FEB 11 Clayton Pioneer 2005

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February 11, 2005

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Landscape field trip kicks off public outreach TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

The Clayton City Council got a first hand, up close look at some of the city’s most distressed landscaping last week.

All five council members, along with several members of the Blue Ribbon Landscaping Committee led by Chairman Dan Richardson, saw areas of erosion along Marsh Creek Road, deteriorating irrigation systems almost everywhere and medians in need of replacement shrubs and trees. This is all a result of lack of money in the Landscape Maintenance District.

The total cost of the needed upgrades and improvements is $2.3 million.

The city’s deteriorating landscaping has been a subject of study and discussion for well over a year. Last fall, the council appointed a committee of 15 citizens (The Blue Ribbon Landscape Committee) to evaluate the condition of the landscaping and come up with a strategic plan to fund the Landscape Maintenance District.

The District needs needs at least $1 million a year for maintenance as well as the $2.3 million mentioned above for the deferred capital improvements.

GREGG MANNING

MAYOR’S CORNER It never fails to amaze me how fast time goes by. It seems to move faster as we get older and I have my own theory about this phenomenon. When we are two years old, a year represents fifty percent of the time we have lived. Even at ten, a year is ten percent of our entire lived life. However by the time we are twenty-five that one year is only four percent of the time we have spent on earth and at 50 a year represents two percent and on and on. You get the drift so I will stop there. All of this thought about the passage of time came to me when I realized the Clayton Community Library would celebrate its tenth birthday in March.

Sometimes it seems as if the Community Library has always been there and to many people living in the Library service area

See Mayor, page 4

CITY

OFFICIALS AND

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE MEMBERS get a first hand look at the city’s landscape issues on an early morning field trip.

See Field trip, page 4

Downtown revitalization takes top priority in 2005 TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

In setting their goals for the coming year, the City Council put the economic health of downtown Clayton out in front.

The Council has directed the city manager to immediately engage a professional planning consultant to complete desired revisions to the Town Center

Specific Plan, update the City’s local guidelines to implement the state’s environmental quality requirements and begin other planning documents necessary to pull together the city’s Economic Development Plan.

With only a handful of development possibilities downtown, Mayor Gregg Manning says “we’re running out of space and we want to utilize what we

have to the best economic value.”

City Manager Gary Napper is optimistic about downtown revitalization. The City has selected a developer for the oneacre parcel at Center and Clayton Road and that developer is working on securing their tenants. “We aren’t interested in cutting a deal until we know who the tenants will be. Right

now, the tenants we are looking for are retail/commercial and (the proposed deal) includes a major tenant.”

There has also been considerable interest in the vacant lot at the corner of Center and Oak. “We’re looking at three proposals,” said Napper in a telephone interview, “out of those three,” he said, “there are some extremely viable business

opportunities.”

In addition to these two proposals, The City received plans from Sam Sandhu last week for the remodel of the Village Market. The plans include a grocery store fronting Main Street, a deli opening to Center Street and offices upstairs. “It’s a good mixed use plan,” said Napper.

Assuming the application is complete and there are no park-

ing issues, construction could begin by the end of April, according to Community Services Director, Jeremy Graves.

The City has also received an application for nine town homes to go on the hillside lot behind Endeavor Hall. “We’re excited about this because it’s a great

See Downtown, page 4

New Clayton cop Library bash begins with “Murder” ready to serve JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Twenty-three year old Mario Guzman is Clayton’s newest police officer. Born and raised in El Salvador, Guzman came to the United States when he was four years old and settled in San Francisco. As far back as he can

MARIO GUZMAN

remember, he always wanted to become a police officer. He attributes his enthusiastic drive to get involved in law enforcement to his brother who was a Contra Costa County sheriff ’s deputy. “He was my mentor,” says Mario.

Guzman is a graduate of Deer Valley High School in Antioch and the Napa Police Academy. He is enthusiastic about upholding the law in Clayton. “I like the small community where officers are like family,” he said. In his three weeks on the force, Guzman has been impressed with the support that citizens show toward the city’s police officers.

“I hope to provide residents with the best police protection that I can offer.” When he’s not serving the residents of Clayton, Mario enjoys spending time with his family and his girlfriend. Mario’s appointment brings the total number on the Clayton Police force to ten.

There’s been a murder at the Clayton Community Library.

The famous mystery writer “Agatha Mystery” is making a guest appearance at the library when she suddenly drops dead.

Is she the victim of a heinous crime? And who would have committed such an act in this quiet, crimeless town of Clayton? Our own police chief Pete Peterson, as Sam Slayed, has been called in to help solve this mystery. There are six sus-

pects, plenty of clues and a surprise confession.

It’s all part of the Clayton Community Library’s 10th Birthday celebration which kicks off with the melodrama “Murder at the Library.” by Danville author Penney Warner on March 4 at 8 p.m. in the library’s multi-use room. The audience is invited to join in the investigation in an interactive performance that gets everyone involved.

Directed by library volunteer

See Library, page 17

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

Laura Hoffmeister, Gregg Manning, Pete Peterson, Ann Cain, Jill Bedecarré and Naomi Gary (kneeling) rehearse a scene from “Murder in the Library.”

Two sheep lost in nighttime attacks TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Two sheep have been killed in as many weeks by what was at first believed to be a mountain lion, but is more likely dogs. In each of two separate and silent

nighttime raids, Elizabeth Easley-Capella lost a pregnant ewe from her home on Marsh Creek Road, near downtown Clayton. “We were home the entire time (both times) with the window open in the bedroom.

We heard nothing,” she said.

Immediate neighbors, Bob and

Eldora Hoyer also heard nothing.

The first kill happened during the night or early morning hours on Jan. 14. In the morning, one of her ewes was gone with nothing left behind except some tufts of wool. About two months before, Easley-Capella

had spotted a mountain lion in a tree on her property, so guessed that it was the lion that dragged off her sheep, and reported the kill to Contra Costa Animal Services. But, since there was

See Livestock, page 6

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

February 11, 2005

Around Town Angela Nocera and David Goldstein exchange vows Angela Nocera and David Goldstein exchanged wedding vows under the chuppah at Temple Emanu-El in San Francisco on November 6, 2004.

Angela is the daughter of Rick and Anita Hinds of Clayton. Angela graduated from Clayton Valley High School and received her Bachelor’s degree in the Criminal Justice Department at Sonoma State University. She is employed as an investigator for the Contra Costa County Public

Defender’s Offfice.

David is the son of Bernie and Estelle Goldstein of Petaluma. David graduated from Sequoia High School in San Carlos and received his undergraduate degree from UC Davis. He also holds a law degree from Boalt Hall School of Law at UC Berkeley. David is an attorney for the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office, where he and Angela met.

The couple honeymooned in Tahiti and reside in El Cerrito.

City thanks Clayton Counts Down organizers The City of Clayton expressed its appreciation to the sponsors of the Clayton New Year’s Eve Celebration at the regular meeting of the Clayton City Council on Feb. 2. Present to receive their Certificate of Recognition from Mayor Gregg Manning were Roberto Comacho of Costco, Liz Travers of the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA and Phillip Arndt of Comcast.

Other sponsors included Pleasant Hill Bayshore Disposal, Carl’s Junior, Mazzei Pontiac and Food For Mayor Gregg Manning, Roberto Comacho, Less.

Tiger Cubs pay a visit to the Clayton Pioneer

Liz Travers and Phillip Arndt.

Change for Change raises money for tsunami relief

A group of excited and energetic Tiger Cubs Den 23 of Pack 262 recently visited the Clayton Pioneer to learn about newspaper production. They were amazed to discover that everything is computerized. They even got to see how their photo would look in the paper before the issue was printed. Back row: Nathan Schumacher, Katie Osterkamp, Kimberly Goddard, Natalie Golden. Middle Row: Jonathan Sullivan, Matt Osterkamp, Anthony Maytum, Zachary Cannon, Nick Ferrara, Benjamin Schoffstall. Front row: Jessica Schumacher, Logan Schoffstall, Sam Goldeen, Kelly Osterkamp.

MR.

AND

MRS. DAVID GOLDSTEIN

Fred Fuld receives Landscape Committee honor Fred Fuld was recognized by the City Council on Feb. 2 with a Certificate of Appreciation for his work on the Blue Ribbon Landscape Committee.

Other committee members recognized for their past service but not present were Rob Jacobs, Don Smith and Mike Zeidler.

TIGER CUBS DEN 23 of Pack 262 at the Clayton Pioneer office.

Mayor Gregg Manning congratulates Fred Fuld.

Diana Errington, Police Officer Coordinator for Clayton, isn’t one for sitting back and letting others do the work. She was personally committed to making her own contribution to the tsunami relief, but wanted to do more. She called Joe Surges, Records Supervisor of the Concord Police Department and suggested a competition with other police departments in Contra Costa County to raise funds for tsunami victims. She also asked Clayton’s Police Chief Pete Peterson to send out a letter to all the departments. Diana came up with the name “Change for Change” and asked all the police departments to put out jars on the front counter with an explanation about the fundraiser.

Five police departments participated raising a grand total of $1,529.76.

Clayton Police

Department alone, raised $1, 212.95 of that total.

“I hope the spirit of giving and the essence of who we are as human beings will travel around the world and resonate in a way nothing else can,” Diana said.

DIANA ERRINGTON

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Clayton Regency

2001 Fleetwood-Suncrest series Manufactured home, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths 1,300sq. ft. of living space, central heat/air, inviting master suite w/ jetted tub, separate shower, walk-in closet, kitchen with breakfast bar, pantry, living and dining room area, w/laundry room.

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Morgan Territory

What beautiful views of Mt. Diablo and surrounding hills. This custom built 3 bedrooms 2 baths home has newer Hickory Wood floors throughout.

This property has 2 separate parcels approx. 2 acres total. The perfect horse property, 3 horse stalls, tack $875,000 and hay storage.

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February 11, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 3

It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air Roses are Red Violets are Blue No Mother is loved More than I love you.

You’re supportive to the end.

You are my best friend.

Love, Your daughter, Jennifer Mack

Dear Mommy and Daddy, Happy Valentines Day! We love you so much! Thank you for always being there for us. We couldn’t ask for better parents.

Love, Kimmy, Tiffany and Nick

HB, 4ever’s as far as I’ll go.

David

Dearest Patty, I love you with all of my heart.

With God’s help, I publicly proclaim and re-affirm my commitment to love you with everything I’ve got for the rest of our lives.

Your One and Only Shawn (Song of Songs 8:6-7)

RBP You are the love of my life. How could I be so blessed?

CC

Lasting lovers share secrets of romantic bliss

BOB AND ELDORA HOYER Bob and Eldora Hoyer have been married for 57 years. Bob was Clayton’s first mayor and both of them are familiar and respected faces around town.

What’s the key to happily ever after? “We really love each other. Our secret is teamwork— always appreciating each other’s efforts and supporting one another,” said Bob. “And start your day off right,” says Eldora.

“Every morning, the first thing we do is have coffee together. We sit by our bedroom window and watch the sun come up over the mountain. We don’t talk. We just enjoy each other. As for advice for new couples, Eldora says, “We don’t give advice.” But Bob quickly adds, “You can’t leave it to chance. You have to work on it.”

CHRIS AND TONY ROMANO “We’ve been married 43 years,” says Chris. “We have the same values, the same religion, we like the same things and we come from similar backgrounds.

They say opposites attract, but I don’t think so. It’s the opposite things that drive you crazy.”

Tony says, “I didn’t date much as a kid and I always prayed that I would find a good wife. My prayers were answered at a young age.”

Tony remembers that it was love at first sight for him. “I met Chris when I was looking for a friend’s apartment in a three story building. I accidentally went to the wrong door and rang the bell.

Chris answered, and I knew right then.”

“Maybe so,” Chris laughs, “but it took him two months to call me.”

Chris advises young marrieds to “hang in there and put your family first.”

RAY AND PAT KENNEY It’s important to love one another and put up with little differences,” says Pat. We like to be together but we can do things alone too.”

Independence is important. Family time is also important. We spend a lot of time with our children and grandchildren.

We’re just a couple that will always be married. You can’t look at the little things, you have to look at the big picture Communicate about everything, your budget and your personal time. We communicate very well. I’m amazed that people don’t stay together.

Our children all have happy marriages.

The Kenney’s will celebrate 56 years of “happily ever after” on May 14.

OLLIE AND DICK VARGAS “You have to have a lot of patience with each other,” says Ollie, “and you have to be forgiving.

One thing I would suggest to a new married couple to never say ‘you always’ or ‘you never’ That gets people in trouble.”

“Our secret?” asks Dick. “Togetherness. We do a lot of things together. Just us. We enjoy each other’s company. We like other company too, but we like to be with each other. That’s what love is all about.”

“We’ve been married over 52 years. We’ve had our ups and downs but we’ve always thought positive in our life. Look to the future, but don’t worry too much about it. Live in the present.

You have to remember each other, that’s the important thing.”

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PRICE

SALE DATE

SF

6022 Golden Eagle Wy 973 Oak Street 202 Prospector Place 3032 Windmill Canyon 5478 Tara Drive 242 Stranahan Cir 35 Jalalon Place 1409 Indianhead Way 110 Crow Place 227 Bigelow Street 5711 Verna Way

$649,000 $675,000 $720,000 $699,000 $583,000 $575,000 $589,000 $505,000 $720,000 $600,000 $594,000

01/28/05 01/21/05 01/19/05 01/07/05 01/07/05 01/05/05 01/04/05 12/23/04 12/22/04 12/21/04 12/17/04

1,816 2,175 2,171 1,877 1,739 1,663 1,355 1,355 2,053 1,794 1,338

BED/BATH

3/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 4/3 2/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2 3/2.5 3/1

ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

SF

315 Diablo Street 7028 Molluk Way 3017 Windmill Canyon Dr 3401 Coyote Circle 4007 Hummingbird Way 1871 Eagle Peak Ave 5116 Keller Ridge Drive 1433 El Camino Drive 5474 Tara Drive 1778 Indian Wells Way 249 El Pueblo Place

$720,000 $650,000 $790,000 $500,000 $775,000 $740,000 $735,000 $598,000 $590,000 $635,000 $760,000

12/15/04 12/15/04 12/14/04 12/09/04 12/08/04 11/30/04 11/30/04 11/30/04 11/29/04 11/23/04 11/19/04

2,300 1,835 2,313 1,554 2,935 2,467 2,467 -1739 1904 2831

BED/BATH

4/3 3/2 4/2.5 3/2.5 5/3 4/3 4/3 3/2 4/3 3/2.5 4/2.5

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

SF

3081 Windmill Canyon 1183 Shell Lane 5126 Keller Ridge Drive 5021 Keller Ridge 1261 Shell Circle 403 Chupcan Place 117 Crow Place 401 Chupcan Place 408 Hummingbird Place 1721 Indian Wells Way 5117 Keller Ridge Drive

$790,000 $452,500 $659,950 $540,000 $464,900 $579,000 $610,000 $579,000 $639,000 $590,000 $729,000

11/18/04 11/18/04 11/18/04 11/17/04 11/17/04 11/17/04 11/16/04 11/14/04 11/12/04 11/05/04 11/05/04

2315 1145 1493 1343 1355 1939 1561 1904 1877 1,991 2,313

All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

BED/BATH

3/2.5 2/2 3/2 3/2 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 4/2.5

Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Field Trip, from page 1 The District, which was created in 1997 for a ten-year period, is due to expire in 2007.

The Committee findings show that the assessments were inadequate right from the beginning and with only a two percent per year adjustment for inflation, have fallen further behind every year. “The landscaping is in decline and the current maintenance level is reactive triage,” states the Committee’s report. “There isn’t enough money to provide even basic maintenance equitably,” leaving much needed capital improvements to an uncertain future.

City Manager Gary Napper has only praise for the five person maintenance crew that struggles to keep up with an endless “to do” list. “They’re

working as hard as they can,” says Napper. “There just aren’t enough of them.” He notes that the City of Walnut Creek has a full time crew of six just to take care of the mile and a half long stretch from Oak Grove Road to Heather Farms Park along Ygnacio Valley Road. “We have five people to take care of the whole city,” he said. “If someone is sick or on vacation, we really feel it.”

Because of the deteriorating landscaping, the City is not willing to wait until 2007 to take the issue to the voters.

They will put a proposal on the ballot this November that will increase the assessment from the current $123 per parcel a year to at least $365 per year.

An assessment of $365, how-

Mayor, from page 1 it has always been there because they have moved to our blessed area during that ten year period.

Most of what we see today in the Clayton Valley was not always here. The changes to the valley are here because groups and individuals worked to make those changes. There have been good and bad changes. One of the best of these changes has been the Clayton Community Library.

For a long time many people in Clayton had thought about and planned for a community library. These hopes and dreams came to naught until the Clayton AAUW took on the project and made it a goal. That action led to what we have today. No project and especially one of this magnitude and excellence is ever easy.

In the case of the Library project, the AAUW had Joyce Atkinson, Jeanne Boyd and a host of dedicated volunteers who worked with other city

organizations and community volunteers to produce the Community Library we have today. The Clayton Community Library and especially its volunteers are the envy of many in the Contra Costa System. We have more volunteers than any other branch and have about thirty percent of the system wide volunteers.

If you are interested in the details of the process which brought the Clayton Community Library to our wonderful City are in luck. You will have the opportunity to meet many of the volunteers involved with the initial project many of whom continue to be involved with the library when the Clayton Community Library take the 4th and 5th of March to celebrate ten years The celebrations will start on March 4 with the melodrama, “Murder At The Library” by Penny Warner who is a Danville

February 11, 2005

ever, does not include the cost of maintenance for the muchanticipated downtown park, which is estimated at $15 per parcel per year.

The park project has been on hold since the city lost out on a State grant last September that would have provided the funds needed to construct the park. The city currently has $700,000 of the estimated $1.3 million needed and Napper is hopeful that enough Redevelopment Agency funds will be available later in the year to make up the difference.

The Council may consider starting some of the park improvements with the money already on hand. “I think we need to have the public weigh in on this idea,” said Council member Julie Pierce, and suggested that an item be placed on an upcoming agenda for public comment.

Downtown, from page 1

author. Sandy Patel a library volunteer as well as an amateur actor in a number of productions at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Theater will direct the play.

As one of those involved in the beginning of the Library project I had to say yes when asked to play a part in the production. My vice-mayor David Shuey, Concord’s Mayor Laura Hoffmeister, the Clayton Pioneer’s Jill Bedecarre, Clayton’s Chief of Police Pete Peterson, Pastor Shawn Robinson of Clayton Community Church, Contra Costa County Librarian Anne Cain and other local celebrities have also been cast in this production. Due to limited space, there will only be 150 tickets. See front page story for more details on library activities.

No article about the Clayton Community Library would be complete without mention of the Clayton Community Library Foundation. In this era of government budget cutbacks at all levels, the Foundation has been a

significant source of funds for our Library. At the end of January 2005, the Foundation gave our library $15,000 for materials.

As part of the tenth year celebration, The Clayton Community Library Foundation is looking for more members.

Their theme is “ Your Bucks Buy Books.” It is the foundation, which runs the twice-annual book sales. It is the foundation, which will in addition to your membership take any other monetary donations you, would wish to contribute. Becoming a member of the Clayton Community Library Foundation is a great way to support your Library and give back to your community.

One final note! After you read those books you buy, you can donate them to the library.

Last year almost 2700 donated books were added to the collection. That is not only a reflection of a well-read community but also a generous one!

buffer between residential and commercial uses,” said Napper.

“And it brings people downtown to eat in the restaurants and shop at the stores.”

Also a high priority for the coming year is the completion of the Bocce Ball Courts on city owned property next to City Hall. The privately funded project should go to the Planning Commission for approval in March or April.

Assuming all construction documents are complete, construction could begin as early as June. “I don’t see this as a big project,” said Mayor Gregg Manning. “Once it’s approved it’s really a landscaping issue.”

Forward motion on the building of a downtown park is high on the list of priorities.

“The park has a definite position as part of the economic puzzle,” said Napper, “(the park) is one of my babies. I’m committed to this and it’s going to happen.”

“The whole vision for the downtown is beginning to gel,” he continued. “All the parts are coming together.”

With signs of an expanding economy, the revenue picture also looks a bit brighter. Will the ship come in for Clayton this year? “Just a few little boats,” says Manning, “no great ship.” More revenue can, however, be expected from increases in sales tax resulting from more consumer spending, some state payback of the Vehicle License Fees and dollars generated from more business licens-

es issued.

Napper also anticipates that the new commercial development downtown will generate more revenue from both enhanced property taxes and sales tax.

Along with the revitalization of the downtown, the Council also wants to see the Business License Tax Review continue, although after a community workshop on the issue on Feb. 7, they may make some revisions to the process.

And finally, a major goal for 2005 is to bring the renewal of the Landscape Assessment District to a vote in November.

Council members are currently working with members of the Blue Ribbon Landscape Committee to put together an outreach and public education program in preparation for the election.

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More features include; mirrored closet doors, dual pane windows, parquet floors, wall to wall carpeting, tons of closet space, updated kitchen with newer appliances. The front yard has a magnificent Ash tree and the back yard has a Offered for $799,000 deck, covered patio and a nice lawn area.

A few points about interest rates

I

f you’re new to investing or real estate and don’t know the first thing about interest rates, here’s a good tip: the higher the interest rate, the more expensive it’s going to be.

High interest rates mean you will have to pay back more on the money you borrow.

Sometimes less is more. Another good rule of thumb is that affordability increases if you use an adjustable rate mortgage (it’s easier to qualify this way). Of course, there will be a wide range of prices that you can choose from, depending on what kind of financing you choose.

The Fed holds a considerable amount of power, but they can’t control everything. Mortgage interest rates are affected by many unpredictable political, economic and social events. So there is no guarantee what direction interest rates will go, despite the forecasts of

the experts. Not even the Fed knows for sure. Therefore, make your financial decision based on where things are today including your budget, your needs and your future plans.

If you do decide you want to lock in at a certain interest rate, you will need to complete a loan application and send it to your lender as soon as possible. This must be done so that your commitment doesn’t run out before your loan is approved. Follow up and be sure that the lender is receiving all of the necessary documentation. Get a property appraisal done as soon as possible. Locking in a rates assures you the agreed upon interest rate.

Although rising interest rates can create more problems for home buyers, waiting and hoping for low rates is not necessarily a smart move. You may end up paying a higher price. Remember refinancing down the line is always an option in the event that interest rates come down.

The best bit of information we can give you is too work with a good lender who can give you the greatest amount of options for a home loan.

February 11, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Letter to the Editor

Directory of Advertisers

BUSINESS LICENCE TAX CLARIFICATION Dear Editor: Your recent article on the Business License Tax controversy was very good. However, the proposed tax on Realtors needs clarification.

What I said was true.

Neither I nor any Realtor I have known during my 35 years in real estate, have been charged a tax by any city except for the city in which our offices are located.

When City Manager Gary Napper was quoted as saying that 11 Contra Costa cities have such a tax on the books for outside Realtors, I’m sure that’s true if Gary said it. But, I wouldn’t know what they have on the books since they’ve NEVER enforced it in my 35 years in real estate brokerage.

In my experience, Clayton is the first city in Contra Costa County to try enforcing the tax, and I only just learned about that in their recent letter to me demanding it! Realtors in general do a lot of good for their communities and surrounding communities and, of course, pay federal, state and local taxes as well.

What’s at issue here is the FAIRNESS of what Clayton is trying to do to ALL businesses, not just to Realtors. Just because the State is stealing Clayton’s

money does not make it right for Clayton to take money from businesses with 600 percent late charges when the businesses WEREN’T late because this is the first they’ve heard about it.

For example, a $245 bill sent now adds up to $1,826 when the City goes back three years and adds the penalties. Also, businesses MUST pay this or risk another $500 fine and six months in jail!

This and many other inequities are what the businesses inside and outside of Clayton are upset about. The city council has the power and the OBLIGATION to set policy. Hopefully, at the Feb. 7 Workshop on the subject, they will shape the entire implementation into one that’s FAIR Otherwise businesses of all kinds will either refuse to serve Clayton, or will possibly refuse to donate and volunteer as generously as they have in the past.

I would vote to make the ordinance fair, but I can’t vote because I am affected by it.

Three of the five councilpersons will be setting this policy. I hope you keep informing the public about it.

Pete Laurence Clayton City Council Real Estate Broker

Classified HELP WANTED

SERVICES

BABYSITTER We are looking for an experienced and responsible individual for occasional babysitting of a 7 year old boy. Please call 925-672-5189. References required.

PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN BY NICOLE HACKETT AKA THE GARDEN GIRL Personal consultations regarding plant choices, placement, identification, fertilizing and maintenance. Spring is just around the corner. Call or email for information and pricing. 925 673-1746 (leave message) or GardenGirl94517@ aol.com.

AVAILABLE - HAIR STATION FOR LEASE. Part time/full time. Busy Clayton location. Call 925-672-2000 or 925-8640724.

HVAC INSTALLER: 3 yrs. minimum experience. Good DMV and EPA certified. Call 925-673-3776 LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE WORKERS. The city of Clayton is currently accepting applications for Landscape Maintenance Workers. Temporary positions starting March 1, 2005. No benefits, salary $10 to $14 per hour depending on qualifications. Visit the city's Web site at www.ci.clayton.ca.us. or contact city clerk Rhonda Basore at (925) 673-7304.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED AT THE PACK RAT THRIFT STORE in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center. Proceeds from the Pack Rat support the Lindsay Wildlife Museum's educational programs and wildlife rehabilitation efforts. The Pack Rat depends on volunteers and more are needed to keep the store open. The Pack Rat welcomes seniors, teens (16 and up) and anyone in between! For more information call Diane at 672-1123.

Portfolio & References

Free Estimates

z

Quality custom Redwood Good neighbor fences

Ranch/corral

z

Deer fence

Lattice work

Winter Discounts

z

Decks

z

z

Retaining walls Patio covers

74 7 0 0 3 7 9 25 8 lic. # 83915

Over 17 years experience, locally owned

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 EDECARRÉ , 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.

Upcoming Events CAMELLIA TEA TIME AT THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY It’s the 28th annual Camellia Tea on February 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Historical Society on Main Street. The tea, which draws over 100 guests, honors the descendants of Clayton Pioneer families. Many of the Camellias on display come from world-renowned Camellia grower Edith Mazzei who delights attendees with her rare, beautiful and fancy flowers.

“There’s not a nook or crannie in the museum without a Camellia that afternoon,” says chairperson Janet Easton. The tea celebration began even before the museum building was constructed. According to Easton, the tea was designed to get many of the old-timers involved in the historical society. It’s been a success every year.

The tea is free, however donations are always accepted.

Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. For more information call the Historical Society at 672-0240 KATHLEEN MALONE, R.N. SPEAKS ABOUT LIFE CHANGES Registered Nurse Kathleen Malone is the keynote speaker at the Feb. 22 Clayton Valley Woman’s Club meeting. She has worked in the ICU, ER and presurgery.

For the last seven years she has been the MULTIFIT Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Manager for Kaiser Walnut Creek, Shadelands and Martinez. Kathleen specializes

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

SOLD !

Walnut Creek Gorgeous Northgate Rancher on 2/3 Acre

Four Spacious Bedrooms, & 2 1/2 Baths, Featuring Slider from Master to Huge Parklike Backyard with Newly Resurfaced Gunite Pool & Spa, Childrens Play Area, Patio & Deck, and a Huge Lawn Area, As Well as Towering Redwoods, and Fruit Trees.

AND There is an Outside Room, with Separate Entrance Ideal for a Home Office, Gym, or Game Room, Concrete RV Parking in Huge Fenced Side Yard, with Storage Shed.

Kimberly Morucci (925) 280-8 8563 kmorucci@interorealestate.com www.kimmorucci.com

Page 5

860 Walnut Ave.

$1,025,000

Clayton, Morgan Territory Area

SOLD !

SPECTACULAR 5 Acre Custom Ranch Estate Property. 3365 Sq. Ft, 3 Bedroom, 3 1/2 Bath and a Breathtaking view of Mt. Diablo. In Addition, this Property Offers a 3,200 Sq. Ft. Shop with THREE Roll up Doors, large enough to Accommodate the Largest $1,599,000 of RV's. 4141 Leon Drive

Walnut Creek office, 1280 Civic Dr., Suite 200, 8500 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 z (925) 280-8

in life-style modification, riskfactor reduction and optimizing use of medications.

The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. at Holy cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way (corner of Alberta Way and Ygnacio Valley Road), Concord.

Plans are already underway for the spring fashion show and luncheon “April in Paris” which is set for April 23 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Fashions are from Talbot’s of Walnut Creek and tickets are $25. Call Sue Jamerson at 689-6649 for more information.

Anyone interested in becoming a new member please contact Shirley Boyd at 672-1163.

MURDER AT THE CLAYTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY You won’t want to miss “Murder at the Library” on March 4 at 8 p.m. in the library’s multi-use room. The play by Danville author Penny Warner is directed by Library volunteer Sandy Patel and features local officials who all become suspects in the crime. The audience gets to help in the investigation while they enjoy the fun.

Tickets at $15 each are limited to 150 and include the play, champagne, dessert, coffee and punch. The play kicks off a month-long 10th birthday celebration for the library. Call the Clayton Community Library for more information at 6730659.

Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 ACME Auto Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-8495 A&J Fencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .370-0747 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 Apronstrings Pet Sitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-7621 Aragon, Al - Wells Fargo Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . .287-6921 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6622 BJ's Groom & Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550-5626 Benton, Mureleen - American Express . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 CTA Crossroads Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-0597 Clarissa Bridal Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .930-0214 Clayton Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9530 Contra Costa Termite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7665 Crocker Insurance Agency - Sam Totah . . . . . . . . . . .941-1536 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 DVSC - Diablo Valley Soccer Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229-3872 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . .524-5100 Elysium (formerly The Fox and The Fiddle) . . . . . . . .672-1333 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 Essential Skin Care by Linda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-1190 Ewing, Ken - Painting Contractor and Decorator . . . .586-1882 Flannery,Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .975-5255 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Gregory, Cynthia - Permanent Solution . . . . . . . . . . .286-5162 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 HomEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1119 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 LaMar Information Technology Services . . . . . . . . . . .459-5606 Landman Consulting Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8817 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Law Office of Richard Littorno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Mavericks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Miller, Thomas C.P.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354-1385 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . .280-8563 Mountain Mike's Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4965 Oakhurst County Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pasta Primavera Café & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-5300 Pro Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3776 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Residential Pacific Mortgage - Alden Foster . . . . . . . .963-3582 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Sellers, Nicole - Diablo Funding . . . . . . . . . . . .227-0100 x 128 Shealor, Donna - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .975-5220 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 Sweet Bakery & Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0936 Team Power Tractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .443-7600 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Truesdell, Lisa - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . .686-4747 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Intero Real Estate Services . . . .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Velocity Sports Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363-0066 Villarina, David - Keller Williams Realty . . . . . . . . . . .726-7700 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . .672-4433 Walcutt, Bill - Prudential Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-5535 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700

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.

all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Web site.

Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.

LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths

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

Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Should I drop out of the real estate market and wait for prices to fall?

Homebuyers who’ve been trying to buy a home for a while, without success, might be wondering if they should drop out of the market for while. Perhaps in time, the market will turn to the buyer’s advantage.

Like the stock market, the

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ESTATE

real estate market has its ups and downs. When there are more buyers than there are sellers in the market, home prices tend to rise as buyers compete for the opportunity to buy. The opposite is true when sellers outnumber buyers. A scarcity of buyers in the market puts pres-

sure on sellers to negotiate. This often drives prices lower.

In an ideal world, you’d always buy a home in a buyer’s market when prices are soft and sell in a seller’s market when prices are high. However, timing the real estate market, like timing the stock market, is difficult.

Also, most people move when they need to move, which may or may not coincide with a real estate market trend. To further complicate matters, when you buy a piece of real estate to live in other qualitative factors enter into your decision, like finding a house that you love or one that’s within walking distance of schools and transportation.

Finding the right house to buy is rarely easy. It’s easier to find a home in a buyer’s market where there are plenty of homes for sale. But buyer’s markets often occur when the real estate market is depressed. Home prices may be on the decline, which gives buyers a sense of uncertainty. For some, home buying during a buyer’s market seems like a risky proposition.

Buying in a seller’s market is often like looking for a needle in a haystack. You may search for months and when you find a house you like enough to make an offer, you could lose out to another buyer who offers a higher price. If you drop out of the market, however, you risk missing a home, or several homes, that might be perfect for you.

By dropping out of the market temporarily you also run the risk that market conditions could worsen during your absence. One couple who was looking to buy a home in a pricey area of Clayton stopped looking for homes last fall because they felt prices had climbed too high. When they started looking again in spring they discovered that prices had jumped so much more that they were priced out of the market completely.

A common fear of homebuyers who are attempting to buy in a market that has been appreciating for some time is that they might buy at the top of the market. Many homebuyers

across the country who bought when prices peaked at the end of the 1980’s ended up with negative equity several years later. Many of those who had to sell during the early 1990’s couldn’t sell for enough to pay back the mortgage.

However, many home buyers who purchased a decade ago and who still own their homes have more than made back any loss in value they suffered during the last recession. If you’re buying in a hot seller’s market, you can protect yourself against losing money during a real estate downturn by planning to hold onto the property for a significant period of time, say 5 to 10 years.

Buyers who are uncertain about their job stability, or who anticipate a change in employment, should drop out of the market until they can be sure they’re buying for the longterm.

For any real estate needs or questions contact Lynne at: Phone (925) 6728787 or E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com

February 11, 2005

Please recycle this paper

It’s Cold Outside Warm it up Inside!

Some colorful paint & accent fabric is all it takes.

Call for an appointment & visit my website.

Alise Interiors z Hunter

Douglas Products Valances & bedding z Custom Framing & Accessories z Draperies,

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THE

SIGN OF A PROFESSIONA L

Alcohol suspected in Dana Hills crash A woman suspected of drunk driving lost control of her 1987 Subaru wagon last week crashing into a parked car on Mountaire Parkway.

According to Sgt. Jason Russo of the Clayton Police Dept, Officer McNamara was following the woman around 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 1, when she veered into a Ford Bronco parked in front of 137 Mountaire

Parkway. The officer was not in pursuit, but he was preparing to stop her for a traffic violation and witnessed the crash.

A search of the car revealed open alcohol containers and drug paraphernalia. After failing a field sobriety test, the woman was cited and released to the custody of a friend. There were no injuries.

Let our team be your team

Bill and Pam Walcutt Office: (925) 686-3800 Bill’s direct: (925) 437-5535 Pam’s direct: (925) 437-5570 bill.walcutt@prurealty.com

Livestock, from page 1 nothing left to investigate, Animal Services did not respond.

Then, again during the night of Jan. 28, the predator struck a second time. This time, however, there were some paw prints around the base of a tree in the pasture and part of the carcass was left on the property. EasleyCapella had increased the fencing around the sheep’s pasture since the first attack, making it more difficult for the predator to escape with the kill.

She again called Animal Services who, also suspecting it was a mountain lion, came out and took photos of the prints.

They picked up the carcass and referred the attack to U.S. Dept. of Fish and Game for investigation.

On Wednesday, after examining the remains of the carcass and the photos of the paw

Remodeling or buying new?

prints, Fish and Game Warden, Clint Garrett is certain that it was a dog or dogs responsible for the second attack. “A mountain lion would snap the neck and kill it instantly,” said Garrett. “Judging from the bite marks and how the carcass (was eaten), we’re certain it was dogs.”

Easley-Capella is not convinced. “A dog couldn’t pick up the whole carcass and jump the fence with it,” she said referring to the first attack. With two rams left in the pasture, she’s worried about another attack.

Regardless of what killed the sheep, Garrett cautions livestock owners to protect their animals from attack by penning them up at night. “A holding pen, extra paneling, stronger fencing … just put ‘em in at night.”

We can make your home look beautiful Abbey Carpets/Contra Costa Floors Use our Abbey Credit Plan and get six months to pay --

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Specialist in Ranch and Country Property.

Robin has ranches in Richmond, Stockton & a whole bunch in between.

LOOKING FOR A CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST TO DO QUALITY WORK? YOU’VE FOUND US! DAdditions DWindows/Doors DRemodeling DCrown Molding DDecks DSiding DOverhangs DTrim license# 783799, B, HIC

free estimates Recommended by Realtor of the Year, Lynne French

$50 of f on jobs of $500 or more Expires 2/28/05 One Coupon per job

Tipperary Construction, Inc. General Contractor Clayton resident

Visit our showroom M-F 9-5; Sat. 10-4 Commercial. Residential.

Declan Woods Noel O’ Meara 925. 216-2679 925. 518-0821 fax:672-7055

Expert installation. Free in-home consultation

1170 Burnett Ave. Ste. E Concord

www.robinsranches.com

Are you looking for that perfect horse set-u up?

prurealty.com/billwalcutt

Clayton

What a wonderful lifestyle! Come and enjoy the breathtaking, panoramic views of Mt. Diablo and North Peak! Rare, close-in horse property that is close to Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association (CMDTRA) access, which has (by membership only*) access to Cardinet Oaks and Mt. Diablo trail system!

Price Reduced

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STRAIGHT LINE IMPORTS Fabrication a nd I nstallation o f: Countertops z Bar/Vanity Tops Bath/ Shower Enclosures z Fireplace CUSTOM, A MERICAN-M M ADE C ABINETS

*Membership in the CMDTRA includes use of 2 outdoor arenas, round pens, swimming pool (for humans - not horses!) and immediate trail access.

EXCEPTIONAL V ALUE A ND P RICING

Approximately 2,306 sq. ft. of living area located on 4.58 acres.

House: Spacious, light and airy, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with views from ALL windows! Gorgeous leaded and beveled front entry door with sidelights. Brand new 18 inch ceramic tile entry floors flow into kitchen and breakfast nook. Huge kitchen with extensive cabinetry, brand new decorator bull-nose tile counters. Black glass double ovens with stainless steel hood fan, smooth top range and new dishwasher. Charming bay window breakfast nook. Separate laundry room with new flooring. Huge family room with fireplace (brand new tile face, raised hearth and mantle) plus dedicated bar with sink. Huge living room with vaulted ceiling, brick fireplace, wood-burning insert and brand new carpet.

Full Service Remodeling Available Specializing In Kitchen & Baths

FREE ESTIMATES

925.335.9801 www.straightlineimports.com LOCAL SHOWROOM

GRANITE z MARBLE LIMESTONE z TRAVERTINE

Thinking of selling? Robin’s Ranches Web page gets over 6,000 viewings a month

References Available Upon Request!

Robin’s Ranches (925) 672-7 7323 / 550-2 2383 Full Broker Co-operation on all Robin’s Ranches listings

For more pictures of these properties and many more of Robin’s Ranches, go to www.robinsranches.com

984 Howe Road, Martinez Locally Owned & Operated!

Kropa Realty Walnut Creek, CA

“Specializing in Servicing Clayton”

Lic # 789325

February 11, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 7

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Welcome the Year of the Rooster

Est.1972

Smith & Bernal

Roofing Reroofs z Repairs z Maintenance Tile repairs z Wood shake z Tar and gravel Gutters z Inspections z Ventilation

ReRoof Specialist Same day response

(925) 216-6461 Free estimates

Clayton resident

Lic. Number 727021

PAINTING & DECORATING Con Colo ty and i sult l r a ng ng a u t i i on Q inti rat All types a o p ec of interior and d exterior painting More than 30 years experience in the Clayton/Concord area

(925) 586-1882 cell

(925) 672-0576 home

Spring SPECIAL!!

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TEAM POWER TRACTORS

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COMING SOON Concord

s state E a n g Da e house n i t i c Ex styl h c ran

The Chinese New Year arrives this year on February 9.

Also known as Spring Festival, it is the oldest and most important holiday of the year for the Chinese community. China observes a three-day public holiday but traditionally festivities last for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.

The tradition purportedly goes back more than 4500 years when the Yellow Emperor Huang Ti introduced a moonphase or lunar almanac. The signs of the Chinese zodiac rule each year. For instance, in 2005, it is the year of the Rooster.

Someone whose birth year falls in the sign of the Rooster is said to be hard-working, confident and unwavering.

Legends from ancient times survive as well, such as the story of Nian, a man-eating beast that would terrorize villages. A wise old man figured out a way to banish the beast by setting off firecrackers and decorating homes with red paper—New Year traditions that endure to the present day.

A Chinese New Year celebration is interwoven with traditional dishes, most of which have great symbolism. For instance, eggs signify fertility, oranges wealth, peanuts a long life and tangerines luck. Whole fish are frequently served in New Year meals. The head and tail symbolize a good beginning and ending for the coming year.

Family members will gather in the kitchen to cheer the cook who turns the fish without breaking it up during preparation. Visitors are treated to a “prosperity tray,” an eight-sided dish filled with delectables such

as red dates, cookies and Nian gao (New Year cakes).

Composing meals that incorporate these symbolic foods helps to foster good luck in the New Year. Regional variations come into play. In the southern parts of China, steamed rice pudding, zong zi (rice in reed leaves) and Nian gao are popular, while in Northern China, dumplings, long noodles and onion pancakes are traditional foods.

Over dinner the other night, I spoke to the proprietor of a nearby Chinese restaurant. He’s from the north of China, where jiaozi (small dumplings similar to potstickers) and onion pancakes are traditional foods in his home.

The following jiaozi recipe includes just one filling but since there’s so much dough, you could vary the fillings. Bring family members or friends to join you at the table to help fill these tasty little dough pockets.

JIAOZI (DUMPLINGS) Dough: 3 cup flour 1¼ cup cold water ½ tsp salt Filling: 1 cup ground pork 2 Tbsp light soy sauce 1 Tbsp dry sherry or rice wine ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp white pepper 4 Tbsp sesame oil 2 green onions, minced 1 cup Nappa cabbage, finely shredded 1 or 2 Tbsp cilantro, finely minced ½ can bamboo shoots, thinly sliced 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced 1 clove garlic, minced

School News DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Step up to the plate for education! Diablo View is participating in an exciting, new fundraiser with the Oakland A’s. For every field level seat

3 bedrooms, 2 baths with family room coming on the market soon. House has new carpets, linoleum, and central air and is

purchased for $26 (regularly $28) the A’s will donate $10 to the school. For every plaza level seat purchased for $16 (regularly $18) the A’s will donate $6 to the school. There are eight games throughout the

a timer to ensure enough cooking but also deflates the dumplings so they don’t burst.)

A dipping sauce of vinegar, sugar and soy sauce complements these dumplings quite nicely.

LINDA WYNER

FOOD

FOR

THOUGHT

Dough: Stir the salt into the dough and slowly stir in cold water. Just add enough to make smooth dough (if it gets too wet, add more flour). Knead the dough until smooth and form into a ball. Cover and rest dough for 30-60 minutes.

Filling: Add soy sauce, sherry, salt and pepper to pork. Stir in remaining ingredients. [Note: Chinese traditionalists will only stir the filling ingredients in one direction to ensure good fortune.]

Knead the rested dough until smooth and pliable.

Divide into 60 one-inch pieces and roll out into a 3” round.

Place a spoonful (about 1 Tbsp) of the filling into the middle of the dough, wet edges of the dough with water, fold over and pinch the edges to form a seal.

To cook, bring a big pot of water to a boil and add enough dumplings so they are not crowded. Return to a boil and add ½ to 1 cup cold water.

Return water to a boil and repeat. When the water comes back to the third boil, the dumplings are ready to serve.

(The cold water not only acts as season earmarked for this fundraiser. The order forms will be coming home in the next week or two- don’t forget to ask your children for them.

In the meantime, if you wish to order tickets, contact Beth Neudell at bethneudell@peoplepc.com. She has the ticket forms and can e-mail them to you! Support the A’s and Diablo View and enjoy a fun day (or days) at the ballpark at the same time!

MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY 5th Annual Benefit Auction — Fiesta Diablo, Centre Concord, Saturday, Apr. 9. Last year’s auction was a sell out! Mark your calendars and don’t miss this event. Additional details, contacts and Auction Catalog will be available on the school web site.

Mt. Diablo Elementary 50 Year Anniversary Sock Hop,

located on a quiet cul-de-sac! Call Pete for early information. Will be priced in the low $500's.

Just call Pete PETE LAURENCE Broker-Owner, Realtor, GRI Office: (925) 939-7920 Fax: (925) 939-1939 VM 24 hr: (925) 940-2777 pete@palaurence.com 1511 Treat Blvd. #100. Walnut Creek, CA 94598

e R a l n o E t y s t a ate Tea l C e h T m

They could be snacking their way through your biggest investment.

Protect your home. Call us.

Patty Flannery and Donna Shealor have joined together as The Clayton Real Estate Team. Together we celebrate over 20 years each in the Real Estate business. Discover the Diablo Difference with an experienced, professional and full service team. We are long-time Clayton residents who love what we do and love where we live.

Who better to represent you with your real estate transactions!

We are committed to giving you the best service available.

Patty and Donna are proud to introduce "A Touch of Elegance" Staging & Design by Lisa Shealor. Lisa is an Accredited Staging Professional and is available to stage your home prior to sale.

If you are thinking of buying or selling in the New Year, call us today for more information on our "Clayton Special" for Buyers and Sellers.

You won't want to miss out !

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DONNA SHEALOR (925) 975-5220 donnashealor@aol.com www.donnashealor.com

680-7665 Residential and Real Estate Sale Inspections

a t s o C trol a r t Con ite Con m r e T

t l Pes tura rnia c u r e St f Califo o of th ber erators m e ar m trol Op e y 27 Con

ONION PANCAKES These tasty rounds symbolize spring and the importance of family.

1¼ cup flour ¼ cup boiling water ¼ cup cold water 2 green onions, finely chopped 3 Tbsp. lard or shortening, divided ½ tsp. salt ¼ cup vegetable oil Stir together flour and boiling water. Stir in enough cold water to form dough. By hand, roll the dough into a log and cut into six pieces. Using a rolling pin, roll out each piece of dough into a 4” round.

Brush each piece of dough with ½ tsp. lard or shortening, sprinkle with salt and some green onion. Roll tightly in jelly roll fashion, sealing ends.

Coil the roll then flatten into rounds.

Heat 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in wok or big frying pan. Stir fry the rounds, turning so that both sides brown lightly. Add a little more oil with each new piece of dough.

Serve as an accompaniment to a meat or egg dish.

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

Friday, May 20, at the school.

Great food, car show, tile wall unveiling, time capsule and much, much more! Watch the school website for details!

WOOD ROSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Open house for grades 9-12 will be held Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord.

Wood Rose Preparatory School has a unique program combining virtue/character development, a classical curriculum and accelerated science and math.

BRAIN BOWL AT CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL If you’d like to see a competition other than athletics, than you won’t want to miss the CVHS annual Brain Bowl. Orchestrated by CVHS teacher Karen Kelly, it’s an academic competition featuring about 20 teams of four students each. Teachers ask the questions and students test their academic skills vying for a chance to be in the top three and move on to the teacher’s tourney.

The matches are held during the lunch hour. The questions cross all subjects....science, literature, sports, math, languages, geography, politics, current events, and world religions. The event is designed to provide school unity and comic relief for the students, teachers and faculty. For more information call Karen Kelly at the school 925-682-8000 est.

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Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

February 11, 2005

Simple solutions for a new you New Year’s resolutions are tricky business. Each year, unless you’re the troll camped out under the bridge, you’re expected to have them. And they’re supposed to be something terrifically productive, like ‘lose 25 pounds by Easter’ or ‘train for three Iron Man competitions.’ I actually know a woman who actually is training for Iron Man competitions. But for the rest of us mere mortals, how about we start with something doable, like: ‘This year, I hereby resolve to look and feel better about myself.’

Here are eight simple things to do to improve the way you feel about your self, your skin and your life in this fabulous new year.

CUT OUT THE SUGAR I know, believe me; I know.

The holidays sneak up on you with the precision of a stealth bomber with their platters of beautiful cookies, sinful chocolates, and deadly desserts. Before you know it, your sugar consumption is hitting an all time high, right along with the holiday stress. And don’t even get me started on those fancy-schmancy coffee drinks, thick with sugary flavorings. Fact is, it isn’t chocolate per se that makes your skin break out, it’s the sugar, which irritates cell membranes, which creates free radicals, which run amok. The good news is what is done can be undone. Resolve to cut the sugar out of your diet.

You waistband and your skin will thank you.

THE GREEN TEA SOLUTION The experts go back and forth about the benefits and pitfalls of caffeine consumption, but one thing is certain: caffeine robs your body of vital fluids.

For every cup of coffee we drink, we’re advised to drink an extra 8 oz. of water. That’s on top of the eight- 8 oz. glasses we’re already tossing back. And if we’re not getting that extra fluid, we’re dehydrating our system, which leads to all manner of cellular mayhem. Green tea, on the other hand, is naturally high in anti-oxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals naturally occurring particles in the body associated with accelerated ageing and an increased risk of major diseases. Green tea is said to raise the metabolic rate and help burn off fat, another bonus. This year resolve to go green!

LOSE THE TAKE-OUT Egads, it’s a scary idea, but so are the nutritional facts. If you’re fighting a losing battle with the size of your equator, take a look at the statistics; they’re alarming.

Take-out may taste like heaven, but the nutritional data are devastating. What you may get in exchange for convenience, are off-the-chart figures for fat, sodium, and chemicals your poor body doesn’t have a clue

plenty of seafood, which is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids. You can also add omega-3s to your diet by adding flaxseeds to your breakfast cereal, or sprinkling them on your luncheon salad.

You don’t have to eliminate all fats from your diet, either. In fact, your diet should include 20 to 30 percent of calories from healthier fats such as avocado, olive oil, canola oil and the oils in wheat germ and flaxseeds to prevent dry skin.

CYNTHIA GREGORY

LOOKIN’ GOOD what to do with, except perhaps to manufacture cellulite. What kinds of gee-whiz-tastes-great chemicals are you harboring in your hips? Are those love handles holding on to more than just fat? This year, resolve to break the take-out habit.

GET FRESH Nutritionists recommend eight servings daily of the fresh stuff. If you’re loading your plate up with mouth-watering dark orange or dark green veggies which are loaded with vitamin A first, chances are you’ll have less room for the processed foods that weigh you down and replace the dewy glow of your skin with a dishwater dull patina.

Also, for better looking skin, make sure your diet includes

GET MORE REST Researchers are now saying that when we suffer from a lack of sleep, it results in elevation of a hormone called cortisol. Now cortisol, even though it is an essential hormone in the body, in excess it can have negative side effects. It actually breaks down tissue. For example, it can break down muscle tissue, thin our skin, decalcify our bones, and elevate our blood sugar. Of course, when blood sugar is elevated we are in an inflammatory state, which is bad for our bodies, bad for our skin. The solution: get more rest.

GET A FACIAL Really, it’s no exaggeration, it’s easy to see holiday excess in people’s faces. The skin begins to look a little tired, so an extra

Glasbergen Chuckles

z z z z z

MOVE YOUR BODY Walk the dog, practice yoga, fire the maid and dust the shelves yourself, anything to get moving! Increasing your activity will boost your circulation, which has many health benefits, with the bonus of the rosy cheeks that appear after a good workout. Another bonus: you can pack up your ‘fat clothes’ with the winter wardrobe because you won’t be needing them anymore. Your mirror will no longer be your tormentor, and you’ll begin to say nice things to yourself when you face the mirror in the morning, which will improve your disposition, put a smile on your face, and make you radiate. Quelle beauty treatment!

Happy New Year to you.

Happy body, happy mind, happy skin.

Cynthia Gregory holds a master's degree in fine arts and is a California licensed esthetician. She combines the surprising aspects of teaching English at Solano College and practicing esthetics at Permanent Solution, in downtown Clayton, and can be reached for comment at ceegregory@aol.com.

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layer of makeup goes over it, which doesn’t really camouflage the tired skin, it just makes it look a more dull. Stress, a poor diet, not enough rest, too much fun all take a toll on the body, and the biggest tattle-tale of all is the skin. I’m talking a dull skin epidemic my dear! Break free of the wintry skin blahs with a facial – or better yet, an enzyme or glycolic treatment to flush away the doldrums and rediscover the rosy, dewy, fresh-faced you. This is the time of year to erase the skin sins of the past and prepare for the sunny days ahead.

Exfoliate, hydrate, nourish, protect. This is one easy indulgence that pays big benefits.

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February 11, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Dining Around Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience complete with candles, wine and a gorgeous view, lunch with a few friends or a quick, tasty “take out” for the family on a cold and rainy night, you

need go no further than Pioneer Territory for the best choices in “Dining Around.”

If you have a hearty appetite and a slim budget, you'll want to head on over to MOUNTAIN MIKE'S for the "All you can eat lunch

La Veranda Café

Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton Fresh soups, salads, antipasti, pizza and pasta Dinner and lunch daily Brunch on Sunday Children’s menu and take out service available

For reservations call (925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON

$ $ $

5 4 3

50% OFF

00 Off

X-Large

00 Off

Second Pizza Buy any large or

Large

00 Off

medium pizza at regular price and get 1/2 off second pizza of equal or lesser value

Medium

ALL

Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only.

Expires 12/31/05

YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET

Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only.

Expires 12/31/05

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Only $4.99 6 & under $1.15 kids 7-12 $2.99 5358 Clayton Rd. Concord

3501 Clayton Rd. Concord

(Next to Clayton Bowl)

(El Monte Shopping Center)

689-4965

676-9000

Fundraisers z Team Specials z Group Discounts z Parties

Take your sweetheart to dinner at ne’s i t n e l a day for V 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.

Make your reservations now

We’re just over the hill on the Delta View Golf Course 2222 Golf Club Road, Pittsburg (925) 432-1700

From Clayton, take Kirker Pass over the hill Turn left on Leland to Golf Club Road

buffet" Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. With two locations to serve you, the popular pizza restaurant has all the pizza, garlic sticks and salad bar you can eat for lunch. Price is only $4.99, kids 6 & under, $1.15 and kids 712, $2.99. There's also an "All you can eat" pizza and salad bar every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. for $5.99 for adults; kids 6 and under is only $1.15 and kids 712, $3.45.

Mountain Mike's logo is "pizza the way it oughta be" and they have quite a selection including the Mt. Veggiemore stacked with mushrooms, black olives, bell peppers, artichokes and fresh tomatoes. There's the Chicken Club described on the menu as "better than a BLT," and how about dipping into a Snowy Alps garlic combo with creamy garlic white sauce piled high with pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, sausage, green onions and diced tomatoes. There's all kinds of specials and several sandwich offerings like "Half Dome," "Cliff Hanger" and Calzone. Mountain Mike's has appetizers and beverages including beer and wine.

Don't forget Mountain Mike's next to Clayton Road has a party room in back for athletic team parties as well as family and corporate parties.

For fine dining and lovely atmosphere, downtown Clayton has two very fine dining establishments.

ELYSIUM, (formerly Fox and the Fiddle) has a very special menu planned for Valentine’s Day. Take your sweetheart to dinner and romance him or her over a plate of very special appetizers followed by a rich Veal Osso Buco. For dessert share a Flourless Chocolate Cake for two. Call today for reservations. 672-1333.

Elysium’s menu always features an eclectic choice of American Contemporary dishes, perfectly prepared and beautifully presented.

Try the Ahi Tuna Tartare with sushi rice or a Five Spice Roasted Duck with coconut rice for a sophisticated departure from the ordinary.

Brunch menu choices include a hugely popular Steak and Egg Quesadilla served with black beans and salsa fresca for $9.

Other brunch entrees range in price from $8 to $12.

At the corner of Center and Marsh Creek Road is LA VERANDA, serving a

It’s alway e right time for tea s th at

Englund's Tea Cottage “Where good friends gather...”

Page 9 high tea with tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fresh fruit and dip and dessert. Other offerings include the Bristol--a fresh green salad with walnuts, oranges and citrus vinaigrette, a china bowl of the day's special soup and a pot of tea.

The Stratford features tea sandwiches filled with tuna supreme, chicken royal or egg salad and cucumber cream cheese. There's even the Picadilly or child's tea with PB&J sandwiches, fruit, tea cookies and tea or lemonade.

And it’s not only tea that makes up the beverage menu. Coffee lovers will be glad to hear they can get a cup of Peet’s at the Teahouse. Other beverages include iced tea, lemonade, chai latte and coke.

There's a beautiful muraled room perfect for bridal and baby showers, staff meetings and club gatherings. Watch for grand opening signs and plan to take tea in Clayton's first tea room.

To book your party, call 672-8327.

are hot chicken, turkey and roast beef paninis. Your choice for $6.50.

For delicious and freshly baked pastries, cakes, cookies and bread and now--donuts! SWEET BAKERY is the place to go.

Grab a mouth watering Pecan Roll or Apple Cheese Danish ($1.75) and a latte for a quick break in the morning then come back for lunch when all cold gourmet sandwiches are only $5.75.

Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish, starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. If you’re a salad lover, be sure to try the Insalata Della Reigna with baby greens, walnuts, Gorgonzola and a honey Dijon mustard dressing for $6.50 … a popular choice. La Veranda is open daily for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for brunch.

For view and atmosphere you can’t do better than ZANDONELLA’S situated on the lovely Delta View Golf Course in Pittsburg. Zandonella’s is open Tue.-Sun for lunch and dinner. This family friendly restaurant offers an extensive menu that covers every craving. From that perfect bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs all the way to a succulent and perfectly roasted rack of lamb, you are sure to find your favorite. Lunches range from $6.25 to $10.95 for Meat Ravioli and dinners range from $11.15 to $22.45. All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free.

Just down Clayton Road is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria offers a delectable linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil for $8.95...my personal favorite. Other pasta dishes include Chicken Pesto Gorgonzola, a rigatoni dish with chicken breast and tomatoes in a creamy pesto Gorgonzola sauce ($13.95.) For an intimate atmosphere and a good wine list, Pasta Primavera can’t be beat.

A little more on the casual side and a great place to take the kids is ROCCO’S RISTORANTE at 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Voted the best pizza in the Bay Area by a Contra Costa Times Reader Poll, Rocco’s serves up a killer house specialty.

The Dominator, piled high with pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, ham, linguica, sausage and onions, is not for the faint of heart. At $19.97, this large pizza will feed a small army.

Rocco’s also has several choices of classic Italian pasta, homemade minestrone and several salads.

All pasta dishes are served with fresh bread. Top your pasta dinner off with a glass of wine and you’re well fed and satisfied for well under $20 (tax and tip included.) Rocco’s opens every day at 11 a.m.

SWEET BAKERY In the Clayton Station has a brand new, delicious hot panini sandwich. Try the mouth wateringly good Portobello Mushroom Panini made with sauteed portobellos, roasted peppers, melted Swiss cheese, fresh baby spinach, tomatoes and avocado all topped with a flavorful sprinkle of balsamic vinegar. Also on the menu

CLAYTON’S FIRST TEA COTTAGE I S D UE T O OPEN SOON Are you ready for a relaxing afternoon with friends, enjoying a pot of tea and delectable treats in a beautiful full service tea room? ENGLUND'S TEA COTTAGE will offer these amenities and more when they open their doors in the Clayton Station very soon.

Proprietors Sally Englund and Pamela Barnett want the tea cottage to be a place "where good friends gather." After you browse the gift shop and collectibles, enjoy lunch or

A Sweet Deal from

Sweet Bakery & Cafe of Clayton

5435 Clayton Road in Clayton Station

672-0936 fax 672-6937 get Buy a2 1s nd and Starting Feb. 1: Serving (2n H ds s w an a a hot panini sandwiches, dw ich lf Pr ndwi ich, of Ex e donuts & smoothies q ua pir ch l o ice es rl 2/ e a sse 27 t rv /0 alu 5 e)

joy An Italian En Fe

ast at Ou r

Mon. – Thurs.

Co zy P fé 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. asta Pr avera Ca im Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sat. 12 noon – 10 p.m. / Sun. 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

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

4425-F Treat Blvd.

Concord, CA 94521

687-5 5300

www.pastaprimaveracafe.com

New American eclectic restaurant in Clayton

formerly The Fox & The Fiddle

672-11333 for reservations

5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Tue. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday brunch/dinner 5 - 6 Wed. - Sunday $1.00 oyster happy hour

Featuring: Ahi Tuna Tartare Sushi Rice, Daikon, Watercress, Grapefruit, Crispy Rice Paper

Five Spice Dusted Duck Coconut Rice, Petite Herb Salad

New bar menu with lighter fare Also offering sake, soju cocktails & more m now Red Roo e for l b a l i a v a arties p e t a priv

6115 Main Street Clayton, CA

A beautiful full service tea room featuring…

High tea. Delectable lunches. Large tea collection.

Fresh baked scones and desserts. Special events.

and Come our browse and op gift sh ibles collect

www.roccospizzeria.com

"Best Pizza in the East Bay" - Contra Costa Times Readers' Poll

We also have a private room for z baby & bridal showers z staff meetings z club get togethers z birthdays, etc.

672-TEAS (8327) www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com Coming soon to Clayton Station 5433 L Clayton Road

NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES

947-6105 Personal Checks Accepted

2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd. corner of Oak Grove & Ygnacio Walnut Creek

Open 7 days at 11 a.m Locally owned by Rocco Biale

Large Pizza for the Price of a Medium Pizza OR Medium Pizza for the Price of a Small

Cannot be used with any other Coupon Valid anytime z Dine in or take out Present when ordering z 1 discount per table/visit

ASK US ABOUT OUR FANTASTIC CATERING SERVICE New Catering Menu

15% of f

Your first catering order ($75 Minimum order)

SUNDAY & MONDAY SPECIALS Large 3 Item Pizza $1200 All Pitchers of Beer ½ price Monday: 5-close z Sunday 11-4 Cannot be used with any other Coupon

Dine-in or take-out No substitutions z limit 2 per party (Team parties excluded)

Page 10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

February 11, 2005

Clayton Sports New head coaches named for Clayton swim teams JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

Dana Hills and Oakhurst Swim Teams have announced their new head coaches for the 2005 season.

Matt Struempf, who replaces Karen Goodshaw was the co-head coach at Crow Canyon Country Club last year,.

He comes to Dana Hills with 17 years of competitive swimming experience and has seven years of coaching experience and success. He coached at Crow Canyon the last five years and was a coach at Lafayette Moraga Youth Association for two years prior. His specialty strokes are fly and breast. In addition to swimming, he is also an avid water polo player, having played for Diablo Valley College. He was named as a first team AllAmerican in that sport.

Struempf brings a wealth of

JANE ROBINSON, new coach for the Oakhurst Orcas

swim team success to his new position. Struempf said that in the last several years, the Crow Canyon Sea Lions have developed into one of the stronger area teams. In the last three years, Crow Canyon has finished in the top eight teams in Division 1 at the county meet each year. In 2003, Crow Canyon finished second at county. One of their biggest successes was winning the Aqua Pentathlon Invitational Meet last year, beating the 2004 County champion Blackhawk Country Club Swim Team. The top two girls and top two boys from the top eight teams from the County Meet compete at the Aqua Pentathlon each year, matching the best swimmers from the best teams.

Struempf says he is excited about coaching at Dana Hills. It is a team more the size of Blackhawk. He said he’s really looking forward to the new kids and the new challenge.

“Obviously,” said Struempf, “I don’t know the kids or the teams since I coached in a different league, but I expect we will be successful.

“My philosophy on coaching is that this is REC swimming, not USS, so it needs to be fun, and you have to keep the kids interested,” he added. “We’ll need to train hard yet have a balanced style for the full range of swimmers on a recreational team. You have both the serious swimmers who want to be as competitive as possible at County, and you also have others here for the fun. A coach has to gain their respect, and they have to have fun everyday.”

Struempf describes himself as being self-motivated and having a strong inner drive. “I wish I could teach people about having a strong inner drive; it’s very important because you need it for everything in life,” he said.

Oakhurst Country Club also named its new head coach for the upcoming season after Kasey Harris’s departure last year. Serge Victor, Oakhurst Country Club’s Aquatics Director, confirmed that Jane Robinson, who has been an assistant coach at East County Stingrays for the last seven years, will coach the Oakhurst Orcas this year. Robinson is a communications major at UC Berkeley and will be graduating in May. Victor, who is also a Head Coach for the Stingrays, said Robinson is “a terrific coach and a brilliant student who was my right hand assistant at East County.”

In addition to coaching in recent years, Robinson also swam for the Stingrays for 11 years, starting when she was 8 years old. Robinson also loves water polo and played club water polo at Cal for two years.

Her sister, Emily, was an assis-

NEW DANA HILLS COACH MATT STRUEMPF with his former team at Crow Canyon. tant coach at Oakhurst last year, so Robinson had a chance to get some great insights into the team and the various swimmers before making her decision.

“I learned a lot about the team from my sister, so I could tell from her excitement, knowledge of and enthusiasm for the team and parents that I wanted to coach here,” Robinson said.

She said she approaches coaching as striking a balance between swimmers having fun and working hard on proper

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strokes to get a solid basis. She said coming to the Oakhurst swim team will likely result in her relationship being a little more personalized and intimate with swimmers and parents than was possible at the larger Stingrays team.

Robinson gives her former coach and new boss Victor a lot of credit for her success. “Serge is tremendous, and I give him a lot of credit for my coaching experience and knowledge. He is just a tremendous teacher and

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Clayton Sports Syracuse University Maintaining your spine angle Well, folks, I have the perfect golfing contraption for you. Picture this: It’s a sling you step into with both feet. Then a strap goes over your shoulders

Do you talk to yourself while playing golf ? The little voice that says “I can’t believe I did that AGAIN. Why can’t I keep my head down?”

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and neck which then connects to your belt. In the sling area, there is a hook laced with barbed wire and coated with cayenne pepper. Now, get set in your address position. Move into your back swing. Then, down swing to your full finish position. If you raise your head, or worse yet, your spine angle, too soon through the impact zone, you’ll be talking about it, all right – but from the twilight zone.

You see, folks, your head is connected to your spine. When we take our set position at address, our spine angle is bent forward and tilted slightly into our right leg and hip (for right handed golfers). That angle or position should not change until the momentum of our follow through pulls us up to full and balanced finish position.

In reality, when you say “I’ve raised my head again,”

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You can guard against this painful move by centering your sight on the original location of the ball until the swing is almost complete.

It’s your choice, folks. You can slip into this “erector detector” gadget (pat. pend), or heed the words of Sir David, which are much more soothing.

Until next time, maintain that spine angle through impact.

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

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Keep your head down throughout the impact zone.

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Clayton Valley High School graduate and 2004 Dana Hills assistant swimming coach Josh Scott was named Syracuse University’s Scholar Athlete of the Week for Jan. 10.

Scott, who is a Clayton resident and the son of William and Susan Scott, swam for four years on Clayton Valley’s swim team for Coach Matt Chamberlain. The team posted a 31-3 dual-meet record during his career.

Scott is a captain of the men’s swimming team at Syracuse and is a four-time Athletic Director’s Honor Roll selection. He is also a two-time Big East Academic All-Star. At his dual meet in Morgantown, W.V., on Jan. 15, Scott was the standout on the men’s side with first-place finishes in both the 200 freestyle (1:43.01) and the 500 freestyle (4:40.20).

Scott participated in his

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girls born between August 1, 1991 and July 31, 1998 are encouraged to tryout out for 18 new and returning DVSC teams in those younger age groups. There is no cost to tryout. Register online at www.dvsc.com. Visit the website or call 925-229DVSC for a complete schedule of tryout times and locations.

DVSC SEEKS CLASS 3 SOCCER COACHES Diablo Valley Soccer Club is accepting applications from individuals interested in coaching Class 3 youth soccer teams in the 2005-2006 season.

DVSC has competitive teams from Under 9 through Under 19. There are coaching opportunities for new and returning Class 3 girls and boys teams. Candidates can call 925-229-DVSC or visit the club website at www.dvsc.com to get more information or send an email application.

YOUTH SOCCER COACH TRAINING

Diablo Valley Soccer Club is looking for former competitive soccer players who are interested in learning how to become a youth soccer coach.

DVSC has competitive teams from Under 9 through Under 19 and a Soccer Academy for 5-10 year-olds. There are opportunities for young men and women who have playing but no formal coaching experience to be trained by DVSC's professional staff as they get their coaching licenses and hands-on experience.

Candidates can call 925229-DVSC or visit the club website at www.dvsc.com to get more information or send an email application.

Got Sports Shorts? Send notices, upcoming events, etc. to sports@claytonpioneer.com

Page 12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

February 11, 2005

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., JAN. 17 FOR THE JAN. 28 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING Art at the YMCA @ Clayton Community Gym Art program starts at the YMCA - 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. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton.

ONGOING After School Programs @ Clayton Community Gym 3-6 p.m., After 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.

Ongoing - May 25, 2005 "The Bee's Knees", The Best of the 1920s @ Clayton Historical Society Museum Special exhibit featurs the best of the 1920s including film, entertainment, fads, fashion, photos, art, literature, music, inventions, sports, and world events of the 1920s. The Clayton Museum also features special kitchen and quilt exhibits, a mining exhibit, outhouse and Clayton's early 1900s jail. Free. Sundays & Wednesdays 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, and by Appointment.Phone-(925) 672-0240/www.claytonhs.com. Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6101 Main Street, Clayton.

ONGOING - MAR . 6 Square Dance Classes with Contra Costa Square Dance Workshop 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Learn modern square dancing in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. No partner needed, low impact exercise. For more information call Dick at 229-2192, Barbara at 689-2369 or e-mail hiltonaud@aol.com. Pacheco Community Center, 5800 Pacheco Blvd. (North of Sun Valley Mall).

JAN. 28 - FEB. 20 Smokey Joe’s Cafe @ Diablo Valley College Directed by Joe Barnett, this sleek and sassy, cool and brassy musical captures the heart and soul of the golden years of Rock & Roll.

Songs include Kansas City, Fools Fall in Love, Poison Ivy, On Broadway, Yackety Yak, Stand By Me and many more! Call the box office for tickets 687-4445. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill.

JAN. 29 - ONGOING YMCA Youth and Adult Sports Programs @ Clayton Community Gym Youth and adult leagues for winter/spring include baskeyball, floor hockey, soccer, and volleyball. For information on all YMCA programs call 889-1600. Clayton Community Gym, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton.

FEB. 13 Annual Camellia Tea @ Clayton Historical Society 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. The annual camellia tea honors the descendants of Clayton’s pioneering families. Rare and unusual camellias are displayed. Admission is free, donations are welcome. Children welcome when accompanied by an adult. 672-0240, Clayton Historical Society, 6101 Main Street, Clayton.

FEB. 15 College Financial Planning Workshop @ Civic Arts Education, Shadelands, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek FEB. 17 @ Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 7:00 p.m. A free workshop for the parents of college bound students currently in their Sophomore or Junior year. The focus will be on on little-known ways of getting money for college. The workshops will be hosted by Joyce Joyner Howell, College Funding Expert and Financial Educator. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call (925) 933-8100.

FEB. 15 “Jennie’s Hat,” Pre-school Story Time and Crafts @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Story time and craft activities featuring the works of Ezra Jack Keats. For ages 3-8. Registration required. Call the library at 673-0659 to sign up. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.

FEB. 16 Nature and Naturalists Lecture @ Cal State University, East Bay (formerly Cal State Hayward) 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Oak room. Lecture presented by Rolf Benseler,

professor emeritus of biological science and liberal studies. Lecture will consider nature along some fundamental ecological and evolutionary pathways to deepen our appreciation of the natural world. $3.00 per person. Cal State East Bay, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord, CA 94521. For information call Joyce Podevyn (925) 602-6776.

FEB. 18 - MAR . 12 Little Women - The Musical @ CTA Crossroads Theatre Time honored classic set to music. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, directed by Clay David. Preview 2/18 at 8 p.m. Opening night 2/19 at 8 p.m. Thurs 3/3, 3/10 at 8 p.m.

Fri. 2/25, 3/4, 3/11 at 8 p.m. Sat matinees 3/5, 3/12 at 2 p.m. Sat 2/26, 3/5, 3/12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 - $25. Call 944-0597 for tickets and information. www.ctacrossroads.org, CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek.

FEB. 24 Small Business Workshop @ Concord Library 7 p.m. Workshop presented on Maximizing the Usefulness of Your Financial Statements. Experts from Clear Path Business Partners, Bay Area consultants will speak to utilizing your financial statements to make better business decisions. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, 646-5456.

FEB. 25 Film night @ Cal State University, East Bay (formerly Cal State Hayward) 7 p.m. Is it a documentary or is it propaganda? It looks like a documentary, but is it? Various documentaries will be shown that are tough calls and the audience will decide after background information is shared.Cal State East Bay, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord, For information call Barbara Cella (925) 602-6772.

FEB. 25, 26 James and the Giant Peach @ Del Valle Theatre The talented young performers of Civic Arts Education’s Junior Theatre present Roald Dahl’s delightful adventure, James and the GIant Peach. Dahl’s characters (including a vampish spider, a sarcastic centipede, a wise-old grasshopper and a matronly ladybug) confront bigger than life problems, adults who don’t listen to children and fantastic adventures. The hero is James Trotter who has everything in the world going wrong for him including wicked aunts and being an orphan. When the giant magical peach appears James’ life becomes a wide adventure as he travels around the world in this remarkable piece of fruit. Shows are Fri. 2/25 at 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sat., Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 general. Call 925943-SHOW for reservations. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek.

MAR . 1 - MAY 5 Patty Cakes Story Time @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Story time for children up to three years old.

Child attends with parent or guardian. No Registration required.

Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 6730659.

MAR . 1 - MAY 5 Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. Thursdays. Picture book time for children three to five years old. Child may attend without parent. No Registration required. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659.

MAR . 4 “MURDER IN THE LIBRARY” @ CLAYTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY 8 p.m. in the library mulit-use room. Written by Danville author Penny Warner and directed by library volunteer Sandy Patel, the play features local officials in a who-done-it where the audience helps with the investigation. The play kicks off the library’s 10th birthday. tickets are $15 (includes champagne, dessert, coffee) limited to first 150.CLayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659.

MAR . 5 Happy Tenth Birthday, Clayton Community Library 12 noon. - 5 p.m. “There’s Gold at the Library.” Panning for gold, puppets, balloon artist, author presentations, mining tales, music and more. (in the library multi-use room).All activities free of

charge. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659.

MAR . 5 Crab Feed @ Tommy T’s, Concord 5 p.m. Crab feed, auction, comedy, dancing, all you can eat crab, pasta salad and bread. Comedy at 7:30 p.m. following dinner, dancing after comedy, all for $45 per person. A portion of proceeds donated to Diablo Valley Rage, 9- under travelling baseball team. Contact Shanan Tullis at 672-9533 for tickets and information. Tommy T’s, 1655 Willow Pass Road, Concord.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS FEB. 16 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women (YVRW) Meeting @ Oakhurst Country Club 10 a.m. meeting begins, 11 a.m. program, 12 p.m. lunch. Cost is $17. Jim Minor, VP of Unilect Corporation, will present the history of the successful Patriot system touch screen voting. He will bring and demonstrate two Patriot System voting machines, including one audio machine for the blind. RSVP to Barbara Allen at 925672-5061 by Mon. Feb. 14. Everyone is welcome. Contact www.yvrwf.org for additional club information. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Road, Clayton.

FEB. 17, 24, MAR . 3, 10 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.

FEB. 17, 24, MAR . 3, 10 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 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord.

FEB. 24 CBCA (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. John Rubiales, President.

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT FEB. 15, 22, MAR . 1, 8 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.

FEB. 15, MAR . 1, 15 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.

FEB. 22, MAR . 8 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.

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION FEB. 15 Parent Faculty Club (PFC) Meeting, @ 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 included on the agenda, please contact Rosy Straka at rosystraka@yahoo.com or 672-3200. 7304. Mt. Diablo Elementary.

FEB.18TH Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 9-10:30a.m. in the Community Room of the Gym. Please contact PFC President Carolyn Hartnell at 672-4146 or crhartnell@earthlink.net if you want an item on the agenda.

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February 11, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

New signals nearing completion In the past few weeks, St. Bonaventure Catholic Church has been a hub of construction activity as work has resumed on the Community Center Project. PG&E crews are currently raising power lines about ten feet on power poles across Clayton Road and installing a transformer,

while construction contractor Blach is digging trenches across Clayton Road to install conduits for utility and cable service to St. Bonaventure.

Plans call for the two signal lights, one at El Camino and the other at the entrance to the church parking lot, to be operational by the end of

the March or first of April.

Other construction activity to complete the first phase will include extension of the island in the northbound lanes, the addition of a left turn lane into the Church, a wall between Farm Bureau building and Church property and new signage at the entrance.

The next major project is construction of a concrete wall around the perimeter of

the property. This phase will begin late spring or early summer.

According to Business Manager Christa Fairchild, the parish has enough money pledged to pay for the wall construction, but not yet enough cash on hand to begin the project. The wall will take at least six months to complete. When finished, major construction of the two-story learning center is set to begin.

Church News

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CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Worship is Sundays 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at Diablo View Middle School. Children’s programs at both gatherings, Jr. and Sr. High meet at 10:45 a.m.

Call 673-9060 for more information. W.O.W. (Women of the Word) Bible study meets on Weds. 9:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., at the church office, 6055 Main Street, Clayton.

Mar. 11-13 is a men’s ski retreat at Bear Valley Lodge.

Call 673-9060 for more information or to sign up for these events.

Feb 12 is the Princess ball, for girls of all ages and their chaperones, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Admission is $15 and includes a corsage for the girls.

Come for a fun evening of dancing and refreshments.

Held at Crossroads Covenant Church. To purchase tickets contact church office at 6739060.

CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Are you searching for a spiritual home? Concord United Methodist Church welcomes you in 2005! Join us and Pastor Rob Kirk at worship on Sun. mornings at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Concord UMC is located at 1645 West Street (between Clayton Rd. and Concord Blvd.) For more

information please visit our website at www.concordumc.org. or call (925) 685-5260.

CROSSROADS COVENANT CHURCH Service time is 9 a.m. on Sunday. Join Pastors Eric Sorenson and Aaron Gonzenbach for “Meeting Jesus,” 10:30 a.m. through Mar. 20 and “Knowing Jesus,” 10:30 a.m., through Mar. 20.

Crossroads Covenant Church is located at 5353 Concord Blvd., Concord, 798-5905 ETERNAL LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH Midweek Lenten services are on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

This year’s Lenten theme is “We See Jesus.” Soup suppers will precede the services, beginning each Wednesday at 6 p.m. All are invited.

Lutheran Pioneers, a program for grade-school aged boys and girls meets on first and third Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Please call or email for more information: 524-0295. Eternal Life Lutheran Church meets at the County Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Suite 1B, Concord. The congregation is a member of the WELS (see www.wels.net) and is served by Pastor Will Kant.

EternalLife@wels.net.

Construction of two new signals in front of St. Bonaventure’s Church should be finished by April.

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.

HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH Lenten services Wed. at 7 p.m.. Starting Feb.16 through Mar. 16.

Tour the Model of the Bay located in Sausalito. It is a replica of the San Francisco Bay and its interconnecting bodies of water. Sunday worship schedule: 9 a.m. worship with Communion first, third and fifth Sunday, worship noncommunion second and fourth Sunday. 10:30 a.m. Sunday school and Bible Studies.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church is located at 1092 Alberta Way, Concord CA 94521, (925) 686-2000, Fax: (925) 686-6894 Email: info@holycrossconcord.org, Website: www.holycrossconcord.org ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC CHURCH Feb. 18-20, 2005 is the eighth Annual Retreat sponsored by St Bonaventure Men’s Spiritual Network. A ministry of St. Bonaventure Parish Community in Concord, the St Bonaventure Men’s Spiritual Network puts on a men’s weekend retreat where attendees check their hat at the door and enjoy brothers in Christ for two days in prayer, contemplation, reflection and friendship.

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Spanish, computers, P.E., music, and upper grade electives are also taught.

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Page 14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

February 11, 2005

Housetraining: It’s worth the effort

JULIE BOND

PAWS

AND

CLAWS

Probably the single most misunderstood concept in the world of dog ownership is housetraining. You’ll notice I didn’t use the phrase “housebreaking.” Why? Because it implies a negative experience for the young dog. Well-meaning owners will often punish their pup by dragging him to the soiled area, admonishing him for the dirty deed, rub his nose in the accident, swat him firmly on the bottom, and send the pup on his way. What has that puppy learned? He’s learned that coming when called often results in punishment for something he doesn’t remember doing.

Young dogs have approximately a five second attention span; if you don’t catch them in the act of committing an error of any kind, there is no sense in punishing them. You never want your dog to associate coming to you with punishment. Your dog will resist coming to you for fear of being manhandled and having his face rubbed in excrement.

Rubbing a dog’s sensitive nose in excrement only serves to convince your dog that you are an unstable person to be avoided at all costs! So, then, how do you quickly and reliably house train a puppy?

First, you must change your perspective on what you are trying to accomplish. As when you potty train a child, housetraining your dog should involve lots of praise and reinforcement for doing the right thing. Devote your energy to teaching your puppy to eliminate in the designated outdoor area rather than trying to catch him in the act of committing an error on the living room rug. Elimination is a behavior just like sitting, fetching or heeling. Just as you wouldn’t dream of punishing your dog for failing to bring his ball, don’t punish him for failing to eliminate appropriately. Your ultimate goal should be to create as many situations as possible that allow you to positively reinforce correct elimination.

Dogs, as descendants of wolves, have a natural aversion to eliminating where they den. Your job is to teach your young dog that your entire house is their den. Obviously, this will take time and patience, so you must begin by providing your dog with a smaller den. An airline crate is a safe, humane den for any dog if used properly. Restrict your dog to his den any time you can’t watch him. Take your pup on leash from his crate to the area

outside where you want him to eliminate. Remember, puppies have a tendency to eliminate whenever they wake up, after meals, after play or even when startled. Remain quiet while your puppy sniffs around the elimination area. You don’t want this to turn into a game, so do nothing else in the elimination area but wait for your dog to perform.

Don’t interrupt your puppy with lots of encouragement, but rather wait until he is done, verbally praise him, and give him a tasty food treat.

Try to develop your own “potty ritual.” Always put the dog on leash, go out the same door, use the same elimination area, etc.

Once your dog starts to get the idea, you can begin speeding up the process by saying, “Go Potty”

as he is eliminating, then reward him upon completion.

Eventually, you will be able to say, “Go potty,” and your dog will perform the behavior, just as he would if you had asked him to sit or fetch.

To increase the chances of your pup being able to successfully hold its bladder and rectum while you are away for extended periods of time during the day (for example, while you are at work), refrain from leaving food and water down when you are not there. What goes in must come out! You can control when this happens by giving your dog access to food and water at designated mealtimes. Just as we don’t drink water all day long, your dog too needs to be provided with fresh water with meals, following

exercise, waking up, etc. Dogs who spend their day sleeping in their dens don’t need water like the dogs that are left alone in a yard all day. Regular feeding times translate into regular elimination times. Keep in mind that puppies up to 12 weeks of age should be fed three to four small meals per day, while two to three meals is sufficient for those in the 3-6 months age range. Moderately active adult dogs are usually fine with one to two meals a day.

Although it is difficult, you must remember that young dogs

have developing bodily systems.

Any puppy under 3 months of age will wake up in the middle of the night and have to relieve itself.

If your pup is in a crate near your bed, you will hear him wake up, and you can take him to the appropriate elimination area. It may be inconvenient to get up in the middle of the night to do this, but the benefits of early house training far outweigh the annoyance of getting up to take your puppy out. If you allow your puppy to eliminate in his den because he simply can’t hold it

any longer, you will only prolong house training and ensure that more accidents occur. Finally, if an accident does occur, don’t get mad! Remove your puppy from the area while you thoroughly clean it, and move on. You don’t want to punish accidents, or you will have a dog afraid to eliminate in your presence.

Lastly, let your puppy grow up! As he matures, he will be better able to control his bowels, and giving him an all-access pass to your house will be his reward for a job well done!

Julie Bond is an animal behaviorist. She can be reached through Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital, 6721100.

Max is this week’s ARF adoption star

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 15

Seniors can be healthy, happy and graceful survivors The final curtain has come down for Johnny Carson. I felt a gasp of sadness on learning that Johnny died at 79 of emphysema. That man could make me gasp with laughter. Just maybe, if he hadn’t been a heavy smoker, we could have shared more laughs, but I imagine he was lulled into thinking life would go

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on as usual, no matter what. But life doesn’t work that way, does it? In our later years, all our habits, the good, the bad, and the ugly consequences of our lifestyle choices catch up with us.

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An article in American Fitness confirms that physically active older adults are able to reduce the course of the physiological effect of aging. It’s a good thing to grow old. It’s not so good to get sick. There’s a difference.

Remember it was not old age but a self induced illness that ended Johnny’s life. One research study found that the single common denominator among those who lived the longest was that they all ate breakfast daily. Most of us realize that we need to eat right, get enough sleep, avoid dehydration, and stop addictions to tobacco or alcohol to be healthy.

LINDA JOHNSON

SENIOR MOMENTS That being said, researchers conducting the MacArthur Studies identified the three of the most powerful lifestyle factors in successful aging. Those who live happily ever after do so by staying physically active, making friends and continuing to be engaged in activities.

So if you follow a few simple guidelines, you too can enjoy your longevity, During the retirement years, it’s vitally important to make an effort to avoid isolation and remain socially active.

This can be a challenge for those with functional limitations who live in neighborhoods where everyone else has gone off to work, leaving them home alone without a support network. The more people we interact with daily, the more chance there is to

form new bonds and make a difference with our lives. All of us want to live where we can get more from life. This may explain why more and more older adults are moving into adult community living situations. That’s where the action is, retirement style.

Here are some choices to consider. Choose to live in a place where everybody knows your name. Some of us are happier living in a big city and others prefer a country setting. Be sure to develop your interests for recreation, leisure, or continued education so you will be motivated to continue those activities when you no longer have to work. Choose a safe place to live.

In well designed retirement communities features are built in to eliminate potential safety hazards like lever door handles and faucet handles that operate easily with a push; adjustable closet rods; handrails on both sides of staircases and outside steps; brighter staircase lighting; walkin shower with grab bars to name a few. Chances are, whether you are healthy or sick, you’ll be living longer than you ever imagined.

In fact the age of longevity is upon us. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the population of those over the age of 85 will grow over 21% within the

next 5 years. And new statistics reveal that only 5.2 percent of older adults are in nursing homes, down from 6.3 percent in 1982. A Scientific American article recently pointed out that individuals who make it to 90 are in more resistant to disabilities and illness than those in their 80’s. Those 90 year old wonders are often more mentally alert than the average octogenarian.

The article also reports that the elderly who reach the age of 100 or more look back on the previous ten years as being essentially free of problems, and are often still employed, sexually active and report enjoying the outdoors. So prepare to grow old with a multitude of elders. And for the sake of others, we need to continue to choose healthy lifestyles so as not to burden the younger generations with unnecessary Medicare expenses.

Someone once said that the best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles. So tonight show someone a smile, tune up and tell them how you’re going to stop fiddling around, and then begin making a plan to be a healthy, happy and graceful survivor.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Excuse me...PLEASE JOE ROMANO

SO ANYWAY “Lollygag”, as defined by Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, is an intransitive verb meaning to fool around or to dawdle. “Dawdle” is defined as “to move lackadaisically”.

That being said, is it just me or does there seem to be an unusual amount of lollygaging taking place these days? For a society that seems to spend most of its time travelling at Mach 1, no one seems to be in any hurry to get the hell out of my way.

I am particularly aware of this lollygaging phenomenon when in my car. I’m convinced that the moment I back out of my driveway a message is sent to the Lollygagger Command Post to ensure that one of their operatives is dispatched to park his butt right in front of me and then proceed to drive at least 5 mph BELOW the speed limit. If there is a police car nearby it then drops to 10 mph.

This same individual will begin

to slow down miles before they plan to turn, turn signal pulsing steadily the entire time.

Never underestimate the acumen of the lollygagger.

Often times they will disguise themselves as elderly drivers so as to appear to have a legitimate reason for driving slowly with the blinker on. Look closely. Is that gray hair or blue? Neither, that’s make up and a powdered wig, baby!

In addition to the Lollygaging Automobile Units, there is a plethora of Pedestrian Lollygaggers that are set loose in huge droves.

Perhaps you’ve noticed these annoying, yet persistent individuals, who make no attempt to walk quickly through the crosswalk or across the parking lot when they see that you are waiting. In fact, they’re under strict orders to actually walk SLOWER. Lollygaggers come in all shapes, sizes and ages but by no means are the roadways the exclusive terrain of these heinous malefactors. You can also spot them in grocery stores, taking their damn sweet time putting change back in their wallets or shuffling through their coupons. They’ll make “chit-chat” with the cashier so as to slow up the check out process. “Chit-

Chat” is one of the most effective tactics of the lollygagger and he will undergo weeks of intense training so as to be comfortable chitting and/or chatting with anyone under any circumstance. It may be as insignificant as discussing the weather or in the form of elaborate questions, which force the cashier to consult with a manager or (shudder) an “InStore Savings” flyer.

The lollygagger will feign forgetfulness while standing in line at McDonald’s, a place that has had more or less the same menu since 1955. Stupidity at BART; “Does the San Francisco train go to downtown San Francisco?”

Confusion at Starbucks; “How do the intense floral notes of the Ethiopian Yergacheffe compare to the spicy flavor notes of the Aged Sumatra?”

In order to combat this growing problem I am proposing an Anti-Lollygaging measure on our next ballot. We’ll call it, Proposition Get Out Of My Way. Aside from making me very happy, Prop GOOMW will give the economy a much needed boost by way of new job opportunities.

Naturally, if we have anti-lollygaging laws then we will most certainly need an AntiLollygaging Enforcement unit.

Let’s go back to the grocery store example. Having received his change, the lollygagger is slowly replacing each coin into individual denomination slots in his wallet. It is at this point that burly, SWIFT moving agents will swoop in, grab said lollygagger by his lollygaging throat and, expeditiously, drag him from the line. This scene will play out similarly at Starbucks where our lollygagger will be force fed the nearest cup of coffee the agent can get his hands on while being shown the parking lot.

On the roads, lollygaging motorists will be extricated from their vehicles and taught to put a little pep in their step by running in front of a pack of mini-van driving soccer moms on their way to a practice and those dawdling on foot will simply be flattened where they lollygag.

Petitions to create this measure will be arriving shortly at a grocery store near you so run, RUN and add your voice to the cause. And please, stay out of my way.

February 11, 2005

The Clayton Pioneer’s “Music Notes” columnist

Clayton’s own

Jim Hudak Pianist and Composer For bookings and performances:

Visit our Website www.jhudak.com E-mail jimmydak@pacbell.net Piano CD’s available on his Brainstorm Records label

Call Or Write:

Brainstorm Records P.O. Box 488 Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 673-7293

Clayton resident, Joe Romano, is a freelance writer for hire. He may be reached at jromano01@yahoo.com

Melodies might just make a comeback For the past 15 to 20 years, music with heavy rhythm has been king. Whether or not you like rap or hip-hop, there’s no denying their strong presence in popular music and in our culture.

But here’s a bold prediction.

JIM HUDAK

MUSIC NOTES “Melody” will be making a comeback, sooner rather than later. Songs with beautiful, clever melodies and lovely, thoughtful arrangements are going to find their way back into the musical mainstream.

What is such an outrageous notion based on? Trends, mostly. The cyclical nature of fashion, styles, and of course, music.

True, one would be hard pressed at this point to put any credence into melody returning as a primary ingredient in music. Drum and rhythm machines have been heard on countless pop music recordings since the 1980s. “Songs,” as we used to know them, are out, and “beats” are in. Fewer musicians than ever can even read music, and most have no desire to even learn how.

It’s not that young people wouldn’t or couldn’t appreciate the beauty of a good melody; it’s mostly that they haven’t been exposed to it. Computers and percussive beats are as commonplace to them as the timeless songs from Rogers and Hammerstein’s musicals were to us. Heaven knows we weren’t thinking about rap music and rhythm machines when we were growing up, just like today’s young people aren’t exactly tuned in to “The Sound of Music” or “Oklahoma.”

What will bring about the

change is simple. Curiosity.

Kids start going through their parents record collections, or they might catch a movie like “DeLovely,” which offers a wonderfully close up look at Cole Porter, one of the greatest melody writers ever. Just like the cutting edge young musicians of 20 years ago who experimented with lots of rhythmic sounds, the curious musical trailblazers of today will set new trends. From this writer’s perspective, it may as well start with more melody.

There are sheet music software programs available today that are downright staggering.

Writing and composing music for virtually any instrument or even for a symphony orchestra has never been more accessible to the general public. You can print and even self-publish your own music these days, and lots of people are doing it.

Tasteful harmonies, nice chord changes and a tune that stays in your head after hearing it are some of the essential ingredients in a good melody.

And let’s remember, rhythm and syncopation are good things. They add a great deal to songs and to music in general.

Music without rhythm would be chaotic. But, the opposite is true, too, especially after many years of rhythm getting a lot more emphasis than melody in most contemporary music.

Here’s to rhythm and music returning to their rightful place, working together in a complementary, effective fashion that

does them both justice. It’s time for songs and melodies to make a comeback.

Jim Hudak’s Music Notes column appears regularly in the Pioneer. Contact him at jimmydak@pacbell.net. His piano music CD’s are available from his Web site at www.jhudak.com or at amazon.com.

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February 11, 2005

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Business is blooming for Clayton Flowers JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

It’s no surprise that Clayton Flowers on Clayton Road in Concord has thrived in the same location for the past 16 years.

Owner Susan Donovan is passionate about flowers and about her business. And it shows in the product and customer service. “I love it all”, she says.

That includes getting up at 12:15 a.m. once or twice a week to drive to the flower mart in San Francisco for the freshest flowers and plants. Or traveling to Half Moon Bay where Susan selects green and blooming plants, baskets and orchids. She travels the distances at odd times to provide the best product at a reasonable cost. “People ask me, ‘how can you do it?’ It’s because I

want it done right,” she says.

A former massage therapist, Susan has always loved flowers and was a customer of Clayton Flowers before she purchased the business 16 years ago. She expanded her space six years later and currently has seven part-time and full-time employees. “I love the feeling of giving, the smiles and the warmth,” she says.

Her floral shop is full service. “We deliver across the street and across the world.” Ninetynine percent of her business is deliveries.

Her employees are veterans of the business and all have an eye for line and color. “They are fabulous and they know my standards,” she says.

Clayton Flowers features handmade dish gardens, gourmet baskets, floral arrangements with plush animals, balloons and

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

SUSAN DONOVAN, owner of Clayton Flowers plants.

This past week the phones at Clayton Flowers never stopped ringing because Valentines Day is just around the corner. Susan estimates that she will sell more than 200 dozen roses for this romantic holiday. Another popular day for flowers is Mother’s Day. One of Susan’s favorites is weddings. “I’m there from the consultation to the set-up,” she says enthusiastically.

Customers constantly comment on Susan’s attention to detail. One customer was amazed at how long the flowers

lasted after a funeral service.

Susan explains that she cuts her flowers under water and then soaks them in a hydration solution to make sure they are well hydrated before they go into the cooler. “It’s all how you prepare them,” she says of her flower arrangements. Many of Susan’s customers come back again and again because she personally makes sure that they get what they want. “I couldn’t bear the thought of not being here,” she says of Clayton Flowers. “I feel so fortunate that I have found my passion.”

Saturday are free. Families and children will enjoy a variety of activities from 12 noon to 5 Director Patel is no stranger p.m. including local author M. to Clayton or to the theater. A Allen Cunnigham who will disretired school teacher, he has cuss his new novel the Green lived in Clayton for 38 years and Age of Asher Witherow; loom is currently a library volunteer. weaving and spinning, mining information on Mt. Patel is a veteran actor Diablo and Black and has appeared in Diamond mines and many productions at gold panning the Dean Lesher throughout the afterRegional Center of the noon. The Diamond Arts in Walnut Creek Terrace Glee Club including “fiddler on will perform and the Roof,” “Follies,” there will be puppets, “Grand Hotel,” “Guys balloons and story and Dolls” and more.

DIRECTOR time. Local author He will also play a SANDY PATEL Larry Rogers and his major role in the wife Clare will be library’s tribute to the old mining days on Saturday dressed in civil war garb sharing March 5. Patel is “Sandy” the parts of their book, “Their Old Miner who will tell tales in Horses Climbed Trees” about the outdoor courtyard followed the California 500 who fought in the civil war. by panning for gold sessions.

A few weeks later on March While the Friday night event is a fundraiser, all activities on 19 and 20, the library will host

its annual Community Arts Celebration to raise money to purchase more library materials.

The two-day event will feature local artists, demonstrations and creative performances by groups such as the Clayton Valley High School Arts Academy and Women’s Choir.

The Clayton Library Foundation is sponsoring the event and is currently hosting a membership drive with the theme “Your Bucks Buy Books.”

Library, from page 1 Sandy Patel, the play features Naomi Gary of Diamond Terrace as the helpless victim, Mayor Gregg Manning as “Dell Doubleday,” Contra Costa County Librarian Ann Cain as “Lotta Books,” Pastor Shawn Robinson as “Dalton B. Walden,” Clayton Pioneer’s Jill Bedecarré as “Page Turner,” Vice Mayor Dave Shuey as Ron Bonzo and Assistant to the City Manager Laura Hoffmeister as “Alexa Dynasty”. They are all suspect in this intriguing murder mystery.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

February 11, 2005

Small signs of spring are suddenly everywhere After such a cold and rainy stretch of weather these last couple of months, it’s almost like a miracle to see plants beginning to bloom. The flowers of late winter are much appreciated. They represent the light at the end of a long tunnel. Gardeners realize that winter is needed as a resting period for the plants they treasure, but they don’t have to like it.

Beginning in late January through February, a remarkable plant called Winter Daphne begins to bloom. Rosy pink flower buds open to white, releasing the prized sweet floral fragrance that may be enjoyed several feet away. Winter Daphne perfumes the crisp morning and evening air. This evergreen is beautiful and HARDENBERGIA, OR HAPPY WANDERER unpredictable. It may die without warning, despite of the Rhododendron. Incorporate a by with the green leaves and most attentive care. However, ground cover such as the dark purple buds is called with little attention, Winter Dalmatian Bellflower, with its Harden-bergia, or Happy Daphne has been known to rounded, heart-shaped leaves Wanderer. Evergreen and vigflourish. Narrow, 3-inch-long, and flaring, bell-shaped, violet- orous, wind and sun hardy, this thick glossy leaves cover this 4 blue flowers. This companion is an excellent addition to a foot tall and 6 foot wide plant. will serve three purposes. (1) It wall, fence or arbor. Large, penThe intensely fragrant flowers will cover the ground; (2) it will dulous sprays of deep purple appear on branch ends. The extend the blooming season. flowers cover this twining everWinter Daphne needs lots of and (3) it will shade the Winter green from mid-February Daphne's through most of March. air around roots.

When the Happy Wanderer its roots, During begins to bloom, I know that so plant in s u m m e r , spring is near. When installing porous water only this selection, dig a wide hole. soil. as needed Remove and discard large clay When to increase chunks and plants with a soil installing, f lowering conditioner. We use soil condiset roots in future tioners to improve the soil’s high, at s e a s o n s structure. Consider a premium least 1 to 2 and to pre- planting mix and soil condiinches vent water tioner containing fir bark, above the DOUBLE HELLEBORE mold. Use mushroom compost, perlite soil grade.

Plant Winter Daphne in mostly a complete multipurpose fertil- and gypsum for flowers, shrubs afternoon shade or filtered sun, izer when feeding. Winter and trees. It is pest tolerant and needs to be fed about every six about the same sun exposure Daphne is not acid loving.

That vine that you may pass to eight weeks during the growthat you would give a

ing season, March through October.

Fruit tree and vine foods 12-1212 are designed with plants in mind that are heavy producers. Use a granular fertilizer with 15 percent sulfur.

The nice thing about this product is that you may have multiple uses for it, depending on your other fruit trees and vines.

Love the Happy Wanderer. Plant with a Pink Bower Vine nearby so the growing tendrils may mingle. This will extend the blooming season and carry you easily into October.

The Hellebore is an evergreen perennial that all shade gardeners should grow. This distinctive, long-lived plant blooms winter through spring and sometimes longer.

Hellebores are appreciated for their attractive foliage. Each leaf consists of a long leafstalk ending in large, leathery leaflets grouped together, almost looking like a five-finger fern. Some leaflets are sooth and other toothed. Stems produce flowers the second year and then die to the ground as new ones replace them. Flowers are cupor bell-shaped, some outward facing and others drooping; they consist of a ring of petals ranging in color from white and green through pink, reds and deep maroons. The flowers persist beyond the blooming periods as they gradually turn

green. Blooms are great as cut flowers. Plant in well-drained soils amended with plenty of organic fir bark soil conditioner and mulch or peat moss.

Hellebores can tolerate only

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

moderate amounts of acid in their soil, so they’re better with slightly alkaline soils.

Hellebores need only to be fed a couple times a year. After bloom in April and again in October, use an organic-based, all-purpose fertilizer. Look for ingredients such as sulfur, zinc,

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iron and manganese. This type of feeding is great for several typical gardens plants, such as the Potato Bush, Spirea and Abutilon. The Hellebore family is worthy of your time to find some. Look for Corsican Hellebore with its pale green flowers, standing 2-3 feet tall and wide, and Helleborus Royal Heritage Strain, with its superior form, leaves and colors ranging from almost white to nearly black. Ballard’s Strain is less commercial and diverse with color; this variety is for the collector.

The anticipation of spring and the beauty to come is so exciting. Look around for the signs of spring. Notice the early blooms, as they demand your attention.

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February 11, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 19

Outdoors this Winter

Destination: Salt Lake City, Utah For a ski trip of this magnitude, it took careful planning, a bit of dough, a lot of gear and a few of the usual suspects to pull it off. The stage was set and the plan was put into motion as we (Dan: an aspiring ski bum from Lake Tahoe, Sheldon: a “time-management” speaker/motivator, Grant: a lost and found attendant, and myself) embarked on a journey that could only be matched by those who were willing to sacrifice their everyday jobs for some “mountain time”!

You’ve heard the rumors, but I am here to tell you the

DEMOISY PEAK

truth about Utah. Yes, the drinking laws are weird and parts of the town do seem to shut down on Sundays, but if you stand in the center of Salt Lake City, the outstanding views of the Wasatch Range are perfect evidence as to why so many people make this their home.

Our mission for this trip was to ski four different resorts in four days, find some out of the way places, hang with the locals and still have enough cash left over for a few dinners and some nightlife.

Day #1 was spent at Park

AT THE LITTLE KNOWN

SNOWBASIN SKI RESORT

City Ski Area, which has wide open ski terrain, plenty of lifts and not many crowds. As a bonus, Park City itself is no doubt one of the coolest ski towns anywhere with roots dating back to the mining days with a bit of history spread around town to prove it. With the Sundance Film Festival winding down, the streets were filled with celebrities and a buzz in the air that lured us in for a few drinks and a fantastic dinner. I suggest O’Shucks Pub and Grill for a few cold one’s with tables located right on the main street for plenty of

photo by Kevin Parker

NEAR

OGDEN

KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN local viewing.

Day #2 led us one hour outside of Salt Lake City towards Ogden to an unknown ski resort called Snowbasin.

Based on my experience of traveling around the country to feed my ski addiction, this resort is easily in my Top 5 of all time. Owned by Sun Valley and the official resort of the men’s downhill for the 2002 Olympics, the crowds are nonexistent, the terrain is wide open and scenic, and the facilities are off the charts. I’m not kidding; picture the RitzCarlton in the form of a ski resort, then step into any lodge at Snowbasin and you’ll see what I mean. It’s been said, that from the top of Allen’s Peak, you can see four states.

How’s that for a panoramic view? Visit the “Shooting Star Saloon” located in nearby Huntsville for a taste of the local scene. Don’t forget to B.Y.O.C.H. (bring your own cowboy hat).

Day #3 unfolded with a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Solitude Ski Area, located 12 miles outside of Salt

Lake City. This resort is one of the lesser known areas, but not to miss if you like small crowds, lots of off-piste skiing and the ability to hike Fantasy Ridge, which provides enough backcountry terrain to keep those “face shots” coming all day long. Don’t forget to visit the “Thirsty Squirrel” located at the base of the mountain for a few drinks and a lot of smiles after a day of riding. Solitude has plans for a new day lodge and high speed quad for the 2005/2006 season, which stands behind their slogan, “If you only knew”.

Day #4 was the climax of our trip and in this case we saved the best for last. Alta ski Resort could very well be a synonym for “steep and deep” if you consult your Roget’s Thesaurus. Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, this “skiers only” resort is a hardcore mountain, where the chairs are slow, but the snow is deep, real deep. With an average snowfall of 500 inches per year, you’d better bring your powder straps, because a lost ski could mean you’ll have to wait for spring’s thaw to find it again. Old style lodges and cheap lift tickets make this the chosen resort among those who are in the know. Check out “High Rustler” if you make it to Alta and get ready for some of the best turns of your life.

Other recommendations if you find yourself in Salt Lake City include: The Blue Iguana for fabulous Mexican food, Redrock Brewery for good beer and Market Street for fresh seafood which is flown in everyday.

Also check out Galyan’s Sporting Goods in the Gateway Mall (the mother of all sports shops).

“Look Who’s Selling Clayton!”

photo by Kevin Parker

SNOW FROSTED TREES on Needles Peak, Snowbasin.

Trailheads: Park City, Snowbasin, Alta and Solitude Ski Areas z Travel Time: 2.0 hours (by plane) z Vertical Feet: 73,200 vertical feet skied in 4 days (and my body still hurts) z Powder Factor: The Greatest Snow on Earth z Lodging: Crystal Inn – Murray, Utah (good access point to all resorts) z Trip Tip: Get cheap lift tickets @ Canyon Sports in SLC

For more information, see the following links: z Park City Mountain Resort: www.pcski.com/winter/ z Snowbasin: www.snowbasin.com z Solitude Mountain Resort: www.skisolitude.com z Alta Ski Area: www.alta.com Enjoy the winter!

Send comments to Kevin at kaypee@sbcglobal.net

visit us online at

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5830 Del Trigo Lane

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$565,000

5418 Paso Del Rio Ct.

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$612,000

182 Mt. Wilson Way

Clayton

$751,000

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

4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 2135 sq.ft.

Spacious formal living & dining room, large family room w/brick fireplace, wilsonart hardwood flrs, ceiling fan, wet bar & Anderson slider! Updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters, oak cabinets, built in microwave/convection oven, dishwasher, garden window & built in desk. Tile entry, central heat/air, gorgeous landscaped backyard w/redwood deck.

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 hardwoood 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!

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$610,000

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Clayton

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Page 20

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

February 11, 2005

When you u call Lynne French, be su ure to requ uest a free cop py of her special rep port “Home Buyers: How to Avoid Paying Too Mu uch.” This valu uable information can save you u preciou us time and money as you u prep pare to make you ur move.

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Walnut Creek, CA 94596

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EAGLE PEAK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

WINDMILL CANYON AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

Decorator Showplace "Lassen" model! on a prime view lot overlooking hills, city & valley below. Upgraded to perfection featuring 13" tile floors, custom & designer window coverings & paint. Upgraded light fixtures. Dramatic separate formal dining room features soaring ceiling, plantation shutters, custom window coverings & tile floor.

Large family room with granite dry bar, upgraded brick fireplace with raised hearth.

Gourmet kitchen boasts commercial grade stainless steel "Thermador" 48-inch gas range with 6-burners & grill, solid slab bull-nosed granite counters & island, full tumbled marble backsplash, cherry-wood cabinets, large pantry & eating area with upgraded light fixture. Luxurious master suite offers a romantic two-way tile fireplace, sitting area with sweeping views. Master bath boasts a relaxing jetted tub, large separate stall shower & huge walk-in closet. Private level view lot overlooks spectacular view of oak dotted hills, valley & city below. Gorgeous in-ground "Pebble Tech" swimming pool with waterfall features. Professionally landscaped with aggregate patio & with meandering aggregate stepping path, lawn area & an assortment of tropical plantings. $1,099,000

Just Listed!

Beautiful Large "Larson" model! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2,467sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage with extensive s t o r a g e .

Bedroom/den downstairs with closet. Upgraded 13" tile floors in entry & upstairs baths. Gleaming hardwood floors in kitchen, family room, hallway & downstairs bath. Upgraded thick baseboards & crown moulding downstairs. Wood blinds throughout. Gourmet kitchen with tile counters & island, lighted ceiling fan, hardwood floors & bay window eating nook with upgraded light fixture. Family room features hardwood floors, tile wet bar & tile fireplace. Spacious master suite with sitting area. Private rear yard with trellis covered brick trimmed aggregate patio, large lawn area, moss rock hardscape & lots of vibrant flowers. $765,000

Sensational & Rare Single G DIN S t o r y N E P "Bainbridge" model! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 3,030 sf, inside laundry & 3 garage.

Upgraded tile floors, crown moulding, designer paint & wall treatments. Open flowing floor plan. Enormous formal living room with fireplace. Separate elegant formal dining room featuring coffered ceiling, crown moulding & chair rail. Spacious family room features dramatic granite tile fireplace with custom hand carved mantle. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters & center island plus a built-in recipe desk. Large & luxurious master suite with huge walk-in closet, tile stall shower & oversized tub. Large (approx. .45acre) lot with professional landscape featuring trellis covered patio, sprawling lawn & a variety of flowers & ornamentals. Nestled in a private quiet court!

REGENCY MEADOWS

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KINGS RIDGE ESTATES, CONCORD

Mediteranean G Beauty! on a DIN N quiet court with E P Mt. Diablo views!

5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx.

2,857sf, 3 car garage & inside l a u n d r y .

Downstairs bedroom/ den with closet. Living room with upgraded marble tile fireplace.

Formal dining room with Mt. Diablo views. Huge family room with upgraded brick fireplace with raised hearth, built-in wood storage & walk-around full bar.

Large eat-in kitchen features tile counters & island, sunny atrium style kitchen window, big pantry & new flooring. Spacious master suite with romantic fireplace & filtered Mt. Diablo views. Large level lot with sparkling in-ground pool with waterfall feature, Mt. Diablo views, extended aggregate patio wraps around pool, large lawn & play area, a variety of flowers & ornamentals, gated side yard/dog run.

Absolutely G F a b u l o u s DIN N "Serenade" E P model! with e x t e n s i v e upgrades inside & out! 3 bedrooms + loft, 3 baths, approx.

2,894sf, , inside laundry, 3 car garage & 2 fireplaces. Upgraded lighting package, window fluting/trim/baseboards, window coverings, central-vac, designer paint, marble, granite & hardwood floors throughout! Gourmet kitchen features granite counters, island, full backsplash, dual skylights, under cabinet lighting, maple cabinets & huge pantry. Huge family room with custom built-in entertainment center & additional book-case, upgraded rock fireplace & built-in speakers.

Enormous master suite offers a romantic marble tile fireplace & balcony.

Gorgeous bath featuring extensive use of granite & marble. Private yard with extensive slate hardscape featuring fantastic in-ground pool with slate surround & backdrop with waterfall feature & built-in raised spa, various lawn areas, deck & an assortment of trees, flowers & ornamentals. $969,000

Magnificent One of a kind G DIN Estate! in a N E P private gated court. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx.

5,500sf of living space + 1,216sf of finished wine cellar & professional 3-stall shooting range. Grand entry & foyer. Den offers a full bar & rock fireplace. Huge living room with marble fireplace. Elegant formal dining room. Unbelievable gourmet kitchen features an octagonal island, tile counters, hardwood floors, solid oak cabinets, huge pantry & separate breakfast room. Huge family room features a massive brick fireplace & 60" big screen, components & surround sound. Master wing features a balcony offering unobstructed views of Mt. Diablo & rolling hills, separate octagonal sitting room with wet bar & marble fireplace. Luxurious master bath boasts marble floors, jetted tub, huge two person shower, large walk-in closet & private commode with bidet. Totally private (approx.) half acre lot offers extensive hardscape, gazebo, enormous tiled patio, huge spa & towering redwoods. 3 car garage + extensive recreational vehicle parking. A must see to appreciate/believe.

$795,000

$1,095,000

$1,695,000