13 09 27 pages 1-4 and 10-11.qxp

Transcription

IT’S YOUR PAPER
www.claytonpioneer.com
(925) 672-0500
September 27, 2013
Frightened community weathers
3,111 acre Mt. Diablo inferno
PEGGY SPEAR &
TAMARA STEINER
Clayton Pioneer
JULIE PIERCE
MAYOR’S CORNER
When disaster strikes, it’s
easy to find villains and heroes.
While a target shooter using
ammunition inappropriately
may face charges for starting
the Sept. 8 Morgan Fire in the
dry brush land of Mt. Diablo,
the many heroes of the saga –
firefighters, community residents and even Mother Nature
itself – are being credited with
helping curb the inferno, which
scorched 3,111 acres, saw 100
homes evacuated and ultimately
caused $5.3 million in damage.
Fire tested community
response and resolve
It’s been over two weeks since
the major fire on Mt. Diablo was
contained and controlled and we
were all able to breathe a big sigh
of relief. On behalf of all of the
residents of Clayton and our surrounding rural areas impacted by
the fire, I express our heartfelt
gratitude to all of the dedicated
firefighters and emergency
responders who brought the fire
safely to conclusion. It was a scary
few days for all of us.
Now that the flames are gone,
it’s instructive to review the roles
we each assume in response to a
local emergency. My phone began
to ring early Sunday afternoon as
many saw the smoke billowing
See Mayor, page 10
Photo Tamara Steiner
from the ferocious flames
of the Morgan fire which burned 3,111 acres on Mt. Diablo Sept. 8 and 9. Don and Jan Van Laeken’s Morgan
Territory home was directly in the path of the flames during a dangerous Monday night flare up. The next morning,
this sign made by the couple’s 11-year-old grandson, joined several others posted by grateful neighbors along
Morgan Territory and all over Clayton.
NEIGHBORS WERE QUICK TO SHOW THEIR THANKS TO THE FIREFIGHTERS FOR SAVING THEIR PROPERTIES
Cycles of nature will help
repair damage to Mt. Diablo
JAY BEDECARRÉ
Clayton Pioneer
It is no wives’ tale that forest
fires and other disasters are just
part of Mother Nature’s way of
regulating itself and thus Mt.
Diablo will return to its preMorgan Fire state over the next
three to five years.
Senior Environmental Scientist Cyndy Shafer, who has
worked for California State
Parks including Mt. Diablo since
1997, says that a wildflower display like the area hasn’t seen
since the aftermath of the 1977
Mt. Diablo fire will likely show
next spring but that the chaparral shrubs on the mountain will
HOT SEPTEMBER DAY
Temperatures were rising to
“seasonable” – at least for the
East Bay – highs of more than
90 degrees early that Sunday
afternoon. Most local residents
were already finishing their
morning activities in time,
maybe to catch the 49ers season
See Inferno, page 10
Morgan Fire Perimeter Map
not fully recover for decades.
Shafer says the chaparral that
burned this month was “considered young” as it reestablished
itself after the ‘77 fire.
Cal Fire and State Parks
crews were seen using bulldozers and other equipment right
after the fire. Shafer said that
See Cycles, page 11
As fire raged, community
heroes helped their own
DENISEN HARTLOVE
Clayton Pioneer
SANDI BROOKS TAKES A MOMENT WITH APRIL, one of the 15
horses boarded at her Brookside Ranch on Morgan Territory
Road. A charred North Peak is in the background.
What’s Inside
Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Sandi Brooks remembers
standing on her Morgan Territory
Road property a week before the
Mt. Diablo fire started, looking at
the dry grass surrounding the area.
“If this thing ever catches fire
it’s going to go up like a torch,” she
said at the time.
She was right. According to the
California Department of Forestry
and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the
fire burned a hair-raising 3,111
acres of land before the approximately 1,000 personnel brought in
from districts around the state
fought it to extinction.
That number, however, doesn’t
include the scores of locals who
See Heroes, page 11
Community Calendar . . . . .16
Concord Beat . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Design and Décor . . . . . . . . .7
Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5
Estate Planning . . . . . . . . . . .7
Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . . .8
Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Morgan Fire Operations Map courtesy of CalFire
THE MORGAN FIRE STARTED AROUND 1 P.M. ON SUNDAY, SEPT. 8 BY A TARGET SHOOTER in the abandoned mercury mines at Morgan Territory and Marsh Creek Roads. By Tuesday evening, the fire
had charred 3,111 acres from the mines at the northeast corner of the perimeter, through
Perkins Canyon, North Peak and up and around Mt. Diablo, stopping just short of the summit
on the southwest end. The smoke could be seen from all over the Bay Area and the burned
area is visible on both the west and east sides of the mountain.
Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .17
Pioneer Photo Album . . . . . . .3
The Pocket Parent . . . . . . . .14
Police Report . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Sports Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Take a Hike . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Teen Reads . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
TeenSpeak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Voyage of the Eagle . . . . . . .9
Weather Words . . . . . . . . . . .8
‘Like’
us on
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Postal Customer
ECRWSS
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
CLAYTON, CA 94517
PERMIT 190
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
September 27, 2013
Around Town
Local optometrist joins campaign for universal eye health
Dr. Jeanette Hochstatter of
Foresight Optometry is participating in the World Sight Day
Challenge through World Sight
Day, on Oct. 10. The challenge
benefits an estimated 600 million people who are blind or
vision impaired simply because
they do not have access to an
eye exam or glasses.
The World Sight Day Challenge is the largest annual
global fundraising campaign to
address avoidable blindness
caused by uncorrected refrac-
tive error- and is supported by
eye care professionals around
the world. The campaign is run
by global charity, Optometry
Giving Sight.
On World Sight Day, Dr.
Hochstatter will make a donation to raise awareness of the
importance of everyone being
able to get their eyes tested
and have access to quality eye
and vision care.
Anyone who appreciates
the importance of good vision
can make a monthly or annual
Alicia Morrissey and
Scott Lundgren wed
or one-time donation to
Optometry Giving Sight
between now and Oct. 10 at
www.givingsight.org or by visiting Foresight Optometry at
5442 Ygnacio Valley Rd #180
Concord, CA 94521.
Pioneer Travels
Pete and Carol Chrobak celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary with a trip to
Europe and we went along.
Here we are in Prague before
continuing on to a romantic (for
them) few days in Paris. (We
took a nap.)
We would like to
thank the community
for all the
Support, Help and Donations.
Our dedicated staff, parents and friends
worked long and hard
to help us reestablish
Clayton Children’s Center.
Alicia Morrissey and Scott
Lundgren exchanged wedding
vows under a majestic oak tree
at the Oak Farm Vineyard in
Lodi on August 10.
Both the bride and groom
are Clayton Valley High School
alumni; Alicia in 2005 and Scott
in 2004.
Alicia is the daughter of Matt
and Beth Morrissey of Concord
and Kim and JR Yasey of Georgia. Scott’s parents are Chris and
Our sincere thanks to all,
Roger and Julie Gilchrist
1904 Sofia Court – Brentwood
1205 Buckeye Terrace – Clayton
Kendra Lundgren of Clayton.
Alicia was attended by her
sisters Melissa Morrissey, Kristal
Rios and Victoria Barone.
Brian Lundgren, Cole Caracappa and Dan Ritter served as
groomsmen.
Following the ceremony,
guests gathered in the Vineyard’s restored barn for dinner
and dancing.
The couple honeymooned in
Maui and will live in Pittsburg.
Helping friends, neighbors
& newcomers buy and sell
their homes since 1979
Each Office Is Independently
Owned & Operated.
Palatial Home with Dream back yard featuring
6160 Center St.,
Suite E, Clayton
Better Homes DRE#00933393
elaborate custom patio, pool & spa! 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths,
bonus room, den & downstairs Jr. Master suite with retreat!
Approx. 4790sf & 3 car garage.
$699,000
Delightful Single Story “San Antonio” model
in Oak Hollow! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1343sf,
inside laundry & 2 car attached garage. $459,000
(925) 672-4433
1230 Roanwood Way, Concord
325 Mount Palomar Pl. – Clayton
Short Sale
Specialists
helping Homeowners SUCCESSFULLY
close their short sale transactions since 2007.
Clayton Market Update
Desirable Dana Farms! 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths,
approx. 2,228sf on a HUGE approx. .30 acre lot! 1st floor
master suite!
$549,000
Dana Hills Rancher with Rare Find Custom
Builders Option featuring a Separate In-Law
unit! 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, approx. 3211sf on a HUGE
approx. 27 acre lot with pool! Coming Soon: $679,000
804 Chert Place, Clayton
ADDRESS
PENDING PROPERTIES
117 Mountaire Parkway – Clayton
Awesome Dana Hills Rancher! 4 bedrooms, 3
full updated baths, approx. 2177sf. $669,000
152 Joscolo View – Clayton
Fantastic Expanded “Kirker” model on a
Premium View lot! overlooking golf course. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2571sf. $719,000
SOLD OVER LIST PROPERTIES
1723 Indian Wells Way – Clayton
Spectacular “Pioneer” model on a huge private lot!
SOLD over list $525,000
Popular “Summit” model on a private lot! 3
bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1991sf, inside laundry &
attached 2 car garage! New carpets! Views of Mt. Diablo!
$529,000
provided by Better Homes Realty
5327 Grasswood Circle – Concord
Extensively updated & upgraded
Pine Hollow Duet! SOLD over list $398,000
George Vujnovich
Jennifer Stojanovich
Broker
Broker-Associate
Clayton Resident
Lifelong Concord/Clayton Resident
(925) 672-4433
cell: (925) 348-5700
(925) 567-6170
[email protected]
BRE #00711036
www.georgevujnovich.com
PRICE
SF
1270 Shell Circle .................$430,000
6024 Golden Eagle Way......$685,000
160 Joscolo View.................$646,000
20 Long Creek Circle...........$300,000
1855 Eagle Peak Ave ..........$599,000
1445 Yosemite Circle ...........$632,500
22 Clark Creek Cir ...............$275,000
1723 Indian Wells Wy ..........$525,000
217 Round House Pl ...........$515,000
542 Mount Dell Dr................$475,000
1505 Haviland Ct .................$440,000
18 Mount Eden Pl ................$630,000
608 Black Point Ct ...............$660,000
47 El Portal Dr .....................$630,000
[email protected]
BRE #01446062
www.jenniferstojanovich.com
BED/BATH
SALE DATE
. . . .1709 . . . . .3/3 . . . . . . . .9/6/13
. . . .2680 . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . .8/28/13
. . . .2053 . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .8/28/13
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . .8/27/13
. . . .1877 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .8/27/13
. . . .2494 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .8/27/13
. . . .1113 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .8/26/13
. . . .1904 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .8/23/13
. . . .1749 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .8/20/13
. . . .1658 . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .8/19/13
. . . .1256 . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . .8/13/13
. . . .2566 . . . . .5/3 . . . . . . . . .8/913
. . . .2193 . . . . .5/3 . . . . . . . .8/9/13
. . . .2857 . . . . .5/3 . . . . . . . .8/8/13
Don Howard
Realtor-Associate
Clayton Resident
(925) 408-3184
[email protected]
Emily Howard
Realtor-Associate
BRE #01846446
& BRE#01938441
925-408-1871
[email protected]
howardhomeseastbay.com
September 27, 2013
Page 3
Club News
Obituary
Clayton Historical Society’s Chartered Caboose Ride and Fundraiser
Clayton Historical Society
members rode the rails in a
Santa Fe caboose on the Niles
Canyon Railway on Sept. 15.
The event was a museum
fundraiser and tribute to the
150th anniversary of the
groundbreaking of the First
Transcontinental Railroad in
Sacramento. The caboose traveled through Niles Canyon,
which was the last leg of the
First Transcontinental Railroad
route from Sacramento to the
Bay Area. Travelers enjoyed
refreshments while hearing a
narrated history of the route
Keith E. Neuneker
and participated in a sing-a-long
of railroad songs performed by
Rail Dust Randy and Jeff Crady
of Tone Pony.
Apr. 23, 1920 – Aug. 31, 2013
To learn more about the First
Transcontinental Railroad, the effects
of railroads in American culture and
local railroad history, please visit the
current exhibit, “RAILROADS of
the Clayton and Diablo Valleys, and
beyond…”at the Clayton Historical
Society Museum. The museum is open
on Wednesdays and Sundays from 2
p.m. to 4 p.m. at 6101 Main St. For
more
information,
go
to
claytonhistory.org.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF
CONCORD GOES ‘BACK TO
SCHOOL’ WITH CAMBRIDGE
ELEMENTARY
Pioneer Photo Album
Steve Barton snapped this great shot of a red fox relaxing poolside
at his Jeffrey Ranch home. The fox listens intently as Cindy Barton
talks to him through the sliding glass door. The fox hung around the
Barton’s backyard for most of the day.
Rotary Club of Concord
members Parmod Kumar and
Karen Simmons (standing) present Cambridge Friday Folders to
teacher Joyce DensmoreThomas and Principal Jose
Espinoza. This is the sixth year
the club provided folders to
Cambridge Elementary, Concord, students to carry homework assignments.
For more information, go to
concordcarotary.org.
The Pioneer is proud to
spotlight our readers’
photos. Email your photo
in a high-resolution
format to [email protected]
with a description of the
photo, where and when it
was taken and a little
about why you like it.
Include your name and
phone number. Then look
for it in
the next Pioneer.
Keith E. Neuneker, a
longtime resident of Concord
and Clayton, passed away at
the age of 93 in Sonora, surrounded by family.
He was born in Illinois to
Ernest and Ethel Neuneker
and raised by his Aunt Nellie and Uncle John Wallick
when his mother died shortly after his birth.
In 1939 he joined the
U.S. Navy, rising to the rank
of Lt. Commander before
his retirement in 1959. His
second career was at
Buchanan Airfield in Concord, where he retired as
Airport Operations Supervisor in 1980.
He obtained his private
pilot’s license in 1947 and
his commercial license (single-engine) in 1963. He
served in the Civil Air Patrol
from 1956 to 1973 and was a
member of 184 Flying Club
from 1957 to 1974.
His
many
interests
included carpentry, electronics, reading and photography. He was a member of
the Concord Camera Club
for 30 years and owned
Ken’s Camera Repair for 10
years. He was a 31-year
member of Bethel Baptist
Church in Concord.
In 1943, Keith married
Ethel Mathewson and they
raised three children. She
died in 1983. They were
married 40 years.
In 1984, he married Betty
Minster.
Keith is survived by his
wife of 29 years, Betty
Neuneker, his children Ruth
Ann (Paul Dettman, Jr.) of
Columbia, Calif., Donna
Neuneker (Stevan Grah) of
Moab, Utah, and John
Neuneker (Julie) of Houston, Texas; Betty’s children,
John and Debbie Minster, of
Cottonwood, Calif. and Judi
and Wally Imfeld III of
Selma, Calif.; and many
grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great
grandchildren.
Donations in Keith’s memory
may be made to Hospice of the
Sierra, 20100 Cedar Rd.,
North Sonora, CA, 95370, or
Aplastic Anemia and MDS
Int’l Foundation, 100 Park
Ave., Ste. 108, Rockville, MD
20580.
COMING SOON
Clayton 275 Mountaire Circle,
$599,000
Clayton 410 Meadow View,
Pittsburg 130 Rancho Bernado Ct, $599,000
Dana Hills – Wonderful home with 4BD/2.5BA offers
a classic floor plan, pool and spa with solar heat, and a
lovely gazebo. Wood deck off kitchen. Family room
w/fireplace, wet bar & ½ bath and laundry, all on lower
level.
Windmill Canyon – Backing to 5th hole of Oakhurst
Golf Course this 3BD/2.5BA has great curb appeal,
RV/boat access, and large garage. Fantastic kitchen and
master suite w/all amenities! Solar heated pool and spa
to enjoy.
Morgan Territory – Built in 1997 by student of Frank
Lloyd Wright, this 3BD/3BA home sits on 5 acre creekside lot in the rolling foothills of Mt. Diablo. Fresh carpet & paint. Great decks & walls of windows surround
you in nature.
San Marco – 5BD/3BA has 3,329 sq. ft. and a huge
kitchen & family room to enjoy. Master suite offers wet
bar and fridge & spacious master bath & closets.
Sizeable bedrooms plus a loft w/custom iron railing.
Wide, private yard.
COMING SOON
PENDING
PENDING!
Clayton 474 Obsidian Way,
$859,000
Eagle Peak – 4BD/3BA 3,008 sq. ft. home has everything you need! Exceptional master suite is updated
w/endless list of amenities inc. fireplace & stunning
views. Gorgeous landscaping w/fountains, walkways,
outdoor kitchen & flourishing trees.
Clayton 107 Crow Place,
Concord
$649,000
$549,000
Dana Farms – Beautifully maintained 4BD/2BA home
w/entertainers backyard: pool, 2 decks, covered patio,
sports area, firepit, RV & boat parking. Fantastic, light &
bright kitchen has chef ’s island and 2 pantries.
Clayton
$399,000
Westwood – 4BD/3BA duet has 1,865 sq. ft. including
two master bedrooms. Living Room has fireplace. Eat in
kitchen with island & breakfast bar. Enjoy fenced backyard and hot tub. Close to shopping & restaurants.
Haviland Place, Clayton
$399,000
Westwood – 2BD/2BA with nice back
yard and redwood trees, patio and grass
area. Vaulted ceilings and fireplace in
family room, indoor laundry, open
kitchen and nook. 2 Car garage.
Community pool. HOA $90 a month
BRE#01329100
Heather Gray, (925) 765-3822
RealEstatebyHeather.com
Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else*
*Statistics based on Clayton closed by sales volume (1/2012 – 12/2012). Data by Trendgraphix
"Like" us on
Clayton
Resident
& Broker
Owner
BRE#01122025
- Windermere Clayton!
Page 4
The Floor Store’s
Columbus Day Sale:
Monday October 7th – Monday October 14th:
Designer Carpet,
Traditional & Exotic Hardwood,
Imported Tile and Stone, All on Sale.
And Did We Mention...
No SalesTax.
1
$ 99
Per Sq. Ft.
1
$ 99
Per Sq. Ft.
Installed
Exotic Porcelain
Nylon Carpet
Jewel-like colors have made it
the tile of royalty. Reg. $3.49
The original still gives you more
style for your money. Reg. $3.99
1
$ 79
Per Sq. Ft.
Multi-Colored Slate
Beautiful colors created in the
center of the earth. Reg. $2.99
September 27, 2013
Jumpin’ jujubes – it’s fall!
DEBRA J. MORRIS
Pacific Coast Farmers Market
Autumn brings lots of wonderful fruits and vegetables to
the farmers’ market like winter
squash, root vegetables, apples,
pears and more. But also arriving are interesting little jujubes –
no, not the candy jujube, but the
Asian fruit jujube.
Crisp like an apple and sweet
like a date, jujubes are tree fruit
that resemble a fresh date with
deep brown/burgundy skin color,
white flesh, and then wrinkled
when the fruit is dried. They can
be found at the farmers’ market at
many vegetable producers’ stalls
this time of year.
Originally from China, India
and some Middle Eastern countries, this fruit is now widely cultivated in California with many
varieties available. Sometimes
called Chinese dates, the fruit
ripens to a reddish color on the
tree with soft edible skin and
creamy white meat. The fruit then
shrivels on the tree into a date-like
wrinkled fruit. Fresh ripe jujubes
will keep about a week in the
refrigerator, but have the best flavor if eaten soon after purchase.
They will not ripen further once
removed from the tree, although
they can bruise. The fruit at the
farmers’ market is sold in the ripe
or dried stage.
Take home a bag for munching or made into a traditional
cake. When dried, they can be
used in any recipe calling for
chopped dates.
JUJUBE RICE PUDDING
8 jujube fruits, peeled and diced
2 cups jasmine rice
2 cups 2 percent milk
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. honey
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
Simmer jujubes in 1/2 cup
water for 15 minutes. In another pot, bring to boil milk, water
and jasmine rice. Reduce to
simmer. Add the softened
jujubes to the rice and milk
and simmer for another 20
minutes. Stir now and then,
and watch the pudding for dryness. If you find that it starts
to get too thick, add more
water. Add in honey, sugar,
and cinnamon. Makes about
six servings and can be eaten
warm or cold. You can add
nuts or raisins as a variation.
See you at the farmers’
market on Morris Street in
downtown Clayton.
Clayton Reads
THE SIXTH ANNUAL CLAYTON READS PROGRAM
“FAHRENHEIT 451” BY RAY BRADBURY,
OCT. 1 THROUGH NOV. 7.
FEATURING
3
$
69
Per Sq. Ft.
5
$
99
Per Sq. Ft.
Grecian Marble
Walnut Oak
Real wood, acrylic-infused for
twice the hardness. Reg. $6.99
The floors of the Golden Age in
your home. Reg. $10.99
3
$
99
Per Sq. Ft.
Strand Eucalyptus
Twice as strong, easier to install,
virtually dent-proof. Reg. $6.99
This classic book published 60 years ago still resonates with today’s readers.
Guy Montag is a fireman in a world where firemen start fires, instead of putting
them out. His job is to destroy printed books, the most illegal commodity of all.
Guy begins to question the society in which books and the leisure, thought, and
tolerance necessary to enjoy them are no longer valued. Read this 1953 classic to
find out more about the regime and what happens to Guy and other people who
keep books alive.
Clayton Reads is part of the Contra Costa Library system’s One City, One Book program.
It encourages community members to focus on reading one book and join related book discussions.
Starting Oct. 1 and while supplies last, readers may pick up a free copy of the book at the Clayton
Library. The Clayton Community Library Foundation, sponsor of the program, asks that readers pass
the book along to another reader when finished. For more information, go to guides.ccclib.org/onebook.
LEIGH KLOCK
STEPHANIE LOPEZ
Realtor®, DRE#01874255
Realtor®, DRE#01370548
925.212.5593
5
$
99
Per Sq. Ft.
3
$
99
Per Sq. Ft.
Installed
1
$ 25
Park Terrace
25-Year Laminate
The beauty of real wood, precision
engineered planks. Reg. $11.99
Subtle patterns and three colors
to show off your style. Reg. $6.99
Like-real warmth and color, and a
25-year warranty. Reg. $2.39
4
99
Per Sq. Ft.
Installed
5
$
99
Per Sq. Ft.
www.7AlefCourt.com
2016 Lost Lake Place
Stunning custom home featuring 4+ generous
bedrooms and 2.75 beautiful baths. Enjoy the
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benefitting from all of the charm and amenities of
beautiful quaint downtown Clayton just steps away!
Entertain in the large formal spaces, relax in the
expansive family room or bonus room, or enjoy the
gorgeous English gardens, landscaped yards, or just
enjoy the views from your front porch! This home
has it all – 10++ Offered at $845,000
This wonderful home features two master
suites, a large great room with vaulted ceilings,
fireplace, hearth and plenty of light bright charm!
Newly installed warm cherry laminate flooring
enhances the updated kitchen and dining areas.
The landscaped yards include grass play area,
flower beds, and lovely entertaining deck. Relax
and entertain on your large veranda! Don’t’ miss
this sharp property.
Per Sq. Ft.
Brazilian Tigerwood
$
925.932.7329
6
$
99
Per Sq. Ft.
New Zealand Wool
Century Herringbone
Classic Crema Marfil
They keep trying, but no one has
improved on wool. Reg. $8.99
A unique floor at a once-in-a-lifetime price. Reg. $15.99
Ultra-premium imported marble.
12"x12" tiles. Reg. $13.99
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Offered at $340,000
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Call or Visit www.FloorStores.com
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Black Diamond Duet Stunning three bedroom
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I N S P I R E D R E A L E S TAT E
C O N C O R D 1 4 6 0 C O N C O R D AV E N U E 9 2 5 . 9 6 9 . 9 8 9 0
PITTSBURG 2685 EAST LELAND RD. 925.473.1400
Plus four other locations in the Greater Bay Area.
Go to www.floorstores.com for directions.
www.myDynamicRealtors.com
September 27, 2013
Tenth Oktoberfest
pours into Clayton
P.O. Box 1246
6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers
TAMARA S TEINER , Editor
P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design
P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor
J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports
PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration
GARY CARR
Special to the Pioneer
S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Pam Wiesendanger,
Peggy Spear
We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
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Clayton’s gala Oktoberfest
returns for its tenth year of Bier,
Wurst, and joyful Gemutlichkeit.
The festivities take over Main
Street in downtown Clayton on
Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to
8p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 6
from 10a.m. to 6 p.m.
Back for their tenth year, the
featured entertainers will be The
Internationals, the biggest little
German band in the West.
“The Internationals are one
of the premier Oktoberfest
bands in the U.S. and consider
Clayton’s Oktoberfest as one of
their favorites,” says long-time
Oktoberfestian Ed Hartley.
Central to any Oktoberfest
are the food and libations. German beer will flow, along with
wine, and cider. Wiener schnitzel,
sausages, hot pretzels, and of
course sauerkraut, will be available at the Food Court, along
with other ethnic delights. New
this year, professional pourers
will fill the steins, assuring just
the right foam-to-beer ratio.
Also new is The Sardine
Family Circus, an acrobatic
troupe who will perform at various times on both days. “Not to
be missed,” says our informant.
The many arts and crafts
booths will display early holiday
gift ideas – jewelry, beaded
handbags, children’s clothing
and quirky items for the relative
who has everything.
For the kids, it’s glitter tattoos, face-painting, hot dogs
and lemonade.
Again this year, the Paul
Maurer Show brings everyone’s favorite carnival rides.
The Carnival opens a day in
advance of Oktoberfest, Friday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Saturday,
Oct. 5, rides go ‘round from
11a.m. to 10p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 11a.m. to the
close of Oktoberfest.
Tickets for the carnival rides
will be presold at $10 for 20
tickets and will be available at
the following downtown Clayton merchants: Ed’s Mudville
Grill, Hairs the Place, The Royal
Rooster and Skipollini’s Pizza.
As always, Oktoberfest is
sponsored and overseen by the
Clayton Business and Community Association. Along with the
Art & Wine Festival, Oktoberfest is CBCA’s major fundraiser.
This year’s co-chairs are Mary
Ann Lawrence and Marilyn
Schmidt. Both have worked on
the event for many years.
Without the help of hundreds of volunteers from all
over the community, none of
the fundraising events could
happen, says Keith Haydon,
CBCA president. Proceeds from
CBCA fundraisers go to support local community projects.
“It’s not just CBCA members volunteering, but people
from throughout Clayton and
Concord and elsewhere who put
in the time and effort pouring
wine or putting up tents, or
whatever needs to be done,”
Haydon says.
Volunteers are always needed,
Haydon points out. And he guarantees that working on Oktoberfest is both rewarding and fun,
even without the lederhosen.
For information on getting
involved, or about Oktoberfest or the
Carnival, call CBCA at 925-6722272 or visit claytonoktoberfest.com.
Independent Living, Assisted Living
and Memory Care
Private and Companion Studios
Restaurant-style Dining
Sun-filled Courtyards and Private Patios
Professional & Caring Staff 24 hours a day
Scheduled Transportation & Concierge Service
Life Enriching Activities
Housekeeping and Laundry Services
Flower Gardening by Nicole
Hackett. Perennial, ornamental, rose
and container care. Keep your garden in flowers this year with monthly
fertilizing and pruning visits. Email
for consultation or details.
[email protected].
Lic #075601529
Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423
Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519
Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144
Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500
Iron Horse Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595-3951
Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0497
Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679
Dining and Entertainment
Center Street Deli & Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1203
Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440
Five Guys Burgers and Fries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6030
Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737
Events
Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090
Financial, Insurance and Legal Services
DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . . . .210-1400
Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .432-4211
Prosperitas Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700
Sorensen, David – Wells Fargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296-3086
Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . . .672-2300
Funerals
Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242
Groceries
Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568
Optometry
Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100
Pet Services
Cat Hospital of Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2287
Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100
Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387
Rodie's Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600
Real Estate and Mortgage Services
French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787
Geddes-Sinclaire, Christine – RE/MAX Realty . .286-7593
FOR LEASE
Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184
Office and retail space for lease in
Historic Clayton City Center:
Village Oaks Center, 6200 Center St.,
Clayton. Call Nick Adamson at (408)
371-8770, ext. 21.
Howard, Emily – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-1871
HELP WANTED
Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757
Computer Tech
Growing business has position for
onsite pro computer tech in Contra
Costa County. Must have experience
in Windows and Mac OS, network
repair and troubleshooting.
ComputersUSA! 672-9989.
Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . . .567-6170
VOLUNTEERS
1081 Mohr Lane Concord www.courtyardsatpinecreek.com
Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700
Mailing Services
The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245
Real Estate Agents
Be Successful! Lynne French is
expanding and interviewing for a few
agents. Call her today 672-8787.
(925) 798-3900
Construction and Trades
CHILDCARE/
PRESCHOOL
Come join Mazzei Realty! Currently
interviewing and hiring new and
experienced real estate agents. Call
693-0757 for details.
Call Juliana today for
complimentary lunch & tour.
Remember
to ask about
our move-in
specials.
Business Services
Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717
Classified
GARDENING
Directory of Advertisers
Home and Garden
Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299
Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757
Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920
Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955
Refresh Pool Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286-8601
The Floor Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-9890
The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243
Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055
Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323
Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334
Clayton Community School at
Mt. Diablo Elementary offers
school-age childcare 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Preschool 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Mon.Fri. Call 672-0388 for details or go
to claytoncommunityschool.com.
Our amenities include:
Page 5
Help Fight Hunger
Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon Lady
needs your help! Weekly commitment
appreciated. For more info and contact numbers, go to
thelemonlady.blogspot.com.
Clayton Historical Society Museum
needs a greeter for two hours per
month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or
Sundays. Call the museum at 6720240 and leave your name.
Clayton Community Library
Needs volunteers. Minimum age 13.
Minimum commitment is 6 months.
Some training provided. Contact:
Arlene at 673-9777 or
[email protected].
Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593
Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004
Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329
Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . .672-4433
Recreation and Fitness
Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631
Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454
Levity Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2995
Senior Services
Chateau on Broadway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-1700
Courtyards at Pine Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-3900
Montecito – Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702
Services, Other
1-800-Junkster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-586-5783
ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989
Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029
Travel
Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
Responsibility
Do the Right Thing
Page 6
September 27, 2013
Scary fall teaches life lessons to Northgate students
IVAR LAANEN
Walnut Creek hosts the
rolling hills and tremendous
cliffs the Northgate community
knows as Castlerock Park.
Trails such as Borges Ranch
and Rock City are traveled by
all ages, yet such amazing natu-
ral features include peril.
Northgate High Senior
Adham Habibi learned this
while trekking the area with
some friends last May, when he
fell from a steep cliff. Now just
sporting a brace, Habibi had
casts on both arms for months
and is dealing with back contusions to this day. Yet he remains
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happened.”
After the drop, Habibi
found the strength to walk
back to Castlerock Road where
he would eventually be
dropped at his mother’s home
before being rushed to the
John Muir Hospital.
The story became a hot
topic around Northgate as it hit
home to the many who walk
along those same trails everyday.
“We’ve been there many
times, everyone has,” said senior Alim Marigev, who was also
at the scene. “That’s why it was
insane to see one of my best
friends drop like that. I thought
I lost him”
At the hospital, doctors
informed Habibi of his injuries.
“I shattered my left wrist
and broke my right arm,” he
said. “On my back was a line of
severe bruising two inches from
my spine. If I had landed differently, I could have been paralyzed. I just want to make it
clear no substances were
involved in this. The worst part
This photo was taken of Adham Habibi by his friends just
moments before he fell 65 feet. Although he suffered broken
bones and serious bruises, he says he’s lucky to be alive.
was telling my mom what happened – that felt worse than the
injuries.”
Not only is this a great conversation-starter for Adham
but a life lesson for all. Don’t
take anything or anyone for
granted. One misstep can take
life away from anyone.
Lights out for smokers in downtown Concord
Expanded hours for
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upbeat, for this accident could
have been fatal. One false step
sent the student into a plunge.
On Friday, May 24, Habibi
and four other friends finished
school and headed over to the
park just a mile down the road
from Northgate. Near the end
of their trip, the unthinkable
happened.
“I fell off a cliff,” Habibi
said. “ I scaled a cliff with
friends and the rock below me
crumbled. Most of the guys
quit after 15-20 feet but I kept
going. At about 60 feet I was
finally able to stand up and see
everything around me.”
Friends took a few photos
of Adham while atop the rock
and he fell soon after.
“I fell forward and began to
freefall,” Habibi said, “All I
remember while in air was
calmly saying ‘this is it.’”
Habibi landed on his back,
and shockingly got up immediately.
“It was surreal,” said senior
Kyle Hearn, a witness to the
scene. “It was as if it hadn’t
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It doesn’t pay to puff in
downtown Concord anymore.
First passed unanimously by
the city council in 2011, the
ordinance to ban smoking
encompasses the approximately
17 blocks that are centered
around Todos Santos Plaza.
Urged on by downtown-area
businesses and residents, the
council first passed the ban
because our major concern is
for the safety of all of our community. This ordinance helps to
make a more healthy and welcoming place for residents, customers and visitors.
Since 2011, smokers have
generally complied with the ban.
The Concord police have
noticed a reduction in smoking
in the prohibition area, and gave
out more than 400 warnings
over the first six months of the
new ordinance to smokers in
order to educate the public prior
to issuing citations. After the
first six-month warning period,
approximately 104 citations
have been given through March
2013, with the citation trend
diminishing over time and ultimately becoming more selfpolicing.
Downtown restaurants and
property owners believe the ban
has made the downtown more
attractive to the general public.
However, a few of the businesses along Pacheco Street have
RON LEONE
CONCORD BEAT
expressed their concerns about
the impact of smokers congregating around their businesses
and doorways in order to smoke
because they are located just
outside of the downtown nosmoking boundary. These businesses asked that the city to
expand its smoking ban to
include them, which the council
did at the end of May.
Included in our downtown
smoking ban are e-cigarettes. It
would be more difficult to
enforce a smoking ban if they
would be allowed and there are
still safety concerns associated
with the e-cigarettes. Although
tobacco-less, with e-cigarettes,
you are smoking nicotine. It is
misleading to promote e-cigarettes as “safe” and a “harmless
alternative” to cigarettes, as they
could potentially lead to a new
generation of smokers more
likely to become tobacco
dependent.
Over the past several years,
the city has taken a number of
proactive steps to limit smoking
in public areas, including city
parks, trails and open space
areas. In these areas, regulations
have essentially been self-policing and have resulted in reduced
smoking in city parks.
The US Surgeon General has
determined that there is no safe
level of exposure to second-hand
smoke, and outdoor exposure can
be as toxic as indoor exposure.
Second-hand smoke is a proven
killer, causing as many as 53,000
deaths each year in the United
States, approximately 6,000 of
which occur in California.
The Concord City Council is
working hard to keep our city
safe for everyone.
Ron Leone, a Concord city councilman and former mayor, welcomes
comments and questions. Call him at
925-680-1776 or [email protected].
Second workshop on future of
downtown Concord is Oct. 7
Residents are encouraged to
attend the second community
workshop on the Downtown
Concord Specific Plan set for
Monday, Oct. 7 from 6:30 to 8
p.m. The workshop will be held
at Salvio Pacheco Square, 2151
Salvio St., second floor, Suite
201.
Concord’s downtown is wellloved, with over 150,000 people
visiting Todos Santos Plaza every
year for the summer music programs, community events and
farmers’ markets. Businesses
around Todos Santos Plaza have
seen a resurgence over the last
ten years. The Downtown Specific Plan will present a vision for
how the area will develop over
the next 20 to 30 years. After the
first workshop, held in May, the
project’s steering committee has
been working to incorporate
public input from attendees into
a draft vision statement and proposed plan for review at the Oct.
7 workshop.
Space is limited. Those wishing to
attend are asked to RSVP to Senior
Planner Joan Ryan, [email protected] or (925) 671-3370.
Todos Santos to get new fence in 2014
PEGGY SPEAR
Clayton Pioneer
UTOPIC GARDENS
Year Round Appeal!
925-524-0055
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The hundreds of residents
enjoying Concord’s Thursday
night concert series and farmers’ market at Todos Santos
Plaza this summer was a beautiful sight to civic leaders; what
wasn’t so pretty was the temporary barricades separating the
park from busy Willow Pass
Road.
Put up for safety reasons, the
temporary fence may have kept
revelers – and many small children – away from traffic. But it
still was not as safe – or as aesthetically pleasing – as a permanent fence could be, said City
Councilman Ron Leone.
That will change for next
year, Leone says, as the council
has directed the city’s design
review board to finalize a new
four-foot high iron fence for
that length of the plaza, com-
THIS PROPOSED ARCHWAY will be part of the iron fence project at
Todos Santos Park
plete with entry-way arches.
“It’s not elaborate, but it will
be very nice,” Leone says.
He points out that this structure will not “fence in” Todos
Santos Plaza, as some residents
feared, but provide an attractive
security barrier at the busy
downtown gathering spot.
The cost of the new fence
will be about $170,000, and
comes from a special fund set
up to beautify and enhance
Concord’s quality of life, Leone
says.
“It’s not coming from the
city’s General Fund, but from a
fund dedicated to this type of
project,” he says.
Leone adds that the council
and the design review board
have worked to keep the design
simple, to keep costs down, but
still something that reflects the
plaza and the city.
“We will probably have an
inscription over the archway
saying, ‘Welcome to Todos Santos Plaza,’ or something like
that, with perhaps the city seal,”
Leone says. “We sent the plans
back to the design review board
to finalize the plans, and I am
assured it will be quite aesthetically pleasing.”
“Don’t worry, there are no
spirit poles,” he says, referring to
the controversial art that used to
grace downtown.
The new fence should be
installed in time for the 2014
summer concert series.
September 27, 2013
Page 7
Economic upswing may make you an ‘accidental investor’
Q. When I bought my
home I rented out my previous home even though I had
a negative cash flow. I couldn’t sell it for what I owed at
that time. Since then I was
able to refinance to a lower
interest rate. I now have a
positive cash flow. I also have
equity since prices have gone
up. Though I could now sell
it for more than I owe, I like
the steady cash flow. Is this
an unusual situation?
A. Not at all. A new term,
“accidental investor,” has been
coined recently. Your experience
is the definition of this. And I
must say congratulations for
things working out this way for
you.
There is little research tracking “accidental investors” com-
themselves investors at all.
Median home prices fell
more than 28 percent between
2006 and 2011. In the last two
years they have rebounded more
than 20 percent. Many former
underwater-home owners are
taking advantage of the chance
to sell them now. This is releasing much needed inventory into
the market. Others, like yourself,
like the steady cash flow and
don’t mind being a landlord.
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS
pared to “intentional investors,”
though there could be more
“accidental” than “intentional”
investors these days. The reason
it is hard to track is because
these investors don’t consider
Q. I am getting my home
ready to sell. Before I list it
could you just give me a
down and dirty list of the
most important things to do?
I have some money to put
toward getting it ready to sell
but I have a tight budget.
A. In my experience, the top
three turnoffs to a buyer are
dirt, odor and clutter.
1. Make sure your home is in
the cleanest condition it has ever
been: windows, carpet, all walls
and surfaces. If carpet doesn’t
clean up with professional treatment you might consider replacing it. You can also steam-clean
tile and grout. What is important is how a buyer feels when
they walk through the space.
Remember to tidy the outside as
well.
2. Before you start the deep
cleaning though, remove personal items and treasures. The
buyer wants to picture their
things in the home. The more
interesting your things are, the
more distracting they will be to a
buyer.
3. Odors are a huge turn off.
Try not to cook fried, spicy food
or fish when it is on the market.
The other rooms most prone to
smell in a house are the rooms
where there is a lot of fabric.
Curtains and upholstery absorb
odors. Get them cleaned. Take
whatever steps you must to
eliminate pet odors. Don’t
smoke in or near the house,
please. These days people are
very sensitive to smoke and pet
smells.
4. Some of the least expensive things you can do to give
your home an updated look is
replace old light fixtures. Also
door knobs and new cabinet
hardware don’t cost much. If it
is in your budget, a new garage
door really updates the front.
5. Two things that make a
house look dated are acoustic
(popcorn) ceilings and wallpaper. In the 1960s and 1970s
popcorn ceilings were considered an upgrade. Now they date
a home. And wallpaper is a
totally personal taste. It would
be unusual for a buyer to have
the exact some taste as you. If
you can find the money in your
budget, removing both the
acoustic ceilings and the wallpaper would be a huge plus.
Remember to repaint the walls
with a neutral color.
Send your question and look for your
answer in a future column. Email
[email protected]. French is the
broker/owner of Windermere Lynne
French & Associates. Contact her at
672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center
St., Clayton.
Five easy ways to upgrade your space
Can you imagine the trouble
we’d all get into if we had bottomless
home-improvement
budgets? I can see the possibilities now. Kitchens designed for
the Julia Child or Thomas Keller
within us all or glamorous master
bedroom suites with walk-in closets approved by our best fictitious
gal pal Carrie Bradshaw. Yes, a
bottomless budget would be quite
exciting but until that lottery-winning day arrives, here are my top
five design upgrade categories to
get your house looking like a million bucks.
FINISH DETAILS
What makes a living space
truly unique and beautiful are
the finish details: high-gloss
paint applied to door and window casings, decorative handpainted tile used for kitchen
and bathroom backsplashes, or
low voltage lighting found under
the shelves of a grand bookcase,
softly illuminating the books
and personal collectibles. These
small details create a subtle
ambiance that may not jump out
at you when you enter a living
space, but the look as a whole
will capture your interest.
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
If you live in a house where
interesting architectural details
are somewhat non-existent, this
is your chance to give your living
space some design direction:
Wood beams incorporated
into a ceiling layout will always
add character to an otherwise
plain ceiling. When adding
beams to a ceiling, the key is to
make them look structural.
Large windows are always a
great way to bring the light in, as
well as break up long, solid, boring interior walls.
Crown molding is a very elegant detail to add to the top of
your walls, where the ceiling
meets. This molding is typically
finished in the same paint or stain
as your door and window casings.
The addition of new interior
doors is a great way to update
your home. New doors come in
many different styles and can be
painted or stained to reflect your
design aesthetic.
LIGHTING
Layer your lighting! Lighting
is a very important design ele-
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR
ment for any living space. Every
living space needs to have a certain amount of general, accent
and task lighting. General lighting is used to illuminate the
entire living space,. Accent lighting is used to highlight certain
See Design, page 8
E STATE P L A N N I N G P ITFALL
Have you reviewed your trusts this year?
If your estate plan includes
one or more trusts, it’s a good
idea to review them in light of
recent tax changes. Higher
income taxes — on individuals
as well as trusts — may lead you
to rethink the way your trusts
are structured.
This year, several tax hikes
took effect for “high earners.”
They include:
A top income tax rate of
39.6% (up from 35%) for taxable income above $400,000 for
single filers ($450,000 for joint
filers),
A 20 percent rate for longterm capital gains and qualified
dividends (up from 15%) for
taxpayers in the top bracket, and
A new 3.8 percent tax on net
investment income for taxpayers
with modified adjusted gross
income over $200,000 for single
filers ($250,000 for joint filers).
Trusts are also subject to all
of these tax increases, but the
income threshold is only
$11,950 in 2013.
RICHARD LITTORNO
ESTATE PLANNING
A trust’s tax impact depends
in part on whether it’s structured as a grantor or nongrantor
trust. A grantor trust is designed
so that you’re treated as its
owner for income tax purposes,
even though your contributions
are considered “completed
gifts” for estate planning purposes. By paying the trust’s
income taxes, you allow the trust
to grow tax-free, leaving more
for your heirs. And you can sell
assets to a grantor trust without
tax consequences.
Despite these advantages, if
higher tax rates have become a
burden, you might consider
converting a grantor trust to a
nongrantor trust to shift the tax
liability to the trust. Keep in
mind, though, that the trust will
also be subject to higher tax
rates.
You can reduce the tax bite
on a nongrantor trust by 1)
shifting trust assets into taxexempt or tax-deferred investments, or 2) distributing trust
income to beneficiaries in lower
tax brackets (generally, trusts are
taxed only on undistributed
income). But you should weigh
potential tax savings against the
benefits of keeping assets in the
trust — including creditor protection and wealth preservation.
7-DAY ALASKA
May–September 2014
$548*
$1,198*
$1,322*
$1,922*
$1,749*
$2,349*
$1,849*
$2,549*
$1,999*
$2,799*
Between Vancouver and AnchorageRoundtrip Seattle,
Vancouver and San Francisco also available.
Fares based on Crown Princess® 5/10/14 sailing. Government fees of $165
are additional and subject to change.
11-NIGHT DENALI EXPLORER CRUISETOUR
May–September 2014
7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise PLUS 3 nights at our
Denali area lodges plus 1 night Anchorage and Princess
Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail.
Fares based on Crown Princess® 5/10/14 sailing. Government fees of $191
11-DAY SCANDINAVIA & RUSSIA
May–August 2014
Roundtrip Copenhagen or Warnemünde
Richard A. Littorno is an attorney specializing in estate planning.
Send
your
questions
to
[email protected].
Fares based on Royal Princess® 5/12/14 sailing. Government fees of $185
12-DAY BRITISH ISLES
May–August 2014
Roundtrip London
Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years
Residential &
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Custom Milled Lumber
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Ed Waraner
8861 Marsh Creek Rd, Clayton
Bonded and Fully Insured
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Major Credit Cards Accepted
www.waranerbrostree.com
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Fares based on Ruby Princess® 5/11/14 sailing. Government fees of $200 are
additional and subject to change.
12-DAY GRAND MEDITERRANEAN
June–October 2014
Between Barcelona and Venice
Fares based on Regal Princess® 8/30/14 sailing. Government fees of $140
Travel To Go, Inc. (925) 672-9840
Clayton Station
travel-2-go.com
Shopping Center,
5439 Clayton Road
Suite F
Clayton, CA
CST #2033054-40
† Free stateroom upgrade applies to booking the stateroom location you wish to sail in for the price of the lowest category within that stateroom type during this promotion only. Offer is based on
availability in like to like stateroom types (Interior to Interior, Oceanview to Oceanview, Balcony to Balcony). Upgrade offer excludes select categories, including but not limited to premium
categories and suites. Offer does not apply to land packages.
* Fares are per person, based on double occupancy and based on select departure dates only. Fares for other dates may vary. See princess.com/free for offer details.
†† Free shore excursion credit applies $200 per stateroom ($100 per person) for Europe, and $100 per stateroom ($50 per person) for Alaska voyages for cruises advertised in this promotion only. A credit in
the respective dollar amount will be posted to your stateroom account upon embarkation. This credit may be used for any excursion purchased during your cruise, including any that were pre-reserved online.
Credit may be used on a single voyage only and expires at the end of that voyage. Any credit not used for shore excursions will be applied toward the stateroom account balance and any unused credit will
be refunded at the end of the cruise. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. Shore Excursion credit is quoted in U.S. dollars.
o Bookings on applicable sailings will receive a complimentary dinner for two in one of our onboard specialty restaurants, Sabatini’s, Crown Grill, Bayou Cafe, or Sterling Steakhouse. Restaurants
vary by ship and reservations will be made on your behalf by Princess. Special dining events that take place in Specialty restaurants are excluded from the dining offer. Offer cannot be used toward
the purchase of specialty dining packages. Alcoholic beverages and sodas are not included, and are available at an additional cost. Specialty dining gratuities are included. It will be at the guest’s
discretion as to which guest in the booking redeems the offer. One offer per stateroom. Offer is non-transferable, Princess has the right to substitute for an onboard credit of equal value, and will
expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the last evening of the cruise. Offer excludes Princess lodge restaurants.
** Reduced deposit of $100 per person applies to all passengers in a stateroom. Promo code RB3 /RTC. Offer expires: October 31, 2013.
Note: For assistance reserving a wheelchair-accessible stateroom, please contact customer service at 1-800-774-6237.
© 2013 Princess Cruises. Ships of Bermudan registry.
Page 8
Striking facts on nature’s fireworks
Steffan Smith Construction
ward ”
A
n
o
a
ti
v
r
e
e
s
r
“P
r
2012 w inner
for this
s
Art s & Cra ft
kitchen !
WOODY WHITLATCH
WEATHER WORDS
A few weeks ago Bay Area
residents were treated to one of
Mother Nature’s best visual displays, a lightning storm.
Hundreds of lightning strikes lit
up the skies during that event.
Thunderstorms are relatively
rare in our area. During the dry
season, California weather tends
to be influenced by a strong area
of high pressure that keeps us
warm and dry.
During the late summer
Residential Remodeling and Renovation
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General contractor
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Buyers and Sellers – the time is right
months of
August and
September, subtle changes in the
jet stream can carry monsoon
moisture into the U.S. southwest.
Monsoon-related summer thunderstorms frequently develop in
the mountains of New Mexico
and Arizona.
Occasionally, the summer
monsoon moisture moves northward to the Bay Area. We first
notice an increase in the mugginess of the air. Clouds tend to
form late in the updrafts caused
by surface heating. Under the
right atmospheric conditions
thunderstorms develop.
Lightning is produced when
liquid and ice particles collide and
build up large electrical fields in
the clouds. Water droplets in the
bottom part of the cloud are
caught in updrafts and lifted to an
altitude of much colder air and
become ice particles.
Downdrafts in the storm
cloud push ice and hail down
from the top of the cloud. The
falling ice particles collide with the
rising droplets. These collisions
strip electrons from the ice and
droplet molecules, resulting in
fields of positive and negative
charges.
When these electric fields
become large enough, a giant
spark occurs. We call that spark
lightning. The lightning spark can
occur inside a cloud, between
clouds, or between the cloud and
ground.
Cloud-to-ground lightning
bolts can contain up to one billion
volts of electricity.
In a fraction of a second,
lightning heats the air around it to
temperatures in excess of 50,000
degrees.
The heated air near a lightning
bolt expands rapidly. This superheated column of air cools rapidly and contracts. This creates a
cracking sound, which is immediately followed by a rumbling
sound as the column of air
vibrates. We call that thunder.
Light waves travel much faster
than sound waves, so it is possible
to estimate how far an observer is
from a lightning strike by counting the number of seconds
between the flash and the sound.
A five-second gap corresponds to
about one mile.
NEW LISTING
GREAT VALUE!
Don’t get in a lather
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This exceptionally nice rancher has the gourmet granite kitchen that
people dream about, dual pane windows, base & crown molding, freshly
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Located on a quiet street in the new Charter High School attendance
area, it also has concrete RV parking and a large backyard!
Priced to sell at only $459,000
Broker, Realtor, GRI
Cell: (925) 890-6004
Serving Clayton
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Call PETE LAURENCE at (925) 890-6004
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Richard A. Littorno
For the past few decades,
meteorologists have been able to
track the number of lightning
strikes using an array of ground
based lightning detection sensors.
Analyses of these data indicate
that nearly 80 percent of all lightning bolts are cloud-to-cloud
types, with the remaining 20 percent of the strikes reaching the
ground.
Florida, with an average of
nearly 1.5 million ground strikes
per year, leads all states in lightning strike frequency. California
records nearly 85,000 cloud-toground strikes per year, and the
majority of those occur in the
higher elevations of the Sierras.
September is typically a warm
and dry month in the Clayton
area. It is also a month when
monsoon moisture can sneak up
from the south, trigger thunderstorm activity, and provide us
with an awesome display of
nature’s fireworks.
Woody Whitlatch, a retired
PG&E meteorologist, regularly
writes the Pioneer’s Weather Words
column in addition to contributing
frequent travel articles.
JUDITH MARSHALL
FASHION OVER 50
Shaving is never fun, but we
do it. We women are taught at a
young age that it’s part of good
grooming. Hence, we risk our
lives wobbling on one leg in the
shower to shave our legs and
suffer the itch of the occasional
underarm rash, all in the name
of looking our best.
Here are some tips that can
make shaving look and feel
smoother:
1) Don’t shave right after
getting out of bed. Skin is puffy
in the morning (think about
your eyes), making stubble less
visible.
2) Be sure to moisten hair.
Hair conditioner works better
than shaving cream. Soap won’t
hold moisture long enough and
tends to clog the razor.
3) Use a fresh blade to
reduce drag on your skin that
can leave skin red, blotchy, and
irritated. Old-time razors (the
ones with replaceable blades)
have heavier handles, allowing
for a closer shave. Blades are
good for five uses.
4)
Shave opposite hair
growth. It prevents hair from
curling under the skin and
becoming ingrown.
5) Use a light touch to avoid
nicks and cuts.
6) Always apply a moisturizer after shaving to prevent flaky
skin.
7) Bathe or shower before
shaving. Hydrating hair with
warm water first swells and softens stubble, producing and closer shave.
8) If you shave your bikini
area, don’t stop when bathing
suit season ends. Discontinuing
shaving the bikini line will cause
it to become overly sensitive.
You don’t want to have to
Design, from page 7
areas or objects, and task is used
for purposes such as reading or
working on your laptop. By creating layers of lighting, you will
end up with a living space that
glows with character.
WINDOW TREATMENTS
Window treatments add a
decorative and functional layer
to your windows. Sun control,
privacy and insulation are all
benefits to window treatments,
as well as the opportunity to add
a decorative texture or pattern
with the use of fabric or woven
woods. Embellish your windows
and they will become decorative
accents, and not just a hole in an
exterior wall.
FURNITURE
A well-functioning furniture
plan can make any living space
“break” it in again. (Hint: A
beard trimmer at the lowest setting works well for the bikiniline hairs. It leaves no unsightly
red bumps.) If you wax this
area, first dust skin with baby
powder. It helps wax adhere to
hairs. If you have the waxing
done at a salon, try to find one
that uses natural French low
temperature wax. It will be less
painful.
Live long and pester!
Judith Marshall is the author of
“Husbands May Come and Go but
Friends are Forever.” Send comments
look pulled together. If you
have lived with the same furniture plan for the last few years,
take a chance and really mix it
up. Consider editing your furniture by removing pieces that do
nothing for the space, and
replace with new pieces that add
style and function.
Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J.
Designs Interior Design based in
Clayton. Contact her with questions,
comments and suggestions at
[email protected].
LITTORNO LAW GROUP
Assisted over 4,000 Families since 1979
Police
Activity
Report
Living Trusts and Wills
Tax & Estate Planning, LLM (Tax)
Probate & Trust Administration
Asset Protection Strategies
Medi-Cal & VA Benefit Planning
VA Accredited Attorney, Member of
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and ElderCounsel
POLICE ACTIVITY FOR TWO WEEKS
ENDING SEPT . 19, 2013
ACCIDENT S
Sept. 19, 2:53 p.m. N. El
Camino Drive.
Walnut Creek Office:
Pittsburg Office:
3100 Oak Road, #100
Walnut Creek CA 94597
Phone: (925) 937-4211
[email protected]
2211 Railroad Ave.
Pittsburg CA 94565
Phone: (925) 432-4211
www.LittornoLaw.com
ARRESTS
Sept. 11, 12:10 p.m.
Lydia Ln./Clayton Rd. A 36year-old Lafayette female
was arrested for driving
while license suspended.
Sept. 13, 11:06 a.m.
5400 Clayton Rd. A 48-
year-old Concord male was
arrested for disorderly conduct: alcohol.
Sept. 14, 11:32 p.m.
Clayton Rd./Mitchell Canyon
Rd. A 60-year-old Clayton
female was arrested for DUI.
Sept. 17, 2:20 p.m. 5400
Clayton Rd. A 35-year-old
Concord male was arrested
for possession of a controlled
substance; possess marijuana 28.5 grams or less or with
prior; possess controlled substance paraphernalia.
Sept. 18, 11:13 a.m.
Main St./Marsh Creek Rd.
A 30-year-old Concord
male was arrested for driving while license suspended.
Sept. 18, 9:42 p.m.
Marsh Creek Rd./Center St.
A 19-year-old Concord
male was arrested for possessing marijuana for sale;
possession of a controlled
substance. An 18-year-old
male passenger from Clayton was also arrested.
BURGLARIES/THEFTS
Sept. 7, Bridlewood Ct.
Burglary – Vehicle.
Sept. 12, 5400 Clayton
Rd. Burglary – Commercial.
September 27, 2013
Page 9
Teen apathy now may have
global impact in the future
ROBBIE PARKER
TEENSPEAK
As part of Clayton Valley
Charter High School’s ultimate
plan to prepare students for college and the “real world,” I’ve
been reasonably exposed to most
local and global current events
within my history classes. In fact,
the first unit of my sophomore
world history course was simply a
“who’s who, and what’s what”
guide to our world today. While
Preparing
students for 21st
Century
job market
certain individuals may be innately interested in such curriculum,
lecturing a group of teenagers on
the impact of United Nations
policies, or the most recent stimulus package, produced a collective
sigh of tedium. While the resulting behavior of students is to
some extent understandable, the
apathetic reaction toward one
topic in particular completely irritated me.
The source of my exasperation, one of the most prominent
and explosive global conflicts
today, is the Syrian Civil War.
After three years of unrelenting rebellion against the Syrian government, the country’s
dictator Bashar al-Assad, is
making headlines after using
deadly chemical weapons on his
own people.
In response, Congress will
decide whether to attack Syria.
In addition to Syria’s promise to
follow the rules of engagement,
the civil war is also igniting conflict between the U.S and Russia,
an ally of the Syrian government.
The world could potentially
be at the brink of a third world
war, and future voters are ranking their level of concern along-
side watching paint dry. In fact,
a study from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of
Government discovered less
than 40 percent of American
teenagers paid any attention to
daily news or current events.
While the media deems these
politically listless teenagers as
ignorant, many have little reason
to care.
It comes as no surprise the
average teen’s apathy toward
politics considering the carefree
lifestyle many live today. Never
have I, nor my peers, ever faced
paying taxes or refinancing a
home. The most challenging
daily obstacles we encounter
include completing homework,
arriving at practice on time, or
meeting this week’s “trending”
set of social expectations. We
criticize and groan at our parttime odd jobs at the library, mall
or local coffee shop – let alone
manage a full time occupation.
Living without a functioning
Wi-Fi signal, or sitting at home
grounded on Friday night is the
most catastrophic tribulation we
can imagine. Keeping track of
due dates and deadlines is
already a hassle, much less monitoring political negotiations.
As an average American
teenager of this generation, I
must admit, I am more than
capable of sufficiently living a
blissfully ignorant lifestyle. I am
more than capable of living in a
sheltered bubble, deaf and blind
to worldwide tragedies.
Yet, my generation will be
eligible to vote in the next presidential election.
So when I frequently hear
captious comments in school
along the lines of, “Why does
this even matter?” or “It doesn’t
really affect me, why should I
care?” I become concerned for
the welfare of our political system. Some of the greatest
changes to everyday life,
whether positive or negative, are
enacted through political means.
War and destruction cannot be
resolved by government alone.
As best summarized by the
words of President Franklin D.
Roosevelt, “We cannot always
build the future for our youth,
but we can build our youth for
the future.”
Robbie Parker is a junior at
Clayton Valley Charter High
School. Send comments to
[email protected]
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VOYAGE OF THE EAGLE
Today’s students are faced
with greater challenges than ever
before. What used to be a country
full of jobs that required only low
to medium skills, where a student
with a high school diploma had a
good shot at a prosperous life and
someone with a college degree
was nearly guaranteed success, has
changed dramatically over the last
three to four decades. Today’s students have to navigate a globalized economy, an economic recession, outrageous college tuition
and ever increasing academic
standards in the face of extreme
student competition. To the average teenager without the proper
support network, life after high
school may look grim.
Funny enough, many high
school students are still looking at
their prospective futures through
rose-colored glasses because
nobody has bothered to tell them
how stark reality is. According to
a presentation Condoleezza Rice
made last year to business leaders
from across the country, 70 percent of the youth in America
today will be ineligible for the military due to one or more of these
factors: failed ASVAB (once a
diagnostic, this standard military
test is now an entrance exam that
is recalibrated every six months),
high school dropout, health and
obesity problems, or criminal
record. The business leaders’
reactions were that if the youth of
today are not eligible for the military, there is no way that they are
ready for entry level jobs in middle-class America. The logical
conclusion is that if these individuals are not ready for entry level
jobs then they will likely remain
unemployed or underemployed.
It follows then that 70 percent of
the youth in America today are
headed for some form of public
assistance (welfare, food stamps,
etc.). Let that sink in for a minute.
It used to be that if you couldn’t get into a good school or land
a good job you always had the
military option. Today however,
what was once the “backup” plan
is now not an option for 70 percent of our young population.
Responsible educators are
tackling this problem of raising
academic skills and preparing our
students for the careers of the
21st century. Certainly critical
See Job Market, page 18
CVCHS musicians toot their
own horns at Music-A-Thon
8 pm
to
-6pm
6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440
Entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Sept. 27, 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shillz
Oct. 4, 5 . . . . . . . .Crossman Country
Karaoke Mon. & Wed. nights
Open Mic Thur. nights, 8-11 pm
www.claytonclubsaloon.com
2 for the price of 1
Beer only. Good anytime with
original coupon. Exp. 10/10/13
Offering All-Season
CVCHS BAND STUDENTS GATHER IN THE GROVE AT LAST YEAR’S MUSIC-A-THON. The event is a major fundraiser
for the music program. This year’s event is set for Oct. 12.
Things will get a little loud in
Clayton on Sat., Oct. 12 as the
School performs its second
annual Music-A-Thon.
CVCHS Music Director
Joseph Scott will lead more than
100 students and chaperones as
they march through Clayton
neighborhoods. If it sounds
louder than last year, it’s because
of the increased enrollment in
the music department.
The band will begin playing
at the Farmers’ Market at 9:45
a.m. From there the musicians
will parade to the Clayton
Library, then swing by Diamond
Terrace, CVS and into Easley
Estates and Stanahan Circle,
ending at the Clayton Park gazebo for a grand finale.
Residents will receive word
of the Music-A-Thon via door
hangers about a week before the
event. Neighbors can request a
“Lawn Concert” for a $25 donation and have their own private
concert performed in their own
front yard. The band will also
play “Happy Birthday” to anyone requesting it.
This is a big fundraiser for
the department but is also a way
to involve the students and
reach out to the community. It
showcases the CVCHS music
program and encourages incoming students to join in the fun.
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www.EarthquakeArabians.com
Journey of a lifetime
for two ailing teens
EMILY YORK
TEEN READS
The novel “The Fault in Our
Stars” by John Green (Dutton
Books; January, 2012) is anything but your average love
story. Hazel Lancaster is a 16year-old girl with stage IV thyroid cancer, and has been living
with an oxygen tank by her side
ever since she was first diagnosed at age 12.
One morning Hazel’s mom
practically forces her to go to a
cancer support group, where
there will be other teens who
have cancer just like Hazel.
There, Hazel meets Augustus Waters, a 17-year-old who
happens to be missing a leg due
to osteosarcoma. The two hit it
off immediately. Both of them
bond over Hazel’s favorite book
of all time “An Imperial Affliction” by Peter Van Houten.
The strange thing about Van
Houten’s book is that it doesn’t
have an ending; it stops in the
middle of a scene, causing
Hazel and Augustus’s curiosity
to soar. Even though Hazel has
written her favorite author
dozens of letters, Van Houten
doesn’t reply to any of his fan
mail.
Hazel has given up on trying
to reach Van Houten, but
Augustus hasn’t. As strange as
it sounds, one of Augustus’s
emails reaches Van Houten in
his secretive home in Amsterdam. Along with his reply
comes an invitation for Augustus and Hazel to go to Amsterdam to meet and discuss the
book with him. Accepting the
risky and once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity, Hazel and Augustus embark on a trip to Amsterdam. While there, the two not
only bond, but they create memories that they will never forget.
The events that happen to
Augustus and Hazel during their
journey will change their lives
forever. This is a book that
caught my attention on the first
page and didn’t let go until I
reached the back cover. Everyone I know has been talking
about this novel and personally,
I think it’s worth the buzz.
Emily York is a freshman at
CVCHS.
3141 Morgan Territory Rd., Clayton
925.360.7454
FREE ESTIMATES
925-250-0334
Owners
Dustin & Kim Waraner
Contractors Lic #879423
Arborist Lic WE-7372A
Page 10
September 27, 2013
Inferno, from page 1
opener against Green Bay on
TV that afternoon.
Up on Mt. Diablo, the dry
winter and harsh summer heat
had the land primed for disaster, as the scrub brush that
laces throughout the steep hills
and canyon is as flammable as
gasoline this time of year.
It was just after 1 p.m. when
Jack Wessman called 911 to
report a fire on his property at
the abandoned mercury mines
at Morgan Territory and Marsh
Creek Roads. A relative had
been target shooting, and
sparked a brushfire.
Knowing the threat, the
California Department of
Forestry – Cal Fire – responded quickly, with six engines,
two that arrived within minutes, dispatched from the nearby Sunshine Station.
The half-acre fire was extinguished quickly, and by 1:30
p.m., Cal Fire officials were
ready to send their incoming
engines back to the stations
they came from – including two
from Contra Costa Fire Stations
8 and 22 in Concord.
That’s when Mother Nature
got wily.
A burned pine tree “exploded like a Roman Candle” said
witnesses,
spraying
its
pinecones and embers up to
about 800 feet away. Unfortunately, one of those embers
sparked a spot fire, and suddenly, the small grass fire took on
new life, racing off down the
canyon and up the mountain in
multiple directions.
It was a firefighter’s
nightmare.
SMOKE BILLOWS
Across the bay, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mike Marcucci was
enjoying a rare weekend off,
taking in the America’s Cup
races in San Francisco, when he
got the call. He had taken the
ferry over from Larkspur. Since
his truck was back in Marin, he
was forced to take a bus back
across the Golden Gate Bridge
– with a superb view of the
smoke that was suddenly billowing from Mt. Diablo.
“I knew then it wasn’t going
to be good,” said the third-generation fireman.
Indeed, once the smoke
became visible, residents on
and around Mt. Diablo began
calling 911, and actively seeking
out information about friends
and neighbors.
In the first hour of the fire,
evacuation orders for Curry
Creek and Oak Hill Lane were
issued. As the fire raced northwards up North Peak, more
evacuations began– for those
who would go. Residents of
Russelman Park Road, Trail
Ride Road, East Trail Road,
Upper Trail Road and Lower
Trail Road were also asked to
evacuate – or be ready to.
But many folks who live on
the mountain don’t want to be
separated from their land, and
as the fire raged, Marcucci said
about 100 percent of the residents in some areas evacuated,
while in other areas, only about
40 percent did.
Meanwhile, Cal Fire was
asking for help, ordering more
engines, bulldozers, air tankers
and helicopters. In all, there
were 30 hand crews, 11 dozers,
85 engines, three helicopters
and two large air tankers, flown
in from the central valley.
“We were really lucky they
were there,” Marcucci says.
As the quick-moving fire
raced up the mountain, local
civic leaders and the Red Cross
set up an evacuation center at
the
Clayton
Community
Library, and a command post
for the fire was set up at Station
11.
The Morgan Fire – named
by Cal Fire for Morgan Territory road near where the fire was
located – was taking off.
THIS AERIAL SHOT COURTESY OF SAN RAMON FIRE DISTRICT, shows the wide containment line bulldozed around the perimeter of the
fast moving Morgan Fire Sept 8 and 9. The photo is taken looking northeast toward the origin of the fire on Morgan Territory Rd.
FICKLE WINDS
As the fire raged, it was
fueled by the ubiquitous scrub
brush and dried vegetation,
curving into canyons and dried
gullies, and creating a nearimpossible situation for the
hand crews battling on foot.
On Sunday, more than 700 firefighters and inmates tried to
protect the homes and other
structures in the fire’s path. But
fickle winds made it almost
impossible to track the route.
“Because Mt. Diablo is
round, it throws off any wind
projections,” Marcucci says. “It
can change in an hour, whether
it is an on-shore breeze or coming from the east, it swirls
Fire damages
mountain archery club
Although there were no
homes lost in the Morgan Fire,
the Diablo Bowman’s Club took
a big hit when flames destroyed
their storage trailer and snack
shack.
The small, non-profit located
in the foothills on Morgan
Territory Road had thousands of
dollars worth of targets and
equipment, their snack shack
and wooden bridges.
Over the years the members
built four archery ranges and
have taken care of the woods
that surround the property. The
range is also a wildlife refuge,
home to deer, turkeys, wild pigs,
bob cats, tarantulas, lizards and
other creatures.
Although the fire devastated
the range, firefighters managed
to save the clubhouse and main
cookhouse.
“Although the wildfire ravaged our targets, our range
served as a firebreak and
stopped the fire from reaching
the residences beyond our property,” says club president Angel
Yarnell.
Members are still assessing
the damage to the grounds.
“We have to rebuild and
rehabilitate,” Yarnell said. “We
need to clean out fallen trees
Photos courtesy Diablo Bowmen
TOP: FIREFIGHTERS TAKE A STAND on the deck of the main clubhouse to save the building. The club’s storage trailed, pictured
above, was not so lucky. The club lost thousands of dollars
worth of equipment to the flames.
and charred brush and to
inspect and clear the jeep
trails.”
Members also will need to
replant the burned trees and
take steps to head off potential
erosion problems when the
rains start later this fall.
Club members, friends and volunteers will provide the labor to
rebuild. However, the club is
looking to the public for help in
providing the funds for building
materials
and
equipment
replacement.
See the club’s website, diablo-bowmen.org, for details on
how to donate funds.
Diablo Bowmen is a nonprofit 501(c)(7) organization. As
such, donations made on behalf
of individuals are not tax
deductible. Donations would be
made of good faith and service
to the community.
around and makes it hard to
track.”
Further away, the eerie sight
of flames licking over the top
of the mountain stunned residents throughout the East Bay.
By Monday morning, 2,540
acres had burned, and it was
only 10 percent contained.
Luckily, the light of day
brought out the helicopters and
air tankers again, and firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the day to save PG&E
transmission lines, communication towers and the historical
buildings located at the summit.
About 100 homes in the area
were also threatened.
Roads closures were in
effect: Marsh Creek Road from
Camino Diablo to Regency
Road in Clayton, and Morgan
Territory Road from Marsh
Creek Road to Highland Road
in Alameda County. In East
County, Deer Valley Road was
closed at Balfour Road, and
evacuation orders were still in
effect.
Firefighters were aided,
however, by two DC-10s who
dropped 24,000 gallons of
retardant on the mountain
before being called to a bigger
fire burning near Shasta.
Thinking they were about to
get the upper hand in the fire,
Cal Fire decided to move the
command station from Clayton
to Camp Parks in Dublin
because it needed a larger
space, and began the logistical
headache of preparing to feed
and lodge hundreds of tired
and hungry firefighters and
prison inmates dispatched to
help on the fire lines.
MONDAY NIGHT SURPRISE
Unfortunately, that evening
found Mother Nature once
again uncooperative, and during this evening transition the
the fire once again switched
directions and moved toward
the more heavily populated
Morgan Territory.
“I’ll be honest, it surprised
us,” Marcucci said. “It turned
and freight-trained down the
mountain.”
Because of the change in
command posts, there was a
dearth of information from
firefighters. The CalFire Incident Site had not been updated
all day, and local residents were
unsure of whether their homes
were going to be safe or not.
With the lack of information came confusion and fear.
People were left to rely on local
blogs and social media for critical information – not always
accurate. Reports that the fire
had jumped Morgan Territory
Road and was heading towards
the horse ranches on the East
side, sent fearful horse owners
scrambling to evacuate their
livestock. Some anxious residents left their cars at the barricade on Marsh Creek and headed into the fire zone on foot.
Others on ATVs were crossing
over private property in an
attempt to get to the other side
of the flames.
“It was chaotic,” Marcucci
said.
Flames were shooting more
than 150 feet in the air and red
embers were blowing across the
road like dust. It was an inferno.
At one point, resident Don
Van Laeken handed a hose to
KCRA news reporter Richard
Sharp, who was doing live coverage, and asked him to help
water down his property. Even
Marcucci wasn’t immune to the
effects, as he had his hair
singed by the violent flames.
As the blaze jumped in size
Monday night, it was clear that
this was a catastrophic fire, and
one that would take days to
contain. It was estimated at
more than 4,000 acres.
By Tuesday, Cal Fire had
amassed an army of 100
engines, 38 fire crews, four air
tankers, 11 helicopters, six
water tenders and 25 bulldozers. The tide was turning.
The Morgan Territory flareup had been aggressively
fought by crews who literally
shielded the flames from more
devastating damage. Evacuation orders continued in effect.
In even better news, improved
aerial mapping by Cal Fire helicopters estimated the blaze at
just over 3,100 acres, and not
4,000.
By Tuesday night at 8 p.m.
more than 1,400 firefighters
were on the scene, and the fire
was 60 percent contained. All
evacuation orders were finally
lifted by 6 p.m.
Throughout the rest of the
week, firefighters continued to
get an upper-hand on the
blaze, and started the business
of “mopping up” – clearing the
damage as well as possible.
“In a way, we were lucky, as
the fire was on this side of the
mountain,” Marcucci says. “If
it had been near the south gate
– by Alamo, Danville, Walnut
Creek and San Ramon – it is
much more densely populated.
I’m sure we would have lost
more structures.”
In fact, he says it is a “miracle” there was no loss of life or
major structures.
“It could have been a lot
more windy,” he says.
All in all, however, there
were only three firefighter
injuries-two twisted ankles and
one firefighter brought down
for heat exhaustion. “A remarkable feat,” says Marcucci
ENOUGH FIREPOWER FOR
THE FIREFIGHTERS?
Still, the fire demonstrates
how fast such wildfires can get
out of control, and leads to
some inevitable questions. Had
Fire Station 11 in Clayton been
staffed that early afternoon,
would it have made a difference?
“None at all,” Marcucci
said. “Cal Fire engines were at
the first fire within minutes,
followed closely by engines
from Stations 22 and 8 from
ConFire (Contra Costa County
Fire District). Station 11’s closing had no impact.”
That’s a sentiment echoed
by County Supervisor Karen
Mitchoff, who fought tirelessly
for Measure Q, the fire parcel
tax, last fall. When it failed, the
county was forced to shutter
seven fire stations, including
Clayton’s only station.
“We had all the resources at
our disposal being deployed
anyway, so it’s not an issue,” she
says. “We were very fortunate
that there were no other fires
that day, and that the winds didn’t pick up too much. It was a
bad fire, but it could have been
so much worse.”
However, she is quick to
point out that it was “strong
mutual aid” between Cal Fire,
ConFire, the East Contra Costa
Fire District, San Ramon Fire
District, Mt. Diablo State Park,
local law enforcement and
other local agencies that
worked together that helped
keep the fire from being even
more damaging.
Marcucci agrees that good
communication between agencies is essential in this type of
situation. “There were a lot of
jurisdictions, and we all had a
common goal.”
The fire was fully contained
on Sept. 14, almost a full week
after it started.
THE HISTORICAL BUILDINGS at the
summit of Mt. Diablo escaped
damage. The scaffolding on the
tower was already in place
before the fire. (MDIA photo)
September 27, 2013
Cycles, from page 1
completed work was done to
protect structures and repair
bulldozer tracks from the firefighting effort. Generally
speaking, erosion in the burned
areas is another part of nature’s
healing process; in fact, erosion
is as natural as fire. She said
that erosion efforts undertaken
in other fire aftermaths have
had “a far greater impact on the
environment” than simply letting things evolve naturally,
including landslides.
FEAR OF EROSION
CalFire representatives say
that water bars and a process
of replacing divots over underbrush are often used to stabilize a burned area. And on
Sept. 11, even before the fire
was fully contained, efforts
started to reseed Mt. Diablo of
vital trees and plants.
Save Mt. Diablo Advancement Director Julie Seelen says
her organization will be “watching very closely for erosion” in
the coming months as the rains
come, especially after any heavy
rainfalls. She says the main concern is for debris washing down
from the burn areas and clogging culverts, creeks and trails.
Her staff and volunteers will be
documenting “nature recovering”
in the burn areas for several
months and beyond.
The wildflowers expected to
bloom spectacularly over the
next couple of years are mainly
from fire-adapted species that
only regenerate due to the high
heat levels in a fire. Over a short
time frame shrubs and mixed
vegetation on the mountain will
cover the wildflowers. In fact,
the pine tree that exploded and
sparked the “big” fire on Mt.
Diablo on Sept. 8 was only
doing what nature meant it to,
spewing its cones and seeds to
the ground to root.
Bob Doyle is general manager of the East Bay Regional
Park District and one of the
founders of Save Mt. Diablo.
“There were flame poppies in
1978 and some in ‘79, but they
dramatically reduced after the
first year.” He says he found a
few more in 1980 but after that
only wind poppies.
“The other fire plant of note
was even more dramatic and
that was the dicentra, or golden
ear drops, which covered entire
chaparral hillsides and stream
washes in Donner, Back and
Mitchell canyons but were gone
pretty much by 1980,” he added.
Even though this fire has
been determined to have been
man-caused, the 36-year interval
since the 1977 blaze gave the
mountain ecology a chance to
go through a natural cycle. On
the flip side, the repetitive cycle
of wildfires in Sothern California has seen chaparral completely disappear from areas, replaced
by grasslands.
WILDLIFE WILL RETURN
Dave Matthews, public safety coordinator for the Diablo
Vista District of State Parks,
says that another part of the
natural process is wildlife
returning to their habitat. He
says deer and foxes were reported in the burn areas soon after
firefighters left. “Animals, like
plants, have adapted to fire and
repopulate rather quickly,”
Matthews said. He added it is
only in “very extreme” circumstances that any human efforts
are used to repopulate animals
or other species after a fire.
Drivers on Marsh Creek and
Morgan Territory roads can see
many oak trees still standing in
Photos by Scott Hein/Save Mount Diablo
THESE TWO PHOTOS OF SAVE MOUNT DIABLO’S VIERA PROPERTY on the east side of North Peak, taken from the same vantage point,
show the pristine land in the spring of 2009 and the fire ravaged mountainside on Monday, Sept. 16.
Heroes, from page 1
stepped forward to help members of
their community.
As SUVs towing trailers out of Morgan
Territory passed gigantic fire trucks, bulldozers, and equipment heading to fight the
Mt. Diablo fire, and American Red Cross
representatives huddled with local officials
in preparation for opening emergency shelters if needed, locals rallied to support one
another as well.
RESIDENTS RESPOND QUICKLY
Clayton resident Jane Gerow saw the
fire start on her neighbor’s property Sunday around 1:30 p.m. “It started directly
across from my house,” she said. “It
went up to the top of the mountain and
over the ridge and down Morgan Territory … My neighbor saw and started
yelling and alerting everyone.”
As CalFire kicked into gear with the
sound of sirens racing up Marsh Canyon
Road towards the spreading fire, residents started making plans, some loading
horses into trailers to head out.
“They told us there was a voluntary
evacuation on Sunday, but it was calmed
down by then,” said Brooks, who has
more than 15 horses on her property
along with other livestock.
Meanwhile, other residents, intent on
getting their horses to safety as the fire
grew, gathered at the Park ‘n Ride lot
near Peacock Creek, where they were
greeted by locals ready and eager to help.
Chris Barnhart of the Concord Mt.
Diablo Trail Riding Association was leaving the grounds with 13 horses.
“It’s just incredible,
the way everybody
came together and
helped each other,” she said.
“The mayor’s son stopped by with
water, Clayton residents brought us
food, tanks of water for the horses. It
made me cry, they were such generous
people.”
WATER AND PET FOOD
At the library, city officials gathered
with American Red Cross and other
emergency workers to set up a shelter for
evacuees. Their efforts, however, turned
out to be mostly unneeded, as one local
after another arrived to offer everything
from lodging in their own homes to bags
of dog and cat food for the pets of those
fleeing the fire.
Virginia Fraser arrived with her cat,
Emma. A resident of Curry Canyon,
Fraser was a block captain, and on seeing
the black smoke and flames around 2
p.m., helped alert neighbors before leaving herself. “I thought it’d be a nice quiet
day, sitting there reading the Sunday
papers,” she said. “Then boom, all this.”
Bonnie Slatkin, walked over to the
library with her dog Surfer, and offered
food or the use of a room in her homes
for evacuees like Fraser.
“I thought I’d just come down and
see if there’s anything I can do to help,”
she said, echoing the sentiment of a
number of others with the same idea.
Another family gathered resources and
brought scores of sandwiches to the fire
house for the personnel working the fire.
Meanwhile, information was at a premium. As the fire was not within city lim-
Mayor, from page 1
over the horizon of our beloved
mountain; we wondered just how
big and exactly where the fire was.
Was it a small grassfire or was it
the fire we all dread, like the one
in 1977?Alarmed by the flames
cresting the ridge, it was clear to
all that it was a big fire. “What’s
happening? Are we in danger?
Should we get ready to evacuate?”
Clayton, like all local governments in California, operates
under the Standardized Emergency Management System
(SEMS), the system required by
California Government Code
Section 8607(a) for managing
emergencies involving multiple
jurisdictions and agencies. SEMS
has been established to provide
effective management of multiagency and multi-jurisdictional
emergencies in California.
By standardizing key elements
of the emergency management
system, following SEMS establishes a hierarchy of command or
management, facilitates the flow
of information within and
between levels of the system, and
facilitates coordination among all
responding agencies.
MUTUAL AID
Since the fire was in the unincorporated area outside the Clayton city limits, addressing the fire
was CalFire’s responsibility. While
our regional ConFire and other
regional departments helped
coordinate the initial response,
there can only be one agency in
charge and it was CalFire for this
wildland response. All personnel
took direction from CalFire. Our
its, city officials received periodic updates
from CalFire personnel, and passed it on
to residents through television and social
media outlets.
On Monday, however, as the fire
seemed to wane and fire officials temporarily gained the upper hand, an information
blackout ensued as the incident command
changed hands from Contra Costa Fire
Protection to Cal Fire and the command
center moved from Station 11 in Clayton
to Camp Parks in Dublin.
Suddenly, around 6 p.m. Monday, the
winds changed, and the fire that seemed
to be on its way to being contained flared
back up and raced down the hill towards
ranches and people on Morgan Territory
Road.
“It looked like a volcano,” said
Brooks. “The black smoke, and the red,
and you could see the flames.”
Everyone from firefighters to residents to even members of some visiting
news crews picked up hoses, and helped
get horses and other animals to safety on
higher ground.
Long-time resident – and former firefighter – John Khashabi owns his own
fire truck, and helped hose down his
neighbors’ roofs.
With the flow of information from
CalFire temporarily cut off, the task fell
to social media to pass along status
updates.
NEED FOR INFORMATION
The anonymous Mayor of Claycord
found his own website, Claycord.com, an
information hub.
“I didn’t even realize that was going
to happen,” he said of the hundreds of
Clayton Police Department and
the Highway Patrol also responded to help as requested and directed by CalFire. CalFire requested
and received aid from many of its
firefighting stations and other
agencies throughout the state.
The role of a local elected
official in such an emergency is
limited. Our job is to stay out of
the way of the operation while
staying informed, and helping to
relay information to our community. We are necessarily not in the
direct line of command. That job
is left to the professionals.
After receiving a call from City
Manager Gary Napper, I joined
him at city hall to gain accurate,
up-to-the-minute news that I
could then relay to area residents.
Gary manned phones on Sunday,
taking calls from the ConFire
Public Information Officer and
Clayton Police Chief Chris
Thorsen to assess what our city, as
Page 11
areas consumed by the fire.
Both Shafer and Matthews say
that the majority of the oaks will
survive and those that don’t will
eventually fall and make for new
habitats for small animals and
critters. Matthews blames “survival of the fittest” in explaining
the status of the oaks.
Before the 1977 fire many
pine trees on the mountain were
diseased. Following the fire
seeds germinated and the overall pine tree population came
back very strong. Doyle adds,
“The Coulter Pines were badly
infested with pine beetles and
went up in huge flames. Dr.
[Mary] Bowerman and I noticed
that while many areas were so
hot it sterilized the soils, new
groves grew in more abundance
but further down slope. Only a
few of the pre-fire trees survive
below Twin Peaks now. However some Coulters seeds were
distributed by birds in new locations such as the east side of
Donner Canyon where there
were none before.”
Matthews suggested Summit Road, the Visitor’s Center
at the Summit or Curry Point as
the best places for people wishing to get a good view of the
fire area. And by next spring
those may have glorious colorful views starting to emerge.
MDIA joins Mt. Diablo State
Park in fire damage repair
Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association is teaming with Mt. Diablo State
Park to repair and restore the areas damaged by the Morgan Fire.
MDIA is asking “those who cherish Mt. Diablo State Park” to help fund
much of this work. Donations of any amount are appreciated and will
be used for the designated purpose of helping the park recover and
repair.
Work includes repairing and replacing park structures, picnic areas,
trail signage and fencing. Related work also needs to be done to repair
park facilities that have suffered from neglect due to the lack of state
funds.
MDIA will make opening donor’s wallets a little easier:
With a $100 donation or more, donors will receive “The Mt. Diablo Guide,” the newly revised guidebook to the park, including all new
color photographs and updated maps and illustrations.
With a $250 donation or more, donors will receive “Mt. Diablo, The
Extraordinary Life and Landscapes of a California Treasure,” a fine-art
photography book by photographer Stephen Joseph and writer Linda
Rimac Colberg.
With a $500 donation or more, donors will receive their choice of
either both books or one of the popular Mt. Diablo bike jerseys.
Donations by check should be made out to MDIA and sent to the
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, P.O. Box 346, Walnut Creek, CA
94597. Include shipping address so the gift can be sent.
To volunteer or become a member of MDIA, visit mdia.org or email
[email protected].
comments his blog attracted, passing heads together, see what had been done
along real-time news updates and offers right, and what they’d learned for the
of assistance. “It started out like any next time fire lights up the sky over Mt.
other fire. I’ve covered many other fires Diablo.
Of all the lessons learned, however,
over the years, and there was nothing to
say this one was going to be any differ- Mayor Julie Pierce said the community’s
stepping forward was no surprise.
ent.”
“The level of generosity in this
At a friend’s house when the fire
started, the “Mayor” made his way closer community never ceases to amaze me,”
to the fire, where he continued to receive she said. “They are just consistently the
updates on progress, sent by everyone best people you could ever ask for in a
from locals manning scanners, residents community. They care about each
watching the flames burn towards their other, they take care of each other.”
“It really is the exact definition of a
homes, and even an occasional firefightcommunity,” Pierce said. “They come
er on break from his duties.
“l felt like I had an obligation to be through every time.”
there for the people who need the information,” he said.
At last, after what
seemed like an eternity but was just hours
after the fire burned
ferociously to Morgan
Territory, threatening
to jump the road in
several places, the
announcement was
made that the fire had
been contained.
Around 3 a.m.,
residents
began
returning
home,
reversing the earlier
sight as they passed
fire trucks and equipment rumbling down
the street and out of
Morgan Territory.
EVEN NEWS REPORTERS ON THE SCENE were called on
to help. KCRA’s Richard Sharp was manning a gar-
City officials gath- den hose moments before the live broadcast on
ered to put their Monday night.
the affected neighboring jurisdiction, could do to assist in the
emergency response effort. As we
got new information, I relayed it
to our community via social media
and emails and answered calls
from residents and the media.
LIBRARY AS HUB
Responding to the initial evacuation of the Curry Canyon area
off Morgan Territory Road, we
opened the Clayton Library meeting room for an Evacuation Center to be staffed by the Red Cross.
We took calls from residents and
organizations who volunteered
lodging for evacuated horses and
small animals. We used our contacts with local media to correct
initially inaccurate information
that was broadcast in the emergency alerts. Our police department and later the Highway Patrol
and city maintenance personnel
manned the road closure barri-
cades
at
Marsh
Creek
Road/Regency Drive.
The initial incident command
center was at our local Fire Station 11 before being consolidated
to Camp Parks in Dublin to fight
the fire, which was kept mostly on
the southern and eastern flanks of
the mountain. Area residents
showed their gratitude to the firefighters by inundating them with
spontaneously donated food and
water. Our Clayton CERT teams
assisted at the command center
and were deployed at various
locations to help.
There were a few hiccups,
quickly corrected, which will help
us train for the future. As the fire
progressed it was sometimes frustrating to not be able to get imme-
diate information about the status. CalFire issued somewhat regular reports and held briefings for
the media. Since our city was not
the primary local agency, we were
not always the first to get information. When information
flowed, I posted it to Facebook,
which proved to be an effective
outreach. Local area and former
residents around the country were
grateful for the latest information.
Many thanks to all the wonderful firefighters, emergency first
responders, volunteers and city
employees who pitched in to put
out the fire and safely manage the
emergency.
As always, you can reach me at
[email protected]. Tell me what
you think.
For more photos, see page 20
Page 12
September 27, 2013
Sports
Eagles look to replace Northgate atop league
NORTHGATE LED BY
JAY BEDECARRÉ
Clayton Pioneer
NEW COACH
Clayton Valley was top dog
when girls volleyball was introduced as a high school sport in
the 1970s as the Eagles won three
of the first four North Coast Section championships between
19776 and ’79. Over the past two
decades it’s been Northgate who
has been the dominant local volleyball team as the Broncos are
perennial NCS participants, won a
Section title in 1990 and were
2004 and 2005 finalists.
Coach Dave Hobson sees his
Clayton Valley Charter team stealing some of the thunder from
Northgate and challenging for the
Diablo Valley Athletic League
title. “This year we feel we match
up well [with Northgate],” the
third-year head coach says. Hobson replaced his wife and CVHS
Hall of Fame athlete Lisa Barbieri
Hobson, who led the Eagles to
the 2010 NCS playoffs in her final
year in charge when her team was
helped by a freshman hitter Kayla
Taylor.
Taylor was the first freshman
on the Eagles varsity in four years
and she hopes to culminate her
career with another NCS appearance. She was all-league second
team as a sophomore and firstteam last fall. The senior middle
blocker is a contender for league
MVP after the graduation of
Northgate’s Michelle Lawrence,
who was the league’s top player in
2011 and ’12.
Hobson will be looking for his
first NCS team since taking over
as head coach with an experi-
Jason Rogers photo
SENIOR KAYLA TAYLOR (15) looks to repeat as an all-league performer for the Clayton Valley Charter High School volleyball team.
She overpowers Berean Christian blockers Emily Heisinger (3) and Olivia Zamolo (6) in a recent 3-0 DVAL win for the Eagles.
Behind Taylor are, from left, CVCHS libero Jessica Stratton, Megan Sarkissian and setter Sarah Williams.
enced lineup that is balanced
among seniors and juniors and
exciting sophomore libero Jess
Stratton, who was second-team
all-DVAL as a freshman in 2012.
Taylor’s senior classmates
include defensive specialist Ariana
Bermudez, opposite Julie Barker
and Megan Sarkissian, a defensive
specialist. A quartet of juniors got
varsity experience a year ago. Middle blocker Hailey Pascoe was
honorable mention all-DVAL.
Setter Sarah Williams plus outside
hitters Morgan Giacobazzi and
Alysha Gasowski are other varsity
veterans.
New varsity players Nellie
Duncan, Ashley Deichler and Brianna Kearney are also joined by
freshmen Tori Klock and Erika
Scheafer. They hope to fill the
void left by departed graduates
Megan Elms, Lauren McCarthy
and Sydney Runyon.
Hobson, a 1984 Clayton Val-
Team DC Clayton volleyball champs
ley grad, is assisted coaching the
Eagles volleyball teams by Rich
Feldmann, Diana Lauritsen,
Streeta Farrell and Teresa Stratton.
The second annual Dig Pink
benefit game is set for Thursday,
Oct. 17 against College Park. The
freshman (4 p.m.), junior varsity
(5 p.m.) and varsity (6:30 p.m.)
games benefit cancer research
causes and raising community
awareness. Pink-themed foods
Sports Shorts
5K RUN & WALK TO
BENEFIT HIGH SCHOOL
SPORTS OCT. 13
Photo courtesy AOSL
The All Out Sports League summer volleyball program ended this month with Team DC taking the championship. The winning team includes, from left, captain Sandra Bohn, Brad
Blevins, Kelly Sessions, Ginny Monge and John Jatoft. The Demolition Crew was followed
in the final standings by Crush, Club Spike and Cowboys filling out the first four places. The
league returns in the spring following the conclusion of CYO basketball in busy Clayton
Community Gym.
United Mt. Diablo Athletic
Foundation is holding its largest
fundraiser, the fifth annual 5K
Run and Walk at Newhall Park
in Concord, on Sunday, Oct. 13.
Competitive runners begin a 5K
run at 9 a.m. while the fun runners and those looking for a nice
Sunday walk are encouraged to
sign up for the 9:45 Fun
Run/Walk start. All proceeds
support high school athletic
programs at the five Mt. Diablo
Unified School District high
schools and Clayton Valley
Charter. Sponsors are also being
sought for the event, which is
sponsored in part by Diablo FC.
For more information and to
register online visit unitedmtdiabloathletics.org.
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will be sold and auction items
from local merchants will be
offered. The team hopes to
exceed the $1000 raised at last
year’s game. The girls will each be
playing in honor of someone that
has been affected by cancer.
Hobson encourages Dig Pink
donations from the community
and local businesses. He can be
contacted about Dig Pink at
[email protected].
$1.50 games, Mon.-Thur., 9pm to midnight
MATT GORGEN IN
SOUTHERN LEAGUE
PLAYOFF FINALS AGAIN
Former Clayton Valley High
and Cal Berkeley pitcher Matt
Gorgen and his Mobile BayBears just missed out on a
repeat Southern League baseball
championship earlier this
month. Gorgen’s Arizona Diamondbacks AA team lost the
championship series three
games to two to Birmingham.
Gorgen was part of the 2012
Southern League champs while
his twin brother Scott was winning the Texas League title last
year for the St. Louis Cardinals
Springfield team. He began this
season with the Reno Aces of
the AAA Pacific Coast League.
Scott Gorgen, a two-time
All-American pitcher at UC
Irvine who helped the Anteaters
reach the 2007 College World
Northgate girls volleyball has
racked up impressive numbers in
recent years including 30 wins last
fall when the team reached the
NCS semi-finals before being
turned back by powerhouse Maria
Carrillo. In fact, the Broncos
compiled 102 wins over the past
four seasons, leaving new coach
and alumnus Stephanie Pecho
with a daunting task in taking over
the strong program.
Pecho’s entire coaching staff
is Northgate alums and she told
the Contra Costa Times, “We all
care greatly about the program.
Our interest is doing whatever we
can do to keep the program
healthy.”
While the new coach has an
experienced roster she begins her
career minus a Northgate legend
as she has to replace Lawrence,
who is playing collegiate volleyball
at Colorado State and had 457
kills a year ago.
Senior outside hitter Emma
Herman and junior middle blocker Jade Lee are expected to lead
the way for the Broncos, who
have five seniors on the roster as
they look to win another DVAL
title.
The team’s pre-season record
was nothing to shout about but
they played a grueling non-league
schedule and “We are absolutely
capable of taking league this
year,” the new coach promised.
NCS play begins Nov. 13, a
week after the DVAL tournament. Both the Eagles and Broncos expect to be playing well into
November.
Series, was released in June by
the Cardinals organization. Gorgen missed the entire 2011 season to have arm surgery.
FALL YOUTH, ADULT
PROGRAMS COMING TO
CLAYTON GYM
A variety of programs at
Clayton Community Gym are
taking signups now through All
Out Sports League. Winter
youth basketball league starting
Dec. 28 is now taking signups
for players 4-16. Youth hip hop
and jazz classes are every Monday for 5-16 year-olds. Blaze
AAU basketball and club volleyball tryouts are coming late this
year. Registration for 2014
spring basketball academy and tball is open. A free Zumba class
is offered Oct. 2. And there will
be an adult coed softball tournament Nov. 3. For complete information, visit alloutsportsleague.com.
See Sports Shorts,
page 15
September 27, 2013
Page 13
Sports
Homecoming game readies Eagles
for DVAL football title defense
JAY BEDECARRÉ
Clayton Pioneer
Design • Installation
Maintenance
License # 958849
Shaking off any ill effects
from the season-opening loss
to De La Salle, Clayton Valley
Charter has won two consecutive games and has its offense
purring heading into Friday
night’s homecoming game
against Skyline of Oakland.
Kickoff is 7 p.m.
The Eagles of coach Tim
Murphy have the game against
winless Skyline and next Saturday afternoon’s 1:30 clash in
Hayward before the team
begins defense of its Diablo
Valley Athletic League title.
The league opener is at College
Park on Oct. 11, the first of
five consecutive Friday night
DVAL games with only two at
home in Gonsalves Stadium.
Off pre-season results the
Eagles have to be considered
heavy favorites to repeat as
league champs. Northgate has
been the most impressive
among the other DVAL teams
with a 4-0 record including a
49-6 victory over Hayward in
its opener. CVCHS will be able
to compare itself to the Broncos against that common
opponent next week.
Last Friday the Broncos
won the Battle of the Creek
over Las Lomas 31-17 by scoring the final 14 points of the
game in the final five minutes
after a field goal by the Knights
Spend time enjoying your
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Bruce
& Zoey
We repair
all major
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They have battled, scratched
and clawed their way to show
they are the real deal, a team to
be reckoned with. Last year was
no fluke, and that is the message
the Oakland Athletics have sent
loud and clear across the baseball world.
Last Sunday the A’s reached
30 games over .500 and that day
clinched the American League
West division title for a second
straight season. They left the
favored Texas Ranges and Los
Angeles Angles of Anaheim in
their wake as they won their
16th division championship in
Oakland.
The A’s have been playing
the best baseball of anyone in
the Majors and they aren’t about
to start slumping right as the
season ends; if anything they’ll
only get better. The A’s will be
one of the most dangerous
teams in the playoffs, as they
currently have every position
playing at an elite level.
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Jason Rogers photo
MILES HARRISON (3) HAS RACKED UP THREE CONSECUTIVE HUNDRED-YARD RUSHING GAMES for Clayton
Valley Charter in the early season. The junior running back gained 176 yards against De La
Salle and followed that up with strong efforts in wins over Castlemont and Independence as he
attempts to literally and figuratively follow in the footsteps of all-everything back Joe Protheroe,
who led the Eagles to their first-ever North Coast Section title a season ago. Teammate Ruben
Vega (33) came out of his helmet trying to help on this play as De La Salle defensive back
Jevari Anderson (14) makes the tackle.
had tied the score in the fourth
quarter at 17. Eric Haynes
scored three touchdowns for
the winners who rallied from
an early 14-3 deficit.
The rest of the schools in
the DVAL have struggled in
the early part of the season.
Following a bye week after
the 34-14 loss to De La Salle,
Pitching and power
propel A’s to playoffs
TYLER LEHMAN
SPORTS TALK
Commercial & Residential
One of the most important
things to have in the playoffs is
pitching, and Oakland has more
pitching than they know what to
do with. Bartolo Colon is 40
years old, yet he is still pitching
at a Cy Young-caliber level, registering a 2.7 earned run average
along with 16 wins. He has been
absolutely dominant, painting
the corner of the strike zone
with his nasty fastball, whether
it is his two- or four-seamed.
Colon has been lights out, but
so has Jarrod Parker, a young
pitcher who struggled early on
in the season, but is now showing his ace potential. Parker currently has a 3.8 ERA with 11
wins, and that ERA keeps going
down.
Not only are the A’s starters
going to excel in the playoffs,
they also have a lights-out
bullpen.
The A’s have arguably the
best bullpen in baseball, stacked
with hard-throwing pitchers
who can overpower you with
fastballs and get a key strikeout
when needed. The top two
relievers in the A’s bullpen are
Grant Balfour and Ryan Cook,
the closer and set-up man for
the A’s. Both of them have been
outstanding this year, Balfour
even broke the A’s long-standing
record of most consecutive
saves. He passed Hall of Famer
Dennis Eckersley’s record of 40
straight saves, showing how
consistent and reliable he is as a
closer.
Great pitching is just one
ingredient in a successful team,
but so is hitting. Power has not
been a problem for the A’s this
year, as Oakland players have
been clobbering the ball. Their
best power hitter, Brandon Moss,
was a platoon player most of this
season, and yet he has still been
able to hit 27 home-runs as of
Sept. 18. A surprise power guy
on the A’s has been Coco Crisp,
looking to have a 20 home-run
and 20 stolen-base season.
The A’s have the pitching
and they have the powerful
offense. All that’s left is for them
to perform in the playoffs and
bring that World Series Trophy
back to Oakland.
Tyler Lehman is a sophomore at
Diablo Valley College and a 2012
CVHS graduate. He plans to major
in journalism and wants to be a sports
writer. Email your comments or questions to [email protected].
Clayton Pioneer wants to hear your sports story
We get plenty of information from local high schools, sports leagues and clubs. What
we don’t hear about so often are from our neighbors who are competing below that
radar screen. There are Claytonians who are participating in sports and recreational
endeavors that we don’t normally hear about but we’d like to tell their stories too. If you
know of someone —-or even if you are that someone —-let us know what you’re doing
and perhaps we’ll find it something our readers would love to read about!
If you’re running, jumping, hiking, biking, swimming, skydiving, bowling, golfing or
participating in any of dozens of other sports and recreational activities let us know. Give
us a brief rundown and your contact information and we might be in touch with you. It’s
as simple as sending an email to [email protected].
which is ranked No. 1 in the
state, the Eagles ran all over
Castlemont of Oakland 66-6 as
seven different players scored
touchdowns for the winners.
Miles Harrison ran just
seven times but gained 100
yards and carried two into the
end zone. Zach Dominquez
had a touchdown reception
and a TD run for two more
scores as CVCHS ran up a 480 halftime advantage. Quarterback Gabe Taylor opened the
scoring for the Eagles with a
pair of first-quarter touchdown passes and ended the
first-half onslaught with a
scoring run. He ended up completing all four of his passing
attempts to four different
receivers.
The Eagles defense forced a
pair of safeties in the second
half and Chandler Wakefield
recovered a fumble in the end
zone for a TD.
The game last Friday
against the Independence 76ers
was the second straight win for
the Eagles as they outscored
their San Jose hosts 42-7.
Harrison carried the ball
only five times in San Jose but
scored touchdowns on runs of
68, 50 and 39 yards. This time
CVCHS was up 35-0 at the half
and 42-0 entering the fourth
quarter with a running clock.
Taylor and Lewis Ramos each
had a TD pass on their only
throws of the game for the
Eagles to Dylan Jue and Abe
Ibrahimi, respectively, totaling
six yards. Ben Davis scored on
a 70-yard fumble recovery.
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Page 14
Book Review
Help kids fight
their fire fears
PETE CALDWELL
THE POCKET PARENT
In light of the recent Morgan fire on Mt. Diablo, I
thought I’d pass on some
reminders for helping children
cope with the experience of this
particular wildfire – and others
to come. While many people
rightly feel very fortunate that
the massive fire harmed few and
did little damage to structures in
our community, for some children the experience has been
powerful and frightening.
A fire like this can significantly affect a child’s sense of
security and normalcy. Particularly for children of neighborhoods under evacuation orders,
an experience like this will bring
up lots of questions that may
seem technical (“how many firefighters are up there?” “how do
fires start?” etc.), but are hiding
the hope that they’ll be reassured they’re safe. Don’t hesitate
to reassure a child in circumstances like this, even if it doesn’t seem like that’s what they’re
asking for.
Remember as always to
monitor your child’s exposure to
media. Images of burning
September 27, 2013
‘Me Before You’ a life, not love, story
homes or terrified livestock have
a very different impact on a
child than on you or me.
Importantly, the better
you’re prepared for an evacuation order (which might be days
or just minutes after the fire
starts), the more likely you’ll be
able to minimize any traumatic
aspects for your child. Planning
is crucial. Does everyone in your
house know what to do? If not
everyone is in the house when a
fire starts nearby, do they all
know where to meet? If your
children are playing in the hills,
do they know what to do if they
see a fire? Ensuring you can
answer these questions can
make the difference between
best-case and worst-case scenarios, and showing your children
that you have a plan can be one
of the biggest comforts you can
provide for them.
And know that, depending
on how close your child was to
the fire, and how traumatic the
experience was for him or her,
simple things like the smell of
smoke months later can trigger
fear and anxiety. As with all
emergencies, the better the planning, the better the likely results;
and the better the communication between you and your child,
the better the experience and, if
needed, recovery.
Pete Caldwell, MS, MFT is the
Mental Health Director for We Care
Services for Children. He teaches
counseling courses at CSUEB in
addition to maintaining a private
practice.
British novelist Jojo Moyes
has written more than a
romantic novel with Me Before
You (Penguin Books; Reprint
edition, July 2013). The story
takes place in a small English
village whose inhabitants
are experiencing the
sort of economic and
work-related
difficulties
facing many
middle class
families. This
particular village is a bit singular in that it
has an ancient
castle which is
its
economic
mainstay as a
tourist attraction.
Much of the village’s future is
wedded to its past, none more
so than Moyes’s protagonist,
Louise Clark.
Louise stands out not
because she is spectacular, but
because she is so remarkably
ordinary. In her mid-20s, she
still lives with her parents and
helps her family support her
older and brainy sister, who
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in London; at the time Mrs.
Traynor hires Louise, Will has
been living an angry, painful,
wheelchair-bound life for two
years. Louise, with no real
experience, is surprised to get
the offer based solely on her
previous boss’s recommendation, describing her as “a
warm, chatty, and life-enhancing presence,” and further
confounded that the job will
last only six months.
Why the job is to last only
six months is a mystery slowly and surreptitiously revealed
well into the six months. During that time Will and Louise
begin a relationship that the
reader roots for, despite its
obvious limitations, and
which teeter-totters to an
unexpected balance and
rhythm. Me Before You is not
some sappy love story. Everything Louise learns from
Will’s privileged world takes
its toll on her own life when
she leaves the palatial estate
and returns nightly to her
parents, sister, nephew and
aging grandfather. Louise has
shared herself honestly with
Will. That openness has
served them both well.
SUNNY SOLOMON
FOR
THE
BOOKS
Louise’s understanding of
what makes life worth living is
challenged and tested the
closer she gets to the end of
her job. Moyes’ love story is
not lost on the reader. who
will grapple with these issues
alongside Louise and the
Traynor family. Me Before You
is a small treasure that will
move the thoughtful reader
well beyond tears.
Sunny Solomon is a freelance
writer and head of the Clayton Book
Club. Visit her website at
bookinwithsunny.com for her latest
recommendations or just to ‘talk
books.’
For real work use real computers
LOOK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
• American Red Cross Wildfire Resources
• redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/readywildfire.html
• redcross.org/news/ds/fires/wfire_pop/practice/firesafety.html
• Discovery Channel School Forest Fire Lesson Plans for Teachers
• http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/
programs/forestfires/
• Federal Emergency Management Agency Wildfire Information
• www.fema.gov/areyouready/wildfires.shtm
FREE estimates
Specializing in Bathrooms
and Kitchens
left for college only to return
home pregnant and unmarried. When Louise’s boss of
six years sells The Buttered
Bun, a diner located at the
foot of the castle,
she finds herself
like so many others, in line at the
unemployment
center and being
offered jobs for
which she is illsuited. Things
get more desperate when
her
father
admits that his
own job may
be in jeopardy. It is
only
then
that Louise
accepts a job as a care assistant, working for the Traynor
family, whose wealth is closely
tied to the castle. The job will
change her life forever.
Will Traynor is a handsome, 30-ish financier who
also resides with his parents,
but that is about the only
thing he has in common with
Louise. Will is a quadriplegic,
injured while headed for a cab
It’s a recurring question,
“How do I do office work on
my smartphone or tablet?”
Well, in today’s environment,
cell phones and tablets have
their place as communications
devices, but are not really suited to office work. Oh yes, cell
phones and tablets play games,
look up Internet web pages,
keep time, play music, etc., and
that’s all good – they are great
portable devices. But the real
question is, how do you do real
work?
What if you need to write a
letter or process documents,
contracts or review another’s
work? Some tablets are real
PCs and have the ability to run
Microsoft Office, the premier
word processing software. A
very few phones are able to
run a word processor or a
spreadsheet. These devices are
really not suited for real work
because of two very distinct
and limiting boundaries.
First, there is a size limitation to a tablet or smartphone;
physically, they are too small.
Imagine using a six-inch keyboard with your thumbs, just
how much work could you do?
Wouldn’t you rather type normally on a normal keyboard?
Certainly some limited typing
on these devices is okay for a
quick message, reply or answer
to a query. But, if writing a
200- or 300-word document
you will quickly develop sore
thumbs. Another physical limitation is the display. I don’t
know about you, but unless I
have two wide screen monitors
at my side, I just can’t get
much done. Certainly not
much work can be done on a
six-inch screen. Words, numbers, and images are tiny-tiny.
Clear, but incredibly small.
Second limitation, there
isn’t much software for office
work available in the smartphone and tablet market.
Unless you have a smartphone
running Windows you just
can’t get Microsoft Office. All
you Apple “fan-boys” take
note, no Office. Why yes,
Apple has several hundred
thousand apps, but none of
them are worth the cyberspace
they occupy because they don’t
do “real work.” How about
running mail merge? Forgetaboutit – most of these
devices don’t support printers.
As Rush might say, “For those
in Rio Vista, it don’t print
nuth’n.” Oh yes, I hear some
of you that one could send the
document to a home computer and use the print capability
from there. Really? Doesn’t
that just prove my point that
you need a computer to do real
work?
Windows phones and
tablets, like those from Nokia
and Lenovo, can run real apps
like Office. Most of these apps
are on the Internet for free or
for a small annual maintenance
fee like Office 365. Office 365
resides in the cloud, allows five
users, and is always available to
your phone, tablet, laptop and
your PC for $99 dollars per
year. Create or modify a document on one device and
presto, there it is on another
device as soon as you open
your app. By the way, it’s the
same app across all devices.
So, there you have it, if you
do real work, get a real device
like a PC or laptop because it
avoids the major limitations of
size and lack of functions that
are still challenges for smartphones and tablets.
William Claney is an independent
tech writer and former owner of
Computers USA in the Clayton
Station. Email questions or comments
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• Filter Service
925.286.8601
[email protected]
...to all the brave firefighters, law enforcement,
volunteers and the entire equestrian community
for ensuring the safety of the citizens and our
beloved animals during the Morgan Fire.
September 27, 2013
Page 15
Keep Fido fresh and frisky with these grooming tips
ELENA BICKER
PET PALS
Regular handling of your
beloved dog makes grooming
less stressful for you both. So
next time you go in for a cuddle,
try one of these grooming
basics:
Bath time is a great way to
bond with your pooch and make
sure your furry friend’s skin is
healthy. A healthy dog smells
“doggy,” not stinky. But how
often does Fido need to be
scrubbed? A good rule of
thumb is once every three
months, or when needed. (Try
not to bathe more than every
two weeks.)
Brushing maintains your
dog’s coat between baths.
Smooth, short-coated dogs (like
Chihuahuas or Boxers) need
brushing once a week. Dogs
with double coats and dense fur
(like Labs and Shepherds) need
brushing several times a week,
while dogs with long, luxurious
coats (such as Yorkies) need
daily brushing to remove tangles
and periodic trimming. Pick a
brush appropriate for your dog’s
coat and be sure to reward them
with treats when you’re done.
Smell your dog’s ears so you
know what a healthy ear smells
like – this is especially important
for breeds with floppy ears, as
they are more prone to fungal
and bacterial infections. Check
your dog’s ears frequently, and
always follow up with a treat.
Gently drying ears with a cotton
ball after they have gotten wet is
an easy way to keep them
healthy and clean.
If a dog is constantly licking
his paw or you notice it smells
different, check for a possible
burr or dirt caught between the
pads. If the injury is ongoing or
seems substantial, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. If
your dog’s nails are clicking on
the floor, it’s time for a trim. If
you are comfortable, trim them
every week or two, or as needed.
Have your veterinarian or
groomer demonstrate the proper way to trim a dog’s nails
before your first attempt; if you
can’t do it yourself, find a trusted groomer to do it for you.
Regular dental care not only
helps your dog’s breath, but is a
good for their overall health.
Puppies should be taught to tolerate having their mouth, teeth
Sedaris and Pico de Gallo are
ARF’s Adoption Stars
and gums handled. For adult
dogs, follow these tips for first
timers: Get your dog used to the
idea of having his teeth brushed
before attempting the real thing
by gently massaging his gums
with your finger while his is
relaxed. After a few sessions, put
a dab of doggy toothpaste on
your finger to get him used to
the taste. Then introduce the
toothbrush, allowing him to lick
the toothpaste off the bristles.
Finally, lift your dog’s gums to
expose the teeth, brushing as
long as he will tolerate it.
Exercise and grooming go
hand-in-hand as two important
ways to keep your dog healthy.
After every walk, check your
dogs for ticks or other debris
caught in their coat, and have a
towel handy to wipe off muddy
or wet paws. Make grooming
fun and positive, do not skimp
on treats, and soon it will be part
of your everyday routine.
Elena Bicker is the Executive Director
of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue
Foundation. She can be reached at (925)
256-1ARF (1273)
Get Acquainted Offer
FREE
Office Visit
Exam
New clients only.
Limit one per family.
Expires 3/31/2014
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
& 2 – 5:30 p.m.
Every other Saturday
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Dr. Linda M. Miller
5435 Clayton Road, Ste I
Clayton
925-672-CATS (2287)
cathospitalofclayton.com
Sports Shorts,
from page 12
ST. BONAVENTURE CYO
BASKETBALL TAKING
SIGNUPS ONLINE
Late signups for boys and
girls in second through eighth
grades for the St. Bonaventure
basketball CYO program are
being taken online at stbonaventurecyo.com.
For more info call 672-5774.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
SOCCER SCHOOL IN
CONCORD THIS FALL
The San Jose Earthquakes of
Major League Soccer are holding their Regional Development
School fall session at Boatwright
Fields in Concord on Tuesdays
through Oct. 29. Girls and boys
5-10 years of age are eligible for
the school which brings professional coaching experience and
guidance to youth soccer players
of all skill levels. Brazilian World
Cup and Olympic player Tafa
heads the teaching staff.
For more information visit the
Earthquakes Youth Alliance Partner’s website at diablofc.org.
ST. AGNES CYO
BASKETBALL ACCEPTING
LATE REGISTRATION
Players in second through
eighth grades can apply for St.
Agnes CYO basketball by contacting Clayton resident St.
Agnes basketball athletic director Chuck Munden at [email protected]. Boys
and girls will only be accepted
for teams with vacancies.
For more information on the St.
Agnes CYO program visit
basketball.stagnescyo.com.
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Sedaris is a smart, sweet 3year-old pup who may be deaf.
He will need a guardian who can
commit to learning how to communicate with deaf dogs (for
example, teaching hand signals
for “Sit,” “Come,” and other
important words). Sedaris is
active, athletic, and very affectionate, and will be a wonderful
companion.
The adoption fee for adult
dogs is $225 and includes 60
percent off one 7-week dog
training session.
Pico de Gallo is just five
months old — a sweetie pie
who warms up to gentle petting
and attention. He also likes to
play, and has enjoyed meeting
other kitties in the shelter environment. Pico has the cutest
crook at the end of his tail.
The adoption fee for adult
cats is $50; kittens (under 6
months) are $125.
Meet your forever friend at
Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue
Foundation, 2890 Mitchell
Drive, Walnut Creek, during
adoption hours: Noon to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m. Thurs-
day and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present
to adopt. ARF also encourages
kids 16 and younger and canine
family members (dog adoptions
only) to be present during the
adoption process.
Would you like to be part of the
heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share
your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a
difference! For more information see
our website, www.arf.net, or call
925.256.1ARF.
Exotic Pets
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(925) 432-PETS (7387)
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Page 16
September 27, 2013
Community Calendar
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. OCT. 2 FOR THE OCT. 11
IN CLAYTON
Sept. 28, Oct. 12, 19
Farmers’ Market
8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays. Diablo Street between Main and
Center streets, downtown Clayton. Music: Sept. 28, Damond
Moodie; Oct. 12, Tony de Grassi; Oct. 19, Kevin Kooyumjian.
pcfma.com/clayton.
Sept. 29
Railroad Day
Final event for Clayton Museum’s summer railroad exhibit. Live
music by Rail Dust Randy and other special guests. 2 – 4 p.m.
6101 Main St., Clayton. Free. claytonhistory.org.
Oct. 4 - 6
Oktoberfest
Sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association.
Music by The Internationals, biergarten, food, arts and crafts, carnival. 6 – 10 p.m. Friday, carnival only. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday.
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday. Downtown. Free admission. claytonoktoberfest.com.
Oct. 5, 6
Paula’s Secret Garden Art Exhibit
Featuring artist Pat Strout and showing her students’ paintings.
During Oktoberfest hours. Reception Oct 5 from 4 – 7 p.m.
Mazzei Realty, 6160 Center St., C, Clayton. Call Paula Johnstone
381-8810.
First Thursdays
Oakhurst Business Network
Meets first Thursday of the month for social hour. Hosted hors
d’oeuvres, cash bar. 5 – 7 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001
Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. oakhurstcc.com.
IN CONCORD
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Farmers’ Market
Tuesdays year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursdays through Oct.
24, 4 - 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free
with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click
on Events Calendar for more information.
Oct. 5, 6, 12, 19
Tarantula Hikes
Learn about the hairy
spiders that roam the
mountain at this time of
year. Then take a walk
to see if you can find
any. Reservations
required. Check the
website for more tarantula hikes. Reservations
are required and fill up fast.
Oct. 20
Tarantula Time
It’s that time of year when male tarantulas are out of their burrow
roaming the hillsides looking for female tarantulas. Come learn
about the lives of these special creatures from naturalist Michael
Marchiano in the Summit Audio Visual Rm. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Save Mount Diablo programs listed are free unless otherwise
noted. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Activities/Guided
Hikes for more information. 947-3535.
Oct. 6
Mount Diablo Challenge
This fun cycling event now offers course options for beginning
and seasoned cyclists. Registration/fee required. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Mount Diablo Challenge.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thru Sept. 28
“Shrek the Musical”
Diablo Theatre Company brings the hilarious story of everyone’s
favorite ogre to life on stage. Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr.,
Walnut Creek. $49-$53. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Thru Oct. 4
“Without Purchase”
A fun, new mystery play by local playwright David Evan Harris
performed by Onstage Theatre. Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr.,
Thru Oct. 12
“Ella the Musical”
Exhilarating new musical that weaves myth, memory and music to
tell the uplifting and poignant story of one of the greatest jazz
vocalists of all time. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr.,
Walnut Creek. $37-$64. centerrep.org. 943-7469.
Thru Oct. 13
“Pygmalion”
A brilliantly witty reworking of the classical tale of the sculptor
who falls in love with his perfect female statue. Butterfield 8
Theatre at Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $12$20. b8company.com.
ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO
[email protected]
Sept. 29
California Symphony
Oct. 26
Dinner and Auction
Cabrera conducts Mozart and Dvorak. 4 p.m. Lesher Center,
1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$65. lesherartscenter.org.
943-7469.
Barbecue dinner, no host cocktails, two-bit auction and dessert
raffle sponsored by Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista.
Benefits women and girls worldwide through Soroptimist projects.
6 p.m. Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill.
$50. Contact Jan Townsend for tickets by Oct. 18. 827-1050.
Oct. 6
Sing for Joy
Walnut Creek Chorus performs. 3 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church,
2317 Buena Vista Ave., W.C.. $10-$12.
[email protected].
Oct. 11 – Nov. 10
“Tarzan”
“Tarzan” tells the story of an infant boy orphaned on the shores
of West Africa and raised by gorillas. Lesher Center for the Arts,
1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $44-$54. lesherartscenter.org.
943-7469.
AT THE LIBRARY
The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free
unless otherwise noted. claytonlibrary.org or 673-0659.
Tuesdays thru Nov. 26
Patty Cakes
Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver.
11 a.m.
Wednesdays
Book Buddies
Oct. 12
Family Concert
The Diablo Symphony presents excerpts from Beethoven’s 5th
Symphony and other family-friendly, classical favorites. 2 p.m.
Meet the orchestra. 3 p.m. concert. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
in Lafayette, 1035 Carol Lane. Free. diablosymphony.org.
Oct. 13
Diablo Symphony Orchestra
A volunteer will read stories for children 3 and older. 1 - 2 p.m.
Call in advance.
Thursdays thru Nov. 14
Picture Book Time
Story time for 3- to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. 11 a.m.
Eric Zivian performs on the piano. 2 p.m. Lesher Center, 1601
Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$28. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Thru Oct. 24
Library Pumpkin
Oct. 16 – 26
“The Robber Bridegroom”
Come see our big pumpkin and guess its weight. The person with
the closest guess without going over wins the pumpkin. Children
12 and under eligible to enter.
The Clayton Theatre Company is proud to present its first production, a rousing, bawdy Southern fairy tale. Preview Oct. 16 – 17.
Show Oct. 18 – 26. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton.
$12-$18 at brownpapertickets.com. claytontheatrecompany.com.
Oct. 1 – Nov. 7
Clayton Reads
Oct. 17
Broadway Goes to the Movies
Join the immensely talented arranger and conductor, Sean
O’Loughlin, and Diablo Choral Artists. Presented by California
Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr.,
Featuring “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. Pick up free copy at
library while supplies last; return when done. Flier available with
related programs and discussions.
Oct. 7
Calligraphy and History
Oct. 17 – 19
“Hansel and Gretel”
Come explore the art and history of the written word, presented
by Carylon Van Essen in a two-part program. The first part is a
demonstration and talk open to all. The second part is a chance
to practice calligraphy. Register for part two at tinyurl.com/calligraphy-clayton. 6:30 p.m.
Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble presents a spellbinding tale.
Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., W.C.. $14. lesherartscenter.org.
943-7469.
Oct. 14
Clayton Library Book Club
Sunny Solomon leads the discussion of “Ragtime” by E.L.
Doctorow. Open to anyone who would like to join. 7 p.m.
Oct. 19
The Best Intentions
An unforgettable experience of the great Motown acts of the
1960s, 1970s and 1980s. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W.
Second St., Antioch. $23-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com.
The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. ccclib.org or 646-5455.
Oct. 19 – 20
Campout
Hardcovers $1. Paperbacks $.50. Children’s books $.25-$.50.
Fri. 1 – 8 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun. 1 – 4 p.m. $3/bag.
Camp and gaze at the full moon and Orionid meteor shower.
Lake Del Valle. Registration and fee required. East Bay Regional
Park District. Call (888) 327-2757, select option 2 and refer to
program 3717.
Sept. 28
Computers and Technology
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
Sept. 30 – Oct. 2
Contemplative Sessions
Join Deacons Eddie Ensley and Robert Herrmann from the
Diocese of Savannah to discuss “Experiencing God’s Grace
Through Life’s Challenges.” 10 – 11:30 a.m. and 7 – 8:30 p.m.
daily. St. Bonaventure Catholic Community, 5562 Clayton Road,
Concord. Open to the public. Free will offerings accepted. Call
Eileen Limberg at 672-5800, ext. 2217 or
[email protected].
Oct. 4
Baha’i, interaction, fellowship and discussion. Topic: One God,
So Many Religions. Speaker: Dr. Vahid Fozdar, associate professor of History at Cal State East Bay. 7:30 p.m. Free. For directions, call 672-6686.
FUNDRAISERS
Sept. 27 - 29
Book Sale
If you need help with your mouse, come to our house. Drop-in
assistance to learn how to use computers, smart phones and
tablets. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Additional dates and times offered.
Check library calendar.
Sept. 30
Bean Craft
Let your imagination soar and create a masterpiece with beans.
Children 5 – 11. 7 – 8 p.m.
Oct. 5
Snakes
Slither on in to learn about local snakes from an East Bay
Regional Park Ranger. Children 5 – 11. 1 – 1:45 p.m.
GOVERNMENT
1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Clayton City Council
Ongoing
Mount Diablo Fire Recovery
7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
Help the Mount Diablo Interpretative Association and California
State Parks restore Mount Diablo from damage caused by the
Morgan Fire. Three donation gift levels. See mdia.org for more
information.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays
Clayton Planning Commission
Oct. 6
Musical Review
Youth Theatre Company students of all ages perform, produced
by teens in the company to raise funds for the Monument Crisis
Center and Friends of Civic Arts Education Foundation. 5 p.m.
Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $10.
943-5846.
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
Concord City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950
Parkside Dr.
Oct. 13
5K Event
Fundraiser for Mount Diablo Unified School District high school
sports. Competitive run at 9 a.m. Fun run/walk at 9:45 a.m.
Newhall Park, Turtle Creek, Concord. $25 pre-registration; $30
day of event. unitedmtdiabloathletics.org.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and
organizations are listed at
claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
September 27, 2013
Page 17
Performing Arts
St. John’s Stage presents
Award-Winning Master Magician
Spooky stage is set for magician Cagigal
Award-winning theatrical
magician
and
illusionist
Christian Cagigal materializes
on St. John’s stage for one performance only in October with
his intimate, spooky, “Obscura:
A Magic Show.”
Cagigal weaves magic, fairy
tales and dark fables into an
intimate and engaging evening
fraught with wonder, mystery
and imagination. The Bay
Area magician has been regaling diverse audiences with his
unique hybrid of theater and
“slightly creepy” magic for
years at EXIT Theatre in San
Francisco and across the
country. With “Obscura,” he
displays his talents as an upclose and personal magician
and entertainer, peppering
some of his favorite short
stories with witty, eccentric
Julie Michelle
Christian Cagigal
demonstrations.
Cagigal is no rabbit-outof-a-hat, saw-the-lady-in-half
magician, although he confesses he knows how to make
those illusions work. Instead,
he works on bending his audience’s minds and leaving them
wondering how they got into
the twilight zone he creates
for them.
“Obscura: A Magic Show”
is suitable for children – and
adults – who can sleep at night
even after hearing a good ghost
story.
in his intimate, spooky
Obscura:
A Magic Show
Fri., Oct. 18,
7:30 p.m.
“A sparkling den
of stories and
tricks...it’s well
worth checking
out this most
theatrical yet
understated
of magicians”
-Theatre Critic
Chloe Veltman
$15 at brownpapertickets.com
925-672-8717 or at the door. Limited seating.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton
Cagigal appears at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18, at St. John’s
Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton
Rd. in Clayton. Tickets are $15 at
brownpapertickets.com or by calling
925-672-8717.
Young performers shine for a good cause
SALLY HOGARTY
Kids helping kids is the concept behind the Youth Theatre
Company’s yearly fundraiser
“By the Kids, For the Kids,”
taking place next weekend in
Walnut Creek.
Now in its fifth year, “BTK,
FTK” presents an entertaining
musical review featuring students from all ages and levels of
YTC. It also gives members of
Teen Theatre an opportunity to
learn additional technical and
producing skills.
“Last year, I was the shadow
producer,” says 16-year-old Jen
Bigoness of Walnut Creek, who
has been a YTC member for
the past four years. “I basically
watched last year’s producers as
they choose directors, oversaw
production numbers, coordinated the technical aspects of
the show, and created marketing and publicity for the event.”
This year, Bigoness is one of
the producers along with 16year-old Alexis Lampo of
Clayton. “We’re really looking
forward to working with the
teen directors,” says Lampo.
Yashar Art Exhibit
ALEXIS LAMPO OF CLAYTON AND JEN BIGONESS OF WALNUT CREEK
are the teen producers for this year’s ‘By the Kids, For the
Kids’ fundraiser at the Shadelands Art Center.
Although Michael Yashar
was trained as an architect, he
says he was “born an artist.”
The economic realities of
struggling through school
and raising a family kept him
within the safety and security
of an architecture practice.
But, he says, quoting Paul
Simon, art was “the love that
always silently waited for
me.”
The Clayton artist finds in
later life he is painting the
world with a new vision. It is
no longer the object that is
important. “It is color and
light that, like musical scores
when placed and assembled
with an artistic vision, produce an enchanting visual
symphony.
Michael Yashar’s oil paintings
will be on exhibit at the Walnut
Creek Library through Oct. 19.
The teen directors, with oversight from Bigoness and
Lampo, choose the various
song and dance numbers from
a variety of musicals. This
year’s selection includes
“Circulation”
from
“Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.,”
“When I grow Up” from
“Mathilda,” and “Consider
Yourself ” from “Oliver!”
“Our biggest challenge will
be making sure we hit all of
the deadlines and make this
show run as smoothly as possible,” says Bigoness. Adding
support to ensure that the
young producers meet that
challenge are YTC staff mem-
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“We’re basically there to
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when needed,” says Rachel
Pergamit. “But, it’s the kids
who make all the decisions and
make this event happen.”
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The performance – scheduled for
5 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the Shadelands
Art Center – will benefit the
Monument Crisis Center and
Friends of Civic Arts Education
Foundation. Tickets are $10. For
more information and tickets, visit
youththeatrecompany.org or call 925943-5846.
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September 27, 2013
Simple Sedum is a joy to grow
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
It’s Sedum Season! This
hardy family of perennials and
evergreens resemble the very
popular succulents, yet they’re
far more sun-loving and not so
picky if occasionally watered
too much. Sedums are sensational, and any garden lover
interested in growing something
easy with unique foliage and
attractive flowers should consider one of the sedum family
members in your next landscape
or container installation. All
sedum are deer resistant and
drought tolerant.
Sedum Autumn Joy is a simple joy to grow. This long-lived
perennial sedum is extremely
durable. Sedum Autumn Joy
grows to two-feet tall and eventually as wide. Sturdy, thick,
fleshy stems are a medium green
color. The bloom of the Sedum
Autumn Joy looks like a large
head of broccoli, but rather
than flowing green, the bloom is
a dark pink that ages to a deep
brick red. When blooming, bees
and butterflies are very attractive to the flowers. You will
enjoy the flowers on Sedum
Autumn Joy from July through
October. It is a herbaceous
perennial. This means that this
plant will grow through spring,
flower through summer and rest
during winter. Resting during
the winter months ensures this
perennials frost hardiness.
Sedum Vera Jameson is
another fabulous selection of
sedum. Your Vera Jameson will
reach 12-inches tall and two-feet
wide. The foliage color of this
SEDUM AUTUMN JOY
Job Market, from page 9
thinking skills, literacy at the collegiate level, collaborative problem-solving and technological
skills are key focal points for
School. Not only have we made
it a priority to present frank and
honest information to our students about their futures, but
sedum is a bronzy-pink, and the
flower clusters are large broccoli
heads of deep pink. This plant
is stunning, and worthy of any
perennial bed where you want
some late season color, or a dry
creek bed. Plant near a decorative boulder, you won’t have to
worry about the reflective heat
with any of the selections of
sedum.
Speaking of red foliage,
Sedum Turkish Delight has a
deep red- to rose- colored fleshlike foliage. The Turkish Delight
is an upright sedum with smaller
sized clusters of pink flowers.
This sedum is a new introduction, so garden lovers have
more importantly, we offer the
guided path to success.
At the beginning of this year
my administrative team and I
made grade-level presentations
to the students to talk about the
college and career focus. At
CVCHS we want every student
to get into a post-secondary
educational program but we also
want them to leave that program
with a degree or certification
that will land them a career.
Every student at our school has
access to a guidance and counseling team that is world class.
Every student uses the online
program Naviance to perform
career aptitude assessments,
connect academic goals with
career outcomes, and map a
sought it all growing season
long. Nestle piles of Turkish
Delight Sedum where you have
your Maynight Sage or Arctotis
Pink Sugar. The summer-fall
flowers will make a nice companion to the spring blooming
sage and arcototis.
The Sedum family has a lot
of selections for those garden
lovers that are looking for waterwise groundcovers. Sedum Cape
Blanco is a California native
selection that has small rosetteshaped flesh-like leaves that are
a powdery-gray color. During
the spring months the Cape
Blanco Sedum will have yellow
flowers. Sedum Ogon is a
lemon-yellow colored sedum
with small round leaves. This
particular plant can tolerate part
sun. Sedum Dragon’s Blood is a
sought-after selection with
green rosettes of leaves that
turn a distinct red in the
autumn.
Open your eyes and consider
installing some of the members
of this family in your Clayton
Valley landscape, garden or container. It is a perfect plant for
our environment, thrives in our
heat, sun and needs little water.
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M
Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact
her with questions or comments at
[email protected]
four year plan of achievement.
At CVCHS we won’t allow students to face the future without
the tools and support they need
to make it a bright one. Our students will be prepared to be first
class citizens with a world class
education.
David Linzey is executive director
of
CVCHS. Contact him
[email protected]
September 27, 2013
Page 19
Hikers, bikers have a roaring
good time in Bear Valley
SHARON ANDERSON
TAKE
A
HIKE
When I don’t have the time
to get to the far eastern side of
the Sierras, I make a quick trip
to Bear Valley for a variety of
outdoor adventures. It is an easy
drive on Highway 4, without the
traffic associated with many
other highways.
Bear Valley is beautiful with
kayaking, hiking, skiing, fishing,
and of course mountain biking
on some technical, fun, singletrack trails.
I spend my time riding the
single track from the gas station
at the Bear Valley Lodge. In the
shade of trees with the sweet
smell of pine, I ride the loop
around Lake Alpine with beautiful, peaceful views of the water.
Alpine has great fishing for
Rainbow Trout.
Slickrock trail takes you
across country to Uttica
Reservoir. Take a dip; you will
need to cool off for the climb
out on dirt, then pavement, to
return to your car. Jelmini Basin
is an epic cross country ride that
will separate the beginners from
the more advanced. Of course
you can always hit the pavement
with your road bike anywhere,
but from Ebbetts Pass the views
are awesome looking toward
Sonora Pass. A book of the
trails is available at the Bear
Valley Adventure Company.
Some of my favorite hiking
trails are the Alpine Lake Loop,
Immigrant-Osborn
Ridge;
Elephant Rock Lake is an eightmile round trip hike from Lake
Alpine. Woodchuck basin trailhead, just past Lake Alpine,
Hunter Douglas
Energy Efficient Duette Architella receives up to
$500 federal tax credit Call for an estimate & details
an
Call for nt
e
m
t
appoin
y
toda
ON THE
ALPINE LAKE
takes you to the Wheeler Lake
trail, about seven miles roundtrip. This gives incredible
panoramic views from the ridge
looking down to Uttica, Union
and Spicer and off toward Kit
Carson Pass on Highway 88.
After I ride, I travel about 30
minutes down Highway 4 to
Spicer Road. I have my choice
of Uttica, Union or Spicer
Reservoir. Now, what I like
about these reservoirs is the fact
that they look like lakes, not
reservoirs. Uttica has no boat
launch, and no motorized boats.
They are beautiful, secluded and
quiet. Uttica and Union are
reached by dirt roads. The
campgrounds are primitive, and
boat-in camping is allowed on
some islands. People transport
camping equipment in by
kayak/canoe to find private
spots to be totally alone. I have
been at Uttica many times and
been the only person on the lake
in my kayak. Visit during early
spring or during weekdays and
LOOP IS PRIVATE,
1602 LaVerne, Concord
120 Norman Ave, Concord
you will find incredible solitude
here. This area is around the
6,800 elevation point.
Spicer Road is paved and
Spicer has a boat launch. It is
the biggest of the three, allowing small motorized boats, with
fishing for Eagle Lake
Rainbows, Kamloop Trout and
German Browns. It has a tendency to be the windiest of the
three so I kayak it early in the
day to paddle a long distance to
check the nests of the Osprey
families I have been watching
for many years.
Did you know that when
diving after fish, Ospreys can
completely submerge themselves underwater and still be
able to fly away with their prey?
Most other fish-eating birds of
prey can only pluck fish from
the surface of the water as they
fly by.
Kayaks can be rented in
Arnold at Sierra Nevada
Adventure Company or at Bear
Valley Adventure Company.
(Paula Johnstone)
(Matt Mazzei)
741 Autumn Dr. Walnut Creek
$834,900
4 bedroom, 3 bath
approx. 2375 sq. ft.
Listing agent:
Doug Van Riper
1625 Buchanan Rd.
Rula Masannat
Broker Associate
DRE# 01923757
415-310-2905
[email protected]
$850,000
Commercial Lot. Approx.
2000 sq. ft. on a 5-acre lot.
Listing agent:
Rula Masannat
5951 Glenarms Dr. Oakland
$699,000
Listing agent: Doug Van Riper
PENDING BUYERS REP.
2332 Peyton Dr. Oakley
Doug Van Riper
Broker Associate
DRE# 01883875
925-787-6571
[email protected]
$360,000
Listing agent:
Matt Mazzei
PENDING
1295 Shell Ln. Clayton
1561 Dianda Dr. Concord
$439,000
$599,000
Matt Mazzei, Jr.
Broker/Owner
DRE# 01881269
SOLD
4560 Lincoln Dr. Concord
$490,000
(Paula Johnstone)
mazzeirealty.net
Clayton residents since 1959
925-693-0757 (Main)
925-766-6745
[email protected]
6160 Center St.
Suite #C, Clayton
925-693-0752 (Fax)
925-672-7920
secluded and quiet; more like a lake than a reservoir
ACTIVE LISTINGS
• Remodels, Kitchens & Baths
• 21 years of design experience
– model homes, commercial
& residential
• Clayton resident for 15 years
Sharon Anderson
UTICA RESERVOIR
COMING SOON
Full-Service Design Firm
• Design consultations
• Custom draperies
• Major furniture brands
at a discount
• Licensed contractor
6160 Center St, Clayton CA
[email protected] [email protected]
Sharon Anderson is a Clayton
resident and lifelong hiker. This is the
second of a four-part series on hiking
in the Sierras.
www.interiorspanache.com
Follow Us At Facebook or
Wonderful Dana Farms rancher
5729 Roanwood Way Concord $584,000
Lifelong Clayton/Concord Resident
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2028 sq. ft. on a 10,000 lot
built in 1969.
Don’t miss this updated kitchen with granite counters,
dual pane windows, tile roof, RV parking, work shop
out back and so much more… Call Christine today!
4407 Red Maple Ct. Concord
$589,000
RE/MAX C.C. Connection Inc.
2950 Buskirk Ave., Suite 140
Walnut Creek
(925) 286-7593
[email protected]
Lic # 01425653
• 4 bedrooms, 2 baths,
1917 sq. ft, 5580 lot
• Open entry, separate living, dining & family room
• Vaulted ceilings, dual pane windows
• Spacious updated kitchen w/ granite counters,
breakfast bar, recessed lighting
ing
Help uy
ts b
clien ince
ll s
& se 2
200
Page 20
September 27, 2013
Morgan Fire Photo Gallery
photo Claycord.com
photo Tamara Steiner
photo Claycord.com
photo Joe Carlson
photo Claycord.com
photo Shelley Shuey
photo Joe Carlson
photo David DeMordaunt
Family
owned
& operated
since 1981
Professional
Bird Grooming
NEXT
CLINIC
Sat. Oct. 5
SUNDAY
10 - 11 am
Drop-ins OK
10 am to 3 pm
& first Saturday
of EVERY month
Competitive prices
on dog and cat
vaccinations
Including rattlesnake
vaccines!
Drop-ins OK, but
appointments are
recommended
Mention this ad to get 5% off your pet supplies
with the purchase of any VIP Clinic service!
$
3 Off /bag
New at
Rodie’s
Reg. price
$42.99
$
2 Off
*
Betta Fish
Blue Buffalo
Cat Food
*Mention this ad
when you buy
a Betta Fish to
get $2 off a Marina Betta Aquarium
15 lb. bag
Offer expires 10/11/13
Offer expires 10/11/13
Dog Behavior Workshop
by Barbara Dwyer
Learn how to reduce
behavior problems
from a certified
dog trainer!
Call us today to register.
Space is limited.
Bring your
Best Friend by
for a Drink at Oktoberfest
October 5th and 6th
Rodie's will host a dog water and treat
booth! We will also provide tables for
you to sit and eat lunch
with your dog!
Ment
ion this ad to receive a
$ 5 of
on
f
whe Rodie's Coup
n you visi our booth!
t
SUNDAY
Cost - $25
We offer the
Entire Package
for your
Holiday Party
Our
passion
is pets.
Veterinary Clinic
Oct. 6
photo Tamara Steiner
Nov. 10
10 am - noon
Open 7 days
(925) 672-4600
Mon - Fri 10 to 6
Sat 9 to 6
Sun 10 to 4
8863 Marsh Creek Rd. in Clayton
www.rodiesfeed.com
YOU’RE INVITED
To host your
holiday event at
Oakhurst
Country Club
Did you know you can plan
an unbelievable holiday party
for about the same cost as
hosting it at a hotel or restaurant?
Call now to book your
November and December
holiday events and choose
from the gifts below!
(925) 672-9737 ext. 217
Book your event between
August 15 to September 31
and choose 3 FREE ITEMS*
October 1 to October 31
And choose 2 FREE ITEMS*
Holiday Party
CALCULATOR
Visit our interactive Holiday Party
Calculator to build your Holiday Event
& see how affordable it is at
November 1 to November 15
And choose 1 FREE ITEM*
www.holidaypartycalculator.com
SELECT FROM
Book Early and Save!
Contact our Private Event Director
Janan Ali at 925.672.9737 ext. 217 for more
information and to book your event.
Oakhurst Country Club
1001 Peacock Creek
Drive, Clayton, CA
www.oakhurstcc.com
FREE Additional Hour
FREE Room Rental
FREE Dessert Buffet
FREE Coffee, Tea & Soda
FREE Hors d’oeuvres Limit (2)
*Minimums and restrictions apply.
Cannot be combined with any other offer
and on any previously booked events.
Events must occur between November 1,
2013 and December 31, 2013.

13 09 27 pages 1-4 and 10-11.qxp

Transcription

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