2012_Clayton_Pioneer_0511

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

May 11, 2012

925.672.0500

Clayton gets ready to rock at summer concerts in The Grove HOWARD GELLER

MAYOR’S CORNER

Summer starts to heat up with market and concert series “Clayton Cleans Up,” sponsored by the Clayton Pioneer, was once again a huge success.

With approximately 200 volunteers of all ages participating, our city’s creek beds, trails and parks were spruced up. This event is deliberately scheduled the weekend before the Art and Wine Festival. A big thank you to all the volunteers that make both of these events so successful.

MAYOR CABBAGE Our Farmers Market opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 12.

The traditional opening day cabbage toss with the mayor will be held at 9 a.m. With ample rain and warm weather, there should be lots of wonderful fresh and ripe produce to choose from.

See Mayor, page 6

TWO LOCAL BANDS WILL OPEN THE SUMMER CONCERT SEASON ON MAY 12. Former Clayton resident and Channel 7 News Anchor Dan Ashley sings lead with PUSH (left), rockin’ with both familiar favorites and original tunes. The musicians of Plan B (right) all live in Clayton, most within a half-mile of each other. Plan B’s song list is comprised mostly of the “B-side” songs, those that are less mainstream but catchy and groovy in their own way.

Familiar faces will highlight opening night DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer

Local residents are invited to grab their picnic baskets and put

on their dancing shoes at 6 p.m. on May 12 at for the first in a series of free outdoor concerts throughout the summer in downtown Clayton.

The Concerts in the Grove, held on Saturdays twice monthly throughout the summer and on five Thursdays, will feature

bands to suit every musical taste, from Jack Pollard’s Swing Soiree playing tunes from the 1930s to the 80s on June 23, to the Rolling Heads performing everything from classic rock to hip hop on Aug. 18. Concerts run through Sept. 15.

“It’s a night out with kids,

families, friends – and it’s free!” says Clayton Mayor Howard Geller, who has championed the concerts for the past five years.

Kicking off the series on May 12 are two local favorites, PlanB and Push.

Concert attendees may be surprised to see an especially

familiar face singing lead with Push. Is the rocker crying into the microphone “You wreck me baby, awww, you break me in two …” really the same calmvisaged Dan Ashley who reads us the news each night?

See Concerts, page 3

Annual tour highlights Powerful politician found peace in Clayton Daniel E. Boatwright Clayton’s unique gardens January 30, 1930 – April 27, 2012 DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer

Anyone turning their nose up at the idea of a garden tour as just seeing a bunch of shrubs and fruit trees has a surprise coming their way via the Clayton Garden Tour. Now in its 20th year, this year’s event will take place the weekend of May 19 and 20, offering attendees more than just an opportunity

to, as one anonymous gardener described, “peep in strangers’ back yards all around town.”

Tour organizer JoAnn Caspar is in her 16th year of putting together the event. She noted that her team of helpers looks for just the right combination of gardens, from hillside arrangements to drought-resistant set ups to the occasional English country garden-style yard.

JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Daniel Boatwright, when he served on the Concord City Council, 1966-72.

Dan Boatwright left his mark all over Contra Costa County as well as throughout the state of California, but during the last eight years of his life there was nothing he liked more than looking over the Diablo Valley from his “quiet and

peaceful” Clayton backyard, his widow Teresa said last week.

The 82-year-old former State Senator, Assemblyman and Concord mayor passed away in his Oakhurst home April 27.

Governor Jerry Brown said, “Dan Boatwright was a dedicated legislator and a very good representative of Contra Costa.

I enjoyed his friendship and I will miss him.”

Senator Mark DeSaulnier, sitting in the seventh district seat occupied for 16 years by Boatwright, paid tribute to his predecessor as the Senate adjourned in his memory. “When I was first elected to the Concord City Council I visited Sacramento. Sen. Boatwright took me around the capitol and showed me photos of past California legislators. It reminded me of Robin Williams in ‘Dead Poets Society’

See Boatwright, page 16

See Gardens, page 12

New CVCHS Director brings legacy of charter school achievement with him DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer

CARIN KAPLAN’S EASLEY ESTATES HOME is just one of the creative gardens on the Clayton Historical Society Garden Tour May 18 and 19. Garden pieces of the past have made their way into the Kaplan’s landscape including an old plow, rake and stool, adding interesting, nostalgic touches.

What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

In a unanimous decision, the Clayton Valley Charter High School governing committee voted to hire charter schools veteran David Linzey as Executive Director.

With the newly-chartered school set to open in August, the amount of work ahead of its officials is daunting, but committee member Alison Bacigalupo expressed confi-

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Community Calendar . . . . . .14 CVHS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .9 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5

dence in Linzey’s ability to lead.

“He works hard, and he expects other people to work hard,” she said. “He has a good time doing it, and that makes others have a good time as well.”

Linzey’s most recent experience was as superintendent of the small, rural Nuview Union School District in Southern California. At the time of his hiring there in 2010, then School Board President Christine Upton hoped

See CVCHS, page 6 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .9 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .17 Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . . . .12 From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

MEMBERS OF THE CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL Governing Board were all smiles as they signed a contract with charter schools veteran Dave Linzey to become Executive Director. Linzey is scheduled to start July 1.

Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Pioneer Photo Album . . . . . . .3 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 The Charter Papers . . . . . . . .9

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 11, 2012

Around Town Another fine Art & Wine

All the sunshine prayers paid off last weekend when a cloudless Saturday dawned bright and warm for the 17th Annual CBCA Art and Wine Festival in downtown Clayton.

Record crowds lined the downtown streets. Most were shopping at the more than 125 vendors selling everything from original oil paintings and handcrafted jewelry to Kettle Korn and cruise hats. Some were jammin’ with the live bands at the west end of town.

The event is one of the two major fundraisers for the CBCA,

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Trio hikes all Mt. Diablo peaks in one day

and will bring in an estimated $80,000 this year. Funds are donated back into the community to support local schools and charities, provide scholarships and support civic projects.

For more information on the CBCA, call (925) 672-2272 or visit claytoncbca.org.

Pictured: (top) CBCA president Keith Haydon is flanked by members Jennifer Giantvalley (left) and wife, Cindy. (middle) Art and Wine event chair John Garret (back left) is joined at the clock by CBCA member Pete Peterson and two young volunteers, Rebecca Dietz and Zack Rasmussen, who have applied to the club for membership and will be its youngest members ever. (bottom) The annual event draws an estimated 7000-10,000 visitors to downtown every year.

Claytonians Chris Smith and Sue Elliott and Mark Wang of Pleasanton hiked the four highest peaks of Mt Diablo all on one day last month.

The trio are shown here on

Eagle Peak, the fourth peak summited after Olympia, North Peak and Mt. Diablo.

“This hike was on our bucket list and now we can mark it as an accomplishment,” said Sue.

The hike was approximately 14 miles with 4800’ of elevation gain.

“Can you tell we’re excited about it?” says Sue. “We picked a perfect day with all the green hills, lots of beautiful wildflowers with a clear sky.”

World’s tallest building gets visit from the Pioneer

Four days of hiking and fine dining with SMD Clayton’s Jennifer Jay, pictured below in front, led 18 fellow hikers through the last gate at the end of the third day of Save Mount Diablo’s “Four Days on Diablo” last month.

The hikers were heading to the Morgan Territory Preserve stag-

ing area where dinner and their tents were waiting.

But it was no campground skillet fry for these hikers. Nope.

They were to sit down at tables set with china, silver and starched linens, to an elegant steak dinner provided by Forbes Mill Steakhouse in Danville followed by live music by Blueeyed Grass.

“What a perfect vacation, right in our backyard,” said Jay who was celebrating her 45th birthday on the event.

“Mt. Diablo is the equivalent of a national park wilderness in the middle of a 7 million population urban area,” says SMD Land Programs Director and hike leader Seth Adams.

The event covers more than

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40 miles on Mt. Diablo over the four days, with all meals prepared and donated by local restaurants.

For more information on Save Mount Diablo and the organization’s mission, visit savemountdiablo.org.

Bryan Baum took us along to Dubai on his recent trip to the United Arab Emirates where we visited the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building.

The “Burj” is more than twice as tall as the Empire State Building.

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May 11, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Concerts, from page 1 Rockin’-head Ashley hadn’t planned to be a rock star. But today, having performed as lead singer for local band Push throughout the Bay Area, his rockin’ ways are becoming as familiar to many locals as his face wishing us good night at the end of the 6 p.m. news.

Ashley, along with band mates Colby Spatz, Brandon Combs, Gregg Solomon, and Lee Howard, plays songs made famous by Van Halen, the Beatles and – Ashley’s idols – the Rolling Stones, as well as performing songs the band

Special Delivery: Letter carrier food drive is Saturday This Saturday, May 12, people across the country will partner with their letter carriers to help “Stamp Out Hunger.”

Now in its 20th year, the Stamp Out Hunger food drive is the largest single-day effort to combat hunger in America and the largest single-day food drive for food banks in the Bay Area.

To participate, please place a sturdy bag of non-perishable food items like peanut butter, pasta, rice, low-sugar cereal, and canned foods such as tuna, meat, stew, soup, and vegetables by your mailbox before the mail is delivered on Saturday. Letter carriers will collect the food items and deliver them to their local food bank.

For more information, visit www.helpstampouthunger.com.

relax and have fun, think about the music and the audience and try to entertain.”

members wrote themselves.

“We’re not a cover band,” Ashley said. “We play a lot of covers, but we also play a lot of originals. People really respond well to our originals. They sound very classic. They’re very familiar sounding.”

“We’ll play a lot of tunes that people will know, and a lot that people will like that they’ll come to know.”

Even though he described public speaking as “like breathing to me,” Ashley said that at first, performing music was a different experience.

“Singing was a different animal,” he said. “When I first started to sing in public, I was intimidated – it was very new.

But now it feels as if I was there to just speak to them. I feel much more comfortable, able to

NORMAL BY DAY, ROCKERS BY NIGHT Like Ashley, most of the members of local band PlanB are mild-mannered financial planners, phys-ed teachers and procurement managers by day.

But on May 12, they’ll break out their guitars, saxophones and drumsticks, and join Push in becoming the rock gods that live only in most people’s imaginations (or the safety of their minivans with the windows rolled up tight).

The band’s name refers to its style of music, said Fred Freeman, one of its six lead singers, and a co-founder. “It’s songs that aren’t necessarily mainstream, but that everyone recognizes … Kind of a jazzy version of rock.” He listed bands rang-

Page 3

ing from the Talking Heads to Little Feat, to another locallybased band, the Grateful Dead, as influences of the band, which also performs regularly at the Clayton Club Saloon “We like to stretch things out,” he said. “By having six vocalists who can sing lead, it opens diversity to what we can play.”

The concerts are a chance for people to get to know neighbors they may not otherwise have had a chance to meet, and discover what they have in common.

“Music is something that every person walking around can identify with,” said Freeman. “Everyone has an ear for some kind of music.”

For the complete Summer Concert dates, including both Saturday and Thursday concerts, see schedule this page.

s t r e ConcThe Grov in

“Proud as peacocks, these wild turkeys enjoy a lavish lunch of escargot and a beautiful morning view from Peacock Creek Drive.”

From Kahni Horton

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.

Saturdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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

May 12

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

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

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

JACK POLLARD'S SWING SOIREE:

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

July 7

Pioneer Photo Album

e

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

Fully themed and costumed “all hits” cover band.

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

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

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

Sept. 15

Thursdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

You are invited to our Summer

Eyewear Extravaganza

Saturday, May 19, 2012 10 a.m.—2 p.m.

Preview the complete collection of eyewear from top designers such as

Clayton Farmers’ Market opens this weekend DEBRA MORRIS PCFMA

5442 Ygnacio Valley Rd. #180

925.672.4100 Dr. Jeanette Hochstatter, O.D Clayton Valley Shopping Center, next to Jamba Juice

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Sporty & Sparkling Eyewear for Summer *Not valid with other offers or insurance.

May 11, 2012

Eyewear & eyecare qualify with your flex spending account

FREE GAS Visit us at ClaytonValleyShell.com for more promotions

$ 10 with A/C Check $ 15 with Oil Change $ 15 with Smog Check

Clayton Valley Shell Full Service Auto Care

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

Corner of Clayton Road & Kirker Pass Road

(925) 672-3900 *Offer good at Clayton Valley Shell only and may not be combined. Expire 5/24/2012. Must present coupon at time of work estimate.

The month of May is the season for sweet cherries, blueberries, asparagus, peas, lettuce, carrots and artichokes and downtown Clayton is the place to find them all when the Farmers’ Market opens in Clayton for the season this Saturday.

Along with fantastic fresh, California-grown produce, the farmers’ market will also offer amazing artisan cheeses from Achadinha Cheese Company in Petaluma, fragrant handmade soaps from Clayton-based Mt. Diablo Soap Company, grassfed beef and fresh seafood from Main St. Meats based in Pleasanton and fine wines from Sterling Albert Winery in Concord.

Decadent baked goods from Le Croissant Bakery and Beckmann’s Old World Bakery, gourmet foods from East West Gourmet and The Twisted Pickle, artisan olive oils and balsamic vinegars from The Olive Press, sweet salty kettle corn from Crispy Pop and a rainbow of fresh cut flowers from Santa Rosa Flowers complete the small, but mighty, market.

Resendiz Farms from Hughson, a customer favorite, will be there with sweet local cherries, juicy apricots, peaches and nectarines. Luscious ripe tomatoes are coming soon.

With more than 60 varieties of peaches and nectarines, the Resendiz family picks peaches at least six days a week from early May into November.

Ten years ago, Francisco and Gregoria Resendiz started their business with a little farm

stand next to their home. They now have 52 acres of fruits and vegetables with another 20 acres leased. Almost all the farm’s fruit is sold directly to consumers J&M Farms from Reedley offers wonderful fresh organic vegetables of all kinds, but are best known for their salad greens, lettuce, chard, kale, spinach, and spring salad mix.

Right now they have terrific sweet peas, shelled and in the pod, bagged and ready to take home.

Juan Ibarra began the farm in the 1940’s and then passed it on to his son, Moses who says “Our mission as an organic farm is to produce the best

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These are just two of the hard-working farmers who bring you the best in fresh California produce.

Throughout the season, the market will have great musical entertainment, fun kids’ activities, contests and giveaways, and an ever-changing seasonal selection of fresh produce.

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May 11, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

City of Clayton is accepting applications for

PLANNING COMMISSION

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

AND

Term: July 2012 thru June 2014

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, Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn

We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

PIONEER INFO

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.

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CLASSIFIEDS

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.

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

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

The Planning Commission is comprised of 5 members appointed by the City Council for two-year terms. The Planning Commission advises the City Council on land use matters, including General Plan amendments and Zoning Ordinance amendments. The Commission also makes decisions on development Site Plan Reviews, Use Permits, Subdivisions, and Variances. Planning Commission meetings are open to the public and its decisions can be appealed to the City Council.

• The Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m, in Hoyer Hall at the Clayton Community Library.

• Planning Commissioners presently receive a monthly stipend of $120.

• An applicant must be 18, a registered voter and a resident of Clayton.

• There are 3 Commissioners office terms expiring on June 30, 2012.

Turn in applications to Laci Jackson, Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, (925) 673-7300 or email ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us; or visit the city website at www.ci.clayton.ca.us.

Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (CCCTA) Advisory Committee The city of Clayton may recommend one member to the 11-member CCCTA Advisory Committee. The primary purpose of the Advisory Committee is to collect and analyze information and advise the County Connection Board of Directors. Primary responsibilities of the Advisory Committee are to collect data and report to the Board on services issues and concerns received from the jurisdictions; inform and educate their jurisdictions on fixed routes and assessable services.

Turn in applications to Laci Jackson, Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, (925) 673-7300 or email ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us; or visit the city website at www.ci.clayton.ca.us.

$500 REBATES

Classified WANTED

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

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

SAV EW AT

G IN

NO M

W

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

ER

O

LOSE THE LAWN, GET A GARDEN

Come join Mazzei Realty!

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

VE

PE AP

SA

NCE A RA

Up To $500 for Residential Homes

EY A RD

NEY O M

IMPROV

Meals on Wheels Drivers 1 – 1 1/2 per week. Drivers and relief drivers needed for delivery of Meals on Wheels in East County. Call Jim at 673-0300 or e-mail hairbyjim@att.net.

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

www.ccwater.com/conserve CONTRA COSTA WATER DISTRICT

or call

(925) 688-8320

Funding is limited, so call today!

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

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

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

Clayton Community Library Needs volunteers. Minimum age 13. Minimum commitment is 6 months. Some training provided.

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

Page 5

Directory of Advertisers Auto Clayton Auto Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-1000 Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717 Chiropractor Coflin Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6500 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Black Diamond Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .777-3440 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-1519 Cheyenne Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566-8226 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Steffan Smith Kitchen & Bath Remodeling . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Memo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737, ext. 217 Ravioli’s Italian Market Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3819 Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0621 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-1300 Events Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090 Financial and Insurance Services Dawn King Bookkeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-0553 Held, Chris - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney . . . .930-3815 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211 Prosperitas Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Earth Blend Mulch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747 Navlet’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Optometry Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 Personal Services Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792 Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Pet Suites Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie’s Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt -Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-5626 Casey Copeland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CaseyCopeland.com Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-3701 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Doodleton Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-207-7467 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Levity Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2995 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 . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 Services, Other Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Contra Costa Water District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688-8320 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Specialty Shopping Candles Make Scents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405-7199 Step Into Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2276 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447

COURAGE Do the Right Thing

Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Irfan and crew are back at this location.

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CBCA and city to split cost of Daffodil Hill

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

The city has approved a plan to split the estimated $52,000 cost of completing the landscaping on the hill at Clayton and Marsh Creek Roads with the Clayton Business and Community Association.

The original plan was for the CBCA to donate the cost of the landscaping and complete the project by the end of 2011, at which time the city would take over the maintenance of the hill at an estimated $12,000 a year.

The CBCA installed the boulders and monument sign at the top of the hill in 2010 and last year, the city approved the club’s landscape design.

But the club was unable to get a reasonable bid to complete the landscaping. The project was too small to interest most landscape contractors, and the bids that did come in went as high as $69,000.

When the city’s median land-

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Mayor, from page 1 Our fifth annual “Concerts In the Grove Park Concert Series” also begins at 6 p.m. that day. We will be featuring two local bands. Plan B, a wellknown Clayton eight-piece band, and Push, with Channel 7 newscaster Dan Ashley. Please remember you can reserve seating starting at 4 p.m. The city of Clayton, the Clayton Business and Community Association, Allied Waste Services and your donations sponsor our Saturday concert series.

Price for Life Our belief is that our residents deserve the very best personalized care possible at an affordable rate.

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scaping project went to bid, the CBCA, hoping to reap the benefits of scale, asked the city to include Daffodil Hill in the whole project but to bid it separate from the medians. That bid came in at $52,000—still too high for the CBCA to absorb, said CBCA president Keith Haydon. The club had already spent more than $60,000 for the boulders and the monument sign.

At the April 3 council meeting, Haydon asked for the city’s help in finishing the project and last week, the city agreed to annex the property to the Landscape Maintenance District and negotiate the lowest possible amount with the contractor for the change order. The entire project includes the medians and the terraced walls by CVC. The work should be done by the end of summer.

Lic #075601529

TAKE A HIKE Living at the base of Mt. Diablo, especially after the spring rains, makes me want to dust off my hiking boots and explore the wonders it has to offer. I have often walked on some of the better-known trails. But after visiting the Save Mount Diablo website www.savemountdiablo.org, I realized the opportunities I have missed. There are maps and descriptions of all the trails. There is a detailed calendar of guided tours and selfguided tours and information about the hidden treasures you will see. For those of you not able to visit due to time constraints or physical disability, SMD has created audible guides you can download to your iPads, computers or smart phones. The downloads will bring the mountain to you, including the sounds of birds, rustling leaves and babbling brooks. Downloading information to your phone before you set off on a hike will also unveil secrets of the trails you might otherwise miss.

WATER CONSERVATION The Contra Costa Water District has created a pilot “Water-Efficient Landscape Rebate Program.” Their goal is to help you reduce landscape water usage. Since this is the time we are all out buying new plants and/or reseeding our lawns, you might want to visit their site at www.ccwater.com/conserve to see if you qualify for their rebates.

Allied Waste Services has made recycling more convenient. There is no charge for a larger recycling or yard waste cart. Household batteries and bulbs will be collected curbside if they are put in a quart sized Ziploc bag. Clean out your garage. Bulky furniture, appliances or e-waste will be collected for free with a call to 685-4711.

For better health, I urge you to eat more fresh vegetables bought at the Farmer’s Market. Get exercise by exploring Mt. Diablo and our many walking trails. Conserve water through thoughtful landscaping and save our planet by responsible recycling of waste products.

Send questions and comments to Councilmangeller@aol.com.

May 11, 2012

Obituary

Madeline V. Caskey April 21, 1924 - April 28, 2012 Madeline “Maddie” Caskey, mother, aunt, grandmother and wife, died on April 28.

Madeline was born on April 21, 1924.

Her father, Tony Z o u l a l , served in the French Foreign Legion and later with Lawrence of Arabia d u r i n g WWI, before immig rating to the United States. Her mother, Eva Avedian Zoulal, was the family’s sole survivor of the Armenian genocide.

A Clayton resident for over 16 years, Madeline has been married to her husband William “Bill” Caskey for 65 years.

Theirs is a love story that began in India during WWII where Maddie, a performer with the USO in the China, Burma, India Theater, met Bill, a decorated serviceman and survivor of the sinking of the HMT Rohna, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.

Maddie began her singing career in high school at pep rallies, school programs and Air Force bases. She later formed a singing trio with two high school friends. The trio eventually became a duo, “The Two Jynx.” The duo performed at San Francisco nightclubs, hotels and theaters and traveled as far north as British Columbia before finally joining the USO. Their early accompanist was the famous Merv Griffin who was then student at San Mateo College.

Maddie and Bill were married after the war in San Francisco and settled in Walnut Creek where they joyfully raised their two daughters, Toni and Lynn and niece Jana.

Maddie joined the Diablo L i g h t O p e r a Company where she performed in musicals at the Civic Arts Theater, now the Dean Lesher, Regional Center for the Arts. She was recognized for outstanding achievement in the performing arts with several Shellie nominations, winning two Shellie Awards for her performances in “No No Nanette” and “42nd Street.” Maddie was also an accomplished oil painter, a passion she developed later in life.

Madeline departed this life on April 28, 2012. She was predeceased by her daughter Toni Russell. She is survived by her husband Bill, daughter Lynn Zweig and husband Ron Zweig, niece Jana Cuneo and husband Jim Cuneo, son-in-law Steve Russell; grandchildren Britt Ruedi, Merin Ellis, Casey Rageh, Ryan Russell and Matthew Zweig, niece and nephew Janine Cuneo, Jeff Cuneo and cousins June Chatterjee and Mina Chatterjee.

A celebration of her life will be on Saturday, May 19, 2 p.m. at St. John’s Parish, 5555 Clayton Road Clayton, CA 94517.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in her memory to St. John’s Parish in Clayton or Meals on Wheels.

CVCHS, from page 1 he would work to improve the district schools’ test scores.

“Well, that happened,” she said.

Under Linzey’s leadership, school test scores jumped 88 points in one year at one elementary school, and 30 points at the district’s sole middle school. In addition, the district was awarded Riverside County’s Models of Academic Excellence Award for its Academic Achievement Academies, where students were given additional instruction in areas of language skills and math.

Tommy Thompson, current president of the Nuview Board of Education, said that Linzey’s strongest characteristic is his integrity.

“Dave says he’s going to do something, and he does it.

Everything he’s done came from direction from the Board and he met all of our expectations,” he said.

Prior to his work with Nuview, Linzey worked for charter schools management organization The Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools, and before that as a high school principal. He published an article in 2010 for Education Week, titled “How to Improve Urban High Schools at Scale,” focusing on his successful work with the Alliance in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

In the article, Linzey advocated for “combining academic rigor with a stress on caring

relationships and an insistence on zero tolerance for students not succeeding.” His list of techniques included afterschool tutoring programs, teachers maintaining a “whatever it takes” attitude, and extensive professional development for teachers, counselors and administrators alike.

Asked for her advice for the incoming director, current Clayton Valley High School principal Sue Brothers suggested he take advantage of “the tremendous support he’s going to get from the parents and the community.”

“The community is really the strength of the school,” she said.

Linzey wrote in a statement following his hiring, “I have learned very quickly that the community of Clayton cares deeply about the education of their children. And they will stand behind the schools that want great programs for the students. The governing board of CVCHS has made a remarkable impression upon me with their open arms, commitment to excellence and unrelenting dedication to making CVCHS one of the truly great high schools in the state.

And I am so honored to be at the helm.”

Community members are invited to meet Linzey in person on May 10 at 6 p.m. in the Clayton Valley High School library.

May 11, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 7

Amgen cyclists to speed through Clayton May 15 This Tuesday, Claytonians will have a front row seat for the Amgen Tour of California, as 128 professional riders on 16 teams ride through Clayton on the way to Livermore.

The race segment through Clayton is part of the 115-mile Stage 3 of the Tour of California, the popular race modeled after the Tour de France. The whole race is 800 miles, beginning in Santa Rosa on May 13 and ending in Los Angeles on May 20.

Stage 3 starts in San Jose on May 15 around 11 a.m. and for the first time in the race’s history, will include a climb up Mt. Diablo. The racers will descend into Walnut Creek and head

east on Ygnacio Valley Road.

According Eric Smith, Amgen Tour race coordinator, the first of the riders will reach the Clayton Road intersection around 1:40 p.m. The last of the riders are expected to leave the Clayton city limits at Pine Lane about 2:50 p.m.

The set-up for the race segment through Clayton is expected to begin at about 1:15 p.m. Police expect the barricades to be down and clean-up finished by about 3:30 p.m.

During this period traffic on Clayton Road and Marsh Creek Road and cross-traffic from intersecting side streets will be restricted. Volunteer marshals on foot, as well as marshals on motorcycles and CHP officers, will provide traffic control during this event. Clayton police

Internet provides an online highway for cyberbullies

DAN LAWRENCE

FROM

THE

CHIEF

My last article focused primarily on cyber safety for kids online and what parents can do to protect their children. This month, I want to address cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is defined as “threatening or other offensive behavior sent online to a victim or posted online about the victim for others to see.” Although cyberbullying can affect both adults and children, in this article, I will focus primarily on cyberbullying children.

Young people are using the Internet more than ever and most have Internet access on smart phones as well as at home.

For many, the Internet isn’t simply a convenient way to research for school projects or a fun afterschool activity; it’s a big part of their social life. Our young people spend a great amount of time e-mailing and chatting with friends on Facebook and Twitter. It’s hard to believe that they actually find the time for studying and playing games. Unfortunately, some young people utilize the online highway to bully others.

Some examples of online bullying include

Sending mean or threatening emails, instant messages or texts

Excluding someone from an instant messenger buddy list or blocking their email for no apparent reason

Tricking someone into revealing personal or embarrassing information and sending it to someone else

Breaking into someone’s email or instant message account to send cruel or untrue messages while posing as someone else In addition, websites have been created to make fun of another person. Bullying is not gender specific, as both boys and girls bully online. However, just as in face-to-face bullying, they tend to do so in different ways. Boys more commonly bully by sending messages of a sexual nature or by threatening to fight or hurt someone. Girls

more often bully by telling secrets, spreading rumors, and sending messages that make fun of someone or exclude others.

Victims of cyberbullying may experience many of the same effects as kids who are bullied in person, such as a drop in grades, low self-esteem, a change in interests or depression. However, cyberbullying can seem more extreme to its victims because it occurs in the victim’s home (their safe haven). The content can be harsh and far-reaching because negative comments can be sent to a larger audience, and the victim may not know where the message originated.

If your child is being bullied at school, this can be a very painful experience. Here are some things you can do to help and support your child.

Never tell your child to ignore the bullying.

Don’t blame your child for the bullying.

Try to convince your child to talk to you about the bullying experience and empathize with him or her. If you disagree, don’t criticize your child.

Do not encourage physical retaliation

Work closely with school personnel to help solve the problem.

Insure that your child has a safe and loving environment at home and don’t be afraid to seek additional help from a counselor if necessary.

If your child bullies other children at school, it must be stopped. Parents should address this issue at home. Make it clear that you take bullying seriously and that it is not okay. Set rules for your child’s behavior at home and praise your child for following the rules. Use logical, non-physical consequences when rules are broken. Spend lots of time with your child and encourage your child to get involved in positive activities.

Share your concerns with school personnel, and seek additional help from counselors, if necessary.

If you have questions or wish to make comments about this subject, please call the Clayton Police Department at 925673-7350, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 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

recommend that motorists who would typically use these routes re-schedule their trips or use alternate streets during this time.

The riders will travel through town on Clayton Road to Marsh Creek Road, continuing on to the Byron Highway

and downtown Livermore in a “sprint to the finish,” says Smith. Marsh Creek Road is narrow and winding with extremely limited passing opportunities and drivers along the route can expect delays, Smith warns.

“The race takes the entire

two lanes of the road so, traffic behind us can follow, but cannot pass the race,” he says.

“Traffic coming head-on into the race will be controlled by CHP.” About two miles in front of the race will be 10-15 CHP motor officers. When they see a

Couch Potato Relay helps Salvation Army battle hunger Attention all couch potatoes: here is a relay race even you can enjoy – and help a good cause along the way.

The Salvation Army is sponsoring the Couch Potato Relay canned food drive. Billed as a “No-bake Bake Sale,” the program encourages individuals or teams to donate canned foods to the Salvation Army. The canned food can be delivered to the Salvation Army church, 3950 Clayton Rd., weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to noon.

Registration forms are currently available at www.CouchPotatoRelay.com. The event runs now through June 30, which is the Community Partner’s Faire. More than 40 community organizations have been invited to participate in the faire, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army.

The goal is to increase the awareness of the Diablo Valley’s community volunteer opportunities as well as display other services and emergency equipment, and offer signups for emergency preparedness training currently available. There will also be an E-Waste drop off,

car coming towards them, one of the officers will drive towards the car and pull them over and ask the driver to wait until the race passes.

But it may be worth it.

“Total delay is about 10-15 minutes and they get the best seat in the house!” Smith says.

Bruce & Zoey

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

as well as the traditional Salvation Army donation drop off available. Visit www.DiabloValleyCommunityPartners.com to see a partial list of participants.

The Salvation Army Pantry serves more than 600 families in the Diablo Valley area.

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

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Tired? Not happy with your current weight?

What's all the buzz about detox?

Your body may be carrying toxins that keep you from feeling good.

You can join the Levity Cambiati program where you will be instructed on how to make better food choices and what not to eat to achieve a healthy body and weight goal.

Monday nights for 5 weeks at Levity Fitness, beginning June 4.

Personal training with a Pilates Infusion

Warm weather makes you feel like dancing?

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Join Ilima as she instructs you how to excite your partner with sensual moves at Levity’s Exotic dance class.

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Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Does buying foreclosures make a lot of ‘cents’?

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Q. Many of the homes on the market are foreclosures.

What are some tips for buying a foreclosure?

A. The first thing I will say is don’t judge a book by its cover.

Some beautiful looking homes might have numerous hidden defects such as mold. On the other hand a fixer-upper that looks run-down may have excellent bones and can be repaired at a reasonable cost. Independent inspections are key. Don’t rely on previous inspections that may be provided. Vacant homes can deteriorate rapidly. There also are few or no disclosures provided in a foreclosure sale. It is definitely a “buyer beware” situation.

Some buyers focus on the ultra-low prices of foreclosures.

Just like any home purchase, you need to focus on location, condition, schools, etc.

Generally speaking a foreclosed home is an “as is” sale.

Make sure you have funds to complete needed repairs. Try to avoid taking out an additional loan for the repairs. The interest rates on these loans are high enough to chip away at the initial bargain price you are paying.

One more thing. Unless you are a seasoned Real Estate investor don’t be tempted to “flip” the property. Purchasing a house at a bargain price, updating it, and then trying to sell it for a lot more money is tempting, but unless you are pros at house flipping, you will likely make some novice mistakes in trying to make fast money.

If you don’t intend to live in the home the safest bet is to rent it out until the market appreciates. If you don’t want to keep renting it out, that would be good time to sell it.

Q. I am in the market to buy a property. The market seems competitive and inventory is low. Any tips to finding a great property and getting my offer accepted?

A. In a low inventory buying environment there are some things your Realtor can do for you. They can search the multiple listing service for listings that have expired or were cancelled. They can contact the sellers or their previous agent to see if they still would like to sell. To sell their home without having to put it back on the market can be appealing to a seller.

Your agent can also check

with the active agents in the area that you want and see if they will tell them what they have coming up. Of course if your agent or their company has a listing coming up that would suit your needs they could show it to you before it hits the market. The seller has to consent of course.

Once you find a home you want in our current market, be prepared to go after it. Lowball offers are a waste of time these

days. It could turn off the seller and they might not want to work with you. Make sure you are pre-approved and can show that you have the funds needed to close. Make sure your agent has contacted the listing agent and has found out what the seller is looking for in terms such as occupancy date and if you are competing with other offers.

Your Realtor should make an attractive and informative package including the highlights of

the offer, with a detailed letter about you and why you love the house.

Hang in there. You will find the right home for you.

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

Mt. Diablo parents learn how to teach kids respect NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer

Aretha Franklin said it best: “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.”

American culture, especially as seen in reality television, begs the question: What does respect mean to you? Mt. Diablo Elementary families had a chance to explore the topic in April at a seminar titled, “Raising Respectful Children,” sponsored by the Mt. Diablo Elementary Parent Faculty Club.

“I’m not sure I was explicitly trying to connect with the ‘Do the Right Thing’ program. I’m sure it was in the back of my mind,” said PFC parent volunteer Bridget Gillespie, who organized the event.

Do The Right Thing is a character initiative involving Mt. Diablo Elementary School, Diablo View Middle School, Clayton Valley High School, the City of Clayton, the Clayton Police Department and the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA). Respect is one of the character traits encouraged in the community-wide campaign.

“I chose ‘Raising Respectful Children’ because I truly believe that any success in the classroom can only come when students, teachers, and parents respect each other and work together,” Gillespie said.

Facilitator Torie Henderson encouraged the two dozen moms in attendance to consider their own thought process surrounding disrespectful circumstances. You can only change yourself, Henderson points out, so change your thought process from “she shouldn’t interrupt” to “I can teach her to behave” or even better, “she should interrupt for her age.”

“You get a different result

JORDAN TILLMAN, 8, AND HER SISTER JADA 5, assist the speaker at the whiteboard at MDE PFC’s parent education program titled “Raising Respectful Children.” The girls are daughters of PFC President Holly Tillman.

when you change the result you expect,” Henderson says.

Because parents are the primary role model for their child, be sure to ask yourself whether your words are aligned with your values.

“Keep your parenting thoughts realistic and positive,” says Henderson. In other words, do not turn something into a catastrophe in your mind. “I can’t teach her to behave,” translates into “I’m not doing a good job teaching” which snowballs into, “I’m a bad mom!”

“If he sticks his tongue out now to get a reaction from you doesn’t mean he’ll be a delinquent and never get a job,” Henderson laughs.

Henderson cautions that the parenting payout should not be expected now. “The results will come when we watch them parent their children.”

Long-time friends Donna Roden and Teresa Skillman, both fifth graders, thoughtfully

considered how respect is taught in their homes and reflected in their interactions with friends as competitors on the AYSO soccer field.

A couple seasons ago Donna collided with another player on the field who was knocked down. “I was just aggressive, I was bigger than her. I cried because I felt bad that I made her cry.” “(The opponents) are always still your friend,” Donna says.

She explains that being respectful to other kids is important, “because that’s the way you make friends. And then they support you.”

Teresa’s mom, Karen Skillman, says respect has to do with knowing what kind of person you are and not letting other people sway that. “One of the big things (I teach) is: do the right thing. If it goes wrong, own it. If you do something wrong, apologize and accept the consequences.”

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 9

CVCHS appoints David Linzey as Executive Director

APRIL WINSHIP

THE CHARTER PAPERS “Working at schools is the greatest job and most noble profession in the world! We are touching and creating the future! Collaboration, Communication and TEAMWORK. Together everyone achieves more!”

– David Linzey, Executive Director, Clayton Valley Charter High School

The Clayton Valley Charter High School Executive Director Search team wrapped up their mission to find an Executive Director last week when the Governing Board voted unanimously to hire David Linzey for the post.

Megan Kommer, parent representative on the Governing Board and a member of the search committee, says she was struck not only with “the impressive path of past success shown on his resume, but how enthusiastically he spoke of improving student achievement.

“He speaks of ‘rigor, rele-

vance and relations’ and that very philosophy is written in our mission statement,” she said.

Teacher Pat Middendorf, the Governing Board president, said “Dave Linzey will set the bar high for our students, as he believes they should be firstclass citizens with a world class education. That fits hand in hand with the Clayton Valley Charter mission and vision for excellence and we whole heartedly welcome him into our Clayton Valley family.”

IN OTHER NEWS Freshman Summer Transition Program leader Kat Marzel,

is looking for volunteers to help with this week-long program.

Contact Marzel at katmar56@gmail.com.

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

Last month the Governing Board voted to increase the number of graduation credits required to graduate beginning with the class of 2014. To view these new requirements, see the 2012 course catalog online at www.claytonvalley.org.

The Contra Costa County

Fast-food Fever strikes Clayton’s teens It’s common knowledge that teenagers and junk food tend to go hand in hand. Pizza, soda, ice cream, burgers and even the strange concoctions developed by the likes of Taco Bell are favorites in the diets of high schoolers. So it’s no wonder that the return of Krispy Kreme Donuts and the introduction of an In ‘N Out Burger to the area has Clayton Valley buzzing with excitement and the dull roar of growling teenage tummies.

While nearby Five Guys and Skipolini’s pizza provide some quick and tasty satisfaction when craving some grease and Yogurt Shack is always there to satisfy a sweet tooth, the appeal of the new guys in town has overcome these old-time favorites. In between discussions of Senior Ball and AP tests, it seems all anyone can talk about are these sinful culinary newcomers.

TAYLOR TOVREA TEEN SPEAK Since closing several years ago, not much had been said about Krispy Kreme. However, when word of their plans to reopen in the Willow Pass shopping center and the promise of a year’s worth of free donuts for the first 100 customers in line on opening day got out, it seemed that few people could escape the memories of that glowing red sign promising

fresh, hot, melt-in-your-mouth donuts for which the chain is known. On April 24th, the scheduled grand opening, several students who dared to brave the lines could be seen toting the trademark white-dotted boxes encasing those forgotten pastries through the halls, some even sporting Krispy Kreme tshirts and paper hats, causing envious double-takes from the majority of their peers. Since then, the donut craze has yet to die down and the student body continues to indulge, boasting their glazed prizes with pride both online and at school.

But this sugar buzz is just the beginning, preceding the opening of an even bigger teenage favorite: In ‘N Out Burger. Students have been known to make the trip out to San Ramon, which was previously the closest location, purely to satisfy a burger craving, so this new proximi-

ty to the popular California chain is inspiring much excitement among fans.

Food lovers aren’t the only ones that are excited for the restaurant’s opening, though.

With an advertised starting wage of $10.50 an hour, the opportunity for employment has intensified the buzz surrounding In ‘N Out’s arrival in Pleasant Hill. One hears conversations regarding interviews and the pros and cons of the job just as often as exclamations of craving a double-double and those fresh-cut fries.

There’s simply no denying it, the teens of Clayton have got food on the brain. Forget spring fever, this year’s epidemic is fast food fever, and it’s spreading fast.

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

Moms are modern-day Superheroes I love Disney movies. Especially tales of adventure, princesses and humor, which is why one of my all-time favorite movies is “Tangled” (also known as the story of Rapunzel.) Another reason I like Disney movies is because of the well-thought out songs. One of my favorite songs from “Tangled” is “Mother Knows Best” – appropriate since Mother’s Day is just around the corner.

Googling the lyrics for this song, I realized it really does happen to relate to modern-day mothers. Our moms want us to be safe and sound because we can be gullible and naïve. Sadly,

sometimes we do think of them only as people who cook, clean and take care of other responsibilities we can’t handle on our own. Luckily, we have Mother’s Day to remind us otherwise.

Speaking of movies, my mom is my personal superhero.

She’s a strong woman who went through a lot in her life, and I actually listen to her advice. She always believes in me – especially when I don’t believe in myself.

My mom is always there for me even if she isn’t there physically.

She always has my back, coming to my aid when I have bad hair days, paying for my East Coast trip and braces. . . the list of

what she does is endless. She has been supporting me since Day One of my existence and I am so grateful for that, even though it doesn’t seem like I actually am. I love you, Mom! To all the mothers out there in the world – let me give you a shout-out. You are all phenomenal women and I don’t know how you manage to do the same things day after day: Cooking the meals, holding down a job, and dealing with your family drama. Your days are filled with so many activities I don’t how you manage to find time to relax and unwind your mind. Thank you for flying in to our days

CELINE HERRERA DVMS REPORTER when we were all damsels in distress. Mothers do in fact know what’s best for us.

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

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ROBBIE PARKER

CVHS REPORTER As the month of May begins, the end of the school year is becoming increasingly tangible. Even though the remaining days of school are dwindling, there is quite a bit of work left to do. While it may be tempting to slack off, there is still plenty of new material to learn, assignments and tests to complete, not to mention second-semester finals.

In reality, this time of year is even more busy than usual. Just during the last four weeks, Clayton Valley High School, along with all other schools in the State of California, underwent STAR testing. The test was stretched out over four weeks, and each student took the test in the respective classroom for the subject, all in an attempt to improve overall test scores.

After testing, I spoke with students Connor McMurdo and Arianna Laiho. “I felt like I really did well on the test. My teachers did a good job of teaching me what I needed to know. I took each question seriously,” Connor said. Arianna expressed a similar opinion. “I thought I did a great job on the test. I did my best to prepare for it, but it’s hard to study for something that could be on such a variety of subjects.” Both students put much effort into the test, despite the fact that it will not affect them individually.

Many students dismiss stan-

dardized testing because it never really counted against anything or shows up in transcripts. Considering this, it is not surprising that some students do not try their best or even attempt it.

However, what many students may not realize is how important standardized testing is.

The results from each year’s STAR test mainly calculate the school’s Academic Performance Index (API) score. It is relatively simple, if the majority of STAR scores are high, then the school’s API score will rise as well. When a schools API fails to meet the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards over time, the school must make dramatic changes. This means more time doing test preparations, and less time doing the fun activities students need to stay alive during the school day.

Not to mention, students coming from a high school with a low API are going to look much less appealing to colleges.

It will not be until late August when Clayton Valley receives the results of testing from this year, but it is always a hope that our API can soar much like our mascot. I know Clayton Valley will never be in danger of failing to meet AYP standards over time. While I know the vast majority of students put their effort into the test, it is unfortunate to hear from students who have chosen not to apply themselves. While the STAR has little individual effect, it can make a big impact on a school.

Doing your best at whatever you attempt is always advantageous. Even if it may not happen right away, working hard and applying yourself can only benefit you the end.

Robbie Parker is a freshman at Clayton Valley High School.

Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 11, 2012

Sports Duty calls for two retired Clayton coaches well-known coaches who had just retired to jump in like that was spectacular.”

Since the two men were certified by the Mt. Diablo Unified School District they were able to start almost immediately. Johnson had coached golf the previous 10 years at Northgate, where Tellian was the long-time football coach. In Johnson’s previous stint at Clayton Valley he was head baseball, JV and head varsity basketball and JV and varsity football coach. He was coaching frosh football in Herc Pardi’s first year at CVHS. It wasn’t a Cinderella story for the team, however. After finishing third in Diablo Valley Athletic League play behind College Park and Johnson’s former Northgate team, the Eagles had bad luck at the DVAL tournament. “We unfortunately had a lastminute back injury to Wyatt Dane and allergy attack to Nick Gasparro [the two juniors were among the team’s top

JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Ted Tellian and Bob Johnson have known each other for years. The two Clayton area men both retired last June after nearly four decades each as teachers and high school coaches, or so they thought.

Retirees Johnson and Tellian would walk around Clayton three or four times a week and early this spring, on one of those outings, Johnson’s phone rang. It was Clayton Valley High School athletic director Pat Middendorf. The Eagles boys golf coach Chance Gernhardt had abruptly resigned due to work commitments and she was asking Johnson if he could fill in as the CVHS golf coach this season. The fact that practice had already been underway for two weeks added to the unexpected challenge.

Middendorf hadn’t just dialed Johnson’s number by accident. He was the CVHS golf coach when Oakhurst opened and started the girls golf program at the school.

Johnson “talked Ted into helping me” and accepted the assignment. He was concerned that if they didn’t step up there would be no team this year and he knows “how hard it is to restart a program.”

“I was in a bit of a panic but what a stroke of luck that Bob and Ted were available,” Middendorf said. “To get two

Photo by Tamara Steiner

BOB JOHNSON (LEFT) AND TED TELLIAN thought their only coaching would be from a couch after each retired last June from Northgate High School. Turns out the call to duty was too strong when Clayton Valley High athletic director Pat Middendorf asked them to step into a void and lead the CVHS boys golf team this spring.

Kara Kohler rows for US Olympic team berth this month in Europe JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Kara Kohler is spending this month in Europe and hopes that her performance for USRowing on the continent in Serbia and Switzerland will earn her another trip in July to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The Clayton woman is taking off what would have been her junior year at Cal Berkeley to chase her unlikely Olympic dream and is now within touching distance – or at least a few strong rows – of a chance to represent her country in the Summer Games.

Kohler is part of the US women’s quadruple sculls that is filled with West Coast rowers Kate Bertko (Oakland), Kady Glessner (Seattle) and Stesha Carle (Long Beach). The Amer-

ican boat qualified for the Olympic Games at last year’s world championships with a silver-medal finish and will seek to measure itself in Serbia and Switzerland against the competition in the lead up to London.

Carle is the lone returning member of that crew. Bertko raced in the women’s double, while Glessner joins the lineup from the women’s pair and Kohler from the gold-medal women’s four at last summer’s world championships.

Kohler, who was a standout swimmer at Clayton Valley High School and the Dana Hills Otters, had never rowed before she was exposed to the sport as she toured Cal in 2009 during her senior year at CVHS. She quickly acclimated to the sport and has been a mainstay on the powerful Bears crew for two

years and spent the last two summers overseas representing America in world championship competitions, getting gold medals each year.

Last weekend the USA quad with Kohler was in Belgrade, Serbia for the 2012 Samsung World Rowing Cup series kickoff along with 658 other rowers from 43 nations competing in 21 events over the four-day event in Olympic, international and Paralympic boat classes.

The Americans then traveled to Breisach, Germany for a training camp and will complete the trip at the Samsung World Cup II stop at Lucerne, Switzerland in late May. Kohler is scheduled to race in the same boat at this event.

Her parents, Caryl and Mike Kohler, will be anxiously following results for their youngest of

four daughters on the internet at their Dana Hills home. “I think the performance of this boat at these two world cup races will help the coach make a decision on Kara. We really don’t know what to expect but I think she has a good chance to be named to the Olympic team if she does well at these World Cups,” Mike Kohler says. The US Women’s Olympic team will be named June 22.

The women’s quadruple skulls competition in London is July 28, July 30 and the medal races Aug. 1. The Olympic rowing events will be held in a 400acre park within a nature conservation area, Eton Dorney Rowing Centre at Dorney Lake, around 18 miles west of London. It has been acclaimed as one of the finest rowing venues in the world.

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CLAYTON VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS

The 11th annual Clayton Valley youth football camp for boys and girls entering third through ninth grades runs June 18-22 at Gonsalves Stadium on the Clayton Valley High School campus from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Camp director Herc Pardi, assistant director Paul Reynaud and the Eagles coaching staff and players provide fundamental instruction and daily full contact competition. There is a trainer on site. Each participant gets a camp shirt and written evaluation. Cost is $125, plus a refundable $75 equipment fee. For more information, email herc_pardi@hotmail.com, call (925) 6827474 ext. 3115 or pick up a brochure at the CVHS front office.

FOOTBALL, CHEER SIGNUPS OPEN FOR CLAYTON VALLEY FALCONS Registration is now open for Clayton Valley Youth football and cheer. Football is open for ages 7-14 while cheer accepts ages 5-14.

The next in-person registration days for the CVAA Falcons are Thursday, May 17, 6:30-8 p.m. and Sunday, May 27, 1-3:30 p.m. at Mountain Mike’s Pizza by Clayton Bowl. The season starts July 30.

For more information and online registration visit CVAAFalcons.com

MISSED SOCCER TRYOUTS? CONTACT DIABLO FC FOR EVALUATION Competitive soccer team tryouts with Diablo FC for boys and girls for the 2012-13 season have been completed. Director of Coaching Brian Voltattorni says there are still openings on some teams. The competitive youth soccer club has boys and girls teams from U8 through U23. Boys and girls who missed tryouts should go online to register for a tryout at diablofc.org and their age group coach will contact them.

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three returning players] so we only had four scores at the league meet and you need five to place.” Johnson added, “With only one senior, the team has gained valuable experience for next year.”

And that one senior, Daniel Maraccini, shot a 92 at league to qualify for North Coast Section South Qualifier earlier this week at Monarch Bay Golf Club in San Leandro.

Gaining experience that should help the Eagles next year were new golf team members Joe Essayan, Liam Calkins, Kevin Cuff, Ryan Stickney and Eric Carlson.

Calkins and Stickney are freshmen.

Middendorf reports that Jennifer Moore will return as girls golf coach next fall, replacing Gernhardt in that position which Moore previously held. As for boys golf in 2013, Middendorf had a twinkle in her eye when she said that position was open but she’ll be looking for a coach with experience.

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Email questions to registration@mdsoccer.org or visit mdsoccer.org.

There are still a few openings for the Dana Hills Swim Team’s unique Otter Pup program. This swim program for ages 3-6 is specifically designed for those children who love to swim and/or love to be in the water but don’t yet have competitive stroke experience. No prior swim team experience is expected or needed.

Should be water safe to some extent and ready to listen and follow direction. Otter Pup program is uniquely formatted to get the young swimmer ready to transition onto the main swim team in the 6 and under age group. Otter Pups meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays beginning this week for eight weeks. KinderCare in Clayton will transport students to the Dana Hills pool. Information and registration online at DanaHillsOtters.com

May 11, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Sports for the third time. He will play for Pomona-Pitzer College in Claremont in the fall. Kim boasts a 3.84 GPA and has been a member of Clayton Valley’s Public Service Academy. The Kim name isn’t leaving CVHS tennis however, as his sister Chloe is projected to play No. 1 singles for the Eagles in the fall.

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

Athlete Spotlight Name: Jonathan Kim Age: 17 Team: CVHS Tennis Sport: Tennis It was no surprise when the Clayton Valley High School tennis coaches said before this spring season, “Jonathan Kim, our number one singles player and co-captain, is the best tennis player to come through

Clayton Valley in the past several years.” Kim has played No. 1 singles his whole high school career and hasn’t lost in the preseason or regular season since his freshman year. Making good on his coaches’ state-

ments, Kim won his third straight Diablo Valley Athletic League singles title and is oddson to be DVAL MVP for the third year running. He also was the DVAL representative to the NCS singles tournament

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.

Clayton Classic to honor Coach Jerry Coakley The annual Clayton Classic golf tournament, sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association, is fast approaching and will be honoring the life of the late Jerry Coakley, who was a coach in Contra Costa County for more than 40 years – the last 15 years at Clayton Valley High School.

The tournament will be held on June 11 at Oakhurst Country Club and will be a four-man scramble. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Clayton Valley High School golf program. The boy’s golf coach, Bob Johnson, and the girl’s coach, Jennifer Moore – as well as many of their players – will be on hand to help make this a fun and profitable event.

The Clayton Classic golf committee is currently looking for more players, tee sponsors and donated prizes for the raffle. This tournament promises to be a lot of fun this year as there will be great tee prizes at sign-in, free beverages on the course, a $5,000 putting contest, a Hole-In-One contest with a Ford Mustang as the prize, and a Long Drive Contest. There will also be a Box Lunch, snacks and dinner provided by Oakhurst.

For more information, contact contact Ted Sudderth at unkted@aol.com, Miles Bell at milesbell@bellpromo.com, Jim Diaz at jimdiaz2006@pacbell.com, or Don Fitzgerald at fitzgala@comcast.net.

You can also contact Sue White at the CBCA at 672-0864.

MDSA boys win in tune ups for Concord Cup JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament is right around the corner when Concord Cup XIX takes place next weekend, May 19-20.

MDSA boys teams tuned up for Concord Cup with three titles at the Comstock

Shootout in Carson City recently.

At the Comstock Shootout MDSA boys teams finished first in under 10, 12 and 14 divisions and also took a second place in another U10 flight.

Concord Cup XIX will feature 14 teams from MDSA and two from Diablo FC among

the approximately 120 teams taking part at nine area sites.

The MDSA Sentinels rallied from a 1-0 deficit in the championship game of the U14 bracket to overhaul Bishop FC 2-1 just before it looked like overtime was inevitable. Falling behind to a penalty kick was uncharted waters for the Sentinels who had outscored their

Photos courtesy MDSA

THE MDSA SENTINELS UNDER 14 BOYS SOCCER TEAM FINISHED FIRST in the Comstock Shootout recently in Carson City, NV with a late winner in the championship game. They were smart enough to bring a copy of the Clayton Pioneer with them so they’d get their picture in the paper too! The team includes, front row from left, Nick Casio, Dante Maurino, Erik Ortiz, Bryden Connel, Jason Ross, Patrick Reiser; back row, coach Jason Kagel, Andres Reynoso, Anthony Vines, Rey Chavez, Tony Romano, Jonathan Sullivan, Joel Gonzalez, Jacob Kirkpatrick, Sayed Opeyany and coach K.C. Ross. Not pictured, Evan Gittleman, Ray Turrietta and Will Morimoto.

THE MDSA RED DEVILS WENT UNDEFEATED IN FOUR GAMES to claim the championships in the under 12 boys division in Carson City at the Comstock Shootout. The includes, front row from left, Alan Wolfe, Nick Harrison, Naldo Villarama, Luke Mingham, Hasib Miry, Dylan White, Logan Schoffstall, Charles Schoffstall; back row, coach Justin Wolfe, Nathaniel Araujo, Riley Evans, Ryan McGhehey, Ryan Roo and coach Nick Zeller-Singh.

first three opponents 12-0 entering the finals.

The U12 MDSA Red Devils had three victories by a single goal each including a thrilling 3-2 win over PHMSA Barcelona in the finals. Coaches Alan Wolfe and Charles Schoffstall were used to close calls as MDSA beat homes-

tanding Carson Galaxy 1-0 to make it into the championship game.

A pair of U10 MDSA boys teams was in separate brackets at the Shootout with the MDSA Strikers FC finishing second in the Cascade Division while MDSA Dark Knights won the Sierra Division.

The Strikers won 6-0 in the semi-finals over PHMSA Intruders for their third successive victory but then met their match in the Cascade finals losing 4-1 to LFC 02.

In the Sierra U10 boys the Dark Knights posted four wins in a row including over Tahoe Blue Arsenal 2-0 in the finale.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Eating right aids your body from the inside out

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[Editor’s Note: This is the last of a three-part series about detoxing.]

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Every day your body is exposed to a vast array of pollutants. We don’t always sleep or exercise regularly. We survive on processed foods that contain way too much sugar, fat, caffeine and alcohol. Daily we use deodorants, lotions and shampoos that contain aluminum and formaldehyde. We spend our daily life breathing randomly toxic air while bathing in and drinking in toxic, polluted water.

As environmental and dietary toxins build up in the body, they cause fatigue, weight gain, skin inflammations, allergies, headaches, digestive disorders, slower mental processes, and a weakened immune system.

Luckily the body has its own purifying system, but as it becomes overworked and overloaded, a body detox may be the answer. Detox removes the body’s toxins over a weekend or

a couple of weeks. Such treatments rejuvenate tired skin and hair, increase energy, improve mood, and contribute substantially to weight loss.

Adopt a detox strategy. The goal is to turn your acidic system into one of a more basic, clean and better functioning one. The focus of detox is to give your body a respite from unwanted chemicals and unwholesome foods in order for its natural cleaners, the kidney and liver, to get a chance to do their job efficiently. This process can be especially valuable if you suffer from common ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome, hay fever or general sluggishness.

Begin by eating a well balanced diet. Cut out or down on foods and drinks that build up toxins in your system. Live and learn the beauty of organically grown food, without pesticides or artificial preservatives. For optimum performance the

body’s nutritional needs must be met in order to maintain normal functions. Proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals relieve the body and help it to be stress free.

Protein is needed for cell growth and used to make enzymes, hormones and antibodies. Fats provide the body with a source of energy and helps the body absorb the fatsoluble vitamins A, D, and E. Also they provide fatty acids that are essential for the heart, the nerves, hormones and the immune system. Carbohydrates convert into glucose to provide the body with energy. Fiber, vitamins and minerals aid the body in digestion and elimination.

Exercise efficiently. Exercise is essential to detox. It builds strength and boosts energy levels while helping the body’s systems fight off disease and reduce stress. Above all, it encourages your lipid system to

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The body needs water for every chemical reaction, and if it does not have enough, you feel off emotionally, physically and mentally. Water transports vital nutrients and minerals throughout the body. Water consumption is vital especially during detox. It aids in clearing toxins from the body.

Restore the body with gentleness and peace. Purify your mind, body and spirit through detox. It rejuvenates the body from the inside out.

Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fitness certifications. She trains at Levity Fitness studio in Clayton. Email Ilima at IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com

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The A/C system should be serviced about every other year to maintain proper working condition. This includes a changing of the Freon, a visual inspection and leak test. If you wait till the vent air is no longer cold then you may damage other components of the system.

Unlike the old time A/C systems that only worked when turned on, today’s A/C systems work year-round. In the winter when you turn on the defrost setting , the A/C is used to remove moisture from the air that is blown onto the windshield to make it clear

Gardens, from page 1 “A lot of them, it’s kind of fun, they’ll say, I’ve been wanting to get this done for years, now I can get my husband going on it,” she says of gardeners asked to participate.

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see beautiful gardens, to be sure – but also boulders and waterfalls, outdoor sculpture gardens, and in one case, an elaborate permanent model train setup.

Once upon a time, Jim Swicegood was a farmer in Oklahoma, and used to push a plow through the dirt with his mule. Though he’s come a long way since then, Swicegood says planting stayed in his blood.

It’s obvious, as Swicegood looks out over the grove of redwood and Japanese maple trees, boulders and small waterfalls that populate his Clayton back yard today.

“You get used to planting things, working in the dirt with a mule,” he says. “Then you get into a better life, but you still want to plant. There’s very few things more satisfying than looking out at a beautiful landscape that you put in yourself.”

MODEL TRAINS AND TREES Not far from the shade trees of Swicegood’s yard, vibrantlycolored irises and California poppies dot the landscape through which Jim and Dorothy Bradt’s G-scale model trains speed.

Besides trestles, tunnels, and what he estimates are about 150 feet of track, Jim has installed a different sort of garden: shrubs and bushes painstakingly trimmed to look like scale-sized trees around the tracks.

faster. In the spring and fall, the system is used to keep the air from the vents at a comfortable temperature, not just hot or cold.

The different components of a system are the compressor, receiver, dryer, condenser, evaporator and hoses. The compressor is the pump that moves the Freon though the system. The receiver is a filter that ensures no moisture is in the system. The condenser is for cooling the Freon after is goes through the system. The evaporator is what the air blows through to be cooled for the passenger compartment.

All of these parts have var-

“It’s almost like a bonsai hobby,” he says, describing fiveyear old Scotch pines he has nurtured to just a foot and a half tall, and the Italian cypress “trees” that, at 24 inches tall, tower majestically over the train engines.

With their property backing up to Mt. Diablo State Park, Dorothy Bradt noted that plant choice can be key to having a successful – and relatively stress-free – gardening hobby.

“We have a never ending supply of gophers and voles,” she points out. “I don’t plant anything that’s unusual or expensive or exotic, because if I did and the gophers killed it, I would cry. My roses have been in for a long time.”

THE ARTFUL GARDEN The first flowers seen by visitors to Dan and Carol Henry’s property across town on Marsh Creek Road are those sculpted into the front gate created for them by California artist Mark Oldland. And that’s just the beginning.

Amid what Dan Henry describes as “plants and vegetables and fruit trees and berries,” are art pieces that include dancing children, waterfalls, and benches that look like they grew from the soil as well.

Asked their advice for people inspired by what they see to try their own hands at gardening, Dan Henry and Dorothy Bradt agree that drought-resistant, local varieties are the best.

ious seals and connectors that can go bad and start leaking.

The compressor clutch assembly is driven by a fan belt. If the clutch fails the belt may be broken and other components – such as the alternator, water pump or power steering – will stop working. That’s why it’s so important to maintain the system in proper working condition.

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

“A lot of the plants that I have are really drought-tolerant,” Bradt says. “They either dry up or they look really bad, but every spring they come roaring back.

It’s amazing.”

“A lawn is not a great idea except for maybe a children’s ground cover,” says Henry.

“Skipping that is one of the better things we did. Not so much water, not so much time spent mowing it.”

In addition to being inspiring, the tour is a fund-raiser for the Clayton Historical Museum.

Funds from tickets and the accompanying plant sale cover most of the museum’s operating budget.

“This is for not only just to keep the lights on, it’s to keep our museum open to the public and free,” says museum curator Mary Spryer. “All of our people are volunteers. So there’s no cost for the human power, but there’s cost when things break.”

Dorothy Bradt shares wisdom she’s gained that applies to more than just gardening, but perhaps the rest of life as well. “Plant the right plants and don’t try so hard,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be perfect every month out of the year. Let it go.”

Tour the gardens May 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buy tickets at R&M Nursery, 6780 Marsh Creek Road or the Clayton Museum, 6101 Main Street, or mail check to Clayton Museum, PO Box 94, Clayton 94517, or buy online at claytonhistory.com. Tickets are $20.

May 11, 2012

Animal Services Adoption Truck to join Rodie’s celebration Pooches and kitties looking for a new permanent home will be at Rodie’s Customer Appreciation and Pet Adoption Day on May 19.

The Contra Costa Animal Shelter Adoption Truck will be at the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Loving pets of all ages from puppies and kittens to senior cats and dogs will be hoping to go home that day with their new owners.

Bring the family to this free event and help celebrate Rodie’s 31st anniversary with free hamburgers and hot dogs, $5 pony rides and $5,000 in raffle prizes.

Two lucky winners will each take home a new mountain bike.

See Rodie’s ad on the back page of this issue for event details and some great one-day-only deals.

Rodie’s Feed and Pet Supply is at 8863 Marsh Creek Road in Clayton.

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Chorizo and Sarah are this week’s ARF Adoption Stars

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Sarah is a pretty girl who is looking for a quiet, calm home where she can blossom into a great companion. She is looking for a home that may need a second cat or perhaps to be adopted with a buddy from ARF. The adoption fee for adult cats is $50.

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

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Remembering Grandma on Mother’s Day

STEPHANIE HO MIND MATTERS The first memory I have of my grandmother is hearing her voice on the phone; she in New York and me in California. My grandmother, Maria, came to visit us quite a few times while I was growing up. I can still recall how exciting it was to greet her at the terminal and sit snuggled up to her on the car ride home from LAX. I felt so lucky having Grandma stay with me in my room on the fold-up bed we had; that is, until I learned that Grandma snored. I don’t mean the delicate whoosh of a gentile lady; no, I mean, the ear-deafening, body-jarring sound of a train coming through my room.

I lost count of the number of times I had to tip-toe over to Grandma’s bed, jostle her awake, and ask her to turn over.

I loved being with Grandma; she was soft and cuddly, she could sew anything, she had treasure boxes filled with costume jewelry for me to try on, and she could send me into fits of giggles whenever she erupted into this laugh that was vaguely hyena-esque. And, oh, how I hated seeing her leave. One last hug, one last kiss. I cried every time she left to board that plane back to New York.

Grandma had always dreamt of selling her house in New York and moving to California to escape the pipe-bursting winters of New York. She had wanted to see me grow up. But she developed health problems and had financial concerns. Her visits out west dwindled and I got to see her only a couple of times once I was old enough to travel on my own. Yet, she stayed in touch as a devoted pen pal. She loved to write random

love cards on recycled card fronts stuffed in envelopes decorated with whatever free stickers, seals, or labels she had. She did not make it to California until after I graduated from college; we were both a lot older when my grandma finally moved here.

As my grandma got older, one thing did not change – that contagious laugh. How I delighted in sharing stories with her over the years of the antics

of my cat and then later my child. It was pure joy when I could make her laugh, especially when her memory faded and she could not share stories of her own.

Last month, my grandma passed away at the age of 85. I feel lucky that I got to see her two weeks before she died. One last hug, one last kiss. I cried when I left because I just knew what was coming. I updated my to-do list recently and realized

that there would be one Mother’s Day card not sent this year. My pen pal will now live on only in my memories.

Wishing a happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and grandmothers. You are loved and will always be remembered.

Stephanie T. Ho is a licensed psychologist. She has a private practice office in Walnut Creek and works at UC Berkeley. She can be reached at stephanie.ho.phd@gmail.com.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 11, 2012

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MAY 16 FOR THE MAY 25 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com

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

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

May 12, 13 Community Walk The Sacramento Walking Sticks invite the Clayton community to participate in two walks, three miles or six miles, on Mt. Diablo. Open to all.

Noncompetitive. Must sign in and get directions. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Clayton Community Park at Regency Drive and Marsh Creek Road, Clayton. Free. sacramentowalkingsticks.org.

May 14, 21 Parenting Your Parents May 14: Housing Options. Information on how to identify the type of community best suited for your loved one’s needs. May 21: Aging in Place. Learn the difference between skilled and custodial care and get advice on finding the right caregiver. 7 – 8:30 p.m. Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main St., Clayton. Free. Contact Chuck or Peggy Bidondo at cbidondo@pacbell.net or 672-9708.

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

1 – 3 p.m. amgentourofcalifornia.com.

May 19 Community Garage Sale Pick up map at corner of Oakhurst Drive and Indian Wells Way. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact Joe Dajani at 672-3000.

May 19, 20 Clayton Gardens Tour Clayton Historical Society’s 20th annual Gardens Tour. Revisiting nearly 20 of the finest gardens from the past 20 years. No children under 12.

Self-guided tour. Rain or shine. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Begins at Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St., Clayton. $20. Tickets available at R & M Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens, Clayton Museum or claytonhistory.org.

May 19, 20 Plant Sale Clayton Valley Garden Club’s plants and more sale. Sat. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Endeavor Hall parking lot, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Sun. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St., Clayton. claytonvalleygardenclub.org. 276-2299.

June 2 Horse and Rider Sensory Training Rescheduled due to rain. Space still available. cmdtra@yahoo.com or info@bentsonsensory.com.

June 11 Golf Tournament Clayton Business & Community Association golf tournament to benefit the boy’s golf team at Clayton Valley High School. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. $150. claytoncbca.org. 672-2272.

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

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

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

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

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

May 12 Johnny Cash Tribute Show Classy and authentic production honoring the music of the legendary “Man in Black” by James Garner, part of the Willows Theatre Concert Series. 5 p.m. Waterfront Park, 99 Tarantino Drive, Martinez. $15 general admission; $13 senior. willowstheatre.org. 798-1300.

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

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

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

May 18, 19 “The Waiting Period” Popular radio and TV talk show host, Brian Copeland, performs this solo

show about his fierce wrestle with suicidal depression. Astonishingly funny and brutally honest. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $50. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

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

May 20 Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra Triple Play with the Villa Trio. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 20 The Wonderelles If you loved the great girl groups of the 50s and 60s, you will love The Wonderelles. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 21 – June 23 “9 to 5: The Musical” A hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Willows Theatre, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $24-$31. willowstheatre.org, 798-1300.

May 25 – 27 Spring Ballet Program Company C Contemporary Ballet performs. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $23-$45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

May 26-28 KidFest Dozens of activities for kids, tweens and parents, arts and crafts, food court and rides. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. $5 with canned food donation for Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano; $6 without. kidfestconcord.com. 671-3287.

CHURCHES AND RELIGION May 23 Women’s Christian Fellowship Dinner Dinner catered by Ravioli’s Italian Market Place followed by program, “Mother Mary’s Great Love for Us” by inspirational speaker and author, Christine Watkins. 6:30 – 9 p.m. St. Bonaventure’s Large Hall, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. $20. Reservations required. stbonaventure.net, parish office 672-5800 or Sue at 672-0220.

FUNDRAISERS May 8, 15 Ed’s Mudville Grill Organized by Mt. Diablo Elementary Parent Faculty Club. Fliers on school website: mtdiabloelementary.mdusd.org. Bring flier and Ed’s donates 15 percent. Dine in or take out. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Located at 6200 Center St., Clayton. 673-0333.

May 12 Plant Sale Featuring drought and heat tolerant plants from California and Australia.

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery. 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. markhamarboretum.org. 681-2968.

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

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

May 15, 16 Rocco’s Ristorante Pizzeria Organized by CVHS Music Boosters. Mention CVHS Music Boosters and Rocco’s donates 25 percent. Dine in or take out. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. claytonbands.org. Located at 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek.

947-6105.

May 20 Pet Walk One mile fundraiser walk to help dogs and cats in need of a second chance. Followed by pet contest and wellness fair. Registration 8:30 a.m.

Fair 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. arf.net.

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

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

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

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

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

May 14 CERT Emergency preparedness seminar. 7 – 9 p.m.

May 20 Art Education Showcase Display of art from students at Monte Gardens and Highlands Elementary Schools. 1 – 5 p.m. Held by Camila Rowland and Danielle Sawan of CVHS ClaytonArts Academy. camila_rowland@yahoo.com or 876-9545.

May 23 Understanding Life Insurance Discussion with licensed insurance agent, Betty Lou Moglen. 7 p.m.

Space limited; registration required at ccclib.org or 673-0659.

SCHOOLS Thru May 12 “Once Upon a Mattress” A jazzy and absurd retelling of “The Princess and the Pea.” 7 p.m. Clayton Valley High School Multi-Use Room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. $10 general admission. $5 students/staff.

Tickets at the door starting at 6:30 p.m. 682-7474, ext. 2678.

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

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

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

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

Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, February through November. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. claytonvalleygardenclub.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ygnacio Valley Republican Women Meets third Wednesday of the month, except June, July, August. May 16 topics: Independent voices and election issues. 10 a.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Reservations required for lunch. $25. 672-5061.

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 15

Memoir details horrors of teenage treatment facility Tranquility Bay was anything but for this Clayton woman PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer

“The only time I left the facility was when I was taken into town to get my passport photo. They took me out in a hospital gown, and put a sweatshirt over it… the hospital gown pokes through sloppily at the top of the sweatshirt collar, crooked. It was crooked, just like about everything else I experienced for the next two years.”

The stark passage from Cindy Art’s memoir “Trapped in Paradise” details just one of the incidents the Clayton woman experienced as a teenage resident of Tranquility Bay, a residential treatment facility affiliated with World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASP).

As parents, we’ve all heard of programs like these: a troubled teen is taken away in the dark of night and sent – against her will – to a toughlove school that parents hope will steer their kids away from the problems plaguing them.

In Art’s case, the tough was there, but certainly not the love. “Trapped in Paradise” looks at her two years in the program, 18 months of it spent at Tranquility Bay, a resi-

dential hotel in Calabash Bay, Jamaica.

NOT A VACATION Art, who grew up in and around Oakland, was having a hard time in school back in 1997. Her parents were divorced, and while she lived with her mother, her father also had custody of her.

“I was stressed and anxious about a lot of things,” she says, “and I didn’t feel safe at the schools I was attending. So I stopped going, and my grades dropped, and I became really unhappy.”

One night, after picking her up from her mother’s house, her father had her spirited away in the middle of the night.

“I think he thought he was doing the right thing,” she said. “But it was also a way for him to get rid of the problem: me.”

Despite glossy brochures showing the benefits of the facility – including jet skiing – Art found nothing but more anger and sadness at the facility.

“They beat us down. We couldn’t talk without asking, we couldn’t speak our mind, we couldn’t express an opinion…it was like they wanted to stamp out everything we were.”

She also recalls punishments that included pepper spray and being locked in solitary confinement, forced to lay on her stomach with her arms

Club News CLAYTON VALLEY GARDEN CLUB The Clayton Valley Garden Club lent a helping hand to the kindergarten classroom of Mrs. Shelley, a teacher at Mt Diablo Elementary School. Garden Club members donated, built and delivered four rectangular wooden planters to the school during spring break. The planters will be used to teach the children about the growing cycles of flowering plants.

MDES teacher, Mrs. Shelley and daughter Reagan, past CVGC member Bob Beitler and Alexa Callaghan, and CVGC Members Chris Callaghan, Rory Richmond and Lew Thompson.

MT. DIABLO ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY See the rings of Saturn and stars, nebula, galaxies, clusters, the moon and planets on May 19 when the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society meets on Mt. Diablo.

The program starts at 7:30 p.m. Enter Mt. Diablo State Park through the Northgate entrance by 6:45. There is no fee for the program, but there is a $10 park entrance fee. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, snacks and water. Flashlights are not required, but if brought, must be covered in red plastic. Telescopes will be available. Children are welcome. Participants will be escorted several times during the evening through the

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held behind her – sometimes for days at a time.

And certainly no jet skiing.

Tranquility Bay closed in 2009, the subject of much controversy, including allegations of torture, unsanitary living conditions, unqualified employees, and denial of medical care; these claims have been the subject of multiple lawsuits from former Tranquility Bay inmates. The WWASP-type schools were a very profitable business in the past decade, with little or no regulation.

Art’s family, however, hasn’t been involved in any of the lawsuits. After a year and a half she transferred to another facility in Montana that was easier for her, and she was released to her mother in 1999.

LONG-LASTING CONSEQUENCES Yet even now, the 29-yearold says she is finally realizing the toll the experience took on her, and how it has affected her relationships.

“I still can’t get really close to people,” she says. “I have a hard time trusting people.”

She also has very little, if anything, to do with her father.

“I have had time lately to reflect on that period of my life, and I just felt like I

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CaseyCopeland.com needed to write the book, to help me and others who may have gone through similar experiences,” Art says.

“It’s a horrible thing, to be made to feel like you are worthless.”

These days, she lives with her boyfriend Eric Marten, and she says he has been a tremendous help to her, both in sorting through her feelings about her troubled past, and letting go.

She says she still keeps in contact with a few other of the Tranquility Bay residents, and is sad that many of them are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or are riddled with anger.

“All of us have to come to terms with the experience in our own way,” Art says.

“Writing this book helped me.”

It is available exclusively on Amazon. There is also a Facebook page dedicated to the book, www.facebook.com/trappedinparadise1997.

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Daffodil Hill, Every 15 Minutes to get CBCA donations GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer

At its April 26 meeting at Oakhurst Country Club, the Clayton Business and Community Association voted overwhelmingly to approve additional funds to proceed with the landscaping plan for Daffodil Hill.

Planning for the beautification of the hill at the entrance to the city at the corner of Clayton and Marsh Creek roads began in 2008, but has stalled several times due to funding issues. By last fall, the CBCA had already put over $60,000 into the project, only to find bids for the landscaping beyond its budget.

Recently, CBCA came up with a plan to share the cost

For more information, go to mdas.net or call 695-3134 or the park at 837-2525.

with the city of Clayton.

CBCA recommended to the Clayton Trails and Landscape Committee that CBCA split the cost of implementing the city-approved Daffodil Hill Plan with the city of Clayton.

The TLC approved the suggestion and recommended that proposal to the city council.

The club is awaiting approval before proceeding.

At the same meeting, members approved a funding request for the Clayton Valley High School “Every 15 Minutes” Program. The multi-day program reminds students of the dangers of driving while impaired, whether the distraction is alcohol, drugs or, added this year – texting.

Clayton Valley HS band members Laura Minorsky, Allison Abele, and Robbie Parker accompanied by CVHS music director Joseph Scott, expressed their thanks to CBCA, on behalf of their fellow band members, for helping fund their trip to New York City. 74 CVHS student musicians performed in Central Park and visited colleges in the area.

It was pointed out that the CVHS band will provide 30 volunteers to help on the May 5-6 Art & Wine Festival.

All events raise funds for projects that benefit the Clayton community. Volunteers are always greatly appreciated.

Find out more at 925-6722272 or www.claytoncbca.org.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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The gorgeous weather has even the busiest home-bodies stepping out to welcome Spring.

This is the season to connect through nature and relationships. One way to tend both is through community endeavors to celebrate the natural features of our surroundings.

Naturally (no pun intended), Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed (FOMCW) would like to “make friends” (pun intended) with Clayton’s Upper Marsh Creek landowners and other interested neighbors.

“We want people to get involved, to share their talents and influence what we’re doing,” says Diane Burgis, Executive Director and the only paid employee of the organization.

Marsh Creek serves as an aquatic wildlife corridor between the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, where it discharges, and the foothills around Mount Diablo.

FOMCW works to raise awareness in the community about the value of Marsh Creek and its watershed through projects such as establishing native gardens and cleanups.

“On our big community service projects we create more volunteer hours for EBRPD than any other agency,” Burgis said. At the Creek Clean Up last September, 400-600 volunteers gathered between four and eight tons of trash in just three hours.

Members participate in and conduct monitoring programs, serve on advisory committees and provide input to government agencies, and support education in schools.

Although native wildlife populations are severely confined by the lack of available habitat in the lower watershed, the intact riparian corridors in the creek and the freshwater tidal marsh at the mouth of Marsh Creek still supports a

VOLUNTEERS WITH FRIENDS OF MARSH CREEK work on a variety of projects including cleaning up trails and creekbeds, sampling and monitoring creek waters and support educational efforts.

wealth of life. Small remnant populations of native species such as river otters, burrowing owls and western pond turtles remain. Bird surveys record the presence of sensitive species including the state-listed California black rail, tricolored blackbird, yellow-breasted chat, white-tailed kite and the northern harrier.

Last month FOMCW won a $2000 grant from MillerCoors and River Network with 5th place in a national social-media campaign. “We were the only West Coast organization in the competition,” says Burgis, “and we received other grants and opportunities out of it. It put us in a national spotlight and gave me some tools I needed to have in place so we can reach out to a bigger base next time.”

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showing his students photos of former students and he said ‘Carpe Diem (Seize the Day).’

Dan used that phrase with me and it’s something we should all think about now.”

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Boatwright was the son of Arkansas sharecroppers. He moved permanently to California after high school. He served in the Korean War and graduated from UC Berkeley and Boalt Hall School of Law. He embarked on a law career that included an undefeated record in 60 felony jury trials for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s

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office before opening the Concord law firm Boatwright, Adams and Bechelli.

His political career began in 1966 when he was elected to the Concord City Council. He was mayor from 1966-68. He was in the State Assembly for eight years and spent twice that time in the Senate before being termed out in 1996.

Harry York worked for Boatwright for eight years. “Dan was extremely bright and very intuitive. Probably the wisest politician I have been around.

He always knew what his constituents and the voters were thinking. He didn’t need a poll, he knew.

“He was driven and extremely hard working. Dan knew every issue inside and out. He took care of his district like no one before him or after him; he got dollars for Contra Costa. To him it wasn’t so much about party, it was about action. The political party issues would work themselves out.”

Concord City Councilman Dan Helix was on the council with Boatwright in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. “Dan once said, ‘Do everything you can for your family and friends; it’s okay to do nothing for the others.’ He then laughed and said, ‘Every voter in Concord is my friend.”

His widow Theresa added, “We have the best neighbors anyone could ask for.” The Boatwrights moved to Oakhurst in 2004. “Dan worked from

FOMCW Board President and Monitoring Chairperson Brian Curran with an award given to exemplary participants in the CCWF’s Creek Monitoring Program. Curran led efforts to develop the FOMCW Citizen Monitoring Program.

“Even with a full time job and a family, Brian spends hours of his time volunteering on the creek,” said Sarah Puckett, Senior Restoration Ecologist with the Natural Heritage Institute, a FOMCW partner.

Agencies and private landowners previously less supportive of habitat restoration have begun to understand the value and even embrace the efforts to restore the creek.

“We’re pragmatic about our mission,” Puckett says. “Our mission doesn’t always line up but we can compromise and find ways to work together.

Land owners can benefit from money saving programs and volunteer resources we provide,” she says. “They find our mission doesn’t impede on their private property.”

The best way to keep involved with current promotions such as hikes, fish counts, bike rides and walking trips is to subscribe to the FOMCW mailing list through their website.

“We’re only as good as the people involved,” says Burgis.

“The Marsh Creek Watershed is home to some exceptional creek people!”

Monday through Wednesday in Sacramento. He would look forward to coming home and enjoying the quiet of Clayton.

He loved to spend time here with his grandkids and three sons.”

Former Concord mayor Guy Bjerke campaigned for and worked briefly for Boatwright.

“Dan favored results over partisanship and that made him a very effective representative for Contra Costa.”

“Dan dedicated his life to the region and brought us many improvement that include the sports fields (Daniel E. Boatwright Youth Sports Complex), CSU Concord Campus and freeway improvements,” said his close friend Sil Garaventa Jr.

City Manager and Concord councilwoman Laura Hoffmeister says, “It was truly an honor and pleasure to be able to have known such a distinguished and accomplished leader. I was glad that he was our representative in Sacramento, an area that is often dominated by politicians from more populace areas such as Los Angles, San Diego and San Francisco. He became a known entity in Sacramento and established a greater, stronger and more equal voice in state politics for what was then known as the sleepy suburbs of Contra Costa.”

His former aide York adds, “He loved his boys and their sport, swimming. Politically he was an interesting mix: fiscally and on law and order, very conservative. On social issues, fairly liberal. He would take care of those who could not take care of themselves. He was very loyal to those who were loyal to him and always remembered those who crossed him.”

His official obituary added, of all of his accomplishments he was most proud of the laws passed regarding SIDS, which were the first in the nation to mandate protocols for infants who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Teresa; his son, Danny and his wife Sarah and their children, Daniel, Isabel, Amelia and Elijah; his son David and his wife Kathy and her daughter, Lindsay; and by his son Donald. He is also survived by his brother, Vaughn Boatwright of Vallejo.

A CHAMPION OF CAUSES It was at the Cal State Concord Campus’ 30th anniversary in February 2011 where Garaventa received an honorary doctorate that Boatwright recalled how he twice had to defeat legislation that would have sold the property where the Concord campus now sits.

Boatwright said, “We were the largest county in California without a four-year college campus.”

Boatwright was not shy about fighting for his causes and earned a reputation as a rough and tumble politician. Two years ago the State legislature named the stretch of Interstate 680 from the Benicia Bridge to the 680/24 interchange in Walnut Creek as the “Senator Daniel E. Boatwright Highway.”

Clayton’s Assistant to the

To get involved with Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed and learn about upcoming projects visit www.fomcw.org, call 925-325-2908 or mail tax-deductible donations to 2063 Main Street, #311, Oakley, CA 94569.

May 11, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Hair this – Women can go bald, too

JUDITH MARSHALL

FASHION OVER 50 It’s difficult to underestimate the importance of hair in the beauty scheme of things. It affects our appearance, our selfesteem and our sensuality. But retaining the lush locks of our youth can be a challenge.

Among the factors that affect hair’s health are emotional stress, hormonal changes

from pregnancy to menopause, a change in diet, thyroid disorders, iron deficiencies and of course, a hereditary tendency toward hair loss. Add to these overstyling, hot irons, color treatments and it’s amazing we have hair at all.

About a year ago, I noticed my hairline was receding at my temples and I was having a hard time covering the cowlick on top of my head. I began doing research on hair loss and the following is some of what I found.

For great hair, you have to think holistic. What you eat is essential and dietary supplements can help improve the quality and texture of your hair.

Many experts recommend adding vitamin B7 (Biotin). It stimulates the enzymes that

fuel hair growth (it can help strengthen your nails, too.)

Nearly every expert recommends washing your hair daily, quite different from previous advice that claimed too much washing strips hair of its essential oils. The belief now is that thick hair springs from a healthy, clean scalp. Also, hair brushing can be harmful. It’s kinder to use a good-quality wide-tooth comb.

So I added Biotin to my supplements, washed my hair every day and used a widetooth comb. But none of the tactics started new hair growth. I decided to visit a dermatologist to determine why

I was losing my hair. After a few questions, a tug on some hair on top of my head and some blood tests, the diagnosis was malepattern baldness. Yes, women can have it to.

The doctor recommended that I try men’s-strength Rogaine. She instructed me to follow the directions exactly and explained that in the beginning, I could lose more hair. Yikes!

But I’m thrilled to say that after a year, the hair on my temples has returned and my cowlick is back in hiding. Obviously, you’ll want to check with your doctor before embarking on any treatment. But it worked for me.

Live long and pester!

On April 19, Clayton Valley High School hosted its third annual Art Expo, where middle and high school students had the opportunity to submit original pieces of artwork to be judged by professional artists.

The event was held in the multi-purpose room at Clayton Valley’s “Open House,” so every-

one had the opportunity to walk through the room and admire the myriad pieces by some incredibly talented students. From multimedia works made entirely from glass shards and intricately designed sand blasted glass pieces, to a sculpture of a severed zombie leg still in its boot, it was obvious to all who attended the expo that the students who submitted pieces poured their hearts and souls into their works.

JUNIOR, KAYLA NEER’S SCULPTURE “ART IS THE WEAPON,” won first place in the Sculpture Division at the CVHS Arts Expo. The work represents the need to “fight for creativity and expression of self in our schools,” Neer says.

While more than 500 works of art were submitted by students from Diablo View Middle School, Pine Hollow Middle School and Clayton Valley High School, only a small fraction of those could be chosen as winners.

First, second, third and honorable mention awards were presented in each category – painting, drawing, multimedia, photography, sculpture, computer graphics and video.

When it came time to announce the winners of the competition, CV alumnus from the Class of 1995 and Pixar animator Arik Ehle called each winner up to the stage so they could be presented with their award certificate. In addition to the acknowledgment of their immense talent, students received cash prizes varying in amount, depending on which place they took in the competition.

CV senior Marisa Khachadoorian won first place in the painting category with her painting of butterflies emerging from the earth.

Brodrick Villamoor’s photo of a white fence won first in photography and took the “stu-

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Young artists dazzle at CVHS Art Expo SARAH ROSEN Clayton Pioneer

Page 17

dent’s choice” award.

First place winner in the sculpture category and CV junior Kayla Neer wowed everyone with her unique sculpture entitled “Art is the Weapon: The Fight for Art in Schools.” The sculpture was a gun constructed from various tools used in all different mediums of art, aiming to tell everyone that it is imperative that art be a curriculum taught in schools.

CV junior Michael McMurdo’s second-place prize photo of a metal ring delicately balanced between the pages of a book displayed true talent, making him a clear winner in the competition. Although the photography category had the most submissions, McMurdo’s photo stood out among the crowd.

McMurdo said, “I am surprised and really excited that they chose my photo. I love photography and taking pictures of everything, while trying different things with lighting and contrast.”

After graduation next year, McMurdo plans to attend an art school and major in photography, in hope of becoming a professional photographer.

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

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Page 18

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

St. John’s Stage presents

Comedian

Kurt Bodden as as master motivator motivator master Steve Seabrook Seabrook in in Steve

“Better than YOU”

Friday, June 15, 7:30 p.m.

“Bodden nails the image of the personal growth trainer…hilarious!”

$15 at brownpapertickets.com or at the door Limited seating 925-672-8717 St. John’s Episcopal Church 5555 Clayton Rd, Clayton

May 11, 2012

Theatre

The Willows’ ‘9 to 5’ is full-time fun GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer

The Willows follows up the sold-out critical success of “Anything Goes” with another musical destined to be a hit.

The regional premiere of “9 to 5” – the musical version – fills the Willows mainstage in Concord, May 21 through June 23 with music and lyrics

by Dolly Parton, including the title song “9 to 5.”

The 1980 film version starred Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin, with Dabney Coleman as their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss. Like the film, the stage version is about three working women living out their fantasy of getting even with the company’s autocratic CEO. But the stage version is so much more, filled with a dozen new songs and

big production numbers.

The musical’s book is by Patricia Resnick, who co-wrote the original screenplay.

The New York Daily News

thought “9 to 5’s” “bouncy, bighearted songs” were “fresh and original.”

The New York Post giggled that the show is “goofily

JESSICA RAAUM, ELIZABETH PALMER, SOPHIA ROSE MORRIS bring Dolly Parton’s “big, bouncy” songs to the Willows Mainstage when “9to5” opens May 21.

entertaining.”

The Guardian exclaimed “the greatest triumph of the night was that the film has been reinvented as a musical so successfully. It seemed improbable, given the cult status of the movie, but the stage show has met it and raised it, rather than being its pale imitation.”

Eric Inman directs the Willows production, with musical direction by Rachel Robinson and choreography by LaTonya Watts and Isaiah Tyrelle.

Featured in the cast are Elizabeth Palmer (Violet), Sophia Rose Morris (Dorlee), and Jessica Raum (Judy). Rob Sietelman plays their nemesis, Franklin Hart.

The Willows Mainstage is located at 1975 Diamond Boulevard (in The Willows Shopping Center) in Concord. Tickets at www.willowstheatre.com. or 925-798-1300.

Triple Play: local orchestra performs famous ‘Threes’ Featuring the Award-Winning Villa Piano Trio On May 19 and 20 the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra will conclude its season with monumental works

by Beethoven and Brahms, including an opera overture so perfect and comprehensive that it was originally criticized for overshadowing the opera itself.

The program will feature the Villa Piano Trio, including violinist Roy Oakley, cellist David Wishnia, and pianist Nancy

Bachmann in Beethoven’s Concerto for Piano, Violin and Cello, commonly known as the “Triple.” The members are all on the faculty of the Villa Sinfonia Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing string musicians of all ages.

Beethoven’s “Triple” Concerto is the only one he wrote for more than one solo instrument, and his early biographer claimed that it was written for his royal pupil, the Archduke Rudolf. The Archduke, who became an accomplished pianist and composer under Beethoven’s tutelage, was only in his midteens at the time. One theory is that Beethoven’s strategy was to create a showy but relatively easy

THE VILLA PIANO TRIO

piano part that would be supported by two more mature and skilled soloists.

The program, Triple Play! will also include Beethoven’s highly dramatic overture Leonore No. 3, and Symphony No. 3 by Brahms, which contains some of the most

exquisite and transparent music in all his work.

To add educational value to the program, conductor Timothy Smith will introduce each piece with fascinating insights into the composers’ lives and work.

Book Review

Divine first novel springs from box of WWI artifacts found in Paris office 13 rue Therese

by Elena Mauli Shapiro There are many reasons to fall in love a little with Elena Mauli Shapiro’s debut novel, “13 rue Therese.” You could love it because it is set in Paris in the early last century and is therefore quite romantic. You could love it because the spunky protagonist, middle aged Louise Brunet, is too wonderful for words. Author Mauli Shapiro is a grad of Stanford and Mills College and grew up in Paris, so there is a veracity to the work that is undeniably true.

Moreover and quite deliciously, there really is a 13 rue Therese in Paris. You see? Lots of reasons.

In “13 rue Therese,” there are two timelines; one is present day, in which American Trevor Stratton moves to Paris on a research project. This storyline is a bit hazy. There is Stratton, doing a certain amount of forensic research, though we are never quite sure why that is, or what it is about. Also, there is a box. Trevor Stratton’s comely assistant has given him a mysterious box of mementos, which he begins to study until a story emerges. One does, and it involves the life, loves, and affairs of one Madame Louise Brunet.

Louise is married to staid Henri, and is reasonably happy, though decidedly bored. It was-

n’t always thus. Once, according to Stratton’s conjectures, Louise had a past. Her mother died during childbirth, so Louise and her brother were raised by their father alone.

As a young woman, she fell in love with her cousin, Camille Victor, but World War I intervened and both Camille and Louise’s brother were called to fight.

Louise’s father forbade the match, which was never to be in any case, as Camille was killed at the front. Not long after, Louise’s brother died of influenza, and her father married Louise off to one of his employees, Henri Brunet.

Some of the artifacts in Stratton’s box are letters that were exchanged between Louise and Camille – passionate, polite exchanges of undying love and mutual respect. There are coins.

A pair of scissors. There are postcards in the box too. Mainly, the postcards are from the war and feature soldiers in the trenches posed informally for a camera. A century after the photos were taken, Stratton finds the artifacts and weaves a story of Louise.

After the war, Louise and Henri have a reasonably good life. They enjoy a good relationship, though remain childless, because, Louise is quite sure, Henri is shooting blanks. One day, an American family moves into an apartment below the Brunets at 13 rue Therese.

Louise, who has grown bored

CYNTHIA GREGORY

FOR

THE

BOOKS

with making scandalous confessions to the local priest for entertainment, decides to seduce the married man downstairs, around whom she develops a rich fantasy life. Their initial meeting is at famous Pere Lachaise Cemetery and does not go at all well. But Louise is nothing if not determined, and she even thinks that perhaps this handsome near-stranger could give her the baby that Henri cannot.

In the end, the main storyline veers into a magical third storyline, which requires careful attention to track. Nevertheless, “13 rue Therese” is a divine Parisian romp. If you can’t make it to France this year, you could do worse than spend time with this fabulous first novel.

Cynthia Gregory is an award winning author of short stories. She reviews teaches, reviews books, and blogs. Write her at cgregory111@gmail.com.

May 11, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 19

NICOLE HACKETT

FREE ESTIMATES

GARDEN GIRL The month of May ought to be called the garden month.

There is so much to do.

Vegetable gardens should be installed, citrus and fruit trees need to be fertilized, and the spring blooming perennials need to be trimmed. This whole month revolves around plants, gardening and flowers. We also have garden tours and plant sales. It is the type of month us plant people live for.

Vegetable plantings have been on the minds of Clayton Valley gardeners for quite some time. May is here, and it is your last chance if you plan on growing your own salad. Nursery shelves are selling out of the most sought after vegetables fast, as the weather is finally perfect for installation.

We all know that tomatoes are very popular among vegetable planters. Most plant as many as their areas can handle.

Above-ground vegetable gardening is all the rage since it makes gardening easier when you don’t have to dig in our clay soils.

Pre-fabricated raised garden kits, Earth Boxes, Tomato & Pepper Planters by Grow It, and Smart Pots have given hope to all those who haven’t the back to dig and amend our native soil.

You just fill these containers with a soil mix suitable for vegetable growing and get planting.

This type of vegetable gardening is so easy you can do it with-

out a shovel.

Once installed, vegetables will need to be fertilized. A new installation will need to be fed to encourage growth. You will need to read the product labels.

You are looking for products with a larger first number (which is the nitrogen) and smaller second and third number (phosphorous and potash).

These numbers are separated by dashes, for example 15-6-5, or 6-4-4. Grow Big 6-4-4 is a product by Fox Farm. Growers who used the product last year raved about the results.

When your plants begin to flower and the fruit begins to form, you’ll need to change fertilizing products to one that has more phosphorous than nitrogen. It is time to feed the fruit, not the leaves and stems. Tiger Bloom from Fox Farm is super fabulous for getting the most from your plant’s buds and blooms. Tiger Bloom is a 2-8-4.

If you wish to fertilize organically, use Fox Farms Big Bloom 0.01-0.3-0.7.

The micronutrients of this product make it superior to synthetic fertilizers that you find at hardware garden centers and box stores.

Always follow product directions, and never fertilize a dry plant.

Citrus trees have their blossoms this time of year. Many growers complain of blossom

drop. Help your citrus along by keeping it happy. Water regularly, and don’t let citrus over-dry.

Feed with a product that is geared for flowers. Master Nursery makes a 0-10-10 that is recommended for sprinkling watering systems. Drip watering systems will need to use a watersoluble formula like Master Nursery 2-10-10.

If you are noticing your foliage yellowing, you will need to apply iron. The same rules apply depending on your watering system, drippers will need to use a water-soluble type, while the sprinkle waters can use a granulated.

May is a perfect time to shear back or deadhead spring flowering perennials. The blooms

from geum, columbine and silene should be removed.

Spanish Lavender needs to have the faded blooms cut back.

Yellow Carolina Jasmine and hardenbergia should be seriously cut back. Daffodils can also be divided right now.

The Clayton Historical Society’s 20th Anniversary Garden Tour is May 19 and 20, and the Clayton Valley Garden Clubs Annual Plant Sale is May 19. Visit their websites for more information. claytonhistory.org and claytonvalleygardenclub.org.

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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

Remodeling Specialist Kitchens Bathrooms Windows Mouldings Decks Siding Painting interior & exterior

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Call Mazzei Realty for more information.

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Clayton May 12 Kick Off: • Clayton Farmers Market every Sat. 8 a.m. - Noon thru October, downtown Clayton.

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Page 20

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 11, 2012

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

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

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