• april 2012
Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses
“Brought into right relationships with the wilderness, man would see that his appropriation of Earth’s resources beyond his personal needs would only bring imbalance and begat ultimate loss and poverty by all.”
-John Muir 1838-1914 Photos Courtesy of National Park Service
College Park Spring Sports Pullout: Pages 20-21
John Muir Birthday Celebration & Earth Day: Page 5
Spring & Summer Activity Guide: Pages 17-19 & 23-24
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Page 2
April 2012
Over 450*reasons to choose Don & Norma Flaskerud as YOUR Realtor!
We became owners of your Pleasant Hill Grocery Outlet on November 29, 2011. If we haven’t met, please say “hi” next time you’re here! 1671 Contra Costa Blvd. • Pleasant Hill, CA 925-676-3660 8 am -9 pm Every Day!
Jason & Kathy Olson Independent Owners/Operators
18-pack Medium white eggs
with a $30 minimum purchase
Valid at Pleasant Hill Grocery Outlet only. One coupon per person. Minimum purchase excludes dairy and aldohol. Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. Limit 1. Duplicated coupons will not be accepted. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Expires 04/30/12.
FREE $4 off a $40 minimum purchase
Valid at Pleasant Hill Grocery Outlet only. One coupon per person. Minimum purchase excludes dairy and aldohol. Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. Duplicated coupons will not be accepted. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Expires 04/30/12.
Call Pleasant Hill’s
1 Realtor
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*The number of homes they have sold in PLEASANT HILL ALONE!!
for ALL your Real Estate needs
Don & Norma Flaskerud Erik Flaskerud
Re/Max CC Connection 925-676-5859 Visit them at www.PleasantHillRealEstate.com or email DonandNorma@gmail.com
#1 since 1994
Don and Norma’s listings... 1798 La Playa Dr, Lafayette — $699,000
Call now to have your home featured here! DRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031, Erik: 01891688
2011
Business Person Of The Year Pleasant Hill
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April 2012
Page 3
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Page 4
April 2012
JULIE SAYS
Accidental Mummies
By Julie Ross and in 1894, El museo de las momias My husband Murray and I met his opened to the public. There are over sister Nancy and her husband Joe one one hundred mummies currently Saturday in March for lunch in San on display, exhumed from 1865 unFrancisco. They had arrived the previtil 1958, when the law about digging ous night from their home in Terrace, up bodies with lapsed payments was B.C. in Canada. What, never heard of changed. Terrace? It’s about eighty miles inland Traffic at the museum reportedly from Prince Rupert on the Skeena Rivsoared after the release of the 1970 er. If you’re having trouble picturing movie, “Santo Versus the Mummies that location, how about (aboot) forty of Guanajuato,” Santo being a masked miles (twenty five kilometers) north of wrestler of some sort. (Seriously? Kitamat? People went to see that film?) And in Anyway, all four of us love to visit 1978, Ray Bradbury published a book on the mumnew places, so the talk soon turned to travel tales. mies with photography by Archie Lieberman which is And this is how I heard about the Accidental Mumdescribed as “haunting.” The book is out of print, but mies of Guanajuato. I’m sure going to try to get my hands on a copy. Guanajuato is located about 150 miles northwest of Mexico City. Evidently, the soil conditions and dry If you have not yet finalized your plans for the coming summer, it might be worth considering fitting climate there cause bodies buried in the city’s cemin a trip to Guanajuato, including a visit to the muetery to dry out naturally before they decompose, seum high on a hill overlooking the city. Travel tips: resulting in well-preserved mummies. You might be wondering how this was discovered, the bodies being The closest airport is in Léon, and there is bus service from Mexico City if you prefer to land there. If Nancy underground and all. and Joe could find their way from Terrace, a trip di Well, a local law required relatives whose family rectly from SFO should be a piece of cake! members were laid to rest in the Guanajuato cem If you absolutely can’t make it, then check out the etery to pay a grave tax. If the tax went unpaid for website at www.mummytombs.com. There is an onthree years, the corpse was dug up, and often found line photo gallery with awesome shots of the accidento be naturally mummified. At first, the unearthed remains were housed in an tal mummies of Guanajuato. Enjoy! Please send comments and your weird travel ossuary building. Soon, enterprising cemetery workers began charging tourists a fee to see the mummies, tales to me at julieakross@comcast.net.
The Community Focus is available at the following locations: Pleasant Hill Market • Pleasant Hill City Hall Pleasant Hill Senior Center • Pleasant Hill Library Mt. Diablo YMCA • UPS – Virginia Hills, Mtz. Chamber of Commerce (P.H. & Mtz.) Pleasant Hill Rec and Park (Civic Dr. & Gregory) Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Pleasant Hill Legal Grounds, Martinez • Martinez Senior Center Les Schwab Tires - Alhambra Avenue Best Western, John Muir Inn, Martinez Headways Salon, Main Street
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PUBLISHERS Becky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com A Monthly Publication delivered to over 40,000 Homes and Businesses in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Pacheco, Lafayette and Walnut Creek
ADVERTISING advertising@ourcommunityfocus.com SPORTS EDITOR Chuck Nan martinezsportsed@aol.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Trish Heaney, Debra Wilson COPY EDITOR Alison Clary
View the Focus online at Website: www.ourcommunityfocus.com
CONTACT INFORMATION: Community Calendar:
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MOVING & STORAGE
Move A Little Move A Lot
Excellence • Experience • Efficiency
Office & Light Industrial • Seniors Residential• Storage & Warehousing
925-372-0914
Family owned and operated since 1975.
• Assignment: Thailand....................................page 7 • Martinez Citizens of the Year Winners........page 9 • Senior Activities........................................... page 12 • College Park Spring Sports....................page 20-21
Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com
6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)
MISSION STATEMENT The Community Focus is a free, independent, monthly publication dedicated to highlighting the vibrancy of the local businesses and residents while strengthening and building connections within our community.
• Not Your Average Joe.......................................page 27 • Le Jardin in Focus.............................................page 30 • Local Live Music............................................... page 32 • Rodgers Ranch.................................................. page 35
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April 2012
Page 5
Earth Day & John Muir’s Birthday Celebration
John Muir inspired people all over the world to “keep close to nature’s heart.” In this spirit, we celebrate John Muir’s April 21st birthday at his former home, along with Earth Day, which brings us closer to knowing our planet and practical ways to help it
thrive. Bring the family for free funfilled activities and entertainment: • More than fifty exhibitors with something for everyone: • Live music • Recycled Fashion Show • Silent auctions
• Self-guided tours of the 1882 historic home and the California native plant garden • Junior ranger projects with National Park Service rangers • “John Muir” shares stories and birthday cake and much more! Food and beverages are available for purchase. This event will be held rain or shine—dress for the weather. The celebration is made possible by our great sponsors: City of Martinez and
Allied Waste. The event will be held at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, which includes his 1882 Victorian home at 4202 Alhambra Avenue near Highway 4 in Martinez. Free parking at the Alhambra High School and Martinez Adult Education is available; shuttles are provided to the Muir Site. The celebration is presented by the John Muir Association and the National Park Service.
Photos Courtesy of National Park Service
An All-Star Benefit Show for Pleasant Hill Teen Programs
COME TOGETHER “Forever Young” WINSLOW CENTER 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd. Pleasant Hill
Friday, April 20, 2012 7:30 PM
Featuring: Swoon Mark Stanley Toni Bryant & Paul Cotruvo The Bell Brothers Dan DeShara & Channing Dahl Sin Silver Jenny Starmack & Chris Bryant Gary King
$20 TICKETS (925) 682-0896
Scotty O'Neill
Must be 21 years or older
www.cometogetherbenefit.eventbrite.com
Beer Festival Features 30+ Top Microbreweries
On Saturday, April 21, the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival returns to Martinez at the beautiful Martinez Waterfront Park located on Joe DiMaggio Dr., close to the Historic Cannery District. Enjoy more than 30 top microbreweries west of the Mississippi such as E.J. Phair, 21st Amendment, Ale Industries, Creek Monkey, Crispin, Drakes, Firestone Walker, Heretic, Hoppy, Lagunitas, Lost Coast, Stone, Strike, Triple Rock and Speakeasy Ales and Lagers just to name a few! Rocking live music performed by GarageLand Rodeo 12-1:30pm, and PUSH featuring Dan Ashley, local anchor for Channel 7 news from 2 – 4pm. Advance General Admission tickets are $35 and can be purchased online
or at select outlets; visit www.bayareacraftbeerfestival.com for locations. Admission includes commemorative glass, unlimited tasting and entertainment. Designated driver tickets are also available for $5. Tickets and ID are required for entry (all attendees must be 21 years or over). Gates open from 12pm to 4pm for food, music and beer tasting. The event is rain or shine, with fabulous food available for purchase from vendors including several downtown restaurants. The festival is presented by Main Street Martinez, Inc., and benefits local non-profits. For additional information, to purchase tickets, to join the festival mailing list, or to volunteer, visit www.BayAreaCraftBeerFestival. com or www.MainStreetMartinez.org.
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April 2012
Hope Lives at Garden Park Apartments By Belinda Sullivan, Director of Outreach, Contra Costa Interfaith Housing As you can see, the main thing I’ve was not successful at school. I didn’t want son’s life. I have seen it with my own eyes, At its annual fundraising gala last anyone to know how far behind I was with learned at GPA is there is hope. It’s never and I have lived it. I wish I had a happy month, Ruby Slippers “There’s No Place my learning. It took me some time to trust too late. I want to close tonight by saying childhood to share with you. Garden Like Home,” Contra Costa Interfaith - Thank you so much for giving people the Park Apartments did not exist when I was the staff, but now we have lived there for Housing (CCIH) presented the coveted seven years, and we use the support all the tools and the chance to change their lives.” young. I moved here when I was twelve. Children’s Choice Award to the City of Contra Costa Interfaith Housing time. I know I would be in jail, in a gang, Here’s a small piece of my story: I Pleasant Hill. Pleasant Hill has quietly (CCIH) is a non-profit, charitable huor dead if it was not for what you people had my first encounter with the police at improved the lives of formerly homeman services organization dedicated have made possible. less families with special needs at Garden age two. I was playing on the roof! At age to ending the trauma of homelessness. Today I play on a basketball team, three, a bullet barely missed me. When Park Apartments (GPA). It has provided CCIH partners with affordable housing tutor at an elementary school, and soon I funding to replace the roof of this 27-unit I was six years old I can remember getdevelopers to provide a combination of will be graduating from high school and ting beat up really bad and the big guys apartment complex, resulting in imhousing that is affordable to extremely going to college. My best friend lived at proved functionality, appearance and en- took my sister’s bike I was riding. When low income Contra Costa residents and Garden Park and he’s in college in VerI was seven, my sister was eleven and she ergy conservation. The City is also supon-site support services that help to stamont right now. My mom has gone to colcalled 911 because we needed help. They portive of CCIH’s community building bilize and build self-sufficiency. CCIH’s lege and has a substance abuse treatment expansion plans. The remodeled building put me and my sister in a foster home. I was so scared that I kept trying to sneak in certificate. She earned this certificate while programs are evidence-based and demwill create an additional apartment for onstrate positive, measurable impacts. working nights, because she wanted to be another needy family and allow for more and sleep with my older sister for comfort. home with me and my sister. My sister was CCIH recently added a HIV Housing After that they moved me to a different programming space for both children Advocate program to its current list of the first to graduate from high school at foster home to keep us separate. When and families. Garden Park. She is also the first to gradu- programs located in Pleasant Hill, Bay With a smile and a handshake, a resi- we returned to living with my mom, we Point, and Pittsburg. The on-site support ate from high school in my family. I hope dent of Garden Park presented the award were living in a condemned building. I to be the first in my family to graduate col- services CCIH provides at all sites help hate remembering the birthday when my to Pleasant Hill Mayor John Hanecak. high-risk families stabilize and become lege and become a business man. Today I mom wouldn’t wake up because she was Following the presentation, this young healthy and contributing members of soam proud of my family and I am proud of man’s speech, transcribed here, reminded passed out. I’m not sure what age I started ciety. the well-heeled crowd of almost 250 peo- stealing. And what was I thinking when I myself. brought a knife to school in fifth grade? I ple why they needed to be there. now know I was just trying to feel safe. “Good evening! I am here tonight By the time I got to GPA, I felt like a because I know what a difference living at loser. I did not attend homework club. I Garden Park Apartments makes in a per-
ES
E PL
T
Star Quest AS AN T
QU HILL STAR
20th Annual Youth Talent Show Sponsored by Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill
Star Quest 2012 presents...
! g n i m o c e m Ho A 20th Anniversary
A reunion performance of past and new stars!
Saturday April 21 7:00pm
Sunday April 22 2:00pm
DVC Performing Arts Theatre (Use Golf Club Rd parking lot)
Reception & Art Show, 6pm Saturday and 1pm Sunday Tickets available at: Rec & Park District Office and PH Police Station
$12.00 ($5 under 18) in advance $15.00 ($10 under 18) at door
FOR MORE INFO 689-2249
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April 2012
Page 7
Assignment: Thailand
2835 Contra Costa Blvd., Suite E | Pleasant Hill, CA
One week after receiving an incredible opportunity, I was boarding an airplane to travel half way around the world with my cameras. The global news media had reported on the unprecedented flooding in Thailand, vividly documenting the devastation that had displaced millions and taken over four hundred lives. Fear was soaring and countries around the world were warning their citizens not to travel to Thailand. Enter the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) with a plan to ensure the rapid recovery of its crucial tourist trade. Their plan included inviting the media and travel agents from around the world to see directly what was happening in Thailand. Our assignment? To observe Thailand’s tourist industry first-hand during its recovery from the floods and share those observations back in our own countries. The TAT welcomed us with an unforgettable event that included magnificent floral arrangements, incredible cultural performances, and a huge array of beautifully presented foods to amaze the palate. The artistry and impeccable attention to detail were awe-inspiring. Guided by the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Thai people, we were immediately transported to a whole new world. Cosmopolitan Bangkok was bustling with activity, and contrasts of ancient vs. modern and rich vs. poor were everywhere. River boats and scooters are
By Susan Wood, Susan Wood Photography popular modes of transportation, and street food vendors are on virtually every corner of the city, twenty-four hours a day. Modern shopping malls quench the thirst of the fashion conscious as well as the budget minded. Clothing, jewelry, scarves, crafts and more can be purchased at busy street markets day and night. Traveling into Northern Thailand, we explored the country’s ancient heritage with visits to temples, handicraft villages and a hill tribe village. We rode elephants and wandered through open markets purchasing authentic wares from the locals TAT Welcome Event Buddahs in Northern Thailand who made them. We were pampered with restorative traditional Thai massages, explored the Golden Triangle (the intersection of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos), and learned about the history of Thailand’s opium trade. Floating down the Mekong River as it carved its way through rice fields and riverside towns, we saw waterfront properties lined with dilapidated shacks that people call home, often sitting next to modern high-rise buildings. Throughout our trip, we were treated Night View of River through Bangkok. All photos by susanwoodphotography.com. like royalty, staying in world-class resorts proachable and inviting. Thai hospitality is of my trip. where friendly local staff went out of their a genuine art, crafted by a culture that takes With the floods over and the tourist way to make us feel welcome and comfortpride in putting people at ease! Thailand’s industry wide open for business, Thailand able. From upscale restaurants to street tropical climate, unique culture, natural offers something for everyone: beautiful vendors, we were taken on a delicious and wonders, and incomparable value paired beaches, treks through jungles, mountain spicy culinary journey to sample some of with the warmth of its people made a lastbiking, kayaking, rafting, zip-lining, Thai the best food I’ve ever tasted. ing impression. I returned to the United boxing (Muay Thai), golfing, snorkeling, Buddhism is an important influence States with a real appreciation and love for scuba diving and more. All with friendly on the way Thai people think and behave. local Thais who want to make sure your ex- this amazing country and its people! Giving alms to a monk and leaving lotus Thank you to the TAT and the people perience in their country is unforgettable. blossoms and incense for Buddha -- daily of Thailand for this truly inspirational This exotic escape to Thailand was practices of Thai people -- were highlights experience! mysterious and confounding, but apDID YOU KNOW...WE DO MORE THAN BUSINESS CARDS?
Minuteman
Press
PLEASANT HILL
925-256-6444 www.minutemanpressph.com
WE CAN HANDLE ALL OF YOUR NEEDS... NEED FLYERS FOR YOUR SCHOOL EVENT? NEED POSTERS FOR YOUR UPCOMING EVENT? OR DO YOU NEED.... COLOR COPIES OR EVERYDAY OFFICE FORMS ANNOUNCEMENTS... BABY, GRADUATION INVITATIONS OR HOLIDAY CARDS PROMOTIONAL ITEMS ... TSHIRTS, STICKERS POSTERS, TICKETS FLYERS, PRINTED OR COPIED EVENT PROGRAMS, SWIM MEET EVENT BOOKS WHAT DO YOU NEED? WE CAN HANDLE IT FOR YOU Pleasant Hill City Hall Photo by Susan Wood Photography
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Page 8
April 2012
HOUSING NEWS
Real Estate Update
By Nathan Hitchcock ing their foreclosure machines back up; There’s no disputing it any lonmore upside-down homeowners may ger. Our local real estate market has rebounded, and rebounded in grand fash- finally give up and decide to short sale their homes; or sidelined sellers may ion. Anyone who argues otherwise is jump back on the market now that the flat-out misinformed. tide has turned in their favor. In Contra Costa County, new listings are down 12.0 percent for detached So far, our countywide inventory of homes for sale has dropped every day homes and 18.4 percent for condos since 2001, which is actually a very rare and townhomes. Pending sales are up occurrence. Typically, inventory in62.6 percent for detached homes and creases start January 1 and don’t let up 52.9 percent for condos and townhomes. The month’s supply of inventory until mid-summer or fall. Last time we saw inventory trend downward early in has dropped 38.6 percent for detached the year was 2004, a year of double-digit homes and 63.3 percent for condos and appreciation. At this point, it’s going to townhomes. take a significant increase in inventory All this activity has pushed median to put even a hint of downward pressure sales prices up 3.0 percent for detached on home values. One thing is for sure, homes and 9.1 percent for condos and it’s going to be one very interesting ride townhomes countywide. in the months ahead. In my opinion, these numbers Nathan Hitchcock is the managing sound good, but do not tell the whole broker of Hitchcock Realty, he can be story. The dramatic effects of our exreached at nathan@hitchcockrealty.com tremely limited inventory and heightor (925) 825-1100. ened buyer demand are just now starting to show up in the market statistics. My prediction is that the housing numbers released over the next few months are going to be exponentially stronger. In some of the stronger neighborhoods, I expect that we’ll see average home values increase by 10-15% in just a matter of months. Why do I feel this way? From the perspective of a realtor on the street, it’s mayhem out there, especially on the lower to middle end of the market. Any property that is even remotely reasonably priced is receiving multiple offers within days of being listed. There are simply not enough available homes to meet buyer demand. Properties that I was selling at the end of 2011 for $350K, after weeks on the market, are now getting bids up to well over $400K in a few days. The real question is how long this trend will last. In my opinion, the increased buyer demand is here to stay. What is yet to be seen is how much inventory will arrive to meet that demand. There are many potential sources for new inventory. Lenders may start ramp-
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April 2012
Page 9
Martinez Citizens of the Year Winners
The winners of the Martinez Citizens of the Year were honored March 24th at the Martinez Event Center. The annual event is sponsored by the Martinez Chamber of Commerce to honor residents, employees, educators, businesses and youth who strive to make a positive impact in the Martinez community. Listed below are the names of the award recipients along with a brief summary of their generous contributions to the Martinez community. Woman of the Year – Lorena Castillo Lorena Castillo is the Internship Coordinator at Vicente, Briones & New Leaf helping students get involved in the community. She is an active member of Martinez Arts Association, Downtown Art Gallop and is involved with Martinez Open Studios, Swan Day and Art in the Park. Lorena is also a board member of the Martinez Kiwanis Club. Man of the Year – Doug Stewart Hailed as a local hero in the Martinez area, Doug Stewart spends countless hours caring for homeless and displaced people seeking help through PachecoMartinez Homeless Outreach, which he founded. He works seven nights a week, usually from 4pm to 4am, providing essential necessities and guidance to the homeless, often when services from April Pleasant Hill Chamber Calendar
4/6 - Ambassador Meeting - PH City Hall, 8am - 9am 4/10 – Leadership Lunch - (formerly Ambassador Lunch), Rubios - 2390 Monument Blvd. PH, 11:45pm - 1pm 4/12 – Business Showcase 2012 - Crown Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord, 4– 7pm. Register at www.pleasanthillchamber.com 4/19 – Board of Directors Meeting - PH City Hall, 7:45am 4/19 – Mixer - Bravo Bistro1050 Contra Costa Blvd., Concord, 5pm - 7pm 4/30– Green Committee - Back Forty Texas BBQ, 4pm - 5pm 4/30 – Government Affairs Committee - Back Forty Texas BBQ, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
L-R; Richard Cash, Adam Hoffert, Sophie Hatch, Fadhila Holman, Frank Walsh, Lorena Castillo, Doug Stewart, Gay Gerlack, Mark Duarte and Dominic Lucido.
government agencies are not available. Young Woman of the Year – Sophie Hatch Sophie exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that we look for in young people. Her compassion for special needs children, unselfish volunteer work in the community, participation in school activities, and commitment to the arts and entertainment of her community, give her the drive to make Martinez the best place to live. Young Man of the Year – Dominic Lucido Dominic’s leadership skills and commitment to the community have inspired many. Along with his academic achieveApril Martinez Chamber Calendar
Ambassador Meeting – If interested, contact Reba: (925)228-2345 4/16 – Chamber Mixer – Boydstun Construction co-hosted with TJ’s Cafe – 817 Arnold Dr., #100, Martinez, 5:30pm-7:30pm (Bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!) 4/19 – Educational Series – #2 The Art of Public Relations (part 2 of 3), presented by Fadhila Holman, CEO, California Pacific Federal Credit Union -12-1pm - Doors open at 11:30. John Muir Best Western Inn, 445 Muir Station Rd. Free to Chamber Members, Non-Members $10. Lunch included. Space limited. RSVP: info@martinezchamber.com.
CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700
Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345
ments, Dominic is president of Alhambra High School’s Interact Club as well as student body president. With these endeavors, he has initiated new activities that encourage more student participation in the school and community. Lifetime Achievement – Frank Walsh Frank Walsh has belonged to the Martinez Kiwanis for forty years. Most of his volunteerism and contributions have centered on his involvement and support of civic organizations in the Martinez Community. As a representative of both the Martinez Historical Society and the John Muir Association, and as Ambassador for the City of Martinez, Frank has spent countless hours giving back. Teacher/Educator of the Year – Mark Duarte Mark Duarte is a physical education teacher and coach at Martinez Junior High School. In an era when after-school activities are quickly disappearing, Mr. Duarte coordinates and coaches softball, track and basketball. He enjoys donating his time and making an adventure out of taking students to out-of-town competitions and coordinating parent drivers. Charles Laird Award – Gay Gerlack With tireless energy, Gay Gerlack can be seen around Martinez, volunteering at almost every event. Gay is a member of the Kiwanis, Lioness and Soroptimist Clubs; on the Board of Directors for various civic organizations; and on the Park Recreation, Marina & Cultural Commis-
sion. With every contribution, Gay helps make Martinez a better community. Martinez Chamber Business of the Year – Richard Cash Photography With camera in hand, Richard Cash can be seen at every ribbon cutting, mixer, and special event around the community. He is supportive of all community events and is instrumental in making Martinez visible with every picture he takes. Ambassador of the Year – Adam Hoffert With boundless enthusiasm, Adam Hoffert volunteers at every Martinez Chamber event, participates at every ribbon cutting and mixer, and gives time on various chamber committees. If you join our Facebook page, you will see Adam’s magic at work!! If that were not enough, he is also on the Martinez Chamber Board of Directors. Service Without Borders – Fadhila Holman Fadhila Holman, CEO at California Pacific Federal Credit Union in Concord, has been instrumental in numerous community-oriented fundraisers and events. A dynamic supporter, she is on the Board of Directors of the Friends of Faith, Inc., which benefits uninsured and low income women throughout the Bay Area who are battling breast cancer. Fadhila is a great supporter of the Martinez Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Martinez, and she is also on the Martinez Chamber Board of Directors.
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Page 10
PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
Grant Applications
Senior citizens attend comedy shows at their assisted living facility. High school graduates enjoy a safe celebration. An adult day care center adds a therapy garden to their activities. A popular elementary school holiday performance is enhanced with a new sound headset and props. Families receive nutrition support. The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation (PHCF) has made such benefits possible. The PHCF has just released its 18th Annual Community Grants application for public and non-profit organizations in Pleasant Hill. Any recreational, cultural or educational program that serves the residents of Pleasant Hill may apply. Pleasant Hill Community Founda-
tion President Ted Winslow states, “I think that just about everyone in Pleasant Hill has been touched by at least one of the projects we have funded over the past seventeen years, and it is all because of the generosity of our donors.” Applications may be downloaded from the Foundation’s website at www. phcommunityfoundation.org and will be accepted until April 15. Contact the Foundation at info@PHCommunityFoundation.org with questions. The mission of the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation is to strengthen community organizations, build endowment funds to meet ongoing and future needs, and offer flexible, tax-deductible options for giving at all levels.
Astound Now Available Astound Cable has been installing their telecommunication network in areas of Pleasant Hill, and service is now available in the southern part of the city (south of Boyd Road). Phase 2 of the installation will commence shortly in the area bounded by Contra Costa Boulevard (east), Boyd Road (southern), Taylor Boulevard (west), and Taylor Boulevard (north), as it changes direction toward Contra Costa Boulevard. Astound Phase 2 construction work (similar to Phase 1 work), consists primarily of installing additional aboveground telecommunication cables along
the existing utility poles and reinforcing utility poles with additional guide wires (as necessary for support). Most work is above ground, and limited disruption to the neighborhood and local traffic is anticipated. Astound’s work is planned to be finished by the end of summer 2012. Astound will be providing project notification to residents directly adjacent to the proposed work locations. The notifications will include phone numbers of city and Astound staff for residents who have questions or concerns.
City Calendar of Events Architectural Review Commission April 5, 19 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5209
Education Commission April 25 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 7:00pm Contact: 671-5229
City Council April 2, 16 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5229
Planning Commission April 10, 24 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209
Civic Action Commission April 4 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229
Zoning Administrator April 12, 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Public Works Conference Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5209 For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
April 2012
Mayor’s Message John Hanecak, Mayor of Pleasant Hill ing to do with education, public safety, It’s interquality of life, those in need, the enviesting to learn ronment, taxation, and so forth. Perwhat makes local haps a particular candidate was inspiraresidents betional and encouraged someone to take come involved in the next step and answer the call. their communi That extra level of involvement ties, politically or is present in the residents who serve through service. on our city and county commissions, For many of us, it might have to do councils and boards; volunteer at all with how we were raised or an activity levels in our local nonprofits; offer aswe were involved with at school. Upon turning eighteen, many of us registered sistance to neighbors and schools; and help make our many events as excepto vote and then cast that first vote in the next election. A jury summons may tional as we have grown to expect. Regardless of what motivated have followed. What motivates people each of us, the outcome is invaluable: with busy lives to become even more a show of respect for our prior generaactive through politics or community tion, an opportunity to experience an service? The answers make great stooutstanding quality of life today, and a ries. commitment to leave our community After various discussions with a better place for the next generation. leaders and residents throughout It’s answering that call that continues to Pleasant Hill and the county, common improve our city and is an integral part threads become apparent. People are of the fabric of Pleasant Hill. often energized by a specific issue hav-
New Location for Farmers’ Market
The Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market opens for the 2012 season on Saturday, May 5. There are two significant changes which provide market shoppers with more opportunities to purchase produce and other items. The market is relocating to the downtown plaza area between Jack’s Restaurant and Sweet Tomatoes. This new venue is more pedestrian friendly and will create a more
festive atmosphere for market visitors and residents. Also, the farmers’ market will operate from 9am to 1pm, one hour later than the previous two years. These changes have been made possible thanks to the cooperative efforts of downtown Pleasant Hill, the city, market managers, and Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. For more information, contact www.pcfma.com.
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April 2012
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Page 11
Mayor’s Message The Martinez Waterfront and Marina is an important facet of the history of the Martinez community. In 1847, Dr. Robert Semple provided ferry service from Martinez to Benicia, the only service available on the Carquinez Strait at the time. Martinez became a weigh station that served those traveling to the gold rush and it was soon laid out as a town. In 1850, it became the county seat of Contra Costa County (which at that time included all of present day Alameda County). The waterfront location made Martinez a hub of transportation with the ferry crossing and the new transcontinental railroad running along the shoreline. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, immi-
Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez grants from Europe and Asia who sought that will dredge the marina. This will ala better way of life settled in Martinez and low entry and exit at high and low tides transformed the small settlement into a and bring back many boaters and fishbustling fishing village that lasted well into ing charters that have left due to the siltthe 1950’s. ation. Some improvements to the existing This historical tie to the waterfront is docks will also be performed. Meetings a key component of the personality and with the Department of Boating and Waeconomic development of Martinez. As terways are being scheduled to review the you have read in my past Mayor’s Mesoutstanding loans that originally built the sages, we have been working for years marina fifty-plus years ago. to rebuild the marina on both the wa We are also collaborating with other terside and landside areas. Although we marinas in the Bay Area, many of which have had several setbacks in our efforts, have the same challenges that we have in most prominently with the Department Martinez. For example, San Leandro is of Boating and Waterways, we have been also struggling with siltation and deteable to achieve some success. The decrepit riorating docks that need to be replaced. old ferry pier was removed, new lighting They have recently issued a study outwas installed along the breakwater and lining several alternatives, spanning the fishing pier, and a ferry plaza was comspectrum from letting the marina return pleted with new boat launch ramps. to its natural state of wetlands, reducing We are now planning for a scaled back, short-term improvement plan
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ the size of the marina and letting part of it become wetlands, to a full dredge and rebuild. Overlaid on these plans are several options for commercial, office and residential landside development. It has become apparent that any future development of the marina will need to rely on private investment. Recently, the Legislative Analysts Office (LAO) recommended that the Department of Boating and Waterways loan program for small craft harbors and marinas be discontinued and that the department be merged into the Department of Parks & Recreation. Vessel registration fees and taxes on marine fuel sales have financed this program. You can be sure these taxes will be diverted from the purpose for which they were intended: the benefit of the waterfront communities and the boating public.
Martinez Clean-Up Day
Volunteer to help downtown sparkle on Saturday April 28 from 7:30am to 1pm. Donuts, coffee, barbeque lunch and a reusable water bottle for all volunteers. For more information visit mainstreetmartinez.org.
City Calendar of Events City Council Meeting April 4, 18 7:00pm-11:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting April 10, 24 7:00pm-11:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Design Review Meeting April 11, 25 3:00pm-5:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Zoning Administrator Meeting April 4, 18 3:00pm-5:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Park, Recreation, Marina & Cultural Commission April 17 7:00pm-11:00pm
All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
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April 2012
SENIOR ENVY
Local Reverse Mortgage Professional
Generation Mortgage Company, the nation’s largest privately owned reverse mortgage lender, is pleased to introduce Rod Harris, your local Pleasant Hill Reverse Mortgage Professional. He is dedicated to helping seniors en-
rich their lives with a reverse mortgage and has developed strong relationships in our local community. “My goal is to provide each senior homeowner with a very positive and caring experience when they come to me for reverse mortgage information. Working together, I’ll provide estimates for the homeowner to determine which loan might be a good fit… we
Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770 April 8 - AARP Driver Refresher Course. 12pm– 4:30pm. One day, 4.5-hour course for anyone who’s taken the 8-hour AARP Driver Safety Training in the past four years. Either course qualifies you for a mature driver discount (check with your insurance agent for details). $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Register now, class will fill up quickly. Make checks payable to “AARP” and give to the instructor the day of the class. April 10 - Pancake Breakfast. 8am – 11am. Pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone welcome. $3.50 for adults/$2 for children 10 and under. Handmade crafts will be on sale. April 15 - Fashion Show Luncheon and Tea. 12pm. Afternoon begins with mimosas followed by a trio of creative salads and breads. Wine and juice will be served with lunch. Enjoy a wide assortment of teas served with our special dessert. Fashion show features very affordable outfits from Hospice Boutique Thrift Shoppe in Walnut Creek. Some items available for purchase. $11 members/$13 non-members. May 11 - Let’s Be Informed – Welcome To Medicare. 9:30am – 10:30am. Get upto-date information about Medicare plans and supplements. Free HICAP class designed for those new to Medicare and those considering replacing current Medicare plans. Topics include basic Medicare benefits, Medicare alphabet soup and what A-B-C-D means, Medicare supplemental (Medi gap) plans, Medicare Advantage plans: HMO and PPO, prescription drug plans, coordination with other health insurance including employer plan, retirement plans and VA, Retirement health plans. Call for a reservation at (925) 370-8770.
Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788 Apr. 13 – Laugh, Love & Learn- Senior Live Well Forum – 8:30am-2pm. Free event combining entertainment, humor and education! Proceeds benefit the Senior Center Management Program. $25 (60 yrs. & up), $30 General Admission – includes continental breakfast, lunch and door prizes. Over 50 exhibitors! Open to all. Apr. 20 – Friday Flik: “Dolphin Tale”- 1pm. A badly maimed juvenile dolphin is given a new tail, and a new life. Starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd, rated PG. Winslow Center, 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd. Apr. 25 – Classroom in the Community: “Living With Arthritis” – 10am-11am. First 10 people to register will receive a free lunch from our CC Café, compliments of SCAN Health Plan. If you are not one of the first 10 to sign up, you may still reserve a meal for $2. Lunch served at 11:30am. Pre-registration is required for lunch. Call the Senior Center to register: 798-8788. Free admission. St. Andrew’s Church, 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill. Apr. 29 - Bunco. Potluck at 2pm; Bunco begins at 3pm. Fun and friendly atmosphere where no prior knowledge of the game is necessary! Buy your ticket at the Senior Center office (relocated to the Little House.) Tickets: $4 plus bring potluck item to feed four people. VFW Bldg.: 1919 Wendell Lane.
want this to be a trustworthy and educational process for them,” emphasizes Harris. As the popularity of reverse mortgages grow, senior homeowners are realizing they can remain in their homes and have additional cash flow without taking on additional monthly mortgage payments. Many homeowners with conservable equity have been able to pay off their existing mortgage with a reverse mortgage. An FHA-insured HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) is available to borrowers sixty-two or older, which allows them to convert part of their home equity into cash without having to sell their home, give up title or make monthly mortgage payments. The homeowner continues to live in and maintain the home, pay taxes and insurance. With its sole focus on reverse mortgages, Generation Mortgage offers seniors “A New Generation in Reverse
Mortgages,” and pledges to deliver outstanding customer service. They offer a variety of reverse mortgage loans including fixed, adjustable and FHAinsured products as well as the proprietary Generation Plus® jumbo reverse mortgage loan. The Generation Plus® jumbo currently offers the highest possible payout for higher valued homes. Please call Rod Harris, Reverse Mortgage Professional, toll free at (877) 300-5403, or email at rod.harris@generationmortgage.com and he can provide information that will determine if a reverse mortgage is the right choice for you or your parents. NMLS License # 248041 Generation Mortgage is Better Bureau accredited, an Equal Housing Lender and member of National Reverser Mortgage Lending Assoc. NMLS# 1319. 2012 Generation Mortgage Co. All Rights Reserved. www.generationmortgage.com/rodharris.
Can You Afford Retirement? A Reverse Mortgage Could Be the Answer
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Homeowners 62+, call for a faceto-face consultation or to find out how much you qualify for: Rod Harris NMLS# 248041 Reverse Mortgage Professional
Toll Free 1-866-629-3720 rod.harris@generationmortgage.com ®
NMLS #1319; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. © 2011 Generation Mortgage Company. All rights reserved.
April 2012
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Page 13
Hear More of What You Want
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Page 14
April 2012
HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS
Brickyard Race Benefits X-Country & Track
The long-established and popular Brickyard Race returns to Martinez on April 15 after being postponed last year due to the anticipated Rankin Park construction. This month, the 4-mile/8mile run will begin and end in front of the Rankin Park pool on Talbert Street, which will also be utilized as the registration and staging area. Organization duties for the race have changed hands over the years, from
former Alhambra teacher and coach Luka Sekulich, who established the race over thirty years ago, to Tim Bruder, another former coach and teacher who passed away in 2009. This year, Kevin Searls, who has placed in the top ten in many Brickyard races in the past, was asked by Alhambra coaches Pat Ertola and Angela Paradise to organize this forty-three-year-old event.
On February 25, the Key Club participated in the Polar Plunge in San Francisco, a fundraiser for Special Olympics. The club raised over $600 and the overall fundraiser, with over 1000 participants, raised more than $230,000 for Special Olympics. The Key club is a community service club at Alhambra, partnered with Kiwanis, to better the community. They participate in projects such as the Polar Plunge and Martinez clean-ups, and they partner with the Contra Costa Humane Society on projects for their animal food bank. According to Key Club member, Kelsey Maytum, “The plunge was such a worthy cause. If felt great to be able to help out and make a differ-
ence in somebody’s life. It was so easy too--we sent emails to friends and family and they donated online. On the day of the plunge, we were surrounded by people that you could tell really cared. There were Special Olympics athletes with their families and it felt great to see their faces light up when they heard how much money we had raised; it just drove the point home how much the money was appreciated and what a good cause we were donating to. Our friends and family donated the money, the athletes’ families supported them and the athletes worked hard to succeed, so the least we could do was plunge into some cold water. We are planning on doing it for many years to come.”
Alhambra Key Club
Alhambra students, Kelsey Maytum, Megan Gregory, and Christian Giannini taking the plunge!
Car, Bike, Truck Show On Saturday, April 14, the Alhambra High Athletic Boosters are having their 1st Annual Car, Bike & Truck Show, hosted by the Midnighter’s Car and Truck Club. Admission is free for spectators and will he held at the high school. Registration is from 7am-10am with a $25 registration fee. The show is open to all makes, models and bikes. Judging is from 10am – 2pm with the trophy ceremony at 3pm. Come for the music, vendors and raffles—great for all ages!
The 8-mile Brickyard Race delivers picturesque views along Carquinez Scenic Drive and progresses through many twists and turns of Snake Road and finally takes you to the site of the abandoned Port Costa brickyard. According to Searls, “There will be a turn around at two miles for those participants who desire a shorter run or walk.” Proceeds benefit Alhambra High School Cross Country and the Martinez Recreation Department. In keeping with tradition, brick awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be given in the various age groups. Fees for
the race are $25 if received by April 8 and $30 on race day April 15. Fees include a t-shirt and award ceremony. Online registration will close at midnight on April 8. After this date, registration will only be available on race day. Check-In and race day registration begins at 7am with the start of the run at 8:30am. To register online, visit the Alhambra High School facebook page, or go to: http://www.active.com/running/martinez-ca/the-martinez-brickyard-run-4mile-8mile-2012. There is no parking in the lot at Rankin Park. You must park on the side streets near the park.
College Park News
Let Your Voice Be Heard - CP Parent Survey is Available Share your perceptions of student behavior and attitudes, school programs and policies, and the overall school climate as they relate to student well-being and learning. To take the survey, go to: www.wested.org/parent, login (use all numbers): 0731646 password (all lowercase letters): cbmdthr. Survey must be completed before April 6, 2012. For more information, visit the CP website. Scholarships Available for Senior Athletes The CPHS Athletic Boosters are awarding $750 scholarships to five senior athletes this year. The information and application is available on the Athletic Booster website: www.cphsboosters.com. The deadline to submit an application is Tuesday, April 17. “Anything Goes” Spring Musical The College Park High School Performing Arts proudly announces the spring musical production, “Anything Goes!” This Cole Porter musical is a hilarious love story featuring madcap antics aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London. Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin aid Billy in his quest to win Hope. Showtimes are: April 19, 20, 27, & 28 at 7:00pm; April 25 at 4:00pm. Ticket prices are: Students/Staff $5; Adults $8. The show is co-directed by Ms. Lopate and Mr. Jiménez with Mr. Rockwell serving as vocal director.
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April 2012
TEEN SCENE
Prom Preview Fashions
wear; walk in, try on and take home! Dazzling accessories and shoes are also available in store. Prom Starlet works to ensure that the social occasion of the year is unforgettable. By registering every gown they sell, the buyer can feel secure knowing that another girl won’t walk into the prom wearing the same dress.
On March 11, Prom Starlet partnered with the Pleasant Hill Teen Council for a prom preview fashion show and fundraiser at the Winslow Center. Prom Starlet, located in Downtown Pleasant Hill, provided the latest prom fashions from their sweeping selection of designer dresses. Prom Starlet’s dresses are ready to
Pleasant Hill Teen Council modeled fashions from Pleasant Hill businesses, Prom Starlet and Selix Formalwear. Photos by Kate Brown, kebphotos.org.
Where Every Girl Sparkles !
Starlet Pleasant Hill We have the Largest Prom Selection in the Bay Area, carrying over 15 Different Dress Designers, with over 1000 Dresses In-Stock!
Prom Starlet, 100 Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill 925.680.1004 • www.PromStarlet.com
JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S. Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288 www.drjennifermartin.com
Photo by CelestePhotoArt.com
We also feature a wonderful collection of Dance Shoes & Chandelier Earrings by the Hottest Designers! Visit www.PromStarlet.com to Preview Starlet's 2012 Prom Dress Collection! Starlet Registers Your Dress for Your Prom!
Page 15
Honor That Jazz
On Sunday, March 11, the Bay Area’s best student jazz musicians from fourteen local high schools and fourteen middle schools, all came together for a performance at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center as part of the Lafayette Jazz Festival. Three local mu-
sicians were selected: Jordan Fetterman, a trumpet player and 7th grader at Sequoia Middle, Brennan Williams, a tenor sax player and sophomore at College Park and Eric Nakanishi, an alto sax player and a freshman at Northgate.
Pictured LtoR: Brennan Williams, Eric Nakanishi, and Jordan Fetterman.
Teen Council Applications
The Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District is currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 Pleasant
Hill Teen Council. Students must be in grades 6 - 12 for the 2012/2013 school year. Teen Council is an excellent way for teens to get involved in the Pleasant Hill community. Council members attend two meetings per month, volunteer at community events, and help plan activities for their community’s peers. With the opening of the new Pleasant Hill Teen Center, it is a great time to get involved. For more information, call 682-0896. Applications are available at http://pleasanthillrec.com/teen%20 scene/teencouncil.html or at the recreation office at 147 Gregory Lane. Application deadline is April 20.
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April 2012
HOME TEAM
CP Girls Varsity Soccer Season Wrap-Up
Expectations were high for the 2011-2012 College Park Girls Varsity soccer season, with thirteen returning players that included two fourth-year players, Ashly Dickinson and Jordan Vaelei. With the addition of outstanding freshman Jacquelyn Scharff and a talented group of seniors, juniors and sophomores, CP looked to make a run for the DVAL championship. From the first time these young ladies stepped onto the pitch in December, it became apparent this was going to be a special year. When their reliable keeper, Jordan Vaelei, was out due to a concussion, first year junior keeper Kylie Aliamus jumped in and had some outstanding games. After some non-league games, the season began with a game against Northgate. Northgate took an early lead after defender Kendall Marsh went down with an ACL injury. But the Lady Falcons came back and won their first league game 2-1. The only defeat of the league season came against Clayton Valley on February 2, with a 2-1 loss. It
Submitted By Stacy Boschetti was not a problem, though, as the Lady Grizzlies most of the game. Ashly Falcons wrapped up the league title the Dickinson, Pilar Souder and Kendall week before against Ygnacio Valley. Stuscavage had great shots on goal, but The Falcons ended the season with an just could not get one in. The Griz11-1-0 record. zlies were able to get one past the CP In NCS play, the DVAL league goalkeeper and won with a final score of champions Falcons were seeded 12th. 1-0. Their first opponent was against Berke Ashly Dickinson dominated the ley High in Berkeley. These two teams league and NCS with 29 goals! The Lady met previously in the Tri-Valley tourna- Falcons scored a total of 73 goals on the ment in December, when Berkeley season and allowed approximately 22. defeated the Lady Falcons 3-0. Berkeley was rated #4 in NCS, so College Park expected a tough match. And tough it was! At halftime, the score was 0-0. In the second half, it remained 0-0 until a free kick by Jacqueline Scharff gave College Park a 1-0 lead. Soon after, Ashly Dickinson sent a beautiful bending shot from the touch line into the corner of the net to seal the win, 2-0. It was a game for the ages and set up the next game versus California High. On February 18, College Park hosted California High. Cal High was rated higher than CP. Falcons fought hard, dominating and pressuring the
With the end of the season, the College Park soccer program says good-bye to nine seniors: Jordan Vaelei, Mabelle Gozun, Ally Laborde, Christianna Stafford, Nicolle Boschetti, Ashly Dickinson, Selena Gonzalez, Sara Morley and Karla Hernandez. We wish them the best in their future endeavors. Congratulations to the team for such a great season and kudos to coaches Randy Madison and Ryann Brooks.
College Park seniors. Photo by Lisa Rumph.
VISIT US AT:
www.lesschwabmartinez.com
4/30/12
COMMUNITY FOCUS SPRING AND SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2012
Spring and Summer Activity Guide Martinez Recreation Summer Camps
(1-week sessions) Nancy Boyd Playground 4yrs-5th grade M-F, June 18-Aug. 10, 9am - 3pm. $87/$82 Mtz resident Drop-in rate $20/$18 Mtz resident.
Get up and Go Camp 6yrsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;5th grade M-F, June 18 - July 13, 9am - 3pm. Fees TBD. No drop-ins. Golden Hills Park, end of Bernice Ln. Swim and Nature Camp 6yrs-5th grade M - F, July 16-Aug. 10, 9am - 3pm. Fees TBD No drop-ins. Rankin Park. Summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s End Camp 4yrs-5th grade M - F, Aug.13 - Aug.17, 9am - 3pm. $87/$82 Mtz resident. Drop-in rate $20/$18 Mtz resident. Golden Hills Park, end of Bernice Ln.
Rankin Aquatic Center Classes
M.J. Studios Art and Music
Water Aerobics
M.J. Studios owners Bruce and Pat Jackson, believe that everyone has the potential to be creative in the arts and our goal is to nurture that creativity.
Date: May 1 - June 7, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Time: 3:15 - 4:15pm.Â
Fitness Lap Swim
Swim at your own pace or follow a work-out provided by the staff. Date: May 2 - June 6, Mon, Wed & Fri (does not meet 5/28) Time: Mon & Wed, 3:15 - 4:25pm, Fri. 4:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:30pm. Fee: Adults: $52/Session or $5 drop-in, Seniors: $42/Session or $4 drop-in.
After School Swim Lessons
Swim lessons for children in grades 1 - 5. Lesson includes rescue skills, water safety and a CPR demonstration. Admission tickets will be provided the last day of class. Days/Dates: Monday & Wednseday; May 1 - May 30 (8 classes) â&#x20AC;˘ Times: 3:30 - 4:15pm. May 1 - May 30 (8 classes) â&#x20AC;˘ Fee: $57 Residents and $62 Non-Residents
The Studio is a unique experience, with music and art in one location for the whole entire family. In our waiting room gallery, we offer a relaxed atmosphere with a beverage and snack cafe. We also have a music store that carries instruments, accessories, music and art books. Please come by and visit the studio, we are located at 670 Gregory Lane #G, Pleasant Hill 94523 or visit us at our website www.mjstudiosartandmusic.com. Our hours are Mon-Fri 10am - 7pm & Sat 10am - 6pm.
Junior Lifegurard/Swim Aide Class
Students ages 10 - 14 will gain the skills and knowledge to assist a lifeguard in an emergency and work on swimming endurance. You will be trained By the Pool Manager and former graduate of the program. Instructor: Sierra Elsken, Pool Manager. Days/Dates: Tues & Thurs., May 1 - May 31 â&#x20AC;˘ Times: 3:15 - 4:30pm â&#x20AC;˘ Fee: $60 Resident $65 Non - Resident.
M.J. STUDIOS
ART & MUSIC Beginning and Advanced
Fine Art classes*Music lessons Music Store * Gallery Fundamentals, Drawing, Painting, Manga, Cartooning, Pastels, Pen & Ink
Summer Art or Rock Band Camp Classes starting July 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aug. 17
Register Now By Calling
(925) 472-0715
670 Gregory Ln. #G * Pleasant Hill 94523 WWW.MJSTUDIOSARTANDMUSIC.COM
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COMMUNITY FOCUS SPRING AND SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2012 Lindsay Wildlife Museum Wild Times Summer Science Camp New adventures with live animals, science experiments, games and crafts held indoors and outdoors. Register today as camp fills quickly.
LOOK. TOUCH.
Creepy Crawly Critter Camp, ages 4-6 - June 25-29, 1- 3:30pm Getting Down to Earth, ages 6-9 - July 9-13, 1- 4:30pm Behind the Scenes – Wildlife Rehabilitation, ages 10-12 - July 23-27, 1- 4:30pm Animal Adaptations, ages 6-9 - July 30-August 3, 1- 4:30pm For more information on camps, classes and workshops for ages 2 through adult, go to www.wildlife-museum.org. Visit during Spring Break- 10am-5pm each day, 1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek (925) 935-1978
DISCOVER.
us n o o n t o f o u r p. m. c o me jo i n
Open house saturday may 12 Buena Vista Swim Club
At Wild Times Summer Science Camp, your young naturalist will marvel, laugh and learn with new adventures every day—live animal encounters, fun science experiments, games, stories and crafts. Weekly half-day sessions for ages 4–12.
Memberships Still Available For Summer 2012
Learn more and register today at
www.wildlife-museum.org
• Quiet, relaxed, shaded lawn setting • Lifeguards on duty - Gated kiddy pool • Holiday Parties, BBQ and Picnic area • No swim team to interfere with pool access
• New members receive (4) 30-minute private swim lessons • Private swim lessons open to non-members. Call Karen Jovin (510)366-9344 or Jane Locke (510)590-8481 For membership inquiries Contact Christine at christinerosa@comcast.net 197 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill • www.buenavistaswimclub.org
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THE SUMMER TO DISCOVER Summer Camp 2012 IRVIN DEUTSCHER FAMILY YMCA
Registration is now open! For more information go to our website at www.ymca-cba.org.
K
Traditional camps are available along with selected specialty camps in Alamo! Speciality camps include art and Lego camps. ®
IRVIN DEUTSCHER FAMILY YMCA 350 Civic Drive Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (P) 925 687 8900
COMMUNITY FOCUS SPRING AND SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2012
Are you next?
NorCal Courts Martinez
Dan Middleton, part owner of NorCal Courts in Martinez is opening his facility to the community this month by adding an open gym on Friday afternoons and Sunday nights. Middleton, who is also part owner of Cal Stars Basketball and head varsity coach of the Northgate high school girls basketball team, had been looking for a youth sports facility since 1999. He discovered the perfect space in one of the old Zocchi buildings on Ferry Street. Last year, Middleton and his partners worked with the City of Martinez to secure a lease on 360 Ferry Street for 15 years with a 5-year renewal. NorCal Courts opened for business in March.
We’ve sent players to professional soccer and nearly 200 alumni to over 70 colleges across the USA. You can be next!
Calen Carr Club Alumnus Houston Dynamo Starter MLS Cup 2011
Aly Winget Club Alumnus NCAA Champion University of North Carolina
2012 Season
Tryouts April 15 - 22
Diablo FC is the area’s premier youth soccer club with competitive teams for boys and girls from Under 8 through Under 23. Diablo FC takes pride in the development of each player and the excellent performances of our players and teams in all age groups and as alumni. If you are interested in trying out for a 2012 Diablo FC competitive team, please complete our online tryout form today. Players are encouraged to attend all tryouts to maximize their exposure to the coaches. Pre-register at www.diablofc.org No charge to tryout. U15-U18 Boys Sunday, April 15
9-10:30am - U15 10:30am-12noon - U16 12noon-1:30pm - U17 1:30-3pm - U18 Clayton Valley High School, Concord
Tues. & Thur., April 17 & 19 4:30-6pm - U15, U16 6-7:30pm - U17, U18 Hillcrest Park, Concord
U15-U18 Girls Mon. & Wed., April 16 & 18
4:30-6pm - U15, U16 6-7:30pm - U17, U18 Boatwright Fields, Concord
Sunday, April 22
9-10:30am - U17 10:30am-12noon - U18 12noon-1:30pm - U15 1:30-3pm - U16 Clayton Valley High School, Concord
NorCal Courts is now providing an adult lunch time open gym every Friday from 11am-1pm and adult leagues on Sunday nights at 6pm. The community can sign up individually or as a team with a small drop in fee. Middleton is also involved with the UCP Hoops basketball camp for special needs children. His further plan for NorCal Courts is to run a camp with the help of Alhambra High School basketball players. He explains that, “Beginning in May, we want to run a UCP Hoops every second Sunday of the month. Players from Alhambra would be invited to help teach basic basketball skills and play some friendly games. We’d like to make it a year-round thing.” Today, the gym is alive with after school basketball practices and tournaments. The ultimate goal of NorCal Courts, says Middleton, is to have people “looking to have a good time with their friends and stay healthy.” For more information, visit: www.norcalcourts.com or contact Dan Middleton at 925.465.4498.
Diablo FC offers players:
• Unparalleled coaching staff with US Men’s National Team and college coaches • Innovative training program • Goalkeeper & Striker training • National Premier League • Western College Development Assn. • True club atmosphere • College preparation • New Teams forming
A brand new 30,000 sq. ft. Sports Facility with 3 Basketball and 4 Volleyball Courts. Open Daily, Monday thru Friday at 4 pm. Saturday and Sunday for tournaments and special events. Sunday-Open gym from 6-9 pm.
Age Matrix U15 U16 U17 U18
Missed U9-U14 Tryouts?
8/1/97 8/1/96 8/1/95 8/1/94
-
7/31/98 7/31/97 7/31/96 7/31/95
Visit www.diablofc.org and register for the appropriate U9-U14 age group in the Tryout tab and you'll be contacted about player evaluation appointment.
Call (925) 779-2102 for tryout weather updates.
Tryouts will be held rain or shine!
www.diablofc.org
The 30,000 sq. ft. facility currently holds 3 regulation size basketball and 4 regulation size volleyball courts. It is predominately used as a rental facility for bay area basketball and volleyball club teams to hold practices, clinics, camps and tournaments. On average, it is $55 an hour to rent to clubs and teams. “I’m the lowest in the area,” boasts Middleton.
925
798-GOAL
Adult lunch time basketball every Friday from 11am-1pm. Small drop in fee of $5 or $4 Martinez residents. 360 Ferry Street, Martinez CA 925.465.4498 Photo: Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com
Chris “Wondo” Wondolowski Club Alumnus 2010 & 2011 MLS Top Goal Scorer 2011 MLS All-Star 2011 & 2012 USA Men’s National Team
Adult leagues forming soon!
email norcalcourts@gmail.com www.norcalcourts.com
Call 925-465-4498 to schedule your open gym times Like NorCal Courts on Facebook
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 20
April 2012
SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION PROVIDED BY CP BOOSTERS
COURAGE • PRIDE • HONOR • SACRIFICE
SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE
VARSITY LACROSSE
DATE 4/5 4/17 4/20 4/24 4/27 5/1 5/4 5/8 5/11
OPPONENT Dublin Oak Tech Justin-Sienna Northgate Berean Clayton Valley Northgate Berean Clayton Valley
JV LACROSSE 4/2 4/20 4/24 4/27 5/1 5/4 5/8 5/11
Bentley Justin-Sienna Northgate Berean Clayton Valley Northgate Berean Clayton Valley
GOLF DATE 4/3 4/5 4/17 5/14
SITE & TIME CPHS 5PM CPHS 5PM Justin-Sienna 6PM Northgate 7PM CPHS 5PM Clayton 7PM CPHS 5PM Berean 4PM CPHS 5PM Bentley 4PM Justin-Sienna 4:30PM Northgate 5:30PM CPHS 3:30PM Clayton 5PM CPHS 3:30PM Berean TBA CPHS3:30PM
OPPONENT SITE Concord CCCC Berean Christian Boundary Oak Clayton Valley CCCC NCS Championships TBA
VARSITY BASEBALL
DATE OPPONENT SITE 4/3 Clayton Valley Clayton 4PM 4/9 Tourny vs Los Gatos at Archbishop Mitty 4PM 4/10- 4/12 Valley Shark Crown Classic TBD 4/17 Mt. Diablo CPHS 4PM 4/19 Northgate Northgate 4PM 4/21 Montgomery  CPHS 2PM  4/24 Berean CPHS 4pm 4/26 Ygnacio Ygnacio 4PM 5/1  Concord CPHS 4PM  5/3 Clayton Valley CPHS 4PM 5/10 Mt. Diablo Mt. Diablo 4PM 5/15  Northgate  CPHS 4PM 5/17 Berean DVC 4PM 5/19 CPHS ALUMNI GAME CPHS 8AM
FROSH/SOPH BASEBALL 4/4 4/7-4/10 4/19 4/21 4/27 4/28 5/4 5/5 5/12 5/15
Valley Christian Dougherty Tourny Northgate Millennium Marin Catholic Concord Berean San Ramon Valley Logan Northgate
CPHS 4PM TBA Northgate 4PM Millenium 2PM CPHS 4PM Concord10AM CPHS 4PM San Ramon 11AM CPHS 10AM Northgate4PM
JV BASEBALL 4/3 4/7 4/9-4/11 4/19 4/21 4/24 4/28 5/1 5/3 5/11 5/15 5/17
Clayton Valley Liberty Concord HS Tourney Northgate San Ramon Berean Mission San Jose Concord Clayton Valley Las Lomas Northgate Berean
BOYS TENNIS
DATE OPPONENT 4/3 Mt. Diablo 4/5 Northgate 4/17 Concord 4/19 Clayton Valley 4/23 DVAL Tournament 4/23 DVAL Tournament 5/10-5/12 NCS
CPHS 4PM Liberty 10AM TBD CPHS 4PM San Ramon10AM Berean 4PM San Jose10AM Concord 4PM Clayton 4PM Las Lomas 4PM Northgate 4PM CPHS 4PM
SITE Mt. Diablo 3:30PM CPHS 3:30PM Concord 3:30PM Clayton Valley 3:30PM Northgate 10AM Northgate 4PM TBA
VARSITY SOFTBALL
DATE OPPONENT 4/3 Clayton Valley 4/5-4/7 LIVERMORE STAMPEDE 4/17 Mt. Diablo 4/24 Berean Christian 4/25 Northgate 4/26 Ygnacio Valley 5/1 Concord 5/3 Clayton Valley 5/10 Mt. Diablo 5/15 Northgate 5/17 Berean Christian 5/22 – 5/23 NCS 1st Round 5/25 – 5/26 NCS Quarter Finals 5/29 – 5/30 NCS Semi-Finals 6/1 – 6/2 Championships
JV SOFTBALL 4/3 4/5 4/17 4/25 5/1 5/3 5/8 5/10 5/15
Clayton Valley Concord Clayton Valley Northgate Concord Clayton Valley Concord Clayton Valley Northgate
All gametimes 4pm except finals
All matches 3:30pm
SITE Clayton TBD CPHS CPHS Northgate YVHS CPHS CPHS Mt Diablo CPHS Berean
CPHS CPHS Clayton CPHS Concord Clayton Concord Clayton Northgate
A GENEROUS THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED SPONSORS
BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT - JOIN THE BOOSTERS. FOR INFO GO TO WWW.CPHSBOOSTERS.COM
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
April 2012
Page 21
SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION PROVIDED BY CP BOOSTERS
COURAGE • PRIDE • HONOR • SACRIFICE
SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE
VOLLEYBALL
TRACK AND FIELD
DATE 4/4 4/6-4/7 4/18 4/25 4/27 4/28 5/2 5/9-5/10 5/12 5/19 5/26-5/27
OPPONENT SITE Berean CPHS 3:30PM Stanford Invitational Stanford Mt. Diablo/Concord CPHS 3:30PM Northgate CPHS 3:30PM Robert Warren-Charlie Eaton Relays Acalanes Sacramento Meet of Champions Clayton Valley Clayton Valley 3:30PM DVAL Trials Northgate DVAL Finals Northgate NCS Granada NCS Meet of Champions Berkeley
DATE 4/3 4/4 4/17 4/17 4/19 4/21 4/24 4/24 4/26 4/28 4/28 5/1 5/3 5/10 5/16 – 5/25
OPPONENT SITE Clayton Valley Clayton Valley St. Patrick’s/St. Vincent’s CPHS Campolindo CPHS Mt. Diablo CPHS Northgate Northgate Deer Valley Tournament Deer Valley Berean CPHS De La Salle CPHS Ygnacio CPHS California Tournament California Foothill Tournament Foothill Concord Concord Clayton Valley CPHS Mt. Diablo Mt. Diablo NCS Championships TBA
TIME JV 5PM, V 6PM JV 6PM JV 5PM V 6PM JV 5PM, V 6PM JV 8AM V6PM JV 5PM JV 5PM, V 6PM JV 8AM V 8AM JV 5PM,V 6PM JV 5PM, 6PM V 6PM V 7PM
SWIMMING
DATE 4/4 4/18 4/27 5/4 5/10 5/11 5/12 5/14 5/17-19
OPPONENT Northgate Ygnacio Valley Concord Berean Christian DVAL Diving DVAL Trials DVAL Finals NCS Diving NCS Championships
SITE Northgate 4PM Ygnacio 3PM CPHS 4PM CPHS 3PM TBA 4PM TBA 9AM TBA 8AM TBA TBA
A GENEROUS THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED SPONSORS
BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT - JOIN THE BOOSTERS. FOR INFO GO TO WWW.CPHSBOOSTERS.COM
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 22
April 2012
Local Pinewood Derby Excitement
Cub Scout Pack 282 watched their creations roar down the track at the pinewood derby race held at Strandwood Elementary on March 2. Originating in 1953, this is one of the most popular family activities in Cub Scouting. The Cub Scouts designed and built small wooden model vehicles with help from their families, then assembled in the multi-use room to watch as their cars raced down a track powered by gravity. Below is the list of winners from the event: Den Winners- 1st place: Hendrick Read, Keith McBride, Keone Takahashi, Iain Higgins, Ian Wald and Michael Huth; 2nd place: Kameron Nushi, Brett Lubeck, Peter Kaiser, Emilio Barrera, Matthew Hutchinson, Alexander Igoe; 3rd place: Jordan Hoffman, Logan Gomez, Logan Korsgaard, Charles Boyle, Johnny Hoffman and Alphonso Palermo. Rank Winners-1st place: Hendrick Read, Keone Takahashi, Ian Wald, Michael Huth; 2nd place: Kameron Nushi, Logan Korsgaard, Iain Higgins, Alexander Igoe; 3rd place: Jordan Hoffman, Keith McBride, Emilio Barrera, and Alphonso Palermo. Pack Winners-1st place: Alexander Igoe, 2nd
“Egg”citing Egg Hunt
Scout Colby Keck shows off his vehicle, the “Toy Mater,” and proudly explains, “It was a really fun project. It took about a month to build. My dad and I researched pictures on the computer and my neighbor helped me build it with tools in his garage. I sanded it and painted it!”
place: Ian Wald and 3rd place: Hendrick Read. Open Class Winners- 1st place: Max Wald, 2nd place: Mark Gomez and 3rd place: Ron Igoe.
100th Celebration Girl scouts young and old gathered at the pond at Pleasant Hill City Hall on March 12 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Girl Scouts. They were joined by Pleasant Hill Mayor John Hanecak and enjoyed a candlelight ceremony with songs and refreshments.
Pictured are Alana Webster, Maddy Dodson, Marissa Dodson, Sophia Best and Adiva Asefi. Photo submitted by Cynthia Webster.
Hop on down to Pleasant Hill Park on Saturday, April 7 for a fun-filled morning of egg hunts, face painting, great music from Strawberry Fields DJ and much more. The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District along with the Pleasant Hill Lions Club will once again present their popular egg hunt for children ages ten and under. Egg hunts will begin on time and are organized by age, so every child has equal opportunity to find treasure-filled eggs. Find the Golden Ticket in your egg and win a special prize! Check-in starts at 9:30am with the first egg hunt for ages 0-3 at 10:30am, followed by egg hunts for ages 4-5 and then 7-10 year-olds. Cost is $6 per child Space is limited! Pre-registration
required and must be done by noon on April 6. Call (925) 682-0896 or visit www.pleasanthillrec.com.
Business Challenge Tom and Ruby MacDonald, founding owners of Carlton Senior Living Communities, The Chateaus of Contra Costa County, have offered Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District a twofor-one challenge grant for its capital campaign. As long-time friends and supporters of the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s Senior Center, the MacDonalds have issued the following challenge to the business community: For every $1,000 raised within the local business community, the MacDonalds will donate $2,000 to the campaign, up to a maximum of $50,000! Each contributing business will be recognized on a plaque provided by the MacDonalds and permanently displayed on the
wall of the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center. Your business’ name will be seen by thousands of seniors and community members walking through every week. This “Business Two-for-One Challenge” is designed specifically to equip the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center with furniture, fixtures & equipment. Please join Tom & Ruby MacDonald as a Campaign Funding Partner. With your generous gift, the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center will open later this year, fully equipped and ready to serve our seniors and community. Call Senior Center Supervisor Kendra Luke today to discuss gift opportunities at (925) 798.8788 ext.12 or kluke@pleasanthillrec.com.
COMMUNITY FOCUS SPRING AND SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2012 Spring Break Lego Camp
2012 Pleasant Hill Rebels
The Pleasant Hill Rebels Youth Football and Cheer is part of Diablo Valley Youth Football. We strive to provide a positive environment for our youth to participate both in football and cheer. We stress academics, dedication and teamwork to ensure all participants learn values, life lessons and continue to develop into positive role models in our community. Rebels Cheer and Football have been a winning tradition in the Pleasant Hill Community for over 50 years. Rebels registration is now open for both Cheer and Football, so come join the winning tradition. www.phrebels.org 925-289-3918
Jedi Master Engineering with Lego! The force is strong in this camp. Build complex machines and structures based on the best designs from a galaxy far, far away. Projects include X-wings, AT-AT walkers, Pod Racers, Star Destroyers, Cloud Cities, settlements, and fortresses. Play-Well's Jedi instructors reinforce key engineering concepts such as gear trains, worm drives, pneumatics, eccentric motion and more as students tap into the powerful forces of imagination and engineering. Spring Break Lego Camp is for ages 8-12 Yrs. Call (925) 682-0896 to register or visit us online at www.pleasanthillrecreation.com.
SOCCER CAMPS
HERITAGE SOCCER CLUB
2012 HSC (OLDER) Tryouts
Future Stars Soccer Academy offers soccer camps for players of all ability levels. If you are the serious soccer player looking to develop your game at a higher level or just starting soccer for the first time, this is the soccer experience for you. Join us this summer and learn soccer the Future Stars way!
Boys and Girls Ages U15-U18 Dates: April 3rd, April 5th, April 17th, April 19th, April 21st Go to WWW.HeritageSC.COM for Locations, Sign-up & Tryout Times !
NK Dinamo Zagreb Soccer Camp Instructed by the Youth Coaches from NK Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, a European player development powerhouse. Dates: July 9-13 • 9am-3pm Location: Boatwright Fields Ages: U9-U18 Boys & Girls • Cost: $225 Future Stars Skills Academy Designed for competitive soccer players. Dates: July 23-26 • Time: 9am-12pm Location: Boatwright Youth Complex, Concord Ages: 10-16 • Cost: $125
Heritage Soccer Club - Summer Camps 2012 NEW Summer Camps! Boys Camp June 25th - June 28th at Tesoro Fields Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-1:30pm Fee for the Camp: $250.00 for Non-HSC Players and $150.00 for HSC Players
Brian Voltattorni
Future Stars Soccer Academy Session 1 Dates: July 23-27 • Time: 9am-2pm Location: Boatwright Youth Complex, Concord Ages: 6-16 • Cost: $175 Future Stars Soccer Academy Session 2 Dates: July 30-August 3 • Time: 9am-2pm Location: Rudgear Park, Walnut Creek Ages: 6-16 • Cost: $175 Brian Voltattorni 925.212.8460 • futurestarsfutbol@gmail.com For registration visit our webstite at www.futurestarsfutbol.com
Girls Camp July 9th - July 12th at Tesoro Fields Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-1:30pm Fee for the Camp: $250.00 for Non-HSC Players and $150.00 for HSC Players For ALL Camps go to WWW.HeritageSC.com to register via Sportability
8am-5pm 22nd & 28th Boys and Girls Ages U8-U14
21st,
Heritage Soccer Club (HSC) Offers: Where: College Park HS Turf Field. Go to WWW.HeritageSC.COM for details & forms! • • • • • •
Excellent Coaches & Trainers Affordable Club Fees ! FREE Clinics & Camps FREE Health, Strength & Conditioning Programs (HSC) Local HOME Fields (All-Weather and Grass) HSC is a Non-Profit Organization
Please contact Coaching Director Julio Borge at Julio@Heritagesc.com with any questions related to HERITAGE SOCCER CLUB related to the Heritage Club Soccer.
www.heritagesc.com
COMMUNITY FOCUS SPRING AND SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2012
April 2012
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Rush Takes Third
Representing Pleasant Hill in the Paso Robles Tournament in February, Rush, the U12 girls team, took the 3rd place medal in overtime! It all came down to penalty kicks after playing five long games in two days. Good job girls! Submitted by Jodi Robinson
CTK First in League
The Christ The King 6th grade American CYO girls basketball team recently completed another incredible season, coming in 1st place in their league with a 10-0 record (19-3 overall). The Crusaders ended the season in grand style in the Diocese playoffs, beating St. Ignatius (3411) and St. Francis (20-16), which propelled them into the championship game versus a very tough St. Anne’s squad (10-0 league and undefeated in the last two years). The championship game was a battle, however in the end, CTK edged out St. Anne’s for a thrilling 33-30 finish.
Page 25
HOME TEAM
Hawks Coach Honored On Opening Day, March 10, Russell Carroll, Pleasant Hill Baseball Traveling Commissioner, presented longtime coach Paul Damhesel with a plaque to honor his twenty-fifth year of dedication to the PHBA Hawks program. The inscription reads: The Pleasant Hill Hawks Baseball Program would like to thank you for your 25 years of coaching. During these years, over 350 young men have learned of commitment, sportsmanship, responsibility and respect for the game of baseball. It is because of your tireless dedication and love of the game that each of these players left the program a better player and a better person than when they entered. You made becoming a Pleasant Hill Hawk something special, something
Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com
to be proud of. For all of this we owe you a special thank you and our sincere gratitude.
Martinez Opening Day
Pictured L-R: First Row: Kalane Bessard, Lauren Etnyre, Abigail Radutiu, and Maggie Scaff. Second Row: Leah Walton, Jasmine Safarians, Evelyn Kim, and Kianie Ramirez. Third Row: Coaches Ray Ramirez and Michael Kim.
Basketball Champs
The Christ the King boys 6th grade CYO basketball team finished 9-1 for the Red Division in the 2011-2012 season. This team was invited to play in the Diocese Tournament of Champions, held at Heritage High School in Brentwood, where they finished in second place in a tough final match against St. Perpetua of Lafayette.
Standing L-R - Coach Gino Scodeller, Victor Ortega, Joey Finnegan, Zach Helsing, Max Jordan and Coach Matt Helsing. Kneeling L-R – Gabriel Scodeller, Bradley Morrison, Nate Behrens and Jacob Serafino. Not pictured: Russell Buckley. Photo Credit: Sherri Morrison
Friends Shannon Kelly (Eagles) and Kamryn Lee (Broncos) take a break from the parade to pose for the camera. They play softball for the Martinez Youth Baseball and Softball league. Photo submitted by Melinda Lee.
2012 WINTER ALL-LEAUGE PERFORMERS College Park High (CPHS) & Alhambra High (AHS) Most Valuable Player Basketball: Co-MVP’s: Michael Daily, CPHS & Mikey Eggleton, CPHS Soccer: Ashly Dickinson, CPHS MOST VALUABLE OFFENSIVE PLAYER Soccer: Santiago Alejandro, AHS 1st TEAM ALL-LEAGUE Basketball: Molly Shoenwieler, CPHS Soccer: Tyler Sylvia, AHS; Mason Quintero, CPHS; Anna Whipple, AHS; Mabel Gozun, CPHS; Jackie Scharff, CPHS; Pilar Souder, CPHS Wrestling: Quentin Perez, AHS; Cody Teifel, CPHS; Casey Salmon, CPHS; Brian Sergi, CPHS; Anthony Urbina, CPHS; Joey Avila, CPHS; JJ Chou, CPHS; Conor Young, CPHS; Nick Orpin-Wilkes, CPHS; Alex Encarnacion, CPHS; Cory Campbell, CPHS 2nd TEAM ALL LEAGUE Basketball: John Daily, CPHS
Soccer: Osiel Mendoza, AHS; Bobby Gonzalez, CPHS; Brittani Pygeorge, AHS; Julia Wilkins, AHS; Christiana Stafford, CPHS; Kendall Stuscavage, CPHS; Jordan Vaelei, CPHS Wrestling: Miguel Lara, AHS; Kaelen Kelly, CPHS; Romello Monjares, CPHS HONORABLE MENTION Basketball: Blake Martin, AHS; Justin Smith, CPHS; Kylee Perez, AHS; Stormy Cotton, CPHS; Lauren Hantos, CPHS; Tori Peleras, CPHS Soccer: Jesus Maldonado, AHS; Ethan Lipson-Gokcen, AHS; Juan Sanchez, AHS; Scott Walker, CPHS; Ellen Griffitns, AHS; Gabriella Gonzolves, AHS; Maggie Aires, AHS; Selena Gonzales, CPHS; Alexandra Laborve, CPHS Wrestling: Luis Haefke, AHS, Quentin Wright, AHS, Andrew Reyes, CPHS; Shane Gerhard, CPHS
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 26
April 2012
PHBA Opening Day Pleasant Hill Baseball Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (PHBA) annual Opening Day parade and games took place on Saturday, March 10 and was, once again, a huge hit among the players, families and the local community. PHBA has been supporting the youth of Pleasant Hill by offering baseball and softball for fifty-four years. PHBA provides a league where every child plays, as well as a more competitive traveling league for advanced players. The event began with a parade from Sequoia Elementary School to Pleasant Oaks Park (across from Pleasant Hill Middle School). The parade started promptly at 8:00 am and was led by Mayor John Hanecak and Police Chief Peter Dunbar. Family, friends, and supporters lined the parade route and cheered on the parade participants that included baseball and softball teams, a fire engine, antique and custom cars, a police car, a hay wagon, Boy Scout Color Guard and much more. Following the parade, there were opening ceremonies at the PHBA Sports
Complex to ring in the new season. Baseball and softball games followed throughout the day, as well as bar-b-
que, batting cages, speed track pitching, slides, gladiator joust, bounce house, raffles and many more fun activities. There
Sponsors and Advertisers of the 2012 Pleasant Hill Baseball Association Affordable Electric All Out Baseball Allstate Insurance Appraisal Expediters Aspen Surgery Center AuPairCare Live-In Childcare Back Forty Texas BBQ Bay Area Property Services Best Bounce, Inc. Better Homes Realty Bid Right Construction Big Air Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Bill's Ace Hardware BME Electric Inc. Calloway Portable Shelters Carol "Tu Tu" Valdez Casey Strand Chiropractic Chris' Discount Muffler & Brakes Collins Management Comar & Associates Ameriprise Financial Concord Tow World Condon-Johnson & Assoc. Cottage Kennel Curran Electric Dallimonti's Restaurant David C. Fontan Painting Denon and Doyle Disc Jockey Co. Deutsche Bank Diablo Handyman Incorporated Diablo Trophies & Awards
Direct Line Tele Response Eames Hardware & Supply Environmental Packaging Inc ERM - WEST Falafel Software, Inc. Farmer's Produce Fast Signs First Realty Five Guys Burger and Fries Frank Zablocki General Contractor Geopolis Spatial Solutions Gryco Sportswear Hermelin Law Firm Horizons Dental Impact Transportation Jennifer Y. Kim DDS John I. Cooper Restoration Systems Karen Booth Karen Sullivan Kerns & Associates Industrial Products Kobe Japan Laura Wucher - Realtor Lehmer's Concord Buick GMC Les Schwab Tire Center Mark Rolandelli Construction Martin Orthodontics Matthew Rinn - State Farm Agency Mechanics Bank Michael E Huguet, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Mike Murphy Baseball MVP Sportscards Night Owl Pediatrics Pacific Utilities Supply Papa Murphy's PG&E Pleasant Hill Collision Repair Center Pleasant Hill Lions Club Pleasant Hill Police Association Premier Property Maintenance Pro Home Systems Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill Rubens Nunnemaker LLP Safety Compliance Management Saint Mary's College Athletic Summer Camps Steel Smokin BBQ Steve's Landscaping Strategic Property Solutions, Inc. Tacky Mac Welding The Bonney Law Firm The Moulding Company THI (Troy Hess Instruction) Trenery Homes, Inc. USSSA Walnut Festival Association Watson Electric, Inc. Webcor Builders Wing Stop Zio Fraedo's
Thank you for your support of P.H.B.A.
was something for everyone and it was a great way to celebrate and start the 2012 season!
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
April 2012
Page 27
Not Your Average Joe Chew on this: Out of an estimated seventy million youth athletes across America and approximately twelve million of those who played baseball in a major amateur organization in 2011, Pleasant Hill’s own Joe DeMers, who recently turned fifteen, took home the national Youthee award for Male Athlete of the Year. This February, voters from Alaska to Maine selected the power-pitching and hard-hitting DeMers, by a nearly forty percent majority over four other finalists at the country’s largest annual youth sports celebration. Not that awards and recognition are anything new to DeMers; his impressive list of accomplishments have people in elite sports’ circles talking about him as the number one baseball prospect in the country for the 2015 high school graduating class. (His fastball, clocked at 91 mph, does a lot of talking, too.) DeMers earned “Travel Ball Select Player of the Year” national honors in both 2010 and 2011. At fourteen years of age, DeMers
By Randy Wanser
15-year-old College Park High School freshman Joe DeMers at bat March 3, 2012 in a 5-0 victory over Walnut Creek’s Las Lomas High, a game in which “Big Joe” also pitched six stellar innings, striking out eight batters. DeMers, of Pleasant Hill achieved national acclaim, being named 2011 Male Athlete of the Year in the country’s inaugural youth sports awards program in February.
secured a coveted pitching role on the ultra-elite 16U USA National Team that won the gold medal in Mexico. One year prior, DeMers represented his country on the 14U USA National Team in Nicaragua, where he pitched a perfect game to
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win the bronze medal versus Brazil and recorded three home runs in the tournament. According to his mother, Lisa DeMers, Joe’s physical talents became evident very early. Always a big kid, Joe played soccer up until second grade. That career ended mercifully when a mammoth blast of the soccer ball from Joe’s foot actually broke the goal keeper’s arm. Joe was even “too big” to play football with his peers, and would have had to play several age levels up to match his weight and size. And so, “Big Joe” as he came to be called, began to focus his skill and power primarily on the baseball diamond. Lisa DeMers recalls, “In tee-ball, he’d hit the ball so far, that after he’d gone around the bases, Joe would run to the outfield to help the other team find the ball.” As a pitcher playing in Pleasant Hill Baseball Association’s Pioneer league for eight year olds, Joe pitched a perfect season. Yep, you read that right. He retired every batter he faced during an entire sixteen-game season. From there, travel teams beckoned, and Joe continued to make the most of his opportunities. In his first major tournament, playing in Phoenix, Arizona for Lamorinda Baseball, Joe hit several home runs, pitched the championship victory, and was named MVP. Elite World Series titles, more MVPs, and
several perfectly pitched games followed throughout his youth career. College Park High School varsity baseball coach Matt Lisle remembers when DeMers hit his radar a few years ago. “Another coach had told me about this local eleven-year-old he had seen hit a home run at a tournament game at Diablo Valley College, where the fences are 375 feet from home plate. Three years later, Joe joined our Falcons varsity team as a freshman.” Lisle says that while DeMers clearly possesses physical gifts that make him a “once-in-a-coaching-career” talent, his hope for Joe is that he will continue to work hard, push his abilities to higher levels, and take away positive teamwork and life skills from his high school playing days. “I’ve never seen any player plateau as a freshman, neither physically nor as a teammate,” says Lisle. “So, while Joe will naturally grow and his pitching speed will increase, I want to see Joe, through continued hard work and dedication, take control of his own destiny. He can truly be great.” That potential greatness has already caught the attention of scouts at the next level. DeMers has been contacted by forty universities and colleges with top baseball programs, three of which have offered full-ride scholarships. Success. Awards. Scholarships. That’s heady stuff for a young man, all of 15. When asked how Joe handles the fame and accolades, Lisa DeMers says of her son, “That’s what Mom and Dad are most proud of. Joe has remained humble. He has a great attitude. That’s what USA Baseball looks for, and what has helped Joe earn the right to represent his country the past two years.” What does “Big Joe” think about all this? Asked what motivates him, he replies without hesitation, “Winning.” But, then adds, “What I still like most about baseball is getting out there and playing with friends and competing against each other.” Apparently, the great American pastime is alive and well.
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Page 28
CORKS AND FORKS
Spring Celebration Salad, pasta and dessert can be their own celebration. Prepare this meal of spring lamb with fresh ricotta cheese and a hint of mint, and you will agree that spring has sprung. Spring is a good time to try a new white wine. Look for the Insolia or Inzolia grape made into its eponymous wine from Sicily. The Insolia grape is classically used to make Marsala from Sicily (along with Grillo and Catarratto), but it is also made into a delicate, drier wine. Insolia wine is both floral and tropical with red pear and white grapefruit notes
Pair Up With La Sommelierre Maria Terry bright, Italian reds have slightly higher and, like most Italian whites, it has zesty acidity than Californian. And, they also acidity that will stand up to a salad like have a rich gaminess that is perfect with the Misticanza Salad dressed with white lamb. However, if your cellar is low on balsamic vinaigrette. Can’t find Insolia? Italian reds, try a Pinot Noir; it will fit the A Sauvignon Blanc will substitute. Add acid, earth profile. a slice of crusty bread with a spread of Finish your meal with Tiramisu, cheese and chives, and you have another a classic Italian dessert that is light and bridge to pairing greatness. decadent at the same time. I prefer servFor the pasta, simmer-up a pot of hearty Lamb Ragu. I love this recipe with ing it with bitter black coffee to provide contrast to the sweetness of Tiramisu. its topping of fresh ricotta and mint. Less Plus, the heat from the coffee will cleanse expected than basil and parmesan, this any lingering fat from the cream. Congarnish screams, “It’s spring!” Pair the ragu with an Italian Barolo made from the Nebbiolo grape. So very earthy and
Misticanza Salad w/ White Balsamic Vinaigrette INGREDIENTS For the salad: ½ cup sunflower seeds (raw, unsalted) 8-10 cups blend of bibb, arugula, and radicchio lettuces 1 cup thinly sliced seedless cucumbers ½ cup radishes, sliced 1 cup halved grape tomatoes ½ cup shaved fennel bulb For the vinaigrette: ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar Salt and freshly ground pepper For the crostini: 4 ounces robiola cheese 4 tablespoons minced chives 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground pepper
April 2012
(8) ½-inch-thick slices crusty bread, toasted DIRECTIONS Toast sunflower seeds in a dry pan for about 3 minutes. Toss lettuce, arugula and radicchio in a large bowl with cucumber, radish, tomato and fennel. Whisk together all ingredients for the vinaigrette until emulsified. Mix together robiola, chives and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Spread the robiola mixture onto the slices of toasted bread to make the crostini. Lightly dress the salad with the vinaigrette and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the sunflower seeds on top and serve with crostini. Yield: 8 Servings
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sider choosing a Kona Coffee. Island coffees are more typically spicy, with nutty/ chocolaty undertones that will sing with the delicate chocolate notes in this dish. Find remaining recipes on my website www.LaSommelierre.com. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommelierre. com.
HATS OFF TO THE GRADS! Show them how proud you are by putting them in the Community Focus! Ads up to 35 words are only $15.00. If you wish to include a photo (2.75 x 1.75) the price is only $30.00. Send announcements to info@ourcommunityfocus.com. Deadline is the 2nd Friday of each month. Photo must be in jpeg format. 1 MB miniumum size.
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April 2012
Page 29
THE GARDEN
Greens, a Spring Favorite Like it or not, winter came and went and we are now full into spring with flowers blooming everywhere you look. As we walked along the canal, my mom and I saw hawks building a nest in one of the taller pine trees, dragging branches from one tree to the other. Ducks were happily going crazy getting ready to do their own egg thing while flying a hundred miles an hour feet first into the canal. Lately, there is a quality to the air as it brushes your skin. As your blood rises to the surface, it makes you blush and feel as giddy as those ducks. Seasonal food changes enter into play. After a long enough run with broccoli and cauliflower, asparagus is standing tall and proud on farmers’ market tables, begging to be picked up and sautéed with baby spring green garlic. One of my favorite spring “welcome to the new season” dishes is sautéing chopped asparagus with green garlic, scrambling with fresh eggs and showering
By Lesley Stiles with Manchego cheese. Crack sea salt over more than you think you need, and you will ers’ market or garden, experiment with and take a deep breath before you dive in. your love of spring produce and you will be have enough for everyone to be sated and Braised greens as well as salad greens are a very popular person. Get out on the cafeeling really healthy. at their best in the spring. Obscenely perky nal trail or into the local hills and celebrate Downtown Martinez has a year round and sporting colors off the wheel, charSunday farmers’ market from which to snag spring and good health in our own little treuse lettuce with roasted beets, feta, and piece of heaven we call home. your greens, asparagus, amazingly sweet chopped, toasted, local walnuts sprinkled Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the Califresh peas and green garlic, and Pleasant over will set mouths to watering and imagifornia Culinary Academy, sustainable caHill’s farmers’ market will open the first of nations running. terer and school garden educator. Contact May, in a new spot in the plaza by Jack’s. Breathe again. There used to be a pasta Yippee! Some of us have been waiting years Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast.net, www. dish, not on the menu, at the old Bertola’s lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new for this location and are very happy about in Martinez, called The Judges Pasta. It conwebsite: www.lesleystilesfoods.com. it! Any way you get them, from your farmsisted of massive amounts of chopped Swiss chard, sautéed in a bunch of garlic and olIngredients: ive oil, and tossed with capellini pasta and 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound brown rice or regular capellini grated parmesan cheese. As long lost piv2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 2 big bunches of Swiss chard, can be any otal food moments tend to do, this pasta Rind of 1 large lemon chard, green rainbow, chopped has blown up hugely in my mind as one of Salt and pepper to taste 3 big stalks green garlic, chopped, greens the best things I have ever had. I have been Grated good parmesan to garnish and whites cooking it daily for a week for anyone and Directions: everyone that will eat it. Luckily, Swiss chard Boil pasta until al dente. While it is cooking, heat a large sauce pan with oil. When hot, add garlic and sauté a few minutes. Add chard and sauté a few minutes more. The chard is at its peak right now, leaving us a royal will cook down considerably, so just keep adding it as the room appears in your pan. Add bounty to play with. Chop from end to end; the stock and lemon peel, and simmer until chard is very tender and not quite bright green the ribs are just as outstanding as the leaves. anymore. Drain pasta and toss into pot with the greens. Season with salt and pepper and Braising greens cook way down, so use a lot “mangia!” Garnish with parmesan. Will feed 6 people.
My Version of the Judges’ Pasta
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Page 30
Posture: More Than Looking Good By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates feel better because proper alignment can When you improve circulation and optimize our were a child, how breathing. Poor posture can make us many times did look shy, intimidated, depressed, inseyour mom tell you cure or weak. It also can lead to chronic to “sit up straight,” back pain and negatively affects our balor “fix your posance, breathing, energy, strength, and ture”? Posture may flexibility. bring to mind a So how do you achieve good poslady in etiquette school walking with a ture? Start by building a strong core. book on her head or the soldier with his Core strength builds our alignment from shoulders thrust back and chest stuck the “inside out.” It facilitates good body out. But good posture (aka “good alignmechanics and better weight distribument”) is simply the place where all our tion throughout all our joints, which prejoints line up in their optimal placement. It’s a plumb line that runs through vents long-term wear and tear and injury. Core strength also helps our bodies the body and gives us ease of movement counteract the forces of gravity, making with minimum effort or strain. us feel lighter and more in control. Our posture is often determined by Improving posture is a lot easier physical habits combined with the longthan you think. With the right combiterm effects of gravity. How we hold a nation of exercises, changes can be seen pen, carry our purse, sit at a computer, rather quickly. If your posture is already or walk in heels all have an affect on our fabulous, then send a huge “thank you” posture. to your Mom...or your Pilates teacher! Good posture makes us look healthy, confident, graceful, self- assured, For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilproud and ready to take on the world. atesCenter.com In fact, good posture can even make us
1029 Arnold Dr. Suite 9 Martinez, CA 94553
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GET IN FOCUS? Have a story about your team or an athlete? Got a nice story everyone needs to know? We want to hear from our Teen Community! Deadline for submission is 2nd Friday of each month. Pictures need to be a min. of 1MB in size.
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April 2012
IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS
Le Jardin at the Spa
Nancy Robinson + Michele Martinez = Business Success At Le Jardin at the Spa, Owner Nancy Robinson and Education Director Michele Martinez have a combined total of sixty-eight years of experience in the beauty industry. Top manufactures from around the country have flown in for advice on product packaging, product performance, and marketing strategies. The duo makes a great team because they complement each other’s strengths. As Education Director for Le Jardin, Michele is a walking dictionary on product ingredients. She is an expert on hair color theory and trains stylists on every aspect of color formulation, design and placement. Michele is also an educator on all keratin smoothing services, making our salon the first in Northern California to be certified in Keratin Complex Treatments. As a product distributor educator, Michele has traveled to countless salons and taught them about the newest products and techniques. She has become a leader in our industry. The strength of Le Jardin Owner Nancy Robinson lies in her ability to run all aspects of her business with competence, whether it’s marketing to new customers or mentoring new stylists. After thirty-one years as a hair stylist herself and eight years as owner
of the present location, Robinson has stepped down from taking clients and will put all of her energy into running her business. With twenty-one service providers at Le Jardin, Robinson says, “Running a business so large is easy because of the talented people we have. Each year brings a new challenge, but now is the best combination of great clients, happy service providers and a beautiful business.” Robinson has been sought by many salon owners and enjoys using her skills to help their businesses become more profitable. Come by for a tour of our salon and its beautiful grounds, and see for yourself why we are a winning team!
Update your look this spring at Le Jardin! • Face Framing Highlights and a Haircut $95.00 • -9,, Make-up application with any Hair Service • Hydrating Facial $65.00 • -9,, 15 Minute Foot Massage Up-Grade to any Massage These specials can not be combined with any other offers. Expires 4/30/12. Please mention specials when booking your appointments.
1603 Oak Park Blvd.,Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
925-935-4247 • www.lejardinatthespa.com
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April 2012
Page 31
Samuels Construction 20 Years in Business
Paul Samuels’ construction career began at the age of twelve, when a family friend took him under his wing for a summer job. He later spent five years as a Seabee, a builder in the Navy Construction Battalion. With decades of planning and construction experience under his belt, Paul Samuels is celebrating his 20th year of business in Pleasant Hill.
A local through and through, Paul was born in Walnut Creek, raised in Danville and eventually settled in Gregory Gardens to raise his two sons. He has lived in Pleasant Hill for twenty-seven years. Clients of Samuels Construction can attest to the high quality of remodels and repairs done on homes in the Gregory Gardens area: Paul - I appreciate the opportunity to
SAMUELS CONSTRUCTION
have you as my Licensed General Contractor on the total remodel of my home. Your professionalism and expertise, matched with your uncanny ability to foresee a problem before it arose saved me money, worry, stress and headaches. During this process, I was kept informed as to what was going to happen next. You stayed within my budget and time frame. It was comforting to know that some-
With years of remodels behind us we look forward to helping you make your house the home you've always wanted.
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one with your knowledge and connections had the best interest of my home in sight. It was a pleasure working with you. ~Sandi, PH Paul Samuels has been my general contractor for over 10 years. The house I own in Pleasant Hill is over 40 years old. When I bought the house, it was in serious need of remodeling – particularly in the bathroom. I interviewed six different general contractors for the job. Paul Samuels was the only contractor who submitted a proposal and estimate. I never heard from the rest. He was awarded the job because of his conscientiousness, fair price, and commitment. Paul did an amazing job on the bathroom, and since then has remodeled my kitchen/dining room area, and added a laundry room. The age of my house has also required some serious structural work over the years, and Paul developed an ingenious approach for stabilizing the foundation and eliminating the potential for water damage. Paul has an uncanny ability to anticipate issues, which for my house, has been invaluable. His depth of knowledge and experience, and the quality of his work is exceptional. He is a pleasure to work with and I wouldn’t consider any other contractor when it comes to my home. ~Julia, PH Concrete, foundation repairs, kitchen and bath additions, and entire remodels constitute just some of the work Paul can do for you. Call Samuels Construction for all phases of construction, from the planning stage to completion. 925.260.4448.
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April 2012
In the Mix There is no question; I am the luckiest guy in the world! Not only do I get to write for this publication each month, but throughout my musical career, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotten to meet and sometimes play with some of the most amazing talent in the Bay Area. One of those talents is Stephanie Harwood. From the very first time I heard her sing, she touched my heart. She has vocal skills I can only compare to Adele, Janis, and Christina Aguilera. This College Park graduate is â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Voice.â&#x20AC;? Music has been a part of Stephanieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life before she could talk. Straight out of high school, she moved to New York City and won awards and recognition for her cabaret performances. In 2006, she was cast in Beach Blanket Babylon as Val Diamondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understudy. She has performed the National Anthem at Giants games, NASCAR and college football games and performed at Davis Symphony Hall with the San Francisco Symphony. Currently, she writes and performs with her band Swoon and
By Paul Cotruvo enjoys teaching younger kids to sing. textbook stuff. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of growing conducting. It was an honor and a How old were you when you first sang? up. Bye, bye, darling. Oh, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose your huge learning experience. Michael My first solo performance in front head. Cuzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; none of us were angels and really showed me how to view music of real people (not just my bedroom you know I love you, yeah.â&#x20AC;? differently. Not just as a vocalist but the mirror) was the Christmas show at my way the music guides you. The first time Do yourself a favor and make sure elementary school when I was five. I you catch Stephanie and her band Swoon performed at Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was huge as sang â&#x20AC;&#x153;Silent Nightâ&#x20AC;? in my Sunday best well. It was totally liberating to perform Swoon. You will not be disappointed! and felt like a super star. Here are some upcoming dates: the songs we had written on a great Who were your influences? April 6: Shattuck Down Low, 2284 stage! When I was a kid, it was singers like Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, 9:00pm If you were a song, what song would Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and April 20: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come Togetherâ&#x20AC;? Winslow you be? Celine Dion. I would practice all their Center, 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd., 7:30pm I think I would be a little known song songs like my life depended on it. Now by Imogen Heap called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Speeding Cars.â&#x20AC;? May 30: Freight and Salvage, Berkeley that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m grown and writing songs, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a song about the trials that life brings Check their schedule at: Facebook.com/ inspired by Florence and the Machine, swoonband. and how you learn from them, and in Sia, Imogen Heap, and Radiohead. Quote of the Month: the end itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about loving yourself and Where do you get your inspiration to May you always be courageous those around you. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The paper cuts, the write? Stand upright and be strong cheating lovers, the coffeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never strong Mostly it comes from experience. The May you stay forever young enough. I know you think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than things Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen or felt. Pain is relative - B. Dylan just bad luck. Bye, bye, baby, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be surprised at how many people (even the ones who seem to have everything) can relate to passionate April 4: Melody Guy, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8:00pm April 5: Chris Cain Band, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez , 8:00pm lyrics. I also try to let the music guide April 6: Cover Story, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Martinez, 7:00pm me. I think, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How does this music make April 20: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come Togetherâ&#x20AC;? Benefit for Pleasant Hill Teen Center featuring: me feel?â&#x20AC;? Then I go from there. Swoon, Mark Stanley, Cover Story, The Bell Brothers, Sin Silver, Dan Deshara & Channing What have been some of the highlights Dahl, Jenny Starmack & Chris Bryant, Gary King and Scotty Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill Winslow Center, 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd., Pleasant Hill, 7:30pm of your career? April 21: Spinout, Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive Walnut Creek, 10:00pm Performing with the San Francisco April 28: Roccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8:30pm Symphony with Michael Tilson Thomas
PAULâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PICKS FOR APRIL:
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â&#x20AC;˘ Call Ahead to Order or Just Walk In â&#x20AC;˘ In Business for Over 60 Years Serving Famous Beef, Chicken, Cheese, Butternut Squash, Vegetarian and Seafood Ravioli. Also Serving Homemade Gnocchi, Lasagna, Cannelloni and Soups and a Variety of Sauces
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April 2012
Hours: Mon-Thur 11-8PM Fri & Sat 11-9PM Open Sundays During Main Street Events Only
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Page 33
RESTAURANT GUIDE for more information contact us atcontact us at for more please information please
925.335.NEWS (6397)
info@ourcommunityfocus.com
Ha pp yE ast er!
Slow Cooked, Smoked Meats and More
WHO WANTS RIBS?
You can’t find a better deal than our Tuesday Ribs at Smokey D's. Enjoy our pork ribs for only $1.50 each after 4pm. Dine in only please.
A LOCAL FAVORITE!
FAMILY MEAL DEAL The answer to “What’s for dinner tonight?” Choice of 3 smoked meats, 2 large scratch sides, large salad with homemade dressings, and 5 homemade corn muffins with honey butter for only $39.99 plus tax. Feeds 4-5 people. Valid everyday. Take out only.
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Sports Bar
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2 Eggs with your choice of ½ waffle or 2 flapjacks, and 2 strips of bacon, or 2 sausage All Day Everyday links, or ½ ham
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2390 Monument Blvd. • 687-4100 Kohls Shopping Center
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$6.99 Lunch on the Patio From 11:30 to 2 pm Monday thru Friday. Visit our web site for menu.
Open Monday – Thursday 11am – 11pm Friday 11am – 1am • Saturday – Sunday 9am – 1am Whether you choose to dine in the beautiful open dining room, slide into a private booth, relax in the fresh air of the front patio, or cozy up to the bar, you will be treated to friendly service and great food that can satisfy any appetite! Give Magoo’s a try, where there is something for everyone, and you’re sure to become a regular!
Scan this or text Magoos to 82888 for your free Appetizer 1250 Contra Costa Boulevard, Pleasant Hill, California 94523 • 925.682.4868
Voted Best Japanese Restaurant by Best of the Bay TV Viewers in 2010
$30 Birthday Certificate Join our new Birthday Club and receive a $30 Birthday Certificate to spend at Kobe Japan Restaurant during the month of your birthday. You will also receive special offers and information about the latest happenings in our monthly newsletter. Please go to our website
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1918 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, California 94523 Phone: (925) 705-7065/7066
Fax: (925)705-7067
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Page 34
April 2012
Knock Knock, Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s There? This is the time of year when the Lindsay Wildlife Museum receives calls from concerned residents about birds that repeatedly throw themselves against windows. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on? Spring is the time for birds to stake out territory so they can select the best mate. The males of many bird species donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like competition and will try to chase off interlopers. When the offending bird is actually the birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reflection in the glass, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially hard to evict, hence, repeated parries at the window, hubcap, rear view mirror or any other reflective surface. This behavior usually lasts for only a few weeks, and the birds donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to injure themselves in this exercise. If it bothers you, hang something on the outside of the glass to take away the reflection, and the bird will
By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum happily assume heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s won the territory How can you prevent birds from hitfrom the bird that wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take the ting your window? hint. â&#x20AC;˘ Cover the outside of your window Not all bird/window interactions with plastic garden-protection netting, are as benign, however. How many of mounted on a frame and installed one us have had the experience of hearing foot away from the window. a bird hit a window in our home? The â&#x20AC;˘ Hang closely spaced streamers on the sound can be frightening. Birds often outside of the window, attached at top hit windows because they see reflecand bottom. tions of trees, bushes or sky instead of â&#x20AC;˘ Let your window remain dirty so it the glass. The speed of striking the win- isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reflective. dow can cause instant death or head â&#x20AC;˘ Keep bird feeders within three feet or injuries that lead to death within a few further than ten feet from window. days. It is conservatively estimated that at least one billion birds become window casualties each year in the United States. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anything Goes!â&#x20AC;? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the title of What should you do if a bird hits the second annual spring concert to be your window? presented by the Golden Notes Chorus â&#x20AC;˘ If the bird immediately flies away, it is of Pleasant Hill. This concert will be probably OK. held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 29, â&#x20AC;˘ If you are able to approach and pick at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, up the bird, put it into a paper grocery 1601 Mary Drive in Pleasant Hill. sack and bring it to the wildlife hospital The program will include some big as soon as possible. band era music, ballads, spirituals, nov-
Golden Notes Chorus
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â&#x20AC;˘ Eliminate items that attract birds too closely to windows such as bird feeders, watering areas, or nutritious and aesthetic vegetation. â&#x20AC;˘ For new construction, angle windowpanes slightly so that the ground is reflected rather than the sky or surrounding landscape. For more information about Lindsay Wildlife Museum and ways you can help wildlife, visit www.wildlifemuseum.org.
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elty songs and more. Refreshments will be served during intermission. Tickets are $6.00 and may be purchased either at the temporary Senior Center at 249 Gregory Lane, from any Golden Notes member, or by calling Mary Ann Dye at 938-6791. Some tickets may be available at the door for $7.00.
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April 2012
Page 35
PAST TO PLEASANT
Rodgers Ranch: Pleasant Hill’s Secret Gem By Alison Clary Residents of Pleasant Hill may drive past the small Rodgers Ranch sign on Grayson Road or walk their dogs around Cortsen Court regularly but still wonder “What is that charming, old-fashioned white house with the large trees and lovely gardens?” Denise Koroslev, president of the board of Friends of Rodgers Ranch (FORR) and long-standing board member Dana Matthews, who is also secretary for the Pleasant Hill Historical Society, provide a wealth of information about the history of Rodgers Ranch. In 1866, Hiram M. Smith purchased land at the end of Cortsen Road and built a house and granary barn there. Soon after, Patrick Rodgers, who had come from Ireland as a boy and later participated in the gold rush, moved from Sonora to the township of presentday Pleasant Hill with his wife Mary Ann and three children. With encouraging prospects for farming and only nine other families in the vicinity, the Rodgers bought the house, barn, and 149 acres of land for $2,500 in 1868. They farmed the hearty, hard-kernelled red wheat, a crop known as “king of the valley,” and most likely shipped it out of Port Costa. Once soil depletion and the benefits of crop rotation in the region were understood, however, other crops such as pear, almond, and walnut trees as well as grapes were eventually grown. In 1907, the land went to the Rodgers’ four children, then passed through many hands and underwent several reductions in size before Dr. and Mrs. Kaho Daily bought the ranch in 1942 and maintained an actively producing almond orchard until 1978. Currently, the remaining two
Rodgers Ranch. Photo by Alison Clary
acres of land and the ranch house are owned and maintained by the PHRPD. The ranch has undergone extensive renovation over the years, thanks to the formation of Friends of Rogers Ranch (FORR). Other than equipping the house with modern electrical and plumbing conveniences, FORR is dedicated to keeping the ranch as historically authentic as possible; Rodgers Ranch was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The biggest project of all will be to re-build the original wheat house (barn), which was the first of its kind west of the Mississippi River. It is currently disassembled and conserved in storage but, once enough funds are raised, it will be properly reconstructed. In the meantime, the ranch serves as a living history museum and provides a site for various programs, meetings, and school field trips. The ranch’s popular summer “Round Up” camps give children a taste of farm life in the 1800s. Kids are pioneers for the day and participate in activities that include: churning ice cream and butter, pumping water by hand, laundering with washboards and
HATS OFF TO THE GRADS! Show them how proud you are by putting them in the Community Focus! Ads up to 35 words are only $15.00. If you wish to include a photo (2.75 x 1.75) the price is only $30.00. Send announcements to info@ourcommunityfocus.com. Deadline is the 2nd Friday of each month. Photo must be in jpeg format. 1 MB miniumum size.
wringers, writing with quill pens, making paper from scratch, learning about spinning and looms, digging like archeologists, and playing assorted old-fashioned games. Rodgers Ranch will also be the future site of the Pleasant Hill Histori-
cal Society and is currently home to the local herb society. Additionally, John Mattheson and Marian Woodard, who ran the master garden program at Shadelands, will be offering instructional gardening techniques at the ranch, in cooperation with the PHRPD. Denise says, “Rodgers Ranch is Pleasant Hill’s connection to it’s past. It offers a beautiful, serene setting for imagining how life was in simpler times.” To learn more about the ranch or attend an open house, check www. rodgersranch.org. If you’d like to help Rodgers Ranch or the P.H. Historical Society with archiving, restoration, or programs, e-mail rodgersranch@yahoo.com or call Denise at 387-0158. Look for an upcoming article on the ranch’s kitchen restoration, currently underway!
An Act of Solidarity By David Sweeney working in support of our “honored On March 3, 101 mothers, fakids”: Ariel G., Natalie C., Ryan D., thers, sons, and daughters “Braved the Shave” for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Sarah G., and Tighe G. Also supporting the event were the Raiderettes: Alli, Anat Creek Monkey Tap House in downgel, Ashley, and Maureen. They made town Martinez. a wonderful guest appearance to help As an act of solidarity with chilcheer on the 101 heroes! Oola Rockdren who lose their hair due to cansteady also rocked the house with great cer treatment, Citrus Salon shaved 101 heads clean! Thirty families from Christ music. A million thank you’s to all who helped support this excellent communithe King Parish participated, thirtyeight “shavees” being students at Christ ty event and a great cause! Check us out online @ www.stbaldricks.org/events/ the King School. Over $40,000 was raised to fund life saving children’s can- creekmonkey and look for us next year2013 promises to be even bigger and cer research. more excellent! All participants were proud to be
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Page 36
Polar Plunge
On Saturday, February 25, Vice Mayor Michael Harris joined members of the Pleasant Hill Police Department and went into the freezing waters of San Francisco Bay for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. The Pleasant Hill Police Department has been a
major supporter of Special Olympics through its annual crab feed and the Polar Plunge. In just the first two months of 2012, the Pleasant Hill Police Department has raised over $50,000 for this worthwhile cause.
April 2012
Join the Amazing Race
An exciting new event is coming to Pleasant Hill on April 21: the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education’s first Amazing Race of Pleasant Hill. The focus of this race is to not only bring attention to Pleasant Hill schools, but to get to know the Pleasant Hill community. Participating teams will consist of either a family of any size or a group of four or less. On the morning of the race, each team will receive an email with their first clue. There will be nu-
merous legs to the race and fun activities suitable for all ages. The race will run from 10:00am to about 3:30pm and, afterwards, everyone will gather at City Hall to determine the winner. All proceeds of the race will go towards this spring’s FPHE annual grant program. Over the last three years, the Foundation has raised about $85,000 in grants to the eleven Pleasant Hill public schools. For more information and to register a team, please go to www.fphe. org.
Upcoming Relay for Life
Pictured at the plunge are Police Chief Pete Dunbar, Sgt. Gary Brown, Vice Mayor Michael Harris, and Lieut. Jose Delatorre.
Stem Cell Buzz You’ve heard the buzz about stem cells, but what are they and how do they work? Stem cells have been in the news for years; stem cells are the early stage undifferentiated cells that have not yet grown into specific cell types, such as the cells of your liver, heart, and brain, which can be used for the repair of damaged tissues. Even as adults, our bodies continue to produce their own natural stem cells. As we age, however, the generation rate of new stem cells declines, which causes our bodies to take longer to heal and replace damaged cells throughout our systems. Let us share some breaking news on the renewal, repair, and rejuvenation of tissues from old injuries as well as other important health concerns that affect us all. Leading stem cell research-
ers have pioneered a formula that uses natural plant-based products to nourish bone marrow to produce up to 100% more of its own natural stem cells in just fourteen days. This increased generation of replacement stem cells provides the body with the necessary cellular supply to repair much faster. This dramatic breakthrough comes at a time when the poor health of most Americans is becoming more commonly known. Now there is a brand new hope for improved healing, cell renewal, and the restoration that we so desperately need. Attend our FREE event on Saturday, April 28, 11:00am – 1:00pm, at the Unity Center of Walnut Creek, 1871 Geary Rd. Walnut Creek. Seating is limited. Please call Mary Stark to reserve your seat at 925-969-7749.
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Pleasant Hill’s third annual Relay For Life®, a 24-hour fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will be held at Pleasant Hill Middle School track beginning at 9:00am, Saturday, May 19. Relay teams will walk the track round the clock and participate in ceremonies to remember those touched by cancer and their caregivers, and to fight back. Live music, “fun laps” and cancer prevention awareness activities will be features of the event. Relay For Life® would like to honor cancer survivors and those who are still in the fight: come walk
the first lap, the “survivors’ lap,” as a member of a relay team, or on your own. There is no fee for honorees to participate. Receive a t-shirt and goodie bag and be a special guest at the pancake breakfast served by the Pleasant Hill Lions Club prior to the opening ceremony. Relay for someone in your life: lead a team, join a team, donate or volunteer. For more information on Relay for Life®, call 925-9444898, e-mail relayforlifeph@aol.com, or go to the website at www.relayforlife.org/ pleasanthillca.
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4/2 - 4/9 – 2012 Forest Hills Swim Team Registration. 5pm to 7pm. FHST is looking for you to take a SPLASH for the 2012 swim season. For info on this and our Spring Clinics, please visit www.fhst.org. (A late registration date may be added - check website for up to date info). 375 Lindsey Drive Martinez CA 94553. Contact: president@fhst.org or 925-639-8889. 4/7 - Martinez Lion’s Club Easter Egg Hunt -10am at the Martinez Waterfront Park grass area. Ages 2 – 9. Enjoy face painting and Easter fun. Bring your own camera to take pictures with The Bunny. 4/7 - “Egg”citing Egg Hunt! Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Pre-reg. required by Noon, April 6. Call our Administrative Office at 682-0896. 4/21 & 4/22 - Pleasant Hill Star Quest 20th Anniversary. Featuring talented youth of Pleasant Hill. Call 682-0896. DVC Performing Arts Center. Under 18 yrs: $5 advance / $10 at the door, 18yrs & over: $10 advance / $15 at the door. Saturday, 4/21 at 7pm, Sunday, 4/22 at 2pm. 4/21 - Document Shredding Fundraiser. Raise money for the Cancer Support Community (formerly the Wellness Community). Bring old tax returns, bank statements, and other documents containing personal information. Make a charitable donation and SHRED WORKS will shred your documents on the spot! Sponsored by California Cancer and Research Institute, 400 Taylor Blvd, Pleasant Hill (parking lot), 1-3pm. 4/21- John Muir Birthday – Earth Day Celebration hosted by the John Muir Association and the National Park Service at the John Muir National site in Martinez from 10am to 4pm. 4/22 – Earth Day Event – Garden Work Party & Free Garden Tour. Volunteer to help clean up your environment. Learn to: save water, use drought-tolerant plants, mulch, compost and provide a wildlife habitat. Bring garden tools, water, gloves, hat and a camera. 2:00-6:00pm, 4:30pm tour, exhibits, and games. Pre-register at phecgarden@prodigy.net.
4/28 - Metabolic Balance & Metabolic Syndrome. Find out if you are at risk for Metabolic Syndrome, stroke, heart disease, or Diabetes Type II. Learn the signs and health risks of having Metabolic Syndrome. Free screening with Myra Nissen, Certified Homeopath at the Vitamin Shoppe, 1601 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek, 11am – 1pm. 4/29 - Family Fun Triathlon. Join Pleasant Hill Rec for a noncompetitive, family-fun, fitness triathlon event, which incorporates swimming, bicycling, and running! 14 yrs & under race: 250-yard swim, 5-mile bike, 2-mile run; 15 yrs & over race: 500-yard swim, 10-mile bike, 4-mile run. 1 Santa Barbara Rd., PH. Pre-register by April 12 and get a FREE T-shirt. Individual: $44 Pre-Reg (by 4/12); $54 Apr. 13 to race day. Relay (up to 3 persons): $93 Pre-Reg (by 4/12); $108 Apr. 13 to race day. Race day check-in begins at 8am; race starts at 9am. 4/29 – Pleasant Hill Lion’s Club Poker Night. Back Forty Texas BBQ. $50 includes food and poker. Food is served at 3pm and poker at 4pm. 1st prize is $400 and all final table contestants receive a prize. All funds raised go back to the community for the charities that we support. Please contact Ken Wombacher at 687-0858 or Phil Madruga at 933-8061 for tickets. 5/5 – Charity Walk benefitting Royal Family Kids- 9-11am Contra Loma Regional Park, Antioch. Royal Family kids takes abused, abandoned and neglected 7-11 year-old foster children of Contra Costa County for a week-long FREE summer camp. Register online at www. rfkccharitywalk.dojiggy.com. Cost $25.00, children 15 and under free. Refreshments and T- shirt pick up begins at 8am. 5/11-5/13 - Martinez Open Studios 2012. Friday, May 11 - Opening Artists’ Reception and Group Exhibition 6:00-9:00pm; Saturday, May 12 – 11:00am to 6:00pm; Sunday, May 13 – 11:00am to 4:00pm. Location: I’ve Been Framed, 411 Ferry St., Martinez.
At the library Pleasant Hill Tuesdays - Doorstep Farmers Pick Up. 5-7pm.
Sign up with Doorstep Farmers, a local CSA, at www.doorstepfarmers.com. All subscribers will receive a 5% discount for choosing Pleasant Hill Library as their pick-up location. Mother Goose Storytime. Wednesdays - 11:1511:45am; Fridays - 11:15-11:45pm & 1:151:45pm. Ages 0-3. Wednesdays – English Conversation Practice for Adults. 1:30-2:30pm. This ESL group meets weekly. Ages 18+. Thursdays - Preschool Storytime. 11:1511:45am. Ages 3-5.
what you want to see happen at the library. Ages 13-18. 4/24 – The Spring Thing. 6:30-8:00pm. Spring into a fun evening of crafts, games, dancing, and more for the big thing of the season that families of all ages won’t want to miss. Martinez: Mondays 4/2 & 4/30 - Pajama Time. 6:30pm7:30pm. All ages welcome. Tuesdays 4/17 & 4/24 - Mother Goose Storytime -10:30-11am, ages 0-3. 4/4 – Wii Wednesday. 2 – 4pm.
Thursdays 4/12 & 4/28 – Wii for Teens – Play some board games too! Room A; 3pm-4:30pm.
4/10 – Book Discussion Group - Join us as we discuss ......Adults. 6:45pm.
Fridays – NEW! Contra Costa Teen Chess Club. 3-5pm. Instruction, friendly matches, and tournaments. Please come if you are at all interested in learning more about chess, improving your game, and meeting like-minded, local teens! All levels are welcome.
4/14 – A Jazz Appreciation Concert. 2 – 3pm
Saturdays – Saturday Story Time, Babies, Preschoolers, Kids. 11:15-11:45am.
4/16 – Dr. Recycle presents Junkology. 3:30 – 4:30pm. Dr. Recycle applies a little TLC (ThinkLaugh-Create) to common trash and gets some wild and wacky results. Ages 5-11. 4/17 – Wills & Trusts Free Legal Workshop. 5:30 – 7:30pm
4/10 – PH Book Club. Prodigal Summer, by Barbara Kingsolver. 6:30pm-7:30pm.
4/23 – Magic by Alex. 6:30 – 7:30pm. Don’t miss this magic show by a world-class talent when Alex Ramon returns! Ages (0-11)
4/11 – The PHUN Team, Pleasant Hill United Nerds Team. 3:30-5:00pm. Meet other teens and the young adult librarian to share and plan
4/28 – eReader Mini Workshop. 2:00 – 3:00pm. For Android eReaders & other tablets.
GRAD night info COLLEGE PARK GRAD NITE
events
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Calendar
ALHAMBRA GRAD NIGHT
April 2012
Buy Your Grad Nite Tickets Now! $110.00 85% of the graduating class attends! Volunteers Are Still Needed! Nearly 200 volunteers make Grad Nite a success. Sign up on our website! Donations Are Greatly Appreciated! Your tax deductible monetary and prize donations are carefully spent and wildly impactful. Donate through mail, online or in person by visiting our website!
www.cpgradnite.homestead.com. Grad Night’s “Life is a Gift” 5th Annual Dinner, Dance and Auction Blue (and Gold) Hawaii…April 21st at the Martinez Event Center 6PM-Midnight, $45/Ticket For Donations and Tickets: http://auctions.readysetauction.com/ alhambrahighschool/home
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April 2012
Chronic Hives
Vote YES on Prop 29
By Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath and loose clothing can pro At one time or another, vide relief. many of us have experienced Hives lasting more an outbreak of itchy red than six weeks are considbumps on the skin called ered a chronic condition. I hives. Hives are an outbreak have been able to help many of swollen red bumps or people overcome chronic wheals on the skin that aphives with natural methods pear suddenly. They can itch, using homeopathy and an burn or sting. Hives can apadvance phytotherapy called gemmopear anywhere on the body including, therapy. Relief is long lasting. lips, face, tongue, throat, and ears. Some homeopathy trivia: April is Hives usually come from an alWorld Homeoapthy Awareness Month lergic reaction from a substance called because it is the birth month of Samuel histamine, released from specialized Hahnemann, homeopathy’s founder, cells along blood vessels in the skin. who was born April 10, 1755. These reactions can be triggered by a number of things such as certain foods, I offer a unique personalized approach to wellness, and if you menchemicals, insect stings, sunlight extion this article, you can receive a free posure, and emotional shock. Triggers homeopathic wellness assessment for can be different for each individual. a savings of $30. Please contact Myra Medications such as antihisNissen, CCH Board Certified Homeotamines or corticosteroids can be temporary measures. Cool compresses, path for more information at 925-8263858 or www.MyraNissen.com. working and sleeping in cool rooms
By Matthew Sirott, MD sword; either way it cuts to I would like to raise the heart of illness. If smokawareness on Prop 29, the ers continue to smoke, then California Cancer Research money is raised for cancer Act. Prop 29 is a $1 surcharge research and treatment. If on each pack of cigarettes smokers rebel against the sold in the state. The purnew tax and quit, then the poses of the proposition bill is even more successful. include: Lives are saved and health • To raise funds for cancer care costs drop. Nobody HAS to pay research (and other cigarette related this tax! disease, including heart disease) because money is sorely needed and other With passage of the proposition, the major potential losers are the big research funds have dwindled. The extobacco companies. If passed, cigarette pectation is that over 600 million dollars sales are expected to drop significantly. will be raised annually. The very powerful tobacco lobby will • To save lives. The California Departspend millions of dollars to mislead and ment of Public Health has reported the misconstrue the purposes of the bill. passage of this act will save 104,000 They will talk about taking money from lives. schools, taking money from existing • To prevent children from smoking. revenues, the effects on current budgets The California Department of Public and draining funds out of California. Health has also estimated 228,000 kids The physicians and staff of Diablo will stop (or never begin) smoking Valley Oncology wholeheartedly supbecause of the increased cost. port Prop 29. It is bad for the tobacco Prop 29 has safeguards and accompanies, but good for the health of countability. The money will stay in all Californians. Lives will be saved, California and go to California-based kids and adults will quit smoking, and research projects. The dollars canimportant research will be funded. Vote not be siphoned off for other projects. Administrative costs are limited to 2%. YES on Prop 29 in June. Funding decisions are determined by an Dr. Sirott is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley independent panel of leading research Oncology. 925-677-5041. Located in organizations, public health advocates, Pleasant Hill, Diablo Valley Oncology cancer researchers and doctors, and is the largest freestanding, non-hospital cancer survivors. based facility in Contra Costa County. Arguments against this proposition are usually raised by “no new taxes” For more information, visit: www. DiabloValleyOncology.md. organizations. The prop is a two-edged
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College Park Boosters
Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S.
Payless Painting/Quick Change
Youth Homes Thrift Shop
Computer Sales and Service
Kobe Japan
Pleasant Hill Baseball Association
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April 2012
Page 40
Downtown Martinez BAY AREA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Dining Out www.MainStreetMartinez.org
APRIL 21, 2012 - 12pm to 4pm Martinez Waterfront Park near the Historic Cannery District
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Rockin' Live Music!
Garageland Rodeo 12:00-1:30 PUSH with Dan Ashley 2:00-4:00
Creek Monkey Tap House CR
30+ Top Microbreweries!
Open until 11am-10pm every day! 500 Main St., downtown Martinez (925) 370-1234