JUN 24 Clayton Pioneer 2011.pdf

“The Spirit of America inClayton” is the theme for thisyear’s 4th of July celebration

Independence Day starts early inClayton – at 7 a.m., with a pancake break-fast cooked by the Clayton Valley/SunriseRotary Club at Endeavor Hall. This is amajor fundraiser for the club which sup-ports local youth camps and programs, thelibrary and charities including the FoodBank.

At 9 a.m., the kids beginning lining upfor the kiddie parade which begins at 10a.m. Kids on foot, on bikes and trikes, inwagons and strollers, on scooters and ondad’s shoulders with everything, includingthe family dog, decked out in red, whiteand blue parade down Main Street.

Following the kiddie parade, EmceeABC7 News Anchor Dan Ashley joins thespectators and local choir Yesterday’s Kidsin singing the National Anthem and the

first of the local dignitaries in convertiblesbegin to roll down Main Street.

ENTER THE PHOTO CONTEST

Capture the moment and share yourfavorite images of the day with thePioneer readers. Enter the 9th annualClayton Pioneer July 4 Photo Contest.The contest is open to all adults (over 12)and kids (12 and under.) who live in theClayton Pioneer distribution area. Thewinning photos will be published in theJuly 15 issue of the Pioneer.

Each individual may submit up to threephotos, but only one of those photos canwin a prize. Submit snapshot size prints –3” x 5”, 4” x 6” or 5” x 7”. Photos musthave been taken during this year’s July 4Celebration in downtown Clayton. On theback of each photo, put your name,address, phone number and whether youare entering as an adult or a child.

The Clayton City Councilhas had it with vandals.

City officials are fed up withthe cost of replacing brokenfences, gazebo slats and washinggraffiti off the tunnel walls. Sothey want to put security cam-eras in strategic locationsaround town in hopes of catch-ing the culprits who repeatedlydamage city property.

This year, there have been 41vandalism acts reported topolice, Chief Dan Lawrencereported at the June 7 City

City crews finished the re-landscaping of the ClaytonFountain last week with a splashof green sod across the front.

The new design is drought-tolerant and low maintenanceand reduces the previous lawnarea by 65 percent. Bioswales inthe median and at the east endof the fountain are designed tomanage storm water, filtering itand sending it back into theground instead of allowing it torun off into the storm drains.

The new landscapingreplaces the high maintenance,water thirsty lawns and annualsthat died in last year’s drought.

After some initial criticismof the starkness of the design,public reaction to the finishedproduct has been overwhelm-ingly positive, says MaintenanceSupervisor Mark Janney.

Clayton will go into the2011-’12 fiscal year with a$3.65 million operating budg-et that is “austere and spar-tan” but balanced, city man-ager Gary Napper told theCity Council at the June 7meeting.

“We’re really in prettygood shape, considering

where other cities are rightnow,” said CouncilwomanJulie Pierce.

The city’s budget hasessentially been flat over thepast three years, with declin-ing real estate values and statetake-aways putting pressureon the city at every turn. Thecity has kept the budget bal-anced through cuts to everynon-essential program, a tightrein on expenditures, furlough

days and concessions amount-ing to more than $300,000 bythe city’s 26 employees – allwithout cutting services ordrawing on reserves, Nappersaid.

The total city budget,which includes the generalfund, capital improvementsand replacements, special dis-tricts, restricted funds and theRedevelopment Agency, is$14,565,197 – down $21,376

from last year.At $1.524 million, the capi-

tal improvement budgetincludes the community parkparking lot expansion currentlyunderway (half of the cost ofthis project comes from EastBay Regional Park Districtgrant), some neighborhoodstreet repairs and paving,enlarging the sewer line under

IT’S YOUR PAPER

www.claytonpioneer.com June 24, 2011 925.672.0500

PR

SR

TS

TD

US

PO

STA

GE

PA

ID

CLA

YT

ON

, C

A

PE

RM

IT190

DAVE SHUEY

MAYOR’S CORNER

First, I wanted to thank all ofyou that have sent in your emailsof support for the ClaytonValley High School charter con-version. I believe we are nowover 1,000 supporters, which isamazing but not enough. Weneed everyone, and I meaneveryone, in the Clayton Valleydraw area, including youConcordians who read thispaper, to send in your support.This is whether yourkids/grandkids go there, will gothere, have gone there and evenif you don’t have any kids butwant your property values to go

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

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

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

Community Calendar . . . .14

Concert Schedule . . . . . . . .3

Directory of Advertisers . . . .5

DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . .7

Financial Sense . . . . . . . . .9

Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . .16

Food for Thought . . . . . . .17

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

Letters to the Editor . . . . . .9

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

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

Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . .18

So Anyway . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

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

Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

What’s Inside

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

See Mayor, page 9

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

See Vandals, page 13See July 4, page 3

See Fountain, page 17

See Budget, page 18

A call to letters

City’s budget balanced but precarious

Clayton Fountain still green, less thirsty

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

THE NEW FOUNTAIN LANDSCAPING AT THE CORNER OF CLAYTON ROAD AND OAKHURST BLVD., was finished last week. Thelandscaping is low-maintenance, drought tolerant and complies with water conservation and stormwater manage-ment requirements. The fountain is a favorite spot for local photographers.

City has aplan to spyon vandals

Admin/Finance$833,745

Legislative$59,448

Community Park$176,574

Public Works$120,897

Comm. Dev.$255,833

Gen. Support $143,380

Engineering$96,448

Library$130,589

Police $1,834,622

Total: $3,651,536 Source-City of Clayton

General Fund Operating Budget 2011-12

ShutterbugsEnter the Clayton Pioneer’s

PhotoContest

Cash PrizesSee July 4 story

for details

Pancakes, parade, photo contest mark July 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com June 24, 2011

DIDN’T WE TELL YOU

WE WERE GOIN’ TO

SHANGHAI?We tagged along last

month when the Wolfefamily traveled toShanghai. We wentthrough the Yu Gardensand ferried over to thePearl Tower in Pudong tostand on it’s glass floorover 1500 feet in the air.That was a strange feeling.

We also took in the sights of various neighborhoods,where many locals took photos of us as though we werecelebrities!

This was CW Wolfe’s fourth trip to Shanghai.“It has vastly changed over the years,” he says, “to

become a vital, world-class city, while still keeping it’struly Chinese flavor.”

Around Town

CCllaayyttoonn MMaarrkkeett UUppddaattee pprroovviiddeedd bbyy GGeeoorrggee VVuujjnnoovviicchh ooff BBeetttteerr HHoommeess RReeaallttyy

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

1539 OHara Court....................$307,500 . . . . .1436 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . . .6/3/11

20 Mount Wilson Way ..............$225,000 . . . . .1378 . . . . . .2/2.5 . . . . . . . .6/2/11

301 Saclan Terrace ..................$360,000 . . . . .1749 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . . . .6/1/11

436 Mount Sequoia Ct .............$645,000 . . . . .2691 . . . . . .5/3 . . . . . . . . .5/27/11

5472 Tara Drive........................$374,000 . . . . .1739 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . . .5/27/11

7007 Molluk Way......................$569,000 . . . . .2680 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . . .5/26/11

404 Hummingbird Pl.................$375,000 . . . . .1493 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . .5/23/11

5471 Tara Drive........................$291,300 . . . . .1436 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . .5/19/11

1554 OHara Court....................$333,000 . . . . .1256 . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . . . .5/17/11

ADDRESS PRICE SF BED/BATH SALE DATE

HHeellppiinngg ffrriieennddss,, nneeiigghhbboorrss && nneewwccoommeerrss bbuuyy aanndd sseellll

tthheeiirr hhoommeess ssiinnccee 11997799

66116600 CCeenntteerr SStt..,, SSuuiittee EE,, CCllaayyttoonn

Each Office Is IndependentlyOwned & Operated.

((992255)) 667722--44443333

GGEEOORRGGEE VVUUJJNNOOVVIICCHHBBrrookkeerr

Clayton

Clayton

georgevujnovich.com

Crystyl Ranch! Gorgeous!

5 bedroom, 3.5 bath, approx. 3,584sf & 3 car garage.

Full bedroom & bath on 1st floor.

$649,000

Chaparral Springs at OakhurstCountry Club!

Manzanita model offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx.

1,355sf , inside laundry & 2 car attached garage! Walk

to downtown, trails & community pool!

Short Sale

Better Homes DRE#00933393

ClaytonPeacock Creek! ImmaculateSingle Story “Bainbridge” model!

tucked away on a quiet court at the top of Peacock

Creek on a premium lot backing and adjacent to open

space! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 3,030sf , 3 car

garage! Large level .27 acre lot boasts sprawling

lawns and extensive patio areas with views of open

space & hills!

$719,000

ClaytonIronwood/Windmill Canyon atOakhurst Country Club!

Super Single story “Augusta” 3 bedrooms, 2 baths,

approx. 1816sf, inside laundry & 2 car attached garage!

Spacious combined living & dining rooms. Family room

adjoins family room with fireplace. Large level lot with

lawn areas and patio offers views of surrounding hills.

$429,900

AlamoRoundhill Country Club!Spectacular single story

on a park-like elevated lot! High end-no expense

spared remodel and expansion with exquisite attention

to detail! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,637sf.

Extensive use of slab granite, onyx & marble, German

Ghroe fixtures, Lucas audio systems, 3 zone HVAC, &

3 fireplaces. Totally private lot offers black tumbled

slate patio & trex deck, elaborate Koi pond! A must

see! $1,298,000

SOLD

PENDING

PENDING

Clayton4.58 Acre Horse Property!

Country living right on the edge of town! 4 bedrooms,

2.5 baths, approx. 2,306 sq. feet!

Coming Soon!

Don Kimura recognized byJMMC Caring Hands

Clayton resident DonKimura was featured on thecover of the spring issue ofJohn Muir’s Caring Hands vol-unteer caregivers’ newsletter.Kimura has over four years and800 hours with the program.Kimura visits 86-year-oldKatherine Crow and gives herrides to medical/dental appoint-ments, shopping and the movietheatre. Crow says Kimura hasbecome a great friend. Kimuratakes 90-year-old Bruce Good inhis wheelchair for walks toHeather Farm Park.

Kimura is also a volunteercounselor for the Diablo ValleyLiteracy Council since October2010 and meets with his stu-dents three hours a week forconversations in English.

Kimura started donatingblood while in the United StatesAir Force and continues to

donate at the Contra CostaBlood Center. He has donated141 pints to date.

Kimura takes pride in hismany volunteer efforts andencourages others to share theirtime with at least one volunteerorganization.

CVHS student reporterinterns for Cal paper

CVHS senior Sarah Rosen willserve as a general assignmentreporter in a journalism internshipprogram at UC Berkeley this sum-mer.

Sarah will serve as a generalassignment reporter for the DailyCal, the university's independent,student-run newspaper.

Sarah, a student reporter forthe Clayton Pioneer, joined thestaff in her sophomore year andhas been a regular contributor tothe Teen Speak column as well ascovering student and youth-relatednews stories.

SINGING IN CHI TOWN

Clayton residents TammySlezak and Lena Foggiato-Bishwere in Chicago over MemorialDay where Slezak rehearsed forfour days with an internationalBaha’i choir. The choir included220 singers from ten countries, allwith various cultural and religiousbackgrounds. The choir sang inthe 2011 Baha’i Choral Festival atthe Baha’i Temple on May 29.

Following the two free publicconcerts on Sunday, the two didsome local sightseeing, taking thePioneer along for company.

The two are already planninga return trip for next year’s choirfestival.

Brownies say Night Night to Crisis NurseryBrownie Troop 33065 made

blankets for Project Night Night tocomplete one of their servicerequirements.

The girls filled bags with theblankets, books and stuffed animalsand donated them to the Bay AreaCrisis Nursery.

The girls used their cookie saleproceeds to buy the bags and sup-plies. The troop delivered the bagson May 26, and leaned aboutBACN from Sandy Hathaway.

The troop used remaining cook-ie sales proceeds for their bridgingcelebration at Castle Rock Arabianson June 9. They learned abouthorse behavior and safety, groomedand rode the horses. Each girlcrossed a bridge led by a horsenamed Shadow, symbolizing theirtransition from Brownies to GirlScouts.TROOP 33065 BROWNIES LEXI CICHURSKI, Caela Hetherton, Angela Kaplan and Emma Leong

show the blankets they made for Project Night Night for the Bay Area Crisis Nursery.

Pioneer and readers hit the road

KATHERINE CROW AND DON KIMURA

SARAH ROSEN

June 24, 2011 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com

July 2 Diamond DaveVocals from classic Sinatra to HipHop

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 theRat Pack Orchestra

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

Local Food To GoSupport your local businesses and restau-

rants. 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,CBCA and Allied Waste Services

Concerts

in The GroveWhen former Marine CorporalAlison Buedel of Concord camehome on June 11, she was surprised tosee a large group of Warriors WatchRiders and other veterans groupswaiting for her at the San FranciscoInternational airport.

The Warriors gave her a flag wav-ing motorcycle escort all the way toher parent’s home in Concord.

In Concord, they were joined byConcord Police Departmentmotorcycle cops joined up who ledthe parade with lights flashing, sirenswailing to the house.

Fire fighters from ConFire station8 stood by to welcome her home too.

The Diablo Flag Brigade, severalBlue Star Moms and a representativefrom Supervisor Susan Bonilla’s office

were on hand to join in the noisy wel-come home.

Concord Mayor LauraHoffmeister declared June 11 AlisonBuedel day in Concord.

“This is spectacular. This is thebest homecoming I could have askedfor,” said a very moved Buedel.

What will she do for an encore?“I’m going to hit the ground running.I’m going to back to school to use myeducation benefits to finish my culi-nary arts certificate and then I’mgoing to study anthropology.”continued Beudel.

Buedel’s husband Chip, is a Marinecurrently serving in Afghanistan. Theyhope to transfer to Camp Pendletonwhen he returns back to the states.

- Mike Dunn

Around Town

Clayton Resident & Broker Owner

1372 Kansas Circle, Concord $384,000Clayton Valley Highlands – Exceptional lot w/valleyviews! 3BD/2BA offers granite kitchen w/double oven& pullout cabinets. Bay window lights up dining nook.Keep cool in the beautiful Florida room addition.

JUST LISTED

1115 St. Francis Drive, Concord $619,000St. Francis Park – Custom 3BD/3BA + office & den.Stunning paint, trim & light accents. Fabulous curb appealw/hardscape planters & amazing resort-style pool, patio& gazebo area in back. SaintFrancisDrive.com

223 Mountaire Drive, Clayton $609,000Dana Hills – 5BD/3BA model w1bd/1ba downstairs& loft area. Dining room with coffered ceilings, familyroom & fabulous entertainer’s kitchen. Flat backyardw/views. 223Mountaire.com

4989 Murchio Drive, Concord $455,000Garaventa Oaks – Quality details in 4BD/3BA incl.crown molding, plantation shutters, bay window & gar-den window in updated kitchen w/dbl oven. 1BD/BAdownstairs. Quiet patio area backs to park.

5251 Clearbrook Drive, Concord $435,000Canyon Creek – Freshly painted 3BD/2.5BA offerspebble tech pool w/waterfall & spa. Delight in commu-nity amenities, updated windows, baths & solid walnutflooring. Fabulous kitchen w/granite island.

211 Clifford Court, Clayton $559,980Regency 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.

1158 Camino Solano, Concord $459,000Seven Oaks – Lots of possibilities at this very privateproperty on a large lot. Updated kitchen & baths high-light a very desirable, open 4BD/2.5BA floor plan. Nearto schools, parks & shopping.

DRE# 01122025

JUST LISTED NEW PRICE NEW PRICE

303 Saclan Terrace, Clayton $359,900Black Diamond – Gorgeous &spacious 3BD/2.5BA with ~2000s.f. is open & airy. Plush landscap-ing, court location & views.

Julie Clairmont-Baratta(925) 639-7906

JUST LISTED

A rousing welcome home for Cpl. Ali Beudel

Eight Clayton scouts fly with Eagles

EIGHT LOCAL SCOUTS FROM CLAYTON’S TROOP 494 ACHIEVED THE HIGHEST LEVEL in BoyScouts when they were presented at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on June 8.All of the scouts completed the rigorous Eagle Scout requirements which includ-ed a major public service project. New Eagle Scouts: Mitchell D’Angina, AustinWoods, Cole Willardson, Clark Blatter, Bryan Crase, Johnny James, BraydenMoore and Garrett Blatter.

IMPORTANT: Drop off yourprints and a CD at the ClaytonPioneer office NO LATERTHAN 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY,July 6. Please do not e-mailphotos.

Photos will be judged on over-all quality, composition and howwell the image captures the “TheSpirit of America in Clayton.”

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED

“This beloved event still needsvolunteers,” says city clerk LaciJackson. “Most of the help is neededthe day of the parade to help withearly morning barricading and streetclosings, parking, and parade line upand clean up.”

If you or your organization canhelp anytime between the hours of 6a.m. and 2 p.m. call Clayton CityClerk Laci Jackson at 673-7304 oremail: [email protected]

July, 4 from page 1


The battle has begun, asorganizers submitted a charterto turn Clayton Valley HighSchool into a charter schoolwith its own governing board.

“We want to bring ‘EaglePride’ back to our school andback to our hearts,” reads thecharter presented to the Mt.Diablo Unified School Districton June 8.

“We want to stop the down-ward trend of poor studentbehavior, low academic focus,lack of accountability and com-placent mediocrity that has infil-trated nearly every corner ofour school.”

The group aims to turn aschool rife with troubles intoone where “rigor, relevance andrelationships” are key. They saypast difficulties have includedtest scores failing to meetadministrators’ stated goals, sitemaintenance issues and a lack ofresponsiveness on the part ofschool and district administra-tion to parental and staff con-cerns.

Charter school proponentswant to address school uni-forms, homework policies, com-munications between the school

and students’ families and eventhe logistics of busing schoolathletic teams to nearby games.

DISTRICT NOTES PROGRESS

However, MDUSD schoolboard officials say they arealready in the process of solvingthese issues. Board memberSherry Whitmarsh noted thatshe hadn’t had a chance to com-prehensively review the charter.

“I know that the few pagesI’ve glimpsed at, like the firstthree or four,” she said, “seemlike something they could do byworking with the new adminis-tration at the school also.”

But charter proponentsbelieve they have no recoursebut to wrest the school from thedistrict’s grasp to effect positivechange.

“Has anyone ever come tome with concerns about CVHS?Oh yeah. But not more than anyother school,” said board presi-dent Gary Eberhart, whosedaughter just graduated fromCVHS.

“We’ve been working onthese issues with regard toCVHS for well over a year, since(Superintendent) StevenLawrence got here. This is partof my initial conversation withhim: that something needed tobe done with CVHS. This is notsomething that was precipitatedby the charter movement. Thisis something we’ve been work-ing on for a long time.”

Although the district hasmade changes, including a newprincipal, Whitmarsh noted thatonly one CVHS parent hadapproached her directly to askfor help with issues related tothe school.

“I did know there were par-ents who were unhappy aboutthings … and I had suggestedthat they work through thechain of command,” she said.“If it wasn’t working with theteacher, talk to the principal. Ifit wasn’t working with the prin-cipal, talk to (district official)Denise Rugani. If that didn’twork, talk to the board.”

TIME TO START FRESH

Clayton Mayor Dave Shueyhas five children, one of whomplans to enter CVHS in the fall.He said he has received morethan 400 emails supporting thecharter effort.

“I have never, never, everseen such an outpouring ofinput from the citizens as I’vegotten on this issue. It isunheard of,” he marveled.

He said that while districtofficials may not have had awillful disregard of the prob-lems plaguing CVHS, they lackthe resources and funds toaddress all of the issues facingthe district.

“The track record with thedistrict and bureaucracy thissize, and trying to deal with36,000 students instead of 1,800students, you cannot have theattention to detail, the consis-tency, the drive and the will toeffectuate the change that isnecessary,” he said.

“There’s an institutionalinertia that’s very difficult toovercome. When you becomean autonomous charter school,you don’t have to worry aboutthat,” Shuey added. “You’restarting fresh, you’re full of pissand vinegar. You’re going to getit done.”

COST FIGURES UNCLEAR

Charter advocates came upwith one set of numbers as towhat turning CVHS into a char-ter school would cost the dis-trict; the district disclosed a dif-ferent figure. The blogospherelit up with name calling andaccusations reminiscent of fifth-graders on a playground as theparties squared off as to whosenumbers were right.

“You can make those num-bers look any way that you wantto, as is the case in a lot of dif-ferent things,” Parent FacultyClub president AlisonBacigalupo noted.

She said efforts to obtain fig-ures related to school budgetingwere met with internal confu-sion at the district offices.

“Every single time that youcall, it’s a different number.Nobody’s ever very specific,”Bacigalupo said. “It’s frustrating.The whole school funding thing,it’s so convoluted that nobodyseems to really know it.”

The district is required bylaw to hold a meeting within 30days of receipt of the charter.As of publication time, no datehas been set for a meeting.

In the meantime, SueBrothers, the new principal ofCVHS, is focused on findingsolutions to the problems plagu-ing the school.

“I think whatever happensto this charter, there’s a wholelot I can do to make the situa-tion better,” she said. “It’s reallycritical that whatever happens,every student who goes toClayton Valley has a great yearnext year. We can’t wait toaddress these things, whateverhappens with the charter.”

SALE 30% OFF� The Green Choice In Shutters� Buy Direct From Danmer� Made In USA� Installed By Factory Trained

Employees� No Subcontractors� Transferrable Warranty� Blinds, Duettes� Luminettes, Silhouettes

Offer expires 7/28/2011

Up to $500 tax credit availableon Thermalite Shutters

Over 35 years as your local source for shutters

Peter WellsMaster Designer

Clayton Valley Resident License #574304

Free Design Consultation

Call (925) [email protected]

District has 30 days to respondto CVHS charter application

DENISEN HARTLOVE

Clayton Pioneer

Lafayette - ARCHITECTURALBEAUTY! Close to downtown andwalk to THE BEST of California k-12!gorgeous custom inlaid tile, soaringhardwood ceilings, solid slab granite,custom made solid wood kitchencabinets and more!

Lovely and MeticulouslyUpdated single level beautynestled amidst spectacularviews of Mt. Diablo. 4generous bedrooms, 2 updatedbaths. Prized location!Offered at $520,000

Truly Clayton's BEST. Exquisite design - everyinch a 10+++. Gleaming plank hardwoods, solidstones, chef's kitchen, dazzling fixtures. Masterbath is like European spa! Top of the lineEVERYTHING! 4 bed/3 full baths, 2722 sf.

Call for details!

Fabulous Rancho ParaisoHome with prime courtlocation. 3 bed/3 bath withluxurious first floor masterand spa bath, office, bonusroom,gorgeous yards, patios,built-in spa, and much more!Offered at $1,050,000

Prized location!5 bedrooms/3 full baths -huge yard, sparkling pool,RV/boat parking. Beautifulinside & out! Regular sale -Offered at $625,000

www.myDynamicRealtors.com

LEIGH KLOCKRealtor®, DRE#01874255

925.212.5593

STEPHANIE LOPEZRealtor®, DRE#01370548

925.932.7329

INSPIRED REAL ESTATE

www.MtRushmorePlace.comwww.588TimerleafCt.com

Exceptional Single Level

Coming Soon

www.CaulfieldCourt.com

Coming Soon

New Price

Save the dateDana Hills

Garage SaleSept. 17

The Crossings! -WONDERFUL 3 bedroom 2bath single level home. Light,bright, open floorplan withformal living room, dining room,and fantastic court location!Wonderful Northgate schools!

Why advertise in the Pioneer?Rodie's started advertising with the Clayton Pioneer a couple of years ago, and

we have been amazed at the increased traffic into our store. I consider the CP to bea cornerstone to our growth. One of the remarkable things we realized, once we start-ed advertising with the CP is that a lot of people in Clayton did not know that weexisted. When I started to take a lot of the advertising responsibility over from myhusband, I worried that it would be hard to do, but the delightful staff at CP makesit easy. They extremely helpful and accommodating.

- Sarah Rodenburg, Rodie’s Feed & Pet Supply

Independent LivingAssisted LivingMemory Care

It’s senior living at its finest! Montecito features functional floor plans and sophisticateddesign, not to mention the amenities you’ve come to expect. From superb dining andconcierge services to spa treatments and housekeeping, our attentive staff will cater

to your every need, leaving you to enjoy life to the fullest.

Formal Dining Room

Library/Business Center

Movie Theatre

Housekeeping Services

Chauffeured Transportation

Salon & Day Spa

Fitness Center/Swimming Pool

On-Site Care/Wellness Center

Montecito is the only senior community of its kind in Concord that offers the highest levelof service imaginable with a continuum of care for your ongoing needs.

4756 Clayton RoadConcord, CA 94521

925-692-5838oakmontseniorliving.com

SSttuuddiioo,, OOnnee aanndd TTwwoo BBeeddrroooomm AAppaarrttmmeenntt HHoommeess aavvaaiillaabbllee..MMoonntthhllyy FFeeeess rraannggiinngg ffrroomm $$11,,449955 -- $$55,,999955

RCFE #075600935


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

PIONEER INFOCONTACT US

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

Tamara [email protected]

Send ads [email protected]

Send Sports News [email protected]

Send Club News [email protected]

Send Church News [email protected]

Send School News [email protected]

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

words, $.20 each additionalword

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

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

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

We will not accept any ad that dis-criminates on the basis of race, color,sex, religion, nationality, family status

or disability. The Clayton Pioneerreserves the right to reject any adver-tising we believe is unsuitable.

LET US KNOWWeddings, engagements, anniver-

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

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITORThe Clayton Pioneer welcomes

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

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

E-mail your letter in a Worddocument to [email protected]. Letters MUST be sub-mitted via E-mail.

ClassifiedGirl Gardening

Garden care, monthly pruning and

fertilizing services. Plant sugges-

tions and installation. Call or

email Nicole Hackett 673-1746,

or [email protected].

Professional Housecleaner

Dependable. Reliable. Flexible.

Honest. I will clean your home

like my own. Weekly, bi-weekly,

deep cleaning. Plenty of refer-

ences. I provide cleaning sup-

plies. Call Dawn (925) 597-0883.

WANTEDReal Estate Agents

Be Successful! Lynne French is

expanding and interviewing for a

few agents. Call her today (925)

672-8787.

Spanish Teacher

Mt. Diablo Unified School

District seeks Spanish Teacher for

the District in Concord, CA.

Teach children 9-12th grade.

Develop & implement lesson

plans that adhere to the State

adopted curriculum & stds.

Ability to address, plan, & use

appropriate instructional & learn-

ing strategies, activities, materials,

& equipment. Must have

Bachelor’s degree any field, must

pass relevant CA examinations,

and ability to obtain relevant CA

Single Subject Cred in Spanish.

Resume to Mt Diablo Unified

School District Personnel Office,

1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord,

CA 94519.

Subtenant

Seeking subtenant to share my

satellite office at 6160 Center St.,

Suite D in Clayton, to split $1,200

monthly rent. Please respond to

[email protected].

VOLUNTEERS

NEEDEDMeals on Wheels Drivers

673-0300 or e-mail

[email protected]

Help fight Hunger

Call Anna Chan at 672-1988.

Anna’s Attic Volunteers

Call 674-9072.

Hospice of the East Bay

Call Volunteer Dept. at (925) 887-

5678 or email volunteers@hos-

piceeastbay.org.

Clayton Historical Society

Museum

Call the museum at 672-0240.

Clayton Community Library.

673-9777 or email:

[email protected].

CourageDo the Right Thing

Auto

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

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

Children’s Services

Music Together of Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-3298

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

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

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

J&J’s Final Coat Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-5849

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

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

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

Dentist

Children’s Dentristy of Walnut Creek . . . . . . . . . .938-2392

Renner, Jason D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800

Rissel, Richard D.M.D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800

Dining and Entertainment

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

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

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

Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-877-8328

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

Funerals

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

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

Home and Garden

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

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

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

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

Navlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550

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

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

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

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

Retail

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

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

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

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

Travel

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

Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840

Directory of Advertisers

SERVICESFrench Tutor

MA student living in Clayton

offers French tutoring for children

and adults.

First session free, $30/hour after.

(925) 297-9344; (925) 478-9134.

$60TCU Auto Loan*

Get

with your

The School Pool TransitTicket Program will return Aug.1. The program offers compli-mentary County Connectionpunch passes to middle and highschool students to get to andfrom school. The offer is limitedto two tickets per household.

The SchoolPool program issponsored by 511 Contra Costa

in cooperation with local cities,the county, the Contra CostaTransportation Authority andthe Bay Area Air QualityManagement District.

Applications will be availableonline Aug. 1-Sept. 16 atschoolpool.org/application.

County Library Commission seeking members from Clayton

The Commission is accepting applications from two Clayton res-idents to serve as an appointed member and an alternate member.

The Library Commission is organized under the Contra CostaCounty Board of Supervisors and was created to serve in an adviso-ry capacity; provide a community linkage; establish a forum for thecommunity to express its views regarding the goals and operationsof the County Library; assist the Board of Supervisors and theCounty Librarian to provide library services based on assessed pub-lic need; and develop and recommend proposals to the Board ofSupervisors and County Librarian.

Members are appointed by the City Council from each of the 18cities (towns) in Contra Costa County and serves from July 1, 2011through June 30, 2013.

The appointed member must attend the Library CommissionMeetings and the alternate must attend meetings in the absence ofthe appointed member. Meetings are held quarterly at 7 p.m. at theContra Costa County Library Headquarters, 1750 Oak Park Blvd.,Pleasant Hill or other designated location.

Apply in person at Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail orfrom the city’s website www.ci.clayton.ca.us. For more infor-mation, call 673-7300 or email [email protected] for applications is 5 p.m. July 8.

511 Transit program offersfree rides to school


The Marsh Creek SunshineFire Station will remain openall year, at least throughOctober 2012, the East ContraCosta Fire Protection Districtannounced last month.

During the fire seasonfrom May to November, fireprotection and emergencyservices for the area are fund-ed by the state of California(CalFire), which owns andoperates the Sunshine Station.When the fire season ends in

November, fire protectionbecomes the responsibility ofEast Contra Costa FireProtection District (ECCF-PD), which contracts withCalFire to staff the station.

Last year, in an attempt tostanch the flow of red ink,ECCFPD did not renew thecontract with CalFire for theoff-season, and the stationclosed in November. Thismeant the nearest fire engineswould come from Brentwoodor Clayton, adding as much as20 minutes to response times.

Marsh Creek/MorganTerritory residents were out-raged that the district wouldfail to fund the $366,000 con-tract but still keep more than$400,000 in tax revenues gen-erated from their area. Theyorganized and formed the EastDiablo Fairness Coalition andpersuaded the district to drawon reserves and reopen thestation until CalFire took overin May of this year.

“It’s a temporary fix, at

best,” says coalition leaderCheryl Morgan.

ECCFPD is on the fasttrack to extinction. The $11.1million operating budgetadopted by the district lastmonth will require pulling $2.6million from savings just tomeet operating costs, leavingonly $600,000 in reserves. Atthat rate, the district will runout of money in two yearsunless they can find a way toraise revenue.

A plan to form a benefitassessment district wasscrapped in April, when boardmembers determined that theengineer’s reported needed tojustify the assessment wasincomplete.

The board is looking atother options to generate rev-enue, including a parcel taxthat requires a two-thirdsmajority, but they need to actfast. A parcel tax measureneeds to go to the voters nolater than May 2012 for thedistrict to see the revenue by

December 2012.The district came under

even more pressure last monthwhen the city of Brentwoodannounced it was consideringwithdrawing from ECCFPDand forming its own district.Since nearly half of the dis-trict’s revenue comes fromBrentwood, it is unlikely thatthe district could survive ifthey withdraw.

Should ECCFPD dissolve,options for the MarshCreek/Morgan Territory areaare limited. Last week, Morganissued a call to action for coali-tion members to exploreforming their own district.

“I think that Brentwood isputting the handwriting on thewall and that we better read it,”says Morgan.

The next ECCFPD boardmeeting is Monday, June 27 at6:30, Oakley City Hall, 3231Main Street, Oakley. Agendas,meeting minutes and staff reportsare at www.eccfpd.org.

Year-around fire protection for ruralresidents assured through 2012

(925) 524-51006401 Center Street Clayton CA 94517

www.diamondterrace.net

�� Painting Exhibit�� Inside and Out Wellness Booth�� Veteran’s Aid Booth�� Moving & Storage Booth

�� Photo /Memory Booth�� Free Food & Raffle Giveaways�� Photo with Uncle Sam

. . . and much more

Call (925) 262-4200

A Pre-4th of July Celebration

Limited Seats. RSVP by June 27

Friday July 1 at 4 p.m.

presented by

KNOWLEDGE � SERVICE � INTEGRITY � RESULTSPete Laurence, Broker, Realtor, GRI

2950 Buskirk Avenue, Ste. 140, Walnut Creek

Direct 940-2777 � Cell 890-6004 � Fax 937-0150 DRE#00344166

This custom “Country-Tudor” home built in 2002 has

5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 4,025 square feet plus 500 more in

a basement for storage! From a stone column entry with

parking for 9 cars, to a huge marble entry, 10’ ceilings,

3 fireplaces, a gourmet granite kitchen, beautiful formal

dining room, to its Master Suite with his & hers walk-in

closets, this home is filled with upgrades galore and

casual elegance.

Located 3 doors from Mt. Diablo state park it has awe-

some views of Mt. Diablo, the surrounding hills and

over Clayton to the Sacramento River & Napa hills

beyond. A 9-Hole putting green, it’s own regulation

horseshoe pit, granite outdoor kitchen with Bar and

BBQ, a 9’x12’ inground Spa, a burning pit, Barn, rose

garden, room for a pool, and it’s own secluded meadow

and trails for your own fully landscaped private park!

For a personal showing, call PETE at 890-6004.

Clayton estate home on 1.26 acres, only $1,149,000

Price Reduced

Opportunity is Knocking on Your Door!

John & Jesse Hunt

[email protected]

Local Builder for

over 25 years

Clayton Residents

www.h-lbuilders.com

Expertise in:

� HOME ADDITIONS� REMODELS� KITCHENS� BATHS

General Contracting Services

Free Design Consultations

and Estimates

CA. Lic. # 923479-B

Pittsburg Office:2211 Railroad Ave.Pittsburg, CA 94565Phone: (925) 432-4211www.LittornoLaw.com

Clayton Office:6160 Center St., Suite DClayton, CA 94517Phone: (925) [email protected]

LLaaww OOffffiicceess ooffRRiicchhaarrdd AA.. LLiittttoorrnnooLLeeggaall SSeerrvviicceess::�� PPrroobbaattee aanndd TTrruusstt AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn

aanndd LLiittiiggaattiioonn�� LLiivviinngg TTrruussttss aanndd WWiillllss�� MMeeddii--CCaall && VVAA PPllaannnniinngg�� EEllddeerr AAbbuussee LLiittiiggaattiioonn�� CCoonnsseerrvvaattoorrsshhiippss�� TTaaxx PPllaannnniinngg�� GGeenneerraall BBuussiinneessss TTrraannssaaccttiioonnss�� AAsssseett PPrrootteeccttiioonn SSttrraatteeggiieess

Since 1979

A major home developer haspurchased the property locallyknown as Seminary Hill and willgo ahead with the 24-home lux-ury development that was origi-nally approved as Diablo Pointein 2004.

The 24-acre subdivision isabove Rialto Drive in RegencyWoods and includes 5.5 acres ofcreekside property along ElPortal Drive that will be dedicat-ed open space. The new ownershave renamed the projectDiablo Estates at Clayton.

The original developer,Lemke Construction, put in thestreets and other majorimprovements before the cur-rent recession forced the prop-erty into foreclosure.

Toll Brothers Home Buildersbought the property last yearand will proceed with the devel-opment, which has requiredextensive corrections to thegrading done by Lemke.

There are 6 floorplans andthe homes will range from 3,500to 4,900 sq. ft., smaller than the5,933 sq. ft. homes originally

proposed. The smaller size is toallow for more usable back yardspace, said Rick Nelson, repre-sentative from Toll Brothers.

The homes will follow clas-sic Spanish and Mediterraneandesign, with many built aroundcentral courtyards. The projectwill include single-story, two-story and split-level floorplans.

The developers are askingthe city to modify the setback

requirements to leave room forfront porches. Rear yards willinclude view fencing across theback, and lot lines will be stag-gered with a low profile as seenfrom Marsh Creek Road.

“The homes are designed tofit into the hillside with minimalvisibility from below,” saidNelson.

There will be one modelhome, which should be com-plete by November.

Toll Brothers to go ahead withSeminary Hill development

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

Grading is nearly completed on Seminary Hill where TollBrothers Home Builders plans to build 24 luxury homes. This two story is one of six floor plans planned for thedevelopment.

Always Fresh, Always Italian� Traditional & specialty ravioli� Fresh, homemade pasta� The best focaccia this

side of the Atlantic� Homemade Cannoli

every Saturday

Items change dailyEat in or take out

4375 Clayton Road, Suite G, ConcordNearest cross street Treat

Tue through Sat 10 am - 7 pm

Owned and operated by Clayton residentsCarol and Jim Rackel Tami and Ernie Campora

(925) 689-3819

Picnic bags forClayton/Concord

Concerts in the Park$9.99 Includes:

� Choice of Entrée� Choice of One Side Dish� Focaccia Bread� Cookie� Utensils & TableclothCall ahead to place your order

Ahh …summer! Twelveweeks of bliss. Hanging outwith friends, zero schoolresponsibilities and sleeping in.

At nearly 18, I find that 12weeks fly by so quickly that bymid-August I wonder, “Wheredid the summer go?” But I’mnot too old to remember thosesummer days that could seem alittle long and the thought ofsitting around bored for a dayspurred a sudden onset of cre-ativity and good old-fashionedgoofiness.

So for the younger readersand the sanity of theirparents/caretakers, I pass on myfavorite summer pastimes thatrequire little supervision ormoney.

It seems few people fly kitesanymore. Yet they are so muchfun, inexpensive and, in ourbeautiful town, only a short

walk is required to find the per-fect flying spot.

On the crazier side, considera closet raid. Get a few friendstogether and raid each other’sclosets for the craziest clothingand accessories you can find.Put together your own special“outfit” and head into town as ifeverything is perfectly normal.Most people will look twice at a15-year-old in black Converseshoes, orange tights and a fancydress, complete with a boa andcowboy hat.

Clayton can be a bit too nor-mal and as young teens, it’s yourjob to splash things up a bit.Don’t forget to bring a camera,because you’ll want to remem-ber those crazy times.

If you like to cook, get threeitems from the pantry and seewhat amazing (and, I hope, edi-ble) creation you can make. Atthe very least, this always provesa good way of finding out whoyour friends are. (“No really,Sarah … the gefilte fish withhoney and curry powder wasreally good.”)

Or, take the Saltine chal-lenge. See if you can eat five

Saltines without any liquid in 60seconds. You won’t believe howhard this is.

Who doesn’t love Mr. PotatoHead? Make your own withtoothpicks, felt, carrot slices,olives, red licorice, whatever youcan find around the house. Ifyour mom is not the queasytype, watching them “age” in thesun is fun, too.

Maybe it’s time to rearrangeyour bedroom. You may needheavy construction equipmentto clear all that junk off thefloor, but think about the lookof shock on your parents’ faceswhen they rediscover you actu-ally have carpeting.

For a fun Family ImprovNight, select five or six unusualitems from around the houseand have each family membertake turns using one in a creativeand funny way. Warning: Setguidelines of appropriateness ifyou are a family with older andyounger children. Enough said.

Afterward, reward yourselfwith my personal favorite – ahuge ice cream sundae to sharewith friends. Pile up scoops ofice cream into a pyramid and

heap on your favorite toppings.Pass out the spoons and dig intopure summer bliss.


It was a typical, serene Fridayevening. My family and I watchedTV, with the same news itemsbeing repeated over and over. Asthe Channel 2 newscasters spokethe headline “The R Word,” itsnared my complete attention. I

didn’t know what “The R Word”was. They only referred to it as“The R Word.”

Well, I found out the answer

to my question: the R word is“retard.”

I put my attention to this,because afterwards, they showed a31-second public serviceannouncement called “NotAcceptable.” The aim of thatmessage was to not use “The R-Word” at all towards other people.

My idea is to use all words in apositive way. Words are like water– let them flow in a positive way,and you will get positive results.Using words with wrong inten-tions will have negative effects.

Respect is showing deferencetowards other things, places andpeople even when nobody islooking. We have all been taught

this at some point in our lives. Weall come from unique culturalbackgrounds, but we can all agreethat all of us deserve a certainamount of respect.

I urge you to do choose one ofthe following three options:

First, show respect because itis a positive action.

Second, stand up for thosewho are being bullied. Call outthose friends who are using offen-sive slang towards other people.

Finally, let your words comefrom positive thoughts andmotives. Words can’t physicallyhurt you, but they have the powerto destroy your heart.

Kristin AbeleDaisy AgersHenah AkbarTisiola AlatiniSamuel AlbertsenPaige AlfordHolly AllenPaige AndersonTaylor AshooKrystal AvenKyle BacigalupoRyan BaldwinMarianne BanducciDevin BanksAshlyn BartziGregory BiagiKierra BrownLiam CalkinsQueenie ChinDaniel CloughNathan CoffeyJeremy ConnellyNoelle CorreaBlake CrahanBlake DanielMitchell DanielsMarin Davis

Rachel De LongDominic Del MonteKimberly DennisAlyssa DiquattroAnna DoubMykelle D’TioleBradley FilgasIlyse FullerMichael GenrikhLaila GhannamMorgan GiacobazziSamuel GivensLauren GloeklerMatthew GrimshawSamantha GripeDiego GuerreroNicole HaleyMegan HaleyEmma HallGavin HanrattyMiranda HansenRicardo HelenaKeaton HillJordan HowardKelsey HultzThomas JohnsonAurora Johnson-Komins

Tina KarimiBrianna KearneyEmma KeneippRyan KinneyKatelyn KommerJason KreskeArianna LaihoRachel LanfranchiTaylor LealJason LeeTaylor LeongKatherine LewisDelanie LoagueLauren LudlowJacob LunsfordAllison MacaulayReagan MackeyKevin MahlmanShane MannKatherine MayhewKyle Mc CrackenConnor Mc MurdoKelsie Mc NiffAshley McNultyRyan MilliganTyler MitchellDeandre Mitchell

Casey MitchellLindsay MondlochKaitlyn MontgomeryIsabella MontijoRobert MooreMaria NaveaRyan NebekerBrianne NewellJack O’LearyGregory OlsonSarah OwenRobert ParkerBreonna PattisonKartini PratiwiSydney PurserEmily RabbittCaleb RicksHaley RiveraHenry RobichaudHaylee RodenJoshua RosenJoy Ashley RuizLauren RussellAshley SchaeferGrant SchofieldBrigid ShanleyAndrew Shuey

James SiegristCarter SmithCathryn SnyderBrandon SovikJenelle StephensRyan StickneySamuel StielowNatalie StrakaNathan SuJared SuasinMonishaa SureshBrittany SwystunMichael TheodorakisKyra TrowbridgeSamantha TurpenJared VanceDelaney WallsTanner WhiteKyle WickwareSkylar WilkinsonSarah WilliamsChristina WilsonLorenzo Yacarini

The Clayton Pioneercongratulates all the studentson their achievment.

Go fly a kite – or try theseother silly summer scenarios

Beach Club VIPMembership ULTRA Package,6 or 12 months (every bed in the salon

plus leg tanner)

$40/monthAdd Unlimited Mystic

Spray Tans for $10/mo.

Best Prices Around!

4436 Clayton Rd.Suite F, Concord, CA

687-4-Tan(687-4826)

Summe

r Specials

Bed Packages

starting at $17/mo.

No sign-up fee!

for Beach Club

VIP Members.

Let Us Light UpYour Life

Burkin Electric

Serving Contra Costa since 1991More than 30 years experienceLicensed � Lic. # C10-631523

925.212.3339www.burkinelectric.net

All work done by owner

Recess Lights & FanSpecials Call for details

Complete Landscape Design & Installation�� Lawn & Plant Installation�� Retaining Walls �� Drainage�� Paver Patio & Walkway �� Low Voltage Lighting

925-672-9955wwwwww..nniicchhoollssllaannddssccaappee..ccoomm

LLiicc.. 554422881122 FFuullllyy IInnssuurreedd

Boyce Nichols - OwnerClayton Resident

FREE ESTIMATES

PPAAIINNTT NNOOWW && SSAAVVEE!!

$200 OFF

AnyCompleteExterior

PPlluuss AAddddiittiioonnaall$$110000 OOFFFF

If contracted within 2 weeks of estimate.

Present coupon AFTER Estimate.

�� Our skilled professionals

are on time every time

�� We use Kelly-Moore

paint for a quality

& lasting paint job

If you like our LOW price,you’ll love our HIGH quality

WWW.CONTRACOSTAPAINTING.COM

Call Today For A Free In-Home Estimate!

925.676.8713

��Resid

ential

��Commerc

ial

��Rental P

roperty

WANT YOUR HOME PAINTED?

Lic#625942 Bonded

& Insured

offer expires

7/31/2011

Celine Herrera is a sixth-graderat DVMS and the latest studentreporter to join the Pioneer. Sheplays the piano and loves to write.Her favorite subject is English.

She admires Lady GaGabecause “she tells you to constantlyexpress yourself and not to letsociety put you down.”

CELINE HERRERA

DVMS REPORTER

SARAH ROSEN

TEEN SPEAK

Sarah Rosen is a junior atCVHS. You can e-mail her [email protected].

Words have power, so use them wisely

Diablo View Middle Schoolhonored its outstanding eighthgrade students at the annualAwards Assembly on June 1.

More than 130 studentswere recognized for theirachievements with certificatesfor academic excellence, serv-ice, leadership and perfectattendance.

Clayton Pioneer studentreporter Robbie Parker was sin-gled out for the school’sCommunity Service Award.

Robbie joined the Pioneer asa student reporter three yearsago when after he submitted the

winning essay in the Pioneer’sFathers Day essay contest.

Pioneer publisher, TamaraSteiner was on hand for thepresentation.

“Robbie has covered schoolevents, written profiles and fea-tures and taken on some verydifficult subjects in his column.He’s been an ambassador to thecommunity. I don’t think he’sever said ‘no’ to anything we’veasked him to do,” Steiner said.

I was really surprised anddid not expect to receive anaward for community service,”said a stunned Robbie…I was

really shocked when I heardmy name called.”

“One of the best parts ofbeing a writer at the Pioneeris getting to communicatewith the readers aboutDVMS and what is going onin our community. I am reallyappreciative of being recog-nized by you and the school.It made me feel great – likeeveryone was proud of me.My parents were really proud,for sure.

The following studentsreceived academic honorsand special recognitions from

DVMS honors outstanding students

ROBBIE PARKER


Q: Is this a good time topurchase a vacation homefor an investment?

A: I don’t think the timecould be better. For a long-term investment, real estate isa good bet. Second homeproperties have the ability topay for themselves. Ownersoften earn a profit in rentalincome. For people whoalways wanted a place at thebeach or the mountains, this isa big perk. Even if you don’twant to rent it out, this is thebest time. Here are some rea-sons:

1. The silver lining to thisslow economy is that mostvacation destinations are fullof buying opportunities.There have never been somany properties on the mar-ket.

2. Vacation home rentalshave never been more popu-lar. It is easy to rent your vaca-tion home. More consumersare choosing to stay in cozycabins and condos rather than

impersonal hotel rooms whenthey travel. As the demand hassurged, many companies havesprung up to help you rentout homes.

3. Prices are probably asgood as they get and interestrates are favorable. The longer

you wait, the likelier it is thatrates will rise.

Q: I was quoted my loanagent’s “best rate.” After heran my credit, the interestrate was higher. Could yougive me an example of howrates are affected by thecredit score?

A: Buyers are often disap-pointed that they can’t get thebest credit rate. Here is anexample from one of the bet-ter lenders dealing with abuyer’s loan with 20 percentdown.

Credit score: 720-740,additional 0.25 points. 700-719, additional 0.75 points.680-699, additional 1.5 points.660-279, additional 2.5 points.

Q: I keep hearing termssuch as “under water” and“upside down” referring topeople’s homes. Exactlywhat do these expressionsmean?

A: They mean that oneowes more money on theproperty than it is worth.With the housing marketdeclining for as long as it has,these type of terms havebecome accepted slang. Iwonder if they will make theirway into the dictionary.

Q: A close friend ofmine was arrested for drunkdriving recently. He askedme if I could use my homeas collateral for his bail andhe would pay the cash per-centage required. I reluc-

tantly agreed. The bailbond agent said they nolonger accept homes as col-lateral because they can’tbe sure of the value andpotential liens on the prop-erty. Though I was relieved,it was a puzzle. I guess thisis a sign of our times.

A: With so many homes“upside down” in value, Iguess it is.

Introducing

Reduces

�� 95% of frizz

�� Styling time

Adds SHINE and

leaves you with

healthy, beautiful,

straight hair

Call now for appointment

with Lisa: 672-5665

5429 Clayton Rd.

Express B

lowMent

ion this a

d forspec

ial

Outprice

EXPRESS

UUTTOOPPIICC GGAARRDDEENNSS

Make It Inviting!992255--552244--00005555DESIGN & INSTALLATION

LIC. NO. 898331 Fully Insured

www.UtopicGardens.com

For leisure or rental, vacation homes a wise investment

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS

Send your question and look foryour answer in a future column.Email [email protected] is the broker/owner ofWindermere Lynne French &Associates and a Clayton resident.For any real estate needs or questions,contact her at 672-878 7or stop in at6200 Center St., Clayton.

From recent conversationswith local folks, it seems to methat there is a fairly high degreeof complacency when it comesto emergency preparedness.

Some folks tell me that theywill rely on their neighbor forassistance or that they do nothave the time to attend the classon emergency preparedness asprovided by the ClaytonCommunity EmergencyResponse Team (CERT).

CERT has developed a twohour class to respond to thefolks who do not have time intheir busy schedules for the 20hour program. The two hourprogram will provide ourClayton residents with some of

the basic and essential informa-tion in getting prepared.

With the two hour classCERT is providing some of thevery basic information which weall need in an effort to be pre-pared when the emergencyoccurs. Information as to whatfoods you should have on hand,how much water we shouldhave, emergency contact infor-mation; and emergency evacua-tion plans.

CERT has coordinated withthe city to offer two classes atour library this summer. Theyare Wednesday nights, July 20and August 24. The two hoursessions will begin at 7pm in theCommunity Room of the

library. You do not have to callto make a reservation, just showup. There is no fee for this class.

CERT would like to encour-age all family members toattend. School age children ingrades 5 and above may benefitfrom this class and are mostwelcome.

So, for the folks who havetold me they do not have thetime or if you are one of thecomplacent ones, a program hasbeen developed for you. Pleasetake advantage of this opportu-nity. See you on either July 20 orAugust 24. The goal is to haveevery family prepared in theevent of an emergency.

Prepare for disaster with CERT summer classes

I think I made a huge mistake.Not long ago, I found myself

in a department store shoppingfor jeans. I usually only have twopairs of wearable jeans at anygiven time. I wear them for years,

they fall apart, I buy new ones.So anyway, I was on my

“once every four years” jeansbuying trip and I found my twopairs of normal, boring Levis“relaxed fit” jeans, which is basi-cally a nice way of saying “forguys over 35 whose metabolismisn’t what it used to be.” But thatwould be difficult to stitch on apair of jeans, so they went with“relaxed fit.” I’m walking to thedressing room when I pass a dis-play rack of “skinny” jeans. Themodels in the pictures are all hipand cool, striking defiant posesfull of vigorous abandon.

“I want a little vigorous aban-don in MY life, too!” I thought.

So I bring a pair of the skin-nies into the dressing room and

10 minutes later I’m walking outof the store with THREE newpairs of jeans.

A week later, the wife and Iare getting ready to attend acasual soirée: the perfect oppor-tunity to don my new jeans.

So anyway, I’m all dressedand we’re getting ready to leaveand I make a stop in the boy’sroom to say good night or somesuch sentiment. He sees me inmy new duds.

“You bought SKINNYjeans?”

“Yup.”“God, you look stupid.”“What do you know? You

don’t even remember to WEARpants sometimes. I look good.Dare I say, hip.”

But the boy was right,though I did not admit it tomyself until I had another occa-sion to put on the pants, thistime with my shirt tucked IN.Good Lord, I looked like a half-empty tube of toothpaste. Sooff they came and went into thebottom of the pants drawer. Justuntil I get around to flatteningmy stomach a bit.

By that time, baggy para-chute pants should be back instyle.

Herb Yonge is a volunteer withthe Clayton Police Dept. & a mem-ber of the city of Clayton CitizenCorp Council, CERT Team. Hecan be reached at 673-7355 or byemail at [email protected].

HERB YONGE

SAFETY ZONE

JOE ROMANO

SO ANYWAY

Clayton resident, Joe Romano, isa family man, a free-lance writer forhire and the Pioneer’s “all aroundfunny guy.” E-mail him [email protected]

Here’s the skinny on making a fashion statement

FFoorr rreesseerrvvaattiioonnss oorr iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn ccaallll

((992255)) 667722--99884400CCllaayyttoonn SSttaattiioonn SShhooppppiinngg CCttrr..

55443399 CCllaayyttoonn RRdd..,, SSttee.. FF

EExxppeerriieennccee tthhee ddiiffffeerreennccee!!

CST #2033054-40

The Travel to Go familywelcomes our newestmember -Monica Fraga.She joins our long timestaff Sarah Bingenheimer(15 years), Pat Fraga (26 years), Monica Fraga,Becky Estenson (17 years),& Vicki Hufford (18 years). Please stop in to say hello to Monica and reacquaint with our other travel counselors.


Clayton’s newest fanMy name is Scott Rowe. I

am 13 years old and the oldestof 7 children. My family and Iare from Charleston, SouthCarolina. We have been livingin Clayton for the past 5 weeks.

My dad, Jeff Rowe is a structur-al engineer with InfrastructureEngineers, Inc. His companywon a contract with Caltrans toperform underwater inspectionsfor several bridges in the bayarea. The work was going totake 6 weeks to complete, so …

we rented a house on MitchellCanyon Road here in Clayton tolive in.

My family and I immenselyenjoy the town of Clayton. Ithas almost become home to us.It is situated perfectly, close toSan Francisco and other majorcities yet also in a rural area.There are plenty of stores andthings to do within easy drivingdistance. Clayton also has someof the best parks, trails and play-grounds in the area. My familyalso enjoyed the Memorial Dayprogram in downtown.Clayton Valley Church, wherewe have been attending, the ter-rific library (my younger broth-ers and sister adore their bookbuddy on Wednesdays) and thequaint downtown of Claytonagainst the backdrop of Mt.Diablo have made this one ofour favorite towns. If we comeback to the Bay Area, we will atleast come and visit Claytonagain.

– Scott Rowe

Setting the record straightI would like to thank you and

your staff for the great job incovering the Memorial Dayservice honoring our veterans. Iwas mistakenly identified as aveteran in the picture withVietnam veteran, Steve Barton.

Being from a veterans’ fami-ly whose dad was in the navy;two brothers in the Army – onethat served in Vietnam, I amhonored to stand amidst thegreat women and men that havegiven so much.

The cap that I wore, with theblue back ground and the goldinsignia, represents “The Sonsof the American Legion” Post136 in Stockholm, Maine.

As a result of an accident inmy early teens, I was not able toenter the armed forces. So Ideeply regret that I cannot becalled a veteran. I felt it was myduty as an American to set therecord straight, and not take thathonor from a true veteran.

– Lewie Dixon

The concept behind reversemortgages is nothing new.They provide a way for thosewho are retired or about toretire to generate cash flowbased on the value of theirhome. The terminology maysound confusing, but a reverse

mortgage is considered a loanto the individual—similar to ahome equity loan.

A reverse mortgage is anoption for retirees to tap intothe equity they’ve accumulatedon their home, particularly ifthe mortgage is paid off or ifthe balance on the mortgage islow. But reverse mortgages cantake different forms, and it’simportant for homeowners toclearly understand the terms ofany agreement they consider.

Given the financial strainmany retirees feel today as aresult of the volatile invest-ment markets of recent yearsand despite the fact that homevalues were hard hit in recentyears, curiosity about reversemortgages remains high.Retired homeowners who arelooking for income in additionto what they will receive fromretirement plan savings, pen-sions and Social Security oftenconsider this option to help

meet their financial needs inretirement.

KEY FACTS ABOUT REVERSE

MORTGAGES:A reverse mortgage allows

one to receive income based onhis or her home’s value whilecontinuing to own and live inthe home.

Reverse mortgages are typi-cally limited to individuals age62 and older.

CREMATION �� BURIALSCATTERINGCASKETS �� URNSPre Need Services AvailableNo Membership FeesServing the Entire Bay Area

Simple .. Dignified. Affordable.

FD2103 - Family-Owned and Operated

AcaciaCCrreemmaattiioonn aanndd BBuurriiaall SSoocciieettyy

“Caring for People – Honoring Lives”

www.AcaciaSociety.comOffice Address: 1205 A Street,

Antioch, CA 94509

24/7 Toll Free Phone: (877) 916 4779

COMPLETE CREMATIONSERVICE: $899

HELPING TO PREPARE & PROTECT YOUR

FINANCIAL FUTURE WITH PRODUCTS

DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS…

Long term care insurance is underwritten byGENWORTH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY©2009 Genworth Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. 47244CA 11/11/09

LONG TERM CARE INSURANCEKen SnyderLong Term Care Insurance agentCA license OH12142

[email protected]/kennethsnyder

Office: 925.975.5255home & fax: 925.672.0541email: [email protected]

DRE#00906625

Patty FlanneryYour local neighborhood REALTOR

since 1986

Less than 10 min. from

Clayton

Randall E. Chang, DDS, Inc.

Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry

3050 Citrus Cir., #110, Walnut Creek

We Specialize in the Treatment ofInfants, Children and Young Adults

Visit our HIGH-TECH OFFICE � Paperless Charts, � Flat Screen TVs� Digital X-Rays

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends

that children see their dentist by their first birthday.

Mention the Clayton Pioneer & receive awith new patient visit!

(925) 938.2392www.cd-wc.com

MURELEEN BENTON

FINANCIAL SENSE

Is a reverse mortgage a soundoption for retirement income?

See Financial, page 12

It takes great compassionand the ability to communi-cate easily to be a funeraldirector. Client families recog-nize and appreciate these traitsin Rob Strickland.

“I enjoy helping people getthrough difficult situations,”says Strickland, who has morethan 20 years of experience infuneral operations and cur-rently owns Acacia Cremationand Burial Society, serving theBay Area since March 2010.

“He was very patient, verycaring,” Lisa Bradshaw says.“He went a step beyond” bybeing willing to meet any timeor place to help her familymake funeral arrangementsfor a loved one.

Strickland learned byexample from his family tohelp others. He recalls doingchores for his grandmotherand painting a great aunt’s

house after she became wid-owed.

He started in the funeralbusiness by answering an ad foran administrative assistant posi-tion for a cremation society in1989.

He was born in WalnutCreek and raised in Clayton. Hetook accounting and business

management classes at DiabloValley College.

He traveled from SanDiego to San Francisco andWashington. Over the yearsand miles, his work rangedfrom the furniture business toreal estate and the restorationof cemeteries and chapels.

“Along the way, I havealways helped people planfunerals,” Strickland says.

After returning to Clayton,he established the AcaciaSociety to offer many ways tohelp honor each unique life.

Like the acacia tree, thereare many varieties of peopleand, Strickland says, “manyways people work throughtheir life.”

Strickland’s goal is to helppeople realize the options theyhave for funeral services andto make those options afford-able so the decision is “moreof a choice of what theywould like to have” instead ofone dictated by price.

The options encompassmore than a funeral home.Services can be at a church,home or cemetery. Stricklandstays current on trends andcan offer special touches like abutterfly release. Acacia alsocan arrange burial services ordirect cremation for peoplewho prefer no ceremony.

Strickland contracts out forcremation and services nowbut plans to one day have afull-service funeralhome/chapel and crematory.

The hours of the funeralbusiness are long and thenature somber. As a result,Strickland finds himselfincreasingly aware of his ownmortality and values otherpeople more.

He spends his free timehiking or catching a comedymovie to stay fresh.

For more information, visit acaciasociety.com.

Acacia branches out for grieving families

up (and who doesn’t want thattoday?). So send me your emailswith your name, address and aline indicating support [email protected]. And thengo out and recruit your friendsand neighbors and make surethey email me also. This is ourshot at changing our school forthe better so be part of the solu-tion.

Many of you have asked mewhat is next in the process? Well,the charter petition was complet-ed, over 80 percent of the teach-ers voted for conversion (and ahuge standing ovation for anoverwhelming number of teach-ers who went out on a limb andvoted to “Do the Right Thing”),and the petition was turned in tothe district on June 9. The dis-trict now has 30 days to set apublic hearing, which we antici-pate will be the end of June andthe date may have already beenset by the time you read this col-umn. However, if not, pleasecheck the CVCHS website athttps://sites.google.com/site/claytonvalleycharterhighschool/home or go to Facebook and searchClayton Valley Charter HighSchool (IP address is too longand goofy to print here). Checkthis regularly as we anticipate wewill not get much notice and wewill need all of you who cancome to attend this meeting and

voice your support. The web-sites will also give you furtherinformation about what you cando to help push this cause,including emailing the schoolboard members. It will not beeasy, but we can do this with yourhelp.

And finally, a really big shout-out and hearty congratulations toour city maintenance staff uponthe completion of the fountainremediation project. We gotmore than a few emails about theearly appearance and a few onhow long this project took, but Idouble dog dare you to send anemail saying the finished projectisn’t just awesome! Our boysknow what they are doing and wehave gotten numerous emailssaying how much people love thenew look. Add the benefit ofmore drought resistant and lowermaintenance landscaping and wehit another home run. Thanksguys!

Do you have pet peeves? Doyou have them about Claytoniansor our city? Well, if you do sendthem to me so that I can poten-tially include them in my upcom-ing pet peeve column!

In honor of summer, thegreat Will Rogers once said,“Never kick a cow chip on a hotday.” Email me [email protected].

PAMELA WIESENDANGER

Clayton Pioneer

ROB STRICKLAND

Mayor, from page 1

Letters to the Editor


The Clayton home of Boband Sherry Mazza was buzzingJune 7 when Chris Mazza wasdrafted by the MinnesotaTwins and later that same dayyounger brother Nick Mazzagraduated from Clayton ValleyHigh School and looked aheadto beginning his collegiatefootball career at SacramentoState.

Bob Mazza understates thatit “was a good day in theMazza house.” The familymoved to Clayton in 1990, theyear after Chris was born.Oldest brother Anthony isnow 28, while Nick is 18.

Chris is pitching in NorthCarolina this summer for theWilmington Sharks of theCoastal Plains League, thenation’s hottest collegiate sum-mer league featuring woodenbats. He was selected in the27th round of the MajorLeague Baseball Draft by theTwins, the 838th player takenoverall.

“On behalf of the entireSharks organization, I wouldlike to congratulate Chris onhis selection in the MajorLeague Baseball Draft,” saidWilmington general managerAndrew Aguilar said. “He hasbeen a great player with usboth last season and this sea-son, and we wish him the bestin the future.”

According to his parents,Chris will sign a pro contractwith the American Leaguefranchise within the next

month. Twins scouts willwatch him pitching for theSharks and then negotiationswill begin. The rookie league

he would be playing in for theTwins starts this week andcontinues through September.

Chris just completed a fab-ulous junior season at MenloCollege, where he earnedNAIA West All-Star kudoswhile batting .337 as a short-stop, starting all 48 games forthe Oaks and also pitching in19 of the games while earninga school record nine saves.

The Twins drafted Chris asa relief pitcher and do notwant him playing in the fieldthis summer. Chris was apitcher in Clayton Valley LittleLeague and Pony League butdidn’t pitch at CVHS or duringhis freshman year at Menlo. Hethrew just under 30 innings forMenlo this spring.

After his freshman year incollege, he played in a collegesummer league and beganpitching, which he continuedfor the past two college andsummer seasons at Menlo andWilmington, respectively. TheTwins will be getting a very livearm with Chris, who is 21 andweighs 175 pounds. He hasgrown four inches to 6-4 sinceleaving Clayton Valley, wherehe played for Casey Coakley

his junior and senior seasonsas the team reached the NorthCoast Section playoff semi-finals both seasons.

More than a dozen formerCVHS ball players have beendrafted by MLB teams, themost recent being the Gorgentwins, Scott and Matt, who areboth sitting out this seasonafter having Tommy John sur-gery on their pitching arms.Among the other CVHS play-ers drafted in pro baseball areDamon and Justin Mashore,Lance Daniels, Adam Elliott,Zach Wells, Pat Tozier, RonOlson, Brent Nichols andBrian Beinfest. Clyde Mashore,father of Damon and Justin,signed with Cincinnati rightout of CVHS in 1964 beforethere was an MLB draft.

Youngest brother NickMazza was accepted as arecruited walk-in for theSacramento State footballteam, which plays in NCAADivision 1 FootballChampionship Subdivision aspart of the Big SkyConference. Because he is noton scholarship, Nick can’treport to football practice untilthe first day of school on Aug.

29. That’s just days before theteam’s opening game Sept. 3 atOregon State.

Most freshmen footballplayers redshirt so the late startmay not be too big of a disad-vantage for Nick. Eagles foot-ball coach Herc Pardi explainsthat players now need to beinvited to even tryout for col-lege football teams.

Nick was featured last fallin the Pioneer as a two-waylineman for CVHS in anAthlete Spotlight. His positioncoach, Paul Reynaud, said ofhim: “Nick is a fantastic, high-energy guy. His engine has onespeed and that is all out, all thetime. He is a great leader onand off the field and is alwaystrying to make the guys aroundhim better.”

The Mazza name will con-tinue to play a prominent roleat Clayton Valley next year ascousin Domenic Mazza will bein his senior year after helpingpitch the Eagles baseball teamto the NCS baseball champi-onship game as well as makinga name for himself interna-tionally by reaching the finalsof the World Long DriveChampionships last fall.

“Over andabove yourexpectations”

2010 recipient of 7 national Customer

Service AwardsConcordVia de Mercados* 689-1739Fremont St.* 686-1739Walnut CreekN. Broadway* 210-1739N. Main* 979-1739

Brentwood* 634-6366Antioch 755-1739Pittsburg 432-9910

*Open Saturdays

7 locations to serve youAll (925) Area Code

24 hr. Towing Service(925) 822-2494

Clayton Sports

5300 Clayton Rd,

Concord, CA �� 925.689.4631925.689.4631

visit: visit: claytonvalleybowl.comclaytonvalleybowl.com

Clayton Valley

BowlClayton Valley

Bowl

Digital Thunder Glow Bowling5 BIG DVD SCREENS

Ask about High End Digital Private PartiesFRI 4 pm - 6 pm (kids), 10 pm - 1 am, Sat 10 pm - 1 am

Freaky Funday on Sundays 5pm to midnight - $6 cover charge gets you $1-games, shoes, hotdogs, sodas & small beers.

Nifty $1.50 Nights for everyone$1.50 games, Mon. thru Thu. 9pm to midnight

ALL SUMMERMon. thru Fri. 10am to 5pm

Kid’s bowl for $2.50/game

AOSL PRESENTSAll Out Sports League

ALL DAY CAMPS(Day Care), ages 4 –146/13 - 8/12,

7 a.m. – 6 p.m., daily

CHEER CAMPAges 4-146/28 - 6/30 ,

9 a.m. – noon, daily

JUNIOR GOLF CLINICAges 7-14

6/27 - 7/1, 6 - 8 p.m., daily

YOUTH ETIQUETTEBOOTCAMPAges 7-12

7/7 - 7/28, 6 - 7:30 p.m., weekly

BASKETBALL LEAGUEAges 4-147/9 - 8/20, noon - 5 p.m., Sat.

FLAG FOOTBALL CAMPAges 5-147/11 - 7/14, 9 a.m. – noon, daily

YOUTH VOLLEYBALLLEAGUEAges 8-16Season from 7/16 - 8/27

RegistrationInformation –

or call (925) 203-5626www.alloutsportsleague-clayton.com

10u Boys Travel TeamBaseball Registration -

NOW OPEN

Where kids GO ALL OUT

Mazza brothers prepare for their sports futures

June 7 is certainly a day the Mazza family of Clayton will never forget after middle son Chris Mazza (left) was drafted by the Minnesota Twins of Major LeagueBaseball and youngest son Nick (right) graduated later that evening from Clayton Valley High School. He aims to make Sacramento State football team this fallas a walk-in.

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

MDSA Vortex play in five AYSOtournament championship games

Photo courtesy MDSA

MDSA VORTEX ENDED THE AYSO SOCCER TOURNAMENT SEASON with four championships andone second-place finish as the local under 12 girls team won titles at the ComstockShootout, PHMSA Soccer Fest, Area 2C/2D Select Tournament and Pacifica Fog Classic. Theteam was runner-up at Concord Cup XVIII. Vortex includes, front row from left, LaurenSchmidt, Brianna Simeone, Sammie Bush, Caitlin O’Leary, Maddie Annison; back row, coachKim Apana, Judy Audas, Devin Jones, Alina Weigelt, Alli Moody, Jacyln Aragon, LizzieAnnison, Cassie Bizicki and coach Kevin O’Leary.

Photo by Skip Ely, courtesy Menlo College


Oakhurst County Club andClayton were well representedwhen De La Salle High Schoolwas crowned champion at theNor Cal Golf Championships.Junior Brandon Roberts andfreshmen Jason Hurtz andJustin Nuval all played roles forthe Spartans in this spring’s titlerun.

DLS Coach Leo Lopozwent into the season countingon Roberts as a key componentof the team. “It was his thirdyear on varsity and his brotherAndrew also had been on ourteam,” he noted. “Brandon wasa fairly experienced, seasonedgolfer coming into high schoolsince he’d already played inmany tournaments. As a junior,he helped the team with hismaturity. He knows what he’sgood at and what his limita-tions are.”

Nuval and Hurst started onthe junior varsity and that’swhere the coach expected theywould stay during their firstyear. “We have a very deep pro-gram but Jason and Justin werethrown into the competition,

kept going at it and took advan-tage of their opportunities toplay their way into the lineup.They were each in the rightplace at the right time,” Lopozsaid. The DLS grad is in hisseventh year coaching golf andfifth year as athletic director athis alma mater.

De La Salle plays in the EastBay Athletic League against anumber of schools with topgolf programs. During the end-of-season tournaments, EBALfoes Foothill, Monte Vista,Amador Valley and San RamonValley were neck and neck com-peting with De La Salle.

The Spartans top individualgolfer, Jonathan De Los Reyes,was foiled in his bid for a thirdstraight EBAL individual titlewhen he was a shot behindwinner Nick Galletti ofFoothill, which also took theleague meet title by five strokesover DLS. The two teams hadtied in the dual meet standingsat 12-2.

The Spartans won theNorth Coast Section Division 1qualifier meet with San RamonValley and Amador Valley sec-ond and third. Then at the NCSTournament of Champions,

Foothill captured the title withDLS runner-up, setting upanother showdown at NorCals.

The NCGA/CIF NorthernCalifornia Golf Champion-ships were held at Butte CreekCountry Club in Chico. Thefinal results couldn’t have beenany tighter as De La Salle pre-vailed by a single stroke overboth Foothill and Robert LouisStevenson of Pebble Beach.The Spartans score of nineover par 369 edged its closesttwo pursuers at 370. Showingthe strength of the EBAL,Monte Vista finished seventh inthe elite 13-team field. De LosReyes and Justin Pagila bothshot even par 72s whileRoberts, Nuval and Thompsonall scored 75 for the champs.Hurtz was the sixth golfer forDLS.

Winning NorCal earned DeLa Salle a place in the CIF StateChampionships earlier thismonth at Poppy Hills GolfCourse at Pebble Beach. Thetop three teams each fromNorCal and SouCal squared offin the State finals. DLS endedup fourth behind winnerTorrey Pines of San Diego andtheir NorCal rivals host

Stevenson and Foothill. Amongthe two SouCal teams De LaSalle finished above wasServite, which lost the StateOpen Division CIF footballchampionship to the Spartanslast December.

De Los Reyes was the lowscorer for DLS at state with a74. The two freshmen team-mates from Clayton each card-ed 82.

De La Salle won the 2006state championship and fin-ished third the next year.

Roberts was disqualified atthe state tournament when hedidn’t notice that his playingpartner had marked an incor-rect score (75 instead of 74) forRoberts on his card. TheClayton golfer went to the tour-nament officials to advise themof the error and was DQ’d.Coach Lopoz says of Roberts,“We’re lucky to have him thesepast three years and have onemore to come.”

This summer, Hurtz andNuval will be competing for theOakhurst Bay Cities team runby Bob Ament. Roberts willplay in summer and fall tourna-ments around the country as amember of Oakhurst.

Clayton Sports DAMON MASHORE PROMOTED TO MANAGER

OF ANGELS FARM TEAM

Clayton Valley High grad Damon Mashore was recently namedmanager of the Inland Empire 66ers. The hitting coach of theAnaheim Angels California League team, Mashore replaced TomGamboa who left the team for family reasons early this month. In 2007Mashore was manager for the Missoula Osprey, Rookie Level PioneerLeague affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since then he has beena hitting coach in the Angels system including the last three years withthe Halos’ High A 66ers affiliate in the Cal League.

Mashore played in the major leagues from 1996-98 with theOakland A’s and the Angels, tallying eight career home runs, 41 RBIand a .249 lifetime batting average. He was originally a ninth round pickof the A’s out of the University of Arizona in the 1991 draft. Mashorewas the 1988 Athlete of the Year at CVHS. His dad Clyde was a majorleaguer with Cincinnati and Montreal and his younger brother Damon(CVHS 1991 Athlete of the Year) is currently a coach for the TorontoBlue Jays minor league team in New Hampshire.

KARA KOHLER EARNS POST-SEASON HONORS FOR CAL CREW

Clayton’s Kara Kohler is one of four California women’s crewmembers named Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association All-Americans recently. Mary Jeghers and sophomore Kohler were selectedto the first team, while Elise Etem and Kristina Lofman made the sec-ond team. All four Golden Bears from the varsity 8+ boat also earnedAll-Pac-10 recognition.

This is the second time that Jeghers and Kohler, a 2009 grad ofClayton Valley High School, have been recognized as All-Americans.Jeghers and Kohler won the gold medal for the United States in theeight at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Brest, Belarus,last summer. Kohler also garnered Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year hon-ors in 2010 and was named to the CRCA All-West Region team this sea-son as well. The Bears ended their season with a third-place finish at theNCAA Championships. They had previously won their fourth straightPac-10 Championship.

YOUTH SUMMER REC STARTS THIS MONTH AT CLAYTON GYM

The comprehensive Clayton Youth Summer Slam program offeredby All Out Sports League at Clayton Community Gym is underway.Reservations are still being accepted for junior golf clinic, youth basket-ball and volleyball leagues, summer day camp, cheer camp, indoor floorhockey league and flag football camp. Summer programs run throughAug. 20.

For more information call (925) 203-5626 or to register for any programoffered by All Out Sports at the gym, visit alloutsportsleague-clayton.com.

FINAL CLAYTON VALLEY FALCONS CHEER,FOOTBALL SIGNUP DATES

Clayton Valley Falcons cheerleading and football signups are openonline at cvaafalcons.com. Football is open for players 7-14 years ofage while cheerleading begins for five-year-olds. The final in-personsignup session is Thursday, July 7, 6-8 p.m. at Mountain Mike’s Pizza onClayton Rd. in Concord.

Complete information on the Falcons football and cheer programs is available atcvaafalcons.com.

LAST CV BASEBALL SUMMER CAMP NEXT WEEK

Three-time DVAL champion Clayton Valley High Eagles coachesand players will present their final Summer Baseball Camp starting nextMonday, June 27 through June 30 at the Concord school. The programMonday through Thursday is for boys and girls 7-15, from beginners toadvanced players. Camp Director Bob Ralston says current collegeplayers and student coaches from Clayton Valley provide positive rolemodels and give hands-on instruction.

For more information or to register for the final summer camp session visit eagle-baseballacademy.com.

PRE-SEASON SUMMER CAMP FOR MDSA PLAYERS

Boys and girls in Mt. Diablo Soccer are invited to AYSO Pre-SeasonCamp Aug. 1-4 at Boatwright Fields in Concord. Diablo FC will havean all-star coaching staff including St. Mary’s College head coach AdamCooper, Cal Berkeley goalkeeper coach Henry Foulk, Brazilian WorldCup legend Sissi and 5-time NCS champion coach Brian Voltattorni onhand for the sessions. The camp is open to all AYSO players as they getready for their 2011 fall league season.

Registration and information is available at diablofc.org.

FORMER MLS PLAYER TEACHING GOAL SCORING SKILLS THIS SUMMER

Former college and professional star Marquis White will be offeringa shooting and skills soccer camp this summer in two sessions atBoatwright Fields in Concord. The camp is for all Under 10 throughU13 boys and girls interested in improving their attacking skills andbecoming a more dynamic player. White played in Major League Soccerfor the Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution. He’s nowTechnical Director of Diablo FC. Sessions will July 11-14 and July 25-28. For complete details and to register visit diablofc.org.

NEW 10 UNDER BASEBALL TEAM FORMING IN CLAYTON

All Out Sports League 10 Under travel baseball team based inClayton is now taking signups. The team will play in tournamentsthroughout Northern California and Nevada and practice at ClaytonCommunity Park. Tryouts for the 2012 season will be held Sept. 4 andOct. 9 from 3–6 p.m. There is no fee to tryout. Players need to beborn after April 30, 2001 in order to qualify for the U10 age group.

For more information call (925) 203-5626 or visit alloutsportsleague-clayton.com.

DIABLO FC U8 SOCCER ACADEMY SESSION BEGINS THIS WEEK

A new comprehensive soccer program for girls and boys 6-8 yearsof age has been introduced with the Diablo FC U8 Academy. Thenewest session is running on Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 28(there will be no sessions July 1-11) at Boatwright Sports Complex inConcord. New players are invited to attend a session. Camp DirectorBrian Voltattorni says the Academy is a developmental soccer programthat will include psycho-motor skills, coordination exercises, technicaltraining with the ball and free play. The Academy is scheduled so thatplayers can also participate in an AYSO recreation program during thefall. For complete details and to register visit diablofc.org.

STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR MD SOCCER FALL LEAGUE WAITLIST

Mt. Diablo Soccer is still accepting applications for fall league. Thelocal AYSO recreation soccer program, Mt. Diablo Soccer encouragesfamilies with children 4 -18 years of age to visit its website at mdsoc-cer.org and sign up. Children must be at least four-years-old by July 31,2011 to play this fall season. Some age groups may only be acceptingplayers on wait list.

For more information email Mt. Diablo Soccer at [email protected] on fees and volunteer requirements are on the website. Team practicesbegin as early as Aug. 1.

Sports Shorts

Photo courtesy De La Salle golf team

Oakhurst Country Club and Clayton provided half the golfers for the Northern California high school championship golf teamfrom De La Salle. The Spartan team includes, from left, Justin Nuval, Justin Pagila, Jonathan De Los Reyes, Brandon Roberts,Ryan Thompson, Jason Hurtz and coach Leo Lopoz. Nuval, Roberts and Hurtz all call Oakhurst their home course.

Clayton trio helps De La Salle to Nor-Cal high school golf championship

Sarah Enemark will beenrolling at Clayton ValleyHigh School this fall but she’llhave fond memories of her lastyear on the St. BonaventureCYO Track and Field team andher final Oakland Diocesemeet at James Logan HighSchool in Union City lastmonth.

Sarah capped her St.Bonnie’s career with a busy dayat the Diocese meet with asecond place in the 200-meterdash, third place in the 200 andfourth as part of the 4x400relay and sprint medley relayteams. This left the 4x100 relaywhere Enemark was joined byteammates Maya Ceballos,

Sancianna Silvera and KatieKern to win the gold medal inthe relay with a time of 53.82.

St. Bonaventure head coachDarren Newell added aboutSarah and other 8th graders onthe team, “When you factor inthe leadership of the 8th gradekids in showing the youngergrades what it is to work hard,

experimenting with variousevents that were out of theircomfort zone and putting inthe time and effort to allow foran opportunity to succeed, itbrings that much more joy tothe program. The youngergrades look up to the 8th gradekids, and they not only led byexample, but showed the othergrades how to have fun.”

Rocco’s and the ClaytonPioneer congratulate SarahEnemark and reward herachievement with a $25 giftcertificate to Rocco’sRistorante & Pizzeria, 2909Ygnacio Valley Rd., WalnutCreek.

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 [email protected].

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

AthleteSpotlight

Name: Sarah Enemark

Age: 14

Sport: TrackTeam: St. Bonaventure CYO

Track and Field


Cal baseball was twicedoomed to a death sentenceduring the past year but notonly have the Golden Bearsrescued the program for yearsto come but they also didsomething the school’s teamhadn’t done since 1992 byreaching the College WorldSeries in Omaha this week.

And two 2009 ClaytonValley High School grads,Darrel Matthews and VinceBruno, are playing key rolesfor the Bears.

Bruno and Matthews dou-ble the number of formerEagles to play in the CollegeWorld Series. CVHS Hall ofFame inductee Bud Beemerplayed in the 1965 CWS forWashington State after hebegan his collegiate career atCal. More than four decadeslater, Scott Gorgen pitched forUC Irvine when the Anteatersmade their first CWS appear-ance in 2007.

Sophomores Bruno andMatthews have seen lots ofplaying time this year for Caland head coach David Esquer.Bruno, who split his timebetween the outfield, first baseand designated hitter, started43 games prior to the WorldSeries while batting .301.Matthews has played errorlessball in the outfield while hit-ting .275 in his 40 starts among47 games played.

Cal’s baseball program wasone of five sports targeted tobe eliminated last fall as theuniversity dealt with a largedeficit in its athletic depart-ment budget. Early this year,three of the sports werespared the ax but men’s gym-nastics and baseball stayed onthe chopping block. All of theturmoil and uncertainty uni-fied rather than destroyed theteam. In April, it wasannounced that team boostersand alumni like formerNational League MVP JeffKent helped raise $9 million tosave the program.

On the field, the Bears gotout of the gate fast and wereranked nationally for most ofthe season. They were unseed-ed going into the HoustonRegionals but won four of five

games, including an incredible9-8 victory with a four-runninth inning rally, to walk offwith the Regional title. Then apair of easier victories over

Dallas Baptist in the SantaClara Super Regional thrustthe Bears back to the series forthe fifth time in school history.

They lost to top-seeded

Virginia last Sunday in theCWS opening round. Also intheir bracket were defendingchampion South Carolina andTexas A&M. It’s not surprisingthat A&M would be in theBears bracket as all but one oftheir games in the twoRegionals was against a Texasschool.

Cal won the first-everCollege World Series in 1947,defeating Yale with an infieldernamed George H. W. Bushplaying for the Bulldogs. TheBears returned in 1957, led bythe legendary Jackie Jensen tofinish third and then didn’t getback to the series until 1980and 1992, both seventh-placefinishes.

Bruno and Matthews werestrong members of the 2009CV North Coast Section titlewinning team and hope they’llbe adding another title to theirresume this weekend. Until’09, CVHS had never won theNCS baseball title in its 50-year history so the Bears base-ball championship droughtsince 1947 won’t faze the localplayers.

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

� Tree Service – ISA Certified Arborist on Staff

� Clayton Resident

Commercial & Residential

Design InstallationMaintenance

License # 958849

Vineyard Shopping Center5100 Clayton Rd., Concord

ph: 925-689-6245

Clayton/Concord Location:

Vineyard Shopping Center5100 Clayton Rd., Concord

ph: 925-689-6245

Store Hours

Mon - Fri

8 am - 7 pm

Sat

9 am - 5 pm

You don’t need anappointment.

A notary is on staff whenthe store is open

The UPS StoreThe UPS StoreIndependently owned and operated

BBrruuccee&& ZZooeeyy

BBrruuccee && HHoollllyy LLiinnsseennmmeeyyeerrClayton residents

OOffffiiccee:: ((992255)) 667722--22770000Cell: (925) 956-8605

State of California B.E.A.R l license #A44842

http://ApplianceRepairsbyBruce.com

35 years ExperienceWe repair all major appliances, most majorbrands, andwe’re local

Clayton Sports

� Remodeling� Windows/Doors� Crown Molding� Decks � Overhangs� Siding� Trim

Clayton Resident

Noel O’ Meara925.518.0821

Declan Woods 925.216.2679

FREEestimates

Specializing in Bathrooms and Kitchens

Tipperary Construction Inc.General Contractor, license# 783799, B, HIC

Roller coaster ride takes Cal baseballwith ex-Eagles to College World Series

Photo by Michael Pimentel, Goldbearsports.com

CENTERFIELDER DARREL MATTHEWS (2) has been a key cog for theCal Bears baseball team as they won the Houston Regionaland then the Santa Clara Super Regional to reach the CollegeWorld Series this week. The former CVHS Eagle got three hitsas the Bears eliminated Dallas Baptist in two straight games inthe Super Regionals.

Photo courtesy of Clayton Valley High School

UNITED MT. DIABLO ATHLETIC FOUNDATION SALUTED SENIOR ATHLETES FROM THE SIX HIGH SCHOOLS

of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District recently at the Hilton Concord. Clayton Valley Highled the way with 20 athletes recognized for planning to play college sports next school year.The Eagles girls soccer team coached by Scott Booth was undefeated during the past twoDiablo Valley Athletic League seasons, not even yielding a goal this year. CVHS girls soccerplayers and their colleges, include from left, Melissa Del Bene (St. Mary’s College), ToriKobold (San Diego State softball), Breana Partida (Holy Names University), athletic directorand former soccer coach Pat Middendorf, Kaila Wakida (Dominican University) and KelseyBooth (San Diego State). Not pictured is Shayana Gois (Dominican University).

CVHS Girls Soccer teammates amongEagles honored at UMDAF Night

Although payments arebased on the equity in yourhome (among other factors),there is an obligation to repaythe full amount received plusinterest either at the death ofthe homeowner or when thehome is sold. However, inmany cases, the amount duewill not exceed the value ofthe home when it is sold.

Those who receive reversemortgage payments remainobligated to pay taxes andinsurance on the property.This becomes difficult forsome – the number of bor-rowers who default on reversemortgages has increased inrecent years. Many don’t havesufficient assets to make prop-erty tax and home insurancepayments, or they simplyweren’t aware of this require-ment. A good solution is to setup an automatic payment pro-gram through a bank or cashmanagement account.

The biggest factors thataffect the amount one can bor-row are current age (older indi-viduals may receive largerreverse mortgage payments),and the amount of equity onehas on the house.

THREE DIFFERENT OPTIONS

There are three differenttypes of reverse mortgages.They include:� Home Equity Conversion

Mortgages (or HECMs),insured by the FederalHousing Administration

� Single Purpose ReverseMortgages (offered bysome state and local gov-ernment agencies and non-profit organizations), typi-cally aimed at low and mod-erate-income homeowners

� Proprietary ReverseMortgages – private loansbacked by the companiesthat originate the loan

The vast majority of loansin the market today are gov-ernment-sponsored HECM’s.Participants can receive pay-ments monthly or even estab-lish a line of credit that can beopened when or if needed.

OBLIGATIONS OF

THE BORROWER

In many ways, reversemortgages are similar to homeequity loans in which the valueof the home is used to gener-ate cash flow while you contin-ue to own and live in the prop-erty. There are costs involvedand private loans tend to bemore expensive than thoseoffered through governmentagencies.

Unlike a home mortgage,the amount you owe on areverse mortgage increasesover time. Interest is chargedon the outstanding balanceand added to the amount owedeach month.

Repayment occurs by sell-ing the home or having heirstake care of repayment after

the death of the homeowner.Therefore, it is important to letheirs know in advance that thereverse mortgage is in place.Most of these loans have a“nonrecourse clause,” protect-ing heirs from owing morethan the value of the homewhen the loan becomes dueand the home is sold.

It’s also vital to be cog-nizant of the interest ratecharged on a home equity line.Although some have fixedrates, most utilize a variablerate, so the net value of pay-ments made can decline overtime if interest rates rise.

Be sure to meet with anadvisor for advice on theterms of any reverse mortgageyou consider. This meeting isrequired for all who apply for afederally-backed Home EquityConversion Mortgage.

Financial, from page 9

Mureleen Benton is a CertifiedFinancial Planner. Call her withquestions at 685-4523

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.,Member NASD and SIPC, part ofAmeriprise Financial, Inc.

It could be a virus or itcould just need a tune-up.

Prevent problems caused by viruses and spywarewith Regular proactive maintenance.

TTOOTTAALL DDEESSKKTTOOPP CCAARREE && SSEERRVVEERR WWAATTCCHH

Low cost, fixed feeservices thatmonitor & maintainyour networkto minimize IT problems

Call Mark 925.672.6029 or

[email protected]


As summer finally heats up,the weather is perfect for out-ings where you can spend qual-ity time with your canine bestfriend. Rising temperatures canquickly create unsafe condi-tions for pets, however. Keepyour dog happy and healthy byclosely monitoring the situationand taking extra steps to securehis comfort.

With only small sweatglands on the bottom of theirpaws, dogs are more prone toheatstroke than people.Incapable of sweating enough

to significantly cool their bod-ies, their major cooling mecha-nism is panting, which is easily

overwhelmed by rising tem-peratures and further compro-mised when the weather ishumid. Flat-faced breeds suchas Bulldogs, Pugs, and BostonTerriers are even more suscep-tible to overheating. Allowyour dog plenty of time to restin the shade on hot days, andavoid spending too much timeon hot concrete or pavement.Always bring extra water andcarry a collapsible water dishto help prevent your dog fromdehydrating.

Being left in the car is the

most common cause of canineheatstroke. Even on a relative-ly mild 72-degree day, the tem-perature inside a vehicle canclimb to 116 degrees in justone hour. Parking in the shadeis useless when the sun shiftsoverhead, and interior heatcan skyrocket even when win-dows are left cracked. A panti-ng dog left in this enclosedspace quickly creates a muggygreenhouse environmentwhich can escalate the chanceof heatstroke. If there’s anychance of your dog being leftin the car, find a way to reor-ganize your trip so he canremain comfortable at home.For more information on thedangers of hot cars, pleasevisit Caring for Pets on theResources & Links page atwww.arf.net.

Having too much fun canalso result in heatstroke. It’seasy to accidentally over-exer-cise your dog on a sunny day.An enthusiastic fetcher maynot slow down to cool offwhen the ball continues to bethrown. If the ball trumps all,it will be up to you to recog-nize quitting time. Give yourdog frequent water breaks andplenty of downtime in theshade.

A great way to stay coolwith your dog this summer isto work water into your plans.Set up a wading pool or sprin-klers in your yard, or plan daytrips to dog-friendly lakes andbeaches, such as Point Isabellein Richmond. Even if yourdog isn’t a swimmer, you willboth benefit from the coolingeffect of walking along thewater’s edge.

So save the “hot dogs” forthe ball field. Here’s wishingyou and your four-leggedfriend a safe and enjoyablesummer.

Tufts is a little ballerinawho’ll charm her way right intoyour home. This three-year-oldPomeranian loves to meet peo-ple, crawl in your lap, snuggle,and will dance super-cute circlesaround you. She is dainty, gen-tle, and sweet. Tufts will needregular grooming to keep herhappy and healthy.

The adoption fee for adultdogs is $225 and includes 60%off one 7-week dog training ses-sion.

Pickerel is a darling girl whoenjoys pets and being groomedby her people. She has to be theonly cat, as she likes to have allof the attention for herself.

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. The

primary 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.

PICKERELTUFTS

Tufts and Pickerel are ARF’sAdoption Stars

Josie Van Fleet, Owner and Operator

(925) 432-PETS (7387)

671 Willow Pass Road #6, Pittsburg

PetSuitesInn.com

Resort, Spa, Salon

ExtraordinaryCare for your Pet

Exotic PetsWelcome!

� FREE pickup & delivery � Now Open Sundays, 10-5

�20% off Boarding & Grooming serviceswith this ad

3141 Morgan Territory Rd.

earthquakearabians.com925-360-7454

WWeesstteerrnn && EEnngglliisshh

�� BBeeggiinnnneerr ttoo AAddvvaanncceedd

�� YYoouutthh ttoo AAdduulltt

CCoommee rriiddee wwiitthh uuss!!

Call Linda Pastor

672-9781

Clayton Resident. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. PSI member.

Don’t Kennel your Pets Vacation plans?

Peace of Mind Pet Services

provide loving, stress-free

daily visits in your home.

Let

Council meeting. Of those, 12have been to public property.

Most recently, vandalssprayed graffiti on the new playstructure at Lydia Lane Park andkicked out several of the slats inthe gazebo in The Grove. Withschool out and more kids leftwith nothing to do, city officialsexpect the situation to get worse.

Security cameras on theDiablo View Middle School cam-pus recently led to the arrest of

three high school students: twofrom Clayton Valley and onefrom Bay Point who caused seri-ous damage to school property.During the investigation, one ofthe suspects also admitted to ear-lier vandalism of the gazebo.

The students were referredto the probation department,says Lawrence, and the school isprosecuting.

Encouraged by the successof the DVMS cameras, the

council asked Lawrence to fur-ther research the cost and tocome back at a future meetingwith specific recommendations.

Vandalism rarely has wit-nesses, so the city is also consid-ering offering a $1,000 reward toencourage residents to helppolice. If the vandals areminors, Councilman JoeMedrano wants the parents toreimburse the city the amountof the reward. The city attorneyis looking into ways to makeparents responsible.

Vandals, from page 1

Guard against canine heatstroke

ELENA BICKER

PET PALS

Elena Bicker is the Executive Directorof Tony La Russa’s Animal RescueFoundation. She can be reached at (925)256-1ARF (1273)

whereyou need it,

whenyou need it,

No phone lines or cable access required

925-260-4119 ext. 2 www.aircloud.comairCloud Broadband Services � Your local Internet Service Provider

Servicing Contra Costa County since 2001

Now faster Speeds

Clayton Community Calendar Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com June 24, 2011

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JULY 6 FOR THE JULY 15 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE

SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO [email protected]

IN CLAYTONJune 25, July 2, 9Farmers Market8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Centerstreets, downtown. pcfma.com.

July 1Senior Festival open to the public. Pre-4th of July celebration presented by ADGReferral Services and Diamond Terrace Retirement Community. 4p.m. at Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Free. Spacelimited. RSVP by June 27. 262-4200.

July 2Diamond Dave Concert“Diamond” Dave Hosley covers classics from Sinatra and Elvis toJustin Timberlake and Flo Rida. 6-8:30 p.m., Grove Park, down-town Clayton. Free. For concert series list, see Page 3.

July 4Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary Club’s 12th Annual PancakeBreakfast. Pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee. 7 - 10 a.m.,Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Donations: $3 children12 and under; $5 adults. Parade starts at 10 a.m.

ENTERTAINMENTThrough June 25“Blues in the Night”Center Repertory presents the songs of Duke Ellington, BennyGoodman, Bessie Smith Etc. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $36-$45. 943-SHOW or centerrep.org.

Through June 26“Lady Windermere’s Fan”Butterfield 8 presents Oscar Wilde’s play; set in VictorianLondon’s high society. Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St.,Concord. $10-$18. (800) 838-3006 or brownpapertickets.com.

June 20 through 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 through July 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 through 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.

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

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

July 13, 27. Around the World Book ClubDiscussions of books set in other countries, crafts from that areaof the world and other activities built on the theme. For ages 10-12. 4 p.m.

July 14. Women and WealthA financial education seminar for women and men. 1 p.m.

CHURCHES & RELIGIONJuly 8Interaction, fellowship and discussion. Topic: Who is right, sci-ence or religion? Speaker Edward Langthorn, lawyer, engineer,teacher. 7:30 p.m. Free. 672-6686 for location information.

FUNDRAISERSAug. 22CVHS Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament20th annual charity tournament. Lunch, putting contest, no hostcocktails, dinner buffet, awards and prizes. 21 and over only.Registration 10:30 a.m. at Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 PeacockCreek Drive, Clayton. Early bird deadline Aug. 3. Fees vary. cvhs-boosters.org.

CITY MEETINGS1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Clayton City Council7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

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

CLUBSClayton Business and Community AssociationMeets 6:30 p.m. last Thursday of the month except holidays,Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. CallSue at 672-2272.

Clayton Valley Garden ClubMeets 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Diamond Terrace,6401 Center St., Clayton. Contact Nancy at 673-3522 or clay-tonvalleygardenclub.org.

Clayton Valley Woman’s ClubMeets 9:30 a.m. second Tuesdays except July and August, HolyCross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. 672-1163.

Clutch Busters Square Dance ClubMeets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Willow Pass Community Center Hall,2748 East Olivera Road, Concord. Contact Karen at 686-3774.

Concord Stompers Square Dance ClubMeets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Willow Pass Community Center,2748 East Olivera Road, Concord. Call Jennie at 672-9676 orangelfire.com/id/stompers.

Contra Costa Chess ClubMeets 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Starbuck’s, 1536 Kirker PassRoad, Clayton. Contact Mike at 639-1987 or uschess.org.

Contra Costa Genealogical SocietyMeets 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month, LDS Church, 1360Alberta Way, Concord. [email protected].

Contra Costa Mineral and Gem SocietyMeets 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month, Centre Concord,5298 Clayton Road. 779-0698 or ccmgs.org.

Creekside Artists GuildMeets 7-8:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Library StoryRoom, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. Contact Arlene at 673-9777or [email protected]. creeksideartists.org.

Diablo Valley Democratic ClubMeets 7-9 p.m. third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio ValleyLibrary, 2661 Oak Grove Road., Walnut Creek. 946-0469 ordvdems.org.

East Bay ProspectorsMeets 6:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month, Oasis ChristianFellowship, 2551 Pleasant Hill Road, Pleasant Hill. 672-1863 oreastbaygpaa.webs.com.

Knights Of Columbus, Concord Council 6038Meets 7:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, St. BonaventureChurch, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Officers meet thirdWednesday at St. Agnes Church, 3966 Chestnut St., Concord.Contact Rayce at 683-9717 or [email protected].

Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/Concord SunriseMeets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 PeacockCreek Dr., Clayton. 566-8166 or claytonvalleyrotary.org.

Scrabble ClubMeets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of themonth, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $3.Call Mike at 639-1987 or scrabble-assoc.com.

Sons In Retirement (SIRs)Branch 19 meets 11:15 a.m. first Thursday of the month, CrownPlaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord. 429-3777. Branch 146 meets 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. second Thursday of themonth. Boundary Oaks, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek.Call Jack at 933-7998 or sir146.com.

Soroptimist International of Diablo VistaMeets 12:15 p.m. second, third and fourth Wednesdays of themonth, September-June, Sizzler, 1353 Willow Pass Road,Concord. Contact Nicole at 692-2224.

Veterans of Foreign WarsBreakfast 8-11 a.m. second and fourth Sundays, 2290 Willow PassRd, Concord. Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. $4, $2 under 12.

Word Weavers ToastmastersMeets 7-8:15 p.m. Mondays, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord.Visitors welcome. Contact Marion at 686-1818 [email protected].

6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440

June 24, 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Whiskey River

July 1, 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Desert Moon

www.claytonclubsaloon.com

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

Music Video

Happy Hour

Mondays 4pm to 8pm

2 for the price of 1Beer only. Good anytime withoriginal coupon. Exp. 7/14/11

Karaoke Wed. nights

Open Mic Thur. nights, 8 to 11 p.m.

pcfma.com/clayton1.800.949.FARM

SATURDAYS8am-12pmDiablo St.Between Main and Center

June 25: Kid’s Day – Face painting and

kid’s crafts.

July 2-16: Submit your favorite original

summer recipe for your chance to win a

cookbook.July 23: Facebook Secret Word – Say the

Secret Word to the Market Manager and

receive a free basket of tomatoes.

New in the Market : Pluots

Summer Squash • Blackberries

Your Food,Your Community,

Your Farmers’ Market

e

i ti

New iSummCLAYTONCLAYTON

FARMERS’ MARKET

Doug Van WyckCLU ChFC, AgentInsurance Lic. # 0586396

6200 Center St. Ste. AClayton, CA 94517925-672-2300

Over 50?

Time for

a financial

checkup.

Especially as you near

retirement.

Be proactive when it comes to

your financial health. It’s never

too late to get on the right path

to a healthy financial future.

Let me help you get where

you need to be.

Like a good neighbor,

State Farm is there.®

CALL ME TODAY.

Bring your newborn, toddler, or preschooler to one of our fun-filled classes. Explore musical play, child-friendly instruments,

songbooks, and CDs that you use at home. And find out how nurturingour research-based music and movement program can be.

(925) 946-2990 MUSICTOGETHEROFCONCORD.COM

BRINGING HARMONY HOME.TM

www.jandjfinalcoatpainting.comwww.jandjfinalcoatpainting.com

Interior and Exterior painting & drywallfor residential and commercial clients

Lic. # 630408

� Acoustic removal, texture� Wallpaper removal� Cabinet repainting� 5 year guarantee

Free estimates

Clayton Referrals Available

925-625-5849

Concord-based companytakes unique spins onclassic works

Butterfield 8, an East Baytheater company based inConcord, is shaking loose thecobwebs on the local stages withits progressive approach to clas-sic works.

In March, the troupe pre-sented two versions of WilliamShakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”:one, an all female cast, and asecond, performed by an entire-ly testosterone-driven maleensemble.

“For me, gender is a liquidthing,” says John Butterfield, thecompany’s artistic director andfounder. “As long as it stays trueto the text, I think it makes us alllook at the text in a completelydifferent way.”

Butterfield, who trained withCenter Repertory Theater’sYoung Rep, followed an admit-tedly circuitous path to where heis today; directing his own com-pany in a former pool hall atCue Productions, Butterfield 8’shome theater.

MAKING CLASSICS

MEANINGFUL TODAY

Early in his professional

career, Butterfield found morework as a dancer than as anactor. He eventually attendedLEAP at Saint Mary’s Collegeand used the innovative pro-gram to combine the two artforms. A number of directingprojects followed, butButterfield felt a dissatisfaction,a yearning to explore text-drivenworks from a new perspective.

He traveled to Toi Whakaariin New Zealand, where the

regime of physical, outside-intraining refined his ideas andchallenged his more traditionalbackground.

Butterfield returned to thestates with a renewed energy,intent on producing both classicand new works in a voice audi-ences could understand. Itbecame the company’s core mis-sion to make the work ofWilliam Shakespeare, OscarWilde and other classic play-wrights familiar and ultimately,meaningful, to contemporarytheatergoers.

“I like works where languageis an important part,” Butterfieldsays. “Where intellectual ideasare all wrapped up in the actualpoetry of the language.”

For the audiences, thismeans titles they know, but withwhat Butterfield calls “a spin”on them.

“The more you can make itsomething they identify with,the more comfortable they are,”he says. “They’re not afraid of itand can just experience it.”

ACTORS RESPOND TO

INNOVATIVE TOUCH

Actors like Edwin Peabody,who plays Lord Darlington inthe current production of“Lady Windermere’s Fan,” areattracted to the task.

Peabody likes the classicalwork and finds that Butterfield’sinnovations stretch him as anactor. Although he is open toperforming with other theatergroups, he calls Butterfield 8 his“home base” and his “creativecomfort zone.”

Becky Potter has been withthe company for four years. Shepraises the intimate nature of“The Cue” because it includesthe audience in the process ofstorytelling.

“I wish I could put the seatson a portable, safe set of risers,”Butterfield admits when askedwhat he thinks of the venue.“But the challenge has pushed uscreatively in a huge way. It’s madeus achieve with the tools that wehave. Especially withShakespeare, when you have a

soliloquy, there’s no way for theactors to avoid the connection tothe audience. It keeps everybodyon their toes.”

Butterfield leapt at the oppor-tunity to talk about his actors.

“Becky? She’s honest. Shepulls you in – and she’s not awimp. She’s a strong, youngwoman and portrays that wellonstage.”

He describes Peabody as “agift” and loves that the actorbrings new ideas to the work.

“It’s always complete, fromtop to bottom,” Butterfield says.

Preparation and thoughtfulinvestigation are necessaryrequirements and commonpractice for both actors.

“The greatest challenge inplaying Lady Windermere isnavigating her rather melodra-matic ambivalence while the restof the characters are banteringwith Wilde’s witty dialogue,”says Potter.

Peabody calls his role in theplay a challenge and a prize:“The most difficult aspect isthat [Lord Darlington’s] a rakeand a cad. The most rewardingis working with an accent.”

WOULD SHAKESPEARE AGREE?Asked if purists question

having the Bard’s words present-ed with unconventional stagingor casting, Butterfield offered anexplicit, heart-felt response.

“I think Shakespeare wouldwant to be a player for the timeswe’re in. If you preserve [thework] in wax, if you keep it in aclassical vein, you’ve lost youraudience. Where’s the way in fora modern audience member?Theater has to be allowed tochange and adapt,” he says.

The words mesh perfectlywith Butterfield’s belief that hiscompany adds a critical compo-nent to Bay area theater.

“We are important becausewe do work that other compa-nies don’t do and take risks larg-er companies can’t,” he says.“We feed the audiences for thelarger companies and we fill a


LOU FANCHER

Clayton Pioneer

“A Skeptic’s Guide toWriters’ Houses”By Anne Trubek

This book, a mere 146 pagesof text, is jam-packed with won-derfully offbeat informationabout a variety of American writ-ers and their homes, now desig-nated museums. Trubeck’s pur-pose in writing the book was to“expose not simply Whitman’shouse, but all of the writers’house museums as the frauds Ibelieved them to be.” What shefound as she traveled and visitedmany sites was a little more com-plicated.

The author points out thatvisiting the house of a favorite orfamous author should not sur-prise us: “Writers’ house muse-ums have been on the itinerariesof the European Grand Toursince the sixteenth century.” Therelationship between reader andfavorite writer is strong. Visitingthe house to see the writer’schair, quill, pen, typewriter and,soon, PC or laptop, is a kind ofposthumous literary voyeurism.

Trubeck’s intended exposéentertains, enlightens andenchants.

The Alcott house, home tothe March family of Louisa MayAlcott’s “Little Women,” hascome to epitomize the Americafamily in ways that would haveappalled the strongly feministLouisa May. And it’s not the onlylegendary writer’s living quarterswhose public image differs fromthe reality of the writer’s lifewithin its walls. Whose housebecomes a museum? Do theygenerate income? When did allthis begin? In the end, Trubekdebunks literary myths, butcomes to terms with the devo-tional sojourns of readers forwhom reading the book is notenough.

“The Skeptic’s Guide” is anatural for any book club in thegreater Bay Area. There arenumerous authors’ houses for usto visit. Jack London’s GlenEllen property would make aspectacular day trip for an adven-

turous club or a quick trip byBART to Jack London Square inOakland, where you could peekinto one of London’s favoritewatering holes. Joaquin Miller‘sbungalow in Joaquin Miller Parkin Oakland is also nearby andthere is the Steinbeck country ofSalinas. How could a club gowrong with a visit to the JohnMuir home in Martinez? Danvillehas O’Neill’s Tao House; if poet-ry is your thing, and you’re head-ed down to Steinbeck country,go a bit farther and visitRobinson Jeffers’ Tor House inCarmel. Or, check out the Beatpoets’ environs of San Francisco.

Literary bus tours are avail-able for the mystery loving bookclubs and I’m sure a Googlesearch could produce a few oth-ers. For those of you who can’tget to Mark Twain’s East Coasthome, you can head up toVirginia City and rest your footon a few bar rails familiar toTwain in his journalism days.

At the end of her book,Trubek has included a list ofwriters’ homes open to the pub-lic. As much fun as it might be tovisit the digs of your favoriteauthor, it’s even better to readher work. “The Skeptic’s Guideto Writers’ Houses” is a bit of atravel book, museum rants andraves and just generally a lot offun.

Proudly serving

the Diablo

Valley for over

25 years –

“experience

counts”

Jason M. Renner, D.D.S.

Richard C. Rissel, D.M.D

925-689-2800

Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teenagers

wwwwww..ddiiaabblloovvaalllleeyykkiiddss..ccoomm

22887755 WWiillllooww PPaassss RRdd..,, CCoonnccoorrdd

Less than 5 miles

from Clayton

FREE kindergarten

screening

Est.1972

Smith & Bernal

R o o f i n gTile repairs �� Reroof �� Ventilation

Gutter Cleaning � Inspections � Bird abatement

Free Roof Check-up

Clayton resident

(925) 672 0138

Lic. Number 727021

(925) 935-74471610 Locust St., Walnut Creek

www.cruiseadventuresunlimited.com

CST 2074362-40

June 27 - July 1

Reduced Deposit:$100 per personOnboard Coupon BookAll Destinations

Call for special pricing and

amenities on specific sailings.Owners Valerie O’Connell

(Clayton resident, 30 years) & daughter Colleen O’Connell

Cruise Adventures UUnnlliimmiitteedd

Serving all cruise linessince 1987

Princess Cruise Sale

(925) 457-5423

www.belfastplumbing.comLLiicceennssee.. 990066221111

$15 off Earthquake Valves

Installations – RepairsToilets � Faucets � Water heatersGarbage disposals � Clogged drains

when you mention this ad

�elfast�lumbing

Credit Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover

Theatre

Butterfield 8: A scene change in local theater

Are writers’ digs allthey’re cracked up to be?

Sunny Solomon reviews and blogson-line at www.bookinwithsunny.com.She continues to lead the ClaytonCommunity Library Book Club. Sheholds a MA in English/CreativeWriting from San Francisco StateUniveristy and can be reached [email protected].

SUNNY SOLOMON

FOR THE BOOKS

BUTTERFIELD 8 DIRECTOR JOHN BUTTERFIELD (at right in green shirt) rehearses an English countrydance with the cast of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” which opens in the intimateConcord theatre on August 4.

Book Review

General Contractor 31 years in Contra Costa County

Specializing in Kitchen, Bath & Home Renovations

Contractors

Lic #3888472

NNoo jjoobb iiss ttoooo ssmmaallll oorr llaarrggee..

bbiillllppeecckkhhoommeeiimmpprroovveemmeennttss..ccoomm

See Butterfield, page 16

Handyman

ServicesClayton

HomeImprovementsand Repairs

No job toosmall

at Handyman Prices

General ContractorDerald Clearwater Clayton Resident � Contracting since 1988

Bonded & Insured � Lic. # 524547 (925) 639-4209

RemodelsHome Repairs

((992255)) 682-9941

Lic

ensed &

bonded L

ic #

570107

No job too small

Termite Damage, Dry Rot Repairs, Tile Work,

Cabinets, Doors, Windows, Plumbing

Luigi BarberioGeneral Contractor

Local Resident


The Burning Man festival islike going camping with 48,000of your coolest friends and theworld’s grooviest traveling artexhibit.

Each year since 1991, theBurning Man festival has beenheld over Labor Day weekend inthe Black Rock Desert about125 miles from Reno. The festi-val attracts artists and freethinkers who join in a giganticcelebration of art, communityand mutual support.

In its first year at Black Rock,the festival drew 250 people.Last year, there were 43,558denizens of the desert.

This year, Montecito resi-dent Timmy Hogan plans tobring his own music in the formof one – or possibly several –pianos.

Most people don’t bring full-size pianos on vacations, letalone trips that require you tocarry your own supply of waterand be ready for the occasionalsandstorm. But it doesn’t fazeHogan, who plays piano, guitar,upright bass, drums, kalimba (aSouth African instrument),banjo and mandolin and studiedjazz theory at the University ofColorado.

Approachable and with aneasy smile, Hogan is the founderof the Piano Liberation Project.

Through this project, he hopesto provide free pianos to cash-strapped public schools.

“It’s important for childrento have music education becauseit expands their horizons in aunique way,” he explained fromhis perch on a piano bench. “Ifeel it is extra, extra importantfor all children to have theopportunity to work with musicin a direct way and not to beintimidated by it or think that it’snot cool.”

He hopes bringing pianos toBurning Man will gain him sup-port from the community ofartists there to help children inthe East Bay discover music.

Hogan is raising funds toget himself and the pianos tothe festival. If his fundraisinggoal of $2,000 is met orexceeded by July 6, he’ll bringseveral pianos and place themin different spots around whatis, for all intents and purposes,a “city.” He plans to mount hisown piano on a platform tomove around the playa. Otherpianos may be turned into artdisplays to further publicize hisgoals to the others in residenceon the former lake bed turneddesert.

The father of a 4-year oldson (who lives out of town withhis mom), Hogan has an eye onthe future.

Local piano man has a burning agenda

For overall fitness,increase your flex appeal

Regardless of a person’s fit-ness level, chances are they suf-fer tension and stiffness fromtime to time.

Daily activities, whethersedentary or active, can wreakhavoc on the body. Hours spentbehind the wheel of a car or sit-ting at a desk eyeballing thecomputer place the body understrain. Usually people don’tthink about their body until theybecome sick or injured and real-ize it needs some maintenance.

To develop a strong body,people need to focus on bodyawareness, improving posture,strengthening muscles andincreasing the mobility of ten-dons. The goal is for the body tobe fit for life.

An ideal fitness programincludes core, endurance,

strength and flexibility training.While often the most neglectedcomponent of a fitness pro-gram, flexibility is one of themost important elements.

Flexibility refers to the rangeof movement across a joint,while stretching is the act of thelengthening muscle and connec-tive tissue. Reluctance to main-tain flexibility leads to poor pos-ture, non-specific aches andpains – usually in the lowerback, neck and shoulder areas –while inhibiting breathing pat-terns and dramatically reducingenergy levels.

Muscles that do not readilystretch can result in injury, evenin fit and strong bodies. Whendaily demands on the body arehigh and overall flexibilitydeclines with age, inflexibility

can have serious impacts onquality of life.

Although some may debateit, the fact is that stretchingwithout a warm-up will notcause injury. Maintain a calm,focused approach to stretching.Pay attention to your breathingand do not force the muscles.Warm muscles stretch morethan cold ones, so if you want toincrease your stretch, participatein a thorough warm-up.

Stretch exercises mobilizethe joints and gently lengthenmuscles. This should be doneover time, rather than trying toradically or quickly changingtheir length. Be patient and useyour breathing to help establisha comfortable but effectiverhythm.

Relax into a conversation

with your body. Some days youwill stretch more deeply andother days you will feel like youare made of steel.

A good stretch will providelight resistance to your body. Asyour awareness grows, you willbe willing to push yourself fur-ther. Remember, it is the contin-uous, cumulative effort thatmakes profound changes on thebody.

TIMMY HOGAN PLANS TO BRING HIS OWN PIANO - or severalpianos -- to the Burning Man Festival in September in hopes ofencouraging public support of music education.

See Burning Man, page 17

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 [email protected]

DENISEN HARTLOVE

Clayton Pioneer

Wondering where your moneyis going or need a family budget?

I can help. I can set up on your home

computer all you need to track and plan your family finances.

Jeff WillisOwner / Operator

CTEC and Federal Registered Tax Preparer

(925) 216-1025

[email protected]

profitbusinessservices.com

Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACHSM

Call me today at (925) 685-4523.

You have many important dreams. Putting your kids through college.

Retiring with confidence and leaving a financial legacy for your family. But

unexpected events could put those goals on hold. Together, we can find the

right life and disability income insurance to help protect your dreams and

fulfill your goals. Call me to schedule a complimentary protection review.

MMuurreelleeeenn BBeennttoonn,, CFP®, Financial AdvisorA financial advisory practice ofAmeriprise Financial Services, Inc.5356 Clayton Rd., Suite 211 Concord, CA 94521(925) [email protected] License #0692378

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise FinancialServices, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in alljurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.

© 2011 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

We protect

millions of dreams.

Are yours protected?

gap, in a country where the artsaren’t promoted.”

Both Peabody and Potterhold “day jobs” to supportthemselves. Peabody is theEquipment Specialist atTicketWeb in San Francisco,and Potter is a member of the

faculty at the Oakland Schoolfor the Arts.

In August, following “LadyWindermere’s Fan,” Butterfield8 will mount a full productionof Jane Austen’s “Pride andPrejudice.”

“The seating will be tea

tables and patrons will be ableto enjoy a pot of tea and cook-ies as they watch the workunfold,” Butterfield says.

Peabody is already investi-gating his character’s superiorpride, and Potter, realizing thatstaying true to the novel willmean there’s “a lot of dialogueand a lot of story to keep inyour head at once.”

And Butterfield?

He’s already planning ahead,dreaming of a Mary Zimmermanstaging of “Metamorphosis” –and cruising the streets, on thelookout for risers.

“Lady Windemere’s Fan” playsthrough June 25 and “Pride andPrejudice” opens August 4 at CueProductions, 1835 Colfax St. inConcord. For ticket information, go towww.b8company.com.

Butterfield, from page 15

11117700 BBuurrnneetttt AAvvee..,, SSttee.. EE,, CCoonnccoorrdd 992255--668866--99990011Contra Costa Floors Showroom hours: MM--FF 99--55 SSaatt 1100--44

CARPET � HARDWOOD � LAMINATE � TILE

AAbbbbeeyy CCaarrppeett && FFlloooorr

Laminate

LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR!

All Laminate Flooring on Sale

LLaammiinnaattee aass llooww aass::..9999¢¢ a square foot - 8.3 mm laminate

$$11..4455 a square foot - 12.3 mm laminate

$100 Off

any purchaseover $1,000

Coupon must be presented prior to measure or purchase.

Not valid on Sale items. exp. 8/31/2011


The new sweetener on theshelves these days has beenaround for hundreds of years.Agave syrup or agave nectar isfrom Mexico, where it is knownas aguamiel (honey water). Itwas used widely in pre-Colombian ceremonies andbelieved to promote a long andhealthy life.

The agave (ah-GAH-veh)plant is known to most of us asthe source of tequila. The nectar(mostly from blue agave) is fer-mented into alcohol and used tocreate a pitcher-perfect margari-ta. Used as a sweetener, the nec-tar can come from any agaveplant, which is part of the aloefamily. After maturing for 7-10years, the core of the plant (thepina) is treated to extract thenectar.

Agave nectar is fructosewhich has been shown not tostimulate insulin secretion asmuch as glucose and other sug-ars, so it seems to be the darlingof diabetics who look happily atits 35 rating on the glycemicindex.

A word of caution, though.New studies suggest that fruc-tose in general can triggerinsulin resistance and increasetrigliceride (an undesirable fat)levels in the bloodstream. Thisdata suggests that people at riskshould consult a doctor beforeoverindulging in agave.

Some articles also are criticalof manufacturing techniques

and suggest that the resultingproduct is more akin to highfructose corn syrup than ahealthier alternative.

Sweeter than refined sugarby almost half, agave is always inliquid form similar to honey butnot quite as dense. It dissolveseasily in liquids (so it’s great intea) and lends moisture to bakedgoods.

Producers generate threeversions. The best sugar substi-tute version is “light” agave. Useabout 2/3 to 1/2 as much sugaras is called for in recipes.“Amber” has a deeper, almostmaple flavor that is a great sub-stitution for maple syrup,molasses and brown sugar inrecipes. “Raw” agave is an all-purpose sweetener. Since it’s fil-tered and produced at tempera-tures below 118 degrees, it’s afavorite of raw food aficiona-dos.

To keep up with growingdemand, agave production isspreading outside of Mexico,with plantations cropping up infair-flung Indonesia and otherwarm locales. It is almost alwaysorganically grown, often certi-fied kosher and considered aller-gen-free, gluten-free and vegan.

We use agave nectar prettyregularly at Pans on Fire. Oftenit’s the sweetening agent in saladdressings, like this vinaigrette:

HERB VINAIGRETTE

1 clove garlic1 tsp. Dijon mustard2 T. red wine vinegar2 tsp. agave nectar1/2 tsp. crushed dried

oregano (or 1 tsp. minced fresh)1/4 tsp. dried basil1/4 c. olive oil or rice bran

oilSalt and pepper

Mash the garlic in the bot-tom of a salad bowl with apinch of salt. Whisk in the mus-tard, vinegar, agave and herbs.

While continuing to whisk, driz-zle in the olive oil to make a fineemulsion. Season to taste withsalt and pepper. (Always tasteyour dressings using a piece ofthe salad greens to get the mostaccurate flavor.)

A smoky-spicy orange sauceover chicken, fish and seafoodcomes to life with agave nectar:

ORANGE-CHIPOTLE SAUCE

1/2 red onion, diced2 cloves garlic, minced1 T. olive oil2 T. agave nectar1 c. waterZest and juice of one orange1/4 c. frozen orange juice

concentrate, defrosted1-2 canned chipotles, minced

(to taste)Salt and pepper

Saute onion and garlic inolive oil until tender. Stir inwater, agave, juices and zest andbring to a boil. Reduce to a sim-mer and cook until reduced tosauce consistency. Add salt, pep-per and chipotle to taste.

Agave cousins nectar andtequila are naturally born boozebuddies:

THE PERFECT MARGARITA

6 parts 100 percent blueagave tequila (blanco, anejo orreposado)

4 parts freshly squeezed limejuice

1 part agave nectar

Shake over ice and strain intoa glass. No salt rim for thepurists, but it’s just right for therest of us. Salud!

[email protected]

Still seekinglicensed

sales agentsto complete

our team.

NO FEES.

Come join

MazzeiRealty!

Clayton residents since 1959

mazzeirealty.net

Matt Mazzei, Jr.Broker/Owner

DRE# 01881269

5273 Pine Hollow Road $649,000A must see! 4 bedrooms,

2.5 baths approx. 3300

sq. ft. Spectacular layout

on a quiet, private drive-

way. RV/Boat parking.

In-ground pool. 2500 watt

Solar Voltaic system.

Many upgrades

327 Semillon Circle $529,000Spectacular Clayton one-

story rancher situated on a

spacious corner lot. Fantastic

setting! Quiet neighborhood

in lower Easley Estates. Dual

Panes. Crown molding.

Hardwood floors. RV/Boat

parking. Outside additional

office. Pool size backyard.

Large side yard.

6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton

925-693-0757 (Main) � 925-693-0752 (Fax)

1690 Joelle Dr., Concord $275,0003799 Saint Peter Ct., Concord $376,000

5137 Coral Ct, Concord $285,000Single Story Quiet

Cul-de-sac at the end of a

court. 4 BD/2BA. Approx.

1762 sq. ft. Large private

lot with boat/RV parking.

Needs a little TLC. Priced

to SELL!Back on Market

PENDING

Price Reduced

SOLD

Clayton Residents

Fitzgerald Family owned

and operated since 2000

1825 West 10th StreetAntioch, CA 94509

(925) 757-2222

$ *

299PAINT SPECIAL!for Pioneer readers

$ *

299PAINT SPECIAL!for Pioneer readers

EconomyAutoPaintingAndBodyWork.com

We will beat

any written

estimate –

GUARANTEEDWhere you get more for less.

EconomyAutoPaintingAndBodyWork.com*With Minimum Prep. Purchase of $150. Exp. 7/28/2011

LINDA WYNER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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

Direct your suggestions or questionsto [email protected]

“I have concerns aboutchildren in many ways. Whenyou become a parent, youbecome concerned for kids –their safety, their well-being –but also for their develop-ment,” he said. “And I justhave this kind of heartfelt wishand concern that children areallowed to express and createin ways that will engage themand help them grow.

“Everyone has the ability tolearn music, young or old. Thisis to raise awareness aboutmusic education, particularlyin young children, but also foreveryone.”

Hogan is hoping that thecommunity of artists and par-ents will come together tomake his dream a reality. Hedescribed his work as a formof “radical communityreliance.”

“To me, (the PianoLiberation Project) would be away to help the local commu-nity here. And that’s a bigtheme with Burning Man,” henoted. “Burning Man wouldnot be able to happen withoutits community involvementand relationship with thetowns around it.

“Bringing the spirit ofBurning Man back to whatthey call the ‘default world’ isextremely important.”

And with that, Hoganturned back to his piano andresumed playing songs ofhope and joy for anyone whowould listen – and join withhim in spreading the word ofhis mission to help communi-ties work together for theirbetter good.

For more information, visitwww.Facebook.com/timmysmusic

BurningMan, from page 16

“I know that there weresome negative commentsabout the boulders in thePioneer Letters to the Editor,”says Clayton resident LindaPinder. “But now that theactual plantings are in I think it

looks terrific. I think this willonce again be a lovely setting forprom and wedding photos.”

The fountain project is oneof seven LandscapeMaintenance District projectsslated for completion this year.

The city has allocated $260,000for all seven which will includemedian landscaping and paversalong Clayton Road andOakhurst Blvd and new trees onKeller Ridge Drive.

The city’s gateway, known asDaffodil Hill, is a project of theCBCA which is currently in thedesign and bidding process.

Fountain, from page 1


Visit us on 4th of July! Kids get a prize...

Adults get a coupon to try a class for FREE!

Bar Burn (45 min) / Pilates Mat (55 min)

Cardio Kick (45 min) /Pilates Mat (55 min)

6 weeks of fitness fun for $117

The fun begins June 20.Reserve your spot on the Fitness Express!

925.890.69311026 Oak Street, Suite 102, Clayton CA 94517

www.levityfitness.com – [email protected]

Sculptures add new dimension to Bancroft GardenGardens are understood to

be collections of plants thatreflect the personality of thegardener. Shrubs, perennials,succulents, flowering trees andornamental grasses are organ-ized together to create an envi-ronment that comforts theowner.

Some gardeners take theidea a step further and incor-porate non-living elementssuch as fountains and sculp-ture. Art in the garden is asindividual as each gardener. Itis all about expression.

Ruth Bancroft Garden inWalnut Creek is holding its17th annual Sculpture in theGarden tour through July 16.This is an excellent time towander and experience art-work by more than 30 BayArea artists placed among theflowering succulents, neartrees and bordering walkways.

A preview for the tour wasmy first visit to the garden.Holding the event in June andJuly is perfectly planned towhen many of the plants thereare in bloom.

SOMETHING’S FISHY HERE

The selections of echeveriawere vast. They createdgroundcovers and smallshrubs, depending on the vari-ety. The pinkish blooms thatwere curling out from thefleshy leaves were a temptationto the hummingbirds thatswooped past tour-goers tofeast on the plant’s nectar.Pieces of art were placed with-in these mounds. Sculptures ofdimensional fish stretchedthrough a bed, while aluminumcolored metal flowers bloomedon medium-sized stakes.

As we followed the crushedstone walkways toward theblooming yucca, tall metalsculptures towered over us. Tomy right was a sculpture madeof glass. The sun was begin-ning to fall to the west andshone brightly through theglass. Exotic flowers, housesfor birds and hanging fruit alsodisplayed brilliantly during thistime of the evening.

A STUDY IN CONTRAST

The pathways that led tothe cactus portions of the gar-den held more industrialpieces. Rust-colored metalseemed at home in this mascu-line part of the garden. The artplaced here is very complimen-tary. It’s always amazed me thatwhile cactus is a harsh-lookingplant, it has the most delicatelooking flower – seeming tocontrast itself.

Self-contained fountainsline the entry to the garden.These large pieces of carvedstone are inviting, with just atouch of noise.

Near the pond, pristinewhite marble carvings areplaced: two boys whispering, adaisy and a lovely, smoothbench. Acrylic sculptures alsolook nice by the water.

Visiting during theSculpture in the Garden eventis outstanding. Not only willtour-goers be enticed by theblooming plant material, butthey will find the art enlighten-ing.

Children under 12 are freeto tour with a paid adult, mak-

ing this an excellent destina-tion for a summer adventure.

The Ruth Bancroft Garden isopen 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily at 1552

Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek.Admission is $10, or $7 seniorsand students. Children under 12free. For more information, visitruthbancroftgarden.org.

Nicole is the Garden Girl atR&M Pool, Patio, Gifts andGarden Contact her with questions,comments or suggestions at [email protected]

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

El Molino Drive that hasreached capacity, and improve-ments to the bridge and creekat the foot of School Hill onOak Street.

The city will also need toreplace much of the antiquat-ed computer and communica-tions equipment at city hall,including the phone systemand internet access lines.

The city is operating withinits means for now, but thestate budget is a wild card,Napper notes.

Last year, voters passedProposition 22, which called ahalt to the state grab of localRedevelopment Agency money.But as it struggles to close a $9billion budget gap, the state isattempting an end-run around

Prop. 22 by eliminating theagencies all together.

If this happens, the citywill be left with a general fundshortfall of $425,000 for staffand administration costs thatwill no longer be covered byRedevelopment Agency funds.These are costs that won’t dis-appear with the agency, saysNapper.

The city will then be facedwith some tough choices: usegeneral fund reserves to makeup the difference or start cut-

ting services.The state COPS grant that

funds one police officer is alsoin jeopardy. Loss of that grantwill mean cutting that posi-tion.

“I’m running out of rabbitsto pull out of the hat,” says afrustrated Napper. “We’re inbalance right now, but a strongwind from Sacramento blowsit all over.”

The complete budget is atci.clayton.ca.us.

SILVER CIRCLE, A GARDEN SCULPTURE BY CHAD GLASHOFF, is being displayed at the Ruth BancroftGarden’s during the Sculpture in the Garden Event.

BLUE CHOKER, by Philip Dow.

Budget, from page 1

(925) 672-4600 �� 8863 Marsh Creek Rd. in Claytonwww.rodiesfeed.com

Our passion is pets.

ShelterKittens

for AdoptionFamily owned & operated since 1981

Puppy Adult Large Breed

MerrickGrammy’s Pot Pie,

30 # bag

IamsCat food,

20# bag

presented by

Barbara Heidenreich

Sat. Nov. 5,

Tickets on

sale now,

$125

Eukanuba Pure30 # bag

Breeder’s ChoiceAvoderm Chicken

& Rice, Lamb &

Rice 30# bag or

Lite, 28# bag

$29.99/bag

$34.99/bag

$29.99/bag

$39.99/bag$2.99/gal

Lamb Chicken Lite& Rice & Rice

Parrot TrainingWorkshop

Open 7 days, Mon - Sat 9 to 6, Sun 10 to 5

(lunch included)

JUN 24 Clayton Pioneer 2011.pdf

Documents

Transcript of JUN 24 Clayton Pioneer 2011.pdf