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IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2005
925.672.0500
Teachers and district at impasse
Council approves Dog Park partnership
GREGG MANNING
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
CITY’S TRAIL MAP We received great news this week. The Clayton Trail Map is here and ready for sale. This is a project many people have worked on over a number of years. No one has done more to get the finished product to the public than Councilman Pete Laurence. He did the final proof of the map and now it is available at City Hall for two dollars. People will not only have an up-to-date magnificent map of the City’s trail system but also its sale will allow the City to recover costs and get additional revenue for periodic updates. In a future column I will talk more about this new map but today I want to address City revenue. I will specifically address the issue of the Clayton business license revenue.
A small but dedicated group of dog loving Claytonians have raised enough money to bring running water to the City’s dog park, and the City has agreed to pay the $50-$100 a year water bill. And a resourceful and talented Eagle Scout will build a redwood arbor to shade the picnic table and rest area. The K-9 Coalition has been raising money for improvements to the Dog Park since 1999. The original intent was to install a drinking fountain, irrigation lines and shade trees, but at an estimated $145,000$185,000, these improvements were out of reach. Instead, in 2003 the Coalition installed a water meter at a cost of $15,200. They have raised an additional $5,500 to install a water spigot and hose bib connection, and they have contributed $500 toward the cost of materials to build the arbor.
MAYOR’S CORNER
BUSINESS LICENSE TAX In 1978 under Ordinance 181, the City of Clayton added Chapter 5.04 (Business Licenses and Taxes Generally) to the Clayton Municipal Code. Except for changes in fees due to their automatic adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index, with current fees noted on the application, little has been changed in this provision of the Municipal Code. In July 2003, 345 businesses were licensed with the City including 125 (36 percent) located outside our City. In June of 2003 the City received a letter from Municipal Auditing Services (MAS) extolling their abilities to increase revenue for the City through an audit of the City’s Business license activity. Our city’s small but dedicated staff had been unable to audit the licenses from the beginning since there always seemed to be more pressing matters The city manager researched the issue and followed up with the company to determine what their reputation was with other cities. All of the due diligence feedback was positive and on Aug. 21, the City entered into a contract with MAS. It was after this item was discussed at a city council meeting, noted in the papers, specifically the Clayton Pioneer, that MAS set about auditing the City’s business licenses. Everything seemed to be going well until the early summer of 2004 when the city received complaints about the tone of some of the letters that businesses were receiving. While the city council does not micro-manage a process when it hires outside professionals, the series of letters MAS used in other client cities were reviewed and approved by the city manager and Mayor Pierce before MAS continued its audit. There remained questions about the process addressed
See Mayor, page 7
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Teachers from DVMS, MDES and Pine Hollow Middle School are angry at the district over low wages. JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Last week more than a dozen Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD teachers took their protest to the streets of Concord to bring more attention to the current impasse between the school district and the Mount Diablo Education Association (MDEA), teacher’s union. They held signs that read “Kids and Teachers Come First” and “Fair Wages Now” on the corner of Clayton and Ygnacio Valley roads in an effort to publicly state their objection to the current salary negotiations. According to MDEA President Mike Noce, the impasse was declared last month and mediation is set to begin in March. The main issues for the union and the teachers are salary and compensation, explains Noce. “I hope that we
are going to come to a settlement. Teachers would rather be teaching,” he added. “There’s no hidden pot of money. They (the district) just have to change their priorities,” Noce says. According to Noce, the district has offered teachers a two percent mid-year increase, which amounts to a one percent raise for the entire year. He explains that no salary increases have been budgeted for the next two years. The teachers responded to the district proposal with a demand for a 5.25 percent salary increase. They want teachers to get the 3.99 percent increase in state funds per student for the 2004-05 year. The district says that money has to offset general fund expenses since there’s been a steady decline in enrollment and income has fallen short of expenses in the past few years. About five years ago, the
teachers opted to accept a $3,882 stipend in exchange for district-provided health benefits, which the teachers say saved the district several million dollars. However, those monies have not kept up with rising medical costs and the teachers are asking for a 1.26 percent increase in their annual stipend. Teachers who are covered by the Kaiser family medical plan (the least expensive medical coverage available through the district) claim that they pay the insurance company $10,500 out of their annual salary. They also argue that a first-year teacher on that plan in the district takes home only $29,193 a year. One teacher picketing last week carried a sign that read “I’m a Mt. Diablo teacher, I qualify for low income housing.” “We are in a budget-cutting mode,” says Sue Berg, spokesperson for the District. “We don’t have that money,”
she added referring to the District’s $2.7 million deficit in 2004-05. “This is a stressful situation, everyone agrees,” she said. She explains that the health cost stipend, which has increased slightly to about $4,000 might be something to negotiate. Teachers also say that although they haven’t had a raise in three years, the school board has given the superintendent a 13.57 percent pay increase during that time period. Not so, says Berg. She points out that the superintendent’s raise reflects a longevity increase that he negotiated when he was hired four years ago. The agreement included a two percent increase per year, providing that he remain on the job for four years. The 13.57 per cent also includes the superintendent’s request to transfer his mileage,
See Teachers, page 6
Thirsty dogs will soon have water at the Dog Park
“This is yet one more example of how volunteers make things better in our community,” said Councilwoman Julie Pierce at the City Council meeting Feb. 15. “It’s really nice to see the community provide some of the services the city just can’t afford,” added Councilman Bill Walcutt. The dog park is located on Marsh Creek Road across from Diablo View Middle School.
Clayton weather gets KTVU broadcast time Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, Sailors take warning. When the wind is from the south The rain’s in its mouth. Wind from the east fish bite least, Wind from the west fish bite best. Bees do not swarm before a storm When the rooster goes crowing to bed, He will rise with a watery head. TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
There are probably as many ways to forecast the weather as there are words that rhyme with “rain.” Man has been holding a finger to the wind since the first caveman stuck his head out of his cave and peered at the sky. But, while an early morning red sky or a crowing rooster
may sometimes give an accurate prediction of the weather, if you really want to know whether to count on sunshine for the weekend, your best bet is to ask your friendly, neighborhood meteorologist. And, for Clayton weather, there are no friendlier or more neighborly sources for weather conditions than KTVU’s Steve Paulson and Clayton’s own, Jason Massey. Other Bay Area stations will typically have weather conditions and forecasts for Concord and Walnut Creek, but not for Clayton. There are frequently significant variations between our weather and what is happening over the hill in Walnut Creek or closer to the Bay in Concord. If you want up-tothe-minute weather information for Clayton, KTVU has it beginning at 5 a.m. every weekday. And just how did our tiny burg
find its way to the StormTracker screen? Paulson, whose spends his off camera time at his girlfriend’s home in Clayton, and Massey, a self described weather “buff ” with an assortment of scientific weather instruments at his home in Oakhurst, met while playing tennis at Oakhurst. It was (pardon our pun) a match. Paulson collects weather data for his reports from a variety of sources, and all it took was a shortcut on his desktop to jasonmassey.com for Paulson to access real time weather conditions in Clayton for his morning reports. Massey’s intense interest in the weather grew out of his passion for aviation. “There is no better education for weather than aviation training,” explains Massey. “Aviation weather is about being precise.” And preci-
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
KTVU METEOROLOGIST Steve Paulson sion is what you will find on his personal Web site. Massey’s sophisticated instruments monitor temperatures, humidity, dew point, rainfall, wind speeds and direction and wind chill. If you want to
know whether to play golf this afternoon, just visit jasonmassey.com. “Weather predictions within a 24 hour period are extremely accurate,” he says.
See Weather, page 5
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2005
Around Town Camellia Tea honors descendants of pioneer families Camellias and cups of tea went hand in hand recently when the Clayton Historical Society hosted its 28th annual afternoon Camellia Tea. Over 80 people attended the event which honors descendants of Clayton’s pioneer families. Edith Mazzei of Clayton proudly displayed her beautiful collection of rare and fanciful camellias like the “Black Magic,” “Miss Tulare” and “Queen Diana.” Edith has been growing camellias for the past 25 years and she has graced the museum’s annual tea with her flowers for the past 10 years. She admits to housing over 300 plants in her home at one time. “It’s becoming more of
a job than a hobby,” she says. Tea pourers for the Sunday afternoon event were Clayton Business and Community Association members JoAnn Caspar, Jan Rubiales, Tamara Steiner, Dolores Austin, Carol Peterson and Joyce Atkinson. Guests had the opportunity to choose their personal cup from a collection of delicate and colorful antique tea sets. Willmetta Frank Mann greeted visitors to the museum with her basket of camellias as she has done for the past 27 years, giving each guest a commemorative Camellia to take home. Members of pioneer families attended the tea whose ancestors are known in local Clayton and Concord street names such as Atchinson Stage, Rhine Court, Frank Place, Russelmann Road, Bigelow Street, Mitchell Canyon Road, Duncan Drive and Murchio Drive. Paula Tesch, a college student from Chico and a descendant of the Russelmann, Frank, Rasmussen and Matheson families of old Clayton proudly served the special mints her grandmother served at the first annual Historical Society Camellia Tea in 1977.
WILLMETTA MANN
COMPETITION WINNERS (back row) Kelsey Rudd, most attractive; Danielle Homand, most outstanding; Jeremy Sandow, most original; (front row) Pierce Bartley, most humorous and Taylor Bredell, most creative.
Mrs. Melvia Chang’s seventh grade French class at Diablo View Middle School recently participated in a parade of masks in honor of Mardi Gras. Students decorated masks and were judged in various categories. Following the parade of masks, the students enjoyed traditional King cake. Mrs. Chang has hosted the Mardi Gras and mask competition for the past six years at the school.
The Clayton Historical Society Museum is located at 6101 Main Street. The Museum is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 2–4 p.m. and for special tours by appointment. (925) 672-0240. SALLY TURNER
DOLORES AUSTIN
EDITH MAZZEI
JANET EASTON
Largest duet in Black Diamond. Nearly 2,000 Sq. Ft. with 3 beds, 2.5 baths. Sparkling oak floors, soaring ceilings and private backyard.
$619,980
$739,980
Clayton
BARBARA ALLEN
Clayton
Clayton Contemporary home in Diablo Village. Gorgeous 4 beds, 2.5 bath on cul-de-sac, 2,171 Sq. Ft. Loaded with upgrades.
Located on 10th fairway of Oakhurst golf course. 4 bed, 3 baths with 1 bed/bath on first level. Stunning hardwood floors & gourmet kitchen with granite. . $829,988
Walnut Creek
Northgate Rancher with huge backyard. Great views of Mt. Diablo. 4 beds, 3 baths including inlaw suite or second master bedroom.
$864,980
Mardi Gras Parade of Masks at DVMS
Michelle Emry makes the Dean’s List at Portland Michelle Emry, daughter of Mike and Jeanne Emry of Clayton, made the fall semester’s Dean’s List at the University of Portland. Students must achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average to be listed. Michelle is a freshman majoring in social work.
MICHELLE EMRY
Concord
Pittsburg
Updated home in Turtle Creek. Over 2,300 Sq. Ft. with 4 beds, 2.5 baths. Newer roof, paint, blinds, fence and more.
Custom gated estate on half an acre in exclusive Pittsburg area. 3,532 Sq. Ft., 2 story with 6 beds, 3.5 baths. Views of rolling hills.
$689,980
Clayton
Windmill Canyon, 4 bed, 3 bath with 1 bed/bath on first level. Wonderful views of the surrounding area.
$799,980
$769,980
The Kratz Family, winners of the Holiday Open House Giveaway, enjoyed a fabulous weekend at Old Greenwood Resort courtesy of Lynne French
Tammie and Joseph Kratz with sons Jimmy and Joey.
February 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Around Town Alise Lacosse accredited as a staging professional Alise Lacosse of Alise Interiors has recently been awarded the designation of Accredited
ALISE LACOSSE
Staging Professional (ASP Master). Alise has successfully completed a detailed course and passed an examination on preparing homes for sale. Homes that are staged by an accredited staging professional look better than other homes on the market because they are clean, clutter-free, and ready to show prospective buyers. Staged homes traditionally sell faster and/or for more money in today’s real estate market. Alise is dedicated to the principles and practices of staging and the many benefits this service will bring to her clients.
Clayton kids raise money for tsunami victims
Chris Gallagher is Manager of the Year
CHRIS GALLAGHER
ERIC WINDT, SPENCER RUTLEDGE AND ELIZABETH JIMINEZ
You are never too young or too small to make a difference. That’s what three Clayton children decided when they set up a lemonade stand several weekends ago to help victims of the tsunami. Spencer Rutledge, 5, and his friends Eric Windt, 8 and Elizabeth Jiminez, 10 raised $8 from their lemonade sales and young Spencer also contributed $5 from his piggy bank. They sent the money to “Save the Children” to help the young victims in Asia rebuild their lives. Spencer is hoping that the money they raised will help buy some food and water for children, while Eric hopes that the money will buy some nails for making a new house.
Clayton resident, Chris Gallagher was recently awarded Manager of the Year from the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors. Nominations for this prestigious award come from every department in the county. Gallagher is a Division Manager for the Employment and Human Services Department in Antioch, which is the largest office in her department serving residents of East County. Budget cuts over the last few years, with more expected this year, have created many challenges for Gallagher. She is recognized for her ability to maintain service levels at a time of staffing shortages and reduced resources. Gallagher has been a manager for her department for seven years. “I have always been proud to work for the county and I am grateful for the opportunities they have given me. I have a passion for our work and believe in what we do.” she says.
Upcoming Events MURDER MOST ENTERTAINING-MAR. 4 Don’t miss the “murder” being planned Friday, Mar. 4. at the Clayton Community Library. Of course we mean the production of “Murder in the Library” starring local Claytonians. It’s all in good fun to celebrate the Clayton Community Library’s tenth birthday. The play is directed by library volunteer Sandy Patel, well-known in the local theatre arena. Library officials say that tickets are almost sold out. Get to the library quickly so you don’t miss out on Clayton’s only modern murder. Tickets are $15; the performance begins at 8 p.m. and includes champagne and dessert. Adults only please. For more inforLocal celebrities rehearse for “Murder at the Library” on March 4. mation, call 673-0659. CLAYTON TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE OLD MINING DAYS-MAR 5 As the Clayton Community Library tenth birthday continues Saturday. Mar. 5, Sandy Patel, director of the play “ Murder at the Library” will play Sandy, the Old Miner. He will tell old mining tales in the outdoor courtyard of the library followed by “panning for gold” sessions. The day’s activities begin at 12 noon and end at 5 p.m. There will be demonstrations and music throughout the day. All ages are welcome. The event is free. OLIVER! IS COMING TO CLAYTON-MAR. 10-11 Members of the Mt. Diablo Elementary School’s fourth and fifth grade chorus are deep into rehearsals for their upcoming production of Oliver. The play is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ tale of an orphan who runs away from the orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor. Musical numbers include the haunting and lyrical “As Long As He Needs Me” and rhythmic and upbeat “Consider Yourself.” Performances are Mar. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. Both performances are free, although donations are encouraged. All donations support chorus activities. Snacks will be available for purchase. COMMUNITY ARTS CELEBRATION AT THE LIBRARY-MAR. 19-20 The two-day event will feature local artists, demonstrations, performances by groups such as the Clayton Arts Academy and Women’s Choir. The Clayton Library Foundation is sponsoring the event and is currently hosting a membership drive with the theme “Your Bucks Buy Books.” TAX DAY BLUES FUNDRAISER-APR.15 Shed the tax day blues and listen to some cool jazz at Oakhurst Country Club, Apr. 15, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Dinner, music, dancing and a silent auction benefit the instrumental music programs at Clayton Valley High School. Guest appearance by Ken Brock & the Jambalaya Jazztet. Beef, chicken and vegetarian selections available, country club attire required. Reserve early, tickets are limited. Call Neal or Debbie West at 673-5026 to purchase tickets. Cost is $35/person.
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Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
51 Karkin Place 335 Mt. Washington Way 5225 Keller Ridge Drive 312 Ahwanee Lane 6022 Golden Eagle Way 973 Oak Street 202 Prospector Place 3032 Windmill Canyon 5478 Tara Drive 242 Stranahan Circle 35 Jalalon Place
$605,000 $750,000 $969,000 $1,061,700 $649,000 $675,000 $720,000 $699,000 $583,000 $575,000 $589,000
02/11/05 02/10/05 02/08/05 02/03/05 01/28/05 01/21/05 01/19/05 01/07/05 01/07/05 01/05/05 01/04/05
1,904 1,919 2,894 3,000 1,816 2,175 2,171 1,877 1,739 1,663 1,355
BED/BATH
3/2.5 4/2 3/3 4/2.5 3/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 4/3 2/2.5 3/2.5
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
1409 Indianhead Way 110 Crow Place 227 Bigelow Street 5711 Verna Way 315 Diablo Street 7028 Molluk Way 3017 Windmill Canyon Dr 3401 Coyote Circle 4007 Hummingbird Way 1871 Eagle Peak Ave 5116 Keller Ridge Drive
$505,000 $720,000 $600,000 $594,000 $720,000 $650,000 $790,000 $500,000 $775,000 $740,000 $735,000
12/23/04 12/22/04 12/21/04 12/17/04 12/15/04 12/15/04 12/14/04 12/09/04 12/08/04 11/30/04 11/30/04
1,355 2,053 1,794 1,338 2,300 1,835 2,313 1,554 2,935 2,467 2,467
BED/BATH
3/2.5 3/2 3/2.5 3/1 4/3 3/2 4/2.5 3/2.5 5/3 4/3 4/3
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
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 117 Crow Place
$598,000 $590,000 $635,000 $760,000 $790,000 $452,500 $659,950 $540,000 $464,900 $579,000 $610,000
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 11/16/04
-1739 1904 2831 2315 1145 1493 1343 1355 1939 1561
All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed
BED/BATH
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 3/2
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2005
CTA’s world premier of Little Women, The Musical Based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, this world premier musical version of Little Women captures all the spirit and warmth of the original classic American novel. Readers young and old have cherished this timeless coming-of-age story of the fiery young writer, Jo March, and her beloved family. Six generations have read this story and the seventh will sing it! The musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women is set in Civil War times and takes the audience through a year in the lives of four sisters—-Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy—-as they experience everything from death and love to hardships and the true meaning of family. With their father at war and their mother left to raise the family on her own, the daughters learn invaluable lessons as they struggle for survival in horrific times.
Performances run from February 25 through March 12 in the CTA Crossroads Theatre at 1277 Boulevard Way in Walnut Creek. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m., with Saturday matinees on Mar 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22-$25. For more information call the theater at 944-0597
Clockwise from top left, Clayton resident, Elizabeth Tremaine (Jo), Beth Mannion (Meg), Erika Henningsen (Amy) and Laura Reed (Beth)
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www.callthevanfleetteam.com 2005 S old & Pending 1548 Kingsly Drive 1023 Bird Avenue 1745 Eucalyptus Court 908 La Gonda Way 876 Overhill Drive 375 Grovewood Loop 770 Beatrice Street 3412 Barmouth 5266 Prewett Ranch Road
3405 Storer Avenue 30 Doral Way 79 A Street 1081 Kaski Lane 2137 James Street 1421 Bel Air Drive 3412 Barmouth Drive 1847 Las Ramblas 4761 Knarlwood Road
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You Won't Believe This One! Gorgeous Oakley Single Family Home! This beautiful home was built in 2002 with $60,000 in upgrades. Features include: 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths and 3,685 square feet of living space on approximately 6,900 square feet lot. Peaceful, spacious and backs to open space with views of orchard. Dramatic staircase, plenty of closet and storage space, large family room, spacious living room, formal dining area, beautiful tile/porcelain flooring, custom Hunter Douglas window coverings, tile baths with double vanities, central heat and air, and whole house fan, gourmet tile kitchen with island and upgraded appliances. Large master bedroom suite with sitting area. Custom lighting throughout. Huge loft/bonus room upstairs. Landscaped front and back yards with fruit trees. All appliances included in sale of this to-die-for home.
Offered for: $725,000
Sale Pending
Concord/Clayton Border! This special home features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1,588 square feet of living space. Other features include: formal living room, separate family room, spacious dining area, plenty of closet space, master bedroom and master bathroom with a separate vanity area, central heat and air and ceiling fan. Washer, dryer and refrigerator are included in the sale. This darling back yard just adds to this great opportunity. Offered for: $520,000 Hurry! This one won't last.
Spectacular Views! Wonderful 4 bedroom, 2 &1/2 bath home in Antioch. Quiet family neighborhood with award winning schools. Private back yard with panoramic views, separate master bedroom suite, dual pane windows, wall to wall carpeting, pergo & tile flooring, newer furnace, new paint inside and out, updated baths, tile kitchen and inside laundry. Cozy up to the wood burning fireplace in this spacious family room. This special Offered for: $474,000 home backs to open space.
Coming Soon Curb Appeal and So Much More! This is an absolutely wonderful single story home located in a very desirable Walnut Creek neighborhood. The white picket fence and mature Ash tree in the front yard makes this home so inviting. Home features include: 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, beautiful hardwood parquet front entry and 1,943 square feet of living space. The formal living room with brick fireplace and formal dining area make this a perfect area for entertaining. This family room is spacious and has a free standing fireplace. You'll enjoy this master bedroom suite with beam cathedral ceiling. More features include; mirrored closet doors, dual pane windows, parquet floors, wall to wall carpeting, tons of closet space, updated kitchen with newer appliances. The front yard has a magnificent Ash tree and the back yard has a deck, covered patio and a nice lawn area.
Offered for $799,000
February 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
Letter to the Editor
Directory of Advertisers Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 ACME Auto Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-8495 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 A&J Fencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .370-0747 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 Apronstrings Pet Sitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-7621 Aragon, Al - Wells Fargo Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . .287-6921 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6622 BJ's Groom & Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550-5626 Benton, Mureleen - American Express . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 CTA Crossroads Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-0597 Clarissa Bridal Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .930-0214 Clayton Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9530 Consignment Treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7123 Contra Costa Termite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7665 Crocker Insurance Agency - Sam Totah . . . . . . . . . . .941-1536 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . .524-5100 Elysium (formerly The Fox and The Fiddle) . . . . . . . .672-1333 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 Essential Skin Care by Linda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-1190 Ewing, Ken - Painting Contractor and Decorator . . . .586-1882 Flannery,Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .975-5255 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Gregory, Cynthia - Permanent Solution . . . . . . . . . . .286-5162 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 HomEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1119 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 LaMar Information Technology Services . . . . . . . . . . .459-5606 Landman Consulting Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8817 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Law Office of Richard Littorno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Mavericks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Miller, Thomas C.P.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354-1385 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . .280-8563 Mountain Mike's Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4965 Oakhurst County Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pasta Primavera Café & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-5300 Pro Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3776 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Residential Pacific Mortgage - Alden Foster . . . . . . . .963-3582 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Sellers, Nicole - Diablo Funding . . . . . . . . . . . .227-0100 x 128 Shealor, Donna - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .975-5220 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 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, Intero Real Estate Services . . . .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Velocity Sports Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363-0066 Villarina, David - Keller Williams Realty . . . . . . . . . . .726-7700 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . .672-4433 Walcutt, Bill - Prudential Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-5535 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700
LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE’S ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATIONS ARE TOO AMBITIOUS Dear Editor: The Clayton City Council is anxious to convince Clayton citizens that the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Landscape Committee should be accepted. The committee did an excellent job of identifying the city’s landscaping needs and costs but it appears that the committee felt that its mandate was to recommend that more money be spent for landscaping. For instance, there are 19 committee agendas available for review and in the fourth one the committee discusses the Marketing Subcommittee. At that point it did not have a program to sell. At its fifth meeting it planned on a survey to support the selling of the committee’s plans which were far from complete. It then prepared a survey that was guaranteed to obtain the answers it wanted. The public should not buy a pig in a poke. The $365 per year landscaping assessment per home that the committee recommends (currently $122.90) is
too ambitious; that’s a 200 percent increase. A more acceptable rate would be $250. The committee’s rate is based upon no significant changes to or reductions in the current landscaping and it includes items that could be pared back or eliminated. For instance, escalator amounts that have no relation to amounts required for landscaping were added to arrive at the $365; they total $215,226. These escalators are in addition to the annual inflation escalator that the committee recommends. There is an upgrade to the landscape entry sign on Clayton Road for $168,700 and entry signs for Oakhurst and Marsh Creek Road for $127,550. A vote for the $365 rate would validate the City’s apparent lack of planning when it knew it didn’t have the money to support the maintenance of additional plantings. Unless the rate is reduced vote NO.
TAMARA
it all balances out.” In the big picture, 2004 was a fairly typical year. Paulson began his career as an on-air weatherman 25 years ago while still in college. He was a senior at Chico State, majoring in broadcasting, when he walked into KHSL-TV looking for a behind-the-camera job. “Little did I know,” he said, “their weatherman had resigned only two hours earlier.” They offered him the job, and he went on to take courses in atmosphere and climatology, becoming certified by the National Weather Association three years later. From Chico, Paulson went on to several stations throughout Northern California with a stop in the south bay where he was the San Jose Sharks pregame broadcast for the NHL team. Then it was on to Chicago and Denver before returning to the Bay Area for the KTVU spot. “Like salmon swimming upstream…I came back to the Bay,” he said. Paulson begins reporting at 5 a.m. weekday mornings and is on camera about 30 times before appearing on the news at noon. “I get a lot of face time,” he laughs. “And my biggest fear is a brain freeze.” One silent second, he says “can feel like an hour.” And if he weren’t a weatherman, what would he be? “Maybe a game show host,” he chuckles, “Can’t you see it? Steve Paulson and ‘Weather or Not’?”
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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.
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HELP WANTED
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SERVICES PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN BY NICOLE HACKETT AKA THE GARDEN GIRL Personal consultations regarding plant choices, placement, identification, fertilizing and maintenance. Spring is just
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED AT THE PACK RAT THRIFT STORE in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center. Proceeds from the Pack Rat support the Lindsay Wildlife Museum's educational programs and wildlife rehabilitation efforts. The Pack Rat depends on volunteers and more are needed to keep the store open. The Pack Rat welcomes seniors, teens (16 and up) and anyone in between! For more information call Diane at 672-1123.
Clayton Pioneer Now on our Web site
Gene Snow Clayton
Weather, from page 1 “Every day out is less accurate and three to five day forecasts are a marketing thing.” The Bay Area has some of the most complex weather in the country. There are literally hundreds of microclimates within the nine county region. Clayton alone has three climate zones. Colder air sinks so Clayton, situated at the foot of Mt. Diablo, tends to be cooler than Concord. Elevation changes also influence the temperature. Massey’s Oakhurst home is at an elevation of 850 feet and will typically be a little cooler than downtown. “Temperature drops 3.5 degrees for every thousand feet you go up,” he explains. “And at 850 feet, we are above a lot of the fog.” KTVU”S meteorologist Steve Paulson checks Massey’s Web site, along with dozens of other sources, every morning before his telecast. “You have to dig for information,” he says. “We (meteorologists) all have pretty much the same information. It’s what you do with that information that that matters.” While the morning weather report may be of critical importance to the commuter, Paulson takes a much longer view of weather. Take 2004, for instance. The year was full of out of the ordinary weather. There was a bizarre heat wave the last week of winter, it was atypically windy until June and summer temperatures were very mild. “But,” says Paulson, “it’s a big machine and
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580
Every page of the Clayton Pioneer is now posted on our Web site at www.claytonpioneer.com. So, if you are travelling or away at school when the Pioneer is delivered, you won’t have to miss an issue. University of Puget Sound student Ted Meriam writes: “I recently noticed that you are now providing full-page spreads of the Pioneer in PDF format. Thank you for doing this! As a college student at the I appreciate being able to keep up with my hometown news. I am very pleased with how the paper has taken shape over the years and the depth in which the writers represent Clayton events. Good work all around!” If you have out of town friends or relatives that want to know what’s happening in Clayton, just direct them to the Web site for all the local news. Michaela Olson of Clayton says “My Pioneer goes to England every two weeks. My grandfather doesn’t miss a thing. He knows more about what’s happening in Clayton that I do sometimes.” The Clayton Pioneer -- It’s your paper.
Why advertise in the Pioneer? Here’s one reason:
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“I got a great response from my Pioneer ad. I ran two ads and received 10 phone calls. I do better in the Pioneer than I do in the Contra Costa Times.” Ken Ewing, Owner EWING PAINTING & DECORATING
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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.
LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths
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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
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton Home Inspection Services is a family affair JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
It’s definitely a family affair at Clayton Home Inspection Services, which is one of the reasons why the small, local business is thriving. Realtors who have worked with Clayton Home Inspection Services describe owners Roger Galvin and Lori Hilts-Galvin as professional, reliable, knowledgeable and honest. Clayton Home Inspection Services was founded in 1993 by Lori’s parents Peter and Patricia Hilts. When Peter retired from the construction field, he was looking for something interesting to do and so for 11 years, Peter and his wife established Clayton Home Inspection Services and developed a loyal clientele until Peter’s untimely death last year. Lori had been working part-time in the office and Roger, an ironworker, would accompany Peter on inspections in his spare time. And so it was an easy and welcome transition for Lori and Roger to continue the family business. They are members of The California Real Estate Inspection Association
(CREIA), an organization founded by Peter Hilts with over 1250 members strong. Since the state does not license home inspectors, CREIA ensures that
ROGER GALVIN
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Inspection Services
Teachers, from page 1 transportation and other perks to his salary. However, Noce says, “an increase is an increase”. “The money is going in the wrong direction, not to the students,” says Sandra Bond who heads the math department at Diablo View Middle School. “All the cuts are at the school level and there are no cuts at the district level,” she says. Teachers are looking elsewhere for better paying jobs. She cites the case of a teacher who left the Mt. Diablo District to work in San Ramon. “She’s making over $9,000 more a year and received a 3.4 per cent increase,” Bond said. Berg points out that other
districts, like San Ramon, have school parcel taxes approved by the voters. Last year, voters in the San Ramon Unified School District approved a $90 annual parcel tax, which was expected
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business focuses on the buyer. Roger and Lori believe that buyers should always request a home inspection before the final purchase. “Having the facts about a home is key for buyers,” says Roger. According to the
Galvins, a home inspection takes about two hours with a final written report produced within 24 hours. The Galvins take pride in their attention to detail and in their comprehensive reports. Lori refers to Roger as “Picky Pete.” With his background in construction, Roger will always go one step beyond the actual inspection report by recommending steps to correct a problem detected during the actual inspection. “We are very hands on,” Lori says. “We want to be around after the inspection in case buyers or sellers have questions or concerns,” Roger explains. During any given inspection, buyers can expect an analysis of a home’s insulation, plumbing, roof and attic, drainage, electrical and building site. Lori and Roger enjoy working in a community where they have a lot of history. “I love the people, especially the first-time buyer,” says Lori. Realtor Ruth Reed says that Lori and Roger have “always given 2nd mile service.” “When we place a call to Lori and/or Roger, their immediate response makes our job easier,” says Lori Hagge and Alice Ponti of Century 21, Diablo Valley Realty. “Other realtors are impressed with the Galvins enthusiasm and friendly people skills. “My parents built the business on integrity and quality, and we are not going to change that,” says Lori.
to generate $4 million a year for five years to aid the District. “Look around at other districts that pay more”, she says. “They have another source of revenue”. “We have Measure C, but monies are allocated for construction,” says Berg. She explains that the district is working on a survey to see if there is support for a school
parcel tax. In the meantime, teachers like Sandra Bond are angry at the school board and the district. “ I can’t see teaching in a district that has no respect for its teachers,” she said. “We don’t want good teachers to leave,” says Berg. “There’s no doubt they need a raise, the dispute is over how much we can afford.”
While Clayton Home Inspection Services provides complete inspection services for realtors, homebuyers, sellers and financial institutions, the majority of their
LORI HILTS-GALVIN of Clayton Home
members adhere to a Code of Ethics and follow Standards of Practice. As members, the Galvins are required to maintain a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education. “Codes are always changing,” says Roger.
“The money is going in the wrong direction, not to the students. All the cuts are at the school level and there are no cuts at the district level.” Sandra Bond, DVMS math teacher
February 25, 2005
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February 25, 2005
Mayor, from page 1 to various council members and in late fall the Clayton Business and Community Association’s (CBCA) president Ed Hartley asked the city council to address
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com the issue of the Business Licenses as part of the council’s regular agenda on January 18. Between the time of the receipt of Mr. Hartley’s letter and the January 18 meeting, the city manager developed an eleven page Q and A document the CBCA mailed to all its members. I have always believed that if
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the City is going to license businesses, the rules should be applied to all who are doing business in Clayton. This evenhandedness applies to both businesses with a physical presence in the city and those who maintain their place of business outside the city limits. This means that the landscaper, roofer or food delivery truck which drives into Clayton to conduct its business is as subject to the provisions of the city’s Municipal Code as the barber, restaurant or bookkeeper who operates from a physical facility within the city. The City has always taken this position and has never indicated that a business located outside the city limits, yet doing business here, does not need a license. Clayton is not alone in this position. Every city in the county, which has a provision for business licenses, applies them to those who do not have a physical presence within their city limits. The City of Concord’s business license brochure states, “If you conduct business in Concord from an office located outside of Concord, you are also required to obtain a business license.” Last year I attended the League of California Cities annual meeting in Long Beach, CA. One of the most well attended seminars was the one on increasing city revenue through greater attention to business licenses. I asked a number of attendees if they had done business with MAS and those who had indicated they had were pleased with MAS’s work. To date the audit by MAS has discovered 115 persons or companies operating businesses in
Farm 51
Clayton, some of whom expressed ignorance of the requirement. I do not believe ignorance of the law is an excuse for not complying. All of the popular published guides to setting up a new business tell you in the first few paragraphs to check with the city you are going to do business in for license and zoning requirements. The Municipal Code contains provisions for penalties for not registering the business but the city does not go back more than three years. The maximum penalty is limited to an amount equal to the yearly fee. In the event that a business has operated in Clayton for twenty years without a business license (assuming an annual fee of $100) would pay a maximum penalty of $600 under the City’s current policy. The balance of the $2,000 they should have paid over the twenty years is waived.
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Seth Ahonen
The city must collect these back years and penalties in fairness to businesses that have paid their licenses faithfully over the years. I would like to believe all people doing business in Clayton would pay our business fee. The City has been told we must go after everyone doing business from the nationally recognized brand name to the guy with a lawn mower in the back of a pickup. If we had the staff we could do it ourselves, but we do not. So we must turn to professional firms like MAS. When I do business with anyone in Clayton, I ask if they have a business license. If everyone in the City did this, the City would issue more Clayton licenses and generate more revenue that all stays here. There are those who state no one will do business with people in Clayton if everyone doing business needed a license. That theory is not economically sound because Clayton demographics alone attract business. The City has been accused of focusing on Realtors serving the City. This has not been the case. Someone notified the Board of Realtors of the City’s business license requirement. The Realtor Board seems to have been notified of our meetings and made Clayton’s business license a cause celebre. I say this because when we addressed the issue at the January 18, City Council meeting, six of the thirteen speakers were associated with the real-estate industry. The speakers included the 2005 President of the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS* (CCAR) and their Governmental Affairs Director. The Council subsequently scheduled a special council meeting on February 7 to further delve into the matter. At that meeting seven people spoke and two left written communications. Six of the nine had real estate connections. The City has received letters and emails telling us that out of town real estate brokers are advertising they are specialists in Clayton. These citizens ask us if they have business licenses. A Google search for “Clayton Realtors” leads with an ad for a San Ramon broker who does not have a Clayton Business license. The CCAR has told the City Council there are 2800 real estate association members in the county and the average real estate agent
sells nine houses a year. That means there are 25,200 homes sold in the county each year. If we use the 80/20 rule (80 percent of the business is done by 20 percent of the Realtors) 560 Realtors are selling 20,160 of these properties. That would give credence to the rumor that most Realtors do not succeed. I have been told real-estate agents as independent contractors can pay desk fees of $1,000, office fees of $500, and overhead for errors and omissions insurance, ads, car insurance, equipment, license fees, dinners, lunches gifts, etc, etc, etc. These monthly costs can easily top $2,500. But some Realtors claim that the City’s $243 a year ($20.42 a month) will drive them out of business. If the City’s fees are the tipper to business failure, the agents need to reassess how they are conducting business. I realize an agent may do business in more than one city and have no problem with prorated City fees. We currently have that provision in the Municipal Code but it has never been elected. It may be too cumbersome for Realtors to collect and separate the data needed for pro-ration. I know that the fees of real estate agents, like those of financial planners, are negotiable and, like planners, real estate agents are restrained from discussing fees among themselves by provisions of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890). My personnel experience and research tells me that real estate commissions are 6 percent unless you are selling raw land when it is ten percent. These commissions are negotiable so maybe they are five to seven percent. I have also been told discounted fees result in discounted service. No matter what the fee is it will be divided between the listing and selling agents and their respective organizations. For this last item I am going to use a six- percent sales commission. I understand about $183,000,000 in real estate of all types was sold in Clayton last year. A six- percent commission on these sales would yield $10,980,000. I believe all Realtors collecting commissions from real property sales in Clayton are doing business in Clayton and should be subject to our small local business tax as expounded in the City’s Municipal Code.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2005
Take charge of your retirement move When should you start planning for the future? Joy Reynolds knew exactly when she wanted to move from the large family home she’d owned for over 35 years to a smaller one—when she found a more manageable home where she could live comfortably for the coming years. Joy had worked as a nurse for most of her adult life. She had seen many people put off their retirement move until they were in dismal physical condition, unable to make moving plans on their own. They either ended up in a convalescent home, or worse. The choice of where to move and when was out of their hands; they were often dependent on others to make critical life-care decisions for them. Joy set a game plan for herself that ensured that she wouldn’t find herself in this unenviable position. When she turned 76 and was still in good health, she searched for a small, two-bedroom condo with an attached garage in Oakhurst. Joy chose Clayton as a place to live because she had lived there
and was familiar with local stores, merchants, public transportation, libraries and cultural facilities. It was a place that already felt like home, so there
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE
was no question of having to make a big adjustment to a new environment. Retirees who are contemplating moving to an area where they have never lived before should consider renting in the new location first before buying. This way, if you find that you’re miserable in the new location, it’s easier to pick up and move than it would be
if you had bought a home that might be difficult to resell. Joy used savings to purchase her retirement home and bought it about a year before she actually intended to occupy it. The sellers needed a place to stay until their new home was ready so they rented back from Joy for almost a year after the sale closed. This gave Joy the time she needed to dismantle the family home and get it ready to sell. One of the hardest aspects of the move for Joy was explaining her plan to her children, who were mentally prepared to have their mother live in the family home indefinitely. Joy’s wisdom prevailed, however. The home had been built in the 1960’s. It had been well maintained over the years, but the baths needed updating, the kitchen was older and older homes generally need more maintenance over time. Joy didn’t want to spend the rest of her productive life caring for a house and garden that were larger than she needed. It was a full-time job. About six months before
Joy was ready to move, she interviewed local real estate agents and selected one to help her get her home ready for sale. The house was in a wonderful neighborhood, but was dated in many respects. Her agent recommended that Joy hire an agent who specialized in staging homes for sale. Joy, who was at first resistant to the idea, agreed to go along with the staging plan. The orange shag carpet was removed to reveal oak hardwood floor. Joy’s furniture was moved out and rental furniture was purchased to give the home a more contemporary look. The home sold in one week with multiple offers, and for more than the asking price. The move was made easier on Joy because she wasn’t personally living in the house while it was on the market. She was happily situated in her Oakhurst home planning her next trip with a senior citizen’s group. For any real estate needs or questions contact Lynne at: Phone (925) 6728787 or E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com
South Pacific is still enchanting CYNTHIA GREGORY Clayton Pioneer
Like a fresh breeze off the ocean, Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s production of South Pacific is a sure cure for the winter blues. Local talent shines brightly to the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein in a hip-hiphooray score that is familiar, nostalgic and endearing.
Sherilyn Chen as Liat; Barry Roth as Marine Lt. Joe Cable When South Pacific opened on Broadway in 1949, it challenged post-war America to come to terms with race and prejudice, issues that had never been explored in musical theatre. The original play employed terms that were disturbingly
racist, but then, that was exactly the point. The current production chose to retain them, driving the point entirely home in a PC world where language is comfortably homogenized and nobody says what they mean. In Rodgers and Hammerstein’s world, a man was a man, a dame was a dame, Japan was the dreaded enemy, and Pacific Islanders were treated like children. The world has come a long way in the last fifty years in terms of socio-political awareness, but great music, and themes like love and grace and integrity will never go out of style. Director Scott Fryer has captured the charm of this timeless production and CCMT is sure to win the hearts of a new generation of theatergoers with a talented cast. Especially glowing are Scott Koepf as Emile de Becque, Jessica Fisher as Nellie Forbush,, and Melinda Meeng as Blood Mary. The sets are magical, the music lyrical, and the choreography pure fun. Brave the winter blahs and take a trip to see South Pacific. You won’t get a tan, but you may come away feeling a little lighter, and humming a few bars of “Some Enchanted Evening. . . .” South Pacific is playing at the Dean Lesher Regional
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 9
Concord almost swallowed Clayton but Clayton held out Part one of a two part series In the early 1960s, Concord was making plans to annex Clayton into Concord’s city limits. Its plans were not received well by residents of Clayton. The following information has been excerpted from a letter written in 1963 by Helen
Lougher Sturdivant of pioneering Somersville-Nortonville grandparents in protest of annexation. “It seems the best way to ‘save’ Clayton, and set it apart as the last Contra Costa County historical village remaining is to urgently dwell on its preservation for its historical background, and also for its beauty.
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“The old, historical coal mining towns of Stewartsville, Somersville and Nortonville were allowed to disintegrate, be destroyed and lose all historical identity, except perhaps for the run down cemetery (Rose Hill) in Somersville. None but the children of the original families of these communities know much of the history of these towns. “Clayton is one of the very few historical towns left in this part of Californiaone that can boast JANET of a “plaza” or town square, OLD planted as all old time plazas were, in eucalyptus trees and cypresses on either side of a proposed park entrance. This is meaningful and indicative of its past for it was once a Spanish-type planned town. Clayton’s plaza has trees more than 80 years old, some of them are the largest in the state. “How many of the young people or ‘new’ residents know
anything of the historical past of the Town of Clayton? Of the colorful ‘characters’ it once boasted? Of the Dr. Ryder Powell who lived at the top of the Clayton-Marsh Creek divide, in a street car mounted on stilts which he entered by a ladder placed against the side of the street car, and at night after entering his strange abode drew the ladder in after him. “Of Clayton being the center of social life for the hardy Welsh EASTON and Cornish miners from the TIMES towns of Somersville and Nortonville. Clayton boasted three dance halls and entertained the hardy young pioneers and miners, who were working ten hour shifts in the pits of the Black Diamond, Central and Empire mines, would walk three and a half miles from Nortonville and four miles from Somersville to attend Saturday night dances. The dances started
photo courtesy of XXXXXXX
LOOKING EAST down Main Street from the base of School Hill in 1963 at eight and ended at five a.m. with an hour for supper. That during the supper hour members of the Gomez family, still residents of Clayton, would arrive with steaming baskets of homemade tamales they would sell the dancers. “Perhaps one should go back further and partially quote Mr. Clark (Donald Clark, Seattle Times, 1949). He noted that ‘On San Francisco’s waterfront in 1859, Francis Somers and his partner Jim Cruikshank loaded
their prospecting outfits into the Sacramento River Steamboat and announced that they wanted off at New York Landing. From New York Landing, near present day Pittsburg, the prospectors struck south towards the slopes of Mt. Diablo. A week earlier the partners had met an old miner in a San Francisco waterfront saloon and bought him a few drinks. In a grateful mood
See Old Times, page 14
Shingles caused by chickenpox virus WHAT IS “SHINGLES”? Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. This virus is called varicella zoster, one of the many viruses from the herpes family. You cannot develop shingles unless you have had previous infection of chickenpox (usually as a child). Shingles is also called “herpes zoster.” This infection is most common in people over 60 years
of age, but young people may have it as well.
stress seems to be a common trigger as well.
WHAT CAUSES SHINGLES? After you recover from chicken pox, the virus is not destroyed. It moves back to the roots of the nerve cells near the spinal cord and becomes inactive. Later, if the virus is reactivated, symptoms of shingles develop. What exactly causes a reactivation of the virus is unknown, but a weakened immune system seems to allow the reactivation. This may occur with immunesuppressing medicines such as chemotherapy and steroids, with another illness or after major surgery. It is also seen as a complication of cancer and AIDS. Advancing age may also trigger shingles. The virus may become active again after the skin is injured or sunburned. Emotional
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The first sign of shingles is often a burning sensation, sharp pain, tingling or numbness in or under the skin on one side of your body or face. The most common site is the back or upper abdomen. Along with skin symptoms you may also feel tired and ill with fever, chills, headache and upset stomach. After several days, you will notice a rash of small, clear, fluid -filled blisters on reddened skin. After about three days, the blisters will turn yellow, dry up and crust over. It will take about two weeks for the crusts to drop off, sometimes leaving small, pitted scars. The blisters usually follow the nerves paths and so are found in
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See Health, page 15
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2005
Clayton Sports CVHS girls soccer team just misses NCS bid JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer
The Clayton Valley High School girls varsity soccer team had another great season this year, including 10 games in league action and 14 overall where they shut out their opponents. They lost two very close contests to Bay Valley Athletic League champions Carondelet by scores of 2-1 and 4-2. However, they were the only team in the league to score this year against Carondelet. The Clayton girls team had an impressive 17-5-2 overall record this season, as well as a 10-3-1 record in the BVAL, and they barely missed their bid for a fourth straight North Coast Section playoff berth. In Section 3A, six of the 10 available NCS berths go to league winners, so there are only four at-large spots for other teams. An early season loss to Liberty on Jan. 14 probably sealed the Eagles fate. The Eagles lost that match 2-1. Despite winning two of their last three games of the season, one against Ygnacio Valley on Feb. 11 by a 5-0 score and another against Freedom on Feb. 4 by a 9-0 score, CVHS needed another big win. They had that one last chance Feb. 9
when they met the Liberty Lions for the rematch, this time at Liberty. The Eagles went into the game needing to come away with a decisive win if they were going to have a good chance to go to the North Coast playoffs. The Lions, who were in second place in the BVAL at the time, needed to shut down the Eagles high scoring offense and come away with a tie. So the Lions used a heavily-weighted defensive scheme — just like they had used against
just couldn’t get that muchneeded score. Liberty had only two shots against the Eagles but at almost every opportunity the Lions used an effective stalling tactic of kicking the ball into the bleachers to use up valuable time on the clock. Unfortunately for the Eagles, the Liberty defensive strategy worked, and the game ended in a 0-0 tie, just what the Lions were looking for. Then, at the NCS seeding meeting held Feb. 13, at Los
CVHS VARSITY SOCCER TEAM ON SENIORS NIGHT. From left: Heather Rodrigues, Brittney Rollins, Challyn Rollins, Michelle Ojima, Bethany Garchar, Rebecca Bohling, Courtney Snow, the team manager, Kim VanBuskirk, Debora Garcia, Kristen Caya and Natalie Pelletier.
Carondelet the week earlier. Despite many goal line chances for the lady Eagles, including 12 kicks on the Lion’s goal, they
Lomas High School, the Eagles just missed being selected for the championship playoffs. It came down to one last coveted
NCS spot, and Los Lomas, Liberty and Clayton Valley were all vying for it. Liberty finished second in the BVAL with a 102-1 record but with an 11-7-1 overall record, while CVHS finished third. However, CVHS had a better overall record, and they also had some big wins over some top teams during the year, including wins against Piedmont and Berkeley, both champions in their respective leagues, and against American. But it would have been hard to pick the Eagles over the Liberty Lions for the final spot when the Lions beat the Eagles. When the difficult decision was made, neither team got into the NCS this year. Los Lomas was selected over both the Eagles and the Lions for the final atlarge spot. But the difficult nature of the decision was still a tribute to the Clayton Valley team and their successful season. “We had a great season, and we had a lot of stellar athletes, but we just came up one game short this year,” said Pat Middendorf, the Lady Eagles’ head coach and CVHS athletic director, who was assisted this season by Assistant Coaches Phil Rollins and Heather Decker. There were six Clayton resi-
ASHLEY WONG from Clayton (right) shows her speed and agility for the Eagles on the soccer field.
dents on the squad this year, including seniors Heather Rodrigues and Natalie Pelletier; juniors Melissa Grimmond, Ashley Wong and Elise Fox; and sophomore Christine Coleman. Middendorf said that although she will be retiring from coaching soccer next year to work on all of her full-time responsibilities as the athletic director as well as taking on some additional responsibilities with the NCS, she said she felt she will be leaving the team in good condition. “The team should be really strong next year despite losing
Get your game going at Velocity
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
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Take your game to the next level. Make the varsity team. Increase your playtime. Get faster and stronger. These are only some of the things that are possible with the training programs at Velocity Sports Performance in Concord. Located on Willow Pass Road near Waterworld, Velocity identifies itself as the ultimate training facility. With its indoor turf area, hard court, track and the most advanced speed and power equipment, Velocity is the ideal center for male and female athletes ages eight to 18. The facility also caters to adults who want to train and get fit at a different level with a program that “transcends the treadmill.” It’s not only the state-ofthe-art facility and the equipment that are top notch at Velocity, the coaches are experts with degrees in Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology. Each coach is highly skilled in athletic strength and conditioning programs. According to owner Steve Richie, Velocity welcomes athletes of all levels. “Any age, any sport, any skill any level is our motto”, he says. That includes varsity level football players like Vinnie Levine who was voted Clayton Valley High School’s Mr. Defense at the recent awards dinner. Vinnie works out with his high school team three days
a week and he spends every Tuesday and Thursday at Velocity working on his speed, agility and explosiveness. He hopes to attend a college in the Pac 10 and he’s working towards a football scholarship. “Sometimes I get here and I’m tired from the day. But then I walk into Velocity, hear the music and see the kids working out and I get all pumped up,” he says of the Concord facility. While Velocity owner V e l o c ity Steve Richie works with professional and college athletes, and other veteran athletes
like Vinnie, the program is also geared to the athlete who lacks self-confidence and certain skills. “Take the 12 year old who always wanted to play sports, but is intimidated,” says Steve. “We give him the confidence to go out and play his favorite game.” Steve quotes statistics that say 70 percent of all kids stop playing sports when they reach the age of thirteen. “We try to keep kids playing through high school and into adulthood,” he explains. Afternoon sessions at Velocity begin at 3:30 p.m. and go until 8:30 in the evening. There are Gold, Silver and Platinum levels of participation, each geared to an athlete’s individual goals and skill level. Coaches are trained to help athletes excel in a wide variety of sports from football, lacrosse, basketball and soccer to volleyball and track. There are three full-time and two part-time coaches that currently work at Velocity. Even though the building is huge, Steve makes sure Velocity maintains the feel of a small business. “We greet every athlete by name when they walk into the building,” he says.
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10 seniors,” she said. “Wong, Grimmond, Fox and Coleman will likely all be starters next year, along with several other returning players. Karin Volpe, who was the team’s top scorer this year, will also be returning as will Lauren Vance.” Middendorf said Vance has a good chance of being the best goalkeeper in the league next year. “It will really be hard to leave, but I feel I will be leaving the team in good shape,” Middendorf said. “They shouldn’t miss a beat next year; they should be a solid group.”
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February 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Clayton Sports Drew Menez
PIONEER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT The rays of our spotlight have focused on the basketball court this month. And the light is shining on a hero of sorts, Drew Menez, a junior at Clayton Valley High School and a member of CVHS Varsity Basketball team. On Fri. Feb. 4, he had the best game of his career. And
DREW MENEZ what a night it was. CVHS was playing De La Salle. De La Salle hadn’t lost a BVAL league game since they fell to Pittsburg back in 2001 – a 57 consecutive game winning streak.
Readers Forum Parent/Coach responds to the League’s position” in girls soccer controversy Given a context of successful programs, appropriate training, positive environment, and no negative history, I agree with the league’s philosophy that a player should tryout, then play on the team they are assigned to. However, there are pre-existing
conditions between the players and parents of Liberty and the remaining two programs that will not vanish because the league decides to take a certain course of action. Plus, there appears to be a confidence on the part of the league that if they force players to a certain program, that program will be successful. Unfortunately, I do not agree with the direction the league is taking and this philosophy of forced success. The league claims that placing the 15 or 16 “best” players on a team will lead to suc-
Menez scored a career-best 35 points and he hit the game winning shot, a baseline drive lay-up off of a give-and-go pass to his post man that he wrapped up in under the rim, in overtime. Drew was in “the zone” that night hitting six out of 10 of his threepoint shots. The 6 foot four inch guard/forward was also perfect 5 for 5 from the free-throw line and he grabbed seven rebounds including four big offensive boards. He also had two assists, and added a steal to help lead the Eagles to a 65-64 (overtime) win over the heavily-favored Spartans, with some help from his teammates especially John Del Bene and Cameron Dyson, who also had great games. The defensive effort was just as cess. But I would argue that the best 15 or 16 players for a team are the ones that get along and look forward to taking the field together, because they choose to be there, and this is the philosophy that we have been stressing with Liberty. With the league’s program, a team might win a tournament or two and do well in league play for a year, but I am
impressive as the Eagles played as “close to a perfect game as possible” according to Head Coach, Troy Sullivan. The crowd loved it. They were cheering wildly. But a season is more than just one game and Drew’s entire season is going extremely well. He is currently ranked first among the top scorers in the entire BVAL averaging almost 20 points per game! Most recently, on Tuesday, Feb.15, Drew followed with a 24 point game in a 75-50 win over Antioch. Drew said the game against DLS “was just incredible. No one in our league ever beats them.” “We played good defense as a team and we scored pretty well against them too. Getting 65 points against them doesn’t occur willing to bet that team won’t have longevity if the players don’t respect one another and don’t want to take the field together. The Liberty program was conceived as a place where the girls would feel safe to learn and grow through trial and error without fear of jeopardizing their position on the team, and the team has been successful. The Liberty ros-
Sports Shorts CHALLENGER BASEBALL Challenger Division Little League baseball is pleased to be starting its thirteenth season of baseball for disabled kids. The season begins in March. There is no cost to participate. The league provides a full uniform and necessary equipment. If you or someone you know would like to participate, or if you have any questions about Challenger Baseball and how it works for disabled youth, please call Jim Brophy at 685-1801. DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM SIGN-UPS DHST will hold its registration for the 2005 swim season on Wed. Mar. 2, 79 p.m. and on Sun. Mar. 6, 1-4 p.m. at the Dana Hills Cabana located at the corner of Mountaire Parkway and Mountaire
Circle in the Dana Hills subdivision in Clayton. The swim team is open to all interested area swimmers on a space available basis. Returning families have registration preference for spots on this popular team but only if they register by Mar.6. The season starts with evening practices beginning May 2. DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM 2005 PRE-SEASON SWIM CLINICS DHST Head Coach Matt Struempf will be conducting a series of five weekly swim clinics – each one on a particular stroke technique (free, breast, back, fly, starts and turns in that order) Mar. 28 through Apr. 25. Sessions are on Mon., Wed. and Thurs. each week. The clinics are for all ages (4-18) including an “Otter
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too often. “It was great for our fans, our whole school and for the community!” Drew also explained that “We had some big stops at the end. Everyone always talks about offense but I feel that defense is just as important as my scoring.” Coach Sullivan said the fans were fantastic at the DLS game. “During one timeout in the fourth period I just told the team to look around at the fans cheering and see how great this was.” Favorite Sport: Basketball Favorite Athlete: Steve Nash Favorite Musician: Eminem Favorite Subject in School: English Favorite Pastime: Golf
ter has changed over the three years through attrition, but our core group has grown each year. We asked that the league meet with us and work out an acceptable alternative that will serve more of their “customers” —our children—but the league remains steadfast in their decision and is giving no value to the needs of the ones that the league is intended for. I believe the league offiPup” clinic for small groups of four to five young swimmers ages 4-6 to allow for individual attention. The clinics, which are open to all Dana Hills and all non-Dana Hills recreational swimmers, will focus correct swimming form and techniques. Clinic times will be: Otter Pups from 2:30-3:30 p.m. (on the half hour); Age 8 and under from 4–4:30 p.m.; Age 9 and up from 4:45-5:30 p.m. Swimmers can commit to weekly or daily clinics. Cost per swimmer is $15 per day or $40 for an entire three-session week. Signups are on Mar. 2 and 6 during regular swim team registration.(see article above). DVSC LOOKING FOR NEW YOUTH SOCCER COACHES
Diablo Valley Soccer Club (DVSC) is looking for former competitive soccer players who are interested in learning how to become a youth soccer coach. DVSC has competitive teams from Under 9 through Under 19 and a Soccer Academy for 5-10 year-olds. There are opportunities for young men and women who have playing experience but no formal coaching experience. Prospective coaches will be trained by DVSC’s professional staff as they get their coaching licenses and hands-on experience. Candidates can call 925-229-DVSC or visit the club website at www.dvsc.com for more info.or to send an email application. MDSL U9-U14 TRYOUTS Tryout dates have been set for various age groups for the Mt. Diablo Soccer League. U9 Boys (B), U9 Girls (G), U11 B and G, U12 B and G all are set for tryouts on Feb. 27 and Mar. 5. U10 B and G, U13 B and G, as well as U14 B and G are scheduled for tryouts on Feb. 26 and Mar. 6. All tryouts will be at the fields at the Boatwright Complex in Concord off Pine Hollow Road. There is no cost for tryouts. In case of inclement weather, please call 672-3373. For more information including birthday ranges for various age groups, exact tryout times, med-
Sullivan described Drew as “pretty quiet, very dedicated and someone who loves to play basketball more than anything. “Drew is just a pleasure to coach,” he said. Congratulations, Drew, and best wishes for continued success the rest of the season! 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 Mar. 25 issue is Monday, Feb. 28.
cials need to spend a little more intimate time with their constituents and try to understand their reasons for participating in this sport before they make any more broad-brush decisions. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, Bob Stuart Parent and Assistant Coach for U14G Liberty ical release forms, and other details please check the MDSL website at www.mdslsoccer.org or call 672-3532. DVSC TRYOUTS Tryouts for Diablo Valley Soccer Club under 9 through under 14 competitive teams are at Meadow Homes Park in Concord and Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill through Mar. 4. Boys and girls born between Aug. 1, 1991 and Jul. 31, 1998 are encouraged to tryout. There is no cost to tryout. Register online at www.dvsc.com. Visit the website or call 925-229-DVSC for a complete schedule of tryout times and locations. YMCA SPRING PROGRAMS This spring the Concord/Clayton Branch of the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA will host a number of programs at the Clayton Community Gym at the Diablo View Middle School. These programs include many sports activities for children of all ages and adults. Upcoming youth sports include Floor Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Spring Brake Basketball Camp, Soccer, and Volleyball. Upcoming adult sports include Indoor Soccer, Flag Football, 3 on 3 Women’s Basketball, 5 on 5 Men’s Basketball and 3 on 3 Men’s Over 40 Basketball. Call 925.889.1600 for more information. AAU BOYS BASKETBALL CLUB ANNUAL PARENTS AND PLAYERS MEETING The West Coast Eagles AAU Boys basketball club, a non-profit organization, will be holding their annual Parent and Players meeting on Sat., Feb. 26. This is open to high school level incoming freshman through incoming seniors interested in competing at the high school level. COACHES NEEDED. The West Coast Eagles AAU Boys basketball club is expanding its program for 2005 and is looking for additional experienced boys basketball coaches for their upcoming spring - fall program for high school level teams. If interested, please call Joe at 6724252 or www.wceaglesbasketball.org
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2005
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., FEB. 28 FOR THE MAR. 11 SSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT 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. ONGOING - MAR . 6 Square Dance Classes with Contra Costa Square Dance Workshop 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Learn modern square dancing in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. No partner needed, low impact exercise. For more information call Dick at 229-2192, Barbara at 689-2369 or e-mail hiltonaud@aol.com. Pacheco Community Center, 5800 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord, For information call Barbara Cella (925) 602-6772. Pacheco Blvd. (North of Sun Valley Mall). FEB. 24-MAR .19 South Pacific @ Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts A Rodgers and Hammerstein classic tracking two parallel romances between a navy nurse and french plantation owner and an AMerican officer and and a native girl. 8 p.m. 2/24, 2/25, 2/26, 3/3, 3/4, 3/5, 3/10, 3/11, 3/12, 3/17. 3/18, 3/19. Matinees, 2 p.m. 2/27, 3/6, 3/19. FEB. 25 - MAR . 12 Little Women - The Musical @ CTA Crossroads Theatre Time honored classic set to music. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, directed by Clay David. Opening night 2/25 at 8 p.m. Thurs 3/3, 3/10 at 8 p.m. 3/4, 3/11 at 8 p.m. Sat matinees 3/5, 3/12 at 2 p.m. Sat 2/26, 3/5, 3/12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 - $25. Call 944-0597 for tickets and information. www.ctacrossroads.org, CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek. FEB. 25 Film night @ Cal State University, East Bay (formerly Cal State Hayward) 7 p.m. Is it a documentary or is it propaganda? It looks like a documentary, but is it? Various documentaries will be shown that are tough calls and the audience will decide after background information is shared.Cal State East Bay, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord, For information call Barbara Cella (925) 602-6772. FEB. 25, 26 James and the Giant Peach @ Del Valle Theatre The talented young performers of Civic Arts Education’s Junior Theatre present Roald Dahl’s delightful adventure, James and the GIant Peach. The hero is James Trotter who has everything in the world going wrong for him including wicked aunts and being an orphan. When the giant magical peach appears James’ life becomes a wide adventure as he travels around the world in this remarkable piece of fruit. Shows are Fri. 2/25 at 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sat., Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 general. Call 925-943-SHOW for reservations. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. FEB. 28 Retirement Issues Forum @ Concord Senior Center 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Contra Costa Times columnist George Fulmore will lead the discussion on the impending mass explosion of retirement in America. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. For directions and information call 671-3320. MAR . 1 - MAY 5 Patty Cakes Story Time @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Story time for children up to three years old. Child attends with parent or guardian. No Registration required. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 6730659.
MAR . 1 - MAY 5 Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Thursdays. Picture book time for children three to five years old. Child may attend without parent. No Registration required. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. MAR . 4 “MURDER IN THE LIBRARY” @ CLAYTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY 8 p.m. in the library mulit-use room. the play, written by Danville author Penny Warner and dreicted by library volunteer Sandi Patel, the play features local officials in a who-done-it where the audience hels with the investigation. Kicks off the library’s 10 B-day. tickets are $15 (includes champagne, dessert, coffee) limited to first 150.CLayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. MAR . 5 Happy Tenth Birthday, Clayton Community Library 12 noon. - 5 p.m. “There’s Gold at the Library.” Panning for gold, puppets, balloon artist, author presentations, mining tales, music and more. (in the library multiuse room).All activities free of charge. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. Mar. 10-11 Oliver @ Mt. Diablo Elementary School 7 p.m. The fourth and fifth grade students present a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ tale of an orphan who runs away and hooks up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets. Tickets are fee and donations are encouraged to support chorus activities. MAR . 19 Angel’s Run Fundraiser @ Las Juntas Elementary School 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Angel’s Charity is an organization which strives to raise awareness of and improve the lives of children with multiple birth defects. There will be free food, music and a raffle with great prizes. Las Juntas Elementary School, 4105 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez. e-mail Peter Mulders at peterkris96@comcast.net.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS FEB. 26 American Association of University Women Meeting @ Brookview Lodge, Concord The Clayton and Concord branches of AAUW will hold a joint meeting and luncheon with guest speaker Chantal Stoner from UC Davis. She will speak about the environmental impact on large mammals in Africa. Brookview Lodge, Concord. For information call Sandy Hansen, 939-4951. MAR . 1 ,8, 15, 22, 29 Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Meetings every Tues. All are invited to check us out and be our guest for lunch. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust St., Walnut Creek. for more information call Sam Totah, 941-1536. MAR . 3, 10, 17, 24 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker.www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. MAR . 3, 10, 17, 24 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. MAR . 9 Garden Club Meeting @ Diamond Terrace Retirement Community 7 p.m. Garden designer Kristin Yanker-Hansen will speak about water conservation plantings. Plants will be for sale. Regular meetings the second Wed. of the month. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton.
MAR . 10 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Mountain View Elementary 6:30 p.m. The club is open to youth ages 5-19 and adults. Various projects, conferences, 4-H camp, leadership, citizenship and community service opportunities. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month, September to June. Call Candy Hogan, Community Leader, at 969-1325. Mountain View Elementary, 1705 Thornwood Drive, Concord. MAR . 11 Mt. Diablo AARP Meeting @ Pleasant Hill Senior Center 1:30 p.m. The Mar. program will be a presentation by Leah McIntosh of HICAP. The subject is Medicare, Your Choices, focusing on how the changes in the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 will impact retirees and other Medicare recipients. Medicare’s prescription drug coverage will be discussed. Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. For information call Fred Nelson, 451-1292. MAR . 16 Blue Star Mom Meeting 6:30 p.m. Small group Blue Star Mom meetings held the third Wednesday of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord. Call 676-3654 for information. MAR . 31 CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association) Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, Oakhurst Country Club, last non-holiday Thursday of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. John Rubiales, President.
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAR. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 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. MAR . 1, 15 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. MAR . 8, 22 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 6737304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION MAR . 3 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Clayton Valley High School 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The Clayton Valley High School Parent Faculty Club holds general meetings the 1st Thursday of the month in the school library Parents, you are invited to stay informed about your children's education. If you are interested in your student's school they will be too! Please join us and ask questions! Contact PFC President, Melinda Moore at 672-0930 melindammoore@yahoo.com MAR . 15 Parent Faculty Club (PFC) Meeting, @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7 p.m. Please join us and help make a difference! Child care is provided for this event. If you would like to have a specific item included on the agenda, please contact Rosy Straka at rosystraka@yahoo.com or 672-3200. 7304. Mt. Diablo Elementary. MAR . 16TH Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the School Library. All parents are invited to attend. Please contact PFC President Carolyn Hartnell at 672-4146 or crhartnell@earthlink.net if you want an item on the agenda.
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February 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Little church brings sense of theater to Lenten worship Sticks and stones, a shriveled Christmas tree, and an old coffin bring the meaning of the season home to worshippers GARY CARR Special to the Clayton Pioneer
Mardi Gras is a wild and festive time -- the last blowout before beginning the season of Lent. But, for all its somberness and solemnity, Lent is not without its own rich theatrical tradition. Every Lenten season for the past 20 years, highly interactive and symbolic activities have been the rule at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clayton. On each of the five Sundays of Lent, worshippers pass a dry and barren pine tree set next to the main doors of the church. Inside, on their way to the altar to receive Holy Communion, they drop a stick and a stone into an old pine coffin. Five weeks later, at the evening service on Good Friday, which marks the beginning of the end of the season of Lent, the congregation leaves the
church with a tub full of sticks and buckets of stones. The stones are buried in a nearby field. The sticks are burned on the church patio. Congregants watch in silence as the flames leap and sparks spiral upward. With Easter less than 36 hours away, another Lenten season is drawing to a close. Some may question the significance, even the correctness, of adding theatrical “props” to a tradition already steeped in ritual actions and objects. Father John Bennison, St. John’s ’ pastor, has some ready answers. “Lent is meaningfully thought of as a time of prayer and fasting, of emptying oneself in order that we may be filled with the promise of new life,” he says. “It is also a time of penitence—meaning a time of honest spiritual self-examination.” The stone each worshipper receives as he or she enters the church, explains Bennison, is to be given a name during worship. The stone represents a personal weight or burden, like old baggage, which each person is willing to leave behind. Similarly, he says, the stick represents each person’s acknowledgement of shared responsibility – even complicity – with the “crosses of crucifix-
Church News BAHA’I Presentation in an informal gathering, fellowship, sharing ideas and points of view on the subject of Personal Transformation, presented by Art Hatley at Mar. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Toloui residence. Everyone is welcome. Call 6726686 for more information. CHURCH WOMEN UNITED All men and women of the area are invited to World Day of Prayer, an ecumenical celebration spanning over 170 countries. The local service will be Fri. Mar. 4 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road in Concord. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with Bible study at 10 a.m. and prayer services at 10:15 a.m. This year’s World Day of Prayer theme encourages men and women to respond to Jesus’ challenge in the Sermon on the Mount to “Let our light shine.” A free-will offering will be received in support of Church Women United and its
work for peace and justice. Childcare will be provided. Call Lenita Shumaker, 672-1053 before Feb. 28. CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Worship is Sundays 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at Diablo View Middle School. Children’s programs at both gatherings, Jr. and Sr. High meet at 10:45 a.m. Call 673-9060 for more information. W.O.W. (Women of the Word) Bible study meets on Weds. 9:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., at the church office, 6055 Main Street, Clayton. Mar. 11-13 is a men’s ski retreat at Bear Valley Lodge. Contact 673-9060 for more information or to sign up for either of these events. CLAYTON VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church is located at 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, CA 94517; telephone: 925-672-
ion” that we continue to construct in this world. When congregants come forward for Communion (and all, Bennison emphasizes, are welcome), they are also invited to drop their stick and stone into the pine coffin. “Each Sunday, everyone can discard, both in ritual and in practice, a specific trouble that keeps them from feeling spiritually alive. Truly, it gives us all a chance to lay our burdens down,” Bennison explains. The coffin itself actually belongs to Fr. Bennison. The initials “J.W.B.” are carved on the lid that leans against a nearby wall. Bennison built the coffin nearly 25 years ago intending it for his own burial. “Meanwhile, I’ve found a good interim use for it as a part of our services at St. John’s ” he says. “I think of it as a teaching tool.” Another prop used during Lent at St. John’s is the “recycled” Christmas tree, left over from that holiday’s pageant at the church. “It’s an adaptation of an old German custom,” Fr. Bennison says. The now very dry and brittle tree stands outside the church door all during Lent. As the
winter days begin to lengthen with the anticipation of spring, the deadness of the past is not so much discarded as embraced as part of the process of hope in a new life. On Good Friday, the tree is stripped of its old branches. A crossbar made from palms is strapped to the trunk. The former Christmas tree is now the cross of crucifixion, complete with nails and a crown of thorns, and is placed outside on the patio. On Easter morning, St John’s parishioners bring fresh-cut flowers, mostly from their own gardens, to decorate the “tree” and transform it into a symbol of new life. “The Tree of Life that once stood in the garden of paradise has once again become the source of faith and hope in the birth, death, and resurrection,” Bennison says. “Everything is included, everything comes full circle.”
4848/fax, 925-672-4849; cvpres@sbcglobal.net. Services are at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.
Eternal Life Lutheran Church meets at the County Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Suite 1B, Concord. The congregation is a member of the WELS (see www.wels.net) and is served by Pastor Will Kant. Sunday school and Bible Class Sundays at 9:45a.m., Worship at 11 a.m. Please call or email for more information: 524-0295; EternalLife@wels.net.
CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Are you searching for a spiritual home? Concord United Methodist Church welcomes you in 2005! Join Pastor Rob Kirk and us at worship on Sun. mornings at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Concord UMC is located at 1645 West Street (between Clayton Rd. and Concord Blvd.) For more information please visit our website at www.concordumc.org. or call (925)685-5260. CROSSROADS COVENANT CHURCH Sunday service time is 9 a.m. Sunday school classes for children birth – Grade 5 at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Youth programs are available for older kids. God places a high value on children and so do we. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 798-5905 ext. 201. Join Pastors Eric Sorenson and Aaron Gonzenbach for “Meeting Jesus,” 10:30 a.m. through Mar. 20 and “Knowing Jesus,” 10:30 a.m., through Mar. 20. Crossroads Covenant, 5353 Concord Blvd., Concord. 798-5905.. ETERNAL LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH Midweek Lenten services on Wed. at 7 p.m. This year’s Lenten theme is “We See Jesus.” Upcoming sermon themes will include: “We See Jesus Paying for Our Sins,” and “We See Jesus Bringing Us into God’s Presence.” Soup suppers will precede the services, beginning each Wed. at 6 p.m. All are invited.
The Sunday Lenten Services are held at 8 and 10 a.m. Holy Week services include the ritual foot washing on Maundy Thursday, Mar. 24 and Good Friday, Mar. 25 and evening vigil on Easter Saturday, all at 7:30 p.m. Easter Sunday, Mar. 27 includes 6: a.m. Sunrise Service with the folk band; and
FIRST CHURCH OF RELIGIOUS SCIENCE OF CONTRA COSTA CENTER FOR POSITIVE LIVING We are a spiritual community inspiring personal empowerment and celebrating life through a joyous realization of spirit. Join us in welcoming our new Pastor, Rev. Carole Anderson. The Center for Positive Living offers Religious Science classes in the Science of Mind, as formulated by Dr. Ernest Holmes. If you like Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, Oprah, you’ll like us. Sun. service: 11 a.m. Call for more information (925) 363-9070. www.thereisapower.com. 1865 Clayton Way, Concord (between Willow Pass Rd & Concord Blvd) HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH On March 15th, the Nifty Fifty Seniors will journey to Old Sacramento from Martinez on Amtrak where we will visit the California Railroad Museum, home to over 20 restored locomotives and railroad cars plus artifacts and exhibits. The museum cost is $6.00 and the train fare is $22.10 round trip. The train leaves from Martinez at 10:04 a.m. and returns from Sacramento at 4:40 p.m. Lunch will be at a nearby restaurant -
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800-554-1391
4666 Clayton Road, Concord www.claytonflowersandplants.com
IN
C LAYTON
Sunday Worship: 8 & 10 a.m. 5555 C LAYTON R OAD
Q
C LAYTON
Call anytime: 672-8855 or check us out online: www.saintjohnsparish.org
A pine coffin adds to the drama of Lenten season worship at St. John’s Episcopal Church services at 8 and 10 a.m. For further information, visit the St. John’s Web site at
place to be announced later. Look for further details in Sundays’ bulletins. Sunday worship schedule - 9 a.m. Communion is first, third and fifth Sunday. 10:30 a.m. Sunday school and Bible Studies. Midweek Lenten services Wed. at 7 p.m., starting Feb.16 through Mar. 16. On Mar.15, the Nifty Fifty Seniors will journey to Old Sacramento via Amtrak. Destination will be the California Railroad Museum. Look forward to a tour of a Model of the Bay located in Sausalito in April. It is a replica of the San Francisco Bay and its interconnecting bodies of water. 1092 Alberta Way, Concord CA 94521, (925) 6862000, Fax: (925) 686-6894 Email: info@holycrossconcord.org, Website: www.holycrossconcord.org ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY The Knights of Columbus of Clayton/Concord is sponsoring a benefit St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at St. Bonaventure Church Large Hall, 5562 Clayton Rd, on Mar. 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The menu will include corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, salad and bread. Tickets are $10 for adults, for children under 15 years, $6. Entertainment will include Irish dancers, music and raffle. Proceeds to benefit the Sisters of Nairobi, Kenya. For more information & tickets contact Pat Deplazes, at 685-0573 or Claire Tryon at 673-8564. Tickets are also available at the Parish office. ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Sunday worship begins at 10
www.saintjohnsparish.org. or call 672-8855. St. John’s is located at 5555 Clayton Road in Clayton.
a.m. with family worship. Sun. Feb. 27, 10 a.m. - Teaching Divine Liturgy, with running commentary. The Divine Liturgy is the most important form of worship for the Orthodox Christian. It is celebrated every Lord’s Day/Sunday/Kiriaki and special weekday feasts. We all know of its importance and we approach it with utmost reverence. Haven’t you, at least once, wondered why it is done the way it is done, and what is what in it? Visit us this Sun. as we attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the Sunday worship service. For more information please call 925-676-6967 or Email to “Stdemetrios@astound.net” SAINT JOHN’S EPISCOPAL PARISH Saint John’s observes the rich and meaningful season of Lent with its regular Sun. worship services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., including special music each week and other special features. A focus on adult spiritual formation includes a choice of Sun. evening mini-courses on a variety of topics including Bible study, an opportunity to learn about the Anglican tradition, and a remedial course for the “sacred-sight impaired” — how to see the holy in the ordinariness of life. Saint John’s programs are always open to the wider community. For information call Saint John’s Episcopal Parish, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton, jb@saintjohnsparish.org, 925672-8855 or 925-787-6965.
Send your church news items to Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton 94517 or e-mail religion@claytonpioneer.com.
CLARISSA
BRIDAL SALON For all your bridal needs
Mother of the Bride & After five evening wear
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Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2005
Cauliflower: a cabbage with a college education A member of the cabbage family, the cauliflower is at its peak this time of year. Unlike many vegetables with a lengthy history, cauliflower was first recorded about 2,200 years ago. It likely originated in Asia Minor—Turkey or Syria—and spread to Egypt, Italy, and Spain by 600 A.D. and to France and England by 1600 A.D. The Elizabethan English referred to cauliflower as Cyprus coleworts, probably indicating where the vegetable came from. The caulis floris (Latin for cabbage flower) is difficult to grow, with most varieties preferring cool, damp weather. Because it is so particular and commands a relatively high price, cauliflower is considered the aristocrat of the cabbage family, leading Mark Twain to refer to it once as “a cabbage with a college education.” I must admit that as a teenager I referred to cauliflower as mutant broccoli, thinking that it was white because of some recessive albino gene. Actually cauliflower lacks green chlorophyll—the typical coloring of plants—because its leaves keep the florets from being exposed to the sun. However, it is possible to find variants with light green or even purple coloring. Mostly composed of undeveloped flower buds, the head or “curd” is about six inches in diameter. Some describe its flavor as mild and nutty, while others note that
LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
it can be slightly sulfurous and have a bitter flavor. It is full of nutrients that are widely heralded in rebuffing cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. In looking back at my own gustatory journeys, I think it was how cauliflower was prepared that discouraged me from taking it seriously. Trying to keep an open mind, I’ve found a few recipes that titillate my taste buds. TIPSY CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE (a heritage Scottish recipe) 1 medium size cauliflower, divided into florets ¼ lb. mushrooms, finely chopped ½ medium onion, finely chopped 1 cup heavy cream ¼ cup milk ¼ cup Scotch whiskey ¼ lb. Jarlsberg cheese, grated 2 Tbsp. oatmeal (not instant)
Old Times, from page 9 he told them of coal out-croppings on the south slope of Mt. Diablo, a few miles from the Sacramento River, and described these out-croppings so vividly they decided his story was more than whiskey and talk!’” “’San Francisco’s growth that year, 1859, was prodigious, and among other things the boom town needed badly was coal. Somers and Cruikshank were working on a shoestring. They had to move fast. Three days before Christmas, 1859, they found coal, good coal, and plenty of it.’ Before this, and in the year 1857, the town of Clayton
was established by Joel Clayton. ‘Mr. Clayton laid out one street and a few lots on either side of it. His object in establishing a village was the prospect of finding coal in the vicinity. He had been, for a number of years, an active and extensive explorer on the coast for coal and other mineral deposits and was intimately identified with the early discoveries and developments of the coalmines in Contra Costa County. “Clayton has its beauties of location to enhance it in the eyes of the citizens of Contra Costa County. Standing at the
? tsp nutmeg ½ c chopped walnuts Simmer florets in salted water for five minutes. Drain and place in casserole with chopped mushrooms and onion. Heat the cream and milk in a non-stick pan, being careful not to boil. Add cheese, and stir until melted. Add the whiskey and oatmeal, nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Pour sauce over the vegetables, sprinkle with walnuts and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. It is believed that the Comtesse du Barry, the favorite mistress of King Louis XV, was very fond of cauliflower. Traditional French cuisine includes Crème duBarry. CREAM OF CAULIFLOWER SOUP (Crème duBarry) 1 medium head cauliflower, separated into florets 6 Tbsp. butter 5 Tbsp. flour 1 cup milk 4 cup chicken stock 2 egg yolks ¼ cup heavy cream Salt and white pepper to taste Preheat oven to 400°F. Roast 1 cup of the florets for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Reserve for garnish. Simmer remaining florets in salted water for about 10 minutes; drain and cool, then purée in food processor. To make the sauce, melt the
head of Mt. Diablo Valley, with the mountain nearly 4,000 feet high in the background, with ranges of hills on either side, many of them cultivated with grain nearly to their tops, you look across the valley dotted with farm houses, orchards, vineyards and scattered oaks to the Straits of Carquinez. Over these waters are passing steamers and sailing craft laden with the products of the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valley, to San Francisco, Benicia and Port Costa, or with return freights of
butter, remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour. Return to heat and cook for 1 minute. Again, remove from heat and whisk in milk and stock. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Add purée to the soup base and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the cream. Quickly add ¼ cup of the warm soup to the eggs whisking to keep eggs from curdling. Add mixture to soup and stir well. Add salt and white pepper to taste. Serve in bowls with roasted florets as garnish. Centuries ago, India developed heat-tolerant variations of cauliflower. Now an important vegetable in Indian cuisine, cauliflower curries are quite popular. Here is one recipe to try out: CAULIFLOWER BHAJI 3 Tbsp. olive or canola oil ½ tsp. cumin seeds ½ tsp. mustard seeds (pref. black) 2 small white or red potatoes, cubed 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 green chilies, seeded and minced ¾ lb. cauliflower, broken into florets ½ tsp. garam masala ½ tsp. ground cumin ½ tsp. ground coriander
¼ tsp. ground turmeric In a wok or heavy bottomed pan, heat oil and add seeds. Cover and let pop for a few seconds. Add potatoes and stir fry for three minutes; add cauliflower and remaining ingredients and stir well. Add ¼ cup water and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice and
bring to a boil. Simmer covered for five to seven minutes or until cauliflower is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Linda Wyner is an attorney in Walnut Creek by day, and an accomplished chef and “foodie” by choice. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
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merchandise, agricultural or mining implements.’”
Next – Helen Lougher Sturdivant continues her plea for Clayton’s identity.
RENEW & R EFRESH
The Clayton Historical Society is located at 6101 Main Street. It is open Sundays and Wednesdays from 2 – 4 and for tours by appointment, 672-0240.
Anti-aging winter refresher enzyme peel, brow tint, & lip wax
Janet Easton is a member of the Clayton Historical Society. E-mail your questions or comments to jeaston51@aol.com.
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Offer expires 3/30/2005
Call (925) 673-0 0686
Piano CD’s available on his Brainstorm Records label
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At Oakhurst Country Club, you’ll find fun activities for every member of your family whether you’re playing together or doing your own thing. You can enjoy 18 holes of golf and active men’s, ladies’ and junior golf programs. Or swim, play tennis, work out in our fitness center or take part in our many social and holiday events.
Now Now accepting accepting new new patients patients
Come out and see for yourself why Oakhurst is the family country club. You’ll be surprised just how affordable a country club can be. And how much closer your family will become.
GOLF MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE AT NEW LOWER PRICING. To learn more or to schedule a tour, call our Membership Director at 925.672.9737
1001 Peacock Creek Drive Clayton, CA 94517
Dr. Gardner Dr. Fillmore And Staff
Clayton Family Dentistry 672-0110 6123 Main Street in historic downtown Clayton
February 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Ginger is ARF’s adoption star “Ginger,” a 9-monthold tabby cat, will add a little flavor to a loving family. She is a friendly girl who loves to be petted and specializes in warming laps. Gentle Ginger is recommended for families with children ages 6 and above. Bring everyone who will live with Ginger to meet her at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive at Oak Grove, Walnut Creek, during
adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. www.arf.net, (925) 256-1ARF. And join us for Croissants with Kitties! Early adoptions just for cats from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, Feb. 26. Come early and fall in love with Ginger and her fabulous feline friends at ARF. Visit our Web site, www.arf.net, to learn more about adding a cat to your family, or call (925) 2561ARF GINGER
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Page 15
Does your chatty cat just talk too much? Quite often, adopters send pictures and notes telling us how the former ARF shelter guest is doing now that he has a home of his own. Recently, instead of sending a picture, an adopter sent a recording of her cat talking so everyone at ARF can hear how happy the cat is in her new home. This adopter obviously loves the kitty talk, but that is not always the case. I am reminded of the song “You talk too much, you just worry me to death. You talk so much you even worry my pet. You just talk, talk too much.” The lyrics, written by Joe Jones and Reginald Hall, are about a person, but many humans have experienced the same thing with their feline companion! Some cats have more to say than others. A very talkative cat can be annoying, especially if the cat is more vocal at night when people are trying to sleep. Siamese and Siamese mixes tend to be more vocal than other cats. Some unaltered cats are very vocal, which is one of many good reasons to have kitty spayed or neutered. If your cat is altered and is still making enough noise to be a problem, have a complete veterinary examination to insure that there is no medical problem causing the cat to complain. If
your cat is altered and healthy, it is time to look closely at the environment and unintended messages your cat may be getting from you. You may be able to identify things that are happening at home that may actually be encouraging the unwanted behavior. For example, when your cat first started vocalizing, did you try to figure out what he wanted by offering him a variety of rewards such as food, petting or playtime? You may have rewarded his behavior. Your very intelligent cat may now be reinforcing your training to produce rewards when you hear meowing. The key is to identify your actions that may be unintentionally rewarding the unwanted meowing and not to respond to the vocalization. This may be very difficult. You can try to interrupt the meowing with a little water from a toy squirt gun, but direct physical punishment of any kind will only make your cat fear people. If your cat is especially talkative late at night or in the early morning, she may be trying to spend time with the family while you are home. Do not reward her with food or attention to try to quiet her. Make sure that you give her an active playtime during the evening on your time schedule. Discourage her from taking
Health, from page 9 exam. If uncertain, a lab can test the blister fluid. HOW IS SHINGLES TREATED? Sooner is better. Treatment is most effective in the first 24-48
Is you r dog in a mid-w inter fun k?
hours after onset. For pain, take over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and put cool moist washcloths on the rash. Preferably, be seen by your doctor for an antiviral treatment
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Give him something to chew on besides the couch.
Concord Feed has great chew toys and treats!
(925) 672-0500
BRENDA BARNETTE PICASSO
PAWS
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late afternoon and evening catnaps. Get up early enough to spend time with her before work. In other words, adjust her schedule to better fit your own. Cats are extremely smart animals. When they experience something they like, they quickly learn to replicate an action to get the desired results again and again. If you are having a problem with a cat who “talks too much,” after you make sure she is spayed and healthy, see if you can figure out what she has trained you to do when she is chatty. Retraining takes patience and persistence, but the reward will be a fantastic feline friend for life who is adjusted to your lifestyle. Brenda F. Barnette is the CEO of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at bbarnette@arf.net.
that may speed recovery and lesson the chance of prolonged symptoms from nerve inflammation. If more serious symptoms occur such as fever or fatigue, bed rest is appropriate. Try to avoid heavy clothing or bed linens rubbing against the rash. And most importantly, do not scratch! Secondary bacterial infection may complicate the course of illness. Call your doctor immediately if: z You have any lesions in vicinity of your eyes or face z You develop worsening pain or fever z You develop stiff neck, hearing loss z Blisters show signs of bacterial infection (increasing pain, redness, yellow drainage from blisters) If you think you may have shingles, you should see your doctor sooner rather than later. Avoid close contact with potentially vulnerable people such as young children, old people and anyone who is immunosuppresed. Do not scratch, put moist cool cloth on the rash and see your doctor. Jana Tomsky, MD, can be reached at the Clayton Valley Medical Group, (925) 672-6744
Mobile Pet Grooming has arrived! BJ ZOOMs right to
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Concord: 5288 Clayton Rd. 925.825.9530 also in:
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Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Dining Around lic combo with creamy garlic white sauce piled high with pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, sausage, green onions and diced tomatoes. There's all kinds of specials and several sandwich offerings like "Half Dome," "Cliff Hanger" and Calzone. Mountain Mike's has appetizers and beverages including beer and wine. Don't forget Mountain Mike's next to Clayton Road has a party room in back for athletic team parties as well as family and corporate parties. For fine dining and lovely atmosphere, downtown Clayton has two very fine dining establishments. ELYSIUM, (formerly Fox and the Fiddle) With chef and owner Greg Severn at the helm, Elysium’s menu always features an eclectic choice of American Contemporary dishes, perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Try the Ahi Tuna Tartare with sushi rice or a Five Spice Roasted Duck with coconut rice for a sophisticated departure from the ordinary. Brunch menu choices include a hugely popular Steak and Egg Quesadilla served with black beans and salsa fresca for $9. Other brunch entrees range in price from $8 to $12.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience complete with candles, wine and a gorgeous view, 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.” If you have a hearty appetite and a slim budget, you'll want to head on over to MOUNTAIN MIKE'S for the "All you can eat lunch buffet" Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. With two locations to serve you, the popular pizza restaurant has all the pizza, garlic sticks and salad bar you can eat for lunch. Price is only $4.99, kids 6 & under, $1.15 and kids 712, $2.99. There's also an "All you can eat" pizza and salad bar every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. for $5.99 for adults; kids 6 and under is only $1.15 and kids 712, $3.45. Mountain Mike's logo is "pizza the way it oughta be" and they have quite a selection including the Mt. Veggiemore stacked with mushrooms, black olives, bell peppers, artichokes and fresh tomatoes. There's the Chicken Club described on the menu as "better than a BLT," and how about dipping into a Snowy Alps gar-
A Sweet Deal from
Sweet Bakery & Cafe
5435 Clayton Road in Clayton Station
of Clayton
672-0936
Bu fax 672-6937 y get any Now Serving hot panini a d san sandwiches, donuts on dw ut i & smoothies fre ch, e Ex
pir
es
3/
11
/0
5
Just over the hill on the beautiful Delta View Golf Course, enjoy Italian dining at its finest. Lunch $9.45 Dinner $11.65
Lunch $10.45 Dinner $12.65
Lunch $9.15 Dinner $11.45
2222 Golf Club Road, Pittsburg (925) 432-1700
•Banquet Rooms •Off-site Catering
At the corner of Center and Marsh Creek Road is LA VERANDA, serving a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish, starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. If you’re a salad lover, be sure to try the Insalata Della Reigna with baby greens, walnuts, Gorgonzola and a honey Dijon mustard dressing for $6.50 … a popular choice. La Veranda is open daily for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for brunch. For view and atmosphere you can’t do better than ZANDONELLA’S situated on the lovely Delta View Golf Course in Pittsburg. Zandonella’s is open Tue.-Sun for lunch and dinner. This family friendly restaurant offers an extensive menu that covers every craving. From that perfect bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs all the way to a succulent and perfectly roasted rack of lamb, you are sure to find your favorite. Lunches range from $6.25 to $10.95 for Meat Ravioli and dinners range from $11.15 to $22.45. All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free. Just down Clayton Road is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria offers a delectable linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil for $8.95...my personal favorite. Other pasta dishes include Chicken Pesto Gorgonzola, a rigatoni dish with chicken breast and tomatoes in a creamy pesto Gorgonzola sauce ($13.95.) For an intimate atmosphere and a good wine list, Pasta Primavera can’t be beat. A little more on the casual side and a great place to take the kids is ROCCO’S RISTORANTE at 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Voted the best pizza in the Bay Area by a Contra Costa Times Reader Poll, Rocco’s serves up a killer house specialty. The Dominator, piled high with pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, ham, linguica, sausage and onions, is not for the faint of heart. At $19.97, this large pizza will feed a small army. Rocco’s also has several choices of classic Italian pasta, homemade minestrone and several salads. All pasta dishes are served with fresh bread. Top your pasta dinner off with a glass of wine and you’re well fed and satisfied for well under $20 (tax and tip included.) Rocco’s opens every day at 11 a.m. SWEET BAKERY In the Clayton Station has a brand new, delicious hot panini
February 25, 2005
sandwich. and a variety of refreshing smoothies.Try the mouth wateringly good Portobello Mushroom Panini made with sauteed portobellos, roasted peppers, melted Swiss cheese, fresh baby spinach, tomatoes and avocado all topped with a flavorful sprinkle of balsamic vinegar. Also on the menu are hot chicken, turkey and roast beef paninis. Your choice for $6.50. For delicious and freshly baked pastries, cakes, cookies and bread and now--donuts! SWEET BAKERY is the place to go. Grab a mouth watering 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 cold gourmet sandwiches are only $5.75. CLAYTON’S FIRST TEA COTTAGE I S D UE T O OPEN SOON Are you ready for a relaxing afternoon with friends, enjoying a pot of tea and 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 very soon. 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, a 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 plan to take tea in Clayton's first tea room. To book your party, call 672-8327.
joy An Italian En Fe
ast at Ou r
Mon. – Thurs. Co zy P fé 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. asta Pr avera Ca im Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sat. 12 noon – 10 p.m. / Sun. 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fine Italian dining with an extensive menu • Weekend Special - grilled steaks • Gourmet desserts and fine wines Very reasonable prices
4425-F Treat Blvd. Concord, CA 94521
687-5 5300
www.pastaprimaveracafe.com
La Veranda Café
Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton Fresh soups, salads, antipasti, pizza and pasta Dinner and lunch daily Brunch on Sunday Children’s menu and take out service available
For reservations call (925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON
New American eclectic restaurant in Clayton
formerly The Fox & The Fiddle
672-11333 for reservations
5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Tue. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday brunch/dinner 5 - 6 Wed. - Sunday $1.00 oyster happy hour
Featuring: Ahi Tuna Tartare Sushi Rice, Daikon, Watercress, Grapefruit, Crispy Rice Paper
Five Spice Dusted Duck Coconut Rice, Petite Herb Salad
New bar menu with lighter fare Also offering sake, soju cocktails & more m now Red Roo for l b a l avai earties p private
$ $ $
5 4 3
6115 Main Street Clayton, CA
50% OFF
00 Off
X-Large
00 Off
Second Pizza Buy any large or
Large
00 Off
medium pizza at regular price and get 1/2 off second pizza of equal or lesser value
Medium
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only. Expires 12/31/05
ALL
YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only. Expires 12/31/05
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Only $4.99 6 & under $1.15 kids 7-12 $2.99 5358 Clayton Rd. Concord
3501 Clayton Rd. Concord
(Next to Clayton Bowl)
(El Monte Shopping Center)
689-4965
676-9000
Fundraisers z Team Specials z Group Discounts z Parties
It’s alway e right time for tea s th at
Englund's Tea Cottage “Where good friends gather...” A beautiful full service tea room featuring…
www.roccospizzeria.com
"Best Pizza in the East Bay" - Contra Costa Times Readers' Poll NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES
947-6105 Personal Checks Accepted
2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd. corner of Oak Grove & Ygnacio Walnut Creek
Open 7 days at 11 a.m Locally owned by Rocco Biale
Large Pizza for the Price of a Medium Pizza OR Medium Pizza for the Price of a Small
Cannot be used with any other Coupon Valid anytime z Dine in or take out Present when ordering z 1 discount per table/visit
High tea. Delectable lunches. Large tea collection. Fresh baked scones and desserts. Special events.
ASK US ABOUT OUR FANTASTIC CATERING SERVICE New Catering Menu
15% of f
Your first catering order ($75 Minimum order)
SUNDAY & MONDAY SPECIALS Large 3 Item Pizza $1200 All Pitchers of Beer ½ price Monday: 5-close z Sunday 11-4 Cannot be used with any other Coupon
Dine-in or take-out No substitutions z limit 2 per party (Team parties excluded)
and Come our browse and op gift sh ibles collect
We also have a private room for z baby & bridal showers z staff meetings z club get togethers z birthdays, etc.
672-TEAS (8327) www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com Coming soon to Clayton Station 5433 L Clayton Road
February 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Flowering fruit trees bring color winter through spring
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
Flowering cherry, pear and plum trees are among the most asked for spring blooming ornamental trees available today. They are planted for shade, colorful late winter through spring blossoms, and some are planted for fall color. Selections maybe weeping or upright, and all are enjoyable for your yard and garden. The flowering plum is the first to flower, beginning in late winter before the leafout. The blossom colors are generally white and various shades of pink. The variety known as Thundercloud is the most planted form of flowering plum. Made popular by the shop-
ping cart nurseries, this selection can reach 20 feet tall and wide, with an overall rounded form. The bloom is a single, light pink that makes a great cut flower. The foliage of the Thundercloud is dark and coppery. Young trees tend to look sparse, yet once established, Thundercloud can make quite an impact. Often with maturity, this selection of flowering plum can set a good crop of 1-inch fruit. Keep that in mind if planting by a walkway or patio. The Krauter Vesuvius variety of the flowering plum has an upright form, almost appearing to be an oval, densely covered with an almost a blackish-purple, the darkest foliage of any flowering plum. The overall height of the Krauter Vesuvius may reach 18 feet tall and 12 feet wide, making this a lovely privacy selection. The single, light pink flower blooms before the tree leafs out. Krauter Vesuvius bears little to no fruit, making it a premium selection for full sun. Purple Pony is the perfect sized flowering plum for small yard and garden sites. This tree is naturally semi-dwarfed, usually growing no taller than 10-12 feet tall and wide. Single, pale pink blossoms come in
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early spring and are followed by deep purple foliage that holds its color all summer long. This selection produces no fruit. Newport is a white blooming selection of flowering plum. The habit of growth is tall and wide, reaching1520 feet tall and wider. The flowering plum is not particular about condition of soil, other than it hates to have its feet wet, so avoid poor drainage areas. Full sun is necessary for great bloom. The ornamental pear is another late winter through early spring blooming tree. This hardy family grows well in almost any soil, but importantly to us, the ornamental pear does well in clay. Flowering pears grow taller than other ornamentals, most reaching 30 feet tall. The difference is in the width of the trees. The selection called Aristocrat is pyramidal in form, reaching 35 feet tall one day, yet only 20 feet wide. A tree this size can add balance to a front yard of a two-story home, yet is way too big to plant as privacy between two homes. The branches of the Aristocrat curve upward to form a strong structure. The bloom hangs in clusters of white, almost like hydrangea blossoms, covering a leafless tree. After the bloom has faded, the shiny, green leaves emerge and hold tight all summer long. As fall approaches, the color of the leaf changes with the season, turning from yellow to red. The Bradford selection of the flowering pear is widely planted due to excessive availability. However, this tree can get huge. Some residences can not handle a mature Bradford. This variety of pear can reach 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. The spreading habit of this selection has the tendency to split at the crotches. A tree such as this is alluring even in the fall with the purplish-red fall color. Consider what you may be getting yourself into
FLOWERING CHERRY
with this selection. The evergreen pear is another sought after selection because it sounds better than it is. The evergreen pear seldom keeps all its leaves in winters as cold as ours. This plant has drooping branches growing 20-30 feet tall and wide. The tunk will need to be staked until it becomes self-supporting. Prune limbs to build up the framework of the tree, yet heavily pruned plants seldom bloom. Flowering cherry ornamental trees are great additions to a yard or garden. The bloom comes in earlyto mid-spring. It has green leaves during the summer, and some selections have awesome fall color and beautiful bark. Prunus sarentii has a round head and narrow, willow-like leaves. At maturity this selection can reach 25-30 feet tall and wide. Single, blush-pink flowers bloom in clus-
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neighborhood. As always, amend your soil as you install any tree. Look for a soil conditioner containing some chicken manure, roughly 15 percent, as we do not want a mix that is too hot. Also, consider the addition of organic matter, such as mushroom compost, earthworm casting, bat guano and a natural ingredient such as gypsum to break down the clay in the soil. Avoid soils containing lots of peat moss. This material dries out easily and is hard to re-wet. Stake your new tree installation to anchor it into place. Enjoy the spring blooming ornamental trees, and save some room for some summer bloomers, so you can have something blooming all the time.
ters during mid-spring. This, as well as all ornamental cherries, are great trees to garden under. The orangered fall color of the sarentii makes it very exciting. The flowering cherry called serrula has mahogany red bark that is fabulous. The bloom is white, and the flowers appear while the plant is in leaf, making it a better selection for the bark than the bloom. The weeping flowering cherry is a great focal point for a yard or a garden. It reaches only 10-12 feet tall and wide because it is grafted on to a 5-6 foot trunk. The early spring show of flowers is often white and sometime single and double pink. The bark on the weeping flowering cherry can be white or red, depending on the variety. Research your selection or ask questions. Drive around town and see how these trees grow in your
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2005
Declining income, increased debt load squeezes middle class families There has been much political debate recently regarding the “middle-class squeeze,” a result of soaring medical costs, rising energy prices, and increasing college tuitions on middle-class families when compounded with lower wages and family incomes, increasing unemployment and debt. Politics aside, it is worth examining the issue as it pertains to your personal finances and considering some helpful tips for saving and budgeting. FAMILY INCOME DOWN During the past four years, average wages actually outpaced inflation despite the economic downturn, and today, American wages are two percentage points higher than they were in 2000. However, due to the one million net job losses since 2001 and decreased hours put in by workers, overall family incomes have declined. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average household earned $43,588 last year, a 3.4 percent decrease from 2000. That equates to an average household decline of about $1,500 each year. DEBT LOAD UP Simultaneously, Americans have piled on more household
MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE debt, roughly $9.7 trillion in the past four years (approximately a 38 percent increase), according to the Federal Reserve. This increase in debt is mostly from new mortgages driven by record low interest rates and recordhigh mortgage refinancing. Furthermore, Americans are also carrying a total of $683 billion in credit card debt, according to a recent MSN Money report. MEDICAL, COLLEGE COSTS UP In addition, medical costs for individuals have also been soaring. According to Hewitt Associates Inc., employees’ shares of annual medical costs increased from 25 percent in 2001 to 32 percent today. Employers are also covering fewer employees (down four
percent from 2000). As a result there are now five million more Americans uninsured today than there were in 2000. Furthermore, college tuitions continue to skyrocket. The national average for public university, tuition, including room, board and fees, comes to $11,354, up 10.5 percent from 2003 or an additional $824 per year. Tuition at private universities rose six percent and now would cost a family an average of $27,516 a year, according to a report published by the College Board. When you mix the decreased family incomes with increased debt loads and rising medical costs, energy costs and college tuitions, many families end up with a net worth that is lower. According to Zandi’s analysis of the Federal Reserve Board data, the median household’s net worth is down from $89,300 in 2000 to $84,400 today. It’s no wonder that many Americans are feeling squeezed by these current economic conditions. Here are some tips to help you save and budget: Stash cash for emergencies: An emergency savings fund should consist of roughly three-to-six months worth of your monthly expenses. This stash is vital in case of a job loss or medical emergency and can help keep you from loading up credit card debt for unbudgeted expenses, such as car or home repairs. Keep emergency reserves in a separate, liquid account, such as a money market or savings account, for easy withdrawals. Open a Health Savings Account: With individuals’ rising medical costs, consumers can now use a Health Savings Account (HSA) for tax-free contributions to pay for medical expenses not covered in health plans. To open an HSA you must have a health plan with an
annual deductible of $1,000 or more for individual coverage and $2,000 or more for family coverage. You can withdraw from this account tax-free for routine doctor visits, lab tests, eyeglasses, dental care and some cosmetic surgeries. Plan for college: Although the rates for college tuitions are skyrocketing, there are many options available to help foot the bill. First, you may consider investing in a 529 Plan. Similar to a 401(k), your investments will grow tax-free until it is time to withdraw the funds. If your child will be attending college in the next few years, you should start researching the many grant, financial aid and scholarship opportunities available. There are also federal tax deductions you can claim for tuition expenses. Drive Less: The average American spends approximately $2 a gallon for gas, totaling almost $1,300 per year to fill their tanks, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics survey. By driving just one less day per week, you will save on your gas bill and wear and tear on your car, lowering your repair and maintenance expenses. Try carpooling, taking public transportation or working from home. The money you save can be allocated for your emergency savings account, college savings account or HSA. Budget for the holidays: Start your holiday budget at the beginning of the year, not the end. Tally up your expenses from this recent holiday season, including gifts, travel, entertaining and decorations, and divide that number by 12. The number you get will be the amount of money you should start putting away each month, so next year you can avoid accumulating end-of-year credit card debt. For more savings and budgeting ideas, consider working with a qualified financial advisor, who can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan specifically addressing your personal needs and challenges.
Mureleen Benton is a Certified Financial Planner. Call her with questions at 685-4523 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. American Express Financial Advisors Inc. Member NASD. American Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors Inc. and is not a brokerdealer.
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February 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
School News CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL New Academy Several teachers at Clayton Valley High School are putting together a new academy called the Public Services Academy. Applications are currently being taken for all grade levels. This is not just a college prep track. Students will visit various colleges and local trade schools and work on interview skills, job applications and resumes. Contact Sarah Lovick at 6827474 x 2618 for further info. Open House Mar. 17 is the date for the Clayton Valley High School Open House. All parents of new students are invited to the large gym from 6:30– 7 p.m. for presentations and a question and answer session. From 7– 8 p.m. visit programs
throughout the campus and/or get scheduling information in the multi-use room. 8-8:30 p.m. refreshments will be served in the multi-use room. Lacrosse Jamboree Clayton Valley High School is hosting the 2005 DVLL (Diablo Valley Lacrosse League) Jamboree on Sat. Feb. 26. The event will run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the new field at CVHS. This is a round robin event with two games back to back against a running clock. Jim Burkin is head coach of the CVHS Lacrosse program which is in its second year at Clayton Valley. DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL New Fundraiser Step up to the plate for education! Diablo View is partici-
Club News CBCA The CBCA (Clayton Business and Community Association) has scholarships available for up to $2,000 for this year’s high school graduates. There are academic scholarships for any high school senior living in the 94517 zip code with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and music scholarships available to members of any Clayton Valley High School music program. See you career counselor or call 672-2272 for an application. The application deadline is April 1, 2005.
GARDEN CLUB HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? Bring a friend! Join us on the evening of Mar. 9 to hear garden designer and authority Kristin Yanker-Hansen speak about water conservation plantings. Plants will be for sale. If you love to get your hands dirty and watch things grow, meet with us at 7 p.m. the second Wed. of the month at Diamond Terrace. Past and present programs have included local authorities’ presentations on roses, chrysanthemums, lavender, salvia, soils and fertilizers, flower arrang-
Page 19
pating in an exciting, new fundraiser with the Oakland A’s. For every field level seat purchased for $26 (regularly $28) the A’s will donate $10 to the school. For every plaza level seat purchased for $16 (regularly $18) the A’s will donate $6 to the school. There are eight games throughout the season earmarked for this fundraiser. The order forms will be coming home in the next week or two. Don’t forget to ask your children for them. In the meantime, if you wish to order tickets, contact Beth Neudell at bethneudell@people pc.com. Support the A’s and Diablo View and enjoy a fun day (or days) at the ballpark at the same time. Tsunami Relief Effort Diablo View has raised $600 for its Tsunami Relief fund. The students are asking for change, but bills will be gratefully accepted as well. The fundraiser is ongoing.
MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Measure C Informational Meeting Mark your calendars for an important informational meeting on Tuesday, Mar. 15 at 7 p.m. in the multi-use Room. The meeting has been set aside to provide information to parents and school neighbors about the facility’s upgrades set to begin in April and continue through spring of 2006. During the next 12 months the school will be preparing and implementing the demolition of 13 classrooms, the building of 15 new state-of-the-art classrooms, bathroom renovations, electrical upgrades, and internet connections. Mt. Diablo will continue to be an educational setting, but the school will also be a construction site for most of the 200506 school year. According to Principal Linda Schuler, many people in the community have
begun to hear about this project and are wondering about safety, timelines, final outcomes, disruptions to routines and general plans for interim classrooms for students and teachers. “I assure you that attention to every detail is being made by our district project managers, and our Measure C site team,” she says. “I look forward to a collective community understanding of the plans and an opportunity for all to gather in gaining accurate knowledge about this project,” she says. 5th Annual Benefit Auction Fiesta Diablo, Centre Concord, Saturday, Apr. 9. Last year’s auction was a sell out! Mark your calendars and don’t miss this event. Additional details, contacts and Auction Catalog will be available on the school web site. 50 Year Anniversary Sock Hop, Friday, May 20 at
the school. Don’t miss Mt. Diablo’s 50-Year Anniversary Celebration! Great food, car show, tile wall unveiling, time capsule and much, much more! Stolen Trumpet On Friday Jan. 7, a black plastic case containing a trumpet was taken from the Mt. Diablo Elementary School grounds. It was a Bach trumpet, model #TR300, serial # C39696. If anyone knows the whereabouts of this trumpet, please call 360-5982.
ing, and new plants. Club projects have included: planting and maintaining the two raised beds outside the library, as well as daffodil hill, building birdhouses, succulent wreaths, and creating vignettes for the San Francisco Garden Show. We organize field trips, support and attend delightful district events.
Salvation Army during holiday season. Who are they? They are members of the Walnut Creek Kiwanis Club, serving Concord, Walnut Creek and Clayton. They will celebrate 58 years of community service on Mar. 17. Their motto is “Serving the children of the world.” Women were admitted to membership in 1990. Last year Concord Kiwanis united with Walnut Creek and are led by current President, Sam Totah. In the past 58 years they have sponsored a Boy Scout Troop for boys with disabilities, sent high school students to summer Fellowship of Christian Athletes camps in Ashland, Oregon, held art contests for elementary students,
painted colorful maps of America on school playgrounds, sponsored California Parks chaplaincy programs including one at Mt. Diablo State Park, united with other clubs to erect the gazebo in Walnut Creek’s Civic Park, and supported the Chaplain at Juvenile Hall. The current chaplain, the Rev. Charles Tinsey, is a regular guest reporting on his creative program with teenagers. The group enjoys fellowship each Tues. noon at Massimo Ristorante on Locust Street, across from the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts. Through their international organization and world governmental agencies they have worked to overcome
retardation in the young caused by Iodine Deficiency Disease by adding iodine to the world’s salt supply. A current project is sponsoring Key Clubs – service clubs run by students in high schools of the area. We currently sponsor two Key Clubs, at Mt. Diablo High School and Northgate High School. Mon. May 2 Kiwanis members will hold their thirteenth annual charity golf tournament at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek. This event is the major means of raising support for their several area charities. With a long history of serving children and young people, local Kiwanis hope to provide another 58 years “Serving the children of the world.”
WALNUT CREEK KIWANIS CLUB They can be found serving refreshments to high school students, donating blood to the Red Cross, pounding nails at a Habitat for Humanity site in Concord, painting walls and wrapping Christmas presents at non-profit agencies and packing boxes of food for the
“Look Who’s Selling Clayton!”
WOOD ROSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Open House Open house for grades 9-12 will be held Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. Wood Rose Preparatory School has a unique program combining virtue/character development, a classical curriculum and accelerated science and math.
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Clayton
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Clayton
$685,000
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,749 sq.ft. Decorator touches throughout, hardwood floors, bright kitchen, family room w/vaulted ceilings & wood burning fireplace w/oak mantle. Central heat/air, large private yard w/covered redwood deck & automatic sprinklers front/back.
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, approx 2,133 sq.ft. of living space. Spectacular home ready for any family! Entertainers delight backyard with gorgeous pool! Fully landscaped front and backyard with flagstone. Updated kitchen and baths, spacious living room, family room & dining room. An absolute must see to believe!
4 bedrooms, plus den, 2.5 baths, approx 2368 sq.ft. hardwood flrs, marble entry, gorgeous kitchen w/granite tile counters & gas stove & large master suite w/walkin closet & marble bathroom. Spectacular tropical backyard with pool/spa & waterfall, extended BBQ island w/slate counter, sink, eating area and tile patio. This home is an absolute must see to believe! An entertainers Dream!
4 Large bedrooms, 2 updated baths, approx 2325 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room w/vaulted ceilings, family room w/wet bar, hardwood floor entry, updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters & central heat/air. Spacious master suite, tile roof, new exterior paint & meticulously maintained yards!
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Clayton
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5830 Del Trigo Lane
Clayton
$565,000
5418 Paso Del Rio Ct.
Concord
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182 Mt. Wilson Way
Clayton
$751,000
Awake to Views of Mt. Diablo! 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Approx 2,549 sq. ft., Custom additions w/permits, new roof, pergo flrs, spacious family room w/brick fireplace & formal living & dining room w/bay windows, 3 sets of French doors, private landscaped backyard w/deck & RV parking too! Light & bright throughout!
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, approx 1,659 sq.ft. Large .26 acre lot! Original hardwood flrs throughout, formal living rm w/fireplace, light & bright family rm & eat-in kitchen w/double oven. Central heat, vaulted ceilings, shutters/blinds throughout & large backyard with sparkling pool
4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 2135 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room, large family room w/brick fireplace, wilsonart hardwood flrs, ceiling fan, wet bar & Anderson slider! Updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters, oak cabinets, built in microwave/convection oven, dishwasher, garden window & built in desk. Tile entry, central heat/air, gorgeous landscaped backyard w/redwood deck.
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!
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5839 Verna Way East
Clayton
$555,000
4 Bedrooms, 2 Updated Baths, approx 1,680 sq.ft. Huge .31 Lot with RV parking! Spacious family room w/brick wood burning fireplace & French doors off Dining room, new carpet, fresh paint in/out & tile entry. Some hardwood floors, spacious master suite, new heat/air & new roof/gutters.
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
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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!
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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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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2005
“What I love most about the Bay Area is that I discover something new every day. The possibilities are truly endless. From the past-paced city life to the abundance of outdoor activities, there’s always something to keep me excited for each day.”
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When you call Lynne and successful local real estate professional for over a decade, she French, be sure to request a free copy of her special knows what makes this area spe- report “Home Buyers: How cial. That’s why she works so hard to Avoid Paying Too Much.” to help others make the most of This valuab ble information can s ave y ou precious time their unique opportunities here. and money as you prepare Whether you are buying or to make your move. selling, Lynne French is your best resource in the unique and often (925) 672-8787 complex East Bay real estate mar- www.LynneFrench.com ket. Give her a call or visit her Lynne@LynneFrench.com Web site today and make the most out of your East Bay Area real estate experience!
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COMING SOON!
Decorator Showplace "Lassen" model! on a prime view lot overlooking hills, city & valley below. Upgraded to perfection featuring 13" tile floors, custom & designer window coverings & paint. Upgraded light fixtures. Dramatic separate formal dining room features soaring ceiling, plantation shutters, custom window coverings & tile floor. Large family room with granite dry bar, upgraded brick fireplace with raised hearth. Gourmet kitchen boasts commercial grade stainless steel "Thermador" 48-inch gas range with 6-burners & grill, solid slab bull-nosed granite counters & island, full tumbled marble backsplash, cherry-wood cabinets, large pantry & eating area with upgraded light fixture. Luxurious master suite offers a romantic two-way tile fireplace, sitting area with sweeping views. Master bath boasts a relaxing jetted tub, large separate stall shower & huge walk-in closet. Private level view lot overlooks spectacular view of oak dotted hills, valley & city below. Gorgeous in-ground "Pebble Tech" swimming pool with waterfall features. Professionally landscaped with aggregate patio & with meandering aggregate stepping path, lawn area & an assortment of tropical plantings. $1,099,000
Just Listed! G Beautiful Large DIN N "Larson" E P model! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2,467sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage with extensive s t o r a g e . Bedroom/den downstairs with closet. Upgraded 13" tile floors in entry & upstairs baths. Gleaming hardwood floors in kitchen, family room, hallway & downstairs bath. Upgraded thick baseboards & crown moulding downstairs. Wood blinds throughout. Gourmet kitchen with tile counters & island, lighted ceiling fan, hardwood floors & bay window eating nook with upgraded light fixture. Family room features hardwood floors, tile wet bar & tile fireplace. Spacious master suite with sitting area. Private rear yard with trellis covered brick trimmed aggregate patio, large lawn area, moss rock hardscape & lots of vibrant flowers. $765,000
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
REGENCY MEADOWS
KINGS RIDGE ESTATES, CONCORD
Sensational & Rare Single G DIN S t o r y N E P "Bainbridge" model! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 3,030 sf, inside laundry & 3 garage. Upgraded tile floors, crown moulding, designer paint & wall treatments. Open flowing floor plan. Enormous formal living room with fireplace. Separate elegant formal dining room featuring coffered ceiling, crown moulding & chair rail. Spacious family room features dramatic granite tile fireplace with custom hand carved mantle. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters & center island plus a built-in recipe desk. Large & luxurious master suite with huge walk-in closet, tile stall shower & oversized tub. Large (approximately .45acre) lot with professional landscape featuring trellis covered patio, sprawling lawn & a variety of flowers & ornamentals. Nestled in a private quiet court!
Mediteranean G Beauty! on a DIN N quiet court with E P Mt. Diablo views! 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2,857sf, 3 car garage & inside l a u n d r y . Downstairs bedroom/den with closet. Living room with upgraded marble tile fireplace. Formal dining room with Mt. Diablo views. Huge family room with upgraded brick fireplace with raised hearth, built-in wood storage & walk-around full bar. Large eat-in kitchen features tile counters & island, sunny atrium style kitchen window, big pantry & new flooring. Spacious master suite with romantic fireplace & filtered Mt. Diablo views. Large level lot with sparkling in-ground pool with waterfall feature, Mt. Diablo views, extended aggregate patio wraps around pool, large lawn & play area, a variety of flowers & ornamentals, gated side yard/dog run.
$1,095,000
$795,000
Magnificent One of a kind G DIN Estate! in a N E P 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 unobstructed 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.
G DIN N E P
Two Gorgeous Falcon Ridge Homes to Choose From! Serenade Model on a prime view lot overlooks city to Delta and beyond! 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approximately 2,843 sq. ft., 3 car garage and inside laundry! Serenade Model backing to open space with sparkling in-ground pool. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approximately 2,843 sq. ft., 3 car garage and inside laundry.
$1,695,000