JUL 27 Clayton Pioneer 2007 by Pioneer Publishers

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

925.672.0500

Clayton teens sing for Olympic crowd BILL WALCUTT

MAYOR’S CORNER

We knew it first: Our town is great It is now official. Clayton is one of the best places in the United States to live. Money magazine ranked Clayton as the 57th best place to live in their top 100 survey. This year, they focused on cities with populations from 7,500 to 50,000. Nationwide, 2,876 cities were reviewed based on a combination of economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community. There were only nine cities in California to make it on this distinguished list. Three cheers for Clayton. Even though intuitively we already knew Clayton is a great place to live, it is still nice to be recognized by such a prestigious organization. Our best-kept secret is now very public. One of the things that makes our little town so great is that we have not stretched our infrastructure beyond its capacity, because we do not have a lot of high-density housing. What’s ironic is that Sacramento is working very hard to change this by putting more pressure on cities to increase their housing density by taking away more local land use control. Every five years, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) determines how many new housing units the state will need to accommodate projected population growth. Then, this number is broken down by region and assigned to a regional planning agency for allocation to each city. For Clayton, the Association

See Mayor, page A10

Photos courtesy of the DeFazio family

Contra Costa Community Chorus warms up during a sound check for their performance at the Olympic Cultural Festival Opening Ceremony for the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing. The performance was an unexpected honor during their recent tour of China. JUSTIN BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Only internationally revered athletes and groups participate in such prodigious events as the Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies, yet the quaint city of Clayton produced three members of the Contra Costa Children’s Chorus who are now part of this select group. They boldly and proudly sang with 24 of their choral colleagues in the Olympic Cultural Festival opening ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Few will forget Muhammad Ali lighting the cauldron at the ’96 Atlanta games or the 202 nations entering Athens

SECTION A Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .A2 Old Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 Classified Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . .A5 Directory of Advertisers . . . .A5 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A6 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . .A7 Senior Moments . . . . . . . . . .A7 CVHS Student Reporter . . . .A7 Look Good, Feel Good . . . . .A8 Travel Tales . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A9 Food for Thought . . . . . . . .A10 Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . .A11 At the Movies . . . . . . . . . . .A12 SECTION B Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . .B5 Tax Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B5 Theatre Review . . . . . . . . . . .B6 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . .B6 Paws and Claws . . . . . . . . . .B7 ARF Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B7 Community Calendar . . . . . .B8 Crossword Puzzle . . . . . . . . .B9

uled performances at music halls, schools and academies, and occasional spontaneous performances at monumental locations such as the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square. After a couple days touring Beijing, Lamana, the 20-year choral conductor, got a surprising call for the chorus to audition for the Olympic Cultural Festival opening ceremonies. “It was so unexpected. Everyone was so excited,” says Parin, 15, a junior at Clayton Valley High School. The group jumped on a bus to audition for the role, rehearsing songs in both English and

See Chorus, page A3

CLAYTON CHORUS MEMBERS, Parin Gallagher, Cassandra Cox and Zackary DeFazio took along a Pioneer when they visited the Terracotta warriors site near Xi'an, Shaanxi.

Clayton achieves national ranking on ‘Best Places’ list TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

What’s Inside

Olympic Stadium to celebrate the return of the Summer Olympics to Greece in 2004. Although not quite of that magnitude, the teen’s accomplishments are noteworthy. They represented our town and country with their voices and decorum and lit up China with a stunning performance. Contra Costa Children’s Choir conductor Iris Lamana, tour director Joan Lucchese and several chaperones led Clayton residents Zackary DeFazio, Parin Gallagher and Cassandra Cox when they embarked on their China tour June 18, unaware of what was in store for them. They were set to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an, with sched-

With its nearly perfect weather, two schools on the California Distinguished Schools list, a first class golf course, low crime rate, The Grove park nearing completion, Mt. Diablo in the backyard and the downtown enjoying unprecedented revitalization,

Clayton’s a great place to live. We Claytonians have always known that. Now, the rest of the country does as well. Clayton has ranked 57th in Money Magazine’s recent survey of the country’s 100 Best Places to Live. Clayton was the only Bay Area city listed. We ranked highest of the three Northern California cities listed, beating out Granite

City of Clayton

Clayton’s City Hall is in this restored winery. The building has a long and colorful history.

Bay at 74th and El Dorado Hills, 77th. Only nine California cities made the list at all. So, what does hitting the Best Places list mean for Clayton? “Expect to see increased home values,” says Realtor Mike Williams. Other than that, Clayton won’t change much. The city is already nearly 100 percent built out, says Mayor Bill Walcutt. There isn’t any room for more housing. In this year’s survey, Money was looking for smaller cities with good schools, affordability, low crime rate and plenty of activities. A high cost of living kept Clayton from ranking higher on the list. For more on the Money magazine survey, see Mayor Bill Walcutt’s column. Here is Clayton’s entry in the Money magazine survey of the Best Places to Live:

Population: 11,400 Median home price (2006): $729,765

Average property taxes (2006): $3,747 A hiker’s paradise, this Bay Area enclave sits adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park and boasts miles and miles of its own walking trails.

Many of those trails start in the tiny historic downtown, which is getting a facelift with The Grove, a community park scheduled to open in the fall. In fact, much of the town is under construction - but it’s something residents are excited to see.

Parolee charged in Mitchell Canyon burglary BEV BRITTON Clayton Pioneer

Sgt. Shelly Crain credits attentive neighbors and good record keeping with enabling the arrest of a Concord man for a home burglary on North Mitchell Canyon Road. On July 11, Jonathan Geyer, 30, was charged with burglary and attempted burglary, with prior criminal enhancements. Geyer was out on parole on a previous theft conviction. He is

currently in jail without bail. The charges are the result of a month-long investigation, which began after a neighbor discovered that David Skidmore’s home had been burglarized on June 5 while he was on vacation. “We spoke with several neighbors, and one was able to give us a suspicious vehicle description, a very good description, but without a license plate,”

See Burglary, page A8

Page A2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

Around Town Program perfect for tracking clues along the trails Clayton singer appears in ‘Our Town’ JUSTIN BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

The Clayton trail system has been busy this summer with modern-day treasure hunters, young detectives from Clayton and surrounding cities who are searching for clues to earn rewards from a treasure chest. On July 18, kids departed from the Clayton Community Library equipped with clues and a global positioning system (GPS) to chase “Henry the Horse” along five different trails. Clayton native Deborah Osteen launched Modern Day Treasure Hunters in April to “create opportunities for families and groups to be active in the outdoors and explore our neighborhood parks.” Teams enter a set of coordi-

Photo courtesy of John Pon

From left: Hannah Farley, Claire Farley and Shannon Farley.

nates into their GPS, and the GPS will direct the team to the clue. Once the team has collected all of the clues, they will be able to solve the puzzle. “Through teamwork and hands-on navigation, partici-

pants are physically active while learning valuable social skills and fun trivia,” says Osteen. Justin Norris and his younger brother Nicholas, who

See GPS, page A8

Plaque commemorates past police chiefs

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

This year is the 35th anniversary of the Clayton Police Department. To mark the occasion, Police Chief Dan Lawrence presented the City Council with a plaque naming all of the police chiefs and the years they served since the department’s inception in 1972. It took almost two years to gather the information from old personnel files and archived documents. Accepting the plaque from Chief Lawrence on behalf of the Council is Mayor Bill Walcutt at the July 17 Council meeting.

Mayor Walcutt receives the plaque commemorating all of Clayton’s police chiefs from Chief Dan Lawrence.

JUS

ST T LI

JUS

Kai Stephen Parker joined parents Kevin and Krista and 2 year old brother JT on July 13. Kai was born at home and weighed 8 lbs., 4 ozs. He was 20 inches tall. Kai will have some big boots to fill. Dad, Kevin, is the Pioneer’s Avid Outdoorsman. And now you know why you haven’t seen a hiking column for awhile.

JT Parker with newborn baby brother, Kai Stephen Parker.

Dozens of ‘Potters’ party at Clayton Books

See Kwock-Lau, page A8

Justin Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer

Jack Pollock, Andrew Cummings and Seth Cummings dressed as Harry Potter at the release party in Clayton Books.

JENNIFER KWOCK-LAU

At the stroke of midnight, July 21, Clayton and Concord residents were lined up outside Clayton Books to buy “Deathly Hallows,” the newest and final Harry Potter novel, but if you didn’t reserve a book far in advance, you would be going

ST T LI

JUS

home empty handed. The crowd began growing around eight for the Harry Potter Release Party with dozens of youngsters, accompanied by parents and

See Potter, page A8

ced

ST T LI

On the eve of the 70th anniversary of one of America’s enduring cultural icons – Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” – Festival Opera will mount one of the most exciting musical events of the year: the West Coast premiere of the first operatic version of Wilder’s classic play. Appearing in this production is Clayton singer, Jennifer Kwock-Lau who most recently appeared in this season’s production of “Carmen” which closed July 15. Jennifer, a financial planner by day, joined the Festival Opera in 2005 and has appeared in “Un ballo in Maschera,” “Candide” and “Tosca.” “Our Town,” composed by Pulitzer Prize-winner Ned Rorem with libretto by renowned poet J. D. McClatchy,

New trekker hikes into Clayton

Pric

u Red

Clayton $589,980 Black Diamond Duet – Gorgeous 3BD/2.5BA is Move-In Ready! Bright, neutral colors & soaring ceilings. Formal living room w/fireplace and a great kitchen w/breakfast nook + formal dining area. Enjoy the cul-desac location w/community pool & playground steps away.

Clayton $619,980 Oakhurst C.C. – Beautiful 2-story w/3BD/2.5BA on a quiet cul-de-sac is open & airy w/light wood floors, high ceilings, stylish transom windows and a 2-way fireplace warms the living & family rooms. Gourmet kitchen w/maple cabinets & tile counters. Community pool/spa.

Concord $539,980 Convenient Concord – 3BD/2B updated to please w/dual panes, recessed lights & newer fixtures, crown molding & floors thru-out! Kitchen w/new tile counters & backsplash. Family/Dining combo plus a formal living room. Large yard w/views & poss. Boat/RV parking.

$699,980 Clayton Regency Woods – Awesome price reduction on this wonderful 4BD/2BA. Top-notch kitchen w/maple cabinets & breakfast bar & sunny dining area. Spacious living room & family room w/fireplace. Dual panes, updated baths. Decks & lovely flagstone walkways to gardens.

$799,980 Concord Clayton Border – Don’t miss out on this 5 acre property that boasts an updated 3BD/3BA incl. an In-law unit w/separate entrance & 4-car tandem garage. Private & gated & Zoned A-2, this property offers a myriad of business opportunities: kennel, horses. Call today!

Clayton $769,980 Dana Hills – Sparkling pool to practice swimming & hot tub for family to enjoy. This glorious 4BD/3BA home has tons of patio to bring the team home for a BBQ. Adorable kitchen, living and family rooms. Downstairs B/B makes having houseguests a breeze!

Clayton $849,980 Regency Meadows – Mediterranean-style 4BD/2.5BA offers an incredible backyard retreat w/pool, cabana & spa. Plenty of patio for entertaining! Elegant family room has a wet bar w/ample cabinetry & a fireplace. Spacious kitchen w/sun-filled breakfast nook.

Clayton $519,980 Chaparral Springs Townhome – Manzanita model 3BD/2.5BA close to hiking trails, Golf Course, awardwinning schools! Grand entry w/high ceilings, tile kitchen w/breakfast bar and an open living/dining area w/a 2way marble fireplace. Laundry room eases multi-tasking.

July 27, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A3

Labor Day Derby to include races, car show PEGGY BIDONDO Special to the Pioneer

Community sponsors are lining up once again to provide racecars for the fourth annual Clayton Great Labor Day Derby. Kids 7 to 16 can register to take a thrilling ride down Main Street in Clayton from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1. The free event is presented by the Clayton Community Church in association with IMC (Insurance Management Corp.), the title sponsor. The goal is for the kids and their families to enjoy the nostalgic feel of the day and the spirit of friendly competition, while having an opportunity to build old-fashioned family values. The event started in 2004 after Pastor Shawn Robinson saw a city in Southern California

hosting a similar event. It was a great way of giving people something to do on the holiday weekend without leaving home and without doling out a lot of dough. The city of Clayton embraced the idea and the Clayton Derby was born. This event has grown each year, and more than 200 kids are expected to try their hand at driving a derby car on a course that stretches along Main Street from the clock to the finish line in front of the church office. Other derby day offerings include jump rooms, the Clayton fire truck, free otter pops and bottled water, and food from local restaurants. Topping off the nostalgic feel of the day is an antique and classic car show, which is open to all classes of automobiles. “We have room for about

Q plea uestion se c s or on co (92 tact R mme n 5) 3 a 81- ndi An ts, 065 dru s 9

100 cars,” says car show organizer Don Holmes. “The show is free and includes a free car show T-shirt and dash plaque.” Twenty-five trophies will be presented to the winning car owners. Goodie bags and drawing prizes will also be given out during the show. The main sponsors making the car show possible are Longs Drugs, Future Ford of Concord and Drive magazine. So, join the fun and race, build a car for the derby, show your classic car or become a sponsor. For car show information, contact Don Holmes at 689-8759. To participate as a sponsor, contact Mike Williamson at 673-8957. To register as a racer, contact Peggy Bidondo at 672-9708 or print out a registration form on the church Website at www.claytoncc.com.

New features: Information for special needs families, local business coupons and real estate investment information.

at w w w . c l a y t o n 4 U . c o m

Englund's Tea Cottage

SERENI TEA

Residents, city work to slow traffic on Mountaire Circle TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Residents along the north leg of Mountaire Circle in Dana Hills want the city to take measures to slow down traffic on the residential street. Mountaire Circle is wide and slopes downhill with several curves and side streets feeding into it. At the City Council meeting on July 17, they asked the city to pay for center line and side line striping to visually narrow the street and to install a four way stop sign at Mountaire Circle and Mt. Washington. Police have been working with the residents for several months in an effort to determine the scope of the problem. In May, police trained several residents in how to use a

radar gun to determine the speed of oncoming and passing cars. The residents measured the speed of some 900 cars over a period of several days and found that the cars were not going as fast as they thought. The downhill speed of the 85th percentile (this is the number used by the state to determine correct speed limits) was 36 mph and the uphill speed clocked in at 33 mph. However, in a separate study, police placed a radar trailer, which displays the speed of an approaching car, at the foot of Mountaire Circle and residents cited many instances where the trailer displayed speeds in the 40s and occasionally showed 50 mph. The speed limit on a residen-

Chorus, from page A1 Chinese on their way to the grand auditorium. “We would just break into song throughout the bus ride, any and every song we knew,” describes Cassandra, who is also 15 and attends Clayton Valley. Their hopes of participating in the Beijing Olympic ceremonies came to fruition after performing a Chinese folk song in front of a committee and earning a place in the program. They were the only Americans among a plethora of Chinese dancers and singers, but they assimilated quickly backstage by playing hand-clapping games and laughing with their Chinese counterparts. “They became best friends. It was like we were all the same nationality,” said Lamana. This warmth, hospitality and enthusiasm were pervasive during their trip. At the Beijing QiYi Primary School Navy Music Hall, they were greeted with applause when they stepped off the bus. The Chinese students toured the campus with the American visitors and they all convened in the music hall to culminate the visit with an emotional performance. “The kids were jumping up and down when we started singing in Chinese. It was crazy!” exclaims Zackary. The group even had a close call with Chinese authorities during a spontaneous perform-

ance in Tiananmen Square. “We assembled in Tiananmen Square to sing a few songs, and hundreds of people came closer to listen to us,” says Zackary, 13, who attends Diablo View Middle School. After observing the foreign group sing a few songs, Chinese officers with hands fixed on their weapons approached the chorus and instructed them to move on. The group then visited Xi’an, where they performed at the Xi’an Conservatory of Music, observed the Tang Dynasty Cultural Show and viewed the Terracotta warriors from 210 B.C. The last city visited was Shanghai, the locale of their final performance, which they did jointly with Shanghai Xuhui Middle School. The three cities each meant something different to Parin and Cassandra, who both joined the chorus at age 5. Parin says “Beijing was like the past. Shanghai was the modern China and reminded us of New York City. Xi’an was like the country – green and rural.” The chorus was on a strict regimen to perform at all these locations, especially after the surprise highlight of participating in the Olympic ceremony. “We never stopped,” said Parin. But the tour directors wanted the kids to receive much more than just choral experi-

tial street is set at 25 mph. Although there was evidence of some speeding, the city engineer did not feel the situation warranted such drastic traffic calming methods as speed bumps, traffic circles or road narrowing. He did, however, support marking the centerline with either raised pavement markers or painted striping and painting sidelines to create the illusion of a narrower street. The staff will meet with the residents to come up with a final plan and will then notify the residents that front on Mountaire Circle in the areas where the pavement markers will be installed. The Council will hear the final plan at a meeting in September or October.

ences. “Art is such a priority for the children,” explains Lamana. The interaction with Chinese youngsters and culture “was the richest experience and most rewarding for the choristers and parents.” The Beijing Games next year will boast myriad teams from around the world and celebrate a diverse conglomeration of sports, culture and people. The Contra Costa Children’s Chorus certainly got an early taste of the festivities. Lamana already has another continent in sight for their next trip, Africa. “We will interact with drummers and develop new skills by visiting South Africa.” The three chorus members from Clayton have learned a lot from this program, totaling 25 years experience and visits to Hawaii, Carnegie Hall in New York, the Vatican in Italy and now China, but they still appreciate the day-to-day routine of the program. “Every Wednesday, it’s chorus. It’s hard to imagine where we would be without it,” says Parin. This world-renowned program not only brings the group together with people from all over the world, but it also creates good friends with people in this area. “We all have one thing in common – we love to sing,” Cassandra adds.

For information on the Contra Costa Children’s Chorus, visit www.childrenschorus.org.

Sunday, Aug. 12 @ 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a relaxing chair massage, hand moisturizing and foot pampering! $25 ticket also includes Afternoon Teatime food & beverages. 5433 L Clayton Road

*Join us EVERY Friday night for fabulous 4 course dinners! www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com

For Reservations, call 672-TEAS (8327) Open daily for lunch and afternoon tea

Ryan Spangler Meat department manager Super Amazing and Incredibly Easy Grilled Tri-Tip MARINADE: For each tri-tip ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup fresh or bottled lime juice 1 tablespoon minced garlic Combine marinade ingredients and tri-tip in a sealable plastic bag. Marinate 12-24 hours, turning 3 or 4 times. Pre-heat gas grill to 400° F. Place meat on grill top-side down for 3-4 minutes for nice grill marks. Flip over and reduce heat slightly. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center reads 135°-140° F. for medium rare. Let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain.

Where the meat is Choice and the parking is easy

USDA choice meats & poultry cut to order by our top notch friendly, neighborhood butcher

Harris Ranch Beef

freshest fish in town produce to please a deli to dazzle

Tri-Tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7.49 lb. Baby Back Ribs . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.49 lb. NY Steak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11.99 lb. prices good through 8/10/07

Dana Foods-If you care what you eat. It’s worth the 10-minute drive down Concord Blvd.

4115 Concord Blvd. 925-609-7789 Store hours: Mon.-Sat. 8 am to 9 pm, Sun. 9 am to 7 pm

Page A4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

CVHS Athletic Boosters Club offers reward for missing sound system TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Valley High School has been plagued with a series of thefts over the past year. In the latest incident, the athletic department’s new $8,000 sound system was stolen from the football press box sometime between May 12 and July 11. The outside speakers and their brackets were also gone. The last time the system was used was for the BVAL track

championship on May 12. On July 11, when a parent volunteer arrived to set up for a soccer game, the system was missing. “We’re perplexed,” said Women’s Athletic Director Pat Middendorf. “Nothing else was taken and it looks like who ever took the system knew exactly what they were going after.” The sound system had been purchased over several months last year with funds raised by field users. The cheerleaders and the football, soccer,

lacrosse and track teams all raised the money through fundraising activities. The Athletics Boosters Club also participated in the purchase. Last summer, a $1,400 Billy Goat blower was stolen. Earlier that year a generator that the baseball team used in their batting cage and one of the big nets were stolen. There was no vandalism associated with any of the thefts. “We want our sound system back,” said Middendorf, “but

more than anything, we want to catch the people who are preying on our school.” The Athletic Boosters Club is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the return of the sound system and speakers. Anyone with information is asked to call the Concord Police Department at 671-3220, reference Case 07-16231. Or contact CVHS Athletics Booster Club President, Bob Banks at president@cvhsboosters.org, (925) 451-1533.

therapeutic massage for back, neck & shoulder Mon.– Sat. 9 am - 6 pm pregnancy massage to increase energy Closed Sun. reflexology for the feet & hands call for appointment: 672-6013 6026 Main St., Clayton

The UPS Store Independently owned and operated

Make color copiers faster with truer color and clarity. Make two sided color copies.

Every Wednesday is COLOR COPIER SUPER SAVINGS DAY Only 59 cents* through 8/10/07

Old Times in Clayton

Clayton/Concord Location:

Store Hours M-F 8-7 Sat 9-5 *single-sided, 8.5 x 11 copies

out our Ask ab e Camp

r Danc Summe ning Aug. 6

Vineyard Shopping Center

5100 Clayton Road Concord, CA 94523 ph: 925-689-6245

Stop by and pick up our new fall schedule

begin

(formerly Clayton School of Dance)

Ballet Hip Hop

Jazz Lyrical

Pointe Tap

Tumbling

4743 Clayton Rd, Suite 4, Concord Corner of Clayton Road and Bailey Rd.

925-825-7543 www.igottadance.net

Cruise Adventures Unlimited Serving all cruise lines since 1987

View beautiful Alaska on a cruise ship Go kayaking, fishing, dog sledding, rafting, hiking and biking. See glaciers, totem poles, wildlife and sea life.

San Francisco Round Trip DAWN PRINCESS - 10 days May 7 through Sept. 14, 2008 from $899* Inside $1,859* pp Balcony Bo ok dit cre now for bonus shipboard

Photo courtesy of the Clayton Historical Society

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED why people refer to the new Clayton Park as “The Grove”? This photograph, taken in 1955, shows the huge stand of eucalyptus trees that once stood downtown in “the grove.” Other points of interest include the Atchinson home and barn in the lower right quadrant, then proceeding up Clayton Road is Mitchell Canyon Road and next on the

right is Mt. Zion drive with the newly constructed Mt. Diablo Elementary school. After Clayton Road dips down into Clayton and becomes Main Street, one could go straight and head northeast on Nortonville Road (officially Black Diamond Way) or make a sharp right turn from Main Street to Marsh Creek Road which heads out of Clayton to the southeast.

Owners Valerie O’Connell (Clayton resident, 28 years) & daughter Colleen O’Connell

*Fares are cruise only, USD, based on double occupancy, capacity controlled & subject to availability. Gov’t fees & taxes add’l. Refer to appropriate Princess brochure for terms & conditions. Ships registry: Bermuda and Gibraltar

CST 2074362-40

(925) 935-7447 1610 Locust St., Walnut Creek

www.cruiseadventuresunliminted.com

Mike Kavanaugh

Pending

“Your Neighbor for over 20 years”

18 Jacobs Court, Concord

925-383-6102 mkavanaugh@ remaxaccord.com

Highly updated and set well back off Clayton Road this 2 bedroom 2 bath condo has all the amenities of units costing thousands more. This upgraded upper end unit boasts vaulted ceilings, wood burning fireplace, built in Plasma TV, 2 updated bathrooms, inside laundry, some stainless appliances, venetian plaster walls, one car detached garage and a security gate. Huge rear deck with enclosed storage overlooks the pool and spa. Best location in the complex. Last upstairs unit sold for thousands more. Offered at

$354,000

17 Jacobs Court, Concord Set back off Clayton Road this 2 bedroom 2 bath condominium has all the amenities of units costing thousands more. This small 18 unit complex boasts a pool, spa and security gate. Unit # 17 is an upstairs end unit with vaulted ceilings, wood burning fireplace, inside laundry and a one car garage with one more assigned space. The kitchen overlooks a large sunny deck with enclosed storage room. The upstairs unit sold for 36K more. Sellers motivated. Lease/Option available. All offers considered. Offered at

$339,000

4807 Boxer, Concord This is a must see. Beautifully updated 3 bedroom 2.5 bath free standing condo directly across from Newhall Park and the lake. Enjoy the view of the lake and the ducks from the updated kitchen with tile floors and custom cabinets. Rich hardwood floors and crown molding in the living and dining room complete a fantastic downstairs living area. All of the bathrooms have been tastefully updated. A wood burning fire place, 6 panel doors and a 2 car garage are just some of the amenities of this exceptional property. This is a short sale and will not last. Offered at

$459,000

July 27, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A5

Classified SERVICES House Sitting Need someone to watch your home over Christmas? Grandma and Grandpa's (G&G) home will be bursting at the seams with relatives and G&G are looking for peaceful evenings. We'll watch your house and be appreciative at the same time. 672-6519 or 685-4523.

Perennial Garden Design by Nicole Hackett AKA The Garden Girl Personal consultations regarding plant choices, placement, identification, fertilizing and maintenance. Spring is just around the corner. Call or email for information and pricing. 673-1746 (leave message) gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.

P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500, Fax: 925.672.6580 TAMARA

Pet Sitting Traveling on business, vacation or just a long day trip? Do your pets need attention? If so, please call local resident Linda Pastor at Peace of Mind Pet Services. Reasonable rates, licensed, insured, bonded, member of PSI. 672-9781 or 202-8781.

VACATION RENTAL Cabin in Blue Lake Springs (Arnold, CA). Sleeps 6, fully remodeled, quiet, use of recreation facilities. $150/night, $950/week. Call Kevin Parker at 383-9430 or http://www.vrconnection.com/parkerpaw.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED Greeter Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter the second Sun. of each month from 2 - 4 p.m. Training is provided. If interested, call 672-0240, email claytonmuseum@sbcglobal.net or visit the museum between 2 and 4 p.m. on Wed. or Sun.

Must be ready to start immediately. Call Toll Free:

(866) 442-9525

The Clayton Community Library is seeking to fill the following volunteer positions: (All positions require a minimum age of 13 years and a 6-month commitment. Training will be provided). Shelver - to shelve and sensitize books. Must be detail oriented, various days and hours. Lead Tutor - (adult preferred) To act as liaison in matching the students needs with available tutors and other related administrative duties in our Tutoring Program. Must have excellent skills in dealing with the public, all age levels and group settings. Schedule is flexible as this position can mainly be handled at home over the telephone or email. Office Assistant - handle filing, word processing, create flyers, volunteer database input on Microsoft Access, assistance with meetings/pro-

grams. Contact: Arlene at 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org.

Save

4 MONTHS FREE

over

$520

OF OUR BEST TELEVISION PACKAGE

4 MONTHS

FREE

925-686-5959 DIRECTV AUTHORIZED DEALER

Credit Card not required in MA & PA. †Eligibility based on service address. PROGRAMMING OFFER: 2007 NFL SUNDAY TICKET billed in four monthly installments of $69.99 each. In the fifth month, PREMIER package will continue at the regular charge ($99.99/mo.) and DVR service will continue at ($5.99/mo.). NFL SUNDAY TICKET automatically continues at a special rate, unless customer calls to cancel prior to start of season. Blackout restrictions and other conditions may apply. DIRECTV System has a feature which restricts access to channels. In certain markets, programming/pricing may vary. INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation only. Custom installation extra. INSTANT REBATE: Advanced equipment instant rebate requires activation of the CHOICE XTRA package ($54.99/mo.) or above; FAMILIAR ULTRA or above; Jadeworld; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include either the DIRECTV BASIC programming package (valued at $9.99 per mo.) or the DIRECTV PREFERRED CHOICE programming package (valued at $29.99/mo). DVR service commitment ($5.99/mo.) required for DVR and HD DVR lease; HD Access fee ($9.99/mo.) required for HD and HD DVR lease. SYSTEM LEASE: Purchase of 12 consecutive months (24 months for advanced receivers) of any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or qualifying international services bundle required. FAILURE TO ACTIVATE ALL DIRECTV SYSTEM EQUIPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EQUIPMENT LEASE ADDENDUM MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER NOT ACTIVATED. IF YOU FAIL TO MAINTAIN YOUR PROGRAMMING COMMITMENT, DIRECTV MAY CHARGE A PRORATED FEE OF UP TO $300. RECEIVERS ARE AT ALL TIMES PROPERTY OF DIRECTV AND MUST BE RETURNED UPON CANCELLATION OF SERVICE OR ADDITIONAL FEES MAY APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in first bill. NFL, the NFL Shield design and the NFL SUNDAY TICKET name and logo are registered trademarks of the NFL and its affiliates. NFL team names and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. ©2007 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

PIONEER INFO Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580

CONTACT US Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Beth Neudell beth@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to Randy Rowland or Meghan Pardi sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@ claytonpioneer.com Send Religion News to churchnews@ claytonpioneer.com

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 672-0500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580 All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa)

We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable.

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 Website. Attach your photo to the form. 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.” E-mail your letter in a Word Document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.

AND

R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor and Feature Writer R ANDY R OWLAND , Sports Writer M EGHAN PARDI , Sports Writer B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant

Directory of Advertisers Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 A Clayton Window Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0508 Acupressure for Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .674-0767 Aegis of Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 Antioch Paintball Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-2468 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Allied Waste Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4711 Andrus, Randi - Keller Williams Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-0659 Apronstrings Pet Sitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-7621 Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 Beautique Beauty Supply and Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0405 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Butterfly Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4238 Calkins, Bill - Charlotte Clifford Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9164 Cartridge World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3500 Carol Keane and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-5200 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Chic'z on the Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-933-6644 Cegielski Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2855 Clark, Robert C., D.O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-7530 Clayton Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3325 Clayton Community Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8957 Clayton Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5470 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Mind and Body Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clayton Valley Medical Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6744 Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Clayton Valley Villa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8401 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Crossroads Covenant Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-5905 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 CTA Crossroads Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-0597 Dana Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609-7789 Denim & Lace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0345 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-5100 Dromlewicz, Kim - Century 21 Hosking Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4663 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 Eternal Life Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0295 Farrand, Greg - HomEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9737 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windemere Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8787 Golden Gate Satellite TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-5959 Golf n Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .754-5053 Gotta Dance! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-7543 Help - U - Sell Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 HomEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9737 Insite Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6460 Kavanaugh, Mike - Re Max Accord Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .383-6102 Kelly Marshall Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0327 Ken Mitolo Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2460 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Lillie's Realistic Body Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6013 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Main Street Nail Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4975 Marchione, Terry - Eagles Peak Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .465-0435 Michael Dwyer & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3980 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Miller, Linda - HomEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .765-4765 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Moon, Steven Dr., Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8400 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280-8563 Music Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-2990 Nationwide Real Estate Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .777-1920 Nature's Creations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-624-2188 Neptune Society of Northern California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Nickerson, Glenna - Diablo Funding Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227-0100 Nuchols, Alicia - Premier Home Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .691-5070 X 323 Nu Image Painting & Decorating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1777 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Peregrine Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .627-2564 Postal Annex + . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8900 Rahimzadeh, Helen - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7375 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 R.E. Carpet Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595-8623 Reed, Ruth - Remax Accord Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6731 Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Saxbys Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-9592 Seasonal Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4425 Skuba, Arlene - REMAX Allied Brokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6009 Skuba, Lana - REMAX Allied Brokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5501 Skylark Equestrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .516-5942 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0138 Sonset Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-8200 Sparkle Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5025 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The Painting Ladies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-5553 The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Volf Accountancy, L.L. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .889-4950 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4433 Williams, Mike - Williams Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5363

Page A6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

Avoiding a bad home sale experience Perhaps you’ve heard a horror story about a seller whose real estate transaction didn’t turn out as planned. It may have gone something like this. The house takes forever to sell and when it does the seller is disappointed with the price. Then the termite inspection reveals extensive damage, which comes as a complete surprise. Finally, the transaction falls apart at the last minute, without warning, and the seller is back to square one. To avoid an experience like that, start by planning ahead. If you’re contemplating a move, prepare well in advance of the date you plan to put your home on the market. Meet with your real estate agent and develop a game plan. If you don’t have an agent, start interviewing. An agent can advise you about what you need to do to get your home ready for the market. Have your home inspected before you start your marketing effort. Your agent can tell you which reports are recommended for your home. For example, if your roof is old, your agent may

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ESTATE recommend that you have it inspected. To minimize the risk of being surprised by a bad inspection report, find out as much as possible about your home’s condition. Choose your real estate team carefully. Buying and selling homes is stressful. A good team of professionals – real estate agent, inspectors, a loan agent if you’re also buying a new home – will help keep the process running smoothly. One of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful home sale is to list your home for a realistic price.

Randy Glasbergen

Over-priced listings take longer to sell. Usually, the longer a home stays on the market, the lower the ultimate selling price. Pricing strategies will vary depending on market conditions. In most cases, it’s best to list for a price that’s close to the expected selling price. Help the real estate agents do their job by getting your home into top condition and keeping it that way while your home is on the market. Agents like to show homes that show well. The more your home is shown, the better your chances of selling in a reasonable time and with the least amount of inconvenience. Set up a showing procedure that makes it easy for agents to show your home. Inventories of homes for sale are increasing. You may find that you have competition from other sellers who are also trying to sell their homes. If it’s difficult for agents to show your home, your marketing effort will suffer. You should leave your home when it’s shown to prospective buyers. It’s natural to be curious about buyers’ reactions to your

home. Ask your agent to follow up with other agents who show your home so you can get feedback. But don’t hang around the house while buyers are trying to decide if your home is the right house for them. Disclose property defects in writing. Sellers often fear that disclosures will drive buyers away. This rarely happens, but failing to disclose defects could be costly if you end up in court. Let your agent know that you want to be kept up to date about all aspects of your real estate transaction, especially any bad news. The sooner you know about a potential problem, the sooner you can start working on a solution. Take a positive rather than adversarial approach to your negotiations with the buyer. You’re both interested in the same end result: a successful home sale.

Once a year

retired Department 56

Great n o electi

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail on all Dept. 56 Retired Village Pieces only. We are your authorized Department 56 dealer & headquarters

John Sharapata, Owner & Clayton Resident

Mon - Thu 9 - 7, Fri & Sat 9 - 8 Sun 10 - 4

672-4425 Clayton Valley Shopping Center

5434 Ygnacio Valley Road, Ste. 130

or visit our online store: www.seasonalreflections.com

Specializing in:

acryllic, gels, pink & whites

Lynne French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions, contact her at 672-8787, or lynne@lynnefrench.com

Dan Rosendich

sale

40% OFF

Grace Pruett

672-4975

6064 Main St., Clayton in historic downtown Clayton

Now that the rain has come and gone,

let us improve your view with nice shiny windows

Reasonable rates Most one story houses $110 and two stories start at $160.

A Cla yton W Clay indow ton resid ent Wash Busi ness er licen sed

Bernie Eddy & Shane Armenta (925) 914-0508

windows washed

inside & out

Professional, Personal & Dependable Service NOW Save even more $ $ $ $ without sacrificing full service

Eagle’s Peak Realty is a full-service real estate & mortgage broker Sellers Why pay 6% or even 5% ? List & sell your home for

3.5%

FREE Market Analysis MLS Services Nationwide Marketing Virtual Tours and much more

Buyers A full range of low cost loans Cash rebates Closing credits visit our website or contact us for details

www.EaglesPeakRealty.com 925-465-0435

July 27, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com

Page A7

Letters to the Editor Port Chicago Reunion arsh Creek Park Villa’s largest plan at 1,457 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, formal dining and breakfast nook. Great setting, located on a quiet circle with views. Tile counters accent a delightful kitchen & large master suite has vaulted ceilings.

25 Clark Creek Circle, Clayton

Only $479,000

Also included: central air conditioning, a wood burning fireplace, two-car garage and a brick patio yard ideal for small pet or BBQ entertaining.

KNOWLEDGE

For this and others, call Pete.

SERVICE

INTEGRITY

PETE LAURENCE

RESULTS

1511 Treat Blvd. #100, Walnut Creek, CA

Need a new mortgage? Need to refinance? Say goodbye to the loan sharks… ARE COMP Loan Fees Points Estimates

Clayton Financial

CLAYTON FINANCIAL $395 Points are only charged if YOU want to buy down your interest rate. It’s your choice. FREE review of ANY Good Faith Estimate with NO obligation to work with us.

OTHERS $495 or more 1% - 2% or more We don’t know of any other broker who does this

We are brokers and we will “shop ‘til we drop” to find the best loan for you. Close your loan with us and we will donate $100 to the school of your choice. We are Clayton residents working together for our neighbors.

6200 Center St. Ste. 230, Clayton office: (925) 672-LEND (5363) info@claytonfinancialmortgage.com Where what matters is you!

Researchers still learning how to treat Alzheimer’s

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

Broker-Owner, Realtor, GRI

Shop for your loan the smart way with

The 37th annual Port Chicago town reunion is scheduled for Saturday, July 28 at Ambrose Park in Bay Point, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

www.claytonfinancialmortgage.com

Ted Sudderth & Dave Doig. Casey, Valerie Johnson & Misha Doig.

Our special gift to the Clayton community: FREE Notary service for all types of documents for ALL CLAYTON RESIDENTS.

Free Family Fun Clayton Community Church presents the Fourth Annual

In association with Insurance Management Corp.

Sat., Sept. 1, 2007 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Some of your readers were former residents of my hometown (I was there 1950-1964), while others (sadly, too few) may have heard about how the Navy bought the entire community in 1968 in order to save it

AMANDA COPENHAVER

SENIOR MOMENTS Alzheimer’s disease is a slow, irreversible condition that begins with mild memory problems and, in a majority of circumstances, ends with severe brain damage. It was named after a German physician, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who studied neurology. In 1906, he made a medical breakthrough when he found abnormal clumps or plaques and tangled fiber bundles in the brain of a woman who died of an obscure mental illness. There are more than 20 different types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s is the most common form. It is unfortunate that both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia remain irreversible and cannot be cured. The development of other forms of dementia can be attributed to high fever, dehydration, alcohol abuse and poor nutrition, to name a few. It is thought that up to 4.5 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. As one ages,

the risk of acquiring this disease becomes more pronounced. The National Institute on Aging states that “about 5 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease.” It is believed that several factors affect a person’s memory loss, age being the most qualified. Scientists continue to study the influence of one’s environment, diet, education and family history in order to learn more about what causes this disease. Recent evidence has illustrated that some heart disease risk factors seem to correlate with the development of memory loss. This would include symptoms of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The symptoms of this disease usually take place in stages. It begins at a slow pace, but as it progresses, it speeds up. At the beginning stage, there is a mild forgetfulness and this can be generally confused with standard memory change due to aging. At this stage, people may have some difficulty remembering recent events or activities. As the disease progresses, one may seek medical assistance. During the middle stage, people forget how to complete simple hygienic tasks and may have difficulty speaking, understanding or writing in a logical form. At the highest stage of Alzheimer’s, a

e! e r F e c Kids Ra rovided! p ar, Cars aorebuild your own race c

n. sh t If you wi ct Mike Williamso conta For event info contact: Mike Williamson (925) 673-8957 juliemikew@sbcglobal.net

For registration info contact: Peggy Bidondo (925) 672-9708 pbidondo@pacbell.net

Registration form available online at www.claytoncc.com

person will need complete care because they experience great degrees of anxiety, aggression and a desire to wander. At specialized medical centers, physicians can diagnose Alzheimer’s close to 90 percent of the time, according to the National Institute on Aging. The methodology used includes brain scans, blood and urine tests and memory-specific exams that test language, counting, memory and much more. These tests are also helpful in deeming if the person has another illness that causes similar symptoms. As a caregiver, one must acknowledge that those living with this disease can live an average of 8 to 10 years after diagnosis. Early diagnosis is key, so people can receive the proper medication, such as Cognex or Aricept. These medications prevent the rapid progression of Alzheimer’s and seem to make the patient more at ease. This makes it more comfortable for the caregiver. Although no treatment has been proven to stop Alzheimer’s, the medications available can treat the progression and behavior. People should also strive to lead active and nutritious lifestyles to reduce the risk of the disease.

Amanda Copenhaver is Marketing Director for Aegis of Concord. Send comments or questions to amanda.copenhaver@aegisliving.com

New columnist hopes to get readers thinking When considering what to write in my introductory column, I thought it might be best to try to convince readers why they should read my column. I suppose I could tell you where I grew up, what my hobbies are or maybe even where I hope to be in 10 years. But in all honesty, who would really care? After much thought, I came to a simple conclusion. As the Pioneer’s new columnist, I hope to give you the unrefined, unembellished way that I see things. I understand that there’s only so much knowledge a 16-year-old high school student has acquired. So don’t read my column if you’re looking for an expert opinion on school matters, because

that’s something that I just can’t give. Read my column if you want insight on issues affecting teen-agers, by a teen-ager. I would rather introduce myself as the new Clayton Valley High School reporter by sharing my beliefs and opinions than by listing inane facts about myself, so here goes. I enjoy attending Clayton Valley High School and am working diligently to preserve the few years of childhood that I have left, but I admit that there are many things about Clayton Valley that I dislike. For example, so far I’ve finished two years of high school, but I don’t feel as though those two years have been utilized to their fullest potential. To

This event is intended as an opportunity for family fun. Kids age 7-16 can register. There is NO fee to participate. Register by August 26th to get a free t-shirt and run in two races.

Adults! You too can take a fun ride. Stick around after the kids race!

from itself. Two of their ammo ships blew up in 1944, killing 320 sailors (nobody in town died) and the Navy feared a repeat of these explosions. You and your readers are invited to stop by and see why Port Chicago isn’t there anymore—but we still call it home. - Ken Rand

Reem mood deelliinngg R D e c k s Decks Ovveerrhhaannggss O Wiinnd doow wss//D Doooorrss W wnn M Moolld diinngg CCrroow S i d i n g Siding m TTrriim

free free estimates estimates

Declan Woods 925.216.2679 Specializing in Bathrooms and Kitchens

General Contractor license# 783799, B, HIC

Noel O’ Meara 925.518.0821

Recommended by “Realtor of the Year” Lynne French

Clayton Resident

MICHELLE TROSCLAIR

STUDENT REPORTER put it more clearly, I’ve relearned what nouns and adjectives are at least two times at Clayton Valley. That’s hardly time well-spent. I have also enjoyed spending much of my childhood growing up in Clayton (although I technically live in Concord). Small, close-knit communities where everyone knows everyone have many positive aspects. However, the contrary is also true. I mean, is it really any of your business what I did last weekend? Don’t get me wrong, both Clayton Valley and Clayton have contributed to my coming of age and I am grateful for that. I just feel they need a little work to make them the best they can be. Through my columns, I hope I can shed some light on some of the issues holding them back. Don’t let me forget politics. Even though my opinions and beliefs are being expanded and developed every day, I would describe myself as a fairly liberal person. I’m also a huge fan of the California High School Exit Exam. In taking over Deirdre Ruscitti’s column as she goes off to college, I realize that I have some pretty big shoes to fill. Although I certainly can’t promise that my column will be better, I can promise that it will be different. And I hope it just might be worth your while. So, how do you write an introductory column? You really don’t. Michelle Trosclair is a junior at CVHS and is an editor and writer for The Talon, the school newspaper.

Page A8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

Drinking water is important, but how much is enough? warmer area, you may need to drink more. Most studies show that we get a certain amount of water from the foods we eat, as much as 20 percent. So, you can eat more fruits and vegetables that are high in water content, like watermelon, oranges, tomatoes and cucumbers to name a few, especially during these hot summer months. One other treat would be ice cream. I am not saying go out and overeat, but you can fill the need for water by eating some good, juicy foods. Other drinks can be counted toward your water total. The kids like Kool-Aid and other

DAVID GODSOE

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD There is much debate about the old adage of drinking eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Several articles that I read say yes, you need to drink that much water. Several say that you need to drink more and some say drink less. Remember that the 8 x 8 is only a guideline, based on a sedentary lifestyle in an area with mild temperature. If you are more active and live in a

such drinks. Soda, coffee and tea can also be counted. So it looks like we should be getting enough water. I would like to caution against the use of alcohol, however. It is not a substitute for water. Usually thirst is a good indicator of a need for water. If you are more active or working out, an increase in water consumption is important. If you are concerned that you are not getting enough to drink, ask your doctor. The doctor may refer you to a nutritionist or dietician. If you are taking any medications, see a doctor before

trying the 8 x 8. It may be too much for you. There have been rare cases of people getting too much water and dying. In most cases, we get enough water during the day from various sources. So forcing ourselves to drink more is not helping. Look at your diet and exercise routine. Are you eating lots of fruits and veggies? Do you feel thirsty often? Are you doing a lot of strenuous activity or exercise? Do you drink other liquids such a coffee, tea, juices or sodas?

For more information, contact David Godsoe at 673-0686.

A touch of Napa in Clayton Clayton Mind & Body Connections

At 1007 Oak Street, Clayton

See us for age management facials, acne treatments and our special Pumpkin facial, as well as personalized therapeutic massage. (925) 673-0686 www.mind-and-body-connections.com

Acupressure for Health

Acupressure CranioSacral Reiki Call Sharoll Gillbert at (925) 674-0767

Speciaulpon ordersuest req

Manicurist starting August 1

Burglary, from page A1 Crain reports. “Then a neighbor later saw the vehicle again and was able to obtain the license number.” That led the Clayton Police Department to the suspect’s home. “In that residence, we were able to discover some of the items,” says Crain. Skidmore identified a small, flat screen TV, some coins and jewelry, and they were returned to him. According to Crain, Skidmore gave police detailed descriptions and even photos

of some of the missing items. Skidmore’s information and the eyewitness accounts of neighbors were key components of the investigation. “It’s very unique to get any property back, or even to have good leads to a specific suspect,” Crain notes. “It’s not uncommon to not have any leads in these types of burglaries.” Neighbor Liz Gregerson became suspicious after noting an unknown vehicle parked out front and later discovering that the Skidmores’ front door was unlocked. The next day, she saw the same vehicle parked in front of the home. A man

Kwock-Lau, from page A2 opens on Sat., Aug. 11, for four performances only. The opera will be sung in English and Kwock-Lau will appear in the chorus. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Aug. 11, 14, 17; and 2 p.m. on Aug. 19 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Tickets are $36 - $100 ($10 discount for ages 18 and under). Order online at www.Festival Opera.com or call (925) 943SHOW.

grandparents, jumping in the bounce house, eating popcorn, getting their faces painted and drawing for prizes. Seth Pollock, 11, came with his brothers and sisters suited in Harry Potter glasses, cape, shirt and tie and, of course, a scar painted on his forehead. “My favorite one is number

both attend Mt. Diablo Elementary School, were young detectives on the prowl for Henry the Horse. “This is our first time doing this. I’m going to find all the clues,” exclaims Justin. Another group of treasure

hunters included the Farley family (Diane, Hannah, Shannon and Claire) with friends Amanda Schwitzer and Ceil Johnson, who had a fantastic time. “This was a very special day and we can’t wait until we do it again,” says Diane Farley.

$2,370,000

Clayton Station Donna Taber,

5439 A Clayton Road, Clayton

owner

Open to the public seven days a week.

925-672-0405

Excellent quality Color consulting 20 years experience

Interior Residential Commercial

FREE estimates Call Jackie 925-787-5553

For attention to detail, hire us

26 Cuesta Way, W.C.

4026 Roland Ct., Concord 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Huge Family Room with Tile Flooring & Wood Burning Stove, Granite Kitchen Counters.

Nearly 1 Acre, Zoned R7, Subdivide & Build. Currently has Single Family Home & Duplex.

five, but I can’t wait for the new one. They are my favorite books.” Clayton Books had 120 copies available at $34.99 each, sold 10 deluxe editions for $65 and even had unabridged audio CD sets for $79.95. They started flying off the shelves not a minute later than midnight.

“This is a great way for adults to spend time with their kids and get a little exercise as well,” says Osteen. All events are $2 per person, and participants can rent a GPS for $5. The next event will be Around The World Series on Aug. 1, 8 and 15.

Visit www.moderndaytreasurehunters.com for more information.

$5,450,000

$625,000

This Elegant Executive Style Home Features Impressive Architectural Detail Both Inside and Out.

$1,350,000

would have taken more.” Despite the filing of charges, Skidmore is frustrated about the situation and left wondering about the circumstances of the crime. “I really want to know if there was a personal connection, or was my house really that vulnerable? Was I selected as a victim, or was it just random, being at the end of the street?” Crain says she looked for links between the suspect and the homeowner and was unable to verify anything. Skidmore says the police have recovered only about 1/30th of his missing property. The investigation is ongoing, and Crain says she will continue to check pawnshops and with other police departments in an effort to regain the items.

Potter, from page A2

GPS, from page A2

6th St. & The Alameda, Concord

walked up to the front door and left quickly after finding it locked. “Once he left, I called the homeowner,” says Gregerson, who lives across the street from the Skidmores. “He asked me to go inside and look around. So I got another neighbor and we discovered the crime.” According to Skidmore, the home was accessed through a back door. Jewelry, electronics and some personal items were taken. “They actually went through the whole house. They took my putter with them upstairs in case they were confronted,” he says. “They took a lot of heavy stuff. We were fortunate that it took them so long, otherwise they probably

231 Santiago Lane, Danville Nearly 6 Spectacular Acres, with Panoramic Views of Mt. Diablo, Private Gated Exquisite Estate.

422 W. 11th St., Antioch

Kimberly Morucci (925) 437-1650 kmorucci@rockcliff.com www.kimmorucci.com

$430,000

Adorable Pottery Barn Finishes... Updated & Ready to Move In

Clayton resident & ranch property owner.

phone

925.672.1519

cell

925.212.3339

Serving Contra Costa since 1991 30 years experience

www.burkinelectric.net

July 27, 2007

MOR

SH OULD BE ®

NOW OPEN! 3535 Clayton Rd. Concord CA, 94521 925-459-8980 Mon - Sat: 5:30am - 9:00pm Sunday: 7:00am - 8:30pm

Buy one specialty drink and receive one of equal or lesser value for free.* *Some restrictions may apply. Offer ends 08/31/07 Not valid with other promotions Participating locations only No cash value Must redeem this certificate Saxbys Coffee® 2007

Bigger Selection! Try a Tea Latte, Apple Cider Blended Creme or Smoothie Fresh baked goods!

Half price on any menu drink. Limit 2 per coupon.

Award-Winning Coffee! Slow roasted at a mile high, our open-air process produces a smooth and clean finish.

*Some restrictions may apply. Offer ends 08/31/07 2 drink discounts per customer Participating locations only Must redeem this certificate Saxbys Coffee® 2006

1021 Pebble Beach Drive – The Crown Jewel of Clayton. 5,100 square feet quality custom home on the Flagship Peacock Creek Lot. Includes Oakhurst Country Club Membership. Offered at $2,150,000

20 Mount Rushmore Place — Single level beauty! 4 bedroom 2 baths on near ¼ acre lot. Remodeled kitchen and more. Offered at $688,000

112 Mount Whitney Way – Updated throughout. 4 bedrooms 2 bath Dana Hills Beauty. Single Level w/ new windows, granite, and more! Offered at $745,000 6009 Golden Eagle Way – Magnificent and Expansive 2,847 square feet with beautiful appointments throughout.

JEANNA ROSS

TRAVEL TALES Ashland, Ore., is well-known for its cultural contributions, but combined with its gorgeous mountain terrain, it also makes a wonderful weekend vacation destination. The city is just 30 minutes across the California border. There is an airport in Ashland and the Klamath Falls Amtrak station is only 60 miles away, but I began Day One early because I decided to drive the distance. Pulling off Highway 5 only for bathroom and food breaks, I missed rush hour traffic on both ends but hit the bulk of the summer heat. However, 5 ½ hours and five CDs later, the mountain views melted away like a dream, for in the midst of the rural nothingness, an expensive oasis sprang forth. Home to the Southern Oregon University that spawned its biggest attraction, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, downtown Ashland is a tangled web of restaurants, shops, coffeehouses, pubs and galleries. Filling in the gaps of the town are tiny hotels and bed and breakfasts, and that was my arrival destination. I spent my three nights at the Chanticleer Inn, as advised by travel sites that gave it the highest rating. When I called for a reservation three months ago, it was technically full, but with some finagling on their part, I was able to secure a room. Settled amidst luscious gardens, fountains, cobblestoned walks and well-supplied with Adirondack chairs and hammocks, my room in this leafy paradise was a soothing pale green and white, with a separate door leading to the back garden. Heaven.

Jeanna Ross/Clayton Pioneer THE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AND GROUNDS of The Chanticleer Inn makes it a popular choice for those attending the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

The innkeepers, Ellen and Howie, are welcoming and personal. I was given an individual tour of the house’s amenities and a pile of recommended dinner sites before they sent me on my way. Within two minutes of leaving the door, I was downtown. With a plethora of restaurants from which to choose, the only question to ask was Thai or French? British or American? Mexican or Greek? I sampled nearly everything on the strip over the course of the weekend and found all delightful. The name might be the Oregon “Shakespeare” Festival, but do not be deceived into thinking that the immortal Bard is the only playwright represented. That may have been the case 80 years ago, but now many styles haunt the festival’s three

Coming Soon Dana Hills – 4 bedroom, 2 bath fixer. Incredibly priced. Call for details.

Look for the annual

Dana Hills Garage Sale Sept. 15

homes@helenandstephanie.com

Ken Mitolo CONSTRUCTION BATHROOMS KITCHENS DOORS WINDOWS

FIREPLACES MOLDINGS DECKS LIGHTING

CA Lic. #531028, Est. 1987

925.932.7375 Helen

Nothing says high-end like natural stone For countertops, bar and vanity tops, bath and shower enclosures and fireplaces

925.932.7329 Stephanie

(925) 672-2460 Serving the Clayton community for 20 years. Clayton resident All work guaranteed.

acting spaces. The Elizabethan Theatre, designed to resemble the houses and theaters of Shakespeare’s day, is an outdoor space that hearkens most to the festival’s roots. Only Shakespeare productions are seen on this stage. The seats are open to the air, but, unlike our beloved California Shakespeare Festival, the weather is so mild that a simple jacket will suffice to make the change between day and evening wear. The Angus Bowmer Theatre, a traditional theater with stadium seating and a proscenium stage, is air-conditioned within an inch of its life, so take precautions. Everyone from Moliere to Stoppard plays in this space, so if the Shakespearean language exercise becomes too weighty, this is the place to find the rest of the classic canon. Though, a last work of Will’s does sneak in here as well. The New Theatre is just as it sounds – the most recently constructed space and also the home to productions newly snatched from the Broadway stage or commissioned by the festival. Here is the space to find provocative new works that haven’t been dissected by high school English teachers. The plays run in repertory from February to October, so it is possible to see five different shows in a three-day weekend. In addition, theater artists hold discussions daily at noon, tours allow guests to view backstage

areas with a member of the company to provide commentary and the “Green Show” provides pre-performance entertainment on the plaza outside the box office. If five plays in three days doesn’t sound like a picnic, then try a real one. The city of Ashland surrounds the 93-acre Lithia Park, a foliage-covered haven containing trails, gardens, ponds and locations to practice outdoor sports. If only to escape the heat for awhile, indulge in a walk under the leafy canopy. Meanwhile, several companies around Main Street and the plaza offer half-day, full-day or multi-day whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing and mountain biking adventures. For a more relaxing experience, try a facial and massage at one of the luxurious spas, or visit the various art galleries to diversify the cultural intake. Whether Ashland is a momentary diversion or a sought-after destination, its delights are plentiful. By the end of the third day, my thirst for adventure was sated and I felt like I had tasted all the delights Ashland had to offer. Despite the heat and the tedious drive, I will definitely return to experience the thrills of the 2008 season. Jeanna Ross is an English teacher at Clayton Valley High School and a free lance writer. She regularly contributes to the Pioneer. Send comments to her at movies@claytonpioneer.com.

We are THE area experts in the fabrication and installation of natural stone Owned and operated by Clayton residents, Rick Fox and Steve Neal

335-9801 3795 Pacheco Blvd. Martinez

www.straightlineimports.com Full service remodeling Specializing in kitchen & baths

Lic. #789325

Page A9

To sleep, perchance to dream of Ashland

THE W EE FF

VARIETY

TAS

ER TT

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com

Page A10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

Ready, set, barbecue! LINDA WYNER

FOOD

FOR

THOUGHT

Every year, Americans light up about 3 billion grills to cook up steaks, burgers, chops, chicken and hot dogs. We plank, rub, wood smoke, marinade, skewer, mop and sauce with glee. Barbecuing is a uniquely North American cooking style. Although its precise origin is unclear, most food historians trace slow-roasting meat over a banked wood coal fire to the indigenous Indians of the southern United States, who in all likelihood learned it from people of the Caribbean. The Creek and Cherokee of the Carolinas used simple wooden racks to smoke or dry fish, birds and various meats. The Spanish explorers who encountered this delectable cooking style called it “barbacoa,” thus the Anglicized term “barbecue” (or “BBQ” in the vernacular) was born. The European colonists in America loved barbecues. They were major events that fostered opportunities for political and social interaction. George Washington once described in glowing detail a three-day community celebration where barbecued meats made up the main dishes each day. For decades, barbecuing was mostly done in the eastern United States, particularly in the South. It spread westward with settlers whose farming and ranching ventures provided

meats well-suited to slow roasting over a wood smoke fire. Barbecuing is accomplished over slow fires, ranging from 175 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking over higher temperatures is considered grilling. After World War II, barbecuing became synonymous with suburban outdoor living. Barbecue grills were fashioned out of steel drums and charcoal became popular. Henry Ford was the first to manufacture charcoal, as a means of dispensing with old wooden pallets piling up in his factories. In fact, he established

“Experienced barbecuers only apply sauce to finish the meat in the last minutes of roasting. Application early on or during the cooking process generally results in a charred, bitter crust...” Linda Wyner the Kingsford Charcoal Co., now a division of Clorox. Barbecue sauces were created to tenderize, provide flavor and protect the meat from drying out during cooking. The first sauces were vinegar-based and used salt, pepper and chilies. Tomato-based formulates did not evolve until the mid-1800s, once Americans overcame their fear that tomatoes were poisonous. The first nationally produced barbecue sauces appeared in 1948, when Heinz and Kraft introduced their products.

Mayor, from page A1 of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) assigns the number of new homes we need to build in order to meet this state mandate. After we receive these sacred numbers, we must put together a plan to accommodate the new homes. I should mention that this is not just low-cost housing; it covers all the so-called housing needs at all income levels. It is all about building more homes and ignoring everything else. That’s what is so frustrating about this process. The state uses a cookie cutter approach to housing by their one size fits all method. It does not matter if the city is built out and there is not enough vacant land to accommodate these new homes, or if the infrastructure cannot

handle the growth. Their solution is simple: Rezone to a higher density and keep building. I believe high-density housing should be located near job centers and transportation corridors, not in destination cities where every new home puts two or three more cars on the road. I could be very sarcastic here, but I am trying to refrain. The reason I am mentioning this is that we are about to receive out new housing needs numbers from ABAG. Our allocation should be a lot lower this time, thanks to all the hard work of Council Member Julie Pierce, but it is still not realistic. As a matter of fact, it is ridiculous. We think it will be about 151 units with the following breakdown: 49 very low income units,

Experienced barbecuers only apply sauce to finish the meat in the last minutes of roasting. Application early on or during the cooking process generally results in a charred, bitter crust rather than a nicely caramelized coating. There are nearly an endless number of barbecue sauce permutations, but regional preferences can be identified. In Kansas City, considered by many to be the center of the barbecue universe, the sauce is tomato-based and sugary. Vinegar-based sauces simply made with salt, pepper and cayenne (and sometimes a little molasses or Worcestershire) dominate in the Carolinas, while mustard-based sauce spiked with ketchup, onion and vinegar is popular in Georgia. Memphis adopted all three major ingredients (vinegar, mustard and tomato) in its trademark BBQ cuisine. California’s imprint on the barbecue sauce market is a radical departure from the eastern and southern U.S. standards. Here we find salsa, fruit, red wine and herb-based sauces. Still, an all-purpose sauce with Kansas City BBQ origins should be a standby in your kitchen: BBQ EVERYTHING SAUCE 3 T. butter 1 c. ketchup ¼ c. molasses ¼ c. brown sugar, packed 2 T. Worcestershire sauce 1 T. spicy brown mustard 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. chili powder ¼ tsp. black pepper ¼ c. bourbon, light rum or dark rum

35 low income units, 33 moderate income units and 34 above moderate income units. The good news is the city does not have to build these homes, we just have to plan for them and you know how long that takes. What a great process! Just think, they get paid to come up with this stuff. You are probably asking yourself why we even bother. Well, if we do not put together a plan that is ultimately approved by HCD, then the state uses their money hammer and withholds our funds. So much for local control. As Chester Bowles once said; “Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians.” As always, if you have any questions, concerns, comments or advice please, send me an email at wrwalcutt@aol.com.

Charlotte Clifford Realtors

Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rest of the ingredients (except bourbon or rum) and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Add alcohol and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. Add salt to taste (although your sauce probably won’t need it).

With 28 years of real estate sales experience Clifford Realtors will provide you with reliable, knowledgeable, and attentive service when buying or selling your home. At Clifford Realtors, we offer you ALL the services available from any of the big companies, combined with the personal touch that only a one-on-one local agency can provide without all the overhead. You won’t feel like you are just another client lost in the shuffle and you won’t get “passed” over to an assistant ever! Your needs are important to us, and as your AGENT we will be with you every step of the process, from the first Call to the Close of Escrow.

Let us make you our #1 Client Call Bill Calkins at 673-9164

Here’s a tasty sauce for pork: PEACH-MOLASSES-RUM BBQ SAUCE 2 T. rice bran oil or olive oil 1 large onion, minced 2 T. grated ginger 3 cloves garlic, pressed or mashed 1 c. rum ½ c. red wine vinegar 1 c. ketchup ¼ c. molasses ¼ c. brown sugar ½ c. peach preserves 1 T. allspice Salt and pepper to taste

Clifford Realtors is a proud sponsor the CVLL Minor A Reds.

www.ehome4you.com bill@ehome4you.com

Helping People Find Their Way Home!

Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry for about one minute. Add remaining ingredients (reserve salt and pepper) and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Linda Wyner is an accomplished chef and “foodie.” She recently opened her kitchen store in Pleasanton and the cooking school will open soon. Watch the Pioneer for details. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com

Abbey Carpet & Contra Costa Floors

Visit our showroom M-F 9-5; Sat. 10-4 Evenings by appointment

1170 Burnett Ave., Ste. E, Concord

All types of mechanical repairs and computer diagnostics including 30K, 60K, 90K factory maintenance on all European, Imported and domestic vehicles. Official ll for

Ca d kup an c i p e e r f delivery

Smog Te st and Rep air Station

Our professionals are here to serve you: Amir, Peter & Alex (front). Jameson, Jeff & Gary (back).

Corner of Clayton Road and Kirker Pass Road

FREE Brake Inspection $57 value Clean and adjust all four brakes, inspect brake hydraulics* (*Valid if brake work is done at this location.) exp. 8/10/07

925 672-3900

AC Service*

Oil Change

$20 off

$29.95

*does not include diagnostics

exp. 8/10/07

Includes under hood inspection

(regularly $34.95) coupon valid for most cars

exp. 8/10/07

July 27, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Take precautions to stay healthy while traveling

Get Ready for SUMMER

30% OFF ALL SUMMER CLOTHING 5458 Ygnacio Valley Rd. Ste. 20 Clayton Valley Shopping Center, 925-524-0345 Sherrill O’Brien www.denimlace.com

Natural and romantic, contemporary and chic, simple or extravagant. Our wedding flowers are always unique Always you wire service specialists

Place online orders at www.sonsetflowers.com

major credit cards honored

5356 Clayton Road

With summer in full swing, many of us enjoy broadening our horizons by camping or traveling to other countries. Being informed and prepared may help you avoid a common illness contracted while away from home called traveler’s diarrhea or TD. Traveler’s diarrhea affects nearly 10 million people annually. It usually occurs during the first week of travel but may also present itself after one returns home. TD is characterized by three or more unformed stools in 24 hours, nausea, abdominal cramps and bloating. Other symptoms may include fever, lethargy, malaise and decreased appetite. If symptoms persist longer than a few days, seek medical attention. TD can occur while camping due to poor water sanitation and can also be contracted after ingesting contaminated food

Complete interior & exterior painting Drywall repair & texturing Custom color consultation Special care to protect all furnishings

Michael O. Reilly - Clayton resident

Painting & Decorating

925-672-1777

License #572337 B C-33

$300

OFF

regular pricing on any complete interior/exterior painting Present coupon after estimate. Expires August 10, 2007

Nu Image

Integrity is everything Local Real Estate Pro since 1991 $833,000

SOLD - 4 Bed 2 ½ Bath, 2179 Sq. Ft., .35 Acres lot Presented by Jeannie Schumann

$363,000

2190 Meadowlark Lane, Oakley

and water in developing countries. Various bacteria are responsible for causing about 80 percent of TD cases, with other microorganisms responsible for the rest.

“The best prevention is researching your destination. The Centers for Disease Control’s Website is a valuable resource.” Debra Goettsch The best prevention is researching your destination. The Centers for Disease Control’s Website is a valuable resource. Get the appropriate vaccines from a travel clinic and bring prophylactic medications such as bismuth subsalicylate (aka Pepto-Bismol), either in tablet or liquid form. Check

with your health-care provider before traveling to make sure you are not one of the individuals who should avoid bismuth (e.g., children, pregnant women, those on anti-coagulants or people allergic to aspirin) or if you should bring oral antibiotics in case of prolonged symptoms (more than five days). Drinking bottled water and avoiding fresh fruit and vegetables that cannot be peeled can help prevent TD. Proceed with caution if you are thinking of using anti-motility agents such as Imodium. Some believe that diarrhea is the body’s defense mechanism against a causative agent. TD usually resolves on its own within three or four days without medical treatment. If high fevers, persistent vomiting/dehydration or bloody stools occur, seek medical attention. One may require rehydration and antibiotics intravenously.

DEBRA GOETTSCH

YOUR HEALTH People who are at higher risk of developing TD include young adults, people with diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease or compromised immune systems and those taking antacids or stomach acid blockers. Rehydrating during symptoms can be difficult abroad. Drinking canned juices and clear soups, boiling water for consumption or drinking bottled sports drinks are a few ways to replace lost fluids and minerals. Introduce bland foods slowly after the vomiting has ceased (e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce and toast). Debra Goettsch is a physician’s assistant at Clayton Valley Medical Group.

phone (925) 685-8200 fax (925) 685-0633

toll free 800-603-ROSE (7673)

5930 Wallace Dr., Clayton

Page A11

Coming Soon 3255 Aspara Dr, Clayton, 5 Bed, 3 Bath, 4,900 Sq Ft, 6.83 acres. 4970 Morgan Terr. Rd., Clayton, 4 Bed, 2 ½ Bath, 17.5 acres.

Mike Williams broker/owner

(925) 260-5363

3397 El Monte Dr., Concord, 4 Bed, 2 ½ Bath, pool, RV parking.

6200 Center St. Ste. 220, Clayton

PENDING - 3 bed 2 bath, 1141 Sq. ft.

Presented by Mike Williams

Presented by Jeannie Schumann

Check my website for FREE list of foreclosure auctions in northern CA

list upda 7/27 ted /07

Google is key to building a high-ranking Website PAT MOSCA Special to the Pioneer

If you have a Website or are considering putting up a Website, you need to think about how people will find it. I don’t mean typing the name of your site into Google and having it come up. I’m talking about typing in cameras, for example, and having your site, Joe’s Camera Shop, come up first. A Website just sits there, waiting for you to tell people about it. But wouldn’t you rather have new customers because a person searches outdoor furniture in Google and up pops R&M Pool & Patio? Most people build sites with hopes of building traffic, which leads to new customers and sales. It’s easy to think that when you type in a word or phrase that Google “goes out” and searches the entire Web. However, Google actually looks for your item in its own database. Think of it as a library. If you go to the librarian and ask for a book on cameras, she looks in her database and shows you what’s in the library. But if it’s not in the library, it’s not going to be found. So for your Website to be found, it has to

be in Google’s “library.” In 1998, I had my first site built. Of course, it was a hit with family and friends. So I sat back and waited for all my new clients to come rolling in, but they never came. Even though I submitted my site to Google and other search engines, they new little about what was on my site. Google had no knowledge of what business I was in or what kind of work I did. Over time, the site became a glorified brochure. I still have the site up just to show people what went wrong. (See www.moscamusic.com.) Many things affect what Google knows about your site. After you submit your Website to Google and other search engines, Google will index your site into its database. To do this, Google sends a little robot called a spider to read, categorize and compare your site. In many cases, the Google spider can’t read the site content do to poor site construction and the use of text placed on images. Just because you see things on the screen doesn’t mean the Google spider can. Even some of the newer, cooler Web designs, like Flash, can’t be read at all.

COME MEET

THE

If you have an existing site (and it doesn’t have to be old to have problems), you should be working to get it to the top of a Google search. So make sure Google can read it. If you’re planning a new site, use text for text and not images with text on them. With a text-rich site, Google will be able index your content, enabling Google to properly understand what your site’s about. The more Google understands, the better your chances of ranking high in a broad-phrase search. Using images on a site allows the designer to make things artistic and cool, but without plain old text, Google will never know the extent of your expertise and knowledge. You need them both. If you use words on graphic images, include the same words in text format somewhere else on the page. It’s what the spider sees that matters to search engines. To see how Google sees your site, go to my Google Spider Simulator link: www.spider.notorioustalent.com. With some simple comparative analysis, you’ll begin to see more ways to get your site ranked high on the Google radar.

AUTHOR

Free event

Saturday, August 4 at 2 p.m. Serving your friends and family for more than 24 years with conditions like:

Headaches/Migraines

Lower back/Hip/Knee/Foot pain

Neck/arm/wrist pain or numbness

Disc Problems

Mid back/chest/rib pain or spasm

We use the latest technology like: DRX9000 Cold Laser ProAdjuster Impulse and Brimhall adjusters Non-Invasive Disc Rehabilitation

Laura Anne Gilman

Special Exam & X-Ray only $49 with this ad (offer expires 8/10/07)

40% OFF all books on cassette for the month of August

Our Patient’s say:

Open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“I have had Chiropractic care for over 20 years and Dr. Moon is - Paul number one. I can’t believe how good I feel!”

Call now! 682-8400

In the Clayton Station

www.cdrmoon.com

5161 Clayton Rd, Suite E, Concord (across the street from K-Mart)

New Owners and Clayton residents

Dr. Moon

Joel and Christy Harris

5433 D Clayton Rd., Clayton (925) 673-3325

Page A12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

At the Movies

‘Order of the Phoenix’ a darker but better Potter

NATALIE BUDESA

THE

MOVIES

For one night, Harry Potter gives me the opportunity to dress up in wizard cloaks, adopt a fake British accent and wave sticks around while shouting absurd spells, of my own making, at my friends. At the opening of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” I heard every spell from the classic “Stupefy!” to “Turnus greenikus!” to get a traffic light to change. Luckily the movie itself packs enough real emotion to satisfy both the muggle and wizard side of fans. Harry returns to the wizarding world to discover that the Ministry of Magic has been discrediting his word that the evil Lord Voldemort has returned. Dolores Umbridge, a wicked Imelda Staunton who makes pink look poisonous, becomes the new Defense Against the

Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts, but rather than teaching the kids how to use magic, she insists on theory and memorization. Worst of all, Umbridge claims to Harry, who has seen his fair share of dark lords, that the wizarding world is not in danger. Rather than stop telling “lies,” Harry channels his everpresent teen angst into a new medium: rebellion. With Hermione’s unlikely persuasion, a secret society is born at Hogwarts, where Harry teaches his classmates how to really defend themselves against approaching dark times. And darkness is eminent indeed. Most of the movie takes on a grimmer look, with a few bright intervals. An example is Harry’s first kiss, which Potter fans know is coming from the moment Harry awkwardly walks up to the forlorn Cho Chang (Katie Leung), even before the mistletoe makes an appearance. An outlook that must always be established with movies based on books is the separation between literary and cinematic entertainment. That said, of course parts of the longest book in the series got cut. The movie is a mere two hours and 18 minutes in length. However, where director David Yates justifies himself is the trueness of the remaining

Candles, pottery, lotions & more.

1030 Diablo St. across from Skip’s

925-672-2025 Photo by Murray Close

From left: Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, Daniel Radliffe as Harry Potter and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.’

scenes. The spirit of the book shines through the camera angles, and in some parts, I knew the next lines of dialogue. With her dreamy voice, Evanna Lynch is an excellent addition to the cast as Luna Lovegood. The original trio, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, look more mature, especially Daniel’s new short ’do. Although the short hair is completely unHarry-like, the fans’ familiarity with Radcliffe makes the transition all right. The fifth movie presents a different take on Harry’s world that should not be criticized for

discontinuity, but praised for innovation. When the credits rolled, stick wand forgotten in the seat, I felt like I had watched a raw glimpse of Harry, where even silence and shaky cameras could deliver as much impact as a few well-placed adjectives. I’m not packing away my wizard cloak just yet. July 21 brought another round of Harry Potter magic. I sincerely hope that Lord Voldemort goes down. Natalie Budesa is 17 yrears old and is a senior at CVHS. She plans to be a screenwriter and author. Send your comments to movies@claytonpioneer.com

True genius at core of ‘Vitus’

(925) 595-8623 Carpet Vinyl Wood Laminate Tile “The preferred flooring contractor of the Real Estate community” (including the Lynne French Team)

JEANNA ROSS

AT THE MOVIES The story of a young wunderkind piano player, the basis of Switzerland’s “Vitus,” is familiar. We saw Mozart grow through Tom Hulce’s brilliance in “Amadeus.” Geoffrey Rush led us through David Helfgott’s childhood traumas in “Shine.” Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths made us weep as Jacqueline du Pré and Hilary du Pré-Finzi in “Hilary and Jackie.” However, the common thread through these stories was that the actors merely mimed their musical sequences. They learned proper technique, but the actual sound was created in a studio somewhere far outside the set. Not so with “Vitus” (pronounced Vee-Tus, like bus), the newest in a series of stories about musicians played by musicians, instead of actors pretending to be competent artists. The

first was Ireland’s quiet “Once,” or simply succumb to that which with Marketa Irglova and Glen is easiest? Hansard playing struggling We have all felt the pull of singer/songwriters. For that things that are “simple” for us work, they composed and per- but don’t bring us joy. What formed their own works. choice did we make? “Vitus” takes the idea one Through Vitus, who is posstep further. Instead of adult sessed with many areas of musicians who have studied for genius, not just music, we see the decades to learn their craft, we trials and tribulations inherent in meet two these gifts. geniuses: ficPerhaps we, tional Vitus as an audiand the ence, have young pernever been former who in the presbrings him ence of to life, 15quite such year-old Teo astounding Gheorghiu, a intelligence, piano prodibut we have Photo credit: Vitus.com c e r t a i n l y gy discovered in a Fabrizio Borsant as 6-year old Vitus and seen others school for Julika Jenkins as his mother. tor mented gifted youth in Switzerland. for their intellectual prowess, Unlike the aforementioned, both by adults and children alike. “Vitus” isn’t about the madness It is interesting to note that that destroys talent. It is, instead, the most powerful of Vitus’ much more personal and can opposition comes from adults earn empathy from a general who feel challenged by him, audience. What happens when rather than the kids over whom one is born with a gift that does he towers. not satisfy? Does one rebel and Already an award-winner in find happiness in other pursuits Switzerland, the film offers

ARLENE SKUBA

LANA SKUBA

Clayton, $665,000 Custom built downtown home remodeled kitchen & baths large lot country living!

766-5501 lanaskuba@ aol.com

RE/MAX Allied Brokers

www.arleneskuba.com

Dan Bettencourt

excellent performances, particularly from the actors who play Vitus at 6 (adorable Fabrizio Borsani) and 12. Since it is the first acting roles for both, their lack of pretension works in their favor. The presentations are subtle, with little of the “Hollywood child” flash. Both do an excellent job portraying all the facets of Vitus’ genius, including language and the mathematics that will bring about the story’s climax. The most awe-inspiring moments, though, include the times (and they are plentiful) when Gheorghiu takes the bench and his tiny fingers fly over the keys in a blur of movement. “Vitus” is a typical coming of age tale with a familiar moral: Only we can choose our paths. For good or evil, the decisions that guide us must be ours and ours alone. Jeanna Ross is an English teacher at Clayton Valley High School and a free lance writer. She regularly contributes to the Pioneer. Send comments to her at movies@claytonpioneer.com.

Introducing

Concord, $729,000

Clayton, $760,000 4 bdrms, 2.5 baths 1 story home, completely remodeled inside RV parking 15,750 sq. ft. lot inground pool.

www.lanaskuba.com

Viking grill-carts, outdoor kitchens & entertainment packages

Just listed!

4 bdrms, 3 baths custom-built home with views in great neighborhood on quiet cul-de-sac.

672-6009 arlene@ arleneskuba.com

Financing Available Same or Next Day Estimates Installation within One Week

Too hot to cook indoors?

Just listed!

Our door is ALWAYS open to our clients... even after escrow closes

Summer Store hours Now open Sundays: 10 -3 Tues. - Sat.: 10-5 Wed.: 10-7

with 120V ignition and halogen lights

Viking Tahoe package

The place for fine gifts, patio and garden furniture, spas, barbeque islands and a quality nursery.

3 granite color choices Custom substitutions available

Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens Family owned since 1983

6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton

Closed Mondays

· 672-0207

July 27, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A13

Quilts bring comfort to those in need BEV BRITTON Clayton Pioneer

Give your kids the experience of a lifetime this summer. Let them spend a week with our wonderful horses

Summer Day Camps July August Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 2.p.m. We also offer lessons from beginning riders to advanced riders and horsemanship courses. To register or for more information, call 925-516-5942 or download a registration form at

skylarkequestrian.com

For the new book “American Patchwork,” Clayton resident Bonnie Reece shares her touching story of a quilt project for a terminally ill co-worker. “Another woman had heard about how people made journey quilts for families traveling West. Well, this was going to be the ultimate journey for Pat,” Reece says. Reece, an HVAC mechanic at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in the ’70s, joined a few other female employees to stitch blocks for a quilt for Pat, who had breast cancer. “What made it so heartwarming was that the guys, who were kind of rough and tumble, wanted to join in,” Reece notes. “We didn’t even tell them about it – they just found out and they really wanted to contribute.” For “American Patchwork: True Stories from Quilters,” editor Sonja Hakala spent more than a year collecting stories before selecting 67 to print in the book. “I wanted to present a range of personal tales that reflect the variety of experiences among people who share a common love of quilting,” says Hakala. “I felt that Bonnie’s funny and touching story, ‘The Journey Quilt,’ adds a unique perspective.” After the journey quilt, the craft didn’t become a large part of Reece’s life until 1991, when

20350 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood

Reg

ister

Aug

NOW . 29 I want to invest in - Lim ited seat ing real estate, but not in California. Where should I go?

It’s no secret that the California real estate market has cooled. But the Southern states are HOT right now. And we aren’t talking about the weather. Take a look:

her husband Larry Carpenter died. “I just needed something new. I was dealing with his death by staying busy. Busy, busy, busy. And then I would finally be so tired, I could sleep,” Reece recalls. “Quilting made me kind of stop, think, meditate, grieve and heal,” she adds. Her hobby led her to quilt.net, where she connected with other enthusiasts. Eventually, she met many of her online friends at quilt shows in California and throughout the country as she traveled in her RV. When Reece was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, her online family worked together to make her a quilt. “There were people from all over the country who sewed blocks,” says Reece. The quilt, decorated with hearts and stars, is on display at her place in Tahoe. These days, the quilter uses her skills to aid the spay/neuter clinic in Loreto, Mexico, where she winters. “The Dogs of Loreto,” a quilt featuring flop-

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

Bonnie Reece created a whimsical cat quilt to benefit the spay/neuter clinic in Loreto, Mexico. The dogs at right will be part of her next project, “The Dogs of Loreto.”

py-eared replicas of the town’s pooches, will be raffled off next winter to benefit the clinic. Reece also dabbles in painting, from watercolor and oil to her new hobby – silk paintings that she turns into quilts. Samples of her works line the walls of her rural Clayton home, sharing space with hun-

Tea a tranquil finale at Butchart Gardens I recently had the privilege of having afternoon tea at the famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., with my husband and good friends Wyletta Truscott and Bill Nickson. It was a day of beauty, relaxation, good food and companionship. Butchart Gardens is located on 55 acres of lush greenery amidst wonderful floral displays. Its meandering paths lead you to the beautiful Sunken Garden, Mediterranean area, Japanese Garden and Rose Gardens.

It was started in 1904, when Jennie Butchart began to beautify a worked-out quarry site left behind from her husband’s pioneering efforts in the manufacture of Portland cement. Today, thousands of people come from all over the world to visit these magnificent grounds. Nestled in the middle of these splendid gardens is a lovely white building with several atrium areas, a covered dining patio and a number of

Real Estate Appreciation in the Last 12 Months SF/Oakland Bay Area . . . . . . . DOWN 9% Nashville, Tennessee . . . . . . . UP 12.5% Raleigh, North Carolina . . . . . UP a whopping 21.9% Our June workshop will feature an out-of-state broker offering builder direct, cash flow duplexes. These properties are a turn key investment, complete with financing and property management. These multi-family properties will be a good compliment to your real estate portfolio. When: Where:

Wed., August 29, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Heald College Conference Center, 5130 Commercial Circle, Concord.

NATIONWIDE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

dreds of spools of thread in every color. “I used to make clothes, but they didn’t always fit right or people didn’t like them. But everyone likes quilts,” she says. “When someone comes by and says, ‘Ahhh!’ about one of them, I give it to them. And it’s the same with the paintings.”

The Sunken Garden began as an ugly limestone pit in 1904. It is now a National Historic Site, attracting over 1 million garden visitors each year.

PAM BARNETT

TEA

FOR YOU

other small rooms. Afternoon tea is served here each afternoon for those who wish to pause in respite and savor the beauty around them. Seated next to a large window overlooking the magnificent Mediterranean garden area, we sipped Butchart Garden’s own blend of black tea poured from silver teapots. Soon our waiter brought us goblets filled with fresh fruit, topped with a delicious yogurt cream sauce. Keeping in mind that one never discusses serious topics such as politics or religion over teatime, my companions and I commented on the favorable weather and beautiful grounds as we enjoyed our fruit. Before long, we were served a three-tiered silver stand overflowing with goodies. Its simple elegance seemed to fit this place. We were told that all items were freshly made each day on the premises. The warm items were on the bottom tier. A miniature seafood quiche and a flaky sausage roll topped with a dab of mustard were an excellent start to our meal. The bottom plate also contained an assortment of finger sandwiches like cucumber, curried egg salad, smoked salmon and deviled turkey. Next, we moved on to the middle tier and enjoyed handdipped chocolates, tea bread, a fruit tartlet and small cake, loving every morsel. As we finally made our way to the top tier, we nibbled at the raisin scones. Devonshire cream and strawberry jam made the perfect topping. Too full to finish, we reluctantly allowed the waiter to take our remnants away. Having afternoon tea was the perfect way to end our wonderful visit to this spectacular place. The memory of its beauty is something I will cherish in my heart for a long time. Pam Barnett was an English major in college and a teacher before becoming co-owner with Sally Englund of Englund’s Tea Cottage in the Clayton Station. Email her at Pammbarnett@aol.com

Page A14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

georgevujnovich.com

Trust your home to

GEORGE VUJNOVICH, Broker Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!

Stunning Single Story “Lennox” model! on a prime view lot overlooking hills & canyons! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 2,748sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage. Formal living with neutral carpet & plantation shutters. Formal dining room features upgraded 13” tile floors & plantation shutters. Large family room offers a contoured ceiling with built-in speakers featuring surround sound, a ceramic log fireplace, media recess & cabinet. Gourmet kitchen with tile counters, island & upgraded 13” tile floors. Huge master suite! Fantastic private lot offers lush lawn areas, custom patio & a secluded deck with relaxing spa. $925,000 JEFFREY RANCH!

Single Story with fantastic court location! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx 1926sq ft & 2 car garage. Open floor plan with neutral decor. Recent Updating & Upgrading throughout featuring dual pane windows, tile floors, 2” blinds, new paint, light fixtures and more! Living room features vaulted ceiling, hardwood floors, recessed accent lights, and large walk in guest closet. Formal dining room off kitchen with upgraded crown moulding. Updated/Upgraded kitchen features granite slab counters, 18” tile floors, oak cabinets with built-in wine rack, pantry style cupboard with pull out drawers, free standing stainless oven/range and microwave. Spacious master suite with sliding glass door to patio and upgraded light fixture. Private pool size lot with custom brick accented stone insert patio’s, enclosed refreshing spa, paved side yard with shed and RV/Boat parking. $699,000 GARAVENTA OAKS!

Beautifully updated and upgraded! 4 bedroom 3 bath approx 2,134sf with inside laundry and 2 car attached garage! New dual pane windows, roof, and heating/AC. Step-down living room with vaulted ceiling, plantation shutters & views of neighborhood park. Updated gourmet kitchen features gorgeous granite tile counters with diagonal laid backsplash, under counter lighting, Euro style cabinets, “Dacor” oven and gas range, “Franke” dual sink with oversized wash basin and vegetable sink and sunny garden window. Breakfast nook offers a bay window, upgraded light fixture, glass front display cabinet and pantry style cupboard. Family room features upgraded dual French doors with opening side panels and granite tile wet bar with sink. Spacious master suite with double door entry and ceiling fan. Updated master bath features marble floor, dual sinks, and expanded/oversized shower with floor to ceiling tile surround and Hans-Grohe shower unit. Walk in closet. Lot is a secluded oasis with private refreshing spa, vine covered trellis over deck, relaxing fountain, brick patio with raised planter, and colorful flowers. $659,000

NG I D PEN

BLACK DIAMOND AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!

Stunning “Horseshoe” model!

on a premium golf course lot situated on the 11th fairway with spectacular Mt. Diablo, course & Heritage oak views! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,749sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage! Many upgrades include: laminate floors in kitchen, nook, living & dining rooms, designer paint colors/scheme, plantation shutters & 2” blinds. Living room with vaulted ceiling, upgraded marble fireplace & views. Separate dining room with upgraded chandelier. Gourmet kitchen offers a spacious eating nook & pantry. Spacious master with sitting area & sweeping views! Great lot backs to tranquil golf course setting with stunning views, $625,000 deck, built-in benches, aggregate patio, lush lawn, lots of flowers & ornamentals.

D SOL

Mortgage Market Update Conforming $417,000 or less

Jumbo $417,001 and up

30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . .6.375% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . .6.375% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . . . .6.5% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . .6.625% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.375% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.75%

30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . .6.375% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . .6.375% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . . . .6.5% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . . . .6.5% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.625% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.0%

Tel: (925) 672-4433 6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517

DANA HILLS!

Updated and Rare Single Story! on a quiet cul-de-sac! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx 2694sf, inside laundry & 3 car attached garage with custom storage cabinets. Many upgrades include: dual pane windows with molding, “Hunter Douglas” auto release blinds on front windows, new interior paint, security system, light fixtures, new baseboards in bedrooms, 16” tile floors in laundry room and half bath. Step-down living room with semi vaulted ceiling. Formal dining room with upgraded chandelier and french doors leading to kitchen nook. Family room features a brick fireplace and “Anderson” slider leading to yard. Spacious kitchen with wood floors, abundant cabinets, tile counters and breakfast bar. Huge master suite with double door entry, upgraded crown molding, custom wood shutters, new slider to yard and master bedroom retreat with built in book shelves and cabinetry. Master bath features crown molding, dual sinks with upgraded faucets, 12” tile floors, large walk-in closet with organizer, tub with decorative tile backsplash and separate stall shower. Private pool size lot features towering redwoods, lush lawn area, large deck, vegetable garden, gorgeous roses and partial views of Mt. Diablo. $799,000 DANA HILLS!

Highly Desirable Single Story!

nestled in a serene court setting adjacent to greenbelt & miles of walking trails! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1,740sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage! Parquet entry extends into cozy family room with slider to courtyard. Neutral décor, 2” blinds & new carpet throughout! Updated gourmet kitchen features gorgeous granite tile counters, parquet floors, bay window eating nook with hillside & wooded views. Living room offers a stone fireplace with raised hearth. Dining area with elaborate chandelier & slider to deck! Spacious master suite with dual closets. Awesome totally private lot boasts plenty of room for a pool & features a great trellis covered redwood deck with built-in bench seating & relaxing spa with wooded & Mt. Diablo views. Sprawling lawn, lots of trees, ornamentals, roses & large side yard! $739,000

NG I D PEN

Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS 179 Brandywine Place 5930 Wallace Drive 1509 Tara Court 410 Wawona Lane 3401 Coyote Circle 62 Weatherly Drive 1155 Peacock Creek Drive 372 Blue Oak Lane 514 Raven Place 20 Ohlone Lane 17 Long Creek Circle 50 La Honda Court 160 Mt Etna Dr 812 Chert Pl 1055 Feather Circle 923 Arrowhead Terrace 1403 Indianhead Way 6022 Golden Eagle Way 17 Capistrano Court 5866 Caulfield Drive 1 Mount Wilson Way 277 Mountaire Pkwy 84 Bear Place 216 Round House Pl 7 Donner Creek Ct 5923 Cardinet Drive 1419 Indianhead Way 6031 Golden Eagle Way 1884 Ohlone Heights 5127 Keller Ridge Drive 3066 Windmill Canyon Drive 967 Tiffin Drive 25 Mt Wilson Way 1774 Indian Wells Way 1019 Feather Circle 102 La Encinal Court 11 Donner Creek Court

PRICE $1,425,000 $833,000 $540,000 $875,000 $503,500 $695,000 $1,210,000 $975,000 $714,000 $689,900 $409,000 $775,000 $518,000 $625,000 $650,000 $615,000 $482,000 $665,000 $900,000 $752,500 $445,000 $875,000 $795,000 $585,000 $438,900 $817,500 $567,000 $840,000 $660,000 $771,000 $775,000 $685,000 $443,000 $620,000 $579,000 $775,000 $475,000

SALE DATE

7/13/07 7/5/07 6/29/07 6/29/07 6/29/07 6/29/07 6/28/07 6/26/07 6/26/07 6/22/07 6/21/07 6/20/07 6/20/07 6/20/07 6/19/07 6/15/07 6/12/07 6/12/07 6/11/07 6/10/07 6/8/07 6/7/07 6/7/07 6/5/07 6/5/07 6/1/07 5/31/07 5/31/07 5/30/07 5/29/07 5/25/07 5/24/07 5/22/07 5/16/07 5/15/07 5/11/07 5/10/07

4100 2179 1549 3005 1554 1781 4100 3454 2053 1877 966 2390 1442 1939 1638 1904 1145 1816 2500 2017 1075 2960 2894 1749 1113 1870 1745 2854 1561 2313 2315 1456 1075 1797 1338 2,390 1,457

BED/BATH 5/3.5 4/2.5 3/3 4/3 3.2.5 3/2.5 6/3.5 5/3.5 3/2 3/2.5 2/2 4/2.5 3/2 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 2/2 3/2 4/2.5 4/2.5 3/2 5/3 5/3 3/2.5 3/2 4/2 3/3 4/3 3/2 4/2.5 4/2.5 3/2 3/2 3/2.5 3/2 4/2.5 3/2.5

CLAYTON PIONEER July 27, 2007

Section B

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B1

Plant these beauties now for pretty August blooms

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL July is a great time to install several summer stunners in your landscape and garden. There are still so many blooms to enjoy. The dahlias are dynamite at this time of year. Gerbera daisies have simple forms and powerful colors, and the kangaroo paws’ blossom is pointing straight toward the sky. These three plant families will wow your summertime landscapes and gardens. Now, you just need to know which ones to grow, how to use them and where to put them. Anigozanthos hopped on to the garden scene four to five years ago. The popularity of this evergreen perennial is phenomenal. Anigozanthos is commonly referred to as kangaroo paw, which describes the shape of the blossom. It kind of looks like a fuzzy little paw. Big Red is one of the easiest and most adaptable selections of kangaroo paw. Green,

grass-like foliage supports a heap of tubular green stems covered with orange fuzzy hairs, and those are topped by masses of dark red, pawshaped flowers that can reach 6 feet tall. Yellow Gem is another color selection that is a must-have for any collector of kangaroo paw. Citron-colored flowers stand three to four feet tall against orange-red stems. This selection is a great landscape variety.

ation. They look great in massed plantings along a burm, or excellent in a container. Kangaroo paws make good poolside plantings, because they create minimal mess. You must install this selection with a planting mix. Do not use any fertilizer containing phosphorus. Keep the Miracle Grow away. Do use a pellet or two of snail/slug bait within the foliage of this perennial.

BIG RED KANGAROO PAW

Pink Joey is available for the pink people. A rare kangaroo paw just being introduced with almost black foliage is perfect for the collector. All anigozanthos need to be in a full to mostly sun situ-

Gerbera daisies are a familiar-looking perennial that has come so far these last couple of years. The hybridizers in the plant world have been hard at work creating a hardier, longer blooming,

more stunning Gerbera daisy, and they have done it. These selections fall under the florist strains categories. Just because the word florist is used does not mean these selections are any more difficult to grow and enjoy. Chiquita Springs is a bold yellowish gold with a shredded style petal and black eye. Germini Striptease was chosen primarily for its name. This Gerbera has a deep, clear pink coloring, with tightly stacked petals. Germini Striptease is a heavy producer and a valued cut flower. Sunburst Fuchsia almost looks like a traditional Gerbera daisy, but as you look closer, you’ll see that the stems and leaves of this perennial are anything but traditional. All of the florist selections have incredible stems, thick and healthy, the kind needed to support big blossoms. The leaves are larger, too. Install all Gerbera daisies in part sun and shade. They would appreciate having some afternoon sun relief. Definitely install these perennials with a high nitrogen planting mix. You will need to feed with liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks to keep your Gerberas blooming. Harvest your flowers to enjoy indoors. The blossom can last for a week. Once in the ground for two to three years, your Gerberas will need to be dug up, divided

and reinstalled. Keeping the soil light around your daisies will allow more bloom. Dahlias are so wonderful that they should have a column all to themselves. These full-sun loving perennials have their place in any Clayton Valley yard or garden. Karma Sangria is an excellent dahlia that makes a great presentation. The deep magenta, formal blossom looks like a peony, with more petals than someone can possibly count. Annually, Karma Sangria will reach 3 feet tall and almost as wide. Bees go crazy for dahlias, so consider where you plant them. Karma Thalia is another colorful selection. Glowing pink,

“The hybridizers in the plant world have been hard at work creating a hardier, longer blooming, more stunning Gerbera daisy, and they have done it.” Nicole Hackett decorative flowers reach 4 to 5 inches wide and are held high with strong, healthy stems. Yin Yang is a bi-color selection, a perfect balance of white and cranberry red. Daredevil is a water lily style bicolor of yel-

KARMA SANGRIA

low and orange. Dahlias have few needs. They need full sun, they need regular, water-soluble fertilizer and they need division every three to four years. That is about all. Protect them from snails and slugs and avoid the urge to over water. Sticky clay does not drain well, and too much water can drown a dahlia. Planting during the summer months is the only way to keep your garden blooming. Several plants are only available in July and August. Install one or two with each visit, and your landscapes and beds will continue to stun through the summer. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

When it comes to buying or selling a home in the East Bay Area, trust Lynne French to connect you with your dreams with her distinctive brand of real estate service.

(925) 672-8787 www.LynneFrench.com Lynne@LynneFrench.com 6200-E Center St.

Clayton, CA 94517

ynne French is making connections everyday as one of the East Bay Area’s leading real estate professionals. Connections with her clients and their families on a truly personal level. Connections within her industry to give her clients the most comprehensive home buying and selling services. Connections between her clients and their unique dreams. Lynne’s approach is straightforward. By listening to you and your family

throughout the process and focusing all of her energy on your specific goals, she goes above and beyond to help you Discover the Possibilities and make the most of your unique opportunities. Give Lynne French and her team a call or visit her Web site today and discover for yourself what the East Bay Area’s “French Connection” is all about—personalized service, expert guidance and unsurpassed dedication to your needs.

Page B2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

Clayton Sports Twin athletes enjoy mix of competition, camaraderie RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer

Families with children playing multiple sports quickly learn how to juggle practice schedules, games and tournaments. Having twins – along with other children of different ages – creates a different dynamic that can be challenging but even more rewarding as their children compete individually and together on a team. Here in Clayton, the Jacobsons and the Haleys are two such families. Steve and Andrea Jacobson’s twin sons, Matt and Zach, are active in baseball and soccer, after previously being involved in swimming and basketball. They are eighth-graders at Diablo View Middle School. For Chris and Gwen Haley, the school year and summer are spent shuffling Nicole and Megan to soccer, basketball and swim practices. The twins are fifth-graders at Mt. Diablo Elementary. Matt and Zach have been playing on the same teams since before kindergarten. They have been playing baseball and soccer year-round since 1999, and both are very competitive. “I try to hit more home runs or score more goals than my brother,” says Zach. Matt agrees but also says he likes having his twin brother on the same teams. “We have better communication and know how each other plays.” Matt prefers baseball to soccer, because he “is just better at hitting a baseball than

Randy Rowland/Clayton Pioneer

Multiple sports occupy top spot in the lives of twins Zach Jacobson, Megan Haley, Matt Jacobson and Nicole Haley. Juggling practices, games and homework responsibilities keeps everyone in the family on their toes.

kicking a soccer ball.” In soccer, Matt is a left wing and a goalkeeper. He is the catcher and a pitcher on his Clayton Valley Little League team that is currently playing the All Stars season. “I like catching, because I like being involved in every play,” he notes. Zach likes soccer better. “I like to run up and down the field, and there is more move-

ment in soccer,” he says. He plays center midfield for the Diablo Valley Soccer Club’s Demolition, a club travel team, and is the shortstop in baseball. Matt and Zach agree that “sports are our lives,” saying they would be bored without them. They love to go to a ball game with the family or talk about it at dinner. They both plan to continue playing base-

ball and soccer, and think they might try lacrosse in high school because it “looks fun.” “They each have different talents and skills,” says their dad. “What one lacks the other has, and they complement each other.” Megan and Nicole are in the middle of their swim season at Dana Hills, and they are playing competitive soccer with Mt. Diablo Soccer

League’s Fury, a U11 competitive team. During the winter, they play basketball with St. Bonaventure CYO. They have been playing all three sports for four years and before that, they tried softball. They both like being on the same team and enjoy cheering for each other. “It is more fun being on the same team,” Megan reports. Nicole says her favorite

Post-season play a reality for two locals MEGHAN PARDI Clayton Pioneer

Scott Gorgen and Sam Ray, two Clayton Valley graduates, are proud to be part of the elite group of athletes playing at the collegiate level. “Playing college/pro ball is a dream I think every Little Leaguer has,” says Ray, who played for the UCLA Bruins. “Playing college Division I baseball was always my dream,” notes Gorgen, a pitcher for the UC Irvine Anteaters. Ray describes his four years with the Bruins as “the greatest

experience of my life.” This year, UCLA won the Long Beach Regional by defeating No. 1 seed Long Beach State to qualify for the Super Regionals, which fields 16 teams. “Everyone in the clubhouse was yelling, cheering and hugging each other. It was awesome,” Ray recalls. The team then played Cal State Fullerton to determine who would advance to the College World Series. Ray describes the crowd as “extremely hostile and heavily skewed in their favor, with every pitch provoking a gasp, boo or

Clayton resident, Mike Rose, has been in business for over 35 years and has always provided quality repair with excellent customer service!

cheer.” Unfortunately, Fullerton defeated the Bruins to end their season. This was the first time UCLA made it to the Super Regionals since 2000. “Though we didn’t go to the College World Series, most people never get to go to a Super Regional and that is something that everyone is very proud of,” Ray says. Meanwhile, Gorgen and the UC Irvine Anteaters had an “unbelievable” post-season, culminating in the program’s first

See Baseball, page B4

SEVEN LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!

2140 North Broadway Walnut Creek (925) 210-1739 2260 Via De Mercados Concord (925) 689-1739

Mike’s Brentwood Autobody 4535 O’Hara Avenue Brentwood (925) 634-6366 2288 North Main Walnut Creek (925) 979-1739 2001 Fremont Street Concord (925) 686-1739

Complimentary Blood Sugar Test

Team Parties

offered Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Patio Dining

Corporate Catering

ico nd N

(925) 672-6744

Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Appointments are available

July 29, 7 - 10 pm

w e N s ’ o c c o R rts Bar Spo Open NOW

17 Draft Beers

Rocc

Karaoke Sunday

ily & fam e l a i B cco y Ro b d wne lly o Loca

bl vaila A r a

1520 Kirker Pass Road, Suite A Clayton, CA

14 California Ave Suite D Pleasanton (925) 600-1739

WWW.MAUTOBODY.COM

Banquet Rooms

If you are not a patient of Clayton Valley Medical Group and would like to become one, please contact Sue at (925) 672-6744 x14

1610 West 10th Street Antioch (925) 778-1330

SCOTT GORGEN

urday Night very Sat E M P Live Music 8:30 announces The service of the month for our patients for the month of July

sport is soccer. “I like to run, and playing soccer, I can do that,” she says. “And as a forward, I like to get to shoot.” Nicole swims the Individual Medley, breaststroke, freestyle and backstroke races. She likes being a part of a team, and so her favorite swim meets are ones like the Devil Mountain Pentathlon and the Concord City Meet. “We get to compete as a team and try to win against the other teams in the city,” she says. Megan says she can’t choose a favorite sport. “I like them all equally,” she says. “I am probably best at swimming, because I’m well-rounded at all the strokes.” She too likes the City Meet. “Since we have been on the team, we have won the championship every year,” she says. For her soccer team, Megan likes to play right fullback. Megan and Nicole agree sports are “very important” to them. As their coaches, parents Chris and Gwen have passed on their love of competition. The family enjoys going to Cal football games and watching the A’s and Warriors. Both girls hope to continue playing into high school, saying it would make it that much more fun to be on a team together. Megan and Nicole look up to swimmer Natalie Coughlin and soccer player Mia Hamm. Megan says of Hamm: “She works really hard and is really dedicated.” Likewise, the girls hope their dedication and commitment will keep them playing together for a long time.

B Full

27 Flat Screen TVs

2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd. at Oak Grove Rd. in Walnut Creek (925) 947-6105 • Fax (925) 947-6106 • www.roccospizzeria.com

July 27, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B3

Clayton Sports

CD Federal Credit Union For membership information contact Jenn Irwin at 925-825-0900, ext. 314

Dolphins take win at Pentathlon

1855 Second St., Concord, CA 94519

www.cdfcu.org

Access over 25,000 surcharge-free ATMs with a CD Federal ATM card! Join Today! Exceeding Expectations since 1954

STONE TREE The Tree Experts since 1977

Looking for a Tree Hugger? We specialize in

QUALITY PRUNING & TREE REMOVAL

with no damage to plants or property

Free estimates & Low fee consultations

(925) 798-2094 Richard Stone ISA Certified Arborist #2245 CA lic # 629457

Insured for Worker’s Comp & Liability

Photo: Scott Anderson

Patrick Keane of the Otters flies through the water swimming butterfly for the 15-18 boys. JUSTIN BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Patty Flannery Realtor Clayton Resident since 1979

serving all your

Real Estate needs

Call GranyFlany voicemail: 925.975.5255 residence: 925.672.0541 email: granyflany@hotmail.com

Thunder Glow Bowli l a t i ng 5 BIG DVD SCREENS Dig Digital Thunder PLUS on the last 12 lanes

FALL LEAGUES starting in SEPT.

FRI 4 pm - 6 pm (kids), 10 pm - 1 am, Sat 10 pm - 1 am

Nifty $1.50 for kids

(under 18)

$1.50 games Mon. thru Fri. 10am to 4pm,

Before the 11 swim teams at the Devil Mountain Pentathlon broke out in cheers or the gun sounded to send the first swimmers off the blocks July 14, the Dana Hills Swim Team family honored recently deceased Jill Bedecarré for her 17 years of service to the Otters. Meet announcer Tom Brassil, who shared announcing duties with Bedecarré for more than a decade, introduced Vice Mayor Greg Manning representing the Clayton City Council. The Council proclaimed July 14 as “Jill Bedecarré Day” in Clayton. The Pleasant Hill Dolphins won the meet for the second year in a row, with 102 points. Springwood came in second with 88 points and Ygnacio Woods came in a distant third with 54. About 750 swimmers competed in the Pentathlon, each swimming every stroke (fly, back, breast, free and IM),

$1.50 games, Mon. thru Thu. 9pm to midnight

Freaky Funday on Sundays 5pm to midnight - $5 cover charge gets you $1-games, shoes, hotdogs, sodas and small beers.

925.689.4631 visit: claytonvalleybowl.com

Clayton Valley Bowl 5300 Clayton Road Concord, CA

finished second as well as Ryan Dugan for the B division. Jenna Stelzner came in second in the 13-14 girls A division, along with Katie Goodspeed in the B division. Nick Cooper edged into the top four for 13-14 boys A division and his B division counterpart, Nicholas Fong, placed third. Amanda Vierthlar, 15-18 girls, came in fourth in the B division. Bedecarré would have been proud of the accomplishments of these Clayton swimmers, as well as all those who competed. “It was the friendship, teamwork, perseverance, commitment and hard work that they received as Otters that brought the most joy. Thanks for the memories, Dana Hills, God bless and Go Otters!” Jill said upon her last child leaving the Dana Hills team after 17 years (1989-2005). Her four children (Jason, Justin, Julie and Jared), husband Jay, mother and other relatives and friends were on hand for the brief ceremony.

Devil Mountain Pentathlon Results 2007 6 & UNDER GIRLS A DIVISION 1. Rebekah Reynolds SPW 4. Gabi Mancini DHST 6. Alex Brown DHST 7. Hannah Macaulay OAK 6 & UNDER GIRLS B DIVISION 1. Katelyn Downing PHD 7. Spencer DeSchane DHST 8. Julia Deely DHST 6 & UNDER BOYS A DIVISION 1. Niklas Weigelt DHST 7. Anthony Vizenthal DHST

Clayton Fitness & Tanning

Circuit Training class mon/wed/fri, 8-9 am Now selling RELIV nutritional products. Weight loss with simplicity Authorized dealer. Ask for Frank.

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 5am - 10pm Sat. 7am - 5pm Sun. 8am - 5pm

Frank Lagau, owner, C.P.T. Mike Quinata, C.P.T.

es. Niklas Weigelt, 6 and under boys A division, Alina Weigelt, 7-8 girls A division, Mathew Fryer, 7-8 boys B division, and Michael Bare, 11-12 boys B division, each won their age group. Along with first-place finishes, many Otters nailed top four placements in their age group. Gabi Mancini in 6 and under girls A division finished fourth. Bailey DeSchane came in third in the 7-8 girls A division. Justin Weiss grabbed the bronze in the 7-8 boys A division. Justine Trimble came in second in 9-10 girls A division and Katie Miller finished third in the B division. Connor McMurdo came in second in the 9-10 boys B division. Dana Hills took three of the top four places in 11-12 girls A division with Nikki Palmer, Bailey Rogers and Peyton Hunziker taking second through fourth, respectively. Kimberly Anderson earned third in the 11-12 girls B division. Jared Deely, 11-12 boys A division,

all Summer

Nifty $1.50 Nights for everyone

925-672-2010 1516 Kirker Pass Road (Located in the Clayton Station)

with the combined time used to determine placing. Clayton swimmers competed hard, boasting five overall winners from Dana Hills and Oakhurst Country Club and almost 50 top eight finishes at the 13th annual Pentathlon. Oakhurst Country Club’s Andres Fonseca, 6 and under boys B division, finished first overall in his age group. Several other Orcas had top four finishes. Bill Ralston and Mitchell Longman copped two of the top four spots (second and fourth, respectively) in the 7-8 boys A division. Jordan Reyes, 7-8 boys B division, finished fourth. Carolyn Morrice finished third in 13-14 girls B division. With a total of 11 top eight finishes, Oakhurst finished fifth overall with 21 points. As hosts of the Pentathlon, the Dana Hills Otters remove themselves from overall team placement, but they had several stellar individual performances and totaled 36 top eight finish-

6 & UNDER BOYS B DIVISON 1. Andres Fonseca OAK 7. Tristan Sunde DHST 7/8 GIRLS A DIVISION 1. Alina Weigelt DHST 3. Bailey DeSchane DHST 7. Tori Klock DHST

7/8 GIRLS B DIVISION 1. Maddie Guzaitis PHAQ

3. Katie Miller 6. Sancianna Silveria

7/8 BOYS A DIVISION 1. Jordan Fetterman 2. Bill Ralston 3. Justin Weiss 4. Mitchell Longman 7. Max Silverberg

PHAQ OAK DHST OAK OAK

9/10 BOYS A DIVISION 1. Brandon Evans PHD 5. Tanner White DHST

7/8 BOYS B DIVISION 1. Mathew Fryer 4. Jordan Reyes 7. Henry Smith 8. John Safipour

DHST OAK OAK OAK

9/10 GIRLS A DIVISION 1. Tory Full VDD 2. Justine Trimble DHST 6. Clarice Roo OAK 8. Lindsay Treppa OAK 9/10 GIRLS B DIVISION 1. Emma Lipnicke PHD

Coming soon to the exclusive Diablo Downs area.

DHST DHST

9/10 BOYS B DIVISION 1. Matt Cary PHAQ 2. Connor McMurdo DHST 8. Jacob Hanson OAK 11/12 GIRLS A DIVISION 1. Grace Linderholm PHD 2. Nikki Palmer DHST 3. Bailey Rogers DHST 4. Peyton Hunziker DHST 5. Sonny Schmidt DHST 7. Megan Schussman DHST 8. Riley Shaw OAK 11/12 GIRLS B DIVISION 1. Samantha Beauchamp PHD

1.45 acres of arguably the best horse property around.

This incredible, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,486 sf home has it all. Huge oak trees shade the horses and a creek flows under the wooden bridge that leads to the barn. The barn is tri-level with 4 paddocks, tack room plus storage for hay. Beautiful decking, approx. 2,800 sf wraps the length of the home. Sit, relax, watch your horses play. Perfect home for raising a family. Great for entertaining friends. Everything in this beauty has been updated.

3. Kimberly Anderson DHST 11/12 BOYS A DIVISION 1. Drew Pitcher PHD 2. Jared Deely DHST 11/12 BOYS B DIVISION 1. Michael Bare DHST 2. Ryan Dugan DHST 5. Ryan Calkins DHST 6. Ryan Haley DHST 8. Alex Jennings DHST 13/14 GIRLS A DIVISION 1. Allyson Hansen SPW 2. Jenna Stelzner DHST 13/14 GIRLS B DIVISION 1. Emily Hendel VDD 2. Katie Goodspeed DHST 3. Carolyn Morrice OAK 13/14 BOYS A DIVISION 1. Mason Kinnard YWST 4. Nick Cooper DHST 6. Derek Anderson DHST 13/14 BOYS B DIVISION 1. Kjell Phillips WCST 3. Nicholas Fong DHST 15/18 GIRLS A DIVISION 1. Lindsey Hansen SPW 15/18 GIRLS B DIVISION 1. Danielle Lucido MCST 4. Amanda Vierthlar DHST

For a private showing please call Linda Miller, Realtor, Mortgage Specialist

5354 Clayton Rd, Suites B1 & B2, Concord phone: (925) 765-4765 fax: (925) 798-2100 email: Linda.d.Miller@sbcglobal.net www.homequity.us

15/18 BOYS A DIVISION 1. Brian George YWST 15/18 BOYS B DIVISION 1. Brandon Bjerke YWST 6. James Magas DHST

Page B4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

Clayton Sports

at Crossroads Covenant Church 5353 Concord Blvd. at the corner of Concord Blvd. and Kirker Pass Rd.

Clayton teen in midst of All Star frenzy

Free BBQ, music, and a play area for the kids! 5:30 p.m. to sunset.

BEV BRITTON Clayton Pioneer

Andy Harris’ bedroom is filled with baseball collectibles – bats, balls, caps, jerseys, pennants, framed player photos, bobble heads. And the 14-yearold Clayton boy is hoping to add an All Star ring to his collection soon. Andy spent four long days at AT&T Park during the All Star festivities July 7-10. As a batboy for the winning American League team, he shared in their spoils. He came home loaded down with goodies, including a box of caps, an official All Star chair and two uniforms – one with the AL All Star logo and one from the Giants. The incoming freshman at Clayton Valley has been a Giants fan for as long as he can remember, and Barry Bonds remains his favorite player. Still, he is content to work for the opposing teams as batboy. “Instead of just seeing the same guys the whole season, this way, I get to see a lot of different teams,” says Andy, who joined the Giants batboy squad at the start of the ’07 season. His contact with the players is limited, with many of his duties behind the scenes – making meals, setting up equipment in the dugout, unpacking their clothes and doing laundry. Only two batboys are chosen to work on the field during any given

To show your car or motorcycle,

ust Aug

798-5905

Specializing in accounting, tax and consulting services for businesses and individuals.

Shar Volf Principal AICPA member #4347867 18 years of public accounting experience CALCPA member #210728

Volfaccountancy@yahoo.com P.O. Box 234, Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 889-4950

Photo courtesy of the Harris family

FOR

LONG-TIME

GIANTS

FAN, Andy Harris, working as bat boy at the All Star games this month was a

dream come true and not all work. During batting practice, he played with the pros.

game. But he’s managed to find time to get plenty of autographs, including a signed team ball during the All Star game. That day, he also went around obtaining autographs on behalf of AL players who wanted them from their new teammates. During All Star batting practice, he and the other batboys

were able to play with the professionals. “We all suited up in Giants uniforms and went out and shagged balls and played catch with the players,” says Andy. Later, he worked on the field during the final three innings of the game. After the AL victory, he witnessed the locker room celebration. “Some of the players were

yelling,” he recalls. “We had a big stereo, and David Ortiz was playing really loud music.” Andy has been playing organized baseball since age 7. He recently completed a season with the Red Sox in the majors. He plans to keep baseball as a big part of his life, from continuing his batboy duties next season to trying out for the CV team in the future.

tes, Inc. a i c o s s A g Hoskin Kim Dromlewicz, B.S.E.E., M.B.A., Realtor®

direct (925) 324-7072

Mówie po Polsku

Kim@homes4ewe.com

Baseball, from page B2

SAM RAY

Division I College World Series run. He traveled from Round Rock, Tex., to Wichita, Kan., and finally to Omaha, Neb., where the College World Series was held.

Gorgen recalls feeling confident about the team’s postseason chances. “I just knew it in the back of my head that we were going to win and play in the World Series,” he states.

He pitched two full games and three others in post-season play. “Playing in front of all those people definitely pumped me up,” he says. The Anteaters made it to the semi-finals before being eliminated by Oregon State, who went on to beat North Carolina for the College World Series championship. Gorgen has many accomplishments to be proud of from this past season. He was named first team All Big West, All Tournament pitcher in Round Rock regional, two third team All-American Honors and two-time Big West pitcher of the week. He also pitched six complete games.

Although their seasons ended on a defeat, each player counts his season as a victory – not only by their baseball programs’ standards but from the athletes’ standards on a personal level. And for Ray and Gorgen, it isn’t about the glory. It’s about being part of the team. “The thing I will miss most, without a question, is my teammates,” says Ray. “They were my teammates, my best friends, my brothers in war. You love them, you hate them, but they become your family, because you really do spend more time with them than your actual family, whether you like it or not.”

Discover the possibilities in YOUR garden with a creative down-to-earth garden designer

Clay to Resid n ent

Let’s walk through YOUR space and focus on YOUR vision Kelly Marshall Garden Design in a one-on-one consultation. Then, I’ll create your dream... 925.914.0327 from beginning to end. kelly.marshall@earthlink.net

Member, Association of Professional Landscape Designers

FREE ft i Fitness G t to the firs s 25 caller

CORRECTION In the June 22 article about the St. Bonaventure CYO Track and Field season, there was an error in the results supplied to the Pioneer. Sadie Downing’s name was inadvertently left out of the fifth grade Sprint Medley Relay. The team members were Jordan Johnson, Jessica Forrester, Rona Chavez and Sadie Downing.

The Ultimate Concept in Women’s 30-Minute Workout and Weight Loss Programs

Offer ends Tuesday, July 27, 2007

Clayton, 5439 B/C Clayton Road Clayton Station/Safeway Shopping Center

925-672-4238 *Available on Stay Fit membership only. On first visit only. See club for details. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer may expire without notice.

July 27, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

www.golfngames.com Fun for the whole family

Miniature Golf Batting cages Go-karts Arcade Birthday parties

Baby boomers in a buyer’s market More baby boomers are now interested in buying a home, condo or second home – especially since it is a buyer’s market. It’s no secret that the market currently favors buyers but with that comes risk and uncertainty. Consider these tips:

(925) 754 - 5053 501 Auto Center Dr., Antioch

All the gear you need Birthday & corporate parties

(925) 757-2468, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch

www.antiochpaintballpark.com

ROBINS RANCHES Pr

ice

Re d

3400 Aspara, Clayton 10 acres, 2 homes, pool and barn, $1,249,000

376 Blue Oak, Clayton, $1,125,000

1105 Preutt Ranch Rd.,

Ba th

$595,000

Coming Soon 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Antioch Thinking of selling? Robin’s Ranches web page gets over 6,000 viewings a month

Robin’s Ranches website: www.robinsranches.com email: robin@robinsranches.com (925) 550-2383

to move to a neighborhood that allows them.

Get ready to sell your house.

Even if you find the home of your dreams and negotiate a great deal for it, most buyers still need to sell their existing home. In a buyer’s market, selling your existing home can be a challenge. Are you prepared to make two house payments or rent if the sale of your existing home lags with the purchase of your new home? Even if you’re confident about selling your home, you will likely need to invest money in minor repairs and refurbishing and may need to pay costs for market staging or maintaining a vacant home.

Page B5

Make room for elderly parents. If your needs go beyond

updating your current living space, moving may be a better option than extensive remodeling. Whether you are having a baby, making room for an adult child or welcoming aging parents into your home, you may never be able to recoup the remodeling costs needed to make your existing house fit your current needs. In addition, strict zoning laws may limit what you can do to your existing home. For example, granny flats or mother-in-law apartments are growing in popularity to house aging parents, accommodate boomerang kids or generate income. However, many neighborhoods have zoning restrictions that prohibit them. If you want to add one, you may want

MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE Take your time when buying a second home. Baby boomers are

ing your home and moving to a smaller or less expensive residence, you may wonder if it is better to pay cash for your new home and own it free and clear or to continue making mortgage payments. Start by asking yourself, “If I tie up most of my cash in a new home, will I have a large enough cash reserve to handle unexpected expenses and meet other living costs?” On the other hand, if you decide to carry a mortgage and you’re still working, you may want to pay off your loan by your anticipated retirement date.

fueling the purchases of second homes, whether as vacation homes, future retirement homes or investment/rental properties. However, because they already have somewhere to live, purchasers of second homes are advised to be patient, weigh the pros and cons of potential purchases, and carefully evaluate how much the home will cost annually and the forecasted financial return. While different lenders have different standards when it comes to mortgages on vacation homes, the loan standards for primary and secondary homes are virtually identical, especially for conventional loans. You can use the equity in your primary home as a down payment on your second home by doing a “cashout” refinance or getting a home equity loan or line of credit. Keep in mind, however, that failure to make timely payments on this loan or line or credit may cause to default on the loan and possibly lose your primary residence.

Downsize your home, downsize your mortgage payment. If

you are thinking about downsiz-

Buying a condo is not like buying a home. For many, con-

dos are a smart lifestyle choice but you need to make sure you understand what you are buying and what you are buying into. Start by asking key questions about the community and the condo association. For example, find out what percentage of units are owner occupied and whether there have been any special assessments in the last three years. Also, identify whether there are any major maintenance or improvement projects anticipated in the next 12 months and sufficient reserves to cover those expenses. Are there any current disputes, lawsuits or amendments to the by-laws that you need to know about? If you make an offer, make it contingent upon a satisfactory review of all condominium documents and by-laws.

ment before starting your project. In a buyer’s market, you will want to do as much as you can with as little as possible. One rule of thumb is to spend no more than 20 to 30 percent of your house value to improve and modernize your house. Keep in mind that the exterior, the kitchen and the bathrooms are the areas that are most important to prospective buyers. Next compare your house to others in the neighborhood and put off any projects that will overprice your home. Remember that minor remodels often have better returns than major, upscale projects, and that do-it-yourself projects can have a major impact on a home’s value. The current home buying environment offers benefits and risks for sellers and buyers. However, despite changing market conditions, buying a home is considered a good investment. To help you address the financial complexities and challenges of buying and selling your home as you near retirement, consider working with a financial planner. He or she can help you clarify your retirement and buying goals and create financial plans to help you reach them while accommodating your unique needs and circumstances.

Mureleen Benton is a Certified Financial Planner. Call her with questions at 685-4523 This information is provided for informational purposes only. The information is intended to be generic in nature and should not be applied or relied upon in any particular situation without the advice of your tax, legal and/or your financial advisor. The views expressed may not be suitable for every situation.

Should you remodel instead?

Even though the market favors buyers right now, you may find it appealing to stay put and remodel until market conditions or your needs change in the future. However, consider the potential return on your invest-

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member NASD and SIPC, part of Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

Summer can be tax-cutting time Now that the April filing deadline has passed, you probably aren’t thinking about income taxes. But during the warm days of summer, you can make choices that will cut your taxes for 2007 and beyond. Vacation homes. If you’re planning to spend several weeks at the vacation house that you rent out for the rest of the summer, you might want to check out the tax rules concerning personal use. By adjusting the number of days you use your vacation home, you may be able to deduct any rental loss you incur.

Combining business and vacation travel. Travel expenses are

deductible if the travel is undertaken primarily for business purposes. Therefore, you may wish to combine attendance at an out-of-town business conference with a visit to family or friends. The expenses attributable to the personal part of the trip, though, remain nondeductible. When doing any business traveling, make a distinction in your records between expenses for lodging and transportation and those for meals and entertainment. Only the latter are subject to a 50 percent deduction limitation.

Hire the kids. If you own your own business, pay your children to work for you. You’ll get a deduction at your higher bracket, while the children will be taxed on their wages at their lower rate. They won’t be taxed at all on the first $5,350 of earned income. Wages you pay to your under-18 child may be exempt from Social Security and Medicare tax. The pay must be reasonable for the work performed.

Fixing up the house? If you’re planning to make improvements to your home, get details on the tax credit available for making

CAROL KEANE, CPA

TAX TIPS energy-saving changes to your residence. Carol Keane is a Certified Public Accountant in Walnut Creek. Email her at carol@carolkeanecpa.com.

Now Offering... All calls answered Free Estimates

50% Off 1st month of service for Clayton Pioneer Readers expires 7/27/07

Weekly/Monthly Maintenance Heaters, Pumps, Filters Automation, Wireless Systems Ozone Sanitation Systems Green Pool Clean-up

Glenna Nickerson Relocation of Equipment Solar Heating Installs & Repair Acid Washing Plumbing, Electrical, Troubleshooting

925 227-0100 ext 101 510 409-2570 cell 925 227-1065 fax ladylender@msn.com Pleasanton

5990 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 112 Pleasanton, CA 94588

Clayton resident CBCA member, a sponsor of Art & Wine, and local youth activities

“Glenna Cares” Licensed Real Estate Broker CA Dept. of Real Estate #01183856

Page B6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

CTA offers great adventure in ‘Woods’

Est.1972

Smith & Bernal

Roofing

TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

What happens when Cinderella meets Jack in the Beanstalk? How does Rapunzel handle a bad hair day? Why is Jack’s only friend a milky-white cow? What does Red Riding Hood really have in that basket? You won’t find the answers to these questions in your Grimm’s Fairy Tales. For the solutions to these puzzles and many more, you’ll have to go “Into the Woods” with the accomplished cast of Crossroads Theatre. And you’ll have to hurry. There are only two performances left: Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28. With words and music by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, “Into the Woods” won the 1987 Tony award for both Best Score of a Musical and Best Book. This was the second collaboration for the two men, who previously created “Sunday in the Park with George,” which won the 1985 Pulitzer for drama. The first act of “Into the Woods” marries four familiar fairy tales – Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood – with the original story of a childless baker and his wife. The couple is offered a deal by the ugly witch: Bring her a golden slipper, a red-hooded cloak, a “milky-white cow” and a hank of yellow hair and she will lift the spell that keeps them childless. So, needing something from pretty much everyone they will meet along the way, the baker and his wife set off on their scavenger hunt “Into the Woods.” The first act ends as all fairy tales end – with everyone getting what they want and poised to live happily ever after. But, this is only the first act. As the

Repairs – All Types Tile repairs Wood shake Tar and gravel Gutters Inspections Bird abatement

Re-roof Specialists Same day response

(925) 672 0138 Free estimates

photo: Jon McNally

STEVE RHYNE AND CAROLINE ALTMAN team up as the childless baker and his wife in Crossroads Theatre’s latest production of the Tony winning musical, “Into the Woods,” by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine.

second act unfolds, life gets real and the consequences get ugly. Not everyone lives happily ever after. Indeed – not everyone lives. The sublimely rhyming songs of “Into the Woods” are some of Sondheim’s best and most sing-able. A storyteller as much as a composer, Sondheim writes songs that can be at once funny and dark, strong and vulnerable, quirky and serious. CTA’s talented cast more than meets the challenge of the often tricky rhythms and intricate lyrics. Tami Dambura as the witch gives the audience a truly moving and lovely moment as she begs daughter Rapunzel to forget the prince

and “Stay With Me.” As the wolf, David Neufeld delivers a most chilling and darkly seductive “Hello, Little Girl.” The Walnut Creek playhouse is a small, intimate venue. Some shows work in that intimacy, others do not. Others shouldn’t, but do. With some 18 actors singing and dancing on the theatrical equivalent of the head of a pin, “Into the Woods” presents one staging challenge after another. That the rapid-fire comings and goings of the cast appear smooth and effortless is a testament to the skillful direction of Dyan McBride and choreography of Staci Arriaga. With no orchestra pit and

no room on the stage, the sixpiece orchestra directed by Matt Smart is positioned in the loft above and behind the audience. The production has an almost “surround sound” feel – a most pleasing result. “Into the Woods,” dubbed “the thinking person’s musical” by CTA’s artistic director Claire Yarrington, is sure to get you thinking about what really happens after Cinderella and Rapunzel get their princes, Red Riding Hood and Granny survive the wolf and Jack’s mother finds a dead giant in her backyard. Preplanning means accommodating your wishes, your budget and your attitudes about death, dying and parting rituals. It means providing an environment where you can make choices based on your own personal values. It means dignity without an astronomical price tag. It means doing things your way, not someone else’s way.

To purchase tickets, call 944-0597. Please see ad on page B7.

Church News ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC CHURCH Father Joseph Shabu, a professor of biblical studies, will present “An Introductory Course on the Bible for Beginners.” All are welcome. Regardless of your scripture knowledge and experience, the discussion will inspire and educate. The class will be 10-11:30 a.m. Thursdays Aug. 2, 9, 16 and

Clayton resident

Lic. Number 727021

Call or write today for your free Neptune Planner.

24 Hours: (925) 944-5100

23 in Classroom 6 at the church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. For more information, call 6725800.

What’s happening in your place of worship? New pastor or choir director? Special projects? Active ministries? Send your news of community interest to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com

You’re invited to join the quest! at VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Wednesdays in August (Aug. 1,8,15,22) Ages 3-12 6:30pm-8pm Free!

Sunday School & Bible Study @ 10am Sunday Worship @ 11:15am

Please call 524-0295 for info & registration

Bible-based & Christ-centered worship, education & fellowship

5554 Clayton Rd., Concord (in the Farm Bureau building) (925) 524-0295 William Kant, Pastor

www.EternalLifeLutheranChurch.org Member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)

Cremation & Memorial Services 1176 Boulevard Way Walnut Creek, CA 94595 www.neptune-society.com

Since 1973 Over 70,000 members in Northern California

FD1354

Yes! I’d like to receive a free Neptune Planner. Name: Street: City Signature: NSNC/05

State:

ZIP: Phone:

I give you permission to contact me at the number provided.

$2.00 off any Refilled Ink Cartridge

$10.00 off

any Refilled Toner Cartridge

Cannot be combined with any other offers Expires 8/24/2007

Instead of tossing out old ink and toner cartridges, bring them to Cartridge World. Our expert technicians will give you a high quality, 100% satisfaction guaranteed refill that reduces landfill pollution, helps save the environment and saves you money. Reusing your printer cartridge can really make a difference. So save your cartridge and help save our planet.

4820 Burgundy Drive Clayton Valley Shopping Ctr 5434 Ygnacio Valley Rd. Ste 270, Concord (925) 673-3500

www.CartridgeWorldConcord.com Refill@CartridgeWorldConcord.com

Todos Santos Plaza 2151 Salvio St. Ste B, Concord (925) 676-7700

Oakley, CA

(925) 625-1123 e-mail: contact@robertaclaire.com www.robertaclaire.com

Ask about our Wedding Special

July 27, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

SPECIAL OFFER $15 off consultation Offer expires 08/10/07. New clients only. Not valid with any other offer.

1-800-624-2188 www.nciorganics.com President and Clayton resident

George Schultz Keeping Nature Green...Naturally

ek e W al

CA Pest Control Business License #06086 & Insured

July 6 - 28

Fin

Tickets $29, $27 Seniors

Music by Stephen

Sondheim Book by

James Lapine

Page B7

To avoid digging, keep dogs busy Dogs dig because it’s a natural behavior and they enjoy it. Some dig a nice, cool spot where they can rest. Some dig to bury favorite toys. Others dig because they suspect there’s something underground, such as a rodent or insect. Many dogs dig out of boredom, and there are also those lovable canines who dig merely to get our attention. Susan Furukawa, animal welfare director at the Animal Rescue Foundation, has some ideas for preventing digging. Because it’s a natural behavior, it won’t be an overnight fix. To curb the urge to dig, make sure your dog’s physical and mental needs are met every day. Walk your dog regularly. Play fetch or Frisbee and hone his skills by using different balls or different locations. If your dog enjoys other dogs, make scheduled visits to your local dog park. Playing

ELENA BICKER

PAWS

AND

CLAWS

and interacting appropriately with other dogs will also use up their excess energy. Work on basic commands and tricks and practice daily for 10 minutes, keeping him mentally stimulated. Take a dog obedience course, where you’ll practice mental and social skills. Generally speaking, when dogs have enough exercise, they are more relaxed and more likely to enjoy lying around instead of getting into

mischief. If you’ve exercised your dog and think he’s digging due to boredom, keep enrichment toys in your yard to keep him busy when you’re not around. Items such as Kongs stuffed with kibble or treats are interesting and fun. Rotate the toys to make them new and exciting. One alternative, especially for devoted diggers, is to train your dog to dig in an “approved” spot. Select an area in the yard where you can build a sandbox. Use a plastic wading pool if you don’t want to build a box. The dirt box should be at least 12 inches deep. After filling the box with dirt, moisten the soil and hide some toys in the box. Encourage your dog to dig and praise him for digging in his sandbox. If he goes to another spot in the yard to dig, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise, say “No dig!” and return

him to his new excavation site. Reward him only for digging in this designated area. If your dog digs simply to get your attention, you should ignore him while he’s performing this behavior. Remember that even saying “No” or stamping your foot is giving him attention. Stay committed to giving your dog sufficient time with you so that he doesn’t feel the need to misbehave in order to become noticed. Regardless of the reason for your dog’s digging, do not punish him after the fact. It will not correct the behavior and will cause him to be confused. Look for ways to fill his time with exercise, play, restful naps and belly rubs. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)

Katie Mae and Danube are ARF’s Adoption Stars 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek

(925) 944-0597 www.ctacrossroads.org

Was it “ruff” saying goodbye this morning? Pet Care in your home while you travel

Midday Dog Walks

Apronstrings Pet Sitting 925.798.7621

Kimsits@ASTOUND.NET

www.apronstringsonline.com HAPPILY SERVING CLAYTON FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS All major credit cards, PayPal

Member Better Business Bureau

Katie Mae is a shy little girl but once she warms up to you enjoys being held and petted. She likes to be with people and enjoys playing with a ball and other soft toys. The adoption fee for Katie Mae is $125. One-year-old Danube is a playful girl who loves life. She will thrive in an active home where she can entertain all with her silly antics. The adoption fee for Danube is $200 and includes the first six training courses. Meet your purr-fect match at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker, kids 16 and younger, and canine family members (dog adoptions only) must be pres-

ent to adopt a pet at ARF. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats?

Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more informa-

KATIE MAE

tion see our Web site, www.arf.net, or call (925) 2561ARF.

DANUBE

Mark Anderson Please let our Advertisers know you saw them in the Clayton Pioneer

Call today for a personal tour & complimentary lunch

Richard A. Littorno

(925) 524-5100

Rives & Littorno, Attorneys At Law “The planning solutions are here.”

Retirement Community

Since 1979

Living trusts Wills Medi-Cal transfers Probate & trust administration Elder law Creative estate & tax planning Asset protection & general business

Clayton office:

Pittsburg office:

6160 Center St., Suite D Clayton, CA 94517 Phone: (925) 672-6463 rlittorno@msn.com www.littornolaw.com

2211 Railroad Ave. Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-4211 Fax: (925) 432-3516 6401 Center Street Clayton CA 94517

www.diamondterrace.net

“I am very happy at Diamond Terrace. The people are terrific and there is always something interesting to see and do. This is the place to be!” –Marina Fitzsimons, 98

Page B8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., AUG. 1 FOR THE AUG. 10 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH JULY 27 YMCA Summer Camps @ Clayton Community Gym Experience the Bay, Ultimate Sports Camp, Wizard Camp, Drama Camp, Lego Camp - Pre-Engineering, and Young Performers Camp for various ages. Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton, Call 609-9622 for more information. THROUGH JULY 28 Into the Woods @ CTA Crossroads Theatre 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinees on Sat. If you think you know your fairy tales, think again. This brilliant Tony Awardwinning musical tells the story of a childless Baker and his Wife; a maybenot-so-Wicked Witch, and an indecisive Cinderella, among others, as they make their hopeful ways while seeking their heart's desire. Music by Stephen Sondheim, Book by James Lapine. Tues: July, 24, Wed: July 25, Thurs: July 19, 26, Fri: July 13, 20, 27, Sat: July 14, 21, 28 at 2 p.m., Sat July 14, 21, 28 at 8 p.m. Tickets $29, $27 Seniors. 944-0597, www.ctacrossroads.org.CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek. THROUGH AUGUST 7 Solve the Pup’s Name Mystery @ Clayton Community Library A new clue will be posted in the library each week. Enter as often as you wish. A drawing from all correct answers will determine the winner - $50 gift certificate to local bookstore. 673-0659. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. THROUGH - AUG. 15 Teen Game Days on Wednesdays @ Clayton Community Library 3 - 7 p.m. Drop by and stay cool at the Clayton Community Library and play Clue and other board games in the Young Adult area. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.

THROUGH - AUG. 20 “Get a Clue” Summer Reading Program @ Clayton Community Library Super sleuths can discover the key to summer reading fun with programs for babies - adults. Sign up and get a “reading record” on which to track your reading. Read books and get prizes. The program is free. For all ages. 6730659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. JULY 27 Moonlight Movies in Clayton @Clayton Community Church Parking Lot 7:30 p.m. Happy Feet. Enjoy hot dogs or pizza, popcorn, otter pops, ice cream and more. We have a great selection of movies this year for your family's entertainment. Showtime will be at sunset. Join us for fabulous flicks on a giant screen with awesome surround sound in our parking lot on Main St. 673-9060. Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main Street, Clayton. JULY 27 - AUG. 5 Diablo Light Opera Company (DLOC) Teen Troupe Presents Grease @ Diablo Valley College July 27, 28, Aug. 2, Aug. 3 Aug. 4 at 8 p.m., July 29, Aug. 4, and Aug. 5 at 2:30 p.m. Rydell High’s rebellious hotrod loving boys and wise-cracking girls come to life in this rock n' roll musical. Relive the rockin' 50's with this teen theatre production of the popular musical. Tickets are $15. Students/seniors $12. For tickets call 798-1300. Performances at Diablo Valley College, Performing Arts Center, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill JULY 28, AUG. 25, SEPT. 22 Clayton Historical Society Walking Tour 10 a.m. Meet in front of the museum, 6101 Main Street. Guided tour takes about 1 hr. 30 min. and is about 3/4 mile. Wear comfortable shoes. JULY 28 Classic Mystery movie festival featuring Peter Sellers and his panther companion @ Clayton Community Library 1:30 p.m. Double feature! The famous pink diamond goes missing once more. Clouseau's old boss escapes from an insane asylum and tries to do him in. 673-0659. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. JULY 30 - AUG. 3 Peewee Sports Camp @ Clayton Community Gym Pre - K. Call 609-9622 for more information. Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton. JULY 30 Children's Book Club @Clayton Community Library 2 p.m. For children 8 - 10 years old. This year's club will be reading and talking about mystery and adventure stories. Sign up today! 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.

Plan ahead for a Roth IRA If you have been unable to switch your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA because your income was too high (over $100,000), you may want to plan ahead for a rule change that will occur in 2010. That’s when the income limit for converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA will end, and higher-income taxpayers will have access to a Roth. The conversion will be taxable, but qualified withdrawals from the Roth will be tax-free. For guidance in this area, give us a call.

700 Ygnacio Valley Rd., #360 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Carol@carolkeanecpa.com (925) 937-5200 (925) 937-5202 fax www.carolkeanecpa.com

AUG. 6 - AUG. 10 Art Mania Camp @ Clayton Community Gym 1st - 4th grade. Call 609-9622 for more information. Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton. AUG. 10 Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty Easter Seals Golf Tournament Century 21 invites you to their 11th Annual Easter Seals Golf Tournament. All proceeds benefit Easter Seals of the Bay Area, a non-profit organization helping children and adults with disabilities. Diablo Creek Golf Course. Call 682-4663 for tickets.

the monthly luncheons. For more information about joining SIRs, Branch 19, call Al Brunner at 687-0594. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. AUG. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau Building 10 a.m.and 5:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in and meetings on Thurs. 800-326-8450 x 2023. Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. AUG. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thurs. for breakfast and usually features a speaker. www. claytonvalleyrotary.org. Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

AUG. 11, 14, 17, 19 Festival Opera's production of Our Town 8 p.m. Aug. 11, 14, 17; 2 p.m. Aug. 19. The story reinforces a fundamental truth, that it is our personal relationships that bring the greatest joy and value to our time on earth. Conductor Michael Morgan believes the classic is even more powerful as an operatic piece. "The music sweeps you along in a way that the play doesn't." Tickets are $36 - $100, $10 discount for ages 18 and under. Order tickets online at www.FestivalOpera.com or call (925) 943-SHOW. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.

AUG. 5 Knitting Club @ Concord Library 2 - 4 p.m. Have you noticed that knitting is all the rage? Join the group and get creative. Club meets the first Sun. of the month. 646-5455, Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord. AUG. 7 Clayton Valley Woman's Club Barbecue Luncheon @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 11 a.m. The barbecue luncheon will be catered by Back Forty Restaurant. The price is $13.00, and required reservations should be phoned to Shirley 672-1163 by Aug. 1. The entertainment will be a line dancing lesson. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord.

AUG. 11, 12 Japanese Summer Festival @ Concord Japanese Cultural Center Sat. 1 - 9 p.m., Sun. 12 - 8 p.m. The festival features Japanese food, exhibits, and demonstrations. Admission is free, and there is free parking at Ygnacio Valley High School, with a free shuttle to the Festival. More information is available at www.diablojaclub.com or by emailing jasummerfestival@yahoo.com. Concord Japanese Cultural Center, 3165 Treat Boulevard, Concord. AUG. 12 Concord Mystery Book Club @ Concord Library 2:30 - 4 p.m. All mystery readers are invited to participate and explore a different genre each month. Group meets the second Sun. of the month. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord, 646-5455. AUG. 13 Introduction to Museum Docents @ Lindsay Wildlife Museum 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Are you seeking a truly rewarding volunteer experience? Lindsay Wildlife Museum needs docents. Sign up for a class to watch docents in action. No experience necessary. Fee $8.00 non members, $6.00 members. Please call Polly Gusa at 925 627-2944 to enroll. AUG. 13 - 17 Basketball Camp @ Clayton Community Gym 1st - 6th grade. Call 609-9622 for more information. Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton. AUG. 20 16th Annual Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters Club Golf Tournament @ Oakhurst Country Club 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lunch and registration, 1 p.m. tee off. Sponsored by Clayton Valley High School the tournament benefits the football and golf programs as well as the Athletic Boosters Club. Contests on the course include hole in one, longest drive and closest to the pin. Golf is followed by a dinner / banquet, raffle prize drawing and silent auction. Your "significant other" can join you at the banquet. Entry forms and additional information can be found at www.cvhsboosters.org or by contacting the Tournament Chairman, Fred Roper, at 925-548-4451 or fred.roper@att.com.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS JULY 28, AUG. 11, 25 Scrabble Club @ Carl's Jr. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Come down and play a game of Scrabble. All ages and skill levels. Prizes and contests. $2.00 to play. Club meets the second and fourth Sat.of the month. Carl's Jr., 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. JULY 29, AUG. 5, 12, 19, 26 Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting @ Clayton Community Church 7 - 8 p.m. AA Big Book Study, every Sunday night in the meeting room at Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main Street, Clayton, 673-9060. JULY 31, AUG. 7, 14, 21, 28 Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Meetings every Tues. All are invited to check us out and be our guest for lunch. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust St., Walnut Creek. For more information call Sam Totah, 941-1536. AUG. 2 Sons in Retirement Meeting (SIRS) @ Oakhurst Country Club 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Meetings are the first Thurs. of the month. SIRs is dedicated to promoting the independence and dignity of retired men and has no initiation fees or dues. The only requirement, other than being a man who is retired from his primary employment or career, is attendance at

AUG. 7 Knights of Columbus @ St. Agnes Church Hall 7:30 p.m. General membership meeting of the Knights of Columbus Concord Council 6038 of Concord and Clayton is the first Tuesday of the month. We look forward to seeing our brother Knights there. St. Agnes Church, 3478 Chestnut Street, Concord. AUG. 8 Creekside Artists Guild Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 7p.m. All levels and all art forms are welcome! Join this unique group of eclectic artists that meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month. S-T-R-E-T-C-H your artistic boundaries and bring artwork to the meeting that creatively expresses this months theme, "WATER" if you wish. Hear the details on the upcoming fall event, workshops and local gallery. "We provide an environment for all artists to inspire, create, educate and prosper". Questions? Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen (925) 673-9777 or nielsenjanc@aol.com. Visit our website: www.creeksideartists.org. AUG. 8 Clayton Valley Garden Club @ Diamond Terrace 7 p.m. The Clayton Valley Garden Club meets the second Wed. of the month. For August, Marcia and Barry Hart, expert Concord gardeners and world travelers will do a slide presentation on their Spring '07 trip to Holland called " Tiptoe through the Tulips." The Club maintains the flowers on Daffodil Hill, the planters on Main and Center St., the raised garden beds behind the library, and other civic projects. Anyone interested in gardening is welcome at our meetings. Call Jeff at 672-7579 for info. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. AUG. 14, 28 Clayton Valley Woman's Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m. .Coffee, 10 a.m. Meeting. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tues. of the month. For more information, please call Joyce at 6723850 or Sheila at 672-7947. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord.

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT JULY 31, AUG. 7, 14, 21, 28 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tues. mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. AUG. 9 Clayton Community Services Commission @ Clayton City Hall 7 p.m. The committee meets the second Thursday of the month. Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton. AUG. 7, 21 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tues. of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. AUG. 13 Clayton Trails and Landscape Committee Meeting @ Library Meeting Room 7 p.m. The committee meets the second Monday of the month. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.

The Clayton Pioneer’s “Music Notes” columnist

Clayton’s own

Jim Hudak Pianist and Composer For bookings and performances:

Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton

Visit our Website www.jhudak.com E-mail jimmydak@pacbell.net Piano CD’s available on his Brainstorm Records label

Call Or Write:

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

$75 per person - $20 per person will be donated to the Clayton Community Library

For reservations call

(925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON

July 27, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Fall registration OPENs Aug. 6

INTEGRITY HANDS-ON

Classes in Clayton! The award winning music and movement program for children 0-5 and the adults who love them.

BUILDERS

40 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE

Visit MusicTogetherofConcord.com or call Julia McLeod at

For all your remodeling needs, call Chris & Marc, Clayton residents

kitchen & bath & additions our specialty

925 946 2990

Chris Simoneaux > 980-0465 Marc Thorne > 383-4277

FREE demonstration classes Aug. 22, 24, 25

general contractors

Office > 689-6460 Fully licensed and insured: #822229

1- Scandinavian 2- Chemical used on trees 3- Tibia, e.g. 4- Terminates 5- Skin of animal 6- Pigpen 7- Russian range 8- Brit's discharge 9- Designed to destroy 10- Ancient fortress in Israel 11- Capital of Ghana 12- Gastropod mollusk 13- Illustrious warrior 21- Lever for rowing

Boyce Nichols - Owner - Clayton resident

COMPLETE LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION

Renovation

Lawns

Sprinklers

Call today for your FREE ESTIMATE Decks, Patios (Pavers & Concrete), Retaining Walls, Lawn Installation, Low Voltage Lighting, Dry River Beds, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Irrigation (Spray & Drip)

925-672-9955

www.nicholslandscape.com Contr. Lic. No. 542812

Fully Insured certi signi fied loan ng ag ents

Fed Ex or UPS shipping USA only. expires 8/10/07

ACROSS

DOWN

Serving Contra Costa for 25 years

NICHOLS LANDSCAPE

Hot Summer Savings $3 off

Crossword Puzzle 1- Trademark 6- Floating vegetable matter 10- Potato preparation 14- Unaccompanied 15- Woody plant 16- Skin eruption 17- White-and-black bearlike mammal 18- Edible roots 19- Sign of injury 20- "Voila!" 22- Man who obsessively seduces women 24- Solo of "Star Wars" 26- For a bride 27- The intestines 31- Country bordered by Canada and Mexico 32- Love affair 33- Flat circular plates 36- Cow or doe 39- Completely without madness 40- Clod of turf 41- Monetary unit of Iran 42- The middle of summer? 43- Seductively beautiful woman 44- Small branch 45- JFK posting 46- Grapnel 48- Capital of Bahrain 51- Make a lap 52- Colleague 54- Rushes 59- Not fooled by 60- When said three times, a 1970 war movie 62- Raucous sound 63- Blackbird 64- Chieftain, usually in Africa 65- Flat contract 66- Checked out 67- Social standing 68- Gardening tool

Page B9

Notary, Fax & Shipping Services

Julia Aguilar, owner

672-8900 5433 Clayton Rd., #K, in the Clayton Station shopping center

Services Provided: Packaging & shipping UPS, FEDEX, CAL Overnight & U.S. Post Office

Key Making Mail boxes Notary Copying / Fax

Sizzling Summer Specials Enter coupon code “summer” and receive

15% off your order!

Chic’z on the Go!TM specializes in prepackaged kits for the young female athlete on the go! Everything you need for practice and game day.

Kits available for soccer, softball, swimming, water polo, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, dance, golf and chorus.

www.chiczonthego.net 1-877-933-6644

23- Sibilate 25- Lowest point 27- Urn 28- Officiating priest of a mosque 29- Juniors, perhaps 30- Stimulus 34- "___ had it!" 35- Pop pieces 36- Fool 37- Drag 38- Otherwise 40- Distance across a circle 41- Dr. Dre's genre 43- The closest one to us is the sun 44- Capable of being rated 45- Envelop 47- Free 48- Medium of exchange 49- Cave 50- Fragrance 52- Draw near 53- Ireland 55- Hill toy 56- Dutch name of The Hague 57- Scottish Gaelic 58- Prophet 61- Vessel built by Noah

Solution for 7/13 crossword

A financial plan as

unique as you are

Mureleen Benton, CFP® 5356 Clayton Rd., Suite 211, Concord

Whether you’re starting a small business, obtaining life insurance, or sending your kids to college, I can help you plan to reach your financial goals through personal, customized financial planning.

Call 925-685-4523 today

Robert C. Clark, D.O. 3243 Clayton Rd., Concord

925-969-7530 CA License #0692378

Page B10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

July 27, 2007

For new moms, classes blend fitness and friendship Gould started taking Baby Boot Camp classes in Walnut Creek in March 2005, when her Baby Boot Camp isn’t as son Jayden was 3 months old. grueling as it sounds. It’s usual- Before he was born, she had ly a lot of fun – for the moms worked out in a gym. exercising and enjoying the “I didn’t want to take him to camaraderie and for the babies, the daycare at a gym, but I who get their turn at the end of wanted to be able to take him each session. with me to exercise,” says Almost an hour into the Gould. moms’ cardio workout around After deciding not to return Clayton Community Park, a to her job as a sixth-grade rumble rises from the stroller teacher, Gould received percrowd. “It’s about this time that sonal training and Pilates certithe kids have had it, and they’re fication and taught Baby Boot ready to get out,” says Baby Camp sessions in San Ramon Boot Camp leader Noelle and Dublin. In July 2006, she Gould of Clayton. “They know bought a franchise for classes the timing, and it’s their turn.” in Clayton, Concord, Pleasant So as the moms settle down Hill and Walnut Creek. to work on their abs, the tod“I love that I get to meet dlers leap out of their strollers new moms,” says Gould. “I and head toward the play- love being outdoors. It’s a ground. Meanwhile, the infants stress relief, and I get to bring stretch out on blankets, their my son to work.” coos wafting on the ever-presThe 28-year-old taught all ent breeze in the park. her own classes in the beginThe stroller-fitness classes ning and currently runs eight appeal to women who were sessions a week. Jayden, now 2 physically active before preg- ½, is still at her side. nancy as well as new moms Bay Area resident Kristen looking to lose the baby fat. Horler launched Baby Boot Camp shortly after her first child was born in August 2001. Classes are now offered across the United States, Canada and Australia. The workouts are geared for all athletic skill levels and are also open to pregnant women. Gould says moms should wait six to Clayton resident Noelle Gould offers encoureight weeks after aging words during a training session at birth before starting Clayton Community Park BEV BRITTON Clayton Pioneer

photos by Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

Cindy Knapp of Concord, right, and Ryan Shahdadi of Clayton lead the way, with Baby Boot Camp trainer Noelle Gould behind them during a stroller run on July 16.

an exercise regimen and make sure they have a doctor’s approval.

Some women stay in the classes for up to a year, while others only come for a few

months. Gould offers Saturday and night classes for working moms.

A typical class includes an hour of strength training and cardio exercise. “We do running and walking. We use the exercise bands. We do lots of squats and lunges,” Gould says. “Then we come back and do 15 minutes of Pilates, abdominal workout and stretching. That is when we sometimes take the babies out and incorporate them, using them as weights for sit-ups or abdominal exercises.” For Rachel Gloger of Concord, the exercise and friendship components of the class aren’t mutually exclusive. “It’s great to workout with a friend. It keeps me motivated,” she says. “I came here for the workout, but the friendships keep me coming.” “I look for the support of the other women,” says Elissa Neil of Concord. “And when I was suffering at the beginning, as a new mom not knowing anything, Noelle was a lot of help.” Gould, Neil and four other Boot Camp members are planning to run in the San Francisco Half Marathon on July 29. Gould has been training the group on her own time. When Neil began working out, Gould says, she could barely keep up with the walkers. “Now she is sprinting at the front of the class and has lost probably four dress sizes,” says Gould. “She’s very dedicated and is a great example of what fitness can do.”

For more information on Baby Boot Camp, email noelle.gould@babybootcamp.com or call 360-1045.

“Look Who’s Selling Clayton!” HELP-U-SELL REAL ESTATE SERVICES

visit us online at

helpusell.com

4918 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94521 (925) 680-4950 Pleasant Hill $735,000

COME SEE...

3 Bedroom 2 Full Bath @1539 SF, Completely remodeled. Gourmet Kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, gas range, tile flooring and island with seating area. Bathrooms completely remodeled, new lighting through-out, new dual pane windows & patio doors. Large back yard with auto sprinklers.

Concord $394,900 3 Bedroom 2 ½ bath @1337 SF, Kitchen with tile counters and Floor, Large Living room and dining room, Huge wrap around deck great for entertaining, Central A/C-Heat, ceiling fans, Great location near shopping, commute and schools.

5070 Valley Crest #19

1948 Patricia Drive

TY CROSSINGS BEAU

Concord $725,000

ELEGANCE CLAYTON CLASSIC

4 Bedroom 2.5 bath @2130 SF, Family room and large loft or den, Kitchen with new appliances and granite counter tops, Hardwood floors, Lovely Patio and backyard with extra storage shed, New sod in front yard, new rails on deck, 2 car attached garage with interior access, Community pool, Tennis courts, Basketball, Play ground and Club House.

I worked in the Escrow and Title field for a number of years and had the opportunity to meet many of the top agents in the industry. I would without hesitation list my agent among them. He was efficient and professional, and kept me updated constantly. Matthew went over and beyond my expectations. Thank you, Matthew, for making this such a wonderful experience. Your client for life, -Zina Docto

Concord

Priced to SELL! 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath with 2,000 sq.ft. New kitchen with stone floors, granite counter tops and stainless appliances. Tile roof, dog run, 2 car garage, and a lovely patio….Don’t Miss This One!

$698,000 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bath, 1,653 Private Lot 12,000 SF, Gleaming Tile and Hardwood Floors, Attractive New Color Schemes, Elegant Formal Living Room with Rose Garden Window, Formal Dining Room, Inviting Family Room with Fireplace, MT Diablo View, 2 Car Garage!

5896 Herriman Drive

4412 Black Walnut

(Clayton border) $610,000

Clayton

L VACATION RENTA

Sonoma

Maple Cottage Beautiful 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath French County Cottage in the Heart of Sonoma located the Quaint “Village of Kenwood”. Park your car and walk to some of the best Wineries in the Valley! Books up fast…don’t miss the Season!

You’re Paying How Much To Sell Your Home?

LOW FEES HAPPY CUSTOMERS!

www.themaplecottage.com

5321 Forte Lane

Sell Fast! Save Money

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.

Visit our office at 4918 Clayton Road