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Clayton Almanac
IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
September 16, 2011
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Community honors 10th anniversary of 9/11 with service and candlelight walk DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
DAVE SHUEY
MAYOR’S CORNER
It all happened in Clayton Sometimes the timing of my columns is just slightly off and by the time you read this column the event has happened. Well, better late than never for some things! Once again, the Clayton Community Church hosted its eighth annual Labor Day Derby and car show on main street downtown. More kids than ever signed up to ride down main street in cars donated by local businesses. It is a true family event, one of my favorite days in Clayton, and truly conjures up images of Norman Rockwell's ideal vision of small town America. Congrats and thanks to CCC for this free community event. (Note, over under is 5! This cryptic note will be explained next column to keep you in suspense).
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
CCFPD HONOR GUARD STANDS AT ATTENTION WHILE MORE THAN 1,000 GATHERED at the Clayton fire station on Sunday in a community remembrance of the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
See Mayor, page 18
“It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness,” said Father Peter Champion of St. John’s Episcopal Parish at the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11, quoting a proverb. There, in front of Clayton Fire Station 11, more than a thousand people – young and old, Democrats and Republicans, Christians and Baha’is – prayed, sang and lit candles together to remember those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on the World Trace Center ten years earlier, and the lessons learned since then. Following the National Anthem and an opening prayer, the Honor Guard accompanied by bagpipers raised a tattered American flag – one that had flown at Ground Zero – to half staff. Clayton Mayor David Shuey said the gathering was for all. “The city and I as mayor are not looking at this in any way as Christian or Muslim or Jewish
See 9/11 Service, page 20
Labor Day fire guts one home, damages two others Two-alarm blaze roars through neighborhood near CVHS PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
Clayton's lazy Labor Day heated up in a big way last week when a wind-fueled fire roared through a residential
neighborhood near Clayton Valley High School, destroying one home and severely damaging two others. No major injuries were reported, and fire investigators are still investigating the cause. Firefighters responded to the two alarm blaze at the top of Skyler Court, located just across Alberta Way from CVHS, at about 4:40 p.m. Monday., Sept. 5. The house at
the top of the hill on Skyler Court was under construction when it ignited, and it was totally destroyed. David Bolstad was a bit luckier, as his house on Marvue Court just east of the fire sustained fire and smoke damage, but is structurally okay. His neighbor wasn't as lucky, as his house sustained more major damage. Bolstad saw the fire out his
Photo by Marinemom
ARE STILL INVESTIGATING
the cause of a Labor Day fire that destroyed a Skyler Ct. home.
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POLICE
Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
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window, and quickly grabbed is garden hose to try and wet down his own property. “But the heat was too much, the flames were too big. I told my wife to grab the dog and meet me down at the bottom of the hill.” A classic car buff, Bolstad hurried to save his 1932 Ford, backing it slowly down the hill even while its roof was on fire. “Not only do I have fire damage to my home, but to my car, too.” He and a neighbor moved his two other cars to the bottom of the hill, but after that, firefighters wouldn't let him back up, as the blaze was too severe. The towering flames on the hot holiday afternoon drew a large crowd of onlookers, and Bolstad said he was lucky it was a holiday and he was home to help save his possessions. Contra Costa Fire officials believe the fire started at the home being constructed on Skyler Court and a western wind fanned the flames to Marvue Circle. As of press time, Contra Costa County Fire District Battalion Chief Randy Champion said there were no further updates, but the investigation is still going on. Fashion Over 50 - NEW . . .13 From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . .15 Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . .5
Nearly 30 firefighters helped fight the blaze, which was contained in about an hour. But for Bolstads, the clean-up is just beginning.
“My wife and I plan to stay here through the renovations,' he said. “The workers may not appreciate us underfoot, but I feel safer staying put.”
Tip a stein and get ready to polka at Oktoberfest On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25, Clayton’s downtown area will take on the flavors of one of the most celebrated festivals in the world as the Clayton Business & Community Association present
Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .10
its eighth annual Oktoberfest. The two-day event – featuring music, beer and great German food – attracts visitors from all over the Bay Area.
See Oktoberfest, page 14
Take a Hike . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . .14