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IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
February 6, 2009
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Witnessing history, the thrill of hope JULIE PIERCE
MAYOR’S CORNER
Volunteers are the fabric of our city One of the best things about our community is our great volunteers. When something needs to be done, someone pitches in to make it happen. Our Trails and Landscaping Committee (TLC) decided several months ago that we should develop an Adopt-A-Trail program. A subcommittee of Virginia Siegel, Kelly Marshall and David Disend did their homework and tailored a program that allows community members to be financial and/or labor sponsors to help maintain our trails in exchange for discreet recognition on trail signs. The subcommittee already has two sponsors. Jake and Cris Pauline and their three kids are our first full sponsors. Jake’s company, Black Diamond Electric, and the Pauline family will be both financial and labor sponsors of the Cardinet Trail. Jeff Waldron has also signed up to become a labor sponsor. Way to go everyone! The subcommittee has several other appointments scheduled. Read more about the program on the city’s Website at www.ci.clayton.ca.us/agendas/ council/10.21.08a.pdf. Go to page 60 of the council reports for the Oct. 21, 2008, meeting.
See Mayor, page 4
Photo by Woody Whitlatch
“JUST BEING THERE WITH EVERYONE ELSE WAS INCREDIBLE,” says Clayton’s Woody Whitlatch who travelled to Washington D.C. for President Obama’s inauguration. His vantage point was just to the right of the podium and close-up visibility was provided by dozens of JumboTron screens placed throughout the crowds.
Journey to D.C. for inauguration full of emotions WOODY WHITLATCH Special to the Pioneer
Nearly 2 million people braved sub-freezing temperatures to witness the historic inauguration of Barack Obama, and my son Jay and I were fortunate
to be among them. Planning for the trip began last November. My birthday, of significance since it ends in a zero, was coming up in January and I thought: “What better way to celebrate a new decade than be a witness to history?” After a few Internet inquiries about flights and hotels, it was obvious that making arrangements for such an adventure was not going to be easy. My early frustrations changed
with a Thanksgiving phone call to my sister Trish, who lives in Texas. As a retired lawyer, former councilwoman and smalltown mayor, she is very politically active. I remember her reaction to my idea of an inauguration trip: “Are you serious? I’m going even if I can’t get off the train!” The seed planted in the back of my head had sprouted, and within weeks the birthday-inaugural plans became reality.
GETTING FROM POINT A TO B From the outset, I wanted to share the experience with my sons. My oldest son, Jay, jumped at the chance to join me. My younger son, Don, would be in the middle of winter term at the University of Oregon. Looking back, my only regret is not taking Don out of school to join us. Arranging round-trip flights to D.C. proved impossible, but Jay and I were able to get a decent deal to Philadelphia,
about 150 miles to the north. Trish would be in New York celebrating the birth of a grandson and would take the train to Philly. Then we’d rent a car and drive south. My sister, who has a reputation for making travel arrangements, secured a hotel suite in Pentagon City, just across the Potomac River from the Capitol. We were full of anticipation
See Inauguration, page 8
Sandhu family to open downtown deli and café Deli set to open; other restaurants looking into sites TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
SAM SANDHU, above, and son Johnny plan to open a deli and café on the Center St. side of their Village Market building by the end of April.
What’s Inside All About You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Despite reports of an economy on life support, business in Clayton still appears to be breathing on its own. Johnny and Sam Sandhu, owners of the Village Market, last week announced plans to open a deli and restaurant on the Center Street side of their building – one more step in the revitalization of downtown. The eatery, which is expected to open before the Art and Wine Festival the first weekend in May, will include inside seating, take out and catering services. “We’re going for a real quality deli,” says Johnny Sandhu. “We
Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . .16 Deal with It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . .5 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . .14
want high-end meats and cheeses and will be baking a lot of our own breads. It will be something the community can be proud of.” “This is great news,” says Mayor Julie Pierce. “Yesssssssss,” Councilman Dave Shuey said in an email. Even the competition was happy. “Fantastic, I wish you success,” says La Veranda partner Johnny Khalilieh, who stopped to chat as Sam Sandhu worked in preparation for construction. The space has been used as storage since the building reopened in January 2008, after a 2004 fire almost destroyed the store. The rebuild plans included a restaurant or deli in the 1,800 sq. ft. that front Center Street, but the Sandhus have been unable to find a qualified tenant. “We’ve had a few people interested, but no one had any kind of a business plan that would work. We didn’t want a failure in here, so
For the Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
we’re doing it ourselves,” says Johnny Sandhu. Johnny’s International Café and Bistro will be open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is expected to create about eight full- and parttime jobs. MORE OPTIONS PENDING Three other restaurants have expressed interest in locating in the Town Center in the past several weeks. Two are in negotiations with Colliers International for ground floor space in Flora Square at the corner of Oak and Center streets. According to Colliers’ leasing agent, Sandra Weck, both are expected to submit their plans by the middle of February. “If both restaurants move forward, the ground floor will be leased,” Weck reports. “Glad to hear about the new deli, as well,” she adds. “The more activity, the better.”
Needs and Deeds (New) . . . . . . .2 Paws and Claws . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Police Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Last week, owners of a third restaurant were given a downtown tour by the mayor and the city’s economic development consultant, Jim Harrigan. “They are very excited about Clayton,”
“They are very excited about Clayton. They fell in love with our downtown.” Mayor Julie Pierce, speaking about the owners of a potential new Clayton restaurant says Pierce. “They fell in love with downtown.” The company currently owns six restaurants in the area. “These are solid people,” says
See Business, page 11
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 What Really Matters . . . . . . . . . . .3