the Austrian was able to push her bow ahead of Kohler at the finish. Lobnig won bronze, 0.9 seconds ahead of Kohler’s time of 7:30.41. In the semi-finals, with a spot in the finals beckoning for the top three finishers, Kohler sat in fourth just off the pace before making her move as the scullers
entered the third quarter of the race. She passed two competitors with about 750 meters to go. Kohler continued to track Gmelin into the final quarter of the race. At the line, Gmelin won in 7:23.93 with Kohler finishing in a 7:25.47. “I was trying to stay as calm and relaxed as possible,” Kohler said. “The semifinal is a pretty terrifying experience to know the final is on the line. (You) need to be able to trust the physical and mental training you’ve put in; just stay calm throughout the race.” This was Kohler’s fourth senior World Rowing Championships appearance. She won gold in the four at the 2011 Worlds in a class not part of the Olympic program. Her
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Clayton Valley High grad and 2012 olympic bronze medalist Kara Kohler barely missed a medal at last month’s World Rowing Championships in Bulgaria in the single sculls. Kohler was proud to call her boat “Kiss the Joy” for the documentary of the same name, the story of American rowing Pioneer Joan Lind Van Blom.
Olympic bronze medal was in the quadruple sculls. After she returned to her Clayton home for a brief respite before a busy competition schedule on the East Coast, she competed in the Santa Cruz Triathlon. Up next for Kohler is the Head of the Charles regatta in Boston next Saturday, Oct. 20, in the Women’s Championship Singles. The following Saturday she’ll be in Philadelphia for the last leg of the Lotman Challenge. Right after that race (about 40 minutes later) she’ll be racing in the Philadelphia Gold Cup. The local woman says, “After those races I’m planning to make my way back home and train in Oakland for the winter. “ She also sent out a message on Facebook: “One last thing about this year’s World Champi-
onships - the name on my boat. Couldn’t have felt more honored to row my boat with this name on it. ‘Kiss the Joy’ is representative of Joan Lind Van Blom and the documentary ‘Kiss the Joy – the story of Joan Lind Van Blom’ directed and produced by filmmaker and Van Blom teammate Jean Strauss. “Joan was a pioneer in women’s rowing in the U.S. when women were just beginning to be accepted into the sport. She was the first U.S. woman to reach a World Championship final in the single scull in 1973. She did the same in 1975 before earning the silver medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. Joan passed away from brain cancer in 2015 and up until then remained an example of all that is good about the sport.”
Sports
October 12, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Athlete Spotlight
Nick Harrison and Sean Malley School: CVCHS
Grade: Senior
Seniors Harrison and Malley discovered a passion for running while meeting new friends and creating awesome memories along the way. Cross country has proved to be a sport the two have enjoy while also getting satisfaction of representing CVCHS. Harrison has been on the cross country varsity for the past three years. He is also on the Ugly Eagles soccer team, starting as outside wing his junior season. Malley has been running on cross country and track teams. He runs the 400- and 800-
Sport: Cross Country
meter races in the spring and is working to run a sub-2 minute 800 as a senior. Malley ran in the Golden Gate Summer Marathon hosted by Coastal Trail Runs this year. Cross country coach Anthony Munch says, “Sean brings hard work and enthusiasm to each practice. He has an impressive running range, competitive in anything from the 400 meters in track to trail marathons.” Harrison was awarded the cross country team’s rookie of the year his sophomore season and was a part of the league-winning
team as a junior. Munch says, “Nick is having a breakthrough season in his senior year, running career bests at the two- and three-mile distances.” Malley was awarded track’s most inspirational his sophomore season. Both athletes have been recognized for their NCS academic achievements as well. They are also both in CVCHS’s Engineering Academy and are active members of the CSF and Senior Men clubs on campus. Next year in college Harrison plans to study some type of physical science and Malley will major in business marketing. CVCHS student journalist Sydney Skow wrote this Spotlight.
The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Nick and Sean and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
Page 11
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CVCHS athletic director Ralston starts assignment facing NCS alignment process JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Bob Ralston has 16 year’s work experience at Clayton Valley Charter High School as a teacher, highly-successful baseball coach and recently, school administrator. This fall, he began his new assignment as the first full-time athletic director of a local public high school. And among the very first tasks Ralston is tackling is shepherding the school through the North Coast Sections quadrennial alignment cycle for 2020-2024. And just as it was four years ago, CVCHS is right in the middle of realignment proposals for the Valley Conference of NCS. Ralston is heading an athletic department of 28 varsity sports teams, including club programs for rugby, mountain biking and trap shooting. This places the local charter high school at the top of NCS member schools. “Our school supports athletics as part of our extra-curricular activities that includes bands, drama and clubs. We estimate that 75% of CVCHS students participate in at least one of these programs. We have half (over 1000) of the student body taking part in sports,” Ralston says. He adds that students involved in programs outside the classroom statistically are more successful in their academics as well. “We have a long history of athletics that leads to school pride. Clayton Valley school spirit is shown at games and makes it more exciting for our community to get involved.” COACHING HIRES For the fall and winter teams Ralston has only had to make two head coaching hires. Riley Shaw is the new girls water polo coach and Andrew Doss is replacing varsity boys basketball coach Eric Bamberger this winter. Ralston was the school’s freshman academic advisor since returning to CVCHS in the summer of 2016, after spending five successful years as head coach of the Cal State East Bay baseball team. He came to Clayton Valley in 1998 as assistant baseball coach to Joe Panella before becoming head coach the next year until 2006, when he took a two-year hiatus to be head baseball coach at Diablo Valley College. He returned to the Eagles dugout from 2009-2011 for the final of his 11 years as varsity coach.
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CVCHS Athletic Boosters have started a new program to honor athletes of the month at the school. the honor recognizes student athletes for their sports and academic achievements. Each recipient is given a CVCHS athlete of the month t-shirt. new athletic director Bob Ralston encouraged them to “wear proudly” around school. Among the first honorees were, from left, Aidan Reinwald (cross country), Samantha thompson (frosh volleyball), Ralston, Katie Pike (cross country), Emma Kelly (JV cross country), tyler Habermeyer (frosh cross country) and Arshia Shahrodizach (JV cross country).
He was a physical education coach at the school through his years coaching baseball at Clayton Valley and DVC. His daughter Ellie and son Bill graduated from CVCHS in recent years. Ralston’s brother-in-law Casey Coakley has been the varsity baseball coach since 2013. NCS ALIGNMENT UNDERWAY
Four years ago, Clayton Valley Charter was the focal point of NCS realignment discussions based almost solely on the success of its football team. Nothing has changed moving forward from 2014 to 2018. The Eagles became part of the new Diablo Athletic League starting in fall 2015 but have yet to lose a league football game since 2011. The 2020-2024 alignment process is underway with the next meeting of Section schools on Oct. 18. The final decision by the Board of Managers will be made Mar. 29. Alignment is based on competitive equity and geographical proximity. Enrollment data, keeping traditional rivalries or composing leagues exclusively from one school district or all of private or public schools are not considered in the process. During the Tim Murphy era beginning in fall 2012 the Eagles have been a staple in NCS football playoffs and have twice been to CIF State Bowl Games. Many of their league games have been lopsided affairs, making Ugly Eagles football persona non grata among many schools. While racking up 31 straight league wins Clayton Valley has had only three games with winning margins of less than 20 points.
Clayton Valley Charter’s league results in the other 24 varsity sports are average. The school is in the Foothill Division (top competitive division) and Valley Division for nine sports each, with the other six DAL sports all in one flight. The DAL divisions are set up based on past year’s results. Six of the seven proposals suggesting Section realignment to take effect in fall 2020 have CVCHS moving to the Bay Valley or East Bay athletic leagues. The BVAL includes six geographically close East Contra Costa schools and they are unanimous—as they were four years ago—in not wanting any new members. The EBAL is primarily a TriValley-based league plus De La Salle and Carondelet. The league has 10 schools in each gender and is potentially looking to add two schools to enable sports to have two six-team divisions. Campolindo, Acalanes, College Park and CVCHS are the schools listed to move to EBAL in various proposals. The DAL added Benicia as a 13th member school this fall, which means there are now an odd number of 29 schools (DLS and Carondelet counting as one) in the NCS Valley Conference, meaning one league will have an odd number of members, precipitating byes in their league scheduling. One alternative that has not formally been suggested is to have CVCHS football placed in one league while all their other teams continue in DAL. The EBAL and BVAL both offer several top-flight NCS Open and Division I football programs.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 12, 2018
Sports
New Eagles basketball coach Goss missing graduated stars JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter High School boys basketball will have a new face sitting in the head coaches seat when practice begins Oct. 29. But the person taking on that role, Andrew Doss, has had a birdseye view of the position for the past four years as assistant to Eric Bamberger, who stepped away after leading the Ugly Eagles in an historic 2017-18 season. The top seeded Eagles reached the North Coast Section Division I championship game last February before losing a heartbreaker to Heritage 71-66. A week later they lost to
Menlo in the NorCal Championships opening round, in what proved to be Bamberger’s last game in charge. Bamberger is taking a break from high school coaching to watch his daughter Ali in her senior year at Carondelet and son Mason play his freshman season at De La Salle. Ali Bamberger announced last week that she is accepting a scholarship to the University of Washington. Bamberger is continuing as a club coach at the allgirls Cal Stars, where his daughter played for 10 years and he’s coached since 2011. Bamberger led the Ugly Eagles for five seasons culminated with the record-setting 26-4 team featuring seniors
NCS, from page 10
For the first time in seven years, the Spartans are playing an official EBAL schedule for the first time in seven years and reintroduced themselves with a 55-0 rout of MV, leading 48-0 at the half with a running clock limiting the second half action. The game made be most memorable for the sale of Bob Ladouceur bobblehead dolls at the Spartans homecoming. The legendary Spartans coach was recently named the greatest ever high school football coach by MaxPreps. He stepped down as head coach after 2012 season and has been an assistant on Alumbaugh’s staff since. The Spartans have EBAL games the next three weeks against Foothill, at San Ramon
on our players, the opponent and college teams that run the same system to see if we would want to implement any of their sets. I am excited to see where he takes Clayton Valley basketball.” Doss has been a basketball junkie for many years after playing CYO from third to eighth grade at St. Bonaventure and four years at Berean Christian High in Walnut Creek. In his senior year the Eagles were second seed in NCS Division V and reached the semi-finals. He attended Diablo Valley College as a freshman and coached the frosh basketball team at Berean because his high school coach Mike Gleisner gave him a key to the gym, so he could play at any hour. He went to the University of
Oregon as a sophomore but only lasted a year. “The weather was not what this California boy was used to.” He came back to the Bay Area and finished up college at San Jose State. He went back to
coaching at Berean commuting from San Jose State and sometimes spending the night at his parents Dana Hills home. He stayed in San Jose for a year after graduation but continued to coach at Berean. He got a teaching job at Tabernacle School in Concord and moved back to the area. He started at Clayton Valley as JV coach for three years while Troy Sullivan was head coach. When Bamberger took over in 2012 he was the frosh coach for a year before he moved up to Bamberger’s varsity staff for the past four seasons. His ninth season coaching at CVCHS and third year teaching US and World History there will be quite memorable for the self-described gym rat. “If it’s possible, we’re going to be even faster than last year.”
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
DLS is 3-0 in EBAL action while Carondelet is 3-2. NCS tournaments for boys and girls begin Oct. 31 and end Nov. 10. NorCal Championships are Nov. 13-17. Carondelet was runner-up in NCS Division II girls while Miramonte won the 2017 DI girls championship. Cross Country – Senior Rayna Stanziano has served noticed she is looking to make her final cross country season one for the books. The Concord High runner posted backto-back victories last month at the Ed Sias and De La Salle Nike invitationals with the top girl’s time at both meets. Stanziano has been a top performer since she burst on the scene in 2015 as a freshman. She has qualified for the CIF State Meet in Fresno three times with her placements progressing from 65th to 29th and then 11th last fall. She hopes to get on the podium Nov. 24 at Woodward Park in Fresno at the final cross country meet of the year. At the Sias Invitational in Hidden Valley Park Martinez two weeks ago she won the girls small schools two-mile in 11:36.2, over a half minute ahead of the second-place runner. Her time was the best among all girls in the meet. Northgate was seventh, Concord ninth and Ygnacio Valley
11th in the small schools girls team standings. Sophomore Samantha Schauman took 10th in the large schools race, helping her Clayton Valley Charter team to seventh place. The CVCHS boys were also seventh in large schools and Northgate seventh in small schools Sias Invitational boys races. At Newhall Park in Concord, Stanziano beat a field of 183 girls to win the three-mile DLS Nike Invitational in 18:07.3. Her winning time was 14 seconds better than the runner-up. Schauman was 13th and her Eagles team took 12th in the team standings. Host De La Salle was third in its invitational behind champion Amador Valley and Jesuit of Sacramento. Senior Connor Livingston was second in the boys race for the Spartans. Junior Derek Connor and a trio of sophomores helped DLS to the third-place finish. The Diablo Athletic League’s first center meet last month at Hidden Valley saw the CVCHS girls take second to powerhouse Campolindo with Schauman fifth overall. Stanziano won the three-mile varsity race. The Eagles boys team took fifth among the 11 DAL teams. The second center meet is Oct. 24 at Newhall Park. The teams in each division are scored
against each other at the center meets. The DAL Championships are on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Hidden Valley Park. The NCS Meet of Champions is Nov. 17 at Hayward High School before the CIF State Meet. Girls Volleyball – The seven-team DAL Valley Division double round-robin schedule runs until Oct. 18 with CVCHS currently 5-3 in fourth place. Carondelet is 104 in EBAL and 20-7 overall. North Coast runs Oct. 23 through Nov. 13 with the NorCal Championships Nov. 6-13 and the CIF State finals Nov. 16-17. Carondelet (Division II) and Berean Christian (Division V) each reached the 2017 semifinals at NCS before losing to their respective division’s Section champs. The Cougars then went all the way to the NorCal Regional Division IV championship match before losing to top seed Presentation. Berean got to the NorCal Regional Div. V semi-finals. Girls Tennis – DAL tennis matches for seven Valley Division schools are in a double round-robin format until Oct. 18. The DAL division championships are Oct. 25-27. The NCS team championships are Nov. 6-10 with the singles and doubles tournament Nov. 1213. The NorCal team tournament is Nov. 16-17.
ANDREW DOSS
Fall sports already in league, NCS playoffs
DILLON LEAO
Valley and close out the regular season hosting California. Entering this week De La Salle’s seven opponents to date had lost only five games besides their losses to the Spartans.
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Garrett Pascoe, Nick Klarman and JD Williams. Pascoe is now at Boston University after setting a slew of season and career records for the Eagles as a four-year all-league performer. As Doss he gets his first varsity head coaching opportunity, he inherits a roster that last year included 12 of 15 non-seniors. On the other hand, the three seniors dominated all the teams’ statistical categories (70% of the scoring and 75% of the rebounding). Doss is getting thumbs up from his former boss. Bamberger says, “Andrew is a hard worker who has been studying basketball for the past five years. He is ready to run his own program. He put in more time than any coach in our program. He would study film
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Fall sports teams and athletes are already getting ready for the end of their regular league schedules with the end of season Diablo and Est Bay athletic league competition leading top performers into North Coast section, NorCal and state playoffs. Girls Golf – The DAL tournament for each division is net Monday, Oct. 15. The EBAL tournament at Tilden Park in Berkeley is the same day. The NCS Division I qualifier and D-II championships are one week later on Oct. 22 and the DI championship Oct. 29, the week before the NorCal championships on Nov 5. The State meet concludes the season Nov 13. Carondelet won the NCS championship last year and in 2015. The Cougars lost a tiebreaker for third place at NorCals, ending two consecutive State championship appearances. Water Polo – DAL Valley Division teams, including Clayton Valley Charter, are playing a single round-robin weekly schedule that runs through Oct. 17. CVCHS girls are 3-0 while the boys are 2-1 entering this week. The Foothill Division has a double round-robin ending one week later.
Sports Shorts
CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME 2019 NOMINEES DEADLINE MONDAY
ball team. For tickets, contact Lou Adamo at 212-9332 or mail at 1401 Stonecreek Ct., Martinez 94553. Tickets for dinner are $55. Proceeds go to help fund girls’ and boys’ athletic and academic programs at MDHS. DH
DIABLO FC OFFERS COMPETITIVE
Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will induct its sixth class on Friday, May 3 at the Shadelands Art Center in Walnut Creek. The Hall of Fame committee is seeking nominees for that 2019 induction class. Nominees must be a CVHS grad or coach from 1959-2009. Nomination forms can be picked up at the high school office during business hours. Contact Herc Pardi herc_pardi@hotmail.com with any questions. The committee will accept completed application forms until next Monday, Oct. 15. Visit the new Hall of Fame website cvhshof.com for more information.
Diablo FC 8 under through under 19 competitive soccer teams (birth years 2000-2011) have held formal tryouts for the 2018-19 season. Players interested in joining Diablo FC should email director of coaching Zach Sullivan at docdiablofc@gmail.com with any questions about the club or to arrange a player evaluation for players in birth years 20002011. Visit diablofc.org to get more information on the area’s premier youth soccer club.
BEGINS THIS WEEKEND
FOR WINTER PROGRAMS
10TH ANNUAL MDSA WORLD CUP SOCCER
TEAM SOCCER EVALUATIONS
CHECK WITH ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES
The ninth annual MDSA World Cup starts this weekend and Youth and adult leagues, clinics and tournaments are continues through Oct. 27-28 with 41 boys and girls teams tak- scheduled by All Out Sports Leagues in Clayton. For coming part. The competition wraps up the fall rec season for under plete information on All Out Sports programs, visit allout10, U12 and U14 teams in AYSO Region 223. For complete sportsleague.com. World Cup schedule and more information visit mdsoccer.org. YGNACIO VALLEY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME The annual Area 2C Cup Tournament is Nov. 10-11 with top finishing teams from the World Cup competing. NAMES 2019 INDUCTEES Ygnacio Valley High has announced the inductees for its MT. DIABLO HALL OF FAME ADDING 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame, which will be feted on May 4. The 6 NEW INDUCTEES NOV. 3 inductees are Ron Thompson (Class of 1972, football and baseThe Mt. Diablo High School Sports Hall of Fame will be ball), Joe Del Bene (’78, football and basketball), Xan Halog (’84, holding its annual induction dinner honoring their six 2018 tennis, basketball and softball), Doug King (’72, tennis), Shawn inductees on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. McGarry (’84, football and basketball), Mike Ivankovich (’87, This year’s recipients are Dan Barney (Class of 1959 baseball), football and track; coach and teacher) and Wes Greenwood Paul Chase (’75, gymnastics), Stan Huggins (‘75, wrestling and (coach and teacher). Details on tickets for the dinner will be gymnastics), Paul Karacia (’70, football, baseball, track), Chuck announced later. Visit yvathletichof.com for details. Midland (’61, baseball) and the 1963 DVAL championship foot-
October 12, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos an amazing force of nature A few weeks ago, we took a road trip through several national parks in Utah. Each park has unique geological features, but my favorite rock formations were the hoodoo towers in Bryce Canyon. Geology and weather work together to produce this stunning array of rock soldiers. It’s hard to imagine when viewed today, but these hoodoos were part of a solid rock formation hundreds of feet thick 150 million years ago. The rock formed in the sedimentary deposits of inland lakes that covered the area for millions of years. As the lakes dried out, a capping layer of harder rock formed over the layers of less dense sedimentary rock. Fast-forward the world clock about 25 million years ago. Erosion has carved out steep ravines
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS
that extend from the cap rock to the river basin floor a few hundred feet below. The large sandstone walls that border the ravines are called fins. Two distinct weathering processes sculpt the fins into arrays of hoodoos. The primary weathering force is called frost wedging. Due to Bryce Canyon’s high elevation of more than 8,000 feet, nighttime temperatures often fall
below freezing. Water from dew, rain or snowmelt seeps into cracks in the edges of the fin rock. When the water freezes, it expands by nearly 10 percent – enough to slowly change the structure of the rock. Bit by bit, the freeze/thaw cycle widens the cracks and allows the erosion process to eat away at the fin rock. In time, sections of the fin collapse. This leaves pillar-like hoodoos topped by a layer of cap rock. The second weathering agent, rainfall, is responsible for shaping the hoodoos. Rainfall is slightly acidic and slowly destroys limestone underneath the cap rock. The sediment layers of the hoodoos contain varying amounts of limestone. The rich limestone layers erode faster and become thin. Bulging layers of rock have less limestone content and erode slower.
SCREEN SHOTS
WiLL CLAnEy
TECH TALK
One of the neat electronic gadgets available to you now is an electronic front doorbell, because you can see and talk to the caller before you answer the door. Even if you are away from home when a person rings your bell, you can still see and hear them and have a conversation. The new electronic doorbells have built-in video and audio so you can monitor who’s at the door before you open it. The quality of the audio and video is usually adequate to identify the caller, and the audio is good if you need to speak to them or hear what they want to say. Choose a product such as Ring, Door Phone or Smart Wireless DoorBell, and you
Rain-induced erosion not only sculpts the hoodoo towers, it also limits their lifespan. In time, erosion of the limestone-rich layers will cause a
Netflix’s ‘Hold the Dark’ a confusing character study
JEFF MELLinGER
Jeremy Saulnier has made some of the craziest movies of the past decade: “Murder Party,” “Blue Ruin” and the excellent “Green Room.” He typically uses several of the same actors, giving his films a weird continuity. Each film also shows a marked improvement in his directing and writing. They become tighter, more focused and more grounded in reality. But he upends some of those changes with his new Netflix film, “Hold the Dark.” Saulnier turns over writing duties to William Geraldi, who wrote the book the film is based on, and Macon Blair, one of the familiar faces Saulnier uses in his films. The script for “Hold the Dark” is mildly coherent at best, and character motivations are hard to come by. Several times I found myself asking, “Wait, why did that just happen?” Saulnier loves to tell the solo man’s journey. As in “Murder Party” and “Blue Ruin,” we get men on their own, trying to survive. The difference with “Hold the Dark”
Woody Whitlatch
Formed in sedimentary rock, hoodoo shapes are affected by the erosional patterns of alternating hard and softer rock layers.
Photo: David Bukach / Courtesy of netflix
Riley Keough and Jeffrey Wright in netflix’s Hold the Dark
is that we get three or four men and never truly get to know any of them. It’s hard to determine just whose story Saulnier is telling. It could be wolf expert Russell Core (a subdued Jeffrey Wright). After the wolf-related deaths of three children in northern Alaska, Core is called in by a mother whose son was also killed. Medora (Riley Keough) is plagued by nightmares of her son, but Core knows something else haunts her. Saulnier might have wanted us to focus on Medora’s husband, Vernon (typically lowkey Alexander Skarsgard), first shown fighting in Iraq. His
scenes in the desert immediately tell a story of someone bathed in brutality; he escaped the harshness of the cold, only to get caught up in the harshness of the heat. Injured in a battle, he returns home to find his son dead and wife missing. This would upset anyone, yet Vernon goes completely off the deep end. We just don’t understand enough about Vernon to know if it’s the situation that causes him to go down this violent path, or if his demons are getting the better of him. Local sheriff Marium (James Badge Dale) knows all the major players in his small town. We get the impression
Marium feels as if he’d be chasing Vernon no matter the circumstances. Through four movies, Saulnier has shown to be an expert at putting characters in truly uncomfortable situations that they can’t get out of. We want to escape as well but are compelled to sit and watch, vicariously experiencing the horror. The best scene happens midway through the film in an extremely suspenseful, uberviolent shootout that lasts eight minutes but feels like an eternity. I was not expecting anything great at the climax of the film, yet I was still frustrated. Decisions by the characters again left me perplexed. At least the subsequent denouement was unexpected and satisfying enough to leave the film on a slight high note. If you’re looking to spend a depressing couple of hours with great actors and beautiful scenery, you could do worse. Otherwise, just watch “Green Room” again. C+
Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@concordpioneer.com.
Electronic doorbells are cool, but complicated will be pleased with the results. There are cheaper products available, but they aren’t very good. There is a caveat when you buy one of these doorbells: Don’t expect it to be easy to install. The ads tell you how amazingly simple it is and that it’s done in an instant. For the typical user, setting up a wireless device may not be easy. The setup can be frustrating, and the devices frequently just lose their settings and need to be reinstalled. Doorbell audio/video is even more cumbersome, and it requires the right “support” equipment – such as fast Internet and WiFi. Your WiFi network must be strong, at least 3-4 bars at the point of the doorbell device. To test your WiFi signal strength, take your cell phone outside to the front door. Wait a minute or two and then check the number of bars you are getting there. If
you have 3+ bars, the install will work. If less than 3+ bars are available where the doorbell is to be installed, you are in for a setup treat. The first thing you will need to do is boost your WiFi signal with an extender or signal repeater. If your Internet service is 10 megabits (mps) or above, then you will likely have a decent installation. The typical home Internet connection is 3 mps, and that’s simply not enough. At 10 mps, you should expect a frame rate (fps), the speed of video, to be 10-15 fps. It will look choppy but image quality will be OK. A faster Internet, say 50 mps, will give you about 30 fps (normal video), good audio and quality images. To understand frame rate, think of frames per second (fps). The typical home theater (TV) is 30 fps, also known as full video. The doorbell device takes an image at the front door,
sends it over WiFi to your router and then to a central office, which routes it to your phone network, like Verizon, and then it is displayed on your cell phone. That trip can typically be 2-3 seconds, depending on the speed of your Internet and WiFi for both your network and the telephone network service. So some delays in your conversation will occur. Just remember that these devices depend upon a host of other services, such as fast Internet, unthrottled phone service and WiFi pumping out 4-5 bars. If you don’t have these things but still want the service, get ready to upgrade. Knock-knock. Who’s there? Wait 3 seconds and I’ll tell you.
William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.
tower to collapse. You might think that the surrounding ravines would be full of fallen hoodoos, but the forces of mother nature efficiently
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interfere. Flash floods during monsoon season break up and transport hoodoo remnants downstream. Fittingly, sand from the old hoodoos is deposited as sediment in downstream lakes and riverbeds. Millions of years from now, new hoodoos may evolve in those future rock layers. Scientists have estimated the average rate of erosion at Bryce Canyon to be 2-4 feet every century. In geological time, the hoodoos won’t be around much longer, but they will still be there for centuries to come. Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos are well worth a visit. It’s amazing how the balance between geology and weather creates such uniquely sculpted rock towers. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
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October 12, 2018
The Arts
Still time to make a stop at ‘Canyon Road’ sesses a powerful voice 10 times the size of her body) and Bill Dietz as Chloe’s charming long-lost love. Designer Diane McRice’s set is detail-rich, Wayne McRice’s sound augments the melodies and lyrics, and Randall Nott’s lighting adds an element of magic. Rachel Powers created the show’s playful choreography. For tickets, call 925-3509770 or visit www.campbelltheater.com. Return to the Jazz Age in New York City, where modern young women bobbed their hair, raised hemlines and entered the workforce, in Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” opening tonight in Walnut Creek. Samantha Rose Cardenas stars in the title role. The musical plays through Nov. 10 at the Hofman Theater. For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or visit www.leshercenter.org. Get your tickets early for Clayton Theatre Company’s production of “The 25th
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Written by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin and directed by Roxanne Pardi, the funny and touching musical includes improvisation by audiKAtHRyn G. MCCARty ence participants. The PG-13 ON THE MARQUEE show runs Nov.1-17 at Endeavor Hall in Clayton. Get tickets at claytontheatercompaOnstage Repertory Theny.com or 925-222-9106. atre Company’s 41-year tradiB8 Theatre Company tion of producing world preopens its 2018-’19 season with mieres continues with the won“ReproRights!” directed by derful “Canyon Road.” Laylah Muran de Assereto. Writers Gretchen Givens This collection of short and Linda Gregg have created plays by 11 playwrights a musical with heart under the explores what it means to have steady direction of Mark (or not have) rights as a woman Hinds. Make sure to catch in America. The show runs “Canyon Road,” playing through Oct. 27 in Concord. through Oct. 13 at the CampTickets are available at 925bell Theater in Martinez. 890-8877 or Ella Wolfe is mesmerizing www.b8theatre.org. as Chloe, holding a secret that In Role Players Ensemforces a long-standing ble Theatre’s “Other Desert estrangement from her daughCities,” writer Brooke Wyeth ter June, played by Jené Bom(played by Emily Keyishian) bardier. Wolfe and Bombardier arrives at her family’s Southern demonstrate incredible musical California home with plans to “chops” in this enchanting publish a memoir about a show featuring the effervespainful chapter in her history. cent Lilia Gowdy (who posThis unique blend of comedy and family drama runs Oct. 19-Nov. 4 at Danville’s Village Theatre. Get tickets at www.roleplayersensemble.com or 925-314-3400. Brentwood Theatre Company scores a hole in one with Ken Ludwig’s “The Fox on the Fairway,” directed by Helen Moore Dixon. A farcical romp of mistaken identities and romantic shenanigans, it’s about love, life and man’s eternal love affair with golf. Performances are Jonathan Mercer Oct. 12-14 at the Shadow “the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” opens nov. Lakes Event Center in Brent1 in Clayton with Michael Wilson, left, tevin Whack, Xavier wood. For tickets, visit Ali, Kailah Cayou, Alijah Carter, Ashley Dionne and Jeffrie www.ghostlightte.org.
Cut loose for “Footloose, The Musical” by the Diablo Valley College Drama Department. Directed by Lisa Drummond, the musical is based on the 1984 movie about young people who fight their small town’s ban on dancing. Tickets for the Oct. 19-Nov. 4 show are available at 925-969-2358 or www.dvcdrama.net. Bay Area legend Joy Carlin directs Center Repertory Theatre’s West Coast premiere of the heartwarming romantic comedy “Dancing Lessons.” Mark St. Germain tells the story of a professor with Asperger’s (Craig Marker) who engages a Broadway performer with a potentially career-ending injury (Sharon Rietkerk) to teach him to dance The show runs Oct. 19-Nov. 17 at the Margaret Lesher Theater in Walnut Creek. Call 925-943SHOW or visit lesherartscenter.org. Deborah Black reprises her role as Mother Goose in Fan-
tasy Forum’s “The Legend Of Banbury Cross.” With original music by Florence Denison and direction by Scott Denison, the familyfriendly fantasy production has multiple daily performances Oct. 11-13 at the Margaret Lesher Theater in Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925943-SHOW or visit www.leshercenter.org. The successful run of Lauren Gunderson’s comedy “The Revolutionists,” directed by Susan E. Evans, closes Oct. 20 in Lafayette. This bold, irreverent comedy (PG-13) focuses on four bad-ass women of the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Reservations available at 925283-1557 or www.townhalltheatre.com. Prepare yourself for an evening of silly entertainment with Pittsburg Community Theatre’s production of “Spamalot,” the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail.
“Don’t Skip Out on Me” is the second Willy Vlautin book I’ve read and felt was worth recommending. Vlautin is not your ordinary author; he is also a singer, composer and musician. I haven’t listened to any of his music, but if it is half as interesting and moving as his story writing, I’m up for it. It’s hard to explain how a novel about a sheep-ranching couple in their 70s who have befriended and taken in a nearabandoned young teen can so touch the hearts and imaginations of readers. We meet Horace Hopper, a young man of Piute and Irish heritage, when he is older and wants to
sheep ranching. They have grown daughters who have left home and would like their parents to retire and sell the ranch. The Reeses, however, love their ranch and each other and they also believe that Horace will eventually give up his dreams of boxing and return to take over. Horace is a natural with horses and ranching. His dreams of boxing become his way of fighting against a father who left him, then a mother who gave him to an elderly grandmother to raise, who then gave him to the county. Horace will do anything to find out who he really is. He exchanges his Piute identity to
fight as a Mexican, fighting in small venues in the Southwest and Mexico. He is good, but not that good. The punishment he is willing to take is heartbreaking. We never stop rooting for him, as do the Reeses. The readers want him to return to the ranch as much as the Reeses. But as Horace begins to recognize his love for the Reeses and the ranch, we begin to understand that sometimes even love is not enough. “Don’t Skip Out on Me” is a novel of incredible tenderness in the face of a young man’s harsh reality. It is rich in the landscape of both the high desert and the heart.
Givens.
Jay yamada
Sarah Mitchell, left, Suzie Shepard, Kimberly Ridgeway and Heather Kellogg appear in “the Revolutionists” at the Lafayette town Hall through oct. 20
‘Don’t Skip’ this tender, yet fierce novel
SUnny SoLoMon
BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY
leave the ranch to train as a boxer. He has dreams of being a champion prizefighter, a champion human being – somebody who can live past
his life of abandonment as a Piute Indian. The novel opens as Horace is preparing to saddle up for the last time before leaving the ranch. He is riding out to bring supplies to one of Mr. Reese’s sheepherders who has been up in the mountains for several months. This scene in the barn first captures the quiet respect Horace and Mr. Reese have for each other. And for any reader who has been or worked around horses, the scene is so real you can almost smell the horses. Mr. and Mrs. Reese love Horace as if he were their son, but they also understand his need to find a life beyond
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Craig Marker and Sharon Rietkerk star in Center Rep’s “Dancing Lessons” runs oct. 19-nov. 17 at the Lesher in Walnut Creek.
Following its successful run in Pittsburg, “Spamalot” moves to an Antioch venue for shows Oct. 13-14. Tickets available at 925-757-9500 or elcampaniltheatre.com. Kathryn G. McCarty is wellknown around the Bay Area as an educator, playwright and journalist. Send comments to KGMcCarty@gmail.com.
Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’
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October 12, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Clayton Community Calendar
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. OCT. 31 FOR THE NOV. 9 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON
Oct. 19 “Remembering the Great War: A Community Event”
New exhibit opening and reception. 5 – 7 p.m. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. Free. claytonhistory.org.
Nov. 1 -17 “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Adult actors channel their pre-teen selves in this uproariously funny musical. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. $20-$25. claytontheatrecompany.com. (925) 222-9106.
Nov. 12 Annual Meeting
The Clayton Historical Society’s annual meeting is open to the public. Refreshments. Guest performance by Laurie Strawn as Eleanor Roosevelt. 6:30 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. claytonhistory.org. (925) 672-0240.
IN CONCORD
Tuesdays and Thursdays Farmers’ Market
Tuesdays year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 25. 4 – 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. pcfma.org.
3rd Sundays Antique Faire
Antiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordantiquefaire.com.
Oct. 12 – 13 Oktoberfest
Family friendly; beer, food, entertainment. 6 – 9 p.m. Fri.; 12 – 6 p.m. Sat. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordoktoberfest.com.
Oct. 13 – 14 “Enchanted Friends and Foes”
Contra Costa Cake and Sugar Art Society’s annual cake show. Open to anyone interested in entering or attending. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Blvd. $8; $14 both days. contracostacakeshow.com.
Nov. 11 Veterans Day Celebration
Kicking off the annual Veterans Day Softball Tournament sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525. 11 a.m. Willow Pass Community Park, 2748 E. Olivera Road. vfwpost1525.org.
Nov. 11 Veterans Dinner
Pot roast dinner. 5 p.m. Concord Elks Lodge, 3565 Clayton Road. $10; free to Veterans with proof of service. Call after 4 p.m. for reservations: (925) 685-1994.
ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.
Oct. 20 What’s Brewing at Black Diamond?
Celebrate harvest season with guided walks between historic pub locations; free beer and lemonade; food for sale. 4 – 6 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.
Oct. 21 Evening Cemetery Hike
Hike to historic Rose Hill Cemetery to learn of the miners’ tales. 5 – 7 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.
Oct. 28 Creepy Critters
Learn about creepy critters of the park and make a craft to take home. 12 – 4 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Event Calendar for more information.
Oct. 14 The California Tarantula
Drop in to learn about Mount Diablo’s gentle giant. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.
Oct. 28 Halloween Trek
Go in search of what lurks after dark. 4:30 – 7 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Reservations required: sweettrails00@gmail.com.
Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo is a free public hike series. Go to discover-diablo.eventbrite.com for more information.
Oct. 14 Shell Ridge
Hike on established trails in the Open Space. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at entrance to Shell Ridge Open Space. Reservations required.
Oct. 27 Halloween Hike
Celebrate Halloween on the trails. Costumes optional, but encouraged. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Somersville Staging Area. Reservations required.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thru Oct. 13 “Canyon Road”
Presented by Onstage Repertory Theatre. Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $15-$20. canyonroad.brownpapertickets.com.
Thru Oct. 13 “Legend of Banbury Cross”
Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Oct. 12 – 14 “The Fox on the Fairway”
CHURCHES
Hilarious madcap adventure. Shadow Lakes Event Center, 401 Lakeview Drive, Brentwood. $22-$30. ghostlightte.org.
Oct. 18 – 19 “The Trouble with Being Tucker Dowt”
Presented by Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $49-$53. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Oct. 20 Concert
Oct. 12 – Nov. 10 “Thoroughly Modern Millie”
Oct. 13 Gardening with Nature in Mind
Workshop. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Walnut Creek. $35. bringingbackthenatives.net/workshops.
Oct. 13 “Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre”
Family-friendly show featuring legendary circus entertainer and his furry friends. 7 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $26-$31. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 4271611.
Oct. 13 - 14 “Spamalot”
An irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $20-$25. pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.
Oct. 14 “A Dark and Stormy Night”
Presented by Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Oct. 14 “Lili Boulanger and Her World”
Presented by Diablo Symphony Orchestra. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Oct. 16 “A Night with Janis Joplin”
Presented by Turnaround Artists. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $52.50-$62.50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Oct. 18 – 21 “Becky Shaw”
A wickedly funny play. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$15. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 4271611.
Oct. 18 – 21 “The Improvised Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”
Presented by Synergy Theater. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 9437469.
Oct. 19 – Nov. 17 “Dancing Lessons”
Quirky romantic comedy. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $34-$56. centerrep.org.
Oct. 20 “At Last”
The songs of Etta James performed by Terrie Odabi. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Oct. 20, 27; Nov. 10, 17; Dec. 8 California Native Plant Propagation
Workshops. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Walnut Creek. $35. bringingbackthenatives.net/workshops.
Oct. 21 Bay Area Kids’ Book Fair
Authors, illustrators, publishers, educational programs, vendors, meet and greet characters, activities. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pine Valley Middle School, 3000 Pine Valley Road, San Ramon. Free admission. bayareakidsbookfair.com.
Oct. 26 – 28 “Boxed Out”
Presented by The Bentley School. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 9437469.
Oct. 27 Breast Cancer Seminar
Sponsored by Diablo Valley Oncology. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Response required: sjung@dvohmg.com.
Oct. 27 Forejour
Tribute to Foreigner and Journey. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Oct. 27 “Zombie Apocalypse”
Put on your zombie costume and dance shoes. 6 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Dessert and a two-act play. 7 p.m. The Bay Church. 4725 Evora Road, Concord. $15. calvarytemple.org/connect/weekend-experience. Clarinet, voice and piano. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15. cvpresby.org.
Nov. 3 Concert
Chromatica. 7 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $10-$20. ticketriver.com.
FUNDRAISERS
2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast
Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
Oct. 14 Sunday Supper and Silent Auction
Clayton Valley Village’s fifth annual fundraiser. 5 – 9 p.m. La Veranda, 6201 Center St., Clayton. $45. (925) 626-0411 for information and reservations.
Oct. 19 Golf Tournament
Benefiting St. Agnes Development Fund. 10 a.m. Boundary Oak Golf Course, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek. $175. Call Angie Blackmon at (925) 639-0814 by Oct. 12.
Oct. 20 Plant Sale
Buy native and naturally drought-tolerant plants for fall. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery. 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. Free admission. markhamarboretum.org.
Oct. 20 Plant Sale
Native plants and garden art for sale at various nurseries. A percentage of sales support Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. bringingbackthenatives.net.
Nov. 9 – 10 Gala and Boutique
Friday night wine, appetizers, auction, wine pull, raffle and boutique; 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday Classy Crafters Boutique and Country Kitchen continues; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit Saint Bonaventure Food Pantry. Saint Bonaventure Large Hall, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free admission. 672-5800.
Nov. 10 Tee It Up for the Troops
Benefiting local chapters of Blue Star Moms. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Diablo Hills Golf Course, 1551 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. $75. bit.ly/dhcharitygolfreg or (925) 339-8571.
AT THE LIBRARY
The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call (925) 673-0659.
Thru Oct. 25: Guess the Weight of the Library Pumpkin Thru Nov. 8: Clayton Reads, “The Underground Railroad” Oct. 14: “Underground Railroad: The William Still Story,” 2 p.m. Oct. 15: Halloween Movie Marathon, 1:30 – 8:30 p.m. Oct. 17: Bring Balance to Your Budget, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23: Medicare 2019, What You Need to Know, 2 p.m. Oct. 25: Hanging Bat Craft, 4 p.m. Oct. 26 – 28: Book Sale Oct. 29: Star Party, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4: The Massachusetts 54th Colored Infantry, 2 p.m. Nov. 5: “The Underground Railroad” book discussion, 7 p.m. Nov. 7: Taking Control of Your Finances, 7 p.m. Nov. 8: Train Craft for Kids, 4 p.m.
The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or (925) 646-5455. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct.
12, 24: Medicare Information Session, times vary 14: Mystery Book Club, 1 p.m. 15: “Coco,” 7 p.m. 16: Forever Young Book Club, 4 p.m. 18: “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” 6 p.m. 20: Homebuyer Workshop, 11 a.m. 22: Family Program, 7 p.m.
GOVERNMENT
1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council
7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. (925) 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. (925) Oct. 28 An Afternoon with Cristiani Rebada and Leandra 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. Ramm Presented by FGB Productions Company. 2 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $25-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Nov. 2 – 4 “Pollyanna”
Presented by El Campanil’s Children’s Theatre. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $9-$13. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Nov. 3 Chicago the Tribute
A tribute to the legendary band. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
SCHOOLS
Oct. 19 – Nov. 4 “Footloose, The Musical”
Energetic and fun. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.
Clayton Fair Properties For Lease
Concord – Commercial Offices Active business complex featuring a variety of commercial businesses. Well maintained with friendly atmosphere. Excellent location including ample parking. Contact Maureen (925)
685-0324
Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 12, 2018
One of Concord’s oldest businesses celebrates 60 years Chapel opened at the downtown corner of Grant Street and Concord Boulevard in 1958, when Concord’s population was a mere 35,000. Beyond the downtown area, “it was just ranches and almond orchards, and the kids could
KARA NAVOLIO Correspondent
Sixty years ago, John and Sharon Oiumet founded a funeral chapel with then-partners Roy and Ardell Lough. Lough-Oiumet Funeral
run around all over without any worry,” reflected Sharon. There were just two kinds of religious services available: Catholic and Protestant. And someone had to stay at the business around the clock to take calls from customers. The Loughs left the business in 1971, and John’s brother Don and his wife Bea joined. They changed the name to Oiumet Bros. Concord Funeral Chapel. When redevelopment of the downtown claimed their block, the partners moved the business to its current location on Clayton Road, and it remains one of the longest operating businesses in Concord. John, who grew up in Quebec and New York, was about to be drafted into the
service in 1950. So he enlisted in the Air Force and served as a junior radio operator during the Korean War. After spending some time in Greenland, he was stationed near Cambria to monitor radio signals along California’s coast. It was here that he met Sharon, a high schooler from nearby Templeton. John used the GI Bill to attend mortuary college in San Francisco while Sharon attended Heald Business College. After they wed in 1956, John’s employer fired him – explaining that they had no need for a married man. They traveled around the Bay Area, stopping in every town that had a mortuary to look for work. It was in San Jose where they got their first break, and John fin-
ished his apprenticeship at Darling-Fischer Garden Chapel. By 1958, they were ready for their own business and chose Concord for its friendly community and small-town feel, even as it was continuing to grow. The business has evolved over the years. They now offer services in every religion as well as non-religious services. Cremation is also more popular now, and technology has influenced how they work. “We used to have a night man’s room,” explained John, “where someone had to stay on-site 24/7 because you could be needed any time of the day or night to transfer people into our care.” First call-forwarding helped. Now, with cell phones,
they can answer calls anywhere. John, Sharon, Don and Bea are all semi-retired now and recently sold to Carriage Services, but the octogenarians are still involved on a part-time basis. “What we are most proud of is the way we have served the families who have come to us and the personalized service we give,” Sharon noted. The community is invited to join Don and Bea and the couple’s three children and eight grandchildren for an open house 5-7 p.m. Nov. 7 to congratulate John and Sharon for their 60 years of service to our community. Ouimet Bros. chapel is at 4125 Clayton Rd., Concord. See ad this page for more information.
Historical tour of Clayton street names
this Grand opening ad appeared in the Dec. 12, 1958 edition of the Concord Transcript.
DEBBiE EiStEttER Providing Dignified Professional Services
Jim Esenwein, Managing Partner John & Sharon Ouimet • Don & Bea Ouimet
4125 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94521 925.682.4242 • fax 925.682.4281
Celebrating 60 years in Concord
THE WAY WE WERE
For the next two issues, I will explore some of our city’s street names and how they reflect our human history and the landscape that surrounds us. Name selection was the result of a unique cooperation between developers, the Clayton Historical Society and the Clayton City Council. The museum archives contain letters sent back
6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton
925-693-0757 (main) Clayton residents since 1959
ACTIVE • 955 Snow Dr., Martinez
4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, approx. 2562 sq.ft.
$750,000
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
PENDING
• 1355 Kenwal Rd., Concord 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, approx. 1008 sq.ft.
Pets
$400,000
Listing agent: Rula Masannat
• 25 Mozden Lane, Pleasant Hill
3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, approx. 1488 sq. ft.
and forth among the three entities that offer clues to the process. I will present a brief background for some lesser-known names, starting with the Oakhurst development this week. Traveling up the steep hill of Eagle Peak, named for the peak above the Mitchell Canyon Road entrance to Mount Diablo State Park, we reach Miwok on the right. Miwok means “people” in the native Miwok language. The tribe’s territory once stretched across the state from the Suisun Bay and east into the Sierras. Ahwahnee means “large mouth” and was used by the Yosemite people to describe their beautiful valley. Wawona is a Paiute word for the Native Americans who inhabited the area southwest of Yosemite, though the exact meaning of the word has been lost. Tuyshtak is the Miwok word for Mount Diablo, a landform sacred and powerful to native peoples. Obsidian is a shiny black rock found in the Sierras that was used to make arrow and spear points. Keller Ridge, the next street off Eagle Peak, was named for the Keller family ranch located near our library. The streets here are named for local wildlife familiar to the Miwoks, with some of these animals considered to be spirits. Molluk is a condor spirit, and Kelok is a spirit known as the “North Giant,” a hurler of red-hot rocks – perhaps a volcano reference. Continuing around the Eagle Peak loop, we reach Coyote, an
$550,000
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, approx. 1493 sq.ft.
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
CUPCAKE
Matt Mazzei, Jr.,
Paula & Rod Johnstone
Rula Masannat
BRE# 01881269
DRE# 00797857
DRE# 01923757
Broker/Owner 925-766-6745 matt@mazzeirealty.net
Broker Associate Paula 925-381-8810 Rod 925-286-5765
heypaula10@gmail.com
Sales Agent 415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com
another branch of the Bay Miwok, were known as fishermen inhabiting the Oakley and Brentwood region. Karkin was an Ohlone triblet for whom the Carquinez Straits were named. Chert is a type of rock found throughout Contra Costa County and used by Native Americans for stone tools and as flint for fire-making. Anizumne was a Plains Miwok tribe living around the Rio Vista area on the west side of the Sacramento River. If you want to learn more about Clayton, we would love to have you as member of the Historical Society. Debbie Eistetter is membership chair of the Clayton Historical Society. Visit claytonhistory.org or come to the museum on Main Street, open 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays. Admission is free. Call 925-6720240.
first meeting. A home with lots of space to explore and investigate would give her a great opportunity to run around and play. Princess would love to be the star of her new forever home and share her happiness with you. The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 and for adult cats is $75.
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especially important spirit who is sly and smart. Ohlone Heights is further down Eagle Peak to the left. The Ohlone people, called the Costanoans by the Spanish, inhabited the coastal lands from San Francisco to south of Monterey Bay. Joscolo (Yozcolo) was a Native American resistance leader in the Santa Clara area around the 1830s We cross Oakhurst Drive into the Indian Wells area of Oakhurst. The Jalalon people were a smaller group of the Yokut tribe who lived in the marshland east of Oakley. Saclan was a triblet of the Bay Miwok who lived in the area of present-day Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga and Walnut Creek. Tule is a reed growing in the marshes used to make mats, rafts, baskets and clothing. Chupcan was a Bay Miwok triblet from Concord, Pittsburg and Black Diamond areas, while Julpun,
Meet ARF Stars Cupcake and Princess
SOLD
• 214 Falcon Pl., Clayton
Anthony Eistetter
ohlone Heights in the oakhurst development is among many Clayton streets named after long-gone natives.
Five-year-old Cupcake is an active, curious lass looking for adventures with her new family. Her silky soft coat and graceful legs are just the icing on the cake! This clever girl loves meeting new people and might even offer some kisses. She also enjoys exploring new places, finding new smells, and romping about the outdoors. Plan on daily walks and mental enrichment toys to keep her happy and healthy.
Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell PRINCESS Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm The adoption fee for pup- Wednesday & Thursday, Noon pies <6 months is $300, for to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 adult dogs is $250, and pm Saturday & Sunday. includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners Would you like to be part of the class. heroic team that saves the lives of Two-year-old Princess has rescued dogs and cats? Can you a vibrant energy and knows share your talents to connect people how to have fun. She is always and animals? ARF volunteers are looking for toys and activities making a difference! For more inforto keep herself entertained. mation see our website, This social butterfly will rub up www.arflife.org, or call (925) 256against friendly people and 1ARF. adorably chirp and purr upon
October 12, 2018
KEVin PARKER
HIT
THE
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Rockville Hills Regional Park
Go climb a rock – why not?
2149 Rockville Road, Fairfield Park entrance fee: $3/person and $1/dog at kiosk via Rockville Road only open year-round, sunrise to sunset
Bike Stats Trails: Rockville trail, Lower Lake Loop, Mystic Ridge, Arch, Unknown trail, outside Loop, Cave, Upper Quarry, Quarry, Rock Garden, Jockey Junction, old Ranch Road, Fern Falls Distance: 10+ miles Elevation gain: 1,587 feet Time: 2-3 hours (on bike)
TRAIL
Kids love rocks. And since I’m a big kid, off I went to Rockville Hills Regional Park to discover the 633 acres of open space tucked into the hills of Fairfield. The parking lot off Rockville Road is small and without amenities like restrooms and trail maps, so print a map before you go. There are restrooms at Lower Lake. Most folks jump on Rockville Trail, which is part of the Bay Area Rim Trail, and make an easy climb to Upper Lake in the heart of the park. But I love solitude, so I chose Quarry Trail – an out of the way sandy rock garden of a trail that skirts the northern most section of Rockville.
Kevin Parker
Fields of gold and waterways are part of the beauty at Rockville Hills Regional Park.
Intermittent shade provided by a blue oak forest made a hot day noticeably cooler. I looped Upper Quarry and Old Ranch Road into my route and found exactly what I was looking for: the ultimate outdoor experience. Rolling back toward Upper Lake, I jumped on Rock Garden and followed it to Mystic Ridge and Arch Trails. Vista
points, picnic areas, benches and switchback trails made these tasty morsels of nature all the more to enjoy. Although on the smaller side, this park is definitely not flat. Abrupt elevation gains followed by downhills cut directly through fields of gold were a constant during my ride. Follow Jockey Junction to Unknown Trail and Fern Falls
(no waterfalls), and you once again are rewarded with some of Rockville’s best scenery. Big rocks, small rocks and a healthy number of boulders give this area a unique feel as you make your way through a maze of trails. I didn’t see anyone on this trail except for resident wildlife. Most trails are wellmanicured with a combina-
There’s a design style to match your taste JEnniFER LEiSCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR
One of the greatest things about interior design is how it can be interpreted. I love how design aficionados mix and match design styles to create their own aesthetic: French farmhouse. Mediterranean modern. Industrial chic. Rustic glam. Design is personal, so why not create something that makes you happy. But before you start mixing and creating, it’s good to know the basic differences between the more well-known styles to find what ultimately speaks to you. Although modern and contemporary styles are different, they’re sometimes used interchangeably. Contemporary design is what’s going on in design at this very moment in time. Modern design, on the other hand, has a unique aesthetic that focuses on crisp lines and warm neutrals. It refers to the specific time period between the early- and mid-20th century. Most people feel comfortable with the traditional and transitional styles. Warm, earthy toned fabrics, tailored window treatments, a well-balanced collection of artwork and acces-
A personal favorite, this French country living room features natural stone, exposed wooden beams and lovely antiques.
sories and defined living spaces makes up the traditional style. Transitional style is popular because it borrows from both traditional and modern design to create a space that’s not “too much” in terms of one style or another. In contrast, rustic, industrial, minimalist and Scandinavian design styles are very much to the point – with specific and unique aesthetics that make them stand out and easy to interpret. Rustic style is all about natural and unfinished wood or stone elements. Think of an old barn, with its rough beams and high-vaulted ceilings. Barn siding could be used as building materials, with antlers for chandeliers or cowhides for area rugs. Industrial design is just that: a living space that feels more like a warehouse with unfinished or exposed building elements, heavy task-oriented light fixtures and a neutral color scheme. Minimalist design is clean
and uncluttered. No frills, no fluff. Furniture is functional yet also used for artistic statements. Colors are calm and accessories are few, if not nonexistent. When it comes to Scandinavian design, many of us might think of retailers like Ikea or Scandinavian Designs. Both of these stores offer furniture in the Nordic style: highly functional and sculptural furnishings, colorful, form-pressed wood, enameled metals, natural wool and cotton fabrics. When it comes to French Country, Bohemian, shabby chic and Hollywood glam, the styles are hands-on in the sense that they feel collected and curated over time. Some would say that French Country is the original farmhouse style. Think of quiet, muted colors with a European aesthetic, glazed pottery and worn, ornamental wooden furnishings. The feeling is elegant, timeless and classic. Vintage, globally inspired
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and eclectic furnishings are traits of Bohemian style. You’ll see flea market finds and unusual furnishings found here and there and everywhere. One might say there really aren’t any rules for this style, but the key is to make sure your hodgepodge collection of styles is organized in a freestyle way. Hollywood glam, also know as Hollywood regency, can be over the top and dramatic. Think of Liberace and his white glossy piano with a chandelier floating above with hundreds of sparkling crystals. It’s all about statement upholstery with tufting, gold leaf details and jewel tone colors. Shabby chic is a vintageinspired style, with crystal baubles and glass, collected dishes, creamy whites and pastels and casual slip-covered furniture. This well lived in setting features wood tones that are often worn down or painted to look worn and gently used, making for a comfortable, cozy setting. Last but not least is coastal style. It reminds one of a fresh ocean breeze, the white sandy beach, light and airy, with beige or blue-green color schemes, kitschy or elegant ocean-themed accessories and driftwood or teak furniture. Painted wood, sometimes with a worn-looking finish, and found pieces along the beach are coastal-inspired. Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
Hike-lights •Volcanic Rock Hills •Diverse trails for all levels of hikers/bikers •Poison oak alert tion of dirt and sand, but the rocky sections can be tricky with footings and bike wheels, so navigate carefully. During wet conditions, these mossy rocks and roots are a recipe for hitting the ground hard. I made my final victory lap via Lower Lake Loop and followed Rockville Trail back to my car. I didn’t cover every trail in this part but came darn close. Truth be told, you really can’t see this entire park in a day. The landscape was fairly dry for late summer, no surprise, but be alert for poison oak. I’m extremely allergic (no
fair), so after many hours of exploring, I made a desperate trip to the nearest CVS for Technu and jugs of water. Showering in the CVS parking lot was embarrassing but saved me a cortisone shot and trip to the doctor. Still worth the trip! I’d recommend visiting during the winter and early spring months for hillsides of greenery and creeks and lakes full of water. With shorter days, you’ve got to make the most of daylight, so get out there. Contact Kevin Parker with comments or questions by email at LukeHollywood@gmail.com
Club News
CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB
Picture Courtesy of Clayton Valley Woman’s Club
Clayton Valley Woman’s Club members Priscilla Manlove and Judy Disbrow show a sample of the more than $1,000 worth of school supplies the club donated at their September meeting to Silverwood Elementary in Concord. this is the ninth consecutive year of club donations to Silverwood.
CLAYTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE
The Clayton Community Library Foundation Used Book Sale is at the Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 28 from 12 to 4 p.m. Most books are $1; children’s books are 50
cents. Books are half price on Sunday with a $5 bag special from 2 to 4 p.m. Member’s Only Preview on Friday, Oct. 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. Memberships can be purchased at door. For more information, go to claytonlibrary.org.
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Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 12, 2018
Senior Living
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f you have ever thought about exploring your family history, now can be the perfect time as October is National Family History Month. To get started, these four simple tips can help you unlock new understanding and make meaningful connections. You can also consider sharing these tips with loved ones so they can join in on the fun, too.
I
Mortgage Loan Originator Certified Public Accountant
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Ph: 925.672.9840 travel-2-go.com
Clayton Station Shopping Center, 5439 Clayton Road (Suite F), Clayton
CALL YOUR FAMILY In almost every family there is someone who knows all about the familial tree and history. You might be unsure of the exact date your grandparents were married, but someone else may know. Building knowledge of your family history can be an excuse to call your mom, your
grandma or even your great aunt. They likely have stories and photos you don’t have and would likely be willing to share them.
Photo courtesy of Getty images
Enter what you know about yourself, your parents, your brothers and sisters then add your grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. If you aren’t sure about dates and START A FAMILY TREE places, make an educated Starting a family tree can guess then upload photos and be the next step to learning stories. about your family history. Building out your tree online MESSAGE COUSINS As you continue to can be simple with a service like Ancestry, which has been explore your family tree, you turning history into your may find other relatives have story by transforming names already researched pieces and into family and distant places parts of your family tree. into home for more than Maybe a fourth cousin has three decades. With more your common great-grandthan 20 billion records and 3 parents in their tree with million family history sub- photos and stories about scribers, the service provides their lives. Find out what all the information and tools other information they might you need in one place to make discovery fun and easy. See History, page 19
October 12, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 19
Affordable care you can trust n this life, we learn early on that acquiring knowledge is the best way to keep ourselves informed. When someone we love receives a diagnosis of a health-related ailment, most people instinctually begin to enlighten themselves on what potentially could happen, what might have caused this diagnosis and, ultimately, how best to proceed forward with treatment. There are 327,178,060 Americans in the United States, and 5.7 million of them have been diagnosed and are living with Alzheimer’s. The devastation of Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t permit them to expand their knowledge. The disease is entirety selfish. It robs the person of memories from years past and sabotages their ability to gain insight on the situation, thus hindering them from making new memories. Alzheimer’s is the most recognized cause of dementia. Symptoms progress and
I
impede the ability to maintain memory, think and engage appropriately in social situations. Although we have become aware of the progression of this disease and the potential for what it can create, we have yet to find a cure. The treatments that exist slow the development of dementia-related symptoms, creating a slightly higher quality of life. During the initial time of diagnosis, it is imperative to seek support that can strive to uplift our spirits, help maintain our strength and ultimately give us something greater than ourselves to believe in and be a part of. This need for support is why the Alzheimer’s Association exists. It is the leading voluntary health organization in care, support and research of Alzheimer’s. According to www.alz,org, the mission is “to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected;
History, from page 18
know or share what you service like AncestryDNA, know about your branch of you become part of a genetic network that includes more the family tree. than 10 million people. In TAKE A DNA TEST addition to providing ethniciDNA testing has revolu- ty estimates, the service also tionized the way people dis- compares your DNA to the cover family history. With a people in the network and
and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.” In the East Bay Area and Silicon Valley, we join together in October to take a step forward.The commitment to unite on either Saturday, Oct. 13, or Saturday, Oct. 20, will symbolize not only that we intend to spread the power of awareness but that we share in the hope for a cure. Therefore, we walk and we remember their love when they can no longer remember themselves. In a world that becomes extremely complicated as the mind begins to deteriorate, we are reminded that a smile can provoke a smile, a handshake can trigger a response and a hug is still the kindest gift that one person can give another. Maria Shriver said it best: The simple gift of friendship is truly within all of our hands to be extended out and received by one another. —Carlton Senior Living
matches you to anyone sharing enough DNA with you to point to a recent common ancestor within the last 8-10 generations. To make those connections even easier to find, attach that family tree you built to your DNA results, and find more information at Ancestry.com.
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Celebrate fall – go plant a tree Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October kicks off our fall planting season. The weather is nice, the soil is still warm and it’s the perfect time to install trees, shrubs and native plants. Clayton Valley conditions can be harsh, so installations need to tolerate clay soil, hot summers and drying winds. This week, I will touch on some of the most adaptable trees, shrubs, and native plant considerations for our area. Trees are the most-installed plants during fall. Some folks crave shade, while others are looking for vertical interest in their landscapes. Shade trees fall into two categories: shade that you sit under and shade that blocks setting or rising sun. Elm (Accolade, Drake), Chinese pistache (Keith Davy) and maple (October Glory) are all excellent trees to create the type of shade that you can sit under. They grow large and need to be
installed away from a fence line or house. Some situations call for trees that have rounded or U-shape crowns that are best for blocking the sun from hitting the house. Crape myrtles satisfy this need, as well as Tristania Elegant and Purple Pony flowering plums. These selections grow just large enough to suit their purpose. Vertical interest trees have appealing bark, flowers or shape.
Crape myrtles are long-blooming, have dramatic fall leaf color and polished bark. Arbutus Marina’s bark peels to expose a smooth, cinnamon-colored surface, and it offers ornamental fruit that hangs like ornaments through the winter months. Tristania Elegant’s mahogany bark peels away to reveal contrasting ivory-colored bark. Sango Kaku Japanese maples are gracefully shaped, with golden fall leaf color and bright coral branches and stems. Install trees that provide vertical interest to create a focal situation within a landscape, drawing our attention to an area. Consider using landscape lighting to highlight these trees. Escallonia compacta, rhaphiolepis compacta, callistemon Little John, Abelia Kaleidoscope and Little Ollie are all super easy, evergreen, clay-tolerant, sun-loving, water-wise shrubs. Any of
these would make a sturdy addition to your Clayton Valley landscape. Escallonia compacta has small, dark green leaves and reddish-pink flowers nearly yearround. Rhaphiolepis compacta is one of the hardiest shrubs available, and it’s perfect curbside or along a property line. Little John grows nearly round and will reach 3 feet tall and wide. The bottle brush-shaped red flowers entice bees and humming birds. Abelia Kaleidoscope’s variegation is beautiful. Yellow leaves edged with green during the summer give way to coral hues as the weather cools. Little Ollie dwarf olive is lovely incorporated into a Mediterranean landscape. Use along a fence or in large containers. Native plants naturally like to be installed in the autumn. Popular native shrubs include manzanita Howard McMinn and
gourd family are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in soups, pastas, salads and even desserts. Here are some of the varieties you’ll find at the farmers market: Acorn squash: As the name suggests, its shape resembles an acorn. They typically weigh 1-2 pounds and are 4-7 inches long. Butternut squash: It has a long neck with a bulbous end that contains the seeds. The exterior is pale orange with relatively thin skin, while the sweet flesh inside is a gorgeous bright orange. Delicata squash: Also known as potato squash, sweet
potato squash or Bohemian squash, this oblong-shaped squash has a cream-colored skin striped with dark green (and sometimes orange) skin. Kabocha squash: This is a thick, green-skinned (or redorange) squash shaped like a pumpkin. The semi-firm, dense golden flesh has a rich, sweet flavor similar to pumpkin or sweet potato. Spaghetti squash: This hard-rinded squash has a unique interior flesh that separates into pasta-like strings when cooked. Spaghetti squash can be steamed, baked, roasted or microwaved. You’ll find a nice variety of
winter squash at the farmers market from Bautista Ranch of Stockton. FT Fresh from Fresno will have kabocha squash, a must-try. First Generation Farms from Brentwood has pumpkins, acorn, spaghetti, delicata, butternut and other squash varieties to try. Halog Farms from Merced will be offering kabocha and acorn squash, and Swank Farms from Hollister sells colorful decorative gourds, pumpkins and spaghetti squash. Brought to you fresh from the farm, these winter squash are sure to please. The Clayton Farmers’ Market is closed for the season, but
niCoLE HACKEtt
GARDEN GIRL
October 12, 2018
tamara Steiner/Pioneer
the crape myrtles in front of the Clayton Post office provide gorgeous fall color for a focal point in the landscape.
Ceanothus Ray Hartman. Ground cover natives that are successful to install are manzanita Emerald Carpet and Zauschneria Everett’s Choice. Zauschneria is that silver-leafed groundcover with the deep orange flowers that are blooming now. Autumn installations tend to suffer less shock, and they benefit from becoming established
during the upcoming rains. Don’t wait until spring to get your foundation plantings in the ground. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Winter squash bonanza at farmers market DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
October means it’s time to break out the soup pot, crank up the oven or otherwise start cooking heartier meals for fall. The desire for comfort food increases as we wind down after summer, and the farmers market has everything you need for fall recipes. Winter squash is fantastic right now and a sure-bet to become a family favorite. Winter squash is grown to maturity with thicker, harder skins than summer squash. These sweet and tasty members of the
you can always visit the Concord Farmers Market yearround, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays at Todos Santos Plaza. Canned pumpkin does not even come close to the flavor of fresh pumpkin. Try this easy fresh pumpkin puree in pumpkin pie and pumpkin Find seasonal acorn squash at the Concord Farmers bread.
FRESH PUMPKIN PUREE Preheat oven to 350. Cut pumpkins in half and clean out the seeds and string. Cover a baking sheet with tin foil. Brush a little melted butter on the cut edges of the pumpkin and place them cut side down on the sheet.
Market tues. and thurs. See ad page 17 for hours.
Cook for about 1 hour or until the pumpkin is soft. Cool. Remove the pumpkin skin. Cut into pieces and put through a food processor until the mixture is smooth.
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