JAN 28 Clayton Pioneer 2005 by Pioneer Publishers

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

January 28, 2005

925.672.0500

City to forge ahead with business license tax audit TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Clayton’s recent efforts to enforce the business license tax law has raised the ire of a good portion of the city’s business community. More than four dozen irate business owners and Realtors packed the library’s community room at the last city council meeting in a show of force seldom seen in this general-

ly quiet town. The storm began brewing early last year when Municipal Auditing Services (MAS), a private company hired by the city to conduct a business license tax audit, mailed out audit letters to 86 Clayton businesses. In their efforts to identify unlicensed businesses and to determine if those who were licensed were paying the correct amount, MAS asked for among other things,

income tax returns, financial statements and vendor lists. Since the city had not been aggressively enforcing the Business License Tax code section for some time, the letters caught many by surprise. Others were offended by what they felt was the heavy handed language of the letters and saw the request for income tax returns as intrusive and illegal. In response to these com-

plaints, the city attorney reviewed the legality of the tax return requirement, determining that tax returns are indeed private and confidential and that the city had no authority to request them. The audit letter was rewritten, leaving out the tax return requirement and ditching the term “audit,” replacing it with “review.” This did little, however, to calm the rising tempers. Business

owners were incensed at the punitive nature of the audit which drilled back three years, assessing penalties of 100 percent on unpaid taxes which some business owners claim they didn’t know they owed. “I feel punished,” said Lynne French, Coldwell Banker Realtor. “I love Clayton and I’m glad the city is finding new revenue, but to charge a 100 percent penalty on something people didn’t know

anything about is unfair. This doesn’t have a good spirit to it.” French is not the only Realtor balking at the tax. The law requires a business license of anyone doing business in Clayton, including outside (of Clayton) brokers and agents that may only list one property in the city. Diablo Realty Broker, Moses

See Audit, page 3

Clayton woman heads to India to aid in Wanted Salvation Army tsunami relief efforts felon assaults officer

GREGG MANNING

MAYOR’S CORNER

TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

The last issue of the Clayton Pioneer noted that the Landscape Maintenance District issue is going on the ballot this year for a vote on the District’s assessment. This is a decision by the City Council based on the findings of the Blue Ribbon Landscape Maintenance Committee’s report to the City Council. The City Council has yet to set a specific date for that vote, but the most likely date this year would seem to be Tuesday November 8. The Blue Ribbon Committee has been disbanded since they have completed the task set for them by the City Council more than a year ago. That task was to review and evaluate the cities current landscaping, its funding and required maintenance. I want to thank all of the members of the Blue Ribbon Committee for the job they have done and their dedication to the task. I was the City Council’s designated member and I saw first hand the dedication of the members. The Chair of the committee was Dan Richardson and the Vice Chair was Ben Jay. The other members of the Committee who volunteered and represented most areas of the City were Candace Bass,

She is asked now to be a part of what the Salvation Army does best; emergency rescue and relief. Mass feeding centers have been set up in Army Corps throughout India which operate around the clock offering food, clothing and shelter to victims. In Southeast India alone, Army

Clayton police officer, Sgt. Tim O’Hara suffered minor injuries last week while attempting to arrest a Martinez man wanted on drug charges. Around 6 a.m. on January 20, Clayton police received a call from an unidentified Clayton resident who reported seeing a “suspicious looking truck” cruising the neighborhood near Panadero Drive and Pine Hollow Road. O’Hara responded and with red lights flashing, pulled the 1985 blue Toyota pickup over at Blackpoint Court. As the officer approached, the passenger, a 25 year old white male, jumped out, grabbed a bicycle from the back of the truck and attempted to flee. O’Hara, on foot, blocked his escape twice. The third time the suspect rammed him with the bicycle, pinning him against a parked car and took off on foot. O’Hara suffered bruising and pulled muscles. O’Hara called for backup and seven Concord units responded. Police searched the area but were unable to find the suspect. O’Hara recognized the man from prior arrests. He’s now wanted for assault on a police officer in addition to a $10,000 warrant for drug charges.

See Army, page 6

See Assault, page 3

See Mayor, page 3

MAJORS CLAY

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

AND

PAM GARDNER are pastors of the Salvation Army Church on Clayton Road in Concord.

JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

On February 18 Clayton resident Major Pam Gardner will drive to Sacramento International Airport and board a flight bound for India. She’s one of three select Salvation Army officers who will make

the pilgrimage to the ravaged country devastated by the recent Tsunami. “It’s a fact finding mission,” she says. For two weeks, she’ll talk to families and children to learn more about the work that is being done for survivors. And when she returns to Concord she’ll engage in fundraising efforts to help the Tsunami cause. “I’m

excited and nervous,” she said from her home in Oakhurst. The trip to India was actually scheduled before the natural disaster tore through India and other countries in South Asia. Major Gardner was originally asked to tour India to see first hand the results of more than 100 years of Salvation Army outreach and ministry.

Tim O’Hara moves up the ranks in Clayton PD d, re re oses a , e u l JT, R eb ts ar & t Viole e e w r is s BK suga you. e v lo o d I

Send a Valentine to your sweetie. See page 5

TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Tim O’Hara, was recently promoted to sergeant, replacing Rich Enea who retired in December. O’Hara, who joined the Clayton PD in 1989, is the department’s longest-term employee. Faced with an immediate staffing shortage, O’Hara says the biggest challenge in the coming year will be to “get the department up to a staffing level where the overtime is cut back.” He also anticipates a good deal of training and motivation of the current staff. “We have a lot

of young officers,” he said. “We need to teach and mentor them…get them on their way. That’s very important.” The veteran cop is well known in the community for his commitment to youth sports and wants to institute a youth diversion program as an alternative to sending the kids through the court system. “I’d like to see some sort of education program for minor offenses instead of jail sentences,” said O’Hara. O’Hara was born and raised in Pittsburg. He graduated from St. Mary’s College in Moraga in 1977 with a BA in physical education. He originally wanted to

be a professional baseball player and got on with a minor league right out of college. But, he was injured early in the season, bringing his athletic career to an end. He joined the Concord Police Reserves, then the Pittsburg Police Department. He then became a regular officer with the Concord Police Department. He served with Concord for several years and with Lucky Stores in their security department before joining the Clayton PD in 1989. Sgt. O’Hara lives in Concord with his wife and two sons.

SERGEANT TIM O’HARA

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

January 28, 2005

Around Town Clayton actors enjoy Junior Pablo Adin Theatre Festival in Atlanta assigned to Tsunami relief efforts

JEFFREY HOLMES, KELSEY PURSER AND ZOE MANOGUERRA

Clayton thespians Kelsey Purser, Jeffrey Holmes and Zoe Manoguerra, and other members of The Civic Arts Education Junior Theater group joined more than 1,000 junior theater actors in Atlanta, Georgia Jan. 14 - 17 for the second annual Junior Theater Festival. The local group, over 20 strong, performed songs from the musical “Dear Edwina” before a full room of parents, other theater groups and three judges, all professional theater people. The theater group was one of several asked to perform in a Master Class. The judges worked with the young actors on one small part of a song, making changes that had big results.

In addition to performing and attending workshops, the actors participated in a question and answer session with actor Christy Carlson Romano. Romano played Belle in the Broadway production of “Beauty and the Beast.” That evening the Junior Theater actors saw Romano reprise her role as Belle in a production of the play in Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre. The Civic Artds group, directed by Nina Auslander, took home the award for “An Outstanding Achievement in Ensemble Choreography.” Auslander was extremely proud of the young actors, telling them “You did everything I asked you to do perfectly.”

Navy Seaman Pablo Adin of Clayton was stationed in San Diego until last week when he was sent first to Thailand and then to Sri Lanka. His Beachmasters unit is charged with bringing food, shelters and supplies to Tsunami victims who desperately need help. He will be transferred throughout the Tsunami devastated region as needed. Pablo, who will be 20 next week, has been in the Navy nine months. Pablo graduated Clayton Valley High School in 2003 and has 21-month-old twin sisters, Angelica and Christina. Pablo has always wanted to be in the military since he was a little boy. A former boss of his mother’s got him interested in serving in the Navy.

NAVY SEAMAN PABLO ADIN

Pendletons welcome baby Christina Clayton’s population swelled by one on Dec. 9 when Christina Danielle, seven pounds, eleven ounces

and 20 inches long joined parents Don and Maya Pendleton just in time for Christmas. CHRISTINA PENDLETON

Louise Indrisie engaged to Erik Swanson Jim and Kathy Swanson of Clayton and owners of The Maids have announced the engagement of their son Erik Swanson to Louise Indrisie, both of Arizona. Louise is the daughter of former Claytonians, John and Carol Indrisie now living in Oklahoma. The couple are planning a March 12 wedding in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Erik and Louise are graduates of Clayton Valley High School, class of 1998, and both earned varsity letters in Cross Country. They received their Associates of Arts degrees from Scottsdale Community College. Erik is currently a student at Arizona State University in Tempe majoring in Urban Planning and interns at the Fountain Hills Planning Department. Louise is employed as an office manager at Card Service Paradise in Scottsdale. Erik and Louise grew up in Clayton and lived only a block apart in the Dana Hills neighborhood. They first met in sixth grade and remained close friends at Pine Hollow Middle School and Clayton Valley. The couple will live in the Phoenix area following their wedding.

LOUISE INDRISIE AND ERIK SWANSON

Regency Meadows

Regency Woods

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Northgate Rancher

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Premium lot with wonderful view of the surrounding area. Located on a court this 4 bedrooms plus office has 2 ½ baths with an updated kitchen, Anderson windows, formal living and dining room. Outside you find RV parking, newer roof, 3 car garage and views from the back yard of the Delta.

Suncrest series Manufactured home. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. 1300 sq. ft. of living space, central heat/air, inviting master suite w/ jetted tub separate shower, walk-in closet, kitchen with breakfast bar, pantry, living and dining room area, and laundry room.

Gorgeous 4 bedroom and 3 baths, 4th bedroom can be used as an in-law unit. Remodeled kitchen and baths, and newer carpeting and flooring. Park like yards on a quiet street.

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Morgan Territory What beautiful views of Mt. Diablo and surrounding hills, this custom built 3 bedrooms 2 baths home with newer Hickory Wood floors throughout. This property has 2 separate parcels approx. 2 acres total. The perfect horse property, 3 horse stalls, tack and hay storage. $875,000

the winner for the Fantasy Giveaway to the Super Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida Watch your mailbox for the next

Fantasy Giveaway to Mexico

January 28, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Audit, from page 1 Guillory told the council “We do business in approximately 15 cities in this county. If you start enforcing this, it could drive us out of business.” Because of a potential conflict of interest over the Realtor issue, Councilmen Pete Laurence and Bill Walcutt, both in the real estate business, were disqualified from participating in the meeting. In a telephone interview the day

after the meeting, Laurence, a Walnut Creek broker who sells homes in Clayton said, “No other city in the county taxes Realtors for selling homes in their town.” City Manager Gary Napper disagrees. He surveyed 11 cities in Contra Costa County and found that all of them require a business license of all real estate brokers and agents doing business in their city regardless of

where their office is located. Not all of those cities actively enforce collection of the tax on Realtors and agents, but they all have the tax on the books. “We haven’t enforced the business license tax in the past because we didn’t have the staff to do it,” explains Napper. “But, absolutely, Realtors are required to have a business license to do business in Clayton.” And, he continues, ignorance of the law is no excuse. “If the DMV fails to send you a notice to renew your

Around Town

Basore receives professional honors Rhonda Basore, Clayton’s City Clerk, has distinguished herself among her peers, achieving a first level membership in an international organization of municipal clerks. Basore has demonstrated her commitment to her profession by completing a rigorous program of college courses, seminars and workshops, and by teaching and writing in the profession. Less than 15

RHONDA BASORE

percent of the 10,300 members of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) qualify for the first level membership. Basore has been Clayton’s City Clerk since January 2002. She currently serves on the Conference and Educational Committees with the Northern California City Clerks Association.

Page 3

drivers license, it doesn’t relieve you of paying the fee or the penalty,” he said. In the past three years, state raids on the city’s coffers have snatched away $3.86 million from the city’s general fund–money the city desperately needs to pay for essential services. The business license tax is one of the few sources of revenue left to the cities, and the council intends to go forward with the three year program outlined by MAS. So far, according to Napper, 86 businesses have been audited with a 91 percent compliance rate. The total revenue collected since the MAS program began in August 2003 is $68,600. In response to charges that the MAS program is unfair on several levels, Councilwoman Julie Pierce called for a public workshop to look at some possible modifications in the implementation. “But,” said Shuey, addressing the crowded room, “come with ideas for solutions, not just to complain.” The workshop is scheduled for Monday, February 7 at 7 p.m. in the Clayton Library Community Room.

Assault,

from page 1

A chili day at the Clayton Club There’s nothing like a Pearsall. Judges were Geoff “chili” Saturday afternoon in Smith, Arsenio Berrios, Mayor Clayton at the Clayton Club. A Greg Manning, Vice Mayor packed house, plenty of beer Dave Shuey, Laura and steam flowing from a row Hoffmeister, Karen of crocked pots. MacPherson, Alice Kennedy That’s right, last Saturday Allison Nyquist, Karen the Clayton Club sponsored its Cunningham and the Clayton first Chili Cook off. There Pioneer’s publisher Tamara were 22 entries, 10 judges, a Steiner. Clayton Club owner five hundred dollar purse and Darrell Young was amazed at Cindy Pearsall and Darrell Young some hungry patrons who the response. “I’m stunned by came for the show. And the winning entry…num- the turnout,” he said looking around at the crowd. ber 8…cooked up by Clayton resident Cindy “Next year, we’ll have to take it outside.”

The driver, a 29 year old white male from Concord, was arrested for possession of stolen property and possession of a false driver’s license. The stolen property in the truck was from Martinez. However, police suspect that the two men are connected with the rash of car burglaries that have plagued Clayton in recent months. The citizen who made the call was, according to O’Hara, “just someone on their way to work with a cell phone. Very observant.”

Mayor, from page 1 Don Buchanan, Fred Fuld, Bob Hoyer, Ron Jacobs, Howard Kaplan, Irene Nelson, Linda Pinder, Don Smith, Bill Vineyard, Memory Woodard, and Mike Zeidler. Although the work of the Blue Ribbon Committee has been completed, a great deal of work needs to be done before this goes before the voters. To this end, members of the Blue Ribbon Committee recommend that a new group form with the task of community outreach and education. The purpose of this group is to meet with neighborhood associations and other civic organizations to inform the citizens of Clayton how the City will benefit from the continuation of the Landscape Maintenance District and the consequences of letting the District sunset. Most of the original members have decided to continue with this new group. Some however, are unable to do so. Fred Fuld, Ron Jacobs, Don Smith, and Mike Zeidler have decided not to continue with the new group for a variety of reasons. This endeavor is time consuming. The Blue Ribbon Committee met almost every two weeks for more than a year and manned booths at the Clayton Fourth of July and Octoberfest events. The four members of the Committee

who are not continuing have my thanks and that of the entire City Council for a job well done and a report which the Council will use in moving forward. Don Buchanan is undecided at this point but I hope he decides to continue. The current task of the continuing group is community outreach and education. They will be contacting as many community groups as possible. If you or your group which would like to learn more about the proposals for the future Landscape Maintenance District please contact City Hall at 925-673-7300. If you are interested in volunteering with the outreach group you can also contact City Hall. The Blue Ribbon Committee recommends that the Landscape Maintenance District have an oversight commission to ensure that citizen landscaping issues are addressed on a real time basis and that landscaping in all areas of the City is addressed equitably. Because of their knowledge of the issues and the intent of the Blue Ribbon Committee, members of the outreach effort may become the nucleus of the oversight group. If you are interested in this issue which affects the impression people get of Clayton and your property values, you might want to become involved.

Marsh C reek/Morgan T erritory R esidents

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Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

3032 Windmill Canyon 5478 Tara Drive 242 Stranahan Cir 35 Jalalon Place 1409 Indianhead Way 110 Crow Place 227 Bigelow Street 5711 Verna Way 315 Diablo Street 7028 Molluk Way 3017 Windmill Canyon Dr

$699,000 $583,000 $575,000 $589,000 $505,000 $720,000 $600,000 $594,000 $720,000 $650,000 $790,000

01/07/05 01/07/05 01/05/05 01/04/05 12/23/04 12/22/04 12/21/04 12/17/04 12/15/04 12/15/04 12/14/04

1,877 1,739 1,663 1,355 1,355 2,053 1,794 1,338 2,300 1,835 2,313

BED/BATH

3/2.5 4/3 2/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2 3/2.5 3/1 4/3 3/2 4/2.5

ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

3401 Coyote Circle 4007 Hummingbird Way 1871 Eagle Peak Ave 5116 Keller Ridge Drive 1433 El Camino Drive 5474 Tara Drive 1778 Indian Wells Way 249 El Pueblo Place 3081 Windmill Canyon 1183 Shell Lane 5126 Keller Ridge Drive

$500,000 $775,000 $740,000 $735,000 $598,000 $590,000 $635,000 $760,000 $790,000 $452,500 $659,950

12/09/04 12/08/04 11/30/04 11/30/04 11/30/04 11/29/04 11/23/04 11/19/04 11/18/04 11/18/04 11/18/04

1,554 2,935 2,467 2,467 -1739 1904 2831 2315 1145 1493

BED/BATH

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

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

5021 Keller Ridge 1261 Shell Circle 403 Chupcan Place 117 Crow Place 401 Chupcan Place 408 Hummingbird Place 1721 Indian Wells Way 5117 Keller Ridge Drive 719 Acorn Drive 6015 Golden Eagle Way 3405 Coyote Circle

$540,000 $464,900 $579,000 $610,000 $579,000 $639,000 $590,000 $729,000 $830,000 $837,000 $432,500

11/17/04 11/17/04 11/17/04 11/16/04 11/14/04 11/12/04 11/05/04 11/05/04 11/03/04 11/02/04 11/01/04

1343 1355 1939 1561 1904 1877 1,991 2,313 2,237 2,536 1,252

All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

BED/BATH

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

Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

January 28, 2005

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make all the difference. The selling price of a home as well as the purchase price of a home is a well calculated process. The current market is typically a good indicator as to the price of a home. Ask your realtor for market statistics. Considering the obvious, both buyers and sellers want what is in their best interest and a good realtor should always have their client's best interests in hand. The fact is a good realtor will be able to successfully complete a transaction with diligence and professionalism. Should your property not elicit the attention you are looking for within the first several days and or weeks depending upon the market conditions, the cause can most likely be attributed to one of these three factors: location, condition, and price. The location obviously cannot be changed however with examining the condition of the property adjustments can then be made. Always feel free to ask your Realtor to offer an explanation of the competition and the pricing strategy. "We begin and end each day with one goal: to provide the world's finest customer service in real estate."

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January 28, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 5

Classified

The Pioneer -- It’s your paper!

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

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FOR SALE CHERRY SLEIGH BED. Solid wood, brand new, still in box. List $750. Sacrifice $250.

THE CLAYTON POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS THE FOLLOWING FOUND ITEMS

FOUND

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TAMARA S TEINER Editor J ILL B EDECARRÉ Assistant Editor and Display Advertising J IM Z EWAN , Sports P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.

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HOW TO PLACE AN AD Go to our Web site, claytonpioneer.com. Click on the Classified Advertising tab on the left side of the page. Complete the form to submit your ad. Mail a check for the number of insertions to P.O. Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. Or, call the Clayton Pioneer, 925-672-0500 to place your ad over the phone. Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. Classified deadline dates are printed

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above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. We reserve the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. All classified ads must be paid for in advance. LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” You can also e-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com

weetie s s ' e i t swee r u o y omiyn) gin 30 words or h a c s Be i y a e's D tine wit , anywa Valethnetiwnorld (or Clayvtoenyour favorite Vayletonn Pioneer.

Tell e Cla ou lo er much y ard in th w C o y h a hite pap s w D s le 's in e la in p eer, Valent ge on special ton Pion r messa y u o la y C e e p h , ty to t 6200 F the for m check for $15 p off at o r d r Fill out r u o o g 94517; Buildin il with y s k a O e and ma 46, Clayton, CA g eb. 2. 12 the Villa addler y.) by F x in o ( B n o O P layt d to on S Street, C ench and Clayt Pioneer. Limite Center r n F Lynne e Clayto between k payable to th d. hec ceive Make c tines re n le a V 5 3 the first

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Army, from page 1 teams have been serving 56 camps housing homeless people from 33 villages in the Tamil Nadu area. It is the Army’s largest relief effort in its 135year history, states one report. Pam modestly blushes and shrugs her shoulders when asked why she was chosen to take this emotional journey to India. “It’s because she has a great heart,” says her husband Major Clay Gardner. He repeats that several times and talks about Pam’s work with child safety issues for the Salvation Army; expertise that she will use to assess the plight of many of the children left orphaned by the tsunami. Pam and Clay talk about the trip and other aspects of their work for the Salvation Army as much more than a series of events and chance meetings. “God’s hand was in every aspect,” says Clay. He’s referring to the couples 18-year service in the Salvation Army. They currently head the Salvation Army’s work in Contra Costa County and supervise a staff of 10 at the Army’s facility on Clayton Road in Concord. The center houses a church, after school program, food pantry and operates a variety of programs including the Emergency Kitchen for local disasters and relief efforts. Wherever he is assigned, Clay jumps in and gets involved in his community. He is a member of the Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary Club and president of the Clayton Valley High School Music Boosters. Clay and Pam are recuperating from a very hectic, yet profitable Christmas “bell ringing” campaign which generated $234,000. Despite the edict from Target stores rejecting the Army’s request to conduct their kettle campaign on site, other retailers came to the rescue and the bell ringing campaign was a success.. Pam’s face lights up when she talks about their huge volunteer effort. “Over 500 people donated about 1500 hours to help during the holidays,” she says. Their stint in Concord, which began a little over a year ago, is their sixth assignment as Salvation Army officers since 1987. It is a career that emerged from a gutsy decision back in 1985 when Pam and Clay gave up their home, jobs and finan-

Earthquake, the recent Martinez Fire and the Oakland Fire in 1991. He was sent to New York to attend to those in need at Ground Zero.” He recalls counseling a police officer that had been down in the pit bringing up the remains of

cial stability to enter the Salvation Army seminary. Determined to dedicate their lives to the Army, the couple and their three-month old daughter Joy, traveled south to

courtesy Salvation Army

PEOPLE WAITING FOR SALVATION ARMY RELIEF SUPPLIES in Kadaloor in tsunami ravaged southeast India.

his best friend and older firefighters searching for their sons. “I’m not made of this kind of stuff,” Clay thought at the time. He describes himself as a tender hearted guy. “I feel it’s a privilege as a minister to be with people in their deepest emotions. It’s her turn now,” he says of Pam’s impending trip to India. The assignments over the years have been rewarding but uprooting to a degree, explains Pam and Clay. Their daughter, Joy is 19 and off to college. Their son Jason is 16 and attends Clayton Valley High School. “They’ve adjusted to the changes pretty well”, says Pam. Since assignments are always made in May, things get a little tense in the Gardner household when spring rolls around. When

Rancho Palos Verdes where they enrolled in a two-year curriculum to become Salvation Army officers and ordained ministers. They graduated in 1987 and began their mission. Since that time, their mission has taken them to Salvation Army facilities in Hanford, Sacramento, Chico and El Paso, Texas. They’ve been involved in all aspects of the Salvation Army’s mission from youth camps, shelters and thrift stores to food pantries and recruiting programs. Pam remembers the first time she preached at an Army church in Sacramento. “My knees were knocking,” she laughed. Clay has personally been involved in the Army’s disaster relief during the Loma Prieta Earthquake, the Northridge

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the call comes and the assignment is made, officers are asked to be in their new jobs within six weeks. The Army owns the homes they move into. The Gardners feel that destiny was in the works even before they met. Clay was attending Delta Community College in Stockton and needed a part time job to help with living expenses. “I wasn’t looking for a career, just a paycheck,” he says. The Salvation Army hired him to supervise youth activities. In the summer, he was a counselor at the Army’s camp in Scotts Valley. When Pam’s family moved from Texas to California, her father and brother took jobs with the Salvation Army. Pam worked at Burger King until she decided to take a chance and work as a counselor at the Army’s Scotts Valley camp. “There I was introduced to the Salvation Army in a broader sense,” says Pam. She and Clay met and began dating. The following year, Pam was asked to attend the Salvation Army’s International Conference in England with some friends she met at the Army camp. “I remember seeing a sea of uniforms,” says Pam. “It was incredible.” After the conference, she toured historical sites including the monument to William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army. “The whole time Pam was gone, I only received one letter from her,” Clay smiles. Clay went on to take a full time job with The Salvation Army in Sunnyvale and Pam went to work for a medical clinic in Sunnyvale. They got married in 1979 and six years later dedicated their life to the Army. “I never doubted that this what we are supposed to do,” says Clay.

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Page 7

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When bidding on a desirable home, buyers often wonder what it takes to win in a multiple offer competition. The winning offer usually has the highest price, the fewest contingencies and the quickest close. Absent competition, most home purchase contracts include contingencies to protect the buyers. A contingency is a provision in the contract that must be met in order for the sale to go through. If a contingency can’t be satisfied, the buyers are usually released from the contract and their deposit money is returned. The most common contingencies are for buyers’ financing and inspections. If the buyers need to sell a home in order to complete the purchase, the offer might also include a contingency for the sale of the other property (called a contingent sale clause). The number of contingencies included in a contract, and the time periods for satisfying those contingencies, is subject to negotiation between the buyers and sellers. When listings are in short supply and buyers are plentiful, buyers end up competing with one another. In order to better an

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ESTATE

offer in a competitive bidding situation, some buyers waive contingencies that would otherwise be included in their offer. The contingency that is most frequently omitted when there is competition is the financing contingency. A financing contingency makes the contract contingent upon the buyers’ ability to obtain approval for the mortgage(s) they need to close the sale. If the buyers try to get financing but are unable to, they are usually released from the contract without penalty. Generally, it’s risky to make an offer without a financing contingency unless you have been

preapproved for a mortgage. Preapproval is a formal process whereby the buyer submits a loan application to a lender along with supporting documentation like verifications of employment and down payment funds. The buyer’s credit is checked and an underwriter reviews the buyer’s loan package. If all is satisfactory, the lender issues a letter stating that the buyer is approved for a mortgage of a specific amount. The letter may also indicate the type of loan, the interest rate and terms, and the expiration date of the loan commitment. You can get preapproved either by going directly to a lender or by working through a mortgage broker. A buyer who is preapproved doesn’t need to include a contingency for loan qualification, as long as their preapproval letter is current. A preapproved buyer has loan approval for the mortgage he or she needs to close the sale. However, the lender’s approval is subject to the buyer finding a property that is acceptable to the lender. An acceptable property from the lender’s viewpoint is one with a good title report that appraises

for the purchase price. So what happens if you make an offer that doesn’t include contingencies for loan approval and property appraisal and the property appraises for less than the purchase price? Without a contingency to protect you, you could risk losing your deposit if you back out of the deal. Another option is to increase the amount of your cash down payment to make up the difference. Before you make an offer without an appraisal contingency, ask your agent for comparable sales information. Find out if it’s a safe bet that the property will appraise for the price you’re paying. Then make sure your lender uses an appraiser who specializes in the area in which you’re buying. If the title report on the property turns up something unacceptable, you may be protected by the title clause that’s included in most residential purchase agreements.

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For the record, my husband and I are both peaceful, non-violent people. We are Democrats and vegetarians. We don’t hunt. We never spank. We don’t even watch Kung Fu movies. And then, there’s my son. At the age of 4 1/2 he adores guns, swords, daggers, light sabers, robbers, bad guys, poisonous spiders, carnivorous animals, combat and blood. I wonder, where, oh where, has my little, sweet baby gone? He has an unabashed fascination with all manner of weaponry and fighting. I never paid attention to people who would warn me that boys are different than

girls, as I thought environment could win out over genetics. Early on, my husband and I agreed that we didn’t want our son to play with toy guns, squirt guns or bubble guns. No guns, period. As he grew older, it didn’t matter whether he had one or not. Give him a bin full of Legos and he will build a pistol. Go on a hike, and a stick will become a sword. Give him a bagel, and it soon will be gnawed into a machine gun; shortly thereafter he will be shooting it at you. Shortly after that, you find yourself eating your second bagel of the morning. This aggressive streak began

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when he was a toddler. He would play with stuffed animals with his friend from across the street. She would select something cute, like a rabbit, and give the animal a nice name, like Fluffy. He would choose something dangerous, like a tiger, and name it something fierce, like Growly. Inevitably, the play date would end in tears when Fluffy would become Growly’s lunch (“He ate my bunnnneeeeeee.”). Terrorizing barnyard animals (and his play dates) were just the beginning. Currently his favorite game is “playing bad guys.” The scenario is always the same: It involves various action figures, intricate storylines, unimaginable perils, loud fighting noises and a grizzly demise. When my son enthusiastically asks, “Hey Mommy! Wanna play a game?” I pause and think to myself how, just once, I would love to play Barbies or Play-Doh or just about anything but bad guys. But I respond, “Sure sweetie. What would you like to play?,” certain of his answer before he responds. Give him an opening - like bending over to tie your shoe and he will jump you and ask if he may karate chop your neck. I usually say no. My husband, however, will indulge him with an occasional wrestling match. The same move is recycled and renamed over and over again. (“This one’s called the Lawn

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Mower Leg Chopper.” “This one is a called the Bloody Brain Driller.” And so on.) Fortunately, there is a fair amount of kissing and giggling between moves, which makes it easier for me to watch. So I love my little malcontent for who he is and hope that he’ll outgrow this phase soon. I encourage him to pretend to put the bad guys in jail, rather than execute them. I do my best to nurture his loving, caring side while accepting his fascination with mortal combat. Parents who share their experiences about raising boys through this stage give me hope that he isn’t a weirdo, and that he won’t ask to go to military school. Until then, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed just in case.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Don’t let senioritis get you down

CYNTHIA WEST

STUDENT REPORTER Senioritis is something that affects most seniors at some point, even the best of the best. Some juniors may even start to feel a tingle of Senioritis, as their big year grows closer. Last year I mentioned Senioritis to my mom and she told me what all parents would love their teenagers to believe, “You will not get Senioritis, it is all in your mind!” Well, it might be in the mind, but it is a very powerful thing. You all know what I am talking about; that little “disease” that takes over the mind as

soon as senior year starts; the unwillingness to do any homework, and the voice in your head that says, “Hey, you can skip a class. One measly class can’t hurt!” I am pleased to say that I have not skipped a class yet, but to say it hasn’t been tempting would be a lie. Whenever I even consider leaving campus when I shouldn’t, though, there is another voice in my head that asks, “What would your parents say?” As we enter 2005, Senioritis is taking over even more minds as Seniors realize this is the year that we will finally graduate from Clayton Valley High School and move on to the “real world.” This is the year that will determine the rest of our lives. The night may end in tears, but they will be tears of joy, which prove that resisting the urge to put life in coast for the last year of high school has finally paid off. On Friday, January 7, Seniors have an assembly about caps,

gowns, and graduation announcements. The graduation attire may not be exciting for some, but for most students these commencement items mean something. Maybe it is simply the end of high school or the promise of a new chapter of life. I can’t tell you what the cap and gown means to everyone, but it should be something special to signify the culmination of four years of hard work. However if senioritis has completely taken over, being able to “walk” may never come. I have learned this from watching graduation the past few years and seeing the seniors who should have been “walking” sitting on the grass without a gown as their friends walk, cheer, and toss around oversized beach balls. It is this picture in my mind that gets homework done and dreaded research papers written. This is the picture that reminds me that there is a new chapter of life just waiting to be opened. Some of us will leave what we have known to serve our coun-

try, some will immediately enter the work world, but most will be leaving high school just to endure a little more schooling so we can compete in the adult world and “make it”. Wherever life leads each of us next year, Senioritis should not be able to stop any one of the ’05 seniors. We have all come this far and the bug in our head that keeps screaming, “Take a break,” can be listened to occasionally, but making it through this year is a top priority for most Seniors. Senioritis may have traveled silently through the halls of CVHS and into the Class of ’05, but fortunately or unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), teachers and parents don’t accept this, and probably never will, as an excuse for missing assignments. If you notice the symptoms of this contagious disease affecting your attitude, just remind yourself…only four and half months left! Cynthia West is a senior at CVHS. E-mail her at cvhs@claytonpioneer.com

Back to school and back to work Well, I’m back. I just got word I’m going to write every other month. We at Diablo View Middle School have just gotten back from winter break. The teachers have already begun piling on the homework. Mrs. Borowski’s class is finishing a project where the students choose an old career, like cabinet maker, and make a mini-project. Mrs. Meiers’s class is now beginning study on the Constitution.

SCHOOL NEWS MDES - 50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Mt. Diablo Elementary School is gearing up for a special 50-year anniversary celebration this Spring. On May 20th plans call for a gala dinner and sock hop on May 20. A time capsule will be included in the ceremony filled with history and memories of the past 50 years. The gala committee is now seeking old photos, stories, maps, yearbooks and any school memorabilia from alumni, staff, principals and vice-principals from 1955 through current rosters. Local sponsors that have already joined fundraising efforts are George Vujnovich, Better Homes Realty, Lynne French, Coldwell Banker, Jim and Kathy Swanson of The Maids, Ed's Mudville Grill and Larry Domina of Contra Costa Termite Control and Kim Morucci of Intero Real Estate. Please contact Sharon McNulty at 673-9333 or email at sharonmcnulty123@hotmail.com if you have information to share for the time capsule. To get involved or volunteer for the Spring Dinner/Sock Hop call Mitzi Hyland at 672-6986 or email tbasales@earthlink.net.

Leadership is continuing to pump out more exciting and creative spirit days. The most recent one (it may be over when you get this, because I’m writing this on the 10th), which is this Friday, is “Hillbilly Day.” Kids have to come to school wearing overalls, straw hats, pigtails, and other hillbilly type clothes to get a treat. Also, the leadership class is hosting a “Penny Fundraiser” for the Tsunami victims in Asia. The fundraiser is during community time (during lunch, before school, and after school). You merely have to donate a few

MIKE STELZNER DVMS REPORTER coins, not just pennies. All donations will be appreciated.

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The drama club wrapped up, recently. Before winter break, they put on a production about different winter holidays and customs. Also, another dance, for seventh and eighth graders is coming up. Unlike most dances, this dance is hosted by CJSF, instead of leadership. The dance is February 9, even though it has a Valentine’s Day theme. Mike Stelzner is an eighth-grader at Diablo View and writes an editorial column for the school newspaper. He loves writing and wants to be a reporter or journalist when he grows up.

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Fritzi remembers “Rosie the Riveter” The Pioneer is pleased to introduce a new feature by Clayton resident, Colleen Elwy. “Our seniors have a wealth of experience and interesting stories,” she says. She will be bringing us one of these stories every other issue. Fritzi Doke turns 91 in the next few months, but her soft skin, gentle eyes and strong smile

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are those of a much younger woman. She is careful to make sure that she hears everything I say and sits close to me so that at times we can touch each other’s hands and keep the years that separate us closer together. But Mrs. Doke and I also share a few quips about the East Coast that we have in common and she soon has me captivated with her life story. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Fritzi and her parents moved to New York City when she was a year old and settled there. “I was the oldest of seven children. I had a good mother and a nice father. But when I was just eight years old, my father died from a ruptured appendix and left my mother with seven

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They taught us everything we needed to know with the acid we had to deal with, etc.” The prisms were used in the cameras on the fighter planes, and provided the gunman with the precise area of where to drop the bomb. Fritzi worked for a little less than two years with Fairchild Aviation in Long Island. It was surely a time when women wanted to be involved in the cause of getting the men home again from the war. “But after the war, I tell you, I was practically the first one out on the train at the Pennsylvania railroad station that eventually was headed to Southern California,” Fritzi laughs. “My sister Leah and I jumped on the train and never looked back!” Then in the Los Angeles area, Fritzi met her husband Norman at a ballroom dance. She talks lovingly and her voice starts to float in the air when remembering him. “Norman was a general foreman for a company that repaired jets, but he was wonderful with words too and he used his love of words in other ways,” she said. “When we married, my name was Freda (named Alfreda after her Uncle Alfred). But I told Norman I wanted a different name now that we were married. He said “Ritzi Fritzi” and I loved it! I had that name for the 42 years we were married and have used it ever since that day Norman called me that.” Ritzi Fritzi continued to work in sales positions after their marriage and eventually they moved to Northern California. She and

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this quixotic world. It is a story of unerring loyalty and abiding cruelty, of innocence and of coming of age, of betrayal and redemption. It is a story that spans 40 years and encompasses Afghanistan’s troubling modern history, helping us to understand words like “Kabul” and

“Taliban” beyond what newspaper headlines and sound bites on the evening news provide. The story begins in the final days of the Afghanistan monarchy, before the Russian invasion of the 1970s, where privileged young Amir lives in Kabul with his rich and powerful father and the family servants. Hassan and Amir are boys of nearly the same age, and relations between them run deep and long. Hassan is a devoted servant and playmate in a fiercely traditional world where a cultural and political morass divides the boys eternally. Amir is Pashtun, a fortunate member of the ruling class, but Hassan is a despised Hazara – whose people have been persecuted and oppressed for centuries. Hassan’s devotion to Amir is heartbreaking in its purity in those idyllic childhood days, where “. . .if I asked, really asked, he wouldn’t deny me. Hassan never denied me any-

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Norman never had children. Two years ago Fritzi moved to Diamond Terrace where she sings in the Diamond Terrace Glee Club. As we were finishing up, Doke started humming the Andrew Sisters “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Soon, we were both singing. Fritzi has revealed some tough times in her life, but you know that she has always been someone you can count on. Even today, you can still count on her to add smiles to your day and share her memories with you so that you can sit down next to her and feel as if you have been there too. If you are a senior living in Clayton, or know of a senior that would like to share their life story with the Clayton Pioneer readers, please contact Colleen Elwy at 672-9565 or at colleensbyline@aol.com.

The Kite Runner tells a story rich with friendship, betrayal, love and redemption Khaled Hosseini’s debut novel, “The Kite Runner,” is a modern tale richly told, spiced with a cultural texture that is both timely and necessary in

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children to raise. From that time on, I was always there helping with my siblings.” She continues talking about her childhood in a very compelling voice, “My mother was a wonderful woman. We were religious and went to Sunday school. I can remember she would get up at 5 a.m. everyday to wash our clothes with the washboard we had.” Fritzi’s inner strength was apparent even at a very young age. “I tried to help out in any way that I could. I never made a big deal of things. If something needed to be done, I did it and life went on. I learned a lot from my mother and it made me a very determined person.” Following Fritzi Doke high school, in 1939 she went to work as a sales lady. “Then the war broke out,” she remembers, “and the Department of Defense papers were coming around saying that they needed people to work in these factories. Everybody has something that they can contribute so you just do it and know it’s valued. My friend and I signed up together and we felt important.” “I became part of the Rosie the Riveter group,” Fritzi remembers with a smile. “These were the women who helped out with all the war supplies by working with the screws and rivets. But I actually got to work with prisms.

Book Review

CYNTHIA GREGORY Clayton Pioneer

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thing.” These are the days of which Amir remembers the pure silence of snowy winter mornings and of participating in the national sport of flying kites, where Hassan is the best kite runner of them all. But of course, there is a spider on the valentine. Things change. Friends betray friends to save themselves. Rich, spoiled aristocrats become impoverished political refugees; the Taliban rules, and towns and villages are sacked. Beauty is ruined, and beautiful boys, women and men are murdered in the name of ideology. But this is only the first part of the story. Amir and his father flee to America, and 20 years later, Amir is called back to Kabul, with an unalterable opportunity to atone for the sins of his youth, a sort of nobles oblige in reverse. Amir is not your typical hero, which makes him all the more enigmatic. When he is called upon to embark on an impossible and dangerous quest to return to his war-torn homeland, we are unsure if he has the emotional fortitude to accomplish the mission, and the dramatic tension is real. When he tells a taxi driver that he feels like a tourist in his own country, the taxi driver replies, “You’ve always been a tourist, you just didn’t know it.” Not all heroes are shiny, pretty, and morally pure. In fact, like Amir, the best ones probably are not. “The Kite Runner” is a book worth reading not just because it is a story well told, but because it is a story that connects us to another place, to a larger community of which we are a part, and helps us come away with a better understanding that our differences are immaterial, and that at the core of it, our humanity is what matters. Cynthia Gregory is a freelance writer who has received national awards for her short stories. Her work has appeared in the Writer’s Digest, the Sun, Santa Barbara, and the Chicago Tribune. She is currently at work on a novel.

Page 10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

January 28, 2005

Clayton Sports CVHS athletes wrestle their way to the spotlight JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

Two Clayton Valley High School wrestlers are making themselves known around the Bay Valley Athletic League and the North Coast Section. Although the CVHS varsity team is not as deep as some of its competition (as the team record of 0-3 indicates), two of the team’s wrestlers, George Beckham and Ronnie McCoy, are showing they can compete with almost anyone. And in wrestling, which has both individual and team competition, these two wrestlers have a chance to further prove themselves in the upcoming BVAL League Meet on Feb. 19 in Antioch, the NCS championship at Newark Memorial on Feb. 25-26, and possibly even at the State Championships, which will be held this year on Mar.4-5 in Bakersfield. Beckham and McCoy both placed at the Clayton Valley Invitational held Saturday, Jan. 15, which included some tough wrestling competition. Beckham is currently ranked in the Section and has a very good chance of qualifying as one of the top 10 individual wrestlers at NCS, which includes more than 150 schools. Ronnie McCoy is the other up-and-coming star (see Pioneer Athlete Spotlight, page 11). McCoy, a junior, weighs in at 171 lbs. He is currently ranked No. 5 in the Section in the individual standings. He is also undefeated in BVAL competition this season. According to Head Coach

Brian Baker, both athletes have improved, and both have a very good chance of proceeding through each level to reach the state championships. Baker is also excited about his junior varsity team. The JVs are currently 3-0 and have a good chance as a team to go undefeated in the league this year. The JV squad is much deeper in experience, given that there are 30 freshmen on the team this year. In fact, CVHS had a total of 40 new wrestlers on the team this season, compared with the normal 10 to 15 new wrestlers in previous years. The reason for this new interest in the sport at CVHS is largely due to the establishment of a wrestling program at the Diablo View Middle School in recent years. More athletes have tried and liked the sport at the middle school level, and they are coming into high school with a keen interest and some experience in wrestling. This is the fourth season for Baker and assistant coach Kyle Behmlander. “We are finally seeing the fruit of our efforts from the new middle school program,” Baker said. “This is the first year we’ve seen such growth in the sport. “BVAL is the toughest league in the North Coast Section,” he said. “Last year, four of the top 10 teams at NCS came out of our league. You have to be deep to compete with that level of competition, and now we are starting to get the numbers of kids with the kind of wrestling experience we need coming out of the middle school.”

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CONCORD/CLAYTON BRANCH YMCA PROGRAMS AT CLAYTON COMMUNITY GYM Several programs will be available at the Clayton Community Gym at the Diablo View Middle School Grades K-8, Indoor Soccer League Mar.7–May 9, Mondays. Grades Pre K-1, Floor Hockey League, Mar.7-May 9 (Mondays) Grades K-8, Soccer League, Apr. 16-Jun. 11, (Saturdays) For more information on all of the YMCA programs call 8891600. MDSL U9-U14 TRYOUTS,2005-06 SEASON Tryout dates have been set for various age groups for the Mt. Diablo Soccer League. U9 Boys (B), U9 Girls (G), U11 B and G, U12 B and G tryouts are Feb. 19, Feb. 27 and Mar. U10 B and G, U13 B and G, and U14 B and G are Feb. 20, Feb. 26 and Mar. 6. All tryouts will be at the fields at the Boatwright Complex in Concord off Pine Hollow Road. There is no cost for tryouts. In case of inclement weather, please call 925-6723373. For more information including birthday ranges for various age groups, exact tryout times, medical release forms, and other details please check the MDSL website at www.mdslsoccer.org/ or call 925-672-3532.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Clayton Sports Ronnie McCoy

PIONEER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT The Spotlight easily found our athlete this month by shining in the center of the mat! Ronnie McCoy, a junior at Clayton Valley High School and

RONNIE MCCOY

a member of the CVHS varsity wrestling team, has an individual record this season of 19 wins

and 4 losses. He lost two of those events at an invitational against two top wrestlers from Nevada. He only has two losses against teams in the entire North Coast Section, and he is undefeated so far in BVAL action! Ronnie finished second at the Newark Memorial Meet this season, and he came in third place in the Clayton Valley Invitational meet, where more than 30 top teams competed. With stats like that it is no wonder he is ranked No. 5 in the Section. He has also been named to the California National Wrestling Team for

Readers Forum The Mt. Diablo Soccer League’s recent decision to eliminate a Class 3, under 14 girls soccer team (the Liberty team), has aroused strong emotions from both the team and the League. The Clayton Pioneer “Readers Forum” presents both sides of the issue. TEAM POSITION Liberty, a Class 3 U14 girl’s soccer team coached by John Cugia and Bob Stuart, is affiliated with the Mount Diablo Soccer League (MDSL). For three years, girls from Clayton, Concord, and surrounding

communities, have come together on Liberty. Currently, MDSL has a Class 1 and two Class 3 teams. In November 2004, the league announced there would be only two teams in this age group for 2005. Liberty would not exist and the players would be assigned to either the Class 1 team, the remaining Class 3 team, or cut from the program. Both the players and parents of the team were outraged at these options. John Cugia met with MDSL representatives to discuss how the girls and parents were feeling, but to no avail. Although contingency offers were made to Mr. Cugia, the

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option to keep Liberty together as a team was not considered MDSL did agree to meet with the Liberty parents. However, despite pleas from several Liberty players and a lengthy discussion with the parents, MDSL Board members stated it was in the best interest of the league to place the best players on the Class 1 team. The parents were told that if a player was picked on the Class1 team, and did not wish to play on that team, then they would not play in the league. Liberty has become a team in the true sense of the word. It is not about winning, though they are extremely successful, it

freestyle. CVHS Head Coach Brian Baker described Ronnie as “very disciplined, very unassuming, quiet, respectful . . . and, a hard worker.” “Ronnie trains hard – running every day on his own as an extra individual workout. Ronnie’s personal goal this year is to make State,” Baker said. Wrestling is one of the few sports with a statewide championship in California. After finishing the regular season, Ronnie will head to the BVAL championships in midFebruary, followed by the NCS

is about a team cultivated by two caring coaches and a group of girls and parents who truly love one another. MDSL’s website states, “Where youth comes first.” How is disbanding a team of girls, who have become longtime friends while playing a sport they are passionate about, putting youth first?

Liberty Players and Parents

LEAGUE POSITION MDSL fields competitive soccer teams that play against other competitive teams throughout Northern California. Similar to all of the other competitive soccer leagues, MDSL holds tryouts each year. In order to give everyone in the area an equal opportunity to make a team, the MDSL philosophy is that all

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returning players will attend tryouts as well as players that are new to MDSL. Players are then assigned by coaches/trainers to a team based on their ability. Due to attrition and the overall lack of field space MDSL has determined it can only field two teams in this age group, one Class 1 and one Class 3 team, instead of the three that participated last year. It should also be mentioned that the direction of MDSL is to promote the competitive level of play with the goal of each child to eventually play for a class 1 team. The players on Liberty are being afforded the same opportunity to attend tryouts as is given to all returning MDSL players. There is no guarantee that a team roster will remain the same from year to year in MDSL or in any other

State.” When we talked to Ronnie, he said, “Wrestling is a lot of fun. Not only does it have a competitive aspect to it, but it is fun too, and I really enjoy it!” The Clayton Pioneer spotlights a local youth athlete from our circulation area in the second issue each month and Rocco’s congratulates the athlete with a free pizza. If you are a coach or an administrator and would like to nominate a young person (under 20 years of age) for the Rocco's Athlete Spotlight, please send information to sports@claytonpioneer.com or fax to 672-6580. Deadline for our Jan. 14 issue is Monday, Jan. 3.

competitive league. The players on Liberty should attend tryouts and form new friendships with new teammates, similar to what is done at High Schools when players from various competitive teams play together. Hopefully the Liberty players and parents will also learn that when they are members of a larger organization that they need to abide by the same rules that everyone else is following and that it is unfair and discriminatory to exempt one group at the expense of others. MDSL holds open tryouts that all soccer players in the community are invited to attend and players are asked to participate on an MDSL team based solely on their ability.

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championship meet in late February. The top four individual wrestlers at NCS will qualify for the state championships, which will be held in Bakersfield March 4-5. That is his goal. Baker confirmed that “Ronnie is a favorite this year to finish in the top four at NCS, which would qualify him for

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because of its strength, versatility, beauty and workability. If protected properly, it will not decay. But, if water is allowed to penetrate into wood for a prolonged length of time, it will decompose. In a forest, decomposition is nature’s way of recycling, but I’m sure you don’t want what is probably your biggest investment, recycled into mulch. In my 38 years of doing inspections and repair work, fungus infection (you may know it as “dry rot”) accounts for 60 to 70 percent of damage that I find. Decay fungi can cause structural damage to any wood member, even wood species such as redwood and cedar. All that is needed is a source of water and oxygen. Wood kept dry will never decay. The two most common fungi that we find are white rot and brown rot. White rot causes

"Managing, Training and Securing Computer and Network Systems !!!"

Phone: ( 925) 4 59-5 5 606 E-m m ail: S upport@LaMar-II TS.com Web: w ww.LaMar-II TS.com

LARRY DOMINA HOME WORK wood to look bleached in appearance, soft, spongy and weakened. Brown rot makes wood dark brown with cracks across the grain, checked and brittle. It will crumble easily in your hand. This is probably where the term “dry rot” came from, although the reason “dry rot” is present, is because the wood is or has been wet for a long time. Fungus infected wood may be greatly weakened, even before the decay can be seen. If the fungus infection goes deep enough, the wood becomes structurally weak and needs to be replaced. I cut back into good wood at least six inches and then splice in new wood. All new wood and adjacent wood is then chemically treated with a fungicide. Sometimes the damage is only on the surface of the wood and needs only chemical treatment to kill it off. Chemical treatment is best done by a professional. There are also fungi that do not destroy wood, so here again, a professional may be needed to make the best determination of how to proceed. Above all, however, the critical factor is not getting rid of fungi, but correcting the conditions that favored its development. Every attempt should be made to quickly fix all moisture problem areas. Inside the structure, proper

See Domina, page 16

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Dining Around Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience complete with candles, wine and a gorgeous view, lunch with a few friends or a quick, tasty “take out” for the family on a cold and rainy night, you need go no further than Pioneer Territory for the best choices in “Dining Around.” Right in downtown Clayton, are two excellent fine dining restaurants. ELYSIUM, formerly Fox and the Fiddle has changed its name to . New owner and chef Greg Severn also has a brand new menu featuring an eclectic choice of American Contemporary dishes, perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Try the Ahi Tuna Tartare with sushi rice or a Five Spice Roasted Duck with coconut rice for a sophisticated departure from the ordinary. Brunch menu choices include a hugely popular Steak and Egg Quesadilla served with black beans and salsa fresca for $9. Other brunch entrees range in price from $8 to $12. At the corner of Center and Marsh Creek Road is LA VERANDA, serving a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish, starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for

Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. If you’re a salad lover, be sure to try the Insalata Della Reigna with baby greens, walnuts, Gorgonzola and a honey Dijon mustard dressing for $6.50 … a popular choice. La Veranda is open daily for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for brunch. For view and atmosphere, you can’t do better than OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB in Clayton or ZANDONELLA’S on the Delta View Golf Course in Pittsburg. The dining room at OAKHURST is open Wed.Sun. for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu is extensive, offering appetizers, a daily soup selection, salads, sandwiches and wraps and pasta. Kids have several choices as well, from PB&J to pasta. Lunches range from the traditional Ceasar salad for $6.49 to $9.39 for their Fisherman’s Wharf Crab and Avocado Melt sandwich. Dinner on Friday and Saturday features a heavenly roasted prime rib for $20.99$24.99 in a size that’s perfect for every appetite. Wednesday dinner is a pasta buffet for $14.99 ($6.99 for kids). Just over the hill and out of the traffic is ZANDONELLA’S. Open Tue.-Sun for lunch and dinner and situated on the lovely Delta View Golf

Take your sweetheart to dinner at ne’s i t n e l a day for V Italian-American cuisine prepared perfectly, every time. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we feature

Prime Rib

cooked exactly the way you like it. Every dinner includes choice of fresh green salad or our homemade soup, pasta and vegetables.

Make your reservations now

We’re just over the hill 2222 Golf Club Road Pittsburg (925) 132-1700 From Clayton, take Kirker Pass over the hill Turn left on Leland to Golf Club Road

Course, this family friendly restaurant offers an extensive menu that covers every craving. From that perfect bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs all the way to a succulent and perfectly roasted rack of lamb, you are sure to find your favorite. Lunches range from $6.25 to $10.95 for Meat Ravioli and dinners range from $11.15 to $22.45. All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free. Just down Clayton Road is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria offers a delectable linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil for $8.95...my personal favorite. Other pasta dishes include Chicken Pesto Gorgonzola, a rigatoni dish with chicken breast and tomatoes in a creamy pesto Gorgonzola sauce ($13.95.) For an intimate atmosphere and a good wine list, Pasta Primavera can’t be beat. A little more on the casual side and a great place to take the kids is ROCCO’S RISTORANTE at 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Voted the best pizza in the Bay Area by a Contra Costa Times Reader Poll, Rocco’s serves up a killer house specialty. The Dominator, piled high with pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, ham, linguica, sausage and onions, is not for the faint of heart. At $19.97, this large pizza will feed a small army. Rocco’s also has several choices of classic Italian pasta, homemade minestrone and several salads. All pasta dishes are served with fresh bread. Top your pasta dinner off with a glass of wine and you’re well fed and satisfied for well under $20 (tax and tip included.) Rocco’s opens every day at 11 a.m. SWEET BAKERY In the Clayton Station has a brand new, delicious hot panini sandwich. Try the mouth wateringly good Portobello Mushroom Panini made with sauteed portobellos, roasted peppers, melted Swiss cheese, fresh baby spinach, tomatoes and avocado all topped with a flavorful sprinkle of balsamic vinegar. Also on the menu are hot chicken, turkey and roast beef paninis. Your choice for $6.50. For delicious and fresh-

Valentine’s Day is sweeter here. Bring your valentine to Oakhurst Country Club for a very special sweetheart’s dinner event!

January 28, 2005

ly baked pastries, cakes, cookies and bread and now--donuts! SWEET BAKERY is the place to go. Grab a mouth watering Pecan Roll or Apple Cheese Danish ($1.75) and a latte for a quick break in the morning then come back for lunch when all cold gourmet sandwiches are only $5.75. For the Brits and the Brits at heart, MR. PIC KW IC K’S BR ITIS H PU B AND RESTAURANT has opened in the old C C Ole’s place on Clayton Road. The menu is extensive with such British favorites as Steak and Kidney Pie served with potatoes and a vegetable for $11.25 on the lunch menu and $12.25 on the dinner. You can even get “mushy peas,” a regional specialty from Northern England. If you’re looking for fish and chips, you’ll find a thick cut of White Icelandic Cod for $9.95$12.75. Mr. Pickwick’s is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. The full bar stays open until 2 a.m.

Mr. Pickwick’s British Pub

G O O D F O O D . G O O D FUN 12-week Karaoke Contest every Sat. - $500 Grand Prize!

1st Thurs. of the month: Gong Show! Tues. nights: Blind Draw Darts Wed. nights: Pub Quiz night Thurs. through Sat.: Karaoke British-American Cuisine Best Fish n’ Chips this side of Britain Patio available

4633 Clayton Road, Concord 925-459-0574

joy An Italian En Fe

Fine Italian dining with an extensive menu • Weekend Special - grilled steaks • Gourmet desserts and fine wines Very reasonable prices

Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton Fresh soups, salads, antipasti, pizza and pasta Dinner and lunch daily Brunch on Sunday Children’s menu and take out service available

For reservations call (925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON

New American eclectic restaurant in Clayton

formerly The Fox & The Fiddle

672-11333 for reservations Ahi Tuna Tartare Sushi Rice, Daikon, Watercress, Grapefruit, Crispy Rice Paper

Five Spice Dusted Duck Coconut Rice, Petite Herb Salad

New bar menu with lighter fare Also offering sake, soju cocktails & more m now Red Roo for l b availa earties p e t a v i r p

6115 Main Street Clayton, CA

- Contra Costa Times Readers' Poll NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES

947-6105 Personal Checks Accepted

Please reserve your place by February 4th by calling 925.672.9737 x 210

2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd. corner of Oak Grove & Ygnacio Walnut Creek Locally owned by Rocco Biale

5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Tue. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday brunch/dinner 5 - 6 Wed. - Sunday $1.00 oyster happy hour

Featuring:

"Best Pizza in the East Bay"

Open 7 days at 11 a.m

687-5 5300

La Veranda Café

www.roccospizzeria.com

Reservations required. Dress code policy will be enforced – please no denim.

4425-F Treat Blvd. Concord, CA 94521

www.pastaprimaveracafe.com

February 11th and 12th $45 Per Person.

1001 Peacock Creek Drive Clayton, CA 94517

ast at Ou r

Mon. – Thurs. Co zy P fé 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. asta Pr avera Ca im Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sat. 12 noon – 10 p.m. / Sun. 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

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

Seatings at 6:30 and 8:00 PM. Elegant five-course meal with choice of entree. Complete with romantic dinner music and a personalized valentine for your sweetheart.

& Restaurant

Large Pizza for the Price of a Medium Pizza OR Medium Pizza for the Price of a Small

Cannot be used with any other Coupon Valid anytime z Dine in or take out Present when ordering z 1 discount per table/visit

ASK US ABOUT OUR FANTASTIC CATERING SERVICE New Catering Menu

15% of f

Your first catering order ($75 Minimum order)

SUNDAY & MONDAY SPECIALS Large 3 Item Pizza $1200 All Pitchers of Beer ½ price Monday: 5-close z Sunday 11-4 Cannot be used with any other Coupon

Dine-in or take-out No substitutions z limit 2 per party (Team parties excluded)

January 28, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Loving a cat or dog can keep you healthy BRENDA BARNETTE PICASSO

PAWS

AND

CLAWS

Dogs and cats can play an important role in our lives whether we are senior citizens or young children. Research has shown that our furry friends can be the motivation for seniors to

take care of themselves, get outdoors to see old friends and make new ones, exercise to keep fit and just have a happier, healthier day. George, a dog lover and long-time ARF supporter, felt that his home was empty when he had to say good-bye to his ailing 17-year-old dog. He missed his old friend Chelsie. When George’s daughter came to visit, they drove over to ARF just to see the new building and buy an ARF T-shirt. As George rounded a corner in his wheelchair at ARF, they ran into

Vicki, a 1-year-old shepherd mix, who was going out for a walk with a volunteer. Vicki jumped into George’s lap, and the volunteer quickly pulled her off. Then Vicki crawled on her belly and put her front paws on George’s feet. She had adopted him! Wonderful caregivers like George provide a loving home for formerly abandoned animals, like Vicki. Vicki was full of energy, but she was very gentle and walked slowly by George’s wheelchair. She would sit, sleep and eat next to him. And

Your pet should be tied to our apronstrings! Apronstrings Pet Sitting WE

OFFER MIDDAY WALKS WHILE YOU WORK. A ND, WE CARE FOR YOUR PET IN YOUR HOME WHILE YOU TRAVEL

925. 7 98. 7 621 Kimsits@ASTOUND.NET

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George never forgot to feed Vicki, so he remembered to prepare food for himself, too. After George died, Vicki came back to ARF under the ARF Guardian Program which is available for any ARF supporter. They can specify in their Will or Trust document that their companion animal is to be entrusted to ARF at the time of their death. ARF gave Vicki the care she needed until they found her a new loving home. Sometimes seniors are concerned that if they predecease their companion animal, no one

will be there for their dog or cat. At ARF, the ARF Guardian Program steps in for the furry friends of those who have chosen it. We feel that it’s good for senior caregivers to have a dog or cat and it’s great for the animal who is getting a loving home! At ARF, when we match a senior citizen with a dog or cat who will be a good fit, it’s a lifesaving proposition for the person who gets a bundle of love and for the animal who gets a home. After George died, his

daughter wrote, “Dad wanted to be an ARF volunteer, so we attended the first class. He couldn’t handle it physically, but he had to try. He had it in his heart to give back to ARF what he had received: a chance to love and bond with Vicki. Dad had a new best friend. Thank you, ARF, for saving Vicki. She truly was a blessing to my Dad.” Brenda F. Barnette is the CEO of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at bbarnette@arf.net.

Popcorn and Doris are this week’s ARF adoption stars “Popcorn” is a warm, cuddly lap cat who loves attention. This 2-year-old male kitty is friendly and outgoing, likes most other cats and may even enjoy life with gentle dogs. Popcorn is recommended for families with children of any age. “Doris” is a happy, playful 1½-year-old female cat ready for an active household. She enjoys lap time, grooming and making friends. Outgoing Doris is recommended for families with children of any age, and she may be good in a household with a gentle dog.

DORIS

POPCORN

We’re goin’ shopping at Concord Feed

A Date With Your Dog JULIE BOND Special to the Clayton Pioneer

HOW TO GET THERE: Head north on Hwy 101 toward Larkspur. Take the Tamalpais

The holidays are over, the decorations put away and your New Year’s resolutions posted on your fridge. If one of those resolutions includes getting more exercise, here is a perfect way to hike off a few pounds and spend some quality companion time with your dog. WHERE: Dawn Falls Trail, Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County. DESCRIPTION: Winter and spring are the very best times to explore the Dawn Falls Trail. Located just north of San Francisco, a hike along this trail will afford you a breathtaking view including a 25-foot waterfall, forest, and riparian habitat.

Shop at Concord Feed for all your dog, cat and horse needs!

Bring everyone who will live with Popcorn or Doris to meet them at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. And come to ARF on Saturday, Jan. 29 for Croissants with Kitties! Early adoptions just for cats from 10 a.m. to noon. Come early and fall in love with Popcorn, Doris and their fabulous feline friends at ARF. Visit our Web site to learn more about adding a cat to your family, www.arf.net, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

DAWN FALLS TRAIL

Drive exit west to Corte Madera Avenue. Take a right on Corte Madera Avenue and go about a 1/2-mile before making a left on Madrone Avenue. Make your way to Valley Way and at the end of the road is the trailhead. POINTERS: This is not a trail for first time hikers; it is better suited to intermediate level participants. Dress in layers and keep in mind the 300-foot climb that will bring you to the waterfall. Good hiking shoes are a must. Don’t forget the fresh water for you and your canine companions!

For more information on this and other pet-friendly outings, pick up a copy of, “Doin’ California With Your Pooch!” by Eileen Barish.

Mobile Pet Grooming has arrived! BJ ZOOMs right to

your driveway in Clayton, Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill or Martinez z Specializing in Cats and Older Pets

Concord: 5288 Clayton Rd. 925.825.9530 also in:

Pleasant Hill: 228 Hookston Road * 925.906.0130 Novato: 7546 Redwood Blvd. * 415.892.1030

Mon. - Fri: 8am-6:30pm Sat. and Sun. 9am-5pm

z Convenient curbside service in a new state-of-the-art van (Fully contained) z Full grooming from head to toe

26 6 5 0 55 (925) Owner Bonnie Jawad

Page 14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

January 28, 2005

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., JAN. 17 FOR THE JAN. 28 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING Art at the YMCA @ Clayton Community Gym Art program starts at the YMCA - sculpture, painting, drawing for beginners, advanced drawing.and Children's books, writing illustrating and publishing. For information contact instructor Seth Ahonen at 889-1612 or 889-1600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. ONGOING After School Programs @ Clayton Community Gym 3-6 p.m., After school program for Diablo View Middle students. Homework help, sports and art activities. Fun, safe environment. Call Liz Travers for information at 889-1600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. Ongoing - May 25, 2005 "The Bee's Knees", The Best of the 1920s @ Clayton Historical Society Museum Special exhibit featurs the best of the 1920s including film, entertainment, fads, fashion, photos, art, literature, music, inventions, sports, and world events of the 1920s. The Clayton Museum also features special kitchen and quilt exhibits, a mining exhibit, outhouse and Clayton's early 1900s jail. Free. Sundays & Wednesdays 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, and by Appointment.Phone-(925) 672-0240/www.claytonhs.com. Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6101 Main Street, Clayton. ONGOING - MAR . 6 Square Dance Classes with Contra Costa Square Dance Workshop 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Learn modern square dancing in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. No partner needed, low impact exercise. For more information call Dick at 229-2192, Barbara at 689-2369 or e-mail hiltonaud@aol.com. Pacheco Community Center, 5800 Pacheco Blvd. (North of Sun Valley Mall). JAN. 28 - FEB. 20 Smokey Joe’s Cafe @ Diablo Valley College

The workshops will be hosted by Joyce Joyner Howell, College Funding Expert and Financial Educator. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Reserve your free seat today by calling (925) 933-8100. FEB. 24 Small Business Workshop @ Concord Library 7 p.m. Workshop presented on Maximizing the Usefulness of Your Financial Statements. Experts from Clear Path Business Partners, Bay Area consultants will speak to utilizing your financial statements to make better business decisions. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, 646-5456.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS ONGOING - JAN. Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest Say No to Drugs contest is underway. “Drug Awareness & Abuse”and “Alcohol Awareness & Abuse” categories. Ages 8-11 and 12-14. Entries will be judged by school, local council, district State and International competition. Posters must be original, 11 x 17, color or black or white. Contact Claire Tryon, Youth Director, at 673-8564 for entry sheet, rules and more details or e-mail grey_eototo@man.com FEB. 2 Self Help for the Hard of Hearing (SHHH) Meeting @ Walnut Creek Methodist Church 7:30 p.m. Diablo Valley Chapter of SHHH meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month except July and August. Meetings held at the Walnut Creek Methodist Church, education building, Wesley room, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek. The building is in rear parking lot. FEB. 3, 10, 17, 24 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker.www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. FEB. 3, 10, 17, 24 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m., 5 & 6:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. 800/326-8450 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord.

Directed by Joe Barnett, this sleek and sassy, cool and brassy musical captures the heart and soul of the golden years of Rock & Roll. Songs include Kansas City, Fools Fall in Love, Poison Ivy, On Broadway, Yackety Yak, Stand By Me and many more! Call the box office for tickets 687-4445. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. JAN. 29 - ONGOING YMCA Youth and Adult Sports Programs @ Clayton Community Gym Youth and adult leagues for winter/spring include baskeyball, floor hockey, soccer, and volleyball. For information on all YMCA programs call 889-1600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. FEB. 13 Annual Camellia Tea @ Clayton Historical Society 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. The annual camellia tea honors the descendants of Clayton’s pioneering families. Rare and unusual camellias are displayed. Admission is free, donations are welcome. Children welcome when accompanied by an adult. 672-0240, Clayton Historical Society, 6101 Main Street, Clayton. FEB. 15 College Financial Planning Workshop @ Civic Arts Education, Shadelands, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek FEB. 17 @ Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 7:00 p.m. A free workshop for the parents of college bound students currently in their Sophomore or Junior year. The focus will be on on little-known ways of getting money for college, no matter how much income you make, or how good a student you have.

FEB. 7 Friends of Mount Diablo Creek Meeting @ Farm Bureau Conference Room 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Friends are designing an educational creek access/native plant area and in-school program at the Clayton Library. Come sign up for exciting volunteer opportunities and become a part of this great community project. Also, learn about the water quality of Mount Diablo Creek, including a 5-week analysis, to determine the presence or absence of coliform bacteria, E. coli and Enterococcus. CCC Farm Bureau, 5554 Concord. FEB. 8 Diablo Valley Lioness Diablo Valley Lioness meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Help plan community fundraising events. For more information and future meeting locations call Lisa King, President at 330-1260. FEB. 9 Clayton Garden Club Meeting @ Diamond Terrace 7 p.m. The Clayton garden club meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Diamond Terrace. February’s speaker will discuss soil and fertilizer. Refreshments will be served. No reservations required. Diamond Terrace Retirement Community, 6401 Center Street, Clayton. FEB. 10 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Mountain View Elementary 6:30 p.m. The club is open to youth ages 5-19 and adults. Various projects, conferences, 4-H camp, leadership, citizenship and community service opportunities. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month, September to June. Call Candy Hogan, Community Leader, at 969-1325. Mountain View Elementary, 1705 Thornwood Drive, Concord.

FEB. 24 CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association) Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, Oakhurst Country Club, last non-holiday Thursday of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. Ed Hartley, President.

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT FEB. 1, 8, 15, 22 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. FEB. 1, 15 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm's Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. FEB. 8, 22 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 6737304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. FEB. 10 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. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 6737304, Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton.

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION FEB. 3 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Clayton Valley High School 7 - 8:30 p.m. The Clayton Valley High School Parent Faculty Club holds general meetings the 1st Thursday of the month in the school library. Parents are invited to stay informed about your children's education. If you are interested your student's school they will be too! Please join us and ask questions! Contact PFC President, Melinda Moore at 672-0930. melindammoore@yahoo.com FEB. 5 Clayton Valley Athletic Boosters Crab Feed & Auction @ Clayton Valley High School 6 p.m. Dinner includes crab, salad, pasta, bread, dessert and soft drinks. Cost is $35. adults and $20 students. Dinner held in Clayton Valley High School large gym. Proceeds support athletic programs at Clayton Valley High School.Call 682-7474 and ask for Dee Turrin or email cvhscrabfeed@cs.com. FEB. 5 Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s 14th Annual Parenting Conference @ Concord High School 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 70 practical presentations on a range of topics. Low cost child care available (space is limited), light breakfast and full lunch included. $18 pre-registration fee before Feb. 1. Walk-in registration fee $25. For more information call Mt. Diablo Adult Education at 925-685-7340, #2772, or online at www.mdusd.k12.ca.us, click on Adult Education, and follow the links. FEB. 15 Parent Faculty Club (PFC) Meeting, @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7 p.m. Please join us and help make a difference! Child care is provided for this event. If you would like to have a specific item included on the agenda, please contact Rosy Straka at rosystraka@yahoo.com or 672-3200. 7304. Mt. Diablo Elementary. FEB.18TH Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 9-10:30a.m. in the Community Room of the Gym. Please contact PFC President Carolyn Hartnell at 672-4146 or crhartnell@earthlink.net if you want an item on the agenda.

The Community Calendar is sponsored by

T H E VA N F L E E T- B R O N S O N T E A M Personal Service Makes The Difference

1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Suite D, Clayton 94517; Phone (925) 672-4333 www.CallTheVanFleetTeam We are proud to support the Children's Miracle Network, an alliance of premier hospitals in North America. The Children's Miracle Network treats over 17 million children each year for cancer, pediatric AIDS, muscular dystrophy, heart disease, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, asthma and accident trauma.

IN SUPPORT OF THIS COMPASSIONATE CAUSE, THE VAN FLEET-BRONSON TEAM WILL MAKE A DONATION on behalf of our client for EVERY TRANSACTION CLOSED BY OUR OFFICE.

January 28, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Church News CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Worship is Sundays 9a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at Diablo View Middle School. Children’s programs at both gatherings, Jr. and Sr. High meet at 10:45. Call 673-9060 for more information. Join us for a study called “Living out the Lord’s Prayer,” Weds. 9:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Childcare is provided. Feb 12 is the Princess ball, for girls of all ages and their chaperones, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Admission is $15 and includes a corsage for the girls. Come for a fun evening of dancing and refreshments. Held at Crossroads Covenant Church. To purchase tickets contact

A welcoming place and sacred space where thinking minds and caring hearts truly grow in faith

church office at 673-9060. CLAYTON VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Feb. 8 is Shrove or Fat Tuesday. Bring the kids, neighbors, friends and your favorite dessert to share at 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 8. We hope that sugar-free options also appear on the dessert table. Ricky the Clown will make balloon animals during dessert and amaze us with magic tricks during the talent show at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The talent show will feature a surprise appearance of the fabulous five, AKA the Church Staff. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church is located at 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, CA 94517; telephone: 925-672-4848/fax, 925672-4849; cvpres@sbcglobal.net. Services are at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Are you searching for a spiri-

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tual home? Concord United Methodist Church welcomes you in 2005! Join us and Pastor Rob Kirk at worship on Sun. mornings at 8, 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. Concord UMC is located at 1645 West Street (between Clayton Rd. and Concord Blvd.) For more information please visit our website at www.concordumc.org. or call (925)685-5260. ETERNAL LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH Eternal Life Lutheran Church, Concord, has small home group Bible Study on Wed. evenings. The next study will be held at Diamond Terrace, Clayton, on Wed. Feb. 2, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. All are invited. Lent begins Feb. 9. Midweek Lenten Services of Evening Prayer will be held on Wed. in Lent at 7 p.m. Soup suppers will precede the services, beginning each Wed. at 6 p.m. All are invited. Eternal Life Lutheran Church meets at the County Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. The regular

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weekly schedule of worship and study is: Sundays: Sun. school and Bible class, 9:45 a.m., Worship 11 a.m.; Wednesdays: home group study at 7 p.m.

weekend retreat where attendees check their hat at the door and enjoy brothers in Christ for two days in prayer, contemplation, reflection and friendship. Men of all ages come from Northern California to San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville beginning Friday night and culminating after Sunday morning mass. This year’s retreat brings Father Mark Weisner back to San Damiano Retreat Center as Retreat Master with the subject, “This is my beloved Son” Luke 9:35. If you feel enticed please feel free to send any questions to Rich Gierak at 925-673-0504 or Richard.Gierak@StBonaventure.net.

HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH Adult Sun. morning Bible classes include Study of Isaiah, Study of 1 Corinthians and its application to the life of the Church today. Midweek Bible studies: Mondays 12:30 p.m. women’s Bible study, Wednesday’s 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Youth group meets every second and fourth Sun. from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Choir rehearsal is Tues. evenings from 7:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC CHURCH February 18-20, 2005 is the 8th Annual Retreat sponsored by St Bonaventure Men’s Spiritual Network. A ministry of St. Bonaventure Parish Community in Concord, the St Bonaventure Men’s Spiritual Network puts on a men’s

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.

No child is too young for therapy Our agency addresses the developmental and emotional needs of young children, ages birth through six. Our homebased developmental services provide infant stimulation, speech and occupational therapy to children birth through three. What can be done for a child who may be just a few months old, you ask? Well, to put it bluntly, lots. Speech therapy and occupational therapy with very young children do not, contrary to what is implied in the names, work on speech or occupational skills. The vast majority of our work is done during play…the child gets therapy and has fun at the same time! With little ones at this age, we involve their parents, caregivers, family members or daycare providers in our play with the child. We work within the play, daily routines and familiar activities of each family so that therapy can occur naturally and is easily incorporated into each day. We turn playtime, exploration, diapering, snack time and reading into the perfect opportunities for therapy. Many of our clients have been diagnosed early on with a condition that often typically results in developmental delays, such as Down Syndrome,

JENNY ROSENQUIST TOTS TO TEENS Cerebral Palsy or Hydrocephalus. These conditions benefit from early intervention because of the types of developmental difficulties that often emerge as the child grows.

We work with our families to provide education and resources on developmental milestones. In the context of play or a simple daily routine, we demonstrate for the family different ways of interacting with, speaking to, playing with, moving and handling their children to foster the development of their skills. We demonstrate how to modify activities and structure environments to maximize each child’s success, and provide developmental education and resources so that families and caregivers are empowered to work with their children. For young children with

developmental delays, there really is no “too young for therapy.” We recognize the value of the family and how instrumental family members are to the development of their child. Given an environment of family-based, play-based therapy, children develop skills and families gain tools that will maximize their child’s potential for ongoing development and later academic and social success. All in a day’s work… Jenny Rosenquist, MA, CCC-SLP, is Director of Therapy Services at We Care Services for Children. Contact her at (925) 671-0777 x20 or send email to jrosenquist@wecarebmcc.org

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Concord United Methodist Church is participating in a “40 Days of Purpose Campaign” January 29 to March 13. This spiritual growth Campaign is designed to answer life's most important question: "What on earth am I here for?" The events of the Campaign will give us opportunities to commit to habits of spiritual growth, serve in a ministry in our church and learn to live a lifestyle of worship to the glory of God.

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Call the Pioneer at 925-672-0500

Why advertise in the Pioneer? Here’s one reason: “Often, I hear my customers say they saw our ad in the Pioneer. I know it’s because of your circulation, quality and editorial content that keeps their eyes reading, and we benefit. Our association with your paper couldn’t be better.”

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Page 16

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

January 28, 2005

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Instant Imprints Upcoming Events LIBRARY makes an impression CELEBRATION JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

When you step inside Instant Imprints on Treat Blvd in Concord, you are instantly aware that this is the place where all of your embroidery and screen printing needs are

Jeff ’s previous experience in customer service and his passion for athletics serve him well in this new venture. Jeff was past president and board member of the Clayton Valley Little League and he’s involved with CYO basketball. It’s not surprising that he enjoyed

The Clayton Community Library is planning a two-day celebration in honor of its tenth birthday. The hard work of Jeanne Boyd and Joyce Atkinson, along with many other dedicated volunteers from the Clayton AAUW made a dream come true – our own Clayton library. The celebration begins Friday, Mar. 4, at 8 p.m. at the library with the melodrama, “Murder At The Library” by Danville author, Penny Warner. The play will feature local talent including Anne Cain, Gregg Manning, Laura Hoffmeister, Jill Bedecarre, Police Chief Pete Peterson, and other local celebrities.

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JEFF WILLIS, owner of Instant Imprints in Concord.

met. You’ll be greeted by owner Jeff Willis who loves the business and the interaction with his customers. Jeff opened Instant Imprints last June after more than 20 years in the corporate world. “I always wanted to own my own business,” says Jeff. He did some research and liked what the Instant Imprints franchise had to offer. He was immediately impressed with the quality and variety of the products. Jeff takes pride in the fact that everything is done on site at his store in Concord, which allows for quality control. “We are part of the process from start to finish,” he says. From embroidery and screen printing to the creation of banners and promotional items, Jeff and his expert staff work hard to give the customer exactly what they want. The newest addition to Instant Imprint’s product line is sublimation, which takes any digital or scanned image and transfers it onto a coated surface i.e.: glassware, ceramic tile and plastic products. His store is the only retail venue in the area that offers this service. With the sublimation process, you can create custom clipboards, frames, mouse pads, gift boxes and coasters. Instant Imprints also features name brand apparel like Russell, Outerbanks, and Wrangler.

working with the National Women’s Basketball League to produce banners and coaches’ apparel. When you want quality imprinting, an enthusiastic staff and excellent customer service, Jeff Willis and his new business Instant Imprints is there to serve you. Instant Imprints is located at 4480 Treat Blvd. in Concord. Call Jeff Willis at 925-825-9815.

venting from bathrooms, air conditioners, dries and other sources of moisture should be made. Never vent your drier into the sub-floor area. Never vent your bathroom into the attic. Leaky plumbing and leaky drain spouts should always be repaired as soon as possible. Crawl spaces should be vented. Some builders don’t like the look of vents at the front of a house, but they are necessary for optimal flow-through ventilation. If your crawl space soil has chronic wet conditions, a vapor-barrier put down over the soil will help to keep the moisture from being wicked up by the insulation and framing

of Asher Witherow. For the children, there will be a story time along with crafts, a puppet show, and other fun events. All events on Saturday are free and everyone

Directing the play is Sandy Patel, a library volunteer as well as an amateur actor in a number of Lesher Theater productions. If you’re lucky enough to secure one of the 150 tickets, you’ll be treated to the play and also elegant desserts, two glasses of champagne and coffee or punch. The tickets will go on sale at the reference desk of the library beginning Feb.1 for $15 per person. Better hurry because these tickets are bound to sell fast! Mar. 5 brings an afternoon of celebration at the library starting at 1 p.m. with a presentation by Contra Costa author Mark Cunningham discussing his latest book, The Green Age

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above. About 20 percent of the soil does need to be left uncovered to aid in drainage. In some severe cases, we have actually installed exhaust fans in a home’s sub-floor area. So resolve to keep your home healthy in 2005. It was determined that many of the structures that collapsed during the Loma Prieta earthquake had structural wood members that were affected by fungus, termites or beetles. Vigilance on your part and semi-annual check-ups by a licensed pest control inspector will help your home stay healthy and survive well into the future.

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Page 17

Carefully prune roses now for stunning spring show Most people that enjoy their roses blooming spring through

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dormant, you take a couple of days to prune them back. The general idea behind pruning roses is to thin them out to allow sun and air circulation, remove one third to one

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half of last year’s growth, nourish the roots and condition the soil. Roses can be fabulous if catered to just a little. Check your supplies before running outside. Make sure that you own a sharp pair of by-pass pruners, the ones that have the curved top blade. This tool is less likely to bend any of the canes while cutting. Long Handled Loppers give the gardener more leverage to cut back thicker stems. The Pruning Saw is great for large, old canes and dead wood It uses friction rather than strength to make the cut. Buy a new pair of garden gloves. There are some elbow length gloves available or use the standard styles and wear a long sleeve shirt for protection. Pruning is not fun if you are bleeding. The rose needs to be evaluated at the time of pruning. First remove all dead or dam-

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aged canes and any shriveled or diseased branches. This will allow you to see more of the plant’s needs. Then remove the suckers. Prune out any canes that form before the bud union. The bud union is the swollen area on the lower trunk. Cut these stems back as close as possible to the stem. Roses are producing plants that need a strong, healthy base to grow from. By removing the obvious, we can better see what care needs to be done. Hybrid Tea roses are the typical cutting rose found in today’s yard and garden. They are the most popular class of rose. Flowers are large and shapely, often producing one bloom per stem. Plants can reach 5’ tall. When pruning we must select three to six strong canes evenly spaced around the plant. Leaving the center open for air circulation. Remove all overlapping interi-

sizes are smaller then the Hybrid Tea. This variety of rose is often used as an informal hedge or container plant. To prune this style rose, retain six to10 canes. Cut to the outward facing bud. Open the plant to allow more sun, therefore more flower clusters. For Tree Roses, you should always remove any growth from below the upper bud union. This would be the rose trunk. The principles of pruning are the same for the tree as with the bushes. Mr. Lincoln is sold as a Hybrid Tea Bush and a Rose Tree. After the annual pruning, both bush and tree roses should look the same. Often roses have identifying tags wired to the plants bud union, telling the name of the rose and it’s class. Shrub and ground cover roses need only a light prune this time of year. Prune young plants only to shape. Mature

rust and black spot found on your mid spring foliage. Once your pruning is finished, consider a heavy feeding to jumpstart a healthy growth. A great recipe for your roses’ February feeding is; 1/2 cup 16-16-16 per rose for nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium 1/2 cup Bone Meal 1/2 cup Iron Plus for dark green foliage

Cut too high

Cut too low

Correct cut

or stems. Textbook is to have the canes 18-24 inches from the ground, cut down to the outward facing bud, with no lateral stems. If your plant is 5’ tall this year, and has not been pruned in years, consider a medium prune this year and a hard prune next year. That would be easier on the plant. Floribunda roses are part Hybrid Tea and Polyantha. They produce quantities of flowers in clusters on vigorous bushy plants. Plant and flower

plants need only twiggy growth and very old canes removed, then cut to shape. Climbing roses should have their flowering laterals shorten three to six inches or three to four buds. Cut rose canes back one third and remove any gray, rough stems, and suckers. After you are finished pruning clean up your mess. Roses are susceptible to many kind of disease and fungus. Disposing of all your trimming and pruning debris will help eliminate

2 Tbls. Epson Salts to enhance color of bloom 1/4 cup Alfalfa Meal to encourage basil bud growth, this will help replace aging, less productive rose canes. This feeding should be repeated in August. For those gardeners caring for container grown roses cut the recipe in half and add an additional feeding in May. Top-dress all newly pruned and nourished roses with a layer of a high nitrogen soil conditioner. Paydirt is a natural condition with 60 per cent chicken manure, along with earthworm castings, bat guano, and several beneficial bacteria. Apply a 2” layer and water in. Clayton roses are going to look stunning this year. Cut back faded blooms and keep your eyes open for pests. Write future feeding on your calendar and love your garden.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

January 28, 2005

The cake is king on Fat Tuesday

THOUGHT

Orleans is really all about food. At least that was my impression on my first visit there recently. After a haj to Café du Monde for warm beignets and chicory coffee, it was on to imbibing a Hurricane at Pat O’Briens while savoring some shrimp remoulade at Antoine’s. Searching for the ultimate jambalaya, gumbo and etouffée was the next challenge. Fortunately, there was some history amongst the calories, although most of it pertained to Mardi Gras, which is yet another excuse to indulge in fine food and drink. The term “Mardi Gras” is French for Fat Tuesday — the day before Ash Wednesday, when the Lenten season of fasting and sacrifice begins for Christians. Actually, Mobile, Ala., claims title to originating Mardi Gras more than 200 years ago, but New Orleans has clearly surpassed it in sheer scope and grandeur. This year Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 5. The keynote parade and Mardi Gras balls are

Sprinkle yeast and 2 tsp sugar over warm water in bowl. Let proof for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 3½ c flour, remaining sugar, spices and salt in separate bowl. In mixer or food processor, combine milk, eggs and yolks and yeast mixture.

A king cake resembles more of a rich, sweet brioche than a cake. After baking, it is frosted and sprinkled with colored sugar representing traditional Mardi Gras colors — yellow (power), green (faith) and purple (justice). Some cakes have a rich filling,

Gradually add dry ingredients and softened butter. Add flour if needed to develop a mediumsoft ball of dough. Knead dough, added flour if necessary, until smooth, shiny and elastic (about 10 minutes). Let dough rise in covered,

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What Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without enjoying a Hurricane at Pat O’Briens? They market their own drink mixes, but this is the recipe that most closely resembles it: HURRICANE ¾ oz limon rum 1 oz. light rum pineapple juice orange juice grenadine sweet and sour mix ¼ oz 151 rum

MARDI GRAS KING CAKE

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Fill a tall glass with ice; add the limon and light rum, equal parts orange and pineapple juice and sweet and sour mix. Add 1 Tbsp grenadine and float the 151 rum on top. Serve immediately (and don’t drive for a very long time).

Jim Hudak Pianist and Composer For bookings and performances:

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Linda Wyner is an attorney in Walnut Creek by day, and an accomplished chef and “foodie” by choice. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com

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KING CAKE (makes 2 cakes) ½ c warm water 1 Tbsp yeast ½ c sugar 3½ - 4 c flour 2 tsp salt 2 tsp lemon zest 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg ½ c warm milk 2 eggs 2 egg yolks ½ c butter, softened Plastic or metal toy baby

oiled bowl in a warm, draft-free place until doubled, about 1½ to 2 hours. When dough has risen, punch down and twist it into a 3inch wide cylinder. Form it into a circle, pinching the ends together. Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place circle of dough on buttered baking sheet and glaze with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 Tbsp milk). Bake for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack, then hide the baby in the cake (warn your guests!!!). For the icing, combine 3 c powdered sugar, juice of one lemon and enough water (3-6 Tbsp) to achieve spreading consistency. Ice the cake and immediately sprinkle colored (yellow, green and purple) sugar in alternating rows over the icing.

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sponsored by private clubs, called krewes. The parade is far from a sedate affair — the spectators stampede the floats to catch the “throws,” such as strings of beads, doubloons, trinkets and even Moon Pies. Costumes and masks are part of the long-time tradition, and most outfits are designed to poke fun at public figures and current events. Without a doubt, the king cake symbolizes Mardi Gras. The tradition developed in the Middle Ages to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany on Twelfth Night when the Magi came to Bethlehem. As the tradition evolved, miniature dolls representing the Christ child were inserted in the cake, but coins, peas, nuts or beans were also used. In France, the person who finds the trinket is expected to make a donation to a worthy cause. Elsewhere, the finder becomes the King or Queen for the day, or is required to supply the king cake at the next party.

Wandering the narrow streets of the French Quarter, taking the trolley to the Garden District or exploring the Warehouse District undergoing a renaissance, you’d think that New

Page 18

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 19

Hike of the Week

Bear Valley Resort To find a winter with this much snowfall, you would have to travel back to the year 1916. So what better way to enjoy Mother Nature, than to hit the trails, the ski trails that is! So I loaded up the car with enough jackets, gloves, skis, poles, boots, dogs, iPods, altimeters and other gear to make most folks think I was having a yard sale. But for an outdoor enthusiast, you can never have enough gear (a statement with

which my wife might disagree). Having spent most of my life skiing in the Lake Tahoe Area, the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend brought to mind the words "heavy traffic" and "long lift lines". With a snow pack this deep in the Sierra Nevadas, staying home was not an option so we opted for the lesser known Bear Valley Mountain Resort. We had high hopes Bear Valley would deliver more recreation

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with less crowds and at the same time save us a few bucks. I am happy to report that our mission was accomplished with a few surprises that I was unaware Bear Valley even had the ability to offer. Located in the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains, Bear Valley is about a 3 hour drive from Clayton. If you are looking for high-speed quad chairlifts, multiple lodges, high ticket prices and long lift lines, then you might want to head for Lake Tahoe. However, if you want a family run ski resort in a partnership with the Stanislaus National Forest, a bit of history and some serious soul, then Bear Valley is your mountain. Bear Valley boasts 10 chairlifts, a handful of terrain parks and 67 trails spread over 1,280 acres of skiable terrain. Most ski resorts are charging up to $70 for an all day adult lift ticket, while Bear Valley is just $38 on weekdays and $45 on weekends. Visit REI to purchase a lift ticket and you can ride Bear Valley for $39 on the weekend too. We skied all day Saturday and Sunday with minimal lift lines even for a holiday weekend. Throw in high mountain fresh air, a funky lodge, a few burgers and beers, and some mid-afternoon sunshine on the deck, and you have the makings of a first class ski resort. The terrain, much to my surprise, was very challenging with enough bumps, jumps, steeps, rocks, trees and groomers to keep any snow rider hooting and hollering all day long. My favorite run was "Anticipation"

photo by Kevin Parker

View of the Central Sierra Nevadas from chairlift

to "Parasite Pitch" down in Grizzly Bowl which kept my heart pumping and legs burning. For those of you looking for a little "off-piste" riding, let me recommend the "Lunch

KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN Run/Home Run" trail from the summit of the ski resort to Bear Valley Village, which is located a few miles away. This run is a perfect taste of backcountry skiing in a patrolled

area with no lift access once you reach the bottom. The views were stunning, the snow was deep and untracked (even a week after the last storm) and the shuttle bus was packed with people laughing and smiling the whole ride back to the resort. Ski resorts not your bag? That's no problem because Bear Valley also offers other winter activities including snow-shoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobile rentals and even snow tubing. Some winter events scheduled at Bear Valley this season include: Budweiser Country Snowfest, Land Rover San Jose's Jazz & Wine, Reggae on the Mountain Microbrew Festival, and Rossignol's Jib Jam & Pond Skimming. So if your equation for winter recreation has something to do with light and fluffy frozen water and ear to ear smiles, hit the mountains! For ski and lodging pack-

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4007 Hummingbird Way Clayton $780,000

We sold our home on 522 Mt. Davidson Court in Clayton and saved over $32,100 in real estate fees! We are very happy with Help-U-Sell and would use them again! Our agent was very professional and thorough in handling the sale of our home! A. Medrano

We sold our home on 1816 Yolanda Circle in Clayton in 4 days using Help-U-Sell & saved over $27,600 in real estate commissions. This was by far the best real estate experience we have ever had! We are so happy with the results that we recommended Help-U-Sell to all our neighbors. J. Mann

Sell Fast! Save Money

d $38,150 aved Sold! Selllerr S

30 Fleming Ct.

Clayton

$785,000

d $32,150! aved Sold! Selllerr S

522 Mt. Davidson Court

Clayton

$685,000

450 d $32,4 aved Sold! Selllerr S

25 Atchinson Stage Rd.

Clayton

$699,000

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

Clayton

4 bedrooms, plus den, 2.5 baths, approx 2368 sq.ft. hardwood flrs, marble entry, gorgeous kitchen w/granite tile counters & gas stove & large master suite w/walkin closet & marble bathroom. Spectacular tropical backyard with pool/spa & waterfall, extended BBQ island w/slate counter, sink, eating area and tile patio. This home is an absolute must see to believe! An entertainers Dream!

4 Large bedrooms, 2 updated baths, approx 2325 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room w/vaulted ceilings, family room w/wet bar, hardwood floor entry, updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters & central heat/air. Spacious master suite, tile roof, new exterior paint & meticulously maintained yards!

Awake to Views of Mt. Diablo! 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Approx 2,549 sq. ft., Custom additions w/permits, new roof, pergo flrs, spacious family room w/brick fireplace & formal living & dining room w/bay windows, 3 sets of French doors, private landscaped backyard w/deck & RV parking too! Light & bright throughout!

d $27,950 aved Sold! Selllerr S

770 d $27,7 aved Sold! Selllerr S

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

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

5830 Del Trigo Lane

Clayton

$565,000

5418 Paso Del Rio Ct.

Concord

$612,000

182 Mt. Wilson Way

Clayton

$751,000

19 Long Creek Circle

Clayton

$350,000

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, approx 1,659 sq.ft. Large .26 acre lot! Original hardwood flrs throughout, formal living rm w/fireplace, light & bright family rm & eat-in kitchen w/double oven. Central heat, vaulted ceilings, shutters/blinds throughout & large backyard with sparkling pool

4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 2135 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room, large family room w/brick fireplace, wilsonart hardwood flrs, ceiling fan, wet bar & Anderson slider! Updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters, oak cabinets, built in microwave/convection oven, dishwasher, garden window & built in desk. Tile entry, central heat/air, gorgeous landscaped backyard w/redwood deck.

5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, approx 2,692 sq.ft. Lovely kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, gas stove, tile counters and garden window! Gas fireplace in family room, oak hardwoood flr in entry, kitchen & eating area, wet bar & large laundry room with storage. Master Bedroom features views & private deck, lovely backyard with spa & gorgeous views!

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

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

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

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

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

5839 Verna Way East

Clayton

$555,000

4 Bedrooms, 2 Updated Baths, approx 1,680 sq.ft. Huge .31 Lot with RV parking! Spacious family room w/brick wood burning fireplace & French doors off Dining room, new carpet, fresh paint in/out & tile entry. Some hardwood floors, spacious master suite, new heat/air & new roof/gutters.

1221 Buckeye Terrace

Clayton

$495,000

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

1816 Yolanda Circle

Clayton

$610,000

3 Large Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,780 sq.ft. Gorgeous home inside & out! Spacious family room w/woodburning fireplace, dining room w/wood floors, new heat/air & new roof. Master Bedroom with French doors to private Trex patio deck, fruit trees & generous side & backyard with RV parking. Great Clayton Neighborhood!

102 Forest Hill Drive

Clayton

5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, maple cabinets & island. Formal living w. fireplace & dining room, spacious family room w/fireplace. Open & bright throughout, inside laundry, 3 car garage, landscaped yards & Large master suite w/jacuzzi tub!

You Could Save $27,050! By selling your home with Help-U-Sell instead of with brokers who charge a 6% commission* (the savings are based on a home selling for $600,000).You can select from many fine real estate professionals.Why not choose one that will also save you money when you sell? *Commissions are negotiable and not set by law.

You’re Paying How Much To Sell Your Home?

LOW FEES HAPPY CUSTOMERS!

Visit our new office at 4918 Clayton Road

Page 20

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

“W

hen you live in a place as exciting and beautiful as the Clayton Valley area, it’s hard not to be excited for each new day,” Lynne French says. “From the energy of the city to the natural setting of the country, there’s always something to keep me on the go.” Lynne brings this positive energy and love for the Clayton Valley to her long-running career as a real estate professional.

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

January 28, 2005

Always focused on your needs throughout your home purchase or sale, she does whatever it takes to help you make the most of your opportunities. With Lynne and her team as your guides, you can Discover the Possibilities in Clayton Valley real estate. Her intimate knowledge of the area and dedication to your goals ensure your success when buying or selling a home. Give her a call today!

6200-E Center St. 1801 N. California Blvd.

Clayton, CA 94517 Walnut Creek, CA 94596

GEORGE VUJNOVICH,

Broker

(925) 672-4433

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

georgevujnovich.com REGENCY MEADOWS

KINGS RIDGE ESTATES, CONCORD

Sensational & Rare Single S t o r y "Bainbridge" model! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 3,030 sf, inside laundry & 3 garage. Upgraded tile floors, crown moulding, designer paint & wall treatments. Open flowing floor plan. Enormous formal living room with fireplace. Separate elegant formal dining room featuring coffered ceiling, crown moulding & chair rail. Spacious family room features dramatic granite tile fireplace with custom hand carved mantle. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters & center island plus a built-in recipe desk. Large & luxurious master suite with huge walk-in closet, tile stall shower & oversized tub. Large (approx. .45acre) lot with professional landscape featuring trellis covered patio, sprawling lawn & a variety of flowers & ornamentals. Nestled in a private quiet court! $1,095,000

Mediteranean Beauty! on a quiet court with Mt. Diablo views! 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2,857sf, 3 car garage & inside l a u n d r y . Downstairs bedroom/ den with closet. Living room with upgraded marble tile fireplace. Formal dining room with Mt. Diablo views. Huge family room with upgraded brick fireplace with raised hearth, built-in wood storage & walk-around full bar. Large eat-in kitchen features tile counters & island, sunny atrium style kitchen window, big pantry & new flooring. Spacious master suite with romantic fireplace & filtered Mt. Diablo views. Large level lot with sparkling in-ground pool with waterfall feature, Mt. Diablo views, extended aggregate patio wraps around pool, large lawn & play area, a variety of flowers & ornamentals, gated side yard/dog run.

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

EAGLE PEAK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

WINDMILL CANYON/IRONWOOD AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

Coming Soon! Decorator Showplace "Lassen" model! on a prime view lot overlooking hills, city & valley below. Upgraded to perfection featuring 13" tile floors, custom & designer window coverings & paint. Upgraded light fixtures. Dramatic separate formal dining room features soaring ceiling, plantation shutters, custom window coverings & tile floor. Large family room with granite dry bar, upgraded brick fireplace with raised hearth & views of rolling hills/open space. Gourmet kitchen boasts commercial grade stainless steel "Thermador" 48-inch gas range with 6-burners & grill, Custom "Vent-a-hood", Solid slab bull-nosed granite counters & island, full tumbled marble backsplash, cherry-wood cabinets, large pantry & eating area with upgraded light fixture. Luxurious master suite offers a romantic two-way tile fireplace, sitting area with sweeping views of hills, valley & city. Master bath boasts a relaxing jetted tub, large separate stall shower & huge walk-in closet. Private level view lot overlooks spectacular view of oak dotted hills, valley & city below. Gorgeous in-ground "Pebble Tech" swimming pool with waterfall features. Professionally landscaped with aggregate patio & with meandering aggregate stepping path, lawn area & an assortment of tropical plantings.

Fantastic G Single Story DIN N “Augusta" E P model! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1,816sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Upgraded 13" tile floors in entry-kitchen & family room. Recent designer paint throughout! Beautifully upgraded gourmet kitchen features slab granite counters & island, oak cabinets & spacious pantry. Family room offers a cozy fireplace with upgraded tile, custom built-in entertainment center & wired for surround sound. Large master suite with recently upgraded master bathroom featuring designer tile stall shower, oversized soaking tub with tile surround/backsplash & tile floor. Level lot with patio, lawn area, roses & new hardscape in side yard. $649,000

COMING SOON

$795,000

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