AUG 07 Clayton Pioneer 2009.pdf

Clayton’s trail system haslanded the city on any number

of “great places to live” lists.As far back as 1988, Clayton

received Walking magazine’saward as one of the five mostwalkable small cities in

America. And twice in the lastthree years, Money magazinelisted Clayton in its top 100places to live, touting the 27-mile trail system among the

city’s other charms.So it was no surprise that

when the Trails and LandscapeMaintenance Committee (TLC)put the city trails up for “adop-tion,” there were no shortage ofvolunteers. The Adopt-A-Trailprogram has garnered bothfinancial support and volun-teers. Families and individuals,scout troops, local businessesand civic organizations havestepped up to the plate to adoptsegments of Clayton’s trails.

For Boy Scout Troops 484and 262, their Adopt-A-Trailservice goes beyond doing agood deed; it develops a lifeskill that they hope will helpthem in their adult life.

“We keep the trail free fromlitter and natural debris,” saidTed Hall, the 15-year-old scoutin charge for Troop 484 andsenior patrol leader.

“I run these trails for crosscountry at Clayton Valley,” headded. “Some trails have logs,poles, leaves and sticks.”

The troops adopted theDonner Trail that extends fromRegency Drive to downtownClayton. As for trash, he noted:“This trail is not so bad.”

According to Hall, theClayton trails are heavily used.“I don’t think I’ve ever gone fora run without seeing someoneelse,” he reported.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Under the Adopt-A-Trailprogram set in place earlier thisyear, each trail can have twoadopters – one financial andone for clean-up, explains TLCmember David Disend. Thetrails are divided into 11 seg-ments, each needing bothfinancial and clean-up support.

The Pauline family ofClayton filled both roles bybeing the first to sign up for theprogram. They sponsor themost heavily used trail, theCardinet Trail, which runs from

IT’S YOUR PAPER

www.claytonpioneer.com August 7, 2009 925.672.0500

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

Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

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

Clayton Sports . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Community Calendar . . . . . . .15

Crossword Solution . . . . . . . .16

Deal With It . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Directory of Advertisers . . . . . .5

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

From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Paws and Claws . . . . . . . . . .14

Police Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . .4

Weather Words . . . . . . . . . . . .7

What’s Inside

JULIE PIERCE

MAYOR’S CORNER

Residents, city needto trim water usage

Whew! It’s been hot and dry.That makes for a very high firedanger and severe droughtrestrictions from the ContraCosta Water District (CCWD).

I’m sure you are all workinghard to meet the 15 percentreduction target issued byCCWD. However, the districtsays usage was down only 7 per-cent district-wide for May, so wehave to keep reducing.

The penalties for overuseinclude a quadrupling of the billand even shut-off of exteriorwater. So, brown lawns will bethe badges of honor thatdemonstrate our sincere effortsto conserve as we get throughthe even hotter months tocome.

CCWD restrictions on thecity are even tougher than forhomeowners. We have the same15 percent target for indoor cityfacilities as residential customersdo, but our outdoor target is 45percent. Ouch! So you will seemost of our lawns go browntoo.

The City Council adopted aWater Drought ManagementPlan at the May 5 meeting. Our

See Mayor, page 15

After months of agonizingover how to cover a $26 billionshortfall in the state’s budget,the governor finally signed abudget package last week thatdips heavily into local tax rev-enue to close the gap and leftlocal governments scratchingtheir heads trying to figure outexactly how much local tax rev-enue would be lost to state “bor-rowing.”

The amount is sure to beover $150,000 loss to the gener-

Paired with three-time U.S.Olympian Troy Dumais,Clayton’s Kristian Ipsen tookthe silver medal in 3-meter syn-chronized diving at the FINAWorld Championships in Romelast month.

Olympic champions QinKai and Wang Feng of Chinadefended their world champi-onship with 467.94 points,

compared to 445.59 points forIpsen and Dumais.

It was the first world cham-pionship for Ipsen, a 16-year-old student at De La Salle HighSchool. He began training inMarch with 29-year-oldDumais, a 26-time nationalchampion.

“I was pretty confident dur-ing prelims,” Ipsen told Sports

Illustrated. “In finals, I wasmore nervous because I’venever had a meet this big. ButTroy calmed me down.”

Ipsen was still traveling inItaly and unavailable for com-ment for the Pioneer. Hiswhole family was at the compe-tition, including his

Ipsen takes silver in Rome

Claytonians show civic pride through trail volunteer effortsANDRÉ GENSBURGER

Clayton Pioneer

State grabslocal taxesto balancebudget; cityhit hard

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer

MONIKA MAYTUM, LEFT, WITH SCOUTS NICK SWIATKO, Ted Hall and Anthony Maytum cleardebris on the Donner Trail as part of their service to Clayton’s Adopt-A-Trail program. See Budget, page 4

See Ipsen, page 16

See Adopt-A-Trail, page 6

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

PROUD GRANDPARENTS, (from left) Irene and Joe Cleary and Skip and Linda Ipsen pre-pare for Kristian’s return from Rome on Aug. 6 where the 16-year-old and his diving partner,Troy Dumais, took the silver medal in 3-meter synchronized diving at the World Cup. Photo atright: Troy Dumais and Kristian Ipsen.

Photo courtesy of the Ipsen family

Page 2 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com August 7, 2009

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Around Town

Forget the budget issues. Ofgreater community interest forthe county is whether theirmayors can cook.

Gathered on July 23 inTodos Santos, the mayors ofnine cities along with trustyassistants pitted their skillsagainst each other in order towin the trophy for the firstannual Mayors’ Healthy MealCook-off Challenge.

Concord Mayor LauraHoffmeister and MartinezMayor Rob Schroder served ashosts. Hoffmeister won firstplace, while Clayton Mayor Julie

Pierce came in second.The cook-off was the vision

of Cindy Gershen, chef andowner of Sunrise Bistro inWalnut Creek. Through herrestaurant, Gershen launched aWellness Challenge earlier thisyear. She challenged localrestaurants to replace preparedfoods and sugar in their dietswith healthy choices such asfiber-rich fruits and vegetables.She is now taking her challengecounty-wide.

Each mayor brought his orher protein choice (poultry,beef, fish, tofu) and used pro-

duce supplied by Concord’sfarmers’ market to create a dishon the spot that met the‘healthy eating’ criteria – lowsalt, low sugar, high fiber andhigh protein.

Sous chefs were provided byMt. Diablo High School’sSerendipity hospitality trainingprogram.

The mayors had one hour,from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., to pre-pare their culinary master-pieces.

Martinez plans to host theevent next year.

- Mike Dunn

County mayors battle for healthy meal prize Cpl. Richard McEachinhonored by Knights

Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer

MAYOR JULIE PIERCE’S GAZPACHO AND ITALIAN BREAD SALAD aced out 7 other mayoral entries andcame in second to Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister in the Mayor’s Healthy Meal Cook-offChallenge on July 23.

Officer Richard McEachinwas honored by the Knights ofColumbus as Clayton’s Officerof the Year at the Knights’annual Blue Knight luncheonon June 19. The award is highlyprized because the recipientsare chosen by their peers.

“I appreciate that theyappreciate the work that I do,”McEachin said. “I’m very hon-ored to receive it.”

“The selection isn’t neces-sarily based on statistics – thenumber of citations or arrests.”said Clayton Police Chief DanLawrence, “It’s based on thequality of the officer’s work andprofessional demeanor.”

In the four years since join-ing the department, McEachinhas become the “natural, unof-ficial leader among the offi-cers,” says Lawrence. “As a

result, they confide in him andrespect what he has to say.”McEachin recently led thedepartment’s effort to changethe police cars from white tothe more traditional black andwhite.

“I’ve always known he’s agood man and I’ve known thatforever,” says mom JaniceMcEachin of her son’s award.“I’m glad other people see that,too.”

On behalf of the ClaytonCity Council, Mayor Julie Piercedeclared July 18, 2009, as“Michael McCann Day.”

As the first Eagle Scout ofTroop 363, Michael was cele-brated at a special Eagle Courtof Honor at CrossroadsCovenant Church in Concordthat same day.

Since Troop 363 is relativelynew to the Clayton-Concordarea, Michael held higher rankand age than his fellows. “While

Photo by Wentling Studio

JULY 18 WAS “MICHAEL

MCCANN DAY” in Clayton,marking his achievements inscouting.

City celebratesTroop 363’sfirst Eagle

Scout

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

tos of your births, engage-ments weddings, specialrecognitions, etc. [email protected].

Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer

Chuck Spink, Faithful Navigator Knights of Columbus, ofthe Todos Santos Assembly #2286, Richard McEachin andClayton Police chief Dan Lawrence.

See Scout, page 14

August 7, 2009 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 3

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Around Town Chaparrel Springs gets ice cream party

They were all screaming forice cream as Chaparral Springsneighbors gathered for an icecream social provided byDreyer’s Ice Cream last week.

Debby Bruno moved to herIndianhead Dr. home just 18months ago. In February, shesaw an announcement for the“Dreyer’s Slow ChurnedNeighborhood Salute” essaycontest and entered. “My essaywas simple,” says Debby. “I justthought it would be a great wayto meet all, my new neighbors.”

The contest convincedDreyer’s who provided the icecream and all the fixin’s for theparty.

August 8In DisguiseJazz, R&B, Pop Hits

Aug 22Diamond DaveOldies to today’s top hits

Aug 29Replica80s rock tribute band

Sept 19Harvey & The Wall BangersRock, R&B, Countryand Oldies

Local Food To GoMoresi’s Chophouse6115 Main St., 672 - 1333

Ed’s Mudville Grill 6200

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La Veranda Cafe 6201

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Skipolini’s Pizza 1035

Diablo St., 672 - 1111

Village Market 6104 Main

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Johnny’s Int’l Deli &Cafe’ 6101 Center St.,

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Pioneer goes to Italy

The Aszklar family recently went to Italy for a month and tookthe Pioneer along. The trip began and ended in Rome where theyvisited Tamara’s family. The month-long trip included stops inFlorence, Venice, Pisa, Lucca, Pistoia, Montecatini, Sienna, SanGimignano. Pictured in Vatican City in front of St. Peter’s Basilica(where Tamara’s mother was baptized) are Tamara, Jon and JordanAszklar.

DEBBY BRUNO wrote the winning essay in the Dreyer’s IceCream ice cream social contest.

EDEN SWINT gets her cheekpainted at the ice cream social

Susan Safipour triumphsdaily over the stresses of herexciting but hectic life.

She makes it look easy as shebalances a career as editor ofDiablo Magazine – that takesher daily from brainstormingsessions to black-tie galas, fash-ion shoots to food competitions– with the life of a suburbanmom and wife.

A typical day may includehours in Diablo’s office over-looking Highway 24, off-siteevents, swim meets, attending(and sometimes organizing)tournaments with her profes-sional tennis player husband andorganizing a class outing for herson’s school. The pace mightsend others over the edge intogibbering fits. But through it all,Safipour seems so serene that avisitor to her Oakhurst homecan be forgiven for wondering ifthere’s something in the air.

“I have to be killer organ-

ized. It’s kind of no joke – Ihave to keep 3 million trains onthe track,” she said.

Barney Fonzi, her boss atDiablo Publications, isimpressed by the calm sheexudes. “It amazes me some-times,” he confessed of watch-ing her go from one event ortask to the next. “She’s alwayspresent in all those places.”

LOOKING ON THE

BRIGHT SIDE

Having grown up in midtownManhattan, Safipour is used tobeing driven, tense and deadlineoriented. She’s not sure where orwhen she learned the art of calm,whether from a Native Americanteacher in New Mexico or findingshe had family support during along ago time of crisis.Nevertheless, the lesson stuck.

“At some point, I just said,‘That’s not the way you shouldlive your life,’ ” she said. “If youstart just thinking about theschools and the state of theworld, you can decide it’s prettyawful. But if you stop and look

around, it’s pretty fabulous.”Safipour made her first maga-

zine, including quizzes and arti-cles, in third grade. The magazineonly lasted a few issues – morethan some professional glossiestoday – but Safipour’s passioncontinued.

After college, she headed toRawlins, Wy., for her first “real”journalism job. “That is as far asyou can get from New York Cityon the spectrum of life,” she saidwith a laugh.

JET SET TO SWEATER SET

Coming from an upper classlife of boarding schools andcelebrities passing in the halls,the budding young reporter wasnonetheless in her element at alocal newspaper – coveringeverything from school boardmeetings to traffic accidents.

Today, Safipour fits in wher-ever she goes, whether the twinset and khakis crowd of thesuburbs or the glitter and glam-our of black-tie events.Longtime friend Pamela Kandescribes her versatility.

“She can throw a dress onand be with a group ofsocialites, and she can run homeand put jeans and a T-shirt onand go down to the bar inClayton and have a blast, or puton her tennis clothes and beabsolutely fiercely competitive.She just has this ability to justreally fit in to just about anygroup with ease.”

While Safipour describes herjob as “super fun,” cominghome can be a relief.

“I just think Clayton is like anoasis. I love the magazine andmeeting new people and writingabout stories that I care about,”she said. “But then you drive upYgnacio Valley Road and by thetime you get to your house, you’rea long way away.”

Although she described hercooking as “a pretty tragic situa-tion,” a love of food and com-munity makes downtownClayton one of Safipour’sfavorite places to be on Saturdaymornings.

“Summer in Clayton is heav-en with those foods fresh at ourlocal market,” she rhapsodized,singing the praises of fresh corn,tomatoes and strawberry-ollaber-ry pie. “And, of course, it is sofun to run into Clayton friends atthe farmers market.”

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Safipour sees a big part ofher job as editor of DiabloMagazine as finding solutions tothe concerns of her community.But she prefers to stay out ofpolitics.

“I’m not an editorial writer.My job is to be fair to all sides, airissues and look for solutions.”

Yet she finds the impact ofthe recession on schools com-

pelling and plans to focus oneducation in an upcomingissue.

“It used to be that the par-ents in our public schools didthose things to make theschools go from good to great,”she said of grass-roots effortsto support schools in the face of

budget cuts. “And now it seemslike they’re having to do it to getthem back to good.”

In the meantime, Safipourintends to continue sharing hersense of calm optimism wherev-er she goes. “You just try to takea few breaths and not stress,” shesaid. “You just try.”


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STAYING SUPER-ORGANIZED is what keeps life in balance forDiablo Magazine’s editor, Susan Safipour.

Magazine editor doesn’t gloss over the small stuffDENISEN HARTLOVE

Clayton Pioneer

LABOR DAY DERBY

AND CAR SHOW

The Sixth Annual GreatLabor Day Derby and AntiqueCar Show is Sat., Sept. 5. Kidsfrom 7-14 race free in one ofthe official soapbox derby carsor a homemade custom car.More than 250 kids are expect-ed to try their hand at drivingon a course that stretches along

Main Street. For more Derbyinformation, call DougLaVenture (510) 816-4221, oremail [email protected].

Show your antique or classiccar in the car show or just cometo admire the spectacularentries. Register from 8-10 a.m.For more car show information,call Don Holmes, 689-8759.

See ads on page 10

Upcoming Events

general fund and an estimated$1.57 million in redevelopmentfunds, says Mayor Julie Pierce.“We’re waiting for the final num-bers to come from the League ofCalifornia Cities.

Exactly how the city will coverthe general fund shortfall isuncertain. The gap is equal to theannual budget for the library or toone police officer.

If the city were to lay off anofficer, however, they would lose$100,000 in state COPS grantmoney. The move would end upcosting the city two officers, notjust one. “It’s a complete mess,”says Pierce.

The hit comes on top of the4.8 percent reduction in staffcosts already made to balance thecity’s 2009-10 budget.

In 2004, voters rebelledagainst the state’s continuing

diversion of local tax revenues bypassing Proposition 1A. Themeasure, however, allowed for thestate to borrow from the states inan emergency. The loans must bepaid back within three years. Thecity has no confidence, however,that the loans can ever be repaid,Pierce said.

“And this isn’t just a one-timething, the state’s going to be tak-ing our money for years with nobalanced budget in sight. It’s agiant Ponzi scheme,” lamentedthe mayor at the June 30 Councilmeeting.

Although legislators left thelocal gas taxes alone, the city hasyet to receive their gas tax pay-ments from the state for the firsthalf of the year, leaving the fateof the re-paving project set forthis year still up in the air. “Wewon’t start the project until the

money’s in the bank,” said Pierce.The $1.57 million hit to the

Redevelopment Agency budget isjust about all the funds availablethis year after bond repayments,says Pierce. There will be nothingleft for economic development,downtown revitalization or capi-tal improvements.

The revenue grab comesdespite a court decision earlierthis year that declared redevelop-ment money off limits to thestate. “Sacramento thinks theyhave found a way to word it sothat they can get around the courtdecision,” said Pierce.

The CaliforniaRedevelopment Association plansto bring suit to block the latestdiversion.

At the Aug. 4 City Councilmeeting, City Manager GaryNapper will report on what needsto be cut to close the general fundgap. The Council meets in HoyerHall at the library at 7 p.m.

Budget, from page 1

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Keenan Heinz Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288-0159

Kitchen Make-Overs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7900

Pans on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600-7267

Sparkle Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5025

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

Window Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1930

Mailing and Shipping

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

Personal Products and Services

Donna Plavetzky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2000

Perfect Tan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8261

Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123

The Makeup Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .408-8010

Pet Services

Aussie Pet Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-738-6624

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

O’Brien Family Pet Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899-7354

Rodie’s Feed and Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600

Real Estate and Mortgage Services

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

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

Kavanaugh, Mike - RE/MAX Accord . . . . . . . . . .383-6102

Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .937-0150

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

Miller, Linda RE/MAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .765-4765

Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . .280-8563

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

Recreation

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

Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737

Senior Services

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

Services, Other

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

Comcast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-634-4434

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

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

Shopping

Donna’s Quilting Loft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0401

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

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

Travel

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

Directory of Advertisers

P.O. Box 12466200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517

TAMARA AND ROBERT STEINER, PublishersTAMARA STEINER, EditorANDRÉ GENSBURGER, Reporter and Feature WriterPETE CRUZ, Graphic DesignBEV BRITTON, Copy Editor ROBERT HELENA, Sports BETH NEUDELL, Advertising Sales CHRISTINA SCARLOTT, Administrative Assistant

We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

PIONEER INFOCONTACT US

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

Tamara [email protected]

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Beth [email protected]

Send ads [email protected]

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

LET US KNOWWeddings, engagements, anniver-

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

Also on our Web site are formsfor submitting Community Calendaritems and press releases for yourorganization.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Clayton Pioneer welcomesletters from our readers. As a generalrule, letters should be 300 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.

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the Clayton Library to LydiaLane Park, crossing threebridges.

“It was obviously to giveback to the community,” saidJake Pauline, whose companyBlack Diamond Electric pro-vides the financial sponsorship.

“The trail is always prettyclean,” said his wife Cristina,who runs on the trails. Sheattributes this to the strongsense of civic pride fromClayton residents living near thetrail.

“Our lovely trail system andour community’s volunteer spir-it are among the major reasonsour town was chosen as one ofthe best places to live in thenation,” said Mayor Julie Pierce.

The trail program is aug-mented by Measure B funds,with the goal of providing avenue for volunteers to helpClayton maintain and enhancethe popular trails. The annualfee to participate as a financialsponsor is $1,000. For clean-upadopters, it’s $200. Markers areinstalled at each trail segmentwith the names of both thefinancial sponsor and the clean-up volunteers.

“In this age when cities havehad to cut back services, one of

the ways for residents to giveback is through volunteerefforts,” Jake said. “These trailsare a huge bonus for Clayton.”

“If everyone can stretch outa bit,” Cristina added, “we cankeep the community lookingbeautiful. That’s a great attitudeto have.”

Jake grew up in Clayton andhis parents still live here. He andCristina bought their home inClayton a few years ago.

“We also get repaid in betterproperty values,” Jake said ofcommunity service. “And weteach our children the value ingiving back to the community.Clayton is a great place to live.People choose to live inClayton.”

THE PRIDE OF

VOLUNTEERING

Nick Swiatko of Troop 262has been a scout for 2½ years,since moving to Clayton fromSan Leandro. “My friends gotme into it,” said the 16-year-old,who enjoys the hiking andcamping activities as well aspitching in on the trail.

“Leaving the debris is badfor the environment,” he said,“because it makes walking diffi-cult and poses a fire hazard.”

So far the trail maintenancehas not taken them a lot oftime, but Hall believes that isbecause they are at the start ofthe program and still organizingwhat needs to be done.

Anthony Maytun, 11, and hismother Monika are also part ofTroop 484. Monika wanted herson to understand how lucky heis to be living in a place like this.

“I hope he will teach it to hiskids as well one day,” she said.“We have to give back to thecommunity.”

“The Adopt-a-Trail programfosters civic pride through vol-

unteerism, philanthropy andcleanliness,” said Disend.

“It’s not all about the meritbadge,” Swiatko said. “It isabout giving back to the com-munity.”

Other Adopt-A-Trail partici-pants include CD Federal CreditUnion, the Clayton Businessand Community Association,Girl Scout Troops 429 and31895, Kinder Care and JeffWaldron.

Both financial sponsors and elbowgrease are needed. To adopt a Claytontrail, call 673-7369.

Adopt-A-Trail, from page 1


THE PAULINE FAMILY, Johnny, Julia, Cristina, Jake and Analisawere the first to adopt a Clayton trail.

Home warranty adds extraprotection for home buyer

A home protection plan,also called a home warranty, is aservice contract that covers themajor systems and appliances ofa home. If you order a protec-tion plan at the time you buy ahome, most warranty compa-nies won’t require a propertyinspection.

Contracts typically run forone year. Most plans are renew-able at the owner’s option.

When a malfunction occursthat involves a system coveredby the warranty, the homeownercalls the warranty company andrequests a service call. The costof a service call varies from $55to $100 per visit, depending onyour location. The warrantycompany assigns the call to atechnician, and the companyabsorbs the cost of the systemrepair or replacement.

Don’t assume you can callany contractor to fix a malfunc-tion. Most companies won’t

cover a claim unless their con-tractors complete the repairs.

Most protection plans coverthe plumbing, heating, electricaland hot water systems of thehome, as well as built-in appli-ances and a free-standing stoveand dishwasher, if they areincluded in the sales agreement.Some policies cover roofrepairs, but usually up to a limitof about $1,000.

A standard policy with thiskind of coverage costs $350-$590. Additional coverage for apool and spa, air conditioning,washer, dryer and refrigerator isavailable at an additionalexpense. With some companies,roof coverage is only includedfor an extra fee.

Either seller or buyer maypay the cost of the home pro-tection – it’s negotiable. Buyersand sellers often agree to splitthe cost of a protection plan.

If the sellers aren’t offeringto pay for a home warranty andyou’d like them to, include thisrequest in writing in your offerto purchase. Be specific aboutwhat kind of coverage youwant. For instance, if you

expect the pool equipment to becovered, write this into yourcontract. Otherwise, the sellermay only provide a standardcoverage policy.

Seller home warranty cover-age is also available to protectagainst system malfunctionsduring the listing and sale peri-ods. The cost is charged on aper diem basis (usually less thana dollar a day), and it’s paid forby the seller at closing. Theremay be a waiting period of acouple of weeks after the appli-cation is submitted before thepolicy goes into effect.

A number of different com-panies offer home warrantyplans. Regardless of who paysfor the policy, the buyers shouldrequest that the plan be one oftheir choice. Before selecting aplan, review sample contractsfrom various companies. Youwant a plan that promises tocover “pre-existing conditions”that weren’t known to the sellersor their agents. Pre-existingdefects that are known will beexcluded from coverage.

Read the fine print carefully.Even though the electrical sys-

tem is covered, a problem that isthe result of a power outage orwiring that’s not up to currentbuilding code requirementsmight be excluded from cover-age.

Watch out for policy limita-tions, such as on furnace repairs.Ideally, you will want a policythat will pay for a new furnace,if necessary, at no additionalcost to you.

A home protection planshouldn’t be considered an alter-native to having the propertythoroughly inspected bylicensed professionals. Systemdefects discovered during thebuyer’s inspections usually won’tbe covered by a home protec-tion plan. Who will repair thesedefects should be agreed uponby the buyer and the sellerbefore closing.

Lynne French is the broker/owner ofWindermere Lynne French & Associatesand a Clayton resident. For any realestate needs or questions, contact her at672-8787, [email protected] orstop in at 6200 Center St. in Clayton.

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ESTATE

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Donna Plavetzky, formerowner of Clayton HairWorks, is serving you now atLela’s Salon in the ClaytonStation.

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Welcome back, El Nino? Inits most recent weather forecastdiscussion, the NationalOceanic and AtmosphericAdministration states, “ElNino conditions are presentacross the equatorial PacificOcean.” Longer-range modelforecasts indicate that El Ninoconditions will continue tointensify and last through nextwinter.

The term El Nino refers toa large scale ocean/atmospherephenomenon linked to thewarming of oceanic waters inthe equatorial Pacific area. Itwas first documented centuriesago by fishermen along Peru’scoastal waters. Since the warm-ing often occurred during theChristmas season, Peruvianscalled this event El Nino,meaning “the Christ child.”

Scientists studying El Ninodiscovered that Peru’s warmwater events were linked tochanges in atmospheric pres-

sure patterns that stretchedacross the Pacific from SouthAmerica to Australia. Thischange in pressure pattern iscalled the Southern Oscillation.

Since pressure patternsdrive winds and winds driveocean currents, scientists wereable to link El Nino events andSouthern Oscillations. In fact,El Nino’s are commonlyreferred to as El Nino-Southern Oscillation events(ENSO).

Normally, equatorial Pacificwinds blow east to west. InPeru, this means winds blowoff-shore and surface oceanwaters are moved away fromthe coast. This results in theupwelling of cooler sub-surfacewaters along the coast.

When the winds changedirection and upwelling stops,coastal waters become warmerthan normal, and El Ninoarrives.

The change in air circula-tion during an El Nino phaseof ENSO also results in seasurface temperatures warmingacross the equatorial Pacific aswell as near the coast of Peru.Meteorologists now look at sea

surface temperatures in thecentral Pacific to determine thestrength of an El Nino event.

Both the SouthernOscillation and warmer thannormal sea surface tempera-tures have dramatic affects onjet stream patterns throughoutthe world. For example, thesubtropical jet stream over theAtlantic tends to be strongerduring El Nino events. Thisinhibits formation of hurri-canes, and the number ofnamed Atlantic hurricanestends to be lower than normalduring El Nino events. Astrong El Nino can affectweather half a world away.

ENSO events differ instrength, duration and location.So while it is true that El Ninocauses changes in jet streampatterns, it is not true that theeffects of El Nino events arethe same in any geographicregion – like the Bay Area orCalifornia.

For example, the drought of1976 occurred during weak ElNino conditions and the heavyrains of 1998 came during astrong El Nino.

Generally, moderate and

strong El Nino’s result in rain-fall patterns highlighted by wet-ter than normal winters overthe southern tier of states,including California, and drierthan normal winters over thenorthern tier of states, includ-ing the Pacific Northwest.

It is too early to tell whatthe effects of this developingEl Nino will be on weather pat-terns in the Clayton area. Ifthis El Nino does turn out tobe a strong event, there is agood chance we’ll see abovenormal rainfall – especially inthe late winter and early springperiods.

In that case, Bay Area watermanagers and residents willcertainly say “Welcome back ElNino!”

For more on El Nino and theSouthern Oscillation, visithttp://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/prod-u c t s/p r e c i p/CWl ink/MJO/enso.shtml.

If you can hold a pencil, youcan draw, asserts CassandraAntkowiak.

The Mt. Diablo AdultEducation (MDAE) art instruc-tor teaches how to break theworld down into shapes – cir-cles, squares and modifiedforms, lights and darks.

“If you have an attitude, ‘Ican’t – it’s not good,’ I’ll have tobeat you,” she chides.“(Teaching) is most excitingwhen I can pull you through theknothole of a problem.”

Antkowiak shared her expe-rience at Art and Lunch on theVeranda on July 20. The eventgenerated from coordinatorCandace Bass’ concern forMDAE class funding whenMeasure D failed. MDAE’sLifelong Education program isdesigned for adults 55+. Ifspace is available, adults under55 may enroll.

As a loyal customer of LaVeranda Café, Bass learned thatowner Anis Maamari used tomanage a restaurant in SanFrancisco near many art gal-

leries and that they share a pas-sion for the art community.Bass, an artist and former edu-cator, feels compelled to sup-port small business and civicorganizations.

“Art is something that unitespeople and ends up supporting

the community as well,” Bassnotes. “Many important peoplein my life are small businessowners.”

Along with Antkowiak, Bassinvited Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsento represent the CreeksideArtists Guild (CAG) at the

lunch. Nielsen presented a back-ground of the fledgling com-munity art group.

CAG encourages emergingand experienced artists, withactive and passive memberspracticing paint, collage, graph-ics and wood, textiles. The

group also includes musicians,poets, authors and illustrators.CAG meets 7-8:30 p.m. the sec-ond Wednesday of the month inthe Clayton Library story room.

Collaborating with localbusiness, CAG opened a tempo-rary gallery, Creekside Jo’sGallery, at Cup O’ Jo withaccess next to Royal Rooster.The gallery displays original art-work for sale by local artists andis open Saturday during thefarmers market and Concerts inthe Grove series and Wednesdaynight’s Classic Car Nights.

Bass is organizing the nextArt and Lunch event for aMonday afternoon in the fall.“Artists or those interested inart may join our mailing list,”she adds.

For information about upcoming Artand Lunch events, contact Bass at [email protected] or 673-7036. ForMDAE’s Lifelong Learning programs,visit www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/adulted/life-long_learning. For CAG, visitwww.creeksideartists.org.

August 7, 2009 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 7

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MT. DIABLO ADULT EDUCATION ART INSTRUCTOR Cassandra Antkowiak reaches for Michael Yashar’ssketchbook during an Art and Lunch community event at La Veranda Café on July 20.

Forecasters say conditionsindicate an El Nino winter

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Dogs4Diabetics (D4D) isan innovative, local nonprofittraining dogs to detect andalert low blood sugar levels ininsulin-dependent diabetics.

The dogs use their aston-ishing sense of smell toachieve something advancedmedical equipment still can’taccomplish. Based inConcord, D4D provides certi-fied assistance dogs, clienttraining and lifelong follow-upto its clients at no cost.

Accompanying theirhuman partner throughout theday and sleeping by their bed-side at night, the dogs allowdiabetics to sleep soundly,drive safely and live moreindependently – eliminatingthe fear of sudden, severe anddebilitating drops in bloodsugar levels.

“Dogs for Diabetics gaveme a guardian angel I can see,”says program graduate KristinWilson.

D4D is funded by individ-ual donations, grants andsponsorships. This year’s sum-mer fundraising event, the sec-ond annual D4DWalk/Run/Raise for the Dogs,will be 8 a.m.-noon Saturday,Aug. 22. It starts and ends atSports Basement, 1881Ygnacio Valley Road, WalnutCreek.

The event will feature a 5kcourse for walkers and a 10kcourse for runners. Pre-regis-tered walkers will receive T-shirts and be entered into agrab bag drawing. All walkerswill enjoy a silent auction, a 10percent discount at SportsBasement and the chance towin a Wii with Wii Fit for thelargest collected donationmore than $1,000.

For more information or to reg-ister, please go to the website atwww.Dogs4Diabetics.com/news.

With wonderful weatherduring this time of year, manydog owners find time to wan-der the trails and enjoy walkswith their four-legged friends.Since the Clayton PoliceDepartment reinstituted ourpolice bicycle program, wheretrained officers patrol the trailson bicycles, we have noticedthat there are a few dog ownerswho do not comply with thecity’s leash ordinance.

In addition to providing fora safe environment on thetrails, our bicycle officers willalso be educating trail userswho are walking unleasheddogs. The ordinance that thecity adopted is Section 416-

4.402 of the Contra CostaCounty Animal Ordinance,“animals at large;” known tomany as the leash law.

The ordinance states thatdogs are required to be “undereffective restraint by a leash” atall times. This means that thedog must not just be on aleash, but the handler musthave effective control of thedog on the leash. This ordi-nance doesn’t allow for verbalcontrol off leash and is for thepurpose of controlling dogswhile in public area, such asstreets, sidewalks, trails andother public open spaces.

Our bicycle officers carrytheir ticket books with them

and may issue citations to peo-ple who violate the leash law.

As with many laws, thereare a few exceptions to beingon a leash – if the dog is on theprivate property of its owner;the dog is on private propertywith the consent of the ownerof the private property; andareas clearly designated as “off-leash dog run areas.”

It is important to note thatbeing on private property doesnot relieve the dog owner, orperson in custody of the dog,of exercising effective andappropriate restraint to assurethat the dog cannot injure peo-ple or property.

Although I recognize thatmost dog owners observe theleash requirement, this articleis intended to be a reminderthat dogs are to be kept onleash at all times. Extendable-retractable leashes are func-tional ways to allow your dogto roam, nip at the air andexercise while still on a leash.

The city does provide anoff-leash, fenced and gated dogpark across from Diablo ViewMiddle School, adjacent to thetrail between Regency Driveand Marsh Creek Circle.

Parking is easy at ClaytonCommunity Park. This is theonly approved off-leash dogarea in the city.

Remember: Leashing yourdog protects your friend andthose around you.

Owners are also remindedto be responsible in scoopingup after their pets at all times.The city does not pick up ani-mal waste along trails or side-walks. Your cooperation isrequested in using the trails,parks and open space responsi-bly. Keep them clean for all ofus to enjoy.

Feel free to contact theClayton Police Department at673-7350, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Monday through Friday, if youhave further questions.


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FROM THE CHIEF

Dan Lawrence is Clayton’s PoliceChief. Please send your questions,comments or topics you’d like to see covered to [email protected]

THREE WEEKS ENDING

JULY 30

ARRESTS

July 10, 1:57 p.m., OakhurstDr. and Clayton Rd., a Claytonwoman, 50, was stopped for avehicle code violation andissued a citation for driving witha suspended license.

July 12, 8:56 p.m., LydiaLane Park, a Concord man, 22,was contacted about being inthe park after hours and issued acitation for possession of mari-juana.

July 15, 12:01 a.m., ClaytonRd. and Washington Blvd., aSacramento woman, 27, wasstopped for a vehicle code vio-lation and issued a citation fordriving with a suspendedlicense.

July 15, 9:14 p.m., ClaytonRd., a Concord man, 44, wascontacted for panhandling andarrested on an outstanding war-rant.

July 16, 10:54 a.m., ConcordBlvd., a Concord man, 26, wasissued a citation for driving witha suspended license after beingstopped for a vehicle code vio-lation.

July 16, 10:05 a.m., ClaytonRd. and Glazier Dr., a Claytonman, 22, was stopped for avehicle code violation and wasarrested for an outstanding war-rant.

July 16, 10:42 p.m., ClaytonRd. and Heritage Trail, aConcord man, 19, was stoppedfor a vehicle code violation andissued a citation for drivingunder the influence.

July 17, 12:23 p.m., ClaytonRd. and Claycord Ave., aConcord youth, 16, was con-

tacted regarding a verbal argu-ment and arrested on an out-standing warrant.

July 18, 6:32 p.m., Miwokand Eagle Peak, a Claytonyouth, 15, was contacted regard-ing suspicious circumstancesand issued a citation for thepossession of marijuana.

July 21, 4:38 p.m., ClaytonRd., a Concord woman, 32, wasarrested and charged with for-gery and attempt to defraud.

July 23, 1:44 a.m., MainStreet, a Concord male, 21, wasarrested for battery of an offi-cer and resisting arrest after theofficer broke up a fight.

July 24, 1:30 a.m., ClaytonRd. and Kirker Pass, a Martinezwoman, 18, was stopped for anerratic driving pattern andarrested for driving under theinfluence.

BURGLARIES/THEFTS

July 12, 7:55 p.m., KellerRidge. Residential burglary

July 17, 9: 23 a.m., ClaytonRd. Attempted burglary

July 20, 6:35 a.m., YolandaCir. Attempted burglary

July 22, 6:55 p.m., MainStreet, Petty Theft

July 25, 1:55 p.m., ClaytonRd. Grand Theft

July 29, 8:45 a.m., MountaireCir. Vehicle burglary

VANDALISM

July 10, 2:29 p.m., Oak StreetJuly 10, 4:25 p.m., Clayton

RoadJuly 11, 11:44 a.m., Heritage

TrailJuly 18, 10:30 p.m., El

MolinoJuly 24, 3:00 a.m., Samuel Ct.

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Located 3 doors from Mt.Diablo state park it has awesomeviews from there to over Clayton tothe Sacramento River & Napa hillsbeyond. A 9-Hole putting green, it’sown regulation horseshoe pit, gran-ite outdoor kitchen with Bar andBBQ, a 9’x12’ inground Spa, aburning pit, Barn, rose garden,room for a pool, and it’s own

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Clayton estate home on 1.26 acres–Now only $1,295,000!Starting a school yearfrom the bottom up

With a new school year slat-ed to start the last week ofAugust, parents and studentsare anxious about the programsthat had been cut and whetherany gains have been madetoward restoration.

The last school year endedafter months of budget cutsthat resulted in the loss of 4thgrade music, high school athlet-ics, vice principals, class-sizereductions and much more –prompting an outcry from par-ents demanding some salvation.

With the formation ofgroups, some progress has beenmade toward the restoration ofcertain projects, most notablyhigh school athletics. Sports arerelying upon a combination ofstudent participation fees andsome heavy fundraising by thenew United Mt. Diablo AthleticFoundation.

LENDING A HAND TO

SPORTS, MUSIC

Gaining approval of the Mt.Diablo Unified School District(MDUSD), the foundation set

out to raise $200,000 before thestart of the new school year.

“Last year, the cost for dis-trict-wide athletics was reportedto be about $1.2 million andMDUSD is contributing noth-ing to that amount this year,”said Jeff Adams, a foundationboard member. “Without the

$200,000 foundation target,contribution amounts paid byfamilies would have been signif-icantly higher and it is unclearwhether the MDUSD boardwould have reinstated athleticsfor 2009-2010.”

THE CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM is just one ofthe programs cut by the loss of athletics within the district. TheUnited Mt. Diablo Athletics Foundation hopes to restore thesesports with a per use fee and fundraising

ANDRÉ GENSBURGER

Clayton Pioneer

See School Cuts, page 13

Chronicling high school,one quote at a time

“Well, I was born in a small townAnd I live in a small townProbably die in a small townOh, those small communities”

– John Mellencamp,“Small Town”, 1985

With its 11,200 population,Clayton was recently named No.87 in Money magazine’s“America’s 100 Best SmallTowns.” Our proud little townalso topped the “Clear Days perYear” portion of the article,with an average of 161 days ofblue sky loveliness.

Thus, it’s with great pride formy town that I assume my jobas one of the Clayton Pioneer’shigh school columnists. I havetwo goals for this upcomingyear: that I will be able to meetmy deadlines with a minimalamount of procrastination andthat I will be able to providereaders of all ages with relevantand insightful perspective onthe life of a high schooler, while

also writing with integrity.To ensure I’ll always have a

topic, I’ve decided to begin thiscolumn with a quotation (mostlikely literary, as I have a pro-nounced fetish for books) thatwill serve as a sort of prompt.Inspiration or current eventswill then control the directionof the column.

I’d love to have readers sub-mit quotations. It’d be an excel-lent way to receive input.

There will be times when mychoice of topic or views may beconsidered offensive to somereaders – it’s inevitable.However, I can strive to writewith integrity, not stooping torabidity or slander.

After all, this columnshouldn’t serve as a soap boxfor me to preach my opinion.My objectivity in a matter willonly strengthen my credibility. Ihope that I will present myviews respectfully and clearly,provoking thought but not nec-essarily irritation.

It is crucial to me that I writewith clarity, and most impor-tantly, with rationality, leavingbehind clichés and sweepinggeneralizations – things that

would negatively characterizethe column.

In her final column, MichelleTrosclair sagely gave me adviceabout three elements of thiscolumn: that a topic would notalways come easily; that theresponse received would notalways be kind; and that Ishould never underestimate thepower of the written word.

I believe I am ready to facethis challenge. Armed with myarsenal of quotations and anotebook, I look forward towriting this year’s column.

However, Trosclair did notinclude another important fact:that I will be following in herfootsteps, which will be hard tofill. For the two years that she haswritten the column, I have readher strong, purposeful and oftenwry observances. Now it’s myturn to write a column for theClayton Pioneer; I can only hopethat my columns will provoke asmuch thought as hers did.

CADY LANG

TEEN SPEAK

Cady Lang is a senior at BereanChristian High School. She wouldlike to major in English and eventu-ally pursue a career in writing. Emailher at cady@clayton pioneer.com.

MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

More than 225 people attended afather/daughter dance near the end of the schoolyear at Mt. Diablo Elementary School. Uncles andgrandfathers were welcome too.

The event featured a DJ, with sweets, waterand juice provided by school parents.

“The dance was far more than I had hopedfor,” says Heidi Celentano, who planned the event.“As the couples arrived, they were directedonstage to have their photo taken. They then pro-ceeded to the dance floor to dance, dance, dance.At the end of the dance, we had a small raffle –giving away nail polish, hair glitter, etc. The girlswere delighted and the dads were all smiles.”

Celentano says many fathers expressed sinceregratitude for the wonderful event. “It was veryheartwarming.”

The fundraiser created a new tradition for theschool, while giving children an opportunity tobond with their parents. “I would rate this eventbeyond successful and look forward to planningthe next one,” says Celentano, who is scheduling amother/son dance as well.

Rachel Gittleman and dad Dylan, left, join SerafinaCelentano and dad Joe at the Mt. DiabloElementary dance.

School News


Clayton Sports

Free Family FunClayton Community Church presents the Sixth Annual

In association with Insurance Management Corp.

Sat., Sept. 5, 2009 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event is intended as an opportunity for family fun. Kids age 7-14 can register. There is NO fee to participate.Register by August 29th to get a free t-shirt and run in two races.

For event info contact: Doug LaVenture(510) 816-4221, [email protected]

For registration info contact: Gaylynn LaVenture(925) 673-5337, [email protected]

Kids Race Free!

Cars are provided!

If you wish to build your own race car, con-

tact Doug LaVenture.

Entry limited to 1st 250 racers.

Registration form available online at www.claytoncc.com

Boys of summer power their way to district win

Led by a ferocious hittingattack, the 12-year-old boys’Clayton Valley Little League AllStar Team out-slugged longtimenemesis Alameda All Stars andthe defending regional champi-on Albany All Stars to capturethis year’s District 4 champi-onship and a trip to sectionals.

“I didn’t know how big itwas to beat Alameda,” says first-year All Star manager JimTemple. “But the parents andplayers made sure I knew.”

Over the years, Alamedaalways carried big sticks andrained on CVLL’s parade. “Itwas great to finally beat them,”says Garrett Nelson, CVLL AllStar first baseman.

“Alameda’s first six hittersare just maulers. Their seven,eight and nine hitters are alsogood, so there’s no weakness,’’says Temple.

The only option for Templeand coach Kevin O’Leary wasto outscore them. “It’s insur-mountable to think of beatingAlbany and beating Alamedatwice,” Temple notes.

At sectionals, they werethree outs away from capturingthe title but came up short.

A DEEP TEAM

The CVLL 12-year-oldgroup was widely considered tobe oozing with talent. Some ofthe athletes play on competitivetraveling teams, and their nucle-us consist of CVLL stalwarts

Ryan Freitas, Riley Smith,Jonathan Allen and TannerWraa.

Displaying a potent hittingattack up and down the lineup,the team rolled to double digitrun production throughout the

tournament. “Everyone con-tributed, especially the bottomof the lineup as they got on baseand scored a bunch of runs,”says O’Leary.

An astonishing six differentplayers went deep. Freitas,

Smith, Allen, Wraa, Nelson andCole Temple all connected onsome big flies at various timesthroughout the championshiprun.

“All the players contributedin one way or another, including

guys like Stefan Mercurio, JacobLunsford, Jack O’Leary, KennyCuneo, Bentley Griffin andGreg Hudgens,” O’Leary adds.

Temple noted the high levelplay of Nelson, the slick field-ing, power hitting first baseman.

“His bat was strong all the waythrough. I didn’t realize howgood he was during the regularseason. He was the best firstbaseman in the entire district,”says Temple.

“I was shocked. I didn’tknow I could do that either,”Nelson adds.

According to Temple,Nelson could also pick it.“When Freitas handles groundballs from short, the ball hethrows must be coming at least70 miles per hour and Garrettwas scooping them up with noproblem.”

Even though the teambanged its way to sectionals, thepitching was no joke either.Freitas, Smith and Wraa took upmost of the slack, with Templereferring to them as “The BigThree.”

The coach was particularlyimpressed with Wraa’s work onthe mound. “Tanner Wraa wastremendous. He beat Albanyand closed out Alameda,” saysTemple.

AIMING FOR REGIONALS

At sectionals, the team wonits first game and went upagainst the Napa All Stars, pre-vailing 8-4 behind the pitchingof Freitas. “We hit and heldthem down with Freitas, andRiley Smith closed it out,” saysTemple.

Napa moved to the losers’bracket but fought its way outand into a rematch with CVLL,

ROBERT HELENA

Clayton Pioneer

CVLL ALL STARS. Top row: Manager Jim Temple, Cole Temple, Bentley Griffin, Jonathan Allen, Jack O'Leary, RyanFreitas and Coach Kevin O'Leary. Bottom row: Jacob Lunsford, Riley Smith, Garrett Nelson, Ken Cuneo, StefanMercurio, Tanner Wraa and Greg Hudgens.

See Boys, page 13


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Clayton players help Diablo FC 95boys to strong national ranking

The old ABC “Wide Worldof Sports” theme was “the thrillof victory and the agony ofdefeat.” The Diablo FC 95under 14 boys team experiencedboth those emotions in a matterof minutes in the championshipgame of Surf Cup XXIX in SanDiego.

Surf Cup is the most pres-tigious invitational youth soc-cer tournament in the country,and the local team navigatedits way through a minefield oftop-ranked opponents to reach

the final.Playing the No. 1 U14 boys

team in the United States, WestCoast FC, Diablo FC took allWest Coast could dish out forthree quarters before theSouthern California team con-verted a penalty kick to take a 1-0 lead. With less than 30 sec-onds left in stoppage time ofthe championship game, coachJohn Badger’s team scored off acorner kick and pandemoniumbroke out on the sideline.

This pushed the deadlockedfinale into Golden Goal over-time. Before a minute hadpassed in OT, West Coastscored to claim the champi-onship 2-1.

The Diablo FC 95 boyscame home with an impressiveSurf Cup finalist trophy and thesatisfaction of knowing thatthey played toe-to-toe with thetop-rated team in America. Withthese impressive results at SurfCup, Diablo FC vaulted to No.14 in GotSoccer National rank-ings.

In just nine days, they playedthe Nos. 1 (twice), 2, 5, 8 and 29nationally ranked teams. TheSunday before Surf Cup, theyplayed the No. 2 team, Milan FCof Hilmar, in the championshipgame of the NorCal PremierSpring League. They lost 1-0 atYgnacio Valley High Schooldespite dominating possessionand scoring opportunities. Theyalso lost 1-0 to No. 9 Santa

Clara Sporting in the CYSAState Cup finals in May.

Midfielder John Ballard andoutside back Mikey Guerrero ofClayton were key componentsof the Diablo FC team effort atSurf Cup. TJ Hogan ofConcord scored the only goalon a breakaway in the semi-finalmatch against South CoastBayern Netrippers, the 8th-ranked team in the country. Thelone goal in a 1-0 victory pro-pelled Diablo FC into the cham-pionship.

That followed another 1-0quarterfinal win as Diablo FCeliminated host San Diego SurfAcademy.

Exactly a year earlier, theDiablo FC 90 boys, with localplayers Garrett Biel and HarjanCheema, were playing in theUSYSA national championshipfinal four in Arkansas. That U17team achieved the No. 1 rankingin the country last summer.

In the Surf Cup champi-onship finals, Diablo FC had arematch with West Coast FC,whom they played in the finalpreliminary game the previousday after both teams had alreadyclinched berths in the quarterfi-nals.

Based on the previous meet-ing, Diablo FC got what theyexpected: a tough, defensivebattle in the championshipgame. West Coast had given uponly two goals (in the samegame) in 11 previous games in

Surf Cup and Far WestRegionals, which they won.

Midway in the second half, aquestionable foul resulted in apenalty kick for West Coast,which they converted to take a1-0 lead. Diablo FC fought furi-ously to press the attack. Withonly about 15 seconds left ofthe three minutes of addedtime, Diablo FC took a cornerkick. After bouncing off thefeet of players from both teams,Juan Velazquez was able to gaincontrol of the ball and put it inthe net to tie the game as timeran out.

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Photos by Mark Theime

DIABLO FC 95 UNDER 14 BOYS SOCCER TEAM vaulted to the #14 National ranking on the heels of their second-place finish at theprestigious Surf Cup XXIX tournament in San Diego. The team includes, front row: T.J. Hogan, John Ballard, Esteban Berumen,Kash Choudhary, Johnny Luna-Lima, Jose Robledo, Joey Brauer, Edgar Damian Ramirez, Sam Giambalvo and Juan Velazquez.Back row: coach John Badger, Mikey Guerrero, Sho Silvan, Mario Matute, Isaiah Dargan, Jared Thieme, Ryan Ringelstein, PatrickHolst and Derek Wilcox.

OUTSIDE BACK MIKEY

GUERRERO was a key part ofthe success local Diablo FC95 under 14 boys soccerteam enjoyed at the recentSurf Cup in San Diego.

MIDFIELDER JOHN BALLARD

helped Diablo FC as theywent into overtime againstthe #1 under 14 boys teamin America, West Coast FC,in the recent Surf Cup cham-pionship game.


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Clayton Sports

This year’s Clayton ValleyLittle League Juniors softballteam was truly in a league oftheir own.

The Juniors, made up most-ly of 13- and 14-year-old girls,won the District 4 Tournamentof Champions and District 4All Star TournamentChampionship. In league, theydominated by going 21-0 andwon all three games enroute tocapturing the TOC banner.

This same team representedCVLL in the All StarTournament and promptly wonthe district championship aswell. In the All StarTournament, they made it tothe sectional final but lost toDixon.

The Juniors were the onlyCVLL girls’ softball team forthis age group, due to a lack ofplayers. “I think there werefour or five girls who couldn’tplay this year because we had totake the first 15 girls whosigned up,” says manager ErikFjellbo.

Since there wasn’t a “house”league to compete in, the regu-lar season consisted of inter-league play against teams fromtowns including Martinez,Pinole, Pittsburg and Antioch.

The turning point this sea-son for the Juniors was theirperformance in a mid-seasonAll Star Tournament inAntioch. The tournament con-sisted of All Star Teams fromcities around the Bay Area.After the Juniors won the tour-nament, Fjellbo knew he hadsomething special.

The strength of the Juniorswas balance. “Solid on bothsides. Good hitting and goodpitching. Our base running wasexceptional,” says Fjellbo.

On championship runs,total team contributions mustoccur as well. “A lot of times,our top players came throughbut, more importantly, the non-full time players stepped up. Atotal team effort,” says Fjellbo.

The team was led by AshleyAllen, Ashley Daniels, AndreaPartida and Kayla Fjellbo.“Ashley Allen was our bestposition player and hitter,” saysFjellbo.

Offensively, the team wasstrong. “Our top of the orderwould get on base and AshleyAllen and Ashley Danielswould hit home runs – or theywould just hit the ball reallyhard,” Fjellbo reports in a mat-ter-of-fact tone.

Complementing the potentoffense was the equally impres-sive pitching staff. Daniels wasconsidered the “power” pitch-er, Fjellbo the “control” pitcherand Partida the “off speed”pitcher.

“Our approach would be tostart off with a control pitcher,followed by a power pitcherand ending with an off speedpitcher,” says Fjellbo. “Thiskept opposing teams off-bal-ance.”

Having the same team forAll Stars turned out to be ahuge advantage when theyentered the All StarTournament. “Most All Starteams only had a few days toget together and gel as ateam,” says Fjellbo. “We weretogether for three monthsalready.”

In addition, Fjellbo antici-pated the potential of the teamby signing them up to play inhigh-level tournaments duringthe season. “Little League isgood to get the reps, whiletournaments allow you to playat a higher level,” he notes.

This talented team has agood future. Fjellbo believes10-12 girls will play at the highschool level.

At the start of the season,Fjellbo set some objectives.Make the weaker players betterand improve the skill level ofthe better players. “We went28-3, so I think we exceededthose objectives.”

Fjellbo says the key to thissuccessful season was that all ofthe girls continued to improvethroughout the year and sup-ported each other throughgood and bad plays. “I’ve beencoaching baseball and softballfor over 12 years, and this wasone if not the most talentedteam I’ve ever coached,” saysFjellbo.

Coaching the same team totwo district championships inthe same year is quite a feat, butmaybe a little bittersweet forthe local baseball and softball

community. After 12 years ofcoaching, Fjellbo is going outon top – hanging it up and

heading to the stands. He nowplans to cheer his kids at thehigh school level.

Juniors softball team two-time champsROBERT HELENA

Clayton Pioneer

JUNIORS WIN 2 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS. Back row: Kathy Mason, Taylar Rivera, Lexie Wenrich,Kayla Fjellbo, Adrianna Chan, Jessica Mason, Ashley Daniels. Front row: Tommi Boyd, AshleyAllen, Julia Arteaga, Danielle Oxman, Jennifer Lyons, Andrea Partida. Manager - Erik Fjellbo;Coaches - Enrique Arteaga and Dave Cooney.

After a slow 5-4 start in the first half of the season, theCVLL Minor B ‘A’s got on a roll to finish 9-0 undefeated inthe second half. This propelled them to a CVLLChampionship banner and a trip to the Tournament ofChampions. The ‘A’s came up short against the Alamedaleague champs but nevertheless had a tremendous sea-son. The ‘A’s were managed by Brian Orvis.

Top Row: Coach Tony Williams and Coach GarySiegrist. Middle Row: Team Manager Brian Orvis, KyleGlantz, Cole Warner, Jared Siegrist, Nick Lilly, HenryWaller and Mark Anderson. Bottom Row: Colin Cox, KevinOrvis, Ross Gruen, Dylan Lofgren, Derrek Gardner andChristian Barragan.

CVLL Farm B Champions

Tryouts for Bears SoftballAssociation, Fall 2009 season.The Bears is a fast pitch travel‘A” softball league for girls ages10-18. CVHS Varsity Field, Aug16, 18 and 19; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for

all teams on Sunday; 5 8 p.m.for all teams on Tues and Weds.

For additional tryout informationgo to www.bears-softball.com or [email protected]; (910) 715-4294.

Sports Shorts

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A similar program has beeninitiated by Concord HighSchool music director GaryCoartney. The Mt. Diablo MusicEducation Foundation is anassociation of interested par-ents, teachers and communitymembers working together toassure music education’s futurein the district.

The foundation is in its earlystages but hopes to raise enoughfunds to save 4th grade musicand prevent the cuts to 5thgrade music during the nextschool year.

THE BUDGET SLASHING

CONTINUES

Meanwhile, budget cuts havealready forced the district toslash more than $50 millionover the last five years, with theprospects of even more cutsahead. The current state budgetcuts from K-12 schools mayhave been included in the lastround of district cuts that antic-

ipated the governor’s Junebudget revise.

“The governor’s proposal iswhat we use to budget, so if(the cuts) are the same, thenthere should be no impact,”MDUSD trustee Paul Strangesaid with hesitation. “I think thelarger issue is that (the state) willcut further in Septemberthrough October.”

“I am simply worn downfrom the constant battles overthe last two years,” said trusteeGary Eberhart, “and all of thebudget cuts and all of the peo-ple telling me that I’m not doingmy job well or I don’tunderstand the needs that kidshave or I don’t have respect forthis group or that group, or, or,or, etc …

“I don’t believe that peopleunderstand the gravity of thecuts that have been made yet,” headded. “The vast majority of thecuts won’t be realized until thefall when the kids come back.”

WEATHERING STATE CUTS

With school-age children inthe district, Eberhart, Strangeand trustee Sherry Whitmarshknow the frustrations as par-ents.

“The bad news is the statebudget craps (sorry for beingnot so PC, but it’s the way I’mfeeling right now) on educa-tion yet again,” Whitmarshsaid in a sentiment shared bymany in education.

The board newcomer hashad to face many tough deci-sions since replacing AprilTreece in November.

“The new budget alsoallows schools to reduce theschool year, but we would haveto negotiate that with our bar-gaining units,” she added.

“I won’t know how itmakes me feel until I knowwhat the impact is,” Strangesaid.

Still optimism remains. “Inmy view,” said Adams, “we as afoundation have accomplishedquite a bit to restore athleticsfor our students in just four

months. We have commit-ments or collections totalingabout $105,000 as I under-stand it. With the needed gen-erous help of businesses, serv-ice clubs, other groups andindividuals in the community… we are confident that thefoundation will be able to raisethe remaining $90,000 or so ofits target $200,000. But we doneed the support of the com-munity throughout the districtto succeed.”

Parents also will berequired to pay a fee per sport.Football would run $300 perathlete, while girls’ golf wouldcost $50 per athlete.

The foundation has afundraising gala scheduled atthe Pavilion Sept. 19, as well asa 5K fundraising run inOctober at Newhall Park.

For more information on the ath-letic association, visit www.unitedmt-diabloathletics.org. For informationon the music foundation, contactCoartney at [email protected].


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this time for all the marbles –the sectional championship anda trip to regionals.

Since CVLL won its firsttwo games at sectionals, theteam had to lose twice to beeliminated. With the pitchingdepth and potent hitting,Temple liked his chances.

Wraa was the first hurler tobe given the ball to close it out.Wraa pitched his team to a 3-2lead heading into the laterinnings. CVLL was now onlythree outs away from winningthe sectional championship, butit wasn’t to be. Napa led off thetop of the 6th with back-to-back home runs to take a 4-3lead and an eventual victory bythe same score.

Now, CVLL would have toplay Napa again the next day.

Napa took control early with a3-0 lead and never looked back,winning 7-0 over our local lads.

“They also had two reallygood pitchers, and we justcouldn’t hit,” says O’Leary.

“I wouldn’t be surprised ifNapa wins the western regional.You have to tip your hat off tothem. They are an impressiveteam,” Temple says.

“Napa was a good team withgood coaches,” adds Nelson,who had a great experience. “Ithought the coaches did a greatjob coaching us and they had alot of experience.”

The team will deliver aDistrict 4 championship bannerto Ed’s Mudville Grill, wherememory of these boys of sum-mer will last for quite sometime.

J. Allen supplied home runpower throughout the tour-nament

12-year old Tanner Wraawas outstanding both hittingand pitching..

Boys, from page 10

CVLL’s 12 year old All StarSoftball team represented theleague very well in this year’sCalifornia District 4International Tournament.Teams from Antioch, Pittsburg,East County, Continental/Walnut Creek, Pinole/Herculesand Martinez Little Leagues alsoparticipated. The District tour-ney was hosted byPinole/Hercules LL. CVLL AllStars immediately jumped to theWinners Bracket with wins overAntioch (16-10) andPinole/Hercules (24-7). In a

game decided in the last inning,CVLL suffered a difficult 3-1loss to its rival Martinez. A greatrebound win againstContinental/Walnut Creek (15-5) offered another shot atMartinez in the Championshipgame. CVLL battled admirablybut lost 6-1. The All Starsshowed plenty of firepower,played the game right, and dis-played outstanding sportsman-ship throughout theTournament. The team wasmade up from players from fourMajor Division teams: Bandits,Heat, Force and Thunder. Theteam was coached by RickOrtiz.

CVLL 12-year-old softball All-Stars make itto the District Finals

TOP FROM LEFT: Coach Rick Ortiz, Jenelle Stephens, KristinaArteaga, Kayla Taylor, Abby Burton, Daisy Agers, KassidyPedrani, Coach Mike Treppa. BOTTOM FROM LEFT: ManagerEnrique Arteaga, Jordan Bluth, Nellie Duncan, Kyra Ortiz,Lyndsay Treppa, Arianna Robertshaw, Cristina Mason.

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School Cuts, from page 9


There are many reasonswhy people love to keep par-rots as companion pets. Theiramazing intelligence and abili-ty to use human speech isprobably the most compelling.

Their beautiful colorfulplumage and affectionatenature with their caregiver giveeven more reasons. Many par-

rot species live well beyondthirty years and form a verystrong bond with their caregiv-er.

Pet parrots require morecare than most people mightthink. They need daily interac-tion with their caregiver andlots of toys to prevent bore-dom. It is essential for ownersto become informed aboutnutrition, to understand theparrot’s basic instinct to forageand how to train them usingpositive reinforcement.

Their diet should consist ofa good quality pellet food,fresh fruits and vegetables, andaccess to clean water. Parrots

are susceptible to disease fromunclean cages so that generally,the cage floor should becleaned daily and the cageitself weekly.

It’s just like getting a newpuppy. Training your baby par-rot takes a commitment. Thetime spent with your parrotwill truly enrich your life withjoy and companionship.

To find out if parenting aparrot is right for you, come toan all-day Parrot Behavior andTraining Workshop at Rodie’sFeed and Country Store onSat. Sept 19. Cost is $125 perperson and includes continen-tal breakfast, BBQ lunch, 20

percent off all bird supplies,goodie bags and raffle prizes.

For ticket info, call 672-4600or email [email protected].

Sometimes people are sim-ply too tired or busy to go for awalk or play fetch with theirdogs. In this case, use the“Nothing in Life is Free”approach adapted for sittingdown or multi-tasking.

To jump start the process,throw out the food bowl. Next,measure your dog’s daily foodallotment into a plastic contain-er or two.

Spot no longer gets freeroom and board. He earns hisfood by doing something foryou. He can sit, spin, shake, liedown quietly, look at you whenyou say his name, bring a ballback to you, go potty in theright spot, etc. When he does,reinforce his effort by givinghim a little food by hand ortossing it on the floor.

I have an 8-month-oldLabrador retriever nicknamedWild Man. Young labs can neverget enough stimulation or food.In the morning, I measure outthree cups of dry food. I takethe kibble, my breakfast and acup of coffee to the breakfasttable. Next, I ask Wild Man to

sit. When he does, I toss a hand-ful of kibble onto the floor.

While he hunts for it, I eatthree bites of cereal. When hefinishes, he returns for more. Iask for a sit. When he sits, I givehim a handful of kibble by handand throw one piece across theroom. He runs to get it. I have asip of juice.

I call him, he runs back andI give him another handful ofkibble. I say his name, he looksat me and I throw kibble on thefloor again. While he has atreasure hunt, I finish my cereal.

When I’ve finished mybreakfast but still have some ofhis left, I go outside with mycoffee. I put the rest of his foodinto a doggie puzzle toy like aSquirrel Dude, Buster Cube orempty plastic water bottle. I askfor a sit and reinforce the sit bygiving him the food toy to playwith while I get dressed.

Before leaving for work,Wild Man has run, hunted,practiced come, down, sit andwatch. Most importantly, weenjoyed our time together.

Under-stimulation can have

serious side effects for both ofyou. Too much free time is aptto cause the old dog to slumpinto inactivity and obesity or theadolescent to become wildlycreative. People often refer tothis creativity as destructivebehavior.

In extreme cases, it canresult in serious conditions likeobsessive-compulsive disorderrequiring costly professionalintervention. Prevention savestime, trouble and money.

Combine this exercise withthe cookie toss recall, asdescribed in the June 12Pioneer, and you’ll have a betterbehaved dog who actually lis-tens to you.

Pickle is a sweet, playful and lively girl search-ing for a new home with adopters that have thetime to commit to taking her to training classesand who are able to provide her with plenty ofopportunities for both mental and physical exer-cise. Games of fetch are high on her list offavorite things to do!

The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 andincludes a seven-week training class.

Crystal has a very outgoing and affectionatepersonality. She is a social butterfly and wantsnothing more than for everyone to give her lots ofattention.

The adoption fee for adult cats is $50.Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s

Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive,Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m.Thursday and Friday, Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturdayand Sunday. The primary caretaker must be pres-ent to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 andyounger and canine family members (dog adop-tions only) to be present during the adoptionprocess.

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

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Special to the Pioneer

Mike was in Troop 363, he andBrian Fogg were usually the old-est; any boys their age or olderdropped out,” explainsMichael’s mother, Laurie Gage-McCann. “He never had olderScout mentors and had to workon his own toward advance-ments.”

Nevertheless, Michaelearned 26 merit badges in 10years of scouting, exceeding therequired 21 toward the presti-gious rank.

Kristy Johnston, one ofMichael’s youth leaders fromClayton Community Church(CCC), said Michael makesscouting look cool. “He can fitin anywhere.”

Michael completed his EagleScout project for CCC, organiz-ing and leading the construc-tion, painting and delivery of

three heavy-duty rolling storagecarts for the portable children’sprogram.

In addition to many serviceprojects and fun and challengingactivities, Michael fulfilled apromise he made to his father,Alan, when he was a young CubScout. Although he felt likequitting, he persevered andbecame “the mentor and exam-ple to younger scouts,” his momsaid.

The mayor’s proclamationstates that scouting has “levelsof accomplishment, with theultimate being the coveted andrare Eagle Scout Award.” Itcommends Michael for his con-tribution to the betterment ofthe community and recognizeshis accomplishment.

According to the Websiteusscouts.org, “Only 2-5 in 100

that join Scouts make Eagle –that’s less than 1 percent.”

At the Court of Honor,Clayton resident Roger Haserotfastened his Eagle Award forthe first time in 50 years to out-line the character qualities andresponsibilities of an EagleScout.

“As a marked man, yourachievements will follow youthroughout your life,” Haserotasserts. “The leadership andsense of honor you have devel-oped will mean more than a cer-tificate and a ribbon; you willhave opportunity to be of serv-ice to your fellow man.”

Michael graduated fromClayton Valley High School inJune. The water polo team cap-tain was awarded MVP, and hisclassmates voted him “MostLikely to be Heard Without aMicrophone.” He plans toattend UC Santa Cruz in the fall,majoring in anthropology.

- Nicci Shipstead

Scout, from page 2

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EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

In ClaytonAug. 7Moonlight Movie/“Fireproof”Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free. 8:45 p.m., 6055 Main St.673-9060.

Aug. 8, 22, 29Concerts in the GroveBring lawn chairs and blankets. Aug. 8: In Disguise,jazz/blues/R&B. Aug. 22: Diamond Dave, classic to modern croon-ers. Aug. 29: Replica, ’80s rock. Free. 6-8 p.m., The Grove Park indowntown Clayton.

Aug. 12, 19, 26Classic Cars and Rock & RollClassic cars on display, plus a DJ. Free. 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.Main and Diablo streets, downtown Clayton.

Aug. 29CVHS class of ’79 reunion7 p.m.-midnight, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Dr.,Clayton. For tickets, visit www.cvhs1979reunions.com. There willalso be a family picnic at Clayton Community Park on Aug. 30.

Saturdays through OctoberClayton Farmers Market8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street in downtown Clayton.www.pcfma.com or 800-949-3276.

Close byAug. 8-9Concord Diablo Japanese American ClubFood, cultural and martial arts demonstrations. Free admission. 1-9 p.m. Aug. 8 and noon-8:30 p.m. Aug. 9, 3165 Treat Blvd.,Concord. Free parking at Ygnacio Valley High School. www.diablo-jaclub.com.

Through Aug. 9“Broadway Heat”Diablo Actors Ensemble’s musical revue of the hottest shows onBroadway. $10-$25. 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. 866-811-4111 or www.diabloactors.com.

Aug. 14-27“Hair - The American Tribal Rock Musical”Follow the adventures of a tribe of hippies as they challenge themores of the ’60s. Willows Theatre Mainstage, 1975 DiamondBlvd., Concord. 798-1300 or www.willowstheatre.org.

Through Aug. 15“The Jungle Book”From Poison Apple Productions. $15. Lesher Center for the Arts,1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. 943-7469 or www.poisonapplepro-ductions.com.

Aug. 17-Sept. 13“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”The Tony Award-winning musical comedy celebrates the mania ofcompetition. Willows Cabaret at the Campbell Theatre, 636 WardSt., Martinez. 798-1300 or www.willowstheatre.org.

Aug. 19-21“Maids and Matrons”A screwball comedy about a dysfunctional family’s preparation forthe biggest wedding of the season. Cast includes Sue Beck ofClayton. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.943-SHOW.

Aug. 24Diablo Valley Masterworks Chorale Auditions6 p.m., Diablo Valley College Music Building, Room 101, PleasantHill. 228-8690 or www.masterworkschorale.net.

FUNDRAISERSAug. 8Clayton Valley High School Car WashTo support the instrumental music program. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.,Mountain Mike’s, 5358 Clayton Road, Concord. $10.

Aug. 8Civic Arts Education Benefit ConcertA fundraiser to purchase pianos for Civic Arts’ music programs,featuring pianist and composer Justin Levitt and friends. 8 p.m.,Sherman Clay Pianos, 1441 Locust St. Walnut Creek. $10. 943-5846.

Aug. 9, 23Breakfast with the Veterans of Foreign Wars8-11 a.m. the second and fourth Sundays. $4 adults, $2 childrenunder 12. Veterans Memorial Hall, 2290 Willow Pass Road,Concord.

Aug. 24Golf TournamentOakhurst Country Club and Food Bank of Contra Costa andSolano team up to fight hunger and food waste. Fees: 7 a.m.-1p.m. $75 per player; 1–3 p.m. $55 per player; after 4 p.m., $35per player. Oakhurst will donate a portion of the green fees to theFood Bank. To book tee time, call 672-9737, ext. 201.

Sept. 5Moonlight on the MountainCelebrate Save Mount Diablo’s 38th anniversary. Dinner, livemusic, entertainment and auctions at China Wall on Mt. Diablo. 4-10 p.m. $250. RSVP at 947-3535. www.savemountdiablo.org.

AT THE LIBRARYThe Clayton Community Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Mostprograms are free. 673-0659 or www.claytonlibrary.org.

Aug. 8ACT Practice Test9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sponsored by Kaplan. Register at 1-800-kap-test orwww.kaptest.com/college.

Aug. 11, 18Patty CakesStories for babies to 3 year olds; child attends with caregiver. 11a.m.

Aug. 13Picture Book TimeStories for 3-5 year olds; child may attend without caregiver. 11a.m.

Through Aug. 17Summer Reading ProgramFor kids age 2 through 5th grade or 6th-12th graders. Includesprizes. Parents and caregivers of babies from birth to 2 years canearn prizes in the early literacy-building Baby Reading Program.Readers 18 and up can submit a book review at ccclib.org or atthe Clayton library for a chance to win a Booklover’s Bag of good-ies.

Aug. 19ACT vs. SAT Test Results Workshop6:30-7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Kaplan. Register at 1-800-kap-testor www.kaptest.com/college.

AT THE YMCAClayton Community Gym is at 700 Gym Court. For more infor-mation on the YMCA call 692-2364..

Basketball Camp: 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 10-14. For those entering1st-6th grade. Teaming with Showtime Basketball, campers willlearn teamwork, improve skills and master new drills. $165. 889-1600.

Summer Day Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with extended care hoursavailable. Days full of fun activities, crafts, sports and weekly field-trips. Clayton Community Gym. $115 a week for Clayton residents,$125 non-residents. 692-2364.

Open Gym Hours: 5-7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.Showtime Basketball Practices: 7-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesdayand Friday. Free and open to all.

MEETINGSAug. 11Clayton Planning Commission7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304or www.ci.clayton.ca.us.

CLUBSClayton American Association of University WomenMeets 10:30 a.m. Aug. 22 for an informational coffee for prospec-tive new members. Membership open to women with AA or higherdegree. Contact Audrey at 798-6406 or Lola at 680-8345.

Clayton Business and Community AssociationMeets 6:30 p.m. the 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. the second Wednesday of the month. Aug. 12 meet-ing is at R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens, 6780 Marsh Creek Road.Bring gloves and learn about potting plants for fun and profit.Contact Dorothy at 672-2526 or visit www.claytonvalleygarden-club.org.

Contra Costa Blue Star MomsMeets 6 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at a location to beannounced. Members have sons and daughters in uniform.Contact Becky at 286-1728 or ccbluestarmoms.org.

Contra Costa Chess ClubMeets 7-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Starbuck’s, 1536 Kirker Pass Road,Clayton. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. Contact Mikeat 639-1987 or www.uschess.org.

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

Creekside Artists GuildMeets 7-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month, ClaytonLibrary Story Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. All artforms andboth emerging and experienced are welcome. Contact Arlene at673-9777 or [email protected]. Or www.creeksideartists.org.

Diablo Valley Macintosh Users GroupMeets 6:30-9 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. BancroftElementary School, 2700 Parish Dr., Walnut Creek. 689-1155 orwww.dvmug.org.

Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/Concord SunriseMeets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 PeacockCreek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. ContactChuck at 689-7640 or www.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. Allages and skill levels welcome. $3 fee. Call Mike at 639-1987 orwww.scrabble-assoc.com.

Sons In Retirement (SIR)Meets 11:15 a.m. first Thursday of the month, Oakhurst CountryClub, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. 429-3777.

Widows/WidowersMeets for dinner, brunch, theater, etc. This is not a dating servicenor is it a grieving class - just a way to meet other people. ContactLori at 998-8844 or [email protected].

BUSINESSAug. 31, Sept. 1, 2 and 4Sample Classes for Music TogetherA music and movement program for babies, toddlers, preschoolersand the adults who love them. 6 p.m. Aug. 31, Pajama Class,Martinez. 10:15 a.m. Sept. 1, Hercules. 9 a.m. Sept. 2, Concord.10:15 a.m. Sept. 4, Clayton. Visit musictogetherofconcord.com orcall 946-2990 to reserve a free place in class.

Clayton Community CalendarPLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. AUGUST 10 FOR THE AUGUST 21 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO [email protected]

Send your calendar announcements to [email protected]. Free listings must be from a non-profit, school,club or government agency. Business events are $25 for the firstevent and $10 for each additional. Call the office at (925) 672-0500 with your business event listings.

top priority will be to keep ourtrees alive, but many of theother shrubs will likely sufferor even die with the cutbacksin watering. Fortunately, wecan take the 45 percent reduc-tion off of our total outdoorirrigation rather than off eachmeter, so we can choose wherewe want to focus our preciousquota of water for the year.

In an effort to stretch oursupplies, city maintenancestaff has already tapped intothe well used to water thelibrary grounds. It has amplesupply, so we’re able to use itto also irrigate the mediansand public landscaping onClayton Road from the libraryto Mitchell Canyon Road,including the Oak Street grassyknoll.

We have also resurrected anabandoned city well on HighStreet to irrigate the downtown

planters and The Grove park.We will add a pump so we canuse it to water the future (after-the-drought) plants onDaffodil Hill and the TownCenter entrance sign area.

The city will be examiningalternative landscaping tograss/turf when the opportu-nity to replant is permissible.The Trails and LandscapingCommittee will be involved inthis redesign policy for publiclandscaped areas that are with-in the Landscape MaintenanceDistrict.

We’re trying to keep theCommunity Park fieldsplayable, though they won’t belush. We are already studyingthe feasibility of replacing theturf at the playfields with syn-thetic grass. The quality hasimproved dramatically in theshort time since we installedthe small area under the statue

in The Grove. It might be abetter alternative as it wouldrequire far less water andmaintenance and it would alsoallow year-round play on thefields. Local sports teamswould surely like that.

Similarly, we all need to bethinking about whether wewant to replant the same vege-tation or whether this might bethe time to make changes toour own landscapes to pre-serve water. Many of the alter-native landscapes are also lesslabor intensive – making forless yardwork. You mightdecide to have no lawn at all,but instead a variety of attrac-tive hard-scapes and colorful,but drought-tolerant plantsthat can be watered withwater-efficient drip systems.

While we’re talking aboutpreserving landscaping, I wantto add a note of caution. Manyfolks have commented to mewith concerns over the grass inThe Grove. The combination

of our very hot weather latelyand the blankets and plasticliners that people are settingout so early on concert days istaking a toll on its health. We’llbe able to keep it watered withthe well water and the mainte-nance crews are aerating itafter every concert, but theblankets left out all day make itburn and it takes a long time toregenerate. So let’s all try toprotect the grass in The Grove.

Speaking of concerts, thenext one is 6-8 p.m. thisSaturday. In Disguise will beplaying classical jazz of the’40s through the R&B and pophits of the ’80s. I hope to seeyou there!

Don’t forget the farmer’smarket 8 a.m.-noon onSaturdays. Brentwood corn isin and plums are at their peaktoo.

As always, you can contact me byemail at: [email protected] me know what you think.

Mayor, from page 1

September is almost uponus, which means it is time tothink about the technologyyou’re taking back to school.Today, it is more importantthan ever to think about yourpersonal computer needs andnot depend on the classroomfor help. Educational cutbackshave affected IT spending dis-proportionately, and therefore,there will be little or no helpfrom the classroom.

Due to the economy, poorjudgment, lack of budgetplanning and questionableprocurement procedures, edu-cational computer budgetshave experienced cutbacks.Scores of Dell computers thatthe procurement geniuses pur-chased are sitting aroundunused and in disrepair. I sup-pose if you like your supportcoming from Bombay anddon’t mind changing harddrives or updating software byyourself, you could get someof these computers runningenough to get by. But I would-n’t count on it. So it will be upto you, the intelligent individ-ual, to bring the technologyand support you need to theclassroom yourself.

Obviously, you will need anotebook computer becauseof its portability and power.The handheld iPhones,Blackberrys and Palms aren’t

yet powerful enough to be realcomputers, so I don’t considerthem for the classroom.However, they are great com-munication devices.

A notebook computer hasall the features, power, storageand communications any stu-dent could need. The choiceof notebooks isn’t really diffi-cult; just get one that workswell. In my opinion, HP andSamsung are not the bestnotebooks. They are difficultto work on when they fail, andthey offer the worst supportand most expensive parts inthe business, so I would crossthem off your shopping listpermanently.

Now, with the list pareddown somewhat, you shouldconsider Dell. Yes, Dell. Theirsales and support are not thebest, but they produce one ofthe finest mass market devices.Next, I would consider Acer, alittle known name, but theyrecently purchased GatewayComputers and have been abig technology leader inTaiwan for years. They offergood support, bang for yourbuck, and they are durable.They are a great fit for a col-

lage student, in my opinion.My top recommendation is theIBM ThinkPad, which recentlychanged its name to LenovoThinkPad. They offer fabu-lous service, great value andnear-English support. Mostprofessionals in the computerbusiness value their partner-ships with Dell, Acer andLenovo, as do I.

The only remaining item isprice. You should be payingaround $850 for a really goodnotebook. There are a fewbelow that cost, like the Acer,that are good, but they arereally for the high school grad-uate or collage entry student.If you have a sophomore orabove, I recommend theLenovo or the Dell.

Just remember, support isimportant, and little will befound on campus. So having alocal professional that com-municates well could be essen-tial to your well being. Justremember, “If your computerruns good, so do you.”

ST. BONAVENTURE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

Thirty-one youngsters from the Bay Area are currently takingpart in the two-week long Joy of Singing Choral Camp at St.Bonaventure’s Catholic Church in Concord, led by BarbaraWolpman and Jenny Matteucci. The camp will conclude with amusical production of “Malice in the Palace - The Story of Esther”on Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th at 7pm in thechurch at 5562 Clayton Road. All are welcome and admission is free.


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grandparents on both sides.“It was exciting to not only

see my grandson win as an indi-vidual but to see him bring backa silver for the United States,”says grandfather Skip Ipsen.

“The U.S. has not done verywell in diving as far as bringingmedals back home for severalyears,” he adds. “They lost tothe Chinese, who have beenwinning everything for years.But the gap is getting muchcloser. They just dove wonder-fully as a team.”

Being very close in heightand weight helps Ipsen andDumais maintain synchronicity.Their success began in April,when they won gold at the USASpring Nationals in Ft.Lauderdale.

Locally, Ipsen competes forDiablo Divers and is heavilyfavored to defend his NorthCoast Section title and helpDLS in the team championshiprace.

Ipsen, from page 1

Websites offer cash for creativityJust a few years ago, it was

difficult to make money throughthe Internet unless you soldgoods on EBay. Nowadays, thereare plenty of opportunitiesonline for creative, patient peo-ple who want to add to theirincome.

While these Websites won’tmake you rich overnight, theycan provide a little relief in thesetrying economic times.

On eHow.com, you getrewarded by sharing your knowl-edge with others. People submitshort “how to” guides to the siteand are paid based upon thepopularity of their articles.

The beauty of eHow is thatyou can write guides on justabout anything. Some of themost popular articles include“How to Start a Rock ’n’ RollBand” (find a drummer first),“How to Avoid Mosquito Bites”(wear long pants) and “How toRead Body Language” (it’s all inthe hips).

The best articles on eHoware not very long but are well-written and include pictures orvideos. However, submitting aninteresting article doesn’t guaran-tee you a cash flow. You need topromote your article by giving it

an attractive title and strategicallyplacing keywords so it can bepicked up by search engines.

You will get more hits if youare specific – for example, “Howto Check the Battery in a ChevyCorvette,” rather than “How toInspect a Car.”

eHow will start paying youwhen your income reaches $10.The Website only works withPayPal, so be sure to get anaccount with that service first.

Docstoc.com, which storesmore than 3 million public docu-ments, provides another way toget some extra dollars. Peoplecan upload a variety of docu-ments to Docstoc and get paidwhen people click on the adsnearby. The Website supportsMicrosoft documents like Word,Excel and PowerPoint, as well asAdobe PDFs.

Docstoc is especially useful ifyou have some templates lyingaround and want to put them towork. Your sample homeworkexercises, budget spreadsheets orexample resumes can help teach-ers, businesses and jobseekers.Students who’ve recently gradu-ated can upload their class notesand help other people conquergeometry. This allows you to

make money and clear up somespace off your hard drive.

Since Docstoc uses Google’sAdSense program, which onlypays out once your account hits$100, it’s best to upload multipledocuments so you can get cashfrom each of them.

Like eHow, you will have towork to make money onDocstoc. Once you’ve uploadeda document, the site lets youwrite a description (get thosekeywords ready) and add tagsthat will be picked up by anInternet search.

If you are ambitious anddon’t want to go through eHowor Docstoc, you can work withGoogle’s AdSense program onyour own. When you join

AdSense, Google allows you toplace its ads on your personalWebsite or blog and earn rev-enue from them.

AdSense is unique becauseGoogle’s ads change based onyour site. Since the ads are rele-vant to your Website, people aremore likely to click on them.

A good example of a site thatuses AdSense isCoffeedetective.com. ThisWebsite is a resource for coffeelovers and contains articles ongourmet coffee, coffee makersand review of different brands.Google ads are placed in strate-gic areas around the site – forexample, ads for gourmet coffeebrands are located after the cor-responding article.

In order to make money offthese Websites, you need to bepatient and willing to spend timeputting together interesting con-tent.

MARK FREEMAN

ON THE NET

Mark Freeman is a student atSt. Mary’s College in Moraga, study-ing economics and English. He enjoyscreative writing and is a reporter forthe school paper. Questions/com-ments can be sent to [email protected].

Back-to-schooltechnology needs

WILL CLANEY

TECH TALK

Will Claney is the CEO ofComputers USA! in the ClaytonStation. Contact him at 925-672-9989.

RecycleE-waste atPittsburgstation

Contra Costa Waste Servicesis hosting a free E-waste eventon Saturday, Sept. 5, in Pittsburg.

Acceptable items include tel-evisions, monitors, computers,computer components, printers,fax machines, telephone equip-ment, cell phones, toner car-tridges, MP3 players, powercables, video game systems, digi-tal cameras, copiers, audio visualequipment, VCRs/DVD players,scrap metal, floppy diskettes,steel and alloy rims, ferrous andnon-ferrous metals, and mostitems containing circuit boardsor that plug into a wall.

No hazardous waste, whichincludes paint, car batteries,household batteries, fluorescentbulbs, furniture or garbage.

Items can be dropped off 9a.m.-2 p.m. at 1300 LoveridgeRoad, Pittsburg. This event is forall Contra Costa County resi-dents. Please bring a valid photoID. For more information, call 692-2224.

I’ve been in a foul mood allweek. I am often askedwhether this is a bad thing andmy answer surprises manypeople. In fact, my bad moodis a good thing, as is yours.

The assumption that amood creates or destroys theambient phase of life is a mis-taken assumption. Certainly itis no fun to look at someone’sdour expression. A bad mood,however, is really a problem-solving challenge since it usu-ally has a cause and effectcomponent. And as such, mybad moods are merely gate-ways to finding solutions toproblems that have soured mymood.

I say this quite lightly, I

readily admit. I am not a mali-cious person prone to self-indulgent whims of negativemelodrama; quite the contrary,I try to live my life in peace,enjoying those things that Ican before my time to live andbreathe expires. Quite honest-ly, I do my very best to remainpositive. These days, that canbe quite a challenge.

The reason why my badmood is not a bad thing lies inthe fact that by nature I am aproblem-solver. I like puzzles;I like to find solutions, espe-cially solutions that benefitthose around me as much asme. Again, a bit of a challengethese days, I know.

Have you ever had a trou-bling day at work, then gone tosleep only to relive your prob-lem in your dreams where, bysome amazing illogic, the solu-tion presents itself to you?The next morning, your prob-

lem is solved.In fact, the expression

“Sleep on it” refers to this veryphenomenon that has beenstudied extensively and report-ed on in a variety of scientificjournals. What it lacks is aname. Let’s call it “moodula-tion,” the art of reversingproblem-induced moodsthrough dream therapy.

I am one who partakes inmoodulation whenever possi-ble, although totally subcon-sciously. Problems that ariseduring the day, whether per-sonal or work-related, trans-form through figurative imagi-nation into macabre dream-plays that manage to spill out apractical, real-world solutionthat I not only recall uponwaking up but can safelyemploy. It doesn’t get betterthan that.

Right now, my mood isreflective – seeking answers to

daily issues that need to beresolved. While moody, mymind is processing the twodozen or so scenarios thatcould exist based on choicesthat I could make. I can passthrough the options available,analyze them and incorporateor dispel them as appropriate.

So far there has been a lotof dispelling, but that is OK;the processing of a solutionleaves me feeling warm, enjoy-ing the inner solitude. And Ihave no doubt that it will beshort-lived; it almost always is.I expect to dream one nightsoon and my mood will pass asthe solution presents itself inblinding simplicity. I think Ican deal with it at that point.


“Hilarious.” Can I have adefinition, please?

The Willows Theatre pres-ents the d-e-l-i-g-h-t-f-u-l musi-cal comedy “The 25th AnnualPutnam County Spelling Bee” atthe Willows Cabaret in MartinezAug. 17-Sept. 13.

This Tony Award-winningmusical is fast becoming anational favorite. Recently clos-ing on Broadway after nearly1,200 performances, this come-dy celebrates the mania of com-petition, as the funniest, mostloveable and uproariously nerdycontestants compete for thetitle.

“The 25th Annual Putnam

County Spelling Bee” lines up allthe usual suspects for the com-petition: the spunky overachiev-er, the ultra-pressured onlychild, the weirdo, the outcast,last year’s winner and the out-of-place runner-up. Through songand humor, we delve into thelives of six children who all havea love of spelling.

Anyway you spell it, thismusical is one hilarious andheartwarming night of theater.

The Willows Cabaret at theCampbell Theatre is at 636 WardSt., in Martinez. For tickets, call798-1300 or visit www.willowsthe-atre.org.

By any definition,‘Spelling Bee’ is a hoot

It’s the musical that outragedyour parents in the 1960s andhad a smashing return toBroadway this year. Now theWillows Theatre in Concordpresents “Hair – The AmericanTribal Rock Musical” Aug. 14-Sept. 27 in Concord.

Peace, love, rock and roll,the Age of Aquarius. Thetumultuous 1960s were a timeof emotional and politicalupheaval, but all across thecountry people were singing anew song of hope and peace.

Follow the adventures of a

tribe of hippies as they chal-lenge the mores of the time. Inkeeping with the spirit of theoriginal show, this productioncontains mature language andnudity.

“Hair” features hits such as“Let the Sunshine In” and “TheAge of Aquarius.” It’s truly amusical celebration, no matterwhat decade you hold dear.

The Willows Theatre Mainstageis at 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord.For tickets, call 798-1300 or visitwww.willowstheatre.org.

In the early 1940s, theBroadway musical was justcoming into its own, attractingan array of talented innovatorslike choreographer JeromeRobbins and composerLeonard Bernstein. Their firstmusical collaboration spawnedthe 1944 hit Broadway musical,On the Town, about threesailors on leave in Manhattan,which Diablo TheatreCompany (formerly DiabloLight Opera Company) isbringing to the Lesher Centerin Walnut Creek in September.

Bernstein was the hot-shotyoung conductor from the NYPhilharmonic and used On theTown as an avenue to feed hislife-long desire to bring musicto the masses and write worksthat incorporated a contempo-rary American sound. Robbins’Broadway musical career waslaunched with the show and thetwo of them worked togetheragain on such classics as WestSide Story.

It’s a funny, exuberant showwith memorable songs (“NewYork, New York” and “I CanCook, Too”) and great dancenumbers. Director and chore-ographer Mindy Cooper isbringing in some experts—pro-

fessional dancers fromCompany C ContemporaryBallet—to handle the boldestdance moves.

“It’s going to be the coolest,most innovation show we’veever done,” says Daren A.C.Carollo, Diablo Theatre’s artis-tic director, who hopes this col-laboration leads to other withCompany C.

The 1949 film version ofOn the Town, starring GeneKelly, Frank Sinatra and AnnMiller has become an Americanmovie classic, what the NewYork Times calls “one of thefreshest, most exhilaratingmusicals turned out by the oldMGM regime.”

The stage version hasenjoyed recent revivals onBroadway, in London, and inregional theatres, including theexciting one Diablo theatreCompany and Company C areputting together for the LesherCenter.

“On the Town” opens on Sept.11 and is scheduled to continuethrough Sept. 26. Tickets cost $29 to$44 and can be purchased by calling(925) 943-SHOW (7469) or atlesherartscenter.org. For more infor-mation visit dloc.org.

Diablo Theatre Companyand Company C Ballet teamup in this Broadway favorite

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Cigar smoke, an overstuffedarmchair and a candle-heatedliqueur evoke visions ofSherlock Holmes or HerculePoirot trying to unravel a mys-tery. The main ingredient in thatscenario is cognac, an aged dis-tillation of wine that has greattaste (and snob appeal).

I recently taught a cookingclass on classic French cuisine.As I assembled the recipes forthe coq au vin and crêpessuzette that were to be flambéedat our “Evening in Paris” din-ner, I wondered about thedetails of cognac and proceededto do a little sleuthing of myown.

Grape cultivation and wine-making originated in the NearEast in what was Mesopotamia,now largely Iraq. Social ritualsinvolving wine drinking evolvedto great heights in Greece andItaly.

But the northern reaches ofEurope were out of luck sincegrapes did not flourish in thoseclimates and importation ofwine was an iffy proposition.Not only was it costly, but thewine might spoil before reach-ing its destination.

Beer, fermented from grain,ruled the day in places likeEngland, Germany, Ireland,Belgium and Holland.

Natural fermentation ofgrain and fruit juices limits theresulting product to no morethan a 15 percent alcohol con-tent – akin to a sturdy Californiawine these days. However, backin the cradle of winemaking,Arabs developed the art of dis-tillation.

Heating wine to draw offpart of the moisture concentrat-ed the alcohol. The result was ahigh-alcohol liquid originallyreferred to as the “water oflife.”

The first distillations fromwine or fruit juices were princi-pally for medicinal purposes.They soon expanded in popu-larity as a vehicle for socializing– along with so many of thesocial ills and opportunities thatover-imbibement brings.

Distilled spirits were more

stable and could be transportedeasily. Brandy was one of thefirst distillants popularized inEurope. The Dutch referred toit as “brandywine.”

But beer brewers were not tobe outdone. Once distillingequipment was obtained, brew-ers began to make variouswhiskeys from their grain.

Just as wine had itsoenophiles who sought com-plex and fancy wines, connois-seurs began to differentiateamong the various types ofbrandies. One well-knownbrandy is cognac, from theCognac region of France.Another, Armagnac, can benamed only if the entire prod-uct comes from and is made inthe Armagnac region of France.

Family dynasties werefounded on brandy-makingsuch as the Jas. Hennessy & Co.,which today produces morethan 50 million bottles and sup-plies just a little less than half ofthe world’s supply of cognac.

Cognacs carry designationssuch as V.S., V.S.O.P., Napoleonand X.O, and these relate to theaging of the brandy. While it’snot certain how FrenchEmperor Napoleon becamelinked to cognac, one story goeslike this: When Napoleon wentoff to war, he ordered that all ofhis cognac be sealed in oakcasks. When he returned 6½years later, he uncorked thecasks to find that the brandyhad aged beautifully.

Instead of being clear andfiery, it had an amber color andmellow flavor. Hence,Napoleon cognacs must be atleast 6½ years old.

V.S. means Very Special andis aged 2½ years. V.S.O.P. is VerySpecial, Old Pale and is aged 4½years. X.O. is Extra Old, aged atleast 6½ years.

When tasting cognac, don’tadopt the same technique as youmight with wine. Let the cognacbreathe before tasting. The ruleof thumb from experts is half aminute per year of age. So ifyou’re going to taste a 20-year-old cognac, wait 10 minutes.

Don’t take a deep sniff of

cognac. You’ll only anesthetizeyour nose and you won’t be ableto smell anything of signifi-cance for a while. Instead, take asmall sniff and consider thearoma – floral, fruity, spicy?

Sip a tiny bit, not enough tofill your mouth. A little bit ofthe cognac will allow you to fer-ret out the flavor nuances with-out burning out your taste buds.

The highlight of our“Evening in Paris” dinner wasthe coq au vin. Traditionally, thisdish took hours to make.Nowadays, it’s possible to get allof the subtle flavors and rich-ness without the time (and with-out most of the fat).

One of the key elements ofthe dish is flambéing thecognac. While impressive fortableside presentation, it’s alsoessential for coq au vin since therapid burning off of the volatilealcohol infuses the dish with fla-vor while losing the bitternessof the raw, high-proofcognac.

COQ AU VIN, SERVES 63 slices thick bacon, cut into

½-inch pieces½ c. flour, liberally seasoned

with salt and freshly groundpepper

3 chicken breast halves(bone in and skin on)

3 chicken thighs (bone inand skin on)

3 chicken drumsticks3 T. olive oil¼ c. cognac2 c. Grenache or pinot noir

wine1 T. tomato paste3 cloves garlic, crushed½ lb. crimini or white button

mushrooms, quartered10 oz. frozen baby onions,

thawed2 T. finely chopped flat-leaf

parsley

Heat a large Dutch ovenover medium heat. Cook thebacon until crisp, about 4-5minutes, and transfer to papertowels to drain. Pour off all but1 T. of the bacon fat.

Meanwhile, dredge thechicken pieces in the seasonedflour and shake off the excess.Place chicken pieces on a rackor piece of wax paper.

To the pan used for thebacon, add 2 T. olive oil. Add afew pieces of the chicken. Don’tlet the pieces touch (this

LINDA WYNER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Cognac: theconnoisseur’sbrandy

CLAYTON VALLEY

GARDEN CLUB

Volunteers weeded andcleared excess growth fromthe beds at the ClaytonCommunity Library during awork party in June. Thosehelping were Nancy Harvey,Bob Frost, Peggy Arundell,Nancy Westman, ShannonSeven, Linda Cruz andDawson Coggins, who wasvisiting from Alabama.

The beds were done in1999 and won a nationalaward. But 10 years have

passed and the soil needsreplenishing and some of theopportunistic plants have

overgrown and need to bethinned out to allow othervarieties to grow.

This fall, garden club vol-unteers plans to use a solariza-tion technique on theBermuda grass, replenish thesoil and replant with moredrought-tolerant plants. Thateffort will be led by Harvey,who is a master gardener, anddesigner Sharon Peterson.Only well water is used for thelibrary gardens.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF

UNIVERSITY WOMEN

The Clayton AAUW invitesinterested women to an infor-mational coffee at 10:30 a.m.Saturday, Aug. 22.

AAUW promotes equityfor women and girls, lifelongeducation and values a diversemembership. The group isopen to women with an AA orhigher degree. The Claytonchapter offers 12 interestgroups, ranging from“Gourmet Food” to “GreatDecisions.”

The coffee will at the homeof Lola Rohrs, 3440 McKeanDr., Concord. For more infor-mation, contact Lola at 680-8345 or [email protected] Audrey at 798-6406 [email protected].

Club News

See Food, page 19

Nancy Harvey, left, Dawson Coggin, Peggy Arundell, Bob Frostand Nancy Westman helped clean up the library garden beds.

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Check your brain at the doorfor another summer kids’movie, this time with CGI talk-ing guinea pigs in “G-Force.”This one aims low, at youngerkids who don’t yet have anyappreciation for plot and justwant to laugh at the funny ani-mals. Tickets sales for thismovie beat out the new HarryPotter movie for top spot on itsopening weekend but talkingguinea pigs get tiresome prettyfast.

And it’s not just guinea pigs.There are talking moles, miceand even insects. It’s almost sadto see the human actors havingto play straight to these little

digital fuzz balls.The animation is decent, the

pace is fast and the wisecracksare nonstop. But guinea pigs, ormaybe a computer, could havewritten the script. String togeth-er dumb wisecracks and badpuns, then add fart jokes, a slap-stick fall or crash every five min-utes, some explosions and carchases – you’re done.

I can’t say it’s a bad movie,just very paint-by-numbers,down to the obligatory dancenumber as the credits roll. Thestory, about an elite squad oftrained secret agents who hap-pen to be intelligent animals, isjust a platform for you to watch

all the cute things CGI is capa-ble of these days. I was fascinat-ed watching all the hairs movearound realistically on the facesof the characters and kind ofgrossed out by the wrigglingnose of the mole, who is also acomputer genius.

I think I briefly fell asleeparound the time the lead guineapig gives his fellow animals a peptalk about how special they are,even though they are just regular“pet store rodents.” By the timeone intelligent guinea pig callsanother intelligent guinea pigcrazy because he’s talking to theintelligent fly, I was looking atmy watch to see how muchmore I had to endure.

I recommend you send thekids to this one with a baby sit-ter. It will be worth the moneyto not have to sit through ityourself.

I was annoyed that duringthe film, there were several

scenes of mean kids abusing thelittle rodents. While it wasmeant to show how nasty thekids were, it might inspire somemischievous kid to copycat withreal animals.

While the guinea pig charac-ters were annoyed that theywere being abused, theyshrugged it off easily. They arehighly trained secret agents,after all. Real animals are not solucky.

A number of animal advo-cate groups have issued warn-ings to parents not to rush outand buy guinea pig pets aftertheir kids get infatuated withthem at the movie. Guinea pigscan be great pets for the rightpeople, but think carefullybefore buying or adopting one.

My 9-year-old son, who hashad guinea pigs for a coupleyears, agrees. He says thatguinea pigs are for people whohave a lot of time, not for thosejust looking for a cute toy thatmay become boring.

Guinea pigs need to be han-dled regularly so they are usedto human contact, he says, orthey will “turn to the dark side.”

Movie Review

DON PEDRO CRUZ

AT THE MOVIES

Don Pedro Cruz is a local freelance writer and graphic designer.Please send your comments [email protected]

��

Silly antics can’t hold together ‘G-Force’

Agent Juarez (voice by Penélope Cruz) and Agent Darwin(voice by Sam Rockwell) in Walt Disney Studios MotionPictures' G-Force.

How do you close a mountain?

Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneggersays the state must shut downhalf of the 200 state parks toconserve money that can beapplied to the state budgetdeficit. Although he has yet toname the 100 parks to beclosed, Mt. Diablo State Parkmay be in jeopardy since itappeared on an earlier list ofpotential park closures.

Suggestions that the park isself-sufficient through revenuegenerated by towers at the sum-mit and programs that are runthrough outside agencies areexaggerated, said supervisingranger Dan Stefanisko. Whilethe revenues are good, hebelieves they fall short of whatis needed.

“Mt. Diablo is not self-suffi-cient,” he said. “Not many parksare.”

Alluding that revenue gener-ated exceeded 50 percent of thecost of park operations,Stefanisko is hopeful that themountain can be spared in thefinal chop list from the state.“They can cut from the vacantpark positions that have notbeen filled,” he suggested.

Several ideas have beenbandied about, including raisingday fees and camping fees to

offset budget requirements. Butfor now, park officials are await-ing word from Sacramentoregarding options.

It costs money to close apark. Minimal support staffmust be present to ensure thatthe land is not abused by tres-passers. Furthermore, if thepark is to be reopened at somepoint, maintenance items needto be handled.

“At this point, I tell me staffthat we at least still have a job,”

Stefanisko said.Mt. Diablo borders three

cities with two entrances. A clo-sure would also affect servicesin those cities, from gas stationsto restaurants patronized bypark visitors.

In addition, clubs that usethe mountain would no longerhave that opportunity. One suchclub is the Mt. DiabloAstronomical Society, whichhold stargazing parties monthlywhere amateur astronomers

bring their telescopes to sharewith the public the magnificentevening sky from that height.

Park closures are expected tobe announced after Labor Day.Stefanisko believes letter-writingcampaigns to the stateLegislature pleading the case forMt. Diablo to remain open willhelp.

“You know with all the cutstaken place prior to this, we’vebeen running on fumesforever,” he noted.

Mt. Diablo State Park’sfuture remains in doubt

ANDRÉ GENSBURGER

Clayton Pioneer


THE SERENE SUNSET PICNIC ON MT. DIABLO may be a thing of the past if Mt. Diablo is on the list of100 state parks the governor wants to close.

minimizes the likelihood ofsteaming the meat instead ofbrowning it). Cook chicken untilevenly browned on all sides.Transfer the browned chickento a plate and repeat with theremaining pieces.

When all pieces have beenbrowned, return the reservedchicken to the pan. Turn off theheat, or move the pan off thestove. Carefully pour the cognac

over the chicken. After a minuteto allow the residual heat tocook off some of the alcohol,light a long kitchen match andignite the cognac. Be careful tostand as far away from the panas possible to avoid singeingyour hair.

When the flames disappear,stir in the wine, tomato pasteand garlic. Cover the pan andbring to a simmer over medium-

low heat and cook, turning thechicken once or twice, until ten-der and beginning to fall off thebone – about 50 minutes.

About half-way through thebraise, heat a skillet over medi-um heat. Add remaining table-spoon of olive oil and mush-rooms. Sauté until slightly soft-ened and deeper colored. Raisethe heat to medium-high andadd the onions. Cook, stirringoccasionally, until lightlybrowned. Season with salt andpepper and add to the chicken.

When the chicken is cookedand the sauce has slightly thick-ened, taste and adjust seasoningif needed. Top with parsleybefore serving. Buttered noo-dles make a nice accompani-ment.

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

Direct your suggestions or questionsto [email protected]

Food, from page 18

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Summer is all about salvia.These-drought friendly, hardy,long-lived plants are sensationalin Clayton Valley gardens andlandscapes.

Hues of blues and purples,roses and reds, and salmon andwhite will reach for the sun allsummer long. If your yard orgarden lacks summertime color,check out this fabulous familyof perennials. Salvia will satisfyyour urges for flower power,while respecting our currentwater conditions.

Salvia Indigo Spires is a land-scape staple in any ClaytonValley garden. Stunning spiresof indigo blue stand tall abovethis semi-evergreen perennial.Indigo Spires’s foliage can reachalmost 4 feet tall and wide. Thestacks of two-lipped bloomswill stretch to about a foot long.

This salvia is bold and dra-matic. Your garden will notknow what hit it. But don’t takethis perennial lightly; it is toofinicky to relocate if you plant itin too small of a spot. You willbe absolutely amazed by thisperennial’s rapid growth.

SMALLER VARIETY AN

OTHER OPTION

Indigo Spires has a brotherwho is more containable in yourClayton Valley landscape. MysticSpires was developed a few yearsago to satisfy gardeners withsmaller locations.

It has all the attributes of itsparent, but with half the eventu-al size. Mystic Spires reaches

about 2 feet tall andwide. The foliage and thebloom are the same.

Mystic Spires and IndigoSpires need full afternoon sun-shine. They like to dry outbetween watering.

These salvias are versatile,lending themselves nicely totropical-inspired gardens, cot-tage-looking gardens and evenAsian-influenced settings.

DON’T FORGET HOT LIPS

Salvia microphylla Hot Lips isanother fun, full-sun selection.This perennial has an exception-ally long blooming season, easi-ly stretching from May throughOctober with occasional shear-ing.

Hot Lip’sflowers are smallyet abundant.The blooms aretwo-lipped andbi-color in redand white.Hummingbirdsadore this peren-nial.

This salviashould be con-sidered more ofa shrub than aperennial. As the years go by,Hot Lips will reach a solid 4 feettall and wide.

Install this shrubby perenni-al on a hillside mixed withspring flowering rock rose andAustralian tea trees. Dot in acrape myrtle or two, surroundwith trailing purple lantana andyou will have a hill that will thrillall spring and summer long.

Salvia Christine Yeo is similarin growth to Hot Lips, but it hasblue blossoms that contrastgreatly with bright yellow com-panion plants. Add ChristineYeo to your black-eyed Susan

fora sum-mertime displaythat will make yourfriends jealous.

PRETTY IN PURPLE

If you have an area that callsfor a cascading perennial andyou are tired of the old standbyverbena, consider the salvia verti-cillata Purple Rain. Arrow-shapedgreen leaves billow over stonewalls, while the fuzzy purpleflowers stand up toward thesun.

Purple Rain is a continuousbloomer when regularly pruned.

During thewinter, thisperennial isdormant, sofrost is never aproblem. Snowcould fall onthis salvia and itwould stillbloom in thesummer.

Believe it ornot, someClayton Valleyresidents do

not have full sun applications intheir yards or gardens. Salvia hassome relatives that like partialsun. Salvia buchananii is a fabu-lous, bright magenta bloomerwith dark reddish-green foliage.This perennial is perfect forsomeone with full morning sun.

Salvia buchananii’s blossomsare large, furry and vivid. It hasquite a color! You must be apink person to enjoy this selec-tion. Salvia buchananii willaccessorize piles of heucheraPalace Purple, adding a colorfulblast. Or pair with yourRozanne geranium for multi-

huedinterest.

S a l v i ag u a r a n i t i c aBlack and Blue isthe Indigo Spiresfor part sun areas. Ithas impressive blos-soms that get their namefrom their black bottomsand cobalt blue, two-lippedfaces.

This salvia can easily reach4-5 feet tall and almost as wide.If you have a shady corner,Black and Blue Salvia is theperennial for you.

Salvia splendens Dancing Flameslooks like coleus, so the foliageis awesome. Speckled yellowand green leaves surround thisperennial, which will eventuallyreach 2 feet tall and wide.

The bold red blooms appearsometime in August and are acontrast to the foliage. DancingFlames needs to be planted in ashady, sheltered location. Thewinter is hard on this evergreen,but the plant is well worth therisk.

Summer is not the time tosettle for a garden without blos-soms. Salvia is just one of thefamilies to install to stretch yourblooming season.

Plant salviafor some summer sizzle

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

SALVIA MICROPHYLLAHOT LIPS

Documents

AUG 07 Clayton Pioneer 2009.pdf