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July 15, 2011
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Clayton shows its true colors with a spectacular July 4 celebration DIANE INMAN Special to the Pioneer
DAVE SHUEY
On the morning of July 4, I stepped outside and thought “it’s going to be hot today,” a classic summertime understatement. But the heat of the day shouldn’t hit until afternoon. I expect it will be pleasant for our parade.. We head downtown on the Cardinet trail, meeting others also walking to town to see the parade. Our trail runs alongside the creek where there’s foliage and sometimes under a canopy of oak trees, buckeyes, eucalyptus and other tall trees. On the other side of the creek is the twelfth fairway of the golf course. The squirrels chase each other up and down the trees. The birds and frogs are chirping, and my heart sings for the beauty of it all. Everyone is friendly as we make our way to the tunnel under the street and up onto Main Street. Flags are on the lampposts and people are converging from every direction. We pass the rose garden at the head of Main Street and walk
MAYOR’S CORNER
Happy belated birthday America – 235 years young! It was another great long weekend of celebration, with a concert in the Park and our awesome 4th of July Parade! It was wonderful to see our community come out to celebrate our country and our community. And on behalf of the city council, thank you once for not throwing firecrackers, tomatoes or used household appliances at us as we passed. Many of you also went to the Singing Flag celebration held in Concord. It was a great celebration of America and a
See Mayor, page 9
Familiar faces return to Planning Commission
With the Clayton Community Church project coming before the city in the next few months, the city council opted for experience in filling two vacant seats on the planning commission. They returned current commissioner Dan Richardson for a second term and appointed Keith Haydon, who has served on the planning commission for 12 of the past 14, years to the second seat.
See July 4, page 17
Clayton family seeks help for daughter’s heart and lung transplant
Meriam is out due to potential conflict of interest with upcoming projects TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
down towards the middle of town – a distance of only about 75 feet. Camp chairs line the street two and three deep, but we find a place to sit on a bench in front of the old Pioneer Inn. We sit next to a couple from Danville who have come to Clayton to see their grandchildren in the parade. As I watch the parade of people walking in front of me I see children decked out with 4th of July colors and dogs with red, white, and blue kerchiefs around their necks. There are women with sun hats and old people in shorts. Friends are greeting each other with hugs. I say “hi” to people I have met while walking on the trail and chat with the couple from Danville. The festivities begin with Dan Ashley from KGO channel 7 who emcees the parade with a running narrative. Dan once lived in Clayton and still has great affection for the town. First we stand for the presentation of the flag. Then “Yesterday’s Kids” choral group
THIS PHOTO, TAKEN BY SHELLEY SHUEY, WON FIRST PLACE in the Clayton Pioneer July 4 Photo Contest. With his American flag and a thoughtful expression, this veteran truly is The Spirit of America in Clayton.
One volunteer is still needed to start critical campaign for Katie Grace Groebner PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
Encouraging young girls’ wonder in math and science Tech Trek camp helps three DVMS students see where a passion for technology can lead them.
See Planning, page 6
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
LYNETTE COX (standing), Emily Payne and Giovy Webb spent a week at math and science camp this summer.
So what can a bunch of Clayton middle school girls do to liven up a long hot summer? Why, go to college, of course. For Diablo Valley Middle School students Lynette Cox, Emily Payne and Giovy Webb, this year’s Tech Trek camp at Sonoma State University from
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . .15
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Community Calendar . . . .14
June 19 through 25 was a unique chance to skip past eighth grade and high school to experience college life while furthering their interest and enthusiasm in math and science. “Strive for what we want to do,” was the emphasis at camp, Lynette said. For Emily, Tech Trek was an opportunity to “prepare for the future and get a taste of career options,” she said. Giovy agreed. “I learned I can have just as excellent a career as a man can. I want to go pursue that now.”
See Tech Trek, page 18
Concert Schedule . . . . . . . .3 Directory of Advertisers . . . .5 CVHS Reporter . . . . . . . . .13 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . .13
When their moms introduced 11-year-old Kate Amos and almost 9-year-old Katie Grace Groebner outside the
Clayton Community Library recently, the two girls began sharing information and interests like most young girls. Except their chat including comparing their Broviac tubes – lifesustaining devices providing medical portals directly to the heart. This was more than a chance meeting. The two Mt. Diablo Elementary girls had just been
See Transplant, page 14
KATIE GRACE GROEBNER, BESS AND KATE AMOS (left to right), chat about typical girl things outside the library after both girls received Certificates of Recognition by Clayton City Council for the Do the Right Thing program. Both MDE students were recognized for their display of courage despite life-threatening ailments.
Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . . .8 From the Chief . . . . . . . . . .6 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Take a Hike . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Weather Words . . . . . . . . .16