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March 9, 2018
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Family ties part of special Clayton Valley Charter basketball season
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
KEITH HAYDON
MAYOR’S CORNER
New chief brings county experience to Clayton job
The most exciting news that occurred in Clayton since my last column is the swearing in of Elise Warren as the new chief of police at the Feb. 20 City Council meeting. After Warren was sworn in, her daughter performed the ceremonial pinning of the police chief ’s badge on her uniform to seal the appointment. The council also recognized interim chief Joseph Kreins for his service and leadership. Many members of the Clayton Police Department and the Contra Costa County Sheriff ’s Department attended Warren’s swearing-in ceremony, and the council took a “Cake Break” to celebrate the occasion. After serving in the Sheriff ’s Department for more than 28 years, Warren has extensive public safety experience and contacts in the county that we expect will be valuable assets in her new role leading our Police Department. MORE ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION To continue the description that I started last month on how our city operates, I want to finish the details of the Planning Commission’s role in local government. In addition to the statutory responsibilities explained last month, the commission is also an advisory body to the City Council. The board reviews and approves proposed construction projects, and recommends revisions to town ordinances and plans to the City Council. The City Council appoints the five members to overlapping two-year terms, with a limit of serving no more than four consecutive terms. Several terms of office typically end each June 30.
See Mayor, page 7
Save the Date
Clayton Cleans Up 2018
April 21
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
City Hall Courtyard What’s Inside
Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Community Calendar . . . . .13 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 School News . . . . . . . . . . .14
Jay Bedecarré
It’s been quite a season for Clayton Valley Charter High School boys basketball and there’s been a distinct family feel to it. Kris Pascoe (left) and her son Garrett Pascoe (second from left) joined John Mahloch (right) and his son Clayton at Ed’s Mudville Grill on the day the Eagles were announced as No. 1 seeds at North Coast Section. John Mahloch has called Mudville his work home for over two decades. Garrett Pascoe eclipsed some of John Mahloch’s school records this season that date back to 1986 when both Mahloch and Kris Bell Pascoe graduated from the school.
Last month during a season to remember, Clayton Valley Charter High School basketball player Garrett Pascoe made a pass to a seldomused freshman guard who sank a three-point shot. The assist on that basket was the 173rd of this season for Pascoe and broke a 32-year-old school record. Sitting in the stands that evening in Dan Della Gym was the previous record holder, John Mahloch, who happens to be the father of the young player who scored the basket, Clayton Mahloch. That the son should help break his dad’s school record is just one of several family and other ties that bind together this record-setting season for CVCHS boys basketball. Pascoe will approach another school record Wednesday evening when his team takes the same court to face Menlo School of Ather-
See Family Ties, page 3
City proposes tighter smoking rules TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
A Grade of D from the American Lung Association for Clayton’s tobacco control efforts and an outdated smoking ordinance from 1993 have prompted the city to update its smoking regulations. In 1993, electronic cigarettes did not exist and pot was illegal everywhere. New ways to smoke and new research on the effects of second hand smoke have left the city seeking clarity on use and enforcement guidelines.
The California Health and Safety Code prohibits smoking or ingesting cannabis in public or in any area where smoking is prohibited by local law, and within 1,000 feet of schools or other places where children are present. City staff, however, is recommending the city go further and prohibit smoking and cannabis use in all indoor workplaces, public places and in apartments and condos where the units share a wall. While the California Labor Code prohibits smoking in
most indoor workplaces, it does list seven exemptions. City staff is recommending Clayton eliminate all exemptions from the new ordinance except for a retail or wholesale tobacco store that has a private smoker’s lounge. The proposed tighter regulations will prohibit smoking inside all multi-family residences that share a common wall including cottages, condos and apartments regardless of whether the unit is rented or owner-occupied. However, landlords or HOAs can desig-
nate a smoking area on the grounds as long as it is away from any doorway or window. The new ordinance will establish a 25 ft. smoke-free buffer zone around The Grove. During concerts, smokers will have to move across Marsh Creek to the Corral or further down Main St. or Center away from the playground to smoke. Council considered applying the 25 ft. buffer zone to all of downtown, but backed off on this idea. “It’s too restrictive,” said
Councilmember Julie Pierce. “Everyone is too close to each other. You can’t get 25 feet away from one doorway without being right up against another business. I’m concerned about the economic impact this would have on our downtown businesses.” Council directed staff to prepare a draft of the new regulations. The proposed ordinance will be mailed to residents, homeowners associations and local businesses for input before going to the City Council for final adoption.
Daffodil Hill a blooming sign of spring NICOLE HACKETT Pioneer Garden Girl
Every March, the gateway to Clayton fills with pops of yellow from the clumps of daffodils emerging to signal the onset of spring. Back in 2000, members of the Clayton Valley Garden Club broke into the cement-like soil to install 500 daffodil bulbs. This was one of the club’s first civic beautification projects. Since those first flowers bloomed, the gateway to Clayton has lovingly been called Daffodil Hill. Throughout the next 12 years, the garden club was responsible for much of the upkeep of Daffodil Hill. Members watered the hill by hand, tended to the expiring daffodil foliage and removed weeds. In 2013, Daffodil Hill got a makeover. The face of the hill
was changed, including droughtThe club meets at 7 p.m. the resistant landscaping, updated second Wednesday of the signage and the addition of large month in the dining room at boulders. Members of the gar- Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center den club returned to Daffodil Hill to install another 500 daffodil bulbs. The Clayton Valley Garden Club was formed in 1997 to bring together folks who share an interest in gardening. Members enjoy monthly meetings with informative guest speakers, take fieldtrips to famous gardens and tour nurseries. They also contribute to the community by volunteering at the Clayton Art and Wine Festival and Oktoberfest. The group holds the popular CVGC Plant Sale the Saturday before Mother’s Day, participates in the July 4th Parade, and helps maintain the Clayton Library beds and the Clayton Museum garden.
St., Clayton. The Clayton Pio- gardening, come join the fun. neer’s Garden Girl (that’s me) will speak at the April 11 meet- Visit ClaytonValleyGardenClub.org ing. If you have an interest in for more information.
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
The Clayton Valley Garden Club maintains the hillside by the Clayton sign.
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190
Around Town
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Olympic star Natalie Coughlin inaugurates her namesake Aquatics Center
March 9, 2018
City praises Joyce Atkinson for dedication to library
The City Council honored Joyce Atkinson as she stepped down from her position representing Clayton on the Contra Costa County Library Commission. Atkinson served on the commission from its inception in 1991 and has been a tireless advocate for library services. One of her colleagues on that first commission, current Orinda Mayor Amy Worth, recalled that initial meeting – when Joyce Julie Pierce MAYOR KEITH HAYDON AND announced she was “representing Clayton and (her) JOYCE ATKINSON
mission was to get Clayton a new library.” The early commissioners worked with local leaders to forge the collaborative partnership between the cities and the county library system that exists today. Atkinson and her Clayton library comrade, Jeanne Boyd, led the effort to build the Clayton Community Library. They started in 1989 by holding book sales and submitting grant applications to the state. The Clayton Community Library opened in 1995 and
will celebrate its 23rd anniversary in March. Atkinson will continue to be an active leader of the Clayton Community Library Foundation.
The city is seeking applicants to fill the Clayton seat on the county Library Commission. Call 925-673-7300 for more information.
Blossoms for Barbara delivers more than flowers
First dirt shoveled for museum garden NATALIE COUGHLIN
Natalie Coughlin graduated from Carondelet High School in 2000 and last month her alma mater dedicated the Natalie Coughlin Aquatics Center in honor of the 12-time Olympic medalist. Coughlin and her family were on hand with city officials from Walnut Creek and Concord as well as CHS administrators, the current Cougars swim team and key figures in fund-raising for the $14.5 million project that is converting the former ClubSport Valley Vista swim and tennis club into the Carondelet Athletics Complex. Carondelet president Bonnie Cotter welcomed Coughlin to the dedication ceremony. -Jay Bedecarré
The Clayton Valley Garden Club’s seventh annual “Blossoms for Barbara” Valentine event was a blooming hit again this year. They delivered 1,311 flowering plants to those under hospice care, in assisted living and convalescent locations, in women’s shelters and Meals on Wheels recipients. Linda Karp, founder, created this event in loving memory of her mother, Barbara. A KTVU Channel 2 news crew followed along to some delivery locations, airing a segment for Valentine’s Day with this clip of Karp at Concord Royale. Meals on Wheels Chief Executive Officer Elaine Clark says, “Linda and her group have extended the life of these folks.” Julie Pierce
After more than a year of planning and anticipation, Clayton Historical Society board members, shovels in hand, broke ground Feb. 7 on the new museum gardens. From left CHS member and CBCA president Steve Pierce, Mayor Keith Haydon, CHS board member Steve Lane, CHS board President Mike Wendorf and landscape contractor Luca Donisi.
The Pioneer wants to know about your anniversaries, weddings, engagements, births, awards and milestones. Please send a short description of your event, a high-resolution photo and your contact info to editor@claytonpioneer.com
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March 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town
Family ties, from page 1
DTRT students honored
ton in the opening round of the Northern California Regionals. Head coach Eric Bamberger says that will be the 103rd game of Pascoe’s fouryear high school career at Clayton Valley. “He missed four games with a concussion as a freshman and we were on probation his sophomore year and only played 21 games,” Bamberger says. His Ugly Eagles also have set a school record with 26 wins to date, exceeding the 25-5 mark set in 1986 by Mahloch and his team that also featured Brian Sullivan, Rob Oliver and Jon Roberts, among others. Like Pascoe, John Mahloch played four years of varsity basketball for the Eagles under legendary Hall of Fame Coach Bruce Iversen. During his career he set game, season and school records for assists and free throws. He also set the mark for 104 games played. He holds the school single season and career scoring records as well. He didn’t set the singlegame scoring record. That mark of 43 points was established in 1968 by slick scoring guard Marc Lee. That standard fell to Pascoe in January when he poured in 49 points during a double overtime 100-98 loss in Moraga to Campolindo, ending the Eagles record-breaking 18game winning streak to open the season. Pascoe has also passed Mahloch’s season career assist record of 413. Sitting in the stands when the young Mahloch made the shot against Acalanes were his grandparents Gary and Linda Mahloch and aunt (and dad’s sister) Cheryl Mahloch Hammond. They were also watching John Mahloch’s
DTRT kids Kasey Montgomery, Sloane Smith, Alexa Fung, Henry Smith with Mayor Haydon.
Four students from local schools were recognized and honored by City Council at the Feb. 6 meeting for showing great kindness to their teachers and classmates. Two kindergarten students from Mount Diablo Elementary were singled out by their teacher Shanna Pilon for the recognition. When asked about being kind to others, Alexa Fung compared herself to Martin Luther King, Jr. “She always thinks of others first and shows real empathy – a rare quality in one so young,” Pilon said. Sloane Smith is “not your ordinary kindergartener,” said Pilon. “She can always be found opening doors for others, praising her classmates and sending out positive words.” From Diablo View Middle School, school principal Patti Bannister introduced Garrett
Do The Right Thing is a community-wide initiative embraced by the schools, the city and the police department. The program stresses six character traits that are recognized throughout the year. The current trait is Kindness, followed by Self-Discipline, Integrity, Courage, Responsibility and Respect.
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four years on varsity before going to Lehigh University. She sat out this collegiate season after suffering a knee injury in pre-season practice. The Lehigh junior was a two-time league MVP during her four years at Clayton Valley while her teams won three league championships. In her 2015 senior year at CVCHS she was female athlete of the year, the same honor John Mahloch won for males in 1986. Garrett Pascoe will continue his playing career at Boston University next winter for the Terriers in NCAA Division I basketball.
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two years under the new coach. While at college, though, he met a women’s basketball player name Pam, they got married and now are proud parents of twin sons Clayton and Quinton. John Mahloch coached his twins for St. Bonaventure CYO basketball from second to eighth grade and they won the sixth grade Diocese championship. Kris Pascoe has also stayed close to basketball and her alma mater. She was an assistant coach for the Clayton Valley girls team for several years. Daughter Hailey Pascoe starred at Clayton Valley with
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Alton and Kasey Montgomery. “Garrett is a great sportsman,” Bannister said. “He is very competitive, but when he wins, he always shakes the other person’s hand.” Kasey Montgomery is president of the school’s chapter of the California Scholarship Federation. “She’s an outstanding student,” Bannister said. “And she’s always willing to help others.” Kasey is the Clayton Pioneer’s newest school correspondent.
record-setting games at Clayton Valley from 1982-86. When John Mahloch was playing at Clayton Valley the girls teams were also enjoying a lot of success. Among the Eagles girls players from the class of 1986 was Kris Bell. Today she goes by her married name of Kris Pascoe, none other than the mother of Garrett Pascoe! She and John Mahloch were good friends in high school. In his senior year, Mahloch’s team defeated Ygnacio Valley in the Diablo Valley Athletic League playoffs in an overtime game. The star for Ygnacio Valley was none other than sophomore Eric Bamberger. Yes, that Eric Bamberger. “I fouled out at the end of regulation on a terrible call made by an official who taught at Clayton Valley,” Bamberger says today. Not that he holds a grudge or anything. Bamberger’s Warriors went on to win the Northern California championship his junior season before losing to Mater Dei in the State championship game. A year later, Ygnacio was North Coast Section Division II champion and No. 1 seed at NorCals but lost to Menlo Atherton. After graduating, John Mahloch took his bundle of high school records with him to play at Stanislaus State in Turlock for coach Bob Thomason, perhaps the greatest basketball player ever at Clayton Valley. Mahloch made the first triple double in school history and was second-team all-league as a sophomore. Thomason left after that season to begin a 25-year coaching career at University of the Pacific and Mahloch chose not to play his final
Page 3
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 9, 2018
Strategies for preventing house fires
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS
Q: With all the fires we have had in California, I am terrified one will start in my home. What are some tips to put my mind at ease? A: According to the American Red Cross, 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. If a fire starts in your house, you may have just two minutes to escape. The most effective way to protect your-
self and your home from fire is to identify and remove potential fire hazards. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them once a month, and if they’re not working, change the batteries. Replace them every 10 years. Install carbon monoxide detectors in central locations on every level of your home. If one sounds, move quickly to a fresh location outdoors or near an open window or door. Develop a fire escape plan with your family. Make sure everyone knows how to get out and where to meet. Practice the plan at least twice a year. If a fire occurs in your home, get out and stay out.
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Teach everyone to stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch fire. Keep flammable items at least three feet clear of anything that produces heat, such as a space heater or a fireplace. Cook safely and teach your kids to do the same. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling. If you leave the kitchen, even for a moment, turn off the stove. Stay home while simmering, baking, roasting or boiling. Check on things regularly and use a timer to remind you. Keep anything that can catch fire, such as pot holders or towels, away from the stove. Use caution with portable fire extinguishers. Keep one in
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the kitchen, but use it only if you have been trained by the fire department and if the fire is confined to a small area, the room is not filled with smoke, everyone has exited the building and the fire department has been called.
Q: I am considering filing for bankruptcy but really don’t know anything about it. A: Bankruptcy is a proceeding in a federal court in which an insolvent debtor’s assets are liquidated and the debtor is relieved of further liability. Medical expenses continue to be the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States.
According to the American Consumer Credit Counseling, one of the most important advantages of filing for bankruptcy is that consumers can obtain a fresh financial start. If you are eligible for Chapter 7, most of your unsecured debts may be forgiven or discharged. A secured debt is one which the creditor is entitled to collect by seizing and selling certain assets if payments are missed, such as a home mortgage or car loan. You may be able to keep many of your assets, although state laws vary widely. Collection efforts must stop as soon as you file for bankruptcy under Chap-
ter 7 or Chapter 13. A big disadvantage is that a bankruptcy can remain on your credit record for 7-10 years and can affect future finances and your ability to borrow funds. Also, not all debt will be discharged. Examples of debt that cannot be discharged include child support, alimony, some student loans, divorce settlements and some income taxes.
“My great uncle contracted the flu as a soldier and it destroyed the rest of his short life. What is your story?” museum curator Renee Wing asks. The Clayton Museum is
seeking input from the Clayton community for an exhibit this fall commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of “The War to End All Wars.” Please share your family sto-
ries, memorabilia and photos from World War I and the deadly Spanish Flu epidemic of 1917-1919. Contact Renee at (925) 672-0240 or by email at reneewing@sbcglobal.net.
Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates. Contact her at 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
Museum Looking for WWI Items
Turn your navy suit jacket into a snazzy blazer
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I have been educating my male clients that a suit is actually not a suit any longer. Versatility is king when it comes to the essentials in your wardrobe, and a classic navy suit is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. One of the best things about a great navy suit is you aren’t restricted to wearing it just as a suit. You can separate the ensemble and wear each piece on its own. Just like that, your perfectfor-the-office suit dresses down to a perfect-for-date-night blazer. One approach is to keep the general trappings of a tailored suit look, but ease up on the details. Stick with a button-up shirt, but go for a casual cloth and cut instead of a crisp dress shirt. You can also think seasonally – linen for summer or flannel for fall and winter. Even though you’re ditching the matching suit pants, you’ve got plenty of options for bot-
The right navy suit jacket can take you from formal to casual when paired with jeans and loafers.
toms that will keep the look sharp but steer you away from the rigidity of a full suit. A pair of contrasting wool dress pants takes the dressiness down a notch. Other solid options, including cotton chinos, let you really tinker with your level of formality. Wearing a button-down shirt and slim dark denim pants is an ultra-classic, fail-safe method for dressing down that navy blazer (a.k.a. your navy suit jacket). This is a go-to move for guys who wants to stay tailored but keep it on the sporty and casual side of the spectrum. There is one important thing to note about repurposing your navy suit jacket as a blazer: Not all navy suit jackets are the same, and fabric plays a huge role in whether it’s going to work. For
example, if you’ve opted for a more formal navy suit – i.e. one with a fabric that has a sheen or looks smoother – do not attempt to wear the jacket as a separate. It’s just going to look wrong. This is the main reason why I recommend purchasing your first navy suit in a hopsack fabric. Its more textured appearance makes it much easier to wear as a separate. And if you’re shooting for maximum versatility, choose a softer shoulder and a half canvas. Let me help you with choosing your look and fabric. As a personal stylist, I help build confidence. Contact me for a complimentary fit appointment at susan.sappington@jhilburnpartner.com.
Clayton Police Activity Report
Police Activity for two weeks ending March 1, 2018
ACCIDENTS: Feb. 21, Keller Ridge Dr.
Firearm; Carry Concealed Weapon in Vehicle: Occupant; Probation Violation. 52-yearARRESTS: old Concord male. Petty Theft. Feb. 16, Capistrano Ct. War- 33-year-old Walnut Creek rant. 58-year-old Clayton female. male. Feb. 26, Marsh Creek Feb. 17, Oakhurst Dr./Yolan- Rd./Regency Dr. DUI – Alcoda Cr. Obstruct/Resist Public hol. 25-year-old Castro Valley Officer; Vandalism. 32-year- male. old Concord female. Mar. 1, 5400 Clayton Rd. Feb. 20, 6000 Main St. Dis- Warrant. 33-year-old Richorderly Conduct: Alcohol. 27- mond female. year-old Clayton female. BURGLARIES/THEFTS: Feb. 25, 5400 Clayton Rd. Feb. 21, Lassen Ct. Petty Felon/Addict/Possess/Etc. Theft – Vehicle.
Feb. 22, Buckeye Tr. Burglary – Residential.
Feb. 26, N. Mitchell Canyon Rd. Grand Theft.
Feb. 27, Rialto Dr. Petty Theft – Vehicle. Feb. 27, Mt. Wilson Wy. Petty Theft – Vehicle. Feb. 27, Easley Dr. Burglary – Residential. Feb. 27, Forest Hill Dr. Burglary – Residential. VANDALISMS: Feb. 27, Regency Dr.
Feb. 27, Mt. Wilson Wy.
March 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
Concord negotiating for 18,000-seat soccer stadium JOHN T. MILLER Clayton Pioneer
Less than a month after being awarded a professional soccer franchise in the United Soccer League (USL), local developer Mark Hall selected Concord as the site for the proposed East Bay team. In a Jan. 10 letter to Concord city manager Valerie Barone, Hall Equities Group requested an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with the city for a proposed stadium master development. “Planned effectively, we can work together to enhance the cultural and economic vibrancy of our region, with the city of Concord as the center stage attraction,” Hall wrote. The proposal targets a three-acre vacant parcel at the
corner of Oak and Galindo street near the BART station to build a 15,000-18,000 seat soccer stadium, which could also include hotel and conference facilities, retail, commercial, residential and other uses. The property was part of the Concord Redevelopment Agency, which was dissolved in 2012. “The city of Concord always considered this property as a catalyst development site due to its size, location in the downtown and proximity to BART,” Concord’s Economic Development manager John Montagh wrote in a staff report prepared to consider the ENA. The report recommends that staff pursue negotiating an ENA, which would allow Hall Sports Ventures to explore the feasibility of this master plan with other proper-
ty owners in the area. It would also provide credibility to Hall Sports Ventures in negotiating with other parties. The project would need to include additional properties, including some BART-owned land. In his letter to the city, Hall noted that soccer is the “only common global sport which transcends and bridges national borders, cultures, religions and languages. Approximately 4 billion people follow soccer globally.” In granting the franchise to Hall, USL CEO Alec Papadakis said, “The Oakland East Bay area fits perfectly into our mission of building passionate rivalries and further strengthens the USL’s presence on the West Coast following our recent expansion into Fresno and Las Vegas.”
Make your place fire safe, including checking batteries With a few simple steps, you may be saving your life and the lives of others. Take some time to check your homes safety: • Have working smoke detectors. • Develop and practice a home escape plan. • Ensure all heating equipment works properly. • Keep matches and lighters BRIAN HELMICK, CHIEF up high and away from chilEAST CONTRA COSTA FIRE dren. PROTECTION DISTRICT • Stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking. Each year, nearly 5,000 Meanwhile, daylight-savpeople become victims of ings time begins 2 a.m. March home fires that could have 11, and it’s a good time to been prevented. change your smoke detector
batteries. It could save your life. Although smoke detectors are in 82 percent of American homes, many don’t work simply because the batteries are dead. A working smoke detector provides an early warning of a fire and critical extra seconds for you to escape. Newer smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have a 10year shelf life, so make sure to check the date on the back. For more information, visit www.eccfpd.org. For more information, please visit the Fire Prevention link at www.eccfpd.org.
The USL has 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces and reaches 75 million people. The exclusive territory for the franchise awarded to Hall covers all of Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara counties, along with large portions of Napa and Solano counties. A new professional sports franchise will help fill the void in the East Bay from the loss of the Oakland Raiders and the Golden State Warriors to other venues. Hall Sports Ventures also has
rights to establish a professional Division III development team and, under certain circumstances, the potential to acquire a franchise for a National Women’s Soccer League team. Hall Equities is currently building the Copa Reàl Training Studios in Walnut Creek’s Shadelands Business Park. Copa Reàl will include state-ofthe-art technologies and methodologies in a skills-based soccer training facility for players of all ages, including the professional USL team. Hall calls it a “natural complement
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to the development of these teams.” Although the Concord stadium is described as soccerspecific, it would be designed to be suitable for music and other events, including field sports such as football, lacrosse and rugby. “The city has worked hard to transform downtown Concord into a thriving dining and entertainment destination,” said Vice Mayor Carlyn Obringer. “This project would further anchor the downtown area as an exciting venue and job center.”
Clayton resident Wendy Moore sent us this fantastic shot of the recent snowfall on Mt. Diablo. It was taken from the parking lot at Kaiser Hospital in Antioch.
Captain Grammar Pants
Today’s post concerns the need to AVENGE (Latin, “vindicate”) a wrong, and how that compares with the wish for REVENGE (Latin, “re-vindicate”). Avenge is a verb, and it is often centered on impersonal social justice issues. You might sue a person if he polluted a river, for example; in doing so, you would avenge a wrong. Revenge is both a noun and a verb; you can revenge an insult, or you can take revenge on the insulter. The difference is that revenge is personal and vindictive. If you remain confused, remember the adage, “revenge is a dish best served cold.” It means that it is better to exact revenge after waiting a bit, rather than doing it in the heat of the moment. 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.
The Market is
HOT. I’d like to help. 1009 Rolling Woods Way
NEW
Magnificent 4 bed, 2 bath, single-level home with high-end custom appointments. Enter the impressive foyer and be inspired by the luxurious feel of the voluminous ceilings, natural light, custom mouldings, lighting, designer tuscan style paint, hardwoods, chef’s delight kitchen, expanded master bedroom suite. Drop dead gorgeous grounds and landscape adjacent to open space views and vistas. Offered at $925,000
1328 Shell Lane
FOR
Live right in the heart of Clayton. Lovely LEASE 3 bed, 2.5 bath residence featuring large bedrooms, double high ceilings in great room, large kitchen with plenty of storage and cabinetry, dining room with bay window, generous master includes twodouble sized closets, soaking tub, and views of Mt Diablo. Quiet pavered patio with landscape. Walk to EVERYTHING including downtown, schools, golf, restaurants and trails. Hurry! Offered at $3,000/mo.
2730 Oak Road
NEW
Dream Walnut Creek location. This spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo offers all the amenities you’re looking for. Remodeled kitchen and baths, new carpet in bedrooms, quiet upstairs unit with no neighbor below. View of the pool and next to mail and community meeting area. It’s move-in ready and just a block from Pleasant Hill BART, Renaissance Club Sport, restaurants, and award winning trails. Just minutes from downtown Walnut Creek, walk to Sprout’s and near all local commute routes. Offered at $500,000
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Clayton Station Shopping Center, 5439 Clayton Road (Suite F), Clayton
* Sample price is per person, based on double occupancy in a Club category room on select weeks at Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico. Discounts on other dates, room categories and/or at other resorts may vary. Blackout dates apply, including holidays and other dates. Offer requires a 3-night minimum stay (7-night minimum for Columbus Isle). Available at select resorts. Does not include airfare. Perks+ Sample $400 air credit is per person, based on a 7-night stay in a Suite category room on select weeks at Club Med Cancun Yucatan, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Credits on other dates, resorts, stay duration, room categories may vary. Children between 13 and 15 years of age receive 70% of the air credit of an adult. Children between 4 and 12 years of age receive half of the air credit of an adult. Children under 4 do not receive an air credit. Offer available only at Club Med Cancun Yucatan, Mexico, Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Sandpiper Bay, Florida, Columbus Isle, Bahamas, and Turkoise, Turks & Caicos. Children aged under 4 years stay for free at our family destinations (exclusion for Holiday weeks: children 3 years stay at 50% of the adult price). Children aged 4-11 years stay at up to 50% off adult price at select family resorts. Children aged 12-15 years stay at up to 30% off adult price at select family resorts. For flights that are booked through Club Med, tickets for children must be paid for by the client. Children who are eligible to stay for free must be lodged in the same room as the adults who are paying for their stay, or in a connecting room. Costs associated with Baby & Petit Club Med are at full day rate during entire stay booked.General Conditions: Blackout dates apply, including holidays and other dates. Offer requires a 3-night minimum stay (7-night minimum for Columbus Isle). Available at select resorts. Valid for new individual bookings only for select travel dates with check-in on or after 03/01/2018 and check-out on or before 10/27/2018 and must be booked between 03/01/2018 and 05/01/2018. Offer is subject to capacity control and may increase or be withdrawn at any time. For Turkoise all guests must be 18 and older. Guests at Columbus Isle must be 2 and older. Club Med Membership fees of $60 per adult and $30 per child are additional. Other restrictions apply including brochure terms and cancellation/change fees. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. CST#: 2020955-50.
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Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 9, 2018
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Dr. Christine Chung
Mr. S is a 70-year-old man who noticed a lump on the left side of his nose several months ago. The lump quickly grew, and a biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. He was treated for a squamous cell carcinoma on his arm several years ago with Mohs surgery, a procedure in which a der-
matologist shaves off layers of skin to remove the cancer. “I hated going under the knife for my skin cancer,” he told me. “Is there another option?” SCC of the skin is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed in the United States, with more than 700,000 new cases each year. It occurs most frequently on sun-exposed skin in fair-skinned individuals, though it may also develop in people with darker skin. SCC of the skin is associated with exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun (UVA and UVB) and occurs more often in people older than 45. People who have undergone organ transplantation and require chronic immunosuppression are also at greater risk of developing skin cancer.
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KAREN MITCHOFF
COUNTY
SUPERVISOR
Homelessness has been a growing reality for many families throughout California. We are no stranger to this challenge in the Bay Area, and this issue certainly touches every corner of Contra Costa County. Last year, more than 6,000 individuals experienced homelessness in our county. On an average night, there are 700 people living in temporary shelters and 900 people sleeping outside in tents, vehicles or parks. The county only has enough emergency shelter beds to meet 48 percent of the need. In response, the county formed the Health, Housing and Homeless Services (H3) Division under the Health
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Radiation therapy alone is another non-invasive way to treat skin cancers. Highenergy X-rays are directed at the tumor to kill the cancer cells. Using radiation to treat skin cancer is a reasonable option for patients who cannot tolerate surgery or those who have problems with wound-healing after surgery. It is also used for skin cancers in sensitive regions where surgery could be potentially disfiguring, such as at the tip of the nose or the ears. The cure rate for early stage skin cancer is more than 95 percent with radiation therapy alone. Radiation therapy can be delivered in several ways, including superficial electron radiation or electronic brachytherapy. Electronic brachytherapy with the Xoft system uses a
miniaturized X-ray source to deliver radiation to the skin cancer. The treatment is given twice a week for four weeks, and each treatment lasts about five minutes. Side effects can include skin irritation and redness, hair loss in the treatment area, and possible blistering and peeling of the skin. The treatment is not ideal for all skin cancers, but it may be a convenient option for some patients.
Dr. Christine Chung is a board certified radiation oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group in Pleasant Hill. She has a special interest in treating skin and breast cancer. Chung sees patients in Pleasant Hill and Berkeley. For more information, call 925-825-8878.
H3, CORE Teams bring needed services to homeless
Bruce & Zoey
Office: (925) 672-2700 Cell: (925) 672-2772
This type of cancer can take many forms, including flat red spots, painless bumps or scaly patches on the skin. A doctor needs to biopsy the skin to confirm the diagnosis of cancer. More than 90 percent of skin SCC cases are cured with local therapy alone, usually surgical excision like Mohs. An advantage of Mohs microsurgery is that the surgeon can look at the cells as they are being removed, to ensure that all of the cancer has been fully excised. Low-risk SCC may also be treated with freezing (cryotherapy) or a topical cream, such as Aldara. Some patients may need radiation after surgical excision, if the cancer cells have aggressive features, such as invasion into the local nerves, or if the cancer could not be fully excised.
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS
We are nearing the end of winter, with Bay Area rainfall totals only about half of normal. It’s easy to become concerned since we are only one wet winter removed from drought conditions. Each month of our wet season had its own rainfall signature. It’s as if Mother Nature turns the rain faucet on and off as the calendar turns. Concord Airport weather statistics bear this out. October was completely dry. The storm track moved over California in November, and Concord reported 11 days of measureable rainfall. Once December began, a strong ridge of high pressure developed over the West Coast. Only two rain days were reported at the local airport that month. Those two days could hardly be described as wet, since the total recorded
Services Department. H3 integrates housing and homeless services across our health system with a community partnership approach that includes multiple jurisdictions and programs. Over the last year, H3 has rolled out the Coordinated Outreach Referral and Engagement (CORE) Teams. The teams go into encampments areas and directly connect with the homeless population to offer them services, such as shelters, warming centers and mental health care. The CORE teams have reached more than 2,500 unduplicated individuals and placed nearly half of them in emergency shelters or the warming center. H3 has partnered with several departments within the county, including the Sheriff, Behavioral Health and Public Works. The CORE teams have also helped develop new partnerships between individual cities
and the county, where cities are paying for a core team to address the needs of the community. So far, the cities of Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill and Martinez have partnered with the county. It is important to note that the CORE Teams can also be accessed by dialing 211, a database of resources managed by the Contra Costa Crisis Center. The free, confidential service is available 24/7 and helps connect Contra Costa residents to 700 agencies and 1,600 services. As the county works toward the goal of ending homelessness, H3 has gathered data dismissing the myth that those who are homeless are not from our communities. The reality is that 80 percent of the homeless population in our county lost their housing in Contra Costa County. Only 24 percent are chronically homeless. These people are our neighbors and families who
have direct ties to the community. In an effort to keep public spaces clean, H3 has also partnered with Public Works and local agencies to clean up encampments when they have been cleared and deserted. If you see debris from encampments or illegal dumping, please report it to the appropriate authorities so it may be cleaned up. For more information on reporting debris, visit www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/ depart/cd/recycle/illegaldumping.htm. H3 is always looking for volunteers and different ways to engage the community. If you are interested in getting involved with H3 and other homeless service providers, visit cchealth.org/h3. Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us
Let’s hope March gets us back to wet ways
precipitation for December was only one-tenth of an inch. January saw a return of storm clouds, at least for eight days. The total monthly rainfall at Concord was almost exactly normal. The hope that wet weather would continue into February was dashed when another stubborn dry high pressure ridge developed over the Eastern Pacific. Three days of showery weather near the end of the month kept February from being completely dry. March has started off wet. However, even if we get several wet days this month, it is highly unlikely that our winter season rainfall will approach normal. Members of the public and the meteorology community are wondering if we’re headed for another drought. The topic gets a lot of study by the academic community and government. The U.S. Drought Monitor program is a combined effort of the University of Nevada and several branches of the
federal government. Weekly drought map updates provide drought assessments for each climate region of the United States. It’s a complicated process. Several drought types have been identified, including meteorological, hydrological, agricultural and socioeconomic. Many variables that cause or exacerbate drought conditions need to be evaluated, including rainfall, temperature, soil moisture and storage/runoff conditions. The Drought Monitor has six categories that define drought conditions in any given area. Two non-drought categories include no drought and abnormally dry. The abnormally dry category is ascribed to areas that don’t qualify as drought, but have short-term rainfall deficits that could lead to drought conditions. The four drought conditions are moderate, severe, extreme and exceptional. In the last drought, most of California reached the extreme or
exceptional categories for several years. The most recent Drought Monitor update (late February) shows Contra Costa County in the abnormally dry category. Most of the Bay Area has progressed from the no drought category to abnormally dry since the December dry spell. Based on the current Drought Monitor for California, it is safe to say that we are on a road that could lead to drought. If we are lucky, the monthly flip-flopping rainfall pattern of the past winter will continue and March will be wet. It would be nice to have enough rainfall to throw a wet blanket on all these drought questions. Find the latest U.S. Drought Monitor updates at http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
March 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
In loving memory
John C Behdjet
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
TAMARA
AND
Dec. 22 1928 – Mar. 23 2017
R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers
TAMARA S TEINER , Editor
A wonderful father, beloved Opa, Loving husband & friend.
P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design
B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor, Writer J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports
We miss you every day and Love you Your family
PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor
S TAFF W RITERS : Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré, Bev Britton
C ORRESPONDENTS : Kara Navolio, John T. Miller We remember Jill Bedecarré
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US
Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 www.ClaytonPioneer.com
Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send School News to
schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have
priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail. CIRCULATION
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.
Shared Office Space
In downtown Clayton. Desk, phone line, Internet, copier/printer/fax, free parking. Local references required. $500/month. Call (925) 285-8612 or email tamara@claytonpioneer.com.
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
It could be a virus, or it could just need a tune-up.
Applications open for Civil Grand Jury Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury service for fiscal year 2018-’19. The county will select 19 members to serve one year, July 2018-June 2019, to monitor review and report on city and county governments. Once selected and sworn in, jurors will attend a two-week training session to meet key members of local government and learn their functions. The group will organize into committees to investigate local government agencies, research topical materials, interview county executives and their staff, gather facts and issue written reports with recommendations that will benefit county residents. The California Constitution established this unique and powerful system of government
oversight in 1849. It applies to each of the state’s 58 counties. Jurors receive a stipend for their service, plus mileage reimbursement and a parking permit. Confidentiality is imperative, and information cannot be discussed with anyone – including family members. Jurors must be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, who have been residents of the county for at least one year prior to selection. A working knowledge of Microsoft and Excel is a plus. Persons interested in applying may contact the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at 925-6082621. Applications are available online at www.cocourts.org/grandjury and at local libraries. The deadline to submit an application is March 23.
Mayor, from page 1
A DOSE OF TLC The City Council also appoints members of the Trails and Landscape Committee (TLC), which is comprised of up to 11 residents who also serve two-year terms. The TLC provides input and general guidance to the City Council and staff regarding priorities of the current and future needs of Clayton’s Landscape Maintenance District. With the passing of Measure H in 1997, Clayton voters approved this district to provide special parcel tax revenues for the maintenance of public roadway landscaping, open space and trail system improvements within the city. District responsibilities do not, however, include city parks. Those landscaping and maintenance needs are funded by the city’s General Fund or the special District for the Grove park. The TLC reviews conditions of the Landscape Maintenance District’s landscaping, trails and open space and recommends to the City Council operations and projects that should be considered within the allocated budget. The TLC also advises the City Council and staff regarding the care, maintenance, repair, replacement and improvement of the district’s assets. The TLC annually reviews the proposed district budget revenue and expenditures to ensure that district revenue collected is spent on projects and services that fall within the district. It then presents an annual report
to the City Council regarding the district’s activities and financial status. The TLC’s latest annual report identified two major projects planned for implementation in 2018: the removal of 18 large eucalyptus trees that pose a threat to structures near open space areas, and the repair and/or replacement of the raised planter boxes on Main Street, to include irrigation systems and electrical conduits. Speaking of trails, I suggest that you take advantage of the nice spring weather to get outside and use Clayton’s excellent trails as a great, low-cost exercise option. Remember that Clayton’s leash law, and picking up after your dogs, also applies to dogs on the trails for the safety of your dogs and other trail users and their dogs, too. And help us keep our trails clean and natural looking by picking up any trash. I hope you find this information about how our city operates interesting and that it may even encourage you to get more involved in civic affairs. For more information on volunteering for appointment to the Planning Commission or the TLC, contact City Hall at 925-6737300, or visit 6000 Heritage Trail in Clayton. I look forward to sharing more information about Clayton items and activities in upcoming issues.
Page 7
Directory of Advertisers Area code 925 unless otherwise indicated
Business Services/Employment Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . .672-8717
Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .872-3049 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440
Events Brentwood Theater Company . .thebrentwoodtheater.org Camp Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .671-3006 La Grande Wedding and Event Center . . . . . .435-4461 Shadelands Ranch Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7871
Financial, Insurance and Legal Service Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242
Home and Garden Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-5609 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . .606-8400 Clayton Fair Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-0324 French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .305-9099 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433
Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Kiss Savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3350 Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.mtdiabloresourcerecovery.com Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Travel Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840 Worship Concord United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . .685-5260 St. Bonaventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5800
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Celebrating 60 years in Concord
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Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 9, 2018
CVCHS, Carondelet basketball reach NorCal playoffs JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter boys team and the girls of Carondelet each earned the No. 1 seed in the North Coast Section basketball playoffs but the two squads traveled very different paths to reach that position and now they both have ended up in the Northern California Regionals. For Clayton Valley (26-3) this has been a record-breaking year that has seen the Eagles soar to new heights before suffering a big disappointment last Friday. Coach Eric Bamberger’s team lost a back and forth struggle to Heritage of Brentwood (28-2) 71-66 in the NCS Division I championship game at St. Mary’s College. It was the second year in a row that the Patriots eliminated the Eagles at NCS. Carondelet (22-8) spent the season playing a “who’s who” of girls teams in Northern California, including taking their lumps in most of those matchups, but still earned the top DI seed at NCS. Coach Elgin Leslie’s team was moved up to D-I a year ago after winning 11 D-II NCS championships between 2003 and 2014. This was the Cougars seventh consecutive year as a No. 1 Section seed and the Cougars won their second consecutive
NCS Division I championship by capping a four-game NCS run with a 71-58 victory over Heritage in the finals at SMC, a day after the Eagles boys lost on the same court. This week CVCHS is seeded No. 4 in Division I and hosts 13th seed Menlo School (23-3) of Atherton in the Northern California Regional opener in Dan Della Gym. A win there would move them into the quarterfinals this Saturday against the winner of the Central of Fresno and St. Francis of Mountain View game. De La Salle (21-8) lost to Berkeley in the NCS quarterfinals in defense of its 2017 Section championship but the Spartans still were placed in the NorCal Regionals as the ninth seed. They visited CCS runnerup Palo Alto (23-3) Wednesday in the opening round. The Spartans of second-year coach Justin Argenal were runners-up to Dublin in the East Bay Athletic League. Carondelet is in the Open Division at NorCals as the sixth seed and has a rematch with Pinewood (25-2) of Los Altos Hills Friday in the quarterfinals. Pinewood is the second ranked team in the US behind Archbishop Mitty of San Jose, who beat the Panthers in the CCS finals. Pinewood defeated the Cougars 67-41 last month with three players in double figures.
Photo courtesy Carondelet Athletics
After notching a 66-game winning streak in the East Bay Athletic League, Carondelet was given the chance to set up as an independent this basketball season while playing nine games against EBAL teams that would not count in the league standings. This setup, which mirrors the De La Salle-EBAL football relationship, enabled the Cougars to schedule a killer schedule against the best of the best girls teams in Northern California. It resulted in eight losses in the regular season but the Cougars were still the top seed at North Coast and won their 13th Section championship with a 71-58 win over No. 2 seed Heritage of Brentwood in the Division I finals.
In the same gym where he played collegiately for the SMC Gaels, Bamberger brought his Eagles seeking the school’s first-ever boys NCS basketball championship against a foe
also looking for its initial Section title banner. Heritage and CVCHS battled through four quarters with the Patriots’ five-point margin of victory the largest lead of
the game. The teams were tied at the end of the second and third quarters. Garrett Pascoe was the primary offensive driver for the Eagles with 18 points, seven
assists and five rebounds with junior guard Sinjin Speer tossing in four 3’s and 14 points overall.
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
10 seeds in NorCal. CIF has been hosting Southern Section soccer regionals since 2008. This is the first time for NorCal winter teams to have playoffs extend beyond the section level. DLS Coach Derricke Brown says the hope is for a North-South State championship game next year but “likely 2-3 years away.” He says this year’s Regionals are a “fun opportunity for the boys.” In NCS soccer playoffs, most championship teams need to survive at least one very tight game. For De La Salle it doesn’t get much tighter than a golden goal overtime match. In the semi-finals against a tough Pittsburg High team it took a goal in the final seconds of the second half by Omar Khlief to force overtime after Pitt went ahead 21 with less than six minutes left. “I’m sure everyone in the stadium thought the game was over when Pittsburg scored with six minutes left. But our team has been in pressure situations all season and they did a terrific job of staying calm and doing what they were trained to do,” Brown says. In the first overtime the Spartans got a long throw-in that was headed into the goal by James Person for the winner and another NCS finals berth. It was reminiscent of the golden goal by Garrett Biel of Clayton in 2009 that gave De La Salle a win over San Ramon Valley that started the Spartans on their six-year championship streak. Both Person and Biel belonged to the local Diablo FC club soccer program. Coincidently, Person plays in DFC for former DLS head coach Marquis White. Senior Luke Giusto broke a 1-1 tie in the second half to give the Spartans an advantage over MV and they went on to a 3-1 finals win as Giusto had two goals and an assist. The victory ended three frustrating years since DLS’s 2014 title that included a pair of penalty kick shootout losses in championship games. Coach Amy Apocada’s Carondelet has now reached the NCS finals three consecutive
times without coming away with their first Section championship since 2011. Monte Vista has proved the Cougars boogie team this year with three wins over CHS and the Mustangs scored three goals each time. Carondelet’s six losses this season include five to teams in the NorCal Regionals. The other loss was to Amador Valley which the Cougars revenged with a 5-0 NCS quarterfinal romp. That was followed in the semis by a 3-1 win over Foothill, another team holding an earlier victory over Carondelet.
See Basketball, pg 11
DLS pulls out “Lucky 13th” NCS soccer championship
Photo courtesy De La Salle High School soccer
De La Salle dominated the North Coast Section championships with six successive boys titles from 2009-20014 but for the last three years coach Derricke Brown’s squad came up dry in the playoffs. This year the Spartans returned to the top of the mountain, winning the program’s 13th NCS championship with a 3-1 win over EBAL rival Monte Vista in the finals.
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De La Salle had a six-year reign from 2009-2014 of racking up North Coast Section Division I soccer championships but the Spartans had been denied another title until this year’s Section tournament when they defeated league rival Monte Vista 3-1 to claim their 13th crown. Their sister school Carondelet, on the other hand, suffered their third consecutive loss in the NCS championship game as they fell 3-1 to nemesis Monte Vista for the third time this season. The strong seasons for the two parochial schools earned them berths in the first-ever Northern California Regional soccer Division I playoffs. The Spartans (17-2-7) are seeded third in the eight-team bracket and hosted the Burlingame Panthers (14-4-2) Tuesday evening at Owen Owens Field in Concord in the opening round. Burlingame finished second in the Central Coast Section playoffs Carondelet (17-6-4) is one of three East Bay Athletic League schools among the eight teams in the DI girls bracket. Monte Vista is the top seeded while the Cougars are ranked fifth. That placed them in a 4-5 seed battle at undefeated Davis (22-0-4) on Tuesday. It sets up a repeat of the Cougar’s opening game from late November of the 2017-18 season when Carondelet visited Davis and came away with a 3-0 loss as the Blue Devils scored three second-half goals. Davis is currently ranked 16th in the Nation. Monte Vista is rated No. 1 in California and second in the USA. Should Carondelet upset Davis they will most likely face Monte Vista for the fourth time this year in the semi-finals. EBAL girls soccer has long been held up as one of the strongest leagues in America. Foothill is the seventh seed in DI and Livermore is second seed in DII to make four EBAL schools among the top
EAGLE TEAMS OUT AT NCS Clayton Valley Charter’s two varsity soccer teams had excellent seasons that ended too soon with 1-0 defeats in NCS Division I play. The CVCHS girls (16-1-8) of new varsity coach Aaron Pomeroy went through the season without a defeat until the second round of NCS. The Eagles (7-0-3) were unbeaten in Diablo Athletic League Valley Division but fell short of a league championship as their three draws were one more than Northgate (8-0-2) as they finished second to the Broncos for the second year in a row. They were seeded 10th in NCS Division I and beat No. 7 Dublin of the EBAL 3-0 in the first round. They were eliminated by second seed Foothill’s first half goal in the quarterfinals 1-0. Northgate was ousted by eventual champions Maria Carrillo in the second round of the DII playoffs. During the season the Eagles gave up only five goals in their 25 games with 20 shutouts. The senior-laden defense led by captains Lizzie Annison and Cassie Bizicki along with Skylar Hellstrom, league MVP Holly Gallagher and freshman Jenna West was rock solid all year, allowing very few shots and never more than one goal in any game. Pomeroy says the Eagles allowed the fewest goals of any Division I girls team in NCS. Gallagher led the team with 13 assists from her outside
See Soccer, pg 11
March 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Sports
Athlete Spotlight
Aislyn Schwartz Grade: Senior School: CVCHS Sport: Softball
With a commitment to play softball next year in North Dakota at the University of Mary under her belt, Aislyn Schwartz is beginning her last season of high school softball at CVCHS. She has been on the varsity team for three years as a centerfielder. This season she is a team captain. Schwartz was awarded the team’s offensive award her freshman year and has received scholar athlete honors every season. Away from high school Schwartz also plays for
Universal Fastpitch, an elite travel softball team, where she is one of 17 girls committed to traveling the country to play softball. The team is looking forward to playing in the PGF Nationals this summer, one of the highest-level tournaments in the country. Though she has to miss school often for tournaments and showcases, Schwartz maintains a 3.8 GPA. Eagles softball coach Dave Cooney says that Schwartz “is
one of the hardest working players on our team and leads by example. She shows up to practice every day with a smile on her face and is a joy to be around.” She has been playing softball for 13 years and still loves the game just as much as she did when she first played. Schwartz says, “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without having been a part of these teams and held responsible for being a good teammate.” In school she is part of the Public Service Academy. She is committed to playing softball as well as pursuing a nursing degree at the University of Mary after being accepted in the early assurance nursing program. CVCHS student journalist Sydney Skow wrote this Spotlight. The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Aislyn 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 9
Demolition Crew wins another AOSL volleyball league
Photo courtesy All Out sports League
DC…demolition crew racked up another All Out Sports League volleyball championship this winter. The firstplace team includes, from left, Jose Torres, Sandra Bohn, Sergio Esquerre, Kim Buck and Manny Zavala. The team was followed in the standings by Spike Lightning, Epic, Awesome, Kills and Bumpin Baldwins.
Senior athletes make college commitments official JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Six area high schools feted 34 seniors as they signed their National Letters of Intent committing to play their sport starting this fall in colleges from coast to coast. Carondelet, Clayton Valley Charter and De La Salle had 16 student athletes formalize their college choices in front of fellow students at their schools. Goalkeeper Amanda Zodikoff from CVCHS is part of the No. 1 nationally-ranked Diablo FC 00/99 club soccer team. The Clayton Valley Charter senior will be going to the University of California. During her many years with Diablo FC she trained with the club’s goalkeeper coach, Henry Foulk, who is the Cal men’s keeper coach and served on the staff of the United States Men’s National Team under Jurgen Klinsmann.
She played on the Eagles varsity her freshman and sophomore years before concentrating on club soccer the past two years. Her Diablo FC teammate Emily Kaleal was back in action for the Eagles this year after sitting out her junior year with a torn ACL will be going to San Francisco State. Among the signees at the six schools the main surprise announcement came from De La Salle’s Tuli Letuligasenoa who was attired in the purple of the University of Washington at the signing in the Spartans gym. The defensive lineman had verbally committed to the USC Trojans last spring but very late in the recruiting process took a campus visit in Seattle. “After my visit to Washington I just had a better feeling,” he told the media about his last-minute switch. “I just fit them better. That was it.” His teammate for three
CARONDELET - Makenzie Miller (second from right) of Clayton and her sister, dad Chris and mom Aimee.
DE LA SALLE Chris Koenig, Tuli Letuligasenoa, Nohl Patterson, Kairee Robinson and Quin Seivold
Photos by Jay Bedecarre
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER James Essex, Amanda Zodikoff, Dakota Harman, Kellen Dresdow and Emily Kaleal
years on the DLS varsity, running back Kairee Robinson committed to San Jose State, thus remaining a Spartan. Both Robinson and Letuligasenoa suffered through injury-plagued senior seasons. Over the three years they won one State championship with two runner-up finishes and helped their teams compile a 35-5 record. Makenzie Miller of Clayton has been playing softball since she was 10 years old, competing for the Sorcerers and Universal Sports Academy during her travel ball days. A three-year varsity letter winner for Carondelet, Miller signed her letter of intent to play softball at Colorado State University. In 2016, her Sorcerer’s travel ball squad finished fifth in the country at the National Championships in Huntington Beach, California. During that playoff run, she ranked in the top 10 in batting average. As a Cougar, Makenzie has been a varsity player since her freshman year, was a second team all-EBAL selection as a sophomore and a team captain during her junior season. She says, “I chose Colorado State, because right when I stepped on campus I knew I was home. The athletic facilities are amazing and the area is beautiful. I look forward to starting my career there next year.” Olympian Alexi Sancov of Northgate and the Terrapins Swim Team of Concord signed with USC. He competed for his native Moldova in
the 200-meter freestyle in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Beside Zodikoff, Devin Lozano from Carondelet, Brandon Mello of CVCHS and Ian Villers of Northgate committed to Cal, the most for one school during this signing period. Overall, 27 schools got NLI from local athletes with the Pacific 12 getting commitments for Cal, UCLA, Oregon State, Washington and USC. Bay Area schools with signees also included Notre Dame de Namur, San Jose State, Sonoma State, Dominican University and San Francisco State. Eight football, seven soccer and six lacrosse commitments headed the 13 sports played by the 32 athletes. Mello and De’Vaughn Brown of Ygnacio Valley had signed during the new December NLI period but were honored by their schools this month. The 6-7, 290-pound Mello helped the Eagles to a pair of undefeated DAL seasons. He was ranked as the 57th best senior offensive tackle by Rivals and was part of large offensive line class for the Bears.
Ali Collins (Volleyball, Abbigale Young (Lacrosse, United States Naval Academy) Chico State) Alexi Sancov (Swimming, CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER University of Southern CaliJames Essex (Lacrosse, fornia) Dominican University) Ivan Ostapenko (Soccer, Amanda Zodikoff (Soccer, Chico State) California) Emma Smethurst (SwimDakota Harman (Lacrosse, ming, UCLA) Nevada) Gillian Maraccini (Cheer, Kellen Dresdow (Soccer, UNLV) Notre Dame de Namur UniSemisi Saluni (Football, versity) Oregon State) Emily Kaleal (Soccer, San Zack Lentz (Lacrosse, Francisco State) Dominican University) Brandon Mello (Football, Maddie Cassidy (Track and California) Field, Piedmont College) Audrey Webostad (Water CONCORD Polo, Sonoma State University) Hunter Simmers (Football, Hannah Brajkovich (SoftRipon College) ball, Pomona Pitzer) Jazmine Hanley (Softball, DE LA SALLE Cal Lutheran) Chris Koenig (Lacrosse, Dymphna Ueda (Golf, Roanoke College) Ursuline College) Tuli Letuligasenoa (FootHolly Brown (Soccer, ball, University of Washing- Sonoma State University) ton) Nohl Patterson (Cross YGNACIO VALLEY Country, Claremont McKenna De’Vaughn Brown (FootCollege) ball, Wyoming) Kairee Robinson (Football, Fernando Perez (Football, San Jose State) Concordia University NebrasQuin Seivold (Lacrosse, ka) Swarthmore College) Tre’vonte Daniels (Football, North Dakota College of NORTHGATE Science) Ian Villers (Baseball, California)
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NLI signees (sport and college):
CARONDELET Amelia Clute (Rowing, Cornell University) Devin Lozano (Soccer, California) Makenzie Miller (Softball, Colorado State) Cassidy Tshimbalanga (Soccer, University of Southern California)
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March 9, 2018
Sports
Peyton Omania claims 1st-ever DLS State wrestling title JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Mark Halvorson took over the De La Salle High wrestling program 18 years ago and since that time the Spartans have enjoyed incredible success on the mats, winning nine of the last 10 North Coast Section championships and 11 of the past 12 NCS dual team titles. And Spartan wrestlers have occupied every step on the top eight podium at the CIF State Tournament. That statement is now true following the school’s first-ever individual wrestling championship won by senior Peyton Omania last Saturday evening in Bakersfield’s Rabobank Arena in dramatic fashion. Omania, a three-time NCS champ, was seeded No. 1 at 145 pounds. But, as Halvorson said, the California State meet with all
wrestlers in a single bracket (no divisions like many sports) is where “Anything can happen and no one is safe.” In his semi-final match vs. No. 3 seed Bernie Truax of Rancho Buena Vista Omania trailed 1-0 as the match clock wore down. The referee called for a restart and the clocked showed eight seconds remaining. The DLS staff and other officials said there should be nine seconds and one second was added to the clock. The wrestlers went out of bounds with four seconds left. In those final seconds Halvorson says his wrestler put on three moves and got a takedown in the final second for a 2-1 victory. That’s the second that almost wasn’t there! Truax finished second a year ago at 138 pounds. In the finals Omania ”stuck to his plan” against
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second seed Tony Mendoza of Selma, the third-place 138 pound finisher right behind Truax last year when Omania was sixth at 145 pounds. Omania grabbed an early lead with a takedown and seemed in control until Mendoza got Omania in a dangerous position with 20 seconds left and Halvorson thought “Oh, no!” His star pupil got out of the danger zone and essentially ran out the final few seconds to make DLS history. Omania is headed to the Big 10 at Michigan State next fall knowing he’s accomplished something all of the Spartan greats who came before him weren’t able to do. DLS had four wrestlers enter Saturday’s action but only Omania got on the podium. De La Salle last lost a match in the NCS Division I dual team tournament to James Logan 34-22 in the 2014 championship match. Since that time the Spartans have rolled off 12 consecutive victories to win four straight NCS titles and have
never scored fewer than 55 points in any of those matches. De La Salle has won every NCS dual championship since 2007 except for that 2014 runner-up finish. This winter’s NCS was no different as the Spartans won lopsided matches to Amador Valley, Castro Valley and Liberty. DLS defeated the Brentwood school in the finals for the fourth successive year by a 65-12 count. At the NCS championships DLS was dominant with eight wrestlers earning State Meet berths with a top three finish and 12 Spartans scoring. The team racked up 330.5 points, barely short of its record set last year of 339.5. Omania became the seventh Spartan to earn three trips to State. Sophomore Lance Hackett of Clayton, wrestling way up at 184 pounds, just missed out on a State trip to match his brother Jonathon’s accomplishment of the past two years with a fourth-place NCS finish.
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City champion Dana Hills Swim Team are now accepting registration from new and returning families online. Practice begins April 9 and the final day for swimmer registration is May 18. Boys and girls 3-18 years-old are welcome. For more info visit danahillsotters.com.
CONCORD CUP XXV TEAM REGISTRATION OPEN
The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord Cup, returns for its landmark 25th season at a variety of local parks May 19-20. Boys and girls club and recreation teams from under 9 (2009) through U19 (1999) are eligible to participate. Diablo FC, Mt. Diablo Soccer and Concord AYSO co-sponsor the tournament. Visit concordcup.com for complete information and to register a team to participate.
Tony Rotundo (WrestlersAreWarriors.com) photo courtesy De La Salle wrestling
De La Salle senior Peyton Omania, a three-time North Coast Section winner, was seeded No. 1 at 145 pounds for the State Meet last week in Bakersfield. In the semi-finals and championship match he met the second and third seeds and won each match by one point as he became the first Spartan to ever win a State wrestling title.
Jim Grace at jfpgrace@astound.net if you are aware of team members.
JUNIOR OPTIMIST BASEBALL,
SOFTBALL SIGNUPS TAKEN ONLINE
Junior Optimist Baseball/Softball League is accepting spring league registration for ages 4-15 for boys JOBL and Babe Ruth baseball and girls ages 6-14 for softball. There are also yearround travel team opportunities for Patriot baseball and Glory/Lady Liberty softball teams. For more information email info@joblconcord.com or visit joblconcord.com.
ST. BONAVENTURE CYO TRACK MEETS BEGIN THIS MONTH
St. Bonaventure CYO spring track and field program is open to boys and girls in second through eighth grades. Practices are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4-5:15 p.m. at Newhall Park. Saturday meets begin this month and the season runs through May 12, culminating with the Oakland Diocese championships. For more information call 826-7426, email head coach TERRAPIN WINTER-SPRING SWIM CLINICS UNDERWAY Matt Tillman at matttillman@gmail.com or go to stbonavenTerrapins Swim Team is offering winter and spring stroke turecyo.com. and turn clinics on Sundays through Apr. 22 by coaches Dan FOREST PARK SPRING SWIM CLINICS, Cottam and Brian Marker at the new Natalie Coughlin Aquatics SIGNUPS UNDERWAY Complex in Walnut Creek. The clinics are open to recreation Forest Park Swim Team coach Jeff Mellinger is offering swimmers ages 6-18 who want to get a jump on the summer seaspring swim clinics for five weeks through the end of March. son. The nationally-ranked Terrapins are also taking signups for The afternoon and evening sessions improve strokes for swimswimmers ages six and above of all levels for their year-round mers of all skill levels ages 4-18 before the start of summer rec swim team. For information visit terrapinswim.com. swimming season on Monday, Apr 9. The Flyers will be holding team signups at their pool Mar. 8 from 6-8 p.m. and this Sunday, CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE Mar. 11, 2-4 p.m. Contact coach Mellinger at OPENS SEASON MAR. 24 Clayton Valley Little League begins its season with the tradi- jeff.mellinger@gmail.com for details. tional opening ceremonies on Saturday, Mar. 24, at Clayton REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR ALL OUT SPORTS Community Park at 9 a.m. The day also includes team pictures LEAGUES SPRING, SUMMER PROGRAMS COMING UP and the fund-raising Home Run Derby. For more info on the Youth basketball and volleyball leagues and adult softball league and its programs including umpire clinic and field cleanup league are scheduled by All Out Sports Leagues in Clayton this visit cvll.org. spring and summer. AOSL is taking registration online. For complete information on All Out Sports leagues, clinics and OAKHURST ORCAS SCHEDULE SWIM TEAM SIGNUPS Oakhurst Orcas and head coach Jasmine Castillo have sched- other programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com. uled meet and greet registration on Wednesdays, Mar. 28 and Apr.18, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Oakhurst Country Club. Early reg- SPRINGWOOD SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION DAY MAR. 25 Springwood swim team will hold signups on Sunday, Mar. 25, istration discounts are given to families that register before Mar. from 2-4 p.m. at Sports Basement in Walnut Creek. Preseason 28. Registration forms are available at oakhurstorcas.com under practices begin on Monday, April 23, in its newly remodeled the forms tab. Spring practices begin Monday, Apr. 23. pool. For more information, please email team director Kristi Buchholz at springwoodsprinters@gmail.com or visit springMDSA SPRING SOCCER LEAGUE woodswim.com. ACCEPTING WAITLIST APPLICATIONS Registration is still open for Mt Diablo Soccer Association’s WALNUT COUNTRY PREPS FOR SPRING CLINIC spring season. The program is open to boys and girls under 5STARTING THIS WEEK U19 divisions. The older divisions are co-ed teams. Games start Walnut Country head coach Adrian Lohse is offering a this month. MDSA AYSO Region 223 serves Clayton, Concord spring stroke clinic through Mar. 29. This program is intended and surrounding communities. Registrants now may be placed to give swimmers of all abilities ages 5-18 the chance to improve on a waitlist. For more details and to register visit mdsoccer.org. their technique through stroke progressions that do not require extensive conditioning. Additionally, the spring clinic has a sesGEHRINGER PARK SWIM TEAM sion intended to teach swimming basics to first time swimmers ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS SATURDAY The family-oriented Gehringer Park community swim team five and younger who are not ready for full laps. The clinics are for swimmers ages 4-18 is accepting online registration and an open to swimmers from all teams. More information and to regin-person registration day will be held on Saturday, Mar. 24, from ister for the summer season visit walnutcountryeaglerays.com. 9-11 a.m. at the pool in Concord at 1790 Lynwood Dr. For more information visit gehringerparkswimteam.com.
DIABLO FC HOLDING PLAYER EVALUATIONS WITH TRYOUTS IN MAY
Diablo FC under 8 through U19 competitive teams (birth years 1999-2010) hold ongoing player evaluations for prospective new players with formal tryouts scheduled for May. Visit diablofc.org to get more information on the club and signup for Ygnacio Valley High’s Athletic Hall of Fame is inducting its the appropriate age group evaluation. newest class on May 19, including swim coach Gino Barsuglia and the 1971 football team. The committee is looking for alumni CLAYTON PIONEER WANTS TO PUBLISH who swam for the Warriors under coach Barsuglia to invite them YOUR SPORTS NEWS to join in honoring him posthumously. Coach Rick Silvey will be Please let us know about your sports news, special events, accepting on behalf of Barsuglia to share the achievements of fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments. Youth his YVHS swim teams winning five DVAL championships and leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome to five consecutive North Coast Section championships from send us a rundown on what you’re doing. Include all the neces1969-74. Swimmers can get in touch with YVHS via email at sary details (too much information is better than too little!) and ygnaciovalleyhalloffame@gmail.com. The committee is also tryyour contact information. It’s as simple as sending an email to ing to find nearly 20 members of the ’71 football team. Contact sports@claytonpioneer.com.
YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH LOOKING FOR ALUMNI SWIMMERS , 1971 FOOTBALL PLAYERS FOR HALL OF FAME INDUCTION MAY 19
March 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Sports
Clayton Valley Charter pair named league soccer MVPs JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter High School defensive standouts Kellen Dresdow and Holly Gallagher were named soccer most valuable players of their respective Diablo Athletic League divisions as they led their teams to the North Coast Section playoffs. Central defender Dresdow marshalled his boys team to 12 shutouts as the Eagles won the Foothill Division title with a 71-2 record. The senior was a three-year starter for coach Guillmero Jara’s team and had
Photo courtesy Carondelet Athletics
HANNAH MACULAY CARONDELET GOALKEEPER
earned honorable mention allDAL recognition last season. Senior Gallagher played varsity at CVCHS as a sophomore but sat out her junior year while playing for the nationally-ranked Diablo FC 00/99 team that has been ranked as high as No. 1 in America. Also on that team are Eagles teammates Emily Kaleal and Cassie Bizicki and fellow senior Amanda Zodikoff, who sat out this high school season after suffering a concussion before play began. Kaleal and Bizicki were firstteam, all league honorees this year. Gallagher was an outside defender for CV this season. Her first-year varsity coach Aaron Pomeroy said, “From that position she applied a lot of attacking pressure that created opportunities for our team. She finished with five goals and 13 assists, which are both very good numbers for an outside defender.” The Eagles gave up only five goals in 25 games with 20 shutouts. Clayton junior Hannah Maculay was the first-team allEast Bay Athletic League goalkeeper for Carondelet, which reached its third straight NCS championship game this year. She had 106 saves while surrendering less than a goal a game.
Another Clayton athlete, Alex Brown, was honorable mention all-EBAL for the Section championship Cougars basketball team. Carondelet junior Ali Bamberger, daughter of CVCHS boys basketball coach Eric Bamberger, is the EBAL basketball co-MVP after being an honorable mention all-league selection last year as a sophomore. Clayton Valley, Carondelet and De La Salle soccer, basketball and wrestling athletes getting all-league honors (DAL basketball and wrestling awards not announced at press time):
GIRLS SOCCER Clayton Valley Charter: Valley MVP – Gallagher; 1st team- Bizicki, Kaleal; 2nd team- Alexa Avelar, Olivia Kreamer; Honorable MentionCydney Walker, Lizzie Annison, Savannah Irwin Carondelet: 1st teamElizabeth Ospeck, Devin Lozano, Maculay; 2nd teamCassidy Tshimbalanga; HMRory Biles, Angelina Scoma, Natalie Ospeck
Jay Bedecarré
Clayton Valley Charter soccer teams were well represented on the all-Diablo Athletic League honors list this winter. Earning first-team all-league recognition are, front row from left, Cassie Bizicki, Emily Kaleal and Holly Gallagher; back row, Paris Ruiz, Tyler Hansen, Hasib Miry and Kellen Dresdow. Gallagher and Dresdow were named league MVPs.
Escobedo, Marcos Diaz; HMIsaac Morfin, John Fuentes, Art Valero De La Salle: MVP – Luke Guisto; 1st team– Luke Giusto, Jackson Walsh, James Person; 2nd team- Yianni Reynolds; BOYS SOCCER CVC: Foothill MVP – HM- Chris Falco, Dominic Dresdow; 1st team- Paris Ruiz, Armanino, AJ Tammen, Hugo Hasib Miry, Tyler Hansen; 2nd Ramirez team- Jose Hayo, Fernando
WRESTLING DLS: 1st team- Peyton Omania, Logan Sumulong, Cristian Villasenor, Ankhaa Enkhmandkh, Mateo Sandez, Riley Hilt, Kyle Parco, Dwayne Guerrero, Ben Roe; 2nd teamZavion Fernandez, Mario Franco, Mitch VanLoon, Lance Hackett; 3rd team – Mathew Peterson
BOYS BASKETBALL DLS: 1st team – Justin Pratt; 2nd team- Thomas Gregorios; HM – Cade Arbpgst
They will continue to compete this spring across the street from their campus at De La Salle. In the future Cottam expects that DLS and Carondelet will split their co-ed dual meets between the two pools. The new pool, named in honor of Olympic champion Coughlin (Class of 2000), is being dedicated this week. Carondelet hopes its softball and lacrosse/soccer fields on the site will be ready for use during this spring season.
Division II softball winning every title since 2010 except 2011. The Bulldogs were reclassified to DI last year, opening the door for Concord to end a three-year championship run in DII by the Martinez school. Concord also hopes to move into its new allweather field on campus. The softball schedule matches baseball with the double round-robin schedule running from April 17 to May 17. NCS playoffs begin May 22-23 with the finals June 1-2. Swimming & DivingWith five aquatic powerhouses (including Northgate) in the Foothill Division, Clayton Valley Charter will be a favorite again the boys and girls Valley Division. The league dual meets run from the week of Mar. 12 through April 16. The DAL championships are May 3-5 while the EBAL meet ins May 4-5 at Dougherty Valley. Concord Community Pool will again host NCS May 11-12 and the CIF State meet is at the Clovis West Aquatics Complex May 18-19. Boys Tennis- DAL tennis matches in both divisions run from Mar. 15 through April 24 with Tuesday and Thursday matches each week. The DAL championships are April 26-28 while the EBAL tournament at Crow Canyon CC is April 26-28
and 30. The Section team championships are May 8-10-12 after the singles and doubles tournament May 4-5. Track & Field- Clayton Valley, De La Salle and Carondelet have enjoyed track and field success in recent years. CVCHS boys won the NCS Tri-Valley and Meet of Champions titles last year while Carondelet was first at Tri-Valley girls and third at the MOC. De La Salle won the Tri-Valley boys in 2015 and 2016 and the Meet of Champions in 2016. The DAL track and field dual meet schedule on Wednesdays goes from Mar. 14 to April 18 while the EBAL runs on Thursdays from Mar. 22-April 26. The DAL and EBAL league meets are May 5 (trials) and May 12 (finals). The Tri-Valley NCS Championships are May 19 in Dublin, the NCS Meet of Champions is May 25-26 at Cal Berkeley and the State Meet June 1-2 in Clovis at Buchanan High. Boys Volleyball- The double-round robin DAL schedule runs Mar. 27 through May 3 with matches on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The EBAL schedule continues through May 3 as well. Amador Valley defeated defending champion De La Salle in the Section championship match last spring. NCS playoffs are May 8-19. NorCal championships are May 22-26.
GIRLS BASKETBALL Carondelet: Co-MVP – Ali Bamberger; 2nd teamErica Miller, Emily Howe; HM- Brown
Prep sports news roundup: Spring sports underway JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Spring sports are underway with non-league competition with league and North Coast Section schedules looming before the 2017-18 high school season ends in May and June.
DE LA SALLE ADDS FOLSOM TO 2018 SCHEDULE De La Salle recently added to its already-daunting fall football schedule by scheduling Sacramento-area powerhouse Folsom in the season-opener Aug. 17 in Concord. The Spartans had previously released its 10-game schedule that was to begin with Amador Valley coming to Owen Owens Field Aug. 17. When Folsom sought a game against the Spartans the Pleasanton school stepped aside. DLS and AV will resume playing one another in 2019, according to Spartans head coach Justin Alumbaugh. His Folsom counterpart, Kris Richardson, is a College Park High grad. Undefeated
Bulldog teams faced DLS twice in the NorCal playoffs, losing lopsided games in 2012 and 2013. Those defeats led sections in the north to setup an automatic Open Division berth to the State Bowl so that a top NorCal team wouldn’t be eliminated before State, usually by De La Salle which has never missed the State Bowl since its inception in 2006. Folsom won three State Bowl championships in 2010, 2014 and 2017. Folsom returns 17 starters from a 16-0 CIF State Division I-AA championship team, including Sacramento Bee Players of the Year and heavilyrecruited receiver Joe Ngata and quarterback Kaiden Bennett. Carondelet’s swim team is practicing with new coach Dan Cottam in the Natalie Coughlin Aquatics Center in Walnut Creek. However, the Cougars will not hold any meets there until 2019.
DAL and EBAL spring league play is underway. Schedules and highlights for spring sports: Baseball- The DAL league season begins April 17 with Clayton Valley Charter and Northgate in a highly-competitive Foothill Division with Acalanes, Alhambra, Campolindo and College Park. College Park has had the most recent success at NCS including the 2014 and 2015 championships and semi-final showings the last two years. Perennial NCS participant CVCHS has been eliminated in
of two 1-and-1 free throws that gave Clayton Valley life. Bamberger told the press after the game, “We’ve played with guys hurt, guys out, nothing has fazed us so far. We got what we wanted [late-game shots], it just didn’t fall. It happens.” Pascoe added, “We have another game next week so we just have to refocus.” The Ugly Eagles started this season with 18 consecutive wins
before losing at Campolindo in double overtime. They later lost to Las Lomas, which won the Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division with a 9-1 record to Clayton Valley’s 8-2. With 26 wins they set a new record at the 60-year-old school. Clayton Valley Charter girls basketball was 5-5 in DAL and 13-13 overall when they got a berth and No. 15 seed at NCS. They were pitted against eventual finalist Heritage and came out on the wrong end of a 7033 score.
CARONDELET FACILITIES SET FOR SPRING OPENING
Basketball, from page 8
It was a dagger three-pointer by Heritage’s Jacob Williams with 43 seconds left that proved too much for CV to overcome. Williams’ 15 points all came via 3’s. The teams were tied at 66 with 1:03 left when Heritage sank two free throws to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish despite a flurry of near-miss shots by the Eagles in the final minute. Heritage missed the front end
Soccer, from page 8
defender position. Senior midfielder Emily Kaleal, who is signed with San Francisco State, sophomore midfielder Cydney Walker, senior midfielder Savannah Irwin and soph forward Alexa Avelar were top goal scorers. The CVCHS boys (14-5-4)
of fifth-year coach Guillermo Jara won the DAL Foothill division, edging Ygnacio Valley and earning the seventh seed at NCS. It was their second league championship in three years. The Eagles also featured a stout defense with 12 shutouts. Jara credited his backline of
league MVP Kellen Dresdow, Jose Haro, Tyler Hanson, Lorenzo Vides and Miry Hasib for much of the success. Junior Paris Ruiz was the offensive sparkplug. For the third year in a row CVCHS was eliminated in the NCS playoffs by an EBAL team, this time California beat the Eagles 1-0 in the opening round.
the quarterfinals three years running. Northgate was a Division II finalist in 2016 when Acalanes was NCS DIII champ. DAL teams will play a home and home series with league games ending May 17. The NCS playoffs begin May 22-23 with the finals set June 12. De La Salle won the title the last two years and the Spartans have taken four of the last six Section crowns. Boys Golf- The DAL tournament for each division is April 30 while the EBAL tournament is April 20-May 1. The NCS Division I qualifier and DII championships are May 7 and the DI championship is May 14, one week before the NorCal championships. De La Salle won the 2015 and 2016 NCS team championships. Lacrosse- The DAL has a single division in both boys and girls lacrosse. Eight schools, including Clayton Valley Charter and Northgate, are fielding teams in each league while Ygnacio Valley is the ninth girls teams. This year the teams are playing a single round-robin weekly schedule that began Feb. 23 and runs through April 27. NCS tournaments for boys and girls begin May 9. DLS is the defending Division I Section champion. Softball- Alhambra and Concord have dominated NCS
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Glasbergen
March 9, 2018
THE ARTS
‘Tenor’ takes the silliness up an octave
SALLY HOGARTY
STAGE STRUCK
cessfully in “Helping seniors live suc ” their own homes.
Monthly Mixer
Everyone Welcome –
Members, volunteers, and just plain curious. Learn the benefits of being part of CVV
First Day of Spring! – Five Days after the Ides!
Tuesday, Mar. 20, 4-6 p.m.
La Veranda Cafe 6201 Center St., Clayton No Host Bar – No Host Food (Dutch Treat)
For more info
925-626-0411 or www.claytonvalleyvillage.org
sy ay Eag d n u S nin Listuesic 4-7pm ucing
Introd
Live m
6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440 Entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Mar. 9-10 .................................Delta Deuce Mar. 16-17........................................Plan B Mar. 23-24 ...............................Barrelhouse
Karaoke Mon. & Wed. nights Open Mic Thur. nights, 8-11 pm
www.claytonclubsaloon.com
2 for the price of 1
Beer only. Good anytime with original coupon. Exp. 4/05/18
REVAMPING
Clayton Theatre Company gives a comedic look at the world of opera with its production of “Lend Me a Tenor,” running through March 24 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., in Clayton. In this screwball comedy, a world-famous tenor comes to Cleveland for a one-night appearance. He arrives late and, through a hilarious series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquilizers. In a frantic attempt to salvage the evening, the opera’s general manager persuades his assistant to impersonate the star. But then the star wakes up and chaos takes over, with two opera stars running around – not to mention two women in lingerie. The cast includes Ryan Gonzalez, Tamara Filener, Ron Craven, Nathalie Archangel, James Bradley Jr., Peggy Scalise, Teresa Grosserode (winner of this year’s Best Actress Shellie Award for Clayton’s production of “Moon Over Buffalo”) and Chip Renner and Bill Dietz alternating in the role of the opera star. For more information and tickets, call 925-222-9106 or go to www.claytontheatrecompany.com. Pittsburg Community Theatre turns to Shakespeare for its next produc-
Stu Selland
Craig Souza, left, Suzie Shepard and Michael Sally star in “Woman in Mind” at Town Hall Theatre.
tion, “Taming of the Shrew.” The romantic comedy runs March 9-11 at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. Call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com for tickets. Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” brings its social commentary and outrageous fun to Onstage Theatre March 9-25 at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. The crazy comedy follows two Victorian bachelors and the outrageous deceptions they set up to win over two attractive young ladies. Hidden identities, a misplaced baby and more make this one of Wilde’s most popular works. Directed by Kim Doppe, the play features Justin Hernandez, Wayne Roadie, Rebecca Davis, Rachel Powers, Jeanine Perasso, Christine Sheppard, Jerry Motta and Randy Anger.
Saturday, April 21, 2018 From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tours • Reuse Art Activity Cart Races • Trucks • Food What we do in the park Location: 1300 Loveridge Road, Pittsburg Questions/RVSP: RecyclingCoordinator@Garaventaent.com or call at 925.771.2721
Yasmin Mari
Kenneth Matis (Petruchio) Bonnie Williams (Kate) in Pittsburg Community Theatre’s “Taming of the Shrew.”
Call 925-518-3277 for tickets. Town Hall Theater presents “Woman in Mind,” running through March 24 at 3535 School St., Lafayette. The story follows a middleaged woman trapped in a lackluster marriage with an unappreciative family. She accidentally trips over a rake, is knocked unconscious and awakes to find herself surrounded by her ideal fantasy family. As her real and imaginary worlds begin to collide, the lines between truth and fiction blur – giving her fantasies a comical and slightly nightmarish life of their own. Dennis Markam directs, with Suzie Shepard taking on the role of a lifetime as Susan. Call 925-283-1557 or go to the website at www.townhalltheatre.com. Two wonderful local companies have planned a plethora of fun for the little theatergoers in your life. Both have taken beloved stories and made them into even better musicals. Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble presents its original musical, “Sleeping Beauty.” The story of the princess who fell asleep takes a fun twist as the audience tries to save Sleeping Beauty from the spinning wheel. Where is her true prince to awaken her with her kiss? With actors making their way into the audience and encouraging participation from all ages, this familyfriendly musical provides an exciting live theater experience you will never forget. “Sleeping Beauty” runs through March 11 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or visit www.lesherartscenter.org.
Photo courtesy East Bay Children’s Theatre
Kris Williams is Pinocchio, Riley Hyde is Cat and Mary Bishop is Fox in “It Must Be Pinocchio.”
East Bay Children’s Theatre presents “It Must Be Pinocchio.” The beloved tale of the little wooden puppet comes to life in a new way in artistic director Ron Lytle’s exuberant musical. When Geppetto’s BF (Blue Fairy) brings his wooden puppet to life, Pinocchio begins an exciting journey to becoming a real live boy. Along the way, he meets a ragtag pair of con-men (a fox and a cat), a band of highkicking razzle-dazzle actors, a wicked theatrical producer and even a giant whale. Lots of fast-paced action, singing and dancing plus broad comedy for the children and a generous dose of humor for the adults. The show plays March 11 at the Orinda Library Auditorium, 26 Orinda Way, and March 31 at Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. For more information, email ebctheatre@gmail.com or go to www.ebctonline.org.
See Stage, page 13
Shadelands Ranch Museum • Gorgeous garden and tree canopied venue
• Romantic gazebo or rustic tree setting
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• Bring your own caterer, no restrictions
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The Walnut Creek Historical Society www.wchistory.com 925-935-7871 2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd. Walnut Creek CA
Museum tours available Wed. and Sun. 1 – 4 p.m.
March 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Clayton Community Calendar
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MAR. 28 FOR THE APR. 6 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON
Thru Mar. 24 “Lend Me A Tenor”
Madcap, screwball comedy presented by the Clayton Theatre Company. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. $20-$25. claytontheatrecompany.com. (925) 222-9106.
Mar. 23 - 25 Creekside Arts
Arts, entertainment, environmental education. This year’s theme, “The Healing Power of Creativity.” Fri. 6 – 8 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun. 12 – 5 p.m. Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Free admission. claytonlibrary.org.
IN CONCORD
Tuesdays Farmers’ Market
Year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. pcfma.org.
Second Thursday of the Month Advance Health Care Directives
Legal clinic to prepare and notarize advance health care directives for seniors 60 and older in Contra Costa County. 9:15 11:15 a.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free. Call for appointment (925) 671-3320.
Mar. 18 VIBE Beer Release Party
Beer release party and business expo. 12 – 2 p.m. The Hop Grenade, 2151 Salvio St. Free. For more information, contact Pedro at (925) 671-3048.
ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.
Mar. 10 – 11 Grand Opening Expanded Underground Mine Tours
Self-guided tours of mines. Above ground activities. 12 – 4:30 p.m.
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.
Mar. 9 Moses Rock Ridge Hike
Explore the wild northwestern slopes of the mountain. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Diablo Ranch Trailhead.
Mar. 10, Apr. 8 Wildflower Walk
Diverse display of spring wildflowers. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.
Mar. 18 A Natural History of Mount Diablo
Learn about the animals and plants on Mount Diablo. Drop in 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.
Mar. 18 Back Canyon and Diablo Falls Hike
Ideal time to see wildflowers and water on the rugged north side of Mount Diablo. 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.
Mar. 30 Riggs Canyon and Highland Ridge Hike
Explore the hills framing Riggs Canyon. 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Road parking lot.
Apr. 1 Easter Morning Wildflower Walk
Join us for a spring wildflower hunt. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Reservations required: mtdiablohiker@gmail.com.
Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo is a free public hike series. Go to discover-diablo.eventbrite.com for more information.
Mar. 17 Oak Hill Lane Family Saunter
Discover the greening landscape of this park-like property. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Park n’ Ride, 1000 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Reservations required.
Mar. 24 Photography Skills Hike
Learn effective tools and techniques for capturing the beauty of the area. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meet at Park n’ Ride, 1000 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Reservations required.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thru Mar. 11 “Sleeping Beauty”
Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 9 – 11 “The Taming of the Shrew”
A William Shakespeare comedy. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $20-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Mar. 9 – 18 “Beguiled Again: The Songs of Rodgers and Hart”
Presented by Brentwood Theater Company. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $30. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 9 – 25 “The Importance of Being Ernest”
atre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $25-$35. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Mar. 14 – 17 “Percussion Discussion”
Ken Bergmann is back with his smashing spectacle of drums, cowbells, chairs and more. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 15 Annual Concert
Performed by The Saklan School. 4:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Free. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 16 “Journey Unauthorized: A Live Rock Tribute to Journey”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 17 Scan-a-thon
Preserve family documents in digital form. Tour center and archives. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Contra Costa County History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez. $10 suggested donation. Drop in or register at cocohistory.com.
Mar. 17 – 18 “Mozart Requiem”
Presented by California Symphony. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42-$72. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 18 Branden and James
Performing classical covers of pop songs. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Mar. 18 “Israeli Chamber Project”
Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $55. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 20 “From the Opera House to Broadway – A Carmen Symphony”
Presented by Walnut Creek Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17.50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 21 Many Faces of Colorectal Cancers
Information from panel of medical experts. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Walnut Creek Library, Oak View Room, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek. Registration required: (925) 677-5041, ext. 272.
Mar. 21 “The Measure of a Treasure”
Annual school play by Concordia School. 7 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 22 24th Anniversary Celebration
Presented by Diablo Ballet. 6:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25-$59. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 23 “The Music of Pink Floyd”
Performed by House of Floyd. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Mar. 23 “Zep Live! The Led Zeppelin Concert Experience” Performed by West Coast Performing Arts. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 23 – 24 “Through Feminine Eyes”
Performed by mBody Dance Company. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 24 Concert
Performed by Steve Oliver. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $26. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Mar. 24 “Iolanthe”
Political satire on how government should run. Presented by Lamplighters. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 24 “SuperTrouper: The ABBA Concert Experience”
Performed by West Coast Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 24 “With a Song and a Smile”
Presented by the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Mar. 25 Vocal Recital Concert
Presented by Music Repertoire. 2:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Presented by Onstage Theatre. Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $12-$19. campbelltheater.com. (925) 518-3277.
Mar. 30 “Improv For Good”
Performed by Nick Federoff. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$20. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Mar. 30 – Apr. 29 “Shirley Valentine”
Mar. 10 “The Magician is In”
Mar. 14 “St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland”
An authentic St. Patrick’s Day celebration. 7 p.m. California The-
Presented by Funny Bones Productions. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469. A thrilling, cheer-raising piece of theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $34-$56. centerrep.org.
Mar. 30 – Apr. 29
“West Side Story”
Presented by Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $49-$71. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Apr. 5 – 21 “Tartuffe”
One of the French theatre’s most famous comedies. B8 Theatre Company, 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. b8theatre.org. (925) 890-8877.
Apr. 7 “An Evening with the Sun Kings”
Premier Beatles tribute act. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Apr. 8 “Master of the Movies: John Williams”
Presented by Diablo Symphony Orchestra. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
SCHOOLS
Thru Mar. 18 “Twelfth Night”
A tale of unrequited love. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $11-$21. dvcdrama.net.
CHURCHES
Mar. 10 Concert
Performed by The Joshua Trio. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15. cvpresby.org.
FUNDRAISERS
2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast
Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
Mar. 9 – 10 “College Notes”
Amazing evening with some top colleges and their award-winning a cappella groups. Benefits Diablo Regional Arts Association’s Education and Outreach Programs. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 24 Crab Feed
Dinner, dancing, auction. Benefits Blue Devils. 5 p.m. Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 West 10th St., Antioch. $55. bluedevils.org.
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. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar.
12, 26: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. 15: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m. 15, 29: Kindergarten Countdown, 2 p.m. 26: “Czeching In: Adventures Beyond Prague,” 7 p.m. Mar. 28: Junkology with Dr. Recycle, 4 p.m. Apr. 13 – 15: Used Book Sale
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. Thru Apr. 14: AARP Tax Help, Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Registration required. Mar. 11: Concord Mystery Book Club, 2:30 p.m. Mar. 12: Family Game Night, 7 p.m. Mar. 13: Concord Art Assoc. Demo and Meeting, 1:30 p.m. Mar. 14: Teen ART JAM, 4 p.m. Mar. 19: STEAM: Open Explorations, 7 p.m. Mar. 19, Apr. 2: Kindergarten Countdown, 2 p.m. Registration required. Mar. 29: Reducing Anxiety through Meditation, 6:30 p.m. Mar. 30: Teen Spring Break program begins. Call library for more information.
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) 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
Stage, from page 12 Solo Opera is auditioning for singers for “The Gift of the Magi,” which runs Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. Those interested should send a resume, photo and recent recordings or links to solomail@pacbell.net. For more information, go to www.soloopera.org. At 1 p.m. March 11, actress Tiffany Hoover combines her performing ability with her theological studies when she presents “Seekers and Saints, Women of Transformation” at Christ the King Catholic Church, 199 Brandon Road, Pleasant Hill.
Hoover created this onewoman show for her master’s of theological studies. She also holds a master’s of theater and has performed in local theater productions for 20 years. In her show, she includes monologues depicting the lives and epiphanies of three stunning, strong and spiritual women: Dorothy Day, Ruth and St. Teresa of Avila. Tickets are not necessary, but a free will offering would be accepted. Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
Page 14
Moscow’s ‘Gentleman’ a fascinating adventure
SUNNY SOLOMON
BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY
The year is 1922, and the victorious Bolsheviks, firmly in power, stand in judgment on an unrepentant aristocrat, Alexander Ilyich Rostov. Count Rostov sat out the revolution in Paris, taking no sides. Having returned to a battered Russia, he now resides in a luxurious suite at the still luxurious Metropol Hotel. It’s across the street from the Kremlin, in whose courtroom he now stands. A 1913 pro-Bolshevik poem bearing his name as author saves him from execution. He is taken back to the Metropol, removed from his suite and told he will reside in a tiny attic room of the hotel for the rest of his life. Should he step outside the hotel, he will be shot. From that moment in 1922 until the story ends in 1954, Amor Towles’ “A Gentleman in Moscow” delights the reader in the telling of the count’s reduced life that, in fact, becomes, year by year, a life of such magnitude it could have been penned by Tolstoy. The Metropol’s ballroom, once a dancefloor for the Tsar and aristocrats, is now an enormous meeting room for every manner of political gathering – from union workers to writers to artists. Count Rostov may live in reduced quarters, but he dines and imbibes in the Metropol’s restaurants as he did, years ago, when a member of the Jockey Club. His aristocratic and never-employed background enables him to be erudite, witty, kind and constantly sought after as a companion. The cast of characters includes a chef, a bartender, a seamstress, a cook who can juggle knives as well as ingredients no longer always available, a famous and willowy actress, a young girl who
Schools
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 9, 2018
Students excel in spelling, geography
KASEY MONTGOMERY
DVMS
reminds us of Eloise at the Plaza, various Kremlin-based Russians, a one-eyed cat and another young girl who teaches Count Rostov what matters most. Wars, famine, revolutionary industrialization and proletariat arts of all genres are brought inside the hotel by its guests and the stories they tell. Food and the amazing dishes served to Metropol guests are a tasty part of the count’s life. Although Rostov remains in place, the staff and guests, new and old, come in and out of his life. Rostov’s prerevolutionary, aristocratic life does not stand in his way of pragmatically fitting in, so it comes as no surprise that eventually Rostov is proud to dress in the smart white jacket of a Metropol server. But why did the Communists allow the Metropol, in all its Bourgeoise excess, to remain? “For however decisive the Bolshevik’s victory had been over the privileged classes on behalf of the Proletariat, they would be having banquets soon enough.” And a good reason to hold onto asparagus cutters: “For pomp is a tenacious force. And a wily one.” But the force driving “A Gentleman in Moscow” is Towles’ wily writing. Alliteration abounds, humor, right down to slapstick, is never more than a few pages away, and always, human and humane elements keep us turning the pages – all 462 of them. I’m already planning to reread it, straight through the snow storm headed my way.
CORRESPONDENT
Diablo View Middle School is full of great minds, and I truly believe that we all shine bright. However, there are two remarkable students who deserve special recognition: Branna Sundy, 8th grade, and Niles West, 6th grade. Branna won the school’s Spelling Bee, while Niles won the Geography Bee. The Geography Bee took place on Jan. 23, with the Spelling Bee on Feb. 13. Both events had 24 contestants. Branna will advance to the county Spelling Bee on March 24 in Walnut Creek.
Winner Branna Sundy, left, and runner-up Enzo Villar stand with Spelling Bee coordinator Jeannine Cherepy.
Niles West celebrates with Geography Bee coordinator Laura Ploetz.
Niles took an online test that will determine his ability to compete in the state Geography Bee at Fresno State on April 6. Enzo Villar, 8th grade, was runner-up in the Spelling Bee, and Noah Ainsworth, 7th grade, came in second in the Geography Bee. Both students
came close to winning their respective matches, so kudos to them because they did a phenomenal job. Both competitions took great skill and hard work. These are without doubt some of the finest scholars on campus. Branna won the Spelling Bee by correctly
spelling “incorrigible,” and Niles won the Geography Bee by correctly naming Iraq as the location of the Great Ziggurat of Ur.
dent Unions, many of which are actively involved in school politics and events. Concord High, De La Salle and CaronSYDNEY SKOW delet all have a BSU on campus. CVCHS But until this school year, CORRESPONDENT Clayton Valley Charter High School’s BSU was not wellknown to most of the student High schools across the body and wasn’t seen as an United States have Black Stu- active club on campus. Senior
Amaya Mixon wanted to change that, and indeed she has. As BSU president, Mixon is passionate about the group’s role on campus – as are vice president Alantis Allen, secretary Damine Peterson and treasurer Indigo Byers. “We saw that nothing was going on with the club last year, and for our last year of
high school, we wanted to do something memorable with BSU,” says Byers. “Our club has grown a lot from where we were last year and at the beginning of this year.” BSU members wanted to reach out to even more students, so they introduced the idea of a BSU Spirit Week.
Kasey Montgomery is in the eighth grade at Diablo View Middle School. Outside of school, she enjoys playing volleyball and running track.
CV students give Black Student Union a boost
See BSU, page 15
MDUSD goal is to help students express themselves, safely
Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest Spring is the time of recommendations or just to ‘talk renewal and growth, but books.’ growth can only occur in a safe and caring environment. The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is reviewing student progress and safety plans. We have been proactively working on security, and the recent Florida tragedy has redoubled our efforts. We have been collaborating with law enforcement and community groups to increase communication and calibrate efforts. We are grateful that so many support our commitment to school safety.
As a nation, we’re seeing a surge among young people standing up and sharing their opinions on issues that concern them. Sometimes, they are pushing for changes to make the world a better place in their eyes. In MDUSD, we’ve always believed it is important to promote informed and confident student self-expression – through the visual and performing arts, the written and spoken word and thoughtful actions. In our schools, we continue to create opportunities and activities for students to speak
up, listen up and stand up for their beliefs. Since they are our future leaders, we believe developing this “voice” is important to the success and well-being of our students, our community and our world. We are working to identify alternatives to any walkout that can afford a meaningful, hands-on civic experience that helps students see and practice how to effectively leverage their voices. As a community, we are planning to help ensure that activities or protests that take place offcampus are well-supervised,
Engineering Academy representatives presented highlights of the program at the Clayton Valley Charter High School Board meeting in February Lead teachers John Quimet and Scott Farqhar talked about the main features of the program, including civil engineering and architecture and comJEFF ANDERSON puter-integrated manufacturing. They presented details CVCHS about the lessons and projects PRINCIPAL in the various courses and outcomes students can expect Way, a national STEM prowhen entering the academy. The curriculum is under- gram that trains teachers and written by Project Lead the provides curriculum that is vet-
ted by industry experts for rigor and relevance. Through the courses, students see how science, technology, engineering and math integrate. With these tools, students take ideas from abstract concepts, through design and prototype to finished product. The academy also integrates English as students learn how to package and present their creations. Senior T.J. Nguyen explained his experiences in the program, focusing on the connections he has made and the relevance to things he hopes to do in college and his
NELLIE MEYER
MDUSD
SUPERINTENDENT
well-organized and well-managed – allowing students to express themselves in a safe way. Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org
Engineering Academy focuses on integration
Please let our advertisers know you saw them in the Clayton Pioneer
career. His most vivid example had to do with his internship, where he noticed that his mentor was using the same software program he had used at CVCHS. “Seeing that what you are learning in school has relevance to the real world is really powerful,” he told the board. This past week, the school welcomed 60 incoming 9th graders to join the Engineering Academy for the 2018-’19 school year to begin their journey through this rigorous and relevant experience at CVCHS. Send comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com
March 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Brentwood’s Cecchini family farm grows BSU, from page 14 last of the 15 acres of Delta asparagus Cecchini & Cecchini grows its world-famous Delta asparagus in Brentwood. Owners Barbara and Bob Cecchini operate this familyrun farm with their son and daughter, being the fifth generation to farm asparagus. The family began the farm in the late 1930s in the rich fields of the Sacramento River Delta. The Cecchini family once had about 1,000 acres of asparagus in cultivation in the Delta, but now plants only 15 acres. They are the last surviving asparagus farmers in Contra Costa County, where once there were thousands of acres. There are only about 250 asparagus growers left in California, producing more than 70 percent of the nation’s fresh market asparagus. The Cecchini family has grown asparagus for generations, but Barbara says they will eventually sell the land to
BARBARA AND BOB CECCHINI
developers because it is now too costly to grow asparagus. “It is too difficult to compete with cheap imports that sell to the large distribution centers, so we reduced our acreage,” she says. There is also a dwindling supply of workers available to hand pick this labor-intensive crop. The process of growing
and harvesting asparagus has become more efficient through the years, but picking is still done by hand – usually from early March through May. They pick it the day before each farmers market. Asparagus is a lot like corn in that its sugars turn to starch if not eaten within 72 hours of har-
vest. Buying asparagus from the farmers market ensures you are getting it fresh. “We enjoy talking to customers at the market and offer them the best quality asparagus we can. Farmers markets are the best way to direct sell to consumers in multiple areas,” Barbara says. Barbara and Bob are staunch supporters of their community. Barbara is a member of the Knightsen Elementary School Board, donating boxes of the farm’s asparagus for school sports fundraisers each year. She and her daughter have also created an agricultural park called First Generation Farmers in Brentwood to teach others about farming. Whichever way the wind blows, Barbara and Bob Cecchini will continue to farm. Whether it is asparagus they grow is another story. So please support California asparagus growers at your local farmers market and enjoy the best that can be grown.
Club News
An evening of big books, fences and traps GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
The Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA) was in a granting mood at its Feb. 22 meeting, as
members voted for funding three major community projects. The Clayton Community Library Association received a grant for the purchase of 175 new large-print books. The bifocal-friendly volumes will
join the 900 already on the shelves. Clayton Valley Charter High School’s trap team will use its funds to help pay for practice target expenses. The team has 55 members, all learning to shoot, with the
Clayton garden club funds forest plantings STEVE LANE Special to the Pioneer
Since 2007, the Clayton Valley Garden Club (CVGC) has been raising money to plant pine tree plantations and support reforestation efforts in California forests. The program is through the National Forest Service’s Penny Pines program, in cooperation with California Garden Clubs. The San Francisco Sportswomen’s Association sponsored the first California’s Penny Pines plantation in 1941 because the group recognized the need to restore fire-devastated forest areas. Since then, the number of participating groups and individuals has grown to include garden clubs, women’s clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts, sports clubs and more. Since 2007, the CVGC has
raised more than $2,380 for our state’s national forests. At the Feb. 14 membership meeting, Ingela Nielsen received a framed Penny Pines certificate and a plantation in Lassen National Forest in recognition of her dedicated service as a member of the CVGC since 2007. The Clayton Valley Garden Club is a 501c3 non-profit, community-oriented educational organization, celebrating its 21st anniversary year. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month (February-November) at Diamond Terrace Retirement Living, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Guests are always welcome. The 2017 California wildfire season was the most destructive on record. If you would like to help the CVGC support reforestation efforts through the Penny Pines pro-
Ingela Nielsen, right, receives her Penny Pines Certificate from Steve Lane
gram, contact president@claytonvalleygardenclub.org. You can honor or memorialize a loved one in one of our 16 California national forests. For more about the Penny Pines program, visit californiagardenclubs.com/pennypines.
Clayton Valley Woman’s Club hosts the 13th Annual Festival of Tables and Song
The Vintage Harmonic Trio will perform upbeat music from the 1950s and 1960s. Themed table decorations are designed by CVWC members and friends. Proceeds from this event benefit CVWC charities and scholarships. Reservation price is $45; seating is limited. Reserve by March 17 through Rosemary Harwood at (925) 672-3490.
Cindy Robinson
Maryann Tarantino, Santiago Martinez and Joyce Martinez, The Vintage Harmonic Trio, perform at CVWC’s 13th Annual Festival of Tables on March 24.
The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club presents their 13th Annual Festival of Tables and Song at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, at Concord
United Methodist Church, 1645 West Street, Concord. Social gathering and opportunity prizes at 11 a.m. Luncheon by Rick’s on Second at 12 p.m.
The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization of community-minded women who volunteer and hold fundraisers to donate to the community. They meet at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, except July and August, at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. Guests are welcome. For more information, go to claytonvalleywomansclub.blogspot.com.
emphasis on gun safety. Last year, the trap team took first place at the state tournament. The Clayton Historical Society got a grant to fund a 6foot high, wrought-iron fence on museum property. Displayed inside the fence will be an antique tractor and other farm equipment to help us all remember Clayton’s agricultural past. Finding a place for the antique McCormick-Deering tractor has long been a crusade for former City Councilman Pete Laurence. He headed a group that obtained two antique tractors, the McCormick and a Ford, with the goal of displaying them in Clayton. The CBCA owns both tractors. The rubber-tired Ford is still in storage, but the steelwheeled McCormick will be on display as soon as the fence is up. Also inside the fence will be other farm implements, along with an ore bucket similar to the ones that rode the rails inside the Black Diamond coal mines. Meanwhile, the Clayton Art & Wine Festival is coming up April 28 and 29. Volunteers are needed. Visit claytoncbca.org for details. Please send your Club news to editor@claytonpioneer.com
March 25
Anderson chooses the winner of the $250 grand prize by originality, relevance, practicality, clarity of thought and written prose. BSU is planning to announce the winner at the Multicultural Rally in late March, as they traditionally do. The club’s senior officers are confident that the juniors in the group will carry BSU forward and continue to help it grow. “When we were underclassmen, we didn’t know what was going on with BSU or if there even was one at school,” Byers recalls. “So getting the club going again has been huge.” “We all hope that by the end of the year, most of the student body will be aware of what BSU is,” Peterson says. “It is Black Student Union, but it’s not just for black students. We want everyone to feel welcomed.”
Sydney is a junior at CVCHS. Send comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com
Palm Sunday Services
at 8, 9 & 10:30 am Children’s Processional
March 29
Maundy Thursday Soup Supper
Communion & Program 6:30 pm “Christian Conflict Resolution WWJD”
March 30
Good Friday
7:30 pm “Jesus Resolves All Conflicts”
April 1
Easter Sunday
Sunrise Service 6:30 am, Rose Garden Free Community Easter Breakfast 7 to 9:30 am Service 10 am, Sanctuary, featuring Chancel Choir Children’s Easter Egg Hunt to follow
1645 West St., Concord (925) 685-5260 Concordumc.org
3 Generation Event Productions Features
Wedding & Event Center • Vineyard • Lake • Villa • Gardens
Sheila O’Keefe Photography
DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
“A lot of people have come up to me and asked what BSU was,” Peterson says. “The Spirit Week was a way to make BSU known.” In honor of Black History Month, BSU organized and ran a schoolwide Spirit Week in February. Each day featured a different themed spirit dress: African Colors Day, ’90s and 2000s Day, Black Excellence Day and Black Out Friday. Many students participated, as BSU promoted the club, its values, and black culture. Math teacher Ervin Anderson advises BSU. “The union is about bringing people together,” he says. “By helping students connect with each other, I hope to instill confidence in them that they can bring into their futures.” Anderson also hosts the Black History Month Essay Contest. This year, the contest featured the question: In this current society made up of so many different people, how can we achieve equality?
Page 15
Linsey Rae, Kendra Lea, Theresa Bragg, Reneé Bragg & Janelle Marie
Oakley/Brentwood area • (925) 435-4461
www.lagrandeweddings.com
St. Bonaventure Catholic Community HOLY THURSDAY- March 29
Morning Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:00 a.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Bi-lingual) . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m.
GOOD FRIDAY – March 30
Morning Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:00 a.m. Stations of the Cross in the Garden . . . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m. Ecumenical Prayer - Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:15 p.m.
In collaboration with Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, Concord United Methodist Church, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Passion of the Lord: Church (English) 3:00 p.m.
Church (Spanish) 6:30 p.m.
HOLY SATURDAY - March 31
Parish Hall (English) 7:30 p.m.
Morning Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:00 a.m. Easter Vigil in the Holy Night: (Bi-lingual) . . . .7:30 p.m.
EASTER SUNDAY: The Resurrection of the Lord - April 1 English Masses: Church, 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. English Masses: Parish Hall, 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. Spanish Mass: Church, 12:45 p.m.
No 5:00 p.m. Mass on Easter
www.stbonaventure.net
In Concord 5562 Clayton Rd. (925) 672-5800
Page 16
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR
If you’re storing spices in your linen closet, serving dishes in the coat closet and pots in your garage, you probably need a little more storage in your kitchen. The kitchen must be able to multitask from the basics of cooking and eating to a place where you socialize, enjoy a cocktail, do homework and, above all, store your kitchen essentials. If you’re starting your kitchen project from scratch, be thoughtful of design choices
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Kitchen storage space is a key ingredient you make in regard to storage. You can never have enough. Think of how you’d like to store everything from silverware and plastic bags, to the electric mixer and perhaps a mini stepstool. Kitchen storage has come such a long way from typical doors and drawers. Now, you have shelf pullouts so you can get to the way, way back of lower and upper cabinets. There are secret corner caddies that swing out and plugs hidden within drawers to charge your high-tech gear. My favorite storage upgrade are the pantries where rolling units, sometimes as tall as you are, come out into the kitchen so you can fully see all of your kitchen goodies. If you’re working with an existing space and you happen to have extra space to work with,
In a well-planned kitchen, pull-put shelves and drawers make sure every inch of space is utilized for storage.
you have a few storage solutions to consider. More storage can be created by installing new built-in cabinetry, a new piece of free-
Creekside Arts zeros in on creativity and healing ARLENE KIKKAWA-NIELSEN Special to the Pioneer
Many people find comfort in the health, healing and visual and performing arts circles, enjoying the benefits of the power of creativity. Many can experience those benefits, along with a touch of culture and nature, at the 15th annual Creekside Arts with the theme “The Healing Power of Creativity.” This free weekend fundraising event at the Clayton Community Library will open with the AC5 awarded group Clarinet Fusion at 7 p.m. Friday, March 23, plus professional art awards and animal mascots. There will be free workshops, including Paint your Travels (10 a.m. March 24), the Healing Power of Writing with Janet Kettelhut of the Cancer Support Community (1 p.m. March 24) and the newly popular Artist Trading Cards to create and swap (3:30-5 p.m. March 24). Renowned wildlife biologist “Doc” Hale will talk about local Miwok ceremonial and medicinal plants in the Native American Healing Practices presentation at 2 p.m. March 24. Sunday
Jim “Doc” Hale will lead a talk on Native American healing practices on Sat., Mar. 24 at the Clayton Library.
events include Diablo Taiko drumming (2:30 p.m.), Sound & Music Healing (3 p.m.) and the ever-popular Open Mic (noon-2 p.m.). Throughout the weekend, there will be arts and crafts vendors, a silent auction, a professionally juried artwork by local artists on display and for sale, storytelling and songs, and informational tables with local environmental and community groups.
Ticks don’t have to ruin a perfectly good hike
WESTERN BLACK-LEGGED TICK
There’s no such thing as tick season in the Bay Area. Our mild climate means that any month of the year gets a thumb’s up from ticks. Still, you’re much more likely to pick up a tick in spring and early summer. As the grasses sprout during the winter rains, the blades grow fast – arcing up and over trails. This gives young ticks, which require blood meals to mature, a perfect path leading to your tender flesh and savory blood. But there are several things you can do to lower your chances of hosting a tick to almost zero. It’s a repellent idea to some, but consider a repellent. Stay on the trail, and if the grass is high alongside, choose a wide, double-track trail. Ticks can’t leap like grasshoppers, or even like fleas. You have to come in contact with them, so they can
March 9, 2018
grab hold. And they will attach if you brush by a blade of grass with a tick dangling at its very end, forelegs extended in a favorite strategy. Ticks are dark-colored, so you’re not going to spot these little suckers if you’re wearing chestnut hiking pants. Be smarter than a tick and wear tan or beige. Tuck long pants into light-colored socks, sealing off your legs as a freeway upward to warmer, darker destinations. Ticks prefer those, and you do not want them there. Even as you hike, check for ticks. If you pass through grasses or chaparral or sit on a rock in a meadow for lunch, check then and there. Before you go inside at home, scan clothing and gear. Chuck your clothes, do a thorough wholebody check (preferably with help) and take a shower. The water helps wash ticks away and can also prevent a rash from poison oak. Ah, the glories of California. Ticks can carry several pathogens, but Lyme disease is the one we hear about most often. It’s caused by a spiral bacteria living in the guts of ticks. Overall, Lyme is less common here than in the North-
Many participants of the Creekside weekend have faced health challenges, including the ravages of cancer, and they will share their creative forms of healing. As a three-time cancer survivor as well as having been a caregiver, I have found strength, resilience and peace through various forms of creativity. Though hitting big drums with large sticks isn’t for everyone, there are numerous creative ventures – including singing, playing ukulele and hula. I would like to share with others in the community that there are many sources, including the powers of creativity, that may help them get through the most difficult moments. The event opens 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 23, and continues 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday (library opens at 1 p.m.) at 6125 Clayton Road. Deadline to participate is March 12. Obtain forms at www.claytonlibrary.org or at the library.
standing furniture or, at a minimum, adding hooks and wallmounted baskets to help with organization and keep your necessities at an easy arm’s reach. If by chance you have an empty wall in your kitchen, not living up to its full potential, you’re in luck. Depending on the
Pets
ON THE MOUNTAIN
east. Our warmer, dryer climate helps keep our local Lyme carrier, the western black-legged tick, in better check. Even if a tick finds you and takes a bite, you may be fine. So stay cool, because otherwise you’ll do something you shouldn’t – like squash the tick. If you remove the tick within 24 hours, it’s unlikely to have made contact with your bloodstream. Until then, it can’t infect you. Remove a tick carefully, slowly, with tweezers, and save the tick. If you develop symptoms, you can have the tick tested – dead or alive. Read up on ticks. The basic info is not complicated, and you’ll be able to hike well-armed with knowledge. You can find out everything you need to know at www.bayarealyme.org. Staci Hobbet is a docent with the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; mdia.org.
kitchen. If built-in cabinetry isn’t the answer for your kitchen, consider a free-standing piece of furniture. An armoire, console table, chest of drawers or a buffet could add a more eclectic look, but also give you the storage you need. If nothing else, add a wall of hooks and farmers market baskets that hold anything from kitchen linens to measuring cups and small bottles of oil and vinegar. The kitchen really is a space where form and function need to embrace. While everyone’s kitchen space is unique, the need for storage isn’t. Creating storage, in sometimes the most unusual way, can be a designing feat. 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.
Good dental care will keep your pet smiling sweetly
There’s nothing quite like puppy and kitty kisses to brighten your day. But if you’re shying away from Fido’s bad breath, it might be time to think about dental care for your pet. Periodontal disease is common in adult dogs and cats, leading to painful and expensive health problems if left untreated. Dogs and cats are good at hiding pain, so be on the lookout for signs of dental problems that could be decreasing your beloved pet’s quality of life. Symptoms include bad breath, inflamed or bleeding gums, discolored, broken or loose teeth, mouth sensitivity, loss of appetite and weight loss. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends regular brushing to keep teeth healthy and reduce the need for dental cleaning by your veterinarian. Daily brushFor more information, contact ing is best, but even three Kikkawa-Nielsen at creeksidearts- times a week can make a huge fest@gmail.com or 925-864-3805. difference. While you can use a normal, soft-bristled toothbrush for this, depending on the size of your pet, you may have better luck with a pet toothbrush. Never use human toothpaste, which can contain ingredients
STACI HOBBET
space available, this might be a perfect contender for new builtin cabinets. New cabinetry could be a typical lower and upper cabinetry setup, or a somewhat shallow wall of cabinets from floor to ceiling to provide an amazing pantry wall. So what if you have the space, but your cabinetry is 10, 15 or even 20 years old? No problem. Instead of stressing over how you’re going to match existing to new, consider going the opposite direction: contrast. You might have the traditional, yellow-y oak cabinets. Sure it might be nice to upgrade the entire kitchen, but you could also consider cabinetry that is stained a warm brown color to coordinate with your breakfast nook table. Or, really make a statement and paint the new cabinetry a faux finished mix of colors with a distressed body. The options are endless. The idea here is to enhance storage while adding a decorative and stylish accent into your
ELENA BICKER
ARF NOTES
pet’s teeth checked at least once a year by your veterinarian. Early detection is key to save your furry family member from pain and discomfort while preventing an expensive vet bill down the road. Major dental work usually requires anesthesia, special equipment and trained technicians, making treatment costly. At the Animal Rescue Foundation, we recently unveiled a beautiful new dental suite to better serve the oral health needs of dogs and cats we rescue, built by the generosity of supporters Richard Avelar & Associates and Reconstruction Services. Many animals languish in public shelters because they require a simple dental procedure that most rescues lack resources to provide. With our new dental suite, we not only can provide better routine dental care for our shelter guests, but we can rescue cats and dogs in need of more advanced treatment who may otherwise face an uncertain future. Now that’s something to smile about.
toxic to pets. There are a variety of pet toothpastes available in flavors your dog will love. Even a brush moistened with water will work. While many pets will accept brushing with little fuss, sometimes a little training and patience is required. Start by getting your pet used to you handling their mouth and offering some of the flavored toothpaste as a treat. Work up to rubbing toothpaste on the gums, and then introduce the toothbrush. If your pet absolutely won’t tolerate brushing, consider alternatives such as rinses, water additives and dental chews. Avoid hard chews, such Elena Bicker is the Executive Director as real bones, ice and antlers, as of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Founthese can crack or break teeth. dation. She can be reached at (925) 256You should also have your 1ARF (1273)
Meet ARF stars Elvis and Viola
ELVIS
Four-year-old Elvis is a big, snuggly sweetheart who loves to be by your side and lean into you for pets and cuddles. This smart fellow loves to play ball and already knows sit and shake. The adoption fee for puppies <6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class. Four-month-old Viola is a cutie-pie who is playful and
VIOLA
affectionate. She may be little, but she has a lot of personality. She enjoys being held, after she gets to know you a bit. She is an active kitten who will need lots of wand play once she settles in, and may enjoy the company of another young kitty to play with. The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 and for adult cats is $75. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell
Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday.
Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.
Rim Trail the jewel of Lafayette Reservoir
March 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
When you marry the words “rim” and “trail,” great things usually happen – Tahoe Rim Trail, Grand Canyon Rim Trail and even Arnold Rim Trail. Lafayette Reservoir’s Rim Trail also lives up to its name and will dazzle the most dedicated of hikers. Truth be told, I never actually saw a Rim Trail sign. But KEVIN PARKER the dirt trail near the restroom in all its steep and sassy glory HIT THE TRAIL screamed “hike here,” so I knew I had chosen correctly. parking lot, through sections No time to prepare as you are of valley and coast live oak immediately lifted out of the trees and into the first of many
Lafayette Reservoir Rim Trail
Distance: 4.7 miles Elevation Gain: 700 feet Time: 2 plus hours Level: Moderate Getting There: 3849 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette; parking fees – quarters or credit card General Info: Trailhead restrooms, drinking water and visitor center. Dogs on leash only. Hiking, biking, running, skating, fishing, boat rentals, no swimming. Visit ebmud.com/recreation/east-bay/Lafayette-reservoir.
ups and downs. I had read stories about how this trail was a perfect candidate for rollercoaster tracks, whoop-de-dos and wild rides, and that, my friends, is the truth. Every severe, legburning up was rewarded with a severe, leg-jolting down that repeated itself throughout this hike. Much of the Rim Trail is bordered by carefully manicured neighborhoods, and I wanted to move into every single one. With a small window of sunny weather after a heavy rainstorm, the trails were in good shape and the lush green landscape blasted my eyeballs at every turn. The first portion of trail follows a ridgeline with faint sounds of the freeway heard in the distance. Call this the easy part of the hike, as you maintain a fairly level trail routing that awards you with your first views of the reservoir below. This hike would be a hot burner in mid-summer, so I recommend doing it this time of year. You have options to bail
European river cruises in the spotlight
Photo courtesy Avalon Waterways
The Luminary, an Avalon Waterways ship, cruises the Danube River through Budapest.
ROBERT CASEY PLACES TO GO
Viewers of ABC’s “The Bachelor” tuned in last month to find the remaining 10 women vying for the affections of 35-year-old Arie Luyendyk Jr. while staying aboard a river cruise ship, the B, docked on the Seine in Paris. The B is a refurbished ship owned by the first millennialfocused river cruise line, U by Uniworld. It was the first time in 22 seasons that the show had featured a cruise ship, and it marked a milestone in the evolution of river cruising. U by Uniworld has developed a special add-on package, called U Get the Rose, that costs $150 a couple. The package, which mimics the show, includes a bottle of wine, a romantic turn-down service with rose petals, breakfast in bed, a romantic movie on the deck overlooking Paris and an evening for two at the Eiffel Tower. The B and its sister ship, which both hold 120 passengers, began sailing in April. The programs and décor of each ship are designed to appeal to people aged 21-45. Before the appearance on “The Bachelor,” river cruising was likely most well-known from those ubiquitous TV ads for Viking River Cruises. But now, European river cruises are an option for travelers who value unique experiences. Documenting the rising popularity of river cruising, the Cruise Lines International
Association in 2017 reported 184 river ships with 13 new ones on order – an increase of 7 percent. Cruise Critic, a major online community Website, recently announced its 2017 editor’s pick awards for excellence in river cruising and it included many of the major players in Europe. Here are highlights: AmaWaterways. The winner for best river cruise line and best for active cruisers, AmaWaterways features new ships with dual balcony cabins, yoga classes, active excursions, a fitness room and spa, and heated swimming pools. The wellness program will be expanded to more ships this year, and a partnership with Backroads now includes walking and hiking trips as well as cycling. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. This company, the parent of U by Uniworld, received the best new river ship award for Joie de Vivre, which features a French bistro, elegant cabins and an excellent supper club with late-night live music. The line also was honored for best service. Avalon Waterways. This line won the award for best cabins, which include a 200 sq.
If You Go
ft. panoramic suite with wallto-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows. Most cabins face the river so you can watch the scenery drift by. Crystal River Cruises. The company was honored for best dining, with sophisticated menus, regional wine offerings and a Vintage Room, where chefs and sommeliers offer opportunities to learn about food and wine. Viking River Cruises. The winner for best enrichment, best for first-timers and best shore excursions, Viking offers programs showcasing music and dance, cooking demonstrations and guest lectures. While many excursions are included, Viking has added more for-fee options, including Local Life excursions (visits to local markets on a culinary tour), Working World tours (to help passengers understand local economies) and Privileged Access tours that give small groups a special experience, such as a winery tour with a princess. Robert Casey is president of Fair Winds Cruises & Expeditions in Clayton. He can be reached by phone at 925-787-8252 and caseyrdc@gmail.com or go to fairwindscruises.com.
Shore excursions. On most river cruises, many excursions are included in the price. In addition, most European cities have historic “old towns” on the river. Many excursions involve walking or riding bicycles around town, with options to ride to the next town where the ship picks you up. Flooding. When planning a European river cruise, be aware that flooding could disrupt your journey. Many European bridges are low, which is why river cruise ships have long, low profiles. The major cruise lines have contingency plans for the occasional flooding that involve busing between ports. You can buy “cancel for any reason” travel insurance that adds 10-12 percent to the cruise cost. Many experts say this is a valuable option to consider for river cruises.
Page 17
Kevin Parker
Lafayette Reservoir Rim Trail
out of Rim Trail via five shortcut trails back to the paved trail, but I believe the best scenery in this park is seen by following Rim Trail from start to finish. Past the Canyon Trail junction, you begin the longest uphill grinder of the hike. And just when your legs scream “uncle,” you top out at Rheem Reservoir – which is actually a large water tank. Drinking water is available here, with no other facilities. Follow the trail for 50 more yards and rest your bones on the vista bench, one of many found on this hike. The elevation tops out at 1,038 feet, a mere 700 feet from where you started – easy cheesy. Spend a few moments enjoying views of the reservoir, Mt. Diablo, Las Trampas and Briones. It’s quite an eye full from a single location. The descent from the bench is the steepest trail in the park. A stumble could quickly turn into a dirt cartwheel if you got rolling. But no worries, because Rim Trail is a wellmanicured fire road that is easy to navigate with very few obstacles. (Hint: Bring hiking
poles.) Stay on Rim Trail past Big Oak Trail and continue onto Sunset Trail, you’ll see the sign. You know you’ve found it because it’s the final uphill push of the trip, only to be rewarded with a long and thick canopy of trees that form a
nature tunnel of sorts most of the way back down to the parking lot. The wooden staircase lands you on the opposite end of the parking lot from where you started. Contact Kevin Parker with comments or questions by email at LukeHollywood@gmail.com
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Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 9, 2018
Ornamental trees a fabulous garden addition
and pest tolerance and mature sizes. The baby pink blossoms that line our streets and many landscapes are flowering plum trees. The blossoms are followed by reddish-purple leaves. Mature height depends on the variety.
Two of the most soughtafter selections are Krauter Vesuvius and Purple Pony. Krauter Vesuvius can grow fairly large, with mature heights of 18-20 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide. Krauter Vesuvius has a single, light pink flower and
may yield small, edible fruit. Purple Pony is a naturally semi-dwarfed, sterile selection. It will only reach 10-12 feet tall and about half as wide and seldom yields fruit. This selection also has single, pink flowers. Either one of these flowering ornamental trees are standouts in the landscape. The purplish-red foliage is summerhardy and will not green up with the heat. Flowering cherry trees have showy, fabulous flowers that are either single or double blossoms of pinks or white. The weeping selections are some of the most popular varieties. Grafted trunks swell with age, and weeping arms can hang close or sprawl wide. Snow Fountains has white blooms and is a garden standout. Yae-shidare-higan is a weeping flowering cherry with
Gus out without a leash behind their property’s gate. Suddenly, they noticed a coyote eying Gus, a 45-pound Griffith wirehaired pointer, from about 20 feet away. Within seconds, two more coyotes appeared and began encircling him. “It was creepy,” Pat said. “They had obviously planned to surround him.” Jim ran and brought Gus to safety. After that, they always have the dog on a leash. “Always. That incident completely changed us.” Last fall, neighbors in the Peacock Creek area noticed an increase in coyote, bobcat and other wildlife sightings within the neighborhood and near
the Peacock Creek Trail. Missing dog posters appeared on street corners, while news spread through social media. The Sorensen family posted pictures of Little Brother, a 5-pound Maltipoo, after he was taken from their Peacock Creek backyard. Friends and neighbors helped with the search. “Clayton loves their animals,” says Heather Sorensen. The mother of five adds: “Your dog becomes your child.” Little Brother was never found, and Sorensen suspects an animal was the culprit. Witnessing a few near misses along Peacock Creek Trail convinced me that we
needed signage informing trail users about wildlife that frequent the area. After contacting City Councilwomen Tuija Catalano, receiving help from city staff and consulting some dedicated Clayton dog walkers, a sign project came to fruition in January. Two signs are posted along the Peacock Creek Trail that read “WARNING! Wildlife Present. Keep pets on leash at all times.” and “Do not feed the wildlife.” Many hikers discover the Peacock Creek Trail after hiking part of the Black Diamond Trail, which is owned by the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and can be accessed from the parking lot
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
The spring-flowering ornamental trees of Clayton have been gorgeous the past couple of weeks. The display has folks excited about the possibility of growing one of these fabulous trees in their landscapes, but choosing a spring-blooming ornamental tree can be challenging. There are many varieties to consider: flowering cherry or plum, redbud or crabapple, magnolia. It is also hard to know their preferred growing conditions, disease
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
The corner of Eagle Peak and Clayton Road is alive with the pink blossoms of the flowering plum.
a double, rose-pink flower. This dramatic ornamental is desirable but rare to find. Ornamental cherry trees are susceptible to scale, which is hard to control. A few scale can become an infestation quickly, so keep your eyes open for ant trails. Flowering pear trees are the most beautiful, yet disappointing trees around. When you read about this ornamental, it boasts about speed of growth, dramatic spring flower display and awesome fall color. Unfortunately, flowering pear trees get blight. It starts at the tip of the branches in the summer, and many think their trees limbs are being burned. The blight can travel through the tree quickly, getting worse as each new summer progresses. Spraying and pruning infected limbs hasn’t proven all
that successful. I advise folks to avoid planting this type of ornamental. However, redbud trees are fantastic. Eastern and Western both do well here. You can find low-branch habits, multi-trunk and standard-shaped trees. The springtime, white-flowering trees in the Grove park are a selection of redbud. Saucer magnolia trees have been in bloom for a couple weeks already. They are one of the first flowers of spring. Large flowers with heavy petals are a favorite of many. Install saucer magnolias away from walkways or drives, because the petal drop can be messy. 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
Awareness of wild animals will help protect pets CANDACE BASS Special to the Pioneer
During March, when many of us and our pets spend more time outdoors in our backyards and on trails, coyotes are entering the pupping season. These 20- to 40-pound animals become more protective of their denning areas and view outsiders, particularly dogs, as a threat. This period continues through September. Some Clayton dog owners have had encounters with coyotes during the pupping season in or near their backyards. Pat and Jim Middendorf heard some “yipping” one summer evening several years ago, after they let their dog
off Clayton Road near Oakhurst Golf Course. In spite of the coyotes, bobcats and rattlesnakes that roam the Black Diamond area, EBRPD’s off-leash policy applies. Dog owners are asked to carry a leash and have voice control over their dog. In contrast, the entire Clayton trails system maintains a leash policy. Sorensen, a regular Black
Diamond Trail user, thinks it would be safer if new signage could be posted along Black Diamond Trail as well, informing visitors about local wildlife and instructing dog owners to leash their pets. Safety should be a priority. EBRPD should monitor this portion of the Black Diamond Trail more closely, particularly during pupping season. The district should reverse its off-leash policy and provide signage to informs users of local wildlife. Responsibility for safety is always a shared one between visitors and the district. However, EBRPD has been remiss and needs to step up to the plate.
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