SEP 09 Clayton Pioneer 2005 by Pioneer Publishers

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

City names new chief of police

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

September 9, 2005

925.672.0500

Firefighters avert disaster in MTR fire TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

For Dan Lawrence, coming to Clayton as the new police chief is a bit like coming home. A graduate of Clayton Valley High School, Class of ’65, Lawrence’s law enforcement career has spanned more than 30 years, most of it with the Contra Costa County Sheriff ’s Department. The last six years of his career were spent as police chief of Orinda which contracts with the

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Morgan

AIR

DAN LAWRENCE

County for their police services. Lawrence is the current president of the Orinda Rotary Club. After retiring from the Sheriff ’s department two years ago, Lawrence signed on as chief of the Contra Costa Community College police service. “It’s a great job,” said Lawrence, “But I really want to be chief of a small town force and Clayton is so close to where I was raised, it’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’ve watched it grow and I really want to be part of the community.” It was this expressed desire that cinched the deal for City Manager, Gary Napper. Aside from being highly qualified for the job, Lawrence was eager for the position. “I didn’t want someone coming in who just wanted the title and then would move on,” said Napper. “I

See Chief, page A12

What’s inside SECTION A Around Town . . . . . . . . . .A2 Upcoming Events . . . . . . .A4 Classifieds and Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . .A5 School News . . . . . . . . . . . .A7 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . .A8 Sharing History . . . . . . . . .A9 Music Notes . . . . . . . . . . .A13 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . .A13 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . .A14 Food For Thought . . . . . .A15 SECTION B Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .B1 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 Dining Around . . . . . . . . . .B4 Community Calendar . . . . .B6 Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . .B7 Just My Opinion . . . . . . . . .B7 Church News . . . . . . . . . . .B8 Pet Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9 Tea For You . . . . . . . . . . .B10

TANKERS DROP FIRE RETARDANT

and ground crews respond aggressively to save threatened homes in Morgan Territory fire.

Principals old and new share vision JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

With the first day of school jitters out of the way, the three principals of our local schools take time to talk about their goals, impressions and personal aspirations for the new year ahead.

Linda Hutcherson Mt. Diablo Elementary School

Gary Swanson Clayton Valley High School

Michelle Cooper Diablo View Middle School

Linda Hutcherson likes to think of herself more as a student than as an administrator at Mt. Diablo Elementary School. As the new principal, she recently wrote a welcome to the students and parents and asked them “don’t you just love being a lifelong learner?” In fact her goal for her first year at Mt Diablo is a humble one. “The first year, I’m dedicated to being a learner,”

The new Clayton Valley High School principal has only been on the job for a little over a month and he likes what he sees. Gary Swanson is impressed with the staff, teachers and facility and he says he has “great aspirations for what this school can become.” Much like his other colleague, MDES principal Linda Hutcherson, Swanson wasn’t

Unlike her colleagues at Clayton Valley and Mt. Diablo, Michelle Cooper is a veteran, starting her fourth year as principal of Diablo View Middle School. When she first became principal three years ago, she developed five goals that she felt enhanced the DVMS vision which includes preparing students to become respectful, responsible, and ethical

See Hutcherson, page A11

See Swanson, page A11

See Cooper, page A11

August 27 was a hot, dry Saturday afternoon and I was sitting on the deck at our house on Morgan Territory Road with a big glass of iced tea, mostly relaxing. I say mostly, because, as always on a really hot, dry day, that niggling little voice in the back of my mind wouldn’t stay quiet. “Wow,” said Voice, “it’s really hot—sure hope we don’t have a fire.” “Quiet, Voice,” I said, “Don’t even think it.” Then, less than two hours later, the first of more than a dozen fire trucks and emergency equipment began to whiz past my house, sirens blaring and lights blazing. Standing in our driveway, the adrenaline reached epic levels as my husband and I, who clearly remember watching the 1978 Mt. Diablo fire burn up 7000 acres within spitting distance from our house, watched the smoke rise across the road and the tankers circle above our heads. We jumped into the car and headed up the road toward the smoke to get a closer look.

See Fire, page A6

City to review Market plans TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Plans for the remodel of the Village Market downtown should go before the Planning Commission at the September 13 meeting, says Community Development Director Jeremy Graves. He expects it will take the Planning Commission two to three meetings to review the plans and all conditions before giving the project the green light. There are also some property line encroachment issues with the City of Clayton, which surfaced after the corner was surveyed for the park. The

See Market, page A6

Rollin’ on down Main Street, classic derby style JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Ready. Set. Go. And they were off, racing down Main Street in Clayton in the second annual Great Labor Day Derby. Youngsters of all ages donned a protective helmet, jumped in a sponsored car, were pulled up the ramp and once released, raced their opponent to the finish line adjacent to Clayton Community Church. The derby race was the brainchild of CCC’s pastor Shawn Robinson who wanted to give families something fun to do over the Labor Day Weekend. Last year’s event was a rousing success and this year’s race doubled in size said Chuck Bidondo, one of 64 event volunteers.

Pre-event festivities included classic car show preview, sponsor’s dinner and concert. Local businesses came out in droves to provide beautiful handpainted, flashy cars bearing the sponsors’ names for the young racers. Evan Barney, 6 ½ years old, raced in the IMC car, one of the event’s main sponsors. “I’m excited,” he said as he waited to be pulled up the ramp. “ I want to go really fast.” Evan trailed his opponent in the first heat and won his second heat after a near wipe out. Volunteers had their work cut out as they ran after and saved young racers from imminent crashes throughout the day. In between age divisions,

See Derby, page A10

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

SHAWN ROBINSON

AND

DAVE SHUEY

ON THE RAMP,

ready for their fight to the finish race down Main St.

Page A2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 9, 2005

Around Town Cheryl Avila and Chris Mott married in garden wedding

Penny Morton wins at Bingo Tea Party

Englund’s Tea Cottage owner, Pam Barnett, presents a $50 gift certificate and handmade quilt to Penny Morton of

Clayton. Penny, a weekly visitor to Clayton’s only tearoom, was the winner at last Sunday’s Bingo Tea Party.

Linzi Kohler in the running for ET red carpet spot Watch the Emmy Awards this Sunday and you might see Clayton’s own Linzi Kohler walking the red carpet with the stars. Linzi is one of five finalists in a national contest sponsored by Caress Skin Care and Entertainment Tonight to select one special Caress Confidante to walk the red carpet and meet her favorite celebrities at the 57th Annual Emmy Awards on September 11. Linzi was chosen for her “passion for fashion, self-assured style, and gorgeously glowing skin,” announced Caress representative Amy Levins. If she wins, she’ll not only walk the red

carpet with the stars, she’ll stay at a posh Beverly Hills hotel, have a luxury limousine at her disposal and be a guest at a number of star-studded events. Linzi hopes for a career that combines her love of fashion with entertainment. “I buy all the fashion and entertainment magazines,” she said, “and when I saw the Caress contest announcement I thought, this is for me.”

Iron Warriors ride to Clayton for charity CHER AND CHRIS MOTT

Cher and Chris Mott exchanged wedding vows at their Dana Hills home under sunny skies and amidst a beautiful backyard garden at the foot of Mt. Diablo. The July 16 wedding brought family and friends to their home on Mt. Duncan to celebrate an afternoon wedding. In attendance were Cher’s daughter Aubrie Rose, age 11 and son Christopher, 13 and Chris’ son, 10-year old Austin. Cher’s maid of honor was her sister, Susan Bauer and the best man was Chris’s brother, Page. When Chris and Cher first saw their future home on Mt. Duncan, they immediately envisioned their marriage in the backyard and wrote a letter to

the owners about their “dream house” and wedding plans. When they purchased the home, they began their remodeling plans which took 10 months. Chris worked day and night alongside his brother, Matt to transform the home into a show place. Chris and Cher met for the first time on the Delta at Ski Beach. Cher’s favorite name is Christopher and the two immediately hit it off. Pastor Glen Biles of the Open Bible Church in Pittsburg, a longtime friend and neighbor of the Mott family performed the ceremony and his son Dave, was the photographer. Cher is a co-administrator of Riverview Middle School where Chris attended as a youngster.

The Iron Warriors came riding into town on their Harleys on Saturday, Aug. 27 for a worthy cause. The organization, comprised of active and retired law enforce-

ment officers and firefighters, hosted the fundraiser on Main Street in front of the Clayton Club Saloon, owned by Darrell Young, an active Iron Warrior. The East Bay Chapter of the

IRON WARRIORS rode from Pittsburg to the Clayton Club Saloon to raise money for charity.

Iron Warriors raised money for the International Wheelchair Foundation and the Fallen Officers Fund. With over 35 chapters and 550 members nationwide, Iron Warriors hosts regular monthly meetings and social events throughout the year.

IRON WARRIOR DARRELL YOUNG takes a break from the heat.

LINZI KOHLER

The 2003 CVHS grad was a cheerleader in high school and for the CVAA Falcons, and swam on the Dana Hills Swim team as a youngster. She is the daughter of Mike and Caryl Kohler of Clayton and has three sisters, Stacy, Kylie and Kara. Linzi works at the Bing Crosby Restaurant in Walnut Creek while attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, The five finalists faced the final round of judging by a celebrity panel last week. ET had not yet announced the winner at the time this issue went to press. You can see her two-minute video on the Entertainment Tonight Web site at et.tv.yahoo.com, click on Caress Confidante.

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

Live Oak, Concord - This 4 bedroom, 2.5 single family home at the end of a cul-de-sac. Many recent upgrades throughout, Granite counters, tile in kitchen and baths and marble entry. Enjoy the community pool and rec. center, walk to shopping and parks.

Kirkwood Estates, Concord - Beautifully updated this 3 bedroom 2 bath home with newer H/Ac unit and roof. Kitchen with Laminate counter, Italian tile, both bathrooms have been updated with Granite and hardwood flooring throughout this home.

Black Diamond, Clayton - lovely duet in secluded location on a large lot. 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths has a inviting master suite with walk in closet, living room with fireplace custom mantel, hardwood flooring , Plantation Shutters and more.

Silver Creek, Clayton - Stunning home with 4 bedrooms plus a den and 3 full baths. Gourmet kitchen w/corian counters, cherrywood cabinets and breakfast nook. Slate entry, Brazilian, cherry hardwood flooring and dual pane windows. Large backyard with views of $849,980 Mt. Diablo.

Jeffry Ranch, Clayton - 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, w/4th bed could be used as an in-law unit with it's own entrance. Numerous upgrades including Pergo flooring, custom paint, ceramic tile counters and flooring, ceiling fans and custom built-ins. Large lot on a court with RV parking, hot tub, patio and deck. $799,980

Regency Meadows, Clayton - At the end of this culde-sac you will fine this beautiful 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath single story home behind a private gate. Large court yard, pool/spa and built in Barbeque for entertaining.

Windmill, Clayton - Crandall Model with room addition, 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths shows bright and airy. Hardwood flooring in living room and bonus room, large beautiful yards.

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REE ging F s r e f of Sta Lynne rofessional 's ited P her listing d e r c c ll A with a

September 9, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A3

Around Town Sara Stothers weds Yunos Ahmady is employed by Pfizer. The reception was a sit down dinner and entertainment included performances by Afghan dancers to celebrate the blending of the two cultures. After dinner the bride selected “You Raise Me Up” as the father-daughter dance song. Sara’s father, Keith, was touched by the selection and spent this time sharing special thoughts and wisdom with her. The bride’s color theme was “espresso brown and princess pink” which was highlighted by a beautiful wedding cake, centerpieces, candles, favors and napkins. A combination of American and Afghan music played thoughout the evening. The Afghan dancers encouraged everyone to join in. After the last dance there was the “Henna Ceremony” in which many guests participated. The couple honeymooned in Greece touring Athens, Myconos and Santorini and they reside in San Ramon.

SARA STOTHERS AND YUNOS AHMADY

Sara Stothers of Clayton and Yunos Ahmady of San Ramon were married June 25 on the terrace of The Cliff House overlooking Seal Rock in San Francisco. The reception moved inside to the Terrace Room. Sara was attended by her twin sister Lisa True and sister Kim DeVera. Yunos’ groomsman was his brother, Azim Ahmady. The bride’s parents are Keith and Carol Stothers of Clayton, the groom’s parents are Yusof Ahmady and Habiba Rahim. The bride wore an elegant strapless silk wedding gown with a drop waist accented with

swarovski crystals and pearls. Her veil was her “something borrowed” from Erica Karol with whom Sara has been friends for 25 years. Her bouquet was a made of white cala lilies and white casablanca lilies. The bride’s attendants wore sleeveless drop waist euroberry satin gowns and carried bouquets with pink cala lilies and pink roses. Sara graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 1993 and Cal State Hayward. She currently works for the YMCA. Yunos graduated from Concord High School in 1993, St. Mary’s College in 1999 and

Looking to

REFINANCE?

Summer fun at the museum Elise Canevascini, a middle-school volunteer at the Clayton Historical Museum, thought the museum should be an interesting and interactive place for school-age children to visit. With that in mind, she helped Mary Spryer, curator, and members of the museum education committee to plan and execute a summer fun morning at the museum on August 17. Along with help from other young volunteers, Jason Fernandes, Kristin Gleason, Ashley MARY SPRYER SHOWS HER STUDENTS (from left) Emily Wright, Juliana Poston, Kirsten Canevascini, Kiran Shastri, Trevor McLean, Kyle Arango and Spryer, and directed Jessica Weston how to play pick up sticks. by Mary Spryer, Elise’s idea came to life. with children during Joel to plan future events open to Children played games such as Clayton’s time. After old-time all school-age children. Don’t miss the current jacks and marbles, popular refreshments of lemonade and chocolate chip cookies, chil- WWII exhibit now on display dren constructed “Jacob’s at the Clayton Museum. Ladders”, a puzzle toy enjoyed Hours 2-4, Wednesdays and Sundays and by appointment. by children of all ages. With the success of this Call for information, 925-672initial program, the museum 0240 or visit the website at education committee hopes www.claytonhs.com.

Sharon and Larry Swint meet granddaughter Eden Eden Grace Levy-Swint, the first child for parents Brad Swint and Alissa Levy of Pleasant Hill, was born July 7 at John Muir Hospital. Baby Eden weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz., and was 19 ½ inches long. The baby arrived right on time, with a head full of black hair. Paternal grandparents Larry and Sharon Swint live in Clayton. Maternal grandparents are Phyllis Levy and the late Marvin Levy, of Walnut Creek.

What’s happening around town? Know someone that’s getting married? Graduating? Did you vacation somewhere interesting or celebrate an anniversary lately? Is there a new baby in town? Has someone you know received an award or been honored for something? Send your “Around Town” news item to tamara@claytonpioneer.com, or go to www.claytonpioneer.com for event announcement forms. EDEN LEVY-SWINT

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Page A4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Upcoming Events

everyone is welcome. Gloves, trash bags and small tools will be provided. There will also be bulb planting in various landscape/open space areas. Meet at City Hall in Clayton. For more information call City Hall at 673-7300.

911 MEMORIAL

This Sunday, September 11, Contra Costa County Consolidated Fire District, Station 11 on Center Street in Clayton will host their annual memorial service honoring the men and women who lost their lives in the World Trade Center disaster four years ago. The service will be held at the station beginning at 10 a.m. amidst a backdrop of 343 American Flags representing each firefighter killed in action. Station 11’s Captain Dave George will lead the service.

GREEK FESTIVAL

FALL CLAYTON CLEANS UP

Get ready to clean up Clayton on Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-noon. Help clean Clayton’s creeks, parks, trails and landscaping. Individuals, homeowner associations and neighborhood groups, service clubs;

Est.1972

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Roofing

OKTOBERFEST

The Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association, is back for its second year with new additions. The event takes place on Oct. 1 and 2 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. The event on Main Street in downtown Clayton features “The Internationals” who will play nonstop from 1 p.m. each day. Bring your polka shoes. There will also be plenty of German-style food with a variety of sausages and American food items. And for the thirsty ones, Oktoberfest will offer imported German beer, premium California wines, sodas and fresh lemonade. Kids will enjoy Kinderland and a Rootbiergarten. The event will feature many fine arts and craft booths. You can also win a cruise for two, among other prizes to be raffled throughout the event. There is free admission and parking. Proceeds support youth athletics, scout troops, police reserves, the Clayton library, town beautification, youth scholarships and many other worthwhile causes. New this year is a carnival which will feature adult and kiddie rides. The carnival will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, September 30 and during Oktoberfest hours on Saturday and Sunday. Carnival tickets will be sold in advance in books of 25 for $10. This represents about a 45 percent savings from purchasing at the event. Tickets can be purchased at The Dog in Clayton Station, Alladino’s pizza, Skipolini’s, Ed’s Mudville Grill and Rodies.

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CVWC KITCHEN TOUR

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The kitchen of Clayton resident Tammy Cerruti is one of six kitchens that will be on the Clayton Valley Kitchen Tour on Sat., Oct. 8, sponsored by the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club. This self-driving tour is one day only and will start at the Clayton City Hall Courtyard in Clayton where brochures and maps to the kitchens will be available. Check-in opens at 10 a.m. and the homes will close at 4 p.m. “Each homeowner has a unique decorating style and I think everyone will see one or more ideas they would like to use in their own homes.,” says Groschwitz. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For information or to purchase tickets, please call 925-672-2471. Proceeds benefit scholarships and local charities.

A delicious alternative to flowers

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Opa! to the 27th annual Greek Festival set for Sept. 16, 17 and 18 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on Kirker Pass Road in Concord. Get ready to dance to the music of “Fotia” and enjoy the arts and crafts, kids area, Courtyard Café and authentic Greek food and pastries. Clayton residents Maria and Andreas Xiaris have volunteered at the festival for the past five years and invite everyone to come and enjoy an exciting evening. “It’s the next best thing to being in Greece,” Maria says. She and her husband are active members of St. Demetrios Church. Andreas is an immigrant from Cypress and Maria is second generation Greek, and both have a passion for the country and the culture. The couple actually met volunteering at another Greek festival in Oakland and were married five years ago. Andreas is known for his cooking expertise at the festival and especially for his Greek-style chicken, leg of lamb and potatoes. “He’ll share his secret recipes with anyone who comes by at the festival and asks for him in the kitchen,” says Maria. “He likes to be greeted with a ‘Yassou,’” she adds. Festival promoters want everyone to know that there is ample free parking and free admission on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. Festival hours are Fri. from 5 to 11 p.m., Sat. noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m. Admission is $5. Children under 12 are free and seniors 55 and over, $3. For information on the festival call (925) 676-6967.

September 9, 2005

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September 9, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Classified FOR RENT

MISCELLANEOUS

Office space, about 300 sq. ft. Other half of office has a tenant who is out of the state half the month. DSL available. 685-4523.

VACATION RENTAL

Rideshare Wanted. Dana Hills mom looking to "rideshare." I can drive one or two kids daily to DVMS in the morning but need a ride home for my 8th grade son who plays in the band and will have a bass to bring home with him. If interested, please call Laurel at 672-2214.

FOR SALE

BED: Queen Double Pillow Top Mattress Set. Brand new set. Never used Still in original plastic. Includes full warranty and box spring. $175. Can deliver. (925) 256-7475. Solid wood sleigh bed with mattress. New in box/plastic. Never used. Includes full warranty. Can deliver. Must Sell. Sacrifice. $295 (925) 256-7475.

Cabin in Blue Lake Springs (Arnold, CA). Sleeps 6, fully remodeled, quiet, use of recreation facilities. $150/night, $950/week. Call Kevin Parker @ (925) 383-9430 or www.vrconnection.com/ parkerpaw Cozy cabin in South Lake Tahoe. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car garage. Great for a family or 2 couples. 10 minutes to Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, casinos, skiing, and hiking. Please call Mike Risso @ (925) 890-4623.

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 info and pricing. 925-673-1746 (leave message) GardenGirl94517@aol.com.

Cherry wood bedroom set: 7 piece brand new…estate quality. Never used. Fully warranted. Still in original boxes. Includes solid wood sleigh bed, nightstand, dresser, chest and mirror. Armoire also available. Can deliver. Sacrifice $975. (925) 944-8837. Teaching supplies and elementary curriculum for sale. Packaged in categories – i.e. “Math” and “Geography.” Mostly $20 - $25 a box. Call 672-9446.

FOUND

Motorcycle helmet and a set of keys on June 26 at about 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of Clayton Rd and Marsh Creek Rd. Please call 925-673-0317.

TAMARA

HELP WANTED

AND

Place your classified ad at www.claytonpioneer.com

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

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor

Dishwasher for local tearoom from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Must be over 18, quick, but careful with china. $8/hr. Contact pammbarnett@aol.com or call between 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. only, 672-8327.

J ILL B EDECARRÉ , Assistant Editor and Display Advertising J IM Z EWAN , Sports P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant

Food prep for local tearoom. Must be over 18, efficient, w/eye for detail. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tues. through Sat. $11/hr. Contact pammbarnett@aol.com or call between 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. only, 672-8327. A Clayton resident to chair Hospice of Contra Costa’s Clayton Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Oak Tree in Clayton Station by Safeway. The date of the tree lighting is November 2005. Chairing the event requires minimal time. If interested please contact Cyndie Harrison at charrison@hospicecc.org. Oakhurst Country Club. Two banquet captains, two part time morning and evening restaurant servers, two morning and evening banquet servers, one bartender, one morning fitness employee, and one full time landscaper/maintenance worker. Flexible hours and golf privileges. Fax resume to (925) 672-0148, or e-mail gm@oakhurstcc.com or apply in person at 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Substitute school crossing guard to fill in as needed, morning and afternoon. $11.83/hour. Must be over 18. Call Sgt. Shelly Crain at 673-7350.

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PIONEER INFO

Directory of Advertisers

HOW TO PLACE AN AD Go to our Web site, claytonpioneer.com. Click on the Classified Advertising tab on the left side of the page. Complete the form to submit your ad. Mail a check for the number of insertions to P.O. Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517 or call the office with your credit card information. Or, call the Clayton Pioneer, 925-672-0500 to place your ad over the phone. Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. Classified deadline dates are printed above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. We reserve the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. All classified ads must be paid for in advance.

Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 All Loving Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0752 American Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-4800 Apronstrings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-7621 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . .726-0154 Bay Arts Custom Children's Murals . . . . . . . . . . .323-9323 Benton, Mureleen - American Express . . . . . . . .685-4523 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Contra Costa Musical Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .943-7469 Café Santee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .429-3320 Candy Created Bouquets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6818 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Central Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-2222 Clayton Community Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9060 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066 Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church . . . . . . . . . .672-4848 Clip n' Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-9355 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9530 Crocker Insurance Agency - Sam Totah . . . . . . .941-1536 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Diablo Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .691-4529 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Dryclean USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5653 Eagles Peak Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .465-0435 Elysium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1333 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . .672-8787 Great Start Home Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-1008 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Hobson's Digital Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-0726 Home Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9737 Hot Basil Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288-0000 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 Integrity Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .877-493-5437x402 Joanna's Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8911 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .939-7920 Law Office of Richard Littorno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lerner Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-1130 Mary's Pizza Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .938-4800 Maverick's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Merrigan, Deanna - Mt. Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . .673-9990 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Dr. Steven Moon, Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8400 Morgan, Yvonne Security Pacific Real Estate Svcs. . . . . . . . . .974-7675 Morningside Horse Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3632 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . .280-8563 Mountain Mike's Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4965 Neptune Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Northgate Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-8711 Northshore Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .439-3333 Oakhurst County Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pasos de Mt. Diablo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4467 Pavilion Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6868 Pro-Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . .673-3776 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Residential Pacific Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Skip's Happy Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9433 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 Dr. Steven Moon, Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8400 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 The James Gang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .974-7678 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Truesdell, Lisa - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . .686-4747 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Intero Real Estate Services .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Weekends at the Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0744 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Williams, Mike - Rath Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5363 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700

LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.

Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.

Page A5

ath

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com

Advertise in the Pioneer It works. Call today to place your ad in the next issue. 672-0500

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Page A6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Fire, from page A1 Neighbors were out all along the road—some with binoculars. Less than 100 yards up the road from our driveway, we stopped for a minute to assess the situation. The fire was burning behind several houses and as we watched, an air tanker swooped down to within 50 feet of the ground to drop a load of fire retardant on a home that was directly in the path of the fire. More frightened homeowner than reporter; it took a few minutes for me to realize that I really should be working. But, I was on Morgan Territory Road and my camera was at the Pioneer office downtown—a 12-mile roundtrip away. “I have to go get my camera,” I said. As I turned the car around to head into town, my ever-practical husband said, “It’s a 25 minute roundtrip. Won’t it all be over by the time you get back?” “Well,” said I. “If it is, then

that’s the story, isn’t it?” And, indeed, that’s the story. The fire, which burned 10 acres, started on the roadside around 2 p.m. about four miles out Morgan Territory Road from Marsh Creek Road. In the nearly 100 degree heat, and fanned by the late afternoon breezes typical this time of year, the fire quickly spread up the hill. A motorist happened along just as the fire was starting and tried to put it out with a hoe before calling 911. According to Engineer Matt Milojevich who was first on the scene from the CDF Station 16 on Marsh Creek Road, the fire was moving quickly and threatening homes along Morgan Territory Road. CDF responded to the fire initially with six engines, a bulldozer, two crews, three aircraft and a helicopter. However, because of the serious and imminent danger to homes, Milojevich called for backup,

Market, from page A1 building sits almost on top of the property line between the store and where the park is planned. The parking lot and the corner of the building also encroach on the city right of way at Main and Morris and at Center and Morris. The store’s owner, Sam Sandhu is asking that the city grant him an easement along the park side of the building and abandon the right of way at the two corners. Plans include, in addition to the market and liquor store, a new expanded delicatessen that will front Center Street, says Sandhu. The upstairs will be built out as

two separate offices. Sandhu says they are ready to begin construction as soon as he receives approval from the city and it will be completed in two phases. The first phase will include all of the structural repair work and outfitting of the store, which opens onto Main Street and should take no more than 50 days to complete. The second phase will be the new deli and should follow completion of the first phase in 15 days. The store was severely damaged by fire on January 15 last year and has been closed since then. Sandhu’s claim against

adding two more tankers, a helicopter and three engines to the strike team. The fire was threatening houses, cars, barns and livestock. This being a particularly busy fire season, resources available to fight the fire were severely strained by two other fires burning in the same jurisdiction, one in Orinda and another 300-acre fire in Wesley on I5. “The scariest thing is that we had two strike teams out on the other fires and only had two engines to respond,” said Milojevich. “It was a real challenge to coordinate the aircraft to hit three different fires in three different counties.” As crews on the ground beat the fire back and hosed it down, the helicopters dropped thousands of gallons of water dipped from ponds and watering holes in the area and the air tankers dropped their loads of retardant, and, together, they stopped the fire dead in its tracks. Within an hour, it was out with no loss of property.

Farmers Insurance Company was denied and Sandhu is suing Farmers to recover his losses and for damages. The trial date is October 3. However, Sandhu

Neighbors in the area credit Morgan Territory resident, Mike Mikkelson, 20, with providing valuable assistance to firefighters. Mikkelson, who plans to become a firefighter, guided engines up the old fire road known as Toponce Ranch Road, opening gates and cutting wire fencing ahead of CDF equipment. Harvey Toponce, whose ranch was threatened by the fire says “As far as I’m concerned, Mike saved my house.” Toponce, a long time resident of the area, served as a volunteer firefighter until CDF began providing fire protection service to the Morgan Territory/Marsh Creek area. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. “It could have been carbon exhaust or a piece of catalytic converter,” said Milojevich, “and, because we know the recent Deer Valley Empire Mines fires were deliberately set, we can’t rule out arson.” One arrest has been made in those fires and two other suspects are under investigation.

says his plans for reopening do not hinge in any way on the outcome of the trial. He expects to be open before Christmas.

September 9, 2005

What you want is within reach. All you need is a hand. We can help you achieve your financial goals. Whether your goals include a comfortable retirement, a new home, a new car or even that special vacation you’ve always dreamed of, we can help. At Ameriprise Financial, we have the tools and the experience to help you make your dream a reality. We can help you plan to do more. Call today.

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American Express Financial Advisors, Inc., and IDS Life Insurance Company. Member NASD. Insurance and annuity products are issued by IDS Life Insurance Company, an American Express Company, Minneapolis, MN. American Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors, Inc., and is not a broker-dealer. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member NASD, part of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. On or after September 30, 2005, Ameriprise Financial expects to separate from American Express Company. After separation, we will no longer be owned by American Express Company. © 2004 American Express Financial Corporation, All rights reserved

DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE A CREDIT UNION?

Ask us how you can join CD Federal Credit Union through your employer, association or group by calling (925)825-0900.

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Page A7

Public Service Academy aims to keep kids connected TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

This September, 276 CVHS students will begin the school year with expectations of a totally new school experience. 66 freshmen and 70 each sophomores, juniors and seniors will form the first Public Service Academy, a small learning community, which will encourage closer relationships between students and teachers and bring more relevance and real world connection to the classroom. How will the Academy experience differ from the regular high school experience? According to Academy Coordinator and English teacher, Sarah Lovick, two Academy teachers will have all of the Academy students for English and History for all four years of high school. The teachers will work together to coordinate lessons, projects and reading assignments. For example, while Lovick’s sophomore English class is studying the Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, Christine Reimer’s history class will be teaching the geography of China and Asian history. Or, while the freshmen are reading John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men,” Reimer’s history class might be studying the Depression and talking about money policy. Or, the teachers can combine the two classes for a film or a guest speaker. For the freshmen, says Lovick, “it’s a lot about creating a safe place for them. It’s so easy to feel lost and fall in with the wrong crowd in high school. So, we’re giving them a sense of belonging and keeping them busy and happy.” Students in the Public Service Academy will be required to perform community service. “Many of these kids have a heart for serving their community,” said Lovick. And many others aspire to jobs in the public sector. “We are tapping into students that want to know about these jobs,” she explained, “students that want to be teachers or firefighters; those that may want careers in law enforcement or social services.” The Academy will bring in speakers to talk about education and

preparation for these jobs, arrange field trips and help students find opportunities for public service. Each year, the teachers will take a group of students on a trip to Europe. They plan to start with a trip to England where they won’t have to deal with language issues. The trips will be planned for all four years well in advance and students will be encouraged to work and save for the trip of

SARAH LOVICK

their choice. Average cost for a 10-day trip is about $2300. The Small Learning Community (SLC) was conceived in the wake of the Columbine tragedy in answer to the charge that students didn’t feel “tied in” enough to the learning process and felt alienated from their teachers and each other. The objective of the SLC was to give the students a sense of connection; to provide them with a stable group and an adult they could talk to. In 2003, the high schools in the Mt. Diablo School District were provided funding to set up some form of SLC. In some schools these were called “houses” in others “academies.” But, every school had one. Then, last year, after only one year, the money ran out. But Lovick, fiercely believing in the concept, was not willing to abandon the idea. So, she did what any committed, inspired, desperate teacher would do. She called a meeting— several meetings, in fact. She met with school administration, stu-

School News

dents and with parents. Conceptual support was overwhelming, but with no district funds available to support the Academy, Lovick and the parents were on their own. The parents formed two groups. First, a “core” group will oversee the whole program, defining the vision and the direction. The second group will be responsible for raising the funds to print brochures and flyers, finance field trips and buy materials to enhance the program. They also plan to raise enough to assist students in paying for their trips to Europe. So, the two teachers are excited about the program and a large group of parents are willing to support it—what about the students? According to Lovick, over 100 eighth graders applied for the 66 freshmen slots and the remaining sophomore, junior and senior slots filled up in less than two weeks. “If there had been anything like this when I was in high school,” said Lovick, “I would have eagerly joined. I loved high school so much that I want these kids to feel the same way. Every kid should have a positive high school experience.” Lovick always knew she wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until two teachers at CVHS, John Millar and Amy Souza, reached her in a way she hadn’t experienced before. “Both reached me in history, which I didn’t like very much. And it inspired me. I want to reach kids that way. I want to make kids like something they didn’t like before.” Lovick graduated from CVHS in 1966. After high school, she went to Diablo Valley College and California State University East Bay (at that time, Cal State Hayward). She received her teaching credential from Chapman University. Both of her parents are teachers. Lovick is looking forward enthusiastically to the coming school year. “With 16 new teachers and a new principal,” says Lovick, “CVHS will be a brand new place this year. It will be interesting to see what direction the school takes. I’m excited. Change is good.”

DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Back to school night is Sept. 21.

MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY Dates to remember: Sept. 7-19 Student Council Entertainment Book Fundraiser; Sept. 12 Back to School Night Grades 1 and 2, 7– 8 p.m; Sept. 20 PFC Meeting, 7 p.m., Multi-use room; Sept. 22 Kindergarten Back to School Night, morning kindergarten, 6:307:30 p.m., afternoon kindergarten, 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.; Oct. 3 - 17 Gift Wrap Fundraiser; Oct. 7 Ice Cream Social

CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL New Lives for Old Instruments: If you have an unused but playable musical instrument and would like to put it back into circulation, please consider gifting it to Clayton Valley High School’s instrumental music program. The school owns very few instruments of its own and has special needs for oboes, bassoons, bass clarinets, piccolos, an upright string bass, and trombones. Unfortunately, the school district provides no funding for instrument purchases or repair for the schools.

COMING SOON! A RARE FIND! This is an absolutely lovely townhouse in a very desirable Walnut Creek area. Home features include: 2 bedrooms 1.5 baths, dining area, skylights, ceiling fans, upper balcony, stone gas starter wood burning fireplace in this spacious living room, beautiful laminate & tile flooring and dual pane windows. Don't miss the back yard with covered patio and Jacuzzi. Simply darling home in a small complex. The washer, dryer and refrigerator are included in the sale of this great opportunity.

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Page A8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Should you make a contingency-free offer? Recently, the Contra Costa area housing market has been highly competitive. So competitive, in fact, that some buyers have been making contingency-free offers in order to make their offer more attractive to the seller. Normally a residential purchase offer, also called a purchase contract, includes contingencies to protect the buyer. A contingency is a condition that must be satisfied for the sale to close. Typical contract contingencies are for financing, inspections and the sale of another property. Buyers who try to satisfy a contingency but can’t are usually released from the contract without penalty. For example, suppose the buyers’ contract includes a financing contingency. The buyers try diligently to get approved for a mortgage, but are repeatedly turned

down. In this case, the buyers’ deposit money will probably be returned to them.

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ESTATE

A contract contingency should have a time period for the contingency to be satisfied. Contingency time periods are negotiable between the buyer and seller so they will vary from contract to contract, although local custom often sets a precedent. Typically an inspection contingency runs

Cruise Fair slated for September 10 in Walnut Creek Cruise Adventures Unlimited is hosting its semiannual Cruise Fair on Saturday, September 10 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. during the Walnut Creek Fine Arts Festival. Cruise line reps from Princess, Radisson Seven Seas, Crystal, Cunard, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Holland

America and Windstar will be present to provide information on cruise vacations. The festivities take place at 1610 Locust Street in Walnut Creek, across from the Regional Center for the Arts. For more information please contact Cruise Adventures Unlimited at 925-935-7447.

from 10 to 14 days following contract acceptance. Financing contingencies can run as long as 30 days and a contingency for the sale of another property might be even longer. It’s understandable that sellers prefer offers that aren’t loaded with contingencies. A contingency gives a buyer a way out of the contract, often without penalty. But when a buyer backs out of a contingency-free contract, the sellers may be entitled to keep the buyer’s deposit. It’s risky to make a contingency-free offer. For instance, it’s not a good idea to buy a home without having it thoroughly inspected by qualified professionals. If you waive an inspection contingency and later find defects, you may have no recourse against the seller. If this is the case, you’ll probably have to pay to correct defects yourself. It’s tempting to leave contingencies out of your offer when you’re competing against other buyers, particularly if you have lost out in competition before, and under certain circumstances, it may be reasonable to take the risk. For example, pre-approved buyers might feel comfortable making an offer without a finance contingency because they have already been lenderqualified for a mortgage. However, by waiving the financing contingency, preapproved buyers do take the risk of the property not appraising for the purchase price. If the appraisal comes in

Why pay 6% or even 5% to sell your home?

September 9, 2005

low, the buyers will either have to come up with the additional cash required to close the deal, or they could lose their deposit to the seller if they back out of the deal. If recent comparable sales support the purchase price, the risk of the property not appraising is probably low. You can reduce the risk of waiving an inspection contingency by having the property inspected before you make an offer. Be sure to get the seller’s approval before taking this approach. Some sellers have pre-inspection reports. If so,

Patty Flannery Realtor

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“When a buyer backs out of a contingencyfree contract, the sellers may be entitled to keep the buyer's deposit.”

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A9

Friendship and persistence pays off with new library Jeanne Boyd and Joyce Atkinson are a fun loving and persistent pair of friends. And their determined teamwork from 1989-1995 has benefited

all of us when they took on the challenge to get the Clayton Library built and accomplished their goal together. “We were members of the

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American Association of University Women and we needed a project to work on,” says Jeanne. “We all thought getting a library into Clayton would be a great idea and since Joyce and I were at home then, we were voted in to take on the project.” Both women laugh now at what Clayton had as a library in 1989. “There was a Book Mobile that came out here and you could order a book,” smiles Joyce. “Then two weeks later you would get your book. But the Mobile broke down and we ended up being serviced by a station wagon with boxes of books in the back!” Jeanne and Joyce had taken on a much-needed project, but they had no idea how big the project was going to be. The year before, California voters

COLLEEN ELWY

SHARING HISTORY had passed Proposition 85, the Library Renovation and Reconstruction Bond Act. So the women looked into applying for some of the funds. They also established the Clayton Community Library Foundation with support from city council and volunteer groups as members of the board. “For the pre-application we had to come up with demographic and financial information. Part of Prop 85 also required that one-third of the finances to build the library had to come from the city itself, although it didn’t have to be in cash,” said Jeanne. “Clayton was given the Old Keller Ridge barn with the plot of land that was quite valuable and just what we needed.” The competition was fierce, but both women were confident. In the pre-application process, they placed second in the state. Then they attended some workshops to learn more about what they needed to include in their application proposals to increase their competitive edge. In the meantime Jeanne and Joyce were also on an interview team to choose architects, (the first design was a round library, which was rejected) and participate in information sharing meetings on the library’s interior and exterior designs. They also traveled to other libraries and spoke to staff about what

worked best for them. As they did with the preapplication, they hand delivered the final application and decided they needed to lobby those that were involved in Prop 85. “We met with every state officer or person that was serving on the committee and the state treasurer’s aide too,” Jeanne and Joyce remember. “This all was around the time following the Oakland Fire and an earthquake in Southern California. Money was needed all over the state.” The day financial awards were announced; Jeanne and Joyce

library fundraisers.” In 1994 construction began. The Clayton Library opened, with the help of over 200 volunteers, in March 1995. When asked how their hard work and persistence had been acknowledged, both women beam. “We were Grand Marshalls in the Clayton Fourth of July parade that year. We also were Volunteers of the Year, as a pair, with the county and the City of Clayton really patting us on the back with great pride.” Jeanne starts to chuckle, “But the individuals in the city would

JEANNE BOYD AND JOYCE ATKINSON at the opening of the Clayton Library in 1995. were among the press and the standing room only crowd. “The state gave substantial awards to Southern California. And here was this ‘little bit’ of money left over. The state treasurer’s aide whom we happened to talk with was there and we were awarded the $2.8 million.” Eventually the Old Keller Ridge barn needed to be torn down to build the library on that land, but Jeanne and Joyce continued to be resourceful. “We saved a lot of the barn wood,” Joyce smiles. “We had people help us make birdhouses from it and we sold them at

run from us. They knew we were going to ask for money for the library when they saw us.” Jeanne and Joyce agree that designating the Clayton Library through United Way donations is most beneficial. And they praise the work that staff and the many volunteers do at the library. Today, both women are involved in the library’s membership and book sales. If you are a senior living in Clayton, or know of a senior that would like to share their life story with the Clayton Pioneer readers, please contact Colleen Elwy at 6729565 or at colleensbyline@aol.com

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The Clayton Library, which opened in 1995, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.

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September 9, 2005

City asks cooperation in traffic flow during elementary school construction LAURA HOFFMEISTER Special to the Clayton Pioneer

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in the area as well, not just your own but others too. The City police will provide traffic enforcement which includes the possibility of issuing tickets for parking violations.

race organizers threw a little humor into the mix, pitting Vice Mayor Dave Shuey against pastor Shawn Robinson. They raced neck-in-neck to the end when Shuey had to be pushed over the finish line. Some racers didn’t have a clue why their car was so fast, while others had specific strategies. Chandler Wakefield, winner of the 7-8 year old division with a time of 65.63 shared his winning formula at the awards ceremony. “I kept my head down and I didn’t scare much.”

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With the active construction still taking place at Mt. Diablo Elementary School during this school year, the Clayton Police Department is asking for the cooperation and patience of those dropping off and or picking up students. The side gate access along Pine Hollow Road drop off zone has been closed off for the safety during the construction of new classrooms. This means that (1) the students will need to walk around to the front of the school to enter the school ground; and (2) parents can wait their turn in line following the designated traffic flow pattern and drop them off in front of the school near Mt Zion. No left turns are allowed from Pine Hollow Road onto Mt Zion during the school start and end times. As in prior years, parents will still need to loop all the way down Pine Hollow Road and through the back parking lot then re-enter Pine Hollow Road to access the loading zone. It will,

however, be a little longer walk for the students from this zone to the front of the school. Given that the construction activity will occur during most all of this school year, we know that there is going to be a bit more congestion in the area. The contractor is working as hard as he can given the circumstances to minimize impacts to traffic and parking. A special “contractor only” parking area has been set up off the back parking lot on a portion of the field. Deliveries of construction materials will occur to the site on Pine Hollow Road and or Mt Zion as needed and scheduled to be at times other than the main start and end day to the extent possible. However at other times delays can be expected due to construction activity. Parents are asked to plan accordingly and leave plenty of time to allow for potential delays and additional congestion. Please also be aware of the restricted parking areas. Remember “no pain, no gain.” All this effort is to build new classrooms to improve the learning environment of our children. We need to all work together Please also watch out for small children

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Page A10

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Top left: Classic cars filled the church parking lot and lined Main Street in this year’s expanded Car Show. Top right: Wayne Torkelson, Jr. was on hand with his Super Chevy, the Water Wetter, expected to win the 2005 Nitro Coupe championship.

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she says. “The school is doing very well,” she adds. So Hutcherson will spend her time learning about the culture, traditions and community at Mt. Diablo. She will devote much of her time to making students and parents feel safe and comfortable during the Measure C construction. With portables on site and much of the Internet wiring complete, Hutcherson says that construction is on target and new classrooms are scheduled to open in the spring. When she applied for the principal job through the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, she was Student Services Coordinator at Foothill Intermediate School in Walnut Creek. She loved her job and was

well respected by students, parents and faculty, however her principal Bob Johnson encouraged her to apply realizing what a great opportunity awaited Hutcherson. Her good friend, Linda Schuler, who was leaving Mt. Diablo for Bancroft Elementary, also encouraged Hutcherson to apply. “You owe it to yourself,” Schuler told Hutcherson. And so Hutcherson applied and ultimately got the principal position at Mt. Diablo. “I was ecstatic,” Hutcherson said when she got the news. She and Schuler had been friends for the past six years and Hutcherson had heard great stories about the school during that time. “I feel honored for her (Schuler) to pass

Swanson, from page A1 sure what school he would be appointed to when he interviewed for a principal position through the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. “I was thrilled,” he said when he finally got the word that he would be the new CVHS principal. “I was told, ‘you got the best school in the district.’ The parents have been very welcoming and parent support is why this school has so much potential,” Swanson says. He’s looks forward to getting to know the students. “You have to start at the beginning to make it a good year,” he advises all students. He urges them to “make a conscious effort to get off to a good start and that will make a huge difference for the year.” Swanson’s passion for high school teaching and administra-

tion harkens back to his own career twists and turns. He began his career after he graduated Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a teaching credential and degree in Industrial Arts. He taught for three years but admits he wasn’t ready. “I was restless,” he says. So Swanson pursued a career in business which lasted for 15 years. In 1993 Swanson’s career came full circle when he returned to teaching. He remembers thinking “this is where I always belonged.” Swanson began to see the value of helping students realize that what they were learning in high school was relevant to the real world when they graduated. He took on leadership roles and tried to bridge the gap between teachers and

Cooper, from page A1

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Hutcherson, from page A1

citizens and where everyone becomes a partner in lifelong learning. And even though Cooper has refined those goals over the years, they essentially have remained the same. Cooper strongly believes that her first goal, “Understanding Pre-Adolescence” is key to creating a successful emotional and academic school environment. “We have to understand their differences and accept their differences,” she said referring to the middle school student. Cooper also believes that her goals and school vision aren’t just about academics. “It’s about the whole child,” she says. And she welcomes parent input and dialogue on their child’s behavior. During this year’s sixth grade orientation Cooper decided to open the lines of communication among parents by breaking into small groups and talking about certain types of pre-adolescent behavior that are characteristic of middle school age children. She was encouraged by

the dialogue and is hoping to continue the parent discussion groups throughout the school year. Cooper’s goal of increasing parent involvement and communication among teachers, staff and parents is also important in the process of learning and understanding school policies, curriculum, discipline and social interactions. Cooper’s fourth goal, to increase academic achievement, is only successful if the middle school student is really understood, she says. “If you don’t deal with pre-adolescence issues, then the academic achievement isn’t there.” Cooper is excited that at Diablo View, test scores in every grade level have gone up in the areas

Farm 51

Page A11 the torch on to me,” she said. Hutcherson’s excitement over her role as principal at Mt. Diablo goes hand-in-hand with the way she has related to students throughout her 31-year career in education. Whether serving as a high school counselor, vice principal for a middle school, principal of an elementary school or student services coordinator, Hutcherson has always had a special connection to children and students. When she walks out on campus, she’s used to students flocking around her. In her first year at Mt Diablo, Hutcherson plans to spend most of her time visiting classrooms and mingling with students, parents and her teachers. Hutcherson says that parents want to give their children the learning experience they had.

And she points to Mt. Diablo’s old fashioned school bell as that connection to the past. “We look to the future but we hold onto the pure sweet essence of the past,” she says. She also believes that “school should be a happy place. That’s how children learn best.” Hutcherson praises her teachers and staff for their dedication and commitment to the students and parents. She welcomes Karina Dipiero as the new office manager, new teachers Kerry Hill, Diane Zimmer, Patty Crane and new custodian, Tony Clemente. “We care about each individual child.” She believes that a student’s experience in elementary school is critical to their future in middle school and in high school. “This is where we build the success and the capacity to learn.”

administration. He was also intent on “making school come alive for students.” Swanson earned a masters degree in administration and became vice principal of John Burroughs High School in Burbank and then principal of Fillmore High School in Fillmore, CA. Swanson eventually looked for a position in the Bay Area. His wife was originally from Sacramento and his son was attending UC Berkeley. He applied for an opening with MDUSD and was appointed principal of Clayton Valley High School in late June, succeeding John Neary. He calls Clayton Valley, “a diamond in the rough.” “It’s really the people that make the school.” Tapping his resource as a businessman, Swanson’s passion is to create an environment

where students have an idea of what the real world is like after high school. And, for Swanson, this includes being accountable for the choices they make while they are students. Students have to move away from the attitude that “we are just teenagers,” he explains. “I want to make sure our graduates don’t shut any doors.” Whether students are college bound or not, Swanson believes that the high school curriculum should be challenging and that students should always be engaged in the classroom. Having had some experience with small learning communities at other high schools, Swanson is excited about working with the academies at Clayton Valley. “I want students to take pride in this school,” he says. “This is their school and they are always going to identify with it.”

of language arts and math. And although she realizes that this upward trend is not solely based on her passion to explore the make-up of a middle school student, she feels that her goals have had some influence on the overall academic atmosphere at the school. She hopes to enhance that atmosphere with the introduction of an “Advisory” or home room for the first 12 minutes of each day. The homeroom will include a mixture of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. And even though new students come into the school and eighth graders leave, the core students and teacher in each Advisory remain the same. The program, which is designed to “build community,” is starting out simple, explains Cooper, with some organized activities and the Wake Up Diablo View program

each Friday. “Respect, Responsibility and Accountability” is Cooper’s fifth goal and Diablo View has been working hard to recognize citizenship as well as academics. The issues of drugs and alcohol are also being handled with a strict zero tolerance policy and students are being held accountable for their actions. “We have found drugs and alcohol on campus,” Cooper said. She explained that staff is monitoring bathrooms, and they have found that kids are more willing to come forward with information. If drugs are found on campus, the police are called in and the student is suspended for five days. Cooper reports the addition of seven new teachers and a new Foods and Consumer Science course taught by Linda Westerheide.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Chief, from page A1 wanted someone who really wanted to be here.” Highly qualified for the job, Lawrence was chosen from a field of 50 applicants. Asked what he thinks will be the biggest challenge as begins his new job, Lawrence said, “Immediately, for me it’s going to be following a very popular and well liked chief. But, we both have different personalities and people will always like Pete for who he is and I hope they’ll get to know me.” Getting to know him will be easy since he plans to be “out and about” much of the time. Called a Public Assembly Check in police parlance, “out and about” for Lawrence means a bike ride through town with a stop at each business. “My goal is to get to know every business owner in the area because it will come back to us in spades when something happens.” Accessibility is a big issue for the new chief. “I have an open door policy and not necessarily just for the cops, but for everybody. So if you have an issue with the department, or a problem with a ticket, come on in and we’ll talk about it. Or, I’ll drive out to your house and we’ll talk about it. I did this in

Orinda and it was really successful. If people take the time to come down to city offices, then I should be available.” Much of Lawrence’s attention will be focused on Clayton’s two major law enforcement issues—traffic and property crimes. With Marsh Creek/Clayton Road serving as a major artery from East County, commuters frequently speed through town. Even though traffic engineers have proven that people would be better off staying on the freeway and creeping along, says Lawrence, commuters still opt for the Marsh Creek route. And, he continues, traffic studies have shown that, when people think they are taking a shortcut, they actually drive faster to prove it to themselves. He favors the continued use of the radar trailer, which displays the speed of an oncoming car on a big screen visible to the driver, followed with vigorous enforcement. “If you do a lot of directed enforcement in an area, it really does slow people down,” he explains, “But if you leave it for a week, then people forget about it.” Lawrence also plans to apply to the State of California Office

of Transportation Safety for grant money that is available to cities to finance traffic safety projects. The other major area of concern, says Lawrence, is property crime—“people coming from outside Clayton to steal from us.” This is where Lawrence, like Chief Pete Peterson before him, will rely heavily on COPPS, an acronym for Community Oriented Police and Problem Solving. Community based policing is something that we have been doing for a long time, says Lawrence. “Partnering with the community is what it’s all about. Citizen involvement is crucial,” he explains. “We need to have people in the community who know who should and shouldn’t be there call us if they see a strange car parked for half a day somewhere.” After graduating from CVHS in 1965, Lawrence attended Diablo Valley College and California State University Hayward where he majored in psychology and physical education. Following graduation, he successfully completed the UC Berkeley Extension ROTC program, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and entered the Army Reserve Program. He retired from the Army Transportation Corps in 2000

The Bredbenners are new owners of The Maids JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Clayton residents Karen and Tim Bredbenner are the new owners of The Maids Home Services on Clayton Road in Clayton. “I'm a people person,” says Karen so it’s no surprise that dealing with The Maids staff and their hundreds of cus-

for success in this new venture. Karen and Tim have always wanted to start a small business together and The Maids was a good fit when the opportunity presented itself. “We were impressed with The Maids international structure and philosophy of doing business,” says Karen. That philosophy is based on customer service and The Bredbenners and their staff of

Jill Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer

KAREN BREDBENNER AND LETICIA GARCIA (front row) head the office staff at The Maids. tomers comes easy to her. Karen is a former elementary school teacher and Tim is a local business manager and their combined talents are a guarantee

20 are committed to providing a quality product with a foundation in trust. Karen is especially happy that the entire staff stayed on during the transition

and she is impressed with the their work ethic and positive attitude. “They are unbelievable workers,” she said. Karen explained that a team of four is assigned to each residence they clean and every effort is made to ensure that the same team remains with each client for as long as they need the service. All employees are bonded and insured and are trained in what The Maids describes as a “healthy clean.” Each residence is cleaned by removing dirt, dust and allergens, which reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. The Maids is the only residential service to specialize exclusively in cleaning for health. “We feature a 22-step Healthy Touch deep cleaning system with each visit. All of the cleaning products are environmentally safe while the patented Back Pack Vacs captures 99 percent of all dust, allergens, bacteria, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants,” explains Karen. Former owners Jim and Kathy Swanson opened The Maids in Concord ten years ago and developed the company into a thriving business. The Bredbenners goal is to make The Maids the best in the industry.

“HomEquity was a great choice!” “Over the years, Greg Farrand of HomEquity has done several refi’s for us, sold our home and secured the financing for our new home. Greg has truly been a tremendous resource! His communication, follow up and negotiation skills place him at the top of his profession. HomEquity’s commitment, integrity and genuine care make them a pleasure to work with. Best of all, they saved us $9,487 on the sale of our home!” - Dave Shuey, Buyer, Seller, Refi client, Clayton

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as a full Colonel. Lawrence originally wanted to be a teacher, but in the 70’s, there was an oversupply of teachers, sometimes 5000 applicants for one job, he recalls. His father was a cop with the Sheriff ’s department, so Lawrence applied to the department and was accepted, thus beginning his long career in law enforcement. Lawrence lives in Walnut Creek with his wife, Sandy, a retired Livermore District schoolteacher. They enjoy spending time at their vacation home near Murphys in the Sierra foothills. The Lawrences have two grown sons. Todd, 30, graduated from the University of Arizona and is a salesman living in San Francisco. Scott, 27, recently completed four years in the Marine Corps, which included two tours in Iraq. He is a surveyor and lives in Vista, California.

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September 9, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A13

Recording with a legend: Part 4 Finishing with a flourish This is the last of a four-part series describing a week of piano recording with Will Ackerman at Will’s Imaginary Road Studios in Dummerston, VT. The sessions took place this past April, with Ackerman producing.

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Precious studio time was slipping away. After all the scheduling, preparation, making plane and hotel reservations and everything else associated with going to Vermont to record, I was down to my last three days. It was make it or break it time, and what should happen? I got a severe case of the flu! I caught it from the engineer, Taylor Barefoot, who’d been fighting it all week. By Thursday, I too had the bug. But nothing would stop me now. With the help of lots of aspirin, I returned to the piano. Taylor turned on the recorder, and we were back at work. Will Ackerman’s extremely busy schedule was such that he couldn’t afford to get sick. He had several weeks of sessions booked, and with Taylor and I both under the weather, Will kept his distance. His large house sits about a hundred yards from the studio, and

between phone calls and him walking by the studio’s open windows, he kept abreast of what we were doing. We’d burn him a CD of our latest recordings every few hours, leaving the CD on his front porch for him to review. Then we’d get a phone call or a typed up summary from him soon thereafter, as he’d offer his thoughts on our progress. It was almost a comical approach at times, but it worked. By mid-day that Thursday, we had three additional songs recorded and edited. That was as many songs as we’d finished in three full days up to that point, so things were looking up. The piano pedal wasn’t squeaking anymore, and those crazy little clicks from my fingernails on the piano keys were less annoying now that we’d finally identified them. They almost added an air of authenticity to the music. Sort of like those classical recordings where you can hear the musicians breathing now and then. By the end of the day Thursday, we had six songs finished. The idea was to record 14 songs total, and choose the best of those to end up with about 45 minutes worth of music for the album. We had a day and a half left, as I’d have to leave no

Two opportunities to get rid of your Ewaste, and they’re free Computer and electronic waste, commonly known as ewaste is a major problem. Tons of electronic waste containing hazardous materials and heavy metals is dumped in our landfills every year, polluting our environment. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. In response, two recycling events are planned that will enable the public to clean out their garages and stor-

age spaces and get rid of unused equipment, for free. Bring old computer hard drives and cases, monitors, keyboards mouses, power supplies, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, telephone equipment, fax machines, copy machines, batteries, coaxel and/or lead filled cable, power cords, toner cartridges, cellular phones and audio and visual equipment (no appliances please).

Club News BOY SCOUT MEETINGS TO START Fall meetings of Clayton Boy Scout Troop 262 start Tues. Sept. 13 at Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Lane in Clayton. If you are in sixth grade you are welcome to attend Boy Scout meetings with Clayton troop 262. The boys will choose the camping, canoeing, hiking and

summer 2006 activities at Tues. night meetings in Sept. Stop by at 7:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room at DVMS. Everyone is welcome. This is our 40th year enjoying scouting, community service, camping and hiking. Tomorrow’s leaders are active in scouting today. For more information call Doug Van Wyck at 783-5620.

JIM HUDAK

MUSIC NOTES later than Saturday at one for a four-hour drive back to New York City to catch my plane. But after that productive Thursday, we were all feeling better. I went back to the hotel, took a hot sauna and some more aspirin, and went to bed, exhausted. Friday was again productive. Will was impressed with the number of songs we were managing to record, and he was complimentary as to the quality of the songs. This will be my first record of all original music, so it made me feel good that he liked what he was hearing. Saturday, while once again extremely productive, was short and intense. Taylor and I got to the studio early, and I laid down three more songs with just the piano. At 10 a.m. we got a special treat. A wonderful local per-

purchase and sell homes has been my career for more than 14 years. Krisstyy Willliamss (Clayton Hygienist), Carmen & Don Willliamss (previous owners of the Village Market) and Mike Willliamss , Clayton Real Estate Pro

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Mitchell Canyon Stories

WELCOME TO CUB SCOUTS Cub Scout Pack 444 will host a “Welcome to Scouting” orientation meeting for parents and prospective Cub Scouts at 7 p.m. Wed. Sept. 14, at St. Bonaventure Church, 5562 Clayton Road. The meeting will be held in Classroom 1. There will be fun and games and an introduction to Cub Scouting for boys in the first through fourth grade. For more information, call Steve Roberts, Cubmaster Pack 444, (925) 689-0813 or e-mail at SteveRoberts@astound.net.

Kathy Pratt of Mt. Diablo State Park is compiling a history of Mitchell Canyon. She is asking community members with stories and memories of Mitchell Canyon to get in touch with her. If you have stories to share please call Kathy at 672-4266 or 408-712-6113.

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at the Chronicle Pavilion in Concord. This event is being billed as the largest E-Waste Recycling event ever held in California with up to 1,000,000 pounds of E-waste expected. This recycling event is free to California residents and there is no limit to how much any person or business can bring. Your local waste disposal company charges as much as $35 to dispose of a single item, or, if caught, you could be fined as much as $25,000 for illegally disposing of toxic materials. Sp, bring your E-waste to the Chronicle Pavilion on Fri. Oct. 7 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sat. and Sun. Oct. 8-9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CHRONICLE PAVILION The second event by Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/ Concord Sunrise, in conjunction with Got E-Waste Inc. will be on Oct. 7–9

Your local Realtor Serving Clayton

Helping Families

Jim Hudak’s Music Notes column appears regularly in the Pioneer. Contact him at jimmydak@pacbell.net.

CONTRA COSTA FAIRGROUNDS Got E-Waste, Inc. runs the first recycling event in partnership with An Elderly Wish Foundation (whose mission is to enrich the lives of the terminally ill elderly by making a special wish come true) is holding a public collection event on Sept. 18 and 19 from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. The collection is at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, “L” Street parking lot in Antioch. The e-waste material will be recycled as part of a state-funded e-waste recycling program. Call 510-351-7511 or go to www.gotewaste.com for event info.

Mike Williams

has been a family tradition for more than 33 years!

cussionist named Derrik Jordan came by with boxes full of rhythm instruments. Will supervised three hours of sessions, as Derrik “auditioned” percussion parts for each of six songs that we wanted to add some rhythmic syncopation. I’d never seen so many different ways to add percussive embellishments to music. From deerskin drums to sticks and bells, Derrik had it all. And he played masterfully. Derrik tried different rhythmic patterns for each song, and when the right groove was found, we recorded his patterns. He would re-record his parts later, after I returned to the west coast. But this provided the references we needed for each song and was very worthwhile. Time was short. At 1:15 we finished up, said our good-byes, and I drove like mad to New York, where I barely caught my plane in time. I was thoroughly spent, but it was worth the time, effort, and money. I had indeed recorded with a legend. The record is due out this October, as we add some overdubbed parts and make finishing touches. I’ll keep you posted as to its progress.

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Page A14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 9, 2005

Think ‘outside the mum’ this fall R & M showcases stamped concrete frost tender evervariegation of green will cycle creamy-white. during the winter Eventually reachbecause of the ing 1 1\2 feet tall cold, but it is very and 2 feet wide, enjoyable until this selection then. It reaches a makes a great conthin 30 inches tall tainer addition. and half as wide, This combination with lance-shaped should be planted leaves and lantanain a container looking, globewith a minimum NICOLE HACKETT flowers. size of 16 inches GARDEN GIRL shaped The variety called tall and wide. Red Butterfly has Both of these plants will need a little room to a mix of corolla red and corona become themselves. Also, this orange flowers. Butterflies cannot plant grouping has thorns, so resist these blossoms. The Chinese Plumbango, keep that in mind when placing Ceratostigma Willmottianum, the container. If your cho- with its wiry stems of dark green sen container has leaves and sky blue blooms, the room for a would make an awesome undercascading plant, planting for the Butterfly consider Scavola Milkweed. Add a Heuchera for New Wonder. some foliage interest to settle This evergreen is down and balance all the blosone of the most soms of the other plants in the versatile plants of container. Heuchera Chocolate the year. Great in Ruffles is a sturdy evergreen that a container as well has dark burgundy leaves, roundas in the ground, ed with ruffled edges. Reaching it has a perky, about 1 foot tall and wide, this l o w - g r o w i n g selection makes a nice, simple habit that seems addition. This container can easito stand up a cou- ly be placed in a full or mostly ple inches right sunny situation and can be before blooming enjoyed through November. Phormium Amazing Red ¾-inch purple flowers with makes another great vertical in a petals on only container planting. The dark red half and a touch blades of this upright make quite of yellowish- a statement as a centerpiece in a green represent- container. Plant with Coleonema ing the stamen. A p. Golden Sunset for contrast. HOT COCOA ROSE profusion of The soft, ferny golden green flowers on this foliage makes a nice statement A bold under planting for the selection blooms from spring when paired with the strong Hot Cocoa rose is a Crimson until frost. The foliage is fleshy blades of the phormium. These Pygmy Barberry. This deciduous and obvious, allowing the look to opposites attract nicely to one shrub adds high interest to any stand up to the other plants in the another. Once the combination outgrows its original home, transgarden or container with its arch- container. Asclepias is commonly called plant into your yard or garden. ing stems covered in tiny maroon foliage, touched by occasional Butterfly Milkweed. This vertical, Some of the best container plants Autumn theme container combinations are a creative way to accessorize your porches, decks and landings. This season, let’s look past the common garden chrysanthemum; there is so much more. The Hot Cocoa rose is a fairly new introduction. This mediumsized rose has an unusual mixture of colors. Deep orange and dark red mixed together create a darkbrown-based orange kissed blossom. Hot Cocoa is a hybrid tea rose, so its eventual size will be 3 to 5 feet tall. Look for the Hot Cocoa in a 1-gallon size so you can enjoy it as a container plant for a while before you have to put it in the ground.

become some of you greatest garden additions. Leonotis leonours is commonly called Lion’s Tail. This perennial reaches 4 feet tall and half as wide, usually at the first of the year. Whirls of orange, twolipped flowers start appearing in mid- to late-August and last through November. A perfect medium with this tall is Sedum Autumn Joy, with fleshy stems reaching 2 feet tall and wide, topped with a large, flat, broccolishaped bloom with tons of tiny, dark pink flowers that age to deep red, then warm brown as the weather cools. Lantana Radiation, with its orange-red, globe-shaped flowers, will also add to this combination, as well as Heuchera Amber Waves for some foliage interest. If your chosen container has some room left, dot a few blue pansies to cool down all the heat of this color grouping. Look past some of the usual container choices to make your plantings interesting and you will enjoy all your efforts.

Heuchera Chocolate Ruffles Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at GardenGirl94517@aol.com

word and a rosy dome is yours. For years, Melanie has been passionate about hardscape design and she has photo albums chock full of her projects. But photos can only tell so much. The new “grotto” will actually provide a starting point for design discussions. Clients can see and sit on several possibilities and, with help from Melanie, get the creative juices flowing. “This is my talent,” she says, waving her arm across the grotto. “This is what I do.” “Melanie’s on a roll,” says Nicole Hackett, R & M’s nursery manager and the Pioneer’s Garden Girl. And, indeed, Melanie Alarcon, co-owner of R & M with husband Roy, is on a roll. R & M Pool, Patio a n d Garden has been a family owned and operated business in this area for over 25 Melani y e a r s . Cooper-Alarcon Along with daughter-in-law Nicole, sons David and Jonathan are both active in the business. “We’ve been here 10 years,” she says surveying the building on Marsh Creek Road. “It needed something.” And, as with most major renovation projects, it all started with a coat of paint.

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If you’ve driven by R & M Pool, Patio and Garden lately, you’ve surely noticed the new lacy domed, Greek columned

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com

Page A15

Ginger ale blazes the trail as first soda in USA On a hot summer day, a cold glass of ginger ale just hits the spot. Bubbly, sweet and slightly tangy with the flavor of ginger, it’s great by itself, or as a mixer in cocktails. It’s also makes an unusual but good ingredient in cooking. Ginger ale was created about 140 years ago by a young pharmacist, James Vernor. His surname still graces the deep golden soda with a strong flavor that comes from aging in oak barrels for four years

SOFT DRINKS LIKE GINGER ALE AND ROOT BEER were an obvious Prohibition-era alternative for many brewers.

before bottling. It was patterned after Irish ginger beers, which at the time were just becoming popular in America. Ginger beer is not the same product—it’s made from fermented ginger with lemon juice or peel and comes in alcoholic and nonalcoholic varieties. Vernor’s oak aging was itself unplanned. He had just whipped up a batch of syrup when he decided to enlist in the Union Army during the Civil War. He stored the syrup in an oak cask, which he opened four years later. Delighted with the results, Vernor sold his aged ginger ale out of his drugstore in Detroit, Michigan for nearly 30 years before opening a factory to mass produce it. During Prohibition “dry” ginger ale became a popular mixer for cocktails. It has a milder flavor and quickly outstripped sales of golden ginger ale. Today, Canada Dry and Schweppes dominate the dry ginger ale market. Regional variations can still be found—Ale-8-One is a Kentucky favorite and Blenheim’s 1903 Hot Ginger Ale packs a wallop with lots of spice with a nice sweet finish. I under-

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stand that a Tom Tucker Southern Style is a brand that has mint flavoring Not only was ginger ale the first soda in America, it was also the first soda to be canned. In 1936, Cliquot Club Ginger Ale was introduced in a lowprofile cone-top can.

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boiling, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes. Cool, strain, and refrigerate for up to a week. Per serving: combine 1 c soda water and 2 Tbsp syrup and serve over ice. TV character Sam Malone was often seen drinking ginger ale to maintain his sobriety while

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working at Cheers. He might have enjoyed a Boston Cooler— vanilla ice cream and golden ginger ale (by the way, this was invented and named after Boston Boulevard in Detroit… it’s not known in Boston, MA.) Or maybe a Shirley Temple – ginger ale and grenadine with a cherry and orange slice. Folks who don’t imbibe liquor should stay away from a Shandygaff – beer or ale mixed with ginger beer or ginger ale, or a Horse’s Neck - bourbon and ginger ale with a lemon peel. Can you cook with ginger ale? You betcha. GINGER ALE GLAZED CARROTS 1 lb carrots, peeled and thinly sliced ½ c orange juice 2 Tbsp. homemade ginger syrup (see above) or ½ c ginger ale 1 Tbsp. butter Heat orange juice, syrup (or ginger ale) and butter until bubbly. Add carrots and simmer uncovered until liquid has evaporated and carrots are tender. GINGER ALE CAKE 1 pkg. yellow cake mix

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3 bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,554 sq. ft. Two story unit, Elegant living room with two way fireplace, cooks kitchen w/ breakfast bar & pleasant outdoor patio that has sliding door from family room. Attached 2 car garage, full-sized laundry & nice community pool!

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1 c ginger ale ½ c canola or rice bran oil 4 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 1 4-serving instant lemon pudding mix Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray bundt pan with vegetable spray. Combine ingredients in large bowl until moistened. Using electric mixer, mix on medium speed for 4 minutes. Bake for 50 minutes or until cake springs back to the touch (avoid opening oven during initial baking time). This cake is very moist and is great with a fine dusting of powdered sugar. If you wish, you can glaze the cooled cake with ½ c powdered sugar mixed with 3 Tbsp lemon or orange juice. Linda Wyner is an attorney in Walnut Creek by day, and an accomplished chef and “foodie” by choice. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com

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HOMEMADE GINGER ALE 1 c sugar ½ c grated fresh ginger or 1 c sliced ginger Rind of two lemons (cut away the white pith) 1 c water Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan and heat to

Visit our new office at 4918 Clayton Road

Page A16

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 9, 2005

georgevujnovich.com

Trust your home to

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

WINDMILL CANYON AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

JUST LISTED! Superb "Crandall" model on a huge park-like lot! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,877sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Upgraded marble tile entry. Living room with vaulted ceiling, marble tile wet bar & fireplace. Updated gourmet kitchen featuring solid slab bull-nosed granite counters, cherry wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, eating nook & sunny garden window. Large master suite with bay window sitting area & views of hill with oak trees. Very private & peaceful lot with patio & lush mature landscape. $739,000

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

EAGLE PEAK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

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

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

FALCON RIDGE AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

ING D N PE

Gorgeous "Candlelight" model located on a private court. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2,843sf, 3 car garage & inside laundry. Designer & decorator touches throughout! Upgraded flooring & window coverings. Formal living & dining rooms. Large family room with fireplace. Gourmet kitchen with solid slab granite counters & prof. quality stainless steel appliances including "Dacor" & "Viking". 1st level bedroom & full bath. Spacious master suite. Large .22 acre lot is professionally landscaped with large lawn area, patio, custom BBQ island, private reflecting area featuring cascading waterfall with pond & observation deck with views of hills, valley & city!. $975,000

EAGLE PEAK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

ING D N PE

Lovely former model ("Shasta") on a prime golf course view lot! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3,373sf, 3 fireplaces & 3 car garage. Neutral décor throughout! Downstairs bedroom with full private bath. Gourmet kitchen. Family room with brick fireplace & custom cabinetry. Spacious master with jet tub. Private lot offers a relaxing spa & magnificent views of golf course, hills, valley & city. $1,150,000

ING D N PE

Fantastic "Nantucket " model backing to open space! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,600sf, rare 4 car garage & inside laundry. Gourmet kitchen features upgraded tile floors, counters, island, upgraded cabinets & pantry. Extended family room features a fireplace & recess for TV. Neutral carpet & décor throughout! Spacious master suite overlooks views of open space. Private lot backs to open space & features a sparkling inground pool with built-in elevated spa. $1,175,000

CLAYTON

NG I D PEN

Single-story Mediterranean open floor plan. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,427sf , 3 car garage, inside laundry. Large kitchen, eat-in breakfast nook, pantry and wet bar. Family room with brick fireplace. Spacious Master Suite and bath. Quiet setting, level lot with mature landscaping & hot tub. $849,500

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

Tel: (925) 672-4433 6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517

Mortgage Market Update Conforming $359,650 or less (no points)

Jumbo $359,651 and up (no points)

30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . .5.375% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . .5.375% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . .5.625% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . .5.75% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.5% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.875%

30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . .5.375% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . .5.375% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . .5.875% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . .5.875% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.5% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.0%

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

PRICE

SALE DATE

597 Mt. Dell Dr 1550 O'Hara Ct 118 El Portal Pl 1122 Peacock Creek Dr 1749 Indian Wells Wy 1772 Indian Wells Wy 1527 O'Hara Ct 1529 Haviland Pl 5019 Raven Wy 11 Mt. McKinley 620 Black Point Ct 1025 Pebble Beach Dr 5839 Pine Hollow Rd 8425 Marsh Creek Rd 8053 Kelok Way 8051 Kelok Way 50 Nottingham Place 1397 Shell Lane 8025 Kelok Way 55 La Honda Court 21 El Portal Drive 624 Julpun Loop 170 Regency Drive 514 Hamburg Circle 6031 Golden Eagle Way 1200 Easley Drive 8013 Kelok Way 4701 Keller Ridge Dr 6011 Golden Eagle Wy 1824 Eagle Peak Ave 40 La Canada Court 9 Long Creek Circle 220 Condor Way 26 Mt. Wilson Way 5482 Tara Drive 7016 Molluk 474 Obsidian Way 1457 El Camino Drive 1735 Indian Wells Way 632 Mt. Olivet Court 540 Hamburg Circle 204 Fleming Drive 5780 Morgan Territory Road 112 Gold Rush Court 6023 Golden Eagle Way

$600,000 $680,000 $850,000 $1,181,000 $691,980 $735,000 $720,000 $585,000 $683,000 $825,000 $815,000 $1,219,000 $695,000 $1,000,000 $700,000 $1,050,000 $730,000 $515,000 $860,000 $865,000 $689,900 $715,000 $860,000 $820,000 $960,000 $710,000 $920,000 $605,000 $815,000 $799,998 $827,000 $472,000 $689,000 $549,500 $640,000 $730,000 $1,075,000 $674,000 $675,000 $850,000 $850,000 $850,000 $1,405,000 $730,000 $829,000

08/29/05 08/25/05 08/24/05 08/24/05 08/23/05 08/22/05 08/22/05 08/18/05 08/16/05 08/16/05 08/15/05 08/12/05 08/08/05 8/7/05 8/5/05 8/5/05 8/5/05 8/2/05 7/27/05 7/27/05 7/25/05 7/25/05 7/21/05 7/20/05 7/20/05 7/14/05 7/13/05 7/12/05 7/7/05 7/6/05 7/1/05 7/1/05 6/30/05 6/28/05 6/24/05 6/24/05 6/23/05 6/23/05 6/23/05 6/23/05 6/23/05 6/22/05 6/22/05 6/17/05 6/17/05

1,587 1,549 2,427 3,911 1,904 1,958 1,739 1,256 1,493 2,005 3,600 1,572 2,306 2,237 2,894 1,932 1,145 2,237 2,390 1,648 1,904 2,324 2,391 2,854 2,188 2,542 1,595 2,315 2,467 2,427 966 1,710 1,378 1,436 1,816 3,008 1,582 1,749 2,694 2,554 2,032 3,519 1,889 2,315

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

CLAYTON PIONEER September 9, 2005

Section B

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B1

Hike of the Week

Martinez Regional Shoreline KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN If you are looking for a quick escape from these lingering hot summer temperatures, then look no further because a 25-minute drive to Martinez Regional Shoreline will surely solve your problem. Most of

VIEW

OF THE

this 344-acre park is the result of a joint effort between the East Bay Regional Park District and the City of Martinez. In fact, most of the land was once a wharf, grain warehouse, fishing village and the oldest and longest operating ferry in the San Francisco Bay Area. I had previously heard about the “Marsh Enhancement Project” which was completed in 2002, but as I drove into the heart of the park, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a long list of facilities I didn’t

know existed within the boundaries. Obviously I came for the nearly three miles of hiking trails spread throughout the park, but softball and soccer fields, bocce courts, a horse arena, boating, fishing and even the “John Muir Amphitheatre” are just a few examples of things to keep one busy here. The Killdeer Trail begins from the first parking area located off N. Court Street. The Carquinez Strait provided both a wonderful backdrop and a light onshore breeze, two key

MARTINEZ REGIONAL SHORELINE from the fishing pier.

Kevin Parker/Clayton Pioneer

elements that I was searching for on this hot day. With a map in hand, which is not really a requirement to navigate this trail system, I began to wander throughout the park and explore all the “nooks and crannies” that would be revealed to the careful eye. I crossed a small bridge, landed on Duck Pond Trail and made a long sweeping loop around a pond and crossed through Ferry Point. Sprawling patches of lawn, picnic tables and even a sand beach are all available for your enjoyment. Sweeping views of the Martinez and Carquinez Bridges can be seen from the shoreline, both of which look spectacular from this vantage point. I continued hiking and found myself on Pickleweed Trail, which crosses Alhambra Creek via Arch Bridge. Standing atop this bridge gives you some perspective on the extensive marshland with its many inhabitants that come and go as the seasons change. Even in late summer when most hillsides are tinted light brown, the marshes in and around Martinez Shoreline are rich in greens and yellows, a nice treat this time of year. Stay on Pickleweed Trail heading west and you will eventually come to a remote picnic spot located right on the water. A great place to stop, enjoy the scenery and a lunch if you planned ahead and packed accordingly. Although dogs are allowed in some areas of the park, my advice is to leave them at home because a large

s ’ n d e o t t y n a a l W C t s o M

Kevin Parker/Clayton Pioneer

PICKLEWEED TRAIL crosses Alhambra Creek via the Arch Bridge in the Martinez Regional Shoreline Park. portion of the park is off limits for dogs. Heading due east back on Pickleweed Trail, I crossed back over the 240-foot boardwalk that was also constructed at part of the 2002 enhancement project. In addition to well-maintained and marked trails, this recreation area has done a fantastic job educating the general public about the marshlands and tidal marshes via signage located along most trails. Throw in some educational areas with historical tidbits about the origins of this land and you almost have a full history lesson intertwined with a great hike. Navigating in and around this park provides everyone with dozens of opportunities to enjoy all aspects of this little gem nestled along the shoreline of Martinez. What started out as a 1-1/2 hour hiked turned into an all day adventure spent enjoying everything from tidal marshes to observation platforms and even an art show, which happened to be at the park that particular day.

For more information: http://www.ebparks.org/parks /martinez.htm

If you would like more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, contact Kevin at: hikershaven@comcast.net

Martinez Regional Shoreline Trailhead:

I-680 towards the Martinez Bridge. Exit Marina Vista (left) and head towards downtown Martinez. Right on Ferry Street over the railroad tracks into the park. z Difficulty: Easy z Duration: 1.0 - 2.0 hours z Park Info: Park Hours -

5 am to 10 pm (unless otherwise posted). No parking or entrance fees.

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Page B2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 9, 2005

Clayton Sports Stephanie Chow wins top awards at Junior Olympics JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

STEPHANIE CHOW

Photos courtesy of the Chows

Table Tennis Champion, Stephanie Chow came home from the New Orleans Junior Olympic Games a big winner. Chow, 15 won both gold and silver medals at the Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) 39th annual games held July 29-21. Chow also earned a Silver Medal in the under 16 girl’s singles event beating her teammate Sheena Tsang, and a second Silver Medal in under 16 girls doubles event Tsang took home the bronze. Chow was close to a gold win in the singles, losing out to a much higher rated player from Florida. Chow and Tsang teamed up to earn the silver in the doubles event. During the competition, Stephanie competed against two girls who were at least two years older and rated 300 points above her own US Tennis Association rating of nearly 1600. Chow went five games (in the best three out of

Girls Velocity’s quickness sets pace in two separate contests JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

The Mount Diablo Soccer League’s U-12 girl’s Velocity team recently won two tournaments. First the class I team took first place honors in their league’s own 2005 MDSL Summer Classic tournament which was played over the weekend of Aug. 13-14. Velocity went undefeated in all four matches. They played and remarkably did not give up a single goal. They started the weekend by beating DeAnza

Spirit 7 to zip. Then they beat Delta Storm by a 5 – 0. On Sunday they first beat a tough Turlock Fury team by a 2 – 0 shutout and in the finals they overcame an even tougher DVSC ’93 Black team by a score of just 1-0 to maintain their shutout record win the championship. The following weekend Velocity played at the Davis Girls Shootout where they continued to post shutout victories in three of their four games. The Velocity beat Davis Shock 3 – 0, Marin Magic 2 – 0 and

MVLA Freedom 3 – 0. Then in the championship game the MDSL girls topped Orchard Valley Toros by a score of 3 to 2 to take the title and maintain their unbeaten streak but of course finally relinquished their perfect shutout run in the process. Most of the girls are Clayton residents and attend Diablo View Middle School. After finishing their summer preseason tournaments the team will begin play in the fall in the Golden State Soccer League in the gold flight.

five match) with each of these girls, but lost at deuce in the fifth and final game. The AAU is one of the largest, non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the US. They work with the U.S. Olympic Committee to develop their games. In 2000 over 13,000 athletes from all over the U.S. and several U.S. territories competed. Each year the games grow with more and more athletes competing in the three-day event. The various Junior Olympics sports competitions were held at venues all over the New Orleans, just like the real Olympics. Chow is a member of the San Francisco Sunset Table Tennis Club where she trains under expert coaching and where she has a chance to prac-

STEPHANIE’S

GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS.

tice against other excellent players in the Bay Area. Stephanie is the daughter of

Jon and Serena Chow. Congratulations to our Clayton-based medalist.

Clayton Bocce Division heads for League playoffs JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

2005 CLAYTON DIVISION OF THE CONCORD BOCCE LEAGUE - STANDINGS. Week of 8/28/2005

Of the 16 teams in the Clayton Bocce Division this year, all but a few still have a chance to make the playoffs as the regular season winds down after Sept. 11. The final standings for almost every team are still undecided. The top eight teams will make the end-ofseason playoffs, which will be held Sept. 18, and 25. After the matches on Aug. 28, Team 10, Bada Bing, made a move up two places in the rankings despite only winning one out of three games to move into eighth place. On Aug. 21, Team 10 found itself in tenth place, but moved up to eighth by scoring 33 points while Team 4, Bocce Amici, which had been in eighth and which also won only one of three matches, scored only 24 points, showing just how close the standings are in the Clayton Division. Several teams will be fighting hard to still try to make the playoffs going into the final Sunday of regular play. The teams didn’t play on Labor Day so these standings will be the same going into the all-important matches on Sept. 11. The teams play all games at Newhall Park in Concord.

No. 2 8 12 14 16 1 5 10 4 9 6 7 11 15 13 3

Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Won . .Lost . . .PF . . . . .PA Members Only . . . . . . . . . . .27 . . . .9 . . . . . .401 . . . . .264 I Vincitori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 . . . .12 . . . . .389 . . . . .298 Bocce Bolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 . . . .13 . . . . .382 . . . . .333 Bada-Bang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 . . . .14 . . . . .355 . . . . .298 Downtown Bocce . . . . . . . . .20 . . . .16 . . . . .350 . . . . .346 Italian Delights . . . . . . . . . . .19 . . . .17 . . . . .350 . . . . .347 Meadow Maulers . . . . . . . . . .18 . . . .18 . . . . .342 . . . . .326 Bada Bing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 . . . .19 . . . . .332 . . . . .336 Bocce Amici . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 . . . .19 . . . . .332 . . . . .357 Springwood Rollers . . . . . . . .17 . . . .19 . . . . .327 . . . . .343 Sunshine Squad . . . . . . . . . . .15 . . . .21 . . . . .301 . . . . .356 On A Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 . . . .21 . . . . .268 . . . . .344 Bocce Rollers . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 . . . .22 . . . . .319 . . . . .366 Bocce Buzzards . . . . . . . . . . .14 . . . .22 . . . . .309 . . . . .359 Bocce Warriors . . . . . . . . . . .14 . . . .22 . . . . .299 . . . . .326 Empty Nesters . . . . . . . . . . .12 . . . .24 . . . . .298 . . . . .355 288 288 5354 5354

The tie breakers (in order) are: wins, “points for” and then “points against”

g iner A new state-of-the-art automatic n i m Co eptemb scoring system: “QUBICA-AMF” S the world’s #1 automatic scoring system Additional remodeling in progress

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

Dollar Nights - Monday through Thursday,

9pm to midnight - $1 games

Freaky Funday on Sundays -

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

925.689.4631 visit: claytonvalleybowl.com

Clayton Valley Bowl 5300 Clayton Road z Concord, CA

THE MDSL U-12 GIRL’S VELOCITY TEAM: Front Row: Ashley Delgado; 2nd Row: Belinda Ruvalcaba, Lindsay DeCosta, Lindsey Parscal and Camila Rowland; 3rd Row: Sarah Alitaha, Paige Reilly and Daisy Bonilla; 4th Row: Alison Marines, Brigitte Leblow, Melissa Del Bene, Shayana Gois, Raelyn Pamela, Kaila Wakida and Janelle Partida; Top Row: Coaches Randy Rowland, Russ Marines and Alex Delgado.

FITNESS & TANNING

Morning Circuit Training

Mon/Wed/Fri 8:15 - 9 a.m.

Men and Women

Personal PT with Frank and Mike in ! the morning Call for an t appointmen

d Tanning an oducts Tanning Pr

Clayton Fitness & Tanning 925-672-2010 z 672-2005 (fax) 1516 Kirker Pass Road (Located in the Clayton Station)

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 5am - 10pm Sat. 7am - 5pm Sun. 8am - 5pm

Frank Lagau, owner, C.P.T. Mike Quinata, C.P.T.

September 9, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B3

Clayton Sports Annual Books and Balls fundraiser a big success JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

Les Garaventa, Jr. the coordinator again this year of the Clayton Valley High School’s Annual Books and Balls Golf Tournament was held at Oakhurst Country Club on Monday August 22. Garaventa said that “a total of 112 golfers

participated this year and that about 130 people attended the dinner following the golf tournament.” “We raised about $15,000 net after expenses Garaventa added; that gets shared among three Clayton Valley High School programs; the football and golf athletic programs and the CVHS Parent Faculty Club.” The Tournament low score

foursome winners this year were Dan Finklea, Dale Brown, Miler McGraph and Dave Boam. Bob Mazza was the men’s long drive winner and Dixie Stratford was the women’s long drive winner. One “closest to the pin” winner was Mac McCormick and the second “closest to the pin” winner’s name was still not available at press time.

U14 Girls MDSL Xtreme wins the Petaluma Kickin’ Chicken tourney

BOOKS AND BALLS TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS included (front row) Marissa Lopez and Megan Farr; (back row) Les Garaventa, Vinnie Levine, Travis Schoenthaler, Laurie Arbour and JJ Arnold.

Sports Shorts CONCORD/CLAYTON YMCA FALL SPORTS PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED

U14 GIRLS MDSL XTREME: (From Left) Front row: Caroline Bonilla, Anna DeBoer, Julia “J” Taylor, Holly Day and Ali Roberts. Middle row: Cassandra Morris, Sarah Osborne, Sierra Jackson, Haley McLaughlin and Janel Guzman. Back row: Assistant coach Luke Jackson, Assistant coach John Bonilla, Julia Bonilla, Stephanie DeBoer, Chandler Stone, Shayla Rydel and Coach Rich Taylor. Not pictured: Sophie Rossoni.

MIKE ROSE’S AUTO BODY Clayton resident, Mike Rose, has been in business for over 31 years and has always provided quality repair with excellent customer service!

FIVE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!!! 2001 Fremont Street Concord, Ca 94520 (925) 686-1739

2260 Via De Mercados Concord, Ca 94520 (925) 689-1739

14 California Ave Suite D Pleasanton, Ca 94566 (925) 600-1739 2140 North Broadway Walnut Creek, Ca 94596 (925) 210-1739

This fall the Concord/Clayton Branch of the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA will be hosting a number of programs based out of Clayton at the Clayton Community Gym at the Diablo View Middle School. These programs include Fall Youth Sports leagues (Soccer, Hockey, Quest, Flag Football and Cheer), and

Adult Leagues as follows: Flag Football League, grades 28, Oct. 1; After School Intramurals (Basketball, Volleyball, Flag Football, Indoor Soccer, Dodgeball and Ultimate Frisbee), grades 6–8, begins at start of school;

Cheerleading, grades 2-8, Oct. 1; Soccer Leagues, Pre-K – 8, Sept. 24; Hockey Leagues, Pre-K – 8, Oct. 9; QUEST League (for children with special needs), Pre-K – 8, Sept. 24; Men’s 5 on 5 Basketball, adults age 18+, Sun. Sept. 25; Coed Volleyball, adults age 18+, Thursday evenings. For more information contact Delise Young, Program Director, Concord/Clayton YMCA 8891625.

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All units plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Subject to credit approval & prior sales. Expires 09/30/05. Rebates not compatible with special rate financing. z #1 Pontiac z GMC Volume Dealer in Contra Costa County for 2001 through 2004.

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Page B4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

It’s always the right time for tea

now owned by Clayton resident, Susan O'Toole

Englund's Tea Cottage

Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton

“Where good friends gather...”

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

A beautiful full service tea room featuring… High tea. Delectable lunches. Fresh salads. Fresh baked scones and desserts. Special events.

Children’s menu and take out service available

For reservations call

672-TEAS (8327) www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com

(925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON

5433 L Clayton Road in Clayton Station

Why wait? Why fight traffic and wait hours for a table when a short, 15 minute drive over the hill will bring you to your new favorite restaurant? Fine Italian dining on the beautiful Delta View Golf Course

• Banquet Rooms • Off-site Catering

2222 Golf Club Road, Pittsburg (925) 432-1700 From Clayton, take Kirker Pass over the hill Turn left on Leland to Golf Club Road

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

Dining Around At the corner of Center and Marsh Creek Road in downtown Clayton, LA VERANDA CAFE serves a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. And if you haven’t had brunch at La Veranda, you are missing a real treat. The menu includes all the popular breakfast choices, Eggs Benedict and Florentine, omlettes and pancakes. A new twist on the tried and true Joe’s Special will leave you begging for more. All are served with potatoes, toast and fresh fruit.

I – FR . MON 9:30 p.m – . a.m N 11:30 T & SU .m. p SA 0 3 – 9: . m . 10 a

New Lunch Menu from $6.95 Kids Menu, $3.95 Banquet facilities available

1508 Kirker Pass Rd. behind Shell Station

672-6868

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

11 TV ’S

to sport watch s!

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

spizze

ria.co

after the game Enjoy a small one item pizza

Free

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

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

La Veranda Café

and Come our e s brow op and gift sh ibles collect

September 9, 2005

Full B Comar S o oi n g n

d by wne o y l l e Locaco Bial c o R d. ley R l a V cio Ygna e Rd. 9 0 29 k Grov k e a at O nut Cre l a W in

This This popular spot is a perfect place for a lovely, quiet Sunday morning brunch where you are likely to run into friends and neighbors. La Veranda opens on Sunday at 10 a.m. and is open daily for lunch and dinner. If you're hungry and want healthy food, CAFÉ SANTE is the perfect place to be. Ideally located in Maverick's Sports Club on Clayton Road where parking is plentiful, Café Sante offers an inviting menu with delicious items made fresh while you wait. For breakfast try the breakfast burrito or grab a bagel or muffin before you head to work. And for lunch or dinner, Café Sante has some interesting menu items like the "Wrap it Up" caesar, veggie or deli style. There's salads and daily grill selections like chicken, ball-tip or salmon served as a sandwich or Caesar salad. If you're in the mood for something hot, try the home-

Located in

Mavericks Spor ts Club

at 5294 Clayton Road in Concord,

Non-members welcome

PHONE 4 2 9 3 3 2 0 Ask us about Catering.

made turkey chili, spinach lasagne or soups and stews. Café Sante has a coffee bar, kids menu and a successful catering business The casual ambiance makes this an inviting place to dine any time. And you will enjoy meeting owner Susan O'Toole who greets everyone with a smile and great service. Coming soon is Café Sante's Frozen Yogurt bar. Previously Linguini’s, the PAVILION BAR AND GRILL. has added specialty items from the grill to Linguini’s traditional Italian fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, gnocchi, tortellini and vongole. Grilled items include steaks, fish and veggies and range from $5.95 for an appetizer of cheese sticks to $19.95 for the New York strip topped with sauteed mushrooms. Pizza lovers will all be happy with the new selections including three choices to please the most discriminating vegetarian. Pizzas come in small, medium, large and extra large sizes and range from $9.95 for a small classic cheese pizza to $22.95 for

Serving fresh fruit smoothies, espresso drinks, & a fresh & healthy variety of breakfast, lunch & dinner items for you & your family. $1.00 off any sandwich when you mention this ad

an extra large Super Combo. See ad this page for hours. ELYSIUM on Main Street also has a brand new menu with more choices and lower prices. Dishes range from “small plates,” featuring appetizers, soups and salads from $5 for Organic Field Greens with toasted hazelnuts, beets and champagne vinegar, to a Half Dozen Oysters on the Half Shell for $12. “Medium plates-good for tasting,” (try the Cornmeal Crusted Calamari Salad with spicy aioli for $7.50) are great for a light meal, or you can combine them with a smaller plate for a complete meal. “Large plates, good for an entree” include Halibut and a Five Spice Dusted Duck Breast for $15; or Flank Steak and Frites (simple as that) for $14 among other choices. Owner Greg Severn has also added a “Little Ones Only” menu and heartily welcomes families with children. See Elysium’s ad on page B5.

More Dining, page B5

September 9, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

joy An Italian En Fe

Image is everything to Dave Hobson

ast at Ou r

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

Fine Italian dining with an extensive menu • Weekend Special - grilled steaks • Gourmet desserts and fine wines Very reasonable prices

4425-F Treat Blvd. Concord, CA 94521

687-5 5300

www.pastaprimaveracafe.com

american contemporary bistro in downtown Clayton

E lysium

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

“Elysium is a bit of heaven in the suburbs”

10 am - 2 pm

-San Francisco Chronicle, 2/18/2005

Sunday Brunch

Full B ar N ow Open Bar Penne - wild mushroom ragout,

kalamata olives, garlic and pine nuts $12

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

672-11333

for reservations

ting Patio Sea blee la i Now Ava

Page B5

6115 Main Street Clayton, CA

JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Memorializing a deceased loved one with photos, music and testimonials; restoring precious photographs from the past; or how about enjoying those old home movies on a convenient DVD format? Dave Hobson of Hobson’s Digital Media has made a career helping people preserve their memories for a lifetime. This unique mixture of sentimental journeys, creativity and the latest technology keeps Dave busy every day. He works with a variety of mediums from negatives and slides to home videos on 8mm, VHS, Super 8, or Mini DV. Hobson’s Digital Media specializes in photo restoration, video transfer; DVD/CD slide shows and document archiving. “It’s all about customer service,” says Dave who is committed to making sure each and every customer is completely satisfied. Customers trust him with cherished photos that have been damaged through the years or photos that literally capture an entire lifetime, and he handles each request with care, compassion, creativity and technological expertise. He recalls one of his customers whose roof company left

a gaping hole in the ceiling during a rainstorm and boxes of old photographs suffered severe water damage. Dave worked meticulously on the photos, successfully restoring all of them. Photo restoration is done on a digital copy of the damaged photo and the restored version is then printed on a high quality paper with a customized finish. The customer is also given the original damaged photo as a keepsake. Clayton resident Denise Leveroni was impressed with Hobson’s conversion of some of her home movies to a DVD. “His pick up and delivery service was very convenient,” she said. She loves the chapters and menu that Dave incorporates into the video transfer. You can have sections by date, by event or by segments in your family’s history. Denise’s mom recently hired Dave to transfer old home movies from 8mm to a DVD and she specifically requested the menu and chapter options. DVD slide shows for anniversaries, birthdays and memorial services are very popular. Dave enjoys the creative process of adding music, rolling type in some cases, fades and descriptive text that all comes together in what he describes as a “professional quality Hollywood-style

Jill Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer

Dave Hobson of Hobson’s Digital Media production.” “It’s a wonderful story that will have your guests smiling, laughing and maybe even crying,” says Dave. Dave is always available to customize any job and he is in constant contact with each customer until a job is finished. His business began about 10 years

ago when a friend asked him to restore an old photograph. One job led to another and Hobson’s business has grown primarily from referrals. Dave and his wife, Lisa are graduates of Clayton Valley High School and they have two children, Marissa, 12 and Mia, three months old.

reservations are a must.

All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free. Call for reservations, 432-1700. The dining room at OAKHURST is open Wed.Sun. for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu is extensive, offering appetizers, a daily soup selection, salads, sandwiches and wraps and pasta. Dinner on Friday and Saturday features a heavenly roasted prime rib for $20.99-$24.99 in a size that’s perfect for every appetite. Wednesday dinner is a pasta buffet for $14.99 ($6.99 for kids).

email: e lysium_restaurant@sbcglobal.net

Thai cuisine

Indian cuisine curries, tandooris freshly baked breads

fresh soup and salads pad thai, pad kemo chicken sate

Hot Basil Café

Enjoy both Indian and Thai Cuisine Open 7 days a week Lunch: Dinner:

Mon. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun. - Thu. 5-9 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 5-9:30 p.m.

790 D Oak Grove Road At the corner of Oak Grove Road and Treat Blvd.

925-288-0000 Let us cater your next special event

All menu items available for take-out

Dining,

from page B4

Are you ready for a relaxing afternoon with friends, enjoying a pot of tea and And for a little bit of Italy? Just down Clayton Road at the corner of Clayton Road and Treat Blvd., is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria offers a delectable linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil for $8.95...my personal favorite. Other pasta dishes include Chicken Pesto Gorgonzola, a rigatoni dish with chicken breast and tomatoes in a creamy pesto Gorgonzola sauce ($13.95.) For an intimate atmosphere and a good wine list, Pasta Primavera can’t be beat. Or, how about a relaxing afternoon with friends,

enjoying a pot of tea and delectable treats in a beautiful full service tea room? ENGLUND'S TEA COTTAGE offers these amenities and more at their lovely tea room in the Clayton Station. Proprietors Sally Englund and Pamela Barnett want the tea cottage to be a place "where good friends gather." After you browse the gift shop and collectibles, enjoy lunch or high tea with tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fresh fruit and dip and dessert. There's a beautiful muraled room perfect for bridal and baby showers, staff meetings and club gatherings. To book your party, call 672-8327. Lunch

Hobson’s Digital Media

“Happy Hammer”

TRANSFER TO DVD

Free estimates Appliance replacements

8mm

General maintenance

VHS

Mini DV

Slides

Hi8

Super 8

Photo & Document Archiving DVD Slide Shows Audio Transfer to CD GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

(925) 673-9433 Skip England

Handyman Service

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PHOTO RESTORATION

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no job too small

free pickup & delivery

925.676.0726 www.HobsonsDigitalMedia.com

Call today for a personal tour & complementary lunch

(925) 524-5100

Senior Retirement Living

A little more on the casual side and a great place to take the kids is ROCCO’S RISTORANTE at 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Voted the best pizza in the Bay Area by a Contra Costa Times Reader Poll, Rocco’s serves up a killer house specialty. The Dominator, piled high with pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, ham, linguica, sausage and onions, is not for the faint of heart. At $19.97, this large pizza will feed a small army. Rocco’s also has several choices of classic Italian pasta, homemade minestrone and several salads. All pasta dishes are served with fresh bread. Top your pasta dinner off with a glass of wine and you’re well fed and satisfied for well under $20 (tax and tip included.) Rocco’s opens every day at 11 a.m. For view and atmosphere you can’t do better than ZANDONELLA’S situated on the lovely Delta View Golf Course in Pittsburg. Zandonella’s is open Tue.Sun for lunch and dinner. This family friendly restaurant offers an extensive menu that covers every craving. From that perfect bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs all the way to a succulent and perfectly roasted rack of lamb, you are sure to find your favorite.

Do your ducts look like this?

Don’t be mislead by the name of this delightful family restaurant just over the hill in in the Citrus Marketplace. MARY’S PIZZA SHACK is definitely NOT a shack, and you can find a lot more on the menu than just pizza-although the pizza is a fine choice, indeed. Mary’s Pizza Shack serves up a delicious array of their legendary pizza and Italian dishes with both a luncheon and dinner menu. Mary’s loves families so bring the kids. Pizzas range from $7 for a small Napoletana to $20.50 for the large Mary’s Combination. A pasta lunch will run you $7.25-$9.25; dinner $10.75-$13.25. Both include soup or salad, warm sourdough bread and beverage. See Mary’s Pizza Shack ad on page B4.

Insured and family owned and operated

Dirty ducts cause: Higher gas & electric bill Fire hazards Longer drying time

Call the specialists

It’s the small town atmosphere 6401 Center Street Clayton CA 94517

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Lint Extractors

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Page B6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

September 9, 2005

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., SEPT. 14 FOR THE SEPT. 23 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT FALL PROGRAMS @ CONCORD/CLAYTON YMCA Programs include flag football league (2-8 grade), cheerleading (2-8 grade), soccer leagues (pre-k - 8 grade), QUEST league (for children with special needs), men’s 5 on 5 (18+) and coed volleyball (18+). Call Delise Young, Program Director at 889-1625, Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton. ONGOING THROUGH NOV. 16 WWII Memorabilia @ Clayton Historical Society Museum The newest special exhibit at the Clayton Historical Society Museum is WWII, Red, White Blue. Artifacts and memorabilia from all walks of life during the war years will be displayed. Local veterans are well represented in this exhibit which honors the men and women who served and the families who joined in the war effort on the home front. Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6101 Main Street, Clayton. The Museum is open Sunday and Wednesday, 2-4 p.m. SEPT. 2 - SEPT. 24 Playhouse West’s Private Lives @ Regional Center for the Arts One of the comic gems of theatre, this classic finds a divorced couple and their new spouses honeymooning in the same hotel. Their chance meeting reminds them of not only why they fell in love but also why they couldn’t live together. Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 943-7469, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. SEPT. 2 - OCT. 1 Diablo Light Opera Company’s Miss Saigon at Regional Center for the Arts Set in 1975 during the final days leading up to the American evacuation of Vietnam, Miss Saigon is the story of two young lovers, An American G.I. and a Vietnamese girl. Their struggle against the forces of war and prejudice is the heart of the story. Tickets are $28.75 - $33.75. Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 943-7469 SEPT. 9, 10, 11 Circus Chimera @ Diablo Valley College- North Parking Lot Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sat. 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sun. 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Circus Chimera’s 2005 show “Magimystical” tells a magical story using characters from around the globe. The story is told through scenes, sets and circus techniques, making it accessible to very young children and entertaining for the whole family. This unique circus was designed with a family audience in mind. For tickets and information call 1-888-663-7464 or go to www.circuschimera.com. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. SEPT. 11 Annual Open House @ Civic Arts Education 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Children’s art, jewelry making, cartooning for teens, ceramic demonstrations, dance lessons, musical entertainment and more for community members who attend CAE’s annual open house. Yoga, hip hop and tap workshops will be available. The fair-like atmosphere includes food booths and art, jewelry and ceramic booths, where both student and faculty art will be available for purchase at great prices. Shadelands campus, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek, 943-5842, www.arts-ed.org. SEPT. 13 Art of Retirement Classes @ Loma Vista Adult Center 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. The five-week course costs $16 for people 55+. The topics for this new series of classes include how to keep the money you have, activities in retirement, health in retirement, travel, long-term-care insurance, happiness in retirement, volunteering vs. working part-time, and more. Upon completion students should know themselves better in light of their quest for a successful, meaningful retirement. For more information on the class, please call instructor George Fulmore at (925) 686-6916. Loma Vista Adult Center, 1266 San Carlos Ave. in Concord. Call (925) 937-1530 for registration information. SEPT. 13 - NOV.3 Patty Cakes and Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library Patty Cakes - 11 a.m. Tuesdays, story time for birth to 3 years. Picture book time - 11 a.m. Thursdays, child may attend without parent. For 3 to 5 years. No registration required. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. SEPT. 14, 17, 24 Literacy Tutor Training @ Project Second Chance, Pleasant HIll Read because you can, teach someone who can’t. Help an adult to read, write and spell better. Volunteers are needed in East and Central Costa County County. Project Second Chance (PSC), the Contra Costa Library adult literacy program, trains volunteers to become literacy tutors. Training is Sept. 14 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Sept. 15 and 24 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Please call 927-3250 or email us at psc@cclib.org for registration information. Project Second Chance, 75 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill. SEPT. 19 Mrs. L’s Craft and Story @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. Pajama story times for families and children of all ages. Registration required. 673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. SEPT. 24 Volunteer training @ The Lindsay Wildlife Museum, Walnut Creek 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek is seeking volunteers to help children and adults learn about wildlife and all the animals that are permanent residents of the museum--hawks, owls, mountain lion, gray fox, ravens, snakes, and many more. Volunteer hours are flexible. Orientation classes are free, but pre-registration is strongly suggested. Please call (925) 254-4773 for more information. SEPT. 24 Plaque dedication @ Black Diamond Plaza 11 a.m. Dedication of the plaque in Black Diamond Plaza commemorating Nortonville Road, officially "Black Diamond Way." The plaque commemorat-

ing Nortonville Road, from which the coal miners came to Clayton, will be unveiled and dedicated by the Clayton Historical Society. Main Street and Marsh Creek Road, Clayton. SEPT. 24 Fall Clayton Cleans Up 9a.m. - 12 p.m. Help clean Clayton’s creeks, parks, trails and landscaping. Individuals, homeowner associations and neighborhood groups, service clubs, everyone welcome. Gloves, trash bags and small tools provided. We will be bulb planting in various landscape/open space areas. Meet at City Hall, Clayton at 9 a.m. For more information call City Hall at 6737300. OCT. 1, 2, Second Annual Clayton Oktoberfest Sat.11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Main Street, Downtown Clayton. The Internationals will play non-stop from 1:00 p.m. each day, German style foods including a variety of sausages, imported German beer, premium California wines, sodas, and fresh lemonade will be available. Kinderland and a Rootbiergarten for the kids. New this year - carnival rides! Arts and craft booths to find that special gift. Win a cruise for two or other prizes to be raffled throughout the event. Free admission and parking. Sponsored by the CBCA (Clayton Business and Community Association). OCT. 1, 8 Junior Theatre Program Auditions @ Civic Arts Education, Walnut Creek Designed for students ages 10-15, Junior Theatre provides an eight-month program of training that includes basic acting skills, improvisation, movement, and voice techniques. The program culminates with two performances at the Del Valle Theater in Walnut Creek. This year's shows are "The Magic of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" (Feb. 24-25, 2006) and "Aladdin, Jr. (May 5-6, 2006). Nina Auslander returns as the program’s director. Call 943-5846 for audition appointment. Civic Arts Education, Shadelands campus, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. OCT. 7 - NOV. 5 Contra Costa Musical Theatre's The Full Monty @ Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts Winner of 10 Tony Awards in 2001, this heartwarming, upbeat comedy tells the story of six laid-off steelworkers, down on their luck, frustrated with life, women and work, who, regardless of looks and ability become the best Chippendale strippers in Brooklyn. They bare their souls and a whole lot more. Ticket prices range from $27 for students to $37 for adults. Oct.7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, Nov. 3, 4, 5 - 8 p.m. Oct.9, 23, 29, 30 2 p.m. For tickets call 943-SHOW or visit www.dlrca.org. Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. OCT. 7 We Care Services for Children Fundraiser @ Zia Fraedo's Restaurant 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. The event is a Black and White Gala with Heart featuring a reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing. Proceeds from the event will benefit We Care Services for Children. Tickets are $85 per person and $595 for a table of eight. Sponsorships are available from $250 - $5,000. For information or reservations, please contact Barbara Langsdale at (925) 671-0777, ext. 13 or e-mail: langsdale@wecarebmcc.org. Oct. 7 - Nov. 5 MOON RIVER: A JOHNNY MERCER CABARET @ CTA CROSSROADS Features over 50 Mercer songs from radio show tunes of the 1920's and big band era to the great Hollywood film scores of the 1960's and 70's. Evening performances at 8 p.m., Sat. matinees at 2 p.m. Previews $20, Oct. 7, 8, 13. Regular performances $22 seniors/youth, $25 regular. Thursday Oct. 20, 27, and Nov. 13, Fri. Oct. 14, 21, 28, and Nov. 4, Sat. matinees Oct. 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5, Sat. evenings Oct. 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5. CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek. 944-0597. OCT. 14 - NOV. 6 Twelfth Night @ Diablo Valley College Shakespeare's tale of unrequited love in a gender bending comedy of mistaken identities! A storm at sea separates twins - a sister and her brother. Alone in a man's world, Viola disguises herself as a man to serve as emissary for the lovesick Duke Orsino in his quest to win the heart of the beautiful Olivia, only to have Olivia fall for the messenger, Viola. When Viola's twin, Sebastian arrives, mistaken identities confuse, confound and delight! Performances on Fri. and Sat. at 8pm, Sun. at 2:30pm. Tickets $10-$13. Box Office: (925) 687-4445, DVC Performing Arts Center, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill.

ed to luncheon meetings at Marie Calender’s the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and at The Left Bank the third Wednesday of the month.Call Gloria Utley at 672-0508, email at gloutley@aol.com. or Jo Harlow, 827-9676. for information. SEPT. 15, 22, 29 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker.www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. SEPT. 15, 22, 29 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m.and 5:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. 800/326-8450 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. SEPT. 19 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Farm Bureau Hall 7:10 p.m. Open to youth ages 5 - 19, and adults. Monthly meetings Sept. through May. Projects in small and large animals, skills including cooking, photography, arts/crafts etc. Opportunities in leadership, community service, conferences, 4-H camp, fairs. Contact: Candy Hogan 925 969-1325. Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Rd. Concord. SEPT. 24 American Association of University Women's 100 Years of Fashion @ Diamond Terrace 4 p.m. Fashion show proceeds go to the AAUW scholarship fund for a local student. Tickets are $15, refreshments will be served. Contact Luz Argyriou at ((925) 672-1982. We hope you will be able to join us and support the young women in our community. Anyone interested in information about Clayton AAUW please contact Jean Cain at 672-5539 0r Julia Garcia at 671-0467 SEPT. 29 CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association) Meeting @ Oakhurst 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, last non-holiday Thursday of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. John Rubiales, President. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. OCT. 8 The Clayton Valley Woman's Club Kitchen Tour 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The self-directed tour of six kitchens in Clayton Valley starts at Clayton City Hall courtyard where you pick up maps and brochures. Tickets will be $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Proceeds will benefit local charities and scholarships. For ticket information call Joan at 6722471. The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization)

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT SEPT. 13, 20, 27 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. SEPT. 13, 27 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. SEPT. 8 Clayton Community Services Commission Meeting @ City Hall 7 p.m. City of Clayton Community Services Commission meets 2nd Thursday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 HeritageTrail, Clayton. SEPT. 20 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm's Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

SEPT. 13, 20, 27 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.

SEPT. 8 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @Clayton Valley High School 7:00 p.m. If you show your child that you care about their school, your child will care too. Together we can make a difference! The meeting will be held in the school library. Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord.

SEPT. 13, 27 Clayton Valley Woman’s Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m, caffe and snacks, 10 a.m, membership meeting. Special entertainment at 10:45am provided by The Vagabond Players of Pleasant Hill. They will present "The Silver Whistle", a comedy play originally on Broadway in the 1940's. For invitation call Millie Graham, 672-1868. Regular monthly meets held the second and fourth Tues. of the month. For info contact Shirley Boyd, President at 672-1163. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. SEPT. 14 Clayton Valley Garden Club @ Diamond Terrace The Clayton Valley Garden Club will have a guest speaker, Jack Starr. a local vintner! Anyone who enjoys gardens and flowers is welcome to attend. Please join us. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton. SEPT. 14, 21, 28 Concord Soroptimist Meeting Women at their best working to help other women. Business, professional people or people interested in providing service to the community are invit-

SEPT. 13 Grad Night Class of 2006 Meeting @ Clayton Valley High School 7:00 p.m. Agenda for the Sept. meeting to include an explanation of the different Grad Night committees, budget, fundraising activities, and future meetings. This is a yearlong parent sponsored effort that requires the help of many Class of 2006 parents to ensure our seniors have a safe and sober graduation celebration. Meeting to be held in the school library. Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. SEPT. 20 Parent Faculty Meeting @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7:00 p.m., Multi Use Room, childcare provided. Agenda for the September meeting to include budget approval. For items to be included on the agenda, contact Stacey Wickware, 673-1999, the5wicks@sbcglobal.net or Kristy Smith, 673-1795, kristinsmith@yahoo.com, PFC Co-Presidents. The dates for the rest of the school year are: Oct.18, Nov.15, Jan.17, Feb.21, Mar.21, Apr.18, May 16, June 13.

Calendar Sponsorship Available Sponsor the Clayton Pioneer’s Community Calendar and be the only ad on this page. Call (925) 672-0500 for details.

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

The Pioneer -- It’s your paper! The holidays will soon be upon us . . . as will the relatives. Redo the dining room drapes and table runners. Reupholster the old sofa with fabulous new fabric to look like new! Your family will be impressed with all of your “new” looks.

Call Joanna at (925) 673-8911 Clayton Resident

Page B7

Chiropractic can make you feel younger PART TWO In part one, we talked about how you can get great benefits from Chiropractic, even if you are not in pain. We explained that your joints permanently and prematurely age due to abnormal joint pressure points caused by misalignment, abnormal motion and poor posture. OK, it’s been getting harder to get out of bed, you feel stiffer, you can’t swing the golf club or have fun like you used to and you realize that you have a problem even though you are not in pain yet. What is wrong and what will a Chiropractor do about it? Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls or affects every cell, tissue and organ in your body. Spinal misalignments (called subluxations) can change the normal nerve function causing cellular damage, and abnormal body function. We don’t want that.

Symptoms of subluxation vary and may include headaches, neck, back, or joint pain, stiffness, or restriction, numbness or a burning sensation, weakness, dizziness, fatigue, trouble sleeping, or no symptoms at all. If you don’t have symptoms you can’t tell if you have subluxations without a chiropractic check-up. The Chiropractic approach is to uncover the cause of your problem, not merely cover up the symptoms. Your Chiropractor will begin with a consultation to discuss your health concerns. Then an examination will be done to check for postural problems, restriction of joint movement, check for pain with motion, pain in certain positions or with direct pressure, perform muscle strength or weakness tests, and there may be specialized tests related to the doctor’s preferred treatment procedures, like a ProAdjuster scan, X-Rays, or other procedures.

The doctor now has your test results and can make recommendations for your treatment. The main treatment used by Chiropractors is the Chiropractic adjustment. This means we move the joint into a more normal position to improve balance and motion, taking the pressure off of the nerve. Your body then has a chance to get well. Every Chiropractor has different ways to do this. There are very gentle and painless techniques like Pro-Adjuster, Activator (that little clicky thing), & NDFT, and there are more physical techniques which may cause a “Popping” sound during the adjustment, like Gonstead, and Diversified. All of the techniques work and get great results. (We will go over how to choose the best Chiropractor for you in part 3) If you are like most people you will want to come in, get adjusted and be done, but unfortunately your body doesn’t heal that way. Often the pain or

DR. STEVEN MOON

YOUR HEALTH

symptom will quickly go away, but if the underlying problem is not corrected, your back will get worse and be harder to fix next time. Spinal correction is like straightening your teeth with braces or exercising as we retrain your body. It took time to get into the shape you are in, and it takes time to correct your problem. Dr. Moon is a doctor of chiropractic medicine in Concord. For more info, call 6828400 or visit his Web site at www.drmoon.com.

Divorced mom caught in the middle Some common sense advice for the lovelorn and troubled Dear Opinion, I have been enjoying your new column very much and love all your good advice. I especially could relate to your column about the boy with the angry father. It reminded me of the situation with my own son and his father. His father and I are divorced and my ex seems to take out his frustrations on my son a lot. I am caught in the middle at times,

such a sensitive time for a teen. Not only is he confused with his own hormones rising and falling, he has to deal with the crash of his parents’ marriage, and more than likely feels guilty. You need to be the strong, supportive parent here and give lots of love and understanding. Please look into getting some help for yourself as well. This to shall pass in time.

JUDITH HALL

JUST

MY OPINION

as I don’t want to make waves between my son and his father, but I still want to be able to calm my son down after he gets back from his visits, almost always in anger. I just wish there was a magic answer for this situation. Julie Dear Julie, Thank you for your compliments. I do hope you have sought professional counseling for your son. This is

Dear Judith, My daughter will be starting high school this year. I am having so much anxiety at the thought of my child going off to that big school alone. What if she gets lost? What if someone is cruel to her? What if she goes to the wrong classroom? I wish I were as calm and collected as my daughter. Is this normal? I’m sure everything will be ok. Thanks. Heather Dear Heather, Boy have I heard that before. I

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remember feeling all those things when my senior daughter started high school four years ago. It’s as if your child has left the nice, safe environment of the elementary/middle school years, and is now just thrown into the big, bad high school pit, isn’t it? Rest assured, for the majority of new high schoolers, the transition is very smooth, and he or she assimilates into the student body without mishap. Yes it is daunting to go from a school of 600 to a school of 2000. But it is a growing experience, and all part of life’s steps up the ladder of maturity. Maybe you feel a bit overwhelmed by all the changes, but trust me, by Christmas your high schooler and you will both be just fine. I guarantee it. Judith Hall, married and the mother of three teenagers, has been a Clayton resident for 12 years. She has been involved in many aspects of the Clayton community, is ready with a helping hand, and always willing to listen with an open heart. Email your problem or second opinion to opinion@claytonpioneer.com.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.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

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Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church 925-672-4848 1578 Kirker Pass Road Patricia Stout Plymale Senior Pastor Timothy J. Mooney Associate Pastor Raymond S. Campton Parish Associate z Following the risen Christ by studying His Word z Living God’s Love through service to others

Sundays 10:00 a.m.

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Why Episcopal? Reason #4:

September 9, 2005

Library seeks Internet mentors TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

The Contra Costa County Library is seeking computer savvy volunteers to teach Internet skills to incarcerated youth. Instructors will work one on one for two hours a week with at-risk teenagers at the Juvenile Hall facility in Martinez. Claudia Eckelmann of Orinda began volunteering last month. She works with the kids two at a time. Each gets 15 minutes of her undi-

vided attention. She tries to zero in on the student’s interests and then plans an Internet search accordingly. “I have them use different search engines and portals and then we talk about the difference in the results that pop up and how we can refine the search. Along the way, they even learn to spell a little.” “You don’t have to be a computer wizard,” says Eckelmann. “You just need basic computer literacy and compassion.” And a serious

commitment is important, she adds, “because the kids always ask if we are coming back.” Eckelmann works with 1018 year old males. “Some of these kids are in for serious crimes and others have mental challenges. We take them out of their everyday routine where they are constantly judged,” she says. “We just want them to relax and get over their anxiety and know that no one is rushing them.” However, notes Eckelmann, it isn’t just the kids who are learning. “I’ve

Cadette Girl Scout spearheads ‘Books for the Barrios’ drive Darcy Smith, a Cadette Girl Scout, is spearheading an All Town Book Drive to collect books for Books for the Barrios, an organization that sends books to needy children in the Philippines. The book drive is Darcy’s

community service project for her silver award. Completion of the project will qualify her for Senior Girl Scout. The All Town Book Drive will run from Sept. 12-19. Bring your books to one of the four drop locations: Ed’s

Mudville Grill (downtown Clayton), The Clayton Pioneer Office (downtown Clayton), Davis Chiropractic (1494 Washington Blvd. on the corner of Clayton Rd. and Washington) and Dr. Christina Mason’s dental office (433

learned so much about pop culture from them.” One student was an avid collector of Hot Wheels cars, so “we spent a half an hour looking at Hot Wheels on line,” she said. Mentors will be carefully and thoroughly trained by both the Library and the Probation Department. If you are interested in volunteering, call Susan Weaver or Allison McKee, Technology for Teens in Transition Program Coordinators at (925) 927-3256.

Clayton Rd. in the Clayton Station shopping center). “My goal is to collect at least 500 books,” says Darcy. “Thank you for your support and I greatly look forward to handing over a mountain of books to Books for the Barrios.” Make room in your bookcases for the new school year. Bring your donations of children’s books to one of the drop locations and help share the joy of reading.

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Church News CROSSROADS CHURCH Old cars drew a large crowd at the first annual “Concourse de Concord” held by Crossroads Covenant Church on August 20. The event was a huge success, attracting more classic vehicles than anyone

expected, says associate pastor Aaron Gonzenbach. The event featured 55 cars and four motorcycles. A lot of people came to look at the cars, enjoy a barbecue meal, and let their kids play on waterslides. Crossroads networked with local car clubs to attract vehicles say Gonzenbach. Several people who show their cars at Skipolini’s and other shows also came. “I’m afraid and

excited for next year’s show,” says Gonzenbach. “We might run out of parking space. ” Crossroads Church is a part of the Evangelical Covenant denomination, and is located at the corner of Kirker Pass Road and Concord Blvd.

BAHA’IS OF CLAYTON The Toloui’s of Clayton are hosting Dr. Shervin Parvini at their home on Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Parvini has traveled the US and Canada speaking at Universities and Health Conferences on the scientific and spiritual connection between the mind and body as it relates to healing. Dr. Shervin is the founding Chiropractor of Workplace

Health Solutions, Inc. and Silicon Valley Chiropractic Center. Call 672-6686 for more information. CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH When life isn’t working, sometimes we need to stir things up. Why? Because “life as usual” doesn’t cut it. It’s time for a revolution of the soul; for something that stirs you deeply and knocks you out of your complacency. Maybe you’ve never considered God before. Maybe now is the time. At Clayton Community Church we believe God has real answers for your real world. Our church is a family. We provide loving care for small children, a variety of age appropriate classes, and plenty of activities for all ages and interests. Every Sun. 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. 673-9060, Clayton Community Church, Diablo View Middle School, Clayton road and Upper Marsh Creek Road, Clayton. CLAYTON VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sun. services at 10 a.m. will switch to 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 11. Sun. school and childcare provided. Contact church office for details on “Homecoming Luncheon Potluck” on Sept. 11 after church. Youth group “Barbecue Kickoff ” is set for

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Sept. 13 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Sunday at 9 starts Sept. 11. Women’s Monthly Bible study “For Everything a Season, a Study of the Liturgical Calendar” is on the second Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. and the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. Preaching schedule: Sept. 11 and Sept. 18 Rev. Patricia Plymale, and Sept. 25 Rev. Tim Mooney. 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, 94517, 672-4848, www.cvpresby.org. FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH You are invited to join First Lutheran Church for Family Night every Wednesday for the rest of the year. Expect fun, games, music, dinner, and worship. Newcomers are welcome. Family Night begins is 5:30-9 p.m. For more information call 925-671-9942. First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Blvd. Concord CA. ST. BONAVENTURE PARISH St. Bonaventure Parish will be holding an all day workshop on social justice on Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop, conducted by Jack Jezreel, the JustFaith Founder, is for anyone interested in social justice. Jack is a particularly engaging speaker, who will describe Christian social justice teaching in understandable terms and will challenge and inspire you to live according to the Gospel. A $10 donation per person is requested. For more info, call 925 279-2568 (daytime); dennis.wasco@ nextel.com. The death of a loved one is unlike any other loss. Whether sudden and tragic or one with warning and preparation, the reality of death leaves most of us shocked, confused and sad. Grieving people need time and space to honor their grief. Candy Negrete, Alan Gaber and a team of peer ministers will facilitate a seven-week workshop to help you begin the healing process. Oct. 6 – Nov. 7, 7:30– 9 p.m. in the St. Bonaventure Chapel. Please call 672-5800 to register or Candy Negrete at 672-2324 for more information. Registration is required. St. Bonaventure Parish, 5562 Clayton Rd.; Concord, CA. 672-5800.

September 9, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B9

Dog days of summer can be deadly Professional pet grooming salon for dogs and cats Self-service pet wash available

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When temperatures soar up to over 100° F we are not the only ones who suffer from the heat. It is important to remember to take extra steps to protect our pets as well. Deadly overheating can happen when we least expect it. I was sorry that fellow Clayton Pioneer writer, Kevin Parker, had to experience such an emergency on his hike to Sugarloaf Open Space. Kevin took the proper steps for his dog Cassidy, his 9-year-old Golden Retriever, but her body was unable to compensate on its own. WHAT IS HEATSTROKE? Heatstroke is a state of extreme body temperatures, 106 to 110° F, which results in thermal injury to tissues. Many organs within the body are affected including kidneys, the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, liver and the blood clotting system. Multiple factors predispose to heatstroke. Obesity, old age, physical structure (short nose breeds are more prone), diseases causing airway obstruction such as laryngeal paralysis, and cardiac and respiratory dis-

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ease as well as central nervous system diseases can decrease the bodies ability to dissipate heat. Environmental factors that also limit heat dissipation are water depravation, high humidity, enclosure in a poorly

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ventilated space, and lack of acclimation. Exercise, fever, seizures, and high body temperatures caused by hormonal diseases such as hyperthyroidism

can add to the development of heatstroke. WHAT DOES HEATSTROKE DO?

Signs of developing heatstroke will be extreme panting with possible wheezing sounds, weakness, bright red gum color, fast heart rate, muscle tremors, vomiting and diarrhea. As the body temperature rises and tissues are destroyed coma and death will ensue. Kidneys shut down, stopping urine output and increasing urine toxins in the body. Low blood pressure and the high temperatures damage the gastrointestinal tissue causing bloody diarrhea and vomiting. This tissue damage allows passage of intestinal bacteria into the blood stream causing septicemia and release of bacterial toxins. Prolonged exposure to 109° F or higher damages brain tissue resulting in brain swelling and often perma-

Byron is ARF’s Adoption Star “Byron,” a 13week-old brown tabby kitten, was out of time at a public shelter when the ARF Rescue Patrol saved him and brought him back to ARF. Byron is a social butterfly. He enjoys making friends and loves to play and cuddle afterwards. Byron is recommended for families with children of all ages. Bring everyone who will live with Byron to meet him at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. And join us for Croissants

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CAN MY DOG BE SAVED? The treatment mainstay is normalizing the temperature. As an owner, immediate steps should be taken to seek a shady or cool area. Encourage your dog to drink. Wetting down with cool water and blowing a fan over the body will help. Seek veterinary help. During transport to your veterinarian, turn on the air conditioner. Once in the hands the veterinary staff, as we did with Cassidy, cooling is continued with wetting down and ice packs applied to the superficial major vessel sites – leg pits and neck. IV fluids are started along with IV antibiotics to prevent infection. Blood pressure, kidney function, clotting times and signs of brain damage will be monitored and treated as needed. Prognosis depends on how long your pet’s temperature was elevated and how much tissue damage has occurred. In Cassidy’s case she responded quickly since Kevin had already started the cooling process. When we saw her tail wagging as her temperature returned to normal, we knew she was on the road to recovery. But it was still important to monitor her for developing organ failure, which could occur over the following two to three days. So we had her transferred to the emergency clinic for continued observation. HOW DO I PROTECT MY DOG? Heat stroke can be prevented. Never keep your dog in the car, even for the shortest of time. Always provide fresh water and a source of shade in the back yard. Remember breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs have more difficulty cooling down because of their short noses. Have your senior pets assessed by your veterinarian for diseases that may predispose to over heating. Reduce your pet’s activity in hot weather. WHAT ABOUT OTHER PETS? Cat’s rarely become overheated, but rabbits are very susceptible. Consider bringing rabbits into the house or place ice in their shaded cages on hot days. So, be prepared for those last hot days of summer yet to come to avoid the deadly hazards of heatstroke in your pets. Marybeth Rymer, DVM, can be reached at Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital, Concord. 672-1100.

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nent damage. Liver cells die also producing deadly toxins. Secondary to all these changes the blood-clotting cascade is triggered creating exaggerated clot production and tissue thrombi. Eventually clotting factors are consumed and excessive bleeding begins. This process is called DIC or Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. Signs of DIC are small bruises or petechiae of the skin and gums, blood in urine, vomit or stool.

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Page B10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Teatime in England: Birth of a tradition

AmericaFirst opens new offices in CV Shopping Center Julie Rogers, president of AmericaFirst Real Estate Services and Rob Robertson, vice-president, recently hosted their grand opening at their new location in Clayton Valley

Shopping Center. The company has 13 agents and specializes in real estate and mortgage services. The open house featured music, food and refreshments.

PAM BARNETT

TEA

From left Rob Robertson, business neighbor Craig Andersen of Clayton Valley Frameworks and Julie Rogers

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September 9, 2005

FOR YOU

If you’ve ever had the good fortune to travel in England or to entertain a visitor from the British Isles in your home, you know that for the English, tea is both a beverage and a meal. The pause for tea and tea fare represents an opportunity to relax in a pleasant retreat from the pressures of the outside world. According to famed author Henry James, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as Afternoon tea.” Afternoon tea is sometimes referred to as “low tea” and is said to have been the creation of Anna, seventh duchess of Bedford, in the nineteenth century. At that time dinner was served fashionably late in the evening. The duchess grew hungry in the late afternoon and asked to have a small meal served in her room. Eventually, she began to invite friends to join her and the custom was quickly adopted throughout England. By the 1650’s, coffeehouses were an established part of London life. These houses were the only places selling tea to drink. There, loose teas were stocked by apothecaries for medicinal purposes, some of which are still available today. Typhoo was thought to be the Chinese word for doctor and PG

Tips stood for Pre-Gestive Tips. Both well known brands can easily be found in England today. Today, Afternoon tea is typically served between 3 and 5 p.m. It has traditionally consisted of finger sandwiches, scones with jam, and an assortment of dainty pastries, tarts and cookies. If enjoyed with friends, the hostess brews the tea and pours it for the guests. Conversation is meant to be light and non-controversial. When only a few guests are served it is known as informal Afternoon tea, even though fine linens, silver and bone china may be used. Formal Afternoon tea is an elaborate affair for a large group of people; foods and beverages are usually set out on a buffet table. In the United States, many people mistakenly refer to Afternoon tea as High Tea. Their thinking seems to be that it is a fancier version of Afternoon Tea. At our tearoom, Englund’s Tea Cottage, we often have people ask if we serve our tea fare on three tiered stands, because they think this is what qualifies it as “High Tea.” However, in England, High Tea originated during the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century and was known as a working class person’s evening meal. Typically served at 6 p.m., it was also called a Plowman’s Supper. The hearty spread of savory meat pies, puddings, sandwiches and cakes were a welcome respite at the end of a workday. Traditionally we think of teatime as it was in the Victorian era, proper only in the late afternoon with tea fare always consisting of crustless sandwiches, petits fours, and other finger foods. However many tearooms today are also offering heartier fare such as soups, quiche, sal-

ads and other luncheon items. Let’s take a look at some of the other traditional teatimes observed in England and the foods that are served: Cream Tea is light afternoon tea fare that consists of a pot of tea, scones, Devonshire cream and preserves. According to etiquette, preserves are always spooned onto the scone first, before the cream. This is usually done one bite at a time. Elevenses is a A HUNGRY ANNA, seventh duchess of Bedford midmorning break starts teatime trend with an afternoon snack. so dubbed because CINNAMON SCONES it usually occurs around 11 a.m. 2 cups all purpose flour It is the English equivalent of ¼ teaspoon salt the American morning coffee 1/3 cup light brown sugar break; a moment to catch one’s 5 tablespoons cold butter, breath, refresh and renew cut in pieces before getting on with the busi1 tablespoon baking powder ness of the day. It is never for2/3 cup heavy whipping cream mal and consists of simply tea 1 teaspoon cinnamon and scones or pastry. Preheat oven to 375. Lightly Strawberry Tea is a late spray scone pan or baking sheet spring event celebrating the first with non stick vegetable spray. of the season berries for which In medium bowl, combine it is named. They are served as a flour, brown sugar, baking powseparate course, accompanied der, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in by clotted cream. Strawberries butter with pastry blender or and cream have always been fork until crumbly. Stir in whippart of the teas served at sum- ping cream. On lightly floured mer sporting events, a custom surface, knead dough 5 or 6 most notably followed today at times. Roll dough to ½ inch the famous tennis matches held thickness. Cut into triangles. each June at Wimbledon. Place onto prepared pans. Bake As the birthplace of teatime, 15 to 20 minutes or until golden England has certainly done brown. Serve with butter or much to contribute to its signif- Devonshire cream. icance in history, as well as in Pam Barnett was an English daily life. Why not follow their major in college and a teacher before lead and make this relaxing ritu- becoming co-owner with Sally al a part of your routine, as Englund of Englund’s Tea Cottage well? Until next time, have a in the Clayton Station. Email her at TEA-riffic day! Pammbarnett@aol.com

With an unsurpassed knowledge of the local home market and a dedicated approach to her clients' unique needs, when people around here speak

French, they are talking about the best real estate service you can get in the Clayton Valley area. Give Lynne French and her team a call today and discover the language of success. You'll be glad you did!

When you call Lynne French, be sure to request a free copy of her special report "Squeezing Every Last Dollar From Your Home Sale." This valuable information can save you precious time and money as you prepare to make your move.

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Clayton, CA 94517 Walnut Creek, CA 94596