After months of passionatepreparation and pushback byboth sides, on Tuesday night theMt. Diablo Unified SchoolDistrict Board of Education

rejected the petition to convertClayton Valley High School to acharter school, saying the finan-cial documents submitted by thecharter petitioners didn’t meet allthe conditions set by the board inthe conditional approval grantedin September.

District Associate CounselDeborah Cooksey described thepetitioners as tireless and respon-sive to the district’s requests forinformation starting June 8,when the original petition wassubmitted. Petitioners and dis-trict staff were still trading num-

bers and negotiating the Fridaybefore Tuesday’s meeting.

In the resolution to deny thepetition, completed only hoursbefore the meeting, the districtsaid there were overstatementsby the petitioners of the charter’srevenues and questioned some of

the cost assumptions.“Part of the problem has to

do with the ongoing structuralproblem the state has with itsfinances and the effects on itsschools and districts, andthey’re not fully incorporatingthat into their plan,” said district

CFO Bryan Richards.At the meeting, parents,

teachers and students, aboutevenly divided for and againstthe charter, spoke persuasively,recited poetry and even sang in

When East Contra CostaFire Protection District threat-ened to shutter the Marsh CreekSunshine Fire Station in 2010for six months of the year tosave $366,000, Cheryl Morgancried “foul.” She called theMarsh Creek and MorganTerritory neighbors to actionand the East Diablo FairnessCoalition was born. The districtreversed its decision andrenewed the needed contractwith CalFire to assure the sta-tion continued to operate yeararound.

Last month Morgan was

If you build it, they willcome.

At least that’s what a uniquecoalition of Mitchell Canyonneighbors, Cemex Quarryemployees and native bird enthu-siasts are hoping for as they installowl boxes – sort of like condosfor barn owls – on the rural quar-ry lands west of Clayton.

The boxes are the answer tothe barn owl population’s hous-ing crisis. As more and moredevelopment spreads across thearea and older barns and otherstructures are torn down, barnowls are finding themselveshomeless. Temporary digs inpalms and other trees can blowaway with a big gust of wind.

And if the barn owls moveout, rats and other rodentsmove in.

The City Council has unani-mously endorsed and acceptedthe generous offer of the Hoyerfamily to donate a flagpole inhonor of Clayton’s first lady,Eldora Hoyer, to be placed inour beautiful downtown park.As you know, Bob and Eldorawere key players in incorporat-ing Clayton in 1964, were ourfirst Mayor and first lady andkept active in supporting theCity throughout the years,including donating the flagpolethat sits outside of City Hallcurrently. Bob was also on thecommittee that designed the

Downtown Clayton still feelslike the Old West with hitchingposts near paved parking spaces,frontier-style architecture and 27miles of trails that meanderalong creeks and snake up intoMt. Diablo State Park.

All of this can be traced tothe city’s General Plan, originallycompleted in 1971 and consid-ered by 47-year resident ChuckEvans to be one of his mostnotable civic contributions.

Evans, now 85, carefullytouches the worn, spiral-boundplan filled with black and whitephotos. No such document exist-ed, he says, when the city incor-porated in 1964.

“It’s a dream come true,”Evans says, that the current plan

reflects the same goals as theoriginal.

Shaping Clayton

Over nearly five decades,Evans has been on the planningcommission, the city counciland served as mayor and citizenadvisor on transportation com-mittees.

Evans recalls his time on theplanning commission developingthe early stages of the GeneralPlan, helping decide whatClayton wanted – and what itdidn’t want. He chuckles as hereveals a map showing a freewayalongside Kirker Pass Road.

One feature in the plan thatdid not change over time washaving a town center. Residentsnamed Clayton’s “small town andvillage environment” as one ofthe main reasons for living there.

“The trails are really impor-tant to maintaining that ruralfeeling,” Evans says.

Bob Hoyer, Clayton’s firstmayor, encouraged Evans to be

a council member. “Chuck wasalways very positive towardsplanning,” he says of his long-time friend.

Clayton council memberJulie Pierce agrees. “As an earlycouncil member, he was part ofthe team that made sure we hadstrategic, not rampant, growth,”another goal of the plan.

Maintaining pride in Claytonis also an ongoing goal of theplan. As mayor, Evans ledClayton in its recognition as anational bicentennial communi-ty by the American RevolutionBicentennial Administration inWashington D.C.

“It was a really excitingtime,” Evans says. “It involvedthe entire community.”

EvanS’ Early DayS

Evans’ involvement in civicduty was a natural choice. Hewas born in the state capitol ofSacramento in 1926.

DavE ShuEy

mayOr’s COrner

Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Community Calendar . . . . . .14

CVHS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .8

Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5

DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .8

Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Food for Thought . . . . . . . . .18

From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Holiday Guide .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..15

Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . .7

Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

What’s Inside

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE

PAID

CLAYTON, CA

PERMIT 190

See Mayor, page 6

See Fire Board, page 13 See Evans, page 6

See Charter, page 9

Bits and pieces

from City Hall

Local barn owls to get new homes

MDUSD rejects charter school petition

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

mitChell CanyOn neighbOrs, native wild bird enthusiasts and Cemex Quarry are teaming up to provide a solution forhomeless barn owls. Cemex workers Matt Griffin and Mike Jacobsen complete the installation of one of several newowl boxes installed on the Cemex property at the end of Mitchell Canyon Road. See Owls, page 18

FairnessCoalitionleaderappointed tofire board

deNiSeN HarTlove

Clayton Pioneer

Tamara STeiNer

Clayton Pioneer

Pamela WieSeNdaNger

Clayton Pioneer

Longtime civicleader still looks to city’s future

Peggy SPear

Clayton Pioneer

Owl boxes are anenvironmentallyfriendly way tocombat rodents

Chuck Evans: Clearly a Clayton original

One Of ClaytOn’s Original general Plan framers, ChuckEvans still likes nothing more than spreading out his maps andnotes and talking about planning in Clayton’s early days.

It’s your paper

www.claytonpioneer.com November 11, 2011 925.672.0500

CCllaayyttoonn MMaarrkkeett UUppddaattee pprroovviiddeedd bbyy GGeeoorrggee VVuujjnnoovviicchh ooff BBeetttteerr HHoommeess RReeaallttyy

60 Mt. McKinley Ct ...................$680,000 . . . . .2722 . . . . . .4/1 . . . . . . . .10/31/11

16000 Marsh Creek Road........$577,000 . . . . .1716 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . .10/31/11

144 El Portal Pl ........................$523,000 . . . . .2400 . . . . . .5/2.5 . . . . . .10/28/11

327 Semillon Cir.......................$525,000 . . . . .2032 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .10/27/11

3249 Aspara Dr ........................$395,000 . . . . .2444 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . .10/27/11

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E m i l yLawson ofGirl ScoutT r o o p3 0 1 6 3r e c e n t l yachieved herGirl ScoutG o l dAward. Herproject was

a yearbook for the girls atCrossroads High School. Emilytook portrait photos of all theCrossroads girls, providing thedrape and backdrop for the por-traits and then assembled photosof the staff, daycare and studentactivities to produce the pages.

“The hardest things I faced

in my project were making thetemplates and communicatingwith girls who go to a schoolthat is 20 minutes away frommine,” said Emily. “Howeverwhen I handed the girls the fin-ished product all of their faceslit up. I knew I had accom-plished my goal.”

“The reason I chose crossroads as the community I want-ed to help was because I sympa-thized with them. The girls whoattend cross roads are pregnantteenagers who have anythingbut a normal teenage life. Theyface hardships every day, over-coming many obstacles that girlstheir ages should not be facingyet.”

Say hello to FinneganGordon Slavin Armstrong.He was born on August 13,2011 in Austin, Texas. Heweighed in at 8 pounds, 9ounces. Mom and dad areAlison Slavin and AlanArmstrong, both formerly ofClayton. Alan and Alie bothgraduated from CVHS in 1996.

Proud grandparents Bob andCarol Armstrong and Bob andPhyllis Slavin, all live in Clayton.

Mya Rain Taylor, 3, has anew baby sister. Aria Star wasborn on July 3 at Kaiser inWalnut Creek. Her parents areTod and Hanna Taylor.

New Claytonians

Rotary dinner raises funds for polio

The Blackhawk home ofthe groom’s sister was the siteof the fall afternoon weddingand reception when KimZocchi married OaklandRaiders executive, JohnHerrera. Both are Claytonresidents.

The entire wedding partywas a family affair. The bridewas walked down the aisle byher son, Clayton Tanner, and

attended by Emily, Hayley andJaimee Herrera, the groom’sdaughters. Groomsmen wereClayton Tanner and Jason andBrandon Herrera, sons of thegroom. Shawn Robinson ofClayton Community Churchofficiated.

The couple lives inOakhurst and will honeymoonafter football season, says thebride. “Go, Raiders.”

Around Town

Granny makesGhost Walkappearance

Ring, ring. Ring, ring.The lines were buzzing at

Centre Concord on Oct. 29when the Clayton/ConcordSunrise Rotary Club held itsannual “Rotary GoesHollywood” dinner dance andauction. Lucky bidders walkedaway with vacations in Mexico,laptops and fancy evenings out.All proceeds go to support theRotary Club projects, includingtheir current campaign to eradi-cate polio everywhere in theworld.

Pictured are Rotary mem-bers Joe and Julia Aguilar withfriends Pat and TefisThompsons the Progressochefs’ phone brigade.

Kim Zocchi and JohnHerrera exchange vows

When Misty Brun came outfor the Clayton HalloweenGhost Walk, she didn’t expect toactually “bump into” one of thecelebrity ghosts.

“I FOUND Sarah Nortonlurking down Black Diamondway,” says Misty. “She was look-ing for her horse and buggy.”

This year was the 31st yearthat Richard Taylor has led thecelebrity ghost walk that drewmore than 150.

Gold Award for Emily Lawson

Page 2 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com November 11, 2011

The audience was stumped.Who killed Sir Arthur ConanHoyle?

Only 20 of the more than150 amateur detectives presentcorrectly solved the murder in“Board Stiff,” the second annualClayton Valley Woman’s Clubmurder mystery dinner atBoundary Oak on Oct. 23.

When Hoyle, played byClayton mayor, David Shuey,turns up dead in his futuristic

library, super-sleuth InspectorDogleash played by ClaytonPolice Chief Dan Lawrence andhis able assistants Bob Donner,Bob Light and Herb Weimar arecalled in to investigate.

As the play unfolds, it’s clearthat castmates LauraHoffmeister from the city ofClayton, Realtor Lynne French,Rocco’s Ristorante ownerRocco Biale, City CouncilmanHoward Geller, “Mac”McCormick of Ed’s MudvilleGrill and Nicci Shipstead,Clayton Pioneer reporter, all

found a motive for murder.Club members Chris Light

and Connie Weimar led theircommittee over the course ofmany months of writing, rewrit-ing, planning and hosting.

Net proceeds from this fallfundraiser benefit communitycharities and scholarships.

Club meetings are at 10:00 amon the second Tuesday of each month.For club information or to joinCVWC, please call (925) 672-1163 or email info@claytonvalley-womansclub.org.

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WindermereCommunityService was a

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Food Bank

Thank you Clayton!

Top Row (L-R): Harry Stevens, Marybeth Cook, Danny French, Julie Dunn, Shelly Gwynn, JulieClairmont-Baratta, Angelique Booth. Middle Row (L-R): Stephanie Cicconi, Carol VanVaerenbergh,Lynne French, Inge Yarborough, Michelle Gittleman, Maria Sanchez. Bottom Row: Bonnie Manolas(with newest addition to Windermere family). NNoott PPiiccttuurreedd:: John Silvester, Nancy D’onofrio, Heather Gray,Terry Johnson, Regina Wofford, Walter Merlino

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325 Roundhill Drive, Clayton $479,000Briarwood – 4BD/2.5BA floor plan near downtown.Office, formal living & dining rooms on main level.Bright kitchen w/recessed lights & garden window.Large, private yard w/pool.

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Around Town

Pooches on paradeHalloween at Rodie’s Feed

on Marsh Creek Road took on adistinct canine flair when 14local pooches dressed up andwalked the red carpet at Rodie’sannual Halloween CostumeParty.

Winning for the best cos-tume was Suki, the Chihuahua.The “teen princess” came withowner Daylene Moldovan ofClayton.

CVWC HOSTED ITS SECOND ANNUAL MYSTERY DINNER complete with murder and capture in just afew hours of fun and games. Celebrity suspects, detectives and victim include (back row), RoccoBiale, Bob Donner, Dan Lawrence, Herb Weimar, Bob Light, Howard Geller, Dave Shuey, Chris“Mac” McCormick, (front row) Chris Light, Lynne French, Nicci Shipstead and Laura Hoffmeister.

Pioneer TravelsLocal celebs show their acting chops inWoman’s Club ‘whodunnit’

Greek CruiseThe locals who regularly

meet for coffee every morning(“rain or shine”) ventured a littlefurther than the Clayton StationStarbucks for their morning cof-fee last month when they board-ed an Oceania cruise ship forthe Greek islands.

Pictured are from left, Peteand Carol Chrobak, Renee andTom Faine, Anne and TomSparks and Silvia and Bill Gall.

IrelandThe Clayton Pioneer traveled with

Clayton resident Barbara Wall and her sisterfrom Michigan, Mary Ann Eneix, when theyspent a holiday in Ireland in September.

They visited their good friends Tom andPat Conlon and their sister Anne McKane atthe Conlon’s traditional thatched cottage inMoate, County Westmeath, west of Dublin.The day was rainy with a chill in the air, butthe cottage inside was very cozy from thewarmth of a peat fire. Barbara and her sisterspent two days in Dublin before driving toBantry for five days, Kinsale for three andAvoca in County Wicklow for their last night.

NICCI SHIPSTAD

Clayton Pioneer

November 11, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 3

If you have ever wanted tostay in a small town in Francewhere you can step out the frontdoor and walk to the town squarefor a fresh croissant and cappuc-cino at the local patisserie, orenjoy an afternoon glass of winein a café that surrounds the plaza,then I have just the place for you.Nestled between theMediterranean coastline and thefoothills of the PyreneesMountains is the beautiful littletown of Limoux. It is in theheart of Cathar Country, just afew minutes from the medievalwalled city of Carcassonne andabout an hour from Toulouse.

Limoux is located in theLanguedoc-Roussillon region ofSouthern France, an area that issteeped in history and is sur-rounded by castles, abbeys andcathedrals. The medieval townwith a population of about10,000 is best known for itssparkling wine, Blanquette deLimoux. Locals say the process

for making sparkling wine wasstolen by Dom Perignon whenhe was passing through theregion and then went on to call ithis own and created “cham-pagne.” It is quite good and amuch cheaper alternative.

The area is perfect for walk-ing, hiking, cycling, visitingwineries and enjoying the region-al delicacies and specialties suchas cassoullet, a delicious stew ofwhite beans and meat. Limouxwas actually the starting point forthe 15th leg of the 2011 Tour deFrance and attracts many ofthose who train annually for thisevent.

We spent a week in a charm-ing and elegant 14th century pri-vate hotel called Montfauconthat has been beautifully and lov-ingly restored by a couple fromCalifornia. It can accommodateup to five couples who each havetheir own bedroom and en suitebath that are double the size ofmost hotel rooms. Everythingfrom the fabrics to the furnitureto the art on the walls was impec-cably chosen for its beauty andhistorical significance, as well asits comfort. The patio of thehome overlooks the Aude Riverand is steps from the heart oftown.

Our tour directors were two

lovely young ladies who spent theentire week chauffeuring usaround to various sights and tak-ing us to incredible places forlunches and dinners. We sampledthe local fare in everything froma hunting lodge, to a winery, to aMichelin-star restaurant insidecastle walls. We were also treatedto an authentic medieval dinner,

prepared and served by a local“wench.” We used a board for aplate and could use only a knifeand spoon as we devoured sixdelicious and unusual courses.

Visit their website atwww.montfaucontours.com formore information on other typesof activities, such as weeksdevoted to painter’s retreats, culi-nary experiences, and languageand cultural immersion opportu-nities.

Other activities includedattending a wine school, hiking agorge, and visiting a couple ofweekly farmers markets whereyou can purchase everythingfrom live animals to incrediblecheeses, fresh vegetables, fabric,kitchen utensils and works oflocal artists.

Buddy Poppy remembersall veterans

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FREE ESTIMATES The Veterans of Foreign Warswill be in front of the Safewaystores in Clayton Station andCountrywood Shopping Centerfrom Nov. 11-13 to distribute thebright red Buddy Poppies thathave become a memorial symbolof those who have served in theArmed Forces.

The poppies were mentionedin the first line of the WWI poem“In Flanders Fields.” by JohnMcCrae.

In Flanders Field the poppies growbetween the crosses row on row. Thestriking imagery of the bright redof the poppy against the whitecrosses represented the blood

shed by those who had died.Pick up a poppy and wear it

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The VFW Buddy PoppyProgram assists in maintaining stateand national rehabilitation and serv-ice programs for America’s veterans.For more information, call (925)255-3449.

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Peggy Bidondo

THE TOWN PLAZA is the center of activity in Limoux.

Send your questions and columnideas to Peggy Bidondo at timetogo@claytonpioneer.com.

PEGGY BIDONDO

TIME TO GO

Page 4 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com November 11, 2011

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Financial and Insurance Services

Dawn King Bookkeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-0553

Kommer, Paul - Merrill Lynch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .988-2111

Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463

ProFit Business Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-1025

Prosperitas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700

Snyder, Ken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270-3617

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

Funerals

Neptune Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100

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

Home and Garden

Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901

Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245

Danmer Shutters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202-1220

Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757

Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747

Navlet’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550

Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955

Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055

Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323

Mailing and Shipping

The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245

Optometry

Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100

Personal Services

Hair Now Styling Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5665

Pet Services

Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100

Pet Suites Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387

Rodie’s Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600

Real Estate and Mortgage Services

French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787

Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593

Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004

Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329

Mazzei, Matt -Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757

Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433

Recreation and Fitness

All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-5626

Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631

Levity Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6931

Senior Services

CourtYards at Pine Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-3900

Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100

Services, Other

Ararat Exterminators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-7020

Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989

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

Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180

Specialty Shops

Blessed Brides by Sarah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1200

Step Into Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2276

Travel

Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447

Worship

Clayton Valley Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3397

Holiday Guide

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

Divine Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-9490

Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454

Fall Faire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.contracostafair.com

Postal Annex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5246

R&M Pool, Patio, Gift & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207

The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025

Vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vintagetrio.com

Directory of Advertisers

tions and installation. Call or

email Nicole Hackett 673-1746,

or gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.

Music Lessons

Voice, piano and guitar lessons.

All ages and music styles. My

studio or your home. Flexible

hours. Reasonable rates. Lots of

fun. Call Julia 497-1003.

WANTEDCome join Mazzei Realty!

Currently interviewing and hiring

new and experienced real estate

agents. Call 925-693-0757 for

details.

Real Estate Agents

Be Successful! Lynne French is

expanding and interviewing for a

few agents. Call her today 672-

8787.

VOLUNTEERS

NEEDEDHelp Fight Hunger

Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon

Lady needs your help! Weekly

commitment appreciated. Please

contact Anna at 672-1988 or

AnnaAndAva@gmail.com.

Meals on Wheels Drivers

1 – 1 1/2 per week. Drivers and

relief drivers needed for delivery

of Meals on Wheels in East

County. Call Jim at 673-0300 or

e-mail hairbyjim@att.net.

Hospice of the East Bay –

Anna’s Attic

Volunteer at Anna’s Attic Thrift

Shoppe, located at 5350 Clayton

Road. For information call 674-

9072. To learn more about volun-

teering for Hospice of the East

Bay please contact 887-5678, or

email volunteers@hospiceeat-

bay.org.

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 @ 673-9777 or

email: nielsenjanc@aol.com.

ClassifiedSERVICES

Girl Gardening

Garden care, monthly pruning and

fertilizing services. Plant sugges-

City of Clayton now accepting applications for

TRAILS AND LANDSCAPINGCOMMITTEE

Office Term: Jan. 2012 - Dec. 2014The Trails and Landscaping Committee, comprised of up to11 members, is appointed by the Clayton City Council. Thiscitizens Committee advises the City Council and CityManager on maintenance, improvement and financial mat-ters related to the 2007 Citywide Landscape MaintenanceDistrict (a community facilities district). The District has anannual budget to maintain the roadway and median publiclandscaped areas, public open space/hillsides of the City,annual weed abatement and seasonal fire break tasks, theClayton Fountain, and the Trails System of the City.

To apply, or for more information, contact Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, (925) 673-7300 or email ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us; or visit the city website at www.ci.clayton.ca.us.

Turn in applications to Laci Jackson, City Clerk by 5p.m. Fri., Dec. 2. Appointments are expected at thesecond City Council meeting in December.

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6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517

TAMARA AND ROBERT STEINER, PublishersTAMARA STEINER, EditorPETE CRUZ, Graphic DesignPEGGY SPEAR, Copy Editor JAY BEDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA WIESENDANGER, Administration

STAFF WRITERS: Denisen Hartlove, Jay Hartlove, Lou Fancher,Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn

We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

PIONEER INFOCONTACT US

Tel: (925) 672-0500Fax: (925) 672-6580

Tamara Steinertamara@claytonpioneer.com

Send ads toads@claytonpioneer.com

Send Sports News tosports@claytonpioneer.com

Send Club News toclubnews@claytonpioneer.com

Send Church News tochurchnews@claytonpioneer.com

Send School News toschoolnews@claytonpioneer.com

CLASSIFIEDSClassified rates per insertion:Non-profit: $12 for first 30

words, $.20 each additionalword

Individual/non-commercial:$18 for first 30 words, $.30each additional word

Commercial: $48 for first 30words, $.40 each additionalword

To place your classified ad over thephone, call the office at (925) 672-0500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your type-written ad and credit card informa-tion to (925) 672-6580. All classifiedsmust be paid for in advance by creditcard (Master Card or Visa)

We will not accept any ad that dis-criminates on the basis of race, color,

sex, religion, nationality, family statusor disability. The Clayton Pioneerreserves the right to reject any adver-tising we believe is unsuitable.

LET US KNOWWeddings, engagements, anniver-

saries, births and deaths all weavetogether as part of the fabric of ourcommunity. Please let us know ofthese important events. We ask onlythat the announcement be for aClayton resident. You will find theappropriate form for your announce-ment on our Website. Attach yourphoto to the form. Make sure theimage size you are about to send is atleast 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB.The only format we accept is JPG. Youcan also mail or bring your print to theoffice and we can scan it for you.

Also on our Website are forms forsubmitting Community Calendar itemsand press releases for your organiza-tion.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORThe Clayton Pioneer welcomes

letters from our readers. As a generalrule, letters should be 250 words orless and submitted at least one weekprior to publication date. Letters con-cerning current issues will have priori-ty. We may edit letters for length andclarity. All letters will be published atthe editor’s discretion.

Please include your name, addressand daytime telephone number. Wewill not print letters from “anony-mous.”

E-mail your letter in a Worddocument to tamara@clayton-pioneer.com. Letters MUST be sub-mitted via E-mail.

November 11, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 5

KindnessDo the Right Thing

(925) 524-5100Call for details.

An affordable, independent retirement lifestyle.

Saturday, Nov. 1210 am – 12 pm

Enjoy scrumptious harvestholiday hors d’oeuvres & tour our community.

diamondterrace.net6401 Center Street Clayton

Rates as low as$1,787

Join us for the Diamond Terrace

Grove park. This is a great trib-ute, costs the city next to noth-ing and will be a great additionto an already great park.

TEN, NINE, EIGHT… Clayton Counts Down is

coming and we need volunteersand donations to help put on thisevent that costs you nothing andis a great family event. This willbe our ninth annual, it runs from5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on New Year’sEve, and each year we seem toget more and more people com-ing. So contact City Hall and vol-unteer for a couple of hours andyou will still get home in time toparty like a rock star if youdesire.

TECHNOLOGY CATCH UP

City Hall is finally going toget taking us out of theCommodore 64 era and on parwith the computing capacitymost of our eighth gradersalready have. Seriously, our com-puters are approximately twodecades old (okay, 7 to 10 years)now and have been coaxed andprodded and duct taped to last aslong as they have. But they are

outdated, slow and unable tooperate newer operating systemsand programs. So we haveapproved the upgrade to give ourstaff the ability to serve all ofyou more effectively and effi-ciently. We will also apparently bethe last building/home inClayton to get WiFi. And no,staff will not be playing “Halo”or other online games with theirnew computers.

FAQS AT CITY HALL

Did you ever wonder whatthe code is for garbage contain-er, boat, RV, car on blocks stor-age on property? Well, withinthe next 30 days we should havean informational brochure onvarious code requirements thatwe get the most questions on atCity Hall. It will include manyof those questions you all haveregarding your neighbors habits(because we all know your yardis perfectly maintained). It willhopefully help keep city har-mony before things get outhand. So look for that on ourwebsite and at City Hall.Clayton, doing more for less.

CLAYTON NEEDS TLC

And finally, our Trails andLandscape Committee has fin-ished its annual report for 2010-11. This is on our website andyou can see what your taxes didto keep our city looking good.Remember, this committee wasestablished as part of the pass-ing of the Measure B parcel tax.This citizen oversight commit-tee meets as needed to ensurethe funds are used as neededand as you desire. And guesswhat, it needs volunteers asmembers term out. So getinvolved, join the committeeand make sure it is done right. Ifyou don’t get involved, it cutsinto your credibility when youcomplain that it was donewrong later, but I know youwould never do that.

To start and close in honor,to quote from our modern dayThomas Edison, Steve Jobs, “Bea yardstick of quality. Somepeople aren’t used to an envi-ronment where excellence isexpected.” And another, “Yourtime is limited . . . have thecourage to follow your heartand intuition.” Email me atshuey@rankinlaw.com.

Evans, from page 1

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November 17th �� 5:30 - 7:30 PM

We'll have a local Wine Expert on hand from Wine Thieves in Claytonpouring some interesting and tasty samples. For those with

slightly less d iscerning palates, we'll also be pouring somedelectable beers, sodas and juices, too! And just so youdon't go away hungry, we'll have some munchies to sat isfyyour culinary appetite.

Quit whining about the Stock Market —and instead come enjoy some Wine & Cheese!

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Mayor, from page 1

Obituary

Earl Leonard DuncanAugust 14, 1925 – October 19, 2011

A descendant of two of thelongest established families inthe Clayton Valley, Earl LeonardDuncan passed away last month.The retired firefighter, 86, wassurrounded by family includinghis wife of 63 years, HeleneHeuer Duncan, “in a roomoverflowing with love.”

Earl Duncan was the son ofHelen Frank, daughter ofJoseph and Nancy “Tib” SmithFrank, and Bernard “Bernie”McKinley Duncan, son of JackDuncan. Both the Frank andDuncan families have lived inClayton for nearly 150 years.

Earl Duncan’s grandfather,Jack Duncan, built “TheGrowler” on Main St. in the1870s, originally as a home forhis sister. The Growler, whichwas eventually put together withthe building next door to makeits current structure, was overthe years a store with a Shell gaspump, a saloon (The Growler),La Cocotte restaurant and nowMoresi’s Chophouse.

A huge turnout at EndeavorHall for Earl Duncan’sCelebration of Life Oct. 24heard stories from his twodaughters, three granddaughtersand friends about a man ClaytonMuseum curator Mary Spryercalled, “a hoot and a great guywho we will really miss.” A firetruck was parked in front ofEndeavor Hall and the fireman’sbell ceremony concluded theservice for the overflow crowd.The family was delighted tohave the service in Endeavor

Hall since that is where Earl per-formed in his elementary schoolplays. He never lost his ability toperform – whether it was tellingstories or jokes to anyone whowould listen or giving referees athis granddaughter’s sportsevents the “what for” if he did-n’t agree with their decisions.

Earl Duncan grew up on thefamily ranch at what is now thecorner of Clayton Rd. andYgnacio Valley Rd. The familybarn was located at the exactspot where Guadalajara Grill islocated and it was there he tookgreat pride in his three cows,especially the one he called“Rooney,” his first true love. Heenjoyed bringing his family tothe restaurant and they would sitin the spot where he said hemilked his cows as a youth.

He graduated from Mt.Diablo High School in 1943 andthat year enlisted in the Navy.He fought for three years inWorld War II, traveling as far as

the Philippines. In 1948 he mar-ried his best friend HeleneHeuer, whom he had met on afamily camping trip when hewas 12 and she was 14.

After 10 years living inAlameda and Hayward whileEarl was a hod carrier theConcord Fire Department cameacross Earl’s application and hemoved his family to Concord topursue a career as a firefighter.Helene and Earl had two daugh-ters, Christine and Katherine(Kitty). His fellow firefightersgave him the nickname “Earlthe Pearl” because they said hewas a true gem. Following hisretirement he spent time withhis family cooking, gardening,folk dancing, hunting, attendingevery school and sports eventhis grand daughters wereinvolved in and taking numer-ous trips, especially toDisneyland, and cruises. He andHelene went fishing in Alaska asoften as they could.

He is survived by his wife,Helene; daughters and sons-in-law, Christine and Alan Lambertand Kitty and Dan Olavarri; sib-lings, Barbara Sickenberger,Glen Duncan (Judy) and LloydDuncan (Al); grandchildren,Jennifer Dormer (Jason),Kimberly Lambert and MichelleOlavarri and great grandsonOwen Dormer.

Memorials can be made in hismemory to the American KidneyFoundation or the American LungAssociation.

“Government was always apart of my life,” he says. “There isa need for people to get involvedif they are inclined to do so.”

Evans taught English atPittsburg High School for threeyears before teaching overseas inJapan, where he met and marriedhis wife, Elaine. They transferredto Germany and had two chil-dren.

In 1964, they returned to theUnited States and moved toClayton so their oldest child couldattend kindergarten and learn,ironically, English. Evans resumedteaching at Pittsburg High Schooluntil he retired in 1991.

But both Evans and his wifedidn’t stop their other work: serv-ing the people of Clayton.

“Chuck and Elaine have beenlong-serving members of ourClayton community,” Pierce says.“They are an example of the kindof volunteer commitment thathas made our community strong.”

LOOKING FORWARD

Evans has a frail frame, but afirm handshake. One can imaginehim as a retired English profes-sor, with his neatly trimmedbeard, wavy, white hair and wire-rimmed glasses. But he has notretired from supporting Clayton’sgoals.

In regards to the current con-troversy over a church develop-ment in the downtown, Evans isadamant in his opposition.

“Clayton is zoned for anythingbut a church,” he says. “I can’t seeany reason to change that.”

Since a church complex wouldnot generate taxes to the city, itwould conflict with one of thegoals of the General Plan – “tocreate and maintain an expandedtax base for the city.”

The greatest challenge forClayton, Evans says, has alwaysbeen financial – to raise “theincome (and keep) moving aheadwith the vision.”

Page 6 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com November 11, 2011

Climate changes don’t affectjust you; they also affect yourcar. Even though we don’t livein an area that has severe win-ters, you still wouldn’t want towalk outside without a coatwhen temperatures reach intothe 30s. Your car also needsbasic attention to get ready forlower temperatures and the wetroads you might encounter thiswinter, especially if you driveyour car into the mountains.Preparing your car for the cold-er months might not sound likea typical law enforcement issue.However, being stranded atnight in the cold, or getting intoan accident, is not pleasant orsafe for you and your family.

The following are some easysteps to properly prepare yourcar for winter. Remember theold adage: “An ounce of pre-vention is worth a pound ofcure.”

Check your windshieldwipers and replace if the rubberis broken or damaged.

Ensure that your windshieldwasher fluid reservoir is full.Use a washer fluid with anantifreeze solution.

Check your tires for properinflation and ensure that there isadequate trend depth on all ofyour vehicle’s tires. Make certainthat your tires are designed forwet road conditions. Some per-formance tires are designed and

intended for dry road condi-tions only, and are not recom-mended for wet conditions.

Your car’s engine coolant isnot only intended to keep yourengine from overheating, it isalso responsible for protectingyour engine against corrosion.Ensure that your car’s coolanthas a 50 percent coolant to 50percent water. This ratio shouldbe sufficient for our winters andan occasional trip into themountains. Check the coolanthoses and drive belts for age andwear.

Your car’s battery capacity isreduced by cold weather. Athorough inspection of yourbattery, cables, terminals andfluids will help make sure yourcar is ready for winter.

If you don’t already have anemergency kit in your car, con-sider putting together a few

basic items and stow them in thetrunk. Some items to considerare: flares, blankets, flashlight,gloves and some basic tools.Make sure your car’s spare isinflated and in good condition.

If you plan to travel to themountains you’ll usually see the“Chain Law” go into effect onmountain passes. The CaliforniaHighway Patrol can requirechains on any roadway thatencounters dangerous wintertravel. Some vehicles may not berequired to use chains under allconditions, but all vehicles(including 4-wheel drive) mustcarry chains while driving in themountains during the wintermonths (California VehicleCode 27460).

Performing some of thesepreventative procedures mightbe beyond your skill, capabilityor comfort level. If this is thecase, make an appointment tohave your service center or autorepair shop winterize your carfor you. By planning ahead, youcan make winterizing your vehi-cle an annual ritual in the nameof safety and vehicle reliability.

Response to church adIn their full page advertise-

ment in the last issue of thePioneer, Clayton CommunityChurch stated that there hadnever been a formal offer topurchase the property on MainStreet and that the pastor had“never turned down any offerseither verbally or publicly.” Thisis incorrect.

On December 16, 2006,after learning of the church’splans to purchase the property,the city manager and two coun-

cil members met with ShawnRobinson and several membersof the church and offered topurchase the property (“flip” it)for the $1.4 million they paidplus a premium of 10 percent.The council scheduled a closedsession for December 19 toapprove the plan should it beaccepted. Robinson communi-cated that he had no interest inselling, so the city made nowritten offer. The city also noti-fied the seller that it wouldmake a back-up offer should

the church deal fall through. Iconfirmed these events withformer mayor Bill Walcutt. Thecouncil minutes and the letterare public information.

At the October 2007 CBCAmeeting, Flora Square develop-er Uzoma Nwakuche made apublic statement of interest inpurchasing the property fromthe church and followed it withan email (I have a copy) toRobinson saying “we’re willingto offer a premium on the ($1.4million) in a formal offer and Iawait your response.”

Unlike the CCC, most peo-ple wouldn’t characterize thecity’s actions as “passing com-ments,” nor Komgold’s writtenemail proposal as “an inquiry.”

- Marlyn Hadley

Lost and found itLast month on a Saturday

evening my husband Ray wenton his daily walk around theneighborhood and found a wal-let containing over $800 in cash,credit cards and identification. Iasked him what he was going todo.

I always have known that myhusband is a very honest personwith a great heart, but hisanswer made even more proudof him.

“I couldn’t find the owner’sphone number, but I found hisbrother’s in Oregon and Ialready called him!”

Ten minutes later, the ownerof the wallet came to our houseto pick up his wallet and itturned out that he was on vaca-tion from Oregon visiting somefriends in Clayton. He ofcourse, was happy to get hiswallet back!

Not even for a second didmy husband doubt what hewas supposed to do. I’m veryproud of his honesty, and it’sgiven my children a goodexample of being honest and agood citizen.

- A.D. Metrock

Name-calling in letter to editor?I believe the Pioneer has

truly become a wonderful assetto the Clayton community, andincludes many forms of inputfrom many citizens and con-tributors, nearly always with atone of care, politeness, andconcern for the future ofClayton on its community.

So it was not a surprise to

read the article about the needto stop bullying for our kids’sake by Stephanie Ho in theOctober 14 edition. Her pointsabout the need to stop bullyingin the schools and in daily lifewas carefully written andincluded ways to help reducebullying by creating policies toaddress “name-calling, bullying,and harassment.”

Sadly, Ms. Ho’s point aboutthe prevalence of bullying andname-calling was shown per-fectly by the Clayton Pioneer’spublishing of a letter in thesame issue in which the writercalled teachers and their unionofficials “thugs.”

Perhaps the schools’ effortsin Clayton to reduce bullying instudents would be more effec-tive and valid if a policy againstname-calling could be appliedto the Pioneer’s publishing poli-cies for adults and all contribu-tors.

Valid concerns and pointscan be made without bullyingand name-calling, so a pub-lished policy regarding the pro-tocol of letters and articlesmight prevent such behavior insuch a fine source of informa-tion and community support.

This is not a freedom ofspeech issue, it is an issue ofmorality and civic manners.

- John Marvin

We disagree. The word “thug”represented a point of view. Unlessthey contain profanity, obscenities oroffensive language, we do not censorLetters to the Editor. -Ed.

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The Oct. 28 Pioneer contained a full page ad from the Clayton

Community Church (CCC) saying that the recent letters on the Town

Center land usage debate were “personal attacks,” “accusations,” and

“misrepresentations.” Also, I have been told by an attendee, that the

Pastor amazingly even told his entire congregation last Sunday that the

letters were “all lies.”

After reading and re-reading them, I can tell you that the letters in

the August 26 and October 14 issues were not attacks and were not lies;

they were just verifiable facts upon the subject that the public deserves

to know.

There were indeed two offers made to the CCC on the commercial

parcel, and the only reason they were not put into a written contract is

because the Pastor rebuffed them. In real estate, a “contract” must be in

writing, but many real estate sales often start out with verbal offerings.

Also, there indeed were multiple commercial offers (5) on the Flora

Square land when the city of Clayton put it up for sale. There were also

multiple commercial offers on the Creekside property. All this commer-

cial interest and offering indicates that when the economy comes back

again, the Town Center Specific Plan will indeed be able to be carried

out with Clayton able to have the commercial/retail as has been planned.

The TCSP does indeed state that Main Street is to be a shopping

street on both sides, meaning clearly that any assembly hall usage if the

City were to approve yet another one, would be elsewhere – not on this

or any other Main Street parcel. Also this is not a new requirement, it

has been in the TCSP at least since 1990.

From what the Pastor and his CCC members say and write, the

truthfulness of the letters they criticize, far exceeds, that which they put

into their full page advertisement. Thank you,

Pete Laurence

Former city councilmember and mayor

6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440

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A Clayton man was arrestedlast week on charges of possess-ing child pornography, accord-ing to Nov. 3 article by RobertSolonga in the Contra CostaTimes.

Walnut Creek police arrestedSteven Shields, 43, an assistantsuperintendent in the VacavilleUnified School District, after a

search of his Dana Hills home,said the Times article. The materi-al was found on his personal lap-top, not on any of his work com-puters and there is no evidencethat any children were victimized.

Shields is being held at theMartinez Jail on $20,000 bailand is on paid administrativeleave from the school district.

School administrator arrested inClayton on child porn charge

Letters to the Editor

Cars need care during winter

DAN LAWRENCE

FROM THE CHIEF

Dan Lawrence is Clayton’s PoliceChief. Please send your questions,comments or topics you’d like to see covered to DanL@cpd.ci.concord.ca.us

November 11, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 7

The two black males wear-ing black hoodies over skeletonmasks and gloves held up theShop and Go market onClayton Road Sunday night.Both men were armed withblack semi-automatic hand-guns.

The two men entered thestore about 9:15. One of themen grabbed a customer whowas leaving the store forcinghim to the floor, taking his wal-let and cell phone. The otherrobber dropped a bag on thecounter and demanded the cashfrom the register.

They left the store on foot,running toward the oldBlockbuster store across thestreet. K-9 units from WalnutCreek tracked the two men tothe middle of the Clayton

Station parking lot where theylost the scent.

“This is consistent withthem getting in a vehicle anddriving off,” notes Clayton PDSgt. Tim Marchut.

Shop and Go owner HarryDyal was unsure of the amounttaken but said it wasn’t verymuch since the clerk had placedthe day’s receipts in the safearound 6 p.m.

Police are trying to deter-mine if the robbery is connect-ed to one about 25 minutes ear-lier on Solano Way in Concord.Those robbers were alsodescribed as two black maleswearing masks and gloves.

This was the first time thestore has been held up in themore than 15 years that Dyalhas owned it.

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With the welcome distrac-tion of Halloween now passed,save for the residual sugar buzz,there is frighteningly little stand-ing between Clayton seniors anda slew of college applicationdeadlines. The date for theUniversity of California systemis but a few Kit Kats and aturkey leg away, and most pri-vate schools are only a couple ofsugar cookies after that. Thepressure has increased with thetime crunch, making even moredifficult the already, in my opin-ion, most trying aspect of theapplication process: the person-al statement.

Essentially a fluffed-up sum-mary of an idealized version ofyourself, not only must oneattempt to figure out who theyare during arguably the mostconfusing and transitional stagein life, but do so beautifully andeffectively enough to makeyourself appealing in 500 wordsor less. Add homework,extracurricular activities and asocial life into the mix and theidea of devoting time to soul

searching becomes an evengreater hurdle to clear – nevermind actually taking the time towrite down what you conclude.Even if you are among the luckyfew who feel fairly confident inyour idea of yourself, managingto squeeze that image onto lessthan a page without losing anyof the effect is indisputably achallenging task.

Personally, I’d pick writing afull-fledged autobiography ormemoir over attempting todescribe the person I havebecome over 17 years in such arestricted manner any day.Selecting just one event or topic

to embody your entire life is anincredibly difficult decision,made worse by the added desireto seem unique and stand outfrom the thousands of otherstudents tackling the same task.

In such situations, I’vealways maintained that the bestoption is to stick to what youknow. It was this little gem oflogic that led to me choosingsomething rather unorthodox asthe topic of my own personalstatement: frosting.

While I’m not planning onapplying to culinary school asmight be assumed by my chosensubject matter, baking has beena distinctly important and per-sonal aspect of my life and myrelationship with my family.Baking has been a constantthroughout my life and hasserved as a teaching tool and ameans of measuring my growthover the years. As a result of thissugar-coated upbringing there isnothing more familiar to methan making frosting by hand,so I took my experiences in thekitchen and poured them ontothe page.

The fact of the matter is that

you’re not supposed to haveeverything all figured out in highschool, not even yourself.Colleges know this, so ratherthan stressing over figuring outwhat, why and who you are, sim-ply stick to the things you knowand love, no matter how strange,and explain how your passionimpacts you, your life and your

goals. Worst come to worst, atleast you’ll be remembered, evenif it is as “the frosting girl”rather than for your resume.

Now that fall is in fullswing, things at school arefinally settling down, and themonth of October has come toan end. Thanks to the ASBLeadership, teachers and staff,CVHS has formally welcomedits students back to school withthe much-anticipated Home-coming Week.

Homecoming is a time moststudents look forward to. Eachyear, the school is lavishly dec-orated with posters and ban-ners of the homecoming themeand school spirit is especiallyprevalent. Whether you enjoyHomecoming for the footballgames, or for the rally and thedance, there is somethingenjoyable for everybody.

During the week of Oct. 17- 21, the majority of studentsarrived at school covered in fes-tive class colors, crazy hats orwild animal patterns for spiritdress. This year’s Homecomingtheme, “Lost in Wonderland,”made for a unique and enjoy-able week. The atmosphere was

filled with a certain feeling ofschool pride as studentsdonned their Clayton Valleyapparel. On Wednesday, down-town Clayton was filled withclass floats, and the senior classenjoyed pizza from Skipolini’s.During school on Friday, stu-dents attended the annualHomecoming Rally to “pumpeveryone up” with games anddancing. The audience applaud-ed and cheered the perform-ances from fellow students,teachers and the Clayton Valleycheerleaders.

During the big homecominggame in the evening, enthusias-tic supporters of the JV andVarsity Ugly Eagles filled in thestands. The nominees for thehomecoming prince, princess,king and queen were lined upon the field. Ted Hall andKylee Homeecillo were thencrowned as the 2011Homecoming King and Queen.

Attending the game mademe realize what it really meansto have school spirit. The

stands and bleachers werepacked tight, and the wholecrowed roared like a sea of red,white and blue. While I sat withmy friends and cheered for theteam, I look around and sawpeople everywhere who hon-estly took pride in their school.I even found myself purchasinga Clayton Valley sweatshirt dur-ing the game, so I could showsome spirit. The event justmade me feel like I was a partof something.

Later, I spoke with TedHall about his thoughts onbeing chosen as HomecomingKing, and how he felt aboutschool spirit. “When I wascrowned king, I was really sur-prised and excited. It was justan awesome feeling to be onthe football field and receivingsuch an honor. All the othercandidates are great bunch ofguys, but I felt so fortunate tobe the one chosen.”

Since homecoming weekI’ve seen a huge difference inattitude from students at

school. Lots of teens may thinkit is lame to show pride; howev-er, school spirit connects stu-dents to something greater thanjust the individual. King Tedagreed. “It’s all about gettingtogether with your friends,dressing up on spirit days, andcoming together as a communi-ty to take pride in your school.”

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Important things are hap-pening at Diablo View MiddleSchool

The Halloween HauntedHouse was a fantastic hit, raising$1,850.50 to buy iPads for all theteachers. The main coordinatorsfor this Haunted House werethe PFC members Beth Barney,Carol Fouts, and MeganKommer with help from stu-dents from the DramaMamaprogram, Leadership, andClayton Valley High SchoolStudents for CommunityService.

“My most memorable mem-ory of the Haunted House wasworking with the kids as well asseeing how much fun the visi-tors and the workers had,” saidBeth Barney. The studentfavorite was being chased

around with the chain saw.On October 28, students

learned about hunger from askit performed by the ContraCosta Food Bank. The skit wasabout a hungry teenager, hisstomach “tormented” goingthrough trash cans, stealingfood. The teen was resistinghelp from a friend who wantedhim to go to the Food bank forfood. Feeling humiliated, theteen refused the food. By theend of the play he realized hedoesn’t need or want to be hun-gry anymore and that he needshelp.

The Leadership class isorganizing DVMS’s AnnualFood Drive. The most neededitems are canned good, cereal,peanut butter, powdered milk,granola bars, pasta, rice, beans,crackers, jelly, and other boxeditems. To donate to the FoodBank or the Mount DiabloUnified School District’s Pantryby dropping off food donations

at the school’s front office.DVMS students who want todonate can give the items totheir Homeroom Liaisons whowill come by each day. The fooddrive is being held Nov. 7 – 16.The top donating homeroomwill receive a special breakfast

and if the school reaches its goalof 2,800 items collected by thedeadline, the entire school willhave no homework that night!

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Celine Herrera is an eighth-grader at DVMS. Send commentsto. Celine@claytonpioneer.com.

CELINE HERRERA

DVMS REPORTER

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Taylor Tovrea is a senior atClayton Valley High School. She is aregular contributor to the Pioneer.You can Email her at taylor@claytonpioneer.com

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DIABLO VIEW STUDENTS Savanha Groebner and KaitlynO'Connell give out spooks and laughter at the HalloweenHaunted House.

Robbie Parker is a freshman atClayton Valley High School. Send comments to Robbie@clayton-pioneer.com

ROBBIE PARKER

CVHS REPORTER

Purchase your own personal-ized brick for the pathway infront of MDES. Reward a stu-dent for outstanding achieve-ment, honor an alumnus or spe-cial teacher or just memorialize amoment in time. Order formsare on at www.mtdiabloelemen-tary.mdusd.org. Prices begin at$55. Please contact MichelleCurry at michellejcurry@sbcglobal.net or 672-1257 with

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Page 8 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com November 11, 2011

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their efforts to sway board mem-bers to their side.

Charter proponents in theirsignature blue T-shirts, squeezedin beside those opposing thecharter, while students fromNorthgate and Ygnacio ValleyHigh Schools stood in the backwith poster board signs decryingthe petition.

Finally, after nearly twohours of input from the public,Board Member Cheryl Hansenmoved that the board “not be

afraid of change and approvethe charter petition withoutconditions.” The motion failedin a 3-2 vote, with CherylHansen and Lynne Dennler vot-ing to approve and GaryEberhart, Sherry Whitmarshand Linda Mayo voting to deny.

The denial allows the charterpetitioners to move forwardwith an appeal to the CountyBoard of Education.

The county is required tohold a public hearing no later

than 30 days following theappeal and make its decisionwithin 60 days of the filing. One30-day extension is allowed ifboth sides agree.

People on both sides of theissue noted the especially acri-monious nature of the debates.

“I think it’s so sad that thecommunities are being pittedagainst each other,” said Claytonresident Susan Safipour,addressing the board. “If thereis anything you can do to unitethe district and bring back thepower of community, it wouldbe a good thing.”

Chase Davenport, a SchoolDevelopment and Support offi-cial with the California CharterSchools Association, noted that“this has gone from one of thethickest conditional approvalsI’ve seen – 56 conditions – toone of the thinnest recommen-dations for denial.”

Charter petitioners plan tofile the appeal this week.

“They’ve made a decisionthat’s allowed us to move on,”said Clayton Mayor and chartersupporter Dave Shuey. “At leastwith the county we can get a fairshake.”

Charter, from page 1

Q. I keep hearing phrasessuch as “ it is a great time tobuy,” “it is a buyer’s market,”etc. Does it really matter thatmuch when a person buys orsells?

A. I agree that it is a greattime to buy but you might besurprised to know that we aren’tin a buyer’s market in our area.A buyer’s market is when thereis more than a six-month inven-tory of homes available. This isfigured by how long the currentinventory would take to sell ifno new homes came on themarket. There is a formula tofigure this. If it is less than a six-month supply it is getting into aseller’s market. At this time inthe Clayton Valley we have lessthan a three-month inventory.

It is a great time to buy

because homes are the mostaffordable than they have beenin decades. This is from anindex that measures income andother factors to home prices andinterest rates.

A fellow Windermere RealEstate Agent, Dan Givens,from Seattle shared some inter-

esting statistics that he came upwith. I feel this is a very conser-vative example for our area.Ours would be more dramatic inmost cases.

A $400,000 house todaymight have cost $642,650 inSeptember 2006. The differenceis $242,650. We are using thesefigures for the following sce-nario.

Using the above home pricesand interest rate of 4.13 percent(high at this time), the monthlypayment today would be$1,939.76 and in September2006 it would have been$4,024.02 — a difference of$2,084.26 per month.

The $2,084.26 per monthsavings adds up to a total of$750,333 when multiplied overthe term of a 30 year loan.

If a buyer took out a 30-yearloan at the 4.13 percent interestrate but made the same monthlypayments as the buyer in 2006($4,024.02), the loan would bepaid off in just over 10 years.The buyer in 2006 would have20 years more payments.

There are other things toconsider, of course, in a deci-sion to buy but this compellingexample should help with yourtiming.

No ‘Buyer’s Market’ in our area

lynne FrenCH

ReaL answeRs

Send your question and look foryour answer in a future column.Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com.French is the broker/owner ofWindermere Lynne French &Associates and a Clayton resident.For any real estate needs or ques-tions, contact her at 672-878 7orstop in at 6200 Center St.,Clayton.

More food for thought about exercise[Editor’s Note: This is the second

of a two-part series.]

Learning the role food playsin aiding your body before, dur-ing and after a workout is para-mount to achieving your goal.For advanced to moderate exer-cisers proper nutrition is essen-tial to increase and maintain per-formance. For most people, itholds true that with a pre-exer-cise snack, the body simply per-forms better. Here are a fewideas that handle your needs.

Eat a small (100- to 200-calorie)snack about 30 minutes before youwork out. A fast-digesting (highglycemic index) carbohydratewith very little fat (which digestsslowly) is ideal. You shoulddigest the meal quickly and thefuel is available during yourexercise session. Here are somesuggestions:

Fruit juice Fruit smoothie High-glycemic fruits like

pineapple, apricots, banana,mango, and watermelon

Sports drinks Pretzels or bagels (but not

whole grain varieties, whichdigest slowly)

Energy bars (look for 3-5grams of protein, at least 15grams of carbs, and very littlefat)

Eat a nutritionally balanced mealone to two hours before your exercise.This is the best option for manypeople. The larger the meal, andthe more fat and protein it con-tains, the longer you may needto wait before exercising. Try toeat enough calories to equalabout half the calories youexpect to burn during yourupcoming workout. So if youburn about 600 calories duringyour workout, aim for at least300 calories during this meal —or a little more if your exerciseis “high intensity” (more than 75percent of your maximum heartrate). At least 50 percent ofthese calories should come fromcarbohydrates, which shouldkeep your blood sugar and ener-gy levels fairly stable during yourexercise session. Try includingsome protein to help preventthe breakdown of muscle forfuel and give your muscles a

head start on recovery afterexercise. Some good food choic-es and combinations for thiskind of meal include:

Fruit and yogurt Nuts Oatmeal Cereals (with more than 3

grams of fiber) and milk Trail mix with nuts and dried

fruit Hummus and raw veggies Hard boiled eggs (or egg

whites) Cottage cheese and fruit Half a peanut butter or

turkey/chicken sandwich onwhole grain bread

Whole grain crackers with

nut butter or cheese Whole grain Fig (or any

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Milk (especially chocolatemilk)

Tomato or vegetable juice Yogurt smoothie (with

added protein powder, ifdesired)

Most protein/energy bars

As a consistent exerciser, youhave a lot of flexibility when itcomes to timing your meals andchoosing your foods. The mostimportant things are getting toknow your body and how itresponds to exercise, so that youcan give it what it needs to per-form at its best. Eating the rightfoods at the right times beforeyou work out is essential tokeeping your energy up, yourworkout performance high, andyour body in fat-burning mode.

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St. Bonaventure CYO began across country program this fallunder the direction of long-timetrack coach Joe Sullivan and theveteran couldn’t be happier withthe results his harriers produced.He explained, “We had our firstand last meets on the same courseat Joaquin Miller Park in theOakland Hills and every singlerunner who competed in bothevents improved their time – oneby as much as nearly three min-utes!”

Boding well for the future ofthe program the strongest agegroups for St. Bonaventure werein the third through fifth gradedivisions for both boys and girls.Fourth grader Sydney Kupsh wasthe team’s top individual finisherat the season-ending OaklandDiocese meet with a fifth place inthe third-fifth grade girls run witha 7:22.35 time. Kupsh won the1600 meters at the Diocese trackmeet last spring as a third grader.

The St. Bonaventure girlsteam included Kupsh, PiperChristensen, Skylar Aldridge andMalia Latu as they were sixthoverall among the 26 CYO teamsentered in their age group. TheSt. Bonaventure boys in the samegrades finished in the top half of

the 25 teams as Jackson Hart andBraden Hart claimed top timesamong the Bulldogs.

Sarah Carrico led the way forthe St. Bonnies sixth-eighthgrade girls while Christian Utnewas the leader for the older boys.

In its first year StBonaventure was one of only 15CYO teams to provide scoringsquads in each of the four agebrackets at the Diocese crosscountry meet.

“It was a great season. Therunners improved their form andspeed and generally had a goodtime,” Sullivan said. “I think itwas a great confidence builderfor everyone. One of the things Iwas especially gratified seeingwere our kids cheering for all therunners from all the differentteams.” Sullivan thanked JoanneMcCluhan, Kristen Kupsh, ChrisHart and his son Danny Sullivanfor helping all season with thenew program. The head coach,who ran the St. Bonaventuretrack and field program for 15years, also lauded CaitlynO’Connor for helping at all thepractices. “She is 16 and a verygood runner. She was a greatrole model for the younger run-ners, especially the girls.”

Sullivan summed up his feel-ings: “It was a wonderful experi-ence and a definite plus for St.Bonaventure CYO.”

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Sports

Photo courtesy St. Bonaventure CYO

THE BRAND NEW ST. BONAVENTURE CYO CROSS COUNTRY TEAM made giant strides this fall. The team included, front row from left,coach Danny Sullivan, Dolly Latu, Sydney Kupsh, Tilema Latu, Malia Latu; middle row, Claire Smithey, Aaron Capinpin, BradenHart, Jason Rogers, Johnny McCluhan, Jackson Hart, Parker Christensen, Danielle Cordova, Alex Garcia; back row, KimberlyRizon, Christian Utne, Kennedy Rizon, Joseph Tuano, Bethany O’Connor, Michael Fregosi, Sarah Carrico, Piper Christensen,Skylar Aldridge and coach Joe Sullivan.

CYO cross country team has ‘great’ first season

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The Clayton Coyotes 10under AA travel baseball teammade a big impact in its first sea-son with a pair of runner-up tour-nament finishes propelling thenew team of players fromClayton Valley Little League andJr. Optimist Baseball near the topof the Northern CaliforniaUSSSA rankings.

Formed this summer follow-ing the spring youth baseball sea-son, the Coyotes compete againstmany year-round travel teams.Manager Ryan Covalt and hiscoaches worked with the teamfrom July through this month andwill be holding tryouts in April orMay for next season. “True travelteams play year round. There area lot of teams that do play yearround but we do not. We wouldlike to expand our season to moregames between July andNovember next year but I haven’tyet decided if I want to go yearround,” Covalt explains.

The team’s tournaments thisyear were similar. At the Back to

School Challenge in Fremont theCoyotes upset the No. 1 seedPetaluma Impact 9-7 to reach thefinals before losing to NorcalStorm from Redwood Shores inthe championship game 12-3.

The Harvest Classic at TwinCreeks complex saw the Coyotesplay two games on Saturday andthen three on Sunday as they bat-tled to reach the finals again. Thistime they ended up again facingPetaluma and this time theImpact came out on top 6-1.

“The boys accomplished featsgenerally only obtained by moreseasoned teams. They finishedrunner-up in two consecutivetournaments and are ranked fifthout of 58 registered teams inNorthern California and 10th inregion 5.” Covalt said. TheCoyotes roster includes CharliePesmark, Eric Zimmer, JosephCourse, Seth Gwynn, RyanMuniz, Joey Wheeler, ChaseGraves, Jake Enos, ClaytonMahloch, Mason Covalt, BraulioMartin and Quinton Mahloch.

The players were selected bythe coaching staff and representsome of the top 8 to 10 year oldboys in the Clayton area. “A tradi-

tional travel team does not partic-ipate in local Little Leagues duringthe spring as the rules betweenthe two leagues are different. Fornow our players will play in theirlocal spring program. Historically,travel teams go through a one- to

two-year learning curve beforebeing truly competitive,” the man-ager adds.

The coaching staff expects to addmore tournaments during its 2012 Julyto October season. For more informationvisit coyotestb.com.

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Photo courtesy of Clayton Coyotes

CLAYTON COYOTES 10 UNDER AA TEAM earned a pair of runner-up tournament finishes in their first season of travel baseball.The team includes bottom row from left, Charlie Pesmark, EricZimmer, Joseph Course, Seth Gwynn, Ryan Muniz, JoeyWheeler; top row, coach Eric Enos, Chase Graves, Jake Enos,Clayton Mahloch, Mason Covalt, manager Ryan Covalt,Braulio Martin, Quinton Mahloch and coach Kevin Zimmer.

New Clayton Coyotes 10 under AAbaseball team a hit from the start

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Although he wasn’t able tomatch last year’s runner-up finishDomenic Mazza still came inamong the top 24 at the Re/MaxWorld Long DriveChampionship last week inMesquite, Nev. The 17-year-oldsenior at Clayton Valley HighSchool fell one yard short ofmoving into the 12th round ofthe finals when his 383-yarddrive was only good for fifthplace in round 10 behind thefourth-place mark of 384.

That drive was his longestrecorded over the three days hecompeted in Mesquite.Englishman Joe Miller, whodefeated Mazza in last year’sfinals, was eliminated the nextday in the semi-finals. Mazza andMiller got automatic berths inthe World Championships basedon their 2010 results.

Mazza’s top drives in earlierrounds as he advanced were 380,

365,326 and 366.Mazza plays golf right-hand-

ed. He figures to be one of themainstays of the CVHS baseballteam this coming spring wherehe pitches left-handed. TheConcord youngster turned downover $70,000 in prize money atlast year’s long drive competitionso that he could maintain hisamateur status for high schooland college sports.

Pro Dave DeLong ofBoundary Oak Golf Course hasbeen training Mazza and says hehas definitely picked up speed onhis golf swing this year but thatin a competition like the LongDrive Championships many fac-tors come into play during theelimination rounds. He adds,“Domenic is still so young com-peting against seasoned pros.People are amazed when they seehim swing.”

Domenic Mazzaplaces in top 24 at2011 World LongDrive Championship

Page 10 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com November 11, 2011

There was a lot more goingon than just soccer on the fieldover the Halloween weekend atthe 13th annual Halloween Kickor Treat Classic hosted byDiablo FC. The record field of108 teams not only enjoyed twodays of soccer but they compet-ed in the annual costume con-test with prizes awarded for thescariest, most creative, funniestand most original creations forboys and girls teams in theunder 9 through U11 agegroups.

The host club’s girls teamsdid well in both competitions.Coach Dean Weisz and hisDiablo FC 00 U11 girls got hon-orable mention for their greenzombie costumes—-includingthe coach—while winning thetop ranked Black Cats Divisionchampionship on the soccerfield. Diablo FC 01 girls reachedthe U10 finals of the WitchesDivision and also were namedmost creative costumes for theircave women look among all 108teams. The U9 girls team,Diablo FC 02, also made it tothe championship finals in theRavens Division giving DiabloFC a clean sweep of finalistpositions for its girls gold divi-sion teams.

The U11 girls won twogames on Saturday to reach thesemi-finals where they playedthe Mustang Legends and cameout on top 2-1. That put DiabloFC 00 in the finals againstanother top club and theydefeated San Clara Sporting 00

Green in a penalty kick shootoutafter playing to a tie in thechampionship game and over-time. Their sister team, DiabloFC 00 Blue, competed in thePumpkins Division but failed toadvance to the finals.

In under 10 girls coachMiguel Gonzalez and his cavewomen stood out with their cos-tumes and did quite well playingsoccer too. They won three con-

secutive games in strong fashionby a combined 12-2 scorebefore losing to Union CityPremier Tops in the finals 3-0.

The youngest competitiveteam in Diablo FC the 02 girlswon two and drew one to quali-fy for the U9 championshipmatch where they fell to WestCoast SC Fury. Diablo FC 02has also enjoyed a successful fallleague season.

In the boys divisions U11Diablo FC 00 lost a tiebreaker tomove into the finals after theyfinished with two wins and adraw. Diablo FC 01 had a win, adraw and a loss in its three U10games while the younger DiabloFC 02 squad fell one goal shortof reaching the U9 champi-onship game after winning twoof three matches.

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When Christo Lopez was inmiddle school he tried out for apart in “High School Musical.”Much to his dismay he was castas Ryan the “razzle dazzledork”—very different than hisself-image as a jock. He even-tually accepted the role, fell inlove with acting and enrolled in

the Clayton Valley ArtsAcademy at Clayton ValleyHigh School, which hasopened many opportunities forhim away from the swimmingpool. In the water he’s excelledas senior captain of the unde-feated DVAL league and tour-nament champion Eagles water

polo team. Lopez plays in theutility role for coach CraigJohnson’s team and scored 106goals, had 44 assists and 24steals prior to CVHS NorthCoast Section playoff gameswhere he and goalie TaylorWingard hope to lead theEagles to a school record for

wins in a season. His coachsays, “Christo has raised hisgame to be one of the best inthe league and in the area.”Lopez wants to follow in thefootsteps of recent CVHSplayers to a college water polocareer but first will swim forthe Eagles next spring and domore work on the stage. Healso plays on the 680 Driversclub water polo team.

The Clayton Pioneer congratu-lates Christo Lopez and rewards hisachievement with a gift certificate toRocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Do you know a young athletewho should be recognized? Perhapshe or she has shown exceptionalsportsmanship, remarkable improve-ment or great heart for the sport.Send your nomination for the Rocco’sPioneer Athlete Spotlight today tosports@claytonpioneer.com.

AthleteSpotlight

Name: Christo LopezAge: 17 Team: CVHS Water PoloSports: Water Polo, Swimming

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Photos courtesy Diablo FC

THE DIABLO FC 01 GIRLS MADE IT TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH of the 13th annual Halloween Kickor Treat Classic before losing the finale to Union City Premier but they had already winners.The team of cave women and caveman coach was named Most Creative in the costume contestheld in conjunction with the local tournament that drew a record number of 108 teams thisyear. The under 10 girls team from host Diablo FC includes, kneeling from left, Kelly Kern,Carissa Capinpin, Grace Wenger, Allie Hair, Courtney Silva, Kaleigh Jai Colchico; standing,coach Miguel Gonzalez, Carly Oshel, Vanessa Castillo, Sophia Salimpour (squatting), DarbyDresdow, Julia Betti, Brianna Murray and Aaron Silva. Not pictured, Analisa Rivera.

Creative costumes mix with soccer atHalloween Kick or Treat tournament

Clayton’s Kristian Ipsenreturned from Guadalajara,Mexico with a silver medal inthe three-meter synchronizeddiving event with his partnerTroy Dumais but also with thedisappointment of not winningindividual gold in the 3Mspringboard, which would haveearned the United States anoth-er berth in the event at nextsummer’s London Olympicswhere Ipsen hopes to competefor the United States in twoevents.

Dumais and Ipsen finishedbehind the home country duoof Yahel Castillo and JulianSanchez in synchro. TheAmerican pair was waging aclose battle with the Mexicansuntil the fourth dive when theyfaltered and fell behind. Afterthat subpar performanceDumais and Ipsen reboundedwith their highest score on thenext dive but weren’t able toclose the gap. Cuba finishedthird in the competition.

The synchro event was onthe opening day of diving at theXVI Pan American Games fea-turing the top athletes from theWestern Hemisphere in a multi-sport competition.

Of most importance to theAmerican men’s team was win-ning the individual 3M spring-board. The USA earned oneOlympic 3M berth with thefifth-place finish by Dumais at

the 2011 FINA WorldChampionships in Shanghai.The Pan Am champion wouldalso gain a Beth for his country.Knowing that it was first placeor bust, both Ipsen and theother American competing,Drew Livingston of Texas,scheduled the most difficultdives in the completion to tryand rack up enough points forthe gold medal. Each wasunable to successfully completetheir most difficult dive andeventually finished sixth and10th, respectively.

Of his key dive Ipsen said, “Iknew if a wanted to have achance to win I had to take therisk and do the triple out (afront 2-1/2 with three twists, a3.9 degree of difficulty dive—the most difficult of any com-petitor). Even though it didn’tpay off I’m glad I took thechance. It was a good learningexperience in a pressure situa-tion and it will help me downthe road.” Castillo and Sanchezended up with the gold and sil-ver medals in the event.

The Americans will have onemore chance next February atthe World Cup in London togain that second Olympic berth3M berth. Ipsen’s coach PhilTonne was on the American PanAm team coaching staff.

Before leaving for MexicoIpsen competed in his first col-lege meet for Stanford andswept the one- and three-meterspringboard competitions overvisiting Hawaii.

Ipsen, partner win diving silver medalat Pan Am Games

CLAYTON WRESTLERCOMMITS TO

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITYSenior Joe Moita of De La Salle

High School will be joining hisolder brother Vince wrestling in theIvy League next year. The youngerMoita, a two-time North CoastSection champion for the Spartans,has announced he will attendColumbia University in New YorkCity. Joe Moita finished fourth inthe 2010 California State Meet andalso won a pair of junior nationaltitles in 2009 wrestling for theCommunity Youth Center. He hadconsidered Stanford, Duke andPennsylvania in addition toColumbia, where he will join anoth-er former DLS wrestler, LukeSheridan. Vince Moita wrestles forBrown University in Rhode Island.

STILL TIME FOR CLAYTONGYM WINTER YOUTH

VOLLEYBALL SIGN-UPSAll Out Sports League is still

taking sign-ups for winter volleyballat Clayton Community Gym. Thewinter basketball program is full.The non-competitive volleyball pro-gram includes stretching, trainingand games with everyone playing.The seven-week season runs Dec. 3through Jan. 28. Visit alloutsport-sleague-clayton.com for moredetails.

DFC U8 ACADEMY WINTERSOCCER PROGRAM COMING

The 11th annual Diablo FCWinter Soccer Academy is nowaccepting registrations. The pro-gram for boys and girls 5-12 yearsof age is held Jan. 6-Feb. 16 on

Mondays and Thursdays from 5-6p.m. at Willow Pass Park inConcord. Camp Director BrianVoltattorni says the Academy is adevelopmental soccer program thatteaches basic dribbling, juggling,passing and shooting skills to play-ers of all ability levels from noviceto players on competitive teams.For complete details and to registervisit diablofc.org.

LOCAL GIRLS TRAVELINGVOLLEYBALL TEAMTRYOUTS SUNDAY

The Blaze girls traveling volley-ball team is taking registrations fortryouts for its 2012 season. Girls 11to 18 years old are invited to tryoutthis Sunday, Nov. 13, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Clayton CommunityGym. Tryouts are $20 per playerand open to anyone. The team issponsored by All Out SportsLeague and will practice at theClayton gym on Sunday mornings.

The team coached by Shauna Reedwill play in tournaments through-out Northern California andNevada. For tryout and team infor-mation contact coach Reed atshauna@reedbsi.com or visit all-outsportsleague-clayton.com.

SPRING SIGNUPS OPEN FORMT. DIABLO SOCCERMt. Diablo Soccer is breaking

from tradition and opening up sign-ups for its spring program thismonth. Players who participated inthe just-completed fall season arecharged only $50 for spring. Boysand girls 3-1/2 to 18 years of agecan take part. Under 12 and olderdivisions in spring league are co-ed.Spring league ends in mid-May andis generally less formal than fallwith players getting the opportuni-ty to play soccer without any post-season playoff pressure.Registration is now being takenonline at mdsoccer.org.

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November 11, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 11

Clayton Sports

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Junior McKenna DeLongsaid she’d go out for theClayton Valley High Schoolgolf team for the first time thisyear if her incoming freshmansister Rachel did too. The sis-ters have played a number ofsports—-soccer, basketball andlacrosse among them—-butthey participated in a Nike

Summer Series with their dadat Boundary Oak Golf Courseand joined the Eagles golfteam this fall. It certainlyworked out well as McKennawas medalist (low scorer)recording an 81 at the DiabloValley Athletic League meet asthe Eagles won the champi-onship and qualified as a team

for the North Coast SectionTournament of Champions forthe first time in school history.Her younger sister carded an83 at the league meet.McKenna was also the team’slow scorer at NCS TOC shoot-ing 89 in the second time shehad ever played 18 holes. Thegirl’s father, Dave DeLong, is a

teaching pro at Boundary Oakwhile their uncle is also a proand has helped them as well.“They really enjoyed the cama-raderie on the golf team, whichthey’ve gotten from othersports,” their dad added. Notspending all her time on thegolf course, McKenna hasplayed soccer for ClaytonValley as well as a successfulMDSA select team.

The Clayton Pioneer congratu-lates McKenna DeLong andrewards her achievement with a giftcertificate to Rocco’s Ristorante &Pizzeria.

Do you know a young athletewho should be recognized? Perhapshe or she has shown exceptionalsportsmanship, remarkable improve-ment or great heart for the sport.Send your nomination for the Rocco’sPioneer Athlete Spotlight today tosports@claytonpioneer.com.

AthleteSpotlight

Name: McKenna DeLongAge: 16 Team: CVHS GolfSports: Golf, Soccer

Four of the six champi-onship matches were decided bya single goal as the third annualseason-ending Mt. DiabloSoccer World Cup played outover the Halloween weekendlocally.

World Cup games in theunder 10, 12 and 14 age groupsfor boys and girls the World Cupwill be featured 64 teams overthree weekends narrowed downto the six championship match-es. Some of the top finishersfrom the World Cup will repre-sent MDSA this weekend at theArea 2C AYSO Cup with Mt.Diablo serving as one of thetournament hosts.

The under 10 champi-onships were both close affairs.Algeria edged the Netherlands4-3 in the boys finale withPortugal third and Croatiafourth. Mernard Wernercoached the winning Algeriateam while the Netherlands wascoached by Troy Amerine.

In U10 girls the gamebetween Norway and Sloveniawent all the way to penalty kicksbefore Norway coached by WaltUrias won the crown. JerryBascom coached the runner-upSlovenia team. Egypt took thirdover Cameroon after a 4-3 scorein the third-place game.

Brian Hanson and PeteMingham helped theirPhilippines team rise up as the

sixth seed to take the U12 boyschampionship. They defeatedGermany, coached by JoernWeigelt and Ricardo Barba, 6-3in the finals after losing to thesame team earlier in the tourna-ment. Puerto Rico prevailedover Scotland 3-1 for thirdplace. On the U12 girls side

Belgium squeaked by Poland 2-1. Pete Villa’s Belgium teamedged Peter Valero’s Poland.Australia shut out Ireland 2-0for third place.

In boys U14 Paraguay lost 2-1 to Nicaragua and coach EliasHaddad in the finals. Rick Ortizcoached runner-up Paraguay.

Brazil was third and Chinafourth in the U14 boys. JCAraujo and Bill Gonsalves sawtheir Peru team shut out Fiji,coached by Kevin O’Leary, inthe U14 girls bracket withKenya third and Italy fourth.

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Photo courtesy MDSA

THE PHILIPPINES TEAM CAME FROM A SIXTH SEED POSITION based on regular season results to win theunder 12 boys division at the third annual Mt. Diablo World Cup recently. The team includes,front row from left, Jeffery Wang, Josh Brown, Milad Dehghan, John Cook, Josh Gilbert; backrow, coach Pete Mingham, Logan Smith, Sinjin Speer, Tyler Hanson, Luke Mingham, ColinCook, Austin O’Connor and coach Brian Hanson. Not pictured T.J. Martin.

Closely-controlled matches featured in manyMt. Diablo World Cup Championship finals

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Clayton Sports

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Some call it “housebreaking.”I prefer to call it “house-train-ing.” What am I talking about?Getting the family dog to “do itsbusiness” where we want it to, ofcourse.

What is the easiest and bestmethod for house training a dog?Instead of concentrating onteaching where not to go, teachwhere to go. There are two com-

ponents to this. Confine yourdog in a space where it won’twant to eliminate. Dogs won’tusually mess where they eatand/or sleep, so leave your dogin a space just big enough for itsfood and its bed to reduce mis-takes. You can use a dog crate, asmall room or “fenced-off ” por-tion of a room. Then, regularlytake your dog outside to elimi-nate.

There are some obvioustimes to take your dog out, likefirst thing in the morning, a half-hour after the dog has had a mealand at bedtime. To determinehow often to take your dog out

other than those times, consideryour dog’s age. Expect that apuppy will only be able to hold itabout one hour longer than thenumber of months old it is. So,that means you need to take a 10-week old puppy out every 3hours. For an older dog, startwith taking it out every couple ofhours, and pay attention to whenit actually does its business.Regardless of its age, pay atten-tion to what your individual dog’sactual schedule is. Then, you cananticipate when to take your dogoutside.

To get the right messageacross, set up a potty routine. Put

the dog on a leash. Initially, carryyour dog to the yard to avoidaccidents along the way. Takeyour dog to the part of your yardyou want it to use. When you getthere, give your dog a commandlike “go potty.” Then as elimina-tion starts, praise the dog. A treat,as the dog is finishing, will alsohelp. Once your dog has done itsbusiness, and gotten its praise,you can allow it to play outside.The play can be part of thereward your dog gets for doingthings right.

When you take your dog out-side, don’t wait for minutes onend for something to happen.I’ve been called for house train-ing help by puppy guardians whoseemed to be doing everythingright. What I’ve always found inthese cases is that they were tak-ing their puppies outside tooearly. These puppies wouldspend too much time wanderingaround the yard before going tothe bathroom. There was a lagbetween being taken outside andeliminating, so they didn’t under-stand that elimination was thereason for going outside. Waitonly long enough for your dog tosniff around for the right spotand do its business. If nothinghappens in that time, take yourdog back to its confinementplace for 15 minutes, then tryagain. Keep bringing your dogoutside every 15 minutes untilthe dog does its business, andnote how long it was since thelast time your dog actually went,so that you’ll know how long towait between times the next day.

Once a routine has beenestablished, you can loosen upon the confinement in the housesome, but keep your dog withyou, and keep its time out ofconfinement short, until youknow that it understands where itis supposed to do its business.Give the routine 12 weeks. Manydogs need that long to fully get it.Assume that your dog is one ofthem, and you should succeed infully house-training your dog.

Snitzer is a fun and sweet littleguy. He becomes instant friendswith almost everyone he meets,and his outgoing nature wouldmake him a great companion fortrips around town or outings onthe trail. Attending a BasicManners training class would be agreat way for Snitzer to bond withhis new adopters while learningthe basic doggie skills.

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appointed to the ECCFPDboard of directors to representunincorporated areas of the dis-trict.

Morgan describes herappointment as “triumphant.”

“This comes from the sup-port of all the coalition,” shesays. “I thank everyone for let-ting me know that this is some-thing I should do.”

Morgan joins the board as itheads into a fight for its life. Thedistrict is operating on reservesand will run completely out ofmoney by next year unless vot-ers approve a parcel tax of $197to go on the ballot next June.

The parcel tax is in additionto the “fee-for-service” leviedon rural property owners byCalifornia Assembly Bill ABX129 passed in June. The state feecould be as much as $150. Addthe two together, and ECCFPD

taxpayers could be hit with a$347 tab for fire protection andemergency services.

Morgan brings decades ofexperience and education to theboard. She holds a PhD in edu-cation and a Masters in BusinessAdministration. She worked onthe Habitat Conservation Planand the Marsh Creek SpecificPlan and served on the board ofthe Economic OpportunityCouncil for six years.

She comes from a family ofranchers that settled in theMorgan Territory valley morethan 100 years ago. Her uncleRay Morgan served as the firechief for the East Diablo FireDepartment and her father BillMorgan served as a volunteerfireman from the early 1950sand a member of the boarduntil 2002

ECCFPD chief Hugh

Henderson is pleased withMorgan’s appointment.

“I am looking forward toworking with Cheryl, she hasbeen very involved with theDistrict for over a year. I thinkshe will help the Districtthrough these tough times.”

For more information on ECCF-PD and a schedule of board meetings,go to eccfpd.org.

Fire Board, from page 1 TOWN HALL MEETING

There will be a Town HallMeeting to discuss the pro-posed ECCFPD parcel tax.Director Cheryl Morgan, FireChief Hugh Henderson willbe on hand to answer ques-tions.

When: Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m.Where: Farm Bureau Hall

5554 Clayton Rd.,Concord

November 11, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 13

Walk through the front doorof Country Waffles in theClayton Station and the smellssurround you like a warm hug –bacon and eggs on the griddle,fresh coffee and buttered toast.Oldies music, a friendly staffand a menu loaded with heartybreakfast and lunch fare, lightoptions and senior specialscomplete the picture.

“The food is so good,”Maddie Conklin from BethelIsland says. “It’s a convenientlocation for parking. What morecould you ask for?”

“We do our due diligence increating the best food,” saysowner Pete Kearney. The focusis on fresh. “We prepare ourmenu items daily, not inadvance.”

Kearney owns six otherCountry Waffles franchise loca-tions (Danville, Pleasant Hill,Antioch, two Livermore loca-tions and Dublin). Pleasant Hillis the hub store where new fooditems are tested to insure quali-ty before adding them to themenu for other locations.

In Clayton, customers visitwith friends at other tables,confer at informal staff meet-ings over coffee or pick up anewspaper from the stand at the

entrance. “A lot of people come

daily,” regular local customerDennis Bledsoe says. “Theservice is excellent.”

Kearney employs the bestpeople. “I teach them how tolearn the customers and make arelationship with them. Thefirst thing is to know theirnames.”

Staffing at the ClaytonStation location is a family affairwith the four Rodriguez broth-ers (and one of their wives)having been with Kearny since

the store opened in 1994. Kearney starts the day in his

home office in Alamo at 5 a.m.With his phone ear piece inplace, checklist and pen inpocket and glasses tucked in thecollar of his shirt, he typicallytravels to each location, notingon his list what he needs tobring or what he needs to dis-cuss. But his priority is to jumpinto action where needed whenhe walks through the door ofeach restaurant, often busing atable, taking an order or cook-ing in the kitchen -- and always

greeting the customers.“I grew up in the restaurant

business. My dad owned arestaurant,” Kearney says. Afterhis dad sold the restaurant,Kearney worked for Bob’s BigBoy for 10 years. He moved onto the Perko’s franchise beforeswitching to Country Waffles in1991.

The early closing hoursafford Kearney the luxury ofmore time with his family andhobbies … and his newest ven-ture, Clementine’s which willopen in San Ramon in February

and will include a dinner menuand full bar. Named for hisgranddaughter, the cuisine isdistinctly New Orleans and ishis daughter’s concept.

With so many plates spin-ning, “I’m not really interestedin retiring,” Kearney says. “Ilove to create wealth. Not rich-es, but something to leave thekids and grandkids.”

Country Waffles is location at5435 Clayton Road, B, in theClayton Shopping Center, 673-0943.

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Clayton Community CalendarPlease submit your Clayton Community Calendar events by 5 P.m. nov. 16 for the nov. 25 issue. items must be

submitted by email to calendar@claytonpioneer.com

In Clayton

Nov. 15CHS Annual MeetingClayton Historical Society’s Annual Meeting. Entertainment byHouseblend. Bring a main dish, salad or dessert and a place setting.Guests welcome. Doors open at 5 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St.,Clayton. claytonhistory.org.

Nov. 16YVRW November LuncheonYgnacio Valley Republican Women November luncheon and speakerCarol Hehmeyer. Open to the public. 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. OakhurstCountry Club, 1001 Peacock Drive, Clayton. yvrwf.org.

events and entertaInment

Thru Nov. 13“Little Shop of Horrors”Contra Costa Musical Theatre presents the comic story of a down andout floral assistant. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., WalnutCreek. lesherartscenter.org, 943-SHOW

Thru-Nov. 13“The Storytelling Ability of a Boy”Center REPertory Company presents the West Coast premiere of a turbu-lent, wickedly funny and tough tale of two teenagers. Strong languageand situations. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.$20-$30. centerrep.org, 943-SHOW.

Thru-Nov. 19“Weekend with Pablo Picasso”Center REPertory Company’s Bay Area premiere of the story of the mostprolific and influential artist of the 20th century. Lesher Center for theArts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $38-$43. centerrep.org, 943-SHOW.

Nov. 11Veteran’s Day CeremonyRemembrance held by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 1525. 11a.m. Hillcrest Community Park, 2050 Olivera Road, Concord. BuddyPoppies available there and at Clayton Safeway Nov. 10-13. 255-3449.

Nov. 14-Jan. 15Nunset BoulevardThe Nuns are back at Willows Theatre in the “Nunsense Hollywood BowlShow.” 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $17-$32. willowstheatre.org,798-1300.

Nov. 18-19Diablo BalletFeaturing the company’s first world premiere by Val Caniparoli set to themusic of “A Phoenix Story.” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov.19. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $23-$49.lesherartscenter.org, 943-SHOW.

Nov. 25-Dec. 4“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”Two buddies put on a show in a picturesque Vermont Inn and find theirperfect mates in the process. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr.,Walnut Creek. $17-$48. diablotheatre.org.

Nov. 27Diablo SymphonyPerformance with pianist Brenda Vahur and trum-peter Leonard Ott. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for theArts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$20.lesherartscenter.org.

Nov. 27Duo PianistsWelcome the holidays with The Fratello Marionettes and Eric Tran &Nathan Cheung. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr.,Walnut Creek. $25. diablosymphony.org.

Dec. 1-24A Christmas CarolA.C.T. performs this sparkling, music-infused celebration of goodwill.American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco. $15-$105. act-sf.org or (415) 749-2228.

Dec. 5-17Youth Theatre Training ProgramRegistration now open. Students 8-18 rehearse and perform “Seussicalthe Musical” through Willows Theatre. willowstheatre.org or RachelRobinson 957-2500.

fundraIsers

Nov. 16CVHS Music BoostersClayton Valley High School Music Boosters dine in or take out at PandaExpress. 3 – 9:30 p.m. Panda Express, 2280 Oak Grove Road, WalnutCreek. Must present flyer for Boosters to get 20% of purchase; downloadfrom claytonbands.org.

Nov. 19, 20CVWC Holiday BoutiqueClayton Valley Woman’s Club’s annual holiday boutique. Sat. 10 a.m. –6 p.m., Sun. 1 – 5 p.m. Clayton Community Library, 6125 ClaytonRoad. 672-3850.

at the lIbrary

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

WednesdaysBook BuddiesA volunteer will read stories for children of all ages. 1-2 p.m.

Tuesdays through Nov. 29Patty CakesStory time for babies to 3-year-olds. 11 a.m.

Thursdays through Nov. 17Picture Book TimeStory time for ages 3-5. 11 a.m.

Thru Nov. 17Clayton ReadsFourth annual Clayton Reads featuring “Baking Cakes in Kigali” by GaileParkin. Free copies at library while they last.

Nov. 13Baking Cakes in KigaliBook discussion moderated by librarian Karen Hansen-Smith. 2 p.m.

Nov. 15Paws to ReadEncourage students to read through reading aloud to a dog. Registrationrequired. Maximum three sessions. Grades 1-5. 4 p.m.

Nov. 16CERTTwo-hour emergency preparedness seminar by Community EmergencyResponse Team. 7 p.m. Community Room. Free. claytoncert.org.

Nov. 17Through My EyesYouth of Rwanda use the arts to help move the country forward 10 yearsafter the genocide. 4:30 p.m.

Government

1st and 3rd TuesdaysClayton City Council7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 orci.clayton.ca.us.

2nd and 4th TuesdaysClayton Planning Commission7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 orci.clayton.ca.us.

Call for information

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Country Waffles, where the coffee is hot and everyone knows your name

Country Waffles oWner Pete Kearney depends on the Rodriguezbrothers to whip, chop and flip the breakfast and lunch creationsthat keep customers coming back. From left Jorge Rodriguez, PeteKearney, Rafael Rodriguez and Jose Rodriguez.

Pamela WieseNdaNger

Clayton Pioneer

Page 14 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com November 11, 2011

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November 11, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 15

Kick off the holiday season at the Contra Costa CountyFair Fall Faire in Antioch on Nov. 12 and 13.

Get a jump on your holiday shopping and find unique and spe-cial gifts in two buildings filled with quality crafters and local busi-nesses. Come enjoy a great variety of jewelry, clothing, holidayitems, woodworking, novelties, craft items and food.

New this year is “Smokin' on the Delta,” a KCBS sanctionedBBQ Competition. Professional BBQ teams will be on hand, put-ting their best grill forward!

Local amateur gilling teams will compete in the annualBackyard Barbeque Cookout Contest. Be a part of the fun by join-ing in on the public judging.

As always, the Kids Zone will be FREE! Take a break from allthe festivities and let the little ones have some fun of their ownincluding visits with Santa on his sleigh! Fall Faire 2011...don'tmiss it!

“Loyal local shoppers are so important to our business,” saysSara Skow, owner of The Royal Rooster.

Every year, this delightful little gift and home decor shop onDiablo Street in quaint downtown Clayton offers a close-by alter-native to the crowded malls.

Themed trees throughout the store make a stunning displayand there is a wide variety of new merchandise for the holiday sea-son.

The Royal Rooster carries a large selection of jewelry, fra-grances, handbags, Vera Bradley, seasonal decor, candles, furni-ture, greeting cards and gourmet food with complimentary giftbasket design and gift wrap.

There’s no place like home for the holidays. And ClaytonFurniture has everything to make that home comfy, cozy andinviting.

Clayton Furniture is one of the oldest furniture businesses inContra Costa, continuously family owned and operated since1988. Clayton Furniture’s success is built on service, integrity andvalue.

Visit their spacious showroom with displays presenting tradi-tional, everyday furniture balanced with unique imports anddomestic treasures. For those who have more in mind than whatis on display, Clayton Furniture offers catalog ordering with shortone to two week deliveries.

Gift the perfect holiday de-stressor to yourself or someoneyou love.

Divine Elements is the ultimate destination for relaxation andtherapeutic massage. Therapists are expertly trained in severalmassage modalities, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal,Reflexology and Hot Stone Massage, as well as many other spatreatments. Massage can help eliminate daily stresses, leaving onefeeling rejuvenated and balanced. Take the first step towards thebest in relaxation and pampering at Divine Elements. Call andbook an appointment today at (925) 349-9490.

Nothing speaks “love” quite as sweetly as that special bondbetween horse and rider.

Earthquake Arabians prides itself on promoting andstrengthening the Arabian horse influence on today’s youth andadult rider. At the same, Earthquake Arabians helps the rider buildconfidence, self-esteem, pride and the understanding of the

responsibilities involved with horses whether it is the rider’s firsttime in the saddle or they dream of competing at the Nationallevel.

The Earthquake Arabians staff is dedicated to helping clientsachieve their goals. Individual instruction gives each rider anopportunity to advance at their own pace and create individualgoals for successful riding.

Earthquake Arabians also offers fun-filled “Horsin’ Around”camps and birthday parties. Their lessons, camps and parties makememories that last a lifetime.

www.earthquakearabians.com

It’s time to wrap and mail your Christmas packages to far-offloved ones. Turn this annual chore into pure pleasure at the PostalAnnex counter in the Clayton Station. They will package yourtreasures for safe delivery while you browse the assorted gift itemsfor stocking stuffers.

And while you are celebrating, sadly the identity thieves areplotting. Rent a mailbox to keep your mail and personal informa-tion safe and out of harm’s way. Receive a mailbox with a streetaddress that any mail carrier can deliver to (FedEx, UPS, USPS,DHL). Open a mailbox now and get three months free on a one-year rental with the Postal Annex ad. Postal Annex also offersservices including Notary, shredding, copying, passport photo andkey cutting. Visit today at 5433 Clayton Rd K, in the ClaytonStation Shopping Center or call 673-5246.

Set the most beautiful table in town for Thanksgiving.Melanie’s Gifts and Interiors is celebrating the season.

Come browse their bountiful selection of autumn-inspired piecesand table décor — placemats, table runners, cheese trays, spread-ers, turkey platters, candles and hostess gift ideas. Melanie’s alwaysprovides unique gift ideas and interior accents. Shop locally in apeaceful environment with plenty of parking.

St. Bonaventure Catholic Church5562 Clayton Road, Concord

www.vintagetrio.com

with Clayton’s own Joyce and Santiago Martinez,

Roxanne Pardi and Maryann Tarantino

Also see Vintage at the Clayton PioneerChristmas Cookie Judging Party

Dec. 13, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Clayton Library

Welcome the season with a special

Friday Dec. 2. 7:30 - 8:30pm

Friday Dec. 9. 7:30 - 8:30pm

Check out their CDQuiet Time: Inspirationalmusic on solo piano

St. Agnes Church3966 Chestnut Ave. Concord

Please bring your family and friends andjoin us in our Christmas celebration!

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Call or go online: (925) 349-9490 divine-elements-massage.com

One Hour Massage Gift CertificatesOne Certificate for $60 ($10 savings)

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Magical realism is anacquired taste. While all worksof fiction require a certain sus-pension of disbelief to be suc-cessful, it is more so in the caseof magical realism. This is atrick, unless you happen tobelieve that there is magic all

around, and that in fact life itselfis magical. One would expectthere to be magic in a circus, butthe magic in Erin Morgenstern’s“The Night Circus” is especiallyreal. As it turns out, the magic in“The Night Circus” is so real,it’s packaged as fake.

Like any good tale, TheNight Circus boils down to abattle between good and evil,with a love story entwinedbetween the lines. Celia Bowenis delivered to her father’sdoorstep with a note on hercoat. The message is short: thegirl belongs to Hector Bowen,known professionally asProspero The Enchanter.Hector’s reaction of dismay atmeeting the girl quickly turns tomild interest when she displaysan innate talent for magic thathe cannot ignore. Prospero theEnchanter takes the girl underthis magical cape and trains herin the finer points of illusion.Celia is an agile student.

Meanwhile, Prospero’snemesis, a man known only asMr. A. H. – or alternately, theman in the grey suit – takes onan apprentice of his own. Hefinds himself a boy from anorphanage, adopts him andbegins a regimen of strictinstruction, tutoring the boy ineverything under the sun and

the moon about magic.Together, the two ancient,

ageless magicians enter into agentlemen’s agreement, a chal-lenge. They will test the accom-plishments of each student’sskills, with the last one standingnamed the winner. Literally. Oneof the contestants must die forthe contest to end. Fortunatelyfor the reader, the contest takesplace in The Night Circus, alter-nately know as Le Cirque desReves, a circus designed to belike no other, where magic ismore real than real, a circusopen only at night. And fortu-nately for the romantics in theaudience, the two contendersfall in love before they learneach other’s true identity, whichadds another satisfyingly com-plicated twist to the story.

Like any circus worthy ofthe name, The Night Circus ispopulated by a crew ofeccentrics, and deliciously so.The circus is a dream where theimpossible is quite real, andwhat appears real is mere illu-sion. Fans of the circus includeHerr Frederick Thiessen, aclockmaker and circus devotee;Tsukiko, a contortionist; a pairof red haired twins; and the cir-cus’ proprietor, who is the bas-tard son of an Indian prince anda ballet dancer, named M.Chandresh Christophe Lefevre.The circus moves mysteriouslyaround the globe and despite ahabit of popping up on the out-skirts of a town without warn-ing, develops a devoted follow-ing. As the challenge betweenthe two young magicians esca-lates, so too, does the magic ofthe circus, until in a penultimatechallenge, the magic itselfthreatens the heart of the circusand all of its inhabitants.

Happily, though most of thenarrative takes place at night,this is not a dark story. It is aplace of magic, where anythingis possible.

The nuns are back at theWillows! The Concord theatrewill stage the West Coast pre-miere of Dan Goggin’s “NunsetBoulevard.” It’s the latest in thestring of “Nunsense” musicalcomedies, every one of whichhas played at the Willows sincethe 1980s.

“Nunsense” series creatorGoggin is in from New York todirect the latest show. Longtimefavorite, Deborah Del Mastroonce more playing the wise-cracking, trumpet-playing SisterRobert Anne, heads up the all-professional cast.

Willows favorite AmyWashburn returns as MotherSuperior.The other nuns areplayed by Linda Dorsey, JulietHeller, and AlexandraKaprielian.

The plot? Well, take it onfaith that “Nunset Boulevard”has a plot to hang the songs and

gags (lots of ‘em) on.The Little Sisters of

Hoboken have a gig at theHollywood Bowl. But instead ofthe legendary Californiaamphitheatre, they’re actually

booked into the HollywoodBowl-A-Rama.

The five nuns triumph withsuch shameless numbers as “TheHollywood Blondes,” in whichthe nuns dress up like screen

sirens. Even more shameless is“Whatever Happened to…”which recreates a certain JoanCrawford/Bette Davis movie,complete with bad wigs andwheelchairs. (Are we giving awaytoo much?)

Songs include Del Mastro’sbig-voiced, big hearted singing of“That Kid’s Gonna Make It,”and Linda Dorsey leading thecompany in the boisterous, pop-gospel finale, “Don’t LookBack.” And, yes, Sister M.Annette, the puppet, is back asone-half of the duo with themarvelously ditzy SisterAmnesia.

Nunset Boulevard opens on Nov.18 and runs through Jan. 15 at TheWillows Theatre Mainstage inConcord. For tickets and other infor-mation, go to www.willowstheatre.orgor call (925) 798-1300. The pro-duction is sponsored by the CrownePlaza Concord.It’s guaranteed funfor the whole family.

“The Night Circus” is a place of enchantmentBook Review

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“NUNSET BOULEVARD,” THE LATEST NUNSENSE MUSICAL opens atthe Willows Mainstage on Nov. 18.

The Little Sisters of Hoboken are back and ready to bowl

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FOR THE BOOKS

Cynthia Gregory is a writer,book reviewer, and epic lit chickwhose blog can be found at persephonesstepsisters.wordpress.com

Page 16 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com November 11, 2011

The novel “With Just OneClick” by Amanda Strong fol-lows the trials and tribulationsof what happens to three adultwomen whose relationships areforever changed by theirFacebook accounts. It is a fasci-nating story about what hap-pens when lines are blurredbetween innocence and betrayal,the past and the present, andflirtation and infidelity.

There has been a lot of mediaattention on how the youngergeneration uses Facebook to con-nect and socialize and much lessattention on how older adults areusing the social media site. Weknow that Facebook is used notjust to keep up with networks ofextended family and friends, butalso to actively search for whatpast crushes, loves and exes areup to. With the popularity ofGoogle and other social network-ing sites, it has become much eas-

ier to find your former flame. But,once that search for the other per-son is conducted, you can nevergo back. And, that initial curiositycan lead down a slippery slope ofwanting something more.

To Google or not? ToFacebook friend or not? Here aresome questions to guide the deci-sion-making:1) Why are you doing it? 2) Would you feel comfortable

meeting this person face-to-face and having the same sortof in-person contact?

3) Would you feel comfortabletelling your spouse, theirspouse, your children or oth-ers about this person?

4) Are you willing to deal with theconsequences and could youwalk away if need be?

First of all, it is important tounderstand why you would wantto friend an ex. Studies haveshown that first relationships arehighly emotionally charged whichmakes memories of such relation-ships much more memorable.History also has a way of beingromanticized. You put those twofactors together and it shouldcome as no surprise that peoplewho wind up pursuing their firstlove tend to have their current

relationship broken apart.Second, it is much easier to

put your best foot forward onlineand be selective about who youcreate as your online persona.Would this person you engagewith online still respond in thesame way to you in real life?Third, if you’re keeping secretsand not telling your intimate circlethat you’ve reconnected with apast love, then it’s an interestingquestion about what that guilt isall about. The cover-up leads tomore secret-keeping and a web ofdeceit emerges.

Lastly, if your spouse has aproblem with you and your exbeing cyber pals, then you have tobe prepared to walk away fromthe past and protect your currentrelationship in the present and thefuture. The fact remains thatFacebook does not createcheaters. The same people whowould go down that road wouldlook for other ways to createextramarital relationships intheir life, whether with a neigh-bor, a co-worker or a gymbuddy. It is important toremember that the cyber walkdown memory lane might bemore treacherous than we real-ize and we need to proceed withcaution.

Stephanie T. Ho is a licensed psy-chologist. She has a private practiceoffice in Walnut Creek and works atUC Berkeley. She can be reached atstephanie.ho.phd@gmail.com.

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‘Tis the season for cyclamen.This color spot fulfills our needfor flowers in a garden or contain-er from fall through mid-spring.Cyclamen are extremely hardyand simple to grow.Unfortunately, this perennial isused and abused. They’re poppedinto our entryway containers, andused as decoration in the home.Then they’re tossed into the com-post or green waste at the fistsigns of spring. This is no way totreat this tuberous perennial.

Cyclamen flowers haveupswept petals in various colorsand a nose that always pointsdown. Flower heads are held onsturdy, fleshy stems. They havefive petals that model a cup shape.A flower rosette forms at the baseof this plant’s tuber, and uncurlsitself towards the sky. The leavesof cyclamen are interesting withtheir varied markings of cream ongreen. Most cyclamen will reach10- 12-inches tall and about 1-foot wide.

Cyclamen are grouped inseries. Silver Heart and Maxoraare both highly reliable, hardyfamilies of the plant. The Maxoraseries of cyclamen is very familiarlooking. This selection’s hardiness

to frost makes it a great ClaytonValley installation. Maxora has alarge flower head on very com-pact, thick stems. Maxora PinkFlame is dark pink at the blos-som’s nose, and streaks to alighter pink towards the tip ofeach petal. This cyclamen wouldlook very nice planted near someDaphne shrubs. Maxora Salmonis more the color of cookedsalmon. The flower is a brightshade of pink, with just a touch oforange. The brightness ofMaxora Salmon adds a burst ofcolor in a garden bed beneathAlaska or Happy Days Azaleas.For those gardens that crave adarker shade of color, one can

always enjoy the Maxora Wine.This dark, purplish burgundyflower blends nicely with fancyleafed Heuchera.

Silver Heart is a dwarf formof already a small plant. Thenname Silver Heart comes fromthis selections heavy variegation.It almost gives the leaf a silvercoloring. You can expect four toeight inches of height from thiscyclamen, making it a great choiceincorporated in a colorful walk-way. Silver Heart is available inbasic solid colors. The leaf of thisplant is the attention grabber.Silver Heart Purple, White andScarlet are the colors that stand-out the most.

Proper planting instructionsshould be followed with installingcyclamen. First rule with plantingcyclamen is take as much of thegrowing medium off of your newplant as you can. Notice I saidgrowing medium and not soil.Plants that are typically used andabused are grown in a light, peat-like mix that allows roots to growvery fast. This medium howeverisn’t good at all long term. It canbe super soggy and slimy if overwatered, and is very hard to re-wet if allowed to dry out. You will

have to remove the growingmedium, and replant using soil. Ifyou are installing into a container,use a professional blend of pot-ting soil. Make sure your pottingsoil looks like dirt. Not bark. Ifplanting into the ground, use aplanting mix. Again, you wantyour product to look like soil. Alltoo often I’ll see what is calledsoil, being mostly mulch likematerial. There is no plant nutri-tional value there.

Cyclamen are shade-lovingperennials. They deserve to thrivein your Clayton Valley landscape.

Don’t use and abuse them.Don’t discard them. Transplantfrom you containers or borderswhen they finish blooming toyour landscape in the shade. Theywill die back as summer warmsand the soil dries, and they’ll re-emerge in the fall to thrill you allover again.

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

Nicole is the Garden Girl atR&M Pool, Patio, Gifts andGarden and the 2011 ClaytonValley Garden Club president.Contact her with questions, com-ments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

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November 11, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 17

Every year the Thanksgivingissues of food magazines extol thevirtues of avant garde dishes toaccompany the venerable roastturkey. This year, the press seems abit more conservative, opting forthe guilty pleasures of traditionalfavorites with few twists and turns.

Well, I suggest you stick tothose family favorites – but addBACON! Salty, yummy bacon willadd a new dimension to your meal,and it will result in rave reviewsfrom your family and friendsaround the table.

HONEYSWEET BACON AND

BRUSSELS SPROUTS SAUTÉ

12 oz. thick bacon, cut crosswiseinto matchsticks1 Tbsp olive oil2 Tbsp unsalted butter1 Tbsp honey2 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmedand halved lengthwiseKosher salt and freshly groundblack pepper, to taste

Heat the bacon and olive oil ina heavy skillet over medium-highheat. Cook, stirring occasionally,until bacon is crisp and fat is ren-dered, about 15 minutes. Using aslotted spoon, transfer bacon topaper towels to drain, and pour offall but 2 Tbsp of the bacon drip-pings.

Return skillet to heat and addbutter and honey. Add Brusselssprouts and cook, stirring occa-sionally, until golden brown andcaramelized, about 15 minutes.Season with salt and pepper andserve garnished with reservedbacon.

BACON AND BOURBON

STUFFING

½ lb thick bacon, chopped4 Tbsp butter1 large onion, chopped3 celery stalks, diced2 tsp dried rosemary, chopped orcrumbled1½ tsp dried thyme2 Tbsp dried sage, ground orcrumbled1 ½ lb loaf of rye, wheat orItalian bread, cubed, air-dried ortoasted1 egg, beaten3 to 4 c low sodium chicken stock¼ c bourbon (plus more for thecook… as needed)

Preheat oven to 350°F andgrease a 13x9 baking dish.

Brown bacon in a large skilletand drain on paper towels. Removeand reserve bacon fat.

Melt butter in the skillet andstir in the onion, celery and rose-mary. Cook until onion is soft andtranslucent, about 5 minutes. Addback in the bacon fat.

Stir together the bread cubeswith the onion mixture, reservedbacon, thyme, sage and egg. Tossto mix.

Stir together the bourbon and3 cups of chicken stock. Pour thisliquid over the stuffing and toss tocoat evenly. If the dressing is toodry, add some of the extra cup ofstock.

Transfer stuffing to the bakingdish, patting down lightly, and bakefor 45 minutes until crust hasbrowned and stuffing is firm to thetouch.

BACON AND CANE SYRUP

PECAN PIE

Adapted from September 2011Fine Cooking Magazine

Single layer pie crust8 large egg yolks 1 tsp vanilla extract 2/3 c packed light brown sugar ½ c unsalted butter, cut into 4pieces ½ c cane syrup (Lyle’s, available at

good grocers)½ c heavy cream ¼ tsp kosher salt 1 ½ c pecan halves, toasted,cooled, and coarsely chopped 1/3 c crumbled cooked bacon (3or 4 strips)

Roll out the purchased orhomemade dough into a 13”round. Transfer to a 9” pie plateand crimp the crust with your fin-gers. Dock (prick) the crust withthe tines of a fork and chill for 1hour in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Blindbake crust (place dry beans orceramic balls on a piece of foil lin-ing the inside of the crust) for 15

minutes, then remove the weightsand reduce oven temperature to375°F. Bake another 5 to 7 min-utes, or until the bottom of the pielooks dry. Cool on a rack.

Reduce oven temperature to325°F and place large baking sheeton middle rack of oven to heat upwhile you prepare the filling.

Whisk the egg yolks and vanil-la in a heatproof bowl and setaside.

Heat the sugar, butter, canesyrup, cream and salt in a smallsaucepan until butter is melted andthe mixture is hot but not boiling.

While whisking vigorously,slowly add the hot sugar mixture to

the yolks. Strain over a large meas-uring cup if any of the egg curdles.

Spread the pecans over thecooled pie crust. Sprinkle thecooked bacon over the pecans.Pour the warm filling in a slow, spi-ral motion to avoid dislodging thenuts.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or untilthe filling is firm to the touch anddoesn’t wobble when the pie islightly shaken. Cool for at least 1hour before serving.

Still want more bacon? Placestrips of bacon over the breast ofthe turkey while roasting. Removeduring the last 20 minutes to allowthe skin to brown. Add crumbled

bacon to your favorite green beancasserole (or simmer a strip ofuncooked bacon with your beansthat go into the casserole). Add ¼c crumbled bacon to onion or bluecheese dip (or even onion-bluecheese dip).

Have an excellentThanksgiving Day. Oink!

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LINDA WYNER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Linda Wyner, a local attorney andfoodie, owns Pans on Fire, a gourmetcookware store and cooking school inPleasanton.

Direct your suggestions or questionsto lwyner@claytonpioneer.com

NATURAL PESTICIDE

Barn owls are a natural pred-ator of rats, mice, gophers andpossum, says Carolyn Lie of theNative Bird Connection, an EastBay-based not-for-profit organi-zation dedicated to educating thepublic about the safety and bene-fits of the area’s featheredfriends. And as a natural preda-tor, barn owls are the most envi-ronmentally safe method to com-bat the ever-growing rodent pop-ulation in the East Bay.

“Owl boxes are the answer,”Lie says. “It’s a win-win. We givethem homes, and they are aroundto combat rats and other peskyrodents in a safe, non-toxic way.”

It was rodent control thatprompted Clayton resident EuniceCole, who lives out off of MarshCreek Road, to contact Native BirdConnections. Her dog was struckwith what she believed was an ill-ness caused by rat poison.

“We live in an area that wemust share space with rodents,”she said. “I wanted to know howwe could deal with the problemappropriately.”

She had heard of “green”pest control from Wild BirdsUnlimited in Pleasant Hill, whoin turn put her in touch with Lie’sorganization. They contacted theCemex Quarry – which has a lotof land that attracts both barnowls and rodents – who agreedto put up the boxes.

Now, Cole and her MarshCreek neighbors know that theyhave safe rodent control in theirneighborhood, at least as soon asthe owls move in.

HOME SWEET HOME

Barn owls grow to as big as16-inches tall with a wingspan ofabout three-and-a-half feet, Liesays, and can consume up to 700pounds of rodents in a lifetime.And they are eager to findhomes, she says.

Each owl box can house amated pair and their babies, shesays, and once the babies growup, they are not usually wel-comed back.

“There are no boom-a-rangowlets,” Lie says. “But, if thereare other owl boxes nearby, it’s

likely they will set up a familycompound.”

The owl boxes themselvesmust be big enough to house agrowing owl family, but theopening must be small enough tokeep out predators – includingthe bigger, badder bullies,screech owls, which prey on barnowls.

It was about two years agothat Lie began to realize the valueof owl boxes, especially in theEast Bay where the rodent popu-lation was growing in size andthe barn owl habitats weredecreasing.

It took an Eagle Scout’s proj-ect, however, to produce the firstboxes for the organization. Hemade 10 boxes, the first one thatwas hung in Lafayette inSeptember 2010. Within fivemonths, it was home to a familyof barn owls.

The remaining boxes wentquickly as homeowners, farmersand even businesses realized thevalue of the boxes. Now, Lie andNative Bird Connections areeagerly hoping that other scouts,woodworkers or handy organiza-tions can come to their rescue bybuilding more boxes.

LOCATION, LOCATION

The boxes can be hung inrural, suburban and even urbanareas, Lie says, wherever there isa rodent problem. But there aresome restrictions. For instance,the entrance of the box needs topoint east or southeast, as west istoo hot and north is too cold.

The quarry boxes are near theold farmhouse on the property,which is good because it is awayfrom people and power lines, andnear a marshy creek.

In fact, some owl boxesbecome so desirable, other birdsor squirrels might move into theowl house before the owls do. Ifthat’s the case, the human land-lords should try and boot out thesquatters.

Lie says it can take just a day,or as long as five years for owlsto make the boxes home. “But bepatient,” she says. “Know thatyou are helping the owls, andhelping the environment.”

Owl boxes are available for a$100 donation to Native BirdConnection. For more information, orto volunteer to make an owl box, visitthe NBC website atwww.nativebirds.org or call 925-963-9753.

Owls, from page 1

Page 18 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com November 11, 2011