MAY 21 Clayton Pioneer 2010.pdf

In 1943, Oral Clark Lee(known as O.C. by many) left hisyoung wife and baby daughter toserve in the U.S. Air Force dur-ing World War II. Most of hismilitary service was spent inGuam as an airplane mechanic.

At the conclusion of the war,my grandfather was reunitedwith his young family. Manyyears later, while touring hishometown of Brigham City,Utah, I remember my grandfa-

ther pointing out the childhoodhomes of his friends who didnot return from the war.

As Memorial Day approach-es, I can’t help but feel gratefulfor and indebted to those menand women who lost their livesin service to our country.Throughout our nation’s history,there have been times whenpeace was sacrificed in order togain or ensure freedom.

On May 31, the nation willcelebrate Memorial Day. Eachyear, the local chapter of theVeterans of Foreign Wars(VFW) puts on a ceremony at 10a.m. in downtown Clayton. Eachyear, I get choked up when I seethe veterans in attendance andremember those who died in ourdefense.

Memorial Day was originallyknown as Decoration Day – aday to decorate the graves ofCivil War soldiers. After WorldWar I, all fallen soldiers werehonored. In 1971, Memorial Daybecame a national holiday to beobserved on the last Monday ofMay.

I hope you take some time to

IT’S YOUR PAPER

www.claytonpioneer.com May 21, 2010 925.672.0500

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

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

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

Clayton History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . .14

Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . .5

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

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

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

Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

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

Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Senior Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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

Time to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

What’s Inside

HANK STRATFORD

MAYOR’S CORNER

Time to recallwars’ heroes

See Mayor, page 9

Triple play launches summer in May

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

THREE BIG COMMUNITY EVENTS ON MAY 8 SIGNALED THE START OF THE SUMMER SEASON IN CLAYTON. Left: The Farmers Market opened with the season’s first fresh produce. Center: Bonusgarden on the Garden’s Tour included the historical Frank Family Farm and home of Charmetta Mann who operated a daycare on the farm for many years. She is shown herewith Max Marcil on the ship that Marcil and the other children built on the property. Right: Rain-weary Claytonians turned out in droves for the season’s first Concert in the Park. See the full story and more photos on page 2.

Horses small in stature but big on fun

Just when you thoughtClayton couldn’t get any moreNorman Rockwellian, alongcomes a tiny horse and cart, clip-clopping along the Cardinet trail.

Look closely—it’s likely driv-en by Karen Farlow and pulledby one of the eight miniaturehorses from her MorganTerritory Road ranch.

Farlow’s love affair with theminis began in the early 1980s,when she saw them marching inthe Rose Bowl Parade inPasadena. By 1985, she hadfound Sweet and Fancy, a blackmare she dubbed Mama whocame with high expectations.

When she was 6 months old,Mama was stolen from her origi-nal owners and spent the next sixmonths hiding inside the thieves’house. When her captors werearrested, Mama was in the livingroom, asleep on the sofa.

After coming to Farlow’sranch, Mama quickly adjusted tothe horse life and the great out-doors, eventually having twobabies.

“These guys make great com-panion pets,” says Farlow. “Theylive to play. They don’t bark and

their poop doesn’t stink.“They are so much fun,” she

adds with a laugh. “They’repranksters and won’t leave any-thing alone.”

The most fun she has withthe minis is out on the trail in thecart. The 300-pound miniature

horse can pull three times itsweight, and the small carts fitjust fine on the walking and bicy-cling trails around the county.

The little horses are quiteuseful as draft horses, Farlowsays. In Europe, they are used inthe coal mines and as plow hors-

es.The miniature horse is

extraordinarily gentle and calm,especially around children.“Little ones up to about 60pounds can ride them,” Farlow


KAREN FARLOW LEADS THREE OF HER EIGHT MINIATURE HORSES back to the barn at her MorganTerritory Road ranch. Farlow and “Mama” (left) will be at the Janet Read Memorial MiniatureHorse Show on May 22 and 23 for hands-on demonstrations with the versatile companionhorses.

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

See Horses, page 6

It didn’t take a weatherreport or a look at the calendarto see that summer had arrivedin Clayton on May 8.

It only took a stroll downMain Street on a sunny morningthat began early with the open-ing of the Pacific Coast FarmersMarket, continued with the sec-ond day of the HistoricalSociety’s annual Garden Tourand finished up with the first ofthe summer concerts in theGrove.

Mayor Hank Stratford tossedout the first head of lettuce tokick off the opening of theFarmers Market. Shoppers look-ing for Mother’s Day gifts foundarmloads of fresh flowers andblooming orchids. Californiagrown strawberries, cherries andveggies, local honey, and freshbaked breads and pastries allmade their case for local andhealthy eating.

The six local gardens on theGarden Tour saw a steady andenthusiastic stream of visitorsall day. During the two-dayevent, more than 300 toured therich variety of gardens – whichranged from all California native

plantings in landscape designerKelly Marshall’s Myrick Courthome to the more formalgrounds of Pete and SheriLaurence’s Oakwood Circle hill-side.

The highlight of the tourwas the 137-year-old Frank fam-ily farm on Mt. Zion. CousinsCharmetta Mann and JanetEaston, fourth- and fifth-gener-ation descendants of a pioneer-ing Clayton family, live in the“new” house built in 1921.Charmetta, 70, has lived on theproperty all of her life. Thegrounds are rich with history –an old Studebaker wheelbarrow,a 70-year-old tricycle and hergrandmother’s wringer washerare among the artifacts studdingthe yard. A 1930 Model A truckthat once belonged to Janet’saunt is parked in the drivewaynext to Charmetta’s 1957 Chevystation wagon.

The Garden Tour is themajor fundraiser for the ClaytonHistorical Society and this yearraised nearly $9,000 for theClayton Museum

In the late afternoon, blan-kets and chairs began to appearon the lawns at the park as fam-ilies staked off their territory forthe first of the summer concert

series. By the time the concertbegan at 6, a crowd of morethan 1,000 had gathered to hearSan Francisco band Aja Vu.Kids, singles and couples swayedto the classic rock sounds ofSteely Dan, Sly and the DoobieBrothers.

This is the third year for thefree concert series, which issponsored by the city ofClayton, the Clayton Businessand Community Association,Allied Waste and donationsfrom the public. More than $900was collected at the first concert.To donate to the concerts, sendyour check to the City ofClayton, 6000 Heritage Trail,Clayton, CA 94517.

For a concert schedule, see Page 3

Page 2 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com May 21, 2010

Around Town

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Triple Play, from page 1: Market in the morning, gardens midday, music at nightTAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

1) Councilwoman Julie Pierce catches the first head of lettucetossed out by Mayor Hank Stratford to open the 2010 FarmersMarket; 2) Janet Easton takes a breather from Garden Tourdocent duties at the Laurence home to catch up on localnews; 3) Concert season got off to a rockin’ start with dancingto Aja Vu; 4) the band was a hit with all ages; 5) SonjaParsons and Roy Halleybone; 6) Councilman Howard Gellerpasses the bottle for donations and helped collect over $900for next year’s concert series; 7) San Francisco band Aja Vuopened the season with classic rock and R&B

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May 21, 2010 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Page 3

Around Town

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May 22 MamalukeClassic Rock Dance Band

June 5 Littledog2Alternative Party Band

June 19 Mixed NutsDisco, Motown, Funk & Jazz

July 3 Harvey & The Wall BangersAll the Greatest Hits

July 17 The Michael Paul BandCountry & Southern Rock

July 31 Laurent Fourgo & His OrchestraThe Big Band Sound

Aug. 14 Diamond DaveOldies to today’s top hits

Aug. 28 East Bay MuddSoul, Funk, R&B

Sept. 11 The Hit WavesAll the Greatest Hits

Local Food To GoSupport your local businesses & Restaurants.

Takeout or dine in before or after the concert.

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

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

La Veranda Cafe 6201 Center St., 524 - 0011

Canesa’s Brooklyn Deli 6054 Main St., 852 - 1650

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

Village Market 6104 Main St., 672 - 0188

Johnny’s Int’l Deli & Cafe’ 6101 Center St., 672-1203

Cup O’Jo 6054 Main St., 672-5105

Saturdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

At the Gazebo in The Grove

Sponsored by the city of Clayton, CBCAand Allied Waste Services

Concertsin The GroveClayton’s Lemon Lady makes a difference

Anna Chan received the“Woman Making a Difference”award from The City ofConcord Human RelationsCommission on May 3 inConcord. The HRC’s 23rdannual event recognized for herwork in gathering over 40 tonsof produce for local foodpantries and food banks.

Chan was nominated byRotarian Patrick Berry whohopes to take her work nation-wide. Chan also received com-mendations from CongressmenGeorge Miller and JohnGaramendi, CaliforniaAssemblyman Tom Torlaksonand Contra Costa CountySupervisor Susan Bonilla.

“The whole motivation forthis project is about pickingfruit and getting it to the foodpantries. They can’t serve it tothe poor if they don’t get it.That’s the message. It really isthat simple,” said Chan.

For more information aboutChan’s work, how you can helpor how you can start a projectvisit her blog at: http://thele-monlady.blogspot.com/

- Mike Dunn

Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer

Anthony Peters, Commissioner City of Concord HumanRelations Commission, with Anna and her daughter Ava.

Gone today...hair tomorrow

When Clayton resident Trevor Nolan learnedfrom his mom, Rebecca, about the St. Baldrick’sFoundation haircut fundraiser, he knew he wantedto participate.

On May 4, Trevor went bald for the cause atCivic Center Park in Walnut Creek. The fundrais-er earned $32,000 for children’s cancer research.

“I saw it on Claycord.com and then he said hewanted to do it when I told him about it,” Rebeccasaid. “He kept asking when it was and he keptreminding me that it was coming up.

“He just wanted to make everybody aware thatthere are kids out there who aren’t as fortunate,”she added.

“It feels a lot breezier,” said a bald Trevor.Walnut Creek police Sgt. Lanny Edwards

helped organized the event. “Three months ago,we saw that Children’s Hospital in Oakland washaving a St. Baldrick’s fundraiser and couple of uswere going to go down,” Edwards said. “We said,‘Why not have one here?’ It took on a life of itsown.”

Sixty-one people made the big sacrifice. Fourwere women, including three Walnut Creek policedispatchers.

For more information, visit stbaldricks.org.- Mike Dunn

New grandsonfor IngridHempell

Ingrid Hempell welcomedher first grandson, GabrielThomas Hempell on May 3.

Gabriel was named for thearchangel who delivered thenews of Jesus to Mary andmeans “Man of God.”

“Our desire is for Gabe tomake a real and lasting differ-ence in the world,” says momBrooke. Gabe’s dad is ChristianHempell. He has one sister,Morgan, 3.

Ingrid Hempell is the for-mer owner of the La CocotteRestaurant which was located inthe building where Moresi’sChophouse is on Main Street.

Photo by Mike D

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UpcomingEvents

MAY 15SPRING PLANT SALE

The annual Clayton ValleyGarden Club plant sale will fea-ture vegetables, herb gardens,color bowls. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in theEndeavor Hall parking lot, 6008Center Street.

MAY 31MEMORIAL DAY

Sponsored by the VFW, thisannual service remembers thosemen and women who have losttheir lives in defense of thenation. The one hour servicewith speakers, traditional obser-vances and music by the DVMSand Pine Hollow Middle schoolbands and local choirYesterday’s Kids begins at 9a.m. at the VFW flagpole onMain Street.

JUNE 5TIP-A-COP

Ed’s Mudville Grill in down-town Clayton is the place to beon Saturday, June 5, from 5:30to 8:30 p.m. for a very specialfundraiser. Clayton’s own policeofficers will be waiting on tablesto raise money for the annualSpecial Olympics help June 25-27 at UC Davis. Tip them gen-erously as all proceeds benefitthe Special Olympics of ContraCosta County. For informationcall Lynn Christ at 673-7350 orEd’s Mudville Grill at 6200Center Street, Clayton, 925-673-0333.

JUNE 14CLAYTON CLASSIC GOLF

TOURNAMENT

CBCA’s 24th AnnualClayton Classic GolfTournament will be held at thebeautiful Oakhurst CountryClub. Tee time (shotgun start)is 12 noon. Registration and abox lunch will be served begin-ning at 10 a.m, with a full sit-down dinner after the tourna-ment. Application deadline isMay 28. For a registration form,go to www.claytoncbca.org/golftourna-ment. Hole sponsors needed.

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Take a hike

Save Mount Diablo and theEast Bay Regional Park Districtare sponsoring a variety of hikesand events this month and next.

Pittsburg Mine TrailOmnibus, 10 a.m.-noon May 22.Get the complete story on a trailthat blends the best of BlackDiamond’s natural and culturalhistory. Meet at SomersvilleTownsite, south end ofSomersville Road, Antioch. $5parking. RSVP with BobKanagaki at 510-544-2750.

Vasco Caves RegionalPreserve Tour, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.May 22. Behold Vasco’s spectacu-lar rock outcrops and vernalpools that are home to endan-gered amphibians and fairyshrimp. Archaeological sites con-tain Indian rock art, part of acomplex reaching back nearly10,000 years. $30. Register at 888-EBPARKS.

Save Mount DiabloRestoration Team Workday, 9a.m.-noon May 22. Help waternative plants and remove non-native weeds as part of a creek-side habitat restoration projecton Marsh Creek. Meet at 3240Aspara Dr., Clayton. Bring waterand a hand trowel. RSVP withGeorge at 947-3535 [email protected].

North Peak Trail fromDevil’s Elbow to ProspectorsGap, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 22.Explore this trail packed withnative plants in a tour sponsoredby the California Native Plant

Society. Meet at Devil’s Elbowparking lot. Bring lunch andwater. RSVP with Gregg Weberat 510- 223-3310.

Young Canyon Hike, 9-11:30 a.m. May 23. Discover aremote area of the mountain andadmire wildflowers on the ser-pentine meadow. Meet at theClayton Library, 6125 ClaytonRoad. RSVP with Burt Bogardusat 820-2347.

Round the Mountain Hike,9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 26. This loopprovides views in all directions,plus late spring wildflowers. A7.25-mile hike with nearly 2,000feet of elevation gain. Meet at theJuniper Camp trailhead in Mt.Diablo State Park. $10 park fee.RSVP with Jake Van Akkeren at933-3486 or [email protected].

Birding/Raptor Baseline,9-11:30 a.m. May 27. Help docu-ment the birds of prey. Meet atRound Valley Regional Preserve,19450 Marsh Creek Road,Brentwood. Register at 888-EBPARKS.

Full Moon at Vasco Caves,5:30-10 p.m. May 27. The sun’slast rays and the rising full moonwill illuminate the natural andcultural wonders of the VascoCaves during a 2-3 mile, moder-ate hike. Meet at Round ValleyStaging Area, 19450 Marsh CreekRoad, Brentwood. $30. Registerat 888-EBPARKS.

Shooting the Light, 8-11:30a.m. May 29. Grab your camera

and explore the natural and cul-tural history of a valley in theeastern foothills of Mt. Diablo.Meet at Round Valley StagingArea, 19450 Marsh Creek Road,Brentwood. Register at 888-EBPARKS.

Heritage Tree Hike onMangini Ranch, 9-11 a.m. May30. Choose a Heritage Tree tohonor a special person. The 207-acre Concord property includesthe headwaters of GalindoCreek, plus rolling grasslandscovered in oaks, buckeyes and arare desert olive grove. ContactDavid Ogden [email protected] or947-3535.

Trails Challenge: DiabloFoothills, 8 a.m.-noon June 5.Explore the rocky crags, rollinghills and soaring raptors of theMt. Diablo foothills on a 5-milehike over varied terrain. RSVPwith Kevin Damstra at 510-544-2750.

Stingers, Fangs andVenom, 10-11:30 a.m. June 5.Learn the facts about the some-times maligned local fauna. Meetat Los Vaqueros Visitor Center,19 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood.240-2440.

Diablo Restoration TeamWorkday, 9 a.m.-noon June 6.Meet at 3240 Aspara Dr.,Clayton. Bring water and a handtrowel. RSVP with George at947-3535 [email protected].

Clayton farm offers horsesa new life after racing

Craig and Colette Geibelopened their Clayton farm toNeigh Savers last summer foroff-track rescues. The Geibelscare for four Neigh Savers thor-oughbreds, their own threehorse rescues, a great Dane, anAfrican parrot, eight cats, morethan 10 chickens and 10 ducks(which Craig feeds a specialhomemade spaghetti).

“Our lifelong passion to ani-mals, particularly rescues, fueledour decision to open our hometo Neigh Savers,” said Craig,known as “Dr. Doolittle.”

Neigh Savers holds its firstOpen House 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Saturday, May 22, at its newestretired racehorse foster facilityat the Geibel farm on MarshCreek Road. The 3-year-oldnon-profit organization willoffer pony rides for $5, a bakesale and raffle. Those whodonate money or new and used

tack for the 27 retired racingthoroughbreds receive a NeighSavers water bottle.

According to Neigh SaversFoundation founder and CEOKarin Wagner, thoroughbredsneed hands-on attention and

care no matter their injury, alongwith a special diet.

“They look so bedraggledwhen they first come in,” she

NICCI SHIPSTEAD

Clayton Pioneer

MATERAZZI (MACHO) is recuperating well from surgery earlierthis month. Craig Geibel sees a second career as a ridinghorse for the retired thoroughbred racehorse.

CORRECTIONIn the last issue of the

Pioneer, the story on the Artand Wine Festival (frontpage) incorrectly stated thatnet proceeds from last year’sArt and Wine Festival were$25,000. The correct numberis $60,000. This was a typoand we apologize.

See Racing, page 8

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Auto

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

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

Children’s Services

Kid’s Choice Jumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-9543

Kidz Planet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-3012

Construction and Trades

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

Closets & Kitchens Van Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-7557

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

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

Smith & Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0138

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

Dentist

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

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

Dining and Entertainment

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

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

Events

Contra Costa County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-4400

KidFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .671-3287

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

Financial and Insurance Services

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

CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900

College Track Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287-8900

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

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

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

Fitness

Jo Nash Dance Workout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .707-812-3863

Traveling Trainers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6931

Funerals

Moore’s Mission Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-1100

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

Gifts

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

Home and Garden

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

California Aerating Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6539

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

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

Floors to Go Danville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .820-8700

Lewis & Lewis Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-2145

Pacific Coast Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609-2151

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

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

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

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

Mailing and Shipping

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

Personal Products and Services

A Perfect Tan & Body Wraps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8261

Pet Services

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

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

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

Rodies Feed and Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600

Vet Tech Pet Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899-7354

Real Estate and Mortgage Services

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

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

Kavanaugh, Mike - RE/MAX Town & Country . . .672-7800

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

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

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

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

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

Recreation

Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-7661

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

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

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

Senior Services

Aegis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5853

Always Available Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4854

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

Services, Other

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

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

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

Contra Costa Water District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688-8044

Household Hazardous Waste . . . . . . . . . 1-800-646-1431

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

Next Energy Solar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-0600

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

Travel

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

Travel Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-4000

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

Worship

Bay Summit Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609-5900

Directory of Advertisers

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

TAMARA AND ROBERT STEINER, PublishersTAMARA STEINER, EditorRANDY WENGER, Display Advertising PETE CRUZ, Graphic DesignBEV BRITTON, Copy Editor JAY BEDECARRÉ, Sports CHRISTINA SCARLOTT, Administrative Assistant

STAFF WRITERS: Denisen Hartlove, Lou Fancher, NicciShipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn, Harry Stoll

We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

PIONEER INFOCONTACT US

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

Tamara [email protected]

Randy [email protected]

Send ads [email protected]

Send Sports News [email protected]

Send Club News [email protected]

Send Church News [email protected]

Send School News [email protected]

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

words, $.20 each additionalword

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

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

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

We will not accept any ad that dis-

criminates on the basis of race, color,sex, religion, nationality, family statusor disability. The Clayton Pioneerreserves the right to reject any adver-tising we believe is unsuitable.

LET US KNOWWeddings, engagements, anniver-

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

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITORThe Clayton Pioneer welcomes

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

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

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

City of Clayton nowaccepting applications

for

PLANNINGCOMMISSIONTerm: July 2010-

June 2012The Planning Commission iscomprised of 5 membersappointed by the City Councilfor two-year terms. ThePlanning Commission advisesthe City Council on land usematters, including General Planamendments and ZoningOrdinance amendments. TheCommission also makes deci-sions on Site Plan Reviews, UsePermits, Subdivisions, andVariances. PlanningCommission meetings are opento the public and its decisionscan be appealed to the CityCouncil.

The Planning Commissionmeets on the second and fourthTuesday of each month, 7:00pm, in Hoyer Hall of theClayton Community Library.

Planning Commissionerspresently receive a monthlystipend of $120.

An applicant must be 18years of age, registered voterand a resident of Clayton.

For applications and more information:

In person: Clayton CityHall, 6000 Heritage TrailBy mail: call City offices at925-673-7300E-mail: [email protected]

City’s web site:www.ci.clayton.ca.us

Please return a completedapplication to the city clerkby 5 p.m. June 4, 2010.Interviews will be held inmid-June. Appointmentsare expected to be made atthe City Council meeting ofJune 15.

Classified

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Help WantedClayton Pioneer

The Pioneer is looking for customer service and advertising sup-port. Part time position, 40 hours during production weeks (twice amonth) and 8 hours in the “off ” weeks.

Must be computer savvy (Word and Excel required-other pro-grams useful), detail oriented, a fast thinker, and self-motivated.Must be able to work without supervision, take ownership of thejob and have a car.

A sense of humor is critical. Ability to leap tall buildings in asingle bound helpful, but not necessary. Excellent verbal and writtenlanguage skills. Flexible schedule, nice people to work with (most ofthe time, anyway). Lots of room to grow.

Please send resume and cover letter specifically addressing ourneeds to [email protected] or drop off at the Pioneeroffice 6200 Center St., Suite H. Clayton/Concord resident, please.

SERVICESGirl GardeningGarden care for your roses,

perennials and ornamentals.Monthly pruning and fertilizingservices. Plant suggestions andinstallation. If you want moreflowers this year, call or emailNicole Hackett 673-1746, [email protected].

WANTEDReal Estate AgentsBe Successful! Lynne

French is expanding and inter-viewing for a few agents. Callher today (925) 672-8787.

Supports mayor’s characterbuilding plan

Dear Editor: Reading sever-al of the articles in last week’sClayton Pioneer, I was remind-ed that we live in a special com-munity. Cady Lang’s articlehonoring mothers was timelyand refreshing. I also appreciateMayor Hank Stratford continu-ing to promote character devel-opment which is sorely needed.It struck me that these twoissues are deeply connected.Certainly schools and commu-nity leaders should teach,model, and reinforce positivecharacter traits, but the ultimatedevelopment of characteroccurs in the home. AsAbraham Lincoln said, “All thatI am I owe to my angel moth-er.” The strength of a commu-nity and nation lies in its fami-lies. Here’s to the parents (andgrandparents, aunts, uncles,etc.) taking time to build thecharacter of the rising genera-tion.

- Jason GriffinConcord

Tax Day coverage fair Dear Editor: Your article on

the TEA Party event in Claytonwas newsworthy and yourquote from me was accurate. Asin other newspapers’ nation-wide coverage of Tax Day, thevarious TEA Parties were frontpage news...

Two letter writers criticizedthe Pioneer on items thatweren’t even in your article andmyself on things that I havenever said. As to my writings inother papers —supporting ourtroops for victory, wanting gov-ernment to stop wasting our taxdollars, opposing huge deficitsand higher taxes or wanting ournation’s immigration lawsenforced, these are not “right-wing.” These positions are“mainstream” which the pollsshow are supported by majori-ties of the American public,just not “the left-wing” fringe.

As to taxation, the top onepercent (which includes corpo-rations) already pay 36 percentof federal income taxes, andthe bottom 50 percent pay lessthan four percent. And lookingit up, Chevron’s effective taxrate for 2009 was four percent,with each gallon of gas collect-ing more in state and federaltaxes, than Chevron’s net profit!This is why most Americansunderstand that “BigGovernment” needs to reduceits runaway spending, not raiseour taxes even higher.

- Pete LaurenceClayton

Sad farewell toClayton Books

Dear Editor: It was sadnews, indeed, to learn fromyour paper that Clayton Bookswill be closing its doors like somany other independent book-stores.

Many of us remember andappreciate the fact that it wasJoel and Christy Harris whowere the fairy godmother whoswooped in to rescue the storefrom closure when its prede-cessor, Bonanza Books, decid-ed to close the doors. TheHarris’ not only kept the storeopen but expanded the shelfspace, held author’ reading andsigning events, donated booksand cooperated with manylocal organizations in fund-raising and charitable events.

The best news would be tolearn that someone is steppingforward to be the next fairygodmother.

Failing that, however, TheCity of Clayton should pro-claim May 22, the day thedoors are to close again, as Joel& Christy Harris Day in honorof the community service thatthey have given to our commu-nity for the last three years.

I am sure others join me insaying thanks to them (and forSunny Solomon) for all theyhave done for the community.

- Gordon RingenbergClayton


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Teen jailed for settingfire to CVHS shed

A 16-year-old Clayton boyhas admitted to starting an earlymorning fire April 8 at a storageshed at Clayton Valley HighSchool, officials report.

Contra Costa County FireProtection District investigatorGeoff Spinner went to the scenethe morning after the 2:16 a.m.fire and determined it was arson.Three weeks later, an anony-mous tip on the district’s ArsonTip Line indicated a 16-year-oldjuvenile from Clayton braggedabout starting the fire.

On May 11, Spinner inter-viewed the suspected juvenile.Spinner said he confessed to set-ting the fire with barbecue

lighter fluid and a lighter afterpouring the fluid over a golf cartbelonging to the school.Officials said the teen admittedto being there with other juve-niles and said alcohol wasinvolved.

The suspect was transportedto Juvenile Hall and booked onfelony arson. He will be heldwithout bail pending a review bythe district attorney’s office.

The estimated loss to thestructure and property at theschool was $55,000.

Parents and students are encour-aged to report any criminal activity toauthorities. The Arson Tip Line is866-50-ARSON (866-502-7766).

Seasonal Reflectionscites economy in closing

Seasonal Reflections in theClayton Valley Shopping Centeris the latest local business to turnout the lights and go home. May31 will be the last day for theindependently owned costumeand party store.

Clayton resident JohnSharapata opened the store 3½years ago with high hopes andgreat expectations. ThePartyTime store on ClaytonRoad had recently closed andSharapata expected to capturethose customers as well as buildon his already establishedInternet business.

But with the one-two punch

of the economic downturn andthe closing of the Yardbirdsstore, foot traffic in his locationhas slowed to barely a trickle.

“It’s frustrating,” saysSharapata. “I’ve poured every-thing into this store. I’ve triedeverything I can think of, but it’sjust a bad location.”

In the Clayton Valley Center,Postal Connections, Verizon andDonna’s Gifts have all closed inthe past few months. Across thestreet in the Clayton Station,Clayton Books will close May 22,joining the already shutteredButterfly Fitness and Cookies byDesign.

The deadline for eligible per-sons to register to vote for theJune 8 Direct Primary Electionis Monday, May 24. Any newvoter, or anyone who hasmoved, changed their name orwho wants to change their polit-ical party must register.

Registration forms are avail-able throughout the county atcity halls, libraries, post offices,fire stations, DMVs, and mostother government and publicagencies and at the CountyElections Office. After com-pleting the form, it must eitherbe delivered to the CountyElections Office at 555 EscobarSt, Martinez no later than 5 p.m.on May 24 or if mailed it must

have a postmark of May 24,2010.

To be eligible to vote, youmust be a U.S. citizen, 18 by June8 and not imprisoned or onparole for the conviction of afelony. Anyone who becomes anewly naturalized citizen afterthe May 24 deadline to registermay register and vote betweenMay 25 and June 1 at the CountyElections Office. Each personmust bring their Certificate ofNaturalization and declare thatthey have established residencein Contra Costa County.

For questions on status or for moreinformation, call the County ElectionsOffice, (925) 335-7800.

May 24 deadline forvoter registration

Letters to the Editor

explains. “I put my grandkidson them and they are so sweetwith them.”

During the summer, Farlowparticipates in the Walnut CreekAdventure Camp. For one dayduring the camp, young childrenwho might be frightened of astandard size horse can spend aday at her Blue Oaks Ranchwith the minis – walking them,grooming and even riding themaround the arena on a small,non-scary scale.

“Children have to touch ani-mals to keep their humanity,”says Farlow.

A miniature horse is not thesame as a pony. A miniaturehorse is a scaled-down versionof the standard size horse andincludes several body types,such as draft and Arabian. Aminiature horse must not betaller than 38 inches. A ponyrefers to size only – any horseunder 14.2 hands (58 inches) tallis considered a pony.

Farlow and her husbandGehn bought their Blue OaksRanch in 1980 and raised four

children together. Along withthe eight miniature horses, theranch is home to several stan-dard size horses, two goats, fourdogs and half a dozen peacocks.

To learn more about theminiature horse, visit the JanetRead Memorial MiniatureHorse Show on May 22 and 23at the Equestrian Center atHeather Farm Park in WalnutCreek. Show hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3p.m. Sunday.

See the little horses in actionin hunter/jumper classes, pleas-ure driving and obstacle driving.Meet Farlow, Mama and LibertyLord Jim – a national championin roadster driving – at hands-ondemonstrations 11 a.m.-1 p.m.Saturday and Sunday. Childrencan learn how to groom and leada miniature horse. Cost is $1.

For more information on BlueOak Farms, the Walnut CreekAdventure Camp or the Janet ReadMemorial Horse Show, [email protected] or call 672-5672.

Horses, from page 1

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If you want Clayton’s down-town to come alive with the red,white and blue to celebrate ournation’s independence, pleaseconsider volunteering your time.

A highlight of the day is theFourth of July Parade. Theincreasingly popular KiddieParade features our communi-ty’s children and youth withtheir decorated wagons,strollers, scooters, bikes andtrikes, and the faithful familydog. In addition, there are lotsof floats, civic participants andmaster of ceremony DanAshley from ABC 7.

Most of the help is neededthe day of the parade in the fol-lowing areas:� Barricade and street closure

set-up (early morning).� Decorations.� Parking control.� Crowd control.� Parade line-up.� Parade flow control.� Clean-up.

If you or your organizationcan help anytime between 6 a.m.and 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 4,call Clayton city clerk LaciJackson at 673- 7304 or [email protected].

Tax-deductible donationsmay be made to the Clayton 4thof July Parade, City of Clayton,6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton CA94517.

Anyone interested in beingin the Main Parade (not theKiddie Parade) as an entrant ororganization must submit anapplication form by June 18.Due to the popularity of theparade and limited downtownspace, the number of approvedentrants may be limited.

The Parade Committee willreview all applications andensure a variety of entries. Toprovide a safe environment, allvehicles must have appropriateliability insurance and a licenseddriver. All entrants are restrictedfrom tossing candy or usingwater squirt devices.Applications and information

are available atcityofclayton.org.

Entrants for the KiddieParade do not need an applica-tion or pre-approval; merelyshow up in red, white and bluewell before the parade begins at10 a.m. to proudly walk MainStreet USA.

The Clayton Valley Sunrise

Rotary Club will hold the annu-al pre-parade Pancake Breakfastbeginning at 7 a.m. at EndeavorHall.

The streets will be closed totraffic and parking, so park out-side of the downtown area andwalk in. Or better yet, leave thecar at home and walk to theTown Center.

May 21, 2010 Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com Page 7

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It takes a village . . .Volunteer to help with July 4 celebration

If you’re planning to hit theroad, be sure that everyone inthe car wears a seat belt on everytrip day and night.

Law enforcement throughoutthe state, including the ClaytonPolice Department, will be look-ing for unbelted drivers and pas-sengers as part of the 2010 ClickIt or Ticket program May 24-June 6.

“Keep your friends and fami-ly safe by buckling up no matterwhere you’re going,” said ChiefDan Lawrence. “We will be look-ing for motorists throughout thearea who are not buckling up, dayand night. It’s not just aboutavoiding a ticket; it’s about keep-ing the ones you care aboutalive.”

Seat belt violators will receivecitations – no warnings. TheClick It or Ticket campaign relieson heavy enforcement and pub-

lic education as a means to helpsave lives on California’s road-ways.

“Wearing a seat belt is justsimply the easiest and mosteffective thing you can do on theroad to protect yourself andyour family,” said Christopher J.Murphy, director of theCalifornia Office of TrafficSafety. “That means buckling upday and night, on every trip.”

Fines and fees have increasedfrom $132 to $142 for first-timeadult seat belt violations. For chil-dren under 16, the fine is now$445 for a first-time offense.

More than 600 permanentClick It or Ticket highway signs,which have been up since 2005,will be updated to reflect thenew “Minimum $142” in thecoming months.

California has a seat beltusage rate of 95.3 percent, but

that still means more than half amillion people are not bucklingup. Properly restrained drivers,passengers and children have a50 percent better chance of sur-viving a crash than unbeltedoccupants. Those ejected fromvehicles in crashes or roll-oversare up to 35 times more likely todie than restrained occupants.

More than 150 local lawenforcement agencies statewideand the CHP will be participat-ing in this year’s Click It orTicket mobilization. Funding tosupport California’s Click It orTicket campaign was providedby a grant from the CaliforniaOffice of Traffic Safety throughthe National Highway TrafficSafety Administration.

For more information, call theClayton Police Department at 673-7350.

Clayton police gear up forClick It or Ticket campaign

If women intend to travelalone out of the country, theyshould become familiar withthe laws and customs of thatcountry beforehand.

Certain cultures perceivesingle women very differentlyand you can easily find your-self in an uncomfortable oreven dangerous situation. Youmight even consider wearing afaux wedding band for extrasecurity. People in some cul-tures assume that if you aren’t“taken,” you are actively look-ing for a mate.

Take the time to researchpotential travel warnings andconsulate locations for yourdestinations. Keep the list withyou as you travel.

Whether you are boardinga plane, cruise ship, train oreven checking into a hotel,make note of the emergencyexit locations. In case of fireor a quick evacuation duringthe night, keep your valuables

in your purse and near the bedwith a flashlight and yourroom key. Also keep yourshoes and a coat handy.

One night, I was at a lovelyhotel in Scottsdale when a firealarm sounded. All guestswere evacuated. I was able toquickly pick up my valuablesand put on my shoes and coat.It was a false alarm, but theoutdoor fashion show ofgoofy pajamas made theinconvenience worth the trou-ble!

When you register at ahotel, do not get a room onthe ground floor as slidingdoors and windows make foreasy access. The second tofifth floors are usually a goodchoice in case you have to walkdown flights of stairs in anemergency.

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Use a business card onyour luggage label; never putyour home address. On theoutward bound trip, you canput the hotel name andaddress where you will begoing. On the way home, use


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said, “but then they blossom; it’slike a re-birth.”

Working with trainers andowners, Neigh Savers findshumane options for life afterracing. “Whether a horse can goon to become a competitionhorse, riding horse or compan-ion horse, every ex-racehorseshould have the opportunity tofind a second career,” Wagnersaid. “It is only with time,patience and knowledge that ex-racehorses can gradually transi-tion into a new career. Ourhope is that all ex-racehorsesfeel a loving caress, hear kindwords and taste carrots from aperson who truly loves them.”

The Geibels’ Neigh Saversprogram caters to short-termrehabilitation, but Wagner saidone of her all-time-favoritesYmustichasethecat, known asthe Cat, will stay in Claytonthroughout rehabilitation. Hishooves are in bad shape, butthrough retraining he is expect-ed to be a jumper awaitingadoption.

Cat is directly ascended fromStorm Cat on his male side, plusMr. Prospector and Secretariaton his female side. The 16.2 hhchestnut gelding fell into thelower claiming ranks and wasretired from racing.

“The Cat is the most intelli-gent we’ve ever had on thefarm,” said Wagner. “He makeseye contact and is dutiful toevery command. If you showhim something again, he looksat you like, ‘You showed me thatalready.’ ”

Another Neigh Savers

ambassador on the Geibel farmis Materazzi (Macho), a gor-geous, giant 17.1 hh dark graygelding straight off the trackfrom Golden Gate Fields withbone chips in both knees.Macho had only six starts; hewon one race and showed inanother.

Macho prefers to stand closeand gently nuzzle when Craigcleans his stall. “It will takesome time for Macho to comedown from his track life and torecover, but we see a really niceprospect here as a riding horsein the future,” he said.

Macho is recuperating wellfrom surgery early this month.“The hardest part of the entireepisode will be keeping Macho inthe Mare Motel until about mid-June,” Craig said. “He is con-stantly crying and begging to joinhis friends out in the pasture.”

Horse foster care costsabout $300 a month for feed,bedding, vaccinations, hoofcare, trimming and shoes.Veterinary care is usually what“breaks the bank” of a rescue.

“Even $25 a month is help-ful,” Wagner noted. “Or com-mitting to something like a bagof shavings for $5 or a bale ofhay at $20 helps tremendouslyand allows us to sponsor anadditional horse or two.”

The Geibel farm is at 4297Morgan Territory Road, Clayton.For more information on donating oradopting, visit neighsavers.com orwrite to 1547 Palos Verdes Mall,Suite 259, Walnut Creek CA94597.

Racing, from page 4

Housing recovery programsstill have a ways to goQYou have written about the

new government programsto help distressed homeowners.How are they working to helpthe housing recovery?

AOne program is the HomeAffordable Modification

Program (HAMP). Since itsinception about two years ago,fewer than 2 million mortgageshave been modified. That is asmall percentage of troubledhomeowners in a distressedproperty situation. Many ofthese modified mortgages havealready failed and many are des-tined to fail.

A big part of the reason isthat the modifications are basedon making the homeowner’sfirst lien debt affordable, whichwould be at 31 percent of theirincome. The modificationsdon’t take into account the bor-

rower’s other debt, includingsecond liens, student loans,credit card debt and car loans.Often the real debt to incomerate is 60 percent. This is inade-quate help to make a homeown-er reach a sustainable financialposition.

To qualify for the assistanceprogram, some homeowners arealmost encouraged to defaultstrategically on their first loanwhile paying all their otherdebts. This is backward fromthe way the contracts weredesigned for the investor. Firstlien holders are supposed to bethe most protected class ofinvestors. Under the HAMPprogram, they are the only onesbeing asked to accept lowerreturns in a modification.

Barbara Novick, vice chairof a New York investment riskmanagement firm, presented an

interesting idea to the NationalAssociation of Realtors (NAR)Financing and LendingCommittee. They envision atemporary bankruptcy proce-dure that recognizes the uniqueproblems presented by themortgage meltdown. Under theprocedure, bankruptcy judgeswould look at which debts towrite down and by how much.Creditors’ rights would be rec-ognized and followed.

Novick said the proposal isaimed at helping the public ingeneral by reducing the hit tothe federal government and thesecondary mortgage marketcompanies Fannie May andFreddie Mac, which are bearingthe brunt of the first mortgagewrite-downs.

The NAR committee saidthey will look at it, but the pro-posal raised concerns that a

heavy burden would be placedon homeowners who wouldhave to go through bankruptcycourt rather than the far moretargeted approach offered byHAMP.

I will keep you informed ofall the latest developments inthe process of digging out ofthis mortgage mess.

Send your question [email protected] and lookfor an answer in a future column.French is the broker/owner ofWindermere Lynne French &Associates and a Clayton resident.For any real estate needs or questions,call 672-878 7or stop in at 6200Center St., Clayton.

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS

See Travel, page 20

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As a competitive roadcyclist, I see bike safety as sec-ond nature. Whether it’s a bikerace or riding casually, it’s goodto be aware of some basic ruleswhich may be helpful to you andespecially to keep your childrensafe.

While bike riding is a funand healthy activity for kids andadults, it can be dangerous with-out proper gear and training.One source states that about300,000 kids end up in emer-gency rooms each year becauseof bike accidents; some are seri-ously or fatally injured.

In fact, more children age 5-14 visit the emergency room forinjuries due to bike riding thanany other sport, according tothe National Highway Trafficand Safety Administration(NHTSA). Another NHTSAstatistic showed that bicycleaccidents account for 44,000injuries and 2 percent of traffic-related deaths each year.

Learning how to ride a bikeis a rite of passage for children,and it’s an activity that familiescan certainly do together.However, there are someimportant things for you toconsider before jumping on

that bike or letting your kids geton theirs.

Wear a helmet. Thereshould be no exceptions to thisrule for your family. Californialaw requires all persons under18 to wear a helmet while ridinga bike. Make sure that your bicy-cle helmet fits snugly and does-n’t wobble.

See and be seen. Whetherdaytime, dawn, dusk, bad weath-er or at night, you need to beseen by others. Always wearneon, fluorescent or otherbright colors when riding day ornight. White isn’t the best colorto wear. Also wear somethingthat reflects light, such as reflec-tive tape or markings, or flash-ing lights. Just because you cansee a driver doesn’t mean thedriver can see you. Avoid ridingat night as it is far more danger-ous than during the day. If youhave to ride at night, make sureto have reflectors on the frontand rear of your bicycle andwhite lights on the front withred rear reflectors and light.Reflectors on your wheels arealso a good idea.

Get the right size bike.Riding a bike that fits your bodyis an important factor in pre-venting accidents and keepingyou safe. The NHTSA recom-mends 1-2 inches between yourbody and the top bar of a roadbike and 3-4 inches betweenyour body and the top of amountain bike with your feetflat on the ground. The seatshould be level and adjusted sothat there is a slight bend at theknee when your legs are extend-ed. The handlebar should belevel with the seat. Do not ridebikes belonging to other peopleas they may not fit you properly.

Reduce chain hazards.Before each ride, tuck in allshoelaces or strings and do thesame with long, baggy clothing.An ankle strap or tucking inyour sock is useful to keep pantlegs from getting caught in thechain or stuck on the pedals.

Maintain your bike. Makesure that everything on yourbicycle is working correctly.Check your brakes and be surethere are no loose or brokenparts on your bike. It’s a good

idea to occasionally take yourbicycle to a bike shop for a pro-fessional tune-up.

Obey all traffic laws.Remember, a bicycle is a vehicleand you’re a driver. When youride in the street, do so withboth hands on the handlebars.Obey all traffic signs, signalsand lane markings. When turn-ing, use your hands to give sig-nals. Remember to check fortraffic when pulling onto astreet, approaching a curb orreaching a stop sign. Cross onlyat intersections. Ride your bikein the same direction as traffic,use bike lanes when possibleand ride single file when accom-panied by other riders. TheNHTSA recommends that kidsless than 10 ride on the sidewalkwhen allowed by law. Try to bepredictable by riding in a


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As summer approaches,remember these bike safety rules

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Heavy rains lead to moremosquitoes in county

This year is going down onrecord as one of the wettestyears in recent memory.However, the longer the rainyseason, the more mosquitoes weare likely to see this year.

“The late rains will extendthe season for western treeholemosquitoes and create addi-tional breeding habitats for thetypical carriers of West Nilevirus,” says Steve Schutz, ento-mologist for the Contra CostaMosquito and Vector ControlDistrict.

Mosquitoes must start theirlives in standing water, and justtwo tablespoons of water cansupport up to 300 developingmosquitoes. The female westerntreehole mosquito, Aedes sier-rensis, most commonly lays hereggs along the rim of the holesthat develop in older trees.When rainwater fills the cavities,the eggs develop into youngmosquitoes and fly away as theweather warms.

With each subsequent peri-od of rain followed by warmweather, the process repeats.

This aggressive black andwhite, day-biting mosquito is anuisance to humans but a healththreat to animals because it isthe primary carrier of canineheartworm disease. Due to this

year’s late rain, district inspec-tors expect to find these mos-quitoes in Contra Costa Countywell into the summer and possi-bly early fall.

The district recommendsthat pet owners take proper pre-cautions to protect man’s bestfriend and reduce the likelihoodof these mosquitoes by fillingthe tree holes with an absorbentmaterial to soak up the water orwork with an arborist to havethe holes removed.

While the western treeholemosquito typically stays veryclose to where it emerged as anadult, the mosquitoes mostcommonly associated with WestNile virus have a flight range aslong as five miles. These mos-quitoes, Culex pipiens andCulex tarsalis, can lay eggs inmany different locations con-taining still water. This includescans, buckets, sedentary foun-tains, unfiltered ponds, neglect-ed swimming pools, discardedtires, the catch plate on flowerpots and any other item that canhold about two tablespoons ofwater or more.

Dumping or draining stand-ing water is an important step inreducing the risk of West Nilevirus. Anyone of any age is atrisk of this mosquito-borne ill-

ness, especially those with acompromised immune system.The disease can leave peoplewith low level infections, feelingas if they have a strong case ofthe flu. In more aggressivecases, it can create brain inflam-mation and can be fatal.

Dumping standing waterwhere mosquitoes can lay theireggs and wearing repellantwhen mosquitoes are presentnear sunrise and sunset areimportant ways to prevent thevirus.

Contra Costa County ishome to 23 kinds of mosqui-toes. Some pose a risk to ani-mals; others pose a health threatto humans. But we all play animportant role in reducing therisk by dumping out standingwater where mosquitoes candevelop, reporting neglectedswimming pools to the districtfor inspection and contactingthe district for more informa-tion on the free services avail-able to fight mosquitoes andother disease-transmitting ani-mals and insects.

For more information, call 771-6184. To schedule a free presentationfor a community group, contact NolaWoods at 771-6158 [email protected].

remember andhonor thosewho sacrificedtheir lives forour benefit.With all of thepolitical ran-cor that we

hear each day, it is easy to forgetwhat a great country we live in.Sure, it is not perfect. But I donot know of any other countrythat offers the same level offreedom and opportunity.

Memorial Day is often con-sidered the start of summer.However this year, with theexception of the weather, itfeels like summer started onMay 8. This was the first day ofthe weekly Farmers Market andthe first of the Concerts in theGrove. The Farmers Marketwill continue through the sum-mer starting at 8 a.m. Saturdays.The next concert is 6 p.m. May22, featuring Mamaluke. After 4p.m., you can stake out yourspace for the concert, eat dinnerdowntown and then enjoy themusic.

Enjoy the start of summerand remember the sacrificesmade on our behalf.

Contact the mayor [email protected].

Mayor,from page 1

See Safety, page 17

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Most families across theUnited States purchase new car-pet every eight to ten years. Yetfew of those really do theirhomework first.

There are three basic fibers tochoose – wool, polyester andnylon. Wool, a natural and luxu-rious fiber, wears like iron and issoft to the touch. The down sideis that some of the fiber will belost to your vacuum cleaner,because it is not a “continuousfilament” fiber. Plus, it’s about 60percent more expensive thenmanufactured fibers.

A polyester fiber is madefrom recycled plastic, so it’s a“green” product. It’s resistant tostains and fading and is cheaperthan most other fibers. It’s bestto purchase one that’s short anddense as they have a tendency tocrush easily.

Nylon is the most popularfiber by far. It’s durable andresilient and takes a dye well, sothere is an almost unending colorselection. It is treated for stainresistance and tends to hold itstexture better than other fibers.

Make sure that any fiber youchoose, other than wool, is a“continuous filament” fiber.

When shopping for new car-

pet, your fingers can tell you a lotabout quality. Short and dense isalways the most practical choice.The longer and looser cables willpack sooner in high-traffic areas.The most reasonably priced car-pets are the traditional “cutpiles.”

Always get the largest samplepossible from your dealer andremember that once your carpetis installed, it will generallyappear lighter than the sample.

Carpet cushion is anotherimportant consideration. Insiston a cushion that measures 8“pounds of density” and nomore than a half-inch thick.“Rebond rubber” cushion is thebest buy.

Last but not least, be surethat your carpet installers arecompetent and qualified. Ask thedealer for references.

Check the warranty informa-tion on the back of the carpetsample. Make sure you are get-ting at least a seven-year warran-ty on stain resistance, textureretention and abrasive wear.Always ask for your warrantyregistration card from the dealeras well.

Maintenance is important tolong carpet life. The single mostimportant thing that you can dofor your carpet is to vacuumoften. Be sure to keep the rotat-

ing bristles adjusted high enoughthat they just touch your carpetfibers. Spot clean religiously withmild, non-petroleum basedcleaner.

Manufactures warrantiesrequire you to have your carpetsprofessionally cleaned every 12-18 months using the steam orhot water extraction cleaningmethod. After two of thesecleanings, have the technicianretreat your carpet for stainresistance.

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When settlers first came tothis area, they were in searchof coal. They opened manymines and soon started a smalltown named Clayton.

The first building erected wasa tavern that was turned intothe Clayton Hotel by RomeroMauvais in 1858. The ClaytonHotel gave shelter to manyminers and travelers going toand from the Nortonville coalmines and neighboring majorcities such as Oakland and

Stockton.It underwent many name

and structural changes andsurvived two fires, one ofwhich was believed to haveoriginated within the hotel.

The hotel soon becameknown as a steakhouse,Chubby Humble’s Pioneer Inn.It was common for celebritiesto visit for the fine food anddining. A story states that in1970, three armed men inmasks robbed the inn by forc-

ing everyone inside to theground and made them giveup their valuables. At first, thediners thought that this was anew form of “Wild WestEntertainment.” Little did theyknow that they were beingrobbed by potentially danger-ous men.

Currently, the building has aone-story structure and servesas the offices of the ClaytonCommunity Church.

- Sarah Minter, CVHS senior

Clayton History From the Archives

Photo courtesy of the Clayton Historical Society

DramaMamafoundersadly leavesClaytonbehind

DramaMama, a non-profit,after-school program started 13years ago in the backyard ofPatti Pratt, is experiencing themost climactic moment in itshistory. Pratt, the founder andcreator, is moving to Texas.

From the first production of“Cats,” with kids making theirown tails as well as acting,DramaMama was a reflectionof its creator. “It was hand-crafted for our community,”Pratt says. “I had a vision, a bigone, and decided to go for it.”

The original vision involvedgiving high school and elemen-tary school students a chance toexperience theater while meld-ing children of different agesinto a cohesive group.DramaMama was an immediatesuccess.

Everyone got to participateand everyone got to “getmessy” – an activity Prattbelieves kids need in today’spush-to-be-first society.

“With other drama pro-grams, the goal is to make starsout of students,” says KathyGroebner, whose two daughtersparticipate in DramaMama.“Patti’s goal was to teach themself-esteem and that they canwork through things.”

Marena McGregor, a seniorat Clayton Valley High School,is living proof that inclusive-ness and mentoring are morethan just program buzzwords.“Patti believes in giving secondchances and has faith in kidsthat most other teachers havealready given up on,” she says.“Patti inspired me to want tocreate my own drama programone day.”

McGregor still volunteers inthe productions, passing alongthe flame lit years ago by Pratt.

In 2006, Pratt’s big visiongot bigger when middle schoolkids were added. GabriellaRowland came on board andDramaMama Productionsmoved from the backyard intoarea schools.

“To be honest, the districtwasn’t too open at first,” Prattsays, “but that just made usmore determined.” Enrollmentdoubled, school sites wereadded, dance classes formedand audiences packed the hous-es.

“She was a guide and ourkids the engineers,” saysSusanne Renner, the mother of

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During the Civil War, an ancestor ofConcord resident David Hotchkiss servedunder the command of Gen. William TecumsehSherman in the Union Army. In the 150 yearssince then, at least one member of his familyhas always had “Sherman” as a first or middlename.

That heritage carried over to male membersof the family serving in the military, andHotchkiss is no exception. He completed morethan 26 years in the Air Force and Army beforeentering the private sector 11 years ago. Thoseyears in service of his country have not leftHotchkiss’ mind and soul, leading this year tothe publication of “A Soldier’s Son” – a collec-tion of his poems about all branches of the mil-itary as well as American history and life.

Hotchkiss had written some poetry in highschool and did work in public affairs for the Air

Force, including writing for the base newspaper,but it was a trip to Arlington National Cemeteryin Washington, D.C., to visit his parents’ gravesthat inspired him to take up poetry again afterhe turned 50.

“I took a business trip to the Midwest in2005. When my work was done, I paid my wayto Washington, D.C. It was a very emotionaltime,” he recalls. “I was talking to my wife onthe phone, sharing some of my thoughts fromthe cemetery. I can’t tell you why, but I startedwriting down my feelings on napkins during thefive-hour flight back to San Francisco.”

From that time on, he’s continued to write.“I’m a Type A personality,” Hotchkiss adds toexplain how he jumps into something with bothfeet.

“A Visit to Arlington” in his book begins: “Ivisited my Mom and Dad today. The weatherwas fresh as if it were May. I remember the lasttime I stood here, although it has been many ayear.”

He has written poems on a variety of sub-jects beyond his military experiences, includingthe bombing of the World Trade Center, theIraq War, history of the Fort McHenry flag,Pearl Harbor and matters so American such asbackyard barbecues, Christmas, family reunionsand country fairs.

His oldest daughterKatherine, a nurse,brought her dad homean autographed copyof a “The GoldenYears are a Crock” byRichard Carter. “It washer way of encourag-ing me to publish mypoems,” Hotchkisssays. That was inJanuary of this year.

The former mili-tary man engaged in acampaign of which his

former commanding officers would have beenproud and on March 27 “A Soldier’s Son” wasoff the presses of Xlibris, a self-publishingprovider. The book is available on amazon.comand barnesandnoble.com. “We’ll soon havehard cover, paperback and e-books available onboth sites,” the proud author says.

The 56-year-old resident of Crystal Ranch ischief technology officer for the FremontUnited School District, enjoying life with hiswife of 35 years, Edith, his daughters Katherineand Kimberly and their five grandchildren.Grandson Ethan, Katherine’s youngest child, isphotographed on the cover of “A Soldier’sSon.”

Hotchkiss’ dad served in World War II andKorea, while his older brother Charles did atour of duty in Vietnam. After turning down anappointment to the U.S. Naval Academy atAnnapolis two weeks before he was to report,Hotchkiss ended up with a very low 1972 lot-tery number – 3 – and joined the Air Force onthe advice of his brother and dad “to get aneducation.” He became the youngest staff ser-geant in the Tactical Air Command.

He served four years in Hawaii and, whileworking at a part-time job off base, he met aco-worker who had come to Hawaii from hernative Philippines. “It took me three months toget her to accept my invitation for a date. Wewent to a fancy hotel where they had disco andjazz. Edith thought we were going to the disco,but I took her to the jazz club. I proposed thatnight and we’ve been married 35 years,”Hotchkiss says.

As for the education his brother and fatherencouraged him to get, Hotchkiss now has aPh.D. in business administration.

In 1980, he applied for an Army warrantofficer position. “One day I was wearing the AirForce blue and white stripes and the next day Iwas in Army green and bars.”

He was with the Army until his retirement in1999. His military service took him to Turkey,Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines andaround the United States. He spent 10 years inspecial operations in Panama, where he workedwith members of all branches of the military.He didn’t realize it then, but they all providedgrist for his poems.

His second position in civilian life broughtthe family to the Bay Area and they first settledin Concord near the Pavilion.

The title of the book comes from one of hispoems, which starts: “I am a soldier’s son, Myfather is also one. His father and his father too.They all fought for the red, white and blue.”

“A Soldier’s Son” is available on Amazon.com.

Military man’s poetry leadsto ‘A Soldier’s Son’

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

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Anderson sets league mark in prep for NCS swimming

Junior Derek Anderson set ameet record and was namedoutstanding boy swimmer at therecent Diablo Valley AthleticLeague meet at Diablo ValleyCollege. This Friday andSaturday, Anderson and hisClayton Valley Eagles team-mates will be facing the stiffestcompetition of the year at theNorth Coast Section swimmingand diving meet at ConcordCommunity Pool.

At the NCS meet, Clayton’sKristian Ipsen will be the over-whelming favorite for his thirdsuccessive NCS diving title rep-resenting the De La SalleSpartans.

Anderson set a DVAL meetrecord in the 100-yard back-stroke, the only league mark onthe boys side, with a time of53.22, two-tenths faster than theprevious mark. That is all themore impressive because swim-mers are no longer able to wearthe high-tech suits that weredeemed responsible for manyrecords at all levels of swim-ming over the past few years.The suits have been banned bythe national federation.

Besides his victory in the 100back, Anderson earlier won the200-yard freestyle in 1:45.37, 2½seconds ahead of his nearestrival. He’ll be swimming thesame two events he won atDVAL meet at NCS. After that,Anderson will be back with hisDana Hills Swim Team for the

summer recreation season.Sprinter Josh Harmon won

the 50 freestyle in 22.05 and wassecond in the 100.

On the girls side, Ashley

Jennings claimed the 100 backcrown at league meet in 59.41and she was third in the 200individual medley. AllysonHansen was second in the 200

free and third in the 100 free atDVALs.

As a team, the Eagles werethird at the league meet for bothboys and girls. The boys fin-

ished second behind Northgatein the dual meet season, losingonly to the league champs. CV’sgirls were third in the dual sea-son behind College Park and

Northgate, which also swept theleague meet in both genders.

In addition to Anderson,Harmon, Hansen and Jennings,three more Clayton swimmerswill compete at NCS in individ-ual events. Jake Reynolds (100butterfly), Colton Rogers (100fly) and Bailey Rogers (100 fly)posted qualifying marks.

Clayton Valley qualified allof its boys and girls relay teamsfor NCS, where it will be repre-sented by 14 swimmers. TheEagle relays include Anderson,Reynolds, Harmon and TommyButler in the 200 medley after asecond-place league showing;Harmon, Butler, Kevin Adamsand Anderson in the 200 freerelay; and Reynolds, Adams,Kenny Johnson and Rogers inthe 400 free. The girls relaysincluded Rogers, Jennings,Samantha Boeger and Hansenin 200 medley; Jennings, Boeger,Liz Tully and Hansen in 200free, and Rogers, Tully, OliviaChernyk and Jenna Stelzner inthe 400 free.

Other Clayton Valley swim-mers placing at the league meetwere Adams in 50 and 100 free,Butler in 50 free and 100 breast,Johnson in 100 back, Reynoldsin 100 fly breast, Ben Silverberg100 breast, Rogers in 100 fly andfree and Michael Fryer in 500free. From the girls team,Boeger in 50 and 100 free,Chernyk 200 IM, Rogers also in100 back, Stelzner 100 breastand free, Alexandra Vance 100breast, Tully 100 fly and free,and Cheyenne Colomb 500 free.

Photo by Scott Anderson

DEREK ANDERSON seeks to cap a fine junior season at Clayton Valley at the NCS swimming and diving championships.

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Track and field athletes must earn their laurels

More so than many othersports and athletic competi-tions, track and field affords awide variety of athletes anopportunity to compete.Whether their ability lies inspeed, strength, endurance orjumping, there are track racesand field event disciplines thatcan bring out the best in a crosssection of athletes.

The world’s greatest trackand field stars over the yearshave come in all sizes andshapes. Qualities they all mustpossess – like their brethren inother sports – are the desire andcommitment to be the best intheir craft. High school trackand field puts its participantsthrough a series of challenges toreach the pinnacle.

Clayton Valley High runners,jumpers, hurdlers, sprinters,

vaulters and throwers have afour-week marathon of eventsto reach the top of their sport.

Last week the Diablo ValleyAthletic League meet was host-ed at CVHS, this Saturday is theNorth Coast Section Tri-ValleyChampionships at GranadaHigh in Livermore and nextweekend is the NCS Meet ofChampions at Cal Berkeley. Thisall leads up to the CIF StateMeet in Clovis June 4-5.

Competitors have to main-tain a level of excellence to sur-vive and thrive in a sequencelike that. Eagle distance runnerNathanael Litwiller did just thata year ago, when he finishedthird in the 800 meters at theCIF state finals.

At the beginning of thespring season, coach LesGaraventa made it a goal tohave more athletes qualify forand go to the NCS Tri-Valleyand Meet of Champions than inpast years.

The top six finishers in eachDVAL league meet event go tothe Tri-Valley meet, along withathletes who previously metqualifying stands set at thebeginning of the year in eachevent. The same process is ineffect to reach the Meet ofChampions, with the top sevenfrom the Tri-Valley meet plusathletes who attained the timeand distance standards duringthe season competing at MOC.

Demonstrating how unfor-giving the watch and tape meas-ure can be is the case of LaurenWells. Last year as a junior, shewas MVP of the DVAL andwon the league 100 and 200meter sprints, long jump andanchored the winning 4X100meter relay for the Eagles. Thisyear, freshman Janelle Bandayrelhas taken over as the team’s topsprinter and relay anchor. Thefrosh sensation has not lost a100-meter race and lost onlyonce at 200 meters this season

and has also won the long jumpin three meets.

Adding Bandayrel to the mixwith Wells has made for an out-standing 4x100 relay team, withsophomore Felicia Huddlestonand senior Madreya Burtonrounding out the quartet.Sophomore Victoria Darrow isas the alternate.

The CVHS girls went unde-feated in league competition forthe second year in a row, whilethe boys were 4-2 in dual meetsagainst DVAL schools.

The Eagles girls dual meetchamps have several other topperformers, including Alex Tatein the 1600M and 3200M dis-tance runs, high jumper MollyKommer, Burton in the 200 andlong jump, Huddleston andDarrow in the sprints and longjump, and Darrow and MelissaDel Bene in the 400M and800M. Sophomore Tate and

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Photo by Mike Dunn

SENIOR LAUREN WELLS (LEFT) AND FRESHMAN JANELLE BANDAYREL

have dominated the 100 and 200 meters in the DVAL overthe past two seasons. Wells was league MVP a year ago andnow the upstart Bandayrel has come on this spring to grabthe #1 spot for Clayton Valley High. The two sprinters are halfof the Eagles 4x100 relay team which hopes to advancethrough the league, North Coast and State meets. See Track, page 13

The MDSA Mud Dogs werechampions of the under 14 boysdivision of the Pacifica FogClassic soccer tournament May1-2.

The team, coached byClayton residents Andy Rosenand Robert Helena, capped astrong weekend of play bydefeating the MV-LA Strikers 3-

2. Ryan Dudley and Jordan Tatestaked the Mud Dogs to a 2-0half-time lead and Dalton Heinzprovided what would prove tobe the winning goal in a thrillingfinish Sunday.

On Saturday, Kyle Metz pro-vided all of the offense in a 1-0victory over Palo Alto and a 2-0win over local rival PleasantHill. On Sunday morning, Metz,Dudley and Heinz combinedwith Josh Rosen to score in a 6-

0 victory over Foster Citybefore the exciting champi-onship game in the afternoon.

The team’s strong showingwas the result of unselfish playall around, including midfieldersSergio Avila and Ricky Helena,defenders David Wali,Kenderson Garcia, ColeHermeston, Brad Antonson andgoalkeepers Chandler Wakefieldand Shane Mann.


Clayton Sports HHeellpp tthhee PPiioonneeeerr ccoovveerr tthhee llooccaall ssppoorrttss sscceennee.. Sendcompetition results, story ideas, announcements, sportsshorts, etc. to [email protected]. Please attach ahigh-resolution photo whenever available.

Sports ShortsDANA HILLS HOSTS PIRATE EVENT

The swim team is having its Pirate Event at 6 p.m. Friday, May21, at the Dana Hills pool. Swimmers will meet their buddy and havegreat adventures.

Pirate ships will be departing the dock promptly at 6 o’clock.There are treasures to be had and a stolen princess to save!Costumes are encouraged. The best dressed Pirate family will win aprize of Vintage Gold.

This is an all-team event. For more information, call Stacie at381-2028 or Marlene 363-9300.

MDUSD STUDENTS JOIN MILLENNIUM MILEAthletes from Mt. Diablo and Ayers elementary schools will be

taking part in the 10th annual Millennium Mile for Mt. DiabloUnified School District students Saturday, May 22, at Ygnacio ValleyHigh School. The first mile race begins at 8 a.m.

Representing Mt. Diablo are fifth graders Brad Morucci andMolly Fitzsimmons and fourth graders Niklas Weigelt and KellyOsterkamp. Ayers runners are Michael Cox and Natalie Ruzickafrom fifth grade and Doug Olson and Amanda Zodikoff fromfourth.

MT. DIABLO SOCCER FINAL FALL REGISTRATIONMt. Diablo Soccer AYSO Region 223 will hold the final registra-

tion for its 30th fall season 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, at Skipolini’sPizza in downtown Clayton. MDSA, the area’s largest youth sportsorganization where everyone plays, is for girls and boys 5-18.

Fall season begins with practices in August, followed by gamesthrough the season-ending Mt. Diablo World Cup in October forU10, U12 and U14 age groups.

For more information, visit mdsoccer.org.

EAGLES SET SUMMER BASEBALL ACADEMYDefending North Coast Section champion Clayton Valley High

Eagles coaches and players will present the annual Summer BaseballCamp June 15-July 1 at the Concord school. The program is forboys and girls 7-15, from beginners to advanced players.

Current college players and student coaches from Clayton Valleyprovide positive role models and give hands-on instruction.

For more information, call 682-7474 ext. 3115 or visit eaglebase-ballacademy.com.

CLAYTON VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPThe 10th annual camp runs 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 21-25 at

Gonsalves Stadium on the Clayton Valley High School campus. It isfor boys entering fifth-ninth grades.

Head football coach Herc Pardi and his staff provide fundamen-tal instruction and competition. There is a trainer on site. Each par-ticipant gets a camp shirt and a written evaluation. Cost is $125, plusa refundable $75 equipment fee.

For more information, call 682-7474 ext. 3115, press 5, or pick upa brochure at the CVHS front office. Deadline to apply is June 9.

DIABLO FUTBOL PRE-SEASON SOCCER CAMP

Diablo Futbol Club professional coaches will present the firstMDSA Pre-season Camp for AYSO players getting ready for fallsoccer league the week of Aug. 9-13. The 9 a.m.-noon sessions willconcentrate on a single skill each day. The camp is at the BoatwrightSports Complex in Concord.

For more information, visit diablofc.org.

925.689.4631925.689.4631

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MDSA Mud Dogs U14 boyschamps at Pacifica tourney

THE MUD DOGS SHOW OFF THEIR FIRST-PLACE MEDALS. Front row from left, Jordan Tate, Kyle Metz,Ryan Dudley, David Wali and Josh Rosen. Back row from left, coach Robert Helena, ShaneMann, Chandler Wakefield, Brad Antonson, Sergio Avila, Dalton Heinz, Cole Hermeston, RickyHelena, Kenderson Garcia and coach Andy Rosen.

SARAH ROSEN

Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Valley baseball wins close onesto fuel DVAL, NCS aspirations

Clayton Valley High Schoolexorcised a spat of near missesby winning the North CoastSection baseball championship ayear ago, and it was the offenseof coach Bob Ralston’s teamwhich proved the key as theEagles had an incredible teambatting average over .400.

This year’s squad is prepar-ing to find out who it will play inNCS playoffs as the pairings willbe determined Sunday, withplayoffs next Tuesday andWednesday. Rather than slug-ging their way into this year’sNCS party, the Eagles have hadto rely on pitching and defenseto earn themselves a repeatDiablo Valley Athletic Leaguechampionship and a high seedin NCS, where they will be partof a 16-team field looking forthe year-end glory in Division IIthat the Eagles enjoyed in 2009.

“Winning close gamesshows the players believe inthemselves,” says Ralston, afternoting that half their wins havebeen by one or two runs andonly one loss in a one-run game.“Pitching and defense have def-initely been our signatures thisyear.”

The team won 17 of its first21 games with only one leaguedefeat and were near or at thetop of Bay Area High Schoolbaseball pools throughout theseason.

The first three batters in theClayton Valley batting orderhave played big roles all seasonas the only returning starters forthe league and section titlists.Junior right-handed pitcherChaz Meadows has followed upon his storybook sophomoreseason, when he won everygame on the mound for theEagles in the NCS playoffs, withexcellent pitching and timelyhitting at the plate. The diminu-tive Meadows won his first ninedecisions as a pitcher this seasonand was hitting .420 going intothe final week of the season.“He pitches likes he’s 6-3,” hisadmiring coach says.

Third baseman JohnnyBekakis is the team’s leadoff hit-ter and is batting in the high.300s. His senior classmate onthe left side of the infield, short-stop Cody Stephens, has hadequal success at the plate whilebatting third with Meadowsbetween them in the order.When Meadows isn’t pitching,he’s at second base.

This top of the order “hasbeen very successful,”Ralston says with understate-ment. “They’ve shown abilityin the field, good defenseand, most importantly, lead-

ership qualities.”He says all three “represent

the Clayton Valley High baseballprogram” in a strong fashion.

The suspension of PeterStoiber late in the season forcedRalston and pitching coachHerc Pardi to adjust their pitch-ing rotation. Newcomer sopho-more Domenic Mazza is a left-hander who joined rightiesSalomon Cazares and RodrigoMorales behind Meadows in thepitching rotation. Mazza didn’tplay baseball last spring as hewas an all-DVAL golfer as a

freshman. But he decided to putdown his clubs for a bat andglove this year.

The outfield is all new fromthe NCS champs of a seasonago. Christian Kaplan in left-field, Jordan Burger in centerand Morales in right have donea good job. Jeff Doran com-pletes the Eagles infield at firstbase. Dan Hogan takes over thesecond base duties whenMeadows pitches.

Juniors Darrian Matthewsand Brandyn Vandal handle thepitching staff behind the plate.

Photo by Mike Dunn

CLAYTON RESIDENT JEREMY

MCKILLIP has been a main-stay on the Eagles trackteam this year running inboth hurdle events for coachLes Garaventa’s squad.

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Pioneer

Photo by Mike Dunn

BOB RALSTON is in his second year of his second stint ascoach of the Clayton Valley High School baseball team.Ralston, also a teacher at the school, guided the Eaglesto a NCS tile in his return to the CVHS dugout lastspring. He watches the swing of senior standout short-stop Cody Stephens at a recent practice session.Track,

from page 12

Del Bene were key performerson the CVHS cross countrysquad last fall, with Tate win-ning the DVAL championship.

New to the girls squad thisyear and contributing to theteam’s success were middle dis-tance runner JasmineBandayrel, Nicole Simms in theshot put and discus and GinaDel Bene in the 400M and800M.

Hurdlers Jeremy McKillipand Ryan Fazzi (110M highhurdles and 300M intermediate)and sprinter Tino Abon led theway for returning boys to theEagles squad. They’ve beenjoined by newcomers FloydWilliams in the long jump, shotputter Rudy Ellison andBrenden Eddy, who has anunusual double of high jumpand discus.

Garaventa calls his coachingstaff the “best in the area” andcredits them for their dedica-tion to the team’s success.Monty Consani, HowardJanssen, Deborah Osteen,Jeremiah Niel, Darren Newell,Michelle Howisey, Randy Boneand Dan Sullivan work withathletes in their individual spe-cialties, overseen by Garaventa.He has been the head coach thepast four years, after spendingthe previous four years as anassistant on the staff at his almamater.

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ssaaww tthheemm iinn tthhee CCllaayyttoonn PPiioonneeeerr


Clayton Community CalendarPLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MAY 31 FOR THE JUNE 11 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO [email protected]

CLAYTON EVENTSSaturdays through OctoberFarmers Market8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main andCenter, downtown Clayton. No markets July 3, Sept. 4 and Oct.2. pcfma.com or 800-949-3276.

May 22; June 5, 19Concerts in the GroveMay 22: Mamaluke, classic rock dance band; mamaluke.com.June 5: Littledog2, classic rock/adult alternative party band; lit-tledog2.net. June 19: Mixed Nuts, dance music; mixednuts-band.com. 6 p.m., Grove Park, downtown Clayton.

May 22“Back to the Eighties”A nostalgic musical from Drama Mama Productions students atDiablo View Middle School. 7 p.m., DVMS multi-use room, 300Diablo View Lane, Clayton. Contact Micki at 787-3183.

May 31Memorial Day ProgramHosted by VFW Post 1525. 10 a.m.-noon, downtown Claytonflagpole. Contact Ming at 672-4911 or Pete at 682-6533.

June 5Clayton Dog Park Anniversary PartyMarking 10 years of the park, plus grand opening for the smalldog area. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Marsh Creek Road, across fromDiablo View Middle School. claytondogpark.com.

ENTERTAINMENTMay 21-23“Mulan Jr.”The Youth Theatre Company production features Giovy Webbof Clayton as Mulan. 7 p.m. May 21, 2 and 7 p.m. May 22 and2 p.m. May 23. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd.,Walnut Creek. $15-$17. 943-SHOW or lesherartscenter.org.

May 23Kenn Adams’ Adventure TheaterAn innovative theatrical experience for kids and teens wherethe audience helps create the show. 1 and 4 p.m., Under theSun Studios, 2956 Treat Blvd., Suite B, Concord. $12. ken-nadamsadventuretheater.com or 408-8540.

May 23, 26TapestryThe Bay Area’s only vocal and handbell ensemble, presents“Shall We Dance?” 4 p.m. May 23, Walnut Creek UnitedMethodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave. 7:30 p.m. May 26,Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave., Livermore.Free-will donations for FESCO and the Food Pantry. ContactCindy at 672-7751.

Through May 23“Betty’s Summer Vacation”A serio-comedy collaboration of Diablo Valley College studentsand faculty. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays,321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill. $10- $17. No one under 17admitted without consent. 687-4445.

May 23Diablo Women’s Chorale Spring ConcertFeaturing Pergolesi, Mendelssohn and Gershwin. 3 p.m., TrinityLutheran Church, 2317 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek. $10-$12. Reception follows concert. Proceeds benefit the Mt. DiabloMusic Education Foundation. diablowomenschorale.org.

Through June 6“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”Willows Theatre Company presents the award-winning musicalfeaturing the “Peanuts” gang. Willows Cabaret, 636 Ward St,Martinez. $22-$32. 798-1300 or willowstheatre.org.

June 11-26“Godspell”Contra Costa Christian Theatre presents the musical based onthe Gospel According to St. Matthew. Dell Valle Theatre, 1963Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $18, with group, student andsenior discounts. 943-SHOW or ccchristiantheatre.org.

June 21-Aug. 1“Avenue Q”The Willows Theatre presents an adult-oriented musical featur-ing puppets and live actors, based on “Sesame Street.”Campbell Theatre, 626 Ward St., June 21-Aug. 1. willowsthe-ater.org or 798-1300.

Through June 26“The Noel Coward Celebration”The Bay Area premiere of an evening of song and sparklingrepartee. Center REPertory Company, 1601 Civic Dr., WalnutCreek. $18-$45. CenterREP.org or 943-7469.

Through Sept. 16Music and Market SeriesConcerts at noon Tuesdays through June 29, 6:30 p.m.Tuesdays July 6-Aug. 3 and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sept.16, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Also, Elvis tribute2 p.m. Mother’s Day, May 9, and Motown music Father’s Day,June 20. ci.concord.ca.us or 671-3464.

FUNDRAISERSMay 21-23Clayton Valley High School Music BoostersJamba Juice in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center will donate20 percent of purchases May 21-23. Print flier at clayton-bands.org. Instrumental music students will host a carwash 9a.m.-3 p.m. May 22, Mountain Mike’s, 5358 Clayton Road,Concord. $10.

May 22, 29; June 5Blue Star Moms Drive for the TroopsThe group will be collecting items for care packages for a July4 mailing to our troops overseas. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 22 andJune 5, Wal-Mart, 1021 Arnold Dr., Martinez. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.May 29, Pittsburg Farmers Market, 515 Railroad Avenue.Donations most needed are tuna/chicken salad kits, small beefjerky and pop tarts. See ccbluestarmoms.org for other neededitems. Checks for postage of $12.50 per box may be sent toContra Costa Blue Star Moms, P.O. Box 6379, Concord CA94524.

June 5Tip-A-CopProceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Northern California.5-9 p.m., Ed’s Mudville Grill, 6200 Center St., Clayton 673-0333.

AT THE LIBRARYThe Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Most programsare free. 673-0659 or claytonlibrary.org.

June 5-6Summer Reading FestivalThe county library kicks off Summer Reading with free eventsaround the county. Captain Jack Spareribs will offer piratehumor, juggling and a talking monkey, 4 p.m. June 5, ClaytonLibrary. Writer Dave Eggers will appear 1 p.m. June 6, LesherCenter for the Arts, Walnut Creek. 943-SHOW or lesherarts-center.org. For more on Summer Reading, visitguides.ccclib.org/srf.

June 16Writers’ Workshop“Sand, Sea and Suspense,” an interactive writing afternoon ledby children’s authors Sarah Wilson and Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff. For grades 6-12. 3-5 p.m. Registration requested.

June 16Personal Finances 101David Green, president and CEO of the Contra Costa FederalCredit Union, presents experts who will introduce tools to helpput your finances in order. 7 p.m.

June 23“Name That Tune”For grades 6-12. 4-5 p.m.

June 26Prenatal YogaCandice Garrett talks about yoga, pregnancy, birth and herbook, “Prenatal Yoga: Finding Movement in Fullness.” 2 p.m.RSVP for a 2:30 p.m. demonstration on breath awareness andyoga. Bring your own mat. alturl.com/mdw2 or ccclib.org/pro-grams/index.html.

MEETINGSMay 25; June 8, 22Clayton Planning Commission7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

May 25; June 15, 22Mt. Diablo Unified School District7:30 p.m., 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord. mdusd.org.

June 1, 15Clayton City Council7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

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

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

Clayton Valley Woman’s ClubMeets 9:30 a.m. for coffee, 10 a.m. meetings, second andfourth Tuesdays of the month, Holy Cross Lutheran Church,1090 Alberta Way, Concord. Call Joan at 672-2471.

Clutch Busters Square Dance ClubMeets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Mt. Diablo Women’s Club, 1700Farm Bureau Road, Concord. Contact Dorothy at 754-8117.

Concord Stompers Square Dance ClubMeets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Mt. Diablo Women’s Club, 1700Farm Bureau Road, Concord. Call Jennie at 672-9676 orangelfire.com/id/stompers.

Contra Costa Chess ClubMeets 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Starbuck’s, 1536 Kirker PassRoad, Clayton. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome.Contact Mike at 639-1987 or uschess.org.

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

Creekside Artists GuildMeets 7-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month,Clayton Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. Allartforms and both emerging and experienced artists welcome.Contact Arlene at 673-9777 or [email protected].

Diablo Valley Democratic ClubMeets 7-9 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month, YgnacioValley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road., Walnut Creek. 946-0469 or dvdems.org.

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

East Bay Prospectors ClubMeets 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month, Gold PanCalifornia, 1021 Detroit Ave., Unit D, Concord. Clayton resi-dent Doug Junghans is president. eastbaygpaa.webs.com or672-1863.

Knights Of Columbus, Concord Council 6038Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month, except holi-days, Cauchi Hall, St. Agnes Catholic Church, 3966 ChestnutSt, Concord. Contact George at 685-9547 or visitkofc6038.org.

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

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

Sons In Retirement (SIRs)Meets 11:15 a.m. the first Thursday of the month, Crown PlazaHotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord. The chapter no longermeets at Oakhurst Country Club. 429-3777.

Soroptimist International of Diablo VistaMeets 12:15 p.m. the first, second and third Wednesdays of themonth, September-June, Sizzler, 1353 Willow Pass Road,Concord. Clayton resident Sue Manning is president. 672-2727.

Widows/WidowersMeets for dinner, brunch, theater, etc. This is not a dating serv-ice nor is it a grieving class - just a way to meet other people.Contact Lori at 998-8844 or [email protected].

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

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Many people think trainingis just for the ill-behaved hound.However, training is a great wayto improve your relationshipwith your dog.

It builds and maintains adog’s skills, exercises his brainpower and improves communi-cation between dog and handler.With the right motivation, dogsof all ages have the ability tolearn and benefit from newtricks.

To get the most out of train-ing, the experience should beenjoyable. Did you ever have ateacher or coach who berated

students or yelled? No one canlearn like that. The same appliesto dogs; they learn primarily byassociation. Connecting learn-ing with an unpleasant experi-ence lessens their enthusiasmabout training.

When dogs discover thattraining leads to fun andrewards, they become eager tolearn and offer new behaviorsfreely. Remember to have fun,and you will build trust withyour dog while making him anenthusiastic student.

That’s not to say training iseasy. It can be mentally exhaust-ing for both you and your dog.Communication is the most dif-ficult part. Humans and caninesspeak different languages, andpeople frequently ask their dogsto do very un-doglike things,

such as shaking or heeling. Werely mostly on verbal communi-cation, whereas dogs are expertsat reading body language.

Our brains get exercise try-ing to break down a behaviorinto components dogs canunderstand; dog brains get aworkout trying to understandwhat we want them to do. Whenthe trick is accomplished, how-ever, both you and your dog willshare the satisfaction ofachievement.

The better we get at commu-nication, the quicker our dogslearn. We can lure, shape or cap-ture the behavior we want andthen provide feedback, reward-ing a job well done or re-teach-ing when our goal is not clear.Our dogs communicate with usas well, perking their ears when

they are paying attention, panti-ng when they are stressed ordropping their ears back whenthey are puzzled by ourrequests.

But communication isn’tlimited to the trick. Be on thelookout for signs of frustrationin both yourself and your dog.When dogs yawn or turn theirhead away during training, it’slikely due to stress, not boredomor sleepiness. Keep training ses-sions to about five minutes long,a couple of times each day, tolimit frustration. End on a suc-cessful note, even if it meansgoing back to something as sim-ple as “sit” to keep the experi-ence positive.

Classes offer an opportunityto learn something new as ateam and spend quality timewith your furry friend. A goodinstructor will improve how youcommunicate with your dog,providing an extra set of eyes tomake sure that what you areteaching your dog is what youwant him to learn. Classes willalso allow your dog to see otherdogs in an environment he asso-ciates with pleasant experiences.

The Animal RescueFoundation offers a variety oftraining classes through ARF U.Visit arf.net or call 296-3111 formore information.

Training increases respon-siveness through better commu-nication and trust. By workingwith your dog, you can create abetter-behaved friend, strength-en your bond and develop anunderstanding that enrichesboth your lives at any age.

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

Hard to believe it’s been 70years since the Clayton dog parkopened. Of course, that’s count-ing in “dog years.”

To mark the occasion, theClayton K-9 Coalition is hostinga 10th anniversary party as wellas a grand opening for the newsmall dog area on Saturday, June5. The 10 a.m.-2 p.m. event willinclude a raffle as well as anopportunity to sign up forescrip to help with park mainte-nance.

According to K-9 Coalitiontreasurer Sherry Guthrie, thegroup needs funds to add awater line for the small dog area,along with paying for woodchips and twice yearly sprays forweed and pest control.

“We are also hoping to beable to get some more playequipment for the animals,” shenotes. “More things for the dogsto do, rather than just wander

around, creates less aggressionfor the dogs.”

After “inheriting” a puggle-cavalier King Charles mix from

her son, Guthrie had been tak-ing Charlie to Newhall Park inConcord but found that someof the dogs were too aggressive.

“I came upon the Clayton park,and I didn’t even know it wasthere,” she says. “The dogs areall really nice at this dog park,and the people I’ve come acrossare respectful of others.”

Clayton resident DeniseCoyne has also been pleasedwith the doggie interactions atthe park. She and her husbandhaving been bringing their gold-en retriever, Daisy, there for thelast few years.

“I’ve made great friends. It’sa good place to take the dog, ofcourse, but I think it’s even bet-ter for the people,” she says witha laugh.

The city-owned park openedoff Marsh Creek Road in 2000,after a 1995 survey found 61percent support for an off-leashpark. The city agreed to installfencing, benches, a table andwaste receptacles. Local resi-dents established the Clayton K-9 Coalition to raise funds to

Lulu is the epitome of theword “companion”. She’s brightand affectionate and hopes tofind adopters who’ll enjoy hercompany as much as she’ll enjoytheirs! Like all dogs, it’ll beimportant that she get regularopportunities for both mentaland physical exercise on a dailybasis. Attending training classeswill be a great way for her tolearn new skills and show offones she already knows.

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

Lucy is a darling little girlthat is looking for a quiet home.She will need a little time to getused to her new home, as she isshy but sweet. Once Lucy is set-tled in, she will become yourconstant companion. Lucy mustbe an indoor only cat.

Lucy is diabetic and willrequire a daily injection. Heradoption fee has been pre-paidby a generous sponsor.

Meet your forever friend atTony La Russa’s Animal RescueFoundation, 2890 MitchellDrive, Walnut Creek, during

adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m.Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Theprimary caretaker must be pres-ent to adopt. ARF also encour-ages kids 16 and younger andcanine family members (dogadoptions only) to be presentduring the adoption process.

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


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“COLE” TAKES A BREATHER FROM PLAY at the Clayton Dog Park. ThePark is the center of canine social life in town and is celebrat-ing its 10th anniversary.

BEV BRITTON

Clayton Pioneer

Dog park celebrates 10 years ofenthusiastic community support

See Dog Park, page 16

The Clayton Valley Woman’sClub Donation Luncheon onMay 11 honored Clayton andConcord’s historical societies, theClayton Community LibraryFoundation and scholarship win-ner Joshua Tan.

Kay Massone, past presidentof the Concord HistoricalSociety, said the CVWC donationwill help support the group’s newagreement with the city ofConcord for the Galindo Houseproperty, which will be ready foran event this December.

According to Ted Meriam,president of the ClaytonHistorical Society, CVWC is rec-ognized throughout the commu-nity as “vibrant and strong” forproviding financial contributionsand volunteer support.

Accepting for CCLF wereself-dubbed co-founding “moth-ers,” president Joyce Atkinsonand Jeanne Boyd, and seniorlibrarian Karen Hansen-Smith.The library celebrated its 15thbirthday, and the foundation’sbook sale last month brought in$10,000. With Clayton Booksclosing this month, patrons areencouraged to drive “just a littlebit farther down the road” anddrop off book donations duringlibrary hours.

Scholarship recipient Tan, asenior at Clayton Valley HighSchool, heads to UC Davis thisfall to study managerial econom-ics with a goal to work in businessmanagement.

“I plan to return to Manila tonot only start a business, but tofind ways to combat the povertythat I saw so much of,” Tan said.

“(My family) returned toManila when I was in the secondgrade and I was exposed to thetrue poverty in the world thatdoesn’t exist in the U.S. I was toldto simply look away; that therewas no way to help the masses,”he wrote in an essay to theCVWC scholarship program.

“I will use my American edu-cation to start a successful busi-ness and gain capital … to startseveral non-profit organizationsthat fight poverty in this extreme-ly poor country,” Tan said.

CVWC’s endeavors concen-trate on international educationand conservation, explains presi-dent Kathy Hester. Tan’s goalsand extracurricular activities,including track and field and theContra Costa Chinese School,establish a broad foundation foreducation and diversity, Hestersaid.

“Many of us are delightedthat you chose UC Davis. Manyof our children went there,”Hester added.

“Many of us went there!”interjected several CVWC mem-bers.

CVWC meets 10 a.m. on the sec-

ond and fourth Tuesdays of the monthat Holy Cross Lutheran Church,1092 Alberta Way, Concord. Thegroup only meets the second Tuesday inJune and Dec. For information, call672-1163.


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Joanne Parsonage spearhead-ed the drive and worked diligent-ly with the City Council to devel-op the park. Other longtime vol-unteers are Linda Pinder, Carleneand Gil Visperas, Troy Lee,Peggy Eyres, Micki McCabe-Walls and Mary Buscaglia.

“Also as part of the anniver-sary celebration, we want tothank the original board mem-bers because without them thispark probably wouldn’t havecome about,” says Guthrie, whojoined the K-9 Coalition boardearlier this year.

Jacob Baldree and BrettNebekerr contributed the newsmall dog area as an Eagle Scoutproject last fall. Jacob and hiscrew built an arbor, while Brettand company constructed thefence and gates. In 2005, ScoutTrenton Wright created a shadestructure over the picnic table inthe original area.

Buscaglia also credits JohnBurgh for keeping the park inpristine condition. “He has beeninvaluable to us in maintainingthe park any type of repairswith the water line, signage,painting, etc. over the past fewyears,” she says.

“The main thing is that thepeople have to maintain thepark,” Buscaglia adds. “The citywas very kind to donate thefencing and the land, but dona-tions are needed to keep itgoing.”

The dog park is adjacent toMarsh Creek Road, across fromDiablo View Middle School. Hoursare sunrise to sunset. To donate to theK-9 Coalition or find out more aboutthe park, visit claytondogpark.com.

Dog Park, from page 15

Church News

Club News

Community leaders gatheredfor breakfast at Centre Concordon May 6 in observance of theNational Day of Prayer to honorfirefighters, paramedics, policeand other first responders toemergencies.

Guest speakers included fire-fighter David Manzeck andmountain lion attack survivorAnne Hjelle.

Manzeck was instrumental inthe rescue of 74-year-old JanetHogan from the Walnut CreekFlood Channel on April 11. Mrs.Hogan was the sole survivor of acrash that took the lives of herson and husband.

Hjelle seriously injured whena mountain lion attacked herwhile she was mountain biking inSouthern California.

The breakfast was sponsoredby Clayton Community Church,Clayton Valley PresbyterianChurch, St. John’s EpiscopalChurch and St. Bonaventure’sCatholic Church and BaySummit Church.

Pictured from left are St.Bonaventure’s Christa Fairfield,Supervisor Susan Bonilla, CVPresbyterian pastor Gail

Doering, St. John’s pastor PeterChampion, Bay Summit Churchpastor Scott Purkey and ClaytonCommunity Church pastorShawn Robinson, St.Bonaventure’s pastor RichardMangini, Linda Manzeck, JanetHogan, David Manzeck andAnne Hjelle.

CLAYTON VALLEY

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The 9 a.m. adult Sundayschool class is on hiatus untilJune 6. At that time, the groupwill resume the current topic ofstudy, “The New Testament: ItsHistory and How it Came to beWritten.” Everyone is invited tothe lively and thought-provok-ing discussions in the Sacristyroom of the Sanctuary building.

Clayton Valley PresbyterianChurch is at 1578 Kirker PassRoad. Clayton. For more informa-tion, call 672-4848.

Kathy Hester, President CVWC, Jeanne Boyd, co-founderCCLF, and Karen Hansen-Smith, CCC Senior CommunityLibrary Manager, enjoy CCLF President Joyce Atkinson’sacceptance of CVWC donation at a luncheon on May 11.

CLAYTON VALLEY

WOMAN’S CLUB

On April 17, the club hostedits 5th annual Festival of Tablesand Fashion Show. More than160 people attended the event,coordinated by Merle Whitburnand her committee.

Following lunch, GoodwillBags presented a fashion showof authentic vintage wardrobeaccompanied by piano music tofit the era. Clothing presentedwas from the mid-1800s to mid-1900s, with expert descriptionsfrom the commentator.

All proceeds benefit clubprojects, which include theConcord and Clayton historicalsocieties and the ClaytonCommunity Library, as well asscholarships for Clayton ValleyHigh School graduates anddonations of time and money toother community organizations.

National Prayer Day honors first responders

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Giovy Webb is a power hitter,whether it’s on the stage with theYouth Theatre Company (YTC)or on the field as pitcher andclean-up hitter with the Sorcerers,her championship fast-pitch soft-ball team.

The 12-year-old Clayton resi-dent attends Diablo View MiddleSchool, where she maintains a 4.0grade point average, loves mathand reading and has just complet-ed a successful campaign for sev-enth-grade student body presi-dent. Recovering from a weekendtourney and six undefeatedgames to win the championship,Webb sounds bright and bold at 7a.m. on a Monday morning. She’salso in rehearsals for “Mulan Jr.,”having landed the title role in theYTC production.

“This is my first leading char-acter,” she says. “It’s challengingbecause a lot of times, the spot-light is on me.”

As Fa Mulan, the braveChinese girl who broke with tra-dition to bring honor to her fam-ily, Webb focuses her consider-able energy. “I take a deep breathand remind myself that most ofthe time in the theater they say, ‘Ifyou mess up, mess up big!’ ”

There’s little chance of that,according to Nina Meehan, direc-tor of “Mulan” and the JuniorTheatre director at YTC. Shedescribes Webb as “dedicated,sophisticated, effortless and a

team player.”Rachel Pergamit, YTC’s pro-

duction coordinator, echoesMeehan’s description. “I remem-ber thinking during her audition,‘Where has this girl been hiding?’”

Both praise her ability to takedirection and her quiet leadershipskills.

It all started for Webb withsinging in church, says her moth-er, Sandra. “We heard her voicedevelop and watched her interestgrow from there.”

A fifth-grade experiencefanned Webb’s theatrical flames.“We had people come in andshow what different classes werelike in art, music and drama,”Webb recalls. Her interest piqued,she was disappointed to learn thatmiddle school didn’t offer thecourses. But YTC did, and shejoined the summer theater pro-gram in 2009.

“It’s like a big family,” Webbsays. “Even though we just met ayear ago, I feel so welcome.”

The youth group, a part ofCivic Arts Education in WalnutCreek, has been in existence formore than 30 years. They offerfour levels of programming, MiniKids though Teen Theatre. Theprofessional staff teaches about500 students.

The expanding enrollmentspeaks volumes about the recentcuts to arts in schools. “We offertheater to kids who desperatelyneed a creative outlet,” Pergamitsays.

YTC performs every twoyears in national competitionsoften receiving top honors – andWebb hopes to participate. In themeantime, the youngsinger/actor remains dialed to“on” 24/7 and plans to make truethe well-worn adage, “art imitateslife,” bringing honor to her fami-ly in “Mulan Jr.”

“Mulan Jr.” plays 7 p.m. May21, 2 and 7 p.m. May 22 and 2 p.m.May 23 at the Del Valle Theatre,1963 Tice Valley Blvd., WalnutCreek. Tickets are $15-$17. Formore information, call 943-SHOWor lesherartscenter.org.


Veronica and Max.“At DramaMama, we can be

ourselves and no one teases us ifwe make a mistake,” notes 11-year-old Savanha Groebner. “It’sgreat to work with the highschool kids, because they encour-age us and show us that it is OKto have fun.”

Kathy Groebner struggles forwords to describe the impactPratt and her family have had onthe Clayton community. “Theytake these kids and give them thedesire to be a caring community,”she says.

Pratt is alternately objectiveand emotional about her depar-ture and is looking to people likeRowland and Groebner to keepthe program stable.

“This year has been so specialbecause I have the young kids, Ihave the mentoring program andI have employment for graduatesof DramaMama,” Pratt says.

Suddenly, she’s too choked upto complete whole sentences butmanages “like a family” and “…won’t ever really leave.”

Finally, practicing the breath-ing exercises she teaches the stu-dents to calm their stage fears, shesums up her legacy. “It’s impor-tant to me that it continues as itwas created. It’s not about makingsuperstars, it’s about making com-munity ties for these kids.”

Get ready for gushing,because there’s a lot to like in theWillows Theatre Company’smusical “You’re a Good Man,Charlie Brown.”

Brimming with talent, thecast, director Christine Marshalland musical director KimVetterli make audiences love the“Peanuts” gang all the more.

Marshall sets the scene per-fectly. The small stage is pumpedwith vibrant color and framed byfamiliar renderings of each char-acter. Iconic fixtures – a desk, adoghouse, a bench – are placedto greatest advantage, establish-ing time, place and even mood.

Add to that RobertAnderson’s ingenious lightingdesign and costume designerJulie Liu’s bold, but simple choic-es, and the production leapsfrom average to exceptional

before a single word is spoken orsung.

The production, based on thebook, music and lyrics of ClarkGesner, portrays a day in the lifeof Charlie Brown. Pepperedwith easy laughs and deliciouslychild-centric, it’s still a treat foradults in the audience. Marshalldeserves recognition for striking

just the right balance of sillyhumor (rabbit chasing, over-sized sandwiches) and pathos(yearning for red-haired com-panionship, relying on a blanketfor security).

The capable cast is clearlyinspired by the material and thestrong direction. As CharlieBrown, Eric Inman is convinc-

ingly earnest and gullible. JennyAngell’s Sally has surprising kick.Like hot peppers, her lines hitthe air lightly, then burn with lin-gering ferocity. Catherine Gloria(Lucy) and Sean Fenton (Linus)play the sister-brother game withfinesse and match our expecta-tions of loud and lovable,respectively. Trevor Moppin’sSchroeder is less grumpy thanhis comic strip character, and adarker portrayal might provide astronger counterbalance to theboisterous cast.

As Snoopy, Michael ScottWells wins the blue ribbon forboundless energy as he springsfrom his dog house roof, dancesacross the stage and leaps for hissupper.

Choreographer Nicole Helfermust be a kindred spirit ofPeanuts’ creator Charles M.Schultz. A slow-motion baseballscene and a terrific kite flyingsegment provide striking theatri-

cal physicality without resortingto stunts or tricks. Helfer’s tightediting and refined eye matchesSchultz’s everyman characteriza-tions.

As if all of this talent gath-ered on one stage were notenough, Vetterli sweetens thepot with impeccable pianoaccompaniment. Positioned off-stage, she plays with precisionand sensitivity. Throughout, hermusical direction is a joy. A GleeClub rehearsal song, deftly sungamidst an argument, is both bril-liant and funny.

“Charlie Brown” is visuallyappealing, delightfully nostalgic,musically satisfying and present-ed with artistry and flair.

“You’re a Good Man, CharlieBrown” runs through June 6 at theCampbell Theatre, 636 Ward St.,Martinez. For tickets, call 798-1300or visit willowstheatre.org.

Theatre

‘Charlie Brown’ an evening of classic funLOU FANCHER

Clayton Pioneer

LOU FANCHER

Clayton Pioneer

Michael Scott Wells as Snoopy - with cast. L-R: Jenny Angel,Sean Fenton, Catherine Gloria (from Clayton), Trevor Moppin

Drama, from page 10

Like Mulan, Clayton girlstrives to have it all

Photo Courtesy of YTC

Griffin Silva and Giovy Webb

She won the hearts of audi-ences in the Diablo TheatreCompany’s production of“The Will Rogers Follies” andnow Kristina Schoell is heading“Into the Woods.”

Schoell, 14, will perform asan orphan in “Into theWoods,” the classic musicalfairytale by composer StephenSondheim. The show opensJune 4 and continues throughJune 20 at the Lesher Centerfor the Arts in Walnut Creek.

Although “Into the Woods”is Schoell’s second show withthe Diablo Theatre Company,having performed two yearsago in “The Will RogersFollies,” she’s no stranger toother stages.

Her profile includes per-formances with Tri-Valley Rep,Vagabond Players, Center

Repertory Company, and StageTroupe in Pleasant Hill.

In addition to academicstudies at Diablo MiddleSchool in Clayton, Schoell con-tinues training in ballet, tap andjazz and acting with Young Repin Walnut Creek.

Kristina Schoell heads‘Into the Woods’

straight line, not in and out ofcars.

Stay alert at all times. Keepan eye out for potholes, cracks,wet leaves, storm grates, railroadtracks or anything that couldmake you lose control of yourbike. You need your ears to heartraffic and avoid dangerous situa-tions so never listen to music orwear a headset when you ride.Watch for parked cars by riding

far enough out from the curb toavoid surprises, like doors open-ing or cars pulling out. Watch forvehicles coming out of or turninginto driveways. Stop at corners ofsidewalks and streets to look forcars and to make sure the driverssee you before crossing.

It’s wise to give verbal alerts(“passing on your left,” “excuseme”) to pedestrians or othercyclists you may be approaching

or passing. If you have a bell orhorn, don’t be afraid to use it.When you are on bike paths, stayunder 15 mph and be considerateof others. Look out for other bik-ers, strollers, small children andanimals.

Most of all, enjoy the niceweather and be safe on your bikesthis season.

For more information, visit clayton-cert.com. Simbirdi is a resident ofClayton and member of the ClaytonCitizen Corps Council (CERT). Hecan be reached at [email protected].

Safety, from page 9

School News

CLAYTON VALLEY

HIGH SCHOOL

The CVHS Music Boostersare holding two fundraisers tohelp replace lost equipment andfund music programs.

May 21-23, Jamba Juice inthe Clayton Valley ShoppingCenter will give 20 percent ofpurchases to the music boosters.Print a flier at claytonbands.org.

CVHS instrumental musicstudents will hold a car wash 9a.m.-3 p.m. May 22 at MountainMike’s, 5358 Clayton Road,Concord. Cost is $10 per vehi-cle.

KRISTINA SCHOELL

For some, beets are at the topof the list of despised veggies.I’m really not sure why, because Ifind them beautifully sweet andversatile.

It’s probably the only veg-etable I know that has a distinctflavor yet blends so well withherbs, spices and wine.

An example of the beet’s ver-satility is found in the consum-mate Eastern European soup,borscht. Russian poet YevgenyYevtushenko once said,“Everything I do, I do on theprinciple of Russian borscht.You can throw everything into it:beets, carrots, cabbage, onions,everything you want. What’simportant is the result, the tasteof the borscht.”

Try this recipe for yourself.Be creative with additions, if youwish.

BORSCHT

1 T. olive oil1 leek, light green and white

parts only1 stalk celery1 c. diced raw beets, peeled

and trimmed1 c. diced raw Russet potato,

peeled1 carrot, finely grated3 c. vegetable stock2 tsp. red wine vinegar1 tsp. sugarSalt and pepper to taste¼ c. sour cream

Finely chop the leek and cel-ery. Heat a large saucepan overmedium-high heat. Add the oil,leek and celery and sauté for afew minutes until the vegetablesare softened but not browned.Add beets, potato, carrot andstock.

Bring the soup to a boil, thenreduce heat to a simmer. Cook,stirring occasionally, until the

vegetables are tender and souphas thickened.

Stir in the vinegar and sugar,then season with salt and pepperto taste. Puree the soup ifdesired. Garnish with a dollop ofsour cream.

While most of us recognizethe “common beet” for its deepred color, there are golden beets(tender but less sweet), chioggias(known for their red and whitecolor), sugar beets (used in sugarproduction and fermentation)and mangold (animal fodder).It’s not just the beet that’s tasty,the greens are good too. Afterall, beets are related to Swisschard and spinach.

Early-season beets are justmaking it to market. They arefull of folic acid and potassium,while the greens have significantamounts of calcium and beta-carotene. Beets are also low incalories.

To preserve the red colorwhile cooking, add a teaspoon ortwo of vinegar or lemon juice tothe water. On the other hand,since beet juice is used as a fab-ric dye, you have to be diligent inremoving stains. Try dabbing thespot with white bread soaked inwater. You can try a commercialstain remover, but don’t throwthe item in the dryer until you’ve

d o n eyour bestto get thestain out.When indoubt, use an apron!

Beets were used in Europeanpagan rituals as a symbol of loveand beauty. In fact, it’s believedthey originated in Europe –probably along theMediterranean in the south ofFrance. They establishedthemselves as a culinarymainstay in Belgian,Dutch and EasternEuropean cuisines.

They were foisted ontothe main stage during theNapoleonic Wars in the1800s. The Brits cut off France’scane sugar supply in theCaribbean, so they turned toextracting sucrose from beets – aprocess invented by a Germanchemist several decades earlier.The sugar beet industry is well-established these days and pro-duces about 30 percent of theworld sugar supply. If your boxor bag of sugar doesn’t say “canesugar,” it probably is from beets.

The Amish of easternPennsylvania have long includedbeets in their diet. One of themost popular forms is pickledbeets and eggs. It’s simple, tastyand pretty on a plate of lettuce.Here’s one version of the recipe.

PICKLED BEETS AND EGGS

6 hard-cooked eggs1 can whole beets, juice pre-

served1 c. cider vinegar1/3 c. sugar2 cinnamon sticks½ tsp. ground ginger½ tsp. whole peppercorns3 whole cloves1 bay leaf¼ tsp. caraway seed

T oh a r d -cook eggs,cover themwith cold waterin a saucepan.Bring to a boil,cover and removefrom the heatfor 18 minutes,then transfer toan ice bath to cool. Older eggspeel better when cooked.

Peel the eggs and set aside.Drain the juice from the can ofbeets into a small saucepan andadd the vinegar, sugar and spices.Bring to a full boil; remove fromheat.

Layer the eggs and beets in a1-quart, heat-proof jar and pourin the pickling liquid. Cover andcool to room temperature, thenrefrigerate for one day. Servewith lettuce and a dollop of may-onnaise.


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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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

Direct your suggestions or questionsto [email protected]

Take steps to help prevent falls

Fall-related injuries imposean enormous burden on individ-uals, society and the nation’shealth care system. As the popu-

lation of the United States ages,the negative impact of falls con-tinues to increase.

More than one-third ofadults 65 and older fall each yearin the United States. Amongolder adults, falls are the leadingcause of injury deaths. They arealso the most common cause ofnonfatal injuries and hospitaladmissions for trauma.

Twenty to 30 percent of peo-ple who fall suffer moderate tosevere injuries such as bruises,hip fractures or head traumas.These injuries can make it diffi-cult to get around and limit inde-pendent living. They can also

increase the risk of early death.Many people who fall, even

those who are not injured, devel-op a fear of falling. This fear maycause them to limit their activi-ties, leading to reduced mobilityand physical fitness – actuallyincreasing their risk of falling.

Older adults can take severalsteps to protect their independ-ence and reduce their risk offalling. Exercise is one of themost important ways to reduceyour chances of falling.Exercises that improve balanceand coordination are the mosthelpful.

It’s also important to make

your home safer, because half ofall falls happen at home. Keepitems away from stairs and walk-ways to prevent tripping. Installhandrails and lights on stairs.Remove throw rugs or use dou-ble-sided tape to keep rugs fromslipping.

Keep items you use oftenwithin easy reach. Avoid usingstep stools. Install grab bars nextto your toilet, tub and shower.

As you get older, brighterlights are needed to see well.Lamp shades or frosted bulbscan reduce glare.

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SENIOR MOMENTS

See Senior, page 19


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BenefitingHigh School Sports& Elementary SchoolMusic Programs

ALL THIS FREE:•5 Entertainment Stages•Circus Imagination Big Top•Happy Birds Show•Favorite Characters frommovies, cartoons & books•Inflatables, crawls,face painting, balloon hats,KidArt, carnival games

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Biggest-ever KidFest returns toConcord with Clayton man at the helm

After a topsy-turvy 12 monthswhen its status was touch and go,Bay Area KidFest returns toConcord on Memorial Day week-end “bigger and better than ever,”reports event producer andClayton resident Jay Bedecarré.

The 21st annual KidFest isnot only going to be three fun-filled days May 29-31, but also afundraiser for the two founda-tions formed to save high schoolsports and elementary schoolmusic in the Mt. Diablo UnifiedSchool District.

KidFest’s new home is at Mt.Diablo High School, four blocksdown Grant Street from its previ-ous site at Todos Santos Plaza.“Our new location is at least 50percent larger than the plaza, sowe have room for many addition-al attractions and activities,”Bedecarré says.

That includes an entire sec-

tion of rides and activities featur-ing a Ferris wheel, petting zoo,pony rides, climbing wall, giantslide, EuroBungy trampoline, gokarts and another half dozenrides. There will also be anexpanded food court and moreroom for arts and crafts, non-profits and other exhibitors todisplay their wares.

KidFest favorites from thepast are back on stage, includingthe Happy Birds PerformingParrots Show, Circus Imaginationunder the big top and theHipwaders –returning from NewYork performances. Singers,musicians, dancers, ethnic groups,martial artists and gymnasts willprovide more than 100 hours ofnon-stop performances on fivestages, including a stage devotedto student performances.

Characters from movies, car-toons and books such as Mamaof “The Berenstain Bears” will beon hand to surprise attendees andhave their picture taken. The lowadmission price includes all theentertainment stages, face paint-ing, balloon hats, carnival games,jumpers, inflatable bounces andcrawls, KidArt, sports area andmuch more.

WORKING OUT THE KINKS

It was a long and windingroad for Bedecarré to presentKidFest this year. After the 20thKidFest last May, the city ofConcord decided to discontinueits participation due to the retire-ment of long-time producer BethClark, city budgetary concernsand the feeling the event had out-grown the space around theplaza.

Clark approached her friendBedecarré about replacing her asKidFest producer. Bedecarré hadassisted with KidFest marketingsince Clark and her family movedto the Midwest eight years agoand he also worked with her onHoliday Lightfest at the ConcordPavilion nearly a decade ago.

A Dana Hills resident for 22

years, Bedecarré was marketingdirector of the Concord Pavilionfor its first 12 season before pur-chasing a Concord advertisingagency that he ran with his latewife, Jill, for 18 years.

Seven months of seeminglynon-stop meetings and discus-sions – including a spell whenKidFest was rescheduled forWalnut Creek – passed before theindefatigable Bedecarré reachedagreements with MDUSD, Mt.Diablo High and the city to moveto a new location on the tradi-tional Memorial Day weekenddates.

Bedecarré has attended morethan 40 festivals and eventsthroughout the Bay Area seekingexhibitors and programmingideas, participated in more than125 meetings and sent out severalthousand emails about KidFest topull together all the pieces intough economic times.

“I am so pleased that theKidFest tradition will continuewith Jay as the producer. TheKidFest staff is excited aboutworking with Jay and the commu-nity to keep KidFest in Concord,”Clark says. “The new venue pro-vides the opportunity to keep thesame wonderful activities andentertainment that KidFest isknown for as well as the space toexpand and bring more excite-ment to the event. The partner-ship with the foundations makesthe 21st KidFest something thatshouldn’t be missed.”

Concord Mayor Guy Bjerkeadds: “KidFest exemplifies ourtheme ‘Concord, Where FamiliesCome First,’ so we’re delighted itremains a key component of ourdowntown calendar this year. Jayand his staff will do a great jobcarrying on the KidFest tradi-tion.”

GETTING THE SCHOOLS

INVOLVED

Bedecarré, a Mt. Diablo Highalumnus, approached United Mt.Diablo Sports Foundation presi-

dent Pat Middendorf and Mt.Diablo Music EducationFoundation board memberMichael McNally to see if thegroups would like to collaborateon KidFest. The foundations willprovide all of the volunteers –more than 125 positions each dayand will receive the majority ofthe proceeds.

“We are excited to participateat KidFest this year as partnerswith the athletic foundation,” saysmusic foundation president JoanMiller. “This is a wonderfulopportunity for foundation vol-unteers to participate in this com-munity event, raise funds andawareness for our music founda-tion and have fun doing it.

“We’re also excited about ourstudents getting the opportunityto perform on stage at KidFest,”Miller adds. “It’s going to be a ter-rific weekend.”

Middendorf, athletic directorat Clayton Valley High School,said the athletic foundation wasfounded a year ago in response tothe MDUSD board eliminatingfunding for high school sports tothe tune of $1.2 million.

“Since that time, the founda-tion has reached that goal for the2009-2010 school year, an almostunbelievable accomplishment,”Middendorf says. “But beforeany one of us has had a chance tocelebrate, we are immediatelyfaced with the daunting tasking ofstarting over again and raisinganother $1.2 million for nextschool year – a very humblingthought.”

She sees KidFest as the silverlining in the dark cloud. “WhenJay approached us to jump in withKidFest to help with the eventand share the proceeds with themusic foundation, we saw it as awin-win for all of us, but surely ahome run for this community.They get a great day with theirfamily at KidFest and help outlocal sports and music at the sametime – now that is a beautifulthing. Maybe all is not lost justyet.”

For the 15th year in a row,KidFest and the Food Bank ofContra Costa and Solano arepartnering. Every patron donat-ing a can of food gets $1 off the$6 admission. Kids under 24months and seniors 65 and overare free. Food, rides and a limitednumber of booths charge anadditional fee.

Bay Area KidFest will be open10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 29-31. Therewill be on-site parking at MDHSand Queen of All Saints Schoolfor $5 and free parking in the CityGarage at Grant and Salviostreets.

For more information, visitKidFestConcord.com or call 671-3287.

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

Photo by Ed Cardoza

Event organizer Jay Bedecarré gives a “pep talk” to twomacaws from the Happy Birds Performing Parrot Show, whowill appear at KidFest.

Kelly Ferro is a marketing direc-tor for Aegis Living. Send commentsor questions [email protected]

Senior,from page 18

Wear shoes with good sup-port and non-slip soles. Avoidwearing slippers and athleticshoes with deep treads.

Ask your health-care providerto review your medicines. Somecombinations of medicinescause drowsiness, which can leadto a fall.

Get your vision checked. Youmay be wearing the wrong glass-es or have a condition such asglaucoma or cataracts that limityour vision.

Falls can cause much despairfor individuals and their families.A simple misstep can land you inthe hospital or skilled nursingwhile you recover. Often theseindividuals are never truly thesame.

Make sure your loved onesuse the proper equipment inorder to help them function asindependently as possible.Walkers and canes are often nec-essary. Many times, seniors donot want to use these devices forfear they will make them lookless independent. Please encour-age the use of these items as theycan be a huge factor in keepingseniors as independent and safeas possible. Being aware of fallprevention is crucial to all of ourwell-being.


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Help beneficial bugs thrive in your garden

Clayton Valley landscapesand gardens have been invadedwith beneficial insects. Theseinsects actually help our plantsand flowers by eating the peststhat annoy gardeners the most,like aphids, thrips, scale andmealybugs.

Ladybugs or ladybeetles arethe most commonly recognizedbeneficial insect. The bug withthe familiar, dome-shaped bodyand the red shell, sometimesspotted, sometimes not, hasalways been regarded highlyamong gardeners. We love to seethem chomping on the aphids onour roses.

Nurseries have made it easyto introduce ladybugs into our

gardens. Many sell adults duringthe spring, and releasing them inthe garden makes for a fun activ-ity. Ladybugs are productive,beneficial insects almostthroughout their entire lifecycle.

THREE LIFE STAGES

Adult ladybugs are very rec-ognizable, and most know not tohurt or squish them. However,you may not realize that ladybugscome in a couple other colorsorange and yellow. Green-look-ing ladybugs are not beneficial,though. These are cucumberbeetles, and they need to bepicked off and properly dis-posed.

Ladybugs do not hatch look-ing like they do as adults. Theyactually have three life stages.Once hatched, they emerge look-ing like an alligator-type, spinybug. The only thing familiarabout this larvae stage is the col-oring, which is black accentedwith red. During the larvae stage,the ladybug, or ladybeetle if youprefer, is an aggressive aphideater. They can eat more than 50

aphids a day.The second stage of a lady-

bug’s life is an immobile pupaestage. Keep your eyes peeled fora curved ladybug-colored shelladhered to a leaf or stem of aplant. After this stage, the lady-bug emerges in the form that isfamiliar to us.

SOME HOVER; SOME PRAY

Hoverflies are sometimereferred to as syrphid flies. Thesebeneficial insects look like small-ish yellow and black bees thathover above your plants andflowers. Hoverflies are quite

common in Clayton Valley land-scapes.

In the adult flying stage, thehoverfly is a great flower pollina-tor. Before the hoverfly begins tofly, it is in a larvae stage. Thelarva resembles a very small,beige-white slug. Don’t squishthis bug; it is a voracious pesteater – dining on aphids all daylong.

Praying mantis is recogniza-ble, and the population of thisbeneficial insect have surged thepast few years with more nurs-eries selling the egg sacks. Whenthe praying mantis is young, itwill mow through a garden – eat-ing every living insect it can getits hands on, including otherpraying mantises. As the prayingmantis matures, it becomes verysmart and will perch itself on theblossoms of lantana and coreop-sis, waiting to catch bees, butter-flies and other larger insects.

Snake flies look mean, so it’shard to not want to get rid ofthis beneficial insect. They havelong necks and strong jaws withfangs perfect for chewing garden

pests. You will see two differentcolors of this fly locally. One hasa dark neck and dark body; theother is red-orange on the neckwith a tan body. They are foundin grassy, open areas.

Lacewings are beneficialinsects known by some garden-ers for the good they do.Lacewing larvae are pointed atthe head and tail. They are smalland silver colored.

While young, this beneficialinsect will munch on gardenpests as fast as they can findthem. The adult lacewing isactive during the night, so all thegood it does is not really noticed.You may bump into this insectduring the day, resting underleaves.

Soldier beetles are sometimescalled leatherwing beetles. Theyhave somewhat soft, brownishwing covers and golden-tan bod-ies. They look like beetles, justmore narrow then the ones yousee on the ground. These insectsare hungry, and they help keepthe roses and fruit trees free ofpests.

With so many beneficialinsects working in your ClaytonValley landscape and gardens,your plants should be almostpest free.

However, the use of pesti-cides in the yard has taken its tollon the beneficial bugs. Whengardeners try to control pestswith sprays and systemic fertiliz-ers, they are killing off the goodas well. Products can not differ-entiate between a good and a badbug; they just kill all the bugs.

Allowing your gardens to gonatural will allow the beneficialinsects to do their jobs. Releasesome ladybugs or lacewings orhatch some praying mantis andwatch your garden come back tolife.

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

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

your business card or, if youdon’t have one, get one fromyour travel agent that showsyour name and their contactinformation. Anyone “casuallyobserving” your luggage at theairport won’t be able to accessyour home address and pay it avisit while you are gone.

In large cities and also inforeign countries, do not drawattention to yourself by wear-

ing fancy clothing or jewelry.Don’t take anything of senti-mental or monetary value.Leave the good jewelry at homeand take faux jewels or inex-pensive costume jewelry.However, you can be muggedjust as easily for a fake Rolex,gold plate or cubic zirconiumas for the real thing.

Most clothing made specifi-cally for travel has hidden secu-

rity pockets. Don’t carry all ofyour money in one place. Usinga purse with a long strap thatallows you to wear it acrossyour body frees your hands tohandle luggage and packagesand yet keeps you in control ofit.

If you are traveling by train,consider a cable lock. They aremade of a long, retractablewire cable that allows you tolock your suitcase to the over-head rack and make you feelsecure when you visit the rest-room, walk around the train or

sleep.Even a casual trip like

camping requires some safetymeasures. My friend Mariannelikes to go camping alone orwith another gal pal. Herfavorite deterrent to anunwanted intruder is to put alarge pair of men’s boots out-side her tent.

Travel Tip: Women whotravel alone have a great onlineresource atjourneywoman.com. The siteoffers general info on packing,hotel safety and health issues,

as well as place-specific adviceabout women-friendly hotelsand restaurants, local customsand dealing with persistentmen. You don’t have to be trav-eling alone to find the site use-ful.

Recently retired, Clayton residentPeggy Bidondo now has the time toindulge her passion in travel planningand writing.

Send your questions and columnideas to Peggy Bidondo at [email protected].

Travel, from page 8

Documents

MAY 21 Clayton Pioneer 2010.pdf