Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, CA) articles from September 2001

Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, CA) archives from September 2001

Fremont, Calif., Manufacturing Firm Educates, Promotes Hispanic Worker.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Ellen Lee Sep. 1--When Javier Pioquinto first began working at A&D Precision Inc., he couldn't speak to most of his co-workers without the help of a translator. Then one day a manager approached Pioquinto, a janitor, about...

Walnut Creek, Calif.-Area Lab Dispute Results in Firings.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Andrea Widener Sep. 1--A year of low-level growling between Lawrence Livermore Laboratory managers and the union representing its highly trained security force has given way to biting this month, following a sickout on the same day...

Mt. Diablo, Calif., Schools Not Ready for More Computers.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Suzanne Pardington Sep. 1--Hundreds of new computers will sit in storage when Mt. Diablo high schools open next week because the schools' aging wiring systems can't handle the additional power demand. The district expected to...

San Francisco-Area Transit's Offer Not Enough for Unions.
September 1, 2001... Sep. 1--OAKLAND, Calif.--In an attempt to jump-start stalled talks and to forestall a strike, BART directors went public Friday with a new wages and benefits offer to its unions. Within hours, the unions publicly rejected the overture. ...

HEADLINE HERE.
September 1, 2001... cc-retention By Sarah Krupp Knight Ridder Newspapers ANTIOCH Most of Antioch's elementary and middle schools retained, or held back, anywhere from a half-dozen to two dozen students last year. Most, that is, except Park...

Dye, A's finish August on a roll.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Gary Washburn ST. PETERSBURG, Fla._The potential for this team appears limitless. With a 9-5 win Friday over Tampa Bay, the A's finished an extraordinary month, one that puts perspective on this season and Oakland's storied...

Ben Grieve still is struggling.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Gary Washburn ST. PETERSBURG, Fla._He looks the same, has the same demeanor and even the same swing, but there is something different about former Athletic Ben Grieve, who is enduring a career-worst year in Tampa Bay. Grieve...

Roster boost should help Giants.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Marcus Thompson II SAN FRANCISCO_Saturday is the first day major-league teams can increase their rosters above 25 players, and the Giants have several needs as they prepare for a heated division and wild-card race. "We're...

Rattay unimpressive in loss.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Cam Inman DENVER_Tim Rattay undoubtedly suffered a setback Friday night in his bid to become the 49ers' No. 1 backup quarterback for the regular season. Rattay threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, fumbled...

Hearst deal nearly complete; 49ers routed by Broncos.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Cam Inman DENVER_Their quarterback threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Their defense again looked miserable. But, hey, how `bout that 49ers front-office staff? The 49ers are close to finalizing a new,...

Referees should take the money and run.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Eric Gilmore OAKLAND IN THAT GREAT "labor" battle being waged between NFL officials and owners, it's hard to decide if anyone's right. On one side you have the filthy rich owners, rulers of a multibillion-dollar business...

Raiders ready to hit ground running.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Steve Corkran OAKLAND _ Six weeks of practice. Five exhibition games. A four-game suspension. Three seasons in the making. Two countries. One mandatory roster cutdown. No more waiting. The Raiders put an end to the...

New parking scheme needs to be `tweaked'.
September 1, 2001... Byline: Steve Corkran OAKLAND_Friday night's game between the Raiders and Green Bay Packers served as a test run for more than those two teams. The second and final exhibition game at Network Associates Coliseum presented one more...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Bankruptcies Column.
September 2, 2001... Sep. 2--BANKRUPTCIES: 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 Bulletin Column.
September 2, 2001... Sep. 2--MONDAY: Labor Day TUESDAY: Experience Unlimited of Pleasant Hill, a no-fee, nonprofit volunteer organization helping professionals seeking jobs, meets, 9 a.m.-noon in the Oak Room of the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Business Listing Column.
September 2, 2001... Sep. 2--BUSINESS NAME FILINGS: 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...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., People in Motion Column.
September 2, 2001... Sep. 2--ACCOUNTING: Karling Health Care Consulting in San Ramon has added Jennifer Zocchi as a consultant with background in financial auditing, tax and project management. --Lonnie L. Gary, an enrolled agent who lives in Union City, has...

Dot-Coms, Deregulation Fuels Rise and Stall of High-Speed Internet.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Janet Adamy Sep. 2--It has to be frustrating being Sal D'Auria these days. The head of a DSL equipment maker, D'Auria has watched his company's stock nose-dive as his customers shut their doors because they can't make a living...

California Labor Boss Oversees Surge in Union Membership.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Jessica Guynn Sep. 2--NAME: Art Pulaski AGE: 48 TITLE: Executive secretary-treasurer ORGANIZATION & LOCATION: California Labor Federation in Oakland, the state AFL-CIO BUSINESS: The state AFL-CIO, with more than...

Tampa Bay's kids rough up A's bullpen.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Gary Washburn ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ On Saturday, the A's bullpen had no chance against the youthful vigor of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Most of these Rays have yet to log one year of big-league service time, some have yet to...

Giants notebook: Ainsworth graduates from minors.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Jonathan Okanes SAN FRANCISCO_His college degree will have to wait. Kurt Ainsworth has some major-league pitching to do. The Giants' first-round draft pick in 1999 was one of five players added to the roster Saturday, the first...

Galarraga's big bat, glove bail out Giants.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Jonathan Okanes SAN FRANCISCO_Andres Galarraga had to hit the dirt to save the Giants the first time Saturday. He was able to expend a little less energy to make save No. 2. Galarraga made a sparkling play to catch a throw from...

Kingman says Pirates' Anderson could take his `crown'.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Joe Roderick This is usually Brian Kingman's busy time of year, and it has nothing to do with his job as CEO of a financial services company. Kingman's cell phone is starting to get a work out, which means one thing_someone is...

Cal just unbearable against Illinois.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Jay Heater BERKELEY, Calif. _ It took only two quarters of hideous play to crush hopes that Cal would have a turn-the-corner season in 2001. The Golden Bears were flattened 44-17 in the season opener Saturday at Memorial...

No assumptions from these Bears.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Neil Hayes BERKELEY, Calif. _ The sense of hope and optimism that typically surrounds a college football team's season-opening game lasted all of 12 seconds for the Cal faithful on Saturday. That's how long it took before the...

49ers decide Stanley isn't right punter for job.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Cam Inman Punter Chad Stanley lost his job Saturday when the 49ers released the third-year veteran and elected to start the regular season with rookie Jason Baker, who they claimed off waivers Wednesday. "I personally had...

For now, no end in sight for NFL's lengthy preseason.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Samuel Chi The NFL preseason is simply interminable, filled with meaningless games week after week. Every team is required to play at least four, sometimes five, exhibition games_unless the Veterans Stadium turf causes one to be...

Gruden says Raiders' search for returner isn't over.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Steve Corkran Raiders coach Jon Gruden spent considerable time watching game film Saturday in an attempt to finalize his roster for the regular-season opener next Sunday. There is a fine chance some of that film had to be...

Cerritos sparks Quakes to win over the Wizards.
September 2, 2001... Byline: Jennifer Starks SAN JOSE_The Western Division playoff race is still too close to call. The good news for the San Jose Earthquakes is they still are in front with three games remaining. The Earthquakes (13-6-6) maintained their...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Money Make-Over Column.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Janet Adamy Sep. 3--OAKLEY, Calif.--RETOOLING FINANCES IS TICKET TO DREAM OF CANCZN BUSINESS: Beth and Alex Gatlin know they can't spend money like they used to. Last year, they decided they wanted to go to St. Thomas in the...

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Retirement Planner Column.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Steve Butler Sep. 3--RETIREMENT AS AN ART FORM: In the early days of my father's retirement 20 years ago, he experimented with the concept of sitting down for lunch and waiting for Mom to make him a sandwich. Needless to say, the...

A's fans prepared for Cal's final bow.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Gary Washburn The significance of the moment would grow exponentially over the years. But in 1987, it didn't seem like a big deal. Cal Ripken Jr. needed a breather, so his father, then-Orioles manager Cal Ripken Sr., inserted...

Giambi not that hobbled as A's defeat Devil Rays.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Gary Washburn ST. PETERSBURG, Fla._The American League's Most Valuable Player decided to take advantage of the green light given him and darted_if you want to call it that_for second base. Jason Giambi's chronically sore...

Chavez quiets critics with his play at third.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Gary Washburn ST. PETERSBURG, Fla._Did "Dr. Strangeglove" ever accurately describe Eric Chavez? That's the nickname that followed Chavez into the major leagues, as he was tabbed an above-average hitter with suspect defensive...

Giants won't let Santiago talks get in the way of playoff race.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Joe Roderick SAN FRANCISCO_General manager Brian Sabean has been around too long to allow contract negotiations to distract a team in the pennant race. Although the Giants had face-to-face talks with the agent for catcher...

Giants shake up lineup, Rockies.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Joe Roderick SAN FRANCISCO_Dusty Baker's all-new, just-released middle of the order_Jeff Kent third, Barry Bonds fourth_could not be deemed a smashing success after the Giants scored three runs, but since the output was enough to...

Businesses ready for BART strike.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Ellen Lee East Bay businesses are deploying shuttles, helping organize carpools and giving the nod for employees to work from home as a BART strike looms. BART management and its labor unions have until midnight tonight to...

More changes are on the way for lagging defense, say 49ers.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Cam Inman SANTA CLARA_The 49ers may have slashed their roster to the league limit of 53 Sunday, but general manager Terry Donahue is far from content with the look of his team, especially on defense. "There's a lot of work...

Raiders have familiar ring to them after cutdown day.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Steve Corkran ALAMEDA, Calif. _ Meet the new Raiders. Same as the 2000 Raiders. Well, not quite. At least you won't need a Pro Football Register or a media guide to get to know this year's team. Coach Jon Gruden on Sunday...

Vacation's over as Sharks' rookies report.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Rick Hurd Finally, they'll see him up close. He'll be wearing the familiar teal colored sweaters with the Sharks logo, skating and scrimmaging with the big boys. At last, Jeff Jillson will be on the scene. Jillson's...

Baze has `E' ticket aboard frisky Spinelessjellyfish.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Chuck Dybdal SAN MATEO_Jockey Russell Baze could have his hands full when he rides Spinelessjellyfish in today's $100,000 California Turf Championship at Bay Meadows. Baze also could have a stakes victory if things go right in...

Weighing results of welfare reform.
September 3, 2001... Byline: Jack Chang Five years ago, legislators in Washington, D.C., voted for a proposal to get millions of Americans off welfare by putting them to work. That move triggered dramatic consequences. Nationwide, welfare caseloads...

Mecir close to returning for A's.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Jonathan Okanes OAKLAND_A's reliever Jim Mecir took another step toward returning to the active roster by throwing one inning during the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats' 3-1 loss to Edmonton on Monday. Mecir, considered the...

Cal Ripken gave the game his all.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Neil Hayes OAKLAND BEFORE ANYONE REALIZED that the young Baltimore Orioles shortstop had even begun a consecutive games streak, Cal Ripken Jr. would ask players on the brink of retirement the same question. Any regrets?...

A's defeat Orioles.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Jonathan Okanes OAKLAND_Tim Hudson has been matching teammate Mark Mulder in effectiveness all season, but this is getting ridiculous. A day after Mulder set down the first 14 batters he faced in a victory over Tampa Bay,...

Giants fall to Rockies; Barry gets No. 58.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Joe Roderick SAN FRANCISCO_The Giants' timing couldn't be worse. On the day before a three-game showdown against the Arizona Diamondbacks, their offense has come to a screeching halt. During a four-game split with the Colorado...

First Heisman hopeful falls thanks to lackluster team.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Jay Heater It's only one game into the college football season, but it already appears that Oregon State tailback Ken Simonton's Heisman hopes are a long shot at best. The Beavers' 44-24 loss to Fresno State Sunday proves that...

Calif. QB picks Miami.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Joe Stiglich ORINDA, Calif. _ Talk about making a good first impression. The University of Miami coaching staff offered Marc Guillon a football scholarship his sophomore year without ever having seen him throw a pass. The...

Sutherland to return punts for 49ers.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Cam Inman SANTA CLARA_As the 49ers winded down Monday's practice session, Vinny Sutherland trotted onto the field and was immediately dispatched to return punts. Sutherland, a rookie who the 49ers acquired Monday, will be...

Garrison Hearst to start at running back for 49ers.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Cam Inman SANTA CLARA_Garrison Hearst will get the start at running back, but he won't get all the handoffs Sunday when the 49ers open the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons at 3Com Park. Coach Steve Mariucci answered...

NFL referees missing the upper hand in dispute.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Samuel Chi NOW THEY GOTTA go beg. The regular NFL officials, locked out in a labor dispute with the league, have a serious problem: They have been exposed. They're simply not as valuable and important in the grand scheme of...

Cap-strapped 49ers sack Mirer.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Cam Inman SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ A day after he was officially demoted to being the 49ers' third-string quarterback, Rick Mirer was released by the club Tuesday in what general manager Terry Donahue termed strictly a cost-cutting...

Raiders seeking that `other' wide receiver.
September 4, 2001... Byline: Steve Corkran ALAMEDA_Competition for the starting spots at offensive left tackle and weak-side linebacker is over. There still is no word on whether Jerry Rice, James Jett or Jerry Porter will start opposite Tim Brown at wide...

Developer Selected for Oakland, Calif., Port Plan.
September 5, 2001... Byline: Ellen Lee Sep. 5--OAKLAND, Calif.--A team of East Bay developers has been selected in a $500 million, 60-acre deal to transform one of Oakland's industrial neighborhoods into a thriving waterfront district and a possible future...

Developer Selected for Oakland, Calif., Waterfront Plan.
September 5, 2001... Byline: Ellen Lee Sep. 5--OAKLAND, Calif.--A team of East Bay developers has been selected in a $500 million, 60-acre deal to transform one of Oakland's industrial neighborhoods into a thriving waterfront district and a possible future...

Lidle making strong case for spot in playoff rotation.
September 5, 2001... Byline: Gary Washburn OAKLAND _ Almost one year ago to the day, Cory Lidle pitched perhaps the biggest game of his major-league career. As a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays last Sept. 8, Lidle tossed seven scoreless innings,...

Chavez, Zito trip Orioles.
September 5, 2001... Byline: Gary Washburn OAKLAND, Calif. _ This stretch run is turning into a sprint, as the A's continue to capitalize on a soft schedule combined with Boston's total meltdown. A's manager Art Howe started Tuesday the first of what he...

Giants go deep, cut gap; Bonds gets 59th.
September 5, 2001... Byline: Joe Roderick SAN FRANCISCO _With Barry Bonds and Luis Gonzalez _ two of the three most prolific home-run hitters in baseball this season _ gathered at Pacific Bell Park on Tuesday night, Giants shortstop Rich Aurilia stole some of...

Cal cornerback has to catch up.
September 5, 2001... Byline: Jay Heater BERKELEY, Calif. _ Cal coach Tom Holmoe made a startling observation during training camp last month in Turlock. He said that junior cornerback Jemeel Powell, who had four interceptions and 16 pass deflections in eight...

49er denies involvement in brawl.
September 5, 2001... Byline: Cam Inman and Celeste Ward ANTIOCH, Calif. _ Jeremy Newberry, the starting center for the 49ers, denied Tuesday he had any involvement in a brawl early Sunday at a local bar despite being mentioned in a police report. ``I...

Donahue puts cap on excuses for 49ers' woes.
September 5, 2001... Byline: Cam Inman SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ General manager Terry Donahue admits the 49ers' limited depth is a reflection of the team's troubled salary-cap history. But don't expect Donahue to lean heavily on the salary cap as an excuse...

Pressure is off kick returner.
September 5, 2001... Byline: Steve Corkran ALAMEDA, Calif. _ The hard part is over for David Dunn. He weathered challenges from Eric Metcalf and Ken-Yon Rambo during training camp. It is showtime now, Dunn said. He can put behind him three fumbled punts...

Maximize space in small family room with sectional couch and sofa table.
September 5, 2001... Q. I need help with a small family room. This room has lots of activity and needs to accommodate three to six teen-agers at all times. The room is 13-by-19 feet with two entrances, a pitched 13-foot ceiling, an 8-foot patio door, and it...

Nursing Ratios Are Focal Point of California Legislative Battle.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Judy Silber Sep. 6--The state legislation ordering mandatory statewide nurse-to-patient staff ratios for the state's acute-care hospitals is fraught with financial and political consequences. No side -- including the agency in...

San Francisco-Area Transit Union Gets Cooling-Off Orders.
September 6, 2001... Sep. 6--SAN FRANCISCO--A day after marathon negotiations averted a crippling BART strike, a Superior Court judge blocked another union from walking out until at least mid-October. Judge A. James Robertson II ordered a 42-day cooling-off...

Pacific Gas & Electric Objects to Electricity Cost Proposal.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Mike Taugher Sep. 6--SAN FRANCISCO--A plan to shift $600 million in electricity costs from Southern California to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. came under heavy fire Wednesday when the San Francisco-based utility launched a media...

Mecir feeling fine, should give A's bullpen a boost.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Gary Washburn OAKLAND, Calif. _ The most important development from Jim Mecir's outing Wednesday was not earned runs allowed, but that he pitched pain free. Mecir returned to the A's roster after more than a month on the...

Howe to rest regulars, set up rotation.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Gary Washburn OAKLAND, Calif. _ A's manager Art Howe insists the American League wild-card race still exists, regardless of how inconceivable it is for his club not to be the winner. Howe's humility has spilled over to the A's...

Run for record not popularity contest.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Ann Tatko SAN FRANCISCO_Four decades ago, no one wanted Roger Maris to break Babe Ruth's home run record. Not even Maris' own hometown fans. At least that much has changed for Barry Bonds as he chases the single-season home...

Bonds just goes quietly into night.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Joe Roderick SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds has seen plenty during his major-league career that began in 1986. Tremendous stretch runs, followed invariably by playoff disappointments. So it was something of a revelation when he...

Bonds joins Sosa, Ruth, Maris, Mac.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Joe Roderick SAN FRANCISCO _ Throughout the season, Barry Bonds stubbornly has put distance between himself and any talk of his chase for home run immortality. The more he hit them, the more he seemed to sink into his protective...

Dodgers want no part of tribute to Thomson.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Joe Roderick SAN FRANCISCO _ The Giants will wear throwback uniforms during a Sept. 16 game at Pacific Bell Park to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bobby Thomson's home run off Ralph Branca that clinched the 1951 National...

Suit against Seeno stops school site construction.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Glenn May PITTSBURG, Calif. _ It's hard to build a school in a hole in the ground, but even tougher if the government thinks rare frogs frolic there. Mt. Diablo Unified School District officials sued Seeno Construction Co. on...

Workers may face higher premiums.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Judy Silber WALNUT CREEK, Calif. _ Premiums over the past year for health insurance coverage rose 11 percent nationally, an increase that outpaced inflation and represented the largest jump since 1992, according to a report...

BYU offense keeps rolling under new coach, system.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Jay Heater Gary Crowton found the perfect way to introduce himself to Brigham Young University fans suffering from the retirement of longtime coach LaVell Edwards. He simply had his team score 70 points in his first game and 52...

Powell knows his size won't work against him with Cardinal.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Jonathan Okanes STANFORD, Calif. _ There may be a tendency to think the Stanford football team is in trouble because the player projected to be its top wide receiver is only 5-foot-8. But if Luke Powell can experience anywhere...

The 49ers at a glance.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Cam Inman THE OUTLOOK Finishing .500 or even reaching the playoffs aren't far-fetched goals, even though the 49ers are coming off back-to-back losing seasons. The offense may have lost WR Jerry Rice and RB Charlie Garner, but...

Team by team in the AFC.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Samuel Chi (In predicted order of finish) WEST OAKLAND RAIDERS COACH: Jon Gruden (fourth season, 28-20) LAST YEAR: 12-4 (won the AFC West, lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game). KEY...

No spitting, no taunting: NFL takes a stand.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Jonathan Okanes And now for some sweet music to the ears of NFL director of officiating Mike Pereira, we bring you Oakland Raiders defensive end Regan Upshaw. Upshaw got pretty excited when teammate Darrell Russell sacked...

What to watch for in final year of an NFL era.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Samuel Chi This is the end of an era. For an entire generation of fans, this is the only National Football League they know, for better or for worse. Since merging with the American Football League in 1970, the NFL has been...

Raiders not getting any younger, so it's Super Bowl or bust.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Eric Gilmore WALNUT CREEK, Calif. _ The Raiders, thanks to Al Davis, have long had the familiar battle cry of "Just win baby!" This season they should mix in a new mantra. For every just win baby, the Raiders should scream...

NFC preview: Team by team.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Samuel Chi (In predicted order of finish) CENTRAL TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS COACH: Tony Dungy (sixth season, 47-38). LAST YEAR: 10-6 (second, wild card). KEY NEWCOMERS: QB Brad Johnson, DE Simeon Rice, T Kenyatta...

Stark truth about TV: Looks count for some reporters.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Cecil Conley Raise your hand if you believe Melissa Stark's looks had nothing to do with ABC hiring her as a sideline reporter when the network revamped its ``Monday Night Football'' crew before last season. Fool. ABC...

NFL 2001 By the Numbers.
September 6, 2001... Byline: Samuel Chi FRIENDLY SKIES: The 49ers will lead the league in air miles, at 33,562 for exhibition and regular-season games. The Raiders come in second, at 31,494. The Cleveland Browns don't have far to go, accumulating only 7,544...