See Page B10 for Cookie and Candy Contest Winners
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December 16, 2005
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Shuey and Walcutt to head council TAMARA STEINER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
This column first appeared in the December 12, 2003 issue. Several readers have asked that I run it again. So, back by popular demand, here are my thoughts on the meaning of Christmas. It’s beginning to look a lot like – what??? The “politically correct” winds that blow through December seem to have blown the “C” word nearly off the page. The “holiday” that calls up Santa, reindeer, candy canes and shopping is “Christmas.” As in Merry Christmas! On December 25, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, not the birth of “holiday” or “seasons greetings.” Regrettably, in an attempt not to offend non-Christians, we substitute the generic word “holiday” for “Christmas,” diluting the importance of this monumental birthday. Regardless of what religious tradition one observes, or not; whether you embrace Jesus as a religious figure, or not, this man came, and he made history. Jesus’ teachings are relevant for all humans, whether Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, atheist or other. We can do a lot worse than to keep in mind a few of his simple words. Love one another. (Luckily, he did not require us all to LIKE each other—that would be hard!). Treat the other guy the way you want to be treated. Love your neighbor as yourself. Forgive those who hurt you. (Now, that one’s REALLY hard.) One doesn’t have to look too closely at the world’s religions to find these teachings, in
See Editor, page A3
What’s inside SECTION A Around Town . . . . . . . . . .A2 Classifieds and Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . .A5 Letters to the Editor . . . . .A6 So, Anyway . . . . . . . . . . . .A7 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . .A8 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . .A9 Crossword Puzzle Solution .A9 Minding Your Business . .A10 Upcoming Events . . . . . .A10 CVHS Reporter . . . . . . . .A11 Pet Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A12 Movie Reviews . . . . . . . . .A13 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . .A14
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Bill Walcutt (left) and Dave Shuey were joined by their wives, Pam and Shelly as the men assumed their new positions on the council. TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
At its annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 6, the Clayton City Council unanimously elected David Shuey, known to his friends as “Shoe,” to serve as mayor in 2006. On hand to support and celebrate were his wife, Shelly and dozens of Shuey’s friends from the community. Shuey was first elected to
the council in 2002 and brings a fresh perspective to local issues, said Councilmember Julie Pierce. “David represents a new generation on the council and that’s fabulous. He’s a wonderful representative. I am proud to have campaigned for him— twice,” said Pierce. Shuey’s two main priorities in the coming year will be on the continued revitalization and development of downtown Clayton and the restructuring of
a landscape measure that will garner the necessary two thirds vote to renew the Landscape Assessment District and provide for the downtown park. “The park can be built if the maintenance funds are there,” said Shuey. “I believe a park would be a major benefit to downtown revitalization and prosperity,” he continued. He sees as Clayton’s greatest
See Mayor, page A11
City approves developer for corner of Oak and Center TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
The council unanimously and enthusiastically approved the sale of the city owned lot at the corner of Oak and Center Streets to Komgold, Inc., a corporation headed by Clayton resident Uzoma Nwakuche. Nwakuche purchased the 8,122 sq. ft, parcel for $260,000
and will develop it with a two story, 14,000 sq. ft. Western themed building with retail shops and a restaurant on the ground floor and a nail spa and offices upstairs. In addition to the spa, which he is joint venturing with Jim Frazier of Hair By Jim, Nwakuche has lined up several other tenants including It’s a Grind Coffee House, Blessed Cleaners and the Law Office of Richard Littorno.
The council specifically wants a steak house included in the plans. But, while this may be the desire, the city cannot mandate a specific business or enterprise on the site. Nwakuche, however, also embraces the concept and will engage a restaurant consultant to help him locate a suitable steak house.
See Center, page A4
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
MAYOR GREGG MANNING AND SANTA lead the town in a slightly off key and somewhat rowdy Jingle Bells. JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
SECTION B Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .B1 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 Church News . . . . . . . . . . .B5 Holiday Gift Ideas . . . . . . .B6 Community Calendar . . . . .B8 Dining Around . . . . . . . . . .B9 Cookie & Candy Contest .B10 Food For Thought . . . . . .B12
Christmas season arrives in Clayton
Illustration courtesy of Johnson Lyman Architects
Proposed building for corner of Oak and Center Streets will be called Oak Center.
Fluffy white flakes were about the only thing missing from this year’s traditional tree lighting in downtown Clayton. No one seemed to care because the rest of the ingredients were present from families huddled together to ward off the chilly night air to the smell of hot cider and the sound of excited little children awaiting Santa’s visit.
Some of the old familiar favorites got everyone into the mood, like the Mount Diablo Elementary School Choir singing “We Wish You A Swingin’ Holiday” on the steps of the Clayton Museum. There was the traditional parade of people down Main Street led by none other than Santa, and the moment everyone waits for…when Santa’s helpers flip the switch to show off the lights
See Lighting, page A2