MAR 24 Clayton Pioneer 2006 by Pioneer Publishers

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MARCH 24, 2006

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Springtime is baseball time in Arizona DAVE SHUEY

MAYOR’S CORNER Clayton hosts CC Mayor’s Conference Thank you all for the responses to my recent columns. Some were even positive which is always a plus. I am glad that I have been able to inject some humor into government, but hope that when I need to discuss a serious topic you will not be disappointed. Some old stuff first. Clayton hosted the Contra Costa Mayor’s Conference on Mar. 2. Over 100 mayors, councilpersons and city managers attended. Our City staff once again showed how great they are by putting this all together and running it without a hitch. A few hardy officials, including me, even braved the impending storms and played golf at Oakhurst as put together by our Chief of Police, Dan Lawrence. Honestly, between holes we talked about policy and items of mutual interest between cities. I played with Dan and it was a lot of fun, although he may be taking this police vehicle decoy car system a bit far. We had to walk the last 13 holes since he felt the fifth hole was a great place to place our golf cart as a “decoy” to keep speeds down on the course. Look for “decoy” big wheels to be coming to a tot lot near you soon. Just kidding Chief, you know we all appreciate the system that is clearly working to help keep speeds down. I also swear that it was just a coincidence that the Chief and I took first place in the minitournament. Those of you who have seen me play now know how good the Chief is at golf. As for my last column on questions asked of my wife, I

See Mayor, page A7

WITH MARCH

Bill Wagoner/Clayton Pioneer

TEMPERATURES

comfortably in the 70s, baseball fans flock to MLB Spring Training in Arizona. Cameback Mountain is in the background.

BILL WAGONER Clayton Pioneer

For the twenty-first consecutive year, dating back to 1986, my pilgrimage to Major League Baseball Spring Training in Arizona has become a ritual. Major League Baseball Spring Training is “the ultimate spring break” for baseball

purists. For some, it’s an occasional visit or a one-time trek. For others, baseball is in our blood and Arizona in March signals the dawning of a new season, a sneak preview of summer and our team’s quest for a title and is the highlight of the year. The Cactus League provides a unique closeness to the

working vacation—if following one’s passion can truly be work – having gone to Arizona with instructions from my editor to “bring back a story.” Clayton has had brief links to MLB in the past with Clyde and Damon Mashore (see story, page B2) and currently, there are several sparkling prospects at the college level.

Clayton’s Nerland seeks out new Giants WAGONER Clayton Pioneer BILL

Although Clayton resident Matt Nerland grew up playing baseball, his dream went beyond the playing field – straight into the front office. “I didn’t play baseball in college, instead deciding to focus

on my studies,” says Nerland, Director of Scouting for the San Francisco Giants. “I majored in physical education. They didn’t even have a sports management minor,” he adds. “My focus was always to work in the front office if I wasn’t going to play. Not many kids my age have those aspirations.”

What’s inside SECTION A Around Town . . . . . . . . . .A2 Classifieds and Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . .A5 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . .A6 Letters to the Editor . . . . .A7 So, Anyway . . . . . . . . . . . . .A8 Upcoming Events . . . . . . .A8 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . .A8 At the Movies . . . . . . . . . . .A9 Weather Words . . . . . . . . .A10 Food for Thought . . . . . .A12 Art Reflections (new) . . . .A13

SECTION B Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .B1 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 Gray on Golf . . . . . . . . . . .B4 CVHS Reporter . . . . . . . . .B5 Crossword Puzzle Solution B5 Community Calendar . . . . .B6 Church News . . . . . . . . . . .B7 Dining Around . . . . . . . . . .B8 Paws and Claws . . . . . . . . .B9 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . .B10

game that doesn’t exist during the long grind of a 162-game regular season. Spring Training features cozy parks where you can “feel” the game, players mingling casually with the fans, and an almost picnic environment where winning matters little. This year, my sojourn to Spring Training was, in a way, a

CLAYTON

RESIDENT,

Bill Wagoner/Clayton Pioneer

MATT NERLAND scouts new talent for the Giants.

Nerland grew up in Modesto and played baseball at Central Catholic High School before attending San Francisco State. “I was the typical case of a little kid lining up my baseball cards on the bed – always a baseball purist,” he says. “I didn’t play any of the baseball simulation games. I was a physical kid who wanted to be outside playing ball.” A SELF-STARTER From the Giants minor league complex in Scottsdale, Ariz., Nerland shares the story of his ascent into the baseball operations department. “I didn’t have any contacts with the Giants. I wrote them a letter, got a call on my birthday to schedule an interview and began my internship in 1989,” he says. “I did it on my own – pretty gratifying.” Nerland says it was “a struggle” completing his final year at SF State while working full time with the Giants. “As an intern, I sat at the computer all day inputting manual scouting reports for thenGM Al Rosen. We didn’t even use the Internet in ’89,” he notes. After graduation, the internship evolved into a full-time job

– “paying all of about 20 grand to start.” He didn’t start scouting until about 1993, when Brian Sabean came over from the Yankees. “He’s provided me with the greatest opportunities,” Nerland says. At age 38, Nerland is entering his 18th season with the San Francisco Giants and is among the longest tenured in the field operations department. “There’s a lot of continuity with Sabean. Brian’s really kept everyone together. It’s been great,” Nerland says. “I don’t see myself going anywhere else unless Brian went to another club.”

But, pouring through the Giants and Athletics media guides upon arrival, one local name jumped off the pages. I was able to catch up with Director of Scouting for the San Francisco Giants and Clayton resident Matt Nerland for a lively and satisfying hour, and, indeed, was able to “bring back a story.”

Identity theft leaves endless trail of problems BEV BRITTON Clayton Pioneer

A LOVE OF CLAYTON Nerland and his wife Rebecca have lived in Clayton for five years. “I think because I grew up in the Central Valley, I’ve never been a city guy. I love it there,” he says of Clayton. “It’s peaceful. When you get home, it’s like being on vacation. Great view. The weather’s great.” Nerland puts in long hours with the Giants, although he has a little break when the team is on the road.

It was the last day of school, and room mom Teri Reilly had a long to-do list. Unfortunately, things were about to become even more hectic. “I went outside to get in my car – and it wasn’t there,” says Reilly, who had left the van unlocked in front of her home in the Oakhurst development. “My purse was in my car, because I had just always put my purse under the seat.” After contacting the Clayton Police Department, she was told to immediately cancel all her credit cards. But before she got the chance, one of her credit card companies called her. “By that time, they had been to three different gas stations and a place to eat – and that triggered it,” Reilly reports. A day later, a supermarket in Pittsburg called regarding a purchase of alcohol and cigarettes.

See Nerland, page B4

See Identity, page A11

Page A2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Diamond Terrace gets a jump on springtime

Roger Moseley and Clara Monroe with “Betty” and “Bogey.”

Around Town Carvalho runs for American Stroke Association With her forty fifth birthday just around the corner and an extreme need for some really physical activity, Debra Carvalho (co-owner of All Bright Electric) narrowed her choices down to two… skydive or run a marathon. She decided on the marathon. “I’ve always been an adventurous person,” said Debra, “but I decided that the marathon was the safer choice.” So, she signed up to run in the American Stroke Association Marathon, June 11 in Kona, Hawaii.

“I’ve always been a supporter of charity and I wanted to do something more than just write checks…something more physical,” says Debra. So, three or four times a week, Debra and her West Highland White Terrier, Veronica, hit the trails to train hard. Debra runs seven or eight miles at a stretch, but Veronica, with her short little legs, can’t go that far. So, after three miles, Debra drops a panting Veronica off at their home on Caulfield Dr., and

New Diamond Terrace resident Mary Carter Smith

EAST BAY BRASS COMPANY, clockwise from left, Dan Fava, Ken Brock, Bill Bunyan, Ron Wetzel and Bill Eich.

Residents of Diamond Terrace, family and friends gathered for an “It Might As Well Be Spring” party last Saturday. Merry making included a photo shoot with a frozenin-time Betty Grable and Humphrey Bogart and music of the thirties, forties and fifties by the East Bay Brass Company, a five piece brass ensemble with

Clayton residents Rob Wetzel on the trombone and Ken Brock on the trumpet. Brand new Diamond Terrace resident, Mary Carter Smith, enjoyed the festivities between unpacking boxes and settling in. Mary was featured last year in the Pioneer for her work with feral cat rescue organizations.

March 24, 2006

DEBRA CARVALHO AND VERONICA

continues on. Debra is running in memory of a close family friend that died of stroke. “Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States,” she says in her newsletter, “and the number one cause of disability in adults.” She has committed to raise $4,100 for stroke research and is already at the

halfway mark. Tax deductible donations can be made online at http://www.kintera.org/faf/home.

At this page, in the search box, enter Debra Carvalho and follow the instructions. Or, mail a check payable to American Stroke Association to Debra Carvalho, 5860 Caulfield Dr., Clayton, CA 94517.

Brenda Allen and Curtiss Kelley engaged B r e n d a Allen and Curtiss Kelley of Colusa b e c a m e engaged on October 29, 2005. Curtiss is the grandson of Clayton resident Ann Kelley and is a former resident of Clayton. Brenda is the daughter of Ronald and Debra Allen of Fairfield. She graduated from Armijo High School in June of 2001 and BRENDA ALLEN AND CURTISS KELLEY from Solano Community College in May of 2005. She is Excavators. Curtiss proposed to Brenda a dispatcher for Yolo County. Curtiss graduated from at their housewarming party in Olympic High School in June front of their friends and famof 1999 and is the ily. The couple is planning a owner/operator of Kelley September wedding in Suisun.

Clayton $829,980 Dana Hills – Majestic 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on a hilltop cul-de-sac backs to Mt. Diablo State Park! Charming Master Suite, first floor guest room, hardwood floors, and a gourmet kitchen. Double doors lead onto a patio with an arbor and a fantastic private yard.

Clayton $694,980 Oakhurst Prize! – Single-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath on over ¼ acre situated privately on a Windmill Canyon culde-sac. Open great room has vaulted ceilings, 3/4” hardwood floors, fireplace and formal dining. Large eatin kitchen. Patio and flourishing landscaping!

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$579,980 Concord Live Oak Duet – Easy living in this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on a corner lot with fresh paint, gourmet kitchen, Master Suite, dining and living room with fireplace. Great backyard with patio and plush lawn.

$869,980 Clayton Regency Meadows – $15K seller credits to use for upgrades on this great 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home located on a court. Large, private landscaped backyard, spacious kitchen with island, and formal living and dining rooms.

Clayton $824,980 Easley Estates – Updated single-story 4 bedroom, 2.5 baths with a gourmet kitchen, elegant Master Suite, formal dining and living rooms. Private landscaped yard with fountain, gazebo, spa and views on a .36 acre lot.

Clayton $879,980 Dana Hills – This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home has upgrades in every room! Gourmet kitchen with granite, light cabinetry and top of line appliances opens to family room with fireplace. Elegant dining, living and Master Suite.

Clayton $729,980 Prime Clayton Location – Lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has fresh exterior paint, manicured lawns and backyard views of Mt. Diablo. Spacious kitchen next to open family room, and a formal living room with fireplace.

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March 24, 2006

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A3

Aladdin sparkles and transports Five Clayton residents take

the stage in ‘Dreamcoat’

Photo courtesy Marcie Fitzsimmons

Peter Pratt, Sawyer Crane, Duncan Bradley, Devin McHugh, Kristina Schoell and Lauren Ipsen.

BETH NEUDELL Clayton Pioneer

Mt. Diablo Chorus’ production of Aladdin Jr. was terrific from start to finish. This was a major production with a cast of well over 100 fourth and fifth grade children. From the very beginning the audience was transported to a far off land and didn’t come back to Clayton until the spell was lifted in the final scene. This production was clearly a monumental labor of love by all concerned. The children onstage were great, many more worked behind the scenes, as did a legion of parents who worked on sets and costumes. Hats off to Director Christine Billingsley and Assistant Director Patti Pratt. Everything worked. The dialogue and songs were quick and witty and demanded a cast equal to the task. The actors’ timing

was perfect throughout the play, and the audience responded with laughter and riotous applause. The palace guards’ costumes matched, down to their sequined belts, and their chase scenes were tight and well choreographed. The women in the market dressed in long, earth toned skirts and scarves and created a mysterious mood. The chorus transported the audience to a foreign land where strange things were going on. Jafar, played by Sawyer Crane was magnificently wicked and evil, Kristina Schoell as Jasmine was as sweet as an innocent princess, and had the spark and fire of a young woman who would defy her father before she would be married to a man she didn’t love. Devin McHugh, who played Aladdin, transformed himself from a self-described street rat, stealing to eat, to a righteous prince worthy of Princess

Jasmine. Duncan Bradley, who played Iago, was perfectly sassy as the smart-mouthed parrot. Peter Pratt was wonderful as the elegantly dressed sultan who was not happy about enforcing the rules that demanded his daughter marry a prince. Lauren Ipsen sparkled as the genie that not only granted Aladdin his three wishes, but also gently steered him on the right path to Jasmine, his love. Even the Principal, Mrs. Hutcherson, fell under the spell of Prince Ali, participating in the prince’s grand entrance to the Sultan’s palace to woo Princess Jasmine. The sets were simple yet effective, with good use of lights… and dads, four of whom served as throne bearers for Prince Ali. Aladdin Jr. was a rousing success and a great night of theatre. I eagerly await the next production.

debut with CCCT. “The story of Joseph is a truly great story, and this production allows it to be seen through the eyes of a child. Everything that happens on stage is from the imagination of the children as they are empowered by the narrator, which allows the show to be much

is director of the Open Door Community at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church and coClayton residents Shawn director of the church’s choir. Robinson, Benjamin Robinson, Veteran choreographer Kate Jeff Holmes, Brooke Schenke Leland added her creative input and Patty Crane are cast memto the play’s rousing production bers of Contra Costa Christian numbers. Theatre’s production of The theater troupe has “Joseph and the teamed up with A m a z i n g a number of Te c h n i c o l o r schools and Dreamcoat.” Scout troops to The musical allow two stufeatures uplifting dents per show songs, humor as “honorary and poetry. The cast members.” biblical story of They will meet Joseph, Israel’s with the cast favorite son, backstage for combines pop, pre-show activcountry, rock ities, as well as and other musibe on stage for cal styles in a the opening kaleidoscope of and closing of song and dance. the show. T h e Front row from left, Shelly McDowell, Mark Stover (Joseph), Laurie April 8 is Robinsons and Kinsella (Narrator); Standing, Jeff Holmes, Patty Crane, Shawn “Scout Night,” Holmes portray Robinson, Brooke Schenke. and all Bay three of Joseph’s brothers, while more fun and over-the-top.” Area boy and girl Scouts are Schenke and Crane are cast as Popular East Bay actors invited to come at 6:30 p.m. for brothers’ wives. Laurie Kinsella and Mark Stover pre-show activities and then stay Contra Costa Christian have been cast as the narrator for the show. This opportunity Theatre (CCCT) has been deliv- and Joseph. They will be joined will help the Scouts learn about ering inspired performances by 35 actors and a 21-person various aspects of theater to since 2000. The group contin- children’s chorus. earn their badges. Special pricues to search for and deliver Brentwood resident Kinsella ing will be available. shows with a positive message. has performed principle roles “Joseph and the Amazing with many Bay Area theater Where: Del Valle Theatre, Technicolor Dreamcoat,” a groups and is pleased to be per1963 Tice Valley Blvd., delightful family favorite, will forming for the first time with Walnut Creek round out CCCT’s sixth season. CCCT. The Christian recordWhen: 7:30 p.m. April 7, 8, The play runs April 7 through ing/concert artist also has 21, 22, 28, 29; and 2 p.m. 30 in Walnut Creek. appeared as a guest soloist with April 9, 15, 23, 30 For this production, CCCT symphony orchestras throughCost: $15 - $26 has enlisted director John out California. For more information: 943Goodson. “I am excited to be Stover, who lives in Walnut SHOW (7469) or able to use my gift of comedy to Creek, is also making his debut www.ccchristiantheatre.org bring this story to life,” says with CCCT. An actor, musician, Goodson, who is making his arranger and composer, Stover PATTY CRANE Special to the Pioneer

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 24, 2006

The cards are on the table at MDES

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

LINDA HUTCHERSON (standing) hopes the

fundraiser will raise enough money to add one computer to each classroom. Her goal is to have a four computer mini-lab in the back of every classroom.

stakes won’t be quite that high. For a $50 donation, players receive a half-hour stint at a table, three drink tickets and a raffle ticket. Those with the most chips at the end of their sitting will earn more raffle tickets. Clayton resident Jim Wickware will be one of the volunteers monitoring the poker tables. “I will have a sheriff ’s badge just like in ‘Toy Story,’ ” he says with mock stoicism. The sixth annual fund-raiser, held at Centre Concord, will include silent and live auctions to benefit the school’s Parent Faculty Club (PFC). Mayor Dave Shuey will lead the auction in his usual lively style.

z A luxury suite for 14 at the May 20 A’s vs. the Giants game donated by Clayton resident Denny Walch. z A murder mystery dinner, hosted by Clayton residents Mike and Christine Banducci. z Twenty hours of consulting services by Clayton garden designer Kelly Marshall. z Get-away trips to Santa Barbara, Lake Tahoe and San Francisco. z A ride in the police chief ’s car in the Fourth of July parade. z And, of course, the “coveted” Eagle’s Nest parking at the school. New this year will be a Principal’s Cause live fund-raiser, with the goal of raising

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money to put more computers into the classrooms. “My ultimate goal is to put four computers in each classroom,” says Linda Hutcherson, principal at the elementary school. On Saturday, she hopes to raise $30,000 to $40,000 – which would be enough to add at least one more computer to each of the school’s 30 classrooms. Right now, each classroom has at least one computer. The school’s computer lab has 40 more PCs. Hutcherson says the computers add another learning tool for students. “We have software that supports our instructional curriculum.” The theme for this year’s gala is Denim and Diamonds, with a nod toward vintage Clayton. “This gives the gals a chance to dress up – and the husband can wear jeans,” says O’Toole. “That way, we keep the guys happy. They’re not upset that they have to get gussied up.” The men in the crowd should also appreciate the meal catered by Back Forty Texas Barbecue. This is the first time O’Toole and Morimoto have taken such a large role at the auction. “We knew the same people kept volunteering each year, and there’s the burnout factor. So we figured we’d step up and do it this year,” O’Toole says. “Melinda and I really have a vision to raise a lot of money for the PFC.” For more information on the auction, call O’Toole at 6724427 or visit http://www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/ mountdiabloelementary.

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SCHOOL

This year, Joe Medrano of Insurance Management Corp. in Clayton stepped forward as a Showcase Sponsor. “A lot of local businesses have donated so generously to us every year,” O’Toole notes. Unique items up for bidding this year include:

It’s no bluff. Poker has moved from smoky backrooms to primetime TV. And now, the game of skill, chance and bravado will be featured at this Saturday’s fundraiser for Mt. Diablo Elementary School. In an effort to increase profits at the annual event, co-chairs Susan O’Toole and Melinda Morimoto decided to eliminate the casino. The gaming was a wash, financially, so they figured the space would be better used to accommodate more paying guests. “But everyone was upset that we weren’t going to have the games,” says O’Toole, who credits decorating chair Kim Lally with the idea for poker tables. Clayton resident Mike Treppa is among those signed up to play. “I play every now and then with my wife’s family and with guys in the neighborhood, and I thought it would be fun,” he says. “It’s good to try something new, get some interest going and, more importantly, get some more money for the school.” While acknowledging the current fever for Texas Hold ‘Em, which will be the game featured at the auction, Treppa favors other versions of poker. “My favorite is 10-card, no peekie, high-low split, roll your own.” He also enjoys watching poker on TV, especially “The World Series of Poker” on ESPN. “Nowadays, the guys that are on ‘The World Series of Poker’ have become celebrities

in their own right,” he notes. In fact, poker is one of the hottest trends in reality television. In May, Fox will air the new “PokerDome” series, featuring the single largest winnertake-all purse in poker and sports history $60 million. At Saturday’s event, the

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March 24, 2006

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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

LOST Trumpet (in black case) lost at Mt. Diablo Elementary around Feb. 14th. Reward. Please call 925-788-5908.

or 2 – 6 p.m. and Sat.10 a.m. –1 p.m. Book Processor - (min.age 13 years) to handle detailed work with labeling and marking books. Hours are Wed. 1 – 5 p.m. Book Mender - (min.age 13 years) to handle detailed work mending worn books. Hours can be chosen between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thurs. Shelf Reader - (min.age 13 years) to read the library shelves in order to ensure the correct placement of books...must be familiar with the Dewey decimal system. Tutor - (min.age 13 years) to tutor one-on-one or give homework help at the library to local students in our community. You choose the age range, subjects, remedial help or light homework help, and the days/times. Call Arlene at 673-9777, email akikkawa@ccc.lib.org.

TAMARA

AND

R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor J ILL B EDECARRÉ , Assistant Editor and Display Advertising

Kodak Easy Share pocket-size digital camera in a black case lost on Regency Drive Feb. 22 around 3 p.m. If found, call Carolyn Zerby in Clayton at 672-3024 or if not home, contact the Clayton Pioneer at 672-0500.

B ILL WAGONER , Sports Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design

SERVICES

STUDY GROUP Readers of The Urantia Book will start a new study group this spring. The group will meet in a downtown Clayton café. New and seasoned readers will explore the book by topics. The group will decide the time (hour and day). Email urantian@mac.com or call 925-672-4689 and ask for Tery.

Schaefer’s PAINTING

Because the Finish Counts (Cell)

260-6065

bpaintingdog@sbcglobal.net

Any % of fu f or e ll inte rior xter ior j exp. ob 4/6 / 06

Licensed Bonded Insured

Bryan Schaefer Clayton resident since 2000

Lic. #708321

Professional, Personal & Dependable Service Why pay 6% or even 5% ? List & sell your home for

* 3.5%

Eagle’s Peak Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage representing:

Seller’s

Buyer’s

Request FREE market analysis www.EaglesPeakRealty.com

FREE access to all homes in this area www.EaglesPeakRealty.com

We saved our clients close to $300,000 in commission fees in 2005

Client Testimonial The pleasure was all mine; down to the last email notification, you have been no less than a consummate professional in handling the sale of my home. Finally, I have a realtor's card worthy of my rolodex. - Fred

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Go to our Website,

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 office with your credit card information. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. For deadlines, go to the Publication Dates page on the Website. Use the later of the two deadline dates. Classifieds MUST be submitted via the Website. 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

B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.

Perennial Garden Design by Nicole Hackett AKA The Garden Girl Personal consultations regarding plant choices, placement, identification, fertilizing and maintenance. Spring is just around the corner. Call or email for information and pricing. 925-673-1746 (leave message) gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.

PIONEER INFO

Buyer & Seller’s Services Team of Realtors Complete document handling Online access to all homes Nationwide marketing MLS services Virtual tours Coordination of service providers Color Brochures And more . . .

Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter in a Word Document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.

Advertise with the Pioneer 672-0500

Page A5

Directory of Advertisers Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Alexander Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0911 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 All Loving Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0752 Apronstrings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-7621 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .726-0154 Bay Arts Custom Children's Murals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .323-9323 Benton, Murlene - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 CCMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .943-7469 Calkins, Bill - Charlotte Clifford Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9164 Candy Created Bouquets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6818 Carol Keane & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-5200 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Clayton Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Mind and Body Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Clayton Valley Villa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8401 Clip n Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-9355 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Cookies by Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-1137 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Denim & Lace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0345 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . . . .524-5100 Dromlewicz, Kim - Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty . . .682-4663 Eagles Peak Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .465-0435 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 Eternal Life Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0295 Fashion Cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-9005 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windemere Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8787 Galaxy Nail Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-8668 Garaventa, Les - American Financial & Tax Services . .676-3400 Gwynn, Jim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .429-1890 Help You Sell Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Highfill, Lynne - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7335 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Joanna's Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8911 Kelly Marshall Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0327 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Lerner Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-1130 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Marlene M. Eastman, EA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0024 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Merrigan, Deanna - Team Mount Diablo Realty . . . . . . .890-0430 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Miller, Thomas - Certified Public Accountant . . . . . . . . .354-1385 Mingham, Pete - Elite Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .906-8166 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Dr. Steven Moon, Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8400 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . .280-8563 Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . .906-9222 NBS Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-1845 Neptune Society of Northern California . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 O'Hara's Martial Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7438 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Padgett Business Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-704-7716 Pasta Primavera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-5300 Postal Annex + of Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8900 Rahimzadeh, Helen - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7375 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Schaefer's Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6065 Silvester, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-0777 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 SPA'tique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-1712 Sposito, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7334 Steffen, Tim - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-4407 Steve Youse Painting and Decorating . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6945 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 Swint, Brad - Team Funding Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .997-2691 Talmadge, Brad - Home Loan Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .759-8971 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The Pool Shark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .408-7585 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Travel Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-5000 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Tullis, Shanan - Team Mount Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . .286-1268 Truesdell, Lisa - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-4747 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Vasona Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-0216 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .672-4433 We the People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 What's My Home's Value.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286-9489 Williams, Mike - Williams Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5363 Wooden' It Be Nice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5595

When it’s time to inspect, call the experts We have the highest standards in the industry and would like the opportunity to serve you. Lori Hilts-Galvin & Roger Galvin

Members of z CCAR - Contra Costa Association of Realtors z DAR - Delta Association of Realtors z WCR - Women's Council of Realtors, z CREIA - California Real Estate Inspection Association, z ASHI - American Society of Home Inspectors z & elected officers for the Golden Gate chapter of CREIA Family owned and operated for over 14 years

*3.5% - ( 1% to Eagles Peak Realty - 2.5% to Buyers Agent )

www.EaglesPeakRealty.com 925-4 465-0 0435

with two locations to serve you

Clayton office 925-672-9405; Antioch office 925-755-HOME (4663) chisinspector@hotmail.com

Please visit our Website at www.ClaytonHomeInspection.net

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Big commissions don’t always mean high income for real estate agents Although many people believe that real estate agents are getting rich in the hot housing market, statistics tell a different tale. According to the National Association of Realtors, a typical Realtor earned $10,000 in 1948. In 1996, the median gross income for a Realtor was $33,500. In 2005, it was $48,000. These are national statistics, and there’s a wide variation in home values in this country. An agent working in rural Tennessee would have to sell a lot of homes to keep pace with a successful agent in the Silicon Valley. There is usually a direct correlation between price range and an agent’s income the higher the price, the higher the income. Guaranteed salaries are rare in the residential resale business. Most real estate agents work for a commission, most often a percentage of the sale price of the home being sold. Agents usually don’t receive any up-front compensation for their efforts. Instead, they are paid when the sale goes through. If a deal falls apart, the agent makes nothing for his or her efforts. In a conventional home sale, the seller pays the commission. Though it is negotiable, it is usually 5 to 7 percent of the sale price. The seller’s broker typically shares the

er in Cent ffer “CK” e y E o Only st Bay to a E e th

commission on a 50-50 basis with any other broker who finds a buyer for the property. There is often another commission sharing arrangement between the brokers and the agents who work for them. It is often these agents who work directly with the buyers and sellers to consummate the transaction. Let’s say you’re selling a house for $600,000, and you have agreed to pay your listing broker 6 percent of the sale price as compensation for completing the sale. The commission in this case is $36,000. If another agent is working with the buyer for your house, that agent will receive $18,000 at closing leaving $18,000 for your agent. After they pay their brokers, they could each receive between $9,000 and $11,000. Expenses are usually deducted from the commission to pay overhead costs before the agents are paid. Overhead includes such things as the cost of running the office and advertising properties. So by the time your agent actually gets paid, it’s likely not to be anywhere near the 6 percent you paid for his or her services. Agents also incur expenses as a cost of doing business. This includes such things as a decent car, gasoline, a computer, access to the Multiple

March 24, 2006

Clayton scouts seek donations to food drive LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ESTATE

Listing Service, and errors and omission insurance. Agents are also responsible for paying their taxes, medical insurance and establishing their own retirement plans. One broker calculated that she would have to earn more than $200,000 in gross commissions a year to equal the $80,000 annual salary her daughter earned at Xerox, with benefits factored in. The most successful agents are those who love the challenge of putting deals together. They have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and they understand that to get ahead requires a business plan. As a consumer of real estate services, you’ll have the greatest success if you work with a dedicated professional who puts your needs first, manages his or her finances well and has made a long-term commitment to the business. The easiest way to find such an agent is to ask a trusted friend for a recommendation. Lynne French is a Realtor with Windermere and a Clayton resident. Contact her at 672-8787 or email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. For any real estate needs or questions contact Lynne at: Phone (925) 672-8787 or E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com

T I R E D of those Reading Glasses?

Get rid of them! Exciting new nonlaser procedure to rid yourself of reading glasses! You can end your frustration with reading glasses with NearVision CK. It’s a fast and safe -- there’s no cutting involved -- treatment for helping people like you improve their near vision. Getting a little older doesn’t have to mean losing your ability to see things up close so please call to schedule a consultation to see if NearVision CK is right for you.

Est.1972

Smith & Bernal

Roofing Reroofs z Repairs z All Types

Junior Girl Scout Troop 285 is conducting a food drive to benefit Monument Crisis Center. Daniela Martinez, Laura Minorsky, Heather Raymond and Christine Senavsky are sixth-graders at Diablo View Middle School. They are organizing the drive as part of a service project to earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award. Monument Crisis Center distributes food supplies to very low-income residents of the Monument corridor and surrounding communities. The scouts are asking residents for donations of nonperishable food staples. Suggested items include peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, rice, pasta, cereal, Top Ramen and canned soups, tuna, beans, fruit and vegetables. Collection bins are located in the Clayton Pioneer office and the Clayton Community Church office, both in downtown Clayton, and the office at Diablo View Middle School. The troop also will be collecting food outside of Safeway at Clayton Station from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. The drive continues through March 31. The girls will follow up their food drive with volunteer service at Monument Crisis Center, helping to sort and box food. For more information, call Linda Minorsky at 672-4475.

Tile repairs z Wood shake z Tar and gravel Gutters z Inspections z Ventilation

Repair Specialists Same day response

(925) 672 0138 Free estimates

Clayton resident

Lic. Number 727021

40 MILLION DRIVERS

PARK HERE.

See me and find out why State Farm® is such a great place to park. Lisa Truesdell, Agent Insurance Lic. # OE12202 3148 Clayton Road Concord, CA 94519

Bus: 925-686-4747

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE.® statefarm.com

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company - Bloomington, IL

Fr ie

T ea Cottage s ' d n u l g n E

ath

You're invited to join the celebration! Tues. March 28th - Fri. 31st : FREE pot of tea with your meal! Sat. April 1st :

Mad Hatter's Tea Party!

Wear your hat & get a FREE Dessert!

Com e brow and se ou gift s r hop a nd collec tibles

BINGO TEA! Over $500 in prizes! 3-5 pm, $25 per person includes food, beverage, 2 Bingo cards, & lots of fun!

Join us between 9-11 a.m. for a light breakfast, or from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. for a delicious lunch or afternoon tea time! 5433 L Clayton Road (in Clayton Station)

672-TEAS (8327)

www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com Open Daily at 9:00 a.m. (closed Mondays)

For your FREE CK personal screening call 1-888-820-9600. Say you want a FREE CK screening.

1st Anniversary!

Sun. April 2nd:

Safely see young. Again.

P050367 9/05

Page A6

March 24, 2006

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Tax Returns & Representation Consultations & Bookkeeping Year Round Availability Clayton Business & Resident

“WE SPEAK TAX ” ENROLLED AGENTS

Marlene Eastman, E A (925) 693-0024 FAX: (925) 693-0026

215 Bigelow Street, Clayton Please call for an appointment MarleneEA@comcast.net

e're proud to welcome you to our beautiful new nail spa. You will find our highly trained staff to be experienced in all phases of nail care and enhancement, facials and waxing. In pursuit of the utmost in cleanliness and comfort, we are pleased to offer LaFleur spa chairs, the latest in cleanjet no-pipe technology. Our goal is to pamper you in a spa-like environment so that you feel relaxed and rejuvenated every time you visit.

Bringing you the best of beauty

Exp. 4/21/06

Police complimented

Dear Editor: I would like to compliment the Clayton Police Department on their finding an innovative way of slowing traffic in the city without the expenditure of additional funds. In addition, in our interaction with the chief, the officers and the staff, we have found them to be courteous, conscientious, and professional. They should be congratulated for keeping our streets safe and the crime rate down. Fred Fuld III

Landmark Lost

Dear Editor: It’s regrettable

The City of Clayton is accepting applications for Planning Commissioners and for the Community Services Commission for the term June 2006 through June 2008.

Professional Nail Salon For Men and Women

Concord salon only. 1 coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Letters to the Editor the new owners of the old farm house on Oak street chose to remove the windmill from the property. For them, I suppose, it represented an “eye sore” but for others it represented the rustic heritage of our town. Fortunately, I understand someone in Clayton acquired the artifact, so not all is lost. Also, the owners of the Oak street property did a commendable job in restoring their house. But this reminds us that the Town Council should take responsibility to preserve what few architectural and other symbols we have of our town’s heritage. Bruce Feld

Fainas say thank you

As many people already have heard, our son Danny was assaulted after a basketball game on February 3. We would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in our community for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support which we have been receiving ever since. Friends and neighbors from our Clayton community as well as from the St. Bonaventure community our neighboring Concord and even former and current teachers of Danny’s have been at our sides to do anything they could think of to help us through this time.

We enjoyed many wonderful meals that were brought to our door when cooking would have been an overwhelming task! In addition, the fund that was set up by our friend, Carolyn Hartnell to help defray our unexpected medical expenses due to the incident has been unbelievable. We are humbled by the kindness and generosity that has been shown to our family! We can’t thank everyone enough or begin to express how much it means to all of us. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful community of caring friends! Sue and Keith Faina

City seeking to fill slots on two commissions

ing n e p O d n Gra oncord in C

FREE manicure with purchase of any spa pedicure

Page A7

Concord 4436 Clayton Rd, Suite G Across from FoodMaxx

(925) 676-8 8668

PLANNING COMMISSION These are volunteer positions with a $100 monthly stipend. The applicant must be a resident and registered voter of the City of Clayton. The Planning Commission holds approximately 24 meetings a year on the second and fourth

Tuesday of every month. In addition, there are intermittent Study Sessions and subcommittee meetings. The applicant should demonstrate service and dedication to the community. The Planning Commission is an advisory body to the City Council and is responsible for City planning issues, including site plan reviews, development decisions, and environmental clearances COMMUNITY SERVICES The stipend for the Community Services

Mayor, from page A1

$5 off

any service over $15 Concord salon only. 1 coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Exp. 4/21/06

Also located in San Ramon: 130 Sunset Dr., (925) 866-0 0666

got a phone call from former Mayor Chuck Evans who indicated he wanted to give me the heads up on my street sign coloring explanation. The large signs at lighted intersections are green in color so they can be seen, includ-

Full Service Auto Care Our professionals are here to serve you. Jeff, Amir, Peter, Alex, Ray & Gary

ing the recent ones at El Camino Drive and Clayton Road that were recently installed by Concord (without any of our funds). So, we now have our exception to the rule. Thanks for the heads up Chuck. I also got a phone call from the husband of the mayor of Concord who was a little upset at all the questions sent his way by Clayton residents. I hope you got all your questions answered about the Yard Birds shopping center. On to some new stuff. Mt. Diablo Elementary PFC is hosting their annual fundraiser on Mar.25 from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. at Centre Concord. The theme this

Commission is $75 per month (when a meeting is held). The applicant must be 18 years of age, registered voter and a resident of Clayton. The Commission meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., and from time to time may have more than one meeting a month. The Community Services Commission is an advisory body to the City Council, is responsible for recommending user fees and policies for use of City facilities and sponsored community activities.

The Commission helps coordinate community events such as: Fourth of July celebration; Clayton Cleans Up; New Years Eve celebration. Apply in person at Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail; or call the City offices at 6737300 for a mailed application. Applications are also on the Website at www.ci.clayton.ca.us. Return applications by 5 p.m., Friday, April 21, 2006. For more information call Rhonda Basore, City Clerk, 673-7300.

year is Denim & Diamonds and there will be alcohol (we have heard it loosens the purse strings), poker, a raffle, a live auction (including dessert auctions) and silent auctions for baskets created by the kids in each room at school. This is a wonderful way to have fun and help raise needed money for the kids’ educational needs. As a further incentive, I will be the auctioneer so you can join my friends, neighbors and enemies in heckling and belittling my efforts. I am here for your benefit and it’s more direct and personal than writing a letter to the editor. Contact the school for more information. Hope to see you there. Finally, the community serv-

ices commission is set to hold its annual Spring Cleanup on Apr. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. BBQ lunch will be provided to all volunteers. There will be will some specifically designated areas that need attention. Or, you and your group can pick your own area to work. Mark it on your calendars now and be sure to attend and help our great maintenance crew keep our city clean. Coincidentally, the Library Foundation is holding their book sale fundraiser on Apr. 29 so you can walk over after lunch and help support two causes in the same day. What a bargain. Remember, email me at shuey@rankinlaw.com and let me know your thoughts or questions. In closing, Will Rogers once said, “The trouble with political jokes is that very often they get elected.” Have a great week.

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March 24, 2006

It seems like the smokers are getting all the breaks JOE ROMANO

SO ANYWAY Corporate America discriminates against non-smokers. Yea, you heard me. And I defy any of you who work for a large corporation to dispute that statement. Companies are getting about two hours more work a day out of non-smokers than their smoking counterparts and they’re not paid anymore for their efforts.

Most smokers I’ve worked with take a smoke break every hour on the hour, and it’s usually not a “run down stairs, suck in some nicotine to stop the twitching, run back to their desk” type of break. Smokers are leisurely about it, taking nice slow drags, chatting with the other chimneys, maybe even enjoying a second smoke. So if they take 15 minutes every hour, that works out to two hours in an eight-hour day. (Correct me if I’m wrong, math not being my strong suit.) Companies are not allowed to discriminate when it comes to hiring. But let’s face it: If a man-

Upcoming Events EASTER EGG HUNT Clayton’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt is Hoppening Sun. Apr. 9, 12 – 2 p.m. at the Clayton Community Gym. This is a free community event, for kids pre-k through third grade. There will be an Easter egg hunt, BBQ, raffle, inflatable bounce house and Easter bag-decorating contest. The Easter Bunny may be present for pictures too - come out to see. For more information,

call Wendy Moore, 925-6823255, wmoore@apr.com. The YMCA, Alain Pinel Realtors, the City of Clayton and Clayton Community Church are sponsors of the event. USED BOOK SALE The Clayton Community Library will hold their annual Used Book Sale April 28-30 in the Community Room at the Library. Most books are priced at

Club News

life-changing event, or not, but is sure to be e n t e r t a i n i n g. Following a brief THE CLAYTON VALLEY meeting and the program, memWOMAN’S CLUB Pot O Gold luncheon and bers and guests are invited to Membership Drive. The Clayton stay for a potluck luncheon, Valley Woman’s Club will hold a complete with door prizes. membership drive and Pot O Attend and learn more about the Gold luncheon on Tues. Mar. 28 Woman’s Club, a non-profit beginning at 10 a.m. Featured organization whose members speaker will be Pat Craig, colum- raise funds for local charities as nist and theatre critic for the well as donating their time to Contra Costa Times. His enrich the Clayton/Concord columns, which appear in the community. The meeting will be Times each Mon., cover a wide held at Holy Cross Lutheran variety of topics, from shirt tag Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Please call tucking to bowling shoe issues. Concord. Each is written with Mr. Craig’s Membership Chair Shirley Boyd, own special sense of humor. As 672-1163, if you plan to attend a theatre critic, he attends local or would like more information. The Clayton Valley Woman’s shows and writes, “whatever Club, led by co-presidents Joyce happens to pop into his mind.” He will be speaking on some- Atkinson and Sheila Driscoll, is thing that could prove to be a pleased to present a ‘Festival of Tables and Fashion’ on S a t u r d a y, Apr. 29 at 11 a.m. Several club members will model fashions by J Jill of Walnut Creek, and guests will be seated at themed The ladies were gathered for a planning meeting and are tables. Event members of the committee. Front Row (left to right): Jackie chairwoman, Waterson, Shirley Adams, Fashion Show chairwoman S h a r o n Sharon Hupp, Doris Maguire. Back Row: Connie Weimar, Millie Graham, Dee Yount, Jean Doward, Marjorie Thurlow. H u p p

ager hires a smoker, she knows that person is going to be away from his desk a good one to two hours more than the non-smoker. They get less productivity for the same money they would pay a non-smoker. So, should smokers be paid less because of their habit? I don’t know, but I can tell you this: If I owned a company, I’d keep a close eye on the number of breaks the smokers were taking. Does this mean non-smokers are better employees? Is the company really getting more work out of the them? Probably not. The non-smokers may spend more time in the bathroom or at only a dollar and there are more than 15,000 books to choose from. On the last day of the sale, books left are bagged up and sold for $2 a bag (library furnishes the bag) This is a major fundraiser for the library. For more information, call The Clayton Community Library, 925-673-0659. CLEANING UP CLAYTON Clayton needs cleaning up and rain or shine, volunteers will report for duty at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 29 for a spring

reports that table hostesses have outdone themselves, with themes including Christmas in April, the Kentucky Derby and the Chelsea Flower Show. Along with the fashion show, tickets for opportunity prizes will be available. All proceeds benefit Clayton Valley Woman’s Club projects which include the Concord and Clayton Historical Societies and the Clayton Community Library, as well as scholarships and donations of time and money to other community organizations. Tickets are $30 and include a luncheon to be catered by One Good Cook. The event will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. Seating is limited. For reservations or more information, please call Doris Maguire at 672-1696. Clayton Valley Woman’s Club is a nonprofit service organization and a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and all are welcome. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN – WOMAN IN GOVERNMENT What prompts somebody to look for a career in public service? What are the political pitfalls? Hear about the personal and financial costs of running for office, and the sense of fulfillment and reward. The Clayton and Concord branches

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cleaning work party. Workers will be well rewarded for their efforts with a BBQ lunch at 1 p.m. at City Hall. This is a terrific project for families, scout troops, clubs or just those Claytonians with a bad case of cabin fever. So, grab your work gloves and bring a poncho in case of rain. Work off some of those winter calories and spruce up your city at the same time. For more information, call Laura Hoffmeister at City Hall, 6737300.

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of the American Association of University Women are co-sponsoring this meeting at the Clayton Library on Mar. 25 at 10 a.m. The topic, “Woman in Government” is most appropriate for Women’s History Month. Come and hear two distinguished public servants, Ms. Betty Boatman and Ms. Laura Hoffmeister tell of their careers as elected and appointed public officers. Our speakers will cover these and other areas, all sprinkled with a sense of humor. This meeting promises to be a great opportunity for those interested in public service, giving a glimpse of what to expect as you follow this path. The public is invited and admission is free. Refreshments will be served. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.

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the proverbial water cooler, or walking around flirting with coworkers. Unless companies become mini-Big Brothers, there’s no way to monitor the activities of all the employees. We can’t roll back the clock and allow smokers to light up at their desks, so you can expect them to continue to vanish like clockwork. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

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“The Libertine,” the biographical drama of the life of the second Earl of Rochester, is not for the faint of heart. In a shadowed, murky monologue during the film’s first two minutes, the main character tells the audience that we would not like him or his story by the end. I began to wonder whether it would behoove me to exchange my ticket for a different film. After 10 minutes, I rather wished I had done my homework. Later, rather shell-shocked, I discovered that Rochester is the author of the world’s first published pornographic book. But rest assured, this is the least of

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the viewers’ worries. In the course of a two-hour period, I observed fecal matter, blood, urine, orgiastic ritual and every manner of sexual intercourse known in the 17th century. That said, this 2004 work of Miramax Pictures is daring in its willingness to be despised. The Earl of Rochester, in a stunning performance by Johnny Depp, is a self-proclaimed cynic of the age. The film reflects his detestation for all that popular society esteems important: namely, the newly reinstated King Charles II. There is an undercurrent – and sometimes cresting wave – of disdain that permeates everything John Wilmot touches, including his wife, mistress, work, friends and thoughts. How appropriate, then, that as society eats away at his soul, the disease of his debauchery – syphilis – eats away at his flesh until he dies, without cheer or aplomb, in his own bed at the ripe age of 33. This film is among those shelved for years until the Weinsteins spirited them away

and formed their own company. hazy and gray. Whatever beauOverall, though, it is poorly ties the designers imagined were made. The camera work and essentially lost in a fog of shadediting are choppy, and story- ows. lines appear and disappear at Depp’s performance, howrandom, with little through line ever, is spellbinding, like most to focus the action. of his recent roles. The earl is as We see the highlights of far from Willy Wonka as one Wilmot’s life without knowing can imagine, but the daring spirwho will return or why. it that brought us Jack Sparrow, One primary storyline con- Edward Scissorhands, Gilbert cerns the training of Grape, J.M. Barrie an actress, played by and Ichabod Crane the ever-enigmatic adds another feather Samantha Morton. to his cap. The plot seems eeriHis makeup ly reminiscent of artist also deserves last year’s kudos, as anyone Restoration disaster who can make that “Stage Beauty.” But chiseled jaw look so when we switch to obscenely repulsive his banishment must be a miracle from court and illworker. ness storyline 90 Expect to be fasJOHNNY DEPP minutes later, it is cinated by the secdifficult to know whether that ond Earl of Rochester, but do was the primary angle or merely not expect to like him. an episode. Jeanna Ross is an English The cinematography is irriteacher in the Public Service tating, as the idea seemed to Academy at Clayton Valley High have been to recreate the murkSchool. Send your comments to iness of a candle-lit environmovies@claytonpioneer.com. ment. Instead, it leaves the film

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“Ultraviolet” is the newest movie in the washed-out genre of chick-dominating action thrillers. And all that means is borrowed moves in skintight suits. “Ultraviolet” is out to achieve something, but by the end of the boring slides of badly computerized settings, you’re left wondering what that purpose exactly was, or if you even care.

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The future is bleak, indeed, when scientists engineer a virus that can turn humans into vampire-like super beings, causing the world to go into a disease scare. The infected humans, “hemophages,” become a detested, yet hidden, species, as civil war brews between them and normal humans. This is where Violet, a hemophage, comes in to fight a dictator who wants to wipe out all of her kind. Violet cues in a motorcycle, purple hair and partial nudity, all within her first few scenes. Why? Because she can. The storyline gets more muddled from there, leading into a young boy who has diseases harmful to humans. Violet, however, chooses to protect him in hopes of finding a cure for hemophagia.

She scurries from showdown to showdown, with a few costume changes in between. The choreographed fight scenes (and there are many) are organized so that all the bad guys dash to surround Violet, yet they happen to be in the exact position for her to cut down with one swipe. She can also leap in absurd ways, showing off her two-inch heels. Maybe Milla Jovovich is meant for this fighting stuff, having played in the “Resident Evil” franchise preceding her role as Violet. She struggles to bring life to her character, but she is constantly viewed through face close-ups so we can see how perfect her skin is as she spouts lame phrases such as: “You’re all gonna die.” Cameron Bright achieves a

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quiet creepiness as Six, the young boy Violet protects. But somebody really needed to tell Daxus (Nick Chinlund), the antagonist set on killing hemophages, that he can’t pull off evil with a respirator jammed up his nose. Overall, the 88-minute, PG13 flick was a waste of my time. It suffers from a poor plot, as well as poor pacing, only sped forward with repetitive combat sequences. Slight credit can go to director Kurt Wimmer for some style beneath it all, especially some interesting weaponry and a cell phone that must have been hightech, though it seemed to be made of paper. Look for it in commercials; the cell phone companies will catch on soon enough. “Ultraviolet” had some messages amid the final scenes, with something to say about racism and hope for the future. All I remember was the glossy sky, and even that didn’t manage to escape looking mechanical.

Natalie Budesa is 15 years old and a sophomore at CVHS. She aspires to a career as a cinematographer. Send your comments to movies@claytonpioneer.com

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Forecasting the weather is not an exact science WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS Weather forecasting is an interesting occupation. How many of you can go to work and feel good if you are right more than half the time? When I started forecasting, I asked an experienced co-worker how he dealt with being wrong. His reply was: “Babe Ruth struck out over 3,000 times, and he was one of the best baseball players in history.” That put things in perspective for me. Weather forecasting is a combination of scientific knowledge and practical experience. Like any professional, meteorologists employ certain tools to help them make decisions. The primary tools for weather forecasting are computer forecast models. Weather models take a set of initial conditions and calculate how these conditions will change in space and time. The variables these models must simultaneously predict include temperature, wind speed, wind direction, pressure and moisture. Predictions must be made not only at the earth’s surface but also at various levels of the atmosphere.

Data used to initialize these models comes from a network of instrumented weather balloons called rawinsondes or RAOBs. Twice each day, RAOBs are launched around the world. Each balloon relays temperature, wind, pressure and moisture data back to a central computer. All balloons are launched at the same time midnight and noon Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In our time zone, that corresponds to 0400 and 1600 PST. Our nearest RAOB launch site is in Oakland. Within three to four hours of the balloon launch, a new set of forecast models becomes available to the forecasting community. Supercomputers that generate the model output must perform billions of calculations during each model run. Forecast decision-making would probably be easier if there were only one forecast model to examine. But there are several, and the output from each model may be different in both space and time. The models will be generally consistent for the first day or so, but solutions for the second and third day may vary greatly between models. When deciding to follow the guidance of one model over another, one method is to review the initial condition

maps which the models use. This is done by comparing the locations of the high and low pressure centers and moisture fields with observational data and satellite photographs. If the initial conditions depicted by one model compare more favorably with observed data, that model may be the model of choice. Many forecasters track the accuracy of the various models. They know which model has been performing better recently. There are also some weather patterns that a particular model may excel at, or consistently not predict well. Once forecasters decide which model guidance to rely on, they will develop specific forecasts of temperature, winds and rainfall. Between model runs, forecasts are modified based on observations. In a way, making a weather forecast is like putting a puzzle together. The problem is that we never have all the pieces, and every day it is a different picture. There are days when we are able to tell what the picture is, and there are some days when, well, we strike out.

greater Bay Area, including Clayton.” Jim, there are two places that report daily rainfall statistics for the Bay Area, and both are available on the Internet. The National Weather Service posts a table titled “Regional Temperature and Precipitation” that includes daily data for the Bay Area. The nearest site to Clayton is the Concord Water Treatment Plant. Visit www.nws.noaa.gov/data/MTR /RTPMTR. The California-Nevada River Forecast Center displays Bay Area on a map. Data from Black Diamond Mine, Mt. Diablo and the Concord Airport are the closest examples. Visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/precipMa ps.php?group=sf&hour=24&sy noptic=5. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist with PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com

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“I said, ‘No, it’s not me!’ ”The perpetrators quickly fled – but they didn’t stop trying. “They went to Costco and said they had lost their card. Then they got a new card with my name and their picture,” she says. A manager at the Antioch Costco later called Reilly to confirm purchases. When Reilly informed the manager of the theft, again the culprits ran out of the store. “So they foiled that one,” she says with conviction. Reilly also received a call from Martinez police, who had arrested three women with counterfeit licenses bearing her name. “It was my license, with their pictures on it.” The thieves had checks printed in Reilly’s name at various banks. In the following months, many checks were cashed on the bogus accounts – but then returned for insufficient funds. “Attorneys from stores would say that I owed them because my check was returned,” she says. “I was daily calling the police and dealing with all the paperwork involved.”

Such training was part of a statewide summit, Teaming Up Against Identity Theft, held last month in Los Angeles. While last year’s summit focused on solutions, training topped the agenda this year. Classes were offered for law enforcement officials, attorneys, businesses, educators and the media. “People were happy to have that kind of training all under one roof,” he says, adding that police officials are “learning to take reports, do some analysis and look for patterns.” According to Heimerich, the majority of identity crimes involve “simple” abuse of credit and debit card accounts. “It’s fraud, and it costs people money,” he notes. “But the most serious form of identity

ONE PROBLEM SOLVED Her van was recovered at the mall in Antioch the day after the theft in June 2001. A security guard had spotted it, based on Reilly’s initial police report. “They took out everything that might have been of value. The police said they dusted for prints, but they never found anything,” says Reilly, who expresses frustration about the investigation. Although she believes the thieves were caught on videotape at several locations, “no one really cared.” “No one was going to follow through and say, ‘Oh, I think we can catch the culprits,’ ” she says. Clayton Police Chief Dan Lawrence, who wasn’t with the force at the time of the crimes, acknowledges that catching identity thieves is “challenging.” In Reilly’s case, only the initial crime occurred in Clayton. “We don’t have the resources, or the obligation, to go all over to investigate,” says the chief. “Anybody who is a victim of identity theft needs to take a proactive stance,” Lawrence adds. “It’s a lot of effort on the part of the victim.” A MATTER OF EDUCATION Russ Heimerich of the state Department of Consumer Affairs believes law enforcement agencies lack knowledge on how to investigate identity theft. “There needs to be nuts and bolts training across the board to help keep people’s identities safe,” says Heimerich.

theft is when someone gets your Social Security card.” THREE TIMES THE TROUBLE Clayton resident Patti Baggett had her personal information stolen sometime in the late ’90s, and she’s still not sure the matter has been resolved. “Every time I would think it was cleared up, it would start all over again,” says Baggett. She believes her identifying information – including her Social Security number – was obtained through expense reports she submitted with her Atlanta-based employer. Baggett was first alerted to the fraud in 1998, when an Atlanta department store called her about a past-due account. “I was floored,” she states. “It took me quite awhile to figure out what they were talking about.” The culprits had opened an

Take precautions with personal information Most cases of identity theft occur because people aren’t being careful with personal information. Identity theft victim Linda Molyneux cautions others not to throw things away “willy-nilly.” Shred your trash. Small home shredders should be used for documents with identifying information- – especially offers for credit cards or convenience checks. You can also halt the flow of such junk mail by calling 1888-5OPTOUT, to have your name removed from credit bureau marketing lists. Don’t leave your mail in the mailbox. Clayton Postmaster Johnnie Johnson stresses the importance of retrieving mail soon after delivery – and never leaving outgoing mail in your home box. “The people who are doing this identity theft, they know when the carriers are coming in,” Johnson notes, “so when the carriers leave, they can go dig in. It’s that real gray area,” he says. “Once we put it in the mailbox, it’s the responsibility of the customers.” Don’t give out personal information. People also need to be wary about giving out credit card, bank, driver’s license or Social Security numbers – unless the resident is initiating the contact, says Russ Heimerich of the state Department of Consumer Affairs. Don’t carry your Social Security number in your purse or wallet. And ask

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your company for a new health insurance ID if your Social Security number is on the card. Write your credit card numbers down in a safe place, along with the tollfree numbers needed to contact the issuing companies. Make sure your computer is protected by using firewalls, anti-virus software and spyware protection. Only download software from sites you trust and don’t click on links in pop-ups. Heimerich urges consumers to check bills and bank statements fre quently to monitor errors that can damage credit status. Residents can check their credit status through three national credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Each provides one free annual credit report. By spreading the requests out over the course of a year, consumers can get a free report every four months. For details, call 1-877322-8228 or visit www.annualcreditreport.c om/cra/index.jsp. The bottom line is that it’s better to be cautious now than to scramble to try to fix a problem. “Once you become a victim,” says Clayton Police Chief Dan Lawrence, “it’s extremely hard to purge.” For more information on identity theft, visit w w w . p r i v a c y. c a . g o v , www.usps.gov/postalinspectors or www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

instant charge account in her name and went from store to store, ringing up $10,000 in one day. “They were Tommy Hilfiger fiends.” She was hit again in 1999, when someone rented an apartment in Georgia in her name. “Then they skipped town,” says Baggett, who was contacted by the apartment owners over a $6,818 bill. After straightening out the fraudulent charges for a second time, she was in the clear until 2001. “This time, they got some sort of student loan and were able to get $5,000 worth of computer equipment.” Again, she was able to settle the matter without any financial loss. “It was time on the phone, getting affidavits, time with credit people saying, ‘No, that wasn’t me,’ ” Baggett reports. SOCIAL SECURITY SCAM Clayton resident Linda Molyneux’s Social Security number was being used illegally in the late ’80s. While a student at UC Santa Barbara, she received a letter from the Social Security Department advising her of the problem. The identity theft threw up red flags because the other woman was claiming for the same exact jobs as Molyneux had. “My job history was her job history. They actually kind of got a kick out of it down at the Social Security office,” Molyneux recalls, “because most people are a lot smarter.” Molyneux believes her personal information was obtained in a “careless moment.” In those days, her Social Security number was also her health insurance ID number. “I probably got a new health card, and as a 19-year-old kid, tossed the old one in the garbage.” Because the crime was caught early, Molyneux didn’t suffer any monetary damages. She was given a new Social Security number, which was tied to the old account. “I consider myself very lucky that I didn’t have to go through a whole lot to regain my identity,” she notes. Chief Lawrence is another “lucky” victim of identity theft. Upon joining the Clayton force last fall, he discovered that another name was affiliated with his Social Security number. “To my knowledge, I haven’t suffered any problems. I’m constantly monitoring all my accounts,” says Lawrence. CLOSE TO HOME Molyneux expresses concern that businesses aren’t doing enough to thwart such crimes. She recalls an incident in which a new neighbor mistakenly gave the water company her address. Molyneux’s water was going to be shut off and the account

See Identity, page A12

Page A12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 24, 2006

Identity, from page A11

Using your noodle Part two The size and shape of noodles is limited only by their ingredients and the imagination of the cook. Today, most noodles are made of wheat and rice. Egg noodles—the most popular variety in Western culture— incorporate egg with wheat flour and water. One can find a wider variety of flours and starches (such as yam, soybean and potato) in Asian noodles. Instant ramen noodles are fried in oil before they are dried. For a lower fat option, try soba noodles. These are long, wavy wheat noodles often packaged in a brick. A similar noodle, saimin, contains egg (this is a very brittle noodle when dried). Soba noodles resemble spaghetti. They are made from buckwheat and wheat flour and have a lovely nutty flavor. Udon is another wheat noodle that is principally found in soups because of its slippery chewy texture. Cellophane (or glass) noodles are made from mung bean starch; they are used in soups and stir fried dishes and can even be deep fried. Some noodles, such as rice sticks or cellophane noodles, only need to be soaked in hot water to soften. Others can be steamed and then stir-fried. Rice sticks vermicelli are made from rice flour which puffs up into crisp white noodles when deep fried or become soft and slippery when soaked in warm water. Sometimes noodles can be used as a stuffing such as in Vietnamese spring rolls. Most noodles are boiled. When fresh, they only take 2 to 4 minutes on average, while dried noodles require twice as long. It really is important to boil noodles in plenty of water (4 quarts at least for one pound) so they can swirl around, cook evenly and not stick to one another. Starch is released from noodles during the cooking process and when noodles stick together, it prevents proper heat transfer and results in uneven cooking. The water must be rapidly boiling or the noodles can get mushy—the high heat sets the outside of the noodles and stops them from sticking to one another. Stirring the noodles from time to time keeps them moving and helps them to cook evenly. Noodles are part of America’s “comfort food” legacy. Casseroles became popular during the Great Depression of the 1930’s when cooks looked for economical meals to serve their families. In the 1950’s they were heralded as a convenience

food. Perhaps the most well known of these is the tuna-noodle casserole. Ease of preparation comes in a can—of cream of mushroom soup. In fact, Campbell Soup Company is credited with making its recipe famous. In 1941, Campbell published Easy Ways to Good Meals: 99 Delicious Dishes Made with Campbell’s Soups (Campbell Soup Company:

LINDA WYNER

FOOD

FOR

THOUGHT

Camden, NJ). Included was the following: COMPANY CASSEROLE 6 oz egg noodles 1 can Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup 1 c milk ¼ lbs pimiento cheese, sliced 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped 1 7-oz can tuna fish 6 Tbsp flaked cereal crumbs, buttered Cook the noodles in boiling salted water until tender. Empty the soup into the pan and stir well, then add milk and heat. Add the pimiento cheese and stir until the cheese melts. Combine noodles, eggs and tuna fish with the sauce. Put into a buttered casserole, sprinkle buttered flaked cereal crumbs over the top and bake in

a moderate oven (350°F) for 2530 minutes. Serves 8. Noodles are also used in sweet dishes. A notable example is the noodle kugel, a traditional Jewish dessert or side dish. Originally, kugels were made with bread and flour and were savory dishes instead of sweet. In the 1600’s, sugar was incorporated in German and Polish recipes. Experimentation with fruits, sour cream and graham cracker crumbs continued to improve the dish. A little known bit of trivia is that the bundt pan was created in the 1950’s for baking kugel—of course, it now is widely used for cakes.

moved to another person’s name – without much verification required. And after a rash of mail thefts in Clayton, the Oakhurst resident found that her Macy’s account had been frozen because people were trying to add their names to it. Baggett also had problems with mail theft when she lived in Oakhurst. Outgoing mail was stolen from her box, and altered checks were cashed. “They dipped them and changed all the information,” she says. Her husband, John, was down at their Concord bank discussing the problem when a teller interrupted to speak to the supervisor. “A guy was trying to cash a check without ID – and it was on our account.” Although the suspect fled,

he was later apprehended as part of a check fraud ring out of Pittsburg. LASTING EFFECTS To this day, Reilly is unable to write checks at many locations because of the damage done to her credit rating. “I use a credit card or ATM, other than the local places that will take my checks,” she says. “I’m an outlaw.” When Baggett tried to refinance her home recently, she was told that the outstanding student loan was still on her credit report. So, she has to remain vigilant. The experiences have brought the victims a new sense of reality. “It was pretty trippy,” says Molyneux. “You think of yourself as such an individual in life.

But we really are a bunch of numbers to the government. When you are stripped of that, you feel a little lost.” For Reilly, it was a wakeup call. “We’re over here in Clayton, and we’re thinking life is real kick-back. But just over the hill, people are looking for money and we’re sitting targets.”

NOODLE KUGEL 12 oz. wide egg noodles 4 cooking apples (Rome, etc.) ½ c raisins 1 c cottage cheese 5 eggs, beaten ¼ c sugar ½ tsp cinnamon 1 c bread or graham cracker crumbs, buttered Preheat oven to 375°F. Boil noodles until almost done (they will finish as the kugel is baked). Peel and coarsely chop apples (while the skin adds nutrition, it is not a good texture in this dish). Mix together the raisins, apples, cinnamon and sugar. Add cottage cheese. Add eggs. Stir into the warm noodles and pour everything into a baking dish. Top with crumbs and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. A spoonful of warm dulce de leche (a milky caramel type sauce) atop each serving makes for a wonderful dessert. Linda Wyner is an attorney in Walnut Creek by day, and an accomplished chef and “foodie” by choice. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com

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Registration open for Junior Rangers Mt. Diablo State Park will offer a new educational program for children beginning in May. Through the Junior Ranger Program, kids 7 to 12 years old will have an opportunity to learn about wildlife, geology and other topics. Docent Stephen Elliott developed the program and will lead the sessions, which will include classroom presentations, hands-on activities and a hike. Awards will be given at each stage of completion. Mt. Diablo is known for its dramatic views and unique geology The park encompasses more than 20,000 acres of diverse habitat surrounding the mountain. The Junior Ranger classes will be 2-5 p.m. Saturdays, May 6 through June 10. One adult may accompany each child during the program. While there is no charge for the program, a park entrance fee is required. Advance registration is required.

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STEPHEN ELLIOTT stops at the Indian grinding holes, one area of study in the Junior Ranger program.

I once heard a story about twin boys talking to their parents at the dinner table. The first boy says: “Everyone at school tells me how great I am at math, and I have decided to be a professional accountant.” “That’s a fine idea,” the parents say. The next boy says: “Everyone at school says how great I am at art, so I decided that I am going to be a professional artist.” After the paramedics finish electro-shocking dad’s heart back to life, mom explains to

her foolish son that if he continues down this idiotic path, he will end up like his Uncle Ted dancing for nickels and eating out of the dumpster behind Arby’s. The son gives up his dream of being an artist and resigns himself to a life as a mediocre businessman. Crisis averted. This scene may be familiar to anyone who has worked up the nerve to admit that they plan a profession in art. Even if you are like me and have parents who support your “foolish dreams,” you still have to crawl through the minefield of teachers, coaches, neighbors, friends, aunts and uncles (except Uncle Ted). All of them want the best for you, but none really understand your potential. The idea of the starving artist has become so engrained in our minds, and our culture, that even some gifted artists have accepted the notion that art can be no more than a

SETH AHONEN

ART MUSINGS hobby. They believe “making it” as an artist is about as likely as winning the lottery. This kind of thinking has to stop. Art is the same as any profession. Not only are there hundreds of commercial career opportunities for aspiring artists like illustration, graphic design and architectural rendering, but there are thousands of people across the country making their livings as portrait artists, painters and freelance animators.

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Very few of them have long hair, wear berets or are starving. None of these professionals got to where they are by accident. A career in art takes persistence. Overnight success is rare. The key is to set goals for the future and then set small daily goals to help you get there. Remember, success is an accumulation of small victories. So if you are an aspiring artist, keep aspiring. Figure out what makes you unique, then work at it until your knuckles bleed. Gimmicks only work for so long, and there is no substitute for skill. Meanwhile, if you know an artist, encourage him. Those seeds that you plant might just grow into something remarkable. Seth Ahonen is a local artist, specializing in custom children’s murals. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s College in Moraga. Email him at seth@ahonenart.com.

Page A14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 24, 2006

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PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB Spectacular Custom Home on a prime ridgeline view lot! backing to open space with commanding views of oak dotted hills-canyons & ridgeline! 5 bedrooms + den, 3.5 baths, approx. 3,850sf, 2 fireplaces & 2 car garage with work area & storage closet. Grand scale entry with impressive mahogany double doors, granite tile entry & ornate light fixture. Downstairs guest suite with private full bath. Elegant living room features a granite tile fireplace. Banquet size formal dining room. Enormous gourmet kitchen features 18" tile floors, huge eating area & granite tile counters & island. Spacious family room boasts a gorgeous natural slate tile fireplace & custom built-in cabinetry. Luxurious master suite offers dual French sliding glass doors leading to balcony overlooking

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30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . .6.125% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . .6.125% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . . . .6.5% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . . . .6.5% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.25% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.5%

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB Exceptional "Nantucket" model with rare 4 car garage! 4 bedrooms + loft & den, 2.5 baths, 3,599 sq. ft. Upgrades include: 12" tile floors, neutral carpets, designer paint, light fixtures & custom window coverings. Living room & dining room with upgraded hardwood floors, fireplace & views. Gourmet kitchen features upgrade tile floors, counters, island, full backsplash, upgraded maple cabinets & pantry. Large master suite & bath with views of city, valley & Delta! Large level (.29 apx) acre lot with inground pool & spa with automatic cover, aggregate patio & walkways, various lawn areas, trellis cover & lots of palm trees. $1,175,000

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WINDMILL CANYON AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB Charming "Crandall" model on a private court! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,877sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Upgraded gleaming hardwood floors in entry extend into kitchen, laundry & ½ bath. Living room features a marble fireplace, neutral carpet, vaulted ceiling & wet bar. Formal dining area with bay window & vaulted ceiling. Kitchen features upgraded stainless steel "Dacor" gas range & "Broan" Vent Hood, tile counters, sunny garden window & cozy breakfast nook. Spacious master suite offers wooded & hillside views. Secluded lot features a trellis covered deck with built-in bench seating, meandering dry creek bed & sweeping views of surrounding hills. $749,000

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PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB Fabulous "Coronado" model! with 1st floor master suite. 4 bedrooms + loft, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,335sf, 2 fireplaces & 3 car garage. Upgrades include: tile floors, neutral carpet, light fixtures (inside & out), window coverings, crown molding & designer paint! Elegant formal dining room off kitchen with crown molding. Living room with fireplace. Gourmet kitchen features granite tile counters, island, maple cabinets & upgr. stainless steel appliances. Large family room with fireplace & custom maple built-in media cabinets. Spacious master suite with sliding glass door to private patio. Fantastic private large (.36 approx) acre lot features prof. landscape, towering redwoods, roses, multiple lawn areas, custom aggregate

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

PRICE

SALE DATE

1467 Indianhead Circle 3003 Coyote Circle 9007 Elk Drive 718 Anizumne Court 2 Mt. Wilson Way 1164 Moccasin Court 8019 Kelok Way 5120 Keller Ridge Dr 1124 Whispering Pines 5017 Raven Way 5175 Keller Ridge Dr 5007 Raven Way 1032 Pebble Beach Dr 90 Mt. McKinley Ct 107 El Portal Place 104 Mt. Whitney Way 905 Arrowhead Terr 410 Chupcan Place 107 Jeffry Ranch Ct. 8027 Kelok Way 8000 Kelok Way 204 Falcon Place 1468 Yosemite Cir 11 Alef Court 24 Ohlone Lane 620 Black Point Ct 1127 Peacock Creek Dr 1874 Eagle Peak Ave 4003 Hummingbird Wy 118 Forest Hill Dr 151 Montaire Parkway 5185 Keller Ridge Dr 459 Obsidian Way 7009 Molluk Way 6015 Golden Eagle 108 Mt. Whitney Way 1175 Shell Lane 198 Mt. Vernon Drive 461 Obsidian Way 605 Condor Place 533 Hamburg Circle 455 Obsidian Way

$593,000 $505,000 $890,000 $680,000 $499,950 $670,000 $890,000 $739,000 $1,175,000 $825,000 $899,000 $750,000 $1,060,000 $799,000 $915,000 $825,000 $665,000 $715,000 $760,000 $954,980 $889,500 $800,000 $580,000 $897,000 $825,000 $815,000 $1,332,500 $815,000 $900,000 $1,075,000 $800,000 $917,000 $1,020,000 $899,000 $867,000 $778,000 $528,900 $844,000 $938,000 $495,000 $799,950 $1,089,000

03/10/06 02/2806 02/28/06 02/28/06 02/23/06 02/22/06 02/22/06 02/17/06 02/17/06 02/16/06 02/13/06 02/10/06 02/09/06 02/07/06 01/31/06 01/24/06 01/17/06 01/06/06 01/03/06 12/29/05 12/28/05 12/23/05 12/19/05 12/16/05 12/16/05 12/15/05 12/14/05 12/08/05 12/08/05 12/02/05 12/1/05 11/29/05 11/23/05 11/22/05 11/21/05 11/18/05 11/16/05 11/16/05 11/10/05 11/9/05 11/9/05 11/4/05

1,430 1,252 2,543 1,904 1,378 1,343 2,542 1,877 2,700 2,467 3,079 1,835 3,335 1,919 2,857 2,566 1,797 1,991 2,150 3,079 2,542 2,467 1,326 2,370 2,313 2,005 4,100 2,467 2,854 3,185 2,448 2,894 3,454 2,854 2,536 2,481 1,145 2,141 2,981 1,252 2,030 2,981

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

CLAYTON PIONEER MARCH 24, 2006

Section B

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B1

Get away to Alta and let your soul run free

KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN

for those who call this mountain home. One must look deeper into the resort itself, into the conversations during lunch and apres ski – paying close attention to the attitude transformation that makes most uptight skiers on a three-day weekend relax a little bit more and go with the flow. With the popularity of snowboarding and the fact that one out of every two of my friends

The plan was to drop off the little guy with some friends, which left my lovely wife and me approximately two days to ski wherever we wanted. First choice, Alta. A hardcore skier’s mountain, coupled with a flavor of local residents, makes this the place to be during and after any storm. With a base elevation of 8,530 feet and a premier location near the top of Little

the Great Salt Lake allows for huge lake-effect storms that dump copious amounts of snow while neighboring resorts might not receive any. Other highlights include a top elevation of 10,550 feet, a 2,020 foot vertical drop, 2,200 acres of skiable terrain, 116 runs, two quad chairs, three triples, three doubles and five surface tows, with 25 percent beginner, 40 percent intermedi-

be forking out $74 at nearby Deer Valley. As with all great things, we came to Alta for the powder but ended up finding a lot more than expected. The terrain is some of the most challenging I have found in the lower 48. For those willing to hike off the beaten path, I promise the effort expended will not disappoint. I recommend parking at

Destination: Alta Ski Area, Utah Soul (n) – A strong, deeply felt emotion conveyed by a speaker, a performer or an artist.

Soul is not something that can be seen or paid for, or written down on some cocktail napkin. It’s a feeling, an emotion, a synergy of cosmic forces that begs people to smile, laugh and share in positive energy and vibrations in general. I can’t think of a better word to describe Alta. I have skied all over the country, and Alta is the quintessential essence of what skiing once was and what skiing will be again someday. The hardcore locals who frequent this resort are very serious about their powder. On any given day, long lines can be seen at any number of chairs for yet another chance to ski the lightest fresh stuff Mother Nature can conjure up. This is in no way meant to be a negative description of events, but more of a way of life

crannies than you can shake a stick at are waiting for you. We spent most of the day skiing between Sugarloaf and Supreme Chairs, which will carry you to the highest elevations at Alta. Runs such as Sugar Bowl, Castle Apron, Upper Sleepy Hollow and Catherine’s Area are just a few of my favorites. Although the lion’s share of terrain is advanced, do not despair. Alta has something for everything. If lessons are your thing, make it a point to visit the world-famous Alf Engen Ski School, voted one of the top 10 ski schools in North America. Other highlights I want to point out include Eddie’s High Nowhere, Greeley Bowl and Alf ’s High Rustler. If you have come looking for soul, then Alta is your spot because the funky are real funky and there really are no friends on a powder day. For more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, contact me at hikershaven@sbcglobal.net.

Alta Ski Area, Utah

HIGH TRAVERSE rides a board, I rarely get the chance to visit Alta Ski Area. To the best of my knowledge, Alta is the only U.S. ski resort that does not allow snowboarding.

IN THE

ALTA SKI AREA...WHAT

Cottonwood Canyon some eight miles out of Salt Lake City, it’s no wonder the annual snowfall here is 500 inches. Alta’s location just east of

Kevin Parker/Clayton Pioneer

VIEW!

ate and 35 percent advanced terrain. For those looking to take it easy on the pocketbook, all-day adult lift tickets are $49. You’ll

Wildcat Base and riding either Collins or Wildcat Chairs to start the day. Tight chutes, tons of trees, steeps, ravines and more powder-filled nooks and

zTrailhead: Alta Ski Area, Little Cottonwood Canyon zTravel Time: 2 hours (by plane) zPowder Factor: B.Y.O.S. (Bring Your Own Snorkle) zTrip Tip: If you don’t want to drive up to Little Cottonwood Canyon because the rental car doesn’t have chains, opt for a quick and inexpensive bus ride. For more information: www.alta.com

“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.”

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

and successful local real estate professional for over a decade, she knows what makes this area special. That’s why she works so hard to help others make the most of their unique opportunities here. Whether you are buying or 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! 6200-E Center St. Q Clayton, CA 94517

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 24, 2006

Clayton Sports

Bonnies win County National

Mashore family took Clayton Valley to the big leagues BILL WAGONER Clayton Pioneer

Photo courtesy of Mike Treppa

Coach Mike Treppa with Rebecca Reeder, Clarice Roo, Kasey Fitzsimmons, Julie Barker, Kelly Lowery, Lindsay Treppa and Jordan Bluth.

MIKE TREPPA Special to the Pioneer

The St. Bonaventure Fourth Grade Girls National team won

the County National Invitational Basketball tournament held at Antioch High School. Despite coming into the tournament as the East

County Number Two seed, "The Bonnies" defeated West County number 1 seed Santa Maria on March 11th and came back the next day to beat the

East County Number One seed, Immaculate Heart. The Championship victory avenged a prior loss in the league playoffs to Immaculate Heart.

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Clayton Valley High School hasn’t produced a big league baseball player since Clyde Mashore and his son Damon. Clyde was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1964 and was promoted from AAA Indianapolis for his MLB debut in 1969. Primarily an outfielder, he appeared in 241 games over five seasons with the Reds and Montreal Expos. Son Damon was born in Puerto Rico during the winter ball season of 1969. He grew up on the same Marsh Creek Road property where his mom Judy resides today. Damon and his younger brother Justin worked their way through the Clayton Va l l e y Little League system to star at C V H S. B o t h signed professional baseball contracts in the same year. Damon went from Clayton Valley to star for three years at the University of Arizona. The Oakland A’s selected him in the ninth round of the 1991 amateur draft. Justin was picked by the Detroit Tigers in the third round of that same draft. Damon, an outfielder, advanced through the A’s farm system to debut with Oakland in 1996. He went on to play

185 big league games with the Athletics and Anaheim Angels. Playing centerfield during the 1997 season at Tiger Stadium, Damon threw out three Detroit base runners at the plate in one game. Both of the Mashore boys have stayed in the game as minor league hitting instructors Damon with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Justin with the Toronto Blue Jays. “Bob Johnson was their baseball coach at CVHS,” mom Judy recalls, “and they ran track for Herc Pardi before he became the football coach.” The family also contributed to the legacy of both the Concord and Clayton communities. “Clyde’s father Dike helped build the Little League fields in downtown C o n c o r d ,” says Judy, “and my brother D o u g moved the dentist, restaurant a n d museum buildings to their current locations in Clayton today.” Clyde Mashore and Judy Trost graduated from CVHS in 1964. He was the all-around athlete and she was a cheerleader. “They called me the second best athlete in the school,” Judy says. “We didn’t have girls sports then, so I was invited to run with the boys at a Clayton Valley track meet.”

Clayton Valley Bowl

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March 24, 2006

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Clayton Sports Sammy Marchant Favorite Subject: Math

The Clayton Connection

for all your financial & real estate needs

Favorite Athlete: Soccer phenom Freddy Adu

PIONEER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Tim C. Steffen

Favorite Food: Lasagna

SOCCER, BASEBALL KEEP ATHLETE IN TOP SHAPE

Though Sammy Marchant enjoys both sports, soccer has eclipsed baseball in recent years for the Clayton 12-year-old. With his AYSO Hornets regular season concluded, Sammy extended his playtime with the Diablo Demons select team. Coach Rick White refers to Sammy as a "quite leader." "He is the easiest kid to coach," says White. "I'd love to have a whole team of Sammys. He plays a great right wing and is a real team player. Sammy makes it worthwhile to coach." Sammy is also excited to get the new Clayton Valley Little League baseball season underway. This marks his second year with the Majors Division Astros and his third consecutive season with

Page B3

SAMMY MARCHANT Coach Chris Snyder. Sammy will anchor the pitching staff, get plenty of innings at shortstop and also fill in admirably behind the plate - a position many Little Leaguers avoid. In his baseball uniform, Sammy looks like a throwback to an earlier era: pant legs high, showing a lot of sock. But he brings a quiet confidence to the game. "Sammy is just a natural athlete, and that's hard to say about most 12-year-olds," Snyder reports. "He has a very even-keeled approach to every aspect of his game, which includes his hitting, fielding and pitching. Sammy is very strong on the fundamentals, which is a real reflec-

tion of his dad." Youth sports coaches know it's important to "draft the family," not just the athlete. The Marchants consistently provide that full package. Father Brad has always been an active coach with Sammy's CVLL teams and his mother Beth is a seasoned baseball scorekeeper. Sister Kate, an eighthgrader at Diablo View Middle School, is an accomplished gymnast with Golden Gate Gymnastics. Sammy's maternal grandfather, professional musician Darwin Ernst, provides the inspiration for his musical talents. Three years ago, he began playing his grandfather's alto saxophone. These days, he offers up a crisp version of "At The Hop." The Diablo View sixthgrader fills out his days hitting golf balls with his dad and skiing at Dodge Ridge near the family's cabin.

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The Clayton Pioneer spotlights a local youth athlete from our circulation area in the second issue each month. 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. Nomination deadline for our April 21 issue is Sunday, April 9.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Clayton Sports

March 24, 2006

New candy counter

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Brother Ryan and the sh...sh...sh...shanks

DAVE GRAY GRAY ON GOLF that you just hit it hard right. This happened to Ryan, and he’s been losing sleep over it. The prime cause of a shank shot is flatness. If you ever, and

Nerland, from page A1 “Even then, I still scout local talent and the Oakland A’s games. Sometimes I don’t get an evening home for a few weeks.” Nerland says his wife, “a baseball nut,” is understanding about his long hours. “She knew what she was getting herself into,” he says. “She’ll join me for a few days at Spring Training each year, but she’s not so much into going to the games anymore.” The pair met at Candlestick Park in 1997, and they were married two years later. “My wife and I are best friends,” he notes. Nerland’s Clayton connection goes back to the first player he drafted. Zack Wells was a 29th round pick out of Clayton Valley High School in 1997. “Zack’s parents were high on Clayton, and we checked it out and did our homework,” says the Oakhurst resident. Ed Moresi was another Clayton connection for Nerland. “I put together an area code team as an elite showcase for prospects in Long Beach in 2002, and his son Nick was on the team.” Nick Moresi, draft-eligible this summer and coming off two all-WAC seasons at Fresno State, entered the 2006 season as a preseason projection for conference Player of the Year. A broken hamate bone in his hand, however, proved a short-term derailment. Moresi tried to play through the injury before having surgery. Still, it shouldn’t factor much into his draft attraction. SCOUTING FOR THE BEST Nerland’s primary role with the Giants is to prepare for and execute the annual June amateur draft. “The amateur draft is total projection,” he reports. “Size, strength and obviously looking for velocity in a pitcher. For position players, it’s quickness, good hands, ability to put the bat on

the ball and to recognize projectable tools.” He also gets to know the players’ families and prefers to deal directly with the player and his parents rather than advisors and agents. Nerland has seen a technical evolution in scouting since he joined the Giants in 1989. “It’s definitely a lot more computerized,” he says. “Statistical analysis always plays a big part, but we stick to the traditional methods of scouting.” Nerland relies heavily on his territorial scouts. “They’re the ones who know the players best.” FINE-TUNING THE PICKS Two weeks before the draft, the Giants meet with the regional cross-checkers, “the guys who go out to see the better players.” Lots of changes in ranking are made during those two weeks of discussions with Sabean and Dick Tidrow, Vice President of Player Personnel. “We watch a lot of video and incorporate simultaneous video with the scouting reports,” Nerland says. On draft day, a group of about 25 meets in the boardroom at the park. “Dick makes the actual pick, although he’s easing me into the selection process,” Nerland says. “I’ve been around it so long that I’m very comfortable in that environment.” Even when the draft ends, there’s little time to relax. After 50 rounds of draft (roughly 1,500 players), Nerland still scouts for talent among the undrafted free agents. He points to Jeremy Accardo as a successful player who wasn’t drafted. “He was a conversion guy, played shortstop, was spotted pitching in Alaska,” Nerland says. “Brian Horwitz was undrafted out of UC Berkeley less than two years ago, and he’s won

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I’m gonna remember all of you in prayer, fall into a serious case of striking iron shots on the neck, or hosel of the club, first check your backswing. Remember that great old standard by Nat King Cole, “Chances Are”? If you shank it dead right … OK, so I changed a few words. Seriously, chances are you are taking the club head back too abruptly, “inside” the target line. This flattens the plane of your swing and causes you to return the club head into the ball with the heel of the club leading. In other words, the club face is lagging behind. The cure is relatively simple.

You must make your backswing more upright. Take the club straight back from the ball for several inches before allowing it to move inside. An open stance, with the left foot pulled back a bit from the target line, will force a more upright backswing. Such a stance is suitable on at least the short-iron shots. There you have it, Ryan. Sleep tight cuz now you’re rid of the Sh … Sh … Sh … Shanken Bug Bite.

back-to-back batting titles in the Northwest and Sally (South Atlantic) Leagues,” he adds “Sometimes they slip through. I scouted Horwitz and submitted a report.” According to Nerland, the actual signing process is pretty standard unless it’s a high-profile player. There’s a standard minor league contract with a specific amount. “College guys normally go to the Northwest (short season) League, with high school players going to the Arizona Rookie League,” he says. “Tayler Cresswell, drafted last June in the 22nd round out of Deer Valley (Antioch), was in the Instructional League down here in October. He’s a guy with a lot of raw ability, and we’re trying to ease him in slowly.”

won’t make decisions solely by himself. He likes different perspectives, and it’s a huge compliment to be consulted.” After the amateur draft, Nerland’s calendar is filled with amateur signings, the July 31 MLB trading deadline, 40-man roster decisions in November, the December Rule V draft, Arizona Fall League and Instructional League. “My off-season usually runs from about mid-December until mid-January,” he says. “I’m still in the office every day, but I’m home for Christmas with the family and maybe a little vacation.”

A GIANT FAMILY Nerland feels at home with the Giants. “We’re all pretty close.” A GM title may be in his future, but only 30 of those positions exist in MLB. “I don’t think I’d be doing this job if I didn’t have aspirations of becoming a GM,” he says. “It could be a next logical step.” The Giants didn’t fill the Assistant GM slot when Ned Colletti left to take the Dodgers GM position over the winter, instead choosing to spread those duties among the existing front office staff. “Assistant GMs are usually the contract negotiators, and that’s not for me,” Matt is quick to add. Bobby Evans, Director of Player Personnel, has taken on most of the contract side, while the Giants rely on Nerland more for the baseball operations side. “A VP of Player Personnel position might be a logical career move down the road,” he notes. In addition to supervising about 30 scouts, Nerland now advises Sabean on player acquisitions at the big league level. “Brian’s great, because he

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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

MAKING IT TO THE TOP Nerland has personally signed at least eight of the minor leaguers in camp, along with several players on the Giants 40man roster. He’s awaiting his first signed amateur to make it to the big leagues. “Kevin Frandsen (2B) and Brian Horwitz (OF) are legitimate candidates, as are Erik Threets (LHP) and Nate Schierholtz (OF),” he reports with a sparkle. “My guys are starting to show up now.” About two-thirds of the Giants top 20 picks from the 2005 amateur draft signed. “Going in, you might have an idea a pick could be difficult,” Nerland says, “but you have the summer to sign them and have their rights until they go back to school.” Clayton twins Scott and Matt Gorgen are on Nerland’s radar. Scott is a starting pitcher at UC Irvine, while Matt throws relief for UC Berkeley. “I saw them play last year at CV. Just saw Matt throw over at Cal. He’s a bulldog,” says Nerland. CVHS senior shortstop Randy Wells is also drawing scouts’ attention, in spite of having signed a letter of intent to play for St. Mary’s next season. “He’s in my back yard, so I need to get out there,” Nerland notes.

So, you’re on the back nine. The pace of play has been perfect. Birds are singing, the sun is shining. Your swing and scoring is hotter than a July bride, and, best of all, that chili dog you slammed at that turn is starting to work in your opponent’s backswing. You have 140 yards to a middle pin placement. You pull out your eight iron, set up and swing. The ball, which has been hunting that pin all day like a bird dog on bird nip, suddenly flies 90 degrees to the right. Folks, I can’t even say the word for fear that I might get the disease. Sh … Sh … Sh …Shank. A better explanation might be

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Sixth class policy puts strain on those taking college courses

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I have always wanted to learn to speak Russian. Maybe it was an early love of Vladimir Nabokov novels, or perhaps it was John Cleese’s monologue in “A Fish Called Wanda.” I had been looking forward to senior year as a chance to take five (instead of the normal six) classes at Clayton Valley. I could attend school there from 7 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. every day, then head to Diablo Valley College to fulfill my linguistic dream. To enroll at DVC or any college while still attending high school, you have to fill out a relatively simple concurrent enrollment form. However, when I got the form, I noticed one line on the form that informed me of the need to be “enrolled in no less than six classes” in order to take a class at DVC, according to Board Policy 6112a. Although one class may not seem like much of an obstacle, it made me reconsider my plans for the next year. Eventually, I decided to take a class with as little homework as possible so I

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The Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA) has increased its scholarship budget to $20,000 for 2006. The following scholarships will be awarded: z $5,000 for first place. z $4,000 for second place. z $3,500 for third and four places. z $2,000 for fifth place. z $2,000 for a student in music or the arts who will continue his or her artistic studies in college. This is for Clayton Valley High students only. These scholarships are available to high school students graduating in spring 2006. They must be a resident of Clayton with a 94517 zip code. Applications must be submitted by Monday, April 3. For more information, call Sue White at the CBCA office at 672-2272 or Scholarship Committee chair Ron Munk at 6878688.

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involved, the five-class option would only be available for those taking DVC classes. But that is not the reality in a system that rewards mediocrity and punishes those who try to get ahead. Another issue is timing. If someone took a five-period day that began at 7 a.m., that person could get out at 12:25 p.m. every day, instead of the normal 2:50 p.m. However, a person taking six classes would get out at 12:25 p.m. only every other day (the other day would be 2:50). The six-class requirement would prevent a student from taking a college class that began before 3:30 p.m., while a student with a five-period day could get to the campus two and a half hours earlier. The School Board should

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CVHS REPORTER reverse this shortsighted measure. Although I can understand that the measure was passed to prevent the district from loosing funds (because school revenue is based on attendance), no reasonable organization dedicated to education should enact rules that hinder the learning of those they are trying to help. Board Policy 6112a runs contrary to the intended goal of the School Board. For comments or questions contact Deirdre at CVHS@claytonpioneer.com

Autism project offers support to families NICOLE SANDERS Special to the Pioneer

“Now what do we do?” That was the first comment I made after I recovered from the blow of being told that our beautiful, happy 2-year-old was autistic. It was one of the loneliest moments of my life, as I was thrust into a scary new world with no armor, no directions, no leadership. That feeling of helplessness was the catalyst behind the Autism Family Support Project (AFSP). The We Care Autism Family Support Project’s mission is to be a liaison for information and a social support for the autistic family member and the family at-large. AFSP strives to de-stigmatize autism, while providing tools and

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would still be able to take Russian without overextending myself. However, other students might shun their education goals because of this provision. Then they would not take advantage of an option that allows high school students to expand their opportunities beyond the stunted scope of high school classes. Certainly, there are many wonderful classes at Clayton Valley. But for students looking for classes in philosophy, languages other than Spanish, French or American Sign Language, or a wide variety of other academic fields, college classes are the only way to go. Students who take classes at DVC are usually the ones who have the highest course load and highest amount of high school homework. For this reason, taking only five classes at CV would help keep these students from becoming overwhelmed. If common sense were

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resources that make it easier for parents to create a family environment that is inclusive and healthy for all family members. Autism affects one in every 166 children in the United States. It is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication and unusual, repetitive or severely limited activities and interests. Currently, there is no cure. In tandem with support to the families, AFSP’s goal is to educate the community to make people more understanding and inviting to families with special needs and different gifts. Through community education, AFSP will help familiarize people with autism and its symptoms information that will lead to more early detection. Research shows that early detection and intervention greatly improves the outcomes for children with autism and other challenges. AFSP believes that connecting families to one another and creating both learning and playful environments that are inclusive will help lower the stress levels and create a sense of community and belonging that will be invaluable for families dealing with autism. Family Nights Out will target families with an autistic child 6 or younger living in Contra Costa County. Parent groups will be open to all interested parents, grandparents, caretakers and other caring adults in the community. We care about the faces of autism in our community. We know we can make a difference, and you can help us. If you are interested in supporting this program, call Barbara Langsdale at 671-0777. If you are interested in more information about program services and signing up for events, call Jenny Rosenquist or Nicole Sanders at 671-0777.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 24, 2006

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., MAR. 29 FOR THE APR. 7 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH MAR. 25 She Loves Me @ CTA Crossroads Theatre Set in the sophisticated capital city of Budapest in the 1930’s, it recounts the lively romantic adventures of the staff of an elegant old-world perfumery. Two co-workers bicker incessantly, unaware that they are anonymous penpals known only to each other in their secret correspondence as “Dear Friend.” She Loves Me is a musical masterpiece in miniature, as endearing and relevant as ever in this age of internet romance. CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek, 944-0597, www.ctacrossroads.org. MAR. 17 - APR. 2 Streetcar Named Desire @ Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m. From the great American playwright Tennessee Williams, Streetcar is set in the steamy streets of New Orleans. Stanley Kowalski struggles for dominance over his wife and her fragile sister --- Blanche du Bois. The character of this faded southern belle is caught in a changing modern world of brutish cruelty that leads to the revelation of her tragic self-delusion and, in the end, to madness. Tickets are $10-$13. For tickets call the box office at 925 687-4445. DVC Performing Arts Center, 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill. MAR. 28 - MAY 4 Patty Cakes and Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library Patty Cakes - 11 a.m. Tuesdays, story time for birth to 3 years. Picture book time - 11 a.m. Thursdays, child may attend without parent. For 3 to 5 years. No registration required. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. MAR. 31 - APRIL 2 Free E-Waste Recycling at Diablo Valley College (Pleasant Hill) Mar. 31, 12 - 5 p.m., Apr. 1, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Apr. 2, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Keep unwanted electronic equipment out of our landfill. Free drop off of televisions, monitors, computers, computer components, fax machines, printers, toner cartridges, telephone equipment, VCR’s and DVD’s, cell phones, power cables, and video game systems. For more information call toll free 866-335-3373 or go to www.acqoffice.com. Diablo Valley College Lot 7, overflow parking. MAR. 31 - APR. 22 Playhouse West Production of The Brute and Other Farces @ Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts The one-act comedies of Russia’s greatest dramatist, Anton Chekhov are rendered in a lively production. Renowned actor and director Ray Reinhardt returns to the Bay Area to star in these minor masterpieces including Swan Song, A Marriage Proposal, The Harmfulness of Tobacco, The Brute and Summer in the Country. Call 943-7469 for ticket and show information. Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek.. APR. 4 The Art of Retirement @ Loma Vista Adult Center, Concord 7 - 9 p.m. The course is five weeks in length and costs just $17 for people 55-plus. Course units include how to keep the money you have, health, long-term-care insurance, volunteering vs. working part-time, and more. Objectives include gaining confidence in your retirement opportunities and meeting other people with similar interests. Upon the completion of the course, students should know themselves better in light of their quest for a successful, meaningful retirement. People of all ages and situations are welcome. For more information on the class please call instructor George Fulmore at (925) 686-6916. Students can also join the class the night of April 11th. Call (925) 937-1530 for registration information. Loma Vista Adult Center. Located at 1266 San Carlos Ave., Concord. APR. 6 National Library Week Celebration @ Clayton Community Library 3:30 p.m. Come to the Clayton Community Library to celebrate National Library Week with storyteller Kirk Waller. He has been mesmerizing audiences for years with his unique, imaginative and electrifying storytelling style." No registration required. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. APR. 7 - MAY 13 CCMT’s Production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast @ Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts A tale as old as time...the legendary show is based on the Academy Award winning film. This Disney musical extravaganza is filled with technical wizardry, special effects, dazzling production numbers and memorable songs. Call 943-7469 for ticket and show information or buy tickets online at CCMT.org. Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek.. APR. 9 Easter Egg Hunt @ the Clayton Community Gym 12 - 2 p.m. This is a free event open to the community for kids in pre-K through third grade. There will be a BBQ, raffle, inflatable bounce house, and an Easter bag-decorating contest. Clayton Community Gym.

APR. 19 Springtime Stories and Crafts @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. Creepy crawly stories and crafts. We’ll be buggin out with a bee buzzin craft. Come down to the Clayton Community Library Story Room to show off your creative side. Hear stories and make springtime themed crafts to take home. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. APR. 21 - 23 Computers and Electronics Waste Disposal and Recycling @ Chronicle Pavilion, Sponsored by Clayton Valley /Concord Sunrise Rotary Fri. open 1 - 6 p.m., Sat. and Sun. open 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free to all California residents, recycle computers, monitors, TVs, copy machines, laptops, keyboards, mouses, printers, fax machines, VCRs, DVD players, toner cartridges, telephones, cell phones, power supplies, I-pods, and MP3 players. There is no limit for any person or business. No appliances please. COMING IN SPRING Readers of The Urantia Book will start a new study group this spring. The meeting will be held in a downtown Clayton cafe. New readers are asked to join seasoned readers to explore the book's topics and to discuss the time/day to meet (weekly, bi-monthly or monthly). Email: Urantian@mac.com or call: (925) 672-4689 and ask for Tery.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS MAR. 25 Clayton Branch of the American Association of University Women @ Clayton Library Meeting Room 10 a.m. The topic, which is most appropriate for Women's History Month, is "Woman in Government." If your are interested in public service do come and hear Ms. Betty Boatman and mS. Laura Hoffmeister tell of their careers as elected and appointed public officers. This meeting is cosponsored with the Concord Branch of AAUW. The public is invited and admission is free. Refreshments will be served. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. MAR. 26, APR. 2, 9, ,16 Concord Mystery Book Club @ Concord Library 2:30 - 4 p.m. All mystery readers are invited to participate and explore a different genre each month. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord, 646-5455. MAR. 28, APR. 4, 11, 18 Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Meetings every Tues. All are invited to check us out and be our guest for lunch. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust St., Walnut Creek. for more information call Sam Totah, 941-1536. MAR. 28, APR. 11, 25 The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church Coffee will be at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. Regular monthly meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Anyone interested in attending or learning more about the Woman’s Club, please call Joyce Atkinson at 672-3850 or Sheila Driscoll at 6727947. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. MAR. 30, APR. 6, 13, 20 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m.and 5:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in and meeting on Thurs.. 800-326-8450 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. MAR. 30, APR. 6, 13, 20 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thurs. for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker. Feb. 16 is the Annual Valentine's Day breakfast. Members can bring their spouses/partners/sweethearts for a program that celebrates affection and romance. www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 6897640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

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APR. 27 CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association) Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, last non-holiday Thurs. of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. John Rubiales, President. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAR. 8, APR. 4, 11, 18 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tues. mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. MAR. 28, APR. 11, 25 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd and 4th Tues. of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. APR. 4, 18 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tues. of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm's Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. APR. 13 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 AND EDUCATION

APR. 18 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7p.m., Multi Use Room. Make a difference in your child's education. For items to be included on the agenda, contact Stacey Wickware 673-1999, the5wicks@sbcglobal.net or Kristy Smith 673-1795, kristinsmith@yahoo.com, PFC Co-Presidents. Childcare is available. Watch website for details.! http://www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/mountdiabloelementary/.

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APR. 26 Blue Star Mom Meeting in Concord 6:30 p.m. Small group Blue Star Mom meetings held the 4th Wednesday of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord. Call 676-3654 for information.

APRIL 6 Sons In Retirement @ Oakhurst Country Club 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. SIRs Branch 19 meets the first Thursday of every month. Speaker and lunch. Dedicated to promoting the independence and dignity of retirement. Open to all men retired from their primary job and/or not seeking full-time work. New members are always welcome. For more information, call Al Brunner at 687-0594 or Membership Chairman, Carl Sisson, at 672-6418.

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APR. 23 East Bay Casual Hiking Club Hike @ Mount Diablo Waterfall Hike 10 a.m. This is a 6 mile hike with a 1,200 foot climb. Plan on two - three hours to complete this hike. Though most of the hike is moderate, there are a few narrow spots. Not recommended for beginners or anyone with a fear of heights. Meet at the end of Mountaire Parkway, Clayton. Visit hiking.bondon.com for more information and directions.

APR. 6 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @Clayton Valley High School 7 p.m. If you show your child that you care about their school, your child will care too. Together we can make a difference! The meeting will be held in the school library. Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord.

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APR. 12 Clayton Valley Garden Club @ Diamond Terrace 7 p.m. The Clayton Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of the month at Diamond Terrace. We welcome anyone who enjoys gardening. Every meeting has an informative program concerning some aspect of gardening. We hope that you will join us. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton. Call Jeff at 672-7579 or Barry at 827-9540 for information.

APR. 5 Self Help for the Hard of Hearing (SHHH) @ Walnut Creek Methodist Church 7:30 p.m. The speaker will be Nick Horn, Outreach Specialist for DDTP (Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program). Nick will speak about the new equipment available at no charge to hard of hearing people. There is also equipment available for people with vocal disabilities, blindness or those unable to move at a normal pace (remotes to let the caller know you are trying to get to the phone). Walnut Creek Methodist Church 1543 Sunnyvale Avenue, Walnut Creek, in the education building in the rear parking lot of the church.

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APR. 10 Clayton Valley 4-H club @ Farm Bureau Hall 7:10 p.m. 4-H is open to youth ages 5 - 19 and adults. Projects in small and large animals. Learn new skills including cooking, photography, arts/crafts etc. Opportunities in leadership, communty service, conferences, 4-H camp, fairs. Contact Candy Hogan at 925- 969-1325 for more information. Meetings held on the second Monday of the month Sept. - June. Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Rd. Concord.

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APR. 12 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 7 p.m. Meeting to be held in the school library. All parents welcome. Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton.

March 24, 2006

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B7

Church News

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At Peace Vigil, bell chimes once for every American life lost in current conflicts “This is not a peace rally. Here tonight, we pray for peace,” said Rev. John Bennison, as he opened the third Interfaith Peace Prayer Service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clayton last Saturday.

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On the anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq and with TV cameras capturing the service, several dozen people gathered in the tiny church to light candles and pray for peace while bells softly chimed in the background...once for every American serviceman and woman killed in Iraq and Afganistan to date. The service drew from the scriptures and traditions of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths. Throughout the service, the candles were extinguished to acknowledge the thousands of casualties in the armed conflicts. At the conclusion of the service the candles were relit and left on the altar. From Ashes to Easter. Saint John’s continues with the Lenten season of preparation for Easter with special meaningful additions to worship services each Sun. morning at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Lenten acts of charity will include The “Sox” project. This is a collection project of new pairs of socks (white athletic, in men, women’s and children’s sizes) that will be distributed through Martin de Porres Hospitality Center, San Francisco. Community members interested in making a donation (socks or monetary contribution) can drop it off at the church through Apr. 15. Interested community members can contact the church, or find more information www.saintjohnsparish.org. BAHA’IS OF CLAYTON The Baha’is of Clayton are extending an invitation to a talk and an evening of fellowship. The subject of the talk is moving forward with faith. The speaker is Mr. Jim Andrews. He holds a Masters degree of Arts in educational and instructional

technology and a Masters degree of Science in public/business administration and organizational behavior. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in social psychology. He is currently serving as Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at the West ValleyMission Community College District. The program starts at 7:30 p.m. with a period of interfaith devotions. The date is Sat. Apr. 1 at the Toloui residence in Clayton. For more information and directions call (925) 672-6686. Everybody is welcome. CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Easter is almost here. Here is how you can get ready. Join us for church on Apr. 9 at 9 or 10:45 a.m. and then attend an Easter egg hunt hosted by CCC and the YMCA from 12 - 2 p.m. See Upcoming Events on page B6 for details. On Apr. 13, Maundy Thurs., join us for this Valley-wide Communion service at Clayton Gym from 7 - 9 p.m. Easter Sunday Celebration is Apr. 16 at 9 and 10:45 a.m. at DVMS. CROSSROADS CHURCH Sign up today for the class “Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours.” How to bring out the best in your kids by doing what is best for them. Classes begin Apr. 2 and continue for six weeks, 11a.m. – 12 p.m. Register by calling 798-5905. Crossroads Church 5353 Concord Blvd. ETERNAL LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH Eternal Life Lutheran Church invites all to its Lenten soup suppers and Lenten services of evening prayer on Wednesdays through Apr 5. The suppers are from 6- 7 p.m. The services begin at 7:15 p.m. The message series theme is “Seven Times He Spoke – Jesus’ Words from the Cross.” A PowerPoint review of the passion history will also be presented at each service. All are invited to join us at Eternal Life during Lent for the food, friendship and focus on Jesus. Eternal Life’s regular Sun. schedule is Sun. school and Bible study at 10 a.m. and worship at 11:15 a.m. Eternal Life Lutheran Church is located at 5554 Clayton Rd., Suite 1B, in Concord. Please call 524-0295, or visit the church Website at www.EternalLifeLutheranChurch.org for more information. INTERFAITH DEVOTIONS AT DIAMOND TERRACE Please join us on the first Sun. of each month for devotional readings and prayers from various religious traditions. Feel free to bring your own favorite readings or prayers. Music and refreshments provided. The first devotional meeting will be on Sun. Apr. 2 from 10 – 11 a.m. downstairs, in the movie room. Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus annual essay contest for all Catholic School students fourth grade through high school, CCD, and Youth Ministry students at St. Bonaventure and St. Agnes Parishes will continue through April 1. For more information or topics and entry sheets, call Claire Tryon at 6738564 or email to greyeototo@sbcglobal.net Entry forms can also be obtained by contacting the Coordinator of Youth Ministry in each parish. ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY The Men’s Spiritual Network of Saint Bonaventure Catholic Community in Concord is sponsoring a Lenten Men’s Retreat at San Damiano Retreat Center the weekend of Mar. 31 – Apr. 2. led by Fr. Kenan Osborne, OFM, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, and an internationally known writer, speaker and retreat master. For more information, call Matt Remington at 672-4006.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 24, 2006

New sports bar a hit at always busy Rocco’s TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

“There’s something for everyone … we’re all things to all people,” says Rocco Biale, owner of Rocco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria in Walnut Creek. “Families with kids, teenagers, guys in suits for business lunch they all come here,” Biale adds. And come, they do. Since 1999, the place has been packed to the rafters with diners looking for a smashing pizza, a favorite pasta or a great sandwich. With a long wait list every weekend, this family eatery needed more seating. And with Biale’s passion for family and all things sports, a new sports bar and banquet room was the natural solution. Completed in January, the new addition expands the restaurant to 7,200 sq. ft. The expansion added a full bar and seating for 80 more diners, bringing the total seating to 300. Twelve flat screen televisions, all tuned to the day’s sporting events, line the walls. “You can catch one no matter where you’re sitting,” says Biale, “and watch everything all NFL ticket games, all major league baseball, NHL Center Ice hockey and all NBA games.” Taking center stage in the new addition is the bar which

was designed by Rocco and incorporates a variety of wood panels and inlays. “I wanted a neighborhood pub feeling,” he says, “you know, warm, welcoming, homey.” In addition to your favorite mixed drinks, the full bar features 17 draft beers and plenty of wine choices. Biale’s meticulous attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the menu to the art. Every print, from vintage Frank Sinatra photos to rare sports prints, is hand-selected. “I take as much pride in what goes on the walls as I do in what goes on

ROCCO BIALE

the tables,” says the owner. In the main dining room, a mural by local artist Manuel Cruz III covers one wall. Based on an original design by Biale, the view is from an Italian sea-

side village and looks toward the New World. Visible are such American landmarks as the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge and Mt. Diablo, which have come to represent a new home to thousands of European immigrants. It is to these immigrants that Biale dedicates the mural. But bars and arts aside, the food is the thing at Rocco’s. The menu includes all your favorite Italian dishes rich and hearty minestrone, the traditional spaghetti and meatballs, linguini with clams, a chicken pesto sandwich and enough pizza choices to fill you up forever. Vegetarians also will find plenty to smile about, with fresh spinach lasagna, calamari salad or eggplant parmigiano. The Biale family history in the restaurant business began with Rocco’s grandparents, Giovanni and Virginia Biale. They came from Genoa in 1922 to settle in San Francisco, where Giovanni opened Biale’s Meat Market on Connecticut Street. Rocco’s father, Mario, and his uncle, Rudy, were both in the bar and restaurant business. Rocco himself worked for several years for his uncle at Rudy’s in Honolulu. “It was there I learned the importance of being a handson owner,” Biale says. “People came from all over the world to

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

THE NEW BAR AT ROCCO’S was designed by Rocco Biale and is crafted of a variety of woods to give warm, homey, neighborhood bar feeling.

visit Rudy’s … I have tried to maintain that same warm and inviting feeling.” Rocco’s is a family affair just ask his kids. Sons Dominic, 11, and Dante, 13, have pizzas on the menu named in their honor the Dominator and Dante’s Inferno. Daughter Nina’s namesake is “a work in progress.” The kids can frequently be seen around the restaurant, folding pizza boxes or tightening chair

Dining Around

LA VERANDA CAFE

If you want a special place to dine, you might want to stop by PASTA PRIMAVERA at the corner of Clayton Road and Treat Blvd. in Concord. We recently enjoyed lunch there and commented on just how charming the dining room is with the dark cherry wood chairs and tables and mirrored back wall. The relaxing ambiance is matched by a delectable menu that offers a variety of items from antipasti and salad to pasta, seafood chicken and veal. Our party of three each tried a different lunch entrée. The Linguine with garlic and mushrooms in virgin olive oil arrived at our table piping hot and smelling absolutely delicious. It was the personal favorite of our lunch partner and that was plain to see…every last noodle was devoured. Jill had the blackened salmon and Caesar salad. The salmon was mouthwatering and the salad fresh and crisp with

just the right amount of dressing. The soup that accompanied the salad was cream of broccoli…perfect texture and very tasty. Another favorite was the seafood salad featuring shrimp and scallops on a bed of spinach in a warm lemon Dijon sundried tomato dressing. For salad lovers who enjoy their salad as main course, this is for you. Prices are very reasonable which make Pasta Primavera a perfect choice for any occasion. Recently featured in Diablo Magazine’s “At The Table” section, LA VERANDA CAFE received raved reviews from restaurant reporter Melissa Swanson. La Veranda serves a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare.

“...make no mistake;” said Swanson, “this is no spaghetti and red sauce throwback. The quality of La Veranda’s food sets it apart.” If you haven’t yet had brunch at La Veranda, you are missing a real treat. The menu includes all the popular breakfast choices, Eggs Benedict and Florentine, omlettes and pancakes. A new twist on the tried and true Joe’s Special will leave you begging for more. All are served with potatoes, toast and fresh fruit. This popular spot is a perfect place for a lovely, quiet Sunday morning brunch where you are likely to run into friends and neighbors. La Veranda opens on Sunday at 10 a.m. and is open daily for lunch and dinner. A little more on the casual side and a great place to take the kids is ROCCO’S RISTORANTE at 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Voted the best pizza in the Bay Area by a Contra Costa Times Reader Poll, Rocco’s serves up a killer house specialty. The Dominator, piled high with pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, ham, linguica, sausage and onions, is not for the faint of heart. At $19.97, this

seats to earn spending money. Biale was born in San Francisco but moved to Concord early in his childhood. He is a graduate of Mt. Diablo High School. His wife Jacquie also comes from the restaurant world. Her mother owned Maria Elena’s Mexican Restaurant at Four Corners in Concord for many years. Biale’s passion for sports

joy An Italian En Fe

large pizza will feed a small army. Rocco’s also has several choices of classic Italian pasta, homemade minestrone and several salads. All pasta dishes are served with fresh bread. Top your pasta dinner off with a glass of wine and you’re well fed and satisfied for well under $20 (tax and tip included.) Rocco’s opens every day at 11 a.m. And, ROCCO’S NEW SPORTS BAR is now open. With a full bar and 12 big flat screen TVs, sports fans might just think they’ve found heaven. See you at Rocco’s.

Don’t see your favorite eatery? Tell them to advertise in the The Clayton Pioneer for our complete dining coverage.

extends beyond the wall art and the televisions in his sports bar. He is a long-time supporter and sponsor of a number of youth sports teams and schools and is a major sponsor of the Clayton Valley Little League Challenger Division. Rocco’s is at the corner of Oak Grove and Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. For more information, call 9476105.

ast at Ou r

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

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

4425-F Treat Blvd. Concord, CA 94521

687-5 5300

www.pastaprimaveracafe.com

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

Open at 11 a.m ., 7 days a week

Banquet Rooms Patio Dining Team Parties

Rocco’s New Sports Bar NOW Open 12 Flat Screens, 16 Draft Beers, Watch all the games

Locally owned by Rocco Biale & family

Full Bar Available Corporate Catering

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

March 24, 2006

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Recycle this paper Professional pet grooming salon for dogs and cats Self-service pet wash available

Tues - Sat, 8-5 Experienced staff with more than 20 years of service

est. 1978

Adjacent to Hollywood Video

925-6 676-9 9355

4375 Clayton Rd. Unit K Concord owner & Clayton resident Grace Carson & her dog, Blue

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Page B9

Make a date with your dog and start socializing Taking your dog to see, hear and smell new and interesting things is a great way to have fun and also help make her more comfortable with people and different environments. This process is called socializing your dog. Socialization helps dogs have good manners when they are around new people or places. Sometimes your dog might be nervous or uncomfortable when she is introduced to a new experience. According to Carolyn Goodrich, a behaviorist with the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), owners can help their dogs on the path to socialization. First, find out what yummy snacks your dog loves and keep them handy for rewards. When introducing your dog to a new person or object, start at a safe distance. Use lots of praise and “happy talk,” while also offering encouragement with treats. Gradually get closer, handing out treats as you go, until the pet becomes comfortable with the person or object. Don’t force your dog to interact with the person or object. You simply want your dog to investigate and build a positive association. If at any time during socialization your dog is frightened, tries to run away or has his tail tucked, don’t coddle the dog.

This rewards uncertainty and may worsen the situation. Instead, jolly your dog up with a silly voice, a treat or a game. If a situation becomes too overwhelming for your dog, back up until he relaxes. Start again from a distance to build up confidence, then gradually get closer. During the first month in your home, a pet should have five unique experiences per week. Begin with familiarizing your dog with a variety of people, from adult men and women to babies, toddlers and school-aged children. Note, however, that children and dogs should not be left together unattended. Teenagers, especially those on skateboards, bikes or scooters, are important to meet, as are seniors with wheelchairs, walkers and canes. Dogs need to learn about men or women in uniform, and people wearing hats, glasses, beards/mustaches and helmets. Introduce your dog to noisy things such as cars, buses, trains and aircraft. Sirens can be especially difficult, so keep the treats handy. Lawn mowers, leaf-blowers, garden hoses and lawn sprinklers provide new experiences, as do vacuum cleaners, appliances

and loud radios or televisions. While some dogs may find flags, balloons and bouncing balls intriguing, others may want to keep their distance at first. Expose your pet to a variety of surfaces, such as cement, carpet, tile, linoleum, gravel, grass, sand, mud and puddles. Visit new places, including parks, vet offices and pet stores. And don’t forget to meet friendly dogs of all sizes and ages. But always ask before approaching unknown dogs. Dogs should continue to meet

ELENA BICKER

PAWS

Elena Bicker is the general manager of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 296-3147

Glasbergen Chuckles

Sky and Sinead are ARF’s adoption stars

SINEAD

Two year old Sky is a special kitty looking for a loving home. She may be a bit shy at first and will do best in a quiet home. Once she gets to know you she becomes quite a love. One year old Sinead is a sensitive girl who may be cautious at first introduction, but quickly becomes a snuggly lap dog. She will thrive in a quiet home with a stable routine and

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To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your free copy of this report call 1-800-6344505 and enter ID# 2333. You can call anytime, 24 Before you hire any real hours a day, 7 days a estate agent, call and get a week. Picking the right agent is one copy of a FREE Report of those critical issues that entitles "10 Questions to Find out the questions the can cost or save you Ask Before You Hire an others would prefer you thousands of dollars. In this Agent." never ask!

CLAWS

new people and see new places throughout their lives. Use your imagination. The more positive experiences dogs have, the happier and better adjusted they will be as members of your family.

SKY

AND

Spark creativity

will benefit from continued socialization. Bring everyone who will live with Sky or Sinead (including any canine family members for Sinead), to meet her at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visit

www.arf.net or call (925) 2561ARF for more information. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our Web site, www.arf.net, or call (925) 2561ARF.

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Page B10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

March 24, 2006

Clayton’s sunny weather perfect for fruit trees Fruit trees in today’s gardens have evolved from apples and apricots to pomegranates and blueberries. No longer do we grow fruit just for pies and jams. Today’s fruits are grown with our health in mind. The Clayton Valley is an excellent place to grow many of the fruits that are great for our yards and our bodies. To thrive, many fruiting trees need lots of

MEIWA KUMQUAT

heat and full sun. Imagine that, plants that need full sun, love the heat and ultimately are healthy to eat sounds perfect. Busy gardeners are interested in planting fruits that are simple to grow. Spraying insecticides and fungicides do not interest today’s gardeners. We are a health-conscious group and do not want to ingests chemicals. So, we chose fruiting shrubs and trees that have few chemical needs. The pomegranate is one of the earliest fruits cultivated. This deciduous tree begins resembling a large shrub. As it grows, the low branching habit widens creating a medium canopy. This tree can reach 15 to 20 feet tall and wide. During the dormant season, keep it pruned to 10 feet tall and wide. In March, small reddish

orange leaves emerge, followed by unique single or double red flowers with ruffled petals surrounding a central cluster of stamens in summer. The best-known variety is Wonderful, with orange-red flowers and burnished red fruit with red pulp. Pomegranates ripen in fall. Harvest them when they reach full color. Remarkably, a pomegranate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven months. This may have something to do with all the antioxidant power in it. If you follow the literature about the power of antioxidants in our bodies, you will be pleased to know that pomegranates help clean out the free radicals wreaking havoc on our organs. The antioxidants in the pomegranate may help protect against heart disease, stroke, hypertension, premature aging and Alzheimer’s. The pomegranate tree will tolerate drought-like conditions, but it produces more fruit if watered regularly. Enjoy the yellow fall color of the leaves. Its display is as lovely as some Japanese maple trees. The Nagami Kumquat is a dwarf citrus that reaches only 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. This evergreen needs at least six hours of full sun a day to be productive. The kumquat does best in hot summer areas, with chilly nights during fall and winter for ripening the fruit. The kumquat is hardier than some citrus, and it tolerates chills down to 18 degrees. The orange-red fruit looks like oranges, yet they are eaten whole and unpeeled. The

BLUEBERRY CLUSTER

spongy rind is sweet, and the pulp is tangy. Kumquats are loaded with potassium, and Vitamin A and C. They are excellent grown in a container, as well as in the ground. As with all citrus, watch out for yellow leaves during the fruiting period. Feed with a cit-

rus food April through October, give it iron three times per year and feed with a 0-10-10 during fall and winter. Cherries have always been a desired homegrown fruit. For years, the Bing cherry has lead the pack, with sweet fruit and the familiar red skin. Until recently, the Bing cherry needed a cross-pollinator to produce sweet fruit. Since some of today’s yards haven’t the room for an extra tree, it is about time to introduce a self-fertile Bing. This deciduous tree will reach 15 to 18 feet tall and will naturally look U-shaped. A self-fertile Bing needs to be installed in the ground, in full sun, with regular water until established. Pink blossoms are

followed by small fruit that reaches maturity during early summer. Bonanza is a variety of peach tree that fits in any Clayton garden with full sun. This genetic dwarf peach will reach only 4 to 5 feet tall, with exceptional fruiting abilities. At a very young age, the Bonanza will yield sweet fruit great for eating, pies and jams. Considering the slow growth and eventual size of the peach, maintenance is easy. Spray with a fungicide during late winter, and feeding also is required. Look at the labels for natural and organic fungicides, because some ready-to-use products made with oils are available. If spraying is not an option, there is a new hybrid called the California Curl Free Peach. This semi-dwarf peach will reach 9 to 12 feet tall and wide. It is resistant to Peach Leaf Curl, a disfig-

NAGAMI KUMQUAT

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uring fungus found in stone fruits. As with almost all fruiting trees, plant in full sun. This variety will need fruit tree food April through September. Blueberries do awesome in Clayton. These acid-loving berries thrive in our full sun and heat. Plant the vaccinium in a large container to keep berries off of the ground. Sunshine blue is an excellent berry to be enjoyed right off the plant. This selection is self-fertile and beautiful. The blossom appears in March, and the fruit is ready in July and August. Because blueberries contain antioxidants, they are very good for us. Studies link antioxidants to restoration of short-term memory loss, help with balance and coordination, as well as reduction of bad cholesterol. Sharp Blue planted with the Misty Blueberry will produce larger crops of larger fruit than the self-fertile selections. All blueberries have orangeyellow fall color that makes a great garden display. If you plant the right fruit trees in the right places, and give them the care they need, your plants will give back to you.

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Visit our office at 4918 Clayton Road