MAY 06 Clayton Pioneer 2005

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

May 6, 2005

925.672.0500

Art and Wine was mighty fine and truly divine Despite the threatening weather conditions in the beginning of the week, Art and Wine came to the streets of Clayton last weekend with its own special blend of art, wine, food, entertainment and of course, people.

Neighbors and family members greeted one another while others shopped til’ they dropped. Still others came just to relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy the food and music.

By Saturday afternoon, the streets were overflowing with people. At press time, the Clayton Business and Community Association, organizers of the event, expected to entertain some 10,000 people at this year’s 10th annual event and raise about $100,000.

This year the crowds grew

and so did the festival, with vendors and food booths spilling over from Main Street onto Marsh Creek Road and Clayton Road. Black Diamond Brewing made its debut at this year’s event joining close to 170 other vendors who brought something for everyone from purses, puzzles and pottery to hitch covers, hanging pots and handmade clothing.

“The weather is just right,” says Clayton resident Dick Vargas. “This is a wonderful event.”

Families came out in force to enjoy the festivities like the Gensbergers from Concord. We caught up with the family of seven as they arrived at the festival. “This is our second time

See More Art, page 4

Tammy Cerruti is Queen for a Day ART

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

AND

WINE CO-CHAIRS Howard Geller, Debbie Mullins and Joe Medrano, and advisor Don Fitzgerald lift a glass to another great Festival.

Council makes some progress on business license tax changes

GREGG MANNING

MAYOR’S CORNER

The City Council moved forward on the city’s Business License issue at its April 19 meeting. This meeting had been delayed so that Pete Laurence and Bill Walcutt who had recused themselves because of their ties to the Realtor Association could seek advice from the state Fair Political

Practices Commission. Pete received a positive ruling from the FPPC which allowed him to vote on the issue. Based on the information in Pete’s ruling, the city’s legal counsel also cleared Bill to vote.

With the entire Council involved in the matter, we moved ahead. The council took additional testimony from a number of individuals. I want to thank all of the people who have taken the time to write the council, speak at the sessions or

just show their interest by attending the council session.

All input is helpful. Some of the issues raised will be incorporated in the final ordinance.

We have it on the record that some of the information on the anti-license Web site was hyperbole. However these obvious and intentional exaggerations did get people thinking. We had information presented that, although incorrect, allowed us to correct the matter on the

See Mayor, page 7

West Nile to hit N. Cal. hard this year TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Northern California is expected to be the epicenter of West Nile Virus activity this year, says Craig Downs, Director of the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (CCMVCD.) So far, only three birds have

reportedly died of the disease in Contra Costa County this year.

All three birds died in February and there have been no dead birds reported since then.

Despite this low number, Downs warns that virus activity will increase dramatically when the weather warms up.

Last year was the first time that Contra Costa County saw

any cases of West Nile virus.

“The first year a virus is introduced is usually a mild one. The second year usually sees much more human infection. If this pattern holds, Northern California will be the epicenter of the virus in the whole country. We could literally see birds drop from the sky by the dozens.”

The virus is spread by mosquitoes. Birds, horses and humans are all susceptible to infection through mosquito bites. However, most people who contract the virus will have few or no symptoms and will recover completely. Only about one in 150 people who contract

See Virus, page 6

Suzuki method teaches music naturally JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer Front left: Ethan Vargas, Casey Smith, Tori Vargas. Back left: Lynnsae VanLiew, Sarah Reiser, Kate Rogan and Mario Vargas

Just about every Monday around 5 p.m. there’s music in the air at Walnut Creek’s Unitarian Church. It’s an engaging and soothing sound drawing you closer to find the source.

And the source, a talented group of young musicians known as the Contra Costa Suzuki Strings, will amaze you.

They range in age from about 4 to 16 years of age. “It’s more like a family” describes the group’s founder Laurie Carlson

of Clayton. “She’ll be next,” she says as she points to a newborn being held by a mom who was watching her daughter at the Monday rehearsal.

Carlson who co-directs the group with Kris Olson says the group has been evolving for some time. She has taught violin for some 22 years and is excited about the newly formed Contra Costa Suzuki Strings group. A total of 44 students comprise the group and they come from all parts of the county to participate. “There are no auditions,”

See Strings, page 7

PIONEER’S QUEEN FOR

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

A

DAY, Tammy Cerruti and daughter

Kimberly who wrote the winning essay. Turn to page 6 to read the winning essays and excerpts from the other entries.

TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

They work, raise the kids, feed the bunnies, walk the dog, cook “kid friendly” dinners, help with homework, do the laundry, serve as room mothers, get to every game and cheer their hearts out, tile the bathroom floor, go on field trips, volunteer in the school, coach soccer teams, shop, laugh, tell jokes and ride skateboards.

These are the moms of Clayton, and they truly are an awesome bunch.

Our contest was a tight race.

We read and re-read the 12 essays submitted. Finally, we were able to narrow it down to two. But that was as far as we could go. It was a tie and we were deadlocked. Press time was rolling towards us and we still had to notify the winner, pick up the flowers and get the photo. So, we asked for outside help.

We took the final two essays next door to Lynne French’s

“SECOND FIRST PLACE” essay was written by Casey Leedom, right, with her mom Marilyn and brother Jimmy. office and asked the staff there to break the tie. It was tough going for them as well, but they were able to come back with the winner.

We are proud and humbled to name Tammy Cerruti the Pioneer’s “Queen for a Day” in our first Mother’s Day Essay Contest. Written by Kimberly Cerruti, age 12, the winning

See Queen, page 6

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 6, 2005

Around Town “Uh, oh,” trembled David.“It’s Goliath.”

Sam and Balwinder Sandhu welcome first grandchild Clayton’s popC l a y t o n ulation swelled by Valley High one when, on School and March 5, Udaiveer UC Davis, Minhas made his where she grand entrance at majored in John Muir statistics.

Hospital. “Udai” Robin Minhas is the son of holds a docAman and Robin torate in medUDAIVEER MINHAS Minhas of Clayton, icine from a and the grandson of proud medical school in India and is grandparents, Sam and presently pursuing his medical Balwinder Sandhu, owners of licensure in the United States. the Village Market in downtown Robin is the son of Col. Hari Clayton.

Singh and Kulwant K. Minhas Aman is a graduate of of India.

When you’re the publishing equivalent of David, and one day you look up and see Goliath in your front yard, what do you do?

Well, quaking in our boots and leaving the slingshot and stones on the front desk, we grabbed our cameras and notebooks and headed out to cover the story. After all, we’re a newspaper and that’s what we do.

The day was Wednesday, April 20 and the Goliath was the Contra Costa Times, in town to photograph Clayton’s hotspots and hotshots for their series “Where We Live: 24 hours in Clayton.”

Starting with above photo and moving clockwise: We caught up with reporters Tanya Rose and Ashley Surdin around 5 p.m. as they headed for some dinner at Ed’s. We left them alone to eat, and circled back to Endeavor Hall where we snuck up on the Times photographer setting up her portrait of fifth generation Claytonian, Janet Easton. We quickly snapped our shot and got out of there while the gettin’ was good.

Our next stop was the the Clayton Club where Times photographer Nader Khouri was learning all about the Iron Warriors from Clayton Club owner Darrell Young.

Then it was over to the Clayton Community Church parking lot where Tanya Rose had ambushed some unsuspecting car show spectators.

By this time, the day was almost over and we had just enough light left for one more shot. “Awww, come on, Ashley, you can run but you can’t hide.”

Despite our initial fears, it turns out Goliath just wasn’t all that.

Now, we think we did a pretty good job covering the Times covering Clayton. What do you think?

Bob and Alice Jordan celebrate 50th Bob and Alice Jordan, Clayton residents for 42 years celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a dinner party at the Northern Queen Inn in Nevada City with family and friends .

The couple brought several mementos to the party including a crystal platter that was handed down from Alice’s grandparents and 50 champagne glasses which Bob gave to Alice to celebrate each year of their marriage. The party continued the next day in Rough and Ready to hear the Fruitjar Pickers.

The couple met at the University of California, Los Angeles during Greek week exchange where as Bob states, “fate placed them at the same fraternity house.”

The Jordans have three children; Steve who lives in Concord with his wife Carol and four sons, Dan, Tyler, Eric and Russ; Jill Glowniak lives in Alamo with her husband, Jim and two daughters, Grace and Claire, and Mike who lives in Minnesota BOB AND ALICE JORDAN

ding

pen

Diablo Village - This spacious single story has a large open and airy floor plan with designer paint throughout, wood blinds, tile entry and a fireplace with custom mantel. Outside you will find a private $699,980 lot with views of Mt. Diablo.

Regency Woods - Spacious single story with 5 bedrooms 2.5 baths on a cul de sac with beautiful back yards views of the surrounding area. Inside you will find an updated kitchen with granite counters and garden window. $825,000

Coming Soon - Charming doll house with huge landscaped yard. 2 bedrooms, a sparkling bathroom, an updated kitchen with gas stove & tiled floors.

Light and bright with lots of windows.

Regency Meadows - This Mediterranean style home with over 2,390 sq ft of living space has 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths and a Florida room. With beautiful Mt. Diablo views!

Dana Hills - Court location this single story home has 4 bedroom 2 ½ baths with almost 2,700 sq ft of living space. Outside enjoy the wonderful views of Mt Diablo, spa and large private yard.

$825,000

$859,980

$439,980

Regency Woods - ½ acre lot beautifully landscaped that backs up to open space. This court located home has wonderful views of Mt. Diablo. Updated throughout this 4 bedrooms 2 ½ baths has dual pain windows and Pergo flooring.

$779,980

ding

pen

Clayton Border in sought after area. This tri-level home is light & airy, has 4 large bedrooms and 3 full baths. Enjoy the great views of the surrounding rolling hills.

$725,000

Lime Ridge, Concord - Beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with all Walnut Creek schools.

New roof, updated kitchen, dual pane windows & furnace/ a/c. Gorgeous backyard.

$749,980

COMING SOON! Kirkwood Area - Great 3 bed + loft & 2.5 bath home w/pool $649,980 Dana Estates - Quiet cul de sac location.

Updated 3 bed., 2 bath home $549,980 Clayton/Concord Border - Updated 3bed/2 bath on nearly half acre $599,980 Springwood - 3 bed/2bath w/upgrades $599,980 Jeffrey Ranch - 4 bed/2 bath pool and spa $729,980 Easley Estates - Spectacular 4 bed., 2 bath home w/ huge yard $699,980 Eagle Peak - Sought after area. 5 bed/ 3.5 bath home w/Superb Views $1,125,000

May 6, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 3

Around Town Troop 137 helps to clean up Clayton Despite the threatening rain clouds 75 Claytonians, along with cub scouts, boy scouts, girl scouts and Clayton Garden Club members, showed up in force to the Annual Spring Clayton Cleans Up on Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Over 120 bags of trimmings and debris were picked up from the city's trails, walkways and open spaces, weighing in at 2500 lbs. In addition girl scouts from Troop 137 cleared

Jim and Dee Wilent celebrate 50 years together

GIRL SCOUT TROOP 137 Cleaned a new foot path near the creek during Clayton Cleans Up.

Hollywood Hats headlines at Woman’s Club Gloria Heidi, movie and fashion historian and protégé to the famous film costume designer Edith Head entertained the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club last week with her one-woman show “Hollywood Hats.” Featuring hats worn by famous movie

ESCORT DAVE ADAMS

stars like Rita Hayworth, Greta Garbo, Claudette Colbert and Gloria Swanson, Heidi takes her audience through the changing image and lives of women from the 1920’s to the present. Club members came to the presentation wearing their favorite hat creating a colorful audience backdrop to Heidi’s performance. The Woman’s club meets monthly at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Concord.

CVWC

MEMBER

AND

Dozens of gift baskets were raffled off to excited guests and “The Hot Flashers” of Rossmoor provided the entertainment.

Club members served as models and displayed a variety of casual and evening ware. Event chairs were Sharon Hupp and Lena Kolle.

DEE WILENT

Clayton residents Al and Dee Wilent recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends at their home. They met at Kent State University in Ohio and have three children; Steve Wilent in Oregon, Julie Simpson in

ALICE JORDAN

photos by Jill Bedecarre/Clayton Pioneer SHIRLEY

AND HIS WIFE AND MODEL

Friends, fashions and fabulous food was the perfect recipe for a successful spring luncheon and fashion show on April 23 hosted by the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club.The theme was “April in Paris” with fashions from Talbots of Walnut Creek.

JIM

GLORIA HEIDI

CVWC shows a flare for fashion

weeds, installed a new footpath to a creekside presentation area near the library and provided information on recycling and reuse in Clayton. All participants were treated to a BBQ lunch afterwards at city hall hosted by the Clayton Pioneer.

The weather held for the event with the first drops starting about 30 minutes after the work and BBQ was over. Clayton Cleans Up is coordinated by the Clayton Community Services Commission and sponsored by Pleasant Hill Bayshore Disposal.

Victorville, California and Jim Wilent of Clayton. They also have four grandchildren, Melissa and Jameson Wilent and Amberly and Ashley Simpson.

Al attributes his long married life with Dee to “another one of the Lord’s miracles.”

MODEL AND CVWC SASHA DAWSON

THE HOT FLASHERS, Rossmoor Rhythm Revue entertained guests at the fashion show with lively tap numbers and flashy costumes.

CLUB MEMBER

georgevujnovich.com

Trust your home to

Mortgage Market Update

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

Conforming $359,650 or less (no points)

Jumbo $359,651 and up (no points)

30 year, fixed for 3 . . . .5.0% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . .5.125% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . .5.5% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . .5.625% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.25% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.875%

30 year, fixed for 3 . . . .5.125% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . .5.25% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . .5.75% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.375% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.0%

6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517

Tel: (925) 672-44433

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

PRICE

SALE DATE

SF

5915 Wallace Drive 1034 Pebble Beach Drive 121 Oak Court 206 Round House Place 1160 Moccasin Court 1945 Eagle Peak Ave. 5153 Keller Ridge Drive 714 Anizumne Court 408 Wawona Lane 5197 Keller Ridge Drive 410 Mt. Sequoia Court

$800,000 $1,350,000 $1,800,000 $615,000 $699,950 $512,000 $780,000 $651,000 $1,110,000 $950,000 $825,000

04/25/05 04/21/05 04/21/05 04/21/05 04/19/05 04/15/05 04/15/05 04/12/05 04/08/05 04/08/05 04/06/05

2,095 4,100 5,455 1,939 1,911 1,252 2,467 1,991 2,951 2,843 2,261

BED/BATH

3/3 5/3.5 3/4.5 3/2.5 4/2.5 2/2.5 4/3 3/2.5 4/2.5 4/3 4/2

ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

SF

901 Deer Place 2595 Morgan Territory 1372 Yosemite Circle 1370 Lydia Lane 921 Arrowhead Terrace 138 Inverness Way 5022 Raven Way 122 Gold Rush Court 1234 Buckeye Terrace 8020 Kelok Way 432 Mt. Sequoia Ct

$846,000 $705,000 $770,000 $670,000 $651,000 $1,010,000 $792,000 $685,000 $640,000 $898,000 $805,000

04/06/05 04/05/05 04/05/05 04/01/05 03/31/05 03/25/05 03/24/05 03/22/05 03/22/05 03/18/05 03/16/05

2,237 1,768 1,695 1,386 1,939 3,030 2,467 1,889 1,639 2,542 2,325

BED/BATH

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

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

SF

148 Joscolo View 14 London Court 39 Jalalon Place 1363 Shell Lane 1371 Shell Lane 43 La Canada Court 1539 N. Atchison Stge Rd 4141 Leon Drive 51 Karkin Place 335 Mt. Washington Way 5225 Keller Ridge Drive

$799,988 $715,000 $630,000 $530,000 $520,000 $825,000 $810,000 $1,500,000 $605,000 $750,000 $969,000

03/11/05 03/08/05 03/08/05 03/04/05 03/01/05 02/24/05 02/16/05 02/14/05 02/11/05 02/10/05 02/08/05

2,467 2,324 1,749 1,355 1,355 2,857 2,300 3,365 1,904 1,919 2,894

All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

BED/BATH

4/3 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 5/3 4/2.5 3/3.5 3/2.5 4/2 3/3

Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 6, 2005

Around Town CBCA Garden Girl takes her green thumb to Diamond Terrace rockers rock for sunshine With the Art and Wine Festival only two days away and one “iffy” weather report after another coming in, it was time to take some serious action.

Art and Wine Co-chair Debbie Mullins pulled a few good friends together to “boogie for sun” in this year’s “Sunshine Dance” at the last CBCA meeting before the Festival on April 28.

All were sure the flourescent hair would chase the clouds away, even if the music didn’t.

Jill Bedecarre/ Clayton Pioneer

Terrace about the basics of gardening.

Each resident received a potted plant and some personalized instruction from Nicole.

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

THE GENSBERGERS (above left) made it a day for family while the miniature train toted kids and grownups all day long.

From page 1 here”, says mom ,Tiffany. “It’s great stuff for the whole family,” she added.

“The event seems much bigger,” says CBCA Art and Wine advisor, Don Fitzgerald. Even Kiddieland grew with more jumps and games then the year before. Rock climbing was still a favorite and the miniature train

GARDEN GIRL , NICOLE HACKETT shows off her gardening style at Diamond Terrace.

Nicole Hackett of R and M Pool Patio and Garden and the Clayton Pioneer’s very own “Garden Girl” recently took time from her busy schedule to educate residents of Diamond

More Art and Wine

gave rides to families, non-stop all weekend. The Food Court also grew featuring a variety of cuisines from Chinese and Thai food to good old-fashioned hotdogs and burgers.

The Art and Wine Festival is the major annual fundraiser for the CBCA with proceeds from the event going back into the community and to CBCA’s local

Thomas Lopez turns 101

MAYOR GREGG MANNING plays for sunshine.

Clayton resident Thomas Lopez turned 101 years old on April 13. He celebrated his birthday on April 16 with immediate family and some good friends. Lopez was born in Lubrin, Spain and came to the United States when he was 16. He lived and worked in several states, finally settling in Pittsburg with his wife, Mary. There, they raised their only child, Isabel. Lopez worked in the steel mill in Pittsburg for over 37 years.

After his wife died in 1989, Lopez came to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Isabel and Neil Henoch in Clayton, where he still spends time every day in his garden.

Lopez has three granddaughters, six great grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters.

Tiger Cubs take field trip to the Pioneer The Tiger Cubs, Den 7, recently visited the Clayton Pioneer to learn about newspaper production. They are all first grade students at Sequoia Elementary School in Pleasant Hill. From left: Raymond Muhlenkamp, Sam Behrens, Tristen Knoflick, Adam Mercer, Houston Hart, Evan Hart. Their den leaders are Susana Hart and Mary Muhlenkamp.

TIGER CUBS, DEN 7 visit the Pioneer and learn newspaper basics.

charities.

The CBCA was formed in 1984 as the Clayton Business and Professional Association and later changed its name in an effort to include everyone in the community who wanted to serve. The CBCA meets the last Thursday of the month. For more information on CBCA call 672-2272.

THOMAS LOPEZ

i s e o V J an Fleet-B e h T ronson Team At Intero, we begin and end each day with one goal: to provide our clients with the finest customer service available in real estate. Every Intero real estate professional is guided by principles of trust, respect and integrity.

Concord/Clayton Independently owned and operated

Featured Property DARLING HOME IN CLAYTON VALLEY HIGHLANDS!

Josie Van Fleet-Bronson (formerly of RE/MAX)

Specializing in

Central and East Contra Costa County residential and investment real estate since 1989 Loans/Refinancing Property Management

This special home is located in a wonderful family neighborhood. Home features include: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room and a spacious family room that was added on with permits. The kitchen and dining area flooring has been upgraded as well. Other features include: French style doors, dual pane windows, skylight in kitchen, a brick fireplace in the living room, and a pellet stove in the family room. The front yard is nicely landscaped and the spacious backyard and lawn area has plenty of room for garden, play structure, etc. The washer and dryer are included in the sale of this very special home.

Offered for: $574,000 A MUST SEE TO BELIEVE!

Listed on the 2003/2004 Better Business Honor Roll Ranked #56 worldwide of 90,000 RE/MAX Realtors, 2003 Listed in the 2004 Heritage Registry of Who’s Who Member of the Concord Chamber of Commerce Member of Oakhurst Country Club

1536 Kirker Pass Road, Suite D Clayton, CA 94517 925-672-4333

Gorgeous Home adjacent to Lime Ridge! This Beautiful split level home features: 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, 3,000 square feet, not including the three car garage being used as a deluxe, fully equipped gym and billiards room. Sit back and relax in this $200,000 state of the art home theatre with 10 foot (horizontal) screen, sound and image quality well beyond THX standards. A must see to believe! Other features include: Formal living and dining rooms, separate family room, wet bar, two way stone fireplace, track & custom lighting, bright sunny kitchen with breakfast nook, $50,000 in flooring (Wilson Art Flooring) and carpet upgrades, marble front entry, privacy windows, beautiful private landscaped back yard with BBQ, gazebo and hot tub for 6. All of the theatre equipment, gym and billiard equipment as well as the appliances are included in the sale of this one of a kind home!

Offered for: $999,000

Concord/Clayton

Independently owned and operated

SALE ING PEND

www.callthevanfleetteam.com Sale P ending 19 Fairway Court - Sold in 4 Days 3319 Longview Road - Sold in 9 Days 312 Malicoat Avenue - Sold in 7 Days 337 Persimmon Drive - Sold in 8 Days 2601 Sinclair Avenue - Sold in 11 Days

BEAUTIFUL CLAYTON HOME IN DESIRABLE JEFFREY RANCH! S! DAY 6 This tri level, 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ bath home has 2,210 sq feet of living space and over a ¼ acre lot.

N I LD SOfeatures Other include; a spacious landscaped back yard with sparkling pool (resurfaced), new pool deck, redwood decking, over $105,000 in recent upgrades including: remodeled kitchen with granite counter tops, new dual pane windows, gutters, lighting and front door, formal living room, dining room, family room with fireplace, master bedroom suite, master bath with double vanity, located in Offered for: $849,950 a quiet court and wonderful family neighborhood

Coming S oon P roperties 2009 Stewart Avenue - Sold in 9 Days 4714 Russo Court - Sold in 6 Days 25 Sunnyhill Way - Sold in 5 Days 5455 Kirkwood Drive - Didn't even make it

on MLS!

1579 Allegro Avenue 5450 Concord Blvd 121 S. Lake Drive 8 Clark Creek Circle 2814 Winding Lane

1320 Jewett Avenue 1070 Discovery Way 3909 Bellwood Drive 3984 Cottonwood Drive 2111 Fuente Court

3732 Heritage Drive 5517 Nebraska Drive 4541 Tuolumne Way 1836 Vine Lane 494 Madrone Place

May 6, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 5

Letters to the Editor

Directory of Advertisers

Supporters speak out in defense of proposed Bocce Center Dear Editor: Considerable emotion has surfaced over the plan to construct bocce courts near city hall.

In your April 22 edition, Mike Dwyer spoke of his concerns. While all those residents who have opinions about the possible new bocce courts should certainly be heard, it does not serve either side of the controversy to misstate the facts as Mr. Dwyer has done.

Mr. Dwyer begins by offering his opinion that those that are for the bocce courts are a special interest group, as if this was a bad thing. Of course, the pro bocce court group is a special interest group just like the Sierra club is a special interest group.

As for receiving special treatment, he offers no evidence of this.

He goes on to ask why the city is “giving three-quarters of an acre of valuable property (your property) over to a single use”. I agree this sort of thing has been going on for some time.

Municipalities have set land aside for parks (for kids who like to play), trails (for people who like to walk) and libraries (for people who want to read) whether all the residents choose to use them or not. Special interest groups promoted all of these projects.

Further, Mr. Dwyer states that there would be as many as “200 people every night, Monday through Friday from six p.m. to nine p.m.”. First, I never heard of plans to play every night of the week.

And, from what I understand, the number of courts has yet to be determined. If there were eight courts, for example, and an average of 13 people per court (6.5 persons per team), that would come to 104 people if all courts were in use.

Since most of the players are couples there could be 52 cars.

However, some of the players like my wife and I, will choose to walk to the courts, which further reduces the need for parking.

Then, he speaks of nightlights. Since bocce is a summer sport, it would be rare that lights would ever be needed as play usually winds up around eight or

eight-thirty. Even so, I heard Howard Geller, representing the Clayton Bocce Federation at the Planning Commission meeting, say that the type of lights to be installed would not project beyond the courts. As for alcohol for sale – there is no plan to sell alcohol.

The loudspeaker system, I understand, would only be used during play-offs at the end of the season and designed to not project over the entire neighborhood.

The parking issue is understandingly of special concern to homeowners who live on Cardinet and Wallace.

Assurances were given by Howard Geller that plenty of parking was available elsewhere.

These streets, in any event, would not be a convenient place for bocce players to park.

Finally, Mr. Dwyer states that, “This is about private use of public land”.

I don’t know how he concludes that bocce courts constitute private use. The public is welcome and I for one look forward to the opportunity to play bocce in Clayton. The bocce park would be a proud addition to our wonderful community.

By all means come to the Planning Commission meetings and hear the facts.

Gerald E. Kosel

TAMARA

AND

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

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor 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.

Classified FOR RENT

PRE-SCHOOL

Vacation! Timeshare for rent in Cabo, Mexico. One week accommodation for $1,000. Sleeps up to four, unit size- jr. suite. Website of resort: http://www.pueblobonitosunsetbeach.com/accom_jr.asp.

Anyone interested contact Kim, 925-672-0479 or kflori@yahoo.com.

Clayton Community School at Mt. Diablo Elementary, Rooms 38-41 is temporarily relocating to Diablo View Middle School from June 20 to Aug. 12 due to Measure C Reconstruction at Mt. Diablo Elementary. The school will resume on Sept. 7, 2005 at Mt. Diablo. Open registration for preschool now for the Sept. "New Beginnings" program Tues. Thurs. 3 plus years 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Mon., Wed., Fri., 4 plus years, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., motor skills, arts and crafts, science, music and basic academic skills.

K-5 childcare, licensed and professional staff provide a safe, caring, and active environment to meet childcare needs. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Mon. - Fri. 672-0388., JoAnn or Nancy. Summer cell phone number will be posted in Room 40.

Village Oaks Building, corner of Center St. and Marsh Creek Rd. in downtown Clayton. 4500 sq. ft. on the corner of the building and 1150 sq. ft. on the parking lot. Both spaces are on the ground floor. Will consider dividing the larger space.

Good possibilities would be a coffee shop/bakery, dry cleaners drop off or bank. Call Stephen Coates, Coates and Sowards, 408-3718770.

FOUND To the Editor: In response to Mike Dwyer’s April 22 letter . . .. As far as the parking is concerned, Newhall Park has 84 parking spaces that are used by bocce players, dog and trail walkers, soccer players, spectators and picnickers. These 84 parking spaces have been more than enough to accommodate all of the users of that area of the park. The library/city hall lot in Clayton contains approximately 96 parking spaces, which would provide ample parking for library users and bocce players.

There would be no reason for bocce players to park in the Cardinet/Wallace area and lug coolers up the steps to the courts, when they can park closer.

Cecilia Hartley

A Clayton Window Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-1049 Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 American Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-4800 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6622 Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792 Benton, Mureleen - American Express . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 BJ's Groom & Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550-5626 CCR Insurance and Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6324 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Chameleon Consignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299-1994 City of Clayton Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7300 Clarissa Bridal Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .930-0214 Clark Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5890 Clayton Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Mind & Body Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clip n' Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-9355 Coldwell Banker - Helen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7375 Coldwell Banker - Stephanie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Concord Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9530 Crocker Insurance Agency - Sam Totah . . . . . . . . . . .941-1536 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . .524-5100 Elysium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1333 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 ESI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-1477 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Gregory, Cynthia - Permanent Solution . . . . . . . . . . .286-5162 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Hot Basil Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288-0000 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 Joanna's Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8911 LaMar Information Technology Services . . . . . . . . . . .459-5606 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Landman Consulting Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8817 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 Law Office of Richard Littorno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Lerner Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-1130 Mavericks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Morningside Horse Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3632 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . .280-8563 Mountain Mike's Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4965 Neptune Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Northgate Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-8711 Northshore Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .439-3333 Oakhurst Childcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-1000 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pasta Primavera Café & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-5300 Pavilion Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6868 Petar Guest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pro Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3776 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Sears Carpet Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0836 Sellers, Nicole - Diablo Funding . . . . . . . . . . . .227-0100 x 128 Skip's Happy Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9433 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 Sorenson - For Lease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .683-9262 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Truesdell, Lisa - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . .686-4747 Unique Hair & Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-7278 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Intero Real Estate Services . . . .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Velocity Sports Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363-0066 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . .672-4433 Walcutt, Bill - Prudential Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-5535 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Wine Thieves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4003 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . .775-3232 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700

Parakeet - vicinity of Eagle Peak and Keller Ridge. Call 6693-0047

HELP WANTED Oakhurst Country Club. Full time landscaper/maintenance worker (1), part time morning and evening restaurant servers (2), morning and evening banquet servers (2), morning fitness employee (1). Flexible hours and golf privileges. Fax resume to (925) 672-0148, or e-mail gm@oakhurstcc.com; or apply in person at 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

Substitute school crossing guard to fill in as needed, morning and afternoon. $11.83/hour. Must be over 18. Call Sgt. Shelly Crain at 673-7350.

HOW TO PLACE AN AD Go to our Web site, claytonpioneer.com. Click on the Classified Advertising tab on the left side of the page. Complete the form to submit your ad. Mail a check for the number of insertions to P.O. Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517.

Or, call the Clayton Pioneer, 925-672-0500 to place your ad over the phone.

Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word.

Classified deadline dates are printed above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color,

SERVICES Administrative and office organizational support by Jeanette and Robert - Wordprocessing; spreadsheets; database, website and file management; and software/hardware efficiency evaluation. Call or email for information at 925-825-7896 or JPASS75@JPASS75.CNC.NET. 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) GardenGirl94517@aol.com

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.

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

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters

for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion.

Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.”

E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com

Photos may not depict the typical home.

Step 1: Loosen Dirt

Step 2: Remove Dirt & Residue

Sears Two-Step Deep-Clean Process

Sears Specialized Air Duct Cleaning Before & After

America’s largest carpet manufacturer recommends the Two-Step Deep-Clean Process used by Sears over the one-step process offered by many other companies.

Two-step cleaning removes dirt, along with cleaning solution residue to leave carpets looking clean and feeling soft again.

The Sears source removal process uses powerful vacuum equipment and specialized tools to safely remove years of accumulated allergens, dirt and debris from your home’s heating and cooling air ducts.

Call Now 925-524-0836

www.searsclean.com

Valid on residential orders and single furnace homes only. Extra charge may apply for homes with furnaces that are not easily accessible. An area is defined as a room, hall, bath, landing or walk-in closet.

Combination areas and areas over 250 sq. ft. are considered as separate areas. Prices may vary for wool and oriental carpet. Carpet protector or deodorizer each available at added cost. Minimum order may apply.

Offer/service not available in all areas. Call for details. Not valid with other coupons or offers. Service performed by Sears associates or franchisees. Offer expires 6/30/2005. Void where prohibited. Sears cards are issued by Citibank USA, N.A.

Clean Three Areas $99 Sale Save $20 (reg price $119) Whole House Carpet Cleaning $199 Sale 6 Areas plus Hall Save $56 (reg price: $255) Air Duct Cleaning $249 Sale Up to 8 Vents Save $20 (reg price $269)

Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Queen, from page 1

Queen for a Day Winning essay

essay honors her mother with love, affection, admiration and humor. Read her essay to find out just how special this mother of three is.

“She’s incredible,” says Tammy referring to her daughter’s straight A status at Queen of All Saints and her willingness to help at home. Tammy loved her bouquet of flowers and looks forward to her massage, facial and afternoon tea.

We couldn’t leave it there. We had not anticipated a “runner up”. But, we still had this wonderful “second first place” essay written by Casey Leedom and we needed to do something fast.

So, the Pioneer will treat Marilyn Leedom and her family to a pizza dinner at Mountain Mike’s.

“I still have to read her essay,” says Marilyn. “ I remember coming home from work one day and went balllistic with all the things we had to do, but Casey said ‘we need to mail this letter.’ Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to all the fabulous moms of Clayton.

Here are excerpts from each of the essays entered.

“My mom can do many cool things such as painting, tile work, cooking, cleaning…the thing she does best is loving? My mom has given CPR and saved a life!” Aubrie Rose Avila, 10 “I believe my mom is the most talented, fun, cool and beautiful mom in the universe. I love my mom, and she will always be my Queen Mother.”

Kendall Clifton, 10 “My old mom died and then I came to my new house. Christy is my new mom’s name…I love my mom because she gives me hugs and kisses.” Carter

Munson-Ring, 6 “Our mom is the best mom in the world because she takes care of us and loves us. Our mom likes us for who we are inside.” Amy Harris, 8 and Andy Harris, 12.

“I feel so special and honored that I’m her daughter and I cherish her every day. I know she’ll always watch my back. I love my mom.” Emily Italiano, 13 “My mother deserves some special pampering for all she does for me and my family. I love her very much…even if she doesn’t win your contest, she’ll always be the Queen Mother in our home.” Carter P. Newton, 9 “Our family has gone through so much together, and not one of us questions the fact that we would all be lost if it were not for our mother.”

Hannah Newton, 15 “Mom reads to me almost every night since I was a baby (except when Dad does it.) She always reads me chapter books…All this reading has made me smarter and trigerred my desire to be an author…”

Kyle Roe “She also takes special time to just be with me. We go to the mall and she usually buys me something new even if I don’t need it. Sometimes I am down in the blues and she usually has something for me that will perk me up.” Sarah Rosen “When I am sad or discouraged, my mom is sure to cheer me up…my mom is unique in a special kind of way and it makes her different than all of the other moms in the world.”

Christine Senavsky, 11.

Virus, from page 1 the disease will develop serious complications. The elderly and anyone whose immune system is compromised (i.e. those who are ill or on chemotherapy) are especially vulnerable. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available. Horses are also vulnerable to the virus and about a third of the horses that develop symptoms will die. A vaccinefor horses is available through veterinarians and is strongly recommended by veterinary public health officials. Dogs and cats appear to be resistant to the virus unless they already have weakened immune systems due to another illness. Pet birds may also be susceptible and should be protected from mosquito bites.

To reduce the risk of contracting West Nile Virus, CCMVD is urging all residents to be aggressive in taking preventative measures.

Drain all sources of standing water around your house to pre-

vent mosquito breeding. “The best prevention is to not breed mosquitoes in the first place,” says Deborah Bass, Public Information Officer for CCMVCD. “We are urging residents to dump and drain water that collects in anything that can hold more than a couple of tablespoons of water such as boat covers, rain gutters, pots, flower saucers, containers on the side yard, etc. Residential sources are the number one source of mosquitoes in Contra Costa County.”

Downs advises anyone who finds a dead bird to report it by calling 877-WNV-BIRD (877968-2473). “We are emphasizing reporting dead birds,” said Downs. However, he cautions, not all birds will be picked up and tested. “The dead bird line has been overwhelmed.,” he said.

“But keep using the system, because the report of a dead bird is useful information. We will be

I think my Mom, Tammy, should be crowned Clayton’s “Queen For A Day” because, as you will see, she deserves a day of royal treatment.

My Mom’s day begins by first taking me to Queen of All Saints School in Concord, and then driving back to Clayton where my little sister attends Mt. Diablo Elementary. She then takes my little brother to his special needs school in Walnut Creek. Keep in mind that all school bells ring at the same time and we haven’t been late at all; and my Mom hasn’t gotten a speeding ticket. She also picks us up after school.

Besides that daily schedule, she owns a “staging” business, where she helps realtors sell homes. She loves to make custom gift baskets; she manages an Oakland apartment complex, and is a room Mom for my sister’s class. Mom also loves to garden. She mows the lawn, pulls weeds and plants flowers.

Believe it or not, she loves to do household chores. My Mom has a laundry rule: “In by 9 a.m., out by 5 p.m. – same day service,” She walks our Golden Retriever puppy, Daisy, and takes care of our bunny, Hershey.

My little brother, Nicholas, who is 10 years old, was born blind and deaf. We just love him, but he takes a lot of work. He loves to hold my Mom’s hand everywhere in the house, even when she cooks. Nicholas doesn’t like to travel, so we are always looking for a babysitter. But they are very hard to find. If you are wondering where my Mom gets all her energy, God gives it to her.

My family always believes that life should be fun even though my little brother has special needs.

My Mom is always there to help us fight our battles. She is our cheerleader, our coach, our teacher, and best of all, our best friend. Everyday we are always so excited to give her big hugs and kisses. After school, she asks us if we want ice cream, Starbucks, or if we are hungry for anything else. Everyone thinks my Mom is the coolest. When we go outside, she’ll ride my bike, my pogo stick or my scooter. She still has the kid inside of her.

Every Thursday evening we have room service. Mom makes us delicious desserts such as cobbler or chocolate cake.

Sometimes she even goes to bakeries to get unusual looking desserts that taste fantastic. She delivers the treats to us in our rooms where we eat them in our beds.

As you can see, my Mom is great and deserves a day of royal treatment. - Kimberly Cerruti

May 6, 2005

Est.1972

Smith & Bernal

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

Tile Roof Specialists Same day response

(925) 216-6461 Free estimates

Clayton resident

Lic. Number 727021

Now that the rain has come and gone,

let me improve your view with nice shiny windows

Reasonable rates Most one story houses $110 and two stories start at $160.

A Cla yton W Clay indow ton resid ent Wash Busi ness er licen sed windows washed

Bernie Eddy

inside & out

(925) 914-1049

THE

SIGN OF A PROFESSIONA L

Second First Place Essay My Mom’s name is Marilyn Leedom. Have you heard of her?

Well, Marilyn deserves to be he “Queen a Day” most on Mother’s Day. She is very honest and caring. She sets rules for the family, but is easy going, too.

My Mom is always there for me. After long, hard days at work, she still comes home with a smile on her face. She puts aside her own time to help me with homework or anything else I need her for. Also, after work she still puts time into making dinner, which is usually delicious.

My mother has been through some tough times. My dad passed away last October and it has been a totally different way of life since then. She has kept us going, though. My dad had been battling cancer for 11 years and he put up a great fight. My mom was so brave to go through all his moods and pain. She also had to raise my brother and I. She did a terrific job, too. Ever since my dad’s diagnosis, she has worked full time and has really supported our family.

As you can tell, I really care about my mom. She is a great person and I want to thank her for all she’s done. To thank her, I want to give her something very special for Mother’s Day. This would be a perfect gift. I really hope you’ll consider my mom a person who could be “Queen for a Day” on Mother’s Day. She really deserves it. - Casey Leedom

plotting the calls and that will help our mosquito control efforts. So, don’t get frustrated when you don’t get a call back.

Your call was not for nothing,” he assures callers.

Repair window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.

Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors when in mosquito invested areas.

Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET. Stock mosquitofish (available free from CCMVCD) in backyard ponds and horse troughs.

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

prurealty.com/billwalcutt

Keep revenues local.

Bill and Pam have a Clayton Business License.

Model home furniture just arrived!

Desirable Furniture from Lamorinda’s Million Dollar Homes We are easy to find: Central Lafayette exit from Highway 24; Left on Mt. Diablo; Blackwood Lane is second street on the left, just behind Butler/ Conti Dodge Dealership

STRAIGHT LINE IMPORTS Fabrication a nd I nstallation o f: Countertops z Bar/Vanity Tops Bath/ Shower Enclosures z Fireplace

COMING SOON!

CUSTOM, A MERICAN-M M ADE C ABINETS

Fabulous Location, Great Concord Neighborhood.

EXCEPTIONAL V ALUE A ND P RICING Full Service Remodeling Available Specializing In Kitchen & Baths

FREE ESTIMATES

925.335.9801 www.straightlineimports.com LOCAL SHOWROOM

GRANITE z MARBLE LIMESTONE z TRAVERTINE References Available Upon Request!

984 Howe Road, Martinez Locally Owned & Operated!

“Specializing in Servicing Clayton”

Lic # 789325

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

Huge lot, park-like backyard with gorgeous swimming pool. Great Concord Neighborhood, walk to 12 years of School! Home needs some TLC but priced well at $600,000.

Available May 15 for Showing.

Don't Miss This One!

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

May 6, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

r e ive -s tyle H t o s u F ea ec in Oakhurst ome x L E on Blue Oak Lane

Upcoming Events CLAYTON GARDENS TOURMAY 6-7 How do Clayton Gardens Grow? Come and find out at the Clayton Historical Society’s 13th annual Clayton Gardens Tour on May 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with self guided tour that

4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, more than 3,100 square feet.

Magnificent views.

Sell your home while prices are high and rent this one while waiting for the new homes at Diablo Pointe

begins at the Clayton Historical Museum. You can start the day with a Garden Party Fiesta Lunch including drinks and desert from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Tickets for the garden tour are $20 and $25 at the door.

Garden Party tickets are $15.

925-683-9262 $

0 3,

pe

0

M

r

0

O

H

One year lease preferred; shorter term negotiable.

T

N

Northgate Gardening Landscaping Maintenance Sod Lawns Sprinkler Systems Shrub Plantings

Jim Lamp Before you landscape call for a consultation

t ion

f ot jfob

nt

Me

rs r fi 0% u o

1

5 7/0

/1

06

y

“Happy Hammer” Free estimates Appliance replacements General maintenance Pressure washing

(925) 673-9433 Skip England

Handyman Service

GARDEN AS ART is one of the many special features you’ll experience at this year’s garden tour

an

hi

(925) 944-8711 Servicing Contra Costa since 1977 locally owned, owner operated

d sa

t

e dg

no job too small

Strings, from page 1 “Anybody can be accepted, you just have to be willing to practice.”

The Suzuki method teaches young children to play the violin before they learn to read music.

“It’s natural,” says Carlson.“We talk before we learn to read,” she says. The method was developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki of Japan who also referred to his teaching style as the Mother Tongue Method; teaching music to children as closely as possible to the way they learn their native tongue.

Carlson believes that the Suzuki method of teaching the violin also helps students to achieve in all aspects of life. Her goal in teaching extends beyond just the music to help students

develop an appreciation of beauty, to give them a sense of purpose to life, to learn the discipline of acquiring a creative skill and to build sensitive and caring human beings The Suzuki Strings group has opportunities for solo playing, small ensembles and large group concerts. Students have a weekly private lesson, as well as group classes several times a month.

The group is currently gearing up for it’s “Spring Play-in” set for Sunday, May 22 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek. Featured guests include Sandi and Stevie, children’s songwriters and performers known for their popular Insect Songs and Sealife Songs. The Suzuki Strings group will perform “The

Mayor, from page 1

Celebrating our 10th year of service

record. For example one person testified he booked a $10,000 trip in Concord and told the travel agency representative they would have to get a Clayton business license because he lived in Clayton.

This is incorrect. No business license is needed because the business was conducted in Concord. Clayton licenses apply to business done in the city.

We made some real progress.

The Contra Costa Realtors Association agreed that any realtor in the city has to have a license and further, if they have been operating without a license, the will owe fees and penalties for some of those back years.

The public hearing was closed and the council

Call Today (925) 524-5100 Spring Only a few units left!

Sp $2,400 Sav

ings

Senior Retirement Living

There’s no place like home 6401 Center Street Clayton CA

ecial!

“What I like about Diamond Terrace is the friendly and helpful residents and staff, the variety of activities, the beautiful scenery, and, coming from Indiana, the weather here is 94517 certainly a plus!”

–Winnie Reed

www.diamondterrace.net

addressed some of the issues that engendered much of the emotional letters and testimony.

The council gave direction to staff on what should be contained in the ordinance. Since the exemption level was never indexed to the CPI , the Council directed staff to raise it to $5000 when drafting the ordinance.

I also proposed that the ordinance only apply to those 18 or older. This would eliminate the charge we were stifling business talent by taxing babysitters and lemonade stands.

We have been requiring people who own one rental unit get a business license on the theory that they were in the property management business. After much discussion we directed

Page 7 Ticket forms are available at La Veranda, R&M Pool Patio and Gardens, Navlet’s, Yardbirds, Skipolini’s and Ed’s Mudville Grill. For more information call Sally Turner at 672-2117 or the Clayton Museum at 672-0240.

All proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Museum.

SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY A fully-restored B-17 Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey, a World War II vintage bomber airplane will fly into the Buchanan Field Airport in Concord on May 13 offering the public an up close and personal look at this historical aircraft.

Tours at $5 each will be available through Sunday, May 15.

“Sentimental Journey” is a flying memorial and museum of the men who flew and crewed these airplanes, as well as the men and women who built them more than 50 years ago. The B-17 Flying Fortress was famous for the daylight bombing raids over Germany during World War II. “Sentimental Journey” is only one of 10 such aircrafts out of

over 12,000 built that are restored and airworthy.

Members of the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will provide rides to the public aboard “Sentimental Journey”at a cost of $395 per person, with a minimum of five persons per flight.

For more information visit www.arizonawingcaf.com TIP-A-COP-MAY 14 Make sure you plan on having dinner at Ed’s Mudville Grill on May 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. Your waiters that night will be our beloved police force who are participating once again in the annual Tip-A-Cop event with all proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics of Contra Costa County. Clayton Police Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and Ed’s Mudville Grill are co-sponsors of the event. The actual torch run is set for June 7. Members of the Clayton Police Department will pick up the torch at Clayton Station and run through Clayton. More details to come.

Bee” by Schubert, “The Swan”

by Saint-Seans, “ Mosquito Dance” by Mendelssohn and “Donkey Doodle” by Kroll. The first part of the concert will consist of selections from the Suzuki Violin School Repertoire from Twinkle Theme and Variations to Vivaldi’s Concerto in A minor.

In many ways, the group has become a family experience, explains Carlson. One of her oldest students is 16-year old Chris Vargas of Clayton. He plays in the group with his seven year old brother, Ethan and his sister Tori who is just five. “I enjoy playing,” Chris says. “ I have an obligation to the instrument.” Chris is also a skilled guitar player and is a member of the Clayton Valley High School Orchestra. Nine-year old Lynnase VanLiew is also a

Clayton resident who has played the violin for two years. “She loves it,” says her mom, Becky.

Carlson has her own personal musical history. Her father was a professional violinist/violist and public school music teacher. Carlson majored in violin and music education at Washington State University and Boston University and she is currently principal second violin of the Diablo Symphony.

staff to raise the number of units to four before we viewed their ownership as property management and requiring a Clayton Business License.

We directed staff to, for the most, part eliminate flat fees and use the gross receipt table to determine the amount of the cost of the license. Exceptions would be made for residential rentals based on units, commercial property square footage and deliveries and services through the use of vehicles-per delivery.

We reaffirmed the applicability of the license to in-town businesses. We directed the city attorney to continue researching various aspects of state legal code pertaining to municipal business license taxes and applicable statutes. We asked that the attorney specifically look at the issues of apportionment, retroactivity and late penalties as they apply to out of

town business.

We also directed councilman Shuey to continue his dialog with Mr. Lamb of the Contra Costa Realtors Association on how to deal with the aspects of our city business license as they apply to out of town realtors.

We have had indications that the counties of Napa and Alameda have reached an accommodation with their Boards of Realtors on this matter. Our final direction to staff was to continue to hold in abeyance the use of MAS’s professional contract services until the Council determines the city policy on audit review and discovery programs.

We will not be addressing this matter again until staff has had time to craft ordinance language based on our direction and legal counsel has had a chance to explore the legal ramifications of our instructions.

SPRING PLAY-IN

“Animal Carnival for Strings” Sunday, May 22, 3 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Concert is open to the public and family friendly.

For more information call Laurie Carlson 672-6020.

Beautiful 5 bedroom Clayton home with AMAZING 1/3 acre flat lot. Upgrades galore including hardwood floors, windows (including 4 bay windows), French doors, kitchen and baths. Super sharp and all waiting for you to enjoy.

Offered at $849,000.

SOL

D IN 1 DA Y!

Immaculate 4 bedroom Dana Hills rancher with beautiful views of Mt. Diablo. Expansive ¼ acre lot with privacy and serenity of Mountain. Updated throughout with gorgeous laminate G floors and light IN open kitchen.

PEND Bonus playroom/ office too!

Offered at $720,000.

COMING SOON

5 bedroom 3 bath custom Clayton rancher. Single level with gorgeous views. Walk to schools, downtown, and Mt. Diablo state park. Don't miss!

Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Pay close attention to title issues Most buyers are diligent when it comes to inspecting and financing a home they hope to purchase. They may be less attentive, however, regarding title matters. This may be due, in part, to the fact that most buyers don’t know what title issues are pertinent.

Residential real estate purchase contracts typically include a provision for the seller to pass clear title to the property to the buyers at closing. If the sellers are unable to do this, the buyers can usually withdraw from the contract and have their deposit money returned to them.

The title provision of a purchase contract is a contingency, just like a financing or inspection contingency. It is a condition that must be satisfied in order for the transaction to go through.

The manner in which title is checked varies from one location to the next. In California, for example, title companies investigate the public record and issue a preliminary title report on the property in question. In some states, attorneys research the record and prepare an

abstract of title.

Regardless of how title is checked, there are several basic issues that pertain to all properties. The first issue is ownership.

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ESTATE

You want to make sure that the person who entered into a contract to sell you the property actually owns it and has the right to sell it.

It’s increasingly common for homeowners to hold title to their property in family trusts.

When a trustee dies, a successor trustee can often step in for the former owner and sell the property. But to verify that this is so, a certification of the trust that name the successor trustee and

City of Clayton is now accepting applications for PLANNING COMMISSION Term limits: June 2005 to June 2007 The Commission is composed of 5 members, who are appointed by the City Council for two-year terms. The Commission advises the City Council on land use matters, including general plan amendments and zone changes.The Commission also makes decisions on site plans, use permits, subdivisions, and variances. All Commission decisions can be appealed to the City Council.

The Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., at the Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, CA. See HOW TO APPLY below Return the completed application to the city clerk by 5 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2005.

CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY’S CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) serves the Authority by reviewing and commenting on the Authority’s implementation of Measure C (1/2 cent sales tax implemented in 1988).

CAC’s role includes: Reviewing Compliance Checklists submitted by the jurisdictions in fulfillment of growth management requirements.

Advising the Authority on strategic policy issues pertaining to the ongoing business of the Authority.

See HOW TO APPLY below Return a completed application to the City Clerk by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2005. The City Council’s screening committee will review applications, interview applicants, and recommend appointments to the City Council. Interviews will be held in May 2005. Appointments are expected to be made the first meeting in June.

Please Recycle

grants him or her the power of sale will be necessary.

In an estate sale, where no family trust had been established, a sale of the property might be subject to a judicial probate proceeding. In some cases, probate sales require court confirmation and can involve competitive overbidding in court. In such a case, you could lose out to another bidder even after the administrator of the estate has accepted your purchase offer.

In a divorce situation, you may find that only one owner had signed the purchase contract, but that there are two owners listed in the title record.

In this case, you will probably need a signature from the second owner in order for the sale to go through.

Liens that are secured against the property are also an issue. If the seller is selling due to an adverse financial situation, there could be liens secured against the property that total more than the sale price. In this case, the seller either has to pay additional money to close the transaction, or he must negotiate with

HOW TO LOWER YOUR MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENT Free Recorded Message reveals “How to cash in on lower interest rates.” 1-925-227-1064 ext. 120 Special - Could you be overpaying on your mortgage and not even know it?

Many homeowners are finding that it’s just not worth it to keep on paying thousands in interest every month instead of knowing exactly what they could be paying by refinancing now while interest rates are low.

This informative FREE recorded message will answer a lot of the questions you have about refinancing and give you information about a FREE Refinance Home Loan Finder Service that shows you:

The stipend for Community Services Commissioners is $75 per month (when a meeting is held).

The applicant must be 18 years of age, registered voter and a resident of Clayton. The Community Services Commission meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., and from time to time may have more than one meeting a month.The Community Services Commission is an advisory body to the City Council, is responsible for recommending user fees and policies for use of City facilities and sponsored community activities.The Community Services Commission helps coordinate community events such as: Fourth of July celebration; Clayton Clean Up Days; New Years Eve celebration.

See HOW TO APPLY below Return the completed application to the City Clerk.

HOW TO APPLY Applications may be obtained at Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail; by mail by calling City Hall, (925) 673-7300; from the Web site at www.ci.clayton.ca.us; by email from rbasore@ci.clayton.ca.us. Return completed applications to the City Clerk at City Hall.

You can get all the details in a FREE recorded message by calling (925) 227-1064 ext. 120.

Alise Interiors & HomeStaging ®

It’s time to get your house ready for graduation gatherings & other upcoming events. Need a new view outside? Lots of new products in the Hunter Douglas Line - I have all the samples.

I'm still taking care of you decorating needs, and now Home Staging! Call Now For Details.

672-77701

aliseinteriors.com Please shop Clayton

Total privacy on huge lot 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 2712 sq. ft. on .48 acre Terrific two story Joaquin Ranch home in Walnut Creek.

Only $1,185,000

This home has everything. Beautiful double door parquet entry, downstairs den/office, dramatic curved stairway, great kitchen with double convection ovens, smooth top range, pantry and oak cabinetry; custom draperies and box windows; indoor laundry room; stone fireplace and more.

Gorgeous landscaping with pool, beautiful wood decking and patio perfect for family fun or entertaining. Circular driveway, three car garage with openers and huge concrete RV side yard.

PETE LAURENCE Broker-Owner, Realtor, GRI

Office: (925) 939-7920 Fax: (925) 939-1939 VM 24 hr: (925) 940-2777

1511 Treat Blvd. #100, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Remodeling or buying new?

We can make your home look beautiful

Northshore Construction Call an expert Custom remodeling you can trust & new construction

Window change outs, Cabinetry, Bathroom and Kitchen remodels

Abbey Carpets/Contra Costa Floors Use our Abbey Credit Plan and get six months to pay --

INTEREST FREE!

C ARPET V INYL H ARDWOOD C ERAMIC T ILE L AMINATE W INDOW FASHIONS

925.439.3333 Shawn Maldonado Fifth generation general contractor Family business for over 100 years Clayton resident, building for 27 years Lic. 701821

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

How much is

Expert installation. Free in-home consultation

1170 Burnett Ave. Ste. E Concord

(925) 686-9901

enough?

You’ve saved a nest egg. You hope it’s enough. But how can you be sure?

At American Express we can offer you financial advice on investment strategies, tax planning, estate planning and more to help you reach your goals. Get the insight you need to make smarter decisions so you can take control of your future.

Mureleen Benton, CFP

z

How to calculate how much extra interest you’re paying on your mortgage every month. z Exactly where to find lower interest rates that could save you money. z Where to find loans that can both lower your monthly mortgage payments and give you cash back. z How to refinance your mortgage with no out of pocket costs to you.

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

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONERS Term limits – June 2005 through June 2007

this paper HERE’S

the lien holder to allow the sale to go through. This can delay the sale unless the seller has done his homework before putting his home on the market.

Make sure that you understand who besides the title owner has rights to the property. Easements secured against the property grant use of a portion of the property to someone else. Common easements are for utilities and a sanitary sewer line. Establishing the exact location of an easement is important if you intend to make renovations to the property. You can’t build over an easement.

The title record should also show any easements over neighbors’ properties that benefit the property you’re buying. For example, if your sewer line passes over a neighboring property to connect to the city sewer main, there should be an easement for your sewer line recorded against the neighbor’s property.

May 6, 2005

Financial Advisor

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® Bus: 925.685.4523; Fax: 925.685.3520 Lic: CA 0692378

Yes, I would like to meet with an American Express

financial advisor for a complimentary initial consultation.

Name Address City Phone

State

ZIP Code

Mail to: American Express Financial Advisors Inc.

5356 Clayton Road., Suite 211 Concord, CA 94521 American Express Financial Advisors, Inc. Member NASD, American Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors, Inc., and is not a broker-dealer. ©1998-2003 American Express Financial Corporation. All rights reserved

Why advertise in the Pioneer?

Here’s one reason: “January is usually a big month for Jazzercise and fitness in general, but I only had 3-4 new people in January and February. So, I decided to advertise in the Clayton Pioneer. To date (Apr. 27) I’ve had 25 NEW people walk in the doors and I quit counting phone calls after 20.

WOW. Advertising really works!

Thank you, Clayton Pioneer.”

Pam Jensen, Owner JAZZERCISE, CLAYTON

May 6, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

The Pioneer: It’s your paper LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILLS Furnace and Air Conditioner energy-saving system Rebates are back!

Pro-Tech

Plus 90i

Heating and Air Conditioning

598B

Bob and Sheri Dickson, Owners

925-673-3776 www.protechheating.com

License #705148

Page 9

Feline Smackdown at the Romano’s In my continuing quest for chaos, I have recently joined the ranks of the most submissive collection of people on earth, the cat owners.

One of the great things about being a writer is that we must continually seek out new experiences if for no other reason than to have something to write about.

Enter Sonny and Nellie, two of the cutest, friskiest little dickens you ever did see! And gracious enough to bequeath us worthy of ownership.

As cat owners know, cats do not exist in our world—we exist in theirs. We entertain them when they are bored, wait on them when they are hungry and busy ourselves with other tasks when they don’t want to be bothered.

Patty Flannery

I am not complaining by any means. After all, getting the cats was my idea. After three years of guinea pigs (yawn), two recently deceased hermit crabs, (double yawn—amazed they ever survived the five hour plane trip from Florida stuffed in a backpack), two goldfish, a slow to pass (finally made the leap to the great beyond by way of the trash can) frog, and a defective tadpole who, after four months still refuses to transform into the frog nature intended, I have chosen a pet with which I can actually interact— something that provides more than a mouth to feed and the gift of bodily waste.

Schizophrenic by nature, I’ve tried to impress upon my chil-

Glasbergen Chuckles

Realtor

Clayton Resident since 1979

serving all your

Real Estate needs Call me

voicemail: 925.975.5255 residence: 925.672.0541 email: granyflany@hotmail.com

Purchase or Refinance

JOE ROMANO

SO ANYWAY dren to treat them gently and to speak to them softly so as not to push them further in to that world of “the cat that lives under the bed.” I’m sure most of you have either had one of these creatures or has known someone who owns one—the cat that no one ever sees. Whenever outsiders enter the house, this rattletrap of a cat will, after appearing to have been goosed by a cattle prod, bolt for the nether regions of the furthest bedroom and dive under the bed to spend the next day and a half amongst the exercise equipment and dust bunnies.

If you’re looking for entertainment, drop by our place any evening around nine. This is about the time that Sonny and Nellie proceed to lose their minds and a frantic dance begins. Invisible tormentors cause them to rise from their supine, mellow positions to those resembling drunken prize-

contact

Ted Sudderth

Farm 51

ComUnity Lending

Established 1980

Seth Ahonen

Your local loan experts offering you quality service and low competitive rates

Contact Ted, Howard or Doris

(925) 672-5363

6200 Center St., #230, Clayton DOC# 415-0005

Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act.

The Wise Step to your Home Investment

Clayton resident, Joe Romano, is a family man, a free-lance writer for hire and the Pioneer’s “all around funny guy.”

E-mail him at jromano01@yahoo.com

CLAYTON HOME INSPECTION SERVICES We work hard to make sure buying or selling a home becomes a GREAT experience

Pre-home inspection prior to listing Servicing residential, rental and investment properties Call us prior to your 1 year warranty expiration date

Neighbor foils Keller Ridge burglary TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Roger Galvin & Lori Hilts-Galvin Clayton Office (925) 672-9405 Antioch Office (925) 755-HOME (4663) Cellular Phone (925) 639-9405

chisinspector@hotmail.com Member of the California Real Estate Inspectors Association Licensed, Certified, Bonded & Insured Family-owned & operated

BLIN ted: DU .5 bath s li t s u J ,2 bedroom erry Drive.

Super 4 lb u se on M townhou

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

Specialist in Ranch and Country Property.

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

An observant and quick-witted neighbor interrupted a burglary in progress on Keller Ridge Drive last week.

According to Sgt. Jason Russo of the Clayton police, around 11 a.m. on April 27, the

www.robinsranches.com Tracy.

17+ acres with use of an additional at no charge. Numerous pastures with run-in shelters. z Stallion barn. z Foaling barn. z Training barn with apartment. Cute 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Ranch can handle at least 100 horses. Hurry!

$1,200,000

Brentwood.

10+ acre equestrian training center. 50 stall barn with 2 tack rooms. Indoor and outdoor arenas. Fenced pastures. Lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with sparkling pool.

This ranch is a real $$ maker. Hurry - owners retiring, Owners may carry second deed.

$1,489,000

24670 March Creek Road. Appointments only.

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

Robin’s Ranches (925) 672-7 7323 / 946-7 7055 Full Broker Co-operation on all Robin’s Ranches listings

fighters, stumbling on their hind legs as they swing wildly at the ghosts of mice, birds or whatever haunts their wonky little minds. Each night we are treated to our very own WWF Smackdown as they dart, slide, stalk, pounce and wrestle each other into submission, only to lie together five minutes later entwined like young lovers, one of them affectionately cleaning the other’s face. That is, until one of them decides to take a bite of ear, effectively ringing the bell for round two. While it’s not the Sopranos I will admit it’s darn entertaining.

There are downsides to owning cats but it’s all part of the bargain. Cleaning the litter box is always a high point of my day. I don’t really mind but I find it interesting that every time I’m a scoopin’, ONE of them comes a poopin’. I almost find it to be a bit of an insult.

“Oh, you’re cleaning my box. Good. It WAS getting rather full now wasn’t it? By the way, handle this one too will you? There’s a good chap.”

I’ve also discovered that throwing up is apparently a form of entertainment cats for cats. “I’m SO bored. What to do, what to do? Yes, I think I’ll barf.”

Last Saturday Sonny, who apparently was on the evening’s entertainment committee, presented my wife with a nice pile of Friskies Liver & Chicken.

(Take a look at a can of cat food sometime though and see if you can blame him for giving it back.)

So while there’s the litter box, the occasional pile of vomit and perhaps a torn curtain or cat hair in your breakfast cereal, it’s a small price to pay for the love and affection that cat’s generously dole out like a Pre-Christmas Ebenezer Scrooge doled out shillings. I mean really, it’s the least you can do for them. Consider yourself lucky that they deem you worthy of their barf at all.

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

neighbor next door to 5181 Keller Ridge Drive watched as an unfamiliar orange car pulled up and parked in front of the victim’s house, and three juveniles got out and walked around to the back of the home. After calling police, the neighbor walked next door and waited in the front yard. When the burglars came out, arms laden with stolen items, the neighbor confronted them. Dropping the goods, all three fled into the open space behind the house.

Responding officers Rich Enea, Jr., and Sgt. Shelly Crain

pulled up just after the suspects disappeared over the back fence.

The neighbor was able to give officers a good description of all three men, and Enea called Concord police for assistance.

A Concord detective, responding to the call for help, was on his way through Clayton when he spotted a red car with two men inside who closely matched the description given by Enea of the fleeing suspects. The detective stopped the men and, although they were not the same men who jumped the

fence after the Keller Ridge break in, the detective found that they were directly involved in the burglary. The men, one juvenile and one adult, were arrested and, based on further investigation by police, several other suspects were identified.

Police have positively identified four of the five suspects and are fairly certain who the fifth one is.

Sgt. Crain commended the neighbor for his courage. “The neighbor was great,” she said.

“He probably saved the victim thousands of dollars.”

A new look for Spring recover that comfortable old sofa or armchair with fabrics to coordinate the whole room, everything from paint to bedding, sofas, drapes and those all important finishing touches.

Why buy new when you can re-do?

Call Joanna at (925) 673-8911 Clayton Resident

Kropa Realty Walnut Creek, CA

robin@robinsranches.com

Page 10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 6, 2005

Clayton Sports Oakhurst’s 2005 stroke play club championships JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

Chris Williams is the 2005 Oakhurst Stroke Play Club Champion in the Championship Flight. On April 24, Chris won the event with a two-day, 36hole total score of 147. Steve Sabatini came in second with a score of 152, and George Erbez finished third with 154. The Championship Flight plays from Oakhurst’s back/black tees, where the course yardage is 6,746 yards and the course rating is 73.4. This flight plays “scratch” golf with no adjustment for handicap.

Oakhurst Men’s Club President Drew Hagen said this was the third year the club has

CHRIS WILLIAMS

held its annual event on the par 72 track.

“It is a good two-day test of every golfer’s skills,” he said. “It is a flighted tournament, and it is one of the few multiple-day tournaments the club holds each year. This year close to 80 players participated. It was one of the largest showings we have had.”

The event was a definite test for Williams. Although he won by a five stroke margin, Williams apparently felt he was a bit fortunate to hold on near the end of his second day. After shooting a 71 on Saturday for the only under-par round in the Championship Flight either day, he settled for a 76 on Sunday.

He jokingly said, “I was ‘leaking oil’ down the stretch!”

The other three flights of the championship play from the gold tees at Oakhurst (6,283 yards and course slope of 135) and play net handicap golf.

In the first flight, Gary Jones, Doug Murphy and Larry Sheppard battled to a 141 (net) tie after the two rounds, so the three played a sudden death playoff Sunday to determine the winner. It took three holes before Jones emerged as the champion in one of the closest

LARRY SHEPPARD, GARY JONES contests of the weekend.

Sheppard had the low round in this flight when he shot a fourunder net 68 on Sunday.

In the second flight, Gary Brown bested the competition with a 138 net score, and Chris Gleason shot a 140 for second

AND

DOUG MURPHY battled to a 141 (net) tie after two rounds.

place. Dave Brunton, Jim Bennett and Jerry Erben all shot net 143 to tie for third place in what was a very competitive match up. Gleason and Erben both shot net 67 on Saturday for the low round scores in this group.

Players sought for Bocce League season JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Bocce Federation President Ed Hartley recently announced that Clayton will have teams this year that play as the Clayton Division of the

Concord Bocce League. All games will be played at Newhall Park. The regular season, which will consist of 13 games, will start on Sunday, June 5 and end on Sunday, September 25.

There will be no games on July 3 or September 4. Playoffs will be held September 18 and 25.

Sports Shorts CV SUMMER FOOTBALL CAMP Fourth Annual Youth Camp offers outstanding instruction for boys entering grades 5-9, Jun. 27Jul. 1 at Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. Herc Pardi is the Camp Director and Jerry Coakley is the Assistant Camp Director.

Instruction is by the CVHS Coaching Staff. Practice times: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily.

Camp fee is $125 plus $75 deposit for equipment rental. Fee includes practice jersey, Phone 6827474 x 3115. Applications are available at Ed’s Mudville Grill, Mavericks and the CVHS Office YMCA SUMMER PROGRAMS This summer the Concord/Clayton Branch of the

Mt. Diablo Region YMCA will host many programs in Clayton at the Diablo View Middle School, Clayton Community Gym off Clayton and Marsh Creek Roads.

These programs involve sports activities for children of all ages and adults including the following: Pre K – 8 basketball league (Jul. 9), Pre K–1 tee ball (Jul. 12), Grades 4-8 volleyball league (Jul. 16). Grades 9– 12 basketball league (Jul. 9). Grades 9– 12 flag football league (Jul. 12). Basketball camp for grades 1–8 (Jun. 27– Jul. 1 and Aug. 8 – 12.) Baseball camp for grades 1– 8 ( June 20 – 24 and Aug. 1-5).

Flag football camp for grades 2–8 (July 11–15). Volleyball camp for Grades 4–8 (Jul. 5–8 and Aug. 1519). Super Sports Camp for Grades 1–8 (Jul. 25–29 and Aug.

WEEK TR IAL IP MEMBERSH

22–26). Community Open Gym Mondays and Fridays. Call 8891600 for more information.

The Concord/Clayton YMCA is introducing The Quest League, for children with special needs.

The new league's goal is to allow each child the ability to experience a variety of YMCA sports, including basketball, volleyball and indoor soccer. The Quest League runs eight weeks and there will be a different sport every Saturday.

The league begins June 4 and includes programs for children K8. For information call Delise Young at 889-1625 or email at dyoung@mdrymca.org EAST BAY WATER POLO East Bay Water Polo in Walnut Creek is taking signups for its boys water polo program. The programs for Grades 3–4 and 5–6 begin Jun. 13. The programs for Grades 7–11 and the open divi-

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

Men and Women

20% off

all tanning

packages & products through 5/31/05

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

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

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

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

Raja Toke had the low round score of net 65 on Saturday.

In “Closest to the Pin” competition on Oakhurst’s par threes during the tournament, Sheppard (hole #3), Julius Choi (#8), Jim Westermeyer (#11) and Rick McClain (#13) were the weekend’s winners.

Congratulations to the winners and to all participants on a fun weekend!

more information should contact Ed Hartley at claytonbocce@yahoo.com or 672-3421.

The Clayton Bocce Federation is currently working with the City of Clayton to build a Bocce Ball Centre in downtown Clayton behind the City Hall. sion for graduating high school seniors and older begins May 23.

All practices are at Las Lomas High School in W.C. Call Steve Mann 360-0655 or visit www.eastbaywaterpolo.com.

The OFF season is when you train to Secure your spot IN season

SPEED

POWER

AGILITY

We are so confident in our program we guarantee results.

At Velocity Sports Performance we help athletes improve their speed, power, agility and balance by following scientifically-developed training programs. Our coaches are all highly qualified and have worked as top level strength and conditioning coaches around the nation.

Acceleration Maximum Velocity Multi-Directional Movement

Get Started with Concord

1505 Willow Pass Rd.

(in front of Waterworld USA)

www.velocitysp.com/concord

Morning Circuit Training

FITNESS & TANNING FREE TWO IAL

Teams are a minimum of six persons and a maximum of 10 on each team. Fee for each team is $200. All required equipment will be provided.

The deadline for signups is Sunday, May 22.

People interested in forming teams, playing or seeking

The third flight also provided some extra excitement when Tai Choi and Frank Friedman both finished regulation with two-day scores of 144 net. Al Sardelich was close behind at 145 to finish third. Choi and Friedman then started their own sudden death playoff to determine the winner. This time Choi was able to win after the second hole to take first place.

Call Today!

925.363.0066

One FREE Training Session Some Restrictions May Apply

May 6, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Clayton Sports Walnut Creek chosen as LPGA-USGA girls golf site BILL SCHMEH Special to the Pioneer

Walnut Creek has been selected as a site for LPGAUSGA Girls Golf, a nationwide developmental golf program

that encourages girls ages 7-17 to learn to play golf, build friendships and sample competition in a supportive and positive learning environment. This is done with professional instruction during clinics, play

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

FIVE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!!!

2001 Fremont Street Concord, Ca 94520 (925) 686-1739

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

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

2288 North Main Walnut Creek, Ca 94596 (925) 979-1739

I - CAR GOLD AND ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS APPROVED REPAIR FACILITY FOR ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES

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 5/20/05 One Coupon per job

Tipperary Construction, Inc. General Contractor Clayton resident

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

days and on the course. The program is open to all interested young women. LPGAUSGA Girls Golf of Walnut Creek is one of more than 180 sites located around the United States.

Clayton resident, Bill Schmeh will serve as the site director for LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Walnut Creek. This program is affiliated with the national organization, which is the largest golf developmental program in the nation exclusively for girls. It is organized and implemented through a partnership between the Ladies Professional Golf Association and the United States Golf Association. Locally, the Walnut Creek Girls program is affiliated with the Walnut Creek Fountain For Youth Foundation, a non-profit

501c(3) charitable organization.

The program expects to have more than 50 girls participating in 2005. Play will take place at Boundary Oak Golf Course, which features 18 holes of challenging golf, an extensive driving range, three large practice greens and a practice pitching/chipping area. Each August, this course hosts the Northern California Junior golf tournament. It will be an ideal venue for all members of Girls Golf of Walnut Creek to hone their golfing skills while making new friends.

The first event was held on Sunday, April 3. It included a demonstration clinic, a handson putting and chipping challenge and a 4-hole exhibition featuring two members of the UC Berkeley women’s golf team, LPGA touring pro Jenny

LPGA pro Jenny Park-Choi was special guest for the first LPGA-USGA Girls Golf event at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek.

Park-Choi and PGA pros Dave DeLong and Rob Boldt. The next event, a Mother-Daughter program, will be held at Boundary Oak Golf Course on May 15 at 2:30 p.m.

To get more information on LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Walnut Creek or future events, contact Bill Schmeh at 925-5248900.

Tips on making long-term care insurance more affordable Tips on making long-term care insurance more affordable.

One of the most common barriers to owning long-term care (LTC) insurance is the cost.

Here are a couple of tips for reducing costs without sacrificing too many benefits.

efits kick in.

Some companies will automatically waive the elimination period for home care if you coordinate with an approved “care advisor.”

CHOOSE A SHORTER LIFETIME BENEFIT

CHOOSE AN EXTENDED ELIMINATION PERIOD. One way to make LTC insurance more affordable is to choose a longer elimination period. The elimination period the waiting period in which benefits will not be paid. Typical choices are 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 or 100 days. A 20-day elimination period is ideal; however, it is also the most expensive.

Upside: Your premiums will be less expensive.

Downside: You will have to wait a while for your benefits to begin. This means if you need care you may need to spend your own money until your ben-

Two of the decisions you will make when investing in long-term care insurance are how much of a daily cash benefit you want and how long you want it for. Typical choices range from two to seven years or as I previously mentioned, for life.

Ideally, for this geographic area I would suggest a $200 a day benefit that will last the rest of your life. This level is, however, very expensive.

If you are trying to make LTC insurance more affordable, try cutting back the length of time you will be paid benefits over your lifetime.

Upside: Premiums will be more affordable and you will have some coverage.

Downside: Possibility that your benefits will run out.

Statistics show that of those entering a nursing home, about 74-79 percent of them will stay for less than a year and 13 percent of them will stay one to three years.

SOME COVERAGE IS BETTER THAN NONE The entire pharmaceutical industry is focused on treating symptoms and prolonging life.

We are living longer than ever before. This also increases the likelihood that we will need to be cared for some time in our golden years.

Long-term care insurance is not cheap. In fact the costs are

SAM TOTAH FINANCIAL SENSE expected to rise in the future, as is the cost of healthcare.

Nevertheless, everyone over the age of 50 should seriously consider investing in this type of coverage.

Sam Totah is an insurance broker with Crocker insurance of Walnut Creek. He can be reached with questions or comments at 925941-1536; stotah@crockersecurities.com This information is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your tax, financial or other professional advisors before purchasing Insurance. The views expressed here may not be suitable for every person.

Advertise with the Pioneer 672-0500

LET'S GO BOWLING r Summer Leagues fo rs kids, adults & senio gn up NOW! Beginning in May, Si

925.689.4631

Page 12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 6, 2005

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., MAY 9 FOR THE MAY 20 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.

MAR. 31 - MAY 12 Grief Workshop @ St. Bonaventure Catholic Church 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. People grieving from the loss of a loved one need time and space to honor their grief. Candy Negrete, Alan Gaber and a team of peer ministers facilitate a seven week grief workshop to help begin the healing process. Call 672-5800 or Candy Negrete for information and to register. St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord.

Apr. 29 through May 22 DVC presents Circus Home by Joanna Halpert Kraus This is a touching and funny story of a giant of a young man who tries to find among the clowns and sideshow freaks the home that has eluded him elsewhere.

Against the backdrop of a fantastical traveling circus, a band of circus troupers play out a drama of family strife and the struggle for acceptance of this young man and his hunger for belonging. By local playwright Joanna Halpert Kraus, who has won national recognition for her ability to deal with serious themes for young people with rich theatricality. Directed by Tracy Ward. Performs April 29 - May 22. Box Office - (925) 687-4445.

MAY 6, 7 Civic Arts Education Junior Theatere Company’s Fiddler on the Roof @ Del Valle Theatre May 6 12 p.m., 7 p.m., May 7 at 2 p.m., 7 p.m.

This is a wonderful opportunity for audiences to enjoy a favorite musical seen through the eyes of young performers. Inspired by the stories of Sholom Aleichem, Fiddler tells of Tevye, his wife, and their daughters as they struggle to deal with the changing world around them. The music by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick includes such well-known songs as If I Were a Rich Man, Matchmaker, Matchmaker, and Sunrise, Sunset. Tickets are $10, general, and $7 students. For information call 943-SHOW. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd. , Walnut Creek.

MAY 7 Friends of Diablo Creek Landscaping Work Party @ Clayton Library 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. The goal is to refurbish the existing outdoor interpretive area at the library and prepare the area for a new California Native Plant Demonstration Garden. For more information contact Lisa Anich at 6892642 or glanich@california.com.. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-0659, Arlene Kikkawa-Nielson, akikkawa@cclib.org.

girl to a sophisticated lady of high society. This transformation is accomplished under the tutelage of Prof. Henry Higgins as a result of a bet and carries us along on a merry ride through the highs and lows of the ensuing relationship. Tickets are $5 at the door. Clayton Valley High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord.

MAY 14 Blue Star Mom Care Package Drop Off 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Blue Star Moms are accepting donations of AT&T Phone cards, razors, baby powder, chapstick, heavy socks and other items. See website for more information on needed items, www.bluestarmoms.org., then Food, Fun and Freedom. Drop off items at the following: Danville Veterans Hall at 400 Hartz Avenue, or Concord’s Veteran’s Memorial Bldg. at 2290 Willow Pass Road.

MAY 14 Young Eagle Rally @ Buchanan Airport 9:00 a.m. registration. The Experimental Aircraft Association is sponsoring a Young Eagle Rally with free airplane rides for children between eight and 17 years of age. There will also be an open house for the public to view vintage, certificated, and experimental aircraft. A Commemorative Air Force B17 will be available for viewing and rides. $2.00 donation for adults.

Buchanan Airport, 550 Sally Ride Drive, Concord.

MAY 14 Come one come all for the 20 th Annual Dana Hills Community Garage Sale. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All residents of Dana Hills are welcome to participate. Sponsored by Lori Hagge, Alice Ponti and Lisa Valory at C/21 Diablo Valley Realty. For more information contact Lisa Valory at 925 945-2600 or email lvalory@comcast.net MAY 23 Mt. Diablo Creek Watershed Plan Kick-off Meeting @ Farm Bureau Hall 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Help shape the future of the creek and its watershed by joining the group that will develop the Mt. Diablo Creek Watershed Management Plan. Give your input and learn more about the process. Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord. Register with Jessica Hamburger, Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, 672-6522 x 118, jessica.hamburger@ca.nacdnet.net, www.ccrcd.org.

JUNE 7 Wine and Cheese Meet the Writers @ R&M Pool Patio and Garden 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Come meet the Pioneer's great contributing columnists. Have a glass of wine, some good cheese and conversation. Punch and balloons for the kids.

Great raffle prizes including an HP printer/scanner/copier from Computers USA. ALL raffle proceeds will be split evenly between the Clayton Library and the Clayton Museum. See you there. R&M Pool Patio and Garden, 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS MAY , 10, 17, 24 Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Meetings every Tues. All are invited to check us out and be our guest for lunch. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust St., Walnut Creek. for more information call Sam Totah, 941-1536.

MAY 10, 24 Clayton Valley Woman’s Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m. Regular monthly meets held the second and fourth Tues. of the month. Anyone interested in joining the woman’s club please contact Shirley Boyd, President at 672-1163. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord.

MAY 12, 19, 26 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.

May 9 First 5 Contra Costa: The Scientist in the Crib: How Babies Learn @ Clayton Community Library 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Guest speaker Alison Gopnik, Professor of Developmental Psychology, University of California at Berkeley. Ms. Gopnik will discuss the new research about how babies and young children learn.

673-0659, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton, CA 94517.

MAY 13 AARP Meeting @ Pleasant Hill Community Center 1:30 Driving Wellness by Sally K. Smith, "Driving Wellness is a program developed by the American Society on Aging. It is designed to complement other driving programs, focusing on things seniors can do to keep bodies and minds fit and well, so we can continue to be safe and able drivers." At 1 p.m. there is a special appearance by The Notables, a local singing group. Refreshments will be provided. Pleasant Hill Community Center, 329 Civic Drive, the McHale Room, Pleasant Hill.

MAY 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 My Fair Lady @ Clayton Valley High School 7:30 p.m. This classic musical, based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, chronicles the transformation of Eliza from a street wise flower

MAY 18 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women @ Oakhurst Country Club 10:15 a.m. business, 11:15 a.m. speaker, 12:15 p.m. optional lunch. Tom Special guest and speaker Del Beccaro, publisher of PoliticalVanguard.com,

will speak about “Arnold’s Year of Reform.” R.S.V.P. by May 18 to Barbara Allen at 672-5061. www.yvrwf.org for club information. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

MAY 26 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. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

MAY 12, 19, 26 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.

MAY 12 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Mountain View Elementary 6:30 p.m. The club is open to youth ages 5-19 and adults. Various projects, /conferences, 4-H camp, leadership, citizenship and community service opportunities. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month, September to June. Call Candy Hogan, Community Leader, at 969-1325. Mountain View Elementary, 1705 Thornwood Drive, Concord.

MAY 18 Blue Star Mom Meeting 6:30 p.m. Small group Blue Star Mom meetings held the third Wednesday of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord.

Call 676-3654 for information.

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAY 10, 17, 24, 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.

MAY 10, 24 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.

MAY 17, JUNE 7, 21 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm's Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton.

MAY 12 Clayton Community Services Commission Meeting @ City Hall 7 p.m. City of Clayton Community Services Commission meets 2nd Thursday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 HeritageTrail, Clayton.

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION MAY 17 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.

MAY 18 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the School Library. All parents are invited to attend.

Please contact PFC President Carolyn Hartnell at 672-4146 or crhartnell@earthlink.net if you want an item on the agenda.

JUNE 2 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Clayton Valley High School 7-8:30 p.m. in the school library. Parents, become more involved in your child's school. Attend a PFC meeting. Please contact President, Melinda Moore at 672-0930 or melindammoore@yahoo.com for more information.

The Community Calendar is sponsored by

T H E VA N F L E E T- B R O N S O N T E A M Personal Service Makes The Difference

1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Suite D, Clayton 94517; Phone (925) 672-4333 www.CallTheVanFleetTeam We are proud to support the Children's Miracle Network, an alliance of premier hospitals in North America.

The Children's Miracle Network treats over 17 million children each year for cancer, pediatric AIDS, muscular dystrophy, heart disease, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, asthma and accident trauma.

IN SUPPORT OF THIS COMPASSIONATE CAUSE, THE VAN FLEET-BRONSON TEAM WILL MAKE A DONATION on behalf of our client for EVERY TRANSACTION CLOSED BY OUR OFFICE.

May 6, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Arbor brings shade to park

Mulder is this week’s ARF Adoption Star “Mulder” is a 1-year-old Walker Hound mix who loves to be busy. He will be a star in obedience class, and has the energy to become your favorite jogging partner. Mulder is a happy dog with outstanding social skills. He is perfect for an active family who is looking for a second dog.

Mulder is recommended for children ages 10 and above.

Bring everyone who will live with Mulder – including any canine family members – to meet him at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Bring your best friend and come to ARF’s “Animals on Broadway,” 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. This awesome event celebrates the magical bond between people and animals.

The day features the “Paws on Parade” dog walk, a dog wash, training demonstrations, adoptions, arts and crafts and more. See ARF’s Web site, www.arf.net, for more information or call 256-1ARF.

MULDER

Mobile Pet Grooming has arrived!

BJ ZOOMs right to

your driveway in Clayton, Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill or Martinez z NEW! Now grooming birds z NEW! Announcing new de-shedding product for cats & dogs The Furminator! Amazing results. z Specializing in Cats and Older Pets z Convenient curbside service in a new state-of-the-art van (Fully contained) z Full grooming from head to toe

(925)

26 550 56

5) or (92

78 672-38

Bonnie Owner

Jawad

Outta my way!

I gotta get to

Concord Feed Sale Y A D R U T SA M AY 1 4 O N LY

Page 13

for the

BIG sale 20% off .

SAVE ON EVERYTHING NO EXCEPTIONS NO EXCLUSIONS.

Our Everyday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Low Prices Small and large animal supplies Food Toys Treats

Eagle Scout, Trenton Wright, recently completed a shade arbor for the Clayton Community Dog Park making the park a lot more user friendly. Linda Pinder of the K-9 Coalition is excited about the latest addition to the park and is grateful to Trenton for his dedication to the arbor project. The dog park has a long history dating back to 1995 when the Community Services Commission conducted a survey which found that 61 percent of Clayton residents supported the idea of an off-leash dog park. Five years later the city approved the site and provided the land, fencing, picnic table benches and dog waste collection station. The Clayton K-9 Collation then raised $15,000 by the summer of 2003 which was enough to install a Contra Costa Water District meter The coalition raised an additional $7,000 to date for park

Photo courtesy of Linda Pinder

Clayton dogs now have shade at the dog park thanks to Trenton Wright who built the structure for his Eagle Scout project.

improvements that include installation of a water line (due any day now) and planting a few shade trees.

According to Pinder, there should be running water to the park by early May.

As soon as the water is in, volunteers will plant the shade trees. For more information on the dog park or to donate time or money contact Pinder at 6727815.

Canine and feline zoonoses, part II In this article we will explore four canine and feline zoonoses.

Zoonosis is a disease of animals that may be transmitted to man. Any healthy individual is at risk for contracting diseases from our pets, but these infections can be deadly for those who are immunosuppressed-those suffering from AIDs, on immunosuppressive drugs for cancer, suffering from immunemediated diseases, or who have had an organ transplant. Young children or older people often have reduced immune systems as well. But we can all enjoy the companionship of our pets with proper precautions.

Cat Scratch Fever is caused

by Bartonella bacteria. This disease is transmitted cat-to-cat by fleas, bites and scratches.

Humans contract Bartonella mainly through cat scratches and occasionally bite wounds.

Fleas are instrumental in cat-tohuman transmission. When the flea bites a Bartonella positive cat, it ingests bacteria infected blood. The bacteria are then shed in the flea’s feces or flea dirt. This dirt appears as very small black particles (dried blood) in your pet’s fur.

When your cat scratches his skin the flea dirt is transferred to the cat’s nails, which then transmits the bacteria through a

cat scratch to another cat or human.

Infected cats may have symptoms of fever, eye infections, gingivitis, and neurological signs. Humans will develop fever, lethargy, and enlarged lymph nodes. Flea control is the best protection for cats and humans. Cats can be tested for Bartonella, but due to expense, we do not recommend routine testing. We do recommend testing a cat before adoption by an immunocompromised person.

Cat Scratch Fever can be treated with antibiotics.

Toxoplasmosis may be familiar to pregnant women.

People and animals are primarily exposed through ingestion of tissue cysts in raw meat. Other routes of exposure are through congenital infection or, rarely, through ingestion of oocyst from feline fecal contamination. This one-celled organism encysts in tissue causing birth defects, flu like symptoms and encephalitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The cat is the only animal that sheds the oocytes in the stool. Pregnant women can protect themselves by not changing the litter box, having the person who changes the box do it daily, and by wearing gloves while gardening.

Professional pet grooming salon for dogs and cats Self-service pet wash available

Tues - Sat, 8-5 Experienced staff with more than 20 years of service

est. 1978

Adjacent to Hollywood Video

925-6 676-9 9355

4375 Clayton Rd. Unit K Concord owner & Clayton resident Grace Carson & her dog, Blue

MARYBETH RYMER,

PAWS

AND

DVM

CLAWS

But the number one source of infection is from ingesting undercooked meat. Blood tests are not recommended since they do not accurately determine if the cat is shedding.

Oocysts can be identified on a stool exam but are rarely seen due to the short period cats shed. Toxoplasmosis is treated with antibiotics.

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are also protozoans, which can infect the small intestines of all animals.

Both organisms cause diarrhea.

People are exposed through fecal contamination of drinking water and food. Although there is some controversy as to whether the cat and dog species are infective to people, there is no definitive link of human risk from cats or dogs. The best prevention is to not drink environmental water with out filtration, boiling or chemical disinfection. There are specific medications for treating this disease.

Despite these zoonotic diseases, we can live a healthy life with our pets free from the worry of exposure. General recommendations for avoiding zoonotic transfer include adopting a pet free of fleas, flea control, keep a new pet isolated from an immunocompromised person until a complete exam and zoonotic risk assessment is performed by a veterinarian, avoid handling unhealthy animals, wash hands after handling a pet, remove fecal material from home daily, cover children’s sand boxes, and only feed pets cooked or processed food.

Marybeth Rymer, DVM, can be reached at Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital, Concord. 672-1100.

AND MUCH MORE Concord

Monte Vista Animal Hospital

5288 Clayton Road

“Compassionate, Quality Care Since 1968”

925.887.9200

• Full service veterinary hospital • Dogs and Cats • Puppy and Kitten Programs • Sr. and Adult Wellness Workups

Pleasant Hill

228 Hookston Road 925.940.1200

Novato

Mon. - Fri: 8am-6:30pm Sat. /Sun. 9am-5pm Cash & Carry

z

Limited to stock on hand

%

F

7546 Redwood Blvd 415.599.3500

z

No Deliveries

z

No Rainchecks

z

No Additional Discounts

M - F 7:30am - 6:00pm 8:30am - 1:00pm Sat Every Other Tuesday Open Until 7:00 pm

E E R 50

• Advanced Dental Care • Deluxe Cat Condos • Rabbits, Rodents, & Reptiles (Wed - Friday)

for NEW clients

Initial Exam

%

Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good for food, retail items, grooming or boarding. Must bring coupon.

1488 Washington Blvd.

Concord

925-672-1100

Page 14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 6, 2005

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

Lo Roccally co own Bia ed by le

11 TV ’S

to sport watch s!

Open l 947-6 ate!! ww 1

after the game Enjoy a small one item pizza

Free

with purchase of any large pizza

ria.co

m

Formerly Linguini’s - NEW OWNER, NEW MENU - Now open, featuring:

Thai cuisine

curries, tandooris freshly baked breads

fresh soup and salads pad thai, pad kemo chicken sate

Hot Basil Café

Enjoy both Indian and Thai Cuisine Open 7 days a week

Mon. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sun. - Thu. 5-9 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 5-9:30 p.m.

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

925-288-0000 All menu items available for take-out

Let us cater your next special event

r our tions fo

er va

uffet B y a D s Mother’day, May 8,

.

Sun - 3 p.m .

9 a.m.inner 5 p.m. -n8u)p.m

ner me r ving d Also se m limited din (fro

Fine dining on the beautiful Delta View Golf Course

grilled steak, shrimp, chicken and veggies large variety of pizzas and pastas!

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Banquet facilities available

Linguini’s is now the PAVILION BAR AND GRILL. New owner, Hamid Shahrodizadh has added specialty items from the grill to Linguini’s traditional Italian fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, gnocchi, tortellini and vongole. Grilled items include steaks, fish and veggies and range from $5.95 for an appetizer of cheese sticks to $19.95 for the New York strip topped with sauteed mushrooms.

The Pavilion Bar and Grill, next to the Clayton Station, also offers an expanded salad and sandwich menu. Pizza lovers will all be happy with the new selections. Vegetarians can choose from three selections including the Mediterranean, topped with mozzarella, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, Feta cheese and drizzled with a light olive oil.

The Meat Lover’s Pizza is topped with enough pepperoni, sausage, beef and salami to put every meat lover in paradise.

Pizzas come in small, medium, large and extra large sizes and range from $9.95 for a small classic cheese pizza to $22.95 for an

extra large Super Combo.

See ad this page for hours.

ELYSIUM also has a brand new menu with more choices and lower prices. Dishes range from “small plates,” featuring appetizers, soups and salads from $5 for Organic Field Greens with toasted hazelnuts, beets and champagne vinegar, to a Half Dozen Oysters on the Half Shell for $12. “Medium plates-good for tasting,” (try the Cornmeal Crusted Calamari Salad with spicy aioli for $7.50) are great for a light meal, or you can combine them with a smaller plate for a complete meal.

“Large plates, good for an entree” include Halibut and a Five Spice Dusted Duck Breast for $15; or Flank Steak and Frites (simple as that) for $14 among other choices.

Owner Greg Severn has also added a “Little Ones Only” menu and heartily welcomes families with children.

See Elysium’s ad this page for hours.

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 offers these amenities and more at their lovely tea room in the Clayton Station.

Proprietors Sally Englund and Pamela Barnett want the tea cottage to be a place "where good friends gather."

After you browse the gift shop and collectibles, enjoy lunch or high tea with tea sandwiches,

joy An Italian En Fe

Bring the family and join us for lunch or dinner

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

672-6868

ast at Ou r

Mon. – Thurs.

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

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

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

4425-F Treat Blvd.

Concord, CA 94521

687-5 5300

www.pastaprimaveracafe.com

american contemporary bistro in downtown Clayton

E lysium

Dinner Tue - Sat, 5 p.m. closed Monday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

“Elysium is a bit of heaven in the suburbs”

Sunday Brunch

-San Francisco Chronicle, 2/18/2005

Menu includes:

Grilled New York Steak - blue cheese mashers, collard greens, chili relish. $18 Local Halibut - sauteed pea shoots, fingerling potatoes, sherry shallot demi. $15 Roasted Chicken Breast - wilted romaine, french fingerling potatoes, gravy. $14 For the little ones - chicken breast & fries, mac & cheese, or quesadilla m now Red Roo e for l b a l i a v a arties p e t a priv

$

See Dining, page 15

$ $

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.

1508 Kirker Pass Rd. behind Shell Station

Now taking reservations for Mothers Day

Must be in uniform, Not valid w/other offers

Indian cuisine

ek ak at O nut Cre l a in W

Mother’s Day is just a little over a week away and Pioneer Territory has some great places to take mom for her special day.

Elysium, Oakhurst Country Club and Zandonella’s offer a sumptuous brunch for an early-in-the-day celebration. Or, plan on Englund’s Tea Cottage for a special and unique luncheon or high tea. And for dinner, call La Veranda to honor mom with a fabulous Italian dinner or Pavilion Bar and Grill for something special all day.

our res Make y

$6

d. ley R l a V cio Ygna e Rd. 9 0 29 Grov

Dining Around

Lunch: Dinner:

p ch S Lun .95

0 spizze 5

w.roc co

y Dail ecialS

La Veranda Café

5 4 3

672-11333

for reservations

6115 Main Street Clayton, CA email: e lysium_restaurant@sbcglobal.net

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

Mountain Mike’s Pizza Valid at participating stores only.

Expires 12/31/05

ALL

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

Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton Happy Mother ’s Day Make your reservations early

5358 Clayton Rd. Concord

3501 Clayton Rd. Concord

(Next to Clayton Bowl)

(El Monte Shopping Center)

689-4965

Children’s menu and take out service available

(925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON

676-9000

Fundraisers z Team Specials z Group Discounts z Parties

!PEN W E O N OW

N

g e a t t o C a Englund's Te “Where good friends gather...”

Afternoon Tea Time Monday through Thursday from 3 - 5 p.m.

Meet new friends by the fountain in our lovely Garden Room for z Tea tasting - featuring a variety of loose leaf teas z White glove, silver service, lovely music z Finger sandwiches, scones with jam and Devonshire cream, cookies and desserts. $12.95

and Come our browse and op gift sh ibles collect

672-TEAS (8327) www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com

Open 11 - 5 daily for lunch, tea and dessert

5433 L Clayton Road (in Clayton Station)

May 6, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com

Page 15

Aromatherapy: an appeal to the senses alert us to the presence of a potentially pleasant experience (ripe plums, figs, strawberries!).

Even living in a modern age we are still driven by smells quite possibly more than we realize.

Our noses are like powerful little computers connecting our brains to the sensory world in a very real way through a process

Isn’t smell a marvelous trick?

Hiking at this time of year can yield fragrant surprises as wildand other flowers fluff up their skirts and dance in the springtime sun. Home gardens come back to life and virtually explode with color and perfume. Back when we lived in caves, smell could warn of danger (pungent hungry bear!), or

Bella Mia Spa

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL A Salt Scrub and a Sports Facial $100

Located inside Mavericks Sports Club 5294 Clayton Rd., Concord

Non-m members welcome and non-m mothers too exp. 6/1/05

Sid Landman President

A full body 3/4 hour Massage $50

d An r O

680-7 7792

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING FOR GROWING COMPANIES

CALL NOW & schedule an initial NO COST consultation

650-868-0151 Mobile sid@landmanconsulting.com

Your children deserve the best.

Licensed daycare with two loving moms in a private home Infants to after-school care

Child Care t s r u h k a O

Now accepting applications for

located in Clayton

Kathy Beitch & Diane Massone

summer daycare program, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. z field trips z fun activities z outdoor playtime z nutritious lunch

925-673-1000

No enrollment fee for first time customers

random aroma can trigger a whole string of forgotten memories. This is because the area of the brain associated with smell is closely linked with memory and emotions.

When a particular fragrance reaches the brain, it may trigger a variety of chemical actions within the body, including the release of emotion-specific chemicals which may help reduce pain and create a feeling of well-being; reduce pain and amplify sexuality; or calm our nerves and send us on a quick trip to happy land.

In the practice of aromatherapy, specific fragrances are found to engender specific results.

For instance, the scent of lavender provokes a relaxing response.

Peppermint will perk you up, but the smell also has a calming effect on the digestive system. However, this isn’t fast-breaking news. The practice of aromatherapy dates back to ancient civilizations, where the Egyptians uses fragrant oils for religious practices, and it is said that one of the gifts of the Magi was frankincense, a resin that emits an woody fragrance and is a popular ingredient for incense.

You don’t have to get all fancy and complicated to enjoy aromatherapy. Here are a few samples of aromatherapy fragrances.

Chamomile has a slightly

Dining, from page 14

Business and Financial Consulting Management Counseling for Business Leaders Recruiting Top Talent for Your Company Coaching and Counseling for Job Seekers

925-673-8817 925-673-8818 Fax

called olfaction. Information entering the nasal cavity sends signals to the brain for a form of processing that is primal, complex, and practical. For instance, did you know that a mother can identify her infant by smell alone almost immediately after birth?

That’s some nose to brain connection. Experienced wine or coffee tasters can identify a blend by smell alone. In the perfume industry, a good nose is worth its weight in precious gems.

If you’re aware of the way you’re attracted to some fragrances and repelled by others, you’ve experienced aromatherapy.

Take roses, for instance. Roses remind me of my grandmother’s garden, a place I associate with positive emotions and so I love the showy flowers – but roses remind a girl I know a girl of her grandmother’s funeral, so for her, roses are a complete turn-off!

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for therapeutic effects. Essential oils have been revered for their fragrance and their restorative effects on the body, mind, and spirit for thousands of years.

It’s uncanny how people respond to the sense of smell on an emotional level more strongly than any other sense, and how a single

license # 073404812

freshly baked scones, fresh fruit and dip and dessert.

There's a beautiful muraled room perfect for bridal and baby showers, staff meetings and club gatherings. To book your party, call 672-8327. Lunch reservations are a must.

Do you have a hunger for Thai food but your dining partner is holding out for Indian?

Not a problem. The new HOT BASIL CAFÉ in Concord can meet both your culinary desires for lunch or dinner.

The menu has separate Thai and Indian pages but is a melding of the two cuisines.

Bites of Indian curry chase Pad Thai. Three Spices Catfish, Seafood Curry, Asian Eggplant, Seekh Kabob and assorted vegetarian, noodle, curry, soups and specialty dishes fill the menu. Thai Chicken Satay and BBQ

Chicken are popular for children. Finish off your meal with desserts such as fried banana or coconut ice cream.

All lunches are under $10 and dinners are in the $9.95$13.95 range. See ad this page for hours.

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 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 7-12, $3.45.

RENEW & R EFRESH Spring into Summer bare-ly there

bikini wax special!

buy three... get one free (bikini only; no Brazilian)

CYNTHIA GREGORY

PERMANENT SOLUTION 6200-C Center Street, Clayton

286-5162

Show your pride!

Clayton-themed men's & women's apparel, coffee mugs etc.

) Many designs ) Secure Online Purchasing ) 30-Day Money Back ClaytonShirts.com

Richard A. Littorno Littorno & Morrison, Attorneys At Law Since 1979

Living trusts z wills z elder law z Probate & trust administration z Creative estate & tax planning z Asset protection & general business z

Clayton office:

6160 Center St., Suite D Clayton, CA 94517 Phone: (925) 672-6463 Fax: (925) 672-6468 rlittorno@msn.com

CYNTHIA GREGORY

LOOKIN’ GOOD fruity, sweet, fresh, apple-like aroma. It is best known for its calming effect on nerves, skin and stomach; and is said to help balance emotions, relax, soothe and comfort. It can help relieve the effects of headache, insomnia, nervous tension, and migraine.

Eucalyptus has a camphorous odor, with a woody-sweet undertone. It works well as a decongestant, deodorant, and antiseptic. It aids in the relief of muscle aches, poor circulation, asthma, and headaches.

Grapefruit has a citrus, fruity, lemony, fresh aroma. It is a good astringent, diuretic and stimulant.

Lavender emits a floral-herbaceous scent, with a woody undertone. Lavender is known for its soothing, sedative, balancing, relaxing, and purifying qualities. It can aid in minor skin conditions, and relieve insomnia.

Mandarin has a fresh, warm, For fine dining and lovely atmosphere, downtown Clayton has two very fine dining establishments.

At the corner of Center and Marsh Creek Road is LA VERANDA, serving a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish, starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. If you’re a salad lover, be sure to try the Insalata Della Reina 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.

Make your reservations now for Zandonella’s sumptuous Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet from 9 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m.

Enjoy Prime Rib, Rack of Lamb or ham. If you prefer to take her to dinner, come between 5 and 8 p.m. when they will be serving from a limited but delectable dinner

sweet fragrance that is at once warming, comforting, soothing and uplifting. It may be used as a digestive, diuretic, laxative, and stimulant to the digestive and lymphatic systems.

Rose has long been a favorite perfume ingredient, and is said to be an element in 80 percent of all perfumes! Rose is often used in skincare for dry, mature, or sensitive skin, and is uplifting, providing relief from depression, insomnia, headache, and stress related complains.

Rosemary has a strong, mintyherbaceous woody scent. It is said to stimulate mental clarity; and is used to strengthen, restore, purify, protect, and refresh. It is especially good to treat skin and hair conditions.

Ylang ylang is a slightly creamy, slight balsamic floral fragrance, blending well with rose, sandalwood and jasmine. This fragrance is said to have antidepressant, nerve-calming, and aphrodisiac qualities.

The beauty of aromatherapy is that you don’t have to be a biochemist to enjoy the benefits. Just relax, and enjoy the world of fragrance surrounding you.

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.

menu. All entrees include soup or salad, pasta and bread. The view is free. Call for reservations, 432-1700.

Just down Clayton Road at the corner of Clayton Road and Treat Blvd., is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria offers a delectable linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil for $8.95...my personal favorite.

Other pasta dishes include Chicken Pesto Gorgonzola, a rigatoni dish with chicken breast and tomatoes in a creamy pesto Gorgonzola sauce ($13.95.) For an intimate atmosphere and a good wine list, Pasta Primavera can’t be beat.

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.

Why continue to struggle with reading glasses?

Dr. Lerner is proud to be the first physician and only office in the east bay to offer Conductive Keratoplasty (CK).

In a one minute, painless, in-office procedure using just radio waves, you will probably be able to read comfortably again without glasses. Our results have been nothing short of phenomenal!

“Modern technology” with old-ffashioned care.

Call for a free consultation to see if you are a candidate for this liberating procedure.

Hilary Jon Lerner, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon

“The doctor that physicians choose”

Pittsburg office:

2211 Railroad Ave. Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-4211 Fax: 432-3516 Estateplanning.com/Littorno

Call Now! Three locations to serve you: Concord (925) 685-1130 Pittsburg (925) 432-9300 San Ramon (925) 820-9600

Page 16

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

MDES celebrates 50 years May 20

MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY School circa 1959-60

Mt. Diablo Elementary School is celebrating its 50-year anniversary with a big birthday bash on May 20. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner catered by Fuddruckers, booths, classic car show, music and dancing. A time capsule ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in front of the school. Items to be buried include Mt. Diablo sweatshirt, Measure C plans,

Yearbook, school photos, a copy of the Clayton Pioneer and other memorabilia.

Mt. Diablo Elementary’s current structure was built in 1955, on the site of the old elementary school that served the area’s children for 84 years. The school’s first Principal, Lloyd Glass, oversaw a student population of 266 in grades K- 6. At the time Mt. Diablo was the

only elementary school in the area and so it was home to students from Clayton, Morgan Territory, and parts of Concord.

Since 1955, Clayton and surrounding towns have seen explosive population growth.

As the area grew so did the school’s population. Teacher Char Hollenbeck, who has been at Mt. Diablo for 44 years, says that teaching in the early 60’s “required the ability to juggle shared classrooms and work double shifts.” It wasn’t until the district built Ayers Elementary in 1961 and Highland’s Elementary in 1964 that Mt. Diablo saw some relief.

Over the years the school has added on a library, several classroom wings and a multiuse room. Mrs. Hollenbeck’s

School News CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL WASC Accreditation: On Mon. May 16 at 7 p.m. there will be a school accreditation meeting in the CV multi-use room.

Accreditation is the stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency that allows colleges and universities to consider applicants. Completion of UC’s a-g requirements count only from accredited schools. Students applying for Pell grants and Cal grants need to be from accredited schools. The WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), our accrediting agency, requires collaboration among students, staff, parents and community members as part of the accreditation process.

Graduating class of ‘05 Grad Nite Celebration is June 15. The Grad Nite committee’s major fundraiser is a car raffle.

The committee will raffle off a brand new Chrysler 300, providing the minimum number of tickets is sold. Please help with this great event and buy a ticket or two. For details please call Shari Case at 687-3690. Donations needed. We are asking for tax-deductible donations of prizes for the graduates, monetary donations, and/or gift baskets to support this activity. Please make checks out to CVHS Grad Nite 2005. Please mail cash donations to CVHS Grad Nite, P.O. Box 59, Clayton, CA 94517. For a list of non-cash donations, call or email Cecilia Zefeldt at 672-5756, czefeldt@sbcglobal.net or Ed Cleland at 6739272, cleland1983@sbcglobal.net.

special memory was when the pirate ship was added to the playground. She and her husband, along with an army of parent volunteers, built the ship which has been enjoyed by thousands of children over the years.

Recent times have seen class size reduction for grades K-3, and an accelerated curriculum administered by a dedicated teaching staff. Linda Schuler, Principal for the past seven years, guides a student body of 875 students in grades K-5. She works closely with Mt. Diablo’s students and families to create an outstanding learning environment and uphold the rich traditions of the school.

For more information on the 50th anniversary contact Sharon McNulty at 673-9333.

PACE (PARENT ACTION COALITION FOR EDUCATION) A campaign to raise funds for elementary music and secondary school libraries began in April and will conclude in June. Parents are hoping to restore funding for the two programs, which are scheduled to be reduced significantly in the coming school year. The goal of the campaign is to raise $700,000 to maintain fourth grade instrumental music and middle school and high school librarians at their current level. For additional information about PACE please contact Ellen Multari at info@mdpace.org

Send school news items that have a community interest to Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton 94517 or e-mail religion@claytonpioneer.com.

May 6, 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

CLARISSA

BRIDAL SALON For all your bridal needs

Mother of the Bride & After five evening wear

925.930.0214 1424 South Main St. Walnut Creek

Reminder: Professional Assistants & Mother’s Day Week starts May 2

Clayton Flowers Daily deliveries to Clayton, Pittsburg, Concord, Walnut Creek For those not content with the ordinary...

Easy to order by phone

WIRE SERVICE SPECIALISTS

682-4664

Major credit cards honored

Toll Free

4666 Clayton Road, Concord

Church News BAHAI’S OF CLAYTON The Baha’is of Clayton invite the public to a talk and fellowship about psycho-spiritual growth and healing on May 6 at 7:30 p.m. The speakers are Michelle ThelenSteere and Tuli Rode. Mrs. Thelen- Steere is a master psychologist with 28 years experience as a psychotherapist and social worker.

Mrs. Rode is a Board Certified hypnotherapist and program developer in the field of addiction and family therapy. For more information and directions call (925) 6726686, bahai.concord.ca@bci.org.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS The famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be performing Tue. June 28 at the Coliseum Arena in Oakland and Thurs., June 30 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.

Order tickets online at Tickets.com for Oakland and Ticketmaster.com for San Jose.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints meets every Sun. at 1360 Alberta Way in Concord, across from Clayton Valley High School. Call 676-3977 for information.

CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Join us for our message series “Fight for Your Marriage” Sun. at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at DVMS. Whether you are divorced, single, in a strong or troubled marriage, we want to help you make all the relationships in your life healthy relationships that will not only persevere, but grow stronger throughout your entire life.

Church meets for worship every Sun. at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at Diablo View Middle School. Childcare provided and we offer a variety of age appropriate classes and activities. 673-9060, www.claytoncc.com.

CLAYTON VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN Sun. services are held at 10:30 a.m. along with Sun. School. Childcare is provided. Join us on Sun. at 9 a.m. before church for some lively discussion on current popular books.

Church office is open Mon. - Fri. at 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, cvpres@sbcglobal.net. Senior Pastor: Patricia Plymale.

CROSSROADS COVENANT CHURCH Our Pentecost Service will be at Clayton Community Park on Sun. May 15 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a picnic and softball game.

This is a great fellowship time.

Thurs. May 19 at 7 p.m. Jon Blankmeyer will host a World View Seminar on the role that biblical truth plays with regard to issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and stem cell research.

Looking for something fun to do on the weekend? Want to meet people that live in the area without spending a fortune?

Crossroads Church hosts a game night on the first Saturday of each month at 6 p.m. for people of all ages. No charge, just bring a snack or drinks to share. Everyone’s welcome. This month it’s Sat. May 7 at 6 p.m., Crossroads Church 5353 Concord Blvd.”

“Monthly Movie Night at Crossroads Church is the third Sat. of each monthshowing this month, Muppet Treasure Island, Sat. May 21 at 6 p.m. Crossroads Church ,5353 Concord Blvd.

HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH Sun. worship starts at 9 a.m., Bible study and Sun. school begin at 10:30a.m. Ladies Bible study, Mon. at 12:30 p.m. Wed. evening Bible Study at 6:30 p.m.

The Women of Holy Cross will have their Annual Spring Tea and Luncheon on Sat., May 14 at 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

The theme for the event is “Joy for the

Journey”. Please call Grace at 686-2000 for reservations.

www.claytonflowersandplants.com

ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC CHURCH “Tool Time” for women – remodel your spiritual house by repairing broken “doors” which let in stressful drafts, examine the foundation of your faith for cracks, rewire and light up the rooms of your soul, learn to partner up on “big jobs” and find your way home, if you are lost or homeless.

One-day retreat is Apr. 30, 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., for information call Heather at 6723702.

SAINT JOHN’S EPISCOPAL PARISH Saint John’s honors moms at worship on Mother’s Day, May 8.

Next, is the observance of the Feast of Pentecost, May 15. In a liturgical tradition such as the Anglican Church, this is the third greatest “feast day,” right behind Christmas and Easter, celebrating the gift of God’s Spirit to the faith community. In addition to a special focus to morning worship services, Saint John’s always celebrates with an annual picnic for the entire parish family.

Other activities for May include the start-up of a new book club, as well as another “Ciné-Sancta” night at the movies.

For more information about all Saint John’s events and activities, check it out on a Sun. morning or online: www.saintjohnsparish.org.Saint John’s worship experiences and other events are always open to the wider community and everyone is warmly welcomed. 5555 Clayton Road, 925-672-8855.

Send your church news items that have a community interest to Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton 94517 or e-mail religion@claytonpioneer.com.

DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE A CREDIT UNION?

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

We are a full service financial institution waiting to serve you!

800-554-1391

1855 Second St., Concord CA www.cdfcu.org

A welcoming place and sacred space where thinking minds and caring hearts truly grow in faith

SAINT JOHN’S PARISH T HE E PISCOPAL C HURCH

IN

C LAYTON

Sunday Worship: 8 & 10 a.m.

5555 C LAYTON R OAD

Q

C LAYTON

Call anytime: 672-8855 or check us out online: www.saintjohnsparish.org

May 6, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Unique Hair & Nails C OMPLETE N AIL C ARE

Do you understand your lipid profile?

Specializing in z Acrylic & Gel Nails z Silk Wrap

z Nail Designs

z Elegant Nails z Hot Wax z Deluxe Manicure/Pedicure

925.689.7278 4787 Clayton Road, Suite C, Concord

(Across from Aegis Senior Living)

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-7, Sat 9-5

$5 Off

$3 Off

With coupon.

Limited one coupon per visit. Expires 6/15/05

With coupon.

Limited one coupon per visit. Expires 6/15/05

Any Full Set

$5 Off

Any Fill

Manicure & Pedicure combined With coupon.

Limited one coupon per visit. Expires 6/15/05

FREE GIFT

First 50 customers with coupon.

Limited one coupon per visit. Expires 8/15/05

Take control of your healthcare decisions with an

ADVANCE HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE - $79

Divorce Living Trust Incorporation Probate Olivia Moore-Wraa

LOW

COST/FAST DOCUMENT PREPARATION SERVICE

Owner, Clayton resident

No Lawyers, Save Money

WE THE PEOPLE

Legal Document Service Center of Concord

....LDA#49

We are not attorneys and cannot offer legal advice

4474 Treat Blvd., Concord (925) 246-0370 www.wethepeopleconcord.com

Mother's Day Gift Special: Our “I AM WORTH IT” package normally $199 now $175 That's a one-hour massage, deep pore cleansing facial & your choice of body treatments.

Pumpkin peel special introductory offer 4 facial series, $180. Call for more information.

Page 17

Call (925) 673-0 0686 for an appointment

Clayton Mind & Body Connections

1007 Oak Street, Clayton, CA 94517

www.mind-and-body-connections.com

In the last twenty years, lipid management has been gaining more and more attention. The reasons are obvious.

Coronary artery disease (heart disease) is the single leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than one in five deaths each year. More medical research shows clear benefits from strategies to lower lipids in certain risk categories.

Coronary artery disease (arteries in your heart getting blocked and inflamed) has a clear relationship to lipids (fatty particles) in a blood stream as well as other risks factors (like smoking, inactivity, obesity, diet, stress etc.).

For screening purposes several routine blood tests may be ordered by your doctor. Often, one of them will be a “Lipid Profile.”

WHAT IS A “LIPID PROFILE”?

This is a simple blood test requiring you to fast at least 12-14 hours prior to the test.

When you receive your “cholesterol” results from your doctor there will be several fractions of “fat” in blood, each with a different level of importance and relationship. The test will show total cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoprotein), HDL (high density lipoprotein), triglycerides, and total cholesterol to HDL ratio.

YOUR “MARKERS” These are all called “markers” and you will want to discuss all of these fractions with your doctor.

Total cholesterol is an

You can now receive 10% credited on every deposit for first 5 years.

Important Money News!

Do you have 401K and Savings Blues?

Your money earns 10% on deposit PLUS up to 25% MORE every year.

average number of all lipid fractions in your blood. While this number is of some importance, your LDL and HDL numbers are more important.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is so called “bad cholesterol. Over the past twenty years, the main focus of therapy was on LDL and it has been indeed identified as a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, it is also clear that there is overwhelming evidence that the TC (total cholesterol) to HDL ratio is one of the best predictors of subsequent coronary heart disease events.

HDL (high density lipoprotein) is protective and recent study shows the importance of intervention if level is too low.

Triglycerides (TG) at high levels are another dangerous fatty particle. They are dangerous for the heart as well as the pancreas (endocrine gland).

TC: HDL ratio (total cholesterol: HDL) is one of the best predictors for risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

All these markers have to be interpreted together. Total cholesterol alone doesn’t give you good enough information about a risk for future heart disease. It is important to look at a relationship with other markers as HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides.

For example if you have total cholesterol over 200 but HDL over 60 it is OK because your Ratio is about 3.3 This means below average

JANA TOMSKY

YOUR HEALTH risk for coronary artery disease.

On the other hand elevated LDL alone is a risk factor and it has been a main target of treatment for years.

OTHER TESTS TO CONSIDER In preventing heart disease, the first step is to assess the cardiovascular risk. Your doctor may evaluate you with a help of so called “Framingham Risk Score” and give an estimate of the 10 year risk for a heart event (heart attack or advanced coronary disease).

In such an assessment there is taken in consideration several facts – some of them you can not change (age, genetic make up), other are modifiable – smoking, obesity, level of physical activity, eating habits, good control of high blood pressure plus the results of the lipid panel.

WHY SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVEL?

You and your doctor may work together to prevent disease. In this case you may Jana Tomsky, MD, can be reached receive useful guidance or at the Clayton Valley Medical Group, treatment if necessary.

Let’s review the greatest (925) 672-6744.

It’s time to sign up for the July 4 parade Clayton’s famous 4th of July parade and celebration is only a little over two months away and it’s time to sign up to participate.

We especially want to encourage patriotic musical groups to march this year.

The parade entry form is on

the Clayton Website at www.cityofclayton.org. Please note, all entry forms must be postmarked no later than June 10 or received at City Hall by June 13.

Each year the parade queue strings out further and further

z z z

Your money is SAFE! You can never suffer a loss of value due to stock market fluctuations Receive a guaranteed rate of return Get a 10% credit for every deposit you make during the first 5 years

Your retirement made BETTER Do you have a 401k, SEP, IRA, Bonds, ROTH IRA or Money Market Account?

Move it (or start a new one) through a tax-free, penalty free Sec. 1035 Exchange

requiring us to limit entries.

However, there is no limite to the number of children in the Kiddie Parade.

Please enter early to assure a spot in the line-up. To sign up, please call Laura Hoffmeister, 673-7300.

Ygnacio Valley Republican Women

HERE'S MORE GOOD NEWS z

risk for heart disease and stroke: smoking, lack of exercise, age - if men are over 45 or women over 55 years, high blood pressure (over 140/90), having diabetes, having close family member who had heart disease before age 60, obesity (body mass index greater than 30), high LDL and/or triglycerides (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good “cholesterol) low WHAT SHOULD YOUR CHOLESTEROL BE? An LDL level less than 100 best; LDL between 100 and 129 is near best; LDL between 130 and 159 is considered high and LDL of 160 and above is very high HDL should be greater than 55 for women and greater than 45 for men.

However, there is not a “one size fits all” number.

One has to take into consideration the personal health history, family history, habits and more.

If someone is a generally healthy young person, the management of elevated lipids will be primarily “TLC” – therapeutic lifestyle changes. This means healthy choices of diet, regular exercise and smoking cessation if applicable.

If more aggressive treatment is indicated, the “TLC” is still very important in conjunction with medication.

Next month, we’ll discuss what to do if your lipid fraction is putting you at risk.

www.yvrwf.org Our Special Guest and Speaker for Wednesday, May 18, 2005: 10:15 Americanism & Legislation; Speaker at 11:15; Luncheon at 12:15 $18. Arrive when you can.

Oakhurst Country Club, Clayton

Tom Del Beccaro, Contra Costa Republican Party Chairman, Publisher, politicalvanguard.com

“Arnold’s Year of Reform” Tom is the publisher of PoliticalVanguard.com, an online news and commentary magazine. He is a featured writer on Commentarytoday.com and The One Republic Journal. His publications include “The Prospects for the Democratization of the Middle East,” “The Campaign Finance Crimes of James Madison” and “How Could George W Run Such a Revolutionary War.” All guests most welcome! Enjoy Americanism tidbits and legislative reports.

Educate yourself. Enjoy great speakers in your own backyard.

RSVP 775-3232 or 838-2182 or jngcabot@pacbell.net for more information

C o m m u n i ty Connections Victor Weber, Clayton resident 1-800-WE NEED YOU 1-800-936-3339

Insurance and Financial Services 'Because your money matters"

Serving businesses and individuals since 1994 Lic. OE 48176

ROBERT SMITH SPCB LICENSE #FR28650

“Ask for Robert Smith” “I’ll give you a discount”

“Serving Clayton area for seven years”

2515 WEST TENTH STREET ANTIOCH, CA. 94509 www.weneedyou.com

925-757-5890 FAX: 925-778-7907

Your Business Name Here!

Place your business card in the Community Connections section of the Clayton Pioneer and get connected with your customers!

Call the Pioneer at 925-672-0500

Page 18

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 6, 2005

Backyard birding around Clayton weeks, depending on the incubation time (the time between laying and hatching). There are some species where the father bird will help take care of the eggs, keeping them warm and safe from predators.

CATHIE

of themselves. In some species the young birds leave the nest and never look back; others stay around the same area and become permanent residents.

Other young birds are known to hang around until the par-

GERNHARDT

FOR THE BIRDS Welcome to the world of backyard birding around Clayton.

There has been an abundance of bird activity for those paying attention. I’ve spent some time watching a Red Tail Hawk nest. My surveillance has rewarded me with the pleasure of seeing two fluffy little heads pop up and down with an occasional spreading and flapping of tiny wings. Mom has been giving them bites to eat while Dad was either protecting from above, or out hunting more food to feed his hungry little darlings. Ah, parenthood.

Since Mother’s Day is soon approaching, I thought it would be fun to examine bird motherhood. First the happy bird couple finds a good location and builds a nest, most of the time both parent birds work together in nest building, sometimes the male bird will make the nest alone. The number of eggs laid varies by avian species. Egg laying is pretty much like childbirth, some mother birds lay one per day for two to six days.

When the eggs are laid the mother bird is required to sit on them, sometimes up to four

MERLIN FALCON

The type of bird will determine the incubation time. Once the chicks hatch, it is the mother’s responsibility to feed them and keep them safe from the elements and predators. As the chicks grow in the nest they flap and strengthen their wings in preparation for learning to fly. At the appropriate time (by some instinctual awareness known only by the parent bird), the fledglings (young birds) will be coaxed out of the nest to test their wings.

Most parent birds spend time with their offspring teaching them to feed, and take care

ents take them off on a relocating adventure and return home sans offspring. This is true of most raptors and other territorial birds. I have had the opportunity to observe this behavior in a pair of ravens who live near my family’s home in Northern California, and also with our resident Red Tail Hawks. So Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there.

Another significant sighting recently included a Merlin. The Merlin is a type of falcon and belongs to the raptor family. I was not aware that we had them in this area and was sur-

prised to find out that they winter here. The one I saw must not have realized spring had arrived, or decided he likes our town and wanted to stick around.

The Green Herons are back along Diablo Creek. I have seen two of them on two separate occasions in the past week, so keep your eyes focused on the skies, you never know what you might spy.

Finally, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who came out for “Clayton Cleans Up.” There were several volunteers around town filling orange trash bags with litter, pulling junk out of the creek, as well as pulling weeds and planting seeds, in an effort to spruce up the town. A BBQ lunch was held in appreciation of the volunteer’s unselfish dedication of time. Sincere thanks to all those who helped make it a special day.

Coming up: Mark your calendars for June 7 for the Clayton Pioneer’s birthday party. Come for wine and cheese and meet the writers.

See calendar for more info.

Until next time, Happy Bird Day. Cathie Gernhardt has lived in Clayton for the past 38 years. Bird watching is one of her greatest joys. You can email her at Cathie@claytonpioneer.com.

The Pioneer -- It’s your paper! pening Grand Re-O ay 14th, Saturday, M

.m.

12 p.m. to 5 p

you to d & would like ne pe -o re ve e’ w & frivolity.

That’s right r wine, food fo us in Jo e. at help us celebr p..m.

8 t from 6-8 y night y Friday r er v e s u n i o J ome Co

ing for wine tast ll your friends. don’t te

But shhh . . .

Monday thru Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

672-4003

5443 Clayton Road next to Blockbuster

Cruise Adventures Unlimited Cruising is our only business Serving all cruise lines since 1987

Hawaii/Tahiti/Pacific Cruise Seven Seas Mariner - from $9,852 p/p*

26 nights, San Francisco round trip, April 18, 2006 z All-suite, all-balcony accomodations z 700 guests z Four dining venues to choose from including Signatures Restaurant dedicated to Le Cordon Bleu® cuisine z Single, open-seating dining z Full entertainment program z Port-intensive itineraries z Guest lecturer program z Complimentary wine with dinner z Shipboard gratuities included *cruise only, gov’t fees add’l

call m-f 9-5:30, Sat 10-2

(925) 935-7447

Owners Valerie O’Connell (Clayton resident, 25 years) & daughter Colleen O’Connell

1610 Locust St., Walnut Creek

www.cruiseadventuresunliminted.com

Blue Star Moms prepare “Food, Fun and Freedom” Blue Star Moms will be available at two sites on May 14 to collect items for their July 4 “Food, Fun and Freedom” project, which organizes, care packages to send to our soldiers and troops deployed in war zones. Collections sites include the Concord Veterans’ Memorial Building at 2290 Willow Pass Rd. across from Todos Santos Plaza in Concord and at the Danville Veterans Hall at 400 Hartz Ave. The Blue Star Moms will have an Operation Postcard booth at each collection site and they will also sell Support the Troops car magnets.

Needed items for the troops include canned potato chips, pre-sweetened powdered

drink mix, cookies, shaving cream, razors, baby powder, chap stick, socks, sun screen, DVDs, AT&T phone cards and

eye drops. For more information on the collections sites and Blue Star Mom projects email SandRPeyes@aol.com.

The UPS Store

Independently owned and operated

Let us be your professional assistant.

We are here to help you with your needs:

Mailbox Service Notary Copying Fax Packaging/Moving Box Shipping (low UPS® shipping rates same as the UPS Hub).

Clayton/Concord Location:

Store Hours M-F 8-7 Sat 9-5

frien

A

CST 2074362-40

ear, a New Yo Y u! ew In office N eaching l b ” M O O “Z er e Makeov

Vineyard Shopping Center

5100 Clayton Road Concord, CA 94523 ph: 925-689-6245

dly st aff, r elaxi ng en viron me

nt

Extrem as seen on

30% Off /05 expires 5/20

Now Now accepting accepting new new patients patients

Dr. Gardner Dr. Fillmore And Staff

Clayton Family Dentistry 672-0110 6123 Main Street in historic downtown Clayton

925-941-1536

May 6, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 19

Find your thrill on a colorful Clayton hill Clayton gardeners are looking for hills that thrill. Many newer developments as well as some older neighborhoods are faced with hillsides that are in need of vegetation, trees, shrubs and ground cover that will add interest and texture and most importantly, hold the soil.

Successful hillside gardens have three basic things going for them: they are well irrigated, properly amended and thoughtfully planted.

Research your watering options.

Drip irrigation describes the application of watering by drip emitters. The water is applied slowly on or near the ground. This method

provides little to no waste from run off or evaporation. You deliver the water just where the plant needs it. You also have the option to control the volume of water delivered to each plant by varying the type and numbers of emitters that you set for each plant. Drip systems should be outfitted with a backflow preventer and an additional filter to keep the small openings on the drop emitters from becoming clogged. A pressure regulator is also needed to keep the fittings from blowing apart under the force of typical household water pressure. Sprinklers apply a high volume of water over a large surface. This method can help

provide a cooler, humid atmosphere, rinse dust and dirt for plants surface, and may help keep some garden pests down, such as the spider mite.

Sprinkling can be wasteful.

Winds have been known to carry off some water before it reaches the ground. Water can be lost to runoff, and overspray can cause weed seed to germinate and mature. Sprinklers allow the hillside gardener the freedom to plant whenever they want, once the delivery rate and dispersion of water for each head is figured out (the plants further away from the head receive the least water). To add plants to a drip system irrigated

am home is e r d r a mou Yo u se click away

Shop for your new home online for free

se u T Make the BES time of your valuable

Use the Home Buyers Scouting Report

Get pre-approved today No offer should be without it

Purchase & Refinance Fixed or adjustable rates Interest only payment options First-time home buyer program with down payment assistance and below market rates 100% financing CalPers mortgages 1% start rate loans

Customized profile for your price range, home style and neighborhood 24-hour access Spam free No sales pressure Maps and directions

AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE

W

help you o t e r e h e’re Kristine Thinger Clayton resident for 6 years 925-939-4800 510-816-8638 (cell)

Sherrie Fico Clayton resident for 14 years 925-939-4800 925-980-4046 (cell)

kristine.thinger@americanhm.com

sherrie.fico@americanhm.com

THE

CHASTE TREE,

a lesser known deciduous shrub thrives in Clayton’s dry heat.

hillside, you will need extra tubing and emitters on hand. This creates extra steps, taking more time. You have to find the option that is right for you.

Amend your soil. Use conditioners rich in organic matter.

This ingredient of plant installation can’t be stressed enough.

Plants have needs. Clayton rock solid clay soil needs gypsum, composted mushroom, nitrogen found in chicken manure, earthworm casting and bat guano, just to name a few. During plant installation, dig holes twice as wide as the container, at least.

Remove and discard sticky clay chunks. Give the plant the best possible chance. Use a top dressing after planting. Micro and shredded barks keep your planting cooler during the summer months and warmer during the winter. Annually spread soil conditioner and mulch to keep your plants and soil happy.

Some trees that make great hillside plantings are the birch, crape myrtle and the vitex. Birch trees are a residential favorite.

This recognizable tree is familiar, fast growing and heat loving.

This tree works well when planted as the perimeter tree.

The speedy growth, about 2 feet per year, allows the gardener to enjoy privacy. Betula jacquemontii is tall and narrow with brilliant white bark, while Betula pendula has weeping side branches with white mature bark. These birch family members are among the most planted as they simply do well.

The crape myrtle is no garden secret. This staple has a place in any yard. Crape myrtle are deciduous shrubs that are often shaped as trees. Petite varieties reach 4-9 feet tall and wide, while standards can reach 20-25 feet. There is a size for every need. Dark colored varieties stand up on a hill. Leave the pastel pinks and whites for areas surrounded by green, such as a lawn. Lagerstroemia h.

Tuscarora has a dark, pinkishred bloom that packs a punch.

Lagerstroemia i. Catawba is deep purple, and Lagerstroemia i. Watermelon Red blooms bright red. All of these color selections make quite an impact from a distance.

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

The chaste tree is a lesserknown deciduous shrub. This multi-trunked ornamental has blue/purple spiking flowers that stand 6-12 inches high. This Mediterranean native thrives in our dry heat and resists oak root fungus. This tree brings out the reds in certain phormium and looks great when skirted with coral colored Flower Carpet.

Blue or purple on a hillside is fabulous; the Vitex/chaste tree is a safe selection.

Cytisus, or broom, adds bloom and texture to a hillside.

Look past the yellows and notice the other colors of the broom family. Lena is lined with orange and yellow bi-colored blossoms in mid-spring through early summer. Mahogany has deep red blooms. Both varieties reach 5-6 feet tall and wide.

Using this selection as a focal point, create a mini garden using this shrub as a centerpiece, supported by summer bloomers, Mexican sage, Shasta daisy and gaillardia goblin. This area can be of high interest through October and sometimes into November.

Tercrium fruticans is a silvergray foliaged evergreen that

Is your backyard ready for company?

Create

a beautiful backyard experience with our unique and

stylish

collections of patio furniture by Brown Jordan, O W Lee and Homecrest.

Chateau

makes a hillside statement, almost forever blooming with small, icy blue blossoms, round growth equal in height and width, reaching 4-6 feet tall and wide. Contrasting color combinations make this germander a successful plant. Amazing Red Phormium planted in the 4 and 8 o’clock positions to the tercrium would add contrast of leaf color, as well as opposite plant shape. Planting a mediland rose in a deep red would satisfy the need for flower power. This would make a great hillside mini garden.

A smoke bush is a lovely addition to your hillside garden.

Cotinus c. Royal Robe has Japanese Maple bright red foliage that retains color all summer long. Scarlet fall color makes this ornamental even more desirable. Eventually reaching 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide, this shrub is a hillside staple. The yellow foliage of the Sunset Gold Coleonema shines brightly when planted in combination with the smoke bush.

This dwarf introduction to the breath of heaven family only reaches 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. If this mini garden is too extreme for your color palate, consider the hybrid dwarf rockrose. The bloom of this compact evergreen is the traditional 5-loped shape, white in color with a simple dark maroon spot on each petal. Planted around the smoke bush, this combo is worth seeing.

Look at all the options that hillside gardeners have, and you’ll find even more: westringia, punica, various salvias, mallows, spireas and more. Address your irrigation, work your soil and plant hardy, beautiful plants. The options are out there.

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

R&M

the place for fine gifts, decorator items, patio and garden furniture and quality nursery items.

distinctive plants and outdoor décor help to create the ambiance that you are Fountains, pots,

looking for.

Olympus

Our goal is to help you experience outdoor

living

at its finest.

Pool, Patio & Gardens Family owned since 1983

6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton

Moroccan

· 672-0207

Closed Mondays

Page 20

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 6, 2005

Pony Club teaches horsemanship and sportsmanship WENDY CONTE Special to the Pioneer

Do you have a horse crazy or even horse interested child or teen? If so, the new Clayton Canyon Pony Club (CCPC) may be just what he or she needs. The Pony in Pony Club refers to the age of the riders not the size of their mounts.

Any size, shape or breed of horse can be used and Pony Club members don’t need to own the horse, it can be leased, sponsored or borrowed. Some even borrow the lesson horses they ride every week.

Pony Club is an international organization for children age 5 to 21 that focuses on horsemanship, sportsmanship, responsibility, safety and, most of all, fun. Club members participate in a variety of horse sports including dressage, eventing, show jumping, games, polocrosse, knowledge competitions and unmounted activities. The organization prides itself on developing responsibility, leadership, self confidence, and moral judgment in young riders while they have a great time and make lifelong friends.

Members go through “ratings” from D-1 to A based equally on their knowledge of horsemanship and their actual riding skill. D-1 kids must be able to walk and trot their horses unassisted and to know basic

horse care. At the “A” level the young adult must demonstrate the ability to ride at the Preliminary (equivalent to Triple A baseball) level, manage a full stable and have more equine health knowledge than most dog and cat veterinarians.

Pony Club has already helped many kids in our community into their future careers, and not just careers involving horses. Erin Contino, a graduate “A” from the local Pony Club is currently competing at the Intermediate level and is applying to vet school.

She is “thankful to Pony Club for providing a solid foundation in both riding and horse management.” She now gives back to Pony Club by instructing at her local Pony Clubs in both Colorado and North Carolina. (Erin just beat Olympic Gold medal winner Philip Dutton at a two- day competition in North Carolina!) Carrie Brown, MD, another graduate “A” from Clayton says, “Pony Club provided me the self confidence to pursue my goal of becoming a physician, and I am delighted my family is now able to give

back to Pony Club.” Carrie’s parents provide the facility that is home to CCPC. Carrie is also

the former head of the National Pony Club Safety Committee and CCPC will be

calling on her often.

CCPC meets twice a month with unmounted instruction

courtesy of Morningside Horse Farm

MORNINGSIDE HORSE FARM’S

WORLD CLASS ARENA

is host to the new Clayton Canyon Pony Club.

STONE TREE

The Tree Experts since 1977

Looking for a Tree Hugger?

We specialize in

QUALITY PRUNING & TREE REMOVAL

with no damage to plants or property

offered by a number of graduate Pony Club members in our area. Mounted instruction is headed by Gina Marie Shaman, owner of Wishing Well Stable where she makes her career teaching children and adults how to ride and horses how to be ridden. Gina is also a former Pony Club member, giving back to the organization with her very special career skill.

CCPC is directed by coDistrict Commissioners, Vicki Boicelli and Lisa Hart. Vicki comes with years of 4-H leadership experience as well as having her own daughter travel through the ratings of the old Morgan Territory Pony Club.

Lisa has two girls, Kelly and Abby, who are the senior members of the new CCPC. CCPC welcomes everyone and can be reached for further information at Kismeta7000@aol.com , or by calling Vicki Boicelli at 6726491 or Lisa Hart at 672-3132.

The CCPC web site is nearly complete and can be viewed at www.claytoncanyonponyclub.org.

Don’t wait to make that important decision for yourself or your loved ones.

Tender, l oving c are f or s eniors i n t wo b eautiful l ocations

Petar Guest Home

Diablo Senior Homes

(925) 672-2 2841

(925) 855-0 0959

in C layton

in Danville

Lic 071441200

Free estimates & Low fee consultations

(925) 7 98-2 2 094

Richard Stone z ISA Certified Arborist #2245 CA lic # 629457

Safe

z

Insured for Worker’s Comp & Liability

Brand new stalls Only 13 spaces left

z z z z z z z z z z

(Cell) 925-360-2936

ised v r e Sup

For Horses

Excellent instruction: beginner to advanced, Combined Training Lesson and sponsor horses available Easy access to trails World class arena: 225' x 150' Future X-country course: water jump, bank, ditches, walls Covered deck: views of arena and X-country course Lounge: heated, A/C, all age equestrian library Tack room: 18’ x 12’, 40 saddle racks, 40 bridle racks, center bench Bathroom: heated, shower, personal lockers Adults on site 24/7 Home of new Clayton Canyon Pony Club

talls 12 x 12 s docks d a p h t i ALL w 1-acre o t 4 2 x 12 onth m r e p 5 $47

Ray Keyhantaj

nt e i n ve Con

For People

z

Lic 075600230

In our 10 years of providing AFFORDABLE care, our facilities have NEVER had a deficiency or a complaint filed with the licensing agency. Trust your senior care to us.

Licensed for dementia and Alzheimer’s Three meals a day Care and services 24/7 Private and semi-private rooms Quiet, residential neighborhood Hospice Licensed

z z z z z z z

925-672-3632

6115 Morgan Territory Road, Clayton email: MorningsideHorse@aol.com

MorningSideHorseFarm.com

Horses fed 3 times daily Stalls and paddocks cleaned daily Daily turn outs Blankets & fly masks, on and off as needed Wash racks: 1 inside, hot & cold water; 2 outside Insulated ceiling, auto fly suppression Longe area

May 6, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 21

Strawberry fields forever When I was a kid in Southern California my parents and I would load into the convertible, lower the rag top and fly down the highway on cool spring weekends to the coastal town of Oxnard, where we’d load up on strawberries. Those that made it home (there was a good deal of pilfering from the boxes in the back seat) were made into fresh jam, spooned atop shortcakes, and used to spike the Cheerios at breakfast.

Oxnard is no longer a sleepy Navy town but has grown to a population of near-

LUSCIOUS

STRAWBERRIES

is neither a fruit nor a berry! It’s really a false fruit—it grows from the base of a stem instead of the ovary of a flower.

Strawberries have a unique “design”—some 200 seeds all grow on the outside of the hull.

Its genetic lineage is through the rose family.

The strawberry has wild counterparts over much of the world, but the modern versions we find in Western markets are an accidental hybrid of Chilean and Virginia variants created in France. Although popular in Roman and Greek culture, they

are neither fruit nor berries

ly 200,000. Each May it is home to the California Strawberry Festival, one of countless strawberry festivals around the country and the world. The Ponchatoula, Louisiana festival claims the “most well known” crown as more than a quarter million aficionados crowd into town each year for top name entertainment, contests, parades, midway rides and, of course, strawberries.

I don’t know how to break this to you but…the strawberry

almost never made it into mainstream Western cuisine. In the 1100’s, an abbess named Saint Hildegard von Binger declared strawberries unfit for consumption because they were so low to the ground they had contact with snakes and toads. The local politicos followed her lead and discouraged their constituents from eating the berries.

Food historians have never really figured out how strawberries got their name. Some say it’s from the straw used to mulch

the plants. Others say it’s from the runners that spread outward from the plant. Then, too, it could be from the way they were marketed—strung along blades of straw so the sellers could yell, “Straw of berries” to shoppers.

Another theory is that the name is drawn from the Anglo-Saxon verb to strew (or spread) so that at some point “strewberries” became strawberries.

Strawberries are low in calories (55 per one cup serving) and a good source of almost all other nutrients. Even today, they are perceived as having medicinal benefits, but an old obscure use was for bathing. During the Napoleonic era in France, Madame Tallien was famous for bathing in the juice of fresh strawberries. The more than 20 pounds required to fill a basin precluded her from bathing on a daily basis (but back then most Europeans did not bathe all that frequently anyway).

A tastier liquid libation involving strawberries is kir: STRAWBERRY KIR 2 cups halved, hulled strawberries 1 Tbsp sugar ½ cup champagne or sparkling wine 4 tsp crème de cassis Gently mix sugar and strawberries; let rest for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Divide strawberries between two large wine glasses and top with half of the champagne or wine and 2 tsp crème de cassis.

Even the strawberry is not exempt from the long reach of the law. In 1995, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that a grocery store could not sell strawberries by weight and by volume in the same store at the same time (on the premise that consumers could not compare

Internet phones have arrived LINDA WYNER

FOOD

FOR

THOUGHT

pricing to determine which would be the better deal). In a perverse twist of law, however, the court permitted the store to sell strawberries by the pound on one day and by volume the next day.

STRAWBERRY FRITTERS ½ cup flour 2 eggs (separated) 25 strawberries (about one pound) ½ cup milk ½ cup beer 1 tsp olive oil 1 Tbsp sugar pinch of salt powdered sugar oil for frying Combine flour, salt and egg yolks. Slowly add milk and beer, stirring gently. Let mixture rest at room temperature for two hours. Beat reserved egg whites to stiff peaks, form and fold into batter. Preheat frying oil.

Holding strawberry by its stem, dip in the batter and then lower it into the hot oil. Let the batter set for a few moments then release the strawberry, cooking until golden brown.

Drain on paper towels and generously sprinkle powdered sugar over the berries. Serve immediately and enjoy.

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

The great digital transformation marches on as one of the last vestiges of the old guard begins its downward spiral. In order to save money on local and long distance calls, improve quality and offer a broader range of services, your telephone has joined the Internet. Telephones are moving voice services off Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines onto Twenty-first Century high-speed data lines.

If you’re interested it cutting your monthly phone bills in half and improving the quality of your phone service, then you’re a candidate for Voice over IP (VoIP). If your phone bills exceed $200 a month, get ready to make the switch. The new systems aren’t the original funky computer-to-computer speech systems that required one person to talk then wait a minute for a response. These are real-time phones for real people.

National service providers and a multitude of equipment providers are plunging into this new telephone service. Big companies like Avaya (a spin-off from Lucent Technologies), 3Com, Digium and others have entered the hardware side of the VoIP market, and companies like Sprint, Vonage, SBC, Covad and others provide the software.

Most companies in one discipline have crossover products in the other, as well.

VoIP converts your regular conversation (voice) into data bits and transmits them over the Internet to another regular phone on the other end. Both callers use a regular phone. The computer or PBX-IP (Phone Branch Exchange for IP) converts the voice to data for the transmission over the Internet, and the phone company con-

“Look Who’s Selling Clayton!”

verts the call back to voice for the caller to hear you on their phone. You can make calls anywhere in the world for pennies.

The only charges you will incur are your regular DSL or cable line (which you already have for Internet) plus a small charge for reconnecting your call to POTS (remember, plain old telephone service) when the call arrives at the destination. No long distance fees are incurred.

WILL CLANEY TECH TALK By adding PBX features to your phone, you get some real kick-butt services for nearly nothing. Feature rich PBX’s are stand alone computers that add features like call forwarding, forward on busy or no answer, call routing, call waiting, transfers, caller ID, do not disturb (with or without a reason), conference calling, voice mail, paging, music on hold, blacklists and much more. An attendant can direct calls by watching a monitor and using a mouse, or your PBX can be unattended by using pre-programmed commands and decisions.

Will Claney is the owner and operator of Computers USA! in the Clayton Station. Contact him at 925-672-9989.

visit us online at

HELP-U-SELL REAL ESTATE SERVICES helpusell.com 4918 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94521 (925) 680-4950

3101 Coyote Circle

Clayton

We sold our home on 522 Mt. Davidson Court in Clayton and saved over $32,100 in real estate fees! We are very happy with Help-U-Sell and would use them again! Our agent was very professional and thorough in handling the sale of our home!

A. Medrano

We sold our home on 1816 Yolanda Circle in Clayton in 4 days using Help-U-Sell & saved over $27,600 in real estate commissions. This was by far the best real estate experience we have ever had! We are so happy with the results that we recommended Help-U-Sell to all our neighbors.

J. Mann

Sell Fast!

Save Money

550! d $25,5 aved Sold Selllerr S

ng!

Pendin

$530,000

317 Saclan Terrace

Clayton

$569,000

d $38,150 aved Sold! Selllerr S

ng!

Pendin

1830 Yolanda Circle

Clayton

$784,950

30 Fleming Ct.

Clayton

$785,000

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1595 sq.ft.

Beautiful and unique with designer touches throughout! Large eat-in kitchen with maple cabinets, custom built in china cabinet, spacious family room with 2 sided fireplace, formal living & dining room & master suite w/private bathroom.

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,749 sq.ft.

Decorator touches throughout, hardwood floors, bright kitchen, family room w/vaulted ceilings & wood burning fireplace w/oak mantle. Central heat/air, large private yard w/covered redwood deck & automatic sprinklers front/back.

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, approx 2,133 sq.ft. of living space. Spectacular home ready for any family! Entertainers delight backyard with gorgeous pool! Fully landscaped front and backyard with flagstone. Updated kitchen and baths, spacious living room, family room & dining room. An absolute must see to believe!

4 bedrooms, plus den, 2.5 baths, approx 2368 sq.ft. hardwood flrs, marble entry, gorgeous kitchen w/granite tile counters & gas stove & large master suite w/walkin closet & marble bathroom. Spectacular tropical backyard with pool/spa & waterfall, extended BBQ island w/slate counter, sink, eating area and tile patio. This home is an absolute must see to believe! An entertainers Dream!

450 d $32,4 aved Sold! Selllerr S

d $27,950 aved Sold! Selllerr S

770 d $27,7 aved Sold! Selllerr S

d $32,150! aved Sold! Selllerr S

25 Atchinson Stage Rd.

Clayton

$699,000

5830 Del Trigo Lane

Clayton

$565,000

5418 Paso Del Rio Ct.

Concord

$612,000

522 Mt. Davidson Court

Clayton

$685,000

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.

4 Large bedrooms, 2 updated baths, approx 2325 sq.ft. Spacious formal living & dining room w/vaulted ceilings, family room w/wet bar, hardwood floor entry, updated eat-in kitchen w/tile counters & central heat/air.

Spacious master suite, tile roof, new exterior paint & meticulously maintained yards!

350! d $24,3 aved Sold! Selllerr S

ys!!

Sold in 4 Da6,110 3 $ d ed v a S r er l Sell

650! d $27,6 aved Sold! Selllerr S

600! d $45,6 aved Sold! Selllerr S

5839 Verna Way East

Clayton

$555,000

4 Bedrooms, 2 Updated Baths, approx 1,680 sq.ft. Huge .31 Lot with RV parking! Spacious family room w/brick wood burning fireplace & French doors off Dining room, new carpet, fresh paint in/out & tile entry. Some hardwood floors, spacious master suite, new heat/air & new roof/gutters.

182 Mt. Wilson Way

Clayton

$751,000

5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, approx 2,692 sq.ft. Lovely kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, gas stove, tile counters and garden window! Gas fireplace in family room, oak hardwood flr in entry, kitchen & eating area, wet bar & large laundry room with storage. Master Bedroom features views & private deck, lovely backyard with spa & gorgeous views!

1816 Yolanda Circle

Clayton

$610,000

3 Large Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, approx 1,780 sq.ft. Gorgeous home inside & out! Spacious family room w/woodburning fireplace, dining room w/wood floors, new heat/air & new roof. Master Bedroom with French doors to private Trex patio deck, fruit trees & generous side & backyard with RV parking. Great Clayton Neighborhood!

102 Forest Hill Drive

Clayton

5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, maple cabinets & island.

Formal living w. fireplace & dining room, spacious family room w/fireplace. Open & bright throughout, inside laundry, 3 car garage, landscaped yards & Large master suite w/jacuzzi tub!

You Could Save $27,050!

By selling your home with Help-U-Sell instead of with brokers who charge a 6% commission* (the savings are based on a home selling for $600,000).You can select from many fine real estate professionals.Why not choose one that will also save you money when you sell? *Commissions are negotiable and not set by law.

You’re Paying How Much To Sell Your Home?

LOW FEES HAPPY CUSTOMERS!

Visit our new office at 4918 Clayton Road

Page 22

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

May 6, 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.

(925) 672-8787 www.LynneFrench.com Lynne@LynneFrench.com 6200-E Center St. Clayton, CA 94517 1801 N. California Blvd.

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

rom the city to the country, the East Bay Area is a place full of surprises. Just ask longtime resident and local real estate professional, Lynne French. For her, it provides the ideal setting for some of her favorite hobbies, which include golf, hiking, jogging and horseback riding. “I discover something new here every day,” Lynne says. “That’s why I take such great pride and joy in helping others make the most of their real estate opportunities in the East Bay Area.”

With her straightforward determination and in-depth knowledge

F

of the local home market, Lynne has guided many East Bay residents to excellent results. She is backed by a team of skilled professionals, including her husband, Danny, a former general contractor, giving her unique insight into every aspect of your home.

When it comes time to buy or sell a home in the East Bay area, Lynne French is the ultimate guide.

Her experience, care and energy will make your move a complete success. Give her a call today and Discover the Possibilities in the local real estate market.

GEORGE VUJNOVICH,

Broker

(925) 672-4433

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517 georgevujnovich.com

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

Exquisite "Belvedere" model backing to open space. 5 bedrooms, den, 3.5 baths, approx. 4,100sf, inside laundry, 3 upgraded fireplaces & 3 car garage with extensive custom storage. Upgraded 18" marble entry extends into ½ bath, living room, dining room & kitchen. Private downstairs bedroom & full bath. Enormous great room featuring walk-around granite bar & marble two-way fireplace. Gourmet kitchen boasts granite counters, island, "mocha" cabinets, huge pantry, upgraded dual motorized skylight & slider to deck. Romantic master suite features a retreat/nursery/workout room, cozy fireplace &bath featuring extensive use of marble & jetted tub.

Professionally landscaped huge level lot features a custom deck for entertaining, large brick trimmed aggregate patio, aggregate mow strip, expan$1,350,000 sive lawn area & vibrant colorful flowers.

Magnificent "Belvedere" model! 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den & loft, approx. 4,100sf, inside laundry, 3 upgraded fireplaces & rare 4 car garage with built-in storage.

Upgraded 18 marble floors in entry, hall, dining & living rooms, ½ bath & kitchen. Upgraded light fixtures, "mocha" cabinet package, central vacuum, plantation shutters, designer paint & custom murals throughout! Solid slab granite kitchen with full tumbled marble backsplash & large pantry. Fabulous great room features a stacked stone fireplace, upgraded custom laid tumbled marble floors, slab granite full bar with custom mural/art. Private downstairs bedroom with full bath.

Elegant master suite overlooks open space & features a romantic fireplace.

Large level lot backs to open space with a large lawn area & custom deck looking out over city/valley & beyond views. $1,379,000

PEACOCK CREEK AT OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB

5.68 ACRES ~ CLAYTON, MORGAN TERRITORY

Immaculate & G Rare Single DIN N S t o r y E P "Bainbridge" model! on a large lot facing great views of open space, hills, ridge & canyons. 4 bedrooms, den with upgraded French doors, 3 baths, approx. 3,030sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage. Upgraded 12" tile floors & neutral carpet throughout. Living & dining rooms share fireplace.

Gorgeous gourmet kitchen features slab granite counters, island & upgraded "Euro" style cabinets. Family room with beautiful custom built-in entertainment center & fireplace. Large master suite with French door to patio.

Huge lot features a custom salt washed patio, expansive lawn areas, mature landscaping & relaxing spa. $1,125,000

The ULTIMATE G setting atop a DIN private knoll!

N E P with breath-taking views of Mt. Diablo, surrounding hills, pastures & canyons! Main residence (approx. 5,450sf) features single story living areas, 2 master suites, 5 additional spacious bedrooms, 5 full baths, 2 laundry rooms, (3) 2 car garages, 2 kitchens, enormous family room with sweeping views dual wood stoves & gleaming hardwood floors, upstairs features a loft, sewing/craft/hobby room, full bath, huge bonus/game room & large sun deck with spectacular views! 1attached unit featuring 1 bedroom, 1bath, small family room & kitchen, 1 detached unit featuring 1 bedroom, 1 bath, spacious family room & kitchen approx. 700sf. Dramatic pool setting features a large aggregate patio, "PebbleTech" in-ground pool with automatic cover, fire pit, windscreen & spectacular backdrop of massive oak tree, canyon & hills. Private trellis covered patio boasts a custom built-in outdoor BBQ. Portion of property perfect for horses!

Lots of room for RV, boats & more! $1,725,000

4.76 ACRES ~ MORGAN TERRITORY, CLAYTON Just Listed!

Remarkable C u s t o m Victorian Estate atop a private knoll nestled in a picturesque setting surrounded by m a j e s t i c Heritage oaks, gently rolling hills & native landscape!

3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3,519sf, inside laundry, attached 3 car garage, detached (20'x34') 2 car garage/workshop plus a separate (32'x36') barn with 376sf loft. Quality craftsmanship & Victorian period detailing throughout includes: custom crown moulding, door & window trim, light fixtures, hardware, stained glass window accents & so much more! Grand scale formal dining & living rooms. Enormous eat-in gourmet country kitchen featuring custom slab granite counters, island & full backsplash, "Plato" cabinets & state-of-the-art appliances. Magnificent master suite offers, a sauna, two-person shower, huge walk-in closet & French Doors leading to balcony with breath-taking views. Take in the spectacular views of oak dotted hills, canyons, pastures & mountain range from every window or the 900sf wrap around porch. $1,495,000

OAK COURT One of a kind private gated Estate situated on 1.48 acres in the heart of downtown Clayton. Single story over 5,400sf. 3 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 3 car garage, 3 fireplaces. Formal dining & living rooms. Wine cellar with tasting room. Gourmet slab granite kitchen. Pool & spa with fountain & cabana & tennis court. SOLD BY GEORGE! $1,800,000

D SOL