JUN 18 Clayton Pioneer 2004

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IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

925.672.0500

“It was just dumb luck”

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

MATT THOMAS POINTS TO THE SPOT above Diablo Creek where he found 81 year-old dementia patient, Russell Hague.

TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Matt Thomas had plans for the evening of June 5. The 28-year-old Clayton man was scheduled to ride along with Sergeant Jason Russo on Russo's night shift with the Clayton Police Department. Those plans took a detour, however, when Russo called to cancel. An elderly dementia patient had wandered away from his Regency Woods board and care home a little after 9 o'clock that evening, and Russo was directing the search efforts.

No problem, thought Matt. I'll help them look.

And that began a three hour search which took Thomas up and down nearly every street in Clayton and finally ended when he found the missing man around 1:45 a.m., cold, frightened and wearing only his pajamas, tangled in a barbed wire fence at the top of a 30 foot drop into Diablo Creek.

81-year-old Russell Hague had just moved to the Petar Guest Home on Petar Court from Diamond Terrace the week before. When the staff checked on him at 9 o'clock, he was fine, but 45 minutes later, they noticed that the screen on the living room window had been removed and the window was open. Hague was

gone. They called police and the search began.

According to Sergeant Rich Enea of the Clayton Police, Russo and Officer Tim O'Hara responded to the call, and after a quick search of the immediate area, called on Concord Police for assistance. Concord PD's police dog tracked Hague to the corner of Regency and El Portal where he lost the scent. Overhead, the CHP helicopter was searching the surrounding hills.

Around 1 o'clock, Thomas was searching the heavily wooded area along El Portal and thought he heard something. "The first time I drove by," said Thomas, "I thought it was a

dog whimpering and I kept going."

But, a nagging doubt turned him around and he slowly drove back down El Portal along the creek, listening.

"I could hear someone yell 'help'.

It was so faint, I can't believe I heard him." Thomas jumped out of his car ("don't tell my wife, but I left the door wide open and the engine running") and ran to the edge of the bank. He could hear Hague at the top of the hill on the other side of the creek.

In the pitch dark aided only by his flashlight, Thomas half slid, half jumped down the sheer 20-foot drop and scrambled up the other side, all the while talking to the frightened man. "I just followed his voice until I could see him," said Thomas. Hague was hopelessly tangled in the mesh and barbed wire fence that ran along the top of the creek bank. He had apparently lost his footing at the top of the hill and slid feet first into the fence. Had the fence not stopped him, Hague would have continue falling more than 30 feet down the bank, landing on the rocky creek bed.

Using his cell phone, Thomas notified police and rescue crews arrived within minutes. Hague was taken to Kaiser Hospital. He suffered no injuries and was later released.

When Thomas asked the man what he was doing out so late, he replied that he "just wanted to get to the creek."

Viewing the site in daylight a few days later, Thomas was amazed that he was able to reach the man. "It's a good thing I couldn't see down into the creek, I probably wouldn't have tried at all," he said. "It was just dumb luck that I found him. I wasn't going to give up, though. I just kept thinking that it was somebody's grandfather out there."

Budget is balanced, but there’s no room for frills JULIE PIERCE

MAYOR’S CORNER It's June again and time for the City Council to adopt our annual budget. City Manager Gary Napper, with the able assistance of Finance Manager Merry Pelletier, has presented once again a balanced budget for the Council's approval. Following two years of budget reductions,

including last year's 15 percent drop in the General Fund's expenditures, we are starting to see a slight increase in property taxes, one of our primary revenue sources. While we appreciate a modest increase of 6.4 percent over last years budget, that increase is more than offset by increases in uncontrollable fixed costs such as employee retirement systems, insurance coverage and utility expenses.

For the past two years, your Council's primary goal has been to maintain basic city services. To do

this we rely on our small but dedicated corps of 28 employees, including our 11 sworn police officers and five field maintenance workers.

Personnel services are the city's largest expense at 69 percent of the total General Fund budget. Increases in retirement and workers' compensation insurance pushed our costs by $144,000. Due to a lagging economy and continuing state budget raids of your local property taxes, next year's budget is still 12 percent less than three years ago. Reluctantly, we must

defer new services and infrastructure improvements.

To offset the inherent creep in personnel services costs, all departments have been asked to live within their budgeted accounts from last year's budget. Each department manager constantly examines operations to provide services in the most cost effective manner. Employee training and conference allocations have been curtailed and the city newsletter will be published semi-annually, rather than

See Budget, page 17

Clayton YMCA celebratesthe arts

TOP PHOTO, ARTIST KATE REED of Castro Valley was one of 25 artists to help celebrate National YMCA Arts Week.

Right, Connor Mendonca, 5, of Concord sculpts a “big rock on an island”

More than 25 exhibitors from around the Bay Area were on hand Saturday to help the Clayton/Concord Branch of the YMCA celebrate National Art Week.

The art fair, held at the Clayton Community Gym, kicks off the Y’s summer arts program.

“Program cutbacks in the public schools have cre-

ated a vacuum in the arts,” says Seth Ahonen, Arts Program Coordinator.

The Y classes are designed to help fill that vacuum.

The eight week program for kids and adults began June 3, but it isn’t too late to enroll, said Ahonen.

There is a fee for the classes, but no child will be turned away if he or she cannot pay. There is financial assistance available.

For more information on the program, or to sign up for classes, call the Y at 925-889-1600.

Dad’s Day is Sunday With Father’s Day just around the corner the Pioneer asked several Clayton kids “what’s your favorite thing to do with dad?”

Brian Alamillo, 11, and dad, Ernie "My favorite thing to do with my dad is play baseball. He's coached most of my teams and he's a hard coach. He teaches me all the fundamentals on hitting and fielding balls.

My favorite memory of my Dad is when we went to the Tournament of Champions last year.”

Kelsey Purser, 13, and dad, Rick “I like to hang out with my dad because he's a fun person to be around.

I like to go on walks with him. He's funny and smart and always compliments you and makes you laugh. My favorite memory of my dad was when he took me to the father daughter dance with the Girl Scouts.”

Dex Reber, 14, and dad, Steve "I like to play baseball with my dad because he knows a lot about the sport and he coaches my team. He taught me how to be a first baseman and that's the position I play the most. One of my favorite memories of my dad is when we went fishing together when I was 10. We stayed overnight and had a good time."

Meghan Walsh, 10, and dad, Dan “There are a lot of things that I like to do with my dad but my favorite thing is to go on a bike ride with him. We ride up the hill or go to the park. We talk about what we see and it feels really good. I also like when my dad takes me to his gym and we go swimming. One of my favorite memories of being with my dad is when we go camping at Grover Hot Springs.”

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

Around Town Tea for twenty at MDES Twenty Mt Diablo Elementary second-graders had the opportunity to meet their Pen Pals from Diamond Terrace for the first time at a special Tea Party on June 9.

For the past eight months, students have been writing to their senior Pen Pals and received letters in return. "I thought that it would be wonderful for my students to have

Students’ make origami peace cranes

a purpose and a real person to correspond with, so I contacted the folks at Diamond Terrace last summer to see if there would be any interest,"says second grade teacher Jo Currier. “Nineteen seniors replied to all twenty letters that the children wrote and we continued writing about once a month."

DANI DEBOEVER (right) stands at attention.

The community room within the newly built gym provides a place for noontime activities for Diablo View Middle School students. One such activity began in January and was completed in late May. The students folded 1,000 origami cranes!

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, and DVMS parents Tamara Thompson, Carolyn Hartnell and Arlene K. Nielsen volunteered to spend their Friday afternoons sharing this skill with the kids.

The concept of 1,000 cranes as a symbol of good luck originated

when a young Japanese girl named Sadako tried to fold 1,000 cranes in the hopes it would restore her health after falling ill from the after effects of the atomic bomb. Her classmates had to complete the task for her, and the idea took off from there.

The cranes from DVMS have adorned the airy space of the highceilinged school office since they were completed. And now they will be sent to the International Peace Park in Hiroshima, Japan, where origami cranes are sent as a gesture of international goodwill and Stephen Hill, Marc Kuzbari and Katie Hill. peace.

Deboever enters U.S. Coast Guard Koehne grandmother celebrates 96th year photo credit

DIAMOND TERRACE RESIDENT ELEANOR NELSON and eight year old Maya Nazzal.

Bradbury receives honors Melissa Bradbury of Clayton was named Salutatorian of the 8th grade graduating class of Tabernacle Christian School in a ceremony June 3. She also received the President's Award for Educational Excellence and a Moral Intelligence Award of Excellence. Melissa's activities at Tabernacle included

Technology Club and cheerleading. She will attend CVHS in the fall and will cheer on the JV Squad.

Clayton resident Dani Deboever recently graduated from boot camp in Cape May, in New Jersey and entered the U.S. Coast Guard. Her unit received special orders to participate in President Ronald Reagan's funeral procession in Washington D.C. last week.

Deboever is in training at Yorktown, Virginia for the next two months and will return to the Bay Area for her first duty station at Alameda Coast Guard Island where she will be a member of the newly-formed Port Security unit. She graduated from Clayton Valley High School last year and attended Diablo Valley College where she made the JC All American water polo team.

Clayton residents, Karen and Jerry Koehne recently hosted a 96th birthday celebration for Karen's grandmother, Delma Williams at their Clayton home.

Delma was born on May 31, 1908 in Novinger, Missouri, but later moved to California where

Pioneer 2nd annual July 4th photo contest Amateur photographers, get those cameras out and make sure you have lots of film or flash cards. The Pioneer is having it's second annual July 4th Celebration photo contest.

There will be first, second and third place prizes for winning photos taken by adults (over 12) and kids (under 12). The prizes will be announced in the July 2 issue.

Each individual may submit up to three photos for judging, but only one of those photos will be eligible for a prize. Photos need to be snap-

Clayton Resident 6200 Center Street, Suite E Clayton, CA 94517

THE LYNNE FRENCH TEAM From left Julie Clairmont, Heather Gray, Sharon Sundin, Angelique Stone, Lynne and Danny French, Ruth Reed, and Julie Dunn.

Win a trip to luxuriate in beautiful

Tahiti

C

shot size (3" x 5" or 4" x 6"). On the back of each photo print your name, address, phone number and whether you are entering the adult category or the under 12 category. Drop your prints off at the Clayton Pioneer office at 6200 F Center Street, or mail them to The Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton, 94517. All photos must be received by the Pioneer by 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 7. Please, do not e-mail photos.Winning photos will appear in the July 16 issue of the Clayton Pioneer. Good luck!

2003 Realtor Of The Year!

Lynne@LynneFrench.com

East Bay Business Times

(925) 672-8787

S oon!

oming

Clayton Valley Highlands Totally remodeled. New deck and landscaping. $549,980

($10,000 cash value)

Watch your mailbox for details.

Roundtree Rare single story townhome with updated kitchen. $259,980

Mira Vista Hills 2061 sq. ft. 2 story on huge lot. Backs to open space in Mira Vista Hills. $449,980

Windmill Canyon - Gorgeous single story home. Beautifully landscaped yards and RV access on .3 acre. 4 bedrooms and 2 sparkling baths. Soaring ceilings, custom built-ins, wood blinds and Pergo flooring. Call for more info. $649,980

ding

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Clayton - 41+ acres, 3 possible building sites.

Coming from Clayton, this property is on the left, one mile before Deer Valley. Lot has wonderful views of the surrounding hillsides. $499,980

she married and raised her family. Pictured, Delma Williams (seated). Middle row from left, Marci Fox, Karen Koehne, Sue Galleguillos, Carol Andrade.

Back row from left, Allen Fox, Jerry Koehne, Leo Galleguillos, George Andrade.

Charming Duet - Soaring

ceilings and marble fireplace. 3 bed/2.5 baths. In desirable part of Antioch . Great yard with patio.

Situated near community pool and park. Priced to sell...HURRY! $349,980

Walnut Creek border Totally remodeled. Huge corner lot on cul-de-sac with beautifully landscaped yards. 4 bed/2.5 baths. 2049 sq. ft. with vaulted ceilings, French doors that open to patio, and dual pane windows. Gourmet kitchen and inside laundry. $589,980

Peacock Creek Spectacular 5 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms.

3620 sq. ft. of perfection with a 3 car garage, RV access and superb views of Mt. Diablo and rolling hills. $1,100,000

Black Diamond Duet Largest model 3 bedroom 2 ½ bath charming duet, master suite with bay window, vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchen with tile counters, island and wood flooring. Large backyard community pool and spa. $549,980

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Clayton Border-Ranch home on .86 acre lot, 2 horses possible, 3 spacious, bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room with fireplace with a picture window that peers out over Clayton Valley with fresh paint inside and out. $629,980

June 18, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 3

Around Town Marzili is Clayton Station’s Sidewalk Sale raffle winner

Garden Vessels at Shadelands Clayton ceramics artist, Ellen Sachtschale will have her works featured at Walnut Creek's popular Studio Arts Sale on June 25, 26 and 27 at the Shadelands campus of Civic Arts Education.

Sachtschale has been working with clay for over 30 years and is well known for her garden vessels. A variety of these and her botanical wall reliefs will be on display at the Shadelands sale.

CLAYTON ARTIST Ellen Sachtschale will show her Garden Vessels at Shadelands.

Arden helps students read Clayton resident Dolly Arden has been volunteering to help children read at Ayers Elementary School for the past six years.

"I'm a grandmother and had extra time on my hands so I called the school to see if they needed volunteers," says Arden. "It's such a joy for me."

According to second grade teacher Marsha Millar, Arden works with three to five children on a one-to-one basis each year and has helped many children improve their reading DOLLY ARDEN enjoys reading with seven-year skills.

"This relationship has old Megan Byington at worked miracles," says Millar.

Ayers Elementary School.

Murray retires Keith Murray retired May 31, after 22 years with the US Post Office, 20 of them in the Clayton branch. “It’s the first time in 20 years I’ve had Memorial Day weekend off,” jokes Murray. He and wife, Carol, live in Alamo.

Clayton resident Terry Marzili was the winner of Clayton Station's Sidewalk Sale that was held on June 5 and 6. In order to be eligible for the raffle, customers were given one raffle ticket for every $10 they spent at the sale. Marzili who saved up all her shopping errands for that particular weekend racked up 25 tickets and one of those tickets was the lucky number. "Wow" is all that Marzili could say as she picked up her basket of goodies that included certificates and products from Clayton Fitness and Tanning, Lela's Hair Salon, Candy Bouquet, Christina Mason, D.D.S., The Looking Glass, Bonanza Books, Toys, Games and More and other participating merchants. According to organizer Elizabeth Isles of TERRY MARZILI accepts her The Looking Glass, the sale was a big success. prize basket.

Kayla Elwy is published in “Highlights for Children” Kayla Elwy, 7, a Soon he discovers student in the that he's turning Horizon Homeschool orange!"

Program, had a great This is not the idea for a movie. So, first time Kayla she sent it to the maghas been pubazine, Highlights for lished. She won Children in response her division in the to their "You're the Clayton Pioneer's Movie Director" feaPresident's Day ture. Highlights pub- KAYLA ELWY Essay Contest in lished her movie February. idea, "Too Many She is the Carrots," in the June 2004 daughter of Ahmed and Colleen issue.

Elwy of Clayton. She enjoys "My movie is about a bunny gymnastics, singing, drawing rabbit," writes Kayla. "He is and, of course, writing. walking, and he spies some carrots. He eats one after another.

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

COLORFUL FUNDRAISERS (from left) Glenna Nickerson, Sherie Laurence and Sandy Williamson.

Mardi Gras theme brings color to CBCA fundraiser It was Mardi Gras on the 8th hole at Oakhurst Country Club Monday June 7 for the annual Clayton Classic Tournament sponsored by CBCA. Madam Mardi Gras (Sandy Williamson), The Virgin Holein-One (Glenna Nickerson)

and the Oakhurst Peacock strutting her stuff (Sherie Laurence) were there to liven up the day and raise money that finds it's way back into the Clayton Community through the CBCA. All in all a fun day and a great success. See Sports for tourney winners.

Zsenai gets top student award

AMY ZSENAI

Amy Zsenai of Clayton was one of 14 students to receive a Top First-Year Student Award at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, for demonstrated leadership and involvement in campus activities.

Zsenai is a general business major in the College of Business and Public Administration. She made the Dean’s list for the spring semester.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

The Van Fleet-B Bronson

Family

Personal Service Make s the D ifference Featured Home

J o s i e V a n F l e e t -B Bronson For superior service and a successful real estate transaction in Clayton or surrounding communities, call Josie, a 20-year Clayton resident and area specialist — The Van Fleet-Bronson Team.

Clayton Beauty

Specializing in: Property Management Loans/Refinancing Real Estate Sales - Residential and Investment

Two homes on one lot with spectacular views of Mt. Diablo! This property has everything. Main house features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,222 sq. ft. of living space. Eat-in kitchen, living room, family room, dining area, beautiful brick fireplace in family room with ceiling fan. Open floor plan and large inside laundry.

Sliding glass doors in master bedroom opens to a breathtaking back yard with fruit trees. The guest home features 690 sq. ft. of living space with one bedroom, large living room, one bath and new carpet. Built in 1985 with permits. $875,000

2003/2004 Better Business Honor Roll Ranked #56 worldwide of 90,000 RE/MAX Realtors 2004 Heritage Registry of Who’s Who Member, Concord Chamber of Commerce Member, Oakhurst Country Club

Properties Available

RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals 1536 Kirker Pass Road, Suite D Clayton, CA 94517

This one is a Clayton charmer with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and nearly 2,191 sq. ft. of living space located in a quiet family neighborhood.

Many features accent this lovely home including a spacious floor plan with formal living room, family room, both with their own fireplaces, formal dining area, eat in kitchen, converted garage as a bonus room (done with permits), inside laundry, fresh paint and a detached 2 car garage. This home is near great schools and has views of Mt. Diablo. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to own this special home! $610,000

925-672-4333 www.CallTheVanFleetTeam.com We l ove r eferrals

Enjoy a wonderful dinner at The Fox and The Fiddle, downtown Clayton, when you refer a successful buyer or seller to Van Fleet-Bronson, RE/MAX Real Estate.

This darling 2-story home is only 4 years young and is located in the quiet little town of Clyde. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, central heat & air, formal dining room, eat in kitchen, inside laundry, roomy master bedroom, private driveway and RV parking. This home is a must see! $509,0000 New on the market. Wonderful single-family home in quiet court setting. Enjoy the many great features this home has including 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, living room, formal dining area, family room with beautiful brick fireplace, eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar, refrigerator included, inside laundry with washer dryer included, cultured marble in both baths, mirrored closet doors in master bedroom, new interior paint, concrete tile roof, beautiful spacious backyard great for entertaining, covered patio, garden, RV parking, nearby walking and bike trails, walk to middle school. Gorgeous views of Mt. Diablo. $624,950

Lovely, new 2003 double wide located in the foothills of Mt. Diablo. Enjoy the morning sun on this inviting front porch. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approximately 1,225 sq. ft. of living space, bright sunny kitchen, breakfast bar, microwave, dishwasher, skylights, inside laundry, pantry, master bedroom with mirrored closet doors, master bath with double vanity and tub with jets, ceiling fans, natural light throughout, covered parking. This manufactured home won’t last at theis price! $115,000

Pending Properties 3887 Concord Blvd.

797 Armstrong Way 2131 Jefferson Way

Recent Concord Sales Address 1975 Bonifacio Street #6 1133 Meadow Lane #88 4888 Clayton Rd #7 1133 Meadow Lane #9 5450 Concord Blvd. D1 2055 Sierra Road UnitA 3815 Northwood Drive F 3055 Treat Blvd. #29 1420 Bel Air Drive #206 3641 Clayton Road #48 1555 Schenone Ct A 5333 Park Highland Blvd. #36 1540 Lexington Road 1310 Lexington Road 1437 Saint James Parkway 1321 San Jose Drive 1737 Sapling Court 3330 Alfonso Drive 2543 Montgomery 2077 Carmel Drive 3156 Ida Drive 3580 Cranbrook Way 1986 North 6th Street 2524 Prestwick Ave 1889 Granada Drive 2937 Glenside Drive 3384 Benton Street

Price 128,000 131,000 159,000 180,000 206,000 266,000 260,000 276,700 275,000 273,000 277,500 304,000 330,000 390,000 360,000 360,000 352,500 355,000 395,000 357,000 376,500 392,500 415,000 390,000 420,000 410,000 415,000

Sale Date 5/4/04 5/7/04 4/29/04 4/28/04 4/29/04 4/30/04 5/4/04 4/30/04 5/5/04 5/10/04 4/28/04 5/7/04 4/30/04 5/6/04 4/29/04 4/30/04 4/30/04 4/30/04 4/30/04 5/7/04 5/2/04 5/6/04 4/30/04 5/3/04 4/29/04 4/30/04 4/28/04

SF 432 722 741 759 794 962 1240 1053 940 1020 1093 1104 940 1024 1576 825 1288 1278 1103 1450 1108 1127 1404 1103 1132 1499 1285

Bed/Bath Studio/1 1/1 1/1 2/1 1/1 2/1 3/2 2/1 2/2 3/2 2/1 2/1 3/1 3/1 3/2 2/1 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/1 3/2 3/2 3/2 4/2

719 Eagle Court 283 Aria Drive 5476 Roundtree Pl., K

Address 2040 Esperanza Drive 5449 Anselmo Court 4260 Lancelot 4984 Hames Drive 2031 Fir Street 3072 The Alameda 934 Faned Way 1494 Duncan Drive 3872 Larkspur Drive 1553 Thorn Drive 3895 Village 4638 Adams Drive 1765 Glazier Drive 5352 Meadow Wood Place 5373 Meadow Wood Place 1790 Clinton Drive 1614 American Beauty Drive 4464 Pinon Court 1380 Water Lily Way 4717 Springwood Way 1830 Paul Lane 1170 Camino Solano 5180 Heritage Drive 5382 Aspenwood Court 1951 Holly Creek Place 5290 Homedale Drive 963 S Rosehedge Court

Coming Soon

1804 Alicante Court 991 Almaden Court 770 Beatrice Street

4876 Starflower Drive 2242 Westwood Court

Price 399,950 435,000 410,000 460,000 459,000 455,000 485,000 475,000 470,000 505,000 470,000 505,000 495,000 517,000 540,000 545,000 555,000 559,950 600,000 610,000 605,000 667,000 765,000 850,000 831,000 851,500 926,500

SF 1152 1420 1284 1483

Sale Date 4/29/04 4/30/04 4/29/04 5/4/04 5/5/04 4/29/04 4/30/04 5/5/04 5/7/04 5/4/04 5/7/04 5/7/04 5/5/04 5/7/04 5/7/04 4/29/04 4/28/04 5/11/04 5/5/04 4/29/04 5/6/04 4/29/04 4/28/04 5/5/04 4/30/04 5/4/04 5/11/04

1621 1254 1519 1593 1793 1568 1818 1717 1712 1748 2003 2010 1917 2537 1934 1954 2162 2731 2981 3246 3584 3951

Bed/Bath 3/1 3/2 4/2 3/2 4/2 3/2 3/2 4/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 4/2 4/2 4/2 3/2 4/2 4/2 4/2 4/3 4/2 5/3 4/3 4/2 5/5 5/3 5/3 5/3

All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

June 18, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 5

Clayton Pioneer Directory of Advertisers

P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER Co-Publishers TAMARA S TEINER Editor J ILL B EDECARRE Assistant Editor and Display Advertising J IM Z EWAN , Sports K AREN L AIBLE , Church News P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B ETH

J O A NN R ICKS , Copy Editor N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant

Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.

Classified

SERVICES

provide a safe, caring and active environment to meet your childcare needs. Open registration for fall, 2004. Pre-school: 7:30 a.m.

– 12:30 p.m., M-F, 673-1488, School-age, K-5: 7:a.m. – 6 p.m., M-F, 672-0388

PIANO LESSONS given by a highly trained high school student. $10 per ½ hour. References from current students available. Call Sarah at 672-9868

HELP WANTED

SWIMMING LESSONS. Private and semi-private. All ages., all levels.

Ask for JoAnne or Pat Spada.

(925) 672-4004 CLAYTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL at Mt. Diablo Elementary, Rooms 38-41. Pre-school and K-5 childcare. Licensed professional staff

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PIONEER 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,

FANTASTIC SAMS (New Fantastic Sams Salon). Cuts, color, perms, free education, flex hours, fun atmosphere. Base plus commission. Great Concord location. Call Aaron, 925-899-8687A.

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.

AAA Travel 671-2708 x 884 Abbey Carpets 686-9901 ACME Auto Repair 685-8495 Aegis Senior Living 692-5838 Aircloud Wireless Internet 260-4119 Alice's Montessori 825-4364 Alise Interior 672-7701 All Natural Nails-Susan young 963-0893 Apronstrings Pet Sitting 798-7621 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm 672-6622 Benton, Mureleen- American Express 685-4523 Blimpie 673-9531 Brentwood Dodge 634-9900 Burkin Electric 672-1519 Call, J. Richard, Mortgage Broker 937-2300 Cathie's Creations 672-6442 Central Self Storage 685-2222 Cindy's Curtains 672-9395 Cingular Wireless 672-1070 Clayton Fitness and Tanning 672-2010 Clayton Flowers 682-4664 Clayton Saddlery 672-6100 Clayton Valley Bowl 689-4631 Clip 'n Clean 676-9355 ComUnity Lending 672-5363 Computers USA 672-9989 Concord Feed 825-9530 Crossroads Theatre 944-0597 Culum, Angie, Coldwell Banker 932-7336 Curves 603-7555 Custom Art Work 672-3277 Diablo Ford 432-9717 Diamond Terrace 524-5100 East County Glass 432-1433 Fantastic Sam's 682-8580 Fico, Sherie, Chase 256-4120 x 271 Flannery, Patty, Coldwell Banker Real Estate 210-7480 Lynne French, Coldwell Banker Real Estate 672-8787 Graham Family Photo 680-1333 Gregory, Cynthia, Permanent Solution 672-8990 Hair by Jim 673-0300 Hair Systems 686-0885 Holy Cross Lutheran Church 686-2000 HomEquity 673-9737 IMC 673-2200x201

Instant Imprints 825-9815 La Veranda Restaurant 524-0011 Laurence, Pete, Better Homes Realty 939-7920 Legault, Tom, Kropa Realty 937-8181 Linguini's Restaurant 672-6868 Lopez, Stephanie, Coldwell Banker 932-7329 Mavericks 602-5600 Mazzei Auto 757-5600 Mike's Auto Body 689-2739 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital 672-1100 Morrison, Peter, Magician 877-624-4264 Morucci, Kim, Kropa Realty 437-1650 Nolen, Janet, Custom Artwork 672-3277 Network Service Center 672-5009 Nu Image Painting 672-1777 Ouimet Funeral Home 682-4242 Pacific Coast Electric 429-2123 Pro Home Systems 937-3300 Pro Tech Heating and Air Conditioning 673-3776 Rahimzadeh, Helen, Coldwell Banker 932-7375 Regina's Pet Grooming 672-8270 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria 947-6105 Schaefer Painting 1-800-200-9440 Smith Bernal Roofing 216-6461 Smith Trim 673-3900 St. John's Episcopal Church 672-8855 Straight Line Imports 335-9801 T&K Images 524-0010 The Dog Smoothies & Sausages 673-5415 The Hauling Company 216-6461 The Maids 798-6243 The Marble Shop 439-6910 The Sweet Corporation 672-8041 Tipperary Construction 216-2679 TLC Pet Grooming 672-2547 Toys, Games and More 673-1017 Truesdell, Lisa, State Farm Insurance 686-4747 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Remax Real Estate 672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug, State Farm Insurance 672-2300 Vujnovich, George Better Homes Realty 672-4433 Walcutt, Bill Prudential Realty 686-3800 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 287-6921 Young, Susan- All Natural Nails 963-0893 Zandonella's Restaurant 432-1700

The City of Clayton wants YOU Shortage of help threatens to cancel traditional 4th of July Parade The Clayton Fourth of July celebration has been an annual event for more than a

quarter-century. Until this year, the event was produced by an all-volunteer Fourth of

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date.

Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion.

Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.”

You can also e-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com

July Committee with assistance from the city and the Clayton Business and Community Association.

This year, the event is managed by the Clayton Community Services Commission and the Commission urgently needs your help.

Because of a critical shortage of volunteers, the Commission has already cancelled the crafts and food booths, reports Sebastian Jacobs, Community Services Commission Chairman.

The Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary will still cook their traditional pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Endeavor Hall, but in order to keep the traditional parade, Kiddie Parade, and Kiddieland, the Commission needs volunteers to help set up, staff, and clean up afterwards.

“Even with the scaled back event, the biggest thing we need is volunteers,” said

Jacobs. “We could use a cast of 60 and right now, we’ve got about 20. So there’s another 40 we have to find if we’re going to make it happen for this year.”

Volunteers are needed to help with parking, parade registration check in, parade line up, crowd control and Kiddieland, and are not required to attend commission meetings. Anyone interested in helping with the Fourth of July celebration should call City Clerk at 925-673-7300, or email cityinfo@ci.clayton.ca.us.

Those interested in being in the main parade MUST complete a parade application form and submit it by June 18th.

Application forms are available on the City website at cityofclayton.org. There WILL NOT be any same day registration.

Registration is not required for participation in the Kiddie Parade.

GEORGE VUJNOVICH, Broker 6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517

Tel: (925) 672-4433 Fax: (925) 672-4424

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

georgevujnovich.com Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty

ADDRESS

13980 Marsh Creek Road 3068 Windmill Canyon 727 Black Point Place 1421 Indianhead Way 1764 Indian Wells Way 327 Mt. Sierra Place 990 Oak Street 11 Long Creek Circle 6036 Golden Eagle Way 144 El Portal Place 5839 Verna Way

PRICE

$1,225,000 701,000 700,000 520,000 578,000 682,222 625,000 426,000 724,000 740,000 555,000

SALE DATE

06/08/04 06/08/04 06/07/04 06/04/04 06/03/04 06/03/04 06/01/04 05/28/04 05/26/04 05/25/04 05/21/04

SF

2,534 2,684 2,050 1,709 1,749 2,078 1,700 1,378 2,315 2,400 1,550

BED/BATH

3/2 4/3 4/2 3/3 3/2.5 4/2 2/1 3/2.5 4/2.5 5/2.5 4/2

ADDRESS

116 Forest Drive 7002 Molluck Way 307 Coal Mine Court 183 Brandywine Place 30 Mt. Emory Court 4120 Morgan Territory Rd 503 Condor Place 264 Mountaire Circle 7 Atchinson Stage Road 31 Atchinson Stage Road 5187 Keller Ridge Drive

$

PRICE

SALE DATE

861,000 715,000 633,000 940,000 600,000 870,000 395,000 695,000 638,500 610,000 710,000

05/20/04 05/20/04 05/18/04 05/14/04 05/14/04 05/13/04 05/12/04 05/10/04 05/09/04 05/07/04 05/06/04

SF

3,230 2,690 2,171 3,030 2,080 3,548 1,252 2,566 1,864 1,926 2,237

BED/BATH

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

ADDRESS

4103 Coyote Circle 567 Mt. Olivet Place 136 Joscolo View 615 Julpun Loop 3064 Windmill Canyon 534 Mt. Dell Drive 104 La Encinal Court 387 Blue Oak Lane 6040 High Street 353 Blue Oak Lane 112 Mt. Whitney Way

All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

PRICE

$

395,000 680,000 725,000 520,000 579,000 497,000 750,000 895,000 535,000 799,000 635,000

SALE DATE

05/06/04 05/04/04 05/03/04 04/30/04 04/30/04 04/30/04 04/29/04 04/29/04 04/28/04 04/28/04 04/27/04

SF

1,026 2,078 2,313 1,904 1,816 1,926 2,857 3,454 1,920 3,373 2,135

BED/BATH

2/2 4/2 4/2.5 3/2.5 3/2 4/2.5 5/3 5/3.5 2/1.5 4/3.5 4/2

Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

ADVERTORIAL

Insurance Management Corporation “Serving all the Clayton Community”

Summer Extravaganza!

When you shop at the Clayton Saddlery on Center Street in downtown Clayton, you will see several new faces and a new look to the store. Tack is back, the stoves are gone and the new owners invite you to come in and talk to them about your needs and wish list. "If we don't have what you're looking for, we'll get it," says owner Bob Shreve.

Owned and operated by a local family, Clayton Saddlery is committed to customer service and satisfaction and you can expect a friendly greeting and quality products every time you come into the store.

Shreve is excited about the family's new venture. He

Ask us for a quote and enter our prize drawing

First Prize (2) Giants Tickets vs. Padres (September 18, 2004, AAA Club Level)

Second Prize $50 Certificate for La Veranda Café Third Prize $25 Certificate for Skipolinis

Contest Rules: Request your insurance quote and you will automatically be entered in our drawing held on August 31, 2004. If we can’t beat your insurance package premium you will be entered TWICE for giving us the opportunity.

Feel free to give our insurance professionals a call today or visit our website to obtain a free no obligation insurance proposal.

Phone: (925) 673-2200 (x201) Fax: (925) 673-2212

WWW.IMCSERVICES.COM “Your locally owned and operated Agency” License #OC54731

“Tack is back” at Clayton Saddlery

"If we don't have what you're looking for, we'll get it," Bob Shreve Owner has always loved horses and western wear and when the opportunity arose to purchase Clayton Saddlery, the timing was right.

Manager Jeremy SmithCovey is the son-in-law and is excited about continuing

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

JEREMY SMITH-COVEY is the new manager of Clayton Saddlery in the Village Oaks Center in Clayton

the family store tradition at Clayton Saddlery. He's enjoyed riding for pleasure for the past 15 years and looks forward to entering into the retail venue of the horse community.

Daughter-in-law Lisa Shreve runs the Country Dog Boutique, a new addition to Clayton Saddlery's product line. The boutique will feature human grade food products, dog toys and products designed for hiking or camping with your canine friend.

She comes to work every day with her trusted companion Tiqvah, the store dog

who will not be shy about greeting you.

"We want to keep a good balance in our store," says Shreve. Clayton Saddlery is offering both English and Western saddles, tack and apparel for kids and adults.

You'll also find grooming products, boots, belts and a great assortment of hats.

Clayton Saddlery will host a grand opening on July 2 and 3.Stop by and meet the family and let them know what you want to see in the store.

Vendors will also be on hand to talk about their product and specialty items.

Please Recycle this paper

English and Western Saddles and tack Apparel for kids and adults Grooming products

Clayton Saddlery is under new ownership

Boots, belts and hats Choice gift items for home and garden

Grand Opening July 2 and 3 Clayton Saddlery is not just for horses!

Come see our

Country Dog Boutique

Friday 10 - 9 Saturday 9 - 9

TACK IS BACK The stoves are gone

Toys and Frisbees, quality, human grade food products, leashes and collars, training collars and beds.

Take your dog on your next hike or camping trip. We have everything you need to bring your best friend along. Come see our selection of hands free leashes, water bottles, portable water bowls, carriers and crates.

Clayton Saddlery “Store Dog” Tiqvah

6200 Center St., suite G Clayton, CA Regular hours: Tue-Sat 10-6

672-6100

"Our focus is to provide quality products at a reasonable price. If we don't have what you're looking for, we'll get it.

We're completely customer focused and 100% community centered."

-Bob Shreve, owner

June 18, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 7

Frankly Speaking…Elizabeth Frank taught her sons to crochet lace for their sisters’ petticoats German immigrants Fred and Elizabeth Frank came to Clayton by way of Michigan and Oregon with three children and only the possessions they carried with them. They did not have much in the way of assets, but all of their children married into other Clayton families with property and/or money. Their fourth child, Joseph, was born in Clayton at The Clayton Winery on Dec. 23, 1875.

Joe grew up in Clayton, helping his father with farming chores and helping his mother to raise the subsequent eight children born to Fred and Elizabeth

Frank. When bad weather precluded the boys in the family from helping their father outdoors, their mother taught the boys to crochet lace for their sisters’ petticoats. Marie Frank Larson still has lace produced by her father. Joe grew up to be a big, strapping man, so imagining him crocheting lace as a young man is laughable.

While working for Isaac Smith, who owned the property bordering Clayton Road and Kirker Pass (now encompassing Clayton Station shopping center, the Shell gas station and the Clayton Valley Center across

Photo courtesy of Clayton Historical Society

WEDDING PORTRAIT of Joseph and Nancy Frank

was leaving Clayton Road), Joe for America met and eventually or South married Nancy America Louise “Tib” Smith because of a in 1899. Tib was food shortseven years older age in the than Joe. Joe and country.

Tib made their resSigrid was idence on the awed at the Smith ranch. He abundance of and Tib had a food in daughter, Alice America.

Catherine, and JANET EASTON Sigrid twins Joseph was working Eugene (“Gene”) OLD TIMES for a few and Helen Louise. years for Joe The twins were born prematurely, and it was sus- Frank before romance blospected at the time of their birth somed. They delayed getting that neither would survive. married as Joe’s daughter, Alice, While the doctor was treating had tuberculosis, and they did Gene, Helen was placed in a box not want to upset her. Sigrid was in the oven to keep her warm. only five years older than Alice.

When Gene was stable, the doc- Because of Alice’s illness, Joe tor tended to Helen. received one of the first “farmMiraculously, they both sur- ers’ line” telephones in Clayton.

Within a year of Alice’s death vived.

Tib Smith Frank died in 1915 in 1919, Joe and Sigrid took the of cancer, leaving Joe to raise a train to Sacramento and were 14-year-old daughter and 10- married. They honeymooned at year-old twins. After a succes- the California State Fair. Within sion of housekeepers, Joe hired a year, daughter Marie was born Sigrid Heden. Sigrid was intro- to them. Joe continued his farmduced to Joe through his sister, ing on Mountain View Ranch, Annie Frank Schwendel, who and when the grapevines became diseased, he planted walnut was living in Cowell.

Sigrid Heden had come to orchards.

Along with farming, Joe had this country at age 13. When she arrived she spoke only Swedish. a well drilling business. Two Within three months she was sturdy horses powered his well receiving her English lessons at rig. According to Joe’s grandson, the Cowell School. There were Earl Duncan, Joe did not drive an many people here who came automobile but left all of the from other countries, but few driving to Sigrid. Earl recalled came from Scandinavia. Her that one time his mother (Helen father brought her and her three Frank Duncan) went to Joe and siblings here, where he worked Sigrid’s to find her car parked in at the cement works in Cowell. the driveway. Sigrid had been to At the time of their departure the doctor and left the car out from Sweden, more than one- front, and went upstairs to bed. third of Sweden’s population Helen asked Joe if he would like

Clayton Police Dept. Explorer Post to fingerprint children Fingerprinting children for identification purposes is becoming increasingly popular with parents and encouraged by law enforcement agencies.

Fingerprints form before birth and, except for changes caused by permanent scars or

disease, remain unchanged throughout a lifetime. Even DNA blood analysis cannot differentiate between identical twins, but fingerprints can.

Every fingerprint is unique.

The Clayton Police Explorer Post will be at Safeway in Clayton Station,

Blue Star Moms plan July 4th parade banner Do you have a family member serving in any branch of the U.S. military? If you do, the Blue Star Moms want to know.

The Moms are making a banner with the names of those serving which will be part of the Clayton 4th of July Celebration. If you have a loved one whose name you want included on the banner,

please contact Kathy Rogelstad at 672-7208 or email her at Krogelstad@bowlesverna.com with the name, rank and branch of service.

The Blue Star Moms are a support and service organization for those who have family members serving in the armed forces.

5431 Clayton Road, Clayton, Saturday and Sunday, June 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to fingerprint your child.

There is no fee for the service, however donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, call Officer Tim O’Hara at 925-766-5569.

Advertise in the Pioneer we can’t think of anything more important than your safety.

her to park the car in the garage.

Joe declined. Some time later, Helen asked Earl to take the tractor and “go over and help Pa.” Earl arrived to find the car driven through the back wall of the garage. He pulled it out with the tractor and spent the next day helping “Pa” repair the wall.

Marie Frank Larson, Joe and Sigrid’s daughter, says that except for occasional trips to

Oregon to visit his little sister, Annie, Joe never left the Clayton area. “He was like a horse, as when the sun went down he had to head for the barn.” The “homing” gene must have been passed on to his children and grandchildren. When Joe died in 1957 at age 81 he had three children, 10 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. All are still in the area today.

La Veranda Café

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

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

Note cards featuring

local photography: Clayton hills, main street, historical buildings, flowers and fauna

Art photography

for your home or office

T&K Images

520 East Myrick Court Clayton, CA 925-524-0010

Toys, Games & More Father’s Day Headquarters (get Dad what he really wants)

• Poker Chips • Chess Sets • Backgammon • Dice Cups • Kites • Dominoes • Board Games

• Darts • Jigsaw Puzzles • Yo Yo’s • Cribbage • Puzzlers • Models • Tin Toys

™

we live where you live.

l. eal Dea M o b 6” Com ne, get one Buy o

FREE!

We care about your safety. Help reduce deer-related auto accidents by driving cautiously in wooded areas and watching for deer crossing signs.

For more safety tips call or visit your local State Farm agent.

Doug Van Wyck, CLU ChFC Lic.# 0586396 6200 Center Street Suite A Clayton, CA

/04 xp. 7/02

Fresh baked bread, fresh sliced meats and cheeses–piled high!

pon, E with cou

925-672-2300

We accept phone orders 5415 Clayton Road Clayton at Ygnacio next to Shell Station

Call 673-9531 or Fax 673-9536

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE.® statefarm.com® State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois P02773

04/02

Enter drawing at www.imagesbytk.com to WIN a matted photo of any size

Toys, Games & More 5439-B Clayton Rd. Clayton, CA 94517 925-673-1017

Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

Congratulations to the 8th grade graduating class of Diablo View Middle School Sean Abbey Mallory Adams Yushea Akbari Lindsay Alamillo Ashley Alexander Daniel Allen Susann Almasi Holly Anderjeski Charles Anderson Julia Antczak Shane Armenta Michael Ashworth Ian Bakshi Jade Barber Daniel Baxter Ashley Billett Josef Billiet Lauren Bjork Sydney Blatt Spencer Blumberg Elizabeth Boyle Elizabeth Brandt Willy Branske Eryn Brescia Alexander Brown Danika Bryant Catherine Buchanan Natalie Budesa Alexandra Burmeister Lindsey Caldera Alexander Campomanes Jordan Cantrell Darcie Cedros Kelsey Chambers Lindsey Chambers Jonathan Child Michael Cinto Michael Ciullo Courtney Cook Joseph Cosso Ariel Crandell Kendall Darfler Trisha Daye Charles De More Anthony Del Bene Nikolas Demordaunt Lindsay Dennison Caitlyn Dixon Johnny Doig Bernie Eddy Navin Eluthesen Jared Farizell Dean Farley Angela Fath Diane Fazli Katie Findley Mikel Fleming Elizabeth Flores Lauryn Fox Jamie Frick Elliott Fuller Edward Gandaro Michael Ghysels Jessica Gibson Larissa Gleason Kelly Glynn

SEVEN GRADUATING EIGHTH GRADERS maintained a 4.0 grade point average (straight A) throughout sixth, seventh and eighth grade. The students each received a plaque for Academic Excellence and each name will be inscribed on the perpetual plaque displayed in the office.

Front row from left, Valentina Jalowski, Susann Almasi, Eric Madera. Back row, Carolyn Winskill, Alexis Krup, Lauren MacDonald, Joshua Park.

Kevin Gomez Lola Gonzalez Ian Grant Justine Grimmond Juliana Guerra Nicollette Guillen Theodore Gurule Lindsay Guttry Kendra Hartman Jared Heifetz Luke Heisinger Amanda Henry Jeffrey Henry Abygaile Henson Morgan Herrera Katey Hood Arielle Hudson Valentina Jalowski Matthew Johnson Ross Johnson Tyler Johnson Kristen Joyal Kyle Joyal Brittany Kasdan Jason Kawamura Alexander Kerr Courtney Khashabi Brittany Kirn Kellie Kreiss Alexander Krichevsky Alexis Krup Thomas Lamb Lindsey Lawson Amanda Leary

Clayton Flowers

Nicholas Weeks Chase White Sean White Diana Wiesnoski Nathaniel Wilkinson Clara Williams Carolyn Winskill Michal Wisniewski Teanna Zamora

Eighth grade honor roll Gold, 4.0 GPA Alexander, Ashley B Almasi, Susann M Budesa, Natalie M Eluthesen, Navin Fazli, Diane Ghysels, Michael D Glynn, Kelly K Guillen, Nicollette M Jalowski, Valentina M Kerr, Alexander J Krup, Alexis L Macdonald, Lauren E Madera, Eric J Nebeker, Megan N Park, Joshua S Rahimzadeh, Vaso N Sharif, Almas Winskill, Carolyn A

Silver, 3.5-3.9 GPA Blumberg, Spencer L Boyle, Elizabeth A Branske, Willy P Buchanan, Catherine L Campomanes, Alexander H Chambers, Kelsey M Cook, Courtney S Findley, Katie M Frick, Jamie L Gleason, Larissa E Heisinger, Luke D Kasdan, Brittany D Khashabi, Courtney C Lawson, Lindsey M Leblow, Jillian L Mason, Michelle N Mazza, Christopher J Meyer, Stephen M Morgan, Nicole M Muhlenburg, Andrea L Nemati, Freshta

Panzer, Arne Reilly, Sean M Rosen, Jared E Smith, Darcy J Thorson, Robert L Van Wyck, Robert A Walsh, Daniel J Warner, Robyn L Weaver, Nicole M Williams, Clara J

Bronze, 3.0-3.49 GPA Billiet, Josef B Bjork, Lauren D Blatt, Sydney J Cedros, Darcie L Chambers, Lindsey A Cinto, Michael A Cosso, Joseph A Darfler, Kendall A Dennison, Lindsay D Eddy, Bernie D Farley, Dean Fox, Lauryn J Fuller, Elliott A Gonzalez, Lola F Hood, Katey L Kawamura, Jason K Lo Coco, Christina G Manoguerra, Michael D Mc Laughlin, Matthew R Morgan, Lauren R Nemitz, Hunter G Parke, Ashlie L Sarao-Ewing, Kaila M Semmoud, Faiza Smith, Desiree R Thompson, Emily E Trosclair, Jacqueline E Weeks, Nicholas C White, Sean P Wilkinson, Nathaniel E Wisniewski, Michal A

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

T HE E PISCOPAL C HURCH

IN

C LAYTON

Sunday Worship: 8 & 10 a.m.

5555 C LAYTON R OAD

Q

C LAYTON

Call anytime: 672-8855 or check us out online: www.saintjohnsparish.org

Call us today for something really special for someone you love Easy to order by phone

WIRE SERVICE SPECIALISTS

682-4664 Toll Free

800-554-1391

4666 Clayton Road, Concord

C o m m u n i ty Connections

LAVA LAVA ISLAND HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH

July 26 - 30 8:45 AM to 12:00 Noon

Pre-register by calling Holy Cross

686-2000

1092 Alberta Way Concord

GAMES, SNACKS, SINGING, ADVENTURES AND BIBLE STUDY! Led by Lead

by Concordia Concordia University University Students Students

The Hauling Company • Garage cleanup • Yard waste • Fence & deck removal • Household Junk • Landscape materials delivered

Clayton Resident 216-6461

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

ALL ARE WELCOME

Travis Tippit Charlene Torres Jacqueline Trosclair Fermin Ulloa Ross Valory Robert Van Wyck Daniel Walsh Robyn Warner Nicole Weaver

SAINT JOHN’S PARISH

Daily deliveries to Clayton, Pittsburg, Concord, Walnut Creek

Major credit cards honored ww.ftd.com/claytonflowers

Jillian Leblow Nicole Leontiades Christina Lo Coco Colton Lott Lauren MacDonald Eric Madera Jeremiah Maestre Amanda Malone Christie Maly David Manoguerra Michael Manoguerra Max Marcil Michelle Mason Kourtney Maxwell Perryman Maynard Christopher Mazza David Mc Coy Brenna Mc Donald Travis Mc Euen Matthew Mc Laughlin Stephen Meyer Lauren Milligan Christopher Mills Daniel Moore Lauren Morgan Nicole Morgan

Tyler Mourelatos Johnny Muela Andrea Muhlenburg Conor Murphy Tauna Nattrass Megan Nebeker Freshta Nemati Hunter Nemitz Tyler Newell Axel Norwood Tyler Norwood Jacob Ortega Kasey Panus Arne Panzer Joshua Park Ashlie Parke Jason Paul Thomas Payne Andrew Perez Amanda Pike Ryan Poloway Nicholas Quadrato Jessica Rackliffe Vaso Rahimzadeh Dexter Reber Sean Reilly Matthew Reiser Elizabeth Reynolds Nathan Roa Zachary Rockwell Jennifer Rogan Daniel Roper Jessica Rosado Jared Rosen Milad Saadat Katherine Salazar Rebecca Sammon Elizabeth Sanchez Kaila Sarao-Ewing Sarah Schmidt John Scroggs Faiza Semmoud Almas Sharif Hannah Sim Travis Skuba Allison Smith Darcy Smith Desiree Smith Rebecca Snapp Mallory Souza David Staton Raymond Steffani Parker Swope Cameron Szehner Daniel Teget Kevin Tellian Emily Thompson Robert Thorson

State Farm7 Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

Hamid Ray Asemi Agent, Lic. # OC77769 5400 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite B-12, Concord, CA 94521 925 672 6622 Fax 925 672 1959 hamid.asemi.lxm9@statefarm.com Se Habla Espanol

Cindy’s Custom Curtains Specializing in unique window treatments since 1987 Also available: Cellular Shades, Wood Mini and Vertical Blinds Free in-home consultations Referrals from your neighbors

Cindy Koll, owner

672-9395

June 18, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 9

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., JUNE 21 FOR THE JULY 2 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING - SEPTEMBER 26 Unfinished Quilts of the 30’s & 40’s @ Clayton Historical Society Museum 2-4 p.m. and by appointment. Everyday items from the 1930s and 1940s will also be on display including pictures, depression glass, clothing, toys and books. A finished “Lone Star” quilt from 1942 will be displayed.

Clayton Historical Society Museum, 672-0240, 6101 Main Street, Clayton.

ONGOING - AUGUST Concord/Clayton Mt. Diablo Region YMCA Spring and summer programs at the Clayton Community Gym for adults and children including hockey, basketball, soccer volleyball, fitness classes and art classes. Call 8891600 for information. Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton.

JUNE 4-26 I Do! I Do! @ CTA Crossroads Theatre Follow the life of a couple from their wedding day through 50 years of life together, as they navigate family, mid-life crises, quarrels, reconciliations and growing old together. Written by the authors of The Fantasticks.

Opens June 5, preview June 4. Saturdays, Thursdays and Fridays 8 p.m., Saturday matinee 2 p.m. www.ctacrossroads.org. 944-0597, CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek.

JUNE 12 - AUGUST 28 Bound for Books, Summer Reading Program @ Clayton Community Library Keep up your reading during the summer and win exciting prizes. See librarian for details. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.

JUNE 14 - AUGUST YMCA 1/2 Day Sports Camps @ Clayton Community Gym 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 1/2 day sports camps for boys and girls entering grades 1-6. Coaches will focus on fundamentals, skill improvement, learning the basics of offensive and defensive strategy, and sportsmanship through age appropriate games and activities. Camps in baseball, flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and super sports.

Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton.

JUNE 15, 22, 29 Story Book Club @ Clayton Community Library 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Be your own author! Write and illustrate a picture book for display in the library. Registration required, program is free. For children entering grades 2 and up. Sponsored by Philanthropic Ventures Foundation.

Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.

JUNE 18, 25, JULY 2, 9 Digital Thunder Bowling @ Clayton Valley Bowl 4-6 p.m. Digital Thunder Bowling on Friday afternoons for kids includes music, lights and bumper lanes. 6894631, Clayton Valley Bowl, 5300 Clayton Road, Concord.

JUNE 20 Great American Bake Sale @ St. Bonaventure Church 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The Great American Bake Sale is a groundbreaking program to end child hunger in America. Buy a treat for a special dad this Father's Day. Delicious homemade cakes, cookies, breads, and pies will be sold. All proceeds will be donated to Share Our Strength and will be used to fight childhood hunger in the United States. To donate baked goods call Linda Minorsky, 672-4475 or Andrea Raymond, at 673-3067. To make a cash donation, www.greatamericanbakesale.org, bake sale #10130. St. Bonaventure Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord.

JUNE 22 12 - 1 p.m. Torch Run for Special Olympics, Downtown Clayton The torch will come over Kirker Pass at 12 p.m. Sgt. Jason Russo, and interns Kimberly Nelson and Andrew Sammut will bring the torch up Clayton Road to Main Street, Clayton. The torch’s destination is Stockton, CA, where the Special Olympics Games will be held in on Friday, June 25, 2004. Call Susan Hulse, Regional Director, Special Olympics for information 673-7350.

JUNE 22 - JULY 29 Patty Cakes @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Story time for birth to 3 years. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.

JULY 2-30 Friday Night Family Movies, Clayton Community Church 7:30 Barbeque. Movie at dusk.. Outdoor movies and social in the parking lot next to the Clayton Community Church offices. First movie will be Freaky Friday with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. You can check out the movie at www.screenit.com. For more information call Brad Carter, 673-2159. 6055 Main Street, Clayton.

July 4 Clayton 4th of July Celebration Downtown Clayton 7 a.m.-10 a.m. The Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary pancake breakfast at Endeavor Hall followed by the Parade down Main Street.

AUG 28 Rocky Run 2004 - Annual Motorcycle Poker Run, sponsored by the East Bay Chapter of the Iron Warriors Motorcycle Club Public safety organization of law enforcement officers and firefighters. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at McGuire Harley Davidson, 1425 Parkside Drive, Walnut Creek.

Cost $15. Final destination is The Clayton Club Saloon in Clayton. Raffle, vendors, music, food. Fundraiser benefits The Wheelchair Foundation, National Community Empowerment Programs and Concerns of Police Survivors. All bikes welcome! Public welcome at The Clayton Club.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS JUNE 24, JULY 1, 8, 15 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting 10 a.m., 5 & 6:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. Prospective members welcome.

800/326-8450 x2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord.

JUNE 24, JULY 1, 8, 15 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.

JULY 1 Sons in Retirement Monthly Meeting @ Oakhurst 12 noon. Sons in retirement John Muir Branch 19 hold its monthly meeting on 1st Thursday of month. 672-6418, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT JUNE 22, 29, JULY 6, 13, 20 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ Clayton Library 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 22, JULY 13, 27 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 23 Notice of Public Hearing, @ Diamond Terrace Senior Complex Dining Hall 3:30. Public hearing scheduled to receive comments on a proposed minor service adjustment to the Route 110 bus. The proposed change would eliminate the Main Street portion of the route and add Center Street in order to service Diamond Terrace. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton.

JUNE 24 Clayton Business & Community Association Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting on last non-holiday Thursday of month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon.

Ed Hartley, 672-2272. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

JULY 6, 20 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.

JULY 8 Clayton Community Services Commission Meeting @ City Hall 7 p.m. City of Clayton Community Services Commission meets 2nd Thursday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 HeritageTrail, Clayton.

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION JUNE 18 Mt. Diablo Elementary School closes for the summer June 18 and reopens August 18 Parent Packets will be mailed out at the beginning of August. Packets will include important forms and information to bring August 31, Prep Day, at your assigned time, to receive your child's class placement.

Check the school web site periodically for new information. http://www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/mountdiabloelementary JULY Clayton Valley High School Marching Band and Color Guard Training Pre-season training will begin late July. Currently looking for CVHS musicians, gymnasts, tumblers, and twirlers for the upcoming season. Color guard/drill team members needed too. For more information, email ClaytonBands@aol.com by July 1.

The Community Calendar is sponsored by T HE VAN F LEET-B RONSON T EAM Personal Service Makes The Difference 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Suite D, Clayton 94517; Phone (925) 672-4333

www.CallTheVanFleetTeam We are proud to support the Children's Miracle Network, an alliance of premier hospitals in North America.

The Children's Miracle Network treats over 17 million children each year for cancer, pediatric AIDS, muscular dystrophy, heart disease, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, asthma and accident trauma.

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

Page 10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

Can the seller back out of a purchase contract?

Purchase contracts often seem to be biased in favor of sellers, at least in regards to the deposit. Buyers make a good faith deposit (which can be as much as 1 to 3 percent of the purchase price) when they enter into a contract to buy a house. If they back out of the contract after removing all contingencies, their deposit could be forfeited to the sellers.

Sellers usually don't have

deposit money of their own at risk. What is at risk? Clear title to their house if they back out for a reason not allowed in the contract. And buyers might have other legal remedies against sellers who default.

Buyers and sellers are legally bound by the purchase contract. Both parties will make plans and commitments based on the purchase agreement. If either party backs out,

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FR EST EE IMAT

the other party could be damaged.

Sellers may have legitimate reasons for backing out of a contract if they included contingencies for their own benefit. An example of a seller contingency is one that makes the sale conditional on the sellers' ability to find a replacement home. Buyers should think twice before agreeing to such a condition, however. If the sellers never find a replacement home, they won't have to go through with the sale.

Other contingencies may give the sellers a way out of the contract. For example, if the sellers are carrying financing for the buyers, there is usually a contingency for the sellers to approve the buyers' financial statement and credit report.

Approval can't be unreasonably withheld, but if the buyers truly are not creditworthy, the sellers have a legitimate reason for backing out.

ES

If you are planning to or have recently bought, sold or refinanced a primary residence or second home, get familiar with home ownership tax deductions and take full advantage of them.

Residential & Commercial No job too small

Tim Whitehouse Office: 925-429-2123 Cell: 925-787-9583 Lic # 827291

INITIAL MORTGAGE COSTS Points, the upfront fees a lender charges, are tax deductible as an itemized deduction for the initial mortgage. If you paid 1 point on a $300,000 mortgage, you can

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REAL ESTATE

The buyers' inspection contingency can provide a way for sellers to back out.

Let's say the buyers won't remove their inspection contingency unless the sellers credit money for repairs, and the sellers refuse. This can be grounds for canceling the contract.

Buyers often fear that the sellers will back out to take a

take an itemized deduction for $3,000 from your taxable income for the year along with any other mortgage interest.

Even if the seller paid the points, they're still yours to deduct as long as the points are not included in the home's basis.

However, if you financed the points, you can't deduct them all at once. Instead, you will need to amortize them over the life of the loan. (That $3,000 in points becomes a $100 deduction for each of the 30 years of the loan).

REFINANCING If you refinanced your loan and paid points, you can't deduct them all at once but can amortize the amount over the life of the loan. If you have refinanced more than once, you can deduct the balance of

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For any real estate needs or questions contact her at: Phone (925) 932-7338 or E-mail: lynne@lynnefrench.com

given year. If you include taxes in your monthly payment to your lender, you can only deduct them if the lender sent in your property tax payment before December 31.

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your contract and advise you on a course of action. You may want to consider a suit for specific performance. If you were to win, the court would force the sellers to abide by the contract and complete the sale.

You might also be able to sue for damages. Or, rather than hassle with a lawsuit, you might consider a small claims action to recoup any expenses you incurred trying to buy the house.

Your best line of defense against a defaulting seller is to buy a house from a seller who's truly motivated to sell - one who would have no interest in backing out of a legally binding contract.

Tax perks for home owners

Pacific Coast Electric From ceiling fans to additions and everything in between

better offer from another buyer. As long as you have a fully ratified contract, and as long as you abide by the terms of the contract, the sellers probably can't cancel the contract without your approval.

Sellers who back out of a contract because they are unable to satisfy a contingency are usually within their rights to do so without penalty, just like a buyer who tries to get a loan but can't. If sellers back out after all their contingencies are removed and refuse to go through with the sale, the buyers have several options.

One alternative would be to simply cancel (or rescind) the contract without penalizing the sellers, with a condition that your deposit be returned to you. Then go find another house to buy.

Other options usually require the help of a knowledgeable real estate attorney.

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MORTGAGE INTEREST Mortgage interest is also deductible for your first and second homes, if the combined balance is $1 million or less.

Interest on home equity loans and lines of credit are deductible up to $100,0000 or the equity in the house, whichever amount is smaller.

SECOND HOME If you rented your second home 14 days or fewer last year, regardless how much rent you received, that rent is taxfree and need not be reported.

The rental expenses cannot be deducted, however, you can still deduct mortgage interest, property taxes and any uninsured casualty loss (such as rain or snow damage). If you rent the home over 14 days the rental income must be reported.

CAPITAL GAINS Assuming it's your primary residence for at least two years (which do not have to be consecutive), married couples who both live in the house for two of the prior five years don't pay taxes on gains of $500,000 or less, while single homeowners can exclude gains of $250,000 or less.

SEEK HELP Just in case the IRS audits you, it's best to keep residence tax records for seven years after selling your property.

Seek the help of a qualified financial advisor who can help you create or update a comprehensive financial plan and integrate your home ownership and the tax implications in those plans.

Mureleen Benton is a certified financial planner. Call her with questions or comments at 685-4523.

This information is provided for informational purposes only.

The information is intended to be generic in nature and should not be applied or relied upon in any particular situation without the advice of your tax, legal and/or your financial advisor. The views expressed may not be suitable for every situation.

June 18, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Let the chips fall where they may Along with hot dogs and hamburgers, potato chips rank among the all-time summertime picnic foods. But did you know that the potato chip was first introduced to the American table 150 years ago? And that it actually has nutritional value? And it can even be made into a cookie?!

No? Well, read on.

Part of the story of the potato chip is probably true, and the rest is the stuff of legends. Historical sources seem to agree in tracing the chip back to a disgruntled diner and an inspired cook in Saratoga, N.Y., in the mid-19th century. Cornelius Vanderbilt, an extremely wealthy railroad magnate, returned his fried potatoes to the kitchen with the complaint that they were too thick. George Crum, a sometime cook, wilderness guide and jack-of-all-trades, took offense, so he sliced some potatoes paper thin, fried them to a crisp and salted them. The "Saratoga chip" was born.

It took nearly 70 years for the potato chip to migrate out of Northeast restaurants and into the homes of Americans around the country. In the mid-1920s, Mrs. Scudder invented a wax paper bag to package small servings of her factory-produced potato chips. Traveling salesman Herman Lay sold potato chips from the trunk of his car to grocers in the South. Herman parlayed his chips into national status and sold his company to snack producer Frito (hence Frito-Lay) in 1961.

"Betcha can't eat just one" still rings in the ears of potato chip lovers from the 1960s and 1970s. They are addictive. But

Ever notice what’s in the bottom of a bag of chips? Crumbs, of course. Did you know you could fashion some quite tasty dishes from those remnants?

LINDA WYNER

FOOD

FOR

THOUGHT

Colonists in early America snubbed potatoes and used them as fodder for pigs. They believed them to be an aphrodisiac, which led to behavior they thought was life-shortening.

A favorite factory tour of mine is the Cape Cod Potato Chip company in Hyannis, Mass.

Founded nearly 20 years ago, the company (now a division of Lance snack foods) produces chips in a multitude of flavors, from jalapeño-cheddar to Nantucket Spice and Firecracker Barbecue. They have reduced fat and no-salt chips, as well as chips from russets and Yukon Gold potatoes. Each has a different flavor and texture.

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission touts the nutritional value of potato chips: 150 calories per 1 oz. serving, 2½ tsp fat ("far less" than in oil-popped popcorn), one-tenth of a teaspoon of salt (they just taste saltier because it's on the outside of the chip - but the salt in one serving is about the same as in two slices of bread), Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and twice the potassium in a glass of orange juice.

Crunchy Baked Chicken 1½ lbs. boneless chicken tenders ½ c Italian dressing ½ c grated Parmesan cheese 2 c potato chips, crushed Marinate tenders in dressing for 10 minutes. Crush chips (or use crumbs). Add cheese to chips. Roll chicken in crumb mixture and broil about 5 minutes per side until chicken is done.

Note: 1 c of whole chips is about 2 oz. When crushed, they yield about ¾ c.

Potato Chip Cookies 1 c butter 1 c sifted powdered sugar (+ ½ c reserved) 1 egg yolk 1 tsp vanilla 1½ c unbleached flour ¾ c crushed potato chips ½ c pecans, finely chopped Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat softened butter and powdered sugar with electric mixer for 3 minutes. Add egg yolk and vanilla, mix well. Carefully add flour in small portions and mix well.

Using a wooden or other stiff spoon, stir in potato chips and nuts.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack and dust with reserved powdered sugar.

Makes 3 dozen.

My guess is that the new-fan-

BURKIN ELECTRIC

gled potato chips Mr. Crum served up in the 1850s weren't popular with everyone, so he probably had to figure out something to do with all the leftovers and the "crums." The following recipe might have been a good solution, so I'll call it:

Residential & Commercial

“Let Us Light Up Your Life”

Mr. Crum's Tuna Salad 1 c mayonnaise 2 Tbsp cider vinegar 1 - 6 oz can tuna, drained 2 c cabbage, shredded 1 carrot, shredded ¼ c onion, minced ¼ green pepper, diced (optional) 2 c potato chip crumbs Combine mayonnaise and vinegar and stir in remaining ingredients (except chips). Chill to let flavors blend. Carefully toss in chips just before serving.

James J. Burkin, Owner Phone: (925) 672-1519 Pager: (925) 340-9797 STATE CONTRACTORS LICENSE #631523

Smith Trim Crown/Baseboard Doors/Windows Wainscoting Decks/Cupolas Interior & Exterior Trim Custom trim

If you want to make your own low-fat potato chips, peel a finegrained potato (like a white rose) and slice it very thin. Cover a cookie sheet or broiler pan with foil. Spray the foil with vegetable oil spray and then spread out the chips. Spray the potatoes next and sprinkle with salt (use Cajun spice or chili powder to add flavor). Bake 20 minutes at 350°F, turn the chips, salt or season the new side, and bake for another 10 minutes. (This works equally well on sweet potatoes, too!).

Don Smith Phone: 925-673-3900 Cell: 510-710-5747 www.smithtrim.com License No. 820457

Remodeling or buying new?

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

We can make your home look beautiful Abbey Carpets/Contra Costa Floors Use our Abbey Credit Plan

Get packing: Tips for a smooth move On the unofficial list of life's most stressful events, moving is bound to be in the Top Ten. Apart from finding a new residence, having the utilities turned on and learning your way around a new neighborhood, just the thought of facing all of the "stuff" you've accumulated over the years might send you into a tailspin.

There is no room for cutting corners when packing, as anyone who has ended up with a boxful of broken dishes or a punctured lampshade can attest. Follow these tips on packing properly to keep your move stress-free.

Assess Your Mess - Take an inventory of your belongings.

Make a list of the items that you will need immediately and those that can stay packed for a while.

Also take the time to discard items you don’t need anymore.

Pack the items you won't need readily first and put them aside.

Research, Research, Research - It's amazing how many people will spend hours scouring the Internet or local sales flyers for a new DVD system or computer package.

However, they will take five minutes looking for a moving company. Investigate and receive quotes from a few different companies.

When possible, get recommendations from friends and family.

This company will be responsible for your most valuable possessions - don't just go with the lowest price or fancy advertising. If cost is an issue and you want to move yourself, examine the fine print. Professional moving trucks can transport a larger amount of your belongings more efficiently.

While you may think you're saving money by moving yourself, extra trips, breakages and injury from heavy lifting could actually cost you more in the long run.

It's All in the Packaging - Be sure to purchase the proper containers instead of raiding the local supermarket dumpster for boxes.

Many boxes are not strong enough for household items and can have holes in the bottoms or lids.

Line your boxes with packing

paper or bubble wrap to doubly insure that prized possessions will not end up broken. Never pack a lampshade with any other item because you're just asking for puncture trouble. Also, don't over-pack boxes to save on the number needed for the move. The bottom of heavy boxes might drop out when lifted.

Possible Roadblocks - Some things to watch out for: Don't ship aerosols or household chemicals in a moving truck, especial-

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ly during warm months.

Excessive heat could cause combustibles to explode. Also, keep an eye out for pets. Feisty felines love to explore empty boxes and inadvertently end up packed away ... yes, it's happened!

Look to the Future - While packing and moving can be a bit hectic at times, just think of the possibilities that lie ahead in your new home. Concentrating on the future can keep you focused and a little less stressed.

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Page 12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

To permit or not to permit?

A common question asked by the consumer when we quote an installation of a heating and/or air conditioning system is should we get a permit.

Our answer is always yes, and here are some reasons why.

A contractor is required to have a business license in every city that he performs work in.

In order to have a business license, he is required to have a contractor's license with the State of California and be Home Improvement Certified by the State. The contractor is required to be bonded, have liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance if he or she has employees. If the contractor does not meet all of these requirements, he may not have a business license. If he does not have a business license, he cannot take out a permit. If he cannot take out a

SHERI DICKSON

HOME WORK

permit, you are not protected against home improvements being up to code when they are performed in your home.

For instance, you have a contractor come into your home to perform work; you do not have the contractor pull a permit. If the contractor excludes a

permit on the proposal, then it is up to you whether you choose to take out the permit, and you are responsible if the work is not up to code. On the other hand, you shift the responsibility onto to the contractor if you have him pull the permit. The contractor pulls the permit and arranges the work to be inspected with the local authority from which he obtained the permit. If the work does not pass inspection, the contractor has to make it right.

If you sell your home, it will be of great value to have had your home improvements permitted and signed off for approval. If you go to sell your home and have not had home improvements permitted, there could be repercussions in the selling process.

The added expense for having a permit is ALWAYS in

your best interest and is minimal versus what it could cost you in the future if a permit was not taken. Please note that the homeowner may incur other costs once your home is inspected to bring pre-existing conditions up to code, e.g. smoke alarms.

Why risk it? If ever in doubt, call your local city or county building department to find out what their requirements are and what the ramifications would be if a permit were not taken out. ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT. Like the old adage says, "It is better to be safe than sorry!"

June 18, 2004

PATTY FLANNERY Clayton Resident Since 1979

Realtor Associate International President s Circle

Voice Mail: 925-210-7480 Residence: 925-672-0541 Notary Public

Be with the best!

California, Contra Costa County

by appointment only

granyflany@hotmail.com

If you have a question or have a topic you would like to see discussed, you may write to me at: sheridickson@protechheating.com

Advertorial

Central Self Storage says it’s “time” Commuters who drive to and from work on Ygnacio Valley Road at the Alberta Way intersection in Concord can't help but know that they are early or late thanks to a huge decorative clock that sits high on the back of the new beige two-story building.

What commuters may not know is that the building is the site of the new Central Self Storage project which includes close to 900 units ranging in size from 25 square feet to over 350 square feet.

"Customer satisfaction is the key in our business," say Jim

Police Blotter WEEK ENDING JUNE 10. The dates and times shown indicate when the incident was reported to the Police Department.

ACCIDENTS 6/4, 12:25 p.m. Mt. Alpine Place. Hit and run, property damage.

6/7, 9:54 p.m. Clayton Road and Center Street. Traffic accident, no injuries.

6/8, 1:45 p.m. Clayton Road and El Camino. Traffic accident, no injuries.

ARRESTS 6/5. 12:28 a.m. Clayton Road/Kirker Pass Road Possess. A Pleasant Hill mal, 49, was stopped for expired registration. He was issued a citation for possession of an illegal drug pipe, displaying false registration tabs and no proof of insurance. He was released on his signed promise to appear.

6/5, 2:47 a.m. Clayton Road and Kirker Pass Road. An Antioch female, 42, was stopped for speeding. After failing a field sobriety test she was arrested for driving under the influence. She was transported to Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

and Gloria Gratton, on-site project managers.

The facility is open seven days a week and offers units for every business or personal need with high ceilings, special lofts, easy access from your car or truck, two story units with elevators and equipment to help make your move in and out easy and convenient. Other features include individualized door alarms, electronic gate controls, video surveillance, security lighting and heavy-duty fencing.

Central Self Storage also sells a variety of boxes and 6/5, 9:31 p.m. Concord Blvd. and Kirker Pass Road. A Concord male, 24, was stopped for no taillights and found to have two outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to Concord Police Department for booking.

6/9. 7:02. Marsh Creek Road. A Stockton male, 30, was stopped for driving a vehicle with an extremely loud muffler. He was arrested for driving with a suspended license and failing to present satisfactory identification. He was released with his signed promise to appear.

6/10, Midnight. Peacock Creek Drive and Clayton Road A Clayton male, 45, was stopped for speeding.

He was found to be driving with an expired driver’s license and in possession of syringes. He was cited and released due to a medical condition.

BURGLARIES 6/4. 7”42 a.m. Kenston Court .

Burglary Vehicle.

6/8, 8:11 a.m. Hamburg Circle.

Burglary Residential.

6/6, 9:07. Mt. Palomar Place.

Vehicle Theft.

6/9, 1:43 a.m. Semillon Circle.

Petty Theft.

6/9, 11:29 a.m. Marsh Creek Road. Petty Theft.

moving supplies and offers the use of a rental truck free to all first-time customers.

Jim and Gloria are excited about the community response to Concord's newest state-ofthe-art self-storage facility.

“We have every kind of vendor and contractor at Central Self Storage from small business entrepreneurs to collectors and residents waiting to move into their new home," says Gloria.

Several community groups have also rented space at the Concord facility such as the Girl Scouts and soccer organizations.

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Ask about our Manager s Special (925) 685-2222

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Celebrating our 9th year of service

4901 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord Major credit cards accepted

Celebrating 25 years in business family owned and operated

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June 18, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

June is a great month for container gardens June is a great month to accessorize your yard with some creative and dramatic container gardens. Planting in a container gives the gardener a chance to try more exotic selections. They have an opportunity to control the soil mixture and the freedom to place the vessel in the appropriate exposure. Such flexibility in environment lets any gardener be creative.

The container choice may

shaped flowers with deep crimson throats are shaped like mini hydrangeas. This constant supports the alstermaria during times of no bloom. Most of the gaillardia family blooms from April to November, and some bloom all year long.

With all the hot colors that our container garden perennials represent, Black Spade Ipomea offers a nice contrast. This plant is an annual with foliage of large

5 is designed to promote growth and flowers on annual and perennial flowers. The numbers are so different because of the form that the fertilizer comes in.

Firecracker fuchsia is an excellent selection for the morning sun container planting, showing off clusters of trumpetshaped single flowers of rich salmon pink with an orange salmon throat. This plant is stunning by itself, but extraordinary when accented by the dense, dark green foliage of the Heliotrope called Atlantis.

Clusters of fragrant, rich purple blooms are constant, and like the fuschia, this plant keeps its foliage when the winters stay mild. Glecoma is a deciduous perennial with scallop-shaped variegated foliage of gray-green with irregular white margins.

This plant should be planted against the rim of the container for the classic cascade. Look close in mid-summer for the soft, periwinkle blooms of the gelcoma; they are sudden and surprising.

This is the year for Angelina.

There are many color combinations of the flower-producing perennial.

This plant is designed to bloom. Purple stripe is a lovely choice with its mostly white orchid-shaped flower, which has been kissed with a dark purple. The white stands out in the evening garden, so plant where you entertain. Most plants reach anywhere from 18 to 30 inches tall and wide. The weight of the flower-lined stems makes this centerpiece bow with personality.

THE DAHLIA is a perfect choice for containers vary from terracotta to high gloss to a glazed ceramic.

Cement is always a good choice.

Either way, make sure your container has proper drainage.

Every year, customers drown container plants. They get so excited to create that they neglect to check for drainage. It is also a great idea to fill 3 to 6 inches of the bottom of the container with gravel or large bark.

This is especially successful in large containers, plus it saves money. High quality potting soil is an investment in the success of the container combination.

When looking for a mix, consider this your chance to grow in real soil. Your will not need a pickaxe or ogre to dig a hole. You can use a garden spade or your hands to get the work done. Potting soil does not contain any clay or rock. It is the closest thing to your plant roots, so the blend of ingredients is important. All potting soil should be ready to use. Key ingredients to look for at the nursery are peat moss, worm castings, chicken manure, bat guano, kelp meal and, most importantly, mycorrhizal fungi.

The mycorrhizal fungi can also be found in certain organic fertilizers and added to existing containers at any time. Pay attention to what your potting soil has to offer your container plants. Your plants will like you more if you take better care of them.

Choosing the plants for your container is the fun part. The four inch golden apricot to the soft yellow blend of the dahlia they call French Doll is inspiring. Alstermaria Isabella is a new selection in the dwarf-type family Princess. This selection reaches only 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide and has deep salmon flowers with a yellow throat painted with deep mahogany flecks. This bloom is art. The two together are harmony.

Gaillardia Torch Flame is another new introduction to an awesome perennial family.

Small golden yellow starburst-

black spades adding drama to any planting. The contrast of the light and dark will look like a gardening magazine photograph. This combination is for full or afternoon sun exposure.

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perennial choices in your container gardens can one day be incorporated into your flowerbeds whenever you see fit. Have fun.

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The foliage of Wilhelm Langguth, an exotic geranium, accents the Angelina. This rounded, green foliage edged in white may reach 12 inches tall and wide. This evergreen makes a great medium for our next fullsun container garden. Primary red traditional geranium blooms last all summer when fertilized and watered regularly.

Remember to also remove the faded blooms. Million Bells Trailing Blue has a profusion of cascading violet blue flowers growing all season long. The yellow centers of this long bloomer scream out. Adding one more touch of yellow will make this combination pop off the deck.

Bidens Gold Marie is a horizontal growing perennial. This plant rambles through the other perennials, hiding the tiny green leaves and showing off its daisylike golden flowers all season long. Plant this perennial in the middle of the planter.

Planting a container for cut flowers, or for butterflies, may be the theme needed to get your creative juices flowing. Be open-minded with container gardening. Since we control our soil and our exposure, it’s usually pretty successful, and all your

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Page 14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

Clayton Sports Clayton Valley youth baseball teams shine in Memorial Day championship tournament JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

The Clayton Valley Jr. Eagles baseball team competed on Memorial Day weekend. The under-12 team played at the Super Series State Championship tournament in Modesto and came home as State Champions!

May 15-16, the Under-12 Jr. Eagles won the Twin Creeks USSSA tournament by going 6-0 playing against six different teams on the way

to that championship, their first in 2004, ensuring them a berth in the Super Series World Series, which will be played in Tennessee in July.

They also played in another tournament in North Lake Tahoe on June 5-6, where they took second place in the USSSA Summer Kick-Off Tournament in Kings Beach.

The Clayton Valley Pioneers baseball team for 14-year-olds went 5-2, losing in the championship game to High Desert of Yuma Az., 12-

8. The Pioneers played great baseball throughout the Memorial Day tournament at the Big League Dreams Park, with an overall team batting average of .498. Leading the hitters was Alen Stiles with a .762 average. The Pioneers were also anchored by outstanding pitching performances including Chris Brophy's brilliant win over Scottsdale, 14-0, where he threw a four-hit shutout while striking out four; Dom Bruno's 9-1 victory over Lake

Forest, a three-hit, five strikeout performance; and Chris Timmer's four-hit gem against the Kingman Az., team where he struck out eight. The Pioneers' pitching staff had a collective team ERA of just 2.28 over seven games during the tournament.

The CV Pioneers play in the Pony Baseball League and play regular games at Tessoro Sports Complex.

The Pioneers will be hosting the 3rd annual Firecracker Classic on July 2-4.

Local golfers get into the swing at CBCAs 18th annual fundraiser

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

CLAYTON CLASSIC LOW GROSS Foursome, from left Ken Clarke, Mike Soon, Dave Ware and Scott Singly

Clayton business and Community Association's Clayton Classic Golf Tournament, sponsored by Pleasant Hill Bayshore Disposal, drew 131 golfers to the 18th annual tournament. The CBCA event is the longest running tournament at Oakhurst Country Club.

This is a major fundraiser for the organization, which plows profits back into the

community in the form of scholarships, and contributions to schools, non-profit and civic groups.

Low gross winner this year was the foursome of CBCA member Ken Clarke and his three guests, Mike Soon, Dave Ware and Scott Singly. Their names will be engraved on the perpetual trophy on display at the Oakhurst Country Club.

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THE HAPPY 2004 SUPER SERIES STATE CHAMPIONS with their Trophy after the games. From left to right: Mike Jayko, Kristen Ipsen, Josh Falifine, Josh Miller (hands on trophy), Sean Layton, Johnny Bekakis (immediately behind trophy), Kevin Adams (below trophy with bat), Cody Stephens, Blake Hanestad, Dane Runquist and Bobby Morales.

Sports Shorts CONCORD CLAYTON YMCA YOUTH SUPER SPORTS SUMMER LEAGUES. Leagues will have an 8-week season with games played on Saturdays: Basketball (age 3 yrs- grade 8 season begins June 26; Baseball (age 3 yrsgrade 8) season begins July 6; Roller Hockey (grades 4-8)) season begins July 11.

CLAYTON'S OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB WILL HOLD SEVERAL JUNIOR GOLF CAMPS THIS SUMMER Junior golfers ages 7 and up can join the professional staff at Oakhurst for four days of fun and specialized instruction at a Junior Golf Camp in Clayton from 8 to 10 a.m. each day. The young golfers will learn about the rules of golf as well as golf etiquette, grip, alignment, posture, basic swing mechanics and stance. There will be instruction and practice each day

DAVE GRAY GRAY ON GOLF Hello, again. I'm glad to be back writing golf tips for the Clayton Pioneer and, hopefully,

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Gauging the fade

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helping you to understand the mechanics of your game a little better.

The first tip I have for you is this: Quit the game. Take up hunting. How about elephant hunting? Well, the decoys could be a bit heavy…. Ok, enough.

Let's talk about gauging the fade.

A big problem involving the intentional fade is controlling its size. Learning to vary at will the amount of left to right flight comes mainly through practice and experience. But, here are some basic swing mechanics.

For the slight fade, I open the clubface at address. For a side curving fade, I open the clubface at address, then, with a slightly open stance, move both hands slightly left when griping the club. In the take away, move the club back to the outside instead of bringing it straight back. This almost produces a slice.

Being able to work your ball flight intentionally can add a greater dimension to your game and increase your score.

Practice these moves on the driving range. Then, with confidence, bring them to the first tee.

Dave Gray is a teaching professional at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. E-mail your questions or comments to him at sports@claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 15

Clayton Sports the coaches approved the selection.

Earlier in May at the BVAL League Meet, swimming in the junior varsity events, the 15year-old sophomore won the 100-meter backstroke, finished second in the 100-meter Individual Medley and was a member of the 100-meter Medley Relay team that took first place after Kelsey gave them a lead with a strong opening backstroke leg.

"Winning the MVP is not just about fast times but more about being a leader and role model for your team. It's truly a reflection of Kelsey's standing with her teammates and coaches, as well as her success in the pool," said

PIONEER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Kelsey Brassil The Pioneer Spotlight is reflecting in the water this month as Kelsey Brassil has been selected as June's Pioneer Athlete of the Month.

At the Carondelet High School's Spring Sports Award

Night in May, Kelsey, a Clayton resident, received the MVP award for Carondelet's Junior Varsity Swim Team. The JV team won the BVAL League Meet this year. Kelsey's teammates voted for her as MVP, and

Carondelet Assistant Coach Paul Adler (a former Dana Hills Swim Team Head Coach).

Competition has been a part of Kelsey's life since she joined the Dana Hills Swim Team at the age of three and a half. Since then she has competed in CYO basketball, earned her junior black belt in martial arts and helped her Class I soccer team to the State Cup semi-final rounds in two out of three years. She now also swims on the Carondelet water polo team. But every summer she comes back to swim for the Dana Hills Swim Team, which she feels helped prepare her for her success in the pool this past year.

Congratulations, Kelsey, on a great swim season!

Favorite Sport: swimming Favorite Athlete: Karl Malone Favorite Team: The A’s and ‘49ers Favorite Musician: Usher Favorite Subject: Art Favorite Pass Time: Playing basketball with my brother The Clayton Pioneer spotlights a local youth athlete from our circulation area in the second issue each month and Rocco’s congratulates the athlete with a free pizza.

If you are a coach or an administrator and would like to nominate a young person (under 20 years of age) for the Rocco's Athlete Spotlight, please send information to sports@claytonpioneer.com or fax to 672-6580. Deadline for our July 16 issue is Thursday, July 1.

Clayton swim teams get ready to compete JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

Clayton fortunately has two local summer recreational swim teams to choose from and both offer Clayton Valley youth and their parents a lot of good choices for a fun-filled summer.

The Dana Hills Swim Team (DHST), started in 1977, is now in its 28th season. The team swims at the Dana Hills Cabana Club Pool in the Dana Hills subdivision at the base of Mt. Diablo. The DHST "Otters" are a recreational and competitive team, offering a full swim program to attract beginning swimmers, as well as returning swimmers and those seeking a more competitive environment.The emphasis, though, is to provide swimmers of all levels with the opportunity to learn good swim stroke technique while building self-esteem, camaraderie, good sportsmanship and team spirit and to provide a fun, social atmosphere where children and their families can build a sense of community. Three of the moms, Sharon McNulty, Carolyn Miller and Marcie Fitzsimmons act as the team's social directors and this year they plan a full season of fun activities for all of the swimmers and for the parents.

The 2004 team has approximately 230 swimmers spread fairly evenly across the six age groups, covering ages six and under through 18. The "Otter Pups" program is designed for swimmers ages four to six who have never before swam competitively. The coaches work closely with the young swimmers and the goal is for each

youngster to swim in a meet before the season is over.

DHST swims in the competitive Contra Costa Swim League (CCSL) and also participates in several invitational meets each season. In DHST's own Devil Mountain Pentathlon, every swimmer swims all five swim stroke events. The team has won the Concord Cup City Meet 11 of the past 12 years.

The Head Coach of the DHST is Karen Goodshaw who is entering her third year with the Otters. Karen coached nine years with the Pleasant Hill Dolphins and two years at Forrest Hills swim team before joining Dana Hills. She is also a teacher in the Antioch Unified School District and the proud mother of two DHST "Otters".

Assistant coaches include Josh Scott, Melanie Watkins, and Adam Wismer, who all also have previous coaching experience and Sarah Boessenecker and Ashley Farizell who were Junior Coaches at DHST last year.

When we talked to Karen Goodshaw about the team and her expectations for the season she said that she has a "really strong coaching staff this year" and that she and her staff "are really committed to help the swimmers improve." She mentioned the team's "buddy program where younger swimmers are matched up with an older, more experienced swimmer which helps bring the team together giving the younger swimmers a role model to look up to and at the same time giving the older swimmers the responsibility that the role model position brings with it."

Goodshaw's philosophy as a swim team coach is summarized in her "two rules: First, always try your best and second, have fun!"

According to Goodshaw, "the entire team should be pretty competitive this year" in the league and at City and County, noting that they were fortunate to have so many returning swimmers." Goodshaw feels that the team's age 15-18 swimmers, both girls and boys, have a really good chance of doing well this year.

Across the valley and up on the opposite hill across Clayton Road, is the other local recreational swim team, the Oakhurst Country Club Swim Team (OCCST). This year is the fifth season for the team.

The goal of OCCST is also to provide a comprehensive competitive swim team program.

Head Coach Kasey Harris and two assistant coaches, Tori Ungari and Emily Robinson, coach the team. This is Harris's second year coaching the OCCST "Orcas." She coached previously at LMYA for three years and one year at Springwood prior to joining OCCST. She has also swum competitively at the national level.

There are about 120 total swimmers on the Oakhurst Swim Team. According to Harris, about 40 are brand new swimmers. She expects that about 90 of the swimmers will swim competitively this year."

OCCST attempts to create an environment that emphasizes fun, fundamentals, and physical fitness. The coaching staff encourages the swimmers to do their best in sportsmanship,

attendance, dedication, positive attitude, and team spirit.

Harris focuses on stroke technique and, she said, "helping new swimmers learn how to get across the pool without using too much energy," OCCST is not officially part of any particular swim league, but this year will swim competitively with area teams. The Orcas will also swim at the Devil Mountain Pentathlon at Dana Hills the weekend of July 10 and 11, and will swim at Concord Cup City Meet, Aug. 6 - 8 at the newly remodeled Cowell Pool. Individual qualifying swimmers also swim at County Meet on August 14-15 at Acalanes High School.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

Thirsty dogs hope for water at the Dog Park

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

MAGGIE, EARL AND CHIP hope you’ll help bring a permanent source of water to the Clayton Dog Park.

Two cats are twice the fun June is National Cat Adoption Month. If you already have a cat or if you are adopting for the first

BRENDA BARNETTE PICASSO

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time--two cats are twice the fun!

Cats of opposite sexes usually get along better.

Here are some tips for introducing a new cat to a resident cat.

Set the new cat up in a “safe room” she can call her own for a week or so. Get new food and water bowls, a litter box, scratching post/pad and bedding. Visit her frequently offering toys and lots of hands-on loving.

Feed your resident cat and the newcomer on opposite sides of the door of the “safe room” so they can smell each other and associate the new cat smell with an enjoyable experience.

Gradually move the food dishes closer to the door until they are eating calmly directly opposite each other.

Familiarize them with each others’ scents by swapping their bedding. You can also rub a small towel on each cat and place the towel from one cat under the food dish of the other cat.

Once your new cat is settled in and eating regularly in the confined room, let the new cat have some free time in the house while you confine the resident cat in the “safe room.” This is another way the cats can experience each other’s scents without meeting face-to-face. It also helps the new cat get comfortable with her new surroundings without the resident cat acting as an audience.

When the cats seem to be

relaxed, prop the door open slightly so they can safely see each other for the first time.

Place treats on each side of the door and connect two toys with several inches of string slipped under the door so they can try playing with each other.

When the cats seem to be calm in each other’s presence, it’s time to open the “safe room” door and let her out for a few minutes. The length of time should be increased gradually.

Always allow the new cat an escape path back to her “safe room” if needed.

If you are adopting two cats who have not been roommates before, use the same steps for an introduction. This process may take a few weeks or a few months depending on the personalities and territorial needs of each cat.

If from time to time your cats become hostile or fearful, return the newcomer to the “safe room,” close the door and let them calm down.

The time you invest slowly introducing your cats to each other will be rewarded with years of harmony and loving companionship.

Brenda F. Barnette is the CEO of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation.

She can be reached at bbarnette@arf.net.

The Clayton K9 Coalition would like to see that thirsty dogs at Clayton’s dog park get a cool drink of water sooner rather than later. The nonprofit group is spearheading a fundraising campaign to install a faucet at the park to provide a permanent source of water for dogs and their owners. In order to get the job done quickly, the group is looking at a simple faucet design with an automatic shut off valve. The project also includes running a water line from the existing meter positioned about 300 feet from the park. Total cost of the project is approximately $6500. The cost could be considerably lower, if the coalition can find

someone to donate the labor, according to coalition member Mary Buscaglia. “We think the park will get more use if there is water for the dogs,” says Buscaglia. Other members of the coalition including veterinarian Micki McCabe Walls plan to distribute information about the park and the fundraising campaign at the July 4th celebration in downtown Clayton.

The park, located off Marsh Creek Road and across from Diablo View Middle School opened in 2000. After surveys and citizen requests for an area in Clayton where dogs could run off leash, the city donated land, fencing and benches. Three years

later, the Clayton K9 Coaliton raised funds for a water service meter which was installed by the Contra Costa Water district.

Coalition member Linda Pinder is hoping that once the faucet is installed and residents start to use the park, there will be more help maintaining the park, watering current trees and bushes and possibly planting more greenery.

“We want to thank all of our current and past support-

ers especially Joanne Parsonage for spearheading our efforts, Peggy Eyres for starting the e-scrip program which helps raise funds and to Ray Nickel for his role in managing the meter installation,” says Buscaglia.

Donations for the faucet and installation of the water line can be sent to Clayton K9 Coalition at P.O. Box 21, Clayton, CA 94517. For more information about fundraising efforts and the dog park call Buscaglia at 672-9710.

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Bring everyone who will live with Nadia or Mystique to meet them at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek during adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Thur. and Fri., noon to 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Visit our website at www.arf.net to learn more about adding a cat to your family! Or call (925) 2561ARF for more information.

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June 18, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 17

Festivals are a good marketplace for artists To be an artist and pay the bills, you’ve got to generate income. For many artists, they must understandably resort to toiling away at “day jobs” they don’t enjoy, just to be able to sustain their ability to pursue their art with whatever free time is left.

Sooner or later, most artists will want to take their work to the marketplace to present their “product” to the public.

This serves multiple purposes.

It provides exposure, it gives artists a source of feedback regarding their work, and hopefully it provides some cash flow. Ideally, of course, the market for their work will become sufficient for the artist to eventually be able to work at their craft full-time.

When my wife first suggested three years ago that we start exhibiting my CD’s of piano music at art and wine

festivals, I was skeptical. Long hours, the hassle of creating and setting up a booth, and the crowded, noisy festival scene was enough to make me reluctant to follow her advice.

But like most men, I’ve learned to listen to my wife over the years. More often than not, her suggestions are pretty much on target.

Accordingly, at the Clayton Art and Wine Festival in May of 2001 we packed the shade umbrella that normally graces our back patio in the summer, unfolded the extra table we keep in the garage, and set up shop downtown with the other vendors for a weekend. We sold 35 CD’s at that, our first festival, more than paying for the cost of our booth. Those sales led to numerous contacts which turned into concert and performance opportunities, and a marketing concept for

Budget, from page 1 quarterly. All non-essential expenses have been eliminated.

In addition to the General Fund, the City has several other program operations which use restricted monies, such as the Gas Tax fund, which can only be used for street-related uses and will be used for street maintenance.

Expect to see our 2004 Street Maintenance Project this summer. Clayton voters approved the Landscape Maintenance Assessment District in 1997 to maintain the city's roadway medians, trails, open space landscape maintenance and irrigation, but not parks. A citizens' Blue Ribbon Committee is

examining the operations and funding of the District and will provide recommendations to the Council regarding a strategic plan for the long-term care of the District's landscaping and financial condition.

As I reported last month, the state continues to take local revenue to balance their budget with negative implications for every city, county and special district in California. The League of Cities LOCAL Initiative will be on the ballot in November to stop the drain of local revenues to Sacramento.

The Governor has also promised to back another measure to stabilize local funding in exchange

JIM HUDAK MUSIC NOTES our fledgling Brainstorm Records label was born.

Some of you might consider this approach to marketing your art or crafts. What my wife grasped from the beginning was that you simply must promote and market your business at some level. Sure, we’d all love to be able to

for two additional years of "donations" to the state. If the Governor's plan is approved, our budget should be stable.

Absent an approved state budget, and until the November election, our financial status remains in limbo, and at risk.

The Council is grateful to each of our dedicated city employees who recognize the battle of the budget and who are all pitching in to make every scarce dollar go as far as possible. We also want to recognize the legions of volunteers who provide untold hours of support for our City. That spirit of volunteerism is one of the things that make Clayton such a terrific community to live in. Without their dedicated support, Clayton's situation could be far worse--like several other area

afford 30-second advertising spots on radio and television or to put a nice ad in the Chronicle or The New Yorker magazine. Not to mention all the other publications and opportunities to market our product, but always at a significant cost.

For every festival we’ve done, we’ve at least paid for the cost of our booth. Booth fees normally run anywhere from $150 to $1000 per weekend, depending on the show.

We tend to choose shows at the low end of that price spread, which makes it easier to recoup our expenses. Since our CD’s are offered for only $15 at the shows, we don’t expect to make as much as some of the exhibitors with higher priced art. But, most of the art at these festivals sells for under $100.

Over the past three years of

cities and school districts. The challenge has been difficult but we have maintained a strong course of fiscal prudence.

festival participation, we’ve met people who build birdhouses, make clothes for children, create jewelry, (lots of jewelers out there!), carve woodwork, and all types of artisans making and selling virtually everything under the sun. It’s its own artistic community of vendors who support each other and work hard at what they do.

And yes, it is work. We typically set up at 7 a.m. on Saturday and tear down late Sunday afternoon. Weather,

dust, and physical labor are part of the mix, and some shows are better than others.

But, as a viable way of building a following, making contacts and testing the marketplace, festivals are a practical means for artists to display and sell their work.

Jim Hudak’s Music Notes column appears regularly in the Pioneer. His piano CD’s are available from his website at www.jhudak.com and at amazon.com.

Contact him at jimmydak@pacbell.net.

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Page 18

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Agendas for meetings of the Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GHAD), the Clayton Redevelopment Agency and City Council, June 15 GHAD and Redevelopment Agency at 6:15 p.m.

Vote on the proposed budgets for fiscal year 2004-2005.

City Council at 7 p.m.

VOTE: The council will open the meeting to public comments on the proposed 2003/2004 city budget and capital improvement budget. The staff is recommending approval.

DISCUSSION: The council will continue discussions of a possible traffic signal or stop sign location on Marsh Creek Road, east of Regency Drive. The staff is asking for direction from the council and suggested alternative uses of the capital funds available.

VOTE: The council will take a position on the proposed ballot measure for Measure C Reauthorization (extend the quarter cent sales tax for transportation projects) and its Expenditure Plan, Growth Management Program and Urban Limit Line. The staff is recommending adoption of a resolution supporting the measure.

VOTE: The council will vote to adopt an ordinance changing the zoning designation of the proposed downtown park site from "limited commercial" to "planned development."

PUBLIC COMMENTS: The council will hear comments from the public on the levying of assessments on real property in the Street Lighting Assessment District for fiscal year 2004/2005.

City Council meetings are generally held every other Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the meeting room at the Community Library. A complete packet of information containing staff reports and exhibits related to each item is available for public review at City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail on the Monday prior to the council meeting. Telephone: 6737300.

Mayor, Julie K. Pierce; Vice Mayor, Gregory J. Manning; Council members, Peter A. Laurence, David T. Shuey, William R. Walcutt

June 18, 2004

Brake noise: touchy subject Most brake noise is harmless and does not indicate a problem with your brakes. I will give a brief explanation of what causes brake noise and when to worry.

Brake noise is caused by a few different things; vibration, wear indicators and plain old “I went too long and ground my brake rotors into dust."

VIBRATION: While braking, the brake pads may vibrate and make a harmonic noise. This can be caused by the finish of the brake rotor, pad material, worn hardware or lack of lubrication to hardware, kind of like rubbing your finger on the edge of a wineglass. This is not a safety issue. Some cars are prone to having squeaky brakes. LIKE VOLVOS!!!!!!

WEAR INDICATORS: Wear indicators are little pieces of metal attached to the brake pad. When the pads wear to a certain limit, the wear indicator hits the rotor and makes a high-pitched squeak, usually when you are not applying the brakes. The noise may go away when you apply the brakes. It is similar to scratch-

CLINT DAVIS

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ing a fork on a dinner plate.

When you hear noise from your wheels when you're not braking, it's time to get your brakes checked.

GRINDING: Grinding in the brakes is caused by two metal surfaces making contact.

When the brake pad wears to minimum, the metal backing of the pad rubs on the rotor.

This is BAD for you, GOOD for us (smiling). Many cars don't have wear indicators on all pads, so it is not uncommon to have a pad wear out and go metal-to-metal before you hear an indicator squeak.

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This will quickly wear the rotor out and often overheat the caliper and burn the dust seals. So get it to a shop quickly; it could save you quit a bit of cash.

If you hear a squeak in reverse only, when not applying the brakes, it usually means the rear pads are worn out.

So next time you're driving down the road and you hear a car go by squeaking like crazy, give them my phone number.

I'd appreciate it.

Oh yeah. If the brake pedal and steering wheel shake when you brake, you have a warped rotor. Just go to a shop and have us machine them for you, and it will be nice and smooth again.

Many cars have rear drum

brakes. They usually don't make noise until it's too late.

So just have them checked regularly, perhaps when you have your tires rotated (every oil change is when I check my cars, or every 5,000 miles).

Watch out for the old brake inspection/$1,200 brake job.

You know what I'm talking about, don't you? They tell you that you need calipers, brake hoses, rotors, pads, seals and wheel bearings. Get a second opinion before diving into a repair like that.

Clint Davis is the owner of Acme Auto Repair in Concord, He can be reached for comments or questions at 685-8495

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June 18, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

And a cheery tattoo to you, too Have you heard? 50 is the new 40! If you don't believe me, just take a look at some of the fashion magazine features of famous people who have hit that significant half-century mark.

My grandma never looked as good at 50 as Oprah, Bo Derek, Cher or John Travolta do.

Thanks to science, technology and an entire generation's desire for eternal youth, we'll all be looking fabulous into our 70s and beyond.

My friend Cheryl recently celebrated an important birthday and decided to get a tattoo to commemorate the occasion.

And why not? Tattoos signify youth and daring, and body art is one of the hottest trends in personal enhancement. Cheryl's tattoo is discrete, pretty and well placed. Her grown daughter was dismayed to find her mom permanently marked, but I believe my friend's trendy little tattooed toe-ring is an ornament rich with symbolism, pride and style.

CYNTHIA GREGORY

LOOKIN’ GOOD Once the territory of Maori warriors and sailors, tattoos have become an emblem of youth and a measurement of exactly just how hip we are. Celebs including Angelina Jolie, Meg Ryan, Gwyneth Paltrow and even President Bush's twin daughters sport arty ink somewhere on their bodies.

Tattoo art, in fact, enjoys a long and colorful history.

Egyptians did it, so did Greeks, Gauls and ancient Britons. Maori tribal custom required intricate blue dots and spirals placed on the face, chest and arms. An elegantly tattooed face was a great source of pride to a warrior and was believed to make him fierce in battle and attractive to women.

It is thought that for more than 5,000 years, the people of Africa, the Middle East and India have practiced the beautiful and mysterious art of painting on the body with preparations using the henna plant. Henna hand and feet tattoos are considered the mark of a well-decorated bride. Since the days of the great sailing ships, sailors have marked significant events like crossing the equator or an international date line with souvenir tattoos: snarling dragons, floating sea turtles, swirling ropes or anchor designs. The Japanese employ body art to signify respect for their culture using images from traditional water color paintings -- the ulti-

Is it time to ditch the diapers?

Q. My son is three years old and has begun to show some signs of potty training readiness like going in his diaper at certain times during the day. I can tell when he is going in his diaper, but when I ask him, “Do you need to go to the potty?” He says “No!” When do I know he is truly ready for potty training?

A Potty training is a big milestone for both parent and child. I’m sure you know by talking with friends and family that there are many differing opinions on the “correct” way to potty train your child. Even though everyone will claim their potty training style will work the best, there is no 100 percent guaranteed method to potty training. Every child is different, and what works with one child may not work with another.

There are, however, some helpful tips that are very important to keep in mind when pursuing potty training: The most important thing to

.

remember when you are getting ready to potty train is to make sure that your child is showing signs of readiness, both developmentally and emotionally. Some signs to look for are that his diaper is dry for several hours, he is interested in watching family members use the toilet, and he knows the “bathroom” terms your family uses. If these signs are in place, then give it a go!

Pressuring your child before he shows these signs will only lead to frustration on both ends.

Once your child is showing these signs, set a potty training schedule. Most children will need to use the bathroom an hour or so after a meal. Have your child sit on the potty soon

after finishing a meal. Make it a fun activity for your child by singing, reading a story or playing a game together. If your child is successful, make sure to make a big deal out of it! If nothing has happened after 10 minutes, praise him for trying. By doing this you are getting your child used to the potty schedule, and in time your child will get the hang of it.

Once your child has had some success, ask him several times a day if he has to go to the potty. This will help your child to start thinking about using the potty. The best reinforcement you can give your child for using the potty is verbal. This is a major factor in success in the

mate reward for the patience and endurance of pain is a tattoo of immense beauty. What today is called permanent makeup is really just a revival of an ancient art.

One problem with tattoos is that ink fades and, as they say in the trade, tends to "travel.'

Remember Uncle Bill's smudgy blue tattoo from his days in the Navy? Once that slithering snake or sexy hula girl was the envy of his shipmates, but years later, the lines became less defined and blurred. Many of the tattoos that young girls favor - fairies, hearts, Tinkerbell, little green tree frogs won't look so sporty when these girls hit their seventh decade, when ink fades and skin sags.

However, technology never sleeps, and perhaps one day we will be able to erase our youthful follies with the wave of a technowand. In fact, some communitybased organizations sponsor laser tattoo removal for gang members who want to make a fresh start.

Tattoos are so common that

potty training experience!

Good luck and remember, all parents go through this experience with their children, but making it positive is the key to success!

Darcie Azzolini, Center-Based Program Director for We Care Services in Concord. She can be reached with questions or comments at (925) 671-0777 x 26 or e-mail dazzolini@wecarebmcc.org.

Page 19 many companies have developed HR policies about them. I was recently in a video store and the young woman attending me wore bandages on the inside of both arms. "Oh," I said, "Did you donate blood?" The pretty girl shook her head. "No," she said. "I have tattoos, and I can't show them at work." I'm not sure why, but I was relieved. I didn't notice any visible piercings either, so perhaps that is a part of that company's policy, as well.

In the end, art is an outward expression of inner beauty. I say let's all create a more beautiful world - one trompe l'oeil painting, one flower arrangement, one toe-ring at a time.

Cynthia Gregory holds a master's degree in fine arts and is a California licensed esthetician. at Permanent Solution, in downtown Clayton, and can be reached for comment at ceegregory@aol.com.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

More than one computer?

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

Share your high speed internet connection The Internet is like eating sunflower seeds while watching a baseball game; once you've started you can't seem to stop. Passing the bag is always appreciated and enjoyed by all who participate. The Internet is like that bag of sunflower seeds, everyone wants to participate and enjoy the diversion.

Sharing the Internet isn't complicated once you know which products to buy, what to steer clear of and the rules of the game. Connecting multiple computers to a single Internet DSL or Cable connection requires a router, a switch, some cable and some knowledge of the type of connection you have purchased. Let's walk through the connection procedure and review the rules of the game.

How to get to first base. If you already have an Internet connection, don't order multiple connections or the products needed for multiple connections from your existing

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Internet provider like SBC, or Comcast. Either they will tell you they don't support multiple connections (routers), or they will try and sell extra connections or bandwidth you don't need and doesn't work anyway. There is no rule, law or regulation that says you can't have multiple computers tied to your existing single line Internet service. The provider simply refuses to support it, i.e., won't tell you how to set it up or use it. If you don't have a connection yet, order a single line connection and don't tell your provider you want multiple connections, they'll only screw it up.

Second base. Install Cat5e wiring by running a cable from the computers you have, or want connected, to a central point where the DSL or Cable is coming into your home. This is the point where you will place the router (see runner at third base). This represents a hub and spoke system of wiring, also known as a star configuration. Forget about wireless unless you want to spend real money, it is more hassle to keep a wireless system secured and running than a wired one.

Wireless is less secure, slower and more expensive. A wired system is five times faster than wireless. If wireless is what you want call a licensed professional.

WILL CLANEY TECH TALK Third base. You will need a broadband router and may need to purchase one. If your Internet "modem" (not the same as a dial-up modem) is a stand alone modem like the Efficient Networks Speedstream 5100, Speedstream 5360 or other variety of single purpose modem, you will need a router. If you have Comcast service you may have a router integrated into the Cable modem, like the Cayman series 3000. Check the device label to be sure.

The router I recommend is the D-Link DI-604, which sells for under $60 and has connections for up to four computers. If you need more computers buy a simple switch (hub). Be sure your new D-Link router is the latest revision version 3.2 or greater. The version number

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In an environment of layoffs and cutbacks, it’s important to stay on top of your resume. A resume is the first impression you give an employer, and you want to make it count so it’s not the last impression. Sure, you may have landed your job with your resume two years ago, but that was two years ago. Your resume needs to be updated to stand on its own in this competitive labor market. Here are some tips to give your resume a makeover.

1) Focus on numbers.

Decimals and commas may sound meaningless, but they can show off your potential and highlight your career accomplishments. Don’t say, “Wrote

reports.” Instead say, “Wrote 30 reports.” Highlight your ability to balance budgets or keep production under cost.

2) Keep it concise and focused. A resume is a business tool. Avoid using articles, pronouns, and “I” or “me.” That way, you’ll keep it brief and to the point. Only list hobbies and biographical information like marital status or birthdate if it’s related to the job. Focus on skills that relate to the job you’re applying for.

3) Eliminate typos and grammatical mistakes. Whether you are competing against 10 or 100 other applicants, every little thing counts. That’s why even one misspelled word can send

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is on the box. Be sure to check. There are other routers like the Linksys, Netgear and SOHO's and they are fine, just don't buy one unless you know what you're doing.

(Know what you are doing, not what you think the neighbor kid thinks he knows.)

Home plate. Attach by Cat5e 3' patch cord the modem to the router's WAN connection. Attach by Cat5e 7' patch cord the router to the first computer. Set Internet Explorer's Internet Connection for Automatic DHCP and no other switches (don't set Advanced LAN to automatically detect proxy).

Start your browser and click the "stop" button. Insert 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and you'll be connected to the router's setup routine.

Once into the setup wizard choose PPPoE connection or let the router automatically detect (setup). You'll need your SBC user name and password. Once you've established a connection the Internet, simply plug other computers in and set their DHCP to auto.

Enjoy the seeds, munch, spit, surf the Internet and be happy.

Will Claney is the owner and operator of Computers USA! in the Clayton Station.

Contact him at 925-6729989.

Here are a few tips for building a successful resume

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your resume to the trash.

Proofread your resume carefully, and let several others review it.

4) Include contact information. Employers can’t call you back if they can’t get in touch with you. List your name, address, phone number and email address clearly and correctly. Otherwise, an employer will just contact the next person in the pile.

5) Be honest. In this day and age of background and reference checks, the past could haunt you. Avoid lying about titles, dates, salaries, education, accomplishments or roles. It’s not worth the risk of getting caught.

6) Make it easy to convert.

That means, send it as a Microsoft Word attachment. An employer may be able to convert PDF or ZIP files, but don’t risk it if he can’t. It’s difficult and time-consuming enough to download files. Sticking with this universal format will keep recruiters from having to go the extra mile to read your resume.

Or they might just delete it altogether.

7) Make it readable. No one wants to squint when reading your resume. Keep your font size between 8 to 12 points. Use standard fonts like Times Roman or Arial. You may like the look of that fancy copy, but it’s pointless if the reader doesn’t have the same font.

And finally, include a cover letter. Tell your potential employer how, SPECIFICALLY, you meet their SPECIFIC requirements. This is not the time to be general. And, if you are going to state an objective at the top of the resume, make sure it matches the employer’s need.

If the employer is looking for a skilled technician to service telephone systems, don’t tell him or her you are looking for “an entry level position where I can grow with the company.”

June 18, 2004

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 21

Querétaro is home to Baroque architecture, world class hotels, great food and perfect weather. Go! When you think of Mexico as a vacation destination, don’t most of you think of Cozumel, Acupulco, Puerto Vallarta or some other beachy spot where the tourists are six deep at every turn? Perhaps you would really like to visit the archeological sites in and around Mexico City, but don’t want to brave smog so thick you could land a plane on it.

No doubt about it. In spite of its beauty, cultural heritage and great weather, Mexico has gotten more than its share of bad press.

But, if you want to visit a place in Mexico that is historically profound, culturally rich, clean, uncrowded and where the people are so polite and considerate that the taxi drivers actually stop for pedestrians, then put Santiago de Querétaro at the top of your list.

The largest city (population about 900,000) in the smallest state of Querétaro (population

about 1.4 million), Santiago de Querétaro, or simply Querétaro , is located 132 miles north and slightly west of Mexico City, right smack in the middle of the colonial heartland of the country.

Founded in 1531 by the Spaniards, the city takes center stage in many of Mexico’s defining moments, not the least of which was the execution of Emperor Maxmillian in 1867.

The climate is mild. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 70°(F) or get hotter than 90°(F), even in the middle of the summer.

Even in November, you can comfortably sit outside, enjoying the fashionably late Mexican dinner hour, until midnight

WHAT TO SEE The city is deservedly proud of its rich architectural heritage.

Scores of centuries old buildings–palaces, mansions, churches and government buildings—

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have been lovingly preserved or restored. It’s easy to spend a full day or two in this ornately baroque city. You may want to begin your exploring at Jardin Zenea at the heart of El Centro where the bandstand, dating from the mid 1800’s, is the site of live music almost every weekend.

Wander through the pedestrian only, winding streets of El Centro, shop for opals, art, silver, jewelry, leather, pottery and needlework among the dozens of tiny artisan shops lining the streets between the two main plazas, Plaza 16 de Septiembre and Plaza de Armas. Visit the Regional Museum in the former convent of San Francisco (this is the city’s tallest tower), and trace the archeological, political and cultural history of the area through the centuries. Take time to see the old churches, especially the baroque Royal Convent of Santa Clara built in 1607.

Slightly north of the city center stands the 74 arches of one of the world’s largest aqueducts.

Rising 75 feet high and extending for almost a mile, Los Arcos is an impressive sight at any time, but it is truly breathtaking at night when lit from beneath by floodlights. Los Arcos has become the most recognizable symbol of Querétaro.

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If you get hungry, eat almost anywhere (except at the street vendor stalls – our gringo constitutions just aren’t primed for that stuff). I’ve visited Querétaro at least a dozen times and I’ve yet to have a bad meal anywhere. The Plaza 16 de Septiembre and the Plaza de Armas are both ringed with restaurants with both indoor and outdoor tables. Some of the most memorable meals of my life have been in these restaurants.

If tacos are high on your list,

you can forget about Taco Bell!

Tacos del Cincuenta y Siete (so named because it’s a little “hole in the wall” on 57th Street) make absolutely the best tacos in the entire universe. They’re tiny by our standards, but you can eat many, many tacos. And you won’t spend more than $6 or $7!

WHERE TO STAY For a modern feel and all the hotel amenities you could want, you can’t beat the Hotel Mirage (about $90-$125 a night) and a short cab ride, or a long walk, from El Centro. Managed by the same people, but a little less pricey (about $70 and up) and closer to El Centro is the Hotel Mirabel.

If a smaller and more traditional hotel is your preference, there are two lovely hotels right in the heart of El Centro. The colonial Hotel Meson de Santa Rosa is a located on the Plaza de Armas. Ask for a room in the back–much quieter. For a super special treat, plan to stay at the La Casa de la Marquesa, a four star gem and rated as one of the finest small luxury hotels in the world ($175 and up).

HOW TO GET THERE. My son and his family live in Querétaro so I make two or three trips a year and I’m always looking for a faster, cheaper way to get there. So far, the best bet is to take BART to SFO and catch the United nonstop flight into Mexico City (fares vary–I’ve paid as little as $387 and as much as $599, depending on the season). Then take the bus from the airport to Querétaro. Busses leave every hour. The ride is about three hours, but the first hour is just to get out of Mexico City.

Even if you were brave enough

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

ABOVE, THE 74 ARCHES OF LOS ARCOS has become a symbol of the history and architecture of Queretaro.

Below, the Templo de San Francisco houses the Regional Museum in El Centro and has the city’s tallest tower. (or stupid enough) to rent a car and try to drive it out of Mexico City yourself, you won’t get out of town any faster than the (air conditioned) bus does. So, recline your seat and watch the movie or the scenery and let the bus driver deal with Mexico City’s traffic.

Bus fare on Primera Plus from the Mexico City Airport is $17.

You won’t need a car when you reach Querétaro, the taxi’s are cheap (about $3 from the bus station to El Centro) and plentiful. And, Querétaro is a walking city. Have fun!

If you’ve visited a little known or out of the way destination anywhere in the world, we want to know about it.

E-mail your ideas to tamara@claytonpioneer.com

5th Grade Idol is a winner

Beth Neudell/Clayton Pioneer FIFTH GRADERS AT MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL take a page from television with their rollicking production of Fifth Grade Idol. Only in this production, no one was voted off

BY BETH NEUDELL Clayton Pioneer

Show business-minded fifth graders conquered the butterflies

in their stomachs and staged a talent extravaganza Monday, June 7 at Mt. Diablo Elementary.

Classmates and friends in the audience clapped and cheered as

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the performers displayed a dazzling array of talents including singing, dancing, guitar playing, a comedy sketch, a scene from The Lion King, an all girl band, and baton twirling. The two jokester emcees, Joe O'Leary and Jamey Van Wyck kept the show moving at a brisk pace, making wisecracks and introducing each entertainer.

Not forgetting the show's namesake, American Idol, Randy Johnson, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul made their appearance in the form of a piece of wood, a skeleton, and a broomstick!

No one was voted off the show and performers and audience alike had a rocking good time. The show started off a week of fifith grade promotion activities at Mt. Diablo.

Page 22

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

Sue Fletcher is Navlet’s Gardener of the Year Clayton resident Sue Fletcher received the Bert A.

CLAYTON GARDENER SUE FLETCHER accepts her award from Buzz Bertolero.

Bertolero 2004 Gardener of the Year Award. Fletcher is president of the Clayton Valley Garden Club and received the award for her unique Oakhurst garden which is divided into "rooms" designed to reflect the eclectic style of common household images. Sponsored by Navlet's Garden Centers for gardens within the Diablo Foothills District, the award has three criteria; dedication to gardening through club membership and service, community gardening service experience and an exceptional home garden.

Fletcher is a key participant in the annual Clayton

Gardens Tour and her garden was featured in the 2003 Tour. Since she was unable to attend the actual award presentation, Navlet's Buzz Bertolero personally came to

"Sue's imagination and vision in the design of her garden was special."

BUZZ BERTOLERO NAVLET’S

Fletcher's home and garden to present her award. "Sue's imagination and vision in the design of her garden was special," says Bertolero. He mentioned that he was impressed with Sue's ability to make a small garden feel spacious.

Fletcher's garden is masterfully designed with interesting items like an antique stove that stores gardening tools. The design includes grandma's sewing room and a master bedroom with a purple dresser and a bed of roses.

There's also a pink bench with an umbrella of pink jasmine.

A PINK BENCH sits graciously in the “sitting room” of Sue Fletcher’s imaginative backyard garden.

Is a sick computer slowing your business down?

Don’t, don’t miss I Do! I Do!

BY CYNTHIA GREGORY Clayton Pioneer

If plays were a patchwork quilt, CTA Crossroads Theatre's production of "I Do! I Do!" would be the cover you run for when you crave oldfashioned ideals with a bit of musical spice thrown in. The current offering at CTA features one set, two seasoned actors and a musical score that is by turns witty and heartwarming.

An adaptation of Jan de Hartog's 1951 play "The Fourposter," CTA's "I Do!" captures the essence of two who are one - and two - by turns, who commit to a life together and still manage to maintain their individual natures.

On their wedding day they are giddy with optimism and grand dreams of what their magical life will entail. And then come children and careers, compromise and rec-

Photo courtesy CTA

MICHELLE KRAPP AND RANDY ANGER in I Do, I Do

We join Agnes and Michael on their wedding day at the turn of the century, and then "I Do! I Do!" moves slowly into a more modern world, telling the story of a marriage that endures for 50 years - no doubt a quaint concept by today's standards -- and yet actors Michele Krapp and Randy Anger manage to carry this monumental task off with believability and strength.

onciliation, and reality takes a stitch or two. Accompanied by a masterful musical score, the audience is treated to the tenderness and hubris of two people struggling to make their way in the world. Years come and go as the couple grows together and apart, through children, careers, success, infidelity, compromise and compassion.

The set is deceptively sim-

ple: a bedroom the couple shares over the course of a 50year marriage. It is both more than that and only that. It is the arena in which the characters blossom, mature and, as the bloom of their lives fade, leaves them richer for their place in the world. Artful costumes change to reflect passing time, as Agnes and Michael adapt to the patterns of their life. The careful viewer will notice that as the years come and go, "portraits" on the walls of the couple's home change to reflect the artifacts of their lives. Wedding gowns and top hats give way to children, a daughter's wedding portrait, prizes for professional achievement, and finally older and wiser, the circle closes and Agnes and Michael are about themselves again.

Michele Krapp, who is both effervescent and robust by turns, plays Agnes. Her voice is strong and clear, and she clearly enjoys this matrimonial romp. Randy Anger brings aplomb to the role of Michael and conveys sincerity, arrogance and innocence like the seasoned pro he is. Their chemistry together is delicious.

Do! Do! make plans to see "I Do! I Do!," especially if you are feeling a bit jaded by the modern world and require something warm and reassuring to wrap yourself in.

I Do! I Do! plays Thursday through Saturday June 17-19 and June 24-26 at 8 p.m. with a matinee both Saturdays at 2 p.m. Crossroads Theatre is located at 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek, Call the

box office for ticket information, (925) 944-0597.

Cynthia Gregory holds a Masters Degree in fine arts from Mills College.

A freelance writer, she has received national awards for her short stories.

Her work has appeared in the Writer's Digest, The Sun, Briarcliff Review, Santa Barbara Review, Chicago Tribune, and others. She is currently at work on a novel, called Amen, Baby.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Page 24

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 18, 2004

“What I love most about the Bay Area is that I discover something new every day.

The possibilities are truly endless. From the past-paced city life to the abundance of outdoor activities, there’s always something to keep me excited for each day.”

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rom the Bay Bridge to the foothills of Mt. Diablo, the East Bay Area is quite simply one of the most diverse places in the world to live. Whether you’re talking about the various landscapes, where opportunities lie around every corner, or the wide array of people, all looking to make the most of every moment, it’s a truly great place to call home.

Just ask Lynne French. A longtime resident of the East Bay Area

When you call Lynne and successful local real estate professional for over a decade, she French, be sure to request a free copy of her special knows what makes this area spe- report “H Home Buyers: How cial. That’s why she works so hard to Avoid Paying Too Much.” to help others make the most of This valuab ble information can save you precious time their unique opportunities here. and money as you prepare Whether you are buying or to make your move. selling, Lynne French is your best resource in the unique and often (925) 672-8787 complex East Bay real estate mar- www.LynneFrench.com ket. Give her a call or visit her Lynne@LynneFrench.com Web site today and make the most out of your East Bay Area real estate experience!

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FALCON RIDGE AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

Just Listed! Absolutely Gorgeous "Belvedere" model on a premium view lot! 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, downstairs den & upstairs loft, approx. 4,100sf, 2 fireplaces, 4 car garage, huge great room with custom built-in. Living room & formal dining room. Extensive upgrades incl: dramatic front entry doors, 16" tile floors, lighting package, designer paint & window treatments. Gourmet granite kitchen with commercial grade stainless steel ovens (gas range & grill) dishwasher. Elegant master suite with balcony & views. Spectacular setting on a quiet cul-de-sac backing to open space with Mt. Diablo, canyon & ridge views! Large level lot features custom patio & walkways, outdoor kitchen island, in-ground pool with built-in raised spa & waterfall. $1,275,000

Just Listed! Beautiful "Belvedere" model on a private quiet court with hillside views! 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths + downstairs den, downstairs bedroom & full bath, upstairs loft, approx. 4,100sf & 3 car garage! Living room & formal dining room. Huge great room with fireplace & walk-around bar. Gourmet kitchen features custom white "European" cabinetry, large pantry, granite tile counters, island, sunny window & upgraded tile floors. Neutral décor & upgraded window coverings.

Spacious master suite. Park-like (approx. 1.05 acre) backyard with enormous level lawn area, professionally landscaped with in-ground pool with built-in spa adjacent to open space with access to hiking/walking trails! $1,200,000

Spectacular "Belvedere" model on a prime view lot! 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3,911sf, & a 4 car garage with workshop area, extensive built-in storage & workbench + rv/boat storage in huge paved side yard! Bedroom & full bath downstairs. Living room with fireplace. Formal dining room.

Enormous great room with stacked stone two-way fireplace, walk-around bar, wired for surround sound with built-in speakers. Sunning master suite features a retreat & balcony offering sweeping views. Gourmet kitchen with upgraded tile counters, island, floor, dual motorized skylights & spacious pantry!

Huge level view lot overlooks City, Carquinez Strait, surrounding hills & ridgeline. Professionally landscaped featuring custom patio, large lawn area, an assortment of colorful flowers & ornamentals, fountain room for an rv+boat & still plenty of room for a pool too! $1,125,000

Just Listed! Stunning Single Story "Moonlight" model!

On a prime view lot. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, den, approx.

2,237sf, 3 car garage. Upgraded extended 16" travertine tile floors with granite tile inlay/accent. Neutral décor & upgrades throughout! Living room with dry bar. Formal dining with upgraded chandelier. Gourmet kitchen features granite tile counters, island & full tumbled travertine backsplash, travertine tile floors & raised panel maple cabinets.

Family room offers a cozy travertine tile fireplace & views. Spacious master with slider to patio. Secluded lot backs to open space offering breath-taking panoramic views from valley to the Delta, aggregate patios & walks, lots of trees, flowers & ornamentals! $749,000

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Palatial Mediterranean Estate! Approx. 8,000sf, 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 half baths, 2 bonus rooms, library, enormous family room, formal dining & living rooms, 3 fireplaces. Grand foyer features a dramatic spiral staircase. Gourmet kitchen boasts commercial grade stainless steel appliances. Exceptional attention to detail from the state of the art mechanical systems to the rustic Italian doors & cabinetry throughout! Premium view lot overlooks city to Delta. Situated on a huge-approx. .70 acre lot on a quiet cul-de-sac. $2.5 million

Vinyard/horse property. Spectacular 4-year old, 1-story, contemporary lodge-style home. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, apx. 3,416sf, 3 car garage + rv & more parking. Enormous great room features a dramatic custom fireplace, 16" tile floors & soaring vaulted beam ceiling.

Romantic master suite with fireplace, jetted tub & sitting patio with views. Apx. 1.00 acre lot boasts a vineyard & offers a shaded horse area surrounded by majestic Heritage oaks. An irreplaceable must see setting! $999,000

Absolutely one of Oakhurst's best view lots!

Commanding panoramic views encompass an unobstructed landscape from Mt. Diablo all the way to the Delta. Highly desirable & rare 1 story "Keller" model. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, apx. 2,053sf, 2 car garage & inside laundry.

Upgraded marble tile entry with mirrored art/plant nook.

Formal dining room. Gourmet kitchen with tile counters, island & an abundance of oak cabinets. Family room with vaulted ceiling & upgraded marble tile fireplace. Large master suite with retreat. Situated on a quiet court with no side or rear neighbors. Extremely private lot with deck overlooks the 10th hole of the golf course & awe-inspiring views. $700,000

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Fantastic Setting on an Enormous .31 (approx.) acre private flat lot on a quiet court with Mt. Diablo views! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, downstairs den, formal dining room, step-down living room & huge family room with fireplace & wet bar. Large eat-in kitchen with tons of cabinets! Spacious master suite with balcony & views!

Bathrooms features new cabinetry, counters, hardware, lighting & flooring, new interior paint, neutral décor & more! Entertainer's paradise backyard features an awesome in-ground freeform pool with built-in spa, massive lawn, patio, deck & huge side yards with room for an RV & a boat!! $699,000