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May 10, 2013
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‘Nanie’ is a gift to essay winner Essay winner realizes ‘mother’ comes in different packaging JULIE PIERCE
Sometimes the greatest moms are not the ones who gave us birth. Sometimes the greatest mothers are aunts, an older sibling or a fostering adult. For Antonio, she is his grandma. Linda Thyken is “Nanie” to Antonio O’Conner Montes, 13, who wrote the winning essay in the Clayton Pioneer’s Mothers Day essay contest. Linda, or Miss Linda to those who know her from Mt. Diablo Elementary School, knew something was in the works when Antonio told her she “just might win a spa day.” When the Pioneer called with the news that his essay had won, an overjoyed and speechless Antonio handed the phone to his grandmother. “He was so excited,” Linda said. “Before I got off the
MAYOR’S CORNER
City finalizes purchase of church property I am very pleased to announce the city completed the purchase of the vacant 1.66 acre parcel of land behind the Clayton Community Church offices on Main Street for the amount of $1 million. The sale was officially recorded April 24, successfully concluding months of amicable negotiations which began last June. This vacant parcel is one of the last significant unimproved parcels in the Clayton Town Center. The city has long held an interest in the commercial or mixed use development of the site.
See Mayor, page 18
Tamara Steiner LINDA THYKEN AND GRANDSON ANTONIO O’CONNER MONTES, 13, were all smiles when they learned that Antonio’s essay, “Greatest Mom (Grandma),” was the first place winner in the Clayton Pioneer Mother’s Day Essay Contest. A grateful Antonio plans to save all his money to send his “Nanie, ” who is recovering from shoulder surgery, to Italy someday.
Mount Diablo School District Board moves quickly to replace fired superintendent DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
The Mount Diablo Unified School District is wasting no time searching for a replacement for Superintendent Dr. Steven Lawrence, who was fired last month. At a series of MDUSD board meetings lasting until late
in the nights, plans were made by members to interview interim superintendent candidates in an open session with stakeholder groups on May 14, with a vote for approval May 20. Between Lawrence’s failed anti-Clayton Valley High School charter PR campaign, a FCMAT report fiasco that resulted in sharp words from the County
Board of Education President, and the recent controversy over conflicts of interest in MDUSD contract talks, not many people were surprised by Lawrence’s forced departure. “I think that there has been low morale with a lot of teachers and administrators, and also that there are a lot of parts of the community that don’t feel
very connected or supported by the district,” said MDUSD board member Brian Lawrence. Clayton Valley Charter High Executive Director David Linzey’s previous position was as a district superintendent (although for a significantly smaller district). He wasn’t surprised to hear of Lawrence leaving. “Unfortunately, it was pret-
NICOLE HACKETT Clayton Pioneer
PINK VERBENA, ORANGE LADY’S SLIPPER and tangerine colored Geum plants pile on top of themselves in a profusion of color at the home of Lori Turner and David Holmes, just one of the spectacular gardens included on the 2013 Clayton Historical Garden Tour, May 18-19.
The Clayton Historical Society held their first Clayton Gardens Tour 21 years ago, and this favorite Clayton event has blossomed through the years. Many look forward to strolling through the garden gates of each chosen landscape. Selected homeowners have graciously opened their gardens for this event, which is the largest fundraiser for the Clayton Historical Museum. Gardens are busting with blooms in May, so it’s the perfect
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Behind the Badge . . . . . . . .14 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
time of year to enjoy a gardens tour. This year the gardens on the Clayton Gardens Tour are exceptional. They are filled with fabulous flowering perennials, roses, groundcovers and shrubs. Ornamental trees are also a highlight on the tour this year; you’ll see flowering Dogwood, Beech, Ginkgo, Japanese maple and Magnolia trees. Landscapes also display striking hardscape ideas including decorative and functional retailing walls, patio and pathway foundation ideas and exterior kitchens and lighting. PERSONAL TOUCH Homeowners have also personalized their gardens and landscapes with creative touches to spotlight certain areas. TourCommunity Calendar . . . . .16 Design and Décor . . . . . . . .20 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 Doctor’s Orders . . . . . . . . . . .9 Estate Planning . . . . . . . . . .15
Tom Wills Dec. 1, 1947 – Apr. 24, 2013
ty apparent that the district was at a standstill,” he said. “There was difficulty in the governance team, and so when the district’s not moving forward, something has to happen.” With a central administration managing policies for 36,000 students at 53 separate schools,
See MDUSD, page 9
Clayton flower lovers: see how your gardens grow Get ideas blooming at annual tour to benefit Historical Society
See Essay, page 9
goers will delight in seeing vinecovered arbors, and trellises, raised vegetable beds, a cottage inspired playhouse and even a boldly colored chicken coup. The peaceful sound of babbling water will also be enjoyed throughout some of the landscapes, as fountains and even a natural creek flow through some of this year’s gardens. Pieces of garden art appear in almost every landscape. Individuality shines through art, and in the garden there is no exception. Fences are adorned and garden beds and borders are embellished with pieces of each homeowner’s expression.
See Gardens, page 20 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .19 Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .21 Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .19
CVHS teaching legend, ClaytonArts Academy co-founder passes leaving lasting legacy with students, arts program JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Teachers can play such a pivotal role in the lives of their students and, judging by the comments of his students and teaching colleagues, retired Clayton Valley High School drama teacher Tom Wills gets a standing ovation and rave reviews. The Concord resident, 65, passed away April 24 nine months after a cancer diagnosis.
See Wills, page 6 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Speaking of Sports . . . . . . .10 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . .18
Postal Customer ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190