g n i p p ho S y o a Holid Guide Page 1
IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
December 4, 2009
925.672.0500
‘Toy Story’ characters line up in Jeffry Ranch yard to benefit Crisis Nursery DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
Space aliens are coming to Clayton, warns Keith Faina. With his family, Keith is bringing the aliens along with Woody, Buzz and the villainous Zurg from the movie “Toy Story” to the front yard of their Jeffry Ranch Ct. home beginning Dec. 6 For what Keith’s wife Sue estimates is the 10th year in a row, they are going over the top in decorating the front yard of their home for the Christmas season. Sue saw homes lit up for the holidays when she was a child and dreamt of having a similar display. “I used to tell my parents that I wanted a house that I can decorate that way,” she said. What started for the Fainas as a single plywood toy soldier and some Christmas lights in the front yard has become a major annual event for the entire family. Keith estimates they will have 25 plywood cutout characters, spotlights and 25 strings of twinkling holiday lights strung around the front yard. The Fainas’ adult son, Chris,
JULIE PIERCE
MAYOR’S CORNER Mark the calendar for holiday events The holiday season is in full swing and families are busy planning activities. Thanks to our dedicated Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA), the decorations are up in downtown and it looks great! Big thanks go to the CBCA, which has been providing the downtown decorations for our community for many years. This Saturday night, Dec. 5, is our annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Bundle up and come on down to The Grove for an hour to hear the Mt. Diablo Children’s Choir sing and join the fun as Santa lights the tree on the knoll at Main and Oak streets. Next week, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec 10, is the annual Pioneer Cookie Contest at Hoyer Hall in the Library. Deadline for entry is Monday. Thanks to Tamara Steiner and this paper for sponsoring this yummy event! Next Saturday, Dec. 12, is the CBCA’s annual Mrs. Claus Tea, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Endeavor Hall. Bring the kiddos and enjoy prizes, goodies and a visit with Santa. The event is free for children under 12, but donations are always appreciated. And don’t forget to join us for the 7th annual Clayton Counts Down Community New Year’s Eve party. This no-alcohol celebration at the Clayton Community Gym is sponsored by the city of Clayton and the YMCA. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m., leaving plenty of time for grown-up celebrations later in the evening. While the city sponsors the event, no city funds are used to pay for it. The evening is entirely supported by donations from local businesses and personal donations from the community. I want to thank early major donors, CBCA, Travis Credit Union, Jim Webb and Republic (formerly Allied) Waste Services
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
KEITH AND SUE FAINA OF CLAYTON HAVE A LITTLE FUN with some of the cutouts that will decorate their home at 115 Jeffry Ranch Ct. during the holidays this year. The display begins December 6.
See Toy Drive, page 8
Boston Red Sox tab Clayton native as youngest scout JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
When Clayton resident Sam Ray graduated from UCLA two years ago, he expected to use
See Mayor, page 16
his business-economics degree to get a job in investment banking or tax audit with a major national firm. Instead, Ray will move into a Cincinnati apartment in January – prepared to put 30,000-40,000 miles on his company car covering a territory including Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and eastern Indiana for a New England business that has the oldest and smallest facility in its industry. The former Clayton Valley High School athlete has turned an exciting internship over the past two years with the Boston Red Sox into a full-time position as the Major League area scout for the Midwest for the legendary baseball franchise that calls Fenway Park home and has won two World Series championships this decade. SEARCHING FOR
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
BASEBALL GOLD
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
LIFELONG CLAYTON RESIDENT SAM RAY will take up his post as a scout for the Boston Red Sox in January.
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
The 24-year-old Clayton native is geared up to watch high school and college baseball games seven days a week in preparation for the annual Major League Amateur Draft in June. Like each MLB team, the
See Ray, page 14
Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Cookie Contest Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Dan Ashley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Local bakers look for sweet victory at Clayton Pioneer’s 6th annual Cookie Contest During the holiday season, it doesn’t get much more Norman Rockwell than the Clayton Pioneer Cookie Contest set for December 10, 6:30 p.m. at the Clayton Library. Weeks before the contest, local bakers begin combing their cookbooks and family recipe troves for that sure winner and the Pioneer starts lining lining up the distinguished judges. On contest night, while the judging panel is getting their final instructions from the Pioneer’s Food for Thought columnist Linda Wyner, the cookies begin arriving – one plate for the contest and one for the sharing table. As the judges set about their work, the party begins with live music and caroling by popular
From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Going Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Holiday Shopping Guide . . . . . . . . . .10 Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 On the Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Clayton trio Vintage and skits and songs by the DramaMama kids. The suspense builds as the judges make their final rounds. Finally, the votes are tallied. A hush falls over the crowd and the drum roll begins. Wyner steps to the microphone and announces, “This year’s winning Junior Baker is . . .” The proud bakers stand in front of a cheering crowd. There’s much backslapping and high-fiving as the kids, hyped by a visit with Santa and the promise of a sugar-filled finish, clamor to be first at the sharing table to taste the winning cookies. It’s easy to be part of the fun. See page 20 for contest details and entry form. Deadline to enter is Dec. 7.
Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Theatre Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
December 4, 2009
Around Town Downtown Clayton beginning to show holiday spirit
Alison Slavin and Alan Armstrong wed
CBCA members were out early on Saturday morning, Nov. 21 for a town decorating day. Armed with tape measures and fueled by donuts, the members hung garland, streetlight halos, ornaments, bows and boughs from one end of town to the other. With help from the men at the Diablo Valley Ranch, Santa and the
reindeer found their way to a rooftop in the park. Clockwise from right: City maintenance worker Dan Johnston and Jan Rubiales sort through the dozens of red bows; Ted Meriam provided the wreath transport service under the able direction of Jean Wondra; Stephanie Rasmussen gets ready to hang one of the 13 streetlight halos.
Photos by Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Hospice Tree lights up with remembered loved ones The holiday season got off to a sparkly start with the annual Hospice Tree Lighting
Alan Armstrong and Alison Slavin were married on Oct. 17, in Napa. The ceremony took place on a private estate and was attended by friends and family. Ian Mackey officiated and the bride was escorted by her mother, Phyllis Slavin. Alison was attended by Melanie Barerra and Martha White. Groomsmen were Jared Kelly and Kavon Daftari. Alison is the daughter of Bob and Phyllis Slavin of Clayton. Alan is the son of Bob
and Carol Armstrong, also of Clayton. Alan and Alie are 1996 graduates of Clayton Valley High School, but did not become a couple until New Years 2005. Alison is a graduate of San Francisco State University and works as the Art Producer for Underground Development, a video game division of Activision. Alan is a service manager at i365 in Emeryville. The couple lives in San Francisco.
Julie Clairmont
on Nov. 18 at the Clayton Station. The audience held small
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Clayton resident Marybeth Cook and sons John, 9, and Thomas, 7, wait for the countdown for the lighting of the Hospice Tree of Lights at the Clayton Station on Nov. 18.
Vickie Coker REALTORTM
REALTORTM
white candles during the short vigil while the chorus from Mt. Diablo Elementary School touched the hearts of the crowd with the Beatles hit “Yesterday.” Mayor Julie Pierce recalled her own family’s experience with Hospice Care as her brother neared the end of life. Each light on the Tree of Lights represents a loved one who has passed away. Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency that provides medical, emotional and practical support for patients with life-threatening illnesses. For more information, go to hospiceeastbay.org or call (925) 887-5678.
New baby girl joins the Pugh family
Grace and Katherine Pugh have a new baby sister. Faith Marie joined the Pugh family on Sept. 27. Parents are Susan and Charlie Pugh and her grandparents are Charlie and Geri Pugh, Sr., all from Clayton.
Nancy D’onofrio
Sophia Duran
Michelle Gittleman
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Heather Gray REALTORTM
ndonofrio@windermere.com
VCoker@flash.net
Shelly Gwynn TM
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H-Gray@comcast.net
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John Silvester
Carol vanVaerenbergh
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GetRealWithBonnie@comcast.net
Wamllama@aol.com
Stacy Hengemihle, Buyers Specialist;
Lynne French, Top-Producing Agent/Owner/Mentor; (925) 980-2896
(925) 672-1772
Inge Yarborough,
(DRE#018396570)
(DRE#01221965)
Client Care/Staging Professional
silvester_j@yahoo.com
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Lynne French Team
mariasanchez@windermere.com
December 4, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton estate home on 1.26 acres–Now only $1,195,000!
Obituary
Gerard Capriulo
(Would Consider a Contingent Purchase)
This custom “Country-Tudor” home built in 2002 has 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 4,025 square feet plus 500 more in a basement for storage, and has extras galore! From a stone column front with parking for 9 cars, to a huge marble entry, 10’ ceilings, 3 fireplaces, a gourmet granite kitchen, beautiful formal dining room, to its Master Suite with his & hers walk-in closets, this home is filled with casual elegance. KNOWLEDGE
SERVICE
Located 3 doors from Mt. Diablo state park it has awesome views. A 9-Hole putting green, it’s own regulation horseshoe pit, granite outdoor kitchen with Bar and BBQ, a 9’x12’ inground Spa, a burning pit, Barn, rose garden, room for a pool, and it’s own secluded meadow and trails for your own private park! Call PETE or your Agent to see this great home and value while it’s still for sale!
INTEGRITY
RESULTS
Pete Laurence,
Broker, Realtor, GRI 2950 Buskirk Avenue, Ste. 140, Walnut Creek Direct 940-2777 Cell 890-6004 Fax 937-0150
Now is the time to buy.
Meet
the
authors
at
December Events
DRE#00344166
If you cannot attend, we are happy to get books signed for you.
Clayton Books
12/6 Sun 3pm ........Ying Chang Compestine and James Yamasaki, author and illustrator of
“Boy Dumplings.” Begin with one hungry ghost. Add a plump, delicious-looking boy. Sprinkle in some Chinese folklore and a healthy dash of humor for some great fun. 12/7 Mon 3-9pm .....Children's Author Day featuring Robert & Daniel San Souci, Nancy Farmer, Ying
Chang Compestine, Yuyi Morales, Ashley Wolff, Deborah Lee Rose and Michael Slack! 12/9 Wed 8pm........Book Club Forum with Ron Shoop. Great tips for gifts, reading groups, and you! 12/10 Thurs 7pm ....Wona Miniati, author of “The Trader Joe’s Companion: A Portable Cookbook,”
December 4, 2009
March 30, 1953 – November 14, 2009 Popular environmentalist and teacher Gerard (Gerry) Capriulo died suddenly at his Clayton home on Nov. 14. He was 56. A renowned international scientist, Capriulo was a professor and department head at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. He had held the Fletcher Jones Endowed Chair professorship since 1997 and was chair of the biology department. Capriulo held a PhD in oceanography from the State University of New York, where he began his career as a marine science and ecological sciences professor. He volunteered his expertise for many environmental and conservation organizations and most recently served on the boards of the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory board. Capriulo’s many interests spanned both the arts and the sciences. He was an accomplished photographer, musician and artist. This past year, Capriulo’s love of science and photography came together in the classroom when he taught the nature photography course at St. Mary’s. “He was a gifted teacher,” recalls family friend Sheri Weaver. “He was always imparting knowledge whether on a field trip with his students or
an outing with family and friends. Each semester, he would take his class on a field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. As he discussed different exhibits, you would notice groups of aquarium guests joining in to listen to what he had to say.” A naturalist and community activist, he frequently contributed articles on the environment to the Clayton Pioneer. “Gerry was passionate about ecology,” says Pioneer editor Tamara Steiner. “He wanted everyone to understand the planet and love it as he did.” He was also an accomplished scuba diver. Capriulo was a longtime member of St. Bonaventure’s Catholic community, where he served on the parish council and was active in the RCIA confirmation preparation program. He enjoyed movies and participated in the movie discussion group at the church. Capriulo is survived by his wife of 30 years, Amelia, his children, Lauren and Rebecca, his mother, Norma, sister, Clare Catanese (Peter), parents-in-law, Albert and Louise Stellato, brothers-in-law, Michael Stellato (Arlene), Amato Stellato (Tana), Robert Stellato (Nancy) and many nieces and nephews.
featuring quick-and-easy gourmet recipes using shortcuts from Trader Joe's. 12/13 Sun 1pm.......Joel Paul, author of “Unlikely Allies: How a Merchant, a Playwright, and a Spy
Saved the American Revolution.” 12/13 Sun 3pm.......Allyson Byrd, author of “A Tree's Wish,” the story of a little Christmas Tree.
Portion of the proceeds are donated to the Arbor Day Foundation. 12/15 Tues 7pm .....Douglas Gayeton, author of “Slow: Life in a Tuscan Town,” a magical and utterly
unique portrayal of rural Italian life, and a tribute to the region's kaleidoscope of charming local characters. Recipes included. 12/20 Tues 3pm ......Noah Alper, founder of Noah's Bagels and author of “Business Mensch.”
Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
In the Clayton Station
(925) 673-3325
5433 D Clayton Rd., Clayton joelharris@aol.com www.claytonbookshop.com
Mon - Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5
Hardwood, Tile and Stone, Carpet, Laminate
Free shop at home service! •
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(925) 820-8700 99 Railroad Ave., Danville www.diablo.floorstogo.com
Locally owned and operated by 30-year Clayton residents Keith and Mike Baker
floorstogodanville@sbcglobal.net
Blue Star Moms call for care package items for troops MIKE DUNN Clayton Pioneer
The Contra Costa Blue Star Moms are getting ready for Christmas in a big way. On Nov. 14, they gathered at their storage facility in Concord to prepare care packages to send to the troops overseas in time for Christmas. The Moms are packing 250 boxes filled with candy, snacks, sunscreen, hats, socks and toys. “We put in toys because in their down time, there’s not much to do,” says Debbie Fautt. “They also share the toys with the kids in the villages to build a rapport with them.” Jill Lorenz of Clayton has been an associate member of the Blue Star Moms since the Concord chapter began. Unlike full members, associate members do not have a son or daughter serving in the military. “I just feel very strongly about supporting them making sure they know how much we appreciate them, Lorenz said.” What’s needed most? “Socks!” exclaimed Loretta Masnada whose son Anthony is a lance corporal in Afghanistan. “The marines in Afghanistan don’t have washers and dryers,” she explained. “They wash their
Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer
JILL LORENZ OF CLAYTON AND TRECENA MCKINNEY OF CONCORD do a quick quality control check before taping the care packages shut for shipping.
socks by hand and Afghanistan is very dusty. So, even after a few washings their socks are still really dirty and dingy and they feel like a piece of cardboard. We sent a lot of socks to him AND his platoon.”
For more information about how to help the Contra Costa Blue Star Moms call Deborah Burrow’s Cell: 925-408-6763 or email: dburrow@ccbluestarmoms.org or visit their website http://www.ccbluestarmoms.org/
NEED MORE ROOM FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS? RE/MAX CAN HELP
Happy Holidays
In today's ever changing market
call the professionals at RE/MAX Town & Country for all of your real estate needs:
925-672-7800
Mike Kavanaugh, Owner
1026 Oak St., Suite 204, Clayton DRE#0888284
December 4, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Upcoming Events P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor A NDRÉ G ENSBURGER , Reporter and Feature Writer P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports B ETH N EUDELL , Advertising Sales C HRISTINA S CARLOTT , Administrative Assistant We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com André Gensburger Andre@claytonpioneer.com Beth Neudell beth@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com
Send School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com
CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa)
We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable.
LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 300 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter in a Word document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.
DEC. 5, CLAYTON TREE LIGHTING Meet at the Gazebo at 6 p.m. and bring a flashlight. The kids from Mt. Diablo Elementary will sing Christmas songs and Santa will lead the parade down Main Street for the annual Tree Lighting festivities hosted by the Clayton Business and Community Association. Stop at Clayton Community Church for free donut holes and hot apple cider and be on hand when the mayor flips the switch on the city’s tree officially kicking off the Christmas season. DEC. 10, CHRISTMAS COOKIE CONTEST The Clayton Pioneer’s annual Christmas Cookie Contest Judging is at 6:30 p.m. at the Library. Bring out your favorite Christmas cookie recipe, bake up a batch and join us for the judging and Christmas Party. All will share in the cookie bounty. Live music and carol-sing led by Vintage and special performances by the DramaMama performers. DEADLINE FOR ENTRY is Dec. 7. See entry form in the Holiday Guide. For more information, call the Pioneer at 672-0500. DEC. 12, DESSERT WITH MRS. CLAUS Have dessert with Mrs. Claus from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Endeavor Hall. (Note new location this year.) The event is a family favorite with prizes, goodies and a visit with Santa. A donation is appreciated, but the event is free for children 12 and under. This event is also sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association. For more information, call 672-2272. DEC, 31, CLAYTON COUNTS DOWN Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family this year at the annual Clayton Counts Down no-alcohol celebration at the Clayton Community Gym. The event, sponsored by the city of Clayton and the YMCA, begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9, leaving plenty of time for grown-up celebrations later in the evening. For more information, or to volunteer, call the city of Clayton at 673-7300.
Classified HELP WANTED Advertising Sales Experienced salesperson needed to help with advertising sales for the Clayton Pioneer. Part time or full time. Generous commissions. Send resume to
tamara@claytonpioneer.com, or drop off at the Pioneer office, 6200 H Center Street., Clayton. Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 672-8787.
FOR SALE
Clayton Valley Shell
WINTER SPECIALS FREE
$ 10 off OIL CHANGE
WINTER CHECK-UP
Includes inspection of brakes, tires, wipers and fluid levels.
$57 value
Clayton Valley Shell. May not be combined with other offers. Expires 12/20/09
Free if needed work is done at Clayton Valley Shell. May not be combined with other offers. Expires 12/20/09
ervice s e l t t u Free sh r repairs o for maj
$ 10 off SMOG
INSPECTION Clayton Valley Shell. May not be combined with other offers. Expires 12/20/09
Official S m and Rep og Check air Statio n
Sofa with ottoman, $700. Beautiful dark brown, scrolled hardwood frame with 6 loose cushions. Cream colored textured fabric. 80” long; 38” seat depth. Call Christine, (510) 393-5323 for pictures via email. Available to view at Clayton residence.
LOST AND FOUND Found Did you lose something at the Oktoberfest? If any of the following items belong to you, call (925) 524-4404 and leave a message. Items unclaimed by Dec. 31 will be donated to charity. "Forever 21" black sunglasses, amber-tinted sunglasses, ladies blue presc. eyeglasses with silver trim, child's straw "Janie & Jack" hat, child's pink "Children's Place" hat, red/black lunch box found near CCC offices, Keizer Karel "Charles Quint" smart apron.
SERVICES Babysitting College Student available for babysitting during the Christmas Break from Dec. 14 – 31st. Call 672-2007 or email Nancyomartini@hotmail.com
VOLUNTEERS WANTED Meals on Wheels Drivers 1 – 1 1/2 per week. Drivers and relief drivers needed for delivery of Meals on Wheels in East County. Call Jim at 673-0300 or e-mail hairbyjim@sbcglobal.net.
Our professionals are here to serve you: Amir, Jameson, Gary, Alex and Peter
Mechanical repairs and computer diagnostics including 30K, 60K, 90K factory maintenance on all European, Imported and domestic vehicles.
Anna’s Attic Volunteers Call 674-9072 or (925) 766-5066. Hospice of the East Bay Call Volunteer Dept. at (925) 8875678 or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org. Clayton Historical Society Museum Call the museum at 672-0240.
Corner of Clayton Road and Kirker Pass Road
925 672-3900
Clayton Community Library. 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org
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Directory of Advertisers Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Dirito Brothers Concord Volkswagen . . . . . . . . . .887-6000 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Niello Infinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .866-443-1740 Children’s Services Music Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-2990 Construction and Trades Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-3339 Grover Electric Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-9743 Ken Mitolo Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2460 Olde World Mill & Cabinets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .915-0822 Smith & Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0138 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dentist Bradburn, Keith D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Children's Dentistry of Walnut Creek . . . . . . . . . .938-2392 Gardner, Randell D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0110 Renner, Jason D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800 Rissel, Richard D.M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .957-2500 Events Dessert with Mrs. Claus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-2272 Clayton Pioneer Cookie Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0500 Tree Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2272 Financial and Insurance Services Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . .685-4523 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Ferrante Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .674-1755 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Fitness Butterfly Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4238 Coach Terry Fit Body Boot Camp . . . . . . . . . . . .586-3649 Snap Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0110 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Gifts Gift Baskets by Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-8878 Keenan Heinz Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288-0159 The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Floors to Go Danville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .820-8700 Navlet’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550 Next Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-0600 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Pans on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600-7267 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Welcome Home House Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . .584-5980 Mailing and Shipping Postal Annex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5246 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Personal Products and Services A Perfect Tan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8261 Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792 Clayton Mind and Body Connection . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Permanent Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8990 Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123 Sport Clips Haircuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5686 Susan Cardoza C.M.T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .746-4710 Weight Watchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-379-5757 Pet Services Aussie Pet Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-738-6624 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Vet Tech Pet Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899-7354 Peace of Mind Pet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9781 Rodies Feed and Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Flannery, Patty - 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These are the low times in higher education When I was in college many years ago, a political science professor told my class something at the start of the semester that I have never forgotten. In fact, I repeated what he said to my eldest son when he started college this fall. As a way of encouraging his new class to get the most of the experience, my professor suggested that none of us would ever pull up to a gas station, hand the attendant (remember gas station attendants?) a twenty dollar bill and then drive off without putting a drop of gasoline in the tank. So why would we, he asked, be willing to do the same thing in college. Education, he said, was the only thing he could think of that people are willing to pay for without caring whether they get or not. Message received; you get what you pay for. And that is precisely why so many college students in California are upset. The value of their education is dropping precipitously and precariously. The state once proud with some of the finest institutions of higher learning in the world is losing its ability to meet the growing demands of an economy that increasingly depends on a well-trained and a well-educated workforce. Consider this: according to projections from
the California Department of Finance by the year 2014 there will be nearly 650,000 more people applying to colleges and universities in California than space available. But for those who do get spots in California’s college classrooms life may not be so rosy either. Budget cuts are drastically changing the educational experience for huge numbers of students. Less money to operate translates into fewer course offerings to choose from which means that it is highly likely that an incoming freshman may not be able to complete the requirements for an undergraduate degree in five or even six years. Four years, forget it. And it gets worse. The same students who are being offered fewer courses and campus services are now being forced to pay more money for the diminished collegiate experience that they do get. Tuition and fee increases are significant. The University of California Board Of Regents has just imposed a thirty-two percent fee increase over the next two years, and that is on top of the increases that have already been imposed. It’s a similar story for California State University. Who can say how many students will be forced to drop out
or slow their academic progress while they work to pay for the added tuition? Less education at greater cost; hardly the innovative and visionary objective of the so-called Master Plan for higher education in California conceived in 1960. So where does that leave us? Fifty years after the Golden State embarked on an ambitious plan to lead the nation in education, California is now facing an academic calamity that will affect the state in profound ways for years to come, perhaps generations. It’s happening already, some of our brightest students are being poached by out-of-state universities that are all too eager to capitalize on our misfortunes. When those young people go elsewhere to be educated, they may stay elsewhere to become employed. California’s public colleges and universities are indeed grappling with enormous funding challenges because of state budget cuts and other factors, but that does not negate the social and economic consequences that are coming as a result. There is, obviously, no easy solution and no clear course out of this perfect storm for deep trouble developing over California, but what is certain is
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MDIA’s newest Mt. Diablo map release includes GPS coordinates The Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association has just released the sixth edition of their Mt. Diablo Trail Map. The map, with an aerial view photo of the famous Summit Visitors Center on the cover, contains a complete topographic map of the trails, roads, contours, facilities and sites within the Mt. Diablo State Park. All 187 miles of trail within the park are clearly shown along with trails from adjoining areas. Trails suitable for bicyclists and equestrians as well as those hiking on foot are detailed along with elevations. A UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) grid is provided for users of GPS devices. The map also contains specific information about the history, natural environment
and points of interest in the park. Several popular hikes are described with mileage, elevation gain and hike times. The map is in full color and is printed on weatherresistant, waterproof plastic. The Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association is a non-profit volunteer organization that assists in maintaining Mt. Diablo State Park. For more information on MDIA, send an email to mcdrewech@astound,net, or visit the Website at www.mdia.org. The maps are sold at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center located at the end of Mitchell Canyon Road, at the Summit Visitor Center in Mt. Diablo State Park and at local stores including Clayton Books in the Clayton Station.
DAN ASHLEY
WHAT REALLY MATTERS that the damage being done to an educational system that was once an example for the nation may take many, many years to repair. Political leaders delight in telling us that our future rests with the next generation and what really matters is that we hold them to that statement. After all, if we cannot offer the best, we cannot expect to keep the best. Dan Ashley is an ABC-7 news anchor. Watch him weeknights on Channel 7 at 5, 6, and 11 and at 9 p.m. on KOFY-TV 20.
Sports Clips fundraiser helps soldiers phone home From Oct. 18 to Nov. 14, Sport Clips Haircuts raised money to support the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Operation Uplink, a program that offers free call days and calling cards for deployed and hospitalized American soldiers. The drive was part of a nationwide campaign at more than 600 Sport Clips Haircuts locations. Last year, Sport Clips raised more than $120,000 – allowing 152,000 holiday connections between soldiers and their friends and family members. The Sport Clips in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center raised $700, providing more than 17,000 minutes of free calling for our service men and women. Funds raised were from client donations as well as from the stylists themselves. “This is a wonderful example of business and community coming together to honor and benefit our soldiers,” says Ben Mangels, local Sport Clips Franchisee. “If we were able to raise $700 this year after only being open for six months, I can’t wait to see what we can do next year.” Sport Clips also offers preferential pricing throughout the year to veterans.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Mike Rose Auto Body readies this year’s car for annual benevolence program wrecked, that has been donated by an insurance company or individual, and we fix it,” Rose When it comes time to give explains. “All the parts are back to the community, donated, the insurance is donatClayton’s Mike Rose sets the ed, and employees donate their standard. time after work or on weekends For the last and help pick eight years, Mike the family that Rose Auto Body is going to get has participated the car. They do in the Akzo a fantastic job.” Nobel Sikkens Applicants Acoat National must provide to Benevolence M i k e ’ s P r o g r a m . Benevolence Started in the Committee a 1990s by Dave one-page narraAdams Classic tive explaining Car Repair in why the lack of Utah, the pro- Sal Contreras reliable transgram turned Mike’s Auto Body portation interinto a cooperaferes with their tive effort that current and takes a donated future economand damaged car each year and ic status and how receiving this restores it to pristine condition automobile will assist them in to give away to someone worthy. becoming self-sufficient. Each year, the collision Applications for this year’s repair industry as a whole Dec. 16 giveaway began in comes across cars that are writ- October and will end Dec. 1. ten off by either the owner or Rose, Sal Contreras and employthe insurance company. ees review the letters to find the “We find a car that has been one they consider most worthy. ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Main Street, Clayton 1903
At one time, Main Street had four saloons. Businesses and some houses were also situated on Main Street. Center Street boasted churches and a slaughterhouse. The remaining areas in the downtown mapped by Joel Clayton were residential and agricultural. In 1903, when this photograph was taken, registered voters in the Clayton precinct numbered only 120.
CERT drill prepares for disaster response
CERT VOLUNTEERS, David Larwood, Julie Kinsey, Carol Riley and CERT coordinator Herb Yonge, check in with downtown businesses during the CERT drill on Nov. 21.
Recent graduates of Clayton’s (Community Emergency Response Team) CERT training practiced their newly acquired skills at a drill in downtown Clayton last Saturday. In the event of a big earthquake or landslide, Clayton could be cut off from outside resources for several days, relying on CERT volunteers for search and rescue and emergency first aid in the first critical hours or days following a major
disaster. During the drill, small teams of volunteers went doorto-door, calling out to those who might need assistance. When a volunteer entered a building, he tacked up a piece of paper with a diagonal mark. Another mark on the paper would let the volunteers behind him know that he had left the building. For information on the next CERT class, visit claytoncert.com.
“What better time to give a car to somebody,” Contreras said of the holiday giveaway. “Every applicant is worthy,” he continued. “Each has a story that makes you close your eyes, open your heart, and count your blessings. I wish we had more cars to give away.”
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Don’t get Scrooge’d this Christmas During this time of year, everything seems to speed up and we all get very busy. We will likely entertain relatives from out of the area and spend more time away from our homes shopping for gifts, visiting relatives or going out for dinner. With the excitement of the holiday season, it is easy to get distracted and let our guard down. This situation could make it easier for a thief to take advantage of us. Although the city of Clayton remains one of the safest cities in which to reside, criminals are busy during the holiday season especially during this difficult economy. Criminals have a variety of ways in which to conduct their illegal business. They could steal Christmas packages off your front porch, steal your identity when you make online purchases, steal mail from your mail box, take packages from your car while shopping, steal your car, burglarize your home while you are shopping or on vacation, or steal your money through seasonal charity scams. Some basic safety tips can be utilized to reduce the chances of becoming a crime statistic this season. Avoid shopping when you are exhausted; you are more alert when you are less tired. Car thieves are always watching and take vehicles that are the easiest to steal. Remember where your car is parked. Being unable to locate your vehicle can cause stress and confusion that will make you an easy target for criminals. After making your purchases, avoid walking back to your car with your arms full – especially in the dark. Make several trips, if possible. Secure items in the trunk, not in plain view. Always lock your car doors, even if leaving for just a moment. Occasionally check your purse to make sure it is securely closed to avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets. Keep track of wallets as well. When ordering gifts online, make sure the Website is secure before giving your credit card number. Check into any unfamiliar organization looking for holiday donations. Try to be at
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home when any packages are delivered. In the past, thieves have driven around Clayton neighborhoods looking for packages that are left on front porches by FedEx, UPS or the Postal Service. After opening gifts, break down all boxes and put them into plastic bags to hide the fact that you have new valuable items in your home. Be extremely careful using ATM machines this time of year. Always use them in populated areas and pay close attention to what’s going on around you. Take the proper safety precautions before leaving for vacation. Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights, radios and TVs. Leave some shades or blinds up and curtains open to maintain an everyday appearance. Lock the door to your attached garage. Never rely on your automatic garage door opener for security. Stop deliveries of your mail and newspapers or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail and newspapers. Last, but not least, call the Clayton Police Department at 673-7350, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, to request a “vacation house watch.” We will drive by to check your home while you are away. On behalf of the Clayton Police Department, I want to wish every Clayton resident a wonderful winter and holiday season this year.
Dan Lawrence is Clayton’s Police Chief. Please send your questions, comments or topics you’d like to see covered to DanL@cpd.ci. concord.ca.us
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
You’d better watch out – Santa Claus isn’t coming to my house
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December 4, 2009
CADY LANG TEEN SPEAK Spoiler warning: This article may be offensive to those who believe in Santa Claus. Read at your own discretion. Every Christmas, I read the “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” letter that is so ubiquitously circulated in periodicals. However, I fear that I am one of the skeptics whom the editor admonishes for disbelief in jolly old St. Nicholas. For as long as I can remember, my Christmases have been devoid of Kris Kringle. I grew up knowing that it was my parents who provided the presents under the tree, not a strange, overweight man in a red, fur-trimmed coat. For some families, Santa Claus is a wonderful means of preserving the “magic” of Christmas; however, I believe that I experienced perfectly wonderful Christmases without the aid of the Santa Claus mystique.
It’s not like my parents were telling me that Santa Claus was a commercialized legendary luminary; they merely refrained from indoctrinating me with the Santa Claus myth (as well as those of the tooth fairy and Easter bunny). In my younger years, I lacked discretion and sensitivity regarding others’ belief in Santa Claus. I was one of those obnoxious children who told other kids that Santa Claus wasn’t real, causing great distress and lots of tears. As a jaded and worldly 6-yearold, I thought that my friends believed in Santa Claus because they wanted more presents. As I grew older, I began to realize that many of my peers truly believed in Santa Claus. At a sleepover during fourth grade, one of my friends and I engaged in a heated discussion about Santa Claus. “But my parents told me that Santa Claus comes – why would my parents lie to me?” At those words, I dropped my argument. Who was I to try to educate my friends about reality? Now as the big sister of a two little sisters, one of whom is
School News
Where the artisan meets the craftsman
DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL A college admissions workshop for parents of middle school students will be held 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, in the multi-use room, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. The presenter is Pat Brands, college and career counselor for Northgate High School. This talk is open to all parents of Mt. Diablo Unified School District middle school students. The workshop will help parents prepare students for college before they sign up for those first high school classes. It will offer guidance for selecting and applying to the colleges of choice; ways to identify and put together the pieces of the puzzle to find a good fit for your child; answer questions on admissions, testing, financial aid, summer opportunities and more; and provide practical suggestions for managing the process to alleviate some of the stress. Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, write a check for $10 per person or $15 per couple payable to DVMS PFC. Send to Tami Smith, 5213 Keller Ridge Dr., Clayton CA 94517.
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draws the plywood figures. Keith cuts out the shapes, and the entire family applies the four to five coats of paint each figure requires. “Everybody pitches in and does a little bit,” said Keith. “We all share in the load, each using our different talents.” This year, the decorations are about more than winning neighborhood holiday lights contests, exploring the fabulous colors of paints available at Michaels craft store or learning how to change a fuse. The family is focused on bringing the joys of the holiday season to the community that has been so giving to their own
family in times of need. In November 2003, Keith suffered a massive heart attack. Although he had no insurance coverage to pay for hospitalization and treatment, the community came through for him. Sue recalled hearing activity outside their front door one day. She opened the door to find that an anonymous donor had left eight bags of groceries. “I just burst into tears,” she said. In February 2006, younger son Danny was assaulted. Again the community stepped forward. Friends and acquaintances brought meals. Teachers stopped by, and a friend opened an
4 years old (a prime Santa indoctrination age group), I continue to celebrate Christmas sans Santa. While I don’t burst the bubble for Santa-believing children as I did in my childhood, I simply can’t bring myself to ask little kids what they hope Santa brings them for Christmas. My little sisters also never believed in the Santa myth, and I don’t think we’ve lost out on the spirit of the season. I’m not saying that Santa is a bad faction of Christmas; for many families,
ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Mt. Diablo Unified School District trustees voted 5-0 to hire 46-year-old Steven Lawrence as the new superintendent. At the Nov. 20 meeting, it was announced that Lawrence would leave his job as superintendent of the Washington Unified School District, a small district with 7,000 students in West Sacramento. MDUSD has about 35,000 students. “I am very excited to have been named the new superintendent of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District,” Lawrence said. “I look forward to working with the board, teachers, administrators, support staff members, parents, students and community leaders to help all schools reach their goal of creating powerful learning opportunities for every child in the district.” Lawrence is a 1985 graduate of Brown University. In West account with a local bank so people could deposit donations to help cover medical bills. This year, the Fainas are requesting that the many visitors who drive through their neighborhood to see their holiday lights make a brief stop and drop off new, unwrapped toys. A large Santa bag and a sign in the front yard will direct donors. The toys will be donated to the Bay Area Crisis Nursery, where staff anticipates a need for help for 500 children this year. “Last year, we were fearful about the economy,” said Gwen Dwiggins, the Crisis Nursery’s client outreach coordinator. “We have more children this year, so we’re hoping to get more toys.” “I think that everybody has it
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Sacramento, he saw the construction of a television production studio at the new River City High campus, which opened last January. Interim superintendent Dick Nicoll steps down Jan. 31 and Lawrence will assume the post Feb. 1 at a salary of $249,500. Lawrence’s contract will end June 30, 2013. in them to find a creative way to be able to help somebody else,” Sue noted. “It doesn’t mean they have to know how to paint. It doesn’t mean they have to know how to make cutouts. In their own way, everybody has something they can give. “You can do anything, as long as you do something to help somebody else – because that’s what it’s about. We’re all on this Earth to help somebody else.” “Toy Story” will be on display at the Faina home, 115 Jeffry Ranch Ct., Clayton beginning Dec. 6. Directions: Heading towards Concord on Clayton Road, turn right on Atchinson Stage Road, then left on Jeffry Ranch Ct.
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Cady Lang is a senior at Berean Christian High School. She would like to major in English and eventually pursue a career in writing. Email her at cady_lang@claytonpioneer.com
School district hires new superintendent
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Santa Claus is an integral part of their Christmas traditions. The belief in his existence provides an innocence or “magic” for their Christmas celebrations. You can call me a humbug, but for me (and my family), Santa Claus is not needed to make the season bright.
Living Trusts Wills Medi-Cal Planning Probate & Trust Administration Elder Law Creative Estate & Tax Planning Asset Protection & General Business Advance Health Care Directives
Clayton Office:
Pittsburg Office:
6160 Center St., Suite D Clayton, CA 94517 Phone: (925) 672-6463 Richard@LittornoLaw.com
2211 Railroad Ave. Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-4211 www.LittornoLaw.com
Wishing e Scott a i r o j r a M from your friends and family at Diamond Terrace!
Happy 101st Birthday! 6401 Center Street Clayton CA 94517
www.diamondterrace.net
December 4, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
MDUSD board OKs raises for district staff following June’s cut of two positions ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
The trustees of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District approved raises for a handful of district employees as part of their contract extensions – a move that enraged a group of vocal critics. At the Nov. 17 meeting, board members justified the raises by explaining the effects of losing those involved and having to hire new employees at even higher salaries. However, many teachers and parents
believe no raises should have been tendered. At the same meeting, teacher union president Mike Noce addressed the board on the union approval of a teacher salary freeze extending through 2013 in exchange for limitations on class sizes and duties. “These are tough economic times, and my members recognize this,” said Noce, who hoped the move would build stronger relationships with the board and the new superintendent. While there were no critics at
the board meeting, the vote resulted in a heated exchange from bloggers after reports on Claycord.com and on TV. Failed MDUSD board candidate Jeff Adams asked the board to recognize that regardless of justification, “public perception is an issue.” Board president Gary Eberhart said the move was part of a larger action that the board took in June. “The first part of the reorganization was when we cut an assistant superintendent position and that person’s assistant. That move saved the dis-
trict over $260,000.” “I think when you look at the big picture, it is clear that this is not just raises for management at the expense of others,” noted trustee Paul Strange. “It’s not popular to do this,” Strange added, “but it is the right thing.” Trustees Dick Allen and Linda Mayo voted against the raises, asking for a deferment until the new superintendent could review the plan. “That’s not right – tying the hands of
See MDUSD, page 18
Make sure your contract clarifies closing cost details LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE Q. I recently bought my first home, but I didn’t enjoy the transaction. It didn’t close on time and I ended up paying the seller’s daily expenses for the days it was late although it wasn’t my fault. The lender didn’t provide an appraisal on time and it had to go for another review, which slowed it down more. It closed a week late. I was inconvenienced as much as the seller, and I believe the seller was greedy making me pay.
My Realtor said this isn’t unusual with the new appraisal laws. How could this have been avoided? A. The real estate sales contract specifies that “time is of the essence.” When you signed it, you agreed on price, closing date and many other details. The contract contains contingencies that you remove when one of the time periods is met. They are inspection, appraisal and loan contingencies. There could be others as well. Your relationship with your Realtor and your loan agent is a partnership to get the loan closed. Just as you carefully selected your Realtor because you trusted and felt
comfortable with him/her, the same should go for your loan agent. This is your choice. If it is truly the loan agent’s fault, I am surprised he/she didn’t pay these extra costs. A delayed closing because of the loan can cost the seller money depending on their situation. The delay is sometimes the seller’s fault. In that case, they might owe you compensation. When you negotiated your purchase contract, there should have been a guideline for what happens if someone doesn’t perform on time. It is more important than ever these days with all the new loan and appraisal guidelines.
Q. We are getting ready to sell our house. We have maintained it well for the 15 years that we have owned it, yet I am nervous about filling out the disclosures. We have had problems from time to time with the home but always immediately fixed them. How much do the buyers need to know? I don’t want to scare them away. I want them to see the home as pretty close to perfect the way that we see it. A. No one’s house is perfect, so please don’t go on record insisting yours is. What you don’t disclose to a buyer can
See Real Estate, page 18
Page 9
Stunning and Spectacular Home Northgate custom with over 3,980 sq.ft. of elegant living space, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, Grand marble entry with spiral staircase, unique architectural features throughout, private serene backyard with pool/spa/waterfall on 1/3 acre premium lot. Offered at $1,359,000
Days 4 3 n i SOLD Call me. I can sell your home too!
RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE
(925) 932-7375 Email: Helen@HelenandHomes.com
www.HelenandHomes.com
Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton Furniture, Inc.
Going Out of Business Sale $9.99 Fabric now $5.00/yd * FINAL SALE $8.99 Fabric now $4.50/yd*
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OFF
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All Notions 50% OFF All Books 75% OFF All Thread 75% OFF
FREE Home Theatre
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Holiday Sale
A Perfect Tan & Body Wrap
925-686-2299 3400/3410 Clayton Rd., Concord
BELLA MIA SPA Where Life is Beautiful. Come let us pamper your body, mind and spirit in our luxurious day spa. Slate walls evoke the sense of Old Italian ruins, while water fountains, cupid fairies, and grapevines add to the Italian-inspired atmosphere. There are four treatment rooms, two pedicure stations, one manicure table, and a sunless tanning area in the spa. Relaxing music plays in each room and treatment areas. The spa’s customized European Facial incorporates a cleansing, exfoliation, face, neck, and shoulder massage, extractions (if necessary), a hydrating facial mask, and aromatic moisturizer and sunscreen. Our massage therapy and spa
Tan for the Holidays
10 Tans for $50
25% off all full size lotion bottles (except sale items) Offers expire 12/31/09
672-8261
www.perfecttanonline.com
THE WORKOUT FACILITY YOU’VE FOR!
(Regular $60)
90 Minute is $75
Across from Blockbuster Video
Buy three 1/2 hr. massages for $
$
40
$
10 OFF
a full body spray Tan
Holiday Package
105
1/2 hr massage, European Facial and Express Manicure and Pedicure, all for $135
www.thebellamiadayspa.com
body treatments are of the highest quality and are customized to your personal health and beauty needs. We specialize in professional skin care providing facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, microdermabrasion, cellulite treatments, airbrush tanning and body wraps. Let our friendly professional staff guide you through the journey to total relaxation. 5439 Clayton Rd., Ste. E, Clayton. 680-7792.
BUTTERFLY CLAYTON
way possible. Whether it is income, time, education, resources, great rates, and low fees-whatever we can do to help our members be financially successful. At CD Federal members are NOT just another face in the teller line. In the last eight years, CD Federal's employees and assets have doubled. Yet we still pride ourselves on personal, excellent, and accurate services. This Holiday Season we are thankful for our member’s support that has contributed to the growth and the success of CD Federal Credit Union throughout the years. 1855 2nd St., Concord. 825-0900.
A Women’s fitness, Weight Loss and Yoga Center. We are the only all women’s fitness center in the Concord/ Clayton area that features weight resistant machines, free weights, personal training , weight loss and Yoga, along with over 50 different exercise classes. People always ask “Why personal training?” The answer is simple “if you could do it yourself you would have already done it!” Personal training can jump start your health and wellness program by giving you one on one attention, and most importantly, accountability, strength and flexibility. Dr. Oz says, “Practicing Yoga will make you look and feel younger. It will help clean your blood, improve your lungs and focus your mind.” Come experience supportive Yoga for the back, and relieve your pain and stiffness, and gain strength and flexibility. Butterfly Clayton is owned by a woman and run by women; women who understand women. Why exercise with men? 5439 Clayton Rd., Clayton. 672-4238.
Family owned and operated since 1988, Clayton Furniture has an unrivaled selection of furnishings in its 15,000 square foot showroom located at 3400/3410 Clayton Road. Whether you are looking for adult or children’s bedroom furniture, a coffee table, or furnishing an entire room, Clayton Furniture has what you need no matter what your budget. And, with the ability to special order from a wide variety of catalogues, you are almost certain to find what you are looking for even if it is not on the showroom floor. Over the years, Clayton Furniture has built its reputation on service, integrity and value. The store has a friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to help you with your furniture decisions. Stop in for the biggest Thanksgiving sale ever November 27–30 and find beautiful furniture at great prices. Delivery service is available.
CD FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
CLAYTON MIND & BODY CONNECTIONS
Exceeding Expectations Since 1954. CD Federal is a memberowned, not-for-profit financial institution. Being a member makes you an owner! That means we give back to our members as much as we can in any
Owner, David Godsoe, invites you to come enjoy a full 60 minute massage for only $45, 90 minutes for $65 or 30 minutes for $25. Massages are tailored to each individual and include Swedish, Deep Tissue and
CLAYTON FURNITURE
Shiatsu. Both male and female massage therapists are available. Other services include European Facials which incorporates cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and face, neck and shoulder massage. Full body wraps, hot stone massages, and waxing are also available. Come in for an hour or a half day of pampering. Gift Certificates make great gifts. Buy a specific service or choose any amount and let your loved ones select the services they want. Gift Certificates never expire. We also accept SpaFinder Gift Certificates. Clayton Mind & Body Connections is located at 6200 Center St, Suite I, Clayton, right behind Ed’s Mudville Grill. Call 925-673-0686 or visit us online at www.mind-and-body-connections.com.
COACH TERRY’S HEALTH AND FITNESS Short intense sets of exercise are nine times more effective than steady state cardio, here are a few fat blasting ideas that work fast. Hill Runs: Find a relatively steep hill. Run up for time, Walk down. Treadmill: Two minutes easy at 3 – 4 mph/no incline then hard 5-8 mph at 15 a degree incline. Line Drills: Use the lines on a basketball court or place cones on a field or parking lot. Run to every line individually, touch and return to start. Rest two minutes. Aerdyne Bike: (Stationary with handles) This is the most undervalued tool out there. Peddle and arm it hard for one minute followed by two easy minutes. Progression: Start with 30 hard seconds/rest and progress to a hard minute. Beginners do 5 sets of hard/easy and gradually work up to a fat stoking 10 sets. Ladies, want to look great in that skimpy black dress? Call Coach Terry 925-586-3649 Next issue: Supportive Nutrition.
SHIPPING
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PACKAGING
Give th of Fit e gif t ness Ce C er rttiiffiic ca atte ess a av va a
iilla Ne ablle N ew w//E e ffo Ex xiisstti b or r i n n g g m me em mb be er rss
PACKAGING SUPPLIES
MAILBOX RENTAL 6 MONTHS FREE RENTAL FIRST 50 CUSTOMERS!
www.snapfitness.com/claytonca (925) 693-0110
One Hour is $50
5439 Clayton Rd., Ste. E, Clayton
20% OFF
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Fast workouts, fast results get in, get out fast
Susan Cardoza C.M.T. Massage Therapy HOLIDAY 2009 Gift Certificate SPECIALS
INSTALLATION
Where Life is Beautiful
BEEN LOOKING
Open every day right nearby work out 365 days a year in a clean, safe and secure environment
Page 11
Paver Patio & Walkway Retaining Walls Drainage Lawn & Plant Installation Lawn Renovation - Aeration & Thatching Low Voltage Lighting We Design & Install Landscape
925-672-9955
(Regular $85)
Feel Better Save Time
FREE ESTIMATES
925.687.8878
www.nicholslandscape.com Lic. 542812 Fully Insured
Boyce Nichols - Owner
Save Money
2190 Meridian Park Bl., #C Concord, CA 94520
susancmt@earthlink.net
www.gift-basket.com
Monday – Friday 10am – 7pm
Pioneer Guide to Holiday Shopping
Gift C Avai ards labl e
in Clayton Station (near Walgreens)
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
COMPLETE LANDSCAPE
SPA
Express Mani/ Pedi combo
Mon. – Sat. 10 – 7, Sun. 12 - 6
5435-L Clayton Rd.
a i M a l l e B
Christmas Specials
$1,099
December 4, 2009
THE
925-680-7792
with purchase of $999 or more.
Final Day is December 30
December 4, 2009
Village Oaks Center 6200 Center St. Clayton (Next to Ed’s) In Clayton Station
Call and ask about our Anniversary Specials
Some restrictions apply Expires 01/14/2010
CONCORD/CLAYTON YMCA The Concord/Clayton YMCA will begin its Winter Basketball League on Saturday, January 16. Don’t forget to attend the PreRegistration night on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at Mountain Mike’s Pizza (next to Clayton Bowl) from 6-8pm. Coming in January! The Concord/Clayton YMCA will begin fitness classes at Endeavor Hall. Stay posted for a class schedule. You can go to the mdrymca.org website to view the schedule. If you are interested in playing on an adult volleyball team or basketball team, new seasons will begin in January. For more information on youth and adult sports contact Brittney Allan at ccyprograms@mdrymca.org or 925.692.2362.
GIFT BASKETS BY DESIGN First established in 1995 in Walnut Creek and now recently relocated to Concord, Gift Baskets by Design has been producing elegant gourmet food and wine baskets for our customers for nearly 15 years. We are a small family-run business that takes great pride in every single gift basket we create. Our chief designer and “Basket Guru” Lino Amaral chooses only the finest ingredients available in the specialty food industry for his designs. Our gift baskets are not massproduced as most are these days. Every basket is painstakingly hand-wrapped with high-quality cellophane and beautifully topped off with one of our signature hand-made bows. We will NEVER wrap our baskets in shrink wrap as the heating process associated with shrinking the cellophane can actually damage the food and beverage items inside the basket...and we certainly do not want that! We ship Nationwide and offer hand-delivery in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more details visit www.gift-basket.com or call 925.687.8878 today!
DR. KEITH BRADBURN & DR. RANDELL GARDNER Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Clayton, our newly remodeled office offers the latest in dental technology and the comforts of home. Dr. Bradburn and Dr. Gardner are highly skilled dentists who are compassionate towards their patients and to their needs and wants, to create the healthiest smile possible! We know your time is valuable making multiple dental appointments a challenge. For that reason, our office provides one single appointment for crowns. We also offer an in-office teeth whitening process known as ZOOM, which can dramatically whiten your teeth in just about two hours. We are always welcoming new patients! We understand and embrace the importance of family and community. You can be assured that you will receive the highest standard of quality and care!
Please stop by our office for a tour or to ask us any questions or call us at 925.672.0110. (Mon.Fri. 8-5; some Sats.)
KEENAN HEINZ Located in downtown Concord, Keenan Heinz Company is truly a unique retail shop. Inside you will find such a diverse collection of items for home and garden that many customers say visiting the store is like being on vacation or going to a museum. As a matter of fact; they got their tag line 'Really Cool Stuff' from customers walking in and exclaiming "Wow! That's cool". As you enter the small building your life will be transformed into an escape from all the pressures of everyday life. Keenan Heinz Company is dedicated to providing a new kind of shopping experience; one in which beauty, art, function, and informal sophistication are combined in a very friendly and casual setting. Filled with hand-picked treasures
Office: 925-746-4710 Mobile: 925-788-9764
y a d i l o H New ndise Mercha
Keenan Heinz Company offers unique gifts for you and your friends. Relax, breath deep, and stop to rub Buddha's belly. Life is too short to shop at the mall. 1700 East St. www.keenanheinz.com, 288-0159.
A purveyor of unique gifts, home decor & pantry
NICHOLS LANDSCAPE The winter months are a great time to reevaluate your home’s landscaping. You’ll have plenty of time to plan and plant your new grasses, trees, and shrubs before the blistering heat of the summer. Nichols Landscape is a full-service landscaping company featuring state-of-the-art techniques, professional employees and heavy-duty equipment to handle all your land-
Gifts for everyone on your list
Tue-Fri: 10 to 5 Sat: 10 to 5 Sun: 11 to 5
1028 Diablo St., Clayton Thymes Frasier Fir
925-672-2025
Continued on page 12
Permanent Solution
6200 Center St., Ste. C (Next door to Ed’s Mudville Grill)
The Clayton Community Gym 700 Gym Ct., Clayton Open 9 am to 6 pm General info 925.889.1600
Winter Baseball League Begins Jan. 16
Jennifer BeckDirector of Program Development 925.692.2364 Brittney AllanProgram and Sports Coordinator 925.692.2362
672NAILS 8 9 9 0 R I n HAll Service Salo by Becky W alker A Fu 672-0515 $
f f o 5
vice* any ser Cheryl, Ask for or Wendy Michelle only) e clients (first tim
Full Set . . . . . . . . . . .$3 5 Acrylic Fill . . . . . . . . .$2 5 Spa Pedicure . . . . . .$30 Pedicure . . . . . . . . . .$2 5 Mini Pedicure . . . . . .$ 1 5 Manicure . . . . . . . . .$1 5
n,
oupo t the c d to cu e e . n d o a *N this ention just m
Gift Certificates Available
Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
December 4, 2009
G r e u e i d n e o to Holiday Shopping i P Trendy Girl PURSES Great jewelry, wallets, purse hangers & key chains See them at our Open House Boutiques Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13; Noon - 5 p.m. 1703 Gyger Ct., Concord or, at your convenience by appointment Call (925) 383-5718 or email carolyn@trendygirlpurses.com
Host a Purse Par ty Have fun with friends, buy gifts & get free purses! at my house… no set up, no clean up Invite your friends for a two hour open house. Have fun, buy gifts and get free purses. No presentations, just low pressure shopping fun.
trendygirlpurses.com Continued from page 11
Show That You Care, Give a Gift Certificate
K G
Clayton Mind & Body Connections
O
H
(925) 673-0686 www.mind-and-body-connections.com
1 hr massage $45.
K
Save on our other services too
Ask about our punch card
Our new location: 6200 Center St. Suite I
scape needs from start to finish. “We specialize in all kinds of installation, including the installation of sod and plantings,” says Nichols. “We can install pavers, concrete, patios, arbors, decks, sprinkler systems, low-voltage, lighting and retaining walls. We can also do awesome stuff like waterfalls and bridges.” Don’t trust your lawn and landscaping to amateurs! When you need a contractor you can trust with the design, appearance and uniqueness of your yard, call the professionals at Nichols Landscape. For a free estimate call (925) 672-9955, or email Nicholslandscape@msn.com, or visit www.nicholslandscape.com. A complete photo gallery is available to view online.
PERFECT TAN AND BODY WRAP
We accept SpaFinder gift certificates
Ladies, why go to a gym designed for Men?
No Enrollment No Processing Low Low Monthly Dues
Owned by a woman, Run by women. Women who understand Women We now have personal training also!
Gift s ficate Certi ble a Avail
5439 Clayton Rd. Clayton, CA 94517
Join now to enjoy savings of over $150 One Free Yoga class when you join
Perfect Tan opened its fourth location in Clayton! Owner run and operated by Jocelyn Jensen, Perfect Tan’s staff focuses on getting you fast and natural looking bronze results with tanning beds, stand up booths and UV free spray tans. Tanners have higher vitamin D levels compared to non-tanners. Perfect Tan and Body Wrap is constantly growing and improving, adding new equipment and remodeling. There are now NINE tanning rooms at the Clayton Station location. Not just a tanning salon, Perfect Tan also offers body wraps to help you lose inches. Our wraps, soaked in warm minerals and herbs, are all natural. We measure you before, wrap you, and have you relax for 45 minutes. When we remove the wraps, you’ve lost permanent inches! The wrap detoxifies, tightens and tones your skin. Perfect Tan & Body Wrap has a friendly, trained staff ready to help you get that holiday glow. www.perfecttanonline.com or call 672-8261
PERMANENT SOLUTION
925-672-4238
Established in 1993, Permanent Solution is a full service, family oriented salon located in the heart of downtown Clayton. Offering hair,
Across from Blockbuster
The UPS Store
TM
Independently owned and operated
Free hot cider & candy canes Holiday Hours: M-F 8-7, Sat. 9-5 Open Sunday Dec. 13 & 20, 11 - 3
Relax & let us do all the work Our friendly staff will help you get your gifts packaged and delivered on time, safe & sound.
nail, and waxing services, Permanent Solution offers you the ability to complete your holiday look with just one stop saving you time and money. Salon manicurist, Becky Walker, is currently offering holiday specials for all your manicuring and pedicuring needs. Shop owners Ann Welty and Wendy Trimble, both Clayton residents, take pride in the fact that their team of Stylists have all been with the shop for several years. You get quality hair care and consistency, something that is missing at many salons today. So, stop in and let them create a look which fits your lifestyle and is easy to recreate. The stylists at Permanent Solution have experience working with all hair types, and all ages. Don’t be bashful, men are welcome too. Close, convenient and friendly. Gift Certificates are available.
POSTALANNEX+ Last September, Urmila Patel had a plan when she took ownership of the PostalAnnex+ location on Clayton Road: turn the store around so that the people of Clayton would have a place they could depend on for all their small business needs. Sean Hilly, Senior Vice President of parent company, Annex Brands, Inc. feels Patel accomplishes that goal: “Urmila was able to take a failing store and double its sales”. But Urmila knows that continuing customer satisfaction is a daily project. “We want our customers to drop in for help with any of their tasks,” says Patel. “I urge everyone to come see what our PostalAnnex+ offers.” It all can be found in one convenient spot…Packaging & Shipping, mailbox rentals, notary, faxing, copying, office supplies, business card printing, and so many more products. PostalAnnex+- 5433 Clayton Road, Suite K, Clayton. (925) 6735246. Mon- Fri, 9am - 6pm, Sat 9:30am - 4pm.
THE ROYAL ROOSTER Tired of the same old look available in every national chain store? The Royal Rooster has both hardto-find antiques and custom-order furniture to fit your needs. Not just a furniture shop, The Royal Rooster also sells unique gifts for friends and family of all ages, including the popular Webkinz and a line of Melissa and Doug Toys. Their French Country specialties include gorgeous stationary and bath items for every occasion, including distinctive lines such as
Thymes Bath & Body, Caldrea, Lollia, Sonoma Lavender and LaLavande French Soaps. Corporate gifts and personal shopping services are also available. The Pantry is stocked with delicious gourmet foods including Stonewall Kitchens, Barefoot Contessa, A Perfect Pear and Elaine’s Toffee. The Royal Rooster is located at the corner of Center and Diablo Streets in Clayton, behind Cup O’ Jo Coffee House. (925) 672-2025.
SNAP FITNESS! Happy Holidays from SNAP Fitness! Sabrina, Mike, Shaun, Don, George, Emily and Bob invite you to join in the celebration of the anniversary of our beautiful fitness club. We’ll show you how to make feeling good a way of life-from more energy and strength to improved cardiovascular health. Whatever your fitness level, we have something for you! We have a comfortable facility that’s safe and friendly. Work out when YOU want to – we’re open 4:00 am to midnight, 365 days a year! You’ll leave feeling refreshed and recharged. Our equipment is stateof-the-art, with personal entertainment on all cardio machines. Our Fitness Professionals will help you reach your goals even faster. Best of all, we’re convenient—right downtown, with easy parking. Stop by, meet our friendly staff, and take advantage of our anniversary offers! Why not give the gift of fitness with a gift certificate? The success stories are growing—make the next one yours! SNAP Fitness is at 6200 Center St. in Clayton. (925) 693-0110.
SPORT CLIPS HAIRCUTS When a guy needs a haircut, where can he go? His choices used to be limited to a local barbershop or the salon where his wife went. Unfortunately, barbershops are disappearing and the salons are full of chemical smells and one-hour haircuts. Now guys have a place that’s just for them. Sport Clips Haircuts is where guys can go to have a championship haircut experience. Sports on TV Guy smart stylists. Steamed towels. Shoulder and back massages. That’s what guys want and that’s what Sport Clips delivers. You won’t find chemical smells because we don’t perm or color. We just cut hair the way that guys want it cut. Check us out at the
Dreaming of a White Christmas?
Notary, Stamps, Postal, Copy and Fax Services are also available.
Vineyard Shopping Center, (next to Lucky supermarket) 5100 Clayton Road, Concord, 925-689-6245
$1 OFF PACKAGING SERVICE
or
SHIPPING SUPPLIES
Limit one coupon per customer. This offer is not good in combination with any other offers. Valid at this location only (P). ©Mail Boxes Etc. Offer expires 01/31/10, The UPS StoreTM
SUSAN CARDOZA MASSAGE THERAPY Remember me? I have massaged many Clayton residents since 1998, when I began working as a Massage Therapist at the newly opened Clayton Mind & Body Connections, with the original owner. Since 2000, I have had my own business, located one mile from downtown Clayton. My clients love being home within minutes, after their massage. During the past 11 years, my clients have thanked me for helping them feel better, naturally, while dealing with migraine headaches, sports injuries, and recovery from surgeries. And everyone feels more relaxed and rested with the traditional massage techniques of Swedish and Shiatsu, as well as my specialties of Pregnancy Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, and Massage Cupping (tm). www.massagecupping.com. Call my Mobile (925) 788-9764 and speak with me directly. Or call my Office (925) 746-4710, any time, to hear my current availability. Hours: 10am-7pm, MondayFriday. 168 Mt. Etna Drive. Gift Certificates Available for Any Occasion.
TRENDY GIRL PURSES Trendy Girl Purses is an in-home company with the look of an upscale boutique. I carry trendy styles of purses, wallets, jewelry, purse hangers and key chains. Great for gifts year round since prices are under $40. With my business and clientele expanding, so are my boutiques. I now have more open house boutiques during the month and accept showing by appointment on weekends, afternoons and evenings. I also do purse parties. Hostess’ love that they can hold the party at my house, so there is no cleanup. Hostesses invite friends and they receive free purses! There is no presentation and guests just drop by anytime during the party and shop. My next boutiques are 12/5, 12/6 and 12/12, 12/13 noon-5 PM or by appointment. Visit my website www.trendygirlpurses.com for other dates as they are added and to see pictures and info. Email trendygirlpurses@yahoo.com or call Carolyn at (925) 383-5718.
THE UPS STORE
Bring in this ad and receive:
Clayton/Concord Location:
Clayton Valley Shopping Center (925) 673-5686. We are between Bronze Buddha and Tavo’s Pizza. Ask for the MVP treatment.
In-Office Bleaching O F F E R E X P I R E S JA N UA RY 3 1 , 2 0 1 0 . C A N N OT B E C O M B I N E D W I T H A N Y OT H E R O F F E R .
KEITH B RADB U R N D DS
R AN D ELL GAR D N E R D DS
6123 Main Street, Clayton, ca 94517 phone 925.672.0110 fax 925.672.0365 email info@bradburndentistry.com
Do you have packages that need to be mailed? Pressed for time? Then stop by The UPS Store in the Vineyard Shopping Center and let owner Tricia Tamura and her knowledgeable staff help you get your gifts delivered safely and on time. The UPS Store offers both packing and mailing services so you don’t need to waste your time looking for the right size box. Working seamlessly with the US Postal service, they can offer you options on how to ship your gifts. With ample parking and a multitude of services, The UPS Store can save you the hassle of long lines and multiple stops. Besides shipping they can assist you with copies (B&W or color), FAXing, Notary Services, Passport photos, Mailboxes, Document Services & Binding and much more. Stop by and let The UPS Store help you make your holiday season more enjoyable. Call Tricia at 689-6245 with any questions.
December 4, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Movie Review Est.1972
‘2012’ more a disaster than a disaster film
DON PEDRO CRUZ
AT
THE
MOVIES
If you went to movies in the ’70s, you will remember the string of blockbuster disaster movies such as “Airport,” “The Poseidon Adventure,” “Earthquake,” and “The Towering Inferno.” Big name stars such as Charlton Heston, Paul Newman and Ava Gardner acted out those soap-opera subplots while dodging temblors and tsunamis for films built around stunt work and cutting-edge special effects. The new film “2012” whips up all those old movies in a blender switched to frappe. The result is an astonishing mess that see-saws between the hilariously ridiculous to excruciating-
ly lofty speeches about humanity. I never thought I would root for the end of the world to come quickly, but this is a 2 hour and 38 minute monster pile of unbelievable, just-in-thenick-of-time escapes. And not just sort of unbelievable, mind you, but way over the top. Unlike the ’70s movies that centered on smaller disasters, “2012” is about worldwide devastation and tries to be inclusive with multi-cultural families dodging floods and fires in India and China. The main story follows divorced dad Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) trying to reconnect with his kids and stumbling onto the big secret that the world is about to end. You might have been able to just laugh and enjoy the special effects roller-coaster ride as Jackson tries to save his family from annihilation, but the action is continuously broken up with an endless string of tearful farewells, heartbreaking family reunions and presidential speeches preceding waves or volcanic eruptions.
It’s enough to make you wonder if Director Roland Emmerich thought he was creating an important philosophical statement instead of a bloated special-effects bomb. Emmerich’s previous end-ofthe-world film “The Day After Tomorrow” had a narrower
focus, but made much more sense and thus had more impact. “2012” makes so many plot leaps it gets hard to care about any of the characters. The final insult is the amazing series of coincidences that occur each time Jackson and his family manage to evade one disaster after another. I don’t like to reveal spoilers but at one point, as their plane runs out of fuel, instead of crashing into the ocean, they discover that the Earth’s crust has shifted – moving continents thousands of miles so that the family can land in just the right place. Once the Earth’s crust shifts to save you, can you really go much further? Unfortunately, there still remained three more nick-oftime escapes and two more tearful speeches before the end. This movie is a disaster, but not the kind that was intended.
Columbia Pictures
Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) and daughter Lily (Morgan Lily) face a long string of last minute escapes in Roland Emmerich’s endof-the-world epic, “2012.”
Don Pedro Cruz is a local freelance writer and graphic designer. Send your comments to dpvc2000@gmail.com
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Book Review
BATHROOMS KITCHENS DOORS WINDOWS
‘Stone’ an honest look at the human condition
Abraham Verghese’s “Cutting for Stone” should be at the top of your reading list. The book is a deep and marvelous tale of brotherhood – twinhood to be exact, of the meaning of family, of the magic of medicine, of the beauty and savagery of humanity and of life in our little global village. The story begins in India, with saintly Sister Mary Joseph Praise. Taking her vows, she sets off for Africa to administer to the poor and to heal the sick. Along the way, she encounters an enigmatic physician, Thomas Stone, and they end up running a mission hospital in Ethiopia. In the local vernacular, mission
is pronounced “missing” and so for the remainder of the story, it is cleverly referred to as Missing. As elemental as Sister Mary Joseph Praise is to the story, she exits the narrative early on and remains only a ghost – an inspiration, an ideal who, though always missing, is never really very far. To the amazement of all and shortly after Sister Mary Joseph Praise goes into labor with twins, nature takes a horrible twist. A frantic Dr. Thomas Stone botches the grave delivery and, wild with grief, disappears. The holy nun dies terribly, but in the process an alcoholic internist is saved, an OB-GYN allows herself to fall in love, and twin boys, Marion and Shiva, enter the world connected by a flap of skin at the top of their heads. But wait, there’s more in beautiful-terrible Ethiopia. There is social and political upheaval, unbearable poverty.
There are dictators and prostitutes, devils and gods. There is the long simmer of a love story between Drs. Ghosh and Hema, of the little family they create with Marion and Shiva. There is the fight of the Matron for funding for her little clinic on a patch of dirt in Africa. There are the twins themselves, struggling to remain indifferent to each other as they transition from schoolboys to adolescents to fully dimensional adults. Following their parents’ profession, Marion and Shiva become physicians. Marion comes to America, where he practices as a trauma surgeon, while Shiva remains at Missing and pioneers a surgical procedure that saves the lives of thousands of women. Though they are both siblings and rivals, Marion and Shiva are reunited at the end in a poignant and utterly masterful twist. Verghese is professor and senior associate chair for the
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theory and practice of medicine at Stanford University’s School of Medicine and is equally famous for his work at the University of Texas Health Science Center. His epic novel take an unblinking look at the human condition and finds what ultimately unites us.
Cynthia Gregory has won numerous awards for her short fiction. Her work has appeared in Glimmer Train Press, the Red Rock Review, Writer’s Digest, The Sun, The Ear, Santa Barbara Review, Black River Review, Briarcliff Review, Chicago Tribune, Bon Appetit, and the Herb Quarterly. You can write her at ceegregory@aol.com.
Theatre Review
Rock into old age with Willows’ latest hit LOU FANCHER Clayton Pioneer
Getting older is not funny. Except for when it is, a fortunate fact made musical in the Willows Theatre Company’s current production, “Hats: The Musical.” Directed and choreographed by award-winning director Lois Grandi, with musical direction and deft accompaniment by Timothy Hanson, Hats pays tribute to the trials and triumphs of passing the half-century yard line as a woman in today’s youth-oriented society. Unfolding in both song and sincere narrative confessionals to the audience or to fellow females in the cast, the musical finds the party in aging. Maryanne, played with straightforward drive by Loretta Janca,
is teetering on the precipice between 49 and 50. Four friends, all members of the Red Hat Society, a nationwide association dedicated to proving there is more to later-life than old men and menopause, encourage the birthday girl to sing (and tap!) the joys of passing into middle age. Even Maryanne can see the humor in her age: noting we all must expect to live to 100 for 50 to be the midpoint. But making light of a heavy subject is one way we survive, and the production is laced with laughter and lyrics determined to uplift. The cast has a lovely blend in ensemble renditions, especially in the second act’s “Invisible” and “Put Your Red Hat On.” ML Parr, as Contessa, has a milky voice with just enough growl to add the necessary sex
appeal to the role. Baroness, captured by Kristine Ann Lowry with quicksilver energy, expands the scope of womankind into post-50 dating, Blackberry addiction and the like. If that’s far out for some, there’s Shirley Nilsen Hall as Lady, to bring the musical back to earth with heart-softening stories of loss. Hall handles the part with delicacy, and avoids becoming the musical’s “wet blanket” with a delightful scene of typos-out-loud she shares with Parr. Kathleen Escudé completes the cast as Duchess, a character who heats up slowly, but is flaming by the time we come to know her in “My Oven’s Still Hot.” A production with a costume item as its title must supply the millinery goods, and costume designer Robin Speer does
FIREPLACES MOLDINGS DECKS LIGHTING
not disappoint. The hats, especially a sequined cowboy hat and Maryanne’s finale birthday hat, are striking. Grandi and Hanson deserve a particular nod for keeping the one idea story from faltering or fading. Instead, the pacing expands, the characters fill out, and if there are clichés, there are also refreshing perspectives on well-trod aspects of advanced years. While the nearto-over-fifty crowd may not be prepared to join the cast in a cancan, laughter and love between friends makes the swift passage of time easier to swallow. “Hats, the Musical” plays at the Willows Cabaret in Martinez, 636 Ward Street, through December 27. For ticket information call (925)7981300.
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December 4, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Sports MDSA under 10 boys, girls win Area Cup crowns JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The local AYSO soccer fall season annually culminates with the Area Cup. This year, a pair of Mt. Diablo Soccer Association under 10 teams are proud winners of the gold medal in the youngest boys and girls divisions contested among 64 top finishing teams. MDSA Blue Angels captured the under 10 boys championship in a dramatic final game,
edging PHMSA 5-4. The team will be playing Dec. 12-13 in the AYSO Section Tournament in Foster City. On the girls side, MDSA Strikers defeated PHMSA Pride 3-1 in the final U10 game of Area Cup. The Blue Angels qualified for the Area Cup by winning the MDSA World Cup. Playing as Wales, coach Joern Weigelt’s squad scored 27 goals and gave up just five in their six World Cup games. This earned them a
spot as MDSA 1 in Area Cup, which was previously called AYSO Region 2C Tournament of Champions. MDSA’s boys kept up their scoring pace with 29 goals in just five Area Cup games while allowing only 10. The Blue Angels roster includes Christian Villa, Andrei Ortega, Niklas Weigelt, Ryan Course, Rickie Barba, Jake Kuntz, Ryan Jones, Paul Bursey and Dustin Hurtz, who didn’t participate in the Area Cup. Ricardo Barba is the
Photo courtesy of MDSA
MDSA STRIKERS GIRLS WON THE RECENT AYSO AREA TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP. The team includes, front row from left, Rayna Kutsal, Mariah DiLelio, Madison Quinn, Xyaire Hartwell, Sarah Condon, Francesca Orozco, Santana Merryfield, Kimi Adolphson; back row, assistant coach Jeff Robinow, Lauren Robinow, assistant coach DJ Kutsal and coach Tito Orozco.
Ray, from page 1 Red Sox will have about 50 selections in the draft. Ray and 17 other Red Sox scouts scattered around the United States and Puerto Rico will be trying to find the next Tim Lincecum, Dustin Pedroia or Jacoby Ellsbury, all of whom he saw play against his UCLA Bruins. It’s difficult to identify future major leaguers, especially among players who may mature before their contemporaries and thus overpower opponents or have yet to reach their full size. “If a team has three of its draft picks from one year make it to the majors, that’s a success. Five players reaching the majors would be a helluva draft,” Ray says. Unlike football and basketball – where games are on TV daily – high school and college baseball games are rarely televised. “The only real coverage is during the College World Series, which is held after the draft,” Ray adds. Ray’s standard tools at each game are a hand-held video
camera, stop watch and notebook. “I roam around the park to get side views and those from centerfield, as many times those are the best places to observe a batter or pitcher,” he notes. HANDLING MULTIPLE TASKS During his two years interning with the Red Sox, Ray spent most of his time assembling video footage from around the country. In his second year, he pioneered using advanced technology so that scouts could send digital files over the Internet rather than shipping tapes. His other main assignment was sitting behind the plate at Red Sox home games with the radar gun measuring pitch speed. For the second half of this season, Ray’s talents gained him more responsibility from director of amateur scouting Jason McLeod, part of the youthful and successful Red Sox front office under general manager Theo Epstein. McLeod sent Ray around the country to observe
players in Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, Texas and his native California. “It was interesting watching baseball in various socio-economic environments. In Texas, for example, the high school parks are like cathedrals. Elsewhere, the parks can be much more modest,” Ray recalls. “Sam has a combination of energy and baseball intelligence which will suit him well as an amateur scout,” McLeod says. “He soaked up knowledge and asked good questions during his time in the office. He has been in the draft room the past two years and has a good understanding of what it is we’re trying to accomplish in player acquisition. Combining this knowledge with his work ethic will allow him to thrive as a scout.” Once the baseball draft is over, the cycle begins again for Ray – identifying players for the following year’s draft as well as keeping track of any of his prospects the Red Sox draft until they sign a professional contract.
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SAM RAY WAS A MEMBER of Clayton Valley Little League teams for a decade, starting when he was five-years-old. He played on the A’s, White Sox, Astros (shown here at eight), Angels and Cubs but never the Red Sox for whom he is now working full-time.
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Ray began in Clayton Valley Little League when he was 5. In high school, he played both football and baseball. He was on junior varsity in both sports as a
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assistant coach. The Strikers had a more challenging road to reach Area Cup. They entered the tournament as the third seed from MDSA based on their finish in World Cup. Under their team name Australia, the Strikers lost to the Philippines (MDSA Chili Peppers) and drew with Spain in a game that went to a shootout. Goalkeeper Sarah Condon made two tough stops in the shootout to help Australia finish third in the World Cup so they could advance to Area Cup. At the World Cup, coach Tito Orozco had the girls performing the traditional Australian cheer – “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” followed by “Goal ,Goal, Goal” – and they continued using it at Area Cup. On the opening day of Area Cup, the Strikers won two matches and tied one. In the semi-finals, they defeated a PHMSA team 2-0 to reach the championship match against PHMSA Pride. Santana Merryfield and Francesca Orozco scored for the Strikers, sandwiched around a Pride goal, for a 2-1 MDSA victory. “The girls all played their hardest and always for the team,” Orozco said after Area Cup. “If the right thing to do was pass, they passed. If the right thing to do was shoot, they shot. Every girl scored goals and the hero of every game was always someone new.” The team also includes
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Photo courtesy of Joern Weigelt
MDSA BLUE ANGELS are headed to Foster City this month for AYSO Section Tournament. The team includes, front row from left, Ryan Course, Rickie Barba, Jake Kuntz, Ryan Jones, Paul Bursey; back row, assistant coach Ricardo Barba, Christian Villa, Andrei Ortega, Niklas Weigelt and coach Joern Weigelt.
Rayna Kutsal, Mariah DiLelio, Madison Quinn, Xyaire Hartwell, Kimi Adolphson and Lauren Robinow. The assistant coaches are DJ Kutsal and Jeff Robinow. Their fellow MDSA team, the Chili Peppers, took fourth in
the Area Cup. The Strikers decided not to play in the Section Tournament, which features AYSO Area winners from Northern California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada, due to schedule conflicts.
sophomore and got to taste the varsity experience in the playoffs. His junior and senior years, he was an outstanding lineman for Herc Pardi’s football team and star first baseman on the baseball squad. Both those years, Clayton Valley went to the North Coast Section championship game at the Oakland Coliseum with coach Bob Ralston. As a senior, Ray was NCS Baseball Player of the Year and an all-state selection. Pardi says Ray was a rare student athlete who excelled in two sports. “His commitment was exceptional in both sports.” “Sam always finds a way to win,” Ralston adds. “He will make the Red Sox a better organization. He has great character and intelligence and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as a Major League general manager someday.” His CVHS accolades extended beyond the athletic fields as he was student body president, an A student and the coveted 2003 Altair Leadership award recipient. Former CVHS principal
John Neary has fond memories of his interactions with Ray. “He is a gentleman who inspires respect in every facet of his life,” he says. “He is the type of young man that is such a positive role model for others.” After high school, Ray had to decide between UCLA and UC San Diego. He chose UCLA because his older brother Shan (“I always looked up to him and wanted to be like him”) had gone there and he could play Pac-10 baseball. The only problem was that UCLA already had two outstanding first basemen. Ray accepted the UCLA coach’s challenge to become a catcher, a position he hadn’t played since grade school. His perseverance and leadership qualities impressed coach John Savage, who tipped off Ray about the Red Sox internship. “Sam has always been a student of the game. When he played at UCLA, it was evident that he had a passion for the game as well as a strong connection with his teammates,” Savage says.
December 4, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Clayton Sports Arabian equestrian team rides to success from new base in Clayton TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Earthquake Arabians, a team of young women equestrians and their Arabian mounts, recently returned from the Arabian Horse Association Youth Nationals in New Mexico with an impressive number of wins in pleasure and equitation classes. The five team members collectively were in the top 10 in their class three times and in the finals seven times. The team has been together under the tutelage of nationally accredited trainers Tamara Collins and Megan Jenkins for almost four years but only recently put down roots at SunCor Farms on Morgan Territory Road. There, Earthquake team members from all over the Bay Area gather three times a week for lessons and training in both English and Western riding. “We took a bunch of rough, gangly riders four years ago and turned them into a polished professional team,” says a proud Jenkins. The riders range in age from 6 to 16. While most of the riders at Earthquake Arabians are girls, the team is open to boys as well. Clayton fifth-grader Kasey Kreske has been riding since she was 6 and competing in horse shows since she was 7. In her first competitive season, she
took a first in the hunter pleasure class at a Santa Rosa show. She consistently finishes every class in the top 10 at Class A shows, says her mother, Katie. Kasey and her Arabian mare, Symie, have been together since 2007 and make a formidable pair. “Symie knows everything I’m thinking,” says Kasey. The two compete both in pleasure class, where the focus is on the horse, and in equitation class, where the rider’s skill is at the forefront. Both classes require great precision and communication between rider and horse, but even more so for Kasey and Symie. The 20year-old mare lost her left eye in
A
SEASONED COMPETITOR
10, Kasey Kreske and Symie are preparing for the upcoming season which begins in February in Scottsdale, AZ.
ALREADY AT AGE
Help the Pioneer cover the local sports scene. Send competition results, story ideas, announcements, sports shorts, etc. to sports@claytonpioneer.com. Please attach a high-resolution photo whenever available.
Sports Shorts CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE SIGN-UPS CONCLUDE JAN. 4 Signups are being held now through Jan. 4 for 2010 Clayton Valley Little League teams. CVLL includes baseball for five to 16 year-olds and softball for six to 15 year -olds. In-person registration for new players will be at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord on Saturdays, Dec. 5 and Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. – 12 noon and on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 6-9 p.m. For more registration information on Clayton Valley Little League, including residency requirements, fees and schedule, visit www.cvll.org.
Photo Courtesy of Earthquake Arabians
EARTHQUAKE ARABIANS
SHOW TEAM CELEBRATES A WINNING
SEASON at their team headquarters on Morgan Territory Road, From left, Erica Mark, Hannah Glozter, Arianne Smith, Kasey Kreske, Kana Sumiyoshi, Aly Montagner, Ashley Glasser, Camille Waechter, Jayne Skinner, Caitlin Smith.
a barn accident about 10 years ago. “But, she never misses a step,” says Katie, “even on her blind side.” Arabians are not only extraordinarily beautiful horses; they are versatile in both the show ring and on the trail. The temperament of the Arabian breed is perfectly suited to the young rider. “People seem to think they are ‘hot’ – high-strung, temperamental, hard to handle,” says Jenkins. “They are not. They are extremely responsive and gentle.” “Symie’s so sweet and affectionate. She’ll crawl right into your back pocket,” Katie notes with a laugh. Katie credits competitive riding for Kasey’s confidence
and self-assurance. “Riding makes me happy,” Kasey says simply. Love of horses and riding are in the family DNA. Katie grew up riding in the Northgate area in Walnut Creek and her aunt was an Olympic level horsewoman. Kasey and her teammates are preparing for the Scottsdale, Ariz., Arabian Horse Show. Scottsdale is the third largest Arabian horse show in the country and the Earthquake riders can accumulate the points needed to push them toward the 2010 Youth Nationals in July. To find out more about Earthquake Arabians, attend the Holiday with the Horses Open House on Dec. 12. See ad page 18 or go to earthquakearabians.com.
CVHS fall sports season ends with football loss in Santa Rosa JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Fall sports rang down for Clayton Valley High School teams and athletes last Saturday when the football team was defeated by third ranked Montgomery in Santa Rosa 2111 in the quarterfinals of the North Coast Section playoffs. The same day Diablo Valley Athletic League champion Alexandra Tate ran to a 35th place finish in the CIF State
cross country championships in Fresno representing the Eagles. The CVHS football team of coach Herc Pardi had a season of peaks and valleys with the highest peak (Pardi termed it “exhilarating”) coming two weeks ago when the Eagles avenged a 56-20 homecoming night defeat to cross town rivals Concord High with a convincing 48-28 victory over the Minutemen in the opening round of NCS. That incredible 56-point turnaround result moved them a step closer to
repeating their magical 2008 run to the NCS championship game. League co-MVP Vince Buhagiar scored his 21st touchdown of the season to give Clayton Valley a lead against Montgomery but the 11th ranked Eagles were unable to hold off Montgomery in their quarterfinal. Clayton Valley had opened the season with five consecutive non-league victories and then a narrow win over Mt. Diablo to begin DVAL play. Then the val-
ley phase of the season saw them lose to Concord, Ygnacio Valley and College Park. Pardi saluted “hard work” for the “tremendous turnaround” that the team made to win its final league game vs. Northgate to make it into NCS play and the emotional rematch with Concord in the first round. He saluted the 27 seniors on the team, most of whom played all four years. They won the
See Fall Sports, page 16
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LACROSSE CLUB SEEKING CLAYTON PLAYERS FOR U13 & U15 TEAMS Walnut Creek Warriors Lacrosse Club is seeking to set up Clayton-based boys and girls teams in the Under 13 and Under 15 age groups. Clayton resident Leslie Hunt is recruiting players to develop teams in the middle school age groups. “The teams will practice at Clayton Valley High School. The objective in starting up the Clayton area team is to grow the game, offer good coaching and lots of playing experience for the kids and make it as convenient as possible by holding practices in the area. We are doing this with the help of both Clayton Valley boys and girls lacrosse coaches.” Registration is now open at www.walnutcreeklacrosse.com or call Hunt at (925) 673-5206 for more information. JAN 11. – FEB. 18 DIABLO FC SOCCER WINTER ACADEMY Diablo FC is holding its ninth annual Winter Soccer Academy Jan. 11 through Feb. 18 every Monday and Thursday from 5-6 p.m. at Willow Pass Park in Concord. The renowned Diablo FC professional coaching staff will teach boys and girls 5-12 years old basic dribbling and juggling skills, passing and receiving the ball and ball striking. Youth of all skill levels from novice to those ready for competitive soccer are invited to attend. There are no tryouts for Soccer Academy. You can sign up today at www.diablofc.org.
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JAN. 9 CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH BOOSTERS CRAB FEED Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters Club will be hosting its 16th annual Crab Feed & Auction on Saturday, Jan. 9, 6 p.m. at Centre Concord. This major fundraiser directly benefits all the athletic programs at CVHS. Seating is limited and tickets are on sale now for $50 at the school or online at www.cvhsboosters.org. Raffle and auction item donations are accepted by emailing crabfeed@cvhsboosters.org.
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CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH 2010 HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee is accepting nominations for the 2010 induction class. The initial Hall of Fame ceremony was held during the school’s 50th anniversary year in 2008. Individuals can nominate student athletes and coaches to the Hall of Fame. The requirement is that the nominee was a CVHS grad or coach in the years 1960-1989 who was all-league in at least one sport. Requests for a nomination form can be sent via e-mail to the CVHS Athletic Hall of Fame committee at cvhalloffame@yahoo.com. Include a mailing address and an application form will be mailed to you, according to chairperson Bill Nelson.
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DEC. 4-6 CLAYTON SHOWTIME BASKETBALL TIPS OFF HOME SCHEDULE Clayton’s first-ever entry in professional sports, Clayton Showtime, tips off its home schedule in the American Basketball Association this weekend with home games Friday, Dec. 4, against Salt Lake City Saints and Sunday against Seaside See Kings. The Friday game starts at 8:15 p.m. in Clayton Community Gym. Tickets are on sale at the door for each game. Visit www.abalive.com for more information.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
December 4, 2009
Clayton Sports Undefeated girls team part of successful fall campaign for Diablo FC The Diablo Futbol Club turned in a strong performance during the just-concluded Golden State Soccer League fall season. Ten teams from Diablo FC finished in first or second place, claiming three more medal winners than any of the other 43 competitive clubs taking part in the most prestigious youth soccer league in Northern California. Six local teams claimed GSSL gold medals, including the Diablo FC 95 Blue girls of coach Megan Swann. The team won the Under 14 silver B division with an undefeated record to go with their unblemished mark last spring, when they won the NorCal Spring League championship. The team started off fall league with five wins before drawing their last three contests to end with 18 points. After Diablo FC concluded its schedule, second-place El Dorado Eclipse 96 needed a pair of wins on the final weekend to pass 95 Blue. Eclipse only managed to split their two games against ACC Mavericks, enabling the local girls to maintain their firstplace standing.
The difference turned out to be Diablo’s 1-0 win over El Dorado on the opening weekend of the season in Shingle Springs. The championship entitles
Photo courtesy of Tom Hays
DIABLO FUTBOL CLUB 95 BLUE GIRLS WON THE GSSL FALL LEAGUE TITLE to go with their NorCal Spring League crown. The team includes, front row from left, Kiana Mason, Quianna AshleyWhite, Madison Malone; middle row, Christina Orantes, Bianca Rubalcava, Jennifer Tasarz, Julia Wilkins, Jessica Romero, Alicia Costanza, Kat Hays; back row, Abby Burton, Lindsay Cardoza, Jamila Alani, coach Megan Swann, Megan Church, Crystal Hayes and Hannah Ocampo.
Fall Sports, from page 15 freshman league title, were runners-up as sophomores in junior varsity and then went 12-1 as juniors and 8-4 this year on the varsity level. Sophomore Tate finished the Division II State race in 35th place out of almost 200 runners on a tough 5K course. She was 10th among all underclassmen in the state. Both the CVHS boys and girls had their best NCS team
finishes since alumnus Michelle Howisey took over the program three years ago. The girls placed sixth overall in NCS Division II. Last year they were 10th. ”Our average team time dropped over a minute from last year. Statistically this girl’s squad will be one of our best in the last decade,” the proud coach said. Tate came in sixth at NCS to qualify individually for state. Another Clayton resident, soph-
Mayor, from page 1 for their donations. If you would like to make a contribution to this family celebration, please contact me. All major donors will be recognized on posters, T-shirts and at the event. We’re still in need of volunteers to help out that day with set-up and that evening for an hour or two with activities. If you can lend a hand, let me know! The 2009 Clayton Counts Down theme is “Back to the ’50s Sock Hop” and will include limbo and hula-hoop contests for young and old. It’s time to
Diablo FC 96 Blue a promotion to the next division of GSSL for the 2010 season. The team stressed defense and gave up only five goals in eight games during the fall and never more
practice! We’ll have our free BBQ of hot dogs, burgers and chips. This year, in an effort to be more healthy – and frankly to offset costs – bottled water will continue to be free, but we will be charging $1 for sodas. Again this year, we’ll have lots of inflatable games, movies and board games. A new challenge will be a Crazy Sock Puppet Contest for the kids and “Rock Band” for all. What a great way to kick off 2010! The Clayton City Council, like most in our area, rotates the position of mayor every year. We held our annual reorganiza-
omore Megan Mayhew finished 19th. Despite losing superstar runner Nathanael Litwiller to graduation last June the Clayton Valley boys also had their best finish in recent years with a 10th place at NCS. “Last year our #2 runner finished in 71st place (Litwiller was 2nd). This year our top five boys were all in by 70th place!” Howisey explained. The coach is already looking forward to next season as only three seniors – Stephen Hill, Mariah Llacuna and Marlena Alvarez – leave varsity.
tion meeting last Tuesday and you will have a new author for the Mayor’s Column in the next issue of the Pioneer. I want to thank you for your questions, comments, suggestions and support as I’ve had the honor to be your mayor and author this column over this past year. Your feedback has been wonderful! While I won’t be writing this column next year, I will continue to serve you as your council member. I welcome your questions and thoughts at any time. Let’s stay in touch. As always, you can continue to contact me at Julie_Pierce@comcast.net. Let me know what you think.
than one in a single game. Swann, who excelled as a player at Clayton Valley High School and Vanguard University, led her team through NorCal Spring League with eight wins and two draws from 10 games. In the season-ending playoffs, they defeated Sunnyvale Fusion 2-0 at CVHS to make it to the championship game against rival Brentwood Storm/Impact ’95. They defeated the Brentwood team in an exciting 2-1 final match. During the summer and fall, they placed in the Walnut Creek Summerfest, Wine Country Classic and Dublin Premier Fall Classic tournaments. The team includes Jamila Alani, Quianna Ashley-White, Abby Burton, Lindsay Cardoza, Megan Church-Pearson, Alicia Costanza, Crystal Hayes, Kat Hays, Maddie Malone, Kiana Mason, Hannah Ocampo, Christina Orantes, Jessica Romero, Bianca Rubalcava, Jennifer Tasarz and Julia Wilkins. “I am very proud of the success and progress of our teams with Diablo FC,” said Brian Voltattorni, Diablo FC director
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of coaching. Less than two years ago, Diablo Valley Soccer Club and Mt. Diablo Soccer League combined to form Diablo FC. Voltattorni says the merger has helped the local soccer community in many ways. “And it is showing in the results of many of our teams,” he added. “As a club, we were able to combine two great coaching staffs and integrate a stronger player pool.” Voltattorni credits the coaching staff for much of the success. “Our focus on player development has helped many of our younger teams find success while at the same time building a foundation of skills and fundamentals that will help prepare them for the older age groups, high school, college and, hopefully for a select few,
as professionals.” The local club had eight of its 12 boys teams in GSSL place first or second. The Diablo FC 95 Under 14 boys and Diablo FC 92 U17 boys, both coached by John Badger, won gold division titles, as did Marquis White’s U15 team. Derricke Brown saw his Diablo FC 91 boys win the U18 silver division title, while the U18 Diablo FC 91 Blue boys of David Coroner were runners-up in bronze division, as were the U17 Diablo FC 92 Blue boys of Paul Romero. In the U13 boys, both Diablo FC teams finished second – Jordan Bryant’s team in the silver A division and Hugo La Torre’s team in silver B. Coach Jeremy Hull’s Diablo FC 96 Blue took the U13 girls GSSL bronze division title.
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December 4, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 17
Online deals make holiday shopping budget friendly While government officials say the recession is nearly over, the shopping forecasts for this holiday season don’t look so merry. Although people are buying fewer gifts, they are also seeking the best deals. If you go online, you can still find high-quality gifts for the holidays while saving money. The first thing to do is figure out the best prices on the Internet. PriceGrabber.com compares the prices of hundreds of merchants in seconds. I used PriceGrabber to find the best deal on the popular iPod Touch and found three merchants selling it for as low as $139, compared to close to $165 on Ebay.
MARK FREEMAN
ON
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Be sure to be specific when using PriceGrabber, especially when searching for electronics. Use the site’s sidebar to refine your search so that you can compare products by their storage size, weight, etc. Also be sure to check whether a merchant is selling a refurbished or
used product. Plenty of low prices can be found at big name retailers as well. Walmart.com and Amazon.com are trying to attract customers for the holiday season by slashing prices on books and DVDs. At both retailers, you can find a box set of the Twilight novels for $35, down from $83. Some movies, like “Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince,” are only $9.99. You can also find good holiday deals on designer clothing for those who want to buy high quality but not bankrupt Santa. Bluefly.com offers discounts on high-end names for both women and men. As of this writing, there were 49 percent discounts on Kenneth Cole
Club News NEW BOARD LAUNCHES CBCA INTO 2010 The coming year will see all new leadership for the Clayton Community and Business Association. Leading the new board will be former planning commissioner and attorney Ed Hartley as president. Keith Haydon, another former planning commission member, will serve as first vice president and director of programs. Former mayor and city councilman Gregg Manning is second vice president and membership director. The new secretary is Linda Manzeck, with Jennifer Giantvalley completing the board as treasurer. Development of a new, interactive Website will take the highest ED HARTLEY priority for the new board. “We also want to improve the ‘B’ in our name,” Hartley said following the election. “We have a lot of businesses in Clayton that people don’t know much about. They need to be given a forum.” The CBCA’s Jan. 28 meeting will be more of a “town hall” forum than a general business meeting. “We want to hear from the members about where they want to see the CBCA heading,” Hartley said. Just completing its 25th year, the CBCA is primarily a fundraising organization producing three major events each year – the Art and Wine Festival in the spring, the Clayton Classic Golf Tournament in June and Oktoberfest in the fall. Funds from these events are donated to local charities, scholarships, schools and individuals. Membership is open to anyone interested in the Clayton New CBCA board from left: Linda Manzeck, community. For more information, call 672-2272 or go to clay- Keith Haydon, Gregg Manning and Jennifer Giantvalley. toncbca.org.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Five members of the Clayton AAUW hiking interest group hit the trail in Mt. Diablo State Park on Nov. 14, starting at the Regency Gate and branching off to the Bruce Lee Spring Trail. “We saw at least four or five Mt. Diablo trail maintenance volunteers along the way,” notes JoAnn Caspar. “They are always looking for volunteers.” For more information on the AAUW, call Caspar at 672-7680. Photo by Linda Pinder To volunteer for trail maintenance, AAUW HIKERS Janise Tresize, Carol Wolf, Adela Oldford and email trails@astound.net. JoAnn Caspar.
Church News CROSSROADS CHURCH The church will hold a Survivor’s Sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and noon1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, to benefit people rescued from human trafficking. Bags, purses, jewelry, earrings and linens, all made by survivors of human trafficking will be on sale. The church is at 5353 Concord Blvd., Concord. For more information, call 798-5905. ST. BONAVENTURE CHURCH Events in Preparation of Advent: All events are free and suitable for adults and children. “Lessons and Carols,” an ecumenical Advent/Christmas hymn festival, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. The concert will feature the combined choirs from St. Bonaventure and various area churches leading the community in hymns and songs of the Advent season.
Vintage concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. The group features Joyce and Santiago Martinez and Roxanne Pardi. A bilingual Las Posadas begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18. Las Posadas, which means “the
inns” in Spanish, symbolizes the struggle of Mary and Joseph to find a place to stay once they reached Bethlehem. The community joins “Mary and Joseph” in the search, carrying candles and singing a traditional song (in both English and Spanish). The church is at 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. For information, call 672-5800.
New York women’s overcoats and a 32 percent sale on a Prada down jacket. Ebags.com offers similar designer discounts for handbags. The site has a 31 percent deal on a Michael Kors shoulder handbag and special sales on Betsey Johnson leather bags. The site also sells backpacks, laptop cases and luggage. Many retailers give you discounts on their sites if you use a promotional code when you check out. RetailMeNot.com lists codes from more than 40,000 stores, including the Disney store, JC Penny and Target. The Website also lets you search for printable coupons valid in your zip code. There are a couple Websites
that have lists of simple holiday stocking stuffers for those on a tight budget. Betterbudgeting.com lists 63 gifts for less than $10. The list includes a glass jar filled with candy, gourmet coffee with a personal coffee cup and a basket filled with deli cheese and fruit. AllThingsFrugal.com has a more detailed list of gifts that can save you money. The site breaks down the gifts into several categories, depending on whether you are buying for acquaintances or family members. The Website says a “big present” doesn’t have to be a new television; instead consider magazine subscriptions, crystal ware or blankets. Finally, for those who think
our friends and family would do a better job at playing Santa for themselves, GiftCardMall.com lets you shop for a variety of cards from one site. These cards are mailed inactivate for extra security and you can enable the card online. These online deals should make holiday shopping a jolly experience, even in a recession. Now you can shop smart for picky Aunt Bertha without applying for a federal bailout in January. Mark Freeman is a student at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, studying economics and English. He enjoys creative writing and is a reporter for the school paper. Questions/comments can be sent to mfreeman543@gmail.com.
The view from above clarifies Great Basin Desert
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS Every time I fly from the Bay Area to the East Coast, the first part of the journey is spent looking out the window. Airplanes flying east out of the Bay Area’s major airports head almost directly over Mt.
Diablo. On a clear day, it is easy to spot the Clayton area adjacent to our nearby geographic signpost. Trees outline the streets and streams – obvious indications of a land with enough water to sustain an abundance of life forms. In less than an hour, the view below becomes one of endless miles of mountains and valleys, seemingly dry and lifeless. Much of the land between the peaks of the Sierra and the Rocky Mountains is known as the Great Basin Desert, one of four desert ranges of the western United States. All deserts have a common feature, sparse rainfall, but there are significant differences
between desert areas. The Great Basin Desert is called a cold desert, partially because of its northern location and partially because the mean elevation is between 3,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level. The other three American deserts, the Mojave, Chihuahuan and Sonoran, are low elevation land masses south of the Great Basin Desert. Because of their long hot summer seasons, they are known as hot deserts. Geologically, the Great Basin Desert region is one of high valleys, numerous mountain ranges and few rivers. This
See Weather, page 18
Factor loans into estate planning With interest rates at their lowest levels in years, now is the time to take advantage of some techniques to maximize your estate planning. If you aren’t ready to relinquish control over your fortune through gifts to your children, you may wish to use trusts, family loans, installment sales or other arrangements that will provide your heirs with future benefits. Take the family loan, for example. To avoid gift taxes on a loan to your child or another family member, you need to charge interest at or above the applicable federal rate (AFR). In recent months, the AFR has dropped to less than 3 percent for mid-term loans (three-nine years) and just more than 4 percent for long-term loans (more than nine years). If your borrower invests the funds in assets that outperform the AFR, then he or she will have a substantial amount of money left over after paying
back the loan. In other words, you will have made a sizeable tax-free gift. Suppose that you lend your son or daughter $1 million during a month when the AFR is 4 percent. The loan terms call for interest-only payments for 10 years, with a balloon payment at the end of the 10th year. If your child places the funds in investments that earn a 7 percent return, then he or she will enjoy a gift-tax-free windfall of more than $400,000. These are just a few of the estate planning options available that take advantage of low interest rates and depressed asset values to cost effectively transfer wealth. Other options include installment sales, intentionally defective grantor trusts and charitable lead annuity trusts.
RICHARD LITTORNO FINANCIAL SENSE Whichever strategy you choose, it’s important to move quickly. Although these estate planning tools are valuable in good times as well as bad, they will lose some of their potency as the economy recovers. If a Family Limited Partnership (FLP) is structured and operated properly, the family can enjoy substantial gift and estate tax savings because minority FLP interests generally are entitled to valuation discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability. As a result, a limited partner’s
See Littorno, page 21
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
December 4, 2009
Julian and Gobbler are ARF’s Adoption Stars
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GOBBLER to be around you and wants your attention most of the time. If you are looking for a fun companion, Gobbler is your cat! The adoption fee for adult cats is $50. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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desert receives its name due to the fact that all rivers included within its boundaries flow from the mountain ranges into local basins and do not flow into the oceans. The Great Basin is wellknown for its red-rock geological formations, including arches, spires and monuments. The Great Basin Desert is a dry region because the Sierra Nevada blocks the rain-bearing winds off the Pacific Ocean, forming a rain shadow over the entire region. The annual precipitation in this desert ranges from 6 to 12 inches, most of it falling as winter snow. At lower elevations, the harsh
Great Basin environment supports little more than sparse vegetation, mainly sagebrush and other related bush plants. The cactus species commonly found in hot deserts are rarely found in the Great Basin Desert. Some of the mountain ranges in this desert receive enough winter snowfall to support various types of pine forests. There are quite a few animal species that have adapted to the uninviting environmental conditions found in the Great Basin Desert. Jackrabbits, rodents and the coyotes that prey on them are the most likely species to be seen by man. A variety of
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just say what the professional did. That way you aren’t providing warranty that it won’t break again. It is obvious that you have “pride of ownership,” but don’t oversell the property. It is better to manage the buyer’s expectations. Q. I was delighted to be transferred to the Bay Area through my job. My family and I have decided on Contra Costa County. How do I decide on a location and neighborhood for future appreciation and quality of life? A. These are indeed important factors, even more so than features you want in your home. Most buyers find certain qualities desirable – such as good public schools, close proximity
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.
lizards and many types of spiders also make this desert their home. The Great Basin Desert is another example of how geology has a profound effect on weather and climate. West of the Sierra, where the precipitation is plentiful and rivers run year-round toward the Pacific Ocean, conditions are favorable for a variety of plants and animals to survive. On the lee side of these mountains, the lack of rainfall makes life intolerable for many species. Air travel gives us a unique platform to observe both climate zones within a few hours time. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist with PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
to a thriving economic area, low crime rate, convenient commute options, good public facilities, well-maintained homes and shopping nearby. You also might decide if you prefer more of a sense of community or a more private location. Unfortunately, the best neighborhoods are usually the most expensive. If you can’t afford the neighborhood you choose, perhaps you should look at adjacent neighborhoods. These are often the up and coming areas for future growth. Another option might be a townhouse in the neighborhood you want. It might be small but you could eventually move up in the same community. If the commute isn’t your biggest priority, you could move a little further out. Spend some time in the neighborhood. Go at different
MDUSD, from page 9 the new person,” Allen said. The board majority cited a need to act before contracts expired and those employees left to what Eberhart believed would be higher-paying jobs at other districts. “Some of our managers are being paid well below market rate,” he said. “If we do nothing, the people who are being reclassified will find employment in other districts who are willing to pay market rate … The only way we will be able to rehire for the positions will be to offer the positions at market rate and we will be right back where we are today, but with new people in the positions, possibly people who are not nearly as skilled.” Controversy also arose regarding a raise for general counsel Greg Rolen, pushing him to a salary of about $196,000 per year. “Our general counsel was earning a salary well below the average level of the general counsel position in most school districts,” Eberhart said. “He is also covering the position of risk manager, a position that most school districts our size still pay an employee about $140,000 per year.” Eberhart said hiring a new general counsel would cost more than $200,000 a year. “I am very sensitive to the concerns expressed, but I am also concerned that we make good business decisions for the district,” he added. On the Claycord.com blog, Strange posted his telephone number and asked anyone wanting to discuss the rationale behind the board actions to contact him. “He didn’t receive a single call,” Eberhart said. “Both Paul and I have said repeatedly that if there is ever an issue that a group of people would like to get together and discuss, we would make time to get together. The bottom line is that we are always accessible to the community, by phone, email and in person.”
times of the day. Talk to residents and ask what they like about living there. Consider subscribing to the local newspaper to get a sense of community. Ask your colleagues at your new job which neighborhoods they like and why they like them. You might even want to rent for awhile to get a feel for the neighborhood before you buy. When you decide on an area, hire a local real estate agent to help you. You might try getting a referral from someone at work. Send your question to Lynne@LynneFrench.com and look for your answer in a future column. Lynne French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions, contact her at 672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center St. in Clayton
December 4, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
py s p a H ay
Page 19
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Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. DEC. 9 FOR THE DEC. 18 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
HOLIDAY EVENTS Dec. 4-20 “Swingtime Canteen” Thurs. through Sat. at 8 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. A holiday musical revue from Diablo Actors Ensemble. $10-$25. 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. 866-811-4111 or diabloactors.com. Dec. 5 Ayers Elementary Holiday Craft Fair Vendors selling handmade gifts, holiday decorations, jewelry and more. Plus raffles and refreshments. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 5120 Myrtle Dr., Concord. 682-7686. Through Dec. 5 Festival of Trees Silent auction of decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. Sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association to benefit Adopt a Family. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Call Cindy at 672-8262. Dec. 5 Caroling and Tree Lighting 6-8 p.m., Grove Park to Main and Oak streets, Clayton. Call the CBCA at 672-2272. Dec. 5-25 “The Northern Lights” View more than 13,000 bulbs during a 15-minute light and music presentation. Tune in to 91.3 FM to hear the music. 6, 7 and 8
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Dec. 4-6 Clay Arts Guild/Walnut Creek Civic Arts Sale Includes Clayton ceramic artist Ellen Sachtschale. Opening party, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 4. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5-6. Ceramics at Civic Park, 1313 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Paintings, jewelry and textiles at the Shadelands Campus, 111 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. 943-5846 or arts-ed.org/civicartsale.htm. Dec. 4-13 “A View from the Bridge” The Diablo Valley College Drama Department presents the play done in the style of a classic Greek tragedy. Arena Theater, Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill. Student matinee at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10. 685-1230, ext. 2337. Through Jan. 10 “Hats: The Musical” Willows Theatre presents a rollicking tribute to the Red Hat Ladies. $22-$32. 636 Ward St., Martinez. 798-1300 or willowstheatre.org.
FUNDRAISERS Dec. 4, 6 Clayton Valley High School Music Boosters 5-9 p.m. Dec. 4, Clayton Books, 5433 D Clayton Road, Clayton. Print a flier at claytonbands.org, present at register and the store will donate 20 percent of your purchase. 4-9 p.m. Dec. 6, Daphne’s Greek Cafe, 55 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill. Print a flier at claytonbands.org, present when ordering and the restaurant will donate 20 percent of your meal price. Jan. 9 CVHS Athletic Boosters Crab Feed To benefit athletics at Clayton Valley High School. $50. 6 p.m., Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. www.cvhsboosters.org. To make a donation, email crabfeed@cvhsboosters.org or call 672-0418.
YMCA Register at mdrymca.org or 889-1600. Or, contact Jennifer at 692-2364 or jbeck@mdrymca.org. Through June 17 Middle School After-School Program Fun, safe, supervised environment for children with indoor/outdoor activities, homework help, healthy snacks and monthly special events. $220 a month for three days a week; $300 a month for five days.
SCHOOLS Jan. 13 Diablo View Middle School Parent Faculty Club 7 p.m., DVMS library, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. Jan. 27 College Admissions Workshop For parents of middle school students. 7-9 p.m., Diablo View Middle School multi-use room, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. RSVP by sending a check for $10 per person or $15 per couple
p.m. nightly, Clayton Community Church office, 6055 Main St., Clayton. 673-9060 or claytoncc.com. Dec, 7 "Sing-Along Messiah" Please join the Diablo Valley College Philharmonic Orchestra, Masterworks Chorale and college choirs for the "Sing-a-long Messiah," 7:30 P.M. at the Diablo Valley College Performing Arts Center, 321 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill. Fundraiser benefits the DVC music scholarship program. Bring your score or pick one up at the door. Tickets are $10. Reserve tickets at the college box office at (925) 687-4445.
for children under 12. Call the CBCA at 672-2272. Dec. 13 Vintage Christmas Concert Featuring the Vintage Harmonic Trio and guests Kevin McFarland, Donnie Fisi, John Jordan and Katy and Dell Burchett. Free. 3-4:30 p.m., St. Bonaventure Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. 352-6303 or joycenovicky@comcast.net. Dec. 15 Holidays with Haydn Classical Concert Featuring the Young Performers Orchestra and Diablo Regional Youth Orchestra. 7 p.m., Civic Arts Education Shadelands Auditorium, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $10. 943-5846.
Dec. 7, 10 Clayton Pioneer Christmas Cookie Contest Open to all bakers ages 6 and up who receive the Clayton Pioneer in the mail. Entry deadline is Dec. 7. For an entry form, see the latest issue of the Pioneer, email tamara@claytonpioneer.com or call 672-0500. Judging and cookie party 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Dec. 11 Second Friday Concert Series Featuring HouseBlend. 7:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 260 Walnut Ave., Walnut Creek. Donation of $10 per adult or $25 per family. Free childcare available. walnutavenueumc.org. Dec. 12 Christmas Tea with Mrs. Claus and Santa 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Free
payable to DVMS PFC to Tami Smith, 5213 Keller Ridge Dr., Clayton CA 94517.
SENIORS Dec. 9 “Welcome to Medicare” This course is for those new to Medicare, or soon to enroll, who want to understand the many benefits available. 7-9:30 p.m., John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. 947-3300.
NATURE Dec. 5-6 Native Plant Restoration Save Mount Diablo seeks volunteers to help install native plants along Marsh Creek. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. both days, 3240 Aspara Dr., Clayton. RSVP at 947-3535. Dec. 6 Shell Ridge/Howe Homestead Park Hike Five-plus mile hike sponsored by the East Bay Casual Hiking Group. Meet 9:30 a.m. on Walnut Boulevard, Walnut Creek. Off-leash dogs OK. 272-4321 or hiking.bondon.com.
MEETINGS Dec. 8 Mt. Diablo Unified School District 7:30 p.m., 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord. mdusd.org. Dec. 15 Clayton City Council 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
CLUBS Clayton Business and Community Association Meets 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of the month, except holidays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Call Sue at 672-2272. Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month, Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. The next meeting is Feb. 10. claytonvalleygardenclub.org. Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Meets 9:30 a.m. for coffee, 10 a.m. meeings, second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Alberta Way, Concord. Membership drive is Oct. 27. Call Joyce at 672-3850. Clutch Busters Square Dance Club Meets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Mt. Diablo Women’s Club, 1700 Farm Bureau Road, Concord. Contact Dorothy at 754-8117. Concord Stompers Square Dance Club Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Mt. Diablo Women’s Club, 1700 Farm Bureau Road, Concord. Call Jennie at 672-9676 or angelfire.com/id/stompers.
Photo by Dave Hanney
Dec. 31 VIOLINIST AND CELLIST MIRAH RAY will perform Haydn’s cello solo at the Dec. Clayton Counts Down Family and kids activities 15 Youth Orchestra concert.
in an alcohol-free environment with refreshments food, games and prizes. 6-9 p.m., Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court. Contact the city clerk at 673-7304 or ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us.
Contra Costa Chess Club Meets 7-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Starbuck’s, 1536 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. Contact Mike at 639-1987 or uschess.org. Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society Meets 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. 779-0698 or ccmgs.org. Creekside Artists Guild Meets 7-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month, Clayton Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. All artforms and both emerging and experienced are welcome. Contact Arlene at 673-9777 or nielsenjanc@aol.com. Or creeksideartists.org. Diablo Valley Democratic Club Meets 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road, Walnut Creek. 946-0469 or dvdems.org. Diablo Valley Macintosh Users Group Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Bancroft Elementary School, 2700 Parish Dr., Walnut Creek. 689-1155 or dvmug.org. East Bay Prospectors Club Meets 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month, 1021 Detroit Ave., Unit D, Concord. Clayton resident Doug Junghans is president. eastbaygpaa.webs.com or 672-1863. Knights Of Columbus, Concord Council 6038 Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month, except holidays, Cauchi Hall, St. Agnes Catholic Church, 3966 Chestnut St, Concord. Contact George at 685-9547 or visit kofc6038.org. Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Meets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. Contact Chuck at 689-7640 or claytonvalleyrotary.org. Scrabble Club Meets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. All ages and skill levels welcome. $3 fee. Call Mike at 6391987 or scrabble-assoc.com. Sons In Retirement (SIR) Meets 11:15 a.m. first Thursday of the month, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. 429-3777. Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista Meets 12:15 p.m. the first, second and third Wednesdays of the month, September-June, Sizzler, 1353 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Clayton resident Sue Manning is president. 6722727. Widows/Widowers Meets for dinner, brunch, theater, etc. This is not a dating service nor is it a greiving class - just a way to meet other people. Contact Lori at 998-8844 or lori@lorihagge.com.
Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
December 4, 2009
Ginger recipes make for homey holidays LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
Whether a crisp cookie, a dark and spicy cake or a decorated “house,” modern gingerbread is a confection of many personalities. At one time, though, it was reserved for religious ceremonies and as a dish for the very rich. Gingerbread would never have come into being had Arab
explorers and traders not discovered ginger in South Asia. It’s commonly believed that when the Crusaders invaded the Middle East in the 11th century, they encountered ginger and a host of other spices and brought them back to Europe. The recipe for gingerbread has evolved over time. During the Middle Ages, gingerbread was controlled by baking guilds in Europe, and the common people rarely had the ingredients to make the sweet. Generally, ground almonds, stale breadcrumbs, rosewater, sugar and ginger were baked in
molds and decorated, sometimes with gold leaf. Often the cookies would be a conduit for disbursing news or announcing a new king or emperor. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in England, the royal court substituted flour for the breadcrumbs and added eggs and other sweeteners to lighten the recipe. As the ingredients became more affordable, the masses were making gingerbread in their homes. Today, it’s likely to find gingerbread with such ingredients as ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom and anise – sweetened with any combina-
Encina /Clayton BICYCLE CENTERS Celebrating 35 years in business
La foryaway Chr NO is tm W as
tion of brown sugar, molasses, light or dark corn syrup or honey. T h e Germans can be credited with creating the classic gingerbread cookie, which they call Lebkuchen. They also may well have begun the first “construc-
Mon. – Sat. 10 to 7 Sun. Noon to 6
BMX & Skateboards Road, Mountain
tion projects” (gingerbread houses), which were no doubt inspired by the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale. It is elevated to an artform in Nuremberg, Ulm and Pulsnitz in Germany, Torun in Poland, Pest in Hungary, Pardubice and Prague in the Czech Republic and Lyon in France. When touring European bakeries for cookies, be on the lookout for pierniczki in Poland, pernik in the Czech Republic, pepparkakor in Sweden and speculaas in Holland. Cake aficionados should look for the French pain d’espice or Italian panforte.
Christmas Cookie Contest
Kids Bikes Comfort Bikes
othing says Christmas like mouth watering Christmas cookies. This year will be our sixth annual Christmas Cookie Contest – a chance to stir up, bake up and taste up a storm of those delectable sweets that bust the diet and send us over the moon. So, dust off the cookbooks, cook up a few practice rounds and enter our Sixth Annual Christmas Cookie Contest. Judging will be Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. in the Clayton Library Community Room. While the judges are tast-
Two great locations CLAYTON/CONCORD – Clayton Rd. @ Ygnacio 925-672-2522 WALNUT CREEK – Ygnacio @ Oak Grove Proud 925-944-9200
Deadline for entry is December 7.
ENTRY FORM Please fill out a separate form for each entry. You may enter up to three recipes, but only one can win
a t n a S Visit ssert
Name
& enjoy De
(Please print)
Address (Must be in the Pioneer circulation area)
Join us at
Historic Endeavor Hall Saturday, Dec. 12 10 - 2 p.m.
Don’t forget to bring your camera for pictures
Prizes, Party Favors, Candy Canes
CHRISTMAS in CLAYTON is hosted by the elves of the CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association.)
ing and testing, Santa will be on hand with candy canes and Clayton’s own Vintage Trio will provide live music and lead everyone in singing Christmas carols. Judges will be announced in the next issue of the Pioneer. Recipes and photos of all the winners will appear in the Dec. 18 issue.
Clayton Pioneer’s 2009 CHRISTMAS COOKIE CONTEST
www.encinabicyclecenters.com
with Mrs. Claus
See Ginger, page 22
Enter the Clayton Pioneer’s Annual
N
sponsor of CVLL
GINGERBREAD PEOPLE ½ c. butter ½ c. white sugar ½ c. molasses 1 egg 2 c. flour ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. ground cloves 1 tsp. ginger ½ tsp. nutmeg In a bowl, mix butter and sugar. Stir in molasses and egg until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix flour with rest of ingredients. Slowly pour into the creamed mixture and mix until smooth. Place in a sealed bowl and chill for at least one hour in refrigerator.
Phone Number Name of Recipe__________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
Master Baker (20+) Teen Baker (Ages 13-19) Your age____
Junior Baker (Ages 6-12) Your age____
Donation appreciated Free for children 12 & under
Contestant agrees to being photographed at the competition. Recipes used from published books must identify source. Signature
Mail your entry to: the Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517; or drop off at our office at 6200 H Center Street, Clayton. If the office is closed, slip it through the mail slot.
Parent's Signature (for Junior Bakers)
Deadline to enter is Monday, Dec. 7
Children must be accompanied by an adult
CBCA: 672-2272
Christmas songs by the Mt. Diablo Elementary School Choir
See Santa Claus in person!
FREE hot apple cider & donut holes provided by CBCA and served by Clayton Community Church (on Main St.)
FREE Admission both events Vintage will also perform at
Meet at the Gazebo and bring your flashlight hosted by the Clayton Business & Community Association
672-2272
The Clayton Pioneer Christmas Cookie Judging Party. Join us for Cookies and Caroling Thurs., Dec. 10, 6:45 - 8 p.m. Clayton Library.
www.vintagetrio.com
with Clayton’s own Joyce and Santiago Martinez & Roxanne Pardi Special guests: Kevin McFarland, Donnie Fisi, John Jordan and Katy and Dell Burchett.
3–4:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure Catholic Church 5562 Clayton Road, Concord
December 4, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 21
Time to take a look at solar Sponsored by
NextEnergy Solar DOUG HAMILTON NextEnergy Solar
With energy rates on the rise and the winter season upon us, perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at solar power. Conditions have changed dramatically over the last year, making solar a more attractive option. Today solar electricity is viewed as a viable and affordable solution to high electricity rates. Homeowners across the state are using their solar systems as insurance policies against the unclear and volatile future of energy. Here are 10 reasons why you should give solar energy serious consideration: 1. Incentives for solar elec-
tric systems are high. Combined incentives can now take up to 40 percent of the cost off your shoulders. PG&E offers a $1.10 per watt cash rebate. A 5 kilowatt system is 5,000 watts, which could save you more than $5,000. Meanwhile, the federal government now provides a dollar for dollar tax credit that offsets 30 percent of the system cost. 2. Solar panel prices have been dropping. A combination of an oversupply of solar panels, a challenging economy and increased competition has forced manufacturers to bolster demand by lowering prices. 3. Electricity rates keep rising. PG&E faces many challenges in the coming years – aging infrastructure that will need replacing, increasing demand amongst customers, long-term energy contracts coming due and the continuing roll out of their new smart
Littorno, from page 17 interest may be worth significantly less than his or her proportionate share of the partnership’s asset values. Say you form an FLP funded with assets valued at $10 million. If you transfer a 10 percent limited partnership interest to your child, that interest might be entitled to combined valuation discounts as high as 40 or 50 percent –
depending on the terms of the partnership agreement, the nature of the underlying assets and other factors. So even though your child’s proportionate share of the FLP’s assets is $1 million, the value for transfer tax purposes may be only $500,000 or $600,000. In a report published last year by the Joint Committee on Taxation, lawmakers pro-
meter program, to name a few. PG&E is a for-profit company and must pass those expenses along to customers. Compounding PG&E’s challenges is the fact that the majority of California’s electricity comes from natural gas, and natural gas prices have been volatile. 4. Avoid the smart meter program. PG&E is gradually rolling out a new digital meter with the end goal of switching everybody to a Time-Of-Use rate schedule. This means they can track to the second how much you are using and when you are using it. Customers on this new rate plan have seen their bills jump 20 to 50 percent. When you install a solar electric system, you opt out of this program. 5. The feed-in tariff is coming. The governor recently signed a measure that will require utility companies to pay customers for surplus solar elec-
tricity generated on an annual basis, meaning soon PG&E will have to cut you a check for your surplus energy. 6. Solar electric systems are drawing attention from real estate agents, home appraisers and buyers. Realtors report more requests and an increased level of interest in homes with solar power. As education about solar energy continues, the equity a solar system adds to your property will continue to increase. 7. Solar energy is perfectly suited for the upcoming models of electric cars. Solar arrays generate electricity during the day at
peak rates while electric cars charge at night during off-peak rates. You will be buying your energy low and selling it high a nice equation. 8. In many situations, the savings realized from your solar system can be equal to or less than what you are paying PG&E now. Instead of renting your power from the utility with no return, you can pay yourself and own your power source. 9. Payback periods have dropped sharply in length. Just last year, the time to payback ranged was 10 to 12 years. Because of the federal tax credit and decreased panel prices,
the typical payback range is now 6 to 9 years. (Payback is the length of time needed to recoup your initial investment through energy savings.) 10. Solar energy is good for the environment. By producing clean solar energy, you are helping the world move toward a sustainable energy future. Together, we will use the power of nature to change the nature of power – one rooftop at a time. Doug Hamilton is a solar consultant with NextEnergy. For more information or a free home solar analysis, contact NextEnergy at 798-0600 or nextenergysolar.com.
Examples based on a typical 3-5 bedroom home in your area. All NextEnergy solar electric systems are customized,so actual prices will vary. Your new electric bill plus the cost of your system could be LOWER than your corrent electric bill, meaning savings from day one!
posed reforms that would limit the ability of families to take advantage of valuation discounts to reduce estate and gift taxes. It’s not yet clear what Congress will do, but any reforms it makes will likely apply prospectively only, so it pays to get your estate plan in order now. Richard A. Littorno is an attorney specializing in estate planning. He has offices in Clayton and Pittsburg. Send your questions to Richard@LittornoLaw.com.
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Page 22
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
December 4, 2009
Bare branches bring winter elegance to your yard GARDEN GIRL
CORAL BARK JAPANESE MAPLE
half as wide. Red and yellow twig dogwoods have wonderful winter branch interest. Spiny stems poke from the earth in a mass. Silver and Gold is a variegated selection of cornus sericea. During spring and summer, cream-edged green leaves have their moment of glory. Then autumn color takes center stage. After the final leaf falls, the branches and stems begin to be noticed – bright golden yellow. The red twigs are also stunners. Reaching 7 to 9 feet tall, this multi-stemmed shrub has brilliant red fall foliage and winter twigs. Cornus sanguineam Midwinter Fire, has green, oval-shaped leaves and small flowers in the spring. Cornus stolonifera, Zachary, has variegated green and cream foliage with orange-red autumn color. They both have powerful, bright red stems in the winter. All multi-stemmed dogwoods need to be severely cut back during the late dormant period. Around here, that means toward the end of February. Unusual twisted twigs also are of interest during the dormant season. The Corylus contorta, or Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick is a rounded deciduous shrub that reaches 8 to 10 feet tall and wide. The Contorta is grown for its fantastically gnarled and twisted branches and twigs, which are revealed after the leaves turn yellow and drop in the fall. This plant is often purchased off-season, when the plant is naked. Plant the Harry Lauder in an area of the garden that can be seen from a window. Up-lighting this selection will highlight the structure. The gnarled stems and twisted branches becomes a living sculpture in your landscape. The Twisted Baby Locust is
a unique dwarf multi-trunked shrub with interesting, twisted zig-zag branches. The contorted form makes an excellent small patio specimen – and conversation piece. To encourage more twisted braches, grow in a large container and prune long spurts of growth. The corkscrew willow is a risky selection for small gardens but is very interesting in larger ones. This awesome tree may reach 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with fantastically twisted braches upright and spiraling. This makes
a valuable winter silhouette and excellent branches for cutting. Pay attention to the details of your winter yard. Visit nurseries, buy and install plants all year long. That way, your yard will look like a garden in every season. This article first appeared in the Jan. 13, 2006 issue of the Pioneer. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at HARRY LAUDER’S WALKING STICK
gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Ginger, from page 20 After chilling, lightly flour a flat surface. Roll a portion of the dough to quarter-inch thickness and use cookie cutters. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool on wire racks before decorating.
½ tsp. ground nutmeg 2 T. butter or margarine, melted Mix egg and brown sugar in a large bowl until well combined. Add buttermilk, water and brewed coffee and stir to combine. In another large bowl, sift together remaining ingredients (except butter). Add the liquid ingredients to the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Stir in the melted butter. Heat a skillet over mediumhigh heat. Ladle the batter into 3-4 inch rounds. Cook until little bubbles appear around the edges of the pancake and then flip. Cook on the second side until golden brown and cooked through in the middle. Serve immediately. They’re particularly good with cinnamon syrup.
A little restaurant in Austin, Texas, is making quite a stir in culinary circles. Diners frequenting Magnolia Café waddle away from the table in droves after eating some mighty fine gingerbread pancakes. MAGNOLIA CAFÉ GINGERBREAD PANCAKES 1 egg 2 T. brown sugar ½ c. buttermilk ¼ c. water 2 T. brewed coffee 1 c. white unbleached flour ¼ tsp. baking powder 1/8 tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. ground cloves ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. ground ginger
This recipe from Better Homes & Gardens is a keeper. GINGERBREAD CAKE ½ c. shortening
georgevujnovich.com
¼ c. packed brown sugar 1 egg ½ c. light molasses 1½ c. all-purpose flour ¾ tsp. cinnamon ¾ tsp. ground ginger ½ tsp. baking powder Grease a 9-inch round pan and set aside. Preheat oven to 350. Beat shortening with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg and molasses and beat another minute. Mix flour with other ingredients. Add flour mixture and ½ c. water in increments, beating until well-blended. Bake for 30 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm with whipped cream. Final thought: Is there a politically correct way to eat a gingerbread person? Email me with your suggestions. Linda Wyner, a local attorney and foodie, owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
Tel: (925) 672-4433
Trust your home to
GEORGE VUJNOVICH, Broker Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517
CLAYTON!
CLAYTON!
Falcon Ridge at Oakhurst Country Club! Beautiful sin-
Vintage Clayton!
Exquisite home with breathtaking views nestled in a quiet court with walking distance to downtown! 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, large loft, approx. 3,213sf, 2 car garage with workshop. Huge gourmet kitchen features slab granite counters, all stainless steel appliances & cherry wood cabinets. Oversized family features walls of window with gorgeous views of Mt. Diablo & surrounding hills. Living room with cozy fireplace & views from every window. Separate formal dining room features a built-in wine refrigerator & raised ceiling with a dramatic chandelier. Spacious master suite offers wooded, sweeping views of Mt. Diablo & surrounding hills. Luxurious upgraded travertine tile master bath boasts a jetted tub looking out to Un-obstructed Mt. Diablo views, a separate oversized stall shower, two walk-in closets with extensive organizers. Large level lot offers a sprawling lawn, extensive natural slate patios & a custom built waterfall feature and magnificent views of Mt. Diablo & oak dotted rolling hills $849,000
NG I D PEN
CONCORD!
Kirkwood! Adorable single story in a great location! next to open space on the Concord/Clayton border. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, approx. 1548sf & inside laundry. Updated kitchen features slab granite counters, new oak cabinets, recessed lights and eating nook opens to family room with wet bar. Spacious master bedroom and updated master bath with two person stall shower! Great lot offers deck, lush lawn area, trees and is next to open space.$369,000
CLAYTON!
Peacock Creek at Oakhurst Country Club!
4 bedrooms, plus a den, 3 full baths, approx. 3,030sf, 2 fireplaces & a 3 car garage! Gourmet kitchen boasts all stainless steel appliances, Euro style cabinets, bull-nosed slab granite counters and a custom extended island with built-in dinette. Spacious family room features a fireplace & custom built-in. An upgraded fireplace the focal point of the elegant dining and living rooms featuring crown moulding and an elaborate chandelier. Enormous master suite. Huge lot has been professionally landscaped with lush lawn areas, custom pergola topped stained concrete patios, various ornamentals, colorful flowers & maturing trees add to the relaxed and private atmosphere $785,000
ING D N PE
gle story “Moonlight” model backing to open space on a quiet court! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 2,237sf & 3 car garage! Gourmet kitchen features 13x20 upgraded tile floors, upgraded tile counters and island. Family room with travertine tile fireplace. Huge private level lot with large lawn, ornamentals & a “Sundance” spa. $629,000
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Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
BED/BATH
914 Arrowhead Terrace 217 Round House Pl 145 Mountaire Parkway 1001 Feather Circle 5647 Southbrook Dr 421 Diablo Creek Pl 1160 Moccasin Ct 4605 Keller Ridge Dr 308 Mount Sierra Pl 5521 Southbrook Dr 1021 Pebble Beach Dr 3510 Oak Hill Lane 102 Forest Hill Dr 1012 Pebble Beach Dr 455 Obsidian Way 1844 Yolanda Cir
$456,000 $447,000 $578,000 $510,000 $707,000 $652,000 $520,000 $298,000 $540000 $465,000 $1,250,000 $835,000 $720,000 $830,000 $807,500 $618,000
11/20/09 11/20/09 11/19/09 11/17/09 11/13/09 11/13/09 11/13/09 11/12/09 11/10/09 11/10/09 11/10/09 11/05/09 11/04/09 11/04/09 10/30/09 10/30/09
1797 1749 1959 1899 3026 2214 1911 1026 2177 1568 5064 2262 3820 2994 2981 2398
3/2.5 3/2.5 4/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2 4/2.5 2/2 4/3 3/2 5/5 4/2 5/3 5/3.1 4/2.5 4/2.5
Better Homes DRE#00933393
NICOLE HACKETT
This is the time to appreciate the beauty of winter’s bare branches. Their structure supports the yard and garden after the flowers have faded and the autumn color blows away. Exposed by winter, nature’s silhouette is stunning. When limbs contrast with gray skies and rain rolls uninterrupted along branches, you’ll have another level of admiration for the plants that surround you. The moderately graceful birch tree emphasizes all winter’s splendor. Long, slender braches reach tall into the sky, growing thinner at the tips. Swelling buds give branch lengths faint interest. The bark on the trunk and the main limbs mirrors the frosty white color that is winter. European white birches are commonly called weeping birches. As they mature, the bark becomes white and marked with black clefts. The Betula jacquemontii has brilliant white bark and grows upright to 40 feet at a rate of about 2 feet a year. The Paper Birch is another birch with interest. This open selection has creamy white bark that peels off in papery layers. Prunus serrula, a roundheaded flowering cherry, is actually more beautiful while bare. This valued lawn tree has gorgeous, glossy mahogany colored bark. In season, it has narrow, willow-like leaves and small white flowers. The cherry can reach 30 feet tall and wide. Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku is commonly called Coral Bark Japanese Maple. The name describes the striking red color of the limbs during winter. This maple is popular in Clayton’s gardens. It needs good air circulation and protection from the harsh afternoon summer sun. Coral Bark matures to 15 feet tall and