April Community Focus

COMMUNITY

FOCUS

APRIL 2019 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

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IN THIS ISSUE: • NEW PH LIBRARY • DVC STATE CHAMPS • WC AQUANUTS PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

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COVER:

INSIDE

4 City News

12 Envision Contra Costa 2040

27

History Note

6 10 to

College Pantry

25 Make Some Plans

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Easter Bunny makes an appearance.

Photo by: Trish Heaney

6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

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2013

2014

2015

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2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016/2017

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Meet Jill Scheidel, also known as Jillie Bean or Miss Bean, who lives in Pleasant Hill with her two kids: Lena, who is a sophomore in high school, and Dmitri, who is away at university. Jill works as an analyst for PG&E. She adopted Dmitri from Russia and Lena from Guatemala when they were babies. “At the age of 12, I knew I would adopt children when I felt sadness for the Vietnam War orphans.”

What makes you happiest/saddest? Helping people and inspiring others to help makes me the happiest. Seeing those experiencing homelessness makes me the saddest. Both of these issues can be synchronized towards solutions.

More about Jill: 1. I’m a skydiver with over 5,000 jumps. I have some world records for large skydiving formations, including a 151 all-women skydive for a breast cancer research fundraiser and a 200 person skydive over Myrtle Beach.

2. I love to support local musicians and promote their music. I’m also a bit of a percussionist.

3. I’m on the Civic Action Commission for Pleasant Hill. This “party” committee organizes events to help enrich the community.

4. My annual “Foodie Fest” brings together community, food, and music to support familyoriented charities.

Julie Says

Look What the Cat Dragged In

BY JULIE ROSS

April through September is “peak season” at the Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, when the vast majority of orphaned and injured wild animals come through the doors. I volunteer every year during this time period on the wildlife hotline, answering public inquiries and working at the wildlife hospital accession (intake) desk, which is indeed an eyeopening experience.

The hospital sees wild animals that have collided into windows, been hit by vehicles, unintentionally caught in traps, and entangled in netting. Nests are blown from trees or destroyed during tree trimming, leaving babies on the ground. But with all the potential dangers out there, you might be surprised to hear the leading reason for wild animals being admitted to the hospital is attack by domestic or feral cats. Nationwide, it is estimated that cats are responsible for the deaths of 2.4 billion birds and 12.3 billion mammals annually. Our adorable kitties are prolific hunters. What can we do to keep our fe-

line friends happy, healthy, and safe while also protecting wild lives?

It’s encouraging to see more and more resources popping up that offer ways to satisfy the natural predatory instincts of cats indoors while at the same time keeping them safe from traffic, loose dogs, toxins, parasites, foxtails, diseases, coyotes, fights with other cats, and, sadly, animal cruelty by humans armed with BB and pellet guns.

I have spoken with dozens of cat owners at the wildlife hospital’s front desk who have kindly brought in a bird or baby squirrel to the hospital for a second chance after having been in the mouth of their cat. Unfortunately, infection sets in rapidly from a cat bite, and these little creatures often do not make it.

Many caring people are upset enough about the experience to agree to attempt transitioning their cats from outdoors to indoors. Some have already tried and failed, and others believe their cats need to roam free to live their kitty lives to the full.

For those motivated to keep our wild neighbors out of the claws of their pets, here are two excellent online resources:

the American Humane Society’s “Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats,” at www.americanhumane.org and “Keep Cats Safe,” courtesy of Nature Canada at www.naturecanada. ca. “Keep Cats Safe” is a downloadable brochure full of enrichment tips to keep cats happy indoors and includes instructions for a DIY cat shelf to install in one of your windows.

A growing trend among cat lovers in the last few years has been building or buying outdoor enclosures for cats to keep them and wildlife safe from harm – google “catio” for creative, catapproved ideas, plans and products. In addition to classic cat favorites such as the empty paper grocery bag, cardboard box, scrunched up aluminum foil balls, and fingers-under-the-blanket, there is an astonishing range of cat toys, tunnels, and climbing condos available for indoor fun and engagement. There are even some interactive electronic toys you can use to entertain your cat when you are otherwise occupied. In the latter category, check out: Friends Forever Interactive Cat Laser Toy, Catit Design Senses Super Roller Circuit, the Bergan Turbo Scratcher Toy (with a new Catnip Hurricane version), and

SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy. Disclaimer: there’s no guarantee your cat will prefer any of these to simply attacking your ankle.

On a final note, it’s not just peak baby season in the wildlife world. April through September is also “kitten season.” If you plan to adopt a kitten or two this year, please consider not allowing them to roam unsupervised. If you start them off young, they are happy to stay indoors, and local wild parents will have one less hazard to worry about in raising their families.

There’s nothing more relaxing than having a purring kitty on your lap and knowing the baby birds are safe in their nests.

Aaaaaah.

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

-- very low, as low as we usually see in December. Since the average number of homes sold per month runs 30, we have just a tiny bit over half a month’s inventory, which is extremely low. It leaves buyers competing for the homes that do come for sale and perpetuates the seller’s market.

Two things are happening: the demand remains high, so houses that do come for sale get sold quickly, if priced appropriately. But many people are not selling! It is so hard to find a move-up home in our area that many prefer to remodel or add on. Aging in place is appropriate for many.

But people do still have to move.

Two clients whose houses we sold in

March moved to be near their adult children and grandchildren. Some are downsizing, cashing out their equity, moving to a lower priced area, and changing their lifestyle. Divorce can also precipitate a move, as can job moves. For various reasons, there will be homes coming for sale, so if you are a buyer, please get pre-approved with a reputable lender that we can refer you to and call us: we will help you craft the best offer. How the offer is written matters. It makes a huge difference in getting an offer accepted in a competitive buying environment.

Call The Flaskerud Team at 925-3382980, or email Norma at NormaJ49@ gmail.com or Erik at Erik.Flaskerud@ Remax.net DRE# 00867031

Real Estate Trends It’s That Time of the Year

BY NORMA FLASKERUD

I’m thinking ahead to summer and everyone’s favorite night, the 4th of July!

As major supporters of the Pleasant Hill fireworks display for 14 years, the Flaskerud Team is carrying forward the tradition of donating money, with matching donations up to $2,000 this year!

Please send your donations to the Pleasant Hill 4th of July Commission, PO Box 23272, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. Please note on the check or envelope that it is a Flaskerud Team donation so we can match it. If you want to donate in mem-

ory of our beloved Don Flaskerud, that would be awesome. Some of you know we lost our daughter, Devon Flaskerud Knight, to cancer in November. She was a swim coach to many and a friend to many as she grew up in Pleasant Hill. You may also donate in her memory; simply note it on your donation or envelope.

She and Don loved the fireworks and would so appreciate your support! All the dollars donated increase everyone’s enjoyment of the amazing fireworks show every year. Last year, I heard many comment it was the best fireworks ever!

Let’s keep it going!!!

Real Estate Market Update: As of mid-March, the number of homes listed for sale in Pleasant Hill was 18

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | APRIL 2019 | 3

From the Contra Costa County Historical Society

A History Note April 15 - Filing Day

BY MARGIE NEWTON

Taxes! Taxes! Taxes! In 1914, Tax Day, or the filing deadline for income tax, was March 1, the day the first 1040s needed to be filed. It was moved to March 15 in 1918 and that remained Tax Day until 1955, when the date was changed to April 15. It is also the date for filing tax returns for many states, including California.

Abraham Lincoln and the Congress during his administration imposed the first income tax in 1861. Taxing the income of individuals whose income was more than $800 a year was done in an effort to pay for the Civil War. The tax was repealed in 1872.

In 1895, the United States Supreme Court ruled the levying of income tax to be unconstitutional, but the idea would not go away. Between 1895 and 1909, at least 42 income tax bills were introduced

in Congress.

In 1913, a constitutional amendment allowing taxes was proposed. When Wyoming ratified the 16th Amendment in 1913, it completed the three-quarter majority of states necessary to amend the Constitution, and Congress was given the authority to enact an income tax. The first Form 1040 was produced in 1914. During World War II, Congress introduced payroll withholding and quarterly tax payments.

While Wyoming approved the right of the Federal Government to impose income tax, it is one of seven states that has no personal income tax.

Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1939, gross income is defined as including “gains, profits, and income derived from salaries, wages or compensation for personal service ... of whatever kind and in whatever form paid, or from professions, vocations, trades, businesses, com-

MAY

JULY

THURSDAY

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merce, or sales, or dealings in property, whether real or personal, growing out of the ownership or use of or interest in such property; also from interest, rent, dividends, securities, or the transaction of any business carried on for gain or profit, or gains or profits and income derived from any source whatever.”

The Internal Revenue Service was reorganized in 1954 and expanded.

Congress has the right to place a tax on any source of income unless specifically

exempted.

Further research will be needed to determine if those gift cards received at Christmas and the money received from selling the exercise bicycle on Craig’s List constitute taxable income.

“A History Note” is presented by the Contra Costa County History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez. Open hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, 9-4, and third Saturdays, 10-2. Check out the website: www.cocohistory.org

Stronger Than You Know Mind, Body, Taxes and Gratitude

BY DENA BETTI

It’s that time of year again when we all have one thing in common…and no, it’s not the common cold…it’s taxes! But much like the common cold, the headaches surrounding April 15 can wreak havoc on our minds and body.

I recently sat down with Jennifer Jost, a money coach and wealth advisor. It was fascinating to hear her spin on taxes. She asked me, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could say ‘April 15’ and feel joy instead of stress?”

I said, “Well sure, but aren’t some things just inherently painful?” Flashing pictures of root canals and mortgage payments began to dance in my head. “Ugh…just the thought of taxes has my thoughts ablaze.”

Jennifer looked at me with an understanding nod and said, “Yes, but it is pos-

sible to view Tax Day differently! As you well know, we do have some control over our thoughts. But to an untrained mind, we make decisions from this stressful place and cut off our ability to see things in different ways.” I said, “You are now talking my talk.” I work on my mindset daily, but translating that concept to good ole Uncle Sam unearthed a blind spot within me. She had my attention. Jennifer went on to explain that our thoughts around money contain energy, and that which is likened to it attracts its equal. So when our mindset around money is strewn in a myriad of stressful emotions like worry, fear and anger, all we are doing is inviting more of those negative emotions into our minds. She said that shifting our mindset around Tax Day and money isn’t as hard as it may seem.

She was sure to give the disclaimer that we need not agree on how every tax dollar is spent but rather acknowledge the

system of support and positive infrastructure that serves us. Jennifer shared, “I have friends that work for the State of California and the Federal Government. When I pay taxes, that helps pay their paychecks and support their families. That makes me feel great.”

She continued, “When we pay taxes, we are keeping government employees from the unemployment line. So when I have a tax bill, I think about how I am actually helping children go to school and have school supplies. And since my favorite thing is a glazed donut, I’m actually helping families bring glazed donuts home somewhere. I’m sure of it!” Jennifer let out a little chuckle, and I began to smile and laugh too.

Jennifer turned serious once more and looked at me with her calm, beautiful blue eyes. With her final words of wisdom she said, “We get to tell our minds what to focus on. I think about how I would never

pay taxes if I weren’t making money, and I love making money! I love how having money allows me to have experiences with my friends and family. I’m grateful I get to be a part of this amazing state and, yes, I’m paying for this beautiful sunshine and this amazing country that gives me the right to choose who I want to be. For all of this, I am grateful.”

There it was...the paradigm shift!

Habits to happiness come in many different forms. This month it comes in the form of gratitude. For a complimentary money breakthrough session with Jennifer Jost, www.jenniferjost.com, use promo code STYK.

Dena Betti is a graduate from the University of San Francisco, executive director of #hersmile Nonprofit, and a certified life coach. Limited personal coaching slots available or sign-up for a Habits to Happiness workshop, visit http://strongerthanyouknow.com.

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The Gala, Martinez, CA OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | APRIL 2019 | 5

CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

Spring seems to finally be here. Like many, I look forward to spring and the opportunity to clean up, reorganize, and get the yard in tip top shape, adding a little color and finishing those projects I didn’t quite get done before the rains came. However, there are those in our community who want the same things but can’t manage it on their own.

Several years ago, the Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission started Community Service Day, which has become an annual event where volunteers spread out across the city and work on service projects, from our schools to our parks, creeks and beyond.

These projects now also include our seniors by offering light yard work to those who can’t manage it on their own. The Civic Action Commission quickly realized too many of our seniors need this help, and so they initiated “Senior Spring Cleanup Day” in partnership with the city’s Commission on Aging and the Recreation and Park District’s Senior Center.

Seniors 65 of older now get their own day! They can contact us and sign up to have a team of volunteers help them with light work in their front yard to enhance their curb appeal or just get the upper hand on the yard work. This year’s “Senior Spring

Ken Carlson, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

Cleanup Day” is Saturday, April 27, from 9:30am to 1pm.

Seniors who wish to participate should sign up by Friday, April 12. Call (925) 671-5229 or register online at www. pleasanthillca.org/cleanup.

This will be the third year for our “Senior Spring Cleanup Day,” and each year the number of seniors needing our help grows.

We can’t do this effort alone and need your help. If you are interested in volunteering a few hours of your time, please join us.

Remember, this is “light” yard work, so if you are handy with a rake or hoe, can pull a few weeds or trim a few shrubs, sign up as a volunteer. Please add your name to the volunteer roster by Friday, April 12. Email Interim Public Information Officer Gayle Vassar at gvassar@pleasanthillca.org or sign up online at www.pleasanthillca.org/cleanup.

I look forward to meeting you out there as we bring smiles to the faces of our seniors and neighbors in Pleasant Hill. See you Saturday, April 27.

Public Meetings Civic Action Apr. 3 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229

5TH ANNUAL CELEBRATE YOUR COMMUNITY Thursday, May 2 5:00 to 7:00 pm Pleasant Hill Community Center

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to help us Celebrate our Community Donors and Friends 2019 Community Grant Awards Guarino Community Award Corner Stone Award Holmes Award Hosted wine and hors d’oeuvres. Raffle.

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City Council Apr. 1, 15 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:00pm. Contact: 671-5229 Architectural Review Apr. 4, 18 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 5:00pm. Contact: 671-5209 Planning Commission Apr. 11 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Commission on Aging Apr. 11 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5:00pm. Contact: 671-5229 Education Commission Apr. 24 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 7pm. Contact: 671-5229 PH Rec & Park Board Meetings are typically held the 2nd & 4th Thursday each month at District Office, 147 Gregory Lane. Meeting dates and agendas are posted 72 hours prior to meeting. Refer to recent agenda for meeting dates.

District residents are encouraged to contact board members about current issues facing the district.

Chamber Calendar April 5 – PH Chamber Ambassador Meeting 8:30- 9:30am, City Hall Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill April 9-Morning Chamber Mixer Hosted by Travis Credit Union 9-11am, 25 Crescent Drive, Suite C, Pleasant Hill April 10 – Regional Crisis Resiliency Workshop for Diablo Valley Small Business 12-2pm, Shell Clubhouse, 1635 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez April 11 – Chamber Business Mixer at the Hyatt House 5-7pm, Hyatt House Pleasant Hill, 2611 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill April 18 – PH Chamber Board Meeting, 8-9:30am, City Hall Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill April 29 – Government Affairs Committee, 4:30-5:30pm, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill 680 Business Networking – 2nd & 4th Wednesdays*, 8:30-10am, JFK University, 100 Ellinwood Way, PH. *Thursday groups will not be meeting until further notice.

A New Library and So Much More

CITY NEWS

Collaboration Between City, County, PH Rec & Park and MDUSD

BY CITY COUNCILMEMBER SUE NOACK

The Pleasant Hill Library is an important part of this community. The combination of an incredible staff and library manager along with enthusiastic library patrons has resulted in fantastic programs and a vibrant library despite being a building past its prime. This community has dreamed and worked toward a new library for many years,

and it is finally is on the horizon.

A Library Task Force worked for many years, identifying locations, prioritizing needs and wants, and looking into funding alternatives. In 2014, the empty lot across from the current library was identified as the most desirable location, with the current site as a close second. With the passing of Measure K in 2016 for the financing of a library in

Pleasant Hill City News

Friends Parking Lot Sale

Due to the March rainout, the Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library will hold another giant parking lot sale (weather permitting) on April 13, from 10am – 2pm, next door to the Pleasant Hill Library at 1770 Oak Park Blvd., under the solar panels of the Department of Education. As with every giant parking lot sale, gates open to the members of the Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library at 9:30am. The general public is welcome to enter at 10am. A bag sale will be featured from 1pm to 2pm in which patrons can fill a grocery bag full of regularly priced books and pay only $4 for the whole bag. Premium books are discounted at 50 percent off marked price during the same period.

Look for the next premium book sale on May 11. For more information on Friends book sales, events, volunteering and how to donate, visit https://phlibraryfriends.org. All proceeds from the book sales benefit the library’s special programs and additional library materials.

Senior Spring Cleanup Day

Pleasant Hill residents aged 65 or older who need light yard work done around the front of their homes are invited to sign up for Senior Cleanup Day. The free event takes place Saturday, April 27, 9:30am to 1pm, and is sponsored by the Civic Action Commission and the Commission on Aging.

Volunteers will clear weeds, trim bushes, and help with other light landscaping work.

Seniors who wish to participate should sign up by Friday, April 12. Call (925) 671-5229 or register online at www.pleasanthillca.org/cleanup.

Volunteers needed!

Volunteers are needed to make the cleanup possible. If you are good with a rake and want to help seniors in our community, please add your name to the volunteer roster by Friday, April 12. Email Interim Public Information Officer Gayle Vassar at gvassar@pleasanthillca. org, or sign up online at www.pleasanthillca.org/cleanup.

addition to road and other infrastructure improvements, the possibility of a new library became a reality.

With significant work and collaboration between the City of Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, Contra Costa County, and the Mount Diablo Unified School District, a unique partnership has been formed to create a magnificent 15-acre project. The project includes a new library to replace the current outdated library; a new park featuring two baseball/softball fields with overlapping soccer fields, bocce courts, and a creekside walking trail; a new neighborhood of 34 single-family homes; and a greatly improved Monticello Avenue and adjacent section of Oak Park Boulevard.

A July 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established a framework for the transfer of five acres at 1700 Oak Park Boulevard from Contra Costa County and the Mount Diablo Unified School District to the City of Pleasant Hill for the new library; the sale of five acres at 1700 Oak Park Boulevard to the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District for sports fields; and the ultimate sale by the county of 1750 Oak Park Blvd. (the existing library site) to a home builder for construction of 34 single-family homes.

The city, county, and Rec& Park District are collaborating on several aspects of this project, including the Environmental Impact Report, which is expected to be released in the upcoming month. Coordination is also occurring with respect to the landscaping

along the creek and the new and improved Monticello Avenue.

The city selected Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BCJ), an award-winning architect, to design the new library. They focused on community outreach with several town halls, numerous focus groups, and community discussions. The results of their design development are evident in the surrounding photos.

The new Pleasant Hill Library will be a place where people of all ages can explore, learn, and connect. As visitors go through the entry doors, they will find an open central space to support a collection of 70,000 items, and spaces for reading, storytelling, accessing technology, gathering, and collaborating. There will be a special “maker space” for hands-on creativity and outdoor spaces for reading and play. A bookstore will showcase high-quality used books sold by the Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library, and the Café Vibe will offer a comfortable area to bring a snack and chat with friends.

Construction is scheduled to begin this September, with the new library expected to open in spring of 2021. A temporary library will open at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center while the new library is being built. While details are still being worked out, some highlights include: 10,000 items available for check out, access to computers, storytimes, programs held at the Teen Center, and the ability to pick up materials ordered from ccclib.org.

Fourth of July Volunteers Needed

Pleasant Hill’s Fourth of July celebration is a great day for the community, but it can’t happen without the help of many volunteers. Volunteers are needed throughout the day, but the biggest need is for help in the evening at the fireworks venue. If you are interested in helping plan and work this annual community event, please contact the Fourth of July Commission at www.phjuly4.com. The commission typically meets the third Wednesday evening of the month, starting at 7pm, in the large community room at City Hall. In April, May, and June, the commission meets on the first and third Wednesday evenings.

Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm Expo & Plant Sale

The 7th Annual Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm Expo & Plant Sale is on Saturday, April 13, from 10am –4pm, at 315 Cortsen Road in Pleasant Hill. Thousands of heirloom vegetables, succulents, natives, flowers and herbs will be for sale. DVC culinary chefs return with BBQ (and vegan items), plus wine and beer. For more information, visit www.RodgersRanchUrbanFarm.org.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | APRIL 2019 | 7

CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

After a six-month search that included over 37 applicants and interviews with six finalists, the Martinez City Council has selected Eric Figueroa to be the next city manager for the City of Martinez. Eric comes to us from San Ramon, where he most recently held the position of assistant city manager. Prior to that assignment, Eric served as head of the East Bay Division of the League of California Cities for almost a decade. Eric is well respected in the municipal government world, and I cannot tell you how many people have contacted me about what a great decision we made in hiring Eric. I am excited about working with Eric to keep moving Martinez forward and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses.

By now, most of you have probably heard that our new professional baseball team, the Martinez Clippers, will not be playing this season due to issues beyond the control of the city and the Professional Association of Baseball. Many of us had been working behind the scenes trying to save this coming season, and although we had very strong interest from a group of individuals in taking over the Clippers or starting a new ball club, time was not on our side, and it was decided to work

toward the 2020 season. In the meantime, the professional ball field (field 3) is booking up fast and will be heavily utilized by adult and teen leagues throughout the season.

Measure D paving projects are continuing throughout the city, with the second phase of projects getting ready to start as the weather turns from rainy to sunny days. Most of these projects include patch paving of poor areas of pavement followed by a chip seal over the entire roadway to extend the life of the pavement. Very poor stretches of pavement will be completely dug out and replaced from curb to curb.

On April 1, the Measure X half-cent sales tax will go into effect, with an expected added income to the city general fund of a bit over $3 million. These funds are different from Measure D funds as they are not specifically dedicated to one item, such as roads and streets. The city has discretion in the use of these funds but we will remain true to what we told the voters when they were considering the measure.

They will be used for quality of life services such as public safety, park maintenance, recreation, and youth, senior, and homeless services. The city council is currently working on an equitable formula to al-

Want to make some changes?

Remodeling Kitchens Bathrooms Home repairs Room additions

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

locate these funds to support city services throughout our budget.

This month will also mark the start of the update of the Martinez Marina Waterfront Use Plan, which must be developed, completed, and delivered to the State Lands Commission by the end of 2019.

This process will consist of several public meetings scoping the community vision for the waterfront and the types of development that are desired and appropriate.

A few years ago, SB1424 granted the state lands at the Martinez Waterfront to the city

Chamber Calendar

April 10 - A Crisis Resiliency Workshop for Diablo Valley Businesses. Lunch and Learn Workshop is from 12-2pm, Shell Clubhouse, 1635 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez April 10 - Business Mixer at McGuire Harley-Davidson, 5:30-7:00pm, 93 1st Ave N., Pacheco.

April 13 - Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet, Saturday, 6-9pm, Masonic Hall, 700 Masonic St., Martinez April 17 - Martinez Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting

Public Meetings City Council Meeting April 3, 17 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 6-9pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting April 3, 17 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting April 10, 24 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting April 9, 23 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

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CITY NEWS

Martinez City News Figueroa New City Manager

On March 6, city council appointed Eric Figueroa as the new city manager. The city council conducted interviews in January 2019 to fill the permanent city manager vacancy. After selecting Mr. Figueroa as the top candidate, negotiations for the employment contract commenced. He currently serves as assistant city manager for the City of San Ramon and is expected to assume his new position on April 22.

Figueroa will be replacing Brad Kilger, who retired in January. “I’m looking forward to a very long career here in Martinez. I’m poised to enjoy a great run with the city council and to work with the staff to make this a great place; it’s innovative and exciting and really represents the best of what the Bay Area has to offer,” he said at the March city council meeting.

Lorick to Retire

Kara Galindo has been named the new recreation supervisor for the City of Martinez. She will replace Patty Lorick, who will be retiring sometime in June. Galindo was the former recreation coordinator for the city.

Rankin Update

The Rankin Aquatic Center will open April 29 for lap swimming only. Pool party reservations begin on May 1. You can purchase your Measure H season pass at the Recreation Office, 525 Henrietta St., beginning May 20, during normal business hours. Season passes are good for recreation and lap swimming. The pass may not be used for water aerobics.

Termination of Clippers Corporation License Agreement

The City of Martinez recently announced the termination of its License Agreement with the Martinez Clippers Baseball Corporation as of February 16, 2019, for nonpayment of fees associated with the use of city field facilities during the 2018 baseball season.

The License Agreement, dated March 16, 2018, had been for the use of Field 3 and associated facilities at the Joe DiMaggio Ballfields at Waterfront Park in order for the Martinez Clippers to participate in the 2018 season as a member of the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs (PAPBC). The city and PAPBC representatives are presently evaluating options for the upcoming 2019 season. More details will be provided as they become available.

12th annual SWAN Day Celebration

SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Day will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 10am to 4pm, in the Old Train Depot and the parking lot. SWAN Day is an international holiday celebrating the creative power of women all over the world. Over 50 artists from around the Bay Area are expected to showcase their art at this event.

The Martinez Arts Association has brought this international holiday close to home in downtown Martinez for the past 11 years. With the support of the City of Martinez and local artists, they have promoted celebrating all forms of art, including visual & performing arts. This event is free, and all artists and lovers of the arts are invited to join in the celebration of this amazing collaboration of artists. Every year there is a great lineup of local live music. This year’s schedule will be announced soon. For more information, please visit www.martinezarts.org.

Brickyard Run

The 50th Annual Luka Sekulich Brickyard Run is on Sunday, April 7. The run benefits Alhambra High and Martinez Recreation Scholarship. In honor of the 50th anniversary, the event is going retro, with wooden trophies similar to the first ones given by the original director, Luka Sekulich.

Race Details

The 4 and 8-mile race starts and finishes in front of the Rankin Aquatic Center.

It is an “out and back” run on Carquinez Scenic Drive, and the course is entirely on pavement among the rolling hills. Program check in/registration time: 7am. Race Time: 4 and 8- mile runs begin at 8:30am. Race day fee is $40. Awards: 3 deep male/ female categories: 12 and under, 13 -19, 20 - 29, 30-39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 – 69, and 70+.

Pre-registration ($35 registration fee) online closes on Friday, April 5. To register, visit Eventbrite.com. For more information, contact: Brickyardrun@gmail.com.

Save the Date

The City of Martinez City Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 17, to consider whether the city’s water rates should be increased, effective beginning January 1, 2020. The city’s water rates generate the revenues necessary to operate the water system and deliver safe potable water to its customers. The accompanying tables show the existing and proposed rates for all customers after the cost of service study adjustments are made. Proposition 218 requires all California local water agencies to provide a mailed public notice 45 days before the public hearing, at which water rate increases are proposed for approval. All persons receiving water service, property owners, and other interested persons are invited to attend and be heard at this public hearing. If you are a customer of record receiving water service, you may file a written protest to the proposed rates with the city clerk that must be received prior to the closing of the public hearing. This document constitutes the public notice. The public hearing will be held during a regular city council meeting. More information can be found on the City of Martinez website: www.cityofmartinez.com.

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message STRATEGIC PRIORITIES SET COURSE FOR 2019

In late February, city council convened for its first retreat of the year and worked with input from the public and staff to set strategic priorities. These priorities will focus our work for the next 18 months to 2 years and serve as a powerful tool to help us maintain the safety of the community, continue to deliver high-quality community services, promote a strong local economy, and ensure the city’s financial stability.

Priority: Economic Development

Having adopted an updated Economic Development Strategic Plan last December, city council will now focus on implementation of plans and programs to support it.

Among the goals is to create high-paying local jobs. The specific plans recently adopted for West and North Downtown Walnut Creek will allow for more than one million square feet of new, high-class office space for that purpose. This would help improve the local jobs/housing balance, increasing the likelihood that area residents can also work within the city. Another priority in the strategic plan is to diversify our local economy. Some 70% of our economy now sits in just five sectors: healthcare, financial services, professional services, retail, and restaurant/hospitality.

Priority: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action Plan

To address a range of sustainability challenges as well as the state’s greenhouse gas emission goals, the city will update its

Climate Action Plan and establish community sustainability priorities for the next 10 years, including the further reduction of local greenhouse gas emissions, continued implementation of “deep green” initiatives, and exploration of other sustainability opportunities.

Priority: Fiscal Sustainability

Like most California cities, Walnut Creek faces continuing fiscal challenges -- escalating long-term pension liabilities, the likelihood of a recession, flattening tax revenues, and the need for funding to maintain and rehabilitate gaining infrastructure. To ensure long-term fiscal health, the city will continue to prudently manage resources by setting focused priorities, maintaining up-to-date fiscal policies, ensuring balanced budgets, managing costs (including pension obligations), continuing to maintain health reserves, maximizing sales and use tax revenues, and exploring other funding options, including grants.

Priority: Infrastructure and Facilities

Walnut Creek is a mature city that experienced its most rapid growth from 1950 to 1975. Much of the city’s infrastructure -- roads, sidewalks, storm drains, community centers, parks and recreation facilities -- were built during this time. These facilities are highly used, but after 50 years, they are nearing the end of their useful lives. To provide for critical infrastructure needs, the city will establish clear project priorities and then develop funding strategies to support

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Apr. 2, 16 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6pm. Contact: 943-5819 Design Review Meeting Apr. 3, 17 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Planning Commission Meeting Apr. 11, 25 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Arts Commission Regular Meeting Apr. 22 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6pm. Contact: 943-5819 For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org 10 | APRIL 2019 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Cindy Silva, Mayor of Walnut Creek

these priorities.

While the city will focus on these four strategic priorities, other issues and challenges will continue to have the council’s attention, including housing and homelessness, public safety, traffic and parking, and emergency preparedness.

Mark Your Calendars

April 13, 9am: 2nd Saturday Spotlight visits the Walnut Creek Open Space April 20, 1-3pm: Egg Hunt at Boundary Oak Golf Course May 11, 9:30am: Annual Creek Clean-up (Civic Park) May 27, 10am: Annual Memorial Day Ceremony (Civic Park)

Walnut Creek City News Bierhaus to Lease Space on Locust

At the March 19 council meeting, council authorized the city manager to execute a ten-year lease with two five-year options for the retail space located at 1360 Locust Street. A portion of the ground floor retail space located in the South Locust Parking Garage has been vacant since Lark Creek Café closed in July 2017. In recent months, Bierhaus, a German-style beer garden and restaurant, submitted an offer for the property. The restaurant proposes serving beer and wine and will be open for lunch and dinner. Bierhaus originally opened in Mountain View and currently has a location in Oakland. The proposed lease with Bierhaus includes an initial ten-year term with two additional five-year options. Bierhaus will lease approximately 4,774 square feet of retail space. The lease with Bierhaus will generate approximately $214,830 per year in rent, or $2,255,715 in rent over the initial ten-year term of the lease.

Chief of Police Annual Report

At the March 5 city council meeting, Chief Chaplin said more focus will be placed on traffic and DUI enforcement, enhancement of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, continuing to leverage technology to fight crime, including ALPR (Automated License Plate Readers) additions, and a drone program. ALPR readers are currently set up at Oak Grove and Mt. Diablo Boulevards. Chief Chaplin said about the drone program, “We’ve got some work going into it; it’s a tool for us, whether it’s missing persons or emergency response, perhaps crime fighting as well.”

Authors Gala

The 10th Annual Authors Gala is on Saturday, April 27, 6-10pm, at the Walnut Creek Library, 1644 North Broadway. Join other guests for the cocktail party, silent auction, and literary dinner! Proceeds benefit the Walnut Creek and Ygnacio Valley Libraries. Reservation deadline is April 17 or until the event is sold out. For ticket prices and more information, visit www.wclibrary.org/gala or call 925-935-5395.

April Saturday Spotlight

The April 13 Spotlight features a spotlight on Open Space – Shell Ridge. Shell Ridge is 1,420 acres and 31 miles of trails and located in the heart of Walnut Creek, beginning just a short distance from downtown and continuing all the way to Mount Diablo. It is the city’s largest open space area and is made up of a series of parallel ridges and valleys. Shell Ridge gets it name from the marine fossils left behind when the ocean waters that once covered it receded. Shell Ridge is also home to the Borges Ranch, an historic cattle ranch, and Howe Homestead Park, the former home and orchard of James P Howe of the Associated Press. To register, visit the City of Walnut Creek’s website at www.walnut-creek.org.

Estate Planning

Guns and Dementia: Dealing With A Loved One’s Firearms

BY JEFFREY HALL, Elder Law Attorney

Having a loved one with dementia can be scary, but if you add in a firearm, it can also get dangerous. To prevent harm to both the individual with dementia and others, it is important to plan ahead in dealing with any weapons.

Research shows that 45 percent of all adults 65 years or older either own a gun or live in a household with someone who does. For someone with dementia, the risk for suicide increases, and firearms are the most common method among people with dementia. In addition, a person with dementia who has a gun may put family members or caregivers at risk.

When someone is first diagnosed with dementia, there should be a conversation about gun ownership similar

to the conversation many health professionals have about driving and dementia.

A conversation about guns can also be part of a larger long-term care planning discussion with an elder law attorney who can help families write up a gun agreement that sets forth who will determine when it is time to take the guns away and where the guns should go.

Even if the gun owner doesn’t remember the agreement when the time comes to put it to use, having a plan in place can be helpful.

What to do with the guns themselves is a difficult question. One option is to lock the weapon or weapons in a safe and store the ammunition separately. Having the guns remain in the house--even if they are locked away--can be risky. Another option is to remove the weapons from the house altogether.

However, in some states, there are strict rules about transferring gun ownership,

ARCHITECTURAL MOULDINGS

so it isn’t always easy to simply give the guns away.

Families should talk with their elder law attorney and familiarize themselves with state and federal gun laws before giving away guns. The potential liability is substantial. Note that there’s a “strict liability” standard when the successor trustee or executor gifts a weapon to a “prohibited person” pursuant to California law, such as persons diagnosed with drug additions, alcoholic problems, sex offenders, and several other classifications that can impose liability on the negligence of an executor. The stakes are high; be careful.

In one California case, an executor of a will was charged with a misdemeanor when she drove her vehicle to a beneficiary’s residence to gift the gun to her adult grandchild as instructed in the will.

As fate would have it, the executor was stopped by local police for speeding and was asked if she had any weapons in her vehicle. She replied that she did. The police performed a search, and they discovered the weapon the executor stated she possessed but didn’t realize it was loaded. She was then quickly arrested for transporting and possession of a loaded firearm. Under current law in California, executors cannot just “hand out” grandpa’s guns upon his death. The executor

would be well advised to utilize the services of a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer who can supervision the transfer of the weapons to donees. The FFL will perform a background check on all donees to ensure whether that person is a “prohibited person,” and after the 10-day waiting period, the FFL can transfer the weapon. This will likely insulate the executor from potential liability, both civil and criminal.

If you are considering gifting a weapon to a family member through either a will or trust, you should contact Elder Law/Estate Planning Attorney Jeffrey Hall at (925) 230-9002, or you may visit his website at www.HallLawGroup.com.

For additional information, go to: https:// khn.org/news/worried-about-grandpasguns-heres-what-you-can-do.

NO LEGAL OPINION NOTICE: Information contained in this article is not a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney. This article is not intended to provide any legal advice nor imply an attorney-client relationship and is not deemed to contain the signature of the authorattorney or any other party. The authorattorney takes no responsibility for reliance on this article by anyone without specific, actual, and not implied, independent authorization by the author-attorney.

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At the Plate

First Home Run Derby June 22

BY DEBBIE SMITH, MM

AHA! Movement is excited to announce we are taking advantage of our baseball connection with the Payless Batting Cages for our First Annual Home Run Derby Fundraiser on Saturday, June 22. It is time we bring awareness to the horrifying hazings that go on in sports.

While fraternities are more frequently in the news because of the number of deaths that occur during their hazing rituals, it is documented that there is a higher percentage of heinous and despicable hazing incidents that occur in high school and college/ university sports.

This USSSA slow pitch softball derby garnishes five opportunities for participants to win, with top winner bragging rites for a year. They will not only win the grand prize along with a trophy to take home but will have their

name and the year they won etched on our plaque, which will be on display in the Payless Batting Cages office for all to see and with room for winners to be added each year.

The HR Derby will be held at the Willow Pass Softball Field 2 in Concord.

You can register online at ahamovement.org/HRDerby or at the Payless Batting Cages, located near the field at 3840 E Olivera Rd, Concord.

We are looking for youth baseball player volunteers to shag balls in the outfield for the event. Volunteers will be treated to a box lunch and lots of FUN. Must be 12 years and up and preferably in your baseball uniform the day of the event. For more information, please go to ahamovment.org or call the Payless Batting Cages at 925-825-7526. #ahamovement #MattCarrington #ThePBC #HomeRunDerby

Crisis on Campus

Submitted By Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

A degree in higher education is one of the greatest predictors of success later in life, but how do you learn when you can’t afford food to fuel your studies? Ramen jokes aside, almost half of local college students struggle to afford food due to the increasing costs of housing, tuition, and books. Colleges are addressing the problem by working with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to establish on-campus food pantries.

The Food Bank’s College Pantry Program currently partners with CSU East Bay-Concord, Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College, and Contra Costa College and most recently welcomed St. Mary’s College and CSU-Maritime. Enrolled students with a school ID can pick up free groceries at these little mini-markets. Students are able to pick out what food they want according to their personal dietary restrictions or food preferences.

Each college pantry operates with a staff member and student volunteers. One pantry coordinator we talked to tells students on her campus, “Don’t feel ashamed to come in; we don’t want you to be hungry.” She then shared with us, “Some students have confided in me, ‘I have been hungry’ – and always say it in a whisper.”

Shelf-stable foods available include pasta, fruits, vegetables, soups, beans, and rice. The pantries that have refrigeration are able to offer eggs, milk, and juice. A couple of the pantries have freezers, so they are able to distribute meat as well. Many of them also carry necessities like socks and toothbrushes.

We are inspired by these colleges who are not only discussing the issue of student hunger but taking action as well. We will continue to expand this program to other campuses and are even looking into partnering with local adult schools. We are committed to being there for those who are pursuing their education today so they can better provide for themselves and their families tomorrow.

12 | APRIL 2019 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

SPORTS

CP Athlete of the Month

BY HAILEY SALAMONE AND BAILEY MATTHEWS

Jason Eide, a College Park junior and varsity lacrosse player, plays the offensive position of attack and scores many goals for his team. The boys varsity lacrosse team currently has four wins and three losses. Jason averages five points every game and comes out showing his competitive nature. In just seven games this season, he has scored a total of twenty-one goals and completed thirteen assists. He describes the team dynamic as hardworking and thirsty for victory. The College Park team has a successful season approaching, and Jason Eide continues to prove that he can be a reliable offensive player.

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DVC State Champions

BY CAITLIN LUQUET

The DVC Women’s Basketball team are the CCCAA State Champions for the first time in school history. The Vikings defeated the Moorpark Raiders, 68-61 to win the championship.

The match up between DVC and Moorpark was in the making all season long, as the Vikings and the Raiders battled at the top of the CCCWBCA Coaches Poll all year.

Jahnay Anderson led the Vikes beyond the arch with 7 three’s, 21 points total. Zahria Hendrix finished with another double-double, 12 points, 12 rebounds. Jasmine Kong came off the bench and was lights out for the Vikes, finishing with 13 points.

The Vikings finished the season with a record of 32-1, with their only loss coming from Sierra College in late January.They were back-to-back Big 8 Conference Champions and had 4 players make the All-State team, Jahnay Anderson, Zahria Hendrix, Daisha Abdelkader, and Leilani Moncrease. Jahnay Anderson led the country in 3-pointers totaling 163 this season, Zahria Hendrix was the Player of the Year for the Big 8 Conference as well as all of Northern California. Hendrix was also named the CCCAA State Championship Tournament MVP.

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SPORTS

College Park Spring Sports

BY CP SPORTS LEADERSHIP

Updates on Falcons Sports BOYS LACROSSE

The boys started off rough with a 9-3 loss against a talented California high school team. Junior Jason Eide (2 goals) and senior Jacob Canale (1 goal) were the goal scorers in this game. The boys hit another speed bump against Miramonte High School. They fought hard but ended up falling 11-15 with help from 4 goals from sophomore Orion Ravin.

Next game, the boys finally got the upper hand. Against Rancho Cotate High School, they had a strong 17-7 win. Juniors Riley Ledin and Jason Eide were major impacts on the offensive end. Riley ended with 5 goals, 3 assists, and Jason had 4 goals, 3 assists. Senior Jack McCollam was terrorizing the opponent’s offense with his defensive skills. The Falcons continued to roll against crosstown rival Alhambra High School. They had an astounding 21-6 win with contributions from many people.

Junior Christian Shade racked up his first

career hat trick, and senior AJ Acevedo scored his first career varsity goal. Against a tough Bishop O’Dowd team, the boys ended up falling, 12-3. The team was not at full strength that game, but they still fought hard. Next game, the Falcons had a long ride to Bella Vista High School. After being down 10-5 at half, the boys made a resounding comeback and ended up taking the win, 12-10. Senior Marcus Castello made the comeback possible, contributing 5 goals and one assist. The team continued to roll against Berkeley High School. Offensive power houses Jacob Canale and Jason Eide outscored Berkeley High School in this game. In an 11-6 win, Jacob had 3 goals and Jason had 6 goals.

The Falcons are hoping to continue rolling against Las Lomas and Vista Del Lago.

BOYS TENNIS

College Park’s Varsity Boys Tennis Team is going to have a very good year. They only lost their number 5 and 6 singles players

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from last year and have gained a new number two and 6 singles. Unfortunately, the varsity team’s number one player, Subham Dikhit, has been out recovering from an illness and tennis elbow. Many of the varsity players have said this is the the year to win NCS. Jason Lew, the winner of last year’s DAL singles, has been leading the team with strong efforts from Will Noack and Tem Brown. College Park’s varsity boys tennis started off the year placing 5th at the James Logan tournament where they faced 12 of the most elite teams in their competition.

They enjoyed a successful preseason that included wins against Campolindo and one of their toughest competitors, Miramonte.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

The varsity boys volleyball team is off to a hot start, going 7-1 on the season, led

by Isaac Winn, Ash Murphy, David Jumper, Gerardo Muńo, Alexander Hoeft, and Christopher Sellgren. The JV team is working together and showing a lot of improvement

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towards their overall game strategy and team bonding. JV is going at it with three wins and five losses. In an interview, JV star Craig Valdez said, “We are working hard to pull out the win every night.”

SWIMMING

It’s swim season for College Park High School. The first meet was a tri-meet against Northgate High School and Concord High School, and the Falcons ended up beating Concord but lost to Northgate. Next, the Falcons had a two-day meet in Roseville where a dozen schools competed. Junior Devin Masongsong had yet another spectacular year at Roseville and was lead scorer for the Falcons with 80 individual points for the team. After two long days of swimming, the Falcons ended the meet getting second place in their division and winning the spirit award for the sixth consecutive season.

GIRLS LACROSSE

The girls lacrosse team consists of all returning players with the exception of rookies Teeny Osmundsen and Natalia Leroux. Both girls have easily picked up on the game and proven to be pivotal players.

Coaching changes have taken place this year, with Rocky Percy (previous asst. coach) stepping up as head coach and Paige Waqa hired on as the new goalie coach. Coach Rocky has implemented the use of film review. In the past, the team didn’t have the resources to utilize film. So far it has proven to be an extremely useful learning tool.

SOFTBALL

Varsity softball has had a strong start to the 2019 season, going 4-0. Varsity is comprised of 7 sophomores, 5 juniors, and 3 seniors. Of these 15, there are 3 that have verbally committed to playing in college.

This includes Amanda Koeppe (Emory and Henry), Alison Hess (UC San Diego), and Morgan Crosby (Colorado State). All 15 players are competitive and bring a high level of intensity to each game. The team started their season with a scrimmage at Heritage, beating them 5-4 in a quick, 3 inning game. They played Las Lomas next and beat them 13-2. Their next few wins were against San Ramon Valley (5-3), Deer Valley (6-3), and Pittsburg (7-2).

DO IT YOURSELF

Spin on DIY

Pom Pom Bunny Wreath

BY REBECCA SEIDENSPINNER

Spring has sprung.

How do I know this? I see tulips and daffodils blooming. The Easter Bunny will arrive soon with baskets of goodies. Last year, the Easter Bunny brought shoe boxes filled with treats and new shoes. This was much more practical for teenagers. The baskets are a waste of money, and the plastic grass found all over the living room is ANNOYING! The Easter Bunny also left a new toothbrush in every Easter basket because dental health is SO important. I find that as the kids grow older they are less impressed with all my fun ideas. Do bunny pancakes really taste better on Easter morning or is it just way more work for me? Does a marshmallow bunny peep pushed through a straw make an adorable decorative garnish for your Easter morning OJ, or are sugary

marshmallow peeps just gross? Probably both. Even though the kids are growing up and not as interested in my creative crafts, I’m still going to do these things for-likeEVER! This spring season, I want to share an idea for a super cute DIY pom pom bunny wreath that I had help making with some crafty middle schoolers. I saw this exact same wreath at Target for $14.99. We recreated it in about half of the cost, with a little bit of a fuzzy mess and twice the fun. Here are the details: Pom Pom Bunny Wreath 2 rolls of white yarn 1 wire wreath 2 pieces of felt in pink and white 2 pipe cleaners Scissors Glue

Follow the directions in the photo for how to make a pom pom. You can also wrap the yarn around your fingers if it’s easier than using a fork. Just don’t wrap it

Right to left: Emily, Eleanore and Glorianne.

too tightly or it will cut off the circulation in your fingers. I usually wrap it around and count to twenty five each time so that the pom poms are the same size. Tie each pom pom to the wire wreath until the whole circle is covered. Cut out bunny ears

from the felt and glue to the pipe cleaners, leaving space on the bottom to attach the pipe cleaners to the wire. This is so cute and the perfect decoration for Easter or spring.

I hope you love it as much as I do! Sending you all Easter wishes and bunny kisses.

Eagle Scout Project

College Park High School senior Jonathan Cooney recently achieved Eagle Scout rank.

Jonathan is the son of David Cooney and Jing Zhang and a member of Troop 277 in Pleasant Hill. His Eagle Scout project was to refurbish a monarch butterfly waystation at the Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden. This involved ripping out weeds, planting useful, native, butterflyfriendly plants and laying down gravel paths, as well as adding a feature to provide water for the butterflies. Jonathan supervised 10 volunteers to complete his project. Jonathan’s Eagle Court of Honor will be held on March 24 at the Hope Center.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Principal’s Corner

Spring Semester Updates at College Park JOSEPH G. ALVAREZ PRINCIPAL, COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

I cannot believe we are already entering the month of April, one of my favorite months because it’s the start of baseball season. Springtime and summer are within reach! I appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you monthly and update you on all the good happenings at CPHS. Please see our annual goals and progress in the following categories: Positive Behavior Intervention Support (School Climate)

The Hero program, which we have implemented over the last two months, has shown drastic improvement as an incentive-based system in changing student behaviors. We have shown a dramatic decrease in student tardies during

the school day and a moderate decrease case of a need to exit or remain on camrooms, with an evident cycle of inquiry in the first period. We now have a conpus. that focuses on both qualitative and crete system to help engage students

We continue to evaluate our school quantitative data. I continue to be in awe and meet them where their needs are. to help ensure we have a system that of the fantastic student body that looks Curriculum and Instruction creates the best learning experience to give back to their CP and Pleasant Hill

Our focus continues to be student both inside and outside of our classCommunity. and staff learning. I have worked with the staff on good and proven instructional practices such as AVID (Advance The 17th Annual Shell/MEF Run for Edument Via Individual Determination), cation will be Sunday, September 29. The where we look at daily learning objec5K/10K Fun Run/Walk is a fundraising event tives and explicit checking for underthat benefits all Martinez Unified School Disstanding. trict Schools. The Martinez Education FoundaSchool Safety tion is seeking student designs for the T-shirts 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm; 4:00 pm ~ 6:00 pm Exclude Holidays

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Aquanuts Qualify

Estate Planning

The Walnut Creek Aquanuts’ competitive season is off to a promising start! In January, the club qualified ten of its junior and 13-15 age group athletes for national team squads. All ten will move on to the final phases of national team selection in April.

Jr. National Team Squad Members: Miko Begossi (Alamo), Marlena King (Clayton), Ryan Lewis (Alamo), Aubrie Rutan (Orangevale), and Ariana Stanton (Walnut Creek).

13-15 National Team Phase 3 & 4 Qualifiers: Megan Kerner (Danville), Alexis McCracken (Walnut Creek), Atira O’Neil (Pleasant Hill), Joanna Liu (Moraga), and Gigi Zuniga (Walnut Creek).

The Aquanuts sent their top junior and 13-15 athletes to the West Zone Championships over the March 1-3 weekend in Irvine.

The routines that WC Aquanuts qualified for U.S. Nationals in the 13-15 age group include Alexis McCracken who placed 7th in solo, the 13-15 team that took gold, 5th place duets, Atira O’neil/Megan Kerner, and Joanna Liu/Dalia Ovadia, and finally the Emma Moore/Miya Yamamoto duet that placed 9th.

Juniors Yara Elian took gold in solo,

BY DANIEL DuREE

Regardless of how well drafted your estate planning documents are, life changes inevitably require changes to your estate plan. The type of change and the document it affects determines how these alterations are made. Below are methods for making changes to the following estate plan documents.

Living Trust

Life changes that alter how you wish to distribute your assets or who you want to be in charge of that distribution involve a living trust. A living trust is changed by doing an amendment to the trust. An amendment is a separate document that is attached to the trust and describes the changes that will be made.

The downside to a simple amendment is that when you are gone, people will see the original trust as well as the change.

So if you are making a change that may hurt feelings of a loved one (such as removing one child as successor trustee in favor of another), you can always do a restatement, which is basically a completely new version of the trust with the new terms. With a restatement, there is no evidence of what the original terms of the trust were.

Will

With a trust based estate plan, a pour-over will is generally used, which leaves everything to the trust. Because of

Ten Athletes going to Nationals

Marlena King took bronze, Ava Jih-Schiff placed 4th, duet

Miko Begossi/Ava Jih-Schiff placed 4th and 5th place went to Ryan Lewis/Ariana Stanton. The team took silver and combo took bronze.

Save The Date!

On May 11, the Aquanuts host their formal fundraising show and auction, Symphonic Synchro! The event will showcase poolside live music with spectacular synchronized swimming! Don’t miss this elegant event, with Maestro Gregory Taboloff playing a Steinway concert grand piano while the athletes perform. The event is held at Clarke Memorial Swim Center from 4 7pm. Tickets are only $25 and include food.

For more information, go to www.aquanuts. org. Please contact Heather Olson for more details and event photos.

The Walnut Creek Aquanuts is a world-renowned synchronized swimming club based in Northern California. Our mission is to develop athletes from novice to elite, building both bodies and minds and instilling skills that serve our swimmers throughout their lifetime.

Making Changes to Your Plan

this feature, if you are making a change in asset distributions, you do it through an amendment to the trust rather than changing the will. However, if you are changing who you wish to be in charge of your estate when you pass away, you should also change the executor of your will. A will is changed by creating what is called a codicil. It is similar to an amendment to a trust and is a separate document that is then kept with the will.

Durable Power of Attorney or Advance Healthcare Directive

If you wish to change who will be in charge of your financial, personal, or healthcare management should you become incapacitated, you will need to appoint a new agent under your durable power of attorney and/or advance healthcare directive. There is no amendment method to these documents, and new documents will be drafted.

Remember, when making any changes to a will or a trust in which the same execution requirements apply, a trust amendment must be notarized and two independent witnesses must witness a will. If you have any questions about changes to your estate planning documents, please feel free to call my office.

Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. He can be reached at (925) 2101400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.

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TRUSTS • WILLS • PROBATE OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | APRIL 2019 | 19

PAIR UP

Easter Picnic

Finger-Friendly Food and Beverages to Enjoy

BY MARIA TERRY

The deep spiritual meaning of Easter is very uplifting, but the idea of a bunny hiding pastel-colored eggs is great fun. So, in the spirit of creating a fun-filled Easter meal to enjoy outside, here is a bounty of finger-friendly foods and beverages to go with them. Of course, if it happens to be raining that day or if you prefer to dine indoors, the meal can easily be transformed into a fork and knife alternative.

When I was a kid, dyeing Easter eggs was a special activity. I admired all the pretty colors and delighted in finding one in my lunch over the next few weeks. Deviled eggs are now my favorite eat-with-your-hands egg dish. I love the

Carrot, Coconut and Zucchini Bread INGREDIENTS 1¾ cup salad oil 5 eggs, beaten 2 cups grated zucchini 1 cup grated carrots 1 cup flaked or grated coconut, unsweetened 3 cups white or brown sugar 2½ teaspoons vanilla 5 cups flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1½ teaspoons salt 4 teaspoons cinnamon 1½ cup nuts (walnuts or your favorite) DIRECTIONS

Mix oil, sugar, eggs, zucchini, carrots, coconut, vanilla, and nuts. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir dry ingredients into mixture.

Pour into three greased loaf pans and bake for about one hour at 350° F. Alternatively, makes about 36 muffins. Use cupcake liners. Bake 25-35 minutes.

Yield: 3 Loaves or 36 Muffins

..........................................................

sprinkle of paprika and the hint of tart mustard in the creamy centers. I also love that they give me a reason to open a bottle of sparkling wine. In fact, just about any sparkling wine works with deviled eggs. If you like it sweet and floral, Italian Moscato or Prosecco offsets the vinegar. Or, if you like your bubbles a bit drier and fruit-forward, Spanish Cava or California Brut highlights the savory paprika. Should you feel like splurging, try a toasty traditional French Champagne to match the earthy flavor of the mustard in the yolk.

As a main course, I decided to forgo rabbit and suggest a classic Easter ham.

If you are doing a true picnic, ham sandwiches are the way to go, no fork and knife required. If you are eating at home, a large spiral ham is a feast for the eyes.

In either case, I like potatoes with ham.

Classic potato salad is a traditional side dish if you have access to a fork, or just serve some crunchy chips if you are dining al fresco. A wine with a little extra body is nice to balance the fat in the ham and its potato side dish. Seek out an Auslese Riesling from Germany to meet this requirement. When Riesling

Classic Deviled Eggs INGREDIENTS 6 eggs ¼ cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon yellow mustard Salt and black pepper to taste Paprika for garnish DIRECTIONS

Place eggs in cold water and bring to boil. Cover pot and remove from heat. Let stand 15 minutes, drain, refill with cold water.

Peel and slice eggs in half. Place whites on a plate, yolks in a bowl. Break up the yolks with a fork, and then add all remaining ingredients except paprika.

Mash until smooth. Spoon yolk mixture into center of whites and top with paprika.

Yield: 12 Half Eggs

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grapes are left to ripen a bit longer on the vine, the resulting Auslese wine is rich and full-bodied with flavors like apricot and honey. The stone fruit flavors and touch of sugar complement a fruit glaze or a wayward pickle that might be a part of a potato salad. If you can’t find an Auslese, just about any type of Riesling works well with ham.

A nod to the bunny’s chosen vegetable is the perfect sweet ending to a fresh spring meal. Carrot, Coconut, and

Zucchini Bread can be sliced from a loaf or baked as a single serving muffin, and it is a delicious way to consume vegetables. Chai tea has flavors of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves that echo the spice in the bread. It can be served hot or cold, plain, or with any combination of milk and sugar to suit your palate.

So, go on. Pair Up!

Maria Terry is a certified sommelier and wine educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com.

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IN THE MIX

In the Mix

Songs that Capture the Feeling of Spring

BY PAUL COTRUVO “April, come she will/ When streams are ripe and swelled with rain.” ~~ Paul Simon

Spring season is upon us, folks. It is a time of rebirth and revival, full of new possibilities. What better way to welcome spring than with songs that capture this feeling of new beginnings? Music is the one thing that can always draw me back to childhood days or capture the mood I am in at this very moment. Not to sound too preachy, but there is something spiritual about the power of songs. My friend Mark Stanley wrote a beautiful song years ago called, “When Spring is Here.”

It’s about walking home from school on a nice spring afternoon and falling in love.

Every time I hear this song, I am drawn back to middle school days in Lafayette and reminded of the innocence of young love – or songs that just put you in a

great mood, like “Groovin’” by The Rascals, “What is Hip” by Tower of Power, and just about any Beatles song, which will alway lift me up and make the day just a little bit better. Whatever song it is for you, music can transport us to a moment in time. The relationship between music and memory is powerful.

It made me think of songs that can capture a feeling and other fun springtime songs. (I feel a list coming on.)

1) “Here Comes the Sun,” by The Beatles.

After a winter filled with cold and rainy weather, this song is all about a brighter day.

2) “Centerfield,” by John Fogerty. Nothing brings baseball back more than putting on this song. “Put me in Coach, I’m ready to play!”

3) “Spring Breakdown,” by Luke Bryan.

Reminisce about the good times of spring break.

4) “April Come She Will,” by Simon & Garfunkel. Beautiful song about the changing

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Spring also means it’s the start of another great music scene in our area.

So many cities now have beer and wine festivals, music in the park, outdoor music on restaurant patios, and so much more.

Some highlights early on in the Bay Area are: Craft Beer Festival in Martinez on April 20. Music and craft beer are always a great combination. On April 27 and 28, the Clayton Art & Wine Festival is in downtown Clayton. Both festivals always have great live music. Sounds like a great way to ring in the season. Also, I’d like to give a little plug to a great venue just over the bridge in Benicia. Lucca’s Beer Garden, off First Street in downtown Benicia, has started a music series every Thursday through Sunday through November. Great food, great beer, and always great entertainment.

If you have not been there (where have you been?), you will not be disappointed.

So, get out there and support all the local musicians and events.

seasons.

5) “I Can See Clearly Now,” Johnny Nash.

One of the most uplifting songs of all time.

6) “Waking Light,” by Beck. A beautiful song about new beginnings. “When the morning comes to meet you/Open your eyes with waking light.”

7) “A Father’s First Spring,” by The Avett Brothers. Amazing song of how the birth of a baby changes your life. “I never lived ‘til I lived in your light/And my heart never beat like it does at the sight of you, baby blue.”

8) “Their Hearts Were Full of Spring,” by The Beach Boys. Harmonies, harmonies, harmonies!

9) “A Beginning Song,” by The Decemberists. A song about hope and love 10) “April in Paris,” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. One word – class.

Please check these songs out. I feel they would be the perfect soundtrack and start to your day. Let me know

Paul’s Picks

April 6: Might Mike Schermer, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez-8:00pm April 6: Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, Retro Junkie, 2112 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, 9pm April 11: Ken Cooper, Rocco’s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8pm April 13: The Bell Brothers, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm April 19: The Rowan Brothers, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm April 19: Pop Fiction, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive Walnut Creek, 10pm April 20: The Big Jangle, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm April 26: Chris Cain Band, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm April 28: Sunday Paper, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4pm

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IN THE GARDEN

Asparagus An April Favorite

BY LESLEY STILES

We won the lottery big time and are taking off for an extended tour of Europe.

We will miss everyone so much. April Fools!

Actually, residing in the Diablo Valley does feel like winning the lottery sometimes.

Pink camelias as sweet as a baby’s head compete with relentlessly blossoming flora that adorns every lane or trail trod upon, sensuously flooding our senses with hope for all things new. Sweet Peas claim title to April’s flower, apropos, exuding enough natural scent to shame a perfume bomber at Macy’s. Sweet Peas con It’s become a seasonal tradition for me to publish the following recipe at this time of year. Originally served on the secret menu at Bertola’s, now you can make it yourself!

Judges’ Pasta INGREDIENTS 1 pound brown rice or regular capallini 2 big bunches of Swiss chard, chopped (any type or color) 3 big stalks green garlic, chopped, greens and whites 3 Tablespoons olive oil 2 Tablespoons butter 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock Rind of 1 large lemon Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup toasted pine nuts Grated good Parmesan to garnish DIRECTIONS

Boil pasta until al dente. While it is cooking, heat a large saucepan with oil. When hot, add garlic and sauté a few minutes. Add chard and sauté a few minutes more. The chard will cook down considerably, so just keep adding it as the room appears in your pan. Add the stock and lemon peel and simmer until chard is very tender and not quite bright green anymore. Add butter and stir in as it melts. Drain pasta and toss into pot with the greens. Season with salt and pepper and toss in the pine nuts. Garnish with Parm.

Feed six people generously.

Serves 4 to 6.

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jure blissful pleasures, visions of spring, and new beginnings, but they are also used to say goodbye, possibly to a not so long, chilly, quite wet winter. There is a quality to the air as it brushes your skin that can get your blood rising to the surface, creating a sweet blush that makes you feel as giddy as ducks diving feet first into the canal. Seasonal food changes enter into play.

April is derived from the ancient verb “aperire,” which means to open, creating the allusion of trees and flowers emerging into spring warmth and light. April comes from traditional Roman lore depicting a month of impending rebirth. It is named for the Greek goddess Aphrilis, the equivalent of the Roman goddess Venus, who promoted birth, reawakening, and beauty, delightfully setting the stage for six or more months of intoxicating smells wafting off outdoor grills with an ever-changing palate of arguably the most splendidly fresh food to be found anywhere.

After a long winter, as if by vegetal spirit summons, around mid-spring, asparagus makes an ethereal appearance amidst winter vegetable leaden tables at farmers’ markets. For adventurous, rowdy teenagers growing up in Northern California in the 1970s, it was not an uncommon occurrence to sneak up to the delta and forage for rejected asparagus not thought up to market par and left behind by the pickers. The spears were sweet and crunchy, and we ate them raw on the sleepy ride home. Asparagus looms large in the early spring as well as the memory in these parts.

Long or short, thin or fat, as with other important items, size does not matter.

Personal preference only dictates what lands in heavy shopper bags. Tight tips, going from purple to green, are a must, and firmness does matter, with asparagus having most flavor in the points d’amour (“love tips”), served to Madame de Pompadour as a delicacy.

The Sacramento/Stockton Delta is as synonymous with asparagus as

Brentwood is to corn. Asparagus plainly steamed in salted water and relaxingly content to bask in adoring attention when served with mayonnaise or melted butter is almost unbeatable satisfaction in green-eating come spring. Sliced and sautéed with olive oil and garlic, scrambled with fresh farm eggs, and showered with shaved Manchego makes asparagus an epicurious celebration of spring. Tossed with salt and olive oil and then blistered to a light char on incendiary grills elevates all sugars to siren level attention on your taste buds. Classically French in inspiration, steamed asparagus gets saucy when served with a little masterpiece of softboiled eggs whipped with champagne vinegar, capers, shallots, and olive oil.

As weather warms, summer gardens start to take up space in gardeners’ minds.

Small yet beautifully dependable pots of vegetable starts, only temporarily fragile, commence to call out from nursery tables, hoping to win space in your garden.

Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm in Pleasant

Hill hosts its annual plant expo on April 13. It’s a definite must for all interested in growing their own food this summer.

Frantic and sometimes maddening but always fun and interesting work is getting close to reopening our beloved Roxx on Main. Look for a cocktail, yummy food, and awesome local music around the first of May. We will be open just in time for seasonal patio dining along Main Street downtown. Check www.roxxonmain.com for all updates and menu tempters.

Wildflowers in Briones as well as along trails on Mt. Diablo are crazy amazing and greet hikers with lovely colors around every artful curve. Get out and enjoy your Diablo Valley.

Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sustainable caterer and school garden educator. Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast.net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods. com.

Not Your Typical Plant Sale Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm Celebrates its 7th Annual Expo and Plant Sale at Rodgers Ranch, 315 Cortsen Rd. in Pleasant Hill on Saturday, April 13, 10am to 4pm.

This event has grown each year and become a favorite of foodies and gardeners alike.

Almost 1,000 visitors attended last year, but there is no chance of running out of plants this year because we’ve nearly doubled the selection and number of each type.

What can you do on your visit?

Sit at a picnic bench with friends and family and enjoy delicious, fresh-off-the-grill BBQ, craft beer (or other beverage) in the midst of plants and vendors who bring you the best of what they and nature have to offer.

Meander through thousands of vegetable seedlings, herbs, succulents, flowers, rare fruit trees, berries, pelargoniums, and unusual plants spread out over the historic site along with knowledgeable people who can give you advice on how to plant them and what works in this climate. If you have wondered about composting or how to improve your soil but don’t know where to begin, we have experts who will guide you through the process and recommend methods that will work best for your home as well as vendors who offer organic soil supplements and ready-made compost.

Discover one-of-a-kind vendors who offer exquisite olive oils and vinegars, handmade pastas, and culinary treats that will make your meals and taste buds sing. Unique pottery and lathe-carved bowls can be done while you watch, adding to your enjoyment of the day.

Attend free gardening, composting and foraging classes, tour the property, and pet farm animals.

It’s time to unplug, get out, and reground with other good-hearted members of the community. Spring is finally here. Join us and celebrate!

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | APRIL 2019 | 23

SENIORS

Family Concert: Dance!

In a program celebrating dance, audience members of all ages will be invited to move - and maybe even clap out loud – to rhythms of the waltz, polka and Russian folk dance. Dancers will bring cats and unicorns to the stage, and the orchestra will transport imaginations to a village fair with gypsies, masqueraders and a dancing bear. Classic ballet selections featuring dancers from Diablo Ballet include Tchaikovsky’s “Pas de Deux” from Swan Lake and “Puss in Boots” from Sleeping Beauty. Under the direction of Matilda Hofman, the orchestra will perform the universally loved waltz from Sleeping Beauty as well as selections from Igor Stravinsky’s brilliant ballet Petrushka.

Capping off the celebration, a surprise guest conductor will lead the orchestra in Strauss’s exuberant “Tritsch-Tratsch Polka”.

Admission is $35 for adults and $10 for youth 13–17. Children 12 and under are free but require a ticket. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Lesher Center box office (1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 925-943-7469) or by visitinghttp://www.diablosymphony.org/events/family-concert-dance/. Tickets also available at the door during the hour preceding the concert. Photo by Bilha Sperling

Are You Looking for a Rewarding Way to Give Back to Your Are You Looking for a Rewarding Community?

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Are You Looking forHillaSenior Rewarding Please consider volunteering as a Pleasant Van Service Driver.

Way to Give Back to Your Please consider volunteering as a Pleasant Hill Senior Van Service Driver.

DRIVERS: Community?

Only 1 morning or afternoon shift

• each week (9am-noon or 1-4pm) DRIVERS: Please volunteering as shift a Pleasant Hill Senior Van Service Driver.

Onlyconsider 1 morning or afternoon special license required • No each week (9am-noon or 1-4pm) DRIVERS: Pick up/drop off just 1 senior • No special license required per orride at local • passenger Only 1 morning afternoon shift • appointments and to run errands each week (9am-noon or 1-4pm) Pick up/drop off just 1 senior • passenger per ride at local training withrequired a volunteer • Easy No special license • appointments and to run errands driver (GPS device provided) Pick up/drop off just 1 senior Easy training with a volunteer •• passenger per ride at local driver (GPS device provided) appointments and to run errands

Easy training with a volunteer • If you can’t commit to one shift per week, year-round substitute driver (GPS device provided) drivers and summer drivers are always needed!

If you can’t commit to one shift per week, year-round substitute drivers and summer drivers are always needed!

For more information, please visit www.pleasanthillca.org/seniorvan or If you can’t commit to call one(925) shift per week, year-round substitute 671-5288. drivers and summer drivers are always needed!

For more information, please visit www.pleasanthillca.org/seniorvan or 24 | APRIL 2019 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM call (925) 671-5288.

For more information, please visit www.pleasanthillca.org/seniorvan or call (925) 671-5288.

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities April 11 - Care Management Series Presents “Good Foods for your Gut” 2pm.

Your stomach probably won’t react well with everything you eat, but some foods are worse than others. Find out about foods that can help keep your digestion system running smoothly and those you should avoid. Presented by Humana * Free, but please RSVP to 798-8788 or online.

April 18 - Taste of the Vine / Spring Edition 3-5pm. Embrace spring with this event featuring live entertainment from Tony de Grassi. Enjoy wine, delicious food and time with friends, old and new. Food sponsored by WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano. $10 presale, $15 after 4/12. Tickets can be purchased online.

April 20 - Easter Pancakes & Spring Boutique 9-11am. Hop on over before PHRPD’s “Egg”citing Egg Hunt in the park! All ages welcome to the breakfast, so bring your grandkids. Be sure to browse our spring selection of handmade items from our boutique. Adults (11+): $5, children (5-10): $3 and ages 4 & under are FREE! May 3 - Laugh, Love & Learn 9:30am-1pm. Keynote Speaker: Dan Ashley, ABC7 News - “Ratings and Responsibility.” Dan will talk about how the television industry has changed since the beginning, including how the public receives information.

Dan will also share his adventures from more than 30 years in broadcast journalism. Come with questions! Tickets: $25 on or before 4/19, $35 after 4/19. Other speakers include Diana Urcuyo, MS RDN, “Physiology of Aging and Nutrition Concerns” and Dr. Alan Brast, “Managing Insomnia.” FREE VENDOR FAIR from 8:30am - 1pm. Lots of giveaways and resources from over 50 local businesses.

233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788

Martinez Senior Activities April 4 – Bingo is Back! Sales open at 12pm and games begin at 1pm. $5.00 per pack. $30 guaranteed minimum prize for 10 regular games.

April 11 - Consult-An-Attorney Day 1-3 pm. By appointment only. General free legal advice, sponsored by Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, for seniors ages 60 and older that reside in Contra Costa County. Topics covered include housing, consumer issues/debt, elder abuse, small claims, and more. No wills/trusts. Call the Center 925-370-8770.

April 14 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. The Martinez Senior Center Club puts on a pancake breakfast the 2nd Sunday of every month. This breakfast is open to the community and includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, toast, orange juice and coffee.

The delicious breakfast is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 10 and under.

April 26 – Bunco 11:30-3pm. A refresher course held prior for those that haven’t played before. Prizes go to the most buncos, most wins, second and third most wins, and a booby prize. Lunch will be served at 12pm. $12. Sign up at front desk.

Deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, April 24.

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Favorite Authors – Minor Disappointments

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was to see new books written by three of my favorite authors, John Grisham, J. K. Rowling, and Mitch Albom. Unfortunately, my excitement waned after reading the books. Now, don’t get me wrong; each is a good read, but none met my high expectations

for these best-selling novelists. All were minor disappointments, so I’m recommending them with caveats.

John Grisham has used his background as an attorney to write a series of compelling courtroom dramas. His latest is The Reckoning, an intriguing story about a Mississippi family and its patriarch, Pete Banning. He is the “favorite son” of his hometown of Clanton, and with good reason. After World War II, Banning returns home as a highly

Envision 2040 Plan Contra Costa’s General Plan

BY SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF,

Every county and city in California is required to have a General Plan that can address a broad range of topics such as land use, open space, transportation, housing, conservation, safety, noise, and environmental justice.

The General Plan outlines the county’s goals for physical growth, conservation, and community life in the unincorporated area and contains the policies and actions necessary to achieve these goals.

Contra Costa County’s current General Plan was adopted in 1991 and has been reconsolidated twice, once for 19902005 and again for 2005-2020. Contra Costa has grown considerably over the past 28 years, conditions have evolved, and the General Plan needs to evolve as well. As we look towards the future, Contra Costa County must be equipped with a policy and growth framework that evolves with the times and keeps us on a path towards success and prosperity.

Enter “Envision Contra Costa 2040.”

Envision 2040 is an effort to update the county’s General Plan, zoning code, and environmental review, with the opportunity for public input beginning this month. Through nearly 80 community meetings over the next two years,

county staff will work to integrate the demands of our environment, the concerns of our community, and the urgent need to solve our housing crisis into a modern general plan that will guide the county over the next twenty years.

Our county’s Climate Action Plan is among the initiatives integrated within the Envision 2040 framework. Specifically, this will produce long-term sustainability goals and policies, with the Climate Action Plan providing strategic implementation programs to keep Contra Costa on track with California’s goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

The updated plans will also respond to community concerns around sustainability, environmental justice, and affordable housing, while carrying forward enduring county values like balancing growth with conservation.

As your county supervisor, I work to ensure that the diverse voices of our community are represented in the General Plan. The county has launched an interactive portal for folks across Contra Costa to stay up-to-date with the project and to provide a platform for sharing ideas for the future. You can access this website at envisioncontracosta2040.org.

I encourage you to voice your opinion and frequent the website for updates in the coming months.

decorated war hero, having suffered for years as a prisoner of war of the Japanese in the Philippines. He was part of the infamous Bataan Death March and was reported killed in action. But he managed to escape from the Japanese, survive disease and hunger, and fight with Filipino guerrillas until General MacArthur liberated the Philippines near the end of the war.

Depending on how you look at it, Banning is either the hero of the book or its villain. I’m not giving away anything by telling you that at the very beginning of the book, Banning drives from his cotton farm to Clanton, walks into a local church, and kills its highly respected preacher for no apparent reason. He immediately surrenders to the police but provides no defense whatsoever for his actions.

The crux of the story is trying to figure out why a beloved war veteran without an obvious motive would murder a seemingly innocent preacher.

Grisham does a great job of providing the background as to why this might have happened. The story is well told and captivating, but the ending was truly disappointing and completely unsatisfying. Nonetheless, Grisham fans should like this courtroom drama.

Lethal White is Rowling’s latest “Cameron Strike” whodunit written under the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith. With this series of books, Rowling is trying to show her breadth as a novelist after the huge success of the Harry Potter series.

The “Galbraith“ books have been very popular in spite of mixed reviews. If Rowling hadn’t been the author of these books, it’s likely they’d be considered run-of-the-mill mysteries and not been nearly so successful.

Strike and his associate Robin are drawn into a mystery that includes the theft of a valuable painting, embezzlement, the killing of a horse, and the possible murder of a child. During a trip to a British manor house, which may have been the scene of multiple crimes,

Strike notices a priceless painting depicting a mare mourning her foal that died of a horse disease known as lethal white syndrome, hence, the title of the book.

This proves to be the key to solving the crimes. I found Lethal White to be even less engaging and entertaining than the previous Cameron Strike novels. The only reason to read this book rather than those of other well-known mystery writers is because Rowling is the author.

Tuesdays with Morrie author Mitch Albom has provided us with another thought-provoking novel in The Next Person You Meet in Heaven, an “enchanting sequel” to The Five People You Meet in Heaven. This story, both sappy and scary, is an okay read with a decent message, but it doesn’t compare to some of his earlier works. To see Albom at his best, read Tuesdays with Morrie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, or The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto.

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Skin Cancer Fight

A Bright Update on Melanoma Treatment BY, JEFFREY ZWEIG, MD Medical Oncologist/ Hematologist

Melanoma skin cancer is, unfortunately, on the rise worldwide and is now considered the fifth most common cancer diagnosis in the United States. It is estimated that in 2019 there will be over 95,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the US and over 7,000 deaths. Luckily, most patients will be diagnosed with early stage disease, whereby surgery alone is curative. However, for those that develop advanced or metastatic disease, there has been an explosion of breakthrough therapies over the years that have been proven to prolong overall survival, offering new hope in a disease that was once considered significantly fatal.

In contrast to several other types of solid tumors whereby chemotherapy can play an important role, in advanced melanoma, chemotherapy has not been shown to significantly improve overall survival, with response rates usually less than 20%. Rather, activating the immune system to target cancer cells via immunotherapy antibodies as well as the use of oral molecularly targeted BRAF/MEK inhibitor combinations have changed the landscape of melanoma treatment.

All patients with metastatic melanoma should be tested for activating mutations in BRAF, specifically BRAF V600E

or BRAF V600K mutations. If present, these mutations implicate a pathway by which these cells replicate and serve as a target for drug therapy. It was initially shown that the BRAF inhibitors vemurafenib and dabrafenib have efficacy in treating melanoma and prolonging survival compared with chemotherapy.

Now, it is known that combining BRAF inhibition with blocking a downstream target called MEK can further enhance response rates, progression free survival, and overall survival. As of 2019, there are now three combinations of BRAF/ MEK inhibitors approved by the FDA for patients with BRAF V600 (E/K) mutations – dabrafenib/trametinib, vemurafenib/cobimetinib, and encorafenib/ binimetinib. All provide a remarkable response rate of around 70%. Toxicity can be an issue, though, specifically diarrhea, fevers, and chills, and can require dosage adjustments or temporary interruption of therapy.

Immunotherapy or checkpoint inhibitors work by taking the breaks off the immune system and blocking inhibitory signals that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells. Currently, the anti-PD-1 antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab are approved as single agent options in patients with advanced melanoma, with or without a BRAF mutation, with objective response rates over 40%. These immunotherapy drugs have been shown to be superior to ipilimumab, a CTLA-4 inhibitor, which was the former immunotherapy

approved in this disease and was a major advance to historical high dose IL-2 treatment. Furthermore, the combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab has been demonstrated to improve responses over either nivolumab or ipilimumab alone, though at the risk of higher toxicity. As the immune system is being activated, patients can experience inflammatory immune related toxicities, which can lead to therapy interruption and sometimes the need for steroid administration. Excitinly, though, a subset of patients treated with immunotherapy can have a complete response to treatment, allowing for long-term disease control and the potential to discontinue treatment after a few years.

Immunotherapy with pembrolizumab, nivolumab, or the combination of nivolumab/ipilimumab is now a standard of care option in patients with new onset metastatic melanoma, with or without a BRAF mutation. In those patients with a BRAF V600 (E/K) mutation, they are candidates for either molecularly targeted treatment or immunotherapy up-front, and this decision is individualized, based on disease burden and symptoms, side effect profiles, patient comorbidities, and, of course, patient preference. Whether immunotherapy or targeted therapy is used upfront, either option can be reserved as a second line treatment. These therapies have not been compared head to head, though a randomized trial is underway to address the question of how best to

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sequence them.

All in all, melanoma treatment in the advanced setting has undergone a revolution in the last years, with a subset of patients that experience long-term durable responses to treatment. Numerous trials are underway, looking at new immunotherapy as well as molecular therapy combinations. The future is indeed bright, and there remains much optimism for continual improved therapies and advances as time progresses.

We at Diablo Valley Oncology, through the California Skin and Melanoma Center, provide multidisciplinary care of not only melanoma but all skin cancers, drawing upon the insight and expertise of our medical oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists to optimize the best treatments and care for our patients.

Join Dr.Zweig and other skin cancer and melanoma experts at the Many Faces of Skin Cancer on April 23 at the Lafayette Library, from 6:30 - 8:30pm.

Reservations recommended. Call 925677-5041,ext, 272, or email sjung@ dvohmg.com.

Dr. Zweig is a Board Certified medical oncologist and hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group. One of his subspecialty interests is in the treatment of melanoma. To reach Dr. Zweig, please call 925-677-5041 or visit these websites: www.dvohmg.com or www.calskincancer.com SPONSORED CONTENT

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april 2

april 11-14, 18-21, 25-28

april 26

may 11

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

Bell, Book and Candle

Bay Area Craft Beer Festival

Diablo Valley College Car Show

Grow What You Love by Emily Murphy. Guests are always welcome. Meeting is free. 7pm at PH Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., PH. (925) 323-9314 or www.phgsc.com.

A delightful comedy brimming with witchcraft, magic and love. By John Van Druten, directed

by Randy Anger. Thurs. @ 7pm, Fri. & Sat @ 8, Sundays @ 2:30. $22 general admission, $19 seniors/students. Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. www.brownpapertickets.com

The Annual Bay Area Craft Beer Festival is held from 12-4pm at the Waterfront Park in downtown Martinez. Featuring over 50 local craft beers, live music and food. https://downtownmartinez.org/events

Enjoy a car show with awards voted by all, vendors, live music, food, and an Engineering and Technology Open House. $25 car entry, $5 DVC student car. Proceeds benefit DVC’s Machining & Industrial Design Programs. Reservations: eventbrite.com. https://tinyurl.com/dvccarshow

april 5

april 26

Texas Hold Em Tournament

John Muir BirthdayEarth Day

Tournament benefiting White Pony Express and Martinez Rotary at 6pm. Cards fly at 7pm. 1340 Roman Way, Martinez (U.A. Craftsman Center). Tickets $60 prior to March 20 and $70 after, includes dinner. Sign up at http://www.martinezrotary.org.

Celebrating John Muir’s 181st birthday, the 48th Anniversary of Earth Dayand the National Park Service Centennial plus the 63rd Anniversary of the John Muir Association. 10am-4pm, John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. www.johnmuirassociation.org

april 6

april 12

ongoing

Musalliance

Wine Walk

Volunteer with Seniors

An exciting new string duo offering virtuoso interpretations of classical, international, and folk favorites, joined by Marina Tolstova, soprano, to present their spectacular program, from Baroque to Flamenco. 7pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Ave., Walnut Creek.

Visit merchants on Polk Street, between Post and Filbert, San Francisco, to sample wine and appetizers with your ticket to “Polk Street Spring Wine Walk.” 4-8pm. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

Spectrum Community Services is looking for individuals who would like to volunteer in senior centers all around the East Bay. Please call Spectrum Community Services at 510-8810300 ext. 242 or fill out an application at www.

Spectrumcs.org.

april 6

april 13

april 27-28

ongoing

12th Annual SWAN Day

Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm Expo & Sale

Mother’s Day Market TreasureFest

Volunteers for Senior Van Service

One part shopping, one part feasting, and one part music and entertainment. A unique monthly festival that showcases the best of the Bay Area.

10am-4pm. Located at 500 Ave N, Treasure Island SF. $5 general entry, kids under 12 are free. Free parking. Pet friendly. www.treasurefest.com

Pleasant Hill Senior Center Van Service is looking for a volunteer ride schedule dispatcher. Only one morning shift each week (9-11am). For more information, visit pleasanthillca.org/seniorvan or call 925-671-5288.

An international holiday celebrating the creative power of women all over the world. Over 50 artists from around the Bay Area are expected to showcase their art at this event. 10am to 4pm, in the parking lot at the Old Train Depot, North end of Ferry Street, Martinez.

Thousands of heirloom vegetables, succulents, natives, flowers and herbs for sale along with hand crafted items from local artisans. DVC Culinary chefs return with BBQ (and vegan), plus wine and beer. Free classes on healthy soil, olive oil, foraging, cooking, and more. 10am-4pm, 315 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant Hill. www.RodgersRanchUrbanFarm.org

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April can be TAXING!

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