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IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
October 20, 2006
925.672.0500
Editorial
Measure O is clear : it’s all about the park TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
This No vember, voters will decide the fate of the do wntown park – once and for all. The plans are appro ved and the $1.37 million needed to build it is in the bank. But, until there is a guaranteed source of funds for maintenance and operation, not a single clod of dirt will turn. In 2000, Clayton residents voted o verwhelmingly in fa vor of building the downtown park on the one-acre lot at Main Street and Marsh Creek R oad. However, in a classic case of “go figure,” they shot down the companion measure that would have provided the means to pay for the maintenance and operation. “Oh, yes, we w ant a park, ” they said. “No, we don’t want to pay for it.” Go figure. The v oters tur ned thumbs down ag ain last year when the park maintenance funding w as rolled into the more ambitious Measure M, which w ould ha ve renewed the Landscape Maintenance District, provided Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
A YES
VOTE ON
MEASURE O will turn this vacant lot downtown into a city park with a gazebo grandstand, playground and picnic areas.
See Measure O, page A8
City Council candidates address more Cla yton issues This November , four candidates will vie for tw o, four-year seats on the City Council: Jim Diaz, J oe Medrano, Da ve Shuey and Hank Stratford. In the Se pt. 22 issue , w e introduced these candidates and g ave each the opportunity to submit a brief biography. The Clayton Pioneer then ask ed each of the four candidates to submit five questions that they w ould like to ask their opponents. Diaz, Shuey and Stratford submitted questions . Medrano did not. We then compiled the questions , eliminating overlap. We ended up with eight questions that we believe address the issues facing our small town today and into the future. In the last issue , y ou r ead their answers to the first four questions . (See page A8 for a r eprint of these
What’s Inside SECTION A
Around Town . . . . . . . .A2, A4 Classified Ads and Director y of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A5 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A6 Mayor’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . .A7 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . .A7 Letters to the Editor . . . . . .A9 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A10 Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . .A10 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . .A10 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . .A11 School News . . . . . . . . . . . .A12 At the Movies . . . . . . . . . . .A13 Food for Thought . . . . . . .A14 Tea for You . . . . . . . . . . . . .A14 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . .A15
questions. Candidates answ ers to the first four questions are on our Website at www .claytonpioneer.com. On the left side of the screen, click on Clayton News and pdf pages. The answ ers start on page A1.) In this issue , the candidates will address the final four questions. 5 . What plans do y ou have to r einvigorate the downtown ar ea? W hat specific types of businesses do y ou think would succeed in the downtown area? Diaz: I suppor t pro viding tax incentives which foster new business dev elopment. Don’t make the mistak es of the past. Further, I w ould suppor t streamlining the appro val process for new businesses . I believe specialty stores , such as
JIM DIAZ
JOE MEDRANO
DAVE SHUEY
HANK STRATFORD
an antique shop , would be successful. Further, another restaurant would be a possibility. Medrano: We need to encourage business do wntown. We need to tur n our vacant lots
into buildings . The types of businesses that will succeed downtown are those that are well thought out, have a strong business plan, meet the needs of Clayton residents , have enough
start up capital and pro vide friendly, efficient and competent service. Shuey: My (and the Council’s) plans are already coming to fr uition. We spent
months finding the right dev eloper for what will no w be the Longs store that will be our downtown anc hor. We g ot top
Pumpkin Farm has everything for Halloween
SECTION B
Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 Holiday Gift Section (New) .B6 Dining Around . . . . . . . . . . .B8 Crossword Puzzle . . . . . . . . .B8 Pet Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9 Community Calendar . . . . .B10 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . .B11 Church News . . . . . . . . . . .B11 Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B12
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
JENNA, AVA
AND
JULIA WILLIAMS are excited about all the things to do at the Pumpkin Farm.
It’s pumpkin pic kin’ time in Clayton and the Williams girls know exactly where to go to get into the Hallo ween spirit. The Clayton V alley Pumpkin F arm on Marsh Creek Road has thousands of pumpkins, all shapes and sizes , ready to tak e home and carve. As Hallo ween approac hes, mark your calendar for the popular Ghost W alk in do wntown Clayton led by our own historian Ric hard T aylor. The w alk starts at 8 p.m. Halloween night and Ric hard promises a few celebrity ghost visits along the way. Don’t forget to bring y our flashlight. For most of us, the best par t about Hallo ween is staying at home perc hed by the front door with a big bo wl of candy w aiting for the sw eet sounds of “Trick or Treat?”
See Candidates, page A8
Election Alert We have just been notified that some of the absentee ballots sent out to Clayton voters last week did not include the card for y ou to v ote on local Measure O, the downtown park measure. If your ballot en velope did not contain the Measure O card, please call the county elections office, Gwen F axon, 925646-4328, to obtain a new one.
Page A2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 20, 2006
Around Town
CVHS Homecoming Parade sets the mood for a f estive weekend It happens the same time each year and it’ s always a time when spirits and adrenaline r un high. Clayton V alley High School celebrated its homecoming g ame and festi vities with a parade in do wntown Clayton on F ri. Oct. 11. In the traditional spirit of the ev ent, the parade featured class ro yalty, CVHS clubs including the Senior Women, the CVHS Rally Band and of course, the football team in all its glor y. Fans had to wait to game time on Fri. Oct. 13 to find out the senior King and Queen. This year’ s crowns went to Clayton’s Jessica Jayko and Cameron Rico of Concord.. To top the night, Clayton V alley V arsity Eagles were victorious with a 28-14 win against Antioch.
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Clockwise from top left: 1. Queen and King, Jessica Jayko and Cameron Rico. 2. Senior Women from left: Elvira Gonzalez, Heather Armenta, Carol Cornell, Sabrena Ahmadi, Elisa Kim, Sydney Waterhouse, Inna Fuller of Clayton, Caitlin Abele of Clayton. 3. Junior princess Xochitl Elias and Prince Chucky Cavestany. 4. Sophomore Princess Samantha Walker of Clayton. 5. The CVHS Eagle mascot danced around Main Street in the spirit of homecoming. - Photos by Tamara Steiner
ced
edu ce r
pri
$688,000 Concord Garaventa Oaks – Motivated Owner in this 4BD/2.5BA on a beautifully landscaped cor ner lot. Tons of updates including paint, dual panes & roof 2 years new. Enjoy the pride of ownership that makes this home move-in ready.
$649,980 Concord Turtle Creek – Make an Offer! 4BD/2.5B A w/formal dining & li ving rooms & Oak hardw ood f loors. Entryway is elegant with rich Mahogany lining the stairwell & a huge picture window to let in light. Large 3-car garage w/storage.
Clayton $617,000 Downtown Clayton – Bright, fresh, new! 3BD/2.5BA has high ceilings , loft area and o ver 1,600 s .f. Landscaped lot, family oriented cul-de-sac location that backs to bik e and hiking trails and within w alking distance to Downtown.
$649,980 Clayton Westwood – $10K Seller Credit! Great curb appeal on this 4BD/3B A home w/1,739 s .f. Open f loorplan w/guest bed & bath on the main f loor. Deck out to gazebo & spa w/a great yard that has a patio for pri vate dining & grass area for playing.
$829,000 Clayton Regency W oods – Wonderful family home w/4BD/2.5BA. Updated kitc hen with paneled appliances opens to larg e family room w/fire place & gleaming hardw ood f loors. Landscaped yards & in bac k 2 patios, large pool & dressing room.
Concord $899,980 Davis Ridge – Custom 6 bedroom, 3 bath includes bonus room, formal dining and li ving rooms, a mastersuite, and closets galore. Gorgeous Clayton Valley views from the gourmet kitchen & breakfast area veranda.
Clayton $969,980 Morgan T erritory – Perfect horse set-up w/2 acres , barn, tack room & arena. 2 beautiful upscale homes, one rebuilt new w/spacious office. 1.60 Useable Acres adjacent is a great piece of land to expand your ranch selling for only $349,980.
Clayton $1,199,980 Morgan Territory – 20.49 Acre Lot Approved & Ready for Building- Engineered building site has w ell w/2 5,000 g al. tanks, 8.5 GPM pump & fire h ydrant. Must see plans for a 5BD/3.5BA home!
Congratulations to our Luck y Prize Winner, Linda, of Clayton
Lynne presents the Grand Prize of $1K worth of Gas Cards. Linda entered the raffle on Saturday during Oktoberfest (which also happened to be her bir thday), and she said “It was the best birthday gift and quite a sur prise!”
October 20, 2006
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page A3
*
Three slices of Mud Pie at Ed’s Mudville Grill Two glasses of Longfellow Syrah at Moresi’s Chophouse 40 lb. bag of Country Value dog food from Rodies Feed A lot of great plants from R&M Pool Patio & Gardens Several prescriptions filled for you at Walgreen’s Salad, garlic bread and a jar of beer from Skipolini’s Pet toenail clipping at TLC Pet Grooming Loma shampoo and conditioner at Permanent Solution Salon A day’s boarding at Cat Hospital of Clayton Four great beverages at the Clayton Club Saloon Three sub sandwiches at Gourmet Subs A tire repair at Clayton Valley Shell Speakers or several CD’s at Computers USA
Boot and hat care products from Winner’s Circle Western Wear A very special gift from Something Special 15 minute chair massage from Clayton Mind & Body Connection A dozen gourmet cookies from Cookies by Design Pasta and a glass of wine at La Veranda Café A great lunch at Oakhurst Country Club 16 cups of coffee from Clayton’s Cup O’ Jo An Apple Jr. board game from Toys, Games & More A delicious cake from Sweet Bakery and Café Prom or party dress dry cleaned at Dryclean-U.S.A. 8-2006 Topps NFL Packs from Clayton Sports Cards A rabies vaccine for your pet from Monte Vista Animal Hospital A haircut and change at Hair’s the Place
These businesses are all supporters of Measure O
Genesee County Master Gardener Association
Vote YES on MEASURE O Ad paid for by: Bonnie & Jim Bradt Clayton Pioneer Lynne French Randell F. Gardner Pete Laurence La Veranda Café
Ed’s Mudville Grill Joe Medrano John Rubiales Skipolini’s Pizza Clayton Club Saloon
November 7 *16.39 annually per residential parcel for park maintenance and operation. Businesses pay a higher parcel tax than residences.
Page A4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 20, 2006
Around Town Norm Tompach and Faye Phillips-Rice wed
NORM TOMPACH AND FAYE PHILLIPS-RICE
Norm T ompach and F aye Phillips-Rice w ere mar ried on August 17. Norm’s sister , Jan Rubiales, was one of the witnesses. Norm has li ved in Cla yton for 45 years . Faye mo ved to Clayton in 2004 from Portland, Oregon. Norm and F aye w ere high school classmates and friends at San Leandro High Sc hool. Both w ere recently wido wed after for ty-plus year mar riages when they reconnected three years ag o at a high sc hool reunion. Norm and F aye honeymooned in Prescott, Arizona and W arrenton, Virginia and are planning an extended trip to Europe next spring.
Linda Winchester wins big on her bir thday Alongside the beer and brats and just outside the Clayton Club , Lynne F rench’s SOLD sign stood proudly as her first Oktoberfest booth became filled with passersb y waiting to sign up for the $1,000 Gas Card Raff le, perusing local real estate infor mation, and g rabbing fake tattoos for their children. “The booth w as our first and w as a g reat success ,” said Lynne, pleased to share that over 200 locals stopped b y. While ag ents from the Lynne French Team signed interested parties up for the $1K Gas Card Raffle, Lynne handed out
marketing materials and spok e to people about in vesting and the current market. Just da ys after the ev ent, Lynne French drew the card for the lucky winner , Linda Winchester of Clayton, who was thrilled to lear n that she had won suc h a prize - “the first thing she has ev er won.” To top it off , the da y she entered just happened to be her birthday. “I w ant to thank everyone for suppor ting this fun ev ent and for showing their interest in community,” said Lynne. At right: Lynne French and Linda Winchester.
Cline’s celebrate a Perfect Ten Natalie and Casey Cline recently celebrated their tenth wedding anni versary. They began dating 17 years ago while students at Clayton Valley High School. “We’ve had a g reat ten years,” writes Casey . “While we’ve been noticing many of the appliances w e recei ved as wedding presents ha ve been wearing out, the two of us show no signs of wear and tear (except for the occasional bac k strain from the kids).” Natalie and Casey ha ve two children, Camille, 5 and Ethan, 14 months. They will celebrate their Perfect Ten in Half Moon Bay in early November.
Kelsey Gustafson and Elise Gi verink on stage in Brentwood Teen Theater production Two Cla yton teens will appear as principal perfor mers in Brentw ood T een T heater’s “My Fur Lady” by Ba y Area composer Bar rett Lindsa ySteiner. Kelsey Gustafson and Elise Gi verink bra ved the curves and dips of Marsh Creek Road to par ticipate in an accelerated training prog ram for young actors, which culminates in Lindsa y-Steiner’s spoof of the three popular m usicals, 101 Dalmations, My F air Lady and Dr. Doolittle. The sho w r uns Oct. 27, 28 and No v. 4. Call 925-516-9009 for show times and ticket information.
Kelsey Gustafson as The Captain and Elise Giverink as Cruella Deville appear in the Brentwood Teen Theater’s “My Fur Lady.”
www.cottages2castles.com 5450 Concord Blvd.
154 Devon Ave.
Send y our Around T own news items to tamara@cla ytonpioneer.com
NATALIE AND CASEY CLINE
JIM DIAZ for
Clayton City Council LISTENS TO CLAYTON CITIZENS RESPONSIVE TO CLAYTON CONCERNS
Walk to Starbucks
Pleasant Hill
Pristine upper-end unit in great complex on Cla yton/Concord border . Updated and upgraded thr oughout. Don’t miss this very special condo.
Wonderful 4 bedroom and 2.5 Bath home with fabulous private backyard and POOL! Large patio and pla y area. Home has been lovingly updated for immediate move-in and Only $795,000 enjoyment.
Only $269,500
A Great Value!
3420 Concord Blvd.
3 bedroom 2 full bath – Con venient location – Walk to BART. For the Investor or Handyman. Great potential in this 3 bedroom 2 bath home. Use a little imagination and a lot of elbo w grease and reap the rewards. Call for an appointment now! Asking only $349,950
SUPPORTS CLAYTON’S UNIQUENESS
INTEGRITY - EXPERIENCE - LEADERSHIP
E T O V
AY, 7 D S R E E U B T EM V NO
QUALIFICATIONS:
CLAYTON RESIDENT FOR OVER 25 YEARS PLANNING COMMISSIONER, CITY OF CLAYTON 1997-1999, Planning Commission/ Representative to TRANSPAC, the Contra Costa County Regional Planning Authority. MEMBER, SPECIAL COMMITTEE to select candidates for Clayton’s Police Chief, 1999 COMMANDING OFFICER, CLAYTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, Reserve Division, 1979-1989
Lynne Highfill & Stephanie Sposito 20 years doing Real Estate together
925-932-7335 Lynne 925-932-7334 Stephanie
Excellence in real estate service + Coldwell Banker =
a Team Like No Other
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CALIFORNIA STATE BUREAU OF SECURITY AND INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES, 1991-1996. Appointed by Governor Pete Wilson ACTIVE MEMBER, CLAYTON BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (C.B.C.A.) - Since 1998 Serving as Co-Chair of the Clayton Classic Golf Tournament and Music Coordinator of the Art & Wine Festival MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, UNITED WAY OF THE BAY AREA, 1994 - Present
Paid for by Jim Diaz for Clayton City Council - ID: #1248998 P.O. Box 399, Clayton, CA 94517-0399 Dana Diaz, Treasurer E-Mail: jimdiaz2006@pacbell.net
“…Clayton is a great place to live. Let me help protect our small-town feel.” - Jim Diaz
ENDORSEMENTS: CLAYTON RESIDENTS (Partial List): Tony & Frances Acquasanta Steven T. Aring & Kris Lesher-Aring Don & Gail Fitzgerald Howard Geller Bruce & Belinda Hudkins Mark & Linda Hutfliess Howard Kaplan Jim & Mary Ann Lawrence Kirk & Roberta Polson Dave & Arlene Skuba Ted & Judi Sudderth Mike & Karen Treppa Sue White AREA COMMUNITY LEADERS: Honorable Rochelle Bird, Town of Moraga Lynne Leach, Former Assemblywomen, 15th District Richard K. Rainey, Former State Senator and Assemblyman, & Sheriff of Contra Costa County Lou Rosas, Former Mayor, City of Concord Bill Moore, Former Mayor, City of Belmont Nick Montano, Vice President, Certified Fraud Examiners & Former Sgt., Clayton Police Dept. Steve Lesher, Former Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Lynne Leach
October 20, 2006
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page A5
Classified FOUND Wheel lock key lug, and a backpack found on Clayton Road. Call 925-673-9336.
HELP WANTED Management and Sales. Seasonal Reflections Holiday Decorations Store at 5434YgnacioValley Road is hiring for positions in store management, sales, and phone sales/customer support. Fax resumes to 925672-2314 or email guest.service@ seasonalreflections.com. Community Services Commissioner. The City of Clayton is now accepting applications for Community Services Commissioner, term limit June 2006 through June 2008. Presently one Commissioner position and one Alternate Commissioner position are vacant. The Community Services Commission is an advisory body to the City Council, responsible for recommending user fees and
policies for use of City facilities and sponsored community activities. The Commission meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. and helps coordinate community evens such as Fourth of July celebration, Clayton Cleans Up, and the New Years Eve celebration. The stipend is $75 per month (when a meeting is held).
SERVICES Perennial Garden Design by Nicole Hackett AKA The Garden Girl. Personal consultations regarding plant choices, placement, identification, fertilizing and maintenance. Spring is just around the corner. Call or email for information and pricing. 925-673-1746 (leave message) gardengirl94517@ yahoo.com.
SERVICES NEEDED
Furniture Repair Person to fix a solid oak pedestal table. Call Tamara at 672-0500.
VACATION RENTAL
Cabin in Blue Lake Springs (Arnold, CA). Sleeps 6, fully remodeled, quiet, use of recreation facilities. $150/night, $950/week. Kevin Parker @ (925) 383-9430 or http://www.vrconnection.com/ parkerpaw.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED Trails and Landscape Committee Members. City Council of Clayton seeks applicants to fill two appointed positions on the “Trails and Landscaping Committee.” The purpose of this citizens Committee is to advise the City Council and City Manager on maintenance, improvement and financial matters related to the 1997 Citywide Landscape Maintenance District. For applications and more information, Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, 6737300, ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us. Please return completed application to the City Clerk by 5 p.m. Fri., Oct. 27.
Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Clinic (E.A.G.A.L.A.) Nov. 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Co-Ed Teens 13 - 17 yr s.
Join us for a day and learn about yourself and horses! Professional counselor and certified EAGALA Instructor, Kathleen Sims, leads teens through individual and group equine activities designed to build teamwork, communication, and self discovery. Horses mirror human behavior and have a unique way of helping us see our own strengths and opportunities for growth. No horse experience necessary. On the ground activities only . All proceeds go to these Clayton nonprofit organizations. Help us start an on-going program for Clayton youth by sponsoring a teen!
$150. Lunch provided. Parents welcome. For more info: Chris Harvey, 510-862-0960 At the Trail Ride Association off Marsh Creek Rd, Clayton Email: campcamelotinfo@yahoo.com www.CMDTRA.net
www.campcamelot.net
Join our list of sponsors: Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association, Camp Camelot, Equi-valent Education, Applecreek Farms, Kathleen Sims, & The Clayton Pioneer
Professional, Personal & Dependable Service Why pay 6% or even 5% ? List & sell your home for
3.5%*
CLAYTON
CLAYTON
FOR SALE
1043 Kenston
$889,000
SOLD
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
$660,000
1884 Ohlone Hts.
$699,000
BUYING A HOME?
$ FALL SPECIAL - 25% REBATE $ Use Eagles Peak Realty and we will give you 25% of the commission we are paid by the seller. On a $700,000 purchase, that’s $4,375! ** (**Based upon a 2.5% commission)
Email: FallRebate@eaglespeakrealty.com for details
*3.5% - ( 1% to Eagles Peak Realty - 2.5% to Buyers Agent )
www.EaglesPeakRealty.com 925-708-1046
The Clayton Community Library is seeking to fill the following volunteer positions: (All positions require a minimum age of 13 years and a 6-month commitment. Training will be provided). Scrapbook Historian - to document the many interesting activities the library provides to the community using newspaper clippings, event photos, flyers, etc., Will be put on display at the annual March library birthday celebration. Shelver - to shelve and sensitize books...must be detail oriented (Tues. between the hours of 10am2pm, Wed. 3-5pm, Sat. 11 a.m.-1 pm & 2-4 pm). Shelf Reader - to ensure the correct placement of books on the library shelves...must be detail oriented and familiar with the Dewey decimal system. Lead Tutor - to coordinate and match the tutors/homework helpers with student requests. Tutor/Homework Helper - to work one-on-one with local students in our community. You choose the age range, subjects, remedial or light help, and days/times. Office Assistant handle filing, word processing, create flyers, volunteer database input on Microsoft Access, assistance with meetings/programs. Contact: Arlene @ 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org.
PIONEER INFO HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD
Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 eac h additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 w ords, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 eac h additional word To place y our classified ad over the phone , call the office at (925) 672-0500 betw een 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you ma y fax y our typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580 All classifieds m ust be paid for in adv ance b y credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Cla yton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising w e believ e is unsuitable.
LET US KNOW
CLAYTON
PLEASANT HILL
442 Coleman Ct.
$816,500
1016 Tiffin Dr.
Greeter: Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter the second Sun. of each month from 2 - 4 p.m. Training is provided. If interested, call 672-0240, email claytonmuseum@sbcglobal.net or visit the museum between 2 and 4 p.m. on Wed. or Sun.
Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all w eave tog ether as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us kno w of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Cla yton resident. You will find the appropriate for m for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Also on our W eb site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Cla yton Pioneer w elcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one w eek prior to publication date. Letters concer ning current issues will ha ve priority . We may edit letters for length and clarity . All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include y our name , address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail y our letter in a Word Document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580 TAMARA
AND
R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers
TAMARA S TEINER , Editor J ILL B EDECARRÉ , Assistant Editor and Display Advertising P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B OB P IMM , Sports Editor B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor and Feature Writer B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant
Directory of Advertisers
Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Advanced Voice and Data, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-2800 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 All Loving Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0752 Applause Staging and Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 Aqua Pro Pool & Chemical Service, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .673-7000 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . .726-0154 Barta Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4941 Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 Beautique Beauty Supply and Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0405 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 California Reverse Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899-3511 Calkins, Bill - Charlotte Clifford Realtors . . . . . . . . . . .673-9164 Carol Keane and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-5200 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Clark, Robert C., D.O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-7530 Clayton Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Sports Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8445 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066 Clayton Valley Medical Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6744 Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Clayton Valley Villa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8401 Clean Cleaner Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .383-1253 Cleary, Joe - Home Loan Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-5270 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-5260 Contra Costa County Hholiday Craft Fair . . . . . . . . . .757-4400 Cookies by Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-1137 Crossroads Covenant Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-5905 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Dance Connection Performing Arts Centre . . . . . . . . .676-5678 Denim & Lace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0345 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . .524-5100 Donna's Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2440 Dromlewicz, Kim - Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty . .682-4663 Eagles Peak Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .465-0435 Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Clinic . . . .510-862-0960 Fantastic Sams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8580 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windemere Real Estate . . . . . . . . . .672-8787 Galaxy Nail Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-8668 Garaventa, Les - American Financial & Tax Services .676-3400 Gourmet Subs and More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5550 Help You Sell Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Highfill, Lynne - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7335 HomeEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9737 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Joanna's Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8911 Kelly Marshall Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0327 Ladies Workout Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405-8888 Lampo, Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-0822 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Lenox Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284-0415 Lisa's Hot Dogs & Burritos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-7527 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Main St. Nail Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4975 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Melanie's Gifts & Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Model A Cabinets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0827 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Dr. Steven Moon, Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8400 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . .280-8563 Neptune Society of Northern California . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Nuchols, Alicia - Premier Home Loans . . . . . . .691-5070 X 323 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pasta Primavera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-5300 Paulson, Steve - KTVU Fox 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5761 Postal Annex + . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8900 Rahimzadeh, Helen - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7375 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 R.E. Carpet Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595-8623 Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123 Robin’s Nest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Schaefer's Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6065 Seasonal Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4425 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 Sposito, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7334 Steffen, Tim - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-4407 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 Swint, Brad - Team Funding Group . . . . . . . . . .627-1400 X 12 Tessie's Cleaning Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .525-0799 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Travel Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-5000 Van Fleet, Josie - Intero Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . .672-4433 Wakefield, Jeanine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .788-6132 Weekends at the Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0744 We the People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Williams, Mike - Williams Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5363 Wooden It Be Nice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5595 Zekco Watch Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2470
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Selling your home after a transfer Moving can be a disr upting experience. But imagine being told by your employer on Friday that you need to report to a new job on the other side of the country in just one week. Fortunately, many employees who work for large corporations receive a relocation pac kage from their emplo yer along with their transfer orders. In a hot job market, some w orkers who are recruited a way from a cur rent employer are able to neg otiate relocation benefits as par t of their contract. Although the specifics differ from one company to the next, the benefits often include assistance with financing a home purchase in the new location, help with all or par t of your closing costs on the new home , reimbursement for inspection fees , help with closing costs on the home being sold and a guaranteed buy out of that home if it isn’t sold within a cer tain time. With a guaranteed buy out, the company who’ s transfer ring an employee arranges to buy the employee out of his home at a certain price . Or, the emplo yer may contract with a third par ty
averaged to come up with the buyout price. Like refinance appraisals , buyout appraisals are often on the conser vative side . If the appraisals are too high and the house ultimately sells for lo wer than the buy out price , the employer or the relocation company will lose money. Since y our buy out price is dependent on the strength of the appraisals, make sure that y our relocation company hires appraisers who are kno wledgeable about y our mark et. The relocation company ma y gi ve you a list of acceptable appraisers and ask you to select two. Ask a local real estate ag ent whose opinion you trust to look at the list and tell y ou who are the best appraisers . If the ag ent doesn’t recommend any on the list, ask him or her to recommend sev eral appraisers to y ou and submit these names to y our relocation coordinator. Relocation companies are often affiliated with real estate brokers who market their relocation proper ties. However, transferees are usually allo wed to list their home with any real estate
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE relocation company to ar range for the corporate buyout. Either w ay, the transferees are assured that they will ha ve the equity from the home they’re leaving and relief from those mortgage payments so that they can mak e the mo ve in a timely fashion and with as little disr uption as possible . When the real estate market is slow, a corporate buyout can be a hug e benefit. Not all transferees are thrilled with corporate buyouts. A common complaint is that the buyout price is too lo w. To ar rive at a buyout price, the relocation company hires tw o or three appraisers. These appraisals are usually
agent initially , as long as that agent ag rees to sign the listing over to the relocation company at any time. This gives the transferees an opportunity to sell their home for more than the buy out price. Some relocation pac kages include a bon us to transferees who successfully sell their o wn home. Buyers of relocation properties should be a ware that neg otiating the purc hase of a relocation proper ty is often handled differently from an ordinar y home sale. The seller may actually be the relocation company . In this case, a representative of the relocation company will ha ve to sign all sale-related documents . This can tak e more time than usual. The relocation company might insist on an “as is” sale. If so, be sure to ha ve the property thoroughly inspected before buying it. Lynne F rench is a r ealtor with Windermere Real Estate and a Clayton r esident. For any r eal estate needs or questions contact her at: Phone (925) 672-8787 or Email: Lynne@LynneFrench.com
Two page ballot will require extra postag e If you are v oting by mail in the next g eneral election, be aware that you will need an extra stamp when y ou mail in y our ballot. With the 13 state measures , 11 local measures and 91 total contests in v arious areas of the county, the ballot required tw o pages of cardstock printed on both sides. This was enough to push the weight over one ounce, says Ste phen W eir, County Clerk-Recorder, and will require
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63 cents in postag e, rather than 39 cents. Except for those v oters in a precinct designated v ote-bymail, absentee v oters are required to pa y for their o wn postage on mail in ballots. However, because of a 1.5 percent rejection rate of mailed in ballots in the J une election, Weir has instr ucted the post office to deli ver all ballots during the last w eek before the election, even those with insuf-
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ficient postag e, and c harge the postage to the county. The rejection rate in the June election w as the highest ev er, said W eir. “This is simply an unacceptable rate. It means that 1.5 percent of the v otes aren ’t counted.” It’s not a g ood plan to w ait until the last w eek, though, to mail y our ballot without a stamp, warns Weir. “Post offices sometimes mak e mistak es and it’s still possible to ha ve some
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ballots returned.” 153,000 absentee ballots were mailed out last w eek, reports the County Elections Office. Voters are reminded to sign the outside of the ballot en velope before dropping it in the mail. Absentee ballots m ust be returned by 8 p.m. Election Day, Nov. 7. If you are voting by mail and have not received your ballot by Oct. 21, call (925) 646-4166.
October 20, 2006
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October 20, 2006
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Measure O is the only option for park
“If you want to buy or sell a home in 10 years call us!” “But...if you want to buy or sell a home today, then call our Dad!”
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Stop the presses and batten down the hatc hes – a politician is about to try to clear up a political issue. Do I ha ve your attention? Recently, opinion/information has come up about tw o large issues facing our city . The first is Measure O, on the ballot in No vember reg arding the maintenance of a do wntown park, and the second is the landscape maintenance district, which m ust be addressed early next year. We (meaning the Council and city staff) have been asked if we can find alter native sources of funds should Measure O not pass and/or if voters allo w the landscape maintenance district to lapse on June 30, 2007. From our perspecti ve, there are no sources of funds other than those proposed. Some may argue o ver amounts , but I am talking about source. The park maintenance is estimated to cost $76,000 a year , with another $24,600 set aside each year for v andalism/unexpected re pairs and park str ucture replacement funds. The current landscape district brings in $557,000 a year. Our total general fund budget (which is the only alternative fund for these types of services) for this year is $3,709,064. We ha ve a balanced budg et, thanks to significant w ork in efficiency and strong cutbacks in all areas in previous years.
The shor t, definitive answ er to whether w e can find other funds to pa y for the do wntown park maintenance is “No , we
DAVE SHUEY
MAYOR’S CORNER cannot!” – shor t of deficit spending or further reduction in services and staff in other areas. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is not an option. Similarly, but fi ve times worse, should w e lose our current landscape maintenance funds of $557,000 a year in June 2007, we will not be able to “find” that money in our g eneral fund. Our police budg et is $1,719,871, or 46 percent of the general fund. Do you want to us to tak e the landscape maintenance funds from them? The reality is w e are a small city and will alw ays be a small city. We don ’t ha ve W alnut Creek’s commercial tax base, nor do w e ha ve the cor responding traffic.
Upcoming Events CLAYTON KITCHEN TOUR Local homeo wners will share their lo vely kitchens with the public when the Cla yton Valley W oman’s Club presents its four th Kitc hen T our this Sat., Oct. 21. The self-dri ving tour includes six new or remodeled kitchens, each with its own distinctive decorating style . Co-chairwomen, Jeanne Groschwitz and J oan R eed,
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Page A7
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promise that tour par ticipants will ha ve an oppor tunity to view v aried counter tops, cabinet styles and appliances and, undoubtedly, will pick up several ideas that they can use in their own homes. The one-da y tour begins at
Clayton City Hall Cour tyard where maps and broc hures will be available. Check in begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2:30 pm. Homes will close promptly at 4 p.m. Walking is required on the tour and pri vate homes are not handicap accessible . Tickets are required for any one participating in the tour, including children, with the exception of infants in a front-pac k. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the da y of the event and are available by calling (925) 672-1696. The Cla yton Valley W oman’s Club is a nonprofit org anization that ser ves the Clayton/Concord community. Club member’s fundraising effor ts in 2005 benefited Cambridg e Community Center, St. Vincent de P aul F ood P antry, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Contra Costa, Friends Outside in Contra Costa, Blue Star Moms, Clayton Comm unity
If we w ant that do wntown park, and I believ e from past elections and talking to a lot of you that the majority do , we must pass Measure O and fund the maintenance. As one do wntown barber put it, you pay more for a monthly haircut than y ou would pay a year for the do wntown park. The tax would be less than $17 initially and no more than $21 at then end of 10 years with a consumer price index increase. And yes , if Measure “O” passes, we will acce pt bids from private contractors for the operations and maintenance of the park to ensure that w e are g etting the most bang for our buck. If we can k eep the costs do wn (despite increasing electrical, water, labor costs, etc.), then we will not ha ve to use the price index (ev en if it is miniscule) and the amount will remain under $17 a year . If you are still skeptical, you can c heck out the park design, specifics and our estimated budg et (p .16) on our website at www .ci.clayton.ca.us. Scroll to middle of the page and click on Election and Measure O.) It will be an open process and the city will know we got the best deal! In the interests of fairness, there are some of you who do not or will not believe me. Some of you believe we can cut bac k on staff or other ser vices or departments, but the whole city organization only has 27
employees, including 11 police officers. Some don’t trust staff or the council g oing forw ard because of real or percei ved mistakes in the past. Well, the entire council and staff have been o ver the budget with a fine-tooth comb (no truth to the rumor the comb was from Concord) and we can’t find any more money . That is why w e are putting measure O before you. But if you still don ’t believe me, go do wn to City Hall and get a copy of your (that’s right, we just manage it) budget. It is a public document. We are not hiding anything. Speaking of November elections, the American Association of University W omen held a candidate for um for Cla yton voters that will be broadcast on cable 26 at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 31 and 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5. Please keep in mind that the camera adds 10 pounds when viewing one particular candidate . (For y ou “Friends” fans, the question might be: Just ho w many cameras were there?) In closing, Will Rogers once said, “I don’t make jokes. I just watch the g overnment and report the facts.” On the other hand, Dylan Thomas had a more appropriate quote as I close this column. “Someone’s boring me . I think it’s me.” Have a g reat week and email me at shuey@rankinlaw.com.
Library F oundation and Clayton and Concord Historical Societies. The Woman’s Club is an acti ve g roup of nearly 100 women who are w orking together to make a difference in their community. Meetings are held on the second and four th Tuesday of each month at Holy Cross Lutheran Churc h, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord.
choir. Traditionally the tree lighting is held in 15 cities throughout Contra Costa eac h year. Every light on eac h tree symbolizes a life and will shine in honor or memory of a friend or family member . Symbolic lights are $20 eac h and can be reserved b y calling Hospice of Contra Costa F oundation at (925) 887-5678. Proceeds from the T ree of Lights ceremonies benefit the patients and families in the care of Hospice and P alliative Care of Contra Costa. Established in 1977, Hospice and P alliative Care of Contra Costa is a not-for-profit agency that helps people cope with life-threatening illnesses by providing medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical suppor t for patients and families , regardless of their ability to pay. Specialized prog rams include Anna’s Prog ram (for w omen with recur rent breast cancer), Comfort for Kids (pediatric hospice and palliative care), and Bruns House (in-patient hospice facility). To lear n more, or to make a donation of time or money, please contact (925) 887-5678, or visit www .hospicecc.org.
A GHOSTLY WALK THROUGH CLAYTON
Led b y Cla yton historian Richard Taylor, the 26th annual Ghost W alk is set for Halloween night at 8 p .m. The tour begins and ends at Endeavor Hall and includes 10 stops with guest appearances by three celebrity ghosts . Participants are ask ed to bring flashlights and are gi ven a certificate that states “I sur vived the Ghost Tour.” HOSPICE TREE OF LIGHTS IN CLAYTON Clayton’s Hospice T ree will light up once ag ain on W ed., Nov. 15 at 5 p .m. at Cla yton Station. Sponsored b y Hospice of Contra Costa F oundation, the 20th ann ual ev ent will include a few speec hes by local dignitaries and music by the Mt. Diablo Elementar y Sc hool
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Page A8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Measure O, from page A1 funding for park operations and tripled the $122 ann ual landscape maintenance tax. So, the one-acre parcel smack in the middle of downtown has remained a v acant lot. Only the squir rels are happy about that. Coming before y ou in November is Measure O, which will create a special district for the downtown park. The annual residential parcel tax of $16.39 will co ver tw o-thirds of the park’s operations and maintenance, while a g raduated tax on commercial parcels will co ver the remaining third. Businesses closest to the park will pa y a higher rate per quarter acre than those far ther out. The do wn-
town business comm unity is overwhelmingly behind Measure O, as are all four City Council candidates r unning in the November election. Just think, $16.39 is less than one pizza, less than lattes around on a Saturday morning, less than four and a half cents a day. The money in this special Community F acilities District cannot be borrowed, diverted or stolen b y the state . It can only be used for park maintenance and operation. It seems that ev eryone y ou talk to is making plans around the park. Anise and Nic k Maamari, owners of La Veranda, want to help bring concerts and li ve enter tainment
Candidates, from page A1 dollar and a strong dev eloper for the parcel across from Endeavor Hall and w e purchased another lot that can be used to fur ther bolster do wntown in many w ays. The downtown park if passed will be an integral par t of this reinvigoration, bringing people and families downtown. Stratford: The city is currently w orking on making changes to its T own Center Specific Plan that will mak e downtown parcels more useable. These c hanges along with the building of the do wntown park should attract more businesses while preser ving Clayton’s character and charm. The new Longs will be a nice addition and will be able to tak e advantage of the East County commuters that pass through Clayton twice a da y. I think a nice steak house w ould be a great compliment to our existing restaurants and could dra w patrons from surrounding communities.
Let everyone know that Clayton cares Do y ou kno w of any Clayton businesses or families who g o out of their w ay to share during the holida ys with the less fortunate. For example , does y our family w ork at St. Anthony’s dining room at T hanksgiving? Do y ou collect to ys, food and clothing for the needy? Do y ou v olunteer y our time at a shelter? Let us kno w and email your story to Tamara@claytonpioneer.com.
6. What r ole do y ou see the city taking in suppor ting families? In supporting the local schools? Diaz: Our lo w crime rate supports families — Clayton is a great place to raise a family . We need to work hand-in-hand with the school district, teachers, and families. Medrano: Our role in supporting families is to pro vide a safe and secure environment for families to f lourish. We are a small comm unity with limited resources and w e are for tunate to have an org anization like the CBCA that contributes significantly to our sc hools and supports other org anizations that assist the residents of Clayton in need. Shuey: The city brought the YMCA to Clayton to bring family oriented activities. We actively suppor t this par tnership and are looking to expand it fur ther. The city co-sponsors family activities lik e the Labor Da y Derby and New Year’s Eve. The city m ust suppor t our sc hools and I ha ve actively brought m y Council position to help our schools with issues such as facilitating improvements at the elementary school like the new AC units. I strongly believ e family and sc hools are our bac kbone and must be supported. Stratford: A few of the ways Clayton can suppor t families is by 1) maintaining the city in a way that is fiscally responsible and protects and enhances our property values, 2) ensuring that our police de partment has the support and resources necessary to k eep Cla yton safe , and 3) encourage acti vities and ev ents that families can par ticipate in together. The city can suppor t our sc hools b y encouraging its residents to participate in school fund raising acti vities, and to volunteer at the schools. 7. What is the most impor tant issue facing Clayton in the next four years? Diaz: Prudent use of our
to the g azebo bandstand and plan to expand their outdoor dining deck. Ed Moresi (Ed’ s Mudville Grill) will open his long awaited, much anticipated steakhouse in the old Elysium/F ox and Fiddle/LaCocotte building. The soon-to-reopen Villag e Market will ha ve a deli and an outdoor eating area on the Center Street side , next to the park. Still others see a w arm park bench, a cup of coffee and the Sunday paper. All of this will bring more people do wntown, which will bring more businesses do wntown, which will … kac hing, kaching. Well…you g et the picture. The park measure stands on its own. Measure O is not par t
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1 . What are your qualifications for serving on the council? What sets you apart from the other candidates? 2 . What ha ve y ou contributed to ward “the g reater g ood” in Clayton? 3 . Are you for or ag ainst Measure O, which will set up a special district to fund the operation and maintenance needs of the downtown park? 4 . The current Landscape Maintenance District is set to expire in 2007 and the measure that would have renewed it was defeated at the polls last November. How would you propose to fund Clayton’s landscape maintenance needs? funds. Another issue is traffic; it needs additional attention. Medrano: As the state keeps taking away our resources, we need to find w ays to re place what is lost as w ell as increase what we currently have in order to thri ve in the future . Preferably w e do this through growth in our businesses, which increases our tax base. Shuey: Continued do wntown revitalization. Given that Clayton is mostly built out, we cannot rely on new residential development to help g enerate funds and new amenities for the city. We must establish a vibrant, self-sustaining do wntown that will suppor t new and existing businesses and g enerate necessary tax rev enue for the city . Our landscaping issue is ob viously impor tant, but this issue will be before the voters in 2007 and will hopefully be resolv ed and not an issue in four years . Stratford: Most of the challenges and problems facing Clayton could be solv ed if the city had enough money. Having a strong budg et strategy is critical for the city. Clayton’s budget strategy should be tw ofold. First, the city must maintain fiscal responsibility in the use of existing revenue and ensure that we are g etting the most benefit from money spent. Second, the city must bring in new rev enue by attracting sustainable businesses that will g enerate sales tax dollars while at the same time preser ving the c haracter and charm of Clayton.
This 4 bedroom, 3 bath 2894 sq. ft. home has an open floor plan ideal for entertaining. You will love cooking in the large fully equipped gourmet kitchen that flows into an oversized family room, complete with custom paint, crown molding and plantation shutters.
8. Do you believe the current council has done a good job r epresenting the city’s interest? Please explain. Diaz: In g eneral, I believ e the current Council has done its best, based on their capabilities and knowledge. Medrano: I believe the current council has done some very good things for the city . I also believe there are some things that could ha ve been done differently. However, I believe the individuals on our current council, previous councils and future councils will alw ays tr y and do what they feel is best for the city of Clayton. As Americans w e have the pri vilege of voting for or against those that we agree or disagree with what is best for our city. Shuey: Yes! Obviously I am biased but I believ e w e ha ve done an ex cellent job of shepherding the city through difficult years of state take-aways in the hundreds of thousands of dollars while maintaining core services and a balanced budg et. We have jump started the downtown revitalization with the new Longs store that will open early next year and a new dev elopment across from Endea vor Hall that will also be open next year. Stratford: I ha ve been attending City Council meetings for the past couple of months. The cur rent council seems to have the city’ s best interest in mind ev en though all ma y not agree with their views.
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of any other plan. It is not par t of any measure connected with the soon-to-expire Landscape Maintenance District. Voters will decide the fate of the city’s landscaping next June. Measure O is only a park maintenance measure. We strongly believ e that a downtown park will mak e Clayton an ev en more desirable place to li ve, increasing the demand for Clayton homes and keeping property values strong. We, the publishers of the Clayton Pioneer , are 100 percent in favor of Measure O. We willingly and c heerfully will pa y our share of the commercial parcel tax.
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Page A9
Letters to the Editor MEDRANO INSULTING, STRATFORD MAKES SENSE
In the October 6 issue of the Pioneer , Council candidate Joe Medrano’ s response to the question on how he would propose to fund the City’ s landscape maintenance needs since Measure M w as defeated w as insulting to those of us who voted down the massi ve annual tax increase . He stated: “We need to work on another measure . . . and we need to communicate the measure more effectively to the residents of Clayton in order for the v oters to pass it at the polls .” Believe me, Mr. Medrano, we v oters heard the proponents of Measure M loud and clear when we were told our ann ual assessment would be $365 and a v ery good probability of it increasing each year , and w e v ery astutely
went to the polls last November and shot it do wn. There is nothing w e did not comprehend; it w as comm unicated quite effecti vely to us . It is astounding to me ho w you and others just cannot g rasp wh y Measure M w as defeated. Perhaps if I had y our money, I could burn mine. In contrast, I very much like what Hank Stratford had to sa y on all the issues discussed in the same forum. He had more originality to all of his answers than any of the other candidates . Clayton needs creati ve thinkers—Hank Stratford will get my vote. - Patty Nelson Clayton Resident
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO BOND ISSUES
November, I w ould lik e to ask for everyone to review your state property tax bill. I think you may be sur prised to find past approved bond issues listed here. Contrary to popular belief , and slic k radio and print ads , bonds do raise tax es. It is right there in plain blac k and white . There is ev en an associated “rate” assigned to the R egional Park, Mt. Diablo Sc hool and Community Colleg e Bonds .I’m sure some people might tr y to call it a “bond rate”, a “community spirit rate”, or a “bunnies and butterf ly assessment”, but for those of us pa ying, it sure takes our money like a tax rate. So before deciding the fate of the cur rent crop of bond propositions, be a ware y ou will be on the hook, through y our property tax es, for the $40 billion ($80+ billion with interest) over the next 30 years. - Bruce Albert Clayton resident
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Local builder finds Clayton perfect for their preferred neighborhoods JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
A small enclave of homes situated in the hear t of a city where you can live, work and play in the same comm unity is what Leno x Homes is all about. The local builder , with headquarters in Lafa yette, has found its niche in Cla yton. Pine Hollow Estates off Pine Hollow Road is set to g rand open in early November with eight single-stor y executive homes on 13,000 sq. ft. lots featuring four and fi ve bedrooms and three baths . Home Prices are expected to star t from the low $1 millions. Dan F reeman of Lenox Homes is ex cited about the new community and its focus on the personalization that mak es eac h of the homes unique in its o wn way. “You are not buying a tract home,” he sa ys of the homes at Pine Hollo w Estates . “Each elevation looks totally different.” Lenox Homes prides itself on the fact that homebuyers are offered a special oppor tunity to participate in the design of their own home with extensi ve upgrades. Standard features in a Leno x home suc h as g ranite countertops, maple cabinetr y and recessed lighting are a ste p above what most builders offer, explains Freeman. Homes are netw orked to allow for the latest tec hnology. “We give the homebuyer a base of clay and let them mold their o wn home,” he says. Since construction began several months ago, there’s been a lot of interest in homes at Pine Hollow Estates . Freeman sa ys they’ve received calls from people who are about to start a remodeling project on their tw o-story home in the area and are now taking a second look at the single-
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Lenox Homes president Curt Blomstrand and Dan Freeman are looking forward to the grand opening of Pine Hollow Estates in November.
story comm unity. Rather than invest in major remodeling fees , owners like the idea of upgrading to a brand new home with all new appliances. Lenox Homes in vites prospective homebuyers to pa y a visit to Pine Hollo w Estates during the g rand opening to meet the staff and design team. “It’s an opportunity for people to come by and see what we have to offer,” says F reeman. “We don ’t want them to feel pressured into buying right no w. Lenox w ould rather give buyers the time to see all the upg rades, ask questions and discuss the vision they ha ve for their new home. “We want people to mak e an informed decision. We realize w e are forming a partnership that will last for years,” says Freeman. This interest in what buyers are really looking for is part of the reason wh y the Pine Hollo w Estates project has mo ved forward in a timely fashion. “It’s gone very smoothly,” says Jeremy Graves, Clayton’s comm unity development director . He notes that the local builder did its homework and w orked with the neighbors in the area. There were some privacy and view issues on the neighbor’ s par t and Leno x
went bac k to the dra wing board and came up with the single-story design. Lenox has enjo yed w orking with the city of Clayton. “It’s a very rare comm unity where people care a lot, ” says F reeman. “I don’t know of another downtown that has as m uch potential as Clayton.” Homebuyers w ere first introduced to Leno x Homes sev eral years ag o with its Rac hel Ranc h Project off Lydia Lane .The builder’s relationship with the city continues with a new project proposed for do wntown Clayton on the cor ner of High and Oak Streets. Another small encla ve of nine single family detac hed homes is planned featuring tw ostory designs . Mitchell Creek Place has recei ved all discretionary appro vals from the city’ s Planning Commission and Lenox is about to submit constr uction drawings, says Gra ves. Construction is sc heduled to begin in spring of next year. Lenox Homes w as for med in 1997 and currently has projects in Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Alamo, Danville, Pleasanton, Livermore and Clayton. For more infor mation visit www.Lenoxhomes.net.
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Page A10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Obituary
Will Hensley
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Aug. 3, 1946 – Sept. 26, 2006 Will P arion Hensley, one of Clayton’s “g ood plied his skills as a carpenter. His last position was ole boys,” died of sudden heart failure at his home with Butterf ly Farm in Cla yton. Will was known in Morgan Territory at the age of 60. for helping friends with their handyman and autoWill was an honest, generous and a kind-heart- motive projects. ed man who would lend his last dollar to a Along with his many friends , Will is friend. That’s because he had so many survived b y his c hildren, Keith friends, he knew he could bor row Hensley Bergstresser, Sherry Mills money from somebody else . In and J erami and J on R eyna; the end, it all ev ened out. He brothers and sisters , Carolyn always said it would. (Don) P artney of Pittsburg, He w as bor n in San J ose Robert (Laveda) Hensley and while his father w as w orking Kathryn (Bill) Bog ges of there after W orld War II, but Oklahoma. He also lea ves the family mo ved bac k to behind sev en g randchildren Oklahoma when he was young. and many nieces and He said he knew ho w to nephews. A daughter , Sherry treat women well because he was Cook, and his parents, Carl and “raised b y a passel of women” – Marie Hensley , preceded him in his grandmother, mother and sisters . death. Will was known for calling most w omen WILL HENSLEY A memorial barbecue potluc k w as “darlin’ ” and he meant it. held to honor Will Hensley on Oct. 7 at Reading w as a fa vorite pastime of Will’s. He the Contra Costa Horsmen ’s Association, where loved cowboy novels, historical fiction and “who he w as a longtime member . Nearly 200 people , done its .” His other interests included fishing, including family from Oklahoma, came to pa y camping, stargazing, horseback riding and hanging their respects. out with his friends. Memorial donations ma y be made to the Will lo ved blueg rass, but once said, “There’s Contra Costa Horsemen ’s Association, 3119 only two kinds of music, darlin’ … countr y and Grant St., Concord CA 94520 or to the American western.” Will could whoop and holler with the Heart Association. best of them but also had a quiet side . Will’s circle of friends in Clayton will miss seeAlthough he w as a firefighter in Oklahoma, ing him in his battered-up tr uck, his battered-up when he mo ved bac k to Califor nia in 1978, he cowboy hat and his “Boy, Howdy!” smile.
New technology treats neck and back pain, without surgery I recently w ent to T ampa, Fla., to investigate a revolutionary treatment for bac k pain. I visited the factor y where the DRX 9000 spinal decompression therapy was developed and constructed.
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YOUR HEALTH This new procedure is being used by MDs and chiropractors to treat bac k and nec k pain caused b y problems suc h as herniated discs , bulging discs , disc protr usion, disc extr usion, degenerative discs , sciatica, facet syndrome , back pain, headache, and nec k and shoulder pain. The results are incredible. I w as amazed to find that even people who ha ve had long-term pain and those facing surgery w ere g etting g reat results with only six w eeks of treatment. I ha ve seen similar results with other treatments ,
but it usually tak es a year or longer. This new treatment ev en helps people who ha ve had failed bac k surg ery. Research shows that the DRX 9000 prevented the need for surgery in a remarkable 94 percent of those in the study. If you ha ven’t g otten the results y ou w anted from other treatments, you now have a better alter native than surg ery. This spinal decompression therapy is effective for both the neck and the lower back. NASA was the first to investigate space tra vel’s effects on spinal decompression in intervertebral discs. They found that during the weightless portion of the mission, astronauts w ere relieved of low back pain. The researchers also found that disc height actually increased during a mission. This led to the development of advanced technology to re produce the effects on earth. In this treatment, the decompression is controlled b y a computer recei ving constant feedback to monitor the patient’s reaction. This allo ws the decompression to affect the spinal disc rather than trig gering spasms in the sur rounding muscles. That is what happens with traditional traction, making it ineffecti ve for most
patients. The decompressive effect is focused on the specific problem area by varying the angle of the decompression. The typical patient has 18 to 20 treatments , each lasting about 30 min utes. They relax comfortably and usually ev en fall asleep during treatment. A recent study in the American J ournal of Pain Management compared decompression therapy to traditional traction for lumbosacral spine pain and sho wed that the decompression method provided g ood to ex cellent relief for 86 percent of patients with ruptured inter vertebral discs and 75 percent of patients with facet arthosis. Every patient completing the spinal decompression therapy experienced impro vement – ranging from being pain-free to a substantial relief from pain, numbness or tingling. If you are facing spinal surgery, don’t make another mo ve without seeing if you qualify for spinal decompression treatment. Dr. Ste ven Moon is a doctor of chiropractic medicine in Concord. For a copy of this ar ticle or for mor e information, call Dr. Moon at (925) 682-8400 or visit his W eb site at www.drmoon.com.
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There are many c hoices available when it comes to investing for education, and it’s never too early – or too late – to save for college. Because of the v aried options, it’s wise to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor. To help y ou g et star ted, here is a sampling of the different education sa vings options. 529 PLANS All 50 states and the District of Columbia offer 529 plans, which are named after Section 529 of the Inter nal Revenue Code . Earnings on investments in these accounts grow tax-free . Withdrawals from 529 accounts also are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. If you decide to withdraw funds for a purpose other than qualified educational expenses, the earnings will be taxable and subject to a 10 percent penalty. In addition to federal tax incentives, investors ma y be eligible to receive state tax benefits associated with 529 plans. There are cur rently 119 statesponsored and one inde pendently offered 529 plans nationwide, according to the F ederal Citizen Infor mation Center . These plans v ary widely , and each plan has different r ules and offers unique in vestments and pricing. Keep in mind that y ou can also purchase plans from other states. Depending on the tax laws of the state in whic h you pay tax es, favorable state tax treatment ma y be a vailable only if you invest in a 529 plan offered by that state. One benefit of 529 plans is that any one, including g randparents and non-family members, can give the gift of education. Many plans ha ve contribution limits in ex cess of $200,000, which enables peo-
ple to dedicate a sizable sum to higher education. Contributions also count toward the maxim um of $12,000 (for calendar year 2006) per year per donor that can be gi ven to an indi vidual tax-free. Special rules apply for contributions to 529 plans greater than the annual gift tax exclusion. The account owner, not the beneficiary, maintains control of the account and can decide when to mak e withdra wals. The account o wner also ma y change the beneficiar y of a 529 plan, as long as the new beneficiary is a family member of the original beneficiary. Note that earnings on withdrawals made from 529 accounts are subject to tax and penalties if proceeds are not used for qualified higher education expenses. COVERDELL ESA ACCOUNTS The Co verdell Educational Savings Account also offers tax-advantaged sa vings for qualified expenses , and this benefit does not face expiration in 2010. Formerly known as Education IRAs , Coverdell accounts offer a wide ar ray of investment options. You don ’t pa y tax es on earnings in these accounts, and withdrawals used for qualified education expenses are taxfree. Distributions not used for education ha ve a tax imposed on any taxpayer who receives a payment or distribution from a Coverdell ESA that is includible in g ross income will be increased b y an additional 10 percent. Coverdell accounts are not only helpful to co ver colleg e costs, but, unlike 529s , they can be used to mak e tax-free withdrawals for pri vate elementary and high sc hool expenses. However, contribution lim-
its are lo wer for Co verdell plans. The maximum contribution is $2,000 per beneficiar y per year – combined from all sources. Some income restrictions ma y apply, and fees and expenses ma y v ary de pending on the in vestments y ou choose. OTHER SAVING TOOLS Those sa ving for colleg e also use U .S. Savings Bonds and taxable accounts suc h as mutual funds to finance education expenses . Savings bonds may offer tax adv antages that are phased out at cer tain incomes, while taxable accounts offer f lexible in vestment options and parental control of assets. Also, parents who ha ve saved money in their o wn name will find that unlimited gift tax exclusion is allowed for tuition payments made directly to the school. To fully tak e adv antage of
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FINANCIAL SENSE education accounts , credits, etc., they must be coordinated to prev ent any o ver-lap in benefits. Allen Lampo is an agent for John Hancock Financial Network. If you have comments or questions , please call him at 925-680-0822 or email dancepolo@yahoo.com.
This information is provided for informational pur poses only . The information is intended to be generic in nature and should not be applied or relied upon in any par ticular situation without the ad vice of your tax, le gal and/or y our financial advisor. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its ad visors or r epresentatives pr ovide tax or le gal advice. The views expressed may not be suitable for every situation.
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What if your w orkday included pac king a bag, boarding a plane or cr uise line , and experiencing a luxurious Hawaiian v acation with all the amenities? For Meera and Arjun Prashad, owners of Travel Services, it’s all part of the job. Several times a year , Meera or one her emplo yees tests the waters and experiences Ha waii up close and personal. This way, they can talk to their customers about the islands firsthand. “It’s everyone’s dream to g o to Ha waii,” says Meera. “We specialize in Hawaiian vacations. It’s a g ood product, and there are g reat pac kages for all types of needs and personalities.” Travel Ser vices is cur rently featuring Ha waii trips from $229, Waikiki fi ve-night pac kages at $399 and Maui five-night packages at $589. A seven-night
Hawaiian cr uise is g oing for $649. The Prashads ha ve o wned the business for 18 years and recently mo ved to the Villag e Oaks building on Center Street in Clayton. According to Meera, the business has k ept pace with changes in the tra vel industr y. Travel Ser vices offers its o wn Website, www.Off2Hawaii.com, where you’ll discover wholesale Hawaii pac kages, vacations and discount airline tickets. Whether you’re interested in 2007 Pro Bowl pac kages or top hotel deals in K ona and Honolulu, this site has it all. If you find a g ood price for a Ha waii v acation on Expedia, Meera in vites y ou to tell them about it and they will meet that price or offer y ou something better.
MEERA PRASHAD
Although m uch of their business is from re peat customers, “there’s alw ays that first-timer who has a lot of questions and needs to talk to a
live person,” explains Meera. She and her staff of 12 during the high season focus on customer ser vice and sharing their kno wledge of great Hawaiian pac kages and prices . “It’s a tr ust factor ,” she adds . And that special understanding creates steady customers who go to T ravel Ser vices for all of their travel needs. Although the business is local, they cater to business and vacation customers all o ver the country. “Vacation is a special time, and w e tr y our best to make it a pleasurable experience,” she says. Meera and Ar jun ha ve li ved in Clayton for 25 years and have raised three c hildren, Ayesha, 21, Gaurav, 23, and Gautam, 28. Travel Ser vices is at 6200 Center St., Suite I, in Clayton. For more information, call 304-5000.
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Page A12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 20, 2006
Yes, you can make a Halloween costume If the w ords “Mom, can you mak e m y costume this year?” strike ter ror in y our heart, never fear. You can make a great costume that your child will love even if you have little sewing experience and ev en less time. Making a Hallo ween costume doesn ’t require professional sewing skills. If you can stitch a straight line with y our sewing machine, you’re in business. And since costumes are for shor t-term use , don’t fret over perfection - y ou can hem your costume with fusible interfacing in a pinc h, for example. Let y our imagination run wild and take advantage of all the no velty fabrics , trims and embellishments that are available at this time of year. You can sa ve time b y star ting with clothes from y our closet or the local thrift store . For example , a leotard can be the beginning of a ballerina costume, or ma ybe a princess (with the addition of a poufy skirt) or a fair y (add wings to the princess outfit). If you need to star t from scratc h, look for a simple patter n. If you haven’t followed a patter n in a while, the fewer pieces you need to deal with, the better. Here are some costume ideas that combine pieces y ou may ha ve in the dress-up bo x with a little creati ve sewing for a fabulous end result. HAPPENING HIPPIE This favorite never goes out of style, and it is an easy costume to put tog ether. Start with a pair of jeans, top them with a tie-dye shir t and add a fringed v est. Extra touc hes, like a long, straight wig and granny glasses complete the look. Make the outfit your own by embellishing the jeans with
embroidery, crystals or liquid embroidery pens. If you don’t have a fring ed v est left o ver from the ‘60s , it’s easy to add fringe from the fabric store.
edges, turning the ends under . On the underside of the g athers, stitch a length of hookand-loop tape . Sew the opposite part of the tape to the back
around the cut and putting the jeans through the dr yer several times. PROJECT RUNWAY EXPERIMENT One of the most popular shows on television is a g reat costume idea, too. You could use one of the themes featured on the sho w (beauty pag eant outfit, dress for Barbie , design for dog and owner) and make it your own. Or simply put tog ether the wackiest outfit y ou can think of, and when someone asks you what y ou are , tell them you’re a Project R unway model. Adults might w ant to steal this idea for their o wn grown-up costume parties.
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Jack-o-turnip? You can put together the Happening Hippie or the traditional witch from clothes and supplies you already have around the house.
WILD WIZARD Another perennial fa vorite, and almost as easy as the hippie. A dark pair of pants and dark tur tleneck are the basis for this costume. Then just add a simple cape made from fabric with glittering stars and moons or black cats. Top with a conical hat and a magic wand made from cardboard and tinfoil. For the cape , cut fabric to the desired length plus one inch for hem. Hem the sides and both ends. Gather one end until it is appro ximately eight to 10 inc hes across . Center a 36-inch length of one-inch ribbon o ver the g athered edg e and stitc h in place along the
center neckline of a T-shirt or sweatshirt. To wear, attach the cape to the hook-and-loop tape at the bac k of the shir t, then tie the ends of the ribbon in a bo w in front. The hookand-loop tape suppor ts the weight of the cape. ROWDY ROCK STAR Dig out that electric guitar that’s g athering dust in the basement for this costume . Both girls and boys can go wild with this option, from long hair to mak eup to fak e tattoos and piercings. Grab an old pair of jeans to glam up with embroidery and sparkles for her or to cut holes in for him. Fray jeans b y dampening area
Carved y our tur nips and rutabagas for Hallo ween yet? Believe it or not, when the celebration of Halloween originally beg an as a celebration of the Celtic New Y ear bac k around 700 B .C., pumpkins didn’t exist in Europe . Instead, an ember would be placed in a hollowed out tur nip or r utabaga, which w ould be used as a lantern to protect ag ainst evil spirits, including a c haracter called Sting y J ack, hence the term jack-o’-lantern. Fortunately, when Irish immigrants brought their Halloween traditions to America, they found that native pumpkins were plentiful and much easier to car ve than turnips or r utabagas (not to mention, they mak e a m uch tastier pie).
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School News MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY A vendor night fundraiser is planned for No v. 16 in the Mt. Diablo Elementar y Multi-Use Room from 2:30 - 7:30 p .m. There will be a v ariety of vendors selling homemade toffee , and scar ves, wine c harms, creative memories supplies , etc. There will be a v ariety of holiday and non-holida y items for sale. DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL The Educational Enhancement Fund has received $15,500 from students’ families. We’re off to a very successful start for a first year , and ha ve reac hed almost 50 percent of our g oal for the year . Inside the latest newsletter is a donation en velope. If you ha ven’t already donated to this fund please tak e
a moment to fill out the front of the en velope, enclose a c heck, and have your child deliver it to the front office . Your donation is fully tax-deductible and 100 percent of your money will benefit y our c hild’s education. If you w ould lik e more infor mation about the T echnology Plan and other prog rams that the Education Enhancement Fund pays for, please email the PFC at dvmspfc@yahoo.com. Sixth Grade P arents: If you haven’t c hanged y our eScrip designation to Diablo View please take a moment to do so . Go to www.escrip.com and log in. Go to “c hange m y g roup selection” and put in 94517 to find DVMS, or simply search by name. If you aren ’t registered with eScrip , not sure if you’re registered or need more information please email us at dvm-
Kimberly Morucci (925) 280-8563
CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Holiday Boutique Fundraiser/Vendor Faire is Sat. Nov. 4. The time is not yet confirmed but probably 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Multi-Use Room. Party Lite Candles, Mary Kay, Cookie Lee Jewelry will be re presented. Vendors who wish to participate in the faire , contact Carolyn Hartnell at 672-4146, crhartnell@earthlink.net. The Society for International T ravel is taking applications for the trip to Athens and R ome in the summer of 2007. E-mail Mrs. Ross at rossj@mdusd.k12.ca.us for more information. Fall Production is Inherit the
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Wind. The pla y (based loosely on the 1925 Scopes Monk ey trial) was intended as an indictment of McCarthyism and continues to apply in any society where attempts are made to suppress the right to indi vidual thought. Dates are No v. 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17 at 7:30 in the MU Rm. at Cla yton V alley High, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. The PFC has begun w ork on one of the campus beautification projects and workers are now in the process of building a sitting w all around the senior tree, which will look nice in addition to giving the tree some added protection. The Renaissance class has begun to work on a n umber of campus beautification projects , and everyone is looking forw ard to an impro ved look to the school.
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October 20, 2006
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
At the Movies
Est.1972
‘Mum’ has plenty of laughs, but little mystery
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Page A13
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In a twisted combination of “Mary P oppins,” “The Ladykillers” and “Nanny 911,” Dame Mag gie Smith (Professor McGonag all to many) takes to the screen again as the disturbing housek eeper Grace Ha wkins in “K eeping Mum.” This film boasts an absolutely delightful leading and suppor ting cast. Rowan Atkinson is hilarious as the clueless, celibate (yet very married) R ev. Walter Goodfello w. Kristin Scott Thomas plays his long-suffering wife , Gloria (because really, when does she play anything else?). Grace’s romantic interest, the lecherous American tennis pro Lance , is a still g orgeous Patrick Sw ayze. (The actor must be enjo ying his time in England – he’ s just extended his r un as Nathan Detroit in the W est End production of “Guys and Dolls.”) Add to the flashy adult cast a g orgeous daughter (T amsin Egerton) and a bullied son (Toby Parkes), and the stag e is set for a comedy of family high jinks . However, it is the neighborhood – the picturesque and am usingly named village of Little Wallop – and the k ooky c haracters who inhabit it that k eep this stor y
interesting ... for awhile. Even with this brilliant cast, “Keeping Mum” just sustains the audience for tw o hours . The problem is there is absolutely no suspense. We know from the moment Grace mak es her entrance exactly who she is . And when the naughty people start to dis-
Oh, there are little questions. Will Gloria and Lance chuck it all and de part for Mexico? Will Walter realize his wife exists? Will the daughter stop bringing home a succession of boyfriends, each skuzzier than the last? Will the son stand up to the bullies? But, that’s where the “Mar y
Dame Maggie Smith is delicious in “Keeping Mum.”
appear, we know who did it. By the hour mark, they stop pretending altog ether that there is a m ystery and star t showing the dirty deeds in person. The only question that sustains us through for the duration is when the rest of the characters will catc h on. It is dramatic irony at its w orst.
Poppins” part comes in. There is one sur prise twist near the end, but if the audience paid attention to the completely random discussion that took place in the first 20 minutes and thought about it for a moment, then w e m ust relegate the “sur prise rev elation” to another piece of the
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THE
MOVIES
“Lie, lie and lie some more” is one of the rules at the School for Scoundrels, where nobodies attempt to lear n some machoness and pic k up some girls. For the sw eet R oger (J on Heder), the ev eryday-Joe protagonist, the school’s lessons are going to tak e a while to master . But as he learns to pave his own path, which includes some tennis ball bashing, the outcome proves quite pleasurable. We meet R oger an insecure traffic police patroller (meter
maid) in New York City. He has trouble standing up for himself , which w ould be rather inconvenient when some thugs don ’t like the idea of a traffic ticket. The self-help books ador ning R oger’s apar tment might have been a clue, but he decides to enroll in a class that he thinks will help boost his self-esteem. If only it were that easy. The super-secret class is r un by Dr . P, who kno ws ho w to teach inadequate men to unleash their inner lions . Billy Bob T hornton plays Dr. P as a nasty Dr . Pitiless, revealing his teaching methods to in volve merciless paintball shooting . Among the other victims , you’ll find mama’s boys, introverts and pushovers. Just as R oger begins to g et the hang of the lessons and ask out his cr ush, Dr. P chooses to personally tak e R oger do wn. Why? T he lo ve of the hunt or plain ol’ cruelty take your pick. Heder was the driving factor that kept me interested through-
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puzzle that w e w ait for the family to disco ver hours after we figured it out. Still, when all is said and done, “Keeping Mum” is an entertaining w ay to spend an afternoon. Dame Mag gie is scintillating, and her interactions with each member of the family are li vely. Her displa ys of innocence and practicality in dealing with the neighborhood “n uisances” are deliciously wic ked. The film is worth seeing for her ironic one-liners and innuendo alone. Atkinson is am using in any kind of speaking par t. Watching him pla y a soccer goalie or a vicar who cannot even con vince his o wn family to attend Sunda y ser vices is hilarious. With a typical displa y of British comedy , “Keeping Mum” is a giggler from start to finish. Jeanna Ross is an Eng lish teacher at Clayton V alley High School and a fr ee lance writer . She regularly contributes to the Pioneer . Send comments to her at movies@claytonpioneer.com.
Billy Bob Thornton, left, tries to teach Jon Heder some winning moves to use on Jacinda Barrett.
out the pranks and ri valry. He doesn’t have a pet llama or sport a w eird afro as he did in “Napoleon Dynamite ,” but he personifies the a verage person. Anyone can relate to R oger’s
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Page A14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 20, 2006
Start with easy items to make sushi approachable Many cultures ha ve r ules about consuming cer tain foods, and sushi’s no ex ception. There is indeed an etiquette associated with sushi. When eating at a restaurant counter in front of the itamae (sushi chef), it’s impolite not to finish the food on y our plate . Making faces or sounds indicating y ou don ’t lik e the food is quite rude. The best w ay to experiment with sushi is to be aware of your taste tolerance . If you’re not sure about raw fish, try the anagi or unagi (fresh w ater and salt water eel), shrimp or clams (which are most often ser ved cooked), or g o for a plate of maki rolls consisting of nori, rice and vegetables. Homemade sushi is another
KAPPA MAKI 4 c sushi rice (see recipe in previous column) 4 sheets of nori (J apanese seaweed) 1 cucumber, sliced into thin sticks 1 car rot, julienned and steamed Wasabi, soy sauce and pic kled ginger
KAPPA MAKI
one w ay to control ing redients and become familiar with sushi. “Vegetarian” sushi also might help y ou transition to this fare . You may become accustomed to the style of food and then decide to tr y something a bit more adventurous. Kappa Maki (cucumber rolls) is a g ood place to start.
Peel shrimp, cut along bac k almost all the w ay through and flatten. Shape rice into o vals, then top with a dab of wasabi paste and one shrimp . Cut nori into nar row strips and tie one strip around each oval. Serve with extra w asabi, soy sauce and pic kled ginger on the side for added f lavors. Some sushi aficionados like to mix soy
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sauce and w asabi as a dipping sauce. Similar ing redients are used in hand-rolled sushi cones , or temaki. This salad-type recipe is updated to make a friendly form of sushi. TUNA SALAD TEMAKI 1 c brown rice ¼ c rice vinegar ½ tsp salt 1 can tuna, drained and flaked 2-3 Tbsp mayonnaise 1 avocado, cut in thin slices 2 g reen onions , sliced lengthwise 2 Tbsp kimc hee or sea weed salad (optional) 4-6 sheets nori (J apanese seaweed) Wasabi and soy sauce Caviar or chopped egg yolk
Prepare rice and v egetables. Place one sheet of nori on a bamboo mat. Cover with 1 cup rice. Place cucumber and car rot sticks lengthwise on rice . Roll up the bamboo mat, pressing the sushi into a cylinder . Remove mat and slice into bitesized pieces. Provide wasabi, soy sauce and pic kled ging er as accompaniments. SHRIMP SUSHI (NIGIRI-ZUSHI) 12 large shrimp (steamed or boiled) 1 sheet nori (J apanese seaweed) 1 recipe sushi rice (see last column) Wasabi paste Soy sauce and pickled ginger
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Cook rice in 2 cups water for 40-45 min utes or until done . Drain and g ently stir in vineg ar and salt. Spread out in pan and fan to cool quickly. Mix tuna and ma yonnaise, then add w asabi and so y sauce to taste. Spread generous ¼ cup rice in middle of nori, leaving a half-inch border at top and bottom. Top with 2 Tbsp of the tuna mixture and 1 tsp kimc hee or sea weed salad (a vailable in refrigerated jars in most larg e grocery stores). Add g reen onion and a vocado strips lengthwise. Dampen side and bottom edges of nori with water. Take a corner of the nori and tuc k
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It’s nev er too early to star t teaching c hildren the r ules of etiquette. What better w ay to learn about manners than at a tea party? According to Linda Hawkins, author of “Catering to Children: Recipes for Memorable T ea P arties,” no rigid rules prevail as to location, number of guests, menu items or décor for c hildren’s teas . Rather, a spirit of genuine hospitality must prevail. “In the winter, we cozy up by the fire place at a lo w table ,” Linda writes . “In summer time, we enjoy setting up a round table
Children lo ve to dress up , and this is the perfect opportunity to do so . Being dressed up also seems to discourag e loud or rambunctious behavior. Having a themed tea par ty, where c hildren can bring their favorite dolls or teddy bears, can be fun. Our recent T eddy Bear Tea pro vided a small stuffed bear for eac h child, as well as a two-tiered stand for eac h c hild containing bear-shaped tea sandwiches and cookies. Teddy bears holding balloons made delightful centerpieces. Caffeine-free teas lik e our orange honey tea, or ev en lemonade, can be successfully served at c hildren’s par ties. Be sure to use c hina teapots and teacups to mak e it special and remember to cool hot teas for children. Sugar cubes with tongs are a nice touch, as well.
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Wonderful condo! Priced to sell! Spacious Lower End Unit. Newer A/C. Lar ge walk in closet, Enclosed Patio, Walk to Swimming pool. Club house, Greenbelt & Tennis. Refrigerator included!
,900
9
$21
A Top Producer Working for You Since 1989
JOSIE VAN FLEET 925-672-4333
Broker/Owner
Richard Stone ISA Certified Arborist #2245 CA lic # 629457
Insured for Worker’s Comp & Liability
Gifts that TASTE as GOOD as they LOOK
Linda W yner is an accomplished chef and “foodie.” She will be opening her kitchen stor e and cooking school in Pleasanton soon. W atch the Pioneer for details. Direct your sug gestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
THANKSGIVING CONTRIBUTORS SOUGHT
www.cookiesbydesig n.co m Deborah & Anthony Nork Clayton Station, 5433A Clayton Rd.
Last year , I reminisced about the traditions , foibles, fun and recipes dev eloped over years of Thanksgivings in m y household. This year , I’d lik e readers to contribute their stories , traditions and recipes. Brief anecdotes and ev en longer contributions (no more than 500 w ords) will be reviewed. If accepted, your submission will published in the Pioneer around the holiday. Email me at lwyner@cla ytonpioneer.com, putting “Thanksgiving Column” in the subject line.
® 925-524-9901 $5 off purchases $25 or mor e (excludes delivery)
Your home may be more than just your castle It may hold the key to a secure retirement. Convert your home equity into tax free income with a
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Taking Care of Families
NICHOLS LANDSCAPE
A typical c hild’s tea plate should contain suc h items as a scone, cookie, fresh fr uit or small cupcake. Several small finger sandwic hes cut into pretty shapes with a knife or cookie cutter add eye appeal. Popular fillings include PB&J, marshmallow cream with jam, and turkey with cream cheese. Whether it’s a home tea party or one at Englund’s Tea Cottage, your c hild is sure to lear n to appreciate the calming charm of afternoon tea with friends. Who knows, maybe they’ll polish up their manners at the same time . For more infor mation about children’s tea parties and holiday events for kids , visit www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com. Pam Bar nett was an Eng lish major in college and a teacher before becoming co-owner with Sally Eng lund of Englund’s T ea Cottage in the Clayton Station. Email her at Pammbarnett@aol.com
Boyce Nichols - Owner - Clayton resident
COMPLETE LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION Renovation
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under the tuna mixture about a third of the way down from the top and contin ue rolling . You should ha ve a cone shape with the ing redients filling out the top. Garnish with ca viar or chopped eg g y olk. Serve with wasabi, soy sauce and pic kled ginger.
A tea party is a fun place for kids to learn manners with a starched tablecloth in the backyard. As long as the atmosphere is one of serenity and relaxation, you will set the tone for the children’s behavior.” Vases of flowers, nice dishes, dainty fing er foods and quiet games will help y our tiny guests to feel special. Place cards and a small treat, perhaps a beautiful cookie, at each place setting will also delight children. At Englund’ s T ea Cottag e, our Princess P arty R oom has child-sized chairs and a low table for smaller guests . Each tea party begins with a brief lesson on manners that includes napkin etiquette and appropriate behavior. Many Bro wnie and Girl Scout troops ha ve ear ned badges through these parties. A dress-up tr unk with feather boas, fancy slippers, hats and gloves is also a nice pro vision.
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Recipient of Intero’s Chairman Circle Award 22 year resident of Clayton
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This is not a commitment to lend. Programs subject to change. Certain restrictions apply. A Division of World Savings/World Mortgage.
October 20, 2006
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page A15
Look to trees for g orgeous fall color UÜ|Çz|Çz çÉâ à{x uxáà Éy uxtâàç Professional Nail Salon For Men and Women e're proud to welcome you to our beautiful new nail spa.
W
With professionally trained, experienced nail technicians, the highest quality products, and excellent customer services, we welcome you to experience our wonderful selection of nail care services, facials and waxing in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
Second Anniversary Special Offers
FREE Manicure
with any Pedicure Mon. - Thurs. only
1 coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Exp. 11/3/06
Concord 4436 Clayton Rd, Suite G Across from FoodMaxx
(925) 676-8668
$5 off
any service over $20 Mon. - Thurs. only
CHINESE PISTACHE
1 coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
The colors of the season are difficult to ignore . Scarlet, orange, gold and brown leaves catch our eyes and mak e us crave all that is autumn. This is a fa vorite time of year for many g ardeners. The golden orang e rays of the sun accent the plants in October and most of November, rather than the bright, colorless ra ys of the summer sun that blast and penetrate the foliag e of our plants. Summer of 2006 was brutal on our yards and g ardens, and most are glad to see it go. Now autumn has ar rived with all its color and calm. The trees of our to wn are what stand out this time of year. In summer, we relied on them for shade and protection. Now we look upon them with admiration for the beauty of their fall color. Fall color is a direct ref lection of the cold months of winter. In areas of the United States where winter temperature dip consistently into the low 20s and teens , the colors of autumn are reliable and brilliant. Our mild winters limit the c hoices for de pendable fall color. One vastly planted tree that reads better than it ac hieves is the family called Liquid Ambers. Homeowners often complain that their liquid ambers do not displa y the fall colors that w ere described. Rather than blaming the n ursery or landscaper , you should blame your climate. Some winters are colder than others, and the cold years will allo w better color changes.
Exp. 11/3/06
Also located in San Ramon: 130 Sunset Dr., (925) 866-0666
Tree lo vers in our area often talk about the Chinese Pistache. Pistache chinesis is a moderate-growing tree that will reach 25 to 30 feet tall and wide. This deciduous tree makes a safe residential installation. The root system is deep and g rows wide moderately , without breaking the surface. When planted in g roups or as the focal point, this tree is successful. Lawn and patio installations are also recom-
www.robinsranches.com Are you looking for that perfect horse set-up? Specialist in Ranch and Country Properties. Thinking of selling? Robin’s Ranches web page gets more than 6,000 viewings a month
Concord, 2345 Hess Road
$949,000
Bethel Island,
Paradise is just outside your door. Country Quiet, city CLOSE! Bring your family, horses, dogs, vineyard or ??? 3 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths. 2,400 Sq Ft home built in 1985, completely renovated in 2004. 3 sliding doors to spacious deck and pastoral views of countryside! 5 acres.
7171 Piper Road
Country living at its best. Beautiful horse set up. 3 bedr, 2 ½ ba. completely remodeled home on 1.33 acres. Custom gourmet kitchen with granite island, large office/fourth bedr. Zoned for horses. 6 stall barn, 100’ x 100’ arena, turn out pasture. Concord, 1931 Ayers Road
$799,000
Concord, 5332 Myrtle Drive
1.37 acres in unincorporated Concord! Welcome to the neighborhood! This lovely Zoned for horses. Build your own estate home has been remodeled within the last or build 2 homes & reap the rewards. year. Large lot, beautiful home. Park-like Approved plans for 4,100 sq. ft. 2-story back yard, covered patio plus deck off the home. Foundation has been poured. master. Grand views of Mt. Diablo! 4 bedIncludes 1923 farm house currently being rooms, 2.5 baths, formal dining. New roof remodeled & 3 old barns. Close to shops in 2005. Two-car garage. and schools. Reduced to $899,000 Reduced
for more pictures of these ranches go to www. robinsranches.com
Robin’s Ranches (925) 672-7323 / 550-2383 Full Broker Co-operation on all Robin’s Ranches listings
Kropa Realty Walnut Creek, CA
robin@robinsranches.com
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL shaped and is useful suppor ting a tw o-story home . Its fast growth pleases those who do not w ant to w ait for shade or privacy. But with the g ood, there is always some bad. The Raywood ash tends to be top heavy while y oung. Proper tether staking is required in the first three years to prev ent it tipping o ver during hea vy winds. The lifespan of the Raywood ash is another consideration, because trees that grow fast, die fast. Twenty-five years from now, the ash will be showing its ag e, so install it with another , slower-growing tree, like the Chinese Pistache. Japanese maple tr ees are always reliable when it comes to autumn color . This is wh y many are c hosen and installed during the fall. Green-leafed v arieties tend to have an orang e display. The red-leafed v arieties tur n coppery, and others scarlet. Oshio Beni is a broad, red-leafed variety of Japanese maple that has a copper y color during autumn. Fireglow, another broadleaf red maple , turns scarlet in the fall. Because scarlet is a desired fall color , the Fireglow varieties are harder to find. Coral Bark is another widely sought-after J apanese maple that turns golden yellow. While yellow in itself is not that exciting, when contrasted with the coral colored bark of this selection, the outcome is a wesome. Autumn is a beautiful time of year in our Cla yton V alley gardens. Enjoy this time as much as spring. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or sug gestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
JAPANESE MAPLE
Scoundrels, from page A13 Barrett), dating does not become a battlefield betw een student and teac her but between equals. “Is this y our dad?” Roger asks Amanda when he finds her playing tennis with Dr . P.
mended. The Chinese Pistac he provides fabulous autumn interest. The female selection tak es on a g olden yello w fall color with touches of orange, and an interesting, tiny, bright red berry hangs along a cluster . Our local birds cannot resist the tempting berries, so litter is generally not a problem. Meanwhile, the male selection of this family is the most dynamic as far as the colors of fall g o. Scarlet and orang es play a k ey role, with a striking combination that ignites the foliage of the male Chinese Pistache. If you thought that you could never tell the gender of a tree by sight, you can now. When shopping for a Chinese Pistac he, the male varieties will be sold under the name Keith Davey. You will pay more for this tree , but it is worth it. Raywood ash is another tree that has reliable fall color in mild winter areas . The autumn months bring out a merlot color to the lanceshaped foliag e. This ric h hue stands out among all the oranges and golds. This tree is classified as U-
Let’s just say the game was on from that moment. Although this mo vie aims for dark comedy , it pla ys off more as romantic. Dr. P is still a jerk b y the end of the ordeal, but R oger meets a,
well, predictable end for romantic comedies. However, the mo vie oneups the g enre by closing on a note of self-satisfaction rather than sweetness. By the credits, it w as reasonable to sa y the laughs along the ride g ave “Scoundrels” a decent re port card.
And it’s always good when the nice guy doesn ’t finish last. Natalie Budesa is 15 y ears old and a sophomor e at CVHS . She aspires to a car eer as a cinemato grapher. Send y our comments to movies@claytonpioneer.com
Fall into Autumn at R & M It’s time to get your home ready for holiday entertaining. Come see our gorgeous collection of American Heritage and Tuscan Traditions. Servers, lidded casseroles, tureens, decorative plates and two-tiered stands. Let us help you create the perfect tablescape for your kitchen and dining room. The place for fine gifts, patio and garden furniture, spas, barbeque islands and a quality nursery.
Serving trays, soup tureens & mugs
Pool, Patio & Gardens Family owned since 1983
6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton
Closed Mondays
· 672-0207
Page A16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 20, 2006
georgevujnovich.com
Trust your home to
GEORGE VUJNOVICH , Broker Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979
6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517
Sought after single story “Augusta” model backs to
Fantastic “Nantucket” model!
situated on a quiet court! 5 bedrooms + a den, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,820sf & 3 car garage. Diagonal laid tile floors in entry & kitchen. Upgrades incl: crown moulding, window trim, plantation shutters & wood blinds. Expanded family room with fireplace & media nook. Gourmet kitchen features tile counters & island with decorative accents, upgraded cabinets & pantry . Spacious master suite. Pool size private lot features expansive lawn area, vibrant professional landscape & custom salt washed patio with trellis cover. $1,069,000
open space! Open floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1,816sf. Large gourmet kitchen with tile counters, oak cabinets & pantry adjoins family room with fireplace. Formal living & dining room. Spacious master suite looks out to yard & open space. Professionally landscaped lot offers a patio, nice lawn area &a serene quiet setting. $695,000 LIVE OAK!
FALCON RIDGE AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!
Sharp home within walking distance to “Newhall Park”. 4 bed-
Superbly Upgraded “Candlelight” model! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2,843sf
rooms, 2.5 baths, over 2,000sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Formal living & dining room. Beautifully updated kitchen features granite counters & tile floors. Family room boasts a cozy brick fireplace. Spacious master suite features a wall length closet, & overlooks wooded pool area. Private lot of fers privacy, a variety of flowering trees & ornamentals, lush lawn & stamped patio. Ideal commute location! $649,950
& 3 car garage! Upgraded extended 16” tile floors from entry to kitchen. Formal living & dining room feature upgraded window trim & views of hills. 1st level bedroom & full bath. Upgraded carpet, tile & laminate flooring, light fixtures & window coverings. Slab granite gourmet kitchen. Spacious master suite with retreat & views of open space/ridge. Upgraded master bath! Lar ge level pool size lot backs to open space & features an expansive custom stamped concrete patio, lar ge lawn area & vibrant professional landscape. $899,000
Clayton Market Update
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!
Absolutely immaculate!
“Waterford” model backs to open space on large lot boasting a private paradise setting featuring a refreshing pool with spa & waterfall feature, trellis covered BBQ island! 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3,200sf & rare 4 car garage! Gourmet kitchen opens to spacious family room. Enormous master suite features a retreat with fireplace & balcony overlooking open $1,129,000 space! DIABLO RIDGE AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!
ING D N PE
Tel: (925) 672-4433
IRONWOOD/WINDMILL CANYON AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!
PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB!
ING D N PE
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
Premium golf course lot! backs
to 7th fairway with wooded, golf course, lake & surrounding hill views! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approximately 1,554sf, inside laundry & attached 2 car garage! Quiet rear end unit setting. Upgraded laminate wood floors in living/dining area, family room & kitchen. Gourmet kitchen with tile counters/breakfast bar , all white appliances & maple cabinets. Master suite looks out to golf course, hills & lake. Cozy rear deck with lawn area backs to tranquil/serene golf setting.
$565,000
Mortgage Market Update
Conforming $417,000 or less
Jumbo $417,001 and up
30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . . .6.25% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . . .6.25% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . .6.375% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . .6.3755% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.125% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.5%
30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . . . .6.5% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . . . .6.5% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . .6.625% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . .6.625% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.25% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.75%
Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS 115 Samuel Court 928 Kenston Dr 809 Chert Place 1293 Shell Circle 1451 Yosemite Circle 1163 Moccasin Ct 7026 Molluk Way 179 Mountaire Pkwy 3016 Windmill Canyon Dr 518 Mt. Dell Dr 336 Mt. Washington Wy 1820 Eagle Peak Ave 5861 Caulfield Drive 320 Saclan Terrace 239 Jeffry Ranch Place 329 Ahwanee Lane 54 Marquette Ct 821 Savignon Ct 1016 Tiffin Dr 52 La Honda Ct 19 Barcelona Wy 31 Nottingham Pl 38 Jalalon Pl 315 Windmill Canyon 5155 Keller Ridge Dr 632 Julpun Loop 1000 Panadero Way 109 Forest Hill Drive 2 Nottingham Circle 1824 Ohlone Heights 328 Ahwanee Lane 635 Mt. Duncan Drive 1049 Kenston Drive 303 Saclan Terrace 3405 Coyote Circle 365 Blue Oak Lane 202 Round House Pl 1391 Yosemite Circle 3905 Coyote Cir 711 Acorn Drive 235 Mountaire Pkwy 1131 Peacock Creek Dr
PRICE $864,000 $995,000 $505,000 $595,000 $700,000 $641,000 $859,000 $700,000 $640,000 $575,000 $730,000 $775,000 $835,000 $637,900 $725,000 $975,000 $680,000 $795,000 $816,500 $825,000 $800,000 $890,000 $670,000 $640,000 $769,500 $660,000 $725,000 $1,039,000 $780,000 $780,000 $1,198,000 $940,000 $940,000 $659,980 $495,000 $1,100,000 $610,000 $690,000 $455,000 $1,055,000 $885,000 $1,085,000
SALE DATE
SF
10/11/06 10/2/06 09/29/06 09/28/06 09/26/06 09/22/06 09/13/06 09/08/06 09/08/06 09/07/06 09/07/06 08/31/06 08/31/06 08/31/06 08/31/06 08/24/06 08/23/06 08/23/06 08/22/06 08/16/06 08/15/06 08/14/06 08/11/06 08/10/06 08/10/06 08/03/06 08/02/06 08/01/06 07/28/06 07/27/06 07/26/06 07/21/06 07/20/06 07/18/06 07/11/06 07/07/06 07/07/06 06/30/06 06/29/06 06/28/06 06/26/06 06/26/06
2,334 3,048 1,235 1,709 1,566 1,639 2,542 1,600 1,493 1,658 1,740 2,313 2,050 1,749 1,810 2,944 1,568 2,052 1,815 2,390 2,324 2,262 1,939 1,501 2,313 1,904 1,501 2,700 2,088 2,313 3,416 2,960 2,807 1,991 1,252 2,981 1,749 1,734 1,026 2,836 2,960 2,748
BED/BATH 4/3 5/4 2/2 3/3 3/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2 3/2 3/2 4/2 4/2.5 4/2 3/2.5 4/2 4/2.5 4/2 4/2.5 3/2 4/2.5 5/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 3/2 4/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 4/2 4/2.5 4/3.5 5/3 4/2 3/2.5 2/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 3/1.5 2/2 3/3 5/3 4/2
CLAYTON PIONEER October 20, 2006
Section B
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page B1
Handmade soap is a luscious experience KEVIN PARKER
HIKER’S HAVEN I can already picture the confusion as y ou read this month’ s Hiker’s Ha ven and think: What in the w orld does hiking in the great outdoors ha ve to do with making soap? The only viable answer I can
produce is that I lo ve sharing interesting experiences, most of which tak e place while hiking . While on vacation this summer, I w as introduced to the ar t of soap making. I discovered that with a small investment in the way of industrial pots, a scale, high temperature spatulas, palm, coconut and olive oils, various essential oils, a shrink wrapper , “The Soapmaker’s Handbook” and a skilled ar tist to dra w up a log o, you ha ve all the ing redients to produce y our o wn soap . And
that is what happened when the Kogers stumbled upon something that can be created in your kitchen. Instead of pursuing early retirement, David and Milla g ot involved in horses , cattle and soap making, which is an odd combination for a couple who spent most of their lives in the Bay Area and no w reside in Ronan, Montana. Their interest in making soap came as a result of their dissatisfaction with commercial soaps and the fact that their son w as singing the
Photos courtesy of Kevin Parker
KEVIN
POURS THE SOAP MIXTURE
into purchased molds to set for 48 hours.
praises of a handmade soap purchased at a far mer’s market. David and Milla did a lot of research about handcrafted soaps and recipes . They shared their soaps with family and friends and recei ved ra ve reviews. The Nor th Crow Soap Co. was founded with hopes that David and Milla could share their products with you. They produce a 100 percent natural, handcrafted soap that is gentle, lathers luxuriously and smells terrific. You will love this soap. Varieties include la vender, l a v e n d e r / o a t m e a l / h o n e y, lemongrass, lemon, lemon/sage, tangerine, geranium, lime/geranium, lime/geranium/peppermint, lime/peppermint, Douglas fir, bay, patchouli, eucalyptus, tea tree/calendula and baby shea (no scent). Being a hands-on guy , I wanted to par ticipate in ev ery aspect of this process and discovered that ev en a no vice can make soap . For amateur soap makers, the recommended yield is 12 pounds , which will produce about 40 bars. The process described belo w is a “Cliff Notes” version, and I highly recommend purc hasing some reference materials before y ou embark on y our maiden v oyage of soap making. Begin b y melting cocon ut and palm oil, cooling it to 80 degrees and then mixing it with olive oil (all of these oils can be purchased in bulk via the internet). In a se parate area, cautiously mix lye with distilled water (be sure to use safety glasses, a dusk mask and r ubber
North Crow Soap Company factory headquarters. gloves when handling lye) and cool to 80 deg rees. Next add g rape-food seed extract along with all other ingredients and mix tog ether until saponification occurs . Saponification is the name given to the c hemical reaction that occurs when a v egetable oil or animal fat is mixed with a strong alkali. Essential oils m ust be added when the soap reac hes trace , which is the point of no retur n in soap making. To test for trace, dip the spatula or spoon into the mix and dribble a bit of it back into the pot. If it lea ves a little “trace” behind, you are there. Pour the mixture into molds, which can be purchased or built from w ood, and co ver for 24 hours. Next, you m ust remo ve the co vers for an additional 24 hours and then finally cut into
bars. Soap should cure for 30 days (15 da ys per side), and you’ll have all-natural soap ready for use. Get someone who kno ws their way around a shrink wrapper and a computer , then voilá you ha ve labels , business cards and fliers to help sell the soap at your local far mer’s mark et or retail outlets. A few of my personal fa vorites are tang erine, Douglas fir, bay and lavender. If you are interested in tr ying this fantastic soap , send an email to ncro wsoap@ yahoo.com or come b y m y house and I’ll let y ou wash your hands with some in our guest bathroom (free of charge, of course). Cheers. For more information on this ar ticle or other outdoor experiences , contact Kevin at hiker@claytonpioneer.com.
(925) 672-8787 www.LynneFrench.com Lynne@LynneFrench.com
S
omeone who’s always on the go and always in the know, Lynne French’s natural energy and positive personality drive her to make the most of every moment, whether it’s in her hobbies, in her home life with husband, Danny, or in her role as one of the area’ s leading real estate professionals. With such a determined approach, it’s easy to see how Lynne has made such a
lasting impact through her long-running real estate career. By working her hardest and providing the most possible options, she has helped many Discover the Possibilities in the East Bay Area real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling, Lynne French and her team are the ones to know for a higher level of service. Give them a call today and experience the difference for yourself.
6200-E Center St.
Clayton, CA 94517
Page B2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 20, 2006
Clayton Sports
CVHS varsity football gears up for NCS ber th JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
With half of the season under its belt, the Clayton Valley High Sc hool v arsity football team is gearing up to charge for a Nor th Coast Section 3A atlarge ber th. The Eagles record thus far is 4-2 including a win against Antioc h 28-14 at the Homecoming game last Friday. According to Herc P ardi, who is in his 11th year as CVHS head coac h, the Eagles ha ve a legitimate chance for an at larg e berth. “It is a big g oal and a big opportunity. I like where we are, but we can g et better.” The last half of the season offers some tough competition, Pardi explains, especially ag ainst De La Salle, the nation’s top-ranked high sc hool team, and Deer Valley with an impressi ve 6-0 record including 3-0 Ba y Valley Athletic league play. The Eagles star ted the season off strong with a 41-21 win over Colleg e P ark, which is in first place in its league . “That win g ave us some confidence , but w e ha ve to impro ve eac h week,” says Pardi. The next two games w ere also victories o ver non-league opponents Piner of Santa Rosa (27-13) and J ohn F. Kennedy of Fremont (34-14). Two league losses follo wed against Ygnacio V alley (27-14) and Pittsburg (31-0) before the Antioch win last week. “Defense is our priority ,” says Pardi. “Defensively, we are on the young side with a total of 19 sophomores and juniors. The inconsistencies are a c hallenge but we are coaching very hard.” Sophomore quar terback J oey
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
CVHS VARSITY PLAYERS BEGIN THEIR WARM-UP start the second have of their season. Levine is looking forw ard to an NCS ber th. “We just ha ve to keep w orking hard, execute plays and do our jobs ,” he says. Clayton resident K evin T ellian agrees. A junior who pla ys safety and recei ver, Tellian thinks “the team is doing fine .” “We just have to come and pla y each week,” he says. Tellian, who dislocated his shoulder , is hoping to be bac k on the field for the De La Salle game Oct. 27. Looking bac k on the first half of the season, Pardi recognized sev eral v arsity Pla yers of
SET
before the match up with Antioch at the Homecoming game. The Eagles came up with a big win to
the W eek; Tellian on offense and Na vare J ones on defense for the scrimmag e jamboree Sept. 1; Matt Ghrist on offense and Dozie Iwuagwu on defense for Colleg e P ark; Jaminson Olivieri, offense and T errell Woodall, defense for the Piner win; Joey Levine , offense and Travis Ford, defense for the win against JFK; Quint Sereal, a running bac k, was a warded the Sports F ocus “Pla y of the Week” for his 59-yard touc hdown r un ag ainst Ygnacio . Kevin J ohnson w as also recog-
Pioneer hires sports and entertainment lawyer and editor to cover local spor ts
BOB PIMM
The Cla yton Pioneer has selected Cla yton resident Bob Pimm to fill the spor ts editor slot recently v acated b y Bill Wagoner. Pimm is a San F rancisco entertainment and sports lawyer who has li ved in Cla yton since 1996. His interest in sports goes back to high sc hool, where he participated in almost ev erything. He played football and ice hockey at Cambridge University. His current passion is g olf. Pimm is also the editor -inchief of Entertainment and Sports Lawyer, a quarterly publication of the American Bar Association’s F orum on the
Entertainment and Spor ts Industries. He ser ves on the board of directors of California Lawyers for the Arts, a nonprofit statewide organization serving arts organizations and ar tists of all disciplines . He has written books, contributed chapters and written ar ticles for many publications. Pimm and his wife , Kate Westbrook, a nurse practitioner at J ohn Muir Health, live in Oakhurst with their son Graham, a sixth-g rader at Diablo View Middle School. Send your sports items and stor y ideas to Bob Pimm at spor ts@claytonpioneer.com.
nized on defense for that g ame while Dan V elasco on offense and Vince Stoddard on defense for the Pittsburg game were singled out. Pardi is optimistic about the balance of the season. He brought his coac hing staff to CVHS in 1996 and ended a 10year drought of the Eagles not making the playoffs. Since then, Clayton V alley has secured an NCS berth seven out of the ten years and made the NCS finals in 1998 and 2003. Last year , after a roc ky beginning to the
season, the Eagles pulled through with an impressi ve win over the Liber ty Lions , leading to a final season record of 6-5, a second-place finish in BV AL and an NCS ber th. The 2006 NCS pla yoffs are set to begin Nov. 17 and 18. The junior varsity is currently 2-3 with a 55-13 victor y over Piner and losses to College Park (26-6), JFK (22-15) and Ygnacio Valley, (15-28). Last Friday they beat Antioch (7-6). Outstanding JV offensi ve players include Nic k Cole , Ed
STACEY OKIMOTO Special to the Pioneer
The MDSL U13 Girls Rebels took second place in the Golden Gate In vitational Tournament in San F rancisco the weekend of Sept. 23-24. The R ebels beat the SFV C Earthquakers 3-0 and tied the Novato T hunder 1-1 on Saturday. On Sunday, the Rebels beat the DeAnza F orce 3-0 before being defeated 5-0 against the Santa R osa in the final. Photo courtesy of Stacey Okimoto
Back row: Megan Dwyer, Heather Raymond, Sarah Okimoto, Camila Rowland, Tara Thorsen, Antonia Acquistapace, Coach Gary Khachadoorian; Middle row: Guilana Carranza, Hayley King, Krista Bartzi, Allie Davis, Audrey Detmer, Marisa Khachadoorian, Kendall Sullivan; Front row: Amber Minor, Stacy Moorehouse, Coach Tamara Thompsen.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton Sports Kevin Murphy Favorite Subject: Public Speaking
The Clayton Connection for all your financial & real estate needs
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PIONEER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
Favorite Food: Steak and potatoes
Tim C. Steffen
Favorite Hobby: Hanging out with my friends Favorite Sport: Football
LONGTIME FOOTBALL PLAYER WRAPPING UP FINAL SEASON AT CV
It’s all in the family for Kevin Mur phy, our Pioneer Athlete Spotlight of the month. As star ting guard on offense for the Cla yton Valley High Sc hool v arsity football team, Kevin is one of three boys in the Mur phy family who ha ve a passion for the sport. His older brother , Daniel, played four years at Cla yton Valley and his younger brother, Jonathan, is on the CVHS junior varsity team. Kevin has pla yed all four years at Clayton Valley, starting on the freshman team, moving on to JV as a sophomore and then v arsity for the past tw o years. The 6-2, 200 pound senior has had his parents support
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KEVIN MURPHY all along. “He has outstanding commitment and dedication, ” says his coach, Herc Pardi. “Kevin gives 100 percent on the practice field and at every game.” Kevin had his first taste of football when he pla yed for the Cla yton V alley F alcons Midget team. He star ted playing offensi ve line and has stayed there ev er since . “ I liked it, and I w as successful,” Kevin says. “It’s been a fun experience and a lot of hard w ork,” he says of his high sc hool career. “I met a lot of great guys and established good friendships.” The discipline of daily
practice has ser ved him w ell. “I brought m y GP A up last year, and I’m proud of that.” Although he’ s an experienced star ting guard, Kevin admits he g ets ner vous before each game. “There are always too many what ifs,” he says. Once the g ame star ts and the adrenaline begins pumping, though, Kevin says he settles down and plays the game. He has a lot of praise for Coach P ardi. “He kno ws all about the pla yers and where they’re coming from. He’s a good mentor.” While K evin is open to playing football in colleg e, he hopes to major in criminal justice and pursue a career as a police officer or lawyer.
The Clayton Pioneer spotlights a local y outh athlete from our circulation area in the second issue each month. If you are a coach or an administrator and would like to nominate a young person (under 20 years of age) for the R occo’s Athlete Spotlight, please send infor mation to sports@claytonpioneer.com or fax to 672-6580. Nomination deadline f or our No vember 17 issue is Sunday, November 5.
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Sports Shorts CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CVHS is accepting applications for the following positions: Girl’s Freshmen Basketball Coach, to start immediately. Assistant track and field coaches to star t in F ebruary. Please send a resume to Pat Middendorf, PM258@aol.com CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE’S 2007 S EASON Registration for all lev els of Baseball and Softball will tak e place at Holy Cross Churc h located at 1092 Alber ta Way, at the cor ner of Ygnacio and Alberta. Tue., Nov. 28 . . . . . . .6- 8:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 2 . . . . . . . . .10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 9 . . . . . . . . .10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thur., Dec. 14 . . . . . .6-7:30 p.m. Families must provide proof of residence within the Mt Diablo Elem./Highlands Elem. attendance areas and a birth certificate to verify age of player. Returning CVLL families residing outside of these attendance areas ma y be “g randfathered” into the league if they have had continuous par ticipation in CVLL and their address w as once within CVLL boundaries before map changes. A postcard will be mailed out in late December to all registered pla yers who are
required to tr y-out with player’s try-out number and date and time for tr youts. CVLL tr youts will begin J an. 7/8. T-ball players do not have try-outs. CVLL needs more umpires and coac hes. Volunteer at registration. Visit the CVLL w ebsite for updates and information at www.cvll.org. TERRAPINS SWIM TEAM WINTER AND SPRING PROGRAMS
High School Pre-season training prog ram: 11/13 through 2/1. Begin conditioning for the upcoming HS swim season. Age Group & HS w ater polo prog ram: 11/13 through 3/1. Programs for 12 & under, 14 & under & HS ag e athletes. Winter/Spring Competiti ve Clinic Program: 2/3 through 4/1. Get a jump on the summer recreation swim season with these instructional clinics. For additional information on all programs or to down load registration information, visit our web page at www.terrapinswim.com. For questions call 680-8372 ext. 206.
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Securities products and investment advisory services offered through Les A. Garaventa Jr., and David Lucas, registered representatives and investment advisory associates of Ameritas Investment Corp., (AIC) 5900 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510 (800) 335-9858 (AIC is not associated with American Financial & Tax Services)
DEDICATED TO SERVING CLAYTON Send your Sports Shorts to sports@claytonpioneer.com
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Page B4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton Sports Fusion takes Lodi Classic by storm STACY BOSCHETTI Special to the Pioneer
The Diablo V alley Soccer Club’s Blac k 94 Girls , the Fusion, took first place in the U12 Girls Di vision at the Lodi Fall Classic on Sept. 23-24.
The team w on all four of their g ames, scoring 13 g oals while not allo wing any g oals from opposing teams. In the first game, the Fusion beat Lamorinda Blue 94 5-0. Simone Miranda scored a hat trick with 3 g oals, followed up
by Anne W hipple with 2 g oals. Anne also assisted on a g oal, as did Darian Corey. The defense played tough, led by J ennifer DeLeon, so k eeper Jessie Walsh had very little action. In the second game, the girls beat San Juan Spirits White 4-0.
Photo courtesy of Brian Livingston
Back Row: Coach Paula Campos, Grace Livingston, Maddy Kelly, Darian Corey, Daniela Garcia, Reina Stephenson, Simone Miranda, Jennifer DeLeon, Sam Boeger and Team Assistant, Jack Boeger. Second Row: Anne Whipple, Brittani Pygeorge, Tyler Cunningham, Ashly Dickinson, Jessi Walsh, Alisa Aliano. Front Row: Nicolle Boschetti, Nikki Alvarez.
Ashly Dickinson, again assisted by Darian, scored 1 and Daniela Garcia scored a hat tric k on three beautiful kic ks resulting from fouls on her teammates. Again, defense b y J ennifer, Sam Boeg er, Brittani Pyg eorge and Nikki Alv arez kept the ball away from the goal. The first g ame Sunda y morning pitted the girls ag ainst the Califor nia R ush Sw oosh, with a result of 3-0. The R ush Swoosh’s k eeper w as k ept busy as DVSC had 13 shots on g oal. Tyler Cunningham, Darian and Anne scored for the Fusion. In the c hampionship g ame, the Fusion pla yed the Orc hard Valley Stor m. The hard-fought game w as a c hallenge for the girls. There w ere six shots on goal, two b y Ashly , two b y Simone, a shot b y Tyler that hit the post and a shot b y Daniela. Keeper J essie made nine stops in this g ame. Darian scored the winning goal, with an assist by Simone. The Fusion is cur rently involved in league play. They are tied for first place in their di vision with a 2-1 record, including an incredible win ag ainst the Mustang Blast of Danville.
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Members Only wins bocce championship ED HARTLEY Special to the Pioneer
The 2006 season of the Clayton Di vision of the Concord Bocce League came to an ex citing end as Jim Middendorf ’s Members Only became the first team in the five-year history of the league to repeat as league champions. On Se pt. 24, they defeated Ozzie McK enzie’s Bada Bang, the team with the best record this year , in three g ames (3-12, 12-5, 12-8). In finishing second, Bada Bang collected their third medal in five years. Shannon Brandt’ s Springwood Rollers, in their second season, picked up their second medal when they defeated Russ Eddy’ s Bocce R ollers in three g ames (12-4, 8-12, 12-4). Eddy’s team qualified for the playoffs by winning one of the play-in games. So ends the fifth season – with play still in Concord. After
Photo courtesy of Ed Hartley
Front row: Mitsi Schenke, Debbie Branich, Debra Gonzalves, Mary Jane Keifer, Pat Middendorf. Back Row: Bob Schenke, Tom Branich, Steve Gonzalves, Mike Kiefer, Jim Middendorf
a long planning process , the Clayton Bocce League has final construction plans for a sev encourt complex, with benc hes, tables, arbors, lighting and other amenities . The g roup
received a bid of $600,000, for just the cour ts and has bid requests out to g et a realistic picture of what the complete project will cost. Fund-raising will occupy the
players during the off-season. We need both g ood ideas for fundraisers and people to help. Thanks g o out to the board
See Bocce, page B5
Clinics help to prepare for 2007 season BOB PIMM Clayton Pioneer
It’s October , and Cla yton area baseball hopefuls are preparing for the 2007 season even as Major League Baseball is coming to a close. Mike F ormoso, manager of the Cla yton V alley PONY
Clayton resident, Mike Rose, has been in business for over 34 years and has always provided quality repair with excellent customer service!
League’s (CVPL) Bronco Division Pioneers, is conducting a series of free, two-hour baseball clinics open to all Cla yton area baseball players ages 11-12. The clinics are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 29 at CVPL’s T esoro Fields , 1776 Arnold Industrial W ay, Concord.
Formoso’s clinics feature a local Cla yton coac hing staff with 30-plus years experience coaching youth baseball, including Ric k Medrano , Brian McHugh and Dwayne Bianchi. “We focus on the fundamentals – proper thro wing, fielding techniques for g round balls and fly balls , and dev eloping g ood
baseball habits so pla yers can handle any situation, ” says Formoso. “We use CVPL ’s onsite batting cages for hitting and bunting. Each clinic session ends with base r unning.” According to Formoso, even multi-sport pla yers should
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October 20, 2006
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page B5
Pilot heads for the heat, looking to stay out of trouble In the second of a thr ee-part series, Clayton r esident Chris “Doc” Halliday shares his experience flying a militar y char ter into Kuwait.
Military fields don ’t ha ve a single fueling point via some common fuel manifold. They send trucks to the jet, with each truck holding about 5,000 g allons. We took 40,000 g allons (she’s a big bird), so do the math. And they don ’t allo w passengers onboard during fueling. By the way, the airport really w ouldn’t let the Marines carry water bottles or shampoo onboard. (Uhhh, dude, they have guns and kni ves.) And really, passengers aren ’t the only ones li ving with the madness – pilots regularly stand there g etting’ the old w and treatment.
CHRIS HALLIDAY Special to the Pioneer
Flying into militar y fields with a giant ci vilian jet posed new challenges, as communications and coordination w ere sketchy at best. We didn ’t ha ve a database for navigation at these par ticular airfields , so it w as bac k to the old w ay of tune, identify and monitor . OK, it w asn’t exactly lik e Charles Lindbergh crossing the Atlantic as we have dual GPS recei vers and four really big jets , but w e couldn ’t use all of our cool to ys to the max.
THE DANGER ZONE Our f light route took us over the Czec h R epublic and Slovakia (In case y ou didn ’t
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insurgents to g et to y ou first, and they don’t have any beer or bratwurst and they’ re somewhat testy these da ys. Treat Iraq as if it were a pool of boiling acid, especially being you’re flying a big f lippin’ target.” It was a very effective analogy.
Photo courtesy of Chris Halliday
United pilot Chris “Doc” Halliday is shown here on a return flight from Tokyo. In August, he spent 11 days shuttling Marines to and from Kuwait
know, they se parated and flipped a coin for who g ets which half of the name), Romania, Hungary, the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey and then across Iraq into K uwait. Any of those countries (except Turkey) w ould’ve launc hed a fighter jet or surface-to-air missile against us as recently as 16 years ago. This time it was flakfree. We f lew into K uwait via Iraq, through a cor ridor that brought us to within 8 miles of Iran. They really don ’t lik e us right now, so staying over Iraq
was better. Bizarro world. I could see Syria as w e crossed into Iraq from T urkey. All I could think w as, “There ain’t no good side of the tracks out here.” Our infor mation for Iraqi overflight w as quite direct: “If you ha ve an emerg ency other than a fire or a wing falling off , DO NOT land in Iraq. If you DO di vert to Iraq and land at any place other than Baghdad (Fallujah, Kirkuk, Basra, etc. – all bad), we cannot ensure that security will be pro vided in time. We w ould expect the
Bocce,
Football, from page B2
from page B4 of the Cla yton Bocce League (Howard Geller, John Rubiales, Sue White, Don Fitzgerald and Carole Scapparo) and the Concord Bocce F ederation for working out ar rangements to use the equipment and facilities. Seniors 55 and over are welcome to join indoor bocce this fall and winter . Play will be on Wednesday mor nings in Antioch. There will be an emphasis on instr uction and skill dev elopment, with some fun mix ed in. For details , contact Stan Morgan at 687-6459.
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THE VIEW FROM ON HIGH They had us coming in higher than the militar y operations, higher than shoulder launched and small ar ms artillery. And they did gi ve us 300 ar med escor ts who knew the neighborhood. The fact that I w as eating my omelet drizzled with a delicate cream sauce, crispy bacon, a croissant with raspber ry preserves and Starbuc ks coffee all while cr uising over one of the most dangerous places on earth was, well, surreal. But it w asn’t as freak y as it ma y seem. No fighter escor t, as we had when I served in the Air Force during Desert Storm I. Except for the descent into Kuwait, I w as at or abo ve 35,000 feet the whole time over Iraq. We could see lots of stuff burning there. According to the troops, many w ere oil fires started b y insurg ents. Greenpeace w ould be thoroughly torqued off.
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The y oung Eagles opened BVAL pla y with a 21-0 victor y over Ygnacio Valley and a close 7-6 win over Pittsburg. The freshmen team k ept their winning streak g oing with a 23-8 victory over Antioch. Outstanding offensi ve pla yers named b y head coac h P at Protheroe are Holden Nakamura, Justin Dalton, Marcus Mar tinez, Rizzo Modacue and Vince Buhagiar .
On the defensi ve side star pla yers are Chris Quadrato , Dominic Gara venta, Andrew Duggan, Cody Christopher and Rodrigo Morales. Assistant JV coac h Bob Mazza recently recei ved the football prog ram’s Dedication Award for his long-time support of CVHS baseball and football programs and Eagle pla yers. “Bobby Mazza is not only an outstanding teacher of the game
Clinics, from page B4 consider attending an off-season baseball clinic. “Clinics keep their baseball skills sharp during the off-season – making it a lot easier to jump bac k into baseball once the soccer , football or basketball seasons end,” he says. “The bo ys par ticipating in our clinics all play other sports.” The CVPL Pioneers pla y a 24-game PONY League sc hedule under full MLB rules. At the end of the regular season, the Pioneers embark on a tour nament sc hedule beginning Memorial Da y w eekend. They play four to fi ve tour naments between R eno and Souther n California. “PONY League pre pares young players for ‘real baseball,’ as sho wn ev ery year b y ho w
many PONY baseball pla yers move on to dynamic high school, college and pro careers,” Formoso reports. In the 2006 MLB draft, former CVPL pla yers Nick Moresi and Clayton Tanner were drafted in the third round. Moresi (Fresno State) w as selected b y the Houston Astros and Tanner (De La Salle) b y the San Francisco Giants. There are cur rently more than 375 Major League Baseball players who g raduated from PONY baseball, including superstars lik e T ony Gwynn, Alex Rodriguez and J.T. Snow. Formoso notes that CVPL offers its pla yers a superbly maintained, official PONY-size field (outside fence 307 feet all
In Kuwait City, I never left the confines of our air -conditioned jet, except for m y preflight inspection. It w as, oh shall w e sa y, balmy there . The first thing that came to m y mind w as the Sam K ennison standup bit where he said: “Look at this , it’s sand. You
“By the way, the airport really wouldn’t let the Marines carry water bottles or shampoo onboard. (Uhhh, dude, they have guns and knives.)” Chris Halliday know what it’s gonna be 10,000 years from no w? F(reakin’) sand!” We ha ve deser ts in the United States, we just don’t live in them (much). It was funny to have two Air Force security cops inspect the airplane for any guns and knives left behind. In my world, they usually tr y to stop them from ever getting on in the first place.
In the final installment, Halliday shar es his thoughts on our troops.
and our system, but he is truly a gold-medal v olunteer. “The phrase ‘no, I don’t have time’ is not in his v ocabulary,” Pardi says.
Just for Laughs I gave up my hope of being a star halfbac k the second da y of practice. One tackle g rabbed my left leg, another g rabbed m y right leg, and the linebac ker look ed at me and said, “Make a wish!”
around) with a dir t infield, batting cag es and pitc hing machines to better prepare players for the high-quality pitc hing in PONY baseball. There is also a large blacktop practice area for poor weather. According to the PONY League W ebsite, PONY is an acronym for Protect Our Nation’s Y outh. The name w as coined b y bo ys at a YMCA in Washington, Penn. PONY Baseball is org anized with tw oyear age brackets starting at age 5. CVPL has Bronco (ag es 11 and 12) and PONY (13 and 14) teams participating in the wider Diablo V alley PONY League , with n umerous teams up and down the 680 cor ridor. For mor e infor mation about the CVPL Pioneers fr ee baseball clinics, contact Mike Formoso at 969-1800 or form@astound.net.
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Page B6
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Excludes certain collectibles.
Expires 12/24/06
ake the stress out of your holiday shopping this year and avoid the crowded major department stores. Everything you need is right here in Pioneer Territory including retailers who care about customer service. Read on for some great ideas to get you started on your Christmas list. Make sure you tell our advertisers that you saw their ad in the Clayton Pioneer. Happy Shopping.
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Clayton Sports Cards There’s a sports fan on everyone’s Christmas list and Clayton Sports Cards in Clayton Station is the place to go. The sports specialty store is filled to the brim with sports memorabilia and Linda Mieczkowski is always on hand to help answer questions about vintage cards and specialty items. If you are looking for stocking stuffers, you can’t miss with the large array of vintage and new baseball and football cards. In fact Linda boasts the largest selection of player cards in the area. There’s
the NFL McFarland Legends, only $59.95 for a set of 6 and Linda features a wonderful selection of sports figurines and bobble heads. For those special golf fans, take a look at the autographed photo of Anika Sorentam, the famous golf shot of Ben Hogan in the 1950 U.S. Open and the framed flag of the British Open in 1995 signed by Arnold Palmer. For the baseball aficionados, the autographed photo of Barry Bonds and his 500th homerun is a sure hit. Stop by now and stock up for the holidays or call Linda at 6728445 to check on the availability of your favorite sports items. Donna’s Gifts Everywhere you look at Donna’s Gifts at Clayton Valley Shopping Center near Clayton Valley Frameworks, you’ll find something that makes your eyes sparkle. From Halloween figurines like the popular Dept. 56, Jack’s Pumpkin Carving Studio to Snow Babies, Precious Moments and Boyd’s Bears. Christmas
lighted houses, Willow Tree Angels and San Francisco Music Box Company are well represented with displays that get you into the holiday spirit. Donna’s Gifts is offering a 15 percent off coupon for the holidays. Call Donna’s Gifts 672-2440 to reserve that special collectible piece for holiday entertaining. Computers USA Everyone has a computer on their Christmas list, right? This year shop at the right place for all your computer needs. Computers USA in Clayton Station is onestop shopping, says owner Will Claney. There’s no need to endure the stress of the “big box” stores when you can shop at Computers USA with all the top brands and customer service that makes shopping convenient and fun. Best of all, parking is a snap. Will and his staff go way beyond just the sale. They are there to help you network, upgrade, repair and maintain your new computer. Get your orders in early for sweet deals in silver and black like the Pentium Core Duo: $799.95 for single core and $1499.95 for dual core. Call 672-9989 and ask for Will or anyone on his staff. Melanie’s Gifts and Interiors As the weather cools down and thoughts turn to inside the home, Melanie’s Gifts and Interiors must be a destination for your shopping needs. Tablescapes are the focus of many holiday family celebrations and your home will be right in style with distinct collections, accent pieces and decorative candles. Luxurious pillows and throws and beautiful dish and platter collections from Seasonal Fruits, Tuscan Traditions and American Heritage will brighten up any festive occasion. Holiday ornaments are also very popular and will fill every nook and cranny in the store in a few weeks. Melanie and Nicole and their entire staff are always on hand to offer friendly suggestions and decorating tips. It’s all part of the customer service that you’ll find in this wonderful specialty store in R&M Pool Patio and Garden off Marsh Creek Road in Clayton. Watch for a few upcoming events with sales that will make your holidays a little merrier. Call Melanie at 672-0207 and ask about her special collections. Beautique This small specialty store should be at the top of your list. Beautique in the Clayton Station across from Blockbuster offers quality beauty products for everyone on your list. Owner Donna Taber endorses all of her in-store products and personally uses many of them. There’s Alterna, S Factor, Pureology, OPI, REDKEN and a wonderfully-scented pumpkin shampoo that will turn heads when you walk down the street. The store décor is warm and inviting and often features one of Donna’s beautiful handmade quilts, a hobby she has when she’s not busy at the store. Donna is always available to personally answer any questions you have about her product line. She also offers gift certificates and can suggest great ideas for holiday gift baskets. Stock up now before the holiday rush. If you’ve got several holiday parties on your calendar,
be sure to make an appointment with hair stylist David Wall located in Beautique for that special “do”. Call him at 672-5156 or Donna at 672-0405. Weekends at the Cottage If Halloween is one of your favorite holidays, you won’t want to miss a visit to Weekends at the Cottage in Clayton Valley Shopping Center (next to Quiznos). “We have everything and anything related to Halloween”, says owner Sue Somers. Vintage witches, black cats, pumpkins, ghosts and strange creatures from Midwest of Cannon Falls. There’s even a Halloween Tree for that perfect table display. You’ll find wonderful samples of Vintage Paper Mache and decorative items to make your Thanksgiving festivities extra special. Christmas is just around the corner and Sue already has a great display of Swarovski crystal jewelry and more to come for delightful stocking stuffers. McCall’s country candles are very popular, so purchase yours now before they’re gone! Weekends at the Cottage is a must see for everyone on your Christmas and holiday list. Visit Sue at her new location or call 672-0744 for more information. Postal Annex If owner Julia Aguilar’s smile doesn’t get you into her store, her mail services and supplies will. You’ll be glad you ventured into Postal Annex+ in Clayton Station for all of your needs from packaging and shipping to notary, faxing and key making. Postal Annex handles UPS, Fedex, DHL, CAL, Overnight and U.S. Post Office. Her greeting cards are wonderful, featuring cards by Leanin’ Tree and Blue Mountain. Cards by a Clayton artist add a nice local touch to the offerings. Julia is currently offering $2 off UPS or Fed Ex Shipping. Avoid the holiday rush and mail your packages early. Call Julia at 672-8900 and she’ll be glad to answer any questions. Seasonal Reflections This big, bright, beautiful, brand new holiday and party superstore is set to open Oct. 16 in Clayton Valley Shopping Center One step inside and it’s pure magic. There’s a year ‘round Halloween store with all things scream-y and scary and plenty of costumes for everyone in the family, including the dog and cat. There’s also a year ‘round Christmas store with wonderful custom lights, top brands like Dept. 56 and Polonaise, and decorations to trim every inch of your home, inside and out. The rest of the store is filled with party decorations for all holidays imaginable from Valentine’s Day and July 4 to Easter and St. Patrick’s Day. And there are hundreds and hundreds of light sets for every occasion. Clayton resident and owner John Sharapata has always loved Christmas and holidays. He admits he loves the Clayton area and felt that there was a demand for local holiday and party super store that residents could enjoy all year round. Stop by and welcome John and his staff to the area or call Seasonal Reflections at 672-4425.
October 20, 2006
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
An eclectic collection of gifts, holiday & home decor & accessories.
Beautique
Have an old-fashioned fall & Halloween
beauty supply & salon “The most complete source of beauty supplies to the public”
Sale 50% off
all Halloween, Fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas merchandise New Location now facing Ygnacio Valley Road. Clayton Valley Shopping Center 5434 Ygnacio Valley Road. #270 Concord, CA (925) 672-0744
Hours:
Tues - Fri, 12 - 6 Sat, 10 - 5, closed Sun & Mon
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Alterna, S Factor, Pureology, OPI, REDKEN and the new Pumpkin line owner
Donna Taber
“I only feature products that I’ve used and recommend.”
Clayton Station
5439 A Clayton Road, Clayton
925-672-0405 Hair stylist,
David Wall
925-672-0516
Great Holiday Gifts Robin’s Nest Robin Thomas, owner of Robin’s Nest, invites you to experience a one-stop shopping for the holidays. It’s easy at Robin’s Nest inside Rodie’s on Marsh Creek Road where you’ll find a gift item for everyone on your list. Robin is quick to point out that she has many new items including the full line of Willow Tree and a new item in the collection called Generations,” including a Nativity Scene, one of the most beautiful she’s seen. Robin features sunglasses, a fun line of jewelry including, magnetic jewelry, spa items and soaps and a wonderful neck pillow filled with Lavender. If candles are on your list, take a whiff of the Olde South Candles reasonably priced at $12.99. Robin’s Nest has hundreds of stuffed animals, adorable kid’s backpacks, Laurel Burch tote bags and leather purses. A great stocking stuffer is the Tavern puzzles which are great for holiday parties and family gatherings. When you find that perfect gift, Robin’s Nest has a full line of greeting cards, including cards by
local artist Teresa Peters to put the finishing touches on that special package. Stock up on the Denali blanket-the blanket everyone will fight over. Robin is offering $10 off on a blanket purchased before Nov. 15. Definitely put Robin’s Nest on your shopping list. There’s plenty of parking and the scenery is wonderful. Call Robin today at 672-4600 if you have any questions. Holiday Craft Faire A true one-stop shop for all of your Christmas needs can be found at the Holiday Craft Faire at the fairgrounds in Antioch. This special event on Nov. 10-12 and 17-19 boasts the largest such faire in Contra Costa County and features wood crafts, candles, country and floral crafts, custom jewelry and more. Parking is free and the Faire is offering $1 off admission on Fridays. Don’t miss this chance to get a jump on your Christmas list. You might even find something for yourself. Call the Faire for more information 757-4400. Vineyard Shopping Center As you drive down Clayton Road, make sure you find time to
turn into the Vineyard Shopping Center. Parking is a breeze and there’s a variety of stores to meet all of your needs. Bring your packages and notary documents to The UPS Store and let owner Tricia Tamura help you with your “to do” list. The store is spacious and the staff is friendly with a lot of expertise to help you get your gifts delivered on time, safe and sound. While you’re at The UPS store you have access to a new color copier, cards, postal materials, fax machines and more. Call Tricia at 689-6245 if you have any questions. After you mail your packages, walk next door and say hello to Prabha Jadia who has been the owner of Zekco Watch Repair & Sales for the past 20 years. If you are having trouble with that favorite watch and need some repair work done, Zecko is the place to go. If someone on your list is asking for a new watch, Prabha can help you select one from a variety of styles and brands. She’s offering 25 percent off Citizen, Pulsar and Seiko watches. Zekco also has Skagen watches for sale plus watch bands, batteries and gift articles. If you have a question about watches call
Big, beautiful, year ‘round
Holiday & Party Super Store in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center
Nearly 4,000 square feet of quality decorations and gifts for every holiday and party of the year Unique items you won’t find in the “big box” stores for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, July 4 and many more Visit our
Christmas Room hundreds of ornaments and gifts from your favorite designers: Steinbach, Department 56, Polonaise, Fabriche, Mark Roberts, Hallmark and more.
Light up
We DARE you to enter our
Halloween Room with all things scream-y and scary. Full line of costumes for everyone in the family, including the dog and cat.
EVERY holiday
We have the biggest selection of holiday lights in the Bay Area. If we don’t have precisely what you want, we can custom make most anything for you. All custom lights are commercial grade and come on your choice of green or white cord.
Make a $75 purchase and receive a FREE 100-bulb premium Christmas light set. (Mention this ad, one per customer, offer expires Oct. 31, 2006)
John Sharapata Owner and Clayton Resident Visit our online store: seasonalreflections.com
5434 Ygnacio Valley Road, Ste. 130 in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center on the Washington Blvd. side.
672-4 4425, Open Mon - Sat, 9 - 9
Prabha at 689-2470. Make time for yourself and pay a visit to Fantastic Sams, also at the Vineyard Shopping Center, for a great hair makeover. Manager Teresa Muti and owner Aaron Brinker welcome walk-ins only to Fantastic Sams where a full service salon awaits you. Services include waxing, cut, color and highlights and the prices are affordable. “We cater to the whole family and all haircuts come with complimentary shampoo,” says Teresa. The salon features hair products such as Paul Mitchell, Biosilk and Matrix as well as their own brand. Fantastic Sams has 10 chairs and there’s rarely a wait, but head in early to avoid the holiday rush. Call Sue at 682-8580. By now, you are probably starving and Lisa’s Hot Dogs & Burritos is the perfect place to satisfy your hunger. The restaurant has been at the Vineyard for over 20 years and it is known not only for its scrumptious hot dogs and burritos but also for a truly classic potato salad. Owner Simon O’Sullivan offers indoor and outdoor seating and a variety of specials including tacos, nachos and salads.
Stylish choices for your home, holiday and garden
Melanie's Gifts & Interiors At R&M Pool, Patio and Gardens Distinct collections Finely woven tapestry wall for tablescapes hangings Accent pieces for the Decorative candles, stands kitchen and dining room and holders Luxurious pillows & throws
Find that unique gift or treat yourself to something special 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton
672-0207
(closed Mondays)
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
scrumptious mix of sausage, spinach and eggs. And the Eggs Benedict will delight with its smooth and satiny Hollandaise. This is not your kid’s sub, basil, black olive and sun But there will be a few and there’s nothing ordi- dried tomato pesto…all surprises, as well. Look for a nary about the gourmet homemade. light and luscious Chicken If you’re watching your Piccata, chicken breast sandwiches served up at the new GOURMET SUBS AND carbs, dig into one of sauteed in white wine with MORE. Owner, Sadie Sadie’s garden fresh salads. lemon and capers or a genRangel, had something spe- Try an Oriental Chicken tle salmon with a light cream cial in mind when she Salad of grilled chicken sauce. opened her new sub shop breast with an Oriental Salads will include fresh fruit and the personal favorite of many La Veranda fans, the Insalata D e l l a Reina...baby greens with walnuts and gorgonzola tossed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil And those S u n d a y breakfast traTamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer d i t i o n a l i s t s Treat the family to pizza on the patio at Rocco’s will still be able to order next to the Shell station at dressing or an All American eggs, omelets and butterClayton Road and Ygnacio. Albacore Tuna salad. All milk pancakes from the First, the menu – you’ll dressings are homemade. menu. At this end of Clayton find no less than 25 differAll this is offered at $18 ent sandwiches, served Road’s “fast food row,” this per person, $9 for children either “sub style” or “Panini” family owned and operated 6-12 and free for children style and all calling for eatery is a welcome respite under 6. Price includes nothing but the freshest from MSG and deep fried champagne or sparkling ingredients. Her menu is “stuff.” Priced from $1.99 cider, choice of fresh fruit also “vegetarian and vegan for a cup of homemade juice, dessert and coffee. friendly.” All subs are oven soup to $7.99 for the Brunch is served from 10 baked and all Paninis are biggest Tri Tip Special, a.m. until 2:30 p.m. La Gourmet Subs is as good Veranda is open daily for grilled. For the meat lover in you for your wallet as it is for lunch and dinner and serves try the Tri-Tip House Special— your health. a Northern Italian menu of Located at 5415 Clayton pasta, pizza, chicken, veal oven roasted trip tip served au-jus with provolone for Road at the corner of and fish starting at $8.50 $5.99. If you’re super hungry, Clayton Road and Ygnacio, for Bruchetta with olive oil, size up to $7.99. And the list Gourmet Subs is open fresh tomatoes, garlic and goes on…Chipotle Cheese Mon.-Sat. from 10:30 a.m. basil. Pasta dishes range Steak, Chicken Parmigiano, until 8:30 p.m. Closed on from $9 for Penne The Blue – oven roasted or Sunday. All’arrabiata to $11.75 for This Sunday, treat your- Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. smoked turkey breast, ham, bacon, avocado all topped self to brunch at LA For reservations for with a blue cheese dressing. VERANDA CAFE. brunch, lunch or dinner, call This all inclusive Sunday 524-0011. Or, how about a turkey breast with cranberry sauce and Champagne Brunch will A little more on the casutempt you with some old al side and a great place to cream cheese. Panini lovers can have favorites including a unique take the kids is ROCCO’S their sandwich with garlic, take on the old tried and RISTORANTE at 2909 Joe’s Special--a Ygnacio Valley Road in Cesar or ranch spread or true
Dining Around
Crossword Puzzle
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. And, ROCCO’S NEW SPORTS BAR is now open. With a full bar, 12 big flat screen TVs and LIVE MUSIC, sports fans might just think they’ve found heaven. And for those who need a little break from sports, check out the beautiful new fresh water aquarium behind the bar. See you at Rocco’s.
1- Germinated grain used in brewing 5- Male swine 9- Related by blood 13- Hip bones 14- Grocery lane
15- Twining stem 16- Something that detracts 18- Second letter of the Greek alphabet 19- Burst of speed 20- Strive 22- Thievery 23- Emancipated
24- Abrading tool 26- Recoil 31- As well 34- Burden 37- Tropical eel 38- Reserved 42- Mouthlike opening 43- Casual assent
La Veranda Café Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton Fresh soups, salads, antipasti, pizza and pasta Dinner and lunch daily Brunch on Sunday Children’s menu and take out service available
For reservations call (925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON
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Banquet Rooms Patio Dining
Rocco’s New Sports Bar NOW Open
Locally owned by Rocco Biale & family
Full Bar Available
12 Flat Screens, 16 Draft Beers,
Team Parties
Watch all the games
Corporate Catering
8-10 out of market major league baseball games per night
2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd. at Oak Grove Rd. in Walnut Creek (925) 947-6105 • Fax (925) 947-6106 www.roccospizzeria.com
44- Sorrowful 45- Currency unit of Czechoslovakia 47- Irritate 50- Lend for money 53- Crews 57- Everybody 61- Attractive route 62- Jester 63- In the direction of the length 65- Egyptian goddess of fertility 66- Retract 67- Traditional prayer ending 68- Fruit-filled pie 69- Stalk 70- Easy to steer
DOWN
ACROSS
October 20, 2006
1- Middle 2- First letter of the Hebrew alphabet 3- Brit's bottle measure 4- Import or export duty 5- Mouthpiece of a bridle 6- Bendable twig, usually of a willow tree 7- Isolated 8- Pay as due 9- Swedish pop band whose hits include "Waterloo" 10- Capital of the Ukraine 11- Excited about 12- Close 14- Perform in a play 17- Word that can precede war, biotic and climax
21- Plant problem 23- Boggy 25- John in England 27- Drunkard 28- Pupil's place 29- Tough soap 30- Watched intently 31- Protruding tooth 32- Not fooled by 33- Smell or fragrance 35- Employ, utilise 36- Gaze fixedly 39- Large flightless bird 40- Virile 41- The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet
46- Greek god of the winds 48- Need a scratch 49- Extra time 51- Concerning 52- Psychics claim to have a sixth one 54- Soul 55- Skinflint 56- View 57- Send forth 58- Passport endorsement 59- Islamic chieftain 60- Take a break 61- Pigpen 64- Leg
Solution for 10/6 Crossword
October 20, 2006
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
We can help with personal care, respite care, light housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation & catering personnel.
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Caregivers/CNA’s House cleaners Catering servers Party/kitchen helpers
925.672.0752
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fax: 9 2 5 . 6 7 2 . 2 6 9 4 mobile: 925.457.0954
P.O. Box 688, Clayton, CA
Plan early to prepare pet for new baby Bringing y our new bab y home from the hospital is certainly a jo y for the entire family . Because so m uch happens once the infant ar rives, preparation is a hug e responsibility for pet owners. Fluffy’s introduction to “all things bab y” should begin one
holding Fluffy’s leash and begin using bab y g ates around the house, helping Fluffy adjust to confinement in certain rooms. When unsuper vised, leave Fluffy with plenty of Kongs, chew to ys or other food/to y items to keep her occupied. Consider a refresher course
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call for a free assessment ra
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web: alllovingcare.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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With proper preparation, your dog or cat will welcome the new baby.
month prior to the baby’s arrival. This will prev ent Fluffy from associating the bab y’s ar rival with c hanges to her daily routine. Start accustoming Fluffy to strollers, high c hairs, diapers, cribs and other bab y items. On your walks, push a stroller while
for Fluffy’ s commands of sit, down and sta y. It’s also helpful to teac h a reliable “lea ve it” to prevent baby items from becoming chew toys. Hold the bab y item and sa y “Leave it. ” Wait for Fluffy to look a way. The moment she does, say “Yes!” and reward her
with yummy treats. Work on this command with a variety of baby objects in every room. Teach Fluffy a “quiet” or “no bark” when someone comes to the door. Start by saying “quiet” when Fluffy is not barking and give her a treat. After doing this several times in different rooms and at different times , ask an assistant to ring the doorbell or knock while y ou’re inside with Fluffy. If Fluffy doesn’t bark, say “good quiet” and rew ard her with a treat. If Fluffy barks, say “quiet” and rew ard when she stops barking. Carry a baby doll prior to the real baby’s ar rival to help Fluffy get used to the real McCo y. Pretend to c hange diapers and rock the “bab y” to slee p while Fluffy is calmly lying on the floor. Play with noisy bab y toys or baby recordings to desensitize Fluffy and be sure to rew ard calm behavior and build positive associations. Put baby powder or baby oil on your skin to familiarize Fluffy with baby smells. Prior to bringing the new infant home , send an article of clothing or blank et home to let Fluffy smell the baby. Once you bring y our beautiful baby home, gently introduce
ELENA BICKER
PAWS
AND
CLAWS
the baby to Fluffy. It’s helpful to have Fluffy on leash to prev ent jumping. Try to in volve Fluffy in as many baby moments as possible, by having her in the same room when y ou perfor m y our daily baby tasks. Toss treats or toys to Fluffy while bathing or feeding your baby. Be sure to super vise interactions and nev er force Fluffy to be around the bab y. Always spend quality alone time with Fluffy while the baby is napping to keep the bond strong. With training and patience , adding a baby to your family can be a jo yous time for all members, including the furry ones. Elena Bicker is the Executi ve Dir ector of Tony La R ussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be r eached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)
Find your purrr-fect soulmate at Rodie’s TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Rodie’s Feed on Marsh Creek has placed nearly 80 kittens since they beg an their cat adoption prog ram last Ma y, reports Sarah Rodenburg. Grief stricken b y the loss of her tw o cats, Romeo and Isabella, to the neighbors dogs earlier in the year , Sarah w ent to the
County Animal Ser vices to adopt tw o new kitties and ended up v olunteering to help the County Animal Ser vices de partment place kittens up for adoption. The county brings the kittens to the store on Marsh Creek R oad. Each one is accompanied b y an en velope containing medical and other per tinent infor mation and a photo of the kitten.
The kittens pictured here are all about three months old and are ready for immediate adoption. The two pictured together are littermates. The far left kitty is an orang e tabby male, and his sister is blac k and white with an endearing spot of black on her chin and nose. The single kitten in the other photo is a gray and white tabb y female who lo ves to cuddle. The felines are all ready for immediate adoption. They ha ve all had their shots , been spayed or neutered and micro chipped. Each kitty comes with a certificate for a free veterinary visit. Several v ets in the Cla yton area par ticipate in this prog ram including Monte Vista V eterinary Hospital and Clayton Cat Hospital in the Clayton Station. Adoption fees are $90 for a female and $70 for a male (spa ying is more costly than neutering). Fees for the older cats ma y be less if they ha ve already been spa yed or neutered. For infor mation on ho w you can adopt one of these kittens or cats , call Sarah Rodenburg at 672-4600 or stop by the store at 8863 Marsh Creek Road.
Get rid of E-waste at public collection event
Reem mood deelliinngg R D e c k s Decks Ovveerrhhaannggss O Wiinnd doow wss//D Doooorrss W wnn M Moolld diinngg CCrroow S i d i n g Siding m TTrriim
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
free free estimates estimates
Declan Woods 925.216.2679 Specializing in Bathrooms and Kitchens
General Contractor license# 783799, B, HIC
Noel O’ Meara 925.518.0821
Recommended by “Realtor of the Year” Lynne French
Clayton Resident
Got a g arage full of electronic carcasses? Y ou kno w, those dead computers, printers, televisions, phones, etc that are lying in state, shrouded in black plastic in the bac k of the garage? (Anyone remember the Osborne computer? W ell, we not only ha ve one out in the garage, we still ha ve the software—5 ½ inc h f loppies of Wordstar and Visicalc!) You can’t throw this stuff in the g arbage—it m ust be tak en to a specific E-w aste site. So, it sits in the g arage, waiting for
someone to deliver it to its final resting place. Well, get the car loaded because the Cla yton V alleyConcord Sunrise R otary Club and Uni versal W aste Management are collaborating with the City of Concord and the operators of the Pavilion to provide free Electronic W aste Public Collection Ev ent Oct. 20-22 at the Slee p T rain Pavilion on Kirker Pass Road. You can dispose of your unwanted electronic equipment at no cost and Uni versal Waste Management will see that all the components are recycled. E-Waste includes computers , technology equipment, audio
and video equipment, televisions and telephones. The public collection and recycling of E-Waste is funded by the State of California through a surc harge on new computer components . These fees offset the cost of collecting and recycling electronic waste in order to promote safe and en vironmentally appropriate disposal. Concord residents and businesses that bring their E-Waste to the P avilion will a void expensive fees commonly charged at disposal sites and enable component par ts and materials to be recycled for future use.
The Slee p Train P avilion is located at 2000 Kirk er P ass Road. Collection hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p .m. on F riday, Oct. 20; 9 a.m. to 3 p .m. Sat. and Sun., Oct. 21 and 22. The follo wing equipment will be acce pted for collection: Computers, monitors and components, printers, fax machines, copiers, televisions, VCR and DVD pla yers, toner car tridges, telephone equipment, cellular phones and MP3 pla yers. No appliances, please. For more infor mation, contact Uni versal W aste Management at (510) 428-0512 or visit www.unwaste.com.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 20, 2006
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., OCT. 25 FOR THE NOV. 3 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH OCT. 31 Teen Poster Contest @ Clayton Community Library Attention 6-12 grade students. Illustrate your favorite children’s book. Prizes awarded for first, second and third place. All entries will be displayed at the Clayton Community Library to celebrate Children’s Book Week, Nov. 13-19. Clayton Creekside Artists will judge the entries. Please contact the library for more information. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, 6730659. THROUGH NOV. 5 Macbeth @ Diablo Valley College Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. Macbeth, the last of Shakespeare's four great tragedies, is considered to be his darkest work and one of the most powerful. Director Ed Trujilo has set this supernatural tale of the lust for power in a post-apocalyptic world where civilization is on the precipice of collapse. Tickets are $10 - $15, box office 687-4445. DVC, Performing Arts Center, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. THROUGH NOV. 16 Patty Cakes and Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library Patty Cakes - 11 a.m. Tuesdays, story time for birth to 3 years. No registration required. Picture Book Time - 11 a.m. Thursdays, child may attend without parent. For 3 to 5 year olds. No registration required. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. OCT., 20, 24, 27, 31 Fitness With Jeff @ Diamond Terrace 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 pm. Get a gentle, but effective workout every Tues. and Fri. while meeting new friends. Stretch, tone and strengthen with this fantastic new physical fitness class taught by Jeff Beard, Certified Personal Trainer. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton. OCT. 21 Clayton Valley Kitchen Tour 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Six wonderful and unique kitchens have been selected for the 2006 Kitchen Tour. Maps and brochures will be available at the Clayton City Hall courtyard. The homes will stay open until 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 the day of the tour. The Crafts Group will offer fall boutique items for sale at the courtyard. Proceeds from the tour will benefit local charities and scholarships. Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton. OCT. 22, 29 Music with Lydia @ Diamond Terrace 4 - 5: p.m. For loads of fun celebrating music, join in and enjoy the classics. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton. OCT. 23, 30 Famous Biographies @ Diamond Terrace 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Don't miss this special presentation and discussion group on famous biographies with Cathleen Blatt from Mt. Diablo Adult Education. View movies sure to peak your interest and your memories for exhilarating discussion on some of the world's famous people. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton. OCT. 23 Ballot Propositions Pro and Con - League of Women Voters Forum @ Diamond Terrace Retirement Community 7:30 p.m. The Clayton and Concord Branches of the American Association of University Women are co-sponsoring this opportunity for education regarding the propositions which will appear on the Nov. 7 election ballot. Diamond Terrace Retirement Community 6401 Center St., Clayton. OCT. 24, 31 Famous Literary Works @ Diamond Terrace 5:30-6:30 p.m. Another not-to-miss special presentation and discussion group on Famous Literary Works of our times. Presented by Cathleen Blatt from Mt. Diablo Adult Education. OCT. 25 Classic Movie Night@ Clayton Community Library 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. For young adults and adults. A brilliant silent film adaptation of the VIctor Hugo classic about a deformed bell-keeper. Free, no registration necessary. 673-0659. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. OCT. 26 Orientation to Volunteering at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum 6:30-8 p.m. This free class will provide information about how you can get involved in the work of the museum to help wildlife. To register, please call 925-935-1978 ext 413. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 1st Avenue, Walnut Creek. Oct. 26 Songs to Delight Our Senses @ Diamond Terrace 5:30 p.m. This class is an exploration of music, a must for all music lovers. It is taught by Marsha Joy from Mt. Diablo Adult Education. Enjoy an interactive and entertaining time while learning about all types of music! Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton. OCT. 27, 28, 31 Cursi House of Screams @ 5625 Lewis Way 7 - 10 p.m. The Cursi House of Screams is back for another Halloween in Dana Farms. Admission is free. The self-guided tour snakes through five rooms of horrific pleasure. Watch out for the scary surprises that jump and scream throughout. The eerie strobe lights and smoke machines will keep you on your toes. All ages are welcome, however, not recommended for children under 4. For the faint of heart a less haunting experience can be arranged. Do you dare to enter? 5625 Lewis Way, Dana Farms. Oct. 28 Saturday Matinee Movies @ Clayton Community Library 2 p.m. Watch G-rated gems at the Clayton Community Library - movies perfect for kids or the entire family. Wear your Halloween costume if you like. This animated feature from the creators of Toy Story shows us the life of James P. Sullivan and Mike Wzowski, two monsters who collect and bottle energy by making little kids scream. (89 minutes). Free, no registration required. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. OCT. 28 Pixie Play School Golf Tournament @ Boundary Oaks Golf Club This non-profit preschool is having its First Annual Golf Tournament. Cost per player is $100 and includes green fees, cart, dinner and prizes. Check in begins at 11:30 a.m. For information, reservations or for sponsorship of holes (which is tax deductible advertising) please call 925-689-4030 or
email pixieplayschool@yahoo.com. Boundary Oaks Golf Club, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek. OCT. 29 Diablo Bowmen Archery Club 'Boo Shoot' @ Archery Club, Oaklhill Lane, Mt. Diablo 9 a.m. 'Boo Shoot' / archery swap meet. This is a 42 target cartoon shoot. Anyone interested can register the day of the shoot. For more information about learning archery or joining our club please contact Karen Cook at (925) 439-7783 or Rocky Capehart at (916) 685-4640, or see our website: www.diablobowmen.org. OCT. 30 There is no Such Thing as "No" in Sales @ Clayton Community Library 7 - 9 p.m. Topics include when "no" to you means "yes" for you, why negative prospects can become your best customers. Free workshop presented by Randall Shores, Consultant @ Contra Costa Small Business Development Center. Reservations recommended. Contact the Contra Costa SBDC at 6465377 or cjensen@contracostasbdc.com. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. OCT. 31 26th Annual Ghost Walk @ Endeavor Hall 8 p.m. The Ghost Walk is led by Clayton Historian Richard Taylor. Bring a flashlight for the 10 stop tour, and be ready for appearances by celebrity ghosts. Tour starts and ends at Endeavor Hall. All those who complete the tour get a certificate that states "I Survived the Ghost Tour." NOV. 3 Clayton Historical Society Annual Meeting @ Odd Fellows Hall 6 p.m. The Clayton Historical Society is having its annual meeting, election of officers and potluck supper at Odd Fellows Hall on Cowell Road on Call 672-0240 for details. Odd Fellows Hall, 4349 Cowell Road, Concord. NOV. 4 - DEC. 16 Youth Indoor Soccer league at the Clayton Community Gym League is for children in preschool through fifth grade. Great for all levels, this non-competitive league focuses on fundamentals while having a good time! The games are coached by parent volunteers and are refereed by YMCA staff. All practices and games are played for one hour on Saturdays and game times are scheduled by the YMCA at the Clayton Community Gym. 889-1600, lrookstool@mdrymca.org, 700 Gym Court, Clayton, CA 94517. NOV. 4 Annual Fundraiser to Benefit We Care Services for Children 6 - 11 p.m. Sparkle, shine and enjoy an elegant autumn evening. Proceeds from the gala will benefit We Care's educational and therapeutic programs for young children with developmental and emotional needs. The black tie optional event will feature a reception, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing. Tickets are $85 per person and $765 for a table of ten. Sponsorships are also available from $250 - $1,500. For information or reservations, please contact Barbara Langsdale at (925) 671-0777, ext. 13; or e-mail: langsdale@wecarebmcc.org. Contra Costa Country Club, Pleasant Hill. NOV 4 Orientation to Volunteering @ Lindsay Wildlife Museum 3 - 4:30 p.m. This free class will provide information about how you can get involved in the work of the museum to help wildlife. To register, please call 925-935-1978 ext 413. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 1st Avenue, Walnut Creek. NOV. 5 Valaam Ensemble @ Greek Orthodox Church, Concord 4:30 p.m. This Russian ensemble sings in Russian, Greek and English, with no instrumental backing. Their repertoire consists of liturgical singing, Kievan chants and masterpieces of Greek Church music, folk songs and more. Refreshments offered after the concert in the fellowship hall. Reservations strongly encouraged. Suggested minimum donation is $12. For information call church office at 676-6967. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1955 Kirker Pass Rd. across from the pavilion. NOV. 8 Creekside Artists Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. Come join this unique group of eclectic artists that meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month. If you like, bring your artwork for review...all levels and all art forms are welcome! "We provide an environment for all artists to inspire, create, educate and prosper." Call Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen at (925) 673-9777, or email akikkawa@ccclib.org with questions. NOV. 9, 10, 11, 12 Auditions for Seussical: The Musical @ Contra Costa Christian Theatre Nov. 9 and 10, 7-10 p.m., Nov. 11, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m., Nov. 12, 1 - 4 p.m. Request appointment online at www.ccchristiantheatre.org or call (925) 939-3200 ext. 2. Non AEA. No pay. Roles for men, women and children ages 6-106. Director, Eric Neiman, Executive Producer, Michele Lewandowski, Choreographer, Faith Blevins. All performances will be at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek. Nov. 17, 18 Diablo Ballet's The Tale of Cinderella @ Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA 8 p.m. Diablo Ballet's 2006-2007 Season Gala. The world premiere of The Tale of Cinderella by Nikolai Kabaniaev is a playful, exciting, and a fresh way of telling the story. Opus for a Table, is a whimsical abstract work by Viktor Kabaniaev. To purchase single tickets: Call (925) 943-7469. For more information or season subscriptions: Call (925) 943-1775. Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS OCT. 23 AAUW Meeting @ Diamond Terrace 7:30 p.m. The program will be on voter education, sponsored by both Clayton and Concord branches of AAUW, in conjunction with The League of Women Voters. Contact: Sue Kelson 925 672-0674 or Sheila Driscoll 925 672-7947 for information. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St. Clayton. OCT. 24, 31 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. 24 Clayton Valley Woman's Club Meeting @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m. coffee, 10 a.m. meeting. Plans for the upcoming Clayton Valley Kitchen Tour on Oct. 21 will be discussed. Clayton Valley Woman's Club meets on the second and fourth Tues. of the month. CVWC is a non-profit, non-denominational service organization. Local charities benefit from the donations of time and money made by the club's members. For information, please call Shirley at 672-1163. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. OCT. 25 Blue Star Mom Meeting in Concord 6:30 p.m. Small group Blue Star Mom meetings held the 4th Wednesday of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord. Call 676-3654 for information. OCT. 26 CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association) Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, last non-holiday Thurs. of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. John Rubiales, President. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. OCT. 26, NOV. 2, 9, 16, 23 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thurs. for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker. www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. OCT. 26, NOV. 2, 9, 16, 23 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m.and 5:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in and meeting on Thurs.. 800-326-8450 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. NOV. 2 Sons In Retirement @ Oakhurst Country Club 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. SIRs, which is dedicated to promoting the independence and dignity of retired men, has no initiation fees or dues. The only requirement, other than being a man who is retired from his primary employment or career, is attendance at the monthly luncheons. For more information about joining SIRs, Branch 19, call Al Brunner at 687-0594. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. NOV. 7 Knights of Columbus @ St. Agnes Church Hall 7:30 p.m. General membership meeting of the Knights of Columbus are the first Tues. of the month. We look forward to seeing our brother Knights there. St. Agnes Church, 3478 Chestnut Street, Concord. NOV. 8 Creekside Artists Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. Come join this unique group of eclectic artists that meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month. If you like, bring your artwork for review...all levels and all art forms are welcome! "We provide an environment for all artists to inspire, create, educate and prosper." Call Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen at (925) 673-9777, or email akikkawa@ccclib.org with questions. NOV. 8 Concord Mystery Book Club @ Concord Library 2:30 - 4 p.m. All mystery readers are invited to participate and explore a different genre each month. Group meets the second Sun. of the month. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord, 646-5455. NOV. 8 Clayton Valley Garden Club @ Diamond Terrace 7 p.m. The Clayton Valley Garden Club meets the second Wed. of the month. Every meeting has an informative program concerning some aspect of gardening. The speakers for Nov. will be Laura and David Osteen of the Secret Garden Plant, Nursery, and Landscape business of Clayton. Laura and David will discuss how all of their plants are grown locally from seed to promote more successful growth in the Concord, Clayton climate. Anyone interested in gardening is welcome at our meetings. Call Jeff at 672-7579 or Barry at 827-9540 for information. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT OCT. 23 Landscape District Meetings @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. Because Measure M was voted down in 2005, the Landscape District will expire in June 2007. There will be no funds available for irrigation or maintenance of public landscape when that occurs. The public is invited to join us for these very important meetings. Clayton Community Library, Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. OCT. 24, 31, NOV. 7, 14, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tues. mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. OCT. 24, NOV. 14, 28 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd and 4th Tues. of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION NOV. 2 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Clayton Valley High School Library 7 p.m. Come to the first CVHS PFC meeting of the school year. Meet the Principal, Gary Swanson, and learn more about CVHS. If you have a topic you would like to see on the agenda, please contact President Melinda Moore at 672-0930 or e-mail melindammoore@yahoo.com. Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. NOV. 14 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 9 a.m. Meeting to be held in the Community Room next to the gym. All parents welcome. Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton.
October 20, 2006
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Everyone is Invited to
EST FESTIVAL V R A H at Crossroads! Tuesday, Oct. 31st, 6 a.m - 9 p.m. Bring the whole family. Free for all ages.
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Club News DVMS students know how their g arden grows
Carnival Games, Jump Houses, Giant Slide & lot s & lots of candy! Free B-B-Q dinner and family photos
Food and Fun for the Whole Family! For more information contact
Crossroads Covenant Church (925) 798-5905
5353 Concord Blvd.
(corner of Concord Blvd. & Kirker Pass Rd.)
TAMARA STEINER/CLAYTON PIONEER
DVMS garden project students accept $500 check from the Clayton Garden Club and CBCA. Pictured: Back row: Cassie Beretta, Jean Metzker, Ulyssis Pacheco, Jacob Cabero, Jenna O’Brien, Steven Hobbs, Sean Olacsi, Juliana Lopez, Joel Sanders, Jeff Glassauer of the Garden Club; Front row: Massiel Lopez (in wheelchair), Gio Rivera (behind Massiel), Kevin Dalmacio, Jared Murray, Kim Lewis, Matthew Williams (on Lewis’ lap), Marissa Leman, Amanda Vanderstraeten, LeeAnn Sanders, and Garden Club’s Co-Presidents Marcia Hart and JoAnn Caspar.
AAUW
Fri., Nov. 3 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Nov. 4 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Craft Items Bake Sale Luncheon Raffle Treasures and Collectibles Ample parking behind church
Concord United Methodist Church
e-mail: concordumc@sbcglobal.net
www.concordumc.org
The ballot propositions - pro and con will be discussed by The League of Women Voters at a for um on Mon. Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Cla yton and Concord Branc hes of the American Association of University Women are co-sponsoring this opportunity for education for the propositions whic h will appear on the No v. 7 election ballot. All interested persons are in vited to attend and receive clarification on the sometimes complex aspects of the propositions. The forum location is Diamond T errace Retirement Comm unity 6401 Center St. Clayton. The American Association of University Women has a history of involvement with v oter education issues , and the two local branc hes will assure that this forum is w orthwhile and infor mative. For further infor mation, please contact Sue Keller 672-0674 or Sheila Driscoll 6727947.
1645 West St. (Between Clayton Rd. & Concord Blvd.)
CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB
CVWC will host a special social meeting on Tues. Oct. 24 with a trip to J ohn Muir Women’s Health Center, 1656 N California Blvd, Walnut Creek, for a presentation b y Evon Shipley, Cardiac Nurse Coordinator , on hear t disease and the prev ention of heart attacks. The program will begin at 10 a.m. and attendees will also ha ve a c hance to lear n more about the Health Center , which offers many ser vices specifically for women. Members and guests will meet at 9 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Churc h, 1092 Alberta W ay, Concord, and car pool from there. Please call Millie Graham at (925) 672-1868 to reser ve your spot, as space is limited. CVWC is a non-profit, non-denominational ser vice org anization that is open to all women interested in c haritable work in the Cla yton V alley comm unity. Meetings are held on the second and four th Tuesday of the month. The regular October business meeting will be on October 10 at Holy cover topics from parenting/grandparenting, grief and loss , finding freedom from addictions and the c hildren of aging parents. See ad this page for schedule. A new c hoir, drama, arts and crafts and recreation program has begun. The program is for ag es 3 – Kinderg arten, from 4:30 – 6 p.m., and for 1st – 6th graders from 3:30 – 6 p.m. $1 each week for dinner. Registration is $30 for the year . For more infor mation call Marilyn at 925-685-5260.
Church News CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH
Our fall y outh g roups have star ted. The Junior High g roup meets ev ery T hurs. in Diablo View Middle Sc hool’s Multi-Use room from 7 - 8:30 p .m. The High Sc hool group meets every Thurs. from 8 - 9 p.m. at our do wntown office at 6055 Main St., Clayton. Call T obey Nic hols, Jr. High Director, 673-2156, or Rick Nylund, Pastor of Student Ministries , 673-2163 for more information. CCC meets every Sunday at Diablo View Middle School at 9 and 10:45am.
CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
There will be a membership class on Sun. Oct. 29, 12 - 1:30 p.m. led by Pastor Rob and Felicia O’Connor . You will lear n more about the ministries of Concord UMC and a bit of the United Methodist history. Call the church office at 925-685-5260. UMC will have a special perfor mance by Sharon D. Henderson, a spirit-filled v ocalist at the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services on Oct. 15. Sunday mor ning suppor t g roups will
CROSSROADS COVENANT CHURCH
Crossroads Har vest Festival will be held 6 - 9 p.m. on Tues. Oct. 31, Halloween night. There will be a free BBQ dinner , jumpie houses, giant slides , carnival g ames, candy, and family pictures . Bring the whole family , everyone is welcome. The Harvest Festival is free. Crossroads Co venant Churc h, 5353 Concord Blvd., Concord, 925-798-5905.
DIAMOND TERRACE
Interfaith Dev otions: Please join us on the first Sunday of each month for devotional readings and pra yers from v arious religious traditions . Bring y our o wn fa vorite readings or prayers. Music and refreshments are pro vided. The next meeting will be on
CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Come join us for these ongoing programs
Sunday Morning Support Groups
“Parenting and/or Grandparenting” . . . . . . . . . . .1st Sunday “A journey through Grief and Loss” . . . . . . . . . .2nd Sunday “Finding Freedom from Addictions” . . . . . . . . . . .3rd Sunday “Children of Aging Parents” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4th Sunday
Harvest Festival,
Saturday, Oct. 21, 12 - 5 p.m., Oglesby Hall
Games galore for kids! Cake Walk Hay Rides Bounce House Food too! Hot dogs Nachos Cheese dogs Root beer floats Proceeds to benefit The Bay Area Crisis Nursery Concord United Methodist Church
1645 West Street, Concord For more information call Marilyn at (925) 685-5260
Generous donations from the Cla yton Valley Garden Club , the Cla yton Business and Community Association and local merchants have made it possible for students at Diablo View Middle Sc hool to enhance a former barren patch of ground with raised garden beds whic h are already sprouting flowers and vegetables. Parents and students provided the muscle po wer and parent ar tist, Laurie Bo yle added the whimsical sign to inspire their green thumbs. The Student Garden Project will be maintained by students in full time special education as par t of their science cur riculum but regular education students ha ve been eag er to w ork alongside to see the beautiful results . Teachers and staff have also commented on the impro vement to a once neglected strip of dirt. Project coordinator , LeeAnn Sanders says “I hope this is only the beginning of a campus beautification mo vement that serves as an educational tool for science , as well as providing many hours of enjoyment for the special education students at Diablo View.” Cross Lutheran with coffee beginning at 9:30 am and the meeting starting at 10 a.m.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Knights will be shaking the can for their Annual Tootsie Roll drive to help the intellectually disabled and physically handicapped in the comm unity. The proceeds from the campaign help support those programs in the Cla yton and Concord Communities suc h as W e care , Special Olympics, Challenger League Baseball Division, and others. The proceeds sta y in the comm unity. The Knights will be at Clayton Station Safew ay, K-Mart, and Safeway at Denking er/Clayton Rd. Help support those who suppor t the comm unity. Don’t forg et y our T ootsie R oll, and please give generously. Knights of Columbus, Concord Council 6038 general membership meeting is on the first T ues. of the month at St. Agnes Church Hall, 3478 Chestnut Street, Concord. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. Sun. Nov. 5, 10 a.m. on the topic of Unity of Religion. Diamond T errace R etirement Community, 6401 Center Street, Movie Room.
ETERNAL LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH
On Oct. 29 members of Eternal Life will gather with other Bay area WELS Lutherans at Apostles Lutheran Churc h, San Jose, for the annual Bay Area Reformation Service. It is a time to celebrate and proclaim the g reat truths that embodied the Lutheran Reformation of the 16th Century: Members of the Eternal Life choir will also be par t of a Reformation Festival Choir. The Lutheran Reformation will also be celebrated locally at Eternal Life in the mor ning service on Sun. Nov. 5. Midweek Bible study is onWednesdays at 7:15 p.m. This fall the study is on the Book of Revelation. All are in vited to the regular Sunda y schedule of study and w orship: Sunday School and Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11:15a.m. Eternal Life Lutheran Churc h is located at 5554 Cla yton Rd., Suite 1B , in Concord. Please call 524-0295, or visit the church w ebsite at www.EternalLifeLutheranChurch.org for more information.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 20, 2006
Final stops: Tower of London and Westminster Abbey Americans often think of the United Kingdom in ter ms of romantic novels, fair y tales of jousting knights and faithless queens and distant images of craggy cliffs and hilltop castles. While much has changed to moder nize this tiny country (smaller than the state of Oregon), there is still enough of all that is very old to satisfy even the most passionate history buff. Come with me as I wrap up my trip with visits to tw o of London’s most famous tourist attractions. Harrod’s department store. JEANNA ROSS However, one of my concesSpecial to the Pioneer sion to the ob vious w as a ride After exploring the countr y- on the London Eye , the enorerris side, I made it a point to fill m y mous 443-foot high F wheel on the South Bank of the days in London with the Thames River. absolutely necessar y jaunts I do suffer from mild acrowithout delving into those phobia, but the Eye’s completelocales specifically reser ved for ly enclosed pods of glass and tourists. steel (including a steel – not I didn ’t tak e the “J ack the Ripper” tour, as most of the glass – f loor) mo ve at a nearly indecipherable 0.26 meters per structures imperati ve to the story are no long er standing . I second. The only w ay to kno w for sure that I w as rising at all avoided the “London was to check my progress to the Dungeon,” which appeared to top. be a haunted house disguised as The views w ere incredible , a histor y lesson about the city’ s gruesome past. I refused to step but after about 10 min utes (of foot into Madame T ussauds the 30-min ute ride), I had seen Wax Museum (I did not tra vel everything. In retrospect, I wish 5,000 miles to see more imag es I’d bought the viewing guide , of American celebrities). And I available at the tic ket booth. It spent only a few moments in the would have cleared up the m ystery of the “don ut building,” a famed F ood Halls of the 4.5 acre shopping pilgrimage that is grand white str ucture with a spherical cour tyard in the middle that I couldn’t identify as the Government Offices and Cabinet War Rooms until after I returned home to m y Inter net access. For my British-history loving self, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey w ere m ustsees. It w as another sur real, incredible moment to stand beside the coffins of Elizabeth I (buried directly abo ve her arc hrival and sister Bloody Mar y) and Mar y, Queen of Scots (Elizabeth’s Catholic competition and cousin, buried directly across Henry VII’s Lady Chapel Tomb of Mrs. Nightingale, by in an equally g rand manner b y Roubillac in Westminster Abbey her son, the new King James I).
The Beefeaters used to guard the Tower of London. Today they work mostly as visitor guides.
Photos courtesy of Jeanna Ross
An architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, Westminster Abbey also presents a unique pageant of British history. My favorite piece b y far w as the tomb of Mrs. Nightingale, by R oubillac. Though she w as simply a loved wife who died in childbirth, the hor rifying scene depicts a death sk eleton emerging from a blac k bo x on the floor and twisting about to face a frightened couple , its shroud falling away to reveal the bones underneath. Awesome. Through all these scenes of grief, the m uch-copied and filmed coronation c hair presided reg ally (in all its centuries-old, graffitied glor y and, of course, missing the coronation stone) while I paid homag e to m y fa vorite authors , composers and ar tists in P oet’s Corner. Near the exit, the Grave
of the Unkno wn Warrior is as touching as his American counterpart in Arlington. The T ower of London housed the bones of many more queens and kings , though most suffered m uch more controversial deaths than those in Westminster. The c hapel f loor alone houses the bones of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Ho ward (two of Henry VIII’ s wi ves), Lady Jane Grey (teen-age queen for nine da ys before Mar y Tudor w on the w ar) and Thomas More (who refused to accept Henr y VIII as head of the Church of England). The to wer complex also houses the British Cro wn Jewels, including tiaras so laden
with precious stones that the castle must employ its o wn chiropractor after ritual ceremonies, along with an impressive display of armaments. One guess whic h I found more engrossing. Strutting about the landscape w as a family of eight enormous ravens, some the size of Thanksgiving turk eys. They form part of an ancient leg end: If the ra vens ev er lea ve, the White T ower will cr umble and the monarc hy falls . Leaving nothing to chance, the modernday ra vens, all of which bear ancient names , have clipped wings and live mostly indoors. Their protectors , as with everything associated with the
tower, are the Yeoman Warders, also kno wn as the Beefeaters . They are a tourist attraction in their o wn right, guiding daily tours through the to wer, greeting guests and lending distinct color to the g risly history. I had three different Beefeaters on my one-hour tour and their shouted banter and loving insults (to co-w orkers and tourists alik e) w ere a highlight of the trip. As with every location in the city, the abbey and to wer come with their o wn gift shops . It’s worth sor ting through the kitsch, since buried treasures do emerge (I brought home a duffel bag). However, the greatest memories of this trip do not reside in coasters or sw eatshirts. Instead, I kept an envelope of fliers, ticket stubs , programs, and maps that – combined with m y copious photos and jour nals – will continue to jog m y memory for decades to come. That is, at least until I can return to continue my explorations.
“Look Who’s Selling Clayton!” HELP-U-SELL REAL ESTATE SERVICES
visit us online at
helpusell.com
4918 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94521 (925) 680-4950
1411 Nicolas Drive
I worked in the Escrow and Title field for a number of years and had the opportunity to meet many of the top agents in the industry. I would without hesitation list my agent among them. He was efficient and professional, and kept me updated constantly. Matthew went over and beyond my expectations. Thank you, Matthew, for making this such a wonderful experience. Your client for life, -Zina Docto
vacy Charm & Pri
PENDING!
$554,900
$350,000
923 Arrowhead Terrace
$675,000
Dream Entertainer’s
4661 Sugarland Circle
$709,000
Concord
Pleasant Hill
Clayton
Concord
3 Bedrooms, 2 Updated Baths, 1,092 SF, The Beautiful Gardens and Sparkling Pool Allow Out Entertaining, Dual Pane Windows, New Carpet, Updated Baths and Ceiling Fans in all Rooms, Oversized Lot, 2 Car Garage, Close to Bart, Waling Distance to Schools and Park. Great Location!
1 Bedroom, 1 Baths, 888 SF. Spacious, Great Corner Location. Alcove for Home Office, Dual Pane Windows, Inside Laundry, , Nicely Landscaped, 1 Car Garage w/Additional Parking Space, Walk Path to Pool and Park, Close to Shopping, Schools, HWY, and DVC.
3 Bedrooms & 2 1/2 Baths, 1,904 SF Beautiful Panoramic View, Master Bedroom with His and Her Closets, Light and Bright Living Area with Spectacular Views, Vaulted Ceilings, Gorgeous Hardwood Floors Throughout Kitchen and Dining Room, Separate Laundry Room, Just Steps from the Pool Area and Playground. Don’t Miss this one!
4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1,917 SF, Kitchen Remodeled in 2004, Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Counter Tops, New Paint Inside and Out, Remodeled Backyard with Spa, New Backyard Fencing, Walnut Creek Schools, Walk to Pool, Playground, and Park
! aved $2,603 Sold! Seller S
Updated!
ncher Charming Ra
Home Country Style
4154 Chaban Drive
$609,000
1591 Ellis Street # 214
$329,000
1747 Lemonwood Drive
$535,000
5023 Kenmore Drive
$490,000
Concord
Concord
Concord
Concord
Gorgeous updated home w/sparkling Pool and Large Backyard, With Beautiful Gardens, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Updated Baths, Granite Counters in Kitchen w/eating Area. Well Maintained, Dual Pane Windows and Doors, Move-In Condition.
2 Bedrooms, 2 Bath Condo, With Marble Flooring in Entry, Kitchen, Dining Room and Both Bathrooms. Granite Kitchen Countertops with Granite Backsplash, New Carpet and Paint, Refrigerator Included.
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1,288 SF. This Charming Home is on Quiet Street in a Great Neighborhood. Dual Pane Windows, Dual Brick Fireplace, Huge Landscaped Backyard Includes Play set, Stone Patio, Great for Entertaining. Close to Shopping and Starbucks and Schools.
3 Bedrooms, 1 Baths, 1,301 SF., This Wonderful Home is Well Maintained, Dual Pane Windows Spacious Floor Plan, Nice Sized Rear Yard, Ceiling Fans, Appliances Included, Central Heat and Air, Don’t Miss This One!
! Priced to Sell
e Elegant Hom
! Just Reduced
0! aved $25,05 Sold Seller S
3806-B Willow Pass Road $315,000
Sell Fast! Save Money
100 Suntree Lane Unit 105
View Outstanding
765 Parkway Drive
$574,950
Concord
Martinez
2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, 900 SF, Ground Floor Condo. Inside Laundry, Low HOA Dues, Only $197 a Month, Close to Shopping, Freeway Access. Priced Below Last Sell. In Great Neighborhood.
3 Bedroom, 2.5 Baths, 1,639 SF Home Built in 1993, Gorgeous Modern Kitchen, Dual Pane Windows Through-Out, Landscaped Front and Back Yards, Hardwood and Tile Flooring, New Carpet Upstairs, Full Sized Laundry Room Includes Washier and Dryer, Community Pool and Club House.
1295-A Kenwal Road
$325,000
1705 Greer Ave.
$550,000
Concord
Concord
2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, 915 SF. New Paint Throughout, New Wall to Wall Carpeting and Upgraded Linoleum, Updated Kitchen with New Counter Tops, Appliances Included, Dual Pane Windows, Vaulted Ceilings Recessed Lighting, Central Air and Heat, Indoor Laundry Closet, Washier and Dryer Included, Community Pool and Club House.
3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, 1,072 SF. Newly updates kitchen with wood cabinets, gas range, disposal, microwave, and pantry. Dining area with patio doors leading to large patio. Additional patio adjacent to bedroom and garage. Single car garage with work bench, side yard access and dog run!
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.
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Visit our office at 4918 Clayton Road