OCT 07 Clayton Pioneer 2005 by Pioneer Publishers

Joe Romano is back! see page A10

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

October 7, 2005

925.672.0500

Farmers settles with Village Market TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

GREGG MANNING

MAYOR’S CORNER Everyone needs to be prepared for a major disaster. In the past week, a number of people have asked me about the state of Clayton’s response to a disaster or an emergency. All of us in Clayton face a number of potentially disastrous events. We do not have hurricanes but we do have the possibility of earthquakes, wildfires, stream flooding and landslides in about that order of impact on the city. Clayton does have an Emergency Response Plan. This plan is reviewed on an annual basis. This year, in light of the recent events on the Gulf Coast, the counties and cities of Alameda and Contra Costa are hard at work on a program that will put all county and city agencies on the same radio system for emergencies. This system is estimated to cost between $60 and $70 million. All things, including disaster preparedness, come down to money, which is always in short supply. An earthquake has potentially the most disastrous effect on Clayton. A serious earthquake could leave hundreds homeless. The 1906 San Francisco quake left 225,000 people homeless and the area’s population is a lot greater today. In the past the only space the city had to shelter large numbers of people after an earthquake was the field at the elementary school. Now we also have the fields at the Community Park and Diablo View Middle School. The gym at the middle school now gives us a sheltered place for people. The most important lesson we can all get from the events in the Gulf Coast region is that we will be on our own for not the

See Mayor, page A7

What’s inside SECTION A Around Town . . . . . . . . . .A2 Classifieds and Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . .A5 Letter to the Editor . . . . . .A8 So, Anyway . . . . . . . . . . . .A10 Sharing History . . . . . . . .A11 Your Health . . . . . . . . . . .A12 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . .A12 Food for Thought . . . . . .A13 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . .A14 SECTION B Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .B1 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 Church News . . . . . . . . . . .B4 Holiday Gifts . . . . . . . . . . .B5 Community Calendar . . . . .B6 Dining Around . . . . . . . . . .B7 Pet Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B8 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . .B9 Tea for You . . . . . . . . . . . .B10

Sam Sandhu, owner of the badly fire damaged Village Market, accepted a settlement offer from Farmer’s Insurance last week. The Sept. 21 settlement brings to a close nearly a year and a half of litigation

against the insurance giant. In a statement to the Pioneer earlier this week, Marcus Merchasin, Sandhu’s attorney, had nothing but praise for Judge Barbara Zuniga, who kept all parties negotiating for 16 hours until agreement was finally reached at 11:30 p.m. Both parties are under court order not to

discuss the amount or terms of the settlement. However, Merchasin said that Sandhu is “ecstatic.” “It’s a great sense of relief,” said Merchasin. “It’s significant for Sam and it’s significant for Clayton.” “This is terrific news,” said City Manager, Gary Napper. The

store has been empty and boarded up since January 15, 2004, when it was badly damaged by fire. “It’s been a daily reminder of a difficult time for Sam and for the City,” said Napper. The cause of the fire has never been determined and the fire inspector for Contra Costa Fire Protection District has yet

to file his final report. However, very early on, both Sandhu and Farmer’s each hired their own independent investigators to conduct extensive studies of the second floor of the building where the fire started. Neither investigation turned up any evidence of accelerant use. Both

See Market, page A6

Raise your stein to lager and lederhousen Huge turnout for the second annual CBCA Oktoberfest. JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

MAYOR GREGG MANNING

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

LEADS THE BAND

and the keg down Main Street to kickoff the second annual Oktoberfest.

Clayton nurse felt compelled to help Katrina victims on the Gulf Coast JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

numerous phone calls, Bethel was asked to attend an all-day class in Oakland on Sept. 11. She remembers thinking how appropriate it was to train with the Red Cross on a day when our country remembered the tragic terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. She was told she could be deployed within seven days after the class. “I was so excited.” She sat

Most of us watched the devastation of hurricane Katrina on television and were overwhelmed by the images; families in pain, losing their homes and livelihood and, in many cases, loved ones. It was hard to watch, and many of us tuned out in disbelief. However, one Clayton resident knew immediately after the hurricane struck that she couldn’t tune out. Giving money and food wasn’t enough. Patti Bethel knew she had to give of herself. “I had a burning desire to help,” she said. An emergency room nurse for 18 years with three years of high risk obstetrics training and certified for Level One trauma, Bethel certainly had something to give. She alerted her coworkers in the ER room at Kaiser Hospital in Walnut Creek that she had a strong desire to get to the Gulf Coast. Patti was told to pursue her dream and not to worry about her work schedule. So she forged ahead by filling out an on-line application to the Red Cross. After several days and PATTI BETHEL

through a compelling presentation about Clara Barton on the front line during the Civil War. “Like Barton, everyone at the training wanted to make a difference,” she says. I remember thinking “okay, now I am really psyched.” But her enthusiasm was short lived. Red Cross personnel informed the more than 200 people at the training that they

would be able to pass out water and put on a band aid, but anything more in the way of medical needs was beyond their scope. “I was devastated,” Patti said. “Three of us got up and walked out. My bubble had burst.” Later she would discover that this small incident would

See Nurse, page A6

Voices squealing as they swirl around and around on the ever popular Tilt-a-Whirl. Kids waving to mom and dad as they ride up and down and around on the merry-go-round. Young smiling faces gleaming above the crowd as they soar in the air on Fly. Typical sights and sounds of Oktoberfest? Not exactly. There was something new this year. The Clayton Business and Community Association, Oktoberfest sponsors, added a carnival to event festivities and the crowd loved the new addition. There were rides for young and old alike and the fun started last Friday night at 5. And what’s not to like about a carnival? The smell of popcorn, the noise of the rides and the crowds, young teens milling

See Oktoberfest, page A4

Pioneer to host public forum on Measure M On November 8, Clayton voters will be asked to renew the city’s Landscape Maintenance District. In preparation for the election, the Clayton Pioneer will host two public forums on Measure M; the first on Monday October 24 and again on Thursday, October 27, both beginning at 7 p.m. in the Clayton Library Community Room. Members of the city council, the original Blue Ribbon

See Forum, page A7

Measure M will replace current assessment

Photo courtesy of Patti Bethel

SET UP THE TRIAGE CENTER

to aid Katrina victims in Gulfport, Mississippi.

The Landscape Maintenance Assessment that will be on the ballot in November as Measure M calls for a total annual assessment of $365. This is to replace the current assessment of $125. It is not in addition to the $125.

Page A2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 7, 2005

Around Town Anthony Mazza to wed Amanda Camilleri

Claytonians say Yassou to the Greek Festival Claytonians Andreas Xiaris and Lorraine Henney seemed to enjoy the delicious food served at this year’s Greek Festival at St. Demetrios Church last month. Andreas is a volunteer chef at

the annual event and is known for his Greek chicken and lamb recipes. Lorraine loves to attend the festival each year and this time she decided to greet chef Andreas with a rousing Yassou!

The festival which drew more than a thousand residents from the surrounding area, featured

Greek music and dance, arts and crafts and of course famous Greek culinary offerings.

Darcy Smith collects 820 books for Filipino children Cadette Girl Scout Darcy Smith wanted a truly meaningful community service project for her silver scouting award, so she set out huge red book drop boxes all over town and asked for children’s’ books to send to the Philippines. She far surpassed her initial goal of 500 books. As she sorted through the collected books, she discovered that many people had dropped adult books into the boxes. So, this resourceful teenager took them to the used bookstore, sold them and used the cash to buy more children’s books for her project. Darcy thanks everyone who supported the drive.

The All Town Book Drive was a huge success! I just want to thank all of the citizens of Clayton who donated books, and the businesses that were book drop locations (Clayton Community Church, The Clayton Pioneer, Dr. Tina Mason, and Ed’s Mudville Grill). The final outcome was 820 books. My goal of 500 books was surpassed by over 60 percent. Books for the Barrios will ship off the books shortly after I deliver them and they will immediately distributed to the children. This delivery of books coming from Clayton, California is going to make 820 Filipino children’s day. Thank you again for your incredible support.

Andreas Xiaris and Lorraine Henney

Jill Bedecarré /Clayton Pioneer

England’s Tea Cottage cuts the ribbon

– Darcy Smith

AMANDA CAMILLERI AND ANTHONY MAZZA

Amanda Camilleri of Concord and Anthony Mazza of Clayton announced their engagement July 1 at Trader Vics Steakhouse. Amanda graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 2001 and Diablo Valley College in 2004, and is employed as a mortgage loan consultant. Anthony

graduated from Berean Christian School in 2001 and is a brick mason. The bride’s parents are Nancy and Chris Camilleri of Concord, and the groom’s parents are Sherry and Bob Mazza of Clayton. The wedding is planned for July 8, 2006 at the Pleasant Hill Recreation Center.

Jill Bedecarré /Clayton Pioneer

DARCY SMITH

Photo courtesy of the Smith family

RELAXES after collecting 820 Books for the Barrios.

You’re not officially in business until you cut the lucky ribbon at a ribbon cutting. Englund’s Tea Cottage in Clayton Station did just that and even dressed up for the occasion. The Concord Chamber of Commerce hosted the ribbon cutting and welcomed the new tea cottage to Clayton. Englund’s popular tearoom has received rave reviews for its ambiance, tea offerings and culinary delights.

Jeffry Ranch, Clayton - 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, w/ 4th bed possible in-law unit with it's own entrance. Numerous upgrades including Pergo flooring, custom paint, ceramic tile counters and flooring, ceiling fans and custom built-ins. Large lot on a court with RV parking, hot tub, patio and deck.

Pine Hollow, Concord - 4 bedroom, 2 bath single story home at the end of a cul-de-sac. Dining area with sliding door to back patio, formal living room with views of the front yard and garden, gourmet kitchen w/ granite counters and custom cabinets. Outside enjoy the solar heated pool. Walking distance to tennis courts and park.

Kirkwood. Concord - Beautifully updated this 3 bedroom & 2 bath home with newer A/C and roof. Kitchen with Laminate counters, Italian tile, both bathrooms have been upgrades with granite. Hardwood flooring throughout this beautiful single story home.

Falcon Ridge, Clayton - This beautiful Serenade model has 4 bedrooms plus loft on a large half acre lot. 3079 sq. ft. of living space has a spacious family room and wonderful hillside views. Outside you will find a large side yard with access for R.V.

Kirkwood Estates, Concord - Beautiful 3 bedroom and 2.5 baths, 2100+ sq. ft. home, backs to open space, upgrades throughout, gourmet kitchen w/ granite counters, Red Oak cabinets and floors. French doors, Jacuzzi bath, tile roof, 500 sq. ft. basement for storage. Large rock pool/spa & waterfall & BBQ.

Cowell Terrace, Concord - Spacious townhome in great location. Inside you will find 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, master suite with split bath and walk-in closet, indoor laundry and separate living and dining room. Relax out on the courtyard with patio.

Easley Estates, Clayton - Updated single story rancher with 4 bedrooms, two half baths, large tile entry opens to elegant formal dining and living rooms, gourmet kitchen w/granite counters and breakfast area. Outside enjoy the private yards you will find a Koi pond, $849,980 fountain and spa.

Concord/Clayton Border - This 2 story large home has fresh paint inside 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths and over 2,100 sq ft of living space. Kitchen with eating area, family room off the kitchen and formal living & dining room. You will also find nearby hiking trails and $749,980 open space nearby.

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How to win in today's market! Free Educational Seminars examine the market & process. Chock full of valuable tips and strategies. Presented by Inge Yarborough & guest panel.

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Oct 7, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A3

Around Town Historical marker unveiled for Black Diamond Way

Pumpkin Farm introduces designer tree It was the 25th anniversary celebration of Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm and David and Sharon Osteen had a surprise for everyone who attended. During the celebration David unveiled the Oregon Noble Vintage designer Christmas tree that will be sold at the Farm this year. The tree has been called the world’s first real designer Christmas tree and CV Pumpkin Farm will be the exclusive distributor in Northern California. David invited everyone at the Sept. 25 event to get up close and personal with the tree. “Smell it and touch it,” he urged the crowd. The Pumpkin Farm will be taking advanced orders for the tree during the month of October.

1 City officials and descendants of some of Clayton’s and Nortonville’s pioneer families and history lovers were all on hand on Sept. 24 for the dedication of a permanent historical marker to honor Black Diamond Way. Also known as Nortonville Road, Black Diamond Way was the main road between the Black Diamond Coal Mines and the twos of Clayton from about 1861 until the mines shut down in 1900.

In 1985, the road became part of the East Bay Regional Park system. The trail leads from the far west end of the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, 3.5 miles into Clayton. Pictured: (1) Traci Parent, Supervising Naturalist, Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and Mayor Gregg Manning unveil the historical marker, while (2) Phyllis

Wainwright, whose mother, Janet Rankin, was born in Nortonville, and (3) Clayton native, Leroy Gomez look on. (3) Jon Wilson, X Noble Grand Humbug, E Clampus Vitus Chapter 13, speaks to the crowd of 50. E Clampus Vitus is a fraternal organization dedicated to the preservation of California History. Watch the Pioneer for a feature story on this organization soon.

Jill Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer

Local residents couldn’t wait to touch and smell the designer tree at the Pumpkin Farm’s 25 Anniversary.

You’re never too young (or old) to take out the trash About 75 turned out for this fall’s “Clayton Cleans Up” day on Sat. Sept. 24. Kids and adults alike donned their walking shoes and combed the streets and trails of Clayton picking up enough gum wrappers, Styrofoam cups, soda cans and other assorted debris to fill about 100 bags. One eagle eyed trash picker even found a $20 bill outside the Clayton Club and donated it back to the City to help cover the expenses of the day, said Community Services Commissioner, Alden Foster.

Photos by Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

What’s happening around town? Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

CLAIRE OLSON, BETHANY ANZELONE, KAYLA ELWY AND NOELLE CORREA OF BROWNIE TROOP #2386 pose proudly with their haul for the day.

Send your “Around Town” news item to tamara@ claytonpioneer.com, or go to www.claytonpioneer.com

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Page A4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 7, 2005

Oktoberfest carnival lights up the night sky State Farm7 Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

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Oktoberfest, from page A1 around arm and arm, and moms and dads getting more thrills from just watching their little ones soak in the fun. Even with the new carnival element, tradition wasn’t far behind. Everyone’s favorite, “The Internationals” returned on Saturday with their toetapping German songs and music in the big tent. Festivalgoers raised their beer mugs, swayed to the music and sang along with the talented foursome. There was a good old parade, horse and keg included, down Main Street to the big tent where the traditional tapping of the keg took place. Chairperson Mary Ann Lawrence must have made a deal with Mother Nature because the cool, sunny weather couldn’t have been better. There were plenty of arts and crafts for the shoppers and Kinderland and A Rootbiergarten for the kids. Along with Oktoberfest, CBCA hosts the Art and Wine Festival, Clayton Classic Golf Tourney, Christmas holiday activities and a scholarship program. The active community-oriented group meets the last Thursday of the month. For membership info call 672-2272.

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4 1. Carnival lights up the night sky downtown; 2. Fly 9 ride was the hands down favorite with the kids; 3. Melanie Hines and Yumaya Young, both 10, are ready for take off on the Fly; 4. Armin Ghandi, 2, isn’t sure if his horse is saddle broke; 5. Camille Cline, Alexa Harris, Jadyn Harris, Cecily Sotomayor and Jason Woodling cruise the carnival grounds on the train

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October 7, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Classified HELP WANTED

VACATION RENTAL

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Cabin in Blue Lake Springs (Arnold, CA). Sleeps 6, fully remodeled, quiet, use of recreation facilities. $150/night, $950/week. Call Kevin Parker @ (925) 383-9430 or www.vrconnection.com/ parkerpaw

Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, casinos, skiing, and hiking. Please call Mike Risso @ (925) 890-4623. Tamarindo, Costa Rica - Steps to the beach, 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo. Call Carolyn Walsh at 925 381-3249 or www.dannyhankrentals.com.

Cozy cabin in South Lake Tahoe. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car garage. Great for a family or 2 couples. 10 minutes to Lake

Place your classified ad at www.claytonpioneer.com

MISCELLANEOUS Woman seeking mothers' groups or playgroups. Please call Lanay Morrison at 524-0775

SERVICES Licensed Daycare. 10 years experience. Regency woods, Clayton, all ages. PT/FT. Large day care room, large backyard. Indoor/outdoor activities, Clayton Library trips. Call Laura 524-0190.

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P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580 R OBERT S TEINER , Co-Publishers

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor J ILL B EDECARRÉ , Assistant Editor and Display Advertising J IM Z EWAN , Sports

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PIONEER INFO

Directory of Advertisers

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 office with your credit card information. Or, call the Clayton Pioneer, 925-672-0500 to place your ad over the phone. Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. Classified deadline dates are printed above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. We reserve the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. All classified ads must be paid for in advance.

Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 All Loving Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0752 American Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-4800 Apronstrings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-7621 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .726-0154 Bay Arts Custom Children's Murals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .323-9323 Benton, Mureleen - American Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Cegielski Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2855 Café Santee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .429-3320 Candy Created Bouquets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6818 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Central Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-2222 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Sports Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8445 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066 Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4848 Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5198 Clayton Valley Villa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8401 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9530 Contra Costa County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-4400 Contra Costa Musical Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .943-7469 Crocker Insurance Agency - Sam Totah . . . . . . . . . . . . .941-1536 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 CTA Crossroads Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-0597 Diablo Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .691-4529 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . . . .524-5100 Donna's Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2440 Dryclean USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5653 Eagles Peak Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .465-0435 Elysium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1333 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 Essential Skin Care by Linda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0850 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . . . .672-8787 Great Start Home Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-1008 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Hobson's Digital Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-0726 Home Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9737 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 Integrity Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .877-493-5437x402 Joanna's Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8911 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 Lerner Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-1130 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Magic Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0949 Maverick's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Merrigan, Deanna - Mt. Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9990 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Dr. Steven Moon, Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8400 Morgan, Yvonne - Security Pacific Real Estate. . . . . . . .974-7675 Morningside Horse Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3632 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . .280-8563 NBS Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-1845 Neptune Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Northgate Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-8711 Oakhurst County Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pardi, Roxanne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8863 Pasos de Mt. Diablo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4467 Pavilion Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6868 Pro-Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3776 R & L Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2600 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Rahimzadeh, Helen - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7375 Residential Pacific Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 Sobotka Air Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-9300 Dr. Steven Moon, Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8400 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 The James Gang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .974-7678 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .672-4433 Weekends at the Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0744 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Wooden' It Be Nice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5595 Williams, Mike - Rath Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5363 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700

LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Nurse, from page 1

Photo courtesy of Patti Bethel

MOBILE MEDICAL UNIT provided emergency care for victims of Katrina until damaged hospitals could reopen.

be the impetus that would get her to the Gulf Coast to do what she was trained to do. As the three were standing outside the training room, Patti and fellow nurse Natalie Firato called the California Nurses Association in Oakland. “ I have a trauma nurse here who really wants to go,” Natalie said on the phone. Patti was instructed to fill out an application and someone would get back to her. She received a call Sept. 12 and was deployed three days later. CNA would organize itineraries and pay for meals, housing and ground transportation. On Sept. 15, Patti found herself on a private chartered plane with 53 other nurses, all headed to Baton Rouge. She was given a specific itinerary that would take her to Ocean Springs Hospital in Mississippi, where she was told, the need was great. Thirty members of that hospital staff were forced to leave and patients needed care. “CNA answered the call, they didn’t wait,” Patti said. When they arrived in Baton Rouge, she couldn’t tell that anything had happened. But images quickly changed. “I first saw traffic leaving the area and then huge trees bent, highway signs cracked in half and buildings disintegrated. She carried her belongings in

a 50-lb pack. “I happened to be in the best shape I’ve ever been. I was in perfect health. It was my moment,” she said. “I was scared. People were angry and bitter. I was told people are going to hate you.” But her passion to serve overrode her fears and Patti eagerly awaited her assignment at Ocean Springs. She remembers a nurse called Faith who took her under her wing. “I’m at the point where I can look at all the nurses and know who is going to make it… and you are,” she told Patti. She was right. Patti would survive the experience including her call to serve at what she described as a “MASH” hospital in Gulf Port, Mississippi. Many hospitals were wiped out in the storm and the people that survived had no access to medical care or medicine. Patti’s hospital, Nevada One, was a mobile BlueMed unit and a series of blue tarps lined up in a parking lot. It was the first of its kind on the Gulf Coast. “We had an all hands meeting,” Patti said. “And we were told ‘we need a hospital.’” “I was asked to set up the triage area.” She used boxes and whatever equipment she could get her hands on. “I used my imagination and I improvised. It was awesome.”

Market, from page 1 concluded that the fire was not deliberately set. Last January, Sandhu submitted plans for a remodeled store to the City of Clayton. The Planning Commission has reviewed the plans and set forth several conditions of approval. Sandhu and his architect have worked their way through the list and are confident that they have met all the architectural conditions. Plans include a two-story building with a ground floor market and deli and office space on the second floor. The market

will front Main Street and the deli will open onto Center Street. Long known locally as “the blue store,” because of its vivid blue color, the new color scheme will likely be cream and brown or some other combination of earth tones. The Planning Commission will review the remaining conditions at the next meeting on Oct. 11. “Whatever they want, we’ll do it,” said Sandhu’s son, Johnny. “We just want to get open.” There are still some title

Soon after, the patients trickled in; diabetics, who had been without insulin, people in pain with no one to treat them, cardiac patients and people with lacerations from falling off buildings. “It was so hot,” she said, “105 degrees and 98 percent humidity. There was so much dehydration.” Patti was the first contact for these patients who had been through so much. “I found myself counseling and listening to their stories. So many of them needed to be heard. The poor people depended on the government to meet their needs. There were supplies there but no one could “pull the trigger.” CNA needs to be acknowledged. They met the call when others didn’t.” She recalls one 30-year old Red Cross worker who came to the hospital with severe depression and told Patti he needed to go home. “He cried in my triage booth.” He told Patti he couldn’t pick up anymore body parts. “I can’t sleep or eat. I need help.” Patti explained that all he needed was a plan and he got one at the hospital with the help of a social worker. Patti saw about 150 patients per day during her time in the triage center. And then Hurricane Rita hit and hit hard. Patti remembers the severe wind and rain. “I didn’t feel safe,” she recalls. She was eventually evacuated but not until she put a plan into action that would save a 15-year old paraplegic who was on a respirator. “His tent was filling up with water and he needed to be transported to the nearest hospital. While a car was waiting to evacuate her, Patti was arranging for an ambulance for the teenager. She found out later that he was safely rescued and made it to Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Patti flew home first class, thanks to American Airlines. She says she’ll be forever changed because of the experience. She remembers thinking ‘when I come home, it will be over,’ but she’s since discovered that her efforts to help the victims of Katrina had a rip-

October 7, 2005

pling effect. Clayton families jumped in to take care of her son, Jonathan and daughter Sarah. Her dog trainer, Club Canine, took Gerti, her lab, and cared for the pup for free until Patti arrived back in the states. Her hairdresser gave her a free hairdo before she left that would hold up under the sparse conditions in the Gulf Coast. Her sister, a teacher in Arizona had her young students email Patti encouraging notes while she was employed. “It was their way of helping. It made them feel a part of it all.” Her family, including her husband Robert who is second in command of postal inspectors in San Francisco and her older son, Samuel call her a hero. “I’ve never been anyone’s hero before.”

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issues to resolve. Because the building is “cocked” on the lot, it encroaches a few feet into City property on the “park” side and into the City right of way on the Morris Street side. Sandhu will need to apply to the City for an encroachment permit. According to City Manager, Gary Napper, the City is not looking for any benefit and no money will be exchanged; the permit is perfunctory. Sandhu is anxious to get the store opened but isn’t projecting an opening date, yet. “We’ve announced opening dates twice before and been wrong,” he said. “But it shouldn’t take too long to get the store open after the plans are approved.”

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Page A7

Mayor, from page A1 three days we have looked at in the past, but for at least a week. The greater the extent of the calamity the greater will be the length of time before we get a State or Federal response to our small town. Each of us should have adequate supplies to get us through that period. What is needed? There are a number of good publications available to help us prepare. One of the best is the USGS publication that was an insert in Sunday papers a few weeks ago, and is available as a PDF file from a number of sources including SFGate.com. This publication has a great deal of useful information including the seven steps to earthquake safety. These steps include what to do before, during and after the quake. They cover the basics such as identify potential hazards in your home and fix them. Create a disaster preparedness plan. Create and keep up to date disaster kits. These are just the first steps. All of us need to look at what has happened to people in the Gulf region and determine what they did wrong and what we will do to better survive when disaster strikes here. Here are some things I have learned. We are grateful we will not be facing water twenty feet deep.

All of our supplies should be in a shelter or shed separate from the main structure (house or garage.) We should have all of our camping equipment as part of those disaster supplies including tents, sleeping bags, stoves, lanterns, water purification tablets and all those things that make camping comfortable. You also need cash money. The ATM machines may not be working and in a disaster cash is king. If that cell phone works, it will not keep working if you don’t have a fully charged spare battery and the tools to charge it using your car. A chain saw is also part of my disaster kit. We also need to provide for our pets that may be the first to sense a impending earthquake. Part of your planning should be a discussion of where your family will meet, and a list of those who you will need to call to let them know you are OK. The final item you should prepare is what I call your financial disaster recovery kit. Recently we have seen instances of people not being able to prove who they are and what they own because they have no identification documents. You need to have birth and marriage certificates, passports, social security cards, credit card num-

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A SIMPLY GORGEOUS HOME, METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED You'll love living in this beautiful home with open floor plan. Home features include: 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths and approximately 3,895 square feet of living space on a 9,965 square foot premium lot. Formal living room, den and dining room, spacious family room and a spacious gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops, island, breakfast bar and nook. Approximately $46,000+ in interior upgrades and a $40,000 sun room added, with permits! Sun room has a large hot tub that overlooks this wonderful yard on a premium lot. As you go up the dramatic staircase, you'll enter the loft area. Upstairs are two bedrooms and the master bedroom retreat. The 3rd car garage space was used to create a second master bedroom suite downstairs. This home is located in a quiet area with a private setting that backs to open space. This yard has a sport court, patio, pathways, deck & views of mountains, hills and Mt. Diablo. This very special home is perfect for entertaining inside and out!

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Gregg Manning Even when help comes and life returns to “normal” you will need to have the proper documents to continue your life as it was before the disaster. It is not if a disaster will strike but when. If we live long enough we will witness “the big one.” Since we know it is coming we have no reason not to be prepared. ABSENTEE BALLOTS IN THE MAIL

By the time this article goes to press absentee ballots will be in the mail. The November election is at hand. The cost of maintaining the city’s landscaping and getting the maintenance funds needed for the dreamed about downtown park will come to the city through the successful passage of Measure M. The cost for each parcel is just one dollar a day. Please pay attention to all of the information that details this very important measure. This is an important election and your Yes vote is needed more than ever.

from page A1

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Committee and the Measure M political action committee will be on hand to answer questions and address citizen concerns. The renewal is a crucial issue for Clayton residents. The current District, which is set to expire in 2007, does not provide adequate funding for even routine maintenance, says Dan Richardson who chaired the Blue Ribbon Committee. The proposed bill, Measure M, provides for the renewal of the District, funds for maintenance of a city park, general landscape maintenance and completion of $2.5 million in deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects. “But most importantly,” says Richardson, “Measure M sets up a Citizens Oversight Commission to monitor the landscape maintenance budget.”

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Page A8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Jack Clough says thank you to Children’s Hosp.

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

JACK CLOUGH with mom, Kelly.

geon, Dr. Peter Sun. Jack and his family and friends would now like to say THANK YOU to Children’s Hospital. During his stay, his family realized the need for equipment to make therapy a bit easier on future patients of CHO. On Sun. Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mountain Mike’s Pizza 5358 Clayton Rd., Concord, Jack and his friends will hold a fundraising car wash. Their goal is to raise $2500 to purchase an Easystand desk/stander. The Easystand will

Eight year old Jack Clough has cerebral palsy. In May of this year he underwent neurological surgery at Children’s Hospital in Oakland to retain and improve his walking ability. Jack spent six weeks in the hospital; five of which were in rehabilitation. Today, five months later, Jack is not only walking, he is jumping rope, riding a razor, and has obtained his goal of riding a kneeboard. He continues to astound his doctors and therapists. And the best is yet to come. Jack will take his success story to the media and will sit on a panel on Media Day at Children’s Hospital to honor his neurosur-

The vacant lot at the corner of Center and Oak Streets won’t be vacant for long. The City has entered into a “seal the deal” stage of negotiations with Clayton resident and developer Uzoma Nwakuche, according to City Manager Gary Napper. “This is a real thumbs up for Clayton,” said Napper. Plans are for a two-story 14,000 sq. ft. building with retail on the ground floor and mixed use (office space and services) on the second floor. Nwakuche is currently negotiating with It’s a Grind Coffee for a coffee shop and tasting room. Talks are also underway with a local restauranteur for a

City seeks only to control, not eliminate, squirrel population Dear Ms Allison, I first want to apologize for not responding to the letter you sent to the city. I did not get your letter. In that regard I am working on an e-mail address for future mayors and myself. Mary L. Brown has also written a letter on the subject of the squirrels, which I received on Sept. 26. My letter to you will also be her reply. This year has seen a huge increase in the number of ground squirrels. The city uses the services of a county approved company, which uses county approved bait. This bait is only active for something like twelve hours and is ground squirrel specific. Man is not unique in eliminating competitors for its space. The greatest threat to the spotted owl is other more dominant owls and not loggers. You note the city has removed the ground squirrels from the “Grove” and other places within Clayton. Twentyfive years ago there were no ground squirrels in Clayton. I

steakhouse. He is also in talks with Kinder’s Custom Meats of Concord, who plans a delicatessen and catering operation in the building. Nwakuche and Jim Frasier of Hair by Jim in downtown Clayton will joint venture an upscale nail spa on the second floor. Interest in the space has been strong, says Nwakuche. “With the interest we are getting right now, we are almost 60 percent leased.” He expects the building to be fully leased before construction begins. Nwakuche, a Nigerian lawyer with an MBA from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, his wife, Kego, also an attorney and their two children moved to Oakhurst six years ago from Walnut Creek.

e r p a p t proved e G today

allow kids to receive therapy standing up. They will no longer have to lie face down on a gurney for hours each day. And with the Easystand, the kids will have the freedom to move around on wheels. Please help support Jack and his friends in raising money for CHO. Contact Kelly Clough at 925-673-9211 or at kmclough@comcast net for tickets and donations to “Jack Clough.” Pre-purchased tickets are available and recommended.

believe they were brought here from Southern California just as the red and grey squirrels were brought here from the East Coast. The city’s abatement is limited to areas with city buildings or resident financed ground improvements such as the Community Park, city library and improved trails. We do nothing to the city’s vast open space where ground squirrels flourish in great numbers and you can vicariously enjoy their life. Unlike you, I do not believe in anthropomorphizing rodents and maybe that is a failing on my part. The tunnels the squirrels dig undermine our infrastructure. I have visions of a child dangling an arm out of a stroller and being bitten. Farmers in rural areas are often intent on eliminating any creature, which threatens their crops. We do not seek to eliminate but rather to control the ground squirrel in specific areas for the protection of our citizens and their investment. Thank you for your interest in Clayton and its inhabitants. Gregg Manning

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City enters final phase for development of downtown parcel TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

October 7, 2005

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October 7, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A9

Extreme makeover for historic house getting a makeover. In this age of “extreme makeovers” and “before and afters,” changes are common. What makes this redo special? This is a house with an

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intriguing history and has a special place in the hearts of one long-time Clayton family. The “Gomez House” as it is commonly referred to was built circa 1860. Francois L.A. Pioche originally owned the land. Pioche was a Frenchman who became known as a financier in San Francisco. (Pioche, Nevada is named after him.) Another long-time Clayton family, the Chapmans, built the original house. It is not clear how many people owned the home before Frank Tavarozzi. On April 17, 1928, the administrator of Tavarozzi’s estate sold the home to Antone (Tony) Gomez. Tony and his wife, Mary, came from the Gomez and Joaquin families who were early ranchers in the area. Tony had several interesting jobs over the years while raising nine children. (They had 11 children, but two died in infancy.) He worked at the DeMartini Winery (now Clayton City Hall) during the 1906 earthquake. He was even the proprietor of the Eagle Saloon. He owned the jail at one time. In later years, Tony worked for and retired from the Shell Oil Company. The unassuming house on the quiet corner of Oak Street suddenly became popular in the summer of 1957 when a strange series of events began to occur. Rocks rained down from nowhere, breaking the windows on three sides of the house. A pen floated 28 feet down the hallway. Loud knocking was heard late at night. Saltshakers, toys, vegetables and more took flight at various times over the course of about six weeks. Tony, Mary, two of their sons and two of their grandsons lived in the house at the time. One son, Enroy, visited the home and witnessed four or five of the bewil-

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dering events. Several people outside of the family, including the Constable Vic Chapman, witnessed the happenings also. Enroy says the events “started and ended suddenly.” There was “nothing like it before or after.” The Gomez house gained the attention of curiosity seekers as well as experts on parapsychology. Reme Cadoret, field worker for the parapsychology lab at Duke University spent four nights at the Gomez home. He did not experience any of the events, although the experience of others was noted in an article regarding his associate, Dr. J.B.Rhine, head of the parapsychology lab at Duke. He was quoted in reference to the study at the Gomez home and others as saying, “It is impossible to explain every incident by human agency.” Some supposed the activity was poltergeist folly from the grandsons. The rock rain even followed them away from the home. Others claimed it was an elaborate hoax. Enroy speaks for the family when he says it was no hoax. There was no logical

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

THE “GOMEZ”

HOUSE

behind Endeavor Hall undergoes renovation.

explanation for what occurred. Other stories floating around were that the house was haunted, either by the ghost of Pioche who was reportedly murdered, or ghost of the Tavarozzi boy who was fatally shot by the Constable in the 1920s when he took fire on the Constable. The only banging on the house these days is the steady cadence of the roofers. The home sat empty for two years until after the passing of Raymond Gomez, the last Gomez to live in the there. It was bought by the current own-

Farm 51

ers in 2002. They were not able to be reached at the time of going to press, but it appears they are renovating the home to live in for themselves. When asked if there were any special features he wished the new owners would recreate, Enroy said, “No, it was just home”, with all the sentiment and sincerity generated by years of living in the house and later returning as a family for special holiday gatherings. We hope the new owners feel the same sense of warmth and home as the Gomez family.

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Page A10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

A mid-life crisis on the cheap JOE ROMANO

SO ANYWAY So you may have noticed that I have been absent from the pages of your hometown paper. Whether you’ve noticed or not, I’m QUITE sure that you’ve felt a peculiar longing, an unidentifiable sadness that you’ve been unable to isolate. Perhaps you’ve found yourself wandering aimlessly, eyes downcast, your melancholy sigh barley audible above the sad shuffling of your feet. Well, allow me to apologize, but it couldn’t be helped. For you see, this past July I reached my 40th year (or is it my 41st year? Hell, I turned 40, OK?). As if on cue I spent the last several months in the throes of a mid-life crisis and have just recently begun to emerge from the tunnel into the sunshine of acceptance. It hasn’t been pretty, and in typical fashion I couldn’t even manage a proper crisis. I am unable to share with you all of the grisly details.

After all I do have a reputation to protect, and the world is full of the jealous and predatory who would like nothing better than to knock me off of the pinnacle of Mt. Righteousness. I will not give them the satisfaction. However, I will share with you a few of the crusty nuggets of my despair. I discovered, much to my dismay, that one of the effects of my MLC was a loss of joie de vivre, my ability to look at the world through idiocy colored glasses. In short, I didn’t feel funny and was suffering a major case of writer’s block for which I had no literary Metamucil. After all, I was 40 now, and shouldn’t that mean SOMETHING? As a child I had always associated 40 with being OLD. I felt maturity must take hold at some point, right? I mean, how long can one continue to laugh at toilet humor and bodily functions? (Apparently a little longer than 40 - hee hee.) But my lost jocularity was the main reason for my self-imposed sabbatical from this paper. I know that there are those among you who are, at this very moment, laughing and shaking your heads at the thought of 40 being old. In

School News MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY Gift wrap fundraiser will run Oct. 3 - 17. On-line ordering will be available. Contact Lisa Delmar at thedelmars@yahoo.com for additional information. Oct. 7 is the date for the ice cream social in the Multi Use Room, 5 p.m. Bring the whole family and enjoy. For tickets contact Lisa York at 673-7242 or lisayork@sbcglobal.net. A very limited number of tickets will be available at the door so preorder your tickets today.

DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL The first progress report of the year will be mailed home on Oct. 14.

fact one obviously senile gentleman told me many months ago (and quoted here in this column) that the 40s are considered the new 30s. To this man I say, your nurse is here to take you to the park. Oh, and please don’t forget your pants this time.

“I felt maturity must take hold at some point, right? I mean, how long can one continue to laugh at toilet humor and bodily functions?” Joe Romano Forties are what they have always been, the mid-life point. And that’s if we’re lucky enough to live to 80. It is a time to take stock in one’s life, at one’s accomplishments; our successes as well as our failures. To see where we’ve been and where we’re going. And most importantly, to buy a flashy new sports car and let the wind wreak havoc with what remains of our hair. Needless to say I got gypped. I took a liking to the 2005 Ford Mustang (lime green in particular) which runs about 25-30K. Not a king’s ransom, but as you may recall just a year or so back I experienced a lay-off crisis, and while I’m thankful to be working again, I have had to endure a little shrinkage in the paycheck such that I can’t even

afford a proper mid-life crisis. So the sports car was out and the shiny new Schwinn just didn’t do it for me, even with the banana seat and the sissy bar. There’s nothing like enjoying a mid-life crisis in a fading 1993 mocha frost Mercury Sable to slam home the feeling of LOSER. What’s next, a move back home to my parents? Mind you it most certainly would have its perks. Mom’s a great cook, and they have central air conditioning. They no longer have a front lawn so my chores would be easier. I could probably even get my old room back, though we would have to find another spot for the treadmill and the computer. My younger sister won’t turn 40 for another year and a half, so she won’t need HER room for awhile. By then I should be over the worst of it. In any event, I will strive to return to the esteemed pages of the Clayton Pioneer as often as possible. In the mean time, I would like to say thank you to those people who have been there for me despite my having done little to deserve it. I suppose if there is an upside to having a mid-life crisis, it’s that we are reminded of the people who love us in spite of ourselves, and it is to these people that I say thank you. You know who you are. Clayton resident, Joe Romano, is a family man, a free-lance writer for hire and the Pioneer’s “all around funny guy.” E-mail him at jromano01@yahoo.com

October 7, 2005

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CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Community members, please be sure to renew your free Safeway eScrip donation by linking your Preferred Savings Card to Clayton Valley High School Parent Faculty Club before Nov. 1. Call 1-800-801-4973 or click on www.escrip.com.

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October 7, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A11

Doing for others carried Marie Sutton through dark times A visit to a convalescent home 33 years ago changed Marie Sutton’s life. A resident of Diamond Terrace, Marie, age 84, has been going to what is now Willow Pass Healthcare Center in Concord each week to play the piano, sing and read Scriptures to the residents there. ”I can tell you a lot of things about me, but the most important thing in my life started during the worst time of my life,” shares Marie. “My husband left

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bers of the bombers so perfectly and proofread them.” A few years after the War, Marie married and had four children, but she lost one baby within three weeks of birth from a genetic disease. She speaks fondly of her relationship with her children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. And to add to her relationships, Marie smiles with much warmth when she is asked again about her weekly visits to the residents in Concord. “I have met so many wonderful people there. One woman lived to be

112 years old that I got to know. Others have actually asked me to conduct their funeral services for them with the blessings of their families,” says Marie. “I always am non-denominational in my talks with the residents.

MARIE SUTTON TODAY

Sharing my faith in the Lord with them is what I get the most out of visiting the people there.” So on Sunday mornings Marie drives herself to Concord to share 45 minutes with those who look forward to her visit each week. “I never know from one week to the next what it is going to be like there, but I always go and will continue to go until they shut the door and say I am too old,” smiles Marie. “And every Sunday as I say goodbye and tell the residents I will be back next week, I never leave that place without feeling great inside.”

Photo courtesy of Marie Sutton

MARIE SUTTON spent four years in the Navy during WWII.

If you are a senior living in Clayton, or know of a senior that would like to share their life story with the Clayton Pioneer readers, please contact Colleen Elwy at 672-9565 or at colleensbyline@aol.com.

to pinpoint the anatomic origin of the heel pain. The most common cause of heel pain in adults is plantar fasciitis - inflammation of plantar fascia. Plantar fascia is a band of tissue, much like a tendon, on the bottom of your foot. It starts at your heel and goes along the bottom of your foot. It attaches to each of the bones that form the ball of your foot. The plantar fascia works like a rubber band between the heel and the ball of the foot to form the arch of the foot. A pad of fat in your heel covers the plantar fascia to help absorb the shock of walking. The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain when you walk. You may also feel pain when you stand up. This pain typically occurs first thing in the morning, after you get out of the bed and place your foot on the floor. This pain occurs

because of stretching the plantar fascia. The pain usually lessens with more walking, or more likely, sharp pain will change to dull aching pain during the day. In general there are two categories of sufferers – extremely overweight people who do not have the proper support in their shoes, and fitter people who may have better shoes but have a job or a hobby that puts them on their feet a lot, such as police officers, waitresses and grocery clerks. Long-haul truck drivers also are frequently afflicted with plantar fascia problems, possibly due to all the time spent working the foot pedals. People in these occupations comprise probably 90 percent of people with plantar fasciitis. They are either really overweight and do not have the wheels to support the load on the top, or they are beating the crud out of them-

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YOUR HEALTH selves. They run marathons or do other repetitive motions. Other possible causes for plantar fascia are rheumatic arthritis, lupus, stress fracture or rarely, tumors. Sometimes lower back problems may be present with foot pain. To diagnose plantar fascia, begin with a search for a cause

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fer business, moving people to other areas. When Marie was 12, her family obtained a piano from one her father’s customers who didn’t want to pay to have it moved. Marie has been playing ever since. Marie went to high school during the Depression. After high school, she worked for a while and when WW II came around, she joined the Navy. “My twin brother was in the Navy and my mother had to give me permission to join. I spent almost four years there and we had to type all the num-

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me and I had three children to raise. Then one day a friend asked me if I would go with her to this convalescent home to join the pastor and maybe sing. So I did.” Marie continues, “My youngest daughter who was 14 at that time went with me also. When we left there, I said I was never going back again. But my daughter said ‘Mom, you know how it made you feel so good? Let’s go back and try it again next week.” Marie and her daughter went with the pastor for a few more weeks and by the fourth week; Marie knew that she had found a passion. After going every week for almost a year, the pastor asked Marie to take over visiting the home on her own. It seems that Marie’s own experiences of loss had also brought out her compassion to its fullest for others too. “So many people who move to a home have to give up a lot of their personal things and many of them have lost so much already,” Marie says. “That’s the first source of depression when you lose something. And for some of the people there, they have moved out of their home, are dealing with illness and may not have family any longer and their losses are great.” In many cases the people that Marie visits cannot speak or sing with her, but she feels that her music brings life to everyone in ways we might not even know. And her love of the piano stems back from when she was young. Born in Wisconsin, Marie’s family moved to Minneapolis when she was five years old. Her father worked in the trans-

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Page A12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 7, 2005

Choose the right agent from the start Recently, a couple from San Jose hooked up with an agent from Castro Valley, who gave them a cursory tour through the Clayton Valley area. The buyers were less than impressed with the houses they saw. It turns out that the Castro Valley agent was out of his league. He should have realized this and referred the buyers to an agent who knew the Clayton Valley market. Instead, the buyers dropped the Castro Valley agent and started scouting Concord/ Clayton open houses on their own. As soon as they found a local agent they liked who knew the territory, they started seeing listings that they actually wanted to buy. Finding the right agent can make a big difference in your real estate experience. You might get lucky and find a home to buy on your own. And, some sellers actually find a buyer for their home without the help of an agent. However, a recent study done by the National Association of

Realtors showed that real estate agents are involved in 80 percent of single-family home sale transactions.

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ESTATE

Most homebuyers and sellers want an agent who is professional, ethical, trustworthy, and personable; and who has experience working in the local marketplace. In addition, there are more subtle qualities that can effect how satisfied you’ll be with the service you receive from an agent. Good agents are good listeners. If an agent talks more than you do during your initial

Health, from page A11 of foot pain – a good history and physical exam is essential. In addition, your doctor may order a lab test to check for possible diabetes or a rheumatoid condition. X-rays may be ordered to rule out possible fracture. Occasionally, a neurological exam may be necessary. Once we know the diagnosis, one has to stop the activity which makes the pain worse. Just listen to your body – pain is an important message. Where there is pain there is usually inflammation as well as a reaction to repetitive injury. Along with a reasonable rest of the foot, anti-inflammatory

medications such as ibuprofen and naprosyn usually bring some relief. Icing the painful area works as a pretty good anesthetic and anti-inflammatory, too. A frozen water bottle works well – you can roll over it with your foot to do a little “ice massage.” The next important step is to get good, comfortable shoes with firm arch supports and shoe inserts for arch support. What is absolutely a “no” is walking barefoot, even at home – your foot will not be supported, and fascias get stretched and reinjured. If the pain is severe, steroid injection

interview, you may want to consider finding a different agent who can focus in on your housing needs. It’s a waste of time to look at listings that don’t work for you. You can do this on your own by canvassing public open houses. Your agent needs to understand what you want and need in a home in order to shortcut the search process for you. Good agents are good communicators. This means that they explain the idiosyncrasies of the real estate business in a manner that you can understand. It also means that they communicate with you on a regular basis. One of the biggest complaints about real estate agents is that they don’t communicate often enough. Good agents return your calls quickly. You should hear back from an agent within 24 hours or sooner if you indicate that your call is urgent. Your real estate agent is your lifeline to the other players in your real estate transaction: the other real estate agent, the

mortgage person, the appraiser, the title officer, etc. You rely on your agent to communicate effectively with everyone involved in the transaction. An agent who doesn’t consider prompt communication a high priority can cause you a lot of trouble. Good agents are a wealth of information and resources. They can refer you to the various professionals you will need to work with to complete your home purchase or sale. They will help you find answers to your questions if they don’t know all the answers themselves. Good agents understand that good service is the lifeblood of their business. They won’t work beyond their area of expertise. And they won’t take on more work than they can handle competently.

may bring some immediate relieve, but further treatment is needed. Time of recovery varies but often depends on how long you have dealt with the pain in past. If it has been bothering you for a week, it may take another week or two to treat it. It is not going to be quick. Most often it takes from two to six months to get close to 100 percent recovery. Most cases get treated with the above measures. A night splint is another option, along with a physical therapy and ultra-

sound. Night splints are molded casts intended to be worn at night to prevent fascia from bending and moving and to allow the time for healing. Surgery is seldom needed and is used only for extreme cases. Before pain comes, try to prevent it. Wear good shoes with an elevated heal and proper support, and keep your weight under control.

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For any real estate needs or questions contact Lynne at (925) 6728787 or E-mail Lynne@LynneFrench.com

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PART 2 OF 2 Although it’s not a native plant, more than a third of the world’s fresh, frozen, and canned pineapple comes from Hawaii. Seafaring explorers first introduced the plant that most likely originated in South America. In the late 18th Century a Spanish adventurer, Francisco de Paula Marin, befriended King Kamehameha I and began cultivating pineapples on the Big Island of Hawaii. Marin was a rather colorful fellow in the Islands. He dabbled in medicine, was counsel to various South American republics, a captain in the Hawaiian army, a ship’s agent, tax collector, and being multi-lingual, often filled the role of interpreter. As the occasion demanded, he also served as butcher, cook, mason, ship carpenter, stonecutter, brewer, and cigar maker. His agricultural experiments have endured. Not only did he establish pineapple plantations, he grew oranges, limes, beans, cabbages, potatoes, peaches, melons, maize, tobacco, and lettuce. He established the first vineyard in the islands (having been raised in an area of Spain known for its sherry wine). He also extracted oil from kukui nuts and coconuts and made candles, tiles, hay cigars, beer and brandy. A hundred years later Captain John Kidwell instituted widespread cultivation of pineapple using the “Smooth Cayenne” as his hallmark variety. When New Englander James Drummond Dole graduated from Harvard, he joined his

b r n i n a g g s r o y o M u e h n o n m o v e Y

cousin, the governor of Hawaii, and dreamed of creating his own pineapple empire. In 1900 Dole bought a 60-acre farm at auction for the princely sum of $4,000 and was soon on his way to becoming the “Pineapple King.” His claim to fame was canning pineapple, since the fruit was too perishable to ship fresh. Dole founded the Hawaiian Pineapple Company and began canning pineapples and juice by 1903. When demand slumped along with the national economy a few years later, he and eight other packers formed the Hawaiian Pineapple Growers Association and collectively began advertising—an unusual practice for the day. Around 1913, Dole engineer Henry Ginaca created a machine that could peel and core dozens

of pineapples a minute, replacing the time-consuming hand peeling and coring process the canning plants had used. Demand surged as pineapple grew in popularity. Canning made the fruit usable in so many different ways. In 1925 the Hawaiian Pineapple Company invited judges from Fannie Farmer’s School and Good Housekeeping and McCall’s

magazines to judge a pineapple recipe contest, with the top 100 winning recipes to be part of a cookbook. More than 60,000 recipes were submitted and of these 2,500 were for pineapple upside down cake. Historically, upside down cakes date back centuries, with most versions cooked in a cast iron skillet over a fire or on top of a stove. They were a well established by the 20th century and grew in popularity with the advent of canned pineapple. According to www.foodreference.com, the winning recipe in 1925 was:

LINDA WYNER

FOOD

THOUGHT

cherries. Whipped cream may be spread over top.” Canned juice rather than pineapple itself was James Dole’s first commercial product. Today you can purchase frozen pineapple juice concentrate and prepare an iced tea that makes a refreshing warm weather beverage:

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE “Drain the juice from 1 large can of either Crushed or Sliced Hawaiian Pineapple. Sift 2 cups flour. Sift again with 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cream 1/2 cup butter or substitute, gradually add 1 cup s u g a r ; cream well. Beat yolks and whites of 2 eggs separately. Add yolks to creamed mixture; mix well, then add flour and 1/2 cup milk alternately, mixing well. Fold the 2 beaten egg whites and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large frying pan. Spread 1 cup of brown sugar over pan. Add pineapple (if sliced is used, place slices closely together on the sugar; if crushed, simply pour in the well-drained fruit). Pour cake batter over fruit. Bake 45 minutes [at 350°]. Turn upside-down on serving dish and garnish with maraschino

PINEAPPLE TEA 1 can (12 oz) unsweetened pineapple juice concentrate ½ cup lemon juice 6 Tbsp sugar 4 cup iced tea Stir sugar into juice concentrate until dissolved and add remaining ingredients. Chill and serve over ice. (A mint leaf garnish is very nice.) Caution re cooking with fresh pineapple: the natural enzymes in the fresh fruit break down gelatin and agar, so molded (Jello) salads should be made with canned pineapple instead. Cooking the fruit in the cans breaks down these enzymes. Also, avoid over-marinating meat with fresh pineapple, because the enzymes can also cause the meat to break down and lose its texture. Linda Wyner is an attorney in Walnut Creek by day, and an accomplished chef and “foodie” by choice. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 7, 2005

Be bold and have fun with dry creek beds growth appears in mid-April at the base of the plant. Wait to remove last year’s branches until the rainy season is wrapping up. The dry arms of last fall’s blooms protect the roots of this plant from receiving too much rain durNICOLE HACKETT ing the winter. Eriogonum is a word that GARDEN GIRL some people may recognize. Fleabane is a hardware store PART 2 OF 2 In the first part of my two- favorite that falls under this name. part column on dry creek beds, Eriogonum giganteum is a we talked about the staple shrubs California native that you won’t and ornamental grasses used in find just anywhere. This hardy this bed’s application, as well as selection stays evergreen, and the location and layout of the garden. flowers are perennial. Creamy This time we will look at some heads appear in the summer atop perennials, naturalizing bulbs and silvery gray foliage that can be groundcovers for the application, described as almost white. This as well as talk a little about water- selection requires good drainage, so a slope setting is a natural ing suggestions. The perennials of the creek home to this eriogonum. Salvia greggii Caviar is bed are the touches that personalize the garden. Choices of color, another option that stays evershape and texture vary from per- green with perennial bloom. This son to person, depending on likes plant begins flowering in midspring, and with periodic sheering and dislikes. Sedum Autumn Joy is a reli- for plant renewal, you can enjoy able and easy to find perennial. blooms for the whole growing This plant has light green, fleshy season. Caviar is a compact salvia reaching 30 foliage that is inches tall topped with and almost broccolias wide. The shaped tiny coral orange flowers that two-lipped open a deep, flowers are dark pink and compatible age to a redwith warm dish brown as and cool fall matures. c o l o r This perennischemes. al is sturdy and can sur©2004 Steven Lareau, Hilltopdesign.com Hummingbirds enjoy vive all the AUTUMN SEDUM JOY this selecstresses Clayton has to offer. Full sun, tion as well. Mimulus bifidus is another heat and clay soil are no match for this perennial. Autumn Joy reach- native selection that looks great es 2-2 1\2 feet tall and wide. The surround by rock. Commonly branches dry out during the win- called the Sierra Bush Monkey ter like summer skeletons. New Flower, this evergreen will defi-

antly stand up to Clayton. Pink Cloud blooms raspberry-pink, trumpet-shaped blooms from summer through fall. You will need to prune occasionally to maintain shape. Tanacetum vulgare Crispum is another sturdy selection that looks like fern fronds with golden green foliage. Don’t let the shape of the leaf fool you. This plant takes full sun. Placed properly, this tanecetum reaches 3 feet tall and grows wider as the years roll on. Groundcovers should be used in moderation when designing a dry creek bed. Too much ground cover camouflages the rock, taking away from the appearance of the creek bed. Arctotis is a family that blooms from early spring through summer. This droughttolerant evergreen produces 3inch, daisy-like flowers in hot colors. Red Torch is a selection with dark, shiny, rusty-red blooms that pop up atop the scalloped gray foliage. Reaching only 1 foot tall yet stretching almost 4 feet wide, this makes an excellent selection, but don’t plant too much. They all look small when they are first installed, so read tags and ask questions. Grevillea Coastal Gem is an Australian native that caters to the more masculine side of the plant world. Dense, narrow grayish leaves line the arching branches of this evergreen. Pinkish-red and cream spidery flowers appear from fall through mid-spring. Grevillea is excellent in the garden for attracting hummingbirds and necessary for sustaining life during the cold months when few plants are blooming. Another warning — this selection can reach 4 1/2 feet wide and only 1 foot tall. Oscularia deltoides is a

BRODIAEA ELEGANS

slower growing selection with a lot of personality. This succulent has icy gray foliage and showy pink stems and slight pink flowers during summer. This ground cover remains evergreen until temperatures drop below 28 degrees. Then the plant dies down to the ground and quickly recovers and regrows in spring. The gray of these leaves is a high contrast plant that will be a total eye catcher. Teucrium majoricum is another sturdy selection that is

probably recognizable to many. Rosy-mauve, two-lipped blooms appear all spring and summer long. Cut back to renew. This spreader reaches 2 feet wide and only 6 inches tall, making it great for the front row. Naturalizing bulbs that are successful in a dry creek bed are mostly spring bloomers. Brodiaea has grass-like leaves and loose clusters of tubular or funnel-shaped waxy flowers on leafless stems. Brodiaea minor is a dwarf variety with lavender-blue

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or dark blue flowers on 6 inch stems. Brodiaea elegans thrives in sun and heat, sporting lavender-blue flowers top 2-foot-tall stems. This plant is dormant during the summer, but around February, Brodiaea awakens like clockwork. Colchicum is a great fall and spring flowering plant. Broad strap leaves and delicate flowers resembling crocus bloom in spring or fall, depending on the selection. This plant needs no summer water. Nerine is another summer dormant bulb with spidery flowers, usually in glowing pink on naked stalks. The flower is great cut, reaching 2 feet tall. When thinking about watering a dry creek bed, think drip system. Since most designs hold more rocks then plants, there is no need for overspray. Have fun with your design, use bold statement like rocks and boulders, and pick plants that suit your needs. It will be successful.

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October 7, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com

Crisis workers provide emotional aid TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

When the phone rings at two in the morning, it’s often not good news. For some families, it can be news of an auto accident, or a fire somewhere, or some other catastrophic event that will stop them dead in their tracks for a while. When the phone rings at Melissa Hosier’s house at two in the

MELISSA HOSIER

morning, the news may be the same, but for this Clayton woman, it’s not a time stopper; it’s a call to action. Hosier volunteers with Crisis Resolution Services of Contra Costa County (CRSCCC) and is one of the first to arrive at the scene when disaster strikes. She could be called to the scene by the county sheriff, the local police, Contra Costa Fire or the Highway Patrol. Her mission is to provide emotional support and practical assistance to victims and family members who are in crisis. In one recent situation that can still bring tears to her eyes, Hosier was called to the home of two grandparents who had just been told that their granddaughter had been killed in an auto crash. It was a drunk driving accident and, sadly, the driver was a family member.

“I spent many hours with the family,” recalls Hosier. “They asked me to remove all the pictures of the granddaughter from the walls because they just couldn’t look at them that night.” CRSCCC volunteers have been asked to assist the victim’s family in homicide cases where they may put the family in touch with various social service agencies or help coordinate the services of the crime scene cleaners. “We’re emotional first aid,” said Hosier. “We’re the band-aid.” In one rape case, Hosier sat and played with the victim’s five year old while the rape victim talked to the police. “It eased the mother’s mind that someone was taking care of her child while she was going through all this,” Hosier said. She then sat with the victim, holding her hand, during the physical examination. Not all experiences, however, have such “warm and fuzzy” outcomes. She was called out once to a murder scene where a young man in his twenties had been shot by his girlfriend. When Hosier crawled under the crime scene tape, 17 hostile family members, thinking she was a reporter, surrounded her, not willing to let her in. Crisis management, however, is part of the job. She offered to call a minister or pastor for them and soon had tempers soothed. She stayed at the scene for six hours—fetching food, coordinating agencies and supporting the family—until the coroner and the crime scene cleaners arrived. “Suddenly,” she says, “the family turned hostile and told me to get the hell out.” This was the first time, she explained, the she felt that she had not done the job to her own satisfaction. Hosier, who is married to a Pittsburg police officer and has four children and three step children ranging in ages from 12 to 22, first began volunteering with CRSCCC in 2001, but her interest

in intervention work began 21 years earlier. “I watched a TV program about a woman with the Highway Patrol that was doing this kind of work. She actually had to go the home of a family to tell them about the death of a loved one. Somehow, I knew I wanted to do this kind of work.” It wasn’t until 2001, however, that Hosier met Donna Santana, founder of CRSCCC. Santana was a police officer for a short time with the City of Benicia. After just a few months, she knew that law enforcement was not right for her and she left the force. Then, in 1992 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Having cancer

changes your life,” she said. During the period following her cancer treatment, Santana volunteered to set up a program to assist victims of domestic violence for the Walnut Creek Police Department. Wanting to expand on the idea, Santana then formed CRSCCC, which responds to crisis situations of all kinds. “We didn’t put a specific boundary on our services,” she said. CRSCCC is the only agency that responds directly to the scene, often “referring out” to other agencies like the Contra Costa Crisis Center or STAND (for victims of domestic violence).

Page A15 “They are probably the ‘big kid on the block’ when it comes to providing these services,” said Captain Dave George of CCFPD, in Clayton. “Their services are very valuable and we have personally seen it to be just what the patient needs. They free up a lot of our resources so we can continue to respond to the situation.” In assessing whether to call CRSCCC in any particular situation, George watches how the family members or victims appear to be dealing with the situation. “If it’s obvious that there are problems, we’ll call CRSCCC every time. But, it’s mostly a gut feeling. Any person who know people can tell when a person is hurting.” The organization was “up and running” in 1995 and contracts

Sweet deal at Candy Created Bouquets JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Need a special treat for that Halloween party? Why not try a delicious candy bouquet filled to the brim with your favorite candies surrounded by pumpkins, ghosts and goblins. Going to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving? Why not bring a festive fall centerpiece that you can eat. And if you’re looking for a Christmas gift for a teacher or that person who has everything, why not try a chocolate rose bouquet or custom-designed candy bouquet that says something special. All of these delectable and creatively designed treats are all under one roof at Candy Created Bouquets in Clayton Station. New owners Amy and Sean Boggs are excited about the upcoming holidays and the large assortment of candy bouquets that are on display at the store. Amy describes her new business as “the perfect niche.” She was looking to purchase a small busi-

ness and just happened to stop by the candy store to take a look. She saw that the shop was for sale and immediately called her husband.”We have to buy this business,” she told him. With her background in party planning and cake decorating, Amy knew her creativity would lend itself well to the candy bouquet business. And she was right. In just two short months, customers have come to Amy with their requests for individualized candy creations and she has met the challenge with bouquets for birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties and special occasions. The Boggs have also added some new items at the store including salt water taffy; Jelly Belly candy, and they will soon feature a truffle counter. “I love the creativity,” says Amy. She loves to design special bouquets especially when a customer will bring in a favorite item, such as a bottle of wine or Christmas ornament and asks Amy to design a bouquet around

Jill Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer

CANDY CREATED BOUQUET owners Amy and Sean Boggs those items. Sean enjoys the fact that he and Amy can share in the joy of someone else’s birthday or anniversary. “Experiencing a customer’s excitement when they come in and see their bouquet for the first time is great,” says Amy. The excitement about the business is contagious, explains

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Clayton

$785,000

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, approx 1,493 sq. ft. Gorgeous home with living/dining room combo, vaulted ceilings, custom fireplace with mantle & central heat/air. Large eat-in kitchen w/breakfast bar, maple cabinets, tile counters & dishwasher. Huge master suite on first floor, dual pane windows, beautiful patio with cover perfect for entertaining & spa included! View of hills from this home & on a quiet street!

Awake to Views of Mt. Diablo! 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Approx 2,549 sq. ft., Custom additions w/permits, new roof, pergo flrs, spacious family room w/brick fireplace & formal living & dining room w/bay windows, 3 sets of French doors, private landscaped backyard w/deck & RV parking too! Light & bright throughout!

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, approx 1,659 sq.ft. Large .26 acre lot! Original hardwood flrs throughout, formal living rm w/fireplace, light & bright family rm & eat-in kitchen w/double oven. Central heat, vaulted ceilings, shutters/blinds throughout & large backyard with sparkling pool

4 bedrooms, plus den, 2.5 baths, approx 2368 sq.ft. hardwood flrs, marble entry, gorgeous kitchen w/granite tile counters & gas stove & large master suite w/walkin closet & marble bathroom. Spectacular tropical backyard with pool/spa & waterfall, extended BBQ island w/slate counter, sink, eating area and tile patio. This home is an absolute must see to believe! An entertainers Dream!

d $32,150! aved Sold! Selllerr S

ys!! Sold in 4 Da6,110 3 $ d ed v a S r er l Sell

650! d $27,6 aved Sold! Selllerr S

600! d $45,6 aved Sold! Selllerr S

522 Mt. Davidson Court

Clayton

$685,000

4 Large bedrooms, 2 updated baths, approx 2325 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room w/vaulted ceilings, family room w/wet bar, hardwood floor entry, updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters & central heat/air. Spacious master suite, tile roof, new exterior paint & meticulously maintained yards!

182 Mt. Wilson Way

Clayton

$751,000

5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, approx 2,692 sq.ft. Lovely kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, gas stove, tile counters and garden window! Gas fireplace in family room, oak hardwood flr in entry, kitchen & eating area, wet bar & large laundry room with storage. Master Bedroom features views & private deck, lovely backyard with spa & gorgeous views!

1816 Yolanda Circle

Clayton

$610,000

3 Large Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,780 sq.ft. Gorgeous home inside & out! Spacious family room w/woodburning fireplace, dining room w/wood floors, new heat/air & new roof. Master Bedroom with French doors to private Trex patio deck, fruit trees & generous side & backyard with RV parking. Great Clayton Neighborhood!

102 Forest Hill Drive

Clayton

5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, maple cabinets & island. Formal living w. fireplace & dining room, spacious family room w/fireplace. Open & bright throughout, inside laundry, 3 car garage, landscaped yards & Large master suite w/jacuzzi tub!

You Could Save $27,050! By selling your home with Help-U-Sell instead of with brokers who charge a 6% commission* (the savings are based on a home selling for $600,000).You can select from many fine real estate professionals.Why not choose one that will also save you money when you sell? *Commissions are negotiable and not set by law.

Amy. “Our seven year-old daughter, Sarah can’t wait to take over the business when she gets older,” says Sean. Candy Created Bouquets is currently featuring a colorful array of Halloween bouquets and fall centerpieces. Stop in and include Candy Created Bouquets in your holiday plans.

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with Fire Departments and law enforcement agencies, who subscribe annually for their services. But, as with most non-profit organizations, they are always seeking donations. “We’re always broke,” said Santana. CRSCCC is currently looking to build their board and train more volunteers, and, “of course, get more funding,” said CRSCCC Project Director, Tish Gallegos. Volunteers must be 18, a U.S. citizen and pass an extensive background check. They are provided with thorough and complete training during a four week training academy. For more information about volunteering or to donate to CRSCCC, call Tish Gallegos, CRSCCC, 937-9724, or visit their Website at www.crisisresolutionservices.org.

Visit our new office at 4918 Clayton Road

Page A16

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 7, 2005

georgevujnovich.com

Trust your home to

GEORGE VUJNOVICH, Broker Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979

IRONWOOD/WINDMILL CANYON AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

EAGLE PEAK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

Dramatic former model ("Whitney") on a prime golf course view lot! 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 3,606sf, 3 fireplaces & 3 car garage. Elaborate custom window coverings & light fixtures. Upgraded marble tile floors throughout main level. Downstairs bedroom or office with bath. Gourmet Corian kitchen. Family room with custom marble fireplace. Lavish master suite. Private lot with deck & extensive waterfall/pond feature & endless views of hills, golf course, valley & city. $1,099,000

FALCON RIDGE AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!

ING D N PE

JUST LISTED! Darling rare single story end unit! 2 bedrooms, 1 updated bath, approx. 914sf. Cozy family room with fireplace & slider to patio. Updated kitchen with granite counters. Quiet setting at rear of complex. Walk to community pool, shopping center & restaurants. $349,000

Premium lot with breathtaking views! from valley to Delta! Magnificent & meticulous "Moonlight" model! Rare one story, 3 bedrooms + den, 2 baths, approx. 2,237sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage. Gourmet kitchen opens to family room with fireplace & custom built-in for TV. Formal living & dining rooms. Open flowing floor plan. Huge master suite. Private level professionally landscaped lot overlooks valley below to Delta. $899,900

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

NG I D PEN

Meticulously maintained "Nantucket" model facing open space with views of hills, ridgeline & canyon. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,600sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage. Neutral décor, carpet & wood blinds throughout! Entry features upgraded beveled glass front doors & upgraded tile floors. Gourmet kitchen features upgraded tile counters, island, tile floors, maple cabinets & pantry with frosted door. Expanded family room with fireplace & recess for TV. Spacious master suite. Rerar yard offers trellis covered random stone patio, large play & lawn areas. $1,095,000

6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517

Mortgage Market Update JUST LISTED! Former model on a large premium lot! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,676, inside laundry & 2 car garage with storage area & utility sink. Formal living & dining rooms with neutral carpet & vaulted ceilings. Kitchen features upgraded gleaming hardwood floors, tile counters, big sunny window & eating nook. Family room with tile fireplace, custom shelving & slider to rear yard. Spacious master with wooded views. Large (approx.) .17 acre private lot with mature towering trees, large lawn area, patio, secluded spa setting & deck with above ground pool. $719,000

ROUNDTREE, CONCORD

Tel: (925) 672-4433

CANYON CREEK, CONCORD

JUST LISTED! Absolutely adorable single story "Augusta" model. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1,816sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Upgraded 12" tile floors, neutral carpet, plantation shutters & wood blinds. Formal living & dining rooms with view of hills. Gourmet kitchen features Corian counters, centers island, raised panel maple cabinets, pantry & built-in recipe desk. Family room with upgraded tile floors, fireplace, custom maple mantle & built-in media cabinetry. Master suite features upgraded "French" doors leading to private patio. Private professionally landscaped lot offers views of hills & city lights, towering redwoods, various lawn areas & an aggregate patio with brick & flagstone trim & accents. $715,000

Rare sensational single story "Lenox" model on a HUGE.30 acre (approx) premium lot! with panoramic views of hills, ridge, valley to Delta! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 2,748sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage! Neutral décor, window coverings, upgraded carpet & maple hardwood floors. Gourmet kitchen with tile counters, island & an abundance of raised panel maple cabinets open to family room with 12" tile fireplace with raised hearth & recessed media niches. Spacious master with "Anderson" door to patio with views & a relaxing jetted tub. Fabulous level lot features expansive lawn, patio a variety of flowers & ornamentals & views! $1,195,000

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

ING D N PE

Stunning "Nantucket" model in a quiet court setting! 4 bedrooms, den, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,820sf, 3 car garage & inside laundry. Neutral carpet, designer paint, plantation shutters & wood blinds throughout! Gourmet kitchen features tile counters, island & recipe desk with accent tile back splash, upgraded diagonal laid tile floors, upgraded "mocha" cabinets & pantry. Expanded family room offers a wood burning fireplace & TV recess. Spacious master suite with retreat/nursery/workout room. Large lot features colorful flowers, ornamentals, large lawn area & a trellis covered salt washed patio. $1,195,000

Conforming $359,650 or less (no points)

Jumbo $359,651 and up (no points)

30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . .5.5% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . .5.5% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . .5.75% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . .5.875% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.625% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.0%

30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . .5.5% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . .5.5% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . .5.875% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . .6.0% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.625% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.125%

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

PRICE

SALE DATE

501 Suisun Court 113 Mt. Etna Dr 328 Ahwanee Lane 81 Bear Place 119 Hurd Pl 2 Rolen Court 1170 Moccasin Court 5120 Keller Ridge Dr 332 Saclan Terrace 18 Rhine court 4725 Morgan Territory 107 Salazar Court 1509 Haviland Ct 207 Bigelow Street 1144 Peacock Creek Dr 5736 Verna Way 104 Joscolo View 41 El Portal Drive 30 Mt. Scott Ct 597 Mt. Dell Dr 1550 O'Hara Ct 118 El Portal Pl 1122 Peacock Creek Dr 1749 Indian Wells Wy 1772 Indian Wells Wy 1527 O'Hara Ct 1529 Haviland Pl 5019 Raven Wy 11 Mt. McKinley 620 Black Point Ct 1025 Pebble Beach Dr 5839 Pine Hollow Rd 8425 Marsh Creek Rd 8053 Kelok Way 8051 Kelok Way 50 Nottingham Place 1397 Shell Lane 8025 Kelok Way 55 La Honda Court 21 El Portal Drive 624 Julpun Loop 170 Regency Drive 514 Hamburg Circle 6031 Golden Eagle Way 1200 Easley Drive

$684,950 $580,000 $1,080,000 $965,000 $795,000 $950,000 $640,000 $739,000 $655,000 $758,000 $1,055,000 $775,000 $665,000 $859,000 $1,130,000 $999,000 $788,000 $840,000 $790,000 $600,000 $680,000 $850,000 $1,181,000 $691,980 $735,000 $720,000 $585,000 $683,000 $825,000 $815,000 $1,219,000 $695,000 $1,000,000 $700,000 $1,050,000 $730,000 $515,000 $860,000 $865,000 $689,900 $715,000 $860,000 $820,000 $960,000 $710,000

09/27/05 09/27/05 09/23/05 09/22/05 09/22/05 09/21/05 09/21/05 09/20/05 09/20/05 09/16/05 09/13/05 09/12/05 09/08/05 09/02/05 09/02/05 09/01/05 09/01/05 08/31/05 08/30/05 08/29/05 08/25/05 08/24/05 08/24/05 08/23/05 08/22/05 08/22/05 08/18/05 08/16/05 08/16/05 08/15/05 08/12/05 08/08/05 8/7/05 8/5/05 8/5/05 8/5/05 8/2/05 7/27/05 7/27/05 7/25/05 7/25/05 7/21/05 7/20/05 7/20/05 7/14/05

1,904 1,627 3,416 2,843 1,794 2,718 1,343 1,877 1,904 1,776 3,117 2,011 1,574 2,325 3,599 3,100 2,467 2,390 1,740 1,587 1,549 2,427 3,911 1,904 1,958 1,739 1,256 1,493 2,005 3,600 1,572 2,306 2,237 2,894 1,932 1,145 2,237 2,390 1,648 1,904 2,324 2,391 2,854 2,188

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

Shop Pioneer Territory for the Holidays

CLAYTON PIONEER Section B October 7, 2005

See page B5

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B1

Hike of the Week

Round Valley Regional Preserve - Miwok Trail

KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN A mere 17 miles outside the city limits of Clayton, Round Valley Regional Preserve is one of the most under utilized parks in the East Bay Regional Parks District arsenal. Because of its location, the system of trails laid

VALLEY

OAK TREES

out over the 2,024-acre park is so vast that it would be difficult to hear or see another person within the park boundaries unless they were hiking right past you. A previous article highlighted another hike in Round Valley called the Hardy Canyon Trail. However, on this beautiful day I wanted to explore another side of Round Valley that I had not seen before. Upon leaving the staging area, complete with bathrooms and drinking water, I headed due east on Miwok Trail.

The trail was dry and dusty due to normal late summer conditions and to the equestrian and bicycling activities that are common at this park. In a matter of minutes, Miwok Trail made a slow arc and headed into the heart of the park, Round Valley, itself. The first mile or so of trail is anything but flat, with a half dozen or so of ascents and descents. No need to worry though, because ultimately the trail flattens out and dives into a shaded area of valley oak lining the

Kevin Parker/Clayton Pioneer

provide a shady respite on the Miwok trail.

drainage areas en route to Round Valley. The opportunities to view wildlife are greater than in most parks. In fact, during our hike we saw deer, birds and ground squirrels to name just a few. For those with a more watchful eye, Round Valley Preserve is also home to nesting golden eagles, which are protected by “State and Federal law.” Upon reaching the Miwok/Murphy’s Meadow Trail Junction, a quick right turn will put you onto another network of trails heading to the northwest corner of the park. However, we decided to continue on and push further into the nucleus of Round Valley. At this point, we reached the boundary of the park and decided to turn around and head back to the staging area. For those who want to continue hiking, it is another 1.6 miles until you reach Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and eventually Los Vaqueros Watershed. If connecting these three parks via the Miwok Trail is your plan, I recommend obtaining maps of all the parks beforehand. While informative, the Round Valley Map does not delineate any trails outside the park boundary. HIKE 4 FOR ALS Please come join me on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. to Hike for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). The hike will begin from the Mt. Diablo State Park’s Junction Campground Parking Lot with

Kevin Parker/Clayton Pioneer

THE MIWOK TRAIL leads into the nucleus of Round Valley. both a 1-mile and 6-mile hike option. Since this is a fundraiser for The Bay Area ALS Chapter, please register online at www.hike4als.org or call Greg at (415) 648-7524. You can register the day of the event, but registering online before the event is preferred. Don’t miss an opportunity to raise money for a good cause while circling Mount Diablo near the summit with spectacular vistas of the bay area and far beyond. Enter the North Gate via Castle Rock and North Gate Roads. After entering the park ($6 fee), follow the windy roads until the first stop sign at Junction Campground. Parking for the hike will be at the picnic area at this intersection. Not sure what to bring along for this

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hike? Email me for information. Get out there and enjoy! For more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, contact Kevin at hikershaven@comcast.net.

Round Valley Regional Preserve Miwok Trail

Staging Area: Round Valley Parking Lot (off Marsh Creek Road)

Getting There: Follow Marsh Creek Road towards Brentwood (17 miles), staging area is on your right hand side Activities: Hiking, biking and horseback riding

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Page B2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 7, 2005

Clayton Sports “Members Only” Bocce team takes home the gold JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

Members Only of the Clayton Bocce Federation won the championship this year and had a 6 – 1 record during the playoffs, with its only loss coming via Bocce Amici in the opening round quarterfinals. Their name will go onto the Federation’s perpetual trophy. Quarterfinal and semifinal playoffs were held Sun. Sept. 18 with the final competition on Sun., Sept. 25. The Gold Medal winning Members Only had the best record in the regular season this year too. In fact, “Members Only led wire-to-wire,” as Ed Hartley, Clayton Bocce Federation President put it, staying in first place throughout the entire season, Ed added. “I Vincitori was our inaugural champion in 2002 and they have finished in third place the past three seasons. They are the only team to medal in each of our four years as a league.” Springwood Rollers, a brand

new team this year, which had fought its way from 10th place into the top eight finalists to qualify for the playoffs on the very last day of the regular season, came all the way from the seventh seed to take the second place Silver Medal. Springwood Rollers surprisingly also had lost only one game during the playoffs going into the finals on September 25 but in the big championship match they lost two straight games to powerhouse Members Only. I Vincitori came in third place defeating Italian Delights in the first round before losing to Springwood Rollers in the semifinals. Then I Vincitori defeated Bada Bang in the Consolation finals to take third place (Bronze) in the playoffs this year. The Clayton Bocce Federation hopes to have its own courts in Clayton by next season. Federation VicePresident, Howard Geller, has worked closely with the Clayton Planning Commission and in finding potential contractors and suppliers who would be

Photo courtesy of the Clayton Bocce Federation

CLAYTON BOCCE FEDERATION champions: (front row) Pat Middendorf, Mary Jane Kiefer, Mitzi Schenke, Debra Gonsalves; (back row) Jim Middendorf, Mike Kiefer, Tom Branich, Bob Schenke, Steve Gonsalves. Not present for the photo Debbie Branich.

used to construct the new courts in Clayton. The Federation has just recently received a full set of the con-

struction drawings and feels it will be in a position to put the project out to bid to determine its cost targets and then begin

the main efforts to raise money for the project. If all goes well, 2005 may have been the last year the Clayton Bocce

Federation teams had to play in Concord and Clayton will add another fun community sports activity to its list of possibilities.

Strong showing for Velocity in Livermore Sports Shorts CHAMPIONSHIP GAME MDSL VELOCITY 0 ALAMDEN UNITED 1 In an exciting back and forth final which was obviously a defensive battle, the Almaden girls got the only goal of the game late in the second half to win the championship. Shayana Gois played an outstanding game at right fullback for Velocity and Alison Marines and Daisy Bonilla played their hearts out despite the loss.

CVHS COACHING POSITIONS CVHS is accepting applications for coaching positions as follows: Winter season: Girl’s Frosh Basketball Coach - Begins Nov. 5 and runs to Feb. 16. Spring season: Head Varsity Track Coach, Head Varsity Swim Coach, Head Varsity

Softball Coach and Girl’s Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach. All are stipend positions and begin Feb.6 and run to May 19. Please e-mail resume to Pat Middendorf, CVHS Athletic Director at PM258@aol.com or call 6827474 ext. 4728.

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Front Row: Lindsay DeCosta, Sarah Alitaha, Raelyn Pamela, Paige Reilly, Camila Rowland, Ashley Delgado. Middle Row: Daisy Bonilla, Melissa Del Bene, Belinda Ruvalcaba, Shayana Gois, Alison Marines, Brigitte Leblow, Lindsey Parscal, Janelle Partida. Back Row: Coaches Alex Delgado, Russ Marines, Randy Rowland, Charles Leblow.

RANDY ROWLAND Special to the Pioneer

On the weekend of Sept. 2425, the MDSL Velocity team played in the Livermore Girls Fall Classic U12 girls class I tournament. The first three games were the qualifying rounds. MDSL VELOCITY 1 MVLA FREEDOM 0 The Velocity girls started the tournament strong against a defensive team that was well organized and difficult to break down. Velocity finally broke through in the second half after an excellent pass from Kaila Wakida to Alison Marines who fired the ball in the goal for the only score of the game. Melissa Del Bene and Janelle Partida played very well and Paige Reilly had a strong game at the right forward spot. ORCHARD VALLEY TOROS 1 MDSL VELOCITY 4 Velocity came out possessed in the first half and quickly scored three goals to put the game away early. The first was after a Brigitte Leblow free kick and an Alison Marines pass was put in by Daisy Bonilla. Later Lindsay Parscal and Belinda Ruvalcaba assisted Marines on two quick goals. Velocity put the game away on Marines hat trick 3rd goal after an excellent deep throw in by Ruvalcaba. Raelyn Pamela and Sarah Alitaha played excellent defense in the win.

LIVERMORE SHOCK 0 MDSL VELOCITY 1 In a tale of two halves the Livermore girls dominated play in the first half,but the defense of Lindsay DeCosta and Brigitte Leblow was excellent and the goal-

keeping of Ashley Delgado kept the home team off the board. Velocity dominated the second half and was rewarded when Lindsey Parscal’s shot from the far corner found the net. Camila Rowland made some excellent stops and passes in midfield.

Player of the day promotion Sept. 10 - Oct. 16

Clayton Sports Cards 5439-D Clayton Rd., Clayton

672-8445

M-F F 11-6 6 Sat 11-5 5 Sun 12-4 4

October 7, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

A new state-of-the-art automatic scoring system: “QUBICA-AMF” the world’s #1 automatic scoring system Additional remodeling in progress

Fall leagues starting right after Labor Day Leagues for Kids, Adults and Seniors

Dollar Nights - Monday through Thursday, 9pm to midnight - $1 games Freaky Funday on Sundays -

5pm to midnight - $5 cover charge gets you $1-games, shoes, hotdogs, soda’s and small beers.

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Clayton Sports MDSL Girls Xtreme soccer team wins Bob Fowler Memorial Tournament JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

Mount Diablo Soccer League’s Girls U 13 Class 3 soccer team, Xtreme, played in the U 14 division of the DVSC Bob Fowler Memorial Tournament held in Concord during the weekend of September 24-25 and came away with the Championship trophy. A total of twelve U14 girls’ teams from around the Bay Area entered. Xtreme, which is made up of girls from Clayton and Concord, won the tournament with an outstanding team effort on both the offensive and defensive sides. Xtreme won the first three qualifying games by the scores of 6 -1, 5 0 and 4 - 0, demonstrating a lot of offensive scoring power while giving up only a single goal. In the Championship Final Xtreme continued its balanced offensive and defensive style

blanking the San Francisco Dolphins by a score of 5 – 0 to

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take home the trophy. The team is coached by Rich Taylor

who is assisted by John Bonilla and Luke Jackson.

Photo courtesy of the Velocity Team

Back row standing: Asst.Coach John Bonilla, Stephanie DeBoer (Player), Coach Rich Taylor, Asst. Coach Luke Jackson, Middle Row Players standing: Jay Taylor, Holly Day, Shayla Rydel, Sarah Osborne, Julia Bonilla, Chandler Stone, Janel Guzman, Anna DeBoer. Players Sitting: Caroline Bonilla, Sierra Jackson, Haley McLaughlin, Ali Roberts. (not pictured – Cassandra Morris, Sophie Rossoni).

Sardelich wins Oakhurst tourney JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

In a very close match, Al ardelich shot a net 69 (three under par) to hang onto the lead and get his name on the Oakhurst Country Club’s Senior Championship perpetual trophy. Sardelich finished one shot ahead of Don Rasmussen who

was close behind with a net 70. Richard Morgan was only one more shot back with a net 71. Not only were the top three finishers close but there were ties for fourth, sixth, eighth and tenth places. Chong Park and Tom Keehbauch tied for fourth place both with net scores of 72. In the sixth position Ed Lexon and

Rory Janes tied with a net 73 Then Gary Brown and Larry Sheppard tied for the eighth spot with net 74 scores, followed by James Bennett, Peter Goodman and Doug Murphy all shooting a net 75 for the tenth place finish. In the gross competition, for the second year in a row, Bill Whelan won the championship

with a score of 77. Last year Bill took the title while shooting an 82. Bill Messick finished second this year with an 80 followed by Bill Reilly in third with an 82. Jerry Brown was fourth with a round of 83. Closest-to-the-pin winners were Craig Shibata on the par 3 #11 and James Bennett on the par 3 #13.

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Page B4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Clayton Baha’I attends peace conference Baha’I Guity Kiani of Clayton recently attended a peace conference in Maine. The

five-day program early in September took the theme “Peace in the 21st Century,”

BAHA’I PEACE CONFERENCE in Maine last month included the raising of a peace flag to commemorate the Portsmouth Treaty.

and included a discussion of Russian contributions to the culture of peace, an interfaith panel discussion on the role of religion in promoting peace, a discussion of the role of the arts in creating a culture of peace, and an examination of African-American contributions to peace. On hand to address the conference was the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, The Honorable Ryozo Kato. The Ambassador’s appearance was to commemorate the Portsmouth Peace Treaty, which ended the RussoJapanese War 100 years ago. He spoke on Japan’s growing role in peacekeeping and peace building efforts around the world and expressed a “deep

Church News

Rev. Patricia Plymale. 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, 94517, 672-4848, www.cvpresby.org.

St. John’s dines al fresco at annual Evening in Old Italy

CROSSROADS COVENANT CHURCH Crossroads Covenant Church will have their annual Harvest Festival on Halloween night, Oct. 31 from 6 - 9 p.m. This is an all community event and everyone is welcome. Dinner will be available for $3.00. There will be games for all ages, jumpies, speed pitch, dunk tank, and a train ride. Sun. service at 9 a.m. Journey hour at 10:30 a.m. Crossroads Covenant Church, 5353 Concord Blvd., 798-5905.

The patio at St. John’s Parish was transformed by twinkling lights and a Venetian gondola into an Italian piazza last week as parishioners gathered for their fourth annual “Evening in Old Italy..” A strolling musician provided mood music on the accordion as wannabe Italianos stumbled through a slightly off Rev. John Bennison and wife key but enthusiastic Germaine poured wine and waitBella Noche while ed tables at this year’s Evening in dining on chicken cac- Old Italy. ciatore. Fr. John Bennison Community Church, Diablo and his wife, Germaine raffled View Middle School, Clayton off a promise to cater an road and Upper Marsh Creek authentic Italian dinner for Road, Clayton. four at their home in Walnut Creek, or at the winner’s Clayton Valley home. Presbyterian Church This year’s dinner drew the Sun. services at 10 a.m. biggest crowd ever for this Sunday school and childcare event. For more information provided. On Sun. Oct. 29 on St. John’s, visit their from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. there Website at stjohnsparish.org will be a Church Bazaar. Contact church office for CLAYTON details on: “Sundays at 9” COMMUNITY CHURCH class, Women’s monthly At Clayton Community Bible study on second Tues. Church we believe God has at 2 p.m. and second Wed. real answers for your real at 7 p.m., and a general 12world. Our church is a family. Step meeting for anyone to We provide loving care for learn about its healing small children, a variety of age aspects each Sunday from 5 appropriate classes, and plenty – 6:30 p.m. in the Sacristy. of activities for all ages and Preaching Schedule: Oct. 9 interests. Every Sun. 9 and Rev. Tim Mooney, Oct. 16 10:45 a.m. 673-9060, Clayton

ST. BONAVENTURE PARISH The death of a loved one is unlike any other loss. Whether sudden and tragic or one with warning and preparation, the reality of death leaves most of us shocked, confused and sad. Grieving people need time and space to honor their grief. Candy Negrete, Alan Gaber and a team of peer ministers will facilitate a seven-week workshop to help you begin the healing process. Oct. 6 – Nov. 7, 7:30– 9 p.m.

admiration” for the effort Baha’Is have made in “attending to world peace and human harmony.” T h e event also featured a dramatic re-enactment of the 1905 visit of the Japanese delegation to Green Acre and a RYOZO KATO commemorative raising a Peace flag. For more information on the Baha'Is, visit their Web site at www.bahai.org, or email Guity Kiani at gkiani@yahoo.com.

in the St. Bonaventure Chapel. Please call 672-5800 to register or Candy Negrete at 672-2324 for more information. Registration is required. Come and See. Would you like to learn more about what it means to live as a Catholic Christian? Come joins us for a discussion featuring local Catholics talking about their faith journeys and the Church today. Information about the initiation process will be available for those who may want to continue the journey. We’ll be gathering at the St. Bonaventure Large Hall, 5562 Clayton Road at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 11. For more information please contact Sister Anne Burgard at 672-3899.

October 7, 2005

Please recycle this paper

Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church 925-672-4848 1578 Kirker Pass Road Patricia Stout Plymale Senior Pastor Timothy J. Mooney Associate Pastor Raymond S. Campton Parish Associate z Nurturing our church family z Accepting all who enter our doors

Sundays 10:00 a.m.

www.cvpresby.com

Does your church have some particularly interesting ministries? What is your church’s youth group up to? Are you planning a musical event? Has someone from your church attended a meaningful event? Do you have a new pastor? The Clayton Pioneer wants to know. Send your church news of general interest to the Pioneer at churchnews@claytonpioneer.com. Visit our Website at www.claytonpioneer.com for publication dates and deadlines.

Why Episcopal? Reason #2: All the pageantry; none of the guilt. SAINT JOHN’S PARISH T HE E PISCOPAL C HURCH

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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When you walk into Donna’s Gifts in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center, plan to spend more than a few minutes. The store is packed to the gills with collectibles, figurines and beautiful home décor. You won’t want to miss the Dept. 56 Snowbabies with a variety of holiday themes. These charming handpainted porcelain bisque Snowbabies offer endless opportunities to celebrate love and friendship during the holiday season. One walk through the store and you will definitely be in the mood for Christmas. There’s something here for everyone on your list. Be sure to stop by Weekends at the Cottage. This fun store in Clayton Valley Shopping Center has just re-opened to the delight of fans. Sue Somers and Barb Olson invite everyone to come in and browse through the array of eclectic gifts, holiday, home and garden décor. Take a look at the Swarovski crystal jewelry, the “Mayamoo” purses and

Ride the bus to the event and get $1 off admission. Win tickets at trideltatransit.com

At Melanie’s Gifts & Interiors, Melanie and her incredible staff will be sure to spend time with you to discuss your personal holiday needs and recommend gifts for the favorite people on your list. Every thing on display at Melanie’s Gifts located at R&M Pool, Patio and Gardens on Marsh Creek Road in Clayton is special, so

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R&L Jewelers owner Douglas Rountree has been interested in precious gems since he was six years old. And his long-time commitment to working with only the best diamonds and precious stones has led to a long list of distinctive jewelry designs and one-of-akind creations that have pleased customers since his store opened in Clayton Station. R&L offers the highest quality diamonds and an array of beautiful, intriguing designs for the discriminating buyer. Douglas also takes pride in his expert repair, restyling and restoration techniques that treat a customer’s treasured piece or heirloom with utmost care. Each staff member at R&L is a jeweler. Come by and see Douglas for that special holiday gift.

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Finding that perfect gift for the hard-toshop-for person on your list is a piece of cake (or should I say a piece of candy). Candy Created Bouquets in Clayton Station is now featuring Halloween and Fall Thanksgiving bouquets which are great centerpieces…and you can eat them. New owners Amy and Sean Boggs also offer custom designed bouquets which offer opportunities to personalize your candy bouquet. Candy Created Bouquets delivers and ships so plan ahead for this holiday season.

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Getting ready for the holidays also means taking care of yourself and Linda Davilla has the perfect recipe. Step into her Essential Skin Care salon on Washington Blvd. and you’ll find yourself in a peaceful, relaxing, wonderfully scented setting that leaves the holiday rush and business behind. Treat yourself to glycolic peels, microdermabrasion or anti-aging treatments and watch your skin glow. Linda also offers Rosacea and acne treatments along with back facials, eyelash and eyebrow tinting and facial and body waxing. After you treat yourself, treat someone on your Christmas list with a gift certificate. Linda has plenty of these on hand for family members and friends.

sands of craft items all in one place…it doesn’t get any better than that. Mark your calendars for Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 1820 and get on down to the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds at 1201 W. Tenth St. in Antioch. If you have a craft that you’d like to tell the world about, visit the fair online at www.craft@ccfair.org.

come take a look. There’s wonderful pillows and throws, finely woven tapestry and wall hangings, accent pieces for your dining needs and unique collections for tablescapes. You’ll also find decorative candles, stands and holders. The intimate setting at Melanie’s is perfect for some serious browsing.

original photo collections and you’ll be amazed at how fast your Christmas wish list will diminish. Make note that The Cottage is open Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11a.m. to 3 p.m.

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If jewelry is on your list, you’ll want to visit Cegielski Jewelers on Clayton Road across from Mountain Mikes. Owner and master jeweler Anna Cegielski and her design team offer classic and custom

designed jewelry from around the world including one-of-a-kind engagement and bridal sets. Anna describes her jewelry store as “boutique” style focusing on the European craftmanship that is artfully blended with today’s jewelry trends. Jewelry choices also include platinum, sterling silver, diamonds and precious stones showcasing Anna’s native homeland. Cegielski Jewelers provides on site-repairs and refurbishing while you wait. Call Anna and schedule your appointment in plenty of time before the holidays.

get you started. Make sure you tell our advertisers that you saw their ad in the Clayton Pioneer. And happy shopping!

Just take a look in area stores and you will agree that it’s not too early to start your Christmas shopping. We invite you to spend some time in Pioneer Territory for all your shopping needs. Why take the harried drive to Walnut Creek or San Francisco when there’s so much here for everyone on your Christmas list. Read on for some great ideas to

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 7, 2005

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., OCT. 10 FOR THE OCT. 21 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT FALL PROGRAMS @ CONCORD/CLAYTON YMCA Programs include flag football league (2-8 grade), cheerleading (2-8 grade), soccer leagues (pre-k - 8 grade), QUEST league (for children with special needs), men’s 5 on 5 (18+) and coed volleyball (18+). Call Delise Young, Program Director at 889-1625, Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton. ONGOING THROUGH NOV. 16 WWII Memorabilia @ Clayton Historical Society Museum The newest special exhibit at the Clayton Historical Society Museum is WWII, Red, White Blue. Artifacts and memorabilia from all walks of life during the war years will be displayed. Local veterans are well represented in this exhibit which honors the men and women who served and the families who joined in the war effort on the home front. Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6101 Main Street, Clayton. The Museum is open Sunday and Wednesday, 2-4 p.m. ONGOING THROUGH NOV. 5 Like the Movie? Read the Book @ Clayton Community Library For grades 6-12. Read for 15 total hours and receive an Exploratorium pass, a paperback book, and more. Right a 5 line review of a book and be eligible for a branch drawing for bookstore gift certificates. The county wide drawing includes $100 mall certificates, an ipod Shuffle, and much, much more. See librarian for details. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-0659. THROUGH OCT. 22 Days of Wine and Roses @ Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts In the fast-moving milieu of Madison Avenue, social drinking is almost an occupational necessity, and one that fast-rising young Joe Clay adopts with too ready ease. The girl he meets and marries shares his proclivity and it is soon apparent that their habit has become a serious problem, which results in a career in shambles, a marriage destroyed, and the esteem of friends and family lost. Fri. and Sat. evenings at 8:15 p.m. and Sun. matinees at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 general, $22.00 for seniors, and $12.50 for youth/children. Call Center Tickets at (925) 943-SHOW. Contact Stephen Murphree at (925) 212-2810 for ticket discount information and pricing. Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. SEPT. 13 - NOV. 3 Patty Cakes and Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library Patty Cakes - 11 a.m. Tuesdays, story time for birth to 3 years. Picture book time - 11 a.m. Thursdays, child may attend without parent. For 3 to 5 years. No registration required. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. SEPT. 15 - NOV. 13 “Local Voice - Defining Community Through Art @ Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek. Local artist Carol Putman’s painting is on display in this juried exhibition of Contra Costa Artists. Only 225 artists were selected out of 850 entries for this event. Bedford Gallery, Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 295-1417. OCT. 8 Junior Theatre Program Auditions @ Civic Arts Education, Walnut Creek Designed for students ages 10-15, Junior Theatre provides an eight-month program of training that includes basic acting skills, improvisation, movement, and voice techniques. The program culminates with two performances at the Del Valle Theater in Walnut Creek. This year's shows are "The Magic of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" (Feb. 24-25, 2006) and "Aladdin, Jr. (May 5-6, 2006). Nina Auslander returns as the program’s director. For information call 9435846 for audition appointment. Civic Arts Education, Shadelands campus, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. OCT. 7 - NOV. 5 Contra Costa Musical Theatre's The Full Monty @ Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts Winner of 10 Tony Awards in 2001, this heartwarming, upbeat comedy tells the story of six laid-off steelworkers, down on their luck, frustrated with life, women and work, who, regardless of looks and ability become the best Chippendale strippers in Brooklyn. They bare their souls and a whole lot more. Ticket prices range from $27 for students to $37 for adults. Oct.7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, Nov. 3, 4, 5 - 8 p.m. Oct.9, 23, 29, 30 2 p.m. For tickets call 943-SHOW or visit www.dlrca.org. Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. OCT. 7 We Care Services for Children Fundraiser @ Zia Fraedo's Restaurant 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. The event is a Black and White Gala with Heart featuring a reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing. Proceeds from the event will benefit We Care Services for Children. Tickets are $85 per person and $595 for a table of eight. Sponsorships are available from $250 - $5,000. For information or reservations, please contact Barbara Langsdale at (925) 671-0777, ext. 13 or e-mail: langsdale@wecarebmcc.org. Oct. 7 - Nov. 5 MOON RIVER: A JOHNNY MERCER CABARET @ CTA CROSSROADS Features over 50 Mercer songs from radio show tunes of the 1920's and big band era to the great Hollywood film scores of the 1960's and 70's. Evening performances at 8 p.m., Sat. matinees at 2 p.m. Previews $20, Oct. 7, 8, 13. Regular performances $22 seniors/youth, $25 regular. Thursday Oct. 20, 27, and Nov. 13, Fri. Oct. 14, 21, 28, and Nov. 4, Sat. matinees Oct. 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5, Sat. evenings Oct. 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5. CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek. 944-0597.

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OCT. 14 - NOV. 6 Twelfth Night @ Diablo Valley College Shakespeare's tale of unrequited love in a gender bending comedy of mistaken identities! A storm at sea separates twins - a sister and her brother. Alone in a man's world, Viola disguises herself as a man to serve as emissary for the lovesick Duke Orsino in his quest to win the heart of the beautiful Olivia, only to have Olivia fall for the messenger, Viola. When Viola's twin, Sebastian arrives, mistaken identities confuse, confound and delight! Performances on Fri. and Sat. at 8pm, Sun. at 2:30pm. Tickets $10-$13. Box Office: (925) 687-4445, DVC Performing Arts Center, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. OCT. 15 Clayton Community Library Foundation Used Book Sale @ Clayton Community Library Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun. Oct. 16 from 12 - 4 p.m. $2/bag special from 3-4 p.m. Sun. Most books sell for $1. There will be a “Special Books” table for gently used books suitable for gift giving, priced individually. Used.book sales are CCLF’s major fundraiser, bringing in approximately $12,00 /year for materials, programs, etc.Members only preview on Fri. Oct. 14 from 4 - 7 p.m. Memberships can be purchased at the door: individual $10, family $15. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-0659. OCT. 17 Pumpkin Fun with Puppets and Judy @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. Family event for children 3 and up. Juldy will be there with puppets. There will be a storytime and craft project. Registration required. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-0659. OCT. 24, 27 Measure M Public Forum The Clayton Pioneer will host two public forums on Measure M on Monday October 24 and Thursday, October 27, both evenings at 7 in the Clayton Library Community Room. Members of the city council, the original Blue Ribbon Committee and the Measure M political action committee will be on hand to answer questions and address citizen concerns. OCT. 27 - NOV. 12 Education Volunteers Training @ Lindsay Wildlife Museum Share the wonders of wildlife and nature with museum visitors or school groups. Special training classes will introduce you to the museum and our live animal ambassadors. Training is 6 classes over 3 weeks. and starts on October 27. Fee is $100.00; Lindsay wildlife Museum members $65.00. For more information please call (925)627-2944. OCT. 31 Harvest Festival @ Crossroads Covenant Church 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Crossroads Covenant Church is having their annual Harvest Festival Halloween night from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. This is an all community event; everyone is welcome. Jumpies, Speed Pitch, Inflatable Twister and lots more fun stuff. Dinner will be available all evening. Lots of candy for the kids! Crossroads Covenant Church, 5353 Concord Blvd., 798-5905.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS OCT. 8 The Clayton Valley Woman's Club Kitchen Tour 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The self-directed tour of six kitchens in Clayton Valley starts at Clayton City Hall courtyard where you pick up maps and brochures. Tickets will be $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Proceeds will benefit local charities and scholarships. For ticket information call Joan at 6722471. The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization) OCT. 10 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Farm Bureau Hall 7:10 p.m. Open to youth ages 5 - 19, and adults. Monthly meetings Sept. through May. Projects in small and large animals, skills including cooking, photography, arts/crafts etc. Opportunities in leadership, community service, conferences, 4-H camp, fairs. Contact: Candy Hogan 925 969-1325. Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Rd. Concord. OCT. 11, 18, 25, NOV. 1, Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Meetings every Tues. All are invited to check us out and be our guest for lunch. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust St., Walnut Creek. for more information call Sam Totah, 941-1536. OCT. 11, 25 Clayton Valley Woman’s Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m, caffe and snacks, 10 a.m, membership meeting. Special entertainment at 10:45am provided by The Vagabond Players of Pleasant Hill. They will present "The Silver Whistle", a comedy play originally on Broadway in the 1940's. For invitation call Millie Graham, 672-1868. Regular monthly meetings held the second and fourth Tues. of the month. Anyone interested in joining the woman’s club please contact Shirley Boyd, President at 672-1163. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. OCT. 12 League Of Women Voters @ La Fogata Restaurant 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Please join us for a social to learn about the members and activities of the League of Women Voters. Are you interested in the ballot initiatives? Do you want to know more about them? Would you be interested in debating pros and cons? Does housing hold the most appeal? We study important social policy issues, including education, health, transportation and libraries. Through study groups the League educates and empowers its members to take an active part in community issues. In addition, you

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will meet many friendly and like- minded individuals. Although our name suggests that we are an organization of women, we welcome men members. Appetizers and refreshments, La Fogata Restaurant, 1315 North Main St., Walnut Creek. OCT. 12, 19, 26 Concord Soroptimist Meeting Women at their best working to help other women. Business, professional people or people interested in providing service to the community are invited to luncheon meetings at Marie Calender’s the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and at The Left Bank the third Wednesday of the month.Call Gloria Utley at 672-0508, email at gloutley@aol.com. or Jo Harlow, 827-9676. for information. OCT. 13, 20, 27, NOV. 3 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m.and 5:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. 800/326-8450 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. OCT. 13, 20, 27, NOV. 3 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker.www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. OCT. 13 Women's Connection Luncheon @ Oakhurst Country Club 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" is the theme. Learn about social groups for women, spotlighting the Red Hat Society. Show off your red hat if you have one! The featured speaker Maggie Williamson, an educator and experienced communicator, will share how she learned to build bridges over the chasms of life. Cost is $16.00 inclusive. Please call Rose by October 8th at (925) 798-6778 to make reservations. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr, Clayton. OCT. 19 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women @ Oakhurst 6 p.m.,social hour; 7 p.m., dinner and 7:30 p.m. guest speaker KNEW radio talk show host Jeff Katz.. Reservations due by Mon. Oct. 17, call Barbara Allen 672-5061 OCT. 27 CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association) Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, last non-holiday Thursday of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. John Rubiales, President. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT OCT. 11, 18, 25, NOV. 1 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. OCT. 11, 25. NOV. 8, 22 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. OCT. 13 Clayton Community Services Commission Meeting @ City Hall 7 p.m. City of Clayton Community Services Commission meets 2nd Thursday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 HeritageTrail, Clayton. OCT. 18, NOV. 1, 15 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm's Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton.

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION OCT. 17 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 6:30 p.m. Meeting to be held in the school library. All parents welcome. Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. OCT. 18 , NOV. 15 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7:00 p.m., Multi Use Room. Make a difference in your child's education. For items to be included on the agenda, contact Stacey Wickware 673-1999, the5wicks@sbcglobal.net or Kristy Smith 673-1795, kristinsmith@yahoo.com, PFC Co-Presidents. The dates for the rest of the school year are: Oct.18, Nov.15. Childcare is available. Watch website for details.! http://www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/mountdiabloelementary/. NOV. 3, DEC. 1 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Clayton Valley High School 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the school library. Please call President, Melinda Moore for more information at 672-0930.

October 7, 2005

A njoy n Italia

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Now open at 8:30 a.m.!

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A beautiful full service tea room featuring…

Fine Italian dining with an extensive menu • Weekend Special - grilled steaks

Afternoon tea. Delectable lunches. Fresh salads. Fresh baked scones and desserts. Special events.

• Gourmet desserts and fine wines Very reasonable prices

4425-F Treat Blvd. Concord, CA 94521

687-5 5300

www.pastaprimaveracafe.com

and Come our browse and op gift sh ibles c e l col t

Mavericks Spor ts Club

PHONE 4 2 9 3 3 2 0

Non-members welcome

Ask us about Internet Cafe Catering. FREE wireless web connection with purchase

at 5294 Clayton Road in Concord,

Why wait? Why fight traffic and wait hours for a table when a short, 15 minute drive over the hill will bring you to your new favorite restaurant? Fine Italian dining on the beautiful Delta View Golf Course 2222 Golf Club Road, Pittsburg (925) 432-1700 From Clayton, take Kirker Pass over the hill Turn left on Leland to Golf Club Road

• Banquet Rooms • Off-site Catering

Lunch: t ues. - f ri. Dinner: t ues. - s un.

Make your Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve reservations

now

Banquet facilities available

Children’s menu and take out service available

For reservations call

672-TEAS (8327) www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com

(925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON

5433 L Clayton Road in Clayton Station

At the corner of Center and Marsh Creek Road in downtown Clayton, LA VERANDA CAFE serves a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. And if you haven’t had brunch at La Veranda, you are missing a real treat. The menu includes all the popular breakfast choices, Eggs Benedict and Florentine, omlettes and pancakes. A new twist on the tried and true Joe’s Special will leave you begging for more. All are served with potatoes, toast and fresh fruit. This This popular spot is a perfect place for a lovely, quiet Sunday morning brunch where you are likely to run into friends and neighbors. La Veranda opens on Sunday at 10 a.m. and is open daily for lunch and dinner. If you're hungry and want healthy food, CAFÉ SANTE is the perfect place to be. Ideally located in Maverick's Sports Club on Clayton Road where parking is plentiful, Café Sante offers an inviting menu with delicious items made fresh while you wait. For breakfast try the breakfast burrito or grab a

1508 Kirker Pass Rd. behind Shell Station

bagel or muffin before you head to work. And for lunch or dinner, Café Sante has some interesting menu items like the "Wrap it Up" caesar, veggie or deli style. If you're in the mood for something hot, try the home-made turkey chili, spinach lasagne or soups and stews. Café Sante has a coffee bar, kids menu and successful catering business The casual ambiance makes this an inviting place to dine any time. Formerly Linguini’s, the PAVILION BAR AND GRILL has added specialty items from the grill to Linguini’s traditional Italian fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, gnocchi, tortellini and vongole. Grilled items include steaks, fish and veggies and range from $5.95 for an appetizer of cheese sticks to $19.95 for the New York strip topped with sauteed mushrooms. Pizza lovers will all be happy with the new selections including three choices to please the most discriminating vegetarian. Pizzas come in small, medium, large and extra large sizes and range from $9.95 for a small classic cheese pizza to $22.95 for an extra large Super Combo. See ad this page for hours. ELYSIUM on Main Street also has a brand new menu with more choices and lower prices. Dishes range from “small plates,” featuring appetizers, soups and salads from $5

for Organic Field Greens with toasted hazelnuts, beets and champagne vinegar, to a Half Dozen Oysters on the Half Shell for $12. “Medium plates-good for tasting,” (try the Cornmeal Crusted Calamari Salad with spicy aioli for $7.50) are great for a light meal, or you can combine them with a smaller plate for a complete meal. “Large plates, good for an entree” include Halibut and a Five Spice Dusted Duck Breast for $15; or Flank Steak and Frites (simple as that) for $14 among other choices. Owner Greg Severn has also added a “Little Ones Only” menu and heartily welcomes families with children. See Elysium’s ad on page B5. Are you ready for a relaxing afternoon with friends, enjoying a pot of tea and And for a little bit of Italy? Just down Clayton Road at the corner of Clayton Road and Treat Blvd., is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria offers a delectable linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil for $8.95...my personal favorite. Other pasta dishes include Chicken Pesto Gorgonzola, a rigatoni dish with chicken breast and tomatoes in a creamy pesto Gorgonzola sauce ($13.95.) For an intimate atmosphere and a good wine list, Pasta Primavera can’t be beat. Or, how about a relaxing afternoon with friends, enjoying a pot of tea and delectable treats in a beautiful full service tea room? ENGLUND'S TEA COTTAGE offers these amenities and more at their lovely tea room in the Clayton Station.

american contemporary bistro in downtown Clayton

Kids Menu, $3.95

E lysium

Early Bird Special 3 – 5 p.m.

Full B ar N ow Open Bar

$9.95 any day

Penne - wild mushroom ragout,

672-6868

New Lunch Menu from $6.95

Fresh soups, salads, antipasti, pizza and pasta Dinner and lunch daily Brunch on Sunday

Dining Around

OPEN Mon.Thur. 8 - 8 Fri. & Sat. 8-2

Located in

Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton

“Where good friends gather...”

now owned by Clayton resident, Susan O'Toole

Serving fresh fruit smoothies, espresso drinks, & a fresh & healthy variety of breakfast, lunch & dinner items for you & your family.

La Veranda Café

Englund's Tea Cottage

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

Three-course dinner

“Elysium is a bit of heaven in the suburbs”

-San Francisco Chronicle, 2/18/2005

Dinner Tue - Thur, 5 - 9 pm Fri & Sat, 5 - 9:30 pm closed Monday

10 am - 2 pm

Sunday Brunch

kalamata olives, garlic and pine nuts $12

Bone in pork loin chop yukon gold potatoes, carmelized cabbage, pears, bacon demi $16

672-11333

for reservations

ting Patio Sea blee la i a Now Av

6115 Main Street Clayton, CA

Proprietors Sally Englund and Pamela Barnett want the tea cottage to be a place "where good friends gather." After you browse the gift shop and collectibles, enjoy lunch or high tea with tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fresh fruit and dip and dessert. There's a beautiful muraled room perfect for bridal and baby showers, staff meetings and club gatherings. To book your party, call 672-8327. Lunch reservations are a must. A little more on the casual side and a great place to take the kids is ROCCO’S RISTORANTE at 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Voted the best pizza in the Bay Area by a Contra Costa Times Reader Poll, Rocco’s serves up a killer house specialty. The Dominator, piled high with pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, ham, linguica, sausage and onions, is not for the faint of heart. At $19.97, this large pizza will feed a small army. Rocco’s also has several choices of classic Italian pasta, homemade minestrone and several salads. All pasta dishes are served with fresh bread. Top your pasta dinner off with a glass of wine and you’re well fed and satisfied for well under $20 (tax and tip included.) Rocco’s opens every day at 11 a.m. For view and atmosphere you can’t do better than ZANDONELLA’S situated on the lovely Delta View Golf Course in Pittsburg. Zandonella’s is open Tue.Sun for lunch and dinner. This family friendly restaurant offers an extensive menu that covers every craving. From that perfect bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs all the way to a succulent and perfectly roasted rack of lamb, you are sure to find your favorite. All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free. Call for reservations, 432-1700. The dining room at OAKHURST is open Wed.Sun. for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu is extensive, offering appetizers, a daily soup selection, salads, sandwiches and wraps and pasta. Dinner on Friday and Saturday features a heavenly roasted prime rib for $20.99-$24.99 in a size that’s perfect for every appetite. Wednesday dinner is a pasta buffet for $14.99 ($6.99 for kids).

email: e lysium_restaurant@sbcglobal.net

Adult Softball Players and Teams go to n at Opea.m., week 11 ays a 7d

11 TV ’S It’s never too early to plan your holiday event. Start a new holiday tradition at Oakhurst Country Club and spend this holiday season surrounded by country club elegance. With our expert planners mapping out all the details and our executive chef preparing culinary delights, we’ll help create an unforgettable experience. Plus, book your holiday event by October 31, 2005 and receive a complimentary champagne greeting upon your guest’s arrival.

to sport watch s!

Open l 947-6 ate!! ww 1 w.roc co

spizze

ria.co

after the game Enjoy a small one item pizza

Free

with purchase of any large pizza Must be in uniform, Not valid w/other offers

Full B Comar S o oi n g n

by ned w o lly e Locaco Bial c Ro Rd. alley V o i nac d. 9 Yg 290 Grove R ek ak at O nut Cre l a W in

Page B8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Canine sports are fast and fun Last time, we looked at the different breeds of dogs and their innate capabilities and discussed how to begin preparing yourself and your dog for one of the many canine sports. So, now it’s time to a closer look at some of the more popular canine sports.

JULIE BOND

PAWS

AND

CLAWS

FRISBEE

The sport of canine Frisbee is growing rapidly and can be mastered by purebred and mixed breed dogs. Your dog can even earn a title from the International Disc Dog Handlers Association (IDDHA). Competitions are held all across the country every year. The Alpo Canine Frisbee Disc Championships are still the most popular canine disc competitions in the United States. Originally known as the Ashley Whippet Invitational (after that

famous canine who ran out on the field during half-time with her owner and really started the whole canine Frisbee craze), these competitions held in cities nationwide provide two types of events, Freeflight and MiniDistance. Freeflight or freestyle events involve you and your dog performing a routine. You are usually limited to five discs and your timed routine begins with the first toss. Sometimes routines utilize music and costumes, but this is not a requirement. You and your dog are judged on four things: Execution (how smooth and consistent your movements are); Leaping agility (the consistency of catches displaying your dog’s abilities and style); Showmanship (how well you and your dog work as a team, how well you handle the disc, the level of skill demonstrated, and any unique maneuvers you accomplish); Degree of difficulty (where you and your dog are judged on how difficult your routine was and how consistently you worked as a team on your throws and catches). Freestyle competitions are extremely popular because they highlight the grace and speed of your dog and showcase difficult maneuvers such as vaults. While

FRISBEE

FREESTYLE COMPETITIONS

are extremely popular.

vaults are very entertaining, teaching your dog to safely use your body as a launching pad takes skill and time. Mini-Distance events (also known as Toss-Fetch or Catch and Retrieve) are also timed but limited to just one disc. You throw the disc and your dog chases and catches it as many times as possible. You can receive bonus points for leaping catches, but most of the points are awarded based on the distance of the catch. Your dog has to bring the disc back to you after each throw and you must throw the disc from behind a foul line. Teams of dogs and handlers often perform these events and the team with the best overall scores is

Sequoia and Mittles are ARF’s Adoption Stars

the winner. The keys to success with training a Frisbee dog are knowing how to throw the disc properly and teaching your dog to retrieve consistently. These involve not only time and patience, but also the proper equipment. If you are interested in teaching your dog to play Frisbee, whether for fun or competition, there are some great resources out there. Check out “The Frisbee Dog Page” the next time you are online or contact the Northern California Disc Dog Club, which is based out of Stockton. You can also access great articles on training your frisbee dog at www.discdog.com/FAQ or check out Peter Bloeme’s book, “Frisbee Dogs: How to Raise, Train, and Compete.”

FLYBALL

The North American Flyball Association (NAFA) was founded in 1985 to not only promote the sport of flyball and monitor the growth of the sport, but to standardize the rules and hold competitions. Races are fast-paced (less than a minute long) and involve a relay race between two teams of four dogs each. The dogs race, off leash, one dog at a time per team, over four hurdles toward a machine which shoots out a tennis ball when the dog presses on a special lever. The dog then has to grab the ball and race back over the hurdles toward its handler. When the

October 7, 2005

A date with your dog WHERE: Speedway Meadow at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA WHEN: Sat., Oct. 15 beginning at 9 a.m. DESCRIPTION: It’s time for the Tenth Annual Doggone Fun Run! This is a fund-raising event in support of PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support) and the San Francisco SPCA. Everyone is invited to run or walk to raise money in support of these two fine organizations. You can assemble teams of your friends, neighbors, co-workers, dog park buddies, etc. and compete in the 5K pledge run which begins at 10 a.m. Great prizes will be awarded to the teams with the most pledges. In addition to the 5K run/walk, there will be music, games, doggie contests, family activities, and other team competitions. You and your canine friends will also find information on pet care and be able to browse the latest in doggie supplies. HOW TO GET THERE: Speedway Meadow is located off of JFK Drive, past Cross Over Drive in San Francisco. REGISTRATION: There is a $100 minimum fundraising pledge. In order to register for the event, please call (415) 554-3007 or visit the official website for the event at www.doggonefunrun.org For more information on PAWS, the nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping people with AIDS and other disabling illnesses together with their pets, visit www.PawsSF.org. The San Francisco SPCA is a nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving homeless dogs and cats through education, veterinary treatment, and their fostering program. You can visit their website at www.sfspca.org.

owner/breeder

Peruvian Paso Horses

We invite you to come and experience the “Rolls Royce” of the Equine World. Please call in advance

672-4467

Chalan: German Salazar

Horses for sale or lease Training/stallions at stud/breeding z Riding lessons

pet should be tied r ! u s o g t n o i Y our apronstr Apronstrings Pet Sitting WE

OFFER MIDDAY WALKS WHILE YOU WORK. A ND, WE CARE FOR YOUR PET IN YOUR HOME WHILE YOU TRAVEL

925.798.7621

Kimsits@ASTOUND.NET

HAPPILY SERVING CLAYTON FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS

See Sports Dog, page B9

w ww.apronstringsonline.com

MITTLES

SEQUOIA

Sequoia is a 2-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound who was out of time at a public shelter when the ARF Rescue Patrol saved him and brought him back to ARF. Sequoia is a gentle and easygoing dog. He is athletic and would enjoy sports such as agility and tracking. Sequoia is recommended for families with children ages 8 and above. Bring everyone who will live with Sequoia – including any canine family members – to meet him at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 2

Barbara Carson

Pasos de Mt. Diablo

to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our Web site, www.art.net, or call (925) 2561ARF. Mittles, a one year old domestic medium hair, was out of time at a public shelter when the ARF Rescue Patrol saved him and brought him back to

l e abl Festiva t e st Sid ing Harve n r o 22 e M d FeedOctober ed h t , e r y p by nco SaturdaConcord F Sto he Co t a at t

Want to stand outside all night in cold rain? Maybe your horse doesn't either! Reduced rates for stalls, with paddocks, in an insulated barn

ARF. Mittles is a friendly and active cat. Mittles is recommended for families with children ten years and older. Bring everyone who will live with Mittles to meet him at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Come fall in love with Mittles and his fabulous feline friends at ARF. Visit our Web site, www.arf.net, to learn more about adding a cat to your family, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

Does your arena get the "Winter Muddy Floods"?

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Come visit a place where horses and owners love to be Call or just drop by: 6115 Morgan Territory Road

Do your ducts look like this?

Insured and family owned and operated

672-3632

Call the specialists

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October 7, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

One stop shopping for your insurance saves time and money

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RCH professionals provide remote assistance so we can remove all types of computer software bugs for you. Just call or log on now & we’ll fix your computer, remotely! No appointments, heavy lugging or strangers on your doorstep. Call 925-672-9989 then, www.remotecontrolhelp.com

The Clayton Pioneer’s “Music Notes” columnist

Clayton’s own

Jim Hudak Pianist and Composer For bookings and performances:

Visit our Website www.jhudak.com E-mail jimmydak@pacbell.net Piano CD’s available on his Brainstorm Records label

Call Or Write:

Brainstorm Records P.O. Box 488 Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 673-7293

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Page B9

In these economic times, many of us are filled with concern over the rising cost of gas and housing. We are constantly looking for ways to get greater value for our time and money. One way you may not have considered is having all of your insurance needs taken care of in one place. There are advantages to having your car, home, and family protected by the same insurance company. Switching all your policies to one wellrespected insurer might save you time and money, not to mention the convenience of having only one number to call for questions or claims. Many insurance companies offer a range of discounts.

When shopping for auto insurance, be sure to ask about the availability and amount of these discounts, and whether the insurer offers them. Here are some common discounts you should know about: z

Multiple lines: Your premiums may be reduced if you insure your home, life, or health with the same company or family of companies that covers your car. Good student: Full-time students (high school or higher) maintaining at least a “B” average may qualify for reduced premiums. Multiple car: Your premiums may be reduced if there are two or more private-passenger cars in the household insured by the same company or family of companies.

These are just a few of the discounts that may save you

money. Once you have considered price, think about the quality of service you expect. The best value should save you both time and money. Here are a few things to consider: z

Do you have one person to call when you need help?

Is the insurer available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

Does the insurer make it easy to file a claim?

Is the insurer available to discuss your needs and help customize a package of services that is best for you and your family?

Do you feel confident in the insurer’s financial stability and ability to pay if your family suffers a loss?

Be sure you’re getting the most value for your time and money. Call your agent or

insurance company today and ask if you can get more value by having all your insurance needs taken care of in one place.

“Switching all your policies to one wellrespected insurer might save you time and money, not to mention the convenience of having only one number to call for questions or claims.” Doug Van Wyck

Doug Van Wyck is a Certified Financial Consultant and a State Farm agent. You can reach him at 672-2300.

Sports Dog, from page B8 dog returns with the ball, just as in a relay race with the baton pass, the next dog takes off. The team that finishes first wins. Any dog, purebred or mixed, can compete in flyball, and size doesn’t matter. In fact, most teams have at least one small dog on them because the jump heights of the hurdles are set at four inches shorter than the shoulder height of the smallest dog on the team. This can make the small dog the most popular team member since individual dogs earn points based on their team’s time whether they win the race or not. These points help dogs earn titles given by the NAFA. There is even a NAFA Hall of Fame where dogs like Onyx, a Doberman pinscher from Michigan are immortalized. Onyx was flyball’s first great champion as he was the first to score 20,000 points in tournament competition. Dogs that do best in this sport love to retrieve, are extremely agile, and perform well off leash. Knowledge of basic obedience skills is a must for flyball as your team is depending on you. For more information on flyball, contact the Pawdemonium Flyball Club, which promotes the sport here in Northern California and is based out of San Jose. Ask them about the Canine Sports Camp held in the fall every year where training and seminars are held in several canine sports including agility, disc dogs, herding, and flyball.

AGILITY

What began in the late 1970’s as an entertaining diversion between obedience events

has become an extremely popular sport here in the United States. In 1986, the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) was founded and by 1990 they were awarding agility titles in this country. The USDAA utilizes the same obstacles and rules as seen in British agility, which has lead to international standards for competition. All dogs regardless of size or breed are eligible to compete and earn titles in USDAA and NADAC. The AKC (American Kennel Club) offers agility events as well, but is open only to purebred dogs. Agility courses vary in the number of obstacles a dog is required to complete. Most courses utilize a maze of 12-20 obstacles and the dogs and their handlers are judged on speed and accuracy. Standard obstacles include: The see saw, A-frame, and dog walk (contact obstacles, so named for the different colored contact zones which dogs must touch with their feet in order to not lose points); Two tunnels (a chute tunnel and open, pipe tunnel); hurdles (styles may vary but the jump height is adjusted to your dog’s shoulder height) Weave poles (upright set of poles that your dog must snake his way through) Pause obstacles (either a table or “box” on/in which your dog must down stay for five seconds) The tire jump (a tire suspended in a frame that the dog must jump through which is again adjusted for your dog’s shoulder height).

Agility courses vary in the number of obstacles a dog is required to complete Being able to master the obstacles provided is the first step, and is actually the easiest part of agility training. The hard part is something called sequencing where the obstacles are executed in a particular order and you and your dog are judged on your speed and accuracy. If you are interested in agility training for your dog, classes are offered through the City of San Leandro Parks and Recreation Department at (510) 577-3462. For more information on a local dog agility club, you can contact The Bay Team at www.bayteam.org. This group is a “dog agility only club” based in the San Francisco Bay Area with promotes and provides USDAA and NADAC agility events. An excellent book for anyone interested in the sport is Jane Simmons-Moake’s “Agility Training: The Fun Sport for All Dogs.” While these three sports represent what is most popular now, there are many other

sports available to you and your dog. There are clubs devoted to the sport of mushing or sledding, such as the Bay Area Siberian Husky Club at (800) 473-BASH. This club is open to anyone interested in the sport (you don’t have to have a Siberian Husky to be a member) and also promotes carting, where a harness is placed on your dog and he learns how to pull differing degrees of weight in a cart. Carting is a popular sport with not only sled-type dogs, but also other breeds such as the Newfoundland and Bernese Mountain Dog. If you have a purebred dog, joining a breed club is a surefire way to get involved in sports best suited to your dog’s abilities. So, get out there and have fun with your dogs. Dog sports are a great way to get in shape and keep your canine companion entertained and challenged. Julie Bond is an animal behaviorist. Address your pet questions to her at P.O. Box 21552, Concord, CA, or you can email her at K9Freud@aol.com.

Page B10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

October 7, 2005

Tea for two in Victoria, B.C. PAM BARNETT

TEA

FOR YOU

Recently, my husband and I had the pleasure of having Afternoon Tea at the Queen of Tearooms: The Grand Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. Since it opened in 1908, The Empress has been considered the Jewel of the Pacific and the most frequented tourist attraction on Vancouver Island. It was first renovated in 1966 for four million dollars in 1966, with a second overhaul in 1989 for 45 million. The most recent renovation allowed the Empress to keep

its original Edwardian architecture while adding amenities such as an indoor pool and health club. With its 460 rooms and grand style, it is easy to understand why kings, queens, movie stars and dignitaries have stayed here. The day started with us enjoying a two-hour ferry ride from Seattle to Victoria aboard the Victoria Clipper. I eagerly sipped a Styrofoam cup of tepid tea made with a generic tea bag and watched the lovely scenery go by. Though not a tea lover himself, my husband did his best to be a good sport and not think about the Seattle Mariners game he could have attended. Upon our arrival at the harbor, we (ok, I) eagerly asked directions to the Empress Hotel. The gentleman offered to take us there in his “pedicab” which was parked at the curb a few feet away. It seemed

that this quaint town of British influence had many of these bicycle drawn carriages-for-two traversing its roadways. Since the 75degree temperature made it the perfect day for a ride, we hopped on and were off for an open-air tour of this beautiful city. Our first stop was a tea merchant named “Murchee’s” which has been a Canadian mainstay for over 50 years. Not only did they have a nice gift shop, but also one could sniff and sample over 100 teas that were for sale. I must confess I was surprised that although the “Library Blend” tasted wonderful, it did indeed smell like musty books! We (ok, I) had a delightful time sampling and purchasing some teas to take home. As my husband wondered aloud what inning it might be at the baseball game, we made our way through the myriad of shops

New digs for Hamid Asemi When you walk into Hamid Asemi’s office these days, you are greeted with three smiling faces. And there’s a reason for the happy office ambiance. Clayton resident and State Farm Agent, Asemi recently gave himself a promotion from tenant to landlord and now owns an office building on Clayton Road near Babel Lane. Hamid recently relocated from Clayton Valley Shopping Center and now houses his State Farm Insurance office on the first floor of his new Palm building. Specializing in home, auto, life and health insurance, Hamid is committed to “making a difference in people’s lives.” “I’m protecting them financially,” he says. An independent contractor for the past five years, Hamid hopes to continue his service to families and individuals. “He’s very good with people and has a

Hamid with office manager Maria Salaverria (left) and wife, Megan.

lot of positive energy,” says Megan, Hamid’s wife. “He’s very loyal,” adds his office Manager Maria. Hamid invites everyone to

o, we're not talking about the language of France. We're referring to what many people throughout the Clayton Valley area are talking about: Lynne French. As one of the area's leading real estate professionals, she's changing the way people look at buying or selling homes.

his open house on Oct. 14 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Palm Building, 3600 Clayton, Ste. A, in Concord.

that lined the quaint streets. Victoria is the perfect city for walking. The downtown area that lines the harbor is just small enough to enjoy on foot, but big enough to hold your interest. At last we arrived at our destination. Well-manicured grounds and lovely walkways surround the Grand Empress Hotel. While there are overnight accommodations available, everyone I spoke with was there for the infamous Afternoon Tea experience. Indeed, the Empress serves over 75, 000 people annually. Three separate rooms are used for the daily ritual, the largest being the Atrium. But, with its bright lighting and bustling about, I preferred something different. The Library Room is resplendent in its rich mahogany paneling and molding. The dimly lit room with deep green curtains and overstuffed wing back chairs made us feel as cozy and welcome as could be. Our window table overlooking the harbor provided us with a view we would not soon forget. Our waiter, Sean, soon arrived bearing a tray with a silver tea set on it. He explained to me that the tea was their special Empress Blend, made of the finest black teas: Assam, Ceylon and Darjeeling. He explained to my husband that, alas, he did not know the score of the ball game. As I sipped the mellow brew in my Queen Anne china cup and listened to the calming music of the piano, I felt myself forget the hustle and bustle of my everyday life and truly relax. Soon, Sean arrived with a three-tiered stand laden with tea treats. The bottom layer consisted of finger sandwiches spread with various fillings— shrimp, egg salad, smoked salmon and curried chicken. The middle layer of the stand held two small scones, plump with raisins, sitting next to a pot of jam and a tiny bowl of

ENTRANCE

Devonshire cream. The top layer was laden with assorted fruit tarts, cookies and cream puffs. Everything was fresh and delicious, the perfect accompaniment to our tea. Though a bit pricey at $55 per person, it was, nevertheless, a dream come true. I sighed contentedly and sat back in my chair, basking in the moment. Our waiter periodically appeared to refill our cups, clear plates and to make sure we were happy. He offered to take a picture of us as a souvenir and listened graciously as we told him about our newly opened tearoom and gift shop in Clayton. Truly, attentive yet unimposing service such as this can be the difference to a satisfactory experience. I (ok, we) had noticed a pretty lady at a nearby table, dining alone. She now made her way to our table, apologizing for interrupting, but she said she couldn’t help overhearing that we had just opened a tearoom in Clayton. Her

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6200-E Center St. 1801 N. California Blvd.

TO THE Grand Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC

Clayton, CA 94517 Walnut Creek, CA 94596

name was Mignon and she was from Walnut Creek. As it turns out, she had just visited our tearoom two weeks ago! Like me, she loved going to various places that offered Afternoon Tea, but sometimes lacked a companion with which to enjoy it. As Mignon and I talked about what a small world it really was and which tearoom we would visit upon our return home, my husband was eagerly writing down my email address and phone number to give her. As we sailed back to Seattle on the ferry, I pondered the wonderful day I’d had and the new friend I’d made. I envisioned all of the tearooms we would visit and the new teas we would try. Next to me, my husband dozed with a smile on his face, dreaming of all the free Saturdays he’d now have to watch baseball. Pam Barnett was an English major in college and a teacher before becoming co-owner with Sally Englund of Englund’s Tea Cottage in the Clayton Station. Email her at Pammbarnett@aol.com