DEC 17 Clayton Pioneer 2004 by Pioneer Publishers

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

925.672.0500

Five-four-three-two-one...Clayton lights up GREGG MANNING

MAYOR’S CORNER

Manning sees good times for new year This is my first message to you since I became Mayor on Dec. 7. I think it is significant that we had the ceremony on that day. Dec. 7 was the first night of Hanukkah—the festival of lights. It is also the only day on which the light or beacon on Mt Diablo is lit. That light is to remind us of Pearl Harbor. I see that light as a reminder of not only Pearl Harbor but also Sept.11 and all the other days that have tried this nation. That light is on lest we forget the price for our freedom and our right to vote. We have just voted in an election and related to that, I want thank a number of people. The first is my wife Joan who, if she does not fully understand my desire to meet with the City Council on the first and third Tuesday of each month, supports me in this endeavor and allows me to do so. I want to thank the winners of the recent City Council election who are the same people who were on the City Council before the election. I want to thank all of the voters who not only voted for us but also turned out as Clayton always does—in large numbers. The County Clerk noted that 87.2 percent of registered voters cast their ballots this past November. I want to thank all those who ran. Their campaigns were fair and above board. I hope everyone noticed that our council candidates removed all of their signs the day after the election. And, I am sure Jim Diaz will be back since I don’t think he used 10 percent of the signs he bought. It has been quite a year on a number of levels. We continue to struggle with the state over our rightful share of public funds, but the people clearly understood the situation and voted for Prop. 1A in astonishing numbers. If the opening of the state legislature is any indication, I am not sure those elected on a state level have understood the

See Mayor, page 6

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

More than a thousand people were on hand to count down the tree lighting JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Clayton’s tree lighting on December 4 had all the makings of a small town holiday event. The Mt. Diablo Elementary School chorus sang on the porch of the museum, beautifully lit up with decorated

Christmas trees in the windows. The young singers donned in Santa and reindeer hats sang some old favorites and a few toe-tapping tunes like “Santa Fever” and a jazzy version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Police Chief Pete Peterson was the celebrity emcee who welcomed the crowd as they gathered on Main

Street. And in his inimitable style, Peterson told the children attending that they must have been good because he hadn’t seen them in his jail this past year. As one of her last official duties as mayor, Julie Pierce thanked event chairs, Clayton

See Lights, page 22

Enea begins a new chapter TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Rich Enea will retire at the end of this month after nearly 15 years with the Clayton Police Department and return to the town where he started his career. On December 31, the 54year-old sergeant will turn in his badge and wave goodbye as he heads north to Crescent City where he and his wife Elizabeth

SERGEANT RICH ENEA

own a home on the coast. Elizabeth has already relocated and is working as a Superior Court Clerk. Enea’s career began in 1974. After graduating from Cal State University Sacramento with a BA in criminal justice administration, Enea applied for positions in Crescent City, San Diego and Clayton. The Pittsburg native was hoping for a job close to home, but Crescent City called him first. He had been on the job only six months when the Clayton PD called with a job offer. Tempting as it was, Enea felt obligated to stay with Crescent City for at least a year. Plans to come to Clayton at the end of the year were abandoned, however, when he met Elizabeth, a Crescent City native, and they married. They stayed by the sea for another seven years before returning to the Bay Area as an officer with the Belmont Police. In 1990, Enea finally completed the loop, signing on with the Clayton Police Department.

Enea’s interest in law enforcement began early in life. At 16, he joined the Police Explorer Post while a student at Pittsburg High School. His passion for the Explorers did not end with high school. He went on to start Explorer Posts in Crescent City, Belmont and Clayton. A strong believer in early education and intervention, Enea has been involved with The Parent Education Program (PEP) at Mt. Diablo Elementary School for the past three years teaching kids about drugs, safety and choosing friends. “We try to teach kids how to make good decisions,” he said. He has been a strong supporter of the “Every 15 Minutes” program in the high schools. The program, which runs over two days, stages a fatal drunk driving crash and dramatizes the subsequent consequences. Enea attributes a decrease in teenage drunk driving

See Enea, page 8

Cookie contest was a sweet success The Clayton Pioneer’s first Christmas Cookie Competition was a smashing success. With sixteen entries and each baker bringing at least a dozen cookies, no one went away hungry—not the judges, not the spectators and certainly not the Pioneer staff. Held at Endeavor Hall on Nov. 30, the event drew some 60 participants and observers.

Glennen who, when dropping off her entry form at the Pioneer office, exclaimed, “Oh, this is so Mayberry. I just love it.” The Junior Bakers (under 12) brought plates of equally delectable goodies. First place, hands down, was Kaitlyn Trilevsky’s Candy Cane Cookies. A close second was Melissa Schoell with a classic Rugelach, and coming in

CHRISTMAS COOKIE CONTEST judges Tevy Sun, Lynda Wyner, Julie Pierce, Zoe Manoguerra and Shawn Robinson

After about an hour of tasting and deliberating and tasting again, our esteemed panel of judges named the winners. Our first place Master Baker (12 and over) was Suzanne Renner with her melt-in-your-mouth Peanut Butter Snowballs. Second in the Master category was Emily White with a plate of Death By White Chocolate cookies from the Martha Stewart Holiday Cooking collection. Our third place Master Baker was Ashley

third with her Chocolate Chip Snowmen was Laurel Hansen. Kudos to all the contestants and a great big thank you to our esteemed panel of judges: Food For Thought columnist, Linda Wyner; Clayton Community Church’s Pastor Shawn Robinson; Sweet Bakery owner Tevy Sun; DVMS sixth grader Zoe Manoguerra; and finally, Mayor Julie Pierce Please see page 9 for the winning recipes.

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

Around Town The Clauses make their annual dessert stop in Clayton

Festive French holiday party

Right smack in the middle of their busiest season of the year, Santa and Mrs. Claus made time to stop for dessert and coffee in Clayton last Saturday. Nearly 500 kids and parents from every corner of the town and beyond munched cookies and schmoozed with the popular couple. At left, Laura Ruscitti chats it up with Mrs. Claus while Stephanie Barber, top right, cuddles up to Santa and Alexi Xiaris, bottom right, waves to Rudolph. The annual event is sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association.

Van Fleet brings a little magic to holiday party

Eagle scout builds benches for Cardinet Trail While some kids are playing video games after school, Thomas Ricks is building redwood park benches. Thomas built and installed the three redwood benches along the Cardinet Trail for an Eagle

Scout project. At their Dec. 6 meeting, he received a special Certificate of Recognition from the Clayton City Council for his efforts. Thomas is a member of Boy Scout Troop 492.

Pictured: Remax office manager, Kathy Frame, Josie Van FleetBronson and Christmas Elf, Jessica Frame.

Clayton Remax Realtor, Josie Van Fleet-Bronson, entertained 140 of her clients and associates at her annual Client Appreciation Dinner at Oakhurst Country Club, Dec. 5. An energetic clown with a real knack for making balloon hats kept the children’s interest

while waiting for Santa Claus. The real hit of the party was the magic show when handkerchiefs disappeared, hundred dollar bills split in half and a kid floated in mid air. After a buffet dinner, guests were invited to the ice cream sundae bar to “build their own.”

Lynne French, Mrs. Santa, Kendall Clifton, 10, on Santa’s lap, Gianluca Nomellini, 6 ½, Lily Dunn, 7 months.

EAGLE SCOUT, THOMAS RICKS

Lynne French’s Holiday Party Dec. 4, was an all day affair, with guests stopping by the Village Oaks office for a quick bite, some holiday cheer

and a photo with Santa. Highlight of the day was the drawing for a three-day Tahoe vacation. Grand prizewinner was Tami Kratz of Clayton.

Rayna Ferro donates her hair to Locks of Love When Rayna Ferro, 8, of Concord, came for her appointment with Michelle Aranda of Permanent Solution in Clayton, she had an agenda that went beyond the routine haircut. Rayna had heard about Locks of Love from her grandmother several months before. The organization makes wigs for children who have lost their hair because of chemotherapy or disease and Rayna wanted to give her long blond pony tail to the charity. Her father was reluctant to see her gorgeous blond hair disappear, but Rayna was determined. She climbed up into the chair and in the wink of an eye—snip snip, chop chop—

she and her ponytail went their separate ways.

RAYNA FERRO with her hairdresser, Michelle Aranda

Ha ve ho a won lid de ay sea rful son

Open Sunday Dec. 19 1 - 4 p.m.

Clayton - Remodeled 4 bedroom with sunroom, 2 ½ baths on a quiet and private large corner lot. Inside you will find 9 ceiling fans, Pellet Stove, custom fireplace mantel with travertine marble surround, alarm system and automatic attic exhaust fan. In the kitchen you will find granite kitchen counter tops, maple cabinets, maple floors, garden window, custom tiling and granite counter in baths. Outside enjoy swimming pool with Solar heating, gazebo with spa and 6 fruit trees. 1539 North Atchinson Stage Road.

$819,980

Win a Trip to SUPER BOWL XXXIX $10,000 Cash Value

This Superbowl prize package includes round trip airfare for you and a guest to Jacksonville. Three nights accommodations, two Super Bowl XXXIX end zone game tickets and much more. Watch

your mailbox for entry form! Deadline for Entries: Dec. 31, 2004. Drawing Date: Jan. 5, 2005.

December 17, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 3

Around Town

GAIL FITZGERALD, GREGG MANNING AND SUSAN FOSSAN TONY FARLEY

CYNTHIA HAYDON AND JILL BEDECARRE

MIKE FOSSAN

What a swell party it was JACK SOGOMONIAN, JOHN RUBIALES, HOWARD GELLER

SUZETTE WONG, MICHAELA OLSON, NAOMI GARY, GWEN LEWISPHILLIPS, ALL FROM DIAMOND TERRACE

CBCA members celebrated the holiday season with their annual Christmas dinner following the Downtown Tree Lighting Sat. Dec. 4. More than 90 attended the party hosted by Diamond Terrace and swapped treasures and trifles in the traditional “gag” gift exchange. Tony Farley got lucky with an orange sun hat and Howard Geller went home with a pair of pink plastic flamingos (no, I’m not kidding.) In the spirit of the season, guests arrived with wrapped packages for the Adopt A Family program sponsored by

the CBCA. This year the organization made Christmas a little brighter for more than many needy families. The Festival of Trees netted $1500 for the program when 28 small trees, each decorated with a special theme, were sold at silent auction.

SKIP IPSEN

GLORIA UTLEY

BOB AND ELDORA HOYER

JULIE PIERCE AND ED HARLEY

JOAN CULVER AND JEAN WONDRA

MARY ANN LAWRENCE, TOM FAINE, PETE CHROBAK LAURA HOFFMEISTER

RON AND DEE MUNK

Local thespians off to Atlanta

Clayton’s Dynamic Duo celebrates in style Coldwell Banker’s dynamic duo Stephanie Lopez and Helen Rahimzadeh knows how to sell real estate and they the two know how to throw a party. More than 60 friends, colleagues, family and clients came to celebrate at Helen’s home in Clayton last Saturday. Guests were treated to a delicious buffet, delectable desserts and a Christmas ornament exchange that kept things lively. Helen’s home was dressed to the nines with Christmas decorations providing a warm and inviting atmosphere matched only by Helen and Stephanie’s gracious hostessing. “Part of the reason we love Clayton is because of people like Helen and Stephanie,” said one of the guests.

Stephanie Lopez and Helen Rahimzadeh

Kelsey Purser, Zoe Manoguerra, Jeffrey Holmes and Morgan Pavey (on floor).

The Civic Arts Education (CAE) program was chosen to attend the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, Jan 14-17 and Clayton is well represented in the cast by Jeffrey Holmes, 12, Zoe Manoguerra, 11, and Kelsey Purser, 13. “We are very excited,” says program director Nina Auslander. “This is the first time the program has received such recognition.” In Atlanta, Junior Theatre will perform excerpts from Dear Edwina, a musical comedy that the group performed last

May. The actors will perform before a panel of Broadway experts who will give constructive feedback. “No sets or costumes are allowed for the 15-minute presentation in Atlanta, so our performers really have to be at their best,” Auslander explains.. In addition, the young thespians will attend workshops in all aspects of theater production led by theater professionals. For more information on the program and fundraising efforts, call CAE at 943-5846

GEORGE VUJNOVICH, Broker 6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517 Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

Tel: (925) 672-4433 Fax: (925) 672-4424

georgevujnovich.com Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty

ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

5116 Keller Ridge Drive 1433 El Camino Drive 5474 Tara Drive 1778 Indian Wells Way 249 El Pueblo Place 3081 Windmill Canyon 1183 Shell Lane 5126 Keller Ridge Drive 5021 Keller Ridge 1261 Shell Circle 403 Chupcan Place

$735,000 $598,000 $590,000 $635,000 $760,000 $790,000 $452,500 $659,950 $540,000 $464,900 $579,000

11/20/04 11/30/04 11/29/04 11/23/04 11/19/04 11/18/04 11/18/04 11/18/04 11/17/04 11/17/04 11/17/04

2,467 ---1739 1904 2831 2315 1145 1493 1343 1355 1939

BED/BATH

4/3 3/2 4/3 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 2/2 3/2 3/2 3/2.5 3/2.5

ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

117 Crow Place 401 Chupcan Place 408 Hummingbird Place 1721 Indian Wells Way 5117 Keller Ridge Drive 719 Acorn Drive 6015 Golden Eagle Way 3405 Coyote Circle 1876 Eagle Peak Ave 501 Suisun Court 1215 Buckeye Terrace

$610,000 $579,000 $639,000 $590,000 $729,000 $830,000 $837,000 $432,500 $750,000 $579,000 $570,000

11/16/04 11/14/04 11/12/04 11/05/04 11/05/04 11/03/04 11/02/04 11/01/04 10/29/04 10/29/04 10/28/04

1561 1904 1877 1,991 2,313 2,237 2,536 1,252 2,313 1,958 1,710

BED/BATH

3/2 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2 5/2.5 2/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5

ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

120 Gold Rush Court 101 Salazar Court 479 Obsidian Way 3089 Windmill Canyon Dr 522 Mt. Davidson Court 302 Windmill Canyon Pl 5020 Raven Way 30 Fleming Court 1021 Feather Circle 3908 Coyote Circle 1240 Buckeye Terrace

$596,000 $645,000 $809,480 $615,000 $685,000 $739,000 $620,000 $810,000 $599,000 $499,000 $605,000

10/27/04 10/26/04 10/22/04 10/18/04 10/15/04 10/13/04 10/13/04 10/08/04 10/08/04 10/08/04 10/01/04

1,591 1,813 2,981 1,816 2,325 2,313 2,053 2,368 1,886 1,595 1,639

All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

BED/BATH

3/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2 3/2 4/2.5 3/2 4/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5

Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

s o i e J V e a n Fleet-Bro h T n s o m n a T e shes you a Merry C

C s i h r i stmas W d a Happ y New Ye an ar!

Karen Riessen, Josie Van Fleet-Bronson, Miroslav Bronson, Erika Maes, Colby Chambers, JoAnn Danilson, Kim Chambers, Darren Banke, and Kathy Frame.

Classic Cooked Egg Nog 6 eggs 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional

1 quart milk* divided 1 teaspoon vanilla, Garnishes or Stir-Ins, optional

In large saucepan, beat together eggs, sugar and salt, if desired. Stir in 2 cups of the milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat a metal spoon with a thin film and reaches at least 160°F. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 2 cups milk and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, several hours or overnight. Just before serving, pour into bowl or pitcher. Garnish or add stir-ins, if desired. Serve immediately. *For faster preparation heat milk until very warm before stirring milk into eggs and sugar.

J o s i e V a n F l e e t -B Bronson

MICROWAVE: In 2-quart liquid measure or bowl, beat together eggs, sugar and salt, if desired, until thoroughly blended. Set aside. In l -quart liquid measure or bowl, cook 2 cups of the milk on full power until bubbles form at edges, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir into egg mixture. Cook on 50% power until mixture is thick enough to coat a metal spoon with a thin film and reaches at least 160°F, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in remaining 2 cups milk and vanilla. Continue as above.

For superior service and a successful real estate transaction in Clayton or surrounding communities, call Josie, a 20-year Clayton resident and area specialist — The Van Fleet-Bronson Team. Specializing in: Real Estate Sales Residential and Investment Loans/Refinancing Property Management

GARNISHES AND STIR-INS (Choose 1 or several) Chocolate curls Flavored brandy or liqueur Maraschino cherries Plain brandy, rum or whiskey Cinnamon sticks Fruit juice or nectar Orange slices Sherbet or ice cream Extracts or flavorings Ground nutmeg Peppermint sticks/candy canes Whipping cream, whipped

2003/2004 Better Business Honor Roll Ranked #56 worldwide of 90,000 RE/MAX Realtors 2004 Heritage Registry of Who’s Who Member, Concord Chamber of Commerce Member, Oakhurst Country Club

Note: All microwave cooking times are based on a full power output of 600 to 700 watts. For a lower wattage oven allow more time.

RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals 1536 Kirker Pass Road, Suite D Clayton, CA 94517

925-672-4333 www.CallTheVanFleetTeam.com We l ove r eferrals

Because houses are selling so fast and inventory is so low, NOW is the perfect time to sell!

Enjoy a wonderful dinner at Oakhurst Country Club when you refer a successful buyer or seller to Van Fleet-Bronson, RE/MAX Real Estate.

Concord sales on the Clayton side of town Address

Price

Sale Date

Bed/Bath

Address

Price

Sale Date

Bed/Bath

5533 Maryland Drive

$470,000

12/7/2004

1128

3&2

5468 Roundtree Place, R

$255,000

11/16/2004 925

2&1

1183 Blue Lake Way

$689,000

12/6/2004

2313

3&2

1979 Ayers Road

$515,000

11/16/2004 1858

3&2

5127 Olive Drive

$505,950

12/6/2004

1721

3&2

987 Autumn Oak Circle

$965,000

11/16/2004 3391

5 & 3.5

1837 Ayers Road

$840,000

12/3/2004

3054

4&3

5488 Roundtree Drive, E

$281,000

11/16/2004 973

2 & 1.5

5460 Concord Blvd. C8

$227,000

11/30/2004 794

1&1

5340 Paso Del Rio Way

$539,000

11/15/2004 1446

3&2

5474 Roundtree Place, G

$270,000

11/29/2004 925

2&1

5323 Concerto Drive

$438,325

11/15/2004 1200

3&2

1185 Krona Lane

$665,000

11/26/2004 1972

4 & 2.5

5718 Laurelwood Place

$610,000

11/8/2004

2228

5 & 2.5

5425 Concord Blvd. A4

$233,000

11/24/2004 762

1&1

5516 Nebraska Drive

$507,000

11/9/2004

1691

3&2

5499 Roundtree Drive

$290,000

11/23/2004 973

2 & 1.5

5460 Concord Blvd., A8

$261,500

11/8/2004

902

2 & 1.5

1155 Discovery Way

$580,000

11/22/2004 1633

3&2

1219 Missouri Drive

$550,000

11/5/2004

1437

4&2

5374 Laurel Drive

$620,000

11/22/2004 1861

3&2

1134 Camino Solano

$639,000

11/5/2004

2162

4&3

1564 Schenone Court, D

$340,000

11/17/2004 1250

3 & 1.5

5250 Pebble Glen Drive

$510,000

11/5/2004

1683

3 & 2.5

5488 Roundtree Drive, E

$281,000

11/16/2004 973

2 & 1.5

5486 Roundtree Drive, C

$275,000

11/2/2004

973

2 & 1.5

5167 Paul Scarlett Drive

$595,000

11/12/2004 2246

4 & 2.5

5497 Roundtree Drive, E

$275,000

11/2/2004

973

2 & 1.5

5484 Haussner Drive

$517,500

11/17/2004 1361

3&2

5505 Lowry Court

$520,000

10/29/2004 1548

1564 Schenone Court, D

$340,000

11/17/2004 1250

3 & 1.5

3&2

All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

December 17, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com 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,

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.

Page 5

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.

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

Classified HELP WANTED HVAC INSTALLER: 3 yrs. minimum experience. Good DMV and EPA certified. Call 925-673-3776

SERVICES PIANO LESSONS: Any age, any level, from 5-year olds to beginning adults, offered by experienced local teacher. Contact Eunice Flannery at 673-9858.

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Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 CTA Crossroads Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-0597 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . . . . . .524-5100 Donna's Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2440 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 Elysium (formerly The Fox and The Fiddle) . . . . . . . . . . .672-1333 Flannery,Patty - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . . . . .210-7480 Fleury's Floor Covering, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-1010 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . . . . . .672-8787 Graham Family Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-1333 Head's Up Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2277 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Holy Cross Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2000 HomEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1119 Jim Hudak Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 IMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-2200 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Law Office of Richard Littorno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lela's Hair Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2000 Lyone Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .827-1520 Dr. Christina Mason, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1559 Mavericks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Melanie's Gifts & Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Miller, Thomas C.P.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354-1385 Mr. Pickwick's British Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .459-0574 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . .280-8563

Northgate Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-8711 Nu Image Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1777 Oakhurst County Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pacific Coast Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .429-2123 Pasta Primavera Café & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-5300 Piano Doc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9874 Pro Home Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-3300 Pro Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3776 R&M Pool, Patio & Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Robin's Nest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 Something Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3666 St. Bonaventure Catholic Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5800 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 Sweet Bakery & Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0936 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 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Remax Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4433 Walcutt, Bill - Prudential Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-5535 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700

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Auto R ating C riteria: Two vehicles in the household a 2002 Toyota Corolla, 4 door and a 2003 Dodge Caravan Minivan. 6-month auto premium, married couple, age 40 with no tickets or accidents the past (3) years and each vehicle an average of 11,500 miles annually. Coverage's included are 250/500/100 BI/PD, 250/500 UMBI, CDW, 5,000 Medical, $100 comprehensive and a 1,000 collision deductible.

Home R ating C riteria: Home built in 1999, tile roof, burglary and fire protection devices with no claims reported over the past (3) years. Your rates and coverages may vary based on your individual requirements. Quotes were obtained May 2004 and are from sources that we believe are reliable, but we cannot be responsible for their accuracy. All rates are based on criteria above. IMC coverage is quoted with A+ rated insurance companies. For a free no obligation rate comparison call our personal lines group of Insurance Professionals at (925) 673-2200 or or stop by the office at 6160 Center Street, Suite B, Clayton, or visit our Web site at

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Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Mayor, from page 1 message. We will continue to have challenges with them in the coming year. But we will be doing a number of great things here in Clayton in the coming year. I expect to see both of the recently advertised city properties sold and built upon in the coming year. These businesses will be great additions to our communi-

ty and allow us to address issues other than “what is going on that lot?” I look forward to the city’s Bocce League playing their championship games, if not a major portion of their season, on the new Bocce courts. I expect our current city businesses to be ever more prosperous and I hope to welcome more businesses to the city. Hopefully

Gregg Manning presents outgoing mayor, Julie Pierce, with a gift from the council in appreciation for her year’s efforts.

these will generate sales tax revenue for the city. I expect the message on the Landscape Maintenance District and the need for its renewal to be heard and understood by the entire city. We will not be building a great many new homes and there will be no major developments in the city because we are basically built out with little available vacant land. We all know that. Now we have to convince the state and

ABAG that all those people who are coming to California will have to be housed in other areas with available transportation and jobs. Measure J was passed with a huge margin on the first try. Now we can focus on related items such as the Urban Limit Line and our housing element. A small city has to do everything a large city has to do except we have to do it with less money and fewer people. That means we need a city staff, which is not only

City Clerk Rhonda Basore swears in the three returning council members. From left, Bill Walcutt, Gregg Manning and Julie Pierce.

December 17, 2004 very qualified but also extremely dedicated. We have such a staff and the best city manager in the county to lead them. I look forward in the coming year to working with the city staff, our City Council and you the people of our small but great city. With New Years Eve at the end of this month, Clayton will have its second Family New Years Eve Celebration. The city is still hoping for more volunteers to help. Please call 673-7300 if

you can assist. I will deal with each of the subjects mentioned above in a more extensive manner in future columns. I look forward to citizen input and if there is some matter you wish the city to address, write me or call City Hall and ask for extension 7316. Thank you for your confidence in the job that the current City Council has been doing and let’s have a great year.

The City Clerk inserts the new title of Vice Mayor into Dave Shuey’s name plate sign. Pete Laurence is in the middle.

Family owned since 1983

Concord approves center renovation JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

By this time next year, Clayton residents could be enjoying a cup of Peets gourmet coffee, a fruit smoothie and multiple trips to Nob Hill Foods, all within a couple of miles from home. If renovation plans go as scheduled at Clayton Valley Shopping Center, residents might also be browsing a few unique boutiques, a children’s clothing store, a pet store and working out at a women’s spa. The Concord City Council recently gave the go ahead to

Regency Centers for a total overhaul of the center by approving a Preliminary Development Plan Amendment for an ambitious new master plan. Regency, a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT), has invested in excess of $50 million in the project, according to Scott Franklin, Vice President of Investments for Regency. He explained that Regency is in final lease negotiations with Nob Hill Foods with plans for a 59,000 square foot building in the space once occupied by Lucky Supermarket and Albertson’s. He added that

Regency is also talking to Longs Drugs about a new deal that might include a drive-through pharmacy. Most of the deals between Regency and new or existing tenants are contingent on one another. “We need their (Longs) approval to get Nob Hill Foods. I don’t see it being a problem.” We’ll come to a resolution one way or another,” says Franklin. Patrons of the popular Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant will be please to hear that a deal is in the works to position the Mexican eatery in a new 6,000 square foot building near

Washington Boulevard. “I’m feeling very positive about the negotiations with Guadalajara which should be done by the end of the year,” says Franklin. Keeping an eclectic mix of ethnic restaurants at the shopping center, Regency has completed a lease agreement with Tachi Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar which will double the restaurant’s current space. Negotiations are ongoing with other existing tenants to either relocate them or terminate their leases, Franklin explained.

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Upcoming Events New Year’s Eve Celebration

Hear Ye Hear Ye, announcing the Second Annual Clayton New Year’s Eve Celebration from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Clayton Community Gym! Once again the City is joining a nationwide movement to provide family friendly, alcoholfree New Year’s Eve activities. This free family event was a great success last year so plan on ringing in 2005 with your family and fellow Claytonians.

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Come for hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks for dinner and cookies and popcorn for dessert. Stay for music and dancing with Willie, the YMCA mascot and a G-rated, family oriented movie. Bring sleeping bags and pillows for the little ones. Childcare will be provided so parents can play with older children. Scheduled activities include kickball, “pillow polo,” family soccer, adult and kids basketball, volleyball, kids soccer, Capture The Flag. Kids can bounce for hours on the jungle gym. The first 300 children will receive a T-shirt. No reservations required. Just show up!

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This event is sponsored by the City of Clayton, YMCA, Pleasant Hill Bayshore Disposal, Comcast, Costco and the Clayton Business and Community Association. Volunteers are still needed. You can help out for an hour or for the whole evening. Please call Rhonda Basore at the City of Clayton, 673-7304 or e-mail rbasore@ci.clayton.ca.us.

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December 17, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 7

Vigilance is needed to keep these “bad boys” away Formosan termites have been a scary subject within pest control circles for years. Even with the most formidable

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home. termite infestation, such as I They have been featured in see here, can involve a few a couple news stories over the hundred thousand ¼ inch long past year, and I occasionally get workers. Formosan colonies questions about them from have been found to contain 10 anxious customers. While we million or more, which can do have our share of native make control very difficult. subter ranean Natives rely on termites here in contact with the the Bay Area, ground to get the non-native moisture to sursubter ranean vive. We put Formosan terdown a chemimite has not cal barrier over yet made its the soil, the terway up from mites won’t Southern penetrate the California. barrier, and They are they eventually believed to die off. have come to Formosans will the United simply find States in tim- FORMOSAN TERMITE ALATES, also another source bers and wood known as swarmers of water. They products on have even been military ships from the Pacific discovered making small tundocking in New Orleans in the nels through wood to funnel 1940s. Slow spreading at first moisture to their colonies. because they are very weak Unlike any native subterfliers, their range in the last 20 ranean termites, Formosans years has spread at an acceler- can also build “cartons,” which ated pace to 11 southern states, are large, cellulose structures including California and resembling an irregularlyHawaii. shaped wasp nest. They have A termite’s job in nature is been found in trees or under to digest wood, any wood, and the eaves of a house and exist the Formosan termite is without any contact with the extremely good at its job. The soil. If an aerial nest is hidden reason for serious concern is away somewhere, their ability that they are more aggressive to survive long periods of time than our native termites and without earth contact also are now actually classified as gives them more time to do the most aggressive and damage and makes them more destructive termite in this resistant to detection. country. Property damage, Formosans have also been repair work and control costs known to chew through thin attributed to this termite run sheets of copper, asphalt, plasan estimated $1 billion annual- ter, creosote, rubber and plasly. And they only live in 11 tic in search of food and water. states so far. Even while they eat you out of Typical native subterranean house and home, you have to admire their tenacity!

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Native subterranean termites swarm seasonally, just like ants, to fly off and begin new colonies. Since the Formosan swarmers are very weak fliers and can only fly very short distances, man has been the primary helper in dispersing them. Formosans feed on and live in many different species of trees, even living wood. Infested landscape timbers, recycled lumber and ground mulch appear to be their main means of transport. Even with California’s strict laws regarding agricultural products coming into the state, the termites have managed to establish themselves here. Much like the vigilance towards the Glassy-winged sharp-shooter that threatens

“A termite’s job in nature is to digest wood, any wood, and the Formosan termite is extremely good at its job.” Larry Domina the wine growers, inspectors are keeping a close eye on the spread of Formosan termites in Southern California. So is there any good news regarding these “bad boys” of the termite world? In a number of cases, once detected, they can be controlled in ways similar to those used to control native subterranean termites, just more aggressively. When an infestation is found inside of a structure, a full chemical treatment of both the interior and the exterior perimeter will

They could be snacking their way through your biggest investment. Protect your home. Call us.

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LARRY DOMINA HOME WORK often work. As with our native termites, my opinion is that the best termiticides on the market today are Termidor and Premise. The downside is that today’s chemicals do have a limited life for effectiveness, usually just three to five years. If the infestation is only outdoors, not yet in contact with the house, bait can work well. Bait stations can be effective and can sometimes wipe out a whole colony. But they are only effective if monitored carefully and often. The inspector has to make sure that the termites are actually taking the bait and will need to move the bait stations that have not had any hits. The house, of course, still needs to be monitored to be sure that termites are staying away. One of the first signs of termite infestation is seeing the termites swarm. Formosan termites will swarm at night only. You would see them on window sills or swarming towards indoor lights, usually between mid-May and mid-June. Native termites, as I’ve already mentioned, will swarm just as ants do, during the day, either outside or even within your home. Swarmers are the winged, longer, dark reproductive termites, unlike the quarter inch creamy colored workers who eat the wood, or the soldiers with big, brown heads who protect the colonies from other invading predatory insects. There is quite a bit of active research going on with Formosan termite control. While total eradication is considered unlikely, the immediate goal is to learn how to minimize the destruction they cause with termite populationmanagement techniques. Studies are being done in precision placement of termiticides, improving detection and discovering and learning to use biological control agents. With any luck, the Bay Area will not be overtaken by this formidable pest. Larry Domina is the owner of the Contra Costa Termite Control Company in Concord. He can be reached at 925-680-7665.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

Determining the value of a unique property The customary way to establish the market value of a property is to compare it with three similar properties that have sold recently in the same neighborhood. But what if there aren’t any comparable sales (called “comps”)? In a real estate market where prices are escalating rapidly, your home could sell for a precedentsetting price. In a slow market, on the other hand, there might not be any comps because so few homes have sold. Or a property could be truly one-of-akind. There might not be another one like it, either on or off the market. In each of these cases, an appraiser might have difficulty appraising the property for the desired price. Most buyers purchase their homes with the help of a mortgage. To get a mortgage, the buyer must qualify with the lender, but the property must also qualify. Lenders hire appraisers to prepare an apprais-

Enea,

from page 1 arrests to the program. “Even though the kids know it’s staged,” he said, “the police, fire and EMTs (at the scene) are all realistic. It has a big impact on the kids and makes them think about what they’re doing. We just don’t hear as much about kids being arrested for DUI anymore.” Asked what he hopes to leave behind when he retires, Enea does not hesitate. “My work ethic,” he says. In 31 years, Enea has never taken a sick day. “He frequently comes in an hour before his shift starts,” said fellow officer, Tim O’Hara. “He’s immensely dedicated.” He’s described by other co-workers as honest, kind, dependable and generous. “He knows everybody, everything,” says Community Services Officer Susan Burdette. “He’s always been a wealth of information for me.” But, it’s not just his work ethic that Enea will leave behind in Clayton. Son Rich Enea, Jr. is currently an officer with the department. See his tribute to his father in the Letters to the Editor on this page. Enea is excited about this “new chapter” in his life and does not plan to sit on the porch with his feet up. “Maybe for a week,” he said. He has already been appointed to the Board of Trustees of The Salvation Army in Crescent City and plans to put his Community College Credential to use by teaching first aid, CPR and health education. “I’ve always been interested in politics,” he mused. “Maybe I’ll run for the city council.”

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ESTATE

al report on the property to confirm that the purported value of the property is accurate. Ideally, the lender wants the appraiser to use three comps within a threemile radius of the property that sold within the last six months. If your home sells for a precedent-setting price, but the appraiser can only justify a price based on yesterday’s comps, the deal could fall apart because the buyer can’t get financing. Determining the market value of a property when there aren’t any comps requires ingenuity. Market value is the price a

willing and able buyer will pay. So the first step is to figure out who would buy such a property. Then ask yourself where else these buyers might look for such a property. When there aren’t any comps in the immediate neighborhood, expand your search geographically to include other similar neighborhoods. For example, one appraiser was appraising a large, unique property in the Morgan Territory area. There weren’t any good comps, so she included Martinez and Brentwood in her search and was able to complete her appraisal. If she hadn’t found comps in Contra Costa County, she would have moved on to Alameda County. Another approach when there aren’t any comps is to search further back in time. For example, if there are comps from a year ago, these can be used with an adjustment made for appreciation or depreciation during the past year. For a one-of-a-kind property,

like a geodesic dome, search for another unique property that sold, perhaps an A-frame. Even though the two properties are different in style, they are similar in that they are unique and not mainstream properties. Then compare the price of the Aframe to a similar but more conventional property to determine how much the market adjusts for uniqueness. There’s a smaller market for unique properties, so the market price adjustment in comparison to the mainstream comps is usually downward. When all else fails, market value comparisons can be made by comparing the number of rooms in the homes and the number of square feet. For difficult appraisals, you’ll get the best results if you use an appraiser who likes to appraise the tough ones. Most appraisers shy away from appraising unique properties because there’s more work involved. First, the appraiser has to search far and wide to find

Letter to the Editor

From Rich Enea, Jr.

Dear Readers: I want to take a minute to say thanks to Sgt. Enea (my father) who will soon be retired from the Clayton Police Department. Sgt. Enea has done so much for the Police Department and for the community that we have lived in for the past 14 years. He has been a great teacher and a great role model for the residents of Clayton. I feel so blessed that I have been able to work side by side with my father during the last few months. It is no secret that we both love our jobs. I will cher-

ish those memories forever. Dad, I wish you all the happiness in your future plans and may GOD protect you always. I will never forget what you have taught me in life and in the field of Law Enforcement. I will truly miss working with you on the streets and I will even miss buying you Starbucks. I just hope that I can be at least half the Police Officer that you were. I Love You. Thanks for everything. Rich Enea, Jr.

comparable sales when there aren’t any in the conventional sense. Then the appraiser must explain to the lender how the market value was determined. Lenders allow latitude on the comps used, but only with plenty of explanation.

Your real estate agent or mortgage broker should be able to recommend an appraiser who is up for the challenge. For any real estate needs or questions contact Lynne at: Phone (925) 672-8787 or E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com

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Pre-home inspection prior to listing Servicing residential, rental and investment properties Call us prior to your 1 year warranty expiration date Roger Galvin & Lori Hilts-Galvin Clayton Office (925) 672-9405 Antioch Office (925) 755-HOME (4663) Cellular Phone (925) 639-9405

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Pete Laurence and his real estate team wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a terrific New Year

PETE LAURENCE Broker-Owner, Realtor, GRI

Office: (925) 939-7920 Fax: (925) 939-1939 VM 24 hr: (925) 940-2777

1511 Treat Blvd. #100, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

December 17, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Christmas cookies to make Santa smile

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A warm, sugary, aromatic cookie seems to embody the Christmas spirit in American homes. In Europe, too, guetzli (Switzerland), galletas (Spain), and biscotti (Italy) are part and parcel of winter celebrations. Our term for cookie is derived from the Dutch word “koekje.” According to Linda Stradley, webmaster of What’s Cooking America, cookie-style cakes date back about 13 centuries. Alexander the Great introduced sugar cane he discovered in India to Persia (now Iran), and Persians became known far and wide for their cakes and pastries. Their sweet cuisine spread throughout the Mediterranean with the Moors. So important were commercial bakers in European society that by the 17th century, they formed guilds—professional societies— that controlled the training of bakers as well as the amount and qualtity of baked goods. Sweets are associated with most holidays and Christmas is no exception. In England, St. Nicholas—the patron saint of children—is treated to whisky and mince pie on Christmas Eve. The American tradition is to leave Santa a glass of milk and cookies before retiring for bed. Santa would certainly have enjoyed all of the cookies in the Clayton Pioneer’s First Annual Christmas Cookie competition (see main article on page one). Kaitlyn Trivelsky championed the junior baker flight with her Grandma’s special sugar cookies (the secret’s in the luscious orange flavoring): KAITLYN’S CANDY CANES 1 c butter 1 c sugar 3 eggs 2 tsp vanilla 2 Tbsp orange juice 3 Tbsp orange zest 3½ c flour 2 tsp baking powder Preheat oven to 400°F. Cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in orange juice and zest. Sift together flour and baking powder, and add to butter mixture. Chill the dough for at least 3 hours. Roll out dough to about ¼” thick. Using a candy cane-

LINDA WYNER

FOOD

FOR

THOUGHT

shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and bake for 8-10 minutes. Frost and decorate when cool. (Kaitlyn uses Jiffy brand white frosting mix.) Suzanne Renner came in first in the adult baker competition. The judges oooo’d and ahhhhh’d when they bit into these gems: PEANUT BUTTER BALLS 2 c powdered sugar 2 Tbsp butter or margarine, room temperature 1 Tbsp milk 2 tsp granulated sugar ¼ tsp vanilla extract ½ c creamy peanut butter 1 c (6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 Tbsp solid vegetable shortening Sugar nonpareils for decoration In a medium size bowl, mix sugars, butter, milk and vanilla until blended. Mix in peanut butter. Roll heaping teaspoonfuls of filling into ¾” balls and place on a wax paper lined jelly roll pan. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until firm. Melt chocolate and shortening in small saucepan and scrape into small bowl. Spear a peanut butter ball with a toothpick and dip into the melted chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip off. Return coated ball to the lined pan and sprinkle with nonpareils. Refrigerate 10-15 minutes to firm the chocolate. Remove the balls from waxed paper and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Liz Theodorelos gets this columnist’s honorable mention for a most unusually delicious cookie. Adapted from Susie Jacobs’ Recipes from a Greek Island, Liz brought::

GREEK HONEY CAKES (MELOMAKARONA) 7 c flour ½ tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder ¾ c canola oil ½ lb. (2 cubes) butter, melted 1¼ c sugar ½ c orange juice zest of 3 oranges 4 tsp cinnamon 1½ tsp ground cloves ½ tsp nutmeg ½ c brandy or port wine Syrup: 2 c honey (1 lb), ½ c sugar, ½ c water, 1” cinnamon stick, 1 clove, grated zest and juice of one lemon Topping: ½ c finely chopped walnuts, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon Make syrup by boiling water

FIRST

PLACE MASTER BAKER

SUZANNE RENNER with Linda Wyner

and sugar for a few minutes. Add honey, spice and zest. Simmer 5-10 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and chill. Sift flour, baking powder and baking soda. Melt butter, add oil and beat in sugar until well dissolved. Beat in brandy, zest, orange juice and spices. Add flour a few spoonfuls at a time until a malleable dough forms. Add flour if too soft; more orange juice if too stiff. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 mins or until very smooth. Pinch off pieces of dough (about 2 Tbsp) and form into flattened oval shapes. Bake for 20 minutes in a pre-heated 375°F oven until lightly browned. Cool a little and the dip cookies in syrup for 1-2 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and place on tray to cool. Sprinkle with chopped nut mixture. DEATH BY WHITE CHOCOLATE COOKIES

By Emily White (senior baker)

Celebrating our 10th year of service

FIRST

PLACE JUNIOR BAKER

KAITLYN TRIVELSKY and Linda Wyner

1 pkg (8 sq.) Baker’s semisweet baking chocolate ¾ c firmly packed brown sugar ½ c butter or margarine, softened 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla ½ c flour ¼ tsp baking powder 1 pkg (6 sq.) Baker’s white

Specialist in Ranch and Country Property. Robin has ranches in Richmond, Stockton & a whole bunch in between.

SUGAR COOKIES

By Ashley Glennen (senior baker)

½ c butter ½ c shortening 1 c sugar 3 eggs 3½ c flour 1 tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp soda 1 tsp vanilla Cream butter, sugar and shortening. Add eggs one at a time and blend well. Sift together dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Add vanilla. Chill dough for about 3 hours. Roll out to ¼” thickness, cut and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for 7 minutes. RUGELACH

By Melissa Schoell (junior baker)

2 sticks butter 2 c flour 8 oz cream cheese red and green tinted sugar granules Blend together ingredients in food processor. Shape into two balls and roll flat. Sprinkle with colored sugar. Cut into wedges. Roll like croissants. Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes or until a light golden brown.

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

www.robinsranches.com

rgan Territory JUST LISTED: Mo drooms, 2 baths be 3 , res Road. 5 ac op with office/tack sh ft. plus 1,250 sq. house, city water. room, large green $880,000

Are you looking for that perfect horse set-u up?

baking chocolate, coarsely chopped 2 c chopped macadamia nuts or toasted slivered almonds Heat oven to 350°F. Microwave semi-sweet chocolate on high for 2 minutes. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla with wooden spoon until well blended. Stir in flour and baking powder. Stir in white chocolate and nuts. Drop scant ¼ c of the dough onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 13-14 mins until cookies are puffed and feel set to the touch. Cool 1 minute, remove to wire rack. Makes 18 large cookies. NOTE: if omitting nuts, increase flour to ¾ c to prevent spreading.

Clayton.

Fabulous 4.5 acre ranch. Great home and barn. 8425 Marsh Creek Road. For pictures view www.robinsranches.com. Clayton. 5+ acs. Huge 5 bd, 4 ba home. 2 fireplaces, sharp den w/wet bar. Lrg children’s area.

20 Acres Suisun City! 3/2 Plus Garage and Workshop.

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Kropa Realty

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Page 10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

Severe foot pain may signal a gout attack JANA TOMSKY

YOUR HEALTH

uestion: My father’s foot recently swelled up, turned

red and was excruciatingly painful. He couldn’t walk for more than a week. The doctor said it was gout. What exactly is gout? nswer: GOUT Podagra, painful toe, rich people’s disease and other names have been given to this form of arthritis or joint inflammation. Gout frequently (but not always) affects a great toe (MTP – Metatarsophalangeal

joint). By definition, gout is a metabolic disease characterized by an elevated blood level of uric acid, which is a break-down product of metabolism (Hyperuricemia) and deposits of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joint with subsequent acute or chronic arthritis. Crystals induce an inflammatory reaction by the releasing of chemicals leading to classic symptoms such as excruciating pain, redness, warmth and swelling of the joint. Sometimes, these signs of inflammation may be confused with other inflammatory conditions like cellulites or septic joint. Interestingly, all mammals except humans possess an enzyme called uricase that breaks purines down so they can be dissolved and eliminated easily from the body. In humans, however, purine breaks down into uric

Farm 51

acid, which is not as easily eliminated and can built up in body tissue. Purines are nitrogen-containing compounds that are important for energy. Sufferers with gout may be split into two categories as either over-producers or under-secretors of uric acid. Ninety percent of the cases are under-secretors. To distinguish between these two categories, a simple test of collecting a urine specimen over a 24-hour period can measure the uric acid level in urine. WHO IS MOST AFFECTED? Gout is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes as well as with chemotherapy for leukemia or lymphoma. Based on self-reports, gout is estimated to affect about 2.1 million Americans and is very uncommon in less-developed countries. Initial gout attacks occur typi-

Seth Ahonen

cally in middle-aged men (30-60) and in women after menopause. Attacks may be precipitated by several factors: overindulgence in red and organ meat, red wine, aged cheese, anchovies, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms and cocoa to name a few, as well as consumption of alcohol in general. Based on the symptoms, gout is divided into four stages: z Asymptomatic hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid without symptoms) z Acute gouty arthritis (painful attack) z Intercritical gout (periods between attacks) z Chronic tophaceous gout (chronic disabling condition affecting multiple joints and body tissues) First attacks usually affect a big toe. With a longer duration illness and more frequent attacks, other joints can be affected, usually in an ascending, asymmetric pattern (toe, insteps, heels, ankles, fingers, wrist, elbow, ear cartilage). The primary symptom is severe pain at and around the joint. Some patients describe it as so tender that even the weight of bed sheets can be unbearable. In many cases the attack occurs at night or early morning. MSU crystals form easier at lower temperatures. Since blood temperature falls with distance from the heart, gout strikes toes and fingers first. Chronic gout sufferers may develop “tophaceous gout” after about 12 years. Tophi are nodular masses of MSU crystal deposits in soft tissue, which can lead to deformities, pain and joint destruction. At that stage of pro-

can abort the attack within hours. In the next issue, we’ll discuss how gout is diagnosed and some treatment options.

gression, kidney damage may be present (renal stones and nephropathy), occurring in about 12-15 percent of patients with gout. Although acute gout attacks will subside spontaneously over several days, prompt treatment

Jana Tomsky, MD, can be reached at the Clayton Valley Medical Group, (925) 6726744

PATTY FLANNERY Clayton Resident Since 1979

Happy Holidays Realtor Associate International President’s Circle

Voice Mail: 925-210-7480 Residence: 925-672-0541 Be with the best!

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Is there a way to prevent sibling rivalry?

uestion : I have a 4-year-old girl and am due to give birth at the beginning of the year to a little boy. My sister has a similar difference in ages between her children and says the sibling rivalry has been intense from day one. Is there anything I can do to keep it from happening? nswer: Probably not, but you can minimize this very natural process and make sure you don’t inadvertently make it worse. The first thing to develop is a little empathy for your daughter’s situation. She didn’t ask for this, and it wouldn’t be her choice — she wants you all to herself! And while I’m not recommending lessening in any way the affection you show your son, do recognize that this is a real life-altering situation for his sister. Second, it’s important to be aware of a couple issues. As much as it may be policy in many families to say there are no favorites and that all children in the house are loved equally, at the level children understand – how it feels – this is hardly ever true. It may be important to recognize that boys and girls may have very

different roles and experiences in the culture of your family and

PETE CALDWELL PARENTING that attention should be paid to placing value on what each does well. If you try to ensure that every child has the same experience, that experience becomes less important. Keep things special, unique and geared for each child’s abilities and interests. The four-year age difference is going to make for very different relationships you have with both children at any given time. Encouraging your daughter to help this newer, less competent member of your tribe and really showing appreciation for her greater skill level can go far toward making her feel like being the older child is an honor rather than a burden. Later, when your children are

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3) When reasonable and safe, let children work out their own differences. Running to you to settle things is not something you want to reward all the time. Some of our best life lessons happened as we learned to negotiate things within our family.

both old enough to recognize a rivalry for what it is, consider these three simple do’s and don’ts as a guide to minimizing sibling conflict: 1) Keep comparisons to a minimum. They’re generally unfair and certainly unlikely to be useful. 2) Don’t minimize your child’s anger at his or her sibling. Acknowledge it without labeling it right or wrong. Feelings are okay.

Pete Caldwell is the Mental Health Director of We Care Services for Children in Concord. In addition to this and teaching courses at local colleges, he maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Walnut Creek.

Club News BOY SCOUT WREATH SALE Boy Scout Troop 262 is having its annual Christmas wreath sale. Choose from a 22” noble fir wreath for $16, a 22” mixed evergreen wreath for $17 or a 22” x 30” door swag for $15. All the wreaths are fresh and smell wonderful. They can be delivered to your office, store or home! Call Robb Van Wyck at 925348-5755. Thank you for your support of Boy Scout Troop 262.

DIABLO BOWMEN ARCHERY CLUB CLAYTON The Diablo Bowmen has memberships available for families and individuals. Member archers have access to 80 acres of trails and targets on four courses. Located on the east side of Mt. Diablo the club sports some of the most beautiful scenery in the east Contra Costa area, There are club shoots every second Sun. of the month. You can learn more at www.diablobowmen.org.

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December 17, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Dining Around La Veranda Café TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton

As the holidays approach and our thoughts take an ever more festive turn, the age old question of “what’s for dinner?” takes on a multi dimensional meaning. Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience complete with candles, wine and a gorgeous view, a holiday lunch with a few friends, or a quick, tasty “take out” for the family on a cold and rainy night, you need go no further than Pioneer Territory for the best choices in “Dining Around.” Right in downtown Clayton, are two excellent fine dining restaurants. The Fox and the Fiddle has changed its name to ELYSIUM. New owner and chef Greg Severn also has a brand new menu featuring an eclectic choice of American Contemporary dishes, perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Menu choices include a Pork Loin served with roasted pear and cabbage slaw, polenta cake and a brown sugar demi-glace for $20. For the meat and potatoes fan, there’s a Block Cut Ribeye with roasted Yukon Gold potatoes served with cream of endive and bacon for $27. Brunch menu choices include a hugely popular Steak and Egg Quesadilla served with black beans and salsa fresca ($9) and a delectably sweet ricotta filled French toast with honey creme and pure maple syrup ($8). Other brunch entrees range in price from $8 to $12. Elysium is open for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, and all day on Sunday for both brunch and dinner. 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 in price 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 Reigna with baby greens, walnuts, Gorgonzola and a honey Dijon mustard dressing for $6.50 … my personal favorite. La Veranda is open daily for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for brunch. For view and atmosphere, you can’t do better than OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB in Clayton or ZANDONELLA’S on the Delta View Golf Course in Pittsburg.

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

Celebrate the holidays British style

Mr. Pickwick’s British Pub

& Restaurant

Banquet facility for up to 60 people New Year's Eve party with live band Reserve now! Good home cooking British-American Cuisine Best Fish n’ Chips this side of Britain Patio available

4633 Clayton Road, Concord 925-459-0574 We’re busy baking your holiday pies, rolls and danishes!

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The dining room at OAKHURST is open Wed.Sun. for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu is extensive, offering appetizers, a daily soup selection, salads, sandwiches and wraps and pasta. Kids have several choices as well, from PB&J to pasta. Lunches range from the traditional Ceasar salad for $6.49 to $9.39 for their Fisherman’s Wharf Crab and Avocado Melt sandwich. Dinner on Friday and Saturday features a heavenly roasted prime rib for $20.99-$24.99 in a size that’s perfect for every appetite and a selection of chef’s specials that might include a Fall Apple Chutney Pork Chop with a baked potato and a tomato stuffed with zucchini and asiago cheese for $21.99. Wednesday dinner is a pasta buffet for $14.99 ($6.99 for kids). Just over the hill and out of the traffic is ZANDONELLA’S. Open Tue.-Sun for lunch and dinner and situated on the lovely Delta View Golf Course, this family friendly restaurant offers an extensive menu that covers every craving. From that perfect bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs or a chicken, veal, beef or fish entree, all the way to a succulent and perfectly roasted rack of lamb, you are sure to find your favorite. Lunches range from $6.25 for a cheeseburger to $10.95 for Meat Ravioli and dinners range from $11.15 for Spaghetti Pomodore to $13.60 for Chicken Parmigiana, $19.35 for Prime Rib and $22.45 for the Rack of Lamb. All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free. Just down Clayton Road a little is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria is in the shopping center on the north corner of Treat and Clayton Road. (If you want to venture a little further afield, there is also a location in Walnut Creek at 2997 North Main.) My personal Pasta Primavera favorite is Linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil ($8.95), but I have a friend that won’t order anything but the Chicken Pesto Gorgonzola, a rigatoni dish with chicken breast and tomatoes in a creamy pesto Gorgonzola sauce ($13.95.) Both locations offer a small, intimate atmosphere, a good wine list and are open daily for lunch and dinner. 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

dancing. Call now for a reservation. 925-459-0574. So, with these offerings, there’s absolutely no reason to sit in traffic or fight the crowds. Everything to make your holiday dining memorable is right here in Pioneer Territory.

for a large, this pizza will feed a small army. For the vegetarian pizza lover, Rocco’s offers the Julius Caesar—a perfect pizza crust with spinach, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion, feta cheese and anchovies, all topped with a Caesar dressing, for $19.14. Not up for pizza? Not to worry. 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. For delectable and freshly baked pastries, cakes, cookies and bread, stop by the SWEET BAKERY in the Clayton Station. Grab an incredibly delicious Pecan Roll or Apple Cheese Danish ($1.75) and a latte for a quick break in the morning. Then come back for lunch when all gourmet sandwiches are only $5.75. While you’re there for lunch, order your holiday pies (pumpkin pie as good as Grandma ever made) and fresh baked croutons for stuffing. For the Brits and the Brits at heart, MR. PICKWICK’S BRITISH PUB AND RESTAURANT has opened in the old C C Ole’s place on Clayton Road. The menu is extensive with such British favorites as Steak and Kidney Pie served with potatoes and a vegetable for $11.25 on the lunch menu and $12.25 on the dinner. You can even get “mushy peas,” a regional specialty from Northern England. If you’re looking for fish and chips, you’ll find a thick cut of White Icelandic Cod for $9.95-$12.75. Mr. Pickwick’s is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. The full bar stays open until 2 a.m. New Year’s Eve will see a gala party with band and live

NEW TEA COTTAGE TO OPEN IN JANUARY Are you ready for a relaxing afternoon with friends, enjoying a pot of tea, delectable treats in a beautiful full service tea room? ENGLUND'S TEA COTTAGE will offer these amenities and more when they open their doors in the Clayton Station in January. Proprietors Sally Englund and Pamela Barnett want the tea cottage to be a place "where good friends gather." After you browse the gift shop and collectibles, enjoy lunch or high tea with tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fresh fruit and dip and dessert. Other offerings include the Bristol--a fresh green salad with walnuts oranges and citrus vinaigrette, china bowl of the day's special soup and a pot of tea. The Stratford features tea sandwiches filled with tuna supreme, chicken royal or egg salad and cucumber cream cheese. There's even the Picadilly or child's tea with PB&J sandwiches, fruit, tea cookies and tea or lemonade. And it’s not only tea that makes up the beverage menu. Coffee lovers will be glad to hear they can get a cup of Peet’s at the 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. Watch for grand opening signs and mark your calendar to take tea in Clayton's first tea room.

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Page 12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

Clayton Sports Clayton Jr. Eagles win two USSSA Tournaments DAVE MILLER Special to the Pioneer

The Clayton Valley Jr. Eagles closed out their 2004 tournament season with two USSSA first-place finishes. In midOctober, the Eagles won a South Bay (Twin Creeks) competition. After going 2-1 in pool play, the Eagles were unstoppable in the championship rounds. Tyler Fjellbo had a breakout weekend, leading the Eagles with back-to-back threehit games. In the second tournament, the final travel weekend of 2004 found the Eagles in Redding playing at the Big League Dreams sports complex. Playing three games Saturday in Fenway Park and two Sunday in Pawtucket, the Eagles went 5-0 to take first, qualifying for the 2005 USSSA Summer World Series. The Eagles first game in Redding was against the Reno Blue Devils. Johnny Bekakis scored three times, leading the Eagles to a 12-0 rout. In a wild third inning that saw the Eagles touch home nine times, Josh Miller, Mike Jayko and Conor Harrington drove in one run each, Jake Looney singled in two, and Sean Layton’s basesloaded double resulted in his fourth RBI of the inning (two at-bats). Cory Galindo and Bobby Morales combined for a one-hitter, holding the Devils scoreless.

CLAYTON VALLEY JR. EAGLES. Front Row : Bobby Morales, Jake Looney, Mike Jayko, Dane Rundquist, Josh Miller, Cody Stephens. Back Row : Tyler Fjellbo, Sean Layton, Corey Galindo, Johnny Bekakis, Conor Harrington The second game had the Eagles square off against the Starmaker Red Legs. Clayton jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead after three innings. The Red Legs rallied in the fourth, posting three runs. The Eagles responded with three runs of their own when Cody Stephens tripled, driving a ball into the gap, and Layton followed, com-

ing within inches of rattling the “Green Monster” wall, also with a triple. The Red Legs mounted a rally, but fell short in the last inning, with the Eagles winning 11-7. In the third game Saturday, the Eagles met the Mt. Dews from Olympia, Wash. The Eagles offensive punch continued in Fenway Park. The Eagles

put four on the board in the second inning. The Dews responded in the third inning with some power of their own, finding the alley gaps to score three. In the Eagles fifth, the heart of the order delivered again with four runs. Stephens roped a double in the sixth, scoring on a Morales single to push the Eagles ahead 11-3.

In the semi-final match up Sunday, the Eagles fell behind in a game for the first time in the tournament. In a rematch, the Reno Blue Devils looked to break the game open in the fourth inning. With two runs already in and a runner at first, Josh Miller dove to his right to grab a ground ball heading to the hole, and from his knees

fired to Bekakis covering second to quell the Devils’ rally. In the fifth Harrington legged out a triple, scoring on a Galindo sac fly, giving the Eagles their first run. Trailing 3-1 going into the sixth, Stephens drew a two out walk to start a comeback. Layton powered his second triple of the weekend to bring the deficit to just one run. Bobby Morales singled to right scoring Layton to tie the game. Morales stole second to get in scoring position. Dane Rundquist dropped down a surprise bunt that was misplayed scoring Morales for the leading run. Pitcher Layton closed out the tight game for the 4-3 win. In the Championship game, the Eagles faced a re-match with the Mt. Dews. Bekakis, Miller, Stephens and Layton started the game with four consecutive singles, with the Eagles posting three runs in the first. The Eagles and Dews played terrific ball for the next six innings. Galindo, Stephens and Layton contributed with stellar pitching performances. Fjellbo chased down two rockets in left field, and Harrington did the same in right to prevent big hits and to help the Eagles prevail in a 4-2 victory to win the tournament. The Eagles finished the 2004 season with eight tournament titles and four second place berths, building a consecutive win streak as high as 19 games, capping a great season.

MDSL Velocity girls soccer team has swift season JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

MDSL VELOCITY SOCCER TEAM. Back row: Asst Coach Alex Delgado, Head Coach Russ Marines, Asst Coach Randy Rowland; Row 3: Alison Marines, Jenna Stelzner, Cassie Carter, Raelyn Pamela, Melissa Del Bene, Shayana Gois; Row2: Paige Reilly, Brigitte Leblow, Kylie Horning, Lindsay DeCosta; Front row: Camila Rowland, Tori Lee, Ashley Delgado, Sarah Alitaha, Kaila Wakida

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The Mt. Diablo Soccer League’s under 11 girls Class 1 team, Velocity, recently concluded their regular season in second place in the District 4 Competitive Gold Flight with a record of 8-1-1. That win capped a big season that saw the team finish fourth in the prestigious Cal Cup tournament in Sacramento behind three of the best teams in the state. The team also finished third in the Davis Summer Shootout and the Santa Rosa Champions Cup, two other tough tournaments. In addition, the girls were champions of the DVSC Gold Cup, the Livermore Girls Fall Classic, and the Lodi Referees Fall Classic this year. At the Livermore tournament at the end of September the team was undefeated and won the championship match against the Manteca Rangers by the score of 4-2. At the Lodi Classic during the last weekend of October, they beat the Turlock

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Clayton Sports Sean Reilly

PIONEER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT While most of us leave our homes these days with a hat, coat and mittens, 14 year-old Sean Reilly of Clayton is never without his bathing suit, gog-

SEAN REILLY gles and a towel. A freshman at Clayton Valley High School, Sean spends over five hours a

day in the water at Concord Community Pool as part of the Terrapins Swim Club. He began swimming for the Dana Hills Swim Team when he was five years old and was a top competitor, setting numerous records. He moved on to the Terrapins Swim Club in 2000 when he was 10 years old and continues to win awards, set records and catch the attention of college coaches. His time spent in the water and his devotion to the sport have paid off. Recently Sean was high point winner at the Pacific Swimming Junior

Sports Shorts MDSL 2005 CRAB FEED FUNDRAISER MDSL’s Crab Feed fundraiser is scheduled for Jan. 28, at Zandonella’s Restaurant, 222 Golf club Road, Pittsburg (next to Delta View Golf course). MDSL’s inaugural Crab Feed last January was a great success with lots of great tasting crab. Funds raised help all of the players participating in the soccer league. Ticket prices are $40 each and may be tax deductible. Please contact Ian Brodie at 925-672-3532 or go to mdslsoccer.org for additional information.

YMCA HOLIDAY CLASSIC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT The Concord/Clayton YMCA youth basketball tournament has an A and B bracket with three age groups (Grades 2-3, 4-5, and 6.). The boys’ tournament is Dec. 2022; and the girls play Dec 2729. Stop by to see the action. For more information call the Program Director, Delise Young at 925.889.1625 or email at dyoung@mdrymca.org. CONCORD/CLAYTON BRANCH OF YMCA Have some fun and stay fit

LET'S GO BOWLING Come down and

Bowl during the holidays Plenty of open lanes (especially during the week)!

during the winter months while competing in a safe and positive environment at the Concord/Clayton Branch of the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA. Several programs will be available at the Clayton Community Gym at the Diablo View Middle School. The “Y” will also be hosting sport camps during winter break. Winter Basketball Camp, Grades 1-6, Dec. 20-23; Super Sports Camp, Grades 1-6, Dec. 27-31; Basketball League, Grades Pre K-8, Jan 15-Mar. 19; Indoor Soccer League, Grades K-8, Mar. 7-May 9; Floor Hockey League, Grades Pre K-1, Mar 7-May 9; Soccer League, Grades Pre K-8, Apr 16-Jun 11. For more information on all of the YMCA programs call 8891600.

Olympics Championships held in Pacifica. Sean earned five first places in the 100 back, 100 free, 50 free, 200 free, and 100 fly and four second places. “It’s probably my biggest accomplishment so far,” says Sean. Not too long ago at the Far Western Championships in Concord, Sean was part of two relays that set national records. He swam one leg of the 200 free relay and one fly leg of the 200 medley relay. Sean’s day begins at 4:30 a.m. when he wakes up. He’s in the water at 5 a.m. and practices until 6:45 a.m. After school it’s

Favorite Athlete: Michael Phelps Favorite Team: New York Yankees Favorite Sport (other than swimming: Snowboarding Favorite Movie: Old School Favorite Band: Avenged Seven Fold Favorite Food: Chinese

back in the water from 3:30 to 5:30. Sean hopes to earn a swimming scholarship to a division one school and maybe make it to the Olympics. In the swimming world he looks up to Olympic gold medalists Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In addition to his Terrapins schedule, Sean will also compete on

the Clayton Valley High School Swim team this Spring. Watch for some stellar performances from Sean at the All Star Champion meet in Long Beach next month. The Clayton Pioneer spotlights a local youth athlete from our circulation area in the second issue each month and Rocco’s congratulates the athlete with a free pizza. If you are a coach or an administrator and would like to nominate a young person (under 20 years of age) for the Rocco's Athlete Spotlight, please send information to sports@claytonpioneer.com or fax to 672-6580. Deadline for our Jan. 14 issue is Monday, Jan. 3.

Clayton’s Sue Gleason gets first hole in one at Oakhurst JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Clayton resident Sue Gleason got her first shot at fame in the sport of golf on December 5 when she made a hole-in-one at the Oakhurst Country Club course. She was playing the third hole, a 92- yard par three with a pitching wedge and scored her first ace. She immediately called her dad, Joe Heilmann, who has 12 holes-inone. “He was happier than I

was,” she laughed. “I told him I was trying to chase him, only 11 more to go.” Her husband, Chris has two holes-in-one. Sue’s father taught her the game of golf when she was young and she competed in many father/daughter tournaments. She played for fun when she attended Illinois State College and has continued to work at her game for the past 14 years. When she’s not improving her shot, Sue is at home with her three children Sarah, 5;

Christopher, 3 and Joey nine months old.

SUE GLEASON

Got Sports Shorts? Let us know what is happening in local sports. Drop off the details about upcoming events and sporting activities at the Pioneer office or send e-mail to sports@claytonpioneer.com

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Page 14

Clayton Pioneer â&#x20AC;˘ www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

Kids raise $1000 for needy families

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Two CYO basketball teams got into the true spirit of Christmas by raising over $1000 to buy Christmas presents for needy families. The fifth and sixth graders from St. Bonaventureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church raised the money by holding a basketball tournament and charging admission to the games. The money went to Sister Roberta Carson who coordinates the massive effort, independent of any other charitable giving program at the church. She uses the money to buy toys for children and practical gifts for their parents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for these (families under stress) to have something at Christmas. It calms the spirit,â&#x20AC;? she said as she surveyed the mountains of gifts already donated for the cause. Pictured with Sister Roberta Carson are CYO teammates Jeremy Gunder, Garrett Lemos, Jack McCoy and Shane Aldridge.

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Church News

Christmas Eve at

Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church

CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Clayton Community Church is putting on a production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Best Christmas Pageant Everâ&#x20AC;? on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. in the multiuse room at Diablo View Middle School. Donations welcome. There will be two Christmas Eve candlelight services at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Diablo View Middle School. Call 673-9060 for more information.

Family Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service With Holy Communion 11:00 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church 1578 Kirker Pass Road Clayton, CA

(925) 672-4848

The Congregation of Holy Cross Lutheran Church

1092 Alberta Way Concord, CA 94521 (925) 686-2000

Invites You to Join Us in Worship this Christmas Season Schedule of Services:

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Friday, Dec. 24 at 7:00 p.m. Christmas Day Service Saturday, Dec. 25 at 9:00 a.m. New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Service Friday, Dec. 31 at 7:00 p.m.

CLAYTON VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church is having a Christmas Eve family service of carols, readings and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voices at 5:30 p.m. Senior Pastor Patricia Stout Plymale will lead the service, with the choral support of the youth of the church. Local school age children who would like to participate may attend rehearsals Sun. Dec.19 at 11:45 a.m., Tues. Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. and Wed. Dec. 22 at 5p.m. The traditional candlelight service with communion will be at 11 p.m.Christmas Eve. The Reverend Tim Mooney will lead this service supported by the voices of the adult choir. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church is located at 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, CA 94517; telephone: 925-672-4848 SAINT JOHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARISH Saint Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church continues its observance of Advent season, in preparation for Christmas, with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mary & Joseph Sun.,â&#x20AC;? Dec. 19. During worship at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. parents share their spiritual experiences with the gift of children entrusted to their care. A pageant rehearsal for children who wish to participate in the Christmas Eve pageant is held at 9 a.m. and any community members are most welcome. The annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greening of the Churchâ&#x20AC;? party takes place Sun. Dec. 19. Everyone gathers at 1:30 to decorate the church. At 4 p.m. is Carol Sing and a free concert with the local dynamic singing trio, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vintage.â&#x20AC;? Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a live auction where the winning bid gets a Four-Day Winter Tahoe Holiday. The entire event concludes with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wassail Hourâ&#x20AC;?

of hot mulled cider and Christmas cookies. Everyone is welcome. Saint Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s observes the nativity of the Christ child with two worship services Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.. The 5 p.m.service includes a brief childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pageant, and is geared for younger families. Both services last 1-1/4 hours, and infant and toddler nursery care is provided. Saint Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warmly welcomes the community to join us. For further information you can contact the church at 672-8855, or www.saintjohnsparish.org. ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC CHURCH CYO track signups will be Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. in the large hall at St. Bonaventure. Team is open to boys and girls grades 2-8. Children compete by grade level and gender. There are no tryouts required. Season runs from the beginning of Feb. until May 7. Call Joe Sullivan 969-0207 for information.

THE GIFT OF PEACE

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CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Ĺ&#x203A;ÇąĹ&#x2013;Ĺ&#x2013;Čą Č&#x2DC;ČąÇČąĹ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2013;ÇąĹ&#x2013;Ĺ&#x2013;Čą

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SAINT JOHN'S PARISH THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH Ĺ&#x203A;Ĺ&#x203A;Ĺ&#x203A;Ĺ&#x203A;Čą Čą ČąČ&#x160;Čą

Č&#x192; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x203A;ČąÂ&#x160;ČąÂ&#x152;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2022;Â?ČąÂ&#x2018;Â&#x160;Â&#x153;ČąÂ&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2014;ČąÂ&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2014;ČąÂ?Â&#x2DC;Â&#x203A;ČąÂ&#x17E;Â&#x153;ČąÇŻÇŻÇŻ ČąČąÂ&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â?ČąÂ&#x2018;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ&#x2019;Â&#x153;ČąÂ&#x2014;Â&#x160;Â&#x2013;Â&#x17D;Â?Čą Â&#x203A;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â&#x152;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ&#x2DC;Â?Čą Â&#x17D;Â&#x160;Â&#x152;Â&#x17D;ÇŻČ&#x201E;Čą Â&#x153;Â&#x160;Â&#x2019;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;ČąĹ&#x;

&DOO DQ\WLPH Ĺ&#x153;Ĺ?Ĺ&#x2DC;ČŹĹ&#x17E;Ĺ&#x17E;Ĺ&#x203A;Ĺ&#x203A;, RU YLVLW XV

Â Â Â ÇŻÂ&#x153;Â&#x160;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x153;Â&#x2122;Â&#x160;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2019;Â&#x153;Â&#x2018;ÇŻÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x203A;Â?

St. Bonaventure Catholic Community 2004 Christmas Schedule Christmas Eve Masses Friday, December 24 Mass: 3 p.m. (Young Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pageant), 5 p.m. (Christmas Pageant) 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and Midnight

Christmas Day Masses, Saturday, December 25 Mass: 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 noon (Spanish) *NO 5:30 p.m. Mass

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve, Friday, December 31 Solemnity of Mary Mass: 4 p.m.

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Masses, Saturday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary Mass: 9 a.m.

*NO 5:30 p.m. Mass

*NO 6 p.m. Masses on Sunday, December 26th or January 2nd

5562 Clayton Road, Concord, (925) 672-5800

Join

Sund

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ay M very o at D 9:00 rnin &1 iabl 0:45 oV g iew M a.m. iddl

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Special Family Celebration Sunday Dec. 26 10:00 a.m. Diablo View Middle School

For more information contact us @ 673-9060 or www.claytoncc.com

6055 Main Street, Clayton, CA 94517

December 17, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 15

Year end tax planning stategies

Get glowing for the holidays

April 15 may be months away, however, year-end is a great time to start planning for next year's tax-filing season. As a result of many recent tax changes, early tax planning is crucial, and it's not too early to begin today by crunching some numbers and mapping out your tax plan. Remember, there may be a little you can do to reduce your taxes for this year after Dec. 31. ESTIMATE YOUR TAX LIABILITY To begin, you need to know how much taxable income you will have this year and how much tax you will have to pay on it. You can visit www.irs.gov or call (800) TAXFORM to get your tax forms, including the new Form 1040, its instructions and any additional schedules you may need. You may consider filling out the forms with estimates of this year's income and deductions. The forms you fill out for this exercise will give you a head start on your real 1040 form, due next year. MAXIMIZE YOUR SAVINGS If you haven't already contributed the maximum to your retirement plans, consider doing so before year end. If you have a 401(k) plan at work, now is a good time to decide how much you'll contribute next year. Try to commit to the maximum especially if your employer makes matching contributions, which amounts to "free money." Remember that in 2005, the pre-tax employee contribution limit is $14,000 and the catch-up contribution is $4,000. Individuals, who are

at least 50 by year end of the tax year, may be eligible to make an additional "catch-up" contribution to most retirement plans. ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX The 2003 tax law provided some generous breaks, such as tax cuts to capital gains and dividend tax rates. A 2004 tax law change extended the $1,000 per child tax credit for children under 17 years old through 2010 and extended marriage penalty relief for many couples through 2010. However, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), a parallel federal tax system that operates alongside the traditional tax code, may adversely affect many people and makes year-end tax planning essential. AMT is a tax calculation that uses slightly lower rates but eliminates deductions for "personal exemptions," state taxes, interest on certain home equity loans and some business expenses. It was originally a way to ensure that wealthy Americans paid at least some income tax every year. Because the regular income tax rates dropped without adjusting the AMT minimums for inflation, the tax now affects many middle-income filers in high-tax states. At this time of year, many taxpayers typically look for ways to accelerate deductions and delay receiving taxable income. But taxpayers who may be subject to the AMT would be wise to look at the whole picture before they act. SALES TAX Taxpayers who

itemize

deductions will have a choice to claim a state and local tax deduction for either sales or income taxes on their 2004 and 2005 returns. The IRS will provide tables for those who would like to deduct sales taxes but did not save receipts

least through 2008. If you trade in a tax-deferred account, you can trade without a tax, but when the money is withdrawn, it is taxed at ordinary rates, possibly at a rate much higher than 15 percent. It depends on what rates apply when you retire.

TAX DEFERRED PLANS VS. TAXABLE ACCOUNTS You may want to also reconsider which investments really belong in your taxdeferred retirement plan. Dividends on stocks held in

CONTRIBUTIONS TO YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY Year-end is also a good time to consider charitable gifts. In addition to clothes and furniture, consider giving appreciated stocks so you don't have to pay capital gains tax on any profit. The deductible value of the donated stock is the market value of the shares on the date they are donated if you have owned the shares more than a year. If you love the stock and want to maintain a position in the shares after your charitable contribution, you can simply buy new shares in the company. The dreaded wash-sale rules don't come into play for shares that you sell for a gain or contribute to a charity. Your favorite charity will be happy to help you with stock-donation transactions, but don't wait until the last minute to contact them. You will need some time to make sure the transfers take place this year.

MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE taxable accounts (such as brokerage accounts) used to be treated as ordinary income and were taxed at regular income tax rates, up to 35 percent. But now these dividends are taxed at a maximum of 15 percent. Until this 2003 change, it was often thought best to stash stocks generating hefty dividends yields in your taxdeferred account (so the dividends could compound taxfree). But now you might consider holding your income-paying stocks in your taxable account, making room for other investments within your 401(k) or IRA. The current rule on dividends is expected to expire after 2008. On the other hand, now may also be the time to consider buying and holding growth stocks, if your risk tolerance allows, because the long-term capital gains tax was slashed from 20 percent to 15 percent (5 percent for those in the 10 percent or 15 percent brackets). When you cash out, you will only pay 15 percent on gains, at

GET HELP Seek the help of a professional tax advisor to help ensure that you are taking advantage of recent tax law changes while there still is time to make a difference. This information is provided for informational purposes only. The information is intended to be generic in nature and should not be applied or relied upon in any particular situation without the advice of your tax, legal and/or your financial advisor. The views expressed may not be suitable for every situation. Mureleen Benton is a Certified Financial Planner. Call her with questions at 685-4523

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Now that winter is fast approaching with the fun and frenzy of holiday galas, it’s time to take special care of your skin. It may seem like a weird analogy, but in the same way that you winterize your car and your house, your skin also needs a little TLC at this time of year. You may have already noticed that the change of season is having an effect on your skin. Is it feeling a little dry or looking a little tired? A change of temperature or habitual patterns will often show up as a little epidural hissy-fit that leaves a gal or guy confused and frustrated. Not to worry, here’s a little skincare Rx for the coming months that will help remedy the winter blues. DRY AS THE SAHARA If your skin is looking and feeling dry, especially after the usual cleansing and moisturizing, try amping up the moisture routine with nighttime therapy. Night is when your body, including your skin, repairs itself. Lend a helping hand with rich moisturizing topical creams and serums. Guys, if daily shaving is leaving your skin flaky and tight, consider using a more skin-friendly shaving cream that softens the beard without harsh chemicals. You too can benefit from a moisturizer, so if your lady-love doesn’t mind sharing, dip into her moisture cream instead of aftershave to help save face! OIL SLICKS If your skin is producing more oil than an extra-virgin olive press, it could be that your cleanser is too harsh. It is a common misconception that if you have oily skin, you need an industrial-strength detergent. But if the cleanser you’re using is not pH balanced or formulated for your specific skin type, it will send your skin into shock because it thinks it’s under attack and it will produce more oil. Have your skin analyzed by an expert, and use the appropriate product for your skin type. Makeup can be the culprit, too. Many cosmetics don’t allow the skin to breathe, and thinking that it’s being suffocated, the skin, with its simple wisdom, reacts accordingly. Try switching to mineral makeup, and see if the problem doesn’t resolve itself. DELICATE FLOWERS If your skin is suddenly as sensitive as a hot-house flower, you’re not alone. In my experience, more people have sensitive skin than actually realize it. I often hear, “What’s wrong with my skin? Suddenly it’s acting so weird!” Well, your fragile epidermis can put up with abrasive cleansers, harsh treatment and environmental assault for only so long, and then it raises the white (or shall we say puffy, irritated, red) flag. Plus, if you’re over 35, consider your skin sensitive, period. And between us, what’s wrong with a little special

care? Be kind to yourself. Eat well. Rest. Get facials. Use products that heal, hydrate and pamper, because darling, you’re worth it. DULL AS DIRT Now that our friend the sun is taking a vacation from his usual strong show, it’s time to exfoliate! Winter is the best time

CYNTHIA GREGORY

LOOKIN’ GOOD to refresh and reinvigorate the skin. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, enzyme masks and laser peels will erase the mark of time from your face, eliminating dead skin cells that create wrinkles and the overall appearance of Grandma Moses. Beware of over-the-counter “miracle” gimmicks, and please please please don’t overuse the touted alpha hydroxy products, but do make an effort to cast off the old before we begin a new year. BREAKOUTS I know, just when you thought you were over the acne stage, pimples appear. What’s fair about that? Well, nothing, but do not despair. Pimples are simply toxins making their way to the surface so the body can purge them. Breakouts can be caused by allergies, hormones or a pH imbalance. If breakouts are bugging you, get a professional opinion, and switch to a skincare program designed just for you. UNDER THE KNIFE Post-surgical skin has special needs. As your body heals from any type of surgery, the injuries you’ve sustained and the meds you’ve ingested will eventually find their way to the surface. Often after a surgery, skin will take on a tired, dull or flaccid appearance. Help the healing process by taking the best care of your skin possible! Drink plenty of water, soak in baths with essential oils, moisturize inside and out, and as a special treat to yourself (with your doctor’s approval of course), get a facial or massage. You’ll notice a remarkable improvement in your appearance! Because the holidays are upon us, don’t be naughty, be nice to your skin! Cynthia Gregory holds a master's degree in fine arts and is a California licensed esthetician. She combines the surprising aspects of teaching English at Solano College and practicing esthetics at Permanent Solution, in downtown Clayton, and can be reached for comment at ceegregory@aol.com.

Moneymax© is a registered trademark of Financial Psychology Corporation. American Express Financial Advisors, Inc. Member NASD, American Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors, Inc., and is not a broker-dealer. ©2001-2003 American Express Financial Corporation. All rights reserved

C o m m u n i ty C o n n e c t i o n s

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., JAN. 3 FOR THE JAN. 14 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING Art at the YMCA @ Clayton Community Gym Art program starts at the YMCA - sculpture, painting, drawing for beginners, advanced drawing.and Children's books, writing illustrating and publishing. For information contact instructor Seth Ahonen at 889-1612 or 889-1600. 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. 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. NOW - DEC. 31 "Annie" @ Willows Theatre The classic family musical based on the adventures of the popular comic-strip heroine. Annie follows the story of the young orphan as she finds new family wtih billionaire Daddy Warbucks and dog Sandy. Directed by Richard Elliott. $20-35. Willows Theatre, Willows Shopping Center, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. 925-798-1300, www.willowstheatre.org. DEC. 17 - 23 Christmas My Way- Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra @ CTA Crossroads Theatre

DEC. 18, 19 THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. A rollicking production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"in the multi-use room at Diablo View Middle School. All are welcome. Donations accepted. DEC. 17, 24, 31 Digital Thunder Bowling @ Clayton Valley Bowl 4-6 p.m. Bowling on Friday afternoons for kids includes music, lights and bumper lanes. 689-4631, Clayton Valley Bowl, 5300 Clayton Road, Concord. DEC. 21, 28, JAN. 4, 11 Patty Cakes Story Time @ Clayton Community Library 11-11:20 a.m. Story time for birth to 3 years, through Jan.13. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. DEC. 23, 30, JAN. 6, 13 Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library 11-11:25 a.m. Picture book time for 3 to 5 year olds, through Jan. 13.Child may attend without parent. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. JAN. 22 University Women @ Clayton Library Princess Diana, Beyond the Myth. The guest speaker at the “Winter Tea” is Susan Maxwell Skinner, who was assigned to Princess Diana's press corp and spent 8 incredible years with her. Tickets are available for $15 and the money will benefit educational scholarships for local students. Call Diane Rogers at 686-5531. JAN. 25 Chilly Day Read Club @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Preschool story time and craft activities featuring the works of Ezra Jack Keats. Session 1 - Pet Show. Future dates include Feb. 1, Feb. 8, and Feb. 15. Ages 3-8. Sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation. Registration required. Call 673-0659 to sign up. Clayton Community Library 6125 Clayton Road.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS ONGOING Boy Scout Troop Annual Christmas wreath sale Boy Scount Troop 262 is having its annual Christmas wreath sale. Choose from a 22" noble fir wreath for $16, a 22" mixed evergreen wreath for $17 or a 22" x 30" door swag for $15. All the wreaths are fresh and smell wonderful. They can be delivered to your office, store or home! Call Robb Van Wyck at 925-348-5755. Thank you for your support of Boy Scout Troop 262.

From the team that created My Way, it’s beginning to look a lot like a Sinatra Christmas, complete with 40 swingin’ hits perfect for the holidays, starring Emily Saxe, John Haithcock, Todd Carver and Leah Tandberg-Warren. Selections include Come Fly with Me, Let it Snow, The Man that Got Away, Fly me to the Moon, Winter Wonderland and many others. 12/17 - 8 p.m., Sat. 12/18 - 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.,m., 12/20 - 7 p.m., 9 p.m., 12/21 - 7 p.m., 9 p.m., 12/22 - 3:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 12,23 - 7 p.m., 9 p.m. Tickets $22 - $25 per person. 944-0597, www.ctacrossroads.org, CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek.

DEC. 21, JAN. 4, 11, 18 Kiwanis Club Meetings @ Massimo’s Restaurant 12:10 p.m. The Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek meets every Tuesday (except Dec. 28). All are invited to attend as a guest. For information call Sam Totah, 925-941-1536. Massimo’s Restaurant, 1604 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. ONGOING - JAN. Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest Say No to Drugs contest is underway. “Drug Awareness & Abuse”and “Alcohol Awareness & Abuse” categories. Ages 8-11 and 12-14. Entries will be judged by school, local council, district State and International competition. Posters must be original, 11 x 17, color or black or white. Contact

Claire Tryon, Youth Director, at 673-8564 for entry sheet, rules and more details or e-mail grey_eototo@man.com. DEC. 23, 30, JAN. 6, 13 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. JAN 8 Boy Scout Christmas Tree Pickup In conjunction with Pleasant Hill Bayshore, Boy Scout Troop 484 of Clayton will pick up Christmas trees for free (donations accepted) in the City of Clayton on Jan. 8. Place trees curbside by 8 a.m. The trees must be free of tinsel and we cannot accept flocked trees. For more information, call Mike Furtado, 827-4556. JAN. 7 Presentation on Peace @ Toloui residence 7:30 p.m. Dr. Ron Shigeta will speak in an informal gathering sharing ideas and points of view on the subject of "PEACE- More than an End to War". Everyone is welcome. Call 672-6686 for more information.

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT DEC. 28, JAN. 11, 25 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. DEC. 21, 28, JAN. 4, 11 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. DEC. 21, JAN. 4, 18 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.

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION JAN 6 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Clayton Valley High School 7-8:30 p.m. in the school library. Parents, make a New Year's resolution to become more involved in your child's school. Attend a PFC meeting. Please contact President, Melinda Moore at 672-0930 or melindammoore@yahoo.com for more information. JAN. 21 Concord High School Jazz Band @ Dan Lesher Regional Arts Center 7:30 p.m. The band hosts and performs with Maynard Ferguson and his Big bop Nouveau Band. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students. For tickets please call 925-947 SHOW or visit www.dlrca.org/tickets.html.

The Community Calendar is sponsored by

T H E VA N F L E E T- B R O N S O N T E A M Personal Service Makes The Difference 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Suite D, Clayton 94517; Phone (925) 672-4333 www.CallTheVanFleetTeam We are proud to support the Children's Miracle Network, an alliance of premier hospitals in North America. The Children's Miracle Network treats over 17 million children each year for cancer, pediatric AIDS, muscular dystrophy, heart disease, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, asthma and accident trauma.

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.

December 17, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 17

Abandoned animals need to go home for the holidays Traditional thinking discourages people from getting a dog or cat during the holiday season, and it also recommends against holding pet adoption fairs for the holidays. However, research across the United States has proved that more animals are placed or sold during December than any other month, and December adoptions have a lower than average return-to-shelter rate. So in the interest of saving animals’ lives, it is time to break with tradition

and get as many abandoned animals into loving homes before the holidays as possible! “In the past, many shelters discouraged families from adopting during the holidays to avoid impulse decisions,” said Michael Arms, president of Helen Woodward Animal Center. “But it’s time to face the facts. More families invite pets into their homes during the holidays than any other time of year. If shelters turn these families away, we may as

well send them to a pet shop or puppy mill.” Arms went on to point out that pet stores want to make a sale, while shelters want to make the right match with the person’s lifestyle, because getting a companion animal is a lifetime commitment. I worked at the San Francisco SPCA during the first years of the Gumps Holiday Windows, where lavish displays were built to feature kittens and puppies for adop-

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tion from Thanksgiving until Christmas. At first we were concerned about impulse adoptions and increased returns after the New Year. Happily, we learned that adoption returns were not increased. The San Francisco SPCA will continue their 18-year tradition of holiday adoption windows again this year. ARF will be launching our

own Holidays on Broadway adoption campaign daily from noon to 4 p.m. during December outside Macy’s in Walnut Creek, with some scheduled appearances inside Nordstrom, too. We will also have a selection of loving dogs and cats at the shelter waiting for us to find them a home before the holidays. If you are going to have a quiet holiday at home, perhaps it is time for you to consider adding a dog or cat to your life. You will need to keep your new best friend safe from ingesting decorations or biting an electrical wire. You’ll also want to prevent your pet from overeating or getting into a box of chocolates. If you can do this, and you are ready to add a furry family member, visit ARF, and help us find more good homes for our shelter guests than ever before.

If you want to give someone special a loving dog or cat, we have gift certificates. The lucky recipient of a gift certificate will get to visit with our shelter guests as often as it takes them to fall in love with their new best friend. They will be asked to fill out our adoption application, and they must be a match for that animal. That way, they will get the gift twice! Once when they open your envelope and then again when they find their new furry family member. Arms summed it up when he said, “What better gift can any of us give during the holiday season than to save the life of an orphaned animal?” Brenda F. Barnette is the CEO of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at bbarnette@arf.net

ARF Star “Savannah” “Savannah,” a year and a half old small terrier/healer mix, is snuggly, athletic and playful. Savannah will respond well to a consistent routine and reward you with years of unconditional love. She is recommended for families with children eight years or older. Bring everyone who will live with Savannah to meet her at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek during adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m.Thur. and Fri., noon to 5

p.m. Sat. and Sun. ARF offers beautiful gift certificates for adoptions. Give the gift twice – once when the person opens the envelope, and again when the recipient chooses their new best friend. Gift certificates are available at ARF and at the mobile adoption van appearing daily from 12 to 4 p.m. at Macy’s

Courtyard of Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek through Dec. 30. Visit ARF’s Web site to learn more. www.arf.net (925) 256-1ARF.

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Page 18

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

Advertorial

The UPS Store…service with a smile and more JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

THE UPS STORE

OWNERS

She was an attorney and then a stay-at-home mom. He was a successful project manager for World Savings. When faced with the prospect of a transfer to Texas, Phil and Tricia Li decided to stay in the Bay Area and look into purchasing a UPS store franchise. So they shopped around and liked the site at the Vineyard Shopping Center. When it was time to make a decision, Phil was asked to remain an executive at World Savings. He decided he would take the offer to stay with his company and

Tricia and Phil Li

Tricia made the decision to manage The UPS store. She’s done that successfully for the past year and believes part of that success is good customer service. “I know many of my customers by their first name,” she says. She enjoys getting to know all about her customers, their family and even their pets. And she enjoys helping them take care of their postal needs. She talks about one customer who wanted to send an antique radio, which was an heirloom, to her son in Chicago. “I kept calling to make sure it arrived safe and sound, and it did,” says Tricia. “Now she’s my best customer.”

“As a one-stop shop for shipping, postal and business services, we look forward to serving the entire Clayton and Concord community,” she adds. Her goal for the next couple of months is to visit all the businesses in the area to find out how The UPS store can best meet their needs, explains Tricia. With only about eight more days until Christmas, there is still time to get your packages to their destination on time. And with the long lines at the post

office, Tricia invites customers to come in, sip some cider and let her staff do all the work. In addition to shipping through UPS, the Li’s UPS store offers a variety of products and services to help customers save time, including full-service packaging, mailbox and postal services, black and white and color copying, document finishing, and office and packaging supplies. For more information on The UPS Store call Tricia at 689-6245. The Clayton Pioneer’s “Music Notes” columnist

Clayton’s own

Jim Hudak Pianist and Composer For bookings and performances:

Vintage equipment – is there cash in that old junk? Since this will be our last column this year, and with the expenses of the season suddenly upon us, here’s a possible way for finding some hidden cash: Take a look at your old music equipment and sound systems. There may be some gold in your junk. With changing technology quickly making today’s computers and stereo equipment obsolete, there’s a tendency to think we have to constantly upgrade or replace components that may in fact work perfectly well. We’re conditioned to think that our old guitar amplifier or tape recorder isn’t even worth putting on the market. We might as well prepare to pay someone to haul it away, we’re told. While obsolescence is a very real issue in today’s technology, there’s a fine line between old and vintage. Let’s follow up on the outdated guitar amplifier example to make our point. If you happen to have an old Fender Amplifier from the 60’s, chances are good that it’s a “tube” amplifier. Though you could barely find any tube amplifiers manufactured from the 70’s through the 90’s, suddenly companies are making their new versions of tube amplifiers that tell us will rival the warmth and sound of those vintage Fender amps. By happening to have the real thing, you might have something of significant value. The progression usually goes like this. You buy a piece of equipment, love it, use it, and then find out it’s outdated. It gets cast aside like an old shoe and ends up in the garage. In fact, its street value may not be much –

JIM HUDAK

MUSIC NOTES yet. Then the years roll by, with the changing trends and fashions, and all of a sudden someone picks up on the fact that “they really made it better back then.” Voila! Your outdated piece of equipment now becomes sought after and valuable. As a matter of fact, a friend who owns a recording studio recently found himself in need of a new computer. He pulled together about five pieces of

outdated but still valuable microphones and recording equipment, sold them on Ebay, and bought his new computer. It’s ironic that today’s manufacturers of digital music and recording equipment are now marketing a concept that’s seemingly contradictory. In so many words, they’re touting the fact that their new digital equipment “comes the closest yet to providing true analog sound!” My, oh my. Here we thought anything analog was about to go the way of the dinosaur. Incidentally, music instruments can also sometimes become even more valuable as they age. A brand name guitar, for example, such as a Martin or a Fender, if in good playing shape, can be worth much more now than when originally bought. Please don’t go thinking that the 15-dollar guitar you bought from Sears in 1968 will necessarily bring you a windfall,

Piano CD’s available on his Brainstorm Records label

Call Or Write:

Brainstorm Records P.O. Box 488 Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 673-7293

Jim Hudak’s Music Notes column appears regularly in the Pioneer. Contact him at jimmydak@pacbell.net. His piano music CD’s are available from his Web site at www.jhudak.com or at amazon.com.

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but you get the idea. So you find yourself torn. Do you sell your old vintage equipment over the Internet for some quick cash? Or do you continue to hold onto it as you would with that old Willie Mays baseball card, knowing it will only get more valuable over time? The choice is yours, of course. But at least you’ve got some options—some possible cash for the holidays, or perhaps some bona fide vintage equipment worth keeping for a while longer. Things “retro” are hot right now—old movies, old cars, and old anything. We might as well take advantage.

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December 17, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 19

Christmas in Pioneer Territory Great gift ideas for the holidays Come in and see our beautiful Christmas bouquets Ps forg ssst... Don et y San our Se ’t ta g c ifts ret !

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THINK R & M IS JUST FOR POOLS, PATIOS AND GARDENS? Think again. Stop by on your way to wherever you’re going and visit Melanie’s Gifts and Interiors. You don’t expect this lavish display of one-of-a-kind gift items, and that’s half the fun. Whether you’re are looking for the perfect angel, a special hostess gift or a “just right” wedding present, stop at Melanie’s and save yourself a trip to Walnut Creek. Located at 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Melanie’s is open Tue.-Sat., 9-5:30 and Sun. 10-5.

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Fri. 12/17 @ 8pm Sat. 12/18 @ 2 & 4 (matinees) & 8pm Mon. 12/20 & Tues. 12/21 @ 7 & 9pm Wed. 12/22 @ 3:30 (matinee) & 7pm Thu. 12/23 @ 7 & 9pm

Page 20

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

Protect your garden from winter’s frosty chill December has been hard on our yards and gardens thus far. Frost, wind and rainless stretches torture our plants. Which plants do you worry about? What needs extra care? What should you do to make the most of your winter yard? Cloud Cover is a wonderful product designed to coat the leaves of a plant to help retain the moisture that is sucked out of the plant during frost. In a perfect world this product should be applied every two weeks starting on Halloween and ending on St. Patrick’ s Day. This is prime time for Cloud Cover, but it’s not a complete lifesaver. It’s a touch of insurance to keep some of the plants that you love alive. Covering plants with a sheet or plastic can also help during frost. Try to tent the coverage rather that have the material touching the plant, which can cause tip damage. One of the best defenses during frost is to water your plants, foliage and all. Water freezes and becomes ice, sealing in the moisture. It’s the lack of moisture removed during a freeze that kills the leaves of the plants. Wet roots remain more protected than dry ones. As a rule, if it has not rained in five

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

days, you should turn on your watering system to water the yard. Also, be sure to hand water all container gardens. Layer 2” to 3” of red cedar mulch to keep roots warm, creating a natural blanket. If you loose the foliage, don’t panic. More often than not a plant remains alive at the root and is able to regrow as the earth warms up in spring. If you don’t see signs of growth by May, then remove the planting. Be cautious and make informed decisions when installing plants in your yard and garden. Pick hardy plants for our climate, and they won’t be affected by winter frost. The wind that we deal with is really tough on our lawns and garden. It dries out the plants from the top down. Even with regular water it is hard to keep plants hydrated. This is where

good choices come in. Plant for your area, not just because the plant looks pretty on the shelf. The plant selection guide of the revised and updated Western Garden Book had a section called Plants For Windy Areas. These two and a half pages are a collection of plants divided into sections of trees, shrubs, vines and perennials. It’s just what every yard needs, cherry picked for your condition. Refer to this before selecting, or bring it with you. The Western Garden Book comes in very handy when visiting a “shopping cart nursery” since you are often choosing alone. The right plant should not show nearly as much wind damage as the wrong one. With the cold and infrequent rain, Clayton has a lot of brown, spotty lawns. On the way to work the other day, driving down Mountaire Circle, I only spotted one green lawn. It is so sad. You must feed your lawn with a fall and winter feed. This formula has less nitrogen than your April through September food. Water your lawn every fifth day. Two weeks after you apply your fall and winter Feed, follow up with a dose of Iron Plus. We humans eat good food but still need to take vitamins.

So does your lawn. The fall and winter product is the food and the Iron Plus is the multi vitamin. Give your lawn a second treatment of Iron Plus in February. Keep your eyes open

“One of the best defenses during frost is to water your plants, foliage and all. Water freezes and becomes ice, sealing in the moisture. It's the lack of moisture removed during a freeze that kills the leaves of the plants.”

Nicole Hackett to the granular types of iron, and watch labels for the few that will not stain concrete. Let’s all keep our lawns beautiful. Come March you will want to use a lawn food with a pre-emergent to prevent spring weeds, but I’ll remind you of that in February. If you feel like thinning out your Crape Myrtle and Japanese Maples, now is the time. Since the wind has blown off any last remnants of leaves, one can

really see the potential shape. Take away all the thin lateral branches on the lower half of the plant, leaving the major shaped defining branches. Broad green leaf Japanese Maples may need some wispy branches cut from the tips back to the more mature wood to create structure. Crape Myrtles will need their branches cut back to promote more summer bloom. These ornamentals bloom on new wood. Take the branch down removing the seed head, and a few more inches for shape. You have to be the judge. Take some arms back further than others to round out the overall shape and thin away lateral branches. Resist the urge to cut back roses. The city of Concord is pruning too early for our climate. We prune roses from Superbowl to Valentine’s Day.

Not too early, and not too late. Check on citrus during the winter. In November, remove fruit from branches bending with the weight and fertilize with Bud and Bloom 0-10-10. This formula keeps the roots nourished and the resistance levels up without encouraging vulnerable new growth. During December, watch for any damaged fruit or over producing branches, and remove damaged or excess fruit. This frees up plant energy to be used more wisely. In January, remove ripe fruit, thin out dense branches to allow more light, and feed with your last dose of 0-10-10. December is busy—and now you have even more to do. Happy Holidays.

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at GardenGirl94517@aol.com

The Cedar Waxwing-a berry hungry bird Welcome to the wonderful world of Clayton backyard birding. There has been a lot of bird activity around the feeders and out on the trails in the past few

CATHIE

GERNHARDT

FOR THE BIRDS weeks. The Brewers blackbirds have been swarming around town, the Belted Kingfishers are still hanging around Diablo Creek, and the Pine Siskins are back along with the sparrows, Western bluebirds and Juncos. The hawks are regularly patrolling their hunting grounds, soaring above the valley, and keeping a sharp eye peeled from their favorite high perches in the electric towers, eucalyptus and oak trees. I was recently informed by an Oakhurst resident that a hawk swooped in and grabbed a Rock Dove pigeon. It seems the Rock Doves have taken over in some areas and have become a problem to some Oakhurst resi-

dents. The Rock Dove is one of the most common birds found in American cities and can often be found in large groups. They make active use of building ledges for nesting sites. When they walk their heads “bob” forward and back as though they were listening to music. They have a soft “cooing” voice. These birds are a non-native North American species introduced from Eurasia. Rock Doves come in many variations. In general, they have a bluish gray head and an iridescent green and purple neck with two black narrow wing bands. They generally also have a whitish rump, reddish orange legs and feet and a bump on the base of their beak. They average 10 to 13 inches in length. I am keeping a lookout for the Cedar Waxwings who show up this time of year to consume mass quantities of berries from the juniper, toyon and pyracantha bushes. Cedar Waxwings are sleek, elegant birds with long wings, rather short tails and a crest. They have a short, broad bill and short legs. Both sexes look alike. Adults are puffy brown on the head and back. The brown color shades to pale yellow on the belly and to graybrown on the back, fading further to slate gray on the rump and upper tail. The tail is tipped

with a yellow band, while the legs and feet are black. Adults have a narrow, black mask outlined in white that extends over the face to end behind each eye in a point. The chin is black. At the end of each secondary feather, the shaft is extended as a small, red, wax-like appendage. The number of these waxy appendages increases with age until adult plumage is attained. Most of the cedar waxwing’s diet is made up of berries, but it also eats sap, flowers and insects. They often will pass berries to one another as they perch in a line on a branch until one of them eats it. They wait for an insect to fly by, and then take off after it to catch it in the air. They are quite entertaining to watch, so if you have berry bushes in your yard, keep your eyes peeled. With the holidays quickly approaching, there are several gift ideas for the birdwatcher in your family. I am constantly learning more about birds by checking field guides and Web sites. My top gift choice for anyone who wants to learn more about birds is a good field guide. Listed below are several choices for beginners as well as advanced birders. These can be purchased from most bookstores or online book retailers.

Happy Holidays

z “The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America” z “Peterson’s Field Guide to Western Birds” z “All the Birds of North America: American Bird Conservancy’s Field Guide” z “National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds: Western Region” z “Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Western Region” Other gift ideas include bird feeders, bird baths, bird houses, binoculars, spotting scopes and a bird diary for keeping track of bird sightings. I have been entertaining the idea of leading a local bird walk. If there are any readers out there who would be interested in participating, would you prefer a weekday or weekend morning? It would be a short walk close to downtown lasting approximately two hours. Until next time, Happy Bird Day. Cathie Gernhardt has lived in Clayton for the past 38 years. Bird watching is one of her greatest joys. She has taken classes at Wild Birds Unlimited and has frequently participated in local bird walks. You can email her at Cathie@claytonpioneer.com.

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December 17, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Diablo Pointe gets first approval TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

The City has issued a preliminary go ahead for the 24 home upscale housing project proposed for the 24 acres known locally as Seminary Hill. The project will entail the demolition of the Claretian Seminary at the corner of Regency and Rialto Drive in Regency Woods, and of the caretaker’s house also on the Seminary property. After 10 months of review, The Planning Commission approved the Environmental Impact Report for the project at their meeting on Nov. 30. In his report to the City Council on December 7, Planning Commissioner Keith Haydon complimented the

developers, Lemke Construction, on their sensitivity to neighbor concerns. “They listened to the neighbors about

FRONT ELEVATION

the impacts on Diablo Creek,” he said. Lemke has donated 5.5 acres of land to Mt. Diablo State Park. The piece runs from

of the style of homes planned for Diablo Pointe

A farewell to the Seminary ELDORA HOYER Special to the Clayton Pioneer

Those watching construction of the 30,000 square foot St. Anthony Claret Junior Seminary on a hilltop in the foothills of Mount Diablo believed, with the builders, that the structure would last forever. Steel reinforced concrete exterior and interior walls, with solid brick facing on exterior walls and terrazzo floors proclaimed permanence. Father John Schneider, a Claretian Missionary from Compton, California, lived on Clayton Road while supervising construction in the 1960’s by Hutchings Company of Merced for the Southern California based order. In shirt sleeves, he was happily grading a curving driveway around the hill to the

a section on El Portal Drive along Diablo Creek up the hill behind the old caretaker’s house. The dedication also saves all of

Seminary entrance when we first met him. He climbed down from the big machine, and we became friends. Architects Baker and Ott of Los Angeles designed “modern lines for a new seminary” to provide the “benefits of home” for 80 or more young seminarians who would attend daily classes at Christian Brothers’ De LaSalle High School in addition to their religious training at the Seminary. This was an ambitious and brave attempt to attract young students who would receive a “well rounded” education for the priesthood at a time when seminary enrollment was declining almost everywhere. The Seminary was dedicated by Bishop Floyd L. Begin of Oakland on October 16, 1966, with more than 400 lay people,

75 clergymen of various denominations and 30 sisters from local parochial schools in attendance. Seventeen students lived at the Seminary that first year, with Rev. Ernest Hyman in charge, assisted by Rev. James Griffen and Rev. Raymond Reha. Brother Frank Stanford was the cook. But, despite all recruiting efforts, the highest Seminary enrollment at any one time was only 45. Finally, the Claretians decided against accepting students as young as 13 because so many of them later changed their minds about entering the priesthood. The Clayton Seminary never produced any Claretian priests and it closed in June of 1971. The Claretians sold off the surrounding land until only a few acres of the original 215

remained on the Seminary hilltop. Homes were built over areas where tennis courts and a recreational pond had been, and a barn built for cattle ranching to

help sustain the Seminary was abandoned. The Seminary buildings include dormitories, school rooms, kitchen, dining hall,

Happy Kwanzaa

and a great big thank you to our advertisers, our talented writers and our loyal readers.

Our best wishes go with each and every one of you for a happy and healthy New Year.

either failed to raise the needed funds for development or met with resistance by the neighbors over traffic and noise issues. Heather Gray lives on Rialto Drive right across from the seminary and, while her feelings are somewhat mixed, she is generally pleased with the project. “The seminary has been a big problem for us,” she said. “The singing at the retreats sometimes went on all night or started at six on a Saturday morning. We’re excited about that stopping. And, face it—the seminary is an eyesore. So, overall, I guess we’re happy about the development.” She does, however, have concerns that rattlesnakes will be stirred up by the construction. The developers expect to begin demolition of the seminary building in January, begin construction on the homes by June and have them completed by September or October.

chapel, teachers’ quarters, recreation room, waiting rooms, large basement garage and a walk-in refrigerator and cold room. Not everyone appreciates the

neighborhoods that now surround the site. No acceptable use was found for the great structure that had been built with such hope and dedication. St. Anthony Claret Junior Seminary was built to endure, its demolition will be hard to accomplish and hard to watch. We, who knew those who built it with such devotion, are glad that they cannot witness its destruction. It was Father Schneider’s lonely duty to live in the empty Seminary for many months as caretaker after it closed, Fr. Schneider, ordained in Rome in 1936, was the first American priest of the Claretian order. His last years were spent at St. Bonaventure’s parish rectory. He died on January 12, 1984. A large mosaic that was completed for the Seminary entrance on the night before the dedication was remounted and hangs in the St. Bonaventure Meditation Garden.

r Tamara Steine lisher Editor and Pub

Jill Bed e Assista carre nt Display Editor Adverti sing

Beth Neudell Administrative Assistant

Jim Zewan Sports Editor

Pete Cruz igner Graphic Des

Camera Shy

elegant simplicity of the Seminary’s strong architectural lines. Many proposed uses were rejected or failed because of incompatibility with residential

MoMa to mommy... friends stay in touch

Merry Christmas Happy Hanukkah

the old growth oak trees on the property. “The project maintains the rural nature of Clayton,” said Haydon. According to Martin Easton, real estate broker for the project, Lemke Construction purchased the property last year for $2.5 million. Additional acquisition costs will include the demolition of the existing buildings. They plan 24 luxury homes on an average lot size of 13,000 square feet. Six of the lots will be almost a full acre—big enough for horses. The homes will be as large as 4500 square feet and will sell in the $1 million range. The property has been vacant since the mid-80s, although it has seen periodic use as a retreat house. Since the early seventies, there have been many proposals for the property, including a church, a military academy and an international boarding school. Each project

THE CLARETIAN SEMINARY is slated for demolition early next year.

From all of us at the Clayton Pioneer

To everyone who celebrates the season...

Page 21

Bob Steiner Co-Publisher

A long time I ago I acquired two friends. For awhile I considered them co-workers, soon they became “work friends.” After we had all left the company where we met and continued to see each other on a regular basis we were reclassified as plain, old “friends.” No further explanation needed. As companions, they are protective, playful and faithful. If they were dogs they would certainly be German Shepherds and I couldn’t get rid of them if I tried. Though they aren’t my real sisters, they know and love me as much as my biological sisters do. These gals are single, successful, and stylish. They are perfectly coiffed, waxed and exfoliated. They are in-the-know and onthe-go. They travel, know the hot spots and can dash anywhere with little advance notice. In other words, they are childless. Though we maintain vastly different lifestyles, I take great delight in hearing about their unattached, indulgent lives -how much they spent on a pair of shoes, how many Cosmopolitans they had on Tuesday (yup, Tuesday!) night, and what an old boyfriend text-messaged the day after they bumped into each other on the bus. I ask for full disclosure on the details of their affairs and they gladly kiss-and-tell. Because of them, I am current with Internet dating and speed-dating. They are glamorous and generous to others, like young Mother Teresas. . . in Manolo Blancs. Though they don’t know how to make soup, they will gladly cut a check to a soup kitchen (especially if the solicitor resembles Keanu Reeves). They never

DEANNA HLEBECHUK

LAUGH LINES

forget a birthday or holiday, and send funny cards and indulgent presents out of the blue. They drive small, clean cars and don’t listen to Disney CD’s. They don’t know what Hakuna Matata means. They eat curry, and sushi, and drink lychee-infused vodka martinis. There’s no mac-n-cheese or juice boxes in their pantries. Their weekly dry-cleaning bills rival my supermarket bills. They will only wear sneakers and shorts when they are exercising at the gym, and never while running errands. They sleep past nine on the weekends. The other night the three of us were exchanging late night emails. One was in an internet café in Las Vegas, one was still at work, and I was in bed in the suburbs with my kid sleeping next to me. A major purchase was announced: an electric blue fur coat for $500. I giggled and I did not judge. From MoMa to Mommy, there’s just a few degrees of separation between us all. Deanna Hlebechuk holds a BA in English from Arizona State University. She is married and the working mother of a 4-year-old. Contact her at deedee@sbcglobal.net

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 17, 2004

CBCA’s contest entries light up Clayton neighborhoods Up on the rooftop, reindeer pause…and in the driveway… and on the lawn. All tethered with heavy duty

extension cords and powered with more Christmas spirit than the office party egg nog. Don’t miss seeing any of

the brightly decorated homes entered in the CBCA’s annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest.

2004 CLAYTON HOLIDAY HOME DECORATING CONTEST ENTRIES 5848 Mitchell Canyon Ct. 961 Tiffin Drive 115 Jeffry Ranch Court 1230 Buckeye Terrace

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

THIS COLORFUL DISPLAY OF LIGHTS at 961 Tiffin Drive is only one of the 12 homes entered in the CBCA Home Decorating Contest.

Lights, from page 1 Business and Community Association for their great job and the crowd of about 1,000 for coming out on such a chilly night. Even Santa Claus couldn’t stay away, making a guest appearance

through the front doors of the museum. The weather held steadfast despite threatening reports all week about heavy rain. And to ward off the chill, there was hot cider (20 gallons to be exact) and

MDES Chorus started the evening off right with a jazzy “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

free donut holes (900 made their way to the tastebuds of revelers) at Clayton Community Church. Santa guided the huge crowd down Main Street to witness the tree lighting. Chief Peterson led the countdown…5-4-3-2-1 followed by a big group ahhhhh… and

1059 Feather Circle 1066 Feather Circle 708 Anizumne Court 741 Bloching Circle

1204 Bridlewood Court 284 Mountaire Parkway 214 Mountaire Circle 156 Mt. Etna Drive

BREAKING NEWS . . Right at press time, judges announced the winning homes. Two first places: 115 Jeffry Ranch Court and 156 Mt. Etna Drive. Two second places: 1204 Bridlewood Court and 708 Anizumne Court; One third place: 214 Mountaire Circle. Unfortunately, we learned the winners too late for a photo

applause as the tree was lit. Some people stayed to shake Santa’s hand; others dispersed to a local restaurant or party. For some, like the Lampo family, it was their first Clayton Tree Lighting. It was Lisa Lampo’s birthday and the family came down to enjoy the festivities.

Lauren Bishop, Amy Cleland, Julie Caruso and Leah Carter of Clayton Comm. Church served the donut holes and cider.

“I love the small town community feel and I wanted to be a part of it,” Lisa said. It was also the Mungos first time at the tree lighting event. Terri and Ron Mungo and their daughter Brianna were looking for a different kind of holiday event to attend, and when asked how

they heard about the event, they said they read about it in the Clayton Pioneer…good answer! This was the 14th annual tree lighting in Clayton and unlike last year, when it rained cats and dogs, no one left this year’s event disappointed.

The Lampo Family, Parents Lisa and Al with Tony and Alexis, came for the lighting and to celebrate Lisa’s birthday

“Look Who’s Selling Clayton!”

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HELP-U-SELL REAL ESTATE SERVICES helpusell.com 4918 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94521 (925) 680-4950 d $38,150 aved Sold! Selllerr S

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Clayton

$785,000

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522 Mt. Davidson Court

Clayton

$685,000

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25 Atchinson Stage Rd.

Clayton

$699,000

5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, approx 2800 sq.ft. Magnificent view of hills! New exterior paint, tile entry, dual pane windows, large eat-in kitchen w/corian counters, tile flr, breakfast bar, new dishwasher & large pantry. Spacious family room with tile fireplace, large living & bonus rooms & large master suite.

Clayton

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!

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!

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!

d $27,950 aved Sold! Selllerr S

770 d $27,7 aved Sold! Selllerr S

ys!! Sold in 4 Da6,110 3 $ d ed v a Selllerr S

050! d $13,0 aved Sold! Selllerr S

5830 Del Trigo Lane

Clayton

$565,000

5418 Paso Del Rio Ct.

Concord

$612,000

182 Mt. Wilson Way

Clayton

$751,000

19 Long Creek Circle

Clayton

$350,000

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.

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!

3 Bedrooms, 2 updated Baths, approx 1,075 sq.ft. Great Location in Clayton! Gorgeous Detached Town-Home with attached garage! Large front and back patio with trees! Hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen with white cabinets and granite tile counters & spacious family room for all your entertaining!

350! d $24,3 aved Sold! Selllerr S

750! d $20,7 aved Sold! Selllerr S

650! d $27,6 aved Sold! Selllerr S

600! d $45,6 aved Sold! Selllerr S

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.

1221 Buckeye Terrace

Clayton

$495,000

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,639 sq.ft. Lovely home with decorator touches throughout! Spacious living/dining room combo with gleaming hardwood floors and double sided ceramic tile fireplace! Family room with custom tile and double sided ceramic tile fireplace, inside laundry room & lovely landscaped backyard with built-in BBQ, stamped cement & wired for a spa. Large Gourmet Kitchen with tile counters, gas stove, built-in microwave and dishwasher. Low Hoa Too!

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 24

Clayton Pioneer â&#x20AC;˘ 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.

December 17, 2004

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.

(925) 672-8787 www.LynneFrench.com Lynne@LynneFrench.com

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

KINGS RIDGE ESTATES, CONCORD

DIABLO VILLAGE

STRANAHAN CIRCLE

Magnificent One of a kind Estate! in a private gated court. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 5,500sf of living space + 1,216sf of finished wine cellar & professional 3-stall shooting range. Grand entry & foyer. Den offers a full bar & rock fireplace. Huge living room with marble fireplace. Elegant formal dining room. Unbelievable gourmet kitchen features an octagonal island, tile counters, hardwood floors, solid oak cabinets, huge pantry & separate breakfast room. Huge family room features a massive brick fireplace & 60" big screen, components & surround sound. Master wing features a balcony offering un-obstructed views of Mt. Diablo & rolling hills, separate octagonal sitting room with wet bar & marble fireplace. Luxurious master bath boasts marble floors, jetted tub, huge two person shower, large walk-in closet & private commode with bidet. Totally private (approx.) half acre lot offers extensive hardscape, gazebo, enormous tiled patio, huge spa & towering redwoods. 3 car garage + extensive recreational vehicle parking. A must see to appreciate/believe. $1,695,000

Just Listed! Awesome "Margaret" model in court setting with great Mt. Diablo views! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a p p r o x . 2,171sf plus a 200sf all season sun room, inside laundry room & 2 car garage. Cozy living & dining rooms with recessed lighting & upgraded wood blinds. Large family room with laminate "wood" floors & tile fireplace. Gourmet kitchen with maple cabinets with upgraded hardware, corian counters & stainless steel appliances. Spacious master suite runs the full length of the home. Large level lot offers a gated sparkling in-ground freeform "California Sport" pool with raised spa with upgraded flagstone trim & waterfall feature, exposed aggregate patio extends to side yard & around pool. Large lawn & play areas, plus a gated side yard with storage shed. Coming soon!

Builder's personal residence on one of the best lots in the subdivision! 2 master suites + loft with built-in cabinetry & dual skylights, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,663sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Extensive custom touches & upgrades thru-out! Gourmet kitchen features granite & ceramic tile counters, island & accents, abundance of cabinets & eating nook. Great room with granite tile fireplace & TV nook. Main master suite overlooks views of hills, open space & seasonal creek a features a mock fireplace, old fashioned claw foot tub & separate shower with overhead skylight. Located at the end of a quiet court with no side or rear neighbors this large lot backs & sides trail & open space. Rear yard features a large patio with rose trees, a trellis & outdoor speakers; huge side yard offers raised vegetable beds & fruit trees. $559,000

WINDMILL CANYON AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

EAGLE PEAK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

Just Listed! Absolutely G DIN gorgeous 1N E P story "Keller" model on a quiet court. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 2,053sf & 2 car g a r a g e . Impeccably maintained & beautifully upgraded. Laminate wood floors in living, dining & family rooms. Designer paint with faux accents & plantation shutters thru-out! Living room with vaulted ceiling, separate formal dining room. Family with marble tile fireplace with custom mantle. Gourmet kitchen features tile counters & island, sunny garden window & a bay window eating nook with custom bench seat with built-in storage. Master suite features a retreat/nursery/workout/home office. Large level professionally landscaped lot offers a private spa setting, lush lawn, an assortment of vibrant & colorful flowers, custom deck & retractable sun shade awning $695,000

Stunning G Former Model DIN N Home! on a E P spectacular premium ridgeline lot overlooking/ backing 3rd hole of golf course with magnificent courserolling hill/ridgeline-city/valley to Delta views! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, approx. 3,000sf., 3 car garage & inside laundry with utility sink. Grand formal dining room with soaring ceiling. Great family room with upgraded brick fireplace & wet bar. Gourmet kitchen features tile counters, island & breakfast bar, upgraded tile floors, large eating area, abundant cabinets + pantry. Enormous master suite offers a romantic two-way fireplace & boasts breath-taking panoramic views. Private level lot on a quiet court features, two patio's professional landscape, a variety of low maintenance ornamentals, lots of trees & a large lush lawn area. $1,125,000

Spectacular Custom Single D SOL Story! on a premium view lot adjoining open space with sweeping views of hills, canyon & city lights! 3 bedrooms, den, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,850sf & 3 car garage. Slab & tile granite gourmet kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances & cherry wood cabinets. Elegant master suite. Large family room with river rock fireplace. Impressive formal living & dining rooms. Large level private lot. Sold by George! $1,025,500

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!