PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
November 28, 2003
925.672.0500
Mayor warns governor of fire danger With the advent of the rainy season, the immediate fire danger to Mt. Diablo and the foothills may not be so immediate. But, past legislation outlawing cattle grazing from Mt. Diablo State Park has left us vulnerable and unprotected. The deadly destruction and devastation in southern California last month painfully reminds us that we are but one spark away from disaster. In a November 6 letter to the new governor, Mayor Pete Laurence places the state of California on notice. Clayton demands a remedy--sooner, not later.
Photo courtesy KCTS-TV, Seattle, WA
BRITISH TROOPSHIP, HMT ROHNA
US keeps disaster secret for 50 years BY TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
On November 11 every year, we honor our veterans. We remember their bravery, celebrate the survivors of war and mourn those that didn’t come home. But, a lesser known anniversary also falls in November. In this article, we remember and honor the survivors and casualties of the worst troopship disaster in World War II.
November 25, 1943, Thanksgiving Day, Army Air Corpsman, Corporal Bill Casky and 1,980 other American soldiers boarded His Majesty’s Transport Rohna, “a dark gray, spooking looking,” rusty, coal burning British troopship and set sail in a 24
BILL
CASKY
ship convoy bound for bases in China, Burma and India. For 1,015 GI’s that day, a meal of canned chicken and weevil infested biscuits would be their last Thanksgiving dinner. At dusk on the second day out, the Rohna, was hit by the world’s first guided missile. Within an hour, the ship sunk. Six hundred men died instantly. The rest died on the decks, or were battered by malfunctioning lifeboats swinging uselessly on rusted and jammed cables against the side of the Rohna, or were burned to death in the flaming waters, or were killed by gunfire as the Germans strafed the drowning men. Many got too tired and cold to hold on to whatever piece of debris they had been able to grab onto and simply let go, rolled over and drowned. It was the greatest loss of American personnel at sea during World War II. Casky, now 80 and a long time Clayton resident, was one of the luckier ones that night. He was playing cards, fan-tan (7UP) with five friends on the third deck down when the attack began and immediately got up on deck where he watched the radio-
guided bomb leave the German Heinkel 177. “I saw the bomb being released,” recalls Casky. “I didn’t know exactly what it was. I didn’t know it was radio controlled. There was no way in the world that it could miss.” The bomb hit the Rohna, cutting through the engine room and leaving a “hole the size of a house” in each side of the ship— where it went in, and where it came out--and over 600 dead soldiers in between. A sweet natured, unassuming man with an impish smile, Casky’s throat still tightens and he swallows hard when he talks about the night the Rohna went down. Everything went wrong, he remembers. There weren’t enough lifeboats, and most of them were useless. The men were never shown how to use the life belts. Most wore them around their waists instead of up under their arms, causing them to tip over in the water. Casky’s life belt didn’t inflate and he had to blow it up by mouth. When the bomb hit, he scrambled up top and “got the hell overboard,” lowering himself over the side and dropping 30 feet into the freezing, oily water, where he
See Rohna, Page 2
Ann Tompach is remembered Ann Tompach, retired Deputy City Manager of Clayton, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Nov. 7. Ann began her career with the City of Clayton as a planning secretary in August 1974. She served as deputy city clerk for a time and helped in the finance department before becoming the Deputy City Manager. She retired in July, 1993. Co-worker, Lynn Cupit, an accounting technician, remembers Ann as a true professional, representing the city in its best form. “Ann had great respect for the city and for herself. Her expectations and her standards
were high—she expected the best from people, and got it.” Ann was also known for her sense of humor. “She didn’t bring her ego to work with her,” recalls Cupit. Born in Murphysboro, Illinois to the late William and Irene Sherman, Ann moved to California in 1959 and lived here for the next 43 years. She was preceded in death by her father, William; mother, Irene; and brothers, Winston, Wendell and James Sherman. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Norm, and three children, Lisa Wolf, Scott Tompach and Kristan Gerald, and seven grand-
children, Nicholas (Nick) and Erika Wolf, Travis, Carra, and Lauren Tompach, Melissa and Morgan Gerald. Ann brought great joy to her family, friends and the community. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and she enjoyed participating in the development of Clayton. At her request, a private memorial has taken place. Donations in her memory may be made to The Greater Bay Area Make a Wish Foundation, 120 Montgomery Street, Suite, 1080, San Francisco, CA 941044313. The Neptune Society of
MARGARET ANN TOMPACH September 14, 1928 November 7, 2003 Northern California handled arrangements.
Dear Governor Elect Schwarzenegger: The recent southern California fires are a travesty, killing 21 citizens and 1 firefighter, destroying nearly 3,600 homes and charring more than 743,000 acres of brush and timber. More than 27,000 people remain displaced by our state’s largest-ever wildfire. And yet, these deadly fires are poised to repeat themselves elsewhere in California, including communities surrounding the base of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County and those like my community and others surrounding the baseline of Mt. Diablo in Contra Costa County. As Mayor of the town of Clayton on the north slope of Mt. Diablo, we were once fairly well protected through annual cattle grazing that kept the fuel loads to a manageable level on these state park lands and dedicated open space. When Clayton suffered its last fire in 1977, it burned for 3.5 days the entire north side of the mountain down to our houses until firefighters finally extinguished it, once again with the aid of a rainstorm. Then, in the early 1990s, environmental groups heavily lobbied to have existing cattle grazing removed from Mt. Diablo State Park. Our City, along with EVERY other city in Contra Costa County, the County Board of Supervisors, state assemblymembers, and EVERY Fire Department agency in our County lobbied to retain grazing activities, at least in key buffer areas of the lower foothills. Pro-grazing as a resource management tool was embraced at that time by science, public safety, ranchers, and by common sense but ultimately the State Department of Parks, on a close split vote, sided with the environmentalist’s bidding. Grazing was subsequently restricted within Mt. Diablo State Park, offering instead only 20-30 feet of an annually-disced buffer in some places between our homes and the State-purchased open space, right down to the edges of our pre-existing homes. We now have almost 10 seasons of “no grazing” and chronic build-up of fuel load on these lands, making the entire area of Mt. Diablo a powder keg firebomb just prime for another dry lightening storm, irresponsible hiker, arsonist or even a terrorist reeking havoc on our surrounding communities. Now that rains have started and the fire season is ending, we have approximately six (6) months to
devise and implement a responsible resource plan to lessen this fire tragedy just waiting to happen. Your State Department of Parks and Recreation is most likely still sympathetic to the environmental extremists who insist upon a “no grazing” policy at any location. At the time of our discussions in the early 1990s, the California Department of Forestry similarly spouted that party line, saying such silly things as ... “we are at no risk because fires don’t burn downhill,” and ... “you shouldn’t have built houses up to our park,” blindly ignoring the true fact that our homes were already there before the land was purchased by the State down to their property lines. Such faulty reasoning needs to be seriously re-examined, and quickly. We in Clayton hold the State of California responsible for any and all loss of life and loss of property that will undoubtedly occur the next time Mt. Diablo State Park catches fire. Just as a private property owner who negligently maintains a fire danger that harms or kills others, we expect that the State will extinguish the next fire and summarily pay any and all costs related to loss of life and property, whether private or public. It is the State of California’s negligence that consciously allows fuel load on this neighboring land to increase unabated. It is the State’s implemented policy (unlike East Bay Regional Park District and our own City policies for municipal-owned open space) that outlaws cattle grazing as a responsible and effective management tool. And, it is the State of California that we are placing on notice once again of this serious fire danger that can be, and must be, remedied as soon as possible. Our City stands ready at any time to work with your new administration and other state agencies to rectify this egregious problem and oversight on our border, and hopefully in a way that also saves other communities, life and property surrounding urban parks. Urban park settings need some distinct regulations and protections in this regard, contrary to accepted practices in the remote Sierras. It is time for a change, a new beginning of no longer “business as usual.” Sincerely, Peter A. Laurence Mayor
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Rohna, from page1
Sub-s t antial
Re-opening Celebration! New owners and management
N o w Ser ving
Gr illed Subs
Nutritious * Delicious * Delightful Sub sandwiches, hot soups and crispy salads Dine in or take out…catering for 10 to 500 Cash. Credit Cards. ATM
5 4 15 C l ay t o n R d
(next to Shell Gas Station)
(Phone) 925. 673-9531 (fax) 925. 673-9536 O p e n 7 d ays a we e k Turkey Sub Special 6" Turkey Sub
$1 .29 Please present this coupon before ordering. One coupon per customer per visit. Customer must pay any sales tax due. Not good in combination with any other offer offer.. Cash value 1/100 of 1 cent. © 2002 Blimpie International, Inc. Valid at this location only. only. Expires 12/31/03
Family Sub Special 2 12" subs 1 h a m a n d 1 t u rk e y
$9.95
Please present this coupon before ordering. One coupon per customer per visit. Customer must pay any sales tax due. Not good in combination with any other offer offer.. Cash value 1/100 of 1 cent. © 2002 Blimpie International, Inc. Valid at this location only. only. Expires 12/31/03
Grilled Sub Special Grilled beef, turkey & cheddar "delicious"
6" subs
$3.29
reg.$5.49
Please present this coupon before ordering. One coupon per customer per visit. Customer must pay any sales tax due. Not good in combination with any other offer offer.. Cash value 1/100 of 1 cent. ©2002 Blimpie International, Inc. Valid at this location only. only. Expires 12/31/03
clung to a six foot piece of wood and listened as his shipmates died. “It was lonely,” says the soft-spoken man. “You’d drop down between the swells and there was nothing...just black. It was scary as hell. You could hear men screaming for their mamas.” Then the rolling sea would raise him back up where he could see the stars and the lights of the minesweeper, USS Pioneer, which had stayed behind after the rest of the convoy had gone ahead. Crewmen of the Pioneer were jumping into the water to save the injured and exhausted soldiers. Casky, his hands bloody and cracked from smashing against the side of the rescue ship was pulled to safety after five and a half dark, cold hours in the water. In the pocket of his flight jacket were three of the four sevens from the fan-tan game. The 1,015 soldiers, together with the five British officers, the 115 Royal Indian seamen, and the three American Red Cross men who all died brought the total dead to 1,138. More men died in the Rohna disaster than perished on the USS Arizona. But, unlike the Arizona, the sinking of the Rohna was kept secret by both the United States and the British governments for 50 years. “The government didn’t want anyone to know about the glider bomb,” says Casky. “It would be bad for morale.” In “The Sinking of the Rohna,” a definitive account of the disaster, former Chronicle reporter Don Fortune writes, “Military Intelligence...knew the Rohna had sunk with heavy loss of life, but withheld this news from reporters...Following standard procedure, the British Admiralty and the United States War Department immediately stamped the sinking TOP SECRET.” And top secret it stayed, for the duration of the war and for 50 years after. Families only
November 28, 2003 knew that their loved ones were “missing in action.” With no records available, survivors found it impossible to get anyone in the government to believe it had happened. It wasn’t until 50 years later, when a few survivors began to search for crew members of the rescue ship, Pioneer, that the story of the Rohna saw the light of day. In 1993, survivors of the disaster, crew members of the Pioneer and family members of those lost, 106 in all, gathered for the first time in an emotional reunion in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. There have been many reunions since 1996. Every year, there is another opportunity for those who were rescued to embrace those who rescued them and for family members to learn a little more about the night that claimed their husbands, fathers, grandfathers, uncles or brothers. Casky lives in Dana Hills with Maddie, his wife of 56 years. The two met in 1944 when Maddie was singing with the Happy Holidays USO tour at Casky’s air base in Malir, India. They were married in San Francisco in 1947. A well known performer in local theater, Maddie last appeared in No, No Nanette and 42nd Street with the Diablo Light Opera Company. Casky retired in 1970 from the import/export business. Asked how his feels his experience on the Rohna shaped his life, Casky answers, “I went in (the army) a boy, and came out a man. I lost five very good friends that night and I think about them every day.” In 1996, at Fort Mitchell Cemetery in Seale, Alabama, a granite memorial was dedicated to those lost in the attack on the Rohna. And finally, on October 10, 2000, the House of Representatives unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution #408, “Expressing Appreciation for U.S. Service Members Aboard HMT Rohna When It Sank.” All of the men injured on the Rohna have
received the Purple Heart. Next May, Casky will travel to Washington D.C. where he and other survivors of the Rohna will be honored in ceremonies at The Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institute and the World War II Memorial, as the sinking of HMT Rohna takes its official and rightful place in history.
Oakhurst to help fire victims Last week an Oakhurst Country Club employee and his family were driven from their home in a devastating fire. Management and fellow employees immediately came to the rescue with clothing, toys and household items. It was especially poignant for Catering Manager Theresa Bragg who survived the same experience less than one year ago. The family, including a 10month old infant and a young daughter, are living in a cramped hotel room in Concord and are struggling to find a home in the area that they can afford. According to Bragg once the family finds a home, they will be in need of items like sofas, beds, chairs and tables. A golf outing at Oakhurst is being organized with proceeds going to the family in need. Donations are also appreciated. For more information on donations and housing needs call Bragg at (925) 672-9737 ext. 210.
The Van Fleet-Bronson Team
Personal Service Makes The Difference The Van Fleet-Bronson Team
Josie Van Fleet-Bronson For superior service and a successful real estate transaction in Clayton or surrounding communities, call Josie, a 19-year Clayton resident and area specialist — The Van Fleet-Bronson Team.
TH THE MON F O E UR FEAT
Specializing in: Property Management Loans/Refinancing Real Estate Sales - Residential and Investment Ranked #15 in RE/MAX of California and Hawaii and #30 in the world by RE/MAX Int’l. Honor Roll Member, Better Business Bureau Member, Chamber of Commerce & Oakhurst Country Club
2195 Overlook Dr. Walnut Creek
RE/MAX
Real Estate Professionals 1536 Kirker Pass Road, Suite D Clayton, CA 94517
925-672-4333
www.CallTheVanFleetTeam.com ABLE AIL V A
BLE ILA A AV
ABLE AIL V A
Left to right: (Back row) Kim Chambers, Vice President, Escrow Processor and Buyer’s Agent; Cathie Provinse, Office Manager, Property Manager and Buyer’s Agent; Danny Provinse, Agent; Colby Chambers, Reception; Ron Chambers, Agent; Miroslav Bronson, Buyer’s Agent and Technical Engineer; (Front row) Jennifer Nascimento, Intern; Josie Van Fleet-Bronson, President, Broker and Listing Agent; Lynne Wills, Executive Assistant; Kathy Frame, Administrative Assistant and Property Manager.
1809 Paul Lane, Concord Country appeal with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,664 sq ft of living space, slider in master bedroom to backyard, large laundry room and pantry with custom cabinets, central heat/AC, crown molding, wainscotting, free standing fireplace, ceiling fans throughout, large backyard, possible hot tub/pool site, RV/boat parking all on a private quiet street. $459,000
5013 Star Mine Way, Antioch Spacious 5 bedroom home with 3 full baths, 3,131 sq. ft., vaulted ceilings, formal dining and living areas, marble entry with dramatic staircase, cozy fireplace, large family room, tile kitchen counter tops, island in kitchen, huge master bedroom with large walk in closet, large fenced backyard, possible pool site, three car garage in a nice quiet neighborhood. REDUCED TO $549,000
4449 Birch Bark Rd. Concord This well-maintained home is light and bright with a nice open floor plan featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, formal living & dining rooms, updated kitchen with tile counters & newer floors and appliances, walk-in pantry and recessed lighting. Nice family room with atrium and newer redwood deck, spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet & updated master bathroom. Yards are nicely landscaped with drip system sprinklers and walkway. $449,950
This unique home has views of Mt. Diablo and has approximately 3,864 sq ft of living space. Many extras accent this home including a living room with cozy brick fireplace and built in BBQ. Zoned M-3 multi family, two separate full kitchens and three separate living areas could be "in law" units. Game room upstairs with wet bar, fireplace and gorgeous views, ceiling fans. Large unfinished room could be master suite. Sparkling pool and hot tub, dog run 50x20, RV/boat parking, all in a secluded central location. $839,000
BLE ILA A AV
2058 Overhill Dr. Concord Great for first time buyers with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1,057 sq. ft. of living space, huge lot for RV/boat parking, wood deck with views of Mt. Diablo, cozy fireplace in living room, eat in kitchen, ceiling fans, updated kitchen and bath, central location near schools, parks, Mt. Diablo Hospital and easy freeway access. $319,000
BLE ILA A AV
SOON G N MI O C 239 Pebble Beach Loop, Pittsburg 770 Beatrice Street, Brentwood 14 Nottingham Circle, Clayton
1794 Alray Drive Concord This one story rancher features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and is situated on a huge lot with tons of off street parking. This home is light and bright with a cozy fireplace, private deck off the master bedroom, inside laundry room, formal dining room, flagstone entry, outdoor fire pit, room for RV parking and is close to schools. REDUCED T O $475,000.
1183 Blue Lake Way, Concord 87 Leeward Way, Pittsburg
November 28, 2003
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
CLASSIFIED ADS HAVE YOU RECEIVED A COURT Judgement and can’t collect? Direct Action Judgement Recovery, (925) 673-8719, www.darereocvery.com. Member of the California Association of Judgement Professionals. LOCK SERVICES-residential, commercial, automotive. Locks repaired, replaced and rekeyed. Keys replaced and changed. Lockout services. Call for estimate.Clayton Valley Locksmith. Licensed, bonded, reliable. 6730776
HELP WANTED THE PIONEER IS LOOKING for a few “neighborhood reporters,” to report neighborhood events (block parties, new babies, wild animal sightings, etc.) and to bring issues to our attention (street work needed, traffic problems, environmental issues, etc.). Must be willing to work for gratitude! You bring us the news and we’ll write it. Contact the Clayton Pioneer, 672-0500 or email tamara@claytonpioneer.com
IT'S A DOG'S WORLD & CATS RULE
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580
SERVICES AVAILABLE
Page 3
at
Tamara and Robert Steiner, Co-Publishers Tamara Steiner, Editor Jill Bedecarre, Assistant Editor; Display Advertising Jay Bedecarre, Sports Rafi Hashemi, Graphic Design
Concord Feed
Subscribe to the Pioneer
For All Your Pet and Livestock Needs at Great Prices
Nutro Natural Choice $2799 & Nutro Max $1999
The Clayton Pioneer is delivered free to all addresses in the 94517 ZIP code and by subscription to addresses outside the 94517 ZIP Code. Subscriptions are $40 a year Papers are delivered by direct mail twice a month. Please use this form to subscribe, or send your information by mail to The Clayton Pioneer, P.O. Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517 with your check or money order for $40 Name
CHILD CARE CHARMETTA’S CHILD CARE, 2 openings. Mt. Diablo Elementary School grades 1-5. Before school 7-8 a.m., after school until 6 p.m. Homework help and many activities. two licensed providers on site. Country home adjacent to school. Call 672-5725. CLAYTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL at Mt. Diablo Elementary, Rooms 38-41. Pre-school and K-5 childcare. Licensed and professional staff provide a safe, caring and active environment to meet your childcare needs. Preschool: 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., M-F, call 6731488. School age, K-5: 7 a.m.-6 p.m., M-F, call 672-0388.
Street City State/ZIP Phone
We have 3 locations to serve you -
Concord: 5288 Clayton Road
Extra copies at $1 each can be picked up at the Pioneer office at 6200 Center St., Suite F, Clayton, CA 94517.
925.825.9530also in:
Pleasant Hill • 228 Hookston Road • 925.906.0130 Novato • 7546 Redwood Blvd. • 415.892.1030
Mon - Fri: 8am-6:30pm • Sat/Sun 9am-5pm
NEED A BABYSITTER IN Clayton? Call Kelly at 925.673.0393. $10/hr. $15/hr. for three kids.
November 14 December 12 January 16 February 13 March 12
VEHICLES CAR FOR SALE, OLDSMOBILE 1991 , Cutlass, two-door, V-6, air conditioning, power steering,brakes and driver seat, low mileage, smogged. $2,000. Call 925-672-5154
November 28 December 26 January 30 February 27 March 26
TO THE CLAYTON MAN who helped me get my car started in front of The House of Pancakes on Clayton Road on Sunday evening around 6:45. I am sorry I didn't get your name. I want to thank you for helping me and for being so considerate and driving behind me to make sure I got home safely. Helga Aloff, Clayton resident
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CATEGORIES Jobs Child and Adult Care Items For Sale Vehicles For Sale Garage and Yard Sales Real Estate Office Space Homes For Rent Pets and Horses Services Lost and Found Personal Business Opportunities
No or job t too oo sm big all
e r th o f s lp He liday o h
PERSONAL
The Pioneer: It’s your paper
Enjoy a str ess fr ee holiday GIFT WRAPPING AND PERSONAL SHOPPING Also window displays, entryways, mantels, tree decorating and table setting
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,
Give me your to-do list and let me
deck your halls
TAMMY CERRUTI,
Clayton Resident Call now for a free consultation
672-6 6333
Helping you create holiday harmony
925-672-0500 to place your ad over the phone. Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. Classified deadline dates are printed above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. We reserve the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. All classified ads must be paid for in advance.
LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form
for your announcement on our Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” You can also e-mail your letter to tamara@clayton pioneer.com
GEORGE VUJNOVICH Broker
(925) 672-4433
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
georgevujnovich.com Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty
ADDRESS
5171 Keller Ridge Drive 882 Diablo Downs Drive 590 Mt. Dell Drive 339 Saclan Terrace 6025 Golden Eagle 22 Mountaire 91 Regency Drive 201 Southbrook Drive 3 Mt. Wilson Way 5694 Clayton Road 18 Rhine Court
PRICE
$ 649,000 1,150,000 445,000 451,000 599,000 759,950 610,000 629,500 325,000 459,500 559,900
SALE DATE
11/14/03 11/14/03 11/13/03 11/13/03 11/10/03 11/07/03 11/06/03 11/06/03 11/03/03 11/03/03 11/03/03
SF
2,843 3,630 1,926 1,749 2,395 2,960 2,032 2,010 966 1,403 1,776
BED/BATH
4/3 4/4.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 4/3 5/3 4/2.5 4/2.5 2/2 3/2 4/2
ADDRESS
90 Mt. McKinley Court 415 Chupcan Place 273 Mountaire 5575 Southbrook 172 Brandywine Place 4110 Morgan Territory 505 Suisun Court 309 Windmill Canyon 1169 Shell Lane 413 Hummingbird Place 107 Crow Place
PRICE
$ 565,000 468,000 589,000 537,500 872,500 1,060,000 468,900 630,000 405,000 559,000 597,500
SALE DATE
11/03/03 10/31/03 10/31/03 10/29/03 10/29/03 10/29/03 10/23/03 10/22/03 10/20/03 10/16/03 10/16/03
SF
1,919 1,939 2,481 1,862 3,335 3,880 1,939 2,467 1,355 1,877 1,877
ADDRESS
BED/BATH
4/2 3/2.5 5/3 4/2.5 4/2.5 4/3.5 3/2.5 4/3 3/2.5 3/2 3/2.5
238 Jeffry Ranch 510 Mt. Davidson Court 1108 Oakwood Circle 5471 Tara Drive 5850 Four Oaks 6018 Golden Eagle 2 Donner Creek Court 1550 Haviland Court 263 Bigelow Street 1515 O’Hara Court 720 Anizumne Court
All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed
PRICE
$ 590,000 700,000 998,000 439,000 480,000 632,500 379,500 475,000 657,500 480,000 486,500
SALE DATE
10/10/03 10/09/03 10/09/03 10/08/03 10/07/03 10/07/03 10/02/03 10/02/03 10/01/03 9/30/03 9/30/03
SF
2,005 2,960 3,082 1,436 1,392 2,315 1,457 1,549 2,369 1,549 1,939
BED/BATH
4/2.5 5/3 4/2.5 3/2 3/1.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 3/3 5/3 3/3 3/2.5
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Recycle this paper
FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS with experience in mortgage banking, credit and collections or finance and consumer lending ...
ADM NEEDS YOU! We find full time jobs for financial professionals. Call us today and go to work tomorrow!
ADM STAFFING THE LENDING COMMUNITY www.admstaff.com
Tel (925) 746-4222
Fax (925) 746-7133
MIKE ROSE’S AUTO BODY Clayton resident, Mike Rose, has been in business for over 31 years and has always provided quality repair with excellent customer service!
Five l ocations t o s erve y ou! 2001 Fremont Street Concord, Ca 94520 (925) 686-1739
UPCOMING EVENTS The Fox and the Fiddle historic building dedicationDecember 1 A special dedication ceremony commemorating the colorful past of two buildings in Clayton will be held on Monday, December 1 at 1 p.m. at the Fox and the Fiddle. A bronze marker will be placed at the restaurant recognizing an historical past dating back to the 1870’s home built by Jack Duncan which eventually became, a store, post office, barber shop and the infamous Growler Saloon. The Saloon was moved back from Main Street when it was purchased by Joe Pastor and Ed Minadeo in 1973. Two years later Josef and Marie Salas purchased the property and relocated the Goethal’s building alongside the Growler. The two build-
ings were restored to establish LaCocotte restaurant. Ingrid and Rudi Hempell bought LaCocotte in 1976 creating a popular dining destination in Clayton for 25 years. In 2002, John and Sharon Johnston acquired the restaurant and renamed it The Fox and the Fiddle. For more information on the ceremony call the Clayton Historical Museum at 6720240 or 672-5058
Spirituality/Religions through timeDecember 5 The Clayton B’hai Community is hosting a musical and dramatic presentation of Spirituality/Religions through time at the Toloui residence in Clayton on December 5 at 7:30 p.m. The
2288 North Main Walnut Creek, Ca 94596 (925) 979-1739
needs of each student
Senior Retirement Living Honoring Our Elders dreamed I'd ever be this happy again." -Wilma "Diamond Terrace gave my mom her life back!" - Wilma's Daughter, Ramona
Clayton’s First New Year’s Eve Celebration December 31 Clayton’s Inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration is set for December 31 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the new Clayton
The following incidents were reported to the Clayton Police at the date and time indicated
I - CAR GOLD AND ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS APPROVED REPAIR FACILITY FOR ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES
"I never
presenters are Cindy Firooz and Brooke Hart from Colorado who trace a girl’s struggle to find her spirituality through music and drama ultimately uncovering the mysteries of religion throughout time. Firooz has a degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University and Hart holds degrees in Piano Performance and English from University of Northern Colorado. For more information call 672-6686
Community Gym at 700 Gym Court. The free event will include door prizes and family tournaments such as Obstacle Course, Pillow Polo Challenge, Volleyball, Ping Pong, Indoor Soccer and Basketball. Families will also enjoy movies, roller hockey tournament, music, dancing, crazy slipper contest and Kindergym Activities in the child watch and activity play area. Early arrivals will receive a free t-shirt. The first-ever alcohol free event is sponsored by the Clayton Community and business Association, Mt. Diablo Region YMCA, Pleasant Hill Bayshore Disposal and the City of Clayton. For more information call 889-1600.
Police Blotter
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
November 28, 2003
"My daughter heard how lovely it was. When I saw it I fell in love with it! My view is delightful and the staff is so nice to me." - Lora
Call Today 524-5100 6401 Center Street, Clayton, CA
Community Connections
ARRESTS 11/14, 4:01 p.m., Clayton Road and Nottingham Circle. A forty-three year old Pittsburg male was stopped for driving too slow. The driver was cited for impeding traffic, driving on a suspended license and possession of an open container. He was released on his signed promise to appear. 11/18, 2:52 p.m., Center nd Morris Streets. A fifty-two year old Clayton male was arrested after being the cause of a traffic
accident. He was found to be intoxicated and in violation of court probation (DUI conviction). He was transported to Concord Police Department where he was later issued the citation and released. 11/19, 4:15 p.m., Clayton Road. A forty-two year old Antioch male was detained for suspicion of shoplifting. He was arrested for two no bail warrants on drug charges and transported to Concord Police Department for booking. BURGLARIES/THEFTS 11/17, 3:37 p.m., Oak Street. Grand theft
November 28, 2003
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
What you need to know about a “CMA” "CMA" is an abbreviation real estate agents use for a Comparative Market Analysis. A CMA gives an estimated sale price for a property given current market conditions. It's prepared by a real estate agent and it usually comes in report form. Most residential real estate agents don't charge a fee for preparing a CMA. An agent needs to walk through the property in question before preparing a CMA. Unless the home is enormous, the agent inspection part of the CMAshouldn't take long, nor does the home have to show like a model home. However, property condition does affect price. So, if you plan to do work on the property, let the agent know. After the agent previews the property, he or she researches the Multiple Listing Service for information about similar properties in the area that have recently sold. In order to arrive at a current price estimate, an agent should analyze information about listings that have sold and closed, those that are sold but haven't yet closed (the pending sales), active listings and expired listings. Pending and sold listings give the most reliable indicator of current market price. Active listings are a gauge of the current competition in the marketplace. Expired
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE
listings are properties that were listed for sale but didn't sell. Usually expired listings didn't sell because they were priced too high for the market. The agent then compares the property with listings found in the MLS search and by so doing arrives at a probable selling price. Keep in mind that the price derived from a CMA is somewhat subjective. Also, a CMAis not an appraisal. You need to hire a licensed appraiser to complete an appraisal. Sellers should have a CMA done before listing their home for sale. Sellers who don't have a real estate agent often ask several agents to complete CMA's. This gives the seller an opportunity to meet different agents and to see how they work. You may find that you want a
CMAeven if you aren't planning to sell. For instance, before embarking on a major renovation you might want to know how much you can spend without overimproving for the neighborhood. The agent who sold you the property should be happy to prepare a CMA for you if he or she is still active in the local housing market. If not, ask an acquaintance whose opinion you trust to recommend an agent. Buyers should ask for a CMA on a property they are considering buying, particularly if they are new to the area and haven't had the opportunity to see many listings. Regardless of whether you are a buyer or a seller, the agent who prepares your CMA should work actively in the area where the property is located. The Internet has made it possible for virtually anyone to access comparable sales information. However, this information could be inadequate without firsthand knowledge of the comparable properties and the local marketplace. For example, property upgrades usually have a positive effect on sale price. But if the upgrades are inferior in quality or design they can lower rather than increase the price. Suppose the information on a sold listing shows a remodeled kitchen. Without hav-
ing seen the property, it's difficult to know how the remodeling affected the price. Don't be surprised if a CMA gives a price range rather than a
Tender, loving care for seniors in two beautiful locations Petar Guest Home
Diablo Senior Homes
(925) 672-2 2841
(925) 855-0 0959
Lic 071441200
Lic 075600230
in Clayton
Lynne French is a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Clayton and a Clayton resident. Contact her at lynne@lynnefrench.com
On Homeowner Insurance Street Regency Drive Kenston Drive Mt. Everest Court Pebble Beach La Canada Court Clifford Court Weatherly Mt. Dell Bettencourt Drive Kelok Way Bloching Circle Deer Place Brandywine Place
Private and semi-private rooms Quiet, residential neighborhood Hospice Licensed
Company Farmers Allstate 21st Century Travelers Allstate State Farm Farmers Lexington State Farm Farmers AAA Hartford Farmers
Premium $ 1,967.00 1,063.00 841.00 2,159.00 1,027.00 1,037.00 1,103.00 1,983.00 1,127.00 1,229.00 1,114.00 761.00 1,826.00
IMC Premium $ 1,054.00 692.00 712.00 1,631.00 829.00 679.00 850.00 1,072.00 969.00 726.00 994.00 513.00 890.00
Over the past year Insurance Management Corporation has been able to save the above Clayton residents thousands of dollars on their home and auto insurance. At the same time we have also improved their coverage. Conveniently located in downtown Clayton we are here to do the same for you. Call today for your free no obligation risk evaluation, or visit our website to obtain a quote.
Ask for Gordon Phone: (925) 673-2200 (x201) Fax: (925) 673-2212 WWW.IMCSERVICES.COM
Reasonable rates Petar Keyhantaj
condition.
CLAYTON Residents "What Are You Paying?"
in Danville
Licensed for dementia and Alzheimer's Three meals a day Care and services 24/7
set price. You're more likely to see this in a market where there is variation in terms of property size, age, architectural style and
Cell: (925) 360-2936
“Your locally owned and operated Agency” License #OC54731
Coming Soon Ly n n e F ren c h To p 1 % Coldwell Banker Agents
(9 2 5 ) 6 7 2 -8 7 8 7 Regency Woods 3 bedroom 2 ½ bath $565,000
Westwood 3 bedroom, 2 bath $469,980
Lynne@LynneFrench.com Clayton Resident 6200 Center Street,Suit E Clayton, CA. 94517
Black Diamond/Oakhurst - The largest duet model "Summit" sits on a court location with wonderful view lot. 3 spacious bedrooms 2 ½ baths, 1900 plus square feet. Living room and formal dinning, gourmet kitchen, hardwood flooring and more. $539,980
Dana Hills - Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in a cul de sac location. Numerous upgrades include Anderson Windows, expanded open kichen with commercial appliances and an airy family room with custom built ins. Outside enjoy the beautiful yards with wonderful views. $639,980
Black Diamond/Oakhurst - This charming duet Horseshoe model at the end of the cul de sac has 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, master bedroom with walk in closet, kitchen with pantry, tile counter and floors. Just steps away from the heated pool, spa and sports court. $459,980
THE LYNNE FRENCH TEAM From left Julie Clairmont, Heather Gray, Sharon Sundin, Angelique Stone, Lynne and Danny French, Ruth Reed, Julie Dunn and Jeff Gillett.
More Lynne French Properties 254 Carob Way 250 Carob Way 1586 Sunnyvale Ave 2133 Prestwick Drive 2407 Harvard Circle 4107 Marin Court
$ 62,980 $ 56,980 $194,980 $559,980 $875,000 $399,980
Pending Properties Morgan Territory - Country living, gated contemporary custom 3548 sq. ft., 5 bedroom 3 bath tri level home on approx. 5 acres. 2 stall barn and tack room. Master bedroom with sauna/jetted tub and freestanding wood burning fireplace. The main floor is enhanced with a massive deck area completely enclosed. $899,000
Regency Woods - This is a charmer 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths with an inviting master suite that has Anderson Sliding door that opens to deck and spa. Formal dining and living rooms, family room with brick fireplace, gourmet kitchen with Cherry finished cabinets, Corian countertops, double oven and hardwood floors. Beautiful landscaped yard with covered patio, wine storage and wonderful Mt Diablo. $649,980
670 Greylyn Drive 2430 Overlook Drive 1206 Easley Drive 139 El Portal Place 1664 Wilson Court 1760 Indian Wells Way 3221 Sugarberry Lane
2512 Stanford Way 3102 Coyote Circle 70 Park Ave 46 Long Creek Circle 133 Haslemere Court 39 Parkland Dr 321 Mt. Palomar Place
Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 28, 2003
Around Town The people of Clayton and what they’re doing
WALKING FOR A CURE On November 7, Clayton resident, Jeanne Emry (above right) put on her walking shoes and together with some 1400 men and women from all over the nation, took a nice long walk to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Emry raised over $11,600 in the 60 mile, three-day walk that raised nearly $4 million for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. Only four other walkers raised more money than Emry did that weekend. Emry was inspired to make the walk by her mother, who died of breast cancer when Jeanne was only sixteen. “This walk has long been a goal of mine,” she said. When close friend Pat Svitenko (above left) was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer, Emry signed up and began training. She followed a detailed training schedule, provided by the walk
organizers, which prepared her for the challenging 60-mile loop that began in San Mateo and ended in Golden Gate Park. Also walking for Svitenko was Dee Simons, owner of Dee’s Boutique in Clayton Station. The pair also walked for Linda Gaber, secretary at St. Agnes School. “Anyone who likes to walk can do this,” says Emry. Other finishers in the November 7 walk included an 86 year old woman, a 72-year-old breast cancer survivor and a blind woman who walked with her dog. “When she came across the finish line, I cried,” said Emry.” It was awesome.” The $11,600 raised by Emry came from friends, relatives and parishioners at St. Bonaventure’s Catholic Church, where she is a member. “I wrote letters, made phone calls and spoke at all the Masses one weekend. The support has been overwhelming,” said Emry.
Piano Doc
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTHA Martha Sobey, a resident of Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living in Clayton celebrated her 101 birthday on November 15 with family and friends. She enjoyed gifts, cake music and plenty of good wishes on this momentous occasion. Her advice on life…”Live! Love life, and learn from your mistakes. Pictured front left, her son Dick Sobey and Martha, center left, Martha’s great granddaughter, Antoinette Rydell and granddaughter, Roseann Rydell; back left, Tom Rydell; Roseann’s husband and Martha’s great grandson, Ben Rydell.
HONORING OUR VETS Veterans Day was remembered in Clayton at Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living on November 11. Ron Van Buskirk, Quartermaster of the Clayton Valley Lt. Jerry Novakovich VFW Post 1525 led the ceremony with a special moment of silence on the “11th month , the 11th day, at the 11th hour”. Diamond Terrace residents remembered vets from past wars and those now serving in Iraq. Van Buskirk brought an original Stars and Stripes flag which was held by Post 1525 Commander Ming Hanson and his 13 year old grandson Thomas Stuart for a somber Pledge of Allegiance. Also in attendance were Rayma Price wearing her original nurses cape that she received during World War II, Councilmember Gregg Manning and Mayor Pete Laurence, members of the VFW Post, Clayton residents and family members.
Are you ready for a
Protect Your Investment!
transformation?
Call Now for an Appointment
Renew yourself or your business with the help of a personal success coach.
OFFICE: 925.673.9874 • CELL: 510.282.7206
CERTIFIED LIFE COACH
Piano Tuning is Recommended EVERY Six Months
Special Rates for First Time Clients
DOR Y WILLER
• 13 Years Experience • • Experienced in Repair and Speciality Pianos •
2003 International Coach of the Year and Clayton Resident
A cheerleader for your soul
SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS Horse gifts, candles, soap, cards, jewelry, stuffed animals, garden art, Wine Trees, Willow Tree Angels ...and a whole lot of country charm.
Local H oney!
Guiding personal and professional potential
473-4 4899
www.BeaconQuest.com
Pursue your financial goals with the right combination of Loyalty, Integrity, Trustworthiness and Respect
672-4600
Something for everyone on your list!
Inside Rodie’s Feed in Clayton, 8863 Marsh Creek Rd. Mon.Fri. 9-6pm * Saturday 9-5pm * Sunday 10-5pm
z z z z z z
Financial Planning Estate Planning College Planning 401(k) and IRA Rollovers Retirement/Distribution Planning Long-term Care Planning
ED SHOCKLEY (925) 944-9644 x131 eshockley@phfnic.com
Securities offered through
Investment Corporation Member SIPC
3 4 7 8 B u s k i r k Av e . , S u i t e 3 0 0 , P l e a s a n t H i l l , C A 9 4 5 2 3
AN EXCHANGE FROM THE HEART She looks like any other 16-year old teenager. She wears jeans, attends football games, blushes easily and doesn’t like to get up early in the morning. She probably wouldn’t characterize herself as unique, but in many ways she is. Julia Kindel is an exchange student from Germany and is currently living with the Loflin family of Clayton until January. She’s taking senior level courses for one semester at Clayton Valley High school and is a second soprano for the CVHS Women’s Ensemble. She speaks fluent English, German and French and has studied languages since the fifth grade. Julia’s life back home in Germany is very different from her lifestyle here in Clayton. She lives with her parents and brother in a small village called Felsberg. Her first day at Clayton Valley High School was “scary” she recalls. “I was shocked by the number of people,” she said. Clayton Valley has over 1900 students, that’s about 1,000 more people than the entire population of Julia’s hometown. She admits that the second day was better. She feels comfortable with the teachers and has made many friends. “My dad has invited my friend Jen to visit me next summer and I’m so excited,” she beams. Julia has also grown attached to her host family. She talks about being the older sister of 14-year-old Natalie and 10-year-old Jack. Carol and Don Loflin talk affectionately about Julia and how their family is adjusting to its newest member. The Loflin’s hectic pace is a little difficult to get used to, according to Julia. “ I need quiet,” she says. However, quiet is not always the atmosphere at the Loflins. There’s swim team, baseball, family activities and house rules that Julia has had to adjust to. Don explains that every member of the family wakes up at the
same time each morning. And 6 a.m. is a bit early for Julia. Natalie who is a freshman at Clayton Valley says she’s enjoyed hearing about Julia’s life in Germany. She’s learned that teenage clothing is less revealing, jeans are popular and teens can’t drive until they’re 18. High school is only three years and the government subsidizes college tuition for all students. Julia is thinking about applying to University of California, Berkeley however the tuition cost may force her to remain in Germany for her college studies. Holidays are special for Julia. From the first of December through the 24th, Julia explains, everyone in the family gets to open a small present every day. They are strung on a clothesline and opened each morning before family members go about their day. The Loflins are adding Julia’s tradition to their holiday festivities. The Loflins and the Kindels first met through an international home exchange program. Several years ago, the families exchanged homes for their vacation. The Loflins spent three weeks in Germany while the Kindels enjoyed their time in Clayton and touring California. The two families kept in touch and spent some time together when the Loflins visited France in another home exchange. When the Kindels introduced the idea of Julia attending school in California, the Loflins were quick to offer their home. “We’ve really enjoyed having Julia here,” says Carol. “At first we were nervous about our schedules,” but everything has worked out fine.”
November 28, 2003
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 7
One man reaching out-Jane Doe, we love you Recently, I made the point about how I write this column for you, dear readers, about my devotion to all of you. Relax, nothing has changed. I’m still here for you. HOWEVER, today, as I sit at my computer, my thoughts and energies are focused on but one resident of our community. For the sake of her privacy, I’ll call her Jane Doe. Ms. Doe is upset with the fine folks at the Clayton Pioneer. Why, you ask? Because the Pioneer keeps showing up in her mailbox twice a month despite her continued requests that she be removed from their mailing list. My understanding is that changes to the mass mailing list are not under the direct control of the Pioneer. Like any other regular weekly or monthly circular, it arrives free of charge, like it or not. I’m sure there are those
JOE ROMANO
SO, ANYWAY in San Juan Capistrano that would rather not have the swallows return. Some things are out of our direct control. Ms. Doe apparently views the Pioneer as just one more annoying piece of junk mail— one more piece of paper to be “handled” and eventually tossed, only to take up valuable space in
her recycling bin (or the garbage cans at the post office, from which I recently retrieved a half dozen good “contributors” copies). Perhaps Ms. Doe does not feel the paper speaks to her. I say, “no more.” A change is a comin’ and that change is today. You are a Clayton resident, Ms. Doe, and therefore, one of us. Perhaps you do not hike or own a computer or grow plants. Perhaps the happenings at Diamond Terrace or our City Council meetings hold little more interest than the national weather reports. Whether or not these statements are true I have no idea. I am a writer, not a fact checker. My point is this—one cannot deny that a column written for and about one person most certainly speaks TO that person. It must, or logic holds no place in our topsy-turvy world. I do not know you personally,
Lynne French named Residential Real Estate Agent of the Year Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage announced that Lynne French has been honored as the Residential Real Estate Agent of the Year by the East Bay Business Times. French, who specializes in residential home sales in the communities of Clayton, Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas, was honored earlier this month for her remarkable achievement at a reception recognizing the top residential and commercial real estate agents and companies in the East Bay. Coldwell Banker, French’s broker, also received recognition as a Residential Real Estate Agency of the Year nominee. “Lynne is among the creme de la creme of real estate agents,” said Avram Goldman, Coldwell Banker president and chief operating officer. “She is in an elite group and we are proud to have her as a member of our professional family.” During the past 12 months, French and her team have handled 133 real estate transactions worth $64 million. French is a Bay Area real estate veteran who started her real estate career with John M. Grubb, a company that was later acquired by Coldwell Banker Northern California. She has consistently been honored among Coldwell Banker’s top sales associates, including
DINE-IN SPECIAL
$24.99 plus tax Family Size 2-topping pizza, a
(reg. $27)
family size salad and a pitcher of soft drinks. Additional toppings extra. Dine-in only, Expires 10/31/03. Not valid in Walnut Creek.
International President’s Premier, an honor bestowed upon only 1 percent of Coldwell Bank’s over 90,000 real estate professionals in over 45 countries. In addition to her successful real estate career, French writes a
biweekly real estate column for the Clayton Pioneer. She lives on Morgan Territory Road in Clayton with her husband and business partner, Danny, a licensed general contractor.
Ms. Doe, but I’m sure that you are a wonderful human being, capable of experiencing the same emotions, joys, and frustrations we all enjoy in this life. Perhaps you love cats or science fiction novels. Maybe you play the accordion or are a member of the famed Polar Bears swim club. The point I’m getting at, Jane, is that you are one of us and we, in turn, are here for you. I understand that not every column or story in our paper is going to touch you. I accept that. All we ask is that we be allowed to make our bi-monthly appearance in your mail box and that you give us the CHANCE to reach you. Open the paper. Scan the headlines. Seek out my column and THEN slide us into the birdcage. A mere two minutes of your time could very well result in the wondrous discovery of
unknown facts, a smile, a tear or a call to action. Please. Don’t deny yourself the chance to live. Remember—we are here for you. It’s YOUR paper and we
love you. Joe Romano is a Clayton resident and the Pioneer’s all around funny guy. He can be reached by e-mail at jromano01@yahoo.com.
Nu Image
$200 off
Painting & Decorating
regular pricing on any complete
Complete interior and exterior painting Drywall repair and texturing Custom color consulting Special care taken to protect all furnishings
INTERIOR PAINTING
Free Estimates
Michael O. Reilly - Clayton Resident Call us - 925-672-1777
Offer expires 12/31/03
License # 572337 B, C-33
Village Marke t
A full service grocery store right here in town! BIG LIQUOR SALE! STOCK UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Every Wednesday Night Classic Car Show Bring your classic car or just come down to enjoy classic Oldies while eating the world’s best pizza on our outdoor patio.
Every Tuesday Night Peter Morrison Come on in and enjoy the magic and mystery of Peter Morrison.
Chambord
Turi Vodka
Cointreau
750 ml $29.99
759 ml $29.99
375 ml $19.99
Bacardi
Benedictine
Drambuie
1.75 liter $19.99
750 ml $19.99
375 ml $16.99
TAKE-OUT SPECIAL
$21.99 plus tax
(reg. $25.25)
Family Size 2-topping pizza, a family size salad, plus a 32 oz. soda from the fountain.
Glenfiddich
Frangelica’s - 375ml, $11.99 Cabo Wabo - 750ml, $43.99 B & B - 750ml, $30.00
12 year old - $13.99 15 year old - $41.99 18 year old - $15.99
Additional toppings extra. Expires 10/31/03. Not valid in Walnut Creek.
Owned and operated by Clayton residents Sam, Johnny and Balwinder Sandhu
CLAYTON 672-1111
WALNUT CREEK 280-1100
ANTIOCH 757-7770
1033 Diablo St. Clayton, CA 94517
1535 Giammona Dr. Walnut Creek, CA 94596
901 Fitzuren Rd. Antioch, CA 94509
We’ve M oved!
to C e n t u r y A u t o M a l l off Highway 4 in Pittsburg.
Monday - Thursday 7am - 10pm
ATM
“We Are Professional Grade” “Biggest Little Dealer In The West”
Right On Highway 4
Friday 7am - 11pm
Saturday 8am - 11pm
“It’s All Good” 50 Years Family Owned & Operated
MAZZEI MAZZEI
Sunday 8am - 10pm
“Break Through”
Deli Hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 3pm
PONTIAC
Fuel for the Soul
757-5600 3800 Century Way, Pittsburg Visit us online at www.mazzeiauto.com
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 11/09/03. ** #1 Pontiac • GMC Volume Dealer In Contra Costa County for 2001 & 2002. ***Conquest Certificate must be currently registered owner of a non-GM vehicle. Special financing available in Lieu of factory rebates with approved credit.
ratin b e l g Ce
Somersville Rd.
Century Blvd
of ser vice
Century Way
⌧ MAZZEI
50 year s
N
S Highway 4
Come visit us at our new state-of-the-art facility
6104 Main S t., Clayton • 672-0188
Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 28, 2003
Clayton Sports
Banner year for Clayton Valley High football BY JAY BEDECARRE Clayton Pioneer
During the fall of 2002, the three Clayton Valley High School football teams—varsity, junior varsity and frosh—-combined for just five wins in 30 games. Speed ahead 12 months and it is as if the lights went on and the players saw the way to turn their on-field performance around. Literally, and perhaps figuratively, the lights did go on! Clayton Valley High installed lights this fall at their football stadium which opened in 1958 and the Eagles’ three teams lost just seven of 31 games in a turnaround that is almost a complete 180 degrees from last year to this. And to cap off their remarkable change, the CVHS varsity is playing this weekend in the semi-finals of the North Coast Section 3A playoffs. The Eagles carry a 9-2 record into their home game against Bishop O’Dowd with a special motivation helping the coaching staff get everyone fired up. The Dragons of Oakland eliminated Clayton Valley from the playoffs twice in recent years including the 1998 NCS championship game. Clayton Valley reached the NCS playoff semi-finals four
straight seasons from 19972000 and were in the finals in 1998. However the last two years had been disappointing with the playoffs way out of reach as the Eagles finished with sub .500 records. In fact, 2002 saw the CV varsity finish 3-7, the JVs 2-8 and the frosh 09-1. That didn’t seem like the foundation for the 2003 Eagle teams that amassed a combined 24-7 mark. “The kids are responsible for this incredible turnaround,” head coach Herc Pardi of Clayton says. Pardi credits the commitment of the players during the off season for their winning records this year. “The first Monday of January 2003 is when they started. We had three days of weight training and two days of plyometrics all winter and spring. This is when the players showed they were serious about turning things around,” Pardi added. The CVHS football strength and conditioning program is supervised by Brian Hamilton, Randy Coddington and Sean Connors. In addition to the conditioning and weight training last winter and spring the players took part in 10 days of mandated spring football in late May and early June. That was followed by a weeklong team
camp at San Jose State where over 60 varsity and JV players participated in the week right after school ended. During the balance of the summer CV took part in a 7 vs. 7 passing league and tournaments in Stockton, Marin and Diablo Valley College. This largely offensiveoriented league helped senior David Quistgard improve to the point he was named All-Bay Valley Athletic League quarterback after being a part-time starter as a junior. The Eagles set a school record with seven All-BVAL positions, topped by league MVP Joe Mortensen of Clayton at linebacker and tight end. Lowell Garthwaite joined Mortensen as a two-way allleague choice. Offensive lineman Ryan Cassity and defensive lineman Elliott Jaggers also garnered first-team AllBVAL honors. Clayton Valley and Pittsburg each had seven all-leaguers while De La Salle had 10 as the three teams, who lost a total of three games this season, dominated all-league selections. Defenders Tyler Almond and Brandon Davis got second team all-league laurels while Troy Vincent, Jordan Caviness and Clayton’s Sean Bailey were honorable mention selections. It is no coincidence that seven
Youth sports sign-ups Clayton Valley Bowl WINTER LEAGUE
Shor t Season Mini Leagues 16 weeks starting WED., DEC 10 THUR., DEC 11
Both mixed leagues start at 7 pm To sign up or for more information, call
689-4631 Clayton Valley Bowl, 5300 Clayton Road, Concord
LET'S G O BO W LIN G Full Lounge • Snack Bar • Banquet Room (up to 120 people) Catering & D inners Available • Meeting Rooms Birthday Party Specials • D isco Light & Music (Fri & Sat)
2 for 1 BO W LI N G Bowl one game at regular price G et one FREE game Excludes D igital Bowling 1 coupon per person expires 12/31/03
Clayton Valley Bowl
925.689.4631 5300 Clayton Road • Concord, CA 94521
Sign-ups for local youth soccer, basketball, indoor soccer and baseball tryouts, clinics and academies are being taken, giving youngsters a variety of sports activities to choose from to enjoy this winter. Clayton Valley Pony Baseball Signups for 2004 Clayton Valley Pony Baseball will be held Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Rocco’s Pizza on Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Walnut Creek. Players 1314 years of age are invited to signup for tryouts that will be held Jan. 10-25. Coaches will be on hand at sign-ups to answer questions. For more information call Tom King 685-7452 or Tim Bruno 672-2992 or visit www.cvpony.org for details. Clayton Valley Jr. Eagles Christmas Baseball Clinic Bob Ralston’s second annual Future Eagles Baseball Camp is Dec. 22-23 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. as a great warmup for youth baseball tryouts in January. Coach Ralston will be presenting this clinic at CVHS. All fundamentals will be taught for softball and baseball players ages 7-15. Registration is done by mail only. For more information contact Bob Ralston 682-7474 x3115. Clayton Valley Little League Clayton Valley Little League
FITNESS & TANNING CENTER IAL EC R P S FE OF
No Strings Try Before You Buy 2 Weeks Free Membership
Hours Mon. - Fri. 5am - 10pm Sat. 7am - 5pm Sun. 8am - 5pm
Offer Expires 12/10/03
We Cater to Families & Seniors Friendly Environment, Professional Service z Affordable Personal Training z Packages Available z Special Pricing for Students & Seniors
925-672-2010 z 672-2005 1516 Kirker Pass Road (Located in the Clayton Station)
of the 12 all-league honors for the Eagles came for defensive players. CV had one of the best defenses in the entire Bay Area allowing just over nine points a game and 170 yards a game, figures that only De La Salle among major schools was able to exceed and DLS may have the #1 high school defense in America! The Eagles would have been even more successful in the record book except for two heart-breaking losses to longtime East County rivals. The first setback came in a 7-6 defeat at Antioch in a game the Eagles completely dominated except for one Panthers touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Pitt, BVAL champions two years running, had to go into overtime to beat the Eagles 137. Pardi also gave kudos to his veteran coaching staff that has remained almost entirely in tact for the past three years and reaped the benefits of this continuity this year. It is especially gratifying since Pardi, Connors, Russ Galvin, Mike Barton, Coddington and Billy McDevitt are all CVHS alumni. Defensive coordinator Jerry Coakley and Galvin are Clayton residents like Pardi. The varsity team traveled out of state for the first time in
the 45-year school gridiron history with an away game against Reno High in early October that gave the players, staff, rally squad and boosters a special weekend before the start of league play, when the Eagles finished second to Pittsburg. Mortensen and six other Clayton residents were key contributors to the varsity success story. Two-year starter Bailey’s 58 tackles in the regular season earned him all-BVAL notice while junior linebacker Nick Culum was a special teams demon. Senior Jorge Rios was a linebacker and runningback. Tackle Jesse Hunt was one of two junior starters on offense on a team that featured seniors in 19 of 22 starting positions. Two players from Clayton made their football debuts as seniors after making their name on the basketball court for CVHS. Brett Lauer became a starting wide receiver while Scott Williams earned time as a defensive back and receiver. Each was playing football for the first time and were complimented by Pardi for their commitment in the weight room. Mortensen is hoping the Eagles season runs through the NCS championship game as he has a chance to beat fellow Clayton resident Kyle
Fitzgerald’s school record for tackles in a season. Fitzgerald, a two-year starter at University of San Diego, holds the record with 166 tackles in 1999. Mortensen was within reach with 130 tackles in the regular season. Mortensen is tabbed as one of the top high school linebacker recruits in the nation and his senior season did nothing to lessen the interest of top collegiate football powers. He also had 5-1/2 quarterback sacks. His linebacker partner Vincent broke the school record for sacks with 12. No turnaround was more dramatic than the league champion Eagles freshman team. This year’s ninth graders were 9-1 with the lone loss 21-7 to De La Salle. Standouts for the frosh gridders were Brock Galvin, Kevin Johnson, Sean Lafferty, Kevin Murphy, Justin Munden, twins John and Josh May, Karl Lowe, Billy Burmeister, Jacob Turrin and Clark Marcario. In 2002, the freshmen didn’t win a single game. The Eagle JVs tripled their win total from a year ago with Darrell Sanderson, Kevin Louchis, Greg Meiers and George Santana of Clayton making big contributions.
is taking late signups for the 2004 season for boys and girls baseball and softball programs for ages five to 18. Tryouts for Clayton Valley Little League will be held in January, weather permitting. Practice begins in February, games start at the end of March and the regular season concludes the second weekend of June. Two coaches clinics for all CVLL coaches from peanuts to seniors will be held early in the new year. Mike Murphy is a former major league player and instructor. He will present a Free Coaches Clinic on Friday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. at his Payless Batting Cages, 2700 East Olivera Rd. in Concord. On Sunday, Feb 1, at 11 a.m. Bob Ralston, former major leaguer and current varsity baseball coach at Clayton Valley High School, will host a clinic for all CVLL coaches at the high school. Bob has taken the Eagles team to the North Coast Section finals at the Oakland Coliseum the past two years and is great at offering new skills to use with a youth team. Registration forms and lots of information on Clayton Valley LL are available online at www.cvll.org. YMCA Basketball, Indoor Soccer Mt. Diablo Region YMCA is taking signups now for its winter basketball and indoor soccer at Diablo View Middle School, where the Y is working with the City of Clayton to offer a variety of programs at Clayton Community Gym. The YMCA youth basketball
program is for pre kindergarten through eighth grade boys and girls. Basketball will be held on Saturdays from January through March. Indoor soccer for the same age group will be held on Mondays from January to March. The YMCA also has drop-in volleyball from 6-10 p.m. on Tuesdays and drop-in basketball on Thursdays from 6-10 p.m. For specifics on all YMCA programs in Clayton call 8891600 or visit the web at www.mdrymca.org. Registration is taken at the YMCA office in the Clayton Community Gym weekdays from 2:45-10 p.m. MDSL Soccer Academy Mt. Diablo Soccer League is hosting the second annual MDSL Soccer Academy for all players born between Aug. 1, 1995 and July 31, 1997 (U7 and U8 age groups) on Saturday mornings at Concord’s Highlands Park in January and February. Passing, dribbling, shooting and trapping skills will be emphasized during the Academy, which will run on six consecutive Saturday mornings, from 9:30–11 a.m., starting January 10. MDSL will once again host a specialized Soccer Academy for all players currently participating in the U7 and U8 age divisions. “The Academy is designed to be fun yet provide a higher level of training for all participants. Development in basic skills at this young age is highly beneficial for all players,” says Adam Cooper, MDSL’s Coaching Technical
Director who will lead the Academy. Assisting Cooper will be former Major League Soccer All-Star and Head Coach at Saint Mary’s College, Steve Rammel, as well as other experienced college coaches and players. Visit the web at www.mdslsoccer.org or contact Ian Brodie (672-3532 or ibrodie@astound.net) for additional information. DVSC Soccer Academy Diablo Valley Soccer Club’s third annual Soccer Academy is for boys and girls of all soccer skill levels ages five to 11 years (born on or after August 1, 1992) featuring two new programs. There will be an advanced level group for both boys and girls interested in participating in competitive soccer next season and the Academy has been expanded to include Under 11 boys and girls (born Aug. 1, 1992 through July 31, 1993). Players of all skills levels (from brand new players to those getting ready to play competitive soccer) are invited to take part in the Academy with DVSC’s professional training staff teaching passing, trapping, dribbling, heading and shooting in a structured but fun environment. Academy training includes two weekday sessions each week starting Jan. 5 and three Saturday Jamborees during January and February. For more information call 229DVSC or go to www.dvsc.com.
November 28, 2003
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 9
Clayton C ommunity C alendar Please submit your Clayton Community Calendar events by 5 p.m., Dec. 1 for the Dec. 12 issue. Fax to 672-6580 or e-mail calendar@claytonpioneer.com
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT Now through Dec. 5 BLUE RIBBON LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE MEMBERS SOUGHT Openings are available for Clayton residents to serve on recentlyformed Blue Ribbon Landscape Committee to review & make suggestions for a plan for Citywide Landscape Maintenance District. City of Clayton City Clerk Rhonda Basore www.ci.clayton.ca.us 6737304 Now through Dec. 15 CITY OF CLAYTON COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION APPLICATIONS City of Clayton is seeking alternate member for Community Services Commission, which is an advisory board to City Council. The commission meets the second Thursday of each month. City of Clayton City Clerk Rhonda Basore www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304 Dec. 2, 16 CLAYTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING @ CLAYTON LIBRARY 7pm. City of Clayton City Council meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month. Open to the public. Clayton Library Community Room. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304 Dec. 2, 9, 16 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. www.co.contracosta.ca.us 335-1900 Dec. 3 DEADLINE FOR CLAYTON PIONEER ADVERTISING IN DECEMBER 12 ISSUE Last chance to place advertising or to submit a calendar listing for Dec. 12 final pre-Christmas issue of the Pioneer. www.claytonpioneer.com Jill Bedecarre 672-0500 Dec. 6 GRAND OPENING @ LYNNE FRENCH COLDWELL BANKER 3-6 p.m. Santa Claus is coming to Lynne French Coldwell Banker for the Grand Opening of their new downtown Clayton office. Refreshments, complimentary picture with Santa & drawing for door prizes. 6200 Center St., Suite E, Clayton. www.LynneFrench.com 673-2188 Dec. 9, 23 CLAYTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING @ CLAYTON LIBRARY 7 p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. Clayton Library Community Room. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304 Dec. 11 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. Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 Heritage Trail. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 6737304 Dec. 17 DEADLINE FOR CLAYTON PIONEER ADVERTISING IN DECEMBER 26 ISSUE Last chance to place advertising or to submit a calendar listing for Dec. 26 final 2003 issue of the Pioneer. www.claytonpioneer.com Jill Bedecarre 672-0500 Jan. 7 DEADLINE FOR CLAYTON PIONEER ADVERTISING IN JANUARY 16 ISSUE Last chance to place advertising or to submit a calendar listing for January 16 issue of the Pioneer. www.claytonpioneer.com Jill Bedecarre 672-0500 Jan. 29 CLAYTON BUSINESS & COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEETING @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting on last non-holiday Thursday of month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon. Oakhurst Country Club. Ed Hartley 672-2272
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Dec. 4, 11, 18 ROTARY CLUB OF CLAYTON VALLEY CONCORD SUNRISE @ OAKHURST 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker. Oakhurst Country Club. www.claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640 Dec. 4, 11, 18 WEIGHTS WATCHERS WEEKLY MEETING 10 a.m., 5 & 6:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. Prospective members welcome. Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. 800/326-8450 x2023. Dec. 4 SONS IN RETIREMENT MONTHLY MEETING @ OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB 12 noon. Sons in Retirement John Muir Branch 19 holds its monthly meeting on 1st Thursday of month. Oakhurst Country Club. 672-
6418
Dec. 9 CLAYTON VALLEY WOMEN'S CLUB CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON @ OAKHURST 11:30 a.m. Clayton Valley Women's Club annual Christmas luncheon with entertainment by The Ladies First, a cappella singers from Concord High School. Club will be collecting unwrapped toys of $10 or under for 3-5 year olds at Cambridge Center. Oakhurst Country Club. Pat Keeler 672-7381 Dec. 9 CONCORD NO LE HACE 4-H CLUB MEETING @ FARM BUREAU HALL 7 p.m. 4-H Club meets 2nd Tuesday of month and this is their annual Christmas Party. Open to youth ages 5 (kindergarten) through 19. Club offers animal & non-animal projects. 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. http://concord4h.i680n.com 646-6543 Dec. 16 YGNACIO VALLEY REPUBLICAN WOMEN MONTHLY MEETING 6:30-8 p.m. Legislation, Americanism & discussion group on political issues of the day. Optional lunch at 12:15. Oakhurst Country Club. RSVP by Nov. 18. www.yvrwf.org 838-2182 Dec. 28 INTERFAITH PRAYERS & MUSIC 10-11 a.m. A program of prayers from world's religious scriptures & inspirational music for peace, unity & spirituality. Sponsored by Baha'is of Concord. Cal State Concord campus, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Rd. Room 146, Concord. bahai.concord.ca@bci.org 381-4826
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 DIGITAL THUNDER BOWLING @ CLAYTON BOWL 4-6 p.m. Digital Thunder Bowling for kids includes music, lights and bumper lanes. Clayton Valley Bowl. 689-4631 Nov. 28 through Dec. 21 CLAYTON VALLEY CHRISTMAS TREE LOT 9 a.m.-Dark. Premium quality, freshly cut Christmas trees, custom flocking, flame proofing, trees kept in water. Trackless Train Rides (weather permitting), Gift Shoppe, Yule Tree Stands and wreaths. 1060 Pine Lane, Clayton. www.cvpumpkinfarm.com 672-5198 Dec. 1 CLAYTON HISTORIC SITES DEDICATED 1 p.m. Clayton Historical Society will dedicate a bronze marker for two of the city's oldest buildings at the Fox and The Fiddle restaurant. One building was an 1870s-era house that Jack Duncan rebuilt in early 1900s. It became a store, post office, barber shop & saloon. Justice of the Peace Gus Goethal built the other house in 1898 as an insurance & real estate office. Public is invited to ceremony & building tour. Downtown Clayton, 6115 Main St. 672-0240 Dec. 4-6 MY WAY @ CUE LIVE, CONCORD 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat. Highly-acclaimed Northern California premiere of musical tribute to Frank Sinatra with 55 songs made famous by Old Blues Eyes performed by quartet of singers comes to downtown Concord after long run at CTA Crossroads Theatre. Cue Live! 1835 Colfax St., Concord www.ctacrossroads.org 687-4220 Dec. 4 FLU SHOTS @ LONGS DRUGS 3-7 p.m. High risk people (pregnant women, anyone over 50, people with chronic conditions and diseases such as heart, lung, diabetes, asthma) can get vaccinated for the winter flu season for $20. Longs Drugs, 5400 Ygnacio Valley Rd. www.longs.com 672-0547 Dec. 6 PET VACCINATIONS @ YARDBIRDS 9:45-10:15 a.m. Dogs and cats can get all their vaccinations from a mobile clinic. Yardbirds, 5400 Ygnacio Valley Rd. www.yolanovet.com 672-2790 Dec. 6 TOYS FOR TOTS & FIRE DEPARTMENT @ COLD STONE CREAMERY 12-2 p.m. Clayton Fire Department will be providing a 2-hour engine demonstration & pick up gifts for Toys for Tots. Santa Claus will also be on hand to help out. Cold Stone Creamery, 1536B Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton Dec. 6 CHRISTMAS IN CLAYTON: TOWN TREE LIGHTING & SANTA'S ARRIVAL 6 p.m. Enjoy caroling, refreshments & the excitement of parading with Santa Claus to light up Town Tree for holidays! Winners of Holiday Home Decorating Contest announced. Bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys For Tots. Main Street downtown Clayton. 672-2272 Dec. 13
SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS VISIT WITH CLAYTON KIDS 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Santa will be taking kids' wish lists at the North Pole (Clayton Library) while Mrs. Claus will be inside serving scrumptious holiday treats until 3 p.m. Santa's elves will also be on hand. Clayton Library. 672-2272 Now through Jan. 23 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SUBSTANCE ABUSE POSTER CONTEST Knights of Columbus Concord Council 6038 sponsors 6th annual Substance Abuse Poster Contest for ages 8-11 and 12-14 in 2 categories "Drug" and "Alcohol". Local youth were winners at Council, Chapter, State & International levels in last year's competition. Claire Tryon grey_eototo@msn.com 673-8564
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION Dec. 3 AMERICA'S CIVIL WAR LECTURE @ CAL STATE CONCORD CAMPUS 4-5:30 p.m. Gerald Henig presents "We Shall Never Be the Same as We Have Been" as he discusses significant developments spawned by the war and learn about many American firsts including reconnaissance flight, successful submarine attack, military draft, attempt to legalize prostitution, income tax, woman to guard a president, American to be extradited for a criminal offense & other fascinating and unprecedented events generated by America's most destructive war. Cal State Concord campus, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Concord. www.ccc.csuhayward.edu 602-8654 Dec. 3 WHAT MAKES JAZZ JAZZ @ CAL STATE CONCORD CAMPUS 7-8:30 p.m. Professor Dave Eshelman, CSU Hayward Jazz Studies program director, will share an evening in exploration of the elements of jazz through lecture & demonstration. Join Dave on trombone, Randy Vincent guitar, Seward McCain bass & Alan Hall drums in this free question and answer lecture/performance. Cal State Concord Campus, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Concord. www.ccc.csuhayward.edu 602-6772 Dec. 3-9 REGISTRATION FOR WINTER QUARTER @ CAL STATE CONCORD CAMPUS Register for classes in the Winter Quarter, which begins Jan. 5 and runs through March 14. Cal State Concord campus, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Concord. http://www.csuhayward.edu/schedule/Winter_2004/ 602-6700 Dec. 7 CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC BOOSTERS HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Holiday Boutique in multi-use room. Find that special something & support CVHS music department. Student musicians provide music throughout day & there will be picture taking with Santa. Clayton Valley High School. www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/claytonvalley Rory Gentry 367-3450 Dec. 20-Jan. 4 CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS HOLIDAY FOR MDUSD SCHOOLS All schools in Mt. Diablo Unified School District enjoy two-week holiday celebrating Christmas and New Years. http://www.mdusd.k12.ca.us 682-8000 Jan. 12 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FREE THROW CONTEST @ DIABLO VIEW GYM 5:30-9:30 p.m. 20th annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest sponsored by Concord Council 6038. Contest is for 9-14 year old boys & girls. Winners compete at Local, District, Regional, State & International levels. All athletes receive frameable participation certificate. Special trophies awarded to winners & special free throw patch. Diablo View Middle School. Claire Tryon 673-8564 Jan. 13, 20, 27 PATTY CAKES @ CLAYTON LIBRARY 11 a.m. Story time for children up to 3 years on Tuesdays. Clayton Library. www.cclib.org 673-0659 Jan. 15, 22, 29 PICTURE BOOK TIME @ CLAYTON LIBRARY 11 a.m. Story time on Thursdays for children 3-5 years who may attend without parents. Clayton Library www.cclib.org 673-0659 Jan. 15 DIABLO VALLEY & LOS MEDANOS COLLEGES SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS Day, evening and weekend courses for spring semester begin with about 2500 classes offered at two of the state's premier community colleges. Registration for classes during Dec. and through Jan. 14. Los Medanos College, 2700 East Leland Rd., Pittsburg. www.losmedanos.net 439-2181. Diablo Valley, 321 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill. www.dvc.edu 685-1230 Feb. 7 CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC BOOSTERS CRAB FOOD Annual crab feed benefiting Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters as they support CVHS sports teams with a celebrity guest MC. Clayton Valley High School. www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/claytonvalley Laurie Warner 676-9521
Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Advertise in The Pioneer 672-0500
THE SIGN
OF A PROFESSIONAL
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
Visit our Web site prurealty.com/billwalcutt
November 28, 2003
Making your pet comfortable during the holiday season Many people find the holiday season very stressful. Did you know that it can also be a stressful time of year for your pets? Changes in the daily schedule, re-arranged furniture, an increased number and variety of visitors to your home and rambunctious kids can all add to your pet’s anxiety during the holidays. Combine this with the actual physical hazards of the season (such as strings of lights, tinsel, candles, candy, poinsettias and other holiday plants and tree ornaments, just to name a few) and you can see why your beloved companions are a bit stressed out! Pets exhibit their stress in several ways. They may become overly hyper, barking excessively, jumping on people and furniture and getting into everything. However, some pets become more withdrawn, hiding under beds or in closets and refusing to eat. Often our pets are responding differently during the holidays because we ourselves are acting differently. Animals are creatures of habit. They are accustomed to eating, sleeping, exercising and playing at designated times during the day - a schedule we generally adhere to nine months out of the year. However, from November through January, our routine changes, reflecting our holiday commitments, and our pet’s world is turned upside down. It’s no wonder a dog who is used to being walked twice a day or going for a morning run is
It’s the end of the y ear and the beginning of a ne w you.
agitated or bouncready for them to ing off the walls be opened. Pets when he’s not can sniff out their receiving his usual gifts and may topamount of exercise ple the tree or get and stimulation tangled in cords from his owner. The looking for them. same applies for the In addition, electriwithdrawn pet. He cal cords for holimay not be day lights are receiving the extremely danJULIE BOND same kind of gerous. Keep o n e - o n - o n e PAWS AND CLAWS all cords tied up attention from and out of reach his owner that he has come to of curious pets. expect. Although it is diffiChocolate is toxic and can cult, your pets’ routines even be fatal for your pets. should be maintained as Do not let your pet sample much as possible during the chocolate treats, or leave holiday season. Feed them at them within easy reach on their usual time, check the low coffee tables, or even water bowl frequently, let wrapped under the tree. Your your dogs out to relieve pets have a much better sense themselves regularly (check of smell than you do and the litter box too), and pro- know that Aunt Martha loves vide a comfortable, quiet those boxed candies for place of refuge for your pets Christmas! to retreat to if they need to Rich holiday foods, laden escape the hustle and bustle with sugar and fat can often around them. In addition to give your pets severe gasthese creature comforts, keep trointestinal complaints. the following in mind: Refrain from feeding them Poinsettias, holly berries, “people food” — use their and mistletoe are all toxic own food or treats to reward plants if ingested by your them for good behavior. pets. Keep them out of reach. Remember, too, that In addition, if you add preser- antifreeze is highly toxic to vatives to your Christmas pets. If your pets have access tree’s water, this water can be to your garage, make sure toxic if consumed. If you that you store antifreeze out think your pet may have sam- of reach and that any spilled pled one of these plants, or on the garage floor is cleaned used the tree stand as a water up thoroughly. Antifreeze has bowl, call your veterinarian a sweet, sugary flavor and is immediately. highly attractive to pets. Tinsel, holiday wrappings, It is particularly important ornaments that really do look to keep working with your like toys, and ornament hang- dogs during the holidays. ers can all be hazardous to You don’t want to teach your your pet if ingested. It’s fine pet any new behaviors since to wrap gifts for your pet, just this adds stress, but keep remember to monitor them working on the behaviors he when they open their gifts already knows. Don’t allow and don’t place their gifts your pets to get away with under the tree before you are bad behavior during the holi-
knowing college students are covered is as important as knowing they’re studying. Some college students are not protected by their parents’ health insurance, especially if they move away. Student Select insurance through Fortis Health* provides protection that helps take one worry off your mind. As a State Farm† agent I can help. Call me today.
Doug Van Wyck, CLU ChFC Lic.# 0586396 6200 Center Street Suite A Clayton, CA 925-672-2300
See a local State Farm agent for details on coverage, cost, restrictions, and renewability. *Coverages issued and underwritten by Fortis Insurance Company, a Fortis Health member company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. No member of the State Farm family of companies is financially responsible for the Student Select Coverage product. Fortis is not an affiliate of State Farm.
PO3443
Curves is 30-minute fitness, common sense weight loss, and all of the support you need to achieve your goals.
†State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Bloomington, Illinois • statefarm.com®
days as this will carry over once the season is long gone. Pets don’t know the difference between the holidays and the rest of the year! Finally, although it may seem like the finest gift of all, refrain from giving pets as gifts. Many people find it hard to cope with the needs of a new pet (especially a young puppy or kitten) while they are dealing with all the other stresses of the season. Instead, give a homemade gift certificate good for a trip to the local shelter, pet store, or breeder to look for that new pet after the holidays are over. This gives the recipient something to look forward to and gives them the time needed to prepare themselves and their home for a new arrival. The holidays may be hectic, but they are a wonderful time to re-connect with family and friends. Make sure you spend quality time with your pets and keep in mind how stress reducing the companionship can be for all of you. Just by simply being together you and your pet can reduce stress, improve your moods, and enhance each other’s well being. Now, what could be a better holiday gift than that? Julie Bond, M.S., is a certified Animal Behaviorist. She has worked closely with the doctors at Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital since 1999. You can reach her at 288-1444, or e-mail her at K9Freud@aol.com. Or call Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital, 672-1100.
Is this your phone number? There is an explanation Here is an explanation for why the arithmetic in last issue’s “Is this your phone number” always turned out to be your phone number Steve Mokros writes, “this is just a convoluted way of multiplying the phone prefix entered at the start of the exercise by 10,000 which moves the number over 4 places from the decimal point (i.e. 6730000) and adds the last four digits to it.
10/03
The power to amaze yourself.
www.curvesinternational.com
925-603-7555 4375 Clayton Rd-near Treat, in Starbucks shopping center Over 6,000 Locations to serve you.
Marc Williams Clayton Resident (925) 672-7257 CA License Number: 0688647
*Offer based on first visit enrollment, minimum 12mo. c. d. program. Service fee paid at time of enrollment. Not valid with any other offer.Valid only at participating location. Offer valid 11/17/03 to 12/13/03
Serving the Clayton and Concord Area Blue Cross of California and BC Life & Health Insurance Company are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross Association. The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered service marks of the Blue Cross Association.
November 28, 2003
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
It’s all about service at Jory’s
OWNERS DON AND MAUREEN HOTTON in their newlyremodeled store on Clayton Road in Concord Customer service is the key to success behind Jory’s Flowers. “I treat my business as if I were the customer,” says owner Don Hotton. I try never to say “no” to a customer. I would personally deliver an order if I had to,” he adds. Hotton’s commitment to customer service and his professional approach to the floral industry has led to a “budding” business including five flower shops; two in Concord, one in Walnut Creek, Seiferts in Orinda and Vallejo City Floral. Jory’s Flowers on Clayton Road in Concord and Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek were recently remodeled, featuring a large assortment of vases, ceramic, silk, hundreds of Christmas ornaments including Kurt Adler, Pacific Rim, CBK and more. The stores are currently decorated with Christmas trees, lights and life-
size figures. A family-owned and operated company for the past 75
years, Don’s grandfather started the business in 1935 as owner of Victor’s Florist in Piedmont. Don’s father, Duane, sold the Piedmont store and purchased Jory’s Flowers on Bonanza Street in Walnut Creek in 1958. Twenty-nine years later, Don purchased the business from his dad and moved Jory’s to the Ygnacio Valley Road location. His keen business sense led to the creation of Jory’s Flowers on Galaxy Way in Concord as the main call and distribution center. After a brief stint with a corporate venture, Don returned to the family business as owner and operator of the five floral enterprises. He and his wife, Maureen, have worked to create an appealing uniformity in all the stores. “We strive to create a quality product in a clean store with every effort to make ordering flowers a convenient and pleasing experience,” says Don. Jory’s features a 24-hour phone service and on-line ordering. “We personally guarantee our product.” For more information on Jory’s Flowers call 6858200 or visit jorysflowers.com.
Computer and Network Services
Page 11
Soroptimists offer awards Soroptimist International of Concord is offering two awards for worthy women in the area. A $1500 award is offered to a woman who is head of her household and is attempting to further her education. Use of the award is not restricted to tuition. Applications must be received by December 15. The Violet Richardson Award is offered to young women between the ages of 14 and 17 who are involved in their school activities, provide service to the community and maintain a C average. Applications for the Violet Richardson Award will be accepted until December 5. Soroptimist International
began in 1921 in the Bay Area and has become the largest classified international service organization for women. For more information about the awards or the
CEGIELSKI JEWELERS JEWELRY DESIGN & REPAIR
Diamond Setting Custom Design Chain Repair Ring Sizing Engraving
KROPA REALTY
Kim Morucci-Clayton resident specializing in Clayton properties and neighboring communities
2727 San Gregorio Court Antioch, great neighborhood, court location, no Mello Roos very clean, perfect for first time buyers, $299,950.
If it breaks, I can fix it. If I don't fix it, you don't pay.
(925) 437-1650, cell (925) 940-4111 VM Pager
Sold in 1 day!
JACK POST
Microsoft C ertified
(925) 682-2855
from start to finish for all your real estate needs
Pending
Clayton Resident 672-5009 direct 787-5852 cell www.networkservicecenter.com
Give the gift that lasts forever
Pr ofessional and Dedicated Service
networks from 1 to 500 computers
All work guaranteed
Happy Holidays
5354 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94521
* Design, build and service home and small business * Internet security: Virus and Firewall Protection * Software and hardware upgrade assistance * Troubleshooting pesky computer problems.
Pioneer advertising works 672-0500
Available!!
1905 Shadywood Court
4190 Leon Drive
Concord, walk to Ayers Elementary. 5 bedroom, 3 bath, beautiful home, ideal court location, RV parking. $748,000.
Clayton 7+ acres, quiet country living, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home, PLUS separate 2bd/1bath apartment PLUS huge 5 stall barn, tack room and hay storage. Only $990,000
One week only! Nov. 28 - Dec. 5 100% MONEY BACK
40%
GUARANTEE
off all Christmas vases, ceramic, silk, ornaments Kurt Adler, Pacific Rim, CBK and more (offer good on everything except fresh flowers and plants)
$10
Free
off any floral order over $35 (plus tax and delivery)
dozen roses with any purchase One per customer, walk-in’s only, delivery extra. Supply limited to stock on hand
Open this Sunday November 30 11 am to 4 pm
Jory’s Flowers 24 HR. PHONE ORDERING SERVICE ORDER ONLINE: jorysflowers.com T HIRD
GENERATION FLORIST
-- O VER 75
YEARS IN BUSINESS
Come and visit our newly remodeled store at 5354 Clayton Road, Concord
(925) 685-8200
Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 28, 2003
Winter gardens need tender touch Clayton gardeners may be so busy the next couple of weeks, with all the upcoming holidays, that their gardens may not be the first things on their minds. But some things still need to get done. Feed your lawn with a fall and winter plant food. When the temperatures cool down, your lawn’s digestive system does not work as quickly as it does in spring and summer. So yes, you do need two different lawn foods. You will probably
use three applications during the fall and winter season. Things happen more slowly when it’s cooler outside. Lawns that enter the winter looking dry and brown usually can’t correct themselves until warmer temperatures arrive, so don’t expect miracles. Just know that you are caring for the health of your lawn, building strength for spring glory. Peach leaf curl is very common and easily spread. This fungus causes a blister, which
Put your best face forward. After all, you deserve it! Glycolic peels
Permanent Makeup
Now located at Permanent Solution 6200-C Center St. Clayton
Facials Holiday gift certificates
C YNTHIA G REGORY
BA, MFA, LICENSED ESTHETICIAN
925.286.5162
Lots of ne w items! All y our f a v orites! Something f or e v er y one on y our holida y list! A Clear Ref lection of a Gifted Selection
925-672-4759 5433 Clayton Road, Suite A-1 Clayton
15% off all items
Expires 12/31/03 Not good with any other offer
disfigures foliage, eventually causing fruit production to stop. Brown rot fungus causes flowers to wilt and decay. Cracking of twigs and the oozing of sap are obvious signs of this disease. A copper fungicide should be applied now. When the leaves begin to fall is the time for the first application. Monterey Products out of Fresno makes a versatile copper fungicidal garden spray. Wet the tree and apply. Apply again once the tree has lost all its leaves. Clean up and discard foliage that has been dropped. Put dwarf, container grown peach trees under cover to prevent disease the next season. Consider mixing horticultural oil with your copper fungicide to control scale, another garden nuisance. Winter maintenance is not just about sprays and fertilizers. You definitely can get your hands dirty if you’d like. Let’s all divide our plants. Plant division does many things for the
overall beauty and health of each plant in our garden. We divide plants that are spreading too far. We divide perennials to save money. We divide plants to keep them healthy. Whether in a container or a bed, some plants need to be split. Common in Clayton gardens are plants like Agapantha and African Iris. You need to divide these plants. Reduce their width by half. Take a pointed nose shovel and dig out some width. Do not worry, your plant will absolutely recover. Let your plants know who is boss. If they’re getting too wide and do not have that original, arching grace, separate much of the circumference to let the plant have some shape. The pieces that you split can either be replanted in your yard, placed in your green waste, or given to a friend. I would place them in the green waste. Agapantha (unless it’s variety Storm Cloud) are a dime a dozen, as are the African Iris.
St. Bonaventure’s Church is right on schedule with Phase I of their multi-phased facilities project. The first two phases will take the project from construction of the new entrance through the building of the learning center. The “entrance” phase will see the construction of the new driveway, two new traffic signals, partial reconfiguration of the parking lot, new front landscaping and storm drain modifications. The entrance will be finished by the end of November, and the rest of Phase I should be complete by April of 2004, according to Rich Nielsen, St. Bonaventure’s project manager. Phase II of the facilities project is the construction of the
WORKERS PUT FINISHING into St. Bonaventure's
It's winter and time to look inside
Don’t reface
All you ever need is one. Container gardens need to have division done for the health of the plant. When you have limited root room, control of size is crucial to the health of the plant. Aster and daylily are often planted in containers. Both will need division in the fall to prevent crowding. Crowding limits the ability of the plant to carry nutrients and water and affects the bloom and
TOUCHES
learning center, which will be used to house the elementary school during the day and for
Painting
Don’t replace
GARDEN GIRL
Nicole Hackett is the Garden Girl at R & M Pool, Patio and Garden. Send your questions or comments to GardenGirl94517@aol.com
Project on schedule at St. Bonventure’s
CAROL VAN VAERENBERGH
AEFER’S H C S
NICOLE HACKETT
plant foliage. Aster will divide without any worry. Grab your spade or hand trowel and remove a chunk. Do the same with the daylily. Both are easy, and you are doubling your plants. Relocate these divisions to other areas of your yard, or trade with friends that also wish to make the most of their garden. This saves you money. Do not get too greedy with your divisions though. If a piece is too small, it will probably not produce a bloom next year. Plumonaria, Hosta, Hardy Geranium, Queen’s Tears, Society Garlic, Liriope, Yarrow, Lychnis, Verbascum, Prunella, Canna, Dahlia and Lambs Ear are all fine to divide this time of year. Please, if you have a question on dividing your perennials, just ask.
A Real Estate Professional Specializing in the Clayton Area
on the new entrance
parish activities after school hours. The total cost of Phases I and II is $9 million, of which the parish capital campaign has raised $3 million. According to Krista Fairfield who heads up the capital campaign for the church, construction on the learning center could begin as early as April 2004, if the parish is successful in raising the remaining $6 million by then. Plans for the new facility have been beset with complications from the beginning, from
initial neighborhood resistance to the project to unanticipated and costly city requirements. As a condition of granting the permits, the City of Clayton is requiring the church to install two signals on Clayton Road; one protected left turn signal in front of the church driveway, and another signal at El Camino. This has created a very complicated situation with the existing power poles. The power lines conflict with the proposed signals and will have to be relocated. Nielsen says that the City of Clayton is requiring that the power lines be moved underground. PG&E is currently working on the designs for the relocation of the power lines and will present them to the church late in January. According to Stuart Young, the project superintendent for Blach Construction, the project has gone very well right from the start. The parish “really has it together,” said Young. Until the rain this past week, the project was running ahead of schedule. Even with the rains, Young expects the entrance to be completed by Thanksgiving.
INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM • RESULTS
Refinish your kitchen or bathroom cabinets Bryan Schaefer
1-800-200-9440
CLAYTON RESIDENT FOR 10 YEARS
License #708321
. .
Family business since 1936
www.carolvanvaerenbergh.com
A Pine Hollow Beauty
It’s
Christmas in Clayton at R & M Pool, Patio and Garden Table runners and placemats
Tapestry wall hangings Pillows and throws Holiday wreaths
Brand new listing
German Glass ornaments Arthur Court Designs Garlands and swags Candles
Must see!
Family owned since 1983 Exceptional customer service
672-0207 6780 Marsh Creek Road Clayton
Melanie’s Gifts and Interiors will be open for everyone’s shopping convenience every Frida y night until 8 p.m. , until Christmas
Fountains and statuary, fine casual furniture, interesting and unusual plants, distinctive gifts and interiors, pool supplies, vita spas
Beautifully landscaped, large level lot at the end of a quiet cul de sac. Inviting pool and spa; lovely rose garden and fountain in the front yard; 3 car garage
4 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths. Upgraded kitchen with granite counters. Freshly painted with brand new carpets in a neutral color scheme
$625,000 Tom A. Legault, Broker “Award Winning Services” 1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd. Ste. 26 Walnut Creek
(925) 937-8181
KROPA REALTY
November 28, 2003
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
A computer for every stocking It’s shopping season once again and it’s time to find that new computer--but which one? Perhaps, you have one in mind for you or the family. Maybe the kids are hogging your computer and making it impossible for you to have time. Possibly the
family is so busy downloading music, playing games and surfing the Internet that you hardly have time to yourself. Give them the old one and get a new one for yourself. Here are some shopping suggestions, tips and caveats to get you started and
Pro-Tech Heating and Air Conditioning Bob and Sheri Dickson, Owners
925-673-3776
License #705148
Believe Believe in reindeer with a red nose. Being naughty or nice. Believe in Santa Claus.
672-2440
Clayton Valley Shopping Center (next to Yardbirds)
donna’s gifts Quality Gifts and Collectibles
Systems
15 % off With this coupon Does not include certain collectibles Expires 12/31/03
help you with your buying decisions. Foremost on your shopping list are components that suit your principal need. Get the power to run the chief application or applications. Then, add the goodies and accessories that make computing fun. Applications are the programs you use to do meaningful work. For example, word processing is an application. Addressing the application you use most makes the computer useful, utilitarian and provides justification for buying one in the first place. Ask yourself the question — what is the most important thing I want to do on the computer? Then address it. Your first consideration may be choosing a laptop or a desktop computer. In today’s market they are both excellent values and perform very well. The desktop will be faster, able to do more work and is more durable. The laptop is portable, less durable than the desktop and it is definitely slower. Laptops are limited in speed because of battery life and heat. Computers emit heat the faster they run. In desktops, heat is shed by large metal heat sinks that are not available in laptops. Laptop designers avoid generating the heat in the first place by rendering slower speeds. Battery life
WILL CLANEY TECH TALK also affects speed. To extend battery life, laptops typically shift to lower speeds. Technical support should be a priority consideration in your purchase. If you’re like most people, you need help using and understanding your computer, not to mention assistance when things go wrong. Mail order or home shopping TV purchases offer sub-standard support. Basically you are on your own. Big box stores like Good Guys depend on the manufacturer’s technical support telephone lines like Dell and Gateway. Most manufacturers have moved tech support “off-shore” to places like India. Dell’s “next business day” service isn’t what you think it is. You are the tech
support person in most cases. Smaller manufacturers and boutiques still offer great one-onone tech support. It’s important to visit the store and see and talk to a real live technician. If all they have are sales jocks, you’re in trouble. In some cases you will notice the price of comparable computers will increase slightly as you get more support. You get what you pay for. Price is always a consideration when deciding to purchase a new computer. No one wants to be “ripped-off,” but don’t sacrifice price for dependability. If it’s not dependable you’ve got to depend on tech support. Did you know the cost of keeping your computer running is nearly double the cost of buying one? So, a cheap computer will cost more than a good one. Consider the durability and dependability of the product. How many computers fail right out of the box? Emachines fail over 25% of the time, according to a recent Business Week article. Gateway computers fail about 10% of the time; boutique stores about 1% of the time. Therefore, dependability is a far more worthy consideration than price alone. If price is your biggest consideration, you shouldn’t be buying a new computer. Go buy some chocolates instead — you’ll be
fat, dumb and happy. Perhaps you need massive storage, blazing speed, high speed Internet, or multi processes. Put your money into the most needed components first and you’ll be more satisfied with your choice. Be aware that broadband Internet (that’s DSL or Cable access) requires a suite of security software to keep your computer from being attacked, hacked, and cracked. Now, you’re shopping and making informed decisions. Every time one or more of the items above is missed, the “value” of your computer is compromised. Understand what you’re getting, get all the goodies you’re entitled to (like CD’s), then pile on the extras and you’ll have a pleasurable experience with your new computer. Next time, we’ll publish a checklist to take shopping with you. Wouldn’t it be grand to ask Santa for exactly the computer you want? Will is the owner and operator of ComputersUSA! in the Clayton Station. He can be reached at 672-9989.
Rampage of Self Appreciation Thanksgiving, a holiday that reminds us to stop, take stock and be thankful for what’s showing up in our lives. As you take time to reflect and appreciate what matters most to you, remember to include yourself. Remember to appreciate all that YOU are and all that you have done for others. In fact, as your virtual coach, let me suggest that you go on a rampage of appreciation about yourself. That’s right, start now and list all the things you can appreciate about yourself—the significant and perhaps, the not so significant. Why? Because it all begins with you! Before you can share and serve others, it’s a good idea to be “full of yourself.” Fill yourself up to the brim with the juice of recognition, self
A Cut Above The Rest! an independent salon providing only the best hair care to the ENTIRE FAMILY.
Our stylists specialize in You Mon-Fri 10am – 7pm • Sat 9am – 6pm • Sun 1pm – 5pm For an earlier or later appointment, please call
925-686-0885 5100-32 Clayton Road, Concord
Walk-ins welcome Mention this ad for 10% off any product
SHOP ONLINE Holiday and Wedding Superstore www.seasonalreflections.com
Featuring everything for the Christmas holidays Decorations, lighting, supplies and more We have one of the largest lighting collections on the Internet with cord and bulb color combinations that you can’t find anywhere else. Speciial offer for Clayton and Concord residents-10% OFF ENTIRE PURCHASE
Code to enter for discount at checkout: CLAYRES10 (offer good through 1/31/04)
Six stores including Valentine’s Day, Easter, Patriotic, Halloween, Christmas and Wedding For more information or to order, call (925) 672-4425 or log on to www.seasonalreflections.com
John and Natalie Sharapata, Owners and Clayton residents
love, and appreciation that will keep your batteries going long after the energizer bunny has run his down! I’m serious. Sit down with a sheet of paper and begin to list the qualities, behaviors and gifts you bring to life. If you’re having a hard time coming up with something, begin first with things that are easy to identify, such as: I like my toes, the color of my eyes, the texture of my hair. Then, begin to recognize and appreciate points that are more meaningful, like I like the way I stay in touch with my family, the work ethic I demonstrate each day, the compassion I showed to a coworkers with an ill child, how I tried a new approach in talking to my son, when I chose to read a book rather than watch TV. I challenge you to fill up a page and then read it out loud to yourself. The feeling you’ll receive is just that – one of receiving, helping yourself to an inner strength that others are
journey.
FOR YOUR SOUL
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, thank you for your light in our world. Here are a few words of wisdom from Nelson Mandela: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.”
drawn to like a magnet. And, as you open yourself up to receiving the positive thoughts and strokes that you give to yourself, you’re now in a position to give more of yourself to others. Your tank is full of the precious fuel called self-care. Now you can start your engine and begin helping others along your
Dory Willer is founder of Beacon Quest Coaching. Clients call her a “Cheerleader for the Soul.” An international speaker, published author, and certified life coach, she offers individual and corporate coaching services. www.BeaconQuest.com (925) 473-4899.
DORY WILLER
A CHEERLEADER
The Sweet Corporation “For tree work done right.” Complete Tree Care Structural Pruning * Safety Pruning * Crown Reduction * Fruit Trees * Tree Cabling * Tree Root System Aerating * Removals * Tree Planting * Shrubs and Hedges * Fertilizing * Brush Chipping
Fully Insured P.L. & P.D. and Workman’s Compensation Serving Clayton since 1980 RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL Contractor’s License #664190
FREE ESTIMATES
672-7 7347
FAX 672-0422 We also “care” for your personal health “naturally” with herbs. Visit us @ sweet healthdistribution.com
STUMP REMOVAL Arborist on staff
Let God’s creations help you!
CalPERS, LRS & JRS Members! Take a look!
The CalPERS Member Home Loan Program offers a variety of benefits: Purchases and refinances Very competitive interest rates FREE 60-day rate lock with two FREE Float Down options 100% financing option* Reduced title closing fees Reduced Mortgage Insurance rates
Sherrie Fico, Sr. Loan Officer (925) 672-6951 sherrie_fico@countrywide.com
Equal Housing Lender. © 2003 Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corp., and/or its subsidiaries. Up front approval is subject to satisfactory appraisal and title review and no change in financial condition. Some products may not be available in all states. Prices and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved
Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
A sense of calm at The Massage Company The Massage Company Day Spa offers a stress free holiday It’s secluded, relaxing, and luxurious, and a chance to unwind from the holiday rush. The Massage Company is located in an elegant suite at Maverick’s Sports Club on Clayton Road in Concord. When you enter The Massage Company, you immediately feel a sense of calm and relaxation with plush couches, plants and soft lighting. It’s the perfect place to pamper yourself with a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial, waxing and a new micro der-
mabrasion procedure. Permanent make up and sculptured nails is also available along with beauty products. Lisa Ferrari is the woman behind this inviting day spa. She opened the spa at Maverick’s three years ago and recently moved down the hall to a spacious suite. Lisa has been a massage therapist for the past 13 years. The Massage Company offers special gift certificate packages for the holidays. Call Lisa at 680-7792 to set up an appointment or to purchase a gift certificate for that special person on your list.
Micro Dermabrasion Save $15 on each session with a package of six Massage Therapy, Body Wraps, Facial, Peels, Scrubs, Pedicures, Manicures and Sculptured Nails
925-680-7792 5294 Clayton Road in Concord
we are located in a new tranquil suite at Maverick’s Sports Club
Non-members welcome
$5.00 OFF
$10.00 OFF
$2.00 OFF
$10%OFF
Any Massage Session
Any Premium Facial
Any Waxing Service
Permanent Make-up
With Coupon Only * Coupon May Not Be Combined With Any Other Offer * Expiration 12/12
Real Estate Lending Purchase and refinance
Funded $3 billion in loans in 2002. Established in 1980 with 80 branches in over 30 states.
Ask us about our animal adoption program.
672-5363 6200 Center St., Suite 230, Clayton DOC# 415-0005
Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act.
Clayton residents Randy Welty, Ted Sudderth, Doris Ward and Casey.
Pomegranates... the “Seeded Apple” Oddly, for a food columnist I don’t have a particularly adventurous palate (you will not catch me munching on roasted grasshopper, for instance), but I have tasted many different foods in my time. Some things (like smoked dried seaweed) have forever destroyed my penchant for certain foods (like sushi), so when something new and tasty comes along it’s a revelation. So it was last week, when waiting for merchandise pickup at the mall, a fellow customer offered me some red kernels from what appeared to be a white fibrous fruit. It turns out I was looking at the innards of a Punicum granatum, or pomegranate. And the flavor, texture and juicy sweetness I discovered are out of this world! Pomegranates have been cultivated for about 6,000 years. Revered for its mystical healing powers, this fruit is also depicted as a symbol of fertility and rebirth around the world. The Greek goddess Aphrodite is said to have planted pomegranate trees, leading to the fruit’s reputation as an aphrodisiac. In China, the pomegranate is a symbol of abundance and fertility. Egyptian Pharaohs were buried with pomegranates, and Hippocrates recommended the fruit to treat eye infections and as a digestive aid. The pomme granete translated into the French means “seeded apple.” The French also com-
monly refer to the pomegranate as a “grenade.” Grenade—like the weapon? Well, yes. A French weapons inventor thought shrapnel was reminiscent of a ripe pomegranate bursting with its arils (the kernels), so he named the weapon after it. There’s a country named after the pomegranate (Grenada) and the fruit appears on numerous crests and flags, including that of the Royal College of Physicians in England founded in the 16th century by King Henry VIII. Some patient soul once figured out that a ripe pomegranate contains 840 seeds. The larger the fruit, the more juicy are the kernels. Each aril has a tiny edible pit. The arils are surrounded by white pith, which is edible but quite bitter and generally discarded. In some cultures, the outer shell is tanned and used in place of leather. Seeds are often crushed for their juice, which is full of potassium and Vitamin C, and more recently touted for its antioxidant benefits. Pomegranate juice is the source of grenadine, the pink syrup used to make tequila sunrises. By the way, the juice leaves a nasty stain in fabric—a quality not lost on a colleague of mine who, as a kid, loved to shoot pomegranate seeds at unsuspecting friends wearing light-colored shirts. Until recently, one had to use a blender and a strainer to extract about 2/3 of a cup of juice from a
Juli’s Pet Sitting Service The holidays are approaching… are you planning a trip? Don’t leave your dog or cat in an unfamiliar place while you’re gone. I’ll give your pet plenty of TLC in the comfort of its OWN HOME.
member of
Dogs, cats, horses, birds, lizards, fish and more. Over 30 years experience, bonded, insured, LOCAL REFERENCES Call today to arrange a home visit.
(925) 285-5626
Pet Portraits with Santa Sunday, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 10 am to 2 pm Regina's All Breed Pet Grooming Under New Ownership
672-8270 5400-A7 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord In the Clayton Valley Shopping Center
"We use all natural and organic products in a loving environment."
Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm & Christmas Trees A Christmas Tradition for the Whole Family Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, Grand Fir Christmas Trees Trees are kept in water for freshness Custom flocking and flameproofing available
Complimentary hot cider with purchase of tree Wreaths and garland available Christmas Gift Store includes ornaments, Christmas decorations for inside and outside . . . and flags!
Color a Christmas card for the children at Children’s Hospital in Oakland
672-5198 $5.00 off Tree Purchase of $60.00 or more not valid with any other offer Expires 12/20/03
November 28 , 2003
www.cvpumpkinfarm.com 2 miles east of downtown Clayton along Marsh Creek Road
LINDA WYNER
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
large pomegranate, or pay a premium for pomegranate syrup. Now I see that pre-packaged pomegranate juice is available at Trader Joe’s, Safeway and other neighborhood grocers. My research into this delectable fruit yielded a number of recipes, but I was particularly taken with a lamb marinade and a dessert ice known as granita. Let me know what you think of Pomegranate Lamb Kabobs ½ c pomegranate juice (or syrup) ½ c olive oil juice of one lemon 2 cloves garlic, crushed ½ tsp dried oregano 1 tsp salt ¼ tsp freshly ground pepper Prepare marinade from all the ingredients and add 2 lbs of cubed lamb (I would use sirloin or leg meat). Refrigerate overnight. Alternate lamb with chunks of onion, peppers, zucchini, and
tomato on skewers; roast, grill or barbecue to desired temperature, brushing with reserved marinade while cooking. Pomegranate-Tangerine Granita 2 c pomegranate juice ¾ c superfine sugar ½ c water 1 c tangerine juice (strained) 1 Tbsp minced tangerine zest Combine sugar and water in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly while the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool thoroughly. Add fruit juices and zest. Process using an ice cream maker. Alternatively, pour the mixture into a bowl and place in the freezer, stirring every 20 minutes until quite thick and slushy. Transfer to a pan, cover and freeze until firm. Scoop small portions of the granita into tiny liqueur glasses as a mid-meal palate cleanser or into wine glasses as a refreshing dessert after a rich meal. Questions or comments: email Linda Wyner at lwyner@claytonpioneer.com.
PG&E offers pilot re-lighting service and appliance inspections Now that cold weather has hit the Bay Area, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is encouraging customers to call the utility to schedule an appointment to have furnace pilot lights turned on for winter and natural gas appliances checked for safety and efficiency. “By planning ahead and scheduling to have pilot lights turned on now, families can heat their homes as soon as colder temperatures arrive,” said Tom Bottorff, vice president of customer service. “Our pilot relight service costs customers nothing extra and having Pacific Gas and Electric Company gas service professionals do this work ensures safe, reliable heating.” PG&E receives more than 200,000 customer requests each year to service customer heating appliances. Customers who delay in calling the utility may have to wait several days before a service representative can get to their homes. In addition to relighting pilot lights, PG&E specialists can also perform a check of all natural gas appliances in a customer’s home to make sure
they are operating safely and efficiently. Natural gas prices are expected to be higher throughout the country this winter and for the foreseeable future, giving further incentive for consumers to make sure their gas appliances are running as efficiently as possible. Reducing energy use is still the most effective way for customers to lower their utility bill. Damaged or poorly functioning natural gas equipment can not only waste money by leaking or burning gas inefficiently, but can also produce excess amounts of carbon monoxide if not adjusted properly. The same PG&E worker who responds to reports of gas leaks can also perform the utility’s appliance safety inspections. Some of the appliances that PG&E inspects include furnaces, water heaters, ovens, ranges, hot tubs and pool heaters, clothes driers and gas fireplaces. PG&E customers interested in scheduling a pilot relight and natural gas appliance inspection should call 1800-PGE-5000.
PATTY FLANNERY Realtor - Associate International President’s Circle
Happy Holidays Enjoy a Ride on our Trackless Train (Weekends only)
Christmas hours: Starting Friday, Nov. 28th thru Saturday, Dec. 20th Weekdays 11-9 * Weekends 9-9
Professional and personal service always Clayton Resident Since 1979
Be with the best!
Voice Mail: 925-210-7480 Residence: 925-672-0541
November 28, 2003
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Holiday happenings in and around town “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” around Clayton as homeowners begin decorating. There’s still time to enter the Clayton Business and Community Association’s (CBCA) Home Decorating
Contest. For applications, call 672-2272. Bring the family out to enjoy a variety of holiday events beginning on Saturday, December 6. AT
COLD STONE CREAMERY CLAYTON STATION IS
Paramount Financial Services Even if your credit is not the greatest ... you can still get a loan. • • • • •
ZERO down / first time home buyers Bankruptcy? Credit problems? ... No problem Can't prove income? ... No problem High debt ratios? ... No problem Need cash? Take cash out of your home — up to 100% of your equity
Patrick Penner — Clayton Resident 866.878.0044 ext. 5 www.paramountfinancialservices.net Licensed by the California Department of Real Estate. Broker’s License #01182876. Programs and terms are subject to change without any prior notice. Some applicants will not qualify.
Clayton Flowers
TOYS FOR with Clayton Fire Department Station 11 from 12 noon to 2 p.m on December 6.The event will include an engine demonstration and Santa will be on hand to help the fire department collect the toys. SPONSORING A TOTS PROGRAM
THE CLAYTON VALLEY MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION CLAYTON VALLEY AT SHOPPING CENTER ARE HOSTING A SAFETY DAY featuring the Concord Police Department, an ambulance vehicle demonstration and photos with Sparky, the fire dog mascot. There will also be a U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, Irish dancing and choral groups. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 6. Santa arrives at 12 noon. For more information call the Aim Mail Center at 672-2395. THE LYNNE FRENCH TEAM, COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE, IS HOLDING AN OPEN HOUSE FROM 3 TO 6 PM, DECEMBER 6 with refreshments, complimentary photo with Santa and an a drawing for a Thomas Kinkade. Everyone is invited. 5200
Daily deliveries to Clayton, Pittsburg, Concord, Walnut Creek Quality fresh flowers and roses Unique sympathy arrangements Green and blooming plants Very special dish gardens Balloon bouquets Weddings
Easy to order by phone
Toll Free
800-554-1391
4666 Clayton Road, Concord
Julie Ann Hoffman of Clayton and Matthew Leonard
Clayton’s only bookstore has it all 25% off
We have a huge selection of new and used adult and children’s books
any book with this ad expires 12/31/03
Clayton Station Shopping Center 5433 D Clayton Road in Clayton (next to Safeway)
(925) 673-3325
Boat Storage - Winter Special Is your neighbor’s boat parked in the sideyard? Tell him about this ad
REGINA’S ALL BREED PET GROOMING IS OFFERING PET PORTRAITS WITH SANTA . Portraits are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 7 and 14 at Regina’s in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center behind Clayton Hair Works. For more information call Bonnie at 672-8270. THE CLAYTON VALLEY PUMPKIN FARM AND CHRISTMAS TREES INVITES
Is your boat getting beaten up by the weather? Call us today Mention this ad and
Store your boat from December 1 to June 1 for $500
Center Street, Suite E.
and a new, unwrapped toy.
At 6 p.m. On Saturday, December 6, Santa will lend a hand to help with the annual TOWN TREE CLAYTON LIGHTING . The event will include caroling, refreshments, a Toys for Tot program and the WINNERS OF THE CBCA’ S HOME DECORATING CON TEST WILL BE ANNOUNCED . The gathering begins at the Clayton Historical Museum and families are encouraged to bring a flashlight or glo-light
SPECIAL VISITS WITH SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS are set for Saturday December 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clayton Library. Children young and old alike can have their photo taken with Santa and his elves. Mrs. Claus will also host a Dessert Party at the Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Delicious desserts and beverages will be served. Admission is $1 with children under four admitted free. For information on the home decorating contest
Gaetano of Claremont, California became husband and wife in a July ceremony in the redwood grove at The Millpond in Soquel, California. Julie is a 1993 graduate of Clayton Valley High School.(CVHS) She is the daughter of Walt and Nancy Hoffman of Clayton. The groom’s parents are Raymond and Darlene Gaetano of Claremont. The bride’s silk crepe, empire style dress was designed in Genoa, Italy, and featured a bodice and train made of Italian lace. Julia wore a shoulderlength veil held in place with fresh roses. Her bridesmaids wore two-piece, full length gowns of periwinkle and carried yellow roses accented with purple statice. Standing up with Julie as Maid of Honor was Monica Racela, a 1993 CVHS graduate who now lives in London, England. Other attendants were Nicole Pelletier Judd, also a 1993 CVHS graduate who resides in Layton, Utah; Shawna Macik of Redwood City and the groom’s sister, Rachel Gaetano of Douglas,
Regularly $110-$125 per month Refer a friend or neighbor and get one month additional storage for yourself!
Locked, individual garages Launching facilities
ALL VISITORS TO COLOR A CHRISTMAS CARD FOR ILL CHILDREN AT CHILDREN ’S HOSPITAL in Oakland. The
cards and art materials are available at the Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Farm and visitors are urged to participate in this worthy cause. Clayton resident, Anthony Knutson, founder and executive director of the Art for Life Foundation sponsors the program. The foundation raises money for art supplies and projects that help in the healing process of children in the hospital. A list of needed supplies are available on the Pumpkin Farm website, cvpumpkinfarm.com. For more information on the program call Sharon Osteen at 672-5198
Julie Hoffman weds Matthew Gaetano
682-4664
www.ftd.com/claytonflowers WIRE SERVICE SPECIALISTS Major credit cards honored
and other CBCA events call 672-2272
Hennis Marina, Bethel Island (925) 684-3333 (Office) (925) 285-4097 (Cell)
Turn your house inTo a home Reupholstery, draperies, pillows, slipcovers, valences, aromatic sachets, and more. Do an entire room, or simply cover an old couch to create a new look.
Call now before the holiday rush
JULIE ANN HOFFMAN
AND
MATTHEW LEONARD GAETANO
Alaska. The Best Man was Michael Dilz, and groomsmen were Sean Caenepeel and the bride’s brothers, Jim Hoffman, a 1996 CVHS graduate, and John Hoffman. The ceremony was followed by a sit down dinner of salmon and filet mignon at the Coast Hotel of Santa Cruz. Julie and Matthew met during a year long post graduate program at University of
California, Santa Barbara. They taught in the Bay Area for several years and applied together to the American Schools International program. Since 2001, they have been teaching in Genoa, Italy. The couple honeymooned in Vahini Island Resort in the South Pacific and they will live in Kao-shung, Taiwan where they have accepted a two-year teaching commitment.
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LENDING • GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE • MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS • CLAYTON RESIDENTS FOR OVER 20 YEARS
WE'LL ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS SO YOU GET THE RIGHT LOAN. JOANNA JACOBS & SEAN CONNORS
Joanna Wellsted
Owner, designer Clayton resident
673-8911
MOTHER / SON TEAM JOANNA: (925) 944-6235 • FAX: 889-2019 / SEAN: (925) 944-6251 / FAX 775-7076
Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 28, 2003
Come to a party
The Lynne French Team invites you to our
Grand Opening
Saturday, December 6 from 3 pm ‘til 6 pm (Before the Clayton ChristmasTree Lighting)
6200 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton Between The Clayton Pioneer and Ed’s Mudville Grill
Bring the family Receive a complimentary photo with Santa
Enjoy wonderful refreshments from our local vendors Come by the office and enter to win a Thomas Kinkade and other fabulous door prizes
Call Lynne French for more information
(925) 673-2188
GEORGE VUJNOVICH Broker
(925) 672-4433
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
georgevujnovich.com
FALCON RIDGE AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
SOUTHBROOK
IRONWOOD AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!
Immaculate & rare one story! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,542 sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage! Upgraded neutral tile, carpet & décor throughout! 4th bedroom/den with upgraded "French" doors & sidelights. Gourmet kitchen with upgraded Corian counters, island & full backsplash, upgraded maple cabinets & tile floors. Family room with fireplace & ceiling fan. Spacious master suite with romantic fireplace & jetted tub! Quiet setting on a large private lot backing to oak studded open space, large custom paver stone patio with columned trellis, lush lawn area & lots of colorful flowers & ornamentals. $699,000
Outdoor entertainers dream! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, apx. 2,056sf, 2 car garage plus RV/boat parking. Updated kitchen with parquet floors, neutral tile counters & huge eating nook. Separate formal dining room. Family room with parquet floor, 2 way brick fireplace, built-in display cabinet & slider to patio. Large living room with 2 way fireplace, built-in display cabinet & slider to patio. Spectacular private backyard features a sparkling in-ground freeform pool, outdoor fireplace/BBQ, full bath for pool users, 2 covered patios, lush mature landscape, built-in bench seating, large gated side yard with storage shed & small garden area. Quiet court setting. $589,000
JUST LISTED! Beautiful home. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,315 sf, 2 car garage + 3rd car tandem or work area option. Upgraded extended 12" tile entry with soaring ceiling. Step down living and dining room with neutral carpet and upgraded window coverings. Gourmet kitchen with upgraded wood laminate floors, tile counters and island, maple cabinets and pantry. Expanded family room with upgraded tile fireplace. Spacious master suite with vaulted ceiling and upgraded fan, cozy bay window sitting area looks out to open space and hills. Large level lot backs to open space with views of oak dotted hills and features custom aggregate patio with brick trim and lush lawn area, maturing trees and a variety of colorful flowers and ornamentals. $599,000
FALCON RIDGE AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
CHAPARRAL SPRINGS AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
PENDING JUST LISTED! Prime ridgeline view lot backs to open space overlooking canyon, rolling hills & oak trees. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths plus den office. Approx. 3,335sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage! Immaculate & extensively upgraded! Extended 18" tile floor entry, upgraded & extended lighting package. Window coverings include: Silhouettes, plantation shutters & wood blinds. Premium neutral carpet & pad. Family room with fireplace & built-in speakers. Gourmet kitchen with 18" tile floors & color coordinated tile counters. Downstairs master suite with jetted tub. Rear den balcony offers views of hills, canyon & oaks. Front balcony offers unobstructed panoramic views to Delta & beyond! Professionally landscaped level lot features aggregate patio, fountain, outdoor speakers & lighting plus an array of colorful flowers & ornamentals. $919,000
PENDING Prime view lot overlooks breathtaking views of hills, oaks, park, valley & golf course to Delta! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths + downstairs den with upgraded "French" doors, apx. 2,843sf, inside laundry room & 2 car garage with storage/workshop option. Immaculate with neutral décor & upgrades in move-in condition! Family room with fireplace, custom built-in media cabinet & crown moulding + views! Gourmet kitchen with upgraded 18" tile floors, maple cabinets, tile counters & island incl: recipe desk, big sunny window with garden ledge & eating area w/views! Spacious master suite with romantic balcony offering spectacular views to Delta! Level professionally landscaped lot features privacy, trellis covered patio with meandering walkway to front yard, lush lawn, lots of privacy trees, ornamentals, colorful flowers & awe-inspiring views! $719,000
PENDING JUST LISTED! Prime golf course lot backs to 15th fairway! 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, apx. 1,745sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage! Upgraded marble in entry, hall & bath! Full bedroom and bath downstairs. Neutral upgrades & colors throughout! Gourmet kitchen with tile floors & counter. Spacious master suite. Oversized private yard features custom & extensive professional landscaping with Tuscan columns, mature shade tree & incredible views of Mt. Diablo, hills & golf course! $485,000