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February 27, 2004
925.672.0500
Lemke to develop seminary hill Developer proposes 25 luxury homes, some zoned for horses, for beleagured seminary property in Regency Woods BY TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
On a rainy Saturday morning last week, some 50 residents gathered under a tent in the parking lot of the St. Anthony Claret Retreat House to learn about Diablo Pointe, a proposed luxury home development on the site at Regency Drive and Rialto Way, locally known as the “seminary property.” “This project is unlike anything we’ve ever built,” says Developer John Lemke of the two-year project. Diablo Pointe will cover 24 acres of hillside land and will include 25 homes on an average lot size of 13,000 square feet. Six of the lots will be 40,000 sq. ft, or larger in order to accommodate horses. The homes will sell in the $1,000,000 range. During Saturday’s presentation by Susan Larson, Planning Manager for the project, Regency Woods residents sipped hot coffee and discussed their worries over the anticipated changing nature of the neighborhood. Their concerns focused mainly on the open space and maintenance issues surrounding the project. Several of the proposed lots include areas along the
creek and hillside that have long been considered de facto open space. “It’s not the houses, we’re worried about,” said former city council member, Phil Tinsley. “It’s the open space that’s the issue. This project won’t fly if you don’t make the hillside and the creek open space.” According to Larson, Lemke Construction offered to deed these lands to either the City of Clayton or to the State Park District for public use open space. Both the city and the park district turned down the developer’s offer because of the added burden that the maintenance and policing requirements would have on public funds. In lieu of an open space dedication, the city has asked Lemke for a payment of $311,000 to be used for improvements to other existing open space already owned by the city. “I don’t want (the developers) to give the city one penny. If you give $311,000 to the city, it will just go down a rat hole,” retorted Tinsley. “It’s up to the citizens to see that Clayton Tamara Steiner / Clayton Pioneer
See Seminary, page 16
Celebrate the arts at the library BY JILL BEDECARRE Clayton Pioneer
Longtime Clayton resident Ted Holmsen is a man of many talents. He’s a retired research scientist, a bookbinder, a devot-
ed library volunteer and a woodcarver. It’s his talents with wood that the community will be privileged to experience during the Community Arts Celebration set for March 6 and 7. Holmsen is one of 20 other
THE CLARETIAN SEMINARY on the hill in Regency Woods is the site of a proposed 25-home luxury development
talented artists and entertainers participating in the arts event at the Clayton Community Library. The Arts Celebration is part of a series of events planned to celebrate the library’s birthday each year. An experienced carver for more than 20 years, Holmsen will demonstrate the art of making wood writing pens using a lathe and band saw. His interest in woodcarving dates back to his childhood when he was forced to take two shop classes in junior high because as Ted explains, “I seemed to have a behavior problem in study hall.” He managed to accomplish all of the shop’s normal classes and his teacher introduced him to work on the lathe. It wasn’t until he was married with three children and somewhat settled that he picked up his hobby and began carving once again. An accomplished scientist working in the agricultural chemical department at Dow Chemical, Ted received numerous awards for his research. Using the awards, he purchased a band saw to enhance his woodcarving hobby. After retiring early from Dow in 1988, his hobby became a business and for several years he sold his wood products at local craft fairs and at craft store on Main Street in Clayton. As time went on, Ted went back to
Photo courtesy Ted Holmsen
WOOD CARVER, TED HOLMSEN is one of 20 artisans to participate in this celebration.
See Arts, page 16
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Ballot initiative will protect local tax dollars Tired of city hall saying, “we have no money” when you call for a particular service or need? Then you need to know that the League of California Cities is spearheading a statewide ballot initiative for the November 2004 ballot that that will allow voters to determine if your local tax dollars should be used to fund state services. Called the “Taxpayers and Public Safety Protection Act,” the measure would require the state to get voter approval before
shifting any more money from cities, counties and special districts to cover the state’s own budget shortfalls. In recent years the state legislature and governor have approved laws that divert, take or delay the payment of local tax revenues to local governments—your revenue that finances public safety, public health programs, parks, libraries, street maintenance and other vital community services. This has caused pressure for higher local fees that can increase the
JULIE PIERCE
MAYOR’S CORNER cost of housing, as well as impact the quality of life by reduced or eliminated services critical to the success and enjoyment of our residential and business communities. Since 1991 more
See Mayor, page 16
Car burglaries on the rise Car burglars have been working overtime in Clayton the last two months, striking 13 times last month, and five times during the first half of February On Feb. 17, burglars targeted a car parked in the Black Diamond Trailhead parking lot. The owner had put her purse on the floor, covered it with a sweater, locked her car and gone for a hike. When she returned around 11 a.m., the driver’s side window had been smashed in and the purse was gone. According to Clayton
Police, the burglaries do not appear to be concentrated in any particular neighborhood. Incidents are reported from all areas of town and are remarkably similar. “They (the burglars) smash the driver’s side window, probably with a rock, and grab anything of value that they can see.” says Sergeant Rich Enea of the Clayton PD. Police have been unable to take fingerprints from any of the cars, and there are no suspects. One witness did report seeing an older red Camaro driving
away from the scene. Enea strongly warns all citizens to leave nothing of value in their cars at any time. “These guys will wipe the condensation off the window and look inside. If they don’t see anything, they’ll leave the car alone and move to the next one.” Be safe, says Enea, and lock everything in the trunk or take it inside. If anyone has any information on these burglaries, they are asked to contact the Clayton police department at 673-7350.
It’s time to win! Read the ads carefully. Hidden in three different ads is a tiny version of the Clayton Pioneer logo (see above). Find the clock and be the first to call or e-mail the Pioneer with the name of the ad, and win $10 cash for each clock found! E-mail clock@claytonpioneer.com, or mail, P.O. Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517 Linda Miecykowski is the winner from the last issue.She found our clock in the Carol Van Vaerenbergh, Apronstrings and Clayton Hair Works ads
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 27, 2004
Around Town Katalysts for a Cure
Standing, from left, Kelly Clough, Tracy Hillery, Marcy Vines (holding Madeline Vines), Debbie Wenrich, Kathryn Carlson, Deanna Snapp, Veeve Detmer and Rene Jayko. Kneeling, Linda Fjellbo and Barb Beranis.
Several Clayton women are currently in training for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer July 10-11. The walk raises money for breast cancer research. The “Katalysts for a Cure” group is named for local resident Kathryn Carlson who was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2003 and who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Kathryn’s children attend Mt. Diablo Elementary and Diablo View Middle School, and the impetus for creating a team for the Avon Walk comes from other mothers who are close friends of Kathryn and her sons. “Katalysts for a Cure” lined up fifteen volunteers willing to walk in the two-day event. They hope to raise a minimum of $1,800 per walker. The group is currently working to host sever-
al fund-raising events at local restaurants, and they will place dedicated donation jars at businesses in the community. The purpose of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is to raise funds for research, education, awareness and care for those who need it. According to the event organizers, every three minutes, somewhere in the United States, someone’s sister, mother, daughter, aunt, best friend, father, brother or uncle is diagnosed with breast cancer— and every 13 minutes, breast cancer claims another life. Residents interested in supporting “Katalysts for a Cure” can make donations and sponsor walkers by contacting Kathryn Carlson for details at 673-1066. Mail donation checks payable to “Avon Foundation” to P.O. Box 824, Clayton, CA 94517.
Carnac surprises Rotary Carnac The Great, alias Steve Weir, Contra Costa County Clerk, surprised everyone at the annual Clayton Valley /Concord Sunrise Rotary Club’s Valentine breakfast. Carnac delved into the minds of rotarians and their guests proving once again his magical powers and uncanny ability to ‘know all things.” Bill Selb, chairperson
for the event is amused by Carnac’s antics at the breakfast. Selb has chaired the romantic breakfast for the past 17 years and prepared a special event featuring the Clayton Valley High School Women’s Ensemble. The Rotary club meets every Thursday at Oakhurst Country Club and is more than 50 members strong
Tea for two...or more?
Tery McCade / Clayton Pioneer
BARBARA DUNCAN SICKENBERGER, a pioneer descendant of the Frank and Smith families, pours tea for long time Clayton resident, Millie McCade. Celebrants of the Clayton Historical Society’s 27th annual Camellia Silver Tea held at the museum Sunday, February 15 numbered close to 100. The tea is held each year to honor descendants of pioneer families of Clayton. Willmetta Frank Mann greeted visitors on the front porch with her customary giant basket of camellias. Camellias provided by renowned local grower, Edith Mazzei, adorned the museum. The museum shone with silver
bowls, cookies on silver trays, silver candelabra and an ornate silver tea service. Clayton pioneer descendants Dorenda (Bloching) Giovanni, Marie (Frank) Larson, Ellen Frank, Barbara (Duncan) Sickenberger, Valerie (Wright) Gardner and Mary (Viera) Delamater had the honor of pouring tea and coffee. The museum is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. and tours may be arranged by appointment; Call 672-0240.
Eagle Scouts at work
Diamond Terrace celebrated first anniversary, Feb 15 Diamond Terrace Retirement Community celebrated its one year anniversary on Feb. 15 with festivities, tours, refreshments and anniversary cake. On hand for the festivities were from left, council member Pete Laurence, Diamond Terrace marketing director, Naomi Gary,
Mayor, Julie Pierce and Vice Mayor Gregg Manning. “We’re about 80% occupied now,” said Naomi Gary, Marketing Director. “We have a waiting list in two of our four income categories.”
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Eagle Scout candidate, Dan Murphy, pictured to the right of Troop Leader, Darby Howard (in blue cap), and other members of Boy Scout Troop 262, spent the
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February 27, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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More Around Town Library Fun-O-Rama More than 100 children of all ages showed up to meet Captain Underpants, the famous superhero from Dav Pilkey’s popular Captain Underpants series during Clayton Community Library’s “Fun-O-Rama” last Thursday. The event, sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation, featured a silly story read aloud, a Captain Underpants trivia contest and more laughs from Gary T and his Poet-Tree.
Birth Announcement: Conrad William Simbirdi Tamara and Hurun Simbirdi of Clayton welcomed new family member Conrad William on January 21. Conrad's sisters, Carolyn, 5, and Madison, 3, are delighted with the new addition. Maternal grandparents, Bill and Silvia Gall are also Clayton residents, making Conrad a third generation Claytonian. Conrad weighed in at eight pounds seven ounces and was 20 inches tall.
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over the phone. Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. Classified deadline dates are printed above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. We reserve the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. All classified ads must be paid for in advance.
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LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting
Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” You can also e-mail your letter to tamara@clayton pioneer.com
GEORGE VUJNOVICH, Broker 6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517
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ADDRESS
109 Forest Hill Drive 1279 Shell Circle 1340 Shell Lane 3049 Windmill Canyon 20 El Toro 904 Arrowhead 1022 Tiffin Drive 926 Arrowhead 928 Kenston 1224 Bridlewood 1294 Shell Circle
PRICE
$ 812,500 408,000 449,900 530,000 606,000 462,000 600,000 459,000 525,000 799,000 485,000
SALE DATE
02/11/04 02/11/04 02/06/04 02/03/04 01/30/04 01/30/04 01/30/04 01/30/04 01/27/04 01/26/04 01/21/04
SF
2680 1430 1745 1493 2099 1904 1764 1749 2852 3540 1745
BED/BATH
3/2.5 2/2 3/3 3/2 4/2 3/2.5 4/2 3/2.5 4/4 4/4 3/3
ADDRESS
24 Eastbrook Court 226 Jeffry Ranch 11 Mt. McKinley Court 5195 Keller Ridge Drive 1027 Pebble Beach Drive 34 Long Creek Circle 9 Herriman Court 5015 Keller Ridge 1202 Bridlewood Court 46 Long Creek Circle 805 Condor Place
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
$ 584,000 506,000 639,980 680,000 919,000 326,000 580,000 485,000 844,000 375,000 359,950
01/14/04 01/14/04 01/08/04 01/08/04 01/06/04 01/06/04 01/05/04 01/02/04 12/31/03 12/30/03 12/22/03
2056 1850 1981 2542 3335 966 1905 1710 3300 1378 1252
BED/BATH
4/3.5 3/2 4/2 4/2.5 4/2.5 2/2 4/2.5 3/2.5 4/3.5 3/2 2/2.5
ADDRESS
913 Arrowhead Terrace 8012 Kelok Way 51 Mt. Tamalpais 219 Round House Place 321 Mt. Palomar Place 101 Hurd Place 80 Nottingham Place 5614 Bettencourt Drive 25 Barcelona Way 411 Hummingbird 139 El Portal Place
All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed
PRICE
$ 539,950 719,000 599,000 489,000 635,000 650,000 525,000 627,330 640,000 622,000 769,980
SALE DATE
12/18/03 12/18/03 12/15/03 12/10/03 12/05/03 12/05/03 12/04/03 12/04/03 12/03/03 12/02/03 12/02/03
SF
1939 2843 2619 1939 2694 2115 1850 2479 2324 2467 2428
BED/BATH
3/2.5 4/3 4/2.5 3/2.5 5/2.5 4/2.5 3/2 4/3 4/3 4/3 4/2.5
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Religion Local church happenings The Pioneer wants to know what is happening in your parish, congregation, temple, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship. Tell us about your ministries, upcoming activities or notable members. Send your news items to Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton 94517 or e-mail religion@claytonpioneer.com. Flor Toloui, a Clayton resident and a member of the Baha’i faith, was selected as an advisor to a jury appointed to select a design for a sacred space where people of all religious backgrounds could worship. On Presidents’ Day weekend, this jury chose the most promising plans as winners of the competition. The designs are on public display at the Presidio in San Francisco through March 14. The competition was sponsored by the American Institute of Architects, San Francisco Chapter, Eurima (Expressing the United Religions Initiative in Music and the Arts) and The Interfaith Center at The Presidio. Flor is an architect who worked at the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa, Israel before she moved to Clayton in 1992. For more information: 672-6686. Eternal Life Lutheran. Midweek Lenten services will be held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the Farm Bureau Hall. This year’s theme is “Cross Examination.” Each service is preceded, at 6 p.m. by a soup supper. On March 7, a group from the parish will go together to see “The Passion of Christ.” A pizza supper and discussion will be held after the movie. For more information: 524-0295 Holy Cross Lutheran will hold mid-week worship services during Lent on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., preceded by a Lenten supper at 5:45. The Women of Holy Cross will hold a congregational Bake-off Day on March 14. The Nifty Fifty Senior group of the
parish will visit the antique Auto display at the Behring Black Hawk Museum on Wednesday, March 17. Twenty-seven members of the St. Bonaventure Catholic Community Senior High School Youth Group traveled to the Los Angeles Convention Center from February 18-21 to attend the L.A. Congress, an annual event for Catholic teens and educators. At the Congress, the St. Bonaventure Youth Group members joined with 25,000 other Catholic teens to hear several nationally known speakers and singers and joined in special liturgies and prayer experiences. After the Congress, youth group members enjoyed a fun day at Disneyland. On Saturday, March 6, at the 5 p.m. Mass, The Most Reverend Allan Vigneron, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland, will Confirm 50 members of the Senior High Youth Group at St. Bonaventure. Fr. David Lawrence, S.J., a parochial vicar at St. Bonaventure, will lead a review of the book “Eight Spiritual Heroes, Their Search for God” by Brennan R. Hill. The book explores the faith journeys of Mohandas Gandhi, Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Oscar Romero, Edith Stein, Daniel Berrigan and Mother Teresa. Sessions will be held on the evenings of March 3, 10 and 17 and April 7 and 14. Fr. Kenan Osborne, OFM, a noted author and theologian
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Karen Laible Holy Cross Lutheran Church is located at the busy crossroads of Ygnacio Valley Road and Alberta Way. The present church building was built in 1981, but the parish has been in existence since 1959 when services were held at the Farm Bureau building on Clayton Road. The parish complex now includes not only the church, but also a classroom building (which at one time served as the church), a parish hall, offices and a kitchen. Holy Cross is part of the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church. In the Lutheran tradition, congregations retain autonomy while being a part of a geographical area called a district. The California-Nevada-Hawaii District of the Missouri Synod encompasses about two hundred parishes with headquarters in Livermore. The present pastor at Holy Cross, the youthful, Reverend Bill Chu, is the sixth full-time pastor in the history of the parish. He has served as pastor for the last year. Pastor Chu, formerly of Hong Kong, is married and has children. Holy Cross Lutheran is an active parish with about 120
There has been some controversy recently surrounding Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of Christ.” Many people have been asking, “what’s this movie all about?” My wife and I were recently invited to an advance screening of the movie that depicts the final 12 hours of Jesus’ life. Mel Gibson was also
present after the screening to answer any questions we might have about the movie (personally, I think this is what got my wife to go). To be honest, I was not prepared for what I would actually see. I’ve read about Jesus on the cross hundreds of times. I’ve spent my life pointing people to Jesus and trying to explain the reasons behind the cross. I’ve studied the evidence, I’ve read
A welcoming place and sacred space where thinking minds and caring hearts truly grow in faith
SAINT JOHN’S PARISH T HE E PISCOPAL C HURCH
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
C o m m u n i ty Connections
Something for everyone at Holy Cross Lutheran families. All age ranges are represented in the congregation and all are included in ministry and education. Each Sunday, the parish holds services at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Both services include organ music and the church choir sings at 10:30 a.m. In addition to his regular homily, Pastor Chu includes a “children’s message” at both services and speaks specifically to the children about the message of the readings. He feels this is a good way to get to know the children personally and to teach them about God’s word. Between the services each Sunday, from 9:15 until 10:15 a.m., Sunday school classes are held for all age groups. Education and fellowship are continued throughout the week for children, teens and adults at Confirmation classes, Youth Groups, Bible studies and prayer groups. Each summer the church holds a popular Vacation Bible School. The parish sponsors several outreach ministries. A very active seniors group, the “Nifty 50’s,” schedules monthly outings and speakers. A group of parishioners called simply “Outreach” ministers to the homeless in Baldwin Park in Concord. Once a month this group takes hot meals to the park on a Sunday afternoon. In addition to food, the people of this
ministry share friendship, prayer and clothing with the less fortunate. The “Women of Holy Cross” collect change in “mite boxes” to help support the larger church by funding ministries and supporting Lutheran seminaries. The buildings at Holy Cross serve as home to several community groups: Overeaters Anonymous, Eagle Peak Montessori School, Wood Rose High School, Little League and the Clayton Women’s Club. The idea of “grace” is of primary importance in the theology of the Lutheran Church. The Lutheran Church teaches that we are saved by God’s grace, which is given freely to all and that grace and salvation cannot be “earned.” Faith is a response to this grace and our lives and actions reflect our faith. Pastor Chu feels that the challenge is to help people realize Christianity isn’t a “Sunday thing,” it is a “life thing.” Holy Cross Lutheran Church is here to serve the community in any way possible. The mission of the parish is to welcome everyone and to share the Gospel with all. Karen Laible is a pastoral associate at St. Bonaventure’s and holds Masters Degrees in Social Work and Pastoral Ministry. Contact her at religion@claytonpioneer.com
“The Passion” is an honest appraisal by Shawn Robinson, Clayton Community Church
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from the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, will present three evenings of reflection during Lent, exploring the connection between living sacramental lives and living justly and with integrity. Fr. Osborne’s presentations are open to all and will take place on March 4, 11 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the church. For more information: 672-5800 St. John’s Episcopal. The popular “House Church” program returns to St. John’s with the Lenten season. Adults select one course (out of several that are offered) and attend four sessions, which address a variety of topics and are held in parishioners’ homes. These evenings include a simple supper, prayer and teaching. This tradition harkens back to the original way the early Church met for the agape meal and “continues in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.” The “House Church” series takes place on the Sunday evenings of March. On Sunday, March 14, the Rev. William E. Swing, Episcopal Bishop of California, will lead the 10 a.m. worship service. Just before the service, at 9 a.m., the Bishop will participate in the weekly Adult Forum where he will present information about some of the important issues in the Episcopal Church today—especially those topics surrounding human sexuality and the blessing of same sex unions. Community friends and neighbors are always welcome. For more information: 672-8855.
February 27, 2004
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about the brutality of the crucifixion, but I’ve never felt the emotion of the crucifixion like I did when I saw Mel Gibson’s movie. All I can say is WOW! This was an accurate depiction of the real deal. I did not feel that the film was inaccurate or in any way anti-Semitic as some have claimed. What I did see was a story worth seeing. Whether you believe the Christian’s claims about the purpose of Jesus’ death or not, the truth is that his life and death have had a major impact on our society and is worthy of your consideration. In a world where superstars and role models are becoming less “super” and more and more tainted, Jesus stands out as a genuine hero whose purpose for living and singular devotion to love and peace is commendable. His life and teachings provide a model worthy of admiration and emulation. After the film, Mel Gibson was asked to explain the personal impact Jesus had on his own life. He commented on his fame and good fortune, but concluded that his star power and money
didn’t provide the fulfillment and peace he was seeking. There were still too many hurts and empty spaces in his life. What finally provided him with the significance and purpose he longed for? “I finally let the wounds of Christ heal my wounds,” he said. The words echoed throughout the auditorium with truth and sincerity from a man who seemed to have found peace in Jesus. I would challenge you to see this film and bring some friends. It’s not a movie to bring the kids to; the R rating is because of the violence depicted in Jesus’ death. It’s also not a “church movie” for the already convinced. Rather, “The Passion of Christ” is an honest appraisal of the final moments of a truly great life. Shawn Robinson is the Senior Pastor of Clayton Community Church, which meets every Sunday at 9 and 10:45am at Diablo View Middle School. Shawn will be speaking on the final days of Jesus and the significance of the Cross every Sunday during the month of March.
February 27, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
Early intervention is key to We Care Services BY JILL BEDECARRE Clayton Pioneer
It was a frightening situation for Sharon and Matt Gutermuth when they arrived in Clayton from San Antonio, Texas and discovered their 18-month old daughter, Madison, needed help. Madison wasn’t talking and had some sensory problems. “It was frustrating for everyone,” says Sharon. “We didn’t know anyone and weren’t familiar with services in the area.” Their pediatrician referred the Gutermuths to the Regional Center of the East Bay who in turn recommended that Madison be treated at We Care Center in Concord. Madison attended daily classes in speech and occupational therapy at the facility on Kirker Pass Road for about eight months. “The teachers did a fantastic job with Madison,” says Sharon. “When she left, she was talking in complete sentences.” Sharon attributes Madison’s progress to the consistency of the treatment and the center’s ability to make learning fun. “It was a great first step,” says Sharon. “I don’t know what I would have done if We Care wasn’t there.” There are hundreds of stories like Madison at We Care. Vice
President of Development, Barbara Langsdale is passionate about We Care’s early intervention program. She learned the hard way about the “wait and see” policy that many school districts employ when parents express concern about their child’s development. Barbara suspected that her daughter had some problems early on, however the schools that her daughter attended suggested she hold off on testing until Madison got a little older. Barbara decided to take action when Madison was in the first grade and fell behind academically. She turned to private help and discovered that her daughter had three disabilities, ADD, dyslexia and an auditory dysfunction. Through intervention by an occupational therapist and special education, Madison progressed, but it was an expensive and stressful process. When Barbara got involved in We Care through a friend, she was immediately impressed with the early intervention programs and wishes she had access to them when her daughter needed help. Years later, as a We Care staff member, Langsdale remains enthusiastic about the center’s services and how important they
Jill Bedecarre / Clayton Pioneer
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION IS A KEY COMPONENT to services at We Care. Nancy, a staff member in the therapeutic pre-kindergarten class works with her student, Isiah.. . are to the thousands of children that have received help. She sites one example after another of children being helped at We Care at an early age, many being totally rehabilitated by the time they graduate. When a child’s self esteem is restored, progress is imminent, she explains. Many children continue to need help after they leave We Care, but the early test-
ing and rehabilitation is such an important part of the development process. We Care Services for children is a private, non-profit agency serving children birth to six years of age and their families in Contra Costa County. Center based programs for children 18 months to six years focus on the development of the whole child with activities that
include social communication, self-help, motor, cognitive and play skills. The ratio is one teacher to three children and families, like the Gutermuths, feel the individual attention was key to their child’s marked improvement. Each classroom at the center has occupational therapy, speech, physical therapy and mental health consultation services. We Care also provides home/community-based programs, therapy services, mental heath services and child care solutions. We Care’s history dates back to 1960 when the Barbara Milliff Children’s Center was founded by parents of children with severe disabilities. Over the years the program has grown and changed. The focus shifted to younger children and funding was provided by the Regional Center of the East Bay. Further funding from Contra Costa County Mental Health and other sources allowed the center to expand its services. We Care
And the Oster goes to . . . My wife just bought a new toaster. A more accurate statement would be that she bought a new toaster OVEN. An even MORE accurate statement would be that she bought the “Oster 6260 Super TurboCharged-I got your toast right here-Challenger” model toasteroven. This thing is about the size of a Chevy Vega and could easily house a family of large pygmies. So what if it takes up seven percent of our available counter space? Who needs counter space? This baby does it all. Sure “Oster” makes toast (at least I think it does) but it can also bake, broil, warm, incinerate, perform long division, both old and new math AND consistently whip Grand Master, Garry Kasparov’s whiney butt at chess. Can you say Versatile Kitchen Appliance? Deep Blue’s got nothin’ on my Oster. Boy, was old Kasparov ever peeved last weekend when he dropped by for a friendly game of chess and some delicious Hot Pockets®. Well not only did he lose to Oster but I also snatched the last Hot Pocket® (crisp and piping hot, compliments of Oster) right out from under him. Those chess guys have NO sense of humor whatsoever. Spoil sport that he is, he rearranged my Rubik’s Cube ® before leaving. He ignored Oster’s offer for a re-match but I think he’ll be back. If there’s one thing a true Grand Master Flash Chess guy digs is a Hot Pocket ®. Don’t ask me why, it’s one of life’s great mysteries. Perhaps it’s their simplistic perfectionmeat and cheese wrapped in a tender flaky crust. Who can resist ‘em? Most mere mortals don’t have that kind of will power. Lord knows I don’t and apparently neither does Kasparov. I’m sorry, I got lost in a little
JOE ROMANO
SO ANYWAY... Hot Pocket® fantasy. I’m OK now. Incidentally, you may have noticed I like to employ the “registered” symbol ® quite a bit. It’s probably not always necessary to indicate when something is a registered name or trademark but it sure is fun to type. Try it! ® ® ®. Whee! So anyway, back to my Oster. I’m considering forming a club for Oster owners. I’m convinced that there is a complex sub-culture of Oster lovers out there just waiting for someone to stand up and say “I’m Joe
Romano and I love my Oster. Won’t you join me?” I could be the beacon in their dark night. We can get together and discuss the pros and cons of our various Osters; broiler vs. baking pans, when it’s best to bake or when a quick toasting will do the job. We’ll have long, indepth discussions on that allimportant pastry setting and laugh as we recall our first missteps in Oster experimentation. I envision contests in which our Osters will go head to head to see whose produces the crispiest fish sticks, the most evenly browned toast and the most thoroughly heated pot pie. We’ll send Christmas cards posing with our favorite Oster appliance: “Here’s wishing you a warm and TOASTY Christmas.” The possibilities are endless, particularly if you have a lot of time on your hands as I apparently do. You’ll have to excuse me now. It appears Mr. Kasparov is on the phone and making some
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staff includes professionals, paraprofessionals, interns and volunteers. For Barbara and all who work at We Care, it’s all about children and their families; like Stephanie who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Her pediatrician referred her to We Care and at 11 months of age, she arrived at the center and could barely do anything. She grew beyond anyone’s expectations, graduated and attended regular schools. There’s Sofia, adopted from an orphanage in Russia, and diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome. The prognosis was grim until she attended We Care. Sofia’s parents saw immediate improvement in her physical and emotional development. Langsdale takes pride in talking about children who received help at We Care when they were young and then return to the center to work as interns. “Kids are truly blessed here by getting services an early age,” she says.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 27, 2004
Clayton Sports Upcoming sports activities Local soccer, swimming, basketball, volleyball, hockey, cheerleading, wrestling, softball, football and baseball tryouts, clinics and special events are aplenty, giving local residents a variety of sports activities to choose from between now and summer. CVAA FALCONS FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADING SIGNUPS Clayton Valley Falcons will be taking signups for football and cheerleader squads in March and April for the 2004 season. Boys and girls seven to 14 years-old are eligible to register for the season that runs from August 1 through Thanksgiving weekend. Signups will be Mar. 13 and Apr. 4 at the Safeway in Concord on Clayton Rd./Denkinger Rd. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Mar. 27 and Apr. 10 at Country Waffles in Clayton from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The last signup will be Apr. 15 at Aladino’s in Clayton from
6-8 p.m. For more information visit www.cvaafalcons.com or call 927-7377. DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM SIGNUPS The Dana Hills Swim Team Otters have registration for the 2004 recreation swim season scheduled at the Dana Hills Cabana on Mountaire Parkway on Wednesday, Mar. 10, from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday, Mar. 14, from 1-4 p.m. Dana Hills won the 2003 Concord City Swim meet, their 11th title in the past 12 years. Boys and girls three to 18 years of age with lots or no swimming experience at invited to signup. Youngsters can join the Otterpups instructional program. For further information call Karen Goodshaw 672-2053 or visit www.danahillsotters.com. BENEFIT CRAB FEED AT LINGUINI’S Chris Hurd suffered a serious injury during the 2003 high school football season and his friends are holding a benefit crab feed this Sunday, Feb. 29, at
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Linguini’s Restaurant in Clayton. Hurd spent three years at Clayton Valley High before starting his senior year last fall at Antioch High. CVHS and Antioch High football players and cheerleaders will be helping at the crab feed. Oakland Raider great Art Thoms, current Raider Sam Williams and ex-San Francisco 49er Dan Colchico will be on hand. Colchico is serving as guest chef. Tickets are $45. There will be a raffle and auction in addition to the gourmet crab dinner. For more information and to purchase tickets call Linguini’s at 672-6868. DVSC SOCCER TRYOUTS Diablo Valley Soccer Club will be holding tryouts Mar. 1-11 for boys and girls of all soccer skill levels ages seven to 14 years (born Aug. 1, 1990-July 31, 1997). DVSC will be having teams with professional trainers in all age groups from under 9 through under 19. March tryouts are for U8 through U14 age groups. DVSC has Class 1 and Class 3 teams in every age group. For more information call 229-DVSC or go to www.dvsc.com, where you can register (no charge) for tryouts in advance. DVSC BLACK PEARL SUPER Y-LEAGUE TRYOUTS Tryouts for DVSC Black Pearl under 14 thru under 17 Super Y-League teams for 2004-2005 season will be this Sunday, Feb. 29, at Diablo Valley College. Boys and girls in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties born in 1987 through 1991 are invited to try out for DVSC Black Pearl Super Y-League teams. There are no geographic boundaries to participate in the Bay Area’s most comprehensive elite player training program focused on individual player development and college preparation. Premier, Class 1 and Class 3 players are invited to tryouts. For specific times and age groups call 229-DVSC or visit www.dvsc.com, where you can register (no charge) for tryouts in advance. DVSC SOCCER ACADEMY FALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION Based on the success of its popular DVSC Soccer Academy, the Diablo Valley Soccer Club is introducing a new Soccer Academy Fall League program this year. Registration will be accepted
starting Feb. 29 for boys and girls in the Under 6 through Under 8 age groups (born Aug. 1, 1996 through July 31, 2000). Learn to Play the DVSC Way where every one will train, learn and play. The program combines trademark DVSC professional training with a developmental fall soccer league concentrating on skills development. Team rosters will be 6-8 players each with small-sided games to maximize ball touches and player development. For specific times and locations of registration (there are no tryouts) Mar. 1-11 call 229-DVSC or visit www.dvsc.com. CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE CHALLENGER REGISTRATION Clayton Valley Little League is taking registration for Challenger baseball for disabled kids with the season beginning in March. There is no cost to participate. Full uniform and necessary equipment is provided. For information call Jim Brophy at 685-1801 or visit www.cvll.org. YMCA HOSTING VARIOUS SPORTS @ CLAYTON GYM Concord/Clayton Branch of Mt. Diablo Region YMCA will be holding a variety of leagues and programs in the coming months at Clayton Community Gym. Coed leagues for ages 18 and older runs Apr. 7-June 9 for soccer and Apr. 1-June 3 for volleyball. Indoor soccer league for Pre-K through eighth grade is Feb. 8-Mar. 29 followed by outdoor soccer league for Pre-K through eighth grade Apr. 17-June 19 and floor hockey league Apr. 19-June 28. Men’s 5-on-5 basketball leagues for 18 and older is Apr. 4-June 20 and for 40 and older is Apr. 5-June 21. For registration and other information call 889-1600 or www.mdrymca.org. CLAYTON VALLEY FOOTBALL CAMP Clayton Valley High School’s coaching staff will be holding the 3rd annual Clayton Valley Youth Football Camp June 21-25 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for boys and girls entering grades 5-9. Campers will be split into 5th-6th, 7th8th and freshman groups to learn fundamentals and techniques of football. Cost is $125 for the first 150 campers. Registration forms are currently avail-
PIONEER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Marc Avanessian
This month‘s inaugural Rocco’s Pioneer Athlete Spotlight shines on Marc Avanessian of Clayton Valley High School. Marc is a junior midfielder/forward on the Eagles boys soccer team that won the school’s first NCS soccer playoff game since 1990 last week, 2-1 over Newark Memorial. He was nominated for the CC Times Player of the Week earlier in the season for scoring five goals in four games in helping lead CV to an undefeated Consolation Championship at the Winter Soccer Classic. Coach Chris Colao says the Clayton resident “has been a key ingredient to the CVHS Soccer Program this year. Marc’s ability to play forward and midfielder has provided the team the flexibility it needs without disrupting team chemistry. Moving Marc to midfield opened up scoring for others and allowed him to sneak a goal in from his new position.” The Eagles season ended last Saturday evening when they lost 2-0 to BVAL champion De La Salle in the NCS 3A quarter finals. The 17-year-old junior is a tri-captain for the Eagles. After overcoming two years of Osgood-Schlatter disease affecting his knees, his speed has increased and he was the second leading scorer on CV and logged the third most minutes on the field. His grandparents live in Wales and Marc’s Welsh mom Lynfa proudly sends newspaper clippings there.
Favorite Sport: Soccer Favorite Athlete: Ryan Giggs Favorite Teams: Manchester United & Cardiff City Favorite Band: 50 Cent Favorite Subject: US History Favorite Pastime: Hanging out with friends & working on his 1995 Mustang The Clayton Pioneer spotlights a local youth athlete from our circulation area in the second issue each month. If you are a coach or 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 nominees for our March 26 issue is Monday, March 15. able at Mavericks Sport Club, Ed’s Mudville Grill and Linguini’s Restaurant. For information call Eagles head varsity football coach Herc Pardi at 682-7474, ext. 3115. TERRAPIN SPRING SWIM CLINIC, SIGNUPS The Terrapins are offering spring clinics at their Concord facility for summer recreation swimmers who want to get a jump on the summer season. The nationally-ranked Terrapins are also taking signups for swimmers ages six and above of all levels for their year-round swim team. For information call 6808372, e-mail terrapinswim@msn.com or visit www.SwimTerrapin.com. ROMANIA ANIMAL RESCUE GOLF TOURNEY
Romania Animal Rescue, Inc. will be holding a golf tournament Apr. 26 at Oakhurst Country Club with proceeds helping send UC Davis students to Romania this summer to spay/neuter stray street dogs. Cost is $160 per person and includes green fees, cart rental, box lunch, awards dinner, raffle prizes and auction items. Reservation deadline is Apr. 12. For information call Rory Janes at 672-5908, e-mail romaniadogs@joimail.com or visit www.romaniaanimalrescue.4ever.cc. CONCORD HAWKS SEEK BASEBALL PLAYERS
Concord Hawks Baseball Club is looking for players ages 13-14 for
Sandy Koufax and USSSA 2004 season. Players must be 14 or younger before Aug. 1. For information call Dave Morrow at 285-0342, Tim Potlt 3566907, Archie Mares 798-6347 or Greg Aguirre at 827-3394, e-mail Concord_Baseball@yahoo.com or visit www.eteamz.com/ConcordHawks MVP FLIGHT BASKETBALL REGISTRATION
MVP Flight Basketball is accepting team registration for boys and girls spring basketball leagues. For information call Chris Whirlow at 890-0871 or Phil Doherty at 510-604-9992, or e-mail phil@mvpflight.com. CONCORD ADULT SOFTBALL REGISTRATION Concord Parks and Recreation adult softball program is now accepting team registration for spring and summer leagues. Men’s, women’s and coed leagues are offered. Call 671-3279 to get information on registration procedures. YOUTH WRESTLING PROGRAM OPENS IN CONCORD Community Youth Center in Concord is holding freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling practices for youth in kindergarten through 12th grade. Call 671-7070 or visit www.concordyouthcenter.com for schedule.
February 27, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 7
Clayton Sports CV Little League seeks field helpers By Mike Sullivan Special to the Pioneer
Over the fall and winter months, when little league baseball players and their parents are participating in football, soccer and basketball, the Clayton Valley Little League Board of Directors put together a plan to upgrade all of the baseball fields the league uses for games and practices. Clayton Valley Little League plays the lion’s share of its games at Clayton Valley High School, Highlands Elementary School/Park and Clayton Community Park. Many of their games and practices are on other fields leased from Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Concord Parks and Recreation Department. According to Ron Raulston, Director of Field Maintenance for Clayton Valley Little League, “The fields that our children play
and practice on have been over utilized by baseball and soccer over the years. Our league does a great job maintaining the Clayton Valley High softball fields but most of the practice fields we use are overgrown with weeds and populated with gopher holes and other ‘wear and tear’ turf hazards. If we can get enough parent volunteers out on weekends to help fill in the depressions and divots and cover them with sand, topsoil and grass seed we can really improve the condition of the fields all of our children play on in the community.” Raulston is a paving foreman and an alumnus of CVHS. Mt. Diablo Elementary School graduate Darren Kirby and CVHS alumnus Brandt Maurice (all Bay Cities Paving & Grading heavy equipment operators) have joined Ron on the weekends to help laser the fields and
run the heavy equipment. A number of parent volunteers from Clayton Valley Little League have assisted with raking the diamond mix around the infields, weeding and general field clean up work. However, overcoming years of neglect is no small task to overcome. “With over 70 teams and close to 1,000 players in Clayton Valley Little League, good practice fields are always in high demand,” stated Jennie Fitzgerald, President of CVLL. “We want to coordinate our efforts with school PTAs and principals to get greater participation from the parents in our community on volunteer workdays. It’s a big job but with community involvement we can really improve the landscape around the neighborhood schools in Clayton and Concord.” According to Bob Ralston, varsity baseball coach at Clayton
Valley High, “I think it’s terrific that the parents are out there on weekends helping fix up the fields. The managers, coaches and players should be very grateful to these volunteers. Good practice fields give the coaches the opportunity to run more game situation drills. Kids love to play baseball on nicely groomed fields. It gives them a sense of pride in their league, in their school and in the community.” To date, Clayton Valley Little League field maintenance volunteers have done extensive field improvements at Clayton Valley High, Highlands, Boatwright Playfield and Mt. Diablo Elementary. Nearly 100 yards of diamond mix has been graded onto the infields and 10 yards of sand has been purchased to fill in depressions in the outfield areas. Opening Day for the 2004 season is just around the corner on
Clayton Soccer Club scores JAY BEDECARRE Clayton Pioneer
They may not be as high profile as the omnipresent youth soccer players running around town, but Clayton is also home to five men’s teams representing the Clayton Soccer Club. Playing in the East Bay Senior Soccer League, the B Division Clayton Wanderers just brought home an undefeated league championship cup, the first in the 43 seasons competed by Clayton Soccer Club teams. The Clayton Rovers have practically written the recent history books of the EBSSL. They won the league championship in the A Division six consecutive years (1992-1997), have been Association Cup champions six of the last eight times the cup has been played and were Referees Cup champs four times during that same period while compiling an overall record of over 100 wins and 24 draws. In the 2000-2001 season the Rovers became the first EBSSL team to repeat winning the Treble. With a final record of 16 wins, three losses and two draws the Rovers captured the League Championship, Association Cup and Referees Cup. Clayton Orient, Wanderers, Town and Royal Oaks have achieved various degrees of success in their divisions also. The club makes an annual trip to Hawaii to represent Clayton in the prestigious Pacific Cup. In the last three years the locals have reached the final and brought the trophy back to Clayton twice as champions. Many Clayton Soccer Club players are involved in coaching young players in the area. The club has been an active part of
the soccer community for over 20 years with games played on Sundays and practice sessions every week. In mid February, the Clayton Wanderers took the field against the Berkeley Pars in the final game of the EBSSL B Division season. It was a must win for the Pars to avoid relegation while a draw or win by the Wanderers would save their clubmates, Clayton Orient, from relegation to C Division. Most importantly, this was a chance for the Wanderers to end the regular season undefeated. New Wanderer Roy “Too Tall” Nicholson began the game picking up all the loose balls outside the Pars penalty area. The adrenaline rush from the growing crowd of about 300 Wanderers fans helped as Nicholson put his head down
Saturday, March 13. With a field maintenance budget of over $32,000, CVLL relies heavily on sponsorships and time and material donations for field improvements. For information on how to volunteer or provide much needed sponsorship donations please contact Raulston CVLLFMD@aol.com, Mike
Sullivan mpsullivan4@comcast.net or call the CVLL voice mail system at 672-WINS. Information about field maintenance volunteer projects is generally posted on the Clayton Valley Little League website at www.cvll.org. Mike Sullivan is the CVLL field maintenance coordinator.
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and carved his way through the box and his well positioned strike finished the job and the Wanderers were in the lead, 1-0. Les Carroll, making his return to the team after a lengthy absence, later broke a 1-1 tie and changed the tide of the game with a goal from a cross by Gerry Grey. A late penalty by Robbie Knotman capped off a comfortable 6-2 victory. Holding back the tears of emotion, coach Keith Watson was overheard saying, “I’ll stay till the job is done”, with a quiver and the hint of a challenge as his team moved into cup competition with the EBSSL title firmly in his grasp. Soccer lovers are invited to watch the cup games with details at the Clayton Soccer Club web site www.claytonsoccer.com.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 27, 2004
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., MAR. 1 FOR THE MAR. 12 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEB. 27, MAR. 5, 12 Digital Thunder Bowling @ Clayton Bowl 4-6 p.m. Digital Thunder Bowling on Friday afternoons for kids includes music, lights and bumper lanes. Clayton Valley Bowl. 689-4631 NOW THRU MAR. 20 My Fair Lady @ CTA Crossroads Theatre, Walnut Creek Thurs.-Sun. 8pm, Sat. matinee 2pm. World’s Greatest Musical by Lerner & Loewe is the standard by which all musicals are measured at acclaimed CTA Crossroads Theatre. 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek. www.ctacrossroads.org 944-0597 FEB. 29 3rd annual Academy Awards Benefit Party @ Brenden Theatre 5 p.m. Academy Awards Benefit Party for clients of STAND! Against Domestic Violence (formerly Battered Women’s Alternatives). The biggest night in Hollywood is now the biggest night in Concord with all the glamour and glitz of The Oscars, complete with red carpet entrance, paparazzi & screaming fans. Event will feature live simulcast of 76th annual Academy Awards on the Big Screen, gourmet food, raffles, prizes, celebrity impersonators & more. For extra dazzle, come dressed like your favorite star. Brenden Theatre, 1985 Willow Pass Rd., Concord. amyherrero@standagainstdv.org 603-0137 MAR. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Theology on Tap @ Black Diamond Brewing Co., Walnut Creek 7-9pm. Casual forum for adults in their 20’s & 30’s for stimulating discussion sponsored by St. Bonaventure Catholic Community. Free admission. Black Diamond Brewing Company, 2330 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. www.stbonaventure.net 672-5800 MAR. 3 City of Clayton’s 40th Anniversary Clayton became a city in 1964 and festivities marking the anniversary will be held. Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 Heritage Trail. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304 MAR. 6-7 Arts & Crafts Fair @ Clayton Library 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. & 1-5 p.m. Sun. Celebration for Clayton Library’s 9th Birthday. Enjoy and purchase art from 20 local artists. Visual and performance art from local schools Mt. Diablo, Highland Elementary & Ayers Elementary, Diablo View Middle School & Clayton Valley High. CVHS Art Academy will be storytelling with live characters, film shorts & photography. Also performing will be musicians Vintage & local international cowboy poet Jim Bone. Live hawk & owl, art demonstrations with hands-on learning activities including clay & origami. Clayton Library www.cclib.org Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen, 673-9777 MAR. 7 Sunday With the Artists at Gallery Concord 11 a.m. – 1 pm. Meet the artists; watch watercolor artists Lin Teichman, Carol Jurasin, and Jan Buchner paint. Silk painting artist Thalia Stratton will give a demo as will sculpture artist Bob Newhall. Lenka Glassner will demonstrate the beautiful 13th century eastern Europe art form of handpainting and etching eggs. Gallery Concord, 1765 Galindo St., Concord, CA, (925) 691-6140. MAR. 13-14 Workshop for Recently Divorced @ Family Life Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Weekend workshop to help the recently divorced deal with stages of grief and healing, using the book “Divorce and Beyond”. Topics include sell image, stress, anger, blame, guilt, loneliness, growth and more. Sponsored by Catholic Divorced, Widowed and Separated of Contra Costa. Family Life Center, 2350 Pacheco St., Concord. Joe Gerhards 682-3314 MAR. 13-14 Body Mind Spirit Expo @ Centre Concord 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Sat. & 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sun. Where Concord Explores the New Age with wide range of holistic exhibitors from psychics, massage therapists, crystals, supplements, healers and more.Featured lectures are provided for free. A few other expo favorites include Debbie Smith, “Charting your Life”, Annette Donaldson, “First Steps”, Verline Kelly, “Is your Body Asking for Help?” & more. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Rd., Concord. www.bmse.net 541-482-3722 MAR. 19 Clayton Valley High Jazz Dinner Dance & Silent Auction 6:30-9:30 p.m. CVHS Music Boosters hold 7th annual Jazz Dinner Dance & Silent Auction. The event includes catered dinner, live music by the jazz and stage bands, including guest soloists, dancing & silent auction. To order tickets contact Wendy Lowe 672-0284. Clayton Valley High School. www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/claytonvalley 682-7474 MAR. 30 PATTY CAKES @ CLAYTON LIBRARY 11 A.M. Story time for children up to 3 years on Tuesdays. Clayton Library. www.cclib.org 673-0659 MAR. 30 Picture Book Time @ Clayton Library 11 a.m. Story time on Thursdays for children 3-5 years who may attend without parents. Clayton Library www.cclib.org 673-0659 Apr. 3,4 Semi-Annual Used Book Sale @ Clayton Community Library The Clayton Community Library Foundation used book sale is
Saturday, April 3 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday April 4 from 124 p.m. Most books on sale for $.50! Books are ½ price on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Clayton Community Library Foundation Members only preview will be Friday, April 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Individual memberships may be purchased at the door for $10, or $15 for a family. Proceeds will support library programs and be used to purchase books and materials for the Clayton Community Library. 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS FEB. 27-29 St. Bonaventure Annual Men’s Retreat @ San Damiano 7th annual retreat sponsored by Men’s Spiritual Network at St. Bonaventure Catholic Community will include Roman Catholic themes but is open to all men who seek a weekend of spiritual growth, prayer & reflection with Fr. Mark Wiesner. San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. www.stbonaventure.net/msnretreat Rich Gierak 673-0504 FEB. 28 AAUW Monthly Meeting @ Brookview Park, Concord 11 a.m. Clayton Branch of AAUW will be co-hosting annual Educational Foundation luncheon with Concord Branch. Brookview Park Clubhouse, 1201 Monument Blvd. Concord. MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker. Oakhurst Country Club. www.claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640 MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting 10 a.m., 5 & 6:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. Prospective members welcome. Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. 800/326-8450 x2023 MAR. 4, APR. 1 Sons in Retirement Monthly Meeting @ Oakhurst 12 noon. Sons in Retirement John Muir Branch 19 holds its monthly meeting on 1st Thursday of month. Oakhurst Country Club. 672-6418 MAR. 9, APR. 13 Clayton Valley Women’s Club Luncheon @ Holy Cross Church 11 a.m. Clayton Valley Women’s Club meets 2nd Tuesday of month. First meeting of new year includes annual Prayer Service followed by enchilada lunch. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. Mary Tarantino 798-3152 MAR. 12 AARP Chapter 524 Meeting & Speaker 1:30 p.m. Guest speaker Dr. Anne Steiner will talk on Beyond Limits: Freedom with Chronic Illness. Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. MAR. 17 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women Meeting @ Oakhurst 11 a.m. Ygnacio Valley Republican Women meet third Wednesday of month with feature speaker talking about hot topics in political & national affairs arena. Optional lunch at 12:15. Oakhurst Country Club. www.yvrwf.org Barbara Allen 672-5061 MAR. 17 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner @ St. Bonaventure 6 p.m. Knights of Columbus, Concord Council 6038 will have their annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner. Menu will include corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, salad, bread & beverages. Proceeds benefit St Bonaventure Charities. St. Bonaventure Pat Deplazes 685-0573 MAR. 17 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women Meeting @ Oakhurst Bill Wattenberg of KGO radio is the featured speaker. 6 p.m. social; 6:30 p.m. business, 7:30 p.m. speaker. RSVP 838-2182 or www.yvrwf.org. $20. All welcome. MAR. 22 AAUW Monthly Meeting @ Diamond Terrace 7:30 p.m. Clayton Branch of AAUW will be hosting monthly meeting. “Art and Meditation” will be presentation topic. Public is invited. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St. Dee Totman 672-6420 MAR. 25, APR. 29 Clayton Business & Community Association Monthly Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30pm. Monthly dinner meeting on last non-holiday Thursday of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon. Oakhurst Country Club. Ed Hartley 672-2272
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAR. 2 California Primary Election 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Registered voters in California will have a chance to participate in the Presidential Primary along with voting for U. S.
Senate, Congress, State Senate and State Assembly and seven ballot issues from state-wide to county measures. www.MyVoteCounts.org 1-800-345-VOTE MAR. 2, 9, 16 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900 MAR. 2, 16 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Library 7pm. City of Clayton City Council meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month. Open to the public. Clayton Library Community Room. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304 MAR. 3 Deadline for Clayton Pioneer Advertising in March 12 Issue Last chance to place advertising or to submit a calendar listing for February 13 issue of the Pioneer. www.claytonpioneer.com Jill Bedecarre 672-0500 MAR. 9, 23 Clayton Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7 p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Jan. 27 meeting will be a joint meeting with City Council to discuss Goals and Objectives for 2004. Open to the public. Clayton Library Community Room. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304 MAR. 11, APR. 8 Clayton Community Services Commission Meeting @ City Hall 7 p.m. City of Clayton Community Services Commission meets 2nd Thursday of month. Open to the public. Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 Heritage Trail. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304 MAR. 15 Deadline for Clayton Pioneer Advertising in March 26 Issue Last chance to place advertising or to submit a calendar listing for February 13 issue of the Pioneer. www.claytonpioneer.com Jill Bedecarre 672-0500 MAR. 25, APR. 29 Clayton Business & Community Association Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting on last non-holiday Thursday of month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon. Oakhurst Country Club. Ed Hartley 672-2272
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION FEB. 29 Benefit Crab Feed at Linguini’s 6 p.m. Chris Hurd suffered a serious injury during the 2003 high school football season and his friends are holding a benefit crab feed. Hurd spent 3 years at Clayton Valley High before starting his senior year last fall at Antioch High. CVHS and Antioch High football players & cheerleaders will be helping. Oakland Raider great Art Thoms, current Raider Sam Williams and ex-San Francisco 49er Dan Colchico on hand. Colchico is guest chef. Raffle, auction, gourmet crab dinner. Linguini’s, 1508 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton. 672-6868 MAR. 10 Where is Genetic Research Taking Us Lecture @ CSU Concord 2-3:30 p.m. Diane Beeson, CSU Hayward sociology professor, discusses social implications of genetic testing. Developments in reproductive research & technology (reprogenetics) have fueled major policy debates on issues such as embryo research, inheritable genetic modification & human cloning. Dr. Beeson has addressed the social implications of genetic testing since the 1970s and has done postdoctoral research at UCSF & Stanford. CSU Hayward Concord Campus, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Concord. www.ccc.csuhayward.edu 602-6772 MAR. 16 Parent Faculty Club (PFC) Meeting @ Multi Use Room, Mt. Diablo Elementary School, 7 p.m. Voice your concerns, comments and suggestions on any subject and help make decisions on how the money you raise gets spent. As a parent of a child attending Mt. Diablo Elementary, you are automatically a member of the PFC and your input is valuable! Child care is provided.Agendas and minutes are posted on the web site. If you would like to have a specific item included on the agenda, please contact Rosy Straka at strakas@pacbell.net or 672-3200. http://www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/mountdiabloelementary MAR. 18 You Make a Difference Awards @ Mountain View Elementary School 7:30 p.m. MDUSD Community Advisory Committee for Special Education hosts awards night for teachers, students & community members whose service to the special education student population stands out significantly at their school site. Nomination forms are currently available in the office at each MDUSD school site. Anyone may nominate a teacher, student or community member who works to support MDUSD special education students. Nominations deadline Feb. 12. Mountain View Elementary School, 1705 Thornwood Dr., Concord. www.mdusd.k12.ca.us 682-8000
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February 27, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 9
There’s no place like home Real estate, mortgage loans and home improvement
Good customer service: Does it still exist? Do you constantly ask to good customer service?” of providing good customer yourself, “What happened Having been in the business service all of our lives, we come to expect it, but we are often disappointed. With modern technology, good customer service gets lost in the process. When calling a company, getting to talk to a real person is unique these days. The consumer deserves to be treated fairly, honestly and with respect. We work very hard for our money and when we go to spend it, we want to be treated with respect. When you call a business for their service and Pro-Tech Heating and Air Conditioning have to leave a message, Bob and Sheri Dickson, Owners you should expect to hear 925-673-3776 License #705148
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 27, 2004
There’s no place like home Real estate, mortgage loans and home improvement
This spring, do everything right for your garden This spring will be the season that I do everything right by my garden. Starting with the soil, I have many plans this year for my landscape. The perennial choic-
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installed. All the prep work needs to be completed in my vegetable beds, as well as the mulching around my camellias, azaleas and gardenias. Since all of the premium products are within an arms reach, I will do everything right for my garden. Adding top-dressing to your perennials is to give each one a moment of tender love and care—it’s a way to say, “Good Morning, it’s time to wake up.” Working an ample amount of new fresh soil into the first couple inches lets a plant know that you are thinking about them. Gold Rush, a product found only in Master Nursery Garden Centers, is designed to help conserve water, and inhibit
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weed growth. The composted chicken manure adds 15 percent nitrogen to encourage top growth, and added gypsum aids in the break down of the clay in the soil. Spreading this soil conditioner around the perennial roots and working it into the soil, reintroduces nutrients that were washed away during summer watering and winter rains. You must replace what the plant used if you expect your plant to thrive. Place a moderate amount of year-round organic based fertilizer around existing perennials and work into the first couple of inches of soil. Hello, now you are off to a great start. Also, save some Gold Rush for a top-dressing on your lawn if you decide to add seed this spring. Any new perennial or annual beds need their soil treated more aggressively. This year I want a fabulous cutting garden. To prepare my beds I will mix 50\50 in the top 6-8 inches of Master Nursery’s Paydirt with the native soil. Paydirt is a premium organic soil builder. It contains 45 percent composted chicken manure, which will encourage greater top growth. Flowering plants really respond to the jolt of nitrogen. The organic matter is
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necessary to improve soil structure for superior plant performance, and highly recommended for perennial, annual and veggie gardens. Vegetable gardens are highly nitrogen demanding, but they need additional ingredients in their soil to produce a better yield. Worm casting, bat guano and mushroom compost are other essential nutrients included in the Paydirt Soil Builder to help your vegetables get on their way. Some of my Camellias and Gardenias are showing signs of thin soil around their root systems. Without disturbing the roots, I will add a moderate layer of an acid based organic planting mix and a dose of an Iron Plus product; this will promote green leaves without all the top growth. Also Iron Plus is great to use during the hot summers to keep your lawn green. Look for a product that is non-staining and follow the directions— a little goes a long way and too much can definitely burn your plants as well as your lawn. Existing container plantings need some soil attention also. Masters’ Pride Professional Potting Soil is
a premium blend of natural and organic ingredients including peat moss, worm castings, chicken manure, bat guano and most importantly mycorrhizal fungi. This fungus creates a beneficial living environment in your soil. Use a garden tool like your weeder or a long screwdriver to penetrate the soil’s surface several inches down; and work the new soil into the existing soil to break up the roots. Container plants love to have their roots treated rough. Don’t be too nice. Use a planting mix that includes perlite and gypsum for all new plantings; this includes all trees and shrubs. Roses should always be planted with a soil designed for them. Essential ingredients to look for in a rose soil are alfalfa meal, gypsum, oyster shell lime and dolomite lime. By taking care of your soil, your plants will take better care of you. Plants will become established faster. Use a starter fertilizer and a root master product when installing any new plant. It can insure success with all planting projects. The next step is to choose the right plants for each application. That is kind of a tall order since every one’s situation is different. Next time we’ll talk about some awesome plant choices and the best places to grow them. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at GardenGirl94517@aol.com
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February 27, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
There’s no place like home Real estate, mortgage loans and home improvement
Reduce closing costs with a low cash down deal Many first-time buyers have difficulty coming up with enough cash for a down payment and closing costs (the various fees associated with a home purchase). You can use several strategies to overcome this obstacle. One approach involves researching low-down payment loan programs. FHA, Fannie Mae, VA, and state and county first-time buyer loan programs enable buyers who qualify to purchase with little cash down. Sit down with a loan agent or broker and explore the financing options available to you. Be candid with the agent regarding your cash situation. If the broker can’t help you, ask for a referral to someone who can. Ask other first-time buyers who purchased recently whom they used for their financing. One way to reduce the amount of cash you’ll need to close is to reduce your closing costs. There are several ways to do this. One is to apply for a home loan that has low, or no, points (loan origination fees). Another way to reduce your closing costs is to ask the seller to credit you an amount to cover some or all of your nonrecurring closing costs.
Nonrecurring costs are paid on a one-time-only basis at closing. They include such things as title insurance, loan origination fees (points) and transfer taxes. Lenders have limits on how much they will allow a seller to credit a buyer: usually 3-6 percent of the purchase price. Also, the amount of the credit must not exceed the actual amount of the buyer’s nonrecurring costs. You can reduce the amount of your closing costs by closing late in the month. The lender collects money at closing to cover the interest owed for the current month. If you close early in the month, this figure will be higher than it will be if you close late in the month. Another low cash down purchase strategy is to ask someone to give or lend you money. If the sellers don’t need all their cash proceeds from the sale, they may be willing to lend you a second loan that will be secured against the property. If you can accumulate 20-25 percent in a combination of your cash and a loan from someone else, the lender will usually give you a better interest rate than is available on a 90 or 95 percent loan. However, the
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before entering into a lease option agreement. Lynne French is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and a Clayton resident.
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spouse, this would add up to a substantial $40,000 down payment. If you can accumulate a 20 percent down payment, most lenders will allow all of it to be a gift. The lease option often helps first-time buyers to get into a house with a minimal cash investment. With a lease option, the buyer pays option money to the seller (the amount of which is negotiable) and leases the property for a period of time. At the end of the lease period, the buyer has the option of purchasing the property or not. If the buyer doesn’t complete the purchase, the option money is forfeited to the seller. Statistics show that only a small percent of lease options result in a purchase. Make sure the house is one you want to buy
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Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 27, 2004
Feeding the chocolate habit – Part I Forget hearts and flowers, give me chocolate! In the weeks between Valentine’s Day and Easter there are more chocolate sales in the U.S. than Halloween and the Christmas holidays combined. In 2001, 3.1 billion pounds of chocolate were consumed in America—and we only consume about half as much chocolate per capita as Northern Europeans. Chocolate, produced from the beans of the cacao tree, is native to Central and South America. Culinary anthropologists date chocolate consumption back about 1,600 years; although its use as a confectionary did not begin until the mid-1800’s when modern manufacturing techniques and sugar
production tempted the sweet tooth of the consuming public. The Maya people of Central America gave the name “cacao” to the tree and beans they so highly revered and even used as a currency. Columbus is credited with having been the first European to encounter chocolate during one of his voyages to the New World, although he may not have recognized its value. Cortez soon learned the importance of chocolate in the Aztec culture in the 1500’s. One officer in Cortez’ regiment reported that the Aztec leader quaffed “50 flagons of xocoatl” a day. A bitter drink (no sweeteners added), chocolate was generally made with water or
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mixed with wine and seasoned with vanilla and chili peppers. Missionaries observed that chocolate drinks and pastes were used for stomach ailments and coughs. When the Spanish brought chocolate back to Europe, chili peppers were replaced with sugar and the sweetened beverage became the rage among the nobility, eventually becoming a favorite drink in London coffee and chocolate houses in the 17th century. Chocolate consumption increased further when other European countries began cultivating and importing cacao beans from their colonies. I just returned from the Eastern Caribbean where I toured a working cacao plantation in St. Lucia. The softballsized pods grow on tall graceful trees. Turning yellow or pinkgreen when ripe, the pods are split open to reveal white fibrous chunks. Sucking the pulp is considered a treat, although I found the taste only slightly fruity and sweet. We were cautioned not to bite into the pulp because the bean – also known as an
A recent national survey by a major insurance company found that new car owners know more about the “bells and whistles” of their vehicle than they do about the insurance coverage that protects them and their vehicle. The survey found that a vast majority (98 percent ) of the new owners knew their car’s transmission type, 91 percent knew the number of cylinders, 99 per cent knew how many airbags it had and where they were located. By contrast, 51 percent of new car owners did not know the amount of bodily injury liability coverage they had for one person and 62 percent didn’t know that their liability coverage is limited per accident. The survey also revealed that almost one in three drivers, (30 percent), didn’t know how much they paid every six months to insure their new vehicle, although 85 percent knew the amount of their deductible. Since very few people have any knowledge of their auto insurance coverage, what happens when they get into an accident ? A phone call is made to the agent or an “800” (help I wrecked my car) number. The
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ST. LUCIA PLANTATION worker forms processed chocolate beans into logs. mixed into a drink or used as a spice. I love a dark, complex mole over chicken or roast pork. It takes time to prepare but it’s worth every lip-smacking taste.
A traditional Mexican mole is made of toasted chilis, groundnuts, seeds, tomatoes, tomatillos, herbs, spices and sometimes even chocolate. You can find excellent mole recipes in Rick Bayless’s. Mexican Kitchen or in any of Diane Kennedy’s Mexican cookbooks. For years I’ve added unsweetened cocoa powder to chili, which I think gives the dish a subtle, exotic flavor. Last year, I prepared a pot of chili for an Oscar party. I’m always hounded for the recipe, which usually changes a little every time I make it, so I’ll try to replicate it here: COLD DAY CHILI 1 lb coarsely ground beef 1 large onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1-2 fresh jalapeños, minced 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 c water 1 16-oz can chopped tomatoes 1 Tbsp oregano 2 tsp cumin powder 2 Tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened) Salt to taste 1 can ea kidney beans and pinto beans ¼ c masa harina Sauté onions, jalapeños and garlic in olive oil until golden, add the meat and cook until all the red color is gone. Add tomatoes, water, spices and cocoa powder and simmer for at least 30 mins. Prepare chili puree: 6 dried ancho peppers, 2 dried New Mexico peppers, 1 dried guajillo or chipotle pepper. Break off
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“almond” – is very bitter. At the plantation, the beans are separated from the pulp and allowed to ferment for a few days. They are then air-dried, roasted, ground, pounded and formed into sticky dark brown logs, about six inches long. St. Lucians cut off small pieces from such logs, muddled the chocolate with sugar and mixed it into coffee, milk and baked goods. Mexican chocolate is far different from the confection we typically see here in the U.S. The beans are darkly toasted, coarsely ground and combined with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and sometimes almonds. It is formed into a disk that can be
SAL CONTRERAS
UNDER THE HOOD statement is given to the file handler and a claim number is generated. If the car is drivable, you take it to the body shop of “your” choice, get an estimate and make an appointment to have the car repaired. Then comes the big question, “How long will it take to have my car repaired ”? Depending on the severity of the “hidden” damage, you are told, it could take anywhere from two to three weeks. This is not a problem because you “know” you have “full coverage.” So you decide to walk across the street and set up a rental. When the phone rings, you soon find out that you have no rental coverage! The scenario above is repeated daily because car owners don’t know enough about their insurance policy. Most customers have the expectation that everything is included in the policy due to the mere definition of the word “insurance”. Due to the high tech “on line” or “dial a quote” from insurance compa-
nies which are usually out of state, insurance policies can be quoted and bound instantly without any explanation of what the policy is all about. The “full coverage” policy is great, until an event or accident takes place. The speedy access to the “on line” or “dial a quote” phone number is now a “menu option nightmare”. Communication with your insurance agent is a must when you are purchasing a new car. Your agent will be able to explain what is “included” and what is “not included” in your policy. Think about all the time you spend with the new car salesperson. Think about all the questions you have prepared in your mind or written down to ask the salesperson. You probably feel proud about your diligence and brag to your friends about how “I kept grinding them” for six hours to close the “deal”. You need to ask your insurance agent about your policy. Does it include a deductible, towing clause, policy limits, and of course, car rental coverage. Does the policy say that “aftermarket, LKQ, or reconditioned parts will be used in repairing your new car? What are your car rental limits? An insurance policy deserves your “time” because ultimately it will protect your family and your second most expensive investment, the “new car”. Sal J. Contreras Marketing/Outside Sales Mike Rose’s Auto Body, Inc. scontreras@mautobody.com
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stems and remove seeds. Crumble into a food processor bowl and add ¼ - ½ c of warm water. Process until smooth. Add ¼ - 1 tsp of chili flakes, to taste. Add one-half of the chili puree to the meat mixture and taste for spiciness; add more to taste. Add beans and continue simmering the mixture until desired consistency (between 30 minutes to 2 hours). Masa harina (mixed with equal parts water) can be added to thicken the chili. In part two of this series, we’ll look at designer chocolates and local connoisseur tours. 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
Hit and run-can you help? A hit and run accident occurred just before 3 p.m. on Mon., Feb 2 at the stoplight intersection of Concord Blvd./Kirker Pass Rd. A latemodel, white SUV hit the back end of a yellow Ford Escort station wagon owned by Jim & Kathy Swanson, owners of The MAIDS Swanson provided The Pioneer with some details. “Our team had just finished cleaning a home in Oakhurst, and was headed back to our office,” he said. “A large latemodel white SUV came from behind, and just didn’t stop soon enough. It smacked right into the back end of our little wagon. We’re extremely thankful that none of our employees were seriously injured but since they were hit from behind without warning, all of them were shaken up quite a bit.” Swanson added, “Our driver followed the proper procedures. She first checked to see if anyone in our car was seriously injured then proceeded westbound through the intersection, and pulled off onto the right shoulder in front of the Crossroads Church. Instead of following her and also pulling over, the driver of the white SUV made a quick get-away by turning right on Kirker Pass Road from one of the center lanes, and took off going north.” “It hurts all of us to hear about things like this happening in our neighborhoods, particularly in broad daylight,” said Swanson. “Incidents like this one remind us that even though we live in a great area, we all must stay alert and get involved!” The details of the accident along with a good description of the driver have been provided to both the Concord and Clayton Police Depts. If you witnessed this accident or if you or anyone you know has knowledge please contact Jim Swanson at 798-6243, or the authorities.
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February 27, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Hikers’ Haven
Los Vaqueros Reservoir—Mariposa Canyon/Vista Grande Trail Loop BY KEVIN PARKER Special to the Pioneer
Mother Nature has given me much to be thankful for this winter. On one hand, she has created enough powder to keep any skier happy in the deep stuff. But on those days when I’ve got my hiking boots laced up, she has let the sun shine, the birds sing and the clouds roll away into the distance. So naturally, last Saturday couldn’t have played out more perfectly for a hike near Los Vaqueros Reservoir. Based on the number of cars in the parking lot, one would have guessed this location to be a
lost way point in the middle of nowhere. The place was virtually empty, leaving open trails, no crowds and plenty of solitude. The Los Vaqueros Watershed is an 18,500-acre open-space play land nestled between Brentwood and Livermore. The watershed
KEVIN PARKER
AVID OUTDOORSMAN provides drinking water for CCWD and recreational opportunities for those who love the outdoors. In addition to the 1500 acres of the actual reservoir, this area boasts over 55 miles of hiking trails, some of which are open to bicycles and equestrians. Sorry though, no pets allowed, which means again you’ll have to leave Bowser at home? Begin hiking from the Interpretive Center, however I suggest stopping in first and having a look around at the wide array of information from historical facts on the natives to the actual construction of the reservoir. Walnut Trail borders the main road for approximately ¼ mile until you reach the mouth of Mariposa Canyon. Gazing up into this canyon introduces vivid images of back country beauty that gets your heart pumping and your “outdoor juices” flowing. Mariposa Canyon Trail, a well-maintained gravel road, gently rises from the valley floor through vast fields of
oak woodland. This time of year rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see. The gentle grind of this trail coupled with beautiful wide-open scenery temporarily makes you forget about the slow burn that’s present in your calves. Eventually the deep canyon is replaced by open expanses of ridgeline weaving towards the top of Mariposa Canyon. You are immediately rewarded with views of Morgan Territory, Mount Diablo and even Round Valley. After reaching the summit of Mariposa Canyon, a panoramic view of Los Vaqueros Reservoir can be seen far below. The reservoir fingers are laid out perfectly as they complement the Adobe Valley and numerous trails found within the watershed. There are a number of benches and even a small restroom facility located near the top of the trail. CCWD has done a great job in making this a hiker friendly area with enough amenities to make anyone feel at home out on the trail. Making a left on Vista Grande Trail leads you back towards the Los Vaqueros Dam. Vista Grande descends rapidly as it slices right down the middle of the ridgeline. Fantastic canyons can be viewed on the left, while vistas of the reservoir are present to the right. There are obvious signs of wildlife present on almost every section of trail. I was even able to spot a few Golden Eagles soaring high above. A cluster of rocks over-
Kevin Parker / Clayton Pioneer
VIEW OF LOS VAQUEROS RESERVOIR from the top of the Vista Grande Trail Small photo at left: Nearing the top of Mariposa Canyon looking the reservoir provides a perfect rest stop. These rocks are located adjacent to the Vista Grande Trail and provide a number of great spots to sit, relax and enjoy Los Vaqueros. At this time of year, the rocks are tattooed with an array of colored moss ranging from orange to red with some spots of purple. Finally this trail takes you back to the Interpretive Center and completes the loop, truly another wonder of nature found in what amounts to a 45-minute drive from your front door. I encourage all of you to do some research and vote in the upcoming election on March 2. Measure N has major
impacts on approximately 2600 acres of open space located around Los Vaqueros Reservoir, especially substantial portions of the Adobe Valley (which you can view from this hike). For those of you interested in weighing in on this issue, see the following Web site for information: www.lvstudies.com and www.NoOnMeasureN.com. As always, I encourage you to get outside and enjoy! For more information on Los Vaqueros, visit www.ccwater.com or call (925) 513-2160. Send your questions or comments to kaypee@sbcglobal.net
Hike of the Week: Los Vaqueros Reservoir—Mariposa Canyon/Vista Grande Trail Loop Trailhead: Los Vaqueros Interpretive Center (enter watershed through Walnut Staging Area located off Camino Diablo) Distance: 5.46 miles Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 2.0 hours Elevation Gain:1133 ft. Getting there: Follow Marsh Creek Road toward Brentwood. Continue straight on Camino Diablo. Make a right on Walnut Blvd. and enter Los Vaqueros Watershed at the Walnut Staging Area. Park Entrance Fees are $4.00 for Clayton Residents.
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Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
ARF Pet of the Month
Adrian is an affectionate 1-year-old Corgi mix who was out of time at a public shelter. He is a charming, lively dog and is recommended for active families with children of any age. Bring everyone who will live with Adrian – including any canine family members – to meet him at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek during adoption hours: 2 to 7 PM Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday. ARF rescues wonderful dogs and cats every week. Come to ARF to meet your new best friend! (925) 256-1ARF. www.arf.net.
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Saturday, February 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. Come and meet local authors Dean Chapman and Ted Fuller. Wine and cheese reception following.
Diamond Terrace Retirement Community, with its country setting, is located in the beautiful historic town of Clayton. You’ll love our friendly caring staff, convenient location and the spectacular views of Mt. Diablo and surrounding hills. You’ll find our monthly rates c h e c k b o o k f r i e n d l y , and you'll know why so many active seniors call Diamond Terrace home. Q Q Q Q
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February 27, 2004
The Importance of Pets Our loving pets are truly family members and they enrich our lives. Animals provide unconditional love, help us to get our daily exercise, make us laugh, teach us patience and responsibility and protect us from harm. What many people fail to realize is that pet ownership can be beneficial in other, more subtle ways. Did you know that petting a dog or cat can reduce your heart rate and quiet your breathing? Scientists have found that stroking an animal stimulates the release of hormones that promote relaxation. While the soothing effects of petting an animal can benefit all of us, this is of particular importance to people with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure and strokes. In fact, just the presence of animals in a room can have a relaxing effect on people. Many hospitals, doctor’s offices and dentist’s offices are now placing fish tanks or aviaries in their waiting rooms in order to help calm their patients who are waiting to be seen. Did you know that people who walk their dogs are approached and smiled at more than people walking without dogs? Researchers at UC Davis conducted studies that found dogs facilitate social interactions for their owners. Studies show that handicapped pet owners are more likely to be smiled at and spoken to if they have their service dogs with them than when they do not. When people in this study were asked why they approached or spoke to the pet owners, most responded that the pet owners “appeared friendly and seemed nice.” The researchers concluded that the dogs, by their presence alone, made their owners more approachable. Do you know that pet owners live longer than non-pet owners do? Several studies found that this fact is particularly true for pet owners who are recovering from heart attacks, heart surgery and strokes. While it is true this may be occurring in the dog owning patients because they are getting exer-
JULIE BOND
PAWS
AND
CLAWS
cise by walking their dogs daily, it is also true for individuals owning other types of pets. This has led researchers to conclude that pet owners live longer because their pets keep them active, busy and socially stimulated. So, our pets keep us active and healthy, and they keep us from feeling lonely. While this is important for all of us, it is of particular importance to the elderly. Older people without pets report being more lonely and isolated than those with pets. While pets do provide a great deal of comfort to older owners, there can also be a downside to this relationship. Often older people are on fixed incomes, which may limit the amount of money they have to spend on their pet’s health care. A pet’s failing health due to an accident or advancing age can force a senior pet owner to make a life or death decision regarding a beloved pet. Luckily, many veterinarians offer senior discounts and payment plans to their older clients. In addition, there is the Acme Foundation, founded in March 1998 by Pat and Jon Meyer. This organization, established to aid seriously ill pets, helps low-income, senior citizens or disabled individuals with expensive veterinarian costs. Qualified applicants must apply to receive funds. For more information about the foundation, please contact Pat and Jon Meyer at (510) 653PETS. To make a tax-deductible donation, please send your contributions to the Acme Foundation/EBCF at 501 Wickson Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610. Finally, because of the
research results outlined above, there are many groups in existence who provide pets for hands-on encounters with residents of hospitals, nursing homes and care facilities. These pet-assisted therapy groups (such as Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy Services) are made up of dedicated volunteers and their well-mannered pets and are not just limited to dogs and cats. Some pet-assisted therapy organizations bring horses, llamas, pot-bellied pigs and rabbits to the facilities they visit. Visiting pets provide tactile stimulation and unconditional love to the people in these facilities. Researchers found that hospital patients, care-facility residents and the nursing staff look forward to these pet visits. In addition, the nursing staff report decreases in pain medications and overall complaints by people visited by pets. There are even anecdotal reports of patients smiling, laughing and talking to the visiting animals when no such behavior happened when the visitor was a human being. For more information about Furry Friends you can reach them at (408) 280-6171, P.O. Box 5099, San Jose, CA 951505099, or via their web site at www.FurryFriends.org. Our pets really do a lot for us. They provide emotional support, get us out of the house, help us interact with others, and improve our health. What better reasons could there be for opening your heart and your home to a four-legged friend? Julie C. Bond, M.S., is an animal behaviorist. She can be reached through Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital, 672-1100
Make a date with your dog For many of us, our New Year’s Resolutions included getting more exercise. This is also important for our pets. Many dog exercise opportunities will take you far beyond the scope of the local dog parks. Northern California has many dog-friendly parks and hiking areas, not to mention eating establishments and places to stay overnight. Here is this month’s pick for a fun and healthy outing for you and your canine friend. WHERE: Golden Gate Promenade Hike DESCRIPTION: Walk with your dog on a paved, 3mile trail overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Sausalito and the Bay. Dogs must be on a leash as joggers, walkers and bikers also use this trail. Plan to spend a couple hours enjoying the splendid views this trail affords. It can be cool and windy, so dress yourself and your dog accordingly. HOW TO GET THERE: From Clayton take Hwy 680 south to Hwy 24 west. Then take Hwy 80 to Hwy 101. At the south-end of the Golden Gate Bridge, take the Marina Blvd. exit and go toward Fisherman’s Wharf. There is parking available in lots off of Marina Blvd. at Marina Green, Crissy Field, Fort Mason, and near the St. Francis Yacht Club. For more information on this and other pet-friendly outings, pick up a copy of, “Doin’ California With Your Pooch!” by Eileen Barish.
February 27, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Frankly Speaking: Part one of a series
JANET EASTON
OLD TIMES
There once was a saying in Clayton, “If you weren’t a ‘Frank’, you were married to one.” This is how the Frank family took root in Clayton. Frederick John Frank and Elizabeth Bisber Frank moved to Clayton in 1875. Fred emigrated from Germany first, with Elizabeth following in 1867; they were married in Michigan in 1868. Fred was a cook in a lumber camp in Michigan where the first three of their 12 children were born. Fred and Elizabeth learned to speak English in Michigan. None of
their children spoke with the heavy German accent that must have been spoken at home. The children only knew a few words of German. Although it was forbidden for the children to speak German, Fred was known to “holler” at the children in German. When they first came to Clayton, they moved around aplenty. Their various residences included Clayton Winery in downtown Clayton, the Mt. Diablo winery, the Murchio ranch “up Mitchell Canyon,” and by 1891 they were living on the Bromley ranch where Fred was a farmer. (The Bromley ranch is now the location of the Barbara Milliff, “We Care Center” on Kirker Pass Rd.) Fred received his American citizenship papers in Martinez in July of 1888. The “Great Register” which gave the description of all eligible male voters in the county at the time described Fred as, “5’ 6” tall, fair complexion, grey eyes, brown hair, no visible scars.” (Elizabeth, of course, was not allowed to vote. Women didn’t get the right to vote until 1920
when the 19th amendment was ratified.) In 1901, Fred and Elizabeth Frank purchased land and a house that they were renting, from the widow, Sarah
Photo courtesy Clayton Historical Society
THIS ORIGINAL FRANK FAMILY FARM HOUSE stood on Pine Hollow Rd. until the early 1920s when the usable lumber was salvaged to build a “new house” on the same site. The oak tree seen on the right still flourishes. Part of the old house stands on the property today. Pictured from left, Victor “Albert” Frank, Annie Cecelia Frank, Elizabeth Bisber Frank, Lillian Rosalie “Lily” Frank, Frederick John Frank, and Vincent “Leo” Frank.
News from the schools CVHS GEARS UP FOR STAR TEST Clayton Valley High School Site Council is gearing up to achieve 95 percent student participation for the upcoming Standardized Testing and Reporting or STAR Testing. In
the past two years, percentages have been down. According to Site Council member Melinda Moore, many students and parents don’t understand how important student attendance is for the week-long series of tests
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designed for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. When the required 95 percent participation is met, schools become eligible for special rankings and more importantly, funding opportunities. High rankings affect an area’s property values and desirability. Since the STAR tests are now geared toward state standards, the tests are one of the most important ways teachers evaluate their students’ performance. This years STAR testing begins April 27. The site council has developed a multi-faceted approach to improving STAR test scores and participation. “Increased awareness of the importance of the
tests is key,” explains Moore. The council will conduct a phone-tree alerting parents a week before the scheduled tests, urging them to help their children eat right and get a good night’s sleep. The council is also asking the community for donations of healthy snacks that will be provided to the students on test day. Students will also be discussing the importance of the tests and the results when a high participation is achieved. Other incentives to encourage student participation include raffle prizes and competition awards recognizing both individual and class participation and achievement. CVHS staff is working on providing comfortable testing environments by focusing on familiar classrooms and teachers. “Everyone benefits from high
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to Richard F. Stranahan.) Fred and Elizabeth were both 53 at the time and had eight children living at home. The farm consisted of about 20 acres covering the area from Mitchell Canyon Road to Mitchell Creek on Oak Street. The property included walnut orchards, a vineyard and almond orchards interspersed with beautiful oak trees. About seven of those acres are still owned by Frank descendants. The remaining portion was subdivided and became Tiffin Dr, Tiffin Ct., Kenston Dr., and Pine Hollow Ct. Elizabeth bore 12 children between 1869 and 1891, a span of 23 years. Later, her eighth child, Will Frank, was asked how a woman could raise 12 children. Will replied, “She didn’t raise ‘em, she just had ‘em. The older ones raised the younger ones. We taught them how to tie their shoes, to use a knife and fork, and even the boys had to learn to set the table; it was our responsibility.” Though small in stature, Fred Frank was known as a brave man. Family legend tells
of a story that demonstrates such. “One time there was a fellow down at a Clayton saloon, bare chested, drunk, acting crazy, waving a loaded pistol and threatening anyone who came near him. Unarmed, Fred was the only one in the place who kept talking to the man and had enough confidence in himself that the guy wouldn’t hurt him although everyone else in the saloon was clearly afraid. He finally calmed the guy down enough to walk up to him and take the weapon away.” Elizabeth Frank died in the Pine Hollow farm house in 1904 at the age of 56; Frederick Frank died there a week shy of 62 years old in 1909. A complete family history compiled by Charmetta Mann exists at the Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6101 Main St. The museum is open from 2 to 4 on Wednesdays and Sundays and by appointment. 672-0240. Next in the series…the children of Fred and Elizabeth Frank
test scores and the required 95 percent student participation,” says Moore. For more information on the CVHS Site Council program or to donate snacks and prizes call Moore at 925.6720930.
letters were sent home to those students congratulating them for being such positive role models. Cooper explained that this program is successful because the students are being recognized by their peers, not just teachers. “It means more coming from the other students,” she says.
DVMS REWARDS STUDENT CHARACTER Diablo View Middle School, under the direction of Principal Michelle Cooper is recognizing worthy students in a special way. Three grade level assemblies were organized to recognize honor roll students as well as students who were involved in other school activities such as canned food drive, band, leadership and sidewalk chalk art contest. During the assemblies, DVMS staff and students discussed four character traits: kindness, honesty, respectfulness and responsibility. When the students returned to the classroom they were asked to pick one trait they could identify with and then to vote for four other students that also exhibited elements of that character trait. According to Cooper, approximately 170 students received a significant number of votes from their peers and
MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLANS AUCTION The Mt. Diablo Elementary School Parent Faculty Club is formulating plans for its fourth annual silent auction fundraiser set for Saturday, April 3. This year’s theme is “Hawaiian” and will include a silent auction, casino games, raffle and live music. Proceeds from the event will go toward new playground structures, disaster preparedness supplies, new computers for the classrooms and lab. We are currently looking to make capital improvements to existing buildings for improved efficiency. The PFC is soliciting help from parents and the community through cash donations and auction items. For more information or to donate, call Mary Del Monte at 672-5723.
PG&E warns of scam A new utility bill scam has hit the Bay Area and Pacific Gas and Electric Company is warning its customers to beware of telephone calls from anyone claiming to be from PG&E and asking for credit card information. PG&E customers throughout the Bay Area have been caught up in this alleged telephone scam. As part of the scam, a caller claims to be from PG&E and threatens to shut off gas and electric service if the customer does not provide a credit card number to pay the bill. “We want to warn all of our customers about this fraudulent activity so that they do not become victims,” said Tom
Bottorff, PG&E ‘ s vice president of customer service. Anyone who receives such a telephone call should hang up and then contact local law enforcement and PG&E immediately. PG&E customers who may have already been scammed and provided credit card information are encouraged to report it immediately to their credit card company and law enforcement. While PG&E offers several payment options, it does not accept credit cards for payment of energy bills. Under no circumstances would PG&E contact a customer to request such information.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Arts,
from page 1
the hobby of woodcarving, converting his garage into a workshop and creating bowls, tools, library display pieces and rocking chairs for all of his grandchildren. It’s fitting that Ted’s passion for woodcarving is celebrated by the Clayton Community Library Foundation who sponsors the arts event. Every Thursday morning for the past nine years, Ted volunteers at the library with his wife, Claire. “My wife always wanted to be a librarian so when I retired from Dow, I decided to volunteer at the local library and pave the way for her when she retired as a pharmacist,” he explained. Ted and Claire were honored by the library foundation as Volunteers of the Year in 2000. Asked if his wife was as passionate about his woodcarving hobby as he was, he laughed. “She likes the product but not the mess.” On Saturday, March 6, events will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. An exciting day is planned featuring live demonstrations in oil painting, jewelry making, pottery, loom weaving, cake decorating and origami. Entertainment includes music by Vintage, (local residents
Joyce Novicky-Martinez and Santiago Martinez), Native American storytelling by The Lindsay Wildlife Museum docent, Carolyn Kraetsch. Diana Granados of Native Bird Connections will display a live hawk and owl; and renowned cowboy poet, Jim Bone will recite native poetry. Hip Hop dance is also on tap from Eva Renee-Roa’s “East County Kids ‘N Motion. Local schools get into the action with their own brand of talent. Clayton Valley High School Arts Academy will highlight their photography and movie shorts while the Improv group will perform as characters from stories. Students from Diablo View Middle School will manage the Origami table. Art work by students from Mt. Diablo Ayers and Highlands Elementary schools will also be on display. Senior artisans from Diamond Terrace will showcase their work and serve as hostesses for the food services in the courtyard. Sunday’s art sale is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. All events will be held in the library’s community room, courtyard and wildlife habitat. For more information on the community arts celebration, call Arlene-Kikkawa-Nielsen at 673-9777.
La Veranda Café
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Mayor, from page 1 than $30 billion of local property taxes have been drained statewide from local governments. Between 1991 and 2004 Clayton has lost $2.3 million to the state take-aways, with another $709,014 “theft” projected for FY 2004-05. This amount does not include the $208,000 the state has “borrowed” interest free from our Vehicle License Fee account, to be repaid sometime in 2006, we hope. With an average annual general fund budget of only $3 million, these are huge losses to a city our size. These are your
Seminary, from page 1
accepts (the hillside and creek) as open space.” Other area residents expressed concerns about creek pollution and hillside erosion caused by water run off and livestock activity on the proposed horse properties. Addressing these concerns, John Lemke explained that Diablo Pointe will be the first development built under the most restrictive State Water Board regulations in history. “The State doesn’t want any run off,” said Lemke. State regulations require that there be no more run off after the area is developed than that which normally occurs on the land in its natural state. With respect to the stability or instability of the hillside, Eric Lemke, project manager, explains that the hills next to Mt. Diablo are far more stable than those on the other side of the valley. “Bedrock is only a couple of feet down in most of this area,” he said. The staff explained further that grading of the project will be limited to reshaping for building sites. There will be no importing or exporting of excavated materials. These explanations, however, failed to reassure those neighbors concerned about the maintenance of the hillside and creek areas. “I’ve owned horses,” said one resident. “I know what they do and they can denude an entire hill. Are we going to ask the horses to stay out of the drainage ditch?” Another neighbor wondered who would be cleaning up the streets after the horses passed
February 27, 2004
local tax dollars that should stay in Clayton, not in Sacramento. The “Taxpayers and Public Safety Protection Act” will provide a measure of accountability from the state by: Public Vote Required. Requires approval by a majority of voters statewide before a proposed state law may take effect that appropriates, reallocates, redistributes, reduces or suspends the payment of local tax revenues to cities, counties and special districts; and Reimburse for Mandated Costs. Clarifies that the state must reimburse local governments for any new, mandated program or allow local governthrough. These areas will be privately owned, explained Larson, and maintenance and use of the properties will be up to the individual owners, probably through a special Benefit Assessment District, formed by the City of Clayton, in which maintenance is done by the city but the property owners of Diablo Pointe are assessed the costs. The project will be presented to the Planning Commission at the Mar. 9 meeting, at which time the Environmental Impact Report will be available for review. According to Jeremy Graves, Community Services Director for the City of Clayton, the staff is recommending approval of the project which will require an amendment to the general plan to change the property designation from “private school” to “low density residential.” The seminary property has a long history of “almost” deals, recalls Martin Easton, real estate broker representing the developers. In 1972, a Concord church took a lease option on the property, but was unable to raise the funds for purchase. Following the church deal, the property was considered for a research center, but, again, the potential buyers couldn’t raise the money. Then, there was a failed attempt by a military academy to buy the building, followed by another serious purchase attempt by an international boarding school. Both projects were turned down by the City of Clayton because of neighborhood concerns over traffic and noise. Since the mid-80’s the property has been used as a religious retreat house.
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Drinking Buddies—Michele Krapp (Jamie), Richard Howarter (Alfred P. Doolittle), Jasen Jeffrey (Harry). BY TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Crossroads Theatre’s production of My Fair Lady, directed by Scott Fryer, opened Saturday to a receptive and enthusiastic house. The play, a musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s classic, Pygmalion, is perfectly suited to the small, intimate theater, and, despite a few minor technical glitches, opening night was a success. The strongest performance was unquestionably delivered by John Edward Clark in the role of Professor Henry Higgins. Clark admirably resisted any temptation to play Rex Harrison’s Higgins, making the character indisputably, his own. His portrayal of the self centered, confirmed bachelor was, at times edgy, at times vulnerable, giving the character an unexpected complexity. His British
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November 2004 ballot. Several Clayton council members are collecting signatures. If you’d like to help by signing the initiative to get it on the ballot, please call me at my home office at 672-3468. Information on the measure and the campaign to pass it are available at www.protectlocalservices.com. Or, you may contact the League’s representative in the East Bay, Stacey Wells, at (510) 206-7253 or swells@cacities.org. Do yourself and your community a favor: keep your tax dollars local by signing the petition and voting for the measure.
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accent (though I’m reminded by my British friends that we, the Americans, are the ones with the accent) was perfect. Unlike the traditional musical comedy where you could remove all the songs and not miss one line of the story, My Fair Lady is more of a musical play and much of the story is told through the songs, especially Higgins’ songs. Clark seamlessly moved between dialogue and lyrics, talking sometimes and singing at other times, but at all times, telling the story. Also delivering a delightful performance was Richard Howarter as Alfred Doolittle, Eliza’s rapscallion father. This funny, lovable low-life led the ensemble in a most energetic and engaging “Get Me To The Church On Time,” nearly bringing the house down. Any actor that can make you love a guy that would sell his daughter for a five pound note deserves our deepest respect. Regrettably, the weakest performance was given by Tielle Baker in the role of Eliza Dolittle. Her portrayal of the cockney flower seller was too broad and “over the top,” lacking subtlety and sensitivity. And while she has a gorgeous, HUGE voice, it was perhaps a bit too huge for the intimacy of the small theater. Overall, however, the show is wonderful. The beautiful period costumes, a cleverly designed set and the lovely music of Lerner and Loewe performed by a truly talented eight piece orchestra and an energetic cast will delight every fan of live theater. CTA has delivered another hit! Don’t miss it.
February 27, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 27, 2004
When you u call Lynne French, be su ure to requ uest a free cop py of her special rep port “Home Buyers: How to Avoid Paying Too Mu uch.” This valu uable information can save you u preciou us time and money as you u prep pare to make you ur move.
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rom the city to the country, the East Bay Area is a place full of surprises. Just ask longtime resident and local real estate professional, Lynne French. For her, it provides the ideal setting for some of her favorite hobbies, which include golf, hiking, jogging and horseback riding. “I discover something new here every day,” Lynne says. “That’s why I take such great pride and joy in helping others make the most of their real estate opportunities in the East Bay Area.” With her straightforward determination and in-depth knowledge
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Just Listed! Striking home on preium view lot! 4 bedrooms 3 full baths, approx. 2843 sq. ft. Views to the Delta and beyond. Downstairs den with French doors. Family room features a stacked stone fireplace, master suite features a retreat and a balcony with sweeping views. Secluded yard with a covered patio and lush lawn. $769,000
Just Listed ! 3 bedroom 2 bath approx. 1816 sq ft. Desirable single story Augusta model, Neutral carpet and décor, Many upgrades including tile floor in the entry, and semi vaulted ceilings in the living room. $579,000
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Prime golf course lot! 3 bedrooms, 3 baths apx. 1709 sq ft. inside laundry and 2 car garage. Upgraded hardwood floors in entry and kitchen. Kitchen also features tile counters and new oven/stove & dishwasher. Spacious master suite. Private yard has views of Mt. Diablo, hills & golf course. $ 485,000