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June 3, 2005
925.672.0500
MDES makes history at its 50th anniversary JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
They danced to popular 50’s tunes. They ate Fuddrucker’s hamburgers and hotdogs under a canopy of old rock’n’roll LP’s. They dressed in classic 50’s attire with poodle skirts, pink scarves tied in ponytails and tight black peddle pushers. Hundreds wore the commemorative tee shirt designed by MDES third grader Tyler Connel. As he looked around at all the people wearing his design, he smiled and said “outstanding.” The more than 900 people that attended the Mount Diablo Elementary School’s fiftieth birthday party had a blast. At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 20, the school bell tolled and lured birthday guests to the front of the school where MDES’s time capsule waited to be lowered into the ground, not to be opened again until 2055.
See MDES, page 3
Pete Cruz/Clayton Pioneer
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS PREPARE TO BURY MDES’S TIME CAPSULE, not to be opened until 2055. Roger Bylund, assistant superintendent, Anne Eggelston, MDES vice principal, Mayor Gregg Manning, MDES Principal Linda Schuler and incoming principal Linda Hutcherson.
Clayton rewards graduating seniors JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton based businesses and organizations once again
recognized deserving young Clayton graduates with scholarships to help with their college tuition. The Clayton Business and Community Association,
GREGG MANNING
MAYOR’S CORNER The future looks bright for Clayton As the school year comes to a close, my thoughts are on the future. Some media outlets portray today’s students as stoned slackers. If you are having a “down” day this might lead you to believe that there is little hope for the future. However, as I reflect on a number of positive events occurring in the recent weeks, I have great hope for the future. CBCA SCHOLARSHIPS I recently served on the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA) Scholarship selection committee. The candidates were all well qualified. They were not only smart, all achieving high grades and SAT scores, but they were also well rounded with participation in sports, community activities and tutoring of other students. These are the future leaders of not only this community, but of our state and nation. No matter what any of these students do in the future, they will bring positive attention to our town. You don’t hear much about them because they are not making “news.” They are just going
See Mayor, page 8
CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP chair Linda Bingham, Nicole Budesa and DVHS principal John Neary.
(CBCA) the Clayton defense in the Mock Valley Woman’s Club, Trial Club and she was a the American member of Senior Association of Service, organizing University Women three blood drives at and Council member Northgate. A varsity Pete Laurence member of the offered scholarships Northgate’s Women’s to Clayton seniors. Golf team, Lauren was Lauren Fong LAUREN FONG named Student received $3,000 from Humanitarian of the the CBCA to help further her Year by the Contra Costa education at Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. University where she plans to The CBCA also awarded major in Engineering. Lauren $2500 to Kelly Scroggs who will attends Northgate High School attend California State and was active in a number of University, San Louis Obispo extracurricular activities includ- (Cal Poly) in the fall majoring in ing President of the Northgate’s Aerospace Engineering. She was Best Buddies Club, which pairs a Clayton Valley High School students in special education (CVHS) CSF Seal Bearer and with other students at the high See Seniors, page 19 school. She was also captain of
Crowds lined Main Street to honor and remember those lost in war
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
VETERANS of the Lt. Jerry Novakovich Post 1525 retire the colors as the 14th Annual Memorial Day Observance draws to a close.
Claytonians were out in force Monday to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the service of their country. Veteran, Dave McDonald received a standing ovation from the audience as he shared painful memories of his experience in the Korean war. McDonald was near tears as he recalled the 6000 Koreans and Americans who were lost in in the General Van Fleet Operation. Master of Ceremonies Pete Laurence, himself a Viet Nam veteran, remembered by name all those from Clayton who died in war, beginning with WWI.
Brazen robber nabbed by cops TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
A 25-year-old Concord man took shoplifting to a whole new level last week in a brazen, midday robbery at Computers USA in the Pavilion Plaza. Store employee Chris Stuart was working on a computer behind the counter when the man entered the store around 1:30 p.m. He browsed around for a few minutes, then asked Stuart for permission to use the phone. The man made a local call and Stuart overheard him using his first name. After finishing his call, he browsed
See Robber, page 7
The Clayton Pioneer is having a
Birthday Party
and you’re invited
Join us for a glass of wine Enjoy live music by Vintage Meet your favorite writer Win some fantastic door prizes ALL proceeds from sale of raffle tickets to benefit the Clayton Community Library and the Clayton Museum
When: June 7 from 5-7 p.m. Where: R & M Pool, Patio and Gardens. 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton
Help us celebrate our second birthday
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 3, 2005
Around Town Clayton seniors win CVHS Altair award Clayton resident Janelle Iyoya received the Clayton Valley High School Altair award for service. She has been active in a variety of community and high school service organizations. Janelle volunteers at John Muir Medical Center and at the Community Health Alliance, an organization that provides health services to the underprivelged of the East Bay. At Clayton Valley she served as senior class secretary/treasurer and Janelle was a member of Senior Women. She was also a member of Girl Scout Troop 782 for the past 12 years and she has worked on several projects benefitting church and charitable organizations. Janelle will attend University of California, Berkeley in the fall. Clayton resident Kristen Nolting received the Clayton Valley High School Altair award for scholarship. At Clayton
CVHS music makers bring home trophies The Clayton Valley High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band recently traveled to Southern California to participate in the Festivals of Music held at Cypress College in Buena Park. While there, the students took in an Angels-A’s baseball game and spent time in Disneyland before and after the awards ceremony.
JANELLE IYOYA
Valley, Kristen maintained a 4.4 GPA and was ranked first in her class. She pursued a rigorous academic schedule during her four years including an honors and AP class as a sophomore, three honors and two AP classes as a junior and five AP classes and honors class as a senior. Kristen received the Wellesley College Book award as a junior by being named CVHS Outstanding Student of the Year . She was also active in water polo and basketball and earned varsity letters for both sports. Kristen also coached youth basketball, taught swimming at Dana Hills and was a basketball referee. Kristen will attend the University of Evansville in southern Indiana in the fall and received a four-year three-quarters tuition Trustee Scholarship. She plans to major in environmental studies or biology.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse presented the awards to the Symphonic Wind Ensemble for a Superior Rating and to the Jazz Ensemble for an Excellent rating. The Jazz Band also picked up an award for best jazz trumpet section. Christian Lowe was recognized as the best instrumental soloist.
CVHS
YOUNG MUSICIANS
Casey Martin, Christian Lowe and Shanel Hooks.
Brownie troop 321 takes time out for tea Young ladies from Brownie Troop #321, dressed “to the nines,” took tea at Englunds Tea Cottage in Clayton Station last week. This was the last meeting of the year for the girls, who have been learning manners and etiquette. At their last meeting, the girls, ages 7 and 8, learned how to make formal introductions and practiced their telephone etiquette. This is the third year the 10 girls have been scouting together. Tami Purser and Sharon McNulty are the Troop’s co-leaders.
What’s up Around Town
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
ALISON MACAULAY AND RACHEL DELONG learn the graceful art of “taking tea” from Englund’s server, Anita Viramontes.
KRISTEN NOLTING
Easley Estates, Clayton - This charming split-level home has 4 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths that is sitting on a large lot. Inside you will find a separate formal dining room and inviting formal living room with large bay window looking out at beautiful views of Mt. $699,980 Diablo. A must see!
Concord/Kirkwood - This home has 3 bedrooms with loft 2 ½ bath, master bedroom on the main floor, large kitchen, formal dining and in door laundry. Outside in enjoy beautiful landscaped yards and pool.
pen
Dana Estates, Concord - Updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath with newer roof, re-modeled bath, fresh paint inside and out and freshly landscaped yards with fruit trees.
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Bear Ridge, Antioch - This beautiful 4 bedrooms 2 ½ baths with over 2,600 sq ft of living space. Inside you will find a spacious kitchen with Butler's pantry, Cherry wood cabinets, Granite tile kitchen, 5 ceilings fans and upgraded Tile and Carpeting. Beautiful land$659,980 scaped front and back yards.
ding
ding
$729,980
$599,980
$659,980
pen
Jeffrey Ranch, Clayton - Spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bath Large with kitchen with large pantry, spacious living room, master bedroom with remodeled bath. Beautiful garden like yards with pool and spa.
Clayton/Concord Border - This 3 bedroom 2 bath, has a light and bright kitchen family room combo, formal living, fresh paint inside and newer carpets. Outside you will find a large private backyard.
Do you know someone who had an anniversary this month? Got engaged? Got married? Had a baby? Won an award? Had a great party? Let us know what is happening "Around Town," and we'll share the news. Drop off details and a color photo at the Pioneer office or e-mail to tamara@claytonpioneer.com.
$569,980
Concord - Charming doll house, with huge landscaped yard. 2 bedrooms a sparkling bathroom, an updated kitchen with gas stove & tiled floors. Light and bright with lots of windows.
$439,980
Eagle Peak, Clayton - Sought after area 5 bedroom, 3 ½ bath home sits on private view lot overlooking the valley and Delta. One bedroom and bath located on the main floor, 3 fireplaces and granite kitchen.
$1,098,000
COMING SOON! Clayton/Concord Border Updated 2bed/2 bath on almost ½ acre, $599,980 Walnut Creek - 3 bed/2 ½ bath, townhome, $649,980
June 3, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
MDES, from page 1 MDES’s choir sang the National Anthem leading the way for official recognition from local dignitaries. For the young students currently attending the school, the party was a chance to have fun and celebrate a birthday party. And for some of the older folks, it was an opportunity to reminisce about the past and their experience at the “little school on the hill.” Mayor Gregg Manning, one of the honored guests, told the audience who gathered to see the time capsule that his daughter attended the school 25 years ago. “People have asked me if I’ll be around when they open the time capsule,” he said. “I hope so, I’ll be 115.” Roger Bylund, Assistant Superintendent for the Mount Diablo School District, noted that his wife, Susan graduated Mt. Diablo Elementary as a fifth grader. “She told me to ask you. Are the MDES kids still the greatest kids in the world?” he asked the crowd as they cheered and applauded. Bylund also reminded everyone that Mt. Diablo is an historic school, being the only school that has a real school bell. Other dignitaries in attendance included MDUSD members Linda Mayo
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Obituary
photos by Pete Cruz
Sharon Elizabeth Johnston January 25, 1956 to May 23, 2005
8 and Richard Allen, MDUSD superintendent Gary McHenry, Dick Ellis, president of the Clayton Historical Society, Principal Linda Schuler, Vice Principal Anne Eggleston and MDES’s incoming principal Linda Hutcherson. Schuler told school families that “people are what matter most,” referring to teachers, staff members, parents and students. “We honor the past with the present,” she added. A plaque was presented to Schuler and honorary shovels to local officials. Chairs for the event Sharon McNulty, Mitzi Hyland and Stacy Russell were pleased with the turnout. More than 200 tickets were sold at the door bringing event totals to over 900. “To watch the school and community come together to make history for our town of Clayton and our school was a heart-felt moment,” said McNulty. The event was also commemorated by colorful tiles hand-
painted by students and parents that will be placed around the school halls 7 after Measure C work is completed next year.
4
Photos, counterclockwise : 1. Clayton Historical Society president Dick Ellis with memorial shovel. 2. Linda Hutcherson and Linda Schuler. 3. Clayton little rocker Emily Kinney. 4. Dining under a canopy of rock-n-roll LP’s. 5. CVHS students Natalia Escruceria and Felicia Calica show off ’55 Chevy. 6. Nineyear old Tyler Connel and his sister Sarina. 7. Event chairs Stacey Russell, Mitzi Hyland, and Sharon McNulty. 8. Original desk from 1955.
With her family by her side, Sharon entered the gates of heaven after a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland. Sharon came to the United States in 1996 with husband, John and family. For two years, the Johnstons owned and managed the Café Brochery in Walnut Creek. In 1998, the Johnston’s bought the Bull Valley Restaurant in Port Costa where they stayed until 2002. They moved to Clayton that year and purchased the LaCocotte Restaurant, changing the name to The Fox and The Fiddle. She will be remembered by all who knew her for her kindness and gentleness. Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, daughter Lynn and sons Barrie and Brian and a brother Kenneth. “We know you will always be with us.” A memorial service will be Saturday, June 4 at 2 p.m. at the Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West Street, Concord. Those who knew her are invited to attend. Contributions in Sharon’s name can be made to John Muir Hospital, Three North, Cancer Education Fund, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.
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Mortgage Market Update
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Tel: (925) 672-44433
Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
50 La Honda Court 1498 N Mitchell Cyn. Rd. 417 Chupcan Place 1016 Pebble Beach Drive 10 Goethals Court 165 Silverado Court 102 La Encinal Court 7 Nottingham Place 1264 Shell Circle 204 Mountaire Circle 1331 Shell Lane
$900,000 $735,000 $685,000 $1,125,000 $845,000 $1,400,000 $819,000 $849,000 $590,000 $800,000 $575,000
5/25/05 5/20/05 5/20/05 5/20/05 5/20/05 5/19/05 5/19/05 5/18/05 5/18/05 5/12/05 5/12/05
2,390 1,948 1,749 3,030 1,854 3,599 2,401 2,210 1,355 2,619 1,355
BED/BATH
4/2 4/2 3/2 4/3 4/2 4/2 4/2 4/2 3/2 4/3 3/2
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
402 Wright Court 8 El Portal Court 422 Meadow View Lane 1782 Indian Wells Way 208 Fleming Drive 30 Marquette Court 115 La Encinal Court 8040 Kelok Way 1296 Shell Circle 4280 Morgan Territory Rd 1830 Yolanda Circle
$819,000 $652,000 $1,675,000 $625,000 $792,250 $675,000 $935,000 $985,000 $559,000 $1,126,000 $810,000
5/12/05 5/11/05 05/06/05 05/05/05 05/04/05 05/04/05 04/29/05 04/29/05 04/29/05 04/27/05 04/27/05
2,033 1,648 5,450 1,235 1,976 1,456 2,428 2,843 1,367 3,416 2,133
BED/BATH
4/2 3/2 7/5 2/2 4/2 3/2 4/2.5 4/3 2/2 5/3 3/2.5
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
5915 Wallace Drive 1034 Pebble Beach Drive 121 Oak Court 206 Round House Place 1160 Moccasin Court 1945 Eagle Peak Ave. 5153 Keller Ridge Drive 714 Anizumne Court 408 Wawona Lane 5197 Keller Ridge Drive 410 Mt. Sequoia Court
$800,000 $1,350,000 $1,800,000 $615,000 $699,950 $512,000 $780,000 $651,000 $1,110,000 $950,000 $825,000
04/25/05 04/21/05 04/21/05 04/21/05 04/19/05 04/15/05 04/15/05 04/12/05 04/08/05 04/08/05 04/06/05
2,095 4,100 5,455 1,939 1,911 1,252 2,467 1,991 2,951 2,843 2,261
All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed
BED/BATH
3/3 5/3.5 3/4.5 3/2.5 4/2.5 2/2.5 4/3 3/2.5 4/2.5 4/3 4/2
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 3, 2005
After 39 years, Harvey’s leaving the ‘hood for good JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
When Clayton Valley High School teacher Bob Harvey arrived at school the other day at 5:15 a.m. he noticed a car parked in front of his building. He cautiously approached and to his surprise, the car belonged to one of his former students who had been at the midnight showing of Star Wars. The student left the theater around 3 a.m. and then parked at Clayton Valley to catch a couple of hours of sleep. Remembering that Harvey is an early riser and is usually at school shortly after dawn, he thought he could catch up with his former teacher for at least an hour before the first period bell sounded on campus. Harvey smiled as he recalled, “we had a good talk.” Former students keeping in touch with this CVHS auto shop teacher is really no surprise. “Many of my former students are now friends,” said Harvey. As he retires from Clayton Valley High School after teaching Automotive Technology for 39 years, Harvey will spend time with former students, friends and family. A true testament to Harvey’s mentorship and contagious personality is his retirement bash and auto shop reunion on June 18 at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch where Harvey expects to catch up with close to 400 students. A few months later, Harvey will return to the fairgrounds to help raise money
for the Matt Galvin Scholarship Fund. Galvin, who was killed in an accident on Morgan Territory Road six years ago was Harvey’s former student and was an aspiring diesel mechanic and a 1993 graduate of Clayton Valley.
received a $5,000 scholarship. Druar recently placed fourth with his fellow teammate, Stephen Campbell, in the state finals of the Ford and Triple A Student Auto Skills Competition. The graduating senior will go to a two year
Jill Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer
BOB HARVEY leaves Clayton Valley High School’s auto shop program after 39 years.
Galvin attended the Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix and “he was at the top of every class graduating with honors,” boasted Harvey. “He was an “exceptional young man,” he said. He remembers the call from his wife when Matt was killed and immediately got together with family and community to establish the CVHS Matt Galvin Scholarship. Since then six of his students have earned the scholarship. Recipients must be career oriented in automotive technology, be committed to trade school or college after high school and they must possess good “Galvin family” values. This year’s recipient, explains Harvey, is Alex Druar, who
school and an apprenticeship with Brandt Ford where he will earn an AS degree. The Galvin scholarship is something Harvey will continue to direct and manage at Clayton Valley. After 39 years of teaching the same subject, Harvey admits he still “comes to school every morning fired up and ready to go.” He describes his teaching style as “brutal”. “I’m up front and in your face,” he says. He teaches not only the career student and the serious hobbyist in the automotive field, but also the students who take his class as an elective and as a release from all the academic and AP classes. His class isn’t easy, he admits, but it teaches students
to use their minds and hands. “Some kids find out for the first time that they are adept mechanically,” Harvey notes, who loves “seeing the light bulbs go off in kids' eyes.” Harvey talks about an industry that is highly sophisticated. “The stuff that is going on is wild,” he says. “Cars today are doing everything but thinking.” And his strict style of teaching motivates his students to a higher level of thinking. Harvey’s classroom layout hasn’t changed much since 1966, but he’s made many improvements in the equipment and the tools. He participates in advanced training every year to keep up with trends in the automotive industry and uses that training to help his students learn cutting edge technology. “He has created the most successful auto shop program in the area and has helped literally thousands of students get into the automotive related college or trade school programs and jobs in the industry,” says CVHS principal John Neary. Although a majority of his students are male, he does get some ladies in his classroom. “The industry is screaming for ladies,” he says. And the ladies that stayed with Harvey in the classroom have done exceptionally well, he explains. When Harvey doesn’t have his nose under the hood of car, he’s out exploring the wilds. His second passion in life takes him far away to remote places where he “wanders and watches” nature. “ I know,” he laughs, “they are polar opposites.” After nine
months of what he calls “chaos” in the classroom, he goes back to nature to restore his soul. And he will go back to nature as soon as he retires in June. Harvey will spend 12 days paddling down the Yukon River in Alaska with his cousin, a premiere botanist. Although he struggled with the idea of retiring for the past three years, Harvey wanted to make sure that his auto shop program would go on after he left. “I can leave in peace now,” he says referring to the new person who will take over in the fall. A graduate of Clayton Valley, the new Automotive Technology teacher is, as Harvey describes,
a “master technician” and “he’s wonderful with kids.” Harvey was surprised to learn at the awards assembly the other night that this year’s CVHS yearbook is dedicated to him and his 39-year teaching career. His wife, Nell, had a lot to do with that, explains Harvey. She’s probably one of Harvey’s loudest cheerleaders. They met in high school and married soon after. He lovingly admits she’s been a positive influence in his life. She’s the worker bee behind the farewell party in June and she’ll be the one who picks him up after his 12-day expedition on the Yukon River to escort him to his next excursion on the North Slope.
You are cordially invited to the Retirement Celebration Dinner for Clayton Police Chief “Pete” Peterson Friday, July 29 6 p.m. “No Host” Cocktails 7 p.m. Dinner and Entertainment Oakhurst Country Club 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton $35.00 per person Entrée Choices: Pork chop,Chicken or Vegetarian RSVP to Renee Martin, 672-7618 Make your check payable to:“Pete Peterson Retirement Dinner” and mail to 31 Nottingham Place, Clayton 94517.
Please reserve early. Seating is limited to 150 Concord/Clayton
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Concord/Clayton
Adorable home with French doors, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and family room added on with permits, dual pane windows, eatin kitchen with skylight and newer hardwood floors. There is a brick fireplace in the formal living room and a pellet stove in the spacious family room.
Offered for $539,000 Home Owner's Pride! This darling home in Concord has a beautiful spacious Florida Room with laminated flooring and storage benches. Other home features include: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 942 square feet of living space, not including the Florida room, newer windows, carpets and flooring, upgraded kitchen and bath, mirrored closet doors, tons of closet and cabinet space, central heat, air and ceiling fans. The adorable front yard is landscaped and back yard has a nice patio area with rose garden.
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This tri level, 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ bath home has 2,210 sq. feet of living space and over a ¼ acre lot. Other features include; a spacious landscaped back yard with sparkling pool (resurfaced), new pool deck, redwood decking, over $105,000 in recent upgrades including: remodeled kitchen with granite counter tops, new dual pane windows, gutters, lighting and front door, formal living room, dining room, family room with fireplace, master bedroom suite, master bath with double vanity, located in a quiet court and wonderful family neighborhood.
Offered for $849,950
Great Opportunity in Clayton! Lovely 2 bedrooms, 2 bath townhome in desirable Marsh Creek Villas. 1,050 square feet of living space. Nice location in development. Move in Ready. Community swimming pool and club house.
Wonderful Clayton rancher with many upgrades, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,582 square feet of living space, almost .25 acre Lot, beautiful sparkling pool and spa. Dual pane windows, bay window, hardwood floors, new carpet, newer roof and deck.
Very special home in Turtle CreekNo neighbors across the street! Private, quiet setting, 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, 1,728 square feet of living space, living room, family room, dining room, spacious desirable floor plan.
Darling 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo in Kirkwood, 891 square feet of living space, many upgrades, newer appliances, good location in complex, community swimming pool, laundry and club house. Close to shopping.
We have
r ed anothe represent yer on happy bu Clayton. l in La Encina
June 3, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
Directory of Advertisers Why advertise in the Pioneer? Here’s one reason: “As a new business (JOANNA'S DESIGNS) in Clayton, I feel very lucky to have a great local paper that covers such a wide area. I have had calls from as far away as Brentwood as well as locally here in Clayton. After the first advertisement ran I received several calls that have turned into direct business. The calls have kept coming and so has the business. If you want to grow your business in Clayton, the "Pioneer" is the place to advertise.”
Joanna Wellsted JOANNA'S DESIGNS
TAMARA
AND
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580 R OBERT S TEINER , Co-Publishers
TAMARA S TEINER , Editor J ILL B EDECARRÉ , Assistant Editor and Display Advertising J IM Z EWAN , Sports P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.
Classified FOR RENT Village Oaks Building, corner of Center St. and Marsh Creek Rd. in downtown Clayton. 4500 sq. ft. on the corner of the building and 1150 sq. ft. on the parking lot. Both spaces are on the ground floor. Will consider dividing the larger space. Good possibilities would be a coffee shop/bakery, dry cleaners drop off or bank. Call Stephen Coates, Coates and Sowards, 408-371-8770.
HELP WANTED Oakhurst Country Club. Full time landscaper/maintenance worker (1), part time morning and evening restaurant servers (2), morning and evening banquet servers (2), morning fitness employee (1). Flexible hours and golf privileges. Fax resume to (925) 672-0148, or e-mail gm@oakhurstcc.com; or apply in person at 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Part time retail sales for Winner's Circle western wear and tack store opening soon in Clayton. The store will be open 7 days a week. Flexible schedules available. Pick up application at the Clayton Pioneer office, 6200 F Center Street, Clayton 94517. For questions, call (925) 757-0208.
Substitute school crossing guard to fill in as needed, morning and afternoon. $11.83/hour. Must be over 18. Call Sgt. Shelly Crain at 673-7350.
LOST & FOUND Lost: Wrap around, polarized sunglasses with neck strap. Lost around the second week in May. Probably lost at the Dana Hills or Oakhurst garage sales. Reward. Please call Tami at 672-2223. Found: Parakeet - vicinity of Eagle Peak and Keller Ridge. Call 66930047
MISCELLANEOUS DUANE, I would love to hear from you. I have never forgotten you. Barbara Bond, 623-584-2195, Sun City West, AZ.
SERVICES Horses for sale Stud Service/ Mare care. Training for trail, show, parades, exhibition. Riding lessons for those wanting to experience the Rolls Royce of the Equine World. Pasos de Mt. Diablo, Barbara Carson, owner/breeder Peruvian Paso Horses, Chalan: German Salazar. 672-4467.
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. 925-673-1746 (leave message) GardenGirl94517@aol.com. Locksmith Services: Home and Commercial; Locksets and deadbolts repaired, replaced or installed keyed to your key. Lockout services. Save money- Call Clayton Valley Locksmith. Licensed and Bonded. (925) 673-0776 The Watering Can. Will hand water and care for your plant containers, flowers and shrubs, front and back during your vacation. Clayton residents preferred. (925) 672-3807. ClatonBrit@AOL.com.
Advertise with the Pioneer 672-0500
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HOW TO PLACE AN AD Go to our Web site, claytonpioneer.com. Click on the Classified Advertising tab on the left side of the page. Complete the form to submit your ad. Mail a check for the number of insertions to P.O. Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. Or, call the Clayton Pioneer, 925-672-0500 to place your ad over the phone. Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. Classified deadline dates are printed above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. We reserve the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. All classified ads must be paid for in advance. LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com
Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 A Clayton Window Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-1049 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 All Loving Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0752 American Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-4800 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6622 Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792 Benton, Mureleen - American Express . . . . . . . .685-4523 CCR Insurance and Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6324 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Chameleon Consignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299-1994 City of Clayton Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7300 Clarissa Bridal Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .930-0214 Clark Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5890 Clayton Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Mind & Body Connections . . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clip n' Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-9355 College Funding Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-8100 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9530 Crocker Insurance Agency - Sam Totah . . . . . . .941-1536 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Eagles Peak Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .465-0435 Elysium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1333 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 ESI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-1477 Executive-Style Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .683-9262 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . .672-8787 Golden Light Candles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3461 Gregory, Cynthia - Permanent Solution . . . . . . . .286-5162 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Hot Basil Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288-0000 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 Integrity Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .877-493-5437x402 Joanna's Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8911 Ken Ewing Painting and Decorating . . . . . . . . . .586-1882 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Landman Consulting Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8817 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .939-7920 Law Office of Richard Littorno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lerner Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-1130 Mary's Pizza Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .938-4800 Maverick's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Morningside Horse Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3632 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . .280-8563 Mountain Mike's Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4965 Neptune Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Northgate Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-8711 Northshore Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .439-3333 Oakhurst Childcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-1000 Oakhurst County Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pasta Primavera Café & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-5300 Pavilion Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6868 Petar Guest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2841 Pro Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . .673-3776 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Residential Pacific Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Sears Carpet Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0836 Sellers, Nicole - Diablo Funding . . . . . . . .227-0100 x 128 Skip's Happy Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9433 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Truesdell, Lisa - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . .686-4747 Unique Hair & Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-7278 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Intero Real Estate Services .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Velocity Sports Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363-0066 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Walcutt, Bill - Prudential Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-5535 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Wine Thieves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4003 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700
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Construction underway at CV Shopping Center JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Large fenced in areas, cranes, tractors and signs that say ‘stores open during construction’ signal the start of a major overhaul of Clayton Valley Shopping Center which will bring in a variety of local, regional and national tenants, according to Scott Franklin, vice president of investments for the developer, Regency Centers. The ambitious new master plan for the shopping center was given the go ahead by the Concord City Council five months ago and at that time, Regency, a fully-integrated real estate investment trust (REIT), had invested in excess of $50 million in the project. In the fenced in area close to Washington Blvd. and Clayton Road, Regency will construct a 6,000 square foot building which will house Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant. The new restaurant will be more than twice as big as its current location on the Ygnacio Valley Rd.
side of the shopping center. The new building will have three separate dining rooms, all available for private parties, and a kitchen with three cooking bays; one to serve each dining
surfaces of the current building. “The new place will be quiet.” Avelar expects to move into the new quarters in December. In the same location Regency
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
DEMOLITION OF THE VACANT BUILDING at the shopping center has ceased temporarily until an agreement is reached between future tenant Nob Hill Foods and current tenant Longs Drugs.
room. “This is my idea,” says owner Saul Avelar, “no one else is doing this.” Also in the plans is a full bar, at the opposite end of the building from the dining rooms. “This place is noisy,” said Avelar, indicating the hard
will erect an 8,500 square foot building with space for Tachi Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar which will double the restaurant’s current square footage. That building will also house a few national tenants, explains Franklin.
In the area facing Ygnacio Valley Road where the former Sizzler Restaurant stood before it burned to the ground several years ago, a new Pet Food Express will go up in a 6,000 square foot building. Pet Food Express is a local company with 24 stores in the San Francisco Bay Area and is scheduled to open around February. “It’s a pretty extraordinary shopping experience,” says Michael Levy, president and founder. With over 5,000 items and it’s own selfserve pet wash, Pet Food Express carries the largest selection of holistic pet food in the bay area. Levy explained that Clayton is an excellent target market for the new store where “people treat their pets like family.” Major demolition of the vacant building next to Longs Drugs has been halted, according to Franklin, due to negotiations between Longs Drugs and Nob Hill Foods. Regency is in final negotiations with Nob Hill Foods for a 59,000 square foot building in the empty space that used to house Lucky Supermarket and Albertsons. The demolition was stopped, explains Franklin, because Nob Hill is objecting to Longs Drugs’ intent to sell produce in their store. Regency will resume the demolition once an agreement is reached between Nob Hill and Longs
June 3, 2005
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The Clayton Police Officer’s Association has established a temporary trust account at Washington Mutual Bank to assist a Mt. Diablo Elementary School crossing guard and his wife who have fallen on financially hard times. School crossing guard Benjamin Ross and his wife Rosemarie receive minimal income from Social Security payments and his parttime job, which ends at the close of the school year. A generous Mt. Diablo School parent recently assisted Benjamin financially in obtaining needed vehicle repairs so he could get to and from work; the Ross’s have no savings to cover such repairs. This parent also learned that the Ross’s had been asked by their landlord to vacate their apartment and that they had no place to move and no money to pay first and last month’s rent if a new apartment could be found. The parent approached the Police Department to ascertain if there were City services to assist the Ross’s during these difficult times and was frustrated that there are no local services that could assist people who work in our commu-
nity when they experience hardships such as this. Upon hearing of the Ross’s plight, Clayton Police Officer Association President and Vice-President, Sergeants Tim O’Hara and Jason Russo, have set up a temporary trust fund to enlist school parent and community support in raising
funds to get the Ross’s through these difficult financial times and to assist them in obtaining funds to obtain a new apartment, get needed car repairs and help them get through the summer months until the parttime crossing guard position begins again. Citizens wishing to assist
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Letters to the Editor Resident is critical of Blue Ribbon Committee’s recommendation for assessment increase the work and recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Landscape Committee which suggested an
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increase of the landscape maintenance assessment from $122.90 per year per parcel to $365. That is a 200 percent increase and it is too much. It appeared that the Committee did not spend much time trying to find ways to reduce costs. It obtained from the city landscaping staff a list of what the staff felt was necessary and what that would cost, and it then began the process of selling that list, with its costs, to Clayton’s citizens. To illustrate its anxiety, in its fourth meeting it set up a Marketing Subcommittee when it didn’t have a program to sell. There appear to be a number of items in that staff list, like upgrading landscaping areas around sign areas on Clayton Rd, Oakhurst and Marsh Creek Rd for over $296,000, that are nice but not necessary. The city’s money management is suspect at best; it knew in 1997 exactly how much money it would have for landscaping maintenance. After 1997 it required contractors to install plants, at the contractor’s expense, to save money. It did not have the money necessary to maintain that landscaping so, according to a council member, it borrowed from the city’s General Fund, expecting to repay the loans after the next landscape election. If the city is given the $365 per parcel, first, how much goes back to the General Fund and is therefore lost to future maintenance? Secondly, if the $365 gives rise to a surplus in any year, what happens to the surplus? Does it go to the General Fund so that the City Council can again contemplate making a video extolling its beneficence? Other landscape matters will be addressed soon. Gene Snow
LINDA PINDER REPLIES Dear Editor: I respectfully disagree with the points Mr. Snow makes in his letter. Mr. Snow was on the original Landscape Committee that
we now know seriously underfunded the District. That original committee came up with an annual dollar amount they believed citizens of Clayton would support rather than determining the maintenance tasks required. Our Committee found this original amount insufficient to begin with. Furthermore, it did not include an escalator clause sufficient to keep pace with real world maintenance cost increases (e.g. water rates). Our citizen’s Blue Ribbon Committee does not want to make that same mistake again. We need to get it right this time, and that goal requires that we structure an appropriate standard of maintenance care and then fund the District accordingly. Mr. Snow thinks our Committee did not spend much time trying to find ways to reduce costs, yet he did not attend any of the early meetings, and only recently, attended two. This Committee began meeting in early 2004 and typically met for two hours every two weeks. In the beginning we spent lots of time trying to find ways to reduce costs, as most of us naively thought there were sufficient funds within the District to do the job and that it just wasn’t being managed properly. We were lucky enough to have two citizens on our Committee who have a great deal of experience in public maintenance duties for neighboring cities. With input from the city staff and these two local experts, it quickly became obvious to the rest of us that this problem was not a simple case of government waste or mismanagement as we had initially assumed. At each meeting we brainstormed cost cutting ideas, which included calling on volunteers to help with weeding and trimming, reducing the amount of area in the District that needs to be maintained and forming multiple districts. In the end, it was clear that a city cannot rely on volunteers alone to deliver critical maintenance services. And, while there could be some
Page 7 savings by reducing the area maintained, the Committee did not feel that the voters in the peripheral areas would be willing to vote to increase their assessment, or even have it remain the same – if the appearance and care of public landscaping in their own neighborhoods was eliminated. And finally, the administration costs associated with multiple districts would more than offset any cost savings the city might realize from this alternative. Our Committee worked very hard coming up with proper maintenance standards we felt were the minimum levels of care for our landscaping, open space, trails and weed abatement. Initially we had higher maintenance standards in mind, but as we downgraded our desires to more practical levels the Committee scaled back its “wish list” as much as possible. The Committee then asked City staff to generate some expense numbers for us for a variety of service levels. It was the Committee that reviewed those numbers and then fine-tuned the proposal now being recommended to the City Council. The city staff acted at the direction of the Blue Ribbon Committee, not the other way around as Mr. Snow implies without attending our meetings. Mr. Snow addresses briefly some of the capital improvement items, such as upgrading the landscaping around the sign areas on Clayton Rd, Oakhurst and Marsh Creek Rd. What he didn’t mention is that other capital improvement projects include upgrading the landscaping in several neighborhoods that currently have either no landscaping or totally inadequate landscaping. These include the Atchinson Stage Road (where Mr. Snow lives), north and south of Clayton Road, plus sections on Pine Hollow Road. Parts of Atchinson Stage have an irrigation system that has not been functional for at least five years. Many residents in that neighborhood have complained about this and would like to see improve-
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ments to their neighborhood that can simply not be funded from the current District’s assessment levels. Other neighborhoods, such as Diablo Parkway and Mitchell Canyon Road, pay the same amount as everyone and get deplorable landscaping. Finally, Mr. Snow has asked what happens if the $365 per parcel gives rise to a surplus in any given year. The recommendation of the Blue Ribbon Committee is for a Citizens’ Oversight Committee. State law requires that all monies received by the District must remain with the District, and cannot be used by the city for any other purpose. Staff and the Commission have informed Mr. Snow that the Landscape District is a legally separate entity and that funds from the District cannot be diverted into the city’s General Fund. Our community deserves nice public landscaping and trees, weed abatement performed twice a year rather than just once, a Clayton Fountain that flows on the weekends, and the maintenance monies to care for a longawaited Downtown Park. Our Committee has done its homework, and this is what it takes. Linda Pinder Member, Blue Ribbon Landscape Maintenance Committee
Robber, from page 1
around for a few minutes more, then snatched a laptop computer valued at $2,000 and fled the store with the computer and a Safeway bag that he had carried in. Officer Sean McNamara responded and within minutes he and Stuart were at the Safeway store viewing the security videotapes. According to Sgt. Tim O’Hara of the Clayton Police, Stuart had a good description of the suspect and was able to pick out the thief on the videotapes. He had been in Safeway just minutes before the heist. Police now had a photo and a first name. They ran the photo, O’Hara said, and it matched the first name the man used on the phone call. McNamara, figuring the man probably lived close by, took the photo to the Clayton Station Starbucks, hoping someone would recognize him. His hunch paid off. The next day, police, acting on an anonymous tip, paid a call on the man at his Kirker Pass Road apartment. Seeing the police, the suspect jumped into a truck with two other men. They fled with police in pursuit and were stopped at the Kirker Pass and Clayton Road intersection where the suspect, who was holding the stolen computer on his lap, was arrested. The driver was also arrested for being in possession of stolen goods. According to O’Hara, police suspect that both men are tied in with recent criminal activity in the San Ramon area. “This arrest has tentacles and it’s leading out and going everywhere— like an octopus.”
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professional home inspections before listing or selling What do you look for in choosing a home inspector? Knowledge. A true professional will belong to the Legitimacy. A true professional will NOT offer to California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) or other reputable industry association. This assures that your inspector is up to the minute on all building code changes and follows a strict code of ethics. CHIS is a certified member of CREIA.
Skill. A true professional will not shortchange you with a “checklist” report, nor bury you with words in a long-winded narrative. CHIS will provide you with a clear, informative and easy to read report THE DAY AFTER YOUR INSPECTION.
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Please visit our Website at www.ClaytonHomeInspection.net
Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
My offer was rejectedwhat went wrong? LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE
A lot of energy goes in to making an offer to buy a home. So it’s a big let down if you lose out to another buyer in a multiple offer competition. It’s also disheartening when a seller rejects your offer even though it was the only offer. It’s natural to feel discouraged, but don’t give up. If you’re intent on buying a home, use the experience to learn how you can maximize your chances of success the next time. Start by finding out what went wrong. Ask your agent to talk to the seller’s agent to find out why your offer didn’t work. If there were multiple offers, how many offers were there? Why was your offer rejected? Was it the price? Were the terms unacceptable? How much did the listing sell for? Were there
any unique aspects about the winning offer, such as a very short close or a lack of contingencies? The seller’s agent may be reluctant to divulge the selling price until the transaction closes. Sellers often prefer to keep the price confidential until the deal is done. But, you can probably find out if the successful offer was for more than the list price. And, if so, the listing agent might indicate whether the offer was for a little more or a lot more than the asking price. Find out how your offer ranked in a multiple offer competition. If there were five offers, and you came in last, use this as a reality check. If you offered at the top of your price range, and the market is very competitive, you may need to scale back your expectations. When over-bidding is common, you may need to look at homes that are priced under the maximum you can afford. That way you can offer more if you’re in
Mayor, from page 1 about their lives doing their best to make a positive difference. Only their family and friends know how truly great they are. BOY SCOUT TROOPS I’ll bet that most of you don’t know that there are two Boy Scout troops associated with Clayton, Troops 262 and 484. Over the past dozen years or so the two troops have produced seventy-six Eagle Scouts. Nationally, only about two percent of boys who enter scouting attain the Eagle rank. But, year after year, Clayton produces Eagle Scouts. I remember in the years that I was in scouting, I saw only one member of our troop attain the Eagle rank. The number of Eagle Scouts a community produces is a reflection of the values that the community fosters. I recently had the honor of participating in the ceremonies for five new Eagle
Scouts. Something right is happening here in Clayton. MDES 50 ANNIVERSARY Last week, I attended the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Mt. Diablo Elementary School and the Time Capsule Ceremony. It was an incredible event. Kudos to the Committee Chairpersons, Mitzi Hyland, Sharon McNulty and Stacey Russell, and all of the event volunteers who made the evening so memorable. I also want to recognize and congratulate Tyler Connel, the third grader who won the T-shirt design contest. It’s a great shirt. I’m wearing mine as I write this. The original Mt. Diablo School opened in 1863 and operated for 84 years until low enrollment forced it to close in 1947. For the next eight years, Clayton students were bussed to Concord. In 1955, a modern-day school
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competition. Pat yourself on the back if you came in second out of five or more offers, particularly if this was your first offer. You obviously have a feel for current market value. The next time or two, you’ll probably be the successful bidder. If the seller rejected your offer, and there were no other offers on the table, you might be dealing with an unrealistic seller. Ask your agent to find out why the seller is selling. Some sellers will sell only if they get a certain price. If the seller’s only motivation is price, and his price is unrealistic, find another home that you can buy for a reasonable price. However, if the seller is truly motivated, a waiting strategy might be your best approach. Motivated sellers don’t just want to sell; they need to sell. They may have purchased another home. Or, there may have been a death in the family, a transfer to another location or a divorce.
If the seller’s price is too high for the market, it will probably be reduced in time. Ask your agent to stay in touch with the listing agent. The best time to make an offer on an over-priced listing is often just before the price is lowered. If you wait until the price is reduced, you might encounter competition from other buyers. To put yourself in the best negotiating position, get preapproved for the financing you’ll need. If sellers in your area aren’t accepting offers that are contingent on the sale of another property, sell your home first so that you won’t need this contingency. Or, if you have the financial wherewithal, arrange for interim financing so that you can buy before selling. From a seller’s standpoint, the fewer contingencies, the better.
facility was built on the site. The school uses the old bell from the original “Little School on the Hill.” Mt Diablo Elementary is the only school in the district with a real old-fashioned school bell. It rings every day. This school is the root of a great deal of what makes Clayton so special. People talk about Clayton’s small town feel and atmosphere but it is this school and the parents who volunteer their time, donate their money and lead by example that make Clayton what it is. I can’t remember when I attended an event with so many well-mannered children. The kids had a lot of fun and ate lots of burgers and hotdogs, but when it was time for the Time Capsule Ceremony, they were all in their places with bright shiny faces. As I stood there watching them express their enthusiasm I was reassured that Clayton will continue to produce wonderful concerned citizens who will make
the world an even better place.
For any real estate needs or questions contact Lynne at: Phone (925) 6728787 or E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com
LIBRARY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Many of you know that Clayton’s Community Library leads the county in the number of volunteers who work there. While there are currently many volunteers, more are needed. This is especially true in the tutoring and homework programs. Volunteers are needed to help students in grades K through 12 improve their skills in reading, writing and math. If you volunteer you can select and choose the subject area and skill level you are comfortable with and work one-on-one with an assigned student. Your help would be needed one to two hours per week. You do not need a teaching background but you must be patient and understanding of different skill levels. You must be at least thirteen years old. Finger printing is required. Contact Arlene Kikkawa-Nielson, volunteer coordinator at 672-0659.
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The Hottest tool in home sales is Staging! An accredited ASPM Stager® is the professional you want to help set your home apart from other listings, and make your property a $uccess $ale. A small investment prior to listing will maximize the return on your biggest investment, even over asking price bids. Staging can be as simple as rearranging your furnishings, or low cost rental of furniture, art, floral and other Staging accessories.
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June 3, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Northgate Gardening Landscaping Maintenance Sod Lawns Sprinkler Systems Shrub Plantings
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t
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a his
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can e t e P SOLD!
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Page 9
Clayton and me… I can’t believe it’s over! As I drove home from Clayton Valley High School a few days ago, I found myself staring down Clayton Road in a whole different way. I was filled with remembrance and a longing for more time here. In my mind, I was having flashbacks of the first time that I rode with my family down this very same road about eight years ago. At that time, I was filled with excitement, some sorrow, and wonder about what the future would hold. Now, as I drive Clayton Road, I feel some of the same emotions, but also a deeper sadness realizing that these are the last few weeks that I will drive Clayton Road to my home. What am I talking about? Well, come June 15, I, like most other seniors will be graduating, but four days later, I will be hopping a plane to Kentucky for freshman student orientation. Then, a week later, I will be flying “home” to Southern California. If you didn’t start getting confused a few sentences back, I know that you probably are by now, so let me explain. Come fall, I plan to attend the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, as a preCommunications major. During the time that I will be in
Kentucky for student orientation in June, my house will be packed up and all of my family’s belongings moved to a house we found over spring break near Irvine. This move is due to a quick and rather unexpected new job that my dad took at the beginning of April. I wasn’t even aware there was a possibility that we would be moving until two days before spring break! Maybe for some, a transfer to Southern California would be welcomed, but for me, it is just a giant leap from this little “horse-town” called Clayton that I have come to know and love. This is the town where I have made some of my best friends, met my first love, received a drivers license, gotten my first job, and hey…even written (almost) regularly for a newspaper! Writing for the newspaper has been one of the greatest privileges that I have been given in life and I am glad that there was enough community interest in my column to keep it going, so thank you readers for reading. Although I have been writing for a little over a year, the surprise of seeing my name and face in the newspaper still has not faded, and I am thankful
that I met Jill (Pioneer Assistant Editor, Jill Bedecarre) when I did because this experience has been a wonderful introduction into the field of Communications. In the future, I hope to write for another newspaper or maybe even anchor for television news! I’ve been asked what were my favorite articles to write. I have written on a variety of topics over the past year, but truthfully I would have to say that my favorite article was “Ten Rules for Incoming Freshmen” because it was sarcastic and joking, which made it fun to write (and I did get some panicked questions from my younger sister’s friends). One of the most memorable columns for me was “From Junior to Senior – A Bittersweet, but Exciting Time.” As I face my own graduation, I am about to feel what my senior friends felt as they left the comfort of high school and younger friends. Over the past few months, my life has changed drastically and of course I’ve been told that life changes and we move on. I do know that this is true because for the past eight years, I have lived in five houses in three states. Knowing this
STUDENT REPORTER doesn’t make anything easier though. This has undoubtedly been my favorite place to live so far, but in a few weeks I will graduate, hug my best friends goodbye, and begin adjusting to a new life in two new places. Even now, I am staring at the “SOLD” sign on my lawn, thinking of my “old” friends and the new ones I will make and wondering… just what does the future hold? Maybe someday (if things go as I have planned) I will be living in the East Bay again, but until then, my dreams will be filled with pictures of this quaint town that I love to call home. Cynthia West is a senior at CVHS. E-mail her at cvhs@claytonpioneer.com
Thank you Cynthia for a job well done. We send you off into the future with great confidence that you will do well at whatever you choose. Happy graduation and all of our best wishes go with you. From all of us at the Pioneer.
Talon named top scholastic publication LISA SHAFER Special to the Pioneer
For the third time in four years, Clayton Valley High School’s newspaper was named the top scholastic publication in the area. The Talon, run by student editors Kristen Langford and Zoe Sullivan, won the “Overall Excellence” prize at the Dean S. Lesher High School Journalism Award luncheon on May 19. “A good, clean graphic style, coupled with well-written stories, clever headlines and a good balance of hard news and features, make this paper stand out,” wrote the judges, all journalists for the Contra Costa Times. One judge wrote that The Talon was “head and shoulders above (the) competition.” Second place for overall excellence went to Miramonte High School’s paper, The Mirador. The contest and luncheon was sponsored by the Lesher Foundation and the Contra Costa Times. For the first time, The Talon also won “Best Graphics Presentation” for its layout and design. Judges noted that the paper “gets a ‘most improved’ sticker – we’ve seen it evolve over the
TALON STUDENT EDITORS Zoe Sullivan and Kristen Langford with journalism teacher Lisa Shafer won the highest honor in the Lesher journalism competition.
years and make big strides.” Co-Editor-in-Chief Kristen Langford received the Scholastic Journalist of the Year award for Clayton Valley at the
luncheon. She has been on the newspaper staff since her freshman year. Also honored at the luncheon were junior Onna Nelson
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Photos may not depict the typical home.
Step 1: Loosen Dirt
CYNTHIA WEST
Step 2: Remove Dirt & Residue
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America’s largest carpet manufacturer recommends the Two-Step Deep-Clean Process used by Sears over the one-step process offered by many other companies. Two-step cleaning removes dirt, along with cleaning solution residue to leave carpets looking clean and feeling soft again.
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Valid on residential orders and single furnace homes only. Extra charge may apply for homes with furnaces that are not easily accessible. An area is defined as a room, hall, bath, landing or walk-in closet. Combination areas and areas over 250 sq. ft. are considered as separate areas. Prices may vary for wool and oriental carpet. Carpet protector or deodorizer each available at added cost. Minimum order may apply. Offer/service not available in all areas. Call for details. Not valid with other coupons or offers. Service performed by Sears associates or franchisees. Offer expires 6/30/2005. Void where prohibited. Sears cards are issued by Citibank USA, N.A.
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and sophomore Deirdre Ruscitti. Nelson won third place for writing based on three stories: a profile of a Pine Hollow Middle School teacher who survived the Asian tsunami; a comprehensive look at the budget cuts in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District; and a story about the aftermath of two suicides at Clayton Valley. Ruscitti took second place for column writing based on opinion pieces discussing the benefits of meditation, the need for students to protest the war in Iraq and the disturbing trend of anti-intellectualism in high school. Talon journalists were also honored at two other ceremonies in May. Langford won the Bank of America certificate for publications at Clayton Valley’s Senior Dessert on May 17. Zoe Sullivan, the other coeditor-in-chief, received the Publications Department Award at the dessert. She also won a Senior Award of Excellence at a May 12 ceremony sponsored by the county’s Regional Occupational Program (ROP). At the same ceremony, Talon adviser Lisa Shafer was named one of four outstanding ROP teachers in the county. “I know how hard these students work during the journalistic process,” said Shafer, a former reporter. “It’s nice to see that professional journalists recognize the quality of the students’ product.”
A new look for Spring recover that comfortable old sofa or armchair with fabrics to coordinate the whole room, everything from paint to bedding, sofas, drapes and those all important finishing touches.
Why buy new when you can re-do?
Call Joanna at (925) 673-8911 Clayton Resident
Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 3, 2005
american contemporary bistro in downtown Clayton
joy An Italian En Fe
E lysium
ast at Ou r
“Elysium is a bit of heaven in the suburbs”
Mon. – Thurs. Co zy P fé 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. asta Pr avera Ca im Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sat. 12 noon – 10 p.m. / Sun. 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
-San Francisco Chronicle, 2/18/2005
r a B Full ing
Fine Italian dining with an extensive menu • Weekend Special - grilled steaks • Gourmet desserts and fine wines Very reasonable prices
Com Soon
4425-F Treat Blvd. Concord, CA 94521
687-5 5300
www.pastaprimaveracafe.com
ting Patio Sea blee ila Now Ava
La Veranda Café
Children’s menu and take out service available
For reservations call (925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON
Don’t be mislead by the name of this delightful family restaurant just over the hill in in the Citrus Marketplace. MARY’S PIZZA SHACK is definitely NOT a shack, and you can find a lot more on the menu than just pizza--
$6.59-56/15/05 0
5/16/
Formerly Linguini’s - NEW OWNER, NEW MENU - Now open, featuring:
grilled steak, shrimp, chicken and veggies large variety of pizzas and pastas!
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Banquet facilities available Complimentary mimosa with Sat
or
Sun Brunch, 11
Thai cuisine
Indian cuisine curries, tandooris freshly baked breads
fresh soup and salads pad thai, pad kemo chicken sate
Hot Basil Café
Enjoy both Indian and Thai Cuisine Open 7 days a week Lunch: Dinner:
672-11333
for reservations
Mon. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun. - Thu. 5-9 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 5-9:30 p.m.
790 D Oak Grove Road At the corner of Oak Grove Road and Treat Blvd.
925-288-0000
a.m.
- 3
1508 Kirker Pass Rd. behind Shell Station p.m.
672-6868
although the pizza is a fine choice, indeed. Mary’s Pizza Shack serves up a delicious array of pizza and Italian dishes with both a luncheon and dinner menu. For lunch, try the Bucatini with a small Caesar. perfectly al dente pasta lightly sauteed in butter with garlic, fresh tomatoes and basil. And if you like Caesar Salad, Mary’s is exceptional-ice cold and crisp. And the pizza ---ahhh. Melt-in-your-mouth crust and only the freshest ingredients go into this legendary pizza. Mary’s loves families so bring the kids. Pizzas range from $7 for a small Napoletana to $20.50 for the large Mary’s Combination. A pasta lunch will run you $7.25-$9.25; dinner $10.75-$13.25. Both include soup or salad, warm sourdough bread and beverage. See Mary’s Pizza Shack ad this page. Linguini’s is now the PAVILION BAR AND GRILL. New owner, Hamid Shahrodizadh has added specialty items from the grill to Linguini’s traditional Italian fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, gnocchi, tortellini and vongole. Grilled items include steaks, fish and veggies and range from $5.95 for an appetizer of cheese sticks to $19.95 for the New York strip topped with sauteed mushrooms. Pizza lovers will all be happy with the new selections. Vegetarians can choose from three selections including the Mediterranean, topped with mozzarella, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, Feta cheese and drizzled with a light olive oil. The Meat Lover’s Pizza is topped with enough pepperoni, sausage, beef and salami to put every meat lover in paradise.
All menu items available for take-out
Let us cater your next special event
Dining Around
ch Lun
Sunday Brunch
6115 Main Street Clayton, CA
a Past Special
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
email: e lysium_restaurant@sbcglobal.net
Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton Fresh soups, salads, antipasti, pizza and pasta Dinner and lunch daily Brunch on Sunday
Dinner Tue - Sat, 5 p.m. closed Monday
Pizzas come in small, medium, large and extra large sizes and range from $9.95 for a small classic cheese pizza to $22.95 for an extra large Super Combo. See ad this page for hours. ELYSIUM also has a brand new menu with more choices and lower prices. Dishes range from “small plates,” featuring appetizers, soups and salads from $5 for Organic Field Greens with toasted hazelnuts, beets and champagne vinegar, to a Half Dozen Oysters on the Half Shell for $12. “Medium plates-good for tasting,” (try the Cornmeal Crusted Calamari Salad with spicy aioli for $7.50) are great for a light meal, or you can combine them with a smaller plate for a complete meal. “Large plates, good for an entree” include Halibut and a Five Spice Dusted Duck Breast for $15; or Flank Steak and Frites (simple as that) for $14 among other choices. Owner Greg Severn has also added a “Little Ones Only” menu and heartily welcomes families with children. See Elysium’s ad this page for hours. Are you ready for a relaxing afternoon with friends, enjoying a pot of tea and delectable treats in a beautiful full service tea room? ENGLUND'S TEA COTTAGE offers these amenities and more at their lovely tea room in the Clayton Station. Proprietors Sally Englund and Pamela Barnett want the tea cottage to be a place "where good friends gather." After you browse the gift shop and collectibles, enjoy lunch or high tea with tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fresh fruit and dip and dessert. There's a beautiful muraled room perfect for
bridal and baby showers, staff meetings and club gatherings. To book your party, call 672-8327. Lunch reservations are a must. Do you have a hunger for Thai food but your dining partner is holding out for Indian? Not a problem. The new HOT BASIL CAFÉ in Concord can meet both your culinary desires for lunch or dinner. The menu has separate Thai and Indian pages but is a melding of the two cuisines. All lunches are under $10 and dinners are in the $9.95-$13.95 range. See ad this page for hours. If you have a hearty appetite and a slim budget, you'll want to head on over to MOUNTAIN MIKE'S for the "All you can eat lunch buffet" Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. With two locations to serve you, the popular pizza restaurant has all the pizza, garlic sticks and salad bar you can eat for lunch. Price is only $4.99, kids 6 & under, $1.15 and kids 7-12, $2.99. There's also an "All you can eat" pizza and salad bar every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. for $5.99 for adults; kids 6 and under is only $1.15 and kids 7-12, $3.45. For fine dining and lovely atmosphere, downtown Clayton has two very fine dining establishments. At the corner of Center and Marsh Creek Road is LA VERANDA, serving a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish, starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. A popular choice, La Veranda is open daily for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for brunch.
See Dining, page 11
r
Gathe s d n e i od Fr o G e Wher
g e a t t o C a Englund's Te Father/Daughter Tea Saturday June 18th $19.95 adults or $12.95 children Join us daily for soup, salads, sandwiches, scones, savories & home made desserts
and Come our browse and op gift sh ibles collect
Private party room available for events.
672-TEAS (8327) www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com
Open Weekdays 11 - 4, Weekends 11 - 5
5433 L Clayton Road (in Clayton Station)
June 3, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Dining, from page 10 For view and atmosphere you can’t do better than ZANDONELLA’S situated on the lovely Delta View Golf Course in Pittsburg. Zandonella’s is open Tue.Sun for lunch and dinner. This family friendly restaurant offers an extensive menu that covers every crav-
$ $ $
5 4 3
ing. From that perfect bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs all the way to a succulent and perfectly roasted rack of lamb, you are sure to find your favorite. All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free. Call for reservations, 432-1700.
50% OFF
00 Off
X-Large
00 Off
Second Pizza Buy any large or
Large
00 Off
medium pizza at regular price and get 1/2 off second pizza of equal or lesser value
Medium
ALL
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only. Expires 12/31/05
YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only. Expires 12/31/05
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Only $4.99 6 & under $1.15 kids 7-12 $2.99 5358 Clayton Rd. Concord
3501 Clayton Rd. Concord
(Next to Clayton Bowl)
(El Monte Shopping Center)
689-4965
676-9000
Fundraisers z Team Specials z Group Discounts z Parties
et tooth! e w s r u o y Indulge mplimentar y
Co desser t house inner with d upon, exp. 6/30/05 with co
Fine dining on the beautiful Delta View Golf Course
Just down Clayton Road at the corner of Clayton Road and Treat Blvd., is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria offers a delectable linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil for $8.95...my personal favorite. Other pasta dishes include Chicken Pesto Gorgonzola, a rigatoni dish with chicken breast and tomatoes in a creamy pesto Gorgonzola sauce ($13.95.) For an intimate atmosphere and a good wine list, Pasta Primavera can’t be beat. A little more on the casual side and a great place to take the kids is ROCCO’S RISTORANTE at 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Voted the best pizza in the Bay Area by a Contra Costa Times Reader Poll, Rocco’s serves up a killer house specialty. The Dominator, piled high with pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, ham, linguica, sausage and onions, is not for the faint of heart. At $19.97, this large pizza will feed a small army. Rocco’s also has several choices of classic Italian pasta, homemade minestrone and several salads. All pasta dishes are served with fresh bread. Top your pasta dinner off with a glass of wine and you’re well fed and satisfied for well under $20 (tax and tip included.) Rocco’s opens every day at 11 a.m.
Page 11
Feed your shrubs to relieve their stress June is here, and the garden needs tending. In my next two columns, we will explore ways to make your garden ready for the hot Clayton summers. This we will tackle the delicate balance of fertilizing and pruning, and next time we will explore pest control, weeding, mulching and new introductions that can make the summer garden quite a success. Fertilizing during the hot months is different than in March and April. Feed shrubs and ornamentals with a fertilizer low in nitrogen. At the nursery, all the potato bushes, spiraea, weigela, viburnum and nadina will be fed with Formula 49 8-44 now and again in August. This feeding gives the plant strength to deal with all the stresses of summer. Sulfur and iron keep the plant’s leaves green. This flexible fertilizer can be used on just about anything, even your lawn. A low first number means the nitrogen content is mild. Therefore, the top growth will not be so sudden and vulnerable to the heat and sun. Perennials and annuals would love a dose of water-soluble fertilizer. All of the rain has washed away the usable nutrients. Replace what has been lost now to see the results of your
care. Liquid fertilizer works more quickly for perennial and annuals. These plants are here for a short time compared to the shrubs and ornamentals. Since their season of growth is shorter, nutrients must be provided more quickly. Choose a fertilizer with a higher middle number and a lower first number to encourage bud set, not top growth that would only camouflage the flowers. Consider a selection of 30 or more for the middle number. Some products can have a phosphate content up to 52, which is only for the extreme gardener or someone hosting a backyard wedding. Cut back all spring bloomers, which may be a challenge this month. You probably will notice that small growth has begun at the base of the plants. This is nature asking you to help out by removing any bloomed stem to the ground of perennials such as nepeta, salvia greggii, penstomen and dianthus. Shear down candytuft, fleabane and brachycome. Camellias, azaleas, gardenias, loropedalum and hydrangeas should also be fed. These plants are acid loving, and they need a food designed for their needs. Acid fertilizer in a granular form is easy to apply and only needs
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light cultivation. Shade loving plants have shallow roots, so be careful. If bending is an issue, then there are some quality, water-soluble fertilizers out there. Apply early in the morning or late in the day to avoid using during the heat of the day. Read the labels, and choose a great combination of major ingredients, 30-10-10, as well as the minor elements, like copper, zinc, iron and sulfur. The regular-use fertilizer during the growing season will almost assure lush foliage and beautiful flowers. When tending to the acid lovers, do not be shy; remove any plant arms that are growing faster than the rest. Encourage the plant to grow slowly. Cut back acid lovers after bloom. They set the bud for next year early, so any shaping must be done as soon as possible. All of the rain we received these past months did wonderful things to the plants. Our azaleas bloomed prodigiously, the lavender trumpet vines finally had a showy display, and all the drought tolerant selections did better this year than ever before. The rain also caused some problems in the garden. Our voluptuous rose buds were water saturated and beginning to rot, the pulmonaria and scabiosa are dusted with the white kiss of powdery mildew, and the poor, immature fruit of our cherries and citrus were knocked to the ground by wind and rain. With summer so near, we cannot neglect our yards and gardens. Take some time to see the rewards of your efforts by July 4. By then, your yard may look so great that you might want to have people over and show off. Please don’t forget about the Clayton Pioneer’s Meet the Writers Birthday Bash on June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at R&M Pool, Patio and Gardens. I am excited to meet the people that read my column. See you there. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at GardenGirl94517@aol.com
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Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 3, 2005
Clayton Sports Clayton swimming and diving head coaches to retire JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer
After many years as Clayton Valley High School’s Girls and Boys Swimming & Diving head coaches, Matt Chamberlain and Don Bluth have announced they will retire from high school coaching at the end of the 2005 season. They said they have thoroughly enjoyed their experience but have decided to pursue other professional and personal interests, including spending more time with family. Chamberlain and Bluth have guided the restoration of the winning tradition that Clayton Valley Swimming and Diving has been known for, and their successful coaching careers include: z 1 North Coast Swimming & Diving Championship (Boys 1999) z 4 Bay Valley Athletic League Regular Season Championship Titles (Men’s & Women’s 2004 and 2005) z 7 Runner-up BVAL seasons z 1 Las Vegas Invitational Team Championship (2003) z 2 Roseville Invitational Team Spirit & Sportsmanship Awards (2003-04) z 2 High School All-American National Champions (Kasey Harris and Laura Davis) z 10 High School AllAmerican Swimmers (National Top 40)
Jim Zewan/Clayton Pioneer
RETIRING
COACHES
MATT CHAMBERLAIN
8 High School All-American Relays (National Top 40) z 12 Individual North Coast Champion Athletes z 12 NCAA Division I College Scholarship Athletes z
AND
DON BLUTH leave behind a thriving swimming and diving program at Clayton Valley High School.
5 Clayton Valley High School Athletes of the Year z And an overall win/loss record of 70-11 This season was no different. Clayton Valley repeated as z
BVAL regular season champions and had several swimmers and divers make it to North Coast Section. At NCS, overall the CVHS girls finished 15th at NCS and the CVHS Boys squad
came in 20th overall. Not bad for being in one of the biggest competitive swimming areas in the country. In the individual results at NCS, in one meter diving, Caiti
Cutter came in 10th place and Katie Chirco finished 14th. The Girls 200 Medley Relay team (Lindsay Kiyama, Lindsey Hansen, Kayla Zeidler and Anita Yung) took 11th place. The Boys 200 Medley Relay team finished 12th and consisted of Bryce Walker, Danny Boessenecker, Sean Reilly and Mat Zefeldt. In the 200 Freestyle, Reilly placed 14th and in the 50 Free Zefeldt came in 13th, while Kiyama and Reilly came in 12th respectively in the Girls and Boys 100 Free. In the 200 Freestyle Relay, the girls (Yung, Zeidler, Kiyama and Rochelle Jones) finished 6th. The Boys’ 200 Free Relay (Matthew Bishop, Reilly, Zefeldt and Boessenecker) came in 13th. Chamberlain started high school coaching at Antioch High School as Assistant Head Coach in 1996 and moved to Clayton Valley High School in 1997 as Boys Head Coach. Bluth started high school coaching as Boys Head Coach at Concord High School from 1993 to 1997 and moved over to Clayton Valley as Girls Head Coach in 1999. Chamberlain and Bluth restored the Eagles’ proud swimming tradition and carried it all the way through during 2005.
CV PONY and Bronco baseball programs off and running JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer
Competitive level traveling baseball is thriving in the Clayton Valley area. After being re-established about six years ago, the PONY League program has grown from one team to three. Now a Bronco team made up of 11- and 12-yearolds has joined two PONY teams of 13- and 14-year-olds. Each team is made up of select players from the Clayton Valley High School and Concord High School areas. Each team plays more than 40 games this season, including about 30 league contests in the Diablo Valley PONY League, which includes teams from Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Piedmont, etc. Following the regular season, the teams will divide into agespecific groups and play four to five tournaments. As of press time, the three Clayton Valley teams had an impressive combined record of 51-18. The Clayton Pioneers
13-14 PONY team, which plays in the Western Division of the League, has an almost perfect 22-1 record. The PONY Pioneers are coached by Manager Tom King, a veteran coach with six years of Major League Baseball experience with the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as 18 years coaching at St. Ignatius High School and two years at the University of San Francisco. Assistants Don Hillery and Dennis Quinlan have considerable experience as well. The Pioneers were atop the league, leading their division by five games as of May 23. They averaged only 2.5 runs allowed per game and had achieved six shutouts in their 22 wins, showing they have some excellent pitching as well as some pretty good defense to go along with their offensive talent, which scores an average of nearly seven runs per game. The Pioneers PONY 2005 Roster includes Patrick Keane, Matt Sanchez, Pierce Bartley, Ross Hillery, John Mendoza, Michael Leal, Stephen Stallone,
Joey Detmer, Derrick Lee, Rodrigo Morales, Kevin O’Connell, Michell Wilhite, Patrick Gallagher and Joey Levine. Their counterpart, the Clayton Valley Eagles, play in the Eastern Division of the Diablo Valley PONY League. Their record of 16-9 currently puts them in third place in their division, a half game behind the Brentwood Blast and Pleasant Hill Hawks, which are tied for
first with 16-8 records. Tim Bruno manages the Eagles and is assisted by Jim Snider, Darrell Matthews and Andrew Gartner, all of whom have considerable coaching and playing experience. The boys on the Eagles this season are: Vince Bruno, Andrew Gartner, Grayson Pruess, Conrad Carlson, Brandon Moore, Tom Christensen, Tim Mason, Julian Thornton, Justin Dalton, Peter
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June 3, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Clayton Sports The MDSA Under-10 boys’ soccer team, AC Milan, wins Concord Cup
photo courtesy of MDSA
THE AC MILAN soccer team displays their championship trophies.
DANA HEINZ Special to the Pioneer
Ken Ewing
The Mount Diablo Soccer Association’s under-10 boys’ soccer team played a scrappy tournament with a lot of heart and soul to take the title at the Concord Cup May 14-15. Seven Clayton area players play on the AC Milan team, joined by others from Concord. In game one against the Concord Predators, AC Milan prevailed 2-0. Both of Milan’s goals were scored by center midfielder Ryan Phillips, with assists by forwards Mateo
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Palacios and Kellen Simons. Milan controlled the ball at the midfield during the entire game due to exceptional play by Milan’s midfielders Luca Scheller, Josh Kirmsse, Anthony Bellafronte and Doug Macy. Jeremiah Stielow, Milan’s goal keeper, deflected more than eight shots on Milan’s goal by the aggressive, offensivelyminded Concord Predator forwards. After this first contest, a tired AC Milan faced the Davis King Cobras in Saturday’s second game, losing 3-0. Despite multiple shots on the goal against the Cobras, the Milan players just could not find the net, and the Cobras’ keeper did a fantastic job throughout the game of blocking several good shots. On Sunday morning, AC Milan, knowing it was their last day together as an all-star team, arrived fired up and ready to play. “On Sunday, every AC Milan player knew that we would be saying goodbye, and
See Soccer, page 15
Dispelling the myths of youth strength training As youth sports participation increases and sports become more competitive, more athletes are turning to strength training to try to gain the competitive edge. But with the growing popularity of strength training programs have come numerous reports, studies and statistics, many of which are misleading. Based on some reports, you may be wondering, “Is my child too young to participate in strength training?” Before you decide to run in the opposite direction of the weight room, let’s set the record straight. The most common myth is that if children start strength training too early it will stunt their growth. This fear stems primarily from early reports of potential damage to growth plates. More recent studies have shown that with proper training and techniques, strength training can actually reduce the risk
Sports Shorts CV YOUTH SUMMER FOOTBALL CAMP Fourth annual Football Camp for boys entering grades 5- 9, June 27-July 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. daily at Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, C o n c o r d . Herc Pardi, Head Football Coach at CVHS is the Camp Director and Jerry Coakley CVHS Defensive Coordinator is the Assistant Camp Director. $125 fee and $75 deposit for equipment rental includes practice jersey, awards, evaluation and an on-site Trainer. Camp Phone: 925-682-7474 x 3115. Applications are available at
Ed’s Mudville Grill, Mavericks and the CVHS Office CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH LOOKING FOR COACHES. Clayton Valley High School is looking for coaches for crosscountry, varsity girl’s soccer and varsity wrestling as well as an athletic trainer for the upcoming seasons. Contact Pat Middendorf at middendorfp@ mdusd.k12.ca.us YMCA SUMMER 2005 PROGRAMS This summer the Concord/Clayton Branch of the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA will be hosting a variety of programs in Clayton at the Diablo View Middle School, Clayton Community Gym off Clayton and Marsh Creek Roads. These programs involve sports activities for children of all ages (beginning from pre-K) as well as for adults. Programs are also available for children with special needs in the newly formed Quest
NABIL LANGKILDE
SHAPE UP
of damage to growth plates, joints and soft tissues. Studies have also shown that strength training in young children will increase bone density, thus lowering the incidence of fractures that are a risk for all active youth. Furthermore, resistance training can increase growth hormone levels, therefore facilitating growth in some youth who adhere to a resistance training program.
See Shape Up, page 15 League. This new league begins June 4 and runs eight weeks. There will be a different sport played every Saturday. Call Delise Young at 889-1625 or email at dyoung@mdrymca.org for more information. LOCAL YOGA STUDIO OFFERS FREE CLASSES TO HIGH SCHOOLERS Yoga Sol, a local yoga studio, is offering free yoga classes to high school students in Concord and Clayton. The program runs from June 27 through August 27. Students are required to sign up in advance and attend three classes a week (exceptions can be made for prior commitments). Yoga Sol is located at 4425-I Treat Blvd and offers regular classes of traditional hot yoga, Astanga, Vinyasa Flow, power yoga, self-defense, meditation and classes for kids. Each class is designed for the beginner to the very experienced practitioner. For more information regarding Yoga Sol, please visit their web site: www.yogasol.net. If you have any questions, please contact Tara Clay at 925288-9642 or info@yogosol.net
Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 3, 2005
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., JUNE 6 FOR THE JUNE 17 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING Art at the YMCA @ Clayton Community Gym Art program starts at the YMCA - sculpture, painting, drawing for beginners, advanced drawing.and Children's books, writing illustrating and publishing. For information contact instructor Seth Ahonen at 889-1612 or 889-1600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 8 "The Bee's Knees", The Best of the 1920s @ Clayton Historical Society Museum Special exhibit featurs the best of the 1920s including film, entertainment, fads, fashion, photos, art, literature, music, inventions, sports, and world events of the 1920s. The Clayton Museum also features special kitchen and quilt exhibits, a mining exhibit, outhouse and Clayton's early 1900s jail. Free. Sundays & Wednesdays 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, and by Appointment. Phone--(925) 672-0240, www.claytonhs.com. Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6101 Main Street, Clayton. MAY AND JUNE Blue Star Mom Care Package Drop Off @ USS Hornet During the months of May and June get free admission to the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet Museum in Alameda when you bring a donation for the troops. Needed items include: AT&T Phone cards, razors, baby powder, chapstick, heavy socks and other items. See website for more information on needed items, www.bluestarmoms.org. ONGOING THROUGH SUMMER Summer Programs from Civic Arts Education (CAE) in Walnut Creek CAE offers a wide variety of classes for adults and children. Why not sign up for a music, dance, theater, jewelry or art class for you or your children? It's the perfect time to try something new or brush up on old skills. Theme birthday parties available too. Classes are offered in two Walnut Creek locations: the Shadelands campus at 111 N. Wiget Lane (at Ygnacio Valley) and Civic Park at 1313 Civic Drive. For information on any of CAE's classes, call (925) 943-5846 or go on-line to www.arts-ed.org. JUNE 3 Sweet a Cappella! Dessert Concert @ Shadelands Arts Center 7:30 p.m. The concert features “HouseBlend,” voted Audience Favorite at the 2005 Bay Area Regional Harmony Sweepstakes a Cappella Festival. Special appearance by Four-té, a dynamic mixed a Cappella Quartet, and Concord High School's, Ladies First, California representatives at the 2005 National Memorial Celebration. The $25 ticket includes elegant desserts, coffee and tea. The benefit concert is to say thank you to Concord United Methodist Church. For tickets and information call Joyce Atkinson, 925672-3850. Shadelands Arts Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek.
JUNE 12 - NOV. 16 WWII Memorabilia @ Clayton Historical Society Museum The newest special exhibit at the Clayton Historical Society Museum is WWII, Red, White Blue. Artifacts and memorabilia from all walks of life during the war years will be displayed. Local veterans are well represented in this exhibit which honors the men and women who served and the families who joined in the war effort on the home front. Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6101 Main Street, Clayton.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS JUNE 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. JUNE 8, 15, 22 Concord Soroptimist Meeting Women at their best working to help other women. Business, professional people or people interested in providing service to the community are invited to luncheon meetings at Marie Calender’s the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and at The Left Bank the third Wednesday of the month. Call Gloria Utley at 672-0508, email at gloutley@aol.com. or Jo Harlow, 827-9676. for information. JUNE 14, 28 Clayton Valley Woman’s Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m. Regular monthly meets held the second and fourth Tues. of the month. Anyone interested in joining the woman’s club please contact Shirley Boyd, President at 672-1163. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. JUNE 9, 16, 23, 30 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker.www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. JUNE 23 - 26 Studio Art Sale at Civic Arts Education The sales begins with a gala reception on June 23 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., and continues June 24, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., June 25, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., June 26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. This is an opportunity to purchase art individually handcrafted by instructors and students of CAE and the Clay Arts Guild, all at affordable prices. Pictured is work by artist/instructor Gary Bergren. Shoppers can choose from one-of-a-kind jewelry, creative ceramic pieces, drawings, paintings, photography, mixed media, decorative gourds, glass works, and much, much more. Civic Arts Education, 111 N. Wiget Lane (at Ygnacio Valley Road.) and 1313 Civic Drive (at Civic Park) in Walnut Creek.
JUNE 8 Boxing Fundraiser @ Community Youth Center (CYC) CYC’s famous Scott’s Amateur Boxing Event is the center’s premier boxing fundraiser. This year’s goal is 300 seats. Host cocktails start at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. (catered by Scotts Seafood Restaurant), 8 p.m. amateur boxing show. Cost is $150/person, $1500/table of 10. All proceeds benefit the Community Youth Center. CYC, 2251 Galaxy Court, Concord, 260-6328.
JUNE 15 Blue Star Mom Meeting 6:30 p.m. Small group Blue Star Mom meetings held the third Wednesday of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord. Call 676-3654 for information.
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT JUNE 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 Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. JUNE 14, 28 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
JUNE 7, 21 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm's Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. JUNE 9 Clayton Community Services Commission Meeting @ City Hall 7 p.m. City of Clayton Community Services Commission meets 2nd Thursday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 HeritageTrail, Clayton.
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION JUNE 14 Parent Faculty Club (PFC) Meeting, @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7 p.m. Please join us and help make a difference! Child care is provided for this event. If you would like to have a specific item included on the agenda, please contact Rosy Straka at rosystraka@yahoo.com or 672-3200. 7304. Mt. Diablo Elementary. JUNE 8 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in the Ccommunity room of the gym. All parents are invited to attend. Please contact PFC President Carolyn Hartnell at 6724146 or crhartnell@earthlink.net if you want an item on the agenda.
JUNE 4 We Care’s Tyke-A-Thon @ We Care Services for Children 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Children and adults can walk pedal a tricycle or ride a wagon on the 0.1k course around the school’s perimeter. The event is free and open to the public and will feature entertainment, refreshments, awards and a raffle.. Participants pre-register and are encouraged to help raise funds through sponsorships. Event proceeds will help raise the funds necessary to provide education and therapy for children with special needs. For information call Patty Kaplan, 360-1744 or e-mail EventfulPlanner@aol.com We Care Services for Children, 2191 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. JUNE 7 Wine and Cheese Meet the Writers @ R&M Pool Patio and Garden 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Come meet the Pioneer's great contributing columnists. Have a glass of wine, some good cheese and conversation. Punch and balloons for the kids. Great raffle prizes including an HP printer/scanner/copier from Computers USA. ALL raffle proceeds will be split evenly between the Clayton Library and the Clayton Museum. See you there. R&M Pool Patio and Garden, 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton.
JUNE 9 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Mountain View Elementary 6:30 p.m. The club is open to youth ages 5-19 and adults. Various projects, /conferences, 4-H camp, leadership, citizenship and community service opportunities. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month, September to June. Call Candy Hogan, Community Leader, at 969-1325. Mountain View Elementary, 1705 Thornwood Drive, Concord.
It’s time to sign up for the July 4 parade JUNE 30 CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association) Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, Oakhurst Country Club, last non-holiday Thursday of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. John Rubiales, President. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. JUNE 9, 16, 23, 30 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m., 5 & 6:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. 800/326-8450 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord.
Clayton’s famous 4th of July parade and celebration is only a little over two months away and it’s time to sign up to participate. We especially want to encourage patriotic musical groups to march this year. The parade entry form is on the Clayton Website at w w w. c i t y o f c l a y t o n . o r g . Please note, all entry forms must be postmarked no later
than June 10 or received at City Hall by June 13. Each year the parade queue strings out further and further requiring us to limit entries. However, there is no limite to the number of children in the Kiddie Parade. Please enter early to assure a spot in the line-up. To sign up, please call Laura Hoffmeister, 673-7300.
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June 3, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Soccer, from page 13 they decided to leave everything we had on the field that day,” said Coach Leigh Kirmsse, who was helped by Assistant Coach Matt Bolender. The turn-around
from Saturday’s game loss was stunning. AC Milan battled the Davis Red Ducks in Sunday’s first game and prevailed 3-0. Phillips,
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Palacios and Bellafronte scored AC Milan’s goals with assists from Josh Kirmsse, Macy and fullback Nic Bob. Stielow blocked more than 15 shots on Milan’s goal to preserve a perfect shutout game. The entire game was impacted by the outstanding defensive play of Bob and defensive fullbacks Dalton Heinz, Bradley Antonson, Vincent Garaventa and Tyler Connel. “All of Milan’s fullbacks turned out a remarkable game; they refused to yield ground at any point during the game,” Leigh Kirmsse said. Milan’s shut-out win against the Red Ducks propelled them into the Championship Game against club team Santa Rosa United Gold. Milan came out fighting and was inspired by a tremendous goal kicked by Bob from the midfield on a direct kick. “It was a magnificent kick, and it inspired the entire team” Kirmsse said. Subsequent goals were
Shape Up, from page 13 Another myth is that strength training can cause serious injuries. Actually, strength training can help reduce the risk of injuries in adolescents. Research has shown that the potentially serious injuries reported were a result of power lifting, which focuses on lifting as much weight as possible, and not a result of strength training, which focuses on resistance methods. The majority of injuries from strength training, when they occur, are muscle strains. A competently supervised training program led by certified coaches will reduce this risk. Additionally, many parents assume their child is too young to see any real improvements from strength training, but children as young as six can see improvements in strength when adhering to specific guidelines. While pre-adolescents will not see increases in actual muscle size, there will be noticeable
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gains in muscle strength and motor fitness skills, such as jumping and sprinting. This is due to the muscles simply learning how to contract more forcefully as well as more efficiently. The most significant component of any strength program is certified, knowledgeable and experienced supervision. This oversight is critical to ensure that a young athlete receives a program that is appropriate for their maturity level, designed to meet their specific goals, progresses at the proper rate and, above all else, is safe. The first thing to look for when choosing a trainer/coach for your child is proper certification. While personal training certifications give a general overview of lifting techniques, they can usually be completed in a weekend or less, consequently, the amount learned is minimal. Degrees in exercise science, exercise physiology or kinesiology require knowledge that far
three in Milan’s favor. “The entire tournament was a true team effort; every player gave everything they had to give. It was a flawless, courageous performance” Leigh Kirmsse said. “This was a
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extends lifting techniques. Other reputable certifications, some of which require at least a bachelor’s degree in one of above fields, include Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, United States Weightlifting Club Coach and Performance Enhancement Specialist for the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Safety must always be the top priority. All programs should begin with teaching proper techniques and safety and awareness in a weight room setting. It is imperative trainees receive as much individualized feedback as possible in order to form a good foundation. Unfortunately, as kids get older and begin strength training at school, the level of supervision may be greatly reduced, and in an environment with 30 or more kids, it’s easy for athletes get on the wrong track by simply not following a structured program or by mimicking what they see others doing.
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scored by Simons, Palacios and Phillips, with assists by Milan forward Brandon Bolender and midfielders Josh Kirmsse and Macy. Again, Kirmsse, Bellafronte and Macy controlled and distributed the ball with tremendous drive and accuracy. Milan’s defense again refused to yield as Bob turned in a flawless game. In fact, all of Milan’s fullbacks were in the right place at the right time throughout the hard-fought game. “No doubt about it, Milan’s defensive team of Bob, Heinz, Garaventa, Conne, and Antonson all turned in remarkable performances,” Leigh Kirmsse said. Milan’s keeper, Stielow, again blocked more than 12 shots on Milan’s goal, turning in another shutout game against his opponents. Milan prevailed against the Santa Rosa team 4-0 and won the championship Concord Cup in the Under 10 boys’ flight. All four games were shutouts, with
Page 15
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So remember, strength training does not necessarily imply weights. For the youngest athletes, beneficial strength training can be achieved by using only the athlete’s body weight. This can be accomplished through exercises such as squats, lunges, pull-ups, crunches, push-ups and pre-hab exercises designed to help prevent injuries. As kids grow older, once competency and proper technique is demonstrated, they can begin to add resistance such as weights, dumbbells and barbells. Nabil Langkilde is the Sports Performance Director at Velocity Sports. He has designed programs for NFL Combine Athletes, professional baseball players as well as tennis, soccer, swim and lacrosse teams. Coach Langkilde has a BS in Exercise Physiology. You can contact him at 925-363-0066
Baseball, from page 12
Tyler Hunter, Darrian Matthews, Austin Pehrson, Zack Byers, Andrew Deichler, John Keane, Nick Mazza, Jeff Teicheira, Kyle Callan, Sean Flannery, Jack Loflin, Max Nelson and Logan West. The 14-year-olds will play in tournaments in Palm Springs, North Lake Tahoe, Pleasant Hill, and Riverside, as well as in the Clayton Valley “Firecracker Classic” at their home field at Tesoro Sports Park in Concord July 2-4. Both the 13-year-olds and the 11- and 12-year-olds, will be playing end-of-season tournaments in Reno, North Lake Tahoe, Pleasant Hill and Riverside. For more information about the Clayton Valley PONY and Bronco programs, go to www.cvpony.org.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 3, 2005
Creationism in Kansas: A Perspective First of two parts REV. JOHN BENNISON Special to the Clayton Pioneer
A few weeks ago, San Francisco beat the competition to become what may be the stem-cell research capitol of the world. Once again, Baghdad-bythe-Bay leaps out in front of mainstream America. As the debate heats up in Washington between the President and Congress over the future of this political football, the only thing that appears at the outset to be as great as the potential medical benefits to such scientific exploration are the ethical and religious implications and ramifications which have yet to be addressed in earnest. Stem cell research tiptoes into the same jittery realm that seems only a half-step away from human cloning; a move which itself moved one step closer to reality with the recent news South Korean researchers there had tampered with things which heretofore had been left in the hands of the Creator. It seems clear that discerning the proprietary rights of who should create what is — and will be — as controversial as the
convoluted and continuing debate between science and religion over even the origin of our own human species to begin with. In point of fact, the old arguments over what is commonly referred to as Creationism is apparently alive and thriving; and everyone seems to have an opinion. Two weeks ago in East Rutherford, N.J., on a concert tour to promote his recently released musical collection, veteran pop singer Bruce Springsteen offered up one his typical social commentaries between songs. This one was about the current controversy over how evolution should be taught in our public schools. “The president says that the jury’s out on evolution,” Mr. Springsteen said, then added, “Here in New Jersey, we’re counting on it.” But it’s Kansas, not New Jersey, where the topic is now on trial again, in a rédux of Dayton, Tennessee, circa 1925. That was when part-time high school science teacher and sports coach, John Scopes was accused of teaching Darwinism in violation of a state law called the Butler Act, which forbid it; and a whole chorus of monkey’s
uncles gathered to hear Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan square off over the matter. Not surprisingly, Scopes was found guilty of something he’d actually done, and was fined $100. A state court later overturned the conviction on a technicality, and dismissed the case; but the Butler Act actually remained on the books until 1968. Now in Topeka, the Kansas school board is considering the matter all over again. Six years ago, when the Supreme Court prohibited them from including creationism in the science curriculum, the Board responded by simply eliminating the teaching of evolution altogether. This time, it is expected they will redefine the scope of scientific study as a whole, at least in Kansas. No longer will it be a disciplined study of natural explanations of what can be observed in the known world, but rather “a systematic method of continuing investigation,” without specifying what kind of verifiable criteria is being used. This would allow teaching an alternative “theory” in a science classroom commonly known as “intelligent design.” Intelligent design basically
CLARISSA
argues the natural world is far too intricate and complex to be explained as a series of seemingly random events or capricious happenstance; and that consequently there must be (you guessed it) a Designer. There are scientists who reject the idea of discussing supernatural explanations to natural phenomenon in a science classroom. Among them are scientists who actually profess a religious belief in the creation of the universe by a deity, but also believe questions of exactly how such a Creator God interacts in the world is outside the appropriate scope of the scientific discipline. We may not be in Kansas and Creationism may not trouble us, but the manner in which we regard this throwback debate may well inform how we approach the thornier issues of human cloning and stem cell research. In the next issue of the Clayton Pioneer we’ll look at this question, in the second of this two-part perspective. John Bennison is Rector of Saint John’s Episcopal Parish, Clayton. He welcomes your comments: www.saintjohnsparish.org.
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CV Presbyterian hosts health and wholeness event
Church News
and exercise fad we’ve tried, we wouldn’t have to worry about our health ever again,” she said. Olison added that although the event is not religious in nature, she acknowledges a spiritual underpinning to her understanding of the subject. “I wonder if it would change our perspective if we believed that God desires health and wholeness – mind, body and spirit – for each individual and the community.”
booth in the children’s area at the Clayton Fourth of July parade. ETERNAL LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH Summer Walks with Jesus Wednesday evening Bible Study will be held in Newhall Park in Concord from 7:15-8 p.m. beginning in June. A variety of topics and teachings will be studied. Eternal Life Lutheran Church is located at 5554 Clayton Rd., Suite 1B, in Concord. Sunday Worship is held at the Farm Bureau meeting hall at 11 a.m. Please call 524-0295, or email to EternalLife@wels.net for more information.
CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Summer Challenge Seminars: Take a personal growth opportunity this summer. Discover who you are and how you can experience relationships at their very best. All seminars are held Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at our downtown office. 6/18 How does your personality affect your finances? Join us for this seminar taught by Barbara Gutridge and find out how to get your financial house in order; 7/16-“The Forgiveness Factor.” Steve Diehl, founder of Healing for Wounded Lives, will present the process, benefits and relational grace of forgiveness. Call 673-9060 to sign up. Clayton Community Church Summer Camps for Kids: 6/27- 30, 6-8 p.m., Soccer Camp for grades K- 6, $50; 7/11- 15. 9 a.m.–noon and 7/10-14, 6:15-8:45 p.m., Adventure Camp for ages 3 (diaper-free)grade 5, $30; 7/25-29, 5:30-8 p.m., Basketball camp for grades K-3, $65 For more information call 673-9060.
HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH Annual vacation Bible school will be 6/27-7/1, 8:45 a.m. to noon. Holy Cross volunteers and teenage youth will be leading Serengeti trek: where kids are wild about God. This vacation Bible school is open to pre-k through grade six. Pre-register by calling 686-2000 or come to late registration on 6/27. The fee is $25 per person or $30 per family. ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH What’s for supper?” Saint John’s Episcopal Church’s community outreach efforts this summer will include preparing and serving a week’s worth of evening meals for homeless families at a Concord shelter the week of July 18-22. Sign-ups to help with this rewarding experience are now
CROSSROADS COVENANT CHURCH We have a free movie night every third Saturday of the month at 6 p.m. Movies are shown on the big screen with a cartoon before the feature. Everyone is welcome. Bring a blanket if you want to sit on the floor. Bring a snack to share. This month’s feature is “Muppet Treasure Island”. Crossroads Church Annual summer day camp will be 7/18-22. Call Alma Rodriguez at 798-5905 for information or stop by our
Nevertheless, Olison insists that guilt is not part of the solution. “We all have enough of our own guilt,” said Olison, “Getting healthy is much easier and more fun when accomplished with others who are doing it right along with you.” For more information, please call the church office at 6724848. CV Presbyterian is located at 1578 Kirker Pass Road in Clayton
underway and members of the wider community are invited to participate. This is a real opportunity for a family activity that can be fun for kids, while children learn the importance of caring for neighbors in need. For more information how you can participate, just contact the church: info@saintjohnsparish.org, or call 672-8855. WOMEN’S CONNECTION OF CONTRA COSTA An affiliate of Stonecroft Ministries, Inc., Women’s Connection of Contra Costa is an organization for women to connect to find friendship and inspiration. The vision of Stonecroft Ministries is to provide global leadership in reaching women for Jesus Christ. On June 9 at 11:30 a.m. the organization is having a luncheon at Oakhurst Country Club ($16). Audrey Porter and Whitney Beard from “Room With a Past” of Walnut Creek will speak about antiques. Bring something you own to be evaluated for its antique value. Featured speaker, business owner Mary Middleton tells her story of success. For reservations call Rose at 798-6778 by June 3.
Send church news items that have a community interest to Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton 94517 or e-mail religion@claytonpioneer.com.
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The Clayton Pioneer’s “Music Notes” columnist
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tion and other important healthrelated subjects. “How many of us have made resolutions about shedding the pounds we seem to have acquired seemingly overnight,” said Lynn Olison, a health care professional who supervises the cardio rehabilitation program at Mt. Diablo Hospital. “The point is not how much we weigh, but how healthy we are. If each of us lost a pound for every diet
i
Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road in Clayton, will present an interactive educational program on the subject of “A Summer of Health and Wholeness” Sunday, June 12 at 11 a.m. after worship. The public is invited. A series of interactive learning centers will provide tools, tips and motivation for healthier living, addressing weight management, blood pressure, nutri-
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June 3, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Seven summer safety tips for your dog Summer is just around the corner making this a great time to take advantage of the warmer days and extended daylight hours available to you and your dog. While it’s a wonderful idea to include your canine friend in your summer plans, it is important to keep in mind that this season can be hazardous to his health and well being if you aren’t prepared. So, here are some helpful summertime safety tips: NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE IN A VEHICLE. Even with the windows open, your dog can overheat very quickly. Dogs do not sweat; instead they must pant to stay cool. In a matter of minutes, the temperature inside a locked car can exceed 105’ F and your dog could suffer from heat stroke. In addition, you will want to avoid strenuous exercise for your dog during the hot weather. Save your long walks and trips to the park or dog-run for the early morning and evening hours
1
when the sun isn’t as intense. KEEP YOUR DOG COOL. Provide a shady area for resting and plenty of fresh water this time of year. You may even want to provide more than one bowl of water just in case your dog tips one over or tries to swim in it. In fact, some dogs (Labradors, Spaniels, and Retrievers in particular) love water so much that you can help them stay cool by providing a child’s plastic wading pool for frolicking in on hot summer days. There are even specially designed cooling collars and belly wraps to keep your dogs cool on their daily walks. PLAN AHEAD IF YOU ARE
2
3
TRAVELING WITH YOUR
DOG.
If you are traveling with your dog by car, keep him restrained in an airline carrier or safety harness that can be locked in place using your vehicle’s seat belt. Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck unrestrained. If you have to stop suddenly, your dog can
be thrown from the bed of a truck or propelled through the windshield of a car. If you are traveling by plane, make sure your dog is familiar with his airline carrier and acclimated to being enclosed in it for extended periods of time. Choose your travel times wisely so your dog won’t overheat in the cargo hold of the plane. Interstate travel, whether by car or plane, requires a health certificate. This certificate can be obtained from your veterinarian no earlier than 10 days before your departure, and is particularly important if you plan to cross the border into Canada or Mexico. In addition, make sure your dog is wearing a sturdy collar with current ID tag and dog license (proof of rabies vaccination). You can even have a microchip placed under your dog’s skin which can be used for identification purposes should he slip out of his collar. These microchips are available through your veterinarian.
Florida is ARF’s Adoption Star “Florida,” a 6-month-old Corgi/shepherd mix, wants to be your constant companion. She is a gentle, friendly pup who loves to play and snuggle. She also enjoys training with yummy treats. Soft-hearted Florida is a wonderful dog for families with children ages 6 and above. Bring everyone who will live with Florida – including any canine family members – to meet her at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Foster Volunteers are life-saving heroes for the animals. Want a companion but can’t commit for a lifetime? Maybe fostering is for you! Visit ARF’s Web site, www.arf.net, to learn more and sign up for a volunteer orientation, or call (925) 256-1ARF. Add love to your life with companion animals.
FLORIDA
4
PROVIDE FAMILIAR FOOD AND WATER.
When traveling anywhere with your pet, remember to bring plenty of food and water. Many dogs are sensitive to changes in water quality and this, combined with the stress of travel, can result in stomach upset. Be prepared. Recycle two-liter soda bottles or plastic milk jugs and fill them with water from home before you leave. If you take your dog with you on a hiking, fishing, or camping trip, do not let your dog drink from any bodies of water. Lakes, streams, etc. may be contaminated with parasites such as Giardia that can make your dog (and you) very sick. KEEP YOUR DOG ON LEASH. Most of our national parks and recreation areas require dogs to be on leash and under control. This is not only for their safety, but the safety of others and the wildlife. If you are in an area where it is legal to have your dog off leash, familiarize yourself and your dog with the area first. Make sure there aren’t any poisonous plants or toxic mushrooms around for your dog to sample. Be wary of thick brush that can harbor ticks, burs, and foxtails. You will want to thoroughly inspect yourself and your dog after any wilderness outings. By keeping your dog on leash, you will lessen the chances your dog will run into unsuspecting snakes or other critters that sting or bite. If your dog is bit by a snake or receives multiple stings, see a veterinarian immediately. Snake bites require antivenin and stings can be life-
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threatening as well if your dog is small in size, has an allergic reaction, or if he is stung on the face or neck which can swell and make it hard to breathe. PRACTICE WATER SAFETY. Life vests are available for dogs and are highly recommended for boating excursions. Dogs can very easily fall out of a moving boat and be pulled underwater due to strong tides or exhaustion. By the same token, if you have a backyard swimming pool, it is important to lock the fence surrounding it so your dog can’t fall in. If you don’t have your pool fenced, teach your dog where the steps are so he can find them if he happens to fall in when no one is home. There are also specially designed pool ramps available that you can easily attach to the side of your pool to provide your pet with an easy way out. It is a heartbreaking fact that many dogs drown every year in swimming pools because they fell in, paddled around in confusion, and became exhausted before anyone discovered what had happened. GUARD AGAINST SUNBURN. Many people don’t realize that sunburn is a real concern for animals as well as people. Fair-skinned dogs and cats, especially those with short, white hair, are sun-sensitive. Avoid sun exposure during the hottest times of the day and talk to your veterinarian about sun block for your pet’s nose, ears, and exposed skin.
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PET RESORTS If you are looking for an adventure outside the ordinary summer fare, perhaps you and
JULIE BOND
PAWS
AND
CLAWS
your dog would enjoy one of the new summer camps available for dogs and their owners. The closest one to us is located right on Lake Tahoe. There are also a host of new pet spas around the country where your pets can be pampered with massage, supervised swims, classes, games, etc. A truly memorable vacation for your pet and one from which he may be reluctant to return home! These pet resorts and spas definitely take the guilt out of leaving your pets behind! Always be sure to take into consideration your dog’s age, health, and temperament when you are making your vacation plans. Some dogs are as excited about traveling as their human companions, while others are homebodies who would prefer to look at pictures of your trip when you return home. If you do travel with your dog, make sure he is a good canine ambassador. Clean up behind your dog, keep him quiet and well behaved, and follow the rules of the area you are visiting. This way we can all enjoy a safe and fun summer with our canine companions! Julie Bond is an animal behaviorist. She can be reached through Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital, 6721100 or you can e-mail her at K9Freud@aol.com.
A date with your dog WHERE: Pescadero State Beach, near Santa Cruz DESCRIPTION: This is a fun two-mile stretch of coastline. If you enter at the north entrance, you’ll experience sand dunes and a large sandy beach. If you enter at the middle entrance, you will find steep trails leading down to the rockstrewn beach and tide pools. If you enter at the southern most entrance, you will actually find cliffs, which will perch you high above the ocean and afford you some awesome views.
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the other spots mentioned above, follow the beach signs further north. POINTERS: Don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch or snacks for you and your dog. There are some great spots to sit and enjoy the expansive blue vistas. If you decide to visit the north beach, there is a $4 fee per car and $1 fee per dog. A small price to pay for so many exploration opportunities for you and your canine companions! For more information on this and other pet-friendly outings, pick up a copy of, “Doin’ California With Your Pooch!” by Eileen Barish. - Julie Bond
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 3, 2005
World War II POW remembers
COLLEEN ELWY
SHARING HISTORY George Abbott’s life story is a compelling one, rich with vivid details from 60 years ago. Dates, names and even the times of day stand out in his thoughts with powerful memories of the struggles of having been a World War II Prisoner of War for more than 10 months in 1944 and 1945. Born in Oklahoma, Abbott comes from a long line of servicemen. His father was in the army during WWI and his grand-
GEORGE ABBOT today.
father was in the Civil War. When WWII came along, Abbott took a test to become a navigator bombardier, but he and others were told to come back the following week to train as pilots. Abbott trained as an Air Force pilot, and in 1943 his crew was sent as a provisional replacement crew. “We flew 50 missions total, including D-Day. We would be flying up to 27,000 feet high, and when we would bomb areas we could feel the strength of those bombs from that high up.” Following those missions and a month of mail run deliveries to Italy, Abbott was sent back to the United States to become an Air Force instructor. “I didn’t want to do that and eventually was granted going back to war as a pilot.” On June 21, 1944, during his 66th mission, Abbott and his crew were attacked from behind and shot down. “We were at a very high altitude where the air was too thin to breathe. So we were trying to bring the plane down further before jumping out. It was eerily quiet out there coming down to the ground.” But when he and his parachute hit the ground, the Germans were waiting for him. When Abbott did not respond to
their questions, the Germans hit him in the face with the butt of their guns and kicked him around. He was taken to a camp with 20,000 other POWs. “We had some rations of dry milk, coffee, margarine and sometimes corn beef,” he recalls. “Someone had gotten tomato seeds and grew them, and we had green tomato pie. It was awful, but we tried everything.” When the Russians started arriving in January 1945, the prisoners marched for more than eight days through terribly cold weather before being taken on a three-day train to STALAG 7 POW Camp in Mooseburg, Germany. “We were assigned to barracks. Little by little the planks on the double floor beneath us would disappear as we used it for firewood. We had a urinal that we cleaned out and used to cook in, too,” says Abbott. “We kept our sense of h u m o r about us though, and that’s what got us through it. We would read and tell the same jokes and GEORGE ABBOT at stories to age 21. each other over and over and always laugh at them. “We also had an ‘escape committee’ among us. You couldn’t try to escape until it was your turn and you were approved to attempt it. I was so low on the list, that I never had the chance to try it. We didn’t have too many escapes. We were 500 miles from the border, so we were really better off staying together. “On April 29, 1945,” Abbott says as his face brightens, “we
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could hear firing going on and we were finally liberated. The German guards disappeared and the GI s came. They shared their rations and the next day they brought us loaves of white bread. Talk about tasting like cake!” From there Abbott went to Rain, Germany, and then to France for three weeks before returning to the United States. Abbott returned to college and got his degree in engineering and worked for PG&E for 30 years. He married in 1946 and had one son. His wife passed away after 11 years. In 1958 he
married his wife, Barbara, and they had a daughter and son. Their son passed away several years ago. George and Barbara have two granddaughters. In summarizing his ordeal as a POW, Abbott says, “It was a very rough experience, but you just went over there and did what you had to do at that time.” If you are a senior living in Clayton, or know of a senior that would like to share their life story with the Clayton Pioneer readers, please contact Colleen Elwy at 672-9565 or at colleensbyline@aol.com.
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Seniors, from page 1 she also received awards from the Cabrillo Club and Diablo Scholarships. George Beckham received $1500 from the CBCA and he was also the recipient of the $2,000 Pete Laurence Wrestling Scholarship. Beckham, who will major in kinesiology at Cal Poly in the fall also received the Governor’s Scholar’s award and
a $1,000 scholarship from Senior Eagle Scouts. Beckham was on the CVHS wrestling team for three years and was captain this year. Sara Zsenai, a CVHS senior who will attend Northern Arizona University majoring in elementary education, received a $500 scholarship from CBCA and $500 from the American
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Christian was named outstanding student of the year as a freshman and he is an accomplished musician participating in CVHS stage band, marching band, wind ensemble and jazz band. He played soccer for four years and ran track as a senior. He also received the Governor’s
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The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club awarded Nicole Budesa $2000. Nicole will be attending University of California, Santa Barbara in the fall. She has a strong interest in community theater and was this year’s recipient of the Contra Costa Musical Theater’s Matt Plambeck award.
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Association of University Women. Sara also received a scholarship from Northern Arizona University. Michael Keenan received $500 from the CBCA and will use it towards his education at Cal Poly where he will major in business. At Clayton Valley, Michael was active in water polo, swimming, Senior Men and Anime Club. Cynthia West, Clayton Pioneer’s “high school reporter” received $500 from the CBCA, the Bank of America achievement award for music and the Governor’s Scholar award. She will leave Clayton Valley for the University of Kentucky in the fall where she will major in Communications. Katherine Antaki received $500 from the CBCA and she also received the Governor’s Scholar award and was recognized as a CVHS CSF Seal Bearer. Katherine will be attending University of California, Davis in the fall. She participated in track, soccer and lacrosse at Clayton Valley. CBCA awarded Christian Lowe a $500 scholarship. He was a scholar athlete for four years at Clayton Valley and will be heading for California State University, Sacramento in the fall where he will major in health science and physical therapy.
Page 19
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Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 3, 2005
STONE TREE
I think, therefore I SPAM
®
LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
Believe it or not, I flew to Minneapolis recently and ended up driving 90 miles to Austin, Minnesota to see…. The SPAM® Museum! That’s right, an entire museum dedicated to the origin, history and trivia of the first-ever luncheon meat. So, what is SPAM®? Well, first of all, the legal section of the Hormel Website indicates that SPAM® is an adjective that is to be followed by a noun, as in SPAM® luncheon meat or SPAM® burgers. Common usage, however, has converted it into a noun in its own right. Secondly, SPAM® is pork and ham mixed with spices, water, sugar, and sodium nitrite. Thirdly, the SPAM® name came into being as part of a contest, the winner of which in 1937 received $100. What is the derivation? Forget the silly comedy about the name, like “specially processed army meat.” It simply means SPiced hAM. SPAM® was the first canned meat product that did not require refrigeration. For that reason, it was an essential part of the military diet in World War II. It was used in airlifted supplies in Europe, and former Russian dictator Nikita Khrushchev once remarked that the Russian Army would not have survived in WWII without SPAM®. More than 6 billion cans of SPAM® have been sold since its debut. It’s manufactured on every continent except Antarctica
(where it is reportedly eaten at research stations). China has two plants but refuses to use the Hormel name for its production facility. Denmark makes more than 12 million cans of SPAM® each year, but can’t sell it domestically because the Danish ham lobby holds sway over the marketplace. So automated are the manufacturing facilities in Austin, MN and Fremont, NE that it takes only 60 workers to produce 2 million cases of SPAM® per year! The museum was awe-inspiring (don’t laugh). Visitors are greeted by the Wall of SPAM® that has some 3,500 cans which, at a can a day, would keep you well fed for almost 10 years. Videos show the accomplishments of the SPAMETTES, a marvelous female quartet who insert crazy lyrics into well-known tunes. Hands-on displays demonstrate the manner in which SPAM® is made and canned. A Jeopardylike trivia contest pits one visitor against another to vie for the most knowledge of SPAM®. There is, of course, the ubiquitous gift shop that carries everything SPAM®, including a wonderful array of t-shirts. My favorite slogan: “I think. Therefore I SPAM!” Honolulu, Hawaii consumes the most SPAM® per person in the country. Folks in the deep south also eat their fair share. Sliced and fried, whole and roasted, diced and dressed, SPAM® is quite a versatile product. There
are a number of interesting recipes at the www.spam.com website. One of the most unusual is SPAM® musubi, a sushi-like rice and nori roll wrapped around small slices of pan-fried meat. Elsewhere, diners in Japan enjoy “Champlu” with bitter melon (goya champlu) or SPAM®
Tocino in the Philippines, where the meat is fried with brown sugar and 7-Up. Perhaps the most traditional American recipe for SPAM® is a Spamburger—a 2-oz. slice of grilled SPAM on a hamburger bun with cheese, mayo, and lettuce. Here a couple of other recipes for you to try out.
Police Department, and provided funds to purchase large print books for the Clayton Library. The Concord and Pleasant Hill clubs worked together to get the Monument Crisis Center up and running. They also held a joint fundraiser to donate funds for
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Soroptimists seek new members Soroptimists began in 1921 in Oakland. The club is currently in 120 countries and territories throughout the world. Soroptimist means “Best for Women,” women at their best working to help other women to be their best. The Soroptimist mission is to improve the lives of women and girls. Organization wide programs include: awards for single head of household women advancing their education; ending domestic violence in the workplace; recognizing contributions to communities and professions, and the “Violet Richardson Award” which recognizes girls from 14 to 18 years of age who provide service to their communities. The Concord club has adopted needy families at Christmas, provided the start up funds for the homeless program, given recycled bicycles to the needy in conjunction with the Concord
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Page 21
Hike of the Week
Lafayette Reservoir Lakeside Trail
KEVIN PARKER
HIKER’S HAVEN
from the fairy tale Rapunzel. From the parking area, you get a fairly quick overview of the activities this area has to offer. Boating, fishing, hiking, biking, concerts in the summer and a children’s play area are all within easy walking distance of the park entrance. Strategically spread out bathroom facilities, picnic areas and drinking fountains make this a great place for the whole family, just ask twoweek-old JT! Naturally, we decided to
As with any tried and tested ritual, it is second nature for me to pack enough gear should any situation arise on one of my outdoor adventures. However, I have officially crossed over into uncharted territory with the recent addition to our family. My GPS, compass, raingear and first aid kit are now at the very bottom of my pack, diaper pack that is. Now I have enough diapers, wet wipes and other baby related gear that I couldn’t have carried it all without our trusty stroller. I feel it is my duty to keep hiking and sharing my stories with you readers, so I packed up the little one, my lovely wife, all of the baby gear and headed out to Lafayette Reservoir for Baby JT’s initiation into the great outdoors. Originally built in 1928 by EBMUD, Lafayette Reservoir was actually planned to be much bigger and deeper. However, a partial collapse of the dam resulted in filling the reservoir with much less PADDLEBOATS WITH DAM across the reservoir. water. This is why the dam is so much higher than the explore the area by hiking, current water level. It is hard to which is the best way to see the miss the reservoir’s signature whole park. There are two diflandmark, a filtration/pumping ferent networks of trails, tower resembling something depending of the type of terrain
you want to navigate. Lakeside Trail is a 2.7 mile paved loop that stretches around the perimeter of the reservoir itself. Rim Trail is a 4.7 mile semirugged dirt road that also meanders around the reservoir, but is located in the foothills immediately surrounding the area. There are four different connecting trails along the Lakeside Trail that will get you up to the Rim Trail. With a stroller, enough diapers for a daycare center and a two week old, I decided that the Lakeside Trail would be the best option considering that I wanted to break in the little rug-rat slowly. Both trails begin and end at the parking area with plenty of facilities and information kiosks to keep anyone in your group satisfied. We left the parking area on Lakeside Trail and were greeted by a huge picnic area with plenty of lawn and shady trees within minutes of being on the trail. Joggers, walkers, dogs and stroller pushing parents seemed to make up most of the demographics at the reservoir. Surprisingly enough, this trail is not completely flat, but more of a wandering and sporadic path through shade and sun with plenty of ascents and descents for the entire loop. As we continued along the trail with a picturesque view of
the reservoir at every curve, I was especially excited to see an abundance of shaded benches, picnic nooks and fishing docks. Eventually, the 2.7-mile loop brought us back to the parking area where we started. However, I was unaware that both paddle and rowboats are available for rent until we stopped at the visitor’s center. So if you are looking for something to do, outdoors of course, that offers activities for everyone in the family, this is the place. Park hours this time of year are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Please note that the entire facility is wheelchair friendly. Dogs must be on leash and please check the Website below for restrictions on bicycling and roller-blading. For more information: www.ebmud.com/services/recr eation/east_bay/lafayette/defa ult.htm or www.lafayettechamber.org/pages/reservoir.htm. If you would like more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, contact me at kparker@perfmech.com. Good Luck!
photos Kevin Parker
RESERVOIR
VIEW
from the dam.
CLAYTON MOMS HIKE FOR KEVIN A group of Clayton moms recently hiked to the Summit of Mit. Diablo. The group of 10 moms hike various Mt. Diablo trails every Tuesday and they are faithful readers of Hiker’s Haven. “We knew Kevin and Krista had just had a baby and figured he wouldn’t have a column in this issue. So, we made the hike and took a photo for him.” (But, as you can see, the ladies underestimated our “avid outdoorsman.” ) The moms made the eight mile hike after dropping their kids off at school. They reached the summit in four hours where they were met by an obliging husband who ferried the women back down the mountain in time to pick up the kids at school.
Trailhead: Lafayette Reservoir, Lakeside Trail z Staging Area: Take Mt. Diablo Blvd. through downtown Lafayette. Reservoir entrance is just down the road. Parking: $6 to park all day or meter parking that uses quarters only. z Distance: 2.7 miles z Difficulty: Easy z Duration: 1.0 - 1.5 hours
Front row: Denise Stephens, Deana Merrigan, and Janet Facchini. Back row: Peggy Dunkley, Caren Case, and Megan Kommer.
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Clayton
5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, maple cabinets & island. Formal living w. fireplace & dining room, spacious family room w/fireplace. Open & bright throughout, inside laundry, 3 car garage, landscaped yards & Large master suite w/jacuzzi tub!
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.
helpusell.com
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LOW FEES HAPPY CUSTOMERS!
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Visit our new office at 4918 Clayton Road
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
“W
hen you live in a place as exciting and beautiful as the Clayton Valley area, it’s hard not to be excited for each new day,” Lynne French says. “From the energy of the city to the natural setting of the country, there’s always something to keep me on the go.” Lynne brings this positive energy and love for the Clayton Valley to her long-running career as a real estate professional.
(925) 672-8787 www.LynneFrench.com Lynne@LynneFrench.com
June 3, 2005
Always focused on your needs throughout your home purchase or sale, she does whatever it takes to help you make the most of your opportunities. With Lynne and her team as your guides, you can Discover the Possibilities in Clayton Valley real estate. Her intimate knowledge of the area and dedication to your goals ensure your success when buying or selling a home. Give her a call today!
6200-E Center St. 1801 N. California Blvd.
Clayton, CA 94517 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
GEORGE VUJNOVICH,
Broker
(925) 672-4433
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517 georgevujnovich.com
IRONWOOD/WINDMILL CANYON AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
JUST LISTED! Sought after single story " Augusta" model! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1,816sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Neutral décor through-out! Upgraded tile entry extends into the hall, family room & kitchen. Gourmet kitchen features tile counters, center island, eating nook & spacious pantry. Living & dining room with neutral carpet & semi-vault ceiling. Family room with tile fireplace & recess for TV. Spacious master. Level lot backs to open space w/redwood deck, nice lawn area & huge paved side yard with double gate. $679,000
JUST LISTED! Spectacular "Belvedere" model! backs to open space. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3,911sf, inside laundry & rare 4 car garage with extensive custom built-in storage. Upgraded gleaming hardwood floors in entry, hall, living & dining rooms & kitchen. Downstairs bedroom or home office w/ private bath. Gourmet kitchen features granite counters, center island & pantry. Enormous great room with granite tile fireplace, full bar & custom built-in entertainment center. Master suite with jetted tub overlooks open space. Huge private level lot features a mini orchard, lush lawn, a spectacular array of flowers, paver patio & huge paved side yard! $1,299,000
Stunning "Nantucket" model in a quiet court setting! 4 bedrooms, den, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,820sf, 3 car garage & inside laundry. Neutral carpet, designer paint, plantation shutters & wood blinds throughout! Gourmet kitchen features tile counters, island & recipe desk with accent tile back splash, upgraded diagonal laid tile floors, upgraded "mocha" cabinets & pantry. Expanded family room offers a wood burning fireplace & TV recess. Spacious master suite with retreat/nursery/workout room. Large lot features colorful flowers, ornamentals, large lawn area & a trellis covered salt washed patio. $1,285,000
Immaculate "Nantucket" model facing open space! with views of hills, ridge & canyons. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,599sf, 3 car garage & inside laundry. Neutral carpet, décor & wood blinds throughout! Entry features upgraded double beveled glass front doors & upgraded tile floors. Gourmet kitchen features upgraded tile floors, counters, island, maple cabinets & pantry with frosted door. Expanded family room features fireplace with ceramic log insert & recess for TV. Spacious master suite. Rear yard offers a trellis covered random stone patio large lawn & play area. $1,250,000
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
4.76 ACRES ~ MORGAN TERRITORY, CLAYTON
WINDMILL CANYON/IRONWOOD AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
Fantastic "Nantucket " model backing to open space! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,599sf, rare 4 car garage & inside laundry. Gourmet kitchen features upgraded tile floors, counters, island, upgraded cabinets & pantry. Extended family room features a fireplace & recess for TV. Neutral carpet & décor throughout! Spacious master suite overlooks views of open space & features a retreat/nursery/workout room. Private lot backs to open space & features a sparkling inground pool with built-in elevated spa. $1,250,000
Remarkable G Custom Victorian DIN N Estate atop a private E P knoll with majestic Heritage oaks! 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3,519sf, inside laundry, attached 3 car garage, detached 2 car garage/workshop plus a separate barn with loft. Custom crown moulding, door & window trim, light fixtures, hardware, & stained glass window accents. Grand scale formal dining & living rooms. Enormous eat-in gourmet country kitchen featuring custom slab granite counters, island & full backsplash, "Plato" cabinets & state-of-the-art appliances. Magnificent master suite offers, a sauna, two-person shower, huge walkin closet & French Doors leading to balcony with breathtaking views. Take in the spectacular views of oak dotted hills, canyons, pastures & mountain range from every window or the 900sf wrap around porch. $1,395,000
G DIN N E P
JUST LISTED! Beautiful "Balustrol" model! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,315sf, 2 car garage with workshop area & inside laundry. Entry features upgraded extended tile floors & soaring ceiling. Step down formal living & dining rooms. Gourmet kitchen features tile counters & a large center island with bay window eating nook. Expanded family room with tile fireplace. Master features a balcony with views of hills. Lot features a large lawn area & patio with stone accents. $779,000
G DIN N E P
Magnificent "Belvedere" model! 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den & loft, approx. 4,100sf, inside laundry, 3 upgraded fireplaces & rare 4 car garage with built-in storage. Marble floors in entry, hall, dining & living rooms, bath & kitchen. Upgraded light fixtures, "mocha" cabinet package, central vacuum, plantation shutters, designer paint & custom murals! Solid slab granite kitchen w/ full tumbled marble backsplash & large pantry. Great room features upgraded custom laid tumbled marble floors, slab granite full bar. Private downstairs bedroom with full bath. Master suite overlooks open space. Large level lot backs to open space with a large lawn area & custom deck looking out over city/valley & beyond views. $1,379,000