2012_Clayton_Pioneer_0928

Elections 2012 Council Candidate Q&A

page 6

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

September 28, 2012

925.672.0500

Clayton delivers Olympic-sized celebration for hometown heroes HOWARD GELLER

MAYOR’S CORNER

Concert season draws to a close as part of the biggest event in city’s history Clayton did it right with the pomp and circumstance befitting Kristian Ispen and Kara Kohler, our two Olympian Bronze medalists. Approximately 6,000 Claytonian and neighboring residents lined Main Street USA on September 15th to cheer our heroes.

Our Chief of Police, in our vintage Police car with its siren blaring and lights flashing, led the parade. Clayton Scout Troops carried the colors. Several cheerleading squads from Clayton Valley Charter High School, as well as the Falcons cheer squad, followed them.

Our Olympians were driven in vintage

See Mayor, page 10

Mike Dunn

Post office ready to send off two of its own PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer

LOCAL AND NATIONAL OFFICIALS HEADED UP THE CROWD OF MORE THAN 5000 that turned out to honor two hometown kids who scored big with bronze medals at the 2012 Olympics in London this summer. From left, US Congressman George Miller, Cal Coach Dave O’Neill, Councilman Joe Medrano, Kara Kohler, Mayor Howard Geller, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Kristian Ipsen, Councilwoman Julie Pierce and State Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla.

Kristian Ipsen and Kara Kohler feted with parade, honors and community pride PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer

The first time Kara Kohler was in a parade through downtown Clayton, she rode her small two-wheeled bike in a 4th of July celebration as part of the Dana Hills Swim Team.

This time, it was a bit different, as

the Olympic Bronze Medal rower was one of the star attractions of the biggest event Clayton has ever seen, sharing the spotlight with fellow Olympic bronze medal-winning diver Kristian Ipsen in a downtown parade and celebration honoring two hometown kids who shined on the world’s biggest athletic stage.

More than 5,000 – some say closer to 6,000 – cheering fans, from babies in arms to octogenarians, crowded Main Street to honor Kohler and Ipsen, who graduated from Clayton Valley High School and De La Salle, respectively.

Retiring police chief Dan Lawrence

led the parade in a vintage police car in front of Kristian in a red classic Thunderbird convertible and Kara in a beige T-Bird. Escorting the beaming Olympians were varsity, JV and frosh cheer squads from Clayton Valley Charter High School, Clayton Valley Falcons cheer squads and boy and girl scouts of all ages.

The fact that the CVCHS cheer squad opted out of appearing in Walnut Creek’s Walnut Festival Twilight Parade in favor of the Ipsen-Kohler commemoration underscored the importance of this Olympic-size celebration in the community.

‘I KNOW WHAT IT TAKES’ At the end of the parade, the day’s honorees went to the Gazebo stage in The Grove, where they were joined by a cadre of dignitaries. Mayor Howard Geller served as master of ceremonies, and was joined by Congressman George Miller, Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla (also representing State Senator Mark DeSaulnier) and County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. The elected officials presented the athletes with proclamations extolling their determination, dedication and hard work in achieving their lofty goals.

See Hometown Heroes, page 2

City of Concord receives SMD Mountain Star award for Weapons Station Open Space plans POSTAL WORKERS JIMMY HERNANDEZ and Tony Oliver retire after more than 20 years at the Clayton office.

They go together like stamps and envelopes, bubble wrap and boxes. A trip to the Clayton post office is not complete without seeing Tony Oliver and Jaime “Jimmy” Hernandez at the main counter, helping customers and sharing a laugh or two.

Soon they will both weigh their last package and sell their last stamp. But don’t feel sorry for them. Congratulations are in order because they are retiring after spending 20-plus years with the United States Postal Service in Clayton.

Oliver retires on Sept. 30 and Hernandez retires in early 2013.

See Post Office, page 9

BERYL ANDERSON Special to the Pioneer

It’s not often when a large city is lauded for its work in helping preserve the environment, but that’s what happened when Save Mount Diablo bestowed its prestigious Mountain Star Alliance Award on the City of Concord for the work the city has done to preserve parts of the Concord Naval Weapons Station as parks and open space.

When the CNWS closure was announced, SMD began meeting with a coalition of environmental, labor, interfaith, affordable housing and neighborhood groups. Taking the adage that “It takes a village” to heart, the coalition worked with the city to develop a Reuse Plan that would

What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .13

benefit the entire region.

As a result, the project will be moredense and centered around mass transit.

Twenty-five percent of the housing will be affordable with policies which promise to support unions and hire locally.

There will also be thousands of new jobs, said SMD Land programs Director Seth Adams. “In addition, an astounding 70 percent of the 5,000 acres will be dedicated to parks and open space, extending a broad wildlife and recreational corridor from Mt. Diablo and Black Diamond Mines almost to Suisun Bay,” he said. The new parks will protect Mt. Diablo Creek and buffer existing neighborhoods from new developments, and a new regional preserve will be twice as big as the Presidio.

Scott Hein

See Open Space, page 11

Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Community Calendar . . . . . .14 CVCHS Reporter . . . . . . . . . .9

MT. DIABLO FROM THE CONCORD NAVAL WEAPONS STATION in 2008. The Reuse Plan will dedicate 70 percent of the base’s “Inland Area” to parks and open space.

Design and Décor . . . . . . . .10 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 Estate Planning . . . . . . . . . .10 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . . .8 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Food for Thought . . . . . . . . .12 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .20 Pioneer Photo Album . . . . . .19 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .17

Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 28, 2012

Photo Jim Vestal

Photo Mike Dunn

Hometown Heroes, from page 1 TOP ROW: CVCHS CHEER SQUAD OPTED OUT OF THE WALNUT FESTIVAL to carry the banner in the parade for Clayton’s two Olympic medalists.

Photo Mike Dunn

1960 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST DON BRAGG with Kara and Kristian.

Photo Julie Pierce

Clayton’s adopted son Don Bragg – a 1960 Gold Medal-winning pole vaulter – also spoke to the crowd, lauding Kohler and Ipsen’s achievements.

“I know what it takes to make it,” he said. “I know about the hard work.” Then he didn’t disappoint the audience, letting out his famous Tarzan yell that he gave 52 years ago on the podium in Rome. Like the speakers before him, Bragg encouraged both Olympians to stick with it and achieve even more success in Rio at the 2016 Summer Games.

Both of the young Olympians had other supporters to sing – or yell – their praises. Kohler, who attends UC Berkeley, heard her Cal crew coach Dave O’Neill – who also served on the US Olympic coaching staff in London – tell stories illustrating the lengths to which she has gone in furthering her fitness and athletic quest. A group from Kohler’s Cal crew was on hand to cheer their

teammate, their blue and gold attire standing out in an audience largely bedecked in red, white and blue.

‘DO WHAT YOU LOVE’ The cheering, overflow crowd finally got what they came for when first Ipsen and then Kohler spoke, taking time to thank their families, friends and hometown of Clayton.

Eloquent and soft-spoken, Ipsen, who attends Stanford University, talked about returning home very disappointed from the United States Olympic Trails earlier in the summer, where he missed out earning an individual Olympic berth in the three-meter springboard by the narrowest of margins. As he drove into Clayton the first thing he saw was a banner atop Ed’s Mudville Grill saluting him and Kara for their Olympic team selections and his mood immediately changed.

Kohler, more exuberant in a

Photo Jim Vestal

manner that perhaps reflects the free-spiritedness of her college, joyfully recalled her first parade through town, and said how glad she was that she continued her career in water sports.

Both Olympians spoke directly to the youth (and parents) in the audience encouraging them to pursue their dreams, try many different sports and choose the one that brings them the most joy.

“Do what you love,” Ipsen said.

Kohler agreed. “Try everything. I did. I tried it all before I found rowing.”

They both said that seeking a college scholarship or an Olympic medal isn’t the reason to play a sport but rather the enjoyment and life lessons sports bring.

The ceremony concluded with Mayor Geller, on behalf of the city council, proclaiming Sept.

16 as Kristian Ipsen Day in Clayton and Sept. 17 as Kara Kohler Day. Each athlete was presented with a key to the city that the

Photo Tamara Steiner

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Photos, bottom row from left: Kara and Kristian with Kristian's grandfather, Skip Ipsen; Kristian’s grandmother, Linda Ipsen with Julie Pierce; Kristian’s dad Kent and Tamara Steiner; Kristian and Kara signing autographs after the parade.

Photo Mike Dunn

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mayor encouraged them to take on their travels knowing that they are always welcome back home.

The Olympians then spent the next two and half hours taking photos with and signing autographs for kids and fans of all ages as East Bay Mudd serenaded the crowd at the final Concert in the Grove event of the summer.

“This was a classic Clayton parade honoring our wonderful Olympians,” said city councilwoman Julie Pierce, who coordinated the event. “It’s the way Clayton does things. We could not have asked for a more beautiful evening.” She added that many people have said it was the “best celebration Clayton has ever had.”

At least until 2016.

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September 28, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 3

Around Town Pioneer travels the world

Mayor weds his first lady

EUROPE Concord resident Susan Diego took her children Havana Maier and Ben Maier on a fourweek ramble through Europe.

They started in Rome where they saw all the historical landmarks, drank from fabulous fountains and ate lots of pizza.

They moved on to Switzerland and Amsterdam where they took a 12- Baltic cruise. Highlights included seeing the opulent palaces and the Soviet architecture of St. Petersburg, eating Dutch pannekoeken (pancakes), visiting an Estonian dairy farm, swimming in the Mediterranean and all seeing the ruins of ancient Rome.

DEBRA MULLINS AND HOWARD GELLER

Endeavor Hall at sunset was the setting for the marriage of Debra “Debbie” Mullins and Howard Geller on Sept. 8. The two were joined by friends and family when they exchanged vows in the courtyard of the historic building. A reception with dinner and dancing to the music of Cover to Cover followed at Oakhurst Country Club.

The adult children of the bride and groom served their parents as attendants. Matron of Honor was Debbie’s daughter, Andrea McGrath and bridesmaid was Howard’s daughter,

Rebecca Pandelis. Alexander Geller was his father’s Best Man and Debbie’s son Matthew Mullins served as groomsman.

The couple met in 2001 when they were volunteers for the Art and Wine Festival. Both are active in civic affairs.

Howard sits on the city council and currently serves as mayor.

Both have had careers in real estate and finance. They are currently semi-retired from their property management business.

They live in the Westwood area of Clayton and are planning a honeymoon, possibly to Mexico, in November.

PUERTO VALLARTA Jenna Simpkins and her mom, Kristin, only thought they

PARIS

Last month, seven Diablo View Middle School students traveled to Paris with their French teacher, Ivette MacLean to work on their language skills and study the culture. This was the first time these students travelled abroad. They were joined by more than 50 students from College Park, Mt. Diablo Elementary and Clayton Valley High.

Joelle DeBeaumont, Eryn Dudley, Sydney Wheeler, Sarah Condon, Alina Weigelt, Cami Cohen, Samantha Bush and their teacher, Mrs. MacLean, brought the Pioneer along to celebrate Bastille Day in France with a parade and fireworks over the Eiffel Tower.

were alone on their annual mother/daughter trip to Puerto Vallarta. Little did they know we stowed away in the suitcase. We had a great time with sunny days and lightening storms every night. But the best part was in the hotel’s sports bar where we were the only ones cheering on USA’s Olympic bronze medal winners Kristian Ipsen and Troy Dumais.

ALASKA

THE SIERRAS This summer, we hiked along with several Clayton Boy Scouts from Troop 484 and their leaders on a 50-mile, weeklong backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail in the Sierras.

We huffed and puffed a little, but there was always a willing Scout to carry us along when it got rough. Here we are at Virginia Lake with Charles, Logan and Ben Schoffstall, Jeff and Jason Rogers, Max and Bill Burmeister.

Sue and Frank Snyder of Concord cruised the Sea Princess under the Golden Gate Bridge, waved on by pedestrians, and traveled the open waters to Alaska for vacation in August. They visited Juneau, Glacier Bay, Skagway and shared the Clayton Pioneer with this totem pole in Totem Bight State Historical Park in Ketchikan. “It is the most beautiful place you can imagine,” says Sue of Alaska as she and Frank tell of the birds, bears and other wildlife they encountered on their journey.

Rollin’ with the Blue Knights

The Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club roared into Diamond Terrace recently, dazzling the residents – like 93-year old Edith Beesley – with their cool rides. The club is the oldest and largest law enforcement motorcycle club in the world.

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Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 28, 2012

Around Town Jeannette Rapicavole and Evan Rathje marry in San Luis Obispo Beach wedding for Jim

Hoffman and Kaia Rein

Jeannette Rapicavole and Evan Rathje were married on August 17 at an intimate ceremony in San Luis Obispo. A dinner and reception followed at the home of Jeannette’s aunt and uncle, Jim and Mieko Merrill of Clayton.

Jeannette is the daughter of Paul and Terry Rapicavole of Clayton. She graduated from CVHS in 2007 and from California Polytechnic University, SLO in June of 2011. Evan’s parents are Jerry and Terri Rathje of Corona, Calif. He is a 2010 graduate of Cal Poly. Jeannette and Evan met in college and both hold B.S. degrees in Environ-

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mental Horticultural Science. Jeannette is entering her second year as a doctoral candidate at U.C. Riverside and Evan is a manager at the Walt Disney Company.

The two honeymooned in Hawaii and currently live in Southern California.

Blasingames celebrate Golden Wedding Anniversary Bud and Carole Blasingame of Concord will mark 50 years of marriage next month.They will celebrate their Golden Anniversary with a cruise of the Hawaiian Islands.

The two were married in Lafayette on Oct. 20, 1962.

Bud is retired from the Contra Costa County Sanitary District and Carole is retired from Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

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Jim Hoffman and Kaia Rein were married on the beach at Playa del Carmen, Mexico on June 30.

Jim is the son of Walt and Nancy Hoffman of Clayton and a 1996 CVHS graduate.

Kaia is the daughter of Vicki Rein of Boseman, Montana. Her father, Howard Rein, is deceased.

Jim’s niece, Sienna Gaetano, 4, traveled from Sumatra, Indonesia, to serve as the couple’s flower girl.

The newlyweds will honeymoon on a safari in Kenya and Tanzania. They will live in San Diego.

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September 28, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com

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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.

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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.

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Antique furniture and dolls; seats from El Rey Theater; paintings; sculptures; French tapestries; American Indian, John Wayne, Shirley Temple and Barbie collectibles; hundreds of figurines and dolls; Christmas décor; over 1000 ornaments; decorative eggs; Dept 56; tools; housewares; medical equipment; pet items. Multifamily/generations. 9/28 & 29. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 5801 Caulfield Drive, Clayton.

City of Clayton Office Assistant/Code Enforcement Officer (salary range: $38,352-$46,608 plus benefits): City of Clayton seeks a highly motivated, multi-tasking, self starter with excellent computer and customer service skills.

Under general direction, provides a variety of technical and field functions regarding the city’s Business License Program; enforcement of municipal land use codes; coordinates city park and facility rentals. High School Graduate. Government experience preferred. Closes 5 p.m. Nov. 9, 2012. For details and application, visit www.ci.clayton.ca.us or call 925-673-7300.

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Ken Mitolo Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2460 Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dentistry Perfect Smiles Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . .331-7665 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Memo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395 Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0621 Events Concord United Methodist Church Concert . . . . .212-7459 Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . .800-949-3276 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 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-877-8328 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Flooring City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-8220

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Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 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 Pet Suites Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387

Grand Princess sails an array of cruises from the City by the Bay Sail from the City by the Bay to destinations both near and far. Head west to Hawaii, north to Alaska, south to Mexico or sample other California cities along the coast. Whichever cruise destination entices you. †

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Hospice of the East Bay Help needed at Hospice of the East Bay Concord Thrift Shoppe located at 5350 Clayton Road, Concord. 674-9072. For information contact Carmen Siems, volunteer coordinator at 887-5678 or carmens@hospiceeastbay.org.

10-day Mexico 2013 Departure Dates: Sep 17 2014 Departure Dates: Mar 5

10-day Alaska Inside Passage 2013 Departure Dates: May 10, 20, 30; Jun 9, 19, 29; Jul 9, 19, 29; Aug 8, 18, 28; Sep 7

Clayton Historical Society Museum Greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays. Call the museum at 6720240 and leave your name.

Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Kali Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-0845 Senior Services Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Montecito - Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702 Services, Other Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447

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

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

†Port order and content for all itineraries may vary due to final berth or anchorage availability. ©2012 Princess Cruises. Ships of Bermudan registry.

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Responsibility Do the Right Thing

Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 28, 2012

Candidates agree – budget and downtown development main issues in next 4 years

Jim Diaz, 69, is a self-employed securities industry professional. He and his wife, Dana, have lived in Clayton for 33 years.

Hear More at Candidates Night Oct. 1, 7-9 p.m.

Clayton Library Moderated by the League of Women Voters Sponsored by the Library Foundation and AAUW

The Clayton Pioneer has traditionally asked candidates running for the city council to send us the five questions they would most like to ask their opponents. We then compile a list of questions that we send to all the candidates.

From their answers, it’s clear that Clayton’s biggest challenge in the next four years will continue to be money — how to keep the budget balanced with declining resources and grow the downtown to bring in revenue.

Why do you want to be on the city council? What skills and qualities do you bring to the table? What is your community service?

Diaz: I want to see sensible economic development occur in the downtown area. I am currently a small business owner, former Fortune 500 business executive and former chief executive of q state agency overseeing security and investigative services for the citizens of California. As a thirty-three year resident, I have participated in many civic activities since moving to Clayton in 1979. I immediately joined the Clayton Police Department and rose to be Commander of the Reserve Division. Following that, the governor appointed me to lead the agency that oversees California’s private security industry. Next, I served on Clayton’s planning commission and participated in the select committee that brought Pete Peterson to be Clayton’s police chief. I currently serve our community as vice president for membership of the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA), co-producer of the Concert in The Grove series, Entertainment and Security Chair for the Art & Wine Festival, and Handicapped Transportation Services and Security Coordinator for Oktoberfest.

Geller: I want to continue to serve my city as an experienced incumbent.

My background in real estate and finance are valuable assets that I bring to our city council. I have been involved in community service for 38 years as a member of the CBCA, a founder of the Art & Wine Festival and created the Concert in The Grove Park Series, which I have produced for the past 5 years.

I was involved in creating the parade for our Olympians. I serve as a judge in the Rib and Chili Cook-offs. I participate annually in Clayton Counts Down, Clayton Cleans Up and our 4th of July parade. I was involved in and an advocate for the conversion of our high school to a charter high school.

Liberman: I admire and enjoy the

Howard Geller, 66, is a semiretired real estate broker and owner of a property management company. He is running for a second term on the council. Geller has lived in Clayton for 34 years and was recently married to Debbie Mullins.

Kevin Liberman, 47, is a marketing professional and has lived in Clayton for four years. He lives in Oakhurst with his wife and two children.

Joseph Medrano, 47, incumbent, is an insurance broker and has lived in Clayton since 2000. He has one daughter and lives in the downtown area. He is seeking a second term.

Julie Pierce, 62, incumbent, has served on the council for 20 years and is seeking a sixth term. She has lived in Clayton since 1984. She has two grown children and lives in Mitchell Canyon Estates with husband Steve and her father.

community culture that Clayton offers and I want to ensure that our city can maintain and enhance that culture. In addition to a tireless work ethic and a “can do” attitude, my skills and qualifications include an MBA, complemented with experience in real estate, finance, and business consulting. I am an active member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church and work with the All Out Sports League where I officiate and have coached youth basketball.

Medrano: I want to continue to maintain the charm and security Clayton brings to our families while making sure we adapt and change as needed to survive the future. My 25 years of business and risk management experience helps protect the city and brings valuable experience to the council. Along with being a current councilmember, I have served on the board of the CBCA, ran the Art & Wine festival for many years and remain involved with assisting the new Charter High School to make sure it is successful.

Pierce: I bring community knowledge and continuity of policy leadership to an evolving council. I’ve been recognized locally and regionally for my leadership, and ability to build consensus from divergent views to reach decisions in the best interests of the citizens I serve.

My husband Steve and I live with my 88-year-old father, and as the proud, active “Nana” to four grandchildren, two here in Clayton, I will continue to be a strong advocate for families of all ages.

I co-chaired the effort to build our community gym, helped establish our Concerts in The Grove and organized the parade honoring our Olympians. I co-chair the July 4th and Clayton Counts Down events and volunteer for many CBCA and other community events.

financial stability through careful planning and conservative budgeting.

As vice president of the Association of Bay Area Governments, I am a respected, effective voice for allowing cities to plan in ways that are suitable for their own residents. We must plan now for the future we want for our seniors, our children and grandchildren while retaining the unique qualities that make our communities special.

How do you feel about building affordable housing in or near downtown?

been trash left in the park from afterdark uses. Police and/or volunteer presence would go far to alleviate these issues. In addition, security cameras could be installed to assist when staff is not present.

Geller: I would like to see our police and volunteer force have a more visible presence in our downtown and parks when possible.

Liberman: Removing police officers from more important activities in our town that have a greater impact on our public safety may be difficult to justify. However, some volunteer presence would possibly discourage the minor vandalism that occurs in The Grove during after-school hours.

Medrano: It may not be needed but it would be nice. I recommended we use our volunteer officers for this community service.

Pierce: Parental or volunteer supervision, yes. Police presence, no.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Clayton in the next four years? What issue would you like to address?

Diaz: The biggest issue is enhancing revenue generation through sensible business development in the downtown area without increasing taxes. I would work to promote new business development in the downtown area Geller: Improving our retail base, maintaining a balanced budget and continuing vital services are the challenges we face that cannot be compromised.

Liberman: The biggest issue in Clayton is the Downtown Plan and its impact on our future city budget. The outcome of our downtown development will determine our ability to sustain and improve the Clayton community culture.

Medrano: Our budget. We have to make sure we address a potential structural deficit that may be forming. We also have to take a serious look at the city’s CALPERS retirement plan that is currently underfunded by over $1,000,000.

Pierce: In spite of the state’s fiscal chaos, we must maintain Clayton’s

How do you recommend the city encourage new business to locate to Clayton and existing businesses to expand in accordance with the Town Center Specific Plan?

Diaz: Provide incentives that will entice new business development.

These could include waiving certain business taxes for a period of time and reducing and/or eliminating unnecessary regulatory red-tape requirements.

Geller: Our downtown events attract outsiders to our city. As a councilman, I am always looking for new businesses to fill building vacancies and encouraging landowners to build as our economy improves.

Liberman: The key to encouraging more businesses in Clayton, particularly in the retail sector, is to provide greater retail space while ensuring that rents are not cost prohibitive from doing business in Clayton.

Medrano: Without redevelopment money this is difficult. We need to be more business friendly and encourage residents to shop Clayton by working with businesses to offer incentives or promotions for shopping locally Pierce: The Grove Park has become the lively focal point of our downtown activities, concerts and playtime, creating an inviting customer base for new businesses. Creation of our vibrant downtown of small shops with historic ambience will require continued deliberate, responsible planning.

How do you feel about potential residential or commercial development on Marsh Creek Road east of town?

Diaz I would support sensible residential or commercial development that complements and maintains our small-town uniqueness.

Geller: I think this is an area we need to explore.

Liberman: This concept concerns me because of the additional traffic that would flow through the Clayton city limits. We all recognize the traffic patterns by those commuting from the east and by developing this area, it can provide for potential hazards during peak traffic times.

Medrano: Development outside the city limits does not benefit Clayton.

Pierce: Development in accordance with our approved Marsh Creek Specific Plan is appropriate.

Diaz: Affordable housing is an economic fact of life in California. It needs to be incorporated in the city’s remaining residential development plans to ensure compliance with state mandates.

Geller: For a downtown to be viable, high-density housing is needed when planning for commercial growth.

Liberman: We need to be very cautious with affordable housing (a term that is often synonymous with highdensity housing), as it can potentially invite overcrowding and parking issues.

Medrano: I would prefer commercial retail to affordable housing downtown Pierce: Additional affordable housing would add to the vibrancy and customer base for our businesses. Making it affordable to our teachers and working families is a bonus.

Do you think the city’s pension plan is in line with current economic conditions?

Diaz: Yes. In fact, it is my understanding that the city has implemented plans for new employees to participate in a “two-tiered” benefit system. This will require new city employees to fund a portion of their total benefit plan.

Geller: Clayton has been a leader in making changes to our pension plans.

Creating a two-tiered system for new employees has proven to be a cost savings to our city. Our employees understand the economic environment and continue to take on the burdens of increases to benefits as well as furlough days.

Liberman: Yes. We need to learn from those cities in California that ignored the proper alignment of their respective pension plans and the adverse results that contributed to those cities having to file for bankruptcy.

Medrano: No. We have reduced the current retirement benefits for future employees but it is not enough. I believe the unfunded liability and/or increased costs of the plan in future years have the potential to grow to an amount that could be devastating to our city and its employees.

Pierce: Yes, Clayton led other cities in implementing a two-tier retirement plan, unpaid furloughs and a five-year pay freeze and unlike many cities, has no retirement medical coverage for employees. As in many private businesses, Clayton’s employees are assuming increasingly larger portions of their current medical and retirement costs.

Do you think there needs to be a greater after school police/volunteer presence in The Grove?

Diaz: Yes. The Grove is a valuable asset to Clayton. There has been some damage to The Grove apparently from school-age children. Also, there has

Do you support term limits for local elected officials?

Diaz: Yes. Term limits allow the entry of new individuals with new thoughts and ideas they bring to the office.

Geller: I support term limits for all elected officials. I also realize there is a learning curve and feel term limits need to take into consideration this learning curve so elected officials can serve and maximize their abilities.

Liberman: Yes. Periodic change within local office stimulates new ideas and reduces the threat of complacency.

Medrano: Yes. I support two or three 4-year terms. It’s good to have fresh perspectives and eliminate the “old boys” network.

Pierce: No.

Do you think the council is doing a good job? Are there any recent decisions you disagree with?

Diaz: In general, the city council has done a reasonably good job. They need to focus more energy on revenue generation to make up for state “take-aways” and ensure business development occurs in the downtown area. The issue is clear: downtown Clayton needs business development to increase revenue to the city. My commitment to Clayton is to provide the leadership necessary to move our community forward.

Geller: I feel the council is doing a very good job.

Liberman: I do not recognize any negligible deficiencies with the current city council.

Medrano: Yes, but more could be done. I disagree with the decision to not eliminate pensions for current council members. I disagree with the decision not to make it mandatory that council members pay the employee portion of CALPERS. Julie (Pierce), Hank (Stratford) and I are the only ones who voluntarily pay the employee portion. We have asked our employees to take cuts and make sacrifices yet we have council members not willing to sacrifice as well.

Pierce: Yes. No.

September 28, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 7

Ninth annual Oktoberfest oom-pahs its way to Clayton Oct. 6-7 weekend Clayton’s gala Oktoberfest returns next month for its ninth year of bier, wurst and joyful gemütlichkeit. The festivities take over Main Street in downtown Clayton from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7.

For the ninth straight year, the featured entertainers will be The Internationals, ready once again to oom-pah their way into everyone’s hearts.

“The Internationals are one of the premier Oktoberfest bands in the U.S. and consider Clayton’s Oktoberfest as one of their favorites,” says long-time Oktoberfestian Ed Hartley.

Central to any Oktoberfest are the food and libations. German beer will flow, along with wine, cider, and new this year, non-alcoholic German beer.

Wienerschnitzel, sausages, hot pretzels, and of course sauer-

FALL BRINGS BEER, SAUSAGE AND POLKA DANCING to the music of The Internationals to Clayton Oct. 6-7 for the ninth annual CBCA Oktoberfest.

kraut, will be available at the Food Court, along with other ethnic selections.

The many arts and crafts booths will display early holiday

Clayton PD to add a little heart-felt help Local police will now have extra help when they respond to cardiac medical emergencies.

Through the Public Safety Defibrillation Program, Clayton Police Department officers will be equipped with four new Automated External Defibrillators (AED), Chief Dan Lawrence announced.

A timely emergency response by first responders is crucial and increases the likelihood that a victim will survive a cardiac emergency, he said. In many cases trained police officers who are equipped with AED’s are able to provide faster response times to cardiac emergencies since they are already on patrol in the community, as compared to responses from firefighters who must respond from their stations.

The plan is to equip two patrol vehicles with AEDs and have one AED stationed at Clayton City Hall. In addition, a fourth AED will be used by Clayton officers who provide

security during the city’s special events. All officers have been trained to use the devices.

The new program was the idea of Clayton Police Officer Jason Shaw, who suggested the department apply for grants through the National Heart Council. City funds won’t be used for the devices, Lawrence said. The National Heart Council is a special branch of the National Emergency Medicine Association, which is supported exclusively through private donations across the country.

The NEMA offers $40,000 in grants each year, with the two main objectives being to reach a broad segment of the community and improve local emergency/trauma response systems.

“It is a strong commitment to and concern for quality public services that prompted Officer Shaw and the Clayton Police Department to seek out and implement this program,” said City Manager Gary Napper.

gift ideas – jewelry, beaded handbags, children’s clothing, and gourmet balsamic vinegars and olive oils.

The Hat Man will be there, along with a silversmith, and a jeweler making copper and bronze pieces to highlight bison and musk ox bones. There will also a booth selling denim jackets made from recycled jeans. For the patio or den, you can find tables and stools made from wine barrels.

The German Store will provide lederhosen and Tyrolean hats, just the thing to wear when doing the polka or taking part in the traditional face-slapping dance.

For the kids, it’s glitter tattoos, children’s jewelry and hand-decorated dress-up shoes. Not to mention lemonade and rides that go round and round.

Again this year, the Paul Maurer Show brings everyone’s favorite carnival rides. The Carnival opens a day in advance of Oktoberfest, from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday Oct. 5., as well as 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to close on Sunday.

Tickets for the carnival rides will be presold at $10 for 20 tickets and will be available at the following downtown Clayton merchants: Ed’s Mudville, Hairs the Place, The Royal Rooster and Skipolini’s Pizza.

Oktoberfest is sponsored and overseen by the Clayton Business and Community Association.

Along with the Art & Wine Festival, Oktoberfest is one of

Regular

6” Sub when you buy a 6” Sub of equal or greater price & 21 oz. drink

CBCA’s major fundraisers. This year’s co-chairs are Mary Ann Lawrence and Marilyn Schmidt. Both have worked on the event for many years.

Without the help of hundreds of volunteers from all over the community, none of the fundraising events could happen, says Keith Haydon, CBCA President. Proceeds from CBCA fundraisers go to support local community projects.

“It’s not just CBCA members volunteering, but people from throughout Clayton and Concord and elsewhere who put in the time and effort, pouring wine or putting up tents, or whatever needs to be done,” Haydon says.

Volunteers are always needed, Haydon points out. And he guarantees that working on Oktoberfest is both rewarding and fun, even without the lederhosen.

Plus tax. Excludes premium or double stacked subs. May not be combined with any other discounts, coupons or great meal deals. Valid only at this location.

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No signs of slowing for West Nile virus activity More mosquitoes, birds, and chickens positive for the virus in Contra Costa County The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District announced last week that more mosquitoes, birds, and chickens have tested positive for the West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were found near 8th and H Streets in Antioch; four dead birds were found in Brentwood, Concord (2), and Knightsen; and two chickens were from Holland Tract.

“Our daily surveillance efforts and the public’s help in reporting dead birds highlight the areas we need to focus our efforts,” said Public Affairs Manager Deborah Bass. “The partnership between our District and the public is essential in reducing the risk of West Nile virus infection in our residents.”

Fogging for adult mosquitoes took place in Antioch last

week. Interactive maps illustrating areas to be fogged are available on the District’s website and anyone can sign up for automatic email notifications as well. Spray schedules are also available by calling the District at (925) 771-6195 and listening to a recorded message.

Since 2005, 41 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus.

In 2006, two people died from

the disease. Contra Costa Health Services posted a second human case on their website last week.

A recent study has shown that the majority of cases are undiagnosed and grossly under reported. This year, a total of two people, 17 groups of mosquitoes, 45 dead birds, and six chickens have tested positive for the virus. A list of the current West Nile virus activity can be found on the District’s website.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 28, 2012

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Q. We have refinanced our loan three times in two years, getting a lower interest rate each time. Is there any consequence to this that I might not be aware of ? It seems to good to be true.

A. It is perfectly legal to be what lenders call “serial refinancers.” The majority of borrowers go with the no-fee option with no prepayment penalty. When you go with a nopoints loan, your interest rate is higher than if you paid a point, but as long as it is lower than it has been it is still a good option.

One thing to consider is, if one keeps refinancing into a 30year fixed loan, over time it can extend the total repayment period. You can end up paying more interest overall. If you know you plan on staying in the property for a long time you might consider paying a point and locking in a lower interest rate.

One situation that comes up is when a borrower wants to refinance or sell their property in less than six months. The loan broker that handled the loan for you will lose out on their commission because even though you don’t have a prepayment penalty, they do. The bank that the loan is placed with isn’t in the habit of losing money.

Knowing this it would be personal decision for you to make.

It wasn’t always like this.

During the housing boom there was unprecedented refinancing going on. Most of those refinances were to take cash out of their houses so their loan amount was higher. It was a

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS more expensive proposition.

There were prepayment penalties for up to five years and thousands of dollars in closing costs. Of course borrowers didn’t think the market would ever go back down.

Q. As a seller, what are some incentives I can offer to attract buyers, other than the obvious one, reducing my price?

A. One possibility, if you have a lot of equity in the property, is seller financing. A buyer will pay a higher rate than conventional financing for the sellers to carry all or part of the note. This has become more common lately since credit is so tight. It is a good deal for the sellers since the interest rate they can get for their money is very low otherwise. They can get a high return on their money by carrying the note.

These loans are usually for up to five years and interest only. The buyers should bring in a substantial amount of money as a down payment so they have something to lose in case of a

default. A seller can carry a first or a second loan. It is more common for a seller to carry a second loan to make the buyer’s loan to value higher so they can also get a bank loan.

Another good idea is to offer a home warranty and advertise this fact. Most buyers ask the seller to pay for a home warranty in their purchase contract anyway. Since you probably will end up paying for one, why not put it out there as an incentive to the purchase in advance?

A home warranty covers the repair or replacement of many home systems such as appliances, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, water heaters, even pool equipment and roof repairs. The homeowner pays a

deductible of approximately $60 dollars for each repair or replacement.

Home sellers can also get creative with the incentives such as offering a week’s vacation to an attractive time-share they own, offering to pay six month’s homeowner association dues, or including appliances and furniture in the sale.

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

Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com.

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

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

New Concord city phone number easy to remember The City of Concord has a new all-purpose phone number for residents to use in requesting information. Residents can now dial (925) 671-CITY (2489) for assistance during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“We want the City to be as customer-friendly as possible,” said Mayor Ron Leone in introducing the new number at the Sept. 11 City Council meeting.

“For the convenience of the community, we wanted to have a

number that is easy for people to remember. If you are out somewhere and don’t remember which number to call, dial 671CITY and you will be directed to the right place.”

The new number doesn’t replace any of the City’s established phone numbers, so if residents have City numbers programmed into their cell phones, the numbers will still work. In an emergency, residents should continue to call 911.

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The original tummy toner was the girdle. I remember watching my mother struggle into hers, wriggling and pulling until she was red in the face.

Unattractive and uncomfortable, girdles vanished the scene around the 1970s, replaced by support pantyhose, which served a similar purpose, except for the “spillover” effect.

Now there’s a high-tech version for control called shapewear. Shapewear simply holds you in and smoothes you out wherever you need it, eliminating visible lines and bulges and making your clothes hang beautifully.

Here are a few examples of what shapewear can do: Smooth bra bulges (those pesky bra lines that make you bulge over the sides and give you back fat), hide

panty lines, slim your midriff, flatten your tummy and trim your thighs.

Almost everyone has heard of Spanx. They weren’t the first company to create comfortable shapewear, but they certainly put it on the map, and they have

the largest selection of styles.

Spanx is great for those who want a smidge of control, but if you need some major sucking in you might want to try some of the other great lines.

Slimpressions is comfortable with just the right amount of support, tight but not too tight.

They have a peek-a-boo top that smoothes out lumps and bumps on top, but allows you to wear your own bra, which is a real plus if you don’t like the pancake look.

Cass and Co. is the top of the line in shapewear. The hightech fabric is extremely comfortable and has been scientifically developed for maximum support. Another plus is that it comes in many colors and styles, such as camisoles, full dress, biker shorts, etc.

JUDITH MARSHALL

FASHION OVER 50 Another great line is Sassybax. Their long-leg panty lifts, rounds and separates the derrière (if you like that sort of look). They also sell padded shapewear bras for those who would like a little extra up top.

Thanks to shapewear, we women can hide those nasty bumps and bulges that make us look and feel less than our wonderful selves.

Live long and pester!

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

September 28, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 9

New athletic policy challenges student-athletes ROBBIE PARKER

CVCHS REPORTER I can speak from personal experience that playing sports makes high school more enjoyable. It is a great feeling to be a part of a team, and to strive to be a better student and athlete.

That message is exactly what Clayton Valley Charter High School’s athletic program is promoting.

This year, the first as a charter school, administrators are stressing a growing emphasis on student academic achievement for athletes. As it stands currently, all students involved in sports must have at least a 2.0 or a “C” grade point average, and no more than two “D”s or one “F.” There are many devoted athletes at Clayton Valley, but some may lack that necessary GPA. The new solution is a waiver that allows a 10th through 12th grade students to play for a single nine-week quarter grading period, despite his or her grades. This period gives students a chance to pick up their

GPA by any means. The school provides lunchtime tutoring and study hall for students who need assistance with homework or studying. Any suspensions call for an immediate revoking of the waiver, as do excessive tardiness or truancy.

Still, many student athletes struggling with their GPA soon realized these rigorous standards would remove their ability to play high school sports.

Some transferred to other schools to pursue their talents, whereas others applied for their one-time waiver in order to play. Frustration grew for many players.

If the vision for CVCHS is

truly one of rigorous curriculum and high standards, shouldn’t athletes be held accountable for their grades?

After all shouldn’t, “fostering a culture of excellence with rigor, relevance, and relationship” promote this ideal?

To get a better understanding of the effects of this policy on students, I spoke with one sophomore athlete who wished to remain anonymous. She was unable to do spring sports last year because of grades. When I asked her how it felt not to play, she replied, “It felt horrible. I felt as if I wasn’t a part of Clayton Valley.” She also explained that the policy played a factor

in personal motivation. “For me, the waiver is a motivational thing. If I could have used that last year, I would have.”

However, the notion of increased academic standards may have an undesired effect on students. While the policy is designed to motivate students to raise their grades, it is entirely possible that it is achieving the opposite effect. Her comments reinforced this idea.

“Once I couldn’t play, that’s when I really let my grades slip. I didn’t even care anymore.” Despite her subpar grades last year, she plans to work harder and keep a solid GPA, so that she can pursue

her sport this year.

If CVCHS wishes to be a distinguished and sought-after high school, it must continue to hold students to higher standards. Colleges traditionally look for students who are wellrounded, and can handle the educational challenges. CVCHS is doing more than ever to make sure their athletes are reaching their fullest potential.

However, it takes more than being skilled on the field to be an all-star athlete.

Robbie Parker is a sophomore at Clayton Valley Charter High School. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com

KVHS resurgence is music to students’ ears ALEX SHIMBERG Special to the Pioneer

Thanks to a movement spearheaded by Clayton Valley Charter High School Governing Board President Neil McChesney, Clayton Valley’s own radio station, 90.5 The Edge, could soon be back on the air live with a fresh new look – and sound.

Often simply referred to as KVHS, the station has been broadcasting its rock music from CVCHS for more than 40 years, but according to McChesney, student interest in the station over the past few years has been dwindling. Recently, concerns over the station being sold

have helped spark a desire to revitalize the long-standing program.

During Clayton Valley’s conversion to a charter school, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District retained its private ownership of the station. Although San Francisco-based radio station KQED, expressed interest in purchasing the station, MDUSD board members voted unanimously to allow CVCHS to operate the station until June, 2013. This promise to not sell the station for one academic year leaves McChesney with less than 180 days to turn the program around, demonstrate its academic purpose, and help

convince the district not to sell the station in the future.

“While the MDUSD appears to be more interested in selling, we [CVCHS] are more interested in continuing the program,” McChesney said. “We want to keep, revive, and ultimately grow the program.” He also adds that the “value of the station isn’t as import financially as it is educationally. This is a unique asset for a high school to have and the monetary price tag cannot equal the educational price tag.”

WITH NEW STUDENTS COME NEW IDEAS

Following the district’s deci-

sion McChesney recruited students for the radio station, which will function as a handson communications and media class under the Contra Costa County’s Regional Occupation Program (ROP). This distinction allows anyone in the Contra Costa County to be a part of the class and KVHS’ staff.

He is currently up to approximately 20 students and believes that this group of students is vital to both the program’s immediate and long-term future. The class is in the process of simultaneously cleaning up room S-2, where the station broadcasts from, and choosing what to air once the

Hey young people, this is your election, too I am 17 years old. This November, I will not be able to vote, missing the cutoff by less than a year. However, many people very close to my age will be able to vote. And according to statistics, many of them will not.

Currently, an average of only 61 percent of 18 to 21 year olds are even registered to vote, and on election day, less than 50 percent of them will actually vote.

These statistics are frustrating to me. I have done my research, and know, without a doubt, which candidate I support. Many issues that I have strong opinions about have been discussed in the months leading up to this upcoming election, sometimes in ways that I disagree with completely. And it makes me wish that I could vote on these, and do my part to make sure that I have a say when it comes to

Post Office,

SARA CHAVEZ

TEEN SPEAK rights that I am passionate about.

I understand that politics aren’t the most interesting thing to follow and pay attention to, but, like it or not, they affect us.

All of us, not just adults. How a person can not care, when their rights and values are in question, makes no sense to me.

When someone says to me

from page 1

Oliver joined the Clayton post office 22 years ago after serving in the United States Air Force. He was born and raised on the island of Pohnpei in the South Pacific. He has seen a lot of changes in Clayton and will mostly miss the customers.

“People are so nice. Everyone comes and supports us.”

Oliver received a certificate of recognition for outstanding and friendly service at the Aug. 21 Clayton City Council meeting.

Oliver and his wife of 35 years, Mary, will retire to their property in Hilo, Hawaii, where he will build Mary’s dream house with the help of family in the area and start a farm. The couple has an adult son and daughter and helped raise nearly two dozen other children. Oliver wants to continue helping youth through sports in Hawaii.

Oliver’s smile briefly disappears as he recalls one of the most tragic experiences of his

career, that Saturday in 2009 when a deranged Shannon Moore attacked a popular Clayton man, Ray Casso, stabbing him several times and leaving him to die on the post office floor. Oliver chased Moore out of the post office and down Center Street, where Moore was arrested on the steps of Ed’s Mudville Grill.

The murder still haunts Oliver. Recalling that day, he chokes up and says, “One thing I want you to quote: I’m sorry to the Casso family, that I couldn’t do more.”

Hernandez had a 20-year career in the United States Navy, then briefly ran a deli and did land survey work before applying to the USPS. He is retiring after 23 years.

“I love this community,” Hernandez says. Work and talking to people keep him going.

And not being able to resist a laugh, Hernandez adds that he will miss all the goodies cus-

that I am too young to understand politics, it both irritates and angers me. Yes, I realize that teenagers are not usually seen as the most intelligent age group.

But I take pride in the fact that I make a point to be politically aware. Although I don’t follow politics extremely closely, I am informed enough to make an intelligent decision on which candidate and political party I support, and I think that all teenagers should be politically literate. Like it or not, politics are important, and we are coming to an age where we will be affected by them more than ever before.

There are some major issues in question in this election; not voting is basically the equivalent of not caring.

I understand that many feel like their vote doesn’t count, or doesn’t matter. But as my mom

tomers bring in, too.

Hernandez and his wife, Conchita, have been married 38 years. They have two grown sons and a daughter, five grandchildren, all boys, with a granddaughter due in November.

Jimmy and Conchita will start retirement with a trip to his home country, the Philippines, then fill their time with visits to their grandchildren.

Hernandez says the Clayton post office has been good to him. “Always patronize this post office. Hard times are here.

Keep this post office open.”

Verlina Grimmett, officer in charge at the Clayton post office, says Oliver and Hernandez will be missed as they bring humor to the job and care about the community. “People want to come in here” because of them, she says.

Customer and Clayton resident of more than 20 years Sandy Fye frowns when asked if she knows both workers are retiring. “It’s so sad,” she says.

“I’ve never been to a post office where it is as fun to be as it is here.”

would always say, if all of the people who didn’t vote because they thought it wouldn’t make a difference did vote, it would most definitely make an impact on the election results. Young people are shaping the world in which we will have to live out our adulthoods. Why not do everything we can to make it a world we want to live in? Why not vote on the issues that we feel passionate about, and make sure that our voice is heard?

This is the last presidential election in which I will not be eligible to vote. But you can bet that it is the last one that I will not vote in. I fully intend to make my voice heard.

program gets up and running.

If students have their way then KVHS may take a step away from its rock roots, and greatly expand on the variety of music it plays. The students have suggested a lot of ideas, including playing a greater variety of music, introducing on-air live talk shows, and even trying live sports broadcasting of CVCHS sporting events. McChesney is also interested in including broadcast journalism segments and especially wants to bring a video production element to the class.

CAN’T WAIT TO FINALLY

something kids will truly enjoy listening to. He is excited to be a part of improving something of which he is already a huge fan.

Seniors Jordan Bergero and Lauren Valory are both looking forward to being DJs and being able to broadcast live over the air. Besides the rekindled student interest, there has also been large support from KVHS alumni interested in helping the program in any way they can.

“By the end [of the school year ] the program is going to be amazing,” McChesney predicts.

“The potential is there, we just need to hit the ground running.”

START BROADCASTING

Long time KVHS listener and CVCHS senior Brian Pingel was the first student recruited by McChesney. Pingel admits that nobody knows quite what the future holds, but emphasizes that his main goal is to update the radio station to

Alex Shimberg is a senior at CVCHS and co-editor of the school newspaper, The Talon. He will major in international relations in college and plans on a career in politics. He lives in Concord with his parents and sister.

Send comments to alex@claytonpioneer.com

UTOPIC GARDENS

Sara Chavez is a senior at Clayton Valley High School. She hopes to pursue her passions of writing and dancing in college, as well as working toward a career as a school psychologist. Email her at sarachavez@claytonpioneer.com

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Page 10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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You’re on the phone with your number-one client, who just flew into town. Instead of venturing out for dinner, you spontaneously extend an invite for a home-cooked meal. Your client graciously accepts and you dash downstairs and begin taking inventory. Amazingly enough, you have plenty of ingredients to whip up something tasty. You take a quick tour around the house inspecting how things look and are satisfied, even taking a little extra time to fluff pillows in the living room.

Then you turn your attention to the dining table. And your challenge is how to design an attractive setting using only what you have at arms’ reach.

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EVERYTHING

YOU NEED TO SET AN INVITING TABLE

they don’t have to be a designated “vase.” Drinking glasses are actually perfect for a situation like this because you probably have at least three and they are low enough so as not to block the conversation circle.

LAYER YOUR LINENS Use placemats on top of your tablecloth. If your tablecloth has a floral pattern and your napkins are striped, a solid-colored placemat is a great bridge between the two fabrics, whether it’s white or another solid color. And if you open your linen closet and find that all of your linens are white and ivory, don’t turn white yourself. There’s nothing wrong with

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a monochromatic look. It can be an elegant statement or a perfect quiet backdrop to show off festive dishes and stemware, not to mention your culinary creations.

BRING OUT THE CHINA China has traditionally been “saved” for special events, but it’s a shame that it can only come out of the sideboard for holiday celebrations. Think of your special plates as a three-piece suit that needs to experience happy hour more often. Pair your nice dinnerware with casual but decorative glasses for water. And instead of using the traditional stemware for wine, use a short juice glass in its place.

To add color or texture, head into the kitchen. Use a casual kitchen bowl you’d typically use for cereal and fill it up with soup or salad. For small bites, try using a saucer from the same set of kitchen dishes with a decorative cocktail napkin “doily.”

A fabulous dining table is not always about a perfect set of dishes, stemware or expensive linens. A table comes to life when your guests are comfortable, enjoying the atmosphere you’ve created.

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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ASSET PROTECTION

If a substantial portion of your wealth is in one or more IRAs, protecting the assets in those accounts is critical to your estate plan. IRAs provide significant benefits, including taxdeferred wealth accumulation during your life and, with proper planning, during the lives of your beneficiaries.

ASSET PROTECTION DURING YOUR LIFE

You are invited

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

Is your IRA safe from creditors?

The extent to which IRAs are protected against creditors’ claims depends on whether the claims are brought in a bankruptcy context. In bankruptcy, federal law controls. Under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, IRAs are exempt from creditors in bankruptcy up to $1 million (in contrast to qualified retirement plans, which are fully exempt). The $1 million limit doesn’t apply, however, to amounts rolled over from a qualified plan, including earnings on those amounts. So, for example, if you roll over $2 million from a 401(k) plan into an IRA, the full $2 million, plus all future earnings, is exempt.

FOR YOUR HEIRS

RICHARD LITTORNO ESTATE PLANNING To ensure that rollover IRAs are protected, maintain documentation of the rollover transaction. It’s also a good idea to include “rollover” in the account name and to segregate rollover IRAs from other IRAs. Outside of bankruptcy, the answer depends on state law. Most states offer some level of asset protection for IRAs, a majority offering full protection. Some states exempt only a portion of an IRA, such as the amount reasonably necessary for the owner’s support. Even in states that offer a complete exemption, the IRS can reach IRA assets to satisfy a federal tax lien.

If you name your spouse as beneficiary of your IRA, he or she can roll the funds over into his or her own IRA after you die. Although nonspousal beneficiaries can take a lump sum distribution or distribute the funds over five years, typically they choose to hold the funds in an “inherited IRA,” which allows them to maximize taxdeferral by spreading distributions over their life expectancies.

Unfortunately, there’s some uncertainty about whether the asset protection available to IRAs extends to inherited IRAs. In bankruptcy, the courts are divided on this issue. Outside of bankruptcy, some states expressly apply their exemptions to inherited IRAs, but most simply exempt “IRAs” without specifying how inherited IRAs are treated. In those states, courts have gone both ways, some finding that inherited IRAs are exempt and some finding that they aren’t.

If you’re concerned about creditor protection for an heir who lives in (or might move to)

a state with unfavorable or uncertain asset protection laws for inherited IRAs, consider alternative strategies. For example, you might set up a spendthrift or asset protection trust for the heir and name the trust as beneficiary of your IRA. If the trust is designed properly, it will allow distributions to be spread out over your heir’s life expectancy while protecting the trust assets against creditor claims.

ACT NOW If you have large balances in one or more IRAs, consult your estate planning advisors to discuss strategies for protecting these funds from creditors and preserving as much of this wealth as possible for future generations. If you need to, set up trusts or change beneficiary designations. The sooner you do so, the better.

Richard A. Littorno is an attorney specializing in estate planning.

He has offices in Walnut Creek and Pittsburg. Send your questions to Richard@LittornoLaw.com.

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from page 1

Thunderbird’s down Main Street to the roar of the cheering crowds.

The crowds then gathered in The Grove Park. Congressman George Miller, Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla and Supervisor Karen Mitchoff were on hand to present our Olympians with proclamations in their honor. It was my honor as Mayor to conclude the recognitions by presenting Kristian and Kara the first “Keys to the City” ever given by our City Council. This event is one that becomes part of Clayton’s great history, Kristian and Kara shared some of their Olympic experiences before they retired to a waiting table to autograph pictures. They humbly took photographs with waiting children

and gave words of encouragement to aspiring athletes.

The celebration continued with our last Concert In The Grove Series featuring East Bay Mudd. Approximately 4,000 concert attendees packed The Grove Park. By the second set, it seemed the band had more people dancing than sitting. It was a night we will all remember.

I am happy to report that our voluntary Concert donations exceeded our expectations.

We collected almost $16,000 the season. With the loss of redevelopment funds, I feel confidant with your donations and the continued financial support of our sponsors Allied Wastes Services and the Clayton Business and Commu-

nity Association, we will produce our summer concert series again next year.

Kudos to our Police Department for launching our new “Public Safety Defibrillation Program.” With grant money received from the National Heart Council, our officers are trained and will carry defibrillation equipment in their squad cars. It has been proven that in many cases trained Police Officers equipped with AEDs are able to provide faster response time to cardiac emergencies. I commend Clayton Officer Jason Shaw for spearheading this program. He secured the grant necessary to implement this heart-saver service.

Real Estate values seem to be improving in Clayton.

Inventories of properties for sale have been reduced. Diablo Estates has sold their 24 homes and is now considering another

upscale housing project in Clayton.

With the election less than 35 days away, there are several opportunities for you to attend forums to listen to local candidates running for Clayton City Council. With three incumbents and two other citizens vying for the three available seats on our City Council, this should be an interesting election. Check your local newspaper and the Clayton Pioneer for the dates and times of these events.

I wish to publically thank all of my friends and the Oakhurst Country Club staff for helping make Debbie’s and my wedding a night we will cherish forever.

We highly recommend you check out Endeavor Hall and the Oakhurst Country Club for your next special event.

Please send comments and questions to Councilmangeller@aol.com

September 28, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Seeing is believing with better computer graphics WILL CLANEY TECH TALK

If something doesn’t look right on your computer screen, you may want to consider upgrading your computer’s graphics and video display to enrich your graphic experience.

Graphics processors, or graphic cards and chips, display the colors, texture and backgrounds of all the applications you run on your computer.

There is a great deal of graphics data in a typical video and even more for photos and demanding games that move the most pixel-intensive data. Your typical pre-configured computer will come with a graphics chip embedded onto the motherboard. In many cases these chips are adequate for running your DVD player and viewing photos. The embedded graphic chips will play some limited games but you pay the price of slowness, lagging or outright

freezing. General graphic chips, like those embedded into your standard construction computer, are good for general purposes like the Internet, but will disappoint you in fine graphics.

The best way to take advantage of today’s graphic processors (GPU) is to purchase a graphic card in the aftermarket (no need to go back to the original manufacturer).

This is provided you have the proper “slot” available for the graphics card to reside. Purchase a graphics card that exceeds the capabilities of the embedded graphic chip provided from the computer manufacturer. The expansion slot only exists in the desktop PC world. If you want better graphics in a tablet

or laptop you must purchase a new tablet or laptop with the capability already installed.

Laptops, tablets, notebooks, etc. do not allow graphics upgrades.

When considering a new graphics card keep in mind your graphic expansion slot, GPU maker and the amount and speed of the RAM. First, what slot do you have in your PC? If it is a PCI-Express slot (check your manual or ask a local dealer) you’re in great shape. Any other slot, not so much.

You’ll gain speed but you must weigh the effort and cost against your speed gains.

Second, should you side with nVidia as the GPU manufacturer or with ATI? These two manufacturers produce most of the chips that make graphics cards run. Third, you want at least one gigabyte of RAM on the card, the faster the better. Most really fast video RAM is called DDR3 for its speed specifications. More RAM is better. Buy RAM on the video card until it hurts.

Then, that’s enough.

The best “bang-for-the-

Shocks and struts make for a smooth ride Q. Why does my car need struts or shocks?

A. The function of struts or shocks is to better keep the tires on the road, make the ride less bouncy and give the driver better control of the vehicle. The way they do this is by making it harder for the springs to bounce up and down. This restriction of movement helps keep a steady ride. If you did not have struts or shocks your vehicle would feel like a boat on rough water.

What is the difference between struts and shocks?

Basically nothing. The difference comes in the way they look. Shocks normally look like a tube with bolt holes on each end. Struts look like a tube with a spring around it.

There are different types of shocks and struts depending on the vehicle. Some have ways to adjust the ride of the vehicle – harder for fast turns and maneuvering, soft and easy for more comfort. There are systems that will adjust themselves for a heavy load, or a slight incline. There are systems that are steering sensitive to allow better gripping during turns.

One issue about shocks and struts is the way they wear out. It is slow and gentle over time. This way the driver does not feel a sudden failure. Most people tell me the ride feels like it always has. Then once the shocks or struts are changed they feel the difference in the ride. Not paying attention to your shocks or struts will lead to faster tire wear, causing possible traction loss or spin-outs, and a generally bumpy ride.

There are different types of rides that can be determined by the shock or strut. Comfort-ride shocks have a smoother, easy ride. This is for the big sedans and they have a slower reaction time than

sport shocks, allowing the vehicle to glide over bumps and rough surfaces. They also allow the vehicle to sway more in turns.

Sport shocks are stiffer and are more responsive. This forces the tires to stay in contact with the road. It also gives a bit more of a bumpy ride but better handling on turns. This type of shock is used for smaller cars, giving them the ability to make tight turns and maneuvers.

Trucks and SUVS have a medium shock. This allows them to carry heavier loads, but it is a bit rougher. If you are looking for a smooth ride, pick-up trucks and smaller SUVs won’t work.

Manufacturers design the

GARY TAYLOR CAR TUNED ride of a vehicle by changing the configuration of struts or shocks with different tires.

The tire pressure is set for a given amount of cushion. If you change the tire size or the height of the vehicle you will need to change the struts or shocks to match. Otherwise the struts or shock will fail prematurely. And that will be a shock to your system.

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

buck,” in my opinion, is the nVidia graphic card made by MSI called the nVidia GeForce GTS 450 2GB DDR3 with VGA, DVI and HDMI output.

This card will blaze through any graphic, video, photo editing or graphic intensive game with power to spare, for under $200. If that model isn’t to your liking, you could try something better, or a card that is a little less expensive.

As always if you have questions or would like additional help, ask a local professional.

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

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from page 1 “None of it could have happened without the leadership of the City of Concord,” Adams said.

Pleasant Hill resident Dave Sargent was also honored with a Mountain Star Stewardship Award for the “thousands of hours” he has spent volunteering with SMD. Sargent, a former volunteer board member and chair of the Stewardship Committee for Save Mount Diablo, worked hard for years to protect the mountain but he did it with his hands.

“He and the committee have removed many miles of old barbed wire fencing, cleaned up tons of debris, overseen trail building and habitat restoration and pitched in wherever muscle or trade skills were needed,” Adams said. “When he rolls up old barbed wire fences, he thinks about the wildlife, cattle and hikers he’s saved from getting snagged and cut up. He sees his mission as returning Mount Diablo to its natural state.”

The 2012 Mountain Star Awards are sponsored by Dave and Dana Dornsife as part of Save Mount Diablo’s anniversary celebration Moonlight on the Mountain.

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Page 11

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A rutabaga by every other name For starters, we Americans don’t eat many rutabagas – just about a pound a year as a matter of fact. But rutabagas kept much

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peel them before use.)

Rutabagas are often prepared similarly to turnips, which are in my opinion more bitter

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LINDA WYNER

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FOR

THOUGHT

Even if you have no idea what to do with it as a food, a rutabaga is a rutabaga regardless of what you call it. But it does have several names, so if you go shopping for it or try to look it up for recipes, you’ll run into several aliases, particularly in Europe where it is believed to have originated (somewhere in Eastern Europe, a few hundred years ago).

In Sweden, it’s known as kalrot (literally cabbage root) but its name in old Swedish, “rotabagge” (“round root” or sometimes “root ram”) gives the vegetable its modern name.

Elsewhere, you’ll find most countries in the British Empire calling them “Swedes” while the Scottish refer to them as “neeps,” probably short for turnips to which it is related.

Rutabagas are in fact a cross between a cabbage and a turnip, and related to kale, mustard, rapeseed (source of canola oil) and collard greens.

Rutabagas aren’t without a peculiar historical note. In Ireland, they were hollowed out and filled with glowing coals and carried around on All-Hallows’ Eve, predating the traditional Halloween pumpkin.

Once you get past the nomenclature, the next burning question is what to do with it?

of Europe alive during severe food shortages resulting from last century’s World Wars (thereby making them a source of much disdain in not a few European households).

These softball-sized vegetables are usually identified by their purplish-green top and white to yellow body. Rich in betacarotene, one serving will also supply an adult with 30% of the daily requirement of Vitamin A, and 35% of the recommended Vitamin C. It has several significant trace minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

It’s low in calories and high in fiber.

Evenly textured, rutabagas are nevertheless pretty darned hard when raw, so careful knife work is needed to safely prepare them for cooking. (They are often covered in paraffin (wax) to preserve them, so be sure to

(although that’s overcome by selecting smaller varieties, growing them in cooler latitudes or harvesting after the first frost, all of which promote a sweeter flavor). Steaming, boiling, stewing, and sometimes roasting are the most common techniques. I was introduced to them as a young child when I found them as one of the veggies in a warm and comforting bowl of beef stew.

A simple mash is the easiest way to acquaint yourself if you’re new to rutabaga cuisine.

Simply peel and cut up 3 or 4 fist-sized rutabagas, steam or boil them until tender, drain, mash, add 1 Tbsp butter for each rutabaga, then season with salt and pepper.

Pan-roasted rutabaga chunks (about ¾” cubes) tossed in a little olive oil and sugar (or maple syrup) plus salt and pepper to

taste will turn out beautifully caramelized in a 400 °F oven after about 40 minutes.

Here’s a lovely silky soup recipe attributed to The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia.

APPLE RUTABAGA SOUP (Serves 4-6) 1 stick (1/4 pound) butter 1 c onion, roughly chopped 1 c Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and roughly chopped 1 c rutabaga, peeled and roughly chopped 1 c butternut squash, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped 1 c carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 1 c sweet potato, peeled and roughly chopped 1 quart good chicken stock 2 c heavy cream ¼ c maple syrup Salt and cayenne pepper to taste Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, apple, rutabaga, squash, carrots and sweet potato and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent.

Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until all of the vegetables are cooked through and tender.

Puree the vegetables in a blender or food processor.

Strain through a fine mesh strainer into the same pot you used to cook the vegetables.

Add the cream, maple syrup, salt and cayenne pepper. Return the pot to the stove, bring the soup to a simmer, and serve.

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

Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com

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Kabocha squash is now appearing at the farmers’ market. It is an interesting Japanese pumpkin that has a hard, knobby-looking dark green skin and is shaped like a squat pumpkin.

It has an intense yellow-orange color on the inside and a strong yet sweet flavor that tastes a bit like chestnuts. Kabocha is rich in betacarotene, vitamin C, vitamins B1 and B2, and more.

Choose squash that has a hard, deep-colored rind that is free of blemishes or moldy

spots. Tender skin indicates immaturity or poor quality. The hard skin protects the flesh and allows it to store longer than summer squash. Store kabocha squash in a cool, dry, preferably dark and well-ventilated area for up to one month.

It can be baked, steamed, braised, cut in chunks or puréed in soups. To bake, split lengthwise, remove seeds, and bake halved, hollow side up. It can also be used as a nice addition to your autumn decorations along with dried Indian corn, pumpkins and fall leaves because of its lovely dark green color.

ROASTED KABOCHA SQUASH WITH CUMIN 1 kabocha squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 tsp. cumin seeds, toasted 1 minute in a dry skillet 1 bay leaf 1/4 tsp. paprika 2 tsp. packed brown sugar 1 tsp. sea salt 1 Tbsp. olive oil Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine cumin seeds with bay leaf and paprika in a spice mill or clean coffee grinder and process briefly. Add sugar and salt and process to combine. Set aside. Toss cubed squash with oil, then cumin mixture. Spread

on two baking sheets and roast until tender, about 25 minutes.

Your body is a village, all must work together Considering the political atmosphere of late, I am constantly reminded of the words, “It takes a village.” Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, we all must accept that only unity can cradle success. The hope for a civilized society rests in the hands of those more fortunate souls who extend themselves to help the unfortunate.

Help stabilize those who feel left behind, because creating stability is necessary for all strong foundations.

It is funny but if you think of yourself, your body, as a village, the same theories apply.

Muscle is made up of fibers that contract and relax to produce movement. Each muscle fiber is thinner than a hair but can support up to 1,000 times its own weight. These muscles work in pairs: as one contracts, the

ILIMA HEUERMAN

FIT

WITH

LEVITY

opposite muscle lengthens.

A very important member of your village is your core. Its inner unit is made up of the pelvic floor, the back of the spine, and transverse abdominus at the front. The transverse abdominus is the deepest layer of the abdominals and is closest to the spine. These muscles run from the rib cage down to the

pubic bone and into the back of the body like a corset around your spine. This corset stabilizes, supports, and protects the spine.

Creating core stability involves time and practice, but with time and practice you become more aware of these stabilizing muscles and notice the difference they make to exercise and daily life. Core stability makes all your movements precise and stable, improving balance and proprioceptive awareness – unconscious coordination between your mind and body.

So how do you rally the villagers? Try using an exercise ball.

Unlike the action of a Nautilus machine or similar mechanical exercise device, the ball involves mental and physical exercise. The aim is to strengthen the connec-

tion between mind and body while bringing about countless positive effects. If you approach each exercise with good mental focus you are more likely to move correctly and safely. Furthermore, you will become an expert at interpreting the way your body responds to each exercise. This will help you become aware of the correct state of tension or relaxation that is required for a particular exercise.

Stay in control. You are the mayor of your village. The power of positive intentions begins the journey. Visualize yourself as that strong village and find your stability. It is up to you.

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

September 28, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Book Review

Ennis’ ‘Malice of Fortune’ is a gritty Renaissance postcard SUNNY SOLOMON

FOR

THE

BOOKS

I think Michael Ennis is in love with Italy. Not the Italy of today’s grand sweep, but the fragmented and up-for-grabs Italy of the Renaissance. If a time machine is ever invented, I’m signing up to take the Grand Tour of Renaissance Italy with Michael Ennis as my tour guide.

“Malice of Fortune” (Doubleday), his latest novel, has just about everything a fan of serious historical fiction could ask for – and for the uninitiated, what a great place to begin. One does not just read about Renaissance Italy in Ennis’ book, one experiences Renaissance Italy, as in this description of the residence of Damiata, the pope’s mistress and Machiavelli’s love interest: “Our rooms were on the ground floor of an ancient

brick house off a narrow, muddy alley, with little shops and houses crowding in on every side, their balconies and galleries so close overhead that we always seemed to go out into the night, even at noon.” The reader has now acquired a postcard to send home.

“Malice of Fortune” brings together a young Leonardo da Vinci with his penchant for dissection, a young Niccolò Machiavelli as an emissary from Florence, and Damiata, better known as “the Pope’s whore.”

Pope Alexander VI’s (Rodrigo Borgia) search for the killer of his youngest son is the historical basis for this labyrinthine thriller. The search for the assassin becomes embroiled in political espionage, military strategy, and a series of random murders by a killer who leaves the body

parts of his female victims in much the same way as Hansel and Gretel left bread crumbs.

Da Vinci attempts to solve the mystery by studying the retrieved body parts as well as using his mastery of mathematics and drafting to devise a map of the multiple crime scenes in Romagna, while M a c h i a v e l l i ’s method is to look into the mind to find out what sort of man would commit such murders. The story begins in the voice of Damiata, a learned woman of great beauty who is herself suspected of killing the pope’s son, who is also the father of her own young son. But it is Machiavelli’s voice that holds forth the longest and to me was the most intriguing. It is not only that the methods used by both men bring us to what is clearly the

earliest beginnings of forensic science, but Machiavelli’s notes, letters and journals concerning these events are the very core of his seminal work, “The Prince.”

This is not a novel for the fainthearted, but for those of us who want to be pointed in new directions, Ennis is a master. It took only two days after reading “Malice of Fortune” to find a good copy of “The Prince.”

Ennis’ Machiavelli is nothing like what I had learned in school. His life was both creative and tragic as seen in his words to Lorenzo dé Medici: “. . . if, from your lofty peak, Your Magnificence will sometimes glance down . . . you will realize the extent to which, undeservedly, I have to endure the great and unremitting malice of fortune.”

Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’

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Club News Clayton Valley Woman’s Club School supply donations Members of the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club continue their community service with donations of school supplies to Silverwood Elementary School in Concord. The supplies will be donated to Silverwood for the current school year and is the third year donations have gone

to Silverwood. The supplies were gathered at their Sept. 11 meeting where Spencer Christian of ABC 7/KGO-TV was the special guest speaker.

The GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club started in 1973 and is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community. The Club meets the second Tuesday

CVWC MEMBERS (from left), First Vice President Nancy Boyle, Co-President Priscilla Manlove and Adopt-A-School Chair Fran Hahn show the generous donations, valued at $700. Items included rulers, pencils, scissors, notebooks, paper, art supplies, crayons and erasers as well as Kleenex and copy paper.

of each month, except July and August, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. For membership information, call 925-672-9448.

Judith Marshall to speak at October 9 meeting The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club invites guests to attend their monthly meeting on Oct. 9 to hear guest speaker Judith Marshall. Judith is a native Californian, raised in Concord, who has gone on from a career in h u m a n resources to become a successful book writer and local newspaper columnist. Her book, “Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever,” won the Jack London Prize awarded by the California Writers Club.

Also, her column, “Fashion Over 50,” appears in the Clayton Pioneer.

Clayton Valley Garden Club Library Beds Work Party.

On Sept. 15, Bruce Balha, Linda Cruz, Elaine Billeter, Jan and Doug Nelson, Patty Remoy, Rory Richmond, Jan Rubiales, Lynda Smith and Library Bed Co-Chair Mary Ann Knets of the Clayton Valley Garden Club put on their gloves and grabbed their clippers and buckets to give a major grooming to the plant beds at the Clayton Library.

The Garden Club maintains the plant bed to the right of the main entrance, the Butterfly Bed and Native Plants Beds at the back of the library and the Girl Scout Sensory Garden/Planter at the library’s back left side.

The Clayton Valley Garden Club was formed to bring together local people with a

JAN AND DOUG NELSON rest after working on the Butterfly Bed while Lynda Smith finishes her clean up in the background.

common interest in gardening.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 28, 2012

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. OCT. 3 FOR THE OCT. 12 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com

IN CLAYTON Sept. 29 and Oct. 13, 20, 27 Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. – noon, Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown, pcfma.com/clayton.

Oct. 1 Candidate Night 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. 7 – 9 p.m. Clayton Community Library, Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road. Free and open to the public.

Oct. 5 – 7 Oktoberfest Sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association.

Music by The Internationals, biergarten, food, arts and crafts, carnival. 6 – 10 p.m. Friday, carnival only. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday. Downtown. Free. claytonoktoberfest.com.

Oct. 13 Trail Trials The “Devil Dares You,” Halloween-themed competition for horse and rider. Awards, costume contest, raffle and barbecue.

Camping available. Concord Mount Diablo Trail Ride Association, 1600 Trail Ride Road, Clayton. cmdtra.org. Email cmdtra@yahoo.com for registration information.

Oct. 15 “The Water is Wide” Singer and storyteller Randy Rutherford performs his award-winning program. 7:30 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. $15. brownpapertickets.com. 672-8717.

Oct. 18 The Sounds in the Night Renowned conductor David Commanday leads an exploration of the mysterious and mystifying sounds of the night. 7:30 p.m.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20$65. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Oct. 19 – Nov. 17 “The Underpants” From the mind of Steve Martin comes a wild and crazy satire.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33$53. centerrep.org. 943-7469.

CHURCHES AND RELIGION Oct. 5 Baha’i, interaction, fellowship and discussion. Topic: Religion and Modernity – the Challenge of Today. Speaker: Diane Hill, PhD in History, UC Berkeley. 7:30 p.m. Free. For directions, call 6726686.

FUNDRAISERS

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Wednesdays Moms’ Group Open to all Moms. Childcare provided. 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. St. Bonaventure’s Ministry Center, Rm. A-4. Park play date first Thursday of the month. Moms’ night out first Friday of the month.

St. Bonaventure, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Call Tara Sundy at 890-1343.

Oct. 1 – Nov. 18 Coat Drive Clayton Community Church and CVCHS Public Service Academy are collecting winter wear at the church to give to families in need in the Bay Area.

Oct. 12 - 14 Book Sale Fall book sale by Clayton Library Foundation. Fri. 4 – 7 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun. 12 – 4 p.m. Books from $.50-$1. $3/bag or half price Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m.

GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council 7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group Meets 6 p.m. fourth Wednesday of the month, Montecito, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. 692-5838.

Claycord 4-H 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.

Oct. 11 Dig Pink Cancer fundraiser at CVCHS Girls Volleyball vs. Berean Christian.

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

Oct. 13 Music-a-thon CVCHS Band marches from Endeavor Hall through Clayton starting at 9 a.m.

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.

Thru Oct. 5 Off the Shelf and On Stage An evening of one acts, including new plays, comedies and dramas. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$22. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Oct. 21 Hike for SHELTER Join SHELTER, Inc. for a hike on Mount Diablo to raise awareness of homelessness in the community.

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.

Thru Oct. 6 “The Last Romance” Are you ever too old to find love? Diablo Actors’ Ensemble, 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. diabloactors.com.

Oct. 26 Katie’s Dream Dinner, live music, auction to raise funds for Katie Grace Groebner’s heart and lung transplant.

Thru Oct. 7 “Lucky Stiff” A musical murder mystery farce by Center Repertory Company.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $38$47. centerrep.org.

Sept. 30 By the Kids, For the Kids Musical review by Youth Theatre Company that benefits the Civic Arts Education scholarship and Monument Crisis Center. 5 p.m.

Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $10. youththeatrecompany.org. 943-5846.

Thru Sept. 29 My Way A musical tribute to Frank Sinatra. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $49-$53. diablotheatre.org. 9437469.

Sept. 30 California Symphony Moody conducts Rachmaninoff. 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$65. lesherartscenter.org.

943-7469.

Oct. 11 – 13 “The Emperor’s New Clothes” When the clothes-loving King decrees that he will give his daughter in marriage for the most beautiful wardrobe, a most unusual and amusing result occurs. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Oct. 11 – Nov. 4 “She Stoops to Conquer” Oliver Goldsmith’s comedy of miscommunication and mistaken identities. Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $10$20. brownpapertickets.com.

Oct. 12 Great Music from Great Ballets Fantastic evening of classical music from legendary ballets. 8 p.m. Sherman Clay, 1605 Bonanza St. Free. diabloballet.org.

943-1775.

Oct. 12 – Nov. 10 “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Brilliant celebration of music, color and words. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-49. ccmt.org.

Oct. 14 Arabian Nights The opening of Diablo Symphony Orchestra’s 50th anniversary season, featuring Joyce Johnson Hamilton on the trumpet and new music Director-Conductor Matilda Hofman. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. diablosymphony.org. 943-7469.

Oct. 15 Teen Nutrition Join pediatric nutritionist, Johanna Kammerer, RD, as she reviews basic nutritional needs for adolescents and teens. 6:30 – 8 p.m.

John Muir Health’s Women’s Health Center, 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek. Free. Register at johnmuirhealth.com/classes.

941-7900.

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.

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.

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.

Knights of Columbus Meets 7:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, St. Bonaventure Church, Ministry Center, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Art 6721850, shanone@comcast.net or Chuck 849-5466, cecooper3@comcast.net.

Tuesdays thru Nov. 27 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver.

11 a.m.

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

Thursdays thru Nov. 15 Picture Book Time Story time for 3 to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. 11 a.m.

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.

Thru Nov. 6 Paws to Read Encourage children to read. Children in grades 1 – 5 read out loud to a dog. Sign up for maximum of four sessions. 4 p.m. or 4:35 p.m. Registration required.

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.

Sept. 28-30 Book Sale Fall book sale by the Friends of the Concord Library. Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun. 1 – 4 p.m. Community Room at the Concord Library, 2900 Salvio St., Concord. Books from $.25-$1. $3/bag Sunday. 646-5455.

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.

Oct. 3 CERT Emergency preparedness seminar. 7 p.m.

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.

Oct. 3 Immigration Consultation Ms. Spojmie Nasiri, attorney specializing in immigration law, provides free legal consultations by appointment. 6 p.m. Go to Reference Desk or call 673-0659.

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.

Oct. 4 Dinosaurs Rock Families can’t miss this amazing display of dinosaur bones and other fossils. Best for kids ages 5 – 11. 4 p.m.

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. Call Barbara Allen at 672-5061.

September 28, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 15

Sports Record-breaking Eagles ready for Homecoming JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

New Clayton Valley Charter High School football coach Tim Murphy expressed some frustration during the team’s pre-season preparations as he saw his players struggle while trying to assimilate the new offensive and defensive systems the coaching staff was installing including a “wing-gun” shotgun that was a refinement on the double wing Murphy successfully ran at Ygnacio Valley and Clovis East high schools.

Off the first four non-league game results the 3-1 Eagles are getting up to speed more quickly than the coach may have anticipated and will showcase their efforts this Friday evening at 7 o’clock in the annual Homecoming Game against Hayward High at Gonsalves Stadium.

Homecoming will be the final tune up before CVCHS begins Diablo Valley Athletic League play next Saturday at Ygnacio Valley (1-3) in a game sure to be emotionally charged with the return of Murphy to his former school.

Clayton Valley school records have fallen this month as the Eagles racked up three wins in four games while scoring 210 points. Stunning performances with points and

Football photos by Jason Rogers courtesy CVCHS

SENIOR CAPTAIN JESSE MEDRANO (42) has been providing strong play on both sides of the ball for Clayton Valley Charter High School football this fall. He rushed for more than 100 yards in the record-breaking 68-21 victory over Vintage of Napa recently while also anchoring the defense at middle linebacker.

See Homecoming, page 16

Sports Shorts BUHAGIAR EARNS WAC PLAYER OF WEEK AWARD FOR SAN JOSE STATE

Clayton Valley High alumnus and San Jose State junior linebacker Vince Buhagiar was named Western Athletic Conference defensive player of the week. In the Spartans’ 40-20 victory over Colorado State Buhagiar had a team-high and careerhigh 11 tackles, nine of which were solo. He also had a sack and forced and recovered a fumble. The fumble recovery came in the fourth quarter with SJSU holding a 33-20 lead and set up a 51-yard touchdown pass that sealed the victory.

CLUB VOLLEYBALL CLINICS, TRYOUTS AT CLAYTON GYM All Out Sports is holding tryouts at Clayton Community Gym for Blaze girls volleyball club on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for ages 10-

18. The competitive volleyball program runs from January – June with Blaze teams playing in up to 10 tournaments throughout Northern California. Cost to tryout is $10 per player.

AOSL will also have volleyball clinics for boys and girls from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. each Sunday in October. Cost is $20 per clinic.

Registration for tryouts or clinics can be found at alloutsportsleague.com. For more information on the Blaze program and tryout requirements contact coach Shauna at (510) 816-3362.

DIG PINK VOLLEYBALL BENEFIT AT CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER OCT. 11 Clayton Valley Charter High’s girls volleyball team will be out for revenge when they host Berean Christian at Dan Della Gym on Thursday, Oct. 11, after losing their DVAL league opener to the Berean Eagles in four sets. But besides

the important league match coach Dave Hobson’s team is hosting a fund-raising and cancer awareness event “Dig Pink.”

All proceeds benefit Side-Out, which awards grants to medical research organizations and entities dedicated to providing compassionate support to breast cancer patients.

Hobson points out that his team’s participation gives youth the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of breast cancer patients. People and businesses wishing to sponsor the event can contact Hobson at davehobson98@yahoo.com.

Wear pink and come out for a great night with volleyball, raffles, DJ, pink-themed snack bar and more. Adults are $5 and students $3. Visit side-out.org for more details.

WINTER YOUTH BASKETBALL REGISTRATION FOR CLAYTON GYM

Registration for the popular winter youth basketball league at Clayton Community Gym is

now open. Basketball for girls and boys from 4-15 begins Dec. 15 and player evaluation day is Nov. 30. Registration is being taken online until Nov. 15 at alloutsportsleague.com. Call 2035626 for more info.

U8 SOCCER ACADEMY FALL SESSION NOW ACCEPTING PLAYERS

Diablo FC’s renowned Soccer Academy is taking signups now for its summer session which runs on Mondays and Wednesdays at Boatwright Sports Complex through Oct. 24. Boys and girls 5-8 years of age can participate in the U8 Academy with local instruction 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.

5K RUN & WALK TO BENEFIT HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS OCT. 7 United Mt. Diablo Athletic

Foundation is holding its largest fundraiser, the fourth annual 5K Fun Run and Walk at Newhall Park in Concord, on Sunday, Oct. 7. Competitive and fun runners and those looking for a nice Sunday walk are encouraged to sign up. All proceeds support high school athletic programs at the five Mt. Diablo Unified School District high schools and Clayton Valley Charter. Sponsors are also being sought for the event, which is sponsored in part by Diablo FC. For more information and to register online visit unitedmtdiabloathletics.org.

5TH ANNUAL DIABLO FC BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT OCT.

12

Benefitting field development and financial aid scholarships, the fifth annual Diablo FC golf tournament will be held Friday, Oct. 12, at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord.

Golfers, sponsors and tee prize donations are being solicited.

Email golftournament@dia-

blofc.org or visit diablofc.org for more information.

CLAYTON VALLEY SEEKS 2013 HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS

Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee is accepting nominations for the 2013 induction class. This will be the third class for the Hall, which began during the school’s 50th anniversary year in 2008. Individuals can nominate student athletes and coaches for the Hall of Fame. The requirement is that the nominee was a CVHS grad or coach in the years 1960-1999 who was allleague in at least one sport.

Requests for a nomination form can be sent via e-mail to Dee Billeter at deebilleter@ yahoo.com or Bill Nelson at mommanelson5@yahoo.com.

Include a mailing address and an application form will be mailed to you. The induction takes place May 18, 2013 at Centre Concord.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 28, 2012

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CVCHS soccer coach Gentry leaves after four successful seasons JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Valley Charter is hiring a new boys soccer coach for the upcoming winter season after recently parting ways with Rory Gentry, who led the Eagles to unprecedented success over the past four years while he also encountered complaints from parents about, among other things, playing time issues.

New athletic director Greg Fister posted the job notice for a boys soccer coach in mid-August and earlier this month Gentry and his staff resigned rather than re-apply for the position. The rest of the CVCHS winter sports head coaches are returning.

This includes boys and girls basketball coaches Troy Sullivan and Bernard Barnes, respectively, along with girls soccer coach Scott Booth and wrestling coach Kyle Behmlander.

Gentry took over an Eagles team that won only one game in the 2007-08 season and within two years had the team in the North Coast Section quarter-finals followed by back-to-back trips to the NCS semi-finals where they lost last year to eventual champion De La Salle 2-1. His teams compiled a 65-16-23 mark over the four years and in the process completely rewrote the Clayton Valley school record book on both offense and defense.

The Contra Costa Times named Gentry high school coach of the year for 2010-11 when the Eagles won their first of two consecutive Diablo Valley Athletic League championships.

Gentry took to Facebook to post an announcement about his resignation: “This was a decision that I did not

want to have to make, but, circumstances dictated it happening. My resignation followed the resignations of each of my coaches, five gentlemen who I have developed a real affection for and the utmost respect. Topping that list is Franco Brunamonti, who I have had the pleasure of working [with] for 12 seasons. I also want to thank the amazing players who worked so hard in turning around a program and making history.

Rewriting every record and becoming known as a Bay Area elite soccer team. You will all remain in my heart forever.”

Gentry added that he

RORY GENTRY

Clayton Valley water polo teams off to a fast start in the pool

Photo courtesy Scott Anderson

Both the boys and girls water polo teams at Clayton Valley Charter High School are off to typically strong starts to their seasons. The girls of coach Dennis Bledsoe took sixth out of 34 teams at the Sierra Invitational tournament with Sara Abele, Casey Adams (left) and Taylor Ryle named to the all-tournament team. The team is 6-2 in its early-season results including an opening DVAL victory over Concord High. New boys coach Nick Ballew took his squad to the Silver State Tournament in Reno earlier this month and the Eagles placed fourth with a 4-2 tourney mark. They were 6-3 overall entering play last weekend.

Homecoming, from page 15 yards in a game along with the individual rushing mark have sent long-time CV observers to the archives to determine the all-time bests.

Senior Joe Protheroe, a twoway all-DVAL performer as a junior, rushed for 306 yards against Vintage in Napa to set a school mark. Last year he set

expects to be coaching high school again in 2013-14 and he hopes “to do things better in the future.” He turned around the Concord High program in the six seasons preceding his move to Clayton Valley.

Fister declined comment on the reasons for the change but did thank Gentry and his staff for “an excellent job of coaching the boys soccer team at Clayton Valley. The last four years the program enjoyed a large amount of success.” The AD reported that CVCHS was interviewing candidates this week to fill the position. Tryouts commence Monday, Nov. 5.

school and league records with six touchdowns in a game.

Protheroe, running back mate Jesse Medrano and the rest of the Eagles combined for 553 yards rushing and 151 passing for 704 total yards in Napa.

Both the total yards and rushing marks are presumed to be school records.

The Eagles scored 68 points against Vintage a week after racking up 57 in Santa Rosa against Montgomery. In their only defeat to date they scored 27 while losing to Pittsburg. The team defeated Liberty of Brentwood last Friday 58-19 in their home opener. The 92-point total for both teams in the 57-35 win over Montgomery appears to be the most ever in a game involving the Eagles. The 68

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER FOOTBALL OPPONENTS are getting a double dose of Wraa Wraa this season. Junior Tanner Wraa (left) is catching passes from his wide receiver position while older brother Spencer Wraa is a big factor as a tight end and linebacker for the Eagles.

points against Vintage is one more than the Eagles scored against Deer Valley in 1997.

Murphy points to a number of players giving good account of themselves during the preseason. “Things are going really well with the kids adapting to our way of coaching. We stress a high tempo, high pressure style and they are making that happen.”

He mentioned the obvious contributions from senior leaders Protheroe and Medrano but then added his pleasure with the Wraa brothers (Tanner and Spencer), senior receiver Curtis Grant (who set another school record with a 91-yard touchdown reception from starting quarterback Mike Protheroe), junior Dylan Jue and senior Logan Bangert.

Sophomore Griffin Bentley is making his mark at defensive tackle.

Looking ahead to league play, Murphy says he’s not surprised by the early-season performance of Northgate (4-1) since they return so many players. He says College Park (2-3) has struggled a bit because of an injury at quarterback but he expects the Falcons to rebound during the DVAL schedule.

High-powered Concord (5-0) is undefeated in five games is showing both rushing and passing strength. Mt. Diablo (2-2) has gotten off to a surprising start with a new coaching staff.

September 28, 2012

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 17

Performing Arts

St. John’s Stage presents

Randy Rutherford brings his one-man show to St. John’s GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer

St. John’s Stage presents northern California singer/storyteller Randy Rutherford in his awardwinning show, “The Water is Wide,” at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct.12 at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

“The Water is Wide” is a love triangle involving Rutherford, who is deaf, his real-life girlfriend, Sophie, and the woman in his head, Roxanne, whom he relies on to decode the many sounds he misses. Sophie thinks a vegan diet of tofu and rutabagas may cure Randy’s hearing loss. Roxanne prefers fried baloney sandwiches smothered in real mayonnaise. And she’s insanely jealous. Rutherford does a great job of bringing both women to life, and especially of convincing you that Roxanne is real enough to feel jealous.

The Winnipeg Free Press was enthusiastic: “Like a hippie Garrison Keillor, Randy Rutherford is a fuzzy blanket of a performer who warms the heart.”

The veteran performer draws on his folk-singing past to infuse his one-man shows with music to go with his stories. He is no doubt an inspiration, as he currently performs with 70 percent hearing loss. His many long-time fans appreciate his keen observational eye. (How’s this for denial: “He’s not kissing her.

His teeth are tired. He’s resting them on her neck.”)

Rutherford tours extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada and is a regular on the Canadian Fringe Festival circuit. The Oakland native also conducts workshops for writers who want to turn their personal stories into performance pieces.

He is also an accomplished musician, whose music has been described as “defiantly deft fingerpicking” and “the kind of music that makes your hair

Correction to Clayton Theatre Company story

Singer/Storyteller

Randy Rutherford

In the last issue, the address for donations to the Clayton Theatre Company was listed incorrectly. Those wishing to donate to the fledgling company can go online to claytontheatrecompany.com or mail a taxdeductible contribution to Clayton Theatre Company, PO Box 991, Clayton, CA 94517-0991.

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RANDY RUTHERFORD

stand up.”

His previous one-man shows include “Singing at the Edge of the World” and “My Brother Sang Like Roy Orbison.” In “The Weaverville Waltz,” Rutherford chronicles his childhood growing up in a northern California gold mining town.

St. John’s is located at 5555 Clayton Road in Clayton. Tickets are $15, available at the door.

Reservations may be made by calling 925-672-8717 or at www.brownpapertickets.com.

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October 16 7 pm Concord United Methodist Church 1645 West St. Concord

East Bay stars head powerful stage drama A family deep in denial is pushed to the breaking point in Eric Inman’s new work “Bound By Blood.” Presented by Ianiro Productions, the show runs Oct. 5 to 27 at the Boxcar Playhouse, 505 Natoma Street in San Francisco, and stars several East Bay acting luminaries.

Photo by David P. Faustina

CYNTHIA WALKER (SALLY HOGARTY) struggles with the memory of her son (Eric Inman) in Inman’s play “Bound By Blood” at the Boxcar Playhouse in San Francisco, opening Oct 5.

The play follows the Walker family as they deal with acceptance and grief following Justin’s death from AIDS.

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This premiere production follows the events of a family discovering the power and heartache of acceptance a couple days after the favorite son has passed away from AIDS. The Ianiro Production of “Bound by Blood” marks the first full-length staging of the show after a successful one-act version produced in 2004 at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. The production is also the directorial debut of Ianiro Productions founder, Michelle Ianiro.

Inman is the former artistic director of the Willows Theatre Company. Lori A. Martinez is the choreographer.

The cast includes Bay Area favorites Sally Hogarty (Cynthia Walker), Inman (Justin Walker), CC Sheldon (Sara Walker), Sam Young (Paul Petersen), Abigail Edber (Alice Hadler), Johnni Lew (Jayce Moore), Briel Pomerantz (Lysa), Reggie White (Gregory), Meryn MacDougall (Red Dancer/Woman/female swing) and Jeremy Parkin (male swing).

Tickets are $25 for opening night and $20 general admission. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The show previews on Oct. 5 and opens on Oct. 6. A LGBT fundraiser is scheduled for Oct. 12. For tickets, call 925-550-7860 or go online to: www.ianiroproductions.com.

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Outfitting this cast of more than 60 characters was the challenge facing costume designer Scott Lane. The dazzling designs range from Mickey’s Marching Band, to the “It’s a Small World” dolls to the stars of “Mula” and “Finding Nemo.” The bright colors and minimal structure in the Nemo costumes allow the characters to move freely in order to mimic the natural movement in

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Clayton Valley volleyball Dig Pink for a cause Oct. 11

September 28, 2012

Hike to end homelessness SHELTER, Inc. of Contra Costa County presents the third annual Hike for SHELTER – a hiking fundraising program bringing together neighbors, friends, families and local groups – on Sunday, Oct. 21 on Mount Diablo to raise awareness about homelessness in the community.

Hike for SHELTER is for all levels of abilities from walkers to seasoned hikers. Before the

big day, enjoy the local trails by training individually or with a group at optional training hikes every weekend leading up to the event. On Oct. 21, hikers will take to Mount Diablo and complete any one of four trails of their choosing depending on fitness level. A post-hike celebration is planned also.

SHELTER, Inc. believes homelessness can be overcome and tailors services to fit a family’s

unique needs, from rental assistance to housing to providing them with supportive services, such as tutoring, employment services and life skills training.

An application and information about the hike is available at shelterincofccc.org. Contact Elaine with questions at 957-7566 or hike@shelterincofccc.org.

Music-a-Thon allows CVCHS band to toot their own horn Morgan Giacobazzi, Megan Sarkissian, Jessica Stratton and Ariana Bermudez. Back row, Catalina Buenrostro, Alysha Gasowski, Sarah Williams, Hannah Gleeson, Julie Barker, Lauren McCarthy, Jordan Bluth, Megan Elms, Hailey Pascoe, Kayla Taylor and Sydney Runyon.

Mike Dunn photo

Clayton Valley Charter High School will be out to defeat visiting Berean Christian in a league volleyball match on Thursday, Oct. 11. But more importantly the Concord school is hosting Dig Pink, a cancer awareness and fund-raising event features raffles, DJ, pink-themed snack bar and a great volleyball competition between the two Eagles teams. Ready to Dig Pink for coach Dave Hobson’s CVCHS squad are, front row from left,

Visit side-out.org for more information on Dig Pink. The varsity match Oct. 11 is at 6 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

Dinner to raise funds for Katie Grace’s heart and lung transplant Katie’s Dream will be an evening filled with dinner, entertainment and prizes on Oct. 26 at Centre Concord to raise money for the heart and lung transplant Katie Grace Groebner needs to beat Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

The event runs from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Dinner is catered by Englund’s. Entertainment is provided by Stevie Keys All Star

Band with special guest Ross Valory of Journey. Live and silent auctions offer jewelry, trips, tickets to sporting events, sports memorabilia and collectible wines.

Ten-year-old Katie Grace’s dream is to have the transplant so she can go to college, get married, have children and become a veterinarian. Katie Grace, family and friends have participated in many events, but Katie’s Dreamland at

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this year’s soap box derby and Katie’s Dream in October are the first that go beyond raising awareness of PAH to raise funds towards her transplant through the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. COTA applies 100 percent of the money to transplant-related expenses.

Donna Meisner of Sonset Flowers is working with co-chair Debbie Wenrich to organize the gala evening. They are nearly a tenth of the way to the $50,000 goal. Transplants often cost more than $500,000.

Meisner says of Katie Grace, “Her life is day-to-day. It could change in a heartbeat.”

Meisner met the Groebner family in 2008 after they traveled from Minnesota to California to be closer to proper medical care.

A series of uncanny similarities, like sharing the same birthday, moved Meisner to help the family that now lives in Clayton.

Katie Grace breaks away from playing outside to say how she feels about her medical challenges. “I like my life. I get to meet different people.”

Tickets for Katie’s Dream are $100 per person and are available at COTAforKatieGraceG.com. For more information or to volunteer, contact Donna Meisner at 510-3253837 or mammadonna@gmail.com.

SARA CHAVEZ Clayton Pioneer

The sound of music will echo throughout the streets of Clayton on Saturday, Oct. 13 as the Clayton Valley Charter High School Band will march through town in its first ever Music-aThon.

About 100 of the school’s musicians will parade more than three miles through town in an effort to showcase the band’s talent, recruit new members and raise funds for a variety of activities the band has planned for the year.

“Join band! You won’t regret it!” says CVCHS senior Jason Fernandes, who has been in the band all four years of high school. “You will never feel out of place because we provide a welcoming setting which invokes a sense of belonging.”

The Music-a-Thon will end with the band holding a short concert in downtown Clayton’s gazebo in The Grove.

Prior to the Oct. 13 event, there will be advance notice to

the residents of Clayton who can donate to the band during the Music-a-Thon. Currently, the band is fundraising for instrument repairs and purchases, band trips and workshops given by guest instructors.

This school year will be an eventful one for the different bands at CVCHS, which have all seen both budget cuts and declining membership in the past few years. A month into the school year, they already have two major events under their belt, after participating in the Walnut Creek Twilight Parade, as well as Band Day at UC Berkeley. During Band Day, the band not only got to play in

Cal’s Memorial Stadium but also performed at halftime during a football game.

There are several other major events coming up this year that they are fundraising for, including a trip to play at Disneyland, the Marine Band Challenge and opening the “Light the Night” cancer walk.

Other band fundraisers to look out for this year include a car wash and gift wrapping sales.

“Band isn’t only about being able to make music,” says Fernandes. “It also teaches dedication, commitment, perseverance, provides a creative outlet, and also establishes an ambiance of synergy among peers.”

Donate your gently worn coats and jackets to keep someone warm this winter Clayton Community Church is partnering with Clayton Valley Charter High School’s Public Service Academy to help reach families in need this winter with a Clayton-wide coat drive.

They are looking for donations of lightly-used jackets and other winter wear (scarves, hats, blankets, socks and gloves). The warm clothes will be distributed to families in need throughout the greater Bay Area.

Please join in making a difference in people’s lives.

Bring donations to the Clayton Community Church office, 6055 Main Street, in Clayton, from Oct. 1 through Nov. 18. For more information, contact Jayleen Malley at coatdrive2012@gmail.com.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 19

Plant colorful and hardy perennials this month Salvia nemorosa is a sun tolerant, water-wise, extremely long blooming, reliable, herbaceous perennial that thrives in our Clayton Valley landscapes and gardens.

This perennial is perfect for the plant lover that wanted to take their passion up another level. Salvia nemorosa has a large family, and is filled with fabulous members. You will find them by names like May Night Sage, Sensation Deep Blue, Blue Hills and Royal Crimson Distinction.

Salvia nemorosa Blue Hills is one of the original family members to command attention. This select of sage becomes a tightly branched

shrub of finely toothed matte green leaves. Showy dark blue spires stretch 3-inches long atop this 2-foot tall and wide perennial.

The Salvia nemorosa Blue Hills is very bee and butterfly attractive. It can tolerate full sun and reflective heat. This is definitely successful when planted along hot patios and walkways.

Salvia nemorosa Deep Blue is another compact selection.

The growth on this sage is free branching; creating mounds 12-feet tall with dark blue-violet spire shaped flowers. This salvia is a perfect companion for accenting similar sized evergreens for some punchy curb appeal. Consider pairing with Polygala Petite Butterfly or Euonymus Emerald Gaiety.

These plants together would

Pioneer Photo Album Tammy Slezak took this dramatic photo of a dying oak during the rains last spring. The photo inspired these words: Heedless though you think I be A lichen-crusted, prostrate tree, See me for what I’ve yearned to be; A link in the chain of eternity.

The Pioneer is proud to spotlight our readers’ photos. 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.

make a landscape statement that is easy to grow and tolerates full sun.

Royal Crimson Distinction is another Salvia nemorosa that has rich, dark violet-red flowers, and stands 24-inches tall and about 1-½-feet wide.

Green foliage has the scent of sage.

Royal Crimson Distinction will flower consistently from June through August, with trickles of flowers lasting into September.

Add this herbaceous perennial to a sun-loving flowerbed for sturdy, reliable summer color.

Purple blooming Penstemon Midnight, yellow flowering Phlomis fruitosca, and bronzered foliaged Sedum Turkish Delight would make excellent companion perennials and evergreens for the Royal Crimson Distinction.

A flowerbed containing these plants would be a thrilling, colorful display bursting with blossoms from April almost through October.

The Salvia nemorosa family has one member that is supersought after and popular. The member is called May Night.

In 1997 May Night Salvia was selected as the perennial of the year. May Night Salvia blooms a profusion of deep purple spiky flowers on stems that can stand 18-inches tall.

Growing 2-feet wide, Salvia May Night makes a statement in any garden bed or landscape strip. May Night is the type of perennial that can hold its own among shrubs and ornamental trees. Include some May Night Salvia when planting Crimson Pygmy Barberry and the laven-

der blooming Zuni multi-trunk Crape Myrtle. Another couple of companions for the May Night Salvia would be the bronzed bladed Carex Testacea, and the evergreen Loropetalum called Blush.

Grouping plants together like these would create landscape magic.

Autumn is a great time of the year to install hardy perennials and other foundation plants. The entire Salvia nemorosa family should be a welcomed plant in all out Clayton Valley gardens.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 28, 2012

Grab some mountain air in Calaveras and Alpine counties Lake Alpine, and the Union and Utica reservoirs.

UNION/UTICA RESERVOIRS These scenic twin reservoirs, located off Spicer Road along Highway 4, are very popular for day use and paddle sports and have some of the best campsites I’ve seen. The trick here is access, as the most pristine spots either require a “pack-it-in hike” from the trailhead or a boat-in scenario. But the schlep is worth it. These reservoirs come complete with rock islands, plenty of

KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN When the Bay Area grind takes its toll, sometimes it’s good to pack it up and head out of town where a healthy dose of mountain air can be just what the doctor ordered.

This week’s prescription takes you to Arnold and the surrounding areas, all located in the heart of Calaveras and Alpine counties. I used the town of Arnold as a jump-off point as it was centrally located from a number of area highlights. Arnold is about two-and-a-half hours east of Clayton on Highway 4.

BIG TREES First up is Calaveras Big Trees State Park and the Stanislaus River. You could spend days covering all the “must do’s” located within the boundaries of this park. For starters, the South Grove and North Grove hikes are both distinctly different, yet with trees that make you wonder how nature could produce something that gigantic.

North Grove Trail’s gentle 1.7-mile loop takes you through this historic grove of Giant Sequoias including Big Stump, Mother and Father of the Forest and the Pioneer Cabin Tree (which used to be a drivethrough tree). This is a great hike for the kids.

South Grove Trail is a mod-

hiking trails and tons of shoreline to just kick back and enjoy.

These views, however, come without frills; there are no modern facilities such as tables, trashcans or toilets that flush.

But if you’re adventurous you can paddle out to one of the islands and make it your own overnight lodging, done with ease (and a boat of course).

Now, get out and get moving.

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

Photos by Kevin Parker

THE HIKE FROM LAKE ALPINE TO INSPIRATION POINT is a favorite way to stretch the legs. The fall colors are wonderful when the aspen trees turn to gold.

erately difficult trail consisting of a 3.5-mile loop with a side hike to the Agassiz Tree (the largest in the park) and totals about five miles once you are done. This grove is home to about 1,000 mature Giant Sequoias, some of which are easily the largest in the park.

River Canyon Trail is probably the most strenuous hike in Big Trees State Park as it is about eight miles round-trip.

The hike itself starts at the Scenic Overlook and drops you into Stanislaus River Canyon, the entire trail going downhill.

However, once you reach the river below (a great half-way point for a refreshing break), don’t forget you must once again ascend back to where you started, which is about a 1,000elevation change.

A stop at the Stanislaus River cannot be missed as the rocks and boulders beg for an adventure either up or downstream.

Take flight off a high-perched rock into the water below and get a brisk mid-afternoon wakeup. Great picnic spots await at

Beaver Creek Picnic Area as Beaver Creek itself meanders through wonderful scenery at a much slower rate than the fast moving Stanislaus River.

LAKE ALPINE Lake Alpine, elevation 7,350 feet, is on the Ebbett’s Pass Scenic Byway about 45 minutes further east of Arnold. There are three campgrounds, a store, picnic areas and a boat launch. I recommend taking the West Lake

Alpine Road turnoff just before the lake itself. Follow this gravel road until you come to a parking area by an old wooden cabin.

Lots of granite, trees and trails surround this lake, which doesn’t truly warm up until August. A popular place for kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, we spent half the day in our kayak touring inlets not so easily accessible by foot. A quick side hike to Inspiration Point offers absolutely outstanding views of

THE RIVER CANYON HIKE IN CALAVERAS BIG TREES drops you down into the scenic Stanislaus River Canyon. Take plenty of water and remember, what goes down must come back up.

Clayton Grand Opening: October 15

Win this quilt to snuggle into this winter and benefit breast cancer research

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Donate $5 for a chance to win a beautiful, handmade, pink quilt.

Every stitch was made in loving memory of a dear friend by Donna Taber of Beautique Beauty Supply in the Clayton Station. The drawing will be Nov. 1. All proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Beautique is located at 5439 Clayton Road, Clayton. 672-0405.