December 2017 Community Focus

COMMUNITY

FOCUS ourcommunityfocus.com

DECEMBER 2017 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

IN THIS ISSUE: • THE SEASON OF GIVING • AN AS RUSS SEES IT CLASSIC • LOCAL AUTHORS SPOTLIGHT

PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

Julie Says

A Long Winter’s Nap

BY JULIE ROSS

OK, admit it.

During the holiday season, there are times all you really want to do is pull the comforter over your head, drift off, and maybe resurface in the spring. Sadly, the human body’s metabolism is just not set up for prolonged hibernation. For other animal species, the long winter’s nap of hibernation is a must. In last year’s December issue of the Community Focus, I included a winter carol written by my naturalist and author friend Diane Lang that included a surprise reveal about Santa’s reindeer.

(To refresh your memory, go to www. ourcommunityfocus.com and search for the December 2016 issue.)

Diane has agreed to share another of her winter carols for readers of Com-

munity Focus, this one dealing with hibernation. For best results, please sing it out loud to the tune of “Jingle Bells.”

“Hibernate” by Diane Lang (Sung to the tune of “Jingle Bells” – Ok, everybody now!)

Hibernate, take a nap, All the winter long.

Find a cozy, hidden place, And you won’t go wrong.

For a bear, find a cave, It’s underground for you.

If you are a prairie dog, You’re safe and out of view.

Little Arctic frogs Case themselves in ice.

Awake, but under snow Are little voles and mice.

Bats hang in their caves Slow their hearts and lungs

‘Til the springtime comes again And they can have their young.

Ooohh, Hibernate, go to sleep, Snakes get in a ball.

Tortoise, dig your cozy den While bees sleep one and all.

Toads stay deep in the mud, Poorwills, under wing.

Nighty night and please sleep tight We’ll see you in the spring.

Diane has written dozens of poems and verses designed to teach young and old alike about wildlife and our natural world. She has a new book out, Daytime Nighttime, All Through the Year,

which features rhyming verses for one nocturnal and one diurnal animal for each month of the year, along with Andrea Gabriel’s beautiful wildlife watercolors. (This book is a wonderful gift idea for young nature lovers. Parents and teachers, note there is a matching game at the end that kids can play to recall what they’ve learned, plus more detailed information that you or older kids can refer to.)

Happy Holidays to all. Even if we can’t doze all winter, I hope we can sneak in a few shorter versions of the long winter’s nap.

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

SMALL TALK WITH TERI

by Teri Norbye

independent & locally owned

PUBLISHERS: Becky Coburn Jennifer Neys Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com ADVERTISING: Community Focus Central County Homes info@ourcommunityfocus.com COPY EDITOR: Alison Clary GRAPHIC DESIGN: Trish Heaney

SPORTS: Sport Story Submissions info@ourcommunityfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION: Community Calendar calendar@ourcommunityfocus.com Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com SUBMISSION DEADLINES: All articles must be sumbmitted by the 15th of each month.

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MISSION STATEMENT The Community Focus is a free, independent, monthly publication dedicated to highlighting the vibrancy of the local businesses and residents while strengthening and building connections within our community.

COVER:

The Community Focus wishes you a happy holiday season.

PHOTO BY: SusanWoodPhotography.com

INSIDE

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Central County Homes

20 Athlete of the Month

33

Classmates in Need

15 19

to

Strandwood Wins Award

22 Holidays and Pets

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

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Meet Kara Kimber Brown, who lives in Pleasant Hill with her husband, Erik, and their children, Angelo and Bella. Kara owns Deja Vu, a consignment boutique in Pleasant Hill. Her favorite way to relax is to be out in nature because she “likes to take pictures of clouds and the sunsets.”

How did you become a consignment boutique owner? I’ve always liked fashion and I’ve always consigned because I don’t believe in throwing anything away. I was looking for a place to consign and I came upon this store. I told the owner that I’d always wanted to own a boutique and she said I could volunteer here. I volunteered for four months before the owner told me she was selling the store. So I took the risk and bought it. August was my one-year anniversary!

What are your favorite Christmas traditions? Every Christmas, my family and I go to San Francisco, go into all of the hotels and look at their decorations. We go to the smaller art galleries, see a play, and then go to dinner. We also go to Union Square and have someone take a picture of our family in front of the huge Christmas tree.

The “Who” Behind the Numbers What Makes Someone Buy or Sell a Home

BY NORMA FLASKERUD

After celebrating thirty years in real estate, let’s take a look back on clients from 2017 and ask, “Why did they sell?” Inventory may be low, but we still have an active real estate market.

These clients were neither baby boomers aging in place nor families needing larger homes and adding on rather than moving. There were a multitude of sellers and a multitude of reasons for selling. We thought you would find it interesting to know why the people we represented sold in 2017 when so many did not.

Out of nearly thirty sales, six clients sold homes to move near family. They took their built-up home equity and bought where they got a much larger, newer home for the same or less money than the house

they sold. Where? El Dorado Hills; Reno, Nevada; South Carolina; and Arkansas!

Sandy moved to Arkansas to be near her son in a nice, big, newer house on an acreage for half of what she sold her Pleasant Hill house for! Vicki paid all cash for a larger, newer home in South Carolina. Hank is enjoying a sprawling house near family on an acreage in Virginia. Another is buying a lovely, newer home in a Sacramento suburb, allowing them to bank much of the money from their sale for retirement. Mike sold his investment property and is using the money for retirement.

Health issues and aging forced four of our clients to sell. They moved to assisted living or stayed with family. Three sold for tax purposes; by doing a 1031 tax deferred exchange and moving into an investment property they already owned, they made it their primary residence, thereby avoiding paying capital gains taxes when they sell.

Two of our clients sold, took their

equity, downsized into a rental, and stayed local. Four of the homes we sold were for heirs due to deaths in the family. Divorce played a hand in one sale. Of course, we represent buyers as well and include two move-up buyers, one all cash investor, plus first-time buyers.

As you can see, life events happen and people need to move on. We hope you’ve

enjoyed reading this snapshot of why some people sold their homes here in 2017. It represents a cross section of life and is expected to continue as we represent our sellers moving forward.

Call Don and Norma of RE/MAX Today at 925-338-2980 or email DonandNorma@ gmail.com.

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Remembering the less fortunate this season.

Toys for Tots

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver a message of hope, through a new toy at Christmas, to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

You can drop off toy donations until December 18 at the locations below: Walnut Creek Martinez Security Public Storage Cole Real Estate 2690 N Main St, Walnut Creek 1135 Arnold Drive Suite B, Martinez Security Public Storage 111 Muir Station Road, Martinez Pleasant Hill Carlton Senior Living 175 Cleavland Road, Pleasant Hill

Edward Jones 1981 N Broadway, Suite # 410, Walnut Creek Walnut Creek Police Department 1666 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek

Claremont Homes 380 Civic Dr., Suite 200C, Pleasant Hill

Mary’s Pizza Shack 2246 Oak Grove Road, Walnut Creek

Pacific States Petroleum, Inc. 220 Hookston Road, Pleasant Hill

Tiffany Court 1866 San Miguel Drive, Walnut Creek

Martin Family Orthodontics 401 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

Golder Associates Inc 1575 Treat Blvd. Suite 200, Walnut Creek

Hyatt House 2611 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill

Marriott Walnut Creek 2355 North Main Street, Walnut Creek

4 | DECEMBER 2017 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Classmates in Need

The Mount Diablo School District has an outreach program in place to help students who need resources to meet their basic needs such as clothing, food and shelter.

While many students go about their normal day at school, some of their classmates are hungry and haven’t slept. Their secret is hidden to many but school staff work to identify and help those in need of support and services. Nathalie Keating, a student resource technician at College Park High School and enrichment specialist with the district says, “There are upwards of 1,000 students in need of assistance in the district, and 367 of these students are officially tagged as homeless, with over 40 of those attending College Park.” Keating says some students come in for help while others are referred by concerned faculty and friends. “Some of our students experience domestic violence, some lost their homes due to fires, evictions or loss of a parent or parents.

Our job is to help them get into shelters, place students with host families and assist them to rebuild with community donations of clothing, food and gift cards.” Nathalie would like to “encourage the public to think of the youth in our community this season and all year-round,” to help meet their basic needs so they can focus on school and have the opportunities that so many of us take for granted.

College Park Holiday Outreach

Each year the College Park PTSA organizes a “Holiday Outreach” program for those College Park families in need of extra help. The plan is to provide each of these families with a $50 gift card to Target to assist in making their holidays special.

This means our goal is $2,500 and your help is needed. Any donation amount will make a difference to these Falcon families. Last year more than $7,000 was raised thanks to the generosity of the College Park community.

To make a donation online:

• Visit this https://collegeparkptsa.revtrak.net for the PTSA webstore

• Go to Donation, then select Outreach Program and make a donation of any amount To make a donation by check:

• Please make a check payable to College Park PTSA. Write “Holiday Outreach” on the memo line of your check

• You or your child can drop it off in the main office, or

• You can mail your check to: College Park PTSA/Holiday Outreach, 201 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Mt. Diablo HOPE Holiday Outreach

• Sponsor children in a family for the holidays! Use the link below to see their personal wish list.

• Go to https://goo.gl/Hj33Ex or contact Elsa at hope@mdusd.org or call (925) 682-8000 x3054.

• Make a tax deductible donation. Send check to “Mt. Diablo HOPE” 2730 Salvio St., Concord, CA 94519 or make a donation utilizing VENMO under MDUSD HOPE.

All donations are tax deductible and are needed as soon as possible so that they can be distributed for the holiday season. Donations received after Winter Break will support the year-round Outreach programs.

For more information please call 925-682-8000 x3054, or email hope@mdusd.org, or James C. Wogan, LCSW, Administrator, School Linked Services woganj@mdusd.org.

A Gift that Makes a Difference

Organizations Providing Critical Support in Our Community Each December, the Community Focus compiles a list of local organizations that provide services and care for those in need of assistance over the holidays and year round. Gifts to any of 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. Take a look and consider where you might be able to help this year: 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 Christmas for Everyone provides each person 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. The new location for volunteer work, preparation, and Christmas For Everyone Christmas Day is 115 Tarantino Dr, Martinez. For updates and to confirm volunteer hours visit website or call the number below.

(925) 228-2233 www.christmasforeveryone.com Community Outreach Hillcrest Congregational Church has three programs: food, clothing and layette. Staffed by volunteers and serving Contra Costa County for more than 40 years!

404 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 689-8260 www.hillcrestucc.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 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

For it is in giving, That we receive –Francis of Assisi

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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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

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

–Winston Churchill

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 2017 | 5

DO IT YOURSELF

A Spin on DIY

Christmas Traditions Old and New

BY REBECCA SEIDENSPINNER

Do you chop down your Christmas tree every year or do you buy your tree at Costco? Do you visit family on Christmas or do you lounge around in your pajamas all day and relax? These are a few examples of family traditions, when customs or beliefs are passed down through generations. It might be a recipe or something done as a family. This is my favorite part about the holidays and what I remember most about my childhood. Sharing these traditions with my own children will hopefully leave lasting memories far more than any material items.

I want to share a few traditions that we celebrate during the Christmas holidays. Every year on Christmas Eve, my mom would let me open one gift after

dinner. It was a gift of new pajamas.

That way, when I woke up on Christmas morning, I would have a nice new pair of pajamas while I opened presents and she took pictures. I continue this tradition with my own children and even buy matching pajamas in holiday patterns for the entire family.

We always cook a big breakfast on Christmas. I wanted to share this tradition with my daughter’s Girl Scout troop so I hosted a Pancakes and Pajamas holiday party. We made Santa pancakes, with whipped cream for Santa’s beard and strawberries for his hat (so delicious), and each girl shared a holiday family tradition. The day was full of holiday magic and memories.

A Christmas tradition that has made its way into many homes these past few years is the Elf on the Shelf.

(I’m rolling my eyes as I type because this is a lot of work!) A tiny elf appears

EXPIRES 12/31/17

6 | DECEMBER 2017 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

the night of Thanksgiving - sometimes bearing a gift - and moves around the house each night, then reports back to Santa Claus. Did I mention how much work this is? These elves have pets and clothes and make mischief. I bet they are exhausted from all the work they do each night. The elf pictured here is Joyful. I can see in this photo that he is building a snowman out of powdered donuts and drinking a few rootbeers.

I’m happy he’s wearing a scarf so that he doesn’t catch a cold before Christmas.

While I do love celebrating the same holiday traditions each year with my family, the creative side of me likes to do things that are unconventional on occasion. I like to create new ways

to celebrate that are fun and exciting. Last year, I hosted a Harry Potter themed Christmas Eve dinner with my family and best friends. It was amazing.

We had chocolate pretzel wands and a trolley cart with pumpkin pasties, and during dinner, He-Who-Must-Not-BeNamed opened the Chamber of Secrets.

The photo here is of me after being asked to be a columnist for the Community Focus. I was overjoyed! I’m channeling my inner Luna Lovegood with these fancy glasses. I do believe our newspaper tops the Quibbler anyday.

Wands at the ready! Wishing you all Happy Holidays, and may your family traditions continue for generations to come.

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message It’s Been a Very Good Year!

2017 has been a very good year for Pleasant Hill. I’d like to share some of our city’s highlights and accomplishments with you and thank our wonderful staff for the great job they do for our residents and for help with this column.

Public Safety is Always Priority Number One

This past year our police department completed the deployment of body worn cameras for all police officers. The PD also secured grant funding for a community resource officer to support services for homeless individuals in our community.

The PD oversees 52 neighborhood watch programs and has expanded the school outreach program, where officers work with staff, parents, and students to ensure safety in and around our school.

First Roundabout

Our engineering division completed the construction of the Contra Costa Blvd. Complete Streets Project and began the $5.3M Golf Club Road/Old Quarry Road Improvements Project, including the city’s first roundabout on Old Quarry Road. Staff has installed new city gateway signs at major entryways into the city.

Street Resurfacing

The city spent over $3 million on street resurfacing this year and completed 7,500 square feet of citywide pothole repairs on residential, arterial, and collector streets. During the resurfacing, almost six miles of new bike lanes were installed along various streets throughout the city. Staff is completing the city’s first Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which will identify existing bicycle/pedestrian facility locations and design templates and future needs throughout the city.

With new funding from Measure K, the city is developing a long-term pavement management plan, with significant resurfacing of residential streets over the next five years. Engineering staff secured 8 | DECEMBER 2017 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

over $6.8 million in grants for a number of future capital improvement projects on Pleasant Hill Road, Contra Costa Blvd., and a proposed new intersection traffic signal at Gregory Lane and Elinora Drive.

Staff is developing a 20-Year Citywide Storm Drain Infrastructure Assessment and Maintenance Plan to evaluate the current conditions of storm drains and prioritize needed upgrades and their cost.

Project Information Map

The planning division created a new interactive project information map on the city’s website to provide better public information about all projects as they move through the planning process. The map can be viewed at https://pleasanthillca.icitywork.com/.

General Fund

The city ended the 2016-17 fiscal year with a general fund savings of $4.3 million from careful management of expenditures and increased revenues. We also maintained a general fund reserve of $8.9 million, which is consistent with the city council’s reserve fund policy. The overall general fund balance as of June 30, 2017, was $12.6 million.

Citywide Events

The city supported numerous special events, including the weekly Off the Grid food trucks, farmers’ market, International East Bay Jewish Film Festival, Fourth of July Celebration, Blues & Brews Festival, The Amazing Race, Downtown Summer Concert Series, and Art Wine & Music Festival.

City commissions and staff also organized numerous successful community events, including Senior Spring Cleanup Day, Citywide Garage Sale, Summer Concert Series at City Hall, Community Service Day, Light Up the Night Holiday Celebration, a vocational college and career fair, and the second annual free Family Caregiver Workshop.

As mayor, I had the opportunity to

Michael G. Harris, OD, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

host students from various schools at City Hall for mayors for the day, mock city council meetings, presidential volunteer service awards, and holiday caroling.

Pleasant Hill Tourist Improvement District

The city council authorized the formation of a new Pleasant Hill Tourist Improvement District (PHTID) to promote and market Pleasant Hill as a destination to increase hotel stays in the city. The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce will administer the program. The district will generate substantial revenue for marketing and advertising at no cost to city residents or businesses.

Oversight Committee

The council established the Measure K Oversight Committee to review all revenue and expenditures from the new half-cent sales tax and make recommendations to the council.

New Housing Projects

The city approved two new housing projects with 62 new homes, including affordable units, and a Carmax Auto Dealership. That development, along with

shops, restaurants, a food court, and dog park, will turn the blighted DVC Plaza into a major retail center.

Cannabis Ordinance

The city council changed the city’s cannabis ordinance to allow up to six plants per household for personal use and directed staff to prepare a moratorium on the commercial sales of cannabis for adult and medical use.

Library Design

For me, the most significant highlight of 2017 was the hiring of the award-winning architecture firm of Bohlin Cynwinski Jackson to design our new Pleasant Hill Library. We have begun a series of public outreach to get your input into what you envision for our new library. Please take advantage of these opportunities to contribute your ideas and aspirations for the Pleasant Hill Library of the future! After all, it’s going to be your and your children’s library.

Yes, indeed, it’s been a very good year in Pleasant Hill, with many more to come!

Public Meetings City Council Dec. 4, 18 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Architectural Review Commission Dec. 7, 21 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Dec. 12, 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Commission on Aging Dec. 14 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5229 Education Commission Dec. 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 7pm. Contact: 671-5229 City Hall Holiday Schedule: Closed December 24 and 25.

For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us PH Rec & Park Board Meetings are typically held the 2nd & 4th Thursday each month at District Office, 147 Gregory Lane. Meeting dates and agendas are posted 72 hours prior to meeting. Refer to recent agenda for meeting dates. District residents are encouraged to contact board members about current issues facing the District.

CITY NEWS

Pleasant Hill City News Get Priority Parking at PH BART

Commuters now have a new option for securing a parking spot at Concord and Pleasant Hill BART stations. BART is collaborating with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Scoop Technologies to maximize the efficiency of BART’s parking lots through carpooling. Commuters who carpool to Concord or Pleasant Hill stations with Scoop will be guaranteed parking until 10am. You have two options when using the Scoop Carpool app or a paper permit:

• Use the Scoop app to match with a carpool partner when you need it and get guaranteed parking until 10am. Download the Scoop App on Android or iOS. Select the station and then schedule your trip. When you match, you’ll be sent instructions on how to get your parking space!

• Find your own carpool partner and get a paper permit by going to the 511. org website: http://511.org/carpool-vanpool/carpool/bart. Each carpooler needs a permit. Parking is first come, first served in the designated carpool spaces.

First Meeting on New PH Library

The first of many town hall meetings took place on November 27 at the Pleasant Hill Community Center to begin the process of designing the new Pleasant Hill Library. The community was invited to share their thoughts and suggestions on the changing role of public libraries and provide feedback on what features, services, and programs they would like to see in a new library. The opinions will assist the design team in developing the Pleasant Hill Library of the future. Don’t worry if you missed the first meeting; there will be others. According to Public Information Officer Martin Nelis, “There will be focus group meetings and workshops over the next three months which will get into the nuts and bolts, so to speak.” If you would like to participate in an upcoming meeting, email Martin Nelis at mnelis@pleasanthillca.org or call (925) 671-5229.

ect does not propose any expansion of the existing buildings.

The area is already busy with Sequoia Elementary and Sequoia and Pleasant Hill Middle School traffic in the mornings and afternoons. Many residents believe the kids who walk and bike to school will be at risk if there are more cars on the roads in combination with the insufficient sidewalks. In addition to increased traffic, neighbors are also concerned about decreased property values with the added daycare.

City engineering staff has recommended that the applicant reverse the onsite circulation pattern so that all vehicles would enter the site from Boyd and exit the site from Kahrs. A traffic study concluded that the project impact is expected to be less than significant. The study also noted that the increased peak hour traffic that would be generated by the project would result in an increase in delay (wait time) at these intersections, but the increased delay would not be considered significant based on city standards/thresholds.

An appeal period ended on November 27, whereby any interested party could appeal the approval and pay a fee of $362.00. The day care project will next be reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) for the exterior improvements to the site. To date, the ARC public hearing has not been scheduled. The full staff report and attachments are posted to the city website, pleasanthillca.icitywork.com, as are the letter of approval and the conditions of approval.

Pleasant Hill Education Commission Presents

Hour of Code Event

Friday, December 8th • 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Large Community Room, Pleasant Hill City Hall • 100 Gregory Lane

The Hour of Code event is a global movement which introduces students of all ages to computer science. This FREE event is open to Pleasant Hill students in K-12 grades.

For more information about the event go to: www.pleasanthillcodes.com

Daycare on Boyd Road Approved

On November 14, the planning commission held a study session on a proposed daycare on Boyd Road. Amid strong objection from residents in the neighborhood, the commission approved the day care for general use with conditions.

Pleasant Hill Child Care is proposed for the Christian Science Church site at Boyd and Kahrs Roads. The day care would serve up to 72 children per day, ages 2 to 6 years, with hours of operation from 7am to 6pm, Monday through Friday.

The facility would employ seven teachers for a total of eight employees (including the director). The site has three existing buildings, with Building A and B designated for the day care. Building C will continue to be used by the church. The General Plan Land Use designation is R-7 or Single Family Residential. The proj-

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12/1 - PH Chamber Ambassador Meeting 8:30-9:30am, City Hall Community Room, 100 Gregory Ln., PH 12/6 - The Veranda Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting, 4pm, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord 12/7 - Capital Pacific Home Loans Ribbon Cutting 5-7pm, 2300 Contra Costa Blvd., Suite 150, Pleasant Hill 12/14 - Holiday Business Mixer, 5-7pm, Carlton Senior Living, 175 Cleaveland Road, Pleasant Hill

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OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 2017 | 9

CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

The older I get the faster the years go by. It seems like it was only a few weeks ago that summer was winding down and our kids were going back to school. Now, all of a sudden, the holidays are upon us, and soon I will be writing 2017 instead of 2018. (It always takes me at least a month to get the new year right.)

With the New Year, California’s new cannabis law (Prop 64) and new

regulations will take effect. The new law legalizes the adult use of cannabis for everyone 21 and over. It also provides for some local control of the growing, transporting, and selling of cannabis and merges the regulations for medicinal and adult use. Local agencies have the right to ban any or all commercial cannabis business activity in the city.

The new state law also grants the personal right to cultivate up to six

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plants per residence. The law also states cultivation is subject to reasonable local regulations, outdoor cultivation can be prohibited, primary use of the property must be for a residence, and it must comply with building and construction codes. Also, the use of gas products or generators for cultivation is prohibited.

A few years ago, Martinez banned the cultivation of cannabis after neighbors in several neighborhoods complained of strong “skunky” odors permeating the air for blocks in each direction.

More recently, the city council adopted urgency ordinances that banned the outdoor cultivation of medicinal and adult use cannabis. In mid-November, the city council approved a total ban of all commercial cannabis activities except for pending medical cannabis dispensaries. This ban sunsets in November of 2018.

There has been strong support for the legalization of cannabis in Martinez.

Prop 64 passed with a statewide support of 56%, with 63.44% of Martinez voters saying yes. Some have criticized the city for passing a complete ban with such a large majority of voting residents supporting legalization. That is exactly why the ban will expire next year. We are hitting the “pause” button to give us time to craft a regulatory ordinance that works for Martinez. Without a local ordinance crafted and adopted prior to

the January 2, 2018, state deadline, we would lose our ability to control and regulate cannabis growing, transporting, and sale.

Marina dredging was recently completed, with 32,000 cubic yards of siltation removed and pumped into the spoils basis to the east of Waterfront Park. The last large Measure H project is well underway, with most of Waterfront Park surrounded by construction fencing and construction equipment.

The planned completion date for the ballfields is June 1, 2018, which is also opening day for Martinez’ new professional baseball team, the Martinez Clippers.

The final Measure H projects, which include Golden Hills, Highland, John Muir, and Alhambra Avenue Parks, are under preliminary design, with meetings for more public input planned for next month.

Paving projects all over the city are wrapping up and will resume after the winter rains. Monies from the recently approved ½ cent sales tax, dedicated to roads and streets, is starting to come in, and project scoping will start early next year.

My final note is to be sure to bring the family downtown Martinez and enjoy the downtown holiday ice rink. The rink will be open daily through January 7.

Public Meetings THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR VOTING US #1!

2013 • 2014 • 2015 2016 / 2017 10 | DECEMBER 2017 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

City Council Meeting Dec. 6, 20 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 6-9pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Dec. 6, 20 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Dec. 13, 27 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Dec. 12, 26 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org City Hall Closed December 22-29

CITY NEWS

Martinez City News Soccer Field Popular Spot

The recently renovated Hidden Lakes Park soccer field has proved to be a popular spot. Primary users have been Pleasant Hill Martinez Soccer Association and Heritage Soccer Club. Adult user groups are Diablo Coed Soccer and East Bay Soccer. The Jenna Betti Soccer and AYSO Camps were held at Hidden Lakes during the summer, and Martinez Youth Football held a one-day camp as well. PHMSA and Heritage held several tournaments throughout the year.

According to the Parks, Recreation, Marina, and Cultural Commission, by the end of 2017, the city will receive approximately $30,000 in rental fees from all user groups.

Per hour fees are $45 for Martinez resident youth user groups. Non-resident youth user groups are $55 per hour. Adult resident user groups are charged $65 per hour, and non-resident adult groups are charged $75 per hour. Soccer groups see the value of the beautiful new field and are willing to pay the fees necessary for the city to maintain them.

Sandbag Locations

The City of Martinez has designated four locations for the stockpiling of sand and two locations with sand bags only for use by residents during heavy rains and or flooding. The city has attempted to locate these facilities so they will be within a short distance from anywhere within the city. All locations are lighted, have easy access, and will be stocked with sand and a sand filling station. Sand bags are located at City Hall in front of the Police Department. Residents will need to provide their own tools for loading the sand. Residents should remember that numerous individuals might use these facilities during heavy rains and/or flooding. The city asks that residents be respectful of others and take only the amount of sand and sand bags needed.

Sand Filling Stations: Nancy Boyd Park, located on Pleasant Hill Road E & Church Street; F Street, located at the west end of F Street off of Alhambra Avenue, at the beginning of the Park District trail, just past Alhambra High School; Ferry and Allen Streets, located at the corner of Ferry and Allen Streets by the Kiwanis Club; Rankin Park, located at the end of Buckley Street, upper parking lot.

Sand Bags: Martinez City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street and the Corporation Yard, 300 Alhambra Avenue. If you have any questions, you may call the Public Works Maintenance Yard at 372-3580, M-F, 7am - 3:30pm.

Paint Your Pet

On Saturday, December 9, from 7-9:30pm, explore painting a pet portrait. ArtU4ia will guide you through the process and no experience is necessary to join the fun.

Simply sign up online at www.artu4ia.com, email a photo of your pet, and your pet’s image will be traced to your canvas when you arrive. There will be wine and craft beer available for purchase. You will be guided by an accomplished artist whose main goal is to see that you have fun! No one under 21 please. ArtU4ia is located at 725 Ward St. in Downtown Martinez.

Holiday Ice Rink Now Open in Downtown Martinez

DC Solar Downtown Holiday Ice is proud to bring this seasonal outdoor ice rink to downtown Martinez, now through January 7, 2018. This family-friendly 50’x80’ ice rink is located at the corner of Marina Vista Avenue and Ferry Street in Downtown Martinez. The rink features birthday parties, private parties, group rates, and more. The rink is open seven days a week, and hours will vary, weather permitting.

For more hours, pricing and other information, call (925) 228-3577 or visit https:// downtownholidayice.com.

Santa Beer Crawl

On Saturday, December 9, from 2:30-5:30pm, dust off your Santa suits and ugly Christmas sweaters because it’s time to head to Downtown Martinez for some holiday cheer as 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 as they walk around the downtown corridor of Martinez, sampling beers from over 20 great craft breweries stationed inside some of the small businesses along Main Street. Sponsored by Main Street Martinez, Creek Monkey Tap House, and RockSteady Brewing, this year’s Santa Beer Crawl looks to be a great time! Santa costumes and ugly sweaters are encouraged to add to the festive fun! Enter to win fabulous prizes from downtown businesses. Everyone is encouraged to drink responsibly and have a designated driver with you.

Tickets are $30 each until December 8. Tickets are $35 at the door if not sold out.

No refunds for any reason. To get tickets, go to http://santabeercrawl.com/santacrawldetails.html.

JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S. Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

Trinity Center is seeking donations to help with the Winter Nights Shelter program. Learn more at http://trinitycenterwc.org or call (925) 949-8712. They are always seeking donations and volunteer help.

Taking Time for Fun There are so many ways to enjoy the holidays in Walnut Creek! Here are a few suggestions: Ice Skating in Civic Park

Walnut Creek on Ice returns to Civic Park for the 13th year. Sponsored by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Walnut Creek Downtown, the ice rink hosts a number of special events, as well as birthday parties and skating lessons.

For more information, go to walnutcreekonice.com or call 925-935-7669.

Holiday Faire at the Shadelands and Victorian Holiday Tea

The historic Shadelands Ranch home is specially decorated for the holidays.

Enjoy a festive Victorian Holiday Tea and peruse dozens of beautiful handcrafted items for sale by more than 30 vendors.

The Faire will be open daily from 10am to 4pm through December 10. Tea will be served at 11am and 1:30pm. Advance

Walnut Creek Embraces the Spirit of the Holidays

The holiday spirit is alive in Walnut Creek. In addition to dozens of special events and activities, there are many opportunities to do good for others. I always enjoy the Walnut Creek Police Department’s annual Toys for Tots drive. Join me in spreading the magic of the season by donating new, unwrapped toys for underprivileged children. Bring toys to the donation bins in the lobby of City Hall, 1666 N. Main Street, before December 12.

The Walnut Creek Police Department will deliver the toys to the Marines’ Toys for Tots program. For more information, call Lauren Gehring, 925-256-3583.

Another local cause is the Winter Nights Shelter for the homeless. This will be the third winter that Trinity Center has operated an overnight shelter in Walnut Creek. The overnight shelter offers more than a bed and a meal; shelter clients work with case managers to find employment and housing. Of the 61 people who stayed in the overnight shelter during the 2016-17 season, 19 obtained jobs, 14 received temporary housing, and five were placed in permanent housing.

In Loving Memory Ruth Bancroft 1908 - 2017

A pioneer and pillar of the community, Mrs. Bancroft will be sorely missed.

Please visit the garden website for information regarding services. www.ruthbancroftgarden.com

Rich Carlston, Mayor of Walnut Creek

Ice skating in Walnut Creek. Photo by SusanWoodPhotography.com

reservations for the Victorian Tea are required; the cost is $35 per person. Call 925-935-7871. Shadelands Ranch Museum, 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road.

A Christmas Carol at the Lesher Center for the Arts

There is a reason why critics call Center REP’s production of the holiday favorite “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.” Director Scott Denison brings fresh ideas and surprises to each year’s production, making it a delight for firsttime and return patrons alike. A Christmas Carol runs through December 17. Go to lesherartscenter.org for tickets.

Holiday shows at Lesher Center for the Arts

In addition the Center REP’s production of A Christmas Carol, there are

all kinds of special holiday shows at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Youngsters will enjoy Fantasy Forum’s The Biggest Gift, while music lovers can choose from concerts by the California Symphony and the Diablo Symphony. There is even a holiday magic show by Alex Ramon!

For the entire list of holiday shows, go to lesherartscenter.org.

You can see there is much to appreciate right here in Walnut Creek. Go for a peaceful hike in the open space, lace up those skates at Walnut Creek on Ice, take in a show at the Lesher Center for the Arts, or treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of our many restaurants.

However you choose to spend your December, I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2018!

Public Meetings

City Council Meeting Dec. 5,19 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6pm. Contact: 943-5819 Design Review Meeting Dec. 6, 20, 7pm Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Planning Commission Meeting Dec. 14 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Arts Commission Meeting No Meeting in December Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6pm. Contact: 943-5819 For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org

12 | DECEMBER 2017 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

CITY NEWS

Walnut Creek City News

At the November 14 city council meeting, council adopted a resolution approving the addition of a pickleball and teaching tennis court to Heather Farm Park. According to documents, the Heather Farm Pickleball and Tennis Court Additions project is included in the city’s 2016-2018 capital budget. The ten existing tennis courts are regularly full, and there is a demand for more courts. The demand for pickleball courts has increased substantially in recent years. With the limited space available, the project would consist of two pickleball courts and one teaching tennis court within the existing Heather Farm tennis center on Heather Drive. The two 60’x60’ pickleball courts would be located on Heather Drive in the space next to the tennis center, and the new tennis court would be located beside tennis court #8. City staff will prepare construction documents to build the pickleball and tennis courts in the summer of 2018.

Purple Poles Indicate Long-Term Street Parking

Want long-term parking for your holiday shopping? Look for the purple parking poles! The city recently removed metered time limits in underutilized areas near downtown. Of the 3,000 parking meters in the downtown Walnut Creek area, about 700 meters are located between Broadway and California and Newell to the south and Civic Drive to the north. At the November 14 city council meeting, Councilmember Cindy Silva said, “There are another roughly 700 parking meters that are outside that area but close enough to walk a block or two. Those meters are less expensive and we have changed the hours of operation so you can park there for up to 10 hours and pay one dollar an hour.” You can find those meters by looking at the purple band around the top of the meter pole. You can pay for parking with your phone. Download the Park Mobile App (free for iPhone or Android).

choir, directed by Monica Williams. $10 admission. Purchase tickets in advance by calling 925-943-5846. Tickets also available at the door.

Walnut Creek 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Relay

The Walnut Creek 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Relay is December 9. A fun and exciting course for all; runners and walkers alike enjoy this course for its everchanging scenery and spirited volunteers along the route. The course, which is mostly flat, boasts both an uphill and a downhill portion between mile 5 through 7, giving runners an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful downtown and mountain range as they descend onto Ygnacio Valley Road. Awards to the top three male and female finishers in the half marathon will be handed out on the day of the race.

The run will be using the “B-Tag” timing device that has a chip behind the bib number that runners wear. On the morning of the event, make sure you have your bib on! Athletes will run over timing mats located throughout the race, recording their time as they pass several check points. Runners will be given a time of 3 1/2 hours to complete the course. At the 3 1/2 hour mark, those still on the course will be moved to the shoulder/sidewalk and subject to normal traffic laws.

The start of the half marathon and 13.1 relay is located in front of Civic Park.

The 5K run (3.1 miles) begins in Civic Park East, where the festival will be hosted.

Staging will happen on the grass under the large inflatable arch. Runners will make their way out of the park heading north on the canal trail, ultimately turning around at Walden Park and coming back to the park. At this time of year, runners can expect to see the various trees changing their colors along the course. The 5K is a flat course, and runners will negotiate minimal turns, making this a fairly CS Cake Ad February 2015.pdf 1 1/26/15 2:50 PM straightforward run. Find more information at www.runwalnutcreek.com.

Reserve Time with Santa

Santa will be available for photos and visits at his winter home, located near Sephora and Crate & Barrel. It’s the photo op of the season, so reserve now to avoid long lines and last-minute pressure. You can reserve your time with Santa by going to www.celebrateyourholiday.com/Reservations/mall/broadway-plaza.

Santa Hours through December 23: Monday-Saturday: 10am-7pm (break: 2-3pm) Sunday: 11am-6pm (break: 2-3pm)

Holiday PJ Night

-2017 2016

Holiday PJ Night at Broadway Plaza is on December 8, from 5-8pm. Enjoy theme nights in the Santa House. Throw on your most festive jammies and come see Santa!

Holiday Stroll – Shop Sip Celebrate

On Friday, December 8, from 5-8pm, head to Main Street and Locust Street for the Holiday Stroll. The evening will be full of merriment and feature merchant open houses, extended shopping hours, sips and savors, caroling, live music, and other surprises. Attendees are invited to bring canned goods to donate to the non-profit partner Loaves & Fishes, which feeds the hungry in Contra Costa County.

Jazz Band and Flock of Flutes Concert

On December 10, from 3-5pm, catch the Walnut Creek Center for Community Arts Jazz Band and Flock of Flutes Annual Concert. The jazz band, directed by Max Pricco, will play contemporary jazz arrangements as well as holiday favorites. The concert will begin with the fabulous Flock of Flutes, the East Bay’s premiere flute OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 2017 | 13

AS RUSS SEES IT

It was Quite a Scene An As Russ Sees It Holiday Classic

Christmas day at Safeway. Up and down every aisle there’s a man on a cell phone taking orders and directions from their significant other back at H.Q. “I AM in the paper product aisle and I don’t see plastic cups anywhere!” he says. “I’m looking right at the paper plates and I don’t see them.” I can tell he is following directions because he quickly spins around and finds what he is looking for. “Oh… there they are. I got ‘em,” and he hangs up. We make eye contact and develop that instant husband-on-a-stupid-errand bond. He says to me, “How did she know they were right behind me? Do you think she can see me?” I leave him with a fist bump and a “Merry Christmas,” which in husband-speak translates to, “Today, we just do what we’re told.”

Me, I’m there for three lousy items: gravy, a turkey thermometer and horseradish. Should be simple, right? But this is my second Safeway and third grocery store in the quest to fulfill my orders.

God knows I cannot go home without everything on the list. I couldn’t face the disappointed look I would get back home. My wife already showed little faith in me by writing down these three items on a huge piece of paper, “So you don’t lose it,” she said. I have no idea where these items are. I’m looking everywhere for someone in a little apron

JOHN

who will point me in the right direction.

Why don’t grocery stores have little maps at the front door? Or have someone walking up and down the aisles like they do at Home Depot? On holidays they should have Husband Helpers greeting us at the door.

The pharmacist thought I was kidding when I asked him where the turkey thermometers were. Hey, makes perfectly good sense to me that all thermometers would be in the same place.

I did not like his tone when he said, “Over by the turkeys.” No fist bump for him. But he was right. There they were in their own little stand, right by the turkeys. Nice! I wonder where they have the horseradish. I considered going back to the pharmacist, but his line was jammed up with other husbands asking questions. Someone must have spotted me successfully getting directions from him earlier. If they stocked these stores in alphabetical order, this would be simple. I would just head to the “H” aisle.

So, I do what every self-respecting guy does on a grocery store errand: I start at the very first aisle and walk up and down each one until I find what I am looking for. Ta-da! Horseradish! Right by the mustard and mayonnaise.

Shoot. I should have been looking for gravy while I was hiking the aisles.

I’m disappointed in myself. Rookie mistake. So, I try walking along the ends looking down the aisles in search of gravy. In the aisle marked “Sauce,” there

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are about six husbands in a group all on their cell phones. I head down to check out the commotion and voila, gravy! One guy is on his phone trying to explain to his handler that there are multiple types of gravy. “Do you want turkey gravy, brown gravy, spicy brown gravy, biscuit gravy?” Another guy is crying like a Penn State fan, mumbling, “I can’t remember what kind she asked for and I lost my list.” This poor guy may not be able to go home. Just then an I’m not in trouble anymore!

I called Hire My Husband to take care of our “Honey Do List”!

old-timer steps up and takes two packages of each kind of gravy. He turns to the rest of us and says, “Can’t go wrong this way.” We stop and just stare at this Jedi. All around me phones slap shut and we all grab two of everything. No words need be spoken. We have been schooled.

At home all is well. I guess the husband errands aren’t so stupid after all.

It beats loading the dishwasher. But... that’s just how I see it.

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Wish Upon a Star

Peter Pan Foundation Brings Musical Theatre To Special Audiences

BY GINA CAMPO

On November 11, The Peter Pan Foundation (PPF) brought their music and magic to the Orinda Community Center, giving two special performances for audiences who would not normally be able to enjoy live theatre.

The shows, a modified version of the foundation’s annual Memorial Day spectacular, Wish Upon a Star, was specifically produced for special needs children from Easterseals Bay Area (ESBA) and the children at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland. While the first performance for ESBA was performed to a packed live audience, the second performance was filmed so it could be shown in patient rooms at the hospital.

When describing why The PPF was providing these specialty performances, founder Leslie Noel explained, “It is so important to provide live theatre op-

portunities to everyone, including our friends with special needs. In The PPF, we embrace everyone’s beautiful differences and work to help make everyone feel included.”

Stacey Murphy, senior programs manager for Easterseals Bay Area, is especially thankful for the partnership with the Peter Pan Foundation. “I am very grateful to The PPF for bringing so much joy to our clients and for giving our families an opportunity to enjoy a magical, inclusive event. I have been consistently impressed with the kindness and enthusiasm that every PPF character shows our children.”

While the event was a special occasion for the audience of special needs children and their families, the experience was equally rewarding for the performers. “Having the opportunity to provide a safe and loving environment for the children of Easterseals Bay Area

to experience the magic of The PPF live was incredible,” explained Nadya Jatoft, president of The PPF teen council, Bay Area Magic Makers.

As magical as the first performance was, the second show was equally inspiring. Founder Leslie Noel explains how the performance for Children’s Hospital Oakland started more than 10 years ago.

“Our very first Children’s Hospital Oakland (CHO) show was in 2006, with our original Peter Pan, Steffen Ryge.

We lost him to a tragic car accident just months later. Visiting the hospital that year ended up serving as the inspiration behind PPF’s philanthropic endeavors. Since then, we have kept up the beloved annual tradition of performing for the patients at CHO. I am so delighted to know that our show will once again be bringing magic to the lives of so many patients while bringing a little piece of Steffen back to life, too.”

‘Twas the Opening Night Before Christmas, December 8-10 To experience some of the PPF magic

The PPF Princesses. Photo by Luke Rodriguez

for yourself, come enjoy their upcoming holiday show, ‘Twas the Opening Night Before Christmas, December 8-10, at Northgate High School. The show features favorite holiday classics and is a heartwarming story of love, hope, and holiday cheer the whole family will enjoy. Show times and ticket information can be found at www.peterpanfoundation.org.

ABC Singers

A fan gets a hug from Moana, played by Nadya Jatoft. Photo by Luke Rodriguez

ABC Stands For “Any Body Can” join in. All are encouraged and welcome to join in singing on any of the dates listed below. Practice isn’t necessary. Lyrics are provided and the sing-along format is easy to follow. Residents, guests, staff, and children of all ages are most welcome.

Dec. 4: PH Post-Acute (formerly Oak Park Convalescent), 1625 Oak Park Blvd., 9355222 Dec. 5: Montecito Oakmont Senior Living, 4756 Clayton Rd., Concord, 692-5838 Dec. 6: Bayberry Care Center, 1800 Adobe St., Concord, 825-1300 Dec. 7: Veterans Hospital, 150 Muir Rd., Martinez, 370-4122 Dec. 11: Aegis of Pleasant Hill, 1660 Oak Park Blvd., 939-2700 Dec. 12: Stonebrook Convalescent, 4367 Concord Blvd., Concord 689-7457 (plentiful parking on Denkinger) Dec. 13: Carlton on Broadway, 1700 Broadway, Concord, 686-1700 Dec. 14: Legacy Nursing & Rehab, 1790 Muir Rd., Martinez, 228-8383 Dec. 18: Willow Pass Health Care, 3318 Willow Pass Rd., 689-9222 Dec. 20: San Miguel Villa, 1050 San Miguel Rd. (opposite Bart tracks), Concord, 8254280 Dec. 21: Carlton Senior Living, Downtown Pleasant Hill, 175 Cleaveland Rd., 9351001 Dec. 25: Christmas Day! Sing-along anytime, 10am-2pm @ Christmas For Everyone, CFE. New Location: 115 Tarantino on the Martinez Marina, 228-2233 Any Questions? Maxine Chan, 969-9693, maxgiglist@gmail.com OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 2017 | 15

SCHOOL NEWS

Strandwood Wins Award

Eight schools in the Bay Area were selected this year as National Blue Ribbon Schools. All the winners in the Bay Area were selected because of high performance as measured by state assessments or national tests. The honor only goes to highest performing schools or schools that have closed an achievement gap. Hillcrest Elementary and Thornhill Elementary in Oakland, Lafayette Elementary in San Francisco, Strandwood Elementary in Pleasant Hill, and Evergreen Elementary in San Jose were selected.

The eight schools were among 29 winners in California and 329 winners nationwide.

Nominations are made by state education officials, officials with the Department of Defense Education Activity, or officials with the Bureau of Indian Education. School officials received a plaque and a flag when their school was honored at an awards ceremony on November 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C.

Art and Events

Third Graders Visit City Hall

In November, Pleasant Hill Mayor Michael Harris hosted third-graders from Gregory Gardens and Valhalla Elementary Schools at City Hall. The students enjoyed their tour and learned interesting facts about this unique building. They also participated in Mock City Council meetings where they discussed issues important to third-graders, such as “ Should Gregory Gardens students be allowed to wear Halloween costumes to school on Halloween?” and “Should Valhalla Elementary School require uniforms?”

Everyone in the audience agreed with Mayor Harris that the Council and all the presenters did a terrific job. Mayor Harris commented that he saw many future leaders in these third-graders. By the way, there will be no Halloween costumes at Gregory Gardens because “they might get dirty or torn” and no uniforms at Valhalla because “we might not be able to recognize our friends in the schoolyard.”

Winter Showcase & Craft Fair will be held from 5-9 pm, Friday, December 15, at College Park High School. This art show and sale will feature artwork created by teachers and students and is the major fundraiser for the CPHS Visual Arts Boosters club, which supports art teachers and art programs at the school.

College Park Reflections Art Contest winners Congratulations to the following winners of the PTA Reflections Art Contest: Quinn Erickson (photography); Gisela Tolentino (visual arts); Will Michael (literature); and Tessa Collins (literature). Their pieces will move on to be judged at the Mt. Diablo Council Level.

Winter Instrumental and Vocal Performance Pleasant Middle School will be showcasing their talents on December 20 from 6-8pm in the multi-purpose room. It’s a free concert. Seats are first come, first served.

Valhalla Elementary third-graders and chaperones at Pleasant Hill City Hall. Photo by Martin Nelis.

WINTER SHOWCASE

& CRAFT FAIR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15TH, 5:00-9:00PM IN THE COLLEGE PARK MULTI-USE ROOM ALL PROCEEDS FROM STUDENT ART SALES WILL SUPPORT CPHS VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMS 16 | DECEMBER 2017 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

A R T WO R K : N AY L A LO P E Z (C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 )

COLLEGE PARK VISUAL ARTS BOOSTERS PRESENTS:

SCHOOL NEWS

CPHS Principal Falcon Up!

JOSEPH G. ALVAREZ PRINCIPAL, COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

As we start ramping up our winter season athletics, we wind down the fall season with some significant accomplishments. Women’s golf and the men’s and women’s water polo teams were highly successful, qualifying this season in the California Interscholastic Federation’s (CIF) North Coast section (NCS). The men’s water polo team also emerged as this year’s Diablo Athletic League (DAL) champions.

Our football team also qualified for NCS and battled hard with an eventual loss to Ukiah High School. All of our student athletes are to be commended for their hard work, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.

Our 17th annual Musicians Showcase was absolutely stellar and a clear demonstration of the motto of our instrumental music program, “Community service through music.” It was, as always, a sell-out, and kudos go to Mr. Jorge Jimenez and Ms. Alexa Tsarnas for facilitating a fantastic performance. Our instrumental music students put in countless hours for this event and the results are amazing.

Our performing arts students are equally exceptional. The drama department recently presented A Totally Radical Midsummer Night’s Dream, a modern twist on a Shakespeare classic in which the Bard was transported to an ‘80s nightclub, complete with dancing and karaoke to an ‘80s soundtrack. Kudos to Mr. Tony Gardner and his cast both in front of and behind the scenes. Our visual and performing arts department continues to truly amaze with outstanding and inspirational work. And you can experience it firsthand this holiday season. Our choir’s Holiday Dickens Carolers still have some bookings available to perform at holiday events. Dressed in traditional Victorian garb, these talented singers have a wonderful and merry set of beloved carols and seasonal classics to add a joyful touch to holiday gatherings. You can learn more at https://sites.google.com/site/

collegeparkchoirs/home/holiday-dickenscarolers.

Everything we do at CPHS is to ensure our students are well equipped and best prepared for life during and after high school. In our bell schedule, we have two periods two days a week designated for what we call “response to intervention.”

Here, we have students checking in with teachers, finishing up assignments and tests, and getting exposure to enrichment experiences. For example, we will be having a guest speaker come in and talk with our student body about drug use and its possible outcomes. Much of what students hear, see, and believe about drug use (and abuse) simply is not true. This guest speaker will dispel myths and talk about the actuality of using controlled substances.

This year we will also host the highly acclaimed “Every 15 Minutes” program put on by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

It’s a two-day program that focuses on high school juniors and seniors and challenges them to think about drinking, driving, personal safety, the responsibility of making mature decisions, and the impact their decisions have on family, friends, their community, and many others. The program is a very dramatic and emotional one – and purposely so. It includes the elaborate staging of a crash scene, intended to create awareness among students that they are not invincible.

We’ll have more details about this event coming soon.

With the strong partnership among CPHS, the City of Pleasant Hill, and MDUSD, we continue to produce a student body that is well prepared and dedicated to their future and the future of others. When you hear me say “Falcon up!” it’s my way of stressing that the whole is greater than one. You are an important part of our College Park community and our Falcon family. Thank you for your continued support; we look forward to our continued partnership. We also encourage you to ask the CPHS student(s) in your life three important questions:

1) How did they engage in their education today?

2) How are they involved on campus?

3) What is their plan of action when things get tough?

We believe the answers will demonstrate that attitude is everything. Prepare your attitude daily.

You can stay informed of all the great happenings at CP via our website https:// cphs-mdusd-ca.schoolloop.com/, our Fal-

con Flyer, and Remind, our free text messaging app that helps teachers, students, and parents communicate and stay connected.

Our college and career adviser, Ms. Heather Lowe, recently started a Remind for college application updates, appointment reminders, and more. You can join the conversation at http://www.remind.com/join/96fdk3.

AHS Principal

Athletes Rise to the Challenge TOM DOPPE, PRINCIPAL, ALHAMBRA HIGH SCHOOL

As the end of the fall athletic season draws to a close, I wanted to share our successes with the community. Athletics is important to any school as it both reflects and contributes to a positive school culture, and there has been a lot of positivity this year. Recently, Alhambra was named the #17 school in the Bay Area for athletics. Here is a summary of our fall season highlights: • Cross Country 3rd place individual finish at the Girls League Championship and both boys and girls teams competing for the NCS Championship in Hayward on 11/18!

• Boys Water Polo Competed in the first round of NCS

• Girls Golf Finished 1st place in our division and had a top 10 golfer in the section • Girls Tennis Finished 1st place in our division for the first time in many years (maybe ever!) and competed as a team at NCS • Football Finished 1st place in our division and ended the season in the first round of the NCS playoffs in Eureka on November 11.

• Girls Volleyball Finished 1st place in our division and played on for the NCS championship on November 11. The team played in the State Championship on November 15 .....

Of course we love to watch our students compete at a high level, but we are even more proud of the way they model being student athletes by maintaining their grades in the classroom and their citizenship on campus.

As always, thank you for your support and Go Dogs! tdoppe@martinez.k12.ca.us

Homecoming

Alhambra’s Tyrone Hall and Rebekah Lipman.

CP’s Emma Wigren and Josh Lofamia. Photo by Ashton Lommel.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 2017 | 17

ATHLETE SPORTS

OF THE MONTH

SPONSORED BY: MATT

AHS Volleyball at NCS

Alhambra (26-7 overall and 10-0 in league) traveled to Monterey to face Santa Catalina in the 2nd round of Division III NCS playoffs on November 18, losing 3 sets to the undefeated Cougars.

RINN AGENCY

JAMIE PITCHER

College Park senior Jamie Pitcher has been selected athlete of the month for her successes in the pool. Pitcher is one of the captains for College Park Women’s Varsity Water Polo, was selected DAL All-League MVP, and was awarded the team captain’s award. Her stats include 55 goals, 29 assists, and 20 steals. Jamie was also awarded outstanding player at the Sierra Shootout Tournament during the regular season. Congratulations, Jamie Pitcher!

Alhambra junior Sterling Parker (#13) was selected Maxpreps Volleyball Player of the Match November 18. She is pictured with sophomore Rachel Gray (#22). Photo by Greg Jungferman

Royals Take First

The Royals took first place in the U10 Girls division of the PHMSA Cup held November 4-5.

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Pictured (LtoR) top row: Mya Santacruz, Elle Quin, Reagan Holmes, Makena Meyers and Coach Brian Smith, bottom row: Isabella Eberly, Paxely Burgos, Cassidy Smith, Aliyah Moe, Tegan Boehler, Maya Lang. Submitted by Kathleen Nagel.

SPORTS

Berean Makes History

Division V Berean Christian womens varsity volleyball team (23-10 overall and 8-2 in league) won their first NCS playoff game against Skyline on November 15.

They moved on to host the second NCS playoff match on November 18 against Colusa High, winning 3-1. The Eagles traveled to San Marin for the Regional Semifinals on November 21. The team’s run ended there, but the girls can be proud of being on a team with the longest playoff run in Berean history.

Heritage Undefeated

The Heritage ‘02 Girls team went undefeated and took 1st place in the local Harvest Cup Tournament held over the October 28 and 29 weekend.

Pictured (LtoR): back row: Coach Jorge Silva, Jadyn London, Alexis Wilson, Grace Brown, Katie Foerste, Kailey Jacoby, Sophie Hermelin, Araceli Castro, Evi Anderson, Andrea Santamaria, bottom row: Isabella Puljiz, Angelina DelBono, Laura Bocek, Melanie Zaragoza, Valerie Pazmino. Not pictured: Sofia Arroyo, Erin Cunningham, Maya Drewicke. Photo by Lori Brown.

2017 Cross Country Recap Berean Christian senior Abigail Radutiu (#11) was selected Maxpreps Player of the Match after garnering 5 kills and 4 blocks against Colusa High.

CP Football Season

The 2017 College Park Varsity Football team had an exciting season. As the team entered league play, they were 4 - 0. For the first time since 2007, they won their season opener and then followed up with a thrilling win over Concord High School. At the close of the regular season, the Falcons were 4 - 5 and made it to the first round of NCS playoffs against Ukiah High School.

This year, under the direction of Falcon alumni Coaches Derek Clements and Joe Bautista, the team vastly improved its running game, with new plays and strategies. Thank you all for a great season. Our young football players and their families will carry these memories forever. Submitted by Sherri Morrison. Photo by Tammy O’Neal.

The North Coast Section Cross Country meet was held on November 18, at Hayward High School. Local teams from College Park, Northgate, and Alhambra raced in hopes of qualifying for the State Cross Country meet.

College Park senior Emily Orellana had the race of the season, finishing the Division 2 race in 13th place, qualifying for the State Cross Country meet for the first time. Other local State qualifiers include Alhambra senior Marissa D’Atri, finishing 2nd in the Division 4 race, and Northgate senior Michael Wheeler, taking 3rd in the Division 3 race.

The State Meet was held in Fresno on November 25. Results: Emily Orellana, 68th in Division 2, 19:26.8; Michael Wheeler, 11th in Division 3, 16:05.20; Marissa D’Atri, 11th in Division 4, 18:42.4. Congratulations to all of the competitors.

Senior Emily Orellana competing at the NCS cross country meet. Photo by David Grube.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 2017 | 19

PAIR UP

Winter Wonderland Comfort Food this Holiday Season

BY MARIA TERRY

All over the northern hemisphere, we turn to comfort foods for the winter. This menu satisfies stick to the rib cravings with a warm appetizer of gooey cheese and a hearty entrée of meaty stew. The grand finale is an impressive, fluffy coconut cake. It will have you dreaming of softly falling snow, even when it’s well above freezing outside.

As a child of the ‘70s, I remember my mom serving fondue at many of her parties. Fondue is like “raclette,” a traditional melted Swiss cheese dish popular in Alsace, France. The recipe below includes two swiss cheeses, Gruyere and Emmental. Lightly seasoned with wine, lemon, and mustard, this is an interactive appetizer. It is good with just about any white wine but outstanding paired regionally with one of the four noble grapes of Alsace: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, or Gewürztraminer. The white wines of Alsace have remarkable acidity. Riesling and Pinot Gris tend to be more fruit flavored, and both Muscat and Gewürztraminer are very floral. All are delicious.

A comforting stew is easy on the hostess because it can be made in

advance and guests can serve themselves. I have chosen a recipe for lamb stew featuring the classic trio: celery, onion, and carrot. The meat is cooked in a tomato and wine broth until it is falling off the bone. A versatile dish, it goes with just about any red wine. You can pick your favorite. However, continuing on a regional theme, why not seek out a Lagrein from the Alto-Adige region of Italy? It has ripe cherry flavors and smoky notes of roasted coffee. You won’t be disappointed.

The crowning glory of your cozy winter meal is a three-layer Coconut Cake that looks like it has been dusted with snow. This cake comes together remarkably fast and can even be assembled three days ahead! Talk about a hostess’s dream dessert; all the work is done except for a quick frosting of the cake the morning of the party.

Be warned, this is a super sweet cake.

Personally, I vote for pairing it with hot black coffee, but if you want to keep the party flowing, choose a sweet sparkling wine like Doux Champagne or Prosecco.

The bubbles refresh the palate, and the sugar matches the sweetness of the cake.

So, go on. Pair Up!

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

Classic Cheese Fondue

INGREDIENTS ½ pound Gruyere, coarsely grated ½ pound Emmental, coarsely grated 2 tbsp. cornstarch 1 garlic clove 1 cup dry white wine 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tbsp. Kirsch (dry cherry brandy) ½ tsp. dry mustard Pinch freshly grated nutmeg Freshly ground black pepper Dipping items of your choice (e.g. bread cubes, granny smith apples, or blanched veggies) DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, coat the cheeses with cornstarch and set aside. Rub the inside of the ceramic fondue pot or 2-quart saucepan with the garlic and discard.

Over medium heat, add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a gentle simmer.

Gradually stir the cheese into the simmering liquid. Melting the cheese gradually encourages a smooth fondue. Once smooth, stir in cherry brandy, mustard and nutmeg.

Yield: 4-6 servings

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

Italian Lamb Stew

INGREDIENTS 3 lbs. various cuts of lamb 2 carrots chopped 2 celery stalks chopped 1 large onion chopped 2 cups tomato sauce 1 cup white wine 1 cup beef or veal stock 1 cup cannellini beans Salt and pepper All-purpose flour for dredging Extra virgin olive oil DIRECTIONS Lightly dredge lamb pieces in flour and place in a hot pan with some olive oil. Cook for five minutes on each side or until nicely browned. Remove lamb and set aside.

In the same pan, add onion, celery and carrots and sauté for five minutes until veggies are soft. Now add tomato sauce, beans, stock and white wine and cook an additional five minutes until well blended and warmed through. Place lamb in the sauce, cover, and place in a 400° oven for 1½ hours.

Yield: 4-6 servings

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

20 | DECEMBER 2017 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Coconut Cake

INGREDIENTS 1½ cups (3 sticks) butter, divided 2 cups sugar, plus ¾ cup for filling 4 large eggs, room temperature 3 cups self-rising flour, sifted 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, plus 1½ teaspoons for frosting 1 cup sour cream ¼ cup whole milk ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes, plus more for sprinkling 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted or whisked to remove lumps ½ cup sweetened cream of coconut DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour three (9-inch) round cake pans.

Cream one cup butter and two cups sugar together in a standing mixer outfitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about seven minutes. Add eggs, one a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour and coconut milk, alternately, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix in two teaspoons vanilla. Divide the batter among the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Cool on wire racks for ten minutes, then remove cakes from pans and cool completely on the wire racks.

To make the filling: Mix together the sour cream, ¾ cup sugar, milk and coconut flakes in a large bowl. Once cake layers are cool, poke all over with a wooden skewer. Spread 1/3 of the filling over the first cake round, letting the filling fall into the holes you have poked. Top with a second round and spread another 1/3 of the filling over the top. Top with the final layer and spread the remaining filling over the top. The filling step can be done up to three days ahead of time so the cake can fully absorb the layers.

To make the frosting: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and ½ cup butter using an electric hand-held mixer. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the coconut cream and 1½ teaspoons vanilla. Frost the top and sides of the cake, and then sprinkle the tops and sides with remaining coconut flakes.

Yield: One Big Cake

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

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES

SPECIAL SECTION

DECEMBER 2017 DELIVERED TO 80,000 HOMES & BUSINESSES

PLEASANT HILL • WALNUT CREEK • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • CONCORD • CLAYTON A monthly publication of Community Focus, the Concord Pioneer and Clayton Pioneer

Give the Gift of Membership The Perfect Gift for that Hard to Shop for Friend

Located on Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek is a world-renowned gem: the Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery. The garden features succulents and drought tolerant plants from around the world and is a premier example of just how beautiful sustainable gardening can be. Ruth Bancroft planted the garden in the early ‘70s and is still alive today at the age of 109. The garden offers a place of peace and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Along with being a wonderful place to visit, there are various workshops and educational programs throughout the year for plant newbies and experts alike. Anyone can join to become a member and enjoy a wide variety of perks, and membership makes the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast on your list this holiday season.

For just $40/year you can give someone (or yourself) free admission to the garden for a year. Along with free entry to the Ruth Bancroft Garden, members also enjoy free admission to over 300 reciprocal gardens throughout the country. Members also get a discount at the nursery and price-cuts on workshops and events.

Some of the garden’s exclusive events are held just for members, which is

GIVE THE GIFT OF

MEMBERSHIP The perfect gift for the garden lover in your life.

another reason why membership is the gift that keeps giving.

If you’re in a bind this season trying to find the perfect gift for the gardener, outdoor lover, or succulent enthusiast in your life, then contact our staff today for the perfect gift. Membership proceeds directly support the garden and serves our community in many meaningful ways. Keep the passion and love of sustainable gardening growing by giving the gift of membership this holiday season!

For more information, visit the garden at 1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek; call (925) 944-9352; or email anna@ruthbancroftgarden.org.

Best wishes for a joyful holiday season!

Leigh Klock,

Realtor

Visit the Garden at 1552 Bancroft Rd. Walnut Creek or call (925) 944-9352

Senior Real Estate Specialist, Accredited Staging Professional

The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek

GARDEN & NURSERY

www.ruthbancroftgarden.org

Leigh@LeighKlock.com

www.LeighKlockHomes.com 925.212.5593

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OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 2017 | 21

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES

Holiday Decorating Season

Halloween Home Displays

Holiday Light Displays

Streets in the Gregory Gardens neighborhood, near Strandwood Elementary, pulled out all the stops this Halloween. Some front yards resembled the Disneyland Park ride Pirates of the Caribbean, with talking and singing skulls, light displays, and even live band performances. The neighborhood captures the bulk of the area’s trick or treaters, with some homes getting over 200 trick or treating visitors.

Visiting holiday light displays in your neighborhood has never been easier thanks to www.CaliforniaChristmasLights.com. (Formerly Lights of the Valley.)

Residents who wish to share their displays can upload their addresses with photos and descriptions of their light displays.

To plan your outing, enter the city you wish to visit on the site and there you will find the list of addresses along with a map and directions. Some information offered by homeowners includes how many lights on display, neighborhood festivities, dates and times for Santa visits and various charity collection information. As of November 28, the online list included: Pleasant Hill Concord 2972 Vessing Road 1094 Discovery Way Martinez 3812 Maplewood Drive 190 Escondido Drive 4323 Blenheim Way 503 Isabel Drive 4597 Lincoln Drive 225 Valley Glen Lane 5390 Aspenwood Court

Shane and Stephanie Simpson’s house at 106 Cynthia Drive, Pleasant Hill

Visit 1094 Discovery Way in Concord.

CAL BRE # is 01746457

Deborah Zacharatos-Reeg Broker Associate

Serving Communities with Excellence … Always!

Proudly Serving the East Bay: Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda Counties

(925) 250-5856 Direct Deb@DeborahZReeg.com www.DeborahZReeg.com KELLER WILLIAMS EAST BAY • 100 PRINGLE AVE., SUITE 100 • WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 22 | DECEMBER 2017 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES

Estate Planning

The Dangers of Joint Tenancy

BY DANIEL DuREE

Do you know in what form you hold title to your home? Most people do not know, but there are important legal consequences to taking title in different ways. Holding title as joint tenants can have major negative tax consequences for a married couple.

Co-ownership of Real Estate as a Married Couple

The landscape for joint ownership of real estate is markedly more complicated than that of the sole owner. Married co-owners of real estate most commonly hold title as joint tenants with the right of survivorship, as husband and wife as community property, or as trustees of a jointly settled revocable living trust.

Dangers of Joint tenancy

Joint tenancy is formally known as “joint tenancy with the right of survivorship.”

The major feature of joint tenancy is that when one owner passes away, their interest automatically passes to the surviving joint tenant(s). Because of this characteristic, property held as joint tenants avoids the scourge of the California probate process at the passing of the first spouse (although not the second). Holding title as husband and wife as community property also avoids probate at the passing of the first spouse.

However, holding title as joint tenants can create severe negative tax consequences for a married couple. As a married couple in California, you never want to hold title as joint tenants.

Revocable Living Trust

The third common way of holding title to real estate, specifically as spouse co-owners, is through a jointly settled revocable living trust. The property is titled in

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the name of the spouses as trustees of their revocable living trust. This is the clearly preferred method from an estate planning perspective. Even if one of the other methods is initially used, eventually, the surviving spouse will need a trust to best pass the property to their heirs outside of probate and in the most tax efficient way possible. If you have questions about the negative consequences of holding title as joint-tenants or the benefits of a living trust, please call our office and we will be happy to speak with you.

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

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DANIEL L. DUREE Estate Planning Attorney

925.210.1400 1535 North Main Street, Suite 240 • Walnut Creek

Please call today for a complimentary consultation at my office or in your home.

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What is Your Home Worth?

When it‛s time to move, give me a call for an “in-depth” market analysis

Come Home to Martinez!

A Great Place to Live!

Happy Holidays!

Maureen Ingalls BROKER ASSOCIATE

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VISIT: WWW.MartinezHomes.com OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 2017 | 23

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BRENTWOOD

Local Author Spotlight

By Sabrina Marshall

The Community Focus Proudly Presents Local Authors Diane Lang

When not spending her time volunteering at wildlife centers across the Bay Area, Diane Lang is writing about some of our more “overlooked” friends in nature. In her children’s book Vulture Verses, Lang hopes to connect children to the wilder side of life through poem and rhymes, with illustrations by Lauren Gallegos. From the titular creature (vultures) to slithering snakes, the book teaches children why these animals are so important to our world in an easy to understand fashion. Several encounters during her time as a volunteer educator inspired this book, including a conversation with a visitor who remarked that perhaps turkey vultures weren’t so ugly after all. “The more we understand, the more we appreciate,” said Lang.

In addition to Vulture Verses, Lang has a new book out this year, entitled Daytime, Nighttime, All Through the Year, which summarizes the life of nocturnal animals, month-by-month, to “showcase the various animals through the seasons.” The book appeals to kids around 4-6 years old, as animals such as bears and porcupines are described in simple verse with detailed illustrations.

Lang has always loved animals and used to raise guide dog puppies. She has also rescued tortoises and tarantulas! However, it wasn’t until her volunteer work that she realized how much she wanted to teach others, especially kids, about the wonders of the animal kingdom. “In my role with children, I want them to realize that cool stuff is happening right where they live,” said Lang, “not just in far-off places like Africa.”

Her new book, Daytime, Nighttime, All Through the Year, should be available alongside Vulture Verses in many bookstores as well as online, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She also has a variety of learning activities posted on her website, dianelang.net.

Richard L. Wren

After working with an insurance company for 61 years, Richard L. Wren proves there’s no wrong time to pursue your dreams. At age 82 he started writing his first fiction novel, Casey’s Slip, after being inspired by the stories he told his daughters when they were children. “My stories are designed for pure entertainment,” said Wren on his website. “I do not have a whole story in mind when I start. I let the story develop itself, just as life does.“ In fact, all of his fiction novels draw from 26 | DECEMBER 2017 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Wren’s personal experiences. For instance, his second and third novels, Joshua’s Revenge and Justice for Joshua, revolve around a world-class martial artist, not unlike one of his daughters, who is approaching her black belt in Chinese Martial Arts. In addition, these books feature locations Wren is quite familiar with such as San Francisco’s Chinatown and downtown Oakland. Casey’s Slip features a “Hell’s Angel” type protagonist operating in Oakland’s marina, reminiscent of Wren’s friend who is still a part of Hell’s Angels. The novel’s sequel, Murder Made Legal, deals with the police and court system in Oakland, where his son is a real-life detective for the Oakland PD.

In addition to these two series, Wren has also authored a booklet entitled Self-Publishing: It Ain’t Rocket Science, about how to motivate yourself to write and get your writing published. Featuring helpful, hopeful, and straightforward tips on navigating the online world of publishing, it’s short and to the point. “ A great example of someone who has reinvented himself and his career,” according to his website, Wren is definitely someone writers old and young can aspire to, and his booklet is the perfect place to start following in his footsteps. All of Wren’s works are available online with Amazon, and most of his works can be found in bookstores like Barnes & Noble.

Merci Martin & Wanda Bishop

Designed to enlighten children about the wonders of the Oak Woodlands of California, Merci Martin and Wanda Bishop’s new book, The Crow and the Earthquake, explains the natural phenomena of earthquakes from the perspective of California’s native wildlife. Rather than cause children to fear the rumbling of the earth, the authors hope to explain them along with their after effects through easy to understand dialogue between characters. The California condor is an atypical main character for a children’s book, as is the topic of earthquakes, but they educate children in an unusual way.

As for the authors themselves, Martin and Bishop both have experience as educators for younger children and reside in the Bay Area, Martinez and Walnut, Creek, respectively. Martin describes herself as a “keen observer, lover, and protector of our natural world,” whereas Bishop works as a museum director and has designed natural history classes for preschools. They both visit classrooms and give stimulating talks to children about Crow and the book’s cast of characters. This book is actually the second in their series, California Tales That Teach,

following The Crow and the Feather.

The Crow and the Earthquake can be found online and in stores across multiple retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Cupola Press.

Deborah Lee Rose

Rather than fill a book with facts and figures, Deborah Lee Rose wanted to tell kids a true story about how science, nature, and technology can work together for the betterment of others. In her book Beauty and the Beak: How Science, Technology, and a 3D-Printed Beak Rescued a Bald Eagle, Rose details how an American bald eagle named Beauty received a fully 3D printed prosthetic beak after being found in Alaska with her upper beak missing. The book follows Beauty from birth, detailing what was discovered about her life up until losing her beak and the amazing scientific feat that helped her survive. Focusing mainly on the beak, Rose worked on this book with raptor biologist Janie Veltkamp, who brought Beauty in for her new beak, to give incredible details on the prototypes, testing, and eventual surgery.

Brilliant photographs compliment Rose’s words, giving children a reading experience unlike any other, plus it features educational guides, key word definitions, and STEM activity downloads, seamlessly merging story with scholastic standards.

Award winning and internationally published, Rose has written several other children’s books, including Jimmy the Joey, about a koala rescue. She commonly writes with the intention of providing children with an educational story and science class prep - not surprisingly after she helped create and direct communications for the STEM website Howtosmile.org. In addition to her literary works, Rose was also once the director of communications for the Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek.

Rose’s book is available at Barnes & Noble and online at a variety of sites, including Amazon and Cornell Lab Publishing Group.

Matt Kirkland

Matt grew up in Pittsburg and is a self-taught artist. He currently lives in Martinez with his wife, daughter, dog, cat and five chickens. He has written and illustrated two children’s books, The Traveling Dinosaur Pals and Evelynn and the Eleven Elephants.

The Traveling Dinosaur Pals is a children’s book that features bright and colorful pictures that tell the story of a group of dinosaur friends traveling on their way to a birthday party. Each dinosaur comes from a different place and has a different way of traveling. Children will love the pictures of dinosaurs driving cars, riding motorcycles, roller skating and more!

Evelynn and the Eleven Elephants is a fun and colorful children’s book that follows Evelynn as she looks for her eleven elephant friends. Each one has a favorite activity and she must find them all! Children will love the rhyming story and the visually striking pictures on each page.

Both books are perfect for children ages 2 to 5, and they make great gifts for birthdays and Christmas, or just because.

You can find Kirkland’s books at White Rabbit Boutique, 529 Main Street, Martinez, Barnes & Noble, and online at ETSY and Amazon.

Diane Lang

Richard Wren

Merci Martin and Wanda Bishop

Matt Kirkland

Shadow of the Mountain Writers Guild

Intended to entertain, inform and challenge the imagination, the anthology titled Insight, Hindsight and Flights of Fancy offers a great read. In fact, several terrific reads. The stories appeal to almost every reader and inquirer. By reading the stories in the volume, you will discover the inside voices of the authors and develop the uncharted areas of your mind.

The eleven local authors who produced the anthology have been growing together as writers for ten-plus years and call their group the Shadow of the Mountain Writers Guild. They have helped each other develop fun, poignant and provocative stories in quality fashion. They published their first anthology of stories in 2014 under the title Tremors: Short Fiction by California Writers.

Insight, Hindsight and Flights of Fancy will be available on Amazon (paperback and e-book) and in multiple retailers by mid-spring 2018. Tremors: Short Fiction by California Writers can be found at Barnes & Noble and on Amazon.

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IN THE GARDEN

Herbs Take Center Sage

Delicious Uses for Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Tarragon …

BY LESLEY STILES

Any garden worth its earth salt has perennial herbs taking up space for as many years as the garden is old.

Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, savory, lavender, sage, and tarragon produce year-round in some form, and surprise us every spring with luscious green blooming sprouts, popping up underfoot to cries of first time delight. Most summer perennial herbs do double duty by being drought resistant in our Mediterranean climate.

Summer, winter, and year-round, woody stems with fragrant purple and pink blossom adorn rosemary, which was known in ancient times as “dew of the sea.” Legend has it that rosemary was draped around Aphrodite as she ascended from the sea. Staunchly aromatic with “needle” leaves, a small amount, cut or crushed, goes a long way to enhance characteristics of meats and vegetables and kicks up taste a

few notches. Placed on the sides of a hot grill, steaming, blistering rosemary perfumes all that sizzles near. Winter herbs such as cilantro, parsley, thyme, and oregano become lushly tender for holiday roasting and braising. Turkey, roasted pork loin, slabs of beef, and ham are greatly enhanced by the addition of chopped herbs that smother outside flesh as well as inside cavernous cavities, especially with the addition of zest and juice of lemons and oranges.

Sage perfectly foils with birds and pork as well as rosemary with beef. Sage is a native perennial in California and mostly drought resistant. It harbors astoundingly beautiful spears of intensely purple late fall/early winter blooms and is an enchanting enhancer of culinary dishes when chopped and sprinkled judiciously upon favored dishes. It also cleans blood and calms nerves as a tea or tincture. Used and revered in the Middle Ages as a “curer of all that aileth thee,” sage has a long and important history. Perhaps one of this writer’s favorite uses for sage is fried. Heat a saucepan

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with about a half-inch of peanut oil to hot. Drop leaves in and allow to crisp up for a minute, carefully removing with a slotted spoon to drain. Sprinkle on dang near anything but especially seasonally perfect iconic pumpkin ravioli with brown butter sauce.

Evergreen in nature, thyme also has many different varieties in its family line. Decorative for sure, thyme definitely takes up more space in a culinary garden while ensnaring a food freak’s mind with comforting cold weather possibilities to warm the tummy and heart.

Hailing from mint lines, thyme is proud to call oregano part of its family. Supposedly used for embalming in ancient Egypt, Greeks used it for bathing and scenting temples. Touted with purification properties, thyme has also been called a harbinger of courage when consumed in drinks.

Thyme is a major enhancement of French bouquet garni as well as a contributor to herbs de Provence. Thyme pairs amazingly well with tomatoes and substitutes for basil in winter months.

Roast vegetables ascend to a new level when tossed with copious amounts of freshly chopped thyme, garlic and lemon peel.

Whether decorative or culinary, herbs take center stage in mouths as well as minds and make the heart smile.

Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sustaina-

ble caterer and school garden educator.

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

Winter Root Vegetable Stew INGREDIENTS 1 large celery root, peeled and cubed 1 garnet yam, peeled and cubed 1 red potato, cubed 1 turnip, cubed 2 carrots, sliced 1 cup chopped butternut squash 1 cup sliced fresh shitake mushrooms 1 red onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups vegetable stock ½ cup chopped fresh parsley 3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Sauté onion, garlic, and shitake mushrooms in olive oil for 3 minutes. Add rest of the vegetables and sauté for 4 minutes.

Add the stock and bring to a simmer.

Let simmer 30 minutes. Add parsley and oregano and season to taste. Alternately, you can put the whole thing into a big roaster, put a lid on it, and cook the whole thing in a 350* oven for an hour or two and finish with the herbs and seasonings like above.

Serves 6

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

IN THE MIX

Year in Review

Wrapping Up Another Year of Outstanding Live Music

BY PAUL COTRUVO

We have finally reached the end of another amazing year of music here in Contra Costa County.

There was no shortage of incredible shows. As I look back, I am reminded of how lucky we all are to have such amazing talent and events right here in our backyard. And 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! There are so many venues that have music in some shape or fashion, probably too many to mention, but I’d like to give a shout out to a few that have really made this year special: WiseGirl, Armando’s, Roxx on Main, Rocco’s, Back 40, Dan’s Bar, Clayton Club, Vinnie’s, and The Impulse Room.

I know I have missed some others, but these businesses have taken a chance and provided quality music, and they deserve your support. Needless to say, music is alive and well here in our little slice of heaven.

Some highlights this year were the great performances of Carlos Reyes at Come Together 7 in Pleasant Hill; The Sunday Paper’s residency at Armando’s in Martinez at the end of every month, Lafayette’s Summer of Love series in June, and Cheap Trick at the Lesher Theatre in Walnut Creek.

I also have noticed that just about every city and area has some kind of festival or event that highlights music,

Paul’s Picks

whether it is the Lafayette Art and Wine Festival; Pleasant Hill Art, Wine and Music Festival; or Blues and Brews in Pleasant Hill. And who knew that Thursday would become the new Friday?

Concord, Martinez, Moraga, and Pleasant Hill all now have events that always feature great bands. And all are free!

It was also a year we lost some memorable musicians: Tom Petty, Glen Campbell, Gregg Allman, Fats Domino, Walter Becker and the rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry. Locally, we lost the amazing Steve Sage, who has had a hand in just about everyone’s musical career here in Contra Costa, and the wonderful Michael Redmond O’Connell, also known as the Martinez Town Cryer.

Huge losses, but their memories and music live on forever. And the year is not over quite yet. There are a couple of events I highly recommend, along with charities to support.

Pleasant Hill Rec and Park District presented A Celebration of Tom Petty’s Musical Legacy on December 1. The event featured the local Tom Petty tribute band, The Big Jangle. There were some special guests, including Garageland Rodeo, Dave Martin (The Buzztones and David Martin’s Houseparty), and Kevin Suto (The Bell Brothers and The VonTrapps). There were some surprise guests as well. A portion of the proceeds went to to the Sonoma County Resilience Fund.

The ninth annual Martinez Music Mafia Holiday Pageant and Toy Drive was held on December 3 at Armando’s in Martinez -- a great event that not

December 15: The Big Jangle, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm December 23: Sunday Paper Christmas Show, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm December 28: Sin Silver, Rocco’s, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8pm December 30: Tender Mercies, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm December 30: The Buzztones, Rocco’s, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8pm December 30: Fast Times, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm December 31: Cover2Cover, Wise Girl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 7pm

only featured some of the best musicians in the area but also benefited many local charities. Among the bands this year were The Big J, Garageland Rodeo, Killbillies, The Martini Lounge, Midnight Flyer, and The New Frantics, with many other surprises.

Happy Holidays, and I hope to see

everyone out there in 2018 supporting local venues and bands.

Quote of the Month: Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life. There’s not some trick involved with it. It’s pure and it’s real. It moves, it heals, it communicates and does all these incredible things ~~ Tom Petty

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SENIORS

Clarinet Fusion Celebrates

On November 14, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honored Clarinet Fusion, one of the pre-eminent musical ensembles in Contra Costa County, for their outstanding contributions to the county and its residents. Clarinet Fusion’s nomination for this award was endorsed by Jerry Simas (clarinetist, San Francisco Symphony), Harvey Benstein (musical director, Walnut Creek Concert Band), and Pleasant Hill Recreation and Parks.

Holiday Performance at Pleasant Hill Senior Center Wednesday, December 20.

The group will be celebrating their award with an outstanding holiday performance at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center on Wednesday, December 20, at 7pm. This is a great opportunity to get the whole family -- grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren -- out for some holiday festivities and community enjoyment. Musical selections include holiday, classical, popular, tango, and other genres. Open to the public. Tickets are: adults $7 in advance/$10 at the door; students $5. To purchase tickets, call 925-798-8788 or go online at www.PleasantHillRec.com. For more information, visit www.clarinetfusion.org.

Martinez Senior Activities Dec. 10 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. The Martinez Senior Center Club puts on a pancake breakfast the 2nd Sunday of every month. This breakfast is open to the community and includes eggs (made to order), sausage, pancakes, orange juice and coffee. The delicious breakfast is $4.00 for adults and $2.50 for children under 10.

Dec. 15 - Annual Christmas Luncheon 12-2pm. Catering by Cynthia will be providing a delicious holiday meal. It will be a fun-filled afternoon, with food, friends, a photo booth and entertainment. $15 tickets go on sale December 11.

A members-only event.

Thursdays - Bingo 1pm, doors open for sales at 12pm. $5 per pack. $30 guaranteed minimum prize for 10 regular games.

818 Green Street, Martinez 925-370-8770

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities Dec. 8 - 7 Tips for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis 1pm. Physical therapist Terri Night, author of “Rehab Your Own Spinal Stenosis,” presents 7 basic tips to improve the health of your spine. RSVP to the front desk or call 798-8788 to put yourself on the list. Free Dec. 12 - Taste of the Vine 3-5pm. Cozy up with us for the perfect holiday happy hour. Enjoy wine, food, laughter and a chance to win prizes. Sponsored by Carlton Senior Living. Tickets: $10 pre-sale or $15 day of event.

Dec. 20 - Clarinet Fusion Concert. Doors open at 6:30pm, concert begins at 7pm, PH Senior Center. Tickets: $7 pre-sale, $10 day of event, students $5 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788

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Breathe!

Read My Mind

©

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

It is daunting to write an article this time of year. In our industry, from October to January, it is Open Enrollment for many of our employer groups, Medicare age clients with prescription drug plans, and those with individual Medical insurance. It is a perfect storm. There are lots of questions, applications, and often long waits on the telephone when asking for assistance from insurance companies. Multiple daily meetings and nights spent responding to e-mail become the norm in the fall.

In December, I like to take time to look back on the year, reflect, and enjoy what we have accomplished. I am grateful for my clients and for those that refer their friends and family. It is wonderful to have our hard work, dedication, and experience appreciated.

I am also very grateful for my hardworking team. Without Cary, Kelly, and Amanda, it would be impossible to grow the business and provide timely and efficient service to

existing clients.

I am also grateful for people that have given me the opportunity to provide educational presentations to their groups or associations. I appreciate having the chance to teach a little and tell people about the world of insurance. Without the proper education, people make mistakes that often prove difficult to unravel.

There are many unknowns right now.

What will tax reform mean? What will health insurance look like in the coming years?

What can we expect from our politicians?

I hope that you will be able to push pause for a few days this month and enjoy friends and family. I hope there will be moments of joy and laughter. There will be plenty of time in January to worry about deductibles, copays, paying for long-term care, and wondering if you have enough life insurance.

Colleen Callahan, CLU, CASL, LUTCF. Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located in Pleasant Hill. Contact her 925.363.5433 or ccallahan@callahaninsurance.com.

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What Happened

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

Last year’s presidential election was like no other in history. Many are still wondering how a reality star with no political or military experience was able to defeat one of the most qualified candidates ever in “one of the most controversial and unprecedented presidential elections in history.” Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Rodham Clinton still has many pondering: What happened? Clinton’s recent memoir of the same name tries to shed some light on why she lost.

Regardless of your politics, after reading her book, I think you’ll agree that Trump did not win the election as much as Clinton lost it. The book covers the presidential campaign, including her run against Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination, the presidential debates, the election campaign, and the unexpected results. Clinton also talks about her “recovery” from that devastating loss and how she has been able to move on with her new mantra: “resist, insist, persist, enlist.”

She pays particular attention to “moments from the campaign that I wish I could go back and do over.” Clinton admits that she made many mistakes in the campaign “and they are mine and mine alone.” While refreshing, she also blames many outside “forces beyond my control” for her loss.

The election was less about which candidate voters liked and more about which candidate they disliked less, and some don’t like strong women. “The more professionally successful women are, the less people like them.” Sad but true, this definitely played a role in Clinton’s negative ratings.

Her challenge was to get voters to pay more attention to her message than “what her opponents say about her.” She failed miserably at that task.

The candidates’ policies or politics didn’t

matter and got very little play in the press. Trump managed to steal all the headlines with his nonstop banter and name-calling.

With one off-the-cuff remark, Clinton alienated an entire region of the country: “We’re going to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business.” Rather than being seen as a move towards renewable energy, this comment, taken out of context, seemed heartless to thousands in the coal industry and didn’t help her connect with working-class whites.

Clinton admits she was “unable to connect with the deep anger so many Americans felt. When people are angry and looking for someone to blame, they want you to be angry, too.” Without question, everyone in America knew that Trump was angry! Trump managed to galvanize the working-class resentment against blacks, immigrants, and Muslims against Clinton. This prompted Clinton to call half of Trump’s supporters “the basket of deplorables,” alienating the working class even more.

And then there were the e-mails!

This is probably the single most important issue in understanding why Clinton lost. Not healthcare, not climate change, not foreign policy. Using a private e-mail server fueled the media with daily headlines that left no doubt in some people’s minds that she was a crook. FBI Director James Comey’s role in this only added more fuel to the fire. His reopening this issue just days before the election was unquestionably a major contribution to her defeat.

Clinton’s “love and kindness” message was silenced by Trump’s chant of “Lock her up!” While she takes much of the blame for the loss, she faults the media, fake news, the Russians, and Comey and the FBI. How much any of these affected the election we may never know.

What we do know is that Clinton somehow managed “to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory.” Our country will never be the same.

Cold Weather Clothing Program

White Pony Express (WPE), headquartered in Pleasant Hill, has just launched its third Cold Weather Clothing Program (CWCP) to help the homeless in Contra Costa County. The goal of this program, handled by WPE’s Free General Store (FGS), is to distribute at least 10,000 items, including warm coats, pants, shirts, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, underwear, and boots.

White Pony Express’ CWCP originated in January 2016, when two men without shelter died in Walnut Creek from exposure to very low temperatures. It was that sad situation that spurred WPE’s founder and principal advisor, Carol Weyland Conner, PhD, spiritual director of Sufism Reoriented, to ask that warm clothing be procured and provided to the homeless to enable them to endure the freezing cold. FGS was able to provide hundreds of items to homeless persons who were most at risk.

Earlier that winter, “Roy,” a man without shelter, had told a WPE volunteer that he was looking for some thermal pants because he knew a very cold winter was coming and he was sleeping out in the open. WPE happened to have a large thermal jumpsuit that had just been donated to the Free General Store and the volunteer gave it to him. A year later, the same volunteer was giving a new pair of jeans to a man who had been wearing the same pants every day for three months when Roy came on the scene and

exclaimed, “White Pony Express saved my life last winter. You gave me that thermal jumpsuit!”

WPE is primarily asking for monetary donations to help with purchases of clothing for WPE’s Cold Weather Clothing Project. These can be sent to White Pony Express, 1966 Tice Valley Blvd., #101, Walnut Creek, CA 94595. Cold weather clothing donations of coats, etc., are also being accepted but need to be new or like new. This excludes clothing that is stained, torn, or shows wear. Each garment should be in good enough condition to give to a close family member.

Donations of new or like-new clothing can be delivered to Suite 101, 3380 Vincent Road, Pleasant Hill, during hours of operation listed here: www.whiteponyexpress.org/donateclothes/.

Volunteers are also needed for WPE’s Food Rescue program, which picks up 5,000 lbs. of surplus fresh food (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, deli, dry goods, bread, pastries and eggs) every day and delivers it to nonprofits that feed the hungry in our county—all free of charge. In just over four years, WPE has rescued more than 5,200,000 lbs. of quality, nutritious food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

Those wishing to volunteer for WPE should contact Mandy Nakaya at (925) 818-6361 or at Mandy@whiteponyexpress.org. For more information about WPE, visit www.whiteponyexpress.org.

Holidays and Pets Keeping Pets Safe and Serene

BY DR. LOUISA ASSEO

It seems like yesterday that we were looking ahead with joy and anticipation for the holiday season and yet here it is, upon us again! This time of year brings a familiar buzz to many of us, with holiday parties, shopping, decorating, houseguests, and travelling. We look forward to celebrating and reconnecting with dear friends and family whether near or far.

But how do our furry companions see the upcoming season?

Holiday parties and houseguests can change the dynamic in your household. This can create stress or anxiety for some pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and other small mammals. If your pet does not enjoy “strangers” in his environment, give him a safe place to escape. Make a bedroom or closet “off limits” for guests and furnish this area with water bowls, warm beds, food, safe toys, and litter boxes or “potty pads.” In addition, leaving soft music on can dim the sounds of laughter and debauchery that can increase stress in your pet. Pheromone diffusers can offer a calming scent unique to cats and dogs. These diffusers can be found at your veterinary office or pet stores.

As we partake in all the rich treats and goodies this time of year has to offer, please remember to keep them out of access to our curious companions. Rich foods or even just a change in a normal diet can cause our pets to suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. While NITY FO MU C M

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this is undoubtedly unpleasant for both pet and pet parent, it can also lead to more serious illnesses such as dehydration, pancreatitis, bloat, and intestinal obstructions.

Even after we discard our food and treats, garbage cans can become regular buffets for the clever pet. Please keep garbage cans secured!

If you are leaving your pets at home or in a “pet hotel” while you are travelling, plan ahead. Discuss with your pet caretaker what to do in the event your pet becomes ill.

Leave your veterinarian’s name and number in clear view. Also, be sure to leave contact information for the emergency clinic. Prepare a written note designating your caretaker as someone capable of making critical decisions if you cannot be reached. While this is not a legally binding agreement, it can help your veterinarian or emergency clinic in expediting treatment until you can be reached.

Whatever your upcoming plans are, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. We’ll see you in 2018!

Dr. Louisa Asseo, owner of Oasis Veterinary Hospital, can be reached at (925) 954 – 8087, 6635 Alhambra Ave, Suite 100, Martinez, or visit oasisveterinaryhospital.com.

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Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Ruth Bancroft Garden Samuels Construction Senior Helpers Susan Wood Photography The Moulding Company Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails

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now - december 9

now - january 7

december 5

december 9 & 10

Christmas Belles

Holiday Ice Skating in Martinez

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

Gingerbread House Boutique

Main Street Martinez presents DC Solar Downtown Holiday Ice at Ferry St. and Marina Vista Ave. Brings friends or host a private event. Visit downtownholidayice.com for hours and rates.

Monthly meeting with staff from Bancroft Garden discussing Mexican succulents at 8pm.

Guests are always welcome and free. PH Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., PH. (925) 3239314 or www.phgsc.com.

Hosted by Concord Historical Society. Handcraft vendors, artisans and art, edible treats, gifts, 11am-5pm. 1721 Amador Avenue, Concord. www.facebook.com/gingerbreadhb.

now - december 10

now - january 15

december 6

december 11

Annual Holiday Faire

Walnut Creek on Ice

Shop for handcrafted items and gifts from dozens of vendors in historic Walnut Creek house,10am-4pm, Shadelands Ranch, 2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd. Free admission. walnutcreekhistory.info/wchs.

Ice skating in Walnut Creek’s Civic Park returns for 13th season. Take lessons, bring friends, throw a party, or surprise your date. Visit Walnutcreekonice.com for hours and rates.

PH Rec Holiday Festival

The Day Shall Dawn Holiday Concert

Don’t miss this magical evening of holiday fun featuring the MOANA Holiday Paradise and Star Wars LEGO station, our famous talking Christmas tree, youth performances, arts & crafts for kids, and the big man himself, Santa Claus, 5–8:30pm, PH Community Center.

Cantare Con Vivo’s annual holiday concert.

Chorale, chamber ensemble, youth choirs, and orchestra, 7:30pm, Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Avenue. $10-$42.50. www.cantareconvivo.org

now - december 10

now - february

december 9

december 15 & 16

Victorian Holiday Tea

Blue Devils Special Needs Group

Santa Beer Crawl

Live Drive-Thru Nativity

Onstage Theatre presents Christmas Belles. A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator. Martinez Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St. Reservations: 925.518.3277

Enjoy a 3-course luncheon, including scones, homemade lemon curd, and a secret tea blend in historic home’s parlor or dining room, 11am and 1:30pm, Shadelands Ranch, 2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd. $35 per person. 925935-7871 for reservations.

Open to special needs participants of all abilities (ages 12+). No experience required. No fees to join or participate. Mondays, 7-9pm, thru Feb. 5. bluedevils.org/programs/specialneeds-guard.

Sample more than 20 local craft beers inside downtown Martinez businesses. Seasonal costumes and ugly Christmas sweaters encouraged! Check-in at 1pm, tasting at 2:30-5:30.

Tickets: $30 by Dec. 8 or $35 at event, if available. bit.ly/2fVIhXJ

Bethel Baptist Church, 6-9pm, 3578 Clayton Road. Free. 925-798-7470. www.bethelbaptistca.org.

now - december 17

december 4 - 5

december 17

Martinez Arts Association Holiday Boutique

DVC Arts Holiday Studio Sale

A Christmas Fantasia

Old Train Depot. Handmade gifts and treats showcase local artisans and craftspeople, 11am-7pm, Wednesday – Saturday, and 11am-3pm, Sunday. www.martinezarts. org.

Choirs from the Walnut Creek and Danville area join the Diablo Symphony Orchestra to present a compendium of festive Christmas carols and symphonic works from around the world, 3:30pm, Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave. Tickets: www. lesherartscenter.org

The weather outside is frightful but the sale is so delightful! Ceramics, photography, print, 10am-5pm, Diablo Valley College, Art Department Building, 321 Golf Club Road. www. facebook.com/dvcartsholidaysale.

now - january 6

december 5

december 9

december 31

Plein Air

St. Christopher’s Guild Christmas Lunch and Boutique

National Day of the Horse

Cover2Cover Reunion

Martinez Arts Association presents “Plein Air: Local Artists Paint Martinez,” Martinez Library, 740 Grant St. For hours, visit ccclib. org/locations/martinez.

Grace Episcopal Church, 130 Muir Station Road. Browse country kitchen (homemade treats) and white elephant treasures.

Boutique at 11am; Christmas luncheon at 11:30am-1pm, $15. 925-348-6309.

Meet horses and riders, watch performances, Santa and his elves, mini horses, demonstrations, exhibits, and food. Learn more about these wonderful animals and why they are important to our community, 10am-3pm, Walnut Creek Equestrian Center, Heather Farm. Free admission.

Ring in 2018 at WiseGirl in Pleasant Hill with a special live music performance by Cover2Cover. Doors open at 8pm for cocktail hour.

Music and New Year’s Eve celebration begin at 9pm. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at WiseGirl or (925) 448-9888.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 2017 | 35

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