2012_Clayton_Pioneer_0615

In th is iss ue

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

June 15, 2012

CVHS honors best with Altair Award ROBBY PARKER CVHS Reporter

Every year, Clayton Valley High School dedicates a special night to honor the best and brightest of the graduating class.

On May 22, the school hosted Senior Awards Night. Proud and emotional parents gazed upon the 107 deserving seniors that received various honors and scholarships from department awards to the prestigious Altair Awards.

The Altair Awards honor four graduating seniors who are recognized for achieving exceptional feats in the areas of scholarship, leadership, and community service.

CVHS Principal Sue Brothers explained during her presentation that “the attainment of an Altair award is the highest honor a Clayton Valley student can receive.” The awards, named after the brightest star in the constellation Aquila, are earned by only the most excellent and brightest “stars” at Clayton Valley.

SERVICE This year’s Service Altair was

TED HALL GRAND ALTAIR

awarded to Derek Weinmann.

His determination and perseverance earned him the recognition. “I would have to say it is the fact that even when things

get tough, I never give up,” said Derek. “A lot of the time I take on more than I can handle, but I push through, always coming out on top.”

DEREK WEINMANN SERVICE ALTAIR

GILLIAN RUSH LEADERSHIP ALTAIR

TAYLOR TOVREA ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Derek has been involved in school leadership as this year’s Associated Student Body Vice President, and has been involved in school clubs, being a member of the California Scholarship Federation, tending to the beautiful, edible garden on campus, and even teaching toddlers at the Clayton Valley High School preschool. Soon, he will be heading south to attend Cal State Fullerton and is planning on majoring in child and adolescent studies so that he can fulfill his dream of

becoming an elementary school teacher.

as well,” explained Gillian.

Gillian has been especially involved in the Public Service Academy at Clayton Valley, wishing not only to have an impact on her community, but on the entire world as well. “We worked in groups to put booths together at the ‘If I Could Change the World Fair,’ and I was part of a group that made me so proud to be part of our cause – ending the use of child soldiers in Africa.”

LEADERSHIP The Leadership Altair went to a student that not only makes incredible choices every day, but serves as an example for other students to follow – UC Berkeley-bound Gillian Rush. “I felt really proud to be up there because in that moment I realized I do work hard to be a positive leader and it felt great to know that other people noticed and thought so

Decision time for local Olympic hopefuls

HOWARD GELLER

MAYOR’S CORNER

The poop about cleaning trails Clayton will host the 2nd Annual “Relay for Life” event on Aug. 11-12 at the Clayton Community Park. “Relay for Life” supports the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. Not only does this event provide an opportunity for a community to join together in the fight against cancer, it also allows participants to honor cancer survivors in their lives and remember those lost to this disease.

Organizers are looking for volunteers, teams and sponsors to make this community-driven, volunteer-run event successful.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Event Chair Mindy Thompson at (925) 2075564 or send email to tinklover70@gmail.com.

Have you noticed all the work going on in our medians

See Mayor, page 15

All the hard work comes down to the next few days for Clayton Olympic hopefuls Kristian Ipsen and Kara Kohler.

Each local athlete is considered young for their sports of diving and rowing, respectively, but they both have high hopes of marching in with the American team for the Opening Ceremonies of the London Summer Games July 27.

Ipsen will be competing in the US Olympic Diving Trials starting this Sunday in Federal Way, WA. The Stanford freshman is a strong contender in the three-meter springboard and a

favorite along with three-time Olympian Troy Dumais in the 3M synchro event. About 140 divers will be in Washington competing for 14 spots on the US Olympic team. Kohler’s fate will not be determined in the same manner as US Rowing makes a selection of rowers based on competition and training results.

The new NBC Sports Network will be covering the Olympic Diving Trials with Ipsen figuring to be on TV next Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Based on performances by American divers in qualifying meets the US will have 14 berths in Olympic diving events. US Diving calls the Olympic Trials

“one of the most prestigious, competitive, drama-filled diving events in the world. This event will showcase the best diving in America and will serve as the final team selection competition.”

Dumais, 32, has competed in the past three Olympics, which should help his much younger teammate Ipsen as they begin qualifying this weekend in the three meter synchro, which they have dominated domestically since being paired together by USA Diving after the Beijing Olympics. The 19-year-old Ipsen has been cast in the role of the next great American

See Olympics, page 9

ROWING CHAMP KARA KOHLER of Clayton will find out next week if she goes to London in July.

Two killed in Marsh Creek car crash TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

A Clayton man credits the airbag with saving his life after his Honda Odyssey mini-van was hit head on in a crash that claimed the lives of two 20-yearold men returning from a trip to the Delta. Brian Wheeler of Clayton and Hayden Trost of Concord died in the crash. Both men were former CVHS students.

Clayton resident, Daryl Hoon, 45, was heading east on Marsh Creek just east of Russelman Park Rd. around 10 p.m. on

What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

June 1 when he saw a westbound Acura Integra sedan driven by Trost “wobbling” as it approached him.

“Suddenly, it crossed into my lane,” said Hoon. “I had barely a split second,” he said. He turned the wheel to the right, trying to avoid the Acura, but it wasn’t fast enough and the two vehicles collided.

According to CHP Officer John Fransen, Trost was traveling at an unknown high rate of speed when he lost control and crossed the center line.

See Crash, page 6 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Community Calendar . . . . . .16 Design Diva - NEW . . . . . .17 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

FLOWERS, NOTES AND MEMENTOS left by friends and family mark the place on Marsh Creek east of Russelman Park Rd. where Brian Wheeler and Haydon Trost died in a head-on collision June 1.

DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .8 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . . .7 From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Court sets trial date in Medrano case TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Photo courtesy of USRowing

JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

See Altair, page 11

Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .18 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

City Councilman and insurance broker Joseph Medrano will stand trial next month on charges that he embezzled $165,000 from iPass Corporation in 2009. A plea of not guilty was entered at the arraignment hearing on June 1.

Medrano, who owns Insurance Management Services, is accused of keeping insurance premiums that were JOSEPH paid to him by MEDRANO iPass Corporation and not placing the coverage with Travelers Insurance.

Medrano claims iPass breached their contract and that they owed him the money. iPass filed a civil suit against him in Contra Costa County in December 2010. Medrano is countersuing.

In August 2010, Travelers Insurance won a civil suit judgment against Medrano for $87,554. Court documents show losses from iPass and another client were included in the judgment.

A jury trial is set to begin July 16 in Redwood City with a pretrial conference hearing June 18.

Pioneer Photo Album . . . . . .19 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 The Charter Papers . . . . . . . .8

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 15, 2012

Around Town New Year’s Eve vows for Courtney Carmignani and Christoph Lohmann Courtney Carmignani and Christoph Lohmann were married on New Year’s Eve in the Saint Mary’s College Chapel in Moraga. Courtney is a 2001 graduate of Clayton Valley High School. She received her Bachelors from Saint Mary’s College in 2005 and her Masters in Leadership from Saint Mary’s in 2007.

She currently serves as the Associate Director of Alumni and Volunteer Engagement at Saint Mary’s College.

Christoph is a native of Bad

Bentheim, Germany and a 1996 graduate of St. Antonius. Following high school, Christoph served in the German Navy before coming to the United States to complete his Bachelors which he received in 2003 from CSUH Sacramento. He received his Master’s in Financial Analysis and Investment Management from Saint Mary’s College in 2005. He works for JPMorgan Chase.

Courtney and Chris live in Moraga and are planning a fall honeymoon in Hawaii.

COURTNEY CARMIGNANI AND CHRISTOPH LOHMANN

New grandson for Hartleys

Steffan Smith (on right) with homeowner Gantt Galloway, architect Jerri Holan and homeowner Catherine Galloway.

TOP SPELLERS Zachary Moore (left) and Makaella Cherepy with MDES, Principal Irene Keenan.

Zachary Moore raised more than the bar this year at the Mt. Diablo Elementary PFC Spell-athon. He spelled his way to over $595 in pledges for his school and won a new Kindle Fire.

Every year, students are given a list of spelling words and a pledge sheet to raise money for their school. The second prize winner was Makaella Cherepy, who raised over $250 and won a $100 Visa gift card.The 100 students who raise more than $100 were each given coupons donated

by Yogurt Shack.

Collectively, the students raised over $26,000 for the MDE Faculty Club.

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

Clayton resident and contractor Steffan Smith was recently presented with the Preservation Award by the

Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association for restoring and remodeling the kitchen of a 1910 Craftsman-style home in Berkeley. “Maintaining the historic style and classic strong lines of this beautiful Arts and Crafts house, while creating a family-friendly kitchen was the main goal for this restoration project,” commented architect Jerri Holan.

Smith’s refurbishments included new ceiling box beams inspired by the original beams in the living and dining rooms.

Soapstone, marble and butcherblock counters were installed to

Local girls on their way to science camp Diablo View Middle School students (from left) Alison Mitchell, Kacie Hennessey and Megan Brys were chosen for the American Association of University Women scholarships to attend this year’s Tech Trek camp at Sonoma State University from June 17 through June 23. Tech Trek is a math and science camp created to encourage girls to pursue these fields in their education by offering

hands-on activities and exposure to related careers in a college campus setting.

CVH lacrosse teams play benefit for ‘Radar’ The Clayton Valley High School boys and girls lacrosse teams have created a tradition the last several years by holding their annual Boys vs. Girls game to benefit a local cause. This year the Eagle teams played their game to help offset medical costs incurred by Pioneer photographer Mike “Radar” Dunn (center to left of Eagle

Anderson Paul Whelan joined mom and dad Natalie Tollefson and Graig Whelan and big brother Mac as the newest member of the Hartley family on May 30.

Grandparents are Ed and Cecelia Hartley and great-grandparents are Jerry and Gloria Kosel, all of Clayton.

Steffan Smith wins award for restoration design

MDES kids spell their way to the top

mascots) as he’s battling cancer.

As for the game the girls scored

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a golden goal in overtime for a 8-7 victory. Photo by Sarah Okimoto

increase functionality while continuing the traditional ambiance.

Pine Hollow’s Rachel King wins poetry contest

RACHEL KING receives her first place award from Chapter President Elisabeth Tuck.

Pine Hollow Middle School student Rachel King won first place in the poetry division of the California Young Writers Contest, Mt. Diablo Branch, for her poem, “I Am Currently in the Process” in May. Rachel liked to make up stories to go with the pictures in her books before and after she learned to read.

Now she enjoys writing the stories. “Once I learned to write…it came really naturally to me,” Rachel says. “I like fiction because it can go anywhere.”

The contest began in 1995. It includes free writing workshops for middle and high school students at local libraries taught by children’s authors Sarah Wilson and Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff.

The next workshop is 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 18, at the Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Rd. For more information, go to lizbooks.com or claytonlibrary.org.

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Located in a small subdivision of 5 custom homes built in 2007! 3 bedrooms plus a den, 2.5 baths, 2 fireplaces, approx. 2876sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Gourmet kitchen boasts slab granite & stainless steel appliances.

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703 Condor Place ................$262,500 765 Bloching Circle..............$599,000 3045 Windmill Canyon Dr....$525,000 11 Eagle Peak Place ...........$528,000 5869 4 Oaks Ln ...................$500,000 40 Mount Emory Ct..............$380,000 18 Barcelona Way ...............$475,000 101 Oak Court .....................$748,000 1124 Peacock Creek Dr.......$590,000 1100 Curry Canyon Rd ........$649,000 27 Long Creek Cir ...............$315,000 3062 Windmill Canyon Dr....$585,000 521 Hamburg Cir .................$580,000

SF . . . .1252 . . . .2325 . . . .2053 . . . .2467 . . . .1649 . . . .1567 . . . .2324 . . . .3794 . . . .3307 . . . .3600 . . . .1457 . . . .2854 . . . .2081

BED/BATH

SALE DATE

. . . . .2/2.5 . . . . . . .6/4/12 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . .6/1/12 . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .5/31/12 . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . .5/31/12 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .5/30/12 . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .5/25/12 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .5/25/12 . . . . .4/3.5 . . . . . .5/23/12 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .5/21/12 . . . . .9/5 . . . . . . .5/18/12 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .5/16/12 . . . . .3/3 . . . . . . .5/16/12 . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .5/11/12

June 15, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Memorial Day 2012

Clayton once again gathered at the flagpole on Memorial Day to remember those who lost their lives serving in the Armed Forces. Local mayors Howard Geller (Clayton) and Ron Leone (Concord) were joined by Congressman George Miller, California State Senator Mark DeSaulnier, State Assembly Member Susan Bonilla, County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff to honor in speech and song all who died in battle with special mention of Clayton’s lost veterans: Albert Morgan and Henry Duncan in WWI, Tony Giozzi

in the Korean War and Jerry Novakovich, Ronnie Pimentel and Paul Coe in Viet Nam. The six names are engraved on a plaque installed at the newly refurbished VFW Memorial at the foot of Main Street.

“It is too brief and too infrequent that we honor those who sacrificed to make our country the best in the world, but Clayton does it with dignity, class, honor and commitment,” says Councilman Dave Shuey. “It is days like this when I get emotional, introspective and contemplative about the heroes who have made us who we are today. Thanks to our veterans, their families and to Clayton for continuing to honor those who give us liberty and justice for all.”

Photos from top left: A Vietnam era Huey circled downtown three times to cheers and salutes from on those on the ground; Jennifer Jay; Veterans, Steve Pierce; Flag, Shelly Shuey.

Page 3

s t r e c n o C The Grov in

e

Saturdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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

June 23 JACK POLLARD'S SWING SOIREE: 9-piece precision band covering jazz and R&B from the 30s thru 80s

July 7

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

Fully themed and costumed “all hits” cover band.

July 21

BUMP CITY:

A Tribute to Tower of Power: 10-piece band their own kind of urban soul

Aug. 4

DIAMOND DAVE:

Singer Dave Hosley has been entertaining East Bay audiences for over 20 years with the classics to the latest Hip Hop

Aug. 18

ROLLING HEADS:

Classic rock to new pop

Sept. 1

LAURENT FOURGO & HIS COMBO:

7-piece band featuring jump, swing, dixieland and jazz from the 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s.

Sept. 15

EAST BAY MUDD: 9-piece cover dance

band with a powerful 4-piece horn section returning for their 4th year.

Diocesan Interfaith Blood Drive coming to St. Bonaventure St. Bonaventure’s is asking you to roll up your sleeve and give blood on July 5.

The Diocese of Oakland, together with the Mormon Church and other faith communities, has set a goal to collect 7,000 units of blood during the month of July.

“Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood,” says event coordinator TreEssa Palmeri. “Yet blood cannot be manufactured; it must be given by volunteer donors.”

Because blood has a limited shelf life, the community blood supply must constantly be replen-

ished to meet patient’s needs.

Giving blood is easy and relatively painless, Palmeri says. “You may feel a slight pinch – that’s all.” Allow about an hour for the whole process including prescreening, donating and post-rest and snack.

The Red Cross will be in the

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15715 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton $898,000 Custom Ranch – 41 acre horse property w/ 4,125 s.f. home designed to capture Mt. Diablo views. Top notch upgrades, in-law unit w/separate entrance. Offers master suite, office, 2BD Jack & Jill plus huge kitchen.

large hall with trained staff to accept donations. Schedule an appointment to donate at www.redcrossblood.org.

St. Bonaventure’s is at 5562 Clayton Rd., Concord. For more information, contact TreEssa Palmeri, (925) 672-5800 ext. 2230 or email treessa.palmeri@stbonaventure.net

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

$629,000 5205 Myrtle Drive, Concord Ayers Ranch Horse Property – Nearly an acre w/arena, stalls, storage & sweeping views of Mt. Diablo & Clayton Valley! Enjoy 3BD/2BA expanded to 2,000 s.f. with a Florida room addition. Wonderful dining area.

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

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

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

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Clayton Resident & Broker Owner

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Foreclosure Avoidance & Short Sale Assistance Lynne offers FREE REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY CONSULT on these matters including tax & credit implications.

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

Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

The Performing Arts are on a Roll Join the Concord Associates for Performing Arts (CAPA) As they “cut the ribbon” on their new endeavor And share the vision to Bring more performing arts to Concord Bring music and dance back into the schools

Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting June 18 at 4:30 p.m. Willows Theatre 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord For more info, contact Kelly McGinnis, CAPA, 925-285-1749

FREE GAS Visit us at ClaytonValleyShell.com for more promotions

June 15, 2012

Four Oaks fire claims three family dogs NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer

A late afternoon house fire claimed the lives of three family dogs and caused an estimated $150,000 in damage to a home at 23 Four Oaks Lane in Clayton on May 23.

Three family members were treated at John Muir Hospital for smoke inhalation suffered while attempting to rescue their five dogs. Two of the dogs perished in the fire and one died later.

The fire appears to be accidental and started in the attic, according to Fire Marshall Lewis Broussard. The fire department received the report at 6:12 p.m. The first crew to

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arrive found the living area of the home engulfed in flames.

“The occupants were outside the structure but were trying to gain entry to get their dogs out of the home,” Broussard said.

“Fire crews made an interior attack along with a search and located five dogs. The dogs were given oxygen treatment from fire personnel, but unfortunately two dogs could not be resuscitated.”

Katrina Reyes, a Mt. Diablo Elementary School teacher, was leaving work a short block down Four Oaks Lane when the first fire unit arrived. “I had to help the firefighters drag the hose down the street,” she said. “I

FIRE CREWS BATTLED A STUBBORN HOUSE FIRE on Four Oaks Lane on May 23. Three of the family dogs perished in the fire.

heard someone say it was the original shake roof. (The roof fire) was like a trick candle, it just wouldn’t go out.”

The home was built in 1969

by Victor Hare. “My grandpa

built this house himself when he came to America after WWII,” reported third generation family member Stephen Hare on the local blog Claycord.com.

Despite defeat of Measure S, Marsh Creek Fire Station survives TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

East Contra Costa Fire Protection District is trying to dig out of the ashes after East County voters last week said a loud and clear “no” to a parcel tax aimed at increasing revenue to keep stations open and save positions.

Measure S, which would have increased property taxes in the district by $197 a year, escalating to $257 over five years, came up far short of the twothirds super-majority required to pass. The final vote was 44 percent yes, 56 percent no.

Without the increased revenue, the district will be forced to close at least three stations – Discovery Bay, Bethel Island and one Brentwood station – and lay off up to 19 firefighters in order to maintain safe staffing

levels at the remaining stations.

The Marsh Creek Sunshine station will remain open with ECCFPD contracting with state agency CalFire to staff the station year around. Prior to this year, CalFire operated the station during the fire season May to November under what is known as an “Amador” contract. The district staffed the station during the rest of the year.

“Measure S was but one minor note in a very large concerto of government struggles with faltering tax revenues, surging costs and unpaid liabilities,” said ECCFPD Board Member Cheryl Morgan. “It was a request for more resources that sounded hollow to a voting public besieged by unemployment, debt and financial woes of their own.” Morgan represents the Marsh Creek/Morgan Territory area.

LEIGH KLOCK

For the past several years, the district has been faced with falling property tax revenues, poorly performing investments and growing pension and benefit costs. Two years ago, the district threatened to close the Marsh Creek Sunshine Station.

Closing the station would have meant increased response times and higher fire insurance premiums for property owners, prompting a vigorous response from area residents. The $400,000-plus in property taxes from the Marsh Creek/Morgan Territory area more than covered the $360,000 CalFire contract and the district backed down.

Beginning this year, the district will contract with CalFire six months at a time for year-round

See Measure S, page 5

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June 15, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Directory of Advertisers

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

AND

R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers

Dieter W. Lauterbach

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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

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

LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you.

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 250 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion.

Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.”

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

Page 5

Dieter W. Lauterbach passed away on May 12 at his home surrounded by his family, including his brother and niece from Germany who arrived just in time to say goodbye.

Dieter was born in Berlin, September 24, 1934 to Waldemar and Gerda Lauterbach. He immigrated to the US at the age of 16. He served in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Germany.

After his service, her returned Colorado to finish college before moving to San Francisco.

He was an enthusiastic, active member of Sons in Retirement (SIRS) Branch 8, where he made many good friends.

Dieter was a lifelong bookworm and had a long association with the Clayton Library serving as lead volunteer, and was appreciative of their recognition of his work.

Dieter played the last hand that was dealt him with courage and dignity. He fought hard but in the end, he lost the battle. He is survived by his wife 47 years, Sandra, sons, Eric (Martina) and Hans (Rhonda), five grandchildren, his brother Reimar (Hannalore Bage) and their three children.

Dieter took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He was a family man who loved being a dad and especially being Opa to his grandchildren. He loved his daughters-in-law as his own and enjoyed being part of an extended family in California, Phoenix, St. Louis and Chicago.

His family wishes to thank

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 Copa Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2202 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . .866-838-2923 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679

the wonderful doctors and staff of Epic Care, who were his champions, and John Muir Hospital in Concord; Vitas Hospice and Always Available Home Care, who made it possible for him to be at home. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date.

Remembrances in Dieter’s memory may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Northern California Chapter, 1390 Market St, Ste. 1200, San Francisco, CA 94102-5306.

Classified PIANO TEACHER Over 25 years experience. All ages, all levels. Discover a talent for lifetime. 408-9816.

SENIOR SERVICES Getting you out and about. Local mom, active in the community offering non-medical and practical help: shopping, errands, salon, doctor visits. Transportation included. Seniors About Town, Terri Gerow at 330-5090.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Pre-K to 6th grade. July 16 – 20.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. $20/child, $15 each additional sibling. Activities, snacks! 686-2000.

WANTED Come join Mazzei Realty!

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

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

Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Memo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395 Ravioli’s Italian Market Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3819 Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0621 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-1300 Events Clayton Business & Community Association . . . .672-2272 Concord Association for Performing Arts . . . . . . .285-1749 Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090 Financial and Insurance Services Held, Chris - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney . . . .930-3815 King & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .465-2565 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 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 Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Peace of Mind Pet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9781 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

Measure S,

Recreation and Fitness All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-5626 Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-3701 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Doodleton Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-207-7467 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . . . . . . .ebparks.org Kali Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-0845 MDSA Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .mdsoccer.org

from page 4

Schools Walnut Country Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-9686

fire and emergency services operating out of the Sunshine Station. The six-month contract remains at $360,000.

At a board meeting on June 11, the district will vote on a balanced budget plan that will keep three or four stations open.

According to Morgan, the directors are pretty much in agreement on adopting the three-station model.

The board has until June 25 to make a final decision on new service models. “While this isn’t the outcome we desired, we’re prepared to provide the best possible service with the resources available to us,” said ECCFPD Chief Hugh Henderson.

ECCFPD board meetings are open to the public and are held the first Monday of the month at Oakley City Hall, 3231 Main Street Oakley. For more information, go to ECCFPD.org.

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 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

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 15, 2012

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It takes a village … this is true for more than just raising children.

The annual July 4 celebration downtown takes scores of volunteers to create the downtown event that celebrates the country’s birthday.

With the town all decked out in its red, white and blue finest, the July 4 parade has become a true “Norman Rockwell” event.

The morning starts off with those hungry for pre-parade pancakes heading for Endeavor Hall for the 7 a.m. pancake breakfast sponsored by the Clayton Sunrise Rotary Club. By 9:30 kids on bikes, scooters, Big Wheels, roller skates, in buggies and strollers, pooches sporting patriotic wear

and parents are lining up for the Kiddie Parade.

Just when everyone is convinced the kids are circling the block for the third time, Station 11 and Clayton PD, sirens blaring, lead the mayor and council members down Main Street as the main parade begins.

In honor of the upcoming summer Olympics, the theme of this year’s parade is “Clayton Goes for the Gold.” Those interested in being in the main parade should submit an application to the 4th of July Committee no later than June 18. No registration is required for the Kiddie Parade.

Due to the popularity of the parade and limited downtown space, the number of entrants

the City of Clayton’s web site at www.cityofclayton.org.

To make this annual event successful, the committee is actively seeking volunteers help out on parade day, including helping put up barricades and street closures, decorations, crowd control, parade line-up, parade flow control and clean-up. may be limited. The committee will review all applications and ensure a variety of entries. All vehicles must have appropriate liability insurance, a licensed driver, and all entrants are restricted from tossing candy or using water squirt devices. Applications and information is available on

If you or your organization can help anytime between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, call Clayton City Clerk Laci Jackson at 6737304 or email: ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us.

Tax deductible donations may be made to the Clayton 4th of July Parade, City of Clayton, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton CA 94517.

Summer brings out the solicitors

Mt. Diablo Elementary School PFC sends a huge THANK YOU to the generous sponsors of the 12th Annual Benefit Auction & Dinner Dance CAPTAIN'S TABLE SPONSORS Jeanne Strong & Family Peter J. Tamases & Associates Odisea Wine Co. GOLD DOUBLOON SPONSORS Aramark Sycomp Yoga Sol Longfellow Wines Diablo Bowmen Oakhurst Country Club R.E. Renovations, Inc. Education Unlimited NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company

When the summer months arrive, there is usually an increase in the number of solicitors that show up in our neighborhoods interested in selling vacuum cleaners, magazines, books, cleaning supplies, or anything else of value.

While soliciting is legal, solicitors are required to follow the Clayton Municipal Code (CMC) that regulates soliciting in the city. Under Chapter 9.11 of the CMC, it is unlawful for an individual to engage in peddling or solicitation activities within the city without having in his/her possession a valid and current solicitor’s permit (with photograph) issued by the Clayton Police Department. There are several exemptions allowed under the CMC. These are: Any solicitation that is made on the premises owned or occupied by an organization upon whose behalf the solicitation is made. These are: Any communication by an organization soliciting contributions solely from persons who are members of that organization.

Any solicitation in the form of a collection at a regular meeting, assembly or service of a charitable organization.

Any solicitation for relief of any individual specified by name where the solicitor rep-

DAN LAWRENCE

FROM

THE

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resents that the entire amount collected shall be turned over to the named person.

Any solicitation for sale, delivery or collections of/for a newspaper.

Any solicitation for the sale of goods by a person under the age of 18 years of age for non-commercial purposes.

Any solicitation for political purposes.

Even though solicitors may have a valid solicitor’s permit, residents who do not want to be solicited can post a “no soliciting” sign at the front door, or at the property’s edge. The sign can be hand written. In addition, residents do not have to answer their door and should always check to see who it is before opening the door. Residents should report all aggressive solicitors, persons refusing to

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Crash, from page 1 Trost was wearing his seatbelt properly, but Wheeler was buckled only at the lap, with the shoulder strap behind him.

It is unknown if alcohol or drugs played a role. Toxicology reports may take several weeks, said the coroner’s office.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation Pamela Michael who lives off Morgan Territory Road was the second on the scene. She said Hoon was out of the van and waving a flashlight to warn approaching drivers.

She called 9-1-1 and stayed to help Hoon with his two dogs, which were also in the van, one of them seriously injured.

The crash closed Marsh Creek Road in both directions for more than three hours.

Hoon suffered bruises from the seatbelt and a sore neck. He credits the airbag with saving his life.

“If anyone is thinking of disconnecting their airbag, don’t,” he warns. “It did its job.”

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leave, or solicitors without soliciting permits to the Clayton Police Department at 925-6737350. When making the report, try to obtain a good physical description of the solicitor, the associated vehicle, and the direction of travel in order to assist responding officers. If you have questions about the city’s solicitation ordinance, the ordinance can be viewed on the city’s website, or residents can call the police department at 925-6737350, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Page 7

Don’t let anger turn you green “Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” Or so says The Incredible Hulk. I’m sure many of us remember this classic quote. In reality, nobody likes us when we are angry. Heck, we usually don’t even like ourselves when we are angry. Anger scares the bejeebers out of us. When we encounter someone who is angry, we enter into “fight, flight or freeze” mode: We get aggressive, run the other way or we shut down.

Church pays additional EIR costs, project back in motion.

TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Community Church is moving ahead with an application for a land use permit to build a 4-building worship complex on Main Street.

The project stalled earlier this year when the city asked the church for additional funds to complete the Environmental Impact Report. The draft report prepared by outside consultants generated a greater number of public comments requiring a response than was covered by the scope of the contract.

Last month, the church paid the city $68,000 to cover the additional costs and the application is back in motion.

The controversial project calls for a 22,000 square foot worship center and three other buildings for offices, classrooms, youth center and commercial space totaling 42,300 square feet.

Approval of the project will require the city to amend the General Plan and the Town Center Specific Plan to allow for assembly uses in an area that is zoned for retail. The church also is also asking the city to waive the requirement for onsite parking and allow them to use public parking instead.

In addition to completing the EIR, the church must submit a parking mitigation plan to address the impacts of using the public parking lots at the library and Endeavor Hall and street parking to meet their needs.

Clayton’s Community Services Director, David Woltering expects the next public hearings on the project to begin in late October.

Many of us have not had healthy and appropriate models for what to do when we feel angry or when we experience someone else’s anger.

So, let’s start out by reviewing some basic facts and busting some myths about anger. First of all, anger is a normal, healthy emotion that we all experience. It lets us know that we have felt wronged in some way and it motivates us to protect ourselves or those we love. Anger is also known as a secondary emotion, which means that we often experience another more vulnerable emotion like sadness, hurt or frustration first. To feel vulnerable means to feel exposed, so we often then feel anger as way to also protect ourselves from these other emotions or from the people who inspired those feelings in the first place. All in all, there is nothing wrong with being angry or feeling angry. Where we get into trouble is how we express that anger and deal with it.

We cannot control how we feel, but we can control how we manage those feelings. So, what do we do? The three main ways to deal with anger are expressing, suppressing or calming. Expressing your angry feelings in an

STEPHANIE HO MIND MATTERS assertive, not aggressive way, is one of the healthiest ways to deal with anger. It requires you to know what your needs are and how to get them met without hurting anyone; it allows you to respect yourself and others.

Anger can also be suppressed and then converted and redirected to something more constructive.

This might happen when you stop thinking about it and focus on something positive instead.

But, the anger needs some sort of outlet eventually or else it will build and be turned inward, which can lead to physical or mental health problems. Often, people who make a habit out of holding in their anger tend to let it leak out in passive-aggressive

Get the scoop on summer whites

JUDITH MARSHALL

FASHION OVER 50 Yes, we know you can wear white anytime now (my mother is turning over in her grave), but Memorial Day will always signal the official start of summer whites for us.

White is such an amazing nocolor color. With sun-kissed skin, white gives that extra glow. For those who want to skip a tan, a milky white is a warmer hue.

MUST-HAVE WHITES: A plain, white t-shirt that fits slightly loose — or simply go up a size. Layer it with a fitted white tank top underneath and make sure the tank is long enough to cover below the stomach. The two layers will make the white seem more brilliant, and the tank underneath will also help to

minimize any bulges.

A classic, cotton men’s style button-up shirt. Try one from Club Monaco or Brooks Brothers.

The button-up style elevates the look from just a simple t-shirt.

Roll up the sleeves and push them up to the elbow for a stylish look. Wear a white lace camisole underneath, so you can just barely see the lace. Wear with classic denim or a pair of skinny jeans.

White jeans. These can be tricky for anyone who doesn’t have toothpick legs, but you can still make it work if you choose a larger fitting top like a tunic or oversized t-shirt that is long enough to cover just below the hips. To update the look roll the legs up just above the ankle. You can choose a high heel, ballerina flat or a sandal.

Wearing all-over white is flattering to the figure because it keeps from breaking your body up into sections with contrasting colors. Try it and see what you think.

Live long and pester!

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

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ways, or it can create a negative, cynical outlook on life. Lastly, you can calm your internal response to the anger by lowering your heart rate and letting the feelings diminish.

Anger management is about dealing with both the emotional feelings and the physiological reactions. Give yourself some time to reflect before you react.

Count to 10. Breathe deeply.

Acknowledge that the other person is not out to get you. See how you can reframe the situation into something more positive. See what changes you can make in the situation. Just let it go if need be. Lastly, remember your inner Dr. Bruce Banner.

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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Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Charter school team taking shape

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Dave Linzey, Clayton Valley Charter High School’s executive director, continued to put together his leadership team, introducing several new administrators last week. They Patrick Gaffney, director of curriculum and instruction, Pat Middendorf, director of operations and special education, and Miguel Romo, director of student services. Also introduced was Tim Murphy, CVCHS’s new head football coach.

I asked each to introduce themselves through this column.

This issue, we hear from Coach Murphy: “In short, I use football and the lessons it provides as a means of preparing young people to be successful in all aspects of life,” says Murphy. “There are countless things football can teach young people. If I had to break it down, there are two things our program is truly centered around; trust and work ethic. Establishing trust in our program is showing up everyday, treating people right,

APRIL WINSHIP

THE CHARTER PAPERS taking care of your school work, staying away from drugs and alcohol and never quitting no matter how difficult the circumstance.” I will have more of Coach Murphy’s philosophy in the next column.

Governing Board Update.

Four teachers have been nominated for the teacher position on the Governing Board to replace teacher Pat Middendorf. Science teacher Greg Hile, math teacher Dennis Beck, English teacher Jenny De Angelis and science

teacher Aaron Pascucci are the candidates.

The Proposition 39 agreement with MDUSD is not completely resolved yet, reports teacher and Governing Board member Neil McChesney. “The Governing Board voted to approve the Facilities use Agreement with MDUSD for the Clayton Valley site for one year. There are several issues that will require further discussion and/or documentation. This includes the price for ‘rent’ known as the prorata calculation.”

Some of the points agreed to: CVCHS cannot make improvements that exceed $2,000 in cost without prior consent from MDUSD. There are two exceptions, paint and re-keying.

CVCHS will receive revenue for public use of the site, (with prior MDUSD consent or use permit).

The Governing Board also approved a two year contract with ExEd, a non-profit “back office” services provider. ExEd will act as the business manager

for CVCHS. They will handle payroll, budgets, accounts receivable and payable, mandated state reporting and help establish vendor contracts during the first year of operation.

Volunteer information. Want to volunteer at CVCHS but don’t know how? Contact me at april.winship@claytonvalley.org and help CVCHS shine.

Need landscape help. Is your company’s expertise in landscape maintenance or janitorial services? CVCHS is now seeking bids.

For details see the BIDS AND SERVICES tab.

Freshman transition. Would you like to help with the Freshman Summer Transition Program? Contact Kat Marzel at katmar56@gmail.com.

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

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My last column for the Clayton Pioneer… The way I see it, it’s impossible for this not to be cheesy, so bear with me because I am being 100 percent honest.

Three years ago (ish), I emailed publisher Tamara Steiner, thinking that I might wind up writing for the Pioneer once in a while. I figured that my writing would get better, and it would look good on my college applications. I had no idea that I would get so much more than I bargained for out of the whole experience.

I didn’t really realize at the time I started writing for the Pioneer that I was given a tremendous platform, a platform on which I could voice my true opinions. However, with this privilege came a responsibility to share my opinions without “preaching” to my readers.

I learned to find the delicate balance between voicing my opinions in a constructive manner and essentially telling my readers what they should and shouldn’t be doing.

Most importantly, I learned to think more deeply about why I held these opinions. It wasn’t enough to merely state what I felt and be done with it.

Researching facts and pulling from my experiences to write a cohesive and concise article

helped me to understand my own thinking on a deeper level.

While I hope I’m not rambling, I had sincere motive behind writing my final piece about my experience with the Pioneer.

Peers, parents, strangers, and even some teachers ask me why I would ever want to voluntarily write and do more work any more often than I have to.

The answer is simple because not only do I love to write, but I am one of the select few teenagers out there who is allowed to open the eyes (hopefully) of readers each month by writing about anything I want.

As I head off to UC Santa Barbara this fall, it will feel odd not wracking my brain each month for an article topic; I know my fellow “Teen Speak” writer, Taylor Tovrea, can commiserate with me on that one.

I’ll miss submitting a strong article that I know is controversial (like my article about the bullying problems I witnessed at Ayer’s Elementary 5th grade camp), and I’ll miss reading the either biting or supportive comments some readers emailed to me after such articles.

I shall now attempt to give my successors some sound advice. Aside from the obvious hypocritical advice that you

SARAH ROSEN TEEN SPEAK should TRY not to wait until the day of the deadline to write your article, I recommend seeing your monthly column as an opportunity to think more deeply about what you care about.

What gets you really angry?

Or really excited? Think about what disgusts you and makes you ashamed to be a teenager.

Start there and write everything you feel about that topic down, and finally, make it constructive.

Consider whether or not you would want to read that article if someone else had wrote it. If it sounds like you’re complaining, start over.

Okay, I’m done rambling now. I hope that some of what I said sticks with anyone who would consider writing op-ed columns for a newspaper. While I sit in sunny Santa Barbara, I look forward to reading the future “Teen Speak” columnists’ writing. Good luck!

Sarah Rosen is a senior at CVHS. You can e-mail her at sarah_rosen@claytonpioneer.com.

Tipperary Construction Inc. General Contractor,

TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Congratulations, kudos and huzzahs to our two retiring TeenSpeak columnists.

With excitement for their bright futures but a little selfish regret to see them go, we bid farewell to Sarah Rosen and Taylor Tovrea. Both women are graduating with honors from CVHS this month and will be heading off to college in the fall.

Sarah will attend UC Santa Barbara to major in English and Film Studies. Taylor is on her way to UCLA, where she will major in neuroscience with an eye to medical school in the future.

Sophomore Robbie Parker will continue as a CVHS reporter at-large.

We are looking for at least one other student to write commentary and opinion columns, features and profiles and cover news stories on campus and in the community.

Students must have a lively writing style with excellent grammar, punctuation and spelling, have something interesting to say and not be afraid to say it.

Interested students should send an email to tamara@claytonpioneer.com.

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DramaMama’s hard-knock life CELINE HERRERA DVMS REPORTER The DramaMama teen performance program wrapped up the year last month with a perennial favorite, “Annie: The Musical.”

“Annie,” is the story of an orphan girl (played by Jordan Ben-Shmuel and Megan Robinson), who lives in an all-girls orphanage that is run by Ms. Hannigan, (played by Veronica Renner and Devon Taylor) in the 1900s. One lucky day, Grace, (played by Claire Olson and Valeria Huaco), the secretary of the rich and famous

Oliver Warbucks (played by Daniel Jones), comes to the orphanage to ask a red-headed orphan child to spend the Christmas holidays with Mr. Warbucks. She ends up choosing Annie, who suddenly enjoys the life of luxury she’s always wanted. When Mr. Warbucks wants to adopt Annie, she resists, because when her parents left her at the orphanage when she was a baby, they promised her that they would come back for her.

The plot thickens when a mysterious couple arrives at the Warbucks’s home claiming to be Annie’s parents. Could they be? Or, are they just after the big money award and not Annie?

I asked student Laura Ruscitti what part of “Annie” she enjoyed the most. “I loved the

songs,” she says. “The actors and actresses did a really good job singing them.”

There were many tears shed and heartfelt speeches at the final showing of the play. A special speech was given by the only five boys in Drama Mama — Sean Calimlim, Daniel Jones, Dylan Kies, Aaron Olk, and Vincent Tran. They all sang a special song to commemorate the special final night.

Membership in DramaMama, is $80 a month. Students participate in two shows a year, a spring show and a winter show.

Contact drama_mama@comcast.net if you are interested in signing up for the 2012-2013 school year Celine Herrera is in the eighth grade at Diablo View Middle School. Email comments or questions to celine@claytonpioneer.com.

June 15, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 9

Getting your cat to the vet safely

MARYBETH RYMER,

DVM

PET PALS Over the last year the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has initiated a Cat Friendly Practice program developing standards of feline care.

Cats are not dogs and require a much different approach for a comfortable veterinary visit and appropriate medical treatment.

Cats have become very popular. But owners, due to the unpleasantness of the process, often miss routine wellness exams as well as procrastinate on that dreaded veterinary appointment until their cat is critically ill.

Since transporting your cat is often stressful to both feline and humans, AAFP has produced a brochure, “Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian.”

The following tips from this brochure will help make veterinary visits easier for you and your cat.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAT’S BEHAVIOR Cats are most comfortable with the familiar, and need time to adjust to the unfamiliar. The visit to the veterinarian is often

difficult because the carrier, car, and the veterinary hospital are usually unfamiliar. Respect your cat’s need for time to become familiar with new situations, people and places.

Stay calm. Cats can sense our anxiety or frustrations, which may cause them to become fearful or anxious.

Cats do not learn from punishment or force. Give rewards to encourage positive behavior. For example, if your cat is sitting calmly in or near a carrier, give a treat. Likewise, rewards can be given to help your cat become familiar with the type of handling that may be encountered at the veterinarian (e.g., handling paws, ears and mouth). A treat is what is highly desirable to your cat, which may be in the form of

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ELARA

Elara is a dainty, sweet companion. She specializes in snuggling, and she’ll be glad to curl up next to her new adopter. A consistent exercise routine will be one of the keys to Elara’s lasting health and happiness.

Elara may enjoy attending a Basic Manners training class where she can showcase her focus and devotion.

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

Sarah is a pretty girl who is looking for a calm, quiet home where she can blossom into a great companion. She is seeking a home that may be looking for a second cat or to adopt her with a buddy here.

The adoption fee for adult cats is $50.

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5

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

Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.

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food, play or affection. Be persistent and reward every time.

WHAT TYPE OF CARRIERS ARE BEST? The best carriers are inexpensive hard- sided carriers that open from the top and the front, and can also be taken apart in the middle. An easily removable top allows a cat that is fearful, anxious or in pain to stay in the bottom half of the carrier for exams.

Your veterinarian can often do the exam in the bottom of a welldesigned carrier. Avoid carriers that require a cat to be pulled from or dumped out for an exam.

Some cats like to see out of carriers, whereas others are less anxious when the carrier is covered with a blanket or towel to prevent seeing the unfamiliar.

The goal is for your cat to learn to associate the carrier with positive experiences and routinely enter voluntarily.

• Make the carrier a familiar place at home by leaving it in a room where your cat spends a lot of time.

• Place familiar soft bedding inside the carrier.

• Place treats, catnip or toys inside the carrier to encourage the cat to enter at home.

• It may take days or weeks before your cat starts to trust the carrier. Remain calm, patient and reward desired behaviors.

• If you still have trouble, you may need to assess the carrier itself.

The brochure also offers tips on how get your cat to the vet if he is not accustomed to the carrier.

For the complete brochure visit the AAFP website Guidelines page. Click on 2011Feline Handling, then on “Getting Your Cat To The Veterinarian” link at http://catvets.com/professionals/guidelines/publications/i ndex.aspx?Id. Part two of this article will cover The AAFP’s Cat Friendly Practice Program and how to find a friendly practice. Printed with permission of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Marybeth Rymer, DVM, can be reached at Monte Vista Animal Hospital, Concord. 672-1100.

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Olympics, from page 1 diver and he’s been featured in print and broadcast stories that have served to put the spotlight on him during his first trip the Olympic Trials as a favorite to qualify. In 2008 Ipsen was just 15 and finished fifth in the 3M Trials but was a long-shot to make the team.

This year he and Dumais have the target on their back as odds-on favorites in synchro.

Just weeks ago they were silver medalists at the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix in Florida but the US has only one berth in 3M synchro in London so the tandem can’t afford any slipups.

In the three meter springboard with 43 divers qualified there are several competitors, including Dumais, who figure to

be challenging Ipsen for one of two spots open to American divers. Those finals will be televised live a week from Sunday on the final day of the Trials.

While the Olympic Trials are fairly cut and dried in determining the American divers for London, US Rowing has a long process to determine rowers for its 12 boats in the Olympics.

Some crews have already been identified but the women’s selections will be announced next Friday, June 22.

Kara Kohler, who just took up the sport as a freshman at Cal in 2009 after graduating from Clayton Valley High School, has been in Europe for a month competing with the American team in World Cup

meets that were used to evaluate potential Olympic lineups. She is now in Princeton, NJ with the National team training in anticipation of the Olympic selections. She is a contender for a berth on the quadruple scull crew (four rowers with two blades, sculling without a coxswain. In a four or eight crew the rowers are sweeping with one oar only).

Kohler’s strength has placed her in contention even though at 21 she’s the youngest and least experienced of the rowers under consideration for London. If Kohler is passed over for a first-team berth she may still go to London as an alternate, gaining tremendous experience seeing what it’s like to be in the Olympics. Over the past three summers she has gained valuable experience with Ameri-

can teams in meets around Europe, including claiming gold medals for the US in 2010 and 2011.

She will be returning to Cal in the fall for her junior year after taking off the past school year to train for the Olympics.

Regardless of what happens this summer the Clayton woman plans to continue with the sport through the 2016 Olympics in Brazil when she’ll be a veteran in the sport

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Page 10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 15, 2012

Clayton recognizes student achievement with scholarships CBCA Scholarship Winners The Clayton Business and Community Association rewarded ten CVHS seniors

with scholarships ranging from $1000 to $3000 for their hard work and scholastic achieve-

ment.

Dalton Moore and Joanna Fan both received Arts and Music scholarships. Adam Agronow, Alison Abele, Aman-

da Johnson, Garrett Lemos, Sam Marchant, Charles Blazer and Nicole Dunkley all received academic scholarships. Ted Hall was awarded the Community

Service scholarship. Hall was also named Grand Altair, the highest honor awarded a CVHS senior.

Clayton Valley Woman’s Club honors DVC student Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Scholarship recipient for 2012 is Kabria Pervoe.

Kabria will graduate from DVC this spring and will attend UC Berkeley in the fall. Ambitions and intelligent, Kabria plans to pursue a doctorate in psychology with an emphasis on early childhood education and research.

“Our scholarship committee found her to be a delightful, articulate, hardworking and gracious young woman who holds education in high esteem,” says CVWC’s Nancy Boyle. Continuing Scholarships were also awarded to CVHS graduates Jessica Figlioli and Joshua Tan.

FROM LEFT, CBCA SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR, DAVE JOHNSON; Scholarship recipients Dalton Moore, Adam Agronow, Joanna Fan, Alison Abele, Amanda Johnson, Garrett Lemos, Sam Marchant, Charles Blazer, Nicole Dunkley and Ted Hall.

AAUW award goes to Maggie Keenan

Pete Laurence Wrestling Scholarship

An aspiring veterinarian was the recipient of a $1000 scholarship from the Clayton branch of the American Association of University Women.

Margaret “Maggie” April Trees Keenan, a senior at CVHS will attend the University of California at Davis in the fall, majoring in animal science.

Maggie was a member of the ClaytonArts Academy all four years of high school where she developed her dramatic arts talents. She was also active on the school’s Link Crew, mentoring incoming freshmen to help them transition into high school.

LIZ HANSEN AND MARGARET APRIL TREES KEENAN

PETE LAURENCE AND TROY LAKIN

Troy Lakin won the Pete Laurence Wrestling Scholarship this year with his excellent wrestling record and proven leadership. In addition to being named the team’s MVP for three straight years, Lakin won the DVAL in his weight class for each of those three years and as a senior took fifth in the state, continuing to national competition where he finished fourth place and was recognized with an “All American Wrestler” award.

Troy also competed at CVHS in water polo and baseball, and was co-recipient of this years CVHS “Athlete of the Year” award Troy will attend Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo where he will study Law Enforcement.

The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Diablo View Middle School 8th Grade graduates Abbett, Andrew Acevedo, Juan Aknin, Haley Alatini, Siale Annison, Audrey Arango, Caitlin Baker, Michael Ballard, Jordan Barragan, Antonio Bauer, Christopher Baumbach, Nathaniel Benham, Chase Benitez, Amy Ben-Shmuel, Jordan Biarash, Cyrus Bibbs, Steven Bredehoft, Christopher Brown, Nicholas Calimlim, Sean Capinpin, Aaron Capurro, Dominique Carbajal, Julia Carr, Alexandria Carrico, Sarah Carson, Michael Cascio, Nicholas Castaniada, Emily Castro, Raul Cegielski, Brandon Chand, Charlene Chao, Kai Chavdarova, Boryana Chavez, Rey Cho, Yun, Ha Claussen, Jericca Coleman, Nastassia Corpus, Cristofer Cox, Kristen Cox, Lynette Cox, Melissa

Coyne, Kaytlyn Cursi, Harrison Damian, Leslie D’Angina, Kara Davey, Taylor Degener, Maris Dominguez, Jesse Dudley, Eryn Dugan, Kyle Duncan, Tyler Espinoza, Maira Essayan, Katie Fagerlin, Drew Farrell, Lazirus Ferrara, Nicholas Fine, Zachary Fonseca, Geovani Franich, Ashley Fuentes, Nicholas Funderburk, Emma Gelhaus, Danielle Ghandi, Aria Gittleman, Evan Godinez, David Goldeen, Samuel Gonsalves, Dominic Gonzalez, Benito Gonzalez, Joel Grabher, Andrea Grant, Annagail Haas, Abigail Haft, Cole Hanson, Jacob Haro, Isaac Harrison, Myles Haynes, Amelia Hein-Silva, Christian Heinz, Rylee Hellstrom, Andi Hendricks, Alyssa

Hennessy, Shannon Herrera, Celine Heuser, Sierra Hinshaw, Brett Huffine, Graciella Huovinen, Annelise Hurley, Annemarie Jeffers, Chad Jimenez, Christian Johnson, Alexyss Jones, Daniel Keener, Desiree Kelly, Jonah Kies, Dylan Killoran, Tara Kim, Reina King, Jacob Komins, Shane Kottal, Cereen Kratz, Joseph Kreisel, Charles Lally, Cameron Lane, Alex Large, Nicholas Lavezzoli, Justin Leanio, Marissa Lease-Marney, Angel Legault, Andrew Linderman, Jacob Lopez, Alejandra Lopez, Diego Lopez, Jaelyn Lujan, Karen Lynch, Jacob MacLean, Karyna Madden, Divinia Malley, Steven Mannie, Ryne Mayorga, Vanessa Maytum, Anthony

McCluhan, Emily McPhail, Taryn Mead, Marshall Medrano, Nicolette Meharg, Alison Mercurio, Nicolas Merrill, Addison Meylan, Scott Mikkelson, Mitchell Miller, Tristen Moise, Allyn Molale, Ryan Montijo, Wren Moody, Adam Morano, Marisa Morimoto, William Mudaliar, Madhuri Mungo, Brianna Nayyar, Sonia Nelson, Rya Niemi, Kaitlyn Nikaido, Marcus Noble, Caroline Nyberg, Robert Ochoa, Jesus Olk, Aaron Olson, Claire Ortiz, Erik Osterkamp, Matthew O’Toole, Owen Owen, John Oxman, Curtis Pallotta, Gianna Panaligan, Angelika, Gabriella Payne, Emily Perrey, Connor Petrone, Emily Pittam, Marcella Pomeroy, Madison Pomeroy, Savannah

Rad, Anna Ralston, Eleanor Renner, Veronica Reynolds, Lindsey Rideau, Brook Rodriguez, Jaime Roman, Chavez, Alfredo Romano, Anthony Ronan, Tayler Ross, Jason Ruscitti, Laura Salas, Marcella Salazar, Charles Sanchez, Anthony Sarmiento, Miguel Scharton, Nicholas Schoell, Melissa Schoffstall, Benjamin Shanley, Declan Shorr, Samuel Silva, Carolyn Simbirdi, Madison Simmons, Harrison Sleight, Sierra Smith, Casey Smith, Christopher Smith, Spencer Snyder, Joseph Solis, Osbaldo Sorensen, Madison Soto, Paula Souza, Spencer Sovik, Nathaniel Stratton, Jessica Suddaby, Trenton Sullivan, Jonathan Sunshine, Heather Swiatko, Alexander Sy, Mitch, Jordan Sykes, Gabriella

Tambellini, Reseigh, Eirik Tamura, Kylie Taylor, Devon Taylor, Isaac Tennis, Brittany Tindall, Erin Torres, Alexa Tran, Vincent Trujillo, Kevin Tuano, Joseph Tugcu, Eren Twal, Bana Uemura, Scott Ulinger, Ashley Uy, Alexandria Vandal, Tyler VanEpps, Ashlee Villicana, Alexander Vines, Derek Vo, Antony Wagner, Brett Wallin, Spencer Walz, Jaclyn Webb, Giovannah Weigelt, Alina Wellsted, Josh Wetzstein, Eric Wheeler, Sydney White, Emily Wood, James Wymore, Marianna Yaacoobi, Heela Yosifova, Kristina Zachery, Kimberly Zhang, Peng

June 15, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

CVHS Senior Awards 2012 Abele, Alison

Dombrowski, Catherine

Kerr, Talia

Owen, Brinley

Slivinski, Joshua

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

America's 911 Foundation Scholarship

Kings College, NY Presidential Scholarship

CSF Seal Bearer PFC "Eagles Flight" Scholarship

President’s Education Award

Padua, Randy

President’s Education Award

Westminster College Academic Scholarship CVHS Senior Women Gold Scholarship

CSF Seal Bearer Biliteracy Seal Award

Dow, Zoey

Kim, Jonathan

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT

President’s Education Award Boy's Athlete of the Year Senior Class Treasurer

Dunkley, Nicole

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award

Aceves, Krystal

Dominguez, Kelii

Biliteracy Seal Award

Acosta, Stefany CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPT. Consortium Scholarship

CSF Seal Bearer Biliteracy Seal Award Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award Oregon State Univ Academic Scholarship Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

Andrews, Kaylee ART DEPARTMENT

Bacigalupo, Cameron

Senior Women Bronze

CSF Seal Bearer

Lakin, Troy

Preciado, Pedro

Fan, Joanna

Boy's Athlete of the Year Pete Laurence Wrestling Scholarship

Biliteracy Seal Award

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award Farmers Insurance Scholar Athlete of the Year Award Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

Blazer, Charles President’s Education Award Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

CSF Seal Bearer, President’s Education Award

Bradbury, Kyle President’s Education Award Colorado School of Mines Academic Scholarship

Bryant, Victoria

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award

Calimlim, Aaron President’s Education Award DRAMA DEPARTMENT

Carlson, Troy

President’s Education Award Antioch Education Assoc.

Scholarship

Covarrubias, Miguel Biliteracy Seal Award

Day, Madeline PE DEPARTMENT

Trees-Keenan, Margaret

Raymond, Heather

CSF Seal Bearer Students Rising Above AAUW Senior Women Silver Scholarship

CSF Seal Bearer MUSIC DEPARTMENT Chapman Univ Leadership Scholarship

Ulinger, Justin President’s Education Award

Biliteracy Seal Award

Vu, Tuan

Biliteracy Seal Award

President’s Education Award Gonzaga University Academic Scholarship

Oakland Bay Area Chapter of the Links Celebration of Excellence Scholarship

Gonzalez, Valeria

Ly, Emily

Rohrbach, Christa

Wagoner, Nolan

President’s Education Award Senior Class President

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award Willamette Univ Scholarship Academic/Leadership Biliteracy Seal Award PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Biliteracy Seal Award

CSF Seal Bearer Biliteracy Seal Award

Maderos, Jessica CSF Seal Bearer (Potential) President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award

Biliteracy Seal Award

Van Vliet, Jenna

Robison, Alexandra

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award BYU, Hawaii Academic Scholarship

Rojas, Whitney

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award GRAND ALTAIR Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

PFC "Eagles Flight"Scholarship

Marchant, Samuel

Mazza, Domenic

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award

Howard, Mark

UC Santa Barbara Athletic/Academic Scholarship

Rowland, Camila

CSF Seal Bearer, President’s Education Award

Howard, Michelle CSF Seal Bearer

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award Chevron International REACH Scholarship Farmers Insurance Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award

Johnson, Hannah CSF Seal Bearer Biliteracy Seal Award Liberal Arts Interdepartmental Award

Johnston, Amanda President’s Education Award Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

Kallas, Katina

Walls, Makenna CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award St. Mary's College Academic Scholarship

Weinmann, Derek

Will, Orion

Mendoza, Oscar

President’s Education Award LEADERSHIP ALTAIR

President’s Education Award

Satterfield, Derrick

CSF Seal Bearer MATH DEPARTMENT President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award Dr. Richard Irvine Scholar/Athlete

Minorsky, Laura CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award UC Santa Cruz Academic Scholarship Biliteracy Seal Award Italian Catholic Fed. Scholarship ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CV Future Teacher Scholarship Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

Italian-American Federation of the East Bay Scholarship Chuck Jordan Memorial Scholarship

Moore, Dalton President’s Education Award Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

Dodge, Ryan

President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award

Okimoto, Sarah

achievement is the Scholarship Award. This award goes to the student with the highest transcript in the graduating class. This year it was awarded to Taylor Tovrea, who is also a reporter and TeenSpeak columnist for the Clayton Pioneer.

“Getting straight A’s became kind of an expectation in middle

President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award

Rush, Gillian

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award

Altair, from page 1

Wallin, Cassidy

President’s Education Award

Medina, Jannelle

Kerr, Daniel

President’s Education Award

Rosen, Sarah

CSF Seal Bearer

Biliteracy Seal Award

Biliteracy Seal Award

Ihle, Craig

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award

Vergaray-Leon, Josselin

HOME ECON DEPARTMENT SERVICE ALTAIR PFC "Eagles Flight" Scholarship Chuck Jordan Memorial Scholarship

President’s Education Award

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT The ultimate academic

Biliteracy Seal Award

Lozoya, Eric

Nebeker, Brett

Gillian is planning on majoring in psychology at UC Berkeley.

“I see myself going to medical school and becoming a psychiatrist because I love listening to people and trying to help in any way I can.”

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award SCHOLARSHIP ALTAIR

Rogers, Crystal

Biliteracy Seal Award

President’s Education Award

Detmer, Audrey

Tovrea, Taylor

Biliteracy Seal Award

Gomez, Joshua

President’s Education Award

Coffey, Benjamin

CSF Seal Bearer

President’s Education Award BYU, Idaho Academic Scholarship

CSF Seal Bearer Biliteracy Seal Award

CSF Seal Bearer

Butler, Thomas

President’s Education Award

Tay, Lucas

Leyhan, Vivian

Garcia, Daniela

Hall, Theodore

Boyle, Thomas

Legault, Ashley

Girl's Athlete of the Year

Risso, Mikaela

Alderson-Broaddus Sports & Academic Scholarship

President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award

American Academy of Sleep Medicine Scholarship

Tate, Alexandra

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

Haft, Teigan

Bollozos, Austin

Biliteracy Seal Award

Quintero, Elizabeth

Lawson, Emily

Lemos, Garrett

Gonzales, Monica

President’s Education Award

Perez, Estela

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award

Matt Nolen Memorial Scholarship

Etzel, Mitchell

President’s Education Award Fine Arts Interdepartment Award PFC "Eagles Flight" Scholarship

Tanji, Stephanie

Biliteracy Seal Award

Kommer, Molly

Svoboda, Jacquelyn

Biliteracy Seal Award

Ploetz, Erica

CLAYTONARTS DEPARTMENT

Blatter, Mckay

Pfeiffer, Christopher

Klock, Dalton

Kroll, Ryan

Espinoza, Daisey

Flannery, Addison

CSF Seal Bearer President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT MMC Concord-Junior Volunteer Special Recognition Award ASB Student Body President

President’s Education Award

Picco, Kaitlyn

President’s Education Award

Bayat, Aqieda

Pedersen, Eric

President’s Education Award CSU Sonoma Sports

Biliteracy Seal Award

Agronow, Adam

President’s Education Award Biliteracy Seal Award

Solano-Rojas, Natalia

CSF Seal Bearer Oregon State Univ Acad/Leadership Scholarship

school so maintaining a good GPA didn’t seem that big of a deal after a while, in my mind at least. It’s nice to be recognized for my academic accomplishments. The prestige of the award is just a perk,” said Taylor.

She plans to pursue a career studying the human mind and will be attending UCLA in the fall as a neuroscience major in the honors program. “I like to think of myself as an expert in multitasking,” she explained. “In high school it seems like most people

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pick something to focus the majority of their time and effort on — be it music, academics or sports. I feel like I’ve been able to throw myself into quite a few things simultaneously and do pretty well in all of them.”

GRAND ALTAIR Finally, one very deserving student was awarded the Grand Altair Award. The Grand Altair is a student who makes the most of high school and who is exceptional in community

service, leadership and academics. This prestigious honor was awarded to Ted Hall.

It’s clear how actively involved Ted is at Clayton Valley and in his community. After participating in four years of the Public Service Academy, CVHS Cross Country and Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, being a member and president of the California Scholarship Federation and an Eagle Scout for 12 years, attending more club meetings than one can count, and being crowned

Homecoming King, it is no surprise that he was presented the school’s highest honor. “I feel quite privileged to have received the Grand Altair Award. Since my freshman year, I’ve wanted to win that and it was a proud moment when I heard my name called.” He aspires one day to become a U.S. Senator or American Ambassador to another country. He is attending Claremont McKenna College this fall to major in either government or international relations.

Page 12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 15, 2012

Sports

Clayton woman gets dream coaching job JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Photo courtesy Diablo FC

MEGAN SWANN HAS BEEN A POPULAR DIVISION ONE girls youth soccer coach since the inception of the Diablo FC five years ago and now will be starting with another new program when she takes over July 1 as the first-ever head women’s coach of the University of California Merced women’s soccer program.

Clayton’s own Megan Swann will begin a unique new phase in her life starting July 1 when she takes the reigns of the University of California Merced women’s soccer program. The unique aspect for the 27-yearold Clayton Valley High School grad is that she will be starting a brand new collegiate varsity soccer program at the almost new UC Merced campus.

When she takes on this exciting post Swann leaves behind two jobs she cherished as a coach for Diablo FC since its inception in 2008 as well as the most successful girls soccer coach ever at Ygnacio Valley High School over the past two winter seasons.

“One of the great things about Diablo FC is we have great coaches,” said Diablo FC director of coaching Brian Voltattorni. “And the unfortunate thing about having great coaches is we have to learn to say good-bye to those coaches when they move on to bigger coaching programs; such is the case with Megan and UC Merced. The university is very fortunate to have such a great coach lead its women’s program for years to come.”

“My goal and dream has always been to be a head college coach. I applied for the job and they invited me down for an interview. About three weeks later they called me again to run

a training session and then offered me the position,” Swann said.

“We are excited to have Megan as part of our UC Merced team, serving as our historic first women’s soccer coach,” notes Marie Supanich, UC Merced’s Athletic Department’s Senior Women’s Administrator. “Her ties with Diablo FC and the East Bay will surely help in the initial recruiting process as we venture into intercollegiate women’s soccer.

Also, having played at an NAIA institution, Megan is experienced with the level of commitment and competition it takes to be successful at this level.”

Swann was a four-year varsity standout at Clayton Valley, including one league championship season, before graduating in 2003. She went on to play for Vanguard University in Orange County at an NAIA school. As a sophomore at Vanguard she began to coach soccer and “absolutely loved it.” She graduated from Vanguard in May 2007 and moved back to the Bay Area. Voltattorni gave her a coaching job at Mt. Diablo Soccer League and she became a junior high science and health teacher at NorthCreek Academy. She continued to play in a women’s league for three years.

“Megan has been a tremendous asset to Diablo FC for the past five years. It is always great for a club to have the opportunity to bring back one of its

own alumni to coach on the same fields they grew up playing on,” Voltattorni said, alluding to Swann’s youth club soccer with Diablo Valley Soccer Club.

“Megan is very passionate about the game and coaching. She is a true teacher of the game.”

Besides her club coaching experience Swann worked her way up from assistant coaching positions with Clayton Valley and Las Positas College before taking over at Ygnacio Valley as head coach in 2010. Swann brought the Warrior girls to the North Coast Section playoffs for the first time in school history, compiling a 27-16-1 record over two seasons.

At both Diablo FC and Los Positas Swann worked with legendary Brazilian soccer player Sissi do Amor, the former Brazilian World Cup star and two-time Olympian. “Megan is a very passionate and dedicated coach. She will bring her experience, dedication and desire to teach players to get to the next level,” remarked coach Sissi.

UC Merced is the 10th and newest University of California campus. It opened in September 2005 and seven years later Swann is converting the school’s club program to NAIA collegiate soccer. Her long-term goal is to move Bobcats soccer to NCAA Division 2. Before that Swann is busy buying equipment, selecting uniforms and still recruiting players for the inaugural season. Her first Merced training camp begins Aug. 12.

Relay success highlights CYO track season for St. Bonaventure CYO JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Sprint medley relay teams from St. Bonaventure CYO placed first or second from fourth through eighth grades at the season-ending Oakland Diocese track and field meet as the Bulldogs of coach Darren Newell put on another strong showing which also included 12 individual gold medal performances from five different grade levels. Two of the St. Bonaventure relay teams also set new meet records.

The fourth-grade girls quartet of Jenna West, Cydney Walker, Kelly Kern and Maddie Thompson (actually a third grader competing up in the relay) broke the Oakland Diocese record with a time of

2:15.02. The sprint medley relay consists of two 100-meter legs followed by a 200 and then a 400 anchor. The sixth-grade boys medley relay clocked 2:02.01 for another new record with Kyle Vantonder, Marcus Dickerson, Jamil Edwards and Aidan Jackman. While not setting a record, the St. Bonnies fourth-grade boys relay of Nick Mueller, Nick Moseley, Jackson Castle and third-grader Jake Kern won Diocese with a 2:15.56 time.

Thompson was one of two St. Bonaventure athletes to bag a pair of individual gold medals as she took first in third grade 100and 200-meter dashes while classmates Samantha Schauman won the 1600 meters with Audrey Burns second. West was third in the 800-meter run.

Fifth grader Nasim Chin won the girls 200 meters and long jump and took third in the 100.

Other first-place finishers for the local team were Azari Brown in the third grade boys 50 meters, Castle in the fourthgrade boys long jump, Kern in the 50 and Sydney Kupsh in 1600 for fourth grade girls, Ben Acebo captured the sixth grade boys shot put, Shelby Brooks in 6th grade girls high jump and Jake Reel won seventh-grade boys shot.

The fourth-grade boys of St. Bonaventure also own the sprint medley. Second-place relay finishers included fifth- and seventh-grade boys and eighthgrade girls. Taking third were the sixth-grade girls and seventh-grade boys B team.

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Silver medalists from St. Bonnies also included Owen Callison (800, 3rd grade), Braden Hart (1600, 3rd grade), Castle (100, 4th grade), Kern (400, 4th grade), Edwards (long jump, 6th grade) and Jackman (shot put and high jump, 6th grade).

Third-place finishers were Trent Hoffmeister (50, 3rd grade), Brown (200, 3rd grade), Moseley (200, 4th grade), Gabriella Mancini (400 and 800, 5th grade), Vantonder (200, 6th grade), Kelly Osterkamp (1600 and softball throw, 6th grade), Noah Williams (100, 7th grade), Brandon Abon (long jump, 7th grade), Scott Vonfeldon (shot put, 7th grade), Jade Davis (100, 7th grade), Kendall Christiansen (100, 8th grade) and Jasmine West (200, 8th grade).

Photo courtesy St. Bonaventure CYO

ST. BONAVENTURE BULLDOGS were proud participants in the procession of teams at the annual Oakland Diocese CYO meet in Union City and Livermore. The fourth-grade girls had an outstanding showing while setting a record in the sprint medley relay and having individual winners in Kelly Kern (50-meter dash) and Sydney Kupsh (1600M run). The record-setting relay included Jenna West, Cydney Walker, Kern and Maddie Thompson (a third grader competing up in the relay).

June 15, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com reward for the fine performance this spring was an offer to attend the University of Oregon. Brassil signed his letter of intent last month to join the Ducks Pacific 12 champion track and field team. He was recently honored for the third year in a row with the DLS Varsity Throws MVP Award.

He’ll be the second Brassil from Clayton to attend Oregon. His sister Kelsey graduated from the Eugene school a couple years ago.

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

Athlete Spotlight Name: TJ Brassil Age: 18 Team: De La Salle High School

Track & Field Sport: Track & Field The recent CIF State Track and Field Championships in Clovis featured only one local athlete, TJ Brassil of Clayton who represented De La Salle High School in the shot put.

Although Brassil missed out making the finals at State he

did finish 12th in the preliminaries from a field of 30 throwers and moved up four spaces from his 16th seed. He was the top Bay Area shot putter at CIF. Brassil had finished second at the Tri-Valley Area and NCS Meet of Champions

competitions to Matt Esparza of Amador Valley but bested the Don putter by three feet at State. Brassil is not new to CIF State competition as he was a lineman on the DLS football teams which won 2010 and 2011 State championships. His

Spotlight Name: Megan Tang Age: 18 Team: Univ. of Chicago Tennis Sport: Tennis The University of Chicago is known more for its academic excellence than athletics but the school’s women’s tennis team made history this spring by reaching the championship match of the NCAA Division III tournament before losing to five-time champion Williams College of Massachusetts. The reason this is news in these parts is that 2011 Clayton

Valley High School grad Megan Tang played a key role for the Maroons, earning first team All-University Athletic Association honors in singles and doubles as a freshman.

Tang didn’t play high school tennis during her junior and senior years but continued to hone her skills under the watchful eye of coach Fred Safipour at Oakhurst Country

Club. The Clayton resident finished her first collegiate season with a 19-5 singles record and 18-6 mark in doubles. Chicago won the UAA league championship before becoming only the second team in school history to reach a NCAA finals (the 2003 women’s soccer team also lost in the championship match). Her parents traveled to North Carolina for the NCAA

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finals and mom Buffy said, “The beautiful courts, awesome tennis, umpires sitting up high calling scores, fist pumps, ‘come ons’, high fives, gruntings, on court coaching, cheering, sun and thunderstorms to be able to witness all that was quite a memorable experience for me. It was a tennis addict’s paradise. There were some emotional moments on and off the courts which I have never seen as her tennis mom for the past 10 years.”

Athlete

Page 13

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The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Megan Tang and rewards her achievement with a gift certificate to Rocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

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.

ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUE

Clayton girl takes third at AT&T Park in MLB contest Mt. Diablo Elementary School third grader Sarah Barker of Clayton had “the best day of her life” earlier this month when she competed in the Aquafina Pitch, Hit and Run Sectionals at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. She had scored 839 points at the local Walnut Creek competition to win the 9-10 girls bracket with the third highest score among all boys and girls 7-14 years-old and moved on to Sectionals. In San Francisco the 9-10 girls bracket was hotly contested with only a few points separating the top three. Barker ended up third but her baseball day was just

getting started. Her Clayton Valley Little League Mustangs team was playing an important game at 1 p.m. and the Barker family rushed back from San Francisco to make the first pitch. Sarah Barker is a pitcher, shortstop and catcher for the first-place Mustangs. In the bottom of the last inning she struck out three of five batters to preserve a 17-16 win over the CVLL Crush. Still not filled with baseball the family returned to catch the Giants beating the Cubs. The game was in the fourth inning when they made it back to AT&T Park as the Giants eventually won 4-3. Photo courtesy of Barker family

AOSL PRESENTS

Submit Sports Items Online Submit competition results, ideas for stories, nominations for Athlete Spotlight and Sports Shorts on our Website, www.claytonpioneer.com.

On the left side of the page, under “Sports Items” you will find links to the proper forms.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Sports

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MDSA closes out AYSO tournament season with a flourish in three cities JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

May was a busy month for AYSO youth soccer teams with the Pacifica Fog Classic, Concord Cup XIX and Davis World Cup filling up every weekend that didn’t include Mother’s Day with soccer action. Mt. Diablo Soccer Association teams were involved at all three tournaments and came away with a load of medals, topped by the under 12 boys MDSA Chivas who won championships at all three tourneys.

At the Davis Cup MDSA Chivas were seeded in the same preliminary group with three of the four finalists but responded with two wins and a draw. Wins over Concord, Davis Tigers and Mtn. View Terremotos by a combined 12-4 score earned Chivas their third tournament title of the month. Coaches Joern Weigelt and Ricardo Barba had entered the team in two US Club Soccer tournaments early in the season and that experience playing competitive teams paid off during the AYSO season.

At Concord Cup XIX Chivas prevailed in a challenging and physical championship match over PHMSA Barcelona 3-1. Barcelona was the only AYSO team to beat Chivas this season. Mtn. View also lost 2-1 to the MDSA team in the Pacifica Fog Classic finale.

The MDSA Dynamite U10 girls won the red division at Davis World Cup. After five successive victories the Dynamite, coached by Mas Morimoto and Mark Wickham, met Carson City Dragons in the final match.

Megan Morimoto, Serena Connel and Rylie Velez scored and setup the goals as the MDSA girls broke open a close championship game. The Dynamite prevailed by outscoring its six opponents 32-5. The week before Dynamite lost a tough 4-

Photos courtesy MDSA

MDSA CHIVAS U12 BOYS SOCCER TEAM WON THREE TOURNAMENTS last month to close out a fine 2012 season. Titles in the Pacifica Fog Classic, Concord Cup and Davis World Cup gave coaches Joern Weigelt and Ricardo Barba and their players a reward for several months of practice and preparation. The team includes, front row from left, Thomas Santala, Luca Giannini, Jack Sodergren, Michael Lizzarago, John Cook, David McNulty; back row, coach Joern Weigelt, Ricky Barba, Ryan Jones, Niklas Weigelt, Christian Villa, Ryan Course, Matthew Lavezzoli and coach Barba.

3 final to PHMSA Xtreme at Concord Cup XIX and prior to that was third at Pacifica.

In the same age group at Davis World Cup the MDSA U10 Select girls completed their season with their best finish.

The team was added at the last minute for the spring season since so many girls were interested in playing tournaments.

The young team suffered many lopsided defeats but continued to improve and grabbed third place in their bracket at Davis.

Head coach Kim Apana called on a pair of players from Diablo FC, Nikki Apana and Devanne Zalewski, to help her train the Select team, which never gave up despite having less than satisfying results during the year until they got their just rewards at Davis.

MDSA Velocity U10 girls placed first at Pacifica Fog Classic. In the final they played the hometown favorites, Pacifica Strikers. It was an exciting match as each team created multiple opportunities that were shut

Sports Shorts

SUMMER CAMP

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SUMMER BASEBALL CAMP AT CLAYTON VALLEY THIS MONTH Los Medanos College and former Clayton Valley HS coach Casey Coakley has put together a staff of current LMC and CVHS coaches and players to provide baseball instruction to youngsters 7-13 years of age this month. Eagle Baseball Academy camps will be held next week June 18-21 and June 25-28. Each daily session runs 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Fee is $150 for one week or $275 for both weeks. To reserve a baseball camp spot email eaglebaseballacademy@gmail.com.

KICK IT 3V3 SOCCER TOUR COMING TO BOATWRIGHT FIELDS JUNE 23-24 The world’s largest 3v3 soccer tour is coming to Boatwright Fields in Concord on the June 23-24 weekend. Teams of all skill levels and ages from five to adult can register for the KickIt 3v3 tournament sponsored by KNBR, KFOG, The Bone, KGO and KSFO radio stations and hosted by Diablo FC. Teams include three to six players and will play up to six games. Each entrant gets a T-shirt. There are also free soccer clinics each day and the San Jose Earthquakes will be on hand. Register online today at KickIt3v3.com.

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June 15, 2012

FUTURE EAGLES CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL CAMP NEXT WEEK Future Eagles Championship 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 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Camp director Paul Reynaud, assistant director Mike Dominguez 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 coach.dmngz@gmail.com, call (925) 381-5143 or pick up a brochure at the CVHS front office.

FOOTBALL, CHEER SIGNUPS OPEN FOR CLAYTON VALLEY FALCONS Registration is open for Clayton Valley Youth football and cheer.

Football is open for ages 7-14 while cheer accepts ages 5-14. In-person registration days for the CVAA Falcons are Sunday, June 24, from 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, July 12, 6:30-8 p.m. at Mountain Mike’s Pizza by Clayton Bowl. Season practice starts July 30. For more information and online registration visit CVAAFalcons.com ADULT COED KICKBALL LEAGUE COMING TO CLAYTON GYM The newest offering by All Out Sports League at Clayton Community Gym is an adult coed kickball league this summer running July 8Aug. 19. Teams and individuals (who will be placed on a team) can register at alloutsportsleague.com.

down by excellent defense. At the end of regulation and extra time the teams were scoreless before Velocity won 4–2 on penalty kicks.

The MDSA U10 boys, Dark

Knights, won their third and fourth tournament championships in May and in both the Pacifica and Concord Cup finals they met and defeated their local rivals Concord United.

MDSA Sentinels charged into Concord Cup XIX U14 boys semi-finals with a maximum 20 points. The Sentinels beat PHMSA Clash 5-1 to advance to the championship against Sunnyvale Strikeforce.

MDSA scored first but then had to rally with two goals for a 3-2 win in the finale. In the U14 girls red division finals at Concord Cup MDSA Fury fell to Davis Fury.

Two other MDSA teams made Concord Cup XIX championship matches before coming up short to Concord AYSO foes. MDSA United lost in the U19 girls championship match 1-0 to Concord Karma and in U10 boys red bracket MDSA Strikers FC was doubled up by Concord United 2.

MDSA United won the Pacifica Fog Classic U19 girls while MDSA Rampage was third in U16 girls.

AFTER TAKING SECOND AT CONCORD CUP XIX, the MDSA Dynamite under 10 girls won the red division at Davis World Cup by outscoring its six opponents 32-5. The Dynamite team included, front row from left, Lauren Wickham, Jessica Oledan, Lauren Utne, Kenzie Cummings; back row, coach Mark Wickham, Megan Morimoto, Rylie Velez, Emma Wilcox, Michelle Brown, Serena Connel and coach Mas Morimoto.

CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE HOSTING POST-SEASON PLAY The regular season is over but Clayton Valley Little League will be hosting post-season softball and baseball tournament games this month into July. Junior baseball and major/junior softball play begins tomorrow. More softball divisions start later this month while junior softball play will be held July 7-11. Check llcad4.org for specifics on local games in post-season play.

U8 SOCCER ACADEMY SUMMER SESSION ACCEPTING APPLICANTS Diablo FC’s renowned Soccer Academy is taking signups now for its summer session which runs July 9-Aug. 17. Boys and girls five to eight years of age can participate in the U8 Academy with instruction at Boatwright Fields from Brazilian Olympian Tafa, Diablo FC director of coaching Brian Voltattorni and District 4 coaching director Steve Shott.

Registration and more info are available at diablofc.org.

KNBR BASEBALL SKILLS CLINIC IN CONCORD JULY 12 The second annual KNBR Baseball Skills Clinic comes to the area on Thursday, July 12, at Willow Pass Park in Concord. The 9 a.m. - noon clinic is open to boys and girls from six to 12 years of age. Each attendee gets three hours of instruction, a t-shirt, lunch and clinic certificate. Cost is $20. Registration is taken now at KNBR.com.

CONTACT DIABLO FC FOR U23, YOUNGER PLAYER EVALUATIONS Men’s and women’s U23 teams are now taking player signups for a limited summer schedule with Diablo FC coaches Scott Alexander (women) and Richard Weiszmann (men). 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.

STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER DAY CAMP IN CLAYTON All Out Sports League Summer Day Camp for children four to 15 is still accepting registration for the program which begins next Monday, June 18, through Aug. 10. Children can participate full time or part time. There are a variety of activities including indoor and outdoor sports, visits to the park, arts and crafts and learning important character traits like leadership, teamwork and responsibility. Registration is being taken online at alloutsportsleague.com.

MDSA REGISTRATION EXTENDED FOR FALL SOCCER Girls and boys four to 18 years can sign up through Sunday, June 17, for the 32nd AYSO season of Mt. Diablo Soccer Association. Registrants Registrants through Sunday are guaranteed a team position.

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

June 15, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Great partnership sparks good business for Cheyenne Electric pair PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer

They traveled two different paths towards a career in the electrical business, but the two are wired in on the same goal.

Owners of Concord-based Cheyenne Electric Inc., Mike Henry and Bob Breland, have a staff of seven with plans to grow.

They currently have fullystocked service vehicles, a shop and an office serving residential and commercial customers in the Bay Area, Sacramento and Solano County. Their five-year plan is to have a larger office and shop, a warehouse and two more electricians.

“We have a really good nucleus right now,” Henry says, “but we want to be more thoroughly equipped in all aspects of the industry.”

Henry switched plans when he was unable to enlist in the Marine Corps and started working at an electrical wholesale house. After a few years, he worked for a contractor and completed an apprentice program to get his license in 1991.

Twenty years later, with project management, estimate and design experience under his belt, he and

CHEYENNE ELECTRIC OWNERS BOB BRELAND AND MIKE HENRY and their staff have more than 100 years of combined experience in residential and commercial electrical systems.

Breland started the New Year as owners of Cheyenne Electric.

After a career in the insurance industry, Breland decided to do something he always wanted to do – work with his hands. He earned his electrician’s license and was hired by Henry.

Both men say what sparks their interest in the field is to “flip that switch” and have results to show for their labor. No doubt they get a charge out of the challenge.

Breland says, “Electricity is an unforgiving mistress. She won’t let you make a mistake.”

Henry, who enjoyed drawing since he was a child and has a strong management background, manages the office and design.

Breland, with his hands-on approach, works in the field. It’s the perfect partnership. Even their sense of humor is complementary. While Breland jokes outright, Henry reveals an old love of drawing cartoons, even owning a business called Electri-toons in the past.

There is not always time for fun when powering up a new business and sometimes it is a family affair with their wives, Lisa

Henry and Laurel Breland, joining in to run the office. Son David Henry is also an electrician on staff.

Everyone’s focus is on customer satisfaction. “We treat the customer’s home like our own home,” Breland says.

Henry adds, “We leave the site cleaner than we found it.” Their strongest attribute, however, is their depth of knowledge. “We have multi-faceted electricians that are very astute in construction techniques and framing.”

All Cheyenne electricians are licensed or enrolled in an apprentice program. They recognize different construction methods and plan electrical work to “keep costs down and residual damage to a minimum.”

Clayton resident and real estate agent Arlene Skuba attests to their customer service and quality. Cheyenne does all of her electrical work and she refers her clients to them. “They are honest, very professional and do a great job. They have done jobs as small as changing a GFCI outlet to as big as rewiring a house.”

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Well-deserved kudos flew thick and fast as Art and Wine Chairperson John Garrett announced preliminary revenues from the May 5-6 Art & Wine Festival. Gross receipts from this year’s event are projected to come within $2,000 of the record total set by the 2010 festival. The results were announced at the monthly meeting of the Clayton Business and Community Association on May 31 at Oakhurst Country Club.

Garrett thanked all the chairpersons and the hundreds of volunteers who, he said, helped create one of the most smoothly

running Clayton Art & Wine Festivals in the event’s 23-year history. In turn, CBCA President Keith Haydon led the tumultuous applause for Garrett’s own dedication and exhausting work on behalf of the association’s main annual fundraiser.

Mayor Howard Geller singled out the volunteers from Diablo Valley Ranch for special praise.

The men from DVR once again provided hundreds of hours toward set-up and tear-down for the event’s infrastructure.

Eleven of the beneficiaries of CBCA fundraisers are Clayton graduating seniors who applied for, and were granted, scholarships toward their post-high school education. Four of the winners and their parents were

honored at the dinner meeting.

Three are 2012 graduates of Clayton Valley High School: Amanda Johnston, Joanna Fan, and Allison Abele. The fourth winner was Matthew Capella, a graduate of De La Salle High School.

At the meeting, the membership overwhelmingly approved a request from the CVHS Grad Night ’12 Committee for $2,500 to be used for scholarships for students who cannot afford the ticket price for the event.

Also overwhelmingly approved was the request from the CVHS golf team for $2,500.

The team is not funded by the school and relies on team member families and others to support the activity. The Clayton

Classic Golf Tournament is CBCA’s vehicle for helping fund the team.

President Haydon reported that a lower bid had been approved for the joint Daffodil Hill Landscaping project with the City of Clayton and implementation of the project was now moving ahead, with a mid-July completion target date. The club has been working on this project for many years and applauded the news that the project is finally nearing completion.

The next CBCA mixer is scheduled for June 27 at Rodie’s Feed and Pet Supply on Marsh Creek Road. The public is welcome for free refreshments and to learn more about getting involved in CBCA.

CLAYTON VALLEY GARDEN CLUB The Clayton Valley Garden Club took advantage of the garden lovers’ weekend by scheduling their annual plant sale the same weekend as the Clayton Historical Society Garden Tour.

Shoppers browsed through hundreds of varieties of plants from maple trees and

herb bowls to sunflowers, tomatoes and succulents that were propagated and grown by club members for the fundraiser.

Crafty members also donated a variety of handmade bird and butterfly houses for the sale.

The fundraiser supports community projects including an Eagle Scout who builds and places barn owl nest boxes in the Clayton Valley area, a donation to the Dover Air Force Memorial Chapel Garden where all overseas casualties return to the U.S and donations to hospice and Meals on Wheels.

A donation from the plant sale proceeds will benefit the Clayton Historical Society’s museum garden renovation currently underway.

For more about the Clayton Valley Garden Club, go to www.ClaytonValleyGardenClub.org

Mayor, from page 1 on Clayton Road and Daffodil Hill? Our contractors are working hard to complete these projects by mid-August with as little disruption to traffic as possible.

Once completed, like our newly renovated fountain landscaping, we will have a stunning entry to our downtown.

Last month my neighbor, who walks our trails daily, mentioned to me that he is upset with dog owners that do not pick up after their dogs when walking the trails.

He also mentioned an area where someone does picks up his or her dog’s poop, bags it, but then tosses it under a bush. Magically, he said, once there are seven bags in the bush, they suddenly disappear! He wanted to know if city maintenance workers pick up after irresponsible pet owners.

Two weeks later, I received an email from another Clayton resident who rides his bike daily on all the trails in Contra Costa County.

He complained that Clayton’s

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Buzz Bertolero presented Linda Karp of the Clayton Valley Garden Club with the Bert A. Bertolero 2012 Gardener of the Year Award. This annual award is sponsored by Navlet’s Garden Centers for gardening excellence and community service. Linda Karp serves as the Clayton Valley Garden Club 2012 Program Chair, creator of the successful Blossoms for Barbara event, student in horticulture at DVC and previously had her garden featured in the Clayton Gardens Tour.

trails are full of dog feces and garbage. He mentioned, for example, that he rides our trails once a week and regularly picks up seven orange bags of dog poop thrown under a bush, along with trash he finds. Mystery solved!

Pet owners, bike riders and trail walkers: city maintenance does not pick up dog poop or trash along our trails. Be responsible. Have pride in our trails and keep them as pristine as possible.

Just a reminder: last year the Clayton City Council instituted a reward policy for information that would lead to the conviction

of vandals. Each summer, the city spends thousands of your tax dollars replacing broken sprinklers and removing graffiti. Parents of juveniles caught vandalizing are held financially responsible. This might be a good time to have a heart-to-heart talk with your children. Please also remind them all city parks are off limits after dark.

Father’s Day is on June 17.

Let’s not forget how special Dad is. Make this a day that honors him for his tireless efforts all year round.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JUNE 20 FOR THE JUNE 29 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com

IN CLAYTON June 16, 23, 30, July 7 Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. – noon, Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown, pcfma.com/clayton.

June 23, July 7 Concerts in the Grove 6 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3.

July 4 Pancake Breakfast and Parade Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary pancakes at 7 a.m., Endeavor Hall. Parade at 10 a.m. on Main Street, Clayton.

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

Thru 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.

June 15 Comic Actor Kurt Bodden “Steve Seabrook: Better Than You,” a one-man show spoofing motivational speakers. 7:30 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. $15. Tickets at door; reservations suggested. brownpapertickets.com. 672-8717.

June 16 Comedy at Campbell Comedy and music in one great evening with Robin Cee, Derrick Leonard and Brian Bergeron. 8 p.m. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $18. willowstheatre.org. 798-1300.

June 16 Plant Sale Penstemon varieties, flowering shrubs. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Nursery, 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. 681-2968.

June 28 – July 21 “Vaudeville” A hilarious play with music by Laurence Carr. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $25-$30. willowstheatre.org. 798-1300.

June 30 Community Partners Fair & Open House Vendor displays, electronic waste drop off, games. Learn about community volunteer opportunities, other services and emergency equipment. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. diablovalleycommunitypartners.com.

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June 30 Grown Women Dance Collective Honoring African American musical artists that have died since the year 2000, but will inspire us for generations to come. 8 p.m. Willows Theatre, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $20. willowstheatre.org. 7981300.

June 30 A Musical Odyssey Vocal music from four periods of music history featuring Everlita RiveraDavid, soprano. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

July 4 Walnut Creek Concert Band Bring a picnic and celebrate America’s birthday and 25th year of the Walnut Creek Concert Band. 6 p.m. Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Free.

FUNDRAISERS June 16 Making Strides American Cancer Society’s breast cancer 5k walk. Registration 8 a.m.

Heather Farm Park, 301 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek. makingstrides.acsevents.org/walnutcreek.

June 25 Charity Golf Tournament Third annual Anthony Cottrell charity tournament benefiting George Mark Children’s House. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Registration/payment available up to and including day of event. accgt.com.

June 25, 26 Five Guys Burgers and Fries Organized by Clayton Valley Music Boosters. Download the flier at claytonbands.org. Bring flier and Five Guys donates 10 percent. Dine in or take out. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Located at 5442 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord.

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 June 19 thru Aug. 14 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. 11 am.

Thursdays June 21 thru Aug. 16 Picture Book Time Story time for three- to five-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. 11 a.m.

June 18 and 25 Dream Big Fun Days Stories, games and creative activities for ages 5 to 8. 2 – 3 p.m.

June 23 “Growgirl” Author talk with Heather Donahue and her memoirs “Growgirl: How My Life After the Blair Witch Project Went to Pot.” As the afterglow of the movie faded and her acting career stalled, Donahue started a new life farming medical marijuana. The story of one woman’s attempt to grow up and answer the question, “What am I doing with my life?” 2 p.m.

June 27 Make a Pillow Snazz up your snoozing with a cozy pillow. Grades 6 to 12. 4 – 5 p.m.

Registration requested.

SCHOOLS Kindergarteners Register for incoming class before June 27. Office closed from June 28 until Aug. 6. Mount Diablo Elementary School, 5880 Mt. Zion Drive, Clayton. 672-4840.

GOVERNMENT

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

Reservations required for lunch. $25. 672-5061.

June 15, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 17

Once Southeast Asia’s cultural capital, wartorn Cambodia remains poor but promising WOODY WHITLATCH Special to the Pioneer

[Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series by columnist Woody Whitlatch about his recent journey to southeast Asia.]

Thailand is a fascinating country that melds a strong cultural history with many modern conveniences. We assumed our journey to Cambodia, Thailand’s eastern neighbor, would present a similar experience. With the possible exception of the hot humid weather, that assumption would be wrong. Our Cambodian experience was a completely different adventure.

TRAGIC HISTORY To understand Cambodia in the 21st century, it is important know what its people have experienced over the last 1200 years.

From the ninth to 14th century the Angkor region of northern Cambodia was the cultural and religious capital of Southeast Asia. Historians claim Angkor was the largest pre-industrial age city in the world.

For the next 500 years Cambodia was subject to a nearly endless series of military attacks, invasions and occupations. The last half of the 20th century was even less kind to the Cambodian people. In the mid-1970s a revolution led by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge army resulted in genocide when an estimated two million Cambodians were killed

by fellow countrymen. The next decade saw an invasion by the Vietnamese army and a civil war that resulted in continued death and destruction. In the 1990s, a relatively peaceful era began under a UN brokered ceasefire agreement. Despite the political improvements Cambodia remains a very poor country.

We started our Cambodia experience in the capitol city of Phnom Penh, a bustling city of more than two million people.

Driving habits are unconventional, to put it mildly. Traffic lights and lane markings provide loose guidance for drivers. It is common to share the sidewalk with motorcycles trying to avoid the traffic jams on the streets.

Our guide in Phnom Penh, a wonderful middle aged man named Sam-Ath, survived the Khmer Rouge genocide. During our visit to the Genocide Museum we heard a first-hand account of an experience that is both horrific and unimaginable. It is haunting to think that everyone we saw in Cambodia old enough to have lived during the 1970s had similar stories.

The highlight of the Phnom Penh portion of our visit, a boat ride on the Mekong River, took us to the small village of Prek Bongkong. The family we visited produces and weaves silk at their home. Our hostess explained that she had travelled to Viet Nam to learn about silk production, and

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A MOTORBIKE IS SO LOADED WITH BASKETS on the way to market near Phnom Penh that the driver is invisible.

her goal is to train fellow villagers so that they could also generate income from their homes.

HISTORIC GRANDEUR The next day we drove north to visit Cambodia’s main tourist attraction, the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. The main highway is paved and relatively smooth.

Modern cars and busses share the road with oxcarts, tractors, motorbikes and bicycles. It is not unusual to see small motorbikes transporting entire families. Some motorbikes are so laden with goods on the way to market that the drivers are invisible.

Visiting the temples of Angkor Wat is like winding the clock back a thousand years. Even after centuries of warfare and neglect, it is astonishing to see the

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grandeur and complexity of the temples. It is truly an engineering feat that rivals the Pyramids of Egypt and Mayan temples of Mexico.

The Cambodian Land Mine Museum, founded and operated by an ex-Khmer Rouge soldier, is located a few miles from Angkor Wat. We quickly transitioned from a scene of past glories to one of present day realities. The workers at this facility are dedicated to defusing countless numbers of land mines dot the countryside.

They also support a school for maimed and orphaned children.

A visit to Cambodia is a compelling historical and emotional journey. One hopes the Cambodian people have a peaceful and productive future, they certainly deserve it.

Fired up about the candle business PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer

Everyone loves candles, right?

It makes perfect sense – or scents: Why not sell the candles everyone adores?

Lee Wilkinson and his wife, Kollette Vanerstrom, lighted on the idea and are independent distributors for the Ashman Candle Company and their company, Candles Make Scents, for the second year.

“It’s just an enjoyable candle that makes great gifts. Every part is made in the USA,” Wilkinson says.

Wilkinson and Vanerstrom grew up and still reside in Concord. They love to travel and met while planning a houseboat trip with friends. They recently

IF THEY DON’T HAVE IT IN STOCK, CANDLES MAKE SCENTS owners Kollette Vanerstrom and Lee Wilkinson can order any of the Ashman soy candles or accessories shown online for customers.

went on another boat, a cruise ship to be exact, to celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary.

Wilkinson works for a nation-

al provider of carbon dioxide for beverages, delivering product to restaurants throughout the Bay Area. Wilkinson bought his first

Ashman candle from his employer’s wife. He kept buying the candles because of the variety. And, he says, “They burn easily all the way to the bottom because of the two wicks. They are scented all the way through.”

Vanerstrom works full time doing computer analysis support in the banking industry.

Wilkinson and Vanerstrom are analyzing what makes sense for illuminating customers about Candles Make Scents. They offer a free catalog and will show the candles and accessories at the customer’s home or their own. Sixty tantalizing scents are available, including candy corn, melon patch, sugar cookie, vineyard and cinnamon vanilla.

For more information, call 4057199 or go to candlesmakescents.net.

Homes can benefit from a little pillow talk

JENNIFER LEISCHER

DESIGN DIVA Pillows are truly my go-to accessory for any home project, at any budget. They are one of the easiest accessory to incorporate into a design scheme as they’re readily available from just about any retailer (boutique or big box venue) and don’t need to last a lifetime, as maybe you would expect from your furniture.

Pillows do not need to last a lifetime. While your sofa may be an investment piece, your pillows are not. Like jewelry or shoes that coordinate with your ensemble, pillows can be just about anything you want them to be and can be interchanged as often as you like.

Here is a trick of the trade: Invest in your pillow inserts.

Purchase typical sized pillow inserts (16-inches, 18-inches or 24-inches square) that have a content of 25/75 or 50/50 down/feather. These inserts create the best shape for your pillow cover, unlike polyester fill that is inflexible and may or may not come in an actual insert, but instead, come stuffed into the pillow cover.

Once you have the insert, shop to your hearts content for the covers.

When you have your inserts and several covers to play with, don’t forget to fluff these little gems. One of the lessons I learned as a young designer was the “pillow fluff ” technique. A very silly discussion, I agree, but once you see your pillows perfectly plumped by using this technique, you will forever be changed and never tolerate a pancake shaped pillow again.

HOW TO FLUFF A PILLOW: This technique is best used on pillows that have a down/feather insert.

Pick up pillow and shake it out to evenly spread fill. Pillow should look flat.

time, quickly and firmly “chop” the middle sides. Your pillow should look like an upside down bow tie.

Now, with one hand, quickly and a little less firm, “chop” the center top.

Stand pillow upright and place on piece of furniture.

With both hands, at the same

Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Performing Arts

‘9 to 5’ is full-time summer fun SALLY HOGARTY Special to the Pioneer

The Willows Theatre has brought the 1980s back in full force with the opening of “9 to 5” at its mainstage theater in Concord. Based on the film starring Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman, the musical brings out the sexism rampant in the workplace at that time, not to mention the less than attractive attire.

Kudos to costumers Cari Ballinger and Jimmy Gale for capturing the era in vivid detail as well as letting their imaginations run wide in the fantasy sequence.

The story follows the tribulations of office workers at Consolidated Industries, where the lecherous Frank Hart isn’t shy about letting his female employees know just what position they can attain in the office hierarchy. Fed up with his unfair treatment and disgusting advances, Violet, Doralee and Judy vow to get even. They manage to kidnap Hart and turn the office into an efficient workplace with motivated employees in his absence. Of course, he eventually escapes and returns to Consolidated bent on revenge

just as his superiors drop by to congratulate him for his team’s good work. The women triumph in the end but not before lots of entertaining entanglements, rapid scene changes, and energetic dance numbers.

The book by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, gives Willows’ director Eric Inman and his performers a lot of creative leeway, especially during the fantasy sequence in which Violet, Doralee and Judy imagine how to do in the chauvinistic Hart. In these numbers, choreographers LaTonya Watts and Isaiah Tyrelle go from jazzy gangsters to gun-toting cowboys to classic fairytale characters with the large ensemble plunging into every change with abandon.

Several ensemble members also have a chance to shine in cameo roles, especially Kathryn Han as the mousy wife of the boss.

But the power behind this show lies in the casting of the three secretaries, and Inman did not disappoint. Jessica Raaum displays her substantial vocal skills and comedic timing as Judy, the inexperienced office worker trying to make a life without her philandering husband, while a delightful Sophia Rose Morris portrays the curvaceous

ROSE MORRIS (CENTER) RECREATES DOLLY PARTON’S iconic film role as Doralee in “9 to 5, The Musical”. The light musical delivers a serious message along with Parton’s great music and lyrics. The show plays through June 23 at The Willows in Concord.

Texan Doralee with aplomb.

Adding her considerable talents to the mix, Elizabeth Palmer packs quite a punch as the highly capable office worker and single mom Violet. Also demonstrating substantial vocal range in supporting roles are Briel Pomerantz and Joseph Brunicardi.

While the numerous songs and silly situations make “9 to 5” a frothy musical perfect for light, summer entertainment, the play also highlights inequities still relevant today. The rampant sexism may be gone but equal pay for

equal work has yet to be achieved. A scene in the musical ironically shows a female employee fired for asking about her male counterpart’s salary.

Meanwhile, members of the U.S. Senate are currently advancing the Paycheck Protection Act to guard women from retaliation if they sue for equal pay. Seems there are still a few Mr. Harts out there.

“9 to 5” continues through June 23. For tickets, call 925-798-1300 or go to www.willowstheatre.org.

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SIDNEY FALCO Special to the Pioneer

New York playwright Laurence Carr will be in the audience when his play, “Vaudeville,” opens at the Willows Campbell Theatre in Martinez on June 28.

“Vaudeville,” billed as “A Play with Music,” is Carr’s tribute to his maternal grandfather, once a performer in British music halls, the equivalent to American Vaudeville.

It’s 1919, and nine seasoned show folks are stuck in Philadelphia. While their world is the small-time circuit of third-rate theaters, they keep their hopes alive for fame and stardom — making it in “The Big Time.” Cohen and Cobb, Max Maxwell and Maxie, Mlle.

Yvette – they’re a cross-section of the last generation of

hoofers, comics and novelty acts who kept America entertained when Vaudeville was America’s most popular entertainment medium – just before it would be replaced by the movies.

“Vaudeville” revels in authentic period songs, from the familiar “Hello, Ma Baby,” and “Shine on Harvest Moon,” to the less well known (but popular in 1919), “I’m a Yiddisher Cowboy,” and “O’Brian is Tryin’ to Learn to Talk Hawaiian.”

Some of the more famous performers to get their start in Vaudeville include Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, and a San Francisco girl named Gracie Allen. On June 28, the Willows Theatre presents the regional premiere of “Vaudeville” (Carr’s play) to show what Vaudeville (the great American institution) was all about.

Laurence Carr’s visit to the area is actually a tradition. He and his wife, Kay Stuntz, have spent nearly every New Year’s Eve in Clayton for the past 15 years, visiting Carr’s brother, Gary, and his wife, Kathy, who have lived in Clayton for two decades.

“Dinner at La Veranda on New Year’s Eve has become a standard for the four of us,” Laurence Carr says. “It’s sort of the Sardi’s of Clayton,” he adds.

Laurence – “Larry” to his friends – teaches dramatic writing at the State University of New York in New Paltz and lives in nearby Highland. Wife Kay is a theatrical costume builder who works from her studio in their home, a renovated farm house dating from the 1830s.

Both have spent their adult lives in the theater. Larry is an actor, director and playwright.

His “Kennedy at Colonus,” about the life of Robert F. Kennedy, won plaudits as an outstanding Off-Broadway play.

Kay’s costume creations include sweaters for the sorority girls in the Broadway production of “Legally Blonde.” She has also made pajamas for the Muppets and a tuxedo for the Philly Phanatic, the big green mascot of the Philadelphia Phillies.

“We’ve known The Willows by reputation for a long time, and I’m confident that Eric Inman will find all the comedy and poignancy rooted in the script,” Carr says.

“Vaudeville” runs June 28 through July 21 at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward Street in Downtown Martinez. It is directed by Eric Inman and features Sally Hogarty, Andrea Snow, Morgan Mackay, Michael Barrett Austin, and Trevor Moppin.

Hal Linden joins cast of ACT’s ‘Scottsboro Boys’ Tony and Emmy Award winner Hal Linden will be among a stellar cast as the American Conservatory Theater (ACT) closes its 2011-12 season with the Bay Area premier of “The Scottsboro Boys,” the critically acclaimed musical based on a tragic chapter in American history.

Based on the notorious 1931 “Scottsboro Case,” “The Scottsboro Boys” tells the story of nine African American teenagers — ranging from 13 to 19 years old — convicted of raping two white girls on a Southern Railroad freight train while hitching a ride to Memphis in search of employment. Despite the fact that one of the original complainants later denied that any rape had occurred, the nine teenagers were subjected to years of brutal imprisonment, deathsentence verdicts, denied appeals, and long-delayed pardons for a crime they did not commit. Reclaiming the framework of a minstrel show, the musical — through high-energy dance numbers and upbeat music — courageously addresses one of the most abhorrent episodes in American history.

Nominated for twelve 2011 Tony Awards, “The Scottsboro Boys” features music and lyrics by the legendary Broadway song-

writing team of John Kander and Fred Ebb (“Cabaret,” “Chicago,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman”).

Photo by Henry DiRocco

OLEN MONTGOMERY (DAVID BAZEMORE, LEFT), Eugene Williams (Nile Bullock, center), and Clarence Norris (Eric Jackson) in The Scottsboro Boys, plays June 21–July 15 at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.

Looking at famous trials of the twentieth century as inspiration for their next show, the they were immediately drawn to the compelling story of the Scottsboro Boys trial. Says Kander: “As a young boy growing up in Kansas City, I remember when the Scottsboro Boys were first in the headlines. I remember the conversations with my parents about what the trials meant. I am sure there were similar conversations at kitchen tables across the country. I also remember when the headlines began to fade and the Scottsboro Boys gradually disappeared from the national spotlight. As we began to write The Scottsboro Boys, it was immediately apparent why it was so important to tell their story. Behind the headlines, the spectacle, the ongoing trials, and the histrionics of politicians and lawyers was the story of nine young African American boys, determined to prove that they mattered.”

“The Scottsboro Boys” performs a limited run June 21–July 15 at ACT (415 Geary Street, San Francisco).

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.act-sf.org or by calling 415-749-2228.

June 15, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 19

Book Review

Coflin Family Chiropractic vil for pain

This frontier fairy tale may not end happily The are many romanticized stories of the great frontiers of America, but Eowyn Ivey’s debut novel, “The Snow Child,” is not one of them. In fact, it is a lyrical piece that weaves a Russian fairy tale with a bit of magical realism, and dispels any illusion of a heroic frontier life by revealing a hard-as-nails struggle for existence.

Set against the backdrop of the 1920s, “The Snow Child” is about Jack and Mabel, who have run away to Alaska to make a new start. They love each other the best they can, but the peace they thought they would find by forging a life in the wilderness seems only to bring deeper sorrow and a more dangerous kind

CYNTHIA GREGORY

FOR

THE

BOOKS

of isolation.

In their seclusion, Jack and Mabel begin to succumb to the bitterness of hardship. As beautiful as the wilderness is, it is also cruel and they haven’t the

skills to take what they want from a land that has never been tamed. Still, one day it begins to snow and in a fit of wonder and playfulness, they run outdoors and begin to form a snowman.

But the snowman is small and for some whimsy, Jack and Mabel create not a man from ice and snow, but a girl. Jack carves a face with his pen knife, and gives her hair of straw. Mabel stains the snow girl’s lips with wild berries, then rushes into the cabin and returns with a cap and pair of mittens she had knit and with which she decorates their creation.

In the morning, they spy out the windows of their home to admire their playful handiwork,

Pioneer Photo Album Carina Fryer took this photo of her dog, Tank, when they stopped for a drink at the park. The thirsty dog was not about to let a drop go to waste.

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.

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but the snow girl is gone, and so too are the hat and mittens.

What could have happened to them? Wild animals could have stolen the clothing in the night and made a nest of them. It’s never fully explained.

Soon after, the couple befriends a young girl who visits the homestead, and who appears to live in the wild. She’s a feral little thing with white blonde hair and a blue wool coat, who seem to manage quite well on her own. And she does seem to be made of the elements, preferring the freezing outdoors to the overheated cabin. She is at home in the wild, and resists Jack’s or Mabel’s attempts to rope her in. They move from concern and worry to actually loving the girl, and consider her their own. The trouble is, no one else has seen her, and the neighbors begin to suspect that Jack and Mabel have tripped over the edge of reason, having been driven mad by their seclusion.

Ivey’s novel runs on parallel tracks to the Russian tale of a little girl made of snow by the loving hands of a childless couple. The story is deftly told, and it leaves the reader wondering if Jack and Mabel have made the girl up out of longing for company and connection. Perhaps best of all, the author leaves it up to the reader to determine for herself, exactly who this girl is and what she is made of.

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

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 15, 2012

Garden Tour blooms with success NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL Dahlias, petunias and Black-eyed Susans are welcome guests Summer flower gardens and container combinations can be as unique and original as the people that tend them. The nursery industry has hybridized some outstanding plants and perennials that thrive during the summer’s months in our Clayton Valley landscapes and gardens. You just need to know what ones are worthy of your energy, water and time.

Black-eyed Susans are some of the most summer friendly perennials around. The selection called Indian Summer is the most fabulous. You will find this plant in garden centers under the name Rudbeckia hirta, Indian Summer. This perennial will reach heights of 36-48-inches tall and almost half as wide. Large butter yellow daisy shaped blossoms measure 3-4-inches across, and the center of the bloom has the familiar dark eye, where the plant gets its name. Black-eyed Susan will flower from June through September. It is wonderful when used in a perennial bed, behind shorter evergreens, or incorporated into a container. If you see holes on your Black-eyed Susan’s leaves, chances are it is from small birds, as they love the fuzzy leaves.

SMALL AREA, BIG BLOOMS Parahebe linifolia is commonly called Veronica Hebe, but it is no way related to either.

This exceptional evergreen creates a living border and is perfect flowering plants for small areas, it will mature to 12-inches tall and wide. Dark green, basilshaped leaves are finely toothed and contrast nicely with the plant’s red stems. During the summer months the Parahebe linifolia will be covered with graceful white flowers along stems that stand 4-6-inches above the plant. This evergreen is very hardy to our Clayton Valley landscapes, handles our sun, heat and frost. It may look delicate, but with the Parahebe, looks are very deceiving.

The clusters of burnt orange flowers from the slipper plant is an attention grabber in a summer garden. Calceolaria integrifolia, “Kentish Hero,” is a punchy medium sized perennial that lends itself to many landscape applications.

The “Kentish Hero” has a textured leaf with a slight pile. It is resistant to deer. The flowers are shaped like little irregular kidney beans. The orange is fiery, with gold towards the inner section.

The bloom of the Calceolaria is anything but common, and it will get the conversation started when showing your friends your garden.

Dahlias are the darlings of the summer gardens. With new introductions every year, it is hard to know what ones are good, and which are better.

Consider series such as Mystic, with the dark eggplant colored leaves, or Karma, a typical green leafed selection with dramatic

coloring. Both of these series are very heavy bloomers. Since their flowers are smaller in size, the plants have more energy to bloom heavier and longer.

WHY NOT DEEP ORANGE? The family of Echinacea keeps growing. Every year there are new introductions. Last year a selection called Hot Papaya was introduced, and it performed beautifully. These Echinacea’s flowers are a deep red orange. Thick stems support dramatic flowers that aren’t typical of the rest of the coneflower family. The petals point down, but rather than surrounding a cone, the Hot Papaya petals surround a fiery orange pom-pom. If you haven’t had luck with having your Echinacea return after it runs its dormancy in the winter, consider installing your Echinacea an inch above the ground, this way it won’t drown in our clay with the winter rains.

There is a new series of petunias available. They are called the Phantom Series, and they are a collection of almost black petunias. Some are solid; others have white margins and some yellow streaks. They are fantastic in a Clayton Valley garden.

If you are planting the right plants, you don’t have to be afraid to plant during the summer, it is a great time to get some fabulous selections of thing that you can’t get other times of the year.

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

ROY AND MELANIE ALARCON’S Morgan Territory Road home was one of the 18 gardens on the 20th annual Clayton Historical Society Gardens Tour.

By all accounts, the Clayton Historical Society’s Gardens Tour was a huge success this year. Eighteen local gardens were featured in this 20th year of the tour which the late Clayton matriarch Eldora Hoyer began.

More than 380 people bought tickets for the annual tour, the most attendees since 2007.

The committee also sponsored a raffle that netted nearly $700. Program advertisers donated nearly $1,000 to create an attractive brochure and to help keep the museum operating. The committee wishes to thank the homeowners who worked many hours on their gardens, which most attendees described as “gorgeous.” It would also like to thank the business and individuals for the gifts used in the drawing.

A special thanks goes out to R&M Pool, Patio, and Gardens for giving a discount to the homeowners, advertising and selling tickets. Navlet’s Garden Center also gave a discount to homeowners and guests going on the tour.

The money from the tour is used for the many programs to benefit local school and community programs at the Clayton Museum.

Grill power – throw some veggies on the barbie DEBRA J. MORRIS PCFMA

There’s nothing better than the taste and smell of onions on the grill. Or summer squash brushed with olive oil. Or big ripe tomatoes sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Not to mention big sweet peaches, halved and pitted, and touched with brown sugar.

The Clayton Farmers’ Market is the place to come for fresh produce to toss on the grill for your Memorial Day gatherings.

Apricots, peaches, and other stonefruit from Resendiz Farms, yellow squash and zucchini from G&A Farms, and big sweet onions from J&M Farms offer the best for delicious grilling.

Grilling intensifies the flavor of fruits and vegetables and adds

wonderful color and aroma to your meals. Here are some quick tips for grilling produce: Fruits are best grilled when the coals have begun to die out or when placed on the outer edges of the grate, using more of an indirect type of heat.

Brush vegetables with oil or butter to prevent sticking to the grill, or spray non-stick coating on a cold grill.

When grilling harder vegetables, such as potatoes, with other vegetables, they may need to be cooked before grilling to ensure that all the vegetables are done at the same time.

Soft fruits such as peaches and apricots should be cooked about five minutes, hard fruits a little longer. Zucchini and other summer squash, onions, and peppers should be grilled about 10 to 12

minutes, corn about 15 to 20. A selection of chunked vegetables can also be seasoned and cooked in aluminum foil packets for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Here is a one of my favorite grilled vegetable recipes: SPICY SUMMER SQUASH Choose large zucchini, large yellow squash, or large round globe squash. Wash, pat dry, trim ends. Cut in half lengthwise.

Brush cut sides liberally with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with ground chipotle powder (use sparingly— it’s very spicy). Grill, cut side down for about 10 minutes, or until tender.

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