Tech Trek camp helpsthree DVMS students seewhere a passion fortechnology can lead them.

So what can a bunch ofClayton middle school girls do toliven up a long hot summer?

Why, go to college, of course.For Diablo Valley Middle

School students Lynette Cox,Emily Payne and Giovy Webb,this year’s Tech Trek camp atSonoma State University from

June 19 through 25 was a uniquechance to skip past eighth gradeand high school to experiencecollege life while furthering theirinterest and enthusiasm in mathand science.

“Strive for what we want todo,” was the emphasis at camp,Lynette said.

For Emily, Tech Trek was anopportunity to “prepare for thefuture and get a taste of careeroptions,” she said.

Giovy agreed. “I learned Ican have just as excellent a careeras a man can. I want to go pur-sue that now.”

One volunteer is stillneeded to start criticalcampaign for Katie GraceGroebner

When their moms intro-duced 11-year-old Kate Amosand almost 9-year-old KatieGrace Groebner outside the

Clayton Community Libraryrecently, the two girls begansharing information and inter-ests like most young girls.Except their chat including com-paring their Broviac tubes – life-sustaining devices providingmedical portals directly to theheart.

This was more than a chancemeeting. The two Mt. DiabloElementary girls had just been

PEGGY SPEAR

Clayton Pioneer

PAMELA WIESENDANGER

Clayton Pioneer

Meriam is out due topotential conflict ofinterest with upcomingprojects

With the ClaytonCommunity Church projectcoming before the city in thenext few months, the city coun-cil opted for experience in fillingtwo vacant seats on the planningcommission.

They returned current com-missioner Dan Richardson for asecond term and appointedKeith Haydon, who has servedon the planning commission for12 of the past 14, years to thesecond seat.

On the morning of July 4, Istepped outside and thought“it’s going to be hot today,” aclassic summertime understate-ment. But the heat of the dayshouldn’t hit until afternoon. Iexpect it will be pleasant for ourparade..

We head downtown on theCardinet trail, meeting othersalso walking to town to see theparade. Our trail runs alongsidethe creek where there’s foliageand sometimes under a canopyof oak trees, buckeyes, eucalyp-tus and other tall trees.

On the other side of thecreek is the twelfth fairway ofthe golf course. The squirrelschase each other up and downthe trees. The birds and frogsare chirping, and my heart singsfor the beauty of it all.

Everyone is friendly as wemake our way to the tunnelunder the street and up ontoMain Street. Flags are on thelampposts and people are con-verging from every direction.We pass the rose garden at thehead of Main Street and walk

down towards the middle oftown – a distance of only about75 feet.

Camp chairs line the streettwo and three deep, but we finda place to sit on a bench in frontof the old Pioneer Inn. We sitnext to a couple from Danvillewho have come to Clayton tosee their grandchildren in theparade. As I watch the paradeof people walking in front ofme I see children decked outwith 4th of July colors and dogswith red, white, and blue ker-chiefs around their necks. Thereare women with sun hats andold people in shorts. Friends aregreeting each other with hugs. Isay “hi” to people I have metwhile walking on the trail andchat with the couple fromDanville.

The festivities begin withDan Ashley from KGO channel7 who emcees the parade with arunning narrative. Dan oncelived in Clayton and still hasgreat affection for the town.

First we stand for the pres-entation of the flag. Then“Yesterday’s Kids” choral group

IT’S YOUR PAPER

www.claytonpioneer.com July 15, 2011 925.672.0500

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DAVE SHUEY

MAYOR’S CORNER

It was another great longweekend of celebration, with aconcert in the Park and our awe-some 4th of July Parade! It waswonderful to see our communi-ty come out to celebrate ourcountry and our community.And on behalf of the city coun-cil, thank you once for notthrowing firecrackers, tomatoesor used household appliances atus as we passed.

Many of you also went tothe Singing Flag celebrationheld in Concord. It was a greatcelebration of America and a

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

Book Review . . . . . . . . . . .15

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

Community Calendar . . . .14

Concert Schedule . . . . . . . .3

Directory of Advertisers . . . .5

CVHS Reporter . . . . . . . . .13

Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . .13

Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . . .8

From the Chief . . . . . . . . . .6

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

Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

Take a Hike . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Weather Words . . . . . . . . .16

What’s Inside

See Mayor, page 9

DIANE INMAN

Special to the Pioneer

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

See Planning, page 6

See Tech Trek, page 18

See Transplant, page 14

See July 4, page 17

Happy belatedbirthday America –235 years young!

THIS PHOTO, TAKEN BY SHELLEY SHUEY, WON FIRST PLACE in the Clayton Pioneer July 4 PhotoContest. With his American flag and a thoughtful expression, this veteran truly is TheSpirit of America in Clayton.

LYNETTE COX (standing), EmilyPayne and Giovy Webb spenta week at math and sciencecamp this summer.

Familiar facesreturn toPlanningCommission

KATIE GRACE GROEBNER, BESS AND KATE AMOS (left to right), chatabout typical girl things outside the library after both girlsreceived Certificates of Recognition by Clayton City Council forthe Do the Right Thing program. Both MDE students were rec-ognized for their display of courage despite life-threateningailments.

Clayton shows its true colors witha spectacular July 4 celebration

Encouraging young girls’wonder in math and science

Clayton family seekshelp for daughter’s heartand lung transplant

Page 2 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 15, 2011

What’s happeningAround Town?Send your news and pho-

tos of your births, engage-ments, weddings, specialrecognitions, etc. toinfo@claytonpioneer.com.

Around Town

CCllaayyttoonn MMaarrkkeett UUppddaattee pprroovviiddeedd bbyy GGeeoorrggee VVuujjnnoovviicchh ooff BBeetttteerr HHoommeess RReeaallttyy

1547 OHara Ct .........................$374,400 . . . . .1739 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . . .6/24/11

1272 Shell Cir...........................$335,000 . . . . .1355 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . . .6/23/11

174 Brandywine Pl ...................$719,000 . . . . .3030 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . . .6/23/11

1179 Shell Ln............................$302,000 . . . . .1355 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . . .6/22/11

3067 Windmill Canyon Dr ........$515,000 . . . . .2315 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . . .6/21/11

2 Mount Wilson Way ................$260,000 . . . . .1378 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . . .6/17/11

953 Oak St ...............................$995,000 . . . . .2716 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . . .6/17/11

1764 Indian Wells Wy ..............$372,000 . . . . .1749 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . . .6/16/11

917 Kenston Dr ........................$425,000 . . . . .1507 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . .6/15/11

56 Barcelona Way ....................$580,000 . . . . .2032 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . .6/15/11

3066 Windmill Canyon Dr ........$500,000 . . . . .2315 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . .6/13/11

972 Kenston Drive....................$439,000 . . . . .1510 . . . . . .3/3 . . . . . . . . .6/10/11

4903 Keller Ridge Drive ...........$243,350 . . . . .1252 . . . . . .2/2.5 . . . . . . . .6/7/11

1415 Greystone Ln...................$335,000 . . . . .1891 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . . .6/3/11

470 Obsidian Way ....................$630,000 . . . . .2455 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . . .6/3/11

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Trevor Murphy of BoyScout Troop 363, was honoredby the City Council last week forhis contribution to the commu-nity of Clayton. Murphy, 17,designed and constructed a trailstile on the Blue Oak Trail ascommunity service project forhis Eagle Scout ranking.

Trevor was inspired to buildthe stile when he saw that abarbed wire fence blocked hik-ers from using the Blue OakTrail. The stile allows hikers safeaccess to the trail while keepingthe cattle inside.

The design planning andpreparation took severalmonths, but the actual construc-tion was completed in just threedays over the Memorial DayWeekend.

Trevor thanked Bill’s Ace

Hardware and Dolan’s Lumberfor donated materials and drewa laugh from the audience whenhe thanked his parents “for theirmotivation.”

Trevor has been a Boy Scoutsince the age of 6. He is a seniorat Concord High School. While many people may cel-

ebrate special occasions in yardsdecorated by R&M Pool, Patioand Gardens, it’s rare for anevent to be marked at the storeitself. But it was in the gardenarea of the Marsh Creek Roadestablishment, underneath avine covered arbor three yearsago, where Luis and ReneeGonzales, of Clayton, told hisparents, Louie and GraceGonzales, that they were to begrandparents. Three years later,the family posed again in thelucky arbor – this time accom-panied by 2 ½-year old Mia.

Three former Clayton ValleyHigh School students shined inthe in the Drum CorpInternational West competitionat Stanford University earlierthis month.

Olivia Hansen (class of

2011), Allyson Kahl (class of2008) and Emily Nunn (class of2011) helped their “A” Corp to asecond-place finish in the WorldClass division.

Also in the competition’s dif-ferent levels, Blue Devils “B”placed first in Open Class andBlue Devils “C” placed fourthin Open Class.

The Blue Devils offer youngmen and women between theages of 7 and 21 performanceexperiences in the areas ofmusic and dance. Founded in1957, The Blue Devils’ objectiveis to develop personal characterthrough challenging physical,emotional, mental and socialactivities while promoting thevalues of dedication, hard work,

and commitment to a teameffort.

All three of the CVHS alumsbegan marching in the BlueDevil “C” Corp when they werein elementary school.

Emily, who graduated in

June, was also awarded a schol-arship for her academicachievements during BlueDevils Family Night earlier thismonth.

More than 450 young peoplecurrently participate in The BlueDevils programs, and more than8,000 young people and 2,000families have been involved withThe Blue Devils organizationsince 1957.

The Drum and Bugle Corpportion of the organization wasfounded in 1972 and CVHSalumni Jim McFarland and PaulPeterson were the Corps earliestmembers.

The “A” and “B” Corps arecurrently defending Drum CorpInternational Champions. The

final competition will be held inIndianapolis on Aug. 11.

Familyreturns toR&Marbor

Trevor Murphy honored by city for Eagle Scout project

THE BLUE OAK TRAIL IS NOW ACCESSIBLE TO HIKERS thanks to a stile constructed by Eagle ScoutTrevor Murphy (far left in the group). He was recently honored for his project by the city andreceived a certificate from Mayor Dave Shuey.

Blue Devils do bang-up job at Stanford competition

MAYOR DAVE SHUEY ANDTREVOR MURPHY

ALLYSON KAHL

THE GONZALES FAMILY

OLIVIA HANSENEMILY NUNN

July 15, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 3

Dan Lawrence likes to swimwith the sharks. He’s done it sixtimes.

The Clayton Chief of Policeparticipated in the 19th annualAlcatraz Sharkfest swim eventheld on June 25 in San Francisco.

The open water swim fromAlcatraz to Aquatic Park is oneand a half miles in chilly, chop-py water ranging from 58 to 62degrees.

This year, more than 750swimmers from 20 states andmore than 30 participated in thischallenging swim, Lawrence said.

It is not a pleasure swim.Organizers say that this event isnot for novice swimmers and

recommend you should be ableto swim at least one mile in acomfortable 40 minutes in apool.

But Lawrence isn’t daunted.“This is the sixth time that Ihave participated and I plan toenter this event each and everyyear until I am not physicallyable to do so,” he says.

“Training for the swim pro-vides me focus during my swimworkouts each morning at alocal health club.”

The chief accomplished thisyear’s swim in one hour and oneminute, and “I was ready for restand a good meal when I fin-ished.”

Pioneers travel north to AlaskaTouring thelast frontier

The lucky Hutchings familyof Clayton took this photowhile vacationing on Alaska’sKenia Peninsula and in Homer,Alaska. Sue, Mike and Tyler

Hutchings toured the PortiaGlacier on foot and by boat,fishing for halibut, scoping outwildlife and even taking a flyingtour of the area, in which theyspied black bears, mountaingoats and a wide variety of seabirds.

Around Town

July 16 The Chicago Tribute AuthoritySing and dance to Chicago’s greatest hits

July 30 The Michael Paul BandFive-piece southern/country rock band

Aug. 13 Vocal-ease and The Boogie MenRetro band covers big band and swing to Doo-Wop and Motown

Aug. 27 A Swingin’ Eveningwith Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the

Rat Pack Orchestra

September 10 - East Bay Mudd10-piece dance band with a Powerful horn section

September 17 - The Hot RodsRock and roll from the 50s and 60sRained out band from June 4 rescheduled.Note Special time: 5 pm to 7:30 pm

Local Food To GoSupport your local businesses and restaurants.

Takeout or dine in before or after the concert.

Moresi’s Chophouse 6115 Main St., 672-1333

Ed’s Mudville Grill 6200 Center St., 673-0333

La Veranda Cafe 6201 Center St., 524-0011

Canesa’s Brooklyn Deli 6054 Main St.,

852-1650

Skipolini’s Pizza 1035 Diablo St., 672-1111

Village Market 6104 Main St., 672-0188

Johnny’s Int’l Deli & Café 6101 Center St., 672-

1203

Cup O’Jo 6054 Main St., 672-5105

Saturdays6 to 8:30 p.m.

At the Gazebo in The GroveSet up chairs and blankets on the lawn after 4 p.m.

Sponsored by the city of Clayton, CBCAand Allied Waste Services

Concertsin The Grove

Chief Lawrence takes on Sharkfest Swim

There’s no place like Homer

We climbed aboard thecruise boat with Mike and SusanFossan (left) and Patti and Jim

Bass last month and headednorth to Alaska. In Homer, wefound a home under the PioneerInn Bed and Breakfast sign.

A coincidence? Nah.Serendipity.

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1921 Packard Court, Concord $369,000Kirkwood – 3BD/2BA has rich interior paint and beau-tiful Cherry hardwood floors. The kitchen has a break-fast nook & bay window. Formal living room w/fire-place, dining room and a laundry room.

65 Antelope Court, Clayton $749,000Eagle Peak – Prime lot with trees & gardens, pebble techsalt water pool/spa & outdoor kitchen. Exceptional4BD/3BA home has custom touches, remodeledkitchen & a great master bedroom w/work area.

1636 Humphrey Drive, Concord $279,000Concord Blvd. – 3BD/2BA in good commute locationw/large lot, finished garage & RV parking with gate.Dual panes & HVAC for comfort. Updates & opengreat room w/a corner fireplace.

211 Clifford Court, Clayton $549,980Regency Woods – 4BD/2.5BA on a quiet court neartrails & creek has granite kitchen & great floor plan.Enjoy flourishing gardens surrounding a sparklingpool/spa with cozy patio. RV Parking a plus.CliffordCourt.com

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Page 4 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 15, 2011

The fire season has begun ina big way, says CalFire ChiefMike Marcucci.

Late rains and heavy vegeta-tion have fueled several grassfires in the tinder dry hills aroundClayton during the past threeweeks.

On June 24, a potentiallydangerous afternoon brush firein Mt. Diablo State Park off

Rialto Drive charred eight acres.The fire was in a spot with lim-ited accessibility and could havebeen much worse, says CalFireCaptain Tom Luba. Cal Fire andContra Costa Fire respondedwith a total of 12 engines. CalFire and East Bay Regional Parkdistrict each dispatched a heli-copter to knock down the blaze.There was no structural damageand the cause is still under inves-tigation.

On June 27, a nighttime firenear Discovery Way off PineHollow Road threatened homesand burned two acres. CCCFPDand Cal Fire both respondedwith a total of six engines.CCCFPD Fire Marshall LewisBroschard says the cause is stillundetermined.

On July 6, a five-acre blaze on

Bragdon Way near the MarshCreek Sunshine Fire Stationthreatened one home andburned five acres.

Cal Fire chief Marcucci wasthe first to report the fire. He wasdriving on Marsh Creek Roadnear Morgan Territory when hespotted the smoke. The fire wasin a precarious place up against asteep incline and firefightersfrom CalFire, CCCFPD, EastContra Costa Fire ProtectionDistrict and East Bay RegionalParks responded aggressively.

The homeowner had clearedthe vegetation from around hishome, a fact that saved thehouse.

Deer Valley lost several acresto two different grassfires, twelvehours apart on July 7 and 8. Bothfires are still under investigation.

When the state legislaturepassed the budget bill on June30, the city of Clayton wasimmediately faced with a$458,000 hit to a general fundbudget that was barely balancedin the first place.

As part of the effort toclose a $26 billion gap in thestate budget, the legislatureeliminated California’s 400redevelopment agencies

(RDAs) effective October 1.“Dead, null and void, boots

up,” says City Manager GaryNapper. The RDAs must turnover all assets and debts to areplacement board – much likein a bankruptcy – and lose theincremental tax revenue thatfunds capital improvementprojects and affordable hous-ing.

Clayton’s affordable housingfund has a surplus of $5 millionthat must be turned over to thestate.

The general fund will losethe $425,000 allocated to paythe operating costs of theRDA.

“The agency did not have anemployee to layoff,” saysNapper, “so the city has no cor-responding expense to cut.”

Last November voterspassed Proposition 22, whichprohibited the state fromdiverting the local taxes thatfund RDAs. “So they just killedoff the agencies,” says Napper.

But, the state has offeredthe RDAs an expensive alterna-tive. They can stay open if theypay to play. To stay alive,Clayton’s RDA must pay the

state $1.65 million this year,$388,000 next year and anundetermined amount everyyear after that. “Ransomnotes,” says Napper.

“So, if we decide to hook upto the mechanical lung, we keepour $425,000 this year, BUT wemust send the state $1.65 mil-lion,” says Napper.

If the agency opts to stayalive, the city must guaranteethe payments until the agencyexpires in four years.

The local tax money thatfunds the RDA has paid forcapital projects including therenovation of Endeavor Hall,preservation of the Keller

House, sewer projects, thelibrary building, the Grove parkand affordable housing.

A state diversion of a por-tion of the local vehicle licensefees will cost the city another$38,500.

Where the cuts will comefrom is still uncertain. The totalcity budget is $3.65 million – 50percent of it is for the policedepartment. Belt tightening hasalready cost city employees a 12percent reduction in unpaidfurloughs and increased benefitcontributions.

“None of the city staff cre-ated this situation,” saysNapper. “I’m running out of

rabbits to pull out of the hat.”On a more positive note,

Clayton will again get the annu-al $100,000 COPS grant thatfunds one police officer. Thecity set aside money to pay forthe officer if the grant hadbeen cut.

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State budget kills RDAs, city budget takes $458,000 hit

Fire season off to hot startwith grass fires in dry hills

Three 15-year olds, twofrom Clayton and one fromMoraga, were arrested for arsonon June 17 when they started asmall fire near the Keller Housebehind the library.

According to ClaytonPolice, a witness saw the boysusing a cigarette lighter to lightsome sticks and dry grass atabout 8 p.m. The witness con-fronted the boys and they putout the fire. The boys left thearea and the witness called 911.

About 30 minutes later,police arrested the teens infront of Diamond Terrace.They were taken to juvenile hallfor booking and released totheir parents. They will facearson charges.

“Hopefully, that willimpress on them that they justcan’t engage in this kind ofrisky behavior,” said PoliceChief Dan Lawrence.

“It’s really kind of shockingthat they would even think ofdoing something like this,” hesaid.

Teensarrestedfor arson

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

July 15, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 5

City of Clayton now accepting applications for

PLANNING COMMISSIONOffice Term: August 2011 Thru June 2012

The resignation of a planning commissioner before theend of the term has created an opening on the ClaytonPlanning Commission beginning in August 2011.

The Planning Commission is comprised of five membersappointed by the City Council for two-year terms. ThePlanning Commission advises the City Council on land usematters, including General Plan amendments and ZoningOrdinance amendments. The Commission also makes deci-sions on Site Plan Reviews, Use Permits, Subdivisions, andVariances. Planning Commission meetings are open to thepublic and its decisions can be appealed to the City Council.

� The Planning Commission meets on the second andfourth Tuesday of each month, 7 pm, in Hoyer Hall of the Clayton Community Library.

� Planning Commissioners presently receive a monthly stipend of $120.

� An applicant must be 18 years of age, registered voter and a resident of Clayton.

For applications and more information:In person: Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage TrailBy mail: call City offices at 925-673-7300E-mail: contact ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us

City’s web site: www.ci.clayton.ca.us

Please return a completed application to the city clerkby 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2011. Interviews will be heldin mid-August. Appointments are expected to bemade at the City Council meeting of Aug. 16.

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, Jay Hartlove, Lou Fancher,Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn

We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

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

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITORThe Clayton Pioneer welcomes

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CourageDo the Right Thing

Auto

Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900

Economy Auto Painting and Body Work . . . . . . .757-2222

Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739

Construction and Trades

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

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

Bill Peck Home Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-9786

Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212-3339

Contra Costa Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-8713

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

H&L Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4046

Handyman Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .639-4209

LHI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-9941

Smith and Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0138

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

Dining and Entertainment

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

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

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

Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .957-2500

Events

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

Financial and Insurance Services

Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . .685-4523

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

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

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

Snyder, Ken - Genworth Financial . . . . . . . . . . . .270-3617

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

Funerals

Acacia Cremation and Burial Society . . . .1-877-916-4779

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

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

Home and Garden

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

Clean Cleaner Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-1798

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mailing and Shipping

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

Personal Services

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

Sun City Tanning & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-4826

Pet Services

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

Peace of Mind Pet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9781

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

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

Real Estate and Mortgage Services

Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recreation and Fitness

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

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

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

Retail

Dunhaven Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-4663

Romesa-USA International Deli . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899-9457

Senior Services

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

Montecito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838

Services, Other

Air Cloud Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 x 2

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

Contra Costa Water District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688-8320

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

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A senior’s physicalchanges often impact hisabilities on the road

Though drivers older than70 operate motor vehicles farless frequently than other agegroups, they account for an out-sized proportion of fatalities,according to the NationalHighway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA). Thedeath rate per mile traveled fordrivers over 85 years of age isfour times greater than driversin the 30-59 age group. The onlyother age group more danger-ous than senior citizens isteenaged drivers, primarily dueto their driving inexperience.

As you get older, you changephysically and mentally. A seniorcould be suffering from poorvision and hearing loss. Theycould have trouble judging speedand distances. In addition, andaccording to the NHTSA, crashrates for senior drivers with cog-nitive dementia are almost eighttimes higher than other drivers.These physical changes can anddo affect driving skills.

Inevitably, the time willcome when many of us willhave to limit or stop drivingaltogether. Most drivers monitorthemselves and gradually limitor stop driving when they feelthey are no longer safe.

If you are concerned aboutthe driving ability of a familymember or someone you know,it is important to approach theissue with sensitivity. Age aloneshould not be a basis for limit-ing someone’s driving privilegeor taking it away. If you are

afraid to get in the car with thatdriver, then there may be aproblem. The concern shouldbe about their abilities and erod-ing physical skills and how theseaffects their driving ability.

What are some visible signsto look for that may indicatethat it is time to stop driving?The senior in question may haveexperienced one or several ofthe following:

1) Suffered a stroke, heart attackor diminished eye sight

2) Experienced difficulty negoti-ating sharp turns and inter-sections

3) Hesitated over right-of-waydecisions or situations oncetaken for granted

4) Been surprised by the suddenpresences of other cars andpedestrians

5) Become lost on familiarroutes

6) Felt nervous or exhaustedafter driving

7) Been cited for traffic viola-tions or found at fault fortraffic collisions

If you have observed a familymember, or friend, having diffi-culty as described in the above sit-

uations, you need to take action. Itis important to act quickly,because their driving presents animmediate danger to the safety ofthemselves and others.

While many drivers ultimate-ly agree to limit or stop driving,you may need to refer your fam-ily member, or friend, with driv-ing ability concerns to theDepartment of Motor Vehiclesfor an evaluation of his/herdriving ability. You can go to theDMV website atwww.dmv.ca.gov and downloada “Request for DriverReexamination” (DS 699) formto fill out and mail. You mayalso write a letter to the DMVSafety Officer in your localDMV office about the driverwith diminished driving abilities.

Law enforcement interven-tion may be necessary in situa-tions where the driver is unsafeand/or unwilling to curtail driv-ing. If a police officer sees dan-gerous driving situations or seesvehicle code violations occur, theofficer has probable cause for atraffic stop. If the car was beingdriven by a senior or medicallydisabled driver, the officer canrequire the driver be reexaminedby the DMV. The officer will fillout the appropriate DMV formand send it in. If the observeddriving was very dangerous, theofficer can immediately takeaction to temporarily suspendthe driving privilege until theDMV reexamination takes place.

Both of my parents are sen-iors and do not have the physicalskills to continue driving safely.As a result, I had the unpleasanttask (and duty) to have their dri-ver’s licenses forfeited. Pleaseremember, transitioning from

driver to passenger is not alwayseasy or smooth. Be gentle, openand sincere. Do not let fear orguilt delay addressing your con-cerns. If you have questions orneed additional advice, pleasecontact the Clayton PoliceDepartment at (925) 673-7350.

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When is it time to stop driving?Page 6 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 15, 2011

Richardson, appointedunanimously, is retired from thecity of Walnut Creek, where hewas Director of Maintenance.

Hayden is an attorney and acontracts negotiator for AT&T.

The vote was 4-1 forHayden’s appointment.Councilman Joe Medrano castthe lone “no” vote, saying hewanted to see “new blood” onthe commission. Medrano’schoice was to return TedMeriam for a second term.

The church project requiresgeneral plan amendments andzoning changes to allow fornon-retail use of the TownCenter and to waive the onsiteparking requirements for the500-seat worship center.

Conflict of interest issueswere the driving force behindthe council’s decision not toreappoint Meriam, who owns ahome on Oak Street near the

Town Center. His residence isin close enough proximity tothe proposed church projectthat the Fair Political PracticesCommission says the size andscope of the project will createa material conflict of interest.

Meriam’s property is alsoacross the street from the pro-posed Creekside Terrace devel-opment and within the 500-feetlimit that would prevent himfrom voting on this project.

Several downtown parcelsthat have been identified forhigh density housing also comewithin 500 feet of Meriam’shome and would require that hestep down on these projects aswell.

“I’d rather have someonethat can serve on all projects,”said Councilman HankStratford.

“I don’t blame him forwanting to live in downtown,”

said Councilwoman JuliePierce. “That’s where every-thing is happening. And that’sthe problem.”

Meriam was not at the meet-ing, but in a statement to thePioneer said, “I love this com-munity and would not wantpolitics to impede importantmatters before the public. Sofor the time being, I step asideas a city PlanningCommissioner and encouragethe Clayton community to getinvolved in determining thefuture of our town.”

“He’s done a great job. Andhe does a lot for the city. Thisisn’t about his ability,” saidPierce. “And I encourage himto stay involved and participateas a citizen”

A third seat on the commis-sion will open up at the end ofJuly when Tuija Catalano willreturn to her native Finland.The council will review applica-tions next month to fill herunexpired term.

Planning, from page 1

Do you rememberwhere you were whenHarry found out he was awizard? Or when SiriusBlack escaped fromAzkaban? Did you long toattend the Quiddich WorldCup?

And do you thinkProfessor Snape malicious-ly pushed Dumbledore outthe castle window?

There’s no way aroundit – through seven booksand eight feature-lengthmovies, the exploits ofyoung wizard Harry Potterand his magical and mug-gle cohorts have captivateda generation. And onFriday, July 15, it all ends.That’s when the finalscreen adaptation of J.K.Rowling’s epic series finallycomes American audi-ences.

And the Clayton Pioneerwill be there.

But we want to knowyour Harry Potter memo-ries. Did your children, likemine, learn to read withthe books? Are the moviereleases an excuse forsome midnight madness?Who is your favorite char-acter in the books andmovies? And if you couldwrite another epilogue,what would it say?

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The Clayton HistoricalSociety has filed a 7-page answerto the draft EnvironmentalImpact Report prepared in con-nection with the ClaytonCommunity Church proposeddowntown project.

The letter was signed byHistorical Society board mem-bers Richard Ellis, John Rubiales,Mary Spryer and Renee Wing.Board president Ted Meriam wasnot a party to the letter since hewas a member of the PlanningCommission at the time.

The project requires thedestruction of the old buildingon Main Street that currentlyhouses the church offices tomake way for a 4-building,42,000 square foot complex.

The building, known in thepast as the Stagecoach Inn andthe Pioneer Inn, is listed on threelocal historical building registries,

but is not listed on the CaliforniaRegister of Historic Resources.

The consultants preparingthe EIR say the cumulative alter-ations to the building over theyears makes it no longer histori-cally significant.

The Historical Society dis-agrees with this assessment, say-ing in their letter “With firesburning several old structures inClayton, it is time to reflect onthe things we cannot replace.There are only a handful of his-toric buildings in Clayton’sdowntown; it is imperative, nowmore than ever, that we saveClayton’s remaining ‘historicresources.’

The Society is concerned thatthe “de-listing” of an importanthistorical building will set a trou-bling precedent for future proj-ects.

The site is also a major NativeAmerican burial ground datingback more than 3,000 years. Thesite was determined to be animportant archeological resource

in a 1983 EIR prepared for aSeeno Company developmentthat was never completed.

In the draft EIR prepared forthe church project, the consult-ants acknowledge that the site is“considered sensitive for prehis-toric archeological deposits.”

The Historical Society says

the burial grounds remain animportant Native American cul-tural site and wants them toremain undisturbed.

The next public hearing onthe church project will be inSeptember when the final EIRwill be presented to the PlanningCommission.

Mark your calendars for Aug.2, when communities across thecountry will celebrate the 28thNational Night Out.

NNO is a crime preventionand community building eventheld every August. More than 37million people are expected toparticipate in more than 15,000communities in all 50 states. Theobjective of NNO is to put an

emphasis on crime preventionand to help build neighborhoodspirit.

Statistics show that whenneighbors know each other anddevelop a police/communitypartnership, it makes a strongstatement against crime, drugabuse and violence in communi-ties.

Some of the way neighbor-hoods have marked NNOs in thepast have been with block parties,ice cream socials and other funactivities. Usually the event runsfrom 7 to 9 p.m., but each neigh-borhood can make its own sched-ule that night.

Last year a number of Claytonneighborhoods participated in theevent. Neighborhoods that havehad Neighborhood Watch meet-ings are invited to organize andparticipate in NNO.

If your neighborhood plansto participate in NNO, contactLynn Christ of the Clayton PoliceDepartment at 671-7350. ClaytonPolice will visit the neighbor-hoods which organize a NNOgathering.

Even if your neighborhood isnot participating in NNO, resi-dents are encouraged to turn ontheir porch lights in recognitionof the event.

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The application to convertClayton Valley High School toa charter school is set for apublic hearing before theschool board on August 9 at7:30 at the district offices,1936 Carlotta Drive inConcord. The board will heartestimony but there will be nodecision until the Sept. 13meeting, when the board willaccept or deny the application.

More than 80 percent ofthe CVHS teachers signed apetition supporting the con-version. To become a charterschool, CVHS must withdrawfrom the school district. The

school will then receive itsfunding directly from thestate. It is expected the annualADA (the amount the schoolreceives per student) will gofrom its current $4,900 to$6,200.

A charter school is gov-erned by a board comprised ofteachers, administrators, par-ents and members from thesurrounding community. Thislocal board controls curricu-lum, behavior standards, disci-pline policies and mainte-nance.

Teachers frustrated withlack of district support, low

academic performance, disci-pline problems and a deterio-rating campus began themovement to convert earlierthis year.

Support has come fromparents, the city of Claytonand the CBCA.

There will be an informa-tional meeting to update par-ents and the community onthe charter school on July 21at 7 p.m. in the ClaytonCommunity Library.

For more information, GoogleClayton Valley Charter HighSchool and click on the link.

Charter school info meeting set forJuly 21; school board hearing Aug. 9

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

Historical Society objects to church EIR

Clayton residents can lookforward to expanded recyclingservices when the city’s franchiseagreement extension with AlliedWaste Services takes effect in 18months.

The new agreement will raiserates about 5 percent with aguaranteed annual cost of livingincrease of 1 percent, capped at5 percent.

In exchange, Clayton resi-dents will get free curbside col-lection of batteries, fluorescentbulbs, hazardous and electronicwaste and bulky item pickup offurniture and appliances.

Customers can also swap their64-gallon recycle and gardenwaste cans for 96 gallon carts atno additional cost.

The city opted to extend theagreement without issuing arequest for proposal since theAllied Waste rates are at the low-est end of fees in the county.

The franchise fee paid byAllied Waste to the city will dou-ble from 5 percent to 10 percent,generating an estimated $50,000a year to the city. In addition,Allied will give the city an unre-stricted $100,000 when theextension takes effect.

“We really did our due dili-gence with this agreement,” saidMayor Dave Shuey. “We put ‘emthrough the wringer. But themore we looked, the better itgot.”

“I’ve been with several othercities,” said City Manager GaryNapper, “and this is the finestservice I’ve seen.”

While the agreement doesnot extend to the unincorporat-ed areas, Allied Waste managerSusan Hurl hopes the expandedservices will cut down on thestuff “being dumped out onMarsh Creek Road.”

City extends Allied Waste trashcollection franchise agreement to 2022

Neighbors come out onAug. 2 for crime prevention

July 15, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 7

Overeating frequentlyhides a hungry heart orother emotional needs

Dear Dr. Ho:I have struggled with my

weight for a number of years. Ihave tried every diet plan. Everytime I lose weight, I feel so happyand proud of my accomplish-ment. But, it is hard to stay sostrict and I wind up making a badchoice which just leads to morebad choices and subsequent

weight gain. To be honest, I knowwhat happens. I eat even when Iam not hungry and I can’t stop. Iknow my spouse and kids love meregardless of how I look. But, myfamily is another story. Theyalways make rude comments onwhat others eat, how much theyeat, and how much they weigh.How do I get off this weight lossroller coaster and be happy withme, no matter what others say?

– Weight Weary

Dear Weight Weary:It is true that diets often do

not work and losing weight is usu-ally about more than just simplycounting calories and being moreactive. In my private practice, Iwork with a lot of clients on eat-ing and body image issues. Whenpeople struggle with their relation-ship to food or are dissatisfiedwith their bodies, I have to explorewhat else is going on beneath thesurface. Many times when peopleeat because they are not hungry, itis because they are trying to meetsome other emotional need:Boredom, sadness, hurt, frustra-tion, anger and disappointmentare all feelings that can be numbedor comforted by food. Our bodies

start to crave sugar, fat and carbo-hydrates because we like the moodboost we get afterwards. We shutdown, lose touch with our bodies,and mindlessly eat until we can’texplain how we finished off awhole carton of something in theblink of an eye. So, what can youdo?

1) When you find yourself eat-ing when you are not hungry, askyourself what you are feeling.Then, evaluate whether there issomething else that can be doneinstead to manage that emotion.Feeling lonely? Reach out tosomeone. Feeling sad? Have agood cry and then watch a come-dy.

2) When you do eat, do so

mindfully. Sit down in a chair, at atable, with eating utensils in hand.Pay attention to your senses: Howdoes the food smell, look, taste,feel sound? Finish chewing everybite and put your utensils down inbetween bites so you can savorand focus on the moment.

3) ) Recognize that peoplewho are critical are often project-ing their own issues and insecuri-ties onto the people they criticize.That “fat talk” you describe canrun rampant; it is not okay to besubjected to scrutiny about youreating behaviors and judgmentabout your weight.

4) Realize that bodies have dif-ferent weight set points, goodhealth can come in many differentsizes, and body acceptance andaffirmation can come in anyshape. If you are paying attentionto what your body needs in termsof food and activity, then itbecomes less about the numberon the scale and more a matter ofloving the skin you’re in.

Stephanie T. Ho, Ph.D.. is aclinical psychologist based in WalnutCreek. You can contact her at 925-813-5807 orstephanie.ho.phd@gmail.com.

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Also, what happens whenmy house doesn’t sell?

Q. I was all approved for myloan to purchase a home. Oneweek before it was to close itwas turned down after a reviewform the underwriter becausemy credit score had changed. Ithought they ran the credit andapproved everything duringthe process. Now everything ison hold and it is a mess. Whatshould I do?

A. Many borrowers now inforeclosure took on all kinds ofundisclosed debt after their appli-cations were submitted. Theywere approved anyway.

During this housing crisis thelenders started to run up-to-datecredit reports at the time of fund-ing or before close of escrow.Now they go even further andhire firms that specialize in ferret-ing out recently obtained debts.

These debts include appliancefinancing, new credit cards andcar loans. These often push debtratios too high to qualify for theloan anymore.

The thing for you to do isbegin working with your lender toget your credit score where itneeds to be. One thing you might

have to do is pay off some ofyour accounts and perhaps cancelany new credit cards. It can takeup to 30 days to recast your cred-it score with the credit agencies.Meanwhile you could lose thehouse you are trying to buy if thesellers won’t wait for you. Yourdeposit could be at risk as well.Good Luck!

Q. My home has been onthe market more than 60 daysand I haven’t had an offer. Ihave had numerous showingsbut they have even sloweddown. I feel the pricing is fair,since I have looked at the com-petition during open houses.My Realtor keeps telling me toreduce the price but I really

believe she could be doingmore in the way of Internetmarketing so people can reallysee what a great house this is.What do you suggest we cando?

A. Sometimes there are fac-tors you can’t control such as anunusual floor plan or a locationthat narrows your audience ofbuyers, such as a busy street. Ifyour audience of buyers is nar-row, a more attractive price thanthe competition might be thecure. I would guess your home isall over the Internet. The multiplelisting service (MLS) feeds tomost of the major websites.

If your Realtor is actively mar-keting your home and you aren’tgetting the results it is probablytime to lower your price. Here aresome signs a lower price might bethe solution:

1. Check the competition.What have comparable sold forand what new listings have beenadded since you listed your homefor sale? If buyers are choosingthe newer listings instead of yourhome consider a price reduction.

2. Has your home been onthe market longer than similarhomes? If the average time on themarket is 30 days and your homehas been on the market for 60

days this is a sign.3. If competing homes are

more updated than yours and youdon’t have the funds to updateyours, you have to be pricedbelow the better appointedhomes. Buyers expect to pay lessfor a home that doesn’t show aswell as others.

4. You mentioned that youare getting few showings. When itis new on the market it gets themost interest. Buyers might bewaiting for your price to fallbefore they will consider makingan offer.

5. You also mentioned thatyou had numerous showings withno offers. Not a single one. This isdefinitely a sign to lower the price.

What does your Realtor sayother agents are saying about yourhome? It is hard to be objectiveabout your own home. If youhave hired a Realtor that you trusttake their advice.

Send your question & look foryour answer in a future column. E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com.Lynne French is the broker/owner ofWindermere Lynne French &Associates and a Clayton resident.For any real estate needs or questionscontact her at 925- 672-8787 or stopin at 6200 Center Street in Clayton.

When credit scores derail escrow

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MIND MATTERS

Personal training is more thanjust about toning your body. It’salso about overcoming fearswhen you do not feel safe doingthe things they once loved due topain or insecurity. I believe trans-formation is achieved when youpush through your fear. It is ajourney I lead my clients on timeand time again.

Personal training is not simplyfor the rich and famous. Personaltraining is just a fancy phrase foreducated training with the pri-mary focus to enlighten you tothe idea that regular exercise canplay a key role in reducing manymajor and minor medical prob-lems. People who suffer medicalproblems such as allergies, angina,anxiety, back pain, bursitis andtendonitis, cancer, carpal tunnelsyndrome, cholesterol, constipa-tion, depression, diabetes, fatigue,glaucoma, heart disease, insom-nia, knee problems and even lungdisease benefit greatly fromimplementing routine exerciseprograms into their daily regi-

mens. Now, there is proof thatconsistent exercise not only pro-motes weight loss, it helps thebody fight off countless debilitat-ing issues such as memory loss,PMS and even osteoporosis.

Let your personal trainer helpyou rediscover the basic principlesof movement: become bodyaware, achieve balance, breathecorrectly, concentrate deeply, cen-ter yourself, gain control, be effi-cient, create a natural flow, be pre-cise and seek harmony.Remember, it’s never too late totake back your right to bare arms!

The beauty of personal train-ing comes from you. Being fit isnot about moving faster on amachine or carrying the maxi-mum weight of a stack. It’s abouthow you use your body to achieveyour fitness and health goals. It’sabout your ability to push throughyour fear and gain control. Fitnessis the best vehicle for self-empow-erment and for lifting the humanspirit. Self-confidence steadilybuilds and promotes many other

positive changes in life.Personal training is about pro-

viding support when you’reunsteady, getting easy but con-scious directions when you’re lost,helping you achieve your goals,and encouraging change and flex-ibility while providing creative,body-sculpting fun to get the jobdone. Luckily, there are fun waysto achieve these goals, from aerialarts and trapeze to suspensiontraining and exotic dance. A per-sonal trainer can help you soar tonew heights.

ILIMA HEUERMAN

FIT WITH LEVITY

Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fit-ness certifications. She currently trainsat the newly opened Levity Fitness stu-dio in Clayton. Email Ilima atIlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com

Personal trainer can helpyou overcome obstacles

Page 8 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 15, 2011

Popular cancer fundraiserwill be in August atCommunity Park.

Who would run around in arelay race for 24 hours straight?

Actually, millions would, if itis the popular Relay for Life can-cer awareness race.

This year, Clayton will hold itsfirst ever Relay on Saturday Aug.20 and Sunday, Aug. 21.Organizers are looking for indi-viduals and organizations to puttogether teams, volunteer orsponsor the event that raises

money for the American CancerSociety.

The event begins at 10 a.m. onSaturday and progresses non-stopfor 24 hours, as teams of runners,walkers and strollers “race”around a set track, switching atspecific intervals. Sponsors, vol-unteers and teams are all neededfor its success.

The event is filled with livemusic, activities, contests and edu-cation. Ceremonies celebratingthe lives of cancer survivors andremembrances of its victims willbe held throughout the 24 hours.

The Survivor’s Lap kicks offthe relay to celebrate the lives ofthose who have successfully bat-tled cancer. The LuminariaCeremony begins after dark toremember those who have lostthe battle with the deadly disease.The Fight Back Ceremony sym-bolizes the emotional commit-ment to saving lives and fightingback against cancer year-round.

Relay for Life began with asingle runner in May 1985. Dr.Gordy Klatt, colorectal surgeonin Tacoma, Wash., decided toraise money and show support ofhis patients with cancer. TheRelay has since grown to morethan 3.5 million people in theUnited States and 19 other coun-tries. Funds raised help theAmerican Cancer Society keeptheir programs and services freeto patients. The Society wouldalso like to create a world wheremore people survive cancer to

It was all about educationwhen the Clayton Business andCommunity Association met onJune 30 at the OakhurstCountry Club.

CBCA members voted over-whelmingly to donate $8,500 tothe City of Clayton to reimbursethe city for the loan it made inMay to the Clayton Valley HighSchool Charter School Initiative.

The city council had voted inMay to support the conversionof CVHS to a charter schoolwith $8,500 to help pay legalfees. The CBCA donation willhelp ease some of the fiscalchallenges faced by the city nowthat municipal budgetsstatewide are under duress.

Support for education wasfurther exhibited by the pres-ence of five CBCA scholarshipwinners and their parents, allguests of the association at thedinner meeting. All are Claytonresidents and June graduatesfrom local high schools.

Five of the 14 awardees wereon hand to be recognized fortheir achievement, and allexpressed appreciation for theirawards.

Krista Purser, a graduate ofCarondelet, won an academicscholarship. She will attend CalPoly SLO and major in engi-neering.

Ryan Mingham, a De LaSalle graduate, will use his aca-demic scholarship to attendSonoma State and major incriminal justice.

Greg Fogg, from ClaytonValley HS, will attend DVC andSF State and major in music. Atthe meeting, he performed anoriginal composition, playingelectric violin hooked up to a

series of synthesizers to double,and sometimes quadruple, theharmonic lines of the piece.

Another CVHS graduate,Karly Lee, won an academicscholarship and will attendUCLA in environmental sci-ence.

Erica Cremeen, a BereanChristian graduate, will use heracademic scholarship to attendGeorge Fox University inOregon where she will major inathletic training.

Upcoming CBCA education-al projects will include the discus-sion next month of a grant of$10,000 to purchase and upgradecomputers at Mt. DiabloElementary School. In addition,the association will kick off itsannual backpack program. Lastyear, the group donated over 400back packs to needy local stu-dents, from kindergartenthrough high school.

In order to continue con-tributing to community causes,CBCA hosts many fundraisingactivities. Coming up next is theRib Cook-off on Aug. 20, fol-lowed by Oktoberfest, whichcomes early this year, Sept. 23-25. To enter the Rib Cook-offcall 925-673-0300.

As always, volunteers are needed,with information available atwww.claytoncbca.org. To meetCBCA, the public is invited to amixer from 6:30 to 8 p.m. onTuesday, July 19 at R&M Pools,Patio and Gardens on Marsh CreekRoad.

Dizzy Miss Lizzy is a verysweet, quiet girl who will enjoyan equally quiet home. Shedoesn’t like the party scene, butwill bond quickly to most any-one in a calm setting. She is anolder pup who will benefit fromcontinued socialization andexposure to new places, people,and things, as long as she cantake the time to settle andbecome accustomed. She’s is assweet as they come!

The adoption fee for adultdogs is $225 and includes 60percent off one 7-week dogtraining session.

Kenneth is one super sweetboy who loves to be loved. Notonly is he affectionate, but helikes to play with his toy mice orkitty wands.

Kenneth has a medical con-dition called hypertrophic car-diomyopathy, but that doesn’thold him back from playing andsnuggling. Kenneth has to be anindoor only cat and mustreceive tons of chin scratches!He is a VIP as his adoption feeis prepaid.

The adoption fee for adultcats is $50.

Meet your forever friend atTony La Russa’s Animal RescueFoundation, 2890 MitchellDrive, Walnut Creek, duringadoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m.Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Theprimary caretaker must be pres-ent to adopt. ARF also encour-ages kids 16 and younger andcanine family members (dogadoptions only) to be presentduring the adoption process.

Would you like to be part of theheroic team that saves the lives of res-cued dogs and cats? Can you shareyour talents to connect people and ani-mals? ARF volunteers are making adifference! For more information seeour website, www.arf.net, or call925.256.1ARF.

KENNETH

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very special tribute to all of thosesung and unsung heroes inAmerica. If you haven’t gonebefore put it on your calendar fornext year, especially if you canbring your children to let them seeheroes and our American diversi-ty celebrated. Bravo to theCalvary Temple for putting thison every year.

Speaking of concerts in thepark, we have some praise andsome hand slaps to give out.First, the ritual hand slapping. Asmany of you know, we instituteda policy of not allowing people tosave spots until 4 p.m. on concertdays because too many peoplewere losing beauty sleep, gettingup early and putting down blan-kets and marking their territory.This led to people not being ableto use the park during the day anddamaging the grass. Well, itworked for awhile, but we arenow seeing spots being saved ear-lier than 4 p.m. I, myself, a lawabiding, upstanding citizen, wait-ed until 4 p.m. to go down to setup my chairs. When I got there,the park was essentially alreadyfull —like a patchwork quilt. Notonly was it done way too early, butsome people appeared to think itwas like an Oklahoma landgrab,marking out spots big enough fora full football team. Some peopleeven staked out plots and then didnot show up until intermission.In short, people are staking spotsthat are too big, doing it too earlyand arriving late. As my dad usedto say on vacation while driving,“don’t make me come backthere!”

Do not make us put large

guard dogs on stakes throughoutthe park and do not make us takemore drastic action. Do the rightthing!

To follow that admonishmentwith praise, we fell just shy of$2,000 in donations for the con-cert. This money all goes in thekitty toward getting next year’sbands, and every penny we get indonations means the city spendsless money from its redevelop-ment fund. So keep giving gener-ously and thank you.

More praise coming! At ourcouncil meeting on June 21 it wasawesome to be able to celebrate awhopping 22 kids who exempli-fied “doing the right thing.”

Irene Keenan, principal atMDES, and teachers Kelly Morryand Tami Welcer presented cer-tificates to Katie Grace Groebnerand Kate Amos for extraordinarycourage throughout the year.

Patti Bannister, principal atDVMS presented certificates toDaisy Agers, Mykelle D’Tiole,Rachel DeLong, Shane Mann;Emma Keneipp, ConnorMcMurdo, Katie Lewis, RobbieParker, Casey Mitchell, and JaredVance. And I got to recognizefrom CVHS (fingers crossedsoon CVCHS!) Mary Madera, J.P.DeSouza, Ariana Alvarez,Aamena Alloo, Kyle Metz, SaraKommer, Jason Fernandez,Lauren Valory, Ted Hall, andJacquelyn Svoboda. Our future isbright with young leaders like theabove!

Please continue to send your emailsof support for making Clayton ValleyHigh School a charter school toshuey@rankinlaw.com.

Mayor, from page 1

Relay for Life to be held in Clayton

PAMELA WIESENDANGER

Clayton Pioneer

See Relay for Life, page 18

GARY CARR

Special to the Pioneer

CBCA votes to helpfund charter school

Club News

July 15, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 9

Page 10 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 15, 2011

Clayton Sports

Clayton Valley Little Leaguehas existed for nearly half a cen-tury and its 2011 season had 680players on 44 baseball and 10softball teams as well as another80 kids in the challengersdivision.

Regular-season play, accom-plished this year around the wetspring in the area, sets up thedivision playoffs in majors,Minor A and Minor B baseballand Minor softball. Major soft-ball and Junior baseball divisionsuse the regular season to deter-mine titles. CVLL champions inthose four baseball and twosoftball divisions advanced tothe District 4 Tournament ofChampions.

The league also selects all-star teams in softball and base-ball, with that competitionbeginning in late June and heat-ing up early this month. TheMajor division (11-12 year-olds)

boys compete in double-elimi-nation tournament play whichculminates every August at theLittle League World Series inWilliamsport, PA.

YANKS, MARLINS, CARDS WIN

DIVISIONS

The Yankees had unevenregular-season results butpeaked in the Major Divisionplayoffs, beating the A’s in thefinals. The team managed bySteve Bauer included ChrisBauer, Marcus Nikaido, RossGruen, Justin Byde, JonathanAvila, Max Kohn, ChrisBredehoft, Kevin O’Reilly,Michael Hoessl, DinoMarraccini, Kyle VanMeter andCollin Johnson.

The Minor Division champi-on Marlins, managed by ChrisFerrara, featured LoganSchoffstall, Ian Grimmond,Colin Cox, Matt Hyland, StevieRalston, Charlie Easterly, EricBlaettler, Brendan O’Reilly,Zach Storn, Jason Cannedy,

Dane Sorensen and TylerFerrara. They defeated the A’sfor the championship.

Cardinals were winners overthe Twins in the Minor BDivision. Manager SeanBrennan and his coaching staffnavigated Danny McCurdy,Dom McKinney, Jake Enos,Ryan Muniz, Kevin Olson,Clayton Seastrand, EvanGrossman, Andrew Rodriguez,Jaden Watt, Lucas Lauricella,Jake Brennan and ColbyNewton to the top spot as theycompiled a 10-4-1 record in theregular season and won the play-off finale handily.

Manager Kevin O’Leary’sCV South compiled a 6-2 recordfor the Junior Division baseballtitle. The squad included JacobZachary, Kyle McCracken, JackO’Leary, Diego Martinez, KevinMahlman, Adam Moody, TaylorAshoo, Brandon Falls, TylerDuncan, Samuel Goldeen, SamStielow, Matt Osterkamp andJohnny Boyd.

Major softball champs CVBlue managed by Joe Eiseleincluded Amelia Haynes, Lauren

Cooper, Allison Lo, TessaHoffmeister, Grace Gius, KaylaConfetti, Krista Confetti,Kaleigh Nicole Finney, TaylorEisele, Chanel Taliaferro, SierraSprague and Haylie Eisele.

Winning the Minor softballplayoffs were Force. ManagerJosh Harkness called onMadison Jackett, EmmaRamirez, Ashley Jackett, AlisonHarkness, Sarah Mirabella,Victoria McMenomy, KatieHarkness, Delaney Weidner,Lauren Friedman, AnnabelleAnzelone, Caela Hetherton,Hailey Rogers and Taylor Keysfor the title challenge.

BASEBALL ALL-STARS

Selected to the Major divi-sion All-Stars managed by SteveBauer with coaches MilesNikaido and Glen Carson wereAndrew Abbett, Chris Bauer,Branden Bizicki, Robert Carson,Nick Ferrara, Jacob Kirkpatrick,

CVLL caps season with playoffs, all-star teams

THE MARLINS, MANAGED BY CHRIS FERRARA, won the Minor Aplayoffs and laid claim to the division championship beatingthe A’s, 12-5, in the Clayton Valley Little League. The teamincludes, front row from left, Logan Schoffstall, Ian Grimmond,Colin Cox, Matt Hyland, Stevie Ralston; back row, CharlieEasterly, Eric Blaettler, Brendan O’Reilly, Zach Storn, JasonCannedy, Dane Sorensen and Tyler Ferrara.

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CELEBRATING THEIR PLAYOFF CHAMPIONSHIP, THE YANKEES WON TOP HONORS in Clayton Valley Little League major division this year. Theteam includes, from left, manager Steve Bauer, Chris Bauer, Marcus Nikaido, Ross Gruen, Justin Byde, Jonathan Avila, MaxKohn, Chris Bredehoft, Kevin O’Reilly, Michael Hoessl, Dino Marraccini, coach Miles Nikaido, Kyle VanMeter and coach JohnO’Reilly. Not pictured is Collin Johnson. The 4-3 Championship win over the A’s came in 8 innings.

CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE’S MINOR SOFTBALL CHAMPS this sea-son were Force. The team includes, front row from left, CaelaHetherton, Hailey Rogers, Taylor Keys; middle row, managerJosh Harkness, Victoria McMenomy, Katie Harkness, DelaneyWeidner, Lauren Friedman, Annabelle Anzelone; back row,coach Ben Rogers, Madison Jackett, Emma Ramirez, AshleyJackett, Alison Harkness, Sarah Mirabella and coach ErickMirabella.

CLAYTON VALLEY SOUTH WERE CHAMPS IN THE JUNIOR BASEBALL DIVISION of 2011 Clayton Valley LittleLeague. The titlists included, kneeling from left, Tyler Duncan, Samuel Goldeen; standing, coachRobert Moody, Jacob Zachary, Sam Stielow (hidden), Kyle McCracken, Jack O’Leary, DiegoMartinez, Kevin Mahlman, Adam Moody, Taylor Ashoo, Brandon Falls and manager KevinO’Leary. Not pictured were Matt Osterkamp and Johnny Boyd.

WINNERS OF THE MINOR B PLAYOFFS WERE THE CARDINALS. The team includes, front row, DannyMcCurdy, Dom McKinney, Jake Enos, Ryan Muniz, Kevin Olson; back row, coach Sean Brennan,manager Sean McKinney, Clayton Seastrand, Evan Grossman, Andrew Rodriguez, Jaden Watt,Lucas Lauricella, Jake Brennan, Colby Newton, coach Muniz and coach Eric Enos. See League, page 11

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

Clayton Valley High Schoolalumnus and current OaklandRaider linebacker Sam Williamsawed the nearly 80 young play-ers at the 10th annual ClaytonValley Youth Football Camp inlate June when he helped out onthe camp’s final day.

The Raiders veteran is get-ting ready for his ninth seasonwith the Silver and Black, tiedfor the longest current Raider

tenure for a non-kicker with All-Pro Nnamdi Asomugha. Hegraduated as “Mr. Defense” forthe CVHS Eagles in 1998.

Williams signed autographsand spoke to the camp partici-pants along with his former highschool coach and camp directorHerc Pardi. Williams is a sup-porter of the United Mt. DiabloAthletic Foundation, which rais-es funds to maintain high schoolsports in the Mt. Diablo UnifiedSchool District.

Following the five days of

youth football camp atGonsalves Stadium, the staffpresented special awards inthree age categories.

The high school freshmenaward winners were Rob LaPolla(Mr. Defense), Justin Zapanta(Eagle Award), AidenLineweaver (Most Improved),Rich Peralta (OutstandingPlayer) and Griffin Bentley(Outstanding Lineman).

From the middle schoolcampers awards went toAnthony Murgia (Most

Improved), Michael Caulder(Outstanding Lineman), OscarBender (Outstanding Player),Jonathan Hackett (Eagle Award)and Gianluca Nomellini (Mr.Defense).

For the youngest group, ele-mentary school certificate win-ners were Parker Allen(Outstanding Player), CameronDelmar (Eagle Award), ZachRasmussen (Most Improved),Dylan Chrisco (OutstandingLineman) and Ben Acebo (Mr.Defense).

Clayton Sports

Giovy Webb is gettingready for eighth grade atDiablo View Middle School,where she especially enjoysmath, science and leadership(as student body president) inaddition to regularly practicingher singing and guitar playing.However, at the end of thismonth, she will be inMontgomery, Ala. for theAmateur Softball Association/

USA Nationals with her top-rated Tri-County Smash 98fast-pitch softball team fromCeres.

The Clayton 12-year-old isthe only Bay Area player onSmash, which will compete inthe Class A 12-Under divisionJuly 31 through Aug. 7. Shetravels to the Central Valleycity twice a week for practicesand then meets up with her

teammates for games and tour-naments. Her team is on a 38-game winning streak, includingtournament titles in Fresno,Roseville and Nevada.

Giovy began playing soft-ball at age five in ClaytonValley Little League. She madethe transition to travel ball atnine and hopes to continueplaying through high schooland college. Giovy's team has

given her the nickname of"clutch" as she is considered"the hitter that comes throughwhen needed."

A girl with myriad interests,Giovy had the lead in Mulanfor Youth Theatre Companyand recently performed at the“America’s Got Talent”fundraiser at St. BonaventureChurch. Before leaving forAlabama she attended TechTrek, a math and science campfor girls.

The Clayton Pioneer con-gratulates Giovy Webb andrewards her achievement witha gift certificate to Rocco’sRistorante & 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.

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Athleteof theWeek

Name: Giovy Webb

Age: 12

Sport: Fast-Pitch SoftballTeam: Tri-County Smash 98

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Raiders star comes home to ClaytonValley Youth Football Camp

Photo by Mike Dunn

JAX CARTER GETS HIS CHEST SIGNED BY OAKLAND RAIDER linebackerSam Williams during the final day of the recent 10th annualClayton Valley Football Camp. Carter, 14, was one of nearly80 campers who learned football fundamentals on the ClaytonValley High School fields.

Photo courtesy Dana Hills Swim Team

Recreation swim season is in full bloom and the 17th annualDevil Mountain Pentathlon last weekend in Clayton made thatabundantly clear. The two local squads, Dana Hills andOakhurst Country Club, joined 10 other swim teams to bringtogether nearly 900 swimmers for the weekend meet whereeach competitor swims five events in a single day. ReturningDana Hills Otters coach Serve Victor encourages six-year-oldJake Dern before he began his Pentathlon backstroke race.

CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL football coach Herc Pardi and hisstaff selected this quintet of middle school players for specialhonors at the 10th annual Clayton Valley Football Camp. Theaward recipients were, from left, Anthony Murgia (MostImproved), Michael Caulder (Outstanding Lineman), OscarBender (Outstanding Player), Jonathan Hackett (Eagle Award)and Gianluca Nomellini (Mr. Defense).

Dino Marraccini, MarcusNikaido, Yuichi Rountree,Henry Waller and Cole Warner.

The Juniors All-Stars wereConnor Braun, Masen Confetti,Freddie Hernandez, GregoryHudgens, Jason Kreske, KevinMahlman, Kyle McCracken,Zack McDonald, Adam Moody,Jack O’Leary, Sam Stielow,Justin Tong and TommyWiesendanger. Manager KevinO’Leary and coaches FreddieHernandez and Jon Hudgensled the Stars.

Minor A baseball All-Starswere Eric Blaettler, JasonCannady, Cade Carter, BrandonCuneo, Tristan Daly, TylerFerrara, Derrek Gardner, LukeMingham, Shuichi Rountree,Kyle Sparks, Zachary Storn,Jordan Teicheira and JaysonDowns. Chris Ferrara managedthe squad with coaches EricBlaettler and Pete Mingham onhis staff.

The Minor B All-Stars wereJohnny Pauline, Andrew Corbin,Riley Christiansen, AntonioBallardo, Braulio Martin, MikeyWentworth, Jordan Glantz,Aidan Reinwald, MitchelHansen, Jordan Davis, ClaytonSeastrand, Jake Enos, RyanMuniz, Jake Brennan, JadenWatt, Jack Gwynn, Seth Gwynn,Eric Zimmer, Ryan Terry,Charlie Shuey, Mason Covalt,Clayton Mahloch, Jack Saylor,Sammy Wofse and QuintonMahloch. Managers MikeHansen and Sean Brennan withcoaches Kevin Christiansen,

Eric Enos, Ryan Covalt andDave Shuey saw the All-Starssplit into Red and Blue teamsfor their intra-league all-stargame.

SOFTBALL ALL-STARS

Three girls softball all-starteams were selected for ClaytonValley Little League.

Junior Division All-Starswere Marianne Banducci,Sophie Enders, Lazirus Farrell,Taylor Leal, Katie Mayhew,Lindsay Mondloch, AriannaRobertshaw, Haley Robertshaw,Renae Stapleton, JenelleStephens, Rebecca Walsh andAlex Williams. Eric Leal wasmanager and his coaches wereKerry Crane and BrianMayhew.

The Major All-Stars formanager Russ Lo and coachesBrian Cohen and Joe Eiselewere Brittany Bangert, CamiCohen, Lauren Cooper, HaleyCrookes, Madison Downs,Taylor Eisele, Amelia Haynes,Allison Lo, Nicole Mason,Savannah O’Connell, SierraSprague and Chanel Taliaferro.

Minor All-Stars were TammyMason, Olivia Ward, MckenzieStreeter, Sara Mirabella, EmmaRamirez, Madison Kincaid,Skylar Aldridge, IsabellaMercurio, Alison Harkness,Jessica Hevener, JordanSteinberg, Haylie Eisele andSophia Warnke for managerJosh Harkness and his coachesErick Mirabella, Jill Mercurioand Brian Kincaid.

League, from page 10

Pentathlon marks swim season in splash

Page 12 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 15, 2011

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CCLLAAYYTTOONN GGYYMM OOPPEENN EEVVEENNIINNGGSS FFOORR BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL,, VVOOLLLLEEYYBBAALLLL PPLLAAYYClayton Community Gym will be open every Monday evening this sum-

mer for open basketball play and Tuesday for volleyball open gym. All OutSports League is holding open gym nights through the end of August. Thegym will be open on Mondays for basketball and Tuesday for volleyballfrom 5:30-7:30 p.m. for children eight to 17 and from 7:30-9:30 p.m. foradults 18 and older. Cost is $5 per person per night. Visit alloutsport-sleague-clayton.com for more details.

FFIINNAALL CCVV FFAALLCCOONNSS CCHHEEEERR,, FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL SSIIGGNNUUPP JJUULLYY 2233Clayton Valley Falcons cheerleading and football signups are open

online at cvaafalcons.com. Football is open for players 7-14 years of agewhile cheerleading begins for five-year-olds. The final in-person signupsession is Saturday, July 23, at Clayton Valley Little League on Academy Dr.off Alberta Way in Concord. All registrants need to attend signup day toturn in all payments and documentation. Complete information on theFalcons football and cheer programs and July 23 “Falcon Day” is avail-able at cvaafalcons.com.

AALLLL OOUUTT SSPPOORRTTSS LLEEAAGGUUEE PPAARREENNTT//CCHHIILLDD GGOOLLFF FFUUNNDDRRAAIISSEERR AAUUGG.. 1144All Out Sports League is holding its second annual Parent/Child Golf

Tournament on Sunday, Aug. 14, at Hiddenbrooke Golf Course inAmerican Canyon with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. The entry fee of $180covers two players (children must be eight years or older) and a BBQ din-ner. There will be a variety of contests and prizes with a two-player scram-ble format used. Proceeds from this event will go to support AOSL youthprograms. Registration is now open on the website atalloutsportsleague.com.

CCHHAAZZ MMEEAADDOOWWSS GGEETTSS AALLLL--AAMMEERRIICCAANN BBAASSEEBBAALLLL HHOONNOORRSSSenior right-hander Chaz Meadows capped an illustrious three-year

career at Clayton Valley High School by being named as a pitcher on the15th annual Louisville Slugger All-America honorable mention team.Meadows suffered an injury during his senior season that limited him to 41innings pitching while compiling a 6-1-1 record and an incredible 0.34earned run average. The Eagles lost the championship game of the NorthCoast Section playoffs. He returned in the final game from a long layoff

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Sports Shorts

U11 Girls take secondplace at crowded ElDorado Summer Shootout

“There’s no place to go butup” is a phrase used when asports team is not performingwell and the future hopefullyholds more promise than thepresent. For the youngest com-petitive boys team in DiabloFutbol Club, the Under-9 DiabloFC 02, they started at the top andhope they can maintain that levelof play.

Diablo FC 02, which uses thenickname Milan, won its first-evertournament at the El DoradoSummer Shootout last month inSacramento. A total of 88 teamsin theU9 through U11 age groupstook part in the Shootout and thelocal Diablo FC team of coachSteve Shott won three consecu-tive games to reach the semi-finals. A pair of homestandingSacramento teams stood betweenthem and the championship.

American River FCRevolution 03 was shut out 2-0 by“Milan” in the semis and thenRiver City United Premier fell 5-1in the finals to the champs, whoclaimed their title against the

largest field in the history of theShootout with 88 teams fromNevada and Northern Californiataking part. “In the finals theboys demonstrated tenaciousplay, with a strong defense and anoffense that was able to capitalizewhen most needed. We look for-ward to defending the title nextyear,” coach Shott said.

To reach the semis the localDiablo FC team defeated DavisLegacy Red Bulls 6-0, host ElDorado Crew Calcio 12-1 andFlames United 02 4-3.

“Milan” includes CadenCarpenter, Ramiro Rosas,Anthony Lozano, Daniel Romo,Barsam Shokri Niri, SebastianVaisset-Fauvel, Gavin Dausses,Juan-Pablo Hernandez, ZacharyHamilton, Cayden Weiszmann,Blas Guerrero and DamiOlatunji. They are looking for-ward to playing in U9 tourna-ments at Santa Cruz, WalnutCreek, Santa Rosa and in theirown Diablo FC events.

The U11 Diablo FC 00 girlscoached by Dean Weisz alsoreached the Premier Divisionchampionship game at theShootout before having to settlefor second place.

Diablo FC 00 opened theShootout with a 2-1 win over FCElk Grove 01 Navy before theylost by the same score to Manteca

FC Red. Needing to earn maxi-mum points to move on, DiabloFC 00 shutout Davis LegacyDynamite 01 3-0 putting theminto the championship finalswhere they fell to host El DoradoUnited Sol 01.

Diablo FC is holding its firstfull season of U8 Academy forboys and girls getting their first

taste of competitive soccer. Formore information contactDirector of Coaching BrianVoltattorni at academy@dia-blofc.org or visit the club’s web-site at www.diablofc.org. The U8Academy summer session is cur-rently underway and the fall ses-sion, which is held every Friday,begins Sept. 9.

Diablo FC’s ‘Milan’ opens tournamentplay with U9 championship

Photo courtesy of Diablo FC

THE YOUNGEST COMPETITIVE TEAM FOR DIABLO FUTBOL CLUB, theunder 9 boys Diablo FC 02, won its first-ever tournament withthe championship at the El Dorado Summer Shootout lastmonth in Sacramento. The team includes, front row from left,Caden Carpenter, Ramiro Rosas, Anthony Lozano, DanielRomo, Barsam Shokri Niri, Sebastian Vaisset-Fauvel; back row,Gavin Dausses, Juan-Pablo Hernandez, Zachary Hamilton,Cayden Weiszmann and coach Steve Shott.

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

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on the mound but wasn’t able to lead CVHS to the title as he had done twoyears earlier as a sophomore. Meadows will be attending Long BeachState this fall where he is projected as an infielder. He batted .346 this pastseason while also drawing 25 walks for a .543 on base percentage. Hisoverall pitching record at Clayton Valley was 30-2-1 over three seasons.

PPRREE--SSEEAASSOONN SSUUMMMMEERR CCAAMMPP FFOORR MMDDSSAA PPLLAAYYEERRSSBoys and girls in Mt. Diablo Soccer are invited to AYSO Pre-Season

Camp Aug. 1-4 at Boatwright Fields in Concord. Diablo FC will have anall-star coaching staff including St. Mary’s College head coach AdamCooper, Cal Berkeley goalkeeper coach Henry Foulk, Brazilian World Cuplegend Sissi and 5-time NCS champion coach Brian Voltattorni on handfor the sessions. The camp is open to all AYSO players as they get readyfor their 2011 fall league season. Registration and information is availableat diablofc.org.

YYOOUUTTHH SSUUMMMMEERR RREECCRREEAATTIIOONN UUNNDDEERRWWAAYY AATT CCLLAAYYTTOONN GGYYMMThe comprehensive Clayton Youth Summer Slam program offered by All

Out Sports League at Clayton Community Gym is now underway.Reservations are still being accepted for junior golf clinic, youth basketballand volleyball leagues, summer day camp, cheer camp, indoor floor hock-ey league and flag football camp. Summer programs run through Aug. 20.

For more information call (925) 203-5626 or to register for any pro-gram offered by All Out Sports at the gym, visit alloutsportsleague-clay-ton.com.

FFOORRMMEERR MMLLSS PPLLAAYYEERR TTEEAACCHHIINNGG GGOOAALL SSCCOORRIINNGG SSKKIILLLLSSFormer college and professional star Marquis White will be offering a

shooting and skills soccer camp this month at Boatwright Fields inConcord. The camp is for all Under 10 through U13 boys and girls inter-ested in improving their attacking skills and becoming a more dynamicplayer. White played in Major League Soccer for the Colorado Rapids andNew England Revolution. He’s now Technical Director of Diablo FC. Thefinal session is July 25-28. For complete details and to register visit dia-blofc.org.

NNEEWW 1100 UUNNDDEERR BBAASSEEBBAALLLL TTEEAAMM FFOORRMMIINNGG IINN CCLLAAYYTTOONNAll Out Sports League 10 Under travel baseball team based in Clayton

is now taking signups. The team will play in tournaments throughoutNorthern California and Nevada and practice at Clayton Community Park.Tryouts for the 2012 season will be held Sept. 4 and Oct. 9 from 3–6 p.m.There is no fee to tryout. Players need to be born after April 30, 2001 inorder to qualify for the 10U age group. For more information call (925)203-5626 or visit alloutsportsleague-clayton.com.

SSTTIILLLL TTIIMMEE TTOO RREEGGIISSTTEERR FFOORR MMDD SSOOCCCCEERR FFAALLLL LLEEAAGGUUEEMt. Diablo Soccer is still accepting applications for fall league. The local

AYSO recreation soccer program, Mt. Diablo Soccer encourages families withchildren 4 -18 years of age to visit its website at mdsoccer.org and sign up.Children must be at least four-years-old by July 31, 2011 to play this fall sea-son. Some age groups may only be accepting players on wait list. For moreinformation email Mt. Diablo Soccer at fall@mdsoccer.org. Information on feesand volunteer requirements are on the website. Team practices begin as earlyas Aug. 1.

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Students spend all yeardreaming of the carefree days ofJune, but after the first three orfour weeks of lazing about,summer begins to lose its spark.

After working hard all schoolyear, a little downtime is welldeserved. However, once youstart regularly sleeping in until 1p.m. and have memorized entireTV commercials, it’s time to getup and do something.

So much free time makessummer the perfect time to

accomplish things that are hardto fit into a busy school sched-ule. Why waste three months on“Friends” repeats and loiteringdowntown when you could bedoing something to better your-self or the community?

Just ask Ted Hall, a risingsenior at Clayton Valley HighSchool, who is spending eightweeks this summer studyinginternational relations and pianoat Stanford University as a partof their High School SummerSession.

“I wanted to have an excitingsummer, meet new people andexpand my knowledge,” he said.“If I wasn’t in this program I’dprobably be lounging aroundthe house wondering what to

with my time.”Along with getting a taste of

college life, Hall will also beexperiencing a college-levelworkload, earning a total of 9college credits to put towardshis future degree.

Also working to better her-self this summer is Joanna Fan.A player and co-captain for CV’svarsity girls lacrosse team, Fanaims to improve the programnext season. She’s starting byworking on her own skills andknowledge of the sport by com-peting on a local club team inaddition to running summerpractices for the Clayton Valleyprogram.

“I want to improve my skills

Is a friend worth more than aPost-it Note?

According to a segment on JayLeno’s “Tonight Show,” it’s not.

The segment showed us the“real price” (according to eBay)between an overused sticky notecompared to having a friend for ayear.

A man started off on eBayoffering to be a friend for a yearto the highest bidder, putting the

starting price at 99 cents. Thesingle Post-it Note for sale oneBay was refinished, lost its stick-iness and only had a one-time use.Then the person set a bargainprice for the item. Turns out theresults for the Post-it Note wentup to $10.75 while the friend-for-a-year item went up to $1.25.Both sold at that price.

Isn’t that one of the saddestthings you have heard in your life?If you do not get this, then let meexplain. Someone would ratherhave a one-time use sticky notethan to have a friend for a year.Friends are really and truly price-less, and they help you in so manyincredible ways. My true friendsare always there for me, and to bea true friend to them is to be therefor them too.

Friends may be as common assticky notes, but true friendsaren’t. I developed strong friend-ships in elementary school thatwill last a long time. I have alsomade additional, new friendshipsin middle school.

Making friends is very impor-tant. The only use I could find outof a used Post-it Note is writing afriend a note. Friends shouldalways come first, and Post-itNote could come later. Plus, with-out friends, whom would youpass the note too?

It’s not too late for local highschool students to register forthe Environmental SciencesSummer Camp held July 25-29from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CSUEast Bay, Concord Campus.There is a $75 student registra-tion fee which includes a dailycontinental breakfast, lunch andsnacks as well as all materials.Daily transportation will be pro-vided from the west countyarea.

This year’s theme will be“Student Voice, Student Action,Student Advocacy.” It will fea-ture a full variety of experi-ences, including a balance oflectures, hands-on labs and fieldvisits.

Throughout the week stu-dents will hear from leadingexperts and explore a range of

environmental topics, includingthe Delta eco-system, wetlands,invasive species, water/waste-water management, renewableenergies, ocean health and cli-mate change.

Students will conductresearch using the latest tech-nologies and, working in teams,will create their own publicservice announcement. (PSA) infront of a panel made up ofindustry specialists.

This is the third year theEnvironmental Sciences Camphas been held. Last year, 50 highschool students and 15 high

school teachers took advantageof the experience.

The camps are designed toconnect high school studentsand teachers to high quality sci-ence experiences connected tocareers in the local economy.

“The speakers are inspira-tional,” says one student aboutthe 2010 Summer Camp experi-ence. “I expanded my horizonsand it allowed me to see mypotential. Now I have a betterpicture of what my careeropportunities are in the future.”

For more information, go tohttp://cceconptnr.org

See Teen Speak, page 15

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Students explore environmental sciences at camp

A LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT (right) works with a scientist fromthe UC Davis to test the quality of water in the Delta as part ofthe hands-on laboratories featured at the EnvironmentalSciences Summer Camp. A sticky point

about friendships

TAYLOR TOVREA

TEEN SPEAK

Celine Herrera is in the eighthgrade at DVMS. Send comments toCeline@claytonpioneer.com.

CELINE HERRERA

DVMS REPORTER

Why the Fourth of July matters

For some teens, summeris anything but lazy

Student reporter finds mixof cultures and freedomare American traditions

July is that time of year whenwe celebrate the birth of ournation. The 4th of July paradeheld in downtown Clayton everyyear is a highlight of the monthand a wonderful tradition.

Every year Clayton residentsand patriotic spectators line upearly to get those prime spots andenjoy the pancake breakfast.They spend the morning enjoy-ing the parade festivities and see-ing children ride by on bikes,scooters and wagons decoratedto the hilt with streamers of red,white and blue. Later, most havepicnics and barbeques and thenhead off to witness the fantasticdisplays of fireworks shows.

It’s easy to understand whyAmericans are so proud to com-memorate our nation’s birthday

when you take a look at history.After completing eighth gradeU.S. History, I developed agreater understanding of theimportance of our Declaration ofIndependence. On July 2, 1776the Second Continental Congressdeclared our independence andbroke away from oppression. OnJuly 4, the declaration was ratifiedand this became the day we cele-brate the goals our forefathers setfor our nation. This declaration

became our symbol of our coun-try’s commitment to freedom andsymbolizes the courage many hadto make our country free.

The Declaration ofIndependence became the first ofmany reasons why we should cel-ebrate our nation. In America, weenjoy freedoms found nowhereelse in the world. Here every per-son can say what they wish.Others may not always agree withwhat is said, but everyone has anopportunity to say what theybelieve.

We are equally as blessed tohave those who are willing toprotect our freedom. Our mili-tary men and women sacrificeeach day in order to keep ourcountry safe. We celebrate theirefforts on this day as well, as theyare willing to give their lives tokeep us “the land of the free.”

America is called the land ofopportunity. It is truly a placewhere one can make dreams

become reality. Immigrants comeseeking a better opportunitiessuccess. This American spirit iswhat makes us special. No othernation has the blend of immi-grants and cultures that make usso unique. Our ethnicities andcultures may be different, yet weare all Americans.

So as we continue to enjoyevents celebrating our Nation’sgreatness, we need to rememberno other country is like theUnited States of America. Weshould appreciate the sacrificesothers have made to give us theliberty we enjoy. Americans arelucky to have the freedom andopportunities afforded to a freenation. We can continue to patri-otically fly our flags and celebrateour freedom not on just one day,but every day of the year.

ROBBIE PARKER

CVHS REPORTER

Robbie Parker is a freshman atClayton Valley High School. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com

Clayton Community CalendarPLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JULY 20 FOR THE JULY 29 ISSUE.

ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com

IN CLAYTONJuly 16, 23, 30Farmers Market8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Centerstreets, downtown. pcfma.com.

July 16The Chicago Tribute Authority ConcertA non-stop musical journey for Chicago fans. 6-8:30 p.m., GrovePark, downtown Clayton. Free. For a complete concert series list,see Page 3.

ENTERTAINMENTJune 20-July 17“King O’ the Moon”The Willows presents this sequel to “Over the Tavern” set in the1960s as Apollo 11 is about to land on the moon. WillowsTheatre Mainstage, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $20-$32.798-1300 or willowstheatre.org.

July 9-17“La Traviata”Festival Opera opens its 20th anniversary season with one of themost often performed and classic operas – a timeless story oflove, deception and loss. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 CivicDr., Walnut Creek. $49-$100. 943-SHOW, lesherartscenter.org.

July 22-24“H.M.S. Pinafore”Sparkling production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera hitaboard one of England’s great Navy ships. Lesher Center for theArts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $47-$52. lesherartscenter.org.

July 22-July 31“Fiddler on the Roof”Diablo Theatre Company presents this story of love, family andtradition with a heartwarming score. San Ramon Valley HighSchool Performing Arts Center, 501 Danville Blvd., Danville. $12-$15. 324-7359 or diablotheatre.org.

July 26Youth Orchestra Summer ConcertYoung Performers Orchestra and Diablo Regional YouthOrchestra’s summer concert featuring Clayton musicians - violin-ist Mira Laiho and her sister Ariana Laiho on the trumpet. 7 p.m.Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $10.943-5846.

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

Tuesdays through August 9Patty Cakes, Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. 11 a.m.

WednesdaysBook Buddies, Volunteers read to children, all ages; 1-2 p.m.

Thursdays through August 11Picture Book Time. Story time for ages 3-5. 11 a.m.

July 18, August 15 - Evening Stories and CraftsAges preschool to first grade. 7 p.m.

July 27 - Around the World Book ClubBook discussion and activities. For ages 10-12. 4 p.m.

SCHOOLSCVHS Charter School Information Meeting - July 21Clayton Valley High School charter school informational meeting.7 p.m. Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Contact PatMiddendorf at 672-8802.

CVHS Charter School Public Hearing - August 9Public hearing meeting. 7:30 p.m. District Offices, 1936 CarlottaDrive, Concord.

CVHS Charter School Public Hearing - September 13Decision meeting. 7:30 p.m. District Offices, 1936 Carlotta Drive,Concord.

FUNDRAISERSJuly 23 - CVHS Music Boosters Car WashClayton Valley High School Music Boosters car wash. 9 – 3 p.m. atMountain Mike’s Pizza, 5358 Clayton Road, Concord. $10 per car.

Aug. 22 - CVHS Athletic Boosters Golf TournamentClayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters 20th annual charitytournament. Lunch, putting contest, no host cocktails, dinner; age21+. Registration 10:30 a.m. at Oakhurst Country Club, 1001Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Early bird deadline Aug. 3. Feesvary. cvhsboosters.org.

CITY MEETINGSFirst, third TuesdayClayton City Council7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library

Second, fourth TuesdayClayton Planning Commission7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

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awarded a Do The Right Thingcertificate by the Clayton CityCouncil for exemplifyingcourage every day.

The honor comes at a con-venient time, for Katie Grace willhave to store up her courageeven more for an upcomingheart and lung transplant.

A SURVIVOR

She was 5 years old when shewas diagnosed with PulmonaryHypertension. Her parents,Kathy and John Groebner, weretold then that without an imme-diate heart and double-lungtransplant – estimated to costmore than $500,000 – KatieGrace would not survive.

The Groebner’s sold every-thing, including their home inMankato, MN, and packed upKatie Grace and her older sisterSavanha and headed towardLucile Packard Children’sHospital at Stanford for treat-ment. They eventually moved toClayton, where they havebecome part of this tight-knitcommunity. And best of all, withthe help of newer medicationadministered through herBroviac, Katie Grace staved off

the transplant.Until now.PH causes continuous high

blood pressure in the pulmonaryartery in the lungs, resulting in anenlarged heart. PH symptomssuch as breathlessness, chestpain, chronic fatigue, dizzinessand fainting made it impossiblefor Katie Grace to stay at schoolfull days during the past year inKelly Mori’s second grade classat MDE.

Mori said that each day afterrecess, Katie Grace’s favoritesubject along with art, she usesbreathing tubes attached to anoxygen tank because her bodyhas been active for more than 10minutes.

FUNDRAISING IS NECESSARY

But in the past year, a rapiddecline in lung function andblood flow has forced theGroebner’s to finally reach outfor help to raise funds for thetransplant. Insurance pays foronly part of the oxygen treat-ment Katie Grace depends on.The other expenses – travel todoctors and the transplant teamat Lucile Packard, emergencytrips that require hotel stays for

the family, and daily care provid-ed by Kathy – have taxed thefamily’s budget, as they surviveon John’s single income.

So Kathy turned to theChildren’s Organ TransplantAssociation, which assists withfundraising to meet transplant-related expenses not covered byinsurance. COTA has helpedmore than 1,500 children andadults and has raised nearly $55million for transplant patients.

The Groebner’s campaignwill kick off once three keyorganizers (not the patient’simmediate family) sign on.COTA will then guide the volun-teers through organizing andtraining a campaign committee,planning events and findingfunding. So far, they have twoorganizers, and they are lookingfor a just one more key volunteerto serve as a public relationscoordinator and spokesperson.

FIXING WHAT’S BROKEN

Nicci Shipstead, a Claytonmother of three, is Katie Grace’sCOTA campaign communitycoordinator. “Getting the COTAcampaign started is the least I cando to help another mother, tovirtually hold her hand so shecan literally hold her child,” shesaid.

COTA President RickLofgren said that it usually takesabout a month to coordinate a“full-scale” campaign, but somepeople can accomplish it within aweek or two. And timing is criti-cal. “Fundraising is more suc-cessful before the transplantoccurs, when the situation is amatter of life or death.”

“Getting this remaining keyposition filled gets the processstarted,” Shipstead said. “It does-n’t lock anyone into a commit-ment; rather it liberates theGroebner family financially sothey can focus on what reallymatters.”

For Katie Grace, the loomingtransplant is just another surgery.But it helps that older sisterSavanha says the transplant “willprovide a new heart and lungsfor broken ones.”

To volunteer as the Groebner cam-paign’s public relations coordinator, or toassist on any committees, contact NicciShipstead at (925) 524-0290 ornicci1@comcast.net.

COTA is a 501(c)3 national char-ity. All funds raised in honor of patientsare used for transplant-related expenses.For more info, go to www.cota.org.Learn more about Katie Grace’s story atwww.caringbridge.org/visit/katiegrace.

Transplant, from page 1

Page 14 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 15, 2011

Todd Johnson’s debutnovel may seem light, butit packs a punch

It’s not really giving anythingaway to say that the debut novelby Todd Johnson, “The Sweet Byand By,” will make you cry. Maybethis says more about the reviewerthan about the book, but still, thefact remains that the subject mat-ter of “The Sweet By and By” istear-worthy. It’s about friendshipand loyalty and big end-of-lifeissues like dignity, happiness andwho really loves you for sure.

Lorraine is a church-going,God-smacking woman who hasmade a career out of taking careof other people. She is a caregiverat the Ridgecrest Nursing Home,and little gets by her. Lorraine hasequal measures of patience andendurance, which she exerciseseach day as she looks afterMargaret and Bernice, the twobrightest spots at the home.Margaret has a sharp tongue andhigh standards, and Lorrainebears Margaret’s rebukes and crit-icisms with calm mother-patience.More than helping Margaret to

dress and bathe, Lorraine pre-serves the dwindling strands ofdignity that Margaret clings to.

Bernice provides comic reliefin what would otherwise be toosad a story to bear. Bernice is ahappy ditz and reliably out of hermind most of the time. She isMargaret’s constant companion,and they look after each other is away that is endearing and practi-cal. Bernice carries a stuffed mon-key with her everywhere andtreats him as a real person. Exceptof course when she hides bootlegbooze deep in its throat where noone of the nursing home staff,even Lorraine, would think tolook.

Rhonda is at the home byaccident, if you believe suchthings. Rhonda survived beingraised by a hateful grandmotherand has grown into a decent per-son. As a hair stylist, she endeav-ors to make the world a morebeautiful place. However, it is forcash that she applies toRidgeview, never expecting to likeit, much less fall in love with theladies who line up outside thebeauty parlor door each week.Despite any intention to get in, doher job, and get out, Rhonda isadopted by both Margaret andBeatrice, who see the goodness inthe girl and provide the mother-encouragement for which she hadbeen starved as a child.

One of the delights of “TheSweet By and By” is that it is set inNorth Carolina, where eccentrici-ty is as natural as sunlight andsweet tea. This lovely bit of fictionis not nostalgic; it takes an

unflinching view of who we are,what connects us, and what’simportant, without being preachy.In the end, we realize it isLorraine’s story, and Johnsonleaves her narrative not with a niceneat bow, but with faith that every-thing will somehow work out:

“I used to hope that if I wentto church long enough, all myinside weight would go away. Thatain’t right. Jesus may have come totake away our sins, but he left ourfeelings right where they’ve alwaysbeen. I still have inside me some

of what I’ve always had, built upover a lifetime. I just keep addingto it, every day, like everybodyelse, and hope the stew gets betterthe more ingredients I put in.”

“The Sweet By and By” is per-fect summer reading. It’s weightyenough to matter, but managesalso to take itself lightly..

What was meant to be justone leg of a journey became thedestination for Peter Wells, mas-ter designer of Danmer CustomShutters.

“I was on an around-the-world trip with my mates toEurope, Africa, Egypt, Californiathen Australia,” he says aboutleaving his home in England in1980. Only he never made it pastCalifornia and now lives inConcord.

Wells, a crisply-dressed pro-fessional, has an easygoingnature. He sits down with arelaxed air and talks just as easilyabout shutters as he does aboutbeing inspired to come toCalifornia by the ocean scenes inthe 1970’s television drama “TheRockford Files.”

While in the Bay Area on hisjourney, Wells saw a “HelpWanted” sign at an aluminumwindow company in Emeryvilleand landed the job. After 25

years in the business, he signedon with Danmer. Wells wantedto work for a company based inCalifornia like Danmer, one thathandled the shutter businessfrom designing and manufactur-ing the product to the final instal-lation. This “turn-key” serviceallows Danmer to guarantee a

quick turnaround on orders andlive up to its mission of qualityand customer service.

Wells puts a face to Danmer’sexcellent customer service. Hebrings the showroom to his cus-tomers six days a week at anytime convenient to the customer.He is enthusiastic about “theopportunity to dramaticallychange how people’s homes lookon the interior and exterior.”

As a master designer, heworks with the customer todesign a system fitting any win-dow or door size or shape and canincorporate stained glass, fauxiron or even paintings. “The sky’sthe limit,” Well says, but cautions,“shutters are habit forming.”

Clayton customer ValerieO’Connell agrees, “Yes, it isaddictive.”

O’Connell originally hadDanmer shutters installed in abedroom and on a patio door.Pleased with the shutters, shelater had shutters installedthroughout her downstairs andremaining bedrooms. “Peter wasthorough . . . he did an excellentjob all the way around.”

Concord resident Jo Morin

had four Danmer installations.“My wife started with one win-dow in one bedroom. It lookedso good, she went on to thenext,” Morin says. A retired con-tractor, Morin confidentlyendorses the quality of the prod-uct and service.

Product efficiency is note-worthy as well. In addition to car-rying wood shutters, Danmerpatented a technology calledThermalite that looks and feelslike painted hardwood shutters,but is safe around water andwhose energy efficiency qualifiesfor the Federal Tax Credit forinsulating products.

On his one day a week with-out shutters, Wells relaxes withhis wife of 26 years, Taryn, andson Britt, enjoying the cuisineand fine wines of this state thatwas meant merely to be one stopon his way around the world.

For more information, contactWells at (925) 202-1220 orpeter.wells@danmer.com or visitwww.danmer.com.

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PETER WELLS

and push myself harder,” Fansaid. “I can’t ask my teammatesto put in the effort to get betterif I haven’t done it myself first.”

Rather than spend her vaca-tion hanging out on the coach,Fan works out daily at the gymand on the field. She is also asdedicated to learning about thesport as she is to getting inshape, studying every positionfrom “middie” to goalie withsome of the best players in thearea. It may be hard work, butfor Fan it’s worth it.

For Kaylee Andrews, devot-ing a portion of her summer togiving back is what makes itworthwhile.

This year Andrews will bevolunteering once a week as aPreschool Assistant for chil-dren who have experienced orhave been exposed to domestic

violence.“I feel that working with kids

can help to keep issues likedomestic violence … from con-tinuing on to future generations,”she said. “It would be selfish tojust lie around all summer when Icould be doing something likethis to help the greater good.”

Whatever the project, yoursummer vacation will be muchmore fun and fulfilling if you’veaccomplished something by theend of it. So resist the tempta-tion of the remote and get upand do something productive. Atthe very least, you’ll have some-thing to say when you’re asked,“What did you do this summer?”

Teen Speak, from page 13

CYNTHIA GREGORY

FOR THE BOOKS Cynthia Gregory writes bookreviews, award-winning short storiesand a blog. Visit her at www.twogirlstakeonlove.com or write ceegregory@aol.com

“The Sweet By and By” is just tasty enoughBook Review

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

July 15, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 15

Hyperthermia canstrike quickly withoutadequate water

A few days ago while hikingon a favorite Mt Diablo trail Icouldn’t help but notice howmany hikers I passed on the trailwithout a supply of water. Itwas a relatively hot day, and Ihave to admit being tempted tostart a conversation with thewaterless hikers by saying “Youknow you could catch a bad caseof hyperthermia out here ifyou’re not careful.”

The truth is you don’t catchhyperthermia, it catches you.The word hyperthermia comesfrom a combination of twoGreek words, hyper (“high”)and thermes (“heat”). Literally,you can cause your body tooverheat.

When the body gets hot, itcan provide cooling relief byproducing sweat. Under someconditions, like exertion on ahike up a mountain on a hotsummer day, sweating doesn’tcool the body sufficiently andthe body temperature rises rap-idly.

Two common hyperthermiaproblems are heat exhaustionand heat stroke, and both canoccur after relatively short peri-ods of high body temperature.Some of the symptoms of heatexhaustion include heavy sweat-ing, muscle cramps, dizzinessand fainting.

If unrecognized or untreat-ed, heat exhaustion can lead toheat stroke, which can be deadlybecause the body’s temperaturerises to over 106 degrees. Somewarning signs of heat strokeinclude dry skin (no sweating), a

throbbing headache, dizziness,nausea and seizures. A personmay also lose consciousnessduring a heat stroke.

Obviously, drinking waterduring physical activity, like hik-ing on a hot day, is a great way toprevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Other preventativemeasures for avoiding hyper-thermia include wearing a hatand sunscreen. Both are effec-tive measures for keeping thebody cool.

Infants and young childrenare more susceptible to theeffects of heat than adults, so ifyou are taking the family onyour hike, make sure everyonedrinks plenty of water, evenchildren who are carried orpushed in a stroller.

CHILDREN ESPECIALLY

VULNERABLE

The fact that children feelthe effects of heat quickly isimportant to remember, evenwhen not hiking on a trail.Hyperthermia is a deadly issuefor children who are left in vehi-cles. In the United States alonean average of nearly 40 childrendie of hyperthermia each year inunattended cars, vans and SUVs.Unbelievably, 18 have alreadydied this year.

Windowed vehicles are man-made hot boxes. Incoming shortwave solar radiation easily pass-es through window glass, andthe heat energy is absorbed by

the car interior. As you havelikely experienced, dark coloredinteriors are the hottest. Theinterior reradiates long waveradiation, which unfortunately,does not pass through the glassand exit the car, and increasesthe inside air temperature.

The interior of a car heatsup rapidly. A recent study showsthat a car interior typically heatsnearly 20 degrees in 10 minutes,and almost 30 degrees in 20minutes. There was little differ-ence in the heat rate with win-dows cracked open. As a result,hyperthermia can occur quicklyif a child is left in a car even fora few minutes.

Outside temperatures do not

have to be extremely hot toresult in temperatures insidecars to climb to hyperthermia-producing levels. Some hyper-thermia deaths have beenreported with outside tempera-tures only in the 70s.

With a little bit of planning,hyperthermia can be easilyavoided. Being aware of thepotential for hyperthermia, andnever leaving unattended chil-dren (or pets) in closed vehiclesis a lifesaving responsibility foreveryone.

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Tips for soothing summer’s sizzle

Join Save Mount Diablo on aunique educational 5-mile hikein Morgan Territory RegionalPreserve lead by premier EastBay naturalist, Jim Hale. He’llinterpret the diverse landscapesin the preserve and share hiswealth of knowledge aboutethnobotany and NativeAmerican history in the area.Hike is taken at a leisurely pace.Bring plenty of water, wear a hatand sunscreen. Families are wel-come, children 8 years+.

Leader: Jim Hale (925) 947-3535 for more info

When: Jul 24, Sun, 9am-2:30pm

Where: Meet at the stagingarea at the summit of MorganTerritory Rd. From WalnutCreek head east on YgnacioValley Rd, turn right on ClaytonRd which becomes Marsh CreekRd, turn right on MorganTerritory Rd, the staging area is9.4mi down on the left. FromLivermore head north on N.Livermore Ave, turn left onManning then right on MorganTerritory Rd, the staging area is5.5mi down on the right.

Everyone in the East Baycan get a little bit wild when theLindsay Wildlife Museum opensits doors for Free AdmissionDay on Thursday, Aug. 25.

This will be the last day of2011 when the popular WalnutCreek museum and animal sanc-tuary offers free admission.

Doors will open at 10 a.m.and throughout the day, childrenand adults will get to know theowls, reptiles, fox, hawks, eaglesand other live animals that

reside at the museum. Visitorscan watch feeding and trainingdemonstrations, explore natureand experience hands-on learn-ing in a safe, friendly, familyenvironment. Adding a picnic inadjacent Larkey Park can makefor a perfect day of relaxationand family time, says LorenBehr, executive director ofLindsay Wildlife Museum.

“We hope people fromcommunities throughout theBay Area come to take advan-

tage of this chance to experi-ence the museum and learnmore about nature and ournative wildlife,” Behr says. “Weare happy to be able to takeaway any financial barrier forthis day and open our doors toeveryone.”

Thu museum, located at 1931First Ave. in Walnut Creek, is open10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 925-935-1978 or visit www. wildlife-museum.org for more information.

Take a Hike

Meander ThroughMorgan Territory

Lindsay Museum holds lastFree Admission Day of 2011

WOODY WHITLATCH

WEATHER WORDS

Woody Whitlatch is a meteorolo-gist with PG&E. Email your ques-tions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com

Page 16 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 15, 2011

sings the National Anthem and we all say the“Pledge of Allegiance” (even the “under God”part). By now tears are rolling down my cheeksfrom under my sunglasses.

Then comes our chief of police in a 1971 vin-tage police car with sirens screaming, followed bytwo fire engines with children waving from the cabs.We see our elected officials riding in old classic con-vertible cars sitting up on the back with their chil-dren (or more likely their grandchildren) excitedabout being in the parade and waving to the crowd.

The main event for many is next with hundredsof children on bikes, trikes and electric toy cars alldecorated to the hilt with sparkly red, white andblue. Walking with them are parents and siblingswith dogs in arms and on leashes, some parentspulling their kids in wagons with streaming holidayballoons and crepe paper everywhere. The crowd isclapping and yelling, looking for the ones theyknow.

After the children come many different exhibi-tions of colors and floats from the organizationsthat serve and support our city. There scout troops,equestrian riders in Mexican horseman garb andminiature horses being led by young people.

Then comes the “Precision Drill Team,” menfrom E Clampus Vitas, all in a line and carrying a 4’by 6’ long beam with their drills mounted and turn-ing. They stop, do a 180 degree turn and walk back-wards, all the while turning their drills. Then anoth-er 180 and they continue on. This always makes melaugh. The parade ends with the classic cars. Wesing “God Bless America” with the choir and I amholding hands with the woman next to me. We con-tinue singing after the music stops.

When we start walking back towards home wehear Dan Ashley reminding everyone to visit thetown museum. The golf course is empty of golfersso we walk up the cart path. As we climb a hill, Iturn and look back. I see our beautiful mountainwith our little city, seemingly lost in time, nestled atthe bottom; the line of trees following the creek,and the lushness of the golf course.

Love it! Love it! Love it!

July 15, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 17

July 4 Celebration

A WARM DAY, A BOTTLE OF SOAP and The Spirit of America bubbles up inClayton. Theresa Vandehey took this second place photo.

BEEP BEEP. HERE COMES UNCLE SAM. Robert Cohen tookthird place in the adult division with this photo.

THIS GREAT SHOT OF CLAYTON COUNCILMAN HANK STRATFORDwas taken by Francesca Brinkerhoff. This was the onlyentry in the Under 12 division this year. Come on, kids –you are the future!

continued from page 1

Thank you to Jim Carolan for sharing thesephotos. For more of Jim’s images or to purchaseprints, go to www.carolan-imagery.com

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Proper leaves and vivid colorswill attract these beautifulinsects to your garden

The sight of butterflies flut-tering about a garden is delight-ful. They bob and weave fromflower to flower, touching downonly when the pollen looks justright. Gardeners are eager toentice butterflies to visit theirflowers. They just need to knowwhat to plant to attract them.

Attracting adult butterflies tothe garden is easy in our ClaytonValley climate. The plants thebutterflies love thrive in our sunand heat. Butterflies need plantswith large amounts of nectarwithin their blossoms, and mustbe easy to land on, since that is

where butterflies lay their eggs tostart their lifecycles.

If you want to attract adultbutterflies like Monarchs, Tiger,and Black SwallowTail to yourgarden, you must start by grow-ing plants that host their caterpil-lar stage of life. Ascelpias spe-ciosa and Ascelpias Tuberosa,commonly called ButterflyMilkWeed, are both hosts for theMonarch butterflies.

The numbers of Monarchbutterflies have been diminishingthrough the past years.Introducing these perennials toyour landscape would be helpfulto the butterflies’ survival, andnecessary to attract the adults,who lay eggs upon its leaves.

ATTRACTIVE LANDING PADS

Pay attention to the botanicalnames when purchasingButterfly MilkWeed, as you willwant to seek out the two men-tioned above. These plants areeasy to grow by seed, and areoften easier found this way.When you install plants to beginthe butterfly’s life cycle, you mustrealize you are planting theseselections for consumption byravenous caterpillars, storing upenergy for transformation. Theresult is that you will have

chewed leaves. These types ofplantings are for them, not foryou.

If you want to attract BlackSwallowTail and Tiger butter-flies, try planting curly leaf pars-ley and dill, as well as annuallygrown cosmos, zinnias and holly-hock; these butterflies like to layeggs upon their leaves.

Another plant attractive tobutterflies is Buddleja Davidii,commonly called a ButterflyBush. This shrub is very familiarand has been easily availablealmost anywhere for many yearsnow. The semi-evergreen bushhas gray leaves and either laven-der, purple, pink or white pani-cle-shaped flowers. Typically theButterfly Bush grows large,stretching 5-8-feet tall and wide,and may get too big for some ofthe smaller gardens. Recently, theBuzz Series of Butterfly Bushbecame available. This shrub hasa rounded appearance and isdwarfed in nature. It will reach 3-4-feet tall and wide, making in aperfect garden installation.

PurpleConeFlowers,or Echinacea pur-purea, have the per-fect landing pad for but-terflies. The rounded heads ofthe blossom are slightly raisedexposing lots of stored nectar,easy for the butterfly to extract.In recent years gardeners havebecome more comfortable grow-ing the ConeFlowers. Lessonshave been learned, and we nolonger over-bury, or over-waterthese hardy perennials. The avail-able colors have been enticing togardeners, as well as butterflies.Shades of pinks, orange, yellowsand white can be found inabundance.

PLANT VIVID COLORS

Yarrow has also developed avast palate of color. Once onlyyellow, the plant now sportswine, red, pink, terracotta andsalmon colors. Yarrow has easyaccess nectar, perfect for

attractingb u t t e r f l i e s .ConeFlower and Yarrow compli-ment each other in the garden, bylending themselves to the idea ofa layer. Install ConeFlowersbehind piles of yarrow.

Coreopsis is an excellent earlyseason bloomer, and a greatsource of early season nectar. Abutterfly garden wouldn’t becomplete without this hardy yel-low flower. Asters are anothermust have. This perennial has anexceptionally late bloom, extend-ing the pollen availability forbutterflies.

Butterflies are attracted tomany more plants as well. Tryplanting colorful plants in mass-es, as butterflies will find blocks

of vivid color easierto see. For instance, they willland on a brightly colored IreneLantana more often then thewhite color of the Silver MoundLantana.

Most importantly, when invit-ing butterflies to your garden,you’ll need to realize butterfliesare insects, and you should nolonger use chemical insecticide tocontrol unwanted insects.Products can’t tell the differencebetween a pesky bug and a beau-tiful butterfly.

Nicole is the Garden Girl atR&M Pool, Patio, Gifts andGarden Contact her with questions,comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

The camp was structured withclasses in the morning and work-shops in the afternoon designedto show how math and scienceare an integral part of life and canbe fun. For instance, not only didthe girls get to make lip gloss, butthen they calculated the labor andsupplies needed to make 10 units.

They extracted their DNAand recreated the spiral ofTheodorus (related to irrationalnumbers) in drawings.

They attended physical educa-tion class every day to learn thatfitness and teamwork are a part ofa well-rounded lifestyle.

In addition to these enrich-ment opportunities, they attendeda professional women’s forumthat introduced the campers towomen with careers based onmath and science, such as crimescene investigation, conservationand computer programming.

The campers stayed in thedorms and ate in the cafeteria, rel-ishing the opportunity to makenew friends.

The selection process startedwith a recommendation byDVMS science teacher CynthiaBrewington of students profi-cient in math and science and

demonstrating leadership skills.The five candidates had to writean essay about where they seethemselves in the future, as well ashave a panel interview with repre-sentatives from the AmericanAssociation of UniversityWomen of California (AAUW-CA). The panel narrowed thefield down to the three students.

Funding for camp came pri-marily from the AAUW’sspaghetti feed in March and dona-tions from the Clayton BusinessCommunity Association.

The first Tech Trek was heldat Stanford University in 1998,with funding from the AAUW.This year, there are eight camps.Tech Trek is designed to develop

interest, excitement and self-con-fidence in young women enteringthe eighth grade.

And the young campers camehome inspired about their future.

Lynette wants to return toTech Trek as a camp counselorand later, study to be an engineer.Emily loves ballet equally as muchas math and is determined tocombine the two in her future.Giovy is fond of the sciences andplans to become an orthodontistor oral surgeon.

For more information, contact theTech Trek coordinators at AAUW:Jeanne Boyd at 925- 672-3672 orRosemary Harwood at 925- 672-3490.

Tech Trek, from page 1

Relay for Life, from page 9

celebrate another birthday.Illustrating the concept that

“cancer never sleeps,” the Relay isan overnight event. Each teammust have a member on the trackat all times, says Clayton EventChair Brenda Righter. Her goal isto sign up 10 teams – so far shehas five, including one from St.John’s Episcopal Church.

Clayton's Relay will be held atCommunity Park, Ball Field #3.There is a $100 entry fee for eachteam and each team member has toraise a minimum of $100 in dona-tions. For more information, contactRighter at 925-212-2048 orb.righter@prodigy.net. To learn moreabout Relay for Life, visit cancer.orgor relayforlife.org.

Page 18 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com July 15, 2011