2012_Clayton_Pioneer 0427

Fron Adve t Page rtisin g

It Wor

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

ks

Put y our and l ‘sticky no i t ring. sten to th e’ here e pho Call C n layto n Pio e 925n 6720500 eer

April 27, 2012

0500

Art & Wine Festival pours on the fun, no matter your tastes NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer

HOWARD GELLER

MAYOR’S CORNER

Click on website to see how Clayton ticks The challenge of writing the Mayor’s Corner is to meet deadlines and not fall into the lag time between publication dates.

My goal is to cover items important to our community in about 500 words, while maintaining an open ear to what has transpired at Clayton City Council meetings.

As mayor, I am often asked questions at the supermarket, the country club or about town.

While I love to answer questions, I do not always have the answers at hand and usually recommend going to our website.

Yes, Clayton does have a website. I thought I would print the site addresses so you can have a user-friendly source to answer your questions.

Our city website is www.cityofclayton.org or www.ci.clayton.ca.us. I encourage you to select the tabs to get familiar with the site. You will find links to all our departments, schedules, meetings and past agendas. Links will take you to

See Mayor, page 16

FRANKIE QUADRATO FIGURED OUT HOW to make this wine barrel table from a photo his wife brought home from a trip to Napa. He’ll be selling four versions of the table and other “wine barrel” home décor accessories at the Art & Wine Festival, May 5-6.

Former mayor and councilman Chuck Evans succumbs to cancer Charles “Chuck” Evans, retired English teacher and longtime civic leader in Clayton, died on April 7. He was 85.

Evans served on the Planning Commission, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizen’s Advisory Commission and the City Council and was mayor during the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration. He retired from the City Council in 1980.

Evans’ had a strong interest in planning and was instrumental in drafting Clayton’s first General Plan. His vision was to retain Clayton’s rural charm while planning for intelligent growth.

“As an early council member, he was part of the team that made sure we had strategic, non rampant growth,” says Councilwoman Julie Pierce Bob Hoyer, Clayton’s first mayor remembers his longtime friend as a “true gentleman, always polite, always positive.”

LOOKING LIKE TWISTED DREADLOCKS, the beautiful fiber from the suri alpaca was once thought to be limited only to making lace-weight yarn. Local Terri Swanson proves this theory wrong with wearables, rugs and home decor items spun from this lovely fiber.

Take a stroll down Main Street next weekend, and you may catch a glimpse of your favorite arts, all while you are enjoying some great wines at the 17th annual Clayton Art & Wine Festival May 5-6.

The popular event, organized by the Clayton Business and Community Association, will feature more than 125 vendors of popular brewed beers and premium varietals from California wineries. Plus, some of the area’s top artists and craftsmen will be on hand to sell their wares.

There will also be Kiddieland games, non-stop live entertainment, and an international food court to keep the party in full swing. Festivalgoers can also visit the Clayton Historical Museum.

All proceeds from the festival are invested back into the community.

There will be two new and/or returning local artisans joining the celebration this year.

Frankie Quadrato is returning with a new line of wine barrel furniture and home décor.

A few years ago, Quadrato and his son, Chris, exhibited and sold their Dream Falls water features. Chris, 14 at the time, was

See Art & Wine, page 13

Police okay permits for solar panel solicitors A group of solicitors from Future Energy Corporation has been issued permits to call on Clayton residents, door-todoor, to set appointments for no-cost quotes for solar elec-

tric programs. They will be in neighborhoods from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Each of the solicitors has passed a criminal background check and the company has

obtained a business license from the city of Clayton.

Each solicitor is required to show the permit upon request.

The permits are good for one year.

If residents see anything suspicious or encounter a person without a valid solicitor permit, please call the Clayton Police, 925-673-7350.

Recent bee swarms simply Mother Nature DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer

CHARLES “CHUCK” EVANS

“Chuck never complained,” Hoyer recalls. “Everything was always coming up roses.”

“He was a master of the English language,” Hoyer remembers. “He could take the

See Evans page 3

What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Swarms of bees seen around town lately have evoked images from the 1978 horror movie “The Swarm” in the hearts of locals.

One picture, posted on Claycord.com, showed bees covering the back half of a small car, while what appeared to be a child clad in the top half only of a bee suit, swept the insects into a box. The “child” later turned out to be Alvaro Lopez, a local landscaper and beekeeper, who described himself as “not very tall.”

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Community Calendar . . . . . .14 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .9

While stopped at the stop sign at Marsh Creek Road and Center Street, in early April, Pioneer editor Tamara Steiner encountered a swarm that was “bigger than the whole intersection.”

Across the street, she could see Angelique Booth heading back to her office after a trip to the post office. She was heading straight into the swarm. Thinking fast, Steiner pulled through the intersection and urged Booth to get in the car.

“It was freaky,” said Steiner.

“I had to turn on the windshield wipers. And I didn’t want them

See Swarms, page 13 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .16 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . .9 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . .18 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Claycord.com

BEE SWARMS ARE NATURAL FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR, says beekeeper Alvaro Lopez, sweeping a swarm into a box. The bees are sleepy, docile and full of honey as they look for new locations to build their hives.

Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .17 History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 The Charter Papers . . . . . . . .8

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 27, 2012

Around Town Clayton Brownie Troop leaves no trace in their training

Arlene Skuba will appear on KQED special Clayton resident Arlene Skuba will share her personal experience with heart disease in a KQED special on heart health on May 2 at 7:30 on Channel 9.

The special, “Pump It Up: Heart Health Special Report,” checks in with heart patients and researchers as it looks at the disease that claims more than 600,000 each year.

Skuba, who had a heart attack in 2010, credits her life to the quick response of the paramedics and emergency teams at John Muir Hospital. Skuba appears about 14 minutes into the program and says her message is simply to act fast.

“If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911. It could save your life; it did mine.”

Decker family completes Death March commemoration Have you ever eaten GORP? Do you “Leave No Trace” when you go hiking? Over the last two months, Girl Scout Brownie Troop 31927 has been learning about GORP, PEAK, and “Leave No Trace” while earning their Hiker badge.

GORP stands for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts, the essential ingredients to a healthy snack for hiking. The girls put together GORP packets with ingredients including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, peanuts, raisins, cranberries and coconut.

Of course, some chocolate was added for that quick energy boost.

The girls obtained a Clayton Trails map from City Hall. The maps were great for pointing out the many trails in and around Clayton and also helped the girls orient themselves to the location of their home and school in relation to the town.

The girls also reached their PEAK. It stands for Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids, and is sponsored by REI and the Center for Outdoor Ethics. REI loaned the troop their PEAK backpack that included items essential for hiking. The girls learned about useful tools like a digger trowel, an emergency blanket, a tent, hiking boots, binoculars, plus how to use a compass with a map.

Leave No Trace is a program from the Center of Outdoor Ethics. Their theme is “Bigfoot has been doing it for years – Leave No Trace.” The girls learned that while straying off the path can sound like fun, it can damage the homes of animals and plants. As one girl put it, “What if a giant came and stepped on your home? That wouldn’t be much fun.”

An added benefit is the girls also made a promise to “Leave

31 Mt. Teton Court , Clayton Dana Hills! Coming Soon! Single Story Rancher tucked away on a quite court!

No Trace” when they came home from school. This means no backpack on the floor, no dishes left on the counter, and supplies from projects are put away. The girls signed a promise to “Leave No Trace” for two weeks. Many parents considered this to be the best part of the program.

For fun the girls painted walking sticks to use on their hikes.

They went on two hikes, one at the beginning and one at the end of the program. They put to use the knowledge they learned from the program and left no trace.

So if you see a young girl with a brightly painted walking stick, it could be one of our Brownies enjoying one of the great many trails we have here in Clayton.

To learn more about the PEAK program, visit twww.rei.com or www.lnt.org. Clayton Trail maps are available for $2 at City Hall.

207 Rainbow Lane, Pleasant Hill Coming Soon! Desirable Oak Park Area! Adorable House in a serene creek side setting!

Clayton student Kenny Johnson starts basic training at the United States Air Force Academy on June 28 in Colorado Springs. He was nominated to attend a service academy by Congressman George Miller based on outstanding achievements.

He completed Prep School for the Academy and is currently attending Cal State East Bay while waiting for training to start. He will play on the Air Force water polo team and wants to be a pilot.

Lauren Galvin takes poetry prize

Bob Decker and his daughters, Captain Carmen Decker and Major Ramona Decker Clark completed the 15-mile Bataan Memorial Death March on March 25. Ramona’s husband, Major Mathew Clark, completed a 26 mile march.

This is the 23rd year for the Memorial March which honors and remembers the American and Filipino soldiers who lost

521 Hamburg Circle, Clayton Easley Estates! Highly Desirable and Rare Single Story!

their lives on that terrible march in WWII. The commemoration has special meaning for the Decker family because two cousins survived the march.

Bob Decker lives in Concord. He was a Clayton resident for 17 years and a former member of the Planning Commission.

4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2081sf, inside laundry, 2 car garage + RV parking. Extensively upgraded & updated thruout! New gleaming hardwood floors! Extra thick baseboards, crown moulding, door trim and box valances.

Updated kitchen and baths! Private wooded lot features a deck and spa, nice lawn area with meandering path! $579,000

Clayton resident Lauren Galvin took second prize in this year’s DeClercq Poetry Contest at California State U n i v e r s i t y, East Bay. Lauren is a junior in liberal studies with a minor in human development and women’s studies. Her poem “Mixing Paint,” celebrates the memory and history of her family.

GEORGE VUJNOVICH Broker

PENDING

4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1919sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage! Great location near greenbelt and close to pool and cabana. Large lot with in-ground pool! Coming Soon

Kenny Johnson to attend Air Force Academy

Helping friends, neighbors & newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

georgevujnovich.com

Better Homes DRE#00933393

Rose Glen in Concord Rose Glen! Single Story Rancher on a larger corner lot!

(925)

672-4433

6160 Center St., Suite E, Clayton 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1563sf with a detached 2 car garage! Close to schools , shopping and BART! Coming Soon

1169 Gamay Drive, Clayton Easley Estates! Fantastic 2 story on a large level lot!

PENDING

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1857sf & 2 car garage! Close to shopping and dining!

Coming Soon

Jennifer Stojanovich Broker-Associate Lifelong Concord/Clayton Resident.

(925) 567-6170 features 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2237sf & 3 car garage + RV parking! Gorgeous upgraded kitchen boasts slab granite counters, upgraded cabinets, tile floors and ss appliances. Large family room with fireplace. Combined living & dining room. Updated baths! Wooded lot offers privacy, nice lawn area and custom paver patio. $595,000

jenstojanovich@yahoo.com Ranked Top 10 Agents for Better Homes Realty

www.jenniferstojanovich.com

Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS

PRICE

10 Mount Emory Court ........$450,000 316 Mount Washington Wy..$470,000 215 Bigelow Street...............$500,000 8425 Marsh Creek Road .....$500,000 1287 Shell Circle .................$260,000 931 Tiffin Drive.....................$630,000 330 Roundhill Ct ..................$530,000 1780 Indian Wells Way ........$361,000 4 Mount Wilson Wy..............$180,000 210 Falcon Pl.......................$490,000 1387 Shell Lane...................$263,600 19 Clark Creek.....................$200,000 1226 Buckeye Terr...............$480,000

SF

BED/BATH

SALE DATE

. . . .1740 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .3/30/12 . . . .2619 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .3/28/12 . . . .2306 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .3/26/12 . . . .2306 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .3/19/12 . . . .1367 . . . . .2/2.5 . . . . . .3/15/12 . . . .2671 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . .3/9/12 . . . .2324 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . .3/9/12 . . . .1749 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . . .3/8/12 . . . .966 . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . . .3/6/12 . . . .2467 . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . .3/1/12 . . . .1367 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .2/29/12 . . . . . . . . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . .2/29/12 . . . .1710 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .2/23/12

April 27, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Around Town

Evans, from page 1

Pioneer travels – near and far We took in a bit of the Arizona sunshine with Kathy O’Toole and Herb Yonge on a recent trip to Sedona to celebrate Herb and Kathy’s ninth wedding anniversary. Here we are at the Meteor Crater just east of Flagstaff. We also visited the Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon and hiked Sunset Crater before traveling to Las Vegas where we saw Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon....and the Strip!

We got a wee bit wet, but the view was worth it. Here we are with David and Judi Gavin on the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls at the end of our 4-week trip to Buenos Aires, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

And we even made time to go with Emily Lupoiand Justine Del Monte to the Bahamas. Here we are at the Atlantis Resort on April 11.

Nasser Kherella, owner California Home and Garden, CVGC members Jackie Sorich, Linda Karp and Dennis Kaump with members from the Livermore and Pleasant Hill Garden Clubs

Imagine a private sale where every item is chosen precisely with you in mind. We can only dream.

The Clayton Valley Garden Club realized this dream recently when members packed us along on a field trip

to the California Home and Garden Warehouse in San Francisco where we rubbed elbows with members of other garden clubs and reveled in garden art, fountains, statuary and pottery.

Page 3

Correction In the engagement story for Katelyn Cook and Jacob Duncan in the l a s t issue, Katelyn’s name was incorrectly shown as Katlyn. We apologize for the error.

most complicated material and write so everyone could understand it.”

Evans was born on Dec. 9, 1926 in Sacramento, Calif., the only child of Margaret Dunn and Charles Dean Evans, Sr. He graduated from Sacramento High School where he was a star football player. Soon after graduation, he joined the United States Army Air Forces as an aerial photographer during World War II. After his service, he graduated from St. Mary’s College in Moraga with a BA in English. After earning his MA at UC Berkeley and teaching credential at CSUH, Sacramento, Evans taught English at Pittsburg High School before accepting a position teaching overseas in Japan. It was there he met and married his wife, Elaine.

The pair transferred to Germany where their two children were born. In 1964, they returned to the United States and moved to Clayton. Evans resumed teaching English at Pittsburg High until he retired in 1991.

The love of travel continued to be a theme in the Evans’ life with summer road trips to Canada and Colorado and the family property near Eureka for adventurous camping. During his retirement, he was an active Elder Hostel participant, traveling in the United States, Central America and Cuba.

Evans is survived by his wife Elaine of 53 years; daughter and son-in-law, Marnie and John Musser; son and daughter-inlaw, Dean Evans and Leslie Lingonis and granddaughter, Sophia Evans.

s t r e ConcThe Grov in

e

Saturdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

At the Gazebo in The Grove Set up chairs and blankets on the lawn after 4 p.m.

May 12

PLAN “B”: Celebrating the music of Creedence, Stones, Adele, Cake, Pearl Jam and Talking Heads, this local band does it all.

PUSH: San Francisco news anchor Dan Ashley and PUSH send audiences “back to the future” with their energetic live show and classic rock vibe.

May 26 CARAVANSERAI: This Santana tribute band plays songs from their 30-year history June 9 MAMALUKE: One of the Bay Area's premier classic rock dance bands covering music from the Rolling Stones to Tom Petty and ZZ Top. June 23

JACK POLLARD'S SWING SOIREE:

9-piece precision band covering jazz and R&B from the 30s thru 80s

July 7

LIVIN' IN THE USA — A CROSS-COUNTRY MUSIC TRIP:

Fully themed and costumed “all hits” cover band.

July 21 BUMP CITY: A Tribute to Tower of Power: 10-piece band their own kind of urban soul Aug. 4 DIAMOND DAVE: Singer Dave Hosley has been entertaining East Bay audiences for over 20 years with the classics to the latest Hip Hop Aug. 18 ROLLING HEADS: Classic rock to new pop

Sept. 1 LAURENT FOURGO AND HIS COMBO: 7-piece band featuring jump, swing, dixieland and jazz from the 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s.

EAST BAY MUDD: 9-piece cover dance band with a powerful 4-piece horn section returning for their 4th year.

Sept. 15

Thursdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

June 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Five by Five July 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Relyks July 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crossman Country Aug. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TBD Aug. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The PHDs

Lynne is offering FREE consultations with a 2648 Spyglass Drive, Brentwood $579,000 Deer Ridge – 3,375 sq. ft. golf course property offers 4BD/3BA, loft & theater room w/18' screen & projector. Full BD/BA downstairs. Enjoy a salt water pool/spa & sweeping views. Upscale granite kitchen w/prep island.

4290 Morgan Territory Road, Clayton $398,000 5Acre Lot – Dream big! 5 acre parcel offers panoramic views of Mt. Diablo & foothills. Build your estate near other upscale ranches. Horse or livestock, zoned A-2. Public utilities at street. Close to downtown.

REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY on matters of Short Sale, Foreclosure & Tax implications.

To take a step forward, you need the right guide.

Don’t wait another day!

Call to hear about Lynne’s

Total Protection Plans.

4962 Murchio Drive, Concord $425,000 Garaventa Oaks – Upgraded 3BD/2BA has dualpane windows & skylights. Classy 1,659 s.f. offers plantation shutters & hickory hardwood flooring.

Roomy kitchen w/garden window. Newhall Park just steps away

Wanda Way, Martinez $249,000 Alhambra Valley – Level .69 acre parcel is located in an upscale area and offers panoramic views and lots of privacy. Building pad, utilities at street, ready to go sewer, city water. Build your dream home!

Come join the #1 Office in Clayton & Concord.* Call for a confidential interview! (*1/09-12/11 closed listings data supplied by MaxEBRDI.)

Call Angelique Booth (925) 673-2183

DRE#01122025

Schedule an Appointment!

(925) 672-8787

Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Clayton Cleans Up 2012

Mom’s ‘Most Notable Quote’ may win her a prize this Mothers Day Remember this famous quote from an anonymous mother, “you can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can’t fool Mom”?

Moms have always been chock full of advice for their children, sometimes whether the kids listen or not. Probably every mom has said at least once: “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” “If everyone else jumped off a cliff would you jump, too?” “Don’t put that in your mouth, you don’t know where it’s been.”

This Mothers Day, a group of Clayton merchants wants to recognize all those mothers whose kids remember their own great “mom-isms in the

“2012 Most Notable Quote Contest.”

The contest is open to Clayton residents ages 8-18. The contest rules are simple. Send in your favorite quote from your mom of 20 words or less. The quote can be funny, inspiring or just memorable.

Send your name, age, mother’s name and her quote to cali94517@gmail.com by noon on May 5.

The first place winner’s mother will receive a gift certificate from Levity Fitness and Clayton Mind and Body along with a free Spa Package for their pet (certain restrictions apply) at TLC Grooming. Second place winner will receive a

gift certificate from La Veranda and third place will get a free sandwich from Subway and a beverage from Cup O’Jo. Contest winners will be notified by email and then presented with the award certificates and gifts from local merchants. Contest judges are Kristin Miller, a mother, grandmother and former resident of Clayton and Masha Rosenthal, a mother, grandmother and resident of Clayton.

Mother’s Day only comes once a year but you can thank your mom by sharing her advice and showing that her words of wisdom have not fallen on deaf ears.

April 27, 2012

It was a clean sweep for city streets and trails last Saturday when nearly 200 turned out for Clayton Cleans Up. The morning was warm and sunny and spirits were high as scores of kids and parents gathered in the courtyard of the City Hall to pick up gloves and trash bags before heading out to rid the city streets of trash.

The annual event, sponsored by Allied Waste and the Clayton Pioneer, is the spring cleaning the town needs to get ready for the Art and Wine Festival, the Garden Tour and the summer concerts.

By 11 a.m., the town was sparkling and the grills were hot when everyone returned to City Hall for barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs.

Pictured from left: Girl Scout Daisies Gretta Callison, Ana Summers, Quincy Miller and Kiera Jarvis earn a a badge for community service; Daniel Clayton Cantine, Jr. and Flat Stanley with Clayton Cleans Up committee member Linda Pinder; Long-time Claytonians Robert and Ve’laine Manion attended their first Clayton Cleans Up; Ryan Sheffield, Thomas Santala and Sam Buchholz, Scouts from Troop 444 helped with event setup and cleanup and in between filled their own orange bag.

$15 $25

FREE GAS Visit us at ClaytonValleyShell.com for more promotions

with any invoice of $200 - $300* with any invoice more than $300*

Clayton Valley Shell Full Service Auto Care

Complete Auto Repair foreign and domestic Free shuttle service for major repairs

Corner of Clayton Road & Kirker Pass Road

(925) 672-3900 *Offer good at Clayton Valley Shell only and may not be combined. Expire 5/10/2012. Must present coupon at time of work estimate.

LEIGH KLOCK

STEPHANIE LOPEZ

Realtor®, DRE#01874255

Realtor®, DRE#01370548

925.212.5593

925.932.7329

www.5407WoodhollowCt.com

www.995MaplegateCt.com

ing Pendtiple Mul ers Off

ing Pendtiple Mul ers Off Fabulous Crystal Ranch 5 bedroom 3 1/2 bath home with first floor bedroom and en suite.

Granite, crown molding, plantation shutters, luxurious master retreat. Quiet court location & beautifully landscaped yard!! This is a 10++.

Offered at $664,950

1719 Indian Wells Way

Luxurious upscale appointments & finishes in Crystyl Ranch stunner! Features 3,548 sf, 5bed/3bath, bonus master retreat, hardwood floors, slab granite, travertine, fabulous custom paint/murals, view balconies! Professionally landscaped yard backs up to open space!

www.588TimberleafCt.com

ING

SOLD

PEND

Bright, sharp & beautiful! - This 3 bed/ 2 1/2 bath golf course duet features one of the largest lots in Black Diamond! Walk to downtown, trails & schools. Features newer carpets, paint, fixtures, & huge master!

Call for details!

Fabulous Rancho Paraiso Home with prime court location. 4 bed/3 bath with luxurious first floor master and spa bath, office, bonus room, gorgeous yards, patios, built-in spa, & much more!

Offered at $1,025,000

3399 St Mary's Road

www.AhwaneeLn.com

SOLD S!

VIEW

Sophisticated 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, single Prime Lafayette location - downtown & 10++ story. Prized Eagle Peak location w/sweeping views schools just steps from your front door! 3 bedrooms of Mt. Diablo and valley. All solar home. Lovely 2 baths - gorgeous custom kitchen! Soaring plank yards include complete Tiki bar hut with cable TV. ceilings & huge master suite! Offered at $760,000 Offered at $669,000

We have additional listings – Call us for more information

I N S P I R E D R E A L E S TAT E

www.myDynamicRealtors.com

April 27, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Directory of Advertisers

Club News Clayton Valley Woman’s Club

P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA

AND

On April 14th, the GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club hosted their Seventh Annual Festival of Tables and Fashion with over 185 women attending.

Husbands, sons and friends, in white shirts and bow ties, waited

R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration

on the 24 tables, each individually decorated with whimsical themes like Garden Party, Circus and Teddy Bears. Club members modeled the fashions from Draper and Damon’s of Walnut Creek.

A silent auction and raffle followed lunch. All proceeds from the event benefit local charities and scholarships.

S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn

We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 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 Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com

Send School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com

CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word Non-profit: $24 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable.

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 Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you.

Also on our Website are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 250 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 your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.”

E-mail your letter in a Word document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.

Page 5

Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717 Chiropractor Coflin Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6500 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Black Diamond Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .777-3440 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-1519 Cheyenne Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566-8226 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Steffan Smith Kitchen & Bath Remodeling . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dentist Children’s Dentistry of Walnut Creek . . . . . . . . . .938-2392

RAFFLE BASKETS AND A SILENT AUCTION raised money for local charities at the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club ‘Festival of Tables’ luncheon. Shown are Dee Yount, Arlene Lewandowski and Merle Whitburn.

Creekside Artists Guild

DESALLES WITH an example of painting with his computer.

The Creekside Artists Guild celebrates its 6th anniversary at its May 9 meeting. Artists Jeffrey DeSalles and Barbara Paul will

demonstrate their creative techniques. DeSalles does photographic paintings and Paul weaves macramé jewelry. New artists seeking venues for workshops, demonstrations, gallery exhibits and field trips are invited to the May or any monthly meeting.

This community-based arts group raises funds for the Clayton Library and supports both visual and performing arts in local schools, community groups and businesses.

For more information, contact Arlene at akiksen@aol.com or 6739777.

Classified Why pay for your checking account if you don’t need to?

Free Checking that’s still free!

OPEN HOUSE Oakhurst home for sale. Open Sunday, 4/29, 2-4 p.m. or by appointment: 276-2005. www.

3075windmillcanyondrive.com.

WOODWORKER Looking for Clayton woodworker who uses ebony wood imported from Vietnam. Have armoire.

Interested in more pieces. Call 2706780.

WANTED “I love Free Checking because I don’t have a monthly fee and there are lots of freebies, like ATMs, debit cards, Online Banking and TCU’s Bill Pay service.”

Monica, TCU member since 1991

Just call, click or stop by today: Call (800) 877-8328 Click www.traviscu.org Stop by local TCU branches: 5442 Ygnacio Valley Road 1257 Willow Pass Road

Come join Mazzei Realty!

Currently interviewing and hiring new and experienced real estate agents. Call 693-0757 for details.

Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today 6728787.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Help Fight Hunger Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon Lady needs your help! Weekly commitment appreciated. Please contact Anna at 672-1988 or AnnaAndAva@gmail.com.

Meals on Wheels Drivers 1 – 1 1/2 per week. Drivers and relief drivers needed for delivery of Meals on Wheels in East County.

Call Jim at 673-0300 or e-mail hairbyjim@att.net.

Hospice of the East Bay – Anna’s Attic Volunteer at Anna’s Attic Thrift Shoppe, located at 5350 Clayton Road. For information call 6749072. To learn more about volunteering for Hospice of the East Bay please contact 887-5678, or email volunteers@hospiceeatbay.org.

NCUA–Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.

Everyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Contra Costa or Alameda, part of our 12-county area, is eligible to join.

Certain membership requirements may apply.

Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m.

Wednesdays or Sundays. Call the museum at 672-0240 and leave your name.

Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Memo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395 Ravioli’s Italian Market Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3819 Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0621 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-1300 Events Clayton Art & Wine Festival/CBCA . . . . . . . . . . .672-2272 Oakhurst Community Garage Sale . . . . . . . . . . .672-3000 Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090 Financial and Insurance Services Dawn King Bookkeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-0553 Held, Chris - Wells Fargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609-9415 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211 Prosperitas Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-877-8328 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Optometry Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Pet Suites Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie’s Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt -Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-5626 Casey Copeland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CaseyCopeland.com Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-3701 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Doodleton Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-207-7467 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Levity Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2995 MDSA Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .mdsoccer.org Senior Services Always Available Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6887 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Montecito - Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 Services, Other Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Contra Costa Water District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688-8320 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Rodie’s RV & Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Specialty Shopping Candles Make Scents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405-7199 Step Into Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2276 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840

INTEGRITY Do the Right Thing

Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

FREE Regular

6” Sub when you buy a 6” Sub of equal or greater price & 21 oz. drink Plus tax. Excludes premium or double stacked subs. May not be combined with any other discounts, coupons & great meal deals. Valid only at this location.

Ma Father and Daughter Owned & Operated reser ke early Cinc vations fo o de r T HE H OUSE OF P IPIAN &

M er’s Dayo ay. ted S e

Moth

Limi

F INE D INING

Unique cuisine

Try our new desserts: Mango pineapple Surbetto or Fresh pistachio gelato

Free appetizer or dessert

with this ad Like us on Facebook

For reservations

ating

Vegetarian, vegan friendly & gluten free Adelio and Ivalina

(925) 914-0395 2118 Mt. Diablo St., Concord

memoscuisine.com

June 18-22 & June 25-29 M-F 9am to 3pm $500 Early enrollment discount $50 Off if enrolled by May 15th Horseback Riding Horsemanship Horse painting

Horse games Free T-shirt

Enrollment Form On-line

LIMITED CAMP SIZE

In Clayton, 3141 Morgan Territory Rd. www.Earthquakearabians.com

925.360.7454

Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years

Which sites zero in on accurate home values?

Q. I love the idea of going into some of the home value websites to investigating the value of homes that are on the market without having to ask a Realtor. The data is available to the public. I am disappointed that on those that I have searched, as most of the values are way off of the prices of the listings.

Which sites are accurate?

A. I hope it doesn’t sound self-serving to say that Realtors love to be asked about home values. We study all aspects of them every day. Which sites are accurate most of the time? If you are talking about values alone, none of them, to be frank. The sites know that they are frequently inaccurate. They all have disclaimers that say “this is only an estimate.” Zillow.com even goes a step further, publishing precise numbers about how imprecise its estimates can be.

Despite the disclaimers, people flock to this data. The four biggest sites that offer home value estimates get 100 million visits a month. What is scary to me is people are using these values to make their home buying and selling decisions. For example, a recent home seller, from a more expensive area, was selling the family house in Concord.

He simply couldn’t believe that the homes in the neighborhood were selling for under $500,000.

They actually were selling for under $400,000. That was beyond his comprehension. He did his own investigating on Trulia.com. I received an irate call asking why I didn’t use a $550,000 comp (comparable) that he found. After my own investigation I found out that this comp was the amount that a borrower owed on his house when it foreclosed. Trulia reported it as “sold” comp.

Appraisers say the online value sites are off-target in a frequency that is alarming. The col-

Residential & Commercial

FREE ESTIMATES

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Lic. #642272 Certified Arborist WC 3386

CCC Certified Fire Abatement

April 27, 2012

Specializing in Large Hazardous Trees Crane Service Tree & Stump Removal Arborist Reports Pruning/Cabling Fire Abatement Custom Milled Lumber Chainsaw Carvings Firewood

Ed Waraner Clayton Resident Licensed and Insured

(925) 831-2323

www.waranerbrostree.com

Cell: (925) 250-0335

They can’t see inside your home.

They also don’t seem to distinguish where a neighborhood of one value ends and another of a different value begins. In my opinion these sites should be used for entertainment only, not to make a decision on one of the most important transactions of your life.

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS lection of data is a challenge.

Most data comes from two sources, listing data from recent sales and tax assessor’s records.

Not every county tracks properties the same way – some calculate home size by number of bedrooms, others by overall square footage. Automated models aren’t designed to account for unique construction detail or factors like location within a neighborhood, premium lots, views or various improvements and upgrades.

Q. Are prices on the way back up? Should I wait to sell my home until they go up more?

A. Right now what we are experiencing, I call a “bounce.”

Homeowners who are in the best position to take advantage of a bounce are the ones who have their homes on the market.

It’s possible that the housing market will be volatile with periods of increased sales activity followed by lulls. If you can get your house ready to sell soon you should take advantage of this market.

If you want to buy up to a

more expensive home or area, it is a perfect time to sell. If prices do go up on your home they will also go up on the more expensive home. You could get priced out of the market for a more expensive area.

I have spoken before about the shadow inventory. The homes in default that will be foreclosed or short sold will keep prices from raising much. We also must keep our eyes on the interest rates.

When they go up buyers won’t be able to buy as much house. That will affect prices.

In this housing market we are in uncharted territory. We can only follow where prices are trending.

Lynne French is the Broker/Owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions contact her at 925672-8787; E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com, or stop in at 6200 Center Street in Clayton.

A good night’s sleep isn’t just a pipe dream DAN COFLIN

YOUR HEALTH Are you having trouble sleeping? There are many reasons that sheep count keeps getting higher.

Here are some culprits – followed by some solutions.

WHY YOU CAN’T SLEEP: Eating – Big meals close to bedtime can lead to general discomfort and/or heartburn.

Avoid before-bed snacks, particularly grains and sugars. Also, watch your weight, as being overweight increases the risk of sleep apnea.

Caffeine – In some people caffeine is not metabolized efficiently and they can feel the effects long after imbibing. So an afternoon cup of coffee or tea may keep you awake.

Alcohol – Beer, wine and cocktails will make people drowsy, but the effect is shortlived. People will often wake up several hours later unable to fall back asleep. Alcohol will also keep you from falling into the deeper stages of sleep, where the body does most of its healing.

Fluids in general – Don’t drink any fluids within two hours of going to bed. This will reduce the likelihood of needing to get up and go to the bathroom.

Naps – Cut back on nap-

ping. If you must nap, keep it brief and early in the day, and keep it to 30 minutes or less.

Light – If there is even the tiniest bit of light in the room it can disrupt the production of melatonin and serotonin. Use night-lights instead of regular room light if you wake in the middle of the night.

TV – Get the TV out of your bedroom. It stimulates your brain and take longer to fall asleep.

Clocks – Constantly staring at your clock adds to angst. And avoid loud alarms, as it is stressful to awake suddenly.

Medication – Talk to your doctor. Switching drugs, lowering the dosage or changing the time of day you take a pill may help.

THIS WILL HELP: Exercise – Vigorous exercise or even a small increase in exertion helps nocturnal sleep.

But don’t exercise five to six hours before bedtime, as the body takes several hours to slow down.

Sunlight – Get one to two hours of daily sunlight exposure. If you live where winter days are short, consider a bright lamp. Remember, no light works as well as Mother Nature, even on an overcast day.

Vitamins – Try Melatonin, St John’s Wort or Valerian Root.

Sleep schedule – Go to bed at the same time each night. Set a (non-noisy) alarm and get up

at the same time each morning.

Your body, particularly your adrenals, do most of their recharging from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Ear plugs – Block out sleep disturbing sounds.

Socks – Having the poorest circulation, the feet often feel cold before the rest of your body. And chilly feet can keep you awake.

Relax – Take a bath, listen to relaxation tapes, do crossword or Sudoku puzzles or read a book or spiritual journal.

Cool off – Keep bedroom temperature less than 70 degrees.

Warm milk – Drink a glass of warm milk at bedtime. Tryptophan, an amino acid in milk and other dairy promotes sleep.

If this causes too many trips to the toilet, try a bit of cheese or yogurt instead.

Healthy bedtime snacks – Eat a high-protein snack several hours before bed. This can provide the tryptophan needed to produce melatonin and serotonin. And a piece of fruit can help the tryptophan cross your blood-brain barrier.

Journal – If you often lie in bed with your mind racing, keep a journal. This is a great way to help you recover from the effects of stress.

Dan Coflin is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a practice on Clayton Road in Concord. Email questions to coflindc@gmail.com

C L AY T O N

FARMERS’ MARKEMTAY 12

SATURDAYS

8am-12pm Diablo St.

Bet wee n Mai n and Cen ter fb.com/ClaytonFarmersMarket

TH

GRAND OPENINGCLAYTON FARMERS’

THE COME CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF Y, WE’LL BE GIVING AWAY MARKET! IN HONOR OF MOTHER’S DA RS AT THE MARKET. ALSO, FLOWERS FOR THE FIRST 25 MOTHE KIDS TO MAKE A GIFT FOR THERE WILL BE A CRAFT BOOTH FOR CHEF MARIO WILL BE HERE THEIR MOM. COOKIN’ THE MARKET LOWED BY TASTING PERFORMING COOKING DEMOS FOL OK FOR SPECIALS! SESSIONS. CHECK US OUT ON FACEBO Your Food, Your Community, Your Farmers’ Market

pcfma.com/clayton 1.800.949.FARM

April 27, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 7

Clayton Farmers’ Market returns for the season Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) is gearing up for the seasonal opening of the Clayton Farmers’ Market on May 12. The market will be back in action with Northern California’s freshest fruits and vegetables and live music and activities to entertain patrons all summer long. “We’re very excited for the reopening of the Clayton Farmers’ Market,” said John Silveira, Director of PCFMA. “We’ve got some exciting events planned and hope to make this a great year.”

The market will be open every Saturday, May 12-Oct. 27,

8 a.m. to noon, at the same location on Diablo Street, between Main and Center Streets.

The entire Clayton community is invited to join in the grand opening festivities, which include a ribbon cutting ceremony with local dignitaries, great music, kids’ activities, flower giveaway for Mothers Day, and a cooking demonstration with “Cookin’ the Market” Chef Mario Hernandez.

“We’re looking forward to kicking off the season with a bang,” says Max Timm, Market Manager. “We have a lot of great activities and events planned, and of course a terrific

selection of California produce.”

The market is a means for supporting local California farmers. Whether you’re looking for earthy asparagus, fresh cut flowers, flavorful onions, juicy strawberries, Asian greens, fresh meats and seafood, or any other spring produce items, you’ll find them at the Clayton Farmers’ Market. More than two dozen California farmers and other food producers are expected to be selling their goods in the market on opening day.

The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association is the state’s largest operator of Certified

Farmers’ Markets, with over 60 Certified Farmers’ Markets weekly in the Bay Area during the peak summer months. Certified Farmers’ Markets are locations that offer only Californiagrown products sold directly to consumers by the farmers that grew, nurtured and harvested the crops.

All PCFMA markets accept WIC FMNP (Woman Infant and Children Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons) and EBT (the Golden State advantage food stamp cards).

It’s a shiny new day for tech companies third quarter as they polish an already stellar operating system.

Apple is readying their TV for rollout soon and Nokia is finally launching their high-tech smartphone gadgets.

No wonder the stock market is embracing technology as a front-runner in this year’s stocks to own. Without a doubt it is a big tech year. But the best rollout news may be local.

WILL CLANEY TECH TALK There is much happiness in tech land these days as the giants of the industry assert themselves by a rollout of improvements and upgrades. This year many well-known tech companies have released or are releasing newer versions of their product or service.

Facebook is readying for their IPO launch in May by renewing their effort to make the social media relevant to advertisers. Microsoft is readying Windows 8 for release in the

A ROLLOUT HERE AT HOME Our little home-town tech company, ComputersUSA, has just re-released its website and is pleased to announce it is open for business.

“I can’t believe we did it,” said Andrew Stuart, the technology master at the company, after seeing the progress of the new site. “Just six months ago we released our new site, only to have a major failure where we

lost everything,” he said. To their surprise there were no usable backups. CUSA salvaged what it could but it started nearly from scratch. In six weeks CUSA has the site open for business once again. Officials at CUSA assure me the site is now fully backed up.

CLEAN OUT DUST Did you know your computer has moving parts? All computers have parts that need maintenance from time to time.

Among the parts that require attention is the fan or cooling systems in your notebook, desktop or server. Fans tend to be electrically charged in such a way they attract dust and the dust sticks to the fan blades degrading its cooling ability.

When computers run hot, they fail. One must clean or blow out the dust frequently to maintain

$500 REBATES LOSE THE LAWN, GET A GARDEN

G IN

NO M

W

SAV EW AT ER

O

CCWD is offering rebates to encourage customers to replace their front lawns with Water-Efficient Landscaping

PE AP

VE

NEY O M

IMPROV EY A RD

SA

NCE A RA

Up To $500 for Residential Homes

Up to $5,000 For Commercial Properties For program Information:

www.ccwater.com/conserve CONTRA COSTA WATER DISTRICT

or call

(925) 688-8320

Funding is limited, so call today!

the computer’s performance.

Dust can slow your computer down by as much as 10 percent, so keep it clean.

The best method for cleaning out the dust is a leaf blower, but a dust-out spray available from most computer stores, Walgreens, Kmart and Staples works well. Don’t be shy, shoot a stream of air into every slot,

cooling vent and orifice you can see and let the dust escape. Or, take your computer to your local computer expert and have them give it an air-bath. It’s well worth it to preserve the performance and longevity of your computer.

KEEP TEMP FILES CLEAN Here’s a tip to keep your computer running at peak per-

formance: Computers collect files from the Internet and store them in a temporary location.

The computer will not automatically remove these accumulating temp files unless you have instructed it to. To remove, open the My Computer icon and select your primary drive, probably C; go to Properties under the general tab. Find “Disk Cleanup.” Wait a moment or two for Windows to display a list of items to be deleted.

Accept the defaults, being sure that Temporary files are checked and Compress old files is NOT checked. Click OK and let the fun begin.

William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to will@claytonpioneer.com.

Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 27, 2012

Every 15 Minutes is a sobering lesson on irresponsible driving SARAH ROSEN Clayton Pioneer

“Megan Elms was crossing the street last night when she was hit by a drunk driver,” Concord Police told Elms’ AP Psychology class on Tuesday, April 3. “Despite the best efforts of EMTs, she was pronounced dead at the scene.”

During the first week of April, the parents of 23 Clayton Valley High School students received similar shocking messages.

These parents, however, were the fortunate ones; they knew that this information was coming, and that it was false.

Their children weren’t real victims, but rather volunteers of Clayton Valley High School’s biannual Every 15 Minutes pro-

gram, sponsored in part by the California Highway Patrol.

The Every 15 Minutes program is a three-day event that aims to teach high school students about the perils of drunk and distracted driving. Over the course of the week, students attend events showing the repercussions of driving irresponsibly. Sophomores and juniors witness a graphic, realistic crash scene in which four of their peers are in a drunk-driving-related accident. Students attend a memorial service for the “victims” of the crash the following day.

Nominated by faculty, 21 students and two teachers volunteered to serve as either crash scene victims or “living dead.”

The living dead were students or teachers pulled from their class-

Doodleton Ranch Summer Nature Camp

Off Morgan Territory Road

Hands-on learning with nature as a backdrop Animal Care Hiking Science Art 5 one-week sessions in July $200 per week, Before & after camp care available For complete brochure, or to register: email katherinepalau@hotmail.com, (510)

207-7467

Coflin Family Chiropractic ci al is t Neck & b ac k p ai n s pe

Dr. Dan Coflin, D.C.

5444 Clayton Rd., Suite B, Concord Proud sponsor of 2012

Clayton Art & Wine Festival

FREE Consultation with this ad

es by officers, after having been “killed” in fictitious drunk-driving incidents.

While many know what happens during the Every 15 Minutes program at school, few experience what happens away from the school. After the living dead left for school the morning of the crash scene, their parents’ worst nightmares came to life.

PARENTS’ WORST NIGHTMARE Visiting each home, a Concord Police Officer and a Chaplain from the Contra Costa Sheriff ’s Dept. said, “I am so very sorry to inform you that your child was hit by a drunk driver last night. Despite the best efforts of EMTs, he/she was pronounced dead at the scene.”

While the parents were informed that this would be happening and understood that it wasn’t real, hearing out loud of their child’s death was heartbreaking.

“Paperwork-wise you knew what to expect,” said Diane Newberry, mother of sophomore Jason Newberry. ”I don’t think we were really prepared for the emotions that really hit.

It sure made an impact on us, and we hope it makes an impact on the kids.”

The night following the “crash,” students stayed overnight at the “student retreat,” where they heard from various speakers and discussed the day’s events, their lives and what was most important to them.

“At the retreat, we learned so much about the consequences of driving under the influence, and how we can hurt ourselves or even others,” Jason Newberry said. “It was very touching. I even had a few tears.”

At the same time, parents attended a “parent retreat,” where similar topics were discussed. Each parent fought back tears as they remembered what it was like to receive that knock and hear that their child would not be coming home again.

At both retreats, everyone was asked to write a letter to their child/parents as if they really had died, essentially writing out their final words to their loved ones. Some of the parent and student letters were chosen to be read aloud at the “memorial service” the following day.

“The part that affected me the most was writing the letter to my parents,” said junior Amanda Forbes. “I had to visualize as if I were really dead and wouldn’t ever be able to see them again, which was really hard.”

THE MEMORIAL SERVICE While the crash scene was a shocking and emotional experience for those in attendance, nothing compared to what came the next day – the memorial

Photo by Mark Hall

TWO OF THE 23 LIVING DEAD STUDENTS PLACE THEIR TOMBSTONES in the ground in front of the CVHS library as part of the Every 15 Minutes program on April 3. Each of the living Dead represents a teenager that was killed somewhere that day in a drinking related collision.

service for the “deceased.”

As the living dead filed into the school gym carrying a casket, everyone immediately fell silent. The letters were then read by students, parents, and teachers, leaving few dry eyes.

“I am writing this letter to ask for one last hug, one last kiss, and one last ‘I love you.’” wrote junior Megan Elms in the letter to her family. “You guys were my backbone, supporting me through the good and the bad,” “One of the most important things that you guys ever

LITTORNO LAW GROUP Assisted over 4,000 Families since 1979

Legal Services:

Living Trusts and Wills Tax & Estate Planning Probate & Trust Administration & Litigation Asset Protection Strategies Medi-cal Benefit Planning VA Accredited Attorney, Member of Academy of VA Pension Planners

Walnut Creek Office:

Pittsburg Office:

3100 Oak Road, #300 Walnut Creek CA 94597 Phone: (925) 937-4211 Richard@LittornoLaw.com

2211 Railroad Ave. Pittsburg CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-4211 www.LittornoLaw.com

better decisions.

“With the experience, I’ve decided that maybe I’ll wait to start to drive. Because we [teens] don’t care and don’t understand the consequences of distracted driving,” said sophomore Jacob Moulton. “Your decision can have a greater impact on other people. A little choice can have a big impact.”

“Drinking and driving is not an accident. It’s a choice that people make,” said Terry Newberry, a retired firefighter of 26 years and Jason’s father.

CVCHS prepares innovative freshman program When students have a plan for their lives they are excited about and can understand the correlation between their goals and education, school becomes more relevant and meaningful. Academic rigor is appropriate and parent-teacher-student relationships progress into the realm of academic counseling and life coaching.

– Clayton Valley Charter High School Student Services Committee

Richard A. Littorno

said to me, that I wish I would have kept in mind, was ‘it’s not you I’m worried about; it’s the other people on the road.’ I heard you guys saying this to me, but I pushed it aside thinking ‘that’ll never be me, and nothing wrong will happen.’ I wish I would’ve kept this in mind and maybe things would be different.”

During the weeks following the program, the living dead noted that the lessons they learned had prompted them to cherish each day and make

I was recently asked by a fellow parent about the new Freshman Transition Program. After interviewing teacher Kat Marzel, here is what I learned: Marzel, a CVCHS PE teacher, student services committee member and link crew mentor, is leading the development of the first week of the CVCHS Freshman Summer Transition Program, or FSTP. Participation in this program, scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon July 30 to Aug.2, is a graduation requirement for all incoming ninth graders. The goal of the program is to set freshman on track for developing a life plan to reach their full potential.

“We want students to discover who they are, what they want to achieve in life and help them develop steps to achieve their goals” says Marzel. The program also includes a variety

of academic and social orientation activities designed to fulfill the following goals: Provide a successful transition from middle school to CVCHS. Orient students to the school campus.

Help students understand the social and academic climate of CVCHS. Promote a sense of wellness and better communications with peers.

Assess current learning and prepare students for the rigors of the school year.

Introduce students to the guiding principles of the Do The Right Thing program.

Perform assessments in the areas of interest, personality and aptitude.

Create a college readiness culture and develop an academic success and career plan.

Introduce families and students to higher education.

Raise awareness of the importance of maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.

Address school safety and modeling positive behavior.

Register students for the fall semester.

To achieve these goals the FSTP utilizes the guiding principles of Clayton City Council’s Do The Right Thing program as the standard of behavior for the

APRIL WINSHIP

THE CHARTER PAPERS social and academic norms of CVCHS. These principles are respect, self-discipline, responsibility, integrity, courage and kindness.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Freshman Summer Transition Program, contact Marzel at katmar56@gmail.com.

If you or your company would like to make a tax deductible donation to help fund this critical, innovative program, contact alison.bacigalupo@claytonvalley.org.

In other charter news: Cantina Ugly has been postponed until September. Stay tuned.

For more information visit www.claytonvalley.org.

What is your vision for CVCHS? What steps would you take to realize this vision? Email comments to april.winship@claytonvalley.org. April Winship is the parent of two CVCHS students. She lives in Clayton with her family.

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

More tips on teaching kids how to manage money In my last column, I covered a half a dozen ideas to help your kids learn about managing their money. Here I add to that list, rounding it out with another six simple steps you can use to teach your children good personal finance skills.

Let children make spending decisions. It’s never too early to teach your kids to spend their money wisely and to show them how to be bargain shoppers.

Take them to different stores and explain how the same items may cost more or less depending on where you shop and which brand you purchase. Let them learn for themselves the difference between paying a premium for a brand-name item or spending less for a generic by allowing them to make their own decisions.

Open a savings account.

This may be one of the best ways to teach children the benefits of saving for the long-term.

Open a basic savings account for them so they can deposit a portion of their allowance, birthday money or other funds

CHRIS HELD

FINANCIAL SENSE into the account. Go over the monthly statements with them, and help them see how their money earns interest over time.

For older children, this can also provide an opportunity to introduce the concept of compounding.

Discuss the benefits of using credit wisely. Explain to your children how “borrowing” money comes with consequences. When you use your credit card, remind them that you still need to pay the full amount for your purchases when the bill comes due. Illus-

trate this point by showing them how much more you will actually pay when interest charges are added to the bill. You can also set a good example for them by paying your entire bill each month and not carrying a balance that would incur interest.

Encourage children to invest in the market. You can introduce your kids to the financial markets by helping them purchase shares of companies they are familiar with in their everyday lives. You should explain to them that the market can fluctuate and review account statements together so they see the up and down activity. Kids can even follow their stocks in the paper each day, giving them something to look forward to and helping establish a sense of ownership.

Teach children to be charitable. You can assist them in finding a good cause that they can understand. Encourage your children to donate to charitable

Page 9

The Market is Starting to Heat up!

CUSTOM ESTATE HOME AT A SUPER PRICE! only $899,000!

EASLEY RANCH SHOWPLACE

D SOL

Fantastic custom-built home in 2002, with 4,022 Sq Ft of Elegance plus a 500 Sq Ft Basement! 5 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, granite & marble, 3 fireplaces, 3 car garage & Clayton’s best neighborhood! A Nature Lover’s paradise with 1.26 acres of heritage oaks, redwoods & fruit trees, 7 patios, meandering trails your own lush meadow, and awesome views!

Regular Sale. Not a Short Sale.

FOR ONLY

$635,000!

This exciting tri-level home is on a large and level sell Sq Ft Lot that is fully an13,750 c e t landscaped o! has large RV space! 4 Pe rs toand u o Bedrooms plus a Den, 2.5 Baths, Indoor y Laundry Room & a Wet-Bar! Upgrades Deluxe with hardwood cherry flooring, dual pane windows, base & crown molding, and a gourmet granite kitchen with wine cooler, smooth top stove, and built-in cherry wood cabinets! Immaculate & Ready to Sell!

KNOWLEDGE SERVICE INTEGRITY RESULTS

DRE#00344166

April 27, 2012

Pete Laurence, Broker, Realtor, GRI

Cell 890-6004 Fax 937-0150 2950 Buskirk Ave., Ste.. 140, Walnut Creek

Retirement.

See Financial, page 12

Do you have a written plan in place for the orderly distribution of your assets?

D.C. Trip opens up new horizons for students

We can help you get organized.

1026 Oak Street, Suite 200

Clayton, CA 94517

(925) 672-7700

www.ProsperitasWM.com

We are committed to serving the Clayton Community.

CELINE HERRERA DVMS REPORTER

California Insurance License #: 0C99169 Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Investors Capital Advisory.

Seeing something in person is different than reading about it in your history book. Waking up at 6 a.m. each morning to see so many sites that represented the founding and history of our beautiful country is different than waking up each morning at 6 a.m. to go to school. Add in walking and shopping until we eighth graders dropped, and we had the quintessential experience of “The D.C. Trip,” the annual East Coast trek many middle schoolers take to learn more about our country.

From April 7 through April 14, many Diablo View Middle School eighth graders traveled with World Strides, which organized the activities for the eighth graders. The trip spanned New York, Pennsylvania and the Washington D.C. area.

Mr. Nichols has led the trip for many years, and has made sure that each student traveled safe and received medical attention when needed. He doesn’t get paid to do this; he does this because of his love of teaching students things that we wouldn’t be able to experience in a history textbook. A total of 78 participants went on the trip,

Servicing You in the Comfort of Your Own Home Photo by Colleen Nichols

DVMS students gathered at the Mayflower 2 in Plimoth Plantation in Boston. Over spring break, the students visited New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and Boston.

with 10 chaperones and 68 students.

I remember being pumped up about the trip ever since I heard about it. The wait was worth it. The students and chaperones visited many historic sites that commemorate our country’s establishment and history. From seeing the World War II Memorial to Plimoth Plantation (yes, it’s spelled like that), to seeing magic happening in “The Lion King” on Broadway, the trip is something all the students will remember and treasure.

The D.C. Trip participants and I want to thank the chaperones for helping us with this adventure, being our extra “eyes” and “ears” on the trip when we needed someone to watch our backs. Also, a big thank you to Mr. Nichols for

organizing the trip, getting tickets to each place in advance so we wouldn’t have to wait in monotonous lines, coming up with fun activities for us to do (for example: running up the steps like Rocky and doing his famous victory pose on the top) and teaching us lessons on the way — in the history textbook and out. I learned so much, not only about the U.S., but also about myself, and taking on new responsibilities.

Celine Herrera is in the eighth grade at Diablo View Middle School. Email comments or questions to celine@claytonpioneer.com.

WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES • • • • • • •

Incontinence Care Medication Management Feeding, Meal Preparation Comfort & Companionship Light Housekeeping Shower Toileting

(Locally Owned by an RN)

Call us for Free Consultation (888) 689-3010 or (925) 689-6887 Available 24/7 Reliable Efficient Trustworthy Insured and Bonded Lic #1455 = WE BEAT ALL OTHER PRICES!

Always Available DME Durable Medical Equipment

Fast and Free Delivery

Medicare Certified

“Our Prices are the Lowest”

We Sell/Rent Out The Following Medical Equipment/Supplies • • • •

Hospital Bed Electric Scooters Transfer Benches Shower Chairs

• Dignity Pads • Oxygen Concentrators • Raised Toilet Seats

• • • •

Hydraulic Lift Wheelchairs Rollators Splints

• Lift Chairs • Gloves Not Listed Call Us!

“We Serve You With Dignity, We Preserve Our Integrity” 3532 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA 94517

(888) 689-3010 or (925) 689-6887

UTOPIC GARDENS

MAXIMIZE !

925-524-0055 DESIGN & INSTALLATION LIC. NO. 898331 Fully Insured

www.UtopicGardens.com

Personal training with a Pilates Infusion

10% discount

1026 Oak Street, Ste. 102, Clayton 925.672.2995

info@levityfitness.com

www.levityfitness.com

Mention this ad when purchasing a gift certificate (more than $50) & receive a on an hour of personal training or one group class.

New exotic dance Saturday mornings

Page 10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 27, 2012

Sports Clayton rider heads for her first nationals in Reno JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Sarah Brooks was born in Clayton and 33 years later still lives here. Her parents, Dale and Sandy, owned horses and Sarah quickly climbed aboard, shaping her life’s direction. She began riding in competitions at six-yearsold and next week will be in her first cutting nationals in Reno.

Cutting is an equestrian event with roots in the Western United States. In the event, the horse and rider select and separate a cow out of a small herd. The cow tries to return to its herd and the rider loosens the reins and leaves it entirely to the horse to keep the cow separated, “a job the best horses do with relish, savvy and style.” A contestant has 2½ minutes to show the horse; typically three cows are cut during a run. A judge awards points to the cutter to determine results.

The National Cutting Horse Association Western Nationals feature riders who qualified by earning the most money during 2011. Sarah Brooks travels around Northern California almost every weekend to compete in cutting events and this is the second year in a row she won enough to reach the nationals.

She didn’t take part last year when nationals were held in Utah, partially because of an equine disease outbreak in Utah and Idaho.

With the Nationals moved to

Reno this year she is ready to go and test herself against the best, something she’s been preparing for “all her life.” She was second

in the Pacific Coast and fourth in the NCHA in 2011 earnings riding Monta Doc Amy her 20-yearold quarter horse.

Last Wednesday marked 100 days before the start of the London Games. The United States Olympic Committee announced a campaign starting that land-

and would go twice a month to Livermore for more training as well as attending various clinics.

She was six when she began

Photo courtesy of Brooks family

CLAYTON NATIVE SARAH BROOKS WILL BE RIDING MONTA DOC AMY in her horse’s final competition next week at the National Cutting Horse Association Western Nationals in Reno. This is the first time Brooks has competed at the final event.

Ipsen featured among superstars promoting Team USA for London Olympic Games JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

As a young girl Sarah Brooks did a lot of trail riding in Clayton with her parents. She had two horse lessons a week in Danville

mark day to promote Team USA’s participation, highlighting superstar athletes from the 26 Olympic sports for the Raise Our Flag effort. Featured among the likes of swimmers Natalie Coughlin, Missy Franklin and Ryan Lochte, gym-

Photo Credit - Mitch Haaseth/NBC

KRISTIAN IPSEN IS ONE OF 100 AMERICAN ATHLETES spotlighted to bring awareness to the impending Summer Games by seeking sponsors to stich the American flag that will be flown in London. Supporters can go online and add a stich to the American flag for each $12 donated between now and July 12. The program is available at raiseourflag.teamusa.org.

competing in dressage and then moved on to three-day eventing (same as Olympic competition) comprising show jumping, cross country and dressage. Her parents took her to competitions in equine hotbeds like Fresno, Woodside and Rancho Murrieta.

She began competing in cutting over 10 years ago.

She loved horses and trained and participated on them to the exclusion of other sports and activities. She attended Clayton Valley High School and – not surprisingly – after college went to work as a registered veterinary technician.

Over the years Brooks has won over $75,000 at NCHA events. She has ridden a variety of horses and still owns her first show horse Misty, a quarter horse that is now 35 years-old.

“She definitely has had quite an impact on my life,” says Brooks, who also has Image, a 28-yearold thoroughbred gelding.

Amy is semi-retired and Reno will be her final show so Brooks is now prepping a five-year-old mare, Dual Rey Kitty, who stays in Woodland with Brooks’ trainer of three years Tom Diaz.

Brooks isn’t quite sure of the number but her parents still have about 20 horses plus her four horses at their home on Morgan Territory. Brooks got married last year and husband Matt “prefers water sports and fishing” but he’ll be in Reno next week for the big event.

Amgen Tour racers cycling through Concord and Clayton May 15 Chris Horner, left, of the RadioShackNissan-Trek team looks to defend his 2011 championship at the Amgen Tour of California which will be coming through Clayton after descending from Mt. Diablo in Stage 3 of America’s premier cycling race on Tuesday, May 15.

Three-time tour winner Levi Leipheimer has cast doubts about his chances to participate due to a serious car accident in Spain.

The peloton of 200 cyclists will race down Ygnacio Valley Rd. onto Clayton Rd. and through Clayton past the library, fire station and Diablo View Middle School to Marsh Creek Rd. at 20-28 mph towards the Stage 3 finish line in Livermore. Time estimates range between 1 and 2 p.m. for the local race action.

The event is just weeks before many of those same athletes compete in the Tour De France and only 10 weeks prior to the Summer Olympics in London.

Traffic will be subject to periodic short delays of up to 10 minutes as the race moves through town and potentially longer delays on Marsh Creek Road as the race completes its final stage to Livermore. Watch for more details on traffic control and road closures in the next issue of the Pioneer.

nasts Alicia Sacramone and Nastia Liukin, soccer stars Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan and beach volleyball legends Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor is 19-year-old Clayton diver Kristian Ipsen.

Ipsen is one of the 100 American athletes spotlighted to bring awareness to the impending Summer Games by seeking sponsors to stich the American flag that will be flown in London. Unlike other countries, athletes in the United States do not receive government funding so the USOC needs to raise millions to house, train and equip its 600 Olympic athletes. Ipsen’s synchro diving partner Troy Dumais and female diver Brittany Viola are also part of the 100 athletes in the promotion, which kicked off April 18 with a ceremony that also featured iconic 1948 gold medalist diver D. Sammy Lee. Supporters can go online and add a stitch to the American flag for each $12 donated between now and July 12. The program is available at

Photo courtesy of Amgen Tour of California

See Ipsen , page 11

Cheyenne Electric Inc.

CaseyCopeland.com

Got more stuff than you need?

• Residential & commercial

Youth Leadership Training That Works

10th Annual

installation, remodel, repair and troubleshooting • Emergency repairs 24/7 • Free estimates Owned by Mike Henry & Bob Breland

566-8226

Insured and Bonded License #624336

Work done for the city of Clayton. We do

Check us out at everything including ceiling fans, recessed light-

Yelp.com

ing, wall outlet/switch repairs, service upgrades, rewiring, new panels and tenant improvements.

Helping young people overcome anxiety & develop confidence with our AFFORDABLE seminar series

Public Speaking Financial Management Entrepreneurship Low teacher/student ratio Debate & Team Building Affordable

Visit us online today at

www.caseycopeland.com

Join your neighbors for the

ity n u m m o C t Oakhurs Sat., May 19 e l 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. a S e Garag Sponsored by Clayton’s Real Estate Professional

Call or email by May 10 to participate 672-3000

Joedajani@att.net

April 27, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Sports Sports Shorts SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM DEADLINES APPROACH FOR CLAYTON GYM

Summer will be a busy time at Clayton Community Gym. Football and cheer camps for 515 year-olds, day camps (day care) and adult golf classes are registering now with a May 1 deadline for these programs.

The deadline is May 15 to sign up for summer leagues in youth volleyball (8-15 years-old) and basketball (4-14 year-olds). For more information or to register for any program offered by All Out Sports at the gym, visit alloutsportsleague.com.

CLAYTON VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS

The 11th annual Clayton Valley youth football camp for boys and girls entering third through ninth grades runs June 18-22 at Gonsalves Stadium on the Clayton Valley High School campus from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Camp director Herc Pardi, assistant director Paul Reynaud and the Eagles coaching staff and players provide fundamental instruction and daily full contact competition. There is a trainer on site. Each participant gets a camp shirt and written evaluation. Cost is $125, plus a refundable $75 equipment fee. For more information, email herc_pardi@hotmail.com, call (925) 682-7474 ext. 3115 or pick up a brochure at the CVHS front office.

MISSED SOCCER TRYOUTS? CONTACT DIABLO FC FOR EVALUATION

Competitive soccer team tryouts with Diablo FC for boys and girls for the 2012-13 season have been completed. Director of Coaching Brian Voltattorni says there are still openings on some teams. The competitive youth soccer club has boys and girls teams from U8 through U19. Boys and girls who missed tryouts should go online to register for a tryout at diablofc.org and their age group coach will contact them.

MDSA REGISTRATION NOW OPEN ONLINE FOR 32ND FALL SOCCER SEASON

Girls and boys four to 18 years can sign up now for the 32nd AYSO season of Mt. Diablo Soccer Association. The early bird special registration fee of $110 expires April 30. Player team placement is guaranteed for every player who signs up by May 31. Email questions to registration@mdsoccer.org or visit mdsoccer.org.

Submit Sports Items Online Visit our website at claytonpioneer.com. to submit Sports Shorts & other items.

AOSL PRESENTS

PROGRAMS NOW AVAILABLE! Registration Now Open

Youth Summer Basketball League Youth Summer Volleyball League

Call for details

Personal Training for kids

Youth Football Camp Youth Cheer Camp Summer Day Care Adult Volleyball Tournaments

StudentAthlete Websites available

formation –

Registration In

ue.com g a le s t r o p s t u o or call (925) 203-5626 www.all

Photos by Sarah Okimoto

CLAYTON RESIDENTS CHRISTINE HUNHOFF, LEFT, AND STACEY OKIMOTO had enough energy to wave as they were in the final phase of the fourth annual Clayton Triathlon. The 5K run around Clayton wrapped up their swim, bike and run event.

ALLEN BLATTER HAS ORGANIZED THE CLAYTON TRIATHLON for the last four springs but his satisfaction with pulling off a growing and successful event has been tempered by losing each of the triathlons to his brother Brian, above. “Most of the participants do it for the fun and accomplishment of finishing. However, my brother Brian and I use it as an annual grudge match.”

Ipsen, from page 10 raiseourflag.teamusa.org.

Ipsen and Dumais, a threetime Olympian who is 13 years older than the Clayton athlete, have been among the premier three-meter synchro diving teams in the world since being paired together in early 2009.

They hope to secure their London berth at the US Olympic Trials at Federal Way, Washington June 17-24.

As a Stanford freshman Ipsen won the NCAA threemeter springboard championship last month, the first men’s diver from the Farm to claim a NCAA diving championship in 82 years. The Clayton native was a four-time North Coast Section champion and high school All-America at De La Salle.

One of the other Olympians among the 100 in the Raise the Flag promotion is Coughlin, a Concord Terrapins, Carondelet High and Cal Bears alumnus who will join a select group of two as the most decorated American women Olympians ever if she claims a single medal in London. Coughlin has won

GYM RENTAL AVAILABLE.

Registration Opens on May 1

SARAH OKIMOTO & JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

In the spring of 2009 about a dozen hardy souls took part in the inaugural Clayton Olympic Distance Triathlon while swimming, biking and running through the community. Earlier this month 45 participants competed in the fourth edition of the event, now dubbed the Clayton Triathlon, which has sprint and Olympic distances contested.

The triathletes ranged in age from 15 to the late 60s.

There were two relay teams and seven others who did the bike or run portions only.

The sprint version is a .45mile swim, 12.5-mile bike ride

2012

SUMMER

Clayton Triathlon a test of endurance, fitness

FOOTBALL, CHEER SIGNUPS OPEN FOR CLAYTON VALLEY FALCONS Registration is now open for Clayton Valley Youth football and cheer. Football is open for ages 7-14 while cheer accepts ages 5-14. The next in-person registration days for the CVAA Falcons are Thursday, May 17, 6:30-8 p.m. and Sunday, May 27, 1-3:30 p.m. at Mountain Mike’s Pizza by Clayton Bowl. The season starts July 30. For more information and online registration visit CVAAFalcons.com

ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUE

11 Olympic medals in her 11 previous Olympic events while Jenny Thompson won 12 Olympic swimming medals. A pair of London medals will take Coughlin past Thomson into sole possession of the all-time record.

Ipsen competed with Dumais in Moscow two weeks ago in the FINA World Series, taking the silver medal in men’s synchronized three-meter, scoring 417.15 points to finish second to a Russian duo. They then jetted off to Tijuana, Mexico for another World Services meet last week before training back in Federal Way, WA with the national team. After a week off he’ll be heading to Ft. Lauderdale to dive against an international field at the annual AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix May 10-13, his last competition before the all-important Olympic Trials.

The London Olympics are July 27 through Aug. 12 with diving scheduled for July 29Aug. 11. There are eight Olympic diving events with 136 athletes competing.

and 5K run while the Olympic distance features .9mile swim, 25-mile bike and 10K run. Times ranged from the 2:40s to over four hours.

“The purpose is to give folks in Clayton and Concord a no-cost incentive to stay in shape, give purpose to their training and have fun socializing,” says organizer Allen Blatter. “Most of the participants do it for the fun and accomplishment of finishing.

However, my brother Brian and I use it as an annual grudge match. Brian has won every event with a time in the 2:40 range. This year was no exception. So I have the incentive to coordinate it again next year as I’m within three minutes of catching him.”

Nine triathletes were taking part in their first such event. The Clayton Triathlon begins with a 30- or 60-lap swim at the InShape pool (“Given that most of the participants are club members,” Blatter explained) immediately followed by the bike course in two loops covering a good part of Clayton ending at the Clayton Gove Park where the finishing run, a perfect 10K loop covering the distance between Safeway and Regency Dr. along the scenic Clayton trail system, starts.

NEW e tt e y a f a L n o i t a c o L “Over and above your expectations”

8 locations to serve you All (925) Area Code

Concord Via de Mercados* Fremont St. Walnut Creek N. Broadway N. Main* Lafayette Brentwood* Antioch Pittsburg*

689-1739 686-1739 210-1739 979-1739 283-5600 634-6366 755-1739 432-9910

*Open Saturdays

24 hr. Towing (925) 822-2494

y e l l a V n o t Clay l

Bowl

5300 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA 925.689.4631

visit: claytonvalleybowl.com

Digital Thunder Glow Bowling 5 BIG DVD SCREENS Ask about High End Digital Private Parties FRI 4 pm - 6 pm (kids), 10 pm - 1 am, Sat 10 pm - 1 am

Freaky Funday on Sundays 5pm to midnight - $6 cover charge gets you $1-games, shoes, hotdogs, sodas & small beers.

Nifty $1.50 Nights for everyone

Sarah Okimoto is a senior at CVHS. The photography and reporting for this story was part of her Senior Project

$1.50 games, Mon. thru Thu. 9pm to midnight

Now taking SUMMER LEAGUE signups for all ages

Online registration is now open for the

2012 Fall Season Mt. Diablo Soccer - AYSO Region 223 Everybody Plays. . . Everybody Wins!

Fun, affordable memories that last a lifetime.

Mt. Diablo Soccer has been the first name in youth soccer in the Diablo Valley since 1980. Every child plays at least 50% of EVERY game!

Mt. Diablo Soccer - Fall 2012 Open to Boys & Girls, Ages 4 -18 (U5 players must be 4 by July 31, 2012 to play this Fall season) We have opened up our online Fall Registration - Register between now and April 30 to take advantage of our Early Bird Rates

www.mdsoccer.org 2012 Registration Fees Register NOW to guarantee a spot for your child.

If you have any questions please send email to:

registration@mdsoccer.org

• $110 for Early Bird registration (thru April 30th) • $125 Regular Fee (effective May 1-31st) • $125 Waitlist Players (June 1-30th) • $150 Late Registration (July 1-31st) Registration will be closed and Fall season will begin on August 1st

Page 12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 27, 2012

Sports Dr. Jeanette Hochstatter

Eagles softball toughened up with challenging non-league schedule

5442 Ygnacio Valley Rd. #180

925.672.4100 CLAYTON VALLEY CENTER Next door to Jamba Juice

Most insurance plans accepted

foresightoptometry.com

by Steffan Smith General contractor with 25 years of hands-on experience “We finish

your job before starting the next one.”

Specializing in finish carpentry All work done by Steffan & Sons Clayton resident Call for FREE Local references

License #B801149

* Mention this ad. Some restrictions apply.

ESTIMATE or

Remodeling Advice

914-0497

Photos by Sarah Okimoto

JUNIOR RIGHTHANDER SHANNON MESTAS (RIGHT) AND SOPHOMORE CATCHER RACHEL SIVER (LEFT) give first-year Clayton Valley High School girls varsity softball coach Kristen Morley depth as the Eagles attempt to reach the NCS playoffs for the eight successive year. Junior pitcher Katilyn Covione and catcher Bella Faleafine are also key returning batterymates.

JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

First-year Clayton Valley High school girls softball coach Kristen Morley navigated her players through a challenging non-league schedule against top-flight Division 1 opponents.

That’s paying off as the Eagles enjoy success in Diablo Valley Athletic League play where they are chasing perennial top contender Concord High for league honors.

“My expectation for the season is to make a solid impact in both league and North Coast Section,” Morley says as she moved to the head coaching position after two years as an assistant. She inherits a team

Equipped to handle all your electrical needs New construction Remodel Trouble Shooting Low Voltage Wiring

which returned almost a full intact roster from last spring.

Clayton Valley softball has been a regular qualifier for the NCS playoffs including the last seven years in a row.

The Eagles have a pair of starting pitchers in juniors Katilyn Covione and Shannon Mestas. The two play second base when they are not throwing and Mestas also plays in centerfield.

Their classmates Jacee Almond at shortstop and catcher Bella Faleafine are key figures for the Eagles.

Sophomore catcher Rachel Siver and versatile infielder Jenna Zukowski are playing key roles again this year.

Newcomers include senior Tabatha Ostolaza and freshmen Kaitlyn Montgomery and Katie

Speakers Multi Media Alarm Wiring & Monitoring We can do it all!

No job is too big or too small.

For a free estimate give us a call.

925-777-3440

Jake Pauline, Owner Clayton Resident

www. B lack D iamond E lectric.com

Financial, from page 9 organizations, and share with them your experiences of giving to charity. This will help them see they can derive great satisfaction from sharing their money with those in need, and also teach them important habits that they will carry with

them for the future.

Use resources available in your area. Beyond the lessons you can teach them at home, your kids can participate in valuable learning experiences through various other sources.

There are many financial literacy

Mayhew. Montgomery is another pitcher for the Eagles.

Kayla Hartmann, Kayla Fjellbo, Kathy Mason, Julia Arteaga, Madi Tamichi and Mallory Landers are also on Morley’s first varsity squad.

Softball playoffs begin May 22/23 and Morley expects to be in the dugout with her Eagles.

EAGLES BOYS VOLLEYBALL Fifth-year head coach and CVHS alumnus Stephen Coddington says his boys volleyball team should be contending with Northgate and College Park for DVAL honors and then earning a spot in the NCS playoffs for the fourth successive season.

Standout Mitchell D’Angina, Clark Stratford and Austin

programs available for children; start by checking with your local children’s museum or neighborhood schools to find resources to help them learn. You can also look on wellsfargoadvisors.com for more information.

While you’ve undoubtedly thought of other ideas to teach your children about money, these simple steps can help you

Woods are gone but Coddington has a large complement of veteran players.

Senior middle blockers Taylor Wingard and Mckay Blatter and their classmates Cole Willardson, setter, and Dalton Moore, opposite/libero provide their skill and experience to the Eagles. Sophomores Garrett Blatter and Matt D’Angina are back for their second varsity seasons.

New to varsity by making their marks are junior outside hitter Jeremiah Stielow and seniors Christo Lopez and Tommy Butler. Also on the team are Clark Blatter, Shane Russell, Colton Bryson, Eric Lozoya and Tyler Sun. NCS volleyball playoffs start May 16.

get them started. The important thing is to teach them early on, so you can help them establish good habits that will stay with them for the long run.

This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Chris J. Held, Financial Advisor.

Email questions or comments to Chris.J.Held@wellsfargo.com

Ca. License # 724171

No charge for

measures or sample check outs

It could be a virus or it could just need a tune-up.

Prevent problems caused by viruses and spyware with Regular proactive maintenance.

TOTAL DESKTOP CARE & SERVER WATCH Low cost, fixed fee services that monitor & maintain your network Call Mark 925.672.6029 or to minimize info@netsolutions-ca.com IT problems

etg at CarSp r ta tin

ft. .99 sq.

$1

Tilineg at

Start

sq.ft. $ 2.00

Lamin ate Start ing at

99 ¢ sq.ft .

Hurry ! This Sale Ends May 10

Abbey Carpet & Floor 1170 Burnett Ave., Ste. E, Concord

Doug Van Wyck

It can also provide for today.

CLU ChFC, Agent Insurance Lic. # 0586396

925-672-2300

I’ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs.

GET TO A BETTER STATE.®

www.dougvanwyck.com

CALL ME TODAY.

6200 Center St. Ste. A Clayton, CA 94517

Flooring & Interiors

925-686-9901

Contra Costa Floors Showroom hours: M-F 9-5 Sat 10-4

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL

1203087

April 27, 2012

Art and Wine, from page 1 looking for a way to earn money for his first truck. The slate-with-iron-and-copper waterfalls financed his custom 1954 Chevy pick-up. But when the economy fell, so did Dream Falls.

A few months ago Quadrato’s wife, Lisa, was in Napa and saw a wine table she liked built from a wine barrel. She snapped a picture and Quadrato quickly figured out how to fashion one.

In his “down time” from vice president of operations at Cook’s Collision Centers, Quadrato built a couple dozen wine tables, several types of candle holders, “Magic” wine bottle holders, wine barrel bottom clocks and a bread tray.

At $225, Quadrato’s prices are less than half the price of the Napa pieces. Unique table top designs include natural, glass (displaying a cork collection), copper and “industrial” looks. And if you get there early, there may be a few waterfalls left, too.

Artist Terri Swanson is attending her first festival.

Normally Swanson is at her sister Nancy and David Helwig’s southern California winery attending to the business of 55 alpacas.

When Helwig’s children went off to college, she began raising and breeding suri alpacas on their Thousand Oaks property as an investment opportunity under the name 925 Suris of Sterling Alpacas.

“Nancy was attracted to the suri breed because of their elegance and luscious, shimmering, hypoallergenic locks flowing in the breeze,” Swanson says.

As an art major in college with an interest in fibers and yarns, it was no surprise that “it was love at first sight” when Nancy showed Swanson samples of the suri locks. She then began helping Nancy with the fiber side of the business.

“It seemed everywhere I turned, there was little information about suri and, from the little I gleaned from experts, I was told ‘You can’t do anything with suri,’” Swanson says. Suri fiber looks like twisted dreadlocks compared to the more popular huacaya fibers that are compared to fuzzy teddy bears.

“I’m an obstinate Swede: nobody tells me I cannot do something,” Swanson says. “So I set out to disprove all the suri fiber stereotypes.”

Now Swanson shares what she has learned by teaching seminars and workshops and participating in shows.

This weekend Swanson brings products including hats, scarves, mittens, blankets and throws along with raw fibers, all from the Helwig’s own alpacas. She’ll be on hand to demonstrate carding and handspinning yarns, answering questions and teaching.

The Art & Wine Festival, The Oktoberfest and the Clayton Classic Golf Tournament are the three major fundraisers produced by the Clayton Business and Community Association each year. All money raised from the events is sent back into the community in the form of charitable donations, civic projects and scholarships. For more information on the CBCA or for a membership application, call (925) 672-2272 or visit the CBCA website at www.claytoncbca.org.

The festival runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 6.

For more information, see ad on page 17.

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Roscoe and Daisy are this week’s ARF Adoption Stars 5438 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Ste. 20 (925) 672-2276 Clayton Valley Shopping

Center, Next to Yogurt Shack

New

g Sprines Sahveoarrived h

Resort, Spa, Salon

Roscoe is a cuddly, easygoing boy. Roscoe is mild-mannered but he’ll make you smile with his gentle, sweet spirit and can be quite silly and quirky once he gets to know you. A Wallflowers or Small Dog Manners training class would be a great starting point for Roscoe and his new adopter.

The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60 percent off one 7-week dog training session.

Daisy will melt your heart

with her cuteness and gentle personality. She is a mellow girl looking for a comfy bed to take her daily kitty naps as well as a gentle person to give her lots of petting.

The adoption fee for adult cats is $50.

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m.

Swarms, from page 1 to fly in the car while Angelique was getting in.”

Unstung, Booth and Steiner soon sped to a bee-free zone.

An average swarm can contain 10,000 bees. But despite their scary appearance, local beekeepers – called apiarists say swarms are a normal part of nature that occurs every year.

Spurred on by the arrival of springtime and the abundance of flowers, queen bees lay enough eggs that their hive

grows full. A new queen is hatched, and the old queen makes space by flying off in search of a new home, taking up to half of the bees with her.

According to Mike Stephanos, a Walnut Creek beekeeper who routinely answers calls for help with swarms from home and business-owners, the bees aren’t interested in a fight.

Prior to leaving their old hive, they fill up on honey to take to the new home.

The Way We Were

Mitchell Family photo courtesy of Clayton Historical Society

In this c. 1895 photograph, the Mitchell family, early Clayton settlers, poses outside their home at the intersection of Main and Morris streets.

Pictured from left to right are, Isaac Newton Berry Mitchell (mounted), his wife, Louise Nottingham Mitchell, two young boys (unidentified) and Cary Phelps “Cap” Mitchell.

The steer tethered to Mitchell’s horse remains,

Extraordinary Care for your Pet

DAISY

ROSCOE

nameless.

The Mitchell home was on the property where the Village Market is now located. The site was originally covered with eucalyptus trees, all of which became diseased and were eventually removed. The trees extended all the way to Old Marsh Creek Road, covering the corner where the park is now, hence the name of the community park – The Grove.

Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process.

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.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.

“They’re a little sleepy, a little docile,” he said.

Stephanos called it the “Thanksgiving effect.”

He suggested that the seemingly high number of swarms is really just that the season during which they normally occur was compressed. The warm weather early in the year starting flowers blooming – and hives filling – and was followed by rain that kept the growing number of bees stuck inside their old hives.

“Just relax,” Stephanos advised people who might come across a swarm. “Let them be on their way. Give them a respectful distance and they will respect you.”

In fact, bees aren’t just picnic pests and honey hoarders, but are used in major agribusiness to pollinate crops, including almonds, plums, cherries, and other berries.

“All the food we eat, it’s because of bees,” said Lopez.

“If we don’t have bees, we don’t have food.”

Scientists are studying the healing effects of bee venom on conditions from arthritis to multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease as well.

Stephanos suggested that homeowners who come across a swarm on their property contact the Mt. Diablo Beekeepers A s s o c i a t i o n , www.diablobees.org, who can put them in touch with someone to collect the bees.

As for those who do have to endure a sting, Stephanos suggested a remedy in keeping with the occasion: a little dab of locally-grown honey.

“We have a really great symbiotic relationship,” he said. “We give them a home in exchange for honey.”

FREE pickup & delivery Now Open Sundays, 10-5 Fully staffed & monitored 24/7

10% off Boarding & Grooming services with this ad

Exotic Pets Welcome!

Josie Van Fleet, Owner and Operator (925) 432-PETS (7387) 671 Willow Pass Road #6, Pittsburg

PetSuitesInn.com

Remodeling

Windows/Doors

Crown

Molding Overhangs

Decks Siding

Trim

Clayton Resident

FREE estimates

Specializing in

Bathrooms & Kitchens

TipperaryConstruction.com

Tipperary Construction Inc. General Contractor,

license# 783799, B, HIC

Page 14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 27, 2012

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MAY 2 FOR THE MAY 11 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com

IN CLAYTON May 5 Spring Trail Ride Competitive trail ride on Mt. Diablo with Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association. Contact Ellen Pofcher at 672-3733 or mtnoaks@earthlink.net.

May 5, 6 Art & Wine Festival Art, crafts, food, music, kiddieland. Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.

– 5 p.m. Main Street, downtown Clayton. claytoncbca.org. 672-2272.

May 12 Grand Opening Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. – noon, Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown, pcfma.com/clayton.

May 12 Concerts in the Grove 6 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3.

May 15 Amgen Tour Professional bicycle road race riding through Clayton on Clayton Road.

1 – 3 p.m. amgentourofcalifornia.com.

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

May 12 Chamber Music SF Sergey Khatchatryan plays the violin. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets on sale May 12 at 12 a.m. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 12 Contra Costa Wind Symphony Sublime to Silly: Rachmaninoff to Godzilla featuring pianist Eric Tran. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. ccwindsymphony.org. 943-7469.

May 13 Diablo Symphony Orchestra Concert. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 14 Stroke Support Group Speaker Michael J. Young, attorney, discusses elder law and estate planning. Breakout sessions after for support groups. 7 – 9 p.m. Ball Auditorium at John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Contact Ann Dzuna at 376-6218.

May 18, 19 Smuin Ballet Spring program. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $54-$67. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Thru Apr. 28 “Rumors” Widely considered Neil Simon’s funniest play, this story follows one hilarious evening of cover-ups, confusions and miscommunications. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $38-43. centerrep.org. 943-7469.

May 18, 19 “The Waiting Period” Popular radio and TV talk show host, Brian Copeland, performs this solo show about his fierce wrestle with suicidal depression. Astonishingly funny and brutally honest. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $50. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Thru Apr. 29 “Anything Goes” When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes. Featuring the music of Cole Porter. Willows Theatre, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $16-$30. willowstheatre.org, 798-1300.

May 18 – June 23 “Xanadu” A young artist is trying to paint his enduring masterpiece (in chalk) on the boardwalk of Venice Beach and before you can say “roller disco!” his muse appears in the form of Olivia Newton-John. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$47. centerrep.org. 943-7469.

Thru May 6 “Spring Awakening” A timeless story of teenage self-discovery and budding sexuality as seen through the eyes of three teenagers. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17-$35. centerrep.org. 943-7469.

Apr. 27, 28 “Bye, Bye, Birdie” Teen Theatre members perform this musical about rock ‘n’ roll superstar Conrad Birdie (loosely based on Elvis Presley) who, to the dismay of his adoring fans, is about to be drafted into the Army. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $14.50-$16. lesherartscenter.org.

943-7469.

April 27 – 29 Artists’ Market Garden art for sale in spring show of Clay Arts Guild, including demonstration and ceramic works from Clayton resident Ellen Sachtschale.

Reception with live music, light refreshments and flower arranging demonstration begins event on Friday. Fri. 5 – 9 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Civic Arts Education Studio, 1313 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. clayartsguild.com. 943-5846.

Apr. 27 – May 12 “The Gin Game” Two aging inhabitants of a nursing home play gin and reveal the intimate and shocking details of their lives. Diablo Actors’ Ensemble, 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. diabloactors.com.

Apr. 28 Bike Ride 17th annual Devil Mountain Double Century Bicycle Ride starts and ends in San Ramon. Covers Pine Hollow Road, Mt. Zion to Clayton Road, Main Street to Marsh Creek Road between 7 and 9 a.m. quackcyclists.com. Call Scott Halversen (510) 882-6727.

Apr. 29 Chamber Music SF Richard Stoltzman, clarinet, and Eliot Fisk, guitar, perform. 2:30 p.m.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets on sale Apr. 29 at 12 a.m. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 1 Pregnancy Nutrition Information on healthy pregnancy nutrition. 6:30 – 8 p.m. John Muir Women’s Health Center, 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek. Free.

Register at johmuirhealth.com or 941-7900.

May 3 - 6 “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the bravest of you all? Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.

May 3 - 27 “Lettice and Lovage” Lettice engages the stoic, conventional Lotte in a battle to the death of all that is sacred to the Empire and the crown. Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $10-$18. brownpapertickets.com.

May 5, 6 California Symphony Lara St. John, violin, and Beethoven’s Ninth. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39-$69. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 6 Peter Petra and the Wolf Joyful dance performances by The Ballet School, including pieces from “West Side Story”, “On the Town” and “Singin’ in the Rain.” 7:30 p.m.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 11 Mom and the City Night of pampering, tours, fashion show for moms-to-be or those in the stages of planning pregnancy. 6:30 – 9 p.m. John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Free. Register at johmuirhealth.com/classes or 941-7900.

May 11, 12 “Alice in Wonderland” Contra Costa Ballet Foundation presents this hour-long adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s timeless story. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

CHURCHES AND RELIGION May 2 Thin Within Faith-based approach to lasting weight loss. 12 weeks. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

May: Cup’O Jo’s, 6054 Main St., Clayton. June-Aug.: Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main St., Clayton. $44 for workbook. Register at women@claytoncc.com.

May 4 Baha’i, interaction, fellowship and discussion. Topic: End of the World Prophecies. Speaker: Russell Ballew. 7:30 p.m. Free. For directions, call 672-6686.

FUNDRAISERS May 3 Play It Forward Benefit concert for the Walnut Creek Education Foundation. Jazz. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $70$120. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

SCHOOLS May 9 – 12 “Once Upon a Mattress” A jazzy and absurd retelling of “The Princess and the Pea.” 7 p.m.

Clayton Valley High School Multi-Use Room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. $10 general admission. $5 students/staff. Tickets at the door starting at 6:30 p.m. 682-7474, ext. 2678.

GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council 7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Claycord 4-H The group meets 6:45 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord.

Clayton Business and Community Association Meets 6:30 p.m. last Thursday of the month except holidays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Call Sue at 672-2272.

Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, February through November. May 9 speaker: Michael Marchiano from Wild Birds Unlimited. Topic: How to feed and attract wild birds. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. claytonvalleygardenclub.org.

Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Meets 9:30 a.m. second Tuesday of the month except July and August, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. 672-9448.

Clutch Busters Square Dance Club Meets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Willow Pass Community Center Hall, 2748 East Olivera Road, Concord. Contact Karen at 686-3774.

Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association Meets 6 p.m. first Saturday of the month for a potluck. Open to members and guests. CMDTRA, 1600 Trail Ride Road, Clayton. cmdtra.org or cmdtra@yahoo.com.

Contra Costa Chess Club Meets 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Starbuck’s, 1536 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. ccchess.com or contact Mike at 639-1987.

Contra Costa Genealogical Society Meets 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month, LDS Church, 3700 Concord Blvd., Concord. cccgs.ca@gmail.com.

Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society Meets 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. ccmgs.org or 289-0454.

Creekside Artists Guild Meets 7-8:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. All artforms and both emerging and experienced artists welcome. Contact Arlene at nielsenjanc@aol.com, creeksideartists.org or call 673-9777.

May 5 Mom’s Night Out Kids/baby clothing and gear swap to benefit Loved Twice and East County Veterans. Tapas and margaritas, music, dancing, shopping, free giveaways. 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. $20. Register at membership@oakhurstcc.com or 672-9737, ext. 205.

Diablo Valley Democratic Club Meets 7-9 p.m. third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road., Walnut Creek. dvdems.org, 946-0469.

May 12 Spring Fling Concord Rotary’s annual event and celebration of their 65th anniversary.

Silent auction, dinner, raffle, casino and more to benefit RotaCare Concord. 6 p.m. Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $75 per person. $700 per table of ten. For tickets or information, contact Guy Bjerke at 890-7803.

Knights of Columbus Meets 7:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, St. Bonaventure Church, Ministry Center, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Art 672-1850, shanone@comcast.net or Chuck 849-5466, cecooper3@comcast.net.

AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. claytonlibrary.org or 673-0659.

Wednesdays Book Buddies A volunteer will read stories for children 3 and older. 1-2 p.m.

Tuesdays thru May 15 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to three-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. 11 a.m.

Thursdays thru May 17 Picture Book Time Story time for three- to five-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. 11 a.m.

April 27 – 29 Used Book Sale CCLF member preview Friday. Most books $1. Most children’s books $.50. Half-off most remaining books. Fri. 4 – 7 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun. 12 – 4 p.m.

April 30 Opportunity Junction Information presentation on services provided by Opportunity Junction to combine unpaid training with paid internship for those looking for work.

3:30.

May 2 Wills and Trusts Workshop Ivette Santaella, practicing attorney, answers questions about wills and trusts. Registration required: ccclib.org or 673-0659. 6 – 8 p.m.

May 7 Children’s Book Week Story time and crafts for grades kindergarten through second.

Registration required. 7 – 8 p.m.

May 14 Book Club Discussion of “Stones for Ibarra” by Harriet Doerr. Open to all. 7 p.m.

East Bay Prospectors Meets 6:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month, Oasis Christian Fellowship, 2551 Pleasant Hill Road, Pleasant Hill. Clayton resident Douglas “Pucky” Junghans is the founder. eastbaygpaa.webs.com or 672-1863.

MOMS Club of Concord/Clayton Meeting dates vary. 331-0674, concordclaytonmomsclub@hotmail.com or concordclaytonmomsclub.webs.com.

Oakhurst Business Network Meets 5 – 7 p.m. first Thursday of the month for social hour. Hosted hors d’oeuvres, cash bar. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Dr., Clayton. oakhurstcc.com.

Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Meets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. claytonvalleyrotary.org or 566-8166.

Scrabble Club Meets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. All ages and skill levels welcome. $3. scrabble-assoc.com or call Mike at 639-1987.

Sons In Retirement (SIRs) Branch 19 meets 11:15 a.m. first Thursday of the month, Crown Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord. 429-3777.

Branch 146 meets 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month.

Boundary Oaks, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek. Reservations required. 939-8073. sir146.com.

Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista Meets 12:15 p.m. second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month, September-June, Sizzler, 1353 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Contact Nicole at 692-2224.

Strike a Chord Woman’s chorus. Rehearsals 7 – 9 p.m. Mondays. Openings for new members. Schedule audition. strikeachord@gmail.com or contact Benedikte at 935-4313.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Breakfast 8-11 a.m. second and fourth Sundays of the month, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. $4, $2 children under 12.

Word Weavers 400 Toastmasters Meets 7-8:15 p.m. Mondays, first floor of Montecito – Oakmont Senior Living, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. Visitors welcome. marion48@live.com or contact Marion at 686-1818.

Ygnacio Valley Republican Women Meets third Wednesday of the month, except June, July, August. 10 a.m.

Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Free coffee social at 9:45 a.m. Reservations required for lunch. $25. 672-5061.

April 27, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 15

Theatre

Installations – Repairs Toilets Faucets Water heaters Garbage disposals Clogged drains

CenterREP skates into spring with 80s ‘Xanadu’ A young artist is trying to paint his enduring masterpiece in chalk on the boardwalk of Venice Beach and before you can say “roller disco!” his muse appears in the form of Olivia Newton-John to guide him to full artistic satisfaction.

Hey, it’s the 80s, they did stuff like this then…on rollerskates.

Based on the legendary cult film with Olivia Newton-John

Belfast Plumbing

and Gene Kelly, and packed with her chart-topping hits (“Magic,” “I’m Alive,” “Have You Never Been Mellow”), this latest CenterREP offering is inspired lunacy at its most buoyant and hilarious.

“Xanadu” opens May 18 and runs through June 23 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. For tickers, call (925 943-SHOW or visit www.lesherartscenter.org

Credit Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover

(925) 457-5423

www.belfastplumbing.com License. 906211

The UPS Store Independently owned and operated

We shred your past to protect your future.

‘Anything Goes’ closes at the Willows this weekend

Stop by and try our new document shredding service.

Notary, Packaging, Fax and Copy Services are available too!

Clayton/Concord Location:

Store Hours M-F 8-7 Sat 9-5

Vineyard Shopping Center

5100 Clayton Road Concord, CA 94523 ph: 925-689-6245

ideor ic VH u s u M y o

m p Hapays 4pm to 8p Mond

The critics love it, the audiences love it and the cast loves it. Who doesn’t “get a kick” out of Cole Porter?

There are still a few tickets available for this great show that the critics have called “blow-the-roof-off-the joint good” and “stellar.”

Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Willows Mainstage in the Willows Shopping Center, 1975 Diamond Blvd. in Concord. Call (925) 798-1300 for tickets, or buy online at www.willowstheatre.org.

Next up for the Willows Mainstage is “9 to 5” opening May 21, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.

6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440 Entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Apr. 27, 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Blues Healers May 4, 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Desert Moon Photo by David Allen

Tim Homsley as Sonny and Brittany Danielle as Kira in CenterREP’s ‘Xanadu’ opening May 18 at the Lesher Center.

Karaoke Wed. nights Open Mic Thur. nights, 8 to 11 p.m. www.claytonclubsaloon.com

2 for the price of 1

Beer only. Good anytime with original coupon. Exp. 5/10/12

Page 16

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Your cleavage may not be all it’s cracked up to be

Commercial & Residential

Design Installation Maintenance

Tree Service – ISA Certified Arborist on Staff Clayton Resident

“ Let Us Light Up Your Life”

Residential

April 27, 2012

Commercial

Industrial

Have you looked in the mirror at your cleavage lately? I mean really looked? Did you grow a bony sternum overnight?

Do you have deep V-lines? Or worse, does your cleavage look like a raisin?

It’s true you can buy a strong under-wire bra to lift the girls, but regardless of the current trend of exposing as much breast as possible (have you seen Jennifer Love Hewitt lately?) lots of cleavage may not be the best option for all of us.

Here are the reasons:

Gravity – Over time, gravity pulls the girls down regardless of size, so when yanked up the excess skin crinkles. It’s a matter of physics.

Brown Spots – Discolored skin caused by sun damage, birth control pills, hormones and who knows what else.

Dry, Wrinkled Skin – While we slather our faces and necks with creams and lotions, our skin care often stops at the neckline.

So what can we do about it?

There are some terrific products out there for sun-damage, tight-

ening up skin and smoothing out creases (you know, when you wake up in the morning after sleeping on your side?) One is called Breast SOS by La Isha, a beauty line whose products are based on essential oils. Another option is to use a product that contains Retin A or a glycolic to slough off the dead skin cells. A friend of mine swears by daily use of her Clarisonic Brush on her décolletage.

Don’t get me wrong, if you’re one of the lucky ones with a smooth and brown-spot-free

JUDITH MARSHALL

FASHION OVER 50 cleavage, flaunt it. But if not, remember anything that looks like a raisin should be covered – preferably in a layer of rich dark chocolate.

Live long and pester.

Judith Marshall is the author of “Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever.”

Serving Contra Costa since 1991 More than 35 years experience

All Work Done by Owner Bonded & Insured Lic.#C10-631523

Professional Installation of:

Ceiling Fans, Recessed & Track Lighting Kitchen or Bath Remodel Exterior/Security/Landscape Lighting Electrical Service Upgrade Complete Home Wiring - Old & New Spa Installation

Book Review

A powerful snapshot of the toll of war The Book of Jonas

By Stephen Dau

James Burkin Sole Proprietor

www.BurkinElectric.net

Bruce & Zoey

We repair all major appliances, most major brands, and we’re local

35 years Experience Bruce & Holly Linsenmeyer Clayton residents Office: (925) 672-2700 Cell: (925) 956-8605 State of California B.E.A.R

l

license #A44842

http://ApplianceRepairsbyBruce.com

Cruise Adventures Unlimited Serving all cruise lines since 1987

s s e c n i r P d n a r G Roundtrip

o San Franciscng to Alaska Saili 10 days. Summer 2013 Call for Special Pricing, Group Rates and Amenities.

Open now for booking

Owners Valerie O’Connell (Clayton resident, 30 years) & daughter Colleen O’Connell

CST 2074362-40

(925) 935-7447

1610 Locust St., Walnut Creek

www.cruiseadventuresunlimited.com

Stephen Dau has written a most enigmatic and satisfying novel that delivers a story of loss as publicly broad as it is personally intimate. “The Book of Jonas” paints a haunting picture of the devastation wrought by the relentless war on terrorism.

It is the story of an American soldier, Christopher, a young Muslim boy, Younis, and Christopher’s mother, Rose.

Younis lives in a village located in an unidentified Muslim country. Christopher is a young U.S. Marine whose platoon has gathered near this village. The village is attacked, intentionally or mistakenly, and obliterated by the Marines.

Younis is wounded, and his family, as well as most of the villagers, are killed. The subject is not only war itself, but all its accompanied losses. We feel Younis’ loss of family and place, Christopher’s loss of honor and integrity for his part in the

SUNNY SOLOMON

FOR

THE

BOOKS

attack, and Rose, the mother who struggles to make sense of her son’s death with only photographs to grieve over.

Younis flees his destroyed village, hiding in a cave in the nearby mountains. He is not alone. In the same mountain cave is a young disillusioned Marine, fleeing the same scene.

Younis, barely alive, is cared for

by Christopher until the boy leaves the cave and reaches a Quaker relief organization.

From there he is flown to the U.S. where he is treated for his injuries and placed with an

Mayor, from page 1 our rental schedules, sporting programs available through All Out Sports, how to get permits, how to report streetlights that are out, our Clayton Community Calendar, Clayton Business and Community Association’s website, our library, Concert’s In The Grove Park schedule, etc.

Other items include business license forms, tree removal permits and how to get our fountain turned on for a special occasion. You can also make suggestions and notify the city about various problems you might want to report while

walking our trails or around town. There is information on how to contact many of the companies that you deal with on a day-to-day basis, such as Comcast, BART, A T & T and Allied Waste Services, just to name a few.

Lately, I have had calls asking when our maintenance staff will be spraying and cutting the weeds along the trails. With limited funds, we do this twice a year. With the late rains, spraying has been delayed and weed cutting is only for fire breaks, not aesthetics. Annual trail

American family to begin a new life. Christopher cannot be saved and when news of his death reaches his mother back in Philadelphia, the military has no explanation as to how or exactly where he died. Ruth, too, must find her way out of a different cave.

“The Book of Jonas” draws upon the depth and ritual of Biblical tradition. It is divided not into the three stories of its three central characters, but into Processional, Invocation, Remembrance, Communion, Confession, Atonement, Benediction and finally Recessional. In an echo of “In the beginning was the Word,” Stephen Dau begins with the Processional and the many words of the villagers as they ponder the meaning of planes flying overhead. Within “The Book of Jonas” is a second book, a diary of sorts; a gift given to Christopher by his mother before he joined the Marines and in which he writes his thoughts as he tries to make

sense of the actions taken by himself and his fellow Marines.

The moving power of this book (a mere 256 pages) is the author’s ability to never lose the thread woven between Jonas (Younis’ American name), Christopher and Rose. Their stories move backward and forward, but never distant from one another. Each section of the book is divided into brief chapters, often no longer than a paragraph, all with a brevity of style and language that moves the narrative to its fateful, solemn and ultimately hopeful end.

“The Book of Jonas” is a gem and startling in its brilliance. This unflinchingly honest and even-handed telling of the devastation of war will not easily be forgotten. I look forward to whatever Dau writes next.

maintenance begins in mid-May so our efforts are effective and the weed regrowth is minimized for the summer and fall highfire season.

We are progressing on a method to complete Daffodil Hill. The Trails and Landscaping Committee recommended to City Council that this highly visible roadside and open space entry area meets the definition of the existing Landscape District and it should be included as such. It was recommended there be an equal cost sharing with CBCA for the remaining planting. The CBCA previously donated $68,000 for the new entry sign at the top of the hill and infrastructure. The city

council will consider this recommendation at its May 1 meeting.

I am hopeful that the city council and the CBCA will finalize a financial agreement to complete this project and the city will finds funds to maintain this additional improvement.

We recently awarded the contract to landscape the existing retaining wall near CVS Pharmacy and redo the medians on Clayton Road from N. Mitchell Canyon Road to Oakhurst Drive. Both are in the Landscape District. These projects will start soon. I know you will not mind the inconvenience once you see the results.

Send questions and comments to Councilmangeller@aol.com.

Sunny Solomon is the former Book Lady from Clayton Books and currently heads up the Clayton Book Club.

Visit her website bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to "talk books."

Every Tuesday:

Open Until 8 PM Tue through Sat 10 am - 8 pm

Senior Citizen Day Free cup of coffee & a cookie with each meal

Cannoli available everyday

We Specialize in the Treatment of Infants, Children and Young Adults

Less than 10 min. from Clayton

ONE SPOTLESS REPUTATION, pun intended.

(925) 938.2392

Randall E. Chang, DDS, Inc. Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry

3050 Citrus Cir., #110, Walnut Creek

Mention the Clayton

www.cd-wc.com Pioneer

& rece ive a

with new patient vis it!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see their dentist by their first birthday.

SAVE $25 OFF

Now serving beer & wine

Always Fresh, Always Italian Gnocchis no w served icious – A Must Try ”

YOUR FIRST CLEANING.

ev

ery Friday New • A lf re do • Cream Sauces: yM • Creamy Pesto • Bo arinara “Absolutely lgon Del

ese

Great on an y of our Homemade Pasta & Rav iolis

Join us for lu nch or dinn er for a fabulo us & afforda ble Meal!

Call now to receive a free, no-obligation estimate

925-798-6243 Owned by Clayton residents.

Owned and operated by Clayton residents Carol & Jim Rackel • Tami & Ernie Campora

www.MAIDS.com

4375 Clayton Road, Suite G Concord,

®

New customers only. Not valid with other offers.

(925) 689-3819

Referred for a reason.

Nearest cross street Treat

April 27, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 17

Take the trail less travelled for a change

KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN This week’s hike takes us a step or two off the beaten path to explore trails in and around Mitchell Canyon that do not show up on a trail map. They have no signage nor official names but who said every treasure can be found on a map?

We started at Mitchell

Canyon Staging Area (park at the far end of the lot near the horse stalls) and headed due north through the gate and linked up with Bruce Lee Road.

The slender and well-travelled trail quickly picks up elevation and puts you atop the plateau in no time, providing Twin Peaks, Mt. Olympia and North Peak as your panoramic backdrop. Not a bad payoff for your first five minutes of hiking.

Follow the fire-road north for about 100 yards until you reach an intersection of trails.

At this point, you will see a single-track trail that cuts across the meadow back towards Mount Diablo itself (check Google Earth for an overview).

At this time of year it was a pleasant surprise to find grass

covered trails and no one around, even on a Saturday morning.

The trail gradually climbs 400 yards to reach Water Tower Road. We took a quick detour because the kids really wanted to see the old rusty water tower and ended up spending enough time to grab a quick bite and some sunscreen before we headed on.

In the spirit of un-named trails we jumped onto the next trail and zigzagged back down the hillside, sprinting and leaping like a moment from The Sound of Music and ended up at what I always remember as a pond (but due to lack of rains was bone dry). Five minutes turned into 45 as the kids climbed around on a downed

branch of a tree the size of a school bus (no joke).

We eventually found our way back to Bruce Lee Road and headed to Mitchell Canyon, taking the long way home of course. As I spent more time on these trails I found that the intricate maze of trails that don’t show up on any trail map I own (and as my wife will confirm, that is a lot of maps) is much more extensive than I imagined at first glance. So the next time you get the urge to explore the trail less travelled, give in and go for it. Even super secret tire swings have been spotted in these parts.

For more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, contact Kevin at hikershaven@claytonpioneer.com.

Photo by Kevin Parker

THE HIDDEN TRAILS ON MT. DIABLO can deliver rewards beyond anything found on the map. This downed tree on an unmarked trail near the Water Tower trail in Mitchell Canyon provided nearly an hour of unexpected fun.

Diablo LawnScape service much more than ‘mow and blow’ PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer

A PASSION FOR WORKING OUTDOORS found Diablo LawnScape.

PROMPTED

JARED MARKLE to

Jared Markle can honestly claim to have lived in all 50 states, but it is Clayton, CA, where he took root.

Markle owns Diablo LawnScape, serving Central Contra Costa County’s commercial and residential landscaping and maintenance needs. “We’re not just mow and blow,” Markle says.

He and his staff of six pride themselves on providing topnotch customer service and quality work. They are trained professionals and participate in ongoing education.

“We use proper pruning, pest control, and lawn care tech-

niques, and offer complete continuing education on irrigation, horticulture, garden design, installation and maintenance.”

Markle started his business with just one truck and a lawn mower five years ago.

The death of a loved one “was a very big change in life,” Markle says, prompting him to leave his work in the commercial investment and real estate fields.

Markle returned to his passion for working outdoors that grew when he worked as a part-time arborist. At the time, he was in college earning three degrees from Chico State in finance, marketing and horticulture.

Diablo LawnScape clientele blossomed to 250 for regular maintenance alone. Additional customers hire Diablo

LawnScape for one-time repairs and full design and installation projects.

Markle aims to be a full service landscaping company so that his customers do not have to go anywhere else. In part, he plans to reach this goal by growing his expertise. He recently earned his Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper certificate through a program with the Contra Costa Water District. He can now become a certified landscape irrigation auditor, enforcing future legislation requiring low-water landscaping. Markle is already designing landscapes with reduced water demands.

Clayton customer Wally Freeman cites Markle’s degrees and says Markle is more than well educated. “He looks at the yard

and knows what it needs. And his equipment is in outstanding shape.” Freeman says his yard looks “100 percent better” under Markle’s care.

Diana Errington of Clayton told Markle “to consider my yard his yard, and that’s what he does.” Markle revived struggling plants and suggested replacing others with varieties better suited for the area.

“And his crew is very polite,” Errington adds. “They are always here when they’re supposed to be.”

Markle lives in Clayton with his wife, Jennifer. Their two dogs, Ozzie and Louie, join the Diablo LawnScape crew on Fridays.

For more information, contact Diablo LawnScape at 925-381-3757.

The Clayton Business & Community Association presents The 17th Annual Clayton

Art & Wine Festival

On Main Street in Beautiful Clayton

Experience Retirement Your Way!

Saturday May 5, 10am-7am Sunday May 6, 10am-5pm

The Finest Community for Seniors 55+ Enjoy a private residence with a wealth of services and amenities at your fingertips all for one low monthly rate.

Amenities & Services

Premium Wines & Beers ~ Beautiful Arts & Crafts Fantastic Food Court ~ Continuous Live Music

Outstanding dining service Weekly housekeeping & fresh linens Concierge style service Door-to-door chauffeured transportation daily 24-hour on-call staffing for peace of mind

Full program of diverse recreational and cultural offerings Full service beauty salon Community gardens for green thumbs Library and computer center

Spacious 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments with Rent and Services INCLUDED starting at just $1,787*

Thanks to our sponsors

6401 Center Street, Clayton CA 94517

(925) 524-5100 # TTY 711 www.diamondterrace.net Englunds Catering

*Rents are usually $2,106. Income limits apply.

Page 18

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 27, 2012

Beautiful Thailand is rich in culture and relaxation This Southeast Asian country offers abundant history, food and fun WOODY WHITLATCH Special to the Pioneer

One of my retirement goals is to travel to distant lands and experience a variety of cultures and climates. In March we had the opportunity to spend two weeks in Thailand and one week in Cambodia.

The climate of Southeast Asia is unlike anything we experience in Northern California.

There are basically two distinct seasons. Hot temperatures accompanied by monsoon rains persist from May to November.

The remainder of the year is known as the dry season, but it is still hot and very humid.

Afternoon temperatures ranged between 90 and 100 degrees every day of our visit, and we could almost taste the humidity.

Although the traffic is a nightmarish mix of cars, motorcycles and pedestrians, it was actually easier to navigate than we had anticipated. A modern elevated railway called the Skytrain, equipped with clean air conditioned cars, allowed us to move quickly through the city.

Like most Bangkok visitors we explored the Grand Palace, a

beautiful oasis in the midst of a city teeming with sidewalk merchants. Thais revere their reigning royal family. The Grand Palace complex features beautiful gardens and impeccably maintained architectural masterpieces filled with stunning displays of artifacts from previous centuries.

Our next destination was

Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand. Flying into Chiang Mai felt much like flying into California’s Sacramento Valley several decades ago. Smoke from burning rice field wastes filled the lower atmosphere. Government bans on agricultural burning that successfully alleviated California’s smoky past have

ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK NOT ENOUGH

Nearly all overseas tourists fly into Bangkok, a city of over eight million, no matter what their final destination. A few days stay is necessary just to recover from the 20+ hour flight from San Francisco.

FRIENDLY WILLING-TO-BARGAIN VENDORS sell their wares along the “Walking Street,” the main thoroughfare inside the walled portion of old Chiang Mai.

We can tell your story.

Why advertise in the Pioneer?

Here’s one reason:

No matter what it is.

Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations (925) 672-8717 in Clayton, CA Gary Carr, Principal, carrpool@pacbell.net

www.RisingMoonArts.com

Performing Groups Organizations Authors

Dan & Sarah Coflin, Coflin Chiropractic

Two-wick, soy wax candles Warmers & accessories, too

Call for FREE Catalog Free shipping on phone orders only

Call Kollette or Lee: 405-7199 Ashman Company Independent Distributors

www.candlesmakescents.net

CHAING MAI FRIENDLY AND FUN Smokey skies aside, our visit to Chiang Mai area was the highlight of our Thailand experience. Local village tribes in Northern Thailand are famous for producing handcrafted pottery, silverwork and silk weavings. Friendly willing-to-bargain vendors sell their wares along the “Walking Street,” the main thoroughfare inside the walled portion of old Chiang Mai. Thailand has a strong Buddhist cultural and religious history. Cavernous and colorful, the centuries-old Wats (temples) are focal points for prayer and meditation. Inside, elderly orange-robed monks receive offerings and confer blessings.

Small outdoor shrines, known as spirit houses, dot the city and countryside. Thais bring small offerings and burn incense to the spirits. We read that some Thai people believe that each and every place has a local spirit or guardian that possesses special protective powers.

WOODY MAKES AN OIL offering at a Buddhist Temple in Chiang Mai.

Relaxation is an important component during any vacation.

Our beach time along the beautiful Andaman Sea coastline in the town of Khao Lok was a great way to end our visit. Still, nothing was more relaxing than a Thai massage. We were daily visitors to a wonderful massage parlor in Chiang Mai. They were addictively satisfying, and possibly the highlight of our twoweek immersion into a country that appealed to all our senses.

Our vacation also included a journey to Cambodia, Thailand’s eastern neighbor. Although connected by a long common border, they are vastly different.

Next month I’ll describe the highlights of that visit.

Red-hot chile peppers add spice to Cinco de Mayo

We received a ton of feedback from our Advertorial in the Clayton Pioneer...seems like everyone read it!!!

Candles Make Scents

recently been instituted in Thailand. We were told that problems with local enforcement, combined with the fact that agricultural burning is still practiced by Thailand’s neighbors, hinders air quality improvement efforts.

LINDA WYNER

FOOD

FOR

THOUGHT

With Cinco de Mayo coming up, you might want to buff up your knowledge of the chile peppers you’ll be enjoying in salsa, guacamole and other Mexican fare.

First of all, what does Cinco de Mayo celebrate? It’s not Mexican Independence Day (which is Sept. 16). Rather, this year, it marks the 150th anniversary of the battle of Puebla, where the French army was defeated by underdog Mexican troops. Cinco de Mayo is largely commercialized here in the U.S. and only formally observed in a few regions in Mexico.

But we Americans do love to celebrate the day with spicy Mexican fare, and chiles are a staple. Originally domesticated as a crop in Central America about 7,000 years ago, we have to credit European colonizers for introducing chile peppers to the world (along with potatoes, tomatoes and turkeys). Full of Vitamins A and C and abundant antioxidants, chiles are best known for their spiciness and the smaller they are, the hotter they tend to be.

What makes chiles so hot?

It’s not the seeds. It’s the capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their pungent flavor, and is found in the internal rib or membrane. (The seeds grow off that membrane and they pick up plenty of heat that way.)

There’s even a scale that measures the heat of a chile. For instance, jalapeños run about 2,500 to 10,000 Scoville units while Habañeros weigh in between 100,000 and 350,000 Scoville units. And Habañeros

can’t compete with the ghost pepper or red savina.

Here’s a bit of trivia that might save you a lot of grief if you get hold of too hot a pepper — don’t drink water to cool your mouth. Capsaicin isn’t water soluble, but fat and alcohol will dissolve it. So, drink milk, eat ice cream, have a beer (or a margarita) or enjoy a mouthful of guacamole to quench the fire.

The chile is the official state vegetable of New Mexico. I’ve been known to order a whole case of Hatch green chiles, roast them to remove the outer skin and give great flavor, and freeze them for casseroles and chile relleños. Hatch chilies resemble long, lighter green Anaheims but have a deeper flavor and more heat. Nob Hill/Raley’s offers Hatch chilies every July or August for a week or two – you shouldn’t miss them.

The rest of the culinary year, I gravitate toward poblano peppers. These large dark-green heart-shaped chiles are meaty and mildly spicy, and they make a satisfying vegetarian meal when stuffed and served with a side of rice and beans. Unlike the egg-battered and fried relleños often served in TexMex restaurants, I enjoy them roasted and baked.

CHILES RELLEÑOS 4 poblano peppers 2 Tbsp. canola or rice bran oil 3 cups frozen corn kernels 1 red onion, chopped 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced Juice of two limes 1 cup shredded queso asadero or Chihuahua (or Monterey Jack) Place poblanos on a broiler pan and broil until the skin is blackened all over. Alternatively, you can char them over an open gas flame using tongs to rotate them on the grid.

Put the roasted poblanos in a paper bag to steam for 10 minutes then rinse them under running water to remove the skins.

Set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the oil, corn, onion and jalapeño and stir to coat. Sauté until the onion is soft and the veggies are beginning to caramelize. Add the garlic during the last minute of cooking. Stir in the lime juice.

Slit the poblanos down one side and stuff with the corn mixture. (You can remove the seed pod if you wish but try to keep the stem intact.)

Place the chiles seam-side down in a baking dish and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake at 350 °F for 15 minutes to heat through then turn on the broiler to toast the cheese to a light brown color.

Serve the relleños with your choice of salsa or sauce.

To make a quick sauce, heat one 15 oz. can of fire-roasted tomatoes with 2 tsp. cumin powder, ½ tsp. dried oregano, a pinch of salt and a 3 oz. can of green chiles. Place some of the sauce on a plate and place the relleños on top and pass the rest of the sauce at the table. ÝBuen provecho!

Linda Wyner, a local attorney and foodie, owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton.

Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com

April 27, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 19

Tricky azaleas are worth the work At this moment, azalea plants are budding and blooming throughout our Clayton Valley landscapes. Most garden lovers can recognize an azalea plant. They are familiar, dark green leafed shrubs with orchidshaped flowers of many different colors. You may have azalea plants in your landscape or garden. Maybe you inherited them, were given them as a gift, or perhaps you purchased and installed your own. No matter how you obtained them, it has been noticed that many azalea plants suffer by the hand of the garden lover that tends to them.

Azalea plants need a good beginning. When they are installed the planter should keep in mind what is the natural environment for an azalea.

Azaleas are happy when grown in a light, composted soil. They are not thrilled when they are installed in our Clayton clay

Too much sun will burn the blossoms, and too much shade, and your plant won’t bloom.

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL with any conditioner, or planting mix. Those of you who have tried to stick a shovel in the soil around town have noticed the dirt isn’t light at all, but rather its sticky and heavy.

This is an azalea plant’s worst nightmare. When installing or transplanting azaleas, prepare you soil. You’ll need to add compost, and use a planting mix by the roots. Working cottonseed meal in to the soil will help acidify the area. Azalea plants thrive in bright shade, filtered sun, or morning sun situations. Make sure you are giving your Azaleas the proper light.

PROPER CARE AND FEEDING Inherited azaleas in a landscape or garden will need to be evaluated. How do they look?

Azalea plants can appear woody – this is natural. How is the soil around the plants? You may need to cultivate the area to work oxygen in to the ground, and adding a layer of soil conditioner around the plants will help.

Fertilizing your azaleas is always a good idea, you just need to know what to do and when. This time of year, when the plants are in bud and bloom, you need to feed with a product that has more phosphorus than nitrogen. Pay attention to the names of the products, or look at the numbers. Product called Bud and Bloom, or Master Bloom, would be good now.

The numbers on the fertilizer represent different nutrients.

You’ll want something like a 210-10, or a 0-10-10. These types of products will feed the bloom and the roots. Once your azaleas are moving out of the blooming stage, you’ll have to fertilize again. This time feed them with a different kind of product.

You’ll need one to help put back all the energy that the plant used to produce the wonderful flowers. This means you’ll need to apply some nitrogen and acid to the plant. Drip system waterers will need to use a watersoluble product, while those that water w i t h

sprinklers will get to use a granular product. I like to give two applications of acid fertilizer; follow product labels to determine how often to feed, then follow with a dose of iron, to encourage green leaves. Monterey has come out with an exceptional iron product that also contains a dose of nitrogen. This product is water-soluble and extremely effective for greening up.

FREE ESTIMATES

Lawn & Plant Installation Paver Patio & Walkway Retaining Walls Drainage Low Voltage Lighting

HOMETOWN MATTERS When choosing an azalea for the garden, consider where it was grown. Nursery tags often list the name and city of the grower. Plants grown in hot and dry environments with frost will do much better in our Clayton Valley landscapes than the ones grown in a greenhouse, or in Southern California. Also the varieties do matter. Some azalea plants are stronger than others.

Azalea Red Bird is a study, bright pinkish red flower that has double the traditional petals.

It survives here. So does the Phoenicia with its large lavender bloom, Brilliant with its reddish pink bloom, and Duc de Rohan whose single salmon bloom stuns. Wards Ruby red has one of the smallest azalea flowers, and the bright red color is fantastic, while Mystial has the largest pink flower. Both are thriving already in our Clayton Valley landscapes and gardens.

Azaleas are staple plants in our Clayton Valley landscapes and gardens. They are rewarding when loved and cared for properly.

925-672-9955 www.nicholslandscape.com Boyce Nichols - Owner

Lic. 542812 Fully Insured

Clayton Resident

L SPECIA

10% Off ton for Clay only s t residen

Remodeling Specialist Kitchens Bathrooms Windows Mouldings Decks Siding Painting interior & exterior We accept credit cards.

Kevin Schmidt, Clayton Resident Family Owned and Operated license 962284

925-822-5144 738 Bloching Circle, Clayton

“Excellent job. Attention to detail.

Fair price. We’re totally pleased with Schmidt’s work.”

– Kathy & Gary Carr, Clayton

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden and the 2012 Clayton Valley Garden Club president. Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

DiabloViewConstruction.com

www.CastleRockArabians.com

MEMORIAL DAY CAMP 541 Hamburg Clayton

Fantastic Ranch Style twostory home located on a corner lot in an ideal neighborhhod. Upgrades throughout the home.

Spacious backyard with an inground pool with water fall. House has huge potential. Needs TLC. Walking distance to downtown Clayton! Great neighborhood and great schools.

4113 Tulare Ct. Concord

$269,000

A darling 1 story rancher on a quiet court location. 4BD/2BTH Over 2300 sq. ft. of living space on top of almost a 12,000 sq. ft. premium lot! Oversized 2car detached garage with R/V parking. Massive backyard! HUGE master suite & more. Home has plenty of potential!

PENDING

1486 Yosemite Cir. Clayton

Sunday, May 27 & Monday, May 28

$559,000

WE WANT YOUR LISTINGS! Upside down in your home and don’t know where to go?

Give Mazzei Realty a call, WE WILL HELP!

Matt Mazzei, Jr.

Clayton residents since 1959

925-693-0757 (Main)

Monday through Friday ow 9 a.m to 3 p.m. roll N n E 0 $1 0 Extended care Save is ad) available th (with 0 $425 paid in full by May 1 Take one week or all

Broker/Owner DRE# 01881269

925-766-6745 mazzeirealty@yahoo.com

6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton

925-693-0752 (Fax)

525

Reg $

HORSEMANSHIP • Sunday, 1 pm; Four 1½ hr sessions, $300 RIDING LESSONS (Optional Trail Ride) • One hour private $80, 5 lessons for the price of 4 = $320 (one free lesson) • Tiny Riders (6 & under) ½ hr lesson $45.

5 Lessons $200 (Save $25) BIRTHDAY PARTIES Check our website for details

SOLD

mazzeirealty.net

12 one week camps

e

Beautiful one story rancher in Clayton! 3BD/2BTH on a Large lot. Hardwood floors throughout and much more.

Spacious backyard with an inground pool, covered patio & large side yard. Call for info.

3 Orchard Rd, Orinda . . . . . .$1,175,000 1854 Penny Ln, Concord . . . . . . .$355,000

June 18 through August 31

must b

$379,000

SOLD

SUMMER CAMP

Megan and Cecily, both of Clayton. Cecily and her horse, Radiant won the championship in English at Castle Rock Arabian Schooling Show April 1.

2012 Camp Dates

One week - Mon.-Fri. Multi week discounts available.

June 11-15 July 16-20 SCOUT BADGE PROGRAM June 18-22 July 23-27 June 25-29 July 30 – August 3 (for girl and boy scouts) July 3-6 (4 day) August 6–10 • Approved by Girl Scouts of N. California Explorer’s Ride July 1-5 August 13-17 • Two hour session $70 per scout, by appt.

(Advanced riders only) August 20-24 July 9-13 August 27-31

Page 20

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 27, 2012

FREE Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Sodas, Chips & Baked Beans 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

9am – 2pm Contra Costa County Animal Shelter Dog & Cat Adoptions 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

FREE to Early Customers Blue Buffalo Tee Shirt, first 30 1 Bag Nutrena Safe Choice, first 50

FREE

Halo Products Owned by Ellen Degeneres

*Limit one item per family

ntain Bikes u o M 2 g n i includ

10 Off/bag

$

Elk Grove Milling

Any 30# bag

All 50# Stable Mix Products

with 2 in-store coupons Plus get a Free Gift

10 Off/bag

Fromm Family Foods

30# Bag or larger

26# Bag or larger

15% Off

2 Off/bag

Nutrena

Bio Groom

SafeChoice, 50# Bag

Oatmeal Shampoo & Rinse So-Gentle Shampoo & Rinse

Stella & Chewy’s

10 Off/bag

$

California Natural Chicken, 30# Bag

Freeze-dried diets and treats

Vision Cage Kits $59.99 Sm. Starter

2 /gal.

$

.99

Suburban Propane

Kit #82933

Starter Kits include: Tropimix, cage paper, Millet, cuttlebone, Prime supplement & bird care guide

$72.99 Med. Starter

24.99/bag

$

Eagle Original Pork 30# bag or $5 Off Small Breed 6# bag

Pre-Book to guarantee availability.

Pay now and pick up on May 19.

Kit #82938

$92.99 Lrg. Starter Kit #82963

20% Off

10 Off/bag

$

Blue Buffalo

$

20% Off

1 Off/bag

$

Eukanuba Pure

$

Original, Special Care or Perform

11am-1pm

$5

Green mesh reusable bag filled with: 1 can California Natural dog food, measuring cup and a $5 coupon.

$5,000 worth of FREE door prizes

Buy 1 Get 1

Pony Rides

All Dog, Bird & Horse Toys and all Bird Products

We reserve the right to limit quantities on all items. Not responsible for typographical, pictorial, printing or pricing errors. We reserve the right to correct all printing errors. All sales are limited to stock on hand and are subject to availability. These prices are effective only May 19, 2012.