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AUGUST 2014 Reaching Over 40,000 Homes & Businesses

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Julie Says     

   



 

  

Spike ball

  

  

 

   

 

   





   













    

  a Plane! No, Wait, It’s a UFO! It’s a Bird!   It’s    BY JULIE  ROSS      According to an  informative graphin    e issue of  the June Spik28     The Economist ball maga zine, UFO sightings     are low nationwide     hours”  “working  between est during the 8am and 6pm, peak during the “drinking hours” from 6pm to 11pm, and then taper back down  during the “sleeping hours.”

One can speculate about sightings dur ing “drinking hours.”   There is also a color-coded map of   the United States that indicates most  sightings per 100,000 people are re  ported in the state of Washington. Again,   let the speculation begin! Is it because  there are actually more UFOs hovering  over Washington – perhaps attracted by  the Space Needle? Is it because Washing ton is also home  to Bigfoot? Are “drinking hours” in Washington spent outdoors    scanning the sky for alien ships?



We can make light of this topic, but the National UFO Reporting Center, the source of data for the graph and map published in The Economist, takes these sightings very seriously. In fact, the organization’s website, www.ufocenter.com, takes The Economist to task, stating that because of the “obviously frivolous nature of the article” the center regrets having had any contact with the magazine.

The center’s website is kind of unsettling. It includes summaries of thousands of UFO sightings which have gone through a proofreading process in an attempt to eliminate or flag those believed to be flawed or hoaxed reports. In the report database is an index of sightings by event date, including location by city and state, shape of UFO, and the time and duration of the sighting. I took a look at the data for June of this year.

In terms of “shape of UFO,” sightings of pyramids and hexagons are rare. I noted only one “flying humanoid” (June

29, Thornton, CO) and only one “seemingly intelligent pink cylinder” (June 24, Wentzville, MO). However, the frequency of reported unidentified orange orbs in various formations – flying completely silently, no less -- is downright disturbing.

No matter where you stand on the validity of UFO sightings, it can’t hurt to cast an eye skyward occasionally. Even if we don’t witness an alien invasion, we can at least appreciate the night sky.

Some of the astronomy apps are amazing and a lot of fun. Just point your phone or tablet toward the sky and the app will identify the planets and stars (but probably not UFOs) above you. Check out what’s available online – could be $5 well spent for your next camping trip or just to use in the backyard. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Thanks to my husband, Murray, for alerting me to the UFO article in The Economist. You can reach me at julieakross@comcast.net.

Pleasant Hill • Concord • Martinez • Lafayette • Walnut Creek • Pacheco

Are We There Yet?

Family Pets and Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital ...

The Perfect Match for a Pleasant Hill Summer

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august 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

INSIDE

5

Early Alert Canines

18 24 29 34 Local Sports

Happy Hours

Book Reviews

Make Plans

COVER: ..............................................

Our 5th year in publication!

Much gratitude to our contributors, advertisers & loyal readers!

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

Early Alert Canines A Diabetic’s Best Friend

Did you know we have some life saving, blood glucose sniffing dogs in our back yard? Based in Concord, the non-profit organization Early Alert Canines (EAC) trains and places diabetic alert dogs with insulin dependent diabetics of all ages. These dogs are not only comforting companions for their diabetic partners, but also life savers that alert and “raise a paw” when blood sugars are running too high or too low.

Since its inception three years ago, EAC has placed 21 teams and expanded throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, the Central Valley, Southern California, and Oregon.

One of the most frightening experiences parents of young diabetic children encounter is the occurrence of severe low blood glucose while the child sleeps. Many parents set alarms to wake them throughout the night to measure their child’s blood glucose.

Even with this level of vigilance, parents cannot detect and treat every nighttime low. Working everyday, Early Alert Canines’ dogs can assume a portion of the monitoring responsibility that most parents currently bear alone. For these families, living with diabetes is neverending by its nature; there is never a day off or vacation from diabetes.

The founders of Early Alert Canines determined that no other non-profit diabetic alert dog program on the West Coast exists for children under the age of 12. Given the level of physical, emotional, and social maturity essential to control and manage a full public access service dog, 12 years of age is a reasonable age requirement. However, such a policy leaves families with young diabetic children without an opportunity to secure a certified hypoglycemia alert dog and the added safety and emotional benefit that such a dog represents. EAC’s Skilled Companion Alert Dog program directly serves diabetic children under the age of 12 and their families. Skilled companion alert dogs are fully trained and do most of their work in the diabetic’s home. EAC specializes in skilled companions and can

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Laura and her EAC companion, Darwin.

place these types of dogs with people of all ages.

Early Alert Canines has no shortage of applications for companion dogs. One key challenge for ongoing success in their mission is the ability to maintain an on-going intake of new career-changed dogs into EAC’s system of training. Early Alert Canines’ trainers work on scent imprinting with career-changed dogs from Guide Dogs For The Blind and Canine Companions for Independence, and they are always looking for caring homes to foster the dogs in the evenings and on weekends.

With an increase in volunteers for their foster training program, Early Alert Canines can systematically increase the number of foster homes, resulting in their ability to take more dogs into the program. Foster program classes are held three times a year and are conducted over two weekends.

They offer training in foster care, dog grooming, and wellness and behavioral work.

Visit www.earlyalertcanines.org for more information. You can also visit www.darwinthedad.com to get a real diabetic alert dog’s (DAD’s) perspective on his life with a 5-year-old type one diabetic. This mostly humorous blog is written from the perspective of a diabetic alert dog placed by Early Alert Canines with his forever family in September of 2013.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2014

5

27 Tips to Drive Up the Sale of Your Home East Bay - Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. And, once you have made that decision, you’ll want to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest time possible without compromising your sanity. Before you place your home on the market, here’s a way to help you to be as prepared as possible.

To assist home sellers, a new industry report has just been released called, “27 Valuable Tips You Should Know to Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top Dollar.” It tackles the important issues you need to know to make your home competitive in today’s tough, aggressive marketplace. With these 27 tips, discover how to protect and capitalize on your

most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the most profit possible.

Discover how to avoid financial disappointment or, worse, a financial disaster when selling your home.

Using a common-sense approach, get the straight facts about what can make or break the sale of your home.

You owe it to yourself to learn how these important tips will give you the competitive edge to get your home sold fast and for the most amount of money.

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report, call 1-800-597-9215 and enter ID 1237. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This report is courtesy of East Bay Residential Realty, BRE 01245396. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013

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Market Update

If You Update it, They will Come

BY NATHAN HITCHCOCK

That great sigh you’re hearing is a collective one of relief on the part of homebuyers and their frazzled agents. The feelings of relief are thanks to a market that is, overall, showing signs of finally plateauing.

For the first time in months, it doesn’t feel downright impossible to get an offer accepted on a home purchase.

Despite perpetually rising rents, continued low interest rates, a robust Bay Area economy with low unemployment, and a steady influx of fresh California citizens arriving to take advantage of plentiful jobs, the market numbers in Contra Costa have shifted ever so minutely in the buyer’s favor.

Pending sales, closed sales, median price, average price, and percentage of original list price received are all down slightly.

However, a notable holdout from that softening trend is the higher end of the Contra Costa market, where homes are priced at $1.5 million and up. No doubt stimulated by the Bay Area’s rapidly expanding crop of stock option millionaires, pending sales are up 38.6%, days on market are down 24.3%, median sales prices are up 30.6%, average sales prices are up 27.2%, and percent of original list price received is up a staggering 32.2%.

Also holding out from the soften-

ing trend are nicely updated homes.

Buyers continue to flock to homes with well executed cosmetic and functional updates, while shunning homes featuring outdated and tired decor or functional components such as appliances, windows and fixtures that have been kept on the job past their prime.

The common feeling among buyers is, “I work my tail off during the week and I’m putting my whole savings into this purchase, so I don’t want to worry about having to spend valuable time and money on updates down the road.”

So, while average and below average condition homes are sitting on the market a bit longer and eventually receiving only a single offer, high end and nicely updated homes are still receiving multiple offers and a closing sales price pushed well over asking.

Now more than ever it’s important for sellers to bite the bullet and put on a fresh coat of paint, update the flooring, and tackle those deferred maintenance items. My experience shows that sellers who do so are seeing returns of 200% or more on their investment. If you update it, they will come.

Nathan Hitchcock is a Broker Associate with Alain Pinel Realtors and can be reached by phone at 925.397.4000, via email at nathan@hitchteam.com or online at www.hitchteam.com. CA BRE Lic # 01414254.

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HITCHCOCK PROPERTIES Contact The Hitchcock Team for your Sales & Purchasing needs at 925.397.4000 • Nathan@HitchTeam.com www.HitchTeam.com 6

august 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Contact Hitchcock Properties for your Leasing & Property Managment needs at 925.825.1100 • Erin@HitchRealty.com www.HitchProperties.com

Call today to make an appointment.

Monday - Saturday 8am-6pm • Sunday 8am-5pm 1945 Contra Costa Blvd. Ste. B • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

925-687-1156

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Food Truck Mania

PHOTOS: susanwoodphotography.com

Food Trucks Roll into Pleasant Hill and Surrounding Cities

Cities like Pleasant Hill, Martinez and Concord are enjoying the rise in popularity of gourmet food trucks that provide yet another enjoyable dining alternative.

Event organizers such as the Food Truck Mafia and Off the Grid bring a variety of feasting options to downtown streets, allowing communities to gather, eat and

enjoy live music.

Off the Grid rolls into Pleasant Hill every Wednesday, 5 - 9pm. The market is located on Trelany Road next to City Hall and features nine food trucks serving a variety of dishes. Vendors such as Slightly Skewered (Asian fusion), Bacon Bacon (American), Kinder’s (BBQ), Fro-

zen Kuhsterd (dessert), Doc’s of the Bay (burgers), and Curry Up Now (Indian) appear weekly or biweekly. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available. Chairs are set up on the lawn area and folks often bring their own blankets and seating. “Our Pleasant Hill market has been very successful. Both the com-

munity and the vendors have been very pleased,” said Patty Prislin, Off the Grid marketing manager. Live music booked

by Off the Grid adds to the relaxed environment. Check out www.offthegridsf. com for a list of weekly vendors.

Off the Grid also brings their lunchtime trucks to Concord every Saturday from 11am-3pm at the Willows Shopping Center parking lot, where 10 food trucks are stationed.

Although the Food Truck Mafia has discontinued their lunchtime food trucks every 3rd Saturday of the month at the Martinez marina, they will be present at many community events, including the upcoming Martinez Arts Association’s Art in the Park on August 17. According to April Bibbins, event coordinator at Food Truck Mafia, “We are no longer doing Martinez Street Eats, but we ARE attending all of Martinez special events for all that love the food trucks and still want to enjoy them. It just worked out best to do special events for the city.”

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City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message Milestones

This edition marks the fifth year anniversary of the first issue of Pleasant Hill’s own community newspaper. Publishers Elena Hutslar, Becky Coburn, and Jennifer Neys have persevered and defied the odds (and the newspaper gods) and succeeded in establishing a local news magazine that has steadily grown in stature and popularity. Over the past five years, this newspaper has been woven tightly into the fabric of our Pleasant Hill community and become a mustread every month for me because it’s full of local news, features, events and neighborhood information not available anywhere else. Following on

the theme of last month’s column, my hat is off to the staff of the Community Focus and long may they continue to provide Pleasant Hill and its neighboring cities with an alternative (and independent) source for news and features about our community.

Also celebrating a milestone this year is John F. Kennedy University, with the 50th anniversary of its founding and the 10th anniversary of the opening of its main campus in Pleasant Hill.

Pleasant Hill has been honored to have JFKU these past ten years. JFKU’s presence has reinforced Pleasant Hill’s reputation as an education city, adding to the strong educational opportunities long provided by Diablo Valley

Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission Aug. 7, 21 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 City Council Aug. 4, 18 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Civic Action Commission Aug. 6 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Aug. 12, 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Education Commission Aug. 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Community Room, 7pm For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

Chamber Calendar Our four 680 Business Clubs meet twice monthly.

Please call the Chamber office for more information.

8/14 - Ribbon Cutting and Business Mixer 5pm. Slow Hand BBQ, 1941 Oak Park Blvd., PH. 8/21 - Board of Directors meeting 8-9am. PH City Hall, Community Room.

8/21 - Wine at the Plaza Concert presents David Martin’s House Party, 6:308:30pm. Downtown PH. 8/25 - Green Business Committee meeting 4-5pm. Back Forty BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, PH. 8/25 - Government Affairs Committee meeting 5:30-7pm. Back Forty BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, PH. Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com 925-687-0700 8

august 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Tim Flaherty, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

College and the Mt. Diablo School District.

In recognition of its enduring ties to the Pleasant Hill community, JFKU has announced it is offering a $500 Resident Scholarship. This scholarship is available this fall for residents of Pleasant Hill who are incoming first-time students in the bachelor’s and master’s programs. JFKU offers a multitude of other scholarship opportunities, including scholarships for students transferring from DVC, diversity scholarships, and scholarships for the support of community service projects, veterans, and active duty service members. Check out www.jfku. edu for more details.

Gateways Project Update

As you may recall, this city project is an initiative to enhance the main gateways/entryways into Pleasant Hill by designing and constructing new gateway markers and entry signs. The first City Gateway Project workshop was held on June 12. Attendance could have been better, but those

who did attend shared their ideas and opinions about what makes Pleasant Hill unique. Comments and feedback ranged from the strong sense of community in the city to the natural features that surround and characterize the many neighborhoods. The group also talked about cost being an important consideration for this project, and over the next two meetings, the discussion will include more focus on design, budget, and how project implementation might be phased.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, and will be held at City Hall again in the large community room from 6:30 to 8:00pm. Light refreshments will be provided, and all our encouraged to attend the meeting. This is an exciting project that will help shape the city’s brand and image, now and into the future. This is also a great opportunity for residents, businesses, and students to get involved in a project that will help beautify and encourage new investment in the city.

I hope to see you there!

City News City Clerk Appointed

Following the resignation of former City Clerk Kim Lehmkuhl last May, the Pleasant Hill City Council approved an appointment rather than hold an election to fill the vacant position. An ad hoc committee comprised of Mayor Flaherty and Vice Mayor Carlson was established to interview potential candidates and forward a recommendation for appointment to city council for approval by July 18.

In the process, three applications were received for consideration and interviews were conducted on July 1. Ultimately, the ad hoc committee recommended appointment of Paige Kremser Stenrud to fill the vacancy of the city clerk position through completion of the term in November 2016. The city council approved the appointment at the July 7 meeting. According to her application, Ms. Stenrud is an attorney who is fluent in Spanish. She is currently taking time off to raise her family. She will be sworn in and commence duties at the meeting on August 4.

Notice of Election for City Council

On November 4, Pleasant Hill voters will elect two city councilmembers. The nomination period began on Monday, July 14, and will end at 5pm on Friday, August 8.

City of Pleasant Hill

City News Continued

Nomination papers can be obtained from the city clerk’s office during the nomination period. Candidates must be registered voters of Pleasant Hill at the time the nomination papers are issued. Candidates are invited to contact the city clerk’s office at 925-671-5267 for election details. You may also email Juanita Davalos at jdavalos@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us.

As of this printing, the following have filed nomination papers for a seat on city council: Michael Harris (incumbent), Sue Noack, Jack Weir (incumbent) and Dorothy Englund.

Photo Exhibit and CSD Video

The Civic Action Commission (CAC) is planning to mark the 10th anniversary of Community Service Day with a series of events in honor of the thousands of volunteer residents who have participated over the past nine years. Using photographs and video footage from the previous nine Community Service Day events, the CAC will host an exhibit at City Hall during the month of September and produce a special commemorative video to be aired on the city channel. If you’ve been involved in any of the previous years, drop by City Hall in September to see if you’re featured in this exhibit.

Plastic Bag Ban Takes Effect in February 2015

The city is moving forward with an ordinance to prohibit single-use plastic carryout bags in all retail stores and restaurants. After February 2, 2015, stores and restaurants would not be permitted to provide customers with plastic carryout bags. Instead, stores would provide carry out paper bags for ten cents each or reusable bags at whatever price the store decides to charge. Restaurants may also provide paper or reusable bags, but are not required to charge the ten cent fee.

Consumers would have the option to bring their own reusable bags, pay for paper or reusable bags, or simply not use a bag to carry goods from the store.

Smaller, protective plastic or paper bags without handles would still be allowed under the ordinance at no charge to the customer. Examples of these types of bags include: • Bags used to wrap fresh produce, baked goods, frozen foods or meat etc.

• Bags used to protect spillage around containers of soups or other food items • Plastic bags used to protect dry-cleaning and newspaper deliveries • Paper bags used to protect merchandise, such as bottled wine, candy, leftover food (‘doggy bags’), prescription drugs etc.

• Paper bags used in fast food establishments

Retailers would be encouraged to sell reusable shopping bags that meet certain standards in terms of durability and the type of material used to manufacture the bag. More details about these types of bags are available in the ordinance at www.pleasant-hill.net/plastic-bags. For more information about the plastic bag ordinance, go to www.pleasant-hill.net/plastic-bags, contact Martin Nelis at mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us, or call (925) 671-5229.

ways are welcome to attend on Tuesday, August 19, from 6:30-8pm in the City Hall community room. Light refreshments will be provided.

Development of 650 Ellinwood Way Moves Forward

At the July 7 city council meeting, three of the five city councilmembers voted to move forward with the rezoning from retail business (RB) to planned unit development (PUD) for 650 Ellinwood Way, the former site of Chevy’s Restaurant and possible future development of a Hilton Homewood Suites. The long-term stay, suite-style hotel is proposed to be up to 50 feet in height, with up to 131 guest rooms and 157 on-site parking spaces.

Many Pleasant Hill residents have voiced several concerns over the proposed building due to the planned size and height for the site; traffic congestion and noise; and potential crime, safety, and security issues. Vice Mayor Carlson is in favor of the rezoning and said, “The project needs to go forward in some way that I hope would benefit the community and meet the satisfaction of those in the neighborhood. So, what I’m voting on is strictly the PUD in the sense of I want control, not only for my own benefit, but for those who live in the area to put on the restrictions and to move forward in some way to develop that piece of property. In no way shape or form am I voting to put a 47 ft. hotel on that piece of property, but let’s put something there if we have the say-so.”

The ARC and Planning Commission held study sessions and public hearings on the matter in April and May. Although developing the site will benefit the city by providing additional transient occupancy tax revenue to the city, Councilmember Weir said, “The issue here in Pleasant Hill is the way it is because people in Pleasant Hill have a very specific idea about how they want their city to look and feel. I’m going to oppose this project because I think it is not consistent with the main tenor, criteria and elements of that set of concepts that were embodied in Measure B*, and I’m not happy with the way this project has rolled out.”

Councilmember Harris said, “I feel there are other ways for the developer to design the hotel that would soften its affect and lower its height, and I’ve seen no attempts by the developer to do that. I will continue to oppose this PUD until there is evidence that shows that it’s compatible with the neighborhood.”

The votes were as follows: Ayes - Carlson, Durant, Flaherty; Noes - Harris, Weir. *Measure B, passed in June 1986, prohibited rezoning to increased densities or to change land use unless specific conditions were met. Known as a growth-control initiative, it set limits to building heights to 2.5 stories and a maximum of 35 ft. Measure B was intended to preserve Pleasant Hill’s small-town charm and protect quiet neighborhoods from large-scale development. The measure expired ten years later, but its provisions have been incorporated into Pleasant Hill’s zoning laws and guide new development.

Next City Gateway Project Workshop

If you missed the first workshop on the City Gateway Project, here is your opportunity to come and hear a recap of that meeting and share your ideas and opinions about Pleasant Hill. The Gateway Project is a city initiative to enhance the main entryways into Pleasant Hill by designing and constructing new gateway markers and entry signs. The first workshop meeting, held on June 12, provided an opportunity for attendees to become familiar with the project and help guide the design. Over the next two meetings, the discussion will focus on design, budget, and how the implementation can be phased.

Residents, merchants, and students interested in defining community gate-

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9

City of Martinez PHOTO BY STAHLBERG

Mayor’s Message

When I was a child, my cousin gave me a book on John Muir written by former Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas. I was enthralled reading about this man -- his early life in Scotland, his family’s move to Wisconsin, his knack for invention, and his travels across the United States, down to Florida and then finally to California and to Yosemite. Reading about John Muir at such a young age made a lasting impression on me. I became active in the Boy Scouts and loved to camp, hike, and learn about the wilderness and the flora and fauna that existed there.

Being such an admirer of John Muir, moving to the final home of John Muir in Martinez was a special thing for me. Never did I dream that someday I would be the mayor of the town where he lived with his family and is laid to rest.

Because of John Muir’s influence and the hard work and foresight of residents, past and present, most of the ridgelines surrounding Martinez are held in a land trust as open space for perpetuity. Other lands are owned

by East Bay Regional Park District and the National Park Service and are also protected. However, there is one ridgeline in southern Martinez located between Reliez Valley Road and Alhambra Avenue that is slated for the

development of up to 109 residential units on 76.2 acres, with 221.3 kept as open space. The development is called Alhambra Highlands and the ridgeline is called the Alhambra Hills.

Because development could commence with the submission of a grading plan, many are calling for the development to be stopped or the property to be purchased as open space. Although it is not really a secret, it has recently been reported that John Muir and the Strenzel family owned that ridgeline and much of the acreage throughout the area. Some feel the fact that Muirs owned this land at one time in history is reason alone for it to be saved from development.

Because the possibility for this property being developed is getting close to a reality, many people don’t understand why development was ever approved and why the city cannot stop it. Well, there is a long history of development planned for this property, and it starts in 1973 with the development of the city’s “new” general plan. In that plan, the “Saddle” (as it was known then) was designated for development.

In 1987, with the adoption of the Alhambra Hills Specific Plan, the “Saddle” was still designated for development with development standards being refined. In 1990, the Alhambra

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Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

Highlands subdivision/planned unit development was approved by the city council and found to be conforming to the General Plan and the Alhambra Hills Specific Plan. At that time, the approved project was up to 216 residential units on 122.4 acres, with the remaining 175.1 acres to be open space.

Soon after that approval, the housing market dried up and the project stalled. It was also discovered that the endangered Alameda Whip Snake was on the property, and the owners were required to set aside more area for habitat.

In 2008, the owners applied for a revised subdivision/planned unit development that reduced the number of residential units from 216 to 112 and the development area from 122.4 acres to 76.2 acres. Of the 1,475 trees on the site, the number to be removed dropped from 713 to 625. When the city council approved the revised map, the number of units was dropped to 109 and the number of trees to be removed dropped to 600.

Many have asked why the city council would approve development on such a precious piece of land that we are now trying to save as open space. The answer is very simple, although painful; development of this property was approved back in 1973. It conforms to the general plan that was adopted in 1973 and the Alhambra Hills Specific Plan that was refined in 1987. Had the city council not approved the revised map with a reduction in development acreage and an increase in dedicated open space, the city would have been exposed to a legal battle, which would eventually be lost, costing millions of dollars in legal fees and who knows how many tens of millions in judgments and penalties. Does anyone remember the near bankruptcy of Half Moon Bay? A

similar development issue arose which that city fought and lost. They were handed down a judgment against them for $36.8 million. Only through a settlement agreement with the developer did the city reduce the judgment against them and not disincorporate.

In the end, the project was built.

The moratorium on the start of any construction on the Alhambra Hills has run its course and at the urging of many individuals, including Robert Hanna, John Muir’s great, great grandson, I assembled a group of open space and park “experts,” which included representatives of the National Park Service, East Bay Regional Parks, Alhambra Hills Open Space Committee, Martinez Environmental Group, Save Mt. Diablo, and others to brainstorm and map out a strategy for the acquisition of these hills as open space.

I learned two major lessons at this meeting. The first is that land that is already entitled (as this property is) is almost always too expensive to purchase as open space unless the seller is in need of a tax write-off or is of the mind to make a sizable donation to the community. The second is that in order to move forward and evaluate whether the acquisition of this land is feasible, we must obtain a professional property appraisal.

Legal action does not seem to be feasible, but purchase of the property is a possibility. The Martinez City Council has authorized $8,000 to perform an appraisal of the property, which is the first step. That appraisal should be completed in the next few weeks and then be analyzed by city and East Bay Regional Parks staff. After that analysis, the group will meet to discuss the next steps, and determine if the acquisition of this land is a possibility and within the means of the city, residents, land trust, and Regional Park partners.

City of Martinez

City News General Election

A general election will be held in the City of Martinez on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, for the following officers: mayor (one seat) and city council (two seats). A nominee must be a registered voter residing within the city. Nomination petitions may be obtained from the city clerk’s office, located at 525 Henrietta Street in Martinez, and filed with the deputy city clerk in person no later than 5pm, August 8.

As of this printing, the following have pulled nomination papers for mayor: Rob Schroder (incumbent) and Gay Gerlack. The following have pulled nomination papers for city council: Mark Thomson, Lara DeLaney (incumbent), Debbie McKillop, Mike Alford, Felix Sanchez and Michael Menesini (incumbent).

Campbell Theatre Granted Extension

The city council approved a six-month extension of existing agreements between Onstage Theatre and Bisio Trust to June 30, 2015. Such an arrangement would allow Onstage to accommodate booking requests for the first half of 2015.

The city entered into a sublease agreement with Onstage Repertory Theater in October, 2013, for a term that runs concurrently with the Bisio Master Lease, both due to expire on December 31, 2014. To date, Onstage has paid the city rent in the amount of $1,750. Throughout it’s lease agreement, Onstage has assumed numerous repairs and improvements to the theatre, including more theatre-style seating and the building of a 16-foot wide movie screen.

At the July 2 city council meeting, Mark Hinds, managing director of Onstage, reported, “We saw our average attendance for this last show (Shipwrecked!) nearly double from what is was, and we have an entire fall season booked. I have five shows in a production meeting at the Campbell Theatre. We originally told you that it takes a year to a year and a half to expect to build an audience, but at the rate we’re going, we’re doing quite well. Our goal is to have something going on every weekend.” The Addams Family Musical, a Bay Area Stage production, will play at the Campbell Theater from October 17 through November 2.

The Bisio Trust will allow the city’s rent to remain fixed at the current rate of $4,637 per month during the extension period. As a result, the city will be obligated to pay an additional $27,822 in rent ($4,637 per month x 6 months). Onstage’s new minimum monthly rent amount of $300 equates to a minimum of $1,800 in revenue to offset the additional expense, resulting in a net cost to the general fund of $26,022.

600 Ferry Street

Renovations for The Quart House Restaurant and Bar at 600 Ferry Street in Martinez are currently on hold. According to their Facebook page, “The corporate officers and staff of The Quart House will continue to fight to make this landmark destination a reality and will keep you all informed as we progress. As of today, The Quart House Bar & Grill project is on hold indefinitely.... Don’t give up on us yet.”

Chef Rodney Worth, who opened The Peasant & The Pear in Danville in 2004, is the future executive chef. City staff has been working with the applicant with obstacles that include upgrading the facility to meet both disabled access and earthquake safety standards. According the city manger’s July 10 weekly update, “This building is on the Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Inventory list and has not yet been retrofitted. The city’s current URM ordinance requires these property owners to submit a complete set of engineered drawings no later than August 15, 2014.

The property management company has been working with the owner on getting the required two construction drawings completed, but nothing has been submitted yet.”

National Night Out

National Night Out (NNO) will be held this year on Tuesday, August 5. NNO is held each year on the first Tuesday of August to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

It sends a message to criminals to let them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting: Summer Recess in August Reconvene on September 3 at 7pm in the Council Chambers Design Review Meeting Aug. 13, 27 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 3-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Aug. 26 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Aug. 6, 20 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 3-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

Chamber Calendar

Ambassador Meeting – If interested in attending, contact us at (925) 228-2345 or email info@martinezchamber.com.

8/14 – Chamber Mixer 5:30 – 7:30pm. Good Times Then and Now co-hosted w/ Good Stuff Guitar Shop, 613 Main Street, Martinez. Great networking, food, fun and raffle prizes. Bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!

8/19 – Ribbon Cutting 5pm. Smooth Season, 522 Center Avenue (Nob Hill), Martinez. Please join us in welcoming our new member!

SAVE THE DATES: Martinez Martini Month: 9/12 - Martini Happy Hour 5-7pm. ARTU4iA, 725 Ward St., Martinez.

9/27 - Martinis on the Plaza Gala 6:30-10pm. Plaza Ygnacio Fountain, Martinez. Tickets on sale NOW. Visit www.Martinezmartini.com.

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City of Concord

Mayor’s Message The Volunteer

We need to pause periodically and give thanks to the people who give so generously of their time and resources without any expectation of reward or compensation.

There is a misconception about those who contribute to our Gross National Product, the sum total of all the goods and services produced in our country in a given year. Our first thought is usually about the mega-corporations that get publicity through their logos and national advertisements of their million dollar gifts to this or that foundation.

The fact is, 28 million small businesses in America employ over fifty percent of our workforce and contribute far more to our economy than is generally understood or appreciated. But there is a larger force at work -- volunteers.

Recently, I attended a breakfast at a local hotel hosted by The Volunteers of America. I am aware of this group because volunteering is a large part of my life. Please pardon my immodesty, but I have been awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for each of the past six years. I mention this because I do not want to preach about volunteering without letting you know I am a participant. More importantly, I am deeply proud of all those who have served with me. What is not well known is, according to the Corporation for National and

Community Service, one in four adults in America performs volunteer work through an organization. That equates to approximately 64.5 million Americans volunteering 7.9 billion hours just last year alone.

Volunteers are the faceless people you bump into every day in hospitals, senior centers, food bank distribution points, parks, police departments, military veteran’s service centers, and a myriad of other non-profit and governmental agencies. These wonderful volunteers stabilize, strengthen, invigorate, and enhance this community and all communities across this great country.

They work without pay, provide comfort to the distressed, and bring smiles and laughter into our lives. They touch our heartstrings, especially in our own community of Concord.

Our local Volunteers in Police Services (aka VIPS), is comprised of over 100 volunteers who contributed 18,453 hours last year, amounting to a dollar savings of $433,473. Without that significant contribution, there would have been a huge service void for the citizens of Concord. They were responsible for so many daily tasks that we take for granted, e.g., business license project, Cadet program, shopping cart program, Concord amateur radio emergency service, chaplaincy, vacation house checks, school safety presentations, and special

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august 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Tim Grayson, Mayor of Concord

event staffing. Volunteers on the Citizen’s Emergency Response Team (CERT) are ready to take action at a moment’s notice in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Volunteerism reaches far beyond the confines of the Concord Police Department. Hundreds of volunteers were involved in the recent 4th of July parade. Excuse me for pointing out how proud I am of my wife, Tammy, who was the general chairperson of the parade event, a demanding job she has filled for a number of years. Were it not for volunteers, activities at the senior center would never be implemented and streets would not be as clean if not for the Adopt-a-Street Program. Over the past three years, volunteers in the Office of the City Clerk have scanned over 35,000 images for better and more

convenient access by the public. City employees have joined citizens in raising funds for MDA participating in the Relay for Life (12 city employees comprise one team). In addition, volunteers have served long and faithfully on Concord’s many boards and commissions. As the mayor of Concord, I am humbled and deeply grateful for their dedicated service.

If you are reading this and have not had the opportunity to share your unique talents and get involved, one phone call can change your life. Volunteerism provides the thread of individual action that strengthens the fiber of a neighborhood, community, or city. Your willingness to serve as a volunteer will make our City of Concord a better place in which to live and raise a family.

Public Meetings City Council No city council meetings in August.

Housing and Economic Development Aug. 25 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Garden Conference Room, 5:30pm.

Contact: 671-3495.

Design Review Aug. 14, 18 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Council Chambers, 5:30pm. Contact: 671-3495.

Planning Commission Aug. 6, 20 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Council Chambers, 7pm. Contact: 671-3495.

Zoning Administrator Aug. 13, 27 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Council Chambers, 9am. Contact 671-3495.

For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.concord.ca.us

Chamber Calendar

Every Thursday – Music and Market 6-8pm. Todos Santos Park.

8/6 – Women & Wine Networking Event 5-7pm. JFK University, 2151 Salvio St. Suite #350, Concord. Members $10/non-members $25.

8/9 – Meet One-on-One with State Senator Mark DeSaulnier10am-1pm.

Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.

8/19 – Business After Hours Mixer 5:30-7:30pm. Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ, 486 Sunvalley Mall, Concord. Bring business cards and a raffle prize for extra exposure.

Please verify schedule at www.concordchamber.com 925-685-1181

City of Concord

City News Concord Celebrates National Night Out August 5

Concord residents are invited to participate in the city’s 2014 National Night Out celebration on Tuesday evening, 6:30 – 9:30pm, August 5, in Todos Santos Plaza.

National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is an opportunity for the Concord community to join forces with thousands of other communities across the country in promoting cooperative, police/community crime prevention efforts. The evening will include K9 demonstrations by Concord Police officers.

Music for the event starts at 6:30pm and will be provided by LUMBERYARD and Garageland Rodeo on the Todos Santos main stage. At 8pm, in the spirit of the National Night Out’s Take Back the Streets campaign, bands will perform at the following locations: Steve Sage’s Rock, Rhythm and Blues Revue in the courtyard by Skipolini’s Pizza, Salvio Street at Concord Ave.; David Correa and Cascada (Latin guitar-based world music) in the Salvio Pacheco courtyard; and Timmer 2 Karaoke, corner of Mt. Diablo and Salvio Street. Participants can stroll from band to band symbolically “taking back the streets.”

Music will continue until 9:30pm.

Todos Santos Plaza is located in downtown Concord at Willow Pass Road and Grant Street. Free parking is available in two municipal parking garages with entrances on Salvio Street. For more information, call the Downtown Events Hotline, (925) 671-3464.

Filing Period for November Election

Three city council seats will be on the November ballot, each for a term of four years. One city treasurer position will be on the ballot, also for a term of four years. Candidates must be registered voters at their current residence in the City of Concord, citizens of the United States, 18 years of age or older, and not disqualified from holding office by the constitution or laws of the State of California.

The period for filing nomination papers for the above offices is July 14 - August 8, 2014. If one of the incumbents does not file nomination papers before 5pm on August 8, the nomination period will be extended to August 13, but only for non-incumbents. Candidates are asked to make an appointment with the city clerk to obtain nomination papers. For more information about the nomination and election process, candidates may contact City Clerk Mary Rae Lehman at (925) 671-3495 or visit the City of Concord website at http://www.cityofconcord.org.

As of this printing, the following candidates have pulled nomination papers for a seat on city council: Ronald E. Leone (incumbent), Harmesh Ku-

mar, Patrick Hogoboom, Tim Grayson (incumbent), Samuel Colvin, Brent Trublood, Laura Hoffmeister (incumbent) and Terry Kremin. Louis Mazzarella has pulled nomination papers for city treasurer.

California Symphony Pops in the Plaza Concert

Join the California Symphony on August 28 for their 16th annual free concert, beginning at 6:30pm at Todos Santos Plaza. This summer’s concert will feature Lisa Vroman (“One of American Musical Theater’s most beautiful voices”) and the California Symphony Orchestra performing great music from swing to jazz, movies, Broadway and everything in between! Perfect for the whole family, audiences will also love the many restaurants surrounding the park as well as the farmers’ market and many food vendors.

Monument Impact’s Community Awards

The first annual Monument Impact’s Community Awards breakfast will be held at the Concord Hilton on Thursday, September 11, 7:309:30am, and is expected to attract more than 200 business and community leaders. Proceeds from the event will support Monument Impact’s economic development, civic engagement, and healthy community programs, which provide tools and resources to build a vibrant community with a healthy and strong quality of life. Please consider supporting this event through a corporate sponsorship or business sponsor ad, or simply buy a ticket to this exciting and inspirational event! Sponsorship benefits offer valuable marketing and recognition. For more information, please contact Judith Parker at 925-682-8248 ext. 2140 or Judith@monumentimpact.org. Invitations will be mailed out by August 5. You can also register online at www.monumentimpact.org.

Carpet • Vinyl • Hardwood Tile • Window Coverings For Residential and Commercial Properties 982 Howe Rd. Martinez CA 94553 Phone: 925-685-1818 Fax: 925-370-6859 www.gilscarpets.com

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13

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Vacation Spots Warm Winter All-Inclusive Getaways

BY MARGARET MINER

As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to start planning your winter vacation for the entire family. All-inclusive resorts are a great option for parents and kids of all ages because they offer everything you can imagine included in one price! Picture a gorgeous resort with pristine pools, hot tubs, beaches and garden-like grounds, and then add in room accommodations, fine and casual dining, cocktails, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, activities for both kids and adults, and you have the perfect recipe for a successful, relaxing and fun family experience!

You’ll enjoy crystal Caribbean blue waters and white sand beaches at the Iberostar Paraiso Maya. Located on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this stunning 5-star resort is perfect for active families. Water activities abound; the resort boasts a lazy river, wave pool, six swimming pools, and a water park. Special programs for kids 4-12 and teens ensure there will never be a dull moment! From aerobics to archery and snorkeling to windsurfing, there is something for every member of the family. When it’s time to refuel, catch a casual bite at one of two buffets, or enjoy one of six specialty restaurants.

Ideal for families with children 3-12, Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort and Spa offers “unlimited luxury” for all guests. Adults will enjoy the golf course, spa, sparkling pools and top-shelf wines, beers and spirits, while the Explorer Club for kids offers fun activities designed around nature and exploration with a professionally supervised staff. Parents,

would you like to enjoy a romantic evening alone? The Explorer’s Club provides dinner and activities for your kids while you reconnect and enjoy gourmet dining options at one of four a la carte restaurants or large international buffet.

Before traveling, you can download an app that allows you to make calls and send messages over the Dreams WiFi network without incurring international roaming charges.

Dreaming of Hawaii? While not traditionally known as an all-inclusive destination, the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island now offers an “inclusive exclusive” package! Enjoy daily breakfast, dinner, house wine, beer, rail cocktails, and non-alcohol beverages for two when you stay four nights or longer.

This 62-acre award-winning oceanfront resort features three stunning pools with waterfalls, a 175-foot waterslide, and an adults-only pool. At Club Keiki for kids 5-12, camp counselors share their knowledge of the islands through storytelling and activities that engage and inspire.

The entire family can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the lovely, ocean-fed, salt-water lagoon or soak up the tropical sun on the smooth white-sand beach.

Your best bet for additional value is to book early for increased savings. An all-inclusive family vacation can allow you to stay within your travel budget while enjoying a multitude of activities and dining options. The only challenge you’ll face is deciding where to go!

Margaret Miner is the owner of VinoCruising, a full-service travel agency.

She can be reached at mminer@cruiseone.com

SUE NOACK for Pleasant Hill City Council

Working Together for Pleasant Hill

Dear Neighbors, I am running for Pleasant Hill City Council, and I appreciate the opportunity to earn your support.

After many years working in business, I’ve joined many of you to invest our time and energy as an investment in Pleasant Hill. And through all of our work this continues to be an incredible place to live.

Now the best way for me to help Pleasant Hill is to combine our collective sense of community with my financial and business experience to serve as a member of our City Council.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, and I look forward to working together with all of you not just on the campaign trail, but beyond as well.

Sue

SUE NOACK 925.278.4525 Sue@SueNoack.com www.SueNoack.com

Find us on Facebook.

307 Meadowood Ct. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Paid for by Sue Noack for Pleasant Hill City Council 2014. FPPC# 1366987. ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2014

15

You’ll think

Fundraiser for a Friend

highly

Helping the Hand that Feeds You

Liz Sandoval, a household name for years among restaurant goers, shop owners and locals, has been a popular waitress in various restaurants in Martinez and Pleasant Hill. In keeping with her go-getter attitude, Liz was running her daily four miles a few Sundays ago, when she was brought to the ground by a brain aneurism. She miraculously made it home and was rushed to the hospital. After an eighthour surgery, Liz is now recovering at a local hospital.

Liz is the type of person who lives to make others smile. She is a loyal, caring woman who would do anything for someone in need. She will have to learn to slow down and let others care for her over the next two or three months while she recovers. The tables are now turned, and she wouldn’t adcommunityfocus-ecomulch-ad-2014-2.pdf mit it, but Liz needs our help. If it was

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up to Liz, she would never ask. We all want her to walk slowly down the long road of recovery, so she can spend many more years having dress-up dates with her granddaughter.

Please join in a fundraiser to support her medical and living expenses as she recovers. The owners and staff at Mr. Lucky’s are hosting a spaghetti dinner to support one of their own on Monday August 4, starting at 5pm.

If you can’t make it to the fundraiser, stop by Mr. Lucky’s any time with your donation. Proceeds will go toward Liz’s medical and living expenses as she recovers.

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Xtreme Recess Youth Camp (full day option) August 4 -15, M-F, 8am-5:30pm. Top off the summer with two weeks of summer time fun for kids entering grades 1–7. Campers will enjoy games at our community parks, swimming at the PH Aquatic Center, and fun local adventures to Q-Zar, Diablo Bowling, Sky High Sports, Waterworld and Century Theatres!

Register online at pleasanthillrec.com or call (925) 682-0896. PH Teen Center, 147 Gregory Lane.

Preschool Summer Camps Fun preschool day camp options are available in August by age group (2 yrs. 9 mos. - 4 yrs.; 3.5 - 4.5 yrs.; & under 6 yrs). Campers discover their world through hands-on exploration and group activities in art, music, movement and nature activities. Visit pleasanthillrec.com/camps for registration and more preschool camps.

American Iron Car Show August 10, 10am–3pm. Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District and Downtown Pleasant Hill celebrate 13th annual show! Take a walk down memory lane and enjoy the gorgeous vehicles of yester-year. Free to public. Participating car owners must pre-register and provide entry fee. Location: Crescent Drive in Downtown Pleasant Hill. $28 car entry fee to register pre-80s American car (Space is limited.) Call (925) 682-0896 for more details.

Keep Cool at Pleasant Hill Aquatic Park Summer hours: June 16–Aug. 24, Mon– Th, 1:15–4:15pm & Fri–Sun, 1–5pm.

Family swim passes and 15-visit punch cards available at Aquatic Park or District office. Call (925) 682-0896 for picnic reservations.

Friday Night Family Swim August 22, 6–9pm. Public swim passes are valid for entry. PH Aquatic Park, 147 Gregory Lane.

Dolfin’s 50th Anniversary Reunion Festivities August 22-23. Help us celebrate 50 years of “Have Fun! Swim Fast!” All former team members and families welcome! For ticket sales and event details, visit pleasanthillrec.com/ aquatics/dolfinsswimteam.html.

Summer Celebration Rentals Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District has the perfect indoor and/or outdoor venue for your summertime parties and events. Contact Ryan Herriman at (925) 676-5200.

PLE A

Teen Center Open House August 20, 5 – 7pm. Come check out the teen scene! Meet our awesome staff and sign up for our popular Teen After School Program (grades 6-12).

Experience the Teen Center’s open, bright environment where teens gather together, play, take classes, and participate in fun teen events. For more information, visit phteenscene.com.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2014

17

Heritage Bolt

The Gold U13 Girls Heritage Soccer Club Team, “Bolt,” took 1st place at the Azuri Summer Classic Tournament for the second year in a row. Bolt started off with a loss to WSC Fire from Woodland, however, they finished with two straight shut outs to make it to the championship against WSC Fire to redeem their loss. The score ended in regulation with a 1 - 1 tie.

After two 10-minute overtime rounds, the score remained at 1 - 1. The championship went to PKs. Bolt won the tournament with a score of 4 - 3. The girls fought hard and persevered.

8U Panthers

The 8U Pleasant Hill Panthers won the PHBA Field of Dreams Softball Tournament held July 18-20. The Panthers defeated the Livermore Smoke 6-0 in the championship game, winning this tournament for the second year in a row.

First Row LtoR: Maeve Gagnon, Hailey Hallford, Stevie Fong, Hailey Stripling, Jessica Delatorre, Lexi Sealy, Carly Short.

Second Row LtoR: Morgan Bowdish, Myia Weiler, Liberty Lynch, Bella Montero, Ariana Rivera. Third Row LtoR: Coach Heidi Hallford, Coach Mark Weiler, Coach Brian Gagnon, Manager Jose Delatorre.

Front row LtoR: Sophie Hermelin, Haley Kropf-Rodezno, Carlee Palmer, Zeta Olvera, Julia Giannini, Rylee McCormick. Middle LtoR: Holly Jordan, Megan Jensen, Maya Drewicke, Katie Foerste, Kiera Walker, Karina Umali, Vanessa Kaminska, Jordan Goularte. Back row LtoR: Coach Jon Giannini, Coach Julio Borge, Tatiana Elsea.

Concord Patriots

14U Panthers

The 14U Pleasant Hill Panthers took first place at the annual summer Del Holson Fastpitch Softball Tournament in Benicia on June 21 and 22. The Panthers went 5-0, outscoring their opponents 56-18. They knocked Union City Fury out in the semifinal 15-3 then came back from a 3-0 deficit to beat Sunnyvale Shockwave 5-3 in the championship game. Submitted by Steve Mitolo.

With hard work, dedicated parents, and baseball skills, the 8U Concord Patriots won a 17-team state championship tournament in Rohnert Park. Towns in Northern California sent their best teams to represent them to play for the championship. The feisty Concord team battled the undefeated Rohnert Park in the semi-final and found themselves down 13 runs in the 3rd inning. The Patriots would not be denied and fought back in a game of the ages to end on a walk off double by Nathan Leffel. In the championship, the Concord Patriots sent Chase Taylor to the mound to deal a complete game one hitter en route to a state title! Other notables for the tourney were Diego Emerling (bash brother #1), Lorenzo Solares (MVP), Ty Bristol (6Ks of opposing batters), Sean Cofer Jr., Emilio Strange (walk off in the championship!), Matthew Dashner (bash brother #2), Mason Minerd, Vincent Huber (600 state tourney batting average), Jaden Lack (two web gems in the semi and championship), Caleb Friesen (huge RBI in the first game), and Dominic Hudson (666 on base percentage). The Concord Patriots went on to represent Northern California in a regional tournament in Long Beach July 21-24 and competed against teams from around the country, including Hawaii, Guam, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

16U Panthers

Top row LtoR: Coach Jessie Lack, Coach Roger Leffel, Manager Sam Huber, Coach Mark Bristol, and Coach Scott Taylor. (Not pictured: Jake Emerling). Bottom row LtoR: Ty Bristol, Matt Dashner, Chase Taylor, Caleb Friesen, Lorenzo Solares, Vincent Huber, Diego Emerling, Dominic Hudson, Jaden Lack, Mason Minerd, Emilio Strange, and Nathan Leffel. (Not pictured: Sean Cofer Jr.)

Back row, LtoR: Heather Pelletier, Carly Vadnais, Allie Naccara, Hailey Burr, Rachel Ingram, Adriana Baleto, Amy Jones. Front row, LtoR: Hanna DeWitt, Hailey Valladao, Katie Kaprive, Vanessa Osti and Katie Rinella.

18

august 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Panthers 16U outscored their opponents and took 2nd place at Concord’s Coke Classic Tournament July 12 and 13. Coaches Frank Baleto, Mike Goonan, and Rick Naccara lead their team to great pitching, defense and hitting.

Whitmore Hired

New Head Track & Field Coach at DVC

Diablo Valley College has hired Hercules High School’s Kyle Whitmore as the new track and field head coach for the 2014 campaign.

Whitmore served the past five years as the Titans head coach, donning the blue, platinum and black from 2009-2014.

He began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Hercules program in 2007 after graduating from UC Davis with a B.A. in communications.

The Pinole Valley High graduate of 2002 was not only laudable in track and field, but also received All-Bay Area 1st team honors as a football defensive back while receiving academic achievement honors in the classroom.

Whitmore is also a former Contra Costa Comet, having participated in both football & track and field for the fall 2002 and spring 2003 semesters, respectively.

In track, he was a Nor Cal meet 400-meter hurdle finalist.

Whitmore transferred from Contra Costa College and received a football

scholarship at UC Davis in the fall of 2004.

While playing for the Aggies team, they pulled off a monumental upset over Stanford in Palo Alto, 20-17, in 2005.

Among many achievements spanning his athletic career, Whitmore takes the most pride in is his ability to matriculate student-athletes to the next level, moving multiple students every year during his tenure as head coach of Hercules High School. Most recently, this included coaching class of 2014 graduates Jalen Doss en route to UC Berkeley and Jerrick Bernstine to CSU East Bay.

Prior to starting his coaching career, Whitmore served as the program coordinator for the East Bay Leadership Foundation in Oakland, working as an academic mentor for high school youth looking to attend college. It’s safe to say that Whitmore has a deep passion for helping youth reach new heights, a trait that should make him an excellent fit for the junior college ranks.

Whitmore replaces Shelly Pierson as DVC’s head track and field coach.

Academy Volleyball Boys Go the Distance to Compete

The U17 Boys Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy team of Pleasant Hill entered the 2014 USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championships in Houston, Texas, as the #1 seed. Coming from a seeding tournament (SCVA Boys Junior Classic) the prior weekend with a gold medal, they shifted their focus to the national championships.

On day one of the tournament, they had a very strong showing with final match scores of 25-9, 25-15, and 25-17. Day two ended with another strong showing as the team won all three matches in two sets. On day three, a SoCal team called 949, took the first set against Pacific Rim, shocking the audience, but Pacific Rim came back to win the match in the second and third sets.

Day four was redemption day for Pacific

Rim as they faced teams that had knocked them out in previous tournaments.

First up was Coastal from Virginia giving Pacific Rim a run for their money as the team barely squeaked by with the final scores of 26-24 and 25-21. Pacific Rim stunned Rochester’s Pace Bootlegger in their second match of the day with the scores of 25-17 and 25-14, vaulting them to the Gold Medal match against Southern California ace club Balboa Bay. Pacific Rim played a lights out game when it counted and won both sets, 25-20.

Over two weeks, Pacific Rim 17 Boys competed in two major tournaments, notching a remarkable match record of 23-0 and an astonishing set(s) record of 46-1.

Martinez Red Sox

The Seniors Red Sox won their first game in the Tournament of Champions Tuesday, June 17, and won the championship game Thursday, June 19, against Antioch.

The Red Sox were missing players due to an 8th grade trip to Washington, DC, the week of the championship game, leaving just one pitcher, Lauren King, to play two games. The coaches asked Brianna Rios if she could fill in and pitch. Brianna was never a pitcher nor trained to be one; she’s a shortstop. She practiced pitching only a couple of days before the big game. Brianna said she concentrated on just throwing to Maci, the team’s catcher. “It’s just me and Maci,” she repeated to herself.

Lauren King was allowed to pitch four innings and Brianna needed to step in and pitch the remaining three. Lauren did a great job at the mound, and Brianna finished a great season, her last year playing little league, by pitching her way out to victory; they won 12 to 10. Liz, a team parent said, “Our awesome coaches are Phil, Kathi and Jim. Without them, the team wouldn’t be as strong and unified as they are.”

Pictured LtoR Top: Head Coach Roger Worsley, Assistant Coach Joe Peacock, Ryan Smith, Donovan Mitchel, Patrick Gasman, Sean Vaisima, Jordon Ewert, Mitch Brooks, Assistant Coach Dipen Patel Bottom: Connor Keowen, Joe Worsley, Stephen Bhul, Jack Eisner, Gage Worsley, John Whitman, and Jonathan Santos.

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martinezautobodyshop.com ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2014

19

DFC Tournament Jenna Betti Memorial

The Diablo Futbol Club (DFC) is hosting the 1st Annual Jenna Betti Memorial Tournament August 16 – 17. The tournament, held in Concord on some of the best fields throughout the East Bay and Diablo Valley, is set to provide excellent competition, with multiple brackets for girls U12 - U17 and U19. The event is in memory of Jenna Betti, who was part of the Diablo FC G99 family and played on the 99G Blue Azzurri team.

Jenna tragically passed away in March of 2014.

Through this beloved sport, she shared a special bond with both her family and the teammates she loved. Carol Monti, DFC board member said, “We were in the process of restructuring our tournaments, so it was a perfect fit and opportunity. Jenna loved her team and was incredibly loyal to DFC.” DFC hopes that this annual celebration of Jenna’s life will continue to remind our community of the value sports have in our children’s lives and the joy and positive connections it brings them.

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august 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

PHMSA Extreme

The 10U girls soccer team from Pleasant Hill Martinez Soccer Association finished in 4th place out of 32 teams in the AYSO National Tournament in Riverside. The tournament hosted top teams from all over the country as far east as New York and as far west as Hawaii. XTREME USA finished with a record of 4-2-1 in the tournament, including a victory over national powerhouse Hawaii. XTREME USA had goals scored by Emma Goth, Gigi Betti, Claire Sawin, Claire Moran, Brenda Armenta and Mia Puljiz. Courtney Wagner, Adiva Asefi, and Lue Van Handle made stellar defensive contributions. Goalkeepers Claire Sawin, Kaelie Griffin and Lue Van Handle provided outstanding play for XTREME USA.

Back row LtoR: Coaches Robert Puljiz and Paul Betti. Front row LtoR: Emma Goth, Kaeli Griffin, Mia Puljiz, Gigi Betti, Courtney Wagner, Brenda Armenta, Claire Moran, Lue Van Handel, Adiva Asefi, and Claire “Buzzsaw” Sawin. Submitted by Robert Puljiz.

Athletic Education Sports Are What Your Child Does

BY KEVIN ARNDT

Never forget that a sport is something you or your child does; it is not who you are.

I recently read the Pat Tillman book, Where Men Win Glory,

by Jon Krakauer. In the book, Krakauer talks about why Tillman walked away from 10 million dollars to play for league minimum with the Cardinals.

He explains that Tillman used football as a resource in order to get a good education; he was never afraid to walk away from the sport because it wasn’t who he was, it was what he did.

We see it with our athletes everyday. They feel defined by their sport, and if it is gone, they can become lost.

I preach to them that they were given a talent that not too many people possess, and they need to ride that for as long as they can. However, they also need to understand that getting a topnotch education is more important. Hopefully, they can take their

sport past college and live out their dreams of competing at the highest level, whether that is the NFL, MLB, NBA, or Olympics. But if that dream is not realized, they can fall back on the education they got for free or close to free, and that is a great consolation prize. The problem is, when an athlete feels defined by their sport, they tend to lose focus on education and put it in the back seat.

I try to let athletes know that education is more important than accolades received from sports. Coaches and parents, as a whole, need to reinforce that in our athletes, otherwise, we reinforce the idea that a sport is what defines them rather than being a part of who they are. At the end of the day, the athlete’s career will come to an end, but if they back it up with a great education, they set themselves up for a long and successful career through sports, and that is ultimately what we all want.

Kevin Arndt is an athletic trainer at Forma Gym in Walnut Creek.

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21

Wills and Trusts

Planning Estates for Blended Families

BY DANIEL DuREE

The issues involved in estate planning are both complicated and emotionally charged for any family. Things become even more difficult when a husband or wife has children from a previous relationship. The decisions become more important because of the possibility that children from a previous relationship may not end up with anything if the surviving spouse spends all of the assets or changes the estate plan. If the children are strictly provided for, there is also a possibility that the surviving spouse may not have enough money to support him or herself.

This is a very common issue and can be dealt with in a couple of ways. With proper legal planning and communication, many potential problems can be mitigated. I will discuss the three most

common ways of dealing with estate planning for a blended family. We will assume the family is using a revocable trust for probate avoidance.

Leave all Assets in Control of the Surviving Spouse

A married couple can create a jointly settled revocable trust with agreed upon beneficiaries and spouses acting as cotrustees. In its most simple form, when one spouse dies, the other spouse is sole trustee and the trust is still fully amendable and revocable by the surviving spouse. What this means is that even if the children of the deceased spouse were initial beneficiaries, the surviving spouse has the power to amend the trust and remove them as beneficiaries. It is not uncommon for a surviving spouse to amend a trust years after the death of the first spouse because their relationship with some of the initial beneficiaries (e.g., the deceased spouse’s children) has changed over time. The other poten-

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planning for a mixed family, if practical, is to simply leave a certain amount of assets to the children when their parent dies. That way, the children are provided for and the surviving spouse has control over the remainder of the assets to support him or herself. Although the children may not end up with as much as under the split trust scenario, they will receive the money earlier and the surviving spouse will be better protected.

There are numerous other permutations of a trust that can combine different aspects of these three approaches. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to call and I will be happy to discuss this and any other estate planning issues in further depth.

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) 210-1400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.

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tial issue arises when a surviving spouse enters a new relationship and amends the trust in favor of their new significant other.

Split the Trust at the Death of the First Spouse

Another option is to split the trust in half at the death of the first spouse with half of the trust being irrevocable and earmarked for the deceased spouse’s children. The trust can be drafted so that the surviving spouse has access to all of the income but none of the principal, or all of the income and a certain percentage of the principal per year. It can also be written so that the surviving spouse only has access to the deceased spouse’s half after they have spent their own half.

Of course the danger with this scheme is that the surviving spouse needs the assets to care for him or herself and is unable to access them.

Give the Children Their Share at the Death of Their Parent

The easiest way to deal with estate

august 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

The Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library received a $500 award from the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation (PHCF) to augment the robotics capacity of the Pleasant Hill Library’s popular Saturday afternoon LEGO Creator’s Club. The club is just one creative example of how the staff at the Pleasant Hill Library provides literacy and continuing education opportunities to make learning fun! LEGOs provide an excellent medium for the development of hand-eye coordination and 3-D visualization. With the addition of robotics last year, the appeal was expanded to middle school and teen-aged youth. Purchase of additional robotic components from the PHCF award will permit even more youth (and adults) to learn how to build and program their own robotic creations. We appreciate the generosity of the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation for helping to expand the capacity of the LEGO Creator’s Club.

This summer, the Friends also funded eight weeks of instruction in 3-D computer programming using open source (free) software to supplement the computer literacy efforts of our library. If you haven’t been to the library in a while, find out what you’ve been missing; the library is much more than a place to borrow books! Check out the on-line calendar at ccclib.org/locations/pleasanthill.html or come for a tour after the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5pm on Tuesday, September 9.

On-Site ~ Roam the Plaza Tour

Finance your NEW or USED AUTO loan and receive a $100.00 GAS CARD!* JOIN TODAY

Receive a FREE Gift!

Photo Courtesy of Dan Ward & David Gans - BB Production Studio

SHELL WESTERN STATES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Offers membership to any person who lives, works, worships, volunteers, has a business or attends school in the City of Martinez & Pacheco

Shell Western States offers many great services: FREE Checking FREE Bill Pay & Home Banking Interest rates as low as 1.90% High Yield Rates on Savings Accounts Retirement Solutions / IRA Rollovers First Order of Checks FREE

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SWS

1700 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez CA 94553

925-228-4545

Visit us on the web: www.swsfcu.org *No refinances/must meet underwriting criteria. ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2014

23

Local Happy Hour Picks

Favorite Spots to Stop and Wet your Whistle Vanessa’s Bistro 2 925-891-4790 1512 Locust Street, Walnut Creek Vietnamese Tapas With a French Twist Sunday- happy hour all day! Mondays – $6 Margaritas, $30 Margarita Pitchers • Tuesdays – Tapas Tuesdays: 50% off all Tapas all day, $6 Avion Silver Margarita • Wednesdays- 50% off all bottles of Wine and Champagne.

Lazy Dog 925-849-1221 Willows Shopping Center, 1961 Diamond Blvd, Concord The place to be for a quick dinner with the family, a meandering meal with friends or a night out on the town! Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3-6pm & Sunday-Thursday 9pm-close (bar & patio only).

Drinks range from $3-$7, $3-$6 for favorite eats.

Dallimonti’s 925-944-5224 1932 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill A neighborhood Italian family style restaurant with

live music. Mondays: $6 BBQ 5:30-7:30pm. Tuesdays: Free tacos at happy hour. Happy hour M-F 5-7pm offering great eat and drink specials.

Massés Sports Bar & Grill 925-256-7665 2721 North Main St., Walnut Creek 10,000 square feet offering pool tables, ping pong, 30 flat screen TV’s, live entertainment and large menu. Mondays: All drinks starting with “M” are $4 all day. Tuesdays: $1 tacos, $2 Coronas, $3 margaritas. Wednesdays: All draft microbrews $4 all day. Thursdays: $5 lunch specials 11am-5pm; 10-11pm all drinks $5, promo shots $3. Fridays: Buy one burger get one free. Sundays: $13 bottomless mimosas 10am-2pm.

Kobe Japan 925 705-7065 1918 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill Seafood, steakhouse, hibachi, sushi lounge and sports bar. Happy hour 7 days a week 4-6pm $7.95 Signature rolls; $9.95 Sushi/Sashimi platter; $3.25 Classic rolls.

EL TAPATIO authentic mexican restaurant

JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR! MONDAY - FRIDAY 3 PM TO 6 PM SPECIALS ON HOUSE MARGARITAS & DRAFT BEERS FREE CHIPS AND SALSA TACO TUESDAY SERVED ALL DAY

SUNDAY BRUNCH SERVED 10 AM - 2 PM

Open 7 Days: Mon - Sat 11AM - 9 PM • Sundays 10AM - 8PM

40 Golf Club RD., Pleasant Hill 925.676.2420 • WWW.ELTAPS.COM

Sign up for our BIRTHDAY CLUB on our website and get a FREE MEAL Up to $30 for your birthday Teppanyaki Dinner!

Please go to our website www.KobeJapanRestaurant.com, and click Sign-Up for Our Birthday Club/Special Offers

El Tapatio (925) 676-2420 40 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill A family style restaurant offering fresh authentic

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ 925-677-7427 Sunvalley Shopping Center, 486 Sunvalley Mall in Concord Lucille’s serves up low and slow hickory-smoked BBQ, blues music and southern libations. Happy Hour: 3-7pm Monday through Friday and 9pm until closing, 7 days a week!

Wence’s 925-566-8971 1922 Oak Park Blvd. in Pleasant Hill Wences serves up a tasty variety of California cuisine.

Happy Hour: Mon. – Fri. from 3-6pm. Wine and beer available along with a selection of $5 appetizers.

Stiles Walks Miles

Food Trucks can Appear Anywhere

Our Lesley Stiles has been busy trekking across the Pyrenees Mountains with two good friends, exploring the bucolic lands of France and Spain, experiencing the local cuisine, tending to blisters, meeting fellow pilgrims and otherwise having the time of her life. Her self-guided walk began on June 27, and we look forward to reading about her journey in future articles, hopefully beginning in the September issue.

The following is taken from her blog (http://lesleystiles.blogspot.com): “Our story starts in St. Jean Pied de Port at the

base of the Pyrenees in France. The trail of Napoleon winds up the mountains and down the other side into Roncesvalles, Spain, in the Basque country. From there we meander 400 plus miles to end at the Compostela de Santiago in Santiago, Spain. We complete our journey traveling to the Western most point in Spain, Finisterre. We will be aiming for 15 (give or take) miles a day for about 33 or 34 days to complete the ridiculous aforementioned number of miles along incredibly scenic Basque routes through North Western Spain.”

Enjoy One free hibachi dinner from our kids’ menu per Adult hibachi entrée purchased.

Offer valid on Monday and Tuesday for the month of August 2014.

May not be valid for takeout orders or combined with any other offers.

1918 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill 925-705-7065/7066 (PHONE) • 925-705-7067 (FAX) www.kobejapanrestaurant.com august 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Tower Grille (925) 825-8768 1950-B Grant Street, Concord A neighborhood hangout for all ages, with a juke box, big screen TVs and expansive menu and full service bar. Call about menu and happy hour.

Mexican cuisine and a full bar. Happy hour MondayFriday from 3-6pm serving tap beers and house margaritas at 1/2 price. Selected appetizers are discounted as well.

Kobe Japan Family Night KIDS EAT FREE

With Coupon Only • Reservation Recommended

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Jack’s Restaurant 925-849-6195 60 Crescent Drive, Suite A, Pleasant Hill American (traditional)/Greek casual to fine dining, sit inside or out, with big screen TV’s in bar. Happy hour Monday – Friday 3:30-6:30pm. Beers start at $3; cocktails start at $4 Large variety of appetizers such as Mediterranean sampler, The Wedge, and Gyro Pizza all $5.

“While trudging up thousands of feet in ferociously strong winds so wicked we were warned to walk on the mountain side of the trail as opposed to the cliff side because we could be blown over, in the middle of absolutely nowhere, we came upon a food truck! Actually, it was a sheep herder with a van and thermoses of hot coffee, cocoa, hard boiled eggs, orange juice, candy and the absolute, in my life, culinary or otherwise, most amazing aged sheep cheese made from sheep that he raised and herded. He was pretty much our farewell to France as the Spanish border was only a few kilometers straight up from there.” ~ Lesley Stiles

In the Mix

A Quest for the Best Songs of the Summer

Paul’s Picks

So I decided to venture where no 50+ year old should go and listen to the new hits of 2014. Much to my surprise, there were actually songs I really liked! And these songs are even in the top 100 on the charts, which only gives me hope for the future of music. So let me recommend some of my discoveries.

The number one song in the country, or at least at the time I am writing this article, is by a band from Canada called Magic. Definitely influenced by The Police and The English Beat, their song “Rude” is a pure, fun pop/reggae tune, which I’m sure you will hear playing on just about every boom box on the beach this summer. My next pick is a gospel-influenced ballad by British artist Sam Smith. His song, “Stay With Me,” is just one of the finest ballads of the last few years. If you can find the version where he duets with Mary J. Blige, you will not be disappointed; it’s definitely a throwback to some ‘70s and ‘80s soul. And speaking of throwbacks, one of my favorite new bands is St. Paul & the Broken Bones. If you love Otis Redding and that whole ‘60s soul music sound, this is the band for you. My favorite song is “Call Me.” If you download one album this summer, this is the one. And if you love Southern rock, make sure you check out Blackberry Smoke. Their album, The Whippoorwill, is a great mix of rock ’n’ blues and country, similar to The Black Crowes and Zac Brown Band.

Now I must admit, I do not get why many recent songs have become hits. I am a fan of all types of music, but this new trend in country music of

August 6: Kyle Jester, Zachary’s Pizza, 140 Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill, 6pm August 8: Sin Silver & the Avenue, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm August 15: Scotty O’Neill, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Martinez, 7pm August 16: Caroompas Room, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm August 17: The Fundamentals, Pleasant Hill Summer by the Lake Series, 6pm August 29: Brodie Stewart Band, Dan’s Bar 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm August 31: The Big Jangle, Pleasant Hill Summer by the Lake Series, 6pm

mixing rap with a twang is beyond me.

Hey, Colt Ford, I want my 3:45 minutes back. And “Boom Clap” by Charli XCX is not the sound of my heart, but the sound of my XM radio being turned off.

For the most part, though, I will admit right here and now, there are some great songs and bands out there, you’ve just got to be adventurous! Let

me know your finds for the summer of 2014. Just go to the Community Focus website, www.ourcommunityfocus. com and let me know your picks.

Remember to get out to all the great free concerts and support local music!

Quote of the month: It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine ... it’s summertime! - Kenny Chesney

Dallimonti’s

Restaurant www.dallimontis.com

Come for the food stay for the music!

DON’T FORGET OUT SUNDAY BAR SPECIALS • MONDAY $6.00 BBQ TUESDAY FREE TACOS • SELECT WEDNESDAYS OPEN MIC 8/2 SoundByte • 8/9 The Big Jangle • 8/16 The Famous Three-O 8/23 Lumberyard • 8/30 The Business • A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner • Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome • Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood

1932 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 925-944-5224

AUGUST SPECIAL BREAKFAST & LUNCH

Country Cookin’ at its Old Fashioned Best PLEASANT HILL 2390 Monument Blvd.

687-4100 Kohls Shopping Center

Overall Best Restaurant

2 Eggs with your choice of 1/2 waffle or 2 flapjacks, and 2 strips of bacon or 2 sausage links or 1/2 ham

$6.99

All Day Everyday

Date Dining

1922 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill • 925-566-8971

Wencesrestaurant.com

ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2014

Brunch • Lunch • Dinner

BY PAUL COTRUVO

Now that the dog days of summer are in full swing, I’ve been pondering where the great summer songs and albums are. I can remember being a kid and having the latest songs shape my whole summer. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles came out in June of 1967 and ruled the airways. I can remember that some radio stations would even play the entire album instead of their regular playlist.

In the ‘60s, it was unheard of to go to the beach without blasting “California Girls” by the Beach Boys or “Hot Fun in the Summertime” by Sly and the Family Stone on your stereo. In the ‘70s, there was “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry and “School’s Out” by the great Alice Cooper. The ‘80s had “Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams and “Boys of Summer” by Don Henley. And even a few years, ago, Kid Rock had a huge hit, “All Summer Long” (although I still cannot get past his stealing Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” riffs). Nonetheless, these songs were ear candy, and you couldn’t help but sing along and turn up your radio when these tunes came on the radio.

So in 2014, what are those songs?

And being the age I am today, could I even relate? I must admit, I try to keep an open mind, but every day I sound more and more like an old curmudgeon who likes to tell their grandkids, “You kids these days... Why, when I was a kid, blah, blah blah!”

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Pair Up Getting Back to Basics

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BY MARIA TERRY

Although there is still a little summer left, August brings to mind the coming of fall and kids going back to school.

I have a daughter going off to college this year, so “back to school” has a whole new meaning to me. I created this menu in Larissa’s honor using some of her favorite foods. For those over 21, I have paired these recipes with two of the most loved wine varietals, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

While it is still hot outside, a cold soup makes for a nice starter in place of salad. Chilled Fresh Corn Soup with King Crab takes advantage of the local crop of fresh sweet corn. Previously frozen, precooked king crab legs are cheaper than

Dungeness crab and easier to get year ‘round. Pair this cool soup with a buttery Chardonnay to echo the sweet corn and rich crab. This recipe uses 2% milk in place of heavy cream, making it silky but not too high in calories.

Larissa’s favorite steak is top sirloin of beef or New York strip steak. It seems to hit that sweet spot of the beef cuts available these days: not as fatty as rib-eye, but with more rich beef flavor than filet mignon. This steak is terrific straight off the grill, but if you really want to create a memorable experience, top it off with a little Whiskey Pepper Cream Sauce. Smokey notes from the whiskey and a spike of heat from the black pepper are all smoothed out by a bit of heavy cream. And, if you like your sauce a little less creamy, just cut back on the amount of cream you whisk in at

the end. Pair this dish with a classic: an intensely aromatic, full flavored, Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cookies are a great way to finish a meal because they can be made ahead of time and can be eaten out of hand while sitting outside and enjoying a warm, late-summer evening. My daughter’s favorite cookie comes from a Mrs. Fields recipe called the Double Rich Chocolate Chip Cookie. On a personal note, I think it is the best tasting, “just out of the oven” cookie I have ever had.

As for pairings, don’t bother looking for a wine to go with these super sweet cookies; stick with the classics – coffee or, better yet, milk.

So, go on. Pair Up!

Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area, www.LaSommelierre.com.

Chilled Fresh Corn Soup with King Crab

Whiskey Pepper Cream Sauce

Double Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS • 1 lb. frozen cooked king crab legs, thawed • 6 cups fresh corn kernels (about 11 ears) • 4 1/2 cups water • 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper • 1 cup 2% milk • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

INGREDIENTS • 4 tbsp. butter • 1/2 cup diced onions • 1/2 cup whiskey • 1/2 cup beef stock or broth • Dash of salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream

INGREDIENTS • 2 1/2 cups flour • 1/2 tsp. baking soda • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 cup butter • 1 cup brown sugar • 3/4 cup sugar • 3 eggs • 2 tsp. vanilla • 2 cups chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS Cut shells off crab with kitchen shears; reserve shells. Coarsely chop crabmeat; chill. Combine shells, corn, 4 1/2 cups water, and red pepper in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes or until corn is very tender.

Discard shells.

Using a standard or hand blender, process until smooth. Press pureed corn mixture through a fine sieve over a bowl, reserving liquid; discard solids.

Stir in milk, chives, and black pepper. Chill 2 hours. Top with reserved crabmeat.

Yield: 8 servings

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

26

august 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

DIRECTIONS Cook the onions in the 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Turn off the burner temporarily.

Pour in the whiskey. As soon as it evaporates, turn the burner on mediumhigh heat and pour in the beef stock.

Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and allow the mixture to bubble up and reduce by half.

Whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter, and reduce the heat to low.

Whisk in 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup cream, according to your taste. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

Yield: about 1 cup

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

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 300°. Combine flour, soda, salt, and cocoa powder in a bowl.

Cream butter in mixer; add sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat again until well incorporated.

Add flour mixture slowly and chocolate chips at end. Do not over mix.

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet, 1½” apart.

Bake 21-23 minutes, transfer to cool surface immediately (cookies will stick if left on pan to cool).

Yield: 4 dozen

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

Discover Downtown Martinez

www.MainStreetMartinez.org

Fridays on the Main and Farmers Market!

Every Friday on Main St., Downtown Martinez Now through Sept. 12 Market 4-8pm Music & Cars 6-8pm

Fresh, Local Produce Live Music • Cool Cars www.MainStreetMartinez.org 925.228.3577

All new die cast cars, car shirts, neon clocks, poker chips, poker table tops, party supplies and games for the entire family.

We are also an authorized gallery for Michael Godard prints.

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613 Main Street / Martinez, CA 94553 t top by oday Car & and g n i l le b (925) 818-6751 Gam les “GOO t the D TIM tib ES” Collec beg in!

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INTRODUCTORY OFFER

Ca l l today! First Visit only $40 Call for an appointment • Walk-ins Welcome 925-698-9911 • ameschowdc@gmail.com

649 Main St., Suite 104 (across from Starbucks)

www.BayAreaBluesFestival.com

Presented by Main Street Martinez Produced by Steven Restivo Event Services, LLC ~ 800-310-6563 ~ SRESproductions.com ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2014

27

Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green Street, Martinez 925-370-8770 Sunday, August 10 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. Breakfast includes pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Cost is $4.00 for adults/$2.50 for children 10 and under.

Local Swingers Martinez Square Dancers

Thursdays - Bingo 12pm. Open for sales at 12pm; games begin at 1pm.

Wednesdays - Alzheimer’s Respite Program 10am-4pm. The Martinez Respite Group is for those with mild to moderate dementia who have an ability to care for their basic needs independently. Activities include discussion groups, exercise, crafts, table games, and projects to maintain social skills. One-time $20 registration fee, with daily lab fee of $15 charged monthly, includes lunch.

Sponsored by the City of Martinez. For information and registration, call (925) 370-8772.

September 5 & 12 AARP Smart Driver Course 10am – 2:30pm. The AARP Smart Driver Safety program helps seniors recognize their limitations and learn how to reduce accidents and regain driving privileges. Students will receive a Certificate of Completion, which may offer insurance discounts. Check with your car insurance for details. Checks payable to AARP at time of registration; no cash. $15 for AARP members with card, $20 for non-members.

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 NEW 50+ Classes in August! Sign up at pleasanthillrec.com.

August 7 & 14 - Point ReleaseTM Technique Workshop, 8:30-10:30am. Learn how to decrease chronic pain, improve flexibility, enhance athletic performance, and balance the body with Point ReleaseTM Technique (PRT).

August 13 & 20 - PARTNER UP! Neck & Shoulder Release 6-8pm. Partner up and learn how to give and receive a neck and shoulder shiatsu chair message and foot reflexology session.

August 14 – Care Management Series, “Burial at Sea,” presented by Neptune Society, 2-3:30pm. Free series held the 2nd Thursday of each month. Presented and sponsored by The Chateaus of Pleasant Hill. Pre-register, space is limited.

RSVP required, (925) 798-8788.

Yard Work Help for Seniors

The Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission is taking requests from senior residents who need help with basic yard work. The work will only be done on September 27 during Community Service Day, and only front yard landscaping and gardening is permissible. If you are interested in receiving assistance from Community Service Day volunteers or have any questions about this project, please contact Martin Nelis at (925) 671-5229 or email him at mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us.

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august 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Members of the Martinez Swingers Club at the Golden State Round Up, an annual major Northern California event.

Another series of square dance classes is being offered at the Martinez Adult Education Center. This has been a very popular class taught by a long time professional square dance caller. The class is supported by members of the Martinez Swingers Square Dance Club who happily and actively participate in the class each Saturday morning to help give them the best possible experience and learn what square dancing is all about.

Classes will be held Saturdays, September 6 – October 4, 10:30am-12:30pm, Martinez Adult Education Bldg., Alhambra at F Street, Martinez. Classes are $45 per person. Pre-register and save $5, 925-228-3276.

Musical Talent

Buck Cheshire Singer/Songwriter

Buck Cheshire is a local singer/songwriter who has lived in the Lamorinda/ Walnut Creek area since 1972 and Pleasant Hill for the past 35 years. He began his musical pursuits at the young age of five, and during his 59 years of playing music he has performed with many musicians, including John Fogarty (high school freshman year), Johnny Bond (Hot Rod Lincoln) and most recently, Tim Barnes, the founding member of the classic 60’s group Stone Ground.

A retired executive with thirty-eight years in the aerospace industry, Buck is now concentrating on his music. He is currently devoting most of his musical talents to performing at the Pleasant Hill Chateau I, II, and III assisted living homes; Legacy Rehabilitation Hospital in Martinez; and the Martinez Veterans Hospital.

Buck likes to play old standards from pop, folk, country, and rock ‘n’ roll.

He plays solo or with additional musician friends, including Any Reason with Cote and Cookie Reese, and Dan “Jackson” Stanton. Buck’s schedule through

the end of 2014 has plenty of openings, so if you would like to hear and see fun and happy music performed, give Buck a call at 925-787-6149 or visit his website http://www.buckshotozoneband.com.

Read My Mind© Summer Reading Update

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

If you’re interested in the history of aviation, you will absolutely love Lawrence Goldstone’s book, Birdmen: The Wright Brothers, Glenn Curtiss and The Battle To Control The Skies. We learn about the great pioneers of aviation, their battle for supremacy in the skies, and the validity of their patents. We’re introduced to all the giants of the early days of manned flight and journey with them as they try to out dual each other to be “the king of the skies.”

Everyone knows about the Wright brothers, but few know the tremendous impact Glenn Curtiss had on aviation. For his many contributions, Curtiss has been called “the Father of the American Aviation Industry.” Just by serendipity, I was reading this book while watching Jeopardy. (Yes, I often read while watching TV; it drives my wife absolutely nuts!) The final Jeopardy answer was “In 1911, Glenn Curtiss received this document No.1.” The question was “What is a pilot’s license?”

(The Wright brothers got licenses Nos.4 & 5.) None of the contestants got it right. If any of them had read this book, that person would have become Jeopardy champion and won thousands of dollars. See how valuable reading can be?

Sue Monk Kidd’s novel, The Invention of Wings, has nothing to do with aircraft, but it does tell the story of two young women who use their ingenuity to find their own wings. The novel is based on real-life abolitionist Sarah Grimke and her fictional relationship with a slave nicknamed “Handful” who was given to young Sarah by her parents in 1803. The book follows their fictional relationship for the next thirty-five years. The main characters share the narration with letters to each other, which are the heart and soul of their wonderful bond.

We are introduced to other abolitionists, including Sarah’s younger sister, Nina. As adults, they travel the country preaching the message that slavery is an evil that must be ended.

In the meantime, Handful must deal with two other strong women, Sarah’s mother, who will not set her free, and her own mother, who disappears for years only to return with another daughter. This coming of age novel combines real people with fictional characters who “invent their own wings” while two amazing women struggle for their own freedom.

Ben Tarnoff’s latest book is The Bohemians: Mark Twain and the San Francisco Writers who Reinvented American Literature. If you ever wondered what the term “bohemian” means, Tarnoff’s book will certainly give you great examples. You’ll learn about the early career of Mark Twain and the other writers who lived in San Francisco just after the Civil War, including “Golden Boy” Bret Harte. This motley crew “reinvented American literature by challenging the musty classism of the eastern establishment.” This well-written book will broaden your horizons of American literature.

Speaking of bohemians, Emma Donoghue’s best selling novel Frog Music is based on an actual unsolved 1876 San Francisco murder case. Jenny Bonnet, a cross-dresser who supplements her income by selling frog’s legs to local restaurants, is murdered. Her friend Blanche Beunon tries to find the killer before he finds her. Blanche soon discovers that Jenny was “a charmer as slippery as the frogs she hunts.” This spicy book is filled with lyrics and an afterword that explains the history of the music cited in the book. While hard to follow at time because it jumps back and forth so often, Frog Music is a poetic story of two extraordinary women and life in San Francisco during the 1870’s. It’s a great companion to Tarnoff’s book.

To Read or Not to Read A Stephen King Masterpieice

BY ZANE DUNDON

Stephen King is one of the most prolific and well-known authors alive and The Stand is considered his masterpiece. The story begins with the outbreak of a deadly virus known as “Captain Trips” and details the chaos that ensues as a result of the death toll. The majority of the book involves the journeys of three different groups of survivors and their eventual meeting in Nebraska. These three groups are drawn together by their shared dreams of a 106-year-old woman named Abagail Freemantle, known to them as “Mother Abagail.”

Mother Abagail stands as the symbol and embodiment of good and acts as a spiritual leader for the survivors.

However, the counterpoint to Mother Abagail is Randall Flagg, the merciless embodiment of evil. Soon after the survivors begin to establish a functioning society in the city of Boulder, they become aware of the danger that Randall Flagg and his followers pose and realize they must confront him if they hope to survive. Randall Flagg is an extraordinarily memorable villain because of his complete lack of morality and the sense of danger that

pervades every scene he is in.

King does a great job of writing characters that elicit real emotions from the reader. On its surface, The Stand appears to be a simple good vs. evil story, but it is much more than that.

King tells the stories of a number of different characters and explores their motivations, values, and weaknesses. Some of these characters are good, some are evil, but most are somewhere in between.

Their struggles reveal the factors that shaped them into who they are, and their responses to different challenges reveal their character.

Because of all these various plot lines, The Stand is a long book (over 1,000 pages). However, I found that it did not get dull or monotonous because the scale of the book and number of plot lines require it to be that long. The fact that there are so many characters also helps to keep it from growing repetitive and makes it easy to read quickly. The Stand does not necessarily fit into any one genre, which makes it appealing to many different readers. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy, science fiction, horror, or adventure.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2014

29

Silver Award

Grad Requirements

Helping Out the Homeless

MDUSD Increases Credits

Serena Gutridge and Melissa Roe of Troop #30365 delivered 234 homemade fleece scarves to Doug Stewart of Homeless Outreach in July. Last year, the girls met with Girl Scout Troops in Martinez and Pleasant Hill to teach them how to make the scarves, then each scout made a scarf for the Homeless Outreach Program. Serena and Melisssa earned their Silver Awards, the highest award a junior high Girl Scout can earn. Both girls will be going to high school in the fall. Submitted by Audra Marazzani.

The Mt. Diablo Unified 2014-2015 school year brings an incremental increase in comprehensive high school graduation requirements. These new requirements will be phased in with a required 210 credits for the class of 2015 and 220 credits for the class of 2016 and beyond.

On March 9, 2010, the MDUSD Board of Education approved the elimination of summer school in order to save funds.

The Board also approved a reduction of high school graduation requirements, beginning with the class of 2011, from 230 credits to 200 credits at the five high schools. In addition, there was a reduction in the total number of credits needed for graduation from an alternative/adult education high school from 200 to 180 credits.

Girl Scouts Melissa and Serena with Doug Stewart from Homeless Outreach.

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On September 11, 2013, the MDUSD Board of Education approved an increase in the graduation requirement from 200 to 220 credits at the comprehensive high schools and approved an increase in the graduation requirement from 180 to 200 credits for the alternative high schools/ adult education programs. For the class of 2015, the 10 additional credits will be in math or elective courses. For the class of 2016 and beyond, the 20 additional credits will consist of 10 additional credits of math and 10 credits in elective courses.

For comparison, both the Acalanes Union High School District and the Martinez Unified School Districts require 240 total credits in order to graduate.

2013-14 graduation requirements: seniors (200 credits); juniors (210); sophomores (220); freshmen (220)

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12 th

Annual

Consumers are more likely to do business with a company if it’s a member of their local chamber of commerce.

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Excellent line up of live music both Friday and Saturday, featuring, The Big Jangle, The Groove Doctors and East Bay Mud, just to name a few!

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Sample a variety of excellent local craft beers.

Saturday Oct 4th, 10am-6pm Sunday Oct 5th 11am-5pm

New & Expanded!

New and exciting interactive games, music and entertainment.

Welcome New Members

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Visit the Premium Wine Chances to win free wine Pavilion where you will tours with the Livermore enjoy a new wine experience.

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“Sponsorship opportunities are still available to market your business to thousands of people who will attend the 12th Annual Art, Jazz and Wine Fest in October.

Contact us today to discuss the many ways your business can benefit by partnering with us at Pleasant Hill’s premier event!”

Ann Luke Executive Director

91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11 • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • 925.687.0700

www.pleasanthillchamber.com

ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2014

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Oncology News Changes to Cancer Screenings

By Tiffany Svahn, MD

Let me start with some good news. In the US, the death rate from cancer is declining. We attribute this reduction in part to more effective and aggressive screening guidelines. The bad news is that people still get cancer. In fact, the lifetime probability of developing cancer (all sites) is 1 in 2 for men and 1 in 3 for women. Recently, my colleagues and I were asked to give a cancer screening guidelines update talk to local physicians. Allow me to summarize our presentation in an effort to help you manage medical care for yourself and your loved ones.

Lung Cancer Screening

According to early trials, chest x-ray screening does not show overall survivor benefit. Instead, a large randomized trial showed that low dose, noncontrast CT in high-risk individuals yielded a mortality benefit of 20%. Therefore, in 2013 the recommendations changed and now call for annual, low dose CT scan screening for high-risk individuals. High risk is defined as being between the ages of 55 to 80 with a 30 pack per year history of smoking and being a current smoker or quitting within the past 15 years.

Breast Cancer Screening

The recommendation is that all women should receive mammograms at age 40 and continue annually until age 70 or older, depending on overall health, life expectancy, and ability to tolerate treatment. It is also recommended that women ages 20-39

have clinical breast exams (by a medical professional) at least every three years and women 40 and over have this exam annually. Routine ultrasound for dense breasts is not currently recommended, as it showed no survival benefit. However, the decision to order an ultrasound should be an individualized decision. The surprise recommendation is that self-breast exams are discouraged and not recommended unless taught correctly. Most important is for women to know how their breasts normally feel and report any changes to their health care provider.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Here is where it gets controversial.

Several reputable organizations recommend PSA and digital rectal exams (DRE) for prostate cancer screening, while other reputable organizations do not recommend screening. The recommendation by those who support screening is to obtain DRE and PSA baseline at 45-49 years of age. If PSA is over 1, repeat every 1-2 years.

If under 1, repeat at age 50. If PSA is under 3 at age 50 and over, repeat the test every 1-2 years. If PSA is over 3 at age 50 and over, with a suspicious DRE and/or individual at excess risk based on multiple factors (family history, ethnicity, risk calculators), obtain a biopsy.

Colon Cancer Screening

The average risk individual should be screened at age 50 with a fecal occult blood or immunohistochemical test (annually) and a flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years) or colonoscopy (every 10 years).

However, some experts recommend starting the screening process at age 45 for

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African Americans since they are at a higher risk. Individuals with family history of colon cancer or polyps should be screened at age 40, and those with personal history of colon polyps should be screened every 5 years.

Individuals with history of ulcerative colitis should be screened every 1-2 years after age 8-15 years. Lynch syndrome individuals should be screened at age 20, every 1-2 years.

Cervical Cancer Screening

For women at average risk of cervical cancer, the US guidelines recommends screening initiated at age 21. The preferred screening test for ages 21-29 is the Pap test and should be performed every 3 years. For

ages 30-65, the HPV and Pap tests should be performed every 3 years. Women can stop screening at age 66 if the last 2-3 HPV and Pap tests have been negative, however, high-risk groups (HIV infection, immunosuppressant, previous CIN2, CIN3 or cervical cancer) should be screened more frequently.

Now, back to the good news… cancer is much more treatable and curable when detected early, which is why screening is so important.

Dr. Svahn is a Medical Oncologist & Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology.

She sees patients in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon. Dr. Svahn can be reached at 925677-5041.

Vacation Tips Keep Moving on Vacation

BY TONYA AMOS

Summertime can mean vacations, family trips, blissful lounging, and enjoying some much-deserved rest. We work so hard all year; it feels great to fall asleep by the pool (with sunscreen, of course) and drool out of sheer exhaustion. Exercise helps reset our body and mind and can be a fantastic boost on vacation. If you don’t normally exercise, vacation workouts can be a great jump-start to a healthy new habit that can carry throughout the year.

Here are some vacation movement ideas:

Jump In and Swim a Few Laps When it gets too hot, take a dip before returning to your lounge chair. If swim-

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ming isn’t your strong suit, walking in water waist deep for a few minutes provides good resistance.

Walk After a Nice Family Dinner or Romantic Meal Instead of retiring to the couch, take a short walk around the block with your loved ones. This can be great outdoor family time while keeping your metabolism alive and well.

Stretch While Socializing Remove yourself from the couch several times a day and stretch. Playing monopoly on the floor is a perfect opportunity to get out of a chair and work on flexibility.

Break Up a Long Road Trip With a Hike. When you’re driving long distances, GPS can do wonders by finding a city or state park while driving long distances.

Take a nice walk, stretch your car-weary body, and let the kids run around before continuing on with your journey. You’ll hear a lot less “Are we there yet?” and the bodies and minds of everybody in your family will reset with the exercise and fresh air.

Enjoy your much-deserved vacation.

A bit of daily exercise will make you feel great and enhance the enjoyment of your trip. Happy August!

Tonya Marie Amos is a fully certified Pilates instructor. For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.

AspirePilatesCenter.com.

Opportunity to Prepare

Protect Your Family Through CERT Earthquake Training

BY JIM BONATO

In my March 2013 article, I portrayed a realistic scenario that very well could play out following an earthquake on the Hayward Fault. Major quakes along the Hayward Fault occur about every 140 years, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A magnitude 7 quake on the fault today would likely leave about 100,000 people homeless and cause more than $1

trillion in damage. The last major quake on the Hayward Fault occurred 146 years ago.

The temblor clock is ticking. Have you taken steps to protect your family? Well, here’s an opportunity you might not want to pass up. The Pleasant Hill Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is conducting a six-night course on disaster preparedness and how you can help your

family, neighbors, and community after a major earthquake. Topics to be covered are: • Strengthening the structure of your home to withstand a large quake • Reducing the possibility of damage to the contents of your home • Items you should pack in a convenient location to sustain your family for 72 hours • Preparing a plan for reuniting the family following a quake if they become separated • Reducing the risk of fire in the home and knowing when to turn off the gas • Administering first aid properly to injured family members or neighbors • Determining what injuries should be

treated first when many are injured (triage) • Evaluating if a damaged structure is safe to enter to help someone.

These topics and more will be discussed one night a week for six weeks and culminate in a practical exercise. Classes begin at 6pm on Monday, September 15, and are held at the Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy, 796 Grayson Road, in Pleasant Hill. To enroll in this series of classes, go to www.pleasanthillcertsignup.com. If you would like additional information, contact me at 938-5433. CERT is all about people safely helping others following a disaster.

You can be a part of this.

ACA Insurance Learn How you Qualify

Who knew we would be reminded so often of our grandparents throughout this transition to ACA insurance plans? We have “grandfathered” small group plans and now we have “grandmothered” plans too.

SB 1446 (DeSaulnier) was signed

by Governor Brown in July. The law provides some small employers with nongrandfathered health insurance policies that went into effect as of December 31, 2013, the option to renew their existing coverage for one year.

Plans that meet this definition are now referred to as “grandmothered” plans. SB 1446 will permit these grandmothered plans to continue to renew until January 1, 2015, and those policies to remain in force until December 31, 2015. Are you confused? Would it feel more comforting to just have a Zen moment thinking about the fond times with Grandma and Gramps?

SB 1446 only applies if the small business had not already purchased an

ACA-compliant policy. SB 1446 does not impact grandfathered plans (those in force prior to March 23, 2010). The small employer group policies affected by SB 1446 must still include many ACA and state-based mandated benefits, such as preventative healthcare coverage without co-pays or deductibles, no lifetime caps on benefits, maternity care, coverage for autism, and the elimination of gender discrimination in setting premiums.

If you are the owner of a small business and are confused about your health insurance requirements and options, we can help. We are preparing comparisons for our clients so they will be able to make the best choice between a new ACA plan and sticking with a “grandmothered” plan. Additionally, we survived the first open enrollment for individual health insurance. If you are in need of a policy, please contact my office. When you call, we might ask what you called your grandparents!

Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located in Pleasant Hill. Contact her at 925-363-5433 or ccallahan@callahaninsurance.com.

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Make Some Plans august 1

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Library Summer Reading Program

Full Moon Walk

Noah’s Arktion

Park Dayz

Join National Park Service rangers on Mt. Wanda for a free, 2 hour program. 7pm. www.nps.gov/jomu, (925) 228-8860

Changing the face of rescue. Dinner & auction, hosted by CC Humane Society. PH Community Center, 320 Civic Dr. $45 per person. www.cchumane.org. 925.279.2247 x 306 or llorono@cchumane.org.

Bible hang time, lawn games and races for any middle or high school youth. 6-8pm PH Park. By Creek Covenant Church. Contact sabbymama@yahoo.com, or visit creeklife.org.

“Paws to Read,” through Aug 23. Earn prizes upon completion. For more information, visit: www.ccclib.org.

august 5

september 7

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

Pancake Breakfast Resource Fair & Boutique

Speaker: Gary Lawrence; “Bees”. Guests welcome & free. 8pm at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, PH. 925.944.4898 or www.phgsc.com.

By Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services at PH Senior Center. Under 4: free; 4-10: $3; ages 11 and up: $5. RSVP at 925.954.8736.

august 17

august 27

Art in the Park

Tuesdays with Morrie

Live music, food and beverages. Martinez Arts Association’s largest fundraiser, Ignacio Park (at City Hall), 10am-5pm 525 Henrietta St., Martinez.

Movie and pizza, 6-8pm by Hillcrest’s “Harvesting a Lifetime” project. A discussion led by “Eldering Minister,” Rev. Ray Welles, will follow. Hillcrest Church: 925.689.8260, hillcrestucc@att.net.

august 7

august 28

september 9

26th Annual Music and Market Series

California Symphony Pops in the Plaza

Library Ribbon Cutting

Friends and families take advantage of one of the best free Bay Area music series. In Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord.

Thursdays 6:30-8pm.

Concert 6:30pm, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord. 16th annual free concert.

Join the Friends of PH Library at the Ribbon Cutting 5pm. Celebrate the library’s newly expanded hours. Sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce.

august 18

september 27 & 28

Road to Healthy Skin Tour

Bay Area Blues Festival

FREE Skin Cancer Screenings. Rite Aide parking lot, 1526 Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut Creek, 9am-12pm. www.skincancer.org/ events/tour.

Bay Area Blues Festival coming to downtown Martinez 10am-6pm! We are excited to announce this NEW event along Main St. www.BayAreaBluesFestival.com.

august 9

august 20

august 28

God’s Not Dead

Society of American Magicians

Many Faces of Prostate Cancer

Assembly #112 meets the 3rd Wednesday each month at 7pm, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1919 Wendell Lane, PH. Open to all!

925.451.1292.

Join us 6:30-8:30pm. Advanced registration recommended. Free. Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. RSVP: 925.677.5041 x272.

Film at 3pm & 6pm. Rated PG. Oak Park Christian, Oak Park Blvd., PH. 925.934.3056

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- Run for Education -

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Day e c a R ion t a r t s Regi am 7-8

Sun., October 5, 2014 • Run begins at 8:30am on Main St.

Register online at www.martinezedfoundation.com

Annual pre-run/walk Carbo Load!

Pasta Feed

Sat., Oct. 4, 2014 • 6-8pm Sponsored by Martinez Kiwanis & Rotary Clubs Shell Clubhouse - 1635 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez $15 per person (kids under 6 FREE)

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE MUSD SCHOOLS 36

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