IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
October 10, 2014
Katie Grace, home at last TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
See Katie Grace, page 6
Opinion
Vote ‘Yes’ for the Grove Park JULIE PIERCE & HOWARD GELLER
For most people a walk in the park is just that – a walk in the park. But for one young Clayton girl, a walk in the park is a marvel of medical science. Katie Grace Groebner, 12, was born with pulmonary hypertension (PH) an incurable disease that robbed her of any chance for a normal childhood. By the time she was 11; the frail youngster carried a backpack for her medications and fought for every breath. Her heart was so enlarged and damaged that a transplant was her only hope. In June, hopes were fulfilled when a near-death Katie Grace underwent a life-saving heart and double lung transplant at Stanford Hospital. The surgery marked the end of her PH, but the beginning of a whole new set of challenges for the Groebner clan. LONG ROAD BEGINS After her surgery in June, Katie Grace spent two weeks in intensive care with her mother constantly at her side, leaving only occasionally for a shower in the hospital’s third floor bathroom. Her recovery was remarkable. Less than three weeks after her transplant, Katie and her family moved to the Ronald McDonald house where she would be close to the hospital for at least three months of intensive outpatient care. It was just the first of three moves the family would make before coming home to Clayton. Shortly after they moved in, the Ronald McDonald house closed for remodeling and the family moved to a nearby motel where they were surrounded by smokers, a dangerous threat to Katie's new lungs. There would be yet another move to another motel before they could finally come home only to find that
925.672.0500
Clayton’s Grove Park has become the heart of our historic downtown and is a favorite gathering place for our community. Families meet to walk, play, picnic and socialize in its beautifully landscaped setting. It’s the venue for weddings, memorials, Concerts in The Grove, city events and after-school
play. The tot lot and water play feature are happy places for kids of all ages. Many go there just to relax and enjoy the amazing views of Mt. Diablo and the beauty of our city. The Grove Park opened in January 2008 following years of community planning. Our park was finally built after over 70 percent of
See Grove, page 6
Breast cancer no longer a death sentence; survivors say early detection crucial TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
AN AFTERNOON IN THE PARK WITH FRIENDS IS NO BIG DEAL for most kids. But, for Katie Grace Groebner, 12, an afternoon at Newhall Park last week was definitely a big deal. For the first time ever, Katie Grace was running and playing in the park with friends. In June Katie Grace was close to losing her lifelong battle with pulmonary hypertension when a heart and doublelung transplant gave her a new chance. Freed from PH, the plucky youngster now faces a lifetime of new challenges.
The Clayton Pioneer is not connected to Boise paper We’ve had several calls and emails in the past week asking if the CLAYTON PIONEER has changed its name or started a new Clayton publication. No, we most definitely have NOT changed our name and our new publication is the CONCORD PIONEER The Clayton Gazette is published in Boise, Idaho by our former business partners, Andre and Tiffany Gensburger. Our partnership with the Gensburgers ended in December 2009. We are firmly planted in Clayton where we have been for almost 50 years. With boots on the ground and cameras in hand, we will continue to bring you the important news of Clayton, its government, its businesses, its people and its events.
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Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Behind the Badge . . . . . . . . .6 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a time to remind women to take charge of their breast health. Breast cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence. Many of us are living proof that early detection, vigilance and aggressive treatment can, if not beat the odds, at least beat them back for a good long time. This year, one in eight women will get breast cancer. If you live in Contra Costa County, the odds are worse; more like one in seven. No one really knows why. Researchers have looked at everything from environmental factors and genetics to diet and lifestyle choices. And although they’ve pretty well nailed down the risk factors, the odds of getting it don’t seem to change. What we do know is early detection and aggressive treatment save lives. Women do survive breast cancer. Even women
with metastatic disease—cancer that has spread to other organs—live for decades, managing their disease. Tamara Simbirdi was just 40 when she had her first mammogram four years ago.
See Survivors, page 4
Photo courtesy of Tamara Simbirdi
MORE THAN A DOZEN FRIENDS and family walked with breast cancer survivor Tamara Simbirdi, left, with daughter Maddie, in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk in San Francisco earlier this month.
Downtown development tops list of candidates’ challenges Haydon, Shuey and Smith battle it out for two city council seats PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
The three candidates vying for two Clayton City Council positions may seem as different as the trails along Mt. Diablo, but they all seem to have one goal in common: keeping Clayton’s small-town appeal while Community Calendar . . . . .16 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 DVMS Correspondent . . . . .14 Estate Planning . . . . . . . . . .13 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
figuring out ways to ensure economic vitality for years to come. Incumbent Dave Shuey, civic volunteer and former KEITH planning comHAYDON missioner Keith Haydon and Clayton Trails and Landscaper Committee member Alyse Smith all say that boosting the city’s revenue Get Up and Get Out . . . . . .19 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .17 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Police Report . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
and enhancing the quality of life are paramount—and challenging. “The economy has been and remains largest DAVE SHUEY the challenge facing us in the next four years,” says 12-year councilman Shuey. “We weathered the recession better than 98 percent of California cities due Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 TeenSpeak . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Teen Reads . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Voyage of the Eagle . . . . . .14 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . . .8
to strategic longand short-term planning. We must continue to be vigilant at retaining a balanced budget ALYSE SMITH while maintaining services, including police, maintenance and city staff. “
See Election, page 8
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 10, 2014
Around Town Oktoberfest
Pioneer Travels SPAIN This summer Rod and Carol Padilla traveled to Spain, to walk the Camino De Santiago in Northern Spain and took two weeks. Rod described the walk as a “journey of the unknown.” The walk begins in Southern France and continues into Northern Spain and stops at a new destination every day Although not well known in California, it is a well known pilgrimage throughout Europe, made famous by the movie “The Way.”
Everything in Clayton was hot last Saturday--the schnitzel, the brats and the music. About the only thing cold was the beer. And despite the near-triple digit temperatures, there were plenty of people to drink it. The Clayton Business and Community Association’s annual Oktoberfest drew thousands to downtown Clayton last weekend to shop the many vendors along Main Street and polka to
the oompah sounds of The Internationals, back for their 11th year. The Oktoberfest joins the spring Art and Wine Festival and the June Clayton Classic Golf Tournament in raising money for local schools and charitable causes. For membership information, go to claytoncbca.org or call (925) 6722272.
What’s happening Around Town? We want to know what’s happening in your families and in your neighborhoods. Send news of births, engagements, special recognitions, etc. to info@claytonpioneer.com. Please attach your photos to the email as JPEG files and include a caption to identify people in your photos.
Photos from upper left: 1) The keg makes its annual journey down Main on the way to the main tent; 2) Clayton’s first mayor, Bob Hoyer, tapped the keg and raised the first stein; 3) CBCA treasurer Marilyn Schmidt; 4) Let the polka begin. The keg is tapped, the band is hot and the party is on its way.
NEVADA We tagged along with Steve Pierce last month when he went searching for Paradise. We found it—not far off Highway 95 in Humbolt County, Nevada. Well, maybe not paradise as most people know; but still a nice stop on a God-forsaken stretch of highway.
CANADA Fred and Sue Donecker of Clayton took us along on a tour of the Canadian Rockies this summer. Here we are with high school friend Wayne Burtnett and his wife, Shirley, at Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada.
Sharapata awarded Tesoro scholarship
NICHOLAS SHARAPATA
114 Forest Hill Drive, Clayton
CVCHS grad Nicholas Sharapata received a $4,000 scholarship from Tesoro Corporation. He was one of 50 children of Tesoro employees and retirees to receive a scholarship this year. Sharapata will attend Brigham Young University this fall where he will major in accounting.
His parents are Marcy Vines and Tesoro employee Derek Vines, both Clayton residents; and John and Natalie Sharapata former Clayton residents now living in Utah. Nick will be eligible to renew his scholarship for up to three years if he maintains at least a 3.0 GPA
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October 10, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Bocce season boosts downtown business
Helping Hands for ALS
PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
With names like Bustin’ Balls, Deboccery, Bocce Ballers and Boccesaurus Rex, it would seem as if some of the top teams in the inaugural Clayton Bocce League season didn’t take the game seriously. Don’t tell that to them, or the other 700-plus players who gathered at the Ipsen Family Bocce Park on warm summer afternoons and evenings, creating one of the biggest buzzes heard around town in years. As the top teams warm up for the playoffs and city championship this weekend, it comes as no surprise to the club organizers that this first bocce season in downtown Clayton was a rousing success. “It exceeded everyone’s expectations,” says Ed Hartley, head of the Clayton Business and Community Association’s Bocce Committee. “We knew it would be popular and this blew us all away.” The CBCA got the ball rolling to build the four bocce courts last winter and spring, with the help of Skip Ipsen, who donated the land adjacent to his Skipolini’s restaurant as well as $125,000. The CBCA chipped in with $150,000, and the remaining costs of the $360,000 project came from community donations. The courts’ opening did more than provide a hometown advantage to a league that had been playing in Concord; it opened up the game of bocce to 77 teams, and created an attraction in downtown Clayton that couldn’t help but boost local business. “We saw a lot more foot
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BEFORE THE IPSEN FAMILY BOCCE PARK OPENED IN JUNE, downtown Clayton was a virtual ghost town weeknights after 5 o’clock. Now, more than 700 people a week are drawn downtown by the popular sport, boosting business and stimulating interest in the town center.
traffic with all the extra people in town,” said Johnny Sandhu of the Village Market. “The more people that come into town, the more they realize the good things we have here in Clayton.” Steve Barton of the Clayton Club agrees. Not only did his bar sponsor three teams in the league, he also recognizes how the league has had a positive impact on the city. “It’s been great for downtown,” he said, noting that there’s been a “measurable uptick” in business from spectators coming to watch the matches. Not only that, his teams’ celebrating kept his bar busy on bocce nights. “It’s like Oktoberfest, Art & Wine, the summer concerts, the Rib Cook-off, anything that brings people downtown is good,” Hartley says. “You can’t force people to be downtown; you have to give them a reason to want to be there.”
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The courts are open seven days a week, and the only time they are reserved are for league play — which was Sunday afternoon and evenings, plus Monday through Friday nights during the summer. The summer league was so successful, in fact, that the Clayton Bocce League is sponsoring a fall league, which will play Monday through Thursday nights beginning in late October. Thirty-six teams have signed up to play. “The whole experience gave us a lot to think about for next year,” Hartley said. “We can possibly start the summer season earlier to accommodate more teams, or even do a spring league.” He says it’s the CBCA’s desire to “not turn away” anyone who wants to play in a league. The success of the Clayton Bocce League and its downtown
courts has not been lost on other communities, and Hartley says that he has been contacted by different cities’ representatives on how to make it work. “This was a total grassroots effort,” he says. “You don’t find too many downtown bocce courts — usually they are in parks or residential areas. But this way we can open up all of downtown to the players, to grab a bite to eat before or after the game. It’s a win-win.” He is quick to point out that the courts are maintained and operated by CBCA, and he gives a shout out to his committee, who helped “make things happen,” he says: Cecilia Hartley, Keith Haydon, Jim Lawrence, John Garrett, Lisa York and Skip Ipsen. “It’s an easy and fun game to play,” Hartley says, urging people to come out whenever the courts are open and toss a few balls.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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October 10, 2014
Concord Pavilion back on top
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
a general admission pit for some shows, which some artists prefer. The first of those was at the sold-out (12,881 tickets) Fall Out Boy concert last month and then again for the Luke Bryan show, which figures to be the year’s biggest turnout. The general admission format allows for nearly 500 additional tickets to be sold for those events. For the majority of concerts, comfortable reserved seats fill the inner circle area. There have been four sellouts this year including OneRepublic, Fall Out Boy, KBLX Hot Summer nights show over the Labor Day weekend and the upcoming Bryan season finale concert on Oct. 17. “The artists have been extremely happy,” Hawkins said. Not only was the flexible seating a hit but improvements to the dressing rooms and the eating and rest areas for artists’ staff and crew were all met with thumbs up. “Our bookers have already been approached by artists wanting to come back next year.” Concord Director of Community and Recreation Services Joan Carrico said the city has been “very pleased” with the season. Both Carrico and Hawkins acknowledged some “early hiccups” with new concession stand operations that saw lines moving too slowly. Those were corrected and Carrico got good feedback on new “high-end food and beverage” offerings. Hawkins also said per capita sales were up as the
When Live Nation was awarded a 10-year contract to continue operating the Concord Pavilion late last year there were some raised eyebrows from people who had noticed the dramatic drop-off in concert offerings at the outdoor amphitheater on Kirker Pass Road in recent years under Live Nation’s operation. Now with the first season under the new contract winding down this month, results look quite good as the number of concerts doubled from last year’s record-low nine to 18 and the city will receive nearly $1 million from the concert promoters, including about $150,000 in overages from the $3 per ticket sold over the 100,000 annual guarantee. Pavilion General Manager Aaron Hawkins was very pleased on many levels when discussing the season with The Pioneer recently. His firm was obligated to make $3.7 million in improvements to the facility by the end of 2016 but spent almost all that money this year for changes that impacted both Pavilion attendees and artists this season and should pay dividends for years to come. The most dramatic change was the removal of all the permanent seats in the inner circle directly in front of the Pavilion stage. They were taken out to facilitate flexible seating arrangements, including having
LEIGH KLOCK
public responded favorably to the menu and facility upgrades. In addition to concerts the Pavilion hosted the annual Spring Home & Garden Show and seven high school graduations. The 19th annual Fall Home & Garden Show is Oct. 24-26. The Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer is already on sale for a show next July. Hawkins has been pleased with his staff ’s ability to quickly “flip over” the facility from one show to another. The Pavilion’s biggest disappointment this season was the day-of-show cancellation of an Aerosmith concert due to a band member’s illness. All of the capital improve-
Survivors, from page 1
TAMARA AND BOB STEINER
The first mammogram is a “baseline.” It’s a screening tool and what radiologists use for comparison to subsequent x-rays. Tamara had none of the obvious risk factors typically associated with breast cancer. She was
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ments were completed in a condensed period before the season except for the re-designed entrance area around the box office. The original design included cloth “sails” that proved too costly and presented construction challenges. Hawkins expects the revised design to be approved soon and completed right after the season ends. Carrico also reports that the new pre-sale option for Concord residents was a success. The city began helping with notification of the sales since often the special on-sale date isn’t known until less than a week in advance. The program allows local citizens to buy prime tickets at no service charge.
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young, she did not wait until after 30 to have children, there was no history of breast cancer in her family, she didn’t drink and she wasn’t overweight. She is a distance cyclist and teaches exercise classes. “I was in the best shape of my life,” she said. Diagnosed with an aggressive, pre-menopausal breast cancer, “scared to death,” and with three young children, Tamara faced some tough treatment decisions. Her course of action “became crystal clear,” she said, when her frightened 11-year-old daughter said “Mommy, do whatever you have to do to make sure this never comes back.” Tamara opted for a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. When post surgery tests came back showing the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes, she knew she made the right decision. SELF-EXAM ANOTHER TOOL At 39, Deidre Zigler, had not yet had her baseline mammogram. She discovered her cancer during her own regular breast self-examination (BSE). There is a fair amount of disagreement among the medical pundits about the effectiveness of the BSE. Many say it should be skipped, arguing that it isn’t a good replacement for clinical exams or mammography. Let them argue, but do your BSE. What Deidre found with her fingers nine years ago was a lump that had already spread to the bone in her arm. Her disease was Stage IV, technically incurable. But, even Stage IV can be managed. Just in the last decade metastatic treatment has made impressive advances. Hormone suppressants, immunotherapy, bone-building drugs and most recently, targeted cell therapy keep women living longer and healthier, even with metastatic disease. My own story begins with a mammogram, but it was a clinical exam that saved my life. The routine mammogram showed nothing remarkable and the radiologist was recommending a follow up in six months. But, an astute and observant nurse had not liked what she saw when she did a visual exam. She flagged the x-ray and told the radiologist “I have a bad feeling about this.” She was right. It was invasive breast cancer, a fast-moving and deadly form. That was 20 years ago. It’s October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Turn your clocks back, change your smoke alarm batteries and get get those girls in for a checkup.
October 10, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Obituary 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 P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pam Wiesendanger, John Jackson, Jay Bedecarre
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CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: $48 for first 30 words, 40 cents each additional word Non-profit: $24 for first 30 words, 20 cents each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 672-0500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a 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.
CIRCULATION as of Sept. 2014 Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes, businesses and post office boxes. We cannot start or stop delivery to individual addresses. This must be done directly through the Post Office The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 28,000 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 email 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. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
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Lora Nancy Ingalls
Automotive Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900
June, 1919 – Sept 28, 2014
Beauty and Pampering Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792 Sport Clips Haircuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5686
Memorial services were held at Shell Ridge Comm u n i t y Church in Walnut Creek on Saturday, Oct. 4, for Lora Nancy Ingalls, who passed away Sept. 28, 2014. She was born on a farm near Johnston, Nebraska, to Leonard and Eva McNamee in June 1919, along with her twin brother, Lee. Lora loved life on the farm with her three sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her sister Eunice Howard of Ainsworth, NE; son Charles Ingalls (Phyllis) of Tucson, AZ; daughter Lenita Shumaker (Richard) of Clayton, CA; and granddaughter Autumn Shumaker of Costa Mesa, CA; and many nieces and nephews. Lora was predeceased by her husband Mitch and grandson Michael Ingalls. While growing up, Lora’s fondest dream was to become a teacher. After completing Normal Training, she taught in several one-room schools in northern Nebraska. In 1938 she married Mitch Ingalls. When their two children were small, the family moved to Hastings, NE, where they lived for 21 years before moving to the island of Guam. The Ingalls enjoyed many wonderful adventures in
Guam: swimming in the ocean, collecting sea shells, g r o w i n g o r c h i d s , bananas and other tropical fruit. They were active church members, Red Cross and Servicemen’s Center volunteers. While in Guam, Lora earned a B.S. degree from the University of Guam and taught elementary school. After returning to the U.S., they settled for a time in Cave Junction, OR, where Lora wrote the kindergarten curriculum and taught the class. They then moved to Shady Cove, OR, where Lora joined the library club and the senior center. In 1994, Mitch and Lora moved to Walnut Creek to be closer to family. They were active members of Shell Ridge Community Church. Lora has resided in Clayton at Diamond Terrace Retirement Community for 11 years, where she taught Bible study, led a Scrabble group, and was in the Writers Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Shell Ridge Community Church or to the Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410.
Volunteer Tutors needed at Crisis Center
Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 Schaefer’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6065 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Scousers Fish’n Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .521-1962 Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0621 Events Contra Costa Home and Garden Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.capitalshowcase.com Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . .800-949-3276 Financial, Insurance and Legal Services DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . . . .210-1400 Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .432-4211 SAFE Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . .800-733-7233, ext. 2772 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-698-0000 Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . . .672-2300 Flowers A Floral Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705-3088 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Groceries Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568 Home and Garden Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747 Navlet’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 R & M Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 The Floor Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-9890 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245
Enrique Barajas, 15, lives in Concord and is a volunteer tutor at the Monument Crisis Center. He is a sophomore at De La Salle. Jenna Weller, 14, from Clayton is also a tutor. She is a freshman at CVCHS
The Monument Crisis Center is seeking more volunteer tutors for its after school tutoring program. The center, which provides food and other safety-net services at no cost to thousands of lowincome Contra Costa County households, has expanded its after-school tutoring program to more than 75 students. The center has 32 volunteer tutors, most of whom are in high school or college. It wants more tutors so that each student can develop a relationship with a particular tutor. “A one-to-one relationship is especially important”, says Alice Rector, 69, a retired speech and language pathologist who volunteers to mentor the tutors. “The children see these tutors, who are doing well in school, playing sports, involved in their community, and they want to be like them,” Rector says. “It is very, very powerful.” The After School Cafe Program serves largely elementary school children, many of whom struggle in school and can’t afford private tutors, says Sandra Scherer, the center’s executive director. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Sandra Scherer at 925.825.7751.
Optometry Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 Pet Services Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie's Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Hayes, Diane and Bill – Better Homes Realty . . .890-4701 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184 Howard, Emily – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-1871 Hudson, Cait – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . .451-6844 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness Anytime Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6700 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . . . . .888-327-2757 Senior Services Courtyards at Pine Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-3900 Montecito – Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702 Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Travel Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Check out 1031 exchange before selling
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS Q. I am going to sell a rental property that I have owned for more than 10 years. I am finally in a position where it won’t be a short sale. I now have equity in the property. I am, however, selling it for more than $25,000 less than I paid for it. A friend said I should look into a 1031 exchange to avoid having to pay taxes. I don’t feel I will owe any taxes because I am selling at a loss. Is this correct? A. Your friend has given you good advice. You should at least look into a 1031 exchange. You also should consult with a tax
professional with any investment purchase or sale. Many sellers assume that if you don’t make a profit you will have no taxes. This is far from the truth. Part of the reason people buy investment property is for the tax benefits while they own the property. One of these benefits is the ability to claim depreciation during ownership. This is a deduction on your income taxes. If you own the property long enough you can depreciate it all the way down to zero. When you sell the property you have to “recapture” the depreciation which actually means you must pay the money you deducted back. This can result in a sizable tax bill even when you are selling at a loss. One way this can be dealt with is for you to do a 1031 exchange. A 1031 exchange is a tool for investors to defer capital gains taxes on the exchange of “like kind” property. This taxsavings strategy can help investors avoid a tax liability when they sell one investment property and buy another. When I say “like kind property,” you have a wide definition of what
that can be. Basically it could mean other investment property. It could be a vacant lot, a house, apartment building or joining into various investment groups. It can’t be anything that you will live in yourself. You can defer the payment of any gains until you stop exchanging and sell the last property in this chain. Some people even move into their rental property for at least two years and then change their minds about wanting to live there and sell the property. In that case they might still have to pay some recapture of depreciation but wouldn’t have to pay capital gains if there is a profit. Of course your particular case should be discussed with a tax professional. Q. Now that the housing market seems to have rebounded somewhat in the last two years, what are some of the features that were forgone and are now coming back in demand? A. During the downturn smaller homes were in demand much more than before this peri-
od. This trend seems to be turning around. The way this seems to be working is with the addition of “discretionary” rooms. People seemed to be able to do without these extra rooms so they could buy less square footage a couple of years ago. Most in-demand lately are outdoor living areas, mud rooms, home offices and in-law suites. We are also seeing special hobby rooms for a variety of projects such as game rooms, craft rooms, gift wrapping rooms and of course “man caves,” either in the house or in the garage or workshop areas. Home owners are also placing high value on energy efficiency. Homes with solar for electricity are very popular. Many people are putting solar in their current homes. Interest in all systems to lower utility bills is continuing to grow. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates. Contact her at 672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
October 10, 2014
Grove, from page 1 our Clayton voters in 2006 approved the dedicated funds needed to pay for its maintenance, operation, equipment replacement and repairs. Its popularity and scenic environment have exceeded expectations and the park has proven to be an economic asset to our downtown. The Grove Park gets a lot of use and this restricted tax currently works to keep the park useable year-round for all of us. Measure P will extend the existing tax, set to expire in 2017, for an added 20 years, thereby ensuring a continued dedicated source of revenue to maintain our beautiful downtown park for future generations. The current yearly rate is only $19.03 per residential parcel, and any future rate increases cannot
exceed 3 percent annually. Measure P is endorsed by the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association and was unanimously placed on this ballot by the Clayton City Council. Residents, business owners and visitors constantly remark how much everyone enjoys our wonderful Grove Park. Supporting the continuation of this small per parcel tax will allow our city to continue providing a beautiful, well-maintained park in downtown Clayton. The Grove Park belongs to our whole community. Please join us in voting “Yes” on Measure P to continue the maintenance our Grove Park. Julie Pierce and Howard Geller are members of the Clayton City Council.
Katie Grace, from page 1
Don’t get iced on winter roads As you read this, many of you are making plans for your first ski trip or weekend in the mountains to see the snow. Closer to home, we have already experienced our first rain storm, hopefully there are many more to come. As we push towards winter, it’s a good time to consider winter driving habits.
Roads are slicker in the winter. The first rains of the year are the worst. Oil and other contaminants build up on the roads all summer long. When the first rain hits, these contaminants combine to make the roads extremely slippery. As the storms continue the roads are washed clean and traction
improves. Be extra cautious on wet roads. Leave additional stopping room, most importantly SLOW DOWN! If headed to the mountains, pay close attention to the weather. Internet resources now allow you to get accurate forecasts, check current road conditions and even look at the highway along your route via roadside cameras. If your car will require snow chains, fit them prior to heading up to the mountains. Be sure the chains fit and are appropriate for your car before you need them. Practice putting chains on and removing them at home. The roadside in a blinding blizzard is not the place to be reading the instructions. All-wheel drive and fourwheel drive are great for maintaining traction in the snow. However, they don’t help you stop. Ice and snow on the road makes for dangerous driving conditions. Slow down, allow lots of extra stopping distance. Allow extra time for travel so you don’t get rushed and hurried on your trip. If you drive a diesel-powered vehicle, be aware of additives and special fuel blends for cold climates. Diesel fuel will gel in extremely cold weather. Additives or winter blend fuels can prevent this from happening. However, winter blend fuel is not available everywhere. Last
Heart and double lung transplants are so rare that fewer than 13 are done each year nationwide. So it was remarkable that three close PH friends all received their transplants at Stanford at the same time. From left: Katy and Christina PouloDoak; Kathy and Katie Grace Groebner; Cullen and Colleen Steele.
CHRIS THORSEN
BEHIND
THE
BADGE
winter I had the unfortunate experience of my car not starting due to gelled fuel. Winter is not the time to have “just enough” fuel in your car. There have been several trips to Tahoe where the drive takes five, six or even eight hours on the road due to severe weather or traffic. A good practice is to top off prior to the trip up or down the hill. Have warm clothing and some emergency food with you in case you become disabled on the road or stuck in heavy traffic. Always have a winter coat for everybody in the car. Winter activities can be great for making family memories. Slow down, drive carefully and help assure the memories are positive ones. Chris Thorsen is Clayton’s chief of police. For questions and comments, call him at (925) 673-7350.
they have to move again. Katie cannot live in horse country. "We moved here because it was country," a disappointed Kathy laments. "We love our home. We love the horses and animals." But they present a serious health hazard to Katie; one that the family is not willing to risk. Her fragile lungs will forever be vulnerable to the airborne bacteria and hay particles that come with living near livestock. The family faced this challenge as they have faced countless others before it – head on. Kathy started packing and the family is preparing to sell their home. Their situation is a bit more complicated than normal because they bought the house from the city of Clayton under a special affordable housing contract. They will need to find a buyer that qualifies under the program before they can buy another home. Until they move, Katie Grace cannot leave her house without a face mask that filters the air. "People think the transplant solves everything," Kathy says. "It just changes one set of challenges for another."
The Groebners are an exceptionally tight, supportive family. Katie's sister, Savanha, a sophomore at CVCHS has been holding her sister's hand every step of the way. Although exceptionally strong, Savanha was dealt a blow last month when her close friend, Wyatt Bredell committed suicide. Finances are always an issue with only one income supporting the family. Travel costs, motel stays, broken cars all strain the family’s tight budget. A strong support system, a deep faith and a sense of humor keep the Groebner family going when many others would cave “We make jokes of things that would make anyone else gag,” she laughs. It’s been a tough summer, but despite the difficulties, the Groebners all have each other’s backs. “When I wake up in the morning,” says Kathy, “I ask ‘who did I wake up for today?’” And then she gets up, ready for whoever that might be. Friends of the Groebners have set up a website to help ease the financial stress on the family. To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/Katies-Dream.
October 10, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 7
Laurel Ranch Phase II opens this weekend
The beautiful new home community, Laurel Ranch announces the exciting Phase II
Release of construction and sale of their spacious new single story homes. All are situated on
large pool-sized cul-de-sac homesites of 1/4 to 1/3 acre providing plenty of room for outdoor activities and storage of an RV or boat. These new homes designed by locallyrenowned William Hezmalhalch Architects offer 4-5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a 3 car garage and approximately 2,958 – 3,047 square feet of living space. Well-regarded local homebuilder, Lenox Homes presents fine craftsmanship and quality features providing lasting value to every new homebuyer. The traditionally-styled one-
story homes present two welldesigned layouts reflecting comfort, energy efficiency and impressive standard features including: welcoming front porches, 8’ interior doors, 10’ ceilings heights, spacious kitchens with stone slab countertops and chef ’s island, stainless steel Bosch® appliances and richly-stained cabinetry. Luxurious master suites include a large shower and soaking tub, spacious walk-in closets and so much more. This distinctive community of Laurel Ranch is located in
Planning Commission extends comment period for Silver Oaks environment report TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
The Clayton Planning Commission has agreed to give residents opposed to a 59-unit development on the 14-acre Yolanda Estate on Oakhurst Blvd. until Nov. 24 to file their objections to the project, agreeing with opponents who said they didn’t have enough time to digest the 245-page report. More than 70 people packed the library meeting room to capacity at the public hearing on Sept. 23. Overflow gathered in the lobby to watch the meeting on a TV screen. Most were there to object to the draft environmental study completed by the city’s consultant which gave the project a clean bill of health provided certain mitigating
measures were taken by the developer. More than 15 residents spoke at the meeting none in favor of the project. The tension was high as the audience applauded and cheered many of the speakers. Traffic seemed to be the biggest sticking point. Many questioned the accuracy of the traffic study itself, saying the estimated “peak” flow traffic estimates were “way off.” Silver Oaks Estates includes 52 condos in two- and threestory buildings. Traffic to these units will enter and exit from Oakhurst Boulevard opposite Yolanda Circle. At the other end of the development, seven single-family homes will have gated access from Lydia Lane across the
aging, single-lane Lydia Lane bridge. Several Southbrook residents want to know what will happen to the parking lot for the Lydia Lane park which is at the end of Lydia Lane just before the bridge. “There is real substantial opposition to the project,” said Commissioner Keith Haydon when the public comment period ended. He too questioned the accuracy of the traffic study numbers and the impact on the intersection at Kirker Pass Road. Haydon raised the question of adequate fire protection if CCCFPD Station 11 does not return to full staffing in December as planned. All of the commissioners agreed that the residents need more time to comment on the
study. They directed staff to add another 45 days to the comment period, extending it to Nov. 24. All comments will be answered in writing, but there will not be another public hearing on the environmental report. The next public hearing will be to address the project itself including the size, height, design and placement of buildings. The entire study is on the City of Clayton website at ci.clayton.ca.us. Comments must be submitted in writing by letter or email by Nov. 24. Mail letters to the City of Clayton, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton 94517. Send emails to Community Development Director Charlie Mullen, cmullen@ci.clayton.ca.us
Concord’s Ayers Ranch area just minutes to charming downtown Clayton conveniences. The new homes in release II are offered at prices from the low $900,000’s. Laurel Ranch is open weekends noon – 5 pm or call Sally Thornber for an appointment (925) 822-8856. Tour the newly finished showcase home on October 11th and 12th. To learn more, visit online, www.LiveLenox.com or call Concierge (877) 678-3370, Broker cooperation is welcomed. Marketing and Sales by Paradigm Real Estate Solutions BRE# 01870326. This is an equal housing opportunity.
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Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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October 10, 2014
Weak El Niño no drought buster Fall is just a few weeks old and everyone seems concerned about how much rainfall we will get during the upcoming winter season. A bigger worry is whether we’ll get enough rain to put a serious dent in the ongoing California drought. Many weather prognosticators have pinned hopes of a wet California winter season on a developing El Niño. This was especially true a few months ago when forecast models indicated that a moderate to strong event was brewing in the tropical Pacific. Strong El Niño events correlate fairly well with wetter than normal California winters, especially in the southern half of the state. Northern and Central California received abnormally high amounts of late winter and early spring rainfall in 1998, the most recent strong El Niño event. Currently, most forecast models continue to predict El Niño development later this fall and continuing into early 2015.
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS Unfortunately, it is now expected to be a weak event, a classification that does not correlate well with above normal rainfall for most of our state. The National Weather Service forecast guidance for the upcoming winter month months indicates there is a good chance of above normal rainfall in Southern California, roughly south of a line from Santa Barbara to the Nevada-Arizona border. For the remainder of the state models give equal
Election, from page 1 Haydon, a longtime city volunteer, agrees. “The primary challenge facing Clayton will be to balance retention of the “small-town” quality of life that attracted most of us to Clayton, with the need to provide necessary services and encourage reasonable growth that would stimulate our local economy and add value to our community,” he says. “This is increasingly more difficult with shrinking revenues and expanding expenses that put a constant strain on our budget and services.” Smith says that her first challenge, if elected, is securing a developer for the city-owned Main Street parcel “that can provide a boost in revenue to our budget, ties in with our General Plan, and enhance our community’s overall enjoyment and downtown experience.” She says she would also like to tackle “creating a sustainable water portfolio that would save money to replenish into the City General Fund without cutting services or curbside appeal,” and finally says she wants to use her event planning experience “to enhance and stimulate more events within Clayton.” BRINGING BUSINESS TO CLAYTON All three candidates say that the city should encourage new businesses to locate to Clayton and existing businesses to expand in accordance with the Town Center Specific Plan, to help generate more sales tax revenue. “Strides are being made in this direction with the downtown bocce courts which bring people downtown to create demand for more businesses,” says Shuey. “In the 12 years I have been on the council we have seen CVS become a wonderful anchor tenant and we have seen our downtown restau-
rants flourish. These are helped by events such as the farmers market and music in the park which bring folks downtown.” Haydon, as a former planning commissioner, has also worked with generating development. “A city can encourage new and expanded development in their downtown area by making the planning and approval process for a new business more efficient and user friendly,” he says. And as a leader in the movement to build the Ipsen Family Bocce Courts, he says that the city should “leverage the success” of (the bocce park) to promote existing downtown businesses and attract prospective businesses. “The addition of this Park has energized our downtown, attracting many local residents into the Clayton downtown area during the afternoon and evenings, which should help promote potential future downtown development, such as the city’s property across Main Street from the Bocce Park,” he says. Smith says the city must create “experiences,” not buildings, in order for entrepreneurs and small boutique businesses to invest in the town as their next home for business. “We must make our city attractive to these potential new business owners, and improve our marketing. As an artist I have contributed to the gentrification of several urban cities which benefitted through creative innovation and the fostering of public art venues,” she says. MARSH CREEK ROAD DEVELOPMENT
One other area that the candidates will deal with, if elected, includes the potential residential or commercial development on Marsh Creek Road east of town. City representatives have
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chances for above or below normal winter rainfall. At first glance, the forecast of a weak El Niño conditions sounds like a gloom and doom scenario for winter rainfall prospects. However, there are some hopeful signs that the extremely dry conditions of the past few years will not be repeated this winter. The major reason our winter water spigot has been turned off is the persistence of a strong area of high pressure that has been seemingly locked into place over the Eastern Pacific. This “ridiculously resilient ridge,” as some meteorologists have called it, has been very effective at blocking winter storm systems from entering California. Whether the upcoming El Niño is weak or strong, it will have some effect on jet stream wind flow. The late summer and early fall surges of monsoon moisture into the southwestern U.S. indicate that the
subtropical jet stream is strengthening. Hopefully this trend continues as the El Niño develops and the southern jet directs bands of Pacific moisture toward our parched state this winter. The recent rise of sea surface temperatures off the California coast is another sign that this winter may be wetter than recently experienced. Warmer coastal waters typically indicate a weakening of upwelling sea conditions, which may signal a weakening of the resilient ridge. All things considered, I’m optimistic that we’ll get more rainfall this winter than we’ve had in a few years. Unfortunately, it will likely take several successive winters of normal or above-normal rainfall to put a damper on the drought.
met with residents and developers who have shown an interest in developing properties on the outskirts of town. According to Shuey, many of these plans have run into significant state water and planning mandates which make it difficult in a down economy. Shuey would like to see “measured growth that is fully planned and thought out to minimize infrastructure impact such as services and traffic.” Haydon sees Clayton as primarily a “bedroom community,” with limited commercial development along its primary traffic arteries with a focus is on retail business instead of commercial office buildings. “My 16 years on the planning commission has only reinforced this. The recent residential developments on Marsh Creek Road reinforce the ‘bedroom community’ theme of Clayton and should be encouraged.” He says the potential exists for Clayton to exercise its “Sphere of Influence” control to annex area east of town as well, but the related obligations to annex such property — i.e. the provisioning city services — and value to Clayton “would need to be closely examined before such action should be seriously considered.” Smith says she has “an open mind” on this matter. “It would benefit the agri-tourism of the Marsh Creek area if we could promote more interest and local fair trade to the existing farms and ranches,” she says.
town will stimulate the economy and encourage more businesses. What must be done is to ensure any new housing is properly planned to ensure safety, follow our planning mandates and ensure a continuation of our small town charm.” Haydon agrees. “The City of Clayton has an obligation to encourage the incorporation of affordable housing units into residential development being proposed, to meet the City’s Housing Element commitments. Placing such housing in or near our downtown area would probably be one of the best locations for such development, placing these residents near our downtown facilities, such as restaurants, retail shops, our local park and library and alternate transit opportunities like bus connections.” Smith says she doesn’t have a conflict with the proposed affordable housing development “as long as it adheres to the planning and construction principles that are mandated in the various building elements of these homes. For example it is required that these dwellings are built using energy efficient appliances. I would like to see the creation of local jobs and job training to foster economic opportunities for Clayton residents.” All three candidates have spent time volunteering for city events and projects. The fiery Shuey was a leader in the movement to create the Clayton Valley Charter High School, while Haydon has served two terms as president of the Clayton Community and Business Association, and served on the bocce courts advisory committee. Smith has served two terms on the Clayton Trails and Landscape Committee. While incumbent Shuey is running for another term on the city council, the second open position is that of retiring mayor Hank Stratford, who chose not to run for reelection.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DOWNTOWN
Affordable housing is also an issue faced by the council, and all three candidates have specific ideas on how it should be implemented, with an emphasis on putting it downtown. “Affordable housing is also mandated by the state and it does not necessarily mean Section 8 housing,” Shuey says. “To bring affordable housing down-
Woody Whitlatch is a retired meteorologist from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
October 10, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
‘The Book Thief ’ selected for Clayton Reads Book lovers, it’s time to turn those pages. The seventh annual Clayton Reads will take place from Oct. 1 through Nov. 3. The program is a part of the Contra Costa Library’s “One City, One Book” program. The idea behind this program is to encourage community members to focus on reading one book, and join book discussions and programs or presentations related to the book. Beginning Oct. 1 and continuing while supplies lasts, readers may pick up a free copy of the book at the Clayton Library. The Clayton Community Library Foundation, which sponsors the program, only asks that readers pass the book along to another reader when finished. “The Book Thief ” by Markus Zusak is this year’s choice for Clayton Reads. The book is set in a small
town in Germany during World War II. It tells the story of Liesel Meninger. Liesel steals something she can’t resist – books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. As the war affects people and their daily lives more and more, this story is about the ability of books to feed the soul Markus Zusak was born in 1975 in Australia, the youngest of four children of immigrant German and Austrian parents. Neither parent could read or write English when they first arrived in Australia, but they wanted their children to master the language and strongly encouraged them to read and communicate in English from an early age. Zusak began writing fiction at age 16 and pur-
sued a degree in teaching at the University of Sydney. Before becoming a professional author, Zusak worked briefly as a house painter, a janitor and a high school English teacher. His first novel, “The Underdog,” was published in 1999 as the first book in trilogy about two brothers, Ruben and Cameron Wolfe, who strive to overcome the limitations of their family’s poverty. His next book was “I am the Messenger” about 19-year-old cab driver Ed Kennedy who begins receiving mysterious messages that direct him to addresses where people need help. His books all received various awards and honors both in Australia and the United States. “The Book Thief ” was met with even more critical and popular success. He chose the subject in part to share the stories his parents told
him about growing up in Austria and Germany during the war. The “Book Thief ” was published as a novel for adults in Australia and as a young adult novel in the United States, but Zusak doesn’t draw such distinctions. “What I wanted to do was write someone’s favorite book,” rather than write for a specific audience, he says. Join a variety of programs related to the Clayton Reads book and World War II, including “Write Page-Turning Suspense! Free Young Writers Interactive Workshop,” “Klezmer Accordion Music Performance,” “Meet Rosie the Riveters and Hear Their Stories,” “A Japanese American Child in World War II” and a book discussion. For more information about the programs, pick up a flyer at the library or visit http://guides.ccclib.org/onebook or www.claytonlibrary.org.
Upgrade to become a Speed Freak
WILL CLANEY TECH TALK How many cups of coffee does it take to boot your computer? Is your computer slow, so slow in fact you’ve nearly quit using it, so slow it drives you crazy while it tries to boot up or launch a program or two? You should quit living in the past and upgrade to the ultimate speed freak.
What am I talking about? Well, did you know the slowest part of your computer is the hard drive? It is slow because it is mechanical. In the computer “Biz” a mechanical device is not as good as an electronic device. Mechanical devices, like your hard drive, can only run at preset speeds. For example, your hard drive turns at between 4,000 and 7,000 revolutions per second. Thousands of RPM may sound fast, until you compare to the speed of light. A solid state device runs at (near) light speed. One might ask, “What difference does it make?” Well, for one thing programs can take minutes to load and that is lost time each day. That’s what happens when your computer boots up. It loads programs from the
Police Activity Report POLICE ACTIVITY FOR FOUR WEEKS ENDING OCT. 2, 2014 ACCIDENTS: Sept. 11, Oakhurst Dr./Indian Wells Wy. Sept. 23, Clayton Rd./Tara Dr. Sept. 24, Keller Ridge Dr./Coyote Cr. A man suffering a medical emergency lost control of his vehicle. Clayton officers were dispatched in response to reports of a traffic collision. When they arrived on scene, an off-duty Concord police officer was administering CPR to the driver. Clayton officers then used their Automated External Defibrillator to revive him. Oct. 1, Clayton Rd./Center St. No Injuries. ARRESTS: Sept. 5, 6400 Clayton Rd. DUI: Drugs; Probation Violation. 56-year-old Clayton male. Sept. 6, Forest Hill Dr. Obstructs/Resists Public Offi-
cer; Disorderly Conduct: Drugs or Drugs with Alcohol. 39-yearold Clayton female. 5400 Clayton Rd. Warrant. 46-year-old Pleasant Hill male. Keller Ridge Dr.,/Windmill Canyon Dr. Drive Without a License; Possess Marijuana 28.5 Grams or Less or With Prior. Concord male. Sept. 11, Oakhurst Dr./Indian Wells Wy. DUI. 22-year-old Concord male. Sept. 13, 4600 Clayton Rd. Warrant; Possess Marijuana 28.5 Grams or Less. 28-year-old Concord male. Sept. 15, 5400 Clayton Rd. Possess Controlled Substance; Possess Burglary Tools; Possess Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia; Under Influence of Controlled Substance. 23-year-old Antioch male. Sept. 16, 1700 Kirker Pass Rd. Under Influence of Controlled Substance; Possess Controlled Substance Paraphernalia. 25-year-old Pittsburg male.
mechanical hard drive then runs them. The loading part is the slowest part. Running the program once it is loaded depends upon other features of your computer, like CPU and RAM. If you have a smartphone the boot time is fast, because it is all solid state, meaning everything is electronic and not mechanical and that translates to fast. So, if you want to go fast, boot fast and run fast, you need solid state. SSD is the terminology for fast. Solid State Drives (SSD) are all electronic devices and they replace or run along with your existing mechanical hard drive to make data move faster and therefore, make your computer much more responsive and quick. SSD is not expensive and a is
worthy upgrade to most computers because boot times are reduced from minutes to seconds and running programs is faster, nearly instant. Prices range from under $100 for the basic models to more than $500 for extreme series. The one recommended most by local professionals run about $300 fully installed and set to go. So, if you want to go crazy fast, boot up before the coffee is ready, or just start enjoying your desktop or laptop again, jump into new technology and add an SSD device to your computer and become the ultimate speed freak. William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to will@claytonpioneer.com.
Sept. 18, El Camino Dr./Clayton Rd. Drive While License Suspended for DUI. 21-year-old Walnut Creek male. Sept. 19, Clayton Rd./Mitchell Canyon Rd. Warrant. 32-year-old Concord male. Sept. 20, Marsh Creek Rd./Morgan Territory Rd. Use/Under Influence of Controlled Substance; Probation Violation. Transient male. Sept. 22, Clayton Rd./Kirker Pass Rd. Possess Narcotic Controlled Substance. 38-year-old Antioch female. Sept. 28, Easley Dr./Cabernet Ct. DUI: Alcohol. 51-yearold Clayton female. Sept. 29, Clayton Rd./Lydia Lane. Use/Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. 32year-old San Francisco male. Sept. 30, Clayton Rd./Mitchell Canyon Rd. Possession of a Controlled Substance. 24-year-old Pleasant Hill female. Oct. 1, El Camino Dr./Shasta Ct. Warrant. 46-year-old Pittsburg female.
Sept. 8 Pine Hollow Rd. Burglary – Residential. Peacock Creek Dr. Burglary – Vehicle. Sept. 12, El Molino Dr. Burglary – Vehicle. Sept. 15, Kenston Dr. Petty Theft. Sept. 23, N. Mitchell Canyon Rd. Petty Theft.
BURGLARIES/THEFTS: Sept. 5, 1500 Kirker Pass Rd. Petty Theft.
VANDALISMS: Oct. 1, 6400 Clayton Rd. LOST CHILD: A missing six-year-old boy prompted a community search in Clayton on Sept. 30. Clayton resident Theresa Bragg says they got word at the bocce courts of the boy gone missing from Ed’s Mudville Grill around 8:15 p.m. “We just went (looking) in all directions. It was remarkable to see everyone run and start looking,” Bragg says. She adds that members at Clayton Community Church stopped their meeting to help in the search and she saw a Sheriff ’s Department K-9 unit arrive. Patrons of Mudville’s joined in the search. Bragg was present when the boy was found safe near the steps of the restaurant.
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Club News Creekside Artists Guild
Creekside Artists Guild members Barbara Paul and Tammy Slezak enjoyed a hands-
on demonstration entitled “Play with Clay” taught by member and Los Medanos instructor Lisa Vargas (center) at their September meeting. In October, they explored “Halloween Fun” and the topic for Nov. 12 is “Fall’s Festive Colors.” Guests of all levels and all artistic expressions are welcome to attend. The Guild meets at 7 p.m. every second Wednesday of the month in the Story Room of the Clayton Library. For more information, contact: Arlene at akiksen@aol.com or 673-9777.
Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Stop by the Clayton Community Library during October to view the display of the history and activities of the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club, put together by club members Sheila Driscoll, Arlene Lewandowski and LaDonna Marsden. CVWC is one of the oldest clubs in the area. The display includes the names of scholarship recipients from Clayton Valley High School and Diablo Valley College through 2014, a list of recipients for funds at the annual donation luncheon, the new 2014-2015 membership directory, a list of annual fundraisers, the flyer for Oct. 25 fundraiser, photos including one from the 2014 spring fashion show and a listing of service projects. The Clayton Woman’s Club was organized and federated in 1973 and was incorporated in 1982. In 2002, members voted to change the name to GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club to bet-
ter reflect the membership. The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, except July and August, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta way, Concord. Guests are welcome to attend meetings and social events. For more info, go to claytonvalleywomansclub.org. Note: In the September 12 issue of the Clayton Pioneer, the date was missing from the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club fall fundraiser featuring the Swingin’ Blue Stars. The event is on October 25.
Boy Scout Troop 262
Boy Scout Troop 262 completed AdvanceCamp in Antioch on Sept. 28. Eleven eager scouts participated with a total of 2,322 scouts at the biggest AdvanceCamp ever in its 15year history. The boys earned a wide range of merit badges. Some took the opportunity to focus on trailhead training. Back
row: Charlie Wullenweber, Alexander Leong and Dana Leong (adult assistant scoutmaster). Second row: David Kates (adult assistant scoutmaster), Shane Burrows, Derek Gillmore, William Kates and Nolan Crua. Front row: Jess Fisi, Riley Claunch, Tyler Wallace, Ryan Aparicio and Daniel Minuk.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 10, 2014
Sports Legislation attempts to tackle the football concussion issue JUSTIN WISE Special to the Pioneer
Northgate High School football players lingered outside the school weight room after wrapping up a one-hour training session before the start of this football season. After words from first-year head coach Ben Ballard, the players head to the locker room to suit up for a twohour padded practice. Practices in pads in the dog days of summer will cease to exist next year, after Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 2127, which prohibits middle and high schools from contact practices during the offseason. In addition, the law that goes into effect Jan. 1 will ban programs from holding more than two 90-minute full contact practices a week during the regular season. Sponsored by Assemblyman Ken Cooley, the bill is the first of its kind at the high school level in California, making us the 20th state to prohibit contact practices in the offseason. It comes from the notion that less contact will minimize the evident concussion risk for young athletes playing football. Ballard says it accomplishes the goal in the most restrictive fashion. “We’re a society of extremes,” said Ballard. “Something happens and boom it gets blown out of proportion to now we’re to this point.” It’s not shocking that extremes were gravitated towards though, considering the relationship that head injuries
Jason Rogers photo
Helmet to helmet contact is a large concern when it comes to football concussions. Clayton Valley Charter ball carrier Justin Zapanta is tackled in the Honor Bowl by Carson’s Ben Ray (36) with Senators teammate Gage Gunzburg (2) coming in to help. Eagles lineman Brandon Falls (51) looks to block.
and football present. Almost four million high school students nationwide suffer head injuries every year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Concord High’s head coach Brian Hamilton agrees with the idea surrounding the legislation. “I think we needed some set of guidelines that we all need to be operating by,” said Hamilton. Though echoing the sentiments of Ballard, Hamilton doesn’t see this as the conclusive answer towards better protecting high school players. “They modeled a lot of the law based
off what they’re doing in college. Collegiate athletes are not having to be taught the fundamentals,” Hamilton said. “I think it’s a case of applying standards to where they don’t necessarily fit.” High schools coaches often have freshmen who have never put on pads before so coaches face challenges in teaching that must be altered in regards to the new law. “The kids that come out that have never played, it’s going to be tough,” Ballard said. Clayton Valley Charter’s Tim Murphy says, “I’m not a contact guy. We do minimal ‘live’ scrim-
maging. Maybe 10-15 minutes a week.” He adds that his coaches teach tackling and blocking in progressive step by step moves. He recalls his Ygnacio Valley High coaching days when future two-time Super Bowl champion Dave Tollefson was crying because “we aren’t hitting enough, coach.” “The focus of the bill is actually to support football,” Assemblyman Cooley said. “To give parents in California an assurance that if your child wants to play football, there are reasonable rules that someone has put in place to keep kids safe
and healthy.” The ruling also trickles down to Clayton Valley Falcons, whose teams largely consist of middle school students. The program has already developed a system that includes all age levels learning the same approaches taught in high school. That system is why athletic director Dave Cooney feels Falcons participation has increased in a time where youth football numbers around the nation have dropped. The CVAA Falcons partner with Heads Up Football (USA Football’s national initia-
tive to help make football better and safer) and have a coach who specializes in player safety. “I don’t think that practicing less is necessarily the answer,” Hamilton added. In opposition to that line of thinking is Dr. Eric Freitag, who opened Sport Concussion Program in Walnut Creek in 2006. Freitag compares it to a pitcher’s pitch count and that “if you keep hitting your head over and over again that it’s going to potentially do damage to your brain. “I think it will make a difference because in football, especially from the stand point of dealing with these sub concussive blows, where it’s the blows that don’t necessarily cause concussions,” Freitag said. “But they certainly add up over time and can potentially leave your brain more susceptible to a fullblown concussion.” A full-blown concussion is the common fear among parents and administrators and a reason why Cooley with help from the California Interscholastic Federation that regulates high school sports came to terms with this. “I had a very famous American coach say to me, ‘coaches who can coach will coach,’” Cooley said. “Coaches are going to have plenty of room to coach under this bill.” Justin Wise is a junior studying journalism at the University of Oregon. Jay Bedecarre also contributed to the story.
Clayton Valley grad sets world sprint car speed record JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The auto racing landscape is filled with second- and thirdgeneration drivers carrying on a family tradition behind the wheel. They were driving on tracks and off-course as youngsters long before they could get a regular driver’s license. Concord’s Damion Gardner, on the other hand, didn’t come from a racing family and was a relative “oldtimer” before he entered his first car race yet now he’s a world record holder. This month, the 38-year-old Clayton Valley High grad shattered the world record for sprint cars at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah
when he clocked 211 miles per hour in the Green Demon sprint car, 33 mph better than anyone else ever in a sprint car. Gardner grew up riding motorcycles, working on all kinds of vehicles and even got involved with a friend of his dad who was into truck pulls. “Anything with motors,” is how he described his interests. “We always did stuff with cars. Fixed ‘em up. For some reason, I always wanted to race cars.” He collaborated with a friend to put together a street stock race enduro car using an engine he borrowed from his sister’s pickup truck put in a 1980 Malibu. That year he entered four races and caught the racing bug.
He then spent a couple years driving dwarf cars in Placerville, Antioch and Chico before he bought his own sprint car team. He found a number of local sponsors, had a great volunteer crew and began entering weekly races at Placerville in a winged sprint car. A couple years later he switched to non-wing sprint cars and began “having real good success winning races.” In 2005 he was hired for his first full-time ride on a team in the USAC California Racing Association. The No. 50 car owned by Bruce Bromme Jr. and Ron Chaffin raced all over Southern California, Arizona
See Speed, page 12
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Concord’s Damion Gardner, a 38-year-old Clayton Valley High grad, shattered the world record for sprint cars at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah this month clocking 211 miles per hour in his Green Demon sprint car.
October 10, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Sports Clayton Diablo FC, MDSA girls soccer teams volleyball travel for tournament success ‘Digs Pink’ Clayton Valley Charter High School will host its third annual Dig Pink volleyball match next Tuesday, Oct. 14, when the Eagles entertain Concord in a Diablo Valley Athletic League match that will benefit the Side-Out Foundation as part of breast cancer awareness month. The Eagles and Minutemen met last month with CVCHS winning in straight sets. League play continues through the end of October with teams positioning themselves for the four-team DVAL tournament and to reach North Coast Section playoffs beginning Nov. 11. Both Concord and Clayton Valley made the NCS field last year along with league champ Northgate and College Park. Clayton Valley made a coaching change earlier this season when Diana Lauritsen was promoted to head coach replacing first-year headman Rich Feldmann. The Dig Pink game was first held at CVCHS during the 2013 season. Admission to the Concord-CVC game is free with donations accepted and all proceeds going to Side-Out, a foundation established in 2004 to unite volleyball players and coaches and to have them work toward the common goal of furthering breast cancer awareness, education and patient services. With the assistance of corporate sponsors 100% of the funds raised at Dig Pink games are allocated to grants for medical research organizations and entities dedicated to providing compassionate support to breast cancer patients and their families. The freshman game Oct. 14 begins at 3:30 p.m. in Dan Della Gym followed by the JVs at 5 and varsity match at 6:30. A raffle and food concession proceeds will all be donated to Side-Out. Attendees can also make tax-deductible donations that evening. For more information on Dig Pink contact Kent Tuohey at (925) 6739070 or ktuohey@pacbell.net.
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DIABLO FC 99 BLUE captured the U15 girls title at the Dublin Fall Classic. After shutting out Walnut Creek Lightning, Dublin United Magic and San Ramon Azzurri, Diablo FC reached the finals. Starting a bit slowly, the local squad gave up its only goal of the weekend in the first minute but fought to even the score and then take the championship with a 3-1 win over Walnut Creek Galaxy. As the team has done all year, they dedicated this tournament to the memory of teammate Jenna Betti. Diablo FC 99 Blue includes, front row from left, Julia Perez, Katie Rangel; middle row, Marlo Allen, Marissa D’Atri, Jasmine Kellogg, Sydney King, Sarina Valerio, Brianna Simeone, Itsela Banuelos, Maryeli Padilla; back row, Lily Langes, Rebecca Lonergan, Alli Moody, Francesca Monti, Nicole Lanfranchi, Rebecca Phelan, Lauren Robinow, Xyaire Hartwell and coach Chelsea Stewart.
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MDSA ELITE HEAT GIRLS have put together a strong season. After winning three consecutive bronze tournaments in August, the under 13 Heat raised their competition level in September in their first gold/silver tournament at the Palo Alto Tall Trees. The Heat played four teams from the South Bay and ended up making it to the finals where they lost a heartbreaker on penalty kicks. The team includes, front row from left, Taylor Keys, Kenna Hornsby, Tavi Cabezas, Christina Muller, Rachel Burnett, Mady Hayworth; back row, Alana Young, Giselle Lange, coach Ryan Lange, Micaela Davis, Alaina Lindsey, coach Marvin Davis, Kailee Rice, Morgan Pacini, Reagan Bowerbank and Jewel Triggs. Not pictured, Annie Patterson.
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Sports Shorts CLAYTON VALLEY 2015 HALL OF FAME NOMINATION DEADLINE OCT. 15 Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee is accepting athlete nominations for the 2015 induction class until next Wednesday, Oct. 15. This will be the fourth class for the Hall, which began during the school’s 50th anniversary year in 2008. Individuals can nominate student athletes for the Hall of Fame. The requirement is that the nominee was a CVHS grad in the years 1959-2004 and was all-league in at least one sport. Nomination forms can be picked up at the high school office. If you have any questions contact Herc Pardi herc_pardi@hotmail.com or Dee Billeter at deebilleter@yahoo.com.
MT. DIABLO WORLD CUP KICKOFFS OCT. 18 The three-week long sixth annual Mt. Diablo World Cup soccer tournament for under 10, 12 and 14 boys and girls MDSA divisions runs on three Saturdays, Oct. 18, 25 and Nov. 1. The Cup culminates the AYSO fall recreation season with berths in the Area 2C tournament in November at stake for the top finishers on the final weekend of Nov. 1-2. For details on the World Cup visit mdsoccer.org. Winter basketball, Girl Power registration open at All Out Sports Leagues Winter youth basketball programs at Clayton Gym including a camp Nov. 24-27 and league play are accepting applications now. Winter youth volleyball signups are coming soon. AOSL founder Casey Copeland is also offering a Girl Power workshop on Sunday, Dec. 7. For complete information on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com.
CLAYTON VALLEY NAMES FIRST HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Four inductees for the 2015 Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame have been announced. The 1977 girls volleyball team and its coach, Gary Gardner, are both being inducted. The 1967 wrestling team, which won 30 consecutive dual meets and the North Coast Section title and was North State runner-up, is also being feted. The community/leadership honoree is Matt Mazzei, a CVHS alum who has been a major supporter of the baseball program. The induction takes place next May 16 at Centre Concord.
HALLOWEEN KICK OR TREAT CLASSIC COMING OCT. 25-26 A large field of teams will be playing in the 16th annual Halloween Kick or Treat Classic hosted by Diablo FC Oct. 25-26 in Concord. Boys and girls under 9, 10 and 11 premier, gold, silver and bronze teams will be playing soccer for two days and also participating in the annual Halloween Costume Contest which brings out some very creative, humorous and scary looks. For more information or to register a team visit diablofc.org.
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The annual Mt. Diablo High School Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner is Saturday, Nov. 1, at Zio Fraedo’s Continental Restaurant in Pleasant Hill. The 2014 honorees are Carl Anaclerio, Dick Piedmonte, Jim Powel, Doug Schultz and George Souza. Dinner reservations are due by Oct. 24. For more info and to purchase tickets visit mdhsshf.org.
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October 10, 2014
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and Las Vegas. That year he won the series championship. Two years later he moved to Indianapolis starting his own team again sponsored by Pace Electronics to compete in the USAC National Sprint Cup Series throughout the Midwest on dirt and paved tracks where he competed against the like of NASCAR drivers J.J. Yeley and Kasey Kahne. Several years later his sponsor passed away and the family didn’t want to continue despite a successful team that claimed two Oval Nationals and the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals among its accomplishments. He returned to Concord last year and began competing again with his own team in the USAC CRA series, taking the 2013 title with five race wins and seems on track for a repeat this year with 11 victories to date. The season concludes in November in Arizona. Gardner’s currently on a four-race win streak. After losing his sprint car sponsor and before returning west Gardner was trying to figure out what he was going to do. He was at the 2012 Performance Racing Industry show in Indianapolis when he ran into Steve “Biggie” Watt of Maxwell Industries. They began brainstorming about what they could do “outside the box of sprint car racing.” They were leaning on the Speed Demon while they threw out ideas and came up with trying to set a land speed record at Bonneville. Speed Demon is the world’s fastest piston
engine wheel driven car having reached a top speed of 462 mph. Gardner rounded up sponsors and put together a 2013 team that went to Bonneville, the famous spot in northwestern Utah where the legends of racing have set records in a variety of vehicles for 100 years. That year they clocked 194 mph, well above the old sprint car mark of 178. In his sprint car racing career he’s reached a top speed of “around 160.” He knew they could do
much better and returned this August with hopes of exceeding 200 mph. The sessions were rained out so the team came back in September. The first day they again ran 194 mph. Before the second day they made adjustments and had runs of 205 and then the record 211 mph. The car runs five miles down a straight line course with a centerline and cones on each side. GPS clocks the time with the top speed between the fourth and fifth-mile marks used to determine the mark. “The salt flats surface is grippy, yet very slick. It feels like you’re
going through slushy snow,” Gardner explains. This record effort has been captured for a documentary being produced by Loudpedal Productions. “The World’s Fastest Sprint Car” is due for completion by the end of November. When he’s not racing, Gardner is busy with his growing design company. He sees no reason he can’t continue racing for many years to come, although he’s done with the speed record chase. “I have the readout listing my 2013 and 2014 times and that’s good enough for me.”
Carondelet High cheer squads earn trip to Nationals with Santa Cruz showings
Photo courtesy Carondelet High School
Carondelet High School’s varsity and JV cheer squads directed by head coach Mallorie Willms and her staff traveled at the end of September to the USA Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk competition. The varsity girls finished second while the JVs were first in their respective divisions, both earning a trip next March to the Nationals at Anaheim Convention Center. The 26 girls have two uniforms, one in their red and gold Carondelet colors when they cheer for Cougar volleyball in the fall and basketball in the winter and the other in green and silver De La Salle colors for the Spartans football and basketball teams.
Clayton Pioneer wants to hear your sports story
We get plenty of information from local high schools, sports leagues and clubs. What we don’t hear about so often are from our neighbors who are competing below that radar screen. There are Claytonians who are participating in sports and recreational endeavors that we don’t normally hear about but we’d like to tell their stories too. If you know of someone—-or even if you are that someone—-let us know what you’re doing and perhaps we’ll find it something our readers would love to read about! If you’re running, jumping, hiking, biking, swimming, skydiving, bowling, golfing or participating in any of dozens of other sports and recreational activities let us know. Give us a brief rundown and your contact information and we might be in touch with you. It’s as simple as sending an email to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
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ety. In the 19th century, the theory of “autointoxication” gained momentum, and laxatives, purges and enemas gained popularity as a means of removing the accumulated waste from the large intestines. In the 1920s to 1930s, the use of hydrocolon cleansing grew in the United States with the modernization of irrigation machines in the health-care facilities. The procedure involves using water, herbal solutions and enzymes to eliminate toxins in the gastrointestinal system. A colonic hygienist or a colon therapist administers hydrocolon cleansing, which generally lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. You will generally have multiple appointments to achieve optimal benefits. During the procedure, a practitioner inserts a tube through the rectum and into the colon. A gravity-driven machine pumps water into the large intestines, while the therapist massages your abdomen to help remove the waste material collected on the wall of the colon. The eliminated waste exits the body through another tube.
Hydrocolon cleansing, or colon irrigation, is an alternative therapy used for detoxification. Colon therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian times and was used as a “cleansing ritual” to eliminate the toxins Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fitin the body believed to cause ness certifications. She trains at Levity disease and death, according Fitness studio in Clayton. Email Ilima to the American Cancer Soci- at IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com
October 10, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Avoid fur flying with new cat ELENA BICKER
PET PALS Congratulations — you’ve decided to adopt a second cat. But do you know how to introduce your new cat your resident cat? No matter how tempting it is to “just see if they like each other” when you’re introducing a new cat to your resident cat, this usually results in a longer introduction period. A successful introduction can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, so be prepared and plan accordingly. Choose a room that the new cat will be initially confined in. Pick one that your resident cat isn’t overly attached to — for example, if your cat sleeps with you at night, do not pick your bedroom. A popular room to choose is the bathroom. Ideally, the room will be all set up for the new cat before you bring her home. When you bring your new cat home, go straight to the room with your new cat in the carrier. Your cat will know there is a new cat in the house because she can hear and smell much
better than we can. Leave the visual introduction for later, and the physical meeting for last. The first day spend minimal time with the newcomer; briefly check-in periodically to make sure everything is going well. After that, budget some time daily to spend with the new cat. Try to meet your resident cat’s needs first, and then spend time with Newbie. Once your new cat is in the home, it’s time to start building positive associations with your resident cat. Feed her yummy treats close to the door of the cat room, but give her enough space that she is still relaxed. (You might start out 10 feet from the door, and then as time goes on move closer.) If your cat is not food-motivated, play-
time with interactive toys — maybe a special toy used only during these sessions — will also work. For some cats, brushing and attention serve as positives. You know your cat, so watch her body language and work towards making her relaxed. By roughly the third day (though a shy cat may need a week or more; make sure the new cat seems relaxed and is approaching you for attention), allow the new cat some access to your house for about 20-30 minutes while the resident cat is confined. Make all confinement positive by using food, attention, new toys, catnip — whatever works. If all is going well, it’s time for a visual introduction. Wedge
the door to the intro room open, or use a barrier like doubled-up doggie gates for a few sessions to give you an idea of how much animosity, if any, exists between the cats. You could also use screen doors, crib sides, old shelving, Plexiglas pieces...there is really no limit as long as it is sturdy and allows some visual contact and sniffing but gives enough space that they are not able to fight. If there is curiosity and the cats remain easy to distract with toys, attention or treats, continue with this routine for a few days. If there is hissing/growling, keep going slow until they become more relaxed. Once there is integration, continue to build positive associations with treats and parallel playtime (playing with both cats at a reasonable distance from each other). Laser pointers and long-handled toys can make this multi-tasking much easier. If there are problems such as fighting, redirected aggression, marking/litter box avoidance, not eating, or excessive grooming, separate the cats and seek professional help. Early intervention is always best. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)
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BOBBY
Bobby is a two-year-old big fun loving boy and a snuggly love-bug. Bobby adores people and can be found leaning in for a good scratch, or following them around looking for treats, or contentedly lying on his doggie bed keeping a soft, sweet eye on them. Bobby will benefit from
getting lots of exercise, such as long hikes, outdoor excursions, camping, or perhaps even swimming (we don’t know if he likes to swim, but suspect that he does). He adores playing with other dogs and has proven to be an excellent player with a variety of dogs. We recommend Bobby take a Basic Manners class where he can learn polite ways of seeking creature comforts in life. He currently weighs 64 pounds. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 50 percent off one 7-week dog training session. Ferrari, 2, is an active young cat who wishes to explore her world. She will stop a bit for some cuddling and playtime with interactive toys, then it is up up and away for more exploring.
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. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. FERRARI
If you have small children, we recommend bringing them for a meet and greet before adopting Ferrari. Ferrari must be an indoor only cat. Ferrari’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor. Meet your forever friend at
DANIEL DUREE ESTATE PLANNING In California, the core of most estate plans is what is colloquially referred to as a “living trust.” In attorney speak, this estate planning device is known as a “revocable inter vivos (during life) trust.” But what is a living trust, and why is it important to have a living trust in California? THE BASICS A living trust is at its core a contract. But it is a contract that creates a sort of quasi-entity that becomes a legal entity when the creator of the trust passes away. It is called a “living” trust because it is created by someone while they are alive, and it is called “revocable” because the creator (also known as the “settlor”) retains the right to revoke it at any time as long as they are
WHY HAVE ONE? So why do we need to put our property into a living trust in California? One word: probate. By setting up a living trust to hold our assets our heirs do not have to go through the mind bending judicial process of California probate. Probate is the court administration of a person’s estate after they pass away. It is a very costly and lengthy process, not to mention confusing and on the public record. Probate is triggered if a person dies with more than $150,000 outside of a trust, regardless of
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What is a Living Trust? alive and mentally competent. Because of this revocability feature, it is not a legal entity distinct from the creator until they die (rendering the trust now “irrevocable”). When the settlor dies, the trust now has its own tax identification number and a named successor trustee takes over management of the trust to carry out the purpose described in the trust (usually to gather and distribute the assets in a timely fashion to named beneficiaries).
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Students create own clubs at DVMS
An unimaginable loss reaffirms frailty of life
ROBBIE PARKER
TEENSPEAK As a soon-to-be 18-year-old, I have virtually limitless opportunities for the future. I am young, healthy and I have not a single life-long commitment dragging me down. Life feels infinite. Last week however, everything I thought I knew changed in an instant. On Sept. 11, I lost a friend and teammate to an unimaginable fate. Never will I forget the moment I received that phone call: “Um, Robbie,” said the trembling voice of my water polo team mate.“Wyatt took his own life.” I was blindsided. I tried to respond, but sudden waves of nausea washed over my body. I dropped the phone. I felt faint and disoriented. I asked myself, How is this possible? My friend Wyatt? No, this cannot be real. Seconds later, my mother burst into my room – her eyes flooded with tears. She had also gotten the same sickening news. I looked into her eyes, and my heart sunk. It was so painfully real. The next day, when I took my usual seat in second period, I suddenly realized that in some other classroom, Wyatt’s usual second period desk was empty. I wept openly before my peers. I felt confused and empty, and every single effort following that moment felt insurmountable. Even through a week of school, a passionate candlelight vigil and the funeral service, I am still in disbelief that my friend is gone. Wyatt was not merely a friend to me, but as a teammate, he was like a brother. Our water polo team is one great family; Wyatt brought nothing but joy
Wyatt’s mother, Amy Callahan, will lead a team in the American Suicide Prevention Foundation’s Out of the Darkness walk. Please join them.
to my life. Everyone who knew Wyatt loved his sense of humor. On August days of 104-degree weather, he would insist on wearing his jeans and cowboy boots to every land-based workout. Teammates jokingly claimed that Wyatt was my doppelganger in physical appearance — only with 10-times the amount of testosterone and facial hair. Beyond humor however, Wyatt was personable, noble, courageous and exceptionally hardworking. To most, he was more than just a member of CVCHS Water Polo. He was a dedicated student in the Public Service Academy on campus. He was an Eagle Scout who not only volunteered for the community; he worked tirelessly for Dogs for Diabetics, his charity of choice. Wyatt was devoted to his church, and treated everyone with the love he himself felt in God. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. No young man or woman is, at any moment, invulnerable to the unpredictable nature of life. With this in mind, and with the memory of Wyatt in heart, I vow to take every possible opportunity to remind my friends and family exactly how much I love them and why they are so special to me. I will never fully understand why Wyatt chose to cut his own life short, but seeing the outpouring of support for his grieving family, it is now crystal-clear just how loved he was by so many. If Wyatt could have seen how many lives he touched, I know he would have reconsidered. Everyone is fighting his or her own internal battle, but suicide is never the solution. For anyone who may be struggling with depression, or may know someone in need of help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-TALK (8255). Rest in peace Wyatt, we love you. You will live on in the hearts of us all. Robbie Parker is a junior at Clayton Valley Charter High School. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com Where: Lake Merritt, Oakland When: Oct. 18, Starts at 6:30 a.m. Check in: 6 a.m. Registration Deadline Oct. 17, 3 p.m. Register: www.afsp.org More info: acallahan01@gmail.com (925) 699-1207
October 10, 2014
Wyatt Bredell December 10, 1998 - September 11, 2014
Tragedy shows pain of teen depression
DAVID LINZEY VOYAGE OF THE EAGLE Our CVCHS family is griefstricken with the passing of sophomore Wyatt Bredell last month. The incredible sorrow, shock and confusion experienced by students and staff alike is a challenge that has brought to the forefront of our attention the emotional difficulties our students encounter as part of life. The impact this teenager’s life and death has had upon our community is truly remarkable. Tears, pain and sorrow filled our hallways and classrooms the past weeks. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Wyatt’s parents and family. Words cannot even begin to convey our heartfelt sorrow for their loss and pain. I want to commend our teachers and staff – especially those who knew Wyatt so well. In their own grief, they were able to focus upon our students’ needs, help them process the tragedy and facilitate healing. Our psychologist, Katelyn James, demonstrated remarkable skill facilitating our counseling staff in supporting students in their grief and guiding our crisis center.
Teen depression seems to be a national epidemic. Every teen at some point in their life will encounter challenges, loss, significant problems that are difficult. When I review all of the potential obstacles students face, it can be daunting: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), eating disorders, family discord and divorce, illness and death of loved ones, loved ones serving in the military who are sent overseas to war, academic pressures to excel and gain admissions to the premier universities, falling in love and breaking up…the list goes on. Being a teen in today’s multi-media world where every friend’s problems are known and felt virtually in a moment’s notice is truly a challenge. Being the parent of that teen is a life filled with ups and downs, opportunities and challenges. With the recent passing of comedian Robin Williams due to suicide, there has been much attention focused upon the mental health condition of depression. We must help friends and family to understand that there is help for depression. Let us encourage those who are suffering with depression to go and get the assistance needed to overcome the toughest of times. And most importantly, give your kids a great big hug today.
David Linzey is executive director of CVCHS. Contact him David.linzey@claytonvalley.org
Diablo View Middle School has a new program for students wanting to start their own clubs. The clubs can be about anything, as long as they are school appropriate. Some of the clubs started already include technology, cooking and the like. Leadership teacher Mrs. Ruff and our principal came up with the idea at the end of last year. All the clubs will be run by an appointed president that the club selects. Ms. Rush’s after-school service learning class is on the list of clubs students can sign up for. “It is important to build a connection on campus between students and staff,” Mrs. Ruff said. “(The clubs are) a place where students can try new things; where kids can meet others that have the same interests as them.” “I want to see clubs that teach kids skills that are necessary in life,” she said. “Classes like cooking, sewing or fundraising.” On Sept. 9, students met in the gym to learn how to start their club. When asked what they hope from their club, students had some amazing answers. Brett Hughes, the president
Community leaders and teachers worked diligently in 2011-12 to convert Clayton Valley High School to a charter school. That successful effort has led to this third school year under the CVCHS banner and now the final touches are being made to the school’s submission of its adjusted charter document seeking a five-year reauthorization from the Contra Costa Board Office of Education. The CVCHS governing board met Wednesday evening this week to get final public
input and ratify the new charter that Executive Director Dave Linzey was hoping to submit this Thursday to the CCCOE. If that scenario plays out the county school board is scheduled to discuss the reauthorization at their Oct. 15 meeting and then vote for an expected approval Nov. 5 that will carry Clayton Valley Charter through the 2019-20 school year. Clayton Valley Education Association union president Kipp Penovich and a number of his teachers have brought up several issues in the new charter to the board at a series of meetings held since early September. Among the major complaints
from Penovich and some community stakeholders is that the administration and board have not been transparent during this reauthorization process with meetings called on short notice and the charter document of nearly 200 pages provided at the last minute, not allowing for sufficient time to study, vet and discuss changes. “What is needed is a document that all stakeholders approve of,” Penovich said. The school administration feels that the majority of the changes to the charter, which will govern CVCHS during the five-year period ending in 2020, deal with grammar and
tense changes (the original charter described a school yet to exist while it now is about an entity in its third year). Penovich had some of his union’s concerns addressed at a special board meeting Sept. 25 however he is still concerned that the wording concerning the two board positions specified for certified teachers says “may” rather than “shall” go to members of CVEA, which was in the original document. There are 81 teachers at the school and only one doesn’t belong to CVEA. At the meeting late last month the board twice confirmed the proposed language
DVMS CORRESPONDENT of the Technology club, said “I think the Tech club is a great way to get kids excited about technology. I think it will teach kids more about technology in the best possible way.” Seventh-graders, Brook Arcanin, Olivia Bolton and Madison Moore are all excited about the sewing club. “We also hope to recycle torn clothes, sew them up, and donate them to charity.” West Kokolios, 6th grade, says, “The drama club will influence the student’s abilities about art. It will help kids show emotion and how to be expressive about how they feel. I hope the drama club will bring culture to the school.” Sahil Kottal is a 7th grader at Diablo View Middle School.
Ice Bucket Challenge sweeps CVCHS EMILY YORK CVCHS Correspondent
CVCHS is taking the ALS challenge. This month, donation boxes are in each fifth period and the class that has collected the most money by the end of the contest can nominate a staff member for the ALS Ice Bucket challenge. All the money collected will be donated to the ALS Association. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has swept across the world and there probably isn’t one person who doesn’t know what it is. But what is ALS itself? ALS is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often called “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the spinal cord and the nerve cells in the brain. The Ice Bucket Challenge started to raise awareness for this terrible disease. In the Challenge, if you are nominated, you have 24 hours to dump a bucket of ice water on yourself, or to donate money to the ASL
CV completing charter reauthorization submission JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
SAHIL KOTTAL
in the draft charter even after Linzey said he had no trouble changing to “shall.” Majority board members felt that with the charter extending over five years it wasn’t prudent to specify CVEA membership as necessary for a teacher to be voted a board position. Since the school’s teachers vote for their two board members it is highly unlikely that a non-union member would be elected. Parent Allison Snow of Clayton spoke publicly about her concerns of the charter’s special education section. She subsequently has had dialog with Linzey to address that section.
Association. The momentary feeling of ice water on you is like the feeling ALS patients have all the time. You must then nominate three people in order to spread the word. The word has definitely been spread to Clayton Valley Charter High School. Almost every student at CVCHS has taken part in this challenge. “I have done it and it was fun and awful at the same time,” said CVCHS sophomore Karma Bergstad. “It was really cold and I froze. I see videos all over Instagram and I always watch them and people’s reactions are funny. I also think it it’s a great way to spread the word about ALS....I think that the Ice Bucket Challenge is a fun, entertaining, and cool way to raise awareness for ALS.” Some students were relieved not to get nominated. “I haven’t done it. But it looks fun and it’s for a good cause” said sophomore Amaya Blaisdell.
Why advertise in the Pioneer? Here’s one reason: Local painting contractor, Bryan Schaefer, got four calls the first two weeks his ad was in the Pioneer. “The two things I hear most from [new customers] are ‘I wanted to use someone local,’ and ‘Nice ad in the Pioneer.’” - Bryan Schaefer, Schaefer’s Painting
Call The Pioneer at 672-0500
October 10, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Students take it to the streets for annual fundraiser Clayton Valley Charter High School’s Instrumental Music Program will once again take to the streets in the annual MusicA-Thon fundraiser in Clayton on Saturday, Oct. 25. All instrumental music students participate in this community event that is a musical celebration marching 3.5 miles through Clayton. The procession is led by a glittery
row of shields spelling out the word C-L-A-Y-T-O-N followed by woodwind, brass and percussion musicians playing upbeat pieces. For a donation to the program, the orchestra will perform a personal lawn concert for residents who can choose their favorites from a list of songs. The march starts at 9 a.m. at Endeavor Hall, turns through
the Farmers’ Market onto Main Street through downtown and up to Diamond Terrace where students perform a mini concert for the residents. The musicians then wind through Easley Estates and return via Marsh Creek Road ending at The Grove. Donations from the event raise much needed funds to continue this and other vital
music programs at CVCHS and for the community. Door-hangers with information will be distributed in the neighborhood before the event. Donate in person, through your favorite CVCHS music student or the Music Boosters’ website at claytonbands.org. For more information, email musicboosters@claytonvalley.org.
Playing ‘Ender’s Game’ can be dangerous
EMILY YORK
TEEN READS It’s time for a “Paperback Throwback” to a great book from the 1970s. The two alien (bugger)
attacks on Earth nearly swept out the human race. To make sure they’re ready in case of another invasion, armies must be formed, families must split, and a new leader must be chosen. That is where Ender Wiggin comes in. In “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card, Ender Wiggin is a third. And being a third is not a good thing. It means that you weren’t supposed to be born. Ender’s brother, Peter, was too violent to be invited to Battle School and his sister, Valentine, was too sensitive. They needed someone in
the middle, so the government allowed Enders parents to have him, in hopes he’ll be what they’re looking for. When Ender is teased at school by a bully named Stilson, Ender loses it. Despite being only seven, Ender beats him to a pulp then regrets doing it, showing violence and compassion; exactly what officials are looking for. The next day, Colonel Hyrum Graff shows up at Ender’s home and offers him a position at Battle School, where he will go train in space and will be isolated for years
without seeing anyone from Earth, including his family. Uncertain, Ender accepts the invitation. He may be smart enough to get into peoples’ heads, but is he smart enough to save the world? Throughout the course on the book, Ender faces obstacles such as isolation, manipulation, and maybe a bit of love. Card does a wonderful job at immersing the reader with wonder and astonishment in this timeless 70s classic. Emily York is a sophomore at CVCHS.
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City honors two Clayton Girl Scouts who made Gold level PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
It’s not every day that two high school girls are honored for their community service with a proclamation by the city council, but then again, Emma Hall and Casey Mitchell aren’t your average teens. The two Girl Scout Gold Award winners from Troop 31895 were not only honored with proclamations from Mayor Hank Stratford, but each girl was given an “honorary day” in Clayton. Sept. 20 was Emma Hall Day, while Sept. 27 was Casey Mitchell Day. Besides a full schedule of school and sports, each of the Clayton Valley Charter High School seniors are longtime volunteers for local organizations. Emma is perhaps best known for her Gold Award project, in which she organized the citywide Clayton Family Fair and Picnic in June 2013. She brought together more than 100 volunteers to create educational booths, activities, games and music for the families of
CASEY MITCHELL and Julie Pierce
Clayton. Fire safety, bike safety and CERT training were also offered with more than two dozen people trained in CPR at the event. Casey’s Gold Award project involved using art to help special needs children strengthen social, focusing, and fine motor skills as well as attention span and sensory integration. Casey planned and taught art lessons for children with autism and other special needs at All in Need Family Support, researching appropriate projects to enhance skills, purchasing and preparing supplies, and supervising volunteers while teaching the lessons. Both girls say that their involvement with Girl Scouts helped foster their desire to give back to the community. “We got involved in a lot of projects that we wouldn’t have been aware of,” Casey says, adding that she has volunteered with the Bay Area Crisis Nursery and Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She is also a member of the CVCHS Senior Women service club, and a pole vaulter on the CVCHS track team. “She definitely pushes herself hard,” says her mom, Christine Mitchell. “She’s always been like that — she sets high standards for herself and tries her best to meet them.” Besides her work with the Clayton Family Fair, Emma has also been an active volunteer through Girl Scouts and at her church. She is currently set to receive a Congressional Gold Medal, which recognizes her strong academics, athletics — she plays recreational soccer and dances — and her more than
EMMA HALL and Julie Pierce
400 hours community service. “What I love most is seeing the positive effect I have on the people I help,” she says, adding that she felt “awesome” with the council’s proclamation and her special day. Emma’s mom Pam Hall says she isn’t surprised by her daughter’s dedication to community service, as their family strives to make it a priority. “I am very proud that she is so well-rounded,” Pam says. Both mothers give credit to the Girl Scouts for fostering the sense of giving back. “They’ve been together since first grade,” Pam Hall says. “All through elementary school and middle school, they worked together,” she says of the troupe. “It gets harder when they get to high school — it’s not seen as cool. But that’s why I am so proud of our girls.” It helps that the girls have been close friends since first grade. “It was very cool to be honored, especially getting to share it with Emma,” Casey says of the city council recognition.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 10, 2014
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. OCT. 29 FOR THE NOV. 7 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON Saturdays thru Oct. 25 Farmers’ Market Music: Oct. 11, Scott Pullman. Oct. 18, Mama Mia D’Bruzzi. Oct. 25, Bill Lombardo. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown Clayton. pcfma.com/clayton. Oct. 8 – 12, 16 – 18 “A Trip Down Broadway” Musical revue with fabulous music and choreography. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. $16-$22. claytontheatrecompany.com. Oct. 27 Candidates Forum Clayton candidates forum led by League of Women Voters. Cosponsored by the American Association of University Women and the Clayton Community Library. 7 p.m. Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. claytonaauw.org.
IN CONCORD Tuesdays Farmers’ Market Tuesdays year round. Music: Oct. 14, Kevin Kooyumjian. Oct. 21, Mama Mia D’Bruzzi. Oct. 28, Fred McCarty. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org. Thursdays thru Oct. 23 Farmers’ Market Music: Oct. 16, Paul Anderson. 4 – 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org. 3rd Sundays Antique Faire Antiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 – 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordantiquefaire.com. The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. theconcordpavilion.com. Concert schedule: Oct. 17, Luke Bryan, Lee Brice and Cole Swindell, 7 p.m. Oct. 11 Hand Crafters Boutique Shop early for the holidays. Raffles. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Concord Moose Family Center Lodge #567, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. Free admission. 798-0887. Oct. 12 Taste of Monument A festival of fun and international foods. Discover the community and many businesses in the area. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Erickson Road off of Monument Boulevard, Concord. Free admission. See Monument Businesses on Facebook. Oct. 17 - 31 Scarecrow Contest Visit downtown Concord and vote for your favorite scarecrow at participating businesses. Theme: Superhero. Sponsored by the Todos Santos Business Association. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org. Oct. 24 – 26 Home and Garden Show Building, remodeling, redecorating information and savings. Fri. 12 – 6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Concord Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. $6 adult; free for children 12 and under. capitalshowcase.com. Oct. 26 Autumn at the Adobe Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, raffle, silent auction in historic setting at Don Salvio Pacheco Adobe. Hosted by the Concord Historical Society. 1 – 4 p.m. 1870 Adobe St., Concord. $30. Response required to Linda Chambers at 682-8720. Oct. 31 Blood Drive Red Cross blood drive. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Montecito, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. Call Michaela or Lisa at 575-9572. Oct. 31 Trick or Treat Trick or treat around the plaza and see the Scarecrow Contest winner. Look for orange and black balloons in front of participating businesses. Ice cream treats at Umpqua Bank, 1900 Grant St., Concord. Event sponsored by the Todos Santos Business Association. 3 – 5 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
ON THE MOUNTAIN Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information. Oct. 19 Tarantulas Continuous presentation and live tarantula with Michael Marchiano. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Visitor Museum.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Oct. 11 Comedy Maureen Langan, featuring Mike Capozolla and hosted by Priya Prasad. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $17-$20. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611. Oct. 11 Heritage Day Experience the natural, historical and archaeological aspects of Marsh Creek State Park and the John Marsh Stone House. Tours, food and entertainment, presentations. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free. johnmarshhouse.com. Oct. 11 – 12 “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Musical comedy celebrating the mania of competition as six misfits compete for the spelling bee. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $13-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com. Oct. 13 Stroke Support Group View “Aphasia the Movie.” 7 – 8:30 p.m. Ball Auditorium, John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Free. Contact Ann Dzuna 376-6218. Oct. 17 Guitar Series Adam Levin performs. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Oct. 17 – 18 “Legend of Banbury Cross” Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469. Oct. 17 – 19 “Are You Married?” Solo autobiographical musical about a crisis that strikes a male couple performed by Robin Taylor. Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. Suggested $10 donation. Contact Robin for more information at 837-6560. Oct. 17 – Nov. 15 “Bye Bye Birdie” A musical theatre classic; satire done with the fondest affection. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$44$54. ccmt.org. Oct. 18 Digging for Your Roots Family history seminar with keynote speaker Janet Brigham. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Concord California Family History Center, 3700 Concord Blvd., Concord. $10 -$25 for materials. For more information, contact Jackie Hein at 827-4729. Oct. 18 Flying Train Wreck Energetic evening of comedy and craziness by Ready or Not Improv. Rated PG-13. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26 “Nunsense” A cabaret tribute. Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St., Lafayette. $23-$25. townhalltheatre.com. 283-1557. Oct. 19 Tribute to the Music of John Denver Starring Jim Curry. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com. Oct. 21 In My Life Musical theatre tribute to The Beatles. 7:30 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $25-$35. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611. Oct. 22 Modern-Day Slavery Panel discussion and open forum about what is modern-day slavery, how it does exist in Contra Costa County and what is being done to stop it. Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista. 6 p.m. Queen of All Saints Church Hall, 2390 Grant St., Concord. Free. For more information, call 324-9595 or go to sidiablovista.org. Oct. 23 – Nov. 9 “Wunderworld” The story of 80-year-old Alice in Wonderland drawn back down the rabbit hole. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$33. centerrep.org. Oct. 24 – Nov. 2 “Forever Plaid” Deliciously goofy revue of four singers miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to perform in the show that never was. Brentwood Theater Company at Cue Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. thebrentwoodtheater.org. 513-3863. Oct. 24 – Nov. 22 “Deathtrap” A comedic thriller. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33-$58. centerrep.org. Oct. 25 House of Floyd San Francisco’s immersive Pink Floyd tribute band. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Oct. 11 Harvest Moon Dinner and auction with entertainment by CVCHS instrumental music students. Proceeds benefit the instrumental music program. 6:30 p.m. Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $30 each or $225 for a table of eight. For more information and to buy tickets, go to claytonbands.org. Oct. 19 Plant Sale Native plants for sale and guest speaker Kelly Marshall discusses pocket meadows, an alternative to lawns. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery. 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. Free admission. 681-2968. Oct. 24 Fall Festival Games, crafts, food for the family. Proceeds benefit the Parent Faculty Club. 4 – 7 p.m. Mt. Diablo Elementary School, 5880 Mt. Zion Drive, Clayton. For more information, contact mdemarquee@gmail.com. Oct. 25 An Afternoon of Music Annual fundraiser benefiting charities and scholarships supported by the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club. Performance by the Swingin’ Blue Stars; appetizers and desserts. 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. $20. Contact Aleta Huck for tickets at 672-9448. claytonvalleywomansclub.org. Oct. 25 Music-A-Thon Clayton Valley Charter High School Instrumental Music Boosters fundraiser. Music and marching through Clayton. 9 a.m. Procession starts at Endeavor Hall and ends at The Grove, downtown Clayton. Donate at claytonbands.org. Oct. 26 Kenn Adams Adventure Theatre A zany, interactive show for kids. Benefits church’s outreach programs. 3 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. $15 adults; $5 for ages 12 and under. brownpapertickets.com. 672-8717.
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. Tuesdays thru Nov. 18 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3 years old. 11 a.m. Thursdays thru Nov. 20 Picture Book Time Storu time for 3-5 year olds. Thru Nov. 3 Clayton Reads “The Book Thief.” Pick up free copy at the library. Oct 22. Clayton Reads “The Book Thief” discussion Oct. 25 Klezmer Accordion Music Performance Hear Jim Rebhan play the songs from “The Book Thief.” 2 p.m. Oct. 13 Clayton Library Book Club Sunny Solomon leads the discussion of “The Thirteenth Tale” by Diane Setterfield. Open to anyone who wants to join. 7 p.m. Oct. 17 – 19 Used Book Sale Most books $1. Most children’s books $.50. Fri. 4 – 7 p.m. members preview. Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun. 12 – 4 p.m. with books at half price. 2 – 4 p.m. special $3/bag; bag provided.
Oct. 25 Leo Vigil and Terrence Brewer Presented by Pittsburg Pops. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15.50. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Oct. 20 Write Page-Turning Suspense Young writers’ interactive workshop led by author Liz KoehlerPentacoff. Grades 6 – 12. Registration required. 4 p.m.
Nov. 2 Contra Costa Wind Symphony Performs. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $18-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Oct. 26 Rosie the Riveters Meet five women who worked in shipyards in Richmond and Oakland during World War II. Hear about their struggles and experiences. 2 p.m.
Nov. 2 The Broadway Divas A cabaret tribute. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com. Nov. 7 Tom Drinnon Celebrating the best of country. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com. Nov. 8 Vetjam 2014 Classic rock and Texas blues. 5 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 4271611. Nov. 11 Popovich Comedy Pet Variety Show Gregory Popovich and his furry cast of animals rescued from shelters all over the country entertain. 7 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
CHURCHES AND RELIGION Oct. 15 Israel/Palestine Kate Taber, mission co-worker in Israel/Palestine, discusses the conflict there. 7 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Free. 672-4848. Oct. 25 Chromatica Classical and contemporary choral music. 6 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $10-$20. 672-4848.
FUNDRAISERS 2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
Oct. 28 “Travels with Baby” Author Shelly Rivoli shares tips for traveling during the holidays with young children. 11 a.m. Oct. 30 Space and Astronaut Training Chabot Space and Science Center present a program for children of all ages. 4 p.m. Nov. 3 A Japanese American Child in World War II Eizo Kobayashi talks about his experiences as a young boy relocated to an internment camp with his family. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4, 18 and Dec. 2, 9 Paws to Read Practice reading skills by reading to a dog. Grades 1 – 5. Registration required; starts Oct. 13. 4 and 4:35 p.m. Nov. 5 “Back to Greenville” Author Ron Cerruti shares his experiences working as a seasonal forester. 7 p.m.
GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council 7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
October 10, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Performing Arts
‘Adventure Theater’ lands on St. John’s stage
CTC stops downtown before returning to ‘Broadway’
Photos by Sam Young
TAKE A ‘TRIP DOWN BROADWAY’ at Endeavor Hall this weekend and you are likely to run into Evelline and a few of the the Winkies on the way through Oz. The show opens Oct. 10.
Take “A Trip Down Broadway” without leaving town in Clayton Theatre Company’s fall production opening Oct. 10. In this musical revue, the heroine travels from Broadway to Chicago to France, stopping at a spelling bee and Avenue Q before returning to Broadway. The show features songs from over 20 Broadway musicals with an original script by CTC directors Roxanne Pardi and La Tonya Watts. The cast of over 20 local
performers features some new faces and some returning from CTC’s previous productions of “The Robber Bridegroom” and “Night of January 16.” “A Trip Down Broadway” runs Oct. 10-12 and Oct. 16-18, at Endeavor Hall, Clayton. A special VIP ticket package includes preferred seating, a drink ticket, a concession ticket, and a cameo walk-on part in the show. Purchase tickets at brownpapertickets.com. For more information go to claytontheatrecompany.com.
‘Swingin’ Holiday’ marks Stegge’s finale with Diablo Ballet Diablo Ballet’s Edward Stegge will bid farewell to the Diablo Ballet Company after the curtain goes down on the 21st Season performances of “A Swingin’ Holiday,” Nov. 14 and 15. Stegge has been an audience favorite and respected by his fellow company members since joining the company in 2002, says Artistic Director
Take a whimsical trip down the rabbit hole Sara Moore, a San Francisco-based clown, and her Thrillride Mechanics troupe star in “Wunderworld,” a stunning new re-imagining of the “Alice in Wonderland” story, as part of Center REPertory Company’s Off Center Series. Told through music, dance and Moore’s “hyper-comical Theatre of Human Animation,” Wunderworld tells the story of an 80-year old Alice drawn back down the rabbit hole for yet another adventure. The play stars Rory Davis, Michael Patrick Gaffney, Natasha Kaluza, Moore and Dawn Meredith Smith. “Wunderworld” was created by Moore and directed by Andrew Jordan Nance. Performances begin Thursday, Oct. 23 and run through Nov. 9 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic drive, Walnut Creek. For more information or tickets visit CenterREP.org or call 925943-SHOW (7469). You can also visit the Lesher Center Ticket Office at 1601 Civic Drive or the Ticket Office outlets at Barnes & Noble in Walnut Creek and the Downtown Walnut Creek Library.
Lauren Jonas. His engaging presence both on and off the stage has made him a mainstay in the company’s roster, Jonas says. Stegge has also served as Diablo Ballet’s Outreach Assistant, a role he loves and will continue. “I am so honored to have been a part of Diablo Ballet for more than 12 seasons,” says Stegge. “Diablo Ballet is my family. “A Swingin’ Holiday,” by Broadway choreographer Sean Kelly, is set to the music of Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller
and includes jazzy renditions of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” The performance also features “Tolstoy’s Waltz,” a Diablo Ballet Premiere, set to the music of Leo Tolstoy, G e o r g e Balanchine and Julian Scriabin and accompanied by Bay Area concert pianist Roy Bogas. All performances are in the newly renovated Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Purchase tickets online at www.LesherArtsCenter.org or by calling 925-943-7469.
Photo credit: Tiffany Bertolami-Fong
SWING INTO THE HOLIDAYS with Diablo Ballet dancers Edward Stegge and Hiromi Yamazaki at the Del Valle Theater on Nov. 14 and 15.
Twists abound in REP’s ‘Deathtrap’ Center REPertory Company presents “Deathtrap,” running Oct. 24 through Nov. 22.. In the tradition of Center REP’s “The Mousetrap” and “Sleuth,” this ingeniously constructed thriller packs gaspinducing surprises and spontaneous laughter into two hours of nerve-wracking adrenaline and tension-smashing hilarity. Dealing with the devious machinations of a writer of
thrillers whose recent offerings have been flops, and who is prepared to go to any lengths to improve his fortunes, “Deathtrap” provides twists and turns and sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be held spellbound until the very last moment. For more information and tickets, visit CenterREP.org or call 925-943-SHOW (7469). You can also visit the Lesher
Center Ticket Office at 1601 Civic Drive or the Ticket Office outlets at Barnes & Noble in Walnut Creek and the Downtown Walnut Creek Library. Center REPertory Company, the resident professional theater company of the Lesher Center for the Arts (LCA), will be celebrating its 48th Subscription Season of theatrical productions during 2014/2015.
Photo by Synergy Theatre
St. John’s Stage will present its first young people’s production on Oct. 26.
St. John’s Stage lets kids of all ages tap into their creativity with a special Sunday afternoon show, Kenn Adams’ Adventure Theater! At 3 p.m. on Oct. 26, Adams hosts and stars in “Adventures in Space,” an interactive theatrical experience for kids, as well as teens and adults who love high-energy performance and a lot of laughs. The audience helps create the show, and everyone gets involved – making the sound effects, becoming the scenery and inventing the story twists. Audience members even jump up onstage to play various characters alongside Adams, who dons multiple costumes throughout. “It’s the first show St. John’s Stage has done that’s targeted specifically for kids,” says Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith, co-vicar of St. John’s-Clayton and St. Michaels-Concord. “Children are naturally creative and adventurous. Adams’
Show before he ships off to basic training. Inspired by Elvis Presley and the stir his draft notice caused in 1957, this satirical look at Americana was nominated for seven Tony Awards, winning four, including Best Musical. It also marked the first Broadway show for the legendary Dick Van Dyke in the lead role, which also led to his first film, reprising his Tony-winning performance. Featuring such classic songs
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as “Put on a Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’ To Do,” “Baby Talk To Me” and “Spanish Rose,” this musical treat – suitable for the whole family – features an award-winning score and exciting dance numbers. Tickets are on sale now at the Lesher Center for the Arts Ticket Office, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek, or by calling 925-943SHOW (943-7469), or buy online www.lesherArtscenter.org.
Kenn Adams’ Adventure Theatre! lands on St. John’s Stage, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road in Clayton at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. The show runs for one hour. Tickets are $15 adult, $5 children 12 and under, and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com or 925672-8717.
L SPECIA
Say hello to ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ at CCMT Contra Costa Musical Theatre (CCMT) will present the musical “Bye Bye Birdie” at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts Oct. 17 through Nov. 15, 2014. Set in 1958, rock-n-roll heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted into the army, leaving his songwriter and agent Albert in a jam. But Albert’s secretary and sweetheart Rosie comes up with a plan: Conrad will perform a new hit, “One Last Kiss,” on the Ed Sullivan
show taps into that natural creativity, inviting them into the action and encouraging their creative spirit,” she says. The play follows the hero, played by an audience member, who travels to a distant planet to help its inhabitants overthrow the wicked usurper. Along the way, the hero battles monsters, meets a three-headed wizard, and learns about finding the “hero in all of us.” Playwright, actor and instructor Adams heads Synergy Theatre, an adult improv theater, in Lafayette.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 10, 2014
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Sur round with Sedum Angelina and purple pansies for a fun container combination that will look awesome until spring. Pink Splendor Coprosma is a selection for the gardener that craves warm pink tones in their landscape. The growth of the Pink Splendor Coprosma is arching and will reach three-feet tall and four-feet wide. Throughout the summer months, the Pink Splendor keeps its variegation of cream and olive green, with just a touch of blush near the base of the leaf at the stem. As winter approaches, the blush color travels up the stems of the leaves, changing the entire leaf to a bubble-gum pink. The Pink Splendor Coprosma would be nicely used beneath a white flowering Natchez Crape Myrtle, then edged with Heuchera Snow Angel, evergreen Candy-tuft and green mounds of Sea Pink. Tequila Sunrise is a compactshaped Coprosma, maturing between two- to three-feet tall and wide. The tiny leaves are a combination of dark burgundy, orange and green during the
Photo: moseyscountrygarden.com
growing season. The leaf color changes in autumn. They become dark, working their way to almost a mahogany color. Most Mirror plants need at least six hours of direct sun, and can tolerate all-day sun. They require regular water, and benefit from late winter and summer multi-purpose granular feeding. The Coprosma are softstemmed shrubs, who like a decent pruning in the early spring. If they ever grow leggy, cut severely, and they will re-leaf beautifully. The Coprosma is such a useful, dramatic bush. It has become more popular and easier to find this past couple years. Take notice of this evergreen. Incorporate the Mirror Plant in your next planting project. You’ll be glad that you did. Happy Gardening. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her with questions or comments at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Pair your pears with favorite foods DEBRA J. MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
This is a great time to pick up some delicious sweet pears at your local farmers market. Flavorful and packed with nutrition, pears are great for both eating and cooking. For a real taste of fall pick some up now because the season is short. Called “a gift of the gods” by the Greek poet Homer, pears have been praised since ancient times. The early Romans developed more than 50 pear varieties and spread them far and wide throughout Europe. Since then, hundreds more varieties have been introduced, the most popular being the Bartlett, according to the Pear Advisory Board. There are about four or five varieties that are the most common and most popular. While Bartlett tops the list, Bosc, Seckel, and Comice follow close behind. Bartlett is a great eating pear, mild in flavor and good for salads. Bosc is a
BARTLETT PEARS
great pear for desserts and for home canning. Seckel is good with cheeses and used for baking. Comice is one of the sweetest and is generally good for snacking, fruit salads, and desserts. Pears are among the few fruits that improve after they’re picked as long as they are picked fully mature, but not ripe. If left to ripen fully on the tree, pears can become mealy. Select green
pears that are firm, not soft, and free of blemishes or bruises. The stems should be intact. Leave them out at room temperature and they will ripen in a few days. To be sure the one you select is ready to eat, apply gentle pressure to the stem end of the pear with your thumb. If it yields slightly, it is ripe. One average pear weighing about 166 grams has 100 calories, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fat and protein, 4 grams of dietary fiber, 10 percent of the RDA for vitamin C and 2 percent each of iron and calcium. Pears are also a good source of potassium. FALL PEAR SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE Ingredients: 1 firm Bartlett pear, cored, sliced Handful of mixed fall greens Sprinkle of walnut pieces Sprinkle of golden raisins 1 ounce of soft goat cheese, crumbled Your favorite mild vinaigrette. Mix together and enjoy!
October 10, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 19
Spectacular views highlight Arch Rock hike “Good nutrition brings good health, brings happiness. Thank you, Doorstep Farmers.” Clayton resident, Leo Schindler
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SHARON ANDERSON
GETTING OUT Escape the inland heat with a coastal hike to beautiful Arch Rock neat Point Reyes. This trail will walk you under canopies of trees, shading ferns and moss dangling from every crevice. Quaint meadows dot the trail where Tule Elk graze with a small year-round babbling creek fed by streams from Mount Wittenberg. At the end of the forest fantastic views unfold as you step into coastal chaparral and scrub with views in every direction: Mount Wittenberg back to the east, sparkling ocean to the West, and shoreline to the north and south. This spectacular vantage hovers over two unspoiled beaches and miles of pristine coastline. This is one of Point Reyes’ most popular trails serving hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians. Off-season is the best time to go to explore the Arch Rock trail and the 150 miles of hiking trails in Point Reyes. Relaxing on the jagged bluffs is a fantastic place to watch pelicans, shorebirds and harbor seals. It is also a birders paradise with more than 45 percent of North American avian species living in the park. It’s also home to 38 threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Deer graze the meadows daily — both native black-tail deer
ARCH ROCK HIKE NEAR POINT REYES has been described as a hike through paradise. Lush forests give way to dramatic coastal views on this 8-mile, hike that begins at the Bear Valley Visitors Center.
and an exotic, pure white deer, imported by ranchers in the 1948. The flora is lush from a moist climate and deep shade that fosters plenty of elk clover, ferns and cream bush, as well as a few huckleberry shrubs. Flowers include bindweed, monkey flower, lizardtail, seaside daisy, foxglove and paintbrush in spring. The Coastal Douglas Fir, which includes Coast Live Oak, Tanoak and California Bay, are prominent trees on this trail. Look in the understory for hazelnuts and thimbleberries in July, but don’t stray too far off trail, or you’ll be “stung” by nettles. Coyote brush, willow, California coffeeberry, honeysuckle, poison oak and a few buckeye off to the sides of the path create beautiful colors and a wonder-
ful aroma. Bear Valley Trail climbs at an almost imperceptible grade. Starting elevation is 100 feet, peaking at 375 feet. The Arch Rock hike is 8.2 miles and very easy. Before exploring the trail to Arch Rock, a visit to the Visitors’ Center is in order. The center provides an orientation to the park’s roads, trails and general history. It also offers ecological and historical exhibits, including a seismograph, weather station and auditorium for films and educational programs. Start at the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Olema Valley in Marin County. The first 3.2 miles is a wide, maintained route ending at the Glen Trail/Baldy Trail junction, which narrows; bikes are no longer permitted. A bike rack presents an option for
cyclists to continue the course to the sea on foot, following the sign to Arch Rock. Arch Rock can be seen just before reaching the coast (which is not accessible during high tide), but a short rock scramble leads to the southern beach and full arch access. Watch closely and you may even sight some whales. Directions: Take the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge to Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Go all the way north to Highway 1 North in Olema. Go left at Bear Valley Road. Bear Valley Visitors’ Center is on your left. Sharon Anderson is a Clayton resident and a lifelong lover of everything outdoors. Watch for her articles on hiking, mountain biking and backpacking. Email her at mtbikgirl@comcast.net
ACTIVE LISTINGS
931 Arrowhead Ter. Clayton
$649,950
3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 1,904 sq. ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
1336 El Camino Dr. Clayton
$799,000
Rula Masannat Sales Agent DRE# 01923757
415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com
5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,435 sq. ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
PENDING
898 Ventura Dr. Pittsburg
$324,500
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,459 sq. ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
250 Stranahan Cir. Clayton
Paula Johnstone Broker Associate DRE# 00797857
925-381-8810 heypaula10@gmail.com
$549,000
3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 1,650 sq.ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
SOLD
1340 Louisiana Dr. Concord
$493,000
Agent: Doug Van Riper
SOLD: Buyer’s Representation
501 Suisun Ct. Clayton
Broker/Owner DRE# 01881269
$508,000
3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 1,904 sq.ft., Agent: Matt Mazzei
mazzeirealty.net Clayton residents since 1959
925-693-0757 (Main)
Matt Mazzei, Jr.
925-766-6745 mazzeirealty@yahoo.com
6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton
925-693-0752 (Fax)
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 10, 2014
Book Review
Idyll family wedding unearths secrets venue for Olivia and Brody, believing it will be the perfect place for an intimate, familyonly, wedding. And this is where Sussman takes romance to a level as mature as her protagonist. Bear in mind how volatile such an event can be. All families have their secrets and Olivia’s is no different: one daughter is in an insipid livingtogether relationship with a gentleman who will not be at the event. The other daughter arrives on the arm of the seatmate she has picked up from the long jet flight to France. The sisters are not friends. The coolness between the sisters is the first indication that all is not well with Olivia’s family. Mom, though, is determined to be happy, and determined to have a happy family. Family events can be difficult at best and seldom meet the high expectations of that member with a happily-everafter agenda. Everybody arrives two days before the wedding. The hosts have excursions planned while a hired chef prepares for the dining pleasures of their guests. But it does not take long for this carefully planned idyll to unravel. A French woman comes to make trouble for Sébastien regarding an indiscretion Emily had not known about. Emily and Sébastien have only been living in France for a short time, but apparently time enough for her husband to do what he had never done in Manhattan. The gentleman from the plane soon turns out to be a cad, not a gentleman at all, playing both sisters. Soon, long ago events have surfaced —
SUNNY SOLOMON
FOR
THE
BOOKS
I’m not a huge romance reader, but Ellen Sussman has the genre nailed, and she does it without a kilt-wearing Scotsman or a bodice-clad damsel in distress. “A Wedding in Provence” (Ballantine Books; July, 2014) should make all readers 50 or older very happy. It is a mature love story between a divorced mother, Olivia, and her soonto-be husband, Brody, surrounded by her two unmarried daughters, Carly and Nell, and her best friend from college days, Emily. No need for bodices or kilts. Olivia owns and manages a theater company in San Francisco and Brody, “tall, lanky body, . . . strong hands, . . . crow’s-feet in the corner of his eyes,” has given up his veterinarian practice in the Big Skies of Wyoming to be with Olivia in San Francisco. Emily and her husband Sébastien have recently moved from their New York City home to live in Provence, where they’ve been restoring a family home (left to Sébastien when his mother died) into a B&B. Emily has offered her charming maison and its beautiful grounds as a wedding
events which changed the relationship dynamics between not just the sisters, but also with their mother. It’s a read-in-one day book, but once again Sussman surprised me. She deals with important issues head-on, going deeper and deeper into each character, realistically moving her narrative into something richly rewarding. I was glad to be invited to “A Wedding in Provence.” Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com to just ‘talk books.’
Blue Star Moms need donations for holiday care packages Contra Costa Blue Star Moms are seeking donations for holiday care packages to send to the troops deployed overseas. There is a long list of items needed on ccbluestarmoms.org. All donations need to be delivered to A-1 Self Storage, 5296 Concord Blvd., at the corner of Ygnacio Valley Road, in Concord by Nov. 15. Please, no leftover Halloween candy. Cards and cash donations are also welcome. All donations are tax deductible. For more information about donating or requesting a delivery overseas, go to ccbluestarmoms.org.
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