Joseph Medrano, a Claytoncity councilman and local insur-ance broker charged with embez-zling from a former client, hasfiled a Motion to Dismiss withthe San Mateo County court,claiming that San Mateo Countyhas no jurisdiction over the case.

Medrano is accused of mis-appropriating $159,630 in insur-ance premiums from iPass, Inc.,an Internet service providerbased in San Mateo County. Thedistrict attorney says Medranokept premium checks intendedfor insurance coverage instead ofsending them to the insurancecarrier.

Medrano maintains iPassbreached a contract and that hewas owed the money.

Those red, white and bluedecorations are so last week.Now, purple is the coloraround town.

It is the signature color ofthe American Cancer Society’sRelay For Life fundraiser com-ing to Clayton CommunityPark on Aug. 11 and 12.

Purple ribbons will be ontrees, purple flowers in restau-rants, purple gloves in salonsand purple balloon bouquetsfloating about town July 21-29.

What should one do whenthey see purple? Support Clay-ton’s Relay For Life. There area variety of ways: Sign up towalk, volunteer or donate. Cre-ate or join a team. Volunteer tohelp Paint the Town Purple,set up or tear down on theweekend of the event. Donateto a friend or the LuminariaCeremony at dusk honoringthose touched by cancer.

“Survivorship is the biggest

part of the Relay,” says MindyThompson, event chair. Sheencourages cancer survivorsand anyone who has been toldthey have cancer, to sign up towalk the Survivor Lap thatstarts the 24-hour Relay.

Entertainment will be pro-vided by DJ Magic and localbands. The Salvation ArmyCanteen will feed the walkers.

Brenda Righter, recruit-ment chair, invites people toeven come just to give a walk-er a hug and participate inactivities on the sidelines, likethe raffle and fitness sessions.“We are working so hard tomake it great; we want to makeit great for as many people aspossible.”

For more information, contactEvent Chair Mindy Thompson attinklover70@gmail.com or 207-5564; Recruitment Chair BrendaRighter at b.righter@prodigy.net or925-212-2048. For additionalinformation and registration, go torelayforlife.org/claytonca.

Being a small town, it doesn’ttake much to change the demo-graphics of our community.Over the past 25 years or so, wehave seen Clayton grow from960 acres (1.5 square miles) toapproximately 2,688 acres (4.2square miles). Our populationhas increased from approxi-mately 4,500 to its present pop-ulation of almost 11,000.

In 1985, Clayton’s first pub-lished newspaper was born,The Clayton Valley Forum. Itwas my privilege to be partner

The Fourth of July in Clay-ton is a page right out of May-berry: quaint and warm, a daywhen the whole town turnsred, white and blue in celebra-tion of our national birthday.

This year, the theme was“Go for the Gold,” to honorthe town’s two Olympians,diver Kristian Ipsen and rowerKara Kohler, who will head toLondon at the end of themonth.

Early in the morning, thedozens of willing souls that ittakes to mount the day’sevents gathered at the volun-teer table to pick up their dis-tinctive orange and greenvests, as the aroma of pan-cakes the Rotary Club cookedup at Endeavor Hall filled thedowntown air.

Just before 10 a.m. the mil-itary Huey helicopter did a fly-over as the crowds lining MainStreet cheered and waved.

New to this year’s eventwas Master of CeremoniesCw Wolfe, a Clayton residentand voiceover actor whoclearly had a good time stand-ing in for regular announcer,ABC-7 anchor Dan Ashley.

As Representatives of theArmed Forces presented the

Momentary back-to-schooljitters over making new friendsand meeting new teachers struck– only it was still June. The reg-ular school year ended a fewdays before. Why were the threerising eighth graders from Dia-blo View Middle School think-ing about going back to schoolalready?

Because they were headedstraight to college.

Megan Brys, Kacie Hen-nessy and Alison Mitchell were

HOWARD GELLER

MAYOR’S CORNER

Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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

Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Community Calendar . . . . . .14

CVHS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .9

Design & Décor . . . . . . . . . . .4

Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5

Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .13

Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . .6

Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .15

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

Pioneer Photo Album . . . . . . .3

Police Activity . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

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

Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .12

The Charter Papers . . . . . . . .9

What’s Inside

PRSRTSTD

US POSTAGE

PAID

CLAYTON, CA

PERMIT190

Clayton through theyears – a fewinteresting numbers

See Tech Trek, page 9

PAMELA WIESENDANGER

Clayton Pioneer

PAMELA WIESENDANGER

Clayton Pioneer

See Mayor, page 13

See July 4, page 17

See Medrano, page 5

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

IT’S YOUR PAPER

www.claytonpioneer.com July 13, 2012 925.672.0500

Colors fly as Clayton celebrates4th of July the old fashioned way

THIS TOUCHING IMAGE BY SHELLY SHUEY OF WAR VETERANS PREPARING FOR THE 4TH OF JULY parade was the first place winnerin the Pioneer’s annual July 4 photo contest. Shuey was walking the route before the parade when she captured thisshot of VFW Post Commander Paul Carroll helping WWII vet Ming Hanson into the jeep. The VFW jeep was one ofmore than 40 entries in this year’s traditional July 4 parade. See page 16 for story and more contest winners.

Relay for Life will paint the town purple

RELAY FOR LIFE WALKERS joined kids and ponies and localdignitaries on Main Street for the July 4 parade. The secondannual Clayton Relay For Life fundraiser takes place at theCommunity Park on Aug. 11 and 12.

Tech Trekhelps youngwomen samplescience careers

MEGAN BRYS LIKES THE UNEXPECTEDand “being surprised by myteachers.” Here she finds outwhat to expect when mixing sub-stances to see which combina-tion is the most volatile in anexperiment to learn about differ-ent chemical reactions whilesimulating volcanic behavior.

Medrano filesto dismissembezzlementcharges

Lemons celebrate at MindenhallMar ty

and DeeL e m o n sw e n tnorth toAlaska tocelebratetheir 25thwe d d i n gann ive r -sary last month and we stowed away in thesuitcase. Here we are at the Mindenhall Glac-ier. We cruised the Inside Passage for 10 daysand Marty says “All Claytonians should putthis on their Bucket List. It’s a must for any-one who travels.”

Buenos Dias from sunny CaboAt the end of May, we headed south to Cabo San

Lucas for a week for some sun with a fun group offriends. Here we are with Mike Connor, Tamara West-on, Dave and Paige McMurdo and Debi and Jim Parke.

Clayton Home for Rent:"Peacock Creek-Belvedere" Model 4 bed-

rooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 4076sf, $3900p/mo.

CCllaayyttoonn MMaarrkkeett UUppddaattee pprroovviiddeedd bbyy GGeeoorrggee VVuujjnnoovviicchh ooff BBeetttteerr HHoommeess RReeaallttyy

1329 El Camino Drive..........$425,000 . . . .1472 . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .6/29/12

211 Round House Place......$410,000 . . . .1749 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .6/28/12

222 Mountaire Circle............$595,000 . . . .2141 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .6/28/12

232 Stranahan Circle ...........$469,000 . . . .1650 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .6/28/12

23 Mount Wilson Way..........$165,000 . . . .1075 . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . .6/26/12

104 Joscolo View.................$465,000 . . . .2467 . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . .6/25/12

710 Anizumne Ct .................$425,000 . . . .1904 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .6/22/12

1120 Oakwood Circle...........$879,000 . . . .4022 . . . . .5/3 . . . . . . .6/22/12

8 Malibu Court .....................$590,000 . . . .2010 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .6/21/12

15 Donner Creek Ct.............$230,000 . . . .1457 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .6/19/12

541 Hamburg Cir .................$481,000 . . . .2391 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .6/15/12

703 Condor Place................$262,500 . . . .1252 . . . . .2/2.5 . . . . . . .6/4/12

765 Bloching Circle..............$599,000 . . . .2325 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . .6/1/12

ADDRESS PRICE SF BED/BATH SALE DATE

HHeellppiinngg ffrriieennddss,, nneeiigghhbboorrss && nneewwccoommeerrss bbuuyy aanndd sseellll

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GGEEOORRGGEE VVUUJJNNOOVVIICCHHBBrrookkeerr

georgevujnovich.comBetter Homes DRE#00933393

Clayton Classic single story rancher indesirable Clayton neighborhood!

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1804sf with inside laundry & 2

car garage. Sunny family room off kitchen and separate liv-

ing room with fireplace. Master with walk-in closet. Large lot

with endless possibilities! Coming Soon

31 Mt. Teton Court , Clayton

Dana Hills! Coming soon! Single storyrancher tucked away on a quiet court!

4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1919sf, inside laundry & 2 car

garage! Great location near greenbelt and close to pool and

cabana. Large lot with in-ground pool! $459,900

207 Rainbow Lane, Pleasant HillDesirable Oak Park area! Adorablehouse in a serene creek side setting!

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1563sf with a detached 2 car

garage! Close to schools , shopping & BART! $464,900

3051 Windmill Canyon Dr. Gorgeous Larson Model!Backs up to Open Space

4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, approx. 2467sf with inside laundry &

2 car garage! Bedroom and full bath on main level. Tastefully

updated & upgraded: gleaming hardwood floors, decorator

paint colors, crown moulding & base boards. Custom bull-

nosed slab granite counters, island & full back splash kitchen

with “Euro” style cabinets. Elegant living and dining rooms.

Family room with fireplace. Private yard offers a custom “Trex”

deck off dining room, aggregate patio, nice lawn area and tran-

quil views of open space! $599,000

1561 Talisman Way, Concord Rose Glen! Single story rancher on alarge corner lot!

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1857sf & 2 car garage. Close

to shopping and dining! New interior paint & flooring.

Hardwood floors in bedrooms and living room. Open floor

plan features a family room with brick fireplace. Huge back

yard with lots of trees & covered patio! $344,900

31 Ava Lane, Pleasant Hill Sensational custom single story Crafts-man on a park-like level .58 acre lot!

Located in a small subdivision of 5 custom homes built in

2007! 3 bedrooms plus a den, 2.5 baths, 2 fireplaces, approx.

2876sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Gourmet kitchen

boasts slab granite & stainless steel appliances. Spacious

family room with fireplace. Formal living & dining rooms. Huge

Master Suite! Gorgeous grounds offer utmost privacy, rolling

lawns, quaint patios, mature, vibrant landscape! A must see!

$850,000

PENDINGPENDING

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Page 2 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 13, 2012

Local designer is a jewelJulia O’Reilly first began

designing jewelry as a hobby,creating charm bracelets for herkids’ preschool teachers. Butthat hobby quickly took off, asher unique designs caught theeye of KRON movie critic JanWahl and other local celebrities.Recently, O’Reilly was honoredby Diablo magazine readerswith the Best Jewelry Award inthe 2012 Best of the East Bayissue.

O’Reilly’s designs areinspired by her Turkish heritage– she was born in Istanbul —and no two designs are alike.Her work can be found at Clay-ton’s The Royal Rooster, as wellas at Guzel Jewelry Designs inSan Francisco.

JULIA O’REILLY

Julie Mitchellruns Kona race,raises $5,800

Clayton’s, Julie Mitchell hasbeen training and fundraisingthe last four months for TeamChallenge to benefit the Crohn’sand Colitis Foundation ofAmerica. After months of rigor-ous training and fundraising, shewas able to raise $5,800 to helpfind a cure for Crohn’s and Col-itis. She ran the Kona HalfMarathon on June 24 in 2 hours,28 minutes.

The challenge is one thatJulie takes personally. At the ageof 7, Julie was diagnosed withulcerative colitis and underwenttotal colectomy surgery at ageeleven.

She will continue to servethe foundation, acting as a men-tor in the next Team Challengehalf marathon. To sign up tosponsor or to make a taxdeductible contribution toCCFA, please contact Julie atjuliezhd@gmail.com.

JULIE MITCHELL

Oakland Chamber honorsSolomon Ets-Hokin

Clayton resident SolomonEts-Hokin was honored on June27 by the Oakland Chamber ofCommerce as the Business Vol-unteer of the Year Award for hiswork as chair of the OaklandRetail Advisory Committee.The Clayton resident is seniorvice-president with ColliersInternational in Oakland, spe-cializing in retail leasing anddevelopment. He serves as aboard member for both theOakland Chamber and OaklandBuilders’ Alliance. SOLOMON ETS-HOKIN

Pioneer Travels the World

MacLeans visit the BalticsBruce and Sandy MacLean

just returned from a cruise of theNorway fjords and the Baltic cap-itals including Oslo, Stockholm,Copenhagen, Warnemunde,Helsinki, St Petersburg andTallinn Estonia. They are enjoy-ing the Pioneer here in Tallinn,the most preserved of themedieval Baltic capitals.

Asia dramatic trip for Clay SmithClay Smith took the Pioneer along on his two week tour of China

last month. High points of the trip included Tiananmen Square, theForbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors and the Three Gorges. Histrip also included Lhasa and Tibet.

“LA has nothing on Beijing when it comes to either air pollutionor traffic,” says Clay. His two lasting memories of Tibet will be thealtitude (over 12,000 feet) and the police and military presence.

“There and elsewhere you could see how far China has come andalso how far it still has to go,” he says.

Around Town

PARADISE VALLEY

SAT., JULY 14, 9 – 11:30 A.M.This family oriented loop hike

into the Lime Ridge Open Spaceis about three miles with a gradualelevation gain of about 500 feet.

Don’t be fooled by the prox-imity to major roads. The stagingarea to Lime Ridge is a gateway tobeautiful loop hikes, varied habi-tat, interesting history and incred-ible views. Over 100 years ago thisridgeline was quarried for lime,but in the past 50 years the areahas recovered, providing habitatfor dozens of rare plants and ani-mals. Meet at the staging area atYgnacio Valley and Cowell Roads.Bring plenty of water, sun protec-tion, wear boots and a hat. RSVPto krkhvl@gmail.com or (925)947-3535.

EAGLE PEAK SUMMIT

SUN, JULY 15, 8 A.M - NOON

Are you up for a challenge?After a short half-mile warm up,hikers, led by an experienced

SMD hike leader, will head up abeautiful, single track trail to thesummit of Eagle Peak in Mt. Dia-blo State Park. The trail traversesthe steep chaparral covered hill-side and on a clear day the viewcan stretch from the FarallonIslands to the Sierra Nevada. Thistrek is challenging, so we recom-mend experienced hikers only asyou’ll quickly gain 1,800 ft. in ele-vation in just two miles of trail.The 6+ mile outing should bedone by noon, but bring a snackto give you an energy boost on thetrail.

Meet at the trailhead at the endof Regency Dr in Clayton. FromYgnacio/Kirker Pass head east onClayton Rd which becomesMarsh Creek Rd, turn right onRegency Drive - just past the Dia-blo View Middle School, follow tothe end. Bring plenty of water,sun protection, wear boots and ahat. RSVP is required. Emailkrkhvl@gmail.com or call (925)947-3535.

FFoorreecclloossuurree AAvvooiiddaannccee && SShhoorrtt SSaallee AAssssiissttaanncceeLLyynnnnee ooffffeerrss FFRREEEE RREEAALL EESSTTAATTEE

AATTTTOORRNNEEYY CCOONNSSUULLTT oonn tthheessee mmaatttteerrssiinncclluuddiinngg ttaaxx && ccrreeddiitt iimmpplliiccaattiioonnss..

DDoonn’’tt wwaaiitt aannootthheerr ddaayy –– yyoouu nneeeedd tthhee rriigghhtt gguuiiddee!!

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AAssssiissttiinngg MMoorree BBuuyyeerrss && SSeelllleerrss tthhaann AAnnyyoonnee EEllssee***Statistics based on Clayton & Concord closed by sales volume (12/1/09 – 12/1/10). Data by Trendgraphix

JUST LISTED! NEW PRICE

Wanda Way, Martinez $249,000Alhambra Valley – Level .69 acre parcel is located in anupscale area and offers panoramic views and lots of pri-vacy. Building pad, utilities at street, ready to go - sewer,city water. Build your dream home!

15715 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton $798,000Custom Ranch – 41 acre horse property w/ 4,125 s.f.home designed to capture Mt. Diablo views. Top notchupgrades, in-law unit w/separate entrance. Offers mas-ter suite, office, 2BD Jack & Jill plus huge kitchen.

1595 Lower Trail Ride, Clayton $100,000Concord Trail Ride – Just over an acre with buildingpad and utilities, this beautiful lot is fenced and sur-rounded by mature pine trees. Ride your horses rightonto the mountain & enjoy the tranquility.

4051 Browning Drive, Concord $689,000Custom Home – Executive style home with 3,625 s.f.offers marble entrance, vaulted ceilings, fantastic kitchenand a master suite with jetted tub & skylights. Beautifulcurb appeal, hardscape, pool & spa and lots of storage!

5205 Myrtle Drive, Concord $619,000Ayers Ranch Horse Property – Nearly an acrew/arena, stalls, storage & sweeping views of Mt. Diablo& Clayton Valley, particularly from the dining area.Enjoy 3BD/2BA with 2,000 s.f. including a Florida room.

1697 Woodcrest Drive, Concord $429,900Central Concord - Pride of ownership in this sin-

gle-story, 4 BD/2.5BA home withover 1,500 s.f. Hardwood flooring,updated kitchen & manicured back-yard. Features family room and aliving/dining great room.

John Silvester, (925) 980-2896

www.JSilvester.withWRE.com

July 13, 2012 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 3

Saturdays6 to 8:30 p.m.

At the Gazebo inThe Grove

Concerts

in The Grove

July 21BUMP CITY:

A Tribute to Tower ofPower: 10-piece band their

own kind of urban soul

Aug. 4DIAMOND DAVE:

Singer Dave Hosley hasbeen entertaining East Bay

audiences for over 20years with the classics to the latest Hip Hop

Aug. 18ROLLING HEADS:

Classic rock to new pop

Sept. 1LAURENT FOURGO

& HIS COMBO:7-piece band featuringjump, swing, dixieland and jazz from the 20s,

30s, 40s & 50s.

Sept. 15EAST BAY MUDD:

9-piece cover dance bandwith a powerful 4-piecehorn section returning

for their 4th year.

Thursdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

July 26 . . . . . . .Crossman Country

Aug. 9 . . . . . .Jam Daddy

Aug. 23 . . . . . .The PHDs

Pioneer Photo Album

The Pioneer is proud to spotlight our readers’ photos. Send in your cute pets, funny kids, great landscapes,favorite sites in town or whatever makes your heart beat faster. Email your photo in a high-resolution formatto tamara@claytonpioneer.com with a description of the photo, where and when it was taken and a littleabout why you like it. Include your name and phone number. Then look for it in the next Pioneer.

Linda Cruz got this greatshot of the two barn owlsthat have been living in thepalm tree in her backyard formore than a year.

They are eating well,Linda reports. “Gophers,mice, potato bugs – I clean upthe pellets they regurgitatedaily, which have giganticrodent teeth exposed.”

Linda gave wildlife spe-cialist Jim Hale a year’s worthof the pellets for research.

“He is able to identifyeach pellet and tell what crit-ter it once was by looking atit,” Linda said.

Hike Paradise Valley or trek up Eagle Peakwith SMD

Just an hour in the open space can restore the spirit.Join experienced Save Mount Diablo hike leaders fortwo close-by, but very different, hikes this weekend.

Photo of Paradise Valley courtesy of Save Mount Diablo

City manager clarifiesFY budget numbers

In the June 29 issue, in thestory on the city budget, wereported the following:

The loss of funds from the Rede-velopment Agency before the cityreceived all its property tax money wasthe punch that threatened to send thebudget to the mat. The city will notreceive any administrative reimburse-ment from the agency, nor will it see apayback of the $500,000 loaned tothe RDA in 1999 to buy the land forStation 11 fire station.

We received the followingletter from Napper, correctingand clarifying these numbers:

“The City General Fund isapproved by the State Depart-

ment of Finance to receive$250,000 for operation of theSuccessor Agency in FY 12-13,whereas it received $400,000 peryear in the past when it wasoperating its RedevelopmentAgency (a $150,000/yr. loss).Secondly, the Fire Station princi-pal amount is $475,000 from a1999 loan while it is the unpaid2 percent election monies theCity should have received from1987 through 2009 when itformed the RedevelopmentAgency that is the $501,000amount.”

Our thanks to the city man-ager for the clarification.

Let’s talk accessories, thejewelry of a living space.Accessories come in the formof just about everything from

seasonal baubles, sentimentalheirlooms, valuable invest-ments, or something funky youfound at an antique faire. Itdoesn’t matter where theycome from or how much theycost, if you don’t have them,your living space is not com-plete. Accessories are the per-sonal link between you andyour home.

Here are a few ideas toaccentuate your accessories:

BRING OUT THE BOOKS

Books are a great accessory.You can stack them, lean them,or strategically place them justabout anywhere. To bring abookcase to life, pick outbooks with brightly coloredbindings and intermix with thesame sort of brightly coloredceramic pieces. Or, selectbooks with black and white orgray bindings and pair withglass and mirror accents. Useyour books to prop up an urnor a lamp on a side table. Placethe “coffee table” books onyour coffee table next to a vasefull of flowers and a ceramicdish your child made at school.Stack your books on top ofyour dining room consolebetween a pair of candlesticklamps for a more casual diningatmosphere.

PHOTOS IN SMALL DOSES

We’ve all snapped hundredsand hundreds of photos withour camera or smartphone, butthat doesn’t mean we need toframe and display every singlesnap shot. I do agree it’s prac-tically impossible to select afavorite photo of your child,your best “four-legged” friend,or the numerous trophy fishyou’ve reeled in, but framedphotos in excess can over-

whelm just as easily as anyother collection of trinkets. Tocreate an artistic statement aswell as show off the ones youlove most, narrow down yourphotos to four or five, decideon a frame style that workswith your aesthetic, and thenchoose different shapes andsizes of frames within thatstyle.

MERRY-GO-ROUND

ACCESSORIES

Covering every inch oftabletop in your home withaccessories can be overwhelm-ing. You may have the greatestcollection of baubles, but bydisplaying all 100 of them, the

decorative element is com-pletely lost. Reduce your col-lection of baubles to just a fewper tabletop or bookcase andstore the rest away. As the sea-sons change, or your mood,bring out the stored baublesand exchange them with thecurrent displayed pieces. It’s agreat way to enjoy the collec-tion on a smaller, more inti-mate scale and gives you anopportunity to dust.

Page 4 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 13, 2012

Lehmer’s Concord Buick GMC1905 Market St., Concord

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Prime Lafayette location - downtown & 10++schools just steps from your front door! 3 bedrooms2 baths - gorgeous custom kitchen! Soaring plankceilings & huge master suite! Offered at $760,000

3399 St Mary's Road

This is the lovely single level Clayton home youhave been waiting for! Updated and fresh insideand out! Large bedrooms, formal living & diningrooms, family room. Approx .25 acre lot and greatview of Mt. Diablo! Offered at $589,500

112 Mr. Whitney Way

www.588TimberleafCt.com

Luxurious upscale appointments & finishesin Crystyl Ranch stunner! Features 3,548 sf,5bed/3bath, bonus master retreat, hardwoodfloors, slab granite, travertine, fabulous custompaint/murals, view balconies! Professionallylandscaped yard backs up to open space!

www.995MaplegateCt.com

SOLD

Fabulous Crystal Ranch 5 bedroom 3 1/2 bathhome with first floor bedroom and en suite.Granite, crown molding, plantation shutters,luxurious master retreat. Quiet court location &beautifully landscaped yard!! This is a 10++.

Offered at $664,950

www.5407WoodhollowCt.com

Amazing Pulte Home built in 2002! 5bedrooms, 3 baths, with one bed and full bath onfirst floor. Sparkling pool, built in gas fire pit,pavers, lush lawn-an entertainer 's Delight!

Offered at $685,000

www.20Frost Court.com

Fabulous Rancho Paraiso Home with primecourt location. 4 bed/3 bath with luxurious firstfloor master and spa bath, office, bonus room,gorgeous yards, patios, built-in spa, & much more!

Offered at $1,025,000

Pending

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Offers

SOLD

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INSPIRED REAL ESTATE

We have buyers! Call if you have a golf course or single level home!

PENDING

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Jennifer Leischer is the owner ofJ. Designs Interior Design based inClayton. Contact her with questions,comments and suggestions atjenna@j-designs.com

JENNIFER LEISCHER

DESIGN & DÉCOR

From books to baubles, learn to accessorize

David Yakaitis, resident ofWalnut Creek, passed away inhis home on June 28 after a briefperiod of declining health.

He was born in SouthWindsor, Conn.

He spent much of his careerwith Travelers Insurance Com-pany, which brought him and hisfamily to Clayton in 1980.

Dave was a dedicated fatherand grandfather. He is remem-bered for his generosity andsense of humor. His free spiritand smile will live on.

He is survived by his sonDavid and his wife Dr. AmyYakaitis and their childrenGretchen and Marcus; daughterKrista and her husbandAndrew Hosler and their chil-dren Benjamin and Hannah;and brother Robert and his

daughters Kaitlyn and Marissain East Dorset, VT.

Donations in his memorymay be made to the youth sportsprogram of your choice, or justrepair your divots.

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Business Services

Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717

Construction and Trades

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

Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423

Black Diamond Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .777-3440

Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-1519

Cheyenne Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566-8226

Copa Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2202

Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144

Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . .866-838-2923

Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679

Dining and Entertainment

Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440

Memo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395

Ravioli’s Italian Market Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3819

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

Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-1300

Events

Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090

Financial and Insurance Services

Held, Chris - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney . . . .930-3815

King & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .465-2565

Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211

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

Funerals

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

Home and Garden

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

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

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

Earth Blend Mulch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334

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

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

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

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

Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334

Mailing Services

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

Optometry

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

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

Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-3701

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

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

Kali Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-0845

Schools

Walnut Country Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-9686

Senior Services

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

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

Montecito - Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838

Services, Other

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

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

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

The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243

Specialty Shopping

Candles Make Scents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405-7199

Travel

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

Directory of Advertisers

SENIOR SERVICESGetting you out and about.

Local mom, active in the com-

munity offering non-medical and

practical help: shopping, errands,

salon, doctor visits. Trans-

portation included. Seniors

About Town, Terri Gerow at

330-5090.

WANTEDCome join Mazzei Realty!

Currently interviewing and hir-

ing new and experienced real

estate agents. Call 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 NEEDED

Help Fight Hunger

Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon

Lady needs your help! Weekly

commitment appreciated. For

more info and contact numbers,

go to

thelemonlady.blogspot.com.

Meals on Wheels Drivers

1 – 1 1/2 hours per week.

Drivers and relief drivers needed

for delivery of Meals on Wheels

in East County. Call Jim at 673-

0300 or hairbyjim@hotmail.com.

Hospice of the East Bay

Help needed at Hospice of the

East Bay Concord Thrift Shoppe

located at 5350 Clayton Road,

Concord. 674-9072. For informa-

tion contact Carmen Siems, vol-

unteer coordinator at 887-5678

or carmens@hospiceeastbay.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 and

June through August from 6 – 8

p.m. Wednesdays or 10 a.m. – 12

p.m. Saturdays. Call the museum

at 672-0240 and leave your

name.

Clayton Community Library

Needs volunteers. Minimum age

13. Minimum commitment is 6

months. Some training provided.

Contact: Arlene at 673-9777 or

nielsenjanc@aol.com.

Classified

P.O. Box 1246

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, Nicci Shipstead, PamWiesendanger, 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

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CLASSIFIEDSClassified rates per insertion:$48 for first 30 words, $.40 each

additional wordNon-profit: $24 for first 30 words,

$.20 each additional wordTo place your classified ad over the

phone, 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 a Clay-ton resident. You will find the appro-priate form for your announcement onour Website. Attach your photo to theform. Make sure the image size you areabout to send is at least 3 MB but notbigger than 6MB. The only format weaccept is JPG. You can also mail orbring your print to the office and wecan scan it for you.

Also on our Website are forms forsubmitting Community Calendar itemsand press releases for yourorganization.

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“anonymous.”

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

COURAGEDo the Right Thing

Medrano, from page 1

July 13, 2012 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 5

Obituary

David YakaitisMarch 13, 1948 - June 28, 2012

When Travelers Insurance,the carrier, discovered the missingmoney, the company reimbursediPass for the loss and sued Medra-no in Contra Costa County. Thecivil suit listed losses from bothiPass and another of Medrano’sclients, Golden Valley Federal.Medrano did not answer the civilsuit and Travelers won a judg-ment for $87,554.22 by default.

In the Motion to Dismiss,Medrano’s attorney, Joshua Bent-

ley, claims San Mateo Countydoes not have jurisdictionbecause none of the transactionswere actually conducted in SanMateo County. They were alldone by phone, mail or emailBentley further argues that “atthe time he (Medrano) invoicediPass there was never any crimi-nal intent.” The Motion will beheard on July 20 at 10:30 a.m. atthe Redwood City Courthouse,Dept. 20.

FOUNDCockatiel found July 1

in Clayton. Call 672-4520.

Q. Is congress working onany bills that will help home-owners who are strugglingwith paying their mortgage?Also, are they working onany bills that will help thehousing industry recover?

A. As of this writing (July 3),Congress has approved a fewbills regarding the housingindustry. These have all hadbipartisan support, I am happyto say.

The first one is a five-yearextension to the National FloodInsurance Program (NFIP). Theprogram assures homeownersthey can get flood insurance. Ifthis bill didn’t pass, homes in aflood zone would not qualify fora purchase loan or a refinance.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina,the program was self-sustaining,but now is in debt to the U.S.Treasury by more than $17 bil-lion. That is why the programhad to be instituted. In 2010 theprogram lapsed for two monthsand about 1,500 home saleswere cancelled.

We have many homes inClayton/Concord which are

considered to be in a floodzone. There is a narrow defini-tion of what a flood zone is.Federal Emergency Manage-ment Agency (FEMA) runs theflood insurance program. Theprogram requires FEMA toimprove the floodplain mappingsystem.

Q. What laws havepassed to help distressedhomeowners?

A. Twenty-five states areworking on bills that seek tomake it more difficult for banksto foreclose on homes. Califor-nia actually passed the Califor-

nia Homeowners Bill of Rightson July 2. As of this writing it ison Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk. Iam hopeful he will sign it.

Part of this bill is the Fore-closure Reduction Act, whichrestricts the process of dual-tracked foreclosures, and theDue Process Act, which guaran-tees a single point of contactfor struggling homeowners todiscuss their loan. These cur-rently are the two biggest road-blocks holding up the process ofloan modifications, short salesand foreclosures. The lendersdon’t like it because they feel itwill lengthen the process toforeclose and hinder the hous-ing recovery.

The Foreclosure ReductionAct bars lenders from filingnotices of default, notices ofsale, or conducting trustee saleswhile also considering alterna-tives to foreclosures, like loanmodifications or short sales.

These are common sensereforms. Currently, it is com-mon for banks to forecloseduring the process of a home-owner trying to work with thebank on a loan modification orshort sale. It requires banks totreat California homeownersmore fairly.

I don’t agree that this bill willlengthen the foreclosureprocess. If the banks will speedup their approval or disapprovalof a loan modification or ashort sale they can proceedwith their option to foreclosesooner.

Lynne French is the broker/ownerof Windermere Lynne French &Associates and a Clayton resident. Forany real estate needs or questions con-tact her at 925-672-8787, emailLynne@LynneFrench.com, or stop inat 6200 Center Street in Clayton.

Windermere Lynne French& Associates owners Lynne andDanny French are pleased towelcome two more success-minded Realtors to their down-town Clayton office.

Greg Courtney, born andraised in the Bay Area, started hisreal estate career in 1995. Thisexperience, along with his work-ing knowledge of the commercialbanking industry, will ensure hisclients receive sound advice for apositive real estate transaction.

Oma Talley, formerly presi-dent of an award-winningmodel home merchandisingfirm, brings her flair for mer-chandising, marketing, andnegotiating into the art of real

estate. Her listening skills and akeen eye for detail and her qual-ity service will produce out-standing results.

To learn more about theseexceptional new agents visitwww.Clayton.Windermere.comand view “Our Team.”

FREERegular6” Subwhen you buy a

6” Sub of equal or greater price & 21 oz. drink

Plus tax. Excludes premium or double stacked subs. May not be combined with any other discounts, coupons or great

meal deals. Valid only at this location.

Page 6 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 13, 2012

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Cheyenne Electric Inc.• Residential & commercial

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July 13, 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .No Regrets

July 20, 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plan B

www.claytonclubsaloon.com

Entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Now

Karaoke also

on Mondays

8 pm to 11 pm

2 for the price of 1Beer only. Good anytime withoriginal coupon. Exp. 7/26/12

Karaoke Mon. & Wed. nightsOpen Mic Thur. nights, 8 to 11 p.m.

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS

Flood insurance extensionwill keep home sales afloat

Ad hoc group holds free help sessionfor distressed mortgage holders

Neighbors Helping Neigh-bors (NHN), an ad hoc groupof professionals from across thereal estate sector, will hold itsnext public workshop on July 21at the Concord Salvation Armyin the Community Room. Pan-elists will include a loan modifi-cation specialist, Realtor®, realestate attorney, HUD counselor,and a representative from KeepYour Home California.

This will be the eighth in anongoing series of events tobring reliable, concrete informa-tion and practical planning tohomeowners with distressed

mortgages. Homeowners leavethe event with clear understand-ing of their next step in theprocess to recovering theirfinancial and real estate integrity.

“It is interesting to note thatmonth after month folks showup with similar stories abouttheir distress with their mort-gage and yet they do not knowof the resources that are avail-able to them,” says GlennaNickerson, of the event organ-izers and volunteers. “Theydon’t realize the differences andthe consequences of a short salevs. foreclosure. They do not

realize what a loan modificationreally is. They don’t realize theymost often have the power todetermine their own fates andthey have options.”

The Neighbors HelpingNeighbors panelists are carefullyselected and instructed to pro-vide objective, actionable infor-mation and ideas. Solicitationand “selling” are prohibited.Their shared objective is toensure that every attendee whodesires can leave the event muchbetter equipped to deal withtheir challenges.

If attendee reviews are any

indication, the events have beena big success. “We ask everyattendee to take a survey andrate our effectiveness,” saysNickerson. “We consistentlyreceive outstanding marks. Andmost importantly the commentsreflect that we’re achieving ourmission, to inform and empow-er people.”

Neighbors Helping Neighborswill meet on July 21 from 10 a.m. –noon at the Concord Salvation ArmyChurch, 3950 Clayton Rd., Concord.For more information, go to neighbor-shelpingneighbors.biz

Ziggy, the zebra needscompanions

I was disappointed to readyour article on Seeno’s zebra. Ihave worked with the zebras atthe Oakland Zoo. Did you knowzebras often stay with theirmother for 1 to 2 years? So yes,he was separated from hismother too early. You say breed-er, many say exotic broker. Itsets a negative example that youcan buy exotic animals for pets.There are thousands upon thou-sands of donkeys, mules,ponies, horses, goats, and sheepthat are literally dying to be res-cued and live the life Ziggy has.

Hopefully, an appropriateenvironment will be provided. Aherd bound prey animal living asolo existence is heartbreakingto watch, and is not a humanelife. I have known of pet zebrasbeing kept with donkeys. I hadhoped they would integrate himwith them. I left a letter includ-ing the e-mail of an OaklandZoo keeper should they haveany questions on his care. He isstill spending his days alone. Ialso hope they have knowledgeregarding his dietary require-ments. This is also a goodresource for informationwww.ultimateungulate.com.

The zebras at the OaklandZoo live an amazing life. It is nota zoo of bars and cages. Theyprovide the most natural habitatto the species possible with astrong focus on positive rein-forcement & mental enrichment.www.oaklandzoo.org I hope tosee Ziggy’s life change. I wouldalso be happy to provide con-tacts if Mr. Seeno would like torescue hoofstock that are in needof homes that his beautifulmountain can provide.

- Jennifer Ambacher

Thankful for help duringJuly 4 mishap

On July 4, Charlie and I weregraced with “the kindness ofstrangers” in Clayton. We wouldlike to sincerely thank the peo-ple who helped my husbandwhen he fell before the parade;they made him comfortable (oras comfortable as possibleunder the circumstances), creat-ed shade, got ice and called 911.The Clayton police, fire depart-ment and ambulance servicewere also compassionate andhelpful in a stressful situation.

The Emergency Departmentat John Muir Hospital fortunate-ly determined that nothing wasbroken. However, with all theabrasions on his face, he’s notlikely to win any beauty con-tests!

Our profuse thanks to all thepeople who helped - we are trulygrateful.

-Kris and Charlie Krueger

Letters tothe Editor

Travis CU moving to the Clayton Station

Travis Credit Union is movingin November from its currentspace in the Clayton Valley Shop-ping Center to the old Block-buster space at the entrance ofthe Clayton Station. The newlocation is brighter with betteraccess and visibility said ExecutiveVice-president, Lila Dressen.

“The new branch will have thesame, great service we believemembers have come to expect,”said Dressen.

The move is scheduled to takeplace in November. In the mean-time, it’s business as usual at thecurrent location, 5442 YgnacioValley Rd.

Two new agents join French team

GREG COURTNEY OMA TALLEY

The “dog days of summer”are here, and with them comesthe predictable high tempera-tures. Each year, the ClaytonPolice Department receivescalls for officers to investigateinstances where children andpets have been left unattendedin unventilated cars.

In the past, I have writtenarticles about this serious issue.Because we are still receivingsimilar calls, I want to presentthis information once again inorder to prevent injuriescaused by extreme heat.

The dangers of hyperther-mia from inside parked motor

vehicles are greater during thistime of year than during thewinter months. It is estimatedthat a vehicle with a light col-ored interior (even with thewindows slightly down) canheat up to at least 135 degreeson an 80-degree day, while thetemperature inside a vehiclewith a black interior can reachas high as 190 degrees. On an80-degree day the temperatureinside your vehicle can reach105 degrees in just 15 minutes.

Hyperthermia, in itsadvanced state, referred to asheat stroke or sunstroke, is anacute condition which occurswhen the body produces orabsorbs more heat than it candissipate. It is usually due toexcessive exposure to heat.

The heat-regulating mecha-nisms of the body eventuallybecome overwhelmed and areunable to effectively deal withthe heat, leading body temper-ature to climb uncontrollably.This is a serious medical emer-gency that requires immediatemedical attention. If not treat-ed immediately, or you havecontinued exposure to heat,hyperthermia can lead to death.

Although all of us are sus-ceptible to this condition, theelderly and young children arethe two most likely groups tobe effected if exposed toextreme heat for long periodsof time. Pets are also affectedby exposure to heat and shouldnot be left unattended inside

hot vehicles.As you can see, leaving a pet

or child in an unattendedparked vehicle in hot sun canlead to death in a short time.As a matter of fact, it is againstthe law under certain situa-tions. California Vehicle Codesection 15620 states: “A childwho is 6 years of age oryounger may not be left insidea motor vehicle without thesupervision of a person who is12 years of age or older.”

If it becomes necessary toleave children over the age of6, seniors, or pets in an unat-tended car, try to park in ashady area and leave the carwindows open for adequateventilation.

When your vehicle is parkedin the driveway of your home,always keep it locked to pre-vent small children from enter-ing the car and becomingtrapped.

So, the obvious advice is tonever leave young children,seniors, or pets unattended in aparked car without proper ven-tilation. If you see this situa-tion, immediately call 911 orthe Clayton Police Departmentat 925-673-7350. Your actionsmay save a life.

July 13, 2012 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 7

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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

Cars can become deathtraps in summer sun

An “unsafe turning move-ment,” not alcohol, was thelikely cause of a June 3 crash onMarsh Creek Rd. that killedHayden Trost, 20 of Concordand Brian Wheeler, also 20, ofClayton. The toxicology reportcompleted by the Contra CostaCoroner shows that the driverwas not drinking.

According to the CHP,Trost was driving a Honda Inte-gra sedan westbound near Rus-selman Rd. when he lost con-trol, crossing the center line andcolliding head on with anoncoming minivan. The acci-dent occurred just before 10p.m. The driver of the minivanescaped with minor injuries.

Toxicology reports issuedby the Contra Costa Coroneroffice, show there was no evi-dence of alcohol in the driver’sblood at the time of theaccident.

The accident is still underinvestigation.

Alcohol nota factor infatal MarshCreek crash

Police activity for twoweeks ending July 5, 2012

ACCIDENTS:June 30, 9:30 a.m., Clayton

Rd/ and Center St. Non-injury.July, 3, 8 p.m.; 1000 block of

Feather Cir. Minor injury.

ARRESTS:June 24, 1 a.m., Indian Wells

Way and Oakhurst Dr. A Pleas-ant Hill man, 29, was arrestedfor DUI, reckless driving andevading arrest after beingstopped for Vehicle Code viola-tions.

June 27, 8:40 a.m., ClaytonRd and Mitchell Cyn. Rd. A 24-year-old Brentwood woman wasissued a citation for driving on asuspended license after police

stopped her for a Vehicle Codeviolation.

June 28, 2 a.m.. A San Pablowoman, 21, was arrested forDUI after being stopped forVehicle Code violations at OakSt. and Clayton Rd. OakSt./Clayton Rd.

June 28, 2:20 a.m.. Policeresponded to a call for service atCenter St. and Marsh Creek Rdand arrested a Concord man, 22,for DUI.

June 29, 1 a.m.; A Concordwoman, 38, was stopped for aVehicle Code violation and wasissued a citation for driving on asuspended license.

VANDALISM:July 5, 1800 block of Yolan-

da Circle

Police Activity

CLAYTON VALLEY

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Ghana Mission Presentation,July 15, 2012.

Anna Cottrel will speakabout Ghana’s culture asrevealed through the Africantradition of oral storytelling onJuly 15 at 12 p.m., Clayton ValleyPresbyterian Church, 1578 Kirk-er Pass Road, Clayton.

Cottrel is a retired teacher,author and advocate for self-managed projects in Ghana andwill speak about her experienceas a volunteer teacher in Ghana.

Cottrel says that a people ora race reveals itself best throughits culture and turned to thegreat African tradition of oral

storytelling. While in Ghana,she learned about stories andtheir function in society. Realiz-ing that the stories were dyingout, along with their tellers, shelistened to the storytellers anddid what she could to recordsome of their stories in theirown language, Ewe.

Cottrel did what she felt wasneeded to make the stories moreaccessible to a non-Africanaudience and in September2007, published “Once upon atime in Ghana,” a selection of24 stories with a variety of sto-rylines. Her goals are to pre-serve and reproduce the stories,to return all profits to the story-tellers and to celebrate theirculture.

Benefits help the communi-ties in the form of self-managedprojects such as with farming,fishing boats and nets and

homes.The event is free and open to the

public. For more information, contactthe church office at 672-4848.

Page 8 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 13, 2012

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Working out is not the onlyway to take care of your body.Exercise propels the body tobuild, restore and repair itself.Complete body fitness requiresone to learn to purify the bodyfrom the outside on several lev-els. These steps encourage yourbody to release toxins andimprove your overall health bypaying special attention to theskin and hair. Exfoliating,bathing in sea salt, and self-mas-sage are all simple contributorsto the process of physical purifi-cation.

Exfoliating helps removedead skin cells, clean pores,allows skin to breathe, and tight-ens it as well. The stimulatingaction of exfoliating improvesblood and lymph circulation aswell as the appearance of the

skin. You can use a loofah,glove, or brush, something ide-ally made of natural fibers.Exfoliate head to toe. It shouldtake you no more than five min-utes to rejuvenate.

A great exfoliating sea saltbath soak will do wonders. Trymixing your own: 1 handful ofsea salt, 3 drops essential lemonoil, 3 drops of grapefruit oil,and 3 drops lavender oil. Addthe following to a warm bath,soak for 20 minutes, and beginexfoliating.

Cleanse your face using asimple face mask to unblockyour pores, tighten them, andimprove your complexion. For agreat complexion lifter, try anatural oatmeal mask. Use 4tablespoons of oatmeal withhalf a cup warm water to create

a paste. Let cool then add 2tablespoons of honey. Smoothover face, avoiding the eye area,and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse.

Rejuvenate your hair. Dailyexercise impacts the entire body.After you shampoo, rinse yourhair with warm water and pour amixture, pre-made, of 2 table-spoons cider vinegar mixed with2 to 4 chamomile tea bags. Mas-sage into scalp then rinse withwarm water.

To round out your outerpurification, try self-massage.Rub your skin to stimulate circu-lation and release muscle ten-sion using a circular motionwith your palm or fingers.Knead your muscle like youwould bread dough. Tap yourbody or lightly slap various areaswith the flat of your hand to

improve circulation and relaxmuscles. Finish by stroking theskin gently, moving in circularmotions outward.

Pamper yourself by demon-strating you care about yourself.Remember feeling good aboutyourself is crucial to your physi-cal well being. Do things that aregood for your body. Inside andout.

These simple tips can leadto healthier skin and hair

Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fit-ness certifications. She trains at LevityFitness studio in Clayton. Email Ilimaat IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com

ILIMA HEUERMAN

FIT WITH LEVITY

Church News

ANNACOTTREL (LEFT) PRESENTS A COPY OF THE BOOK to Mr. GodsonSabblah for use in class with the pupils in the background.Without her book, the students would very likely not hear thestories that make up their cultural history.

and co-editor along with GaryHules and Julie Gilcrest. Thetime was right, as politics in thissleepy community seemed to becontrolled by a group dedicatedto limiting growth.

The pen proved to be might-ier than the sword and changewas in the wind. Planning for alarger, controlled growth com-munity took years of dedicationby city councils, planning com-missions and several city man-agers. The key ingredient to oursuccess back then was a thrivingeconomy.

In 1985, our median house-hold income was $52,000 andthe average home cost $180,000.In 2010, our median familyincome rose to $140,000 andour average home price was in

the low to mid $600,000s.City council meetings in the

late 1980s brought the commu-nity out to discuss the heatedtopics of growth and change. Icommend all those who partici-pated and voiced an opinion. Iinvite any of you to attend citycouncil meetings and voice youropinions on Clayton matters.

Today we seem to be moreconcerned about financial sur-vival rather than growth. Clay-ton is close to being built-outfor residential development.Every day we read how the stateis siphoning more tax dollarscreated for cities. It seemsmany citizens are now mostconcerned with the fuller devel-opment of our small commer-cial areas. Additional city-con-

trolled tax income is needed tosustain the community serviceswe have come to enjoy.

The Clayton Valley Forum islong gone and mostly forgotten.The Clayton Pioneer replaced itmany years later. Tamara andRobert Steiner, current publish-ers, have created a medium thatallows a great mix of news, localadvertising, stories about ouryouth and seniors, the commu-nity calendar, what’s happeningin Clayton and our surroundingcommunities. It makes us alllook forward to their bi-weeklypublication.

As your Mayor, I leave thebreaking news to the ClaytonPioneer. However, I love youremails and calls. I try to quick-ly answer your questions andconcerns, so keep them com-ing. Be sure to leave me yourname, email address and

phone number.Clayton’s history is a story-

book tale of the dreams ourforefathers had of wanting anidentity. My “hat’s off ” tothem. The final chapters havenot yet been written. My crystalball sees a viable downtown thatwill draw folks from near andfar. They will enjoy the beautyof Mt. Diablo, our downtownpark and festivals, the OakhurstCountry Club and golf course,our restaurants, our trail systemsand our quaint shops and idylliccommunity.

If you haven’t figured it outyet, Clayton is a touch of heav-en. It’s a city to raise your familyor retire in. It’s the place that Icall home.

Email questions or comments for themayor to Councilmangeller@aol.com.

Mayor, from page 1

CBCAClayton Business and Com-

munity Association hopefulsjoined current members andcommunity leaders for a barbe-cue and social at Rodie’s Feedand Pet Supply on June 27.Guests were welcomed by JimDiaz, membership, Keith Hay-don, president, and LauraHoffmeister, assistant to the citymanager, for an opportunity tomeet their neighbors and hearhow they can support the com-munity.

The CBCA is a nonprofitorganization that runs eventslike the Clayton Art and WineFestival, Oktoberfest and RibCook Off to fundraise for localschools and community proj-ects. Hoffmeister said, “Theperception is the city does theseevents like the festivals and hol-iday decorations.” She clarified

that they are actually handled bythe CBCA and commented thatparticipation in the CBCA “pro-vides a valuable contribution to

the community” and helps keepthe “sense of small town, familyfeel.”

Diaz emphasized that mem-

bers do not have to be businessowners to join. Haydon invitedguests to attend a meeting toexperience the format, whichincludes updates from the city aswell as organization committees.

Shirley and Cedric Jensenjoined on the spot “to meet peo-ple in the community” aftermoving to Clayton from NewJersey. Others interested in join-ing were long-time Clayton resi-dents or people who movedaway and returned, looking forways to give back to the com-munity.

The next mixer, date to beannounced, will be an ice creamsocial.

CBCA meetings are the lastThursday of the month at theOakhurst Country Club. For moreinformation, go to claytoncbca.org.

PEGGY HOOPER, DIANE FAVERO, KELLY BRENS GALVIN, Johnand Pat Pollock and Brenda and Bill Safreed visit afterenjoying barbecued burgers and beans at the first of threeCBCA mixers set for this summer.

Club News

Director of Operations PatMiddendorf says that the Clay-ton Valley Charter High Schoolhas hired three new SpecialEducation teachers and six newSpecial Education instructionalassistants as the school tries torestructure the program to givebetter individual attention toeach student.

To that end, the teachers willbe attending workshops thissummer, and the school will be

applying for grants. In addition,Middendorf says that there arenew online programs she hopeswill “add some of the rigorcomponent I think we havebeen missing for our Special Edpopulation.” She quotes newExecutive Director DaveLinzey: “Failure is not anoption, every student can learn.”

OTHER CVCHS HAPPENINGS

The Governing Board isseeking volunteers for two spe-cial community service days atCVCHS. On Saturday, July 14,volunteers will be prepping theMulti-Use Room for painting;and Saturday, July 28, will beCampus Improvement Day. Ifyou would like to volunteer,contact either Alison Bacigalupoat alison.bacigalupo@clayton-valley.org or Pat Middendorf atpa t .middendor f@clay ton-valley.org

The Clayton Valley CharterHigh School Golf Tournament

is Monday, July 23 at OakhurstCountry Club. This is the firstbig fundraiser for sports pro-grams at CVCHS. For registra-tion information go towww.cvhsboosters.org.

Visit claytonvalley.org forFreshman Transition SummerProgram information includingvolunteer and donation oppor-tunities.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVE

LINZEY ADDRESSES SCIENCE

LAB QUESTION

Q: CVCHS students are ata great disadvantage in sci-ence with the absence ofalmost all lab work. FromHonors chemistry to biology,lab exposure is non-existent.Will CVCHS be able to findfunding to bring the school’slabs back to safe, workingorder?

A: Yes. We are scheduled tohave two new science labs builtthis year, thanks to Measure C

funds, as I have been informed.However, while science labs

are very helpful indeed for labexperiments, outstandinginstruction is not dependentupon having great lab facilities.This is absolutely clear. I havesupervised schools with lessthan satisfactory science facili-ties that implemented high qual-ity instructional programswhose students scored advancedand proficient in chemistry,physics and biology. The pointis, great instruction is dependentupon teachers preparing greatlessons and engaging students inrigorous and relevant instruc-tion. This I am committed to nomatter the state of our facilities,and even after we have newfacilities built.

July 13, 2012 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 9

April Winship is the parent oftwo CVCHS students. She lives inClayton with her family. Email com-ments to april.winship@clayton-valley.org.

CVCHS to get Special Ed improvements

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Ah summer – the simpleword brings back fond memo-ries. The thought of summercauses many to reminisce of lav-ish vacations, sweltering dayscontrasted by cool, breezynights, and lounging by thepool. Summer is generally asso-ciated with simple relaxation,and this notion is definitely evi-dent in Clayton.

Now that the season hasofficially begun as of June 22and we’re well into July, schoolseems like a thing of the past.Kids and teens roam downtownwith friends, sharing laughs andliving essentially carefree. Nolonger do students experience

the crunch and stress of dead-lines and exams, or the latenights of homework.

There is a reason that sum-

mer vacation is nearly 10weeks long. It’s intended to bea rejuvenation period for stu-dents to take a load off. How-ever, I have noticed a growingpush to keep students engagedin education over summerbreak. It’s understandable whyparents and schools want kidsto practice their school work.For some, summer is anopportunity to catch up onconcepts they struggled withover the previous school year,or just to review what theyalready learned. While there isnothing wrong with sharpen-ing math skills for an hour ortwo, or picking up a goodbook, losing focus on whatsummer is really about may notbe all that beneficial.

As long as I have been inschool, summer has always beena break to refresh and rechargebefore the next year of school. Ialways looked forward to thesummer as a time to do things Iwanted to do, but never couldwhile school was in session. Thelast thing I wanted to thinkabout while heading on a tripwith my family was classic litera-ture or theorems and postulates.

Heading into tenth gradethis coming school year, I had ashocking realization on how few

summer vacations I have left.Other than breaks in college,which will be more than likelyspent working, I only have threetrue summer vacations left. Sowhen I see people pushing stu-dents to practice a daily reviewof math, writing, and readingduring vacation, it makes mewant to remind them of howfew summers there are left toenjoy before joining the endlesswork force as an adult.

As with anything in life,balance is the key. I never pro-mote laziness or slacking off,but sometime, relaxing is agreat way to keep things effi-cient. Kids and teens needthose carefree summers to bebetter students.

That way, when Aug. 15rolls around, students will beready to hit the books oncemore. As the Greek historianHerodotus once said, “If a maninsisted always on being seri-ous, and never allowed himselfa bit of fun and relaxation, hewould go mad or becomeunstable without knowing it.”

Senior women from past andpresent classes at CVCHS arethrowing their support to theteachers and throwing out theold – literally.

The women are redecoratingthe teachers’ lounge and needcommunity help. They needwooden tables and chairs ingood condition and can pick up

any donated furnishings.“We want to transform the

lounge into a haven for our awe-some teachers,” says seniorKendall Winship.

To donate, contact Kendall at(925) 849-2167 or email kendall-winship@ymail.com.

Kids need summer break to recharge

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

ROBBIE PARKER

CVHS REPORTER

Senior Women refurbishCVCHS teachers’ lounge

on their way to this year’sweek-long Tech Trek, a mathand science camp for youngwomen at Sonoma State Uni-versity. But no sooner did theymeet their new dorm matesthan the jitters went away andthe fun and learning began.

“I always had a feel for sci-ence,” Megan says. Now, afterTech Trek, she knows specifi-cally that she wants to pursuebeing a stem cell researcher.The camp introduced the girlsto many careers and by com-parison, Megan chose what isright for her to follow.

The experience had a posi-tive affect on Megan’s maturitylevel, too. Her mother, AmyBrys, says, “She is more inde-pendent now,” and says shetakes on more chores at homeby herself.

Kacie is interested in mathand science and wants to studyfor a coroner position. Whiledescribing dissecting a frog inclass, Kacie says, “Some peoplethink it’s gross. I like to see

what’s inside, how somethingworks.” Kacie is often inspiredto question things by hergrandfather, a biochemist. Everready with a project for whenthe grandkids come to visit, heputs her to work and educatesher along the way. For example,Kacie learned why oil andwater do not mix while helpingher grandpa change the oil inthe car.

Alison likes math, butprefers science. “I like beinghands on and science is alwayschanging,” she says. Herfavorite science is biology. Shewants to study genetics, citingthe importance of findingcures for illnesses.

The structure of camp wastechnology, math or scienceclasses in the morning andworkshops in the afternoon.The girls experimented withvolcanic behavior, learnedcurved stitching to see howstraight lines on a plane createa curve, and challenged eachother to have the slowest

object rolling down a slope,connecting how these subjectsare interesting and a part ofeveryday life.

Their schedule includedphysical education and fieldtrips, such as kayaking andexploring Safari West. Kaciesays the field trips were a partof the camp to “broaden theirexperience” and pointed outthe study of animals is a sci-ence, too.

Guest speakers, womenwith careers like nutritionists,geologists and technologists,talked with the girls about theirprofessions and how tobecome qualified for thoseroles.

“Equally important as sci-ence is social (time),” Megansays. Sharing space in thedorms and cafeteria like theymight in college and workingtogether in the classes and labsfostered a sense of communitywith the girls. They havealready been in touch with theirnew friends.

Tech Trek was founded in1998 by the American Associa-tion of University Women tohelp young women explore

their interest in science, math,engineering and technology.Holding the program on a col-lege campus helps the girlsvisualize being there in thefuture and gives guidance onfunding college, what classes totake and the careers that canresult from those studies.

Five students are nominatedby Diablo View scienceteacher, Cynthia Brewington.They submit an essay on aselected topic and the localAAUW interviews them. Threegirls are chosen to attend thecamp. Most of the funds comefrom the AAUW’s annualspaghetti feed and donationsfrom the Clayton Business andCommunity Association.

Brewington says these stu-dents were chosen not justbecause of good grades, butbecause “all express a voice inthe classroom and show sometype of leadership and curiosity.”

For more information, contactthe Tech Trek coordinators atAAUW: Carol Gurrad at 925-798-3082 or Priscilla Schmalzel at925-672-5181, or go to aauw-techtrek.org.

Tech Trek, from page 1

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Both Clayton swim teams,Dana Hills and Oakhurst Coun-try Club, will be taking part inthe 18th annual Devil MountainPentathlon in the Dana Hillspool this weekend. A total of906 athletes from 13 teams areentered.

The Livorna Dolphins fromAlamo are the newest team toenter the Pentathlon while

returning teams besides the twolocal squads are Ygnacio Wood,Bishop Estates, Forest Hills,Springwood, LMYA, MartinezCommunity, Walnut Country,Pleasant Hill Aquatics, PleasantHill Dolfins and Vista Diablo.

Saturday’s competition is forthe 6 and under and 7-8 boysand girls and 9-10 girls. On Sun-day the 9-10 boys plus 11-12,

13-14 and 15-18 swimmers takepart. Each day’s meet begins at9a.m.

Every swimmer competes infreestyle, backstroke, breast-stroke and butterfly races andthe individual medley, wherethey swim a lap of each stroke.The 6 and under age groupswims a 50-yard freestyle inplace of the IM. Times from all

five races are combined todetermine which swimmers topthe A and B divisions in eachage group.

Host Dana Hills, which willhave 160 swimmers in the Pen-tathlon, is coming off a strongshowing at the recent Battle ofthe Ages. Coach Serge Victor’sOtters took second at the Battleof the Ages to 2011 County

Meet champion Crow CanyonCountry Club.

Eight Dana Hills swimmerswon their age group at Battle ofthe Ages while five Otters wererunner ups. Taking top girlshonors were Molly Boland (5-years-old), Stephanie Iannac-cone (7), Sarah Hamilton (10),Justine Trimble (15), Vicky Tal-ens (16) and Krystle Talens (18).

Colton Seastrand (6) and ErickIannaccone (13) were boys highpoints.

Finishing second in their agegroups for DHST were RyanneBoland (9), Ryan Iannaccone(11), Allie Klinger (13), MelissaSchoell (14) and Tricia Talens(16).

Clayton Valley Little Leaguesaw a significant change to itssoftball program this seasonthat should help increase thenumber of players and improvethe calibre of competition overthe years. CVLL combined withConcord American LittleLeague to charter a single soft-ball program and the new setupdrew a number of players fromthe expanded boundaries intoClayton Valley this season.

The CVLL girls softballprogram is comprised of fourdivisions starting at age six withthe mini-minors instructionalprogram up to senior divisionfor players 13 and older.

The minor division Mus-

tangs finished the CVLL sea-son with a 12-3 record and thenwent 3-0 in the playoffs, beat-ing the Crush in the finale.

In the major division, gamesare played against other District4 leagues including Continen-tal/Walnut Creek, Martinez andPittsburg. CV Blue earned the2012 CVLL majors softballchampionship with a record of12-4. Playing an inter-leagueschedule of games, CV Bluedid not lose a season series toany opponent. They were ledby pitchers Madison Downsand Savannah O’Connell, whocombined to pitch every inning,and their batterymate catcherSophia Scott, who caught everygame.

In the junior/senior divisionfor girls ages 13 and up the

interleague competition isagainst all the teams within Dis-trict 4 including Walnut Creek,Pittsburg, Martinez, Pinole-Hercules, Richmond and Calis-toga. The Clayton ValleyEagleEttes played in the seniorlevel even though they werejunior in age.

The softball season wascapped the last two weeks byClayton Valley hosting the Dis-trict 4 Junior Softball All-Startournament.

9-10 SOFTBALL ALL-STARS

Skylar Aldridge, AshleyArias, Sarah Barker, Erin Blaet-ter, Lauren Friedman, KatieHarkness, Madison Kincaid,Olivia Linkhart, TammyMason, Hailey Rogers, SophiaWarnke.

11-12 SOFTBALL ALL-STARS

Cami Cohen, Lauren Coop-er, Kayla Confetti, Krista Con-fetti, Haley Crookes, MadisonDowns, Courtney Lally, Savan-nah O’Connell, Amanda Perry,

Sophia Scott, Sierra Sprague,Melissa Williams.

13-14 SOFTBALL ALL-STARS

Brittany Bangert, TaylorEisele, Sophia Enders, Lazirus

Farrell, Amelia Haynes, KellieHeilberg, Ariel Lauritsen,Nicole Mason, Jessica Parris,Emily Patrone, KatelynRodriguez, Chanel Taliaferro,Rebecca Walsh.

Sports

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Page 10 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 13, 2012

Softball season wraps up for CV Little League

LOSING ONLY THREE OF 15 GAMES in the regular season before sweeping through the playoffs theMustangs won the Clayton Valley Little League minor division softball championship. TheMustangs were, front row from left, Maddie Day, Sarah Barker, Daniela Duenas; middle row,manager Rob Barker, Lauren Friedman, Grace Pugh, Juliana Balestrieri, Madison Fink, CaelaHetherton; back row, coach Ben Hilderbrand, Skylar Aldridge, Ellie Hilderbrand, GeorgiaMoraes, Madi Bellew, Kaylie Krupa and coach Tim Barker.

CLAYTON VALLEY EAGLEETTES were a junior team competing atthe senior girls level during the past season or Clayton ValleyLittle League. The team includes, on ground, Chanel Taliaferroand Kelly Heilberg, front row from left, Lazirus Farrell, BeccaWalsh, Ariel Lauritsen, Kate Rodriguez, Amelia Haynes; backrow, coach Lisa Heilberg, Sophia Enders, Jessica Parris, NikkiMason, Brittany Bangert and manager Theresa Bangert. Notpictured, Emily Patrone and coach Jessie Mason.

Photos courtesy Clayton Valley Little League

WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP in Clayton Valley Little League major division this season with a 12-4 record was CV Blue for manager Kevin Confetti and coaches Amy O’Connell and Eric Gius.The Blue included, front row from left, Krista Confetti, Madison Downs, Courtney Lally,Savannah O’Connell, Madison Briscoe; back row, Alison Fosberry, Grace Gius, Sophia Scott,Emma Ramirez, Kayla Confetti, Jordan Steinberg and Melissa Williams.

Minor B BaseballAll-Stars

In our June 29 issue welisted Clayton Valley LittleLeague baseball all-star teams.The Minor B all-Stars listingwas omitted.

Here are the 2012 CVLLMinor B baseball all-stars:Mason Bamberger, TerrellHopsen, Mikey Mann,Thomas Cordova, EricAbbett, Zakary Rath, NolanDegener, Joey Berardi, GabrielDias, Tyler Perkins, CharlieSaylor, Jason Zimmer, NikoBohler, Sean Nimr, AndrewPesmark, Jeremy LaGrave,Mikey Murano, Ryan Sparks,Jordyn Williams, GraceZodikoff, Brandon Hoover,Nicky Pelligrino, Riley Men-donca, Toshio Longley, TrentGolden, Joey Hawk, Max Keil,Grant Sielman.

18th Devil Mountain Pentathlon this weekend at Dana Hills

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The time-worn weddingphrase “Something old, some-thing new, something borrowed,something blue” can be appliedto the Clayton Valley CharterHigh School athletics depart-ment for the forthcoming 2012-13 school year.

Something old: There are manylong-time coaches and teachersat CVCHS who will be coachingteams in the new school year.

Something new: From theschool name to a new athleticdirector to several other first-time Eagles coaches, there willbe many new things about thesports program on Alberta Way.

Something borrowed: The 2012-13 coaching staff includeswomen and men who have heldvarious positions at CVHS overthe years and are now taking ondifferent roles.

Something blue: Make that“something blue and red” as theUgly Eagles uniforms will carrythe same color scheme theschool has had since opening in1958.

Greg Fister was appointedthe new athletic director andhe’s also taken on the role ashead girls and boys cross coun-try coach. The new AD hastaught at Clayton Valley the pasttwo years and coached eithersoccer or cross country at Valle-jo High School from 2002-2011before concentrating last yearon his education while finishinghis Master’s degree studies andalso getting his preliminaryAdministrative Services Creden-tial in the process.

Fister made his Clayton Val-ley coaching debut in 2011 whenhe was head JV baseball coach.The team went 22-1-1, won theleague championship and wasthe #1 ranked JV team inNorthern California.

Brandon Enriquez returnsfor his second year as an assis-tant cross country coach andDebra Osteen, who is on thetrack and field coaching stafffor distance runners, will alsohelp out this fall. MichelleHowisey led the Eagles for thepast five years before resigningafter last season.

The longest-serving ClaytonValley coach, Dennis Bledsoe,

will be on the pool deck thisschool year for girls water poloin the fall and swimming in thespring. Bledsoe first coached atCVHS in 1966. Fister says, “TheClayton Valley aquatics program(water polo and swimming) is adirect result of the continueddedication and leadership ofMr. Bledsoe. Our students arebetter people because they haveknown Dennis Bledsoe.”

Nicholas Ballew will becoaching the defending DiabloValley Athletic League champi-on Eagles boys water polo team.

A previously announcedcoaching change has Tim Mur-phy taking over for the retiredHerc Pardi with the footballprogram. Murphy is still assem-bling his staff, which will be amix of returning and newcoaches for the Eagles. Fisteradds, “Tim’s passion and enthu-siasm for the game is contagiousamong his coaching staff andthe players.”

Jennifer Moore last coachedClayton Valley girls golf in 2009and she returns to lead theEagles at their Oakhurst Coun-try Club home this fall. RickOrtega continues coaching girls

tennis and Dave Hobson girlsvolleyball.

“We are looking to create thebest environment for successand learning for our studentsand student athletes. The experi-ence our student athletes aregoing to enjoy this fall season isgoing to propel our program tothe next level. We already haverecord numbers signed up forvolleyball, cross country and

football,” Fister says.The coaching changes aren’t

limited to fall sports. CaseyCoakley is returning as CVCHSbaseball head coach. Coakleywas Eagles head coach in 2007and 2008 where his teamsreached the North Coast Sec-tion semi-finals both years whilecompiling a 41-11 overall mark.He then left to resurrect the LosMedanos College baseball pro-gram. Over the past four yearsthe Mustangs made the Stateplayoffs twice and 34 playerstransferred from LMC to play atfour-year schools.

Coakley will also be Dean ofStudents at CVCHS. He is aClayton Valley alumnus whowent on to play at St. Mary’sCollege. His brother-in-law Bob

Ralston coached Eagles baseballfor 11 years before leaving forCal State University East Baylast year. Pardi took over asinterim head coach and ispleased to be working on Coak-ley’s staff again next season.Also on Coakley’s staff areDave Leal, Matt Bucci, KenEvanson and Matt Kavanaugh.

CV baseball has reached theNCS playoffs every year dating

back to the 1990s and won thesection championship in 2010plus playing in three other NCSfinals (2002, 2003 and 2011).

Head track and field coachLes Garaventa left for a positionat Liberty High in Brentwood,leaving Fister with another posi-tion to fill.

Clayton Valley Charter HighSchool makes its official sportsbow next month as the UglyEagles football team plays its firstgame at long-time rivals PittsburgHigh on Aug. 24. The first homefootball game at Gonsalves Stadi-um isn’t until Sept. 21.

The first DVAL action forClayton Valley Charter HighSchool will be Sept. 4 with Mt.Diablo visiting CVCHS in girlstennis.

Mike Dunn photo

CASEY COAKLEY (CENTER) HAS ONCE AGAIN TAKEN THE REINS of the highly-successful Clayton ValleyCharter High School baseball team for the upcoming season. Coakley led the Eagles in the2007 and 2008 seasons before resurrecting the Los Medanos College program for the past fouryears. Coakley continues a family tradition for the Eagles as his brother-in-law Bob Ralston wasin the dugout for 11 seasons and Coakley’s late father Jerry Coakley was a CVHS footballcoach for 15 years until his untimely passing earlier this year. The CVCHS baseball staffincludes, from left, Kenny Evanson, Matt Bucci, Coakley, Herc Pardi and David Leal. Pardiserved as interim head coach in 2012, taking the Eagles to the NCS playoffs.

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During the recreationswimming season age groupsare arranged primarily in two-year increments, such as 7-8year-olds. Generally this setsup for the older half of theage group to win most races.However once a year the Bat-tle of the Ages meet has com-petition limited to each indi-vidual age, affording those inthe lower half of their agegroup a chance to competeonly against swimmers of the

same age. No one was happierfor the Battle of the Agesthan Scotty, Ryan and ErickIannaccone of the Dana HillsSwim Team. Both seven-year-old Stephanie and 13-year-oldErick were age group champsfor the Otters while Ryan Ian-naccone was second in the 11-year-old age group. DHSTfinished runner-up in the Bat-tle of the Ages team standingsto Crow Canyon CountryClub of Danville, the only

team that placed above theOtters at last summer’s Coun-ty Meet where both Ryan andErick Iannaccone were bothhigh-point winners. All threeof the Iannaccone swimmerssay the 100-yard individualmedley is their favorite event.Scotty (Stephanie’s twinbrother) and Alan Iannacconejoined their three siblingswhen they started with DanaHills last summer.

The Clayton Pioneer congratu-lates Stephanie, Ryan & ErickIannaccone and rewards theirachievements 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

Names: Stephanie, Ryan & Erick Iannaccone

Ages: 7, 11, 13 Team: Dana Hills Swim Team OttersSport: Swimming

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JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

July 13, 2012 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 11

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New school name, new coachesfor Clayton Valley Charter High

Diablo FC 94 girls lost thechampionship game at the USClub Soccer West Regionals lastmonth in Turlock 2-1 in doubleovertime to nemesis LamorindaUnited 94. However it turnedout not to be the end of theroad for the team as they earneda place in US Club SoccerNational Cup XI July 27-30 inWaukegan, IL near Chicago.

The 94 girls are the first teamfrom Diablo FC to go to USCSNational Cup since Diablo FC92 girls in 2009.

The local competitive clubhad a number of standout teamperformances in US ClubRegionals this year. The U17boys Diablo FC 94 and U15Diablo FC 96 boys lost in theRegional finals on penalty kickswhile the U16 Diablo FC 95team also lost on penalty kicksin the semi-finals as Diablo FCboys won lost only two of 15games before the knockoutround heartbreakers.

The Diablo FC 94 girls beatboth Marin FC 95 Blue andAjax United Elite 95 3-1 in thepreliminary rounds in theRegionals Super Group. Afterbeing shut out by Lamorinda inan earlier game, coach JeremyHull’s girls tied the champi-onship match 1-1 in the final 10seconds on a stunning headerby Anna Carter. Diablo FCgoalkeeper Brianna Rosselli was

outstanding in the net.The team won the Diablo

Cup tournament in March andwas a semi-finalist in the PlayersShowcase the same month inLas Vegas. They also won theRegional Academy League fallPremier 2 division.

In Chicago Diablo FC 94will be facing top-flight teamsfrom Illinois, New York, Vir-ginia and Nevada.

“Coach Jeremy Hull has led

the girls through a very success-ful season, his first as headcoach of Diablo FC 94. This isa great opportunity for the girlsto be seen on a National level infront of college coaches andestablish themselves as one thetop teams, not only in the state,but across the country. Jeremyand Scott Alexander (Diablo FColder girls coaching director)have been very busy preparingthese girls for the next level,”

says Diablo FC director ofcoaching Brian Voltattorni.

The roster includes playersfrom 11 cities including localplayers Melanie Hines, EmilyHeinzmann, Samantha Boeger,Jasmine and Janelle Bandayrel,Julia Rogers, Marisa Baros,Daisy Bonilla and Sofia Mar-tinez.

Follow the US Club SoccerNational Cup XI at usclubsoccer.org.

Page 12 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 13, 2012

Local players headed to Chicago withDiablo FC 94 girls for USCS Nationals

Sports

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

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Photo courtesy Diablo FC

THE UNDER 17 DIABLO FC 94 GIRLS will be competing in US Club Soccer National Cup XI at theend of July near Chicago. The team coached by Jeremy Hull includes, front row from left, SofiaMartinez, Daisy Bonilla, Monica Lazorik, Janelle Bandayrel, Pilar Souder; middle row, JenniferDeLeon, Larissa Rodrigues, Marisa Baros, Julia Rogers, Kylie Caponio; back row, Anna Carter,Samantha Boeger, Linnea Wikander, Emily Heinzmann, Brianna Rosselli, Gabby Withers,Melanie Hines and Jasmine Bandayrel.

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER BOOSTERS

GOLF TOURNAMENT JULY 23The 21st annual Clayton Valley Charter High School Athletic

Boosters Club Charity Golf Tournament is coming up on Monday,July 23, at Oakhurst Country Club. The format is a four-personscramble (singles will be paired up). Shotgun start with box lunch isat 11:30 a.m. with dinner immediately following the tournament inthe clubhouse. Interested golfers (21 and over) and sponsors canvisit cvhsboosters.org.

DIABLO FC U14 GIRLS TEAM HAS PLAYER OPENINGSGirls interested in playing for a competitive youth soccer team

can be evaluated for the Diablo FC 98 Blue U14 team. Coach John-ny Molina is looking for two experienced field players and a goal-keeper for 2012-13 season (birthdate between Aug. 1, 1998 and July31, 1999). The team and club offer experienced coaching, excellenttraining and a friendly team environment. Interested players can con-tact Coach Molina at jmolina@diablofc.org or sign up atdiablofc.org.

YOUTH FALL LEAGUES AT CLAYTON GYM NOW TAKING

REGISTRATIONSThe popular youth volleyball and basketball leagues at Clayton

Community Gym are full for the summer and fall registration is nowopen. Basketball for girls and boys from 4-16 begins Sept. 22. Dead-line for registration is Aug. 24 and player evaluation day is Sept. 7.Volleyball league is open to kids 8-15. Everyone plays in this non-competitive, 7-week program. Registration is being taken online atalloutsportsleague.com for both leagues.

FOOTBALL, CHEER SIGNUPS CLOSING FOR CV FALCONSRegistration is open for Clayton Valley Youth football and cheer.

Football is open for ages 7-14 while cheer accepts ages 5-14. In-per-son registration days for the CVAA Falcons are this Thursday, July

12, 6:30-8 p.m. at Mountain Mike’s Pizza by Clayton Bowl and a finalsession on Saturday, July 21, at Clayton Valley Charter High Schoolfrom 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Season practice starts July 30. For more infor-mation and online registration visit CVAAFalcons.com.

FINAL CHANCE FOR U8 SOCCER ACADEMY

SUMMER SESSIONDiablo FC’s renowned Soccer Academy is taking signups now for

its summer session which runs through Aug. 17. Boys and girls 5-8years of age can participate in the U8 Academy with instruction atBoatwright Fields from Brazilian Olympian Tafa, Diablo FC direc-tor of coaching Brian Voltattorni and District 4 coaching directorSteve Shott. Registration and more info are available at diablofc.org.

MDSA WAITLIST REGISTRATION CONTINUES FOR

FALL SOCCER SEASONGirls and boys four to 18 years can still sign up for the 32nd

AYSO season of Mt. Diablo Soccer Association. Registrants will beon a waitlist pending development of teams. Email questions to reg-istration@mdsoccer.org or go to mdsoccer.org to sign up.

FUTURE STARS SOCCER CAMP HOSTING 3 MORE CAMPS

DURING JULYBoatwright Youth Sports Complex in Concord will be the site of

3 more soccer camps in July hosted by Future Stars Soccer Acade-my. Future Stars Skills Academy for competitive players aged 10-16is July 23-26 while the Future Stars Soccer Academy for boys andgirls of all skill levels ages 6-16 is July 23-27 and July 30-Aug. 3. Seefuturestarsfutbol.com to register and for more information.

5TH DIABLO FC BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT OCT. 12Benefitting field development and financial aid scholarships, the

fifth annual Diablo FC golf tournament will be held Friday, Oct. 12,at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. Golfers, sponsors and teeprize donations are being solicited. Email golftournament@-diablofc.org or visit diablofc.org for more information.

Sports Shorts

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Customers often ask why thetires on their cars are so noisy.

There are a few reasons tiresmake noise. Sometimes they willbe loud when they are new. Tires

can also be noisy if there is adefect from workmanship ordamage. Tires become damagedfrom hitting potholes or curbs.Road trash also can damagesidewalls.

If the struts and shocks arebad, this will cause cupping orhigh-low spots. Once tiresbecome cupped, have themreplaced to get rid of the noise.If the struts are the cause forthe cupping, they also will needto be replaced.

Because struts and shockshold the tires to the road, it isimportant to have them in goodcondition. A bump in the roadcan make your tires leave thesurface, even with a heavy caron top of them. If this happenswhen you’re in a turn, you canlose control of the car and spinout.

Worn struts and shocks willalso shorten the life of tires.Strut failure is a slow process.Most times, the driver will not

feel a change as the shocks andstruts decline. However, afterreplacing the shocks and struts,most people notice a big differ-ence in the way the car rides andhandles.

It is also advisable to rotatetires every 3,000 to 5,000 milesto help them last longer.

Noisy tires likely sign of needed repair

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Can more money buy youhappiness? It is an age-old ques-tion and one that psychologistshave been trying to answer foryears.

Historically, research hasshown that as long as peoplehave enough money to comfort-ably feed, clothe, and housethemselves and their loved ones,then having more money willonly make them a little bit hap-pier and it won’t last.

Recently, though, new stud-ies have started to look at thisquestion in a different way andthey’ve introduced the possibili-ty that how you spend moneymay actually influence your hap-piness.

I recently stumbled upon abook, “All the Money in theWorld: What the Happiest Peo-ple Know About Getting andSpending,” by Laura Van-derkam, that described somefascinating principles abouthow people can use theirmoney as growth opportunitiesto increase their sense of satis-faction.

From both personal and

professional experience, I wouldhave to say that Ms. Vanderkamis on to something. Here is whatshe advises:

Spend only after consideringopportunity cost. Often we try tojustify our spending by consid-ering money in context. Big tick-et items usually cost more, andsomething that we’ll have for along time should be worth themoney we spend on it. At theend of the day, money is stillmoney. If you have savedmoney and not spent it, thenyou can decide if you would liketo use that money elsewhere.Before you buy anything, thinkabout the opportunity cost:What would make you happier?

Spend to create the world you’dlike to live in. Money can be usedas a tool that gives us the powerto change things. If you spendyour money at places of busi-nesses that you want to see dowell or if you want to donateyour money to worthwhile char-ities, then you’ll feel good as aresult. Doing this can create afeeling of empowerment.

Spend to buy yourself time.

There are only 168 hours in aweek and nobody can squeezeout an extra minute. However,money can allow you to getsome of those hours back fromwork, chores and errands. If youcan outsource some work or lifemanagement tasks, then youmight be happier if you get tospend that time being with oth-ers or doing things that youenjoy more.

Spend on experiences. Getting anew toy is exciting and fun nomatter how old you are. Howev-er, as you get used to having thattoy, the level of pleasure always

diminishes. If people spendmoney on experiences, then youcan create happiness in threedifferent ways: As you look for-ward to it, while you’re doing it,and then back on the memoriesafterward.

Spend to nurture your social net-work. We are social beings bynature and nurturing our rela-tionships is a good investment.Take a friend out for a meal,have a party or give a thoughtfulgift. These actions build upgood will in relationships andwhen returned in kind, it dou-bles our happiness.

Ask not what a kitty can dofor you, but what you can do fora kitty!

During Cat Independence

Days through July 22 Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Founda-tion (ARF) liberates all adultcats six months of age or older

from their adoption fees. Allstandard adoption criteria apply.

With their sparkling person-alities already established, it’seasy to find just the right cat toset off some fireworks. ARF hasplenty of American beautieswaiting to join your family.Bring home a new feline friendand let freedom ring!

Before adoption, all cats arespayed or neutered, vaccinated,wormed, checked for felineleukemia and FIV, andmicrochipped. Adoption hoursare Wed., noon - 5 p.m.,Thur./Fri. 3 - 7 p.m., andSat./Sun noon-5 p.m. Stop byARF to check them out, or getto know them online atwww.arf.net.

ARF saves the lives of lovingdogs and cats who have run outof time at public shelters, givinganother chance at life to animals

who otherwise would have beenkilled. ARF provides the careand attention they need, includ-ing spay or neuter surgery, untila new home of their own can befound.

ARF’s People Connect pro-grams strengthen the humananimal bond for the elderly, res-idents of assisted living centers,high school students, gradeschool students, and young chil-dren through programs that arenational models of excellence.ARF programs allow people toexperience the unconditionallove and acceptance of dogs andcats. People rescuing animals . . .animals rescuing people.

ARF is located at 2980 MitchellDrive, Walnut Creek. For moreinformation go to www.arf.net or call(925) 256 1ARF.

July 13, 2012 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 13

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STEPHANIE HO

MIND MATTERS

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.

We’ve all met a woman wholooks like she put her makeupon in the dark – lipstick uneven,wobbly eyeliner and foundationthat clearly doesn’t match herskin. Beware, ladies, this canhappen to you.

As we age, we don’t see aswell as we used to and our handsmay not be as steady. To helpensure against unnoticed mis-takes, make sure you have theproper lighting and mirror whenyou apply your makeup. Youhave to be able to see whatyou’re doing.

When I was a house modelfor Max Factor back in the 60s,all of the make-up room mir-rors had lights up the sides andacross the top. The reason wasto light your face evenly. If youdon’t have that set-up in yourbathroom (and most of usdon’t), buy a good freestandingilluminated, magnification mir-ror. They’re pricey, but worth it.I know how scary it can be look-ing into a 5-X mirror, but it can

make all the difference in a pol-ished look. It also helps to havea vanity so you can prop yourelbow on top to steady yourhand as you apply a lip pencil oreyeliner.

WHAT IF YOU SCREW UP?HERE ARE SOME QUICK SAVES:

Too Much Foundation: Use aclean makeup sponge anddampen it a little. Using down-ward strokes, gently dab thesponge on your face to removethe excess.

Too Much Blush: Use a clean,fluffy powder brush and patyour cheeks until the colorwears off slightly. A cotton ballwill work to diffuse the color ofpowder or mineral blushes. If itstill looks too much, apply anude or translucent powder overit to tone down the color. If you

use a cream blush, take a tiny bitof your foundation on a make-up sponge and lightly rub overthe cheek area.

Messy eyeliner: To fix just theeyeliner and not mess up therest of your makeup, take a Q-tip and dip it in a makeupremover, then dab the tip on atissue to remove most of theproduct. Very gently dab it onthe area you want to take offand reapply your liner.

Uneven Lipstick: Take a cleanbrush and dip into your founda-tion to both clear the lipsticksmear as well as apply the foun-dation color back to where youhave cleaned it off. If your lip-stick tends to bleed, line yourlips with a lip liner closest to theshade of the lipstick. This actsas a barrier against lipstickbleeding into fine lines.

Years ago, you may havebeen able to apply your makeupin five minutes. Now you needmore time. It takes longer tolook natural after 50.

Live long and pester!

Judith Marshall is author of“Husbands May Come and Go butFriends are Forever.” Send commentsto Judith.Marshall@att.net.

JUDITH MARSHALL

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JJuullyy 1133,, 2200,, 2277,, AAuugg.. 33MMoooonnlliigghhtt MMoovviieess July 13: “Kung Fu Panda 2.” July 20: “Hugo.” July 27:“Muppets.” Aug. 3: “Courageous.” Activities for kids at 7:30p.m., movie at 8:45 p.m. Clayton Community Church, 6055Main St., Clayton. claytoncc.com.

JJuullyy 1144,, 2211,, 2288,, AAuugg.. 44,, 1111FFaarrmmeerrss’’ MMaarrkkeett8 a.m. – noon, Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main andCenter streets, downtown, pcfma.com/clayton.

JJuullyy 2211,, 2266,, AAuugg.. 44,, 99CCoonncceerrttss iinn tthhee GGrroovvee6 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. For a com-plete concert series list, see Page 3.

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENTTThhrruu JJuullyy 2211““VVaauuddeevviillllee””A hilarious play with music by Laurence Carr. Campbell Theatre,636 Ward St., Martinez. $25-$30. willowstheatre.org. 798-1300.

JJuullyy 1133CCoonncceerrttSummer concert in the courtyard. 6 p.m. Montecito, 4756Clayton Road, Concord. Response required as space is limited.692-5838.

JJuullyy 1144MMaakkee OOuurr GGaarrddeenn GGrroowwFestival Opera benefit concert featuring favorite singers from pre-vious productions with current performers and the Festival OperaChorus in a program of arias and ensembles highlighting theopera’s first 20 years. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $100 and $250. festivalopera.org.

JJuullyy 1144,, 2299,, AAuugg.. 55SSiieerrrraa GGuuiittaarrJuly 14: Celso Machado. July 29: Trio Seven. Aug. 5: VivianaGuzman and Jeremy Jouve. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

JJuullyy 1144,, 2288,, AAuugg.. 44SSuummmmeerr JJaazzzz SSeerriieessJuly 14: Wesla Whitfield. July 28: John Pizzarelli. Aug. 4: WycliffeGordon. 5 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr.,Walnut Creek. $35. lesherjazz.org. 943-7469.

JJuullyy 1166PPeellvviicc FFlloooorr SSttrreennggtthheenniinnggBreathing techniques and fun exercises for strengthening thepelvic floor and firming the core. 10 – 11 a.m. John Muir HealthWomen’s Health Center, 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek.$3 for exercise band. Register at johnmuirhealth.com/classes or941-7900.

JJuullyy 2211CChheevvrroonn FFaammiillyy TThheeaattrree FFeessttiivvaallMore than two dozen family performances, free activities andevents. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.$5. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

JJuullyy 2222WWaallnnuutt CCrreeeekk CCoonncceerrtt BBaannddPresenting Journeys: Spanning the Globe, a one-evening tour ofmusical gems from around the world. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Centerfor the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$17. lesherarts-center.org. 943-7469.

JJuullyy 2233 –– AAuugg.. 1199““AA DDoollll’’ss HHoouussee””When the illusions of their marriage are exposed, Nora Helmerleaves her husband and children to forge a new identity. WillowsTheatre, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $18-$36. willowsthe-atre.org. 798-1300.

JJuullyy 2255SSuuppppoorrtt GGrroouuppAlzheimer’s and Dementia support group for families and care-givers. 6 p.m. Montecito, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. 692-5838.

JJuullyy 2277 -- 2299““TThhee MMiikkaaddoo””Presented by Lamplighters Music Theatre. Lesher Center for theArts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $49-$54.lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

AAuugg.. 11 –– 2266““PPrriiddee aanndd PPrreejjuuddiiccee””Jane Austen’s enduring tale of manners, upbringing, morality,education and marriage among the landed gentry of early 19thcentury England. Presented in two parts. Cue Productions, 1835Colfax St., Concord. $10-$18. brownpapertickets.com.

AAuugg.. 22 –– 1122““BBeeaauuttyy aanndd tthhee BBeeaasstt,, JJrr..””Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who findsherself imprisoned in the castle of a mysterious beast. LesherCenter for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$14.75.lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

AAuugg.. 55SSuuhhaaiillaa SSoolloo SShhoowwPresenting Suhaila Salimpour in a solo performance featuringZiad Islambouli and the Salimpour Band. 7:30 p.m. LesherCenter for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35-$50.lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

AAuugg.. 1111JJaacckkssoonn RRaanncchheerriiaa CCaassiinnooCasino trip. Bus departs Diamond Terrace at 9 a.m. and returnsat 5 p.m. 6401 Center St., Clayton. $27 includes $10 slot credit,$10 food credit and driver’s gratuity. Reservation and paymentrequired by July 27. 524-5100.

CHURCHES AND RELIGIONAAuugg.. 33Baha’i, interaction, fellowship and discussion. Topic: Art – ItsCreative, Spiritual and Healing Dimension. Speaker: XiaojieZheng, renowned Bay Area painter and art instructor. 7:30 p.m.Free. For directions, call 672-6686.

FUNDRAISERSJJuullyy 1144PPookkeerr NNiigghhttBenefit tournament supporting Soroptimist International of DiabloVista programs. 5 p.m. Free instruction and check in. 6 p.m.Tournament. Concord Moose Lodge, 1805 Broadway St.,Concord. $60 buy-in. Contact Sue Manning at bsming@aol.comor 672-2727.

JJuullyy 2233GGoollff TToouurrnnaammeennttClayton Valley Athletic Boosters sponsor 21st annual golf tourna-ment benefiting all sports programs at CVCHS. 9:30 a.m. Checkin. 11:30 a.m. Shotgun start. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Contact Matt Hill at 338-1101 orathleticboosters@claytonvalley.org. cvhsboosters.org.

AT THE LIBRARYThe Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are freeunless otherwise noted. claytonlibrary.org or 673-0659.

WWeeddnneessddaayyssBBooookk BBuuddddiieessA volunteer will read stories for children 3 and older. 1-2 p.m.

TTuueessddaayyss tthhrruu AAuugg.. 1144PPaattttyy CCaakkeessStory time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver.11 a.m.

TThhuurrssddaayyss tthhrruu AAuugg.. 1166PPiiccttuurree BBooookk TTiimmeeStory time for 3 to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiv-er. 11 a.m.

JJuullyy 1166,, 2233DDrreeaamm BBiigg FFuunn DDaayyssStories, games and creative activities for ages 7 to 10. Drop in 2– 3 p.m.

JJuullyy 1188,, 2255TTeeeenn GGaammiinngg PPrrooggrraammssPlay Wii games, Mario Kart, Raving Rabbids: TV Party and SuperSmash Bros. Brawl. Please bring your own nunchucks on July 18and 25. 4 – 5:30 p.m.

JJuullyy 1188WWrriitteerrss WWoorrkksshhooppGrades 6 – 12. Led by children’s authors Sarah Wilson andElizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff. 3 – 5 p.m. Registration required.

AAuugg.. 88MMaarrsshhmmaallllooww AArrttUsing ordinary marshmallows, create extraordinary zombies.Grades 6 – 12. 4 – 5 p.m. Registration requested.

GOVERNMENT11sstt aanndd 33rrdd TTuueessddaayyssCCllaayyttoonn CCiittyy CCoouunncciill7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

22nndd aanndd 44tthh TTuueessddaayyss CCllaayyttoonn PPllaannnniinngg CCoommmmiissssiioonn7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONSCCllaayyccoorrdd 44--HHThe group meets 6:45 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, FarmBureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord.

CCllaayyttoonn BBuussiinneessss aanndd CCoommmmuunniittyy AAssssoocciiaattiioonnMeets 6:30 p.m. last Thursday of the month except holidays,Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. CallSue at 672-2272.

CCllaayyttoonn VVaalllleeyy GGaarrddeenn CClluubbMeets 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, February throughNovember. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. clayton-valleygardenclub.org.

CCllaayyttoonn VVaalllleeyy WWoommaann’’ss CClluubbMeets 9:30 a.m. second Tuesday of the month except July andAugust, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way,Concord. 672-9448.

CCoonnccoorrdd MMtt.. DDiiaabblloo TTrraaiill RRiiddee AAssssoocciiaattiioonnMeets 6 p.m. first Saturday of the month for a potluck. Open tomembers and guests. CMDTRA, 1600 Trail Ride Road, Clayton.cmdtra.org or cmdtra@yahoo.com.

CCoonnttrraa CCoossttaa CChheessss CClluubbMeets 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Starbuck’s, 1536 Kirker PassRoad, Clayton. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome.ccchess.com or contact Mike at 639-1987.

CCrreeeekkssiiddee AArrttiissttss GGuuiillddMeets 7-8:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Library StoryRoom, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. All artforms and bothemerging and experienced artists welcome. Contact Arlene atnielsenjanc@aol.com, creeksideartists.org or call 673-9777.

DDiiaabblloo VVaalllleeyy DDeemmooccrraattiicc CClluubbMeets 7-9 p.m. third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio ValleyLibrary, 2661 Oak Grove Road., Walnut Creek. dvdems.org,946-0469.

KKnniigghhttss ooff CCoolluummbbuussMeets 7:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, St. BonaventureChurch, Ministry Center, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Art 672-1850, shanone@comcast.net or Chuck 849-5466,cecooper3@comcast.net.

MMOOMMSS CClluubb ooff CCoonnccoorrdd//CCllaayyttoonnMeeting dates vary. 331-0674, concordclaytonmomsclub@hot-mail.com or concordclaytonmomsclub.webs.com.

OOaakkhhuurrsstt BBuussiinneessss NNeettwwoorrkkMeets 5 – 7 p.m. first Thursday of the month for social hour.Hosted hors d’oeuvres, cash bar. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001Peacock Dr., Clayton. oakhurstcc.com.

RRoottaarryy CClluubb ooff CCllaayyttoonn VVaalllleeyy//CCoonnccoorrdd SSuunnrriisseeMeets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 PeacockCreek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. claytonval-leyrotary.org or 566-8166.

SSccrraabbbbllee CClluubbMeets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of themonth, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Allages and skill levels welcome. $3. scrabble-assoc.com or callMike at 639-1987.

SSoorrooppttiimmiisstt IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall ooff DDiiaabblloo VViissttaaMeets 12:15 p.m. second, third and fourth Wednesdays of themonth, September-June, Sizzler, 1353 Willow Pass Road,Concord. Contact Nicole at 692-2224.

VVeetteerraannss ooff FFoorreeiiggnn WWaarrssBreakfast 8-11 a.m. second and fourth Sundays of the month,2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Eggs, pancakes, sausage, bev-erage. $4, $2 children under 12.

YYggnnaacciioo VVaalllleeyy RReeppuubblliiccaann WWoommeennMeets third Wednesday of the month, except June, July, August.10 a.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive,Clayton. Reservations required for lunch. $25. 672-5061.

Clayton Community CalendarPLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JULY 18 FOR THE JULY 27 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com

Page 14 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 13, 2012

Shocking, thrilling, mesmer-izing – these are only a few ofthe well-deserved accoladesreviewers are handing out for“The Scottsboro Boys,” nowplaying at the AmericanConservatory Theatre in SanFrancisco.

Far more than just superbmusical theatre, the show is apowerful and stunning slice oftruth – funny, brutal and daring;the genesis of the Civil RightsMovement and one of the mostprofound moments ever inmusical theatre.

“The Scottsboro Boys” isbased on the historic trials ofnine teenagers who had the mis-fortune of being black and poorthe south in 1931. The boys wereriding the rails in search of workand a reason to live when theywere caught along with twowhite-trash prostitutes who hadhopped the same train.

To save their own skins, thewomen accused the boys – theyoungest was only 12 – of rape.The boys were arrested andthrown in jail. Due process inAlabama in the 1930s was awhite man’s privilege and theirtrial was beyond a mockery.Eventually, one of the womencame clean and denied they wereraped. But, despite the truth, theboys stayed in prison for years,

facing death sentences and bang-ing their heads against a legalsystem that had little to do withthe law.

The story was picked up bythe northern media and theCommunist Party stepped up tobankroll their defense. The trialseventually resulted in two land-mark Supreme Court decisions;one of which said a competentdefense was a fundamental rightand the other ended the all-whitejury.

If you don’t think racism isthe stuff of musicals, thinkagain. In the hands of JohnKander and Fred Ebb, the

hardest truths become the stuffof glorious shows like “Cabaret”and “Chicago,” their two bestknown works.

The cast of “The ScottsboroBoys,” headlined by veteranstage and TV actor Hal Lindenas The Interlocutor is, quite sim-ply, superb. Individually, theactors are the best of the best.But, together the ensemble is sofar beyond good, it’s pure magic.

The songs are heartrending,funny, enraging and disturbing.Only Kander and Ebb could cre-ate a brilliant show-stopper bysending nine boys tap dancingaround the death chamber in thechilling “Electric Chair.”

Much of the story is told inminstrel-style blackface with thepatronizing Interlocutor cheer-ing his “boys” on in a futileattempt to convince them thatlife is a “Cakewalk.”

In “Southern Days,” the boyssing of languid, honeysuckleAlabama mornings when “thekitchen mammy’s pullin’ porkand cookin’ grits”....and daddy’sin the front yard hangin’ from atree. Even the achingly beautifulharmonies can’t hide the rageand frustration born of genera-tions of slavery and burningcrosses.

The Bay Area premier of“The Scottsboro Boys” at theAmerican Conservatory Theateron Geary St. in San Franciscohas been extended by populardemand through July 22.

Every song, every dance,every breathtaking momentmakes it easy to see why“Scottsboro Boys” was nominat-ed for 12 Tony Awards.

For ticket information, go towww.act-sf.org or call the box office at(415) 749-2228.

Banned in scores ofEuropean cities when it firstappeared, Henrik Ibsen’s “ADoll’s House” was condemnedfor “failing to respect the sacredties of marriage.”

The Willows takes up thechallenge of producing aNorwegian play written in 1879when Artistic Director EricInman reimagines the timelessstory of a failed marriage by set-ting it in upstate New York in1961.

“A Doll’s House” runs at theMainstage in Concord July 23through Aug. 18, and featuresLena Hart as Nora and MarkFarrell as her husband, Torvald.Farrell was last seen at TheWillows as lawyer Billy Flynn inChicago. Hart was featured asFlorence Vassy in The Willowsproduction of “Chess: theMusical.”

The women of “Mad Men”would fit perfectly into the worldof “A Doll’s House.” NoraHelmer, wife of Torvald andmother of three children,appears to be living the life of apampered, indulged child. But asher economic dependencebecomes brutally clear, Nora’sacceptance of the status quoundergoes a profound change.

To the horror of the bewil-dered Torvald, himself caught inthe web of a conservative socie-ty that demands he exert strictcontrol, Nora comes to see thatthe only possible true course ofaction is to leave the familyhome. Henrik Ibsen’s play is alandmark of the modern stage,and Nora’s “I’m out of here”

scene contains the most famousdoor-slam in theater history.

Director Inman shifts thestory to a modern time to focusspecifically on Nora’s journey ofdiscovering her true voice.

“We are departing from theusual presentation of ‘A Doll’sHouse’ as a soap box forwomen’s rights to concentrate onwhat it means to be an individualwho, through circumstance,never had an opportunity to dis-cover who she truly is,” he says.

“In an age where identity is ahuge focal point, with Facebookchanging the way we presentourselves, this story is extremelyrelevant,” Inman says.

This adaptation of Ibsen’splay uses the translation by Irishplaywright Frank McGuinness,which premiered in London in1996 and opened on Broadwayin 1997, where the productionwon four Tony Awards.

“A Doll’s House” has thrilledAmerican audiences intriguedby Nora’s “desperate house-wife” dilemma for over a centu-ry. At least nine major Broadwayrevivals have starred such lumi-naries as Ethel Barrymore, RuthGordon, Claire Bloom, LivUllmann and Janet McTeer.Claire Bloom and Jane Fondaalso starred in film versions ofthe play.

In staging the McGuinnessversion, The Willows plans topresent what Time magazinecalled “a thunderclap of anevening that takes your breathaway.”

The Willows Mainstage is locatedat 1975 Diamond Boulevard inConcord. Tickets at www.willowsthe-atre.com or 925-798-1300.

The Willow’s CampbellCabaret Theater in downtownMartinez is the perfect venue fortheir current delightful andengaging production about a dayin the life and times of live the-ater performers in LaurenceCarr’s “Vaudeville.”

The year is 1919 and nine sea-soned vaudeville performers arestuck in Philadelphia, residing inKit Turner’s Boarding house. It isin this boarding house that“Vaudeville” (“a play withmusic”) unfolds, introducing usto its short-term acting entrepre-neurs as they return home priorto their evening’s live theatricalperformance. It quickly becomesobvious that each of these broad-ly diversified performers are eachuniquely different from the other;

all highly competitive, yet sup-portive of each other’s craft andtalent.

With skits that range fromanimal acts, acrobatics, singing,dancing to comedy, we get achance to examine a little of theirtheatrical wares as they rehearseimpromptu in the boarding houseparlor before they leave for thetheater. Their current world is thesmall-time theatrical circuit ofsplit weeks and two shows a day,and a new venue practically everyweek. They keep their hopes alivefor finding the sweet spot and thepathway to “The Big Time” the-atrical circuit and finally to the-atrical nirvana, “The Palace,” inNew York City.

These vaudevillians includeBenny Cohen (Morgan MacKay)and Frankie Cobb (Johnni Lew),

Performing Arts

July 13, 2012 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 15

GARY CARR

Special to the Pioneer

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THE COMEDY TEAM OF COHEN AND COBB polish their act whenthey hear a talent scout from The Palace will be in the audi-ence tonight Laurence Carr’s “Vaudeville” plays at the WillowsCampbell Theatre in Martinez through July 21.

‘A Doll’s House’ depicts thefirst ‘Desperate Housewife’

Stunning ‘Scottsboro Boys’ extended through July 22

See Vaudeville, page 18

Henry DiRocco.

“The Scottsboro Boys,” playsthrough July 22 at theAmerican ConservatoryTheater in San Francisco.

Delightful ‘Vaudeville’ payshomage to early talents

CHARLES JARRETT

Special to the Pioneer

The Pioneer congratulates the winnersof our 10th annual Independence Dayphoto contest. We had over 60 entriesfrom some of the best photographers intown.

While the winning photos are eachvery different from each other, they are allextraordinarily expressive.

Shelly Shuey’s emotional photo on thefront page was a hands-down first placewinner in the adult division. Before theparade, Shelly was walking the route whenshe captured this tender moment as VFWPost Commander Paul Carroll helpedWWII veteran Ming Hanson into the jeep.

“They were out of the public view get-ting settled for the parade,” said Shelly.“They were helping Mr. Hanson in themost caring way. When I saw the scene, Iimmediately started shooting.”

When she got home and looked at thephoto, she saw that the background colors“distracted from the emotion of thescene,” so she chose black and white forthe final image. First place wins $100.

Our second place photo by TheresaVanderhey captured an equally emotionalmoment. Seeing a “real bonding” betweenthe child and the soldier, Theresa says they“both look so comfortable spending timewith each other. With the little boy’s shirt

saying ‘Major,’ you might question who isin charge.” Second place wins $75.

We loved the lightness of the thirdplace photo by 15-year-old Amanda Sly, awhimsical image of bubbles caught inmid-air. Third place wins $50.

In the Under 12 division, the youngerphotographers captured the day’s eventsfrom very different perspectives, but eachone captures the attention with somethingvery interesting to look at.

We loved the expression in the horse’seye in Sydney Gamble’s captivating photoof a golden palomino. Sydney is 11 andhis photo wins $50.

Mia Peterson, 9, wins second place and$35 with her colorful, joyful shot of theKung Fu entry.

Congratulations to our winners andthank you to all who entered. See you nextyear.

For more 4th of July photos, see page 17.

Page 16 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 13, 2012

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colors, local choir, Yesterday’s Kids,led the crowd in a traditional versionof “The Star Spangled Banner,” –minus any warbles and wails.

Then, it was “game-on” for thehundreds of kids, parents and familydogs decked out and decorated asthey kicked off the annual KiddieParade.

Following the kids, more than 40entries paraded down Main Street. Asthe Blue Star and Gold Star Momswent by, the crowd went wild, cheer-ing and clapping wildly in apprecia-tion. The Blue Star Moms have sonsand daughters currently serving in theArmed Forces. The Gold Star Momshave lost a child to war. The float dis-played combat boots that “havewalked for our freedom.”

Politicians, farmers, Clayton Com-munity Church, a local swim club, theGarden Club, scouts and athletespassed out candy, Otter pops, poppyseeds and soccer balls. Spiffy cars,sparkling horses, rescued pug pupsand the bravely serving pony pooper-scoopers marched in the townparade.

This year, the crowds seemed

bigger. The colors looked brighterand the mood was even lighter. Nomatter the economic wear-and-tearon frazzled nerves, no matterwhether a building going up or stay-ing down will “save” a little town, the4th of July seems to underscore Clay-ton’s strong sense of community witha shared pride and appreciation forour independence and freedom.

Andy would be proud.

Nicci Shipstead contributed to this story

July 4 in full color, from page 1

July 13, 2012 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 17

Mack Maxwell (Tom Leone) andhis wonder dog, Maxie,Mademoiselle Yvette (DonnaTurner), Jackson Washington(Trevor Moppin), a British warhero and entertainer extraordi-naire (Billy Wiggins), PaulClayton (Michael Barrett Austin)as the other half of Cook andClayton (Andrea Snow), and with“The Angry Mick,” Tim O’Reilly,a salty and sarcastic comedian.They’re a cross-section of thislater generation of hoofers,comics and “novelty acts” whokept America entertained whileVaudeville was king.

Landlady Kit Turner (SallyHogarty) and her daughter Kitty(Erika March) are in the midst ofpreparing the evening meal whenthey discover that one of their

longer term residents, MackMaxwell, has come back to theboarding house and gone straightto his room, following theonstage collapse of his longtimeperforming partner, Maxie, thewonder dog. How will this won-derful mixture of greed, talentand mutual anxiety handle thequestion of who will open theshow with Max out of the mix?

For tickets and show times call(925) 798-1300 or visit www.willow-stheatre.org. The Willow’s CampbellCabaret Theater is located at at 636Ward Street in Martinez.

Charles Jarrett is a freelance writerand a familiar face on the local theatrescene. He regularly writes for TheRossmoor News and for his blog. Formore reviews by Charles go to charles-jarrettforallevents.blogspot.com

The Clayton Farmers’Market now has sweet localhoney from MarElla Honey B’s.Their company name comesfrom a combination of Marcinand Ella (Elzbieta), the beekeep-ers themselves. Marcin hasalmost 40 years of experience asa beekeeper. Both of his grand-fathers and his parents werebeekeepers before him. Hegraduated from a beekeeper’scollege in Kluczbork, Poland.Ella’s adventure with beekeep-

ing started just five years ago –when she was stung by one ofMarcin’s bees!

They maintain numeroushoneybee colonies in the SanFrancisco Bay Area, mostly inConcord and Walnut Creek,Berkeley and San Francisco. Thehoney they offer is pure, unheat-ed and unfiltered. Stop by andsay hello and choose a few sweetbottles to take home for deli-cious summer salad dressings,marinades, sauces and baking.

This particular sauce addssweetness and tang to yourgrilled chicken and meats.

HERBED HONEY LIME SAUCE

1/2 cup minced onion1 Tbsp. olive oil1 cup dry white wine1/4 cup honey1/4 cup lime juice2 tsp. dry mustard1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary1/2 tsp. saltpepper1 tsp. cornstarch1 tsp. waterSauté onion in olive oil. Add

wine, honey, lime juice, mustard, rose-mary, salt and pepper; bring mixtureto boil. Combine cornstarch andwater; mix well and add to sauce.Cook and stir until sauce thickens.

Vaudeville, from page 16

Page 18 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 13, 2012

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grass-like clumps in alandscape. The clumps

can reach 12-inches wide and 6-inches tall. During July andAugust, thick flower stalkspoints towards the sky. Thesestalks can reach 2- to 3-feet talland they hold ball-shaped clus-ters of violet purple tubularflowers. Mood Indigo Lily-of-the-Nile flowers are very beeand hummingbird friendly, andthey also make great cut flowers.

If you’re consideringinstalling the Mood Indigo Lily-of-the-Nile, you will need tofind a sunny location. Like allagapanthas, the Mood Indigoneeds at least six hours of hotsun to get the blooms going.Mood Indigo would prefer soilthat is decently amended, andthey like regular water. All ofthe varieties of agapantha canbe very attractive to slugs and

snails, so you will probably wantto bait beneath the plant’sfoliage.

Mood Indigo Lily-of-the-Nile has the potential to lookgreat with many other plantcompanions. Consider plantingMood Indigo in a mass or threeor five, and installing PeachyKeen Verbena beneath. Thedark peach color will contrastnicely with the indigo blooms ofthe Mood Indigo. Add someheight to this combination byplanting the long-bloomingApple Blossom Penstomen, andyou will be in flowers from Maythrough October.

Another great companioncombination for the MoodIndigo Lily would to be using itas an under-planting to the redfoliage Smoke Bush with some

variegated Emerald GaietyEuonymus. Use the SmokeBush as the focal point, add twoMood Indigo Lily-of-the-Valleyplants for every one EmeraldGaiety Euonymus, stand backand enjoy.

The Mood Indigo agapanthais fabulous used in any land-scape from the front to the backyard. It is also desirable plantedaround a swimming pool, ordown the length of a dry creekbed. Use this perennial in a con-tainer, surrounded with anycolor Million-Bell hybrid petu-nias that thrills you.

As this and any agapanthamatures, you will have to divideyour clumps to keep the plantlooking healthy. The safest timeto divide agapantha is in theearly spring, after the fear of

frost has past. To divide you digup the entire clump, split, andre-plant. This maintenance willonly have to be done every fewyears, and will make your plantslook much better.

New agapantha wows in Clayton’s gardens

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

Nicole is the Garden Girl atR&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Gardenand the 2012 Clayton Valley GardenClub president. Contact her with ques-tions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com