SEP 12 Clayton Pioneer 2014

The end of the last schoolyear was anything but “nor-mal” at Clayton Valley CharterHigh School with a controver-sy that ultimately led to the ter-mination of administrator andgoverning board member PatMiddendorf. Heated publicmeetings, allegations againstexecutive director Dave Linzeyand charges flying over theinternet were followed by the

summer break and a successfulstart to this school year.

Then last week all thewounds were reopened withthe announcement that find-ings from Oracle Investiga-tions Group exoneratedLinzey and led to the Sept. 5resignation of board chairper-son Tom Branich over his rolein the issues last school year.

In some respects those twomatters took a back seat to theboard’s actions regardingteacher and board member

Amber Lineweaver. The Oraclefindings made “material allega-tions against Lineweaver” whichprompted the non-conflictedmembers of the board (newly-elected chairman Ted Meriam,past chairperson Megan Kom-mer, retired teacher Dick Ellisand parent member April Win-ship) after a special closed boardmeeting Sept. 2 to call on her to“immediately resign.”

Once Lineweaver refused

It’s fall, so that means Clay-ton’s gala Oktoberfest returnsfor its 11th year of Bier, Wurstand joyful Gemütlichkeit. Thefestivities take over Main Streetin downtown Clayton from 11a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.4 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. onSunday, Oct. 5.

Back for their 11th year isthe ever-popular little Germanband, The Internationals, “theguys who put the Oom in‘Oom-pah.’”

“The Internationals are oneof the premier Oktoberfest

THE INTERNATIONALS WILL BE BACK for the 11th time at theannual CBCA Clayton Oktoberfest, Oct. 4 and 5.

When the 6.0 Napa Earth-quake rumbled through north-ern California on Aug. 24, itwoke up more than scared BayArea residents. It also jarredawake those sometimes buriedfears of, “Am I prepared?”

For many Clayton and Con-

cord residents, sadly, the answeris “No.”

“We aren’t ready for a majordisaster,” says Herb Yonge, andhe should know. As OperationsDirector for Clayton’s Commu-nity Emergency Response Team(CERT), he helps out first-handin local emergencies, as well astrains residents in disaster pre-paredness, CPR and other life-saving activities.

CERT was established inClayton in 2006, offering two tothree trainings each year sincethen. Currently there are 175trained CERT members in thecity of Clayton.

But lately, Yonge has seenthe number of residents volun-teering to become certifieddwindle. In addition, he sus-pects that only between 5 and 10percent of the local populationis truly prepared to withstanddisasters.

Rich Veal, a Clayton CERTinstructor, agrees. But in astrange way, the Napa quake wasfortuitous, because both mensuspect there will be an uptick inthe number of residents seekingto become prepared.

After CCCFPD Station 11closed in Clayton last year, morethan 30 residents came out forhands-free CPR and AEDatraining, Yonge said.

Silver Oaks Estates, a 59-unit residential developmentproposed by Clyde Miles Con-struction/A.D. Seeno Compa-ny for the 14-acre YolandaEstate, also known locally asthe Hurd Ranch, has beengiven an environmental cleanbill of health by the city ofClayton provided certain con-ditions are met. The propertyruns along Oakhurst Blvd.between the golf course andLydia Lane Park.

The development, consist-ing of 52 two- and three-storycondo town homes and sevensingle family homes received aMitigated Negative Declara-tion in compliance with theCalifornia Environmental

East Contra Costa Fire mustreissue some 44,000 ballotsalready mailed to East Countyproperty owners for a specialelection to fund fire servicebecause the assessments werecalculated incorrectly, Fire ChiefHugh Henderson announcedlast week.

The assessments were basedon faulty and incomplete datareceived from two county agen-cies.

According to East CountyFire board member StephenSmith, the data received fromContra Costa County Fire didnot include correct placementof fire hydrants for an estimated3,000 parcels across the district.Nor was the data from the Con-tra Costa County Global Infor-mation Systems (GIS) office

See Parcel Tax page 8

IT’S YOUR PAPER

www.claytonpioneer.com September 12, 2014 925.672.0500

See Oktoberfest, pg 8

See Disaster Prep, pg 7

See CVCHS turmoil, pg 4

See Silver Oaks, page 8

GARY CARR

Special to the Pioneer

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

Behind the Badge . . . . . . . . .9

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

Community Calendar . . . . .14

Design & Décor . . . . . . . . . .18

Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5

DVMS Correspondent . . . . .12

Estate Planning . . . . . . . . . . .9

Food for Thought . . . . . . . .17

Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Mayor’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

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

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

Police Report . . . . . . . . . . . .9

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

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

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

Teen Reads . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Voyage of the Eagle . . . . . .12

PRSRTSTD

US POSTAGE

PAID

CLAYTON, CA94517

PERMIT190

Postal Customer

ECRWSS

Likeus on

Facebook

What’s Inside

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Silver Oaks Estates clears first hurdle withconditional OK on environmental study

ON SEPT. 23, THE 57-UNIT SILVER OAKS

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT planned for the oldYolanda Estate/Hurd Ranch in Clayton will goto the Planning Commission for public com-ment on the environmental of the project.

Front PageAdvertising IItt WWoorrkkssPut your ‘sticky note’ here& listen to the phone ring.

Call Clayton Pioneer 925-672-0500

East CountyFire parcel taxvote called offafter ballotssent out

PEGGY SPEAR

Clayton Pioneer

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

Break out the lederhosen–it’s that time of year again

Are YOU prepared for the next big quake?

ALFIE BONDOC AND MELANIE ASLIN, a Registered Nurse fromContra Costa County Health Services, give an unidentifiedparticipant CPR instruction at the Concord Safety Fair Sept. 3in Todos Santos Plaza.

Beginning with this Sept.12 issue, the Clayton Pioneergoes to a monthly publica-tion schedule. Readers willcontinue to receive the paperin their mailboxes. Publica-tion dates for the rest of theyear are Oct. 10, Nov. 7 andDec. 12. Please see the web-site for a schedule of dead-lines.

On Sept. 26, the brandnew Concord Pioneer debutswith free home delivery to28,000 residents in Concord.

Bad data leads towrong assessments

Charter school board turmoilboils over with report findings

Many take disasterpreparedness moreseriously afterNapa shaker

Clayton Pioneergoes monthlywith this issue

Courtesy of the city of Clayton

Rates as low as$1,887*lliimmiitteedd ttiimmee ooffffeerr

Spacious 1 & 2

Bedroom Apartments

with Rent & Services

INCLUDED

Spacious 1 & 2

Bedroom Apartments

with Rent & Services

INCLUDED

*Rents are usually $2,143. Income limits apply.

Be Our Guest Be Our Guest

Call today to schedule your

complimentary lunch

and personal tour.

6401 Center Street, Clayton CA 94517

www.diamondterrace.net

(925) 524-5100# TTY 711

Come dine with us and discover the differenceCome dine with us and discover the difference� Outstanding meals

served daily

� Weekly housekeeping

and fresh linens

� Full social and activity

program

� Chauffeured

transportation daily

� On-call 24-hour

professional staffing

New

Openings!

Around Town

GEORGE VUJNOVICH Number #1 Broker in Clayton 2013*

Representing more Buyers and Sellers than any other agent!*data provided by Paragon MLS

CCllaayyttoonn MMaarrkkeett UUppddaattee pprroovviiddeedd bbyy BBeetttteerr HHoommeess RReeaallttyy

3043 Windmill Canyon Dr....$649,000 . . . .1877 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .8/27/14

228 Stranahan Circle ...........$540,000 . . . .1650 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .8/26/14

302 Mt. Sierra Place ............$840,000 . . . .3200 . . . . .5/3 . . . . . . .8/22/14

105 Mount Etna Dr ..............$420,000 . . . .1310 . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .8/22/14

5615 Calistoga Way.............$612,000 . . . .1814 . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . .8/19/14

214 Bigelow Street...............$639,000 . . . .1896 . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .8/18/14

905 Arrowhead Ter...............$525,000 . . . .1797 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .8/14/14

7 Nottingham Place .............$675,000 . . . .2210 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .8/11/14

1156 Moccasin Ct ................$503,000 . . . .1343 . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . .8/11/14

4002 Hummingbird Wy ........$725,000 . . . .2481 . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . .8/8/14

1012 Panadero Way ............$658,000 . . . .2364 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . .8/5/14

1179 Shell Ln .......................$429,000 . . . .1355 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .7/31/14

15 London Court ..................$690,000 . . . .2010 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .7/30/14

3036 Windmill Canyon.........$652,000 . . . .1877 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .7/30/14

HHeellppiinngg ffrriieennddss,, nneeiigghhbboorrss && nneewwccoommeerrss bbuuyy aanndd sseelllltthheeiirr hhoommeess ssiinnccee 11997799

Each Office Is IndependentlyOwned & Operated.

Better Homes DRE#00933393

www.georgevujnovich.com

George VujnovichBrokerClayton Resident

(925) 672-4433cell: (925) 348-5700

www.jenniferstojanovich.com

Jennifer StojanovichBroker-AssociateLifelong Clayton/Concord Resident

(925) 567-6170

Cal BRE #01446062Cal BRE #00711036

ADDRESS PRICE SF BED/BATH SALE DATE

howardhomeseastbay.com

Don HowardRealtor-AssociateClayton Resident

(925) 408-3184

Emily Howard Realtor-Associate925-408-1871

[email protected]

Cal BRE #01846446 & Cal BRE#01938441

5718 Verna Way – Clayton

Rarely available flat lot! Tucked away

at the end of desirable Lydia Lane.

Approximately 1.12 Acres

$495,000

119 Crow Place – Clayton

Premium Golf Course Lot! Backs to 5th

& 6th holes, tucked away at the end of the

court with commanding views of course, hills

& valley! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx.

2467sf. (downstairs bed & full bath).

$749,000

1262 Shell Circle – Clayton

Chaparral Springs Premium LargeGolf Course Lot! Rare Willow model

with 1st floor bed & bath. 3 bedrooms, 3

baths, approx. 1709sf. Needs some TLC.

$499,000

3385 Aspara Dr. – Clayton

Best of both Worlds! Country living yet

close to town! 8 acres! Views! & meander-

ing creek! 3 bedrooms, 3 baths + a loft,

approx. 2196sf.

$639,000

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

homesbydianehayes.com

Diane and Bill HayesRealtor-AssociateClayton Residents

(925) 890-4701

Cal BRE #01222762

[email protected]

More than 2000 turned outfor the annual Clayton Commu-

nity Church Labor Day Derbyand Car Show.

New to the fleet this yearwas the Clayton cop car, donat-ed by Clayton police officers.The car, equipped with red lightand siren, was popular with thespectators as it raced down MainStreet. Here, the car is in aphoto finish with the ClaytonClub Saloon car, all recorded byClayton Club owner Steve Bar-ton.

The event drew more than250 kids who raced the cars,most donated by local business-es, down Main Street. Some gotto the finish line first; otherswere stopped short by a bale ofhay.

THAILAND

Michael Howe celebrated his 40th birthdaywith a trip to Thailand. The family is picturedhere in Phuket with a Pioneer. Sshhh…don’ttell them. There’s an elephant in the room.

Page 2 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com September 12, 2014

GREECE

Katina and Nicole Kallas took a month-long vaca-tion in Greece this summer, visiting the islands withfriends and visiting family in Athens and Corinth. ThePioneer traveled with them all the way to the Acropolis.

Pioneer Travels

Traditional 9/11 flags up at Station 11High speed finish to annual CCC Derby

Every year since 2002, the firefighters of Station 11 have set 343 small flags in the grass in front ofthe station to remember each of the firefighters and law enforcement officers lost in the terrorist attackon the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. This year, retired CCCFPD Battalion Chief Dave George(left) led the work party that included Lon Johnson, Matt George, Brian George, Frank Penaloza andCapt. Gil Caravantes.

Joan Miller was just 7 years oldwhen those around her realizedshe had a gift. “I loved to playpiano, and my mom said it wasbecause I could play and sing atthe same time.”

Miller has made it her life’swork to keep making music —and to make sure there is music inthe lives of those around her. InAugust, the Concord woman washonored with the prestigious Jef-ferson Award for her work tokeep instrumental music andchoral classes alive in the MountDiablo Unified School District.

For the past five years, Millerhas served as president of thenon-profit Mount Diablo MusicEducation Foundation, theorganization formed to raiseawareness and funds to combatcuts that hit MDUSD music class-es hard in the recent budget crisis.

But her support started earlierthan that, back in the early 2000swhen her daughter was a studentat Walnut Acres ElementarySchool in Walnut Creek, and thedistrict began to eliminate ele-mentary instrumental classes.

“We organized other parentsand even the students, and foughthard to keep music alive in theclassrooms,” Miller said. “I justdid what any mom would do.”

It was a battle she continuedto fight, and in 2009, when theMDMEF was formed, she wasthe natural choice to lead it.

“Joan has been a dynamo inher efforts to sustain music class-es for our kids,” says FoothillMiddle School music teacher KirkWetterholm. “She spearheadedearly efforts to keep music in theschools, organizing parents andstudents — who even played atboard meetings. Throughout it all,it’s never been about her.”

Miller was never a music

teacher in the district, but kept herlove of it alive by participating inlocal theater and music groups.She is a piano teacher and a vocalcoach.

“Music is my passion,” shesays. And it shows in her workwith MDMEF: “We’ve neverturned down a grant request,” shesays. “Whether it’s buying instru-ments or helping fund an after-

school program.” Most recently,the foundation funded the pur-chase of guitars for a new class atCollege Park High School inPleasant Hill.

And both she and Wetterholmsay they have been able to see thefruits of their labors. WhenMDMEF helped fund theFoothill Jazz band five years ago,it started the career of the award-winning group from NorthgateHigh School that just took topprize at Monterey Jazz’s NewGeneration Festival.

The foundation also spon-sored and paid for members ofthe California Symphony to per-form for more than 2,300 fifthgraders, and along with the Cityof Concord, has hosted the annu-al All Area Music Festival, featur-

ing instrumental and vocal stu-dents from the district’s elemen-tary, middle and high schools.

“[The foundation] is like onebig family,” Miller says. “We allsupport each other.”

“Music is a lifetime skill, a giftto young people from their par-ents, and their schools.”

The Jefferson Awards are aNobel Prize for public and com-munity service, stemming fromthe American Institute for PublicService, which was created in1972 by Jacqueline KennedyOnassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft,Jr. and Sam Beard. The JeffersonAwards are presented at a nation-al and local level. Here in the BayArea, they are co-sponsored byKPIX Channel 5.

Cal BRE#01122025

Clayton $699,980Windmill Canyon – Entertain in style in this4BD/3BA home featuring a fantastic kitchen/familycombo w/wet bar that includes a wine frig. Granite,elegant cabinetry, and gorgeous flooring. Huge paverpatio with firepit. Shaded lawn area.

Concord $529,000Central Concord – Easy living in this 5BD/3BAwith updates galore! Ample windows highlight anopen floor plan inc. beautiful kitchen/dining combowith fireplace. Both this and living room have sliderw/backyard access. Wonderful curb appeal!

Clayton $729,800Regency Woods – 4BD/3BA has expanded kitchen& master suite w/retreat & 2 closets. Ceiling fans &skylight/tubes throughout the home. RV/BoatParking. Cottage in back for in-law/studio.

Concord $649,000Canyon Creek – Mediterranean style 4BD/3BA haswell-maintained lot. Kitchen offers an island & diningnook with expanded garden window. Family roomhas shutters & a bar area. Community tennis & play-ground.

Walnut Creek $449,980Skywest Townhome – 3BD/1.5BA home with a liv-ing/dining combo and a family room. Neutral carpetand flooring plus freshly painted cabinets in thekitchen. Two car garage is a fantastic perk. FantasticHOA amenities including pool and tennis courts.

Concord $158,888Oak Creek Condo – Affordable & adorable1BD/1BA end unit is convenient to transportation andcommute routes. Remodeling done includes bathroomand newer carpet and paint. Nice veranda to sit andenjoy a drink. Onsite storage and community pool.

Clayton $659,000Silvercreek – Near to trails & downtown, this4BD/2.5BA home has a court location and RV/Boatparking. Living and formal dining and a sunny kitchenwith a breakfast nook. Family room w/built-in book-case & backyard access.

4440 Eagle Peak Road, #D, Concord Turtle Creek Development – 3 bed-room, 1.5 bath townhome offers vaultedceilings, views of Mt. Diablo. Needssome TLC. Priced to sell! $299,900

Shelly Gwynn, (925) 207-3069ShellysHomes.withwre.comCal BRE#01467993

JUST LISTED! JUST LISTED! PRICE REDUCED PRICE REDUCED

OKTOBERFEST Oct. 4-5Visit our booth for a FREEcommemorative photo

PROUD

SPONSORS

OF CLAYTONOKTOBERFEST

September 12, 2014 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 3

Saturday 6 to 8:30 p.m.

At the Gazebo in The Grove

Concert 2014ClaytonFinal

in The Grove

Sept 13East Bay Mudd

10-piece cover dance bandwith a powerful 4-man

horn section

For info on next year’s

summer concert series, visit

www.cityofclayton.org.

1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton, CA • (925) 672-9737

Saturday, September 27

6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

• International Music & Appetizers

• Wine Tasting Booths from:

USA, Italy, Spain,

Chile, France & more.

• All wines available for

purchase.

World Wide Wine Tasting

Open to the public

$39.99

plus tax and gratuity,

must be 21 to attend

RSVP to Stacey at

[email protected]

Concord woman keeps music alive, wins Jefferson AwardPEGGY SPEAR

Clayton Pioneer

JOAN MILLER

It seems like just a few weeksago we could see summer on thehorizon coming towards us andnow we are beginning to see it inour rear view mirror.

As my time on the Clayton

City Council winds down I findmyself feeling a little nostalgic. Iam going to miss serving thecommunity.

One of the early lessons Ilearned serving on the city coun-cil was that everything seemed tobe more complicated than Iexpected. Seldom could a deci-sion be made or a project workedon without a dozen issues to con-sider or a dozen hoops to jumpthrough. At first I wondered howanything got done.

With time I started to see thereason behind all the complica-tions. Now when I drive througha community that is poorly main-tained and private properties lookbad, I am more appreciative ofgood government. What may

seem like an intrusion on proper-ty rights often ends up keepingour neighborhoods looking niceand preserving our home values.

Clayton’s character initiative,Do the Right Thing, is focused on“Responsibility” this month.Responsibility is at the core oflocal government. Cities areresponsible to act in the bestinterest of its citizens. The chal-lenge is that what is best for onecitizen may not be the best foranother.

I think our city has done agood job at doing the most goodfor the most people. I am proudto live and serve in Clayton.

Email questions or comments [email protected]

HANK STRATFORD

MAYOR’S CORNER

Responsibility at core of government

to do so the board publiclyissued “a laundry list of con-cerns” that they hoped wouldprompt her resignation so asnot to “further harm your rep-utation and the reputation ofthe school.”

Among the Oracle findingswere that “Lineweaver was act-ing in a manner that is detri-mental to CVCHS because sheis seemingly using her poweras Board members to carry outpersonal agendas…. (A) Mid-dendorf and Lineweaver ‘engi-neered’ the removal of Kom-mer from the Board Presidentposition, and (B) Lineweaverstated ‘Little League needs tobe gone’ from CVCHSbecause [Clayton City Council-man and Clayton Valley Little

League board member Dave]Shuey is ‘a horrible person’and ‘evil.’”

Kommer was the firstboard president. Branich waselected by a 5-4 vote last Feb.to the position with Midden-dorf, Branich and Lineweaverall voting for the new presi-dent. Meriam was elected vicechair 5-4 over Lineweaver atthe same meeting.

The little league andCVCHS got into a controversylast winter over use of thefields the local youth baseballorganization has built andmaintained on the school sitefor the past 40 years. Theschool’s softball teams also usetwo of the fields for theirgames and practices and ten-

sion over that shared use hadbrewed for a long time beforesimmering over this year.

This Monday Lineweavertold The Pioneer, “The resultsof the investigation are clearlybiased and unsubstantiated. Iwas never even interviewed byOracle in regards to the com-plaints against me. I will notresign from the Board. I haveone agenda - the well-being ofCVCHS students, teachers,parents and community. I willcontinue to stand up for what'sright in spite of any bullying orharassment.” Lineweaver is theschool’s athletic director inaddition to being a classroomteacher.

Meriam says Oracle’s workis “closed.” The firm will bepaid $33,000 for services sinceMay when the board directedits outside law firm, Young,Minney & Corr, to hire Oracleto investigate a series of com-plaints from administratorsand teachers. The board hasyet to act on aspects of thereport dealing with chargesmade against other schoolemployees. Meriam explainedthat Linzey would be the oneto take any disciplinary actionagainst CVCHS employeesbased on report findings.

Lineweaver’s board termruns through the end of 2015.The terms of Meriam, Kom-mer, teacher Christine Reimer,Ellis and classified stafferDiane Bailey end in December.An election committee was tobe discussed at the regularly-scheduled board meetingWednesday evening.

The board is next scheduled tomeet Oct. 8. For all board agendas,minutes and public reports visitwww.claytonvalley.org.


CVCHS turmoil, from page 1

LEIGH KLOCKRealtor®, DRE#01874255

925.212.5593

STEPHANIE LOPEZRealtor®, DRE#01370548

925.932.7329

www.myDynamicRealtors.com

INSPIRED REAL ESTATE

2014 New Construction! Architecturallystunning single level with sleek modern ameni-ties. Voluminous space with gorgeous hard-wood floors, open floor plan with immense andimpressive great room, extra large kitchen,built-in media center, significant master suitewith generous walk in shower. Live at the peakof the Lime Ridge. Walk out your door and

hike the breathtaking hillside with spectacular views of Mt. Diablo and the Ygnacio Valley. This modernhome offers the convenience of city living with easy access to BART, shopping corridors, fantasticschools (including De La Salle and Corondolet) all within the privacy and serenity of the country. Homeis zoned to accommodate horses if that is your passion! Offered at $959,000

4377 Rose Lane

Great Family Home with a quiet court loca-tion! 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, granite counters,stainless appliances. Fabulous large level lot withsparkling pool perfect for summer outdoor living!Offered at $669,000

7 Nottingham Place

Breathtaking Builder's View Home in Dana Hills5 bedrooms/3 full bathsplus builder's optionoffice/ sixth bedroom!Vaulted ceilings, crownmolding, spa-like masterbath with rain shower andsoaker tub. Fabulous yard with patios, hot tub, gas firepit, andAMAZING Mount Diablo Views! Offered at $839,000

302 Mt. Sierra Place

Fabulous 4 bedroom 2 bath home withupdates throughout: vaulted ceilings,hardwood flooring, recessed lighting,newly landscaped backyard with abeautiful deck and lush lawns, perfectfor outdoor entertaining.

Offered at $569,000

www.4861GenevaAvenue.com

SOLDover asking

SOLDover asking

price!

Pending

All cash over

asking

• Remodels, Kitchens & Baths• 21 years of design experience

– model homes, commercial & residential

• Clayton resident for 15 years

• Design consultations• Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer• Major furniture brands

at a discount• Licensed general contractor

Full-Service Design Firm

925-672-7920 6160 Center St, Clayton [email protected]

www.interiorspanache.com

Call or email for

an appointment today

Follow us on Facebook

Time for an update? Call Interiors Panache!

Learning Center

Wee 3 Bears Learning Center.

Limited openings for fall transi-

tional kindergarten classes. 411

Wright Court, Clayton. Call

Mechele Fong for enrollment

process. 330-2385 or 672-5214.

Mention ad for $75 off first

month.

Flower Gardening by Nicole

Hackett

Perennial, ornamental, rose and

container care. Keep your garden

in flowers this year with monthly

fertilizing and pruning visits.

Email for consultation or details.

[email protected].

For Lease

Office and retail space for lease

in Historic Clayton City Center:

Village Oaks Center, 6200 Center

St., Clayton. Call Nick Adamson

at (408) 371-8770, ext. 21.

HELP WANTEDSales Associate

Retail feed and pet supply store,

part time. Apply in person at

Rodie's Feed, 8863 Marsh Creek

Road, Clayton.

Tech, Computer

Growing business has position for

onsite pro computer tech in

Contra Costa County. Must have

experience in Windows and Mac

OS, network repair and trou-

bleshooting. ComputersUSA!

672-9989.

Come join Mazzei Realty!

Currently interviewing and hiring

new and experienced real estate

agents. Call 693-0757 for details.

Real Estate Agents

Be Successful! Lynne French is

expanding and interviewing for a

few agents. Call her today 672-

8787.

Responsibility

Do the Right Thing

Automotive

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

Beauty and Pampering

Sport Clips Haircuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5686

Business Services

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

Construction and Trades

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

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

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

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

Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500

Schaefer’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6065

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

Dining and Entertainment

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

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

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

Events

City of Clayton – Concerts . . . . . . . .www.cityofclayton.org

Greek Festival – Saint Demetrios . . . . . . . . . . . .676-6967

Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . .800-949-3276

Oktoberfest – Clayton Business

and Community Association . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2272

Financial, Insurance and Legal Services

DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . . . .210-1400

Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .432-4211

SAFE Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . .800-733-7233, ext. 2772

Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-698-0000

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

Funerals

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

Groceries

Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568

Home and Garden

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

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

Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920

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

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

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

The Floor Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-9890

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

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

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

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

Mailing Services

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

Optometry

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

Pet Services

Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-5744

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

Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387

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

Real Estate and Mortgage Services

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

Hayes, Diane and Bill – Better Homes Realty . . .890-4701

Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184

Howard, Emily – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-1871

Hudson, Cait – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . .451-6844

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

Landgraf, Linda – Prudential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .876-0311

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

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

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

Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . . .567-6170

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

Recreation and Fitness

Anytime Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6700

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

Senior Services

Courtyards at Pine Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-3900

Diamond Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-5100

Services, Other

ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989

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

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

Travel

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

Directory of Advertisers

Classified

P.O. Box 1246

6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517

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

STAFF WRITERS: Peggy Spear, Pam Wiesendanger, John Jackson, Jay BedecarreWe remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

PIONEER INFOCONTACT USTel: (925) 672-0500Fax: (925) 672-6580

Tamara [email protected]

Send ads [email protected] Sports News to

[email protected] Club News to

[email protected] Church News to

[email protected] School News to

[email protected] Classified Ads to

[email protected]

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

each additional word Non-profit: $24 for first 30

words, 20 cents each additional word To place your classified ad over thephone, call the office at (925) 672-0500between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.All classifieds must be paid for inadvance by credit card (Master Card orVisa) We will not accept any ad thatdiscriminates on the basis of race,color, sex, religion, nationality, familystatus or disability. The Clayton Pio-neer reserves the right to reject anyadvertising we believe is unsuitable.

LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniver-

saries, births and deaths all weavetogether as part of the fabric of ourcommunity. Please let us know of theseimportant events. We ask only that theannouncement be for a resident in ourhome delivery area. Submit on ourwebsite and be sure to attach a JPGphoto that is at least 3 MB but not big-ger than 6MB. You can also mail or

bring your print to the office and wecan scan it for you.

Also on the website are forms forcalendar items, events & press releases.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORBoth Pioneer newspapers wel-

come letters from our readers. As ageneral rule, letters should be 250words or less and submitted at leastone week prior to publication date. Let-ters concerning current issues will havepriority. We may edit letters for lengthand clarity. All letters will be publishedat the editor’s discretion. Please includename, address and daytime telephonenumber. We will not print anonymousletters. E-mail your letter [email protected].

Letters must be submitted via E-mail.

CIRCULATION as of Sept. 2014Total circulation of the Clayton

Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, alldelivered by US Mail to homes, busi-nesses and post office boxes. We can-not start or stop delivery to individ-ual addresses. This must be donedirectly through the Post Office

The Concord Pioneer is deliveredmonthly to 28,000 in Concord by carri-er. Papers are delivered once a monthon a Friday morning near the end ofthe month. To stop delivery for anyreason, call the office at (925) 672-0500or email [email protected].

If you are NOT receiving the Pio-neer, please check the distribution mapon the website. If you live in the shad-ed area and are not receiving the paper,please call us or send an email to [email protected]. If you arenot in the shaded area, please bepatient. We will come to your neigh-borhood soon.

SUBSCRIPTIONSTo subscribe, call the office at

(925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are$35/year for each paper, $60/year forboth.


Ourr servicess andd amenitiess include:� Independent Living, Assisted Living and

New Exceptional Memory Care Environment� Private and Semi-private Studios� Restaurant-style Dining� Sun-filled Courtyards and Private Patios� Professional and Caring Staff 24 hours a day� Scheduled Transportation and Concierge Service� Life Enriching Activities� Housekeeping and Laundry Services� LVN now on staff

Calll Susann todayy forr detailss onn thiss exceptionall offerr andd

learnn aboutt ourr neww administrationandd neww prices..

(925) 798-39001081 Mohr Lane � Concord � www.courtyardsatpinecreek.com

Lic #075601529

Independent Living StudioNow $1,800/month

Our belief is that our residentsdeserve the very best personalized care possible at an affordable rate.

Askk aboutt our

Memoryy CareSpecials.

A memorialwill be held from3 to 5 p.m. Satur-day, Sept.13, atthe Dana HillsCabana Club forWilliam “Bill”Amstein, 87, whodied Aug. 20while in Hospicecare at the Brun’sHouse in Alamo.

Bill was bornand raised inChicago by hisparents, Ann andWill iam. Aftergraduating fromLane Tech HighSchool, he entered the U.S Navyat the end of World War II, atthe age of 17. Many of hisfavorite stories are from his timetraveling in the South Pacific atthe end of the war. Uponreturn, Bill married ElizabethAnn Koenig, also from Chicago,in 1955. They were married formore than 59 years and hadthree daughters.

After being honorably dis-charged, Bill began a long careerin the insurance business work-ing for Fireman’s Fund. In 1975,he and his family moved fromthe Midwest to Clayton. Billtook an early retirement fromFireman’s Fund and beganworking at Nationwide, wherehe worked until a second retire-ment several years later. Afterretirement, Bill volunteered at

the ClaytonLibrary, a per-fect fit as hewas an avid,life-long readerand learner. Heespecially lovedseeing theyoung familiesvisit the librarywith their chil-dren. Billenjoyed manyf r i e n d s h i p sover the yearsfrom all ofthese periods inhis life.

ThroughoutBill’s life he had many variedinterests ranging from cycling toham radio, classical music tocrossword puzzles, photographyto history. He was an enthusias-tic lover of animals, especiallydogs. He was most famouslyknown by the residents of DanaHills for his many walks throughthe neighborhood with hisbeloved dog, Joey.

Bill is survived by his wifeLiz, his daughters Lisa, Melissaand Peggy, his sons-in-law TimTougas, Peter Sovocool andJosh Sheridan, and his grand-children, Katie and AbbieTougas, Natalie and Noah Sovo-cool and Owen, Stella andHenry Becket Sheridan.

The family asks that thosewho attend the memorial bringtheir dog and share a story.

Obituary

William E. AmsteinMarch 5, 1927 – August 20, 2014

CORRECTION TO BOOK REVIEWIn the August 29 of the Clayton Pioneer, the book review inthe For the Books column was credited incorrectly. ToddBorg’s “Tahoe Ghost Boat” was beautifully reviewed by ourown Book Lady, Sunny Solomon.

On Oct. 18, an army ofmore than 150 Claytonians willband together to spend the dayBuilding Bridges — amongother things — as a follow-upto last year’s wildly successfulcommunity service projectsponsored by the Clayton

Community Church.While “building bridges”

may itself be more of a figure ofspeech, the volunteers will buildsymbolic bridges by helpingfamilies in need, through a seriesof home projects includingweeding, painting and distribut-ing children’s books.

Coordinator Ed Clelandsays that the church was

astounded at the response totheir first Building Bridgescampaign in 2013. “This is oneof the things that is quiteremarkable,” says Cleland.“Approximately 300 peopleattend the church on a regularbasis. Last year, 150 turned outto serve at Building Bridges.We were just blown away andour hope is that it will be big-ger than last year.”

According to Cleland, theproject’s vision is to bring helpand service to “anyone whohas a need.” There is no chargeto those who receive service.The project is put into actionby volunteers performinghome maintenance, taking careof needed yard work, movingfurniture, cleaning gutters andmaking repairs.

Last year, the variety ofneeds serviced were of alltypes and kinds. For instance, agroup of teenagers used theirday to replace the dirt in sever-al garden beds at the DiamondTerrace Community Center.The project included a metalscreen to keep gophers fromcoming up through the dirt.

Another group went to thehome of a woman who ishomebound because of illness.“We had about 12 people thatwent there,” says Cleland. “Wedid a lot of yard work, werepainted her deck, and we did

some work on the inside ofher home.”

At yet another home, a mil-itary veteran received new toi-lets, a new yard sprinkler sys-tem, refreshed garden beds,and a fresh coat of exteriorhouse paint.

Building Bridges began asan outreach of San RamonPresbyterian Church nearly 14years ago and when one of the

pastors from Clayton Commu-nity went to work at SanRamon Presbyterian, the wordspread. The two churchesquickly began to collaborate,to ascertain how the eventcould successfully work in theClayton area and help peoplein practical ways by meetingsimple needs. Planning andorganization was put into placefor the 2013 event and it went

off seamlessly. Now, aftercompleting Building Bridgesonce, Clayton CommunityChurch feels that this annualservice day is here to stay.

For this year’s big day, theprojects are still being com-piled and reviewed by thechurch. Cleland says thatpainting, window replacementand yard work are all consider-ations for the Oct.18 schedule.He also says that the church isactively looking for both proj-ects to work on and volunteersfor the service day. “We willhave projects for all ages toparticipate in,” he says.

To volunteer or submit a project toBuilding Bridges, contact Ed Clelandat [email protected].

(925) 457-5423

www.belfastplumbing.comLLiicceennssee.. 990066221111

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

�elfast�lumbing

Credit Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover

BBrruuccee&& ZZooeeyy

BBrruuccee && HHoollllyy LLiinnsseennmmeeyyeerrClayton residents

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

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

http://ApplianceRepairsbyBruce.com

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


JOHN JACKSON

Clayton Pioneer

The Law Office of

Daniel L. DuReeEstate Planning Attorney

Please call today for acomplimentary consultation

(925) 210-14001535 N. Main St., Walnut Creek

• Wills • Trusts • Healthcare Directives• Powers of Attorney • Probate

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

FREE estimatesSpecializing in Bathrooms and Kitchens

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

TipperaryConstruction.comNow accepting

major credit cards

Declan Woods 925.216.2679Clayton Resident

Declan Woods 925.216.2679Clayton Resident

UUTTOOPPIICC GGAARRDDEENNSS

CCrreeaattiivvee LLaawwnn RReeppllaacceemmeenntt992255--552244--00005555

CREATIVE DESIGN & INSTALLATIONwww.UtopicGardens.com

LIC. No. 898331 Fully Insured Clayton Resident

A local service bringing

organic, in-season produce

straight from local farms

to your doorstep.

“Good nutrition brings good health, brings happiness. Thank you, Doorstep Farmers.”

Clayton resident, Leo Schindler

Sign up today.

MARISA CARDONE, AMANDA GIACOMELLI AND TREVOR MALONE, all volunteers from ClaytonCommunity Church repaint the deck of a homebound local resident last year during BuildingBridges, a community service project. The program is seeking volunteers and projects for thisyear’s effort on Oct. 18.

The American Red Cross ispartnering with Sport ClipsHaircuts for the “Saving LivesNever Looked So Good” pro-motion at participating loca-tions.

Through the month of Sep-tember, all presenting blood andplatelet donors at Red Crossblood drives and blood dona-tion centers will receive acoupon for a free haircut at par-ticipating Sport Clips Haircutsthroughout the month of Sep-tember.

Donors will receive theircoupon in a “thank you” emailfrom the Red Cross about sevendays after their donation date.

The “Saving Lives Never

Looked So Good” promotionwill emphasize the importanceof giving blood and thank RedCross donors, hopefully encour-aging more people to make alifesaving donation.

Visit www.redcrossblood.orgto learn more about givingblood or platelets and to sched-ule an appointment to donate.For full details on our promo-tion, visit www.redcrossblood.org/sport-clips

Most healthy people who are17 years of age (or 16 withparental consent) and weigh atleast 110 pounds are eligible todonate blood to the Red Cross.Donors who are 18 and youngermust also meet specific height

and weight requirements. The Red Cross encourages

people who are in good healthto donate so that hospitalpatients have the blood andplatelets they need to make a fullrecovery. Blood is needed tohelp treat a variety of patientsincluding accident victims andindividuals undergoing surgeryand cancer treatment.

Blood can be safely donatedevery 56 days. Platelets can begiven every seven days – up to24 times a year.

Currently, there are more than1,200 Sport Clips locations across thecountry. For locations visitwww.SportClips.com. An incumbent and two chal-

lengers will face off for twoopen seats on the Clayton CityCouncil this November.

Current council member andmayor Hank Stratford will notrun again. Vice-mayor DavidShuey will seek a fourth term.

Shuey is an attorney and agraduate of Clayton ValleyHigh, Stanford University andUC Santa Clara Law School.

Keith Hayden is a retiredattorney and currently serves onthe Clayton Planning Commis-sion.

Alyse Smith is a studentstudying for a career in city plan-ning. She currently serves on thecity’s Trails and LandscapeCommittee.

The candidates’ interviewsand position statements willappear in the Oct. 10 issue ofthe Clayton Pioneer.

The AAUW will sponsor aCandidates Night at the ClaytonLibrary on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.

Clayton Community Church hosts annual service day

Give blood, get a haircut

Three candidatesvie for twoseats onCouncil

Captain Grammar PantsIf DESERT and DESSERT weren’t so very different from each other

in their meaning, it wouldn’t be quite so funny to see one used inplace of the other. They aren’t even pronounced the same way;desert has an emphasis on the first syllable, while dessert has anemphasis on the second syllable. Dessert’s second syllable is oftenspoken firmly and with enthusiasm! Alas, from a student paper we

have “I couldn't keep my hungry eyes off the desert table.” I bet those eyes hadquite an adventure, all on their own, wandering around in the sand. On theother hand, the joy of being at a “dessert oasis,” which I once saw posted at agallery, would be incomparable.

Sean Williams is a professor of ethnomusicology at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. Sheis currently working on a Captain Grammar Pants book. Follow her regular postings on Facebook.

Please let ouradvertisers knowyou saw them in

the Pioneer

The Napa Quake was alsolucky in terms of timing, asSeptember is National Pre-paredness Month, and there areseveral activities geared to help-ing people, including a free Dis-aster Preparedness and Hands-free CPR event scheduled forSept. 16 at the Clayton Library.(See sidebar.)

But both Yonge and Vealare quick to say that Claytonisn’t alone in lacking emergencypreparedness. They quote anational survey that says onlyone in 10 Americans are trulyprepared for a disaster, be it anearthquake, flood, hurricane,fire or some other event thatcan cause emergencies.

“The number one reasonpeople say they are not pre-pared — or why they don’tneed to be prepared — is thatthey say, ‘Well, my neighbor isprepared,’” Veal says. “That’snot a good enough reason onmany levels. What if yourneighbor is in San Franciscoand the bridge goes downagain, or something like that?

Both men also stress that

disasters aren’t limited to earth-quakes, as there are many typesof things that can happen, andtoo often people don’t want tothink the worse.

The two have given manytraining presentations to localorganizations, includingschools. “Some schools are bet-ter prepared than others,”Yonge says. “Not only do kidshave to be prepared to shelterthere up to 72 hours, so do theteachers. Be sure you haveeverything you need, such asmedication.”

He urges parent clubs towork with their schools tomake sure students have theappropriate emergency kits onsite, with food and waterenough for three days.

While disaster preparednessis short class, and teaches suchthings as using a fire extin-guisher appropriately andknowing where the gas andwater shut-offs are at home, theregular CERT classes are muchmore extensive. The six-weekcourses are conducted with theConcord’s CERT program, and

run twice a year, Veal says.Once someone is CERT-

trained, they can don the spe-cial CERT vest, which allowsthem on site during variousemergencies, such as last year’sMorgan Fire on Mount Diablo,Yonge says.

“We were called on by theClayton Police to help out withlogistics in housing and feedingpeople and animals, and sup-porting the firefighters. All ittook was one phone call, andwe rallied the troops.”

EMERGENCY NEEDS

So what is needed most in anemergency? Yonge says the firstthing families should do is have adisaster plan: practice fire drillsand communication.

“If phones are down in a dis-aster, make sure you pinpointsomeone out of the area thateveryone will contact to check in.Also, have a meeting place, bothnear your house in case of fire,like out at mailbox, or furtheraway if you are separated by anearthquake and can’t get home,like a local parking lot.”

He also stresses to have aplan for family pets.

Veal says another importantitem to have on hand is a “go-bag,” a bag packed with three-days worth of clothes, sundries,water, snacks and medication.“Keep three on hand — in yourhouse, at work and in your car.

You never know when you’llneed it.”

Also, both Yonge and Vealsay to get to know your neigh-bors. “Not only can you helpeach other out in an emergency,but it’s important to know theirhabits. Know when their clean-ing crew comes in, for instance,so if you see suspicious peoplearound your neighbor’s house onthe wrong day, you can report it.”

There is a lot to remember inpreparing for emergencies, butYonge says there are manyresources available to get up tospeed. Besides the Disaster Pre-paredness and Hands-free CPRclass offered at the library, resi-dents can visit the CERT websiteat www.claytoncert.org,, theConcord site at www.Concord-CERT.org, or the national web-site www.ready.gov, which offerstips on disaster preparation.

PAYING FOR AN EARTHQUAKE

One other fear that the recentrumblings up in Napa unearthedfor local residents is how to payfor damage if an earthquakestrikes home. Literally.

According to the CaliforniaEarthquake Authority, earth-quake insurance among home-owners has dropped from 33percent in 1996 to just 10 percenttoday, despite the fact that insur-ers are required to offer an earth-quake package as part of theirhomeowner and renters policies.

Clayton State Farm agentDoug Van Wyck estimates thatonly about 10 percent of localresidents own earthquake insur-ance, but that his office has field-ed calls almost every day since theNapa quake inquiring about it.

“Many people see it as a bigexpense, but the thought of nothaving it if your house isknocked off its foundation isvery scary,” he says.

In the Bay Area, earthquakeinsurance premiums can rangeanywhere from $700 to $2500 ormore per year, depending on thedeductible. Van Wyck says ratherthan worry, homeowners — andrenters — should use the handytool on the California Earth-quake Authority’s website,www.earthquakeauthority.com.

“You can enter in the size ofyour house, ZIP code, number ofstories among other things, andthe website will offer up a list ofpolicies available from participat-ing insurers, such as Allstate,State Farm and Farmer’s, amongothers,” he says.

The deductible is where thepremiums change, he says. Forinstance, if you have a one-storyhome in Clayton or Concordpriced around $300,000, you canchoose a 10 percent deductible,or $30,000, at a higher premium.A 15 percent deductible of$45,000 would charge a lowerpremium.

He also says that there is

affordable renter’s insurance forquakes for as low as about $130per year.

Still, he says many peoplehave an “I don’t think it will hap-pen to me” mentality about it,and that if it does, many peoplesay they will rely on state or fed-eral aid.

“But earthquake insurancealso brings peace of mind,” hesays. “You can avoid all the has-sle and red tape that usually goesalong with disasters. It also maymean the difference, if you areforced out of your home,between staying at a motel forawhile and sleeping in a RedCross Shelter.”

Ultimately, purchasing earth-quake insurance may not be asaffordable a disaster preparationas putting together a safety kit,but it’s about the same thing.Being prepared.

Disaster Prep, from page 1


Pete LaurenceBroker, Realtor, GRI DRE#00344166.

ReMax Real Estate

Walnut Creek office

Selling Clayton & all Contra Costa

(925) 890-6004

KNOWLEDGE � SERVICE � INTEGRITY � RESULTS

The time is NOWThe time is NOW

Beautiful 5 Bedroom Clayton Home W/ 3 Car Garage.

Call Pete today to sell your home

This 2,260 sq. ft. 2-story home is

in good condition and is ready to

Sell!

Enjoy it's large lot with “Curb

appeal", RV Parking width, Deck &

Patio, Spa and Swimming Pool, and

fully Landscaped Family Hideaway!

In a great neighborhood of

Clayton and on a quiet cul-de-sac.

Enjoy the Kitchen with its can-

lights and walk-in Pantry, the step-

down Family Room with Fireplace,

two updated Granite Bathrooms,

and 5 Bedrooms, ideal for that large

family or needing rooms for your

Home Office and guests!

Priced to sell at only $699,000!

– Call Pete at 890-6004

Ed Waraner8861 Marsh Creek Rd, Clayton

Bonded and Fully Insured

Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years

24 HOUREMERGENCY

SERVICE

Residential &Commercial

� Specializing in Large Hazardous Trees &Heritage Oak trees

� Crane Service� Tree & Stump Removal� Arborist Consulting� Arborist Reports� Pruning/Cabling� Fire Abatement� Custom Milled Lumber� Firewood

CCCCCC CCeerrttiiffiieeddFFiirree AAbbaatteemmeenntt

FREEESTIMATES

www.waranerbrostree.com

Lic. #642272 Certified Arborist WE-3386A

Major Credit Cards Accepted

(925) 831-2323

CERT VOLUNTEERS Ken Rishell (seated) Dorothy Ziolko and Gina Scheer use “Rescue Roxie” toteach earthquake safety at the Concord’s Safety Fair.

UpcomingSafety Events

SSeepptt.. 1177 -- Hands-free CPR Training andDisaster Preparedness,7 to 8:30 p.m. atClayton CommunityLibrary. Free

SSeepptt.. 1188 -- Six-weekCERT training begins inConcord. 6:30 p.m.,Contra Costa FireDistrict Training Center,2945 Treat Blvd.,Concord. For moreinformation visitwww.ConcordCERT.orgor call 925-603-5933.Free.

SSeepptt.. 2233 -- CERT’sEmergency PetPreparedness, 6:30 to8:30 p.m. at theConcord PoliceDepartment,Community MeetingRoom, 1350 GalindoSt., Concord.

OOcctt.. 1166 -- The GreatCalifornia ShakeOutwill be held 10:16 a.m.

Basic Emergency Kit• Water — one gallon of water per person per day

for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation;• Food — at least a three-day supply of

non-perishable food;• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a

NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both;

• Flashlight and extra batteries;• First-aid kit;• Whistle to signal for help;• Dust mask to filter contaminated air and plastic

sheeting, and duct tape to shelter in place;• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties

for personal sanitation;• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities;• Manual can opener for food;• Local maps;• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

Q. There is no way I canbuy another property with-out selling my current one.Are the sellers acceptingoffers contingent on the saleof a buyer’s property?

A. It seems that the homesales market is slowing downlately. If it slows down enoughfor properties to stay on themarket a long time a sellermight consider an offer con-tingent on you selling yourhome. Another way to look ata contingency is for you to putyour home on the market con-tingent on you finding a homeof your choice before youwould accept an offer. Yourbuyer would have to wait untilyou find a house. There shouldbe a deadline for you to find ahouse on this type of contin-gency. Two weeks to 30 daysare common.

Let’s review what a homesale contingent offer is. It isan offer you make on a proper-ty that is contingent on you

selling your home. You, thebuyer, will include a contin-gency form stating that if yourhome sells you will buy theirhome as long as the escrow onyour home closes. A seller’sagent will look at your home tosee how saleable it is. Is itpriced right for the conditionand location it is in? If yourhome doesn’t sell, your goodfaith deposit will be returned.Considering these things mostsellers would prefer a non-con-tingent offer. It’s less risky.

To construct an attractivecontingent offer, you probablywon’t be able to negotiate theprice much. In the contingencyform you also would give thesellers an escape or releaseclause. These are usually 72hours but can be more or less.That means that the seller willkeep their home on the marketafter they accept your offerand if they get another offerthat they want to accept, theywill send you a 72-hour noticeto perform. If you are able toqualify to buy their housewithout selling yours, you mustshow them the proof of funds.Maybe an offer will come inwithin the 72 hours and youcan remove the home-salecontingency. In this case makesure that it is still contingenton your house transactionclosing. This should be agreedupon when you first write the

offer. If your offer is contin-gent on the close of yourhome, make sure you don’taccept an offer that is contin-gent upon another house sell-ing.

On the other hand, if abuyer of your home accepts acontingency from you for youto find a replacement propertyfor a period of time you mighthave to negotiate a price thatfavors the buyers because ofthe uncertainty for them to beable to buy your property.

These type of home pur-chases should include muchguidance from your realtor andlender. But they can be done.

updated to show correct roadmapping for 7,000 parcelswithin district. Without theupdates, some 10,000 parcelswere assessed too low— someas low as $37 instead of$103—causing 32,000 parcelsto be assessed too high.

The board was left with nochoice but to stop the processwhile the data is corrected,recalculate the assessmentsand reissue the ballots, proba-bly in early November.

The error was discoveredwhen a board member checkedthe assessment on his ballotagainst the consultant’s dataand found it to be much lowerthan expected. A further checkby district staff revealed theextent of the error.

“I am angry, embarrassed,furious that this situation hap-pened,” said board presidentJoel Bryant.

“This is going to cost thedistrict,” said board memberCheryl Morgan. “The countycertified the data. I want culpa-bility. Someone needs to payfor this.”

The data is collected frommultiple agencies, Smithexplained in an email to thePioneer. ConFire gets hydrantlocations from the water dis-tricts, of which there are fourmajor ones and several smallerones, making verification ofdata complicated and prone toerror.

The roads mapping is evenmore complex, Smith said.That database depends oninput from developers, con-tractors and local agency engi-neering and developmentdepartments.

“We’ve barely scratched thesurface on what happened,”Smith said. “We’ve identified alimited set of areas where theproblems took place and thefocus for verification can beon those areas rather than theentire District,” he explained.

The fix is expected to take6-8 weeks, putting the new bal-lots out sometime in late Octo-ber or early November, rightabout the time the funds fromthe federal SAFER grant runout.

The District has beenbleeding money since 2008when the Recession knockedproperty tax revenues downabout 40 percent. Two yearsago, a ballot proposition thatwould raise property taxes inthe district failed to get therequired two-thirds vote. Aspecial benefit assessment dis-trict will pass with only a sim-ple majority of the propertyowners receiving the benefit.

The district closed theBrentwood station last monthand is on a timeline for closingthe Knightsen station inNovember.

Marsh Creek and MorganTerritory residents are relative-ly safe for the time being. EastCounty contracts with CalFireto staff the Marsh Creek Sun-shine Station all year.

bands in the U.S. and considerClayton’s Oktoberfest as oneof their favorites,” says long-time Oktoberfest volunteer EdHartley.

Central to any Oktoberfestare the food and libations.German bier will flow, alongwith wine and cider. Wiener-schnitzel, sausages, hot pret-zels, and, of course, sauer-kraut, will be available at theFood Court.

Back again is the popularSardine Family Circus, an acro-batic troupe who will performthroughout the weekend. Theywowed Clayton last year, asthey have been amazing thecrowds at Pier 39 all year.

The many arts and craftsbooths will display early holi-day gift ideas, including, jewel-ry, paintings, photographs, andan array of unique items.

For the kids, it’s glitter tat-toos, face-painting, hot dogs,and lemonade. For the dogs,strategically placed water dish-es.

Again this year, the PaulMaurer Show brings popularcarnival rides. The carnivalopens a day in advance ofOktoberfest, Friday, Oct. 3 at 6p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 5, ridesare open from 11 a.m. to 10p.m. and on Sunday Oct. 6from 11a.m. to the close of thefestival.

Tickets for the carnival

rides will be presold at $10 for20 coupons and will be avail-able at the following down-town Clayton merchants: Ed’sMudville Grill, Hairs the Place,The Royal Rooster, andSkipolini’s Pizza. At the eventticket prices go up to $20 per24 coupons.

One welcome addition tofestival this year will be a shut-tle service to downtown fromoutlying lots, says event co-chair Mary Ann Lawrence.

Oktoberfest is sponsoredand overseen by the ClaytonBusiness and CommunityAssociation. Along with theArt & Wine Festival, Oktober-fest is CBCA’s major fundrais-er. This year’s co-chairs areLawrence and MarilynSchmidt. Both have workedwith the event for many years.

Without the help of hun-dreds of volunteers from allover the community, none ofthe fundraising events couldhappen, says Gregg Manning,CBCA President. Proceedsfrom CBCA fundraisers go tosupport local community proj-ects. Volunteers are alwaysneeded, Manning points out.

For information on gettinginvolved, or about Oktoberfest orthe carnival in general, call CBCAat 925-672-2272 or visitwww.claytonoktoberfest.com.


Oktoberfest, from page 1

Silver Oaks, from page 1

Parcel Tax, from page 1

“Let Us LightUp Your Life”

Residential � Commercial � Industrial

www.BurkinElectr ic .netJames Burkin

Sole Proprietor

Install security lights

Serving Contra Costa since 1991

More than 35 years experience

All Work Done by OwnerBonded & Insured

Lic.#C10-631523

and cameras

around

your home. - Call for details

Mon. – Sat. 10 – 7, Sun. 12 - 6

Family Business Since 1988

Suat Atkin 925-686-22993400/3410 Clayton Rd., Concord

claytonfurnitureinc.com

Clayton Furniture, Inc.Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Clayton Residents

Take an Additional

10% OFF

Authorized Ashley Dealer

Quality Act as long as thecreek, wildlife and woodlandsare protected.

The developer must keep 8 ½ acres as open space whichincludes a required 6 ½ -acreHabitat Conservation Ease-ment with specific protectionsfor red legged frogs and rap-tor nests. The remaining twoacres are green belt and recre-ation areas.

The project calls for theremoval of 118 of the 302trees on the property. Thedeveloper must submit anacceptable tree replacementplan before the city willapprove the project.

Currently, the only historicbuildings on the site are a fewoutbuildings and a bath housethat were part of the originalYolanda Estate. The historichome burned down in 2009.All of the buildings will bedemolished and removed.

The town homes will belocated at the east end of the

property nearest the Oakhurstgolf course. The seven singlefamily homes will have a gatedentrance at the end of LydiaLane.

The town homes will runfrom 1,155 to 1,320 sq. ft.with 24 of them backing up toopen space. Six of the townhomes are set aside for lowand very low income in com-pliance with the city’s afford-able housing mandate.

The single family homeswill sit on lots ranging from4,785 to 9,500 square feet.

The public will have anopportunity to weigh in on theenvironmental report at apublic hearing on Sept. 23 andfor 30 days following the hear-ing. The Initial Study/Mitigat-ed Negative Declaration isavailable on the city’s websiteat ci.clayton.ca.us. The PublicHearing is Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. atthe Clayton CommunityLibrary.

Home sale contingencies are tricky

Send your question and look for youranswer in a future column. [email protected]. French is thebroker/owner of Windermere LynneFrench & Associates. Contact her at672-878 7or stop in at 6200 CenterSt., Clayton.

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS

SAVE THE DATE

ACCIDENTS: Aug. 22, 12:08 a.m.

Center St. Sept. 4, 8:30 a.m.

Marsh Creek Rd./Gym Ct.

ARRESTS: Aug. 22, 10:25 a.m.

5400 Clayton Rd. A 51-year-old transient malewas arrested on a warrant;for possessing narcoticcontrolled substance; pos-sessing unlawful parapher-nalia; possessing/etc.hypodermicneedle/syringe; possessingdrugs without a prescrip-tion; probation violation.

Aug. 23, 12:44 a.m.Keller Ridge Dr./Falcon Pl.A 36-year-old Claytonmale was arrested for dis-orderly conduct: alcohol.

Aug. 23, 4 p.m. ElCamino Dr./Carolina Dr. A49-year-old Concord malewas arrested for possess-ing tear gas weapon; pro-bation violation.

Aug. 25, 2:19 a.m.Kirker Pass Rd./Olive Dr. A31-year-old Pittsburg male

was arrested for drivingwithout a license; warrant.

Aug. 26, 12:23 a.m.Mt. Shasta Pl. A 23-year-old Clayton male wasarrested for under theinfluence of a controlledsubstance; possessing con-trolled substance para-phernalia.

Aug. 26, 11:19 p.m.1500 Kirker Pass Rd. A23-year-old Claytonfemale was arrested onbattery on peaceofficer/emergency person-

nel/etc.; disorderly con-duct: alcohol.

Aug. 29, 7:30 a.m.Mountaire Pkwy. A 54-year-old Concord malewas arrested for being anunlicensed driver.

Aug. 29, 12:45 a.m.Mt. Washington Wy. 23-year-old Clayton malearrested on a warrant.

Sept. 1, 1:42 a.m.Indian Wells Wy. A 23-year-old Pittsburg malewas arrested for disorderlyconduct: alcohol.

BURGLARIES/THEFTS: Sept. 4, 5400 Clayton

Rd. Burglary – Commer-cial

A revocable living trust isan invaluable estate planningtool for both spelling out whowill receive your propertywhile also avoiding the scourgeof the probate process. How-ever, if a revocable living trustis not properly funded, it mayend up being essentially use-less. This begs the question,“What does proper funding ofa revocable trust entail andhow do I know if this wasdone for my trust?”

Funding a revocable trustmeans transferring legal title ofthe asset into the name of thetrust. Depending on the char-acter of the asset this will takea variety of different forms.Here are a few different com-mon asset types and how toensure that they are properlytransferred into your livingtrust.

REAL ESTATE

Real estate is the asset mostlikely to cause problems inestate planning and end upstuck in probate. Real Estate

must be transferred into yourliving trust by grant deed,either during the initial pur-chase or via subsequent writ-ten instrument. Often, peoplewill transfer their house intotheir living trust when theycreate the trust, but later moveand forget to have the titlecompany put the new propertyin the trust. This is very com-mon and requires probate toeventually distribute the prop-erty.

SAVINGS ACCOUNTS,BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS, CDS

A savings account, broker-age account, or CD must simi-larly be titled in the name ofthe trust in order for the trustto function properly and keepthe assets out of probate. Anaccount or CD is titled in thename of your living trust bythe institution where theaccount or CD is held. Youmust inform the institutionthat you want the account heldin your living trust and give

them a “certificate of trust”transfer document that shouldhave been included in yourestate plan package. The insti-tution will then put title to theaccount in the name of thetrust. When this is done youraccount statements will havethe name of the trust as theaccount holder.

LLC OF SMALL

CORPORATION INTEREST

An LLC membership orshares in a privately held cor-poration must also be trans-ferred into the name of your

living trust. This is done withtransfer of ownership forms.

IRA, 401(K)Any tax-deferred accounts

deal with succession via bene-ficiary forms and are thereforenot transferred into the trust.A trust may, however —depending on the circum-stances — be named as a ben-eficiary. There are importanttax considerations in this areaand you should talk to a taxprofessional regarding yourparticular circumstances.

Because of the importanceof keeping your living trustfunded, you should periodicallycheck to make sure that noassets have been left out. A littlebit of effort now can save a lotof time, money and inconven-ience someday down the road.


DANIEL DUREE

ESTATE PLANNING

Daniel DuRee is a licensed attor-ney whose practice focuses on estateplanning. He may be reached forquestions or comments [email protected] or 925-210-1400.

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

Walnut Creek Office:3100 Oak Road, #100Walnut Creek CA 94597Phone: (925) [email protected]

RRiicchhaarrdd AA.. LLiittttoorrnnooLLIITTTTOORRNNOO LLAAWW GGRROOUUPP

�� LLiivviinngg TTrruussttss aanndd WWiillllss�� TTaaxx && EEssttaattee PPllaannnniinngg,, LLLLMM ((TTaaxx))�� PPrroobbaattee && TTrruusstt AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn �� AAsssseett PPrrootteeccttiioonn SSttrraatteeggiieess�� MMeeddii--CCaall && VVAA BBeenneeffiitt PPllaannnniinngg�� VVAA AAccccrreeddiitteedd AAttttoorrnneeyy,, MMeemmbbeerr ooff

AAccaaddeemmyy ooff VVAA PPeennssiioonn PPllaannnneerrssaanndd EEllddeerrCCoouunnsseell

Assisted over 4,000 Families since 1979

3141 Morgan Territory Rd.

earthquakearabians.com925-360-7454

WWeesstteerrnn && EEnngglliisshh

�� BBeeggiinnnneerr ttoo AAddvvaanncceedd

�� YYoouutthh ttoo AAdduulltt

CCoommee rriiddee wwiitthh uuss!!

SSppoonnssoorrsshhiipp pprrooggrraammss aavvaaiillaabbllee �� BBiirrtthhddaayy PPaarrttiieess �� CCaammpp

5442 Ygnacio Valley Rd. #180

CLAYTON VALLEY CENTER(Next door to Jamba Juice)

ffoorreessiigghhttooppttoommeettrryy..ccoommDr. Jeanette Hochstatter

Help your child learn

A member of Network

80% of what a child learns in schoolis presented visually.Give your child the advantage that comes

from good vision. Schedule a comprehensive

eye examination in our office today!

Call us at 925.672.4100

Driving and texting:It’s a 3000-pound bullet

If you were at the localshooting range and the personnext to you firing a handgunwas having an animated andpassionate conversation onhis/her cell phone, would itmake you nervous? Would itconcern you if you peered intothe cockpit of an airliner andfound the pilot watching amovie while taking off orlanding? If you were beingprepped for surgery, wouldyou be worried if the anesthe-siologist was texting his fanta-sy football league members

just as he was about to put youunder?

If you answered yes to anyof these questions, I have onemore for you. Is it good judg-ment to operate a 3,000-poundmachine traveling 60 feet persecond (40 mph) on a roadwaywhile pedestrians and othersare sharing the road with you?I’m guessing that put in theseterms, most of us will agree it’sa bad idea. But most of usdon’t associate driving our carand talking on the phone ortexting with “operating a3,000-pound machine whiletraveling 60 feet per second.”We have become so comfort-able with driving, many of us(me included) have forgottenwhat an awesome responsibili-ty we have to protect those

around us.When fully aware and

focused, the average persontakes about a 2.5 seconds toperceive a threat, and respondto it. As an example, whendriving, it takes the averageperson about 2.5 seconds tosee a hazard and apply thebrakes of their car. At 40 milesper hour, that car will travelabout 150 feet before it beginsto slow. That’s half of a foot-ball field! If you’re texting,talking on the phone or are insome other way distracted,imagine how much further youmay travel before taking eva-sive action.

I write this with the realiza-tion that I am guilty ascharged. I have used my phonewhile driving and I have sent

texts. “But I was only on thephone for a second, and it wasreally important.. My excusedoes not hold water! As I drivethe streets of our community,I constantly see residents“making a quick call” or“sending just one quick text.”

I ask you to join me, I havecommitted to stop! If I needto make a call, I will use ahands-free device. If no deviceis available, I will pull to a safelocation at the side of the roadand send my texts or have myconversation. Please join me inmaking the roads a safer placefor all of us.

Tips for funding your Revocable Trust

Chris Thorsen is Clayton’s chiefof police. For questions and com-ments, call him at (925) 673-7350.

CHRIS THORSEN

BEHIND THE BADGE

Police ActivityReport

POLICE ACTIVITY FOR TWO WEEKS ENDING

SEPT. 4, 2014

Clayton Valley Charter HighSchool teams filled spots last fallin North Coast Section tourna-ments for girls golf and volley-ball, boys and girls water poloand cross country plus football.This year, many of those teamsface rebuilding challenges asthey’ve lost many talented grad-uating senior players.

The coaches of theseCVCHS teams have high expec-tations in Diablo Valley AthleticLeague play and are looking tomore their teams and athletes onto NCS. Only boys water polocoach Dennis Bledsoe and girlsgolf coach Jen Moore have beencoaching Eagle teams for morethan three years.

CROSS COUNTRY

Anthony Munch is in hissecond year at cross countrycoach and he has contrasting sit-uations with his boys and girlsteams. “The boys are rebuildingafter a solid season that sawmany four-year varsity athletesgraduate. Our girls’ team wasn’thit nearly as hard with gradua-tions and should be one of thetop teams in the area after theyget a few races behind them.”

Heading the boys lineup arejunior Sayed Opeyany, secondteam all-league last year, andsenior Sam Givens, one of thetop varsity runners from lastseason. They are the onlyreturners from last year’s squadthat finished second in DVAL

and beat every team at leastonce. The biggest loss wasDVAL MVP runner-up DannyCondon, who finished his senioryear winning the 1600 and 3200meters at league in track.

The girls’ team has three all-DVAL harriers back in sopho-mores Natalie Ruzicka andSarah Verderame plus seniorLindsay Mondloch. The girls’team lost Kyra Ortiz (1st team

all-DVAL) and Lauren Wardleto graduation, as well as SarahCarrico to school band commit-ments.

Joining boys varsity areAnthony Maytum (winner ofthe DVAL Frosh-Soph race lastyear), Michael Cox, Geo Fonse-ca, Brandon Clement and new-comer JJ Perez.

A number of talented run-ners joining the girls’ team

include Lynette Cox (third inDVAL Frosh-Soph), ClaireOlson (second in DVAL Frosh-Soph), Molly Fitzsimmons andfreshmen standouts KellyOsterkamp and Olivia Villa.

Munch has assistant coachesShaun Guest, BrandonEnriquez and Jessie Beronilla tohelp the two squads competingfor league honors with three tri-meets in October and the

DVAL championships Nov. 1 atHidden Valley in Pleasant Hill toqualify for NCS in November.

GIRLS TENNIS

Brian Corbett stepped intothe Eagles girls tennis coachingslot during the 2013 season.With that experience behindhim he sees 2014 as “a year ofopportunity. We lost somemajor firepower, but many girlshave improved over the summerand came to practice hungry tomove up. Many will be gettingtheir first taste of a higher levelof competition, but I expectthem to respond well to thatchallenge.”

His top returning singlesplayers are senior Preet Nijjar,junior Maria Sparvoli and sophDalia Anwar. Junior Erin Wardleemerged as No. 1 singles playerin the pre-season. Also pushingfor slots on the singles ladderare juniors Katie Essayan andAlexa Kallas plus senior CieraCathcart. Three doubles teamswill also be selected.

Corbett’s squad is minus fiveseniors from last year: ChloeKim, Rose Peterson, MadisonDaniel, Andrea Partida andTrisa Nguyen.

Northgate has been thepowerhouse in the DVAL formany years and the Eagles headcoach expects the Broncos toexcel again with CVCHS com-peting with College Park for sec-ond place. DVAL dual matchesrun until late October with theleague meet Oct. 28-30 beforeNCS team and individual cham-pionships in November.

Fellow history teacher SayedAnwar is the assistant coachwith Corbett.

BOYS WATER POLO

Nick Ballew’s boys feel shortof the 2013 DVAL champi-onship game by two goals andhe is looking to rectify thatshortfall this year despite losingfive stalwarts from last yearincluding two-time DVAL MVPJack Brown and his classmatesGrant Meylan, Kenny Cuneo,Jordan Tate and goalie MaxRenner.

In order to reach the DVALfinale on Nov. 1 the Eagles willturn to the only returning startersenior Tanner White, juniorScott Meylan who scored 35goals a year ago and anothersenior, Liam Calkins, who thecoach expects to blossom thisyear with more playtime.

Sophomore CameronBrandt has earned a startingspot and senior Ryan Nejadlooks to contribute as a starteralso.

Ballew will be joined on thedeck in his third year in charge

by his younger brother JacksonBallew, a high school and collegeall-America.

League matches for boys andgirls water polo are scheduledOct. 8, 15 and 22 before theDVAL tournament Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at College Park.

GIRLS WATER POLO

Bledsoe has been in chargeof CVCHS girls water polosince its advent and he’s rarelyhad to replace five of six startersas he is this season, similar tothe boys team predicament.

All-league goalie Katie VanTuyl and field utility player jun-ior Katie Kommer are hisreturning letter winners and arejoined by other varsity returneesKayleigh Rohrbach, Emily Rab-bitt and Cambria Rojas. Movingup from the JVs are HannahTaylor, Bailey Reading, SaraBrumfield, Maddy Sorensen,Kimi Svoboda, Hannah Kom-mer, Sabrina Callahan, TeraZuniga-Miller, Caitlin O’Leary,Melissa Olson, Aleyah Muh-lestein and Katie McDonald.

Incoming freshman RebekahReynolds rounds out the team.

The large influx on varsity isdue to the graduation of all-DVAL standouts Sara Abele,Sara Johnson, Kimi Anderson,Vanessa Parham and QuincyWinship.

Bledsoe says he expects hisnew varsity players “will workvery hard and have a great atti-tude.”

Lindsay Struemph is assist-ing Bledsoe.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Clayton Valley has a new vol-leyball coach, Rich Feldmann,but five returning players to givethe new coach a solid founda-tion. Setter Sarah Williams wasall-league honorable mentionwhile leading the team in assists.She is joined by senior class-mates Briana Kearney (middlehitter) and Morgan Giacobazzi(opposite).

Junior Jessica Stratton (liberoand outside hitter) was first-team all-league libero. A pair ofsophomores, Ericka Scheafer(outside hitter)and Tori Klock(middle hitter), gained valuablevarsity experience as freshmen.

Feldmann has nine new var-sity players but he is still lookingto compete for league title andqualify for NCS. “While we are ayoung team with only six return-ing varsity players, I expect wewill compete for the DVALleague championship and quali-fy for NCS. The newcomersinclude many of last year’s JVplayers who lost only one matchin league.”

Among the newcomers areShaina Steinberg, Mia Mudaliar,Kiana Smith, Taylor Sproul andShelby Pastorini, a junior trans-fer. Kayla Caton, Kate Zuecher,Alisa Guevara and ArielMcCammy have also garneredvarsity positions.

All-league standout KaylaTaylor graduated and seniorHailey Pascoe is concentratingon basketball.

I expect the league to becompetitive again this year withstrong competition comingfrom Northgate, Concord, andCollege Park. Berean Christianalso looks strong this seasonand will likely compete for oneof the four DVAL playoffspots.

Feldmann has Diana Laurit-sen, Sebastian Wilson and Stree-ta Farrell on the Eagles coachingstaff.

FOOTBALL

Coach Tim Murphy has fin-ished his two-game suspensionfor holding summer practicesbefore the approved start date.He’ll be back on the sidelines this

Sports Page 10 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com September 12, 2014

See CV Teams, page 12

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Photo by Chett Bullock

NATALIE RUZICKA (2678) was fourth at the DVAL meet as a freshman, earning first-team all-league honors. This year the soph isleading the way for the Clayton Valley cross country team.

CV teams feature many fresh faces this fall

Diablo FC girls honor former team-mate at Jenna Betti Memorial

DIABLO FC 01 BLUE GIRLS WON THE UNDER 13 SILVER DIVISION at the inaugural Jenna Betti Memorial Tournament last month. Theteam includes, front row from left, Cydney Walker, Courtney Silva, Kenzie Cummings, Chloe Ormond, Jessica Oledan, HanakoHelton; back row, coach Makaila Griggs, Farah Anwar, Madelyn Jarrett, Abby Halstead, Grace Wenger, Emma Wilcox, SarahGrigsby, Allie Heinz, and assistant coach Aaron Silva. Not pictured, Olivia Patterson and Vanessa Castrillo. The team preciselyreversed the score from earlier in the weekend with a 3-1 win over Vacaville United Xtreme 01 in the championship game.

Photos courtesy Diablo FC

DIABLO FC 00 WON THE UNDER 14 PREMIER DIVISION at the inaugural Jenna Betti Memorial Tournament last month which honoredthe club’s popular player who was killed in a tragic accident in March. The 00 team includes, front, Ally Carroll; front row fromleft, Mackenzie Tobin, Kylie Zentner, Anissa Gomez, Sidney Atchison, Carly Scharff, Alicia Perez, Jordan Gregory; back row,Savannah Boone, Chrystina Heuerman, Julia Hagedorn, Colette Rick-Cardinale, Holly Gallagher, Jordan Sweeney, JessieVerderame, Fiona Valdillez and coach Scott Alexander. The team defeated San Ramon Azuri 01 2-1 in the championship game.Diablo FC 02 won another summer championship with a 3-0 U12 title game shutout of Heritage Havoc after losing the Bettitournament opener to the same team. Diablo FC 99 tied for the U16 Premier championship on points but was moved to secondplace on a tiebreaker. Diablo FC 97 was runner-up in U19 flight.

CV SEEKS 2015 HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONSClayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee is

accepting athlete nominations for the 2015 induction class until Oct.3. This will be the fourth class for the Hall, which began during theschool’s 50th anniversary year in 2008. Individuals can nominate stu-dent athletes for the Hall of Fame. The requirement is that the nom-inee was a CVHS grad in the years 1959-2004 and was all-league inat least one sport. Nomination forms can be picked up at the highschool office. If you have any questions contact Herc [email protected] or Dee Billeter [email protected]. The induction takes place next May 16 atCentre Concord.

ST. BONAVENTURE CYO BASKETBALL SIGNUPS FINISHING UP

Online registration will be active until Sept. 11 for St. Bonaven-ture CYO for all boys and girls grades 2 through 8. Late fees will beassessed after Sept. 11. All registration is being done online atstbonaventurecyo.com. If you have any questions, please contactTim O’Hara at 672-5774. Most practices are at Diablo View MiddleSchool and games are played locally. The season runs from Septem-ber through February with postseason playoffs.

WINTER BASKETBALL REGISTRATION OPENS FOR

ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUESWinter youth basketball programs at Clayton Gym including a

camp Nov. 24-27 and league play are accepting applications now.Winter youth volleyball signups are coming soon. For complete

information on all the Clayton programs, visitalloutsportsleague.com.

PICKLEBALL IS COMING TO CONCORDAlready very popular in Arizona and other parts of the country,

pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, tabletennis and badminton. It’s played with two to four players on acourt about half the size of a tennis court with wooden paddles anda plastic whiffle ball. One of the fastest growing sports among adultsof all ages, pickleball is especially popular with young adults andadults nearing or in their retirement years. To receive information onupcoming pickleball clinics and leagues in Concord visit teamside-line.com/concord or call 671-3423.

CLAYTON PIONEER WANTS TO HEAR YOUR SPORTS STORYWe get plenty of information from local high schools, sports

leagues and clubs. What we don’t hear about so often are from ourneighbors who are competing below that radar screen. There areClaytonians who are participating in sports and recreational endeav-ors that we don’t normally hear about but we’d like to tell their sto-ries too. If you know of someone—-or even if you are that some-one—-let us know what you’re doing and perhaps we’ll find it some-thing our readers would love to read about!

If you’re running, jumping, hiking, biking, swimming, skydiving,bowling, golfing or participating in any of dozens of other sportsand recreational activities let us know. Give us a brief rundown andyour contact information and we might be in touch with you. It’s assimple as sending an email to [email protected].

Play Healthy, Eat Healthy10% discount on Platters for Boccegames

Valid only at this location.

Exp. 10/31/14. May not be combined with otherdiscounts, coupons or great meal deals.

Photo courtesy CVCHS football

Clayton Valley Charter has started its football season with a pair of non-league victories.Head coach Tim Murphy and his staff introduced the idea of a Visual Sacrifice of Solidarityfor the team this fall and the players embraced the idea of getting Mohawk haircuts or color-ing their hair in the red, white and blue school colors. Junior Isaias Padilla took care ofabout 30 players and one coach. Murphy says, “To me stuff like this is what makes highschool football fun and things players talk about 10 and 20 years from now. Winning gamesare great but doing things like this with your brothers is what high school football is allabout. Every kid either shaved their head or colored it. Every player did something.“

Local resident Claire Tryonwas recently honored for his 33years of service to the OaklandDiocese CYO track and fieldprogram with the organization’sLifetime Achievement Award.

Known in track and field cir-cles as “Pops” Tryon, he beganparticipating in 1981 when hisfamily moved to the area fromPhoenix. New neighbors Johnand Sandy Reinig asked Tryonto start a track program

for Most Precious BloodParish (now St. Francis ofAssisi) in Concord. He agreedand started with eight athletes:three from the Reinig family,two each from the Tryon andSaam families and one from theCooks.

The Most Precious teamgrew by leaps and bounds withthree coaches becoming 13 andthe St. Francis team growing to168 athletes in 1996, whenTryon handed over the headcoaching job to assistant headcoach George Francis.

Tryon had been selected asthe new Oakland Diocese Sec-tion One Track Coordinator in1994 and needed to devote allhis time to that position. WhenTryon assumed the duties ofleague coordinator there wereabout 768 athletes in 12 parish-es. Now the Section One leaguehas grown to over 1400 athletesin second through eighth grades

at 21 parishes and, he adds,“hopefully two new parishes for2015 season.”

Tryon says, “I’ve beenblessed with such dedicated andcommitted leaders that havebeen with the program for as lit-tle as seven years to as many as45 years. I am not sure what Iwould have accomplished if notfor the expert assistance of my

assistant coordinator TimChavez of Holy Rosary Parish.”

He also thanked Clayton’s“expert MIS director Gil Llacu-na for automating so much ofour stats.”

Joe Sullivan guided the St.Bonaventure track and crosscountry programs for manyyears. “Claire has dedicated alarge part of his life to CYO.

After having coached CYO forclose to 20 years myselfbetween track, basketball andcross country I have workedclosely with Claire. He is all forthe children under our guidance.A well-deserved honor,” Sulli-van said of his colleague.

Last year there were 117coaches in the program. Tryonstated that the award he receivedwas due to the committed coor-dinators, coaches, parents and,most of all, youth. “Withoutthem all, there would be no pro-gram.” There is a seven-wordsaying that is used by Tryon toeach and everyone in the pro-gram: Thank you for all that youdo.

Tryon said it was very hum-bling to receive the lifetimeachievement award and to haveone of his granddaughter’s,Jaiden Lucas of the Holy Rosaryteam, make the presentation.

“My wife [Idonna] and Ihave been blessed with 14grandchildren and two greatgrandsons who we hope willalso be track athletes of thefuture.”

Also during his time withtrack Tryon served as basketballcoach for St. Francis boys andgirls teams for 10 years.

Tryon will be turning overthe reins as section one trackcoordinator to Francis as he didin 1996 with the coaching posi-tion. Francis and Tryon willwork closely for the next twoyears to make the transition assmooth as possible.


Sports

Photo courtesy Oakland CYO

Claire Tryon (right) was recently honored for 33 years of serv-ice to the Oakland Diocese CYO track and field program withthe organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Grand-daughter Jaiden Lucas (left) from Holy Rosary Parish was des-ignated to present the award.

Oakland CYO honors Claire Tryon withtrack & field lifetime achievement award

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Valley Shopping Center

5434 Ygnacio Valley Rd., #130, Concord

[email protected]

925-672-6700

“Get to a healthier place.”

OPEN 24/7

JOIN for ONLY

$1*One-Day Sale

Tues., Oct. 7

*Mention this ad to get started today!

• EXTERIOR: painting, windows,

doors, decks,

outdoor structures.

• INTERIOR: plumbing, drywall, electrical,

trim, tile.Gary Romano

787-2500Reliable & Professional Service

Owner operated

Over 35 years of experience

Everything from home repair &

maintenance to constructionSpecializing indeferred maintenance, preppinghome for sale, repairs from home inspections

Lic. 979406

Sports Shorts

Clayton Valley Charter football players unite in haircuts and hair coloring

It started off as an Englishassignment to write a letter toa dead person. They couldeither be famous or someonepersonally involved in yourlife. Nothing monumental; justa letter.

Well, it turned into some-thing much more than that forLaurel. In “Love Letters ToThe Dead” by Ava Dellaira,Laurel writes letters to allkinds of dead people: AlanLane, Amy Winehouse, AmeliaEarhart, even Kurt Cobain,

but she doesn’t do anythingwith them. She just keeps themhidden away in her notebook.The letters give entryways intothings Laurel has gone throughand reawakens some disturb-ing memories. From recentlylosing her sister, May, to start-ing at a new high school whereno one knows who she is, Lau-rel’s experiences start moldingher new image and make herquestion her everyday life.

Will Laurel be able to takeon the challenge of her new

everyday life, or will she crackunder the pressure, just likeher sister?

Dellaira does a wonderfuljob at tapping into the modernday teenager’s mind and put-ting together a puzzle consist-ing of heartbreak, betrayal,family and trust.

I have often admired thoseextremely positive people whoseem to always have a pleasantdisposition, a smile or a friendlycomment to share with others.Being a positive influence onthose around us seems to be agift that some have and thatcharacter trait causes them tostand out from the crowd.

I love my job of servinghigh school students and theirparents. As a result of workingwith kids for the past 30 years Ihave become an observer ofstudent behavior. I can honestlyassert that the communicationstudents’ display has becomemore and more negative overthe years. I attribute this to themedia they listen to and observeon television. You will noticethat much of the communica-tion on television shows ismostly about put-downs andmaking fun of others. Thesenegative comments are reward-ed with canned laughter. I haveseen this same behavior becomethe norm for teen interactionsand adult interactions.

The negative interactions,cutting remarks, and “making

fun of” are always at someoneelse’s expense, of course. Butthat is not what is focusedupon. It is the humor in theput-downs. The complainingand the criticizing. Unfortunate-ly, it seems that that has becomecommon place in society.

On the other hand, we allenjoy compliments, encourage-ment, praise and feel-good con-versations. The positive folks inour lives are “worth their weightin gold.” They make a differ-ence in our daily lives. One psy-chologist said we need at least12 hugs a day for optimal emo-tional health. Author VirginiaAvery, author of “Categories:Using Your Speaking Power,”suggests it takes seven compli-ments to overcome the effect ofone criticism.

The power of our words isincredible. We all know the chil-dren’s rhyme that goes like this:“Sticks and stones may breakmy bones but words will neverhurt me.” Well that simply isnot true. The power of wordscan be far more damaging andlasting than sticks and stones.Because words can crucify oursouls. We must learn to be gen-erous with praise and carefulwith our criticism.

Don’t get me wrong. Kidsneed to be corrected, for sure!But how we do that makes allthe difference. Fill their heartswith praise and dole out correc-tion and criticism like a carefulsurgeon. We have the power toheal or the ability to kill a child’ssoul with our words. Andbelieve it or not, adults alsoreact similarly to praise as well

as to gossip, slander and criti-cism.

Each of us has power withwords – written or spoken. Weneed to use that power to buildup one another and makehealthy friendships, work envi-ronments and home lives.

Let’s choose to be positiveinfluences in the lives of thosewe touch. It may be differentkinds of communication than

we are used to, but let’s give itour best effort. Habits are hardto break, that is for certain. Buthow we communicate to andabout others is perhaps one oflife’s most important habits tocreate.


Emily York is a sophomore atCVCHS. Look for her TeenSpeakcolumn in future issues. Email her atemilyyclaytonpioneer.com

EMILY YORK

TEEN READS

It could be a virus, orit could just need a tune-up.

Prevent problems caused by viruses and spywarewith regular proactive maintenance.

TTOOTTAALL DDEESSKKTTOOPP CCAARREE && SSEERRVVEERR WWAATTCCHH Low cost, fixed feeservices thatmonitor & maintainyour networkto minimize IT problems

Call Mark 925.672.6029 or

[email protected]

Friday when the Eagles travel toSanta Rosa for a preseason clashwith Cardinal Newman, (1-1).

The Eagles won the HonorBowl in Loomis 55-7 over Car-son City and then defeatedTracy 28-21 last Friday in thehome opener. They return toGonsalves Stadium next Fridayhosting Independence of SanJose hoping all the stadium ren-ovations will have been com-pleted. They begin DVAL playOct. 10.

The Clayton Valley runninggame rolled early in the seasonwith Miles Harrison leadingthe way.

CVCHS has six transfersfrom four different schools whoare still awaiting word on theireligibility to play this season orsitting out prescribed waitingperiods. The most high profile,of course, is the nation’s No. 1high school recruit, KahlilMcKenzie, who transferred withhis younger brother Jalen fromDe La Salle in June. The olderMcKenzie has been ruled ineli-gible all season by NCS Com-missioner Gil Lemmon. TheMcKenzie family has said theywill appeal the ruling, whichstated the student moved for“athletic reasons.”

CV Teams, from page 10

Photo by Jay Bedecarre

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER’S TENNIS TEAM is looking for a top fin-ish in the DVAL this fall. Singles players, from left, Erin Wardle,Dalia Anwar and Maria Sparvoli plus Preet Nijjar (not pictured)will be leading the Eagles through league play and hopefullyto the NCS tournament.

CVCHS Music Boosters‘Harvest Moon’ evening setfor Oct. 11 at Shadelands

Words can hurt more than actions

‘Love Letters’ to departed bring teen new life

How to survive middle school

A few days ago I was readingan article that was meant to tell

students how to survive middleschool. I got to about the ninthparagraph and gave up becausethere was no advice that wasactually helpful. So, I went tothe real students and asked fortheir advice.

Sophia Andrews, seventhgrade says, “Don’t do yourhomework at the last minute. Itnever benefits you; it just buildsup and causes a lot of stress,worrying and tears.”

The second tip is from EricAbbett, also in seventh grade.

He talked about surviving dailylife in middle school. “Fitting inisn’t very hard at Diablo View,but you have to go out there andbe yourself.”

Middle-school students real-ly worry about what teachersthey would get and have for thewhole year. “There really are nobad teachers,” Eric said. “Theonly reason some students dis-like a teacher is because theytake action when you’re disre-spectful.”

I agree with Sophia and Eric.

Stress, fitting in and teachers area big part of life in middleschool and by rememberingwhat Sophia and Eric said, mid-dle school will come a lot easier.Of course, there are alwayssome problems, but if you tryyour best, people are willing tohelp.

Alison Ewing is in the 7th gradeat DVMS. Email comments andquestions [email protected]

The Clayton Valley MusicBoosters’ annual dinner andauction fundraiser is at 6:30 p.m.on Saturday, Oct.11 at theShadelands Art Center. Thisyear’s theme is “Harvest Moon”offering a fun-filled eveningwith a five-course dinner, raffle,silent and live auctions and thehighlight of musical entertain-ment provided by the ClaytonValley Charter High SchoolBand and Orchestra students.

Harvest Moon is the majorfundraiser for the school’s musicprogram this year and willensure its ability to pay forinstruments and uniforms, plusthis year’s road trip to performon stage at Disneyland in thespring. The trip includes instruc-tion and creating a professionalrecording. Mimi Tho, sopho-more and musician, says, “I havenever been on the Disneylandtrip, but my friends say thatrecording music in Disneyland’s

studio is fun and I am reallyexcited.”

Music Boosters’ fundsensure a vibrant music programbenefitting both CVCHS andthe local community. Themarching band performs atevery home football game eachfall. Combined bands will par-ticipate in Walnut Creek’s Twi-light Parade, the CVCHSHomecoming parade, the band’sannual Music-a-Thon throughClayton and volunteer at Clay-ton’s Oktoberfest.

The Shadelands Art Center is at111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek.Tickets are $30 each or $225 for atable of eight and include dinner andone drink. Discounts available untilSept. 20. For more information andto buy tickets, go to claytonbands.org.Organizers are still seeking donationsand sponsors for the event. Please con-tact [email protected] more information.

This year’s sixth grade students at Diablo View Middle Schoolwill be the first to attend class in the new science and mathbuilding. The project, financed from the $348 millionMeasure C bond passed in 2010, connects the science andmath building with the library and includes two large class-rooms and a prep room. The classrooms, each of which seat37 students, are equipped with lab facilities and state-of-theart overhead projectors.

New science buildingopens for Diablo View

ALISON EWING

DVMSCORRESPONDENT

David Linzey is executive directorof CVCHS. Contact [email protected] DAVID LINZEY

VOYAGE OF THE EAGLE

Cait HudsonRealtor CalBRE#01948905

Offering FREE 1 year home warranty! Call for details.

Tel: 925.451.6844Email:

[email protected]

www.CaitHudson.com

5 Moraga Way, Orinda, CA 94563

5-year-old Marsh is a bighuggable Teddy Bear, and heloves people who can give himlots of cuddly time. His activeand energetic personality willfit well into any household thatcan give him enriching playtime; In addition, Marsh willlove lots of outdoor activitiesand will be a great hiking andjogging partner. He currentlyweighs 73 pounds.

Marsh’s adoption fee hasbeen prepaid by a generousdonor.

5-year-old Flower is anoutgoing purring machine andactively solicits lots of pettingand attention. Once she gets toknow you, she will roll over fora gentle tummy rub. A realsweetie! She is suitable for afirst time cat guardian.

Flower’s adoption fee hasbeen prepaid by a generousdonor.

Meet your forever friend atTony La Russa’s Animal Res-cue Foundation, 2890 MitchellDrive, Walnut Creek, duringadoption hours: Noon to 6 pmWednesday & Thursday, Noonto 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6pm Saturday & Sunday. The

primary caretaker must bepresent to adopt. ARF alsoencourages kids 16 andyounger and canine familymembers (dog adoptions only)to be present during the adop-tion process.

Would you like to be part of theheroic team that saves the lives ofrescued dogs and cats? Can youshare your talents to connect peopleand animals? ARF volunteers aremaking a difference! For more infor-mation see our website, www.arf.net,or call 925.256.1ARF.

This year’s tarantula matingseason on Mount Diablo andsurrounding foothills is wind-ing down and so are the livesof this year’s breeding males.The females have returned totheir burrows from which theywill hunt at night and hide inthe daytime. (She may live upto 25 years.)

In spring she will knit a silkpillow case and lay severalhundred eggs. For approxi-mately 30 days the mothertarantula will protect herbrood, holding the silken eggsack off of the ground deep inthe burrow. On warm, dry,spring days she will carry it tothe surface and lay it in thewarm sun, turning it periodi-cally as the ultra-violet rays ofthe sun warms it and kills anybacteria that may be trying toinvade it.

As the eggs mature she willslash a small opening in the sacand out will crawl hundreds oftiny pinhead-sized white spi-derlings. Within the first weekthese little specks will molt(shed their out exoskeleton)for the first time and thenquickly disperse. Those thatstay face their first of manyfatal confrontations. Baby spi-ders are predators just liketheir parents and will immedi-

ately start hunting for a mealof comparable size to them.First on the menu may be aslow-moving sibling.

For those who escape thisfirst threat, they will travel afew feet up to several hundredyards, finding a new home orhiding place. Avoiding hungrybirds, lizards, toads, smallmammals and other preda-cious spiders and insects(including the Tarantula Wasp)becomes as important as find-ing food of their own. Spiderscan subsist on a single meal fora long time (often up to sever-al months) but the amount offood found will have a pro-found effect on their growthrate and size.

The tarantulas that are ableto eat regularly and avoid beingsomeone else’s meal will growfaster and reach maturity with-in three to four years, otherwill take up to six years andsome may finally hit adulthoodat eight years of age. Only oneor two out of the original sev-eral hundred will reach thismilestone.

Adult female tarantulashave now built silk-lined bur-rows 12 to 18 inches deep thatthey cover with a silken nettingand often hide with dirt anddebris.

During their growth boththe male and female tarantulashave molted numerous timesas they grow but in his finalyear the male sheds out of hisskin for the last time and twolittle hooks or claspers have

formed on the “elbow” of hisfront legs. These are used tohold the female tarantula’sfangs while mating. With thissign of his maturity he nowbegins the late summer andearly fall ritual of finding asilk-covered burrow occupiedby a receptive female withwhom to mate and propagatethe species. He will tap at theentrance of her burrow and ifshe responds by exiting he willquickly (30 seconds to threeminutes) mate with her andthen wander off in search ofanother amorous affair. Shereturns to her burrow for thewinter and prepare for herfamily in spring.

Mike Marchiano is a Bay Areanative who grew up in the shadow ofMount Diablo. He is a teacher, nat-uralist and volunteer with theMount Diablo Interpretive Associ-ation.

Call Linda Pastor at 672-9781 for details

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

Don’t Kennel

your Pets

Let

Peace of Mind Pet Servicesprovide loving, stress-free daily visits in your home.

Vacation plans?

Josie Van Fleet, Owner & Operator

(925) 432-PETS (7387)

671 Willow Pass Road #6, Pittsburg

PittsburgPetResort.com

Extraordinary Care for your Pet

Exotic PetsWelcome!

� Taxi service available � Open 7 days a week

� Fully staffed & monitored 24/7

10% off Boarding & Grooming serviceswith this ad

Resort,Spa, Salon

Marsh and Flowerare the SeptemberARF adoption stars

MARSH FLOWER


MIKE MARCHIANO

MOUNTAIN MIKE

The Best of Edgy,

Independent

Theatre

TThhee 2233rrdd AAnnnnuuaall

SSaann FFrraanncciissccoo

Animal Love, one of 35 showsat this year’s Fringe Festival.

35 shows in 14 days

EXIT Theatre 156 Eddy St., 2 Blocks from Powell St. BART, 3 blocks from Union Square

For Info, contact SF Fringe

(415) 673-3847www.sffringe.org

$5-10 per show

Fringe Festival

TThhrruuSSeepptt.. 2200

Clayton Valley Woman’sClub will present an Afternoonof Appetizers and Desserts withSwingin’ Blue Stars singingsongs from the 1940s and1950s.

The Swingin’ Blue Starssingers all have sons, daughtersor other family members thatare veterans of the U.S. Military.

The event is from 3:30 to6:30 p.m. at Diamond Terrace,6401 Center St., Clayton. Tick-

ets are $20. Reservations arerequired as space is limited.Contact Aleta Huck at (925)672-9448.

The Clayton Valley Woman’sClub meets at 10 a.m. on the secondTuesday of the month, except Julyand August, at Holy Cross LutheranChurch, 1092 Alberta way, Concord.Guests are welcome to attend meetingsand social events. For more info, go toclaytonvalleywomansclub.org.

It’s all about the plants at the Clayton Valley Garden Clubplanting party. Members Barbara Hill, Carin Kaplan, Debbie Eis-tetter, Linda Shubin and Linda Hughes propagate cuttings to nur-ture into plants for the club’s 2015 plant sale.

Club NewsCV Woman’s Club swings into

fall with the ‘Blue Stars’

Garden Club readies for 2015

Clayton Valley Church inConcord supplied 282 studentswith school necessities at itsBack 2 School Give on Aug. 23.Church volunteer Marge Oliverihelped set up supplies the nightbefore. “It’s like Christmas Evewith all the packages finallywrapped and under the tree—-ready for the kids to burst in,”Oliveri says.

Students lined up with par-ents on Saturday morning toreceive school supplies for thecoming year. Among the itemswere 150 backpacks, 285 note-book binders, 570 packs ofnotebook paper and two-pocketholders. Supplies were donatedby the church families and sup-plemented by church funds.

Recipients commented,“What a great way to love yourcommunity.”

This is the sixth year of thegiveaway. It started when thechurch noticed the rising cost ofschool supplies for the averagefamily. “Many of our youngfamilies and neighbors werefinding it more difficult to pro-vide basic supplies for their kidsfor the coming school year. Wehave continued this effortbecause the need has not dimin-ished, but has actually increasedover time,” Senior Pastor ChrisOliveri says.

Clayton Valley Church is at5430 Michigan Blvd., Concord. Formore information, go to claytonvalley-church.com.

Church NewsCLAYTON VALLEY CHURCH

Mating march crawlsup Mount Diablo

Looking for a better Mailbox?Secure 24-hour access, plus it’s a real street addressfor all your deliveries.

3 MONTHS FREE mailbox services

with a twelve-month agreement.

The UPS StoreIndependently owned and operated

Clayton/Concord Location:Vineyard Shopping Center

5100 Clayton RoadConcord, CA 94523

ph: 925-689-6245

Notary, Packaging, Fax and Copy Services are available too!

Store Hours

M-F 8-6:30

Sat 9-4:30

6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440

Sept. 12, 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barefoot Country

Sept. 19, 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plan B

Sept. 26, 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shillz

Oct. 3, 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crossman Country

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

Now

Karaoke also

on Mondays

8 pm to 11 pm

2 for the price of 1Beer only. Good anytime withoriginal coupon. Exp. 10/09/14

Karaoke Mon. & Wed. nights Open Mic Thur. nights, 8-11 pm

FallenCowboyMemorial BBQSept. 28, 10am-6pm

www.claytonclubsaloon.com

Design • InstallationMaintenance

Commercial & Residential

Spend time enjoying your landscape…not working on it!

License # 958849

IN CLAYTONSaturdays thru Oct. 25, except Oct.4Farmers’ MarketMusic: Sept. 13, Angel the Harpist. Sept. 20, Apryll Gilbert. Sept.27, Tony DeGrassi. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Diablo Street between Mainand Center streets, downtown Clayton. pcfma.com/clayton.

Sept. 13Saturday Concerts in the Grove6 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. For a completeconcert series list, see Page 3.

Sept. 16ConcertPerformance by Matsiko World Orphans Choir. 4 p.m. DiamondTerrace Main Dining Room, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Free admis-sion. Merchandise for sale supporting the tour and orphanages.524-5100.

Oct. 3 - 5 OktoberfestSponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association.Music by The Internationals, biergarten, food, arts and crafts, carni-val. 6 – 10 p.m. Friday, carnival only. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday.11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday. Downtown. Free admission. claytonokto-berfest.com.

Oct. 8 – 12, 16 – 18“A Trip Down Broadway”Musical revue. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. claytonthe-atrecompany.com.

IN CONCORDTuesdays Farmers’ MarketTuesdays year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, down-town Concord. cityofconcord.org.

Sept. 20Car ShowThe Lee Harvell Classic. Family fun. Barbecue, music, cars. 4:30p.m. Crossroads Church, 5353 Concord Blvd., Concord. Free.www.crossroadschurchweb.org.

Sept. 24Blood DriveCity of Concord and Red Cross host a community blood drive. 9:30a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Willow Pass Community Center, 2748 E. OliveraRoad, Concord. To schedule an appointment, call (800) 733-2767or go to redcrossblood.org, sponsor code: Concord. For moreinformation, contact Margaret Romiti, Concord Emergency Services,at 671-3184.

Oct. 12Taste of MonumentA festival of fun and international foods. Discover the communityand many businesses in the area. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Erickson Roadoff of Monument Boulevard, Concord. See Monument Businesseson Facebook.

ON THE MOUNTAINMount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free withthe exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click onEvents Calendar for more information.

Sept. 14TarantulasContinuous presentation and live tarantulas with MichaelMarchiano. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Visitor Museum.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENTThru Sept. 21“Dogfight”Depicting three young marines on the eve of their deployment toVietnam. Recommended for audiences 17 and older. Presented byOMG I Love that Show Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts,1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Thru Oct. 5“Life Could Be A Dream”A 1960s doo-wop musical. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 CivicDr., Walnut Creek. $37-$66. centerrep.org.

Sept. 12 – 13Black Diamond FolliesSeniors who dance like Vegas showgirls. California Theatre, 351Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15-$20. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.427-1611.

Sept. 13Jeff Applebaum and FriendsComedy showcase featuring the best and talented young comics. 8p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $17-$20.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.

Sept. 15Open RehearsalDiablo Women’s Chorale welcomes new members and gears up forDecember concert. 7 – 9 p.m. Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, 399Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Contact Mary Sorenson at [email protected] to schedule informal audition. diablowomen-schorale.org.

Sept. 20Rolando MoralesAcclaimed guitarist, composer and recording artist leads his stellar

band through a passionate combination of music. 8 p.m. CaliforniaTheatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15.50. pittsburgcalifor-niatheatre.com. 427-1611.

Sept. 21California SymphonyPerforms an opening night spectacular. 3 p.m. lecture. 4 p.m. con-cert. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. cali-forniasymphony.org.

Sept. 22“Pastures of Heaven” LiveThe Walnut Creek Library Foundation brings to life characters fromJohn Steinbeck’s book of the same name. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Centerfor the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14.lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Sept. 26 – 27 Brian CopelandSept. 26: Not a Genuine Black Man. Sept. 27: The Waiting Period.8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.$20-$35 per show or $55 for both; code word: genuine. lesher-artscenter.org. 943-7469.

Sept. 27Contra Costa Chamber OrchestraPerforms masterpieces from past and present. 7:30 p.m. ElCampanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcam-paniltheatre.com.

Sept. 27Theatrical HulaPerformed by the Na Akua Wahine. 2 and 8 p.m. CaliforniaTheatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $25. pittsburgcaliforniathe-atre.com. 427-1611.

Sept. 28Contra Costa Chamber OrchestraPerforms masterpieces from past and present. 2 p.m. Lesher Centerfor the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscen-ter.org. 943-7469.

Sept. 28Crescendo – Brunch with the BoysSan Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus season preview and fundraiser.12 p.m. Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market St., San Francisco. $150and up. sfgmc.org.

Oct. 2 – 5“The Hound of Baskervilles”Gripping tale about the curse of the Baskerville family and thefiendish hound which stalks its members. California Theatre, 351Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.427-1611.

Oct. 3It’s the Great Pumpkimprov!Presented by Trapped in a Rumor Improv. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Centerfor the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15. lesherartscen-ter.org. 943-7469.

Oct. 3, 5“James and the Giant Peach”A magical journey of fantasy and adventure. El Campanil Theatre,602 W. Second St., Antioch. $8-$12. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Oct. 4Street Corner RenaissanceThis quintet breathes new life into doo-wop music. 8 p.m. ElCampanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcam-paniltheatre.com.

Oct. 5EnchantmentSeason opener by Diablo Symphony Orchestra. 2 p.m. LesherCenter for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$28. lesher-artscenter.org. 943-7469.

Oct. 11ComedyMaureen Langan, featuring Mike Capozolla and hosted by PriyaPrasad. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg.$17-$20. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.

Oct. 11Heritage DayExperience the natural, historical and archaeological aspects ofMarsh Creek State Park and the John Marsh Stone House. Tours,food and entertainment, presentations. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free.johnmarshhouse.com.

Oct. 11 – 12“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”Musical comedy celebrating the mania of competition as six misfitscompete for the spelling bee. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. SecondSt., Antioch. $13-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Oct. 16 – 18“Legend of Banbury Cross”Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for theArts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Oct. 17 – Nov. 15“Bye Bye Birdie”A musical theatre classic; satire done with the fondest affection bythe Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$44-$54. ccmt.org.

FUNDRAISERSSept. 13Plant SaleRefresh your garden with new, drought-tolerant, flowering plants inthe colors of fall. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Regional ArboretumSociety Nursery. 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. 681-2968.

Sept. 19 – 20Craft Supply SaleCraft supplies for all seasons. Proceeds benefit church’s generalfund. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rooms 1 and 2, Concord United MethodistChurch, 1645 West St., Concord. concordumc.org.

Sept. 26“CLUE-DUNNIT? – The Musical”Hilarious, original story presented mystery dinner theatre style.Benefits church’s music ministry & theatre’s orchestra. Doors openat 6:30 p.m. Church of the Good Shepherd, Father Dabovich Hall,3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg. $30. pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.

Sept. 29Golf TournamentSt. Agnes annual golf tournament and raffle. Check in at 9 a.m.Shotgun start at 11 a.m. Discovery Bay Golf Course, 1475Clubhouse Drive, Discovery Bay. $175. Register by Sept. 25. Formsat school office or email [email protected].

Oct. 11Backyard BBQDinner, live music, auction. Proceeds benefit Joe Gamez’s “My LiverHates Me” fund. 5 – 10 p.m. 1945 Jameson Court, Concord. $50.Contact Chad Olson at [email protected] to buy tickets or goto youcaring.com/joegamez to donate.

Oct. 11Harvest MoonDinner and auction with entertainment by CVCHS instrumentalmusic students. Proceeds benefit the instrumental music program.6:30 p.m. Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, WalnutCreek. $30 each or $225 for a table of eight. Discounts availableuntil Sept. 20. For more information and to buy tickets, go toclaytonbands.org.

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

Tuesdays thru Nov. 18Patty CakesStory time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver.11 a.m.

Thursdays thru Nov. 20Picture Book TimeStory time for 3- to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiv-er. 11 a.m.

Sept. 17CERTLearn hands-only CPR, use of an automated external defibrillatorand emergency preparedness information. 7 – 9 p.m.

Sept. 17The Tarnished Golden YearsA talk about the most common and vexing problems facing agingseniors by author Wendy Harrison. 3 p.m.

Sept. 27SAT/ACT Practice TestFor high school students. Registration required. 10 a.m. – 2:30p.m.

Oct. 1 – Nov. 3Clayton ReadsFeaturing “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Pick up a free copyat the library while supplies last. Return or give it to a friend whendone. Flier available with related programs and discussions.

The CCoonnccoorrdd LLiibbrraarryy is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are freeunless otherwise noted. ccclib.org or 646-5455.

Sept. 18College Admission and Financial Aid WorkshopEdMD Financial Strategies helps parent and student navigate theprocess of successful college applications and financial aid. 6:30p.m.

Sept. 22Ron Shoop Book TalkRon Shoop of Random House talks about books, featuring cur-rent and choice book selections as well as recommendations forbook groups. Book sale and raffle. Proceeds benefit ProjectSecond Chance. 6:30 p.m.

GOVERNMENT1st and 3rd TuesdaysClayton City Council7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304or ci.clayton.ca.us.

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

Clayton Community CalendarPLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. OCT. 1 FOR THE OCT. 10 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO [email protected]


Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organiza-tions are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’


Performing Arts

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

925-672-9955www.nicholslandscape.com

LLiicc.. 554422881122 FFuullllyy IInnssuurreedd

Boyce Nichols - OwnerClayton Resident

FFRREEEE EESSTTIIMMAATTEESS

CenterREP’s ‘Dream’ brings 60s faves to the Lesher stageSH-BOOM! Meet Denny

and the Dreamers, a fledgingdoo-wop singing group prepar-ing to enter the Big WhopperRadio contest with dreams ofmaking it to the big time.Trouble comes in the form ofLois, who arrives to put somepolish on the boys.

Denny falls in love, Wallyfalls in line, Eugene falls apart,and the trouble doubles whenhandsome heartthrob Skipenters, played by Derek Keeling,star of Broadway’s Grease andNBC’s “You’re the One That IWant!” to send things spinning.

The ‘60s hits say it all: “FoolsFall in Love,” “Tears On MyPillow,” “Runaround Sue,”“Earth Angel,” “Stay,”“Unchained Melody,” “LonelyTeardrops,” and “The Glory ofLove.”

“Life Could Be a Dream” playsWed-Sun at the Lesher Center, 1601Civic Drive, Walnut Creek throughOct. 5. For times and ticket informa-tion, go to www.CenterREP.org’ call925.943.SHOW (7469). Ticketsare available at the Lesher CenterBox Office, Barnes & Noble inWalnut Creek and the Walnut CreekLibrary.

Witty ‘Clue-Dunnit’ set to stump audiences in PittsburgThe world premiere of

“Clue-Dunnit? The Musical”will be performed one nightonly on Friday, Sept. 26, at theChurch of the Good Shepherd

in Pittsburg. This fundraisingevent supports music opportu-nities in the community.

“Clue-Dunnit” is a hilariousoriginal story, written and per-

formed by a cast of accom-plished actors and singers.Presented in the style of mys-tery dinner theater, the showalso features parodies ofBroadway musical favoritesintertwined into the plot thatinvestigates of the murder ofMr. Boddy, a wealthy gentleman.

Based on the Parker Brother’sgame “Clue,” audiences will seeall the usual colorful suspects, asMrs. Peacock, Miss Scarlet,Professor Plum, ColonelMustard, Mr. Greene, and ofcourse, Mrs. White. Audiences

STARS 2000 auditionsset for ‘West Side Story’

As it enters its 23rd season,STARS 2000 Teen TheatreCompany, the premier youth per-forming arts company in the EastBay, begins a new venture as anindependent performing artscompany, having broken off fromDiablo Theatre Company thispast summer.

“The hallmark of the compa-ny — bringing high quality musi-cal theater experiences to teensand young adults throughout theBay Area — remains the same,”says Diane Kamrin, the award-winning director of STARS 2000.

This fall STARS 2000 willhold auditions for the iconicAmerican musical, “West SideStory.” Called the world’s greatest

love story, the musical followsTony and Maria, two idealisticlovers from warring new Yorkstreet gangs. Their struggle to sur-vive in a world of hate, violenceand prejudice remains one of themost relevant musical dramas ofthe past 50 years. The musicalofferings include “Maria,”“Somewhere” and “America.”

Recent STARS 2000 produc-tions include “ThoroughlyModern Millie,” “A Chorus Line”and “Hairspray.”

Auditions for “West SideStory” will be from Sept. 20 toSept. 30 with performances inJanuary.

For an audition appointment, emailKamrin at [email protected].

Broadway revue kicks off2014-15 CTC season

Take “A Trip DownBroadway” next month withoutleaving town in Clayton TheatreCompany’s fall production open-ing Oct. 10.

In this musical revue, theheroine travels from Broadway toChicago to France, stopping at aspelling bee and Avenue Q beforereturning to Broadway.. The showfeatures songs from over 20Broadway musicals with an origi-nal script by CTC directorsRoxanne Pardi and LaTonyaWatts.

The large cast features manylocal performers, some new facesand some returning from CTC’sprevious productions of “TheRobber Bridegroom” and “TheNight of January 16.”

“A Trip Down Broadway” runsOct. 10-12 and Oct. 16-18, atEndeavor Hall, Clayton. A specialVIP ticket package includes preferredseating, a drink ticket, a concession tick-et, and a cameo walk-on part in theshow. Purchase tickets at brownpa-pertickets.com. For more information goto claytontheatrecompany.com.

TIM HOMSLEY AND DEREK KEELING in “Life Could Be a Dream,”playing at the Lesher Center through Oct. 5.

See Clue, page 18

Clayton Valley landscapes areevolving rapidly. Folks are chang-ing out their traditional “lawn-focused landscape” for the moreresponsible, water-efficient per-spective. Removing the grass isbecoming increasingly fashion-able in our neighborhoods.Properly placed and layered plantmaterial creates successful land-scapes for these water-efficientsituations.

Many in the Clayton Valley arechoosing to design/install forthemselves. Here are a few tips toconsider:

Properly placed and layeredplant material is the key phrasewhen considering a water-effi-cient landscape. Shrubs, orna-mental grasses, ground coversand perennials have the tendencyto grow, and sometimes theirgrowth can mature farther thanthe description listed on a plant’stag. It is easier to add to a land-scape, rather than remove over-growing shrubs or ornamentalgrass. Drive through surroundingneighborhoods and look forinstallations that you may be con-sidering. This way you can seehow tall or wide some plants canbecome.

When layering plant materialfor water-efficient landscapes,consider how the landscape willlook from each vantage. Stand atthe curb and look towards thelandscape. Look at the area fromthe driveway. Stand at the entryand look back at the landscape, orout through a window. You’llneed to think about how the land-scape is viewed by every possibili-ty. This is important so that eachplant has the opportunity to beappreciated.

Some plants are evergreen,some lose their leaves and othersgo dormant. Knowing eachplant’s behavior will help you withyour plant placement. Deciduousfocal point plants should havesome evergreen support. Forexample, if you were going toinstall a multi-trunk, summerblooming Crape Myrtle, youshould think about adding ever-green plants material such asEuonymus Emerald Gaiety or

Grevillea Low Form. Spring-blooming ground covers andshrubs like Ceanothus, andRaphelopsis need to be pairedwith summer blooming accentslike trailing Lantana and Tuecriummajoricum. As you choose plantskeep the flower-calendar in mind.This way your landscape doesn’tflower all at once. Some water-wise plant selections have thorns,like the popular Barberry. Try tonot plant shrubs with thorns nearyour walkway or curbside.Ornamental grasses are to beconsidered “focal point” plantsand should not be overused. Alsothe selections of ornamentalgrasses with plumes are mostlywinter dormant (they turn brownand dry in the winter). They canalso grow larger than expected,and possibly reseed, so keep thesetips in mind.

We are approaching one ofthe best times of the year to plant.Autumn is right around the cor-

ner, and it is a textbook great timeto install foundation plants andtrees. New installations love thatour soil is still warm and theevenings are cool. Not to mentionthe potential for rain that is draw-ing near. If the idea to replaceyour “lawn-focused landscape”with a water-efficient landscapeappeals to you, contact the ContraCosta Water District. They are

offering a rebate program for res-idential, commercial and munici-pal customers. The process is verysimple and easy to navigate. Youcan download information formtheir website atwww.ccwater.com/conserve

FREE ESTIMATES

925-250-0334

OwnersDustin & Kim WaranerContractors Lic #879423

Arborist Lic WE-7372A

What would cooking be likewithout the aromatic and flavor-ful taste of onions? As JuliaChild once said, “It’s hard toimagine civilization withoutonions.” Onions are not onlyflavorful, but they’re also goodfor us. Along with being low incalories, they also have purport-ed antibacterial qualities. In fact,it’s said that primitive manrubbed its pungent juices on hisbody for protection. Even today,some folks swear that onionsprevent baldness!

In California, producerspick, sort and bag more than a

million pounds of onions perday during the late summer,early fall harvest. Onions comein many colors, flavors and sizes.It takes about six months for anonion to go from seed to har-vest. Once it’s time for picking,

the tops are shredded. Then theonions “dry out” in the field fora day. Finally, the bulbs arepulled from the ground andthey’re ready for market.

When buying onions, choosethose that are heavy for theirsize with dry, papery skins, andthat show no signs of spottingor moistness. Avoid onions thatare soft or sprouting. Youngonions are sweeter than oldones. They should haveabsolutely no smell. If they do,they are probably bruised some-where under the skin and areready to throw away. Storeonions in a cool dry place withgood air circulation for up tothree months.

EASY GRILLED ONIONS

2 large white or yellowonions

2 Tbsp. real butter2 Tbsp. brown sugarPeel onions. Cut in big half-

inch rings. Place on a large pieceof aluminum foil – large enoughto fold foil around onions tomake a package. Dab bits ofbutter over onions and sprinklewith brown sugar. Fold foil overonions and seal edges. Place onthe grill for about 15 to 20 min-utes. Use as a side dish or burg-er topping.

You can also apply the sameidea with other vegetables. Addmushrooms, carrots, summersquash or other veggies.


NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&MPool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contacther with questions or comments [email protected]

Onions are a cook’s best friendDEBRA J. MORRIS

Pacific Coast Farmers Market

Mow down your ‘lawn-focused’ landscape

CST #2033054-40

This unique West Coast Passageitinerary will sell out. Call us toreserve your suite today!

Travel To Go, Inc. Ph: 992255..667722..99884400 ttrraavveell--22--ggoo..ccoommClayton Station Shopping Center 5439 Clayton Road (Suite F), Clayton, CA

*Fares are subject to increase. 2-for-1 Fares and Early Booking Savings are based on published Full Brochure Fares; such fares may nothave resulted in actual sales in all suite categories and do not include optional charges as detailed in the Guest Ticket Contract. “FreeRoundtrip Air” promotion includes ground transfers and applies to coach, roundtrip flights only from the following airports: ATL, BOS, CLT,DEN, DFW, EWR, FLL, IAD, IAH, JFK, LAX, LGA, MCO, MIA, MSP, ORD, PBI, PHL, PHX, SAN, SEA, SFO, TPA, YUL, YVR, YYZ. Airfare isavailable from all other U.S. & Canadian gateways for an additional charge. Any advertised fares that include the “Free Roundtrip Air” promo-tion include all airline fees, surcharges and government taxes. Airline-imposed personal charges such as baggage fees may apply. For detailsvisit exploreflightfees.com. Business Class air applies to inter-continental flights only. Free 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package appliesto guests 1 and 2 in concierge suites and higher and is not available for new bookings made within 60 days of departure. Shipboard Credit isonly available when booked through this agency. Ships’ Registry: Bahamas.

REPLACE THIRSTY “LAWN-FOCUSED” LANDSCAPING with layered,drought-resistant shrubs and trees.

Schaefer’sP A I N T I N G

Bryan Schaefer

(925) 260-6065 Clayton ResidentLicense #708321

Family Trade since 1936

Interior & ExteriorPopcorn Ceilings

Sheetrock, TextureCabinet Refinishing

Interior & ExteriorPopcorn Ceilings

Sheetrock, TextureCabinet Refinishing

Ready for a new look

this summer?

This time of year, I’mjonesing for what I believe arethe best chiles in the world:Hatch chiles from the little townof Hatch, New Mexico. TheHatch Valley stretches along theRio Grande and just like inwine-growing regions of theworld, the soil and growing con-ditions create a terroir that con-tributes to the flavor of thechilies.

When mature, the pods canbe harvested while green (morecommon) or red. Usually mildto medium hot, some varietieslike the Big Jim can be muchspicier than your typicaljalapeño. Stores like Sprouts inWalnut Creek take some of theguesswork out of your selectionby grading their Hatch chiles ashot, medium or mild. Medium ismy cup of tea.

Native to the Americas,Hatch chiles are part of thenightshade family, whose famil-iar relatives include tomatoes,potatoes and eggplant. Onemedium-sized green chile podhas as much Vitamin C as sixoranges and when dried, oneteaspoon of red chile powderhas the recommended dailyallowance of Vitamin A.

Throughout the Southwest,and especially in New Mexicoand Texas, roadside roasters

spring up in commercial parkinglots and private driveways alike.I recall driving into Santa Fe onelate summer day some yearsback and suddenly my eyesstarted to water. A few momentslater, half a dozen huge drumroasters filled with green chilescame into view with folks linedup by the dozens to pick uptheir hot chiles by the binful.Festivals abound and chile cook-offs are in full swing about thistime.

Here are a couple of win-ning recipes I’m going to try outthis year:

HATCH CHILE

CHOCOLATE BARK

From Dallas Lovers Hatch RecipeContest

Serves 1 (but if you mustshare, then maybe 4)

½ cup salted pistachios½ cup dried cherries or cran-

berries, chopped½ cup pumpkin seeds, toast-

ed½ Hatch chile pepper, finely

chopped1 tsp. Kosher salt1 lb. bittersweet chocolate (at

least 64 percent cocoa solids),evenly chopped

Line an 11x17-inch bakingsheet with parchment paper.Combine pistachios, cherries,

pumpkin seeds and Hatch chilesand set aside. In a microwave,melt the chocolate in amicrowave safe bowl in 30 sec-ond increments until melted,stirring thoroughly betweenmicrowaving. Stir in half of thenut mixture. Spread the choco-late and nut mixture onto theprepared baking sheet. Top withremaining mixture; sprinkle withsalt. Chill in refrigerator untilhard. Break into pieces.

HATCH CHILE-PEACH SALSA

Adapted from Austin North LamarHatch Chile Festival

Makes about 4 cups3 cups chopped peaches (6

small or 4 medium), about ¼-inch diced

2 to 3 roasted Hatch greenchilies, finely chopped

1 to 2 Tbsp. yellow onion,diced

Dash of salt1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro1 tsp. lime juice

Gently stir together ingredi-ents in a small bowl and let sit atroom temperature for about anhour (up to two hours; refriger-ate if longer). Excellent withgrilled pork or as a topping forbaked Brie.

Little chilies pack big flavor punchSeptember 12, 2014 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 17

LINDA WYNER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, agourmet cookware store and cookingschool in Pleasanton. Send suggestions orquestions to [email protected]

Clayton residents since 1959

mazzeirealty.net 6160 Center St.

Suite #C, Clayton

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

ACTIVE LISTINGS

SOLD

PENDING: Buyers Representation

925-766-6745

[email protected]

Matt Mazzei, Jr.

Broker/OwnerDRE# 01881269

� 4701 Keller Ridge Dr. Clayton $473,0003 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom,

1,595 sq. ft.

Listing agent: Matt Mazzei

3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 1,904 sq.ft., Agent: Matt Mazzei

� 898 Ventura Dr. Pittsburg $324,5003 bedroom, 2 bathroom,

1,459 sq. ft.


� 174 Mountain Cyn. Ln. Alamo $1,600,0004 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom

Approx. 2,892 sq.ft.

Listing agent: Rula Masannat

� 1336 El Camino Dr. Clayton $799,0005 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,435

sq. ft.


� 250 Stranahan Cir. Clayton $549,0003 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom,

1,650 sq.ft.

Listing agent:

Matt Mazzei

� 501 Suisun Ct. Clayton

Steve Ingebretson

Realtor AssociateDRE# 01336115

925-708-3250

[email protected]

Paula Johnstone

Broker AssociateDRE# 00797857

925-381-8810

[email protected]

� Kevin Schmidt, Clayton Resident

� Family Owned and Operated 925-822-5144738 Bloching Circle, Clayton

SPECIAL

10% Off for PPiioonneeeerr

readers

Remodeling Specialist

DiabloViewConstruction.com

Kitchens BathroomsWindows MouldingsDecks SidingPainting interior & exterior

license 962284

As summer leaves us with asun-kissed tan, a few deflatedpool toys and a bunch ofannuals that have lost theirblooms, it’s time to come backinside and assess your home. Idon’t know about you, butcome the end of summer I feellike I need to refocus; insteadof tending to my flower potsand outdoor furniture, theinside of my house becomesrelevant again. It’s usually timefor a throughout cleaning andrevamping of furniture andaccessories. We put so muchtime and effort into selectingand purchasing our home fur-nishings, make sure to takecare of these purchases withthe same enthusiasm.

REPURPOSE, REPLACE

AND REMOVE

If you look in your cabi-nets, under you bed, or in yourguest room closet, I bet youhave more accessories thanyou think. Sometimes, freshen-ing up the decor in your livingroom or family room just takesa little repurposing of yourexisting accessories. This couldbe as easy as switching outfamily photographs in existingframes, putting some of yourcoffee table books back in thebookcase and displaying a new

grouping, or maybe justputting your collectionof baubles in stor-age for awhile.Cycling throughyour acces-sories is agreat wayto keept h i n g sl o o k i n gfresh and dis-playing thingsthat areimportant to youand your family, but notwearing out their welcome bydisplaying things year afteryear.

CLEAN THE FURNITURE

Furniture needs TLC fromtime to time, so why not makean appointment with your fur-nishings for cleansing. Leatherfurniture should be dusted aswell as wiped down with a con-ditioner to keep the leatherlooking and feeling lush.Casegoods (bookcases, cabi-nets, tables, chests) should alsobe wiped down from Summergrime. Instead of a oily spraycleaner, consider using a finemist of just plain water and anold, plain (no logos or embroi-dery) tee-shirt to wipe the mistand dust away. And for uphol-stery, consider bringing in aservice to clean your uphol-stery safely, so as not to dam-age fabric or cushion insets.Sometimes even a trip to thedry cleaners for cushions oraccent pillows can help wakethings up and get rid of thewrinkles.

LET THE LIGHT IN

Let’s be honest, when wasthe last time you cleaned yourwindows, inside and out?Windows get dirty, real dirty.

On the outside it’s theharsh elements ofour super hotClayton sunshineand sometimes

windy and( f i n g e r scrossed)r a i n y

w e a t h e r .And on the

inside, thewindows don’tget as dirty, butthe dust and

grime does col-lect — on our windows, ourwindow sills and casements,and our window treatments.Blinds, woven shades or drap-ery panels are dust magnets. Socare for your windows as younormally would, but also taketime to fluff and dust yourdecorative window treatments.Window treatments of anystyle are not inexpensive, so besure to take time to keep win-dow treatments looking as chicas the day you installed them.

www.rodiesfeed.com

(925) 672-4600 �� 8863 Marsh Creek Rd. in Clayton

www.rodiesfeed.com

(925) 672-4600 �� 8863 Marsh Creek Rd. in Clayton

Open 7 days �� Mon - Fri 10 to 6 �� Sat 9 to 6 �� Sun 10 to 4

Bird Grooming Sat. 10am - 3pm Oct. 4

VIP Shot Clinic Sat. 10 - 11:30am Oct. 4, Nov. 1

If we do not have your product, we can special order.

SeniorTuesdaySeniors 55+ take 10% offevery Tues.

Excludes livestockfeed & sale items.Our passion is pets.

Mrs. Pastures Horse Cookies

Stella & Chewy’sMeal Mixers

8 0z. bag

$3.99

5 lb. bag

$21.99

cookie jar

$12.99

3.5 Oz. Bags . . . . . . . $8.99

9 Oz. Bags . . . . . . . . . $19.99

18 Oz. Bags . . . . . . . . $35.99

NOW INSTOCK

15 lb. bag

$56.99

15 lb. bucket

$59.99

6780 Marsh Creek Road, ClaytonFamily owned and operated since 1983

Floor Sample Fountain Sale

672-0207randmpool.com

R&M is the place for:

�� Sales, repairs & supplies of all pool equipment

�� Fine outdoor furnitureand fire pits

�� Fountains & statuary

�� A quality plant nursery

�� Experienced, knowledgeable staff

Closed Mondays

Support local businessShop ClaytonBeautifulcollection ofwater-wise plants

Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens


Clue, from page 15

“Whenever anything goes wrongwith my car I know they will take

care of me at Clayton Valley Shell.”- Brenda Johnson

Get Acquainted Offer Customer Appreciation Offer Benefits To You• QUALITY – Independently owned and operated

• WARRANTY – 24 months/24K miles

• 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION –

We want to guarantee your satisfaction

• NO SURPRISES – All prices must be

approved by you before any work is done

• PERFORMANCE – ASE technician available

• SAME DAY SERVICE – On most repairs

• CONVENIENCE - Customer shuttle available

on major pepairs

Any repair or maintenance service

of $100 or more


of $250 or more


of $750 or more

*Cannot combine with any other offers. Excludes tires and batteries. One time use only for new customers. For a limited time only. Cannot combine with any other offers. For a limited time only.

$25 OFF

TAKE 10% OFF LABOR$50 OFF

$100 OFFfor any repair or

maintenance service

For our loyal customers

1500 Kirker Pass Rd., Concord • Mon–Fri 8am- 5pm, Sat 8am-4:30pm

(925) 672-3900For more great special offers, go to

www.ClaytonValleyShell.com

LINDA LANDGRAF (925) 876-0311Real Estate Professional [email protected] BRE License #01504011

1830 Tice Valley Blvd.,Walnut Creek, CA 94595

A private road leads to this wonderful custom estate with an exceptional golf course location, privacy and is only a stone’s throw from the BlackhawkCountry Club and its many amenities. With over 6200 sq. ft. of classic ele-gance it offers 5 bedrooms, 5 full & 3 partial bathrooms, chef designedkitchen, 3 fireplaces, 5 garages, amazing outdoor space with lush lawn, sparkling pool with spa & so much more. This fabulous floor plan is ideal for the finest in family living.

JUST LIS

TED

514 Blackhawk Club Dr, Danville

Blackhawk Country Club Living at it Finest

JENNIFER LEISCHER

DESIGN & DÉCOR

Jennifer Leischer is the owner ofJ. Designs Interior Design based inClayton. Contact her with questions,comments and suggestions [email protected].

will delight in unusual twists andturns which entertain andinvolve the guests in asking theinevitable question of “Who-Dunnit?”

The murder mystery isdirected by the multi-talentedDianna Schepers, who hashelmed many memorable showswith the Pittsburg CommunityTheatre (PCT), an all-volunteercompany. Funds raised will ben-efit the Church of the GoodShepherd’s Music Ministry andPCT’s Orchestra Fund. Thisfund will help support the PCTperformance of “Into theWoods” at the CaliforniaTheatre in February/March,2015.

“Clue-Dunnit? The Musical”will be performed at FatherDabovich Hall, Church of theGood Shepherd, at 3200 HarborSt. in Pittsburg.

Tickets are $30 per person,and include dinner, hot bever-ages and show. There will be aspecial dessert auction anddonation wine bar.

Tickets are available at theChurch of the Good Shepherd officeand Railroad Book Depot, 650Railroad Ave, Pittsburg, or onlineat www.pittsburgcommunitythe-atre.org. For more information, call925-437-PLAY (7529).

Fall into some autumn cleaning

Documents

SEP 12 Clayton Pioneer 2014