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September 10, 2004
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Erin Dobratz brings home the bronze U.S.A. Synchronized Swimming Team captures third place in Athens JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Photo courtesy of Newsport Photography
ERIN DOBRATZ, third from right, in the technical team routine in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Regency plans upscale facelift for shopping center Renovation is underway at Clayton Valley Shopping Center with the addition of new Ygnacio Valley Road entrance JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
While plans move forward to add Nob Hill Foods and Peets Coffee & Tea to the tenant roster at Clayton Valley Shopping Center, that plan "is in a state of jeopardy," says Tom Engberg, senior vice president
of investments for the center's developer, Regency Centers. According to Engberg, Regency currently has letters of intent from both Nob Hill Foods and Peets Coffee. The letter is only one step away from a signed lease. But the deals hinge on the demolition of three buildings and some of the ten-
ants are unhappy with the plans. The plan calls for demolition of the building occupied by Longs Drugs and the vacant space formerly occupied by Albertson's. The building in the center of the shopping center, which houses more than 15 businesses including Dollar Tree, would also be torn down, making way for more parking space to accommodate Nob Hill. The upscale grocer will occupy a new 59,000 square foot building (about the size of
After coming home empty handed from the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the U.S. synchronized swimming team took third in the 2004 Games in Athens and earned a coveted bronze medal. Clayton's 21-year-old Erin Dobratz was one of nine girls on the U.S. team who competed against seven other teams including the top contenders from Russia and Japan to capture the bronze medal in the team event. Russia took first and Japan second. "People ask us about our scores but they should really ask how it felt. You can see when something is off even underwater. I didn't see anything off and it felt good," said Dobratz after her swim. Good enough for a score of
the Safeway store in Clayton Station) and Long's Drugs would lease space in a new 15,000 square foot storefront with a drive through pharmacy. The plan is in jeopardy because some of the current tenants are reluctant to accept Regency's offer to "buy-out" their leases. The tenants are looking at the situation as an "opportunity," says Engberg. One tenant, who wishes to remain anonymous, said Regency's offer was not acceptable. "No one can sleep at night. They (Regency) will wind up with franchises and the mom and pop businesses will all be gone."
It's no news that Clayton is squirming under the heavy hand of the State, which has reached into city coffers and grabbed or "borrowed" some $3.86 million from property tax revenues since 1992. Nearly reduced to digging through the sofa cushions for loose change, the City is looking for money wherever it can find it.
Last year, the City Council engaged an outside auditing firm, Municipal Auditing Services (MAS), to look for "escaped" business license tax revenue from all possible sources. In a small town with precious little commercial activity, it's slim pickings. As provided in the City's Municipal Code (Section 5.04), anyone doing business in Clayton is required to have a business license. This includes
not only the visible storefronts and offices, but also those home based businesses operating out of a spare bedroom and anyone who delivers to or sells products on Clayton soil. Last week, MAS began sending out audit letters on City of Clayton letterhead to current business license holders notifying them that they had been "selected for a business license tax review." The letter, asking for financial statements, tax
Everyone wins at CCC Derby Day
See REGENCY, page 6
Business license tax audit raises ire TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
97.167.4 after the technical swim which placed them third. The team also took third in the free routine the next day. The U.S. duet team of Alison Bartosik and Anna Kozlova also captured the bronze medal. In the technical event, the U.S. team performed to a marching band medley from the movie “Drumline.” According to their coach Chris Carver, it was a very difficult program and the "fastest one out there." The technical routine had to include eight required elements, including the rocket split, 180-degree spin, in which the swimmers split their legs in the air while spinning underwater. For their free routine, the U.S. team chose music from "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." Several minutes in the water for each routine and then it was over. And was it all worth it? "It has been amazing to meet the athletes from all the other sports who have the same goals and dreams as I do. It is unbelievable," Dobratz said. Congratulations Erin, We are very proud of you.
records and vendor lists raised the blood pressure of more than a few local proprietors. Rory Vander Heyden has his Intelligent Investing office in the Village Oaks Building and describes the audit letter from MAS as "very intimidating." He takes serious exception to the request for tax records. "It's none of their business what my wife makes. Besides," continued
See AUDIT, page 6
SOAP
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
BOX DRIVERS
Kevin York and Justin Rogers, both 8.
JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Spanky and the Little Rascals gang would have had a field day in downtown Clayton last Saturday. The first-ever Great Labor Day Derby brought derby cars, kids, families and sponsors to Main Street to race and have fun. “Everyone is a winner,” said Clayton Community Church Pastor Shawn Robinson, spon-
sor of the event. There were about 75 participants ranging in age from 7 to 17 and over 30 cars of all colors, shapes and sizes. There were kit cars bearing the names of their sponsor’s, some with handpainted, flashy designs. There were also the Outlaw cars, made from scratch by the creative types who wanted to dream up and build their own car. The Wraa family
See DERBY, page 17
Local principals look ahead to the new school year
Linda Schuler Mt. Diablo Elementary Welcome to the 2004-05 school year. We look forward to another wonderful year of
learning, friendships, collaboration and involvement from the Mt. Diablo Elementary School community. August was filled with preparations for the students' return. A big thank you to our custodial team, Bob Biles, Hoonam Lee and Robin Robinson, for getting the rooms ready and supplies delivered to classrooms. This team was ready at every interval to assist and support teachers and parent volunteers. Thank you to our very talented and dedicated teachers who have been putting classrooms in order, preparing units
See SCHULER, page 5
Michele Cooper Diablo View Middle Summer is officially over, but we now have the excitement of a new school year
ahead! One of the good things about education is that we get a "fresh start" each year. Every school year we ALL get an opportunity to put into practice those valuable skills learned the year before. I believe this is what they call "learning from the past" and what an important life lesson it is! The staff at Diablo View Middle School is constantly using our past experiences to improve instructional and cultural practices. We have been examining and revising our five main goals that support our
See COOPER, page 5
uling almost 2,000 students and adjusting the master schedule to include a few new teachers to cover newly created classes. We have nearly 100 students beyond our projected enrollment already scheduled with more walking in to register each day.
John Neary Clayton Valley High As we begin the 2004-05 school year at Clayton Valley High School, we are busy sched-
13 NEW CLASSROOMS Beginning in the summer of 2004, there has been a tremendous amount of construction on or adjacent to the campus. Thirteen new prototypical classrooms have been completed, replacing the 40+-year-old
See NEARY, page 5
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town Na Pi weds Walter Mieczkowski
NA PI
AND
WALTER MIECZKOWSKI
Na Pi and Walter Mieczkowski were married June 19 at St. Mary’s College Chapel in Moraga. Carl is the son of Walter and Linda Mieczkowski of Clayton. Na Pi is the daughter of Zhiping Pi and Xianguo Gan of Changsha, China. Na’s parents attended the wedding. Carl graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 1996 and St. Mary’s College in 2000. Na went to high school and college in China. They are both currently working toward their doctorate degrees in chemistry. The two met after Carl saw Na’s photo on the campus Web site. The couple enjoys ballroom dancing with the U.C. Berkeley Dance Club. At their wedding recep-
tion, they danced a tango, a waltz and a cha-cha, with Na changing dresses for each dance. On July 18, the couple was married a second time in Changsha. In a re-enactment of an ancient Chinese tradition, Na was carried into the reception on a palanquin, or a Bridal Flower Sedan, (a covered litter carried on the shoulders of several men). She wore a long red satin gown and an elaborate multicolored headdress. Because Na is a recognized high achieving student in China, the wedding garnered considerable press attention, with features in four Chinese newspapers and coverage on the nightly news. The couple honeymooned in China and will reside in Albany, California.
which raised over $8,000 in this year’s Run. The money comes from corporate sponsors, donations, registration fees for the ride and raffle ticket sales. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Wheel Chair Foundation, COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors) and the National Community Empowerment Programs. Darrell Young, a retired 15-year veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department and the owner of the Clayton Club hosted the BBQ.
Sifu Lengyel honored for martial arts
SIFU EVELINA LENGYEL
Iron Warriors ride for worthy charities The Iron Warriors rode into town on Aug. 28 to conclude their fifth annual Rocky Run fundraising event with music and a BBQ at the Clayton Club. The ride is the brainchild of firefighter Nick Ronchetto who always wanted to do something to honor his grandfather. “He was my hero,” says Ronchetto. The Iron Warriors Motorcycle Club is a national, non-profit club made up of active and retired law enforcement officers and firefighters. There are more than 30 members in the East Bay Chapter,
September 10, 2004
Sifu Evelina Lengyel, a resident of Clayton and Director of the Concord Kung Fu Academy in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center, has been inducted into the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Lengyel was named Instructor of the Year in a ceremony on Aug 7 in Los Angeles. Lengyel and her students marched as the “dancing lion” in Clayton’s 4th of July Parade.
Jennifer Boyle wins award
Seated, Iron Warrior Corporate Sponsor, Arlen Ness. Standing from left Iron Warriors Mike Houston, Road Captain and retired federal officer, Darrell Young Road Captain and retired Pittsburg Police Officer, Nick Ronchetto, firefighter and Bill Scott, Oakland firefighter.
Clayton resident Jennifer Boyle recently received the Matt Plambeck Scholarship from the Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Jennifer performed in CCMT’s “The Sound of Music” and was active in the Clayton Valley High School Arts Academy. During her four years at CVHS, she was seen in numerous plays and musicals. Jennifer is a freshman at the University of Colorado.
JENNIFER BOYLE
Eagle Peak @ Oakhurst - Prime location at the end of cul de sac. 4 bedroom 2 ½ baths with nearly 3,000 sq. ft. of living space. Beautiful landscaped backyard with breathtaking views. $799,980
Concord - Charming 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths on a culde-sac in Malibu Park. Inviting master suite, spacious living room with fireplace, kitchen area with Pergo flooring. $419,980
Clayton, Diablo Village - Stunning 3 bedrooms, 2 full bath home. Desirable single story, shows like a model. Wonderful Mt. Diablo views. $579,980
Pleasant Hill - Desirable Pleasant Hill neighborhood, this 4 bedrooms, plus office, 2 ½ baths with 2,400 sq. ft. of living space, upgrades galore. Backyard with park like setting, backs to creek and park. $769,980
Pittsburg - Charming rancher in great shape and ready to occupy. This 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths with and inviting master bedroom suite. Central heat and air and wood burning fireplace. Close to shopping, parks and schools. $389,980
Clayton - Oak Hollow "San Francisco Model" 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bath home with breathtaking view of Golf Course and Mt. Diablo. Master suite with vaulted ceilings, 2 way fireplace between living and family rooms. Professionally landscaped yards with flagstone patio. $589,980
September 10, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Around Town...
Directory of Advertisers Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 ACME Auto Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-8495 Aegis Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 Apronstrings Pet Sitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-7621 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6622 Benton, Mureleen - American Express . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 CBCA Oktoberfest . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.claytonoktoberfest.com CCMT- Contra Costa Musical Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . .943-7469 Call, J. Richard - Mortgage Broker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-2300 Central Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-2222 Clayton Community Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9060 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Hair Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1500 Clayton Saddlery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6100 Clayton Sports Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8445 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clip 'n Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-9355 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9530 Contra Costa Termite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7665 Country Dog Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6100 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . . .524-5100 Dianne Davis Piano Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5677 Doman Window Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207-8745 East County Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-664-4527 Fasquelle, Henry, Piano Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2237 Flannery,Patty - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . .210-7480 Fleury's Floor Covering, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-1010 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . . .672-8787 Graham Family Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-1333 Gregory,Cynthia - Permanent Solution . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8990 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Holy Cross Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2000 HomEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1119 IMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-2200 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Linguini's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6868 Law Office of Richard Littorno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lyone Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .827-1520 Main Street Aesthetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8969 Mavericks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . .280-8563 Nolen, Janet - Custom Artwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-1650 Network Service Center (NSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5009 Norman Joyal Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0059 Nu Image Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1777 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pacific Coast Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .429-2123 Palace Beauty Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .408-8068 Pro Home Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-3300 Pro Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3776 R&M Pool, Patio & Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Robin's Nest Country Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 T&K Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0010 The Dog Smoothies & Sausages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5415 The Hauling Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The Marble Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .439-6910 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 TLC Pet Grooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2547 Toys, Games and More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8634 Truesdell, Lisa - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . .686-4747 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Remax Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . .672-4433 Walcutt, Bill - Prudential Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-5535 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287-6921 Wine Thieves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4003 Wood Rose Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-4644 Young, Susan - All Natural Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .963-0893 Ygnacio Valley Christian School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-3131 Ygnacio Valley Mini Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3238 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700
Lost treasure found in Greystone yard sale The residents of Greystone Estates recently cleaned out their closets and garages and pooled their treasures for a big yard sale. Greystone resident Lenore Sweet, asked neighbor Melanie Alarcon at R and M Pools if they had any “old stuff ” they wanted to sell at the yard sale. Of course, said Melanie, and brought out enough boxes of pool equipment and patio things to make some lucky bargain hunter whoop and holler in ecstasy. But, it was no bargain hunter that yelped with pleasure at the sight of a battered and beaten up Poolmaster pool equipment
LENORE SWEET AND MELANIE ALARCON show off pool box featuring Dane Sweet, on right of box.
The Grays bring home their first child
box. It was Lenore. For the photo on the front was of her own son taken sometime in the 70’s in the backyard of the president of the worldwide pool equipment distributor. The photo had appeared on equipment boxes all over the world. Lenore had lost track of her box and had been hoping to find one for years. The box with the photo of Dane Sweet, now a 42 year old father of five with gray hair, occupies a place of honor in the Sweet’s living room. Moral of the story? You got it! Don’t ever, ever drive by a yard sale without stopping!
What’s up Around Town
Justin Ryder Gray increased the population of Clayton by one on August 21. A first child for Paul and Heather Gray, Justin weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz. And was 19 ¼ inches tall. Grandparents Sharon and Eric Sundin, Cheryl Gray and Dave and Carol Gray all live in Clayton. Something tells us the babysitter sign-up sheet is full already!
Let us know what is happening "Around Town," and we'll share the news. Drop off the details and a color photo at the Pioneer office or e-mail to tamara@claytonpioneer.com
JUSTIN RYDER GRAY
Eight stolen July 4th flags recovered Eight of the 17 flags stolen from downtown after the July 4 celebration mysteriously turned up on the patio at Skipolini's Pizza recently. Skip's employee, Zach Zodikoff, discovered the flags, some carefully draped over the patio tables, some spread out on the ground, when he
opened the restaurant about 3 p.m. on August 19. All the flags were decorated with roses. "It was weird. I was thinking 'is this a holiday?'” said Zodikoff. "Then I thought it might have been memorial for someone, so I called Kent (Skipolini's owner Kent Ipsen)
in Walnut Creek." Neither was aware that the downtown flags had been stolen. Ipsen instructed Zodikoff to put them in storage and hope someone claimed them. The following day, Ipsen saw the reward notice placed by Council Member Pete Laurence in the August 20
HOW TO PLACE AN AD Go to our Web site, claytonpioneer.com. Click on the Classified Advertising tab on the left side of the page. Complete the form to submit your ad. Mail a check for the number of insertions to P.O. Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. Or, call the Clayton Pioneer, 925-672-0500 to place your ad over the phone. Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, 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.
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER Co-Publishers TAMARA S TEINER Editor J ILL B EDECARRE Assistant Editor and Display Advertising J IM Z EWAN , Sports P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.
LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all
issue of the Clayton Pioneer. Ipsen then called Clayton Police who picked up the flags. There are still nine flags missing and Laurence is offering $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” You can also e-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com
Classified SERVICES
HELP WANTED
MATT'S TUTORING-All levels, all ages. Also SAT prep. $25.00 /hr. 672-8681
FANTASTIC SAMS (New Fantastic Sams Salon). Cuts, color, perms, free education, flex hours, fun atmosphere. Base plus commission. Great Concord location. Call Aaron, 925-899-8687A.
HELP WANTED HVAC INSTALLER 3 yrs. minimum experience. Good DMV and EPA certified. Call 925-673-3776
GEORGE VUJNOVICH, Broker 6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517 Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
Tel: (925) 672-4433 Fax: (925) 672-4424
georgevujnovich.com Clayton Market Update Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
1332 Shell Lane 262 Stranahan Cir 215 Round House Pl 244 Roundhill Place 5120 Keller Ridge Dr 967 Tiffin Drivr 5150 Morgan Territory 900 Elk Drive 1397 Shell Lane 1207 Buckeye Terrace 261 Stranahan Circle
$515,900 $560,000 $575,000 $850,000 $640,000 $640,000 $930,000 $730,000 $427,000 $605,000 $475,000
08/26/04 08/26/04 08/26/04 08/20/04 08/19/04 08/19/04 08/18/04 08/18/04 08/17/04 08/13/04 08/13/04
1,745 1,650 1,991 2,664 1,877 1,456 3,900 2,237 1,145 1,911 1,389
BED/BATH
3/3 3/2.5 3/2.5 5/2.5 3/2.5 3/2 4/2.5 3/2 2/2 3/2.5 2/2
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
1205 Buckeye Terrace 5204 Keller Ridge Dr 140 Inverness Way 401 Hummingbird Pl 119 Forest Hill Dr 3025 Windmill Canyon 715 Acorn Drive 508 Myrick Ct 961 Oak Street 928 Kenston Dr 182 Mt. Wilson Wy
$530,000 $949,000 $1,200,000 $715,000 $1,150,000 $650,000 $910,000 $615,000 $700,000 $851,500 $751,000
08/13/04 08/12/04 08/11/04 08/10/04 08/10/04 08/07/04 08/06/04 08/06/04 08/04/04 08/04/04 07/30/04
1,343 2,542 4,100 2,313 3,911 2,053 2,542 1,792 2,468 3,061 2,692
BED/BATH
3/2 4/2.5 5/3.5 4/2.5 5/3.5 4/2 3/2.5 3/2.5 5/2 5/4 5/3
ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
10 Mt. Hamilton Ct 226 Stranahan Cir 1518 N. El Camino Dr 813 Chert Place 3805 Coyote Cir 905 Condor Pl 1518 N El Camino Dr 3805 Coyote Cir 813 Chert Pl 905 Condor Pl 21 Herriman Ct
$599,500 $529,950 $707,250 $540,000 $400,000 $395,000 $707,250 $400,000 $540,000 $395,000 $799,000
07/30/04 07/29/04 07/26/04 07/23/04 07/23/04 07/20/04 07/26/04 07/23/04 07/23/04 07/20/04 07/20/04
1,740 1,650 1,720 1,749 1,014 1,026 1,720 1,014 1,749 1,026 2,222
All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed
BED/BATH
4/2 3/2.5 4/3 3/2.5 2/2 2/2 4/3 2/2 3/2.5 2/2 4/2.5
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
September 10, 2004
The Van Fleet-B Bronson
Personal Service Make s the D ifference
Family
Featured H ome Location and Views on the 15th Fairway in Clayton! You'll enjoy the many wonderful features this two story, end unit home has including: 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, open floor plan, soaring beam ceiling and dramatic staircase. The spacious eat-in kitchen has newer appliances including a gas range and oven, oak cabinets, tile floors and a breakfast nook. New paint and carpets are just a few more of the great features this well loved home has as well as a master bedroom suite with walk-in closet & master bath with double vanity. A marble, gas fireplace is located in the living room that overlooks the park like setting in your darling back yard. A redwood deck, benches and a paver patio make this a perfect yard for entertaining. $585,000
Karen Riessen, Josie Van Fleet-Bronson, Miroslav Bronson, Erika Maes, Colby Chambers, Tracey Walker, Kim Chambers, Darren Banke, Kathy Frame.
J o s i e V a n F l e e t -B Bronson For superior service and a successful real estate transaction in Clayton or surrounding communities, call Josie, a 20-year Clayton resident and area specialist — The Van Fleet-Bronson Team. Specializing in: Property Management Loans/Refinancing Real Estate Sales - Residential and Investment
Properties A vailable Location and Curb Appeal! What more could you ask for? How about .21 acres located in Concord near the Clayton border? Home features include: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with 1,944 square feet of living space, spacious formal living room with open beam ceiling, formal dining room and family room with wet bar and a brick wood burning fireplace. This home is equipped with central heat and air and a ceiling fan. The kitchen has tile counter tops, double self cleaning oven, pantry and refrigerator. The roof is 4 years young as well as the exterior paint. The washer and dryer are included in the inside laundry with built-in cabinets, plenty of storage space and RV parking. Nicely landscaped front and back yards, fenced with patio. $599,000
2003/2004 Better Business Honor Roll Ranked #56 worldwide of 90,000 RE/MAX Realtors 2004 Heritage Registry of Who’s Who Member, Concord Chamber of Commerce Member, Oakhurst Country Club
RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals 1536 Kirker Pass Road, Suite D Clayton, CA 94517
Beautiful One Story Home with Delta Views! Enjoy all that this lovely home in Antioch has to offer including: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,930 square feet of living space, recessed lighting, den, living room, family room with tiled fireplace, dining area, beam ceilings, beautiful spacious tile kitchen and with plenty of cabinets, new floor, island and breakfast nook. The stained glass stays in the master bedroom suite. There's cultured marble and double vanities in both baths and sunken oval tub in the spacious master bathroom. Slider in master bedroom takes you to the private, serene yard with large hot tub, gazebo and Delta views. Nicely landscaped front and back yards finished 3 car garage with free standing storage cabinets that stay. $489,000
925-672-4333 www.CallTheVanFleetTeam.com We l ove r eferrals
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Wonderful Cosmetic Fixer! Upgrade yourself and reap the benefits of this 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathroom in Martinez with living room, family room, dual paned windows, alarm system, new tile entry, new shower enclosure in master bath, sliding glass door off the master bedroom takes you to the gazebo. Front and back yard with swimming pool. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity. . $489,000
ING COM N SOO
Pending Properties 260 Stranahan Circle, Clayton 3601 Hemingway Drive, Antioch 4845 Wolf Way, Concord
Coming Soon 1621 Bruce Street 770 Beatrice Street 1061 Westmont Court 991 Almaden Court 375 Grovewood Loop
1345 5324 2037 3120 2068
Absolutely Gorgeous detached home in desirable Clayton! This home has everything including: 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ updated baths, and 1,663 square feet of living space. The front entry is maple and this wonderful tile kitchen is just beautiful. You'll enjoy this open floor plan with dining area off the kitchen. The bedrooms have mirrored closet doors and laundry area is located inside. The front, back and side yards are beautifully landscaped with fruit trees, strawberry garden, pond, fountain, hot tub and dog run. Home backs to open space, creeks and trails and has an easy walk to historic downtown Clayton. $549,900
SALE ING PEND
Columbia Street Olive Drive Sierra Rd #7 Lone Tree Way Oakridge Lane
Concord sales on the Clayton side of town Address
Price
Sale Date
SF
Bed/Bath
Address
Price
Sale Date
SF
Bed/Bath
5460
Concord Blvd.
$233,000
8/11/2004
902
2&1
5534
Michigan Blvd.
$440,000
8/12/2004
1128
3&2
1240
Kenwal
$280,000
7/26/2004
0
2&1
5279
Concord Blvd.
$617,000
8/24/2004
1600
3&3
5312
Oak Point Court
$1,001,950
8/20/2004
3211
5&3.5
5481
Roundtree Dr.
$269,900
8/8/2004
973
2&1.5
5304
Oak Point Court
$1,095,950
8/20/2004
3491
6&3.5
1175
Krona Lane
$729,700
8/26/2004
2484
4&2.5
5344
Olive Dr.
$590,000
7/30/2004
2033
4&2
1201
Krona Lane
$640,000
7/28/2004
1866
4&2.5
2182
Bluerock Circle
$539,000
8/11/2004
1678
3&2
5276
Phillips Ct.
$489,000
8/6/2004
1432
3&2
5474
Roundtree Place
$325,000
7/26/2004
1130
3&2
5243
Crystyl Ranch Dr.
$1,005,725
8/5/2004
3665
5&3.5
5501
Morengo Court
$568,000
8/12/2004
1898
4&2.5
4871
Myrtle Dr.
$2,900,000
7/30/2004
13395
6&7.5
5004
Hames Dr.
$520,000
8/17/2004
1555
4&2
5252
Ambleside Dr.
$890,000
8/20/2004
3168
5&3.5
5474
Roundtree Place
$236,000
8/20/2004
973
2&1.5
5504
Arizona Dr.
$450,000
8/13/2004
1128
3&2
5509
Roundtree Dr.
$265,000
7/30/2004
973
2&1.5
1108
Vista Point Lane
$780,000
8/3/2004
2470
4&3
5450
Kirkwood Dr.
$370,000
8/3/2004
1274
2&2
5502
Nebraska Drive
$475,000
7/27/2004
1500
3&2
5722
Roanwood Way
$565,000
8/16/2004
1919
4&2
5138
Nathalee Drive
$888,000
7/29/2004
4003
5&3
1804
Alicante Court
$452,000
8/4/2004
1657
3&2
5450
Concord Blvd.
$256,000
8/13/2004
902
2&3
1347
Pennsylvania Blvd.
$420,000
8/25/2004
1080
3&1.5
5440
Roundtree Court
$280,000
7/29/2004
914
2&1
All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
September 10, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
School News CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL September 28 Ames Seminar for PSAT, first of four sessions; 79 p.m., school library. Call 1-800-799-9799 to register September 30 Back to school night. 6 p.m. Meet and greet in the quad. 6:45 p.m. large gym, official welcome. 7:00 p.m. visit classrooms. Food will be available for sale and there will be raffle prizes for attendance. October 7 PFC Meeting. 7p.m. School Library. Call Melinda Moore, 672-0930 for information.
DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL September 8 Fundraiser to fund a site tech position to maintain the 100 computers at the school. Entertainment books have been sent home with all students. Return $20 to the school if you wish to keep the book. Go to www.fundraising.entertainment.com and purchase additional local and out of town books. Click on the Sellers Section, then Make a Sale/Send E-mail, and
Schuler, from page 1 of study and familiarizing themselves with their new students. ANNUAL PREP DAY Kick off for the 2004-05 school year began with our Annual Prep Day where we provided specific times for families to turn in required paper work and to get class assignments. This format was new this year, and our hope is to make the Prep Day experience more positive by focusing on each individual child and family. EAGLE'S PRESS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER With collaboration being a continued focus for this school year, our school community will see the birth of the Eagle's Press School Newsletter. This is the
enter Diablo View’s number, 221328 and follow the instructions. You can send e-mails to friends and relatives for them to purchase their local books and benefit Diablo View or you can purchase additional books to give as gifts.
September 20 Magazine drive begins. Watch for forms coming home with students. This is the other big fundraiser for Diablo View. Save up your magazine renewals and find some great new magazines. Benefits the PFC and Student council. September 23 PFC Meeting. 7 p.m., library
September 8-10 Student Council Entertainment Book Fundraiser. The Mt. Diablo Student Council kicks off the year with an Entertainment Book fundraiser.
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September 21 Back to school night, kindergarten September 14 First PFC meeting, Multi Use Room, 7 p.m. Please join us and help make a difference! Childcare is provided for this event. If you would like to have a specific item on the agenda, please contact Rosy Straka at rosystraka@yahoo.com or 672-3200 ext 7304. September 29 – October 12 Gift Wrap fundraiser. Stock up on holiday and everyday wrap and gifts. Orders back on November 3.
MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY
school, and we appreciate everyone's cooperation and patience. ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS Our Student Council is sponsoring the Entertainment Book fund raiser. See School News above for purchase information. 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY On a final note, in 2005 Mt. Diablo Elementary School will celebrate its 50-year anniversary. To commemorate this milestone students and families will be participating in a Tile Wall Project. This began last spring when fifth graders from the class of 2004 created a tile mosaic of the American flag to be permanently displayed in the multiuse room. As your school principal since 1998, I look forward to experiencing another year of
Entertainment books have been sent home with your child. You may purchase the book, sell it, or return it by September 20. All of the proceeds from this fundraiser will be used for classroom technology. For online sales please go to www.fundraising.entertainment.com, click on Seller’s Section, then on Make a Sale/Sent E-mail, enter Mt. Diablo’s group number, 850930 and your e-mail address and follow the instructions to make sales to friends and relatives around the world. Online sales continue through March 2005. You will receive prizes based on sales volume. September 13 Back to school night, grades 1 & 2
September 22 Back to school night. 7-8:45 p.m. Visit your child’s classrooms
merging of The Eagle's Eye and Parent Press. We are thrilled to have one communication going to families on the Monday of the first full week of each month. NEW PLAY STRUCTURE Our students will enjoy returning to a new play structure provided by the Mt. Diablo Unified School District on the lower playground near Mt. Zion Road. OTHER RENOVATIONS In addition to the play structure, landscape renovations are underway around the multiuse room and the pod on the corner of Pine Hollow and Mt. Zion. The hardscaping is beginning to take shape and give rise to the new design. We anticipate that construction efforts will continue through the opening of
Page 5
October 9 Fall Festival will include our 2nd annual scarecrow pageant. Come for a fun filled day of rides, games, food and more.
growth with students and the community. Our continued mission is to be a learning community that strives to educate the mind and to encourage the heart and spirit of every individual.
Cooper, from page 1 vision for Diablo View. Here is Diablo View's Vision Statement and an update on how we are progressing toward these important goals: DIABLO VIEW'S MISSION 1. To provide a safe, positive learning environment where we prepare students to become respectful, responsible and ethical citizens. 2. Communicate high expectations for ALL students to meet and/or succeed academic standards while nurturing individual talents. 3. Develop a community of learners where students, staff and community members are partners committed to lifelong learning. OUR FIVE MAIN GOALS 1. Understanding Adolescence: Students in middle school are too mature for elementary school but not mature enough for high school. Thus they are "caught in the middle." We can't ignore the fact that adolescents are going through huge emotional and physical changes. Parents, staff and even students need to understand these changes as they impact their daily lives. This is not about "excusing" students but about best "supporting" them through their middle school journey. Last year we began to share information on the developmental stage of life in newsletters and parent meetings. This year, information will be shared in newsletters, student
meetings, PFC meetings and anywhere else I can find a captive audience. 2. Increasing Parent Involvement: Research shows that parents slow down their involvement in their child's school once they enter middle school. Research also shows that this is the time when children need parental presence the most. We need every parent to participate in some way this school year. We welcome and need parental involvement and will continue to find ways (including begging) to get parents involved. 3. Increasing Academic Achievement: Diablo View's Single Plan for Student Achievement highlights goals in both math and writing. Staff and School Site Council have been working to design strategies that will be most effective in increasing student achievement in these focus areas this school year. 4. Communication and Collaboration: We will continue to improve the way we communicate with our parents and community. Newsletters, mailings, schoolnotes.com, and Wake-up Diablo View will continue as we search for more ways to keep everybody informed. 5. Respect, Responsibility and Accountability: Our goal is to develop a kinder, more respectful culture, which we believe is more conducive to learning. We want to celebrate students for academics, work ethic and character. We will be instituting award ceremonies for all grade levels this school year. We have a full year ahead of us, and we are VERY excited to start on this journey. We welcome back all our fabulous kiddos and are eager to spend the next school year learning together, working together and just having some fun experiences together.
Neary. from page 1 portables that were demolished. Major electrical work, including a complete new service from the pole to the outlets in each room and office is still being completed. This increased electrical capacity will support our expanding technology demands and the air conditioning system in future years. MORE TEACHING SPACE The entire blacktop area next to the gym has been resurfaced and repainted to provide additional teaching space for P.E classes and lunchtime 'pickup' basketball games. Installation of new irrigation systems and sod lawns is also at the mid-point of completion and will add greatly to the new look of the campus. Student leadership will oversee some volunteer landscaping around the new classrooms throughout the school year. GONSALVES STADIUM The grandest project this summer is the complete renovation of the track and athletic field complex which has been named Gonsalves Stadium to honor CVHS alumni Steve and Debra Gonsalves for all they have contributed to the school over the past many years. It is hoped that the field will be completed in time to play our Homecoming football game Oct. 8. This 'all-weather' field and running track, combined with the new stadium lights and state of the art baseball field complex, renders Clayton Valley among the area's elite athletic facilities. Plan now to come out and support CVHS athletic teams as they perform on our new facilities. These facilities also enhance our outstanding physical education classes, thereby serving all our students. ACADEMIC REINFORCEMENT CVHS will join the districtwide effort to "…increase student achievement for all students as we work to close the achievement gap…" This focus will support all students in achieving in the classroom, on standardized tests, and in their overall academic experience. Special efforts are being organized to support those students whose grades and test scores indicate that they may not be able to graduate from Clayton Valley with their classmates. We are continuing in our Smaller Learning Communities in an attempt to further integrate curriculum and strengthen the relationships between students to students, students to teachers and students to the school as a whole. We are committed to encompass the district's "Career Integrated Academics" throughout our curriculum in order to prepare each of graduates to enter post secondary studies, a career, the military or another pursuit upon the completion of four years of high school.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
September 10, 2004
Clayton to commemorate DeMartini winery This year, the City of Clayton is 40 years old. As part of the year-long birthday celebration, on Sept, 18 at 3 p.m., city officials will unveil a bronze plaque commemorating the historic DeMartini Winery building which is now the Clayton City Hall and Police Department. The public is invited. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEMARTINI CLAYTON VINEYARDS WINERY Soon after Joel Clayton founded and laid out the town of Clayton in 1857, he planted 28 of his 1,200 acres with grapes. In March 1870, he built a sherry house for distilling brandy and making sherry. This winery operation was the beginning of the DeMartini Winery. Clayton and his family considered themselves farmers, not wine makers. After Clayton’s death in 1872, his heirs leased the vineyard to Paul DeMartini.
JULIE PIERCE
MAYOR’S CORNER In early 1876, DeMartini purchased the vineyard and the sherry house along with 43 acres of land. In the late 1800s, there was an ongoing expansion of both vineyards and wineries in Contra Costa County. Paul DeMartini’s new property, known historically as the Clayton Vineyards, helped raise Clayton to prominence among the county’s wine growing regions. In 1881, there were
300 acres of vineyards in Contra Costa County. Ten years later there were 3,000 acres, and by 1897 the county had 6,000 acres. To take advantage of the growing wine industry, DeMartini and his partner, Antonio Cereghino, hired Austrian stonemason Dragovitch and a stonecutter named Cavgnaro to build a classic winery on his property. Using limestone from a quarry on Mt. Diablo, the stonemason was assisted by four men. Walter, one of DeMartini’s sons, worked as a hod carrier. The new stone winery was completed in 1885 and was the second largest winery in Contra Costa County. DeMartini produced 200,000 gallons of wine annually from his 20 planted acres and the 150 to 200 tons of grapes bought from neighboring growers. In addition to the port and sherry, which won first prize at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition, the winery produced Zinfandel and a white
claret. By 1917, there were 50 wineries in the county, and Clayton Vineyards was the No. 2 producer after Martinelli’s Mt. Diablo Winery. Prohibition, followed by
Photo courtesy of Clayton Historical Society
DEMARTINI WINERY (circa 1885) is now Clayton Civic Center grape blight, spelled the end for the county wineries, and the DeMartini property was planted with almond trees. In 1940, can-
The City Council met in a special session last week to finalize recommended modifications to the Urban Limit Line (ULL) as part of the Measure C Transportation Sales Tax Extension, which will go before the voters in the November election. Clayton is a tiny player in what has been a protracted and sometimes contentious tug of war with the county over the “line in the land” which determines the limits of urban growth. As Measure C began to take shape, the cities saw an opportunity to force the ULL issue. The only way the County was going to get support from the cities for the sales tax extension was if the cities could redraw the Urban Limit Line. The County really wants to extend the sales tax to finance several expensive transportation projects, so it agreed. The negotiations began. The current ULL cuts through several developable parcels along Marsh Creek Road.
With the ultimate goal of putting whole parcels back together, the city wants to redraw the line to include all of a single parcel within the line. These modifications will have a minimal net effect on the total land within the ULL and are recommended in a spirit of “cleaning up the line,” said Mayor Julie Pierce. However, the 400-acre quarry property owned by Lodestar/RMC Pacific is something else altogether. The property is currently outside the ULL in the unincorporated area of the county and the only access to the property is over Clayton streets. Councilmen Dave Shuey and Gregg Manning want to see the ULL redrawn to include the quarry land. There is an estimated 40 or 50 years worth of aggregate rock left in the quarry. When the quarry ceases operation, this land could be available for residential development and should be part of Clayton before land use laws and regulations change, noted Shuey. Council member Bill Walcutt does not share Shuey’s concern. “Moving 400 acres is not a minor adjustment
(to the ULL) and the voters won’t go for it,” said Walcutt. Councilman Pete Laurence feels that it is enough simply to go on record with an expression of interest in eventually annexing the land. The ULL will come up for a review in five years and at that time the city could ask for a change to the ULL. Manning disagreed. “You’ll rue the day if you don’t move it now. The laws will change and we’ll lose it,” he warned. Why is all this important to Clayton? Because the ULL determines what land can and cannot be annexed to the city, explains Jeremy Graves, Community Development Director for the City of Clayton. The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is the arm of the government charged with managing countywide growth and LAFCO has chosen to only approve annexations of properties that are inside the ULL. “In order to get urban densities,” said Graves, “you have to get sewer and water to the areas and the only way you can get that is to annex to the city.”
them all the information and signed the (business license) renewal under penalty of perjury. Basically, they're saying they don't believe a word we say. City Manager Gary Napper defends the audit. "The letter has certainly grabbed people's attention, unfortunately, in a wrong way. But, I don't know how we say
the word 'audit' in any politically correct way." MAS began their search for escaped business license revenue last year. So far, the effort has yielded about $35,000 and 65 new business licenses. "You'd be surprised at how many companies were doing business in Clayton that didn't have a business
license," said Napper. "Now they do." In addition to financial statements and tax records, (which, assures Napper, the city never sees) the MAS audit letter is asking business owners for a list of the companies they do business with in hopes that the lists will yield even more potential licensees.
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Photo courtesy of PSM Architects Inc.
RENDERING
of the renovated Clayton Valley Shopping Center.
"They're trying to accommodate everyone," says another tenant, “but they're picking and choosing who they want to keep. A lot of people have been here a long time. Where else can they go?" Another tenant says they've reached a "satisfactory" agreement with Regency, however they are forced to "wait and see." Because the business next door is not happy with Regency's offer, their part of the deal is in limbo. Scott Franklin of Regency Centers says it's all pretty frustrating. "Some tenants see it (buyout) more as a lottery ticket," he says. Regency wants to merchandise the center around Nob Hill Foods. "We want to create a
neighborhood center with nice boutiques and food,” said Franklin. However, not all the tenants are unhappy with the plans. "We're really excited about what Regency is doing," says Julie Rogers of Home Equity. "They have been easy to deal with." Home Equity's lease is up in December and Rogers explains that Regency is trying to find them a spot. “They seem to be concerned about all the tenants,” she added. Proponents of the redevelopment plan, like John Montagh, Business Development Manager for the City of Concord, feel that the center needs to be redeveloped and that change is
acres, including the winery building, was sold to the Forni family in 1962 and used as a residence until 1979.
inevitable. "They (Regency) have a vision to enhance and upgrade the center with a variety of tenant mix," says Laura Hoffmeister, Concord city council member. "It's too bad," says Engberg. "The tenants would benefit if they allowed the redevelopment plan to proceed."
Audit, from page 1 Vander Heyden, "they're going after the wrong people. They're going after the ones who’ve filled out all the paperwork and paid the fees. They should be going after the home based businesses." Sue White who owns Accurate Business Services agrees. "We gave
Law Firm Expands into Clayton
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A number of uses for the building were explored, including an effort to convert the building back to a winery, further subdivision of the property, and conversion of the building to condominiums. Through the efforts of Gloria Forni Patten, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. To preserve an historic part of Clayton and the region’s history, the City of Clayton purchased the property in 1988. Innovative engineering and creative design transformed the historic winery into a highly functional and attractive Civic Center, serving Clayton citizens as the City Hall, Public Works facility and Police Station. The restored DeMartini Winery was dedicated for use as Clayton City Hall on Aug. 30, 1997. The conversion won the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award and the California Preservation Foundation Design Award in 1998.
City Council grapples with Urban Limit Line
Regency, from page 1
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September 10, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 7
Consistent discipline is alternative to spanking My son is getting to the age where he’s purposefully disobeying me. Sometimes he’s just being obstinate, and sometimes it seems dangerous (running away from me near a busy street). My husband’s family says the fact that we don’t spank our son is the reason “he doesn’t take us seriously.” My family never spanked and I don’t believe in it, but my husband was definitely spanked and he ended up okay! What should we do? Well, I’m assuming that your son isn’t getting spanked now that you and your husband agree about it, and that’s great. I’d be the last guy to suggest that the two of you take up the new activity of hitting your kid! From a clini-
A
cal standpoint, I’m pretty set against spanking for a number of reasons, which I won’t go into here. (i.e. what it teaches the child about dealing with frustration, how it effects his or her feelings toward you and other people in general, etc) but my experience with families that spank is that they don’t feel they have a reasonable alternative, and that’s what I’d like to address. First, decide what the limits are and convey them. This is pretty simple and based on what the child can understand. These range from “No! Hot!” to more complex things such as how to deal with strangers. Next, be consistent. This is more critical than any other piece. Your son has to believe you when you talk about those
limits. No “we’re going to leave if you don’t come with us right now” unless you really are, and do! (I’m not recommending this!). Look at misbehaving kids out in public and see how often their parents are threatening something they don’t follow through with. Their kids know perfectly well that what they’re being told is not going to happen. Next, show respect yourself – for other people, and for authority. Trust me, your kids are watching and have a finely tuned sense of when you’re being a hypocrite. When deciding on the kind of discipline, remember that what’s most important is the consistency (threaten only the punishment that you’re willing
Clayton Police Blotter For two weeks ending September 2 The date and time shown are when the report was received by the police.
WEEK ENDING AUG. 26 ACCIDENTS: 8/24, 3:45 p.m. Peacock Creek Drive. Hit and run with property damage. Run Property Damage ARRESTS 8/22, 1:14 a.m. Clayton Road and El Camino. When a Concord male, 38, was stopped for driving too slow, he was found to be driving without a license. He was arrested and transported to Concord Police Department for booking 8/22, 7:04 p.m. Pine Hollow Road and Mitchell Canyon Road. After responding to a call regarding someone riding a “pocket bike” and causing a hazard, a Concord male, 25, was arrested for driving with a suspended license. He was released with his signed promise to appear 8/25, 12:45 a.m. Kirker Pass Road and Hess Road. An Oakley male, 27, was stopped for a missing headlamp and found to be driving with a suspended license. He was cited for driving with a suspended license and for being in possession of marijuana and released with his signed promise to appear 8/25, 4:21 a.m. Clayton Road. A Concord male, 26, was stopped for an expired registration and found to be driving with a suspended license. He was arrested and released on his signed promise to appear BURGLARIES/THEFTS 8/20, 7:50 a.m. Mountaire Parkway. Vehicle burglary. 8/20, 11:48 p.m. Clayton Road. Grand Theft 8/21, 6:16 p.m. Casey Glen Court. Petty theft. 8/22, 10:20 p.m. Windmill Canyon Road. Burglary Residential. 8/23, 3:41 p.m. Center Street. Burglary Vehicle. 8/24, 10:47 p.m. Blue Oak Lane. Petty Theft. 8/25, 7:31 a.m. Ohlone Lane. Burglary Vehicle 8/24, 6:51 p.m. Peacock Creek Drive. Burglary Vehicle. 8/26, 8 p.m. Casey Glen Court. Grand Theft. WEEK ENDING SEPT 2 ARRESTS 8/27, 11:02 p.m. Clayton Road. After responding to a call regarding juveniles fighting,
officers arrested a Concord youth, 16. He was issued a juvenile affidavit which his father signed. The other juveniles, three sixteen year old Clayton males and a fifteen year old Clayton male and a fifteen year old Concord male, were released at the scene. 8/28, 3:30 a.m. Washington Blvd. and Clayton Road. A routine stop was made on a vehicle without a front license plate. The front seat passenger, a Pleasant Hill female, 23, was found to be on active probation. She was arrested for the probation violation, possession of controlled substances, a hypodermic syringe and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. She was transported to Martinez Detention Facility for booking. The driver of the vehicle, a Sonoma male, 43, was released without incident. 8/29 1:16 a.m. Oakhurst
Drive and Indian Head Way. A routine stop was made when a vehicle was seen traveling extremely slow and for having an expired registration. After failing a field sobriety test, the driver, a Clayton female, 40, was arrested for driving under the influence. The passenger, a Clayton male, 37, was released at the scene 8/29, 2:24 a.m. Kirker Pass Road and Clayton Road. Officers stopped two males who were observed crossing the intersection against the red pedestrian light. A Concord male, 48, was found to have an outstanding warrant (failure to report for work release program) for his arrest. He was transported to Concord Police Department for booking. The other male, also a Concord resident, was released without incident. 9/1, 12:04 p.m. Clayton
This year, to commemorate the firefighters who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attack, Fire Station 11 at the corner of Center St. and Clayton Rd. will once again display 343 American flags in the front yard. A photo and short biography of each firefighter will also be attached to the flag. Services will begin at 9 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 11 with the Fire Department Color Guard from local 1230 followed by the raising of the flag that flew over the World Trade Center. The ceremony will end with the somber bell ringing that symbolizes a comrade’s passing. The display will also be lit at night. “We want this to be a community event, not a media event,” says Captain
PETE CALDWELL PARENTING to give and always follow through) and that if you can accomplish the same results – your child behaving better – through reward rather than punishment, he or she’s going to do much better; at home, in school, with friends and in life. Pete Caldwell is the Mental Health Director of We Care Services for Children in Concord. In addition to this and teaching courses at local colleges, he maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Walnut Creek.
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BURGLARIES/THEFTS 8/29, 11:20 p.m. Alexander Place. Petty Theft. 8/28, 5:49 p.m. N. Mitchell Canyon. Petty Theft. 9/2, 9:52 a.m. Clayton Road. Burglary Vehicle.
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Road and El Camino Road. A Clayton male, 30, was stopped for driving a vehicle with a rear light not working. A system check came back as license suspended. He was issued a citation and released with his signed promise to appear. 9/2, 9:06 p.m. Clayton Road and Kirker Pass Road. A stop was made on a vehicle for having the license plate partially covered. After a license check on the driver of the vehicle, a Martinez male, 40, was found to be on active probation for drug and weapon charges with a search clause. The search revealed the subject to be in possession of controlled substances, needles, and syringes. He was arrested and transported to Concord Police Department. The passenger, a female, 37, was released at the scene.
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Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
September 10, 2004
Is a backup position worth all the anxiety? One buyer suffered through sleepless nights after she accepted backup position on a property she wanted to buy. For days, every time the phone rang, she held her breath in anticipation wondering if this was the call to inform her that she got the house. She didn't get the house and a few months later she bought another one. Was the backup offer experience worth the anxiety? A backup offer is an offer that's accepted subject to the collapse of another offer or offers. If the offers that are higher in seniority than the backup offer fall apart, the backup offer becomes primary without the property going back on the market. If you're in backup position, you're next in line to buy a property if the primary buyers fail to perform. Sellers like backup offers because they tend to solidify
the primary buyers' resolve to carry through with the purchase. If inspection issues come up, the primary buyers are less likely to renegotiate their contract with the sellers if
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE
there's another buyer waiting in the wings. You may wonder why a buyer would consider being in backup position if it increases the chances of the primary deal
going through. To be sure, accepting a backup offer is a gamble, and in most cases, a long shot. But, in some frenzied real estate markets, with lots of multiple bidding contests for listings, a backup position may be worth the risk. For example if the price of the home was increased significantly because of competitive bidding, there might be an increased risk of a deal falling apart. Maybe the winning buyer will get cold feet. Sometimes buyers bid higher than they can afford to pay in the heat of the race and regret their decision the next day. If this situation were to occur and you were in first backup position, your contract would be elevated to primary position without you having to go through another multiple offer competition. Buyers who accept backup position should make sure that
the purchase contract includes a provision that allows them to withdraw. Without such a clause, you could wait in vain for the primary offer to collapse, while missing out on other homes that might suit your needs. Sellers should carefully consider the merits of a backup offer before committing to it. If there are conditions in the backup offer that you can't live with, such as a contingency for the sale of another property, you might be better off not to accept the offer as backup at all. If you do accept it, you'll be obliged to proceed with that contract if your primary contract fails. Or, you could counter offer the backup offer to remove the contingent sale provision. Buyers should be aware that sellers usually reserve the right to renegotiate the terms and
conditions of the contract with the primary buyers, regardless of the backup offer. In this case, let's say the primary buyers discovered during their inspection of the property that the chimney was cracked, and they asked the sellers to repair it as a condition of the closing. If the sellers agree to the request, the primary contract remains primary. When there are multiple offers, the sellers might choose to offer backup position to
Will your house still be around in the 22nd Century? LARRY DOMINA HOME WORK Subterranean termites are one of the most lethal woodchewing insects attracted to homes. They literally eat the wood and cause more damage each year to wood structures than fire and hurricanes put together. About $2 billion worth of damage is eaten away by termites annually across the United States. Your home is an investment to you, but to a termite, it's his next meal! In the East Bay, many homes have been built over yesterday's bountiful orchards. These homes often
have old roots and closely cutoff stumps in their crawl spaces. The decaying wood attracts the termites. Their job in nature is to help break down this cellulose material. Unfortunately, along with eating the roots, they will often migrate up to the wood framing members of the house itself. Leftover wood construction debris is another attraction. Not all builders are conscientious enough to pick it all up, and they leave it scattered throughout the sub-area. This is termite candy! Once it's gone, the termites look to the home's wood framing for more supplies of food. Being on a concrete slab does not make your house safer from termites. Since the smallest crack is big enough for them to tunnel through, it actually makes it more difficult to notice they are doing their work on your home.
Termite infestation can go unnoticed for many years. Damage can already be significant by the time the infestation makes itself known the homeowner. Only a full inspection by a licensed professional will determine if the conditions are ripe for infestation or if infestation is actually present. Don't wait until you are selling your home to get a termite inspection only to be told there are already thousands of dollars of damage. I suggest that an
inspection be done every two years or so to give your home the protection your investment needs. When choosing a company to do an inspection, ask friends or neighbors for referrals. Make sure that the company is a member of the Pest Control Operators of California. Larry Domina is the owner of the Contra Costa Termite Control Company in Concord. He can be reached at 925-680-7665.
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more than one buyer. In this case, the backup offers are ranked: backup offer number one, two, three and so on. If the primary offer falls apart, backup offer number one becomes primary. If this deal falls apart, backup offer number two becomes primary and so on. For any real estate needs or questions contact her at: Phone (925) 672-8787 or E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 9
Cruise Adventures: Cruising is their only business JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
They cruised together as a family all over the world. They’ve been to exotic places as well as traditional destinations. They’ve learned from their experiences and now share their knowledge and expertise with their customers
“We have many wonderful memories from our experience and we want to give our customers their own.” Valerie O’Connell at Cruise Adventures Unlimited on Locust Street in Walnut Creek. “Cruising is my
passion,” says owner Valerie O’Connell. Valerie, a long-time Clayton resident, worked at Cruise Adventures for the past four years before she purchased it in June. She’s worked in the travel industry since 1991. Colleen, her daughter, holds an MBA from Santa Clara University with a concentration in entrepeneurship and joined her Mom in the business last year. Their enthusiasm about cruising is contagious. “We’ve cruised for years with our daughters,” says Valerie. “We have many wonderful memories from our experience and we want to give our customers a chance to have their own.” Service, experience and expertise are key to the way the O’Connells do business on a daily basis. They design cruise packages
wear.” “Our custo fit the individual tomers are always preneeds of their cuspared for their individtomers by taking the ual cruise,” Colleen time to discuss destiadds. nations, length of Cruise Adventures stay, family dynamics, books complete cruise budget and favorite packages and can hanactivities. “We cater dle separate hotel to everyone,”Valerie bookings and accomsays. From four-day modations when cruises to exotic trips required. “We are full to Southeast Asia and service,”she adds. beyond, Cruise The five-member A d v e n t u r e s staff at Cruise Unlimited can make Adventures is more each cruise a special like a family, explains one. “For first time cruisers, we go over VALERIE O’CONNELL AND DAUGHTER COLLEEN Valerie and each one is a seasoned veteran of all the details and the cruise industry. review every document, so there are no surpris- woman who booked her cruise “We work as a team to provide with another travel agent was great service and the best rates es,” says, Valerie. “We hear all the time about not aware that the ship itinerary in the industry,” she says. Cruise Adventures fretravelers who don’t get all the included formal nights. All she information they need. One had in her luggage was casual
quently sponsors special events such as the Cruise Fair on Saturday, September 11 which brings district sales managers from a variety of cruise lines including Princess, Radisson Seven Seas and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to the office on Locust Street during the Walnut Creek Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. “We invite Clayton Pioneer readers to come by, pick up some brochures and meet the cruise professionals,”says Colleen. In January, Cruise Adventures will host an Alaska show at the Dean Lesher Regional Center of the Arts and in April, they will host another Cruise Fair. For more information on Cruise Adventures Unlimited, see their ad on page 18.
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Keeping pace with software changes
WILL CLANEY TECH TALK KETCH-UP Are you keeping pace? Are you staying current with changes in computer science? The latest software releases will have you captivated with a plethora of new and exciting options. The most impressive changes ever seen in the computer business are happening right before you, on screen. What’s more, you may follow the transformation as Microsoft releases their next generation of enhancements. All you need to do is click and watch. Microsoft has released Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP Home and Professional operating systems (O/S). This is a major release aimed primarily at securing your computer against intruders while you’re browsing the Internet. The importance of this upgrade shouldn’t be overlooked. It is available to all who have Windows XP O/S free of charge, or you can have it professionally installed for a nominal cost. Either way SP2 is a must for all users. FIREWALL AND POPUP BLOCKER SP2 improves the user’s Internet experience by including a good quality Firewall and an acceptable Popup blocker. The Firewall keeps prying eyes and hackers out of your computer by denying would be intruders unfettered access to your hard drive. The Popup blocker helps ward off unwanted Web pages cropping up and obscuring the Web page you originally tried to access. When you install SP2 the Firewall and Popup blockers are on by default. INSTALLATION Installation of SP2 is easy but it can be a time consuming process. SP2 is (or will be shortly to the general public) available on the Microsoft update site. To begin the process XP users click start, then All Programs and finally, Windows Update.
Once the site has opened you will notice about mid screen a hypertext line stating “scan for updates,” or a box which instructs you to automatically update. Click the appropriate link. Start the download and place the file in a spot where you can find it. For example, put the SP2 download on the desktop. Once the download is completed, install it. SP2 is a self extracting file, meaning once it has been saved to your hard drive a couple of clicks activate the file installation routine, and the installation happens automatically.
In addition, the Popup blocker will trap some Web sites that rely on Popups for function. If this happens, a message will appear directing you to make a decision on the “info” or information line located just below the address bar and just above the start of the Web page. You can click on “OK” and then temporarily disable the Popup blocker.
Microsoft has responded to demanding times by releasing a more secure experience on the Internet. This is a “must upgrade” so do it as soon as time allows, say during those 49er pre-games? Will Claney is the owner and operator of Computers USA! in the Clayton Station. Contact him at 925-672-9989.
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REBOOT Your XP upgrade is nearly complete once the computer advises you that the SP2 file has been installed and it’s time to reboot. The first time you see the screen you should be greeted with a Security splash screen letting you know the Firewall, automatic Windows updates and your virus scanner are on and current. If there is a security breach, like your virus scanner out of date, the Security screen will remind you to fix it.
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PRELIMINARY TASKS A few preliminary tasks need to be performed before installing SP2. Turn off, or uninstall any existing firewalls and remove any third party Popup blockers. If you have a virus scanner, disable it during the download and installation of SP2. If you forget to do any of these things, don’t worry, you won’t harm your computer. It will just make the installation painfully slow.
SHORT RUN PROBLEMS Your browsing experience will be better in the long run because you’re more secure. However, in the short run you will notice IE6 crashing on some Web sites. Not to worry—the Web masters will fix this problem in due course.
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Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
September 10, 2004
Fall is the perfect time to fertilize Est.1972
September is a perfect month to pay more attention to your landscape and gardens. It’s time to remove faded blooms, use pre-emergents and fertilize. We also need to put together a shopping list
and research any potential plantings for October installation. Cutting back spent flowers releases the plant energy to make new leaves and flowers. Spanish and English lavenders love to be trimmed tight and round. Coreopsis, Salvia greggii and Erigeron should be cut back as well. Feed your plants after cutting. If you fertilize regularly, consider using a product on the low side. We do not want to jolt our perennials into growth; we want to sustain them during the last growing weeks. Formula 49 is an organic based fertilizer 8-4-4. This product contains sulfur, iron and maganese as well as other organic material to provide trace elements. If your garden’s last feeding was during the spring, use a multi-purpose product reading 16-1616. When scanning the fertilizer labels, look for nitrate, nitrogen and sulfur.
Azalea, camellia, gardenia and loropedalum will also need their dose of fertilizer this month. These plants demand acid in their diet. Choose a fertilizer with low nitrogen if using a granular product. The buds on these plants were set during the summer, and we certainly do not want a bunch of new leaves covering up where all of our flowers are going to be. Always fertilize a wet plant that shows no signs of dehydration. Resist the urge to cultivate the roots around acid-loving plants; they have shallow root systems that may be damaged. Lemon, orange, lime and kumquat should also all be fed. They need a citrus food rich in sulfur and iron. Look for a moderate amount of nitrogen, around 12 percent. Citrus should have blossoms in September. On a young tree or bush, remove excess blossoms by shaking the plant. This allows more energy for the healthiest blossoms to mature. Check your fertilizer pantry for some 0-10-10. This product is used for bud and bloom. During the fall and winter acid-lovers like the azaleas and camellias as well as our citrus benefit by adding color to blooms and sugars to fruits. It helps the plant continue to develop at the root without encouraging any top growth that may be tender to frost. The calcium and sulfur included in a complete fertilizer naturally help lower the pH balance of the soil. Prune your hydrangeas this month. The macrophylla varieties are those with the round, ball-shaped blooms. Cut back fading blooms to the new growth. Look down the stem and choose to cut just above the best looking new leaves.
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
Hydrangea macrophylla blooms on old wood. The paniculata hydrangea needs only to be pruned where needed. The paniculata are the forms of hydrangea that have the cone-shaped blooms. They grow leggy when young and need to have the long arms cut to meet the rest of the bunch. Hydrangea oakleaf need only to have old blooms removed. Hydrangea annabell also may be cut as needed. For those of you interested in keeping your macrophylla blue next season, stock up on aluminum sulfate. This mineral combination must be applied while the plant is dormant. Boxwood needs to be fed iron this month to keep it from turning yellowish during the winter. Look for an iron plus other trace elements product. The iron percentage should be around 40. Granular forms of iron are easier to control during application. Using an ironplus product will green up and strengthen without promoting tender top growth as we approach winter. Weed and feed your lawn this month. Use a soil penetrant to water in fertilizer for maximum results. When you open the soil and let water penetrate deeper, you allow
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your lawn to root deeper. If your lawn’s color was not as rich and green as you would like it to be, save some ironplus product for late month application. Two other essential fall products are dormant spray, for fruiting trees such as peach and plum, and cloud cover for hibiscus, bougainvillea or mandevillea. Plants such as these are tempting yet not hardy in our zone. So gardeners need to increase their chances of sur-
“Two other essential fall products are dormant spray, for fruiting trees such as peach and plum, and cloud cover for hibiscus, bougainvillea or mandevillea.” Nicole Hackett
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vival. Cloud cover coats the plant’s leaves, helping to prevent dehydration during frost. This product should be applied before the cold twice monthly. October is a great time to install trees. Less transplant shock occurs when the weather is mild. Winter rains are on the way to help establish the planting. If installing a tree has been on your mind, narrow down the choices. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio and Garden. Contact her at with questions, comments or suggestions at GardenGirl94517@aol.com
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September 10, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Bee celebratin’ sweetly...September is honey month The only reason for being a bee that I know of is making honey... and the only reason for making honey is so I can eat it.” - Winnie the Pooh, House at Pooh Corner, by A.A. Milne Honey—sweet and silky on the tongue—is sure to bring a smile to every face. Aristotle referred to it as the nectar of the gods, and rightly so, since honey will never spoil. It is the only food we humans eat that is pro-
duced by insects. No wonder bees are busy—it takes nectar from about two million flowers to make a pound of honey! In its lifetime, one bee will produce only half a teaspoon of honey. Bees and what they produce figure prominently in history. Ancient artists used the walls of caves in Spain and tombs in Egypt to revere the bee. It was the emblem of Pope Urban VII
and Napoleon. Honey was used as currency and in religious offerings. Honey has been used to preserve food, embalm bodies, pay rents, and in cement, cosmetics and naturopathic healing remedies. One use I’m personally familiar with is to relieve hay fever symptoms—because bees use local pollens, consuming locally made honey helps builds immunities. Most of us are accustomed to liquid honey, which is removed from the honeycomb by straining, but comb honey also is entirely edible, including the wax. Whipped or creamed honey is in its crystallized form. Flavors vary based on the nectar from which the honey is made. Like fine wine, honey connoisseurs can sense fruit, herbs, spicy and mild flavors. As a rule, dark colored honeys are “full bodied,” while light colored honeys are mild. Speaking of wine, did you know that mead, a popular libation in medieval England, is made from honey? Honey is very versatile in the kitchen and can replace sugar in most recipes (reduce by 1/3 of
the amount of sugar called for in a recipe and reduce liquids by 1/5th in recipes for baked goods). Since honey browns quickly, oven temperatures should be reduced by 25°F. It is an excellent emulsifier (so it’s great in salad dressings) and because it retains moisture, it helps baked goods stay fresh longer. Important: Honey should not be fed to babies under one year or others with compromised immune systems since it often contains trace spores of botulism.
GOOD MORNING MUFFINS 1 cup whole wheat flour ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg 2 tsp aluminum-free baking powder ¼ tsp salt ½ cup chopped walnuts ½ cup raisins ½ cup grated carrot 1 egg, beaten ¼ c oil (rice bran or extra light olive) ? cup honey 2 Tbsp orange juice Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine dry ingredients, walnuts and raisins and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine carrot, eggs, oil, honey and orange juice. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just moistened.
Spoon into greased muffin tins and bake 20-25 minutes; makes 10-12 muffins. GRILLED PORK LOIN 2 one-pound pork tenderloins 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp kosher salt 1 ½ cup port wine ¼ cup honey 1 cup orange juice 2 Tbsp cider vinegar ½ cup minced onion 1 cup dried apricots, chopped ¼ tsp ground sage 1 tsp rosemary, crushed Combine all ingredients except pork in large saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer a few minutes or until apricots are softened. Place tenderloins in shallow dish, cover with hot marinade and refrigerate for 2-4 hours. Remove pork from marinade (reserve marinade) and grill over medium-hot coals for about 20 minutes or until meat thermometer reaches 160°F. Bring reserved marinade back to a boil and simmer for five minutes; serve as a sauce for the pork. HONEY FLAN 3 eggs, beaten 1½ cup half and half ½ cup honey, divided 2 tsp vanilla extract
SHERI DICKSON
HOME WORK
As I sit down to write my column this month, it is 101 degrees outside. Who would have thought that Mother Nature would have us experience a late summer beginning
there is still time to take advantage of them. We will probably see many advertisements out there for limited-
Combine eggs, cream, honey and vanilla extract just well mixed. Add cinnamon to reserved honey and divide among four 6-oz. custard cups. Place cups in baking pan and fill with hot water to a 1” depth. Divide egg mixture into each custard cup. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until flans are set and no longer wobbly. Serve warm or cold. Loosen edges of individual flans with spatula or knife and invert onto dessert plates. Even better with fruit, such as apples, sautéed in some butter and mixed with 2 Tbsp honey.
LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
Linda Wyner is an attorney in Walnut Creek by day, and an accomplished chef and “foodie” by choice. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
September 10, 2004
Clayton Sports
Clayton Bocce Ball League is on a roll This ancient game provides Europeanstyle fun for all JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer
The third season for the Clayton Bocce Ball Federation and the Clayton Bocce League is about to wrap up. This year the league has 15 teams with 10 players on each team. "Interest and demand for bocce exists among Clayton residents; about half of our current players are from Clayton," said Ed Hartley, the federation president. The neighboring Concord Bocce Federation is even larger, with 75 teams. Games are played five nights a week at eight courts at Newhall Park. The sport has grown fairly rapidly in recent years in the Contra Costa area. ANYONE CAN PLAY One reason for the sport's growing popularity is that anyone of almost any age can learn to play. Many older people play the game for relaxation, socialization and light exercise. The Clayton League has younger players as well as some in their 80s participating. "Most of our players had never played before," Hartley said. "Bocce is a non-athletic sport ideally suited for couples. It's something fun they can do together." This is not a highly compet-
itive, cutthroat sport. The Clayton players take a pretty low-key approach to their games. The important things are to participate and enjoy the fun, the camaraderie and the social aspects. HISTORY OF THE GAME The game originated in Europe and the Middle East, where life takes a more casual pace, much like bocce itself.
The Romans picked it up and spread it all around their Empire. This background obviously gives bocce its Italian roots as many people know it today. Apparently in the early version, Roman soldiers selected a small stone called a "leader" and threw it out first. Then larger stones would be thrown at the "leader," and the stone coming closest to it would score.
“Most of our players had never played before. Bocce is a non-athletic sport ideally suited for couples. It's something fun they can do together”
Ed Hartley, Clayton Bocce Ball Federation president
And the Clayton League players clearly have this part of the sport right. Players bring refreshments and munchies to the games that are shared by all. It's more like a fun get-together than a sport. Team names reflect the importance that fun plays in this league (see team names and standings in separate box)! Bocce is an ancient game based on the rather simple objective of throwing balls toward a target. Some claim the game originated in Egypt more than 7,000 years ago after finding graphic representations of figures tossing a ball or polished stone. Others think the game was started in Greece during the sixth century B.C.
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That same concept is used today. The object of the game is to roll the bocce, a 4½ inch ball weighing about two to three pounds, as close as possible to the pallino, a 1¾ inch white ball that is rolled down the alley first (just like the "leader" stone of old). Each team has its own color of bocce balls, usually red for one team and green for the other. Four players from a team play in a game, two at each end of the alley. Each pair has four bocce balls to roll during a frame toward the players at the other end of the alley. Each bocce ball from the same team coming closer to the pallino than the opponent's closest bocce, scores a point. Players may roll their bocce ball into the other player's bocce to knock it away from the pallino, or they may choose to try to hit the pallino to move it closer to
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BUILDING NEW COURTS The Clayton Bocce Federation, a non-profit organization, is currently working with the City of Clayton to build bocce courts in Clayton. Currently, the league's teams play at Newhall Park in Concord. Clayton is using redevelopment funds for the engineering and environmental studies for the project. Once the plans are submitted and approved, the Clayton Bocce Federation will be raising
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their other bocce balls. Strategies develop and change as each bocce is rolled, depending upon the location of all the balls on the alley. Although the game requires some judgment of distance, a good eye to spot all of the slight slopes, contours and rough spots in the alley, and some ability to roll the bocce down the alley at the right speed in the correct direction (given all of the conditions), what is most important is a very relaxed frame of mind to enjoy it all. During the regular season, which runs from June through Labor Day in the Clayton League, the 15 teams compete for a spot in the top eight places in the standings. Those top eight teams qualify to play in the end-of-season playoffs. Playoffs begin Sept. 12. The championship game will be played Sept 19. The League awards gold, silver and bronze medals for the top three teams together with a perpetual trophy that lists the winning team each year. An end of year pizza party tops off each season's activities.
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money to build the new courts and will work under a plan with the city to help maintain them. Ultimately, as many as 10 courts are envisioned in Clayton. The courts will be open to both league and public play. The proposed site for the courts will be behind and
2004 CLAYTON BOCCE LEAGUE STANDINGS AS OF AUGUST 29, 2004
Team Won Lost Pct. PF I Vincitori . . . . . . .23 . . . .10 . . .0.697 . . .336 Members Only . . .21 . . . .12 . . .0.636 . . .326 Downtown Bocce 20 . . . .13 . . .0.606 . . .332 On A Roll . . . . . . .21 . . . .15 . . .0.583 . . .344 Bada Bing . . . . . .19 . . . .14 . . .0.576 . . .308 Bocce Buzzards . .19 . . . .17 . . .0.528 . . .316 Over The Hill . . . .17 . . . .16 . . .0.515 . . .312 Bada Bang . . . . . . .17 . . . .16 . . .0.515 . . .289 Bocce Bolas . . . . .16 . . . .17 . . .0.485 . . .317 Bocce Warriors . . .17 . . . .19 . . .0.472 . . .349 Quasi Bocce . . . . .14 . . . .19 . . .0.424 . . .271 Eagles . . . . . . . . . .12 . . . .18 . . .0.400 . . .247 Italian Delight . . . .14 . . . .22 . . .0.389 . . .313 Bocce Amice . . . .12 . . . .21 . . .0.364 . . .273 Bocce Who? . . . . .10 . . . .23 . . .0.303 . . .277
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CLAYTON VALLEY PONY FALL BASEBALL CLINICS Fall baseball clinics will be held at the Tessoro Sports fields off Route 4 each Saturday from Oct. 2-30 between noon and 3 p.m. for 11-14 year old players. Clinics will cover baseball fundamentals as well as advanced instruction in pitching, hitting fielding and throwing. There will be no charge for these clinics. For details or more information please contact: Tom King (925) 685-7452, Tim Bruno (925) 672-2992 or Bob Mazza (925) 672-8874.
and youth programs at the Clayton Community Gym located at Diablo View Middle School. The adult programs are eight weeks long with a twoweek end of season tournament. Winners will receive champion T-shirts. Leagues are filling up fast so sign your team up today. All youth will receive a T-shirt and medal. Adult Sports: (Ages 18+) Coed Indoor soccer starts Oct. 6; Five on Five men's basketball starts Nov 7. Youth Sports: (Ages vary): Soccer Pre K- grade 8 starts Sept.18; Cheerleading grades 28 starts Sept. 25; Flag Football grades 2-8 starts Sept. 25; Volleyball grades 4-8 starts Sept. 25; Lacrosse grades 2-8 starts Oct. 2. Sign up today at www.mdrymca.org or call 8891625.
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Sports Shorts
CLAYTON / CONCORD BRANCH OF THE YMCA FALL SPORTS PROGRAMS Fall sports are beginning soon. Starting Sept. 18, the YMCA offers a variety of adult
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below the Clayton City Hall. For more information, contact the Clayton Bocce Federation, c/o Ed Hartley, 698-4191 or Howard Geller at 323-4913 or by e-mail at claytonbocce@yahoo.com.
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DIABLO VALLEY SOCCER CLUB'S SOCCER ACADEMY FALL LEAGUE DVSC's new Soccer Academy Fall League program is underway with twice weekly training. Sessions are 5-6 p.m. every Tue. and 6-7 p.m. every Thur. for boys and girls of all soccer skill levels from beginners to advanced players born between Aug. 1, 1996 and Dec. 31, 2000. Academy Coaching Director Hugo Latorre and his staff will evaluate new players to place them in the appropriate training group and team. In this new DVSC fall program everyone trains, everyone learns and everyone plays. The fall league concludes in Nov. Players will then have the option of continuing into the DVSC Winter Soccer Academy in Jan. Training is at Concord Community Park, 3501 Cowell Rd. behind the city pool. Call (925) 229-DVSC or visit www.dvsc.com for more information. Players will be able to register at the training sessions in early September.
September 10, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Sports...
Try sweeping the long irons Your long irons, the two, three and four irons, are very important when tight and windy conditions occur. The long irons are more accurate than fairway woods and generally are easier to control. The majority of golfers who misshit the long irons make the mistake of hitting down too much on the shot. Often in their
DAVE GRAY
GRAY
ON
GOLF
attempt to get a divot, they hit "fat" behind the ball. Try to sweep the ball with a long iron, keeping the club head low at impact so it strikes the back of the ball solidly and continues through without catching the turf. Playing the ball forward in your stance, about two to four inches back from your left heel, is also key to a sweeping impact shot. I also advocate swinging your long irons like you do your short irons. Most players mistakenly try to power the long irons because they've heard how allegedly tough these are to hit. Hence, they feel the swing must be extra hard or fast. I apply the same amount of power trough the ball with all my irons. We call this swing tempo. The swing merely becomes a little longer as the shaft links increase. Hit a few eight iron shots, then pick up your three iron and swing with the same tempo. The result should be surprising and satisfying. Try these this at the range and hopefully you'll find greater consistency with your long irons.
Page 13
Feathered friends get ready for fall harvest Welcome readers and fellow bird watchers. I hope you have been keeping your eyes open and are paying closer attention to the local bird activity. Did any of you happen to see a phainopepla and notice a very distinguishing feature that I neglected to share with you in my last column? They have red eyes! I haven't noticed any new birds in the area lately, although I am keeping my eyes peeled for the return of the juncos and sparrows who went off to other regions to nest and raise their young. Let me know when they return to your neighborhood, it will be interesting to see where they show up first. Before I get into bird identifications, I thought I would share observations of a recent walk in a little different manner: I took a walk the other day along Diablo Creek. I felt another presence, which made me feel meek. It started at the Keller House, which somehow calls to me Not sure if it's the sacred grounds we know from history Or possibly the nature part, the space, the creek, fresh air, The wildlife in the trees staring down from way up there. I headed down the trail with my spirits soaring high Anxious for adventure and the sights that I might spy. To my pleasure I encountered a pair of titmouse while at play Hide and Seek among the branches, it was a sight to make my day
Dave Gray is a teaching professional at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. E-mail your questions or comments to him at sports@claytonpioneer.com
Farther down along the creek side, I spooked a flock of Chickadee's They were busy munching heartily on some tasty Buckeye leaves. Then a movement caught my eye and I turned in time to see Our graceful majestic Egret as he caught sight of me. I watched him glide off through the trees, on wings that barely moved. Just then I heard the morning doves as they settled in and cooed I came across a Spotted Towhee in a spot I least expected Taking pleasure in a morning bath unaware he was detected. I got to the park off of Lydia Lane where I usually turn around Under the old bridge a pair of mallards floated without a sound. As I headed back along the trail I happened on a covey of quail So fun to watch as they follow the leader, bobbing from head to tail. I made it home and another walk comes quickly to an end. Thanks for joining me on my walk, my fellow birding friend.
CATHIE
GERNHARDT
FOR THE BIRDS ably spotted with white, forming distinct white stripes. The spotted towhee has two white wing bars formed by white tips on the wing coverts. Females are similar in color, but they have slate gray or dull black upper parts. Spotted towhees primarily eat insects, seeds and berries. During the winter, towhees have been known to consume acorns. Mountain manzanita thickets, scrub oaks and pinyonjuniper woods with dense
Now for a couple in-depth descriptions: The spotted towhee is smaller and more slender than a robin. It is actually a large sparrow (7 to 8 inches in length). The males have black upper parts and hoods, rusty orange flanks and white bellies. The long black tail has white corners, which are conspicuous in flight. The undertail is buff. The dark mantle and scapular feathers are vari-
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in coveys of 10 to 200 birds in the winter. They feed in flocks in the early morning and late afternoon. They will stay in these flocks until they pair off during mating season. Male California quails will perch on a tree or post and call out to claim their territory. They are known to roost in trees to avoid danger and to rest.
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Cathie Gernhardt has lived in Clayton for the past 38 years. Bird watching is one of her greatest joys. She has taken classes at Wild Birds Unlimited and has frequently participated in local bird walks. You can email her at Cathie@claytonpioneer.com.
CALIFORNIA QUAIL
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Until next time, Happy Bird Day.
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brush are typical habitats. This secretive bird is rarely seen in the open, except when flushed. Like the phainopepla, the spotted towhee has red eyes. The California quail is a small, plump bird with a short, black beak. The male has a gray chest with a brown back and wings. It has a black throat with white stripes and a brown cap on its head. The female has a gray or brown head and back and a lighter speckled chest and belly. Both the male and the female have a curved black crown feather on their foreheads. The male's crown feather is larger than the female's. The California quail is sometimes called the valley quail; they can be found from Southern Oregon to Southern California and east into Nevada. They frequent grasslands, foothills, woodlands, canyons and the edge of deserts and suburban back yards. They really like areas
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Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
September 10, 2004
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., SEPT. 13 FOR THE SEPT. 24 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING - SEPT. 26 Unfinished Quilts of the 30’s & 40’s @ Clayton Historical Society Museum 2-4 p.m. and by appointment. Everyday items from the 1930s and 1940s will also be on display. A finished “Lone Star” quilt from 1942 will be displayed. Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6720240, 6101 Main Street, Clayton. AUG. 30 THRU FALL YMCA Adult and Youth programs @ Clayton Community Gym Adult programs include flag football, ultimate kickball and volleyball. Youth sports programs include flag football, soccer and cheerleading. Sign up at www.mdrymca.org or call 889-1625. Clayton Community Gym 700 Gym Court, Clayton. SEPT. 10, 17, 24 Digital Thunder Bowling @ Clayton Valley Bowl 4-6 p.m. Bowling on Friday afternoons for kids includes music, lights and bumper lanes. 689-4631, Clayton Valley Bowl, 5300 Clayton Road, Concord. SEPT. 8 -ONGOING Art at the YMCA @ Clayton Community Gym Art program starts at the YMCA - clay sculpture, painting, drawing for beginners, advanced drawing.and Children's books, writing illustrating and publishing. For information contact instructor Seth Ahonen at 889-1612 or 889-1600. SEPT. 8 - ONGOING After School Programs @ Clayton Community Gym 3-6 p.m., Aafter school program for Diablo View Middle students. Homework help, sports and art activities. Fun, safe environment. Call Liz Travers for information at 889-1600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. SEPTEMBER 11 Diablo Valley Western Fair @ Chestnut Avenue Community Church 2 p.m.to 9 p.m. A Tex-Mex Fair with games, food, demonstrations and a country DJ with dancing. Admission: Adults $5.00, Children (5-12) $3.00 and under 5-free. Chestnut Ave. Community Church, 3525 Chestnut Ave., Concord. SEPT. 12 Contra Costa Square Dance Workshop @ the Pacheco Community Center 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday classes. Learn modern square dancing in a relaxed, friendly and fun atmosphere. No partner needed. $35 per person for 7 weeks. For information call Dick, 229-2192, Barbara, 689-2369, e-mail hiltonaud@aol.com Pacheco Community Center, 5800 Pacheco Blvd., north of Sun Valley Mall SEPT. 12 2nd Annual Grandparent’s Day at Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Community 2-4 p.m. Graham Family Photo will provide a free 8x10 family portrait for anyone coming to Diamond Terrace with a grandparent. Call 524-5100 for more information. Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Community, 6401 Center Street, Clayton. SEPT. 14, 21, 28 Patty Cakes Story Time @ Clayton Community Library 11-11:20 a.m. Story time for birth to 3 years, through October. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 6730659 SEPT. 16, 23, 30 Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library 11-11:25 a.m. Picture book time for 3 to 5 year olds, through October. Child may attend without parent. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659 SEPT. 16 - OCT. 16 Seussical @ CTA Crossroads Theatre Seussical creates the witty, wild and whimsical world of Dr. Seuss as it has never been seen before. This story, not just for kids. Opens Saturday, Sept. 25, 8 p.m., Thurs. 8pm: Sept 30, Oct. 7, 14, Fri. 8pm: Oct. 1, 8, 15, Sat. 2 p.m. Oct. 2, 9, 16, Sat..8 p.m. Oct. 2, 9, 16, Previews: Sept. 16, 17, 18, 24 all at 8 p.m., $22$25 per person, Tickets at CTA Crossroads Theatre , (925) 9440597 , www.ctacrossroads.org, CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek SEPT. 18 First Annual Parking Lot Sale @ Diamond Terrace Retirement Community
Diamond Terrace residents, family and friends are cleaning out their closets. Find treasure including vintage used clothes, small appliances, furniture, antiques and some new items by our own artists. A portion of proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association. Call 524-5100. SEPT. 18 Friends of Mount Diablo Creek, Creek Survey Be part of the countywide effort to collect baseline data on all creeks. Learn to use Global Positioning Systems while exploring your creek. Short training is required Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Call Lisa Anich at 689-2642 for information or Mary Malko at marimalko@comcast.net. SEPT. 18 Parking Lot Sale Benefit Fundraiser @ St. John’s Parish Parish 8 a.m. 12 p.m. Hundreds of items including home and office furniture, computers, appliances, electronic games, and treasures large and small. For the connoisseur there will be a “fine wine” sale. St John’s Parish, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. SEPT. 22 Back to School Bar-b-que @ Clayton Community Gym 6 p.m. YMCA Community night at the Clayton Gym. Join neighbors and classmates for hamburgers and hot dogs and side dishes. Games and activities on the field. Get the scoop on fall programs offered by the YMCA! Call Liz Travers for information, 889-1600, Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. SEPT. 22 Amelia Bedelia’s Fall Festival @ Clayton Community Library Wacky games, food art, a clown and more!, Registration required, call the library at 673-0659. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. SEPT. 25 Gunfighters of the Old West High Noon. In the Grove, Main Street and Marsh Creek Road. Historical reenactments of famous gunfights of the Old West. “The Gunfight at the OK Corral,” “The Shooting of Mike Williams” and more. SEPT. 24, 25, 26 Greek Festival @ St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Authentic Greek food and pastries, live music and dancing, arts and crafts, courtyard cafe, music and more! Friday 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Free admission Sunday 5-8 p.m. For information call 767-6967. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1955 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. SEPT. 25 Clayton Cleans Up 9 a.m. Help make Clayton sparkle. Pick up maps, gloves and garbage bags at City Hall Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. and clean up garbage along the trails, parks and open space areas. Bring shovels and picks and help plant bulbs (provided).There is also a need for weeding at the City Dog Park.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS SEPT. 10 AARP Mt. Diablo Chapter Baby Shower @ Pleasant Hill Senior Center 1:30 p.m. It’s time to knit or crochet (purchased new items also acceptable) o benefit the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Layette for New Born Project. All items will be donated to the Auxiliary and made into packages for needy mothers. For information call Fred Nelson, 451-1292. Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. SEPT. 14 Diablo Valley Lioness@ Hik’ry Pit, Walnut Creek 7 p.m. Diablo Valley Lioness meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Help plan community fundraising events. For more information and future meeting locations call Lisa King, President at 330-1260. Hik’ry Pit, 1495 S. Main Street, Walnut Creek. SEPT. 14 Clayton Valley Woman’s Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church Social Hall, Alberta Way & Ygnacio Valley Rd. 10 a.m. Community minded women are invited to attend and meet
like minded women from the area. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Call Lois, 685-1876 or Jackie, 672-8103 for information. SEPT. 15 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women@ Oakhurst Country Club 10:15 am meeting, 11:15 a.m. speaker. Kristine Hunt, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association will speak about the November ballot, the “taxing” propositions we are facing and other tax related election issues.Call 838-2182 or www.yvrwf.org for information. SEPT. 16, 23, 30 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m., 5 & 6:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. 800/326-8450 x2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. SEPT. 16, 23, 30 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker.www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. SEPT. 18 American University Women Membership Luncheon @ La Veranda Restaurant 11:30 a.m. The Clayton branch of American University Women is holding its fall membership drive/luncheon. College graduates interested in an active, involved women’s group are invited to attend. Meet current members and hear about the many activities and interest groups the Clayton branch sponsors. Call Mary Ann Hayes at 672-4391 or Diane Rogers at 686-5513 for information. La Veranda Restaurant, 6201 Center Street, Clayton. SEPT. 28 Clayton Valley Woman’s Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church Social Hall Speaker Stephen L. Weir, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder will speak on “The integrity of your vote & making your vote count.” Luncheon will be served. For reservations call Lois, 685-1876 or Jackie, 672-8103. Holy Cross Lutheran Church Social Hall, Alberta Way & Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord.
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT SEPT. 14, 21, 28 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. SEPT. 21 Clayton City Council Meeting@ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm’s Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. SEPT. 14, 28 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 6737304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. SEPT. 30 CLAYTON BUSINESS & COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEETING @ OAKHURST 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting, Oakhurst Country Club, last non-holiday Thursday of the month. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. Ed Hartley, President.
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION SEPT. 14 Parent Faculty Club (PFC) Meeting, Multi Use Room @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7 p.m. Please join us and help make a difference! Child care is provided for this event. If you would like to have a specific item on the agenda, please contact Rosy Straka at rosystraka@yahoo.com or 672-3200 ext 7304.
The Community Calendar is sponsored by
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IN SUPPORT OF THIS COMPASSIONATE CAUSE, THE VAN FLEET-BRONSON TEAM WILL MAKE A DONATION on behalf of our client for EVERY TRANSACTION CLOSED BY OUR OFFICE.
September 10, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
CHURCH NEWS The Pioneer wants to know what is happening in your parish, congregation, temple, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship. Tell us about your ministries, upcoming activities or notable members. Send your news items to Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton 94517 or e-mail religion@claytonpioneer.com. BAHA’IS OF CONCORD Sept. 26, Interfaith prayer @ CSUH Concord Campus, 10-11 a.m. followed by refreshments. Please join us for a program of interfaith prayers, music and meditations for peace, unity and spiritually the 4th Sunday of the month. Children welcome. CSUH Concord Campus, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Rm. 146, at Campus Drive (Ayers). AVENUE CHESTNUT COMMUNITY CHURCH The community is invited to join us in a Tex-Mex Flair Fair on Sept. 11, from 2 p.m. through 9 p.m. There will be foods, exhibits, crafts, books, drawings, a country DJ and dancing. Police and guide dog demonstrations, a variety of games plus petting ponies and horse rides. Also live dancing and computer events. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children (5 through 12 years). Children under 5 years are free. 3525 Chestnut Ave., Concord, (925)686-1400. Beginning September 5th, BAPTIST CORNERSTONE CHURCH will be relocating to the Winslow Center in Pleasant HIll, 2590 Pleasant Hill Road. For directions or more info visit: www.cornerstone4life.org.
HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH: Fall Worship Schedule: 9 a.m. Worship Service (with communion 1, 3, and 5 Sunday of the month) 10:30 a.m. Bible Study and Sunday School. Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m., Sunday School Start-up Sept. 18, 9:30 a.m., Women of Holy Cross Fall kick-off breakfast Oct. 30 Fall Country Fair/Oktoberfest (Carnival attractions in the late afternoon, followed by our traditional Oktoberfest meal and a charity auction with entertainment. Have any leftover yarn and don’t know what to do with it? Women of Holy Cross collect yarn for making infant layettes for newborns. Please call 6862000. ST DEMETRIOS: Sept. 24, 25, 26: Mark your calendars to come and enjoy the ethnic Greek food, fun and special entertainment at our 26th Annual Greek Food Festival on the grounds of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1955 Kirker Pass Road (directly across from the Chronicle Pavilion). For information, please call (925) 6766967.
A welcoming place and sacred space where thinking minds and caring hearts truly grow in faith
SAINT JOHN’S PARISH T HE E PISCOPAL C HURCH
IN
C LAYTON
Sunday Worship: 8 & 10 a.m. 5555 C LAYTON R OAD
Q
C LAYTON
Call anytime: 672-8855 or check us out online: www.saintjohnsparish.org
SAINT JOHN'S EPISCOPAL begins its fall semester of educational opportunities for all ages, beginning Sun., Sept. 12. The "Education Hour" at 9 a.m. each week offers courses and programs for preschoolers, grade schoolers, junior and senior high youth and adults. Children will begin this year with a special 4-week program, in conjunction with ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) to heighten the appreciation of fellow creatures entrusted to our care. Call the church at 672-8855 for registration information. Youth have the opportunity to explore questions of faith and values with open dialogue and learning formats, led by a team of professional secondaryeducation teachers. The Adult Forum's fall curriculum includes a variety of topics that relate one's spiritual formation to contemporary issues. The Anglican tradition of the Episcopal Church emphasizes the importance of diversity of thought and inclusion of many spiritual paths. St. John's "Education Hour" is open to the entire community, and continues this rich tradition. Saint John's celebrates its homecoming weekend and the start up of fall programs and activities with it's 7th Annual "Evening in Old Italy." Scheduled for Sat., Sept. 11. This is an evening for adults to enjoy good Italian food and drink, music and frivolity. The event is open to the community. You can brush up on your "faux-Italian," practice your pizza dough tossing skills, perhaps even win a door prize like a romantic gondola ride for two on Lake Merritt. For more information, visit St. John's or contact them at 672-8855 or info@saintjohnsparish.org. St. John's Episcopal Parish topped last year's record in it's 5th annual Back to School Backpack Project for young students in need in the larger community. On Aug. 31, Project coordinator, Carol Henshaw, presented a total of 47 packs, filled with supplies to Michele Beasley from Shelter, Inc.
Hmm, did I learn anything? When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school, it’s a wonder I can think at all. - Paul Simon The other day my son raced to get the mail from the letter carrier. In the middle of the bills and magazines and junk mail was an invitation for my twentyyear high school reunion. To prepare for the event, he and I retrieved a dust-covered box of memorabilia from the attic and began poring through old photos and yearbooks. I stumbled across a report card from my senior year that listed a lessthan-formidable course schedule: Psychology, Home Economics, French, CPR, Accounting and Typing. Like Mr. Simon, I began to think back on what I learned in those classes, and whether any of that knowledge remains with me two decades later. PERIOD ONE: PSYCHOLOGY This subject fascinated me so much that I actually read ahead in the textbook. Suddenly, my dull days were over. Within a few short weeks I had learned enough to diagnose anyone and everyone in my path. I tested my newfound skills on my teachers, the cafeteria ladies, the pom-pom squad, my siblings, and the characters on my favorite TV shows. Boy, were these folks messed up. PERIOD TWO: HOME ECONOMICS Everyone – from the brains to the boneheads - had to take this class. I think I know now what group I belonged to. I sat in that classroom for more than six months and mastered absolutely nothing. Nada. How I’d love now to be able to sew a Halloween costume, make giblet gravy, or assemble a festive holiday wreath for my front door. About all I can master is… ok, I’ll fess up. I have my mother do all of these domestic things for me, and she didn’t even take Home Economics when she was in High School. PERIOD THREE: FRENCH For language, I chose French
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over Spanish, as I was certain it would be more practical in my adulthood. (Clearly, I hadn’t anticipated moving to California.) In the end it didn’t really matter as I learned even less French than I did Home Economics. I can speak Pig Latin however. To keep certain issues private from our son, my husband and I communicate using this less-than-legitimate language. Alas, the boy has figured us out. Just last week I whispered to my husband, “Would you like to get a aby-bay itter-say onight-tay and go out to inner-day?” The kid didn’t skip a beat. His ears pricked up and he yelled “Get Cindy! Get Cindy! She’s more fun than Mark. And bring me home some French fries.” PERIOD FOUR: CPR Although this class satisfied my Health Ed requirement, I took it primarily to help satisfy my less-than robust love life. I was certain the overwhelmingly high boy-to-girl ratio would result in some teacherapproved, in-class, mouth-tomouth activity. My dream of swapping spit with the quarterback under the premise of resuscitation was doused on Day One when we were introduced to Annie, the CPR dummy who would star as “the victim” the entire semester. They didn’t even let me be her understudy. PERIOD FIVE: INTRODUCTORY ACCOUNTING You’d think that a B+ in Accounting would suggest that I at least mastered some basic financial skills. Not so. In fact, my financial skills are so lackluster that my husband (who balances the check book down to the penny versus my “rounding”) threatens to take away my credit cards and put me on an allowance a la Lucy Ricardo. If only I’d studied creative accounting instead. I still don’t understand how I can be out of money when there are checks in the checkbook. PERIOD SIX: TYPING The worst grade I ever received was in Typing class. At
the time I thought, “I’m never going to be a secretary, so why do I need to learn how to type?”
DEANNA HLEBECHUK
LAUGH LINES
How wrong I was. A day doesn’t go by now in which I’m not typing e-mails or writing reports at work. Our teacher inspired us to increase our typing speeds by placing each of our names on a reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh. The fastest typist led the team, and the slowest rode on the sleigh with Santa. In the era of not wanting to appear dorky under any circumstances, it seemed much cooler to be hitching a ride with the fat man. My reindeer never made it off the sled. In hindsight I regret that I didn’t apply myself and learn more. I admit that I could’ve gotten better grades and paid closer attention during class. At the time, I didn’t realize there were significant life lessons being taught in those classrooms right in front of me. Now I realize those days helped lay the foundation for who I am today (for better or worse). So I guess I have grown up. Someday when my son selects his high school courses and asks, “Mom, why do I have to take this lame class?” I’ll be hard pressed to come up with an answer that a teenager can understand. He’ll have to learn some things the hard way, just like me. Until then, Mama don’t take my Kodachrome away. Deanna Hlebechuk holds a BA in English from Arizona State University. She is married and the working mother of a 4-year old. Contact her at deedee@sbcglobal.net
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Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Make sure that new puppy has social skills
JULIE BOND
PAWS
AND
CLAWS
In my opinion, there is nothing more enjoyable than watching a dog and a child play together. Many parents rely on the family dog to be not only a protector, but also a playmate for their children. So, how does one go about finding a dog that can be both a guardian and friend to a child? I am often asked to help families choose the “right
breed”—the one that will fulfill these two important functions. While there are some breeds that we tend to associate with kids (such as Golden Retrievers), almost any breed of dog will have representatives that make good family pets and good watchdogs. Thus, the breed of dog isn’t the most critical factor here, but the way in which the dog was raised. The best place to start is with a puppy born to two welladjusted parents with even temperaments. This puppy, and his littermates, will have the best genetic potential. Then, this puppy must be raised among his siblings until weaning so he can develop the appropriate dogdog relationships. It is also important for young puppies to be exposed to people and well-behaved children. Puppies must become socialized to children early if they are to develop the strongest and most predictable bonds with them as adult dogs. All of this socialization
should occur before 10 weeks of age! At 10 weeks, a critical period in dog development, a puppy is primed to develop a lasting bond with one particular family. This is why it is important for families who wish to adopt puppies to adopt them at this age. Unfortunately, many people believe that by taking such care to socialize a puppy early to lots of people (including children) will result in a dog that lacks protective abilities. This is simply not the case. All dogs, regardless of breed, will act as sentinels for their families. This is a natural, instinctive dog behavior; a Chihuahua or Maltese is just as effective as a Rottweiler or German Shepherd at alerting it’s family to intruders. The point here is that socializing your puppy and encouraging him to be friendly with strangers will result in a more well rounded companion—one who can defend AND nurture a relationship with your family. While I have put a lot of emphasis here on the socialization of the puppy, it is also very important to socialize your children to dogs. Dogs are at a child’s eye level and generally treat children as subordinates. Children unfamiliar with dogs will often screech at them or run, causing the dog to chase them. This is actually how many children come to be bit by dogs and ultimately fear them.
September 10, 2004
Thus, it is critical for parents to monitor all interactions their children have with dogs, familiar or unfamiliar. No dog, regardless of its training or past behavior, should be left alone with a young child. Although most parents make a conscientious effort to teach their children not to tease, pester, or abuse a dog until it becomes angry, you cannot count on your children to always follow these instructions. Many children do not realize that they can hurt a dog by pulling its tail or ears, hitting it on the nose, sitting on its back, or stepping on its paws. This is why it is critical for any dog who will come in contact with children during it’s lifetime to be socialized early to the ways kids behave. A young dog can be taught to tolerate a certain amount of rough handling by children, just as the children are being taught to respect a dog’s needs as well. Teach your children to respect all animals and treat them, as they themselves would like to be treated. And when choosing a puppy for your family, look at the puppy’s parents and ask if the litter was socialized to children as well as adults. Making an informed choice is important here as you are picking a new member for your family. Choose wisely, and your children will have a loyal and constant canine companion.
Biscuit is ARF’s star
“Biscuit” wants to make your mornings brighter. This two-year-old Beagle/Terrier mix is mellow dog who loves to curl up with her people. She is recommended for a quiet household with children ages eight and above. Bring everyone who will live with Biscuit, including any canine family members, to meet her at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek during adoption hours:
2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. ALSO AT ARF: Great new classes are debuting this fall for children, teachers and families. Visit www.arf.net to see the fabulous range of classes for pre-schoolers through adults. Download the registration form to sign up for classes which are filling up fast. (925) 256-1ARF www.arf.net.
A Date With Your Dog: Sausalito JULIE BOND Animal Behaviorist
As hot as it is here in the East Bay, it seems to be an appropriate time to seek out dog friendly places that are nearby, but where cooler temperatures prevail. So, how about a trip to Sausalito? You and your canine companion can enjoy the sites, smells, and cooler temperatures in this community by the Bay. Here is this month’s pick for a fun and healthy outing for you and your canine friend. WHERE: Rodeo Beach and Lagoon, Sausalito DESCRIPTION: This is a
protected saltwater/ freshwater lagoon where your water-loving canine companions can take a dip. When they are done with their swim, leash them up for a jaunt across the wooden walkway to the cozy, little beach. RODEO BEACH TRAIL, SAUSALITO Swimming isn’t allowed on this beach due to quarter mile before the Golden unpredictable currents, but it’s a Gate Bridge, you make a right great spot to relax and take it all onto Bunker Road. This road goes through a one-way tunnel in. and dead ends at the beach. HOW TO GET THERE: Head for Sausalito. Once you You can follow the signs west to are there, go south on the visitor center for parking. For more information on Alexander Avenue. About a
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September 10, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Committee finds Landscape District is under funded TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
The City cannot keep the plants watered and pruned and the weeds cut no matter how good the maintenance staff is or how hard they work. There simply isn’t enough money. These are the findings of the Blue Ribbon Landscape Committee appointed by the
City Council last November to review the current landscaping and budget and come up with a strategic plan for the future. In a report to the City Council on Sept. 7, Committee Chairperson Dan Richardson summarizes the Committee’s findings: 1. The Landscape District does not have adequate financ-
ing, initially and presently, to maintain the landscaping at the defined standard of maintenance specified in the (Measure E) ballot measure passed by the voters in 1997. 2. Measure E capped the District’s annual allowable increase at two percent per year. Bay Area inflation rates have been 25.7 percent since 1997. Measure E only allowed for a 10
percent increase over the same seven-year period. 3. Although staff and funding is stretched as far as possible, the District’s current level of maintenance is inadequate. 4. The condition of the landscaping is in decline and has been for some time. 5. The District is unable to provide basic maintenance, replacement and landscape
improvements equitably throughout the District. 6. The District is unable to fund District-wide Capital Improvements. The District, which was created by Measure E for a ten-year period, is due to run out in 2007. Council member Dave Shuey has suggested bringing the Measure back to the ballot as early as 2005
giving the city time to go back to the voters if the measure fails on the first try. Preliminary estimates of the amount needed to maintain the landscaping at a preferred level is three times the current assessment of $120 per year, per parcel. This does not include amounts needed to fund several deferred capital projects.
Baby boomers face retirement challenge While baby boomers have enjoyed a generally improved quality of life over the past decade, 25 million (nearly one third) have virtually nothing saved for retirement, according to The American Association of Retired People (AARP).
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Seventy-six million baby boomers face many retirement challenges, including ballooning health care costs, the rising age for full eligibility for Social Security benefits (age 67 in 2004), and a recent bear market causing lower returns on investments. The study also
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Inside R odie's Feed i n C layton!
noted a significant drop in boomers’ median income last year. In addition, nearly half of retirees are expecting Social Security to provide more than half of their annual income and more than half of retirees have no pension compensation. How can boomers prepare for and protect their pending retirement? PLAN, PLAN, PLAN Create or update your financial plan to take advantage of rising limits on 401(k)
contributions and decreased taxes on corporate dividends and capital gains. Your financial plan should calculate how much you need to save for retirement and how to get there. Your plan’s investment mix should aim to keep the purchasing power of your assets ahead of inflation and provide protection from future market setbacks. Seek help from a qualified financial advisor to balance your savings goals and insurance needs.
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est. 1978
925-6 676-9 9355
4375 Clayton Rd. Unit K Concord
CONSIDER RETIREMENT ALTERNATIVES
Working part-time through part of your retirement or delaying retirement even by a few years can dramatically change your retirement needs. Take for example, a 60-yearold working person with accumulated retirement assets of $411,440. Assume he is saving $24,000 per year with an estimated average investment return of 8 percent. Assuming his retirement income goal is $4,000 per month, with Social Security kicking in at age 65 ($1,640 per month,) this is how he will fare: If he retired at age 62, his assets would be depleted at age 77. If he retired a mere three years later at age 65, he would be covered until age 90. If he retired instead at 67, his assets would not deplete until he was 102 years old. A few additional years of working can make a big difference in providing coverage throughout your lifetime. This illustration is hypo-
Who says you can’t own the
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There are no limits to what a woman can accomplish. Especially when you have a plan and the right financial advice.
Financial Advisor
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® Bus: 925.685.4523; Fax: 925.685.3520 Lic: CA 0692378
Yes, I would like to meet with an American Express
financial advisor for a complimentary initial consultation.
Name Address City State ZIP Code Phone Mail to: American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
5356 Clayton Road., Suite 211 Concord, CA 94521 American Express Financial Advisors, Inc. Member NASD, American Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors, Inc., and is not a broker-dealer. ©1998-2003 American Express Financial Corporation. All rights reserved
on any purchase of $25 or more expires 9/30/04
We have 3 locations to serve you Concord: 5288 Clayton Rd. 925.825.9530 also in:
Pleasant Hill: 228 Hookston Road * 925.906.0130 Novato: 7546 Redwood Blvd. * 415.892.1030
Mon. - Fri: 8am-6:30pm Sat. and Sun. 9am-5pm
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED While more than half of current workers plan to work to age 65 or older, and 68 percent plan to work in retirement, the current average person actually retired at age 62, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. About 37 percent of retirees said they left the workforce earlier than planned, citing health problems or disability as the reason.
This information is provided for informational purposes only. The information is intended to be generic in nature and should not be applied or relied upon in any particular situation without the advice of your tax, legal and/or your financial advisor.
Mureleen Benton, CFP
$5 Off
thetical and is not meant to represent any specific investment or to imply any guaranteed rate of return.
Mureleen Benton is a Certified Financial Planner. Call her with questions at 685-4523
An American Express financial advisor can help you invest for education, build family security, prepare for retirement, and secure your financial independence. We offer you the expertise and insight you need to make smart financial decisions so you can take control of your financial future.
Concord Feed has everything you need.
MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE
Derby, from page 1 of Clayton did just that. Eleven-year-old Spencer, eightyear-old Tanner and dad Al worked together on the two cars for about two months. “I wanted the boys to learn how to use tools and have fun,” said Al. “I liked everything about it,” chimed in Spencer. From the initial car runs in the morning trials, it appeared that Tanner’s car was one of the fastest and would be back for the finals run. The day also included an antique car show, costume contest, play area and Old Fashioned Cake Walk. Other major sponsors for the event included Drive Magazine, the Clayton Pioneer and Insurance Management Corporation
Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
September 10, 2004
Advertorial
New businesses at Clayton Station please the palate JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The Dog and Wine Thieves are two new businesses that have arrived in Clayton Station. Stop in and checkout the savory menu at The Dog and the incredible wine offering at Wine Thieves. WAITING FOR THE DOG Patience makes the heart grow fonder…and that certainly is the case for Clayton and Concord residents who waited patiently for Clayton’s newest restaurant to open. The Dog has finally arrived. Serving mouthwatering hot dogs, sausages and
Twenty-two varieties of sausages, traditional all-beef and Chicago-style dogs, corn dogs, burgers, fries, salads and a scrumptious selection of smoothies cater to everyone’s individual palate. “We have something for everyone. It’s a family atmosphere,” says owner Drew Nichols. Drew, along with his partner Mark Elliott, bought their first hot dog eatery in Montclair three years ago as something fun to do. They were both successful contractors and wanted to try something with a little less stress. They kept their full-time jobs but found they
THE DOG OWNER DREW NICHOLS and Assistant Manager, Linda Her smoothies, The Dog features a spacious, clean and upbeat restaurant with a menu that will keep you coming back for more.
really liked owning and operating The Dog. Along came their second eatery in Alamo, a little closer to home.
Drew kept the fire burning at both ends for about six months after The Alamo eatery opened and then decided to devote his energy full time to The Dog. Along came their third location in Clayton. Drew explains that he wasn’t looking for a third business, but the space opened up, he liked the town of Clayton, saw potential and his landlord in Alamo happened to manage the space in Clayton. “It was too easy to pass up,” says Drew. In the meantime, he and Mark opened up two express eateries in San Ramon and purchased a mobile trailer that he will use at special Bay Area fundraisers. He’s already booked a spot at Clayton’s first Oktoberfest celebration on October 2 and 3 in downtown Clayton sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association. So far the reaction to The Dog has been very good, explains Drew. “This place is packed at lunch hour,” he says. Customer service is key to The Dog’s success. “I’m really interested in what my customers want,” says Drew. Based on their response, he’s recently added salads to his menu. One of his customers in Clayton asked about a bigger dog on a bigger bun. And so Drew now serves a seven-inch hot dog as one of his specials. Drew plans to get active in the Clayton community and make The Dog a household name.
THIEVES IN CLAYTON? Actually these thieves are the good guys and they have arrived at Clayton Station with some of the best wine deals in the area. Wine Thieves is now open in the building next to Blockbuster and they bring a
JOE ROMANO
SO ANYWAY... While most town folk sleep peacefully, dreaming the dreams of the just and the innocent, the seamy underbelly of Clayton is writhing and slithering in the bowels of the night. Or not. So I notice that Chris Caen, son of the late, great (and late of the San Francisco Chronicle) Herb Caen, has begun writing a regular column in the San Francisco Examiner, the Chronicle's scrappy second cousin-twice removed. He's pretty good. Only time will tell if he'll rival his father's longevity as well as escape his mammoth, looming shadow. Chris Caen is filling a niche left by his father, and while that's great for San Francisco and the bartenders who pour his Vitamin V, we folks in the East Bay are decidedly nicheless. Reading young Caen's column got me thinking (Yes I know it doesn't happen often). Herb Caen was a Sacramento boy who moved to San Francisco. I am a Concord boy who moved to Clayton. Could we HAVE any more in common? Herb Caen used to refer to San Francisco as Baghdad by the Bay, and while we may not have the Bay, the big city or seamy-ness writhing and slithering in our bowels, there is stuff happening. I can smell it, and I need you to smell it, too. I need my Clayton/Concord eyes, my spies and my on-thewall flies to be alert. Send me those scoops, tidbits and bits of fluff. The scraps of conversation caught over the clank of
hell will ever know anyway? Send 'em on to my e-mail address below.
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BENNETT BURKE, owner of the Wine Thieves
PERMANENT SOLUTION 6200-C Center Street, Clayton
286-5162
special blend of personal service, quality product and knowledge of the wine industry to our city. With over 200 varieties of wine available and incredible prices, Wine Thieves is here to offer customers a chance to explore different brands and learn more about specific wines. Owners Jim Meyers and Bennett Burke have worked in the wine industry for more than 25 years. The Clayton store is the second site for Wine Thieves; the first store opened in Lafayette five years ago and the response has been excellent.
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e Thieve stop in and see th , al de a of l ea st friends. If you want a don’t tell your Shhh . . .
Monday thru Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
672-4003
5443 Clayton Road next to Blockbuster
Expires 10/07/04
672-1500
Salon Beautiful ENJOY!
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n ow in Clayto N — s e v e i h T Wine Store. We are of our wines s r e t r a u q -q e e Thr under $10! s.
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funny guy.” E-mail him at jromano01@yahoo.com
Clayton resident, Joe Romano, is a family man, a free-lance writer for hire and the Pioneer’s “all around
Typical Wine world We're Not Your m around the o fr es in w e n offer fi es. at great pric
wine that matches or comes close to its flavor, he explains. Wine Thieves features wines from around the world and three-quarters of their wines are under $10. In the near future, Wine Thieves will offer formal wine tastings and educational classes conducted by staff member Ron Santos.
RENEW REFRESH REJUVENATE
Baghdad in the ‘Burbs the Nautilus machine, the scuttlebutt at the local watering holes and eateries, or maybe just some offhand remarks for which kids are so famous. We'll see if little ol' Clayton can't just give SF a run for its money. And if we can't? Well who the
Wine Thieves is not your typical wine store. As Bennett explains, it’s an opportunity for customers to come into the store, ask a lot of questions, get feedback on the best wines for a particular menu or event and discover different brands and tastes. If a customer prefers a particular wine, we’ll find a
Sept. 11-17
Saturday, Sept. 11, 11 am to 3 pm
Come to our Cruise Fair
Meet Betsy Sullivan, District Sales Manager for Princess Cruises Explore exotic destinations Special upgrades and cruise line amenities Stop by to pick up your Princess Cruises 2005 brochures at the Walnut Creek Fine Arts & Crafts Fair on Locust St.
It’s time to start booking your Alaska and Europe 2005 to get the best pricing and availability.
Cruising is our only business Cruise Adventures
Owners Valerie O’Connell (Clayton resident, 25 years) & daughter Colleen O’Connell
Family owned business
Unlimited Open Monday - Friday, 9 - 5:30 and Saturday, 10-2
1610 Locust St., Walnut Creek, CA
(925) 935-7447 (925)
CST# 1009044-40
September 10, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 19
Unravel the mystery of your FICO credit score FICO scores and how they are computed are a mystery to most people, including a lot of us in the mortgage business. These scores can make a big difference in the type of financing available to our borrowers, and understanding how they work can help people make the right decisions about their credit. I recently attended a seminar sponsored by First Franklin Mortgage and came away very enlightened about how certain things affect your credit. For instance, 35 percent of your FICO score is determined by payment history. This is comprised of recent
credit history for the last six months, which really hits you hard if you have 30-day lates within this time frame. The other is frequency of lates and severity. Thirty percent of your score is determined by the percentage of the amount owed on an account to the actual credit limit. (over 50 percent you are hit hard on score, over 75 percent the credit bureau calls the “death killer”) So using this information, it may not be a good idea to pay off certain accounts but to try to pay down most of them to less than 50 percent owed. Fifteen percent of your score is your actual cred-
TED SUDDERTH YOUR MORTGAGE it history, which is the length of time you have established credit and the number of open accounts you have.
Three to five credit cards is the best. Ten percent of your score is the type of credit you have. Normal credit cards, auto loans, mortgages and department store cards are fine. Finance companies with high interest rates will lower your score. Financing where there is no payment for an extended period of time is also looked at adversely. The last 10 percent of the score is looking at the number of inquiries made within a 12-month period. Five to seven could be considered normal and would have no major affect on your score. Again, this is only 10 percent
of your score. If you are preapproved for a credit card offer through the mail, this inquiry has no affect on your scores. Adverse credit such as bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for 10 years, while most derogatory credit will remain on for seven. FICO scores for home borrowers range from 300 to 850. A 720 score is the medium for the United States. Fifteen percent of the people actually have a score of 790 or above. For lending purposes, we typically look at 620 or better for regular financing. Below that, rates and programs available tend to get
more expensive. This information is critical in maintaining maximum credit scores, which allow borrowers to obtain the very best financing available. If you are thinking about refinancing or purchasing a new home, please consult your mortgage professional before you make the decision to pay off collections, credit cards or clear up old derogatory accounts as these credit actions could actually hurt your credit scores rather than help them. Ted Sudderth owns ComUnity Lending in Clayton. He can be reached at 672-5363
Marsh Creek/Morgan Territory Residents
This i s f or y ou!
“Look Who’s Selling Clayton!”
visit us online at
HELP-U-SELL REAL ESTATE SERVICES helpusell.com 4918 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94521 (925) 680-4950 ng Pendin
30 Fleming Ct.
Clayton
We sold our home the first day of open house using Help-U-Sell! We were very pleased with the service & even saved over $36,100 in real estate commissions! We highly recommend using Help-U-Sell! S. Beinfest
We sold our home on 1816 Yolanda Circle in Clayton in 4 days using Help-U-Sell & saved over $27,600 in real estate commissions. This was by far the best real estate experience we have ever had! We are so happy with the results that we recommended Help-U-Sell to all our neighbors. J. Mann
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$785,000
522 Mt. Davidson Court
Clayton
ng Pendin
ng Pendin
$685,000
25 Atchinson Stage Rd.
Clayton
$699,000
5830 Del Trigo Lane
Clayton
$565,000
4 bedrooms, plus den, 2.5 baths, approx 2368 sq.ft. hardwood flrs, marble entry, gorgeous kitchen w/granite tile counters & gas stove & large master suite w/walk-in closet & marble bathroom. Spectacular tropical backyard with pool/spa & waterfall, extended BBQ island w/slate counter, sink, eating area and tile patio. This home is an absolute must see to believe! An entertainers Dream!
4 Large bedrooms, 2 updated baths, approx 2325 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room w/vaulted ceilings, family room w/wet bar, hardwood floor entry, updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters & central heat/air. Spacious master suite, tile roof, new exterior paint & meticulously maintained yards!
Awake to Views of Mt. Diablo! 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Approx 2,549 sq. ft., Custom additions w/permits, new roof, pergo flrs, spacious family room w/brick fireplace & formal living & dining room w/bay windows, 3 sets of French doors, private landscaped backyard w/deck & RV parking too! Light & bright throughout!
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, approx 1,659 sq.ft. Large .26 acre lot! Original hardwood flrs throughout, formal living rm w/fireplace, light & bright family rm & eat-in kitchen w/double oven. Central heat, vaulted ceilings, shutters/blinds throughout & large backyard with sparkling pool
035 d $9,0 aved Sold! Selllerr S
d $36,110 aved Sold! Selllerr S
050! d $13,0 aved Sold! Selllerr S
350! d $24,3 aved Sold! Selllerr S
10 Mount Hamilton Ct.
Clayton
$599,500
182 Mt. Wilson Way
Clayton
$751,000
19 Long Creek Circle
Clayton
$350,000
4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, approx 1,740 sq.ft. Huge premium lot! Huge backyard with fruit trees galore (plum, almond & orange). Backs to greenbelt. No rear neighbors! View of Mt. Diablo! Newer roof, updated kitchen with breakfast nook & very quiet neighborhood close to schools!
5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, approx 2,692 sq.ft. Lovely kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, gas stove, tile counters and garden window! Gas fireplace in family room, oak hardwood flr in entry, kitchen & eating area, wet bar & large laundry room with storage. Master Bedroom features views & private deck, lovely backyard with spa & gorgeous views!
3 Bedrooms, 2 updated Baths, approx 1,075 sq.ft. Great Location in Clayton! Gorgeous Detached Town-Home with attached garage! Large front and back patio with trees! Hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen with white cabinets and granite tile counters & spacious family room for all your entertaining!
750! d $20,7 aved Sold! Selllerr S
650! d $12,6 aved Sold! Selllerr S
s!! Sold in 4 day 50! 6 ,6 7 2 $ d ed v Selllerr Sa
1221 Buckeye Terrace
Clayton
$495,000
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,639 sq.ft. Lovely home with decorator touches throughout! Spacious living/dining room combo with gleaming hardwood floors and double sided ceramic tile fireplace! Family room with custom tile and double sided ceramic tile fireplace, inside laundry room & lovely landscaped backyard with built-in BBQ, stamped cement & wired for a spa. Large Gourmet Kitchen with tile counters, gas stove, built-in microwave and dishwasher. Low Hoa Too!
263 Stranahan Circle
Clayton
$460,000
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,339 sq.ft. Built in 95', Desirable floor plan w/master downstairs accessing patio. Sparkling kitchen with tile counters & gas appliances, elegant living room w/marble gas fireplace & neutral like new carpet, paint & linoleum. Professionally landscaped front & backyards & desirable corner lot!
1816 Yolanda Circle
Clayton
$619,500
3 Large Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,780 sq.ft. Gorgeous home inside & out! Spacious family room w/woodburning fireplace, dining room w/wood floors, new heat/air & new roof. Master Bedroom with French doors to private Trex patio deck, fruit trees & generous side & backyard with RV parking. Great Clayton Neighborhood!
5839 Verna Way East
Clayton
$555,000
4 Bedrooms, 2 Updated Baths, approx 1,680 sq.ft. Huge .31 Lot with RV parking! Spacious family room w/brick wood burning fireplace & French doors off Dining room, new carpet, fresh paint in/out & tile entry. Some hardwood floors, spacious master suite, new heat/air & new roof/gutters.
d $9,158! aved Sold! Selllerr S
22 Mountaire Ct.
Clayton
$759,950
5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, approx 2960 sq.ft. Immaculate inside & out! Professionally landscaped front and backyard. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with granite counter, bay window, breakfast nook & much more! New paint in and out, 3 car garage, new dual pane windows and custom built-ins throughout. Must See!
You Could Save $27,050! By selling your home with Help-U-Sell instead of with brokers who charge a 6% commission* (the savings are based on a home selling for $600,000).You can select from many fine real estate professionals.Why not choose one that will also save you money when you sell? *Commissions are negotiable and not set by law.
You’re Paying How Much To Sell Your Home?
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Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
September 10, 2004
Clayton songwriter is gaining recognition Clayton resident Stonewall “Stoneman” Towery is making waves as a songwriter. Two of his songs have received finalist awards in VH1’s Song of the Year contest, an event which attracts song entries from all over the world. Stoneman came to Clayton about five years ago after living
in Fremont for 20 years. He was raised in the rough-and-tumble South Central section of Los Angeles, where he grew up with foster parents after being abandoned as a young child. He started writing music at age six and soon taught himself to play saxophone and trumpet and discovered he could sing.
N E P O NOW t-shirts sweats golf shirts caps jackets bags vinyl stickers mousepads mugs pens banners...
The image people
4480 Treat Blvd. Concord, CA 94521 E-mail: concord@instantimprints.com www.instantimprints.com
Jeff Willis tel: (925) 825-9 9815 fax: (925) 825-9 9816
y t Ba Eas iere m Pre
Crossroads Theatre presents
Based on the works of Dr. Seuss Directed by Claire Yarrington Choreography by Adam Elsberry Musical Direction by Matt Smart
Sept 16 - Oct 16
Opening Night, 8pm: Saturday, Sept 25 Thursday Evenings, 8pm: Sept 30,Oct 7,14 Friday Evenings, 8pm: Oct 1, 8, 15 Saturday Matinees, 2pm: Oct 2, 9,16 Saturday Evenings, 8pm: Oct 2, 9,16
5 pe rfo by p rmance opul s ar d added ema nd
Special Discounted Previews:
Previews, 8pm: Sept 16, 17, 18, 24 Tickets: $25/$22/$20
1277 Boulevard Way,Walnut Creek
944-0597
www.ctacrossroads.org
After obtaining a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, his foster parents put him on the road playing music. Performing mostly music with a religious bent, he gained valuable early experience But life was hard. He got into his share of trouble as a teenager. A “forced” enlistment into the military led him to serve in Vietnam, and one of his contest finalist songs, “Flag Draped Coffins,” pays tribute to all veterans who have served our country. Returning home from Vietnam at age 23, he got serious about his music. While in Fremont, he played with 30 different bands, performing mostly R&B and rock ‘n’ roll. The best known of these groups was the Rhema Band, which played at all sorts of venues, including prisons. Stoneman’s personal expe-
riences gave him a natural empathy. In 1983, he began his music production career. Writing, producing records and playing keyboards soon became his trademarks. He was the go-to guy in the music ensembles he worked with, in charge of producing the
Hot,
work first. For your heating and air conditioning needs, do not let anyone pressure you into making a decision that you are not comfortable making. When it is hot and your air conditioner suddenly stops working or you are experiencing a problem, call a local company in your area to see if they can help you over the phone. Any company that has a good reputation will ask you to explain the problem and then ask a few other questions to try to narrow the problem down. Sometimes it can be resolved with just a phone call. Don’t just start calling companies to see who can get there the quickest; you are not going to get the best service that way. Ask a friend, relative or neighbor who they have used;
from page 11
“Once in a lifetime deals” or “Hurry up, our supplier has just drastically reduced prices because of the heat wave, and we only have a limited supply” deals. Most of the time, they are a gimmick and another way to rein you in; they are trying to make you think you are getting a real bargain. If it is that cheap now, why wasn’t if offered to you at that price in the beginning? What is the catch? DO YOUR RESEARCH Don’t get me wrong; my husband calls me the “Coupon Queen,” as I am always managing to save a few dollars here or there. But on big-ticket items, I like to do my home-
“STONEMAN” TOWERY music and sound. When he moved to Clayton in 1999, he began slowly amassing recording equipment for his
home studio. Starting with a four-track cassette recorder, he now owns a full array of digital recording equipment. His studio isn’t open to the public, but has served as the incubator for several of his own elaborate recordings. Stoneman’s music includes elements of Motown, R&B, gospel, rock and hip-hop. He has worked hard to learn music programming and sequencing and has implemented the computer software programs required in today’s music technology. He recently started his own independent record label, Heads Up Records, which currently has one CD available, “Destiny in Stone.” More information is available on the Web site for his music publishing company, “Tower of Stone Publishing,” at www.towerofstonepublishing.com.
a personal referral is one of your best sources for good service. Many customers do not know much about air conditioners, so they rely on what they are told. If you are not sure of what you are being told, ask more questions. REPLACE OLD EQUIPMENT If your equipment is more than 15 years old and you have a major repair, you might want to consider replacement versus repair, but again, how much is too much? You can never ask too many questions, and a good company will never steer you in the wrong direction. If you feel you are being pressured, go elsewhere. A second opinion may save you money in the long run and give you peace of mind. If you have a question or
www.claytonoktoberfest.com
• Banquet Rooms • Off-site Catering
Clayton Business & Community Association Presents
Fine dining on the beautiful Delta View Golf Course Italian-American cuisine prepared perfectly, every time. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we feature Prime Rib cooked exactly the way you like it. Every dinner includes choice of fresh green salad or our homemade soup, pasta and vegetables.
Downtown Clayton October 2 Noon - 7:00 pm October 3 Noon - 6:00 pm
Non-stop live music Biergarten Food Court Kinderland Art Vendors
FREE PARKING & ADMISSION
Breakfast 7 days a week (sports bar)
We’re just over the hill Lunch r-i. tues. - f
2222 Golf Club Road Pittsburg (925) 432-1700
Dinn r tues. - esu n.
From Clayton, take Kirker Pass over the hill Turn left on Leland to Golf Club Road
JIM HUDAK
MUSIC NOTES In describing Clayton, Stoneman says, “It’s the quietest community I’ve ever lived in, and I have grown to love it.” He also hopes his story will help inspire others and further demonstrate the wide diversity that’s so much a part of the Bay Area living experience. Jim Hudak’s Music Notes column appears regularly in the Pioneer. Contact him at jimmydak@pacbell.net or purchase his piano music CD’s from his website at www.jhudak.com or at amazon.com.
have a topic you would like to see discussed, you may write to me at: sheridickson@protechheating.com If you have a question or have a topic you would like to see discussed, you may write to Sheri at: sheridickson@ protechheating.com
From City Hall
Clayton Cleans Up Clayton residents are proud of the city’s award winning trail system, and rightfully so, as it has been rated as one of the most walkable cities in the country. Participating in the fall cleanup is one good way of helping Clayton maintain that status as well as a way to participate in the Statewide Cleanup Day that is occurring at the same time. Stop by City Hall on Saturday Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. and pick up maps, gloves and garbage bags, then spend the next three hours along the trails, parks and open-space areas. When your bags are full, leave them at the trailhead close to a street, and a city truck will pick them up. As an added feature, bulbs will be available to plant in key open-space areas. So bring your shovels and picks; bulbs will be provided. There is also need for doglovers to help do weeding at the City Dog Park. This is a great community service project for individuals as well as groups. For more information, call Linda Pinder at 672-7815.
Don’t Miss This Special Event
Gunfighters of the Old West
Saturday, September 25 at high noon In The Grove, Main Street and Marsh Creek Rd. Historical re-enactments of famous gunfights of the Old West. "The Gunfight at the OK Corral" "The Shooting of Mike Williams" and more "Our focus is to provide quality products at a reasonable price. If we don't have what you're looking for, we'll get it. We're completely customer focused and 100% community centered." -Bob Shreve, owner
Clayton S addlery i s n ot j ust f or h orses! C ome s ee o ur Country Dog Boutique.
6200 Center St., suite G, Clayton, CA Regular hours: Tue-Sat 10-6
672-6100
September 10, 2004
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
ER
Y AD
OV
Page 21
60%
RE
L SA I CY AN P U
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OC
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Newly built on the cusp of Clayton Valley, Áegis of Concord’s resort-like setting is the perfect place to call your new home. Complete with all the amenities usually found only at luxury hotels, Áegis provides independence, comfort and total peace of mind. Come tour Contra Costa County’s finest senior living community, call today for an appointment. ■
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Studios and 1 bedroom apartments ranging from 425 sq. ft. to 840 sq. ft. Spacious 2 bedroom apartments ranging from 1000 sq. ft. to 1680 sq. ft. Month to month rentals State-of-the-art theater Restaurant style service in our beautiful dining room Overlooking Newhall Park Located on Clayton Rd., Fitness center, swimming pool and between Treat Blvd. outdoor fireplace and Ygnacio Valley Rd. Full-service day spa Concierge service Assisted living services available
'Aegis Senior Living
Call or stop by for tour! Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
of
RCFE Pending
Concord
Page 22
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
September 10, 2004
When you call Lynne French, be sure to request a free copy of her special report “29 Essential Tips That Get Homes Sold Fast (And For Top Dollar).” This valuable information can save you precious time and money as you prepare to make your move.
(925) 672-8787 www.LynneFrench.com Lynne@LynneFrench.com
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omeone who’s always on the go and always in the know, Lynne French’s natural energy and positive personality drive her to make the most of every moment, whether it’s in her hobbies, in her home life with husband, Danny, or in her role as one of the area’s leading real estate professionals. With such a determined approach, it’s easy to see how Lynne has made such a
lasting impact through her long-running real estate career. By working her hardest and providing the most possible options, she has helped many Discover the Possibilities in the East Bay Area real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling, Lynne French and her team are the ones to know for a higher level of service. Give them a call today and experience the difference for yourself.
6200-E Center St. 1801 N. California Blvd.
Clayton, CA 94517 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
GEORGE VUJNOVICH,
Broker
(925) 672-4433
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517 georgevujnovich.com
OAK HOLLOW AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
WINDMILL CANYON AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
NEW CONSTRUCTION CONCORD/ CLAYTON BORDER
Meticulously maintained-like new! 3 bedrooms + loft, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,886sf & inside laundry. Neutral décor & upgrades. Sun filled light & bright living & formal dining room. Family room with fireplace. Gourmet kitchen features tile counters, island , upgraded tile floor & an abundance of oak cabinets. Nestled at the end of a quiet court backing to walking/golf path. Rear yard features a nice lawn area, cozy patio with extended walkway & a raise patio overlooking yard. Mature landscape includes a variety of flowers, ornamentals & palm trees. Walk to community pool & spa! $599,000
Just Listed! Simply Immaculate! "Kirker" Model! on a Premium golf course lot backing to 5th fairway with sweeping course, hillside & city/valley views! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,313sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Upgraded Italian marble entry with soaring ceiling! Upgraded neutral carpet & plantation shutters thru-out! Family room with tile wet bar & marble tile fireplace. Gourmet kitchen with tile floors, counters & island. Spacious master suite overlooks course, hills & valley. Level lot backs to course with brick trimmed patio, lush lawn area & a variety ornamentals! $729,000
Palatial Mediterranean Estate! Approx. 8,000sf, 4 bedrooms, 4 full & 2 half baths, 2 bonus rooms, a library, enormous family room, formal dining & living rooms, 3 fireplaces. Grand foyer features a dramatic spiral staircase. Chef's gourmet kitchen boasts commercial grade stainless steel appliances. Exceptional attention to detail from the state-of-the-art mechanical systems to the rustic Italian doors & cabinetry throughout! Premium view flat lot (approx..70 acre) on a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking city to Delta! $2.5 million
WINDMILL CANYON AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
EAGLE PEAK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
FALCON RIDGE AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB
ING D N PE
Prime golf course view lot! Beautifully upgraded "Kirker" model backs to 5th fairway with course & hillside views. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,313sf. Gorgeous 18" tile floors throughout 1st level & all baths. Upgraded door trim, baseboards & window coverings. Gourmet kitchen features bull-nosed solid slab granite counters & island, plus eating area with upgraded light & slider to patio with views! Family room with marble tile fireplace & wet bar. Spacious master suite offers a bay window sitting nook. Rear yard with large trellis covered deck & patio with relaxing spa looking out to golf course & gently rolling hills. $724,500
ING D N PE
Superb "Lassen" model! 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,162sf, 3 car garage & inside laundry on quiet court. Bonus room/5th bedroom. Upgraded tile floors in entry, hall, bath & kitchen. Living room with vaulted ceiling & track lighting. Large formal dining room features crown molding, upgraded "wood" laminate floors & "French doors". Spacious family room features wet bar & upgraded brick fireplace with raised hearth. Gourmet kitchen boasts maple cabinets, tile counters, breakfast bar & island. Lavish master suite offers a two-way tile fireplace & jetted tub! Private lot features extensive use of exposed aggregate & brick including patio & pool backdrop with water feature. Freeform inground pool with separate in-ground spa. A must see! $875,000
D SOL
Sensational single story! "Champagne" model on a prime view lot overlooking valley to Delta & beyond! 3 bedrooms + den, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,542sf & 3 car garage. Gated courtyard entry features a fountain & pond. Beautifully upgraded inside & out! Interior upgrades include: 12" tile floors, neutral carpet, designer paint, door trim, central vacuum, window coverings & more! Den with upgraded French doors & closet with custom built-in cabinetry. Gourmet kitchen boasts granite tile counters, island, full back-splash & maple cabinets. Enormous master suite with jetted tub! Extensive use of river rock & brick in front & rear hardscape! Private lot features an in-ground freeform pool with built-in spa, waterfall, custom stamped patio, outdoor speakers, landscape lighting, a spectacular array of colorful flowers & panoramic views! $949,000