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IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
July 11, 2008
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Big or small, it’s a grand old flag Lisa Jones takes first in photo contest
GREGG MANNING
MAYOR’S CORNER
Lisa Jones snapped the winning photo in this year’s July 4 photo contest. The little girl waving the flag is Lisa’s daughter, Camille. “I saw all the flags going by and just thought I should get a picture of her waving her flag.” Lisa’s photo wins $100. The photos were judged on overall quality, composition and how well they captured the spirit of the day’s theme: “Freedom, Family and Friends.” Lisa’s photo was one of over 150 photos submitted. A great big “thank you” to all who entered. For the rest of the photo contest winners, turn to page 22.
Mayor has a laundry list of civic issues I have no overriding issue I wish to address today – just a number of small things to bring to your attention. I would think the price of fuel would keep people home and we would see more activity downtown. This has been the case with the concerts in the Grove Park. Attendance has been building with almost every concert and they seem to be a success. Downtown restaurants say they have noted a drop-off in business, which they link to the concerts. I do not know if
See Mayor page 15
Claytonians help Concord break Guinness record ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Clayton residents helped Concord break a Guinness record for the largest guitar ensemble on July 1. Led by ’60s legend Country Joe McDonald, 2,052 registered
unveiled the guitars.” The event was part of Concord’s celebration of 20 years of music in Todos Santos Plaza, blending art, music and some music history in one neat package. Clayton families attended for the fun of being part of the historic event.
A day to celebrate freedom, family and friends ANDRÉ GENSBURGER TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
DAY STARTS WITH PANCAKES The pancake breakfast hosted at Endeavor Hall by the Concord-Clayton Sunrise Rotarians drew long lines as families gathered in readiness for the midmorning parade. The scent of pancakes and syrup filled the area close by and children in line were restless as the line moved closer. “It’s going gangbusters,” said Fred Nelson at the
entrance to the serving area. “Even though the lines are long they’re moving quite quickly,” said Rich Lueck, taking photographs of the eager diners. The Barnes family was joined by grandparents Dorothy and Dan O’Connor, who had come from Pittsburg to join daughter Patty and her two children Connor, 7 and Casey, 6. “It’s our fifth year coming,” Patty said. “We love it.” “This time I’m on the Cub Scout float,” said Connor with
excitement. Dan O’Connor chimed in, “This is a great community event. We got here early at 8:30 am. The lines weren’t too bad.” At another table, the Valencia family was also enjoying their breakfast. Angelique had just turned 13 the day before and the family was in celebration mode. “This is a great cause,” said father Victor who, sitting next to “little Victor” pointed out that the line moves pretty quickly. As the morning progressed, crowds started to line the
parade route. Ensembles passed by with dogs, ponies, cars and more, all planning to celebrate the day in true Norman Rockwell style. BIG DAY IN CLAYTON COUNTRY Every year, Claytonians turn out by the thousands for the annual Independence Day breakfast and parade. And every year, the scene is comfortingly familiar: the pancake breakfast, kids and dogs in
See July 4, page 21
City planner decides Clayton is good fit ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Andre Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
MAX, SUZANNE AND VERONICA RENNER wait for dad Charles to show up as Max practices for the show.
entrants all played “This Land is Your Land,” breaking the record held by Leinfelden, Germany. Included in the action was Laura Hoffmeister, assistant to the Clayton city manager. She had to race back to Clayton following the performance to attend the City Council meeting. “This is good family fun,” Hoffmeister said of the event. “But I forgot to wear my tiedyed shirt that I wore when they
The Renner family sat at on a blanket as son Max, 12, played a few chords while they waited for dad, Charles Renner, to arrive. “Charles and Max play guitar,” said mom Suzanne, who sat next to daughter Veronica, 10. “Max has played for about a year.” “We’ve been coming to the farmers market, so it made
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
See Record, page 20
When David Woltering replaced Jeremy Graves, former community development director for Clayton, in March, his expectation was that of any interim hire – the job would be short-term while a permanent replacement was found. He had his future laid out; Woltering planned to go into private consulting for a variety of Bay Area cities. Having come from Windsor, where he had a direct hand in the preparation of its first General Plan as well as downtown development plan, and Cotati, Woltering believed Clayton was a good stopping point for him. It was only after he arrived that his plans began to change and he considered applying for the permanent position. “I hoped it would happen,”
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he said. “This felt like such a good fit for me and working with the people here seemed to come so naturally.” Woltering was not the only one who felt that connection. “The selection of David was an obvious and natural employment decision,” said city manager Gary Napper. “It was fortuitous he was available for the interim position and we both benefited by the three-month live laboratory test to determine suitability and compatibility with our organization and our community. “He was tops among the candidates interested in the position, brings small town experiences and strengths to the job and is a welcome addition,” Napper added. On June 23, the position became a permanent one as the job was offered to him. “Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive,” Woltering
From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Going Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
said. “I’m really excited.” With two children in high school, Woltering plans to continue his daily commute from the family home in Santa Rosa, how-
ever, at some point he believes the family will transition toward the community as a new home. “I have a lot to enjoy and to be grateful for,” he said.
Andre Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
NEW CLAYTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR DAVID WOLTERING confers with Laura Hoffmeister, assistant to the city manager, over some architectural plans.
Music Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 On the Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
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