Oct 25 clayton pioneer 2013

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October 25, 2013

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Local girl brings Halloween joy to homeless JOHN JACKSON Clayton Pioneer

For a small town, Clayton has its share of big-time heroes, but it’s the pint-sized ones that are really making a mark.

When 12-year-old Sydney Skow of Clayton was asked to perform community service through her leadership class during the fall term at Diablo View Middle School, her wheels started to turn. This is when she remembered the Love-a-Child Homeless and Recovery Shelter for women and children in Bay Point. Sydney’s church had previously donated items to the shelter and she wanted to follow up on those gifts.

Sydney presented the idea of a Halloween “costume drive” to her teacher and the project quickly became an all-school push. “Most kids and parents at the shelter can’t go out and buy a costume (for Halloween),” says Sydney. “When their friends

See Costumes page 4

Photo courtesy of the Skow family

WHEN DOZENS OF KIDS AT A BAY POINT HOMELESS SHELTER ASK “ANYTHING FOR HALLOWEEN” THIS YEAR, they will be wearing one of the nearly 100 costumes gathered by Sydney Skow, 12, and fellow Diablo View Middle School students. Sydney organized and managed the logistics of the costume drive as a project for her leadership class.

CVCHS volleyball Digs Pink for breast cancer awareness JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Photo courtesy CVCHS volleyball by Stephanie Cicconi

PLAYERS FROM THE CVCHS varsity, JV and frosh girls volleyball teams formed the iconic pink ribbon—symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month—at their recent benefit match against College Park. Announcer Brandon Enriquez (center) was also in the spirit of the Dig Pink fundraiser for the Side-Out Foundation.

There was a thrilling high school volleyball match last Thursday evening at Clayton Valley Charter High with the Eagles edging College Park. It was a match that went the full five sets, included a long delay due to a player injury and saw Eagles junior setter Sarah Williams set a school singlegame record with 46 assists.

But all of that was secondary to the fact that CVCHS coach Dave Hobson and volunteers organized the second annual Dig Pink event benefitting the Side-Out Foundation as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Hobson began the Dig Pink event last year and the effort was able to raise $1500. This year the funds raised jumped to $2,500 and the team is already looking ahead to doing it again in October, 2014.

See Dig Pink page 10

Morgan Fire: Town Hall meeting set for Nov. 7 The fire is out and a few green sprouts are already beginning to show on North Peak and Mt. Diablo after the September fire that blackened 3,111 acres and scared the wits out of residents along Morgan Territory Road.

Now, says CalFire

Batallion Chief Mike Marcucci, it’s time to address some of the potential issues arising out of the fire at a November 7 Town Hall meeting.

CalFire, ConFire, East County Fire, Save Mount Diablo, Diablo Fire Safe Council and local officials

will be on hand to talk about runoff during the rainy season, potential soil erosion problems, communication issues and fire suppression policies going forward.

Town Hall Meeting: Thurs., Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.

In Hoyer Hall at the Clayton Library.

Clayton Mayor Julie Pierce ready to take helm of ABAG PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer

It all started with a neighborhood park.

When Julie Pierce moved to Clayton back in 1984, she and her neighbors went after the developer of their subdivision, who had reneged on building a green area that young mom Pierce was looking forward to sharing with her two sons. The developer ultimately put in the park Then there was the big

remodel on a house behind her home, for which Pierce helped convince city planners and the owner to rearrange an invasive deck that would tower over her bedroom windows.

Before long, Pierce was a familiar face at city planning meetings, and soon, she was asked to join the planning commission. The has led to her 20plus years on the Clayton City Council, where she now serves as mayor.

See Pierce page 12

JULIE PIERCE

Mayor’s Corner

Meet really old residents on the Clayton Ghost Walk to turn their glorious colors and pumpkins are everywhere. That means that goblins and ghosts will be out in force next week.

Don’t forget that Richard Taylor will once again be leading the

annual Clayton Ghost Walk in downtown Clayton on Halloween night, beginning at 8 p.m. at Endeavor Hall. It’s a great opportunity to introduce the family to a bit of Clayton

history at the same time as having some fun together. Bring your flashlights and join us.

Lights on at the fire station: For about three weeks, starting in early November, Contra Costa Fire Station 8 will be temporarily operating 24 hours a

Postal Customer ECRWSS

What’s Inside

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190

Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Community Calendar . . . . .14

Concord Beat . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Design and Décor . . . . . . . .17 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Food for Thought . . . . . . . .18 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Get up & Get Out . . . . . . . . .3

History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Letter to the Editor . . . . . . . .2 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .16 Pine Hollow Reporter . . . . . .9 Pioneer Photo Album . . . . . . .3

JULIE PIERCE Mayor’s Corner

The days are getting shorter and there’s a nip in the air in the morning. The leaves are starting

day out of our now-closed Station 11 building while their building on Clayton Road is repaired. Unfortunately, due to on-going budget restraints, our station is not being re-opened, though it may look active for a few weeks.

Pocket Parenting . . . . . . . . . .8 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Teen Reads . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Voyage of the Eagle . . . . . . .9

Books for days: Don’t forget that this weekend Oct. 25–27, is our Clayton Community Library Book Sale. There are more than 15,000 used books for sale and most books are just $1, and

See Mayor page 4

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 25, 2013

Club News

Letter to the Editor

Creekside Guild Artwalk set for Oct. 26 “It’s like Christmas every week” -A happy Doorstep member

A local service bringing organic, in-season produce straight from local farms to your doorstep.

CREEKSIDE ARTISTS GUILD Creekside Artists Guild will lead a guided tour of art at Clayton civic locations on Sat., Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Meet club member and tour guide Jeffrey DeSalles at the flagpole in front of the Clayton Community Library. The tour goes from the library to Clayton City Hall, in the old winery building, to downtown and the Clayton Historical Society and Museum. The mini-galleries at Cup O’ Jo are the last stop. The Creekside Artists Guild meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. The Artwalk is a free event.

For more information contact Jeffrey DeSalles at 693-0132 jeffrey.desalles@yahoo.com.

THE CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club is giving shoppers a head start on decorating for fall and

Thoughts on Common Core

THE LANDSCAPES OF LOCAL ARTIST JULIE VANWYK are among works by local artists displayed at Cup-o-Jo on Main Street and other local venues along the Creekside Art Guild Artwalk.

the holidays. This year, the annual Craft and Bake Sale will be Nov. 9-10.

Kathleen Horvath and Kathy Olson, event co-chairs,

Visit us online and Sign up today!

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.

For more information, call 524-0641 or go to claytonvalleywomansclub.org.

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say handmade general crafts, American Girl doll clothes, scarves, hats, baby and household items are for sale. The bake sale features candy, jams, breads, cookies and brownies.

Proceeds benefit the club’s local charities and scholarships.

Shopping hours are Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road.

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I recently attended one of the MDUSD meetings on the new Common Core standards.

Unfortunately the answers provided were far from inspiring or even reassuring.

Many parents are justly concerned about how Common Core will affect their children’s education…There are no Common Core textbooks…

MDUSD is currently pulling teachers out of our children’s classrooms during the regular school day to train them. They aren’t prepared yet…There are no plans to encourage or accelerate children beyond their grade level. What about benchmarks to measure the effectiveness of the program? …There will be no teacher assessments this year, no test for students.

It would be impossible to say Common Core is anything but a hastily implemented program without adequate preparation.

Year two is scheduled to contain a new test for students but this is not certain. Even with a test next year, it would only provide a starting point since there won’t be anything to compare it to. We are several years away from any meaningful data to measure effectiveness. This may be acceptable for teachers and administrators but our children do not have the luxury to experiment. Our kids need to be learning all the knowledge, skills and information necessary to progress through their grades and prepare them for the future.

Without essential things like books, teachers and tests, this cannot happen with Common Core.

Bruce Albert Clayton resident

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October 25, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 3

Mount Diablo is an adventure playground for Junior Rangers pit or a trash pile left from an 1870’s stagecoach, or a little of both? An animated discussion unfolds.

This is just one of the sessions in the fall offering of the Mount Diablo Junior Ranger Program. The kids used clues to find the site. They encountered a tarantula crossing the trail, investigated a large cave and explored an exposed fossil bed coming and going from the dig.

Co-sponsored by the state park and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, other fall sessions included studying the pre-

STEVE ELLIOTT Special to the Pioneer

“A bone!” “A bottle!” “An arrowhead!” The gleeful exclamations of excited discoveries echoed across Pine Canyon.

Participating in the Junior Ranger Program of Mount Diablo State Park, 10 kids and their parents enjoyed a beautiful fall day this month at a simulated archeological dig. The kids uncover artifacts, categorize their finds and propose possible conclusions about the site. Is it an ancient Native American fire

historic times of the area, dissecting owl pellets and examining animal skeletons.

“Junior Rangers is a terrific program for kids. They encounter so many different aspects of the history, flora and fauna of the park,” said parent Shannon Warburg. Shannon’s daughters, Ella and Honor, have taken many of the Junior Ranger Programs. “They love the content. They love the hikes,” she said.

The Junior Ranger Program starts each spring with five Saturday sessions for beginning partic-

The ‘bear’ facts about these beautiful animals SHARON ANDERSON

GET

UP

& GET

OUT

With all the backpacking and camping I have done, I have been privileged to have had a number of great black bear experiences. Many people have vilified black bears and exaggerated their threat. Yes, there can be some bad ones but mostly they are as timid of people as we are of them.

Recently, as I laid in my tent one night trying to sleep, I heard a bear sniffing – its breathing was loud and heavy, it was just inches from my head, identifying my scent. Other experiences have been watching cubs play, watching bears steal a fisherman’s catch, photographing “Black Socks” while she walked a beau-

Clayton

tiful shoreline, and seeing “Patience,” the cub from the Meadow I had the pleasure of finding the summer before.

Last summer, however, I was bothered by a bear while trying to stop it from littering my trash about. It was my fault: I got too close and was treated to a running charge. I knew it was a “bluster.” I stood my ground, screamed like a girl and it halted right in front of me. I won that argument!

Common bluster involves nervous bears that pounce toward a person or another bear, slap the ground or an object and blow. Sometimes blowing takes on a guttural quality that sounds almost like a growl. They clack their teeth that look and sound very threatening but are harmless. Researchers believe blustering relieves tension. Facts have shown that this behavior does not lead to attacks, according to

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SABRINA, SYDNEY AND OLIVIA BRANDEIS sift shovels of dirt looking for artifacts at a recent MDIA Jr. Ranger simulated archeological dig.

Pioneer Photo Album Brooks Burtch took this photo from Mt. Wilson Way in Clayton on Mon., Sept. 30.

“Loved seeing this on a Monday morning to start the work week,” wrote Brooks.

Photo Sharon Anderson

THE SIERRAS ARE HOME to a large black bear population. The black bear can be black, brown or even blond. If you see one, make yourself big, bluster and stand your ground.

Dr. Lynn Rogers at the North American Bear Center.

Rogers has spent more than 42 years forming trusting relationships with wild black bears, including mothers with cubs.

See Bears page 6

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ipants, ages 7 to 12 years old. It continues over the summer with monthly hikes and additional programs for kids already in the program. The three fall sessions conclude the year.

Complementing the core spring and fall sessions, the rest of the hikes and programs change every year. For example, the program recently offered a special fire interpretive hike to explore the areas impacted by the recent wildfire on the mountain.

For more information about the Junior Ranger Program or to get on the invitation list for 2014, email sae612@msn.com.

Information about the park in general can be found at www.mdia.org.

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Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 25, 2013

Costumes, from pg 1 at school say, ‘I’m going to be this for Halloween,’ they can’t really talk about that.”

Sydney organized all the logistics of the drive, with the help of fellow leadership students at Diablo View. Student liaisons spread the word to teachers and throughout campus, asking for everyone to bring donated costumes that would be given to the shelter. These student leaders then collected them from individual classrooms. Once everything was collected, Sydney and her friends organized the costumes so they were ready for her and her parents to make an evening drop-off at the shelter. As a fun incentive, students who brought donations were entered into a raffle for free cookies and “early lunch” passes.

Nearly 100 costumes of all shapes, sizes, colors and varieties were delivered to smiling, happy children. “They were all really happy,” said Sydney. “I think it made them feel like someone was looking out for them for something that they probably might not have had last year or the year before.”

Shawnteanee, a mother at the shelter holding her young daughter, echoed this thought. “There are moms like me who can’t afford (costumes),” she said, “and there are a lot of kids out here who’re unfortunate and can’t get costumes.”

Love-a-Child has been in existence since 1984, when it was founded to serve women and their children who need help with substance recovery, homelessness, job training and educational support. The goal for the women who enter the shelter is to get them on their feet and build a foundation of independence, which sometimes means transitional housing or other means of support.

There are 86 beds on site and the facility serves three meals each day to the women and children.

Sydney’s efforts have landed her on local television news stations, and are bringing a lot of

Mayor,

from pg 1

children’s books are 50 cents. The Clayton Community Library Foundation Members Preview (you may join at door for $10) is Friday, Oct. 25 from 4 to7 p.m. Hours on Saturday, Oct. 26 are10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 27 from noon to 4 p.m. All books will be half price from 2 to 4 p.m. This is a great opportunity to stock up for some great winter reading and support our library at the same time.

Motorcyclist doing well: A bit of very good

LEIGH KLOCK

THIS LITTLE GUY COULDN’T WAIT FOR HALLOWEEN to try on the “Toy Story” costume donated by the students of Sydney Skow’s DVMS leadership class

attention to the youngster and her classmates at Pine Hollow. But upon finishing this project, Sydney realized something – it just feels great to help other people. She put in many hours of planning, motivating classmates, organizing donations and delivering costumes.

“It made me feel really good (to do this) and it made me feel like I want to help out more in the community,” she said. “It made me feel really proud of myself.”

news: I’m sure many of you remember the very serious accident last summer near the library. I got a note this week from a co-worker of Mark T, the motorcyclist who was so seriously injured that day, to report that Mark is home safe and sound. His rehab road is still a long one, but he is a strong, determined individual. Mark wishes to thank all of the wonderful people who prayed for him and contributed to his recovery fund.

Have a happy and safe Halloween! As always, you can reach me at JPierce@ci.clayton.ca.us. Let me know what you think.

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October 25, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Toys for Tots barrels ready for donations

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LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 250 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail.

Send a message of hope this Christmas to less fortunate children in the community by donating to Toys for Tots.

Bring new, unwrapped toys for children and teens to Clayton area collection locations at Bank of America, Ed’s Mudville Grill and Mazzei Realty or to the Clayton Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 7. Additional donation location sites are needed. Locations have donation barrels until midDecember. The toys are distributed by the United States Marine Corps as Christmas gifts to those in need in the community. For more information, to be a donation site or to make a monetary donation, go to toysfortots.org or contact Stephanie Surls at 262-7608 or 935-6448.

Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 Iron Horse Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566-8666 Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Center Street Deli & Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1203 Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Financial, Insurance and Legal Services DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . . . .210-1400 Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .432-4211 Matt and Matt Mazzei; Father and son team up for Toys for Tots.

SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $50/year and are for full year only.

News and Feature Writers The Clayton Pioneer is looking for news and feature writers who have a passion for community journalism. Assignments are made on a freelance basis. Writers must be local (Clayton or Concord residents), and have a polished, lively and interesting style.

Send two short writing samples — a straight news story and a feature or profile to tamara@claytonpioneer.com.

Include contact information and a cover letter.

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FOR LEASE Office and retail space for lease in Historic Clayton City Center: Village Oaks Center, 6200 Center St., Clayton. Call Nick Adamson at (408) 3718770, ext. 21.

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Groceries Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568 Home and Garden Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Refresh Pool Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286-8601 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 Optometry Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100

Computer Tech Growing business has position for onsite pro computer tech in Contra Costa County. Must have experience in Windows and Mac OS, network repair and troubleshooting.

ComputersUSA! 672-9989.

Pet Services All Paws Dog Walking Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .332-8856 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-5744 Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie's Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600

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Real Estate and Mortgage Services Geddes-Sinclaire, Christine – RE/MAX Realty . .286-7593 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184 Howard, Emily – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-1871 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593

Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today 672-8787.

Help Fight Hunger Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon Lady needs your help! Weekly commitment appreciated. For more info and contact numbers, go to thelemonlady.blogspot.com.

Clayton Historical Society Museum The Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m.

Wednesdays or Sundays. Call the museum at 672-0240 and leave your name.

Clayton Community Library Needs volunteers. Minimum age 13. Minimum commitment is 6 months. Some training provided. Contact Arlene at 673-9777 or nielsenjanc@aol.com.

Walnut Creek Office:

Sorensen, David – Wells Fargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296-3086

Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242

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HELP WANTED

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Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700

CIRCULATION Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 15,500. Papers are delivered to households in ZIP codes 94517, 94518 and 94521.

In Clayton, all papers are delivered Every Door Direct by the US Post Office. We cannot start or stop delivery to individual addresses.

All Concord delivery is by carrier and delivered twice a month on a Friday morning. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 6720500 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.

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Construction and Trades

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PIONEER INFO

Page 5

Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteer drivers one day a week between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Make a tremendous difference to seniors in your community. Contact Sharon Fitzgerald at 932-8607 or sfitzgerald@mowsos.org today.

Landgraf, Linda – Prudential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .876-0311 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 Levity Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2995 Senior Services Chateau on Broadway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-1700 Montecito – Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702 Services, Other 1-800-Junkster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-586-5783 ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions672-6029 Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Respect Do the Right Thing

Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Obituary

Community mourns passing of Craig Randall, water district pioneer

CRAIG RANDALL

Retired Contra Costa Water District director and 53-year Clayton resident Craig Z Randall died on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 at his home, surrounded by family. He was 91.

Randall is perhaps best known for his work in establishing the Contra Costa County Water District where he served as the president of its Board of Directors for 18 years. He joined the board in 1967 and took a lead role in getting infrastructure in the ground to provide water to a changing Contra Costa County. Facing a growing residential community, he actively supported projects to provide safe, reliable drinking water to residents. He was also instrumental in the development of Los Vaqueros Reservoir.

In the 1970s, Randall played an instrumental role in supporting CCWD, the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation and East Bay Regional Park District in providing recreational trails alongside the Contra Costa Canal. Today, miles of trail are open to the public, and recreationalists continue to benefit from his work.

In 1992, the CCWD Board dedicated a new treatment facility in Oakley and named it the Randall Bold Water Treatment Plant, in honor of Randall’s dedication to innovations in providing safe drinking water to CCWD customers.

“Mr. Randall was a dedicated representative of CCWD customers for 20 years and his contributions were important in establishing the system that continues to provide safe and reliable drinking water today,” said CCWD Board President Joseph L. Campbell.

John Gregg was CCWD Manager of Operations and the project manager for the Los Vaqueros Reservoir, and remembers Randall as” a practical and principled man, straight forward and frank.”

He remembers frequent trips with Randall to New York and Washington D.C. during the restructuring of CCWD for the financing and implementation of the Los Vaqueros Project. “I remember well one flight back,” Gregg recalls.

“We had spent the day telling the CCWD/Los Vaqueros story to rating agencies, insurance companies and investment bankers. Our last presentation was in the World Financial Center. From where we stood, we could see and feel the sun on the water and see the Statue of Liberty. Craig said to me, ‘John, what are two country bumpkins like you and I doing in this place?’ A man so well remembered!”

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Save Mount Diablo, 1901 Olympic Blvd #320, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.

October 25, 2013

City of Concord has plan to target aggressive pandhandling Panhandling is a social and public safety concern in most cities, including ours. In response to resident concerns, on Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Concord City Council will consider an ordinance to specifically address aggressive and captive audience panhandling.

The difference between solicitation or panhandling and aggressive or captive panhandling is when the panhandler makes loud or sometimes repeated demands, or they choose to solicit in places that are particularly intimidating, such as near ATM machines, in a restroom or near your car. It could also include: • Involving physical contact • Blocking path/entrance • Soliciting when a person is located in a sidewalk cafe • Following a person who said “no” to ask again • Using obscene/profane/ abusive language • Creating fear of bodily harm • Threatening criminal act upon property • Intimidating a person while under influence of alcohol or drugs • Soliciting in a group of two or more • Soliciting after sunset or before sunrise Not all panhandlers are homeless – many may make up stories to get money to use for drugs or alcohol; when you take out your wallet or purse, you’re more likely to be a victim of a crime.

The city has been focusing on reducing homeless-related criminal activities. The Concord Police Department has been working to increase outreach to the homeless and performing a number of homeless

The Way We Were

camp cleanups. This, along with the “Change 4 Real Change” program, has resulted in a 44 percent drop in Concord’s homeless count this year when compared to last year.

The common practice of giving money directly to the homeless is often counterproductive. When we give money directly to the homeless we are enabling them to stay on our

streets instead of encouraging them to seek the help that so many of them need. You can take action, both to stop crime and to make a real difference to help people in need. If you are confronted by an aggressive panhandler, you should call 911, but don’t give money to panhandlers: Politely say “no.”

Ron Leone, a Concord city councilman and former mayor, welcomes comments and questions. Call him at 925-680-1776 or ronaldleone@comcast.net.

Garbage service to ‘Give Back’ for the holidays

Scott P. Johnson has been chosen to fill the position of Concord’s Assistant City Manager. His first day on the job will be Monday, October 14. He fills the position left vacant when the City Council appointed his predecessor, Valerie Barone, to the City Manager position.

“We are very happy to welcome Scott to the City of Concord,” says Barone. “His experience in the financial arena will be incredibly valuable to the City as we continue our work to resolve our budget challenges over the next few years and plan for the development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station. In addition, his experiences in Oakland and San Jose and his ability to think strategically will be an asset as we move forward with addressing the council’s four areas of priority focus: long term fiscal stability and economic vitality, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and organizational health and employee success.”

Johnson comes to Concord from the City of Oakland, where he served as Assistant

For the third year in a row, Concord Disposal Service is strengthening its commitment to the environment and to the local community leading up to the holiday season with the “Give Back” program, encouraging the use of paperless billing.

From Oct. 14 through Nov. 22, Concord Disposal Service will donate $2 to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties for every customer that signs up for paperless billing. The program has resulted in past donations of close to $4,000 for the Food Bank.

“In preparation for the holiday season, our customers are looking for new ways to respect the Earth and our neighbors,” says Concord Disposal Service Chief Executive Officer Joseph Garaventa. “The ‘Give Back’ program is our way of saying thanks to every customer while also finding a collective way to help the community.”

Current customers can sign up to “Give Back” and get free paperless billing by calling 925-682-9113 or visiting concorddisposal.com.

This unique study of bears comes from following the same clan starting with “Shadow” in 1987. Dr. Rogers is responsible for Live Den Cams which film, in real-time, the bears giving birth in the dens. The Live Den Cams can be seen on their site at bear.org. I live-stream the den cams all winter to watch the births, growth and momma bears luring the cubs away from the den.

These are some bear facts Rogers has learned: When hibernating, bears they can reduce oxygen consumption and metabolic rate by half and

It should come as no surprise that Clayton has always been a fun place to live and grow up, especially around the holidays.

Here is a taste of that from the pioneering Frank family, from “Frank Family History,” compiled by Charmetta Mann .

According to Mann’s mother Wilmetta Frank Mann (19132011), “On Halloween the children were “thick” in town. Will Frank (1884-1969) and his son George (1912-2002) rigged up a pumpkin on a pulley attached to a post at the foot of school hill and when the kids came to steal “the Frank pumpkin,” Will and George gave the rope a yank and up the hill the pumpkin flew, scaring the daylights out of the children. One year it broke loose and rolled all the way down the hill, scattering the kids who screamed and “ran all the way home!”

Mary Spryer, Curator Clayton Museum

CONCORD CITY BEAT

Concord welcomes new Assistant City Manager C i t y Administrator and Finance Director for the last two years. His areas of responsibility included day-to-day operations, SCOTT P. strategic JOHNSON planning and organizational development, and policy support for the Mayor and City Council. Prior to his employment in Oakland, Johnson worked for the City of San Jose as Director of Finance from 2001 to 2011, managing a staff of 125 and a department budget of $15.3 million. He previously worked for the City of Milpitas, and for the City and County of Santa Clara. Johnson started his career in the private sector as an audit manager. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Accounting from California State University, Hayward.

Bears, from page 3

The Frank’s ‘haunted’ pumpkin

RON LEONE

breathe only once every 45 seconds.

Bears voluntarily eat and drink less when they come out of the den for the first two weeks.

The two-year reproductive cycle is genetically timed to fit the annual cycle of plant growth and fruiting of the region.

A mother will lick the cubs to stimulate defecation and eat the feces to recycle unabsorbed nutrients and keep the den clean.

How many cubs can black bears have? The record is six in Pennsylvania. Most litters are two or three. Black Bears can be black, brown and even blonde.

I photographed Black Socks in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.. She was named by Steve Searles, “The Bear Whisperer of Mammoth Lakes.” He has been featured on Animal Planet for his nonlethal approach to bear management. He helped formulate Yosemite National Park’s initial bear program and also invented the “Scat” kits that are now routinely used for bear aversion/conditioning. Learn more at bearwhisperer.com.

If you see a bear on the trail don’t run, be calm, keep the distance and get the camera out for some memorable photographs.

Sharon Anderson is a Clayton resident and lifelong hiker, mountain biker and skier with a passion for the Sierra Nevada.

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October 25, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Local leaders combat human trafficking DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer

She could be anyone.

The nanny waiting in the pick-up line at the local middle school; the woman doing your nails at the local salon; your child’s high school friend who shares notes in history; even the man quietly cleaning a room at your aunt’s nursing home.

Any of them can be victims of human trafficking – modern-day slaves.

According to a report prepared by the State Attorney General, human trafficking involves controlling a person through force, fraud or coercion, for labor or services. That labor can be anything from begging for money on the streets and prostitution, to working in a shop or salon, or in someone’s home as a nanny or gardener.

Victims can be anyone: men or women, old or young, accent-free or speaking barely understandable English.

“A lot of times, people think it’s happening somewhere else, and so they will raise money for someone from their church to fly to Thailand, do missionary work for girls over

there,” says Carlyn Obringer.

“But human trafficking happens here as well. It’s not just in Oakland or San Francisco. It’s happening here in Walnut Creek and Central County.”

RAISING AWARENESS LOCALLY On Oct. 30, the Soroptomists International of Diablo Vista club – of which Obringer is President Pro-Tem – will be hosting a panel discussion on human trafficking and slavery.

District Attorney Mark Peterson, along with Sister Caritas Foster and Cynthia Peterson of Community Violence Solutions, will speak on what modern day slavery actually looks like, and how to recognize the signs that something is terribly wrong.

In 2009, a prominent Walnut Creek realtor was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution to the woman she essentially held captive and forced to work 15-hour days as a nanny, without pay. It was only after the nanny confided in people at the children’s school that she was able to escape and authorities were contacted.

In another instance, Concord police arrested a man who’d been forcing women to

work as prostitutes when one escaped from a motel room where she’d been beaten and went to the police. The man was sentenced to more than five years in prison for abusing three separate women.

The crime of human trafficking – not the same thing as human smuggling, where people are transported illegally – is largely hidden in plain sight, and numbers are difficult to track.

Between 2010 and 2012, various task forces identified 1,277 victims, and arrested 1,798 individuals for crimes related to trafficking in California alone.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR Sister Caritas Foster is a member of a coalition of groups fostering awareness of human trafficking and how to combat it. “I think, as more cases are coming forward and more victims are being identified, we’re getting more of a handle on what’s really happening,” she said when asked how many people are estimated to be victims of the crime of trafficking. “But we really have no idea.”

Part of the solution is raising awareness so that others can step forward to lend a

Church News

Page 7

Center Street D eli & Cafe n e p O

hand. Foster listed signs to watch out for, including a child being dropped off at school by someone who’s always wearing the same clothes, who may look disheveled or never speak to others; or a worker in a nail salon who says they’re there seven days a week, from the time the store opens to closing and may not have a choice of whether to work long hours.

“We always say never to put themselves or another person at risk,” Foster says, pointing out that a conversation with a possible victim could be seen or overheard by their captor.

“But if there’s an opportunity to say, ‘are you free to move?’ and someone says ‘No, I’m paying off a debt,’ all those are indicators.”

Raising awareness through trainings like the one hosted by the Soroptomists is key, she says, to enabling members of the community to spot what doesn’t look right and take an active part helping their neighbors who may secretly be in need.

“That’s how people are rescued,” she says. “Ordinary people saying something is not right and reporting it.”

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National Hotline If you are concerned about a neighbor or a friend, help can be just a phone call away. Calls to a national hotline can be made anonymously, and reports are then routed to local law enforcement personnel who are trained in how to follow up. The hotline number is 1-888-373-7888.

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CLAYTON VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH This month, Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church welcomes a new interim pastor, Rev. Jack Shriver.

Rev, Shriver holds a bachelor’s degree from Whitworth University and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Shriver has served as pastor several Califor-

nia churches and served as pastor and head of staff at the Union Church of Manila, Philippines. He most recently served at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland.

ST. BONAVENTURE’S BOUTIQUE AND AUCTION

while bidding on items such as catered dinners, a weekend at a Lake Tahoe vacation home, time at a Utah vacation home near Bryce and Zion National Parks, themed gift baskets, a handmade quilt and handhooked rug as well as many holiday decorations. In addition, hundreds of handmade items and baked goods are on

St. Bonaventure Catholic Church is sponsoring the Second Annual Classy Crafter’s Boutique Sale and Silent Auction, Nov. 15 through 17, to benefit the St. Bonaventure Food Pantry.

Auction guests enjoy complimentary wine and appetizers

Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church is located at 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. cvpresby.org.

Buyers and Sellers – the time is right NEW LISTING GREAT VALUE!

REV. JACK SHRIVER

sale all three days.

The auction is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15. The boutique is from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17.

St. Bonaventure is located at 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. For more information, contact Linda at manzeck@sbcglobal.net.

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Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 25, 2013

Five tips for picking the best lender

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS Q. I want to buy a house soon. I am told by friends that I should get preapproved first. How do I pick a lender? Should I just go with the bank my accounts are with?

A. A referral from a friend who had a positive experience

with a lender or from a realtor is the best way. You might want to interview more than one. I suggest that you interview a mortgage broker and then compare what your bank can offer.

I asked my company’s preferred lender, JVM Lending owner Jay Voorhees, what you should look for in a lender. His response: 1. Willingness to educate: Mortgage financing is very complicated and buyers need to be educated about all options and the process overall. They should have an entire system of phone calls, memos and emails designed to educate the buyer in minute detail. They need to be willing to talk to borrowers any-

time and as much as necessary.

There should always be highly trained staff available to answer questions.

2. Reputation and integrity: Lenders need to prove they have performed in the past, not just tell you. Check their Yelp.com reviews and client testimonials.

Call the references.

3. Ability to get offers accepted: This is a hugely underappreciated criterion. Lenders need a very strong reputation in the marketplace so that sellers accept their pre-approval letters.

Lenders also need to be able to close very quickly, and to be willing to talk to listing agents to “sell” the strength of a buyer.

4. Expertise: The mortgage

industry is far more complicated than most people realize. Buyers need smart people in their camp to ensure their purchase transaction goes smoothly and without costly delays.

5. Rates and Fees: This is the last on the list for a reason. The lender should offer you exceptionally low rates, but that is not the criterion buyers should weigh most heavily. Rates change every day, sometimes several times. In addition, lenders can quote almost anything before a buyer is actually in contract. Buyers need to focus on the above four criteria to ensure their offers get accepted and closed without frustration or costly delays. The lender

Newer models, desktop computers are built for speed

WILL CLANEY

TECH TALK How fast is your computer?

I’ll bet if it is more than three years old, it’s not so fast, and is probably downright slow.

Believe it or not, computers are about how fast they can go and not so much about how much they cost. A few dollars buys blinding speed, tons of storage, and so much more, so how can you tell which is best?

Technology moves fast and older computers can’t run large apps at their best speed. If you can go make coffee and come back, and your computer is still starting up, you’re ready for a new one. Today’s computers are light years ahead of those made a few years ago.

Remember paying $2,500 or more for your first computer?

Today you should expect to pay about half that amount for a computer running two or three Now

times faster. Now fast computers are under $1,500. Here is what you need to know: First, practically any desktop or tower computer will outrun most laptops. If you want speed for AutoCAD, graphics, Adobe Illustrator, QuickBooks and other large programs, you’ll need speed, and a laptop or tablet is not the answer. To get speed you’ll need power, and that creates heat that needs to dissipate by a heat sink; otherwise parts burn up. Laptops are plastic; therefore, there is no way to dissipate a lot of heat.

Most conversations I have with computer buyers are about Windows 8. The response to my Win 8 recommendation usually brings, “I have a friend who doesn’t like it, so…” I can understand the reluctance because Windows 8 really didn’t get off to a great start, but that’s in the past. Now the narrative should be about Windows 8.1 and how Microsoft addressed the issues. In short, buy Windows 8, or 8.1 now in release and toss out your fears.

Then, there is storage. Storage resides on a mechanical device called the hard drive.

Hard drives have evolved from a bunch of spinning platters to all-electric. Hard drives are being replaced by solid state drives, or SSDs. There are two types of SSDs – stand-alones and hybrids. Get the stand-alone if you can; they work better than hybrids.

Lastly, ask about the motherboard. Yes, get the sales person to tell you about the motherboard. If they can’t or won’t give you details, walk out.

Your motherboard should support “fast boot” from Microsoft, and fourth-generation CPUs. You don’t have speed without fast boot and fourth-generation support.

Good buzz words to see if your rep is real or just a clerk.

For more info contact a local computer expert, not your naysaying friend.

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.

Q. What are buyers currently wanting in their homes these days?

A. The home gym is coming back in style. Of course they are great for avoiding driving to a club and paying membership dues. But there is another motivation behind converting extra space into a home fitness center: They have become a gathering place for family members to enjoy healthy activity together.

Some people are going all

out, influenced by upscale hotels with gyms. They are including areas for equipment, separate yoga and boxing areas, as well as creating a place for a sauna, massage and a shower. They also have plenty of wall mirrors and flat screen TVs wall-mounted in several locations.

These can run a range of prices. There are websites to help you design the gym that works for your family.

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.

Your body is your toughest task-master ILIMA HEUERMAN

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Our bodies are very similar to our parents, teachers, bosses and coaches. They demand we make responsible choices and work hard to be successful.

They expect us to wake up on time, show up when we’re suppose to and hand things in when they’re due. Our bodies expect us to eat balanced meals containing complex carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fat, and goodies every now and then. They also thrive on smaller meals throughout the day, the proper amount of calories for our body size and activity, and all the little things such as not eating at all hours of the night, not skipping meals and not loading our bodies with non-nutritious meals.

There are always consequences to your actions. Your mom yells at you when you don’t wake up on time. Your boss threatens to fire you if you

don’t hand in the next assignment on time. Your body does the same thing through extra weight, decreased energy and low self-esteem – all results of irresponsible choices in our nutrition habits.

We are successful in so many other areas of our life – career, parenting, education, relationships and hobbies, but when it comes to eating healthy we are about as successful as that twelfth grader who did whatever they wanted in high school – you know, the one who realized way too late you can’t have instant gratification all your life if you want to be successful.

How many times have you tried a fad diet or insisted you were going to eat healthy for a few weeks in hopes of changing all of your bad habits over the years?

It doesn’t work that way in life and it doesn’t work that way with our bodies if we want to be successful. Why don’t we go to the casinos more, sleep in until noon, not do laundry, stay up late at night… because there are consequences. Why do we eat

2,000 calories in one sitting, skip breakfast, eat junk food all day long and neglect the nutrients our bodies crave?

Demand more of yourself when it comes to nutrition. Our parents, teachers, bosses and coaches demand more and hold us accountable. Do the same for yourself. Be tolerant and understanding of your imperfections, but don’t justify and forgive yourself every chance you get.

If you eat chocolate every day, set a goal to eat it only six times a week. Slowly work your way down to a more manageable means. Along the way, set up systems to help you achieve your goal. For example, the day you don’t eat chocolate, you’re probably going to have cravings.

When you do, find something that helps you overcome those cravings. Maybe drink a fruit smoothie to combat the sugar craving or sit down and write out all the reasons why you want to stop eating chocolate. Find a Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fitness certifications. She trains at Levity Fitness studio in Clayton. Email Ilima at IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com

What’s for lunch? Help your toddler learn to eat

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their mouths. There is a lot to learn. Having clear information can help parents hold appropriate expectations regarding their toddler and eating. Appropriate expectations can also lead to happier mealtimes.

Many parents report that, at about two years of age, their children become “picky” eaters.

They are beginning to become more independent and they like to make their own choices. Most toddlers only eat between one and two “meals” per day and those are typically breakfast and lunch. Dinner is the meal that is most often not eaten by toddlers.

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When you are introducing a new food put several types of food on your child’s plate and make at least one of them a food that your child usually prefers. Even if they don’t eat it, they are getting used to the sight and smell of new foods.

TIPS FOR LEARNING TO EAT Try to be patient. Learning to eat is a very messy process!

When “planning” for messes you can put a sheet or paint cloth under your child’s chair or try having your child eat outside and then wipe them off afterward. Practicing eating in the bathtub makes it easy to rinse off when you’re done.

Practicing scooping and pouring in different textures such as dirt and sand helps your child learn these skills. When your child is in the bathtub have them practice pouring water using differently sized containers. This teaches them about size relationships as well as accuracy in pouring.

When children use their fingers to feel the textures of foods, they learn about the different properties of those foods (smooth, lumpy, chewy, crunchy, etc.) and can then prepare to manage them in their mouth.

To encourage children to interact with a variety of textures, try drawing in pudding or

syrup in the sink then rinse it away, or use warm, thick oatmeal and squeeze and shape it.

Be creative.

Eat together. Children learn many things when their caregivers sit at the table and eat with them. In addition to nutrition, children watch adults model the mechanics of eating.

Meal time sets the stage for future family habits of eating together, discussing the events of the day, modeling table manners, and passing on cultural and social expectations through language and conversation.

RED FLAGS If you notice some behaviors such as poor weight gain, ongoing choking, gagging or vomiting, avoidance of all foods in a certain texture group (smooth, lumpy, crunchy) or only eating two or three foods for long periods of time (food “jags”), or if your child is not weaned off of baby food by 16 months, you may want to consult your pediatrician.

For more information about nutritional needs and amounts as well as many “kid-friendly” recipes, visit wholesometoddlerfood.com.

Darcie Azzolini is Director of Developmental Services at We Care Services in Concord.

October 25, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 9

Young artist doesn’t let autism slow him down IVAR LAANEN Northgate Student Reporter

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “passion rebuilds the world for the youth. It makes things significant and alive.” One youth, Northgate senior Byron James, has wasted no time in finding a passion which requires all his creativity while setting him a step ahead on the career path: art.

How big is his passion? The length of a football field. Literally. James has created a drawing of a fictional, complex and detailed freeway system out of 645 index cards taped together, which now

New Girl Scout Troop for Clayton Clayton Jr. Troop 32700 is currently gathering names of interested fourth and fifth grade girls to join the newly forming troop.

Troop 32700 is open to all and the meetings are tentatively scheduled to meet at Mt. Diablo Elementary School.

For more information on the Girl Scouts or to register as a leader, go to girlscoutsnorcal.org. For more information on Troop 32700, email ClaytonGS32700@yahoo.com.

spans more than 100 yards. The theme of the freeway is “Lion King” An activity Byron has enjoyed his entire life has now become perhaps a vital tool as the end of high school nears and the next step in life appears. While most Northgate students are still seeking a profession they’d like to pursue, Byron is set on the future he wants.

“It’s as if I was born with a pencil in my hand, I can’t remember not drawing,” he says.

Many of his drawings includes trains, buses and all forms of public transit. He com-

bines well-known animals featured in popular children’s films and incorporates them within the world’s most beloved cities.

Drawn in fine detail, they mimic architectural blueprints met with imagination.

“There are many jobs I can go for,” Byron says. “I could be a cartoonist or an architect, but the dream job I have is to be a subway operator in New York or a BART operator here in California. I love public transportation.”

James says that he has high functioning autism, a form of Asperger syndrome, which creates disorders in social interac-

TEEN READS I’m pretty sure that every teenage girl in the United States knows who Sarah Dessen is and is familiar with her work. In case you don’t know, Sarah Dessen is a widely renowned author who writes novels about many different topics such as young love, heartbreak and forgiveness.

“Lock and Key,” “This Lullaby” and “The Truth About Forever” are just a few of her bestselling books, but my all-time favorite is “Keeping the Moon.”

In “Keeping the Moon” (Speak; May, 2004), Nicole Sparks (nicknamed Colie) is just an average teenage girl who was expecting the worst summer of her life

Byron James displays his artwork.

project is truly unique and his willingness to show his work is special. It’s a testament to the character of Byron.”

Byron hasn’t figured out what he will do with his personal masterpiece, but he says he wants to keep expanding the index card drawing in the mean time.

“I might sell it to a museum or store it for generations to come,” he says.

Northgate will have to wait and see what he will do with it, but like the architecture Byron glorifies, consider this to be a bridge to his future.

Good citizenship doesn’t end when the bell rings DAVID LINZEY VOYAGE OF THE EAGLE At Clayton Valley Charter High School our motto is to develop “first-class citizens with a world-class education.” This is a noteworthy task and one that depends on robust and rigorous academic preparation but also a dynamic character education program. It is important to note that these two goals are equally important.

Producing quality individuals with a strong sense of civic responsibility has been at the forefront of our work to transform this institution since day one. While we are firing on all cylinders during the school day, what happens when students go home? We can put hours of time and energy into a fabulous Challenge Day program here from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. but that

since she wasn’t going to be spending it with her single mother, Kiki, who is traveling the world supporting her famous “FlyKiki” fitness program. Instead on going with her mother, Colie was sent to Colby to spend the summer with her aunt Mira –who does nothing but stays in her hoarded house and watches wrestling.

Colie didn’t have any friends back in her hometown so she wasn’t expecting to make any in Colby. But while working at The Last Chance Cafe in Colby, Colie meets Morgan and Isabel (two best friends who share their own house). Together the three get to know each other.

Not only do Isabel and Morgan show Colie a new perspective on life, they also help her discover the “real” Colie and help her see herself in an all new way.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it showed me how powerful friendship can be and how something good can come out of any situation.

Emily York is a freshman at CVCHS.

hard work can quickly be erased if the student is exposed to poor examples of character once they leave the grounds of CVCHS. In many communities across America this mixed message phenomenon is often what prevents character education from truly taking root. However, in the Clayton Valley community,

See Citizenship, page 12

“ Let Us Light Up Your Life”

How old is too old for trick-or-treating?

‘Keeping the Moon’ is an out-of-this-world story

EMILY YORK

tion and non-verbal communication.

“That doesn’t get in the way for me,” Byron says. “I think it gives me a unique talent.”

Byron pours life into his art, and instead of spending time on useless video games, he dedicates it to his spectacular displays of his imagination. Many students around the school have seen his drawings, and the teachers around Northgate have noticed his creativity.

“There is a lesson to be learned from Byron’s piece,” says art teacher David Hevel. “His persistence and dedication to one

CARLIE BEESON

PINE HOLLOW REPORTER Halloween is a time of year for people to dress up, trick-ortreat, party and celebrate the dead. Tweens do various activities for Halloween. Most dress up in costumes and go trick-ortreating with their friends, go to parties, and carve pumpkins.

Many ‘Tweens still dress up and go trick-or-treating, but some people might have other opinions.

Some people say that 13 is too old to dress up and go trickor-treating, but I think that once you are a freshman in high school, you should stop going trick-or-treating. At that age most kids still dress up, but don’t trick-or-treat.

Kelsey Turner, a Pine Hollow student, says “I still go trick or treating but for girls, the most popular Halloween costumes

are short and don’t cover much skin. Most girls won’t dress up as anything scary or gory. On Halloween, most tweens go trick-or-treating with their friends or stay home and watch scary movies. As for dressing up and trick-or-treating, I think that you are never too old.”

Leke Fashola, a seventh grader at Pine Hollow, says “the most popular costumes for boys are vampires, zombies, and werewolves. I believe that once you are the age of 14, you are too old to go trick-or-treating and to dress up. During Halloween, we go over to each other’s houses, have fun, and go trick-or-treating together.”

Each year as you get older, Halloween is a little different.

The costumes change, you do different things with your friends and eventually stop trick-or-treating altogether. But having fun with our friends and being safe is the most important thing to us. So if you see some taller “kids” at your door, don’t be scared, just remember it may be their last chance to have you give them candy.

Carlie Beeson is an 8th grader at Pine Hollow Middle School. She enjoys reading, playing soccer, and singing. Questions or comments?

Email her at carlie@claytonpioneer.com

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CVCHS bands find out it pays to play The music is still in the air after the second annual Clayton Valley Charter High School Music-a-Thon, in which instrumental students from the school paraded through Clayton in an effort to earn money for their program.

The generous residents of Clayton came out in force to hear the students play and ordered lots of lawn concerts.

The Clayton Police department escorted the band throughout the entire event, keeping the students safe.

Many residents at Diamond Terrace came out to hear the band as well.

Ed of Ed’s Mudville Grill

CVCHS MUSIC STUDENTS TAKE TO THE STREETS to raise money for music, instruments and travel costs.

invited the entire band to play through his restaurant to end the event. It was a great sight to see more than 120 students and

chaperones snake through Ed’s and out to cross the street and end at the park gazebo.

Students sought “pledges”

from family and friends to march the three-and-a-half mile route. The count is still out on the amount raised for the event since students are still turning in their pledge forms, but it is estimated to be more than a couple thousand dollars.

The money will be used to purchase new sheet music for all of the ensembles, repair instruments and to purchase greatly needed new instruments. The students’ pledge money is also for them to use on their music fees, concert dresses or trips.

For instance, the music department is going to Hawaii this spring to participate in the Pacific Basin Music Festival.

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October 25, 2013

Sports Eagle-eyed CV senior earns marksmanship honor JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Quincy Winship might just be a modern day Annie Oakley.

The Clayton Valley Charter High School senior earned the Triple Distinguished Expert Award from the National Rifle Association of America this month, only the 122nd person in the United States to be so honored.

In order to achieve this highest rating in the NRA’s Marksmanship Qualification Program, Winship had to channel the skills Oakley demonstrated a century ago while becoming America’s first female superstar.

The 18-year-old Clayton resident had to qualify as a distinguished expert in all three firearm disciplines — rifle, pistol and shotgun — to get the designation. She began four years ago with the rifle and then the pistol. She took up the shotgun for trap and skeet shooting about a year ago, according to her mom April, and that’s when the people at Diablo Marksman saw her as “a natural.”

The Winship family belongs to the Diablo Rod and Gun Club and Quincy is their first member to achieve this level of expertise from the NRA. Quincy receives instruction from Diablo Marksman coaches Rudy Millan and Tim Sickler.

At Clayton Valley Charter she is a member of the Public Service Academy and competes on the CVCHS water polo and lacrosse teams. She’s also on the

Photo courtesy Winship family

QUINCY WINSHIP EARNED THE TRIPLE DISTINGUISHED EXPERT AWARD from the National Rifle Association of America this month for her prowess with the pistol, rifle and shotgun while representing the Diablo Rod and Gun Club of Concord. The Clayton Valley Charter High School senior is hoping to continue her marksmanship for a college team next fall.

CVCHS Trap team when scheduling conflicts with lacrosse allow. Winship is a scholar athlete and member of the California Scholastic Federation.

Outside of school she is involved in the Civil Air Patrol, a

United States Air Force Auxiliary youth program where she has earned the rank of chief master sergeant. The senior plans to attend college that has an Air Force ROTC Program and is hoping to earn a clay tar-

get scholarship and pursue her love of the sport in college, although there are few such colleges this side of the Rockies.

Last summer Quincy competed with the Diablo Marksman skeet team in the US Open

Youth Clay Shooting Championships in Las Vegas and earned third place in individual skeet and second in the team skeet division with teammates from Las Lomas and Alhambra high schools.

Her dad Bruce retired early and the family spent 10 years on a 33-foot sailboat Chewbacca in Central and South America.

While in Panama the US Navy SEAL’s used a nearby military base to conduct jungle warfare training. They took 10-year-old Quincy under their wing, teaching her survival skills and also teaching her how to safely operate and shoot a variety of firearms. Her mother April says, “The Navy SEAL’s professionalism, high moral character and esprit de corps left a lasting impression on her.”

Older sister Kendall and Quincy were home schooled while the family was on the sailboat but both wanted to attend high school in the United States.

So four years ago the family sold the sailboat in Panama and returned to the Clayton home they had rented out for 10 years.

Kendall began as a sophomore at Clayton Valley and Quincy as an eighth grader at Diablo View.

Kendall is now at University of Nevada Reno.

When the family returned to the United States, they joined the Diablo Rod and Gun Club in Concord where Quincy became involved in their Youth “Musketeer” program. April Winship says skeet and trap shooting is “cool since it’s something we can do as a family.”

Bruce Winship just completed earning his NRA Triple Distinguished Expert Award (five people after his daughter) while April and Kendall are both double experts.

Diablo FC Academy team part of new US Soccer program Local competitive soccer club Diablo FC was selected this year to join the new United States Soccer Development Academy program run by US Soccer. Coach Cody Worden’s team is now in the midst of the inaugural season for under 13/14 boys that runs through next June.

Diablo FC Academy is one of 12 Development Academy teams in Northern California and the only one in Contra Costa County. The 19-player roster includes players from Clayton, Concord and 11 other county cities.

The U13/14 Academy program is an extension of the USSDA Academy for U16 and U18 teams that began a few years ago as United States Soccer attempts to develop players for the highest levels of play.

Full-time players in the USSDA Academy do not take part in any other sports or soccer programs including high school teams.

The Diablo FC team generally trains four times a week (including futsal during parts of the year) and plays a single game on the weekend and never more than one game per day.

Diablo FC Academy is 4-2-1 in fall league. They play in the Northwest Division of the USSDA West Conference with Ballistic United (Pleasanton), Cal Odyssey (Clovis), De Anza Force (Saratoga), Juventus SC (Redwood City), Marin FC, Merced Atlas, Placer United (Rocklin), San Jose Earthquakes, San Juan Soccer Club (Sacramento), San Mateo County Star FC and Santa Cruz Breakers Academy. The fall schedule will conclude Nov. 16-17 against San Diego Surf and Los Angeles Galaxy Academy at the StubHub Center in Carson.

Birthdays of the Diablo FC players range from March 1999

See Soccer, page 12

Dig Pink, from page 1 Dig Pink was started as a volleyball-specific fundraiser but Side-Out has expanded it to include volleyball and other events at 500 colleges and 1,500 high school and middle schools this year with a goal of raising $2 million. Side-Out awards grants to medical research organizations and entities dedicated to providing compassionate support to breast cancer patients and their families.

In tune with this month’s theme, CVCHS players were all outfitted in pink uniform shirts while meet announcer Brandon Enriquez was

resplendent in pink tie and vest. There was unprecedented student support leading up to the match and in the stands at Dan Della Gym. Each CVCHS coach and player dedicated their participation to a person close to them – living or dead – touched by cancer. The list on honorees included moms, dads, aunts and uncles, cousins, grandmas and grandpas, great-grandmas, grandpas and aunts, teachers and friends. Hobson recognized his wife Lisa’s sister, Barbara Barbieri Lowell.

Event coordinator Rosa

Photo courtesy Diablo FC

DIABLO FC IS ONE OF 12 PREMIER YOUTH SOCCER CLUBS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA that is part of the US Soccer Development Academy program. The U13/14 team coached by Cody Worden is taking part in the brand program run by US Soccer. The Diablo FC Academy team includes, front row from left, Tyler Hanson, Mitchell Bryson, Enrique Guzman, Jose Ramirez, Carlos Armendariz, Cameron Cilley, James Person, Pedro Hernandez; back row, Ross Gruen, Eduardo Garcia, Alex Berumen, Tim van der Waart van Gulik, Kluivert Akubuo-Onwuemeka, Ian Moore Nicolas, Kellen Dresdow, Jason Stockwell, Jacob Bauer and Bayron Oliveros.

Not pictured, David Rosas and Casey Wortham.

Sanchez-Yokoyama published a 20-page program for the game and her committee got donated raffle prizes and sponsors from the community to help in the fund-raising effort.

THE FINAL SCORE As for the game, Clayton Valley won 25-16, 24-26, 2426, 25-21, 15-12 to improve its Diablo Valley Athletic League record to 6-3 and overall to 139. With the College Park bus late getting to Clayton Valley, a lengthy break due to the injury and the contest going five sets, the match lasted until 10 p.m.

Kayla Taylor had 20 kills and six aces, Hailey Pascoe had 19 kills, three blocks and five digs

while Jessica Stratton added 16 digs and Ariana Bermudez seven aces.

SENIOR NIGHT CVCHS volleyball Senior Night is this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. against Northgate. The DVAL league schedule concludes next week and then the team enters the DVAL tournament Nov. 5 and 7 at Ygnacio Valley High as the Eagles hope to make it to the North Coast Section playoffs.

“I am tremendously proud to have been able to be a part of the night,” a pink-haired Hobson said at the end of the evening. “The girls, and all of us really, are learning a life lesson in giving.”

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.

October 25, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Sports De Long named DVAL golf MVP once again — this time it’s Rachel JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

It may be old hat to some but “De Long” is once again etched on the Diablo Valley Athletic League girls golf Most Valuable Player award. This fall the first name is Rachel, who has followed older sister McKenna as winner of MVP laurels. McKenna De Long was MVP the past two seasons for Clayton Valley Charter High School.

The award came with a tinge of disappointment as the Eagles weren’t able to win the team championship for the third straight year. They surrendered the title to Concord High, which finished 10 strokes under CVCHS at the DVAL Championships last week at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek.

De Long and Concord golfer Erica Berg shared medalist honors at the league championships as each shot 86. De Long won the MVP award based on season-league DVAL results.

Behind De Long CVCHS’ line-up at DVAL included Rebecca Walsh (103), Danniele Biala (107) and Fatima Opeyany and Annie Park, who both shot 117. The best four scores per team are used. The Eagles finished with 413 strokes.

Northgate was third at the

league meet shooting 448. Alex Baker led the Broncos and was tied for third overall with a 93

while Cara Van Uden, Kylie Tamura, Sophia Hecht and Jennifer Lee completed the 448

Photo courtesy Clayton Valley Charter High School

JUNIOR RACHEL DE LONG (left) is presented the Diablo Valley Athletic League most valuable player award by her Clayton Valley Charter High School coach Jennifer Moore (center) and league commissioner Craig Lee after the recent DVAL Golf Championships at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek.

team score.

Berg headed the first team all-DVAL squad repeating her all-league position from two years ago. Milena Kren and Hannah Welker of Concord, Eagles Walsh, Baker and Hailee Espinoza rounded out the team.

Van Uden, Biala, Park and Opeyany were second-team allDVAL. McKenna De Long was the 2011 and 2012 DVAL MVP while younger sister Rachel was first-team all-league as they led the Eagles to back-to-back championships.

Clayton Valley won the last three weekly league meets this fall after Concord won the first two. The DVAL Championships counted as two meets and thus the Minutemen’s 10-stroke victory gave them the final edge.

CVCHS played in the North Coast Section qualifier on Monday for a shot at the North Coast Section Tournament of Champions. The top 12 teams and top eight individuals (not from the 12 teams) at the NCS qualifier earn spots in the TOC next Monday at Peacock Gap in San Rafael.

Already qualified for TOC is East Bay Athletic League champion Carondelet, which includes Clayton’s Lauren Ipsen, who tied for eighth at the EBAL Championship at Los Positas in Livermore.

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Postseason a bitter pill for A’s fans to swallow

TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK The A’s season has come to an end, halted short by the Detroit Tigers in the American League Divisional Series. This series was a battle from start to finish, going the distance with five games and a final matchup between superstar pitcher Justin Verlander and up-and-coming pitcher Sonny Gray. The A’s played well in the game, but Verlander’s fastball was simply to dominant, and the A’s lost the

series three games to two. It was a successful regular season for the A’s, but the overall season should be considered somewhat of a failure.

For the first time in a while, the A’s were not only earning local attention for their team, but also national attention. They were being considered a World Series favorite; that is how much they were feared and respected by the rest of the league. Where their journey stopped this season was much too soon, though, not even making it past the divisional series. The Tigers are a great team, no doubt about it, but what is frustrating is that the A’s are even better. They could have beaten the Tigers; they have the talent to do so, and Game Four was where the A’s needed to buckle down and close out the series.

With a two-games-to-one lead in the divisional series over the Tigers, it seemed that the A’s,

as well as their manager Bob Melvin, took their foot off the gas knowing that they had a two-game cushion. In baseball, you never give teams extra chances, one extra swing of the bat; one extra pitch can be all it takes to make the outcome of a game completely different.

The A’s continuously gave the Tigers second chances in Game Four of the ALDS. Starting pitcher Dan Straily for the A’s was pitching an absolute gem until he allowed a three-run bomb to Jhonny Peralta. This tied the game up at 3-3. After this for the next few innings the game was in a stalemate until the A’s normally reliable bullpen unraveled in the late innings of the game, giving the Tigers a four-run advantage. This lead ultimately proved too much for the A’s to overcome, and then in Game Five they were not able to win either.

The Oakland A’s have a

great team, and, to some, this season could be considered a success. When looking at the A’s franchise as a whole, they don’t have the time to not be advancing into the playoffs further, to be competing for a World Series.

With the low budget that the A’s have, many of their young superstars will want bigger contracts soon, which they simply can’t afford. Unlike most teams, the A’s only have a small window of opportunity to take advantage of the players they have, and with as much talent as the A’s had this year, there was no reason they should not have at least gotten to the World Series.

Tyler Lehman is a sophomore at Diablo Valley College and a 2012 CVHS graduate. He plans to major in journalism and wants to be a sports writer. Email your comments or questions to Tyler@claytonpioneer.com.

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Clayton Valley off to fast start in DVAL football Senior Zach Dominguez (4) has been a key two-way player this season for Clayton Valley Charter High School as a running back and defensive back.

The Eagles have won their last six games by a combined 291 points while facing running clocks in the second half. These results include Diablo Valley Athletic League victories over College Park and Ygnacio Valley. Things should be much more competitive in their final two DVAL games against contenders Concord and Northgate next month as the team seeks to repeat as North Coast Section Division 2 champions.

Jason Rogers photo

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 25, 2013

Sports Clayton Valley cross country team beat nemesis College Park Although Clayton Valley has had some excellent cross country runners and teams in recent years it’s been a task for the Eagles boys or girls to defeat College Park in league dual meets, which made a recent

sweep of the Falcons an especially satisfying day for new coach Anthony Munch.

“Clayton Valley Charter High experienced a pretty special day two weeks ago, beating two excellent College Park varsi-

ty cross country teams for the first time in many years in league competition. The boys race was the closest contest I have seen or been part of in 19 years of running,” Munch said.

The CV boys tied in scoring

Photo by Helga Wardle courtesy Clayton Valley Charter High School

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER CROSS COUNTRY has always enjoyed participating in the fund-raising United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation 5K run at Newhall Park each fall. This year the team’s costume theme was Zombies (coach Anthony Munch says there are lots of Walking Dead fans at the school). Among the runners for CVCHS were, from left, Blake Crahan, Claire Olson, Lauren Wardle, Lynette Cox, Sarah Carrico and Jonathan Gibby.

Sports Shorts 5TH ANNUAL MDSA WORLD CUP

28-28 with College Park but won the tiebreaker 11-15. On the girls side the Eagles edged the Falcons 25-30. CVCHS girls were 4-0 in DVAL after beating Berean Christian and Ygnacio Valley last week. The boys lost their first meet 23-32 to Ygnacio Valley last week to fall to 3-1 in league.

This Wednesday the final league matchups were held with Clayton Valley running against Northgate and Mt. Diablo. The DVAL championships are slated for Saturday, Nov. 2, at Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek hosted by Northgate.

Senior Danny Condon has posted the best overall time both weeks for Clayton Valley with Sayed Opeyany second for the Eagles and Quinton McLane third. Northgate boys are 3-2 with Isaac Schick the top Broncos runner both weeks. Laurence Seabrook has been top six each time.

On the girls side senior Kyra Ortiz was the top Eagles finisher the first week and freshman Natalie Ruzicka took top honors the second week. Lindsay Mondbloch has been solid both weeks for CV. Northgate girls have won all five dual meets with Catilyn Mundrane, Megan Coyle, Jessica Boucher, Aino Tanaka and Kelsey Blough have been in the top seven both weeks.

Costume Contest which brings out some very creative and scary looks.

For more information and the schedule visit diablofc.org.

2 CLAYTON VALLEY BASEBALL PLAYERS

CONCLUDES NEXT WEEKEND

MAKING COLLEGE PLANS

Nearly five dozen teams are taking part in the fifth annual MDSA World Cup in Concord and Clayton to conclude the fall recreation soccer season for the local AYSO Region 223. Under 10 through U14 MDSA girls and boys teams finish bracket play this Saturday, Oct. 26, followed by elimination rounds Nov. 2 and the championship finals Nov. 3.

For complete World Cup schedule and more information visit mdsoccer.org.

Two senior stalwarts for coach Casey Coakley’s Clayton Valley Charter High School baseball team have verbally committed to college programs for fall 2014. Grant Meylan, a first team all-DVAL outfielder and pitcher, has committed to Santa Clara while first baseman/pitcher Garrett Nelson, a two-time all-league selection, plans on going to Long Beach State. The duo played a big role in the Eagles 2013 DVAL championship (the school’s fourth in five seasons) and a NCS semi-final berth. High school baseball players can sign a national letter of intent from Nov. 13-20 or starting next April 16.

HALLOWEEN KICK OR TREAT CLASSIC THIS WEEKEND A large field of 70 teams will be playing this weekend in the 15th annual Halloween Kick or Treat Classic hosted by Diablo FC in Concord. Boys and girls under 9, 10 and 11 teams will be playing soccer for two days and also participating in the annual Halloween

Pierce, from page 1 Politics was the last thing this custom dressmaker wanted, but it has paid off well for Pierce, the city of Clayton and now the entire Bay Area, as she will take over the presidency of the prestigious Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) in January.

With representative from all the local and regional governing bodies of the nine Bay Area counties, ABAG is a regional voice for planning, housing and economic growth.

“It’s a great honor, and very exciting,” Pierce says. “Plus, it’s great for Contra Costa County that we are getting more voices on regional organizations like ABAG.” Currently its vice president, Pierce says that she will continue to focus on Plan Bay Area, the ABAG-driven initiative that is helping determine growth patterns in the Bay Area.

PUBLIC TRANSIT HUBS “We are seeing that more young people want smaller houses, closer to work, transportation and shopping,” she

says. “Plus, with the aging of the Baby Boomers, who want to downsize, we’re not going to see the big suburban sprawl of the last 20 years or so. There won’t be as much a demand for singlefamily homes in the suburbs.”

She says that developments like The Mercer in Walnut Creek and mixed-use developments at the Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek BART stations are just the sort of projects she expects to see more of in the coming decades.

“Our demographic projections show a huge shift in the make-up of who lives in the suburbs,” she says. “There is a ‘silver tsunami’ of Baby Boomers who want to be free of the constraints of big homes, and who want more flexibility to travel. Add that with a young workforce who doesn’t need or want a car, and these projects make a lot of sense.”

She also wants to focus on helping bridge wage gaps of workers, offering more vocational and specialized education to those without four-year college degrees.

FALL YOUTH, ADULT PROGRAMS COMING TO CLAYTON GYM A variety of programs at Clayton Community Gym are taking signups now through All Out Sports League. Winter youth basket-

“I’d like to see more partnerships with big corporations coming into schools and colleges and helping train this next generation of workers. If we do it on a regional level, we’ll have a lot more success.”

‘STRONG AND EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP’ With her quiet enthusiasm, Pierce seems like a logical choice to bring disparate sides to agreement, something her friends and political colleagues recognize.

“I cannot think of another candidate to be ABAG president who could exhibit as much leadership that Julie offers,” says former Clayton Mayor Bob Hoyer, who served with Pierce on the Clayton City Council. “ That organization needs strong and effective leadership that Julie can provide.”

He says that “Clayton and Contra Costa County can be proud to provide such an intelligent and dedicated citizen. Over the years she has worked tirelessly for our city. She is known as a leader by the Contra Costa County Mayors conference and was elected chair of that group several years ago. Julie always does her ‘homework’ by study-

ing the issues and convincing others of the right ones to put into action.”

That’s a sentiment shared by Contra Costa Supervisor Karen Michoff. “Julie is a skilled listener and an excellent communicator,” she says. “She has the leadership, knowledge base and organizational skills to lead ABAG for the next two years.”

Pierce joins friend and Orinda City Council member Amy Worth – who is president of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission – as another Contra Costa leader heading up a major regional body.

“I don’t want to interfere with local cities, but rather, enhance their ability to get things done, by working together on common goals.”

In the past ABAG has been criticized by focusing more of its resources on San Francisco and other large cities in the area, but lately there has been more of a focus to outlying suburban areas, since that’s where most of the growth occurs.

“I am thrilled to be part of this planning process,” Pierce says. “It’s all about quality of life, and how we want our region to be for our kids and grandchildren.”

Soccer, from page 10

Photo courtesy Diablo FC

COACH MIGUEL GONZALEZ’S UNDER 11 DIABLO FC 02 GIRLS will be playing in the Halloween Kick or Treat Classic this weekend in Concord. For the past two years the team has made it to the championship game but fell short of winning a title so this is their last chance for taking first place. Diablo FC 02 has also been runner-up at the Pleasanton Rage and Santa Cruz Breakers tournaments this year. The team includes, front row from left, Vanessa Hawley, Alexis Canas, Lauren Utne, Alexa Avelar, Clarissa Granados; back row, Evelyn Martinez, Lucy Goller, Ryan McNevin, coach Gonzalez, Olivia Kreamer, Haley Fanner, Rylie Velez and Jenny Linderman.

through April 2001, spanning more than two years. Older boys age out of the program each season.

All Academy teams play a standardized 4-3-3 formation and the style of play is consistent (build from the back, possession-based attack) so that players progressing up the ladder and joining national teams will have trained in the same style of play. Games are played with international substitution rules (five substitutions per game with no re-entry) and full-

time players must average 25% starts. Halves are 40 minutes.

US Soccer sends representatives to training and games to access the players and clubs.

In addition to the league games, Diablo FC Academy will participate in two or three showcase tournaments per year, including a regional event at the end of the fall season, a national event at the end of spring season and one optional Academyapproved tournament. The team played in the prestigious Surf Cup last July in San Diego.

ball league Dec. 28-Feb. 15 is now taking signups for players 4-16.

Youth hip hop and jazz classes are every Monday for 5-16 year-olds.

Zumba classes are Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m. Blaze AAU basketball (Dec. 21) and girls club volleyball tryouts (Nov. 9) are coming up. Registration for 2014 spring basketball academy and t-ball is open. And there will be an adult coed softball tournament Nov. 3.

For complete information, visit alloutsportsleague.com.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES SOCCER ACADEMY RETURNS IN JANUARY San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer and Diablo FC are holding the 13th annual Winter Soccer Academy on Mondays and Thursdays under the lights at Willow Pass Park in Concord. Girls and boys 5-10 years of age and all skill levels are eligible for the Academy, which brings professional coaching experience headed by St. Mary’s College men’s head coach Adam Cooper and Brazilian World Cup and Olympic player Tafa.

For more information visit the Earthquakes Youth Alliance Partner’s website at diablofc.org.

Citizenship, from page 9 this is not the case. The role models here are abundant and they show love and support for our school and our students.

Here is a great example from our Girls Golf Coach, Ms. Jennifer Moore: “I want to share with you a very awesome act of generosity that happened at Oakhurst yesterday. I was working with two of my girls at the top range showing them how to chip and hit out of the sand. A club member approached us and asked my player if the shoes she was wearing were golf shoes.

She innocently replied, “No.” At first I thought ‘Oh no, we must be out of compliance with some new rule.’ The gentleman smiled and handed Katie a gift card for the pro shop. He said, “Here let me give you this gift card. There’s about $90 on it.

You can get a pair of golf shoes.” Katie and I were blown away by this man’s generosity.

He then asked my other player if she had golf shoes. Her reply was also no and to that he gave me his member number and

said it was okay to get Annie a pair of shoes also! We all thanked him and I introduced myself and shook his hand. I asked if he had kids at CVCHS. He told me he has two kids, but they are in college in Oregon. I feel so honored to be a part of this community and this school!

This generous offering made a huge impact on my two players, one they will probably never forget.”

I want to take a moment to express my sincerest appreciation for this community. It is heartwarming to see what shining examples of character and citizenship our students have to look up to. CVCHS is so lucky to have amazing parent volunteers, business and community partnerships and political support – it feel like a wonderful family. Let’s keep paying it forward and making this the greatest community in America to raise a “first-class citizen.”

David Linzey is executive director of CVCHS. Contact him David.linzey@claytonvalley.org

October 25, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Help your dog get over separation anxiety When a dog cannot handle being left alone, it may express its anxiety through incessant vocalizing, destructiveness, and/or inappropriate elimination. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, you may be able to help it by yourself, if you have the time and willingness to do the work needed.

However, be prepared to seek professional help if need be.

Try the following: SET ASIDE A LONG WEEKEND Every time that you leave your dog, it will practice being anxious until you return. Therefore, when you begin helping your dog with its separation anxiety, you’ll need a big block of time, like a whole three-day weekend, during which you do not need to leave your dog.

WORK GRADUALLY You need to build your dog’s confidence. This requires consistent, step-by-step work, so be prepared to go slowly. You need to start by leaving your dog in a confined space, just for a second or two, before returning to it, and reinforcing it for being calm. From there, gradually work up to leaving it for longer and longer periods of time, and

Shasta and Ginger are ARF’s adoption stars this week

SHASTA

Three-year-old Shasta is a sweet, quiet dog who responds best to gentle, low-key attention. She can be shy in new situations, and will need an adopter who can encourage her to explore the world at her own cautious pace. Shasta is very gentle and friendly, and will make a wonderfully mellow companion.

The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60 percent off one 7-week dog training session.

GINGER

Ginger is a 7-month old sweetheart who loves to be loved. She enjoys gentle pets around her ears and chin scratches. Ginger also likes to play with kitty wands with her people.

Ginger’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor.

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday,

3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and 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.

Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.

Book Review

‘Harvest’ reaps lessons for today from history SUNNY SOLOMON

FOR

THE

BOOKS

Award winning English novelist Jim Crace has written in “Harvest” (Nan A. Talese/Doubleday; February, 2013) a novel whose story is eerily familiar, although it takes place in a faraway English village long ago. The villagers, farmers who plow and reap for themselves and the lord of the manor house, whose land they till as if their own, live a simple life with clarity of purpose, unchanged for generations until one eventful evening before the feast of the barley harvest.

Lord Kent is recently widowed and the once robust village is losing its young people and its vigor. The foreboding sense of change comes not just

from the distant, dense hearth smoke of a newly settling family or the nearby smoke from the burning of Lord Kent’s stable, but in the presence of a stranger who wanders through the village and its farmlands, “brushes and quills” in hand, “recording us, he said, or more exactly marking down our land, at Master Kent’s request.”

The stranger is given the name Mr. Quill and as he plots and maps out every bog, burrow and field, the reader senses the limitation and comfort such boundaries might give to its inhabitants. Crace has created a most attractive narrator in Walter Thirsk, a widower whose relationship with Lord Kent is more personal than that of any other villager and who is, therefore, able to tell the story with some evenhandedness. It is Thirsk, while accompanying Mr. Quill at his task, who tells us what Quill is taking note of: “From the lane, looking down

on the tracery of the willows on the brook, the top end of our barley meadow, bristling and shivering on the breeze, showed us at last its ochers and its cadmiums, its ambers and its chromes. They promised winter ales and porridges.”

What is Lord Kent up to?

Why are the newcomers whose smoke announces their residency so quickly blamed for the burning of the stable? The morning after the stable fire is put out, “The air was swarming with anxieties.” Accusations lead to death, the villagers take a path from which they cannot return and visits from the outside world continue; the changes are as feared and unpredictable as weather. In this case, the weather is economics. Sheep will replace barley. A legal glitch will replace Lord Kent. The future will always replace the present.

Crace has written an idyllic

See Book Review, page 18

then starting to go outside when you leave it.

DON’T GO TOO FAR AWAY You want to be able to know whether or not your dog is staying calm while you are away from it, because, if it is getting anxious when you are leaving it, then it is practicing the wrong behavior. If you do find that your dog is getting anxious at any point in this training, then you will need to shorten the amount of time you leave it to one it is comfortable with, and gradually work up from there.

SET UP A LEAVING ROUTINE Get your dog comfortable being in a crate, or other confined space, where it can’t do any damage to your property.

Then, set up a routine like the following for your leaving: Start by calmly sending your dog to its space. Then, give it something that it likes to chew on. Calmly tell it that you‘re

Rodie’s offers dog training workshop Does your dog behave badly or suffer from anxiety? On Sunday Nov. 10, Rodie’s Pet and Feed will offer a Dog Behavior Workshop by local canine behavior consultant and animal trainer Barbara Dwyer. The seminar focuses on increasing stimulation to both improve a dog’s quality of life and reduce behavior problems and anxiety.

Stimulation – both mental and physical – are essential for good behavioral health.

Research shows that behavior problems are the number one reason why dog-owner relationships fail and consequently dogs suffer rehoming or euthanasia.

Owners will learn fun and easy techniques using readily available toys, games, tricks and training to increase stimulation and decrease stress for their dog.

Tickets for the seminar are available at Rodie’s for $25 and include coffee, pastries and goodie bags.

Barbara Dwyer holds a degree in Animal Behavior Therapy from the Ethology Institute in the U.K. and is a graduate of the San Francisco SPCA Dog Trainers Academy with an internship in canine aggression. She is the principal trainer for the Vallejo Dog Training Club.

Rodie’s, located at 8863 Marsh Creek Road, is also sponsoring a raffle with the proceeds to benefit the Clayton Dog Park.

Tickets can be purchased at Rodie’s beginning on Nov. 1.

The drawing will be held following the seminar at 12:30 p.m.

Individuals who would like to donate items to the raffle should contact Rodie’s at 925-672-4600.

leaving, and for how long. Tell it that you will see it when you return. Then, calmly leave. Do everything in a calm, this is no big deal, manner. You cannot show any anxiety. Your dog should feel that it doesn’t really matter that you are leaving. Go through this routine every time that you practice leaving your dog, and continue it once you dog is comfortable with your leaving.

SET UP A RETURNING ROUTINE

Make your returning no big deal. If you act too happy when you return to your dog, it can interpret your excitement to mean that your prior separation from it was something to be concerned about. So, when you return to your dog, you need to be calm. Begin doing routine things that you would do upon your return home before greet-

SUE SKIFF

PET PALS ing your dog in practice sessions. Get something to drink, check your mail, go to the bathroom, put groceries away, etc.

Consistent practice over your long weekend can pay off.

Good luck!

Sue Skiff is the author of “How to Have a Well-Behaved Dog,” and the owner/operator of Silver Lining Pet Services, a company which provides dog training and pet sitting services. Learn more at www.silverliningdogtrain.com or www.silverliningpetsitting.com. Email her at information@silverliningdogtrain.com.

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Page 14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 25, 2013

Winter squash just one of Fall’s faves DEBRA J. MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market

The leaves are falling, the fields are full of pumpkins and corn mazes, colorful autumn flowers are everywhere, and ghosts and goblins will soon be making their appearance. The bountiful Autumn harvest of fruits and vegetables has arrived.

Right now the farmers’ market is full of big orange pump-

kins for making jack o’ lanterns and pies, gourds for decorating your front porch, and root vegetables to simmer in hot soups and stews. Persimmons color the fall booths with bright hues of rust and yellow; grapes, apples and pears offer everything from deep reds to bright greens and purples. Artichokes, broccoli, chard, kale, spinach and other leafy veggies bring a rainbow of greens. And pota-

toes arrive in red, purple, white and brown.

But the spotlight is on winter squash this month. It’s a wonderfully colorful and delicious vegetable, versatile in the kitchen, yet stores well enough to use as a decorative display on your front porch or tabletop for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Winter squash come in an amazing array of colors, shapes, sizes and varieties.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 small onion, chopped 1 Tbsp. ginger, peeled, chopped 1 lb. butternut squash 1 lb. sweet potatoes 1 medium potato 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1/4 tsp. salt, pinch ground pepper Wash and peel squash, sweet potatoes and potato. Shred the

vegetables with a cheese grater or blender. In a pot, cook chopped onion in vegetable oil until soft. Add ginger and cook for 1 minute. Add shredded vegetables and broth. Bring to a boil and cook on low for 15

minutes, until soft. Season with salt and pepper and eat as is, or blend with a food processor or blender.

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ With the Market Chefs.”

Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. OCT. 30 FOR THE NOV. 8

IN CLAYTON Oct. 26 Farmers’ Market 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays. Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown Clayton. Music: Oct. 26, Vintage. pcfma.com/clayton.

ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO

Oct. 28 Mini Monday

Nov. 6 Diablo 3D and Symphony

Discover animals of the night. Ages 2 – 5 with adult. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. $15 first child; $5 each additional child. wildlife-museum.org. 935-1978.

Explore the Mount Diablo wilderness in digital 3D. All images accompanied by an original music score performed by the Contra Costa Wind Symphony.

All proceeds go to Save Mount Diablo. 6 – 9 p.m. Lesher Center for the arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, General Admission $55; VIP tickets $100. savemountdiablo.org. 947-3535.

Oct. 28 – 29 “Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story”

Oct. 31 Ghost Walk Walking tour of local downtown haunted folklore sites. Narrated by Richard Taylor. Rain or shine. Bring flashlight/umbrella, if needed; costumes optional.

Starts at 8 p.m. from Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Free.

First Thursdays Oakhurst Business Network Meets first Thursday of the month for social hour. Hosted hors d’oeuvres, cash bar. 5 – 7 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. oakhurstcc.com.

IN CONCORD

“OMG, I Love that Show!” Productions recounts the chilling, true story of the legendary “thrill killers.” Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17.75. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Nov. 1 Comedy Sliders Trapped in a Rumor Improv creates a live theatre experience that is never the same twice. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Nov. 2 A Night of Uplifting 70’s Favorites Clayton J. Foor sings an evening of pop music favorites at the piano.

7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15-$21. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Tuesdays Farmers’ Market Tuesdays year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.

Thru Oct. 31 Scarecrow Contest Visit downtown Concord and vote for your favorite scarecrow at participating businesses. Sponsored by the Todos Santos Business Association.

Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org. Call Darren Walters at 685-4221.

Oct. 31 Trick or Treat Costumed children and parents are invited to trick or treat around the plaza. Look for participating businesses with orange and black balloons.

Bring your own goody bag. Sponsored by the Todos Santos Business Association. 3 – 5 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org. Call Darren Walters at 685-4221.

Nov. 2 – 3 Gem and Rock Show Gems, jewelry, fossils, gold, exhibits, activities, demonstrations and more.

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road, Concord. $6; Scouts in uniform and kids under 16, free with adult. ccmgs.org or showinfo@ccmgs.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. 27 Tarantula Trek

Kunze shares the highlights, songs and behind-the-scenes stories of his celebrated musical theatre career. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Local crafters selling handmade items. Benefit for The Crossings Homeowners’ Association. Fri. 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Walnut Country Clubhouse (The Crossings), 4465 South Larwin Ave., Concord. Free admission. No strollers. For more information, call Lani Pryor 672-7097.

Nov. 14 Holiday Boutique Fundraiser for Highlands Elementary Parent Teacher Association.

Crafters, distributors and book signings. 2 – 8 p.m. Multi Use Room, Highlands Elementary School, 1326 Pennsylvania Blvd., Concord. For more information, contact Erin James at info@villefrancherental.com or Jennifer Bulmer at jenniferbulmer@yahoo.com.

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. claytonlibrary.org or 673-0659.

Tuesdays thru Nov. 26 Patty Cakes

Nov. 3 “Feel the Rhythm”

Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. 11 a.m.

A sparkling, Las Vegas-style revue featuring the senior performers of The Golden Follies. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Wednesdays Book Buddies A volunteer will read stories for children 3 and older. 1 - 2 p.m. Call in advance.

Nov. 9 “Irene” A musical Cinderella story. 2:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Thursdays thru Nov. 14 Picture Book Time Story time for 3- to 5-yr-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. 11 a.m.

Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day Civic Ceremony Performed by the Walnut Creek Concert Band. 11 a.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Nov. 14 Mark Twain A reading of select works by Mark Twain. 8 p.m. Butterfield 8 Theatre at Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. No admission fee; donations accepted. b8company.com.

Nov. 15 Tapestry Vocal and handbell ensemble celebrating the holidays and our American heritage. 7 p.m. First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Blvd., Concord. Free. Contact Cindy Krausgrill at 672-7751 or go to tapestryringersandsingers.org.

Nov. 10 Fire Interpretation Walk

Nov. 15 – 16 “A Swingin’ Holiday”

Save Mount Diablo programs listed are free unless otherwise noted. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Activities/Guided Hikes for more information. 947-3535.

Nov. 8 – 9 Santa’s Smokestack Boutique

AT THE LIBRARY

Nov. 2 Eric Kunze

Learn about the hairy spiders that roam the mountain at this time of year. Then take a walk to see if you can find any. Reservations required.

3 – 5 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Picnic Area. Check the website for more tarantula hikes. Reservations are required and fill up fast.

Traverse the Mary Bowerman Trail to see how things are progressing in the burned area. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at Mary Bowerman Trailhead near Lower Summit Parking Lot. Reservations required.

calendar@claytonpioneer.com

Thru Nov. 7 Clayton Reads Featuring “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. Pick up free copy at library while supplies last; return when done. Flier available with related programs and discussions.

Oct. 25 - 27 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. half price. 2 – 4 p.m. $3/bag; bag provided.

Oct. 28 CPR Hands-only CPR training by Clayton CERT. 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3 Paws to Read

Diablo Ballet kicks off its 20th anniversary season featuring the swingin’ music of the 1930s and 1940s. Nov. 16 matinee: Meet and mingle with the dancers. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $26-$52. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Learn to read by reading aloud to a dog. Grades 1 – 5. Registration required. 4 or 4:35 p.m.

Oct. 30 Fireside Stories

Nov. 16 No Scripts Aloud

Join master storyteller Marian Ferrante for old-fashioned campfire story telling. A family-friendly program aimed at teens and adults. 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 Trail Adventure

Presented by Ready or Not Improv. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Nov. 3 “Fahrenheit 451”

Half-marathon, 5K run, 10K run and family hike. Registration at 6:30 a.m.; races at 8 a.m. Begins at Castle Rock Park, 1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek. Registration/fee required. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Trail Adventure.

Nov. 17 Classic(al) Rock

Join other readers and share your thoughts about the Clayton Reads book. 2 p.m.

Performed by Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., W.C. $10-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Nov. 7 Craft Program

Nov. 17 Diablo Symphony Orchestra

Using art supplies, paper and your imagination, create a three-dimensional story in a box. Ages 5 – 9. Registration required. 4 p.m.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Thru Oct. 26 “The Robber Bridegroom” The Clayton Theatre Company presents its first production, a rousing, bawdy Southern fairy tale. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. $12-$18 at brownpapertickets.com. Claytontheatrecompany.com.

Thru Nov. 10 “Tarzan” “Tarzan” tells the story of an infant boy orphaned on the shores of West Africa and raised by gorillas. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $44-$54. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Oct. 25 – 26 Gaslight and Ghosts

Inspirations from Nature featuring Ellen Ruth Rose on the viola and Bella Merlin narrating. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$28. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 “Story of the Nutcracker” Performed by Contra Costa Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $23-$33. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

CHURCHES AND RELIGION Oct. 27 Family Harvest Festival

A staged reading of Victorian and Edwardian tales of the macabre.

Butterfield 8 Theatre at Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $20-$25. b8company.com.

All are welcome. Friendly costumes welcome. Festival from 10:10 10:50 a.m. Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton.

Free. Contact raimee.gould@claytoncc.com for more information.

Oct. 25 – Nov. 23 “Don’t Dress for Dinner”

Nov. 1 Baha’i, Interaction, fellowship and discussion. Topic: “Reflections on the

Here comes the brilliant sequel to Center REP’s hilarious and stylish soldout hit, “Boeing-Boeing.” Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33-$52. centerrep.org. 943-7469.

Oct. 26 – 27 “Wagon Wheels A-Rollin” Fast-paced spoof of the Old West by The Vagabond Players. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Oct. 26, 27, 30, 31 Not-So-Scary Animals for Halloween Meet live animals like a bat, owl, spider, snake or vulture in familyfriendly presentations. Part of Bay Area Science Festival events. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. wildlife-museum.org.

935-1978.

Life of the Spirit” – discussion about life after death. 7:30 p.m. Free. For directions, call 672-6686.

FUNDRAISERS Nov. 2 MDE Stampede One- or three-mile walk/run race to benefit the Mt. Diablo Elementary Parent Faculty Club Education Fund. Corral opens at 9 a.m. Post race activities: Petting zoo, face painting, refreshments for sale. MDES, 5880 Mt. Zion Drive, Clayton. $15 registration fee. mtdiabloelementary.mdusd.org or cindyknapp10@yahoo.com.

The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. ccclib.org or 646-5455.

Oct. 26 Computers and Technology If you need help with your mouse, come to our house. Drop-in assistance to learn how to use computers, smart phones and tablets. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Additional dates/times offered. Check library calendar.

Oct 28 (Not So) Spooky Stories Get in the Halloween spirit with stories, a craft and shows. Children 11 and under. 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.

1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council 6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr.

Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’

October 25, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 15

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Who says Halloween is just for kids? Boo on that, say business owners around Todos Santos Plaza in Concord!

In an effort to raise awareness of the many familyowned and small businesses dotting historical Todos Santos Plaza in the middle of Concord, local business owners are participating in what Todos Santos Business Association President - and business owner himself - Darrein Walters says is scary good fun: a scarecrow contest!

Beginning Oct. 17 and continuing until the 31st, 16 of the shops dotting the square turn their creative spirits to building scarecrows this year’s theme is superheroes - and display them in hopes of winning a coveted trophy.

On Halloween itself, merchants up the ante by putting balloons greeting trick-ortreaters to treats (though no tricks), before the votes are counted.

But in fact, everyone from business owners to shoppers discovering new shops wins.

Everyone from normally staid banks, to coffee shops and bookstores gets in on the act.

“Old Spaghetti Factory is based on family togetherness,” said restaurant manager Heather Kawalkawski.

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Scarecrows range from a pumpkin head balanced carefully on a straw-filled child’s Spiderman costume tucked beside the entrance to Ravioli’s, to a full-sized member of the team of Incredibles at Peets Coffee.

Walters noted that competition – now in its eighth year — among shop owners has grown fierce. “Half Price Books won it three years in a row. Then they were knocked off their pedestal.”

The crew of Half Price Books was working hard this year to regain bragging rights.

A doll-like scarecrow, made entirely from recycled materi-

als sat in one window, across from another depicting a hero called The Tick (trust us on this one, it’s a literary thing ...).

As shoppers toured the square, store owners looked on.

“It’s a good way to get more foot traffic in the downtown,” commented Half Price Books manager Scott Lay, noting that the contest provided good incentive for families to visit the area once the Thursday Farmers Market closed for the season. “We need all the help we can get.”

“It really gets people to explore the little cubbyholes and gems that normally you just drive by,” said Walters.

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Page 16

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 25, 2013

Performing Arts

Strathairn returns to A.C.T. in thrilling ghost story Academy Award-nominee David Strathairn (“Lincoln” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “Scorched” at American Conservatory Theater) returns to A.C.T. in the captivating solo drama, “Underneath the Lintel.”

In this riveting ghost story,

an eccentric librarian finds a weather-beaten book in a return bin – and discovers that it is 113 years overdue. Sparked by a message left in its margins, he sets off on a quest to unravel the secrets of the book and the person who borrowed it.

From the hallways of his

library, he follows a chain of clues that spans the globe and dates back thousands of years.

With astonishing twists and turns, “Underneath the Lintel” is a magical piece of storytelling that draws us into an unforgettable odyssey that is both “pow-

Dickens classic ushers in the holiday season

erfully human and ultimately sublime” (Variety).

“Underneath the Lintel” run at A.C.T.’s Geary Theater Oct. 23 through Nov. 17. For tickets, visit act-sf.org or call 415-749-2228.

Photo: Kevin Berne

DAVID STRATHAIRN

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Features a cast of 65, period songs and dances, comedy, gorgeous costumes, and stories from many traditions to celebrate the Season.

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www.californiarevels.org or (510) 452-8800

Center REP dresses up for bedroom farce Fans of Robert and Bernard, you will get your wish, as Center REPertory Company presents the long-awaited sequel to the hilarious “Boeing-Boeing,” “Don’t Dress for Dinner.”

Running Oct. 25 through Nov. 23 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, “Don’t Dress for Dinner” is set 10 years later, and Robert and Bernard are happily settled down. But of course the shenanigans continue in what many consider to be the most brilliant bedroom farce of all time.

Center REPertory Company, the resident professional theater company of the Lesher Center for the Arts (LCA), is celebrating its 47th Season of highquality theatrical productions during 2013-2014. The company’s mission is to celebrate the power of the human imagination by producing engaging, intellectually involving and visually astonishing live theater. It also offers outreach and education programs to enrich and advance the cultural life of the communities it serves.

JAMES CARPENTER returns to A.C.T. as Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol,” opening Dec. 6.

Photo: Kevin Berne

Liam Vincent will be reprising his role from Center REP’s previous production of “Boeing-Boeing.”

All performances are held at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or visit.centerrep.org.

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Every December, the Contra Costa Ballet presents “The Story of Nutcracker” at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts.

The one-hour, narrated version of the Tchaikovsky ballet is the perfect way to introduce children to the ballet and start a family tradition. As the curtain goes up in this magical story narrated by Marlene Swendsen, Clara, the brave girl who embodies the spirit of the season, leads you from a whirling party scene to a battle between the King Mouse and the Nutcracker, then on to the Land of Sweets.

Performance dates are Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1. For show times and ticket information, call (925) 943-SHOW or go to contracostaballet.org.

Featuring a lively cast of dozens, delightful music, gorgeous costumes and a collection of deliciously spooky ghosts, a favorite holiday tradition returns to the Bay Area with the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.)’s celebrated production of the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol.”

Now in its 37th year, this version of “A Christmas Carol,” stays true to the spirit of Charles Dickens’s timeless story of redemption and brings a playful sensibility to his rich language.

“A Christmas Carol” plays Dec. 6-28 at the American Conservatory Theatre on Geary St. in San Francisco. For showtimes and tickets call (415) 749.2228 or purchase online at act-sf.org.

This Aussie evergreen brightens winter gardens NICOLE HACKETT

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‘Nutcracker’ adaptation is sweet intoduction to ballet

Westringia is a wonderful, sun loving evergreen shrub, quite worthy of any Clayton Valley landscape.

This Australian native begins to flower just as our commonly planted shrubs go out of bloom.

Westringia produces small white or lavender flowers from the end of summer through early spring.

It has fine-textured leaves of gray or greenish-cream and can grow anywhere from three- to six-feet tall and wide depending on the selection.

Wynyabbie Gem is one of the better-known varieties of Westringia available. This selection can reach heights of six feet and eventually as wide. The foliage is gray, and the tiny flow-

ers are light purple. The growth habit of this shrub should be embraced. Almost ferny looking arms reach upwards from the base of the shrub. Install in the proper place where the Wynyabbie Gem can become what it wants to mature to be. It isn’t a shrub that makes a successful installation if it needs to be controlled. Wynyabbie Gem will look terrible sheered or hedged. Pruning should be done by hand if necessary.

Use the Wynyabbie Gem Westringia along a fence or property line. It would also be useful on a hillside or slope. This evergreen makes a nice companion shrub for the deciduous crape myrtle. The flower cycles complement each other. Use the Wynyabbie Gem to contrast the reddish foliage of a smoke bush, or New Zealand Flax.

Westringia Morning Light is a variegated selection of family.

Morning Light’s leaves are gray-

ish green edged in cream, and it has a white flower. This Westringia has a very useful shape; it will reach about threefeet tall and almost six-feet wide, making it a perfect middle-sized evergreen for a large area.

Morning Light Westringia adds brightness to its location and looks great surrounded with black bark. Create a landscape by WESTRINGIA WYNYABBIE planting a swath of two or three MORNING LIGHT Morning Light Westringia to contrast the foliage of a Purple go somewhere.

Pony Flowering Plum tree.

Planting and caring for any Westringia Wynyabbie Highlight is a newer introduction to the Westringia is a breeze. Install a family. This evergreen proved well-watered plant in a hole that itself to be just as tough as the is wider than deep. Use some other members of the family. planting mix or soil conditioner The foliage of Wynyabbie when installing. Resist the urge Highlight is lighter than its par- to use a starter fertilizer. ent. The undersides of Australian plants are phosphoHighlight’s tiny leaves are white, rous intolerant. Water your yet the flowers are purple. installations to get it established.

Westringia Wynyabbie Highlight Westringia is very water-wise, has a low/wide growth habit. doesn’t need fertilizer, loves the You should expect it to three- to sun and can take frost. A perfect four-feet tall and six- to eight- Clayton Valley evergreen. feet wide at maturity. Keep in mind with all shrubs that want to Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M grow wide: if you control the Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact width, the plant has no choice her with questions or comments at but grow tall. The growth has to Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

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October 25, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Make a statement with your front door JENNIFER LEISCHER

DESIGN & DÉCOR Some of us, myself included, are obsessed with the interiors of our home. We’re constantly on the search for that perfect piece of furniture or table top bauble. With all this interior obsession, let’s not forget about the exterior of our homes.

Yes, the exterior can be a little daunting, as there are quite a few elements to consider, but let’s simplify things and focus on the front door. The front door is the first impression one will receive before entering your home; cracking paint and bland hardware are not very welcoming. Instead, opt for polished and posh with a decorative face-lift, or possibly, an entire replacement to bring your front door to life.

COLOR Depending on the color scheme of your exterior, consider a color for your front door that will pop, add interest to your front porch, and make a welcoming statement. Try ruby red, citrus lime green or a deep royal blue. The design of your exterior and the main body colors will dictate which way you should go when selecting a unique door color. Select a color that is interesting, eye catching, but also, true to the design of the structure – and always, true to your own design aesthetic.

If you have a solid wood door, such as oak or walnut, finishing it with a tinted stain or clear coat will show off the nat-

ural grain, and protect the aging finish as well as daily wear and tear.

DESIGN There are many distinctive door designs available if your entry door is beyond cosmetic repair. Keep in mind that front doors shouldn’t be an overly contrasting feature. Instead, a front door should be an integral part of the exterior and an introduction to what will be found inside your home.

Depending on the style of your house, consider traditional raised-paneled doors with decorative seeded glass windows, modern doors with glass and metal accents and unique hardware, or exotic and specialty themed doors with handcarved details, arched tops and stained glass accents.

Consider too, the space you have to work with when replacing a front door. Could you introduce a Dutch door in place of your existing door? Or maybe change out your existing French doors for a single door with good-sized sidelights?

Whichever direction you take, keep the design of your house in mind, and search for a door that adds interest and style to your exterior.

HARDWARE Now that you have given your door a new finish, or maybe replaced it all together, you’re ready for hardware.

Don’t skimp on this decorative finishing touch. Not sure which hardware style to purchase?

Take decorative hints from the exterior architectural details of your house. Or, if there are no significant details to duplicate, bring the inside of your house out. Maybe a traditional handle set in an oil-rubbed bronze finish, or a more modern profile in polished nickel.

Whichever design direction you take, always opt for a sturdy, secure, well functioning handle set that is equally as handsome.

Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.

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Page 17

Page 18

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Pumpkins, more than just a pretty face

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LINDA WYNER

FOOD

FOR

THOUGHT

There’s a bumper crop of pumpkins in the stores and farmers’ markets this season. If you want to think beyond that funny or scary face you plan to carve on one, you’ll find a bounty of rich flavor and texture that’s great in soups, breads and desserts – and much more.

First, let’s take a look back at these orange fruits.

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ni, and while grown around the world, they are indigenous to Central America, where they were not only food but used in healing poultices. (There was also a belief that pumpkin would remove freckles and cure snake bites.)

Native Americans introduced pumpkins to the colonists and showed them how to roast the flesh and toast the seeds.

Fond of sweet things, the European settlers soon began to slice off the top of the pumpkin, remove the seeds and add milk, spices and honey, then bake in hot ashes. Making a pumpkin custard to fill a pie crust came along a great many years later.

Pumpkins were introduced to Europe through explorers and trade with the Americas.

They were quickly adopted by the Irish, who had a long-standing Celtic tradition of carving turnips and placing a burning ember in them on All-Hallows Eve to ward off evil spirits.

Being considerably larger and easier to carve, pumpkins soon gained prominence. Irish immigrants to North America brought this new tradition with them.

Not all pumpkins will taste good. An eight- to 10-inch sugar pumpkin will have smoother, less stringy flesh than what a decorative pumpkin has to offer.

I’ll be the first to admit that I buy canned, unsweetened pumpkin for my recipes.

However, if you have the time and patience to make one from scratch, this is the recipe for you: PUMPKIN PURÉE (A 2½ lb. pumpkin will yield about 2 cups purée.)

Preheat the oven to 350.

Hack the pumpkin into several

½ cup mayonnaise 2 to 4 Tbsp. water (as needed) 1. In a blender or food processor, combine chile, pepitas, garlic, salt and pepper, oil, vinegar and cotija cheese. Blend until smooth. Add cilantro in batches, blending after each addition until smooth.

2. Combine mayonnaise and 2 Tbsp. water in bowl. Whisk in the blended ingredients until smooth, adding more water if needed for consistency.

large pieces. Don’t remove the seeds because baking will make them easier to remove.

Place the pieces flesh side down on a baking sheet (parchment paper or silpat lining is recommended) and bake for 30 to 60 minutes, until the flesh pierces easily with a skewer.

Let the pumpkin cool a little then use a large metal spoon to remove the seeds and scrape the flesh off the rind.

Purée the flesh in a blender or food processor, or use a food mill. Adding some water may be needed to help it blend smoothly.

NOTE: Do not can pumpkin yourself: the texture and pH of the purée does not preserve safely. Freeze the purée for longer storage.

I love pepitas (pumpkin seeds) in Mexican sauces and in one salad dressing in particular: CILANTRO PEPITA DRESSING 1 canned Anaheim chile 1/3 cup roasted pepitas 1 large garlic clove, peeled ¼ tsp. ground black pepper ½ tsp. salt ½ c salad oil 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 to 4 Tbsp grated cotija cheese (or parmesan) ½ cup coarsely chopped cilantro

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

Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com

Book Review, from page 13 setting with an intimacy that is all the more wrenching when Thirsk understands “The place would soon be new,” and “replaced with an upstart thorn or with some plain fence beyond which flocks will chomp back on the past until there is no trace of it.” Thirsk, more pragmatic than assured, leaves us with these words: “This is my heavy labor now. I have to leave behind these common fields. I have to take this first step out of bounds…until I reach wherever is awaiting me, until I gain wherever is awaiting us.” “Harvest” is both a rich novel of the past and a haunting directive for today.

Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club.

Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books