PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
May 20, 2005
925.672.0500
Hundreds stopped to smell the roses GREGG MANNING
MAYOR’S CORNER This year’s Art and Wine was bigger and better than ever. This year’s Art and Wine Festival was a great success. I would like to take a moment to thank the Clayton businesses whose normal routine was interrupted but who hopefully got additional traffic. And a big thank you to the hundreds of people The Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA) assembled, who took a few hours out of their day to help on Saturday or Sunday or in many cases both days. Without their contribution of time and effort, the event could not have happened. While the four co-chairs of the event have been planning the event since last November and were headlined the last issue of the Pioneer, there were dozens of others who worked behind the scenes. Each person contributed to a very successful event. The Blue Ribbon Landscape Committee had a booth as part of their education outreach program. I noticed a great many people talking with those manning the booth. The Committee seems to be getting its message out. As part of the Art and Wine
See Mayor, page 6
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Above: Over a hundred rose bushes greet visitors in the front yard at Kirkwood Court. Below, the built-in brick bar and grill demonstrates creative use of small space in this delightful Buckeye Terrace garden.
JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Cloudy skies, a bit of wind and the threat of rain didn’t dampen the spirits of garden lovers everywhere who came out in droves to enjoy, admire and smell the fragrances that permeated five Clayton and Concord gardens in the Clayton Historical Society’s 13th annual event. Some took in the sights as they strolled around, others stood in front of a certain flower or plant for long
periods of time, while others took notes in hopes of capturing pieces of the beautiful floral designs to later incorporate them into their own personal gardens. This year the beautiful rose took center stage in all its beauty in just about every garden. A colorful array of over 100 rose bushes greeted you at Walt and Mary Rogers home on Kirkwood Court in Concord. In their backyard the tall redwood trees formed a magnificent backdrop to a garden with a beautiful foun-
tain custom made for their son’s graduation, cozy decks and lovely potted plants. At the home of Sherianne Cotterell and Bill Grimm on Renee Way in Concord visitors were treated to more roses and fountains with rocks displaying names like joy, love, embrace and polish your heart. The smell of jasmine left a delightful scent in the air as garden lovers enjoyed the birdbaths, gazing balls and statues.
See Hundreds, page 4
Bocce Ball Centre inches ahead slowly but surely Slow progress on downtown Bocce Centre while city addresses neighbors’ concerns. JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The process for approval of a Bocce Ball Centre on an empty parcel of land behind
Clayton City Hall is moving along much like the bocce game itself, slowly and methodically. Last week’s public hearing during the regular meeting of the Planning Commission was the sixth in a series of meetings and has now been continued to May 24. Even though the Redevelopment Agency tried to buffer neighbors who live close to the proposed Bocce Centre
with a scaled-down version of the original plan, it didn’t appease angry neighbors who still insist that bocce doesn’t belong in their backyard. The original plan called for 10 courts, storage facility, restroom, picnic tables, BBQ grills, bleachers, lighting and PA system. On May 3 the Redevelopment Agency sent the proposal back to the planning commission with a modified
plan eliminating the gazebo and barbeques. The new plan also calls for eight courts and various changes in some of the proposed facilities and amenities. A storage facility and restroom relocated to the west side of the property would help serve as a noise buffer for residents. Instead of aluminum bleachers, the modified plan includes a planter-seating wall to complement the seating wall in the city
hall courtyard. Shade arbors would be reduced to one large arbor between the bocce courts and fencing would be reduced to a security fence around the courts with two pedestrian gates. Howard Geller, Vice President of the Clayton Bocce Ball Federation, a group that promises to maintain the center once it is built, says that eight courts are needed to produce
enough revenue to cover the maintenance expense. It’s a matter of numbers,” he said. He talked about restricting certain nights to smaller league play when the library is in use or when meetings are scheduled in the library’s multi-use room. Geller strongly believes the Bocce Federation will instruct its members on where they can and cannot park. “If you are on
See Bocce, page 6
Clayton’s first and only city attorney retires after 41 years TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
MAURY HUGUET
After 41 years as Clayton’s City Attorney, come July, Maury Huguet, will trade in the late night council meetings for his grandkids’ Little League games and Irish dancing recitals. Huguet, Clayton’s first and only city attorney, was hired by the city prior to its incorporation. “I was hired on the come,” he said. And come they did, he recalls. All the major issues of a
new city: annexations and boundary definitions, incorporation and elections—all within a few months. Huguet has seen the city grow from a tiny little hamlet with a lot of really big trees to the suburban town of nearly 12,000 that it is today. It’s kept a small town feel, however. “The thing about Clayton,” says Huguet, “is that it’s very close. All the way along we’ve had wonderful mayors and leadership. It’s made my job a heck of a lot easier. In general, they (the council) have always
wanted what’s best for Clayton.” The admiration runs both ways. Councilman and Clayton native, Pete Laurence says “41 years with his hand on the tiller—it’s been awesome.” “Maury’s been here since the dirt was incorporated,” says City Manager Gary Napper. “He certainly has been a stabilizing influence in the city’s journey. He’s kept us out of trouble. Besides,” Napper said, “he’s just a darned old nice guy and I’ll miss him” In the early days, recalls
Huguet, city officials met in Endeavor Hall, long before the renovation that resulted in the quaint and charming building that we see today. “Hot summer evenings, no air conditioning, horses next door, windows open, room full of flies – it was a lot different then,” says Huguet with a chuckle. Today, the council meets in the (air conditioned) Library Community Room, complete with sound system and videotaping equipment.
See Huguet, page 6
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
May 20, 2005
Around Town Troop 1895 is all smiles at the Pioneer
Brownie Troop 1895 came to the Clayton Pioneer with lots of smiles and lots of questions. They were amazed by the computer design and found it inter-
esting how stories are created and then placed on the page. From left: Casey Mitchell, Emma Hall, Emily Wright, Delaney Sunde, Emily Rabitt,
Niclole Haley, Julian Canevascini, Megan Haley and Miranda Hansen. Troop leaders are Christine Mitchell, Patti Sunde and Gwen Haley.
“JT” Parker is Clayton’s newest hiker It’s a boy for Kevin and Krista Parker. Jack Tobin “JT” Parker was born on May 10 in the birthing tub at The Birth Home in Pleasanton, weighing in at 7 lbs. 3 oz, soaking wet. Krista emailed in a few more statistics, “10 fingers, 10 toes and quite a head of hair.” Kevin, who writes the very popular Hiker’s Haven column for the Pioneer, says, “as soon as things settle down, I’ll hit the trail and write some more articles.” We hate to tell you, Kevin, things will never “settle down.” This is the new normal! JT is the first child for the Parkers.
JACK TOBIN “JT” PARKER
Cameron Academy reads for Children’s Center
Ryan Darfler graduates from New Mexico Military Institute
RYAN DARFLER
Ryan Darfler, who attended Ayers Elementary., and Diablo View Middle School, graduated May 14 from the New Mexico Military Institute. He attended all four years of high school at NMMI. Ryan accomplished many wonderful things while attending: varsity cross country, State of New Mexico cross country meet, German language college credits, Recon team captain (lead groups on adventure overnighters in the snow), squad leader, cadet policeman, second in com-
mand of the Howitzer cannon for special events, two scholarships for academic and extracurricular activites, many community service activities, Jr. ROTC instructor at the Institutes summer camps, and he has served as a lifeguard and swim instructor. His family is extremely proud of his accomplishments and his fortitude in attending all four years of high school away from home. Ryan has been accepted to UC Santa Cruz for the fall semester.
Back row: Cameron Academy yearbook staff members, Brianna Swanson and Stephanie Chow of Clayton, Darcie Azzolini, Director of Children’s Programs, Janae Werner and Elizabeth Errington; Front row: Barbara Milliff Center staff members Paula Tippery, Jenny Hobler and Melissa Caldwell with children from the Center.
The Cameron Academy, a private home school, recently kicked off its “Reach for the Stars” reading program as a community service fund raiser for the Barbara Milliff Children’s Center located at 2191 Kirker Pass Road. The Center provides a wide range of services to young children, including speech and occupational therapy and autism needs. The center has minimal funding for extras such as educational books and puzzles. Cameron Academy yearbook staff members each pledged to read for 300 minutes over 10 days. Friends and relatives sponsored their project. They donated 65 percent in pledges to the center for educational books.
ding
pen
Eagle Peak, Clayton - Sought after area 5 bedroom, 3 ½ bath home sits on private view lot overlooking the valley and Delta. One bedroom and bath located on the main floor, 3 fireplaces and granite kitchen.
$1,125,000
Regency Woods - Spacious single story with 5 bedrooms 2.5 baths on a cul de sac with beautiful back yards views of the surrounding area. Inside you will find an updated kitchen with granite counters and garden window. $825,000
Concord/Kirkwood - This home has 3 bedrooms with loft 2 ½ bath, master bedroom on the main floor, large kitchen, formal dining and in door laundry. Outside in enjoy beautiful landscaped yards and pool.
Jeffrey Ranch, Clayton - Spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bath Large with kitchen with large pantry, spacious living room, master bedroom with remodeled bath. Beautiful garden like yards with pool and spa.
$729,980
Prime Pine Hollow Area, Concord - Inviting 4 bedroom 3 bath on a premium lot. This tri level home has one full bed and bath on the main level. Outside enjoy the mature landscaped yards and picturesque views of the rolling hillsides.
Concord - Charming doll house, with huge landscaped yard. 2 bedrooms a sparkling bathroom, an updated kitchen with gas stove & tiled floors. Light and bright with lots of windows.
Dana Estates, Concord - Updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath with newer roof, re-modeled bath, fresh paint inside and out and freshly landscaped yards with fruit trees.
Arlington Estates - This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home sits on over a quarter acre, wonderful curb appeal at the end of a court. You will find updated baths, newer carpeting and park like yards. Walk to near by schools.
$659,980
L Accred ynne offers F ited P REE with allrofessional Sta g her listi ng's ing
$439,980
$725,000
$669,000
$569,980
COMING SOON! Clayton/Concord Border - 3 bed/2 bath, call for details Clayton/Concord Border - Updated 2 bed/2 bath on almost ½ acre, $599,980 Easley Estates - 4 bed/2 ½ bath, $699,980 Walnut Creek - 3 bed/2 ½ bath, townhome, $649,980 Clayton/Concord Border - 3 bed/ 2 bath, $599,980
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Around Town
Red Hat ladies hold first meeting The Tea Cottage was the setting recently for the first meeting of the “Classy Chassis.” More than a dozen ladies all topped with red hats of various shapes and sizes and most wearing a little purple besides, dined on elegant fare as they kicked off their new chapter of the Red Hat Society. The Red Hat Society, an organization of women fifty and over believe that “silliness is the comedy relief of life and, since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together.”
City honors library volunteers It was no surprise when the Clayton Community Library named Sandy Patel and Mary, Thomas and Phyllis Smith as volunteers of the year. Sandy
Donna Strong (left) and JoAnn Johnson (right) both of Concord, join Clayton’s Judie Martin, the group’s “Empress Dowager” for the first meeting of the “Classy Chassis.”
Sutton family welcomes grandchild
Al and Dee Wilent celebrate 50 years together
The Smith family, pictured above with Mayor Gregg Manning, is recognized for their hours of service to the library.
quickly. He is also reliable, efficient and hardworking. Daughter, Phyllis has helped with children’s craft programs along with other volunteer duties and is admired for ability to quietly go to work without being told. She is the third gem of the family.
Sam Kenneally arrives on April Fool’s Day
Linda and Steve Sutton of Clayton are excited about their first grandchild. Their daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Willie Bloomquist welcomed a new baby girl on January 28, and named her Natalie Marie. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 14 ounces and measured 21 inches long.
Lisa and Willie Bloomquist with new daughter Natalie
Library staffer Arlene KikkawaNielsen and Sandy Patel
Patel has over 1,000 hours in volunteer service and works feverishly at a myriad of tasks from processing newspapers, shelving and archiving to acting in library events and directing the Murder Mystery celebrating the library’s tenth birthday. He is described by both fellow volunteers and paid staff members as extremely talented, a pleasure to work with, highly efficient, very helpful and has a great sense of humor. The Smith family has a total of 774 volunteer hours. Mary has been volunteering at the library since 2002 and has helped with shelving, sensitizing, mending and processing. Her son Thomas is described as a model teenager that learns
Al and Dee Wilent celebrate 50 years together Clayton residents Al and Dee Wilent will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends at their home on May 28. They met at Kent State University in Ohio and have three children; Steve Wilent in Oregon, Julie Simpson in Victorville, California and Jim Wilent of Clayton. They also have four grandchildren, Melissa and Jameson Wilent and Amberly and Ashley Simpson. Al attributes his long married life with Dee to “another one of the Lord’s miracles.”
Samuel Raymond Kenneally may have been born on April Fools Day, but at 8lbs. 7oz’s and 20.5 inches tall, he’s no fool. Being a wise little guy he chose for his parents, Kim Lippi and Denis Kenneally, and for his sisters, Laura and Elizabeth Kenneally, and for his hometown, Clayton. There were maternal relatives all around when he made his entrance at John Muir Hospital, after which Mom exclaimed, “Wow, that didn’t hurt too much!” Besides his two sisters Sam has 14 first cousins, nine aunts, 10 uncles, one grandpa, two grandmas and one great grandmother. All the family on Dad’s side live in upstate New York
The Pioneer printed this story last issue with incorrect names. We regret the error.
SAMUEL KENNEALLY
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 . . . .5.125% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . .5.375% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . .5.5% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.25% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.875%
30 year, fixed for 3 . . . .5.125% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . .5.25% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . .5.625% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.375% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.0%
6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517
Tel: (925) 672-44433
Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
422 Meadow View Lane 1782 Indian Wells Way 208 Fleming Drive 30 Marquette Court 115 La Encinal Court 8040 Kelok Way 1296 Shell Circle 4280 Morgan Territory Rd 1830 Yolanda Circle 5915 Wallace Drive 1034 Pebble Beach Drive
$1,675,000 $625,000 $792,250 $675,000 $935,000 $985,000 $559,000 $1,126,000 $810,000 $800,000 $1,350,000
05/06/05 05/05/05 05/04/05 05/04/05 04/29/05 04/29/05 04/29/05 04/27/05 04/27/05 04/25/05 04/21/05
5,450 1,235 1,976 1,456 2,428 2,843 1,367 3,416 2,133 2,095 4,100
BED/BATH
7/5 2/2 4/2 3/2 4/2.5 4/3 2/2 5/3 3/2.5 3/3 5/3.5
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
121 Oak Court 206 Round House Place 1160 Moccasin Court 1945 Eagle Peak Ave. 5153 Keller Ridge Drive 714 Anizumne Court 408 Wawona Lane 5197 Keller Ridge Drive 410 Mt. Sequoia Court 901 Deer Place 2595 Morgan Territory
$1,800,000 $615,000 $699,950 $512,000 $780,000 $651,000 $1,110,000 $950,000 $825,000 $846,000 $705,000
04/21/05 04/21/05 04/19/05 04/15/05 04/15/05 04/12/05 04/08/05 04/08/05 04/06/05 04/06/05 04/05/05
5,455 1,939 1,911 1,252 2,467 1,991 2,951 2,843 2,261 2,237 1,768
BED/BATH
3/4.5 3/2.5 4/2.5 2/2.5 4/3 3/2.5 4/2.5 4/3 4/2 4/2 3/2
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
1372 Yosemite Circle 1370 Lydia Lane 921 Arrowhead Terrace 138 Inverness Way 5022 Raven Way 122 Gold Rush Court 1234 Buckeye Terrace 8020 Kelok Way 432 Mt. Sequoia Court 148 Joscolo View 14 London Court
$770,000 $670,000 $651,000 $1,010,000 $792,000 $685,000 $640,000 $898,000 $805,000 $799,988 $715,000
04/05/05 04/01/05 03/31/05 03/25/05 03/24/05 03/22/05 03/22/05 03/18/05 03/16/05 03/11/05 03/08/05
1,695 1,386 1,939 3,030 2,467 1,889 1,639 2,542 2,325 2,467 2,324
All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed
BED/BATH
3/2 2/1 3/2.5 4/3 4/3 3/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 4/2 4/3 3/2.5
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town
May 20, 2005
Hundreds, from page 1
Cops serve for Special Olympics
Photos by Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
A private sitting area is the perfect place to enjoy the blooms in this Dana Hills. backyard on Mt. Vernon Drive.
Clayton’s cops put in extra hours last Saturday waiting and bussing tables for tips at Ed’s Mudville Grill in the fifth annual Tip-A -Cop fundraiser for the Special Olympics. The industrious officers raised $1665 for year around training and athletic competition for individuals with mental retardation. Pictured, front row are athletes Jody Dykman and Paula Lilly, and Sgt. Shelly Crain. Second, Sgt. Jason Russo, athletes (and Ed’s employee) Mike Dykman and Tom Coyne and event coordinator Officer Susan Burdett. Standing on the top stair is Police Chief Pete Peterson.
Michael and Theresa Johnson who live on Raven Way in Clayton took a lighthearted approach to gardening at their home on Raven Way with fairies, angels, Buddhas and birdhouses. Everyone took time to gaze at the hillside blanketed in cotoneaster rosaceae and Santa Barbara daisies. The hillside
Wine Thieves Grand Opening Wine enthusiasts from Clayton and nearby communities included Wine Thieves on their agenda last Saturday as they came to celebrate the new business’s grand opening in Clayton Station next to Blockbusters. There was food, music and of course plenty of wine throughout the Rod Santos pours a taste for Vicki day as loyal cusMrozowski at the Wine Thieves Grand tomers and some Opening. new ones too came to hear about the wines and to taste. Vicki Mrozowski was one of many Claytonians attending the event.
loveseat with flowing moss skirt and the watering can with glass beads of water greeted you as you exited this fun garden. And then on to the European French Country garden of Al and Gina Kearney on Buckeye Terrace in Clayton. Good things come in small packages is certainly true in this garden w h i c h boasts a beautiful brick bar and grill, a 400 square
Spend a peaceful afternoon in the Meditation Garden at St. Bonaventure’s on Clayton Road.
foot tent for Gazing balls and statues adorn the English cottage lavish dinners, garden on Renee Way in Concord. a creeping fig that offers a cozy backdrop to this backyard had a variety of focus areas including a wooden birdromantic garden design. Robert and Nancy house surrounded by Jerusalem Campomanes offered their garden sage and other colorful plants and for view on Mt. Vernon Drive in sitting areas where you can rest Clayton with an inviting display of and enjoy the blooms. If all that wasn’t enough, there color and texture. There was so much to see and enjoy that many were three bonus gardens on the visitors took a couple of turns tour at the Clayton Museum, the around this plush landscaped Clayton Butterfly habitat at the design. The front yard was filled library and the beautiful garden at Bonaventure’s Catholic with splashes of color in a St. Mediterranean theme and the Community on Clayton Road.
This garden on Raven Way shows a lighthearted and fanciful approach to gardening.
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.
Featured Property Josie Van Fleet-Bronson (formerly of RE/MAX)
Specializing in
Central and East Contra Costa County residential and investment real estate since 1989 Loans/Refinancing Property Management
Concord/Clayton
Independently owned and operated
www.callthevanfleetteam.com We love referrals Enjoy a wonderful dinner at the Oakhurst Country Club when you refer a successful buyer or seller to our office.
Independently owned and operated
BEST PRICE IN PARK HIGHLANDS NEAR THE CONCORD CLAYTON BORDER! Spotless! This home has been freshly painted, and is move-in ready! Adorable home with french doors, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and family room added on with permits, dual pane windows, eat-in kitchen with skylight and newer hardwood floors. There is a brick fireplace in the formal living room and a pellet stove in the spacious family room. The back yard has a nice patio area, side yard, and lovely landscaped front yard. Walking distance to K-12 schools and shopping. A Must See Home! Offered for: $539,000
Available HOME OWNER'S PRIDE! This darling home in Concord has a beautiful spacious Florida room with laminated flooring and storage benches. Truly a wonderful room! Other home features include: 942 square feet of living space, not including the Florida room, newer windows, carpets & flooring, upgraded kitchen and bath, mirrored closet doors, tons of closet and cabinet space, central heat and air and ceiling fans. The adorable front yard is landscaped and back yard has a nice patio area with rose garden. Side yard for planting a vegetable garden or what ever you choose. The seller has put so much love and care into this very special property. Offered for: $479,000
Listed on the 2003/2004 Better Business Honor Roll Ranked #56 worldwide of 90,000 RE/MAX Realtors, 2003 Listed in the 2004 Heritage Registry of Who’s Who Member of the Concord Chamber of Commerce Member of Oakhurst Country Club
1536 Kirker Pass Road, Suite D Clayton, CA 94517 925-672-4333
Concord/Clayton
COURT LOCATION! THIS HOME HAS EVERYTHING! Absolutely beautiful Brentwood home, perfect for entertaining, inside and out! Home features include: 4 bedrooms, 2 & ½ baths, formal living room, formal dining room, spacious family room with forced air gas fireplace and master bedroom suite. Wonderful gourmet kitchen with island just adds to this very special home. The floors are newer hardwood and newer porcelain tile, wall to wall carpeting with a $5,000 carpet credit. Features we do not want you to miss are: No rear neighbors, 2 A/C units, tons of storage and cabinet space, outside cooling system built into patio awning, new landscaping, above ground swimming pool, 3 car garage with side yard access, bright & airy floor plan and walking distance to water park, schools and shopping. So many wonderful features and not enough room to list!
SALE ING PEND
Offered for: $599,000
COURT LOCATION! THIS HOME HAS EVERYTHING! Darling two-story home located in a very nice neighborhood with a private quiet setting. Home features include: 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, and 1,621 square feet of living space, master bedroom with walk in closet, master bath with double vanity, inside laundry, brick fireplace, and separate dining area. Nicely landscaped front yard, back yard has tons of flowers and a nice patio area. Enjoy the summer days with the community swimming pool and hot tub. This home also has newer appliances which are included in the sale of this very special home. Such a Wonderful Opportunity!
Offered for: $419,000
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Classified FOR RENT Vacation! Timeshare for rent in Cabo, Mexico. One week accommodation for $1,000. Sleeps up to four, unit size- jr. suite. Website of resort: http://www.pueblobonitosunsetbeach.com/accom_jr.asp. Anyone interested contact Kim, 925-6720479 or kflori@yahoo.com. Village Oaks Building, corner of Center St. and Marsh Creek Rd. in downtown Clayton. 4500 sq. ft. on the corner of the building and 1150 sq. ft. on the parking lot. Both spaces are on the ground floor. Will consider dividing the larger space. Good possibilities would be a coffee shop/bakery, dry cleaners drop off or bank. Call Stephen Coates, Coates and Sowards, 408-371-8770.
FOUND Parakeet - vicinity of Eagle Peak and Keller Ridge. Call 6693-0047
HELP WANTED Oakhurst Country Club. Full time landscaper/maintenance worker (1), part time morning and evening restaurant servers (2), morning and evening banquet servers (2), morning fitness employee (1). Flexible hours and golf privileges. Fax resume to (925) 672-0148, or e-mail gm@oakhurstcc.com; or apply in person at 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Part time retail sales for Winner's Circle western wear and tack store opening soon in Clayton. The store will be open 7 days a week. Flexible schedules available. Pick up application at the Clayton Pioneer office, 6200 F Center Street, Clayton 94517. For questions, call (925) 7570208. Substitute school crossing guard to fill in as needed, morning and afternoon. $11.83/hour. Must be over 18. Call Sgt. Shelly Crain at 673-7350.
PRE-SCHOOL Clayton Community School at Mt. Diablo Elementary, Rooms 38-41 is temporarily relocating to Diablo View Middle School from June 20 to Aug. 12 due to Measure C Reconstruction at Mt. Diablo
Page 5
Directory of Advertisers
Elementary. The school will resume on Sept. 7, 2005 at Mt. Diablo. Open registration for pre-school now for the Sept. "New Beginnings" program Tues. - Thurs. 3 plus years 9 a.m. 11:30 a.m., Mon., Wed., Fri., 4 plus years, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., motor skills, arts and crafts, science, music and basic academic skills. K-5 childcare, licensed and professional staff provide a safe, caring, and active environment to meet childcare needs. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 672-0388., JoAnn or Nancy. Summer cell phone number will be posted in Room 40.
TAMARA
AND
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580 R OBERT S TEINER , Co-Publishers
TAMARA S TEINER , Editor J ILL B EDECARRÉ , Assistant Editor and Display Advertising J IM Z EWAN , Sports P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.
SERVICES Administrative and office organizational support by Jeanette and Robert - Wordprocessing; spreadsheets; database, website and file management; and software/hardware efficiency evaluation. Call or email for information at 925-825-7896 or JPASS75@JPASS75.CNC.NET. Perennial Garden Design by Nicole Hackett AKA The Garden Girl. Personal consultations regarding plant choices, placement, identification, fertilizing and maintenance. Spring is just around the corner. Call or email for information and pricing. 925-673-1746 (leave message) GardenGirl94517@aol.com The Watering Can. Will hand water and care for your plant containers, flowers and shrubs, front and back during your vacation. Clayton residents preferred. (925) 672-3807. ClatonBrit@AOL.com. We'll Rearrange, You'll Like the Change! "Use what you have" decorating, brought to you by StageCents home staging. Live in a model-home environment by simply rearranging the furniture you already have, regrouping artwork more powerfully and add some "life" to your already beautiful home with fresh paint and TLC. Contact us today and we'll change your home forever. We also offer organizing services and stage homes for sale. StageCents (925 672-2021, Shelly Shuey, ASP/IAHSP/Owner, Deborah Meylan, NAPO/Organizer.
The Clayton Pioneer is having a
Birthday Party and you’re invited Join us for a glass of wine Enjoy live music by Vintage Meet your favorite writer Win some fantastic door prizes
ALL proceeds from sale of raffle tickets to benefit the Clayton Community Library and the Clayton Museum
When: June 7 from 5-7 p.m. Where: R & M Pool, Patio and Gardens. 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton
Help us celebrate our second birthday 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,
U H AV E A C H OI CE ! O Y W O N Save Thousands of Dollars
Save Thousands of Dollars Selling your House!
Eagles Peak Realty is a full service brokerage firm who charges only 3.5% total fees to list and sell your home. Typically, if you sold your home for $800,000 you would pay a total of 6% in commission fees or $48,000.
Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. Classified deadline dates are printed above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. We reserve the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. All classified ads must be paid for in advance. LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com
A Clayton Window Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-1049 Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 All Loving Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0752 American Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-4800 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6622 Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792 Benton, Mureleen - American Express . . . . . . .685-4523 CCR Insurance and Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6324 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Chameleon Consignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299-1994 City of Clayton Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7300 Clarissa Bridal Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .930-0214 Clark Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5890 Clayton Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Mind & Body Connections . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clip n' Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-9355 Coldwell Banker - Helen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7375 Coldwell Banker - Stephanie . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9530 Crocker Insurance Agency - Sam Totah . . . . . .941-1536 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . .524-5100 Eagles Peak Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .465-0435 Elysium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1333 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 ESI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-1477 Executive-Style Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .683-9262 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate .672-8787 Golden Light Candles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3461 Gregory, Cynthia - Permanent Solution . . . . . .286-5162 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Hot Basil Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288-0000 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 Integrity Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .877-493-5437x402 Joanna's Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8911 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Landman Consulting Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8817 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . .939-7920 Law Office of Richard Littorno . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lerner Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-1130 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Morningside Horse Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3632 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . .280-8563 Mountain Mike's Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4965 Neptune Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Northgate Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-8711 Northshore Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .439-3333 Oakhurst Childcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-1000 Oakhurst County Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pasta Primavera Café & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . .687-5300 Pavilion Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6868 Petar Guest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2841 Pro Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . .673-3776 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Sears Carpet Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0836 Sellers, Nicole - Diablo Funding . . . . . . .227-0100 x 128 Skip's Happy Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9433 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 Sweet a Cappella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3850 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Truesdell, Lisa - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .686-4747 Unique Hair & Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-7278 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Intero Real Estate Services .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . .672-2300 Velocity Sports Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363-0066 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433 Walcutt, Bill - Prudential Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .437-5535 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Wine Thieves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4003 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700
Call Today (925) 524-5100 Spring Only a few units left! Sp
If you use Eagles Peak Realty to sell your home, you pay a TOTAL of 3.5% in commission fees ... on an $800,000 home that is $28,000!
We can SAVE you $20,000! Call t oday f or a
(925) 4 65-0 0 435
FREE
$2,400 Sav
ings
Senior Retirement Living
market a nalysis o f y our h ome.
Or v isit u s o nline a t
www.eaglespeakrealty.com
Your full service Realty Team
Terry, Mike & Amy Marchione are here to serve you in: Contra Costa, Alameda, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo and Sacramento Counties.
There’s no place like home 6401 Center Street Clayton CA
ecial!
“I really like it here at Diamond Terrace. There is always something going on, and everyone is really nice. Moving here has been great because I am still able to be social and do things 94517 with the other residents.” –Pat Kenney
www.diamondterrace.net
Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Bocce, from page 1 the team, you can’t park on Cardinet Drive or Wallace Drive. “We are adults too,” he added. The Planning Commission suggested a review of the parking situation 60 days after the start of the season to monitor the effects on nearby residents. Community Development Director Jeremy Graves said he would like to see a review at the end of each season. Laura Hoffmeister, assistant to the city manager, interjected that even though the review comes at the end of the season, residents could call the city directly anytime when they see a problem with the parking. “We want to be proactive in our response to the neighbors,” she said. The Redevelopment Agency and city staff are also looking at overflow parking opportunities at Keller Ranch. “This wasn’t really a compromise,” said resident Chris
Fregosi who lives on Cardinet Drive. “It was a grand scale project of 10 courts and now it’s a grand scale project of eight courts.” Fregosi spent time during the meeting designing a new version of the Bocce Centre which takes the courts 50 feet away from his home and the Cardinet neighborhood and submitted the rough draft to Graves. While Fregosi is willing negotiate, other residents are clearly against the project as a whole citing issues with the environment, parking and noise. Resident Barbara Dwyer is calling for a full environmental review stating the Bocce Centre will have an impact on the creek. “The property belongs to city residents not the Bocce Federation,” she stated. She expressed some discontent that the Bocce Ball item on the agenda was pushed back to later in the evening allowing
Mayor, from page 1 Festival, the fountain was operating during the weekend. The survey the Blue Ribbon Committee conducted over the past few months indicated that people had an interest in having the fountain operating if not all of the time, then at least on weekends. People have also expressed an interest in the downtown park. The city council believes it can find the money to construct the downtown park, but not the funds for the annual maintenance of the finished park. Both the cost of the weekend operations of the fountain and the annual downtown park maintenance are included in the proposed new assessment for landscaping. People were pleased the Blue Ribbon Committee had listened to public input and included much of that input in their recommendations for the
Landscape District renewal. A few people expressed the opinion that installing more drought tolerant or native plants could solve the landscaping challenge. There are a number of problems with this approach. Drought tolerant plants look like weeds to many because they have little leaf area in order to reduce evaporation. All plants need some water and an efficient irrigation system to deliver water. They also need to be trimmed. Visitors to the Committee booth also wanted to know what the maintenance crew does. The brochure the Blue Ribbon Committee produced lists the scope of tasks such as maintaining 1,034,053 sq. ft of landscaped areas, 40,734 sq. ft of lawns and flowers, 2,871 trees, 515 acres of open space, 20 miles of open space trails and seven miles of creekside
Huguet, from page 1 Huguet is a 1958 graduate of the University of California at Berkeley. He received his law degree from Hastings College of Law in San Francisco in 1961 and has practiced law in Martinez since then. He is currently a partner in the firm Turner, Huguet and Adams.
m Fro
Although Huguet is retiring, the city will continue to benefit from his firm’s experience and history. It is expected that Huguet’s partner, Dan Adams, will take the legal helm after Huguet retires in June. “We have great confidence that, with Maury in the back-
Commissioner Ed Hartley to recuse himself and go home for the night. Hartley is president of the Bocce Ball Federation. “Why not put us
“This wasn't really a compromise. It was a grand scale project of 10 courts and now it's a grand scale project of eight courts.” Chris Fregosi, Clayton resident first, we are last,” she said in frustration. She explained that instead of telling residents “it’s a done deal, the city should have asked, what can we do for the residents of Clayton if they had their wish?” Julie Hart also calls for a full Environmental Impact Report and, if that is performed, would
trails. In a future issue of the Pioneer you will get a more in depth article on both drought tolerant plants and what the maintenance workers do dayto-day, and month-to-month. Citizens visiting the booth were generally favorable towards the proposed $365 assessment. A dollar a day seemed to be an amount many were willing to pay for a greatly improved product. Many felt that just as their own landscaping increases the value of their property, the general look of the City does the same thing. The first impression one gets on entering the City is the landscaping. Many people wanted to help promote the new fee because they believed it would allow the City to address deferred maintenance projects and replace old and dying plants. Any group that would like a presentation by the Committee should contact City Hall. All in all it was a positive and informative pres-
May 20, 2005
agree to a smaller Bocce Centre with six courts and other scaled-down amendments. Emotions ran high and reached a crescendo when Jeff Glassauer got up to speak. “I can’t believe the bocce ball proposal has gotten this far.” “It’s nothing but a bocce ball good old boys club. Would you like a bocce ball courts built next to your residence?” he asked the commission, “No I don’t think so.” In a telephone interview with former mayor Julie Pierce, she categorized some of the negative reaction about the Bocce Ball Centre as “fear of the unknown.” “We had exactly the same sort of outcry when we built Lydia Lane Park. Now, most everybody that backs up to the park has put a gate in their backyard so they can go out and use it.” She says the city council’s job is to balance what can be a wonderful amenity for the community with the concerns of the neighbors.”
entation of an issue we will soon see on the ballot. Once again the CBCA has done a great job. Not only does the Art and Wine serve as the group’s greatest fundraiser, but also the visitors have a good time and all the vendors are impressed with the friendly people of Clayton. Above all, the vendors love the fact that in Clayton, people come down to view the vendors products then buy and buy and buy. Most vendors can’t wait to return to Clayton.
Est.1972
Smith & Bernal
Roofing Reroofs z Repairs z All Types Tile repairs z Wood shake z Tar and gravel Gutters z Inspections z Ventilation
Tile Roof Specialists Same day response
(925) 216-6461 Free estimates
Clayton resident
Lic. Number 727021
Northshore Construction Call an expert Custom remodeling you can trust & new construction
Window change outs, Cabinetry, Bathroom and Kitchen remodels
925.439.3333 Shawn Maldonado Fifth generation general contractor Family business for over 100 years Clayton resident, building for 27 years Lic. 701821
The Wise Step to your Home Investment
CLAYTON HOME INSPECTION SERVICES We work hard to make sure buying or selling a home becomes a GREAT experience
Pre-home inspection prior to listing Servicing residential, rental and investment properties Call us prior to your 1 year warranty expiration date Roger Galvin & Lori Hilts-Galvin Clayton Office (925) 672-9405 Antioch Office (925) 755-HOME (4663) Cellular Phone (925) 639-9405
chisinspector@hotmail.com Member of the California Real Estate Inspectors Association Licensed, Certified, Bonded & Insured Family-owned & operated
A new look for Spring recover that comfortable old sofa or armchair with fabrics to coordinate the whole room, everything from paint to bedding, sofas, drapes and those all important finishing touches.
ground, the firm will continue to do a great job for the city,” says Laurence. Huguet plans to kick back a little after retirement. “It’s been a really pleasant position to hold. The people of Clayton are all good folks. Great folks. But, after 41 years of being the point person, I’m trying to slow down a little. I’m 68 years old. It’s time.”
Why buy new when you can re-do?
Call Joanna at (925) 673-8911 Clayton Resident
us l of
at t
r nee o i A great big "thank you" to the great he P al
Clayton merchants who donated the prizes for our Mother's Day "Queen For A Day" essay contest.
Kimberly Cerruti's essay won a special day for her mother. Tammy Cerruti’s prize package included: A "tea for two" at Englund's Tea Cottage in the Clayton Station where you can sit down and slow down for an elegant lunch or afternoon high tea. Englund's has a lovely private room perfect for that bridal shower luncheon or birthday party for someone special. Call 672-TEAS (8327) for lunch, tea or party reservations. A massage and gift basket from Clayton Mind & Body Connections. Let their expert staff pamper you with a relaxing massage at this tranquil location in downtown Clayton. Call 673-0686 for an appointment. A facial by Cynthia Gregory of Permanent Solutions in the Village Oaks building. Turn your face over to Cynthia for an hour and see the years disappear. Walk out refreshed and ready to put your best face forward. Call 286-5162 for an appointment. A bouquet of spring flowers from Clayton Flowers. Nothing says love like flowers. For fresh and artistic floral creations for every occasion… or, just because…call 682-4664. And for Marilyn Leedom, whose daughter Casey turned in such an extraordinary essay that we created a special "second first place" honor, dinner for the family is on Mountain Mike's on Clayton Road. For everything pizza, call 689-4965.
Photos may not depict the typical home.
Step 1: Loosen Dirt
Step 2: Remove Dirt & Residue
Sears Two-Step Deep-Clean Process
Sears Specialized Air Duct Cleaning Before & After
America’s largest carpet manufacturer recommends the Two-Step Deep-Clean Process used by Sears over the one-step process offered by many other companies. Two-step cleaning removes dirt, along with cleaning solution residue to leave carpets looking clean and feeling soft again.
The Sears source removal process uses powerful vacuum equipment and specialized tools to safely remove years of accumulated allergens, dirt and debris from your home’s heating and cooling air ducts.
Call Now 925-524-0836
www.searsclean.com
Valid on residential orders and single furnace homes only. Extra charge may apply for homes with furnaces that are not easily accessible. An area is defined as a room, hall, bath, landing or walk-in closet. Combination areas and areas over 250 sq. ft. are considered as separate areas. Prices may vary for wool and oriental carpet. Carpet protector or deodorizer each available at added cost. Minimum order may apply. Offer/service not available in all areas. Call for details. Not valid with other coupons or offers. Service performed by Sears associates or franchisees. Offer expires 6/30/2005. Void where prohibited. Sears cards are issued by Citibank USA, N.A.
Clean Three Areas $99 Sale Save $20 (reg price $119) Whole House Carpet Cleaning $199 Sale 6 Areas plus Hall Save $56 (reg price: $255) Air Duct Cleaning $249 Sale Up to 8 Vents Save $20 (reg price $269)
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Will sellers carry a note?
Please Recycle this paper
re o F as Le
Sell your home while prices are high and rent this one while waiting for the new homes at Diablo Pointe
tive-style Ho u c e me in Oakhurst Ex on Blue Oak Lane
4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, more than 3,100 square feet. Magnificent views. One year lease preferred; shorter term negotiable.
925-683-9262
0 ,00N T H 3 $ O pe
r
M
Total privacy on huge lot 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 2712 sq. ft. on .48 acre Terrific two story Joaquin Ranch home in Walnut Creek.
Only $1,139,000
This home has everything. Beautiful double door parquet entry, downstairs den/office, dramatic curved stairway, great kitchen with double convection ovens, smooth top range, pantry and oak cabinetry; custom draperies and box windows; indoor laundry room; stone fireplace and more. Gorgeous landscaping with pool, beautiful wood decking and patio perfect for family fun or entertaining. Circular driveway, three car garage with openers and huge concrete RV side yard. PETE LAURENCE Broker-Owner, Realtor, GRI
Office: (925) 939-7920 Fax: (925) 939-1939 VM 24 hr: (925) 940-2777
1511 Treat Blvd. #100, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
There was much more seller financing twenty years ago than there is today. It was difficult for buyers to qualify for mortgages in 1980 when interest rates neared 18 percent. So many sellers carried financing for buyers at more affordable rates. In 1980, if you didn’t have a lowinterest rate assumable mortgage or you couldn’t carry financing for a buyer, you often couldn’t sell your home. Today interest rates are relatively low and seller financing is less common. But, seller financing can still provide a viable solution to a tricky financial situation. Recently the buyer of a home in the Oakland Hills found herself short of the cash needed to close the transaction. She was counting on funds from an inheritance to provide part of her cash down payment. The inheritance, $100,000, was delayed and wouldn’t be available by the closing date. It was impossible to delay the close of escrow because the seller was buying a new home and the builder of that house
Get pre-approved today No offer should be without it
Purchase & Refinance
What to do if you flunk your cholesterol test PART TWO Last month we discussed your lipid fractions and what your cholesterol numbers mean in terms of a risk to your health. This month, we take a look at what to do if you are at risk. What kinds of medication are available for lipid disturbances?
Shop for your new home online for free Customized profile for your price range, home style and neighborhood 24-hour access Spam free No sales pressure Maps and directions*
AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE
* Information and display restrictions may apply in some markets because of local rules and regulations. **The interest rate may change after consummation. Negative amortization may occur.
help you o t e r e h e r ’ e W
Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. The Home Buyers Scouting Report® (HBSR) is a free home finding service of Home Buyers Marketing II, Inc. (HBM II) a licensed real estate company. HBM II provides the Report directly to homebuyers through a secure, password-protected online service. Information and display restrictions may apply in some markets because of local rules and regulations. The Real Estate Agent and Home Buyers Marketing II, Inc. (HBM II) are cooperating licensed real estate professionals. The Real Estate Agent is neither an agent nor a broker for HBM II, but works cooperatively with HBM II to assist in your home scouting efforts. The Preferred Loan Officer's role is to assist in determining a comfortable monthly payment and price range for Home Buyers Marketing II, Inc. (HBM II) to use when it is searching for properties within your search criteria. The Preferred Loan Officer is neither an employee of HBM II, nor the provider of the Home Buyers Scouting Report® (HBSR). ©Copyright 2004 Home Buyers Marketing, II, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
to interim or temporary financing for the buyer. In this current financial market, seller financing might provide a good long-term investment opportunity for homeowners who haven’t already committed the proceeds from their home sale. The interest rate on a conventional second mortgage is in the eight percent range. There aren’t many fixed rate investments with that high a yield. Also, sellers often feel comfortable carrying a loan secured against a property that they have owned. Sellers who own their home free and clear of any mortgages can carry a first mortgage. If not, they can carry a mortgage in second position, either behind the buyer’s new first mortgage or behind an already existing first mortgage that the buyers assume. In most cases, it’s best to carry either a first or second mortgage. Carrying a third or fourth mortgage is risky. The buyer should make a down payment of at least 10 percent of the purchase. Also, the less cash
Your doctor may offer you several groups of medication based on which “Statins” inhibit the enzyme in cholesterol synthesis in a liver. Lipitor, Zocor, Provacol, Lescol, Mevacor, and Crestor, are the most widely used because of their property to reduce LDL (and also some newly discovered benefits) to protect artery walls and reduce inflammation in them. No drug comes without potential risk. So consult your doctor about these drugs as well as which blood tests are recommended for follow up. (e.g., a liver function test). If your doctor thinks the drug is right for you, the benefits outweigh the risks. Sometimes, your doctor may even prescribe more than one drug for your particular situation. “Fibric Acid Derivates,”
gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, bezafibrate, are indicated when more aggressive lowering of triglycerides is needed, as well as improvement of HDL.
JANE TOMSKY
YOUR HEALTH Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) is vitamin B3. Niacin is indicated for an improvement of HDL as well as effective in lowering LDL and triglycerides. It may
“Happy Hammer” Free estimates Appliance replacements General maintenance Pressure washing
Use the Home Buyers Scouting Report
Fixed or adjustable rates Interest only payment options First-time home buyer program with down payment assistance and below market rates 100% financing CalPers mortgages 1% start rate with The POWER ARM, APR 3.76%** 500 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 290, Walnut Creek APR based on a $400,000 loan with 20% down payment.
refused to grant an extension. So, to close the escrow on time, the seller carried a second mortgage for the buyer in the amount of $100,000. He’ll be paid back when the buyer receives her inheritance. The seller charged interest of 8 1/2 percent on his second mortgage. Payments were interest only and they accrued so that the buyer didn’t have to make interest payments until she paid back the loan in full. The loan was structured this way because the buyer couldn’t qualify to carry more financing. If she had been able to, she could have simply increased the amount of her first mortgage by $100,000. The seller’s position was secure because his loan was secured against the property and the buyer had made a substantial cash down payment. This sort of seller financing was done as an accommodation by the seller in order to facilitate the closing of the transaction. If the seller had needed all of his equity at the time the sale closed, he wouldn’t have been able to provide what amounted
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE
down, the riskier the investment. A seller carrying financing for a buyer should insist on approving a credit report and a financial statement from the buyer unless the buyer has already been qualified for a mortgage with a conventional lender. Most sellers are not in a position to carry financing for 30 years so many seller-financed mortgages have a balloon payment. As a buyer/borrower, make sure that the term of the loan is long enough so that you don’t get caught owing a large balloon payment before you’re able to pay it. For any real estate needs or questions contact Lynne at: Phone (925) 672-8787 or E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com
Do you understand your lipid profile?
am home is e r d r u a mou o Y se click away
e s u T Make the BES time of your valuable
Page 7
Kristine Thinger
Sherrie Fico
Clayton resident for 6 years
Clayton resident for 14 years
925-939-4800 510-816-8638 (cell)
925-939-4800 925-980-4046 (cell)
kristine.thinger@americanhm.com
sherrie.fico@americanhm.com
(925) 673-9433 Skip England
no job too small
Handyman Service
be used alone or in conjunction with other lipid medication. There are several available forms on market – over the counter products and those requiring a prescription. Niacin may cause flushing, which can be counteracted by taking it with meals and taking Aspirin prior to it. Ask your doctor for more specific instructions. There are so called immediate release preparations, which may cause more flushing side effects, and sustained release, which may result in more liver toxicity. Side effects are also dose dependent. Niaspan causes the least flushing and liver toxicity. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors inhibit intestinal absorption of cholesterol, but they can cause abdominal bloating and gas. This drug is currently available alone as “Zetia” or combined with simvastatin and prescribed as Vytorin. Bile acid sequestrants bind the bile acids from the intestine and increasing clearance of cholesterol from the blood. Most common side effect again is bloating. Fish oil is naturally present in cold-water fish as omega 3 fatty acid. Three to 12 grams taken daily, can decrease triglycerides by 20-50 percent. The first FDA approved omega 3 product is about to come on the U.S. market under the name “Omacor.”
See Lipids, page 20
www.robinsranches.com
Are you looking for that perfect horse set-u up? Specialist in Ranch and Country Property. Robin has ranches in Richmond, Stockton & a whole bunch in between.
In memory of
Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, and to his family. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you. Thinking of selling? Robin’s Ranches web page gets over 6,000 viewings a month
Robin’s Ranches (925) 672-7 7323 / 550-2 2383 Full Broker Co-operation on all Robin’s Ranches listings
For more pictures of these properties and many more of Robin’s Ranches, go to www.robinsranches.com
Kropa Realty Walnut Creek, CA
robin@robinsranches.com
Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
RCD to launch Mount Diablo Creek watershed planning process
What: RCD Watershed Planning Project Kickoff Meeting
JESSICA HAMBURGER Special to the Pioneer
The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District will kick off its Mount Diablo Creek Watershed Planning Project on May 23. This project will enable community members to work together to develop a watershed management plan for conserving natural resources in the watershed while meeting community needs, such as flood management, stream bank stability, housing and recreation. The Planning Group is open to anyone who lives, works or plays in the watershed and has an interest in resource conservation. Mount Diablo Creek is one of the last urban creeks in Contra Costa County to escape containment in concrete channels and underground culverts to control flooding. Like many urban creeks, its upper reaches are protected. However, in the lower reaches Mt. Diablo Creek owes its unique status to the existence of the Concord Naval Weapons Station, which has prevented urbanization of the floodplain. The potential closure of the base has called the future of the creek into question, but Mount Diablo Creek need not go the way of its neighbors. “Over the past few years, we’ve learned a lot about how to
When: May 23, 6:30 p.m. Where: Contra Costa Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Rd. Concord
PREPARATIONS FOR THE WATERSHED PLANNING PROJECT began last October when Friends of Diablo Creek, Dee Munk and John Millar, documented the flora and fauna in the creek between the library and the end of the golf course.
develop (land) in ways that maintain natural processes in the watershed while avoiding flood damage,” said Nancy Stein, a watershed specialist with the Contra Costa County Department of Public Works, who will participate in the Planning Group.
Farm 51
The Mount Diablo Creek watershed is home to a wide range of species, and its spectacular setting has made it a major recreational attraction in the Bay Area. The top of the watershed, which includes Mount Diablo State Park, provides opportunities for hiking, birding and horse-
Seth Ahonen
Glasbergen Chuckles
back riding. The City of Clayton has an extensive creek side trail network, where native buckeye trees provide shade to songbirds and frogs, as well as walkers, joggers and cyclists. The lower part of the watershed includes Pt. Edith Wildlife Area, which is a favorite spot for duck hunters and rare plant enthusiasts. “Mount Diablo Creek is important in its own right, but its excellent condition also makes it a great reference site for watershed restoration throughout the county,” Resource Conservation District Manager Carol Arnold said. “Studying this creek and its uplands will help others understand what contributes to a healthy watershed.” The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District has conducted similar planning efforts in the past in the Alhambra Creek and Kirker Creek watersheds. “Watershed planning gives you a chance to learn about the natural environment and make real progress in improving the health of the creek,” said Martinez resident Igor Skaredoff, a participant in the Alhambra Creek Watershed Planning Group. The Alhambra Creek group’s work has led to restoration projects in downtown Martinez and along the shoreline. The Mount Diablo Creek Watershed Planning Project is funded by the CALFED BayDelta Watershed Program through the State Water Resources Control Board. The kick-off meeting will be held at 6:30 pm at the Contra Costa Farm Bureau Hall, located at 5554 Clayton Rd. in Concord. For more information, contact Watershed Coordinator Jessica Hamburger at 925-6726522 ext. 118 or jessica.hamburger@ca.nacdnet.net.
Purchase or Refinance contact
Ted Sudderth ComUnity Lending
Established 1980
Your local loan expert offering more than 25 years of excellent service and LOW, COMPETITIVE RATES.
Contact Ted
for a free loan evaluation
(925) 672-5363
6200 Center St., #230, Clayton DOC# 415-0005
Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act.
THE
SIGN OF A PROFESSIONA L
Remodeling or buying new? We can make your home look beautiful Abbey Carpets/Contra Costa Floors Use our Abbey Credit Plan and get six months to pay --
INTEREST FREE!
Let our team be your team
Bill and Pam Walcutt Office: (925) 686-3800
Bill’s direct: (925) 437-5535 Pam’s direct: (925) 437-5570 bill.walcutt@prurealty.com
C ARPET V INYL H ARDWOOD C ERAMIC T ILE L AMINATE W INDOW FASHIONS Visit our showroom M-F 9-5; Sat. 10-4
prurealty.com/billwalcutt
Keep revenues local. Bill and Pam have a Clayton Business License.
Commercial. Residential.
Expert installation. Free in-home consultation
1170 Burnett Ave. Ste. E Concord
(925) 686-9901
May 20, 2005
Alise Interiors & HomeStaging ®
It’s time to get your house ready for graduation gatherings & other upcoming events. Need a new view outside? Lots of new products in the Hunter Douglas Line - I have all the samples. I'm still taking care of you decorating needs, and now Home Staging! Call Now For Details.
672-77701
aliseinteriors.com Please shop Clayton
LOOKING FOR A CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST TO DO QUALITY WORK? YOU’VE FOUND US! DAdditions DWindows/Doors DRemodeling DCrown Molding DDecks DSiding DOverhangs DTrim license# 783799, B, HIC
free estimates Recommended by Realtor of the Year, Lynne French
$50 of f on jobs of $500 or more Expires 6/17/05 One Coupon per job
Tipperary Construction, Inc. General Contractor Clayton resident
Declan Woods Noel O’ Meara 925. 216-2679 925. 518-0821 fax:672-7055
HERE’S
HOW TO LOWER YOUR MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENT Free Recorded Message reveals “How to cash in on lower interest rates.” 1-925-227-1064 ext. 120 Special - Could you be overpaying on your mortgage and not even know it? Many homeowners are finding that it’s just not worth it to keep on paying thousands in interest every month instead of knowing exactly what they could be paying by refinancing now while interest rates are low. This informative FREE recorded message will answer a lot of the questions you have about refinancing and give you information about a FREE Refinance Home Loan Finder Service that shows you:
z
How to calculate how much extra interest you’re paying on your mortgage every month. z Exactly where to find lower interest rates that could save you money. z Where to find loans that can both lower your monthly mortgage payments and give you cash back. z How to refinance your mortgage with no out of pocket costs to you. You can get all the details in a FREE recorded message by calling (925) 227-1064 ext. 120.
Why advertise in the Pioneer? Here’s one reason: “January is usually a big month for Jazzercise and fitness in general, but I only had 3-4 new people in January and February. So, I decided to advertise in the Clayton Pioneer. To date (Apr. 27) I’ve had 25 NEW people walk in the doors and I quit counting phone calls after 20. WOW. Advertising really works! Thank you, Clayton Pioneer.” Pam Jensen, Owner JAZZERCISE, CLAYTON
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Now that the rain has come and gone,
Reasonable rates
let me improve your view with nice shiny windows
Most one story houses $110 and two stories start at $160.
A Cla yton W Clay indow ton resid ent Wash Busi ness er licen sed windows washed
Bernie Eddy
inside & out
(925) 914-1049
Northgate Gardening Landscaping Maintenance Sod Lawns Sprinkler Systems Shrub Plantings
Jim Lamp Before you landscape call for a consultation
s
(925) 944-8711 Servicing Contra Costa since 1977 locally owned, owner operated
hi nt
% firs 0 ur o 1 y
tio
n Me
f ot jfob
nd
a ad
t ge
this event with the CBCA for the last two years, and notes the troop’s help is always welcome. Troop 484 also lent 240 hours of strength at the recent Clayton Library Book sale. On April 10 before the sale began, 14 Troop members physically moved books and boxes from storage and assisted with the set-up process. When the sale ended on April 17, a fresh wave of 20 Boy Scouts loaded up books for storage and resale, and broke down boxes for recycling. Last January, Troop 484 kicked off its tenth year of community service by collecting Christmas trees for their annual recycling drive. It took three commercial trucks and a small fleet of parent’s personal trucks to pick up the trees throughout Clayton and Concord. 21 Boy Scouts and 20 parents and former scout families spent over 200 hours on that event. Scoutmaster, George Beckham, says that the Clayton Tree recycling has been the Troop’s most popular service projects. The Troop will be in action again at Clayton’s Oktoberfest. For more information on Troop 484 or on scouting,
Service projects and fun trips keep Troop 484 busy When they’re not busy rock climbing, building snow caves and hiking throughout Northern California, Boy Scout Troop 484 enjoys lending a hand to Clayton and Concord for service projects. At the recently held Clayton Art and Wine Festival, 52 youths from Troop 484 and their parents, all wearing green “Volunteer” ribbons and sporting gray T-shirts, put in a combined total of 140 hours recycling boxes, cleaning tables, removing litter and emptying garbage pans. While not glamorous, this work helps make the Festival sparkle. It is also the troops way of supporting its charter organization, Clayton Business and Community Association. Troop Committee member Charisse Fleming has coordinated
Book Review
Realtor
CYNTHIA GREGORY Pioneer Book Reviewer
Clayton Resident since 1979
serving all your
Real Estate needs Call me
voicemail: 925.975.5255 residence: 925.672.0541 email: granyflany@hotmail.com
It can be said that stories which encompass the scope of religious faith and the human condition tend to be difficult reading, and yet Canadian writer Yann Martel’s novel Life of Pi is an astonishing and uplifting tale. You may say that Life of Pi is the quintessential castaway story full of strife, terror, and the usual bad luck that accompanies a survival story, but you would only be partially right. It is a book of philosophy, religion, danger and hope. I’m not giving anything away by saying that our young hero, Pi Patel endures an ordeal of nine months adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with a Bengal Tiger, because the story is in the complex nature of Pi’s clever survival.
Piscine Patel’s parents own a zoo in Pondicherry, India, where Pi, a clever teenager, comes to a natural understanding of animal behavior. Being a typical teenager though, Pi is curious about many aspects of life on planet earth, including religious philosophy. Raised as a Hindu, a religion with many colorful gods, he grows curious about other religions, and so befriends a Catholic priest who tutors him in the rites of the Catholic church. He befriends a Muslim baker, who initiates him in the ways of Islam, which he finds equally intriguing. Pi is fascinated with the mysterious teachings of these belief systems, and rather than choose one, creates a system wherein the three teachings co-mingle
LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILLS Furnace and Air Conditioner energy-saving system Rebates are back!
Pro-Tech
Celebrating our 10th year of service Plus 90i
598B
925-673-3776 www.protechheating.com
STRAIGHT LINE IMPORTS Fabrication a nd I nstallation o f: Countertops z Bar/Vanity Tops Bath/ Shower Enclosures z Fireplace CUSTOM, A MERICAN-M M ADE C ABINETS EXCEPTIONAL V ALUE A ND P RICING Full Service Remodeling Available Specializing In Kitchen & Baths
FREE ESTIMATES
925.335.9801 LOCAL SHOWROOM
GRANITE z MARBLE LIMESTONE z TRAVERTINE References Available Upon Request!
984 Howe Road, Martinez Locally Owned & Operated! “Specializing in Servicing Clayton”
SCOUTS ON RECENT rock climbing expedition to Pinnacle National Monument in Hollister
Life of Pi is a complex tale of survival
Patty Flannery
www.straightlineimports.com
call Tori Rabbitt at 673-3203. Troop 484 currently has 37 registered Boy Scouts.
/05
/17
06
Club News
Page 9
Lic # 789325
Heating and Air Conditioning Bob and Sheri Dickson, Owners License #705148
and which expand his understanding of the world at large. When his teachers accidentally meet at the zoo one day, he is puzzled that they insist that he choose just one belief system over the amalgam that he has fashioned. The zoo business is a hard life. Because his parent’s zoo struggles and they imagine a better life in the United States, Pi’s parents decide to sell the zoo, trading and selling off animals all over the globe. The family eventually takes a cargo ship with the remaining animals to their new home across the world. In a stroke of impossibly bad luck for the Patels, the ship sinks in a storm and the hapless Pi is tossed into the one surviving lifeboat, which, as it turns out, also contains a hyena, an orangutan, an injured zebra, and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. One by one, the animals end up as dinner for Richard Parker, and Pi realizes that he must make accommodations for his carnivorous fellow castaway, if he is to survive. If the premise seems impossible, it is. When first told of the story, I was as skeptical as the next reader. However, I have become a convert. Even given Martel’s facility with fiction, the reader’s first impulse is to want Richard Parker to possess cartoony charm and geniality, so that a proper fairy tale ending is possible. But Martel makes a compelling case that the threats
of sea and the dangers of a tiger can be present in the same confined space with the boy. The lifeboat serves as a simultaneously claustrophobic and expansive, setting a stage that is by turns a circus ring, a butchery, and a church. The diverse philosophies in which Pi has tutored himself come in handy during his travails. At various dire moments, he is able to offer a compound prayer-salutation: “Jesus, Mary, Muhammad and Vishnu!” The plot is old as literary novels themselves; itself is merely the framework upon which the author reveals various truths of the human condition. I won’t reveal how Yann Martel manages to make this tale believable in a subtle and obvious ways, but his language and sense of story are strong and sharp, and the reader is heartened and dashed at every turn of the plot. The Old Man and the Sea may just have to make room among the classic tales for the story of a boy, a tiger, and the entire Pacific Ocean. Despite the controversy that has followed the publishing of this exquisite novel, it stands on its own as a modern masterpiece. Whether you’re floating on a lake, a river, or the backyard pool this summer, Life of Pi will make juicy reading. Cynthia Gregory is a graduate of Mills College. A freelance writer, she has received national awards for her short stories. Her work has appeared in the Writer’s Digest, the Sun, Santa Barbara, and the Chicago Tribune. She is currently at work on a novel.
Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
May 20, 2005
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., MAY 23 FOR THE JUNE 3 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING Art at the YMCA @ Clayton Community Gym Art program starts at the YMCA - sculpture, painting, drawing for beginners, advanced drawing.and Children's books, writing illustrating and publishing. For information contact instructor Seth Ahonen at 889-1612 or 889-1600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. 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. Apr. 29 through May 22 DVC presents Circus Home by Joanna Halpert Kraus This is a touching and funny story of a giant of a young man who tries to find among the clowns and sideshow freaks the home that has eluded him elsewhere. Against the backdrop of a fantastical traveling circus, a band of circus troupers play out a drama of family strife and the struggle for acceptance of this young man and his hunger for belonging. By local playwright Joanna Halpert Kraus, who has won national recognition for her ability to deal with serious themes for young people with rich theatricality. Directed by Tracy Ward. Performs April 29 - May 22. Box Office - (925) 6874445. MAY AND JUNE Blue Star Mom Care Package Drop Off @ USS Hornet During the months of May and June get free admission to the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet Museum in Alameda when you bring a donation for the troops. Needed items include: AT&T Phone cards, razors, baby powder, chapstick, heavy socks and other items. See website for more information on needed items, www.bluestarmoms.org.
MAY 20 My Fair Lady @ Clayton Valley High School7:30 p.m. This classic musical, based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, chronicles the transformation of Eliza from a street wise flower girl to a sophisticated lady of high society. This transformation is accomplished under the tutelage of Prof. Henry Higgins as a result of a bet and carries us along on a merry ride through the highs and lows of the ensuing relationship. Tickets are $5 at the door. Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. MAY 23 Mt. Diablo Creek Watershed Plan Kick-off Meeting @ Farm Bureau Hall 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Help shape the future of the creek and its watershed by joining the group that will develop the Mt. Diablo Creek Watershed Management Plan. Give your input and learn more about the process. Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord. Register with Jessica Hamburger, Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, 672-6522 x 118, jessica.hamburger@ca.nacdnet.net, www.ccrcd.org. MAY 23 Purina Mills Horse Owners Workshop@ Concord Feed, Pleasant Hill 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The program will provide horse owners with information about equine nutrition, veterinary issues, training, gear, products and more. The “Just 30 days to a better horse” workshop is free. Local Farrier Danny Love will speak about Navicular Syndrome. Overall horse health, care and nutrition will be discussed, and the experts will answer owners’ questions. Participants will have a chance to win sweepstakes prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize featuring a five-day Colorado riding vacation as well as valuable equine products and one of four new John Deere ATV’s. Call 940-1200. Concord Feed, 228 Hookston Road, Pleasant Hill.
MAY 30 Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veteran’s Flag Pole on Oak Street, Clayton 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Program starts at 10 a.m. This annual event, sponsored by the VFW Clayton Valley Post 1525, will feature music provided by Pine Hollow and Diablo View Middle Schools. All are welcome to join in honoring our nation’s veterans. JUNE 3 Sweet a Cappella! Dessert Concert @ Shadelands Arts Center 7:30 p.m. The concert features “HouseBlend,” voted Audience Favorite at the 2005 Bay Area Regional Harmony Sweepstakes a Cappella Festival. Special appearance by Four-té, a dynamic mixed a Cappella Quartet, and Concord High School's, Ladies First, California representatives at the 2005 National Memorial Celebration. The $25 ticket includes elegant desserts, coffee and tea. The benefit concert is to say thank you to Concord United Methodist Church. For tickets and information call Joyce Atkinson, 925672-3850. Shadelands Arts Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. JUNE 4 We Care’s Tyke-A-Thon @ We Care Services for Children 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Children and adults can walk pedal a tricycle or ride a wagon on the 0.1k course around the school’s perimeter. The event is free and open to the public and will feature entertainment, refreshments, awards and a raffle.. Participants pre-register and are encouraged to help raise funds through sponsorships. Event proceeds will help raise the funds necessary to provide education and therapy for children with special needs. For information call Patty Kaplan, 360-1744 or e-mail EventfulPlanner@aol.com We Care Services for Children, 2191 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. JUNE 7 Wine and Cheese Meet the Writers @ R&M Pool Patio and Garden 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Come meet the Pioneer's great contributing columnists. Have a glass of wine, some good cheese and conversation. Punch and balloons for the kids. Great raffle prizes including an HP printer/scanner/copier from Computers USA. ALL raffle proceeds will be split evenly between the Clayton Library and the Clayton Museum. See you there. R&M Pool Patio and Garden, 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton. JUNE 8 Boxing Fundraiser @ Community Youth Center (CYC) CYC’s famous Scott’s Amateur Boxing Event is the center’s premier boxing fundraiser. This year’s goal is 300 seats. Host cocktails start at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. (catered by Scotts Seafood Restaurant), 8 p.m. amateur boxing show. Cost is $150/person, $1500/table of 10. All proceeds benefit the Community Youth Center. CYC, 2251 Galaxy Court, Concord, 260-6328.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS MAY 24, 31, JUNE 7, 14 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. MAY 24, JUNE 14, 28 Clayton Valley Woman’s Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m. Regular monthly meets held the second and fourth Tues. of the month. Anyone interested in joining the woman’s club please contact Shirley Boyd, President at 672-1163. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. MAY 26, JUNE 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker.www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. MAY 26 CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association) Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, Oakhurst Country Club, last non-holiday Thursday of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. John Rubiales, President. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. MAY 26, JUNE 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m., 5 & 6:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. 800/326-8450 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. JUNE 9 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Mountain View Elementary 6:30 p.m. The club is open to youth ages 5-19 and adults. Various projects,
conferences, 4-H camp, leadership, citizenship and community service opportunities. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month, September to June. Call Candy Hogan, Community Leader, at 969-1325. Mountain View Elementary, 1705 Thornwood Drive, Concord. JUNE 15 Blue Star Mom Meeting 6:30 p.m. Small group Blue Star Mom meetings held the third Wednesday of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord. Call 676-3654 for information.
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAY 24, 31, JUNE 7, 14, 21, 28 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. MAY 24, JUNE 14, 28 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. JUNE 7, 21 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm's Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. JUNE 9 Clayton Community Services Commission Meeting @ City Hall 7 p.m. City of Clayton Community Services Commission meets 2nd Thursday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 HeritageTrail, Clayton.
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION JUNE 2 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Clayton Valley High School 7-8:30 p.m. in the school library. Parents, become more involved in your child's school. Attend a PFC meeting. Please contact President, Melinda Moore at 672-0930 or melindammoore@yahoo.com for more information. JUNE 14 Parent Faculty Club (PFC) Meeting, @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7 p.m. Please join us and help make a difference! Child care is provided for this event. If you would like to have a specific item included on the agenda, please contact Rosy Straka at rosystraka@yahoo.com or 672-3200. 7304. Mt. Diablo Elementary. Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the School Library. 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.
It’s time to sign up for the July 4 parade Clayton’s famous 4th of July parade and celebration is only a little over two months away and it’s time to sign up to participate. We especially want to encourage patriotic musical groups to march this year. The parade entry form is on the Clayton Website at w w w. c i t y o f c l a y t o n . o r g . Please note, all entry forms must be postmarked no later
than June 10 or received at City Hall by June 13. Each year the parade queue strings out further and further requiring us to limit entries. However, there is no limite to the number of children in the Kiddie Parade. Please enter early to assure a spot in the line-up. To sign up, please call Laura Hoffmeister, 673-7300.
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.
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
City of Clayton is now accepting applications for CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION, ALTERNATE Term limits: July 2005 to June 2006 The City of Clayton is seeking a Clayton Resident to serve as an Alternate on the Contra Costa County Library Commission. Term of office is July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. Must be a Clayton resident, 18 years of age. See HOW TO APPLY below Return the completed application to the city clerk by 5 p.m., Friday, June 10, 2005.
PLANNING COMMISSION Term limits: June 2005 to June 2007 The Commission is composed of 5 members, who are appointed by the City Council for two-year terms. The Commission advises the City Council on land use matters, including general plan amendments and zone changes.The Commission also makes decisions on site plans, use permits, subdivisions, and variances. All Commission decisions can be appealed to the City Council. The Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., at the Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, CA. See HOW TO APPLY below Return the completed application to the city clerk by 5 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2005.
CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY’S CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) serves the Authority by reviewing and commenting on the Authority’s implementation of Measure C (1/2 cent sales tax implemented in 1988). CAC’s role includes: Reviewing Compliance Checklists submitted by the jurisdictions in fulfillment of growth management requirements. Advising the Authority on strategic policy issues pertaining to the ongoing business of the Authority. See HOW TO APPLY below Return a completed application to the City Clerk by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2005. The City Council’s screening committee will review applications, interview applicants, and recommend appointments to the City Council. Interviews will be held in May 2005. Appointments are expected to be made the first meeting in June.
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONERS Term limits – June 2005 through June 2007 The stipend for Community Services Commissioners is $75 per month (when a meeting is held). The applicant must be 18 years of age, registered voter and a resident of Clayton. The Community Services Commission meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., and from time to time may have more than one meeting a month.The Community Services Commission is an advisory body to the City Council, is responsible for recommending user fees and policies for use of City facilities and sponsored community activities.The Community Services Commission helps coordinate community events such as: Fourth of July celebration; Clayton Clean Up Days; New Years Eve celebration. See HOW TO APPLY below Return the completed application to the City Clerk.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications may be obtained at Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail; by mail by calling City Hall, (925) 673-7300; from the Web site at www.ci.clayton.ca.us; by email from rbasore@ci.clayton.ca.us. Return completed applications to the City Clerk at City Hall.
DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE A CREDIT UNION?
Ask us how you can join CD Federal Credit Union through your employer, association or group by calling (925)825-0900.
We are a full service financial institution waiting to serve you!
1855 Second St., Concord CA www.cdfcu.org
Michael and Blue Suede
Laurie Lynn & the T-Birds
Page 11
We The People helps you get your affairs in order JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The Friday morning that Clayton resident Olivia Moore Wraa and I sat down to talk about her business “We the People” at her office on Treat Blvd in Concord, it was supposed to be a quiet time. It was 9:30 a.m. and her office didn’t open until 10 a.m. During my attempted 30-minute interview, the phone rang at least five times, mostly inquiries about Olivia’s business and services. Three clients also showed up hoping to get a few legal issues handled before their day began. And of course, Olivia accommodated them with her professional expertise and beaming smile. Being busy is nothing new to Olivia. She purchased the “We The people” franchise three years ago and opened her office in Concord. “I always wanted to own my own business,” Olivia says. An Oakland firefighter for sixteen years, she had a great career, but wanted something more. So when she’s not rushing off to battle a fire across the Bay, Olivia is helping people represent themselves in uncontested legal matters. A computerized, legal document preparation service, We the People has over 150 offices nationwide and is in the business of saving people time and money. Services include Living Trust, Probate and divorce to small claims, deeds and notary services and name changes.
Thursday
Senior's 62 & Better FREE Red Hat Society Members FREE 3 - 61: $7 Adults 1 R: $4 2 & BETTE Seniors 6 4 7 - 12: $ Children r FREE 6 & unde n e r d il h C $3 Parking
(in full regalia)
FREE TILL THREE: Free admission & 50¢ Carnival rides noon till 3:00 pm for everyone
Friday
Kids 12 & under FREE
Sponsored by Golf n Games Family Fun Center
Sunday
Headline Hispanic Day Entertainment (Concord Hyundai Main Stage)
Thursday, June 2nd
Audioboxx
4:30 & 6:00 p.m.
Michael & Blue Suede
7:30 & 9:00 p.m.
Laurie Lynn & the T-Birds
Friday, June 3rd
5:00 & 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
Audioboxx The Cheeseballs
Saturday, June 4th
7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
Cradle Foghat
presented by 107.7 the Bone
The Cheeseballs
Sunday, June 5th
4:00 p.m.
Jus Whipt & the Cherries
June 2nd-5th 1201 W. 10th St., Antioch 925-779-7916 www.ccfair.org Foghat
presented by 107.7 The Bone
2005 Sponsors
925-941-1536 Tigers of India
Many times in legal matters, Olivia explains, there is no need to pay exorbitant attorney fees. “We are not attorneys” she says, but her services include an advice attorney when requested. “People often ask, ‘I need to get my affairs in order, where do I go?’ We’re here on a regular basis and we’ll stop everything and take care of you,” Olivia
OLIVIA MOORE WRAA
says. She states that only five percent of people in this country have their affairs in order. “ I want to make it 15 percent,” she adds. “I’m all about helping people and giving them an alternative.” The most rewarding part of her job is when people come in and say ‘thank you for preventing my mother’s estate from going into probate.’ As if holding down two jobs and raising a family of three isn’t enough, Olivia has been a master swimmer for the past 20 years and currently swims for Walnut Creek Masters at Heather Farm. She works out four times a week competes several times a year.
Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
May 20, 2005
Clayton Sports St. Bonaventure CYO track and field finishes strong JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer
The St. Bonaventure’s CYO track and field team made a great showing at the Diocesan Championship meet last month. 19 of the 20 athletes who qualified for the meet actually finished in the “top 5” in at least one of their events and several of the finalists scored a “personal best” at the meet on May 5-6 at Diablo Valley College. This year’s team was made up of 125 boys and girls in third through eighth grades that competed against athletes from 40 other teams from Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Head Coach Joe Sullivan told his athletes at the meet not to be too concerned about where they placed in their events, but rather
VINCENT BUHAGIAR took first in the 7th grade shot put
to “focus on how you do compared to your previous competition. Measure yourself against the clock or the tape measure to see how you did.” At the end of every season the CYO track and field program has qualifying meets for the players to continue competition to see how far they can advance. The qualifying meet for St. Bonaventure’s this year was held on April 23 at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill. Athletes making the cut then competed against 17 other teams at the Section 1 championships, which were held April 29-30 at Diablo Valley College. At the end of those meets, 20 athletes from the St. Bonaventure’s team had qualified for the annual Diocese of Oakland CYO Championship Meet. In the third grader’s 800meter race, Kiana Mason finished in second place with a time of 3:06 minutes. Brianna Newell competed in the Long Jump. In the fourth grade competition, which turned out to be one of the stronger groups for St. Bonaventure, Isaiah Dargan scored a personal best and came in fourth place in the 400-meter race with a time of time of 1:12 minutes. He also came in first place in the 800-meter race with another personal best time of 2:45. Shannon Adeyanju took third in the 50-meter race with a time of 8.22 seconds. Then Dargan and teammates Austin Witty, Jordan Tate and Sean Xavier took third place in the Sprint Medley race. The fifth grade group also showed their strength for St.
ISAIAH DARGAN, AMANDA JOHNSTON, NATHANIEL LITWILLER the Diocesan Championship.
Bonaventure. Carol Ann Trost competed in the Shot Put and took fourth place. In the 800meter, Amanda Johnston came in second place with a time of 2:48, a personal best for her. Then in the High Jump she took second with a jump of 3 feet 8 inches for another high place finish. Rachel Chase competed in the 1600-meter race where she finished third with a 6:27 time. Then, Amanda Johnston teamed up with Rachel Chase, Sarah Chase and Katrina Buhagiar to take second place in their Sprint Medley. Not to be outdone, the sixth graders displayed their own skills
AND
KIANA MASON of the St. Bonaventure CYO track team had impressive finishes at
and conditioning in taking five “top 5” finishes. Michael Stupka came in second and Patrick DeYoreo finished fifth in the 400-meter race. And, in the 4 x 100 Relay, Stupka and DeYoreo combined with Ryan Briggs and Austin Rubino and took fourth place. Then in the Shot Put, Christopher Leon came in third place with a distance of 28 feet 1 inch and Lena Chavez took first place with a throw of 26 feet 3 1/4 inches. In the seventh grade competition, Vincent Buhagiar took the top spot in the Shot Put with a distance of 29 feet 11 1/2 inches. Finishing in second place,
Anil Chowdhury’s High Jump was measured at 4 feet 9 inches. And finally, in the eighth grade 1600-meter race, Nathan Litwiller had a personal best time of 4:52 to finish third. Assisting Sullivan this year
were Jerry Johnston, Dan Sullivan, Duane Johnson, Daniel Spalding, Gwen Johnston, Keith Muller and Darren Newell. The team’s Parent Volunteer Coordinator was Sue Chase.
Putting: mental, physical, mechanical Putting is the one aspect of the game that for most avid golfers can be a constant work of frustration. I happen to think that putting a golf ball into a cup is more of a mental act than a physical one. After assessing the way I think the ball will break, whether it is up hill or down, I then try to see and feel the speed or how hard to stroke the ball. The last thing I envision is the ball rolling into the hole. You see, I have set my mind into a positive mode saying to myself “you have made this putt before, let’s do it again.” That being the mental aspect, let’s look at the physical. When I survey how many different makes and types of putters there are out there, I have to believe that the manufacturing industry is trying to confuse us. I’m the first to admit I could anchor down the Queen Mary with all the putters I have. Just ask my Honeybear . . . well,
DAVE GRAY GRAY ON GOLF let’s not. You see she has just one. Says it looks and works just fine. Maybe if I would go back to my old 1965 Bulls Eye instead of the last one I bought, which looks something like you’d brand a cow with, I would probably roll old whitey just as well. I’ve said it before, it’s not the arrow, it’s the Indian. It seems we are always looking for that magic wand which will make every putt seem easy. The length of the put-
ter, the loft and the weight, are factors in selecting a putter. Finding the right one can drive us nuts. The mechanics of putting, how we take the putter back from the ball and through the ball, can vary. There are some basic principals here. The ball position should be set inside the left heel and your eyes directly over the ball. Shoulders on the same parallel line as your toes, knees and hips. We find the best putters on the tour rock their shoulders in a pendulum motion. This puts the big muscles in control of our stroke, not our wrist and hands. Lastly and most important, your head must stay motionless. Don’t even let your eyes move. On short putts, 3 feet or less, I do not watch the ball, I listen for the ball to drop into the cup. Tying all these equations together, the mental, physical, and mechanical, can be the key to great putting. One last tip, buy macho golf balls and not balls
that are scared to go into the hole, because it’s only a 5 inch drop to the bottom of the cup. Dave Gray is a teaching professional at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. E-mail your questions or comments to him at sports@claytonpioneer.com
The OFF season is when you train to Secure your spot IN season
SPEED
POWER
AGILITY
We are so confident in our program we guarantee results. At Velocity Sports Performance we help athletes improve their speed, power, agility and balance by following scientifically-developed training programs. Our coaches are all highly qualified and have worked as top level strength and conditioning coaches around the nation.
Acceleration Maximum Velocity Multi-Directional Movement
Get Started with Concord
1505 Willow Pass Rd.
(in front of Waterworld USA)
www.velocitysp.com/concord
Call Today! 925.363.0066
One FREE Training Session Some Restrictions May Apply
SENSATIONAL SPRING SALE 2005 GMC Sierra 2500
2005 GMC Sierra 1500
Crew 4WD Starting at:
Crew 2WD Starting at:
Crew 4WD Diesel Starting at:
One at this price: VIN #308250
One at this price: VIN #900005
One at this price: VIN #899836
MSRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$31,035 Mazzei Discount . . . . . . . . .3,547 Factory Rebate . . . . . . . . .2,500 Bonus Cash . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000 Total Savings . . . . . . . . . . .$7,047
All units plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Subject to credit approval & prior sales. Expires 06/03/05. z #1 Pontiac z GMC Volume Dealer in Contra Costa County for 2001 through 2004.
2005 GMC Yukon Starting at:
$29,988
$36,988
$23,988
$30,988 MSRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$38,865 Mazzei Discount . . . . . . . . .4,377 Factory Rebate . . . . . . . . .2,500 Bonus Cash . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000 Total Savings . . . . . . . . . . .$7,877
2005 GMC Sierra 2500
MSRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$44,525 Mazzei Discount . . . . . . . . .5,037 Factory Rebate . . . . . . . . .1,500 Bonus Cash . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000 Total Savings . . . . . . . . . . .$7,537
One at this price: VIN #203985
MSRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$38,180 Mazzei Discount . . . . . . . . .3,192 Factory Rebate . . . . . . . . .4,000 Bonus Cash . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000 Total Savings . . . . . . . . . . .$8,192
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Clayton Sports Michael Reiser
PIONEER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Clayton resident Michael Reiser is a senior at De La Salle High School as well as a rising tennis star. Mike has played tennis since he was about 7 years old. He has played in USTA matches since he was 8
MICHAEL “MIKE” REISER
or 9, so tough, competitive matches are second nature to him. De La Salle’s tennis team is 20 -1 this season, and Mike played an important role in the
success of that team. He has been on the varsity team since his freshman year. Mike made it all the way to the semifinals at NCS individual play both last year and again this year, where he lost to Michael Starr. As of press time, De La Salle’s tennis team was heading to NCS team play May 10 and 12. The team was seeded seventh heading into those playoffs. In USTA individual play, Mike was ranked No. 5 at the end of last year in the USTA Junior ratings. He says his goal this year is to play open tournaments and go to the USTA Nationals, which will be held in Kalamazoo, Mich., in July.
To get there he must first qualify at the USTA Sectionals, which will be held in Berkeley at the end of June. “My strengths are probably my serve and my forehand, and I am working hard to improve on putting away my volleys earlier and on being more aggressive with my backhand,” Mike said. “He has been the BVAL League champion in either singles and/or doubles each of the four years he has played for us,” added De La Salle tennis coach Shane Velez . “He has been on our varsity team for four years and has been our No. 1 the entire time. In the
eight years I have been at DLS, he has been the best player we have ever had. We will definitely miss him and wish him the best.” Mike has also been coached by Lenny Lucero, an assistant at DLS, Calvin Thompson at Oakhurst Country Club and Andy Combes. Mike will be heading to Favorite Sport: Besides tennis; European soccer Favorite Athlete: Roger Federer Favorite Band: Radiohead Favorite Subject in School: History Favorite Pastime: Playing video games
Boston College in the fall, where he will play Division I tennis. Congratulations, Mike, on your DLS, NCS and USTA accomplishments, and best wishes for successful trips to Boston and Kalamazoo. 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 June 17 issue is Sunday, June 5.
Clayton’s Rage reaps USSSA tourney Do you know what’s SAID at victory and trip to Missouri your gym? ROGER MILLIGAN Special to the Pioneer
Clayton-based Diablo Valley Rage, a baseball team comprised of kids ages 9 and under, left Woodland April 23 and 24 with the USSSA baseball championship trophy in tow. The USSSA sanctioned tournament had teams from all over Northern California competing in the 9 and under division. On Saturday the Diablo Valley Rage achieved two wins by defeating the California Sting 9-6 and the Brentwood Blast by a 9-1 margin. On Sunday the Rage earned the top seed for the semifinals by coming from behind to score three runs in the last inning to tie the California Hawks 8-8. The Clayton team then defeated the Blast 11-1 to land a place in the championship game — the team’s third game of the day.
The Rage started fast to jump into a commanding lead against the Sting and prevailed by a final score of 11-3 to win their first 2005 tournament championship. Previously, the Rage had achieved three second-place finishes in tournaments throughout California. The team is comprised of 10 local kids who all made significant contributions throughout the five contests. The players are: John Ballard, Grifin Bentley, Keone Cabinian, Mitchell Daniels, Zach Dominguez, Dustin Miller, Ryan Milligan, Terry Mitchell, Noah Terry and Jacob Sola. Timely hitting was combined with outstanding defense and pitching during the tournament. Only in the early portion of the first game on Sunday did the defense falter, yet the team rebounded to accomplish the tie and maintain their unbeaten tournament record. Manager Roger Milligan said
Clayton-based Diablo Valley Rage left Woodland April 24 with the USSSA baseball championship trophy in tow.
the kids’ hard work in practicing and improving their play since the first of year resulted in the tournament championship. As a result of the tournament championship, the Diablo Valley Rage has vaulted into the
Sports Shorts
LET'S GO BOWLING es One DollarysGanadm Thursdays Mondays, Tuesda 9 p.m. to midnight starting
May 31st
925.689.4631
FREE TWO L
WEEK TRIA L IP MEMBERSH
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. Instruction is by the CVHS Coaching Staff.
Morning Circuit Training
FITNESS & TANNING
No. 1 ranking of the Northern California USSSA Boys 9 and under and has qualified for the National USSSA tournament for their age group, to be held in St. Louis, Mo., in late July.
Mon/Wed/Fri 8:15 - 9 a.m.
Camp Practices are from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily. Fee is $125 with a $75 deposit for equipment rental. Fee includes practice jersey, awards, evaluation and a trainer on site. Phone 682-7474 x 3115. Applications are available at Ed’s Mudville Grill, Mavericks and the CVHS Office YMCA SUMMER 2005 PROGRAMS This summer the Concord/Clayton Branch of the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA will be hosting a
There is a ton of information out there about fitness, but how do you decide what to put your time and energy into? This article is the first in a series covering points useful in helping you decide what you want out of exercise and how to get it. Although the title above may conjure up images of locker room banter, SAID is not about conversation. SAID is an acronym for Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand. The body and mind tend to change to fit whatever demands are put on them. The human body is somewhat predictable in how it will adapt to most any situation, moving in the direction of lowest energy usage to conserve calories. To understand this, we must realize that the body has one goal – to survive. It has no innate sense of how it looks. It does have mechanisms to recognize what it is asked to do variety of programs in Clayton at the Diablo View Middle School, Clayton Community Gym off Clayton and Marsh Creek Roads. These programs involve sports activities for children of all ages (beginning from pre-K) as well as for adults. Programs are also available for children with special needs in the Quest League. This new league, which begins Jun. 4, runs eight weeks and there will be a different sport played every Saturday. Call Delise Young at 889-1625 or email at dyoung@mdrymca.org for more information.
Men and Women
20% off
MIKE ROSE’S AUTO BODY
packages & products
Clayton resident, Mike Rose, has been in business for over 31 years and has always provided quality repair with excellent customer service!
through 5/31/05
FIVE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!!!
all tanning
Personal PT with Frank and Mike in the morning! Call for an appointment
Clayton Fitness & Tanning 925-672-2010 z 672-2005 1516 Kirker Pass Road (Located in the Clayton Station)
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 5am - 10pm Sat. 7am - 5pm Sun. 8am - 5pm
Frank Lagau, owner, C.P.T. Mike Quinata, C.P.T.
2001 Fremont Street Concord, Ca 94520 (925) 686-1739
2260 Via De Mercados Concord, Ca 94520 (925) 689-1739
14 California Ave Suite D Pleasanton, Ca 94566 (925) 600-1739 2140 North Broadway Walnut Creek, Ca 94596 (925) 210-1739
2288 North Main Walnut Creek, Ca 94596 (925) 979-1739
I - CAR GOLD AND ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS APPROVED REPAIR FACILITY FOR ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES
NEIL SIMS
SHAPE UP (demand), and what supplies (energy, nutrients, etc.) are at its disposal to accomplish these demands. One can see the SAID principle in diet and exercise. Let’s look at diet first. A couple of years ago low fat was all the rage. Now it’s low carb. Here’s a little tip – neither is the key to weight management. The only thing that will work to lose weight is a calorie deficit. Low fat diets worked for a while for the same reason low carb has worked more recently, because there were initially very few options available in the market. With so few options, people naturally found themselves in a calorie deficit. As soon as low fat or low carb specialty items hit the shelves, and the number of options goes up, the weight diminishes. Providing a calorie deficit is only part of a successful fitness plan. Remember, the body is only interested in survival. When it’s given fewer calories, it slows down its metabolism. The logic is, “I have to survive on less, so I’ll use energy slower and more efficiently.” Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand. For the sake of future survival, the body tries to keep whatever it has stored away for a rainy day. We can, however, use a little creativity to fool it into letting go of its extra supplies. To lose or gain a pound requires roughly a thousand calories either way. Suppose someone exercises three days a week. Starting from our personal caloric baseline, if we reduce calories by 325 for the four days a week we do not exercise, and increase calories by 100 on the days we do exercise, that’s a 1000 calorie deficit for the week – one pound gone. Using this plan, the body doesn’t go days on end with an energy deficit, and its metabolism stays pretty constant. Of course, this view is relatively simplistic, and there are many other factors to consider.
See Shape, page 14
Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
See and believe at Lerner Eye Center
Jill Bedecarre/Clayton Pioneer
don’t need glasses anymore,” he says. “Dr. Lerner is a great professional and his staff is very supportive.” With more than 20 years experience as a surgeon and eye care specialist, Dr. Lerner offers a variety of services at his three offices including Laser Vision Correction (Lasik), Crystalens, CK, cataract surgery, contact lenses, Glaucoma diagnosis, eye emergencies and routine eye care for the whole family. Dr. Lerner describes his practice as a full service general opthamology office with a comfortable and relaxed setting and a caring staff. When Dr. Lerner is not spending time with his wife and four children, he selfishly gives of his time and expertise in medical missions to Guatemala where he brings vision and hope to the people there. On his most recent trip, Dr. Lerner performed 35 cataract surgeries including successful procedures on a 98-year old man and a 12-month old baby.
10% off any service Or
3 half-h hour massages $135 Receive 4th half-h hour massage FREE Located inside Mavericks Sports Club 5294 Clayton Rd., Concord
Non-m members welcome exp. 6/3/05
680-7 7792
RENEW & R EFRESH Spring into Summer bare-ly there
bikini wax special!
buy three... get one free (bikini only; no Brazilian)
CYNTHIA GREGORY
PERMANENT SOLUTION 6200-C Center Street, Clayton
286-5162
DR. LERNER has the only office in the east bay that offers CK.
Neil Sims, Performance Coach out, the more aspects of the musculature will be developed. Any added strength will also be more useful in real world situations. On the other hand, the more an apparatus does the work for us the less useful the workout, both in calories used during the workout and overall neuromuscular development. For instance, people who use machines generally get better only at using the machines,
PARTNERSHIP FOR
We can help with personal care, respite care, light housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation & catering personnel.
y ng
our peace
call for a free assessment 925.672.0752 fax: 925.672.2694 mobile: 9 25.457.0954 web: alllovingcare.com P.O. Box 688, Clayton, CA
do
ra
La z a r o , p r e s
ide
S E R IO U S L Y W E T A K E W IN E HAVE TO S O Y O U D O N 'T so d affordable
ne fun an s, we make wi our wines At Wine Thieve e majority of it. In fact, th y jo en n! n ca everyone als of your ow "steal" some de me Co ! 10 $ are UNDER 8 p..m. t from 6-8 ht
y nig ry Friday ver ome Join us e Co
ing for wine tast your friends. don’t tell
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
Why continue to struggle with reading glasses? In a one minute, painless, in-office procedure using just radio waves, you will probably be able to read comfortably again without glasses. Our results have been nothing short of phenomenal!
YOU AND YOUR HORSE 6001 Morgan Territory Road
z House cleaners z Party/kitchen helpers
Dr. Lerner is proud to be the first physician and only office in the east bay to offer Conductive Keratoplasty (CK).
A PERFECT
6115 Morgan Territory Road
Neil Sims is a performance coach at Velocity Sports. He has more than ten years experience training athletes from beginner to Olympic level. Neil has a Masters of Science degree in Physiology. You can contact him at 925-363-0066.
A R EFERRAL AGENCY z Caregivers/CNA’s z Catering servers
ind of m
“Exercise is the oftenneglected part of an overall fitness plan. Unfortunately, all exercise is not created equal.”
they are not enough to maintain strength or achieve any appreciable strength to begin with, according to a recent article in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Fitness still requires effort. It is also important to mix up your routine. If you have the same basic routine, your body will feel it has already adapted to that demand and stop responding. Variety in movements, speeds, weight, and rest time are all ways to keep your body responding. If you’re still improving in which ever of these you’re focused on now, stay with your current workout. When gains start to taper off, it is time to give your body a new challenge. This is not all that can be SAID, but it’s a start. Check out the next article for more tips. Have fun, and get the most out of your time and energy.
A
net calories used for the day are often less than by larger anaerobic athletes. Worse, the body will quickly recognize when aerobic workouts are becoming a regular thing and try to hold energy for the next workout. This means that, depending on calorie intake, some people will experience not only loss of muscle, but also added fat storage wherever their body tends to store fat first. In general, anaerobic exercise is beneficial to any fitness goal. Different kinds of anaerobic exercise will be used for different goals. Here are a few basic considerations. The more technically demanding a work-
gaining strength in a specific range and angle of motion. Stabilizing muscles and nervous mechanisms for control and coordination are seldom used, leading to strength imbalances and little true gain in functional capacity. When the added strength is used in an actual life situation, the untrained aspects of the system fail, often leading to injury. Anything that requires maximum nervous system involvement, such as exercise aimed at balance and speed, requires a certain optimum amount of rest between sets. Generally speaking, 30 to 60 seconds between stations in a circuit is rarely enough rest once a person reaches minimum fitness levels. The goal should be trying to keep one’s heart rate up. Current fitness trends put way too much emphasis on exercising until the muscles lose the ability to move the weight, or what is called “working to failure.” Within the tendons are special nerve structures called Golgi Tendon Organs. When they reach a certain activation threshold, they send a message to shut the muscles down in order to prevent injury. If this occurs regularly, their threshold for activation decreases. Even if everything else is done properly, strength gains (and thus gains in resting metabolic rate) will diminish without variety. Not only is working to failure ultimately detrimental, but some fitness educators compound the problem by only doing each exercise once – one set to failure. Recent research has shown that, although single sets may be used with those who are completely untrained,
Adora Lazaro, and her "All Loving Care" services, have enabled us to take a "timeout" and find some time for ourselves. She and her providers have given specialized and caring attention to our disabled son. Adora does indeed, provide "loving care." - Bud and Kim Modersbach Alamo, C A
nt
Shape, from page 13 Exercise is the often-neglected part of an overall fitness plan. Unfortunately, all exercise is not created equal. Aerobic exercise is generally longer duration at lower intensity, allowing the body to use oxygen as its main means to generate energy. Anaerobic exercise is at higher intensities, which forces the system to rely on stored fuel sources (mostly carbohydrates) in the absence of oxygen. But how do they each affect the body? Although the calorie demands during an aerobic workout may be higher, there are other metabolic factors with which we must contend. Bouts of aerobic work set off a cascade of changes in the body that may or may not be desirable, depending on the goal. If you’re an endurance athlete, they are just what you’re after. If not, the likelihood is that they will not seem so pleasant. The larger calorie demand tells the body to reduce its energy demand in other areas. Most of that demand comes from lean muscle; the bigger and stronger the muscles, the more calories they burn, even at rest. A body exposed to regular aerobic exercise will reduce the size and strength of all of its muscles, both to reduce overall energy use and to allow more oxygen to get to the working muscles. Short, intense bursts of activity used in anaerobic exercise build and strengthen calorie-using muscle. Although the aerobic workout will use more calories in the short term, the
Mendes has trusted Dr. Lerner to perform a variety of procedures beginning with cataract surgery and then Lasik Surgery and most recently CK. “”I
i
“My vision is just unbelievable. I couldn’t read a newspaper or menu. I am so thrilled with the CK procedure,” says Steven Kentros, a patient of Dr. Hilary Jon Lerner and one of many successful clients who are discovering the benefits of a new procedure, Conductive Keratoplasty (CK). In this simple, one minute painless procedure that utilizes radio frequency waves through the cornea, patients who have trouble reading small print are able to toss away their reading glasses and improve their lifestyle. Kentros is so enthused about his new vision that he recommends the procedure to all his friends. The Lerner Eye Center with offices in Concord, Pittsburg and San Ramon is the only office in the east bay to offer CK. The main procedure is done in the San Ramon office and post op care at the patient’s convenience in offices that are near to their home. Catering to the patient’s
needs is an integral part of Dr. Lerner’s style of business. “I treat my patients like family,” he says. Another patient Sam
Bella Mia Spa
embra c
JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
May 20, 2005
“Modern technology” with old-ffashioned care. home of
Royal Connemara’s
The facility, experience and education
Call for a free consultation to see if you are a candidate for this liberating procedure.
Hilary Jon Lerner, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon
“The doctor that physicians choose”
for the best possible horse care z z z z z
ACCESS TO MT. DIABLO JUMPING CLINICS KIDS SUMMER CAMP HORSE TRAINING STALLS WITH PADDOCKS
z z z z z
ALL AGE RIDING INSTRUCTION DRESSAGE CLINICS WORLD CLASS OUTDOOR JUMPING ARENA OPEN AND COVERED ARENAS PONY PASTURE WITH SHELTER
672-3632 - BOARDING 672-2874 - CLINICS/CAMP/INSTRUCTION
Call Now! Three locations to serve you: Concord (925) 685-1130 Pittsburg (925) 432-9300 San Ramon (925) 820-9600
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
$
La Veranda Café
$
Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton
$
Fresh soups, salads, antipasti, pizza and pasta Dinner and lunch daily Brunch on Sunday
5 4 3
50% OFF
00 Off
X-Large
00 Off
Second Pizza Buy any large or
Large
00 Off
medium pizza at regular price and get 1/2 off second pizza of equal or lesser value
Medium
ALL
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only. Expires 12/31/05
For reservations call (925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON
Fea st at Ou r
E lysium “Elysium is a bit of heaven in the suburbs”
-San Francisco Chronicle, 2/18/2005
Menu includes:
Fine Italian dining with an extensive menu • Weekend Special - grilled steaks 4425-F Treat Blvd. Concord, CA 94521
687-5 5300
www.pastaprimaveracafe.com
eet tooth! w s r u o y Indulge mplimentar y
Co desser t house inner with dcoupon, exp. 6/30/05 with
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: Tue. - Fri. or Dinner: Tue. - Sun. Sports Bar open 7 days Breakfast & Lunch
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
3501 Clayton Rd. Concord
(Next to Clayton Bowl)
(El Monte Shopping Center)
Linguini’s is now the PAVILION BAR AND GRILL. New owner, Hamid Shahrodizadh has added specialty items from the grill to Linguini’s traditional Italian fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, gnocchi, tortellini and vongole. Grilled items include steaks, fish and veggies and range from $5.95 for an appetizer of cheese sticks to $19.95 for the New York strip topped with sauteed mushrooms. Pizza lovers will all be happy with the new selections. Vegetarians can choose from three selections including the Mediterranean, topped with mozzarella, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, Feta cheese and drizzled with a light olive oil. The Meat Lover’s Pizza is topped with enough pepperoni, sausage, beef and salami to put every meat lover in paradise. Pizzas come in small, medium, large and extra large sizes and range from $9.95 for a small classic cheese pizza to $22.95 for an extra large Super Combo. See ad this page for hours. ELYSIUM also has a brand new menu with more choices and lower prices. Dishes range from “small plates,” featuring appetizers, soups
ch Lun
$6.59-56/15/05
Flank Steak with pomme frites - simple as that.
676-9000
For the little ones - chicken breast & fries, mac & cheese, or quesadilla m now Red Roo e for l b a l i a v a arties p e t a priv
and salads from $5 for Organic Field Greens with toasted hazelnuts, beets and champagne vinegar, to a Half Dozen Oysters on the Half Shell for $12. “Medium plates-good for tasting,” (try the Cornmeal Crusted Calamari Salad with spicy aioli for $7.50) are great for a light meal, or you can combine them with a smaller plate for a complete meal. “Large plates, good for an entree” include Halibut and a Five Spice Dusted Duck Breast for $15; or Flank Steak and Frites (simple as that) for $14 among other choices. Owner Greg Severn has also added a “Little Ones Only” menu and heartily welcomes families with children. See Elysium’s ad this page for hours. Are you ready for a relaxing afternoon with friends, enjoying a pot of tea and delectable treats in a beautiful full service tea room? ENGLUND'S TEA COTTAGE offers these amenities and more at their lovely tea room in the Clayton Station. Proprietors Sally Englund and Pamela Barnett want the tea cottage to be a place "where good friends gather." After you browse the gift shop and collectibles, enjoy lunch or high tea with tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fresh fruit and dip and dessert. There's a beautiful muraled room perfect for bridal and baby showers, staff meetings and club gatherings. To book your party,
call 672-8327. Lunch reservations are a must. Do you have a hunger for Thai food but your dining partner is holding out for Indian? Not a problem. The new HOT BASIL CAFÉ in Concord can meet both your culinary desires for lunch or dinner. The menu has separate Thai and Indian pages but is a melding of the two cuisines. 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. All lunches are under $10 and dinners are in the $9.95$13.95 range. See ad this page for hours. If you have a hearty appetite and a slim budget, you'll want to head on over to MOUNTAIN MIKE'S for the "All you can eat lunch buffet" Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. With two locations to serve you, the popular pizza restaurant has all the pizza, garlic sticks and salad bar you can eat for lunch. Price is only $4.99, kids 6 & under, $1.15 and kids 7-12, $2.99. There's also an "All you can eat" pizza and salad bar every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. for $5.99 for adults; kids 6 and under is only $1.15 and kids 7-12, $3.45. For fine dining and lovely atmosphere, downtown Clayton has two very fine dining establishments. At the corner of Center
grilled steak, shrimp, chicken and veggies large variety of pizzas and pastas!
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
1508 Kirker Pass Rd. behind Shell Station
Banquet facilities available or
Sun Brunch, 11
a.m.
- 3
p.m.
672-6868
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
EW O!PEN
W ON
N
Open 7 days a week Lunch: Dinner:
g e a t t o C a Englund's Te
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
“Where good friends gather...”
Afternoon Tea Time Monday through Thursday from 3 - 5 p.m. Meet new friends by the fountain in our lovely Garden Room for z Tea tasting - featuring a variety of loose leaf teas z White glove, silver service, lovely music z Finger sandwiches, scones with jam and Devonshire cream, cookies and desserts. $12.95
and Come our browse and op gift sh ibles collect
n at Opea.m., week 11 ays a 7d
Lo Roccally co own Bia ed by le
11 TV ’S
Open l 947-6 ate!! ww 1
5433 L Clayton Road (in Clayton Station)
All menu items available for take-out
and Marsh Creek Road is LA VERANDA, serving a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish, starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. A popular choice, La Veranda is open daily for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for brunch. 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. All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free. Call for 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.
Adult Softball Players and Teams go to
to sport watch s!
672-TEAS (8327) www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com
Open 11 - 5 daily for lunch, tea and dessert
Let us cater your next special event
for reservations
email: e lysium_restaurant@sbcglobal.net
0
Formerly Linguini’s - NEW OWNER, NEW MENU - Now open, featuring:
672-11333
6115 Main Street Clayton, CA
5/16/
Complimentary mimosa with Sat
Sunday Brunch
$14 (small), $16 (large)
Dining Around
a Past Special
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Roasted Chicken Breast - wilted romaine,
5358 Clayton Rd. Concord
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.
Dinner Tue - Sat, 5 p.m. closed Monday
King Salmon - sauteed pea shoots, toasted orzo with spring vegetables and a lime beurre blanc. $15
Fundraisers z Team Specials z Group Discounts z Parties
• Gourmet desserts and fine wines Very reasonable prices
american contemporary bistro in downtown Clayton
mashers and gravy. $14
689-4965
E
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only. Expires 12/31/05
YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Only $4.99 6 & under $1.15 kids 7-12 $2.99
Children’s menu and take out service available
A njoy n Italian
Page 15
w.roc co
spizze
05
ria.co
m
after the game Enjoy a small one item pizza
Free
with purchase of any large pizza Must be in uniform, Not valid w/other offers
Rd. alley V o i nac d. 9 Yg 290 Grove R ek ak at O nut Cre l a in W
Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
May 20, 2005
$5,000 anonymous donation HouseBlend to appear at challenges congregation use the money. Reverend Plymale explained the challenge during a sermon on the “Parable of the Talents.” Members sang a hymn until all the money was gone from the b o w l . “Presbyterians are givers and doers,” Plymale told the Pioneer. “They aren’t used to being the recipients and I worried that we might be singing for quite awhile.” Valley THE DEELY FAMILY of Clayton used their Clayton Presbyterian money to help a gardener made Church calls their homeless by SoCal mudslides project, Light to the Nations. “I didn’t want to go up The congregation of Clayton Valley Presbyterian front and take the money,” Church sat stunned as Senior said, one of the church offiPastor Patricia Stout Plymale cers. “But, I felt nudged.” emptied an envelope of 50 Other members scrambled to $100 bills into a crystal bowl be first in line. “When I got during the worship service back to my chair with the $100 January 30. Members were bill, I felt energy, like it had asked to come forward and electricity,” one member take $100 to “share the love of reported. Another said her bill “ felt like a hot potato.” Christ in the world.” Now, 90 days later, the conThe $5000 was given by an anonymous donor with the gregation waits each week to instructions that the money be hear from individuals who used given to the members of the the money to share God’s love. congregation as a challenge for One family gave their $100 to them to find ways to make the an elementary school custodian world a better place. They did- who was recovering from n’t have to know what they major surgery and had no were going to do with the resources to draw on. Ed and Dana Deely of money, just pray, observe and Clayton, used the opportunity give. They had three months to
to give their three children a real-life encounter with a family made homeless by a Southern California mudslide. Dana took the $100 bill during worship and then discovered two of her children received bills during their Sunday school class. The family taped all three bills to their refrigerator where they could focus prayerfully as they gathered for meals. They decided to pool their money for maximum benefit. Several weeks passed and Ed learned from his mother in Oceanside that her gardener had lost his home in a massive mudslide. The gardener, his wife and four young children were living in an RV parked in front of their former house. Realizing that homeowners’ policies only go so far, the Deelys knew their help was needed. They began making plans to grow their $300. The children went door to door in their neighborhood selling Dana’s prize fudge. Soon they had $592 to send to the gardener and his family. Clayton resident, Marsha Millar, decided to use the money to sponsor an African high school student. Working with an international aid foundation, she is able to provide tuition, room and board for a full year for $130. Clayton Valley Presbyterian is located at 1578 Kirker Pass Rd. Beginning June 12, the Sunday morning service will move from 10:30 to 10. For more information call 6724848.
We have an upcoming Community Challenge SeminarTake one day to discover who you are and how you can experience relationships at their very best. Attend “Getting Personal Without Taking it Personally,” June 18 in the Community Room at Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main St. 9am-5pm. Cost $35. Barbara Gutridge, a certified personality trainer, will be conducting the seminar. Call 673-9060 to sign up.
Church News CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS The famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be performing Tue. June 28 at the Coliseum Arena in Oakland and Thurs., June 30 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. Order tickets online at Tickets.com for Oakland and Ticketmaster.com for San Jose. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meets every Sun. at 1360 Alberta Way in Concord, across from Clayton Valley High School. Call 676-3977 for information. CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Sign up now for kid’s summer camps: Soccer Camp for grades K-6, June 27 – 30, (6-8 p.m.); Adventure Camp for ages three to fifth grade, July 11 – 15 (9 a.m. – 12 noon) and July 10 – 14, (6:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m); Basketball camp for grades K – 3, July 25-29 (5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.); Basketball Camp at Clayton Valley High School for grades 4 – 8, August 8 – 12 (8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Brochures available at Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main Street, Clayton or by calling 673-9060.
CROSSROADS COVENANT CHURCH We have a free movie night every third Saturday of the month at 6 p.m. Movies are shown on the big screen with a cartoon before the feature. Everyone is welcome. Bring a blanket if you want to sit on the floor. Bring a snack to share. This month’s feature is “Muppet Treasure Island.” Crossroads Church Annual summer day camp will be July 18 – 22. Call Alma Rodriguez at 798-5905 for information or stop by our booth in the children’s area at the Clayton Fourth of July parade. HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH Annual vacation Bible school will be June 27 – July 1, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Holy Cross volunteers
Three 1-hour massages for $135 Some restrictions apply.
Pumpkin peel special $180 introductory offer 4 facial series. Call for more information.
for an appointment
Clayton Mind & Body Connections
1007 Oak Street, Clayton, CA 94517
www.mind-and-body-connections.com
BRIDAL SALON
Concord United Methodist
HouseBlend, “four guys who sing songs” will appear in a benefit concert at Concord United Methodist Church on June 3. The new and exciting sound features rich a cappella harmony with an abundance of rhythm and humor. HouseBlend will sing anything from jazz, doo-wop, country and big band to opera, classical, barbershop and gospel. HouseBlend came together through the music ministry at Concord United Methodist Church and they have been creating and defining their unique style for five years. Sweet a Cappella is a benefit concert to thank Concord United Methodist Church. The concert will feature two additional acts, Four-té, a dynamic mixed a cappella quartet and Ladies First, the Concord High School chorus that will represent California at the 2005 National Memorial Celebration. The concert is Friday, June 3, at the Shadelands Arts Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. A $25 donation includes elegant desserts, coffee and tea. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the concert at 8. A no host bar will serve soft drinks, beer, wine and champagne.
and teenage youth will be leading Serengeti trek: where kids are wild about God. This vacation Bible school is open to pre-k through grade six. It will be a fun, dynamic and educational experience. Games, snacks, singing, adventures and Bible study will be provided to all. Every participant will also receive a Serengeti tee shirt. You can pre-register by calling the Holy Cross office at 686-2000 or coming to late registration on Monday, June 27. The fee is $25 per person or $30 per family. WALNUT AVENUE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The spring fundraiser is a rummage sale on Sat. May 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We have jewelry, toys, books, music, clothing, small appliances, sports equipment, linens, and much more. Stop by and shop. If you have never visited our church check out the beautiful community gardens, meditation garden, peace pole and walk the labyrinth. The church is located at 260 Walnut Ave., Walnut Creek. Phone 933-0888. Send your church news items that have a community interest to Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton 94517 or e-mail religion@claytonpioneer.com.
A welcoming place and sacred space where thinking minds and caring hearts truly grow in faith
SAINT JOHN’S PARISH Call (925) 673-0 0686
CLARISSA
T HE E PISCOPAL C HURCH
IN
C LAYTON
Sunday Worship: 8 & 10 a.m. 5555 C LAYTON R OAD
Q
C LAYTON
Call anytime: 672-8855 or check us out online: www.saintjohnsparish.org
For all your bridal needs
Mother of the Bride & After five evening wear
925.930.0214 1424 South Main St. Walnut Creek
Clayton Flowers Daily deliveries to Clayton, Pittsburg, Concord, Walnut Creek For those not content with the ordinary... Easy to order by phone
WIRE SERVICE SPECIALISTS
682-4664
Major credit cards honored
Toll Free
800-554-1391
4666 Clayton Road, Concord www.claytonflowersandplants.com
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Your children deserve the best.
Licensed daycare with two loving moms in a private home
Schuler bids goodbye to MDES
Infants to after-school care
Child Care t s r u h k a O
Now accepting applications for
located in Clayton
Kathy Beitch & Diane Massone
summer daycare program, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. z field trips z fun activities z outdoor playtime z nutritious lunch
925-673-1000
No enrollment fee for first time customers
license # 073404812
ATTENTION! Affluent Family “Tax Scholarships” Available. Parents of college-bbound students... Is your child headed for college in September? z z z z
How will you pay or can you negotiate? Should you use tax-free or after tax dollars? Pay with hard-earned cash or loans? Can you get tuition discounts?
For free consultation call
College Funding Advisors 925-9933-88100
Page 17
JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Seven years ago, Linda Schuler felt called to further expand her horizons and become a school principal. For over 20 years, she had taught in the classroom, mentored other teachers and was a vice principal at elementary schools in Antioch. Her teacher mentor Ann Dallosto always told her that she could attain the level of principal and so it all came
“It's all about how you treat people. I feel that we created a community that keeps and stays positive for the good of all students.” Linda Schuler, MDES Principal together in 1998 when she interviewed with a team from Mt. Diablo Elementary School. “I was always in such awe of the school,” she reflects. After the interview she knew that “this was where I was supposed to be.” Schuler was clear about her
mission “to educate the mind and encourage the heart and spirit of every child.” “It’s all about how you treat people. I feel that we created a community that keeps and stays positive for the good of all students.” She explains that she hired most of the current staff and they all carry that vision. In June, Schuler will leave Mt. Diablo to fill the principal position at Bancroft Elementary School. “This is the first time I’ve talked about this without crying,” she says. She leaves a huge job behind. Mt Diablo now has about 900 students and next fall will house eight kindergarten classes. In just the kindergarten population alone, there will be four sets of twins and one set of triplets. She also leaves behind a school that is has already begun to feel the effects of Meaure C monies. The school will be under construction for at least another year making way for 15 new classrooms and a variety of infrastructure upgrades. Schuler is proud of some of the developments on campus during her tenure, especially the internship program. This year, the school had an intern working on her master’s degree in psychology. Next year the school will have a counselor
School News Send school news items that have a community interest to Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton 94517 or e-mail religion@claytonpioneer.com. PACE (PARENT ACTION COALITION FOR EDUCATION) A campaign to raise funds for elementary music and secondary school libraries began in April and will conclude in June. Parents are hoping to restore funding for the two programs, which are scheduled to be reduced significantly in the coming school year. The goal of the campaign is to raise $700,000 to maintain fourth grade instrumental music and middle school and high school librarians at their current level. For additional information about
PACE please contact Ellen Multari at info@mdpace.org or 979-0975. CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CVHS Class of 1995 – 10 Year Reunion Join friends from the class of 1995 Sat. July 23 at Oakhurst Country Club for a 10 year reunion, 7 p.m. 12 a.m. $77 per person. No tickets will be sold at the door. Checks can be sent to Reunion Makers, 213 W. Foley Avenue, Eufaula, OK 74432 or register online at www.reunionmakers.com.
MDES PRINCIPAL LINDA SCHULER
intern working together with the school psychologist on social skills groups, friendship groups, coping strategies for children and a behavior support plan. When the district asked her to leave Mt. Diablo, it took her several weeks to make the decision. “It was torture,” she said. Schuler has a lot of praise for the staff and parents. “This school is what it is because of the staff and parent community,” she says. “Our parents are very hands on,” she noted. And, she explained that the Parent Faculty Club with its
Grad Nite Clayton Valley High School’s graduating class of 2005 will have its Grad Nite celebration June 15. The Grad Nite committee’s major fundraiser is a car raffle. 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. 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 non-cash donations, call or
high energy and vision has accomplished many things at the school. As a principal she was always aware of her responsibility to the children, their families and to her staff. “The best part is that you are at the heart of every decision and that decision will change lives. You have to treat that with dignity and respect.” And how would Schuler like to be remembered once she leaves Mt. Diablo? “She just really put kids first. She understood what families are going through.”
email Cecilia Zefeldt at 6725756, czefeldt@sbcglobal.net or Ed Cleland at 673-9272, cleland1983@sbcglobal.net. MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY Mt. Diablo Elementary 50 Year Anniversary Sock Hop/Time Capsule Ceremony is Fri. May 20, at the school. Mt. Diablo Elementary welcomes all alumni, friends, neighbors and community members to the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Time Capsule Ceremony, Friday, May 20, 5:30 - 9 p.m. at the school. Food will be catered by Fuddruckers and will include hamburger, cheeseburger or hot dog with chips, drink and desert for $8. If you have any questions contact Mitzi Hyland 672-6986, Sharon McNulty 673-9333 or Stacey Russell 672-6719.
Model home furniture just arrived!
Desirable Furniture from Lamorinda’s Million Dollar Homes We are easy to find: Central Lafayette exit from Highway 24; Left on Mt. Diablo; Blackwood Lane is second street on the left, just behind Butler/ Conti Dodge Dealership
Richard A. Littorno Littorno & Morrison, Attorneys At Law Since 1979
Living trusts z wills z elder law z Probate & trust administration z Creative estate & tax planning z Asset protection & general business z
Clayton office:
6160 Center St., Suite D Clayton, CA 94517 Phone: (925) 672-6463 Fax: (925) 672-6468 rlittorno@msn.com
C o m m u n i ty Connections 1-800-WE NEED YOU 1-800-936-3339
Pittsburg office:
2211 Railroad Ave. Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-4211 Fax: 432-3516 Estateplanning.com/Littorno
ROBERT SMITH SPCB LICENSE #FR28650
“Ask for Robert Smith” “I’ll give you a discount”
“Serving Clayton area for seven years”
2515 WEST TENTH STREET ANTIOCH, CA. 94509 www.weneedyou.com
925-757-5890 FAX: 925-778-7907
Your Business Name Here! Place your business card in the Community Connections section of the Clayton Pioneer and get connected with your customers!
Call the Pioneer at 925-672-0500
Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
May 20, 2005
Your territorial Hippopotamus is ARF’s Adoption Star kitty may not
welcome squatter
“Hippopotamus,” a 6-month-old shepherd mix, has a big heart. He is an easy-going pup who prefers a regular routine and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Gentle Hippopotamus is recommended for families with children ages 8 and above. Because he’s still young, Hippopotamus will need continued socialization to help him grow into a fabulous dog. Bring everyone who will live with Hippopotamus, including any canine family members, 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. Would you like to be part of the team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our Web site, www.art.net (925) 256-1ARF.
HIPPOPOTAMUS
Pet Poison Prevention Guide We all love our pets and want them to be safe. But we may unknowingly poison them by feeding them certain harmful foods or becoming careless on how we use, store, and dispose of our household products. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (The ASPCA(R)) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), many substances commonly found in and around homes are potentially dangerous to our animal companions. They offer this advice to help us protect our pets every day and prevent them from accidentally becoming poisoned. FOODS Certain foods can be toxic to pets if eaten in significant quantities. Try to memorize this list Alcoholic beverages Avocado; onions Chocolate Coffee Macadamia nuts Raisins and grapes Moldy or spoiled foods Salt MEDICINES Ibuprofen may help relieve your headache, but painkillers and other common medications can be deadly to your animal companions. Keep all prescription and over-thecounter drugs — cold medicines, diet pills, antidepressants, anti-cancer drugs and vitamins — in closed cabinets out of your pet’s reach. Never give your pet medication unless directed by a veterinarian.
products for canines that contain permethrin — just a few drops of which can be life threatening to felines? PLANTS They may be pretty, but many common houseplants can be poisonous to your pets. Many members of the lily family (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) — popular springtime plants that include the Easter lily, tiger lily, rubrum lily, Japanese show lily and some day lilies — can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. If you’re unsure about a particular species, ask your veterinarian or visit the APCC online at www.apcc.aspca.org to find out if it is safe or not. CARS While essential to a car’s cooling system, antifreeze can be fatal to dogs and cats — even in small amounts. Make sure to clean up any spills from your vehicle immediately, and consider switching to a propylene glycol-based antifreeze, which is significantly less toxic than conventional ethylene glycol antifreeze. LAWN AND GARDEN Always store lawn and garden products in areas that are inaccessible to animals, such as a locked shed or garage. This goes for paint, oil, gasoline and other potentially dangerous chemicals, too.
Many plants and trees can be harmful to pets if ingested, so find out if a species is safe before you plant it. For example: Cardiotoxic plants — those that can affect the heart — include lily of the valley, oleander, rhododendron, azalea, yew and foxglove. Cycads and some species of mushrooms can result in liver failure. Always follow label directions for proper application of weed killer or insecticide, and do not allow pets access to these areas until the recommended time limit has passed and the product has dried thoroughly. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, The ASPCA advises to immediately call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in your area. In most instances, early detection and prompt treatment increase the chances of a successful recovery. It will help to write down what you think your pet has eaten, when he ingested the substance, and any problems he is experiencing. For more information, visit the “Make Your Pet’s Home Poison Safe” interactive house at www.apcc.aspca.org. Source: Metro Creative
It’s a warm and sunny day, just perfect for you and your feline friend to enjoy the back yard together, and as you open the door you see a large cat curled up and sunning himself on the soft cushions of your deck furniture. Startled, the intruder may hiss, spring to a crouch and then stand. When he spots your cat in the doorway, he may jump down to the deck, hissing and posturing. Your cat will probably be quick to retreat into the house and will likely refuse to be coaxed back out. Over the next few days, if you check your yard regularly, you may discover you have a feline squatter! Cats are territorial. Often, cats will share an area, but at different times, each having a specific time of day to be there. They will use the same paths to travel but will deliberately avoid each other and any conflict. However, when a cat feels that his food supply or safety is threatened, he can go from posturing and hissing to aggressively chasing and swatting cats he considers to be butting in to his territory. Cats do not establish a rigid hierarchy and will not resolve their differences if you let them scrap. If the resident cat and the intruder do come to blows, make noise, throw something soft at them or squirt them with water from a clean spray bottle. Never put your hands in and try to pull them apart. The best solution may be to make your enclosed back yard
safe for your resident kitty and for the squatter. When one cat trespasser sets up camp in your yard, getting rid of him only clears the way for the next interloper – who could turn out to be not one cat but an entire litter! You and your companion kitty may be better served by inviting the intruder to stay. Talk with your vet about his or her comfort working with homeless cats. If your veterinarian does not work with untamed cats, you can borrow a humane trap from ARF to catch the newcomer. Leave the cat in the trap, and take him to your veterinarian or to the ARF Clinic to have him scanned for an identifying microchip. It there is no microchip to help you find a caregiver with whom you can work to resolve your backyard dilemma, determine if the cat has been altered. If not, have him altered by your veterinarian or at the ARF Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic. Altered cats do not fight as much as unaltered cats. Your veterinarian may also recommend giving him vaccines and testing him for diseases that would be contagious to other cats. Create a safe area for the newcomer by providing a simple shelter in the very back of your yard, and supply food and fresh water daily near the shelter. Put the food out when you know the cat is there to eat it and when he can see that you are the supplier of the meal. Eventually, the cats may work out a truce or even a
BRENDA BARNETTE PICASSO
PAWS
AND
CLAWS
friendship, and you will be able to accompany your resident cat outside to enjoy the back yard again. Brenda F. Barnette is the CEO of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at bbarnette@arf.net.
Lessons I learned from my dog If you stare at someone long enough, eventually you’ll get what you want. Don’t go out without ID. Be direct with people; let them know exactly how you feel by piddling on their shoes. Be aware of when to hold your tongue, and when to use it. Leave room in your schedule for a good nap. When you do something wrong, always take responsibility (as soon as you’re dragged out from under the bed). If it’s not wet and sloppy, it’s not a real kiss.
Just a little more Nutro and I can do this. Bulk up at Concord Feed
Professional pet grooming salon for dogs and cats Self-service pet wash available
FLEAS Pet got flease? Be sure to always read a flea-control product’s label before using it on or around your pet. Never use a flea-control formula on your cat that’s meant for dogs only, or vice versa. Did you know that there are more than 18 brands of flea-control
Dog Special:
Tues - Sat, 8-5 Experienced staff with more than 20 years of service
est. 1978
Adjacent to Hollywood Video
925-6 676-9 9355
4375 Clayton Rd. Unit K Concord owner & Clayton resident Grace Carson & her dog, Blue
Max Cat 20# bag Roasted Chicken Flavor
Natural Choice Dog Food Bonus Bags Adult 44# Lite 33# Senior 33#
Now: $19.99
Now: Get 10% more and
Cat Special:
save $7.00
save $4.00 per bag with coupon, exp. 5/29/05
Monte Vista Animal Hospital
Concord
“Compassionate, Quality Care Since 1968” • Full service veterinary hospital • Dogs and Cats • Puppy and Kitten Programs • Sr. and Adult Wellness Workups
%
EE
FR 50
M - F 7:30am - 6:00pm 8:30am - 1:00pm Sat Every Other Tuesday Open Until 7:00 pm
5288 Clayton Road 925.887.9200
• Advanced Dental Care • Deluxe Cat Condos • Rabbits, Rodents, & Reptiles (Wed - Friday)
Pleasant Hill
228 Hookston Road 925.940.1200
for NEW clients
Initial Exam
%
Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good for food, retail items, grooming or boarding. Must bring coupon.
1488 Washington Blvd. Concord
925-672-1100
Mon. - Fri: 8am-6:30pm Sat. /Sun. 9am-5pm
AND
Novato
7546 Redwood Blvd 415.599.3500
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 19
Invest early and often With the benefits of compounding, time is on your side.
ADVANCE HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE - $79
Divorce Living Trust Incorporation Probate Olivia Moore-Wraa
LOW
COST/FAST DOCUMENT PREPARATION SERVICE
Owner, Clayton resident
No Lawyers, Save Money
WE THE PEOPLE
Legal Document Service Center of Concord
....LDA#49
We are not attorneys and cannot offer legal advice
4474 Treat Blvd., Concord (925) 246-0370 www.wethepeopleconcord.com
Cruise Adventures Unlimited Cruising is our only business Serving all cruise lines since 1987
Hawaii/Tahiti/Pacific Cruise Seven Seas Mariner - from $9,852 p/p*
26 nights, San Francisco round trip, April 18, 2006 All-suite, all-balcony accommodations z 700 guests Four dining venues to choose from including Signatures Restaurant dedicated to Le Cordon Bleu® cuisine z Single, open-seating dining z Full entertainment program z Port-intensive itineraries z Guest lecturer program z Complimentary wine with dinner z Shipboard gratuities included z z
*cruise only, gov’t fees add’l
call m-f 9-5:30, Sat 10-2
(925) 935-7447
Owners Valerie O’Connell (Clayton resident, 25 years) & daughter Colleen O’Connell
1610 Locust St., Walnut Creek
www.cruiseadventuresunliminted.com
CST 2074362-40
WHAT IS COMPOUNDING? Compounding is a process by which the value of an investment can increase exponentially due to any recurring interest and dividends received Consider what happens to $1,000 growing at an average return of 8% per year. In the first year, it gains $80 and thus ends the year totaling $1,080. Continuing this same process and using the same assumptions, in year two, it gains $86. By year 16, it gains $254. Year 22, it’s up $403. A remarkable thing is occurring: Without
WHAT ELSE IS INVOLVED? However, in the real world, investment returns tend to fluctuate from year to year. While the hypothetical investment mentioned above may return an average of 8% per year, performance could be much higher or much lower in any given year. Maintaining a well diversified portfolio may help limit performance swings since not all asset classes are correlated (meaning when one class loses money, another class may post positive performance). Remember to give your portfolio annual checkups and, if necessary, to rebalance your investments to keep you on track toward your goals. Keep in mind that portfolio rebalancing may produce
tax implications that should also be factored in to your decisions. The amount of taxes that may be due on any investments you have will ultimately reduce your overall earnings. Inflation may also add to reduce your earnings. Assuming that annual inflation is approximately 3percent, it would eat into the hypothetical return of 6.5 percent leaving you with a 3.5 percent after-inflation gain. With that performance, your portfolio’s total earnings would double roughly every two decades. The best defense against inflation, taxes and procrastination in general, is starting as early as possible and continuing to invest regularly. The value of compounding is at it greatest the longer the time period involved. By starting early and reinvesting at regular intervals you will give your investments the best chance to grow and will likely have much greater success saving for the long term than someone who invests all their money at once,
MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE hoping to time their way into a large return on their investments. GET HELP Keeping your portfolio on track can be challenging, especially when considering risk, tax and inflation issues. Consider consulting a professional financial advisor for assistance in developing a portfolio that is balanced to meet your goals for the longterm and don’t forget to give yourself a chance to enjoy the beauty of compounding interest by starting early and investing often. Mureleen Benton is a Certified Financial Planner. Call her with questions at 685-4523 American Express Financial Advisors Inc. Member NASD. American Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors Inc. and is not a broker-dealer.
Inspiration. . . medication . . . whatever People often say to me, “Joe, you’re an incredibly funny and talented individual. Where do you get the ideas for your columns?” This usually happens at places like Albertson’s or the Valley Cleaners and I must admit that it’s kind of a kick to be recognized. Though I’m sure that all too soon the time will come when I’ll simply say, “Yea that’s great. I’m glad you like it. Now if you’ll be so kind as to ring up my freshly starched skivvies, I’ll be on my way.” But that day is weeks away. So, allow me to address this comment/question in two parts. First, yes I am a very funny and talented individual and it’s good of you to notice. Your praise is much appreciated. I will not forget you and will do my best not
Consumer Awareness Hotline Helps Local Residents Buy Executive Homes for Zero Down Payment Clayton - A free, 24-hour Consumer Awareness Hotline is now available to help families and singles buy lovely homes in Clayton and other suburban communities for zero down payment. The service is free of charge. For more information call the CONSUMER AWARENESS HOTLINE 24 hours a day at 1-877-493-5437 ext. 402
www.zerodownclaytonhomeloans.com Sponsored by Integrity Home Loan Group CA DRE 001247055
to step on your fingers as I ascend the ladder of fame and fortune. If, by chance, I do happen to crush you with the weak and infirm, please accept my apologies in advance. I attribute my sense of humor, at least in part, to genetics. To BE funny one must first be able to APPRECIATE humor. My dad loves a good joke but ask him to repeat it and you may as well ask him to give up good food and wine for the rest of his life. In fact, watching him attempt to tell a joke is usually much funnier than the joke itself. While my father may be a funny and talented individual in his own right, he was never able
“Humor is very subjective. What I find funny, you, in most cases, might find distasteful or stupid. Probably both. I make no apologies for this.” Joe Romano to HARNESS the humor and creativity nor did he have an outlet through which to channel it. You know how some comedians, if not well known and successful would probably be institutionalized? It’s somewhat along those same lines. I say this
with all due respect. My mother, on the other hand, has channeled her love of humor into poetry. Most of her
JOE ROMANO
SO ANYWAY poems have focused on the people and happenings of the Clayton Police Dept. where she worked for 28 years. Believe me, this was not an easy task. If you think so, I challenge you to try and find rhymes for “domestic disturbance,” “flasher,” “wrongful incarceration,” and “Andy Griffith.” Humor is very subjective. What I find funny, you, in most cases, might find distasteful or stupid. Probably both. I make no apologies for this. We all have our own way of looking at this cockeyed world. Perhaps mine is a wee more cockeyed than yours and for this we have medication. As far as where I come up with the ideas for my columns I suppose the most accurate
frien
A
Take control of your healthcare decisions with an
Many Americans believe they have a better chance of accumulating wealth by playing the lottery than they do by investing. What they may not fully understand however, is the advantage of starting early, especially when you factor in the benefits of compounding.
doing anything to your pile of wealth, you are earning an increasing amount each year. In year 45, you will have gained $2,365 – roughly 30 times your gain in the first year. All of this results from an initial investment of $1,000 that hypothetically grew by 8% annually compounded amounts each year.
ear, a New Yo Y u! ew In office N eaching l b ” M O O “Z er e Makeov
answer would be—beats me! I have no idea when something might suddenly present itself as a good column topic. One would think that certain situations, holidays for example, would naturally lend themselves to ideas, and while this is sometimes the case, more often than not I find that these are the times when inspiration fails. On the other hand, my wife’s purchase of a new toaster got me to thinking (OK, so I like toast) and the result of my musing was a column. Again, please refer back to my comment about medication. Children are an obvious source of inspiration. In fact my desire to write a column was one of the main reasons I decided to have children in the first place. Life, while quite enjoyable before parenthood, seemed to be lacking that comedic spark. We now are able to enjoy the antics of our very own comedy troupe and suddenly life is a plethora of inspiration. Throw into the mix the cast of characters that make up my “in-laws” and you have the makings of a life’s worth of columns. If, however, inspiration ever fails to strike I can always go off my medication. Clayton resident, Joe Romano, is a family man, a free-lance writer for hire and the Pioneer’s “all around funny guy.” E-mail him at jromano01@yahoo.com
dly st aff, r elaxi ng en viron me
nt
Extrem as seen on
30% Off /05 expires 6/03
Now Now accepting accepting new new patients patients
Dr. Gardner Dr. Fillmore And Staff
Clayton Family Dentistry 672-0110 6123 Main Street in historic downtown Clayton
Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
May 20, 2005
Lipids, from page 7 What is new in laboratory techniques to diagnose lipids disorders? There is a fairly new cholesterol test called “VAP,” which allows more detailed analysis of the “fatty particles” in blood. It enables the lipoprotein separation and also allows a direct measurement of LDL, not just calculated estimations as the formal test does. For example, it is known that LDL has two forms—small and large LDL’s. Small particles are more dangerous than big ones. This test may target those at higher risk for prevention and more aggressive treatments. The test is available and affordable. Ask your doctor if this test would be appropriate for you. There is much more to be said about prevention and new and ongoing research. In conclusion, good health is a gift and we must cherish that gift. Most of us lead very busy lives and it is difficult to find the time for exercise and for shopping and preparing healthy food. But, these things are important and we each need to make it a priority in our lives. If you smoke, please quit. Smoking cessation is doable and rewarding. With spring here, take a few more steps daily and make it a habit to exercise for health. Jana Tomsky, MD, can be reached at the Clayton Valley Medical Group, (925) 672-6744
The Pioneer -
It’s your paper!
The UPS Store
Independently owned and operated
Let us be your professional assistant. We are here to help you with your needs:
Mailbox Service Notary Copying Fax Packaging/Moving Box Shipping (low UPS® shipping rates same as the UPS Hub). Clayton/Concord Location:
Vineyard Shopping Center
Store Hours M-F 8-7 Sat 9-5
5100 Clayton Road Concord, CA 94523 ph: 925-689-6245
The Clayton Pioneer’s “Music Notes” columnist
Clayton’s own
Jim Hudak Pianist and Composer For bookings and performances:
Visit our Website www.jhudak.com E-mail jimmydak@pacbell.net Piano CD’s available on his Brainstorm Records label
Call Or Write:
Brainstorm Records P.O. Box 488 Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 673-7293
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Perenials bring big bloomin’ rewards
STONE TREE
The Tree Experts since 1977
Looking for a Tree Hugger? We specialize in
QUALITY PRUNING & TREE REMOVAL
with no damage to plants or property
Free estimates & Low fee consultations
(925) 7 98-2 2 094
Richard Stone z ISA Certified Arborist #2245 CA lic # 629457
z
Page 21
Insured for Worker’s Comp & Liability
Big blooms are main garden attractions. They are the reward for a job well done. After amending, installing, watering, feeding, weeding and pruning, the flowers are the payoff. The choices are endless, the color palate is personal, and the results are satisfying. Flower gardening begins with the dirt. Amend planting beds with a mix high in nitrogen. Producing plants require extra help. They have needs beyond that of the woody shrub. Paydirt with soil “enrich” is our preferred soil conditioner, proving fabulous
ditioner is absolutely necessary. Picking the perennials can be intimidating. Nurseries are loaded with shelves of flowers. Who will lose their leaves? Who will die down to the ground? Which are perennial? Is this annual? How long and when does this bloom? Visit your nursery before you buy, and familiarize yourself with the flowers. Pick up the plant cans, read the tags, write down the plant names, and do some research. The more that you know about your plants, the more you will help them. Bloom color is normally the
spires of pink shine over a long period of late spring through mid-summer. The gardener that deadheads will enjoy the blooms into August. Use a mediumsized perennial to cover up the legs of a taller choice. Shade gardeners have some lovely pinks to enjoy as well. Justicia carnea, or the Brazilian Plume Flower, blooms pink tubular flowers from late spring to midsummer. The foliage is dark green with a bronze underside reaching 2 1/2 feet tall and almost as wide. This shade-loving staple is fabulously rewarding and very unique. Purple and lavender are very
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
“Gardenview Scarlet,” is a bee balm like none other. Clumping 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, it fills in that perennial backrow. Deep red whirls of tube-shaped flowers top the tall stems incising to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Garden blues are nice. The Chinese Plumbago has bronzy, green leaves set off by deep blue flowers growing of sturdy stems; leaves turn red in fall as the plant continues to bloom. When cut back in spring, it grows 3 feet tall and wide. Salvia Indigo Spires is a tall arching semi-evergreen valued for its long spikes of blue, lined with blue two lipped flowers late spring through mid-fall. Corydalis is a dainty shade lover. The foliage of this perennial resembles those of the Bleeding Heart. Typically reaching only 1 foot tall and wide, spike-like gentian blue flowers in spring continue through most of the summer. Keep moist during the summer heat to prevent early dormancy. This perennial is herbaceous. Looking for yellows? Coreopsis is easy to find and easy to grow. Rudbeckia Goldstrum, the Black Eyed Susan, is a truly hardy perennial that is long blooming and sun-loving. Calylophus Sundrops is as sweet as it sounds. Just about 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide, this long blooming hardy perennial is excellent in our hot, dry locations. Wonderful garden whites can be found with the Echinacea White Swan, the white colored purple coneflower. This herbaceous perennial reaches almost 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It blooms later, when summer starts to heat up. Butterflies love this sun-lover. Potentilla Abbotswood is a deciduous shrub with simple, white blossoms on airy stems. This sunlover blooms continuously through the growing season. After leaf loss in the winter, cut back. Blooms are the reward. Plant with a reason, and know how your installation behaves. Take care of your plants, and they will take care of you.
What is your financial personality? You may not know it, but you have a financial personality. It’s made up of all your attitudes, beliefs and behaviors regarding money. And it effects every financial decision you make. At American Express Financial Advisors, Inc., we can help you learn more about your financial personality and use that knowledge to help you make even wiser money management decisions. To help make certain your money is working full time for your success, call a financial advisor for a complimentary initial consultation and get your free Moneymax Financial Profile questionnaire.
Mureleen Benton, CFP Financial Advisor
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® 5356 Clayton Road., Suite 211, Concord, CA 94521 Bus: 925.685.4523; Fax: 925.685.3520 Lic: CA 0692378
Moneymax© is a registered trademark of Financial Psychology Corporation. American Express Financial Advisors, Inc. Member NASD, American Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors, Inc., and is not a broker-dealer. ©2001-2003 American Express Financial Corporation. All rights reserved
TOAD LILY
in new perennial beds, as well as a top dressing for existing beds. Paydirt is a soil that was designed with vegetables and perennials in mind. If the fruit or the flower is your motivator, then your use of a rich soil con-
COMING SOON!
Desirable Antioch Neighborhood!
Kimberly Morucci (925) 280-8 8563 kmorucci@interorealestate.com www.kimmorucci.com
HUGE LOT!! One of THE largest lots in the Neighborhood, Park Like Setting with Gorgeous Pool, Lush Lawn Areas, TerraCotta Patio, Sand Play Area, and Play Structure, As well as Barbeque/Entertaining Area, Water Fountain and Pond, Side Yard and Storage Shed. Surrounded by Mature Landscaping, Private and Serene. 4 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath, Original Owners Lovingly Maintained and Stylishly Updated and Expanded. Huge Great Room, Kitchen Remodel and Addition, done with Permits!!! Laminate Wood Flooring and Designer Carpet on 1st Floor. Kitchen Features Granite Counters and Huge Eating Area, with Breakfast Bar. This House has much more to Offer. Don't miss this, it is truly amazing!!! PLUS No Mello Roos! Offered at $574,000.
Walnut Creek office, 1280 Civic Dr., Suite 200, 8500 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 z (925) 280-8
most important element in the purchase of a perennial. Gardeners love flowers in all different colors. Have in mind what would be the perfect sized plant for the area. Making some decisions beforehand will limit the perennial choices, saving the gardener some confusion. During spring a lot of flower gardeners come in searching for pink-colored blooms. Gypsophila, commonly called Baby’s Breath, has a great pink in its family. Gypsophila repens ‘rosea’ is a perennial that grows 6-9 inches tall and trials 1 1/2 feet wide in full sun. Small, pink, airy flowers top the wiry stems. This great perennial will bloom nearly all spring and summer long with deadheading and works great cascading over a rock wall or in a container to fall over the side. This plant will die down to the ground as the weather cools. When spring approaches, the plant grows back for another season of lovely texture and bloom. Veronica is another great, sun-loving pink. Veronica hybrid “Redfox” fulfills the mediumsized pink bloomer that a gardener maybe looking for. Reaching 14 to 18 inches tall and 2 feet wide makes this perennial most desirable. The spiking
sought after colors in the perennial garden. Great gardens begin with purple. The pastel gardeners love the blending that purple provides, and the hot colored gardener uses purple to cool down their color palate, adding contrast. The Toad Lily is an interesting, shade-loving perennial with lavender-blue orchardlike blossoms. Foliage reaches 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall. Tricyrtis formosana “Amethystina” is a herbaceous perennial, dying to the ground each year and regrowing stems the following growing season. Liatris spicata is another herbaceous perennial, a showy, sun-loving bloomer with bold, stiff spikes of purple feathery flowers above bright green narrow foliage. It stands 2 feet tall and wide and looks great planted with Paprika Yarrow. Red adds spice to a perennial bed. Salvia “Maraschino” is semi-evergreen, medium-sized and long blooming. Two lipped cherry red blooms line airy stems. Hummingbird friendly and sun-loving, Mrs. Bradshaw’s Geum is a surprising double-red shade lover. It will produce green foliage low with long stems topped with tight double blossoms mid-spring through mid-summer with regular deadheading. Monarda didyma, or
Is your backyard ready for company?
Create
a beautiful backyard experience with our unique and
stylish
collections of patio furniture by Brown Jordan, O W Lee and Homecrest. Chateau
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at GardenGirl94517@aol.com
R&M
the place for fine gifts, decorator items, patio and garden furniture and quality nursery items.
distinctive plants and outdoor décor help to create the ambiance that you are Fountains, pots,
looking for. Olympus
Our goal is to help you experience outdoor
living
at its finest.
Pool, Patio & Gardens Family owned since 1983
6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton
Moroccan
· 672-0207
Closed Mondays
Page 22
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
May 20, 2005
Listen to the call of the California Quail Show your pride! Clayton-themed men's & women's apparel, coffee mugs etc.
) Many designs ) Secure Online Purchasing ) 30-Day Money Back CATHIE
ClaytonShirts.com
GERNHARDT
FOR THE BIRDS Welcome to the world of backyard birding. Have you been looking around and saying to yourself, where have all the sparrows gone? If you have been paying attention you may have noticed that the White Crown, Gold Crown and Song Sparrows along with the Darkeyed Juncos have disappeared. They have taken off to go nesting somewhere else and should return in early fall. Please don’t worry because several other species have moved right in to keep bird watching interesting. It looks to me that this is a good year for the California Quail. They are abundant and appear to be everywhere, warming my heart with their call which seems to shout out “How Are Ya?” I’m hoping some of you were paying attention a few
WESTERN TANAGER
weeks back when a flock of Band Tailed Pigeons stopped in to visit for a few days. The Band Tailed is larger than our resident pigeon by a couple of inches, sports a yellow beak and a white ring around the collar. They mostly frequent mountain forests so it was a rare treat to see them around town. It is that time of year again for the birds to put on their bright colors as they play the dating game. Several people have been asking about a bright yellow bird that is bigger than our cute little goldfinches. I’m pretty certain what everyone is seeing is the Hooded Oriole, although we also have Bullocks Orioles, Western Kingbirds, Western Meadowlarks and Evening Grosbeaks in our area all showing off their yellow beauty. The Hooded and Bullocks Orioles are distinguishable if you pay attention to
Unique Hair & Nails C OMPLETE N AIL C ARE
Specializing in z Acrylic & Gel Nails z Silk Wrap
z Nail Designs
z Elegant Nails z Hot Wax z Deluxe Manicure/Pedicure
925.689.7278 4787 Clayton Road, Suite C, Concord
(Across from Aegis Senior Living)
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-7, Sat 9-5
$5 Off
$3 Off
With coupon. Limited one coupon per visit. Expires 6/15/05
With coupon. Limited one coupon per visit. Expires 6/15/05
Any Full Set CALIFORNIA QUAIL
the top of their head The Bullocks has a black cap on the top of its head, where the Hooded Oriole does not. Don’t be surprised if you see an Oriole at your hummingbird feeder, as they are fond of sweet nectar. Some other colorful visitors to watch for this time of year include the melodious Western Tanager with its bright yellow chest and deep red head, usually singing in the top of a tree somewhere. Another wonderful singing visitor to watch and listen for is the Black Headed Grosbeak, a larger member of the Finch family, measuring 61/2 to 7-3/4-inches. The adult male is impressive with his deep orange breast, collar and under parts, in contrast to his black head and wings, decorated with white wing bars, wing patches, and white spots on a black tail. Females have similar markings although they are a bit less flashy in color, being mostly light yellowish brown. Moving along the color spectrum I want you to start looking for blue. We have several birds in the area parading around in beautiful shades of blue. Of course there is the ever present Western Scrub Jay, commonly referred to as a Blue Jay,
not to be confused with the Stellar Jay, which has a crest, or crown, and lives mostly in wooded mountain forests. Other species to look for include the Lazuli Bunting, on the smaller side, being approximately 5 to 5-1/2 inches, showing a bright blue head and back, with reddish colored chest and sides, a white belly and under tail, two white wing bars and a conical bill. The Western Bluebird is a bit larger, 6-1/2 to 7 inches, with a blue head, wings tail and throat, a gray belly, a chestnut colored chest and back patch and a thin bill. FYI, there is a kick off meeting for the Mt. Diablo Creek Watershed Management Plan at 6:30 p.m. on Mon. May 23 at the Farm Bureau Hall. Also, don’t forget about the Clayton Pioneer Meet the Writers Birthday Bash on June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at R&M Pool Patio & Gardens. Until next time, Happy Bird Day. Cathie Gernhardt has lived in Clayton for the past 38 years. Bird watching is one of her greatest joys. She has taken classes at Wild Birds Unlimited and has frequently participated in local bird walks. You can email her at Cathie@claytonpioneer.com.
CALL NOW & schedule an initial NO COST consultation
925-673-8817 925-673-8818 Fax
Limited one coupon per visit. Expires 8/15/05
Tender, l oving c are f or s eniors i n t wo b eautiful l ocations
Petar Guest Home
Diablo Senior Homes
(925) 672-2 2841
(925) 855-0 0959
in C layton
in Danville
Lic 071441200
Lic 075600230
In our 10 years of providing AFFORDABLE care, our facilities have NEVER had a deficiency or a complaint filed with the licensing agency. Trust your senior care to us.
Licensed for dementia and Alzheimer’s Three meals a day Care and services 24/7 Private and semi-private rooms Quiet, residential neighborhood Hospice Licensed
Ray Keyhantaj
(Cell) 925-360-2936
You can now receive 10% credited on every deposit for first 5 years.
Important Money News! Do you have 401K and Savings Blues? Your money earns 10% on deposit PLUS up to 25% MORE every year.
HERE'S MORE GOOD NEWS z
z
Business and Financial Consulting Management Counseling for Business Leaders Recruiting Top Talent for Your Company Coaching and Counseling for Job Seekers
With coupon. Limited one coupon per visit. Expires 6/15/05
FREE GIFT
First 50 customers with coupon.
to make that important decision for yourself or your loved ones.
z
Sid Landman President
Manicure & Pedicure combined
Don’t wait
z
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING FOR GROWING COMPANIES
$5 Off
Any Fill
Your money is SAFE! You can never suffer a loss of value due to stock market fluctuations Receive a guaranteed rate of return Get a 10% credit for every deposit you make during the first 5 years
Your retirement made BETTER Do you have a 401k, SEP, IRA, Bonds, ROTH IRA or Money Market Account? Move it (or start a new one) through a tax-free, penalty free Sec. 1035 Exchange
650-868-0151 Mobile sid@landmanconsulting.com
Victor Weber, Clayton resident Insurance and Financial Services 'Because your money matters"
Serving businesses and individuals since 1994 Lic. OE 48176
May 20, 2005
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 23
There’s always room for Jell-O
1 vanilla bean ** 1 cup strawberries, roughly chopped ¼ cup orange juice Juice of one lemon 2 Tbsp sugar
®
With Memorial Day fast approaching and warm weather sure to appear sometime soon, my thoughts turn to summertime food fare. One of the foods I associate with meals at my grandmother’s house is molded salads and desserts. Commercial preparations of gelatin — the stuff that makes summertime salads wiggly and jiggly — in Europe dates back more than 300 years. In 1845,
Jell-O® finally became popular in the 20th Century, particularly because of its innovative advertising campaigns. Celebrity actress Ethel Barrymore and opera star Madame SchumannHeink contributed their favorite recipes, and Kewpie dolls were introduced as the first trademark for the brand. Genesee Pure Food Company changed its name to the Jell-O® Company, in 1923 and two years
hydrolyzed collagen derived from boiling cow or pig bones and hides for a very long time. The word we use today is derived from the French “gelatine.” Aside from traditional food uses, gelatin is used to clarify wines and juices and coat pills for the pharmaceutical industry. It is also used in photography, where it suspends light-sensitive silver halides and binds them to the film or paper base.
JELL-O HAS BEEN AROUND since the late 19th century. Above are two of the many historical ads readers can find on the Jell-o Web site at www.kraftfoods.com At the left, an ad from 1912 and on the right, from 1939. Peter Cooper received the first U.S. patent for a gelatin dessert. He did not do much with the product, but in the late 1800s, fruit-flavored versions were developed into the concoctions called Jell-O®. The Jell-O® business was sold to a neighbor in 1899 for the paltry sum of $450.
later it partnered with Postum (a beverage company) to form an enterprise that would eventually become The General Foods Company. These days, Jell-O® is sold by Kraft Foods. Gelatin is an odorless, colorless and tasteless thickening agent. Technically, it is
There are similar thickening/molding agents derived from non-animal sources. Vegetarians and individuals wishing to observe religious laws can try agar or carrageen, which are derived from dried seaweed and sold in powder or strand form. Isinglass, while
used less frequently, is extracted from the air bladders of sturgeon and other fish. In small amounts, gelatin adds substance to foods, and its low melting point (about the same temperature as the inside of your mouth) makes food seem rich without additional calories. Food manufacturers are realizing the potential of gelatin as a fat substitute. It is carbohydrate free and a good source of protein. The French have been taking advantage of gelatin’s properties for hundreds of years and perfected the “glace” (pronounced like glass with an “ah” sound thrown in). Glaces are meat or fish stocks that have been cooked down over a number of hours to thick, semi-gelatinous sauces. You’ve probably heard of demi-glace, which is made the same way but is not as thick as glace. Add enough gelatin, and the mixture thickens to the point it can be sliced. Here’s a pair of sweet and savory dishes for you to try, particularly as hotter weather fare. SHRIMP & AVOCADO ASPIC 2 Tbsp powdered gelatin (2 packets or 2 sheets gelatin*) 2 Tbsp water 1 c boiling water 1 – 6 oz can V-8 juice 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce dash Tabasco sauce Juice of half a lemon (1+ Tbsp) 1 c celery, chopped 1 avocado, cut in small cubes (about one cup) ¼ tsp salt 2 c shrimp, cooked and cleaned Soften gelatin in cold water, then add boiling water. Stir to dissolve. Add juice and seasonings. Chill until mixture begins
LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
to thicken (about 1 hour). Add avocado and shrimp. Turn mixture into a mold and refrigerate until firm. Slice and serve on lettuce with mayonnaise on the side. *Before powdered gelatin was developed in the mid-1800’s, gelatin sheets were available — and still are in specialty stores and on some Web sites. The sheets must be soaked and then squeezed dry before being added to the food. PANNA COTTA WITH STRAWBERRY SAUCE 1 pint whipping cream (preferably without stabilizers) 2 gelatin sheets or 1 tsp powdered gelatin 2 Tbsp sugar
“Thanks again for your great newspaper! Clayton loves the Pioneer, and everyone always looks forward to each issue! What paper can claim that?” GREG THIBODEAUX
“It thrills me to see the new Pioneer-what a great local paper. I read it from cover to cover every issue. And, since I get one at home and one in my post office box, I send the extra to my daughter so she can keep up with the local news.” JOHN JAWAD
HELP-U-SELL REAL ESTATE SERVICES 4918 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94521 (925) 680-4950
26 Mt. Wilson Way
Clayton
We sold our home on 522 Mt. Davidson Court in Clayton and saved over $32,100 in real estate fees! We are very happy with Help-U-Sell and would use them again! Our agent was very professional and thorough in handling the sale of our home! A. Medrano
We sold our home on 1816 Yolanda Circle in Clayton in 4 days using Help-U-Sell & saved over $27,600 in real estate commissions. This was by far the best real estate experience we have ever had! We are so happy with the results that we recommended Help-U-Sell to all our neighbors. J. Mann
Sell Fast! Save Money
550! d $25,5 aved Sold Selllerr S
ng! Pendin
$549,950
3101 Coyote Circle
Clayton
$530,000
317 Saclan Terrace
Clayton
$569,000
650! d $39,6 aved Sold Selllerr S
1830 Yolanda Circle
Clayton
$784,950
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1378 sq.ft. Separate 2 story unit with updated kitchen & baths! New water heater, dual pane windows throughout, freshly painted & new carpet in most rooms. Large finished garage w/workbench, storage & sports bar, large deck for entertaining & private, quiet, park like setting! Close to shopping & downtown.
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1595 sq.ft. Beautiful and unique with designer touches throughout! Large eat-in kitchen with maple cabinets, custom built in china cabinet, spacious family room with 2 sided fireplace, formal living & dining room & master suite w/private bathroom.
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.
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, approx 2,133 sq.ft. of living space. Spectacular home ready for any family! Entertainers delight backyard with gorgeous pool! Fully landscaped front and backyard with flagstone. Updated kitchen and baths, spacious living room, family room & dining room. An absolute must see to believe!
d $38,150 aved Sold! Selllerr S
450 d $32,4 aved Sold! Selllerr S
d $27,950 aved Sold! Selllerr S
770 d $27,7 aved Sold! Selllerr S
30 Fleming Ct.
Clayton
$785,000
25 Atchinson Stage Rd.
Clayton
$699,000
5830 Del Trigo Lane
Clayton
$565,000
5418 Paso Del Rio Ct.
Concord
$612,000
4 bedrooms, plus den, 2.5 baths, approx 2368 sq.ft. hardwood flrs, marble entry, gorgeous kitchen w/granite tile counters & gas stove & large master suite w/walkin closet & marble bathroom. Spectacular tropical backyard with pool/spa & waterfall, extended BBQ island w/slate counter, sink, eating area and tile patio. This home is an absolute must see to believe! An entertainers Dream!
Awake to Views of Mt. Diablo! 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Approx 2,549 sq. ft., Custom additions w/permits, new roof, pergo flrs, spacious family room w/brick fireplace & formal living & dining room w/bay windows, 3 sets of French doors, private landscaped backyard w/deck & RV parking too! Light & bright throughout!
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, approx 1,659 sq.ft. Large .26 acre lot! Original hardwood flrs throughout, formal living rm w/fireplace, light & bright family rm & eat-in kitchen w/double oven. Central heat, vaulted ceilings, shutters/blinds throughout & large backyard with sparkling pool
4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 2135 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room, large family room w/brick fireplace, wilsonart hardwood flrs, ceiling fan, wet bar & Anderson slider! Updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters, oak cabinets, built in microwave/convection oven, dishwasher, garden window & built in desk. Tile entry, central heat/air, gorgeous landscaped backyard w/redwood deck.
d $32,150! aved Sold! Selllerr S
ys!! Sold in 4 Da6,110 3 $ d ed v a S r er l Sell
650! d $27,6 aved Sold! Selllerr S
600! d $45,6 aved Sold! Selllerr S
522 Mt. Davidson Court
Clayton
$685,000
4 Large bedrooms, 2 updated baths, approx 2325 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room w/vaulted ceilings, family room w/wet bar, hardwood floor entry, updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters & central heat/air. Spacious master suite, tile roof, new exterior paint & meticulously maintained yards!
182 Mt. Wilson Way
Clayton
$751,000
5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, approx 2,692 sq.ft. Lovely kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, gas stove, tile counters and garden window! Gas fireplace in family room, oak hardwood flr in entry, kitchen & eating area, wet bar & large laundry room with storage. Master Bedroom features views & private deck, lovely backyard with spa & gorgeous views!
1816 Yolanda Circle
Clayton
$610,000
3 Large Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,780 sq.ft. Gorgeous home inside & out! Spacious family room w/woodburning fireplace, dining room w/wood floors, new heat/air & new roof. Master Bedroom with French doors to private Trex patio deck, fruit trees & generous side & backyard with RV parking. Great Clayton Neighborhood!
102 Forest Hill Drive
Clayton
5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, maple cabinets & island. Formal living w. fireplace & dining room, spacious family room w/fireplace. Open & bright throughout, inside laundry, 3 car garage, landscaped yards & Large master suite w/jacuzzi tub!
You Could Save $27,050! By selling your home with Help-U-Sell instead of with brokers who charge a 6% commission* (the savings are based on a home selling for $600,000).You can select from many fine real estate professionals.Why not choose one that will also save you money when you sell? *Commissions are negotiable and not set by law.
visit us online at
helpusell.com
You’re Paying How Much To Sell Your Home?
Just Listed
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
Why do you read the Pioneer?
“Look Who’s Selling Clayton!”
LOW FEES HAPPY CUSTOMERS!
Heat cream, sugar and vanilla over low heat. Do not boil. Add gelatin sheets that have been pre-soaked in water (or use the powdered gelatin). Mix well to dissolve gelatin. Pour into individual serving size ramekins and refrigerate. Combine sugar and juices in medium fry pan and cook over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Add strawberries. Continue to cook and stir for 3 minutes. Refrigerate the sauce. To serve, loosen the panna cotta with a knife and turn them over onto serving plates. Pass the strawberry sauce. **Trader Joe’s sells a vanilla paste that can be used in lieu of vanilla extract and vanilla beans. It has a wonderful flavor, and the vanilla bean pieces give it an authentic look in dishes.
Visit our new office at 4918 Clayton Road
Page 24
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
May 20, 2005
When you call Lynne French, be sure to request a free copy of her special report “29 Essential Tips That Get Homes Sold Fast (And For Top Dollar).” This valuable information can save you precious time and money as you prepare to make your move.
(925) 672-8787 www.LynneFrench.com Lynne@LynneFrench.com
S
omeone who’s always on the go and always in the know, Lynne French’s natural energy and positive personality drive her to make the most of every moment, whether it’s in her hobbies, in her home life with husband, Danny, or in her role as one of the area’s leading real estate professionals. With such a determined approach, it’s easy to see how Lynne has made such a
lasting impact through her long-running real estate career. By working her hardest and providing the most possible options, she has helped many Discover the Possibilities in the East Bay Area real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling, Lynne French and her team are the ones to know for a higher level of service. Give them a call today and experience the difference for yourself.
6200-E Center St. 1801 N. California Blvd.
Clayton, CA 94517 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
GEORGE VUJNOVICH,
Broker
(925) 672-4433
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517
4.76 ACRES ~ MORGAN TERRITORY, CLAYTON Remarkable Custom Victorian Estate atop a private knoll nestled in a picturesque setting surrounded by majestic Heritage oaks, gently rolling hills & native landscape! 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3,519sf, inside laundry, attached 3 car garage, detached (20'x34') 2 car garage/workshop plus a separate (32'x36') barn with 376sf loft. Quality craftsmanship & Victorian period detailing throughout includes: custom crown moulding, door & window trim, light fixtures, hardware, stained glass window accents & so much more! Grand scale formal dining & living rooms. Enormous eat-in gourmet country kitchen featuring custom slab granite counters, island & full backsplash, "Plato" cabinets & state-ofthe-art appliances. Magnificent master suite offers, a sauna, two-person shower, huge walk-in closet & French Doors leading to balcony with breath-taking views. Take in the spectacular views of oak dotted hills, canyons, pastures & mountain range from every window or the 900sf wrap around porch. $1,495,000
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB JUST LISTED! Fantastic "Nantucket " model backing to open space! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,599sf, rare 4 car garage & inside laundry. Gourmet kitchen features upgraded tile floors, counters, island, upgraded cabinets & pantry. Extended family room features a fireplace & recess for TV. Neutral carpet & décor throughout! Spacious master suite overlooks views of open space & features a retreat/nursery/workout room. Private lot backs to open space & features a sparkling inground pool with built-in elevated spa. $1,250,000
georgevujnovich.com PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
JUST LISTED! S t u n n i n g "Nantucket" model in a quiet court setting! 4 bedrooms, den, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,820sf, 3 car garage & inside laundry. Neutral carpet, designer paint, plantation shutters & wood blinds throughout! Gourmet kitchen features tile counters, island & recipe desk with accent tile back splash, upgraded diagonal laid tile floors, upgraded "mocha" cabinets & pantry. Expanded family room offers a wood burning fireplace & TV recess. Spacious master suite with retreat/nursery/workout room. Large lot features colorful flowers, ornamentals, large lawn area & a trellis covered salt washed patio. $1,285,000
JUST LISTED! Immaculate "Nantucket" model facing open space! with views of hills, ridge & canyons. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,599sf, 3 car garage & inside laundry. Neutral carpet, décor & wood blinds throughout! Entry features upgraded double beveled glass front doors & upgraded tile floors. Gourmet kitchen features upgraded tile floors, counters, island, maple cabinets & pantry with frosted door. Expanded family room features fireplace with ceramic log insert & recess for TV. Spacious master suite. Rear yard offers a trellis covered random stone patio large lawn & play area. faces open space with views of hills, $1,250,000 ridgeline & canyons.
WINDMILL CANYON/IRONWOOD AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
JUST LISTED! Beautiful "Balustrol" model! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,315sf, 2 car garage with workshop area & inside laundry. Entry features upgraded extended tile floors & soaring ceiling. Step down formal living & dining rooms. Gourmet kitchen features tile counters & a large center island with bay window eating nook. Expanded family room with tile fireplace. Master features a balcony with views of hills. Lot features a large lawn area & patio with stone accents. $779,000
Magnificent G "Belvedere" DIN N E model! 5 bedP rooms, 3.5 baths, den & loft, approx. 4,100sf, inside laundry, 3 upgraded fireplaces & rare 4 car garage with built-in storage. Upgraded 18 marble floors in entry, hall, dining & living rooms, ½ bath & kitchen. Upgraded light fixtures, "mocha" cabinet package, central vacuum, plantation shutters, designer paint & custom murals throughout! Solid slab granite kitchen with full tumbled marble backsplash & large pantry. Fabulous great room features a stacked stone fireplace, upgraded custom laid tumbled marble floors, slab granite full bar with custom mural/art. Private downstairs bedroom with full bath. Elegant master suite overlooks open space & features a romantic fireplace. Large level lot backs to open space with a large lawn area & custom deck looking out over city/valley & beyond views. $1,379,000