NOV 10 Clayton Pioneer 2017

IT’S YOUR PAPER

www.claytonpioneer.com

JiM Diaz

November 10, 2017

925.672.0500

‘Finding Light in the Darkness’ remembers those lost to suicide

Clayton woman brings survivors to The Grove

MAYOR’S CORNER

Clayton names interim police chief

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph Kreins as interim chief of police, replacing Chris Wenzel effective Nov. 13. Kreins will remain until a permanent chief is on board.

Kreins comes to Clayton with an extensive and impressive background in police services. He was the chief of police of Vallejo from 2012 to ’14 and Novato 2004-’12. He also served as interim chief in Winters and Benicia 2015-’17.

Kreins began his police career as an officer in Concord in 1980, rising through the ranks to serve as a lieutenant from 1998 to 2001. He was then appointed as chief in Sausalito, serving 2001-’03.

CLAYTON PD HELPS OUT IN FIRE

The Clayton Police Department provided three officers to assist with mutual aid services during the recent severe wildfires in Napa, Sonoma and Santa Rosa. These officers provided traffic control and helped prevent looting of firedamaged businesses and residences.

The Clayton police officers were well-received and offered much-appreciated relief for local police service providers.

Our sincere thanks go to Officers Rich Enea, Ashley Wright and Allen White.

Meanwhile, our recently installed public safety camera system assisted the Contra Costa Sheriff ’s Office in solving a murder in the Byron area.

Working with sheriff ’s detectives, Wenzel reviewed recorded videos and searched for the suspect vehicle going through Clayton because it was observed heading toward our city a short time after the crime. After an extensive review of our new digital video recording (DVR) system, the suspect vehicle was identified entering Clayton and its license plate confirmed, which led to the subsequent arrest of the suspect(s).

The Police Department and the chief received a special thank you from the Contra Costa County Sheriff ’s Detective Bureau for their part in solving the crime. Well done!

See Mayor, page 11

TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Mark Ruefenacht

Clayton woman amy Callahan remembers her son, Wyatt Bredell, at the first “Finding Light in the Darkness” walk to raise funds for the american Foundation for Suicide Prevention in The Grove on Oct. 21. The walk will be an annual event.

Three years ago on Sept. 11, 2014 Amy Callahan, already uneasy about flying on 9/11, boarded a plane headed for Illinois where she would attend her oldest son’s graduation from Navy boot camp.

Sadly, the day would end not with a celebration but with the tragic news from back home that her younger son, Wyatt, had inexplicably taken his own life.

What causes a 15-year-old honor student, an Eagle Scout, a youth leader in his church, to suddenly find death preferable to life?

“There are reasons we will never know,” Amy said in her opening remarks at an event in The Grove last month. Family, friends and those surviving a loved one’s suicide brought photos to share and flashlights to light the way as they walked

See Walk, page 3

New priest launches drive-thru prayer JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Without leaving your vehicle on Clayton Road, you have an assortment of drivethrough options – from a freshly made peppermint mocha to getting your car washed and filled up.

Now, Father Mat Vellankal is offering you a couple minutes of reflection and prayer each weekday evening at St. Bonaventure Church. Starting next week, the new pastor is introducing Drive-Thru Prayer 5-6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the front parking lot of the Catholic church off Clayton Road.

This isn’t a new concept for Vellankal, who began this spiritual service in November 2014 at his previous parish of Holy Spirit Church. Drive-Thru

Prayer is still going strong at the Fremont church three years later, he reports.

“There will be no need to turn off the ignition or get out of the car,” says Christa Fairfield, director of parish life at St. Bonaventure. “Drivers can just set the brake and take a moment to have the prayer team be present to them, to hear their request and pray with them.”

The pastor explains that a few notices in the church bulletin resulted in 23 volunteers to serve on the team. “I will have 30 on the team so that they can share the nightly duties,” says Vellankal, who also plans on recruiting some teens to be human signs on Clayton Road – hawking prayer rather than pizza.

See Priest, page 2 Father Mat Vellankal relaxes in the Meditation Garden behind St. Bonaventure Church.

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

Clayton couple gearing up for holiday toy drive BEV BRITTON Clayton Pioneer

What’s Inside

Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Community Calendar . . . . .13 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Jennifer Jay

Mike and Christine Banducci speak to the crowd at the Great Clayton Toy Giveaway fundraiser at Oakhurst Country Club last month while holding a painting done by a hospitalized youngster who received a donated toy.

During the holidays, Clayton resident Mike Banducci and his family always donated generously to local toy drives.

But Banducci knew for many years that he wanted to do more.

Mike and his wife Christine hosted the first Great Clayton Toy Giveaway last year, and they joined friends and community members this Oct. 20 for a fundraiser at Oakhurst Country Club. The sold-out event included dinner for 120 and music by

Clayton band Plan B. This year’s drive has already raised nearly $10,000.

Using his industry discounts, Banducci will purchase two to three times the retail value worth of toys and games.

Toys will include classics like board games, Play Doh and Hot Wheels, along with Pokemon and “Star Wars” themed toys, Disney princesses and Barbies.

The toy drive will distribute donations by the truckload to several charities, including Children’s Hospital of Oakland, Christmas for Everyone, Bay Alarm’s Toys

for Tots and the Dylan Mitchell Memorial Toy Drive for Foster Kids.

Banducci has worked with Hasbro, Mattel, Pokemon and specialty manufacturers.

His current business, R&M Distributors, has been warehoused in Concord since 2004.

“I started in the toy industry in 1986 with my dad, who was a toy industry sales rep,” says Banducci, who also owned Toys, Game & More in downtown Clayton.

“I enjoy the customers,

See Toys, page 2

Postal Customer ECRWSS

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Around Town

Clayton Valley Charter marching band tops in Loomis

badges, completed 75 nights of camping and backpacking, and hiked 425 miles. Highlights for him included hiking to the summit of Mount Whitney and backpacking the 210-mile John Muir Trail.

manufacturers and sales reps I work with,” he adds. “It is an older school industry with generations of family involvement.”

Clayton resident Jennifer Jay, a neighbor of the Banduccis for 20 years, is a supporter of the drive.

going to, it’s very moving.”

“It is always heartwarming and rewarding when the com“The people who have munity comes together to attended the first two years care for those less fortunate,” are mostly Clayton friends says Christine Banducci. and their families who live Cash donations will be acceptaround here, our neighbors, ed until Dec. 1. Send to the Great which is nice,” she says.

Clayton Toy Giveaway, P.O. Box “When Mike and Christine 161, Clayton, CA 94517. are up there speaking about the passion of where this all

Scout earns Eagle for crisis center project

Emmalyn Anne Eisenbart celebrated her first Halloween bundled up as a burrito with parents Nick and Brandi dressed as Chipotle employees.

Emmalyn was born on Sept.

28, measuring 19 inches and weighing 7 pounds 13ounces, Jessica Lewis before extra toppings. The Logan Schoffstall is ClayEisenbarts own Skim n’Dip, a ton’s newest Eagle Scout. local pool service company.

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Queen of All Saints in Concord, where he served for three years. He was the pastor at Holy Spirit in Fremont for the past 11 years.

After leaving the Fremont church, he took a short sabbatical that included a trip to Italy and a few weeks in India. He visited family including his three brothers and his sister, who is a nun.

Upon the retirement of Father Richard Mangini, he was named St. Bonaventure’s pastor in July. The church celebrated its 60th anniversary last summer.

“This new assignment is good for me,” says the enthusiastic Vellankal, who seems to wear a perpetual smile as he discusses his plans for the local Catholic community.

Holy Spirit parishioners posted a six-minute farewell video on YouTube. In it, Holy Spirit business manager Jeff Van der Sluis says people can’t say no to Vellankal. “The reason is the magic that comes when you say ‘yes’.”

Holy Spirit School students said how much they like the humor in Vellankal’s homilies as well as his magic tricks.

“I like to get young people’s attention by doing magic at our children’s Mass and bible camp,” says the priest.

Toys, from page 1

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Contributed photo

CVCHS Marching Band leadership team, from left: Kelsi Niepraschk, Grant Gelhaus, Sarah Kidd, Eddy Soli and Steven Potter.

Clayton resident Logan Schoffstall received his Eagle Scout rank for a construction project at the Monument Crisis Center in Concord.

Logan has been involved in scouting since first grade as a member of Cub Scout Pack 262, before advancing to Boy Scout Troop 484. He is a senior at Clayton Valley Charter High School.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Logan guided fellow members of Troop 484 in building two storage cabinets for youth programs at the crisis center. He also led a drive for personal health care products to be distributed by the center to community members in need.

Logan has earned 26 merit

Priest from page 1 “At the end of the work or school day, people may be stressed out and/or face a crisis in their life,” Vellankal says.

“We want them to share a short prayer of three minutes or less with the team before they continue home.”

Volunteers will give each driver a card with contact information and the St. Bonaventure Mass schedule on one side and the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi on the other.

Vellankal, who turns 60 in May, has spent 30 years as a priest. His late parents were “middle class farmers” in the state of Kerala in Southwest India. He called the area “God’s own country” in his 2015 book, “From Rural India to Silicon Valley.”

After his ordination in India, he ended up in Northeast India working as a youth minister and, for some time, as headmaster of a 2,000 student, all-boys school. His work was recognized to such an extent that in 1997 the Vatican appointed him as international chaplain of the International Movement of Catholic Agricultural Rural Youth. The position required him to move to their world headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

He came to the United States four years later and was named assistant pastor at

The Clayton Valley Charter High School Eagle Marching Band won first place at their first competition of the season on Oct. 21 at Del Oro High School in Loomis.

Not only did they come in first overall in the AA division, but they also brought home first-place trophies for brass, woodwinds and percussion.

The band has two more competitions this season.

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Page 3

New Zealand brings authentic ‘Lord of the Rings’ experience

ROBERT CASEY PLACES TO GO

If you’ve seen “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” repeatedly, it may be time to go on your own quest – not in Middle-Earth, but in New Zealand.

The films are based on books by J.R.R. Tolkien about Middle-Earth, a mythical land inspired by the author’s childhood explorations of rural England. To bring the stories to the big screen, producer Peter Jackson filmed largely in his native New Zealand.

While there are quite a few ways to see the numerous film

locations, driving can be perilous in New Zealand – where people drive on the left side of the road and visitors must contend with narrow, treacherous roads through much of the mountainous country. Also, New Zealand has lower bloodalcohol rules than most U.S. states and sobriety checkpoints are frequent.

Therefore, I highly recommend taking the “Journey to Middle-Earth” tour. This is a 15-day, air-and-land vacation offered by Down Under Answers. It includes air travel on Air New Zealand (four different flights) as well as lodging, all tours and a cruise.

There are several tour options, but this one is tightly focused on “Lord of the Rings” film locations. It provides the right mix of hosted tours and a certain degree of independence, with free time to explore on your own.

Air New Zealand Vacations and Down Under Answers are

ian Brodie/Tourism New zealand

at New zealand’s Hobbiton, visitors can take photos from the circular door used in the Tolkien films.

Walk, from page 1

members of the U.S. Tour Operators Association, which means you can be assured that the trip meets the highest standards for reliability and consumer protection.

The “Journey to MiddleEarth” tour includes airfare from San Francisco to Auckland, on New Zealand’s North

the mile or so through town to honor the lost and support the living.

After Wyatt’s death, Amy relied on her strong faith in God and the love and support of the community to carry on.

“Our lives changed forever that day,” Amy reflects. “But, as much as we didn’t want to, we were able to move forward into a different life with the help of family, friends and community.”

In her grief, Amy shared her story and heartache on social media and received hundreds of messages from those suffering from depression, many with thoughts of suicide.

“I had no idea how many people struggle with these thoughts and are

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in a constant battle.”

One young woman from Wyatt’s school came to Amy’s house late one night when she couldn’t reach her therapist.

“She had lost hope and was ready to give up. I really had no idea how to help her but I did have an 800 number to call.” It was the hotline to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Together, they talked the teen through the crisis and helped her set up a plan going forward.

Wyatt’s suicide rocked the entire local community. Friends, teachers, and family needed to come together to grieve. Responding to the community need, Amy began to pull together a team for the AFSP’s “Out of Dark-

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ness” walk held less than five weeks after Wyatt’s death.

On the night of the walk, more than 100 supporters wearing “Walk for Wyatt” t-shirts and carrying candles, walked around Oakland’s Lake Merritt all night until dawn.

This year, Amy decided to bring the event home to Clayton. On Oct. 21, some 50 supporters gathered in The Grove for the first local “Finding Light in the Darkness” walk to honor and remember loved ones lost to suicide.

Deanna Merrigan was among them. Her son, Matt, had taken his life a year and a half ago in July 2016.

He was 19. Like Wyatt, Matt’s death was sudden.

“There was nothing different that day,” she recalls. “You don’t know what the heck is going on. No expla-

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Island, and the return from Queenstown on the South Island. It also includes one-way flights from Rotorua to Wellington, and Wellington to Queenstown, as well as all transfers between the various airports and hotels along the route.

While in Rotorua, you can

take an all-day motor-coach trip to see the Hobbiton movie set, which was built to represent the Shire in “Lord of the Rings.” Visitors can go inside one of the Hobbit homes and take photos looking out the circular door.

In Wellington, “the coolest little capital city in the world,” visitors can tour many of the sites Jackson used around the city, including Rivendell and Helms Deep. The tour also goes to the Weta Cave Workshop in Miramar, which displays props and costumes from “Lord of the Rings.”

The “Journey to MiddleEarth” tour is a perfect way to experience the grandeur of New Zealand while immersing yourself in sets and memorabilia from the popular movies.

Robert Casey is president of Fair Winds Cruises & Expeditions in Clayton. He can be reached at 925-787-8252 or send email to fairwindscruises.com.

If You Go

Passport/visa requirements. Make sure your passport is valid for three months beyond your planned date of departure. New Zealand does not require visas for U.S. citizens for stays of less than three months.

Weather. New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so their seasons are the reverse of ours.

The best times to visit Auckland are April and October, which feature pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds.

More information. Tourism New Zealand offers travel information, activities, accommodations and sample itineraries at newzealand.com/us.

Down Under Answers’ website is duatravel.com.

nation, no warning signs.”

As she comes to grips with her loss, Deanna is turning her thoughts to the future.

Like Amy, Deanna is searching for a way to make sense of it all. She knows Matt had been drinking and suspects that alcohol may have played a role.

“We want to move forward with a cause,” she says. “We aren’t settled on anything yet, but it will be something in the way of education.”

Amy is already planning next year’s Clayton walk.

“My hope is that, through raising awareness and educating people, we will continue to give hope to others so that another family doesn’t have to Mark Ruefenacht go through the heartache and despair Deanna Merrigan, left, and amy Callathat our family has had to go han support each other during the “Finding Light in the Darkness” walk through.”

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Small kestrel falcons need help to survive

Raptor expert Jenny Papka first noted the decline of kestrels when she was working at Los Vaqueros Reservoir in 2006.

She’d been seeing these smallest of falcons reliably as they perched on the utility lines beside the road, and they were considered a common bird across North America.

“Then one day,” she says, “they were gone.”

Alarmed, she contacted the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory to see if its spotters had seen a drop in kestrel numbers.

No, they said everything looked OK. The GGRO counted 611 American kestrels in 2006. But in 2007, the count dropped to 378. Jenny felt it in her bones: Something was going wrong.

Researchers realized the trend had been going on for decades across the continental United States. In 2016, the GGRO count was 229. In coastal California, kestrel numbers have dropped 69 percent in the last 40 years.

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the kestrel hunts like a tiny fairy in open grasslands. It prefers a nesting cavity as a home, unlike the much larger peregrine falcon, which likes cliff sides. Because kestrels don’t make their own holes, they’re dependant on finding a natural cavity in a tree or rock, or a woodpecker hole in a dead or dying tree.

Kestrels are vulnerable because they like suburbia.

They’re drawn to meadows and yards, open spaces and parks.

But homeowners and land managers often take down old and dying trees, leading to a

housing shortage for kestrels.

Rodenticides and herbicides may play an equally critical role in the plummeting population. Humans build homes along the fringes of open spaces, such as Lime Ridge, and then put out poison to control the very food items kestrels depend upon: insects and small rodents.

Kestrels seem to be acutely sensitive to poisons, though researchers don’t yet know how they interfere with the bird’s life cycle. When peregrine falcons went through a similarly steep decline in the ’50s and ’60s, it took a while to understand how the pesticide DDT was causing the problem. Researchers then discovered the poison interrupted the calcium metabolism in peregrines, producing eggs too thin to protect the chicks.

Three years ago, a team of volunteers from 11 East Bay natural history organizations came together to help protect a new nesting closure zone for peregrine falcons in Castle

the criminals know this. Companies will also be sending out pre-approved credit card applications, and some of you will become victims of identity theft due to the theft of mail.

I have used many ways to alert residents of the mail theft problem in the city. With the partnership of the U.S. Postal Service, every mailbox in the city will soon receive a crime prevention postcard as it pertains to mail. I hope we can make a difference.

The citywide camera system as well as our officers’ proactive approach to police work has helped not only us but other police agencies solve some serious crimes in their jurisdictions. We continue to patrol the area and look for suspicious behavior in hopes of deterring crime.

Lastly, I have enjoyed every minute working as your police chief. My goal was to

provide you a level of service deserving of this community.

I have dedicated more than 28 years to law enforcement and service to residents.

I was fortunate to work with the officers here, who truly dedicate themselves to this profession and are willing to put themselves out in front to protect others. All of the successes are due to their abilities.

We met many challenges in my two years here, and we implemented higher efficiency of our service delivery.

The quality of life here has improved based on the development of the citywide camera system, upgrades at the Clayton Station Shopping Center and our overall approach to the task at hand – which is service to the community.

Police Department members met the challenges, but our total success was based

STaCi HOBBET

ON THE MOUNTAIN

iNaturalisti photo

The kestrel falcon, weighing only 4 ounces, has colorful plumage.

Rock Park. Now the team is taking on an additional challenge: building and mounting nesting boxes for kestrels in area parks and open spaces.

It’s also planning to reach out to neighbors of these parks to encourage them to see the consequences of poisoning insects and rodents.

Brian Richardson is leading the kestrel campaign. You can contact him at kestrelcampaign@gmail.com.

Staci Hobbet is a docent at the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; mdia.org. Send email to her at anastasiahobbet@gmail.com

Chief reflects on successes during 2-year Clayton tenure

on working with city staff and residents as well. Many years ago, I learned that the success of any city involves partnerships with numerous people and organizations willing to spend the energy to make life better.

Current events have shown us that times are changing, and we must remain vigilant in protecting ourselves and our community.

When something doesn’t seem right, call the police.

“When in doubt, call us out.”

I was honored and proud to serve the residents of Clayton and thank you for the opportunity. The decision to leave was not easy because I felt fortunate to work and serve in this profession. When you see a police officer or firefighter in the future, don’t hesitate to wave or say hello.

Nov. 9 was Chris Wenzel’s last day as chief of police of Clayton.

California will continue to stay focused on sea level rise The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has pushed climate change and related environmental issues associated with global warming to the back of the bus under the current administration.

However, California has a long history of recognizing causes and effects of climate change and continues to rely on scientific studies to provide guidance to its citizens.

During the last half of the 20th century, researchers identified a strong link between greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. In the mid1980s, the United Nations and World Meteorological Organization formed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to assess scientific information relevant to the causes and impacts of climate change.

Based largely on findings from early IPCC reports, California legislators instructed the state’s Energy Commission to conduct several climate change studies in the 1990s. The goal was to determine how global

WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS

warming and related climate change issues could affect the state’s infrastructure, energy demand and water supply.

Those reports paved the way for research that continues today.

In 2000, legislators passed SB 1771 to establish a statewide climate change advisory committee. Now known as the state Climate Action Team, it serves as the state EPA’s clearinghouse for research in all aspects related to climate change.

California’s coast and bay areas may be especially vulnerable to sea level rise, one of the

byproducts of global warming.

Sea level rise research is a good example of how state-sponsored scientific study results in adaptation strategies at the local level.

In 2010, the state EPA Ocean Protection Council published the first sea level guidance document for California. Revisions have been issued in 2013 and 2017.

Let’s look at how the latest guidance forecasts sea level rise at San Francisco compared to the 1991-2009 mean. Data is presented in “likely ranges” and “5 percent probability” for 2030, 2050 and 2100. The likely range means there is a 67 percent probability of occurrence, while the 5 percent probability means there is a one in 20 chance of occurrence.

For 2030, the likely range of sea level rise is 4-6 inches with a 5 percent probability of 7 inches. By 2050, the likely range lifts to 7-13 inches while the 5 percent probability is 17

See Weather, page 7

November 10, 2017

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

At Hamlow, the family farms together DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market

Stroll past the Hamlow Ranch booth at the farmers market this time of year and you will see mounds of unique varieties of sweet potatoes, colorful pomegranates and persimmons, bags of walnuts and almonds, and newly arrived mandarin oranges.

The third-generation farming family from Turlock provides quality stone fruit, citrus, nuts and sweet potatoes to many farmers markets, including more than 12 operated by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association (PCFMA). Carl Hamlow is a third-generation farmer, born and raised in Turlock, and has been farming his whole life.

The family started out drying peaches for sale. As their farm grew in acreage, they diversified and began growing other stone fruit and nuts.

Now the several hundred acre farm has orchards filled with many varieties of peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums, grapes and citrus. This diversity allows them to offer a full selection of produce throughout the year.

Hamlow is especially proud of his unique sweet potatoes like Okinawa and Murasaki.

“Watching trees grow and tending to their needs is one of the joys of farming,” Hamlow says. “Providing freshly picked fruit to customers at a farmers market and talking with them about our product is enjoyable as well.”

The next generation of

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Got a sweet tooth? How about fresh, locally grown sweet potatoes. Find them at the Tuesday Farmers Market in Todos Santos Plaza.

ingrained in them from childhood, and the family is grateful for it. Their goal is to keep the farm in the family for many years to come.

Another goals is to continue providing fresh-picked fruits and nuts to customers.

They want to share the best produce they can grow while getting to know more customers.

Stop by and visit them this month and pick up some big sweet potatoes, nuts and perClaycord 4-H members Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm National 4-H Week a success, simmons for your Thanksworked as a team to make the Outreach on Oct. 7 during demonstrating the 4-H philos- giving feast. ophy, “A true leader sees life as a team activity.”

ROASTED SWEET POTATO National 4-H Week is held WEDGES annually during the first week 2, 8 oz. sweet potatoes, of October. It is a celebration peeled of 4-H, showcasing the impact 1-2 T olive oil that 4-H has on its members ½ tsp. curry powder ranging in age from 5 to 18 ¼ tsp. salt years old. ¼ tsp. ground cumin Members from Claycord 41/8 tsp. ground cloves H created a petting zoo for kids 1/8 tsp. pepper to pet and learn about ducks, Cut sweet potatoes in half rabbits, tortoises, chickens, a lengthwise; cut each half guinea pig and even a Nigerian lengthwise into six wedges.

Dwarf goat. Claycord members Combine sweet potatoes and also set up a fundraiser booth remaining ingredients in a with goat milk soaps, beeswax bowl; toss gently to coat. candles and an assortment of Place wedges on a baking crafts they made. sheet.

Do not overlap. Bake at Christian Flamino, Melody Hollingworth and Olivia Flamino For more information about 4- 425 for 25 minutes or until gave visitors hands-on learning at the 4-H petting zoo durH, go to 4hcontracosta.ucanr.edu. very tender. ing National 4-H Week last month.

Club News

Page 5

the extended Hamlow family is already working on the ranch, planting and tending trees and offering improvements and suggestions. The love of farming has been

National 4-H Week Clayton Outreach

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^Sample price is per person, based on double occupancy in a Club category room on select weeks at Ixtapa Pacifi c, Mexico. Discounts on other dates, room categories and/or at other resorts may vary. Blackout dates apply, including holidays and other dates. Offer requires a 3-night minimum stay (7-night minimum for Columbus Isle). Available at select resorts. Does not include airfare. Valid for new individual bookings only for select travel dates. Sample $400 air credit is per person, based on a 7-night stay in a Suite category room on select weeks at Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Club Med Cancun Yucatan, Mexico.

Credits on other dates, resorts, stay duration, room categories may vary. Children between 13 and 15 years of age receive 70% of the air credit of an adult. Children between 4 and 12 years of age receive half of the air credit of an adult. Children under 4 do not receive an air credit. Offer requires a 3-night minimum stay and air must be booked through Club Med. Valid for new individual bookings only for select travel dates. Free room upgrade is available select weeks at Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (From Club Room (B) to Club Room family near Zen Oasis (B+)), Cancun Yucatan, Mexico (From Club room family sea view (B4) to Deluxe family sea view (A4)), Ixtapa Pacifi c, Mexico (From Club Rsea view (C+) to Deluxe Family with Balcony (A)), Sandpiper Bay, Florida (From Club Room Family Bay View (B+) to Deluxe Room (A) & Deluxe Family (A+)), Columbus Isle, Bahamas (From Club Room - Sea View (C+) to Deluxe Room - Sea View (A+)). Offer available only at Club Med Cancun Yucatan, Mexico, Ixtapa Pacifi c, Mexico, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Sandpiper Bay, Florida, Columbus Isle, Bahamas, and Turkoise, Turks & Caicos. Valid for new individual bookings only for select travel dates. Children aged under 4 years stay for free at our family destinations.

Children aged 4-11 years stay at up to 50% off adult price at select family resorts. Children aged 12-15 years stay at up to 30% off adult price at select family resorts. For fl ights that are booked through Club Med, tickets for children must be paid for by the client. Children who are eligible to stay for free must be lodged in the same room as the adults who are paying for their stay, or in a connecting room. Blackout dates may apply. Costs associated with Baby & Petit Club Med are at full day rate during entire stay booked. General Conditions: Blackout dates apply, including holidays and other dates. Offer requires a 3-night minimum stay (7night minimum for Columbus Isle). Available at select resorts. Valid for new individual bookings only for select travel dates with check-in on or after 10/28/2017 and check-out on or before 6/23/2018 and must be booked between 10/26/2017 and 01/09/2018. Offer is subject to capacity control and may increase or be withdrawn at any time. For Turkoise all guests must be 18 and older. Guests at Columbus Isle must be 2 and older. Club Med Membership fees of $60 per adult and $30 per child are additional. Other restrictions apply including brochure terms and cancellation/change fees. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. CST#: 2020955-50.

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Spectacular Clayton country estate featuring large classic 4 bedroom 2 bath ranch style home all set on 6.68 stunning acres. Clayton’s original Christmas Tree Farm, this special property is like no other offering a very rare opportunity to live in town with acreage. Call me for more information and to make an appointment to show.

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Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

November 10, 2017

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In November we recognize family caregivers across the country and honor their dedication and compassion. This includes family caretakers who care for loved ones with a chronic condition, disability, disease or old age. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP data from 2016, approximately 43.5 million caregivers have

If machines could talk, they would probably say: “You humans have such a penchant for forgetting hard drive backups, despite the fact that your future depends upon the past.”

Machines don’t understand the human condition, at least not yet. And people don’t anticipate that machines can – and do – fail. Computers are reliable machines, so there is a tendency for people to overlook what might happen to their data. That is until all your photos, contracts and documents are lost, and your business shuts down.

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often put on the backburners for caretakers. I encourage individuals who are caregivers to find ways to refill their emotional and physical cup. Here are a few suggestions:

bond with patients and families. Treating the same patient daily, or weekly, for months or even years, nurses and patients build relationships and genuinely care about each other. It is for this reason that our practice will be hosting an event to celebrate the lives of patients who have recently passed away. It will be an opportunity for staff and family members of patients to come together to remember those we love. Our event will be called “An Evening of Memories” where we will share memories in a celebratory and dignified manner.

• Exercise Regularly – Staying active helps keep your mind and body in top shape and is a huge stress reliever.

• Schedule Time Away – Make a date with yourself to do something you enjoy.

• Journaling – Take a few minutes every day to write down your thoughts and feelings.

• Join a Support Group – Lori Pyegeorge, RN is the Caregiver Action Network is a foundation that has a nursing supervisor at Diablo multitude of resources Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group in Pleasavailable. ant Hill. 925-677-5041. She Oncology nurses, many of has been an oncology nurse whom have been working in for over 25 years and considthe field for more than 20 ers it an honor and privilege to years, often form a special care for cancer patients.

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provided unpaid care to an adult or child throughout the year. They give their time and energy to food preparation, housekeeping, transportation and medical care.

Many of these caregivers have no medical training and surveys from Gallup-Healthways found that caregivers spend around 13 hours per month researching care services, diseases and conditions, and coordinating medical appointments.

As an oncology nurse I have had the privilege of getting to know many patients and their caregivers. Caring for a person with cancer is an extraordinarily difficult job, as treatments, side effects and symptoms change over time.

In cancer care, there is also an emotional and psychosocial journey that caretakers experience with our patients. One thing I have consistently noticed is that “self-care” is

ELENa BiCKER

ARF NOTES

This fall, ARF worked with partner shelters evacuating animals during both Hurricane Irma and the NorCal wildfires.

Following the harrowing tales of families not allowed to evacuate with pets during Hurricane Katrina, 30 states now have laws and/or disaster plans that provide for evacuation, rescue, and recovery of animals. The number of recent natural disasters should remind us all to have pet evacuation plans.

The best precaution you can take for your pet is having them microchipped. Should you

WiLL CLaNEy

TECH TALK

human reaction to loss. Once it happens, we will do nearly anything to get it back. But recovery of missing information can cost thousands of dollars.

Recovering a failed hard drive (where data is stored) may entail Herculean efforts, which translates into lots of money.

The typical human justifications for not performing backups are cost, time, effort and mostly lack of skill or knowledge. People hear that it’s really easy to do a backup, but fuhgeddaboutit – who has time?

I am here to state again: Backups are easy and inexpensive compared to the alternative of data loss and attempts to recover it. Data recovery is a 50-50 proposition at best.

About half the time, you can’t

get the data back. The other half of the time, it is expensive to do so.

Imagine the time, effort and distress you would endure to reassemble your files from scratch. There are several backup solutions: Purchase an external backup USB drive, buy an Internet backup service or use a managed service. To do it yourself, buy a one or two terabyte external hard drive, install software and manage the backup.

If you’re not interested in doing it yourself, contact an

See Tech, page 18

Having a disaster plan is critical part of owning a pet become separated, microchipping speeds up reunion times.

ARF microchips all animals upon intake, but you can take pets to any veterinarian’s office for the quick procedure. Complete registration either online or by mail. That said, if you microchipped your pet years ago, ensure that all address and phone information is current.

Most Californians prepare earthquake kits with essentials in case of an emergency. Pet owners should consider a pet emergency kit essential as well. This kit includes a few days’ worth of food, bottled water, litter or sanitation bags, a spare leash or harness and medication at a minimum. This is also a great location to keep a copy of veterinary records, microchip information,

and photos of your pet. Don’t forget to also add some favorite treats, fun toys, and a blanket or towel that smells like home.

Transporting an animal during an emergency often proves the greatest challenge, especially if a frightened pet only associates a crate with trips to the vet.

While not always the most esthetically pleasing, incorporating crates into a household area around your pet helps build familiarity. This is especially helpful for cats, who form strong attachments to their environments and feel the most stress leaving their comfort zones. Keep a bag of treats with your crate for enticement is helpful. Plan for how to load animals and other essential items in your vehicle so you’re not frus-

trated in a crisis.

Finally, your greatest asset during a disaster is a plan. Determine who will evacuate your pet in an emergency if you’re not home. Don’t forget to discuss where you can meet in case communication is down. Also, consider where you can stay or board your pet long-term in case you cannot immediately return home.

Planning for a disaster isn’t the most pleasant task, but it brings peace of mind. Make certain that your entire family – and that includes your furry ones – are ready to leave at a moment’s notice if required.

Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 2561ARF (1273)

Say hello to ARF stars Toby and Marlin Three-year-old Toby is a gorgeous boy who is bouncy with tons of energy to spare.

He loves to investigate and will benefit from outdoor activities and puzzle toys on rainy days.

Toby would like a family ready to engage both his mind and body. We strongly recommend that Toby goes to a household that does not have small animals, or cats.

The adoption fee for puppies <6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

Marlin, 17 weeks old, is a very handsome little guy with

adult cats is $75.

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday.

TOBY

his beautiful cream colored fur.

He adapts quickly to just about any situation and warms up to new people in no time. He’s a very playful fellow and makes funny noises when carrying

MARLIN

mouse toys around in his mouth. He’ll be a great source of amusement as well as love in his forever home.

The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 and for

Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.

November 10, 2017

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Obituaries

Lorraine Edith Gomez McLean

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

Tamara aND r oBerT S TeiNer , Publishers Tamara S TeiNer , Editor P eTe C ruz , Graphic Design B ev B riTToN , Copy Editor J ay B eDeCarré, Sports PameLa W ieSeNDaNger , Administration, Calendar Editor

January 16, 1918 – October 12, 2017

S TAFF W RITERS : Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré, Bev Britton

C ORRESPONDENTS : Kara Navolio, John T. Miller I NTERN : Carina Romano

We remember Jill Bedecarré

PIONEER INFO

priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion.

Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com.

Letters must be submitted via E-mail.

CONTACT US

Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 www.ClaytonPioneer.com

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 School News to

CIRCULATION

Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes and businesses. We cannot start or stop free delivery to individual addresses. This must be done directly through the Post Office.

The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,500 in Concord by carrier. Papers are delivered once a month on a Friday morning near the end of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com.

If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please call us or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon.

schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com 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 resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you.

Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have

SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.

Lorraine Gomez McLean died Oct. 12 in Livermore at the age of 99.

Born Jan. 16, 1918, she was the second of 11 children born to Anthony “Tony” and Mary Joaquin Gomez, who lived on Oak Street in Clayton.

After graduating from Mt. Diablo High School in 1937, Lorraine moved to Livermore and worked helping cook for ranch hands on the Freitas and Morris ranches. Subsequently, she worked as a nanny for several families in the Livermore Valley and then was employed by two Livermore restaurants, the Hub and Mally’s.

In 1942, Lorraine married Wallace “Mac” McLean in Reno. They purchased and operated two service stations in Livermore, where Lorraine pumped gas and did oil changes while Mac was the mechanic. Later, they went into the heavy equipment business of excavating. Lorraine performed the tasks of bookkeeper, parts runner and scheduler while Mac was the equipment operator.

Lorraine loved returning to Clayton to visit friends and

John Muscat, 93, of Clayton, died Oct. 25 at his home.

He was born in Toronto to the late Vincent and Marianne (Abela) Muscat on July 21,

Clayton Fair Properties For Lease

Contact Maureen (925)

685-0324

inches. End of the century estimates include a likely range of 12-41 inches with a 5 percent probability of 38-53 inches.

A Name to Remember in a Time of Need

Michael Nicosia, Managing Partner John & Sharon Ouimet • Don & Bea Ouimet

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Business Services

Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . .672-8717 Construction and Trades

Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144

Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and entertainment

Brentwood Theater Company . . . . . . . . . . .www.thebrentwoodtheater.org Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440

Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0621 events

family at the Gomez family home on Oak Street.

She is survived by daughters Peggy Lamb and husband Rick of Livermore and Marleen Rieger of Concord; grandchildren Melissa and Holly Lamb, and Walter, Connie and Michael Rieger; and great grandchildren Rosemary, Basil, John, Tyler and Colby.

She also leaves her youngest brother, Elmer, and his wife Joann of Clayton and nephew Craig and his wife Laurie of Concord.

Services are pending. Memorial donations are appreciated to the Clayton Historical Society, P.O. Box 94, Clayton, CA 94517.

1924. John was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and worked for PG&E for 32 years.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maria; daughter Debbie McGowan; sons Ray (Laurie Sano) Muscat and Vince (Terri) Muscat; sister Tessie Zammit; grandchildren Brian McGowan, Ashley (Chris) Poppi; great granddaughter Charlotte Poppi; nieces Maryanne Bonora, Sally Burnell, Mary Wood and Judith Tedesco; and nephew John Zammit.

The funeral was Nov. 6 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Concord, with entombment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.

Weather, from page 4

Concord – Commercial Offices Active business complex featuring a variety of commercial businesses. Well maintained with friendly atmosphere. Excellent location including ample parking.

area code 925 unless otherwise indicated

J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .872-3049

July 21, 1924 – October 25, 2017

In downtown Clayton. Desk, phone line, Internet, copier/printer/fax, free parking. Local references required. $500/month. Call (925) 285-8612 or email tamara@claytonpioneer.com.

Directory of Advertisers

Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500

John Charles Muscat

Shared Office Space

Page 7

The main consequence of sea level rise, when combined with high tides and storm surges, is the increased frequency and areal coverage of flood events. For example, some areas that are currently subjected to temporary flooding will become permanently inundated, and low-lying areas further inland will be vulnerable to temporary flooding.

Adapting to Rising Tides, another Climate Action Team member, addresses which areas will be vulnerable. Their report for Contra Costa County provides detailed tables, charts and shoreline maps based on the state sea level rise guidance.

Issued in 2016, the report is available online.

Climate change related issues and consequences have not gone away just because of a change of political winds in Washington, D.C. Fortunately for Californians, the state government has continued to rely on solid scientific consensus when developing its mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com

Clayton Business and Community Association . . . . . . .www.claytoncbca.org Super Holiday Boutique .www.superholidayboutique.com Financial, insurance and Legal Services

Kiss Savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3350

Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . .672-2300 Funerals

Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and garden

Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299

Clean & Sober Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .727-9109 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955

Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-5609 Sonbright Window Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .674-9455

Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 mailing Services

The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Pet Services

Peace of Mind Pet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9781 real estate and mortgage Services

Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . .606-8400

Clayton Fair Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-0324

French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .305-9099

Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170

Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433 recreation and Fitness

Blaze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.blazetravelball.com Schools

Contra Costa School of Performing Arts . . . . . .235-1130 Services, other

ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery . . . . . .www.mtdiabloresourcerecovery.com

Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Travel

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Kindness

Do the Right Thing

Sports

Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

November 10, 2017

De La Salle, Clayton Valley meet again in NCS football JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

There are 123 high schools playing football in the North Coast Section and two of the best four teams reside locally. De La Salle and Clayton Valley Charter will meet again next Friday evening in the second year of the NCS Open Division playoffs.

NCS started the Open Division last year to determine the teams to represent the Section in the State Open and Division I playoffs. DLS defeated Clayton Valley in the 2016 semis and Freedom in the finals for its 25th NCS championship. This year the Spartans are once again seeded first.

All the drama at last Sunday’s playoff seeding meeting revolved around which schools would be placed 2-3-4 behind DLS (9-1). Pittsburg, San Ramon Valley and CVCHS were widely expected to get the other three seeds and the mystery revolved around their placement.

With the Spartans expected to win another title, the second and third seeds will meet in the semi-finals with a place in the Open finals at stake. The loser of the Open Division will be expected to be the NCS at large representative in the NorCal Regional DI Bowl Dec. 8 or 9 and thus just one win away from the CIF State Championships Dec. 15-16.

Pitt is the third repeat Open Division team this fall and the

TULI LETULIGASENOA

De La Salle lineman

has grown up.”

Murphy added that it was big plays by De La Salle that cost the Eagles last year. “We’ve played them twice in past four seasons as well as in summer 7v7 and pre-season scrimmages. The games are usually penalty free.

There’s a mutual respect making the experience a positive one.”

Photo courtesy CVCHS football

Clayton Valley Charter defenders Dakota Harman, Ben Breon, Cade Carter and Ryan Wilson swarmed over Campolindo ball carrier Michael Brewer (30) as the Ugly Eagles wrapped up their sixth straight league championships last Friday. The 54-21 win was CVCHS’s 31st straight in league play and capped a sixth consecutive unbeaten league slate.

Pirates are 7-1, winning their last seven games after a 63-21 loss to National No. 5 ranked Centennial of Corona in its opener in Southern California. San Ramon Valley (9-1) was unbeaten before running into a rested and motivated DLS defense last Friday and the Wolves fell 49-14 in Concord.

Clayton Valley (8-2) is the

only two-loss team in the Open after the Eagles lost back-toback games to Reed of Sparks, NV and Milani of Honolulu to kick off the season before responding with eight straight wins and a sixth consecutive league championship.

The opening loss to Reed in a sloppy game is the one that coach Tim Murphy and his

Dennis Lee photo courtesy SportStars Magazine

Quarterback Erich Storti (12) will share signal-calling duties with fellow junior andrew Jones next Friday at Owen Owens Field when the Spartans begin their quest for a 26th consecutive North Coast Section championship against crosstown rival Clayton Valley Charter. The teams meet in the NCS Open Division semi-finals for the second year in a row. DLS won last year’s first-ever NCS Open Division game 28-0.

squad will regret. A win there and the Eagles likely would have had the second or third seed, which means they wouldn’t have to face DLS again in the opening round.

NCS commissioner Gil Lemmon says the three-person football seeding committee had quite a challenge to seed the four obvious choices for the Open Division.

A series of results last week made the decision even tougher after Pitt struggled to defeat traditional rival Antioch 14-12, a team that trailed CVCHS 42-0 before losing 55-22 to the Eagles. The same evening Clayton Valley Charter crushed Campolindo in Moraga 52-21 and SRV saw its undefeated season end at De La Salle.

In the end, CVCHS was given the fourth seed and the daunting challenge of stopping De La Salle’s 25-year undefeated streak in NCS at Owen Owens Field in Concord Nov 17. Pittsburg will host San Ramon the following evening.

Eagles coach Tim Murphy says his team will obviously be the underdog to De La Salle, a position they are not used to. “I always tell the players that you can’t worry about things you have no control over. We’ve improved a ton this year [since the opening two games] and, as we expected, our young team

Diablo FC teams capture pair of titles at 19th annual Kick or Treat Classic

Photos courtesy Diablo FC

Diablo FC 07 Premier girls captured the under 11 division at the 19th annual Halloween Kick or Treat Classic with a 5-2 win over Mustang 07 Black. The local girls team coached by Miguel Gonzalez put in 24 goals in their four games. The team includes, front row from left, Kiara Walker, Gabbi Garcia, Charlotte Orr; middle row, Mahayla zandonella-arasa, Luz Hernandez, Carly Lopez, Violet Hernandez, Naomi Chrobak, Mikayla agnew; back row, Haley Stuart and Julianna amaya.

Diablo FC 09 Premier boys scored 20 goals over four games to take the under 9 division at the Kick or Treat Classic. The team edged Mustang 09 Red 6-5 in the championship game. The team includes, front row from left, Ryan Teixeira, Lucas Jara, River “Rivi” Megyesi; back row, Javier Vazquez Lozano, Lucas Pain, Troy Martinez, Xavier “X” Drobick, Maseeh zafari, alexander Hernandez, Elias Freij and coach Guillermo Jara. Not pictured, David Rodriguez Nunez.

EAGLES WIN 6TH TITLE Clayton Valley’s final margin of victory in Moraga last Friday was 33 points but the homestanding Cougars pulled within 34-21 early in the fourth quarter. “We had ended their six-year league championship streak last year at home and Campo and their fans were looking to end our streak,” Murphy said.

His junior-laden team responded with three consecutive touchdowns to end the game with the lopsided margin. Campolindo finished the Diablo Athletic League with a 3-2 record behind champion Clayton Valley Charter and runner-up Acalanes. Campo (6-4) is still top seed in NCS Division II. Northgate, runner-up to Alhambra in DAL Valley Division, is the third seed.

In just two years, Campo and Clayton Valley have estab-

GABRIEL DOBBINS

CVCHS defensive back

lished a bitter rivalry with the Eagles physicality the seeming difference in their two DAL games.

Earning their sixth straight undefeated league championship CVCHS has relied on its 1-2 running tandem of Junior Alatini and James Teofilo.

Tre White provided depth at running back.

On defense, senior Gabriel Dobbins had two interceptions against Campo and now has eight on the year, a single-season school record.

SPARTANS DEFENSE DOMINATES

For the second successive year, De La Salle faced an undefeated team from Danville in its regular-season finale.

After dispatching Monte Vista last year, it was the Mustangs’ crosstown rival San Ramon Valley that came into the DLS game unbeaten with nine straight victories.

The teams were tied at seven in the first quarter before the homestanding Spartans scored the next 42 points (28 in the second quarter and 14 more in the third), activating the running clock through much of the second half.

Three of the De La Salle TDs were on interception returns.

MDSA teams win fall cup, tournament

Photos courtesy MDSa

MDSa Elite United 06 girls took first place in the fifth annual impact Boofest while enjoying the Halloween weekend in their Rosie the Riveter alternate uniforms. The local under 12 team had three shutouts in four games in the Wizards flight and edged Pacific FC Pride 3-2 in their closest match. The team includes, from left, coach Matt Stephens, Temi Okeowo, Katelyn Calderon, Emery Stephens, Julia Lovelace, Juliana Gonzales, Layla Solis, Natalya Modawar, Renata Salerno, anja Perreira, Lilly Foskett, Morgan Grove, Kate Bullis and coach Dylan Perreira.

MDSa arsenal 2004 Elite took first the Silver/Bronze division of the Cal North District ii Fall Cup in Morgan Hill last month. The local team finished with four straight wins by scoring 15 goals and allowing only four with two two shutouts. They defeated FC Milpitas Platanitos 04 in the championship game 4-2. arsenal includes, front row from left, Garrett alton, Kyle Pacak, Titus Bishop, Cristian Galvan, Caleb Regalado, alex Walker; back row, coach Fernando Galvan, Keegan Boustead, Nolan Martin, Shawn Canada, Hector Barragan, alex Hockenbery, aidan Nolan, Miles Davis, Jason Shin and coach andrew Boustead. Not pictured, coach Jason Bishop.

Sports

November 10, 2017

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Athlete Spotlight

CVCHS student journalist Sydney Skow wrote this Spotlight.

Jacob Coppa and tyler Ellis School: CVCHS

over the years with my teammates, the life lessons sports have taught me and being able to represent the Ugly Eagles.” Both student athletes have been on honor roll and received scholar athlete awards. Coppa plans to attend Diablo Valley College and potentially study computer science. Ellis is hoping to attend Nevada Reno or Chico State to begin working for a business degree.

Grade: Senior

Seniors utilities Coppa and Ellis recently finished their final season of high school water polo. Both played polo all four years at CVCHS. Coppa spent three years on varsity and Ellis two. Coppa also wrestles for the school while Ellis is on the swim team. Coppa began playing water polo before enter-

Sport: Water polo

ing high school while he tried wrestling his freshman year and found he enjoyed it. Ellis made the decision to play water polo for CV over football his freshman year, stuck with it and has enjoyed the sport ever since. Ellis’s favorite parts of playing sports for his school are “the friendships and moments I have made

The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Jacob and Tyler and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@claytonpioneer.com.

Carondelet wins NCS golf, CVCHS takes repeat DAL cross country titles JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Carondelet High won its second North Coast Section golf championship in three years while Clayton Valley Charter won the girls and boys Diablo Athletic League Valley Division cross country championships for the second year in a row as the end of the season competitions for fall sports are in full swing.

CROSS COUNTRY Clayton Valley Charter won both the boys and girls DAL Valley titles last Saturday at Hidden Lakes Park in Martinez.

Monika Maytum photo courtesy CVCHS cross country

Dylan White (251) continued his fine senior season with a second-place finish at the Diablo athletic League cross country championships last Saturday at Hidden Lakes Park in Martinez, leading his CVCHS Eagles to the DaL Valley Division championship for the second year in a row. Coach anthony Munch applauded White’s effort as he moved from fourth to second place in the last mile of the race.

Head coach Anthony Munch said, “I’m proud of the effort of our teams. We fought through some major injuries and lost some key runners this season. For league we really focused on being competitive with the entire 12-team league and not just our Valley Division. Next year we will almost certainly move into the Foothill Division, so it is nice to see what the competition looks like.

“Dylan White’s secondplace finish was impressive. He truly ran his own race, moving from fourth to second in the last mile,” the coach added.

“Moving on to Sections, we are looking for some really strong performances from seniors

White and Kelly Osterkamp as well as freshmen standout Samantha Schauman. It is no exaggeration to say that Division II in the North Coast Section is one of the most talented in the state.”

Seniors Matt Hyland, Logan Schoffstall and Alex Garcia were next in line for the Eagles at DAL. On the girls side freshman Schauman was 16 places faster than any other DAL frosh runner. Osterkamp, Cassie Bizicki, Alex Martinez, Sierra Lofgren and Serena Connel were the other Eagles scorers.

Junior Rayna Stanziano of Concord High finished second overall.

The NCS Meet of Champions is Nov. 18 in Hayward.

WATER POLO Clayton Valley Charter was undefeated in DAL girls league play with a two-overtime win 9-8 over College Park wrapping up the repeat DAL Valley Division championship. The Eagles were seeded 12th in NCS Division I and lost to San Ramon Valley in the first round 13-4 to end their season 21-6.

Carondelet reached this Wednesday’s DII semi-finals after beating St. Patrick-St. Vincent and Bishop O’Dowd in the first two rounds. The Cougars entered NCS off a runner-up finish at the recent Julian Szmidt Memorial Tournament in Napa.

GIRLS GOLF At NCS, Carondelet avenged a second-place East Bay Athletic League tournament championship loss by two strokes to Dougherty Valley after the teams traded wins in their regular season matches.

Photo courtesy Carondelet High School

Carondelet High School won its second North Coast Section golf championship in three years as all six Cougar golfers shot 80 or better. The team includes, from left, head coach Rick Eisenhour, Courtney Gaoiran, Madison Wu, angela Bagasbas, annika Borrelli, Carissa Wu, Maddie Gamble and assistant coach Ed Virtusio.

Head coach Rick Eisenhour says, “The overall success this season of the Carondelet varsity golf team is directly related to the team chemistry that has been created by our two senior captains Angela Bagasbas and Annika Borrelli.”

Now in his 18th year in charge of the Cougars Rick Eisenhour had a team that also included junior Courtney Gaoiran, sophomores Carissa Wu and Isabelle O’Brien, and freshmen Madelyn Gamble and Madison Wu. Carondelet posted a score of 387 at NCS for an eightshot victory over second place Dougherty Valley at Lone Tree Golf Course in Antioch. En route to the school’s second NCS championship in three years all six players shot a score of 80 or better. Leading the Cougars, who also won an NCS title in 2015, were senior Borrelli and freshman Gamble, who both carded 18-hole scores of 76.

Wu shot 77 and Bagasbas 78. Rounding out the Cougars

scoring were Gaoiran and Wu with rounds of 80.

The Cougars competed this year without their outstanding player of the past two years, Yealimi Noh of Concord. Noh is now being home schooled as she concentrates on her development for professional golf.

She spent all summer playing major junior golf tournaments nationwide.

Northgate won the DAL Foothill title. The league meet was cancelled due to the air quality issues around the North Bay fires.

Page 9

Dana Hills Otters coach Cottam named Carondelet swimming, diving coach JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Carondelet High School has hired Dan Cottam as its new head swimming and diving coach on the eve of the Cougars move into the new Natalie Coughlin Aquatic Center early next year.

Clayton Valley High grad Cottam replaces Jasmine Millan Castillo, the Cougars coach from 2007-2013 and 2015-2017 who is currently on maternity leave from her Carondelet teaching position.

Cottam has nearly 20 years of coaching experience at the USS club, high school and recreational levels. He is currently the senior development group coach and assistant senior group coach for the USA Swimming Terrapins Swim Team of Concord. He is also assistant head coach of the Concord city recreation champion Dana Hills Swim Team after helping the Otters to their 25th City title and third place at the County Meet last summer.

“Dan has been coaching swimming at the youth level for a number of years and brings a wealth of experience to the pool deck,” said Carondelet Director of Athletics Caitlin Main. “We’re thrilled to hire someone with Dan’s coaching background.

With his reputation and success in the East Bay swimming community, he’s a perfect fit to lead Carondelet’s swimming program.”

“I am honored to lead the Carondelet swimming program into the future. It’s an exciting, historic time for the school’s athletic programs,” said Cottam. “I am committed and look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence previously established at the school. Go Cougars!”

He was co-founder/head coach for the Crow Canyon Country Club Sharks (2005-15) and Diablo Aquatics Devil Rays (2015). Cottam served as the head coach for the boys and girls swim teams at Acalanes High School from 2005-07, where he helped the Dons to top 10 finishes in North Coast Section all three years.

Additionally, Cottam has

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Carondelet is in the NCS DII semi-finals after 3-1 set wins over Casa Grande of Petaluma and Washington of Fremont. They meet top seeded O’Dowd in Oakland Wednesday.

DAN COTTAM

coached at two US Olympic Trials (2008 and 2012) and had a semi-finalist in each trial. He guided his teams to top five finishes at the 2011 and 2012 Short Course Junior Nationals, had multiple individual Jr. National champions and coached the Jr. National record-breaking 400meter medley relay team.

A 1996 graduate of Clayton Valley High, Cottam earned a swimming scholarship to the University of California Santa Barbara, where he was a fouryear member of the Gauchos swim team. He was Big West Conference champion in the 1,650-yard freestyle as a freshman and was the team’s 2001 Most Inspirational Swimmer.

Cottam is taking over a program that currently holds nine of the 11 North Coast Section women’s swimming records, including all three relay marks.

Overall, Carondelet has 10 Section team titles since 1982.

During Millan Castillo’s term as coach Carondelet won the 2010 and 2013 NCS championships. In 2010, the Cougars were undefeated NCS champions and Swimming World Magazine’s National High School Team champion. She was East Bay women’s high school swim coach of the year that year and 2011 California State women’s swim coach of the year. In 2013 she was again East Bay coach of the year after another Carondelet NCS title season.

Millan Castillo has also been the head coach of the Oakhurst Country Club Orcas in Clayton for the past six summers.

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Sports

Winter sports gearing up with only one new coach at local high schools JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Valley Charter promoted Aaron Pomeroy to the head coaching position for the Lady Eagles soccer team and he’s the only new varsity head coach at the local high schools as winter sports tryouts were held this week.

When the Diablo Athletic League was formed to begin play in the fall of 2016 the new league used the past few season’s results for its seven schools from the former Diablo Valley Athletic League and five Diablo Foothill Athletic League schools to split each sport into Foothill and Valley Divisions to set up “competitively equitable playing opportunities.”

Basketball was the lone exception. To minimize scheduling issues and maximize use of gym space the new super league had its boys and girls teams play at the same site on the same day.

This scheduling setup also

required that each school be placed in the same division for boys and girls basketball, even if one of the genders had been markedly more or less successful than the other.

Commissioner Pat Lickiss says the DAL has done away with that setup and “this year boys play all boys (varsity, JV and frosh) games together and girls play all games together. Divisions are set up this year on competitive equity divisions by gender.”

For Clayton Valley Charter the new alignment has placed both basketball teams in the stronger Foothill Division while Northgate’s two squads have moved to the Valley Division.

Concord’s girls team also was placed up to Foothill while the boys remain in the Valley.

High school basketball, soccer and wrestling teams held formal tryouts this week, although all the sports have been holding optional conditioning sessions for some time.

Sports Shorts

CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE TAKING PLAYER REGISTRATIONS ONLINE

Registration for Clayton Valley Little League is now open for the spring 2018 season. Baseball programs for players ages four to 15 and softball for girls six to 16 are both open for registration. Tryouts are in January. The CVLL program includes a Challenger Division for players with disabilities and special needs.

Players must reside within the CVLL boundaries. who sign up by Dec. 2 receive a $40 early bird discount per player. Go to cvll.org for complete information and to register.

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November 10, 2017

De La Salle and Carondelet enjoyed successful winter seasons a year ago. The Spartans won North Coast Section championships in Division I basketball and wrestling (both dual and team) while Carondelet won its first-ever DI girls basketball title.

Both schools came up short in losing NCS soccer championship games.

Northgate won its first Division II dual team wrestling title and the Bronco girls soccer team was a DII finalist.

CVCHS was represented in girls and boys NCS basketball and soccer playoffs last winter with the boys basketball team reaching the DI quarterfinals.

DAL basketball league play begins Jan. 12 with a double round-robin schedule through Feb. 16. NCS basketball begins Feb. 20/21 and concludes Mar. 2/3. The NorCal Championships run Mar. 7-13 with the CIF Regional finals Mar. 17 before the State championship games Mar. 23/24.

Soccer season in the DAL begins Jan. 10 with a double round-robin concluding Feb. 9.

The NCS tournament is Feb. 1424.

DAL double dual wrestling meets are Jan. 10, 24 and 31 and Feb. 7. The league championship meet is Feb. 16-17. The NCS dual team championships are Feb. 10 with the NCS Championships Feb. 23-24 and CIF State Mar. 2-3.

DAL BASKETBALL DIVISIONS Boys Basketball – Foothill: Acalanes, Campolindo, Clayton Valley Charter, College Park, Las Lomas, Miramonte. Valley: Alhambra, Berean Christian, Concord, Mt. Diablo, Northgate, Ygnacio Valley.

Girls Basketball – Foothill: Acalanes, Campolindo, Clayton Valley Charter, College Park, Miramonte. Valley: Alhambra, Berean Christian, Las Lomas, Mt. Diablo, Northgate, Ygnacio Valley.

HAILEY PASCOE SUFFERS ACL INJURY

Former Clayton Valley Charter High School standout Hailey Pascoe had an abrupt end to her junior basketball season at Lehigh University when she tore her ACL in a pre-season practice. The injury occurred about five minutes after her freshman teammate Ann-Marie Jacobs had the same injury. Pascoe, who played in all 30 games last season for the Mountain Hawks, was performing a step-back dribble when she landed awkwardly and tore her ACL. She was the CVCHS female 2014-15 athlete of the year and was two-time league basketball MVP. Her Leigh roommate and teammate, junior Meagan Eripret, says that while she is unable to participate physically, Pascoe is still making her presence known on the court. “Hailey is the strongest person I know and she is taking this as positively as she can,” Eripret said.

“The person that she is makes her a great leader on our team and I think that will stay true this season.”

Youth basketball and adult and youth volleyball leagues CONTINENTAL LITTLE LEAGUE offered by All Out Sports Leagues in Clayton are taking registraONLINE REGISTRATION UNDERWAY tion online. Blaze club basketball tryouts for youth 8-14 will be Continental Little League baseball and softball for boys and held in Clayton Community Gym on Sunday, Dec. 10. For comgirls ages 4-16 has opened online registration for the 2018 seaplete information on All Out Sports leagues, clinics and other son that runs from Feb. 1 - June 1. Cost ranges from $175 - $225, programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com. depending on the player’s age. Players must live within league boundaries. Online registration and more information is at conCONCORD AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE tinentalbaseball.com.

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DIABLO FC BENEFIT CRAB FEED FEB. 2 AT CENTRE CONCORD

Diablo FC under 8 through U19 competitive teams (birth years 1999-2011) hold ongoing player evaluations for new prospective players. Visit diablofc.org to get more information on the club and signup for the appropriate age group evaluation.

The 15th annual Diablo FC benefit crab feed, raffle and dance is set for Friday, Feb. 2, at Centre Concord. Tickets will be on sale shortly for the event that benefits programs for the local competitive youth soccer club affiliated with the San Jose Earthquakes. Visit diablofc.org for more details and to get information on event sponsoring and purchasing crab feed tickets.

The Northgate High School athletic department is hosting its annual Breakfast with Santa at Boundary Oak Golf Course on Sunday, Dec. 17. The event will include an all-you-can-eat breakfast, visit with Santa and hug one of Santa’s elves and take family or silly friends pictures with a beautiful winter holiday backdrop.

The breakfast is from 9-11 a.m. Whole Foods is donating the food and there will be sports memorabilia raffled, including a signed Joe Montana jersey. Call 938-0900 or visit northgatebroncos.org for more info.

Clayton Valley Charter High School baseball coaching staff and players are offering Thanksgiving (Nov. 20-21) and Christmas De. 27-28) holiday baseball camps. The camps for ages 6-14 focus on the skills necessary to be a successful player including batting, fielding, pitching and throwing. Sessions are held from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Clayton Valley Varsity Baseball Facility.

There is a discount for players who sign up for both camps.

Contact Eagles head coach Casey Coakley at uglyeaglebaseball@gmail.com with questions or to register.

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Schools

November 10, 2017

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Students enjoy in-depth analysis in CV’s Medical Academy A large number of Clayton Valley Charter High School students are in one of the four academies at the school.

The Engineering, Arts and Public Service academies have been around for years. The Medical Academy surfaced more recently.

“CV has so many students that are interested in the medical field, and the academy gives them an early start,” says Medical Academy teacher Elizabeth Hawkes. “We learn

about a lot of different specialties and different career options.”

Hawkes teaches the sophomore, junior and senior science classes of the academy, while Erin Scholefield teaches the freshman class. The students use one of their elective courses for the academy, and their English class is also linked to it.

Jennifer Buschmann, a former CV teacher and administration member, formed the academy four years ago. This

CVCHS new Dean of Character roots for Eagles, Bears

Photo courtesy Clayton Valley Charter High School

John Bowers (right) is the new Dean of Character at Clayton Valley Charter High School this fall. Besides addressing disciplinary issues such as tardiness, dress code violations and any mistreatment of other students such as bullying, Bowers also coaches special teams and defensive backs for the league champion CVCHS varsity football team. When he’s not at his desk or on the football field for the high school, his thoughts go 22 miles to the west where his son Ross Bowers (3) is the starting quarterback for the rebuilding University of California football team that still dreams of getting a bowl game berth at the end of this season.

year’s seniors are the first graduating class of the academy.

Senior Camryn Daggs looks back on her years in the academy, starting as a freshman. “Everything that my friends and I have been through, learning so, so much through this academy, building stronger bonds with each other and narrowing down our plans for the future are all part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Daggs says.

Students in their first year of the academy take principles of biomedical sciences. They are given the case of a woman who died and spend the school year studying her body to figure out what caused her death.

Much of the year’s focus is on diseases, such as sickle cell dis-

JEFF aNDERSON

CVCHS PRINCIPAL

October was an exciting month at Clayton Valley Charter High School, revealing a resilient side of our student population.

The week of Oct. 9 began with the excitement and anticipation of homecoming week.

As the week unfolded and fires to the north began to impact

SyDNEy SKOW

CVCHS

CORRESPONDENT

ease and diabetes.

“I would definitely recommend the academy to incoming freshmen if they are interested in the medical field,” advises sophomore Tamy Richardson.

NELLiE MEyER

MDUSD

SUPERINTENDENT

The holiday season is coming upon us quickly. It’s a special time of service and giving that is reflected by our students, families and staff year-round.

Through our schools, youth organizations and countless community organi-

Mayor, from page 1 DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS TREE IN PERIL

Our landmark holiday tree, located downtown near the corner of Main and Oak streets, is suffering from a bad case of spider mites that weakened it. Over the summer, city maintenance supervisor Mark Janney had a pest control specialist come out to try to save it.

The tree was injected with a serum in an attempt to eliminate the spider mite infestation. The tree was also fertilized in hopes of assisting its recovery.

In September, arborists from Waraner Brothers Tree and Traverso Tree Service were brought in to examine the tree. Both came to the same conclusion: The tree will not recover, even though it showed slight improvement by the appearance of some new growth.

The professionals said

staff also turned their volunteerism to schools impacted by the devastating fires to the north. Bins at elementary schools have filled to overflowing. Middle and high school students wrote letters and gathered supplies, while families reached out to other families and offered their homes. A charity run raised funds for fire victims. Volunteers recently stuffed a school bus with clothing, supplies and stacks of gift cards and drove to Napa and Santa Rosa to share with schools DOG-FRIENDLY

activities on campus, the students and staff adapted to the various cancelations and postponements necessitated by rapidly changing circumstances. As we moved into the week of Oct. 16 , all but one of the postponed homecoming events were rescheduled and the students did not miss a beat either socially or academically.

On the heels of the postponed homecoming came Red Ribbon Week, where students again focused on lunchtime activities. This time, the activities emphasized the dangers of

there. The school communities were grateful and want to continue a relationship with our district and our schools.

Out of this tragedy came a positive reminder that our community is a model and that our schools and families are full of empathy and compassion. We are proud to be part of such a strong, giving community. We’re sharing some great examples on our social media accounts, tagged with #MDUSDgives.

Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org

that in all their years, they had never seen a fir tree this far deteriorated ever recover fully and that our tree will ultimately die.

With this information, Janney tried to locate a large white fir to replace our tree but none were available.

Further research revealed that such trees are not transplanted until later in the winter. In addition, white firs all seem to come from growers in Oregon, and not many are requested for planting in California.

As a result of these findings, the city will leave the existing tree for now and look to replace it with a suitably sized fir or spruce tree this winter or early spring.

The decorated tree in the gazebo will be used for this year’s CBCA annual downSend comments to the mayor at town Christmas tree lighting jdiaz@ci.clayton.ca.us. on Saturday, Dec. 2. The event will be held in the Grove Park.

drug use and the virtues of leading a chemical-free life.

Red Ribbon Week culminated with an all-school assembly where a clever magician reinforced the anti-drug message.

This young man entertained the students with an interactive presentation that used impressive illusions and magic to highlight good and bad choices that confront teenagers.

During these three weeks of real smoke and a magician’s mirrors, student remained focused on academics. They took benchmark exams and finished the first quarter of the academic calendar.

Overlaying all of these commitments, CVCHS students also found time to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month and arrange multiple fundraisers to support victims

of a string of natural disasters that have beset our country and state over the last few months.

A fitting culmination was last Friday night’s football game, which was Senior Night.

I was privileged to stand at the 50-yard line and congratulate all the senior musicians, athletes, trainers and cheerleaders as they were acknowledged and applauded by family, friends and the community.

I reflected about a school community that came together to overcome disappointment and altered plans. Nevertheless, they stayed focused to ultimately have an October that was full of activities while they contributed to the greater good.

Send comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com

Sydney is a junior at CVCHS. Send comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com

Enrollment open for 2018-19 school year

Rigorous College Prep Education in • All Core Academics • Instrumental Music • Production & Design

• Dance • Theatre • Vocal Music

Tuition-free public charter school, grades 6-12

REMINDER

Clayton is a dog-friendly community. The Grove Park and many Clayton businesses have water dishes available for our canine pets. We do encourage pet owners to pick up after their pets when walking them throughout our community, with special emphasis on our wonderful walking trails.

Please be responsible pet owners and take special care and pride of our walking trails when your pets accompany you to enjoy and use these delightful city assets.

We have recently received some news of dog owners leaving doggie bags along the trail for someone else to dispose of properly. As my mother once said, “Pick up after yourself, because I am not the maid.”

Shayan Asemi. “The classes are challenging. And if you want to pursue a career in the medical field, they will prepare you for the basics and what you should expect.”

Seniors take the biomedical innovations course. As this is the academy’s first graduating class, this is also the first time this class has been in session at CVCHS. In the class, students are focusing on previous courses of the academy and addressing topics from public health to clinical medicine and physiology.

Resilient students easily weathered schedule changes

Mt. Diablo school family is community-driven zations, children and teens are actively volunteering and giving the precious gift of their time and self.

The spirit of volunteerism is widely evident, and our schools have benefited from tree plantings, garden projects and campus cleanups.

They’ve been enriched by Eagle Scout projects to enhance campus safety and accessibility. Rotary Club volunteers recently helped repaint a state map on a playground.

Students, families and

Sophomores take the human body systems course.

Throughout the year, the class learns about the different body systems and how they work together to keep the body functioning and alive. They also study diseases that affect individual body systems as well as the entire organism.

The junior class is medical interventions. Students learn about the Smith family members, who have a multitude of diseases, health issues and accidents. The main focus is the treatment the body needs in order to keep it functioning when it is hit by disease and other health issues.

“The best things about the academy are the classes and the community,” says junior

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

French farce a fabulous good time

Performing Arts

SaLLy HOGaRTy

STAGE STRUCK

There’s still time to see Center Repertory’s wildly entertaining romp “The Liar.”

David Ives’ clever adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s French comedy continues through Nov. 18 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Director Michael Butler and his incredibly talented cast will take your breath away as they dance, sing, play musical instruments and create deliciously entertaining characters in this over-the-top comedy about an aristocrat who can’t tell the truth and his servant who can’t tell a lie.

Borrowing lines and mistaken identities from Shakespeare, Ives weaves a crazy tale of love as the silver-tongued aristocrat woos the wrong woman and his servant finds himself bewitched by a set of

November 10, 2017

Mellophoto.com

Center Rep’s hilarious comedy “The Liar” continues through Nov. 18 at the Lesher Center.

Pictured from left, Joseph Patrick O’Malley, Jeremy Kahn, Sharon Rietkerk

twins. Originally set in 17th century France, the play now has contemporary vernacular, a wicked sense of humor and modern music to make this a must see.

Center Rep’s enticing production plays out on Erik Flat-

Bilha Sperling

Diablo Ballet dancers in a scene from “a Swingin' Holiday” coming to Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek Nov. 10-12.

mo’s cleverly designed, slightly off-kilter set with the actors clothed in Victoria LivingtonHall’s gorgeous period costumes. The uber-talented cast includes Monique Hafens, Jeremy Kahn, Lyndsy Kail, Craig Marker, Patrick O’Malley, Sharon Rietkerk, Teddy Spencer and Howard Swain.

For tickets, call 925-943SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Choral music lovers won’t want to miss Chromatica as it celebrates the best of American choral composers at a Nov. 11 concert at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton.

The concert features works from the 12th to 21st century and includes classical, contemporary and even a few show tunes. The regional chorus also shows its dexterity by diving

deep into American spirituals as well as including at least one opera chorus in its concert.

For more information and tickets, go to www.chromaticachorale.org.

Auditions are almost here for both Pittsburg and Clayton Theatre companies.

Pittsburg Theatre will hold auditions for “Next to Normal” Nov. 13-16 and “Taming of the Shrew” Nov. 28-29. For information on what to pre-

pare and when shows run, go to www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.

Clayton Theatre Company will hold auditions for its spring production (yet to be named) 7-10 p.m. Nov. 13.

Rehearsals begin Feb. 5, with the production running March 8-24. Auditions take place at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Actors 16 and older needed. Bring a resume and head shot and prepare a two-minute monologue. Sides will be provided. No appointment needed.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as holiday shows ramp up. Diablo Ballet swings into the season with “A Swingin’ Holiday and More” Nov. 10-12 at the Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek.

Seasonal tunes by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and Nat “King” Cole mix with jazzy renditions of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite” as Diablo Ballet’s swing orchestra and amazing dancers take to the stage. The program also features the renowned ballet classic “Valse Fantaisie” by legendary choreographer George Balanchine and the touching contemporary dance work “No One Does It Like You” by awardwinning San Francisco choreographer Robert Dekkers.

This ‘Home’ isn’t filled with fond memories Toni Morrison’s “Home” is rather like a jigsaw puzzle – another of my favorite pastimes.

It is a short novel, not 150 pages, and seems straightforward when first read. Frank Money returns stateside from the war in Korea. He enlisted in the Army to escape his hometown, Lotus, Ga., leaving behind his kid sister Cee – the only person he truly cares for and who cares for him. Cee leaves Lotus shortly after her brother enlists, marrying unwisely and finally ending up abandoned and barely able to earn a living.

Frank is demobilized from

Following the performances, join the dancers in the lobby for a complimentary dessert reception.

Prior to the Nov. 12 matinee, Diablo Ballet will present a Sugar Plum Party. This oneof-a-kind event starts with a family-friendly lunch complete with tea and sweets, arts and crafts and an opportunity to dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Tickets are packaged with the 2 p.m. matinee performance and limited to 50 guests. Visit diabloballet.org for more information.

For tickets to the shows, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Smuin presents “The Christmas Ballet,” which includes an original array of ballet, tap and jazz. From traditional tunes to red hot jazz to fun reindeer and the return of the tap-dancing Christmas trees, Smuin has it all. The holiday show comes to Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Nov. 17-18.

Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is also the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com

Keith Sutter

home. Frank no longer Smuin dancer Erica Felsch struts across the stage with the world's longest feather boa in the classic "Santa Baby," part of Smuin's annual "The Christmas Ballet," which will be at knows where or what home Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center Nov. 17 and 18.

is. Morrison asks the primary question: “Whose house is this?” – from the first line of an epigraph poem she wrote long before the novel.

In alternating chapters, “Home” is written in the voice of Frank and an omniscient author. Frank’s point of SUNNy SOLOMON view is in italics, and his voice BOOKIN’ WITH is real enough to challenge the author to get his story SUNNY right.

The story opens with an integrated Army but Frank’s telling of the hardreturns to an unwelcoming ships that he and his family and still segregated country.

Unlike most returning soldiers, he does not want to go See Books, page 17

‘Florida’ portrays a life rarely seen JEFF MELLiNGER

SCREEN SHOTS

Sean Baker’s “The Florida Project” paints the state of Florida in an unflattering wash of pastels, overgrowth, poverty and garbage.

Baker may not have set out to vilify Florida, but it does not excuse the state’s role in the problem. Like so many others, Baker’s characters live in squalor and have to follow a vicious, paycheck-to-paycheck circle. However, none of this keeps “The Florida Project” from being a beautiful portrayal of those living on the edge of a financial razor.

If it weren’t for Willem Dafoe’s presence, this film would feel like a documentary.

As Bobby, the manager of the cheap Magic Castle motel, his no-nonsense exterior belies a heart of gold. While demanding rent, he simultaneously sympathizes with his renters and often helps them move from room-to-room to avoid establishing permanent residency.

Even with Dafoe, the film

still feels like Baker set up a camera and just let it roll. The children are some of the most realistic kids that have been onscreen in a long while. It is hard to tell who is having more fun: the young actors or the characters they portray.

As Mooney, Brooklyn Prince is a bright example of in-your-face realism. Mooney’s brash coarseness must be dealt with. Spitting on cars, talking back to adults and vandalism are the daily norm for this 6year-old. This behavior proves the apple does not fall far from the tree.

Mooney’s mother Hailey (Bria Vinaite, another newcomer), barely in her 20s, acts almost as much like a kid as Mooney herself. Rather than discipline her daughter, Hailey encourages and even plays along with most of Mooney’s hijinks.

We learn both how to be decent parents and how to be respectful children from our own parents. Clearly, Hailey never learned either of these things and thus has no knowledge to pass on. Lazy, uncouth and at times downright criminal, Hailey still tries to do right

by Mooney. She is more friend

than mother, yet for all her failures, Hailey absolutely loves and adores her daughter.

There is not much of a plot, yet one can see where the film is heading before the ending. It is more a collection of wonderfully shot and acted scenes. Prince and her cohorts (Christopher Rivera and Valeria Cotto) scamper along from one mischievous incident to another while we marvel at this rarely seen slice-of-life. These kids are too young to understand the problems their parents face every day. How to get free ice cream is about the only worry on their little minds.

Baker shines a light on something everyone tries so hard to ignore. We don’t often see movies depict day-to-day life as so raw and with no filters. “The Florida Project” does not pull any punches. The film and its characters tug at your heartstrings, but without an ounce of manipulation. A-

Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord.

Email comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com.

November 10, 2017

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Clayton Community Calendar

PLeaSe SuBmiT your CommuNiTy CaLeNDar eveNTS By 5 P.m. Nov. 29 For THe DeC. 8 iSSue. iTemS muST Be SuBmiTTeD By emaiL To calendar@claytonpioneer.com

IN CLAYTON

Nov. 14 Annual Meeting

The Clayton Historical Society’s annual meeting is open to the public. Guest performance by Laurie Strawn as Eleanor Roosevelt.

7 p.m. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St. claytonhistory.org.

(925) 672-0240.

Dec. 2 Annual Caroling and Tree Lighting

Downtown festivities. Caroling, followed by Santa, tree lighting and refreshments starting at 6 p.m. The Grove Park to Main and Oak Streets. Free. Clayton Business and Community Association. claytoncbca.org. (925) 672-2272.

Dec. 9 Dessert with Mrs. Claus

Prizes, party favors. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring camera. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. Donations appreciated.

Clayton Business and Community Association. claytoncbca.org.

(925) 672-2272.

IN CONCORD

Tuesdays Farmers’ Market

Year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. pcfma.org.

Nov. 11 Veterans Day Celebration

Kicking off the annual Veterans Day Softball Tournament sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525. 11 a.m. Willow Pass Community Park, 2748 E. Olivera Road. vfwpost1525.org.

Nov. 13 Stroke Support Group

Speaker: Steve Molinari. Topic: Returning to driving. 7 – 9 p.m.

Concord Room I, John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus, 2540 East St. Free. Contact Ann Dzuna (925) 376-6218.

Nov. 23 Turkey Trot Concord

5K/10K run/walk sponsored by Calvary Temple Church. Proceeds benefit outreach to local communities.7:45 a.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. $40-$45. Kids Dash is free. turkeytrotconcord.org. (925) 643-1207.

Nov. 28 November Mixer

Meet the Clayton Valley Village members and volunteers and learn more about the program. 4 – 6 p.m. Hunan Restaurant, 4804 Clayton Road. claytonvalleyvillage.org.

Dec. 1 Gift and Craft Fair

Shop, dine and be entertained. 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. cityofconcord.org/senior.

Dec. 2 Tree Lighting

Santa, entertainment, Mayor’s sing along and tree lighting. Santa arrives at 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.

Dec. 2 - 3 Super Holiday Boutique

Special one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Holiday arts and crafts, free Santa and Olaf photo opportunity. Canned food donations benefit Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

Dec. 2, Pleasant Hill; Dec. 3, Concord. Free admission. superholidayboutique.com.

Dec. 9 – 10 Gingerbread House Boutique

Shop for holiday gifts created by local artists and vendors. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Concord Museum and Event Center, 1721 Amador Ave. concordhistorical.org.

Dec. 14 Advance Health Care Directives

Legal clinic to prepare and notarize advance health care directives for seniors 60 and older in Contra Costa County. 9:15 a.m.

– 11:30 a.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free.

Call for appointment (925) 671-3320.

Dec. 19 Tree of Lights

Tree lighting for Clayton and Concord by Hospice East Bay. 5 – 7 p.m. John Muir Medical Center parking lot, East Street and Almond Avenue. Donations accepted. (925) 887-5678.

ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.

Thru November Hazel-Atlas Mine Tours

his boxing gloves for ballet shoes. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $49-$65. ccmt.org.

Thru Nov. 11 “Greetings by Tom Dudzick”

Presented by Onstage Repertory Theatre. Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $12-$18. campbelltheater.com. (925) 5183277.

Thru Nov. 18 “The Liar”

The charming Dorante has but a single flaw: He cannot tell the truth. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $34-$56. centerrep.org.

Nov. 10 - 12 “A Swingin’ Holiday and More”

Nov. 24 Three Canyons Hike

Enjoy Green Friday instead of Black Friday. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.

Dec. 6 Bird and Nature Hike

Hike up the canyon in search of bird sights and sounds. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.

Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo is a free public hike series.

Go to discover-diablo.eventbrite.com for more information.

Nov. 12 Young Canyon Property Tour

Steep, but short hike up the slopes of North Peak. 9 – 12 p.m.

Meet at end of Regency Drive, Clayton. Reservations required.

Dec. 2 Castle Rock Family Walk

Wide trails through oak grasslands and oak groves. 9 – 12 p.m. Meet at Castle Rock Park. Reservations required.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thru Nov. 11 “Billy Elliot”

An inspiring celebration of the journey of one boy who hangs up

Based on a true story. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35-$45. thebrentwoodtheater.org.

SCHOOLS

Dec. 1 – 10 “The Farnsworth Invention”

Who will unlock the key to the greatest innovation of the 20th century? Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.

CHURCHES

Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Dinner

Diablo Ballet’s season opener. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley For anyone in need. 11:30 – 2 p.m. First Lutheran Church, 4000 Blvd., Walnut Creek. $25-$59. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943Concord Blvd., Concord. Free. flcconcord.org. (925) 483-4913.

7469.

Nov. 11 “1940s Battle of the Big Bands”

Celebrate Veterans Day at El Campanil Theatre. Parade at 11 a.m. Show at 2 p.m. 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $15-$39. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.

Nov. 11 Veterans Day Ceremony

Featuring the Walnut Creek Concert Band. 11 a.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Free admission; reservations recommended. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Dec. 1 – 2 “All is Well”

A choir performance. 7 p.m. Bethel Baptist Church, 3578 Clayton Road, Concord. bethelbaptistca.org.

Dec. 2 “What Sweeter Music”

A Christmas concert. 7:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Freewill offering. stbonaventure.net.

FUNDRAISERS

Nov. 12 “Cityscape and Symphony”

2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast

Nov. 17 - 18 “The Christmas Ballet”

Nov. 13 HomeAid LIVE 2017

Nov. 17 - 19 “The Happy Prince”

Nov. 17 - 18 Comedy

Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, Presented by Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 7 p.m. Lesher Center pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17.

2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwlesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469. post1525.org.

Presented by Smuin Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $57-$82. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 9437469.

Performed by El Campanil Children’s Theatre. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $9-$13. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.

Nov. 18 – 19 “Mozart Masterpieces”

Performed by the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Nov. 18: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com. Nov. 19: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org.

Nov. 21 “Te Aito, Warrior”

Presented by Ta’ere Tia’i Polynesian Cultural Arts. 7:30 p.m.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35$45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Nov. 24 – 26 “The Nutcracker”

Presented by Contra Costa Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $38. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Nov. 25 “Back on Locust St.!”

Presented by The Buzztones. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $29.50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Nov. 28 “Holiday Concert”

Presented by the Walnut Creek Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17.50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Nov. 28 – 30 “Elf JR”

Presented by Poison Apple Productions. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Dec. 1 “A Salute to The Eagles”

Performed by Hotel California. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.

HomeAid Northern California’s annual benefit show. 8 p.m.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $75$125. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Performed by Pablo Francisco to benefit the Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $20-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 4271611.

AT THE LIBRARY

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call (925) 673-0659.

Nov. 13: Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 13: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m.

Nov. 13, 27: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 20: Create Picture Book Art, 4 p.m.

Nov. 30: Make a Cool Snow Person, 11 a.m.

Dec. 4: Coding Unplugged, 6:30 p.m.

The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or (925) 646-5455.

Nov. 13: Eating Healthy Workshop, 6 p.m.

Registration required.

Nov. 14: Concord Art Association Meeting and Demo, 1 p.m.

Nov. 14: Teens Make’n’Take, 4 p.m.

Nov. 20: Thankful Crafts, 7 p.m. Registration required.

Nov. 29: Homeless Awareness, 3 p.m.

Nov. 30: Make Your Own Ornaments, 6:30 p.m. Registration required.

GOVERNMENT

1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council

7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. (925) 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. (925) 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

Dec. 1 “Miracle on Improv Street”

Presented by Funny Bone Productions. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Dec. 1 – 2 “Once Upon a Christmas”

Presented by The Ballet School Ballet Joyeux. Lesher Center for Learn about the mining history and geology at Black Diamond the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$30. lesherartscenMines. Guided, 90-minute tour; Saturdays and Sundays. Must ter.org. (925) 943-7469. be age 7 or older with parent. $5 in advance online or day of Dec. 1 – 9 at Sidney Flat Visitor Center.

Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Event Calendar for more information.

Dec. 8 – 17 “Calendar Girls”

“Christmas Belles”

Presented by Onstage Theatre. Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. campbelltheater.com. (925) 518-3277.

Dec. 3 “Light One Candle”

Presented by Tapestry Handbell and Vocal Ensemble. 4 p.m. St. Michael’s, 2925 Bonifacio St., Concord. Freewill offering. tapestryringersandsingers.org.

Dec. 3 “Season of Light”

Diablo Women’s Chorale’s 75th annual fall concert. 2 p.m. Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette. $10-$25. diablowomenschorale.org.

Dec. 3 “Winter Piano Recital”

Presented by The Ballet School. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 9437469.

Dec. 7 – 17 “A Christmas Carol”

Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter and scary ghosts. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $28-$50. centerrep.org.

Dec. 8 – 10 “VII”

Presented by Alex Ramon Magic. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 9437469.

cessfully “Helping seniors live suc in their own homes.”

Everyone Welcome

november Mixer

Join us to meet CVV members & volunteers & learn more about the program

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 4-6 p.m.

Hunan Restaurant

4804 Clayton Road in Concord (Next to Oakmont/Montecito)

For more info

925-626-0411 or www.claytonvalleyvillage.org

y y Eas a d n Su tening Lismusic 4-7pm ucing

Introd

Live

6096 main Street, Clayton, 673-0440 entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Nov. 10-11............................Blues Healers Nov. 17-18..............................Desert Moon Nov. 24-25..........................19-Hand Horse Dec. 1-2......................................Tone Pony

Karaoke Mon. & Wed. nights Open Mic Thur. nights, 8-11 pm

www.claytonclubsaloon.com

2 for the price of 1

Beer only. Good anytime with original coupon. Exp. 12/07/17

Page 14

Clayton Pioneer â&#x20AC;˘ www.claytonpioneer.com

November 10, 2017

Special Section

For Central Contra Costa Homeowners & House Hunters

353 Blue Oak Lane, Clayton

Stunning Home! 3373 sq. ft, beautifully decorated and remodeled 5 bedroom 3 bath with bedroom suite on the first floor. Gleaming hardwood floors, custom built incabinets, granite slab counters, sparkling pebble-surface pool & spa. Only $998,000

4400 Kearsarge Court, Concord

Located in the popular and in-demand Limeridge community with outstanding Walnut Creek schools.

Remodeled throughout. 4 bedrooms/2.5 baths, 2157 sq.ft with custom tile floors, new plush carpets, granite slab counters, plantation shutters, 50 yr comp. roof +++. $785,000

2611 Morgan terr. Rd., Clayton Pending

Morgan Territory Unobstructed views of Mount Diablo Price reduced from this 4 BR, 3 BA $1,149,000 country home set on 1.32 acres in rural Morgan Territory. Completely remodeled throughout. 3,300 sq. ft with bonus room , gourmet kitchen with Wolf stove, griddle and grill and sub-zero refrigerator and wine fridge. Sparkling pool, basketball sports court and room for horses with direct access to Mt. Diablo State Park. City water.

Virtual tour and pictures at www.2611MorganterritoryRd.com

Kelly McDougall CalBRE 01156462

(925) 787-0448 KMcDougall@windermere.com

November 10, 2017

Clayton Pioneer â&#x20AC;¢ www.claytonpioneer.com

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

November 10, 2017

d i l a o y h , e v i t s e f a r o e F l t n a start with your m and other winter and religious holidays, consider glass, colored or mirrored baubles, battery-operated light strands, oversized acrylic gems, metallic garlands or any item that catches and reflects light. Place these containers on your mantel and add a second layer of garland to fill in the voids.

To bring the outdoors in, display fresh-cut garlands of pine, Douglas fir, magnolia or cedar on your mantel. Mix themes with holiday-specific accents: strands of lights, pine cones, red berry holly or pumpkins, gourds or husks of corn.

Don’t feel confined to just your mantel. Consider temporarily replacing your large family photo or hanging mirror with a wreath or swag to tie everything together.

Instead of sparkles, consider filling glass containers with pumpkins or gourds, walnuts and cranberries or acorns and oak leaves.

There’s something special and

JENNiFER LEiSCHER

DESIGN & DÉCOR

Ready or not, the holidays are here and it’s time to begin your strategy for holiday decor.

There’s the outside to consider: lights on the perimeter of your residence, front porch and door decor, maybe even replacing a few potted plants to create a more winter wonderland feeling.

Inside, there’s table top decor, wrapping banisters in garlands and lights, scented candles sprinkled throughout, holiday pillows and throws … The list goes on.

But a burning question tops all others: Is your mantel ready for the holidays? You may have a grouping of family photos in silver frames, an antique mirror or a rustic deer rack flanked with modern sconces. The decorative items look great and you’ve taken care to ensure that they work with your design aesthetic, but it’s time to transform your mantel into an eye-catching holiday focal point.

For immediate holiday gratification, place sparkly round baubles, such as Christmas tree ornaments, inside a clear glass container such as an urn, vase or lantern. Whether you own clear glass containers or you’re looking to purchase containers for a more uniform look with specific sizes and styles, the only other ingredient you need is the filler. For Christmas, New Year’s

1

8

personal about handmade decor. If you have the gift to knit, I applaud you. I recently saw a beautiful, knit garland made of wool. It was not only clever, but cozy and unique.

Considering that this project might take some time to create, a smallish mantle might be fitting for the knit garland.

You could take this look one step further and pair it with knit pumpkins, sweater-looking spheres and natural elements from the outdoors. Seasonally inspired framed artwork from your children or grandchildren could easily work into this festive mix of handmade decor.

Whether you knit, create pottery, paint or make any other handmade piece, the idea is that your decor is a one of a kind masterpiece.

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.

Books, from page 12

suffered in a Jim Crow south and of the afternoon he and Cee were hiding in a field watching two magnificent stallions fighting. “We saw them. Like men they stood.” It was not the only thing they saw that afternoon.

Next, the author describes Frank regaining consciousness while drugged and tied to a hospital bed.

Why is he there? Has he been in a fight? Fights and bouts of violence have become more and more a part

of his life. He only knows that he must escape.

Between Seattle and Chicago, we follow Frank on his journey into a painful reality. Today’s readers will have no trouble recognizing Frank’s PTSD, his violent, secret-filled depressions. With no “spoilers,” I can say that he eventually receives a letter from a friend of Cee’s who tells him he must come to Atlanta.

He must get Cee, or “She be dead.”

He returns to Lotus with his

Here comes Christmas...

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Both events sponsored & hosted by the Clayton

Business & Community Association

Go to claytoncbca.org or call (925)

672-2272 for membership info

The fireplace takes center stage in a room, a perfect setting for drama, color and innovative decorations.

near-dead sister, hoping the women in that town will not turn their backs on her. The women who nurse Cee are powerfully caring.

Months of home remedies return Cee to the living. Frank stays in Lotus, repairing the home he hated, replanting the abandoned soil.

Cee is no longer dependent on her big brother, and Frank struggles with what this means to his identity.

How does he come to terms with the strong, overbearing women who raised him and the equally strong women who saved Cee? One secret

Frank and Cee never speak of, but share, is what else they saw on that long-ago afternoon when they watched the stallions fighting.

The unburying of that secret helps answer Morrison’s question about home. Is home a house, a city, a state? Or might it be ourselves where our hearts take refuge?

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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November 10, 2017

NiCOLE HaCKETT

GARDEN GIRL

Cool weather ignites impressive foliage color in some of our favorite evergreen shrubs.

Coprosma, Euonymus and Nandina shrubs come alive this time of year as their leaves turn brilliant colors of crimson, salmon and bronze.

Coprosma shrubs have become more mainstream the past few years. This shrub has fleshy stems that are a nice contrast to popular, woody evergreens in our landscapes.

COPROSMA PINA COLADA

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Add excitement to chilly weather gardens with these colorful shrubs

Coprosma shrubs are commonly called mirror plants. They have glossy, round or oval leaves, depending on the selection.

There are many options to consider, with a choice to fulfill almost any desired mature size.

Coprosma Tequila Sunrise reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide. It needs at least six hours of sun for best leaf color and performance. As autumn nights begin to chill, Tequila Sunshine’s leaves go from yellowish-green with touches of salmon to intense salmon with gold centers.

Coprosma Pink Splendor has a pyramidal growth habit. It can reach 4 feet tall but only about half as wide. This evergreen makes an excellent installation within a perennial bed planted with salvia, agastache and coneflowers. The variegation of Pink Splendor turns a fantastic shade of pink throughout winter.

Pina Colada is a newer selection of Coprosma. This round shrub has tiny, fresh green leaves with salmon edges. As the weather cools, the leaves turn a deep mahogany. Expect this selection to reach 2-3 feet tall and wide.

Euonymus is a common shrub that has two family mem-

NANDINA DOMESTICA FIREPOWER

bers that turn color with cold weather. Euonymus Emerald and Gold has a yellow and green leaf variegation. As the weather cools, all the yellow turns salmon. The end results are fantastic. Emerald and Gold Euonymus is a shrubby groundcover. In the ground, this euonymus can reach 18 inches to 2 feet tall and about 4 feet wide.

Euonymus Emerald Gaiety has a cream and green variegation.

The winter chill brings out a dark rose color.

Nandina is a gigantic family of evergreen shrubs commonly called Heavenly Bamboo.

Every member of the Nandina

family has dramatic fall and winter color. These days, many seek out the dwarf selections.

Gulf Stream and Fire Power are among my favorite Nandina selections. Gulf Stream has delicate foliage that turns reddish-orange in the winter. Gulf Stream reaches 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide. Fire Power has a medley of winter color.

Leaves can be fiery red, orange and gold. Fire Power matures to a nice 2 feet by 2 feet, making it a tidy hedge or walkway selection. Its leaves are basilshaped, and this Nandina’s compact appearance makes it desirable.

Evergreen shrubs with year-round interest are valuable in any landscape. Use some of these selections as companion shrubs to deciduous trees such as crape myrtle and Japanese maple. They could also be foundation plantings or container considerations. All are heat and cold hardy, water-wise and long living.

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden.

You can contact her with questions or comments by email at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

Check out fun fall trends

SUSaN SaPPiNGTON

CLOTHESUP

Fall is officially here (finally) and if you’re the type that likes to keep up with the fashion trends, then this is for you. From capes for women to bomber jackets and prints for both men and women, these are the styles not to miss out on this year.

WOMEN Chokers. 90’s is nothing new. In fact, it became popular in a more modern way about a year and a half ago. Along with ripped jeans, the choker is back in full swing. Get a choker necklace as your next statement jewelry piece.

Plaid. Designers are going crazy over plaid this year! But, not the plaid from 10 years ago.

Plaid is for everything from suits to coats.

Florals & Prints. Shirts, dresses, blouses and more with florals are back. From Topshop to top designers, you’ll find garden patterns and more on all types of clothing. This style will

Page 17

be popular for winter, too. Prints are also trending. From polka dots to other prints, show some color!

Non-Skinny Jeans. Sure, skinny jeans will always be popular, but the trend is looking more towards the bootcut of the 90’s. From high-waisted pants to full-length wide legs, there are tons of options to choose from.

Match it with a flowy cape or a blouse.

Ankle Boots. Suede ankle boots, leather ankle boots and ankle boots in other fabrics will be everywhere this fall and winter. In San Francisco Bay Area, it’s all about showing off some ankle.

Capes. No, not the superwoman type of cape! These capes are stylish, and a way of staying warm and fashionable this fall and winter. From solids to checkered and plaid, capes will be everywhere.

MEN Bomber Jackets. Bomber jackets are a way to class up your outfit and stay warmer in the fall and winter months. Originally made from heavy duty leather, these days this outerwear piece has gone through many changes and is made in a variety of different fabrics. Popular bomber jackets include the casual black one to wear with jeans or chinos,

CLEAN & SOBER

the leather bomber jacket, as well as leather and suede versions.

Prints. Prints will be everywhere this fall! From bomber jackets to shirts, jackets, sweatshirts and joggers, you’ll see it everywhere! Where can you find some of the best? Contact me!

Flannel Shirts. With the 90s back in full swing, it should come as no surprise that flannels are back and better than ever.

These aren’t your flannels from 3 decades ago though. These are made from rugged cotton, and are more modern and polished.

Wear them as a light jacket over a shirt or a button down, or by itself.

Stripes, Stripes, Stripes.

From cashmere sweaters with blue and off-white stripes to t-shirts and more, stripes will be a big fashion trend for fall and winter. This includes women too!

Hats & Caps. From bucket hats to baseball caps, you’ll see this casual style all over California. Grab a bucket hat in deep indigo blue, or a camel colored baseball hat. Or, how about a jean hat? Wear it backwards too.

Layering. The Bay Area can get a bit chilly during the winter months. Stay warm and in style by layering a classic striped shirt or oxford along with a jean jacket on top and a stylish herringbone blazer on top. The shirt,

SERVICES

jacket and topcoat look will be big this year.

Sappington is a personal wardrobe stylist for J.Hilburn, clothier for men. Contact her at Susan. sappington@jhilburnpartner.com

DEBBiE EiSTETTER

HISTORY ON THE MAIN

The idea of “twinning” originated in Europe after World War II as a means of fostering friendship and goodwill between cities of different countries.

Since 1998, Clayton has been twinned with Buxworth, England, a town in the High Peak

Twin city relationship stands test of time

adela Oldford

Ray Strong, great-great grandson of Joel Clayton, and Glenys Hobson from Buxworth played an important part in Clayton’s twinning.

District of Derbyshire, 127 miles north of London. It is the home of the Association of Buxworth/Clayton. Its members, known as the ABCers, fly the American flag every Fourth of July and host an authentic Thanksgiving dinner every November.

The town’s name was Bugsworth until 1930, and it is still affectionately known as “Buggy.” When Joel Clayton was born there at Brierley Green Farm in 1812, the economic well-being of the district relied largely on mined coal and limestone that was shipped via the

the Clayton family who have come together as researchers and good friends.

Dick Ellis, a graphic arts teacher at Clayton Valley High School, ran a summer program for students in 1964 that resulted in a 150-page book entitled “Clayton – Small But Proud.”

He and his wife Mary Lou took five trips to Buxworth and hosted Buxworth visitors in their home. He has been president of the Clayton Historical Society (CHS) three times and continues

See History, page 18

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The Clayton/Buxworth connection is illustrated through the innumerable letters and emails exchanged, the trips “across the pond” and, most importantly, the residents and members of

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Page 18

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

November 10, 2017

Briones trail offers panoramic splendor

KEViN PaRKER

HIT

THE

TRAIL

Fall means shorter days, earlier sunsets, little to no crowds and crisp temperatures out on the trails.

Given busy schedules and limited sunlight, this hike at Briones Regional Park is relatively close to home. With more than 6,000 acres and miles of trail, it has been on my “must hike list” since early summer.

Once part of Rancho San Felipe, Briones opened as a park in 1967 but has a modest history beginning in the early 1800s as a land for cultivation and cattle.

Years later, this area was known for orchards and vineyards, some of which are still present today. The park has five staging areas, with hiking, biking, birdwatching and horseback riding as the most popular activities.

There are group camps, an archery range, equestrian parking and picnicking spots.

Alhambra Creek Trail starts just inside the gate; choose the single-track trail on the left side of the creek instead of the gravel fire road. Both trails end up at the same place, but I prefer shade over sun, adventure over monotony and scenery, trees and forest over a gravel grinder any day. This time of year, the trail was well-traveled with hardpacked dirt, exposed tree roots and leafless poison oak branches (you can still get oil from branches).

Alhambra Creek gains elevation almost the entire way up as you pick up Spengler Trail and loop around Maricich Lagoons.

Both were almost dry in late October.

Dense forest and tree cover give way to wide open hillsides, grassy hillsides and views of Briones (1,483 feet) and Mott (1,424 feet) peaks.

Spengler and then Old Briones Road Trails are fire roads, exposed to full sun and windy conditions. At the junction, follow Briones Crest Trail to reveal panoramic views and vista points a plenty with Martinez, Concord and the Benicia

Bridge as familiar backdrops.

Take the trail due east and continue on a moderate uphill pace as you near Briones Peak. A quick trip up a narrow trail will put you into some of the best views Briones has to offer and a comfortable bench to boot. Plan on enjoying 360-degree views as Mount Diablo, the California Delta and Mount Tamalpais can be seen on a clear day.

The next section of trail doesn’t show up on any map, but it’s right in front of your eyes and ripe for the picking. The trail is steep (you don’t have hiking poles yet?) with loose footing and looks to be well-traveled via bicycle. But no worries, I was short on sunlight and knew this trail was the goods. The No Name Trail dives immediately downhill from the bench at Briones Peak. No Name meanders through trees, tangled gnarls of roots and zig and zags as you descend faster than you probably planned, but that didn’t stop me from mid-forest hooting and hollering half the way down.

The trail continues to drop as you cut through packed sand, rock and brush, but the view is second to none. On this weeknight, I had the trail all to myself.

Kevin Parker

No Name Trail junctions into Diablo View Trail just above Marker 46. Continue on Diablo View Trail until you reach your starting point at Alhambra Creek Staging Area.

Get out there and enjoy our local parks.

Contact Kevin Parker with comments or questions by email at LukeHollywood@gmail.com

Briones Regional Park

Alhambra Creek Trail>Spengler Road Trail>Old Briones Road Trail>Briones Crest Trail>No Name Trail>Diablo View Trail

Distance: 5.75 miles Duration: 2 hours Elevation gain: 1,792 feet Level: Moderate Getting There: Alhambra Creek Staging Area, Martinez; restrooms, water, maps, picnics, parking fees, dogs allowed Maps and Info: www.ebparks.org/parks/ briones

Nancy E. Bennett

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History, from page 17

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to be an historical research powerhouse and a key player in the city’s twin relationship.

Edna Calhan, Joel Clayton’s granddaughter, established contact with CHS in 1974, and a copy of her handwritten book about the Clayton family found its way across the Atlantic.

Marguerite Clayton Smiley was the great-great granddaughter of Joel Clayton’s youngest brother. When she traveled to Buxworth, she gave a copy of Edna’s book to Don and Andrea McEwan – the owners of Brierley Green Farm. They offered the book to Keith Holford, a local historian, for a Buxworth history exhibit. In turn, he shared it with historical researcher Geoff Timmington.

Timmington made seven visits to Clayton over a 15-year period, and Ellis credits him as our most reliable UK researcher.

Holford invited Ellis and his wife to stay with his family and be a part of the “Bygone Buxworth” celebration in 1994. This visit was seen as the real beginning of the association between

the two cities.

During a 1996 trip to Clayton, Holford spoke with Mayor Pete Laurence. He also approached Glenys Hobson, chair of the parish council in Buxworth, about twinning the cities. A proclamation was drawn up, a charter was signed and our association became official.

There are many more people who deserve to be mentioned in this column, but I must relate a recent visit to Clayton by Ray Strong, Joel Clayton’s great-great grandson, his wife Jerilyn from Danville and Hobson – their good friend from Buxworth.

Their happy gathering with CHS board members illustrated what Rob Self-Pierson wrote in his Guardian article defending the tradition of twinning: “… it puts people first. It introduces them to new experiences and new friends and helps us all to meet, mix and get along.”

Debbie Eistetter is membership chair of the Clayton Historical Society. For more information or to become a member, visit claytonhistory.org. The

Tech Talk, from page 6

Internet backup provider like Mozy or Carbon Copy. But be prepared to set up and manage the service yourself. They have good tools to assist you, but it’s still self-reliant.

Companies like Amazon, Microsoft Azure or Barracuda sell enterprise services, but they are expensive and intended for large enterprise companies with IT staffs.

If you’re still not convinced, you likely need a local service provider (a managed service provider, or MSP) to do it for you. The MSP will do

everything – install, setup, run, monitor and maintain your backups and archives and even restore the data if you need to, starting at about $10 a month.

It’s simple and safe.

If you want to know more, call me or go to wikipedia.org and search “comparison of online backup services” and have fun shopping.

William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station.

Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.

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