PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
March 25, 2005
Chief Smokey Peterson to retire in July
925.672.0500
stands proud at fire station JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Smokey the Bear has made his presence known in front of the California Department of Forestry (CDF) Sunshine Station on Marsh Creek Road outside of Clayton. His expression is priceless. And the contours of his thick redwood body get you thinking that any minute he’ll point his finger at you saying, “only YOU can prevent forest fires.” Smokey is one of the latest carved redwood masterpieces created by Clayton resident Ed Waraner. The nearly eight foot, 800 pound Smokey truly represents what Ed does best; carve to his heart’s content and then donate his carved statue to charitable or service organizations. Smokey took Ed about 40 hours to carve and create and he enjoyed every aspect from the hat and nose to the ears and feet. And Ed took just as much joy in the delivery as in the creation. “The firemen were stoked,” he said. They came to me and asked if I would carve a
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
City Manager Gary Napper stunned a standing room only crowd at the last City Council meeting with the announcement of Clayton Police Chief Pete Peterson’s retirement after seven years on the job. As Napper read Peterson’s
bench or something from a huge stump of a tree that toppled. When he tested it, the stump was rotten. Ed offered to carve Smokey from a rather large piece of redwood that he already had in his workshop. The CDF staff said thanks but that they didn’t have the money for a project of that scope. “Then I’ll do it for nothing,” Ed said. He’s been carving and designing for some 10 years and has a lot to show for his artistic endeavors. Ed and his chainsaw have produced a myriad of eagles, wolves, anatomicallycorrect bears with teeth and animal caricatures. His house is full of his work and you can see his carved figures throughout the community. For the San Ramon School District alone, Ed has created Eagles, Panthers and Wolves Most of his work focuses on the animal kingdom, but he has carved a variety of items including Buddha’s and naked women.
See Smokey, page 6
CHIEF PETE PETERSON
resignation, a collective gasp was heard around the room, crowded with those who came because of the main agenda item, the business license tax. Come July 15, the well liked chief will pack up his desk and head home to begin work on a long list of “honey-do’s.” Retirement plans also include involvement with a number of community volunteer
See Chief, page 7
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Jimmy Waraner and CDF firemen slowly lower Smokey to the cement filled tree stump.
JIMMY WARANER, SMOKEY
AND
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer ED WARANER
Tax changes wait pending FPPC ruling Police say damage to TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
The City Council put off until next month any decision to modify the business license tax to give Councilmen Pete Laurence and Bill Walcutt every opportunity to debate and vote on the issue. Laurence and Walcutt are licensed real estate professionals and a vote on the tax, which is vigorously opposed by Realtors, may pres-
ent a conflict of interest for the two councilmen, the city attorney advised. Because of this, the two men have not been present for any meetings, public hearings or deliberations on the issue. Laurence, however, has requested a ruling from the Fair Political Practices Commission, the body responsible for enforcing the state’s conflict of interest code. According to Laurence, the FPPC has verbally advised
him that both men qualify for one of the many exceptions to the conflict of interest rules. In this case, because the business license tax affects a large segment of the business community, (more than 25 percent of businesses in Clayton, and virtually 100 percent of “outside” businesses doing business in Clayton), it does not have a disproportionate impact on Laurence and Walcutt. So, they will be allowed to vote on any
proposed changes to the business tax law. Laurence expects the FPPC to issue the written ruling by the first week in April. In the meantime, he and Walcutt will continue to recuse themselves from the proceedings, leaving council members Dave Shuey and Julie Pierce and Mayor Gregg Manning to hear testimony from the community and deliberate the issue.
See Tax, page 7
Measure C funds hard at work at MDES JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
While students and faculty at Mt. Diablo Elementary School take a much-needed Spring Break over Easter, Measure C monies will be hard at work on the school campus in a more than $6 million renovation project. Following closely on the heels of similar projects at Highlands Elementary and Pine Hollow Schools, Mt. Diablo will be under construction for at least one year under the direc-
tion of the VANIR/3DI construction management team hired by the district to undertake the district-wide project. The major component of the multi-million project at Mt. Diablo is the construction of 15 new classrooms, including a new kindergarten room with its own bathrooms. The rest of the project centers on infrastructure upgrades including paving, roofing, electrical, lighting, painting and campus-wide upgrades to meet the requirements of the
See Measure C, page 6
Illustration courtesy of VANIR/3DI
THE NEW CLASSROOMS have a contemporary design with innovative use of space.
cop’s personal trucks was not accidental TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
On the afternoon of March 9, Sergeant Tim O’Hara, Clayton PD, was pulling out of the City Hall parking lot in his 93 Ford pickup when suddenly the right tire and wheel assembly buckled inward and the upper control arm fell to the ground. At first, O’Hara figured it was just an unlucky break. But, when tow truck driver Richard Shipp examined the truck’s front end, what he found was more than an unlucky break. A nut was missing from the front suspension, which allowed the bolt to work its way loose and the right front end to fall out – a situation that the experienced mechanic had never seen happen. It looked to him and to O’Hara as if the nut had been deliberately removed. “The nut is put on and heated up and is self-locking,” explained O’Hara, “you have to manually break it loose and pull it off.” Suspecting that the truck
had been tampered with, he immediately called his wife who had the family’s other 93 Ford pickup. He explained to her what had just happened with his truck and she said she had been hearing a knocking sound in the front end of her truck. “Wherever you are, stop driving,” he told her. An examination of his wife’s truck found the exact same nut missing from the front-end suspension and a wheel assembly that was minutes from buckling. O’Hara was now convinced that both trucks had been sabotaged. He recalls finding a nut at the end of his driveway about two weeks before the damage to his truck was discovered. “I didn’t know what it was for, so I just stuck it in the garage and saved it,” he said. It was a nut that had been removed from one of the trucks. O’Hara reported his suspicions to the Concord Police and to Clayton Police Chief Pete
See O’Hara, page 6
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 25, 2005
Around Town Ed’s Mudville Grill brought out the “Irish” in everyone on St. Patrick’s Day
Obituary
John Elliff
Diamond Terrace throws birthday bash for Post Office
Feb. 15, 1950 - March 2, 2005 John Elliff, retired Battalion Chief at the California Department of Forestry Sunshine Station on Marsh Creek Road died on March 2. Elliff was with the Sunshine Station for 18 years. He retired in 2002. CDF Engineer Matt Milojevich remembers Elliff with admiration and respect. “He was a great guy,” said Milojevich. “I worked for him for six years. He was very strict, very professional. He was a good man to work for. He turned all his employees into good employees.”
If the luck of the Irish was with ya on St. Patrick’s Day in Clayton, you found a seat or some standing room at Ed’s Mudville Grill. Guinness flowed, pounds of corned beef and cabbage made their way to empty stomachs and Irish music kept people bouncing in their seats. There was revelry, traditional bagpipe music, dancers and lots of green.
POSTAL EMPLOYEE JOCELYN DEVERA celebrates with Diamond Terrace residents
Servers Brigette Carlson, Teryn Kukuk and Ashton Fontana with Mudville owner, Ed Moresi.
It was the United States Post Office’s 216th birthday on Sat., March 12 and Diamond Terrace residents were ready to celebrate. More than a dozen residents gathered at the post office in downtown Clayton the day
Jeff Campbell
before and were enthusiastically greeted by postal employee Jocelyn Devera who gave the group the VIP tour. After the tour, there was a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” and a delicious cake that was shared by all.
Cool Tigers visit the Pioneer
Mike Williams and his daughter, Ava
Cool Tigers, den 24, from pack 262 stopped by the Clayton Pioneer to learn all about newspaper publishing and the new technology. Their favorite part of the tour was getting their picture taken and anxiously awaiting its appearance in the Pioneer’s “Around Town” section. Back row: Sean Calimlim, Spencer Wallin, and Alex Masterman; front row: Jason Rogers, Lawrence Lim and Ian Caldwell. John Miller is the den leader and Jennifer Bredehoft and Brandee Caldwell are assistants.
Cool Tigers, Den 24
$739,980
Concord/Clayton Border - Rare find on this private court, location in upscale neighborhood on a ½ acre flat lot with pool. 5 bedroom, 3 bath, plus in-law setup downstairs has a private entry.
$1,080,000
Elliff was very active in the Diablo Fire Safe Council and an avid supporter of the Crusade for Shade, an organization dedicated to fundraising to provide shade on children’s playgrounds. Elliff passed away peacefully at his home in Brentwood with his wife at his side. He had been battling melanoma for several years. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, son and daughter-inlaw Aaron and Sandy, and sons Corey and Brian. A memorial celebration of his life was held at the Golden Hills Community Church on March 11.
ding
pen
g
din pen
Diablo Village - This gorgeous, contemporary, 2,171 sq. ft. home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths on a cul-de-sac. Loaded with upgrades.
JOHN ELLIFF
Black Diamond - Nearly 2,000 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths makes this the largest duet in Black Diamond. It has sparkling oak floors, soaring ceilings and a private backyard.
Windmill Canyon @ Oakhurst - Located across from a small family park, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home has bed and bath on main level. Large flat lot is fully landscaped. . $759,980
Windmill Canyon @ Oakhurst - This 4 bedroom, 3 bath has 1 bed/bath on first level. Wonderful views of the surrounding area.
Concord/Clayton Border - Sought after area. This tri-level home is light & airy, has 4 large bedrooms and 3 full baths. Enjoy the great views of the surrounding rolling hills.
Walnut Creek - Single story townhome with a spectacular setting and lots of privacy. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has a spacious atrium and upgrades galore.
Bear Ridge - Inviting 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath with over 2,600 sq. ft. of living space, sitting on a pool size lot with possible RV parking.
$725,000
$589,980
$619,980
$799,980
$649,980
Congrat ul
to the win lations ner of th e
Fantasy Giveawa to fabulo y us Rivier a Ma K athleen
aya in Me xico :
Hagiwar a
March 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Around Town
Library birthday bash celebrates the arts Pfister twin brothers earn a pair of awards
Clayton twins Jason and Scott Pfister earned a pair of awards from the Contra Costa Employer Advisory Council (CCCEAC). Scott and Jason each received a $250 scholarship designed to assist them in developing current and new skills and to further develop their careers and professional growth. Jason and Scott attend the
University of California, Santa Cruz. Jason is in pre-law and works for the American Red Cross as a volunteer. Scott is majoring in business and has been on the dean’s list three times. He has spent his last spring break building homes for the poor in Mexico. Jason and Scott are graduates of Clayton Valley High school, class of 2002.
JASON PFISTER
SCOTT PFISTER
New grandson brings smiles to Jim and Maryann Lawrence Clayton residents Maryann and Jim Lawrence are the proud grandparents of a new baby boy, Luke James Lawrence. He lives with his parents Paul and Leslie in Chico. Baby Luke was born on Mar. 11 and weighed in at seven pounds, six ounces and was 20 inches long. He has no siblings and will be the center of attention at home and especially when he visits grandma and grandpa Lawrence in Clayton.
Jaynelle Garcia, Sabrina Lerma and Ariel Parker of the Likha CoCo Phillipine Dance group in the “young ladies dance”
Native Bird Connections brought this rescued Red Tailed Hawk with a serious wing injury
Civil War Demonstrations were part of the festivities
The foot tappin’ good Banjo Express gets a little help from audience members on the gutbucket and the washboard.
Rhani Bigay keeps everything from tipping in this graceful Phillipine folk dance. Rhani is a member of the Likha CoCo Dance Group
LUKE JAMES LAWRENCE
It was an event-packed tenth birthday for the Clayton Community Library--two weekends full to be exact. Thanks to the creative skills of Community Events Director Arlene KikkawaNielsen and a talented throng of volunteers and staff, the library offered a wealth of activities from a murder mystery play and gold mining days themed activities, to a Community Arts Celebration. Last weekend’s arts celebration was the perfect community event bringing families and friends to enjoy demonstrations on native birds, pottery and oil painting to live performances by the Clayton Valley High School Troupe and Improv group. Audiences enjoyed the Likha CoCo Philippine Dance Troupe and live Native American storytelling by Carolyn Kraetsch. There was art on display and hands on demos on jewelry making and knitting to origami, egg painting and photography.
Artisan demonstrations were an exciting part of the celebration. Here Lois Andreotti works with a clay pot.
georgevujnovich.com
Trust your home to
Mortgage Market Update
GEORGE VUJNOVICH Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979
Conforming $359,650 or less (no points)
Jumbo $359,651 and up (no points)
30 year, fixed for 3 . . . .5.0% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . .5.25% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . .5.5% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . .5.625% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.5% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.0%
30 year, fixed for 3 . . . .5.0% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . .5.375% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . .5.75% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.625% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.125%
6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517
Tel: (925) 672-44433
Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
148 Joscolo View $799,988 14 London Court $715,000 39 Jalalon Place $630,000 1363 Shell Lane $530,000 1371 Shell Lane $520,000 43 La Canada Court $825,000 1539 N. Atchison Stge Rd $810,000 4141 Leon Drive $1,500,000 51 Karkin Place $605,000 335 Mt. Washington Way $750,000 5225 Keller Ridge Drive $969,000
SALE DATE
SF
03/11/05 03/08/05 03/08/05 03/04/05 03/01/05 02/24/05 02/16/05 02/14/05 02/11/05 02/10/05 02/08/05
2,467 2,324 1,749 1,355 1,355 2,857 2,300 3,365 1,904 1,919 2,894
BED/BATH
4/3 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 5/3 4/2.5 3/3.5 3/2.5 4/2 3/3
ADDRESS
PRICE
312 Ahwanee Lane $1,061,700 6022 Golden Eagle Way $649,000 973 Oak Street $675,000 202 Prospector Place $720,000 3032 Windmill Canyon $699,000 5478 Tara Drive $583,000 242 Stranahan Circle $575,000 35 Jalalon Place $589,000 1409 Indianhead Way $505,000 110 Crow Place $720,000 227 Bigelow Street $600,000
SALE DATE
SF
02/03/05 01/28/05 01/21/05 01/19/05 01/07/05 01/07/05 01/05/05 01/04/05 12/23/04 12/22/04 12/21/04
3,000 1,816 2,175 2,171 1,877 1,739 1,663 1,355 1,355 2,053 1,794
BED/BATH
4/2.5 3/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 4/3 2/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2 3/2.5
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
5711 Verna Way 315 Diablo Street 7028 Molluk Way 3017 Windmill Canyon Dr 3401 Coyote Circle 4007 Hummingbird Way 1871 Eagle Peak Ave 5116 Keller Ridge Drive 1433 El Camino Drive 5474 Tara Drive 1778 Indian Wells Way
$594,000 $720,000 $650,000 $790,000 $500,000 $775,000 $740,000 $735,000 $598,000 $590,000 $635,000
12/17/04 12/15/04 12/15/04 12/14/04 12/09/04 12/08/04 11/30/04 11/30/04 11/30/04 11/29/04 11/23/04
1,338 2,300 1,835 2,313 1,554 2,935 2,467 2,467 -1739 1904
All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed
BED/BATH
3/1 4/3 3/2 4/2.5 3/2.5 5/3 4/3 4/3 3/2 4/3 3/2.5
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 25, 2005
Wine Thieves is back with a new wine tasting bar
In response to many requests from our readers, we are proud to present our newest feature. Crossword puzzles are fun, educational and challenging. Try your hand at this one and let us know what you think. The crossword puzzle will appear in the second issue of the month along with the answers to the previous puzzle...another good reason to hold on to your Clayton Pioneer. Next puzzle and solution to this one will be in the April 22 issue.
Jill Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer WINE THIEVES STAFF MEMBER PETER NIXDORFF toasts the re-opening of Wine Thieves with Clayton resident Lorraine Henney and former residents Lisa Dunn and Karen Farmilio.
JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Wine Thieves is back in town and to celebrate their grand re-opening, the local business is featuring a new winetasting bar. The bar is open daily. On Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wine Thieves will feature local distributors who will pour their signature wines. Located in the building next to Blockbuster in Clayton Station, Wine Thieves offers some of the best wine deals in the area. With over 200 varieties of wine available at incredible prices, the store is beautifully laid out, inviting wine connoisseurs and newcomers to explore, shop and taste. “Customers often come in and ask us for advice on wines that will match their dinner or party menu,” says owner Bennett Burke. “You can’t get that kind of service in a large supermar-
ket or discount outlet.” He adds. Wine Thieves features wines from around the world and three-quarters of their wine
selection is under $10. Customers can look forward to wine appreciation classes in the future.
CK!! WE’RE BAAAAA business And O p e n f o r s here in
customer of our loyal Thanks to all nding while and understa ce en ti pa ur on! Clayton for yo e you again so n’t wait to se ca e W . ed el we remod
tasting bar e n i W w e n r u Come visit o friends. don’t tell your But shhh . . .
Monday thru Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
672-4003
5443 Clayton Road next to Blockbuster
i s e o V J a n Fleet-B e h T ronson Team At Intero, we begin and end each day with one goal: to provide our clients with the finest customer service available in real estate. Every Intero real estate professional is guided by principles of trust, respect and integrity.
Concord/Clayton Independently owned and operated
Featured Property Craftsmanship at it's best! Park Highlands. Drop dead gorgeous remodeled home, done with permits. Features include: 3 bedrooms, den/possible 4th bedroom, 2 ½ baths, beautiful front entry, formal dining area, gourmet kitchen with silestone counter tops, maple cabinets, island and beautiful porcelain tile floors. This home has a wide open floor plan and wonderful spacious family room with wood burning fireplace. The master bathroom has custom tile and a walk in shower and master bedroom with bow window. Dramatic front entry with archway and hardwood floors. This home is beautifully remodeled and move in ready!
Offered for: $679,000
Josie Van Fleet-Bronson (formerly of RE/MAX)
Owner's Pride! Darling well maintained home manufactured in 2000, located in a wonderful family park. Home features include: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, dining area, updated kitchen, inside laundry room, and bright living area. This park includes, 2 swimming pools, spa, billiards, basketball court, playground and a lovely greenbelt. This is simply a wonderful home and opportunity. Hurry! This one won't last!
Specializing in
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Offered for only: $87,500
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1536 Kirker Pass Road, Suite D Clayton, CA 94517 925-672-4333
Concord/Clayton
Independently owned and operated
www.callthevanfleetteam.com
Coming Soon Desirable Pittsburg Neighborhood! This special home features: 1,634 square feet of living space, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, formal dining room, spacious eating area and kitchen combo, great room with wood burning fireplace, landscaped front and back yards and views of rolling hills. Open, light and airy floor plan.
Offered for $459,000
Other C oming S oon P roperties 8 Clark Creek Circle 3984 Cottonwood Drive 1320 Jewett Avenue 3319 Longview Road 4236 Mc Dermott Circle
337 Persimmon Drive 2601 Sinclair Avenue 2009 Stewart Avenue 25 Sunnyhill Way 121 S. Lake Drive
We love referrals Enjoy a wonderful dinner at the Oakhurst Country Club when you refer a successful buyer or seller to our office.
March 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Classified FOUND ITALIAN CHARM BRACELET at the pool on Condor Way in the Oakhurst area. Owner responded to a notice that I placed at the pool, but never came to pick it up. To reclaim, please call 925-998-1645. HELP WANTED HVAC INSTALLER: 3 yrs. minimum experience. Good DMV and EPA certified. Call 925-673-3776 SERVICES PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN BY N ICOLE H ACKETT 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) or GardenGirl94517@ aol.com.
Lordy, Lordy Look Who’s 40!!!
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED AT THE PACK RAT THRIFT STORE in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center. Proceeds from the Pack Rat support the Lindsay Wildlife Museum's educational programs and wildlife rehabilitation efforts. The Pack Rat depends on volunteers and more are needed to keep the store open. The Pack Rat welcomes seniors, teens (16 and up) and anyone in between! For more information call Diane at 6721123. FOR RENT VILLAGE OAKS BUILDING, corner of Center St. and Marsh Creek Rd. in downtown Clayton. 4500 sq. ft on the corner of the building, and 1150 sq. ft. on the parkinglot. Both spaces are on the ground floor. Will consider dividing the larger space. Good possibilities would be a coffee shop/bakery, dry cleaners drop off or bank. Call Stephen Coates, Coates and Sowards, 408-371-8770.
Denise Eberle is... Stop by the Cat Hospital of Clayton in the Clayton Station on Friday, March 25 to wish Denise a Happy Birthday Denise Eberle (four months old in this photo) has worked at the Cat Hospital for five years. A Clayton resident, she resides with a menagerie of critters, goats, hamsters, rats and more.
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Co-Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor J ILL B EDECARRÉ , Assistant Editor and Display Advertising J IM Z EWAN , Sports P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.
Announcement
Clayton Police Department will hold a
Public Viewing
of confiscated stolen property Over 200 items Saturday, April 2; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. City of Clayton Corporation Yard 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, CA 94517
673-7350 Items consist primarily of tools, construction equipment, bicycles and a few laptop computers. If you suspect that your property may be among these items, bring serial numbers, sales receipts or some other proof of ownership. You will have an opportunity to claim your stolen property at this viewing.
NO
W
OP t time for tea EN h g i r he t s y at It’s alwa
Englund's Tea Cottage “Where good friends gather...” A beautiful full service tea room featuring… High tea. Delectable lunches. Large tea collection. Fresh baked scones and desserts. Special events.
O
ur new “Party Princess” room seats 10 and is the perfect place for a tea party for girls 5-10 years old. We also offer “Manners & Etiquette” teas for school and church groups, Girl Scouts, etc. for up to 25 guests.
Planning an event?
HOW TO PLACE AN AD Go to our Web site, claytonpioneer.com. Click on the Classified Advertising tab on the left side of the page. Complete the form to submit your ad. Mail a check for the number of insertions to P.O. Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. Or, call the Clayton Pioneer, 925-672-0500 to place your ad over the phone. Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. Classified deadline dates are printed above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion,
Page 5
Directory of Advertisers Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6622 BJ's Groom & Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550-5626 Benton, Mureleen - American Express . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 CCR Insurance and Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6324 Clarissa Bridal Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .930-0214 Clayton Community Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9060 Clayton Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Mind & Body Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clayton Valley Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3397 Clip n' Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-9355 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9530 Consignment Treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7123 Contra Costa Termite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7665 Cosby, Brett - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899-1865 Crocker Insurance Agency - Sam Totah . . . . . . . . . . .941-1536 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . .524-5100 Elysium (formerly The Fox and The Fiddle) . . . . . . . .672-1333 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 ESI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-1477 Eternal Life Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0295 Ewing, Ken - Painting Contractor and Decorator . . . .586-1882 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Gregory, Cynthia - Permanent Solution . . . . . . . . . . .286-5162 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 Jazzercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7025 Keck, Michele - 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Alden Foster . . . . . . . .963-3582 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Sellers, Nicole - Diablo Funding . . . . . . . . . . . .227-0100 x 128 Skip's Happy Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9433 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 St. Bonaventure Catholic Community . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5800 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 Team Power Tractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .443-7600 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Truesdell, Lisa - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . .686-4747 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Intero Real Estate Services . . . .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Velocity Sports Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363-0066 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . .672-4433 Walcutt, Bill - Prudential Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-5535 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Wine Thieves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4003 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700
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LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” You can also e-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Smokey, from page 1
Standing: Jimmy Waraner, Smokey, Ed Waraner; Sitting from left: Joe Mackey, Deanna Hall, Eric Gomberg and Adrian Wilson
His next project is a Tiki statue for a tropical nursery in Brentwood. Ed has always been intrigued by woodcarvings. And as owner of Waraner Brother’s Tree Service for the past 20 years, he is always at the right place at the right time to gather more “free stock” as he calls it for his hobby. He began “playing with the chainsaw and wood” and eventually it led to some unique carvings. He admits his first project was rocky. It was supposed to be a lion, then it began looking more like a bear. “We call it Mr. Monster Head” and I still have it around.” His craft doesn’t come without some danger. In order to carve small crevices and intricate shapes, Ed removes the chainsaw’s protective cover and uses the tip of his saw very carefully. There’s 10 feet
of kickback to deal with and he has to grip the saw with both hands in order to create his masterpieces. In creating Smokey, Ed used about 10 different blades. He is always focused on his craft when he’s carving and he admits he enjoys thinking about the person for whom he’s carving. “It becomes meditative,” he says. And although Ed donates some of his work, his carvings often come with a price tag. “I charge anywhere from $200 to $2500 for a wood carving. And I can’t even draw a picture,” he laughs. Ed lives on ten acres near Rodie’s on Marsh Creek Road and has his own carving studio on the property. His brother Jimmy is a partner in the tree service business and has picked up the carving bug. Ed’s son, Dustin is also exploring the
March 25, 2005 form. An accomplished oil painter, Patsi currently has a passion for etching Emu eggs.
craft. His wife, Patsi, loves the woodcarvings, however she prefers a more delicate art
Ed’s eagle has landed If you’re wondering about Ed’s eagle that used to overlook Clayton Road on the hillside by Mt. Diablo Elementary School, he’s resting comfortably. Since the eagle was carved from an ailanthus tree and not from redwood, it eventually rotted and fell down the hill. The eagle is spending its final days in the City of Clayton Maintenance Yard.
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Measure C, from page 1 American with Disabilities Act. At a recent Mt. Diablo Parent Faculty Meeting, (PFC) the mood was a combination of enthusiasm and caution. “One of my main concerns is safety for our children, families and employees,” said Principal Linda Schuler. “And I am proud to have a team who has the same priority,’ she said, referring to VANIR/3DI. PFC board members attending the meeting expressed some concern over workers on campus during
“One of my main concerns is safety for our children, families and employees.” Linda Schuler, Principal, Mt. Diablo Elementary
school and how many of the construction employees are fingerprinted and have had background checks. Supervisors are fingerprinted, explained Patrick Rinn, construction manager, and all contractors work behind a fenced area. “These are regular people, they are moms and dads. We watch this very carefully,” he added. Other concerns focused on the construction timetable and how children will be affected on campus. Rinn explained that most of the “loud and crazy” work would be done over the summer including demolition of existing structures, pavement and roofing. Interim classrooms will be positioned on campus in April, but no move-ins will take place until September, according to Schuler. New classroom construction will begin in September with the completion of 15 new classrooms slated for spring 2006. Fourth and fifth grades will occupy nine of the new
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arrest of three individuals in a recent stolen property bust on Tamarack Dr. “It’s too much of a coincidence that this happened right after the bust,” said O’Hara. Both police departments are taking the situation very seriously and are asking for the public’s assistance. “Hopefully someone will remember seeing something,” said Peterson. Anyone with any information that could be of assistance to police in locating the person or persons responsible for tampering with the trucks is urged to call Clayton police at 673-7350, or Concord police at 671-3377.
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O’Hara, from page 1 Peterson. He also had several independent mechanics look at both trucks, six in all. All six agreed that it was unheard of for it to accidentally happen to one truck. For it to happen to two trucks at the same time was impossible. Had the trucks been moving at 40 or 50 mph when the front wheel assemblies collapsed, the trucks would likely have rolled over, causing serious injury or even death to the drivers, explained O’Hara. The sergeant suspects that the tampering was done by someone connected with the
classrooms are carpeted, airconditioned and Internet ready. While there might be a few unsightly areas on campus during construction, Schuler asked that parents make an effort to keep positive as the project progresses. “I need your help in keeping the eye on the bigger picture,” she said. “We have a fabulous community here at Mt. Diablo with common goals to always improve the quality of our programs and to put kids first.”
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Tax, from page 1 Before leaving the March 15 meeting, Laurence read a statement outlining his objection to taxing businesses outside of Clayton that do business in Clayton. This includes Realtors with offices in another city that list or sell property within Clayton’s city limits. Laurence noted that agents from outside the city sell the majority of Clayton’s listings. If these agents are subject to a business license tax, claims Laurence, “some or all of them may decide not to include Clayton in their business area” causing Clayton listings to take longer to sell and forcing prices downward. Laurence also takes strong exception to the city using the audit process to “trap” outside vendors. “This tactic,” said Laurence, “smacks of a police state mentality and needs to be immediately stopped.” And finally, said Laurence, the law, as it relates to outside businesses, should not be applied retroactively. MAS, the city-hired consulting firm conducting the
audit has been looking back three years to determine if a business should have had a business license but didn’t, and charging not only the tax, but the maximum penalty of 100 percent on the unpaid taxes. “To be fair,” said Laurence,” there should not be late charges or taxes charged from before the notifications of this new policy started.” After Laurence and Walcutt left the meeting, the public hearing began. In an atmosphere that grew increasingly contentious, more than a dozen people from the business community, both from inside and outside of Clayton, the majority of them Realtors, voiced objections to the audit process and to the tax itself. The Contra Costa Association of Realtors is taking a strong position against imposing the business license tax on businesses located outside the city that do business in Clayton, (“outside businesses”) said Chuck Lamb, CCAR’s CEO, reading from a prepared statement. While generally opposed to the tax, the CCAR
Peterson, from page 1 organizations. “I’ve wanted to help with the soup kitchen through church and other community organizations,” said Peterson. “I’m in the twilight of my career and I needed to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. I needed to pick a date and do it,” he said. Peterson came to Clayton from the Oakland Police Department where his assignments included Commander of SWAT/Hostage Negotiations, the Vice and Narcotics Section, the Homicide Unit and Hate Violence Crime Detail and long list of other big city crime details. But, it was his commitment to the concept of Community
Oriented Policing that was to bring the greatest benefit to Clayton. Standing on the principle of proactive policing in partnership with the community, Peterson met more than 20 times with neighbors to craft his award-winning program. Peterson’s affection for Clayton does not leave with him at the end of the workday. Active in all community affairs and a valued member of the Clayton Business and Community Association, he has been seen hanging Christmas decorations on Main Street and pushing a broom during the Art and Wine Festival. He was recently type cast as Detective Sam Slayed in
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Page 7 does, however, acknowledge the City’s legal right to tax such businesses, but wants the tax apportioned based on the actual work or activity performed in the City. The CCAR also wants the City to drop the idea of retroactively collecting the business license tax and penalties. It isn’t only Realtors that object to taxing “outside businesses.” Currently, anyone making more than $1,500 per year (inside or outside businesses) must pay the business license tax which, it was pointed out by several, could require babysitters, housekeepers and the kid who mows the lawn to get a business license. The council has acknowledged all along that the gross receipts threshold is too low. It’s expected that they will raise that threshold to at least $5,000 per year. The council members appeared somewhat surprised at the strong negative input from those attending. “I am a bit offended by some folks who think this (law) is unjust,” said Pierce. “It’s not unjust. Most other cities have this law and they don’t get this reaction.”
Many of those voicing objections to the business license tax were strongly opposed to the audit methodology used by MAS, described by some as “spy tactics” and “McCarthyesque.” The auditors are asking businesses to produce not only verification of their gross receipts, but, in their efforts to identify “outside businesses,” their vendor lists, as well. “We need ideas of how to enforce,” said Shuey. “I struggle with the audit issue. How can we accomplish this without looking at vendor lists?” he asked. “This is a huge issue with the California League of Cities,” said Manning. “This is a source of revenue and the cities are hurting. We aren’t trying to put people out of business with this tax.” All three council members agreed not to make any substantive changes to the business license tax or the audit process pending the written ruling by the FPPC that would clear Laurence and Walcutt of any conflict of interest issues. “We’re going to make changes,” said Manning, in closing, “we just aren’t sure of the extent.”
the Clayton Community Library’s interactive murder mystery “Murder at the Library.” The chief ’s portrayal of the careworn gumshoe won him rave reviews from audience and cast mates alike. Peterson notified Napper of his intended retirement over a week before it was announced. “I got his resignation on Monday (Mar. 7) and spent the whole week trying to talk him out of it,” said Napper. “This is a community loss, not just a City Hall loss.” Napper has begun contacting some of the smaller, more spe-
cialized executive search firms to begin the recruitment process for a new chief. He expects to find a good slate of candidates from which to choose. He then plans to assemble three panels, one consisting of himself and members of the city council, another a peer review panel, which would include executive and command police officials from around the area, and finally a panel of selected members of the community. “We’re not going to replace Pete’s shoes, we’re going to find some new shoes,” said Napper.
CHIEF PETERSON’S RESIGNATION LETTER TO CITY MANAGER, GARY NAPPER
March 15, 2005 Dear Gary, With a great deal of mixed emotions, I am announcing my retirement as Clayton’s Chief of Police, effective July 15, 2005. I initially committed to serve three years as Police Chief. I learned early on what an exceptional community Clayton and its residents are and in spite of an occasional job offer elsewhere, could not imagine leaving a job that has been so personally rewarding and fulfilling. I have thoroughly enjoyed what will be seven years working for the City of Clayton. You are the third City Manager I have worked for and each has been an exceptional boss. I have learned much and developed professionally because of the expertise and management style of each of you. I have also appreciated the support and guidance of the exceptional people who have served on Clayton’s City Council over the years. Even when there have been minor policy differences, I could always count on the wisdom and the professional guidance from our Council members, all of whom had the best interests of Clayton and its citizens at heart. I have many “honey-do’s” that have stacked up over the years and have a desire to get more involved in citizen volunteer activities; retirement will allow me time for these efforts. I have already been informed by my wife, Carol, that we will continue participating in the Clayton Bocce League and with our CBCA activities, so I won’t be a complete stranger. Sincerely, Peter A. Peterson Chief of Police
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Make a wish list when you’re shopping for your ideal home LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE
Owning your own home can be an immensely pleasurable experience. But it can be a nightmare if you end up with the wrong house. How will you know the right house when you see it? It helps to be clear about what you’re looking for. Start by making a list of all the features you want and need in a home. If you’re having trouble developing a wish list, think about all the features you don’t like in your current home. The next step is to prioritize your wish list. Divide the list into “must have” and “want to have.” Your “must have” list would include the bare essentials you need, like the number of bedrooms and baths, a yard, a good commute location or a specific school district.
The “want to have” features are those that you’d ideally like, but that aren’t absolutely necessary. For example, you might want a view, but you’d forego that if you could find a home in the right school district. If there are features you can’t live with—like a lot of stairs or a location on a busy street—be sure to list these as well. Buying a home involves making compromises. The perfect home does not exist. The more homes for sale (called listings) you look at, the easier it will be to decide how you’ll compromise. For example, you may want a three-car garage. If houses with three-car garages don’t exist in the neighborhood where you want to live, you have to make a choice. You can settle with a one- or two-car garage and live in your first-choice neighborhood. Or, you can look for a home with a three-car garage elsewhere. Your wish list will evolve over time as you get to know the range of possibilities in your
local housing market. If you’re finding that you’re not seeing enough of the right kind of listings, ask your real estate agent if your wish list is too restrictive. If so, try to broaden your horizons. For instance, you might look in more than one neighborhood, or be less picky about architectural style. Unlike most other business transactions, there’s an emotional aspect to home buying. Often buyers fall in love with the home they buy the first time they walk through the front door. Elusive qualities like charm and appeal can take precedence in the home buying decision. Before you commit to a legally binding purchase contract, however, take another look at your “wish list”. Double check to make sure that the listing you’ve chosen provides you with the essentials on your list. One couple bought a charming starter home on a lot with a magnificent setting. It wasn’t until after they moved in that they realized the home didn’t have a decent place to sit and
enjoy a meal. The kitchen was too small for an eating area and there was no dining room. The next home they bought had both an eating area in the kitchen and a formal dining area. Buying and selling homes is expensive, not to mention time consuming. You can save yourself a lot of money and hassle by buying a home that will suit your long-term needs. Moving less often saves you money. Don’t let yourself be fooled by someone else’s good decorating. The furniture usually moves out with the sellers. So make sure the listing will work for you when the furnishings are gone.
CURTAINS More than just decorative accents for your windows, curtains can be used to conceal clutter. Drape curtains between rooms without doors to create a distinct transition. A small curtain can cover the base of a pedestal sink in a bathroom and hide your toiletries, and similarly around a fish tank stand to conceal wires and pet products. You can also use curtains as wall hangings in lieu of artwork. This way, you can use the curtains to cover a wall that is unsightly or is in need of a paint job. BASKETS Well-placed baskets (even
those brimming with items) can look like purposeful design elements rather than just ways to hide stuff. A large one can store folded throws or pillows for a sofa. Small ones can hold keys and
Stacking baskets can look like a well planned design element, not just a place to hide stuff.
change near doorways so you can toss them “neatly” upon entering the home. Or stack a few at the foot of the stairs to hold items you want to carry upstairs. Baskets in the bathroom can store smaller toiletries, extra towels or extra rolls of toilet tissue. And a tall basket with a cover can make a pretty clothes hamper instead of the traditional plastic variety. SCREENS No longer used just to provide a private changing area,
SLIPCOVERS AND AREA RUGS Perhaps it’s not small items that are compromising the look of your home, but rather larger items like furniture and floors. Transform a sofa or chair that has seen better days with a slipcover. Mask stains on a carpet or damage to wood flooring with an area rug until you can get a new one.
SUITCASES AND TRUNKS Decorative rattan trunks or antique leather suitcases can be a focal point in a room as well as a place to stash clutter. Use them to store magazines, children’s toys or craft projects that you haven’t completed (like needlepoint or knitting).
DUST RUFFLES Place a dust ruffle on your bed to cover the gap between the bedspread and the floor. You can stash storage containers, table leaves, vacuums, folding chairs or other larger items under your bed and out of view.
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folding screens can effectively camouflage a messy office area housed in a living room, conceal piles and stacks of books or boxes in corners, or provide a secluded separation in a one-room loft. Purchase ready-made screens in decorative designs from home stores, or create your own screens out of folding doors or other items.
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Lynne French is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions contact her at: Phone (925) 672-8787 or E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com
Decorative ways to conceal clutter If your household bears any resemblance to most — filled with kids, pets and clutter — you may be searching for innovative ways to hide the mess until you can tackle organization later. With responsibilities like work, carpools and the like filling most hours of your day, it can be hard to manage messes that accumulate in the recesses of your home. Rest assured, there are creative and decorative ways to make your home appear less like a “pigpen” and more like a place that’s “comfortably lived-in.”
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Page 9
COLLEEN ELWY
SHARING HISTORY Lora Ingalls, 85, knew she wanted to be a teacher when she was just eight years old and she is passionate in sharing her story about her life. “My folks were poor, but when I was in the third grade, I told my mother I wanted to be a teacher. She said ‘I don’t think we can ever raise enough money for you to go to college. I wish you would choose something else.’ But I told her, no Mama, I want to be a teacher and work with children!” Born on a ranch in North Central Nebraska, Lora Ingalls had a twin brother and four other siblings. It doesn’t take long to understand where Ingalls’ love and compassion for people and her desire to teach comes from when you hear about her own childhood. “My folks had a self sufficient ranch. Even though we had no money, we always had plenty to eat because we had big gardens and many animals. My dad would barter for whatever we needed and he was one of the kindest people I have ever met in my life. “ Ingalls smiles, “He was gentle and caring about absolutely everybody and I thank my Lord that I learned so much from him.” During the Depression
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Ingalls explains people would come across her parents’ land by horse, looking for work. “My father would run out there to them and say ‘Hey, we are going to have dinner soon. Get off your horse and come eat with us.’ And time and time again we ate with strangers that had nothing. And my mother was never upset. With six children of her own, she would just make more food for whoever was joining us.” And Ingalls’ classroom memories start with her child-
LORA INGALLS, NOW
hood lunches. “We had wonderful lunches at school even during the Depression because my parents butchered on the ranch. Some of my schoolmates would come to school having walked barefoot in the snow with cold biscuits for lunch. And when my parents would hear about that they would say ‘I sure hope you shared your lunch with them.’ That’s how they were with everyone.” With her empathetic upbringing and desire to teach, Ingalls heard there was a shortage of teachers in the countryside while in the eleventh grade. So in her last two years of high school, she studied her regular lessons and teacher training, along with doing her
chores at home. “I worked so hard to pass those courses. But when I was done, they told me that there were no openings for teachers any longer. It broke my heart and I walked around crying all the time. Then a position 100 miles away from home became available in the countryside.” Ingalls left home for the first time and became a teacher at the age of 18 in a one-room schoolhouse in the countryside of Nebraska. “I tell you, I was so homesick. And that first day of school was quite an experience. The kids just kept coming in. When they all sat down, I had 28 students of all ages waiting for me to teach!” Ingalls’ teaching career continued until she married Mitch. They had two children and she stayed home to raise them. Her husband was in the Navy and his job took him out of the country often. Ingalls joined him in Guam where at the age of 51 she attended the university and got her degree. She later taught in Guam and then in Oregon where she and Mitch came to eventually retire. Lora and Mitch were married for 63 years before he passed away. “Mitch was a little fellow with a big heart. He loved people and was a good provider.” The Ingalls’ kindness carried over to their two adult children, a daughter in Clayton and a son in Tucson, who are active in volunteering and giving of themselves also. The Ingalls compassion shines bright through three generations. Lora smiles over the marvelous gift she was given as a child, which has passed through her to so many other children over the years of teaching and all others she has touched along the way in her life.
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LORA INGALLS as a young teacher If you are a senior living in Clayton, or know of a senior that would like to share their life story with the Clayton Pioneer readers, please contact Colleen Elwy at 672-9565 or at colleensbyline@aol.com.
Club News CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB The “April in Paris” luncheon and fashion show is Sat., Apr. 23 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. Talbot’s of Walnut Creek will be providing the fashions. Entertainment is provided by The Hot Flashers & the Happy Hoofers. Tickets, $25, are still available. Call Sue Jamerson at 689-6649 for ticket information. YGNACIO VALLEY REPUBLICAN WOMEN YVRW will host a few dozen spouses and family members of troops active in Iraq at its fashion/fundraiser on Saturday, April 16 at Oakhurst Country Club. The public is welcome. The meeting will be non-political, just fun, and a tribute to our noble troop families. For information, visit www.yvrwf.org or call 925-8382182. 11 – 2 p.m. $30. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. AAUW The Clayton Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) seeks to recognize a Clayton Valley High School senior woman who has exhibited academic achievement and leadership ability during her four years of high school.with a $500 scholarship for use in the fall of 2005. Application forms are in the Career Center at CVHS. Application deadline is Apr. 2. CBCA The Clayton Business and Community Association has scholarships available for up to $2,000 for ‘05 high school graduates. There are academic scholarships for any high school senior living in the 94517 Zip code with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and music scholarships available to members of any Clayton Valley High School music program. See your career counselor or call 672-2272 for an application. deadline is Apr.1.
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Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 25, 2005
Luscious, kissable, inflatable lips “The kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.” Ingrid Bergman The lips are an amazing yet often overlooked aspect of the face. They kiss or pout, depending on the occasion. They part slightly to emit a dreamy sigh or gape widely to accommodate a full throated yell. As one of the best movie lines ever attests, they make music: “You know how to whistle, don’t you? Just put your lips together and blow.” You can whistle Dixie and you can whistle while you work. Beyond being useful for making music, lips come in all shapes and sizes. Large lips have come into vogue in the last couple of years, lips ala Julia Roberts and Angelina Jolie. Supersized lips have become part of these stars’ persona, part of their beauty package, and have inspired an entire industry of lusciouslips look alikes from Pam Anderson to Melanie Griffith. Lips are soft if well taken care of and become chapped and rough when exposed to chewing and harsh weather. Entire cosmetic empires have been built on the appearance of lips; lipsticks and lip gloss in pearly pinks, dusky roses, in lush plums. The appeal of lips cannot be denied. Our skin contains more than 4 million sensory receptors that are especially concentrated in the fingers, tongue and lips. These nerve endings are sensitive to touch, pressure, temperature and pain. They gather sensory information and relay it through specific nerve bundles back to the central
nervous system for processing and possible reaction. This would partially explain why kissing is such a pleasurable and important function for the human being — it’s all about information gathering! Because we humans are visual creatures, it should come as no surprise that the lips are an important and blossoming segment in cosmetic surgery. Lips enhancements are all the rage, darling! Injections and implants can give a puckered mouth more pout, they can amp up the collagen to movie
star proportions. As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to do your research, be thorough in your investigations of practitioners, and of course, be realistic. The doctor is not going to change your life my dear, she’s going to change your lips. Changing your life is up to you. So what options are available to someone seeking lip enhancement? The following is a partial list of options available for luscious, kissable, inflatable lips. INJECTIONS Your physician will likely use a local anesthesia before injecting any of the following substances into your lip area. Injections are done on an outpatient basis, and you will be home again the same day. Artecoll is a synthetic materi-
al that plumps up the lips. Because it’s artificial, allergic reactions may occur, but it lasts longer than injections of collagen or fat. Autologen is an injection of your own collagen, extracted from another place on your body. This is a low risk but short-lasting solution. Collagen is a product extracted from cows. Allergic reaction is possible, so pre-testing is suggested. The results may last one to three months. Dermalogen is a form of collagen extracted from human donors. It’s also called injectable Human Tissue Matrix. Fat from your own thighs or abdomen can be injected into your lips. Since this is your own fat, there’s no risk of allergic reaction. Restylane is a clear gel. It contains hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs in humans, so there’s little chance for an allergic reaction. This can last up to six months. SURGERY As with injections, these are outpatient procedures, accomplished with local anesthesia. Alloderm is a sheet of donated human collagen, rolled into a tube. Your surgeon inserts these tubes through tiny incisions made on the inside part of the lip. This material offers only a temporary fix, lasting up to 12 months. Fat grafting is the surgical method of inserting your own fat into your lips to achieve the desired fullness. There is relatively low risk of rejection, since this is your own fat, but there is the chance that your body will reabsorb it. Gore-Tex, SoftForm and soft
Clayton Saddlery closes after less than a year with new owner Clayton Saddlery and The Country Dog closed up shop at their Village Oaks location in downtown Clayton last week. According to owner Bob Shreve, the store has been unable to reach agreement with the landlord on a number of issues so he is moving the inventory of both stores to storage while he considers other location options. Clayton Saddlery, under several different ownerships, has been at the same location for 23 years. Shreve purchased the store from Brad Revis in June of last year. “We’re about the last saddle shop around with a retail loca-
tion. All of right use. the others He sughave gone gests as to warepossibilih o u s e ties a dry space,” said cleaners Lisa Shreve, drop off, a owner of bank or a T h e coffee C o u n t r y Building owner plans to continue retail s h o p Dog and use of Clayton Saddlery’s old space in and/or d a u g h t e r - the Village Oaks building. bakery that in-law of would have Bob Shreve. “Retail just can’t different hours than Ed’s make it at these rents,” she said. Mudville Grill on the other Building owner Stephen corner of the building. “We Coates disagrees. “We think it’s have to be careful not to create a good retail space,” he said. Coates is willing to divide the a parking problem,” said 4,500 square foot space for the Coates.
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LOOKIN’ GOOD ePTFE are synthetic materials that can achieve a permanent result. Unlike some of the other options we’ve listed above, your body will not absorb these. However, because they are synthetic, there is a risk of allergic reaction. As we age, our collagen migrates from pillowy softness to deflated plates, and not only in our lips, but that’s where it’s most noticeable. And when nature has finished with us, we can help her along. Or not. Being happy with who we are is more important than trying to be the clone of the latest hot Hollywood starlet. But if being happy includes a little collagen or Restylane within reason, then this aesthetic expert says do your research, check all references, get the support of at least one good friend, and go, be happy.
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Cynthia Gregory holds a master's degree in fine arts and is a California licensed esthetician. She can be reached for comment at ceegregory@aol.com.
Questions to ponder If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes? What if there were no hypothetical questions? Is there another word for synonym? Where do forest rangers go to "get away from it all?" What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant? If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages? Would a fly without wings be called a walk? If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked? Can vegetarians eat animal crackers? If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent? Why do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machines? How do they get deer to cross the road only at those yellow road signs?
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Foster parenting can be a life saving partnership BRENDA BARNETTE PICASSO
PAWS
AND
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CLAWS
“Lordy, we got to have a doctor. I don’t know nothin’ ‘bout birthin’ babies!” You really don’t need to know any more about “birthin’
babies” than Gone with the Wind’s Prissy did to experience the miracle of puppies and kittens. That’s right. This is the time of year when kittens and puppies are being born. Unfortunately, most shelters do not have neonatal wards or the staffing necessary to raise and socialize these youngsters. The survival of the innocent puppies and kittens depends on caring community members who will join us in saving animals’ lives. They can help by providing foster care
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care for a few weeks. If we can save these puppies and kittens now and have them and their mothers altered, we will eliminate thousands of unwanted kittens and puppies in the future. This is an important step to end the practice of putting healthy dogs and cats to death in public shelters to make room for incoming animals. It will take a few years to see the results of successful spay/ neuter programs, but vigilance today will make a difference in the future. Sometimes people express concern that they will want to keep every puppy or kitten they raise. In my personal experience,
I have found that I fall in love with every litter I foster and think that they are the best. Yet after a few weeks I am ready to send them on their way to permanent homes of their own. Raising kittens and puppies that are under eight weeks old is a life-saving partnership between caring community members and the shelter. At ARF, we can tailor foster opportunities to individual situations. We provide training, medical care and supplies, and you supply the love. If you would like a preview of foster parenting, look under protocols on the UC Davis Shelter Medicine Web site. There you’ll find The
Kitten Rescue Handbook and The Puppy Rescue Handbook. Both of these books are very similar to the ones we use at ARF, and they provide information about the fostering process. We provide the puppies and kittens, foster parents provide the love and care, and the community benefits from the healthy, well-socialized (and spayed or neutered), wonderful puppies and kittens. Together we will make a life-saving difference for the animals, and you won’t have to “know nothin’ ‘bout birthin’ babies!” Brenda F. Barnette is the CEO of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at bbarnette@arf.net.
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until the little ones are old enough to be spayed or neutered and adopted to good homes. Already this year, we have had puppies who needed a few weeks of socialization and care until they were old enough to be spayed, and we had one pregnant cat who gave birth after being at ARF for only two days. We had a Good Samaritan who rescued two puppies from sure death. We have rescued several pregnant cats who were almost ready to deliver and groups of kittens who had become separated from their mothers. They were all wonderful animals who needed loving
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“Shaggy,” a 4-year-old, Airedale terrier mix, is outgoing, curious and playful. He is a smart dog who will likely stand out in obedience classes. He will enjoy an active household and will be a great hiking companion. He is recommended
for families with children age 12 and above, and likes other dogs. Bring everyone who will live with Shaggy to meet him 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. Do your children love ani-
mals? Camp ARF is a wonderful opportunity to learn all about dogs and cats while having fun. Sessions are available for children in first grade through high school. Visit ARF’s Web site, www.arf.net, to learn more and to sign up, or call (925) 256-1ARF.
SHAGGY
Chocolate bunnies are a better choice for Easter pet In its annual effort to prevent the impulse purchase of live “Easter rabbits” for small children, the 10,000-member House Rabbit Society (HRS), headquartered in Richmond, California, is urging parents to consider chocolate rabbits instead. A nonprofit organization dedicated to rescue and education, HRS blames thousands of cases of rabbit neglect, abandonment, and even death on impulse Easter purchases. The current campaign, “Make Mine Chocolate” (www.makeminechocolate.org) was created by the Columbus, Ohio, chapter of HRS and is aimed at changing the public’s attitude toward rabbits as holiday gifts. “Purchasing chocolate rabbits would spare the lives of the countless rabbits ordinarily bought for Easter and then relinquished to shelters, or, worse, released outdoors during summertime,” says Margo DeMello, administrative director of HRS. “With proper care, companion rabbits can live 10 or more years. Most children
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lose interest long before this, willing to take full responsibiliand the rabbit ends up being ty for the new animal, they neglected or abandoned.” should buy their children DeMello says that many rabbits chocolate rabbits instead.” For those parents willing to purchased as Easter pets will never live to see their first make the long-term commitment, HRS suggests contacting birthday. “Rabbits are not ‘low main- a local animal shelter, humane tenance’ pets,” she says. “They society or rabbit rescue group require at least the same for information about adopting amount of work as a cat or dog, a rabbit. A full list of HRS chapters and an adult should be the priand contacts, as well as commary caretaker.” According to HRS, rabbits prehensive information on rabshould be spayed or neutered, bit care, can be found at litterbox-trained, and exercised www.rabbit.org. House for several Rabbit hours daily Society is a in a rabbitvolunteerproofed based, nonarea. “They p r o f i t are incrediorganizably social,” tion with s a y s two priD e M e l l o, mary goals: “and should 1) to rescue live indoors, as members Pet rabbits require the same amount of abandoned rabbits and of the fami- care as a cat or dog. find perly, just like manent homes for them, and dogs and cats.” 2) to educate the public and “It is irresponsible for pet stores to push rabbits during assist humane societies in the holiday. Unless parents are teaching proper rabbit care.
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Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 25, 2005
Clayton Sports CVHS boys basketball team finishes great season Ramon Valley (25 – 3) would advance to Nor Cal tournament seeded as the #2 team. But the Eagles weren’t done either. They qualified for a trip to the CIF Northern Cal Regional Division II Playoffs despite their loss to SRV. CVHS (20 – 9) drew the # 4 seed, Chico, whose record was 23 – 5. The Eagles, however, would have to travel three hours to play at Chico on Tuesday night March 8. Leading most of the game CVHS gave it up in the last four minutes of the contest. The Chico High team was too much for the tired Eagles. Again, uncharacteristically, the normally sharp-shooting Eagles shot poorly from 3-point range - hitting only 3 of 22 attempts. CV also had several guys in foul trouble which required them to sit out parts of the game and especially during critical stretches near the end. The game was fairly close though. The final score was Chico 55 – CV 48. Clayton Valley Head Troy Sullivan summed it up this way, “I’m really happy with our season…I’m really pleased with the guys. I couldn’t be happier with what we did this year. And, we have a lot of people coming back so next year looks good as well.”
JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer
The CVHS Boys Varsity Basketball team had a great run this season. They finished the year with a 20 – 10 overall season record. They made it to the finals of the North Coast Section playoffs in Division II and despite losing to San Ramon Valley in the NCS Championship title game at McKeon Pavilion at St. Mary’s College in Moraga; they advanced to the CIF NorCal playoffs. In the quarterfinals round of the NCS playoffs #4 seed CV faced #5 seed Ygnacio Valley at the CVHS gym on Wednesday, March 2. It was an exciting game. YV was ahead by a score of 27 -22 at the half. Fortunately, CV held true to its reputation of playing better in the second half. CV players including Dan and John Del Bene, Cameron Dyson, Adam Carp, Travis Ford, and Eric Issacson all had important plays. But Clayton’s Drew Menez really came up big again especially on the offensive side. YV was still ahead 31 – 24 with 6 minutes left to play in the 3rd period. Then Menez started to get the hot hand. He made an important 3-point shot with 4:40 to play in the 3rd period to bring the Eagles to within two at 31 - 29. Then with 3:23 left he hit another big shot from beyond the arc to tie the game at 32 all. With 2:30 remaining Menez hit what might have
CVHS BOYS VARSITY TEAM accepts their second place NCS Division II awards at St. Mary’s College McKeon Pavilion.
been the most important shot of the night, a very long shot, that he took 8 to 10 feet beyond the 3-point arc. The ball hit nothing but net on the way down and the home crowd rose to its feet cheering. And, he still wasn’t done. With 1:18 left to play in the period he hit another shot from 3-point land to put the Eagles ahead at 38-34. In the fourth period the game went back and forth but CV was ahead by six with only two and a half minutes remaining. But YV got hot to narrow the lead and then hit a big 3pointer to take the lead 50-49 with less than a minute remaining. Dan Del Bene made an important three to answer right back with only 33 seconds left.
But after missing a three and passing back out YV hit a long 3-point shot at the buzzer to tie the game at 53-53 and send it into overtime. In overtime CV played solid ball including some stellar defense to stay ahead of the YV Warriors. The Eagles continued their good shooting to build a small lead. With the Warriors fouling frequently to slow down the pace and preserve time, CV was good enough from the free throw line and added some excellent defense to keep YV at bay. Menez had several big rebounds. The CV Eagles finished with an impressive 66 – 59 win in overtime. Menez was the leading scorer with 28 points, including his four 3-pointers in
that important 3rd period. Then on Saturday March 5 at the NCS Division II Championship game at St. Mary’s College, the story was a little different. At half-time San Ramon Valley had a 10 point lead over the Eagles with the score 30- 20. CV never led after SRV started to pull away midway through the first half. At the end of the third period the score was SRV 47 – CV 25. The biggest factor in the game was the superior height of the SRV Wolves and the fact that the Eagles’ outside shooting was cold. The Wolves’ 7-foot Omar Samhan was just too tall for the smaller Eagles. Samhan dominated the boards on both end of the court with 17
rebounds. He also finished several tip-ins on the offensive boards and led all scorers with 28. Trailing by a wide margin in the second half the Eagles tried to score quickly each time they got possession. But with the Wolves’ height advantage in the lane, the Eagles couldn’t penetrate on many drives and they were forced to shoot deep from the outside. The shots just wouldn’t fall for the Eagles this night. The team shot just four for 28 on 3-point attempts. The final score ended at 59- 35. San
DAVE GRAY GRAY ON GOLF If you have trouble obtaining a full back swing, you may find that a little “shoulder swinging” will help solve the problem. Try forgetting about your arms and hands in your take away. Endeavor to make the back swing solely with your shoulders, rotating them so the left shoulder comes down under the chin. This move raises the arms and hands automatically. This really shows the importance of keeping the shaft in the center
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A little shoulder swinging goes a long way on the tee of your body as you move into the back swing. By starting the back swing in this manner we can return the shaft and the club head correctly on the downswing. Remember once again the down swing starts by first shifting, not sliding, our weight to the left foot. Then the right shoulder can work down and under through impact. Try letting the right shoulder bump your chin as a key to turning your head to the left and moving to a full balance finish position. Our arms are connected to our shoulder joints, so just let them relax naturally and they will fall into the natural slot position coming down. Sometimes while teaching I’ll change the words to an old
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Now there’s a place where you can spend more time with your family. Where you'll enjoy relaxing and playing together. All at a price that makes sense. At Oakhurst Country Club, you’ll find fun activities for every member of your family whether you’re playing together or doing your own thing. You can enjoy 18 holes of golf and active men’s, ladies’ and junior golf programs. Or swim, play tennis, work out in our fitness center or take part in our many social and holiday events. Come out and see for yourself why Oakhurst is the family country club. You’ll be surprised just how affordable a country club can be. And how much closer your family will become.
GOLF MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE AT NEW LOWER PRICING. To learn more or to schedule a tour, call our Membership Director at 925.672.9737
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March 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Clayton Sports St. Bonaventure’s 5th grade CYO basketball team
PIONEER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT “MARCH MADNESS” AT ST. BONNIES’ It’s “March Madness” time. And sports fans know that means that the Spotlight is focused on basketball! And when it’s madness time the spotlight goes a little…well…foolishly overboard! So for March, a whole team is being selected as this month’s athlete of the month! St. Bonaventure’s 5th Grade CYO Basketball Team finished their season as CYO National League Champions and they are all “in the Pioneer Spotlight” this month. As explained below the whole team has obviously been doing a lot of things “right” on the court this season and the players …well, they have been letting everyone know about it too! St. Bonnie’s 5th Grade CYO boys’ basketball team finished their season with a perfect 10 – 0
record this season. They were coached by Head Coach Larry La Mar and Assistant Coach, Dan Bacigalupo. Some highlights of the season included St. Bonnie’s first game against Immaculate Heart. It was their first victory and it was during this game that the St. Bonaventure players really pulled together for the first time in a tough match-up and kept working as a team until the final horn. Cameron Bacigalupo, Kyle Bradbury, Ryan Jeans, Adam La Mar and Ryan Long scored a combined 29 points. Kyle Bradbury was the high scorer with 10 points and Ryan Long with 8, Lucian Lukach as low post started his season-long ability to block shots under the basket. Brinley Owen and Spencer Wraa provided the muscle needed to open up the lanes against the much bigger Immaculate Heart players. When the team faced Immaculate Heart again later in the season it would be a re-match between one team with dominating size and one with the gift of court speed. In preparation for this game the St. Bonnie coaches played low post center positions for the opposition during practice to provide the height Immaculate
Heart had in the middle. By practicing against much larger players it became clear to the St. Bonaventure team that they had to play full court press against the wall of giants on the Immaculate Heart, to try to wear them down. Immaculate Heart got a few quick baskets right at the start of the game by passing over the heads of the Bonnie players. At the end of the first period the locals were down 6 to nothing. Then Ryan Jeans stepped onto the court. Within less than a minute Ryan Jeans had stolen the ball twice and scored. His fast hands and feet ignited the rest of the team. From that point on it was clear if the team could steal the ball before the opposition could get it to the wall of giants, the St. Bonnie’s team could score by out-running Immaculate Heart down the court. Just before the clock ran out Adam La Mar, with a game high of 6 steals, stole the ball and passed the ball to Kyle Bradbury who drove to the basket to give St. Bonaventure a two point lead going into the final few seconds of the game. The game ended with the final score 29-27. Coach La Mar said, “One thing I think that set this year’s team apart from other teams I
have coached, was how the players seemed to come together as a team early on in the season.” La Mar said early in the season he was looking for a way for all the players to appreciate each other’s various contributions to the team. So, La Mar asked each player to make a mental note of how other players contributed during practices and games. Later, after the first few weeks of practices, he began to ask each player - to express in a positive way - how they felt about how another player participated and contributed. That positive recognition and reinforcement really seemed to help pull the players together. To continue this practice as the season started, at the end of each game, the coaches always opened the discussion up for each player to talk about some positive contribution another player made during the game. The only rule was that once a person was positively recognized by one player, The Clayton Pioneer spotlights a local youth athlete from our circulation area in the second issue each month and Rocco’s congratulates the athlete with a free pizza. If you are a coach or an administrator and would like to nominate a young person (under 20 years of age) for the Rocco's Athlete Spotlight, please send information to sports@claytonpioneer.com or fax to 672-6580. Deadline for our Apr. 22 issue is Monday, April 11.
Sports Shorts
The Pioneer -- It’s your paper!
FOURTH ANNUAL CLAYTON VALLEY YOUTH SUMMER FOOTBALL CAMP
Outstanding Instruction for Boys entering Grades 5-9; Jun. 27-Jul. 1 at Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. Herc Pardi is the Camp Director and Jerry Coakley is the Assistant Camp Director. Instructon by the CVHS Coaching Staff. Camp Practice Times: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily. Camp Fees: $125 fee and $75 deposit for equipment rental. Fee includes practice jersey, awards, evaluation and a trainer on site. Camp phone: 925-682-7474 x 3115.
Applications are available at Ed’s Mudville Grill, Mavericks and the CVHS Office.
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the next player to speak would have to pick a different player on the team to talk about.
It really seemed to work. Well, done, athletes; it was truly a team effort.
First row (left to right) - Point Guards: Cameron Bacigalupo and Ryan Jeans. Second row - Forwards: Kyle Bradbury, Adam La Mar and Ryan Long. Third row - Posts: Lucian Lukach, Brinley Owen and Spencer Wraa. Back row - Assistant Coach and Offensive Coordinator Dan Bacigalupo, and Head Coach Larry La Mar.
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DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM 2005 PRE-SEASON SWIM CLINICS
DHST Head Coach Matt Struempf will be conducting a series of weekly swim clinics (free, breast, back, fly, starts and turns in that order) which run five successive weeks from Mar. 28 through Apr. 25. Sessions will be held Mon., Wed., and Thur. each week at the Dana Hills pool in Clayton. The clinics will be for all ages (4-18). The clinics, which are open to all recreational swimmers, (Dana Hills
and non-Dana Hills) will focus on instilling correct swimming form and techniques. Swimmers can commit to either a weekly or daily basis. Cost per swimmer is $15 per day or $40 for an entire 3 session week. Contact Coach Matt at 925-4514687 for more information.
CONCORD/CLAYTON BRANCH YMCA SPRING PROGRAMS AT CLAYTON COMMUNITY GYM
This spring the Concord/Clayton Branch of the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA will be hosting a number of programs at the Clayton Community Gym at the Diablo View Middle School. These programs include many sports activities for children of all ages and adults. Upcoming youth sports include Floor Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Spring Brake Basketball Camp, Soccer, and Volleyball. Upcoming adult sports include Indoor Soccer, Flag Football, 3 on 3 Women’s Basketball, 5 on 5 Men’s basketball and 3 on 3 Men’s over 40 Basketball. Call 925.889.1600 for more information.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 25, 2005
Happy Easter from all of us at the Clayton Pioneer
Church News CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH See ad this page for Holy Thursday and Easter service schedule. Is your marriage everything you dreamed it would be? We want to invite you to attend Family Life’s “Weekend to Remember” in San Ramon Apr. 15-17 or in San Francisco May 20-22. Whether your marriage needs practical skills and a solid foundation for everyday living, simply a time of refreshment, or hope for the future, a “Weekend to Remember” is for you. To register contact the church office at 673-9060. See ad this page for info on “Fighting For Your Marriage” message series. We meet every Sun. at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at Diablo View Middle School. We provide loving care for small children, a variety of age appropriate classes, and plenty of activities for all ages and interests. Tel. 6739060, www.claytoncc.com. CLAYTON VALLEY CHURCH See ad this page for Easter schedule and info. Activities for children of all ages. Please join us at Clayton Valley Church, 5430 Michigan Blvd., just off Ygnacio Valley Road. For more information, visit w.claytonvalleychurch.com or call (925) 672-3397. ETERNAL LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH See ad this page for Good Friday and Easter Sunday service schedule. Eternal Life Lutheran Church meets at the County Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Suite 1B, Concord. The congregation is a member of the WELS (see www.wels.net) and is served by Pastor Will Kant. The regular Sunday schedule of worship and study is Sunday
school and Bible Class at 9:45 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. Lutheran Pioneers, a program for grade-school aged boys and girls meets on first and third Sat. at 10 a.m. Please call or email for more information 5 2 4 - 0 2 9 5 Eter nalLife@wels.net. ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC CHURCH See ad this page for Holy Week Schedule. Grief Workshop: The death of a loved one is unlike any other loss. Whether sudden or with warning, death’s reality leaves most of us shocked, and the feelings may linger for years.
Grieving people need time and space to honor their grief. Candy Negrete, Alan Gaber, and a team of peer ministers are facilitating a seven-week workshop to help begin the healing process. The workshop runs Thurs. Mar. 31 to May 12, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. in the St. Bonaventure Chapel. For more information, or to register call 672-5800, or Candy Negrete at 672-2324. SAINT JOHN’S EPISCOPAL PARISH See ad this page for Easter info. Saint John’s celebrates Easter with four worship services beginning with the Great Vigil of Easter, Sat. Mar. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Easter Sunday offers three services, beginning with the long-standing tradition of a Sunrise folk (music) service at 6 a.m. followed by a free
breakfast at 7 a.m. (no reservations needed, just come). Two more identical services are offered at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. with great music and traditional Easter hymns. Communion offered at all services. The Easter bunny pops up for an Egg Hunt after all three morning service for kids of any age. Saint John’s worship experiences and other events are always open to the wider community and everyone is warmly welcomed. 5555 Clayton Road, 925-672-8855, or www.saintjohnsparish.org.
Get a step closer this Easter at Clayton Valley Church Join us on Sunday, March 27th at 9:00 a.m. for a FREE pancake breakfast with all the fixings followed by an inspirational Easter Celebration Service at 10:30 a.m. Something for everyone in the family, including activities for children and a nursery for infants and toddlers.
Send your church news items to Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton 94517 or e-mail religion@claytonpioneer.com.
St. Bonaventure Catholic Community 5562 Clayton Road, Concord (925) 672-5800
2005 Holy Week Schedule HOLY THURSDAY- March 24 9:00 a.m. 7:30 p.m.
HOLY SATURDAY- March 26
Morning Prayer Mass of the Lord's Supper
9:00 a.m. 7:30 p.m.
*English - in Church; Spanish - in Hall
GOOD FRIDAY- March 25 Get connected . . . To yourself, your family, your God. Jesus Christ died and rose again to connect you to a loving God. The power of that relationship with him will strengthen all your relationships. This Easter, get connected.
Please join us for Bible-based and Christ-centered Easter Worship and Fellowship
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 12:00 noon Stations of the Cross 2:00 p.m. Liturgical Commemoration of the Lord's Passion and Death 4:00 p.m. Children's Stations of the Cross 7:30 p.m. Liturgical Commemoration of the Lord's Passion and Death *English - in Hall; Spanish - in Church
Good Friday Service of Darkness - March 25th @ 7pm Easter Sunday Festival Service - March 27th @ 11am
Morning Prayer The Great Vigil of Easter
*English - in Church; Spanish - in Hall
EASTER SUNDAY- March 27 Mass: 7 a.m. (C) 9 a.m. (C) 9:15 a.m. (H) 11 a.m. (C) 11:15 a.m. (H) 1:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish (C) (C) indicates Mass in the Church; (H) Mass in the Hall *NO 6:00 p.m. Mass
Easter breakfast and Children's activities @ 9am
Take an Easter Break with your friends at
5554 Clayton Rd., 1B, Concord, 524-0295 (meeting at the County Farm Bureau hall)
William Kant, Pastor
EternalLife@wels.net
Member of the WELS
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Romans 6:23
EASTER BASKETS, BUNNIES & BEANS
Clayton Community Church Thursday, March 24, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Valleywide Communion Service to remember the Passion of Christ
Diablo View Middle School Gym
Easter Gatherings
Sun., March 27 at 9 & 10:45 a.m. Discover how Jesus’ resurrection can give meaning and purpose to your life (Sign language translator @ 9am)
Wonderin’ what on earth it could mean? Holiday trinkets and treasures are fine, but some folks think if you want more out of Easter you gotta believe in something that’s out of this world. If you’re hunting for something more, discover what Easter might mean in this life, not just the next.
EASTER SUNRISE FOLK SERVICE: 6 a.m. TRADITIONAL MUSIC & WORSHIP: 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.
Beginning Sunday April 3, join us for a new Message Series: "Fighting For Your Marriage" With over 70% of marriages in California ending in divorce within the first 5 years, is your marriage doomed before it starts? Are you feeling like you're in trouble already? With the stakes so high, many people don't know where to turn for help. Whether you are divorced, single, in a strong or troubled marriage, we want to help you make all the relationships in your life healthy-relationships that will not only persevere, but will grow stronger throughout your entire life.
For full details, see info under “Church News” elsewhere on this page.
SAINT JOHN’S PARISH The Episcopal Church in Clayton Valley
5555 Clayton Road z Clayton 672-8855 / www.saintjohnsparish.org
We meet at Diablo View Middle School in Clayton at 9 and 10:45 a.m. where Clayton Road and (upper) Marsh Creek Road meet For more information, call 673-9060 or visit our Website at www.claytoncc.com
March 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
It’s book crackin’ time at DVMS Sid Landman President
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Well, it’s the third quarter and everyone is knuckling down. The school end is nearing, kids are getting anxious to go to Spring Break, and the teachers are bombarding us with work! It’s projects galore. The eighth graders are swimming in work right now. Core teachers, Mrs. Borowski and Mrs. Meiers, have assigned a huge project about “Communication Through History” which is due in May. Mrs. Bond, the math teacher, has assigned a project about how math helps in different careers. Finally Mrs. Chatangier, the science teacher, has assigned a project about elements, just after her students have finished up a group project about element families. Leadership is also back to selling their ice cream treats. This semester’s treats include chocolate milkshakes, ice cream
sandwiches, and several other things. Most of the commercials have been shown on Wake-Up, too. One of the more memorable ones were the Brown Cows (milkshakes), which stated, “Don’t have a cow, have a Brown Cow,” complete with a cardboard cow head and a funny voice. The next holiday coming up is Spring Break. Because Easter and the other spring holidays are coming so early this year, Spring Break starts at the end of March. It will be one week long. Mrs. Chang has also announced that she will be hosting a trip to Paris in the Spring Break of 2006. It is open to anyone who wants to go, DVMS students or not. She recommends you sign up today so you’ll get the better deal, before the price goes up. An adult must accompany every child, and it is $2,000 per person.
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CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Grad Nite Clayton Valley High School’s graduating class of 2005 is having its Grad Nite celebration June 15. The Grad Nite party provides a safe, fun, alcohol and drug free environment at Centre Concord for all CVHS graduating seniors. Traditionally Grad Nite is attended by over 90% of the graduating seniors and features games, food, entertainment, memories and much more. Grad Nite Car Raffle: Each year the Grad Nite committee conducts a major fundraiser. The committee will raffle off a brand new Chrysler 300, providing the minimum number of tickets is sold. Please help with this great event and buy a ticket or two. For details please
call Shari Case at 687-3690. Donations needed: Please help make this year’s Grad Nite a memorable and successful night for the Class of 2005. We are asking for tax-deductible donations of prizes for the graduates, monetary donations, and/or gift baskets to support this activity. Please make checks out to CVHS Grad Nite 2005. Please mail cash donations to CVHS Grad Nite, P.O. Box 59, Clayton, CA 94517. For a list of noncash donations, call or email Cecilia Zefeldt at 672-5756, czefeldt@sbcglobal.net or Ed Cleland at 673-9272, cleland1983@sbcglobal.net. DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Step up to the plate for education Diablo View is participating in an exciting,
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6160 Center St., Suite D Clayton, CA 94517 Phone: (925) 672-6463 Fax: (925) 672-6468 rlittorno@msn.com
MIKE STELZNER DVMS REPORTER The talent show was a big hit! Talents included tap dancers, pianists, guitarists, and even a unicyclist. All profits were donated to the tsunami victims. The best participants also received forty dollars each. About 20 kids participated after being selected by a group of judges. PE also had its very first Wrestling/Tumbling unit. The boys went to wrestling first, and
new fundraiser with the Oakland A’s. For every field level seat purchased for $26 (regularly $28) the A’s will donate $10 to the school. For every plaza level seat purchased for $16 (regularly $18) the A’s will donate $6 to the school. There are eight games throughout the season earmarked for this fundraiser. To order tickets, contact Beth Neudell at bethneudell@peoplepc.com MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY 5th Annual Benefit Auction Fiesta Diablo, Centre Concord, Sat., Apr. 9. Last year’s auction was a sell out! Mark your calendars and don’t miss this event. 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Food (catered by La Tapatia), drinks, dancing, silent and live auctions. $40/person drinks extra. Preliminary catalogue is now available on the school Web site at www.mdust.k12.ca.us/mou ntdiabloelementary/.Call Denise Stephens 6728510 for information. Mt. Diablo Elementary 50 Year Anniversary Sock Hop, is Fri. May 20, at the school. Great food, car show, tile wall unveiling, time capsule and much, much more! Watch the school Web site for details!
the girls went to tumbling. In wrestling, kids learned about amateur wrestling and sumo wrestling. Kids did summersaults, jump roping and such in tumbling. After three weeks, the groups switched, and girls did wrestling for a week while the boys did tumbling. Also, during lunch, Mr. Ahlstrom let boys come in and wrestle for fun. However, large crowds of people often ruined this, letting it get out of control. Ahlstrom would then have to close the mats. Well, that’s how it’s been going at DVMS. Either Michelle or I will write at least one more time before school is out for the year. Mike Stelzner is an eighth-grader at Diablo View and writes an editorial column for the school newspaper. He loves writing and wants to be a reporter or journalist when he grows up.
K i n d e r g a r t e n Registration Information: Kindergarten packets will be available in the school office Apr. 18. Kindergarten orientation and readiness night is Apr. 26 at 7 p.m. in the MUR (no children please). May 3 is Kindergarten registration, from 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 3 p.m. in the MUR. Please consider leaving children with a sitter to reduce disruptions to the registration process and to the class that will be in session the Multi Use Room. WE CARE SERVICES We Care Services for Children at the Barbara Milliff Children’s Center are celebrating their 45 year anniversary this spring. The Concord-based school, providing education and therapy for young children with developmental and emotional needs is calling on alumni and the community to participate in the celebration by providing stories and photos to be included in a memory album. If you or someone you know would like to contribute to the project, please contact Patty Kaplan at 3601744 or e-mail EventfulPlanner@aol.com. For additional information about We Care Services for Children visit their web site at www.wecarebmcc.org or call 671-0777.
Let the community know what is happening at your school. Send your school news to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com
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Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Dining Around Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience complete with candles, wine and a gorgeous view, lunch with a few friends or a quick, tasty “take out” for the family on a cold and rainy night, you need go no further than Pioneer Territory for the best choices in “Dining Around.”
Thai and Indian pages but is a melding of the two cuisines. Bites of Indian curry chase Pad Thai. Three Spices Catfish, Seafood Curry, Asian Eggplant, Seekh Kabob and assorted vegetarian, noodle, curry, soups and specialty dishes fill the menu. Thai Chicken Satay and BBQ Chicken are popular for children. Finish off your meal with desserts such as fried banana or coconut ice cream. All lunches are under $10 and dinners are in the $9.95-$13.95 range. Hot Basil Café is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. All
Do you have a hunger for Thai food but your dining partner is holding out for Indian? Not a problem. The new HOT BASIL CAFÉ in Concord can meet both your culinary desires for lunch or dinner. The menu has separate
joy An Italian En
Fea st 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
Thai cuisine
Indian cuisine curries, tandooris freshly baked breads
fresh soup and salads pad thai, pad kemo chicken sate
Hot Basil Café
Enjoy both Indian and Thai Cuisine Open 7 days a week Lunch: Dinner:
Mon. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun. - Thu. 5-9 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 5-9:30 p.m.
790 D Oak Grove Road At the corner of Oak Grove Road and Treat Blvd.
925-288-0000 All menu items available for take-out
Let us cater your next special event
Fine dining on the beautiful Delta View Golf Course Italian-American cuisine prepared perfectly, every time. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we feature Prime Rib cooked exactly the way you like it. Every dinner includes choice of fresh green salad or our homemade soup, pasta and vegetables.
Bring the family and join us for lunch or dinner
We’re just over the hill 2222 Golf Club Road Pittsburg (925) 432-1700 From Clayton, take Kirker Pass over the hill Turn left on Leland to Golf Club Road
menu items are available for take out. If you have a hearty appetite and a slim budget, you'll want to head on over to MOUNTAIN MIKE'S for the "All you can eat lunch buffet" Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. With two locations to serve you, the popular pizza restaurant has all the pizza, garlic sticks and salad bar you can eat for lunch. Price is only $4.99, kids 6 & under, $1.15 and kids 7-12, $2.99. There's also an "All you can eat" pizza and salad bar every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. for $5.99 for adults; kids 6 and under is only $1.15 and kids 712, $3.45. Mountain Mike's logo is "pizza the way it oughta be" and they have quite a selection including the Mt. Veggiemore stacked with mushrooms, black olives, bell peppers, artichokes and fresh tomatoes. There's the Chicken Club described on the menu as "better than a BLT," and how about dipping into a Snowy Alps garlic combo with creamy garlic white sauce piled high with pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, sausage, green onions and diced tomatoes. There's all kinds of specials and several sandwich offerings like "Half Dome," "Cliff Hanger" and Calzone. Mountain Mike's has appetizers and beverages including beer and wine. Don't forget Mountain Mike's next to Clayton Road has a party room in back for athletic team parties as well as family and corporate parties. For fine dining and lovely atmosphere, downtown Clayton has two very fine dining establishments. ELYSIUM, With Chef and owner Greg Severn at the helm, Elysium’s menu always features an eclectic choice of American Contemporary dishes, perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Try the Ahi Tuna Tartare with sushi rice or a Five Spice Roasted Duck with coconut rice for a sophisticated departure from the ordinary. Elyssium has a brand new brunch menu featuring a oysters ($12) and mussels ($10). Or try a Fire Seared Hawaiian Ahi with frissee and a ponzu sauce for $12. For the more traditional tastes, Chef Greg offers a Sour Dough Grilled Cheese for $8 or a Sweet Ricotta Filled French Toast for $8. Other brunch entrees range in price from $8 to $12. At the corner of Center and Marsh Creek Road is LA VERANDA, serving a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish, starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. If you’re a salad lover, be sure
March 25, 2005
to try the Insalata Della Reina with baby greens, walnuts, Gorgonzola and a honey Dijon mustard dressing for $6.50 … a popular choice. La Veranda is open daily for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for brunch. For view and atmosphere you can’t do better than ZANDONELLA’S situated on the lovely Delta View Golf Course in Pittsburg. Zandonella’s is open Tue.Sun for lunch and dinner. This family friendly restaurant offers an extensive menu that covers every craving. From that perfect bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs all the way to a succulent and perfectly roasted rack of lamb, you are sure to find your favorite. There’s still time to make Zandonella’s your choice for an Easter Brunch. Enjoy an Omelet Station with a wonderful assortment of breakfast items, or go for the gusto with Prime Rib, Rack of Lamb or a ham dinner. All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free. Call for brunch reservations, 432-1700. Just down Clayton Road at the corner of Clayton Road and Treat Blvd., is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria offers a delectable linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil for $8.95...my personal favorite. Other pasta dishes include Chicken Pesto Gorgonzola, a rigatoni dish with chicken breast and tomatoes in a creamy pesto Gorgonzola sauce ($13.95.) For an intimate atmosphere and a good wine list, Pasta Primavera can’t be beat. A little more on the casual side and a great place to take the kids is ROCCO’S RISTORANTE at 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Voted the best pizza in the Bay Area by a Contra Costa Times Reader Poll, Rocco’s serves up a killer house specialty. The Dominator, piled high with pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, ham, linguica, sausage and onions, is not for the faint of heart. At $19.97, this large pizza will feed a small army. Rocco’s also has several choices of classic Italian pasta, homemade minestrone and several salads. All pasta dishes are served with fresh bread. Top your pasta dinner off with a glass of wine and you’re well fed and satisfied for well under $20 (tax and tip included.) Rocco’s opens every day at 11 a.m. THE TEA COTTAGE IS NOW OPEN. Are you ready for a relaxing afternoon with friends, enjoying a pot of tea and
delectable treats in a beautiful full service tea room? ENGLUND'S TEA COTTAGE offers these amenities and more at their lovely tea room in the Clayton Station. Proprietors Sally Englund and Pamela Barnett want the tea cottage to be a place "where good friends gather." After you browse the gift shop and collectibles, enjoy lunch or high tea with tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fresh fruit and dip and dessert. There's even the Picadilly, or child's tea, with
PB&J sandwiches, fruit, tea cookies and tea or lemonade. And it’s not only tea that makes up the beverage menu. Coffee lovers will be glad to hear they can get a cup of Peet’s at the Teahouse. Other beverages include iced tea, lemonade, chai latte and coke. There's a beautiful muraled room perfect for bridal and baby showers, staff meetings and club gatherings. To book your party, call 672-8327.
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
New American contemporary restaurant in Clayton Dinner daily closed Monday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday brunch 5 - 6 Tues - Friday $1.00 oyster happy hour
“Elysium is a bit of heaven in the suburbs” -San Francisco Chronicle, 2/18/2005
delicious Join us for a ay Brunch
Sund Menu includes:
for reservations
Red Pepper & Laura Chenel Chevre Fritatta -
Sweet Ricotta Filled French Toast -
oven baked omelette, with potatoes & bacon
sourdough bread, pure maple syrup
Chorizo Quesadilla -
Half-D Dozen Oysters -
black beans, eggs, salsa fresca, jack cheese
$ $
5 4 3
classic mignonette
Bowl of Mussels young coconut, cardamom
m now Red Roo e for l b a l i a v a arties p e t a v pri
$
672-11333
6115 Main Street Clayton, CA
50% OFF
00 Off
X-Large
00 Off
Second Pizza Buy any large or
Large
00 Off
medium pizza at regular price and get 1/2 off second pizza of equal or lesser value
Medium
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only. Expires 12/31/05
ALL
YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only. Expires 12/31/05
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Only $4.99 6 & under $1.15 kids 7-12 $2.99 5358 Clayton Rd. Concord
3501 Clayton Rd. Concord
(Next to Clayton Bowl)
(El Monte Shopping Center)
689-4965
676-9000
Fundraisers z Team Specials z Group Discounts z Parties
It’s alway e right time for tea s th at
NO W
OP EN
Englund's Tea Cottage “Where good friends gather...” A beautiful full service tea room featuring…
www.roccospizzeria.com
"Best Pizza in the East Bay" - Contra Costa Times Readers' Poll NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES
947-6105 Personal Checks Accepted
2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd. corner of Oak Grove & Ygnacio Walnut Creek
Open 7 days at 11 a.m Locally owned by Rocco Biale
Large Pizza for the Price of a Medium Pizza OR Medium Pizza for the Price of a Small
Cannot be used with any other Coupon Valid anytime z Dine in or take out Present when ordering z 1 discount per table/visit
High tea. Delectable lunches. Large tea collection. Fresh baked scones and desserts. Special events.
ASK US ABOUT OUR FANTASTIC CATERING SERVICE New Catering Menu
15% of f
Your first catering order ($75 Minimum order)
SUNDAY & MONDAY SPECIALS Large 3 Item Pizza $1200 All Pitchers of Beer ½ price Monday: 5-close z Sunday 11-4 Cannot be used with any other Coupon
Dine-in or take-out No substitutions z limit 2 per party (Team parties excluded)
and Come our browse and op gift sh ibles collect
We also have a private room for z baby & bridal showers z staff meetings z club get togethers z birthdays, etc.
672-TEAS (8327) www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com Coming soon to Clayton Station 5433 L Clayton Road
March 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., MAR. 28 FOR THE APR. 8 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING YMCA Youth and Adult Sports Programs @ Clayton Community Gym Youth and adult leagues for winter/spring include basketball, floor hockey, soccer, and volleyball. For information on all YMCA programs call 8891600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. ONGOING After School Programs @ Clayton Community Gym 3-6 p.m., After school program for Diablo View Middle students. Homework help, sports and art activities. Fun, safe environment. Call Liz Travers for information at 889-1600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. Ongoing - May 25, 2005 "The Bee's Knees", The Best of the 1920s @ Clayton Historical Society Museum Special exhibit featurs the best of the 1920s including film, entertainment, fads, fashion, photos, art, literature, music, inventions, sports, and world events of the 1920s. The Clayton Museum also features special kitchen and quilt exhibits, a mining exhibit, outhouse and Clayton's early 1900s jail. Free. Sundays & Wednesdays 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, and by Appointment. Phone--(925) 672-0240, www.claytonhs.com. Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6101 Main Street, Clayton. MAR. 25, 26 Little Women - The Musical @ CTA Crossroads Theatre Time honored classic coming of age story of the fiery young writer, Jo March, and her beloved family, set to music. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, directed by Clay David. Final shows - Fri. 3/25 8 p.m., Sat. 3/26 matinee 2 p.m. and Sat. 3/26 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 - $25. Call 944-0597 for tickets and information. www.ctacrossroads.org, CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek. MAR. 1 - MAY 5 Patty Cakes Story Time @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Story time for children up to three years old. Child attends with parent or guardian. No Registration required. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. MAR. 1 - MAY 5 Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Thursdays. Picture book time for children three to five years old. Child may attend without parent. No Registration required. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. MAR. 25 7:30 p.m. “Cinders” performed at Clayton Valley High School The Clayton Valley High School Arts Academy Troupe will perform the British pantomime Cinders, a hilarious look at the Cinderella story. British pantomime is NOT silent - the audience participates and the actors speak with riotous consequences. Tickets are under $10. Clayton Valley High School, MU Rm. 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. MAR. 28 Retirement Issues Forum @ Concord Senior Center 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Contra Costa Times columnist George Fulmore will speak on the topic of “Refining Retirement in America: Who writes the scrip?” Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. For directions and information call 671-3320. MAR. 31 - MAY 12 Grief Workshop @ St. Bonaventure Catholic Church 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. People grieving from the loss of a loved one need time and space to honor their grief. Candy Negrete, Alan Gaber and a team of peer ministers facilitate a seven week grief workshop to help begin the healing process. Call 672-5800 or Candy Negrete for information and to register. St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. APR. 3, 10, 17 Book Discussion Group @ Clayton Community Library 2 p.m. Adults and students 14 and up invited to discuss readings by California authors including Maxine Hong Kingston, Khaled Hosseini, Gary Soto, Francisco Jiminez and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Call the library at 673-0659 to register for the reading group and reserve books. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. APR. 4 Personal Story Workshop @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Have you ever thought about writing the story of your life? Through this personal story workshop you'll discover techniques to write your own page-turner. Handouts and publishing markets will be be provided. For adults and students 14 and up. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659.
APR. 9 5TH ANNUAL BENEFIT AUCTION FOR MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY @ CENTRE CONCORD Last year's auction was a sell out! Mark your calendars and don't miss this event. Food (catered by La Tapatia), drinks, dancing, silent and live auctions. $40/person drinks extra. Preliminary catalogue is now available on the school web site: www.mdust.k12.ca.us/mountdiabloelementary/. Call Denise Stephens 672-8510 for information. APR. 13 National Library Week Treasure Hunt @ Clayton Community Library 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Have fun looking for treasures in the children's room and discover how to find your way around the library. Guided by Monika from Zigzag Treasure Hunts. Ages eight - 11. Sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation.Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659. APR. 16 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women Fashion Show/Fundraiser @ Oakhurst County Club. 11 - 2 p.m. The public is welcome. This is a non-political, fun event. See Club News in this issue for more information. Call 838-2182 or www.yvrwf.org. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. APR. 16, 17 Used Book Sale @ Clayton Community Library Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Semi annual used book sale sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation. Member only preview Fri. Apr. 15 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Membership available at the door.) Most books $.50. Half off most remaining books on Sun. from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. APR. 16 California Missions Charity Ball @ Saint Francis of Assisi Family Center 7 p.m. cocktails, 8 p.m. dinner, (tri tip or chicken cordon Bleu) 9 p.m. dancing. Ball benefits the Respect Life Ministry & The Gabriel Project. Silent auction and several raffles. Cost is $35 per person. For tickets contact Tom Beigel, 798-5034 St. Francis, Sandy DeBow 676-8544, Queen of all Saints, Jack Kavanagh 687-8039 St. Agnes, or Pat Deplazes 685-0573, St. Bonaventure. St. Francis of Assisi Family Center, 860 Oak Grove Road, Concord. APR. 23 Clayton Cleans Up, 9 a.m.-Noon Join neighbors and city officials as they spruce up the town for Spring. Meet at the City Hall to pick up trash bags. BBQ lunch follows. Call 673-7300 for more information.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS MAR. 29, APR. 5, 12, 19 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. 31, APR. 7, 14, 21 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker.www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. MAR. 31, APR. 7, 14, 21 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m., 5 & 6:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. 800/326-8450 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. MAR. 31 CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association) Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, Oakhurst Country Club, last non-holiday Thursday of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. John Rubiales, President. APR. 6 Diablo Valley SHHH (Self Help for the Hard of Hearing) Chapter Meeting @ Walnut Creek Methodist Church 7:30 p.m. Power point demonstration by education and training specialist Eleanor Wilson, Au. D. She has experience in clinical, dispensing and research audiology. The meeting hall is in the education building in the rear parking lot of the church. Walnut Creek Methodist Church, 1573 Sunnyvale Avenue, Walnut Creek. APR. 8 AARP Mt. Diablo Chapter Meeting @ Pleasant Hill Senior Center 1:30 p.m. “About Travel” by Karen Wong of Trafalgar Tours. Karen will discuss transportation, currency, attire, festivals, and celebrations. What to do, when to go, why travel? How do I get the trip I want? Refreshments will be
provided. Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill., Call Fred Nelson, 451-1292 for information. APR. 9 American Association of University women (AAUW) Meeting @ Clayton Library Meeting Room. 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be from the blue ribbon landscape committee. The committee was created to examine the needs and plan for the landscaping of the city. Theis community service program is co-sponsored by the Clayton Library Foundation and is open to the public. This meeting is in place of the March general meeting. Clayton Community Library meeting room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. APR. 12, 26 Clayton Valley Woman’s Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m. Regular monthly meets held the second and fourth Tues. of the month. Anyone interested in joining the woman’s club please contact Shirley Boyd, President at 672-1163. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. APR. 14 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Mountain View Elementary 6:30 p.m. The club is open to youth ages 5-19 and adults. Various projects, conferences, 4-H camp, leadership, citizenship and community service opportunities. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month, September to June. Call Candy Hogan, Community Leader, at 969-1325. Mountain View Elementary, 1705 Thornwood Drive, Concord.
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAR. 29, APR. 5, 12, 19, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. APR. 5, 19 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm's Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. APR. 12, 26 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. APR. 20 Blue Star Mom Meeting 6:30 p.m. Small group Blue Star Mom meetings held the third Wednesday of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord. Call 676-3654 for information.
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION APR. 7 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Clayton Valley High School 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the school library. Parents, you are invited to stay informed about your children’s education. If you are interested in your students’ school they will be too! Please join us and ask questions. Please contact President, Melinda Moore at 672-0930 or melindammoore@yahoo.com for more information. APR. 19 Parent Faculty Club (PFC) Meeting, @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7 p.m. Please join us and help make a difference! Agenda items include PFC Exec Board nominations for the 2005-2006 school year, and 2005-2006 budget discussion. Child care is provided for this event. If you would like to have a specific item included on the agenda, please contact Rosy Straka at rosystraka@yahoo.com or 672-3200. 7304. Mt. Diablo Elementary. APR. 20 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room of the Gym. All parents are invited to attend. Please contact PFC President Carolyn Hartnell at 672-4146 or crhartnell@earthlink.net if you want an item on the agenda.
The Community Calendar is sponsored by
T H E VA N F L E E T- B R O N S O N T E A M Personal Service Makes The Difference
1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Suite D, Clayton 94517; Phone (925) 672-4333 www.CallTheVanFleetTeam We are proud to support the Children's Miracle Network, an alliance of premier hospitals in North America. The Children's Miracle Network treats over 17 million children each year for cancer, pediatric AIDS, muscular dystrophy, heart disease, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, asthma and accident trauma.
IN SUPPORT OF THIS COMPASSIONATE CAUSE, THE VAN FLEET-BRONSON TEAM WILL MAKE A DONATION on behalf of our client for EVERY TRANSACTION CLOSED BY OUR OFFICE.
Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Jazzercise celebrates Clayton success JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Is exercise ever fun, you might ask? Pam Jensen, jazzercise instructor in downtown Clayton answers an emphatic, yes. She’s celebrating her oneyear anniversary of jazzercise in Clayton and her 17th year of teaching the exercise class. A Clayton resident for 12 years, Pam started taking jazzercise in Hawaii and continued her interest in the sport when she moved to San Diego. She became an instructor after five years of classes. The jazzercise class is sixty minutes long, including a warm-up, high energy aerobic set, muscle-toning segment and a cool down stretch. It’s a blend of aerobics, yoga, Pilates and kickboxing movements in dance routines set to music. “We have all kinds of music from hip hop and country to pop, rock and contemporary,” says Pam.
Farm 51
March 25, 2005 1st Anniversary in Clayton! Come try one week FREE!
Clayton Jazzercise. Call Pam @ 672-7025 for class schedule and prices
What you want is within reach All you need is a hand. Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer JOYCE SOARES OF CLAYTON (left) gets personal instruction from instructor Pam Jensen. She’s been attending classes in Clayton for the past year.
“Something for everyone.” With 17 years under her belt, Pam still gets energized
before each class. “You have to love what you ‘re doing,” says Pam. “I always feel like it’s the
Seth Ahonen
first time that I’ve taught. It’s so energizing and fun and I love the people.” Most of her students are women, and the average age is between 40 and 55. She currently has two men in her class. “One of them is my husband,” she laughs who is also her sound and tech guy. Jensen recently received the Achiever award from Jazzercise as one of the top money earners in the jazzercise franchise operation. She was one of seven Achievers in the Bay Area.
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Important Notice to All Clayton Residents
A
s a resident of Clayton you, your neighbors and friends may be adversely affected by a new level of enforcement of the Business License Law that has been in the Clayton Municipal Code since 1978. The City of Clayton has hired an outside company to do the enforcement. This company appears to have taken the position that the law, as written in 1978, allows the City to collect business license tax not only from businesses located in Clayton, but from companies that are located outside of Clayton that provide services to Clayton residents. This could be someone who works from home for a company located outside of Clayton. This could also include plumbers, electricians, gardening service, babysitting, housecleaning, food delivery, etc. They are considering charging this Business
License tax not only for this year, but also for the previous three (3) years. They are even discussing charging penalties. The amount assessed could be very substantial! This could ultimately have an adverse effect on property values in Clayton. If non-resident business owners find the fees onerous or that it amounts to double taxation, they may choose not to do business in Clayton. They may ultimately choose to pass the tax through to the Clayton resident. Along with potential increased fees, your choice of service providers may be affected. You need to act now to avoid putting Clayton at a disadvantage. Let your neighbors, clients and friends know that your City Council will continue deliberating this issue on April 19. Let them know what you think is appropriate and fair.
For more information go to www.protectclaytonvalues.com
March 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 19
Sole: A fishy story that flounders a bit LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
One of my favorite fish choices at the store is fillet of sole. I got to thinking that
often I see Petrale sole, Dover sole, grey sole, lemon sole, etc., and wondered about the difference. Well, my research turned up some interesting trivia that I would like to share with you, accompanied, as usual, with some tasty recipes you might try. I always knew that sole was part of the flatfish family. These saltwater denizens—
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there are over 300 species in all of the world’s oceans—begin their lives in a traditional round body, with eyes on both sides of the head. As they mature, however, flatfish become bottom dwellers and swim horizontally on their sides. One eye migrates around so that both are on the “top” of their heads. By the way, the eye that migrates is specific to the type of fish—some are “left-eyed” while the rest are “right-eyed.” An illustration might make it easier to understand (see Petrale Sole picture).
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“All sole are mildflavored, soft, moist fish that can become mushy if cooked too long. Quick cooking is the key to a successful dish.” Linda Wyner
It turns out true sole is caught only in Europe, and that everything else we see in American markets is flounder! Winter flounder from New England and Eastern Canada is called lemon sole. Petrale sole, for which we consumers pay a premium, is a flounder caught along the Pacific Coast from Mexico up to Alaska. If you find yourself dining in Spain or France, you might like to find out which sole is witch. Witch, megrim and whiff are all names given to Lepidorhombus whiffiagoris, a flatfish that has huge commercial (but not gustatory) value in Ireland, where much of it is caught. British diners have avoided this species, but it has recently hit grocers’ aisles there under the name “Torbay sole.” Many California restaurants serve sand dabs and rex sole. The Pacific sand dab (American plaice) is one of the smallest members of the flounder family. When I was a kid, my family would have great success in catching them off of Catalina Island, but I was never particularly successful in getting the small bones out of the flesh. Rex sole is neither a true sole nor flounder, but resembles the species because it is flat and has its eyes on one side of its body. It is considered a bycatch for commercial fishermen looking for other types of seafood, and in fact it is used for fertilizer. Its darker colored flesh is flavorful, and its domestic market is growing. All sole are mild-flavored, soft, moist fish that can become mushy if cooked too long. Quick cooking is the key to a successful dish. CRISPY HERBED SOLE 1¼ - 1½ lbs sole fillets 1 cup fine breadcrumbs ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
PETRALE SOLE
1 tsp basil, dried and crumbled ½ tsp oregano, dried and crumbled ½ tsp thyme, dried and crumbled 1 Tbsp olive oil Juice of one lemon Preheat oven to 375°F. Using an oil spray, coat the bottom of a baking dish or sheet large enough to hold the fish in a single layer. Arrange fillets in dish. Combine breadcrumbs with herbs, cheese and olive oil and divide over each fillet, patting the mixture gently onto the fish with your hand. Drizzle lemon juice over the fish. Bake 10-15 minutes or until the fish flakes with a fork. SOLE AND AROMATIC VEGETABLES 1½ lbs sole fillets ½ cup potato flour, rice flour or cornstarch Dash cayenne pepper and salt to taste 3 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp butter 1 shallot, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced 1 leek, thinly sliced ½ cup fresh shiitake mushrooms sliced ¼ cup water ½ cup dry white wine ¼ cup cream or half and half
Melt butter and add 1 Tbsp oil to frying pan and add vegetables. Cook 3 minutes. Add wine and water; simmer until reduced by half (about 5 minutes). In a separate pan, heat remaining 2 Tbsp oil over medium high heat. Combine salt and pepper with flour. Dust fillets in flour and shake off excess. Sear fish on both sides (about 1 minute per side). Transfer fish to top of vegetables, cover and steam/simmer until fish is cooked through (flakes easily with fork). Carefully remove fish and keep warm. Add cream to the vegetables and simmer, stirring constantly until mixture is thickened. Plate the vegetable mixture and top with fish. Note: Sauvignon blanc is an excellent wine selection with most sole dishes. I keep the green feathery tops of fennel and use them as a bed for baking or poaching fish. QUICK LEMON SAUCE Looking for a quick lemon sauce for fish? I freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer. Then I heat 1 Tbsp butter until it is just beginning to brown and add 1-2 lemon cubes and a dash of seasoned salt or cayenne or onion powder, depending on my mood. Stirring the mixture constantly, it should reduce down quickly as the cubes melt, making a light and fresh accompaniment to your fish dish. 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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Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 25, 2005
Fabulous ferns love a shady garden Ferns add texture and dimension to the shady side of your garden, just like ornamental grasses add to sunny spots. They range in size from floor creepers to trees. Some foliage can be soft and thin, as with the Maidenhair fern, and others thick and leathery, as with the Holly Fern. As centerpieces they are dramatic; as complimentary plantings they are successful. When choosing your fern selections, keep in mind the frost tolerance and condition of the soil. Ferns prefer rich, acidic soil, built with organic soil amendment. Work peat moss, cottonseed meal, chicken manure and gypsum into the soil to prepare for fern installation. The peat moss adds acid to the planting area and creates a lighter envi-
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
hardy to our winters are an easy choice for first time fern lovers. The Holly Fern is a robust fern with stiff, erect dark green fronds of holly-like shiny leaflets and have coarsely fringed margins. This selection grows 2-3 feet tall with a low
Est.1972
Smith & Bernal
The Japanese Painted Fern is a lovely deciduous variety. Dramatic high -contrast color will stand out against the darker greens of a shade garden. Each frond bears darker blue-green central rib that fades to silver variegation at the edges. At 18 inches tall and 2 feet wide, this selection makes it a wonderful foreground foliage plant and ideal for pots. The Ostrich Fern is a beautiful fern that grows upright like a vase. Vivid bright green coloring turns yellow in the fall. Semi-rigid fronds can reach 4 feet long and 10 inches wide. This selection is a centerpiece for a shade loving perennial garden. Mixed with pinks, the Ostrich Fern is very successful. Plant with Bleeding Heart, Japanese Anemone, Plume flowers and Astible for a shade garden with subtle impact. Ferns are fabulous additions to any shady garden setting. They add another dimension to your gardening palate. Gardens are more than just flowers. Foliage adds the balance that make our beds and borders more natural.
part sun and looks great on an entry or patio. Rumohra adiantiformis or the Leatherleaf Fern has deep green, leathery textured fronds rising in dense clusters. Cut foliage is great used in floral arrangements. This effective evergreen reaches 3 feet tall and, when happy, even wider than that. The stability of this fern makes it a nice support for a fountain or statue. It’s nice to bring a little nature up against something artificial. The Myer Fern is a member of the asparagus family. (Please don’t condemn this selection by association. The Myer Fern cannot help where it comes from.) This evergreen has cluster fronds resembling ponytails. Soft to the touch, containing no thorns or berries, this fern reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide. The Myer is very much a centerpiece and makes a great container planting. The mature arching shape of this selection looks great in an urn. The Squirrel’s Foot Fern is a conversation piece, if you like to talk about plants. This Asian native has finely divided evergreen fronds to one foot tall and wide. Reddish brown furry rhizomes that look like squirrel’s feet creep over the soil surface. This fern is cool looking. It’s great on a patio in a container or hanging basket.
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at GardenGirl94517@aol.com
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ronment for roots to establish easier. Cottonseed meal safely provides long lasting natural organic nutrients. It is slowreleased and non-burning and great for all acid lovers, as well as root vegetables and blueberries. Chicken manure is applied lightly when amending soil for the installation of ferns. The chicken manure is both a fertilizer and a soil amendment, ideal ingredients when installing a new garden or upgrading an existing one. Gypsum is a pH stabilizer that works as a catalyst, breaking down the clay so the organic matter can easily mix in. Pre mix these four ingredients in your wheelbarrow. This way you can get a good distribution. Use one-third native soil, and two-thirds amendment. Evergreen ferns that are
spreading habit to 3 feet wide. This choice is great planted with a ground cover of a different color. Lamium Golden Anniversary or White Nancy set off the dark green of the Holly Fern. Dryopteris erythrosora, or the Autumn Fern is a bold and beautiful choice for a shady border, or container planting. This dwarf-growing fern, with its young papery fronds, displays coppery-red color maturing to deep green. It grows 1-1/2 to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Planted in a container with the Shrimp Plant. Its pendant terminal spikes of showy, unusual copper-bronzed bracts and Heuchera Amber Waves has heavily ruffled golden new foliage that changes to a burnished orange as the leaves age. This combination needs
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March 25, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 21
Hike of the Week
Black Diamond Mines Stewartville Loop
KEVIN PARKER
HIKER’S HAVEN Some say it’s an epidemic that sweeps over parts of California this time of year, while others believe it is some unexplained ailment. But those who are in tune with the karmic forces of the universe know that “spring fever” has officially spread throughout Contra Costa County. So, don’t try to ignore those beaming rays of light shining through your office window that are slowly pulling you
“My time spent in Black Diamond Mines imprinted so many mental snapshots of wide open hillsides and never ending fields that I cannot get the color ‘green’ out of my mind.” Kevin Parker out of your chair, or the warm temperatures and sunny afternoons. Answer nature’s call. Reschedule that meeting and push back that deadline because it’s time to hit the trail. As I found myself entangled in a network of trails sprawled over the 5,985 acres of Black Diamond Regional Preserve, I
BLACK DIAMOND MAP
STEWARTVILLE
TRAIL
Kevin Parker/Clayton Pioneer
from high above
felt guilty for not returning to work after lunch, but figured that delaying my “spring fever” one more day might cause irreversible psychological damage. My time spent in Black Diamond Mines imprinted so many mental snapshots of wide open hillsides and never ending fields that I cannot get the color “green” out of my mind. We’re not talking about the forest green you might find in a crayola box, but a green so brilliant that I still have shades of this
wonderful color burned onto the backs of my eyelids. Time was on my side for this hike with plenty of sunlight, so I hooked together enough trails to stay outside for the better part of the afternoon. Stewartville Trail streamlines you out of the Somersville Staging Area on a direct route towards Ridge Trail overlooking the entire Stewartville Valley. Literally within 15 minutes, I felt as if this was the top of the world. With so many choices at
this junction, I decided to take the high road in the form of Ridge Trail, which meanders atop the hillside high above the valley below and ultimately connects you to Corcoran Mine Trail. This trail makes a healthy descent directly towards Stewartville Town site, which is nothing but a bit of history at this point. In the span of 40 minutes I went from the highest point I could find to a location deep at the end of the valley. My only trail mates during this
entire hike, were some local cattle that minded their own business and stayed off the trails, helping to minimize trail grenades (a.k.a. cow patties). I proceeded up the valley until I found Miners Camp Trail, an uphill single-track that abruptly lifts you from the valley floor as it skirts you along a hillside with Black Diamond Mines seen in every direction and Mt. Diablo standing tall in the background. Miners Camp Trail eventually meets back up with Stewartville Trail and puts you back where you stood earlier in the hike. While most folks would be heading for home, I must confess that I was not ready to return to my car, traffic or civilization for that matter. Therefore, a quick left onto Ridge Trail offered an easy escape from wide-open grass laden hills and dropped me into a completely different environment. Green transformed to sandstone and grass to chaparral and manzanita as I followed Chaparral Loop Trail, which eases you down into Manhattan Canyon. Cool temperatures, dense vegetation and views of the surrounding sandstone cliffs all make this my trail of choice if you only pick one trail to hike
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all day. Finally, you hike your way down to the bottom of Manhattan Canyon and walk past many of Black Diamond’s Historical Mine Sites. As I made my way back to the car, I looked around and realized that for me, writing this column is just a great excuse to enjoy what I truly love, and that is feeding my spirit of adventure! Now, go take a hike! If you would like to find more information on Black Diamond Regional Preserve, check www.ebparks.com or call (510) 562-PARK. For comments on this article or suggestions for future hikes, contact Kevin at kaypee@sbcglobal.net
Trailhead: Black Diamond Mines z Staging Area: Somersville - end of Somersville Road in Antioch. z Distance: 5.5 miles z Difficulty: Strenuous z Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours z Poison Oak Factor: Very minimal amounts (but it’s out there)
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Clayton
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3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,749 sq.ft. Decorator touches throughout, hardwood floors, bright kitchen, family room w/vaulted ceilings & wood burning fireplace w/oak mantle. Central heat/air, large private yard w/covered redwood deck & automatic sprinklers front/back.
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Clayton
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 25, 2005
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Spectacular 5 year old custom one story contemporary lodge style home. 4 big bedrooms, office/den with custom builtins, 3 baths, approx. 3,416sf, 3 car garage + RV & more parking. Enormous great room features a dramatic custom fireplace, 16" tile floors & soaring vaulted beam ceiling. Romantic master suite with fireplace, jetted tub & sitting patio with views. Approx. 1.00 acre lot boasts a vineyard & offers a shaded area for horses that's surrounded by majestic Heritage oak trees. An irreplaceable setting! $1,125,000
Rare single story G "Moonlight" DIN N model on a E P quiet court. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 2,237sf, inside laundry & 3 car g a r a g e . Beautifully maintained with neutral decor throughout! Gourmet kitchen features tile counters & center island opens to spacious family room with fireplace. Formal living & dining rooms. 4th bedroom or den. Spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet, oversized tub & separate stall shower. Private backyard features a large patio & beautifully landscaped front & back yards bursting with vibrant colorful flowers. $799,500
Dramatic G "Serenade" DIN model backs to N E P oak studded open space. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2,843sf, inside laundry with utility sink & 3 car garage. Upgraded custom tile floors through-out 1st level, all baths & upstairs landing. Custom window coverings including plantation shutters, blinds & silhouettes. Downstairs den/bedroom with French doors. Gourmet kitchen with upgraded tile counters, island & backsplash featuring raised decorative tile strip & an abundance of white cabinets. Family room wired for surround sound with large recess for TV & romantic fireplace. Huge master suite with retreat/nursery/work-out room overlooks open space. Large private with a sparkling in-ground pool & waterfall feature, extensive hardscape/aggregate patio & lush professional landscape. $950,000