Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, CA) articles from December 2002

Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, CA) archives from December 2002

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Bankruptcies Column.
December 1, 2002... Dec. 1--The following businesses filed for legal protection from creditors in the federal bankruptcy court in Oakland. Companies most commonly file for protection under three chapters of the bankruptcy code: Chapter 7, which involves...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Business Listing Column.
December 1, 2002... Dec. 1--The following individuals or corporations filed fictitious-business-name statements in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The Times makes every effort to ensure accuracy but cannot be held responsible if there are errors or omissions in...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Tapan Munroe Column.
December 1, 2002... Byline: Tapan Munroe Dec. 1--One of the remarkable features of the U.S. economy during the past several years has been low inflation. Many analysts are even concerned about the onset of a Japanese style era of deflation in the United...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Retirement Planner Column.
December 1, 2002... Byline: Steve Butler Dec. 1--Harry Truman, when preparing to turn over the presidency to Dwight Eisenhower, made the comment that the former commanding general would be totally amazed at the new experience of issuing orders and having...

Rent Hike May Put 72-Year-Old Oakland, Calif., Shoe Store Out of Business.
December 1, 2002... Byline: Guy Ashley Dec. 1--OAKLAND, Calif.--The Great Depression had only begun to paralyze the country by 1930, when Helen and Simon Hill invested their last $500 to revive a downtown shoe store that had been swallowed by bankruptcy. ...

Finally, Williams gets to show off his steps.
December 1, 2002... Byline: Ann Tatko SAN FRANCISCO_For some time, 49ers punt returner Jimmy Williams has practiced the high-step move. "Just in case," he said with a smile. Williams finally got to use it Sunday when he returned a punt 89 yards for a...

This time, Hearst does his talking with his play.
December 1, 2002... Byline: Gary Peterson SAN FRANCISCO_Nine days after reaching a career low, Garrison Hearst established a career high. Little more than a week after issuing a public apology for his attitudes and idiom with regard to homosexuals, Hearst ran...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Money Make-Over Column.
December 2, 2002... Byline: Janet Adamy Dec. 2--Ever wonder what happens to those Money Makeover people? Did the nurse from Pleasant Hill buy the condo? Did the couple with the 16 vehicles ever sell one of them? Was the phone company worker with the two...

49ers survive follies, beat Seahawks.
December 2, 2002... Byline: Cam Inman SAN FRANCISCO_So much went right for the San Francisco 49ers in their 31-24 victory Sunday over the Seattle Seahawks. Take Jimmy Williams' 89-yard punt return for a touchdown. Or Garrison Hearst's three rushing...

Flirting is a form of art.
December 2, 2002... Byline: Elizabeth Sivesind Boy enters bar and sees girl. Boy likes girl. Boy wants to flirt, but his heart is in his throat. Boy buys beverage, avoids girl and makes a beeline for his chums at the pool table faster than you can say, "Hey...

Reserved-Parking Program for Walnut Creek, Calif.-Area Commuters Debuts.
December 3, 2002... Byline: Randy Myers Dec. 3--Despite some commuter confusion Monday morning, BART's new reserved parking program got under way with only a few glitches. The new program did create some headaches for those with and without the stickers...

Consumer-Rights Measure on Information Privacy Returns to California Senate.
December 3, 2002... Byline: Andrew LaMar Dec. 3--SACRAMENTO, Calif.--A measure to give consumers a say over whether financial institutions can sell or share their private information with affiliates and other companies, a hotly debated proposal that has...

Retail Experts Say Strong Thanksgiving Sales Don't Brighten Holiday Forecast.
December 3, 2002... Byline: Janet Adamy Dec. 3--It wasn't your imagination. You probably did have to fight harder to get a parking spot at the mall this Thanksgiving weekend. Stores saw thick crowds and posted strong sales gains during the first official...

Giants face arbitration issue regarding Kent.
December 3, 2002... Byline: Joe Roderick SAN FRANCISCO _ While the San Francisco Giants continue talks with the agents for center fielder Steve Finley and second baseman Ray Durham, they face an interesting dilemma this week: Should they offer salary...

Things are adding up for Holman.
December 3, 2002... Byline: Cam Inman SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ Already on display in his parents' home in Louisville, Ky., is the football that San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashad Holman intercepted Sunday to seal a 31-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks. ...

A milestone for Brown.
December 3, 2002... Byline: Eric Gilmore OAKLAND _ Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown joined the NFL's 1,000-catch club Monday night. No surprise there. He needed four catches and got nine during the Raiders' 26-20 victory over the New York Jets. ...

Raiders climb back atop AFC West.
December 3, 2002... Byline: Neil Hayes OAKLAND, Calif. _ The final gun sounded and the Oakland Raiders were back where they started all those many weeks ago, minus the air of invincibility. They have won four straight, although experience tells them...

Brown sparks turnaround as Raiders edge Jets.
December 3, 2002... Byline: Steve Corkran BC-FBN-JETS-RAIDERS-1st-LEDE:CC _ sports (980 words) OAKLAND, Calif. _ The Oakland Raiders left the field at halftime of their game against the New York Jets on Monday night in need of a spark. Something....

California Governor Says More Cost-Cutting Necessary to Boost State Finances.
December 4, 2002... Byline: Andrew LaMar Dec. 4--SACRAMENTO, Calif.--Gov. Gray Davis said Tuesday he will propose budget cuts "substantially higher" than $5 billion by the week's end to bolster the state's ailing finances but offered few other details. ...

Study Stalls Dispute Between Contra Costa County, Calif., Refineries, Unions.
December 4, 2002... Byline: Peter Felsenfeld Dec. 4--Contra Costa taxpayers will probably foot the bill for the latest maneuver in the war between refineries and labor unions. The Board of Supervisors sidestepped a politically treacherous decision Tuesday...

HEADLINE HERE.
December 4, 2002... CC-AM.. POLL The ISSUES For its annual poll, the Bay Area Council asked 600 Bay Area residents "What do you think is the most important problem facing the Bay Area today?" Here are the top issues: _Transportation: 32 percent ...

Berkeley sexual harassment policy offers little help, professor says.
December 4, 2002... Byline: Carrie Sturrock, Sandy Kleffman and Matt Krupnick BERKELEY, Calif. _ A University of California-Berkeley law school professor who knew about a sexual assault allegation months before it forced the resignation of the dean said...

Tosco to Pay $130,000 over Pollution from Contra Costa, Calif., Refineries.
December 4, 2002

Dublin, Calif., Tries to Increase Visibility.
December 5, 2002... Byline: Kiley Russell Dec. 5--DUBLIN, Calif.--The Dublin City Council moved to help the city shake its reputation for suburban blandness Tuesday, approving the look of the signs that will mark the downtown area. "I think this is your...

Federal Pay Freeze Would Hit San Francisco Area Hardest.
December 5, 2002... Byline: John Simerman Dec. 5--President Bush's plan to freeze part of the annual federal pay raise would strike hardest at federal workers in the Bay Area, amounting to an average hit of nearly $900, union leaders say. San Francisco...

Traffic Named No. 1 Problem in San Francisco Area for Seventh Year.
December 5, 2002... Byline: Randy Myers Dec. 5--It's a dubious distinction, being tagged the No. 1 problem in the Bay Area for seven years running. Yet that's the title traffic easily claimed, beating out the weak economy and the high cost of housing, in...

Large-scale, mandatory vaccinations unlikely under bioterror plan.
December 5, 2002... Byline: Andrea Widener DAVIS, Calif. _ Within a week, the Bush administration will likely release its plan to protect the country from a bioterrorist attack using smallpox, one of the world's oldest, most contagious and most feared...

Hoosiers still a force without Jared Jeffries.
December 5, 2002... Byline: Jonathan Okanes There were many observers who regarded Indiana's run to the NCAA title game last season to be that of the Cinderella variety. But it was really more a sign of things to come. Sure, Jared Jeffries, who now is...

49ers' pass rushers are under pressure.
December 5, 2002... Byline: Cam Inman With the 49ers leading 31-10 last Sunday, defensive tackle Bryant Young broke into the Seattle Seahawks backfield and wrapped his arms around quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's waist. But before Young, a muscular...

Donnie Edwards excels as Chargers' linebacker.
December 5, 2002... Byline: Steve Corkran ALAMEDA_The mention of the San Diego Chargers defense naturally evokes images of outside linebacker Junior Seau and strong safety Rodney Harrison. Those two patrol the middle of the field, waiting to unload on any...

Frankly speaking, Darryl Sutter's no phony.
December 5, 2002... Byline: Neil Hayes Darryl Sutter may be unemployed, but career opportunities abound, and we're not just talking about the NHL coaching jobs. The recently fired Sharks coach could conduct seminars on directness for pro and college...

Sacramento, Calif.-Area Water Board Says Farms Can Use Pesticides, Pollutants.
December 6, 2002... Byline: Mike Taugher Dec. 6--SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In a glimpse into how California might address some of the largest remaining sources of unregulated water pollution, a key water overseer on Thursday said tens of thousands of farms can...

Threat of U.S.-Iraq War Adds Anxiety to Economy, Oil Prices.
December 6, 2002... Byline: Rick Jurgens Dec. 6--A U.S. attack on Iraq is likely to trigger a short-term jump in oil prices, but analysts don't expect extended fuel shortages or price hikes. "Most of us have assumed that war will be quick, short and...

California Drivers Pay Saddam to Fill 'Er Up.
December 6, 2002

Warriors lose momentum with loss to Timberwolves.
December 6, 2002... Byline: Matt Steinmetz OAKLAND _ Some consider this year's Warriors team to be young and exciting. On Thursday, they were young and excitable. The Warriors' rambunctious youth helped get them out of a big hole against the Minnesota...

HEADLINE HERE.
December 6, 2002... Byline: Kiley Russell LIVERMORE, Calif. _ The Bush Administration is weakening its fight against terrorism by concentrating so much effort to chase Iraqi President Saddam Hussein from power, according to a longtime leader in the nation's...

HEADLINE HERE.
December 6, 2002... WALNUT CREEK, Calif. _ California farmers are nearing an agreement to sell 33,000 acres of salt-laden fields to the federal government, according to court papers filed Friday. The deal, if it is reached, could end up as part of a much...

Raiders' Gannon should attract attention.
December 6, 2002... Byline: Eric Gilmore ALAMEDA, Calif. _ The record has stood since 1984, the season Dan Marino passed for an amazing 5,084 yards, leading the Miami Dolphins to the Super Bowl. Marino threw for nearly three miles that season. He set a...

Court settlement allows immigrants to challenge deportation orders.
December 6, 2002... OAKLAND, Calif. _ About a thousand immigrants nationwide who had received deportation orders will be allowed to reapply to suspend those orders and plead their cases for staying in the country. That action resulted from the settlement...

Rules for flirting.
December 6, 2002... _Make eye contact. _ Smile. _ Have fun. It is normal to be nervous. _ Compliment from the neck and up. (Hint: "Nice buns" remarks do not make friends.) _ Compose "zingers," or nonsexual lines that induce blushing. For...

Federal dollars aid local doctors to prepare for bioterror attack.
December 6, 2002... Byline: Andrea Widener DAVIS, Calif. _ Last year's anthrax attacks showed the importance of local response: An astute local doctor picked up the first case, local emergency rooms were crowded with possible victims, local hazard control...

Wolfowitz says ousting Saddam wouldn't destabilize Mideast.
December 6, 2002... Byline: John Simerman SAN FRANCISCO _ On the eve of Iraq's long-awaited declaration of its weapons programs, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz dismissed the idea that toppling Saddam Hussein's regime would destabilize the Middle...

Jobless Rate Jumps to Eight-Year High.
December 7, 2002... Byline: George Avalos Dec. 7--Nervous retailers and struggling factory operators refused to fatten their payrolls during November, causing the nation's jobless rate to jump to 6 percent, matching the eight-year high reached in April. ...

More to 49ers' Terrell Owens than bold antics.
December 7, 2002... Byline: Gary Peterson Terrell Owens' touchdown hoe-down was big news in Dallas this week, two years after the fact. Casting wildly about for a motivational ploy to inspire his 5-7 team, Cowboys coach Dave Campo invoked the day Owens...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., People in Motion Column.
December 8, 2002... Dec. 8--Glenn Pierce, M.D., has joined Avigen Inc. as vice president of clinical development. Pierce will be responsible for all of Avigen's gene therapy clinical trials. --Raymond T. Camphausen, Ph.D., has joined Thios Pharmaceuticals...

Despite signing Durham and Grissom, Giants hoping to keep Jeff Kent.
December 8, 2002... Byline: Joe Roderick It took a few twists and turns in the courting of other free agents, but the Giants ultimately decided to offer salary arbitration to second baseman Jeff Kent, buying them more time to attempt to re-sign him. As...

Alaska's massive Denali quake a tool for San Andreas fault researchers.
December 8, 2002... Byline: Andrea Widener SAN FRANCISCO _ Last month's giant Alaska earthquake triggered small shakers at surprisingly distant sites, including in California. Scientists are still sorting out what caused hundreds of small quakes in the...

Oakland defense proves a big hit.
December 8, 2002... Byline: Eric Gilmore SAN DIEGO _We've known for months that the Oakland Raiders had an offense that's Super Bowl worthy, known from the moment quarterback Rich Gannon and his cast of receiving stars began shredding defenses from coast to...

Raiders know what's at stake in San Diego.
December 8, 2002... Byline: Steve Corkran ALAMEDA, Calif. _ The Raiders enter Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers tied with them for first place in the AFC West and tied for the best record in the AFC. A victory would thrust the Raiders into sole...

Rules for flirting.
December 8, 2002... _Make eye contact. _ Smile. _ Have fun. It is normal to be nervous. _ Compliment from the neck and up. (Hint: "Nice buns" remarks do not make friends.) _ Compose "zingers," or nonsexual lines that induce blushing. For...

Flirting is a form of art.
December 8, 2002... Byline: Elizabeth Sivesind Boy enters bar and sees girl. Boy likes girl. Boy wants to flirt, but his heart is in his throat. Boy buys beverage, avoids girl and makes a beeline for his chums at the pool table faster than you can say, "Hey...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Retirement Planner Column.
December 9, 2002... Byline: Steve Butler Dec. 9--Many years ago, Medical Economics magazine ran an article about the number of doctors who were serving time in minimum-security federal prisons for tax evasion. For the most part, these were professionals who...

Brazil for a song: Music is heart, soul of this S. American country.
December 9, 2002... Byline: Jack Chang RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil _ First, a man scratched out a rhythm on his mandolin, his head cocked. He tinkered with some chords and then settled on a song. Others sitting around him in the alleyway at the heart of Rio de...

New Berkeley mayor admits stealing papers that endorsed opponent.
December 9, 2002... Byline: John Geluardi BERKELEY, Calif. _ Newly sworn-in Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates has admitted to removing approximately 1,000 copies of the University of California's Daily Californian newspaper from campus racks and throwing them in...

Student visas provide some a path to U.S. residency.
December 9, 2002... Byline: Jack Chang BERKELEY, Calif. _ The official literature touts foreign student programs as bridge builders between the United States and the rest of the world. It speaks of promoting cultural understanding, lending skills to needy...

London theater blitz: Yanks catch six plays in three days.
December 9, 2002... Byline: Anne Chalfant LONDON _ I would have been disappointed if the London skies hadn't been dark and drippy. After all, a little hardship met by a good stiff upper lip seemed a minimum requirement for scoring tickets for a sold-out...

Oakland, Calif., Airport Stands to Gain from United Airlines' Woes.
December 10, 2002... Byline: Janet Adamy Dec. 10--United Airlines' bankruptcy filing Monday could accelerate Oakland International Airport's growth as San Francisco International Airport reels from United's expected cutbacks. It may be months before the...

H factors prominent in 49ers' mind.
December 10, 2002... Byline: Cam Inman SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ With a playoff berth secured and the NFC West title back in the 49ers' possession, it's now all about the ``H's,'' coach Steve Mariucci said Monday in terms of analyzing the playoff race. ...

Concord, Calif., Airport Employees Believe Safety Measures Needed.
December 11, 2002... Byline: Peter Felsenfeld Dec. 11--CONCORD, Calif. -- Employees believe Buchanan Airport is a major accident just waiting to happen. More than 150,000 flights arrive and depart every year, but the facility has no firefighters on site....

California Professor Says Budget Crisis Should Spark Tax Restructuring Debate.
December 11, 2002... Byline: Sandy Kleffman Dec. 11--The state budget crisis should spark vigorous debate about restructuring California's longstanding tax system, a UC Berkeley political science professor said Tuesday. Lawmakers may consider expanding the...

Call on Rose: he's still out.
December 11, 2002

Warriors manage to hold off L.A. Lakers.
December 11, 2002... Byline: Matt Steinmetz OAKLAND _ In spite of themselves, and with some help from the guys in the purple and gold, the Golden State Warriors knocked off the Los Angeles Lakers 106-102 on Tuesday night at the Arena in front of a sellout...

Completing a life's work: Californian finishes book giving new insight on Theodore Roosevelt.
December 11, 2002... Byline: Denis Cuff WALNUT CREEK, Calif. _ Kathleen Dalton began her quest to tell the story of an American president 27 years ago after receiving a jolting medical diagnosis. She had six months to live with cancer, her doctor told her....

Favre is Mariucci's advocate.
December 11, 2002... Byline: Cam Inman SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ Ease up on Mooch. So says Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. Favre told Bay Area media Wednesday that 49ers coach Steve Mariucci fails to get the credit he deserves for the 49ers'...

Dolphins' Fiedler knows what to expect.
December 11, 2002... Byline: Steve Corkran ALAMEDA, Calif. _ Brian Griese got his shot and misfired. Tom Brady came away empty-handed. Jake Plummer showed little interest in meeting the challenge. Chad Pennington squandered his opportunity. Drew Brees got...

Holidays Brighten Outlook of Fremont, Calif., Technology Company.
December 12, 2002... Byline: Ellen Lee Dec. 12--FREMONT, Calif.--This year's holiday season should bring good tidings for at least one East Bay technology company. Though most companies in the Bay Area's gloomy high-tech sector expect to find coal in their...

Berkeley names interim dean for law school.
December 12, 2002... Byline: Carrie Sturrock BERKELEY, Calif. _ The University of California-Berkeley's law school has appointed its law librarian as interim dean to replace John Dwyer, who announced his resignation following a sexual harassment complaint by a...

California Panel Tentatively Resolves Issue in SBC Application.
December 13, 2002... Byline: Ellen Lee Dec. 13--SBC could offer long-distance telephone service to California consumers as early as the new year after the state's Public Utilities Commission on Thursday tentatively resolved a lingering issue with the telephone...

Dusty Baker regrets how departure from Giants was handled.
December 13, 2002... Byline: Joe Roderick NASHVILLE, Tenn. _ It's been more than a month since the Giants severed ties with manager Dusty Baker, but the awkward parting is still very much in his system, though the hurt eases with each passing day. After...

Brazil offers an unusual souvenir.
December 13, 2002... Byline: Jack Chang Stepping off the plane from Brazil last month, I must have been an absurd sight. Smothered between two big backpacks and an enormous, shredded plastic bag filled with new CDs, books and clothes, I also had in my...

Judge: California still owes power suppliers $1.2 billion.
December 13, 2002... Byline: Rick Jurgens and Mike Taugher WALNUT CREEK, Calif. _ California officials who claim that power sellers overcharged California energy users by as much as $30 billion during the 2000-01 energy crisis reacted angrily to a federal...

Despite shortcomings, Miami's Dorsey just wins.
December 13, 2002... Byline: Jay Heater NEW YORK_The question now is whether Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey's critics can match his accuracy. With only the Fiesta Bowl remaining in his college career, the former Miramonte High School star will be in New York...

49ers not trying to fool Favre.
December 13, 2002... Byline: Cam Inman SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ Cornerback Mike Rumph called it "weird." Safety John Keith said it was "crazy out there." Linebacker Julian Peterson thought it was "very different." The radical defensive scheme the 49ers (9-4)...

Coleman spells trouble for opposing offenses.
December 13, 2002... Byline: Ann Tatko ALAMEDA, Calif. _ Rod Coleman has found his perfect fit with the Raiders, and it's not in the starting lineup. A year after starting six times for the Raiders, Coleman has shifted roles. Now, he's the change-up man,...

Children's Hospital in Oakland, Calif., Dumps Insurer.
December 14, 2002... Byline: Janet Adamy Dec. 14--Blue Shield is no longer covering patients at the East Bay's only children's hospital, forcing hundreds of the health care provider's customers to take their children to San Francisco or Palo Alto for care. ...

Bio-Rad Laboratories Finds New Opening with Hunters.
December 14, 2002... Byline: Judy Silber Dec. 14--Until recently, deer and elk hunting states didn't worry too much about chronic wasting disease, an animal affliction that slowly turns its victims' brains to mush. But last year, studies revealed that the...

Giants maintain interest in Kent.
December 14, 2002... Byline: Joe Roderick NASHVILLE, Tenn. _ Things have changed so dramatically in Jeff Kent's seemingly irreparable relationship with the Giants that another step was taken in his possible return to the team. That seemed incomprehensible...

Lackadaisical Warriors fall hard against vengeful Magic.
December 14, 2002... Byline: Matt Steinmetz ORLANDO, Fla. _ Let the record show that in Game No. 22 of Eric Musselman's first season as head coach of the Warriors, his team failed to compete. For one whole game: four quarters, 48 minutes. The Orlando...

No job security for 49ers coach Steve Mariucci.
December 14, 2002... Byline: Neil Hayes SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ Steve Mariucci's future as 49ers coach has yet to be determined. Whatever he may have accomplished during the past six years at the helm is irrelevant. Mariucci's future employment status will...

NFL would be well served to instantly ban replay rule.
December 14, 2002... Byline: Gary Peterson A confidential NFL memo somehow made its way into the Minneapolis Star-Tribune this week. In the memo, the league admitted the officiating crew that worked last Sunday night's Green Bay-Minnesota game made at least...

Fremont, Calif.-Based Chip Equipment Maker to Lay Off 268 Workers.
December 14, 2002

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Bankruptcies Column.
December 15, 2002... Dec. 15--The following businesses filed for legal protection from creditors in the federal bankruptcy court in Oakland. Companies most commonly file for protection under three chapters of the bankruptcy code: --Chapter 7, which...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Business Listing Column.
December 15, 2002... Dec. 15--The following individuals or corporations filed fictitious-business-name statements in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The Times makes every effort to ensure accuracy but cannot be held responsible if there are errors or omissions...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., People in Motion Column.
December 15, 2002... Dec. 15--JAMES GRIFFIN of Walnut Creek has been named to a new nationwide Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) by the Treasury Department and the IRS. He is regional director of the U.S. Passport Agency in San Francisco. --A Jewish Voice for...