Mountain House Matters - Jan/Early February 2019

January 2019/early Feb

Issue #75

Jan/early Feb 2019

FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS AT: Mountain House Matters! • Mountain mhmatters.net House Matters 263 W Adoncia Drive Mountain House, CA 95391

TO:

Postal Customer

Mailed to every Address in the 95391 zip code All Our Mountain House Neighbors

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Wesco Graphics, Inc ECRWSS

The paper that matters

Volume 8 • Number 1

Valley Link to Host Mountain House Station Community Workshop Feb 16

Just Some of What’s Inside

The Tri-Valley - San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority will be hosting a community planning workshop for the proposed Valley Link rail station for Mountain House. This is an opportunity for the community to learn more about Valley Link and provide direct input on station amenities and services!

3 Time Capsule Ideas Being Considered

Intensive work is currently being done to complete the initial Feasibility Study moving toward construction of this new rail system that will connect the San Joaquin Valley to Dublin BART, and the Greater Bay Area. Passed by the California Legislature in the fall of 2017, this new Joint Powers Authority seeks to complete their initial step by Summer, with hopes of construction beginning as soon as possible thereafter.

All agree that easing traffic congestion, and providing a public transit from the Valley to the Bay area is crucial for the future well-being of all concerned.

Valley Link is being designed expressly for that purpose. Now is the time to give your input.

To learn more about Valley link, please visit: www.ValleyLinkRail.com

5 New Sheriff, Patrick Withrow, Sworn-in

The Valley Link Rail System will effectively connect Mountain House, and the San Joaquin Valley, to the Bay Area and BART.

Valley Link Mountain House Station Community Workshop When: Saturday, February 16th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: Mountain House Community Services District Board Room

230 S. Sterling Drive, Mountain House, CA 953491

Wicklund School Hosts Science Olympiad

7 Southwinds recognized by CSD

8 Christmas Event Highlights

By Bryan Harrison

Wicklund Elementary (K-8) School hosted their third annual Science Olympiad Saturday, January 19, 2019. 28 teams gathered from throughout San Joaquin County, as well as the Bay Area - as far away as Cupertino to compete in preparations of the regional competition March 2nd.

Run by Wicklund Head Coach -Division B (grades 6-9), and sixth grade teacher, Radhika Dinesh, the campus had an air of excitement running through it.

“We have several first time teams,” Ms. Dinesh said, “and it’s great to see so many kids turning out.”

First-year Hansen School Head Coach and Science Teacher, Mena Parmar, was clearly pleased. “It’s exciting to see kids excited about science,” she stated.

“Science Olympiad provides our next generation of scientists opportunities, challenges and awards for their work. They love having their name announced on the school PA Monday morning.”

Each team competes in 23 different categories, involving physical testing, building and doing, as well as completing numerous written tests for competitors from the various teams. continued page 2

19 MH Jr. Mustangs Cheer Nat’l Champs!

These Stories and more also available at: www.MHMatters.net

Mountain House Matters is delivered monthly

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You may now order a paid subscription to the paper.

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January 2019/early Feb

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Library and Town Hall Construction continued from page 1

The kids who placed in the top 5 for each event received medals. The schools with the 5 lowest scores overall received a team trophy.

Along with two teams from Wicklund School, Bethany, Altamont, Questa as well Hansen School teams. Teams from both Wicklund(4th) and Hansen(9th) Schools ranked within the top 10 for this invitational.

Longtime Science Olympiad leader, Lisa Boulais, explained a bit about the awards program.

“Following Science Olympiad tradition, if a school had 2 teams place in the top 5 overall, they only received one trophy. For example, Kennedy received Mena Parmar & Radhika Dinesh one team trophy (even though their 2 teams placed 1st and 3rd).

So the team trophies went to: Kennedy (1st place), Miller (2nd place), Wicklund (3rd place), Chaboya (4th place), and Weibel (5th place).”

The San Joaquin County Science Olympiad Regional Competition is Saturday, March 2, 2019 at McNair High School in Stockton, CA The State Competition is slated for Saturday, April 6, 2019 at NorCal CSU, Stanislaus/ Turlock.

On this day, it was all about local involvement.

Lisa Boulais with Sainthavi Vinodh

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January 2019/early Feb

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CSD Town Hall TIME CAPSULE ideas still being gathered

By Bryan Harrison

Value of Good Health cannot be overstated Editor’s Note, by Bryan Harrison

Mountain House, CA – Ideas for what to include in a representative time capsule continue to be gathered by the Community Services District at this time. The moderate sized treasure box is planned to be installed at the new town hall here in the coming weeks.

The brainchild of General contractor on the Town Hall and Library project, ReeveKnight Construction, the 12” x 20” rectangular-shaped monument to our present standing was approved by the board at the December 2018 CSD Board Meeting.

A good deal of discussion has already gone

into planning, but community input is still being accepted. The contents to be included should provide a worthy representation of Mountain House today, and where the people here today see this town going in 50 or even 100 years.

Time is of the essence in deciding on these items. Reeve-Knight reported they will need to install the time capsule by March to maintain their timeline.

Residents are encouraged to send your ideas as soon as possible to Angel Lamb at: alamb@sjgov.org.

Proposed items to be considered for placement in the time capsule With appropriate preservation measures, the following items could be placed in the capsule:

Photographs • Aerial shots of Mountain House before development started • Aerial shots of Mountain House with current development • Board members • Residents attending community meetings • Staff • Recreation events and calendar Documents • Newsletter • Rendition of new town hall and library • Annual financial report or budget • Mylar map of new town center

Documents continued • Formation documents • Utility bill • CC&Rs • Listing of recent home sales • Newspaper articles and ads – Mountain House Matters and Tracy Press • Builders’ sales brochures Artifacts • District seal lapel pins • President’s gavel • T-Shirt with logo • Directors’ name plates

Residents: send ideas to Angel Lamb at: alamb@sjgov.org

People ask what is most important in life - Family? Success? Happiness?

Health? In my experience, none of the rest of it can even come into the focus without your health, first.

Good health is something we all-toooften take for granted. But, when struck with a debilitating condition or disease, everything else tends to get stopped in its tracks. You simply can’t function in life without your health.

Photo by Patricia Harrison

such as this are a clear wake-up call for taking better care.

I really just wanted to take a moment to extend my personal thanks and appreciation to everyone for their wonderful support and affection as I work through this. I also want to extend a huge thanks to all our advertising sponsors for their understanding and patience with the publication being delayed due to my illness.

Life carries on for those at work, and with friends and family - although added stress from worry for their loved-one is I’d also like to send a shout-out to the pretknown to have its own adverse affects, as ty amazing staff at Tracy Sutter. The docwell. “Success” cannot be experienced tors are great, sure, but take nothing away without good health, and true happiness is from them when I say it’s tireless work difficult at best of the nursing Special thanks to the amazing staff at Tracy to experience staff that brings while dealing Sutter. The doctors are great, sure, but I patients back to with ill health. take nothing away from them when I say it’s good health.

tireless work of the nursing staff that brings

I have had this I want to also point brought patients back to good health. thank the love home to me directly numerous times of my life, my wife, Patricia, who has throughout my life, but especially within endured so much with me and my health this decade of life. Some of you may recall issues. I realize how much stress I put five years ago when I had a virus-induced on your shoulders, and I just want you to (pneumonia) cardiomyopathy experience know how much I love you and appreciate that led to congestive heart failure. That you. was pretty earth-shattering for me, includ- This year has begun for my wife and me ing a near-death experience (admittedly on a harsh note in numerous ways - logisdrug-induced). Even before that, I expe- tical challenges; computer issues; network rienced my first attack of Diverticulitis, issues and a good deal more. We’ve done a very painful intestinal condition, more well to address each challenge we face as than eight years ago. they have come without getting too de“Sucks to get old” is a common sentiment friends and I share from time to time.

A good buddy of mine is known to say “Aging is not for the timid”. I agree with that whole-heartedly. Yet getting older is something we all face.

I just experienced the second worst Diverticulitis attack I’ve had. Laid me up in the hospital for the majority of this past week. I’m happy to report, I’ve still averted having to have surgery, and am home now and feeling much better. Events

flated, and have been working to prevent those we can before they happen.

“Ya do what ya can,” is what I’m known to frequently say. Sometimes, however, there’s not much you can do. Patience and respect for the body’s need to heal must be heeded.

Through it all, I remain hopeful that, moving forward, we can get back up to speed, and make the necessary adjustments to get back on track.

2019 still holds promise for good.

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MH Community Services District CSD

Mountain House Community Services District 230 S. Sterling Drive, Suite 100 Mountain House, CA 95391

209-831-2300

January 2019/early Feb

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

Mountain House

Ne w s l e t t e r

nonprofit paid advertising space

February 2019

Reproduced primarily from Feb ‘19 MHCSD Newsletter found in your monthly water bill

8am--5:00pm (Closed at noon for Lunch) www.mountainhousecsd.org

MAINTENANCE STANDARDS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD STREET TREES As we all start the New Year we must keep in mind that our gardens and landscape must be prepared to begin a new year as well.

Once the final litter of tree leaves have fallen and been collected, the next big chore is to prune our trees to prepare them for the coming season. As we described in our January Newsletter, certain requirements must be followed when pruning trees that are located in parkway strips and front yards. We also provided diagrams on how our trees will develop if pruned correctly. If this is your first time pruning a tree, or if you are interested in improving your skills and knowledge, we recommend purchasing a book on proper pruning techniques that you can refer to year after year. Sunset Western Garden Book is an excellent publication for guidance in pruning and overall gardening.

If you wish to immediately get started, we have a few tips that you can follow that will be beneficial to the tree and improve the appearance once leaves start to push out in the spring: • Before starting any pruning tasks, completely remove fallen leaves from the ground and the base of the tree. Use a strong leaf rake to assure every leaf is removed. This will help the ground breath and prevent root and crown rot issues.

• If your tree still has a tree stake, you may need to remove it. If your tree is over one year old and the trunk is twice the diameter of the stake, it is more than likely ready to have tree stakes removed.

A tree that stands without the help of tree stakes develops a very strong trunk and root system.

• As you prepare to prune your tree it is very important to step back and study the layout of the limbs and branches. You are essentially shaping and training the habit of the tree. Always keep in mind that a good pruning job once completed will appear as if the tree looks perfectly normal. Compare it to getting your own hair cut.

• Trees consist of a trunk, limbs, branches and twigs. Prioritize the removal of twigs and branches that are dead, damaged, rub, cross, or pointing downward. Thin the interior of the tree to allow good circulation of air. Always remember, on young trees the branches that remain might be main limbs as the tree matures, so do not prune aggressively.

• Once branches and twigs are addressed, limbs are next. Be very careful not to remove important (upright) limbs that add to the symmetry of the tree. The most common limbs that should be removed are nearest the ground that overhang walkways or block important signs along the parkway strips.

• Most importantly, do not top or pollard the tree. Old school practices once included topping trees by cutting back the lead branches to control height. This deforms the tree and actually produces suckering. Pollarding trees is a practice you see most commonly with Mulberry Trees. This is where you see the limbs cut nearly back to the trunk every year or so.

Next month we will cover topics on tree health on how to diagnose issues and apply corrective measures. For specifications on tree pruning you may refer to January’s Newsletter or you may find complete guidelines on our website under Mountain House residential Guidelines Appendix F.

The Mission of the District is to Provide Responsive Service to our Growing Community that Exceeds Expectations at a Fair Value

VA L L E Y L I N K M H S TAT I O N C O M M U N I T Y WORKSHOP SAT., FEBRUARY 16, 2019

SCHEDULE OF MHCSD EVENTS

Board meetings and committee meetings are held in the Michael Forbes McGrew Board Room at the CSD office. For class and event locations please see below. If you would like additional information on the classes or events please contact Angel Lamb at alamb@sjgov.org.

Please subscribe to the Google Calendar.

Farmers’ Market Date: Every Sunday

Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm

Location: Wicklund Park

Suzuki Early Childhood Class Date: Saturday’s in February

Time: 9:15a-10:15a

Location: Firehouse

Youth Action Committee Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Time: 7:00 pm

For more information please contact Director Tingle at btingle@sjgov.org

Assemblyperson Susan Eggman’s Office Hours Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Time: 10:00a-11:00a

Location: Boardroom

MHCSD Board of Directors Meeting Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Time: 7:00pm

OFFICE CLOSURES

Please note the Mountain House Community Services Offices will be closed the following date:

• Monday, February 18, 2019

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

If your group has an activity open to the community in Mountain Houseplease send that information to Angel Lamb no later than the 10th of the month to be included in the newsletter.

Mountain House Rotary Meeting

MISTLETOE CONTROL FOR NEIGHBORHOOD TREES

In December standing under the mistletoe would bring you to believe that you might be in store for a peck on the cheek. In January it isn’t quite as romantic, more likely it means that mistletoe is growing in a tree in your yard. If you discover this unique plant growing way up in the canopy of your dormant tree, it was probably deposited there from a bird. Mistletoe is established when a bird eats the berries from a neighboring mistletoe plant and while roosting in your tree, deposits the seeds on a branch in their droppings. The parasitic plant quickly grows roots into the host tree drawing water, nutrients and finally in late winter, the female plant berries emerge for hungry birds and the cycle repeats itself.

Mistletoe reveals itself in the winter when leaf fall from deciduous trees is complete. It is highly recommended to remove this parasitic plant when discovered to prevent the decline of the host tree that may eventually result in death. It is also equally important due to the rapid spread of the plant to adjacent trees due to the berries being irresistible to birds.

Date: 2nd Friday of the Month

Time: 9:00am – 10:00am

Location: Welcome Center. For more info please contact Sachin Pingle at mountainhouserotary@gmail.com

There are several ways to control mistletoe. Simple removal of the plant fails to extract the root that is embedded past the bark into the soft wood of the tree.

This task will need to be performed yearly and will impact the trees health year to year. Chemical regulators available to control the plant are inconsistent, and have a low success rate even after multiple applications. The best practice is to prune the infected branch from the tree. To assure you capture the root of the plant, cut at least 12 inches from where the plant is attached or best yet, remove the entire branch at the nearest connected lateral. Severe multiple infestations might require that the entire tree be removed and replaced.

The Mountain House CSD performs yearly mistletoe control on District properties starting in late fall.

Branch removal is the method used to assure a permanent solution. Hopefully with a combined effort to control this pesky parasite, the only mistletoe we will see, will be during the Holidays hanging in a spot you least suspect!

M H FA R M E R S ' M A R K E T S U N DAY S 9am-1:00pm

Wicklund Park - Legacy @ Historic

Managed by All Bay Farmers' Market Association

January 2019/early Feb

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

Withrow Sworn in as new San Joaquin County Sheriff San Joaquin County ushered in a new era with the swearing-in of new Sheriff, Patrick Withrow.

Sheriff Withrow was elected Sheriff on June 5th, 2018, and was sworn into Office on January 7th, 2019. This is Sheriff Withrow’s first term as Sheriff, but it is his 29th year with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

During his tenure, he has worked in almost every division of the department, including five years with S.W.A.T. and 12 years with the Canine Unit and Lathrop Police Services.

He has also been nominated five times for the Italian Athletic Club’s Officer of the Year

Award, as well as being nominated for the California State Life Saving Award.

Sheriff Withrow graduated from Central Catholic High School in Modesto California and attended Modesto Junior College and Stanislaus State University. He graduated from Union Institute and University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management and graduated from the West Point Leadership Academy.

Sheriff Withrow has been married to his wife, Kathy New Withrow, for 28 years, and they have three grown children. He enjoys riding his motorcycle with his wife

Kathy and camping across America with his family.

Withrow overcame a narrow defeat in the 2014 election, when he lost his initial bid for Sheriff.

Controversy surrounding the previous administration opened a new door for him, with a successful campaign this time around.

San Joaquin Superior Court Seeks Applicants for Civil Grand Jury The San Joaquin Superior Court is seeking volunteers to serve on the 2019-2020 Civil Grand Jury. Members of the Civil Grand Jury serve for one year beginning July 1, 2019. The Civil Grand Jury is comprised of nineteen citizens and serves as the county’s civil watchdog agency. It may inquire into and investigate the functions and operations of governmental bodies, agencies and public officials within San Joaquin County, as well as investigate complaints received from the public.

Those interested must have the following qualifications: U.S. citizenship, 18 years of age or older, a San Joaquin County resident for at least one year, not currently holding an elected public office position, and not currently serving on a commission or committee appointed by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.

For more information about serving on the Civil Grand Jury, you are invited to attend a presentation.

Location: Humphreys University

Laurence Drivon Courtroom

6650 Inglewood Ave.

Stockton, CA Dates: February 20, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

March 6, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

Information about the Civil Grand Jury and applications may also be found on the San Joaquin Superior Court website at: http://www.sjcourts.org/general-info/civil-grand-jury Information and applications may also be obtained by calling (209) 992-5290 or at the Superior Court Clerk’s Offices between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday: Stockton Courthouse, 180 E. Weber Av., Suite 1306J Manteca Courthouse, 315 E. Center St., Manteca Lodi Courthouse, 315 W. Elm St., Lodi The deadline for application submission is March 29, 2019. ###

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January 2019/early Feb

Lampel with LUSD Update at Jan CSD Board Meeting Rizzo Receives Well-Deserved Commendation as she retires from Tracy Press Clerk of the Board of Trustees for the Lammersville Unified School District, Ms. Sharon Lampel, continued with her now regularly agendized monthly report, bringing school district news highlights to the Mountain House Community Services District Board at the January 9, 2019 CSD Board Meeting.

Mountain House High School kicked off the New Year with great news for our Visual Art/ CTE Department! Atharva Sompura, a Digital Art 1 student, was announced as the winner of the 4th Annual Student Film Festival Poster Design Contest. He will be awarded a $500 prize for the winning design.

This contest was open to Tracy, Mountain House & Area High Schools students. This is the second win for one of our students. MHHS student Nikita Nair won the contest in 2015, the first year of this annual event.

• Lammersville Unified School District received an award as the Top Digital District by the Learning Council, based on the district’s Blended Learning Academy for teacher professional development.

• The US Air Force concert band provided a free holiday concert for parents and students on Dec 2nd. The entrance fee was a pair of shoes to be donated to underprivileged youth.

Some of our band students performed with the Air Force band.

• The D.A.R.E. club created hygiene-based homeless packages containing tooth paste, tooth brush, deodorant, wet wipes, shampoo, etc.

• On Dec. 6 and 7 the high school dance team performed, “Lights Camera, Action”- the dance classes and Synergy Dance Team teamed up for this performance.

• The High School HOSA group (Health Occupations Students of America) was to be presenting the Health Expo on February 2 from

10am – 2pm in the Large and Small gyms.

• The Athletic Booster’s Crab Feed, which takes place on Feb. 16 at 7:00 at the Elks Lodge in Tracy, is officially sold out.

LUSD is planning a ground breaking ceremony for Cordes Elementary and our Professional Development Center on February 20 at 3:30.

We would like to invite all CSD Board members and staff to attend and invitations will go out when all of the details are finalized. Cordes will open its doors to the students of Cordes Village in August of 2020. It is very important that we begin construction on time to meet this timeline, with that said...

LUSD would also like to thank MHCSD staff for their hard work trying to resolve issues tied to formal map approval in Cordes Village with Shea. We eagerly await the conclusion.

The map approval is important to our district.

LUSD cannot sell the entirety of the bonds needed to build Cordes Elementary until the map is formally approved by the County Board of Supervisors. CSD approval is the first step.

Until the map is approved, LUSD is worried that the additional time lost will impact or delay the start of construction. The sale of the bonds was scheduled for this week and is now postponed until the map approval moves forward.

In terms of the developers in Cordes Village, this issue could also trigger a “funding shortfall” as defined in our mitigation agreements.

Denise Rizzo, long time reporter with the Tracy Press, was recognized for her years of service to the Mountain House Community, and Lammersville Unified School District, specifically, at the January 16, 2019 LUSD Board meeting.

2019 LUSD Board President, Matthew Balzarini, presented Ms. Rizzo with a Certificate as a recipient of the California School Boards Association’s Golden Quill Award. Balzarini thanked her for all her years of covering the District, through growth and changes and scholar achievements.

The CSBA congratulated their winners statewide, stating that “CSBA Retiring Tracy Press Reporter, Denise Rizzo, Golden Quill Award (is presented) in recognition of fair, insightful thanks LUSD Board January 16, 2019 and accurate reporting on public school news.

“Long standing Tracy Press Reporter, Denise Rizzo, was awarded a California School Boards Association 2018 Golden Quill Award for her fair and accurate reporting on education in our region,” stated LUSD Superintentent, Kirk Nicholas, “and especially for Lammersville Unified School District. We wish Ms. Rizzo, who recently retired, the best of luck and positive outcomes with her future endeavors.”

Mountain House Matters would like to convey our congratulations to Denise Rizzo, as well. She’s been a stalwart member of this community through her work with Tracy Press for so many years.

We wish you all the best in your new endeavors!

January 2019/early Feb

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

CSD Board Kicks off New Year with Plenty of Activity Ahead

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By Bryan Harrison

to enforce. Speed enforcement, stop sign mittee, chaired by Director Bernice Tingle, enforcement,” Commander Worley said. He will continue under her domain, and the two reported they are working in four hour blocks shall work together to forward and bolster to make the most of the budgeted amount. a cohesive effort on transportation issues moving forward.

Transportation Committee The new year brings with it a need to review The board approved the purchase of five (5) committee chairs for various focus groups Toyota RAV4 staff vehicles, to replace three the board has established. A strong focus, (3) current vehicles, one Ford Explorer leased brought to the fore with the recent Transpor- through the county, and one additional 2004 tation Town hall, brought to light the need Escape that will be surplus. Code enforceto revitalize what was the Transportation ment will have vehicle access, as well as one Committee. Vice President, Manuel Moreno, for Engineering staff to utilize. took an assertive lead on this 2019 MHCSD Board (l-r): Dir. Brian Lucid, Dir. Andy Su, Pres Dan Harrison, VP Manny Moreno, and Dir. Bernice King-Tingle endeavor.

“There’s obviously a need Mountain House, CA – The Mountain Inspector for ways to deter mail theft. “We for this committee,” stated House Community Services District Board of did a 195 area checks in December, patrolling VP Moreno. “If we’re really Directors kicked off the new year with their certain areas looking for anything out of the going to address the impormonthly board meeting Wednesday, January ordinary, the deputy reported. tance of the issue we need 9, 2019, as 2019 President, Dan Harrison “Any mail found is turned over to the Postal to take on a leadership role.” called proceedings to order.

Inspector where they do CSI work for finger President Harrison appointMs. Sharon Lampel, Clerk of the Board of prints and such (forensic inspections),” he ed VP Moreno to Chair the Trustees for Lammersville Unified School said. re-established TransportaDistrict gave her monthly address within He went on to report that two suspects drivtion Committee.

Public Comments, before Youth Action Com- ing in the area were recently apprehended. mittee representative Jasmine Johnson, an 8th Someone had called in that they saw them The board determined that grader from Connections Academy, reported hanging around mailboxes. Mail turned up the Valley Link Rail Com- Southwinds Church was recognized for their work on the Holiday event for the youth group. She reported that YAC and the two were arrested on Federal charges. enjoyed a festive Holiday Party at the Board President Harrison noted at this time that Chambers and have some good plans in the the new San Joaquin County Sheriff, Patrick works for the new year.

Withrow, had just been sworn-in to office.

President Harrison and the board presented California Highway Patrol Area Commander, a Certificate of Appreciation to Southwinds Lt. David Worley, addressed the board briefly Church for their partnership on the Mountain to affirm the new contract signed-off whereHouse Holiday and Tree Lighting with Santa

by Mountain House will have specific and and Mrs. Claus. focused traffic enforcement moving forward.

Chris Thielen, the Southwinds Children’s “We’ve been working with the General ManPastor, introduced Mountain House resident ager and other people to enter into the new and co-producer, Veronica Rico. He comcontract. A reported $40,000 annual agreeInt./Ext. Painting • Sheetrock Repairs • Carpentry • Power Washing mended the work of Angel Lamb, on behalf of ment will be provided in four hour shifts.

Cabinets • Plumbing Upgrades • Entertainment Centers the CSD. Ms. Lamb, he said, did a wonderful “We are discussing with the General ManLee Rivers General Contractor job of joining the longstanding tradition of LL FREE A C ager, and the school for find focused areas License #752119 ESTIMATES bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus to the community by resident Realtor, Shelley Puentes, together with the tree lighting ceremony.

Police Services Deputy R. Gorman, of the MH/San Joaquin County Deputies, reported that calls for service went down significantly in the month of December. Residents are encouraged to call on suspicious persons, in particular.

Model 8065 - 7’ High Mail thefts appear to be dramatically un• wall button • safety sensors der-reported, as Director Andy Su pointed out • 1 remote the numbers were much lower than expected.

Mail theft, the deputy reminded the board, is a Federal crime. Residents are encouraged to call the Sheriff should they have cause.

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Christmas Celebration in Mountain House!!

January 2019/early Feb

By Hema Ramesh & Rebecca Diwakar Photos by Sayanara Clicks Photography

Friends of Mountain House came together on December 8, 2018, at the Questa School MPR, to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. A free event to the community, the festivities included delicious Indian cuisine served.

Christmas celebration in Mountain House community was a special experience for children and adults, where we reminisced about the brightly lit homes, carols, the aroma of fruit cake, gifts, family, and friends.

The auditorium was filled with an astounding display of cultural performances. Kids sang Christmas carols “Silent Night”, “Rudolph the red nose reindeer”, “Jingle Bells”, etc., that filled the air with festivity and dances. The evening also featured a Nativity play.

Santa too made a grand entry in the school auditorium packed with the children. The delight was uncontained, especially as he brought out the gifts!

We are thankful to the Mountain House CSD, Mr. Brian Lucid, Mr. Manuel Moreno and Ms. Bernice K Tingle, along with their wonderful families, to grace the occasion.

Pastor Michael Nolen, from South Winds Church, delivered an inspiring Christmas message.

The purpose of this Christmas event was to spread precious gifts of hope, peace, joy and love to everyone in this culturally rich and diverse community!

Selling in 2019?

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“Me and my wife had been looking for a very specific home for the last 2 years. It finally showed up on the market, and not at the best time with my wife being 6 months pregnant.

“I was nervous because I know a lot can go wrong with real estate transactions, and I didn't want to put any undue stress on my wife, but we felt relieved when we noticed it was Drew's listing, because he has the impeccable reputation and is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.

“I called Drew and he negotiated a very fair deal for me and the seller. He managed both ends of the transaction flawlessly, and I always felt he had both of our best interests at heart.

“This is just the start of a great experience. I had to sell my current home in order to purchase his listing. This would make things a little difficult, to say the least. On top of that, the timing had to be perfect because the sellers of the home we were purchasing and needed to move out at a very specific date.

“Drew had an all cash buyer lined up for our home willing to pay exactly what we were hoping to get even before our 1st showing.

“Drew is a true professional and to this day I still don't know how he was able to pull this off, but his professionalism, resources, knowledge and ethics are much higher than 5 stars. Thank you Drew for making what seemed impossible, Possible, we now have our dream home thanks to you!” – Silva Family Whether it’s helping people buy a home, or sell a home, it’s always about helping people first.

January 2019/early Feb

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

Second City Comedy Show Road Trip with Mountain House Seniors Feb 15 Join the Mountain House Seniors group for a night out and some laughs, as they road trip to the Second City Comedy Show “It’s Not You, It’s Me” February 15, 2019 in Livermore.

“We are planning dinner at Strizzi’s in Livermore at 5:30pm (on your own; cost is not included), then walk over to the beautiful Bankhead Theatre for excellent seats to enjoy this comedy,” organizer Monica Collins said.

The Second City, long known for its cutting edge comedy that has produced many performers who have gone on to greatness. Famous comedians who got their start at Second City in Chicago, include: Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Steven Colbert, John Belushi and many more. The troop is in the midst of a 30 plus city tour, bringing their special brand of comedy to cities everywhere.

Tickets to the show are limited and are $45.00 each. If you are interested in going to dinner and the show or just the show, sign up on the Mountain House Seniors Facebook page. Or send an email to: momac_59@att.net Don’t miss this one! Definitely a night to remember

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9

10

January 2019/early Feb

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

Market Trends by the numbers

By Gevon Polgar

Hello Neighbors!

Back at ya with another Mountain House Real Estate Market update!

Hope everyone is sticking to those New Year’s Resolutions as we move quickly into the year!

Here’s a summary of what’s going on with Real Estate in our Community: There were a total of 23 Homes sold in December.

One less than in November.

• Only 4 homes were sold over asking price.

• 16 homes were sold “below” the asking price.

• 3 were sold at asking.

With the majority of homes selling below the asking price, now more than ever choosing the right Realtor matters.

Out of the 23 homes sold, only two were condos; one house with a casita; no single stories and no pools.

Single stories, Casitas and Pools still remain in high demand!

In fact, we have several qualified buyers for the right home with a casita and/or pool!

By The Numbers

The “Lowest” priced home sold was for $429,000 (1,454 sq. ft. - Plan 2 in the Cambridge Place Townhouses). This was higher than November’s Plan 1, which sold just under $400k.

The “Highest” priced home sold was for $765,000 (3,810 sq. ft. with Casita in Bethany Village) The Average sales price in the month of December was $631,263, UP from the previous month.

Average price per square foot was $270, also UP from previous month.

Although the majority of homes are selling below the asking price, the overall average sales price and the price per sqft have both increased.

Average days on market was 52 days, slightly up, again, from the 46 average days on market previous month.

As of this writing, there are currently 39 homes on the MLS for sale with average days on market currently at 54 days.

The Average days on market is keeping steady.

Another noteworthy observation is that out of 23 homes sold, 8 of them were new construction, making the builders a heavy competitor with the resale market (this does not include recordings outside of the MLS).

Builder inventory and incentives must be considered when preparing to list your home and creating a successful pricing strategy. There are incentives to buying on the resale market, as well. Sellers do well to emphasize those that they can.

It’s a great time to up-size or downsize. With an experienced, local, Realtor and the right plan/ strategy, you can sell for maximum value and buy at a great price!

On the behalf of The Polgar Group, we hope you find value in this report and as always, Thank You again for your continued support and allowing us to give back to our community!!

If you are interested buying, selling, referring, or just a free personalized Home Valuation, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Lic# 878563

Mountain House Homes sold in December 2018

Gevon Polgar is a Full Service, award winning, Realtor and a long-time Mountain House Resident. He and his team at The Polgar Group know MH Real Estate inside and out.

A community-focused firm, The Polgar Group donated $100 to MHHS Athletic Booster Club for every Mustangs Touchdown at all Home games this past season.

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January 2019/early Feb

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

Progress Continues on Town Hall & Library Working to secure the rooflines to better work through the rainy winter, construction is progressing on the new Mountain House Town Hall and Library structures adjacent to Central Community Park.

CSD is reportedly already working to move in to their new space in December.

11

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Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

Submitted by Oong Lim • January 3, 2019

Breakdown by Major Incident Types for Annual Date Range Zone(s): All Zones | Start Date: 12/01/2018 | End Date: 12/31/2018

www.FRCFIRE.com www.MTNHOUSEFIRE.org

During the Month of December 2018, the Mountain House Fire Department crews and personnel handled 40 calls for service.

Events:

The Month of December 2018, our French Camp McKinley Fire District and our Mountain House Fire Department personnel were thrilled about the number of opportunities they had with the members of the communities of Mountain House Community Services District.

• 12-06-2018: On-Duty crews visited Cen- crews and personnel handled 40 calls for tral Park and provided assistance in placing service and for the year of 2018 the crews Christmas decoration lights on the Christmas handled 632 calls for service. tree the day before the annual tree lighting ceremony event.

Call Stats - by zone During the Month of December 2018, MHFD Zones: Calls responded to

within the zones: Major Incident Type - December 2018 # Incidents % of Total College Park 0 Fires 11 11.22% Central Park 0 Rescue & Emergency Medical Service 58 59.18% Cordes Village 2 Hazardous Condition (No Fire) 2 2.04% Hansen 4 Service Call 3 3.06% Bethany 4 Good Intent Call 19 19.39% Wicklund

11 False Alarm & False Call 5 5.10% 11 TOTAL 98 100.00% Questa Major Incident Type - 2018 # Incidents % of Total Fires 45 7.12% Overpressure rupture, explosion, overheat - no fire 1 0.16% Rescue & Emergency Medical Service 385 60.92% Hazardous Condition (No Fire) 14 2.22% Service Call 39 6.17% Good Intent Call 90 14.24% False Alarm & False Call 53 8.39% Special Incident Type 5 0.79% TOTAL 632 100.00%

MH North- Undeveloped Other CSD areas Altamont Village ALCO- M/A ECCFPD- M/A TRY Fire Areas- Other Areas M/A- SJCO Other Areas M/AOutside of SJCO Unprotected Island area FRC Response Areas Other Areas – not M/A

Type of Call - Month of December 2018 Call Total % of Total calls Fires 1 2.50% Overheat – no fire 0 00.00% EMS Calls 24 60.00% Hazardous Condition 2 5.00% Service Calls 2 5.00% Good Intent Calls 8 20.00% False Alarm & False Calls 3 7.50% Special Incident Type 0 00.00% Not Reviewed 0 N/A TOTAL: 40 100.00%

0 2 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Response Times December 2018 Dispatch to Arrival Time 5:11 Average Call Response Time 5:04 Shortest Response Time 4:49 Longest Response Time 5:59 Average Turnout Time 0:52 Average Time on Scene 21:43

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January 2019/early Feb

January 2019/early Feb

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

Staying Healthy Through Social Activity

13

Submitted by Monica Collins

One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy as a senior, is to be socially active.

Along with diet, exercise, and eating nutritiously – all those things we know are good for us but not always easy to do, there is something that is easy, fun and can make a difference in your health, well-being and longevity.

The National Institute on Aging states that many studies have shown a strong correlation between social interaction and health among older adults and have suggested that social isolation may have significant adverse effects for older adults. Twenty-eight percent of older adults live alone, and living alone is the strongest risk factor for loneliness.

Common life changes in older adulthood, such as retirement, health issues, or the loss of a spouse, may lead to social isolation.

Loneliness may have a physical as well as an emotional impact. For example, people who are lonely frequently have elevated blood pressure. Loneliness is a unique risk factor for symptoms of depression, affecting quality of life and well being in middle-aged and older adults.

Did you know that you have a senior club right here in Mountain House?

The group, which is part of the MH Parks and Recreation Department, started last summer and has already gone on a Museum Tour, a Casino Trip, A Picnic in the Park, several BUNCO parties and a Senior Safety talk given by the Fire Department. In February 2019, there is a “Senior Night Out” planned, which will consist of dinner and a show; a comedy at the Bankhead Theatre in Livermore. There are regular monthly meetings, and the group has its own Facebook page: Mountain House Seniors, where announcements and events are listed. The next meeting is Monday, February 4, 10:30am at the MH Fire Department Community Room. New ideas for activities are needed and welcome. Here is your chance to connect with your community, make new friends, and improve your health! For more information, contact: Angel Lamb, Recreation/ Communications Coordinator at: (209)831-5651, email: alamb@sjgov.org

Social relationships are consistently associated with biomarkers of health, such as lower levels of interleukin-6, an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.

So how can we increase our social interactions? According to the Aging Resource Center at Dartmouth College:

Cultivate your relationships

Maintain communication with your family and friends, especially after a significant loss or life change. Schedule regular time to meet with friends and family – over coffee, during a shared meal, or around a common interest.

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Older adults who engage in community activities report feeling healthier and less depressed. How? Join a planning committee, volunteer, take a trip with friends, play games or cards at your local senior center, or join a book club. Remember that participating in activities should be fun, not stressful!

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14

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

January 2019/early Feb

New to Mountain House? Maybe been here awhile and are ready to get more involved in the community? Here are some contacts, resources and groups that will hopefully help you plug in and turn on!

To have your local group added to this list, please email your information to info@mhmatters.net, or call 209-597-8157

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CIVIC RESOURCES MH Community Services District: www.mountainhousecsd.org - 209-831-2300 230 S. Sterling Drive, Suite 100 MH Sheriff Services: Emergency - 911 • Non-Emergency - (209) 468-4400 MH Fire Services: Emergency - 911 • Non-Emergency - (209) 407-2990 MH Master Restrictions Enforcement - (209) 831-5606, or chathorn@sjgov.org or report online: www.mountainhousecsd.org/resident-services/report-a-concern MH Library: www.ssjcpl.org/locations/county/mhouse.html - 250 Main Street

Mountain House Matters: www.MHMatters.net - 209-597-8157 Mailing Address: 2455 Naglee Rd #263, Tracy, CA 95304 MH Facebook Groups: facebook.com/groups/MountainHouse facebook.com/groups/MountainHouseResidents San Joaquin County Animal Services: (209) 953-6070 MH Welcome Center: 955 Prosperity Street @ Mustang Way - (209) 221-6317 MH Wiki: http://wiki.mhvillages.com/

MH Autism Awareness: search Mountain House Autism Awareness on Facebook

Thank you to all our advertisers for making the production of Mountain House Matters possible, and to all our readers for keeping it viable!

COMMUNITY GROUPS & CLUBS MH Auto Club: www.facebook.com/groups/mhautoclub

MH BNI Power Partners: search BNI Mountain House on Facebook MH Beaver Group: www.facebook.com/groups/MHBeavers/ MH Cancer Support Group: search "Mountain House Cancer Support Group" on Facebook Mountain House Cricket Club and Youth Club: mhcricketclub@googlegroups.com

To List your local group, please email your information to bryan@mhmatters.net, or call 209-597-8157 Deadline for the next issue is February 15, 2019

MH Cub Scout Pack 511: www.mhpack511.com

February 2019 issue Deadline

MH Dog Club: www.MHdogclub.com MH Filipino-American Society: www.facebook.com/groups/MHFILAMS/

final Deadline: Feb 15, 2019

MH Flag Football, Inc.: www.mhflagfootball.com (including: MH Tennis, Youth Cheer, Golf Club, & Kite Run)

Publisher/Editor In Chief

MH Game Club: Search Mountain House Game Club on Facebook MH Gardeners Facebook Group: Search Mountain House Gardeners on FB MH Kindness Club: contact Hari Kattana: hkattana@yahoo.com MH La Leche League: www.lllnorcal.org/groups/LivermoreCA.html MH LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual & Transgender) Group: www.facebook.com/groups/mhlgbt/ MH Little League: www.mountainhouselittleleague.org MH Matters Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MountainHouseMatters MH Mothers Club: www.MHmothersclub.com MH Musicians' Network: search: "Mountain House Musicians Network" on Facebook MH Running Club: www.MHrunners.com MH Seniors’ Club: search: “Mountain House Seniors” on Facebook MH Soccer/West Coast Soccer Club: http://westcoastsoccerclub.com MH Sports, Inc.: www.mh-sports.org - "Jr. Mustangs" Football, Cheer, Basketball, Track 'n Field MH Virtual Garage Sale:www.facebook.com/groups/MHvirtualgaragesale/ MH Walking Club: www.facebook.com/groups/MHWalkingClub MH Wine Club: www.MountainHouseWineClub.com MH Womens’ Forum: contact Harman: 209-237-9173 Macaroni Kid - Mountain House: www.MountainHouse.MacaroniKid.com Neighborhood Watch: search MH Neighborhood Watch on Facebook Rotary Club of Mountain House: www.MHRotary.org Tracy Talks Community page for Tracy & MH: www.facebook.com/OfficialTracyTalks

Bryan Harrison

From your neighbors at

bryan@mhmatters.net 209-597-8157

A Huge THANKS to all our Advertising Sponsors!

Customer Service

263 W Adoncia Dr., Mountain House, CA 95391

Mountain House Matters community newspaper is mailed monthly to every address in the 95391 zip code. We call it "Saturation Mailing", now delivered to 5,388 mailboxes (as of Sept 2018 issue), reaching some 18,000 people. In addition, 200-300 copies of each issue are distributed to nearby drop-off locations.

Thank you to our readers for responding to and utilizing the services offered within.

Our sponsors, like our amazing community, make Mountain House Matters possible.

Lynna Harrison

lynna@associationnewsnetwork.com 925-785-7021 Complete ad rates, including frequency discounts, size options, and online options may be found on our site. Article and/or Event Info for publication consideration may be submitted from our online Contents Submission Form, as well.

Go to:

www.MHmatters.net

Mountain House Matters! is a community newspaper published on a monthly basis by Mountain House Matters, Inc. The paper is mailed monthly to every address in the 95391 zip code. Having crossed the epic benchmark of reaching 5,000 rooftops a year ago, the paper is now delivered by mail to 5,388 mailboxes, reaching some 18-20,000 people (as of the December 2018 issue. In addition, 200-300 copies of each issue continue to be distributed to nearby dropoff locations each month.

The views and comments expressed within the articles herein are intended to bring current neighborhood village and community information to your door. Publisher assumes no responsibility for any opinions and/or statements offered by contributing authors to the publication, claims or statements made by advertisers, or for any errors or omissions in the paper. Please check with individual groups for further information as events schedules do sometimes change.

Acceptance of advertising material does not constitute endorsement of the products or services offered. A.N.N., Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or placement.

Advertising placements and/or article consideration should be directed to: Bryan Harrison, Publisher/Editor: bryan@mhmatters.net • 209-597-8157 ©2019, all rights reserved • Mountain House Matters, Inc. • www.MHMatters.net Mailing address: 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304

January 2019/early Feb

For Them

Literacy Improves Life

Free Adult Literacy Program Available at MH Library

By Rajvee Patel

I hear a loud crash in the distance and wake up to the sounds of panicked hooting. The air is filled with a thick, pungent smell.

Palm-oil. I strongly cling on to my mother, who is quickly trying to swing her arms and move from branch to branch.

My younger siblings surround me and, as I stare into their cute, black, eyes, I can deeply sense fear clouding them. I can feel my heart fill up with the same terror and alarm. I tightly shut my eyes. We’re all scared.

More loud crashes, more panicked screaming, and more hurried swinging from branch to branch. And just when I thought it had come to an end, a large metal claw grabs at something.

I can hear my mom and siblings screeching as I fall on to the dirt.

Their cries fade away and are now just a faint memory.

I get up and frantically look around for them. They’re gone. My weak little body makes its way up onto a large pile of dead branches and leaves. The air continues to burn with the strong scent of palm-oil and it stings my

15

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

small eyes. Down below, large metal machines are digging into the soil. Little people are controlling them. Humans. The land stretches as far as my eyes can see, but it isn’t covered with luscious, tropical, green forests anymore. It’s covered with black palm-oil, pollution, and the blood of my family members. The orangutans.

Every day, we lose 25 of these beautiful animals to the human production of palm-oil. Palmoil is everywhere, from our food to our shampoo, but using it costs the lives of these innocent orangutans.

So this year, take the time to step back and think about how many of these orangutan monkeys have to suffer because of something that we want. Let’s make it a goal to reduce the consumption of palm-oil. For the orangutans.

By Badrul Islam

Residents of Mountain House are very happy that the dedicated staff of the Mountain House Branch Library are devoted to the task of developing their society by helping the residents to increase their knowledge, molding their character and personality.

Additionally, with the vision that «Literacy Improves Life» the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library offers a “Free Adult Literacy Program” as an on-going program at all of their libraries.

Students, currently undertaking the course, find it very useful to improve their skills in reading and writing English. As they progress in their learning they can independently and confidently express themselves, read and understand their lessons, and choose correct answers to questions.

Students are very happy to receive continuous support and encouragement from their qualified Tutor and the friendly Library Staff.

Adult Learners, of age 16 (not enrolled in school) and above (no upper limit), are most welcome to take advantage of this

DIRECT MAIL NEWSPAPER

opportunity to improve their knowledge and communication skills for their own benefit.

They are requested to contact Michael Vinyard, at (209)-937-7778 to register for the Literacy Program.

As a Tutor, I volunteer my time to this noble task and find it rewarding as the students are intelligent and very eager to improve their communication skill in English. To become a Tutor, I was first interviewed and selected based on my education, working experience and most particularly for teaching under-privileged students in Asia and Refugees in East Africa.

The Library is currently looking for more tutors to assist Adult Learners. Any adult resident, who wishes to volunteer time as Tutor can contact Michael Vinyard at (209)937-7778 for an interview. All tutors receive free tutor training and tutoring materials before meeting with Adult Learners.

Improving life is a gigantic task but can be achieved through the sincere efforts of both, the Learner and the Tutor.

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New Mountain House RTD Bus Service

January 2019/early Feb

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

Wicklund School Foundation Production of Beauty & The Beast Jr Purchase tickets at: https://squareup.com/store/WSFonline/ item/beauty-the-beast-jr-tickets

WSF PRESENTS…

BEAUTY & THE BEAST JR! WHEN: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 @ 7PM (HOLLYWOOD CAST) SAT, FEBRUARY 23 @ 2PM (HOLLYWOOD CAST) SAT, FEBRUARY 23 @ 7PM (BROADWAY CAST) WHERE: WICKLUND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MULTIPURPOSE ROOM TICKETS ARE $10 EACH

Mountain House Women’s Forum (non profit org)

Support Empower & Encourage Women Look for more information on our next meeting in February 2019!

Come talk and laugh Kids are welcomed

209 648-7407

Further information contact

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL www.SimpsonPlumbingServices.com

Happy N e w Ye ar

Harman: 209-237-9173

CCL# 941669

Suppor t Empower and Encourage Women

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January 2019/early Feb

17

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

- Services Directory

For information on being included in this directory and/or other advertising opportunities, call Bryan Harrison, at: 209-597-8157

Find What You Need in and around town right here!

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE MAZAA KABOB HOUSE - Haroon Hamid

(209) 830-4402

MOUNTAIN HOUSE BAR & GRILL - Josie Alvarez

(925) 634-9441

YAFA HUMMUS - Afeef Hussein

(209) 832-9232

2794 Naglee Rd. (Home Depot ctr) • Authentic Afghanistan Cuisine • Open Daily 16784 Grant Line Rd. • Lunch & Dinner • Wine & Beer - family friendly 2439 Naglee Rd, Tracy, CA • Simply Meditteranean

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HOUSE & HOME SERVICES CONTINUED HANDYMAN SERVICES

RIVERWORKS CONSTRUCTION - Lee Rivers (209) 639-9876

Your local home improvement specialist - Lic# 752119

MORTGAGE BROKERS BAY EQUITY - Seth Conley

HEALTH /BEAUTY/ PERSONAL CARE ELITE DENTAL CARE - Raman Singh, DDS

(209) 213-7808

Mountain House resident - NMLS # 1007568

(209) 833-0200

PET CARE SERVICES

(209) 839-8755

Dogs, Cats, Horses, Birds & Rodents • Mountain House resident

DENTAL CARE

3246 W. Grant Line Rd., Tracy, CA 95304 - next to Golden 1 near Costco

www.TheEliteDental.com

2242 W. Grant Line Rd., Suite #102 • Tracy

www.DamanGillDDS.com

GRANT LINE DENTAL CARE - David Gill, DDS

MOUNTAIN HOUSE DENTAL - Isabela L. Putzlacher, DDS

561 Wicklund Crossing, MH, CA 95391

www.MountainHouseDental.com

KAM LEARNING CENTER - Donshea Williams

(844) 841-5865

www.KamLearningCenter.com

VISION / EYE -CARE

VISION FX - Dr. Jeff Ricks & Dr. Paul Atwal

(925) 626-7070

Minutes away in Discovery Bay - 2465 Discovery Bay Blvd.

HOUSE & HOME SERVICES

www.VisionFX.us

More than 18 years experience in concrete work - Lic #1030936 https://craftsmanconstructionconcrete.weebly.com

MOLINA GARAGE DOOR SERVICES - Daniel Molina

(209) 227-8786

FLOOR COVERING & PAINTING

www.SpencerFlooringAndPaint.com

Outside The 95391???

Just You May Now Subscribe to receive Mountain House Matters re$ce 24/year in your mailbox where ever you are

Place Your Subscription Today!

Call: 209-597-8157

www.MHMatters.net

www.SimpsonPlumbingServices.com

REAL ESTATE AGENTS & BROKERS BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY - Harman Ratia

(209) 237-9173

harmanratia@gmail.com

MH resident • CalBRE #01908137

BIG BLOCK REALTY - Angad Bhullar

(209) 336-6331

COLDWELL BANKER - Harshad Bhimani

(408) 616-0488

bhullar@gmail.com

MH resident • CalBRE #01944649

5980 Stoneridge Dr Ste 122, Pleasanton, CA 94588 • CalBRE #01960659

ive 12 monthly is mailed first class sues to you

harshad.bhimani@gmail.com

(510) 427-5399

spuentes@interorealestate.com

LIST4LE$$ REAL ESTATE - John Yonan

(209) 831-7913

MOUNTAIN HOUSE REAL ESTATE - Drew Jacobsen

(209) 855-1308

THE POLGAR GROUP/GO2REALTYPROS- Gevon Polgar

(925) 344-9153

MH resident • DRE Lic #01328568

www.List4Less.com

MH resident • CalBRE #01416016 drew@mhrealestate.com MH resident • DRE #01875675 gevon@gevonpolgar.com

SUNROOMS & PATIO COVERS

ABOVE THE REST PATIO COVERS & SUNROOMS

SPENCER FLOORING & PAINT - Kipp Skelton (209) 835-5537

See our showroom at 475 W. Grant Line Rd., Tracy, CA 95377

SIMPSON PLUMBING - Brandon Simpson (209) 648-7407

MH resident • CalBRE #01395691 • www.shelleypuentes.com

CRAFTSMAN CONSTRUCTION CONCRETE SPECIALIST - Eduardo Larnou (209) 765-2668

Tune-Ups/Safety Checks • Complete Installs

(209) 627-8928

Jackiespetcaremh@gmail.com

INTERO REAL ESTATE SERVICES - Shelley Puentes

CONTRACTORS - CONCRETE SPECIALIST GARAGE DOOR SERVICES

(510) 301-5370

bryan.seavers@usbank.com

JACKIE’S PET CARE - Jackie Dekker

2850 N. Tracy Blvd., Suite 300, Tracy, CA 95376

Personal Tutoring • Summer Workshops

marylou@marylouedwards.com

U.S. BANK HOME MORTGAGE - Bryan Seavers

Residential & Commercial - CCL# 941669

EDUCATIONAL INSTRUCTION

(925) 285-5333

MOVEMENT MORTGAGE - Marylou Edwards

PLUMBING SERVICES

www.TrosienOrthodontics.com

seth@mortgageseth.com • www.MortgageSeth.com

Mountain House resident - NMLS: 231814

DENTAL - ORTHODONTICS

TROSIEN ORTHODONTICS - Andrew Trosien, DDS, MS, Inc. (209) 833-1240

(209) 845-SETH

aka “Mortgage Seth”

Mountain House resident - NMLSID#1595108

Check us out on Yelp and Facebook!

(209) 834-1771

www.AboveTheRestPatio.com

TREE / LANDSCAPE SERVICES

GROVER TREE SERVICE/GROVER LANDSCAPE SERVICES (209) 585-4401

Leaders in Landscape and Tree services since 1970

www.GroverLandscapeServices.com

MARKETING/ADVERTISING SERVICES PHOTOGRAPHY / MULTIMEDIA SERVICES DM DESIGN PRODUCTIONS - Danielle Miranda

(209) 207-3182

Photography, Multimedia Design & Photo Booths-MH resident www.dmdesignproductions.com • dmirandadesigns@gmail.com

PUBLICATIONS & ONLINE ADVERTISING MOUNTAIN HOUSE MATTERS! - Bryan Harrison

(209) 597-8157

Mailing: 2455 Naglee Rd. #263, Tracy, CA 95304 - MH resident MHMatters.net • bryan@mhmatters.net

A Little Note of Thanks to All Our Advertisers, as well as all our Readers.

This hometown paper would not happen if not for you all!

18

January 2019/early Feb

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

MHHS Mustangs Sports Round-Up

Boys Varsity Basketball Undefeated to Start 2019

By Coach Nolan Dixon ndixon@lammersvilleusd.net

Both teams had a decent first quarter with the scoring being 18-16 mountain house. We took control of the game in the second quarter out scoring Lathrop 21-9. We never looked back

opening the score up a little more in the third.

We started the fourth up 62-42 ending the game 82 to 68. Our winning streak has grown to 8 games giving us a 10-0 record in league.

Boys Varsity Wrestling ties Beyer High School 0-0

By Tim Cantu tcantu@lammersvilleusd.net

The Mustangs Wrestling Team traveled to Beyer High School on Saturday to compete in the WAC League Tournament. 13 Mustangs wrestlers competed overall with 9 bringing home medals. For the Varsity Boys, Junior Ryan Strout-Hearick brought home the bronze medal in the 120 pound weight class, Junior Cannon Waters brought home a 4th place medal in the 132 pound weight class and Junior Jaiden Leus brought home a 4th place medal in the 182 pound weight class. Each of the Mustangs Varsity Boys that finished in the Top 4 qualify for the Divisional Tournament this Friday and Saturday at Casa Roble High School in Orangevale. The Mustangs brought 4 girls to the tournament, with all 4 placing in the Top 3. Junior Michelle Poland went undefeated in the tournament to earn 1st place

and All-WAC honors in the 121 pound weight class. Freshman Abigail Arunkumar brought home a bronze medal in the 126 pound weight class, Junior Ramona Jimenez brought home a silver medal in the 160 pound weight class and Junior Jessica Emerson brought home a silver medal in the 189 pound weight class. All 4 girls will compete in the Girls Southern Regional Tournament this Friday and Saturday at Central Valley High School in Ceres. The Mustangs also had two JV wrestlers compete in the tournament. Sophomore Cole Merrill won a bronze medal in the 120 pound weight class and Sophomore Adam Amir won a bronze medal in the 132 pound weight class.

Congratulations to the entire wrestling team and good luck to those that will compete in the next round of the post season!

Girls Varsity Basketball Making a Good Final Push

By Reno Ursal rursal@lammersvilleusd.net

Mountain House Girls Varsity Basketball pulled out a 53-52 win at Johansen that keeps them in the hunt for a playoff spot in the WAC. The Mustangs then dropped three in a row

before beating Ceres in an away game, 69-59 February 4th.

They were scheduled to finish their league schedule Feb 7th on the road, at Pacheo High School.

January 2019/early Feb

Mountain House Matters! • mhmatters.net

19

MH JUNIOR MUSTANGS CHEERLEADERS WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

By Katherine Havener

Las Vegas, NV – On January 25th and 26th, 2019,

the Mountain House Junior Mustangs Competitive Cheer Varsity and Rookies teams competed at the JAMZ Cheer and Dance National Championships in Las Vegas. Both teams perfectly executed high difficulty, high velocity routines.

On Friday night, against nine other teams in their division, Varsity won First Place and the title of National Champion. On Saturday afternoon, the Rookies team, against 11 teams in their division, also walked away with a First Place National Champion title. Both teams took to the stage in front of a packed crowd at the Orleans Arena to don their National Championship jackets and medals.

The Junior Mustangs (formerly Hurricanes) sideline and competitive cheer program started in 2012. Cheerleaders began qualifying for and competing at JAMZ Nationals in 2015. Since that time, Junior Mustangs cheerleaders have brought home four National titles, as well as a slew of league and regional wins.

2018-19 was a remarkable season. It was the first time that the Varsity squad won a national title (the Rookies squads won titles in 2015 and 2017) and it was also the first time that both Junior Mustang squads were undefeated, winning

regionals and nationals in the same year.

Bringing home the gold on the Varsity team (ages 10-13) were Captain Alana Daos, Co-Captains Alyssa Terry and Elea Ramos, Margaret Conley, Ava Dodge, Charlize Grisby, Isabella Hernandez, Lauren Abby Hernandez, Dakota Hom, Gabriella Martinez and Danica Sauceda. On the Rookies winning team (ages 8-9) were Olivia Aragon, Marley Arrizano, Jordyn Bernard, Jael Bernard, Danielle Cenido, Faith Cordova, Aja Donaville, Geianna Gonzalez, Sanaya Lawrence, Lexxi Sanders, Stephanie Titus, Samantha Vice, and Tarajee Wheatfall-Dennis.

Since last July, these athletes have spent countless hours training in stunting, jumping, tumbling and choreography. They are to be admired for their strong work ethic as well as their ability to balance their strenuous cheer schedule with scholastics.

This cheer program would not exist without the immense time and talents of our dedicated coaches, Varsity Coach Susan Terry, Rookies Coaches Angela Titus, Ronita Wheatfall and Leslie Vice, and Junior Coach and Mountain House High School Freshman Grace Tellers. They put hundreds of volunteer hours into training these student athletes. Director Cher Daos expertly ran and organized this year’s award winning program, with the assistance of Cheer Communications Manager Katherine Havener.

The National Championship-winning routines may be viewed on the Jr Mustangs Cheer Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCB8zJkWoQo09yu14VqYzNXA (or search for Youtube channel Mountain House Junior Mustangs Cheer). For more information or to be put on the interest list for the 2019 season, contact Katherine Havener at kchavener@att.net.

• mhmatters.net 20 Mountain House Community Events Calendar January 2019/ early Feb Mountain House MattersMountain House Matters!

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

All dates and events subject to change.

Check with your respective groups to verify

To submit your community-oriented event for consideration on the Mountain House Matters monthly calendar, please email event info, date, time, and location to: bryan@mhmatters.net

MH Farmers’ Market

9am - 1pm - Wicklund Park

JAN 2019

MH Library

Pokemon Trading Card Game Club - 1-2:30pm Mountain House Chess Club - 3:30pm

Mountain House Bar & Grill

Taco Thursday - 5-8pm - All ages Weekly

1 2 27 28 29 30 31 MH Library MH Seniors Group

BUNCO @ MH Firehouse 10:30am

Business Networking Int’l (BNI) MH Firehouse - 9am-10:30am

All About Baby Storytime - 10:30am Preschool Storytime - 11:15am

FEB 2019

MH Library

Mountain House Chess Club - 3:30pm

Mountain House Bar & Grill

Taco Thursday - 5-8pm - All ages Weekly

MH Farmers’ Market

9am - 1pm - Wicklund Park

MH Library

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Business Networking Int’l (BNI) MH Seniors Group All About Baby Storytime - 10:30am Monthly Meeting - MH Firehouse 10:30am MH Firehouse - 9am-10:30am

MH Library

Preschool Storytime - 11:15am

MH Library

Easy Readers Book Club - 3:30pm Easy Chapter Book Readers Book Club - 4:15pm

MH Library

Kiwanis Club of Mountain House 7pm - MH Firehouse

MH Farmers’ Market

9am - 1pm - Wicklund Park

Family Storytime - 6pm BUNCO @ MH Firehouse 10:30am

Valley-Link Board Mtg - 2pm

Family Storytime - 6pm

MH Library Youth Action Committee Meeting closed CSD Bldg: 230 S. Sterling Dr. 7pm

9am - 1:30pm - Wicklund Park

MH Library

LUSD Bldg: 111 S. De Anza Blvd. 7:00pm

Mountain House Bar & Grill

MH Matters Calendar Online www.MHMatters.net

Taco Thursday - 5-8pm - All ages Weekly

Assemblyperson Susan Eggman’s Business Networking Int’l (BNI) MH Library Valley Link MH Station MH Library

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 MH Seniors Group Office Hours -10-11am CSD Board Room MH Firehouse - 9am-10:30am All About Baby Storytime - 10:30am Crafty Friday - Essential Oil MH Library

MH Farmers’ Market

LUSD Governing Board Meeting

STEM Fun Friday- 3pm

MH Library

Tracy City Hall Council Chambers: 333 Civic Ctr Plza MH Library Easy Readers Book Club - 3:30pm Easy Chapter Book Readers Book Club - 4:15pm

MHCSD Board Meeting

CSD Bldg: 230 S. Sterling Dr. 7pm

Preschool Storytime - 11:15am

Diffuser Pendants - 10:30am

MH Seniors Group

Community Workshop

MH CSD Board Room - 10am - see page 1

MH Library

Mountain House Chess Club - 3:30pm “Second City” Comedy Show - 8pm Mountain House Bar & Grill contact: Monica Collins - momac_59@att.net MHHS Boosters Crab Feed Tracy Elks Lodge - 7pm Taco Thursday - 5-8pm - All ages Weekly - see page 9

MH Library Cordes Elem Ground Breaking

17 18 19 20 21 22 MH Library closed - Holiday Pokemon Trading Card Game Club - 23 near Tradition St. - 3:30pm

Mind Body Wellness Workshop 3:15-4:45pm

Business Networking Int’l (BNI) MH Firehouse - 9am-10:30am

MH Library

All About Baby Storytime - 10:30am Preschool Storytime - 11:15am

LUSD Governing Board Meeting

Mountain House Bar & Grill

Easy Readers Book Club - 3:30pm Easy Chapter Book Readers Book Club - 4:15pm

MH Library

Family Storytime - 6pm

LUSD Bldg: 111 S. De Anza Blvd. 7:00pm

1-2:30pm

Wicklund School’s Production of Beauty & The Beast

Taco Thursday - 5-8pm - All ages Weekly Wicklund MPR - 7pm

Wicklund School’s Production of Beauty & The Beast Wicklund MPR - 2pm matinee & 7pm