December 2015 Community Focus

Pleasant Hill • Concord • Martinez • Lafayette • Walnut Creek

COMMUNITY

FOCUS ourcommunityfocus.com

IN THIS ISSUE: • ICE SKATING TICKET GIVEAWAYS • HOLIDAY BOUTIQUES & PERFORMANCES • MAKE SOME PLANS

DECEMBER 2015 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

Julie Says

When Ho-Ho-Ho Becomes Oh-Oh-No

BY JULIE ROSS

I was reading an article this morning about holiday safety tips that included the usual mundane stuff. As expected, thousands of people fall off ladders and break bones hanging decorations.

There are plenty of fires started by candles, faulty Christmas lights, and overloaded electrical outlets. Every Christmas season, a couple thousand people nationwide suffer lacerations and sprains from tripping over extension cords, and thousands more sustain back, neck, and shoulder injuries from hauling over-stuffed luggage on their holiday travels. Safety experts warn us of these things every year, but it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and sustain all kinds of avoidable accidents.

What else do we need to look out for this holiday season? I will share with

you what I found:

*Be careful with that button-down.

Two hundred people are admitted to the hospital annually after not removing all the pins from a new shirt.

*New battery operated toys? Over the past decade, 27 people have died testing a 9V battery with their tongue.

(For most people, only a slight jolt and metallic taste occur with a live battery when the terminals are placed on the tongue. For people with a heart condition, especially those with a pacemaker, it evidently can be fatal.)

*Every year, three or four people break their arms pulling holiday crackers.

*Hundreds cut themselves with knives and scissors used for opening presents.

*Don’t nibble on the mistletoe, especially the berries; they are toxic, particularly those of the Phoradendron and Viscum varieties. Ditto with holly

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COVER:

Opening day at Walnut Creek on Ice 2015.

PHOTO BY: Susan Wood Photography

INSIDE

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Letter Signings

22

Give Locally

20 Holiday Reading List

Local Author Spotlight

23

31

Pair Up Winter Heat

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

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december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

berries. Eat a couple and it’s no big deal; eat 20 and you are a goner. Poinsettias get a bad rap about being poisonous, but even if you eat several leaves, the most you are likely to get is a stomachache. The sap can cause a (nonfatal) rash on your skin.

Best advice with all three of these holiday plants: Look, but don’t touch, and certainly don’t consume. And obviously, keep out of the reach of children and pets. Finally, beware of Black Friday door buster shopping stampedes. Dozens get trampled every year.

So, be careful on those ladders,

watch for fire and tripping hazards, and honestly, slow down with the knives in your giftwrap slashing frenzy. Check your new clothes for pins, and don’t eat poisonous berries. Pack light if you are travelling. Stay home on Black Friday.

Skip the dangerous bone-snapping holiday crackers. And finally, one last reminder -- I need to ask you to please, please not attempt to conduct a current through your tongue with a 9V battery.

Have a safe and joyful holiday season.

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

Winter Wonderland New Outdoor Ice Rink in Martinez

Main Street Martinez is proud to announce the first outdoor holiday ice rink in downtown Martinez. The DC Solar Downtown Holiday Ice rink is open now through Jan. 3, 2016, and is located in the municipal parking lot at the corner of Ferry St. and Marina Vista Ave. Hours vary, with extended hours on school holidays. Prices range from $9 - $14, including skate rental, with discounts available for seasonal passes, family skate night, and a Friday Fun Night for teens. There is a skating academy, featuring group lessons, and private lessons are also available.

“In previous years, downtown Martinez has had a synthetic ice rink during the holiday events; this rink is real ice, not plastic as in the past, and will be open for about six weeks, rather than just a few days,” said Leanne Peterson, executive director for Main Street Martinez. “The DC Solar Downtown Holiday Ice rink is a unique holiday experience and will bring many people to enjoy skating under the stars and discover the downtown Martinez unique shops and wonderful restaurants.”

You won’t find food at the ice rink, but there are many restaurants within a short walking distance from the rink, with a variety of food to suit every taste

and budget. Parking is convenient around the rink and is free after 6pm and on weekends. The City of Martinez offers free parking throughout downtown during the two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

The ice rink would not have been possible without the generous support of several businesses. DC Solar Company, Shell Oil, and a private donation provided the initial start up support for the ice rink. PG&E has generously donated and is installing a permanent transformer to provide the electricity for the rink each year, along with the assistance of Contra Costa Electric and IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). Media sponsors include: Community Focus, Diablo Gazette, Claycord.com, Martinez Tribune, Search Magazine, 92.1 KKDV, and the City of Martinez. If you are interested in supporting the new Downtown Holiday Ice Rink and promoting your business, give us a call at (925) 228-3577.

Enter to win a Family Skate Pass Giveaway! See page 17 for the contest information and website. There will be five lucky winners! The contest is sponsored by local businesses: Bring Rover Over, The Copper Skillet, Gil’s Carpets, Matthew Rinn State Farm Insurance, and Type A Yoga.

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As Russ Sees It The Sounds of Christmas

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BY RUSS CARROLL

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. At least that is what the song says.

I am not sure this is true but it is better than tax time. It’s better than my birthday because I don’t get a year older. I have a friend whose birthday is on Christmas.

He says it stinks. Sharing a birthday with some yo-yo at work is one thing, but sharing your birthday with Jesus, well that’s got to be tough. Talk about feeling like you don’t measure up.

I don’t look forward to putting up Christmas lights. I would leave my lights up year-round if I could. Shoot, you hardly notice them from the street if they’re not turned on. I tried leaving them one year, and around Valentine’s Day someone wrote in the dirt on my car window, “Take down your Xmas lights!” Later, a sign appeared in my yard that read, “Home for Sale by Neighbor.” My argument that it made our house easier to find in the event of an emergency was futile. So, up the ladder I went and down came the lights, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

I remember laying in bed on Christmas Eve as a boy and listening for Santa.

What I heard was my Dad’s voice from downstairs. “These directions are stupid!

I can’t get this $#@!*&% bike together!”

Ah, the sounds of Christmas. I remember eavesdropping on my parents talking about my uncle who always had too much to drink, or the cousin no one liked.

Ah, the sounds of Christmas.

I don’t remember wishing stores opened up at 4:00 am the day after Thanksgiving so we could get a jump on Christmas sales. If I’m up at 4:00 am the day after Thanksgiving it’s because I’m digging under the couch cushions for Rolaids.

Remember the first visit to the Mall Santa? Nothing like waiting in line for an hour and a half only to have our child refuse to sit on Santa’s lap. After forcing the situation, we ended up with that classic photo of him on Santa’s lap screaming as if he was being pinched. My son ran from the scene yelling, “Stranger danger! Stranger danger!”

Yes, we had the year when the kids played with the boxes more than the toys.

We used to keep score to make sure each kid had the same number of gifts because, although they could not yet count, they intuitively knew when they were being cheated. Now that they are older, they can give you a gift-by-gift recap of Christmas ’04, the year their sibling made out like a bandit and they felt jilted.

Honestly… I love Christmas. I love the lights and I love the sales. I love my drunken uncle and I love that my cousin moved out of state. I love the fact that everyone gets along and wishes each other well. I love the gifts and the food and the family gatherings. I love my family and yours. Hey! Maybe we should do this more often. But…that’s just how I see it.

Russell Carroll can be reached by email at russcarrollemail@gmail.com.

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Consider Giving this Holiday Season

Each year, the Community Focus compiles a list of local organizations that provide services and caring for those in need of assistance over the holidays and year round. Donations to these organizations have a direct impact on seniors, families, and homeless individuals right here in our community. Donations needed range from gently used blankets and clothing to food, cash, and volunteer hours.

Christmas for Everyone provides working poor & lonely seniors with a new gift and almost-new clothing, serves a traditional Christmas meal, and provides entertainment for both children and adults.

Food and gifts can be delivered to the homebound upon request. Visit website or call for various donation sites.

(925) 228-2233 www.christmasforeveryone.com Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa feeds the hungry by providing free, hot nutritious meals at local dining facilities.

835 Ferry Street Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 293-4792 www.loavesfishescc.org Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano works to end hunger and increase access to nutritious food for low-income individuals and families.

P.O. Box 6324, Concord, CA 94524 (925) 676-7543, ext. 213 www.foodbankccs.org Foster A Dream provides programs and resources that build the hopes, dreams, and futures of Bay Area foster children and is a guiding source for successful transition into the adult world.

628 Escobar St. Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 228-0200 www.fosteradream.org Salvation Army works towards “the advancement of the Christian religion of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole.”

3950 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94521 (925) 676-6180 www.salvationarmyconcordca.org Catholic Charities East Bay works with youth, children and families to promote self-sufficiency, strengthen families, and pursue safety and justice.

3540 Chestnut Ave. Concord, CA 94519 (925) 825-3099 www.cceb.org

Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa Your cash donation will be used to help prepare and deliver a hot meal to an elderly senior that says, “You are not forgotten.” Volunteer drivers are always needed.

P.O. Box 3195 Martinez, CA 94553 (866) 669-6697 www.mealsonwheelsofcontracosta.org

STAND for Families Free of Violence is a catalyst for breaking the multigenerational cycle of violence, promoting safe and strong relationships, and rebuilding lives.

1410 Danzig Plaza, Suite 100 Concord, CA 94520 (925) 676-2845 www.standagainstdv.org

Meals on Wheels & Senior Outreach Services coordinates care for older adults (over 60) in Contra Costa who have a wide variety of needs. Their six programs--Meals on Wheels, Fall Prevention, Home Care Referral, Friendly Visitors, C. C. Cafes, and Geriatric Care-offer full-service resources to seniors in need. Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors rely on volunteers to deliver hot meals to 700 homebound local seniors or provide weekly one-hour visits to isolated seniors.

1300 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 937-8311, ext. 133 www.mowsos.org

Winter Nights Shelter provides a clean, safe, and warm facility at night and a daytime services center during winter for homeless seniors and families with children.

1543 Sunnyvale Ave. Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 933-6030 www.cccwinternights.org

Contra Costa Interfaith Housing provides permanent, affordable housing and vital support services to homeless and at-risk families and individuals in CC County.

399 Taylor Blvd. Suite 115 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • (925) 944-2244 ccinterfaithhousing.org Monument Crisis Center offers nutritious food, resources, and referrals to low-income individuals and families to help them become stable and secure.

1990 Market St. Concord, CA 94520 (925) 825-7751 www.monumentcrisiscenter.org Shelter Inc. of Contra Costa rebuilds lives, one family at a time, by giving them a home, the skills and the resources to live the life they deserve.

1333 Willow Pass Rd., Suite 206 Concord, CA 94520 • (925) 335-0698 www.shelterincofccc.org

The Juvenile Hall Auxiliary is a nonprofit, volunteer organization giving youth in the Contra Costa County juvenile justice system a second chance through a scholarship program, paid internships, and youth mentoring programs, since 1955. Their Christmas Closet holiday boutique thrift store is open through December 22. Shop, donate or volunteer.

100 Glacier Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 www.reachingouryouth.org

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

–Winston Churchill

Holiday Boutique Presented by the Martinez Arts Association and local artisans Gifts that are truly Unique, Handmade, and Crafted with care.

December 4th though December 20th Open Wednesday through Sunday—closed Monday and Tuesday Old Train Depot in downtown Martinez At the end of Ferry Street down by the railroad tracks

Boutique Hours Wednesday 11:00 to 3:00PM Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11:00 to 7:00PM Sunday—11:00 to 3:00 pm

Graphic by Molly Weinstein

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

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Estate Planning Gifts and Estate Planning

BY DANIEL DuREE

Since it is December, I am going to revisit the (alleged) reason for the season: that’s right, everybody’s favorite topic, gift giving (and receiving). Although gift giving is less important in recent times than in years past (because of a larger estate tax exclusion), it can still be used as a tool in estate planning or as a tool to simply help other people.

As I have discussed before, the 2015 federal estate tax exclusion is $5,430,000 per person, up from $5,340,000 per person last year. However, the taxable

federal estate includes not only the net value of the property of the decedent; it also includes any lifetime taxable gifts made since 1977. Most of us will never need to worry about reaching that $5,000,000 plus estate bar, but politicians have been known to change their minds, and that number could very well come back down from the historically high level it is at today. For that reason, it is important to consider the types of gifts that are excluded from lifetime taxable gifts.

The most well known exclusion is any gift to a qualified charity. A gift to a qualified charity is not taxable either while a person is living or as part of

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december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

their estate if the gift is made at death through a will or a trust. Along similar public policy lines, there are also unlimited gift exclusions for any medical or educational costs paid directly by a donor.

Another exclusion is the annual gift exclusion. In 2015, any person can give any other person $14,000 without the gift being taxable. This is the same as 2014. There is also a onetime aggregate gift exclusion amount that is equal to the estate tax exclusion of $5,430,000 in 2015. The annual exclusion also happens to be excluded from the onetime exclusion. The tax code once again amazes with its simplicity. By using an

irrevocable trust, a person can also take advantage of these gift exclusions while still retaining control over the assets until a certain point in the future. By making gifts, we not only support causes or people in whom we believe; we also lessen the chances of having to pay estate taxes one day. Please call my office for complimentary information about a variety of estate planning strategies.

Best wishes for a lovely holiday season, and a happy new year!

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

Insurance News Advice About Life Insurance

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

Earlier this year I wrote an article that began with “I sell life insurance.” It is more accurate to say I help people buy life insurance. When I meet with a person or a couple, the discussion focuses on their needs, goals, and wants. It is important to understand the purpose of the purchase. Recently a couple with young children was referred to me by one of their advisors. We discussed the basic reasons people purchase life insurance and arrived at an amount for each of them. The stay-at-home spouse, “A,” completed the application and was approved in a very short time. We completed the delivery of the policy.

“A” is now insured and the family is protected.

The working spouse, “B,” completed the application and the exam, but refused to provide additional information that was requested by the underwriter.

In the end, the policy was issued with a higher rating due to an undisclosed health issue.

The astounding ending to this story is that “B” refused to accept the policy. The belief was that life insurance through the employer would be sufficient, but there were many holes in that argument. Employment is not guaranteed for life with this employer, the employer could change the benefit structure, the additional life insurance purchased at work is more expensive, and the price will continue to increase.

The policy I helped “B” secure would have been for a higher amount of coverage for less money and the premiums were guaranteed for 20 years. A great deal! People purchase life insurance because they love someone and want to protect them. In my opinion, “B” needlessly made a very selfish decision.

I hope more of you are like “A.”

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

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New Ball Fields?

Pleasant Hill Rec and Park Wants Former School Site

BY JAKI JONES

The former Oak Park Elementary site, currently being used by a construction contractor as a staging area for unsightly dirt piles, could become ball fields for baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, flag football, and tournaments in the near future. The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District has expressed a strong interest in purchasing the 10-acre site at 1700 Oak Park Blvd., from the county. “For years we have looked at that property as a possibility for additional ball fields. It’s so close to Pleasant Oaks Park, and it’s one of the last large pieces of land still available in Pleasant Hill, so it’s a perfect match,” said Sandra Bonato, board chairwoman of the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District.

The county’s disposition process for the three county-owned parcels includes informing other public agencies of the plan to sell the properties for possible use by the public before putting them on the openI’m not in trouble anymore!

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market. The Recreation and Park District expressed interest in purchasing this site to the county back in September, and both parties are in the middle of a 90-day negotiating period that will end on December 17, 2015.

The county will sell the property at its fair market value and, depending on the price, the Rec and Park can draw from several funding sources to purchase the property.

“The district is very credit worthy, so there is always the possibility of one or more loans; we can look at grants and we can look at our community partners (other groups that are interested in ball fields), and we can look at other property the district owns to see if some of that might provide us with some additional funding. We really have a number of different avenues of potential funding,” said Bonato.

The Rec and Park has retained an appraiser, and once the board has reviewed the appraisals that have come in, they will

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bring that information to the county and begin a negotiator purchase price. “We will have to see what our appraiser says and see if it’s close to what the county’s appraiser values the land at, and we will go from there,” added Bonato.

The outcome could thwart the plans of the City of Pleasant Hill’s Library Task Force in using that site to build a new library.

However, other library site options include: The existing Pleasant Hill library land on Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill Middle School’s track and field, and Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District land on Beatrice Road.

Change.org Petition

In an effort to keep the desirable site away from housing developers, a Change. org petition, started by resident Dylia Klatt and directed toward District IV Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, was well on its way to reaching 500 signatures. The petition states, “One of the last remaining open space parcels in

Pleasant Hill is up for sale by the county. This site has views of Mt. Diablo and a natural creek with otters, birds, and other wildlife.

We support selling this large site to Pleasant Hill Parks and Recreation for open space community uses, such as playing fields, library, picnic areas, trails, and critical flood detention basins to protect residents from future flooding.”

One passionate supporter commented, “Please help us help you to save one of the last large parcels in PH. Put your heart in this project. We want charm -- a bocce ball, ice/ roller skating, vintage bookstore feel. Coffee by the creek! Make the creek a feature. Ball fields, flood basins are perfect! Development will be a cruel move! No more big box development crammed on zero lot lines.

Our schools are impacted! Our roads and traffic are horrific! Let’s work together and preserve this land for future generations!

This is prime land with a future for our kids; keep it looking like the past!”

Gifting Peace of Mind A Generous Gift to Your Loved Ones

Ken Marson has volunteered for years helping seniors throughout the City of Pleasant Hill and driving the senior van every week. He has had countless conversations with seniors frustrated by their limitations in the upkeep of their homes. There are options for older homeowners who want or need to make adjustments and this is a wonderful gift opportunity for loved ones.

There are a few simple steps seniors can take to protect their wishes and their families: Know What You Want

We have to ask ourselves some questions: Do you have to stay in your home or can you live with children? Is your home too big or require too much maintenance? Do you have dependent children or pets? Are you an active senior, or do you need long term care?

Once we decide on the basics, we can create a working plan.

Understand Reverse Mortgages

A reverse mortgage is an option for homeowners who have either paid off their home or paid it down considerably. It’s important to make sure that both spouses are age 62 or older and listed as co-owners and co-borrowers. A reverse mortgage professional can help you understand whether this is a good option for your situation.

Write A Will

Without a will, your assets can get locked in probate for up to a year and a court will decide who gets what. Writing a will is one of the easiest things you can do. You can make your own decisions about your home and even choose a realtor that you trust to handle the sale. With a will in place, everyone will know exactly what you want.

Options and Finances

Many of us want to stay in our homes as long as possible, but there are other options just as comfortable or better. For example, the mother of our client Lisa is 94 years old and wants to stay in her home indefinitely, which

Ken Marson and Cristina Candelori, J. Rockcliff Realtors

may not be realistic. She may benefit from selling her home and opting to live in a senior community where there are many activities for seniors and friendships to be gained. By selling her home, Lisa’s mom would also be able to create trust funds for her grandchildren’s college education, take a family vacation, and give her family peace of mind knowing that they won’t need to sell the home later on.

It’s Done. Celebrate!

It’s important to seek advice and start the conversation. Once you’ve done the hard stuff, you can rest easy knowing you have given yourself and loved ones the gift of planning.

We care about the families living in our community. Please reach out to us for more helpful advice. We are your Pleasant Hill neighbors and want you to love where you live.

Marson and Candelori Ken Marson and Cristina Candelori Love Where You Live • (925) 366-8269 marsoncandelori@gmail.com BRE#01922446 • BRE#01258364

The Board and Staff of Shell Western States Federal Credit Union are thrilled to announce a new look for our institution. Your credit union has been expanding services, convenience and technology to meet the changing needs of the community. After months of research, planning and collaboration, we have created a new logo that will represent us and the caliber of products and services that we provide.

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City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message

It’s holiday time again and a new year is just around the corner. I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year. My hope is that all enjoy the company of family and friends and can celebrate the season in joy and peace.

It’s hard to believe how fast this year has sped by. It seems like only yesterday I was nervously stepping into the role of mayor, and now that year has passed and we prepare to select next year’s mayor. This has been a tremendous year, and I want to thank my fellow council members for their thoughtful and conscientious work and patience.

I also want to thank all of those who serve as members of our many commissions and all of the volunteers who donate so much of their time to serve this community and its citizens.

They work tirelessly to bring services and education to our seniors and students. They also work to bring us entertainment, like the Summer Concert Series, the Plaza Concert Series and, of

course, our holiday kickoff event, Light up the Night. Don’t let me forget Community Service Day, where they organize and bring together volunteers from throughout the city to help our schools, seniors, and organizations citywide. All of our volunteers who serve do so with the goal of making Pleasant Hill the close and wonderful community it has been and will continue to be.

I am at a loss for words on how to thank all of the devoted staff and employees who serve this community.

Their patience with me alone is worth note. Their support and the dedicated way in which they go about getting the work done is amazing. I have never worked with a more motivated and committed group of individuals. Many work long hours and often go the extra mile to support our programs and efforts.

Don’t let me forget the citizens of this great city. Thank you all for your involvement and input. Getting your feedback is tremendously helpful and often very insightful. I am grateful to you all for being so engaging.

Ken Carlson, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

For me, this has been a tremendous year of growth and discovery, and having all of the support from those around me has made it the best. I look forward to next year as we continue together to work towards the continued goal of making Pleasant Hill the wonderful city it is.

Please join me for our holiday kick off, the 8th annual Light up the Night Holiday Celebration in Downtown Pleasant Hill on December 2. This is the best way to get the holidays started.

There will be arts and crafts vendors there to help in holiday gift buying or decorating, and Santa is all set to arrive to join in the many festivities in Downtown Pleasant Hill, including the

lighting of a 25-foot decorated tree in the small plaza next to Pasta Pomodoro at 6pm. Music, dance performances, and caroling will also be on stage at two locations on Crescent Drive. There will be free horse drawn carriage rides, free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies, music, Studio A dancers and caroling on two stages, “Elf on the Shelf” treasure hunt, free pictures with Santa, holiday arts & crafts fair, and tree lighting, all starting at 6pm. I hope to see you there!

Thank you all again, and may you all have a wonderful holiday season.

Please keep our friends in Paris in your thoughts and prayers as they recover from the recent tragedy.

Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission Dec. 3, 17 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 Civic Action Commission Dec. 2 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 City Council Dec. 7, 21 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Library Task Force Dec. 14 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 11am. Contact: 671-5229

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Planning Commission Dec. 8, 22 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 City Office Closed on Dec. 24 and 25.

For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

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december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

12/2 - “Light up The Night” in Downtown Pleasant Hill 5-8pm, Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill.

12/10 - Business Runway “Managing Work-Life Balance” 8-10am, guest speaker is Christoph Nauer, life & business coach and time management & stress reduction specialist, John F. Kennedy University.

12/23 - 1/04 – Office closed for the holidays.

12/28 - Green Business Committee 4-5pm, Daily Digital, 3440 Vincent Road, Suite I, Pleasant Hill.

OFF THE GRID Food Trucks Wednesdays, 5-9pm, Trelany Road, Pleasant Hill.

City of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill City News City Clerk Opening

On October 19, the city council received a notice of resignation from City Clerk Paige Kremser Stenrud, effective December 1, 2015. Ms. Stenrud, who is moving out of the area, was appointed on July 7, 2014, to complete the term of the former elected city clerk, Kim Lehmkuhl, whose term expires in November 2016. When Stenrud was appointed to fill the remaining term, the office of city clerk in Pleasant Hill was an elective office. With the passage of the Ballot Measure T, however, the office of city clerk in Pleasant Hill is no longer an elective office. City council may now appoint an individual to fill the office of the city clerk or utilize the Interview and Nominating Committee or an ad hoc subcommittee of the city council to recommend a candidate to appoint.

It was resolved that an ad hoc Council Interview and Nominating Committee, comprised of Councilmember Noack and Councilmember Harris, would look into filling the upcoming position and even entertain looking at qualified candidates interviewed last year. A recommendation will be forwarded to the full city council. The designated appointee will fill the position through November 2016. Applications are due to the city by December 8, 2015. The committee will select applicants for interviews on December 11, and the city council will hear and take action on a recommendation at the January 4, 2016 meeting.

City Budget Update

At the November 2 city council meeting, Councilmember Flaherty provided a budget update. “We received an updated 4th quarter revenue and expenditure report, and everything is generally looking good. We are doing better than budgeted, but with a slight deficit. Our general fund balance on June 30, 2015, was 13.9 million dollars, so we are extraordinarily healthy. City staff has done a wonderful job following the budget and anticipating changes and bringing them to the council’s attention as need be.”

Councilmember Durant commented, “I would ask that we have the budget committee do an initial look and then maybe at a council meeting soon we talk about whether or not there are physical assets in the city that we want to participate in acquiring or acquire if there are uses, such as libraries, that we actually want to facilitate. I think it’s important to not let the opportunity go by without looking at whether there are possible avenues like that that we have not explored in great detail in the past. My interest in this is looking at buying physical assets before they disappear, so that we can preserve the prospect or possibility that we can do something with it, whether it’s for a library or public arts display, or other things we might want to explore.”

City News Continued exterior changes, asking the Architectural Review Commission for approval on exterior site improvements, including a new building color palette, in-ground planting areas, demolition of the existing concrete patio wall, and new outdoor seating areas (one uncovered, located at the front corner and one located at the existing patio).

The proposed outdoor seating area would encompass approximately 1,100 square feet, along the west, south, and east elevations of the building (facing Crescent Drive, Crescent Plaza, and the Plaza fountain,) landscaping, and new patio furniture.

The project site is the former Shaadzee Bakery and L&L Hawaiian Barbeque tenant spaces, adjacent to Jack’s.

The 45th Annual Community Awards

The Community Awards will be held on January 27, 2016, at the Pleasant Hill Community Center on Civic Drive. The event includes awards for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Teen of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Green Awards. If you would like to nominate a Pleasant Hill resident, business or organization for one of these awards, please visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us and click on the “Community Awards” link on the right side. All nominations are due no later than Thursday, January 7.

Community Awards Night tickets and reservations are available through the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $50 per person (which includes dinner) and must be purchased by January 20. You may reserve a table of ten for $500. To purchase tickets or make reservations, please contact Ann Luke at 687-0700, or email her at ann@pleasanthillchamber.com. Tickets may also be purchased online at www. pleasanthillca.org/tickets. For more information or questions about the nominations or the event, please call Martin Nelis at (925) 671-5229 or email him at mnelis@ ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us.

Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center’s

Holiday Boutique December 5 & 6

10am – 4pm

Do your holiday shopping in our 1860s farmhouse

Urban Plates

The future downtown Pleasant Hill restaurant continues to move forward with

Herb Garden at Lime Ridge Deb’s Sweets & Savories

Ashpharm Herbal Goods Body by Bees Divine Dog Jewelry

Pleasant Hill Joins Nextdoor

Public Information Officer Martin Nelis recently announced the City of Pleasant Hill would be using Nextdoor to share information and post news announcements on various topics, such as public safety, special events, city programs, and emergency notifications.

Nextdoor is a private social networking service for neighborhoods in the United States. The free service allows users to connect online with people who live in their neighborhood and nearby neighborhoods. Nelis said, “Please be assured that your Nextdoor website remains private. City staff will not be able to see any of the content on your neighborhood website except for the direct replies to our posts.” To join a Nextdoor in your neighborhood, sign up by visiting www.nextdoor.com.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

11

City of Martinez PHOTO BY STAHLBERG

Mayor’s Message Preparing for El Niño

For the last five years of writing the monthly mayor’s column, I have endeavored to concentrate on the goal of informing on a particular topic, rather than editorializing. This month I found it difficult to decide which one topic I would write about, so I decided to cover several things, some of which are highlighted in the Martinez City News on the city’s website.

After five years of devastating drought, scientists predict an extremely high probability of an El Niño winter that will bring rainfall in epic proportions. It is our responsibility as a city to prepare for that possibility and help our residents and businesses prepare as well. City crews worked diligently for several weeks in October to clean out storm drains, remove debris and fallen trees from creeks and flood channels, and prepare equipment to be ready for any emergency.

The most visible effort to help us weather a major storm event was the removal of silt and debris from Alhambra Creek, from Ward Street to Escobar.

This section of the creek, combined with the replacement of the railroad bridge adjacent to the Amtrak station, was a multi-million dollar flood control and creek enhancement project completed in 2000. It was designed to keep the creek from overflowing its banks and flooding the downtown business district, and it has done just that.

It has been years since the siltation and overgrowth has been removed due to the sensitivity of protecting wildlife and the fact that we have been experiencing many years of little or no rainfall.

If you had a chance to look into Alhambra Creek prior to the recent rains, you would have seen an overgrown and choked channel with only a trickle of possibly toxic water moving toward 12

the Carquinez Straits. It seemed to me that the only flushing of the creek was the intrusion of salt-water during high tides. Since city crews carefully cleaned and cleared the channel, the likelihood of downtown flooding has been greatly reduced.

The downtown is not the only part of the city that is prone to flooding; we must all prepare both homes and businesses. Clean out your rain gutters and drains, make sure your sump pumps are working, and have a supply of sand bags on hand. The city provides sand bags and sand, free of charge. The bags are available at City Hall in front of the police department, and sand is available at Nancy Boyd Park, at the west end of F Street off Alhambra Avenue, at Ferry and Allen Streets, and Rankin Park.

Useful links to more ways to prepare for this winter include www.ready.gov/ floods and emergency.cdc.gov/floods/ readiness.asp.

Holiday on Ice

Rain or shine, Downtown Martinez has a new attraction this winter. Holiday on Ice kicked off on November 20 and runs through January 6. This is a 50’ X 80’ outdoor ice rink located in the city parking lot, on the corner of Marina Vista and Ferry Streets. It is open 7 days a week and hosts public skating, birthday parties, private parties, lessons, and a holiday skating academy. This is a project that Main Street Martinez has been planning for years and is made possible by the generous support of DC Solar, PG&E, Shell Oil, Contra Costa Electric, and the City of Martinez. For more information, log on to downtownholidayice.com.

PG&E Pipeline Progress

And speaking of PG&E, do you remember the controversial Pipeline Pathways Project that created such a ruckus in 2014? In an effort to make

december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

sure their gas transmission pipelines remained safe, they proposed removing thousands of trees on both public and private property. In response, many Bay Area cities, including Martinez, objected to the scope of the project and demanded to be part of the process.

PG&E listened and the project was analyzed and improved, and now cities and PG&E are working together. In Martinez, PG&E has inspected the integrity of all Martinez pipelines and has made necessary repairs and replacements. As part of implementation of the project, PG&E has agreed to assist the city with upcoming holiday events held every year in the downtown. They are also

providing nearly seventy trees, to be planted by city staff, to replace trees removed in this safety program.

As a result, the city is taking this opportunity to look at beautifying medians on Alhambra Avenue near Virginia Hills and on Center Avenue near Hidden Valley Park. Because droughts will likely become more common in California, the city will remove turf in medians and replace them with trees and native landscaping. The areas considered for planting include Morello Avenue near Highway 4 and Alhambra Avenue near downtown. This work is planned to take place this winter.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Dec. 2, 16 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Dec. 9, 23 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Dec. 8, 22 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Dec. 2,16 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 City Offices Closed: Dec. 25 - Jan. 1.

For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

Chamber Calendar Dec. 4 – Martinez Holiday Light Parade 6:30pm. This family-friendly light parade begins at city hall and ends on Main St. at Ferry St. To register to participate call (925) 372-3510.

Dec. 4 – Martinez Holiday Frolic & Snow Park, Santa and children’s activities. For more information visit www.downtownsnow.com.

Dec. 10 - Chamber Holiday Mixer 5:30-7:30pm. Martinez Masonic Lodge, 700 Masonic St., Martinez. Receive a free raffle ticket for every can of non-perishable food you bring for the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Food Drive. Great networking, food, fun and raffle prizes. Bring a raffle prize and have your business announced.

Downtown Holiday Ice - Open through 1/3/16. A “real” ice rink at the corner of Marina Vista Ave. and Ferry St., Martinez. Visit www.downtownholidayice.com for details.

Dec. 24 - Office closed at noon and reopens on Jan. 4, 2016.

City of Martinez

Martinez City News

City News Continued

Santa Brew Crawl

Measure H Update

On Saturday, December 13, 2:30pm to 5:30pm, dust off your Santa suits and ugly Christmas sweaters because it’s time to head to Downtown Martinez for some holiday cheer! Main Street Martinez hosts the annual Santa Beer Crawl on the streets of Martinez. Come join the jolliest bunch of Santas this side of the bay and walk around the downtown corridor of Martinez to sample beers from over 20 great craft breweries stationed inside some of the small businesses along Main Street. Early bird tickets are $25 now through Dec. 7. After that, tickets are $35 each until Dec. 13, midnight, or until sold out. No refunds for any reason. For more information visit: www.santabeercrawl.com.

In November 2008, voters approved Measure H, authorizing issuance of up to $30 million in General Obligation Bonds to finance costs for improving the parks, library, and swimming pool. The following parks have now been renovated with upgraded play equipment, including ADA access: Mountain View Park, Susana Street Park, Rankin Park Pool, Rankin Park/Tavan Field, and Waterfront Park. Completed projects include Cappy Ricks, Hidden Lakes, Hidden Valley, and Holiday Highlands.

The Hidden Lakes Park Soccer Field project proposes to replace the natural turf soccer field with an artificial turf, multi-use field. Studies show the material used will meet all environmental and safety standards.

Martinez City Manager Resigns

After less than a year on the job, City Manager Rob Braulik has announced his resignation from the City of Martinez. He has decided after serving over thirty years in the public sector to pursue private sector opportunities. “This is something I have been thinking about for some time. I have enjoyed my time serving the public in a variety of communities. It has been rewarding work, work I will miss going forward. However, I look forward to the next chapter and providing community service in other ways,” said Mr. Braulik. Mayor Schroder noted while Mr. Braulik had been with the city a relatively short period of time, a great deal of work had been accomplished including hiring a new Chief of Police, completing an updated City Strategic plan, improving city communications, improved use of technology to provide services, and addressing downtown homeless issues. Mr. Braulik’s last day will be December 31, 2015. The council will meet soon to initiate a discussion about a process to1fill this vacancy. communityfocus-ecomulch-ad-2014-8.pdf 8/29/14 12:46 PM

Martinez PD Offers Community Police Academy

The Martinez Police Department is proud to offer their first Community Police Academy. The 10-week academy is an engaging and informative program designed to increase understanding of the police department’s operations and allows community members the opportunity to interact with outstanding personnel. Topics covered include: SWAT, K9 Program, dispatch, narcotics, traffic laws, firearms, detective investigations, and more.

The Community Police Academy is not designed to prepare students to become police officers, but to give students a better understanding of how the police department is organized, what services they provide, and how they serve the community.

The 10-week-long program begins Monday, January 11, 2016. Classes meet on Monday nights, 6-9pm, at Martinez City Hall. Prospective participants must be at least 18 years old, have no felony convictions, outstanding warrants, or pending criminal cases. First consideration will be given to citizens who live and work in the City of Martinez.

If you are interested in joining the Community Academy, submit an application. Application forms are available at the Police Department, 525 Henrietta St., by mail on request or through the City of Martinez website. Completed applications must be returned to the Martinez Police Department via eghisletta@cityofmartinez. org; Martinez Police Department, Attn: Captain Eric Ghisletta, 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez, CA 94553; or the front desk of the department. All applicants must submit to a criminal background check before acceptance. For further information, please contact Captain Eric Ghisletta at 925-372-3447 or eghisletta@cityofmartinez.org.

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Holiday Frolic & Snow Park

On December 4, snow will be brought to Martinez for kids to play in for a donation of just $1 to Main Street Martinez. If the snow hasn’t melted, it’ll be open again on December 5. A “real” ice rink at the corner of Marina Vista Ave. and Ferry St. is open through January 3. Santa Claus will be in his Red House at the Main Street Plaza, beginning December 4. For more information about the Snow Park and Ice Rink, call (925) 228-3577.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

13

City of Walnut Creek

Mayor’s Message 2015: A Retrospective

My year as mayor has ended, so I am using my last article to provide some observations on the year.

The year started with the dedication of Centennial Grove in Heather Farm Park. This is a grove of 100 trees from six continents (there are no trees on Antarctica). It ended with a celebration of the completion of the Geary Road project. The results of this road are that vehicles flow more smoothly, it is safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, and new drainage features improve water quality and water flow during storm events. All of the new lighting is LED lighting.

What are some other things the city did this year? In terms of traffic, the Buena Vista project was completed, with significant enhancements for pedestrians and bicyclists and improved safety of the San Carlos/Ygnacio Valley Road intersection.

The city acquired five acres of open space from the East Bay Municipal Utility District, with financial assistance from the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation. In addition, the old cell tower on the top of Lime Ridge was removed, and now, for the first time, people can hike up to the top of Lime Ridge, the highest spot in the city.

Several years of work by staff resulted in the approval of solar carport projects at Heather Farm Park and Boundary Oak Golf Course. Over the 20-year life of the project, the estimated net savings to the city is nearly $4 million, with no upfront cost. The electricity generated by the project could fully power about 140 homes. In addition, the carports will provide significant shade for vehicles parked underneath.

It is estimated the carports will reduce peak summer temperatures by 20 degrees.

The city commenced the reconstruction of Larkey Pool, which will serve us well over the next 30 years. It also decided to proceed with the initial scope and design for the aquatics facility at Heather Farm Park. The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak was renovated, with more upgrades due in 2016.

The city approved a 90-day Winter Night Shelter program at the armory near Civic Park. Through a lengthy public process that included nearby residents, the Trinity Center, and the city, many of the neighborhood concerns were addressed, with the result that there was broad community support for the project. The city took several actions to provide more affordable housing.

This included the approval of a new

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december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Bob Simmons, Mayor of Walnut Creek

affordable housing on Riviera near the Walnut Creek BART station.

The city reduced its water usage in response to the drought. Of the 80 acres of turf, the city stopped watering on 17 of those acres, and is converting at least five of those acres to droughttolerant vegetation.

Finally, the city acted on several matters that we will see in 2016, including the West Downtown Specific Plan, the Pedestrian Master Plan, Community Choice Energy, and Urban Agriculture.

2015 was a good year, and I anticipate that 2016 will be as interesting and productive.

Walnut Creek City News City Launches New Website

Walnut Creek’s new website has launched with one goal in mind: to make it easy to find the information you want. For the first time the site is mobile with many new features. The website will always be a work in progress, evolving as information changes and users provide feedback. You can send your comments using the feedback buttons on the top of each page. Visit www.walnut-creek.org to send comments or email to CMUpdate@walnut-creek.org.

Walnut Creek Concert Band Holiday Concert

Get into the spirit of the season on Tuesday, December 1, at 7:30pm, with the Walnut Creek Concert Band’s Holiday Concert. The program includes a special gift to the Walnut Creek community: the West Coast Premiere of James Beckel’s Concerto for Trombone with the composer as soloist. Tickets are available at the Lesher Center for the Arts.

Parade of Lights on Broadway Plaza

Music and festivity will fill Broadway Plaza on December 3. The Retailer Open House begins at 6pm, followed by the Parade of Lights on Broadway Plaza at 7pm, and ending with an appearance by Santa Claus himself, who will light Broadway Plaza’s magical Christmas tree and make it snow! Santa will be available for photos and visits at his winter home, located next to Michael Stars, through December 24.

Broadway Plaza Ready for the Holidays

Broadway Plaza will start to unveil the first set of retailers and significant enhancements to the property just in time for the 2015 holiday season with the opening of two new retail buildings, along with a portion of the South Broadway Parking Garage on the Macy’s side.

Broadway Plaza anchor Macy’s underwent a 57,000 square-foot expansion, and the redesigned 247,000 sq. ft. store was completed in November. The expanded store incorporates a new men’s department, which moved from a separate location at Broadway Plaza. The larger store includes a new handbag floor; a new cosmetics department; new fine jewelry, fashion jewelry and watch departments, and more.

The first phase of retail along Broadway Plaza Street and additional parking

City of Walnut Creek City News Continued

City News Continued

opened as well. New stores include: Allen Edmonds, Apex, Athleta, ECCO, Eileen Fisher, ivivva athletica (a lululemon for girls), Kiehl’s, Kit & Ace, Lou & Grey, LUSH, Madewell, Nespresso, Pandora and Vince Camuto.

Anthropology to Replace Barnes & Noble

Walnut Creek Launches New Walking Tour

Walnut Creek visitors and residents can explore the city’s vibrant public art collection and fascinating 165-year heritage through Walk Walnut Creek, a new, self-guided, cellphone-based walking tour. Created by the Walnut Creek Historical Society, the Bedford Gallery Staff, Walnut Creek Arts Commissioners and volunteers, Walk Walnut Creek tells the stories that shaped the city over its 165 years at 60 heritage sites and describes more than 30 works of public art through an immersive, self-guided audio tour.

Walk Walnut Creek, with sites spread over about four square blocks in the downtown area, allows visitors and residents to tour the city at their own pace, visiting as many or as few sites as their schedules allow. The 100 numbers are sites and the 200 numbers are family stories. Each site is marked with prominent signage that includes a telephone number to access tour site information via standard cellphone. Visitors simply call 925-322-6427 via cell phone or visit WalkWC.TourSphere.com with a web-enabled cellphone or tablet to get started.

The public art tour includes the Veterans Memorial, Lost in the Mail, Hand of Peace, and other works. Heritage sites tell the stories of Botelho’s Island (now Broadway Plaza), the Nuthouse (now Lesher Center for the Arts), and much more. Walnut Creek community members recorded the narrations.

“Walnut Creek’s centennial Walk Walnut Creek is up and running. celebrations of its incorporation as a city in 2014 generated an extraordinary amount of interest in the city’s roots, heritage and our public art. That inspired us to bring all the pieces together in one cohesive, fascinating, and informative tour,” said Karen Majors, president of the Walnut Creek Historical Society.

Volunteers spent months selecting photos and researching facts about Walnut Creek’s heritage sites and drafting information on the artworks into a series of cohesive stories that reflect the city’s careful development. Businesses, individuals, families, and community groups were invited to support the Heritage Walk and become part of Walnut Creek’s heritage legacy as Patron Sponsors in the Adopt a Heritage Site program. The cost to Adopt a Heritage Site was $500.

For the complete WC Heritage Walk List, visit the Community Focus’ website homepage at www.ourcommunityfocus.com.

The November 4 Design Review Commission study session included discussion over a remodel for the new Anthropology, a primarily housewares and apparel retail store that will occupy the Barnes & Nobel location at 1149 So. Main Street and Olympic Blvd. The Barnes & Noble is expected to close January 1, 2016. The project includes a remodel of the existing 30,000-square-foot building, including removal of existing Barnes & Noble “leaning” façade, a new tower element, the addition of decorative street lights, and removal of the interior escalator and upstairs café.

Anthropology’s relocation to Main Street from their current Mt. Diablo Blvd. location has to do with their expanded retail concept. “Anthropology has recently embarked on an endeavor to open several large format stores in select markets. They have always been focused on customer experience and wanted to make sure we were providing very unique experiences for the customer, and that concept has expanded,” said an Anthropology spokesperson at the November 4 meeting. The expanded department store format will include up to 200 styles of shoes, intimates wear, a petite shop, beauty items, bridal wear, and an expanded home concepts area that allows customers to furnish entire rooms rather than just select accent pieces. Another addition is Terrain, a nursery concept that focuses on a curated assortment of plants for all seasons, as well as items for the home and garden.

Although city staff generally supported the design direction for the proposed project, concerns included current sidewalk conditions, removal of the café and cutting off public assess to the upper exterior balconies that allow the public to enjoy the landscaping and outside open space. Further discussions with the applicant will continue in the coming months.

Citizens of the Woodlands Neighborhood want Bicycle Bridge

The Woodlands Neighborhood of Walnut Creek and the Woodlands Association are petitioning the Walnut Creek City Council for a bicycle bridge over Ygnacio Valley Road near Oak Grove. Concerned over the safety of pedestrians, particularly children who walk and bike across the busy intersection, they have created a Change.org page that states: “According to the traffic study conducted by a 3rd party for The Orchards development, 57,000 cars pass through the Ygnacio Valley Road at Oak Grove Road intersection daily, often at speeds of 50 mph+, and the traffic will soon increase with completed development of The Orchards shopping center and the remodeling of Encina Grande Shopping Center”. One supporter said, “I live one mile from this intersection.

With new construction, high speed traffic, and Northgate high school students walking in this area, we need a pedestrian bridge.”

The petition also suggests that the bridge could create a safe route to school for students going to and from Foothill Middle School, Northgate High School and the Ygnacio Valley Library; provide a pedestrian and bicycle connection to the Shadelands Business Park; create access to the free Shadelands BART bus; and support Walnut Creek’s Pedestrian Master Plan. With over 400 signatures on the petition, support for and feedback on the bridge proposal is positive. The Woodlands Association recently met with city staff and has reached out to city council members to continue the discussion.

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

15

Make an Impact

Help Our School’s Homeless Children

If you are looking for ways to make an impact in kids’ lives this holiday season, please consider making a contribution to help local homeless children or foster youth. There are children living near you who do not have stable housing, enough to eat, or parents in their lives. Life is a struggle and they are doing their best to overcome trauma, stress, and hardships.

Mt. Diablo HOPE does all it can to support homeless students and foster youth, and we need your help. Here are some ways:

1. If you would like to sponsor an individual foster youth or homeless child for the holidays, please go to https://goo. gl/Hj33Ex or email Elsa Dalpiaz at hope@ mdusd.org. If you have any questions, call: 925- 682-8000 ext. 3054.

2. Donations of gift cards are greatly appreciated. Gift cards enable caregivers and youth to pick out and buy their own items, a luxury that many families live without. Gift cards from department stores (Target, Kohl’s, etc.) and grocery

stores (Safeway, Albertson’s, Raley’s) can be dropped off at the front desk of Mt. Diablo Unified District Office, 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord; dropped off or mailed to Mt. Diablo HOPE at 2730 Salvio Street, Concord, 94519; or dropped off with the principal at all Mt. Diablo Unified schools c/o Mt. Diablo HOPE.

3. Donations by check can be made payable to “Mt. Diablo HOPE.” We will send you a receipt for tax purposes. Please drop off or send to the addresses listed above.

4. We are collecting new hoodies and sweatshirts, and they can be dropped off at the above locations, as well as Willow Creek Education Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord.

On behalf of our homeless children and foster youth, THANK YOU! Maryam Adalat, Jocelyn Baez, Elsa Dalpiaz, Lynnea Hughes, Evelyn Mercado, Ann McCollough, Vivica Taylor, Derek Wang, Diosa Diaz, Vanessa Castillo, Denise Martell, & James Wogan.

Lauren & Marley

Dearly Missed and Cherished

On November 1 our community was stunned and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two vivacious young lives, when 15-year old Lauren Smith and 16-year old Marlena (Marley) Heim were killed in a single-car accident on Franklin Canyon Road in Martinez.

Marley and Lauren are lovingly remembered throughout the community and particularly at College Park High School where Marley was involved in dance, and Lauren was thriving in a drama production. Marley’s love outside of school was animals, horses and vaulting in particular.

As the community mourns the unfathomable loss of two vibrant young people, many are seeking a way to honor their memories. Organizations that were dear to their hearts are accepting donations in their name. Donations in memory of Lauren can be made to the College Park Drama Department. Contact Lauren’s teacher, Joan Lapote, at lopatej@mdusd.org. To continue to develop the vaulting team Marley was so passionate about, donations in her memory can be made to The Marley Rose Heim Fund via Kim’s Horse and Kid Connection Scholarship Fund at Franklin Canyon Stables, kimshorseandkidconnection.org.

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925-228-3457 Copper Skillet Courtyard • 811 Ferry St, Downtown Martinez

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEIGHBOR AGENT

ILY M A F S! PAS

5 Lucky Winners Will Receive a Family Skate Pass to

CARPET • VINYL • HARDWOOD • TILE • WINDOW COVERINGS • Family Owned & Operated Since 1963 • Check out our FIVE STAR REVIEWS on YELP • Spruce Up Your Home for the Holidays!

• Free Design Consultation • Free Estimates • 12 months, no interest financing 982 Howe Rd. Martinez CA 94553 Phone: 925-685-1818 • Fax: 925-370-6859 www.gilscarpets.com

一攀眀 匀琀甀搀攀渀琀 匀愀洀瀀氀攀爀 倀愀猀猀㨀

倀爀攀渀愀琀愀氀 夀漀最愀

刀攀猀琀漀爀愀愀瘀攀 夀漀最愀

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DC Solar Downtown Holiday Ice Rink in Downtown Martinez ENTER TO WIN AT: www.ourcommunityfocus.com DECEMBER 1- 15 Ice Skating Fun Sponsored By Bring Rover Over • Copper Skillet • Gil’s Carpets Matthew Rinn, State Farm Insurance • Type A Yoga

DOGGIE DAYCARE

“Good times for good dogs!”

䜀椀椀 挀攀爀爀ǻ挀愀琀攀猀Ⰰ 瀀愀猀猀攀猀Ⰰ 猀挀栀攀搀甀氀攀 ☀

• Run by certified dog trainers with over 15 years experience

挀氀愀猀猀 搀攀猀挀爀椀瀀瀀漀渀猀 愀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀 漀渀氀椀渀攀 愀琀

夀漀最愀 昀漀爀 吀攀攀渀猀

㠀㄀㔀

匀琀爀甀挀琀甀爀愀氀 夀漀最愀

䴀愀爀椀渀愀 嘀椀猀琀愀 䄀瘀攀⸀

䴀愀爀琀椀渀攀稀 䄀挀爀漀猀猀 昀爀漀洀 椀挀攀 爀椀渀欀

眀眀眀⸀琀礀瀀攀愀礀漀最愀⸀挀漀洀 㤀㈀㔀ⴀ㤀㔀㜀ⴀ㤀㠀㈀ 椀渀昀漀䀀琀礀瀀攀愀礀漀最愀⸀挀漀洀

• Supervised play time • Group classes and private lessons available

䔀洀愀椀氀 甀猀 愀戀漀甀琀 挀甀猀琀漀洀 瀀爀椀瘀愀琀攀 氀攀猀猀漀渀猀℀

圀攀 眀椀氀氀 戀攀 挀氀漀猀攀搀 ㄀㈀⼀㄀㠀ⴀ㄀㈀⼀㌀㄀℀

䨀漀椀渀 甀猀 一攀眀 夀攀愀爀ᤠ猀 䐀愀礀 昀漀爀 ㄀ 㨀㌀ 愀洀 䐀攀琀漀砀 ☀ 刀攀渀攀眀 漀爀 㐀瀀洀 夀漀最愀 昀漀爀 吀漀琀愀氀 一攀眀戀椀攀猀

925

9 957-0745

974 Howe Rd. Martinez • www.bringroverover.com • Open Mo Mon-Fri 6am - 6pm ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

17

The Original Pancake House

IN FOCUS

Parkway Smiles Dental

By Francesca J.Robles (treatment coordinator); inspired by the Parkway Smiles Dental Team

We believe oral health greatly affects a person’s general wellbeing and overall physical condition. As a family practice, our staff understands a happy life starts at home. Our office is set up to emulate that concept by fabricating a comfortable, calm, and peaceful atmosphere that allows our patients to feel cared for. This enables our staff to create a close but professional relationship with our patients.

Dr. Janet Concepcion-Manalo established this practice in 2009 with a desire to provide high-quality dental care that uses the latest technologies and innovations in the field. Dr. Manalo aspires to accommodate patients of all ages and their families.

In the back of the office, you will meet team members like Hazel, our dental hygienist. If you have met Dr. Manalo and Hazel, you may have guessed they are sisters, and you would be absolutely right! Coming from a family of dentists, Dr. Manalo and Hazel grew up surrounded by dental education and were positively influenced to understand oral health before they pursued honest careers in dentistry.

Dr. Manalo completed her dental education in the Philippines, gained work experience in New York, then moved to California to start her own family. Hazel began her dental hygiene career in New York and soon followed to assist Dr. Manalo in opening a family dental practice in Martinez.

With a passion for providing oral health care and educating patients, Dr. Manalo, Hazel, and the rest of our staff strive to make a positive impact in our community by becoming your family dentist.

The Original Pancake House (OPH) restaurant in Pleasant Hill recently celebrated its new management and five-year anniversary at an event with representatives from local chambers, cities and county government. New manager, Mr. Raul Posada vows to improve the operation and provide the community with great service as well as great food.

The OPH chain was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke. It has received numerous awards for its family-friendly food, including a Zagat rating of 26 out of 30. Yahoo Leisure names OPH as having one of the 10 Best Pancakes in the US and Consumer Reports rated them second in the Top Ten Family Restaurants in America.

In addition to the award-winning Dutch Baby, Apple Pancake, freshly squeezed orange juice, egg-white omelets, and thick bacon slices, OPH introduces tasty new items for the holiday season:

Natural Yummy Drinks With chunks of real fruit, these healthy options contain fiber, antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, Iron, and B-Complex to promote Weight Loss, AntiAging and Disease Prevention.

Bite-Size Snacks Our tasty hand-held crepe snacks are perfect to take home for an afternoon pick-me-up or to treat your co-workers at the office.

A Naming Contest

But this delicious snack needs a name! A naming contest will be held, and a $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to the winner. To qualify, one must be a full-time student at any accredited educational institution. Applications were sent out to schools in surrounding communities at the end of November. For information, please call Mr. Raul Posada at (925) 798-3081 or email sandy@cpa-lac.com.

The Original Pancake House is located at 2059 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill.

The Parkway Smiles Dental Team (L to R): Francesca (treatment coordinator), Hazel (RDH), Dr. Janet ConcepcionManalo, and Carol (RDA)

Thank you for voting us your local favorite!

PLAN INCLUDES:

TRUST AGREEMENT POUR OVER WILL GUARDIANSHIP TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE

General and Family Dentistry JANET CONCEPCION-MANALO, D.D.S.

tel. (925) 229 8890

www.parkwaysmilesdental.com 1029 Arnold Drive, Suite 9 Martinez, CA 94553 (between Walmart and Home Depot)

Scan for info

LAW OFFICES OF

New patients are welcome! In-Network with most PPO plans Specials available for non-insured patients

18

december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

LAUREN SMYKOWSKI

1255 treat blvd. ste 300 walnut creek, ca 94597

www.smykowskilaw.com

Changing Your Morning Ritual Setting the Tone for the Rest of the Day

BY KEVIN ARNDT, FORMA TRAINER

Morning rituals can drastically impact your entire day. Think about how you start your day. Many people wake up to the alarm, dreading the day at work instead of being excited for what lies ahead. Morning coffee may be the only thing they’re excited about. For the most part, I have never felt this way because I get to do exactly what I want for a living. Even if you don’t, you can still change your day, or your life, based on how you decide to start your morning.

Recently, I have changed my entire

day by changing what I do to begin it. The majority of successful people I have read about, listened to, or talked to personally, have some sort of morning routine that works for them. I always wanted to create something similar for myself, but kept pushing it off. It meant I had to get up earlier, which didn’t seem too appealing when the alarm went off.

But after last year, I realized I needed to make a change. I have experimented with float tanks as a form of meditation, and I absolutely love them, but I needed something more consistent, so I decided to try an app on my phone – maybe not the best way to learn, but it’s a start. I promised myself I would get up ten min-

NCS Success

Broncos vs. Bulldogs Water Polo

BY PAYTON MANNIE, Northgate High School Sophomore

On October 22, the concrete was wet with water and the air smelled of chlorine.

The Northgate Broncos varsity girls and boys water polo teams faced the Alhambra High School Bulldogs varsity water polo girls and boys teams for the first time ever at the new Northgate High School Aquatic Center. I had the opportunity to attend the game and cheer on the Lady Broncos as they beat the Bulldogs 10-3. The men’s varsity Bronco team also beat the Bulldogs by a score of 16-11.

I interviewed a good friend of mine, Alhambra High School varsity water polo player Katie Christman, a junior. I asked Katie how she thought her team played and she replied, “Our team did the best we could, considering the fact that we were missing a lot of players, but we stayed strong and worked together.” I then asked her how she thought Northgate played and she said, “Northgate is a good, strong team who is definitely really good in the water.” I also asked her if

her team could have played differently, and she said, “Of course, but given the circumstances we were under with the limited amount of people we had, we just gave it our all.” After getting our new pool this year, the final question I asked Katie was how it was playing at the new facility. Katie responded, “The new facility is gorgeous and it was amazing to play in a new pool.”

On November 14, the Northgate Broncos varsity men’s water polo team beat Tamalpais High School 8-5 to become the Division 2 North Coast Section Champions. Shawn Forer, a senior at Northgate and a varsity water polo player said, “The hard work and dedication every man on the team has put into developing, both on personal level and a team level, really paid off. We set out to accomplish an impossible goal, one that, at the start of the season, nobody believed we could achieve. But our comradery allowed us to play as one, win as one, and make the team, Northgate, all of the water polo alumni and the community proud. We really couldn’t have played so well without our coach’s amazing leadership the entire season.”

utes earlier every day and do meditation for ten days. A funny thing happened; instead of making me more tired, it made me more alert and able to think more clearly throughout the day.

Around the same time, I was listening to a Tim Ferris podcast. His guest was a very successful Silicon Valley CEO who talked about how his morning ritual includes five minutes of visualization, and picking three things he is grateful for. I figured I might as well add that in and if I didn’t like it I could always take it out. Finally, I was listening to a Joe Rogan podcast and he said one of the things he does every morning for his ritual is to get the blood flowing. It can be whatever he wants that day: push-ups, pull-ups, some light squats. Nothing crazy, just enough to wake up the body.

I have combined all these together.

Now I get up twenty minutes early and meditate for ten minutes, pick three things I am grateful for that day, do five minutes of very detail-oriented visualization, and then something to get my blood flowing.

I highly recommend creating a morning routine that will make your day more positive. Admiral William H. McCraven suggests doing something as simple as making your bed. (If you haven’t seen his video on YouTube, watch the commencement speech he gave to the University of Texas.) Maybe just start by finding three things you are grateful for that day. You can add to it as time progresses. Focusing on the positive in your life makes it hard to let the negative consume you. Start your morning in a way that sets a positive day into motion, which leads to a more positive week and, hopefully, snowballs into a more positive life.

DVAL All-League X-Country & Boys Water Polo

CROSS COUNTRY - Girls 1st Team, All-League Rayna Stanziano, CON Jessica Boucher, NG Kelly Osterkamp, CV Kylie Tseng, CP Emma Swanson, CP Tessa Bolter, BC Claire Olson, CV 2nd Team, All-League Anna Reck, NG Kelly Seto, CP Kelsey Blough, NG Katrina Kohlmeyer, NG Emily Orellana, CP Peggy Lau, NG Sarah Verderame, CV Honorable Mention Amanda Lewis, NG Allie Griswold, BC Julia Parks, CP Isabelle Antolin, NG Natalie Ruzicka, CV Sofia Villa, CV Jessica Hevener, CV

Boys 1st Team All-League Jorge Bernabe-Velasquez, YV Dylan White, CV Sayed Opeyany, CV Omar Kabbani, NG Michael Cox, CV JJ Perez, CV Laurence Seabrook, NG 2nd Team All-League Anthony Maytum, CV Nick Chuman, CP Wyatt Abranches, NG Kevin Orellana, CP Spenser Grinbergs, CP Branden Busby, CV Ben Stame, BC Honorable Mention Nikola Malinov NG Jacob Eide, CP Connor Kugler, NG Noah Hurley, CP Will Sornberger, NG Branden Bizicki, CV Evan Stanziano, CON

WATER POLO 1st Team All-League Ivan Korolev, NG Ben Robinow, CV Coleman Carpenter, CP Decklan Cashman, NG Ryan Levy, CV Cole Hutslar, CP Alex Johnson, Con Goalie- Tanner Armas, NG 2nd Team All-League Ryan Henderson, NG Andrew Joseph, NG Anthony Vines, CV Ryan Jones, CP Dekker Dalman, Con Goalie- Caden Tattenham, CP Honorable Mention Shawn Forer, NG Hunter Peeff, NG Cal Brown, CV Cameron Brandt, CV Max Laske, CP Everett Porter, Con

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

19

CP Senior Volleyballers

Letter Signings

On Tuesday November 3, the College Park girls volleyball team played Clayton Valley at their last home game of the season on senior night in a gym packed with CP fans. The Lady Falcons came up short, but were all smiles as they celebrated their season, and qualified for NCS for the 4th consecutive year. The team honored the graduating seniors as they posed with their coaches following the game.

Senior Kiyara Buford was selected DVAL All-League 1st team, middle blocker; Erin Doolitte, 1st team, libero and Maddie Shughrou was selected honorable mention as a DS. Coaches awarded Doolittle as team MIP and Shughrou as team MVP.

A ceremony was held at Alhambra High School on November 12 to honor two senior athletes who just signed National Letters of Intent to play for their chosen colleges next year. Tyler Peters will play baseball for San Francisco State University and Cara DiMercurio will play softball for St. Mary’s College in Moraga.

Pictured (L to R): Coach Bryan Miller, Madeline Shughrou, Erin Doolittle, Kiyarah Buford, and Coach Kent Perkins. Photo by Marc St. Marseille.

Reckless Wins Oktoberfest

PHMSA’s girls U12 Reckless team played in its fourth straight US Club soccer tournament championship at WCSC’s Octoberfest Tournament. Reckless claimed their third consecutive first place title, beating Walnut Creek’s Villarreal in a shut out game. The team’s strong defense allowed just one goal against them throughout the tournament. Congratulations Reckless!

Pictured back row (L to R): Lauren McAssey, Coach Denis McCarthy, Riley Lins, Kaitlyn Chang, Kaeli Griffin, Laura Howard, Casey Briethaupt, Taylor Chow, Mallory McCarthy, and Coach Bob Puljiz. Front Row (L to R): Sierra Barker, Chloe Wakefield, Mia Puljiz, Kira Funk, Bella Lopez, Ingrid Decesaris, and Joselyn Hom. Not pictured: Jessica Cortez Photo by Christina McCarthy 20

december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

On November 13, Carondelet High School honored the following athletes for signing letters of commitment to play collegiate sports. Pictured (L to R): Malorie Han - Northwestern University, swimming; Sierra Blair - Arizona State University, softball; Giovannah Webb - Yale University, softball; Madelyn Murphy - U.C. Berkeley, swimming; Samantha Coloma - University of Missouri, swimming; Kelsey Witkay Florida Atlantic University, swimming.

Sam Behrens, a senior from College Park, signs his National Letter of Intent to play baseball for California State University, Chico next year.

DVAL Champs

Successful Season

Northgate battled College Park in the league championships October 31, beating the Falcons 11-6 to reign as DVAL champs.

Both teams moved onto North Coast Sectional (NCS) playoffs where the Falcons, led by new coach Lauren Seidemann, won their first NCS game since 2009 on November 5 against James Logan, 9-8. They lost their second game, 19-1 vs. San Ramon Valley, finishing their season 19-9 overall and 5-1 in league.

Northgate finished 18-10 overall and 6-0 in league, beating Concord in the first NCS playoff 13-4 on November 4, then losing to Campolindo 16-7 in their 2nd playoff on November 7.

Alhambra High witnessed their Lady Dogs enjoying the most successful volleyball season in decades. Led by head coach Willie Marchesano, the team was awarded the benefits of team unity and dedication, finishing 19-11 overall, 5-7 in league and were in NCS Playoffs for the first time in 28 years.

Top row (L to R): Coach Willie Marchesano, Coach Andrew Marchesano, Gabby Chase, Leslie Roofener, Lexy Swenson, Sterling Parker, Emma Farr, Karissa Wiebalk, Coach Ari Amini, Bottom Row: Maddie Grey, Lexi Hammer, Ainise Taimani, Haley Jones, Makenzie Salva, Sienna Ballot. Not pictured are Sophia Olson and Kayla Porche. Photo by Amy Hammer.

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

21

Travel Trends

Read My Mind

BY MARGARET MINER

Travel fans, I’ve got news for you: It’s time to start thinking about what you’ll be doing for spring break in 2016.

Cruising is a great value for both families with kids and for couples; all of your meals and snacks are included in your fare, as is amazing entertainment and a ton of daily onboard activities.

Spring Break with Kids: On March 26, 2016, consider setting sail with us on the Carnival Miracle, departing round trip from Long Beach, CA, and heading to the gorgeous Mexican Riviera. With ports of call in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta, the hardest thing you’ll have to do on your vacation is decide which shore excursion to cross off your list.

Whale watching season runs from December to the end of Marcha, so there is still time to enjoy one of many whale watching excursions available.

Are you feeling a little more adventurous? Hop on a mountain bike, glide down the forest canopy on a zip line, or paddle your way around warm waters in a glass-bottomed kayak. Is learning to scuba on your list? There’s an excursion for that too. Don’t feel like testing your limits? I love the guided city tours in each port that end with a bit of shopping and a local recommendation for a refreshing margarita… or two!

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD Compelling.

Disturbing. Heartwrenching. Inspiring.

These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Kristin Hannah’s magnificent novel, The Nightingale. It’s the unforgettable story of two French sisters trying to survive the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. One takes unbelievable risks in working with the French resistance. The other seems to just survive. However, both sisters surprise even themselves in the face of adversity. This is a must read for anyone who needs inspiration and courage to do what seems impossible against overwhelming odds.

Jimmy Carter will never go down as one of America’s great presidents. In spite of that, he certainly led A Full Life, as chronicled in his book by the same name. Written as “reflections at ninety” and before he learned of his life-threatening cancer, this memoir will help you understand why his greatness should be measured more by what he accomplished as an international statesman after he left the presidency.

His message is clear: “We need to be the most generous country in the world; the most dedicated to the essence of democracy and freedom.”

He showed this with his major achievement while in office, the signing of the Camp David Accords, the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

I learned a great deal about this and his other achievements after leaving office when I visited the Carter Library earlier this year. What impressed me most was Carter’s commitment to human rights and peace. Laced with his own watercolors and poems, this book will give you a new appreciation of this great humanitarian who “lived a full life indeed.”

Eric Larson’s latest bestseller is Dead Wake. It’s the story of the “last Atlantic crossing of the Lusitania,” the

Spring Break

Onboard youth and teen activities, led by Carnival’s friendly and engaging staff, allow your kids to meet new friends and have a blast with ageappropriate activities. Mom and Dad, grab your favorite adult beverage and pull up a lounge chair on deck, or head to the casino and try your hand at blackjack (or poker, or roulett). In the evenings, choose between familyfriendly entertainment and over-21 fare; there are so many choices, you’ll want to make sure you fit everything in!

There really is something for everyone, so grab the kids, round up your siblings, grab your parents, and hop on board to discover why Carnival is the original “Fun Ship” for families.

Or Without: Fancy a spring break sans your kids? Let’s talk about March 13, 2016, when the Celebrity Silhouette departs its round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and visits Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, and St. Martin.

Margaret Miner is the owner of VinoCruising, a full-service travel agency, and she hasn’t met a cruise ship she didn’t like. She wants to know what travel topics you’d like to see in this column in the next few months. Please let her know by ringing 925-399-4269 or sending a note to mminer@cruiseone. com.

A Musical Gift Just in Time for Christmas

The Martinez Musical Forum presents its delightful ecumenical concert of Christmas music, putting everyone but Scrooge in the mood for the holidays. This annual gift to the community for the past 40 years is December 13, at 3pm, at the First Congregational Church in Martinez.

The 102 year-old music society raises money every year for music scholarships at Alhambra High School and the Martinez Junior High School from donations made at the concert. Choirs from several Martinez and nearby churches present a program with choral and instrumental performances of traditional and not-so-familiar Christmas music. Soloists and instrumentalists add to the festive and varied program. Also joining the event in recent years are the Alhambra and Martinez Junior High orchestras.

The public is cordially invited. Admission is free. The church is located at the corner of Court and Susana Streets in Martinez. Reservations are not required, but it is often a full house, so come early.

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december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

©

Your Holiday Reading List

luxury liner that was sunk by a German U-boat in the early months of World War I. Over half of the Lusitania’s 2000 passengers died, including several hundred Americans. Many believe this was an impetus for the United States entering “the war to end all wars.”

What makes this book so gripping is Larson’s “switching between hunter and hunted” while America struggles with entering “The Great War.” We see the encounter through the eyes of both the Lusitania’s captain and the U-boat’s captain who never envisioned the wake of death and aftermath his one torpedo would cause.

John Corey is at it again in Nelson DeMille’s latest thriller, Radiant Angel.

This time he’s trying to prevent a nuclear bomb going off in New York City.

The real mystery is who’s behind this terrorist threat: is it militant Muslims or is it the Russians trying to provoke a break in US relations with its friends in the Middle East? You have to read the book to find out.

Suzy Favor Hamilton’s Fast Girl: A Life Spent Running From Madness is the bio of the three-time Olympian turned high-priced Vegas escort and her struggle with bipolar disorder. Evidently, in this tantalizing book, what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas!

Unless you’re a diehard Brad Meltzer fan, you can skip his latest Culper Ring mystery, The President’s Shadow. It doesn’t have the same level of excitement of his previous books, The Book of Lies or The Inner Circle. He’s gone to the well one too many times with the same heroes and villains.

Unfortunately, the same can be said about Daniel Silva’s latest Gabriel Allon whodunit, The English Spy. When an author spends half the book telling you what happened in his previous books, you know something’s wrong.

Read The English Girl instead.

Happy holiday reading everyone!

Local Author Spotlight The Community Focus Proudly Presents Four Local Authors Merci Martin & Wanda Bishop

Sondra Perry

(with Illustrator Jessica Scoles)

Once a chef with a catering company and then a maker of handmade soaps, Sondra Perry turned her talents toward writing children’s books. In 2011, Perry’s first book was released, The Most Unusual Pet Ever: Henry Our Great Blue Heron and His Adventures.

A funny and heartwarming story, which also happens to be true! It all started with a backyard visit from a great blue heron and has grown into a ten-year friendship that continues to this day. Sondra states, “It’s a joy to introduce this beautiful, four-foot tall bird with a six-foot wingspan to kids.” Visit www.HenryTheGreatBlueHeron.com.

Connecting children to nature through these books is Sondra’s passion. She is also the author of Baby Carrots – Carrots of Wisdom for Little Ones. She is active in the community, visiting classrooms and giving fun and educational readings and presentations to groups of all ages. Sondra Perry lives in San Ramon with her husband, Lance. Books are available at www.KidsCarrotsBookSeries.com.

The Crow and the Feather: A Tale from the Oak Woodlands of California introduces children to the antics of the common crow, western gray squirrel, coyote, screech owl, and California condor. These West Coast animals are rarely depicted in children’s books, so this book is a milestone! Using developmentally appropriate teaching strategies, the authors infuse vital ecological concepts with humor to make the story entertaining as well as informative.

Carolie Sly, Ph.D., from the Center for Ecoliteracy in Berkeley, says, “The Crow and the Feather brings us a wonderful cast of characters who inhabit California’s Oak Woodland. Collaboratively written by two experienced early childhood educators, the story uses pattern language, humor, and scientific facts to entertain and inform. If you work in a nature center or natural history museum, this book is for you. If you teach young children, this book is for you. If you are a parent looking for engaging ways to cultivate ecological literacy within your child, this book is for you!”

The Crow and the Feather can be found locally at Lindsay Wildlife Experience, Amazon.com, or CupolaPress.com.

Parris Walton

Richard Cash

Northern California resident Parris Walton is a visionary with a creative imagination. He is a certified life coach, personal trainer, youth basketball coach, and licensed California Realtor. He is also the author of the highly acclaimed books, Win Anyway and Knock the Devil Out. Win Anyway focuses on improving your offense. It was created to encourage individuals to focus exclusively on their goals and what they can do with certainty. Walton says, “It is the end of competition in a negative way, encouraging you to determine your own level of victory.” The intention behind Knock The Devil Out is to improve your defense by re-conditioning your attitude and your mindset so you are better prepared to use your offense. Part of a 3-book collection, The Ultimate Life Coach will be released early 2016.

You can learn more about this series and purchase books at www.mcnallyjackson.com/bookmachine/ win-anyway-p-walton-paytc.

Walton has also produced a children’s music cd with songs co-written and sung by his two daughters, Leah and Sierra. “All For the Kids” is available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/allforthekids.

In World War II in the Press, local author and photographer Richard Cash created a rare collection of images that tells the story of World War II as it was portrayed in the American newspapers. Many of the images were unpublished. They were considered too inflammatory, such as images of American dead, or they revealed too much information about American operations.

Roosevelt prohibited the publishing of American dead until 1943, when he began to feel Americans were becoming complacent about the war effort. The book includes a photo taken George Strock, a photojournalist during World War II, which became the first photo approved for publication. It was taken in February 1943 and published the following September on the cover of Life Magazine.

Only two photos in the book are credited to specific photographers. The US Army Signal Corps photographers took the rest. This was before the beginning of the Press Corp.

You are invited to visit the Facebook page, World War II in the Press, which offers a venue for monthly photo offerings and interesting reader comments. The book is available in print at www.richardcash.com and is also on Amazon and the iTunes Bookstore.

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

23

Measure E

PH Rec & Park

Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District is pleased to announce that the effective tax rate for Measure E bonds declined from the 2014-2015 year to the projected 2015-2016 fiscal year. The rate is 0.20% lower than the rate projected when taxpayers voted and passed Measure E bonds in 2010. This tax rate deduction is good news for Pleasant Hill taxpayers.

PH Rec & Park Accounting Supervisor Mark Blair explains, “Properties have increased in value at a greater rate than the rate used in the original projections, making the effective percent tax lower than estimated.”

With overwhelming community support, Measure E was passed to generate funds for rebuilding four existing PH Rec & Park facilities, including the Senior Center, Teen Center, Community Center and Pleasant Oaks Park. These facilities enjoy maximum utilization and occupancy through programs, classes, services, and rentals generating revenue and value for the community.

About Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District

The Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District improves the quality of life for our local community by providing a wide variety of affordable and convenient recreation, sports, health, enrichment, educational and wellness programs, activities and events for all ages. We also offer an extensive system

New Winter/Spring SPOTLIGHT is here!

Check your mailbox or visit pleasanthillrec.com for exciting classes, activities and events coming in the new year. Get a jump-start on your New Year’s resolutions!

Reduced Tax Rate Benefits Taxpayers

of multi-use parks, open space areas, and beautiful community facilities, including an aquatic park, two additional pools, an historical site, a new community center, new senior center complex, and new teen center.

Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District facilities provide opportunities to play, learn and celebrate in our community. For more information, visit www.pleasanthillrec.com.

Our Impact

We promote an active, healthy lifestyle for preschool, youth, teens, adults and seniors.

We foster self-enrichment and personal development in over 2,300 classes, programs and activities.

We preserve and drive community economic value by providing diverse programs, well-maintained neighborhood and community parks, trails and open space to attract and retain residents, businesses and visitors.

We strengthen community engagement by working closely with community partners and clubs, coordinating volunteer activities, co-sponsoring community events, and supporting local charities.

We preserve and protect natural resources of California by conscientiously and proactively maintaining the District’s 269 acres of parkland.

We improve safety and security by providing positive recreational activities and safe environments for at-risk groups.

Announcements and Events

Winter Break Camps for Youth & Teens Keep your kids active and engaged over winter break: KIDSTOP Winter Break Camp (Grade K-5), Youth Tennis Camp (6-12 yrs.), and Winter Break at the Teen Center (Grade 6 & up; siblings Grade 3 & up). Visit pleasanthillrec.com/camps for details.

Find Your Perfect Tree at the Dolfins Tree Lot! Nov. 27 - Dec. 24, Winslow Center Parking Lot, 2590 Pleasant Hill Road (corner of Taylor and Pleasant Hill Road). Find that perfect fresh tree and support the Dolfins Swim Team! Fresh Oregon trees: Silver Tip, Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, and Norwegian Spruce. Funds go toward meet operations, equipment and swimmer incentives for the 2016 season. Mon.-Sat., 9am-9pm; Sundays, 12:30-9pm.

NBA/WNBA Youth Basketball League (CoEd, Grades 3 - 5 & 6 - 8) 8 weeks, starting 1/9. Saturday games, 10:30am-3pm. PH Education Center Gym, 1 Santa Barbara Rd. Learn skills, coordination, agility, team work, and sportsmanship through practice drills. Register online.

Breakfast with Santa December 5, 8:30-9:45am, or 10:15-11:30am, Chateau Room, PH Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. Join Santa for a morning of live entertainment, holiday cheer, and pancake breakfast. All attendees must register. Pre-register online by 12/3. Admission: $10.50/$9.50 (Dist. Res.).

PH Rec Holiday Festival 2015 - FREE Wednesday, December 9, 5-8:30pm, PH Community Center, 320 Civic Drive. Don’t miss the most magical Holiday Festival in Contra Costa County! Meet Santa and TWO Frozen© princesses. Enjoy NEW! LEGO® winter village, youth performances, arts & crafts, new Holiday Express Train and holiday gift marketplace. Dinner available for purchase. Sponsored by Republic Services.

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New Year’s Eve Celebration (21+yrs) December 31, Chateau Room, Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. Dance your way into 2016! Live music by Pleasant Hill All Stars. VIPs enjoy delicious pre-party dinner. No host beer, wine, and cocktails, photo booth, traditional balloon drop. Space limited.

Tickets now available at pleasanthillrec.com. VIP tickets $85pp; dance party tickets $50pp.

High School News Hire CP Carolers!

Did you know the College Park High School Choir Department will send out their talented students to sing carols for your holiday gathering? Nothing adds to the festive feel of the winter holiday season like a merry band of carolers!

Please suggest this option to whoever is planning your annual private or company holiday party. Rates are lower than professional caroling companies, and all proceeds benefit the CPHS choir department. Contact Bruce Rockwell at rockwellb@mdusd.org with questions or to book carolers.

MPHFC is holding tryouts for players looking to grow their game & compete at the highest levels.

Spring U12G Spring U11B

Congrats to the Northgate Marching Band

2004 Birth Year

Marching band director Sara Stafford announced the Northgate Marching Band took their division’s first place and Auxiliary took second place at the Vintage Reserve Band Review in Napa on November 14. A great end to a great season for the band!

Thirty-five high school marching bands visited Napa for an all-day competition that began in downtown Napa with the parade competition and ended with the field show competition at Memorial Stadium.

2005 Birth Year

Spring U13G Spring U14G 2003 Birth Year

2002 Birth Year

January tryouts available Visit MPHFC.com for more info Tryouts held at: College Park H.S. 201 Viking Dr, Pleasant Hill, CA

Arrive Alive at Alhambra

On November 19 and 20, The Associated Student Body/Leadership class of Alhambra High School sponsored “Arrive Alive,” an impaired and distracted driving education program and simulator for students. The program uses a high-tech simulator, impact video, and other resources to educate students about the dangers of drunk driving and texting while driving. The simulator allowed participants to experience the potential consequences of drunk and distracted driving in a controlled environment.

During the school day, all juniors and seniors had the opportunity to experience the program in the Performing Arts Building. Freshmen and sophomores had the opportunity to participate outside of class time. The high school also worked with the Martinez Police Department and local fire agencies for additional experiences on those days.

COACHING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE VISIT MPHFC.COM 2015_tryouts.indd 1

2Z

HS Performances

College Park High School

The College Park High School Music Department is proud to present “A Candlelight Concert” on December 11 and 12, at 7pm. Experience the annual celebration of holiday music featuring top music students at CPHS. Enjoy the CPHS string orchestra, full orchestra, concert choir, and treble choir in the gorgeous, candlelit sanctuary of St. Andrew’s Church, 601 Mary Dr., in Pleasant Hill. Tickets are $12; $10 for students & staff.

Alhambra High School

Alhambra’s Winter Concert is Tuesday, December 15, at 7pm. It is free to all and features the orchestra and concert band. “There is a rumor that Santa himself will be there,” said music teacher Julianne George. The performance will be in the high school’s Performing Arts Building.

Carondelet and De La Salle

The Christmas Concert, featuring the choirs and bands of Carondelet and De La Salle, takes place Wednesday, December 9, at 7pm, in the DLS Hofmann Center. Admission is complimentary, so bring your friends and family and join us for an evening of festive music and fun!

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Northgate High School

Northgate’s Winter Concert is December 16 and 17. Both concerts feature all choral groups. Ticket price is $6 and performances begin at 7pm in the NHS Little Theatre. Visit the Choral Music Boosters website at: www.northgatehs-pfc.com/ncmb.html for ticket information.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.DIABLOFC.ORG TO REGISTER

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

25

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In the Mix

2015 Music in Review

BY PAUL COTRUVO

Well, here we are again, finally reaching the end of the year.

As we say goodbye to 2015, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on some of the incredible musical highlights that took place in Central Contra Costa. As I look back, it always reminds me of how lucky we all are to have such amazing talent and events, right here in our backyard. And in these hard economic times, how lucky we all are to be able to escape our hectic lives, if only for a few hours, and enjoy many local artists without traveling to the big city and paying the big bucks!

Armando’s in Martinez continues to be the happening spot. With music ranging from blues, bluegrass, jazz, and folk, you can never go wrong seeing a show at this intimate venue. Some of the highlights this year were the singer-songwriter Sin Silver, the Counting Crow’s off-shoot band, Tender Mercies, Mark Stanley, Buffy Ford Stewart, and on the infamous last Sundays of the month, the funk band The Sunday Paper. If you haven’t visited Armando’s, you are truly missing out. Each week they provide quality music for a fraction of the cost.

February saw the return of the Come Together benefit show for teens of Pleasant Hill. Always an amazing evening of music, this year was no exception. The show lasted five hours and featured up and coming art-

ists, such as Kymber Starmack, Alexa Heine, and Colton Waters & The Sensations, mixed in with acoustic sets by The Bell Brothers and Frankie G. The evening was topped off with a surprise set by Grammy Award winning Pleasant Hill resident Carlos Reyes. Do not miss the next show, February 26, 2016, at the Pleasant Hill Community Center. This is becoming one of the hottest tickets in town.

Pleasant Hill’s Sunset by the Lake series continues to bring quality acts for free. This year the fun started with the quirky band The Von Trapps and featured some other great bands, such as the Santa Cruz band Extra Large and the funky East Bay Mudd, and ended with the Tom Petty tribute band The Big Jangle.

So many other great events to mention, such as the Pleasant Hill’s Blues and Brews, which featured the real deal himself, Chris Cain, as well as Frankie G. & The Conviction, Spinout, Caroompas Room, and The Used Blues Band. Martinez rocked the area with the Rockin’ by the Bay music festival, which featured the amazing Edgar Winter, Gamma, featuring Davey Pattison, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood, Chris Cain Band, and Garageland Rodeo. A hugely successful event; I hope they bring it back next year. The always-successful Lafayette Art & Wine Festival had four stages this year, and packing them in were The Sun Kings, Evolution, David Martin’s House Party, and Foreverland.

So many cities seem to have their own

concert series; you could pack up your picnic basket and dancing shoes and enjoy a free show just about every weekend of the summer and fall. Some wonderful series are: Clayton’s Concerts in the Grove, Martinez Fridays on the Main, Concord’s Todos Santos Thursdays, and Downtown Pleasant Hill’s Third Thursdays.

Other highlights this year were the on-going open mic series at Roxx on Main in Martinez and their musical weekends throughout the year featuring many local artists. An intimate venue and fantastic food always makes this a great destination.

This year saw the emergence of some new venues offering some acoustic music. Zach-

ary’s Pizza in Pleasant Hill had Music on the Patio Wednesdays, and Jack’s Restaurant had Acoustic Thursdays. I hope this trend continues.

So do you think we have a great music scene here in Contra Costa? I cannot stress enough how lucky we are to have all this music in our area. My mantra has always been to go out and support local music; as you can see, there is plenty to be had.

Happy New Year, and I hope to see you out at a show.

Quote of the month: The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul

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Paul’s Picks December 4: The Bell Brothers, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill, 8:30pm December 6: Martinez Music Mafia 7th Annual Holiday Pageant and Toy Drive, Armando’s, Martinez, 3-7pm December 11: Stephanie Rickher & Paul Cotruvo, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 8:30pm December 27: The Sunday Paper, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4pm December 30: The Buzztones, Rocco’s Pizzeria, Walnut Creek, 8:30pm December 31: The Pleasant Hill All-Stars featuring the Big Jangle & Stephanie Rickher, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, 9pm December 31: Lumberyard, Back Forty Texas BBQ, Pleasant Hill, 9pm December 31: The Killbillies, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 9:30pm December 31: Mad Karma, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

27

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BY LESLEY STILES

It looks like we may actually have a winter this year! Rain already and lots of snow in “them there hills” creates a sense of much needed optimism, especially in the drought. Holiday madness marches in, assesses us, and proceeds to attack from all angles, sparing no one in its wake, religious or not. Stress moves in, weakening immune and temper systems, and patience disappears as fast as heat through an opened front door.

Persephone was held prisoner for six months of the year by her husband, Hades, who tricked her into eating six pomegranate seeds. This so devastated her mother, Demeter, that she no longer blessed the earth with fertility for those six months. Could be one ancient explanation for the seasons. Whatever the cause, when pomegranates come around, they are a delight to behold.

Representing romance and mysticism doesn’t hurt either. If cleaning it stops you from partaking in the pomegranate, cut off the top, score the sides and immerse in water to dislodge the arils.

They will sink and the inedible pith will float. Use these sweet-tart seeds to liven up a salad with Fuyu persimmon slices while dousing all in orange vinaigrette.

Eat the seed along with the juice; this is where all the fiber is stored.

Pomegranates are packed full of vitamin C and are an amazing source of antioxidants. You can get fresh pressed pomegranate juice all winter at most farmers’ markets. This amazing, nutrient-filled ruby nectar is a great sauce medium. Reduce 2 cups pomegranate juice with 2 cups stock. Take down by half and add a few tablespoons of honey, a handful of toasted walnuts, and a sprinkling of fresh thyme. Toss your grilled chicken breast or, better yet, grilled eggplant to achieve romance and health in your life.

Shake fresh-pressed pomegranate juice with a dash of soda water, a

december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Photo by Susan Wood Photography

tablespoon of simple syrup, and a nice jigger of good vodka. Strain into an iced martini glass and garnish liberally with fresh arils and a wedge of lime to create the perfect holiday cocktail, literally guaranteeing passage at all the best parties of the season.

Newer to arrive at the party of the seasonal farmers’ markets are the cocktail grapefruits. Also known as the Mandelo, they are a genius cross between ancient ancestors, mandarins, and a pommelo. Not technically a grapefruit, this luscious fruit is eligible to be thoroughly enjoyed by statinconsuming friends. White fleshed and a little seedy, cocktail grapefruits have not yet achieved huge commercial success, which bodes well for the tirelessly loyal farmers’ market shopper as they remain as they were when created: tenderly amazing, instead of molded into something that packs and ships better.

Uniquely flavored, crazy sweet, and addictively juicy by the cross of citrus, cocktail grapefruits meld well with savory as well as sour, acidic, or sweet flavor profiles, bushwhacking taste buds as well as visitors to your table. Toss segments with sliced oranges into crunchy, sweet, winter salad greens, along with crumbled chevre and local, toasted,

chopped almonds doused with lemon juice and lemon oil, creating a salad intoxicating enough to straighten out a crooked juror or bend an honest judge.

Simple austerity has nothing on slices of cocktail grapefruit on a plate, seeds removed, drizzled with honey and lime juice, sprinkled with a mere thought of chili powder, and accompanied by chunked jicama. Juice of said grapefruit muddled with mint leaves and enriched by a shot of rum is sweet enough to bypass simple syrup for a winter take on the mojito. Sprinkle brown sugar and lemon juice into a sauté pan with hot melted butter to caramelize thick slices of cocktail grapefruit to lavishly slather over ice cream, French toast, pound cake.

Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sustainable caterer and school garden educator.

Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast. net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods.com.

Fresh Kale Salad with Pomegranate Arils and Fuyu Persimmons INGREDIENTS 1 large bunch kale of any kind, sliced and washed 2 tablespoons olive oil Juice and zest of 1 to 2 lemons or 3 tablespoons rice vinegar 1/2 cup pomegranate arils 2 Fuyu persimmons, sliced 1 bunch green onions, sliced Sea salt and pepper to taste or Braggs Amino Acids to taste DIRECTIONS Toss kale, tomatoes, fruits and green onions in a large salad bowl. Drizzle on lemon juice, zest and olive oil and toss well. Season with Braggs or salt. Let sit a few minutes to gently “cook” the kale for a few minutes or up to an hour before serving.

Serves 4 to 6

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29

Super Holiday Boutiques Shop for Holiday Gifts Galore

BY JAY BEDECARRE

The holiday season’s largest shopping extravaganza in the county is the 6th annual Super Holiday Boutique on the Dec. 11-13 weekend in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and Danville/Alamo. Shoppers will find a potpourri of gift items and will be able to get free photos with Santa and Olaf.

The free indoor holiday events allow shoppers to get those special one-of-akind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for family, friends and colleagues from a variety of arts and crafts vendors, homebased businesses and commercial exhibitors.

Toys, clothing for babies, kids and adults, jewelry, purses, cosmetics, candles, soaps, candy, fashion accessories, home goods, bath and body, books, kitchenware and cooking products, baked goods and much more will be available.

There will be holiday decorations, or-

naments and books galore. There are also several self-help and home improvement exhibitors.

Shoppers have three opportunities to attend the free Super Holiday Boutiques: • The Friday, Dec. 11, Boutique is from 3-8pm at Heather Farm Community Center, 301 N. San Carlos Dr. off Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Walnut Creek.

• On Saturday, Dec. 12, the event shifts to Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., off Taylor Blvd. in Pleasant Hill from 10am-3pm.

• The third Holiday Boutique is Sunday, Dec. 13, from 11am-4pm at San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd. in Danville.

Santa will be on hand to hear holiday wishes and pose for free photo opportunities for kids of all ages.

Making a special, exclusive appearance will be Olaf from Frozen, Disney’s biggest animated movie ever.

There will be free holiday arts and crafts activities, allowing kids to make keepsake presents for their family and friends, while their parents are shopping.

Each attendee will receive a free raffle ticket for numerous prizes donated by the boutique vendors. A donation of food to the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano will earn the donor another raffle ticket

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Sat., Dec. 12

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The first 200 families through the door daily will receive a holiday goody bag.

Super Holiday Boutique is free to the public with ample free parking around each venue.

Visit www.superholidayboutique. com for more information.

Heather Farm Community Center N. San Carlos Dr. off Ygnacio Valley Rd.

Pleasant Hill Community Center Civic Dr. off Taylor Blvd.

Sun., Dec. 13 Alamo/Danville

11 am - 4 pm Jewelry · Purses & Handbags Toys · Puppets · Books · Greeting Cards Clothing – Babies, Kids & Adults Holiday Decorations, Ornaments & Books Candles · Soaps · Skincare Bath & Body Health & Wellness Vitamins · Cosmetics Local Accessories · Scarves · Home & Garden Vendors Welcome Sheets & Pillow Cases · Pillows · Artwork Kitchenware & Cooking Products Baked Goods & Candy Green Products & Services Self-Help and Home Improvement Pets & Animal Goods · Commercial Vendors

Rancho Romero School, Alamo Hemme Ave. off Danville Blvd.

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30

december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Pair Up Winter Heat

BY MARIA TERRY

Hot drinks are warm and cozy to have inside when the weather is cold outside.

Interestingly, other than simple black tea or coffee, most hot drinks are sweet. For this reason, they pair well with sweet foods.

Often, they are topped with whipped cream and become a dessert in their own right. I am partial to hot drinks paired with crumbly textured desserts like cakes and cookies.

For savory dishes, the sugar can serve as a counter-balance for foods that are spicy or salty.

Real estate agents often tell clients to make Hot Apple Cider for an open house.

This is because the smell of cinnamon and apples is very inviting; it’s an aroma that may even make you think of chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Or, even better, chestnuts wrapped up in bacon and slathered with sweet and sour sauce. Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts is a classic appetizer that my mom made for her parties in the ‘70s. They are the perfect combination of salty and sweet flavors and have both crunchy and chewy textures. They are delicious whether they bring back memories of the past or allow you to start new memories today.

Mulled Wine is scented with classic baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These spices are also found in chai tea, the definitive beverage pairing for Indian food. This is what inspired me to pair it with Indian-Spiced Chicken. The slightly sweet,

fruity wine complements the spices found in the dish. And, the fat from the cream in the sauce tames the tannins found in the wine. Serve with steamed basmati rice and a simple vegetable to balance the intense flavors in the chicken and the wine. By the end of the course, this pairing will make you warm all over.

Irish coffee is made with one ounce of Irish cream liqueur to every one cup of coffee. While this treat can be a dessert on its own, very few people can resist pairing it with a Russian teacake cookie (for recipe, see Pair Up Sept. 2015 Community Focus). Again, this is a recipe from my childhood. My favorite cousin, Sue, made them for the family every Christmas. These cookies are primarily

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts INGREDIENTS 1 pound bacon, cut in half 2 (8 ounce) cans water chestnuts 1 1/2 cups ketchup 1 cup packed brown sugar DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 °F. Wrap 1/2 strip of bacon around each water chestnut.

Combine ketchup and sugar in a small bowl and mix together; dip each wrapped water chestnut into this mixture. Place water chestnuts in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake covered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bacon is crisp.

Yield 10 Servings

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The Journey to Bethlehem is a walk through live nativity that happens continually throughout the evening.

We invite you to come experience animals and scenes from that first Christmas long ago.

Free holiday refreshments will be served.

ADMISSION IS FREE!

December 12 & 13

Christ Community Church of the Nazarene 1650 Ashbury Drive, Concord (925) 685-4343

finely chopped walnuts held together with butter and rolled in powdered sugar. They are buttery, salty and sweet, all at the same time. This pairing is a terrific example of why hot coffee with crunchy cookies is enjoyed worldwide.

So, go on. Pair Up!

Indian Spiced Chicken INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 cup whole milk plain yogurt 3 large cloves garlic, pressed 1- inch piece ginger, grated 8 cardamom pods, cracked with the back of a chef’s knife 1 tablespoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes 2 teaspoons ground coriander 1 tablespoon sweet paprika 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon salt 20 grinds black pepper 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 medium onion, cut into medium dice 3 tablespoons tomato paste 2 cups half-and-half DIRECTIONS Cut the chicken breasts roughly into 2 by 2-inch pieces. Mix together the yogurt, garlic, ginger, cardamom, curry powder, chili flakes, coriander, paprika, honey, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.

Add chicken pieces to yogurt mixture, cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour or as long as overnight. Bring to room temperature before cooking.

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Stir in tomato paste until evenly distributed and then add the half-and-half. Slide in the chicken and marinade, stir well, and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat so that the liquid remains at a low simmer. Cook about 15 minutes until chicken is no longer pink in the middle but still tender and moist. Serve immediately over basmati rice.

Yield: 4 servings

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

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

Hot Apple Cider INGREDIENTS 4-5 cups apple juice 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 3 ounces spiced rum (optional) Cinnamon sticks and apple slices to garnish DIRECTIONS In a small pot heat the apple juice, spices and rum (if using) over low/medium heat.

Stir often while the mixture is heating so the spices will blend into the juice (you don’t want any spice clumps). Once it’s hot, pour into four mugs and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Serve warm.

Yield 4 Servings

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

Mulled Wine INGREDIENTS 1 bottle (750 milliliters) fruity red wine 1 cup brandy 1 medium orange, sliced 1 medium lemon, sliced 1 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 cinnamon sticks 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice 1/2 teaspoon aniseed 1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns 3 whole cloves DIRECTIONS In a large saucepan, combine the wine, brandy, orange, lemon, sugar, and nutmeg. Place remaining spices on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag.

Add spice bag to wine mixture.

Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat; cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Cool; cover and refrigerate overnight.

Strain; discard fruit and spice bag. Reheat wine; serve warm in mugs.

Yield 4 Servings

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ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

31

P L E A S A N T

H I L L

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

It’s Your Business.

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

2016 Pleasant Hill Chamber Board of Directors Julie McCoy, ReMax Accord (Chair)

From the Pleasant Hill Chamber 2015 Board, Ambassadors & Staff “Thank you for making the Pleasant Hill Chamber a success for all in 2015!”

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■

Chamber Website is now mobile friendly!

Increased Community Impact Partners Increased Member’s Benefits within Chamber’s Business Directory Increased number of active Chamber Ambassadors Government Affairs Committee’s monthly forum for members and elected officials to meet and discuss important business issues Green Business Committee helped businesses to reduce, reuse & recycle 680 Business Clubs provided network to build stronger business relationships Hosted successful Mega Business Mixer in Pleasant Hill Free for members, quarterly Business Runway Workshops in partnership with City of Pleasant Hill, SBDC, Workforce Development Board at JFK University Professional Business Women’s Network program launched Annual Art, Jazz & Wine Fest, Blues & Brews Festival (with PHRPD), & other great events brought thousands of visitors to our community and prospective clients to our members

Welcome New Members

Pleasant Hill Village Apartments Sentinel Newspapers Diablo Theater Company Better Days Provider LLC The Original Pancake House On the Move Careers, Inc. Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski Jen Lucas Massage White Pony Express 32

Debbie Ventura Denise Rousset Rachel Pergamit Bach Pregil Sandy Xu Vaneese Johnson Lauren Smykowski Jen Lucas Gary Conner

december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

(925)-937-7370 (925) 820-6047 (925)-262-2128 (925) 4570720 (925) 798-3081 (415) 378-8707 (925)-257-4277 (925) 322-0554 (925) 788-0146

Christopher Thomas, Land Home Financial (Past Chair) Jesse Gregory, Astound (Chair Elect) Tom Guarino, PG&E (Secretary) Mike Robertson, Risk Concepts Insurance Brokers, Inc. (Treasurer) Anne Baker, Republic Services Yvonne Ceresa, Edward Jones Bruce Jobson, Jobson Group Vaneese Johnson, On The Move Careers David Levien, Prudential Joe Stokley, Stokley Properties Heather Schiffman, Contra Costa Association of Realtors Lauren Smykowski, Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski Jennifer Voss, Voss Global Communications Angela Warren, Land Home Financial “Looking back on 2015, I am extremely proud of the efforts that our dedicated Staff, Ambassadors and Board of Directors made again this year to enhance Pleasant Hill’s vibrant business community and the residents they serve. From all of us here at the Chamber, we wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year!”

Ann Luke

President & CEO

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

www.pleasanthillchamber.com

Wild—and Underfoot!

The California Pocket Gopher

Recently, someone brought an injured gopher to Lindsay’s wildlife rehabilitation hospital. This little gopher had been caught by a cat; it had several wounds as well as a fractured forearm and was obviously suffering.

At Lindsay, we understand that living with wildlife requires a constant balance between the valid interests of people and those of the wildlife we live with. Obviously, commercial agriculture and family and community gardens are a great benefit to all of us. Control of some animal species may be necessary to save certain crops and our home gardens. So, you might ask, why would Lindsay spend time and money to treat an animal that many people consider to be a pest?

We believe that no animal should be left to suffer a lingering and painful death. And our experience informs us that most people would prefer to use the most humane controls possible. Al-

lowing our pets to prey on these animals is not only inhumane to wildlife, but also potentially deadly for our pets. A common control for such wild rodents is toxic bait. We encourage people to avoid use of toxic controls that can be ingested by predators of rodents, such as barn owls, who help control rodent populations. Also, the most commonly used toxic baits are grain treated with strychnine or zinc phosphide. Either of these is lethal with a single feeding.

These poisons can easily be ingested if your dog or cat finds a gopher that has fed on the treated bait.

If you discover gophers in your yard, please consider creating a habitat for natural predators such as barn owls, and certainly don’t be squeamish about sharing your yard with a gopher snake. If you’d like to know more about gophers, as well as tips on plants they don’t relish, visit Las Pilitas Nursery’s website at http://www.laspilitas.com/animals/tho-

momys/thomomys-bottae.htm. Las Pilitas specializes in California natives and is a great resource when you’re planning to create native habitat for some of our more desirable wildlife. And the gopher brought to Lindsay? Our veterinary staff humanely euthanized it because of the extent of its injuries.

If you find an animal in need of care, contact the wildlife hotline at Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 925-935-1978.

Please visit our website to find out how you can support wildlife rehabilitation: http://lindsaywildlife.org/found-animal/.

T A LL O

Rents from ju st $1,795!

Y DA

Wake Up to Fresh Coffee and Fresh Conversation!

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BY NORMA BISHOP

Have you ever thought about how many wild animals are right under your feet? Well, if you’re a gardener or the owner of a patch of lush lawn, you probably have.

One of those wild animals is an adversary of many a gardener. California is home to several species of pocket gophers, an animal that can cause damage to vegetable, fruit, and ornamental plants and young shrubs. As “engineered” by nature, the gopher is amazingly well adapted to subterranean life.

Equipped with powerfully built forelegs and large-clawed front paws, the gopher has fine, short fur that doesn’t mat in wet soils. Its sensitive facial whiskers help it to find its way in the dark. Knowing it also uses its continuously growing teeth for digging, you might wonder how it doesn’t choke on mouthfuls of dirt. The gopher’s lips can close behind its four large incisor teeth to keep dirt out!

With a coffee bar in the midst of the lively, activity-filled community, Carlton Senior Living’s Chateau on Broadway lets residents start each morning with friends, fun and of course – coffee.

At Carlton Senior Living, fun times with friends are never far. Simply walk out your door and start enjoying the activities and lively conversation that Chateau on Broadway has to offer. Whether it’s toetapping live music or a cup of coffee with friends, at Carlton Senior Living, your days are full of fun.

Please call today to schedule a visit.

Tom MacDonald Founder

Visit the community, meet some great new friends while enjoying a delicious, fresh-brewed cup of java and remember that the exciting activities, comfortable environment and delightful people are what make Chateau on Broadway a place you will call home.

Please call today to schedule a visit, enjoy a complimentary Sunday brunch – with coffee – and reserve your new home with Carlton Senior Living.

Chateau on Broadway 1700 Broadway St. · Concord, CA 94520 (925) 686-1700 CarltonSeniorLiving.com

Lic. No. 5005347

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

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Clarinet Fusion Upcoming Holiday Concert

Clarinet Fusion, the Contra Costa based clarinet choir, performs at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center on Thursday, December 10, at 7pm. This will be Clarinet Fusion’s third concert at the center. Previous concerts were standing room only events, with attendees of all ages. Past audiences continue to call for the group’s return for more of their fine music. One unique feature of these performances is that many young clarinet students attend with their parents and grandparents and get the opportunity to see and learn more about the wide variety of clarinets being played. Music lovers of all ages will enjoy this holiday program.

In the upcoming performance, “Winter Memories,” Clarinet Fusion performs tunes from a variety of genres, including holiday, popular, klezmer, jazz, movies, and more.

Clarinet Fusion’s upcoming show is truly one of sight and sound. You will see clarinets that do not look like anything you have ever seen, and you will hear unique sounds you have likely never heard. The group will perform with seven unique types of clarinets, from very small, high-pitched ones to very big, deep, rich ones.

This talented group is made up of some of the best amateur musicians from throughout the East Bay, and they rehearse every week right here in Pleasant Hill at the home of Karyn Weber, founder of the group.

Please join us for this unique event. Doors open at 6:15pm. Refreshments will be served prior to the concert. Presale admission is $5 or $8 at the door. For more info and to purchase tickets call: 925-798-8788. For more information about Clarinet Fusion, visit www.clarinetfusion.org. You can also contact Tom Weber, the group’s business manager, at clarinetfusion@sbcglobal.net

Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green Street, Martinez 925-370-8770

Dec. 13 - Pancake Breakfast with Santa 8-11am. This delicious breakfast includes pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Cost is $4 for adults; $2.50 for children 10 and under. Handmade crafts will be on sale during the breakfast. Always open to the public. Parents and grandparents, bring your camera!

Dec. 3, 10 & 17 – December Bingo 1pm. Open for sales at 12pm, games begin at 1pm. All December Bingo regular games pay $50. Prizes will be given out each week.

AARP Tax-Aide Tax Preparation Notice Free Tax Preparation is offered by Tax-Aide’s AARP sponsored program by IRS certified tax counselors. Tax-Aide does not specify an income limit, but service targets low and moderate income taxpayers of any age, with special attention given to seniors 60+. Appointments begin January 8, 2016.

For information serving Martinez/Pacheco area, please call (925) 370-8770 Martinez Senior Center, or (925) 709-4525 Pacheco Community Center. To complete your tax return, bring Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return; copies of all W-2s; Photo ID; 1098s and 1099s; other income and deductions; and your 2014 tax returns.

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY:

Linda J. Weihofen

Reverse Mortgage Specialist 925.348.4267 • TALK2LW@yahoo.com Helping you to understand the NEW Reverse Mortgage

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Dec. 6 - Pancake Breakfast, 8:30-10:30am. Enjoy a stack of pancakes or French toast, eggs, sausage and orange juice and coffee. All ages welcome. Adults (11+): $5; children (5-10) $3; 4 & under: free.

Dec. 4 - Taste of the Vine - Holiday Edition, 3-5pm. A special holiday Taste of the Vine with live music, wine & food. Sponsored by the Chateaus of Pleasant Hill. $10 presale/$15 day of (based on availability).

Dec. 18 - Holiday Luncheon 12pm. Celebrate the holidays with friends. Enjoy delicious lunch and spirited show by the Golden Notes Chorus. Tickets: $15 members/ $19 general.

NO JOB TOO SMALL FAMILY & LOCALLY OWNED MONTHLY SERVICE

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

Mark Ellinwood, Owner • PO Box 23774 • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

ANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • 1 TIME SPRAY OK 34

december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

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

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

Christmas Giving

Join ABC Singers

As your group chooses a Christmas giving project, consider the Newborn Infant Project, sponsored by the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez and Auxiliary.

Individuals and groups donate baby items of all kinds, and Auxiliary volunteers put together layettes containing a crib-blanket, receiving blanket, sleeper, onesie, booties, hat, digital thermometer, and extras when available. A layette is given to the mother as each newborn baby goes home.

Beverly Annis, project chairman, states, “We appreciate all contributions to our project. There are approximately 150 babies born each month. Our current needs are crib blankets, sleepers, booties, and even sweaters for the winter.”

For more information about the Newborn Infant Project, call the Volunteer Office (925) 370-5440 or Beverly Annis at (925) 228-3744.

ABC stands for Any Body Can. To be part of the ABC Singers, just come when your schedule permits. Our sing-along format is easy to follow and the residents, guests, and staff may join in. Children are always welcome!

Group meets at 6pm unless otherwise noted. Questions? Please call Maxine Chan 925-969-9693 or Victor Brito 626-506-0355.

Remember the Babies this Season

2015 Christmas Carol Sing-Along

Holiday Caroling Schedule Tues. 12/1 - Legacy Nursing & Rehab, 1790 Muir Rd., Martinez Thu. 12/3 - Aegis of Pleasant Hill, 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill Mon. 12/7 - San Miguel Villa, 1050 San Miguel Rd., Concord Wed. 12/9 - Stonebrook Convalescent, 4367 Concord Blvd., Concord Thu. 12/10 - Chateau III, 175 Cleaveland Rd., Pleasant Hill Mon. 12/14 - Bayberry Care Center, 1800 Adobe St., Concord Wed. 12/16 - VA Hospital, 150 Muir Rd., Martinez Thu. 12/17 - Willow Pass Health Care, 3318 Willow Pass Rd., Concord Mon. 12/21 - Chateau at Poet’s Corner, 540 Patterson Blvd., Pleasant Hill Wed. 12/23 - Chateau on Broadway, 1700 Broadway, Concord Thu. 12/25 Christmas Day - 10am, 1pm, and 3pm @ Christmas For Everyone, New Hope International Church, 2120 Olivera at Grant, Concord. Volunteers call (925) 228-2233 or go to ChristmasForEveryone.com.

EL TAPATIO authentic mexican restaurant

Melanie Toledo and Chairman Beverly Annis show examples of “Made Up” layettes for the Newborn Infant Project at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez.

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401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288 www.drjennifermartin.com ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

35

A Lively Musical

Peter Pan Foundation Presents Need Help Putting Up Holiday Lights?

Standard Pricing Set Up One Story $50 Two-Story $100* Take Down One Story $25 Two-Story $50* *Most Two-Story Homes

*Neighbor Specials $10 off* Contact Us: Brandon Hutslar (925) 642-9504 Dimitri Salido (925) 588-5331 We can help with outdoor decorations and light purchases.

BY GINA CAMPO

The Peter Pan Foundation is proud to present its winter musical, A Little Princess, based on the beloved novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. First published in 1905, it has remained one of the most popular children’s books for more than 100 years.

Performances will be held at Northgate High School’s Jack Derieux Little Theatre, 425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek, on Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1:30pm and 6:30pm both days. Tickets can be purchased at littleprincess.bpt.me.

This lively musical tells the story of young Sara Crew. Separated from her father and the openhearted Africans who helped him raise her, Sara is sent to boarding school in London. When things go badly for her there, her imaginative powers come to the rescue, helping transform a drab institution into a place of magic and mystery. As the girl

wins the affection of the other boarders, she draws the ire of Miss Minchin, the dour headmistress, who forces Sara to work as a maid when her father is reported dead and his fortune is seized.

Sara counters Miss Minchin’s best efforts to degrade her, while maintaining the grace and virtue of a little princess.

The Peter Pan Foundation (PPF) was founded in 2007 by Leslie Noel. Using the medium of musical theater, the PPF has provided hundreds of children, teens, and adults with the opportunity to discover or rediscover their “creative side,” while focusing on philanthropy and the importance of giving. The primary beneficiary of the PPF’s fundraising is UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland. Becoming an integral part of a philanthropic organization like the PPF expands children’s horizons, instills confidence, and helps create the leaders of tomorrow.

Winter Ballet Gala

Civic Arts Education Presents

Winter Ballet Gala is a performance rich in holiday culture from around the world. The array of music and dance embraces the celebrations of all people and many countries. Holiday favorites are featured in both classical and contemporary styles. This dance event embodies the holiday spirit and the joy of performance art.

The Nutcracker will be the second half of the performance again this year.

This magnificent story is performed with everyone’s favorite music, characters and dances.

Rebecca Berke directs this performance for the 30th year in the Bay Area. Diablo Ballet professional dancer Edward Stegge and Bay Area performer Mari Cyphers perform along with students from the Civic Arts Education Dance Academy in the Levels Ballet II, III, Intermediate, and Advanced Professional Training Program.

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december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Performances are on Friday, December 11, 7:30pm; Saturday, December 12, 2pm matinee. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek.

Tickets: $16.75 general admission; $12 per person/groups 10 or more). (925) 943-SHOW (943-7469)

Herbal Supplements and Advice Treating Recurrent Bladder Infections

BY JEREMY LIEB, MD

Treating women with recurrent bladder infections can be really, really difficult. Because of the overuse of antibiotics, we have helped support so- called “super bugs,” which are infections resistant to multiple antibiotics. For example, a patient presents mild symptoms of burning or frequent urination and is treated with Bactrim

for a low-grade infection. Next month, another “infection” is treated with Cipro, then Amoxicillin, then Nitrofurantoin.

Guess what? The next infection could be impossible to treat with oral antibiotics because the bacteria are resistant to all of them.

I often advocate a natural approach by flushing the urinary tract in an attempt to lower bacteria count. A similar analogy would be using a mouthwash for oral hygiene. Most patients are aware of the benefits of cranberry. This

Travel Explorations

helps reduce bacteria adhering to the bladder wall. It’s important to either use a pure cranberry tablet or pure cranberry juice; sweetened cranberry cocktail juices are not effective. I usually recommend taking one ounce of juice or one pill three times a day for 10 days upon onset of symptoms. Then, continue taking once daily to suppress symptoms. It is essential to supplement with ample water to flush the urinary system, otherwise, this protocol will not be as effective.

Another treatment I commonly recommend is D-Mannose, a nutritional supplement that is a complex sugar that sticks to the bacteria and reduces their capacity to adhere to the bladder wall. This is commonly used in other countries. I recommend treating with D-Mannose pills twice a day until symptoms improve, then once daily for prevention. D-Mannose is widely available online and at local health food

stores. Once again, use this supplement with ample water intake.

I recommend antibiotic treatment if an infection is proven on a urine culture and the symptoms are progressively getting worse. I usually prefer to delay treatment for less severe symptoms such as mild burning and frequency because most healthy women can flush these infections without antibiotics.

Obviously, these recommendations are intended as general advice, and the decision to treat with antibiotics should be made by you and your physician.

Dr. Lieb is a board certified urologist with Pacific Urology. He treats general urologic conditions with a special focus on female and pediatric urology, cancer diagnosis, and treatment of the prostate. Pacific Urology has offices in Walnut Creek, Concord, San Ramon, Brentwood, Livermore, Fremont, and Antioch. 925-937-7740 or visit www.

PacificUrology.com

Longtime Pleasant Hill residents share a drink on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy this past October. Pictured (L to R): Chuck Murphy, Jim Alkire, Margi Alkire and Lynn Murphy.

Best Mechanic

On a trip to Turkey, Pleasant Hill Councilmember Michael Harris and his wife Dawn Block brought the Community Focus along when they visited the ancient Greek library in the city of Ephesus. The library was closed so they had to return to Pleasant Hill to take out books. ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2015

37

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december 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Make Some Plans december 1

december 4

december 7-9

december 22 & 23

PH Garden Study Club

Once Upon A Starry Night

Le Top Children’s Clothing Sale

Traditions Old and New

Diablo Choral Artists invites you to “Once Upon A Starry Night,” 8-9:30pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Ave., Walnut Creek. $25 adults; $18 seniors 60+; students $5; children 5-12 free.

Local children’s clothing company sample sale.

High-end playwear (0-7 years), over 70% off retail prices! 9am-5pm. 2301 Arnold Industrial Way, Suite C, Concord. 925-771-5100. Get 10% off with a Food Bank donation.

Watch the classic film, The Snowman, on the big screen as the California Symphony and Pacific Boychoir perform the soundtrack live! We’ll end with an audience Christmas carol sing-along.

Tuesday & Wednesday, 7:30pm, Hofmann Theater, Walnut Creek. www.lesherartscenter.org.

december 2-13

december 5

december 11

december 31

(Not) A Christmas Carol

Pleasanton Holiday Celebration

Christmas Music Sing Along

New Year’s Eve with the Killbillies

Presented by Onstage Rep, with Galatean Players Ensemble Theatre. Preview on Wed., 12/2 at 8pm; shows on Thur., Fri., & Sat. at 8pm; Sun. at 2:30pm.

Martinez Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St. General $15, Seniors $12, Students $10. 925.518.3277 or Onstagetheatre.homestead.com.

Main Street in Downtown Pleasanton, 3:307:30pm. Main Street closure at 5pm for holiday parade, including floats, marching bands, and community groups, along with tree lighting and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Hosted by Diablo Choral Artists. Piano accompaniment and words projected on large screen, 7:30-9:30pm. Refreshments provided. Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Ln., Walnut Creek. $10 adults; $5 children under 12. Tickets at the door. www.dcachorus.org.

The Killbillies play a mix of rock, country, blues, and soul from a wide variety of artists from the 1920s to the present. Party favors, champagne, snacks, and dancing.

9:30-12:30pm, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez.

december 2

december 5

december 12

december 31

Light Up the Night

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

Piano Concert

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Hollie Lucas-Alcalay presents Herbal Teas.

Guests are welcome and free. 8pm at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, PH. 925.323.9314 or www.phgsc.com.

Join the annual Light up the Night in Downtown Pleasant Hill, 5 – 9pm. Craft fair, carriage rides, caroling, Elf On The Shelf Treasure Hunt, Studio A Dancers, free hot chocolate & cookies, and merchant giveaways.

30th Annual Holiday Concert, 7 – 10pm. A gospel music extravaganza hosted by Danny Glover, with performances by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel, Youth, Community, and Alumni Choirs.

Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland.

Tickets are $15-$45. www.oigc.org.

Emeritus at Diablo Valley College invites you to their fall fundraiser, A Conversation with Bach, a piano concert with award-winning pianist Dr. Lino Rivera. 2-3:30pm. Call 925969-4316 for more information. Tickets are $25.

Dance your way into 2016! Live music by Pleasant Hill All Stars, including Paul Cotruvo! VIPs enjoy delicious pre-party dinner. No host beer, wine and cocktails. Photo booth. Traditional balloon drop. Space limited. Tickets now available! www. pleasanthillrec.com.

december 3

december 5 & 6

december 13

february 14 & 28

Type 1 Diabetes Topic

20th Annual Holiday Teddy Bear Tea

Martinez Music Forum

Backyard Chickens

To Pump or Not to Pump: Interested in learning about insulin pump therapy? Come to Carb DM’s Type 1 Topics event, 7 – 9pm.

Meet reps from Animas, Omnipod, Metronic, and Tandem. Heather Farm Comm. Center, 301 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek.

Children and adults will enjoy a variety of teatime savories, sweet treats, and stories at The Gardens at Heather Farm. Seatings at 11:30am & 2pm. $20/children, $25/adults. Free for Teddy Bears! To reserve tickets or a table, visit gardenshf.org or call 925.947.1678.

Christmas Concert of church choirs is on Sunday, 3pm, at First Congregational Church, Court and Susana Streets, Martinez. Free admission. Donations support school music programs.

Join Lafayette resident, Papa John Kiefer, for free “How to Raise Your Own Chickens” workshops. Topics include raising young chicks, laying hen maintenance, and sustainable coop construction. Sundays, 1-3:30pm, in Lafayette. Reservations are required. Contact: jhkiefer@comcast.net.

december 4

december 6

december 18

Holiday Frolic & Snow Park

The “Hoop Shoot”

Christmas Swinging Show

Themed activities, light parade, and snow play area with 25 tons of real snow in Downtown Martinez. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. Visit www. downtownsnow.com for hours and information.

The 44th Annual Walnut Creek Elks Free Throw Contest. For boys and girls, ages 8-13, De La Salle High School, 1130 Winton Dr, Concord; 8:30-11am. For details, contact Mike Rittenhouse at Coach_ritt@yahoo.com or call 925.360.2900.

Lafayette Studio Big Band is a traditional, seventeen-piece professional jazz orchestra playing music from the 1930s, ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s – ‘90s. 8-10pm at Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez. www.armandosmartinez.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

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