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September 14, 2012
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Ribbon-cutting signals a whole new chapter in school’s history Clayton Valley Charter High School opens with community support and good news for former district
HOWARD GELLER
MAYOR’S CORNER
Don’t miss election forum, Olympic celebration In November, Clayton will be holding an election for three seats on our city council. The three incumbents are running with two additional candidates that have filed for the positions. If you would like to learn more about the race, the Clayton Community Library Foundation and the Clayton branch of the AAUW will be hosting a “Clayton City Council Candidate Forum,” moderated by the League of Women Voters, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1 in the Clayton Community Library Community Room. This event is free and open to the public. Local Heroes: At 5 p.m. on Sept. 15, Clayton is hosting a parade down “America’s Main Street” to honor Kristian Ipsen
See Mayor, page 6
DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
Mike Dunn
CITY COUNCILMAN DAVE SHUEY (FAR LEFT) WATCHES AS CVCHS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID LINZEY, Contra Costa Superintendent of Schools Joseph Ovick, CVCHS Governing Board President Neil McChesney and CVCHS Director of Operations cut the ribbon and declared Clayton Valley Charter High School officially open. Government officials, local dignitaries, students, teachers, parents and supporters filled the school’s amphitheatre and quad last Thursday to celebrate the success after a two year struggle to withdraw from MDUSD and become an independent, self governing high school.
With one snip of the scissors, it was official: the Clayton Valley Charter High School was finally open. Of course, students have already been in class for weeks, and the school’s original steering committee has been working for years to cut that ribbon – despite being dogged every step of the way by district officials, charter opponents and even other Mt. Diablo Unified School District schools. Flanked by local dignitaries, parents, students and teachers – and with the school’s amphitheater and quad brimming with supporters – CVCHS Executive Director David Linzey, Contra Costa County Superintendent of
See Charter, page 9
Clayton Theatre Company gears up for spring opening at Endeavor Young Clayton pair poised for more Olympic glory Kohler and Ipsen look to compete in Rio, but enjoy being back to ‘normal’ for now JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Kristian Ipsen and Kara Kohler each won a bronze medal at the recent London Olympics, and while the homegrown Clayton athletes are already looking ahead to August 2016 when the Summer Games move south to Rio De Janeiro, another day a lot sooner is energizing their local fans. The City of Clayton will be throwing a victory celebration for the hometown heroes on Saturday, Sept. 15, complete with a parade, recognitions, photos and autograph-signings. It’s the least the community could do for these athletes.
Kohler and Ipsen were the youngest members of their respective American rowing and diving teams in London. In four years’ time they will be closer to the average age of the top competitors in their sports and each will have the experience of winning Olympic medals to call on in Brazil. ONLY MET ONCE Despite their shared experiences, however, Saturday will be the only the second time the two have actually met. Although the two Olympians have lived their entire lives in Clayton, they were never introduced until they were at a reception at the USA House in London a day after the conclusion of their competitions. Kohler laughs when she remembers the occasion. Ipsen and his 3-meter synchro diving partner Troy Dumais were having pictures taken with their
medals when Kohler, who is a half foot taller than Ipsen, walked up and gave him a big hug. “I think I may have scared him a little,” she says. “I was sure to tell everyone there that we both come from this little town of Clayton, California.” Ipsen said that the two had exchanged greetings on Facebook prior to the Olympics but it was the first time they met face to face. “I felt like I already knew him, reading all the stories in the Pioneer over the years,” Kohler said. One nice advantage of competing so early in the Games on Aug. 1 is that both Ipsen and Kohler were able to enjoy the rest of the Olympics without any pressure. Since rowing was held 25 miles west of London at Eton Dorney Kohler missed the opening ceremonies, which were held the night before her first event,
Throughout its 150-years history, Endeavor Hall has seen everything from church services to 4-H meetings; from fashion shows to dessert with Mrs. Santa. Back in the 1960s, it was the site of live drama – melodrama, that is. Old-timers will remember sitting at the long tables covered with newspaper, drinking pitchers of beer, pelting the over-thetop villains and heroines with popcorn and cheering and jeering the cheesy olios. Back then, the little building at the corner of Oak and Center Streets was was simply called the town hall and it’s about to see a return of live theatre. Next May, the Clayton Theatre Company, founded by local Thespians Roxanne Pardi and La Tonya Watts – will open their first show. And, yes, it’s a melodrama. “Every city should have a theatre company,” says Pardi. “It entertains, educates and elevates a community.” Pardi and Watts envision a small, intimate company – what used to be called ‘little theatre’ – with a budget that can be supported within the community.
See Olympians, page 12
See Theatre, page 16
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
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Photo courtesy of Roxanne Pardi
LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS PROS, LA TONYA WATT and Roxanne Pardi have paired up to bring live theatre to downtown Clayton. “Kinda like Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland,” laughs Pardi. The Clayton Theatre Company will open with a popular melodrama in May.
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