2012_Clayton_Pioneer_0316

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

March 16, 2012

925.672.0500

City Council at odds over adding weeknight concerts to summer schedule TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

HOWARD GELLER

MAYOR’S CORNER

Councilman Joe Medrano wants to add five weeknight concerts to the summer concert series, but is receiving a less than enthusiastic response from some City Council members and several downtown merchants.

Medrano says the concerts will draw people to the downtown during the week “when they don’t normally come down here.” He wants to include the sale of alcohol and merchandise and a section for paid reserved seating. However, he is getting push-back from several of the downtown merchants who say five more concerts are “too much of a good thing” and that the alcohol sales will cut into their business, not boost it.

Anis Maamari, owner of La Veranda, says his Saturday concert night business is already off 30-40 percent because of the crowds and the parking issues created by the weekend concerts.

Disaster can strike anytime Make preparedness a priority Last week while vacationing in Mexico with several other Claytonians, the news of tornadoes devastating parts of our country quickly brought me back to reality. The recent earthquakes on the Hayward Fault reinforced the reality of Mother Nature.

With family and friends spread throughout the disaster areas, we quickly tried to make contact with our loved ones. Debbie and I were fortunate that our Midwest families were safe and did not suffer property damage. But some of their neighbors were not so fortunate. Nearby, the storms selectively

See Mayor, page 9

See Concerts, page 9

Charter school committee tries on ideas for new dress code

ARF Camps give kids a leg up on pet care

DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer

about the biodiversity in our community through recycled art, local environmental education programs and creekside explorations, including the library’s certified wildlife habitat.

New this year is a ukulele jam session and a guided art tour around

Every parent has heard the cry ring out in the morning, just minutes before minivans, SUVs and station wagons are due to leave: “Moooom, I have nothing to wear!”

In the hopes of perhaps ending the daily dramas of dressing, Clayton Valley Charter High School leaders are considering instituting a stricter dress code – or even mandating school uniforms – when the charter school kicks into gear next August.

Some have expressed hope that by adopting uniforms, differences in social

See Creekside Arts, page 15

See Dress Code, page 17

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

LEO SCHINDLER’S FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHY OF REMOTE MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES literally reflects his Clayton home and figuratively reflects the theme of this year’s Creekside Arts Celebration, “Clayton Library. Bringing People & Places Together.” Not only is Schindler’s photography inspiring, his stories and delivery should not be missed.

NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer

NATALIE GOLDEEN, SHOWN HERE with therapy dog, Spiff, will get hands-on experience caring for pets at ARF’s Spring Break Camps, April 9-13.

Just as storytelling brings generations together by passing experience and knowledge beyond time, books take us to places beyond our own abilities and sometimes imagination. This idea is celebrated with Creekside Arts

2012 theme, “Clayton Library… Bringing People & Places Together,” in tribute to the library’s 17th anniversary.

The ninth annual benefit March 2325 features free activities and entertainment for all ages. In addition to art and craft sales, demonstrations, workshops, storytellers, poets and musicians, the event helps raise public awareness

Local conservation group needs clicks for $25,000 grant

PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer

Natalie Goldeen of Clayton doesn’t want to be a veterinarian when she grows up. In fact, she really doesn’t like to see sick animals at all.

But that hasn’t stopped her from volunteering at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation every other week, and attending its summer camps.

“I love it here,” she says. “When I am around the animals, I can unwind and relax.”

She says she was attracted to ARF because of her love of animals, but she stayed on as a volunteer and camper because she likes the feeling she gets when she’s able to “help out.”

See ARF Camps, page 13

Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed (FOMCW), a little organization that does big things, has been named as one of six finalists for a national grant of $25,000. To win the grant, sponsored

by MillerCoors and River Network for water conservation, education and protection, FOMC must win the most votes in an online voting contest by March 19.

FOMCW is the only west coast finalist.

“We hope people will vote for us because of our commitment and extraordinary work protecting, conserving, and restoring Marsh Creek and its tributaries,” said FOMCW Executive Director Diane Burgis.

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

Formed when a small group of interested volunteers gathered in 2004, the group has removed more than 40 tons of trash from Marsh Creek trails and parks. More than 7000 volunteers put in upwards of 21,000 hours on restoration, water monitoring, outreach and education, advocacy and other stewardship activities. They have helped to raise more than $1.25 million in funding towards restoration projects, including the Marsh Creek Fish Ladder, the upcoming Creekside Park Restoration Project in Oakley which breaks ground this summer and the 1200-acre Dutch Slough Wetland Restoration Project slated to start work later this year

See Grant, page 4

Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Community Calendar . . . . . .14 CVHS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .8 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5

REI STAFFERS WORKING ON A RESTORATION PROJECT on Sand Creek were among the 7000 volunteers that work on Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed restoration and conservation projects. A $25,000 grant from MillerCoors will help continue to fund these projects.

DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .8 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .17 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Letter to the Editor . . . . . . . . .4 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Pioneer Photo Album . . . . . . .4 Police Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 The Charter Papers . . . . . . . .8

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 16, 2012

Around Town Reana Pittman and Eric Gillen to marry

Firefighters Newberry and Robb say farewell to Station 11 Captain Terry Newberry and Engineer Ken Robb retired from Station 11 of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District in Clayton.

Their last day on the job was Feb. 19. Following tradition, staff from other stations in the district came by throughout the day to congratulate and bid farewell.

Terry Newberry began his career in 1986 and worked at Stations 2 and 6 before coming to Station 11. He plans to spend more time at his Clayton home with family and working in his deejay business.

Ken Robb lives in Concord.

He was hired in 1988 and worked in every station in the district prior to joining Clayton. He plans to travel with his wife once she retires.

Reana Pittman and Eric Gillen will exchange vows in the spring of 2013.

Reana graduated from CVHS in 2004 and from California State University East Bay in 2008. She is a marketing rep. Her parents are Diane Arevalo and Joseph Pittman of Clayton.

Eric graduated from Concord High School in 2002 and from CSUEB in 2008. He works in the legal support field. Eric is the son of M’Liss and Edward Gillen of Concord.

The couple lives in Walnut Creek.

KEN ROBB, LEFT, AND TERRY NEWBERRY, CENTER, OF STATION 11 are joined by former Clayton resident Curt Clausen of Station 15 who shared the same retirement date from Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

Flag goes up in honor of Clayton’s ‘first lady’

Photo credit: Tamara Steiner

BOB HOYER, foreground, with City Council members Julie Pierce and Joe Medrano, raises the flag on the new flagpole donated by the Hoyer family.

Clayton

Friends and family of Eldora Hoyer gathered in The Grove along with several city officials on a sunny Saturday morning last month to raise the flag in memory of Clayton’s unofficial “first lady.”

The flagpole, donated by the Hoyer family, is a fitting tribute to the woman who was instrumental in the incorporation of Clayton as a city in 1964.

Her husband, Bob Hoyer, was Clayton’s first mayor. Eldora was a founding member of the Clayton Historical Society and the Clayton Woman’s Club. She was a precise historian and maintained

huge scrapbooks of Clayton’s early history, many of which can be seen at the Clayton Museum. She was the moving force behind the historical markers seen around the city and was responsible in large measure for obtaining grant money for the Clayton Museum.

The Hoyers moved to Clayton in 1960 and built their home on a hill overlooking the town. They raised their three children, Robert Jr., Fred and Helen, here.

Eldora Hoyer died in May 2011 after a long illness.

Concord

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features 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx.

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4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx.

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Walnut Creek So. Walnut Creek/Alamo Border!

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Single story 2 bedroom, 1 bath, approx. 1120sf home with detached shop.

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Walnut Creek

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New paint and carpet. Large kitchen features tile counters, eating nook and opens to family room with fireplace! Large lot corner lot features an in-ground pool! Centrally located! $289,900

Falcon Ridge at Oakhurst Country Club!

Exquisite Expanded “Serenade” model!

attached garage! New carpet & paint throughout!

Tile kitchen counters & floors. Formal dining room and spacious living room with fireplace & wet bar! Walk to Countrywood Shopping Center & Heather Farms Park! $359,900

on a quiet court. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 3143sf , inside laundry & 3 car garage.

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Granite kitchen.

Large family room with fireplace & built-ins. Downstairs bonus room or bedroom. Great views! Professionally landscaped lot! $599,000

Dana Hills! Spacious 2 story on a large corner lot! features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths plus a Huge bonus room! approx.

2619sf, large inside laundry & 2 car garage! Open floor plan offers formal living and dining room. Kitchen with hardwood floors, pantry and recessed lighting opens to family room with cozy fireplace. Large .25 acre lot. $470,000

PENDING

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Clayton, Diablo Ridge 3 bed/2 bath, approx. 1,554 s.f.

Molly continues to pay it forward with second blood drive this year Molly Avilez celebrated her Sweet 16 birthday on March 1 by helping save lives with her second blood drive of the year. The Red Cross had its bloodmobile at Travel to Go in the Clayton Station as a supplemental blood drive to Molly’s January drive.

This month’s drive collected 32 units of blood bringing Molly’s total to 123 units for the year.

Molly’s own life was saved in part by blood donations when she was injured in an accident as a child.

BOB SUNBERG, president of Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary, donates blood at Molly Avilez’s blood drive on March 1.

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

PRICE

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 3085 Windmill Canyon Dr....$650,000 5869 4 Oaks Ln ...................$315,000 310 Roundhill Pl ..................$463,000 207 Condor Pl......................$285,000 7022 Molluk Way .................$460,000 325 Roundhill Ct ..................$465,000 14 Nottingham Cir................$400,000

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March 16, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Around Town

Pioneer travels far and near

Crikey, a croc Ann and Bill Callahan took us along on their recent trip down under where they spent a day Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo in Beerwah, near the city of Brisbane.

Irwin, a wildlife expert and conservationist, died after being stung by a stingray in September 2006.

Quading in the snow David Hackett and Misty Bruns and Cruzer spent Presidents’ Day weekend “quading” in the snow in the Stanislaus National Forest near Sonora Pass. They just happened to have a Clayton Pioneer along for company.

“We saw amazing ridge lines, rock formations, waterfalls.”

What’s happening Around Town?

Send your news and photos of your births, engagements, weddings, special recognitions, etc. to info@claytonpioneer.com.

Clayton starts planning for second Relay For Life walk PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer

Local Relay For Life organizers are seeking sponsors, teams and volunteers for this year’s fundraiser for the American Cancer Society on Aug. 11 and 12 at the Community Park in Clayton.

The Relay is more than a fundraiser. It is a memorable event that, step by step, helps communities around the world celebrate the lives of those who have fought cancer, remember those they have lost to the disease and make a pledge to fight back until there is a cure. It generates education and awareness about cancer treatment, staying well and support for patients, caregivers and loved ones.

Because cancer never sleeps, the event continues for 24 hours with team members walking laps together or trading off to keep the pace for a full day. Participants are not required to stay for the duration, but often do because of the camaraderie. The highlights of the Relay are the Survivors Lap opening the event with those celebrating victory over cancer, the Luminaria Ceremony at dusk remembering loved ones with glowing candles illuminating the walkers, and the Fight Back Ceremony at the end of the event, where walkers make a personal commitment to action against cancer such as stopping smoking or getting a mammogram. Many other activities keep the momentum going, including music and fitness classes.

Mindy Thompson, event chair and store manager of the Clayton Station Starbucks, says the goal is to have 12 teams and raise $30,000 this year, which is double the teams and triple the dollars from last year’s inaugural event.

Seven teams have already committed, including the Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise Rotary.

Thompson notes that Starbucks said “yes” to many donation requests and now it is time “to get support from the community.”

Thompson volunteered as chair to become more involved in the community directly and in memory of her father who died of cancer five years ago.

NEW PRICE!

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505 Mt. Davidson Court, Clayton $679,000 Dana Hills – Appointed on a court backing Mt. Diablo this 5BD/3BA offers expanded rooms inc. master suite, family & formal dining w/gas fireplaces. Downstairs bed & full updated bath.Patio w/fountain & yard w/waterfall.

EVERYONE CAN PLAY A PART Brenda Righter, last year’s event chair and this year’s recruitment chair, says that “there is a role for everyone to fit the time they have to offer.” The committee is looking for a publicity chair, luminaria chair and fight back chair positions are available. Join a team and make new friends or form a team. Righter challenges city employees, neighborhoods, sports teams and other groups to form a team.

“We (Clayton) do so much well,” Thompson says. “Let’s add this to the list.”

Relay For Life committee meetings are on the second Thursday of the month, 6 to 7 p.m., team meetings from 7 to 8 p.m., Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton.

For more information, contact Event Chair Mindy Thompson at tinklover70@gmail.com or 207-5564; Recruitment Chair Brenda Righter at b.righter@prodigy.net or 212-2048; CVCS Rotary, Rich Lueck at rich.lueck@gmail.com; relayforlife.org/claytonca.

$539,000 5826 Four Oaks Lane, Clayton Custom Home – 4BD/2BA is airy and light. Skylights & large rooms with views of mountains. Beautiful kitchen offers 2 garden windows, pantry & double oven. Landscaped backyard w/pool & RV parking. Walk to downtown!

Photo by Wayne Miller

CANCER SURVIVORS BEGIN THE RELAY FOR LIFE 2011 event with the Survivor Lap celebrating their victory over the disease. Survivors are encouraged to walk the Survivor Lap in this year’s event.

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. Just minutes from downtown.

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Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* *Statistics based on Clayton & Concord closed by sales volume (12/1/09 – 12/1/10). Data by Trendgraphix

3039 Miwok Way, Clayton $799,000 Eagle Peak – Executive home in Oakhurst offers stunning views!

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Don’t wait another day – you need the right guide!

Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Pioneer Photo Album Christine Swars took this great shot on February 11 during a family bike ride along the trail by the creek, from Indian Way trail towards Lydia Park trail..

“I needed to stop from biking to catch this beautiful scene. The sounds of the birds singing, along with the sound of the water by the creek. What a beautiful way to start the day!”

The Pioneer is proud to spotlight our readers’ photos. Send in your cute pets, funny kids, great landscapes, favorite sites in town or whatever makes your heart beat a little faster. Email your photo in a high-resolution format to tamara@claytonpioneer.com with a description of the photo, where and when it was taken and a little about why you like it. Include your name and phone number. Then look for it in the next Pioneer.

Grant, from page 1 The group works on a shoestring annual budget of $50,000. “A $25,000 grant is huge for us,” Burgis said Funding from this grant will underwrite more than a dozen more service projects and education events to increase understanding and raise awareness about local water quality issues, while advancing stewardship activities within the Marsh Creek Watershed.

To help this local nonprofit win the much needed $25,000, vote online at www.rivernetwork.org/millercoors-rivernetwork-grant-contest-2012 before 5 p.m., March 19.

March 16, 2012

Letters to the Editor

Charter effort a quest for excellence

in the fight.” I am at a loss to understand how wanting the best for the school in our attendance area is somehow a selfish act.

Apparently, the quest for excellence has become passe.

The rush to mediocrity is at full tilt... the notion that to excel is selfish and brings inequality …what rubbish. …We had better wake up to this danger of settling for less than excellence from ourselves, our representatives, our nation.

Let CVCHS prove my point.

- Bob Armstrong

In response to a letter writer in the last issue…when it comes to education, we all have a “dog

I was disturbed to read from a contributor in a recent letter to the editor say they feared that “the primary goal

Correction In the Feb. 10 issue, the letter thanking three local Good Samaritans for helping Don Boyd after a fall near his home ran with the wrong name. The letter was from Jeanne and Don Boyd.

We sincerely apologize for the error.

of making Clayton Valley High a charter school is a quest for inequality; i.e., to seek it to be a better school than other high schools in the district,” because a superior school would create “distrust within communities.” …The drive to make CVHS a charter school is a quest for inequality, but I applaud it.

What this movement is about is the community seeking greater control of a failing public school. Why? Because the community wanted a school that would better educate children to be more productive members of society in the future. This should be celebrated not attacked.

- Kevin Kitcey Concord

Longtime city employee Lynn Cupit retires PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer

On March 2, 20 years to the day after she began her career with the city of Clayton, accounting technician Lynn Cupit retired.

For Cupit, the last 20 years have gone by in a flash. “Clayton has been my home in every sense a home is,” Cupit says. “I have had the honor and privilege to work with so many terrific and dedicated people. I will miss them all.”

Councilmember Julie Pierce says, “She will be greatly missed for her steadiness and cheerfulness. She would dive in and do her work and she did it very effectively.”

Clayton almost doubled in size in both housing and citizens during Cupit’s tenure. She saw many changes, such as the Oakhurst development, the library construction, the creation of City Hall from the old DeMartini Winery, the Stranahan project, the downtown beautification with sidewalks and flower planters and Endeavor Hall’s renovation. She was also present when the Art & Wine Festival, Oktoberfest, dessert with Mrs. Claus and the downtown tree lighting events began.

Cupit started full time with Clayton as the planning secretary.

She worked with Randy Hatch, planning director, for eight years and with subsequent directors for

another year. She greeted the public at the front counter of the planning department and managed general clerical duties. Over time, Hatch encouraged her to handle citizen questions.

The city later eliminated the assistant planner position. Cupit attended courses to become a planning technician to fill the gap.

For health reasons, Cupit switched to part time work by 2001. The position of accounting technician was created to fill a need for the city and meet Cupit’s schedule. She has worked with Merry Pelletier, finance manager, since then. In this position, Cupit processed and paid all of the city’s bills and vendor invoices as well as

processed the city’s payroll.

“With Merry’s help, I was able to dust off my bookkeeping skills and gain many new ones during the last 11 years,” Cupit says.

Pelletier says Cupit also helped the city convert to a new software program. “I really miss her. She was so good at what she did by having an understanding of the city and how it worked.”

Cupit notes that in 1992, most people would say, “Isn’t that where Skipolini’s Pizza or the Pioneer Inn is,” when asked about Clayton. “Now most people in the Bay Area know about Clayton for all the reasons above.

It’s nice to feel I was a part of all of that.”

LEIGH KLOCK

LYNN CUPIT

STEPHANIE LOPEZ

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March 16, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

To our Family, Gym Members, Employees, Friends and the Clayton Community

We would like to say thank you for all the kindness, love and support you have provided the Lagau family.

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

AND

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

We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

PIONEER INFO

sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable.

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

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CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 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,

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.

Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Business Services

Thank you to all the employees and trainers who have worked longer hours and gone far beyond regular responsibilities to maintain our business.

City of Clayton

We want to assure all of our dedicated members we are committed to continue business as usual with Frank’s great expectations to maintain a clean and friendly family environment.

Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700

Paul Lagau will be joining Clayton Fitness.

Paul, along with our valued employees and trainers will be there to greet you just as Frank would—willing to answer questions and guide you to achieve your goals with a smile on his face.

Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-1519

Chiropractor Coflin Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6500 Affordable Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7340 Construction and Trades Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Black Diamond Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .777-3440 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Steffan Smith Kitchen & Bath Remodeling . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440

Forever grateful, The Lagau Family

Memo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737, x217 Ravioli’s Italian Market Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3819 Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0621 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-1300

Obituary

Financial and Insurance Services

Helen Marie Phillips December 21, 1916 – February 15, 2012 Helen Marie Phillips, a resident of Abraham Rest Home in Walnut Creek passed away on February 15 after a short illness.

She was 95.

A former resident of Diamond Terrace, Helen was born in Massachusetts, the last of nine siblings. She enjoyed being with her family, crafts, reading, football, and telling stories.

She was predeceased by all of her brothers and sisters and her husband of many years, John Phillips, who died in 1999.

Helen is survived by two daughters, Janet Alvies of Concord and Linda Ann Williams of Sacramento, three grandchildren and five great grand children.

After a memorial service at her daughter’s home, Helen will be memorialized alongside her husband and sister in-law in the Rose Garden at Oakmont Memorial Cemetery in Lafayette.

The City of Clayton is accepting applications from qualified households interested in purchasing an affordable single-family home in Clayton. As a condition of project approval, the developer of a subdivision in Clayton is required to purchase two homes within the community and then resell those homes as affordable housing units: one home is to be resold to a moderate-income household; the second home is to be resold to a low-income household. There is presently an identified qualified buyer for the moderate-income home; however, a qualified back-up buyer is desired.

This home is two stories, with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. The size of the home is approximately 1,749 square feet; the lot size is approximately 3,947 square feet.

The home being purchased to offer to a low-income household is a one story patio home, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. The size of this home is approximately 1,050 square feet. Program restrictions of the City’s Affordable Housing Program require a minimum household size of three persons.

Applicants must not have held a home ownership interest within the prior 36 months.

The actual sales price will be based on various factors including household size, the interest rate on the loan obtained, and gross household income.

The 2011 maximum qualifying household income limits for purchase of these affordable homes are: 4

Dawn King Bookkeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-0553 Held, Chris - Wells Fargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609-9415 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211 Miller, Tom, CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354-1385 Prosperitas Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700

Affordable Housing Units

Moderate Income Limits (Min.) Moderate Income Limits (Max.) Low Income Limits (Min.) Low Income Limits (Max.)

Auto

Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717

For Sale:

3

Directory of Advertisers

The amount of love and support coming from the community is beyond comprehension. Frank touched the lives of so many people. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful husband.

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.

Persons in Household

Page 5

5

6

7

$58,501 $64,951 $70,151 $75,351 $80,551 $99,700 $110,750 $119,600 $128,450 $137,350 $41,551 $46,151 $49,851 $53,551 $57,251 $83,049 $92,299 $99,699 $107,049 $114,449

Source: State of California Department of Housing and Community Development 2011 Income Limits

To ensure long-term affordability of the homes, a deed restriction will be recorded at the time of sale. Applicants must meet household income restrictions for the income category, based on the size of the household as well as other applicable requirements listed in the application materials.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m., Wed., Apr. 4, 2012, & extended, if necessary, until eligible households have been identified for the purchase(s). Commissions will not be paid to a Buyer’s agent.

For an application visit the City's website at

www.ci.clayton.ca.us or contact the Clayton Community Development Department at (925) 673-7340

Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-888-698-0000 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Neptune Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747 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

Classified SENIOR SERVICES Getting you out and about. Local mom, active in the community, offering non-medical and practical help: shopping, errands, salon, doctor visits. Transportation included.

Seniors About Town, Terri Gerow at 330-5090.

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 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631

TUTOR Math tutor for elementary students. Call Mona 297-9344.

WANTED Come join Mazzei Realty!

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

Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Levity Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2995 Senior Services Always Available Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6887 CourtYards at Pine Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-3900 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Montecito - Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702

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

Services, Other

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243

Help the Lemon Lady Fight Hunger Call 672-1988 or AnnaAndAva@gmail.com.

Meals on Wheels Drivers Call Jim at 673-0300 or e-mail hairbyjim@att.net.

Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Specialty Shopping Candles Make Scents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405-7199 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447

Hospice of the East Bay – Anna’s Attic Call 674-9072 or 887-5678, or volunteers@hospiceeatbay.org.

Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter. Call the museum at 672-0240.

Clayton Community Library Contact: Arlene @ 673-9777 or email: nielsenjanc@aol.com.

INTEGRITY Do the Right Thing

Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

High quality professional tax preparation at a reasonable rate Tax Preparation, Planning & IRS Representation

Thomas J. Miller, Certified Public Accountant

(925) 354-1385 tac.light@gmail.com Local resident

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March 16, 2012

NHN workshop for homeowners facing foreclosure set for March 17 Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) a non-profit, ad hoc group of professionals from across the real estate sector will meet with homeowners in default on their home loans on March 17. This will be the sixth in a series of workshops designed to bring reliable, concrete information and practical planning to homeowners with distressed mortgages. Attendees leave the event with clear understanding of their next step in the process to recovering their financial and real estate integrity.

At the last workshop in February, 52 attendees took advan-

tage of advice and counsel offered on an individualized level by Realtors, loan experts, bankers and accountants.

“It is interesting to note that month after month folks show up with similar stories about their distress with their mortgage and yet they do not know of the resources that are available to them,” says Glenna Nickerson, one of the event organizers and volunteers.

“They don’t realize the differences and the consequences of a short sale vs. foreclosure.

They do not realize what a loan modification really is. They

don’t realize they most often have the power to determine their own fates and they have options.”

If attendee reviews are any indication, the events have been a big success. “We ask every attendee to take a survey and rate our effectiveness,” says Nickerson. “We consistently receive outstanding marks. And most importantly the comments reflect that we’re achieving our mission, to inform and empower people.”

The next Neighbors Helping Neighbors public workshop will be on March 17 at the Concord

Salvation Army in the Community Room. Panelists will include a loan modification specialist, Realtor®, real estate attorney, HUD Counselor, and a representative from Keep Your Home California.

The organization is strictly nonprofit and voluntary and focuses on providing realistic roadmaps for recovery and information on alternatives that is not readily available. No selling or solicitation is allowed at NHN events; all activities revolve around providing practical help and actionable information. www.neighborshelpingnieighbors.biz

pec

FREE Consultation

Keep kids safe on the Internet

with this ad Dr. Dan Coflin, D.C., Sarah Coflin, RN, & Amanda Sadler

(925) 672-6500

5444 Clayton Rd., Suite B, Concord

The Internet has opened up a world of information for anyone with a computer (including smart phones, ipads, etc.) and a connection. Your kids will learn about computers, and probably already have. But just as you wouldn’t send children near a busy street without some safety rules, you shouldn’t send them on to the information superhighway without rules of the road.

Too many dangers – from pedophiles to con artists – can reach children (and adults) through the Internet.

Parents should set aside time with your young children to explore the Internet together.

They may already know how to surf the net. Let them take the lead, and explain that although a person may be alone in a room using the computer, once logged

Tax-FREE Benefit Aids Aging Vets If you are a war-time veteran over 65 or a surviving spouse, a little-known benefit can help pay for in-home care, assisted living or a skilled nursing home.

DAN LAWRENCE

FROM

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on to the Internet, they are no longer alone. People skilled in using the Internet can find out who you are and where you are.

They can even tap into information in your computer.

The best tool a child has for screening material found on the Internet is knowledge. Teach children about exploitation, pornography, hate literature, excessive violence and other issues that concern you, so they know how to respond when they see this material. Parents should choose a commercial online service that offers

parental control features. These features can block contact that is not clearly marked as appropriate for children like chat rooms, bulletin boards, news groups and discussion groups.

They can even block access to the Internet entirely.

Parents can also purchase blocking software and design you own safety system. Different packages can block sites by name, search for unacceptable words and block access to sites containing those words, block entire categories of material, and prevent children from giving out personal information.

A common strategy that a parent can use is to monitor what children do when they are online, and how much time they spend online. If a child becomes uneasy or defensive when you walk into the room or when you linger, this may be a sign that he or she is surfing where they don’t belong.

Parents should tell their young ones to always let them know if they find something scary or threatening on the Internet. Parents should encourage

their children to never:

Give out their name, address, phone numbers, passwords, school name, parent’s name or any other personal information.

Agree to meet face to face with someone they’ve met online, or send pictures of themselves.

Respond to messages that have bad words or seem scary or just weird.

Enter an area that charges for services without asking permission.

These are some basic tips to help parents educate their children about properly using the Internet. Next month, I discuss Cyberbullying and other online issues. Please call if you have questions or comments at 6737350, on Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dan Lawrence is Clayton’s Police Chief. Please send your questions, comments or topics you’d like to see covered to DanL@cpd.ci. concord.ca.us

The 2012 Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit Annual Single Veteran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20,436 Veteran with Spouse/Dependent . . . . . . . . .24,228 Two Veterans Married to Each Other . . . . . .31,572 Surviving Spouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,128 Surviving Spouse with one Dependent . . . . .15,672

Monthly . . . . . . . . . .$1,703 . . . . . . . . . . .2,019 . . . . . . . . . . .2,631 . . . . . . . . . . .1,094 . . . . . . . . . . .1,306

What Qualifies (These disability-related needs must be carefully documented)

The aid of another person is needed in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, protecting oneself from the hazards of daily environment, etc., or The claimant is bed-ridden, in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity and/or is blind or nearly blind.

The Littorno Law Group specializes in qualifying veterans and their families for these benefits where their level of income and/or assets would otherwise disqualify them. We provide creative tax and benefit planning strategies and unique legal forms to qualify for the benefits. The standard revocable living trust is usually ineffective.

If you or someone you know is a war-time veteran and/or a surviving spouse and is now or will soon be privately paying for in-home care, assisted living or a skilled nursing home, please contact us to set up a free consultation. And, if you are a veteran, thank you for your service to our country.

Richard A. Littorno LITTORNO LAW GROUP

A long answer for an electrical short Q. Why is it so expensive and time consuming to fix a car’s electrical short?

A. One of the most difficult problems to find in a vehicle is an electrical short. Most of the time it requires a lot of back searching.

First you find where the power source is from and where it is going to. Check the parts to see if it is getting power and, if it has a good ground and no short/open inside.

Then check to find if the power source is good and it is getting a signal to be activated .

If the power source is good

and there is a signal, why it is not working?

Now the part needs to be checked to see if it is burnt out.

Different parts have different test procedures. If the parts are good, then the wiring has to be checked. This can take a lot of time due to how the wiring is routed and insulated, what other parts the wire goes through and what effect they have on the operation of the parts.

In some cases there may be other parts that have to be replaced first. In a case where there is a short, any of the parts on that circuit may have been damaged. This is the reason

GARY TAYLOR CAR TUNED when the service writer calls and explains that there are other parts that need replacing first and then continue testing the system and the suspected part properly.

All this checking is time consuming, and keeps you from where you want to go.

Gary Taylor is service manager at Clayton Valley Shell. Call him with questions at (925) 672-3900

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Police Log Police Activity Report for week ending Mar. 8, 2012 ACCIDENTS March 6, 3”24 p.m., a non-injury accident at Clayton Road and Duncan Drive ARRESTS March 4, 3:55 a.m.

Marsh Creek Rd./Regency Dr. DUI. A 68-year-old Brentwood man was arrested for DUI at Marsh Creek

Road and Regency Drive.

March 4, 9:52 p.m.

Police stopped a Concord man, 23, for a Vehicle Code violation and cited him for driving without a license.

March 5, 7:10 p.m. After responding to a call for service on Kirker Pass Road, police arrested a Clayton woman, 21, for public intoxication and probation violation.

March 8, 9:56 p.m.

Police arrested a Concord man, 20, on Herriman Drive for using or being under the influence of drugs and resisting arrest.

BURGLARIES/THEFTS March 5. Kirker Pass Road. Petty Theft.

March 8, Indian Wells Way. Petty Theft VANDALISMS: March 4, Heritage Trail.

March 16, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

How Realtors lobby for more than your home Q. I recognize the advantage of having a Real Estate agent represent me in a listing or purchase. Other than that expertise, what are Real Estate agents offering to improve the housing market and the economy?

concern if there aren’t available funds for affordable mortgage financing. These are some proposals for a healthier housing and mortgage markets.

A. It sounds like you realize there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in real estate. For an agent or broker to legally call themselves a “Realtor” he or she must be a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). In California we also must be a member of the California Association of Realtors (CAR). One should always check to see if their real estate agent is a member of both of these organizations. People within these organizations are held to the highest standard of ethics. I am proud to be a member of both because they are also non-partisan political action groups fighting for the good of the housing market and the economy as related to housing.

I will touch on some of the 2012 public policy priorities.

The first is “Taxation.”

Because of the exploding deficit and the need for tax reform, a variety of tax laws affected by commercial and residential real estate, could be reviewed with a focus on raising revenue. NAR opposes any change in the following:

between what a home sells for and how much is owed to the lender in a short sale. NAR recommends extending it. With this in mind, it is best to consider closing a short sale before the end of the year. I will keep you posted on the progress of this law.

E xc l u s i o n o f C a p i t a l Gains on Sale of Residence: NAR opposes any changes that would reduce or limit the capital gains exemption of $250,000 for one person and $500,000 for two people on the sale of their personal residence that is currently in place.

Mortgage Interest Deduction: Under mining current law which allows mortgage interest to be a tax deduction for a debt secured by a first or second home is opposed by NAR. Property Tax Deduction: Any changes that would change or reduce this deduction are opposed by NAR.

Cancellation of Mortgage Debt: This tax law expires Dec. 3l, 2012. This law forgives taxes on the difference

The other public policy priority is “Real Estate Finance.”

Delinquencies and foreclosure rates will remain a significant

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS

1. Credit Policies: NAR is calling for the expansion of residential and commercial lending products and they support efforts to increase consumer access to mortgage financing programs even if they have negative equity on their residence.

2. Short Sales: NAR is pushing the lending industry to expedite short sales and is working with congress to get the legislation passed to make the short sale process more efficient. The measure (HR 1498) requires lender approval or denial within 45 days.

3. Government Sponsored Enterprises: NAR recommends that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac be restructured in a manner that ensures consumers have a reliable source of mortgage funding in all types of markets, under all types of economic conditions. The restructured entities should be explicitly backed by government and have no shareholders.

Send your question and look for your answer in a future column.

Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com.

French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident.

For any real estate needs or questions, contact her at 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.

Add some to your retirement in 2012

Page 7

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Rates haven’t been this low since the 1950’s. Refinance to a low-rate 10-year, or 15-year mortgage and you’ll pay less interest over the life of your loan. Depending on your current mortgage, you could cut years off your loan payments and own your home sooner.

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Yes. You can join.® (888) 698-0000 Apply online: www.traviscu-realestate.com Clayton Valley Branch: 5442 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 10 Concord Branch: 1257 Willow Pass Road Mon. – Fri., 10 am – 5:30 pm; Sat., 10 am – 2 pm 1. APR as low as 3.75% fixed for 10 years, based on 80% loan-to-value or less. For $200,000 loan, payment would be $2,001.22.

2. APR as low as 3.99% fixed for 15 years, based on 80% loan-to-value or less. For $200,000 loan, payment would be $1,478.37.

3. APR as low as 4.49% fixed for 30 years, based on 80% loan-to-value or less. For $200,000 loan, payment would be $1,012.18.

Rates as of January 20, 2012, subject to change until locked. Financing available up to $417,000 (or the conforming loan limit for your county) for owner-occupied California primary residence properties only. Applies to no cash-out refinances. With cash-out, loan-tovalue limit is 75%. Payment example does not include insurance or taxes. Property insurance required. Some restrictions may apply.

If impound account for taxes and insurance is desired, you are responsible for those set-up amounts and any charges assessed by your current lender such as reconveyance fees, payoff demand fees, pre-payment penalties and any interim interest collected at closing. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest and charges. Offers cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Everyone who lives, works, or attends school in Contra Costa or Alameda County, part of our 12-county area, is eligible to join. Certain membership requirements may apply.

NMLS registered. Equal Housing Lender

Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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

Excitement at the success of the new charter is still rippling through Clayton Valley, but one change that is being discussed for next year is receiving mixed reviews and a fair amount of resistance on campus – school uniforms.

Rumors of polo shirts and khakis spread like wildfire shortly after the school board’s approval of the charter, and upon the arrival of March, underclassmen were given a survey to gather the view of the collective student body on the matter. The survey outlined the current dress code, a stricter

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modified dress code and a controlled uniform dress code and then asked the students to select the option they felt would work best for the new Clayton Valley Charter High School.

Following the survey, the word on campus seems to be pretty universally anti-uniform with most students claiming to have opted for either no change in dress code or the slightly modified version. Remembering the uproar inspired by strict dress code enforcement earlier this year, this comes at little to no surprise. However, this time around, the concern seems to be

DVMS students find their own “X-Factor” What do you love doing most? What makes YOU special? Is it that knack you have for dancing? Or maybe singing a song that can make everyone around you awed by your stunning voice? Whatever that talent is, the eighth Annual Diablo Valley Middle School Talent Show highlighted the best DVMS has to offer.

The “Bringin’ It Back”themed show on Feb. 28 featured 15 singing acts, four instrumental acts, and seven dancing acts for a total of 26 performances. Students voted on the winners in six different categories: Most Creative Performance, Best Solo Performance, Best Group Performance, Best Leadership Dance, Best Instrumental Performance, and Best Dance Performance.

The Most Creative Performance went to seventh grader Megan Brys hula dancing to “He Mele No Lilo” (Lilo and Stich). The Best Solo Performance was eighth grader Casey Smith singing and playing guitar to “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars.

The Best Group Performance goes to eighth graders Danielle Gelhaus, Shannon Hennessey and Karyna MacLean singing “Safe and Sound” by Taylor Swift. The Best Leadership Dance went to the eighth grade leadership class creating a dance routine to “Shuffling Through Time Mix” from various artists. The Best Instrumental Performance went to sixth grader Jared Xia playing the violin, to “Csardas” by V. Monti. Finally, the Best Dance Performance went to eighth grader Taylor Ronan dancing to “Rumor Has It” by Adele. They all received a free meal and drink

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CELINE HERRERA DVMS REPORTER from Ed’s Mudville Grill.

The talent show raised $944.75, which will be donated to the World Wildlife Federation.

Many of the participants enjoyed their on-stage experiences. It was really fun and uplifting to finally overcome my fear of singing in front of people I’ve had so long,” said Eryn Dudley, who sang “Skyscraper

by Demi Lovato with Erin Tindall, Ashley Ulinger, and Claire Olson.

Mrs. Ruff, the Leadership teacher at DVMS, gave me an insider of how running the talent show and how it benefits the students. The talent show “allows talented students the opportunity to be noticed and appreciated and helps improve the interactions of all students on campus. It also brings students and family members together to celebrate our talented students.”

All contestants in the talent show received awards and a bag of goodies for their performances.

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

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about comfort rather than concealment. Pick any day at Clayton Valley and you will find the majority of the student body in jeans or sweatpants. A mandatory switch to khakis would be a tough adjustment for most students to make – male or female.

Of course looks and fashion contribute their fair share to the concerns of students as well. A freshman this year, my brother Brent Tovrea regularly voices his primary complaint that if uniforms were adopted boys’ shorts would have to be above the knee.

“De La Salle doesn’t even make its students do that!” he reasons. And indeed, while De La Salle’s dress code notes that low riding pants are not allowed it does not address the issue of short length, perhaps making the charter’s proposed uniforms more strict than that of the private Catholic school.

The student body’s opposition to uniforms can also be seen in the Public Service Academy’s “If I Could Change My School” project, in which groups of students within the academy from every grade level come together to design their own school to discover how change and growth is achieved.

Ted Hall, senior and president of the PSA student council, has noticed an anti-uniform trend in the designs thus far, including

TAYLOR TOVREA TEEN SPEAK that of his own group.

“The school we designed is in favor of a stricter dress code, however, we felt that uniforms would be going too far and would restrict the self-expression of the students,” he explained. “Teachers aren’t required to wear uniforms to teach so why should students be required to wear them to learn?”

However there are still those who find the idea of uniforms refreshing, including sophomore Quincy Winship.

“I’m impartial,” she said, “but I think uniforms would be a good idea.”

Indeed, uniforms are not without their appeal – not having to worry about picking out an outfit in the morning, easy foolproof back to school shopping, etc. But in the grand scheme of things, is simplicity worth sacrificing style? Only time will tell.

Taylor Tovrea is a senior at Clayton Valley High School. She is a regular contributor to the Pioneer.

You can Email her at taylor@ claytonpioneer.com

CVHS students learn to take CPR seriously

ROBBIE PARKER

CVHS REPORTER You never know when you might end up in an emergency situation.

It could happen anywhere and anytime; just picture walking down the street, near a crowded bus stop. There at the sidewalk, a large group of people encircle a fallen man who’s neither moving nor breathing.

The surrounding pedestrians have already dialed 911 but who knows how long it may take for paramedics arrive. No one is sure what to do next.

However, they may not know that one’s chances for survival decrease from 7 to 10 percent for every minute that nothing is done. This man has suffered a heart attack, and his chance for survival may depend on the actions of those around him.

Recognizing this importance, volunteers from Mt. Diablo Health Care District, Contra Costa Health Services, and the American Heart Association have aided the community by teaching every ninth grader in the school district life-saving techniques in an emergency situation. Representatives from each foundation, along with volunteering paramedics and local medical school students, arrived at Clayton Valley on Friday, Feb. 24. For two hours, they educated participants on how to perform hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

During each ninth grade P.E. class, students were taught the

basics of performing CPR and practiced rhythmic chest compressions to well known songs like Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and the Bee Gee’s “Staying Alive,” making the experience effective and memorable.

While it was amusing to joke around with friends, students for the most part took the experience seriously. Everyone was actively engaged, and realized the importance of knowing CPR. “It’s really important know, from a young age, how to save someone in case of an emergency. Someone needs to step up during a crisis,” said Gaby Bacigalupo. He reiterated how vital it is for people to take action. “Now I know how to save someone’s life.”

When heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, you might assume more people would be trained in CPR. Many occupations that involve working with people require CPR certification nowadays, but it’s just as vital to have students learn as well. Each year, almost 330,000 Americans die from a heart disease. Half of these will die suddenly, outside of the hospital, because their heart stops beating. Calling 911 should always be the first step, but before medical professionals arrive, immediately performing CPR will greatly increase one’s chance for survival.

Clayton community members can become CPR certified or receive basic training by signing up for classes at local hospitals, volunteer organizations and private CPR training companies.

More important information about learning these life saving techniques can be found at the American Heart Association website, http://www.heart.org.

Robbie Parker is a freshman at Clayton Valley High School.

Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

County approves all conditions of Charter APRIL WINSHIP

THE CHARTER PAPERS “Following the sun we left the old world.”

- Christopher Columbus The Clayton Valley Charter High School continues to chart its new course. Nearly all Enrollment and Authorization to Release Information forms of current and incoming feederpattern students have been received and processed. If you turned a form in for your student, you should have received a confirmation phone or email message. If you have not yet returned your form, you should receive a phone call from the Administrative Offices of Clayton Valley, Pine Hollow or Diablo View Middle Schools.

COMMITTEE NEWS This month committee members worked closely with the governing board to submit all items requested to meet the

conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Contra Costa County Office of Education. On March 7 the Contra Costa County Board of Education voted unanimously that all conditions have been met. CVCHS has earned clear approval. Committee members have also been collaborating with the county to explore how their educational resources and experiences can be helpful to our programs, especially in the area of special education and English language learners.

The curriculum committee members joined with the student services committee members to continue creation of the new Freshmen Transition Academy. Researching other successful models in place at charter schools throughout California and adopting new ideas from committee members, the academy is taking shape.

The student services committee is in the preliminary stages of gathering information and garnering feedback from all stakeholders regarding adopting a more conservative dress code or uniforms for the 2012-2013

Concerts, from page 1 A weeknight concert would cut into his sales even more, he said in a letter to the City Council.

Steve Barton, owner of the Clayton Club, said the sale of alcohol in the park could increase the city’s liability and require stricter enforcement of the perimeter which “might spill over into the Saturday night concerts.”

Johnny Sandhu, owner of the Village Market, spoke against the plan when it first came up at the February 21 meeting, saying alcohol sales would hurt his business.

The sale of alcohol is not the only stumbling block.

Under Medrano’s plan, the P2C Foundation, a non-profit corporation of which Medrano is a board member, would contract with the city to finance the concerts. P2C would donate $1,000, obtain the alcohol permit;. and front all the costs. They would would be reimbursed from the alcohol sales, sponsorships, merchandise sales and reserved seating. Anything over the costs would be turned over

to the city to be used toward future concerts. If the income from sales came up short, the foundation would cover it. Neither P2C nor Medrano would receive any payment.

While the contract could be structured to avoid a conflict of interest, said the city attorney, Mala Subramanian, there is still the perception of a conflict said Councilwoman Julie Pierce. And if P2C loses money on the deal, “perception can become reality” since then there actually would be a conflict,” she said.

“As a council member on the board, then you would have a financial interest,” she told Medrano. “Since these books aren’t anything we have seen, we don’t know how it is funded.”

“I do respect your intent,” she continued. “But I’m really torn. It’s unfortunate that P2C even comes up.”

At this point, a frustrated Medrano withdrew his proposal. “It doesn’t have to be P2C, it can be any non-profit,” he fumed. “We’ll still put up the $1,000 but get another non-

Mayor, from page 1 removed schools and homes in their paths. People across the country lost their homes and their possessions.

So why write about this in the Mayor’s Column? It is because I want you to take a few minutes to make some very important assessments. It is important to be prepared.

In a disaster, does your family have a phone tree procedure to contact family and friends with the minimum amount of calls? If disaster strikes in Clayton, does your immediate family have a plan in place to contact each other and to contact family out of state? Does your family have a planned place to meet outside your home? Do you have a cache outside your home of fresh water and food that would last a week? Could you quickly grab personal belongings such as your medication, flashlights, a dry change of clothes and a sturdy pair of shoes as you run out the door?

Do you know how to shut off your natural gas valve, or even know where it is?

If you answered no to any of these questions, I urge you to take responsibility for yourself and your family and become prepared. If disaster strikes, it will take days for services to be restored. It could take days for the Red Cross to get to Clayton or rescue teams to find you.

Clayton is very fortunate to have an Emergency Preparedness Program. We are also fortunate to have our own dedicated CERT team of trainers. They can help you become certified in Emergency Training through classes given over several weeks or a shorter version if your prefer. The information you will learn is invaluable. This training could save the lives of the ones you hold so dear. The website for information is: http://www.claytoncert.org.

SAFE SCHOOL CROSSINGS Over the years, Clayton Police have created a great working relationship with our elementary and middle schools.

Each morning and afternoon, our duty officers are located at

school year. This recommendation was made because it was felt that the current dress code is too subjective. A survey will be given to students, teachers, staff and parents.

See claytonvalley.org/news to view a possible more conservative dress code, possible uniform considerations and to speak your mind. As this went to press, a Town Hall meeting was held to hear additional feedback.

The governing board will be voting on this issue soon.

SAVE THE DATE CVCHS first fundraising event is set for Friday, May 11 at Centre Concord.

To keep informed, refer to www.claytonvalley.org.

To become involved, attend a governing board meeting or join a committee. We can all make a difference.

April Winship is a parent of two CVCHS students in the Public Service Academy. She lives in Clayton with her family. If you have any questions, comments or simply have an idea to share, email info@claytonvalley.org.

profit to do the rest.”

Councilman Dave Shuey supports adding the weeknight concerts and does not share Pierce’s concerns. “I’m appalled for you,” he told Medrano.

“Withdraw – it’s not worth it to you. The whole thing got bogged down in minutiae. No good deed goes unpunished.”

Councilman Hank Shuey is willing to give the concerts a chance But Mayor Howard Geller, who has been the moving force behind the summer concert series, is opposed to the concerts selling alcohol and merchandise.

“It just takes away from our storefront merchants.”

Clayton Business and Community Association board members Keith Haydon and Ed Hartley were at the meeting.

Hartley is in favor of adding the weeknight concerts. “It just adds to the other amenities in town,” he told the Council. “All the successful CBCA events – Art and Wine, Oktoberfest, Rib Cookoff – all started as experiments.”

Hartley and Haydon will meet with the CBCA board next week to explore the possibility of CBCA funding the concerts.

major school crossing areas to alert youth about the importance of crossing streets at the crosswalks and intersections.

Accident prevention is foremost on their mind. Mid-block crossings are inherently unsafe due to sight visibility and traffic speed.

Please remind your children that even when crossing in “packs,” they should take responsibility to look both ways and be aware of oncoming traffic. If you see one of our officers working these beats, a thank you or a friendly wave is always a nice way of showing your appreciation for their concern.

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL The work continues to make the charter school conversion a smooth and effective one.

Please join one of the many committees being formed to help create policy and procedures. You can go to their website info@claytonvalley.org and volunteer for one of the committees. Help make a difference in the education of our children.

Send questions and comments to Councilmangeller@aol.com

Page 9

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March 16, 2012

Sports Two local wrestlers step on State Meet podium JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Seniors Troy Lakin of Clayton Valley and Joe Moita of De La Salle capped their high school wrestling careers on the podium earlier this month in Bakersfield at the 40th annual CIF State Meet and each notched satisfying victories along the way. Lakin ended up fifth at 106 pounds and Moita of Clayton was third at 126, his second time in three years to finish in the top four.

Lakin was making his second trip to State Meet and ended up with a busy two days as he had seven matches with both his losses coming to the secondand third-place finishers. On the second day of the meet Lakin, seeded ninth going into the meet, met Miguel Martinez of Madera in a match that would determine who would progress to the medal round. Martinez had pinned Lakin earlier in the season at a large invitational meet. This time the local lad claimed a 2-1 comeback victory with all the points coming in the final round. Lakin also won Diablo Valley Athletic League and North Coast Section titles this year.

Moita and his brother Vince (two-time NCS champ) have been leaders for the powerful De La Salle team over the past

Photo John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com

SENIOR JOE MOITA (TOP) WON HIS LONG-AWAITED DUAL WITH JAKE SMITH of Newark Memorial in the championship match at 126 pounds in the North Coast Section wrestling finals. The De La Salle athlete from Clayton took his third straight NCS crown and a week later beat Smith again at the CIF State Meet. His brother Vince won a pair of NCS titles for DLS.

two years. As a sophomore Moita took fourth in state then moved up three weight classes before his junior year. He won his second NCS crown last year but was ill at the State Meet and did not place. To secure his third

successive section title beat Jake Smith, a transfer to Newark Memorial who was the 2011 Virginia State champion.

At the State Meet Moita was ranked sixth and lost 13-9 to eventual champ freshman

Anthony Valencia of St. John Bosco in the semi-finals. He then ran into Smith again and the match went nothing like their NCS showdown the week before. Smith, seeking revenge, was up 5-0 after one round

before Moita rallied to tie and send the match into overtime where the local grappler prevailed 8-6. Josh Rodriguez of Righetti High faced Moita in the third-place match. This time it was Moita looking to avenge an

earlier loss to Rodriquez and the Spartan wrestler won 4-2 to take third in his final high school meet.

De La Salle won another NCS title this year and was fourth at the State Meet for the second years in a row. The Spartans swept all the winter NCS boys championships also winning with new coach Derricke Brown guiding his team to a fourth straight soccer title and Frank Allocco’s basketball squad.

Clayton Valley High athletes earned a number of post-season Diablo Valley Athletic League honors for their basketball and soccer teams.

Megan Coppa was the league’s Defensive Most Valuable Player for Eagles soccer and her teammates Samantha Boeger and Megan Elms were first-team all-DVAL. On the second all-league team were Janelle Bandayrel, Alison Marines and Marissa Merrigan.

Marina Arcaya and Kiana Mason were honorable mention all-DVAL. In boys soccer Joshua Gomez was Offensive MVP and Sam Marchant Defensive MVP from the second-place CVHS, which reached the NCS semifinals before losing a heartbreaker to De La Salle 2-1 and

See All-DVAL , page 11

Clayton youth is a hockey mighty mite in goal JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Local sports fields and gymnasiums are typically filled with kids playing basketball, baseball,

football and soccer as well as lacrosse and rugby. Pools are packed with swimmers and water polo players. How about ice hockey in Clayton? Well, not so much, so Mt. Diablo Ele-

mentary School third grader Alex Kowalewski relies on dad Stephen and mom Yolanda to drive him to Dublin Iceland at least twice a week so he can play hockey for the Tri-Valley Blue

Devils Mite-Xers.

Kowalewski has been busy this winter playing in three tournaments and collecting a like number of championship gold medals. And next month the

Photo courtesy Kowalewski family

MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY THIRD GRADER ALEX KOWALEWSKI uses his stick to protect his goal for the Tri Valley Blue Devils Mite-Xers ice hockey team. The Clayton youth has helped his team to a trio of tournament gold medals during the past three months.

local eight-year-old will be traveling to Chicago with the Bay Area Seals tournament team for the Chi-Town Shuffle.

It takes a lot of dedication from his parents for the young Kowalewski to take part in hockey. When he plays Minor B baseball in Clayton Valley Little League he is just minutes away from practice and game sites.

Since he usually plays goalie for Tri-Valley he has to be at the Dublin rink at 5 a.m. on Saturdays in order to get dressed and ready for 5:30 morning practices. “The younger teams get the earliest rink time so Alex and his dad have to be up really early,” Yolanda says. There are also Wednesday evening practices that entail fighting commute traffic as well as occasional Saturday or Sunday afternoon sessions for the team of six- to eight-year-olds.

“We have video of Alex in diapers holding a mini hockey stick at 14 or 15 months old.

He’s always shown an interest in the sport. He probably knows every player in the National Hockey League,” his mom adds.

A side benefit of his interest in the sport is that his parents have taught him geography as he looked at maps to see where all the NHL franchises are located.

He especially knows the way to San Jose as he “loves” the Sharks.

The Mite-Xers took part in the Winter Classic at Sharks Ice in San Jose during the holiday season. The tournament drew teams from Colorado, Oregon and Southern California. Tri Valley reversed a loss to the Santa Clara Blackhawks in the preliminary rounds to claim the championship. They had to kill a pair of 5-on-3 power plays by the Blackhawks to earn a 3-1 victory in the finale.

On the heels of that titlewinning effort the team hit the road for two more tournaments.

They traveled to South Lake Tahoe where they had four shutout victories for the gold medal. Last month they took on teams from Southern California and Arizona at the California State Games capped by a 4-1 triumph over the tenacious San Diego Oilers in the finals.

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Page 11

Sports wrestlers reached the State Meet but this year Lakin carried the torchsolo and his sweetest victory was in a Saturday morning match that would determine a medal place. Lakin reversed a loss in a tournament during the season to move on over the #5 wrestler in the state.

Athlete Spotlight

took second and third. Lakin finished his four-year varsity career at Clayton Valley High with a North Coast Section championship to go along with his State Meet medal. His exploits are now attracting the attention of colleges and he’s

The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Troy Lakin and rewards his achievement with a gift certificate to Rocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

being contacted by schools as far away as Iowa. He ended up with a 45-5 record this season.

When he’s not wrestling for coach Kyle Behmlander’s Eagles he competes for the Community Youth Center club team. Last year three CVHS

bia University in New York City where he’ll re-unite with a fellow ex-Spartan Tyler Sheridan wrestling for the Lions in the Ivy League. One of their league foes is Brown University where his older brother Vince Moita is currently a sophomore wrestler.

Joe Moita took third at 106 pounds in State Meet as a sophomore and then moved up

All-DVAL, from page 10 finishing the year 19-4-3. Eagles Adolfo Martinez and Christian Pedraza were named first team all-DVAL with second team laurels to Yojay Basulto and Zach

Jacobson. Honorable mention went to Ryan Phillips and Edgar Romero.

Senior Craig Ihle was the leader all year for the CVHS

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and then faced two tough opponents including reversing a January loss to Josh Rodriquez of Righetti High in his final match to claim third place.

Name: Joe Moita Age: 17 Team: De La Salle HS Wrestling Sport: Wrestling Three-time North Coast Section wrestling champion Joe Moita capped his high school career with a third-place finish at the CIF State Meet in Bakersfield early this month. The senior from Clayton grabbed his second State podium result in three years for De La Salle. This fall he’ll be heading off to the Big Apple enrolling at Colum-

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Name: Troy Lakin Age: 17 Team: Clayton Valley HS Wrestling Sport: Wrestling Senior captain Troy Lakin went into the CIF State Meet seeded as the ninth ranked 106pound wrestler and after seven grueling matches in Bakersfield he climbed the podium for his fifth-place medal. His two losses came to the athletes who

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The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Joe Moita and rewards his achievement with a gift certificate to Rocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

three weight classes as a junior.

He stayed at 126 pounds for his senior year and was seeded sixth going into State. Moita was beaten in the State semifinals by the eventual champ

boys basketball team getting the Eagles back to the NCS playoffs and he was named first-team allleague for his outstanding play.

Classmate Brandon Silva was second team while R.J. Franco and Garrett Lemos were honorable mention.

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport.

Send your nomination for the Rocco’s Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@claytonpioneer.com.

Molly Kommer and Karley Menez were first team all-DVAL for the NCS Eagles girls basketball squad, which made another trip to NCS. Joining the two seniors with all-league recognition was freshman Hailey Pascoe on the second team.

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Old school coach Jerry Coakley dies, leaving large void in CVHS community JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

A funeral Mass for long-time high school and college coach Jerry Coakley will be held this Friday at St. Bonaventure Church. The 74-year-old Clayton resident was stricken Christmas Eve and passed away March 2 from a ruptured aorta. He spent the past 15 years coaching football at Clayton Valley High School, serving as defensive coordinator since 1998.

His absence will be felt by all the Eagle players and coaches, head coach Herc Pardi says.

“Coach Coakley was one-of-akind, the best of the best. He helped us change the whole landscape of Clayton Valley football. The players absolutely loved and respected him,” an emotional Pardi said. Coakley was a coach for 45 years, including 29 at Mt. Diablo High where at various times he was head coach of the football, basketball, baseball and swim teams.

Among his prize Red Devils pupils was basketball star Todd Lichti who went on to Stanford and the National Basketball Association.

Pardi and Coakley go back to the late 1960s when Pardi worked for Coakley on Saturday mornings with the Concord Recreation Department and later played for Coakley’s Concord American Legion baseball team. As athletic director at Mt. Diablo High, Coakley hired

Pardi to his first varsity coaching position with the baseball team in 1982. Pardi still called him “Coach” to this day. “I don’t think I ever called him ‘Jerry.’

Once someone is your coach, he’s your coach for life!”

Coakley was known for his straight forward approach. “He was very honest and for some that is very difficult to accept,

minded the defensive effort when the Eagles tied De La Salle 17-17 in 2004.

Sam Williams played for Clayton Valley during Coakley’s first two seasons at the school.

Williams made all-league before going on to Fresno State and then playing nearly a decade with the Oakland Raiders. “He broke down football to its sim-

Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer

JERRY COAKLEY (LEFT) SPENT NEARLY A HALF CENTURY COACHING local high school and community college teams. Since 1997 he’s been on the Clayton Valley High School football staff working with Eagles head coach Herc Pardi. The duo go back to 1968 when Pardi worked in a recreation program supervised by Coakley.

but if you did and tried your best you became a better coach or player,” said Eagles assistant coach and former player Paul Reynaud. Coakley’s work with the CVHS defense resulted in three of his Eagle linebackers selected as players of the year: Joe Mortensen, Joey Levine and Vince Buhagiar. He also master-

plest form,” said Williams. “He didn’t have to say much to get his point across.”

CVHS Hall of Fame athlete Bud Beemer, who enjoyed a long coaching career himself, was quoted as saying of Coakley, “He was a real marshmallow in a lot of respects. But he was as competitive as all get-out and

his teams reflected that.”

Another Eagle grad and long-time Diablo Valley College basketball coach Steve Coccimiglio added, “He was a straight shooter, a really good dude.”

Jerry Coakley went into the Marines after being a threesport star at Acalanes High. He came back from the service to play basketball and baseball at DVC and then graduated from San Francisco State, where he started two seasons on the Gators baseball team. His coaching stops also included Salesian High, DVC and Los Medanos College.

The Coakley family moved to Clayton 28 years ago and the family name runs deep in education and at Clayton Valley. His son Casey is a CVHS teacher, the former Eagles baseball coach and now head coach at Los Medanos College. Jerry Coakley’s daughter Kathleen taught at CVHS and son-in-law Bob Ralston was a CVHS teacher for 13 years and its highly-successful baseball coach before taking over Cal State East Bay baseball this season.

The coaching icon is also survived by his wife Mary, a retired school teacher, son Mike and daughter Colleen, a Los Medanos instructor.

The funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 16 at St. Bonaventure followed by a reception at Endeavor Hall in Clayton.

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March 16, 2012

St. Bonaventure 4th, 5th boys teams claim CYO basketball championships JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Fourth and fifth grade boys basketball teams from St. Bonaventure CYO enjoyed winning seasons in 2011-12, each capturing East Diablo league championships. The teams came up short in the season-ending playoffs but that won’t diminish the excellent results the young basketball players achieved this winter.

Coaches Chuck Nelson and David Gwynn guided their St. Bonaventure Bulldogs to a 1914 win over Immaculate Heart of Brentwood in the final East

Diablo CYO American League game at De La Salle High gym.

The Bulldogs scored the game’s final five points to secure the win and the league championship with a 9-1 record.

“Our players as a team did a great job with some clutch shots in the game from Devon Voight, Seth Gwynn and Derek Luedtke. The posts— Michael Nelson, Luedtke and Kalani Decker— were key through this game, cutting off the lifeline to the Immaculate Heart fast break strategy. The full-court press was something we practiced for this type of game,” coach Nelson said.

Bruce & Holly Linsenmeyer Clayton residents

Photos courtesy St. Bonaventure CYO

Office: (925) 672-2700 Cell: (925) 956-8605 State of California B.E.A.R

l

CAPTURING

AMERICAN LEAGUE CYO 4TH GRADE BOYS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP was St. Bonaventure by defeating Immaculate Heart in the final game. The team includes, front row from left, Devon Voight, Ryan Muniz, Seth Gwynn; back row, coach David Gwynn, Jack Gwynn, Derek Luedtke, Frankie Uu, Kalani Decker, Michael Nelson and coach Charles Nelson.

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THE ST. BONAVENTURE 5TH GRADE BOYS went undefeated in 10 regular season games and then won two playoff games to become Diablo East CYO National League basketball champions. The team included, Sitting from left, Jackson Trimble, Kyle Gregerson, Andrew Hevener, Ryan Gregerson; standing, coach John O’Reilly, Anthony Trimble, Thomas Brook, Brendan O’Reilly, Kyle Sparks and coach Rick Hevener.

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Concord City Champion Dana Hills Swim Team is holding signups for the upcoming DHST season online daily and at Sports Basement on Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Walnut Creek from 12 noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 24. There is also an evening to meet head coach Serge Victor on Thursday, Mar. 22, 7:45 p.m. at the Dana Hills Cabana Club on Mountaire Parkway in Clayton. For complete information visit danahillsotters.com.

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18TH CVHS CRAB FEED & AUCTION ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters will hold their 18th annual Crab Feed and Auction this Saturday, Mar. 17, at Centre Concord. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. The popular event sold out last year. Must be 21 or older to attend. For more info email cvabcrabfeed@gmail.com or go to cvhsboosters.org to order tickets.

THE

The Oakland Diocese CYO playoffs were the next step for the Bulldogs, where they met their match in a 37-23 loss to Assumption, a team with a center who dominated the game.

St. Bonaventure’s fifth grade boys National League team went unbeaten through the 10game East Diablo CYO season.

They followed that up with a pair of victories in the league playoffs, defeating Immaculate Heart 25-13 in the semi-finals and then Good Shepherd 35-15 in the championship game at De La Salle.

Coach Rick Hevener explained, “Early in the season

the boys chose a team theme of ‘Believe.’ They worked hard all season.” The fifth graders also played some tournaments, winning the Queen of All Saints CYO Christmas Tournament at Clayton Community Gym in a close final game against St Joan of Arc. “All of the boys improved their individual skills of dribbling, passing and shooting. They also had great team chemistry and in more than one of their games every player scored at least one basket.”

The team ended the season with a 30-23 loss to Santa Maria in the NIT earlier this month at Heritage High in Brentwood.

CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE OPENS SEASON SUNDAY Players, managers, coaches and umpires begin playing games for the 2012 Clayton Valley Little League season next Monday, Mar. 19, a day after the traditional Opening Ceremonies and a Hit-A-Thon fund raiser. Opening Ceremonies are in Clayton Valley High School gymnasium from 10-11 a.m. with the Hit-A-Thon from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. this Sunday. Visit cvll.org for complete details.

SPRING YOUTH, ADULT PROGRAM SIGNUPS AT CLAYTON GYM Spring youth basketball academy for boys and girls of all skill levels in first through ninth grades is returning to Clayton Community Gym for seven Friday evenings starting April 6.

Spring adult leagues for softball, dodgeball and volleyball are also gearing up. For more information or to register for any program offered by All Out Sports at the gym, visit alloutsportsleague.com.

TRYOUTS FOR U15-U18 2012 DIABLO FC TEAMS APR. 15-22 Competitive soccer team tryouts in Diablo FC for boys and girls in the under 15 through under 18 age groups will be held in Concord April 15-22. Players born between Aug. 1, 1994 and July 31, 1998 can tryout. Boys and girls who missed U9-U14 tryouts should go online to register for tryouts and the age group coach will contact them. To pre-register online for the free U15-U18 tryouts and a complete schedule visit diablofc.org.

ST. BONAVENTURE CYO TRACK BEGINS THIS SATURDAY Coach Darren Newell is still accepting signups for the St. Bonaventure CYO spring track and field program, which is open to boys and girls in second through eighth grades. Practices are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:45-5:45 p.m. The season runs through May 12 culminating with the Oakland Diocese championships. The first meet of the season is this Saturday morning at Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord starting at 9 a.m. For more information call (925) 209-1222 or go to stbonaventurecyo.com.

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Page 13

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STEPHANIE HO MIND MATTERS I’ll admit it, I loved watching “Darby O’ Gill and the Little People” while I was growing up.

I believed in luck and made wishes anytime I could finagle a penny to toss into a fountain. I held on dearly to the notions of coincidence, fate, kismet and destiny. I trusted in the fact that things happen for a reason and some things are just meant to be.

Of course, as I got older, I began to wonder how much our actions (or lack thereof) affected our lives. For example, when it comes to career satisfaction and success, what role does luck play?

When starting out after college or even graduate school, many people struggle with which career path to choose. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve sat with clients who just want someone to tell them what life will be like if they do “X.” I have no crystal ball. I have no way of knowing if the person will be happy or successful if they do “X” or “Y.” But, I can predict that within five years of making that decision there is a high probability that they will be doing something different. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the average person changes jobs 10-15 times during his or her career. It is harder to say how many times people change careers, because career change is interpreted in different ways – sometimes it can mean changing employers and sometimes it means changing careers entirely.

What we know is that people

usually do not stay in the same job doing the same thing for their entire working life.

John D. Krumboltz and Al S. Levin, who collaborated to develop the planned happenstance theory, believe that career paths are more like meandering mazes with unexpected twists, turns, and dead ends. They use the term “happenstance,” rather than luck, to indicate that things do not randomly happen to us.

Happenstance is something that we create out of the chance situations and encounters that run through our lives. The key is to recognize these opportunities and act on them. These coauthors of the book, “Luck is No Accident,” suggest the following techniques: Make the most of unplanned, unexpected, and spontaneous events.

Share your interests and experiences with others.

Always keep options open.

Try it- even without knowing the outcome.

Maintain a strong social network.

Be open to making mistakes.

Create your own luck by acting rather than procrastinating, letting go of things that no longer work, saying “yes” more, doing your best work, asking for what you want, and always learning.

Lead a balanced life including work, play, and relationships.

Overcome self-sabotage.

Whether you are a high school senior, a college graduate, or in the middle of your working lifespan, remember that it is not about following a career path according to what you wanted to be when you grew up, but instead about what would be fun and helpful to try next in the immediate future.

Stephanie T. Ho is a licensed psychologist. She has a private practice office in Walnut Creek and also works at UC Berkeley. E-mail her at stephanie.ho.phd@gmail.com.

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The 12-year old seventh grader from Diablo View Middle School is just one of hundreds of East Bay children and teens who attend Camp ARF, a series of week-long camps held during the summer, over winter break, and – coming up April 9-13 – its Spring Break Camp.

Luckily for campers like Natalie, very little of the camp experience revolves around sick animals who may be being treated in the facility’s clinic. Most of the camps focus on introducing children to animal care, using lessons, crafts, games related to the day’s theme, and interaction with ARF’s Pet Hug Pack therapy animals.

This summer Camp ARF is introducing a Vet Camp, which Susanne Fellinger, ARF’s humane education coordinator, says is filling up quickly.

“Kids do everything to help with the animals here,” Fellinger says. “They don’t just stand on the sidelines.”

Besides attending the camps, Natalie also volunteers as part of the organization’s highly successful teen volunteer program. The experience is proving to be more than just educational, says her mom, Sylvia.

“I have seen Natalie really grow and blossom since she started doing the camps and volunteering here,” Sylvia Goldeen says. “The experiences have really boosted her confidence and her self-esteem.”

Indeed, Dinah McFarlane, ARF’s development manager, says that she sees the campers develop a strong sense of accomplishment when they are working around the animals. “It’s very impressive, what they learn to do.”

There are different camps for specific ages. For instance, The Jr. ARF Advocates Camp offers middle school students the chance to learn about animal care

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and the human-animal bond by exploring ARF’s community outreach efforts – such as the one that brings animals to retirement communities and hospitals. camp ARF for young elementary-age students focuses on pet care, and each camper gets to “foster” a plush toy.

Feline Friends looks at the wonder of cats, and in Jr. Dog Trainers, students learn about the value of reward-based dog training and how to get the best results.

“These sorts of programs not only teach kids about animal care, but about how an organization can make a difference in their community,” Fellinger says.

But in the end, it’s all about happy endings, as the campers and student volunteers see cats and dogs go off to new homes, knowing that they helped make a difference in their lives.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 16, 2012

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Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MAR. 21 FOR THE MAR. 30 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com

IN CLAYTON Mar. 23-25 Creekside Arts Celebration 9th Annual celebration and 17th anniversary for the library. Entertainment for all ages and interactive workshops. Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. claytonlibrary.org.

Apr. 14 Horse and Rider Sensory Training Clinic designed to help horse and rider overcome spook and confidence issues. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association, 1600 Trail Ride Road, Clayton. Registration $80 for members; $105 nonmembers. $40 deposit required by April 1. cmdtra@yahoo.com or info@bentsonsensory.com.

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Thru Mar. 23 “Steel Magnolias” A group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor in an alternately hilarious and touching play. Diablo Actors’ Ensemble, 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. diabloactors.com.

Thru Mar. 31 “Life Could be a Dream” Hilarious heartaches ensue as The Crooning Crabcakes enter the Big Whopper Radio contest. Full of doo-wop hits. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $19-32. willowstheatre.org. 798-1300.

Thru Apr. 7 The Tempest

Mar. 18 Diablo Wind Symphony

program; 8 – 8:30 p.m. evening worship. Saint John’s Episcopal Parish, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. Suggested donation $5. saintjohnsparish.org.

Performance by honor youth band representing over 30 schools in four counties. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Mar. 25 Understanding and Learning from Hinduism

Mar. 18 The Pirates of Penzance Sing-a-Long Ever popular sing-a-long with the Lamplighters Music Theatre to celebrate the leap year birthday of Frederic, the Pirate Apprentice in “The Pirates of Penzance.” 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Mar. 21 Walnut Creek Concert Band

Mar. 23 – Apr. 1 “Babes in Arms”

Mar. 21 Ravioli’s Italian Market Place

A story about a group of young performers who would do anything to bring their original revue to Broadway with lyrics and music by Rogers and Hart.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Mar. 23 Wings of Dances from Spain 2012 Carolina and her daughter Carole dance with an attitude. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $37. lesherartscenter.org.

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Mar. 24 Contra Costa Wind Symphony

Mar. 16 Elizabeth Hunnicutt

Mar. 26 “Anything Goes”

Elizabeth paints an authentic picture of hope in the midst of pain and doubt with her acoustic-folk-pop music. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

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.

Mar. 16 Glen Staller

Mar. 28 Chris Driesbach in Concert

Concert of Classical and Flamenco music. 7:30 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. $15. brownpapertickets.com. 6728717.

Original Christian music on guitar and keyboards. 7 p.m. Eternal Life Lutheran Church. Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. chrisdriesbach.com.

Mar. 16 – Apr. 15 “Sunset Boulevard”

Mar. 30 – Apr. 1 Artists’ Market

A magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition performed by the Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $44-$49. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Paintings, photography, jewelry, wearable art and textiles available, including ceramic works from Clayton resident Ellen Sachtschale. Civic Arts Shadelands Campus, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. arts-ed.org. 943-5846.

Mar. 17 Chamber Music San Francisco

Apr. 1 TransGenre Concert

Stephen Hough, widely regarded as one of the most important pianists of his generation, performs. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets on sale March 17 at 12 a.m. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.

Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra performs a mix of New York’s 1920s nightclub soundtracks and Europe’s sophisticated classical music scene featuring internationally-known piano soloist Lino Rivera. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

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.

CHURCHES AND RELIGION Mar. 18 Understanding and Learning from Buddhism Soup, study and prayer. Discussion led by Rev. Ryushin Andrea Thach. Come for any or all parts of program. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. supper; 6:30 – 8 p.m.

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Organized by Mt. Diablo Elementary Parent Faculty Club. Mention Mt. Diablo Elementary and Ravioli’s donates 15 per cent. Dine in, take out or self-serve.

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Located at 4375 Clayton Road, Suite G, Concord. 6893819.

Apr. 14 Festival of Tables and Fashion Seventh annual fundraiser for select local charities and scholarships sponsored by the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club. Fashion by Draper’s & Damon’s.

11 a.m. Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Limited seating; reservations required. $35. Call Merle Whitburn 754-5447. claytonvalleywomansclub.com.

Apr. 14 Spaghetti Feed and Concert for Ashley Glennen Raise funds for daughter of Clayton family who has been hospitalized since Jan. 1. Live music, food, raffle and baked goods. 5 – 8 p.m. Sanctuary Ministries, 2250 Commerce Ave, Suite D, Concord. $6-$15. teamashley.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 of all ages. 1-2 p.m.

Mar. 21 Emergency Preparedness Develop escape plan and learn what to put in “Go Bag” in the event of an emergency. 7 p.m. Free.

Mar. 28 Shellie Fletcher Roehrs, professional life and executive coach provides tools and methods for exploring options for those looking to change careers. 6 p.m. Registration required. ccclib.org or 673-0659.

GOVERNMENT

Mar. 30 – Apr. 28 “Rumors”

Mar. 18 Diablo Symphony Orchestra Jerome Simas, clarinet, performs. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Mar. 17 Plant Sale Wide selection of unusual perennials and California native plants as well as plants from outside vendors available. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery, 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. Free. markhamarboretum.org. 681-2968.

Great music inspired by great authors, including Mark Twain and William Shakespeare. 3 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $6-$22. ccwindsymphony.org. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Series of community workshops sponsored by volunteer experts and experienced homeowners. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. Register at realhelp.eventbrite.com. neighborshelpingneighbors.biz for more information.

FUNDRAISERS

Celebrating the birthday of Modest Mussorgsky with “Pictures at an Exhibition.” 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Written by Shakespeare, this play is set on a remote island where Prospero, exiled Duke of Milan, tries to bring about the restoration of his title and status while revealing plots against him. Butterfield 8 Theatre Company, Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $10-$18. brownpapertickets.com. 800-838-3006.

Mar. 17, Apr. 21 Help for Distressed Mortgage Holders

Soup, study and prayer. Discussion led by Prabha Duneja. Come for any or all parts of program. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. supper; 6:30 – 8 p.m. program; 8 – 8:30 p.m. evening worship. Saint John’s Episcopal Parish, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. Suggested donation $5. saintjohnsparish.org.

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

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.

March 16, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 15

Before eating, find out what’s eating you Save Mount Diablo preserves more creek land

ILIMA HEUERMAN

FIT

Photo by Scott Hein

The number of “creek parcels” preserved by save Mount Diablo grew recently as it added Marsh Creek 7, near Brentwood, to the group’s increasing number of safe wildlife areas in the East Bay. Two other creek parcels – Marsh Creek 5 and 6, the two mini volcanic domes – were also preserved in the past six months, bringing the total area of preserved creek properties to more than a mile. SMD says these acquisitions will not only protect a critical resource and wildlife corridor but will save millions of dollars.

Marsh Creek is one of the Diablo wilderness’ most important features, defining and connecting the area east of Diablo, the second longest, least disturbed creek in the county and one of its most important wildlife corridors. A new state park, the former Cowell Ranch two miles downstream, has been

named Marsh Creek State Park partly in respect to its integral role for Mount Diablo’s wildlife.

Marsh Creek 7, which protects a 460-foot section of the creek, is adjacent to Marsh Creek 1, another nine-acre property already owned by SMD. The new property triples the length of the protected area.

In total, 8.5 miles of the creek have been preserved upstream of Brentwood, including 1.2 miles of creek on property preserved by Save Mount Diablo.

Stream preservation and restoration is becoming increasingly widespread for a host of reasons from resource protection to fish migration.

However stream restoration projects around the Bay Area can cost millions of dollars even for short segments of creeks.

“By protecting creeks instead of letting them be destroyed we’re saving tens of

millions of dollars,” says SMD Executive Director pointed out Ron Brown.

Marsh Creek 1 and 7 stretch from Marsh Creek Road across the toe of a rocky blue-oak wooded ridge into the grassland valley to the west that connect to Round Valley Regional Preserve.

Several years ago SMD volunteers built a small loop trail on Marsh Creek 1 but it is somewhat steep. The new property will allow a realignment and expansion of part of the trail.

SMD purchased vacant Marsh Creek 1 in 2007 hoping that the neighboring parcel would become available. Now the owner has sold SMD the neighboring 7.6 acres, including a home, for $550,000.

Save Mount Diablo will lead a tour of Marsh Creek 7 on Saturday, March 31 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

There is more information about the properties and tours at SaveMountDiablo.org.

Photo credit: Clayton Historical Society

The Way We Were

Clayton’s Fine Vintage In 1885, Paul DeMartini built the Clayton Vineyards Winery, pictured here. Rock for the building was quarried from Mt. Diablo and hauled to Clayton by wagon, where Austrian stonemasons fabricated the imposing three-story structure.

This handsome building is currently the home of the administrative offices of the City of Clayton – a fitting tribute to Clayton’s historical past.

DeMartini port, sherry, white claret and zinfandel won state, national, and international recognition. DeMartini sherries and ports won first prizes at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition.

In 1919, wine production ended with the passing of the Volstead Act. That law ushered in national probation, which did not end until the act was repealed in 1933.

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The wonderful thing about habits is that they can be changed. Even though our eating has become a habit (such as snacking all day, eating junk food when we sit down in front of the TV) it is possible to change our habits and create new ones If food is meeting an emotional need in your life, perhaps it’s time to think on it and determine exactly what need that habit is fulfilling.

For some it can be boredom, others it can be loneliness, the stresses of life, or perhaps it is a ritual that comes from childhood.

Many of us have forgotten how to manage our hunger. We leave it until we are hungry before we choose our food. Inevitably we make poor choices, or can even start binging. This can be prevented by fueling our bodies every 3-4 hours with healthy food. Beware of diet plans that only prescribe three meals a day. They can be metabolic killers. We also have to learn what it is to be full. If we can learn to listen

Please let our

to our bodies we can stop eating. It’s okay to leave food on your plate.

If you set a specific goal for yourself you will find it is far easier to keep motivated.

Every time you reach for some comfort food, you can train yourself to respond with your goal. “Will this help me reach my goal?” It can take real dedication to keep with the plan. Focus on the goal every day.

If you overindulge, don’t fall off the wagon. Don’t tell yourself you’re a failure. It’s okay – eat better the next

Creekside Arts, from page 1

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downtown by artist Jeffrey DeSalles, inspired by the popularity of last year’s self-guided tour. Children through fifth grade will enjoy “Storytelling Through Quilts” created by a student volunteer about the Oregon Trail. Middle and high school ages will be entertained by a special scavenger hunt through town. Check the library website for details and times.

Friday night don’t miss local artists Julie VanWyk painting a “live” animal and John Propersi with The Relyks providing acoustic entertainment.

Event Director Arlene Kikkawa-Nielson is excited by a new to Clayton artist, Amal Shihabi. “She does a wonderful Middle Eastern dance and is a beautiful watercolorist. She’s in her 70s and can she move… lively personality as well,” Kikkawa-Nielson said. Shihabi brings a band from El Morocco’s restaurant for accompaniment on Sunday.

Be sure to stop by for an intriguing chat with long time Clayton resident Leo Schindler, a remote landscape photographer. This is Schindler’s third Creekside Arts celebration but his skill and storytelling is worth

investigation.

What may appear as a graphic manipulation in “Lenticular Clouds Over Eastern Escarpment” is really tenacious effort of multi-day hikes over a period of years enduring inclement weather and one miraculous sunset in 1989.

“You really want to hear?”

Schindler asks. “You’ve got to sit down for this one.”

If the beautiful color of “Quaking Aspen” or the mood of “Timberline Habitat” isn’t enough, Schindler’s details of each breathtaking landscape photograph from dates (down to the day), elevation changes, film speed and quality and conversations with folks met on the trails will surely pique anyone’s interest at some level which is exactly what this celebration is about: bringing people and places together.

Unless you’ve got an “extreme hike” planned for a thoughtful comparison of Bristlecone and Foxtail Pines of the Sierra High Dessert you ought to grab a pencil and your calendar right now. If for some very good reason you do miss the chance to meet Schindler, check out his work and pine tree

For more information about Creekside Arts 2012 contact Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen, Event Director, 925-673-9777 or akiksen@aol.com or check the library website at www.claytonlibrary.org. The event will be held at Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Friday, March 23, 6 – 8:30 p.m., March 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and March 25, 1 – 5 p.m.

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A returning feature is plein air watercolor painting outdoors with California Watercolor Association and Creekside Artist Guild member, Leslie Wilson. Sign-up is required at the library for Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon..

On Saturday afternoon, Wildlife Biologist Jim Hale will return once again with the outdoor interpretive tour.

On Sunday afternoon, twotime national Haiku poetry winner and filmmaker Tazuo Yamaguchi will emcee the ever growing popular performance poetry slam with open readings. Winners from the countywide “Poetry Out Loud” contest will be present to read as well.

Jury panelist awards should not sway your opinion in the People’s Choice Award so cast a vote any time for your favorite, to be awarded Sunday.

meal, or maybe exercise more.

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Page 16

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Who doesn’t like Cole Porter? The Willows Theatre is sure everyone loves the man who wrote such sparkling musicals, the brightest one being “Anything Goes.” So they’re bringing his most popular Broadway hit to the Willows mainstage in Concord, March 26-April 28.

“Anything Goes” features high-energy dancing and classic songs like “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and of course, “Anything Goes.” Music and lyrics are by Porter, with a new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman.

David Faustina swaps his administrative hat for the director’s chair as he oversees the Willows production. Musical direction is by Evan Alparone, choreography by Staci Arriaga,

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Trevor Moppin, Shaun Carroll and Aris Roberson appear in ‘Anything Goes’ on the Willows Mainstage, opening March 30.

and vocal direction by Brandon Adams.

The top-notch cast features Equity actors Shaun Carroll, Ashley Cowl and Ryan Drummond, along with Nicole

Boy Group Powers Up Biggest Hits of the 60s like “Tears on My Pillow” and “The Great Pretender.”

Sh-Boom! Slick back your hair, pouf up your bouffant, and roll up your Luckies in the

sleeve of your T-shirt. DooWop emerges on the stage of the Willows’ Campbell Theatre in Martinez, March 8-31.

Reclaim the past with “Dream,” a nostalgic Doo Wop blast from the 60s at the Cabaret through March 31 From nostalgia maven and creator Roger Bean comes another trip to Springfield where we meet the Crooning Crabcakes, the boy group

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Frydman, Eric Inman, Nancy Sale and Thomas Theriot.

Anything does go in this show filled with madcap antics aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London.

You’ll want to ‘stay just a little bit longer’ for Willows Do-Wop show Good-Time Musical “Life Could Be a Dream” at Campbell Theatre, March 8-31

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Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.

Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney (the role originated by Ethel Merman) and Public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin aid Billy in his quest to win Hope.

“Anything Goes” has been revived and is currently playing on Broadway, but The Willows will save you a trip to New York.

GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer

More than 50 scents

Photo: Judy Potter

FROM THE WILLOWS PRODUCTION of ‘Life Could Be a Dream.’

Joshua James, John Lewis, Michael Barrett Austin and Joseph Brunicardi.

banned from the Springfield High School prom. Now, in an era before “American Idol” and “Star Search,” the guys get one more chance at fame and fortune as Denny and his friend Eugene form a singing group so they can enter and win the local radio contest on Big Whopper Radio and realize their dreams of making it to the big time.

The show features such classic songs as “Stay (Just A Little Bit Longer),” “Runaround Sue,” “Tears On My Pillow,” “Unchained Melody,” “Earth Angel,” “The Glory of Love,” and, yes, “The Great Pretender.”

Add in the title song, and “Life Could Be a Dream” guarantees another musical trip down memory lane that has left audiences you laughing, singing and cheering.

The show opens March 9 and plays Thurs.-Sun. through March 31.

The Campbell Theatre is located at 636 Ward Street in Downtown Martinez. Tickets are $30 General Admission and $25 for Senior.

Purchase online at willowstheatre.org or call (925) 798-1300.

“Anything Goes” previews at the Willows Mainstage March 26-28, and opens Friday, March 30. The show runs through April 28. The Willows Mainstage is located at 1975 Diamond Blvd. (in The Willows Shopping Center) in Concord. Tickets are $30-36 at www.willowstheatre.org or 925-798-1300.

‘Rumors’ opens Mar. 30 at Center REP CenterREP’s latest production “Rumors” opens at the Lesher Theatre on March 30 and runs through April 28.

Widely considered Neil Simon’s funniest play, “Rumors” is a hilarious comedy about a dinner party gone seriously sideways.

Award-winning director Timothy Near returns to the helm at Center REP, where she previously staged celebrated productions of “Noises Off ”, “Doubt,” and “The Mousetrap.”

In “Rumors,” four couples arrive at a posh suburban New York home to celebrate the 10th anniversary of friends. But the host has injured himself in an embarrassing way and his wife is missing. As the rumors, coverups, confusions and miscommunications escalate, so do the laughs. Add in a cook who’s gone AWOL, a damaged BMW, a recurring back spasm, and you’ve got a preposterous story no one can keep straight.

“Rumors,” is the fifth main stage production of Center REP’s 45th subscription season. For more information or to buy tickets, please visit www.centerrep.org or call 925-943SHOW.

Book Review

This ‘Corner’ is a sad one in American history HOTEL AT THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET Seattle native Jamie Ford’s debut novel, “Hotel at The Corner of Bitter and Sweet,” is just about one of the saddest novels around. It isn’t sad in the heartbreak and romance vein of Nicolas Sparks, nor is it afflicted with the hard institutional sadness of Va n e s s a Diffenbaugh’s “The Language of Flowers.”

Ford’s novel is sad because it chronicles a dark period of American history, the time when during World War II, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, American citizens of Japanese descent were removed from their communities and held in detention camps.

Ford’s novel is narrated from the perspective of a young boy living in Seattle’s Chinatown and

doing his best to blend in with the other kids at his school. But Henry Lee has a tough time of it, even when he wears the pin foisted on him by his father that declares “I’m Chinese” as a sort of talisman against prejudice and persecution.

Still, Henry’s days are filled with the tauntings of malevolent school bullies, who single him out with a special focus.

Henry endures his days at school, the relentless teasing, the unpleasant jokes, because it is his father’s dream that Henry attend the “best school” even if it means he has to attend “on scholarship.” Part of the dues Henry pays for his admission to the all-white Rainier School is to work in the kitchen. Henry accepts his kitchen duty quietly, suffering through lunch hours serving food to an endless line of mean kids until the day another student, a Japanese girl, is also assigned to the serving

CYNTHIA GREGORY

FOR

THE

BOOKS

line. With the arrival of Keiko Okabe, Henry’s world changes forever.

Henry’s father is loyally Chinese and vehemently hates anything to do with Japan, so Henry is forced to hide his blossoming friendship with Keiko.

For her part, Keiko is proudly American and declares herself openly as a citizen. Her parents are sophisticated, elegant, modern. They warmly accept Henry as part of their daughter’s world.

Henry is ashamed to have to hide Keiko from his own parents. His disgrace deepens as the war escalates and he watches as Keiko’s family and others like them are systematically stripped of their civil rights. Even as citi-

zens, they lose their homes, their jobs, their money, and finally, their freedom.

Before the Okabes are exiled and in a final act of betrayal to his parents, Henry agrees to hide some Okabe family heirlooms until they return. Henry’s deceit is discovered and his relationship with his own parents is ruined. But even then, to Henry’s view the worst has already occurred.

“They’re taking them away, Henry thought. They’re taking all of them away. There must be five thousand Japanese. How can they take them all? Where will they go?”

Though Ford’s novel is a history lesson brought to life by the intersection of two young innocents, in the end, “Hotel at The Corner of Bitter and Sweet” is about love and redemption.

Spoiler alert: though Henry and Keiko are separated during the war years and beyond, brave hearts will celebrate that they are not separated forever.

Cynthia Gregory writes book reviews, award-winning short stories and a blog. Visit her at www.twogirlstakeonlove.com or write cgregory111@gmail.com

March 16, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 17

These accessories can make or break your look JUDITH MARSHALL

FASHION OVER 50 EYEGLASSES You may be wearing the most current outfit, make-up and hairstyle, but if you haven’t updated your eyeglasses lately, you could be sabotaging your image. Today’s glasses are plastic; they may be big or they may be small, but they are predominantly plastic. Metal rims, rimless or half-glasses automatically label you as “older.” The right glasses can make you look

edgy, artsy, intellectual or authoritative. Consider Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada. The point is, glasses can make or break your look.

NAIL POLISH Some of the biggest nail trends now include light turquoise, blue, (baby-blue to navy,) dark grey, dark-cherry red and neon colors in a matte finish. If you don’t feel you can take the plunge with confidence, try wearing it on your toes. This summer, the look of tanned hands with trimmed nails and neon pink polish will look great. Notice I said trimmed nails. Porcelain nails or nails longer the ends of your

Dress code, from page 1 status amongst students would be erased and, with attention diverted from clothing, students may focus more on academics.

“We have to change the culture,” said committee member Megan Kommer. “We have to raise the test scores. This is a factor in that.”

The effect of requiring school uniforms is unclear, however. A 1998 study published in the Journal of Education Research found that student uniforms have no direct effect on substance use, behavioral problems, or attendance by students.

The option of a more conservative dress code policy would differ from some current rules in that that tank tops would be banned altogether, necklines

would have to end no more than 2 inches from the collarbone, and the popular trend of ”sagging” pants to show underwear or shorts underneath would be prohibited.

About 250 violations of the current dress code have been cited at the school since September. Of those, two of the violations have been by boys.

In an attempt to gauge public opinion, charter committee members have been holding a series of public comment sessions for community members.

At one recent meeting, annoyed students squared off against parents and school committee members.

“I want [teachers] to be teaching my child, not dealing

fingers are out. For those of us not wanting to call attention to our hands, beige is the new sheer pink. The trick is to match your skin tone. It gives the illusion of lengthening your fingers and looks clean and fresh with any outfit.

HEAVY EARRINGS Saggy earlobes are as much a sign of aging as a turkey neck.

As we get older, there is a loss of fat within our earlobes (I think it travels down to our midriffs).

with dress code issues,” said one parent at the meeting.

“It’s great if he’s dressed nice while [a student is] getting busted by the cops for dealing drugs,” countered student Gabe Bacigalupo. “But he’s still dealing drugs.”

In a survey of students taken separately, more than 80 percent showed a preference for keeping the current dress code in place.

Eleven percent preferred the adoption of a uniform policy, and six percent preferred the proposed more conservative dress code.

Some attendees at the meeting expressed worries that the charter would lose popular support, especially amongst students, if a uniform policy is implemented.

“I think there should be a little more student sway involved in

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Add to this the effects of gravity, and for some reason, the size of the earlobe actually expands and elongates, making them look floppy and older.

More and more plastic surgeons are doing “ear jobs” to reduce the size of the lobe and sometimes plumping them by injecting fillers. It’s easier to just stay away from heavy earrings.

Live long and pester!

Judith Marshall is a former professional model and author of “Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever.” Send comments to Judith.Marshall@att.net.

the conversation,” said Bacigalupo. “If you lose 80 percent of your student support, 100 percent don’t think this charter will succeed.” Instead, he advocated for the dress code currently in place to be more strictly enforced.

Following public input, the student services committee plans to make a recommendation to the school’s governing board in mid-April, in time for whatever dress code is adopted to be published in a planned handbook for new and returning students to the charter in August.

Said committee member and former vice-principal Jim Long, “The whole idea behind this charter school is to raise the bar for everything. If it’s going to be the same old thing we’ve been doing, why bother having a charter school?”

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 16, 2012

Hardy Viburnum makes attractive addition to any yard

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL Viburnums are an impressive family of spring and early summer blooming shrubs perfect for our Clayton Valley landscapes and gardens. You will find both evergreen and deciduous members of this family, and it’s the ones that drop their leaves that are the showiest.

SUMMER SNOWFLAKES Summer Snowflake Viburnum is fantastic in a large landscape. This shrub can reach

8-feet tall and wide, making it a great background installation, or foundation planting. From April through June a profusion of white flowers resembling lace-cap hydrangeas lay upon this shrub’s tiered branches. Throughout summer, you can expect the Summer Snowflake Viburnum to have some repeat bloom. The leaves of the Summer Snowflake Viburnum are a matte green color and lined with horizontal margins. As autumn approaches, this shrub displays stunning fall colors. Install this deciduous shrub in part sun. In our Clayton Valley climate this Viburnum can tolerate all morning sun, or four to five hours of afternoon. It is fairly sun hardy, but does need some protection.

Some great companion plants for the Summer Snowflake Viburnum would be Rainbow Surprise Coprosma as evergreen support. The Rainbow Surprise

Club News CLAYTON VALLEY/CONCORD SUNRISE ROTARY Members of the Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary traveled to Casa de Fe, a home for abandoned children in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico, on Feb. 21 to deliver a bounty of donations.

Rotarians Richard Lueck, Torsten Jacobsen, George Beckham and Clayton Worsdell brought a 1996, 15-passenger, reconditioned van with 20 much-needed wheelchairs for the community, a computer, soccer and baseball equipment and

Photo courtesy of Clayton Worsdell

TORSTEN JACOBSEN, CLAYTON Worsdell, Richard Lueck and George Beckham present a check for $1,000 to the Caminata Cancer Center.

other supplies. During their four-day visit, they participated in the wheelchair giveaway and the San Felipe Twin Club Cancer Walk. They also gave a Rotary School playground a new coat of paint and gave a $625 donation from 25 Rotarians to support a mammography machine previously donated by the Rotary. The Rotary has supported the San Felipe Twin Club friends and community since 2003.

CLAYTON VALLEY GARDEN CLUB Members of the Clayton Valley Garden Club held their first potting party of the year in preparation for their annual plant sale. The sale will be on May 19 at Endeavor Hall and May 20 at the Clayton Museum, coinciding with the Annual Gardens Tour. The Garden Club plans to have

shines autumn through early spring. That is when its leaves are the most interesting. The mature height and width of this plant would accent the Summer Snowflake nicely, creating a perfect tier.

Alternating the mounding with Arenaria montana Avalanche, with the Heuchera “Firefly,” would add texture and flower power. The Arenaria Avalanche has healthy, tiny green leaves along 6-inch stems that will be lined with cup-shaped white flowers. Heuchera “Firefly” has scalloped leaves that will mound to 12-inches tall, and then when spring begins to really warm, 18inch spikes of red blooms appear.

These blooms sway with the slightest breeze, creating motion.

BUTTERFLY MAGNET Chicago Luster is another pleasing Viburnum. This shrub has shiny, green leaves and can

helped blaze, the Association property, private ranches and other property not typically accessible, some riders participate just for the pleasure of riding or to learn or improve riding skills.

LAYTON RESIDENT GENE Veterinarian and C BOICELLI presents his horse, h o r s e m a n s h i p Amiaborr, to veterinarian judges monitor the judge, Dr. Stephanie horses and evaluate Ostrowski, for examination riders throughout at 2011 ride. the event and give riders written reports containing their observations. A barbeque and presentation of awards follows. Start conditioning for the ride now.

For information about the ride or to register, contact: Ellen Pofcher at 672-3733 or mtnoaks@earthlink.net.

For more information about the Association, go to cmdtra.org. To learn more about NATRC competition rides, go to NATRC.org.

CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB The kids at the Children’s Hospital in Oakland are warm and snug under colorful blankets made by the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club as part of the Trevor’s Eagle Blanket Foundation project. The blanket project is part of a larger effort of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs called “Wrapping the World with Love.” The focus is to ask clubs to seek out community organizations that need warm blankets.

their most successful sale this year with hundreds of plants, such as succulents, perennials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs and trees. They will also sell birdhouses, butterfly houses and habitat nests for native bees.

CONCORD MT. DIABLO TRAIL RIDE ASSOCIATION The Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association encourages horseback riders to share their passion about Mt. Diablo by joining their spring trail ride on May 5. This is a competitive trail ride under the auspices of the North American Trail Ride Conference, a national organization with rides based on horses’ condition and soundness and riders’ handling of their horses inhand and under saddle. Not a race, the ride is grouped in divisions that allow for competition at different distances and experience levels. Riding through state parkland and trails the Association

clusters of green hydrangea shaped flowers. As the flower matures, it turns white, resembling a snowball. The Snowball Viburnum can tolerate more sun then most of the other varieties. Consider installing a Snowball Viburnum on a hillside. The multi-trunk look of this is greatly appreciated from below. Drift roses would make a great summer blooming under planting, and you could choose any color, since everything goes with white.

All Viburnum are Clayton Valley hardy when planted in the right amount of sun. Some of the evergreen selections of this

BROWNIE TROOP 33196 On a recent trip to the Bird Room at Rodie’s in Clayton, Brownie Troop 33196 learned about the many brightly colored birds in the room from owner, Sarah Rodenburg. After getting up-close and personal with the birds, the girls picked their favorites and made them bird feeders.

family need lots of shade, and others full sun. So please ask questions when considering.

Viburnum shrubs are deer-resistant, and perfect for our Morgan Territory and Marsh Creek gardeners. Viburnum is also considered water-wise and fire-wise.

Viburnum is pretty much a perfect shrub for our area, and should be enjoyed by everyone.

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

CBCA Golf Tournament May Be in Jeopardy trail beginning along Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory roads, then extending throughout Clayton Valley. She sees it as adding to “the enjoyment of our community and to promote commerce from visitors coming to see the trail.”

The project is affordable, she says, with labor donated and paint available free from recycling centers. The major cost is in the hanging of the large framed plywood squares.

For an example of a successful quilt trail, go to the website www.lakecountyquilttrail.com.

Find out more about CBCA at www.claytoncbca.org or call (925) 6722272. To volunteer for the Clayton Classic, call Keith Haydon at (925) 672-8262.

indicate another banner year, according to co-chair John Garrett.

CBCA voted to fund scholarships for band members to attend the band’s trip to New York City in March.

History and quilts were also on the agenda, as member Debbie DeSousa unveiled a plan to establish a “quilt trail” throughout the Clayton Valley area as has been done in Lake County and in 30 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.

To form the quilt trail, owners of large structures - from rural barns to urban warehouses and stores - agree to hang 8-foot-square wooden blow-ups of quilt squares on their buildings as a tribute to the art and history of America.

DeSousa envisions the quilt

GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer

The annual Clayton Classic golf tournament, a major fundraiser for the CVHS boys golf team, scheduled for June 11 at Oakhurst, may be in danger of being cancelled due to a shortage of volunteers, said CBCA president Keith Haydon at the clubs February 23 meeting.

“This is too important an event to let slip away. It’s a real asset for the community and a huge bonus for the student athletes.” The event has co-chairs, but needs additional help to run the event.

On a happier note, plans for the 17th annual Art & Wine Festival scheduled for May 5 and 6

Family owned & operated since 1981

Our passion is pets.

Chick Days at Rodie’s

JOYCE ATKINSON, ARLENE LEWANDOWSKI, Kathy Hester, Dot Shafhirt and Priscilla Manlove donate blankets to Trevor’s Project.

Trevor’s Eagle Blanket Foundation continues the work done by Trevor Tonsing, a 16-year-old Northgate High School sophomore born with congenital heart defects who died in December 2009. He was working on an Eagle Scout project of making blankets to help hospitalized children who love having their own special blanket when undergoing treatments.

For more information about the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club, go to claytonvalleywomansclub.org.

CLAYTON VALLEY GARDEN CLUB PREPARES FOR THEIR ANNUAL PLANT SALE IN MAY. From left Carin Kaplan, Cindy Haydon, Linda Karp, Linda Cruz, Linda Landgraf, Robb Kingsbury, Debbie Eistetter, Mary Ann Knets, Steve Lane and Dorothy Bradt. Photo taken by Rory Richmond

reach 8-feet tall and wide.

The flowers of this Viburnum are tight clusters of white that face upwards, beckoning bees and butterflies. One of the best attributes of the Chicago Luster Viburnum are the brilliant blue berries that appear during the autumn months, just as the leaves begin to change color. This shrub becomes spectacular. Install Chicago Luster with Coral Bark Japanese Maples, Hellebores, Azalea Mistral and Japanese Anemones. This group of plants would make an incredible landscape, full of blooms, fall color, berries and attractive bark. A landscape like this would really satisfy a complete garden checklist.

Snowball Viburnum is definitely the most sought-after of the family. This large growing deciduous shrub becomes almost the size of a small multi-trunk tree. During the spring, buds swell becoming baseball sized

Pullets

Nutrena Chick Starter

$2.99

(female)

Rhode Island Reds Ameraucanas Buff Orpingtons White Leghorns

25 lbs.

$9.99

All great layers

New n Now i Stock

California Natural Evo Innova Eagle Pork - 36# Bonus Bag

G po et 6 u FR nds EE

10 off

$ BROWNIES FROM TROOP 33196 show off the bird feeders they made during their visit to Rodie’s Bird Room.

Back row: Alyssa Liberman, Mia Peterson, Molly DeSeelhorst, Kacey Rebstock, Madison Caldwell, Isabella Castaneda and Darya Solayman; Middle: Nora Rebstock; Front row: Rachael Miller, Jenna DeBeaumont, Serafina Celentano, Alexandra Singereanu and Libby Celentano.

Only redeemable at Rodie’s Feed.

Open 7 days

(925) 672-4600

Mon - Fri 10 to 6

Sat 9 to 6

While supplies last.

Sun 10 to 4

8863 Marsh Creek Rd. in Clayton

www.rodiesfeed.com