PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
April 8, 2005
925.672.0500
Spring is bustin’ out all over GREGG MANNING
MAYOR’S CORNER Business license tax and landscaping are top priorities for City Council Here it is April and the City Council is still grappling with the issue of business licenses. In our first April meeting on the fourth, we did not deal with the business license issue because we are waiting for the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission to rule on the requests for ruling by both Pete Laurence and Bill Walcutt. Both of them believe they should be able to participate in the discussions because they would not materially benefit from the resulting City decision and have asked the FPPC for a ruling. I believe we will have a ruling on this matter in a few days and the entire Council will address the business license matter on April 19. Once all five of us address the matter we will reach agreement on a final ordinance.
SPRING, AND THE CITY IS MAGNIFICENT
Clayton is a great place, and this time of year the landscaping looks wonderful. To see it for yourself, you have only to
See Mayor, page 5
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
IT’S SPRINGTIME IN CALIFORNIA AND THAT MEANS POPPIES. The garden at the Clayton Museum is alive with the bright orange wildflower. California Indians cherished the poppy as both a source of food and for oil extracted from the plant. Its botanical name, Eschsholtzia californica, was given by Adelbert Von Chamisso, a naturalist and member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, who dropped anchor in San Francisco in 1816 in a bay surrounded by hills of the golden flowers. Also sometimes known as the flame flower, la amapola, and copa de oro (cup of gold), the poppy grows wild throughout California. It became the state flower in 1903. Source: 50states.com
Teatime in Clayton is all about friends City of Concord honors mother and daughter JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
England’s Tea Cottage that just opened in Clayton Station is as much about friendship as it is
about tea. The tearoom was a labor of love among close friends, Pam Barnett and Sally Englund. One step inside this new Clayton establishment and you
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
SALLY ENGLAND’S AND PAM BARNETT’S NEW TEA COTTAGE is a place “where good friends gather.”
can see and feel that the tea cottage is not your typical restaurant. Inscribed on the back of the tea cottage’s menu is a note from their husbands, Duane Barnett and Derry Englund which reads “There are relationships in life that help define you and in the case of Sally and Pamela, it is more than true. The weaving of the fabrics of our lives as individuals, family and friends has left its indelible mark on all four of us. The Tea Cottage has been a dream and passion between friends for many years and now it has become a reality.” The friendship that weaved its way into the fabric of Clayton’s first tearoom had early beginnings. Sally Englund and Duane Barnett are cousins. Duane, who was best friends with Derry Englund at the time, set Sally and Derry up for a date. That date soon led to a
Make mom “Queen for a Day” Moms are the greatest. They spend most of their waking hours taking care of everyone else before they do anything for themselves. You can fix that. Write an essay telling us why your mom should be crowned the Clayton Pioneer’s “Queen For A Day,” and win a day of pampering in
Pioneer Territory for the “queen of your heart.” If yours is the winning essay, your mom will receive a very special and elegant “Tea for Two” at the new “Englund’s Tea Cottage,” a relaxing massage and very special gift basket from Clayton Mind and Body Connections, a
pampering facial from Cynthia Gregory at Permanent Solutions and a bouquet of lovely spring flowers from Clayton Flowers. And, last but certainly not least; we will publish the winning essay in the Pioneer along with a photo of you and your mom in the May 6 issue.
wedding and a marriage that has lasted for 36 years. Pam and Duane moved to Lodi and Sally and Derry settled in Clayton, yet the two couples continued to share a close fourway friendship. They met often for dinner and took an annual cruise together, which was when Sally and Pam started to patronize teahouses. “She and I went to tea all the time,” says Sally. “When we would check into a hotel, the first thing we did was look in the phone book for the nearest teahouse. Our husbands didn’t like it as much as we did but went along for support.” For five years they sipped tea together at small town tearooms and big name giants, like the Empress Hotel in Victoria on Vancouver Island, the Grand Mum of tearooms.
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Clayton resident Patti Collyer and her daughter, Shannon, were recognized and honored by the City of Concord at the 18th annual Human Relations Commission’s awards and recognition ceremony last Monday. Patti Collyer received the Commission’s Humanitarian Award for her work with youth groups and daughter Shannon
See Teatime, page 17 To be eligible, you must be a Clayton resident between the ages of 6 and 18. Your essay must be typewritten and must be between 200 and 350 words. Mail or e-mail your essay to The Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton, 94517; essay@claytonpioneer.com, or drop off at the Pioneer office at 6200 F Center St., Clayton. Deadline for entries is 5 p.m., April 27.
PATTI COLLYER
received a $500 scholarship in recognition of her community services work. The senior Collyer has been the Coordinator of Youth Ministry at St. Bonaventure’s Catholic Community in Concord for the past eight
years. But her work with children and teenagers began more than 19 years ago when she volunteered to coordinate the early childhood and elementary school program at St. Francis of Assisi in Concord. “I never thought I’d be doing this,” she said in a telephone interview from Dallas where she and Shannon are vacationing. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a background in marketing, “I thought I was going to be a corporate president and a millionaire.” But, when she began having children, her goals changed. “Thank God,” she laughs, “children saved me from Yuppiedom.” However, everything in her education and background applies to what she does today. “I think of myself being on God’s marketing team,” she explained. “God’s the easiest thing in the world to sell. He’s free, everyone needs Him and He’s never obsolete.” Collyer’s clear sense of purpose guides her as she faces the sometimes daunting task of
See Collyer, page 6
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
April 8, 2005
Around Town Golden Boughs bring Celtic sounds to students
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer STUDENTS WERE DANCING IN THEIR SEATS and clapping in time to the lively Celtic music brought to MDES by the Golden Bough trio.
Clayton’s Tea Cottage brings friends together for reunion
Clayton resident and retired teacher, Sharon Schultz, reunited with fellow teacher retirees for tea at the Tea Cottage last week. The women met while they were all teaching in Germany in the 60’s and have remained close friends for 40 years. Pictured from left, Sharon Schultz, Judy Marks and Rowena Sredl.
Cabbages and celery; rutabaga, watermelon. Stew and salad? Nope. Jigs and reels. Students at Mt. Diablo Elementary were treated to a concert of lively Irish folk music by the well-known trio, Golden Bough. Students couldn’t sit still as the band sang and clapped their way through an hour of Celtic folk songs, jigs and reels. The appearance was part of the band’s farewell tour as they crisscross the country on their way to an extended hiatus which begins in May. The group developed their elementary school program to fill in the down time between weekend gigs. In a true interactive style, the musicians use a variety of techniques and instruments to get the kids involved in the music. To teach the children the rhythm of an Irish jig, the lead singer began to repeat over and over “cabbages and celery, cabbages and celery.” Soon the children had joined the chant and began to clap the rhythm. Then the instruments picked up a few bars and finally the singers joined in. As the kids bounced in time on the hard cafeteria benches, the band switched the mantra to rutabaga, watermelon, which repeated over and over, translates to the rhythm of the Irish reel. The band, which originally formed 25 years ago with four members, is currently comprised of the husband and wife team of Paul Espinoza and Margie Butler and third member, Kathy Sierra. The trio will be appearing in Benicia on Saturday, Apr. 16 and in Newark on Apr. 17. For times and locations, visit their Web site at www.goldenboughmusic.com.
The Carson kids strut their stuff at Clayton karate competition Clayton residents Cassandra and Michael Carson were two of hundreds of participants in the first Northern California Open Martial Arts Championships “East Bay Challenge” held at the Clayton Community Gym
on Saturday, March 26. Nine year old Cassandra and seven year old Michael competed in the 17 years and under Kata Division. Michael is a Blue Belt and Cassandra a Brown Belt. The competition drew teams from all over the Bay
Area and was hosted by Professor Carlos F. de Leon of the Academy of Martial Art/Lua Halau O Kaihewalu. Cassandra and Michael each took second place in the sparring competition. Jill Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer
CASSANDRA CARSON
MICHAEL CARSON
Baby Aaron Joseph takes fourth spot in the Woodling family The arrival of Aaron Joseph brings the Woodling family population to four. Weighing in at 8 lbs. 2 oz and stretching to 21 inches on his tip toes, Aaron joined parents Kevin and Rhonda Woodling and big brother, Jason, 2, at their home on Kenston Drive on March 13. Mom Rhonda sends out a
special thank you to their neighbors. “They have been extremely supportive over the last few weeks, from organizing and bringing us homemade dinners to taking our two-yearold out for walks or to play in the creek,” says Rhonda. “A few of them were even ‘on call’ in case I went into labor in the middle of the night!”
AARON JOSEPH WOODLING
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April 8, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
A soggy but satisfying hike to Mt. Diablo’s falls JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
At 9 a.m. on March 19, the skies opened up and torrential rains soaked Clayton’s streets and trails. But the wind and rain didn’t dampen the spirits of ten dedicated hikers who made a commitment to Clayton Pioneer’s avid outdoorsman, Kevin Parker, to hike to the falls under his expert guidance…. rain or shine. The ten of us met at Regency Gate at the end of Mountaire Parkway and prepared for a rough road ahead. We hiked for about 30 minutes before the skies started to clear, and we were happy to strip off the wet stuff and dry out. Kevin led us off the fire road and into the hills, which took us across rocky creeks, past raging falls, up steep ravines,
and down narrow trails. We admired spectacular vistas, unusual flowers and picture-perfect green hills. We dodged poison oak, which threatened us at every turn, and we climbed and climbed to about 1500 feet elevation. Whenever Kevin suggested we stop for a water break, we knew some steep climbing was coming our way. We groaned when a sharp turn
revealed another incline and we cheered when it was downhill for a spell. We marched single file on most trails, but still managed to chat along the way and learn just a little bit about each other’s lives. All in all, we hiked a fivemile loop in three hours and returned safe and sound, albeit a little muddy and tired. If the rain kept you from joining us
for this incredible docent-led hike to the falls, you might want to give it a try with some friends. As Kevin advises, don’t forget water, a snack and some good outdoor gear (no cotton
please, some of us found that out a little too late). We might even get Kevin back to lead yet
another stellar hike. Perhaps Mother Nature will be a tad kinder for that one.
Trailhead: End of Regency Drive or Mountaire Parkway Distance: 5.0 miles +/Time: 3.0 hours Elevation Gain: 1500 feet +/Difficulty: Strenuous Poison Oak Factor: Green Alert: on every step of the trail HERE ARE THE TRAILS WE HIKED: Donner Canyon Road (from the trailhead) Left on Hetherington Loop (bypass trail – marked in red), which hooks back up with Donner Canyon Road Right on Meridian Ridge Road, immediate left onto Middle Trail. Left on Falls Trail which connects to Olympia Trail. Right on Olympia Trail, left on Wasserman Trail (second area marked in red) Wasserman Trail connects to Bruce Lee, which drops you back to Donner Canyon Road and back to the trailhead. Confused? Tell everyone to consult a map.
KEVIN PARKER pointing out Clayton landmarks
DEBBIE KEMPER navigates slippery rocks Photos by Jill Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer
NANCY CORBIN wet and ready to hike.
HIKERS AT MIDWAY POINT. Back row from left: Steve Schendel, Mitch Schiatters, Kevin Parker, John Keortge, front row from left: Debby Kemper, Nancy Corbin, Mary Jo Keortge, Gina Begor-Jennings and Carolyn Langford.
Kevin Parker/Clayton Pioneer
KEVIN
CHECKS MAP
in the downpour before the hike began
HEADING
JILL BEDECARRÉ shows off the first view of the falls
BACK ON THE TRAIL
to complete the Falls Loop Hike as the rain begins again
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PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
138 Inverness Way 5022 Raven Way 122 Gold Rush Court 1234 Buckeye Terrace 8020 Kelok Way 432 Mt. Sequoia Ct 148 Joscolo View 14 London Court 39 Jalalon Place 1363 Shell Lane 1371 Shell Lane
$1,010,000 $792,000 $685,000 $640,000 $898,000 $805,000 $799,988 $715,000 $630,000 $530,000 $520,000
03/25/05 03/24/05 03/22/05 03/22/05 03/18/05 03/16/05 03/11/05 03/08/05 03/08/05 03/04/05 03/01/05
3,030 2,467 1,889 1,639 2,542 2,325 2,467 2,324 1,749 1,355 1,355
BED/BATH
4/3 4/3 3/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 4/2 4/3 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
43 La Canada Court 1539 N. Atchison Stge Rd 4141 Leon Drive 51 Karkin Place 335 Mt. Washington Way 5225 Keller Ridge Drive 312 Ahwanee Lane 6022 Golden Eagle Way 973 Oak Street 202 Prospector Place 3032 Windmill Canyon
$825,000 $810,000 $1,500,000 $605,000 $750,000 $969,000 $1,061,700 $649,000 $675,000 $720,000 $699,000
02/24/05 02/16/05 02/14/05 02/11/05 02/10/05 02/08/05 02/03/05 01/28/05 01/21/05 01/19/05 01/07/05
2,857 2,300 3,365 1,904 1,919 2,894 3,000 1,816 2,175 2,171 1,877
BED/BATH
5/3 4/2.5 3/3.5 3/2.5 4/2 3/3 4/2.5 3/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
5478 Tara Drive 242 Stranahan Circle 35 Jalalon Place 1409 Indianhead Way 110 Crow Place 227 Bigelow Street 5711 Verna Way 315 Diablo Street 7028 Molluk Way 3017 Windmill Canyon Dr 3401 Coyote Circle
$583,000 $575,000 $589,000 $505,000 $720,000 $600,000 $594,000 $720,000 $650,000 $790,000 $500,000
01/07/05 01/05/05 01/04/05 12/23/04 12/22/04 12/21/04 12/17/04 12/15/04 12/15/04 12/14/04 12/09/04
1,739 1,663 1,355 1,355 2,053 1,794 1,338 2,300 1,835 2,313 1,554
All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed
BED/BATH
4/3 2/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2 3/2.5 3/1 4/3 3/2 4/2.5 3/2.5
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
April 8, 2005
Gardner back from India after fact finding mission JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
When Clayton resident Major Pam Gardner began her journey to India on February 18 with colleague Sarah Bentley, she didn’t know what to expect. She was originally commissioned by the Salvation Army to tour India to see first hand the work that the Army has been doing for more than 100 years. It was a fact-finding mission. Pam would visit schools, hospitals and hostels to assess any needs, and then orchestrate fundraising efforts in her own Army division here in the United States. The day after Christmas the tsunami hit, forcing the Salvation Army in India to do what they do best—emergency rescue and relief. And so Pam’s journey took on another dimension…to witness not only what the Army has been doing in the past century but to experience the extent of their relief efforts for tsunami victims. Pam recently returned from
Photo courtesy of Pam Gardner
DECEMBER’S TSUNAMI swept away hundreds of women and children from this water hole in Muttom as they bathed and washed clothes.
her two-week trip with information, visual images that still stun her and a renewed energy to help the Army’s efforts in India with her own fundraising campaign from her church and Army facility on Clayton Road in Concord. “It was a physically and emotionally exhausting trip, “ she says. Her first reaction was to the lifestyle of India’s people. “I was so taken by the sights, sounds
Photo courtesy of Pam Gardner
BOYS
ARE
accustomed to sleeping on a cement floor in an Army hostel.
and smells,” she says. She constantly refers to the drastic contrasts in everyday life, sometimes side-by-side in the same city. Pam talks about leaving a beautiful botanical garden in Ooty, only to come across an odorous water ditch filled with trash and debris. She talks about a hut barely standing next to a substantial building, and water holes with women washing themselves, their laundry and their vegetables. Traveling on roads was also treacherous trying to dodge cows, other animals and pedestrians.” You always had to be careful where you walked,” she adds referring to a young boy relieving himself on the street as they were driving by. It was when she visited the boys’ hostel in Nagercoil run by the Salvation Army and saw the condition of the building and the meager supplies, that she decided to devote her fundraising efforts to improve education at the hostels when she returned to the states. Pam also learned that the Army was able to support a boy’s
See India, page 9
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April 8, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Mayor, from page 1 walk the town’s streets and trails. It’s springtime in California and we can have it all. It’s possible to ski in the morning at Tahoe and at sunset surf at Santa Cruz. But I, however, prefer to stay home and enjoy Clayton’s landscaping and flowers. The hills all around us are green and alive. The daytime high temperatures are in the mid seventies. Flowers are everywhere. I like the daffodils planted on the bridge to the Keller House and those around the Clayton sign as you pass the library heading toward the fire station on Clayton Road. The California Poppies in the garden at the Clayton Museum are in full bloom. Don and Peggy Arundell started and tend the garden. It’s a lot of work to care for a garden but the rewards are there. If your house is along one of Clayton’s many trails, walkers often enjoy your backyard gardening efforts at this time of year. We can really see the city’s magnificence when we walk our trail system and cross and re-cross the city creeks and streams. Our area is alive with flowers, butterflies and birds. I love the blue Bearded Iris along the Bruce Lee Trail. LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT PRESENTATION ON APRIL 9 When the business license issue is behind us, we will have to come to grips with the Landscape Maintenance District. The Blue Ribbon Committee is currently in a public education phase, making presentations to community groups. The AAUW is sponsoring their first presentation, which will cover the history of the current Maintenance District, what needs to be done and how a District revival can be accomplished. The public is invited and encouraged to attend on April 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the
Library Meeting Room. If your organization would like the Committee to make a presentation, contact me at City Hall, 673-7316. I believe one of the objectives of the new Landscape Maintenance District should be to provide for the cost of the annual maintenance of the proposed downtown park. Construction of the “Grove” Park has been delayed because the City does not have a source of maintenance funds. The new Landscape Maintenance District should be that source. As I walk around Clayton I can’t help but appreciate the city’s landscape maintenance crew. They’ve just finished their work on the city’s medians. This small crew does an outstanding job. Anyone looking at the enormous area they maintain would be amazed at how few of them there are. Implementation of the Blue Ribbon Committee’s recommendations is the way to increase the crew size, replace the dead and dying plant material and have the “spring” look year round. The Landscape Maintenance District provides the funds for the work crews and all they do. VANDALISM IS INCREASING Sadly, while many of us enjoy the beauty of the city, there are those who seem bent on destroying what we have created. I see the results of vandalism everyday and it seems to be a growing problem. Like most problems in our city it is caused by our neighbors and condoned by anyone who does not report it when they see it. I will address this issue in depth in a future column. For now enjoy the mild spring weather because before you know it the forecast will have temperatures in the 100 to 110 degree range.
Directory of Advertisers P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Co-Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor J ILL B EDECARRÉ , Assistant Editor and Display Advertising J IM Z EWAN , Sports P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.
Classified HELP WANTED OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB. Full time landscaper/maintenance worker (1), part time morning and evening restaurant servers (2), morning and evening banquet servers (2), morning fitness employee (1). Flexible hours and golf privileges. Fax resume to (925) 672-0148, or e-mail gm@oakhurstcc.com; or apply in person at 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. FOR RENT VILLAGE OAKS BUILDING, corner of Center St. and Marsh Creek Rd. in downtown Clayton. 4500 sq. ft on the corner of the building, and 1150 sq. ft. on the parkinglot. Both spaces are on the ground floor. Will consider dividing the larger space. Good possibilities would be a coffee shop/bakery, dry cleaners drop off or bank. Call Stephen Coates, Coates and Sowards, 408-371-8770. LOST OF PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES on the waterfall trail
PAIR
while hiking on Mt. Diablo on March 13th. If found please call Caren at 672-0140.
SERVICES PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN BY N ICOLE H ACKETT AKA THE GARDEN GIRL Personal consultations regarding plant choices, placement, identification, fertilizing and maintenance. Spring is just around the corner. Call or email for information and pricing. 925 673-1746 (leave message) or GardenGirl94517@ aol.com. PERSONAL DUANE, I would love to hear from you. Barbara Bond (now Gilpin) 623-584-2195 in Sun City, West, AZ.
HOW TO PLACE AN AD Go to our Web site, claytonpioneer.com. Click on the Classified Advertising tab on the left side of the page. Complete the form to submit your ad. Mail a check for the number of insertions to P.O. Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. Or, call the Clayton Pioneer, 925-672-0500 to place your ad over the phone. Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. Classified deadline dates are printed above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. We reserve the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. All classified ads must be paid for in advance.
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 Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.
925-941-1536
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages 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.” You can also e-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com
A Clayton Window Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .924-1049 Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 Art & Wine Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2272 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6622 Benton, Mureleen - American Express . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 BJ's Groom & Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550-5626 CCR Insurance and Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6324 Clarissa Bridal Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .930-0214 Clark Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5890 Clayton Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Mind & Body Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clip n' Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-9355 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9530 Consignment Treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7123 Crocker Insurance Agency - Sam Totah . . . . . . . . . . .941-1536 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . .524-5100 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 ESI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-1477 Ewing, Ken - Painting Contractor and Decorator . . . .586-1882 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Gregory, Cynthia - Permanent Solution . . . . . . . . . . .286-5162 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 Jazzercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7025 Joanna's Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8911 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 LaMar Information Technology Services . . . . . . . . . . .459-5606 Landman Consulting Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8817 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 Law Office of Richard Littorno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lerner Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-1130 Mavericks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Miller, Thomas C.P.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354-1385 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . .280-8563 Mountain Mike's Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4965 Northgate Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-8711 Northshore Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .439-3333 Oakhurst County Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pasta Primavera Café & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-5300 Pro Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3776 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Residential Pacific Mortgage - Alden Foster . .1-800-963-1082 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Sellers, Nicole - Diablo Funding . . . . . . . . . . . .227-0100 x 128 Skip's Happy Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9433 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 Team Power Tractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .443-7600 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Truesdell, Lisa - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . .686-4747 Unique Hair & Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-7278 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Intero Real Estate Services . . . .672-4333 Velocity Sports Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363-0066 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . .672-4433 Walcutt, Bill - Prudential Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-5535 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Wine Thieves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4003 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700
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Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
April 8, 2005
Selling your home in the spring market The spring home buying season is fast approaching. If you’re planning on making a move this year, don’t wait until the last minute to put your plans in motion. For most homeowners, the time to start getting ready to sell is months before your home goes on the market. The first step is to determine if you are psychologically ready to make the move. Have you decided that your home definitely doesn’t fit into your current lifestyle? Perhaps your home is too big, or too small, or too expensive, or too much work. Or maybe you’ve had a job transfer and your home is no longer in the right location. In any case, you need to be willing to let go and move on to something else. If you aren’t prepared to make the move, wait until you are. Moving is difficult under the best of circumstances. It will be a lot easier on you and your family if you are mentally committed to the task. Home prices have risen dramatically over the past few years. Some homeowners may
particularly foolhardy if later you decide that you’re serious about selling. At that point, you may have to drastically reduce your price to attract buyers. You’re better off waiting to put your home on the market until you’re truly motivated to sell at fair market value, whatever that price might be. After you’ve made the decision to sell, the next step is to find a real estate agent to work with. At the same time, you should start preparing your home for sale. There are many ways to find a good agent if you don’t already have one. Friends and colleagues whose opinions you trust are your best source. Ask for referrals from acquaintances that sold a home recently. Be sure to ask if they would use the agent again. Some homeowners like to interview three agents for a basis of comparison, although this is a guideline, not a rule. You should talk to as many agents as you need to until you find a trustworthy, experienced
agent with whom you have good rapport. Your agent can provide you with a wealth of information. He or she can determine the likely selling price range for your home and suggest the best listing price strategy for current market conditions. Work with a listing agent who has expertise in helping sellers properly prepare their homes for sale. Unless your home looks like a model home, you’ll probably need to do some preparation to get your home into showing shape. Ask your agent for a list of fix-up for sale projects to complete before marketing your home to prospective buyers. In some cases, it can take months to get the work done. That’s why it’s wise to start early. It’s usually not a good idea to show your home to anyone, except your agent, until all the sprucing is done. For any real estate needs or questions contact Lynne at: Phone (925) 6728787 or E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com
Unfortunately, the paved area is significantly larger (than this easement) and covers everything BUT the easement area! value due to the now ugly view. We called the city of Clayton I have checked the property Engineer, (Rick Angrisani) and he was not aware of any work being done. He came out and talked to the work crew, and then told us that this work was being done because the sewer maintenance truck gets stuck in Gaylene Bradbury points to open space area paved over by City of Concord to Clayton Pioneer reporter. the mud, and that this truck line maps and they show a 15 comes every week. We have foot easement for the sewer lived at this residence for over line (along our fence line). seven years, and can attest that
the sewer maintenance truck does not come every week. It does not even come every month. The only time is has been “stuck” that we are aware of is once during this past winter. I would like to (know) how this mess can be cleaned up while still allowing stable access for the maintenance crew.
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE
be thinking it would be nice to lock in profits by selling now before prices soften. The expected selling price is certainly a consideration when you’re deciding whether or not to make a move. But this shouldn’t be your only motivation for selling. Sellers whose only reason for selling is to maximize profit are prone to over-pricing. Overpriced listings usually don’t sell. If you’re only willing to sell if you get an over-inflated price for your home, you’ll probably waste time marketing your home to no avail. This can be
Letter to the Editor City of Concord paves over Clayton open space along trail I live in the City of Clayton at 759 Bloching Circle. There is a sewer line and easement behind my house that is maintained by the city of Concord. The area behind my house is a City of Clayton open space, and, until two weeks ago, had been a beautiful meadow view. On March 18, City of Concord crews arrived and paved over a large portion of this open space. I am concerned about the needless damage this has done to the open space, and the loss of property
Steven C. Bradbury At press time, the City of Concord had not responded to calls from the Clayton City Engineer, Rick Angrisani. When Mr. Bradbury called the City of Concord he was told that he needed to speak to Bruce Good, City of Concord’s Manager of Infrastructure Maintenance. Mr. Good was reportedly on vacation. The Bradbury’s are awaiting a response. We will continue to report events as they unfold.
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Calling all CVHS auto shop students On Saturday, June 18, there will be a special Retirement Bash and goodbye celebration for Bob Harvey who leaves his auto shop teaching position at Clayton Valley High School after 39 years. Bob’s wife, Nell is hoping that current and former
students join in the celebration as a tribute to her husband’s long-term commitment to Auto Shop at Clayton Valley. The event will include a Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show from noon to 3 p.m. with a $500 first place prize sponsored by Mike’s
Collyer, from page 1 mentoring and guiding teenagers. “Kids need to know how to apply their beliefs to the world today so that they make sense,” she explains. She asks teens to ask themselves three questions before making any big decision. First, “how will this choice that I’m making impact how I view myself ?” Then, “how will it impact my family and friends?” And finally, “how will this choice affect the way that God sees me?” “If the kids are at a party, or behind the wheel of a car and tempted to race and they can answer all three questions in a way that is comfortable to them,” Collyer explains, “then they’ll make a good choice.” Getting the kids out into the real world is one of Collyer’s major objectives. Once a month, she takes a group of teens to the St. Anthony Foundation in San Francisco. The Foundation provides a variety of services to a large homeless population. After an initial presentation on the issues around homelessness, the teens serve meals in the dining room for a couple of hours. After the meal, they sit at the table with the people they have served for some one on one conversation. “It puts a face on the problem,” said Collyer.
Last summer, in addition to the monthly visits, Collyer and ten of the teens spent a week living at the Foundation’s shelter and working with the elderly, the shut-ins and children in an intensive “hands-on” volunteering experience. When Collyer took the phone call from the Human Relations Commission telling her that she had been selected for the Humanitarian Award, she didn’t believe them. “I was blown
Auto Body. The daylong activities will also feature a dinner at 4 p.m., Roast Harvey Time at 6 p.m. followed by music and dancing. It all takes place at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch. Tickets are $12 per person. There are special group
rates available at the Ramada Inn in Antioch for those coming from out of the area. For more information on the Car Show call Ragen Rose at 925-673-5697, and for the dinner call Nell Harvey at 925-439-7896 or email bnharvey@comcast.net.
away,” she says. “I thought they had the wrong number.” Not one to seek the spotlight, She is very humbled by the honor. “I feel undeserving,” she said. “There are so many people that do so much more than I do.” Collyer’s future plans include writing and speaking. “I have two books that need to be written and I’d like to do more public speaking,” she said. But, for now, she is happy doing what she’s doing. Collyer lives in Clayton with her husband Dick, daughter Shannon, a senior at Carondelet High School and son, Danny, a
sophomore at De LaSalle High School. An older son, David, is employed as a carpenter. Shannon Collyer was also honored Monday with a $500 scholarship. Shannon was recognized for her community service work and for extraordinary efforts at Carondelet where she has served as social justice coordinator and a peer counselor.
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April 8, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
This humble soybean paste is the essence of Japanese cooking
Glasbergen Chuckles
times barley and millet, but seldom wheat) are added, along with an inoculation of mold. This first fermentation stage results in “koji,” which is then mixed with a considerable amount of salt and water and placed in wooden vats. The mixture then ages for months — even years. The resulting miso is classified much like wine — by its color, flavor, aroma and texture. Shinshu, or red miso, is the most common form. White miso is the sweetest and is commonly used in light colored soups and salad dressings. Hatcho miso is one of the longest-aged misos and tends to be a bit chunky — it is best used to flavor hearty soups. Miso is quintessentially a Japanese condiment, but it has deep roots in Chinese and Korean cuisine. Some 2,000 years ago, “jiang” sauces (similar to modern-day hoisin) were being developed throughout China. Buddhist priests brought soybean jiang to Japan during the T’ang Dynasty some 1,500 years ago. As jiang evolved into miso paste, inex-
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When I’m some distance from the office and won’t get home in time for dinner, I’m apt to find a Japanese restaurant where I order up a tempura shrimp and vegetable dinner. In every instance, the meal is preceded by a cup of miso soup. I’ve never really understood what miso is, so I thought I would investigate it. Wow! I had no idea of the cultural and culinary significance of miso. In short, miso is a fermented soybean paste that is widely used as a seasoning in Japanese cuisine. It is savory and salty, sometimes nutty, malty or even sweet. It is an extraordinary source of protein — about 30 percent. Equipment and expertise are required to make miso. Steamed or boiled soybeans are placed in a large bin or vat. Grains (principally rice, some-
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pensive but nutritious soups were prepared for monks and the workers building temples. When the samurai overturned the ruling aristocracy in Kyoto 800 years ago, Buddhist eating habits of simple, subtly flavored meals became the standard diet of Japan. Miso was also a soldier’s food, since it is long lasting, inexpensive and nutritious. We s t e r n e r s were introduced to miso in the mid1500s, but it took 400 years for macrobiotic diets to firmly entrench the paste in European and American markets. Miso is a natural source of digestive enzymes and bacteria. Coupled with brown rice and cooked vegetables, miso fueled the natural food boom in the ‘70s that continues today. Miso is considered a “yang,” food with intrinsic healing, almost medicinal properties. Nutritionists and medical researchers attribute miso to a whole host of benefits to the body. It contains alkaloids and acids that help cleanse the body of environmental pollutants. It has been credited with lowering cholesterol, aiding digestion and preventing heart disease. Some researchers even claim it can neutralize radioactivity; residents around Three Mile Island and Chernobyl were urged to include miso in their diets based on the experience of Japanese survivors of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in World War II. Around 80 percent of the miso consumed in Japan is in the form of soup, but it is also used in pickling vegetables, a marinade for fish and a base for salad dressing and a sauce for tofu. In the West, miso is generally a lunch or dinner item, but in soup form it is also a breakfast dish in Japan. Miso soup is generally a simple preparation of a fish or seaweed broth with a tablespoon of miso and a sprinkling of green onions. In my view, it’s better with a lot of vegetables. Just about any veggies will do, but here’s one example:
MISO SOUP 4 c water 1 tsp sesame oil 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp minced or grated fresh ginger 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
MISO SOUP
4 mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 leek, white part only, thinly sliced ½ c Nappa or regular cabbage, finely shredded ½ c green beans, thinly sliced Bring the ingredients to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Add 2 Tbsp miso, dissolved in ¼-½ c hot water and garnish with 2 green onions, including tops, sliced. MISO SALAD DRESSING 2 Tbsp miso ½ c water 3-4 Tbsp olive or canola oil 2 Tbsp rice or white balsamic vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard Dissolve miso in the water and whisk in remaining ingredients. Serve over fresh, raw lettuces and vegetables. To learn more about miso, you might like to visit The Soyfoods Center Web site at www.thesoydailyclub.com. Founders William Shurtleff and Akiko Aoyagi of Lafayette have devoted more than 20 years to the advancement of soy-based foods, including miso. Linda Wyner is an attorney in Walnut Creek by day, and an accomplished chef and “foodie” by choice. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Upcoming Events LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE Here is your chance to stock up on books to read on those lazy summer days. The Clayton Community Library Foundation (CCLF) Spring Used Book Sale will be in the Community Room of the Clayton Community Library on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday, April 17 from noon to 4 p.m. We have a $2 a bag special from 3-4PM. This is the time to pick up those books you wanted to read, but never got around to buying. Most books sell for $1. “Special Books,” suitable for gift giving, are priced individually. Member’s Only preview is on Friday, April 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. You can join at the door
for $10 for an individual membership or $15 for the family. The used book sale is CCLF’s major fundraiser, bringing in between $12,000 and $13,000 each year with membership dues being the other major source of income. The Foundation gives a minimum of $25,000 each year to the library for materials, programs, furniture and volunteer services. Over the past three years there have been significant cuts in the materials budget for the Clayton Community Library. The Foundation encourages everyone to donate used books, especially recent publications. Many good quality donations find themselves on the library’s shelves. In 2004 the Foundation
placed $30,000 worth of donated books into the collection. Donated books that the library cannot use are offered at the next used book sale. CLAYTON CLEANS UP Grab your sunscreen and head for town on April 23. Meet at City Hall at 9 a.m. to pick up maps, gloves and garbage bags. Then walk the streets and trails of Clayton to pick up trash. When your bags are full leave them at a trailhead or street corner and a truck will be by to pick them up. Volunteers will be rewarded with a BBQ lunch at City Hall. This is a great opportunity to make your hometown shine and a good community service project for families or groups like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, school groups, church groups,
Rotary, CBCA, Garden Club and sports leagues or teams. Last year, about 120 Claytonians scrubbed Clayton ‘til she sparkled. To sign up your group, call Dana Deely at 672-8645. ART AND WINE FESTIVAL Believe it or not, it’s that time again. The annual CBCA Art and Wine Festival is the weekend of April 30-May 1. Art and Wine . . . when the streets of Clayton are lined with artisans and the air rings with the continuous music of live bands. Try some of the area’s best premium wines and beers and eat yourself silly in the Food Court. Get a jump on your Christmas shopping with unique, one of a kind gifts for everyone on your list. Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WILL CLANEY TECH TALK April is a taxing month - one of those frustrating moments we must live with. The IRS gets to tax your income, but Microsoft gets to tax your patience with the latest software requirement. This year Microsoft’s Service Pack 2 (SP2) gets to tax your computer’s operating system with a challenge. Microsoft has been planning a mandatory rollout of its security update, SP-2, since last year. It was delayed to give businesses time to comply, but now the deadline is approaching. If you’re not prepared for this forced download, it could overtax your computer and shut it down, just when you need it most. The day of reckoning, April 12, is approaching and that’s the day SP-2 will become a mandatory upgrade. Until now, if you didn’t want SP-2 or weren’t ready for it, you could opt out, but not anymore. Computers that have never had a service pack upgrade or are using SP-1 are the ones targeted by this requirement. According to Ina Fried at CNET News.com, “Microsoft is alerting customers that it will soon start delivering Windows XP Service Pack 2 to all customers using Automatic Update, whether they want it or not.” According to Microsoft, “Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP-2) contains major security improvements designed to provide better protection against hackers, viruses and worms.” This upgrade is needed to protect the integrity of the Internet. “Windows XP SP2 also improves the manageability of the security features in Windows XP and provides more and better information to
ing, business and personal data on a removable device such as a floppy, zip or removable hard drive. Removable hard drives use your USB port and are commonplace these days. Hard drive prices range from just over a $100 to just over $200 for larger capacity and speed. Be sure your antivirus soft-
“Microsoft is alerting customers that it will soon start delivering Windows XP Service Pack 2 to all customers using Automatic Update, whether they want it or not.” Ina Fried, CNET News.com ware is up to date. If you have a virus, you’re in trouble with the SP-2 upgrade. Antivirus software more than two years old is “old” and unusable. For example, if you have Norton 2002, it’s old even if you have downloaded “patches” and current antivirus files. Older versions will crash the SP-2 upgrade, and online versions like AOL are useless. Purchase a retail version, remove previous versions, install and update your retail version. Then, scan your hard drive and remove any viruses found. To have a successful upgrade to SP-2, you must be free of
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malware like spy ware, hijackers, LSPs, ad ware, key loggers, etc., as these may interfere with the upgrade and cause your computer to crash during the upgrade procedure. You’ll need a DSL or cable broadband data pipe to save time when upgrading. SP-2 files are very large. If you’re on dialup you still can get the upgrade, but it will take several hours to download. Set your computer to automatically update. Other considerations vary based on your specific computer. Laptops are in particular peril with speed step problems using Intel chipsets. If you have a “bargain basement” PC like an E-machine or a computer from a department store you may have BIOS problems, Firewire failure and RAM issues. Internet connections using a satellite service or services with “proxy” connections will fail and need resetting. Computers built by CUSA and CUSA under the Diablo Computer brand should upgrade easily, providing there is no virus or malware. The tax man may take your money and SP-2 may drive you crazy, but the upgrade doesn’t have to bring your computer to a halt. It’s all a matter of planning. If you do crash, however, seek the advice of a city business and state licensed BEAR (Bureau of Electronic & Appliance Repair) professional.
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April, taxes and SP-2 help users make decisions that may potentially affect their security and privacy. Because of these significant improvements, Microsoft views Windows XP SP2 as an essential security update and is therefore distributing it as a ‘critical update,’” according CNET. According to Andrew Stuart, chief technician at ComputersUSA! in Clayton, “SP-2 is a great product enhancing the usability and security of Windows XP Home and Professional operating systems, but there can be problems when installing it. It could actually make your computer quit working.” Anyone who hasn’t already installed SP-2 may be in for an awakening just two to three days before tax deadline. Is there a hero? Is there a solution? Is there a nerd in the house? The forced implementation was delayed last year. “In response to requests from businesses, Microsoft last year released a tool that allowed companies to continue using the automatic update feature but temporarily block the securityoriented update from downloading. However, the grace period comes to an end on April 12. Microsoft has posted a warning on its Web site, alerting people about the impending deadline,” CNET reported. In a statement, Microsoft said it is sticking to that schedule. Be prepared for the worst by backing up important data. Start by backing up all your account-
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 9
Manage your operating cash flow Why do so many businesses fail, and what can I do to increase my chances of long-term success? PART II My March 11 article covered inadequate capitalization – not enough money invested in the business — as the most prevalent cause of business failure. Now let’s talk about the second most prevalent cause of business failure — inadequate operating cash flow management. Take the following situation: Your company is growing and operating profitably. But, even though you adequately capitalized the company early on, now you always seem to be tight on cash. Somehow, even though you
are growing and profitable, cash seems to be going out faster than it is coming in. So what’s wrong? The description above characterizes many growing and profitable companies that focus all their management attention on income/profits and very little on cash flow. Let me give you an example. A company owner has been offered a significant reduction in price (15 percent) if he buys an extra amount of inventory from his largest supplier and pays for it in 45 days, 15 days longer than the vendor’s usual terms. This sounds like a very good deal, and the owner accepts. He orders two times his normal three-month supply and then expects to resell it to his customers at a higher than normal profit margin. And, he is in
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fact totally correct but has inadvertently, at the same time, created a major cash flow problem for himself and his company. Let’s see what is really going to happen. From a pure profit point of view, when the entire inventory is sold, the profit margin will be 15 percent higher than usual. But from a cash flow point of view there is a large problem. The company paid for six months worth of inventory in 45 days but will not sell it all off until 180 days (six months) later. If we assume that the inventory sells evenly each month, the average holding period for the inventory will be 90 days — twice the amount of time allowed to pay for it. And, since this business sells its products on 30-day payment terms to its customers, it will actually need, on average, 120 days to collect all the money. His vendor has been paid early on and the profit margins on this inventory sale will be up 15 percent from the norm. However,
the company will need considerable extra cash for the time period needed to carry the extra inventory until it is sold and the accounts receivable collection period is completed. This apparently very attractive and profitable deal will put the company into a cash flow crunch for as much as a four month period. And, unless the company finds additional financing and/or new cash sources, it could face an inability to pay employees and other costs. The moral of all this is that profits are good, but cash flow is better. You cannot pay employees or anyone else with profits. Bills can only be paid with cash. And what may on the surface seem to be a very attractive business deal can in fact be a cash flow problem. SO WHAT ARE WE TO DO? Let’s assume your company already does forecasts of its future periods, prepares an annu-
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al profit plan and sets up spending budgets. Along with that, in order to prevent very unpleasant surprises due to an unexpected lack of cash flow to pay bills, every owner should also prepare cash flow forecasts, budgets and annual plans. This will accomplish a number of things. First, your cash needs will be identified early enough to do something about any shortfall. With a solid forecast of cash needs that are driven by seasonal or cyclical activity or are shortterm, you can approach your local lender with a logical and clear plan outlining your needs and showing your ability to repay whatever you borrow when the cycle reverses. Second, if your cash flow plan shows a longer-term need, you are then armed with the data to consider various forms of longer-term financing. And the more you understand both the needs and the ultimate returns and your ability and timing to repay, the more you can model and demonstrate the data and the more likely you are to attract the financing you need.
Sid Landman is a Clayton based consultant to small business and president of Landman Consulting Group. He can be reached at 925673-8817 or by email at sid@landmanconsulting.com
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Third, your cash flow plan will also show you areas where you can take actions yourself to change your cash flow needs for the better. For example, if the upcoming period requires considerable capital expenditures, purchases of equipment, autos or other items that are straining your cash flow, you can modify the way you acquire these items. You might be able to lease what you need, rent it, get an equipment related loan or negotiate longer terms or financing from the equipment vendor. The benefit you have is that you have a good picture of what will happen long before is occurs, and you can plan, act and change and avoid cash problems. As important as forecasting sales, expenses and profits to give you a financial roadmap, forecasting your cash flow is even more critical. What appeared to be very successful businesses to their owners can become major survival problems because they did not manage their cash flow or understand what it would be now and in the future. And this lack of cash flow management or understanding of operating cash flow trends is the second largest reason many businesses fail when they should have succeeded. A little more attention to measuring business actions against the impact on cash flow can pay huge dividends in increasing the success of your business.
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education only until he reached a certain age. If the family couldn’t afford to pay, the boy was dismissed from the school hostel. “They had to let go 90 boys,” she said. Pam decided to support four hostels in all, including the Noble Memorial Boys’ Hostel in Valliyoor, the Tucker Girls’ Hostel in Nagercoil and another Girls’ Hostel in Thuckalay. It takes about $20 a month to support a child in one of these hostels and Pam hopes to raise approximately $29,000 to provide funds for 60 students for two years. “You can’t just support a child for a few months,” she added. “Our money goes so far here (in India).” Pam was also taken with a handicapped girls hostel in her travels and decided to use the $50 raised by the children at her Concord church to buy bedding for the girls who were accustomed to sleeping on a hard metal surface. Pam’s journey also led her to witness scenes of the tsunami devastation and hear heartbreaking stories of lives lost and saved. She visited a water hole in Muttom where she learned that hundreds of women and children were swept away as they did their
laundry and bathed themselves. She listened to a story from her taxi driver in Coonnor who learned that his entire family was swept away as they went to Church that morning. And then there are the empty fishing boats that stay motionless on shore because the fishermen won’t return to their livelihood until everyone is able to work. “It’s partly the fear, but it’s also the sense of community,” Pam says. The first leg of Pam’s India journey took her to Coonnor where she partnered with Dick Davenport, an Army soldier from southern California who was on his fifth trip to India. He was conducting a weeklong workshop for Army officers instructing them on basic maintenance techniques for their individual compounds throughout India. “He comes here on his own and brings money that he raised to help with the Army’s efforts.” If you would like to help with Pamela Gardner’s fundraising efforts for the Army’s school hostels in India, you can contact her at the Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA 94521 or by calling (925) 676-6180.
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HOW TO LOWER YOUR MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENT Free Recorded Message reveals “How to cash in on lower interest rates.” 1-925-227-1064 ext. 120 Special - Could you be overpaying on your mortgage and not even know it? Many homeowners are finding that it’s just not worth it to keep on paying thousands in interest every month instead of knowing exactly what they could be paying by refinancing now while interest rates are low. This informative FREE recorded message will answer a lot of the questions you have about refinancing and give you information about a FREE Refinance Home Loan Finder Service that shows you:
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Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
April 8, 2005
Clayton Sports
CVHS Varsity swim team undefeated in BVAL league JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer
CVHS Varsity Swim Team hopes to defend their BVAL championship title this season.
Sports Shorts DVSC BLACK PEARL SUPER Y-LEAGUE U14-U18: Players interested in playing for Diablo Valley Soccer Club Black Pearl U14-U18 Super Y-League teams for 05-06 season, call (925) 229-DVSC or email dvsctryouts@aol.com to get evaluated. Boys and girls born between Aug.1, 1987 and Jul. 31, 1992 are invited to participate in the Bay Area’s most comprehensive elite player-training program, which focuses on individual player development and college preparation. DVSC professional coaching staff includes coaches with World Cup, MLS, WUSA, and Olympic, international, pro and collegiate playing experience. To register, or for more information, go to www.dvsc.com. U15-U16: Boys interested in playing for DVSC Black U15 and
U16 Class 1 teams for 05-06 season, call (925) 229DVSC or email dvsctryouts@aol.com to get evaluated. Boys born between Aug. 1, 1989 and Jul. 31, 1991 are invited to the evaluations. U10-U14: Additional evaluation of players for Diablo Valley Soccer Club U10 through U14 Class 1 and Class 3 boys and girls competitive teams will be in the next two weeks in Concord. Boys and girls born between Aug. 1, 1991 and Jul. 31, 1997 are encouraged to register online at www.dvsc.com or call 925-229-DVSC to schedule a no cost or obligation player evaluation with the DVSC professional coaching staff.
from Apr. 11 through Apr. 25, Mon., Wed. and Thurs. each week at the Dana Hills pool in Clayton. The clinics will be for all ages (418). The clinics which are open to all recreational swimmers, (Dana Hills and non-Dana Hills), will focus on teaching correct swimming form and techniques. Swimmers can commit to either a weekly or daily basis. Cost per swimmer is $15 per day or $40 for an entire 3-session week. Contact Coach Matt at 925-451-4687 for more information.
Jul. 1 at Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. Herc Pardi is the Camp Director and Jerry Coakley is the Assistant Camp Director. Instruction by the CVHS coaching staff. Camp practice Times: 9a.m.2 p.m., daily. Fees: $125 plus $75 deposit for equipment rental. Fee includes: Practice jersey, awards, evaluation and an on-site trainer. Phone: 925-682-7474 x 3115. Applications are available at Ed’s Mudville Grill, Mavericks and in the CVHS Office
CV YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP Outstanding instruction for boys entering Grades 5-9, Jun. 27 –
Got Sports Shorts? Send notices, upcoming events, etc. to sports@claytonpioneer.com
DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM PRE-SEASON SWIM CLINICS
DHST Head Coach Matt Struempf will be conducting a series of weekly swim clinics, which will run successive weeks
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Clayton Valley High School swimming is 4-0 in Bay Valley Athletic League action to date, and the team has its goal set to repeat as BVAL champions. However, the season is not yet over, as two dual league meets remain. The team still will have to swim against Deer Valley on April 21, and then face Liberty, which is also undefeated in the league so far this season, on April 26. Both contests will be CVHS home meets at Concord Community Pool. At press time, Head Coach Matt Chamberlain said the team was heading to Roseville for its annual spring break meet April 1 and 2, and then the varsity squad would be heading to a meet in Mission Viejo the following week. The BVAL Championship Meet will be held May 11 at Concord Community Pool, and North Coast Sectional will be held May 19-21, with the diving competition held at Diablo Valley College and stroke competition at Heather Farms.
So far this season, both the boys and girls teams look strong. Three swimmers already have automatic NCS qualifying times. Lindsey Kiyama and Clayton’s Kala Zeidler both have qualified for NCS in the Women’s 50 Freestyle. On the boys’ side, Sean Reilly has an NCS automatic time in the Men’s 100 Free. Several other CVHS swimmers have NCS consideration times in various strokes, so they also have good chances of going to NCS. Women with NCS consideration times include A. Yung (50 Free); L. Kiyama and K. Zeidler (100 Free); L. Kiyama and A. Yung (200 Free); A. Yung (500 Free); L. Hansen and A. Yung (100 Breast); and A. Yung (100 Fly). On the men’s side, swimmers with NCS consideration times so far include: S. Reilly (50 and 500 Free); S. Reilly and B. Walker (100 Back); and S. Reilly and E. Peterson (100 Fly). A few other local swimmers with times close to NCS consideration include D. Bossenecker and M. Zefeldt.
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April 8, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Clayton Sports CVHS Varsity baseball finishes third in spring break Gordie Classic
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Clayton Valley High School and Livermore High School were again the co-hosts of this year’s Fourth Annual Gordie Classic Baseball Tournament. This tournament was created
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EAGLES CATCHER, SCOTT GORGAN leads his team to third place in the Gordie Classic. resumed on Monday after taking Easter day off. CVHS won their first game Saturday, beating Irvington 4-1. In Monday’s game, CVHS lost a close contest to California 3-2 in extra innings after the California Grizzlies’ lead-off hitter in the bottom of the eighth singled, stole both second and third and came home on an error.
The early season polls seemed to have it right, though. In the consolation game on Tuesday, CVHS beat Alameda by a decisive score of 12-1 to take third place in the tournament. California beat Livermore 9-4 to win the tournament. Contact Jim Zewan sports@claytonpioneer.com
at
Oakhurst’s league starts 2005 season with 22 two-person teams
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to honor the memory of Mike “Gordie” Gordon, a catcher on the Livermore varsity team for two years, who died in 2001 as a result of an illness. The annual tournament is used as a fund-raiser for the Mike Gordon Scholarship Fund, which is set up to award one male and one female senior athlete a $1,500 scholarship. This year’s Gordie Classic included eight teams. Besides Clayton and Livermore, teams from Scotts Valley, Ukiah, Irvington (Fremont), Castro Valley, Alameda and California (Danville) high schools participated. Several of the teams made the North Coast Section playoffs last year. Three of the teams, Clayton Valley, Livermore and California, have been ranked in the top 10 in the early-season prep polls this year, thus continuing this annual event’s reputation as a spring break showcase for some of the top teams in the area to face tough, non-league competition. The games started on Saturday, March 26, and
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The first round of team matches in the Oakhurst 2005 Better Ball League begins this month. This year, 22 two-person teams will compete in a five-match season through the early fall. Post-season playoffs will take place in October and will culminate in a Final Four championship match. The various teams are spread across the Diablo and Miwok divisions, as well as two conferences within each division. All matches will be played on weekends, with the teams
consisting of mixed couples of both men and women. Players on each team will compete at 100 percent of their current NCGA handicap. Points are to be awarded for each match based on the best net scores on the front nine holes, the back nine holes and the overall 18 holes. Added points may also be won from “greenies” scored on each of the par three holes at Oakhurst. Clayton resident Bernie Theobald is the 2005 Oakhurst League Coordinator, and he and his wife, Barbara, also participate. Other Clayton area residents participating this year include Jim Westermeyer, Roger and Sandy Mazza, Bill and Linda Whelan, Gerry and Therese Long, Tom and Sharon DiGrande, Bud and Nancy Hedglen, Rob and Jackie Crabaugh, Tom and
Barbara Keebauch and John (“JD”) and Susan Del’Isola. Play is limited to Oakhurst Country Club members. For more information about the 2005 Better Ball League or Oakhurst membership, call 672-9737.
On Course A hack golfer spends a day at a plush country club, playing golf and enjoying the luxury of a complimentary caddy. Being a hack golfer, he plays poorly all day. Round about the 18th hole, he spots a lake off to the left of the fairway. He looks at the caddy and says, "I've played so poorly all day, I think I'm going to go drown myself in that lake." The caddy looks back at him and says, "I don't think you could keep your head down that long."
Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
April 8, 2005
Quick intervention is a must if your pet bites JULIE BOND
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Probably one of the most frightening experiences for any pet owner is being bitten by one of your own family pets. Being bitten by a strange animal is disconcerting enough, without all of the guilt involved when a canine or feline family member delivers the bite. Most dog bites in the United States are inflicted by the family pet, and the family dog is involved 25 percent to 33 percent of the time. An astounding 85 percent of bites occur in an owner’s own home, with male dogs being responsible for more bites than females. With cats, family members are more frequently subjected to swatting, scratching and biting than strangers. While not all bites are created equal, there should still be cause for concern even if the bites are delivered during play. So why might a beloved pet bite its owner? There are 14 types of aggression recognized in dogs, including aggression during play, protecting their ter-
ritory and fright. Some dogs may also aggressively defend food and favorite toys. Since there are so many conditions under which aggression may occur, this is a complicated problem with no easy solution. However, there are some common elements that all dog owners should bear in mind. No matter what circumstances elicit the aggression, you must avoid repeating these same conditions until you can get help from a professional. If, for example, your dog snaps or bites you when you try to take away a toy, then take away all of the dog’s toys (or at least all of them likely to elicit this type of response) and seek professional help. Then, refrain from punishing an aggressive dog. Aggression on your part will inevitably lead to escalated aggression on the part of your dog. Dogs often single out one family member and direct all of their aggression toward this person. Children are most often the recipients of aggression by dogs. In many cases, the aggression is actually provoked by the child, albeit unknowingly, which can be even more alarming to parents. Children often squeal, scream, run, move in an uncoordinated fashion and fall down while playing. These are the same behaviors seen in prey species, so dogs often view children as prey and themselves as the predator. This
predator-prey relationship between dogs and children is often more pronounced in certain breeds. Parents often report that herding dogs such as border collies will chase and corner their children like wayward sheep and correct them for fleeing by snapping at their heels. This is not aggression per se, but it can still be viewed as a behavior problem worthy of immediate attention. At the other extreme is the dog that attacks the baby lying on the family room floor. Babies in particular seem to elicit the predator-prey response in certain dogs. This is why it is so important that you never leave a child alone with a dog and that you teach young children very early how to interact with the family dog. There are 11 recognized types of feline aggression, many of which are similar to those seen in dogs. One type of aggression commonly seen in cats is known as assertion of status aggression. This is the “leave me alone” type bite that many owners report when they try to pet their cats. The cat often bites and then flees the scene. These cats seem to demonstrate a need to control their owner’s attention. It is important in this situation to avoid all instances where this behavior might be provoked, or at least begin to recognize the early warning signs so such aggression can be head-
ed off before it begins. For example, if you are petting your cat on your lap and he begins to tense up, flatten his ears or flick his tail, you should stand up and let the cat slide to the floor. Then refuse to interact with the cat again until he can exhibit an appropriate behavior. Refrain from directly punishing your cat for aggressive behavior. Physical correction will often be viewed as a direct challenge and elicit more heightened aggression by your pet. In this instance, it is much better to use more passive forms of punishment, such as a water pistol or spray bottle or an air horn to discourage your cat. Cats with this type of aggression rarely become cuddly companions. They may allow their owners to hold them for brief periods of time without petting, but their need for control keeps them from being particularly companionable. It is important to realize that while canine and feline aggression is not curable; it can usually be controlled to a certain extent through good management practices. The degree to which your pet’s particular form of aggression can be controlled is directly related to when the behavior
began occurring, how quickly you get professional help to correct the problem and the degree to which you are willing to follow through on the methods suggested by the professional to achieve success. Because of the potential danger and liability involved in treating any aggressive animal, it is important for all family members to agree on a way to treat this animal. It should be in a way that everyone feels reasonably safe doing. The professional whose help you have enlisted can be of service in determining the
best course of action for you to take (for example, finding a new home without small children for this pet). I cannot emphasize enough how important it is in cases of aggression to seek the help of a qualified behavior specialist who has experience treating aggressive pets. This person will best be able to advise you on treatment options and chances for success. Julie Bond is an animal behaviorist. She can be reached through Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital, 6721100.
Professional pet grooming salon for dogs and cats Self-service pet wash available
Tues - Sat, 8-5 Experienced staff with more than 20 years of service
est. 1978
Adjacent to Hollywood Video
925-6 676-9 9355
4375 Clayton Rd. Unit K Concord owner & Clayton resident Grace Carson & her dog, Blue
A DATE WITH YOUR DOG JULIE BOND Special to the Pioneer
UPCOMING DOG SHOWS
Springtime is the season for dog shows. Whether you love cocker spaniels, St. Bernards or collies, there are numerous shows coming up in April and May that will interest you. Even if you aren’t interested in one particular breed of dog, many
shows hold obedience and agility trials open to all breeds and hosted by a particular breed club. This is the best way to see representatives of your favorite breed or see dog breeds you may one day be interested in owning. How to get there: In order to find an upcoming dog show near you, log onto the American Kennel Club Web site at www.akc.org. Click on Events
and search for upcoming events in Northern California. Note: Dog shows welcome observers and their well-mannered canine companions. Just make sure your dog is current on vaccines, etc., since you will be in the company of many dogs and their owners. For specific information on any event, contact the sponsoring club for details.
Lucy is ARF’s adoption star “Lucy,” a 7-year-old Golden Retriever, is young at heart. She is friendly, playful and loves everyone she meets. Lucy enjoys
LUCY
attention and will sit on your feet for a back scratch. She likes other dogs and may be good with cats. Lucy already knows some basic commands and is recommended for families with children ages 8 and above. Bring everyone who will live with Lucy to meet her at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Come to ARF’s Agility Fun Run! If you and your
Fenced in...
dog went through agility training but aren’t quite ready for formal agility trials, or if you just want to watch the fun, the Agility Fun Run will be entertaining. The Fun Run takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at ARF. For more information, visit the ARF Web site at www.arf.net or call 925-256-1ARF.
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Dining Around Teahouse. Other beverages include iced tea, lemonade, chai latte and coke. There's a beautiful muraled room perfect for bridal and baby showers, staff meetings and club gatherings. To book your party, call 672-8327. Lunch reservations are a must.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience complete with candles, wine and a gorgeous view, lunch with a few friends, high tea or a quick, tasty “take out” for the family , you need go no further than Pioneer Territory for the best choices in “Dining Around.”
THE TEA COTTAGE IS NOW OPEN. Are you ready for a relaxing afternoon with friends, enjoying a pot of tea and delectable treats in a beautiful full serv- Before coming to Englund’s Tea Cottage chef, ice tea room? Judy Ruttenberg, was the tea chef at Thyme ENGLUND'S TEA Restaurant (formerly Lisa’s Tea House) in COTTAGE offers Lafayette these amenities Do you have a hunger and more at their lovely tea for Thai food but your dinroom in the Clayton ing partner is holding out Station. Proprietors Sally Englund for Indian? Not a problem. The new HOT BASIL CAFÉ and Pamela Barnett want in Concord can meet both the tea cottage to be a your culinary desires for place "where good friends lunch or dinner. gather." After you browse The menu has separate the gift shop and colThai and Indian pages but lectibles, enjoy lunch or is a melding of the two high tea with tea sandwichcuisines. Bites of Indian es, freshly baked scones, curry chase Pad Thai. Three fresh fruit and dip and Spices Catfish, Seafood dessert. There's even the Curry, Asian Eggplant, Picadilly, or child's tea, with Seekh Kabob and assorted PB&J sandwiches, fruit, tea vegetarian, noodle, curry, cookies and tea or lemonsoups and specialty dishes ade. fill the menu. Thai Chicken And it’s not only tea that Satay and BBQ Chicken makes up the beverage are popular for children. menu. Coffee lovers will be Finish off your meal with glad to hear they can get a desserts such as fried cup of Peet’s at the
joy An Italian En Fe
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Mon. – Thurs. Co zy P fé 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. asta Pr avera Ca im Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sat. 12 noon – 10 p.m. / Sun. 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fine Italian dining with an extensive menu • Weekend Special - grilled steaks • Gourmet desserts and fine wines Very reasonable prices
4425-F Treat Blvd. Concord, CA 94521
687-5 5300
www.pastaprimaveracafe.com
Thai cuisine
Indian cuisine curries, tandooris freshly baked breads
fresh soup and salads pad thai, pad kemo chicken sate
Hot Basil Café
Enjoy both Indian and Thai Cuisine Open 7 days a week Lunch: Dinner:
Mon. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun. - Thu. 5-9 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 5-9:30 p.m.
790 D Oak Grove Road At the corner of Oak Grove Road and Treat Blvd.
925-288-0000 All menu items available for take-out
Let us cater your next special event
banana or coconut ice cream. All lunches are under $10 and dinners are in the $9.95-$13.95 range. Hot Basil Café is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. All menu items are available for take out. If you have a hearty appetite and a slim budget, you'll want to head on over to MOUNTAIN MIKE'S for the "All you can eat lunch buffet" Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. With two locations to serve you, the popular pizza restaurant has all the pizza, garlic sticks and salad bar you can eat for lunch. Price is only $4.99, kids 6 & under, $1.15 and kids 7-12, $2.99. There's also an "All you can eat" pizza and salad bar every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. for $5.99 for adults; kids 6 and under is only $1.15 and kids 7-12, $3.45. Mountain Mike's logo is "pizza the way it oughta be" and they have quite a selection including the Mt. Veggiemore stacked with mushrooms, black olives, bell peppers, artichokes and fresh tomatoes. There's the Chicken Club described on the menu as "better than a BLT," and how about dipping into a Snowy Alps garlic combo with creamy garlic white sauce piled high with pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, sausage, green onions and diced tomatoes. There's all kinds of specials and several sandwich offerings like "Half Dome," "Cliff Hanger" and Calzone. Mountain Mike's has appetizers and beverages including beer and wine. Don't forget Mountain Mike's next to Clayton Road has a party room in back for athletic team parties as well as family and corporate parties. For fine dining and lovely atmosphere, downtown Clayton has two very fine dining establishments. At the corner of Center and Marsh Creek Road is LA VERANDA, serving a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish, starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. If you’re a salad lover, be sure to try the Insalata Della Reina with baby greens, walnuts, Gorgonzola and a honey Dijon mustard dressing for $6.50 … a popular choice. La Veranda is open daily for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for brunch. For view and atmosphere you can’t do better than ZANDONELLA’S situated on the lovely Delta
www.roccospizzeria.com
"Best Pizza in the East Bay" - Contra Costa Times Readers' Poll NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES
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Large Pizza for the Price of a Medium Pizza OR Medium Pizza for the Price of a Small
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View Golf Course in Pittsburg. Zandonella’s is open Tue.-Sun for lunch and dinner. This family friendly restaurant offers an extensive menu that covers every craving. From that perfect bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs all the way to a succulent and perfectly roasted rack of lamb, you are sure to find your favorite. Make your reservations now for Zandonella’s sumptious Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet from 9 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m. Enjoy Prime Rib, Rack of Lamb or ham. If you prefer to take her to dinner, come between 5 and 8 p.m. when they will be serving from a limited but delectable dinner menu. All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free. Call for reservations, 4321700. Just down Clayton Road at the corner of Clayton Road and Treat Blvd., is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria offers a delectable linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil for $8.95...my personal favorite. Other pasta dishes include Chicken Pesto Gorgonzola, a rigatoni dish with chicken breast and tomatoes in a creamy pesto Gorgonzola sauce ($13.95.) For an intimate atmosphere and a good wine list, Pasta Primavera can’t be beat. A little more on the casual side and a great place to take the kids is ROCCO’S RISTORANTE at 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Voted the best pizza in the Bay Area by a Contra Costa Times Reader Poll, Rocco’s serves up a killer house specialty. The Dominator, piled high with pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, ham, linguica, sausage and onions, is not for the faint of heart. At $19.97, this large pizza will feed a small army. Rocco’s also has several choices of classic Italian pasta, homemade minestrone and several salads. All pasta dishes are served with fresh bread. Top your pasta dinner off with a glass of wine and you’re well fed and satisfied for well under $20 (tax and tip included.) Rocco’s opens every day at 11 a.m.
Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton Fresh soups, salads, antipasti, pizza and pasta Dinner and lunch daily Brunch on Sunday Children’s menu and take out service available
For reservations call (925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON
$ $ $
5 4 3
50% OFF
00 Off
X-Large
00 Off
Second Pizza Buy any large or
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00 Off
medium pizza at regular price and get 1/2 off second pizza of equal or lesser value
Medium
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ALL
YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only. Expires 12/31/05
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Only $4.99 6 & under $1.15 kids 7-12 $2.99 5358 Clayton Rd. Concord
3501 Clayton Rd. Concord
(Next to Clayton Bowl)
(El Monte Shopping Center)
689-4965
676-9000
Fundraisers z Team Specials z Group Discounts z Parties
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Fine dining on the beautiful Delta View Golf Course Italian-American cuisine prepared perfectly, every time. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we feature Prime Rib cooked exactly the way you like it. Every dinner includes choice of fresh green salad or our homemade soup, pasta and vegetables.
Bring the family and join us for lunch or dinner
We’re just over the hill 2222 Golf Club Road, Pittsburg (925) 432-1700 From Clayton, take Kirker Pass over the hill Turn left on Leland to Golf Club Road
Administrative Professionals Week: April 25 - 29
Englund's Tea Cottage “Where good friends gather...” A beautiful full service tea room featuring…
($75 Minimum order)
Dine-in or take-out No substitutions z limit 2 per party (Team parties excluded)
La Veranda Café
with a relaxing lunch or afternoon tea...
15% of f
Monday: 5-close z Sunday 11-4
It thrills me to see the new Pioneer. What a great local paper. I read it from cover to cover every issue. And, since I get one at home and one in my post office box, I send the extra to my daughter so she can keep up with the local news. John Jawad
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Cannot be used with any other Coupon
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NEWS FLASH Jack Dudum has sold LINGUINI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT on Kirker Pass in Clayton to Hamid Sharodi. New name is Pavilion Bar and Grill. Watch this space for new menu and more info.
ASK US ABOUT OUR FANTASTIC CATERING SERVICE
SUNDAY & MONDAY SPECIALS Large 3 Item Pizza $1200
Page 13
and Come our browse and op gift sh ibles collect
High tea. Delectable lunches. Large tea collection. Fresh baked scones and desserts. Special events.
672-TEAS (8327) www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com
Mother’s Day Reservations available!
5433 L Clayton Road (in Clayton Station)
Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
April 8, 2005
Peace vigil marks Iraq war anniversary GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
Saturday, March 19, marked the second anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq. To commemorate the occasion, Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Clayton, hosted a communitywide Vigil for Peace. The candlelight ecumenical service used prayers for peace from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other traditions. “It is self-evident the human and financial costs of war on all sides continue to mount,” a resolution by the St. John’s vestry board begins. “Over 1,500 U.S. soldiers have been killed in this conflict, as well as tens of thousands of Iraqis. Second only to the loss of human life are the economic costs, including diversion of much-needed funding for pro-
grams to improve the human condition, as well as a balloon-
ing national deficit on our national front.” “Regardless of individual, personal political persuasion or opinion, there can be little disagreement over the staggering toll and sacrifice of this ongoing human endeavor,” says the Rev. John Bennison, Rector of Saint John’s Parish. “We cannot forget it is the consequent result of human volition and deliberate, continued actions. And, as a result, it bids all people of conscience to pause and acknowledge the Participants in the Peace Vigil helped toll costs and consebells over 1,500 times, once for for each quences of our colU.S. soldier killed thus far in Iraq. Pictured lective actions.” are Corky Francis and Megan Rosen, both
A welcoming place and sacred space where thinking minds and caring hearts truly grow in faith
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Church News BAHAI’S OF CLAYTON The Bahá’ís of Clayton will observe the annual Festival of Ridván over a 12-day period that includes social gatherings, devotional services and election of their local administrative body. This year celebration will be on Thursday, April 21 at the Endeavor Hall. 6008 Center Street. Clayton. from 3:30.6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join us for music, readings, refreshments and fellowship. Please RSVP to 672-1095. The word “Ridván” means “Paradise.” For twelve days from April 21 to May 2, 1863, Bahá’u’lláh, the ProphetFounder of the Bahá’í Faith, resided in a garden of Baghdad that he dubbed “the Garden of Ridván”. There Bahá’u’lláh publicly proclaimed his mission as God’s messenger for this age. At the time of his proclamation, Bahá’u’lláh was an exile in Baghdad, banished from his native Persia because of his teachings. The Bahá’í Faith teaches the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of mankind. Bahá’ís believe that in every age, God sends a divine educator, a manifestation of God, whose purpose is to restate and renew the eternal truths of religion and to address the specific needs of the age in which he appears. They believe that Bahá’u’lláh is the manifestation of God, whose purpose is to restate and renew the eternal truths of religion and to address the specific needs of the age in which he appears. They believe that Bahá’u’lláh is the manifestation of God for this age in mankind’s evolution. This “spiritual springtime” as it is called in the Bahá’í writings, when the efforts of all the previous messengers of God, such as Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster, Christ, Muhammad, and Bahá’u’lláh’s prophet-herald, the Báb, will blossom and bear their fruit. Thus, the occurrence of the Festival of Ridván at the height of the spring season bears a special significance for Bahá’ís. In his writings, Bahá’u’lláh promulgates the equality of men and women, the essential harmony of science and religion, the independent investigation of truth, economic justice based upon spiritual principles, the urgent need for the elimi-
In such times as these, Bennison adds, people of faith in our own Christian tradition are called to raise our voices, in order to pray for all those affected by this human conflict; and to advocate for a peaceful resolution and — however possible — a hastening end to this cycle of violence. To this end, Saint John’s Parish hosted the Vigil for Peace as a way for all citizens in the local community to gather and express a common commitment to the cessation of human conflict and violence, and the desire for a healing among nations. About 60 gathered for the one-hour Vigil during which a bell tolled over 1500 times – once for each American serviceman or woman lost in the conflict.
nation of all forms of prejudice, universal compulsory education, and for the maintenance of a lasting peace. There are about 142,000
SHRINE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
Bahá’ís living in the United States and more than 5 million Bahá’ís worldwide. The Baha’i Community invites everyone to their Interfaith Prayers and Music on the fourth Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. in Room 146, CSIH Concord Campus, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Rd., at Campus Drive. Each program includes readings from the world’s religious scriptures and inspirational music for peace, unity and spirituality. Upcoming themes are: Apr. 24, The Environment; May 22, Peace; June 26, Honor Thy Parents. Call or e-mail for more information. 381-4826; bahai.concord.ca@bci.org.
Send your church news items to Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton 94517 or e-mail religion@claytonpioneer.com. www.claytonvalleychurch.com or call (925) 672-3397.
attend Family Life’s “Weekend to Remember” in San Ramon Apr. 15-17 or in San Francisco May 20-22. Whether your marriage needs practical skills and a solid foundation for everyday living, simply a time of refreshment, or hope for the future, a “Weekend to Remember” is for you. To register contact the church office at 673-9060. See ad this page for info on “Fighting For Your Marriage” message series. We meet every Sun. at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at Diablo View Middle School. We provide loving care for small children, a variety of age appropriate classes, and plenty of activities for all ages and interests. Tel. 673-9060, website: www.claytoncc.com.
ETERNAL LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH Eternal Life Lutheran Church meets at the County Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Suite 1B, Concord. The congregation is a member of the WELS (see www.wels.net) and is served by Pastor Will Kant. The regular Sunday schedule of worship and study is Sunday school and Bible Class at 9:45 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. Lutheran Pioneers, a program for grade-school aged boys and girls meets on first and third Sat. at 10 a.m. Please call or email for more information 524-0295 EternalLife@wels.net. SAINT JOHN’S EPISCOPAL PARISH Saint John’s worship experiences and other events are always open to the wider community and everyone is warmly welcomed. 5555 Clayton Road, 925-672-8855, or www.saintjohnsparish.org.
CLAYTON VALLEY CHURCH Activities for children of all ages. Please join us at Clayton Valley Church, 5430 Michigan Blvd., just off Ygnacio Valley Road. For more information, visit
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Pour some sugar on me A friend of mine has herself a Sugar Daddy. Not so much in the traditional sense but basically a rich friend who likes to spend money on her. This strikes me as decidedly unfair as there are and have been many times when I could definitely employ the services of a Sugar Momma to, you know, buy me lunch, a new pair of Converse High Tops, or just a little “bling” as my wardrobe is conspicuously “bling-less.” Not that I’m really into wearing jewelry, but being able to swing a little bling now and again might be a nice thing. And who am I to look a gift Sugar Momma, in the mouth? This same friend of mine has a saying: Don’t hate.Congratulate. In other
words, rejoice in another’s good fortune instead of being jealous and covetous. To this I say phooey. Phooey, phooey, phooey. Covet and hate, that’s my motto. When I see a shiny new car as I’m rambling about in my 1993 Mocha Frost Metallic Mercury Sable, I hate. Oh and I covet baby, I covet. Do I covet that Midnight Blue Porsche Boxster that just left me standing at the light? Does my uncle Ang enjoy the benefits of a heaping helping of fava beans? I have several friends who will soon be enjoying the warm summer days in their back yard pools. While I’m gazing out over the expanse of Sahara that is my back yard, will I inwardly
JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The FloorClub in Pittsburg has finally arrived thanks to the work, dreams and plans of Mike and Connie Grover, owners of Abbey Carpets/Contra Costa Floors in Concord. “It was an idea that evolved,” says Connie. At first we were looking for a large warehouse because we had outgrown our space in Concord.” One idea led to another and the Grovers decided to open The FloorClub, which specifically caters to the professional trades and business sector. Designers and contractors don’t always have access to a showroom where their clients can shop for a variety of floor coverings, explains Connie. Some designers also need a large warehouse that can accept carpet and
dly st aff, r elaxi ng en viron me
flooring deliveries, she added. So Connie and Mike liked the concept of the FloorClub and thought Pittsburg was the ideal place to position the new store. Membership is free and all members are offered a discount. The 4,000 square foot showroom is beautifully designed with a huge variety of products from virtually every distributor, major mill and supplier in the floor covering industry. “We’re very excited about the concept and what it will mean for designers, contractors and other trades people,” says Mike. The FloorClub is an extension of the personal service that has been the trademark of Contra Costa Floors and Abbey Carpets. Since 1991, Mike and Connie have devoted their time and energy to helping people create a beautiful and comfortable home through flooring. “We
PACE (PARENT ACTION COALITION FOR EDUCATION) A campaign to raise funds for elementary music and secondary school libraries will begin in early April thanks to a group of parents in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. The parents are hoping to restore funding for the two programs, which are scheduled to be reduced significantly in
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Jill Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer
AND
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smile at the thought of those friends joyously frolicking in their private oasis? Not. Though I do always get a warm fuzzy at the thought of them on their knees, checking chlorine levels, unclogging filters and skimming out dead bugs. Those folks with central air conditioning in their homes are also on the list. When that thermometer climbs into the 100’s, even with the wall rattler at full tilt, only our kitchen manages to cool off, albeit ever so slightly. We’ve got so many floor fans that our house begins to resemble the Altamont Pass. Yes I realize this all makes me sound very petty and mean spirited and to this I also say phooey. I WALLOW in my pettiness and will continue to do so
The FloorClub is a new concept in flooring
Extrem as seen on
Dr. Gardner Dr. Fillmore And Staff
Page 15
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the coming school year. The goal of the campaign is to raise $700,000 to maintain fourth grade instrumental music and middle school and high school librarians at their current level. The campaign launches officially in early April and will conclude in early June. For additional information about PACE please contact Ellen Multari at info@mdpace.org or 9790975. CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Grad Nite: Clayton Valley High School’s graduating class of 2005 is having its Grad Nite celebration June 15. The Grad Nite party provides a safe, fun, alcohol and drug free environment at Centre Concord for all CVHS graduating seniors. Traditionally Grad Nite, with games, food and entertainment, is attended by over 90 percent of the graduating seniors. Car Raffle: Each year the Grad Nite committee conducts a major fundraiser. The committee will raffle off a brand new Chrysler 300, providing the minimum number of tickets is sold. Please help with this great event and buy a ticket or two. For details please call Shari Case at 6873690. Donations needed: Please help make this year’s Grad Nite a memorable and successful night for the Class of 2005. We are asking for tax-deductible donations of prizes for the graduates, monetary donations, and/or gift baskets to support this activity. Please make checks out to CVHS Grad Nite 2005. Please mail cash donations to CVHS Grad Nite,
décor and color schemes. About 10 years ago, they became affiliated with Abbey Carpets adding more variety to their flooring options and better pricing.
P.O. Box 59, Clayton, CA 94517. For a list of non-cash donations, call or email Cecilia Zefeldt at 672-5756, czefeldt@sbcglobal.net or Ed Cleland at 673-9272, cleland1983@sbcglobal.net. MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY May 3 is Kindergarten registration, from 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 3 p.m. in the Multi Use Room. Please consider leaving young children with a sitter to reduce disruptions to the registration process and to the class that will be in session the MUR. Kindergarten packets will be available in the school office Apr. 18. Kindergarten orientation and readiness night is Apr. 26 at 7 p.m. in the MUR (no children please). Mt. Diablo Elementary 50 Year Anniversary Sock Hop, is Fri. May 20, at the school. Watch the school Web site for details. WE CARE SERVICES We Care Services for Children at the Barbara Milliff Children’s Center are celebrating their 45-year anniversary this spring. The Concordbased school, providing education and therapy for young children with developmental and emotional needs is calling on alumni and the community to participate in the celebration by providing stories and photos to be included in a memory album. If you or someone you know would like to contribute to the project, please contact Patty Kaplan at 360-1744 or e-mail EventfulPlanner@aol.com. For additional information visit their Web site at www.wecarebmcc.org or call 671-0777.
Let the community know what is happening at your school. Send your school news to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com
Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
April 8, 2005
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., APR. 11 FOR THE APR. 22 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation. Member only preview Fri. Apr. 15 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Membership available at the door.) Most books $1. Half off most remaining books on Sun. from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
transportation, currency, attire, festivals, and celebrations. What to do, when to go, why travel? How do I get the trip I want? Refreshments will be provided. Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill., Call Fred Nelson, 451-1292 for information.
ONGOING After School Programs @ Clayton Community Gym 3-6 p.m., After school program for Diablo View Middle students. Homework help, sports and art activities. Fun, safe environment. Call Liz Travers for information at 889-1600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton.
APR. 16 California Missions Charity Ball @ Saint Francis of Assisi Family Center 7 p.m. cocktails, 8 p.m. dinner, (tri tip or chicken cordon Bleu) 9 p.m. dancing. Ball benefits the Respect Life Ministry & The Gabriel Project. Silent auction and several raffles. Cost is $35 per person. For tickets contact Tom Beigel, 798-5034 St. Francis, Sandy DeBow 676-8544, Queen of all Saints, Jack Kavanagh 687-8039 St. Agnes, or Pat Deplazes 685-0573, St. Bonaventure. St. Francis of Assisi Family Center, 860 Oak Grove Road, Concord.
APR. 9 American Association of University women (AAUW) Meeting @ Clayton Library Meeting Room. 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be from the blue ribbon landscape committee. The committee was created to examine the needs and plan for the landscaping of the city. Theis community service program is co-sponsored by the Clayton Library Foundation and is open to the public. This meeting is in place of the March general meeting. Clayton Community Library meeting room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
ONGOING - MAY 1 Mining Artifacts Display @ Contra Costa History Center Tues., Wed., and Thurs., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The History Center is featuring Black Diamond Memories, a display of mining artifacts and photographs of the Mt. Diablo coalfields. Jointly sponsored by Black Diamond Regional Preserve and the County Historical Society. 610 Main Street, Martinez, 229-1042.
APR. 19 Contra Costa Republican Party/Political Vanguard.com Speakers' Series @ Contra Costa Country Club 6 - 7 p.m. reception, 7 - 8:15 p.m. speaker. Richard Miniter, author of Losing bin Laden and Shadow War (book signing) will speak. Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. Call 930-9551or www.politicalvanguard.com for information.
APR. 12, 26, Clayton Valley Woman’s Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m. Regular monthly meets held the second and fourth Tues. of the month. Anyone interested in joining the woman’s club please contact Shirley Boyd, President at 672-1163. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord.
Ongoing - May 25, 2005 "The Bee's Knees", The Best of the 1920s @ Clayton Historical Society Museum Special exhibit featurs the best of the 1920s including film, entertainment, fads, fashion, photos, art, literature, music, inventions, sports, and world events of the 1920s. The Clayton Museum also features special kitchen and quilt exhibits, a mining exhibit, outhouse and Clayton's early 1900s jail. Free. Sundays & Wednesdays 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, and by Appointment. Phone--(925) 672-0240, www.claytonhs.com. Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6101 Main Street, Clayton.
APR. 21 Container Garden Demonstration with Nicole Hackett @ Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton. 10 - 11 a.m. Bring your own pot and join in the art and fun of making a container garden for spring. Nicole Hackett is the Clayton Pioneer’s Garden Girl and an owner of R& M Pool Pation & Gardens in Clayton. Space is limited so call today to reserve your spot. 524-5100
APR. 14 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Mountain View Elementary 6:30 p.m. The club is open to youth ages 5-19 and adults. Various projects, conferences, 4-H camp, leadership, citizenship and community service opportunities. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month, September to June. Call Candy Hogan, Community Leader, at 969-1325. Mountain View Elementary, 1705 Thornwood Drive, Concord.
APR. 23 Clayton Cleans Up - Spring Clean Up Planned 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Start at City Hall to pick up maps, gloves and garbage bags then walk the trails or parks to pick up trash. BBQ lunch at City Hall at Noon.
APR. 20 Blue Star Mom Meeting 6:30 p.m. Small group Blue Star Mom meetings held the third Wednesday of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord. Call 6763654 for information.
ONGOING YMCA Youth and Adult Sports Programs @ Clayton Community Gym Youth and adult leagues for winter/spring include basketball, floor hockey, soccer, and volleyball. For information on all YMCA programs call 889-1600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton.
MAR. 1 - MAY 5 Patty Cakes Story Time @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Story time for children up to three years old. Child attends with parent or guardian. No Registration required. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. MAR. 1 - MAY 5 Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Thursdays. Picture book time for children three to five years old. Child may attend without parent. No Registration required. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. MAR. 31 - MAY 12 Grief Workshop @ St. Bonaventure Catholic Church 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. People grieving from the loss of a loved one need time and space to honor their grief. Candy Negrete, Alan Gaber and a team of peer ministers facilitate a seven week grief workshop to help begin the healing process. Call 672-5800 or Candy Negrete for information and to register. St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. APR. 9 5TH ANNUAL BENEFIT AUCTION FOR MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY @ CENTRE CONCORD Last year's auction was a sell out! Mark your calendars and don't miss this event. Food (catered by La Tapatia), drinks, dancing, silent and live auctions. $40/person drinks extra. Preliminary catalogue is now available on the school web site: www.mdust.k12.ca.us/mountdiabloelementary/. Call Denise Stephens 672-8510 for information. APR. 10, 17 Book Discussion Group @ Clayton Community Library 2 p.m. Adults and students 14 and up invited to discuss readings by California authors including Maxine Hong Kingston, Khaled Hosseini, Gary Soto, Francisco Jiminez and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Call the library at 673-0659 to register for the reading group and reserve books. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
APR. 13 National Library Week Treasure Hunt @ Clayton Community Library 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Have fun looking for treasures in the children's room and discover how to find your way around the library. Guided by Monika from Zigzag Treasure Hunts. Ages eight - 11. Sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation.Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. APR. 16 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women Fashion Show/Fundraiser @ Oakhurst County Club. 11 - 2 p.m. The public is welcome. This is a non-political, fun event. See Club News in this issue for more information. Call 838-2182 or www.yvrwf.org. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. APR. 16, 17 Used Book Sale @ Clayton Community Library Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Semi annual used book sale
Apr. 23 Mt. Diablo State Park Earth Day 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed for a variet of projects. Pre-registration is required. Call or Email Ranger Ryen Goering, 837-612, junctionrangers@earthlink,net. APR. 29 Concord Chamber of Commerce 31st Annual Golf Tournament @ Diablo Creek Golf Course Cost is $135 per person before Apr. 15, after, $150. Call the Chamber at 685-1181 or www.concordchamber.com for reservations or more information. Apr. 29 through May 22 DVC presents Circus Home by Joanna Halpert Kraus This is a touching and funny story of a giant of a young man who tries to find among the clowns and sideshow freaks the home that has eluded him elsewhere. Against the backdrop of a fantastical traveling circus, a band of circus troupers play out a drama of family strife and the struggle for acceptance of this young man and his hunger for belonging. By local playwright Joanna Halpert Kraus, who has won national recognition for her ability to deal with serious themes for young people with rich theatricality. Directed by Tracy Ward. Performs April 29 - May 22. Box Office - (925) 687-4445.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS APR. 12, 19, 26 Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Meetings every Tues. All are invited to check us out and be our guest for lunch. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust St., Walnut Creek. for more information call Sam Totah, 941-1536. APR. 14 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Mountain View Elementary 6:30 p.m. The club is open to youth ages 5-19 and adults. Various projects, conferences, 4-H camp, leadership, citizenship and community service opportunities. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month, September to June. Call Candy Hogan, Community Leader, at 969-1325. Mountain View Elementary, 1705 Thornwood Drive, Concord. APR. 14, 21, 28 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker.www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. APR. 14, 21, 28 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m., 5 & 6:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. 800/326-8450 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. APR. 8 AARP Mt. Diablo Chapter Meeting @ Pleasant Hill Senior Center 1:30 p.m. “About Travel” by Karen Wong of Trafalgar Tours. Karen will discuss
APR. 20 YGNACIO VALLEY REPUBLICAN WOMEN @ OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB No host social @10 a.m, Business, Americanism and Legislative Reports at 11 a.m. Lunch @ Noon. Guest speaker is William Pollacek, Contra Costa County Treasurer/Tax Collector. Topic is :The Fantasy World of Public Retirement Benefits: The Public Pension Crisis in the State of California. Cost is $18. Call Barbara Allen, 672-5061 for reservations. Everyone welcome.
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT APR. 12, 19, 26 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. APR. 19 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm's Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. APR. 12, 26 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. APR. 20 Blue Star Mom Meeting 6:30 p.m. Small group Blue Star Mom meetings held the third Wednesday of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord. Call 6763654 for information.
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION APR. 19 Parent Faculty Club (PFC) Meeting, @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7 p.m. Please join us and help make a difference! Agenda items include PFC Exec Board nominations for the 2005-2006 school year, and 2005-2006 budget discussion. Child care is provided for this event. If you would like to have a specific item included on the agenda, please contact Rosy Straka at rosystraka@yahoo.com or 672-3200. 7304. Mt. Diablo Elementary. PR. 20 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room of the Gym. All parents are invited to attend. Please contact PFC President Carolyn Hartnell at 672-4146 or crhartnell@earthlink.net if you want an item on the agenda.
The Community Calendar is sponsored by
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IN SUPPORT OF THIS COMPASSIONATE CAUSE, THE VAN FLEET-BRONSON TEAM WILL MAKE A DONATION on behalf of our client for EVERY TRANSACTION CLOSED BY OUR OFFICE.
April 8, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Teatime, from page 1
LOCAL
TEA HOUSE CELEBRATES
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer the graceful art of pouring tea
And then two years ago, Sally and Pam began to think about going into business together. They wanted a business that would bring Pam and Duane back to Clayton to live.“I think Clayton needs a teahouse,” thought Sally. A business in Clayton that would position the four friends in the same city sounded ideal. The idea took hold and soon
Farm 51
became a passion for the two friends. They visited estate sales and purchased items that would ultimately add to the interior design of the tea cottage. Their passion for detail and carefully laid plans has paid off. The tea cottage is a success. “Every single day has been busier than the day before,” says Pam. “We are very excited,” adds Sally.” The whole concept is
about family and friends. Their special desserts are hand-medowns from favorite family recipes. Duane and Derry can often be seen helping out in the kitchen, while Pam’s daughter and Sally’s niece wait on tables. One step into the tearoom and you can see why it’s so appealing. The décor, the menu and ambiance make you feel like you are entering a friend’s home. “We wanted a place that would be a haven from stress,” says Pam, so don’t expect to eat and run.” In fact, table cards tell you that since everything is handmade, your lunch order may take a little while to prepare, …but it’s worth the wait. The pace is slow, the service, impeccable and the luncheon and tea fare, delicious. “That’s why our slogan is ‘where good friends gather,” adds Pam. After less than two weeks of their opening, Sally and Pam looked tired, but happy. Their idea of a tea cottage in Clayton took a lot of nurturing and TLC to make it happen and the result is like the pot of tea they serve, a special brew that warms the heart and soothes the soul.
Page 17
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OVER 600 CLAYTON RESIDENTS HAVE ALREADY SIGNED A PETITION OPPOSING THE CLAYTON BUSINESS TAX That petition reads: We the undersigned are opposed to the City of Clayton imposing the Municipal Business License Tax on businesses located outside the City that provide valuable services, products and advice to our City's residents. As a resident of Clayton we do not want to risk the decrease in services, or the lowering of our property values, that could result by the imposition of the Municipal Business License Tax on these non-resident businesses. We ask that the City Council reconsider its position and do "What is best for the residents of the wonderful City in which we live". “Local businesses are not opposed to a tax - we are opposed to Clayton's onerous tax law - and how they are enforcing this law. The enforcement of this law will only antagonize local and out-of-town businesses. Is this the message we want sent to the business community when we have vacancies and business failings in our town?” Bob Deiss Architect, Clayton Resident “Unfortunately, the Clayton City Business License Tax in its present form is unmanageable and impossible to administer fairly. Given support and input from our Clayton residents and businesses, our Council has the opportunity to make the necessary changes and reforms to this tax law that will be required before it can work.” David and Sharon Osteen Clayton Residents , Owners, Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm
“This tax would result in higher prices for Clayton residents, as fewer businesses would consider crossing the Clayton border to provide services to residents in Clayton.” Pedro Babiak President, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce “As a small business owner I am concerned. I have worked hard to build my business and my relationships with vendors. The city of Clayton wants to look at my records and tax my vendors. I'm worried that this could breakdown my relationships with vendors and result in higher costs to the consumer.” Justin Lena A and J Fencing “The bottom line is that these fees will not be absorbed by the very companies that the city is attempting to seek out- they will ultimately be paid by the residents of Clayton through increased cost of service.” Steve Reiser ® Realtor , Oakhurst Properties
For more information go to www.protectclaytonvalues.com
Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
April 8, 2005
Clematis takes patience, but blooms are worth it Clematis season is upon us. Those big, blooming beauties will catch a gardener’s eye, and in a moment of spontaneous weakness, the purchase will be made. You take the vine home knowing little about its needs and requirements. The blooms got you, and you’ll do what ever it takes to keep them coming.
plant will be lackluster and may give up altogether. They specifically require rich, loose, fastdraining soil, with lots of organic matter. Plant near a trellis or open framework to give the stems the support they need for twining. When clematis is young, consider protecting the lower stems and roots with
NELLY MOSER
Clematis is a group of deciduous and evergreen vines. Most prefer full sun on top and cool, shaded, moist roots. This means planting in conditioned soil using a planting mix. If the bed has not been amended this year, take a moment to add in a soil conditioner. Key ingredients to look for on a label are long-lasting, organic fir bark soil conditioner and composted chicken manure. Along with other ingredients, the amendment should conserve water, inhibit weed growth and improve soil structure. Planting with a mix means replacing the clay removed to dig the hole with good dirt that is black in color, not gray. For flowering vines and plants, buy a ready-touse premium planting mix containing fir bark, mushroom compost, perlite and gypsum. The gypsum breaks down the clay, and is long lasting. For beautiful flowers we must garden our soil as well as our plants. Clematis’ holes should be dug deeper than other vines and shrubs. The root ball of the plant should be below the soil line, not above. Installation is important with this selection. If planted in tight, adobe soil, the
additional wire frame. Damage to the lower part of the clematis can kill the plant if stems are broken. After the vine is planted and protected, it’s time to use heavy mulch to keep the plant’s roots cool, 4 to 6 inches of red cedar, micro or aqua saver bark is important. Plant a small shrub at the base of the clematis to help shade and protect the roots. Lavender Munstead, or artemesia powis castle, would complement and cool. Jackmanii is a clematis hybrid with dark, velvety purple flowers reaching 7 inches wide. This vine is especially spectacular in bloom when planted with gray leafed companions. The Lavender Munstead would be very nice planted beneath the clematis. The jackmanii has a summer bloom that can be found on new wood. It is necessary to cut this plant back immediately after the first bloom wave has faded, usually 6 to 8 weeks after the first flower. When planted properly and cut back after bloom, one can usually expect a repeat fall bloom before the plant goes dormant. Please remember that dormant plants look dead. Often the wood of the vine when cut can look dead. Be patient with the
clematis, you may wait until mid April for signs of life, depending on the variety. Niobe is dark, velvety red flowered clematis with 6-inch blooms. This showstopper begins blooming in mid-spring and needs to be cut six to eight weeks after flowering to insure a fall repeat. This variety makes a great cut flower or container plant growing on an open metal work such as a trellis or obelisk. Niobe reaches 8 to 12 feet in length, making it a lovely accent for a nice piece of garden art. The President is as stately as the name describes. This selection has dark purple blooms that reach 12 inches wide on a mature plant. Mature in clematis takes about 3 to 4 years. This clematis is compact in growth, making an excellent container plant. The seed heads are feathery and exotic, lengthening the interest period to the plant. Remove seedheads on cut back plant soon after the last flower to build up some new wood so you can enjoy new flowers. The first clematis to bloom in the spring is among the Montana selections. Alexander is the more common relative, bearing a heavy show of white flowers only 2-inches wide in spring. This selection is a fast grower, reaching 20 feet long. For those gardeners with iron fencing, this selection looks great running neatly along the fence length. Grandiflora is another white blooming Montana variety of clematis; this one has a sweet scent and bronzy foliage, lovely on an arbor. If the gardener is looking for an early blooming pink, look for a selection called Mayleen. The rich, rose-colored flowers are heavy with a scent of orange and clove. The bronzy foliage looks great in or out of bloom. The Montana varieties are once a year bloomers. They use all their energy to really knock your socks off. They also have a warm orange fall color that is very enjoyable. This variety is the only one that has fall color. Look for the clematis Montanas; they are blooming now. Some other varieties to enjoy are the viticella Etoile Violet and Polish Spirit. The Etoile Violet grows as a vigorous, small deciduous vine and it very easy and resistant to Clematis Wilt, a fungus that is fatal to the vine, caused by poor, heavy, saturated soil. This variety bears rich, dark purple flowers with yellow anters, often compared to the jackmanii, but tougher. The flowers are smaller, but more profuse. This selection loves to be combined with other attention demanding perennials. Keep in mind when placing a dark flowered plant
near dark wooden fences, often the dark on dark is not as wonderful as you may hope. The dark purple looks awesome against light colored homes and sheds and bright painted trellises or fence panels. The Polish Spirit is a new introduction of the viticella. The free flowering, dark purple blooms make this a must have for the collector. Speaking of the collector, one’s clematis collections can not be finished with out a Nelly Moser. This Clematis Hybrid has a light lilac pink with a darker central bar. These results are bicolor. The seed heads are just as interesting as the bloom, almost like pieces of a round
feather boa. Enjoy Nelly Moser as a cut flower. Clematis can be addicting. Each year a new selection comes along, and you must have that one, too. Take a moment to research the selection you are considering, start with the easy varieties to build up a familiar zone with this fabulous family, and be patient. Remember, it takes three to four years for clematis to mature, and a mature plant produces.
a beautiful backyard experience with our unique and
Join Nicole at Diamond Terrace, April 21 at 10 a.m. for a Container Garden Demonstration. Bring your own pot and make your own container garden for spring. Space is limited so call 524-5100 today to reserve your spot. Please RSVP by April 18.
Call Today (925) 524-5100 Only a few units left! $2,400 Sav
ings
Senior Retirement Living
There’s no place like home 6401 Center Street Clayton CA
“I sleep great knowing how safe I am here in my new home at Diamond Terrace. I have more energy and am happier each day. Knowing I can go to bed at night and be safe and 94517 protected brings me so much comfort.” –Arlene Dankowski
www.diamondterrace.net
SOLD IN
Antioch Fabulous Split-L Level Home located on Quiet Court
Kimberly Morucci (925) 280-8 8563
3 DA YS!
Meticulously Maintained home with New Carpet, Laminate Wood Flooring, & New Paint. This house is in Model Perfect Condition. Large Park Like Back Yard Offers Storage Shed, Flagstone Patio, and a Koi Pond with Water Fountain, and Gazebo, Great for Relaxation. There is also a Children's Play Area. This Incredible Home Features a Tandem Drive Through 3 Car Garage, with Parking area in the Back Yard!!! Hurry, This Won't Last..
2312 Reindeer Court, Antioch
$549,000
kmorucci@interorealestate.com www.kimmorucci.com
Walnut Creek office, 1280 Civic Dr., Suite 200, 8500 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 z (925) 280-8
stylish
collections of patio furniture by Brown Jordan, O W Lee and Homecrest. Chateau
GARDEN GIRL
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at GardenGirl94517@aol.com
Is your backyard ready for company?
Create
NICOLE HACKETT
R&M
the place for fine gifts, decorator items, patio and garden furniture and quality nursery items.
distinctive plants and outdoor décor help to create the ambiance that you are Fountains, pots,
looking for. Olympus
Our goal is to help you experience outdoor
living
at its finest.
Pool, Patio & Gardens Family owned since 1983
6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton
Moroccan
· 672-0207
Closed Mondays
April 8, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 19
Turkey vultures earn respect as scavengers CATHIE
GERNHARDT
FOR THE BIRDS Happy spring, fellow bird enthusiasts. I trust you have been enjoying the early spring weather, our wonderful green hillsides and all your neighborhood plants and trees in blossom. There is so
much color everywhere, even in the bird world. Spring puts on quite a show as the gold finches, gold crowned sparrows and yellow-rumped warblers are all decked out in bright yellow, the puffed up orange breast of a robin, the bright red of a western tanager, house finch or woodpecker. There are even purples and greens decorating the busy hummingbirds. Another announcement of spring is that everywhere I look there are signs of birds nesting, gathering twigs and straw and darting to and fro. The mallard drakes are swimming solo, which
How much is
enough?
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means the hen is busy sitting on eggs. And the red tail Hawks are sitting on their nest, so it’s about time for a hike out Mitchell Canyon to check on our resident coopers hawks. Today I will spotlight one of our regular residents, the turkey vulture. People will often mistakenly call turkey vultures buzzards, which is the British name for certain hawks. The TV, as most birdwatchers refer to it, is a large, soaring bird between 25 and 32 inches long, with a wingspan of approximately 6 feet. The sexes appear similar, but the female is slightly larger. They are a blackish-brown, showing a silvery underside and a red bald head. The turkey vulture is related to the stork and not to any birds of prey and is the most common vulture. They nest throughout all of the United States except northern New England. It has been known to soar for hours over woodland and nearby open country, searching for carcasses, locating them at least partly by means of its acute sense of smell. The part of its brain responsible for processing smells is particularly large, compared to
other birds. Its heightened ability to detect odors allows it to find dead animals below a forest canopy. Turkey vultures are valuable for their removal of garbage and disease-causing carrion.
A
TURKEY VULTURE
more social relative, the black vulture. Although one turkey vulture can dominate a single black vulture at a carcass, usually such a large number of black vultures appear that they can overwhelm a
dries its wings in the sun
Turkey vultures are the only scavenger birds that can’t kill their prey. A close inspection of their feet reminds one of a chicken instead of a hawk or an eagle. Their feet are useless for ripping into prey, but they have powerful beaks. The turkey vulture usually forages alone, unlike its smaller,
solitary turkey vulture and take most of the food. As they soar, these buzzards ride on rising columns of warm air called thermals to save energy as they cover miles of territory. The turkey vulture maintains stability and lift at low altitudes by holding its wings up in a V-shape and teetering from side to side while flying.
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Cathie Gernhardt has lived in Clayton for the past 38 years. Bird watching is one of her greatest joys. You can email her at Cathie@claytonpioneer.com.
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Like its stork relatives, the turkey vulture often defecates on its own legs, using the evaporation of the water in the feces to cool itself down. The turkey vulture does not have much of a call; it is more like a loud, hissing noise. At night they often gather in large roosts. You may not think much of the turkey vulture, but others do. There is a turkey vulture society, and I’ve also discovered a couple of turkey vulture festivals, one right here in California. If you are interested, mark your calendar for Sept. 24-25 and plan on a trip to Weldon, near Bakersfield. I’m pretty sure I will be busy that weekend, so if you plan to go, please be sure to let me know the details. Upcoming birding dates to remember include my beginner bird information gatherings at Diamond Terrace scheduled the fourth Tuesday of each month. There has been some discussion of taking short field trips (transportation provided) to local bird hot spots. If you are interested, come to Diamond Terrace on Tuesday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. I want to congratulate those of you who are paying more attention to the bird life in our area. It gives me warm fuzzies when someone tells me they were able to identify a certain bird. Keep up the good work and until next time, Happy Bird Day.
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“Look Who’s Selling Clayton!”
visit us online at
HELP-U-SELL REAL ESTATE SERVICES helpusell.com 4918 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94521 (925) 680-4950
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Clayton
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Clayton
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1830 Yolanda Circle
Clayton
$784,950
30 Fleming Ct.
Clayton
$785,000
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1595 sq.ft. Beautiful and unique with designer touches throughout! Large eat-in kitchen with maple cabinets, custom built in china cabinet, spacious family room with 2 sided fireplace, formal living & dining room & master suite w/private bathroom.
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,749 sq.ft. Decorator touches throughout, hardwood floors, bright kitchen, family room w/vaulted ceilings & wood burning fireplace w/oak mantle. Central heat/air, large private yard w/covered redwood deck & automatic sprinklers front/back.
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, approx 2,133 sq.ft. of living space. Spectacular home ready for any family! Entertainers delight backyard with gorgeous pool! Fully landscaped front and backyard with flagstone. Updated kitchen and baths, spacious living room, family room & dining room. An absolute must see to believe!
4 bedrooms, plus den, 2.5 baths, approx 2368 sq.ft. hardwood flrs, marble entry, gorgeous kitchen w/granite tile counters & gas stove & large master suite w/walkin closet & marble bathroom. Spectacular tropical backyard with pool/spa & waterfall, extended BBQ island w/slate counter, sink, eating area and tile patio. This home is an absolute must see to believe! An entertainers Dream!
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25 Atchinson Stage Rd.
Clayton
$699,000
5830 Del Trigo Lane
Clayton
$565,000
5418 Paso Del Rio Ct.
Concord
$612,000
522 Mt. Davidson Court
Clayton
$685,000
Awake to Views of Mt. Diablo! 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Approx 2,549 sq. ft., Custom additions w/permits, new roof, pergo flrs, spacious family room w/brick fireplace & formal living & dining room w/bay windows, 3 sets of French doors, private landscaped backyard w/deck & RV parking too! Light & bright throughout!
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, approx 1,659 sq.ft. Large .26 acre lot! Original hardwood flrs throughout, formal living rm w/fireplace, light & bright family rm & eat-in kitchen w/double oven. Central heat, vaulted ceilings, shutters/blinds throughout & large backyard with sparkling pool
4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 2135 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room, large family room w/brick fireplace, wilsonart hardwood flrs, ceiling fan, wet bar & Anderson slider! Updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters, oak cabinets, built in microwave/convection oven, dishwasher, garden window & built in desk. Tile entry, central heat/air, gorgeous landscaped backyard w/redwood deck.
4 Large bedrooms, 2 updated baths, approx 2325 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room w/vaulted ceilings, family room w/wet bar, hardwood floor entry, updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters & central heat/air. Spacious master suite, tile roof, new exterior paint & meticulously maintained yards!
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5839 Verna Way East
Clayton
$555,000
4 Bedrooms, 2 Updated Baths, approx 1,680 sq.ft. Huge .31 Lot with RV parking! Spacious family room w/brick wood burning fireplace & French doors off Dining room, new carpet, fresh paint in/out & tile entry. Some hardwood floors, spacious master suite, new heat/air & new roof/gutters.
182 Mt. Wilson Way
Clayton
$751,000
5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, approx 2,692 sq.ft. Lovely kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, gas stove, tile counters and garden window! Gas fireplace in family room, oak hardwoood flr in entry, kitchen & eating area, wet bar & large laundry room with storage. Master Bedroom features views & private deck, lovely backyard with spa & gorgeous views!
1816 Yolanda Circle
Clayton
$610,000
3 Large Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,780 sq.ft. Gorgeous home inside & out! Spacious family room w/woodburning fireplace, dining room w/wood floors, new heat/air & new roof. Master Bedroom with French doors to private Trex patio deck, fruit trees & generous side & backyard with RV parking. Great Clayton Neighborhood!
102 Forest Hill Drive
Clayton
5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, maple cabinets & island. Formal living w. fireplace & dining room, spacious family room w/fireplace. Open & bright throughout, inside laundry, 3 car garage, landscaped yards & Large master suite w/jacuzzi tub!
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Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
o, we're not talking about the language of France. We're referring to what many people throughout the Clayton Valley area are talking about: Lynne French. As one of the area's leading real estate professionals, she's changing the way people look at buying or selling homes.
April 8, 2005
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With an unsurpassed knowledge of the local home market and a dedicated approach to her clients' unique needs, when people around here speak
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When you call Lynne French, be sure to request a free copy of her special report "Squeezing Every Last Dollar From Your Home Sale." This valuable information can save you precious time and money as you prepare to make your move.
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6200-E Center St. 1801 N. California Blvd.
Clayton, CA 94517 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
GEORGE VUJNOVICH,
Broker
(925) 672-4433
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517 georgevujnovich.com
5.68 ACRES ~ CLAYTON, MORGAN TERRITORY
EAGLE PEAK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
The ULTIMATE setting atop a private knoll! with breath-taking views of Mt. Diablo, surrounding hills, pastures & canyons! Main residence (approx. 5,450sf) features single story living areas, 2 master suites, 5 additional spacious bedrooms, 5 full baths, 2 laundry rooms, (3) 2 car garages, 2 kitchens, enormous family room with sweeping views dual wood stoves & gleaming hardwood floors, upstairs features a loft, sewing/craft/hobby room, full bath, huge bonus/game room & large sun deck with spectacular views! 1attached unit featuring 1 bedroom, 1bath, small family room & kitchen, 1 detached unit featuring 1 bedroom, 1 bath, spacious family room & kitchen approx. 700sf. Dramatic pool setting features a large aggregate patio, "PebbleTech" in-ground pool with automatic cover, fire pit, windscreen & spectacular backdrop of massive oak tree, canyon & hills. Private trellis covered patio boasts a custom built-in outdoor BBQ. Portion of property perfect for horses! Lots of room for RV, boats & more! $1,725,000
S t u n n i n g "Shasta" model on a prime view lot overlooking City to Delta & surrounding hills. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3,454sf, inside laundry with utility sink & 3 car garage. Downstairs bedroom with full private bath. Upgraded marble tile entry extends into hallway & ½ bath. Living room with upgraded marble tile fireplace & formal dining room featuring Tuscan columns & views. Large family room boasts an upgraded brick fireplace with raised hearth & mantle, tile wet bar & views. Gourmet kitchen with tile counters & center island, oak cabinets, sunny garden window, pantry & eating area. Huge master suite features a romantic two-way fireplace, cozy sitting area & sweeping views of City to Delta! Private lot features a trellis covered deck with built-in bench seat, cozy brick trimmed patio with meandering walkways to side yards. Professionally landscaped lot features an assortment of flowers, maturing trees & ornamentals. $1,099,000
Magnificent "Belvedere" model on a large lot facing beautiful unobstructed views of open space - canyonhills and oak studded ridgeline! 6 bedrooms, den, 3.5 baths, approx. 4,100sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage. Extensively upgraded from the 18" travertine tile floors to the extra thick crown moulding! Private downstairs bedroom with its own full bath. Gourmet granite kitchen features eating area & large pantry. Enormous great room boasts a custom two-way stacked stone fireplace, full walkaround granite bar & wired for surround sound. Spacious master suite. Totally private & fabulous lot boasts a "Riviera" in-ground pool with raised spa & waterfall feature, exposed aggregate patio, patio cover, maturing redwoods & a variety of tropical plantings. Custom built matching storage/play house! $1,350,000
VINEYARD/HORSE PROPERTY
FALCON RIDGE AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
FALCON RIDGE AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
Spectacular 5 G year old custom DIN N one story conE P temporary lodge style home. 4 big bedrooms, office/den with custom builtins, 3 baths, approx. 3,416sf, 3 car garage + RV & more parking. Enormous great room features a dramatic custom fireplace, 16" tile floors & soaring vaulted beam ceiling. Romantic master suite with fireplace, jetted tub & sitting patio with views. Approx. 1.00 acre lot boasts a vineyard & offers a shaded area for horses that's surrounded by majestic Heritage oak trees. An irreplaceable setting! $1,125,000
Rare single story G "Moonlight" DIN N model on a E P quiet court. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 2,237sf, inside laundry & 3 car g a r a g e . Beautifully maintained with neutral decor throughout! Gourmet kitchen features tile counters & center island opens to spacious family room with fireplace. Formal living & dining rooms. 4th bedroom or den. Spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet, oversized tub & separate stall shower. Private backyard features a large patio & beautifully landscaped front & back yards bursting with vibrant colorful flowers. $799,500
Meticulous G "Serenade" DIN N model on a E P spectacular prime view lot looking out over city to Delta & beyond! 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2,843sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage. Upgrade include: tile floors, window fluting, crown moulding, wood blinds & silhouettes. Downstairs den/bedroom. Formal living & dining rooms. Gourmet kitchen features upgraded granite & tile counters & island, maple cabinets & spacious eating area. Large family room features sweeping views & fireplace. Spacious master suite offers a balcony with breath-taking views & jetted tub. Professionally landscaped private level lot at the end of a quiet court features a trellis covered patio, spectacular views of surrounding hills, golf course, city/valley to Delta! $959,000