Dec'13focusfinallores

•DECEMBER 2013

Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses

Salvation Army WINTER NIGHTS SHELTER

of contra costa

FOSTER A DREAM

LOAVES & FISHES

Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano

Meals onWheels

of Contra Costa

Catholic Charities OF THE EAST BAY

Shelter Inc. Boys and Girls Club Toys For Tots

CONTRA COSTA INTERFAITH HOUSING

for families free of violence

STAND

Central County Homeless Outreach CHRISTMAS FOR EVERYONE MONUMENT CRISIS CENTER Juvenile Hall Auxiliary High School Outreach Mt. Diablo Unified Hope

• Make a Difference . ........................................page 6 • Not Just Another Tree ................................ page 12 • Carlton Senior Living In Focus . ............... page 15 • Intimate Italian Dinner for Two ............... page 18

Frisbee Clubs . .................................................... page 24 Country Waffles In Focus . ............................... page 27 Seasonal Lake Tahoe ......................................... page 30 Community Announcements . ........................ page 38

Page 2

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December 2013

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December 2013

L ght Up The NIGHT! The NIGHT!

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in Downtown Pleasant Hill

Come celebrate the lighting of our spectacular 25-foot Holiday Tree on Crescent Drive

Wednesday December 4 5:00–8:00pm FREE Carriage rides Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair FREE hot chocolate, coffee and cookies “Elf on the Shelf” Holiday Treasure Hunt Tree Lighting at 6:00pm FREE pictures with Santa

Music and Caroling on two stages...

Plaza at Pasta Pomodoro

Downtown Plaza Stage (between Sweet Tomatoes and Jack's Restaurant)

5:45 pm to 6:00 pm—College Park High School Concert Choir

5:10 pm to 5:45 pm—College Park High School Jazz Band

6:00 pm—Tree Lighting Ceremony

6:10 pm to 6:30 pm—College Park High School Concert Choir

6:15 pm to 7:45 pm—FREE pictures with Santa (bring your own camera)

6:40 pm to 7:00 pm—Lamorinda Theatre Academy Ensemble

7:00 pm—Generations Church Band

7:10 pm to 7:50 pm— Studio A Dancers

Look for the Elf at participating merchants

This evening of merriment is brought to you by the City of Pleasant Hill, the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, the PH Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Pleasant Hill. For more details call (925) 671-5229.

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Page 4

JULIE SAYS

December 2013

Deck the Halls! Or Not!

On December 1, the first Christmas decoration goes up at our house. It is a big quilted advent calendar with twenty-four angels arranged, pyramid-fashion, in the shape of a Christmas tree, each cherub waiting for a small, stuffed musical instrument to be gently placed in its hands (OK, a little instrument actually gets stuck with Velcro to its corresponding angel, one a day, until the 24th.) But it is still charming.

Really. On Christmas Day, someone usually remembers to unpin the cloth bell ornament from the calendar and hang that on the real Christmas tree before gifts are opened, then the annual tradition is complete.

Soon after the advent calendar is hung, poinsettias appear. Once I’ve put the first showy beauty out on the doorstep, it instantly feels like Christmas. I love poinsettias and would like to debunk the myth that they are poisonous killers. The toxicity of poinsettias is relatively mild. The milky sap can be mildly irritating to the skin, eyes and, if eaten, the stomach. Poisindex, a service that provides information to poison control centers, reports that to reach a potentially harmful level, a 50-pound child would have to eat 500 bracts. (Note that this low risk applies to pets as well, but if you have a particularly voracious animal in your house, you might want to keep all your plants out of reach. Really dangerous plants include lilies, holly and mistletoe.)

You might have noticed I threw in the word “bracts” above. The flower on a poinsettia is the set of small yellow structures in the middle of the leaf bunch.

The red bracts are not flower petals, but rather specialized leaves. The inconspicuous flowers do not attract pollinators, so the red bracts serve that purpose. Poinsettias bloom in the winter as a result of photoperiodism, a physiological reaction to the length of day and night. The plant requires darkness for 12 hours or more, for at least five days in a row, to change

By Julie Ross color.

Poinsettias are native to Mexico and were brought to the United States in 1825 by the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett (hence the name).

The plant’s first association with Christmas was in 16th century Mexico. There is a legend (the following is a summary; there are several versions), that a young girl was too poor to buy a gift in honor of the baby Jesus. She was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Beautiful blooms sprouted from the weeds and, like I mentioned earlier, instant Christmas.

Now let’s talk about the tree – real or artificial? Falling needles and all, you can’t beat the real thing. The first whiff of that piney scent is another “instant Christmas” moment. When I was growing up in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, I remember going with my dad, mom and three brothers to cut our tree on privately-owned land. Everyone got

frostbite running around trying to find the perfect pine, priced at 25 cents a foot.

Imagine picking up a 6-foot tree today for $1.50! I have to admit I did come close one recent year. We had been travelling for the first half of winter break and didn’t return home until the 23rd, leaving little time for tree-shopping. But luck was with me; I picked up a perfectly acceptable, real, marked-down tree at Rite Aid for $12.99!

As I write this (on November 14), I notice my neighbors are already beginning their annual holiday decorating extravaganza. So far I see hundreds of yards of lights being strung on their rooftop and a good-sized air balloon containing a penguin family above the garage. I know there is plenty more to come. At our house we will make do with the advent calendar, poinsettias and tree again this year, because you just can’t compete with that!

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

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PUBLISHERS Becky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com A Monthly Publication delivered to over 40,000 Homes and Businesses in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Pacheco, Lafayette and Walnut Creek

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)

MISSION STATEMENT Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

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3147 Putnam Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

TELEPHONE 925.933.0435

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.

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December 2013

Page 5

Martinez Arts Holiday Boutique The Martinez Arts Association (MAA), under the guidance of MAA Event Coordinator Marlene Haws, is sponsoring a holiday boutique for the second year due to the success of last year’s event.

The Holiday Boutique is a cooperative of up to 20 local artisans with incredibly diverse skills and styles. This year items for sale include hand crafted jewelry, clothing, sculpture, paintings, photography and other craft items, all created locally. Ms. Haws continues to promote downtown Martinez as a destination for art. In her words, “Shopping at our Holiday Boutique is an opportunity to support our local artists and, at the same time, buy a unique hand-crafted gift.”

The MAA invites everyone to visit the Holiday Boutique and help promote the arts in Martinez! As Ms. Haws talked about the boutique, she was quick to mention, “Proceeds from the boutique help support the Martinez Arts Association’s grant program which, in turn, benefits local schools.” This is an example of an event that pays it forward to the next generation,

helping to keep the arts thriving.

The 2013 Holiday Boutique Grand Opening will be Friday, December 6, from 1pm to 8pm, at the Old Train Depot in Downtown Martinez and will include a children’s craft activity to encourage artistic expression from our youth. Adults are welcome to share the activity with their children. Opening day also coincides with the Martinez Children’s Light Parade and Snow Park, which helps kick off the holiday season in downtown Martinez.

The Holiday Boutique will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, from December 6 through December 22, at the north end of Ferry Street, down by the railroad tracks, inside the Old Train Depot, rain or shine.

Hours of Operation: Wednesdays 11:30am – 1pm.

Thursdays & Fridays 11:30am – 1pm and 4pm – 8pm.

Saturdays 12pm – 8pm.

Sundays 11am – 3pm.

Christmas Closet

You can find all your decorating needs at a great value at the Christmas Closet Thrift Store, a perfect mix of thrift and quality! We have full-sized Christmas trees for $10-$40, collectible snowmen and villages for $10, and so much more! Bring the Community Focus for a FREE red bow with purchase. The Christmas Closet is located at 100 Glacier Drive in Martinez and open Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 10am-2pm.

We opened with a bang Saturday, November 2, raising over $500, and we close for the season December 14. The store is filled with all kinds of holiday items donated by the community and collected by the Hall Closet throughout the year. All proceeds benefit the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to giving a second chance through scholarships, paid internships, and mentorship.

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Page 6

Make a Difference

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

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. Visit website or call for various donations sites.

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

1985 Bonifacio Street, # 100 Concord, CA 94520 (925) 687-6760 www.loavesfishescc.org Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano works to end hunger and increase access to nutritious food for low-income individuals and families.

P.O. Box 6324 Concord, CA 94524 (855) 309-FOOD www.foodbankccs.org Foster A Dream provides programs and resources that build the hopes, dreams and futures of Bay Area foster children and is a guiding source for successful transition into the adult world.

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

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

3540 Chestnut Ave. Concord, CA 94519 (925) 825.3099 www.cceb.org Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa: Your cash donation will be used to help prepare and deliver a hot meal to an elderly senior that says, “You are not forgotten.”

P.O. Box 3195 Martinez, CA 94553 (866) 669-6697 www.mealsonwheelsofcontracosta.org Meals on Wheels & Senior Outreach Services: Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors rely on volunteers to deliver hot meals to

local seniors or to provide weekly one-hour visits to isolated seniors.

1300 Civic Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Ofc: (925) 937-8311, ext 133 www.mowsos.org Contra Costa Interfaith Housing provides permanent, affordable housing and vital support services to homeless and at-risk families and individuals in CC County.

3164 Putnam Blvd. Ste. C Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 677-0680 ccinterfaithhousing.org Monument Crisis Center offers nutritious food, resources and referrals to low-income individuals and families to help them become stable and secure.

2350 Monument Blvd, Ste. B Concord, CA 94520 (925) 825-7751 www.monumentcrisiscenter.org Shelter Inc. of Contra Costa rebuilds lives, one family at a time, by giving them a home, the skills and the resources to live the life they deserve.

1815 Arnold Drive Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 335-0698 www.shelterincofccc.org STAND for Families Free of Violence is a catalyst for breaking the multi-generational 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

December 2013

CHRISTMAS EVE at HILLCREST CHURCH “That really spoke to me…”

“The way you do it here, I’ve never felt that before…”

“The singing was incredible…”

5 p.m. Family Service & Pageant 11 p.m. Candlelight Service Hillcrest Congregational Church 404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill Visit our website at hillcrestucc.org. Like us on Facebook

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

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

Free holiday refreshments will be served.

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

Gifts, crafts, handmade items, decorations, baked goods & more!

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 Central County Homeless Outreach Winter Wish List With the onset of the cold weather, CCHO is especially in need of: blankets, socks, tarps, gas cards, food cards, warm coats, knit hats and gloves. Central County Homeless Outreach is looking for donations of clean, used or new items. Contact Doug at 925-812-3511. If you’d like to donate to CCHO, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, please visit www.homelessoutreach.net and make a donation on the Contact-Donate page.

Saturday, December 7th, 2013 10 am to 2 pm Join us for a day of shopping, food and fun while supporting local crafters and home vendors.

Faith Lutheran Church 50 Woodsworth Lane Pleasant Hill

December 2013

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

CCHS Wins Award It isn’t often that a local organization receives national recognition, but the Contra Costa Humane Society (CCHS) announced it was selected by the Santa Paws Drive, an annual Internet search for six deserving animal rescue groups. This year’s winners were chosen from a field of 550 international nominees.

Each winner receives boxes of toys and treats to brighten the lives of homeless animals most often forgotten at Christmastime.

CCHS’s nomination was sent to the Santa Paws Drive by long-time volunteer Linda Rodgers, who insists the real author of the nomination was her cat Savannah, a former resident of Kitty Corner, CCHS’s shelter for mature cats in danger of being euthanized. “I’m excited and humbled that we were chosen,” says Rogers.

In her nomination of CCHS, Savannah, the alleged author of the popular blog Savannah’s Paw Tracks, pointed out the organization’s heroic Kisses for Phinny

campaign that helped an abused pit bull.

Phinny was the victim of a savage beating that broke his jaw and left him unable to open his mouth wide enough to eat solid food. CCHS’s campaign raised more than enough money for the surgery, allowing Phinny to regain the use of his jaw, resume a normal life and be placed for adoption. Savannah’s brief nomination also mentioned CCHS’s ongoing “Animeals” program in conjunction with area food banks, providing food for hundreds of companion animals that might otherwise be abandoned or wind up in shelters.

“Contra Costa Humane Society is thrilled and honored to be selected,” says Executive Director Leeann Lorono. “We very much appreciate our dedicated volunteers who work so tirelessly on our behalf.

I can’t wait to see how our animals respond to the wonderful things coming their way.

We will try to make sure they go home with a toy when they are adopted.”

Page 7

MDUSD Seeks Holiday Donations for Students

The Mt. Diablo school district asks community members to consider donating food, checks, gift cards and/or hoodies and sweatshirts to foster youth and homeless students.

James Wogan, who coordinates the annual program, said, “Last school year, the Mt. Diablo Unified Homeless Outreach Program for Education (HOPE) served 457 homeless students, and the Mt. Diablo Unified Foster Youth Services Program (FYS) served 268 foster youth. We help students in kindergarten through high school overcome trauma and hardship to do well in school. Your contribution will help make the holidays a little brighter for our students.” Donations made by check can be made payable to MDUSD HOPE. Please indicate if you would like a receipt for tax purposes. Donations of Target, Safeway, or other gift cards are also helpful because they are easy to distribute and allow students to choose their own gifts.

Please send contributions to: James Wogan and Elsa Dalpiaz, Mt. Diablo Homeless Outreach Program for Education (MDUSD HOPE), 2730 Salvio St., Concord, 94519.

Nonperishable food donations or grocery store gift cards can be dropped off at the Mt. Diablo Unified District Office, 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord, 94519. We are also collecting new hoodies and sweatshirts for our homeless students and foster youth.

New hoodies and sweatshirts can be dropped off at three locations: 1) The Mt. Diablo Unified District Office, 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord.

2) The Willow Creek Education Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord.

3) The Mt. Diablo Homeless Outreach Program for Education (HOPE), 2730 Salvio St., Concord, Room 24.

If you would like to sponsor an individual foster youth or homeless student for the holidays, please visit www. mdusd.org/hope.

27 Tips to Drive Up the Sale of Your Home

East Bay - Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life.

And, once you have made that decision, you’ll want to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest time possible without compromising your sanity. Before you place your home on the market, here’s a way to help you to be as prepared as possible.

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

tant investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the most profit possible. Discover how to avoid financial disappointment or, worse, a financial disaster when selling your home. Using a common-sense approach, get the straight facts about what can make or break the sale of your home.

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

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

This report is courtesy of East Bay

Residential Realty, BRE 01245396. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013

PAID ADVERTORIAL

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 8

PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ

December 2013

Mayor’s Message

Michael G. Harris, OD, Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill As I reflect back on my past year as Pleasant Hill’s mayor, one thing comes to mind: “It was a very good year!”

We started 2013 by honoring the winners of our Annual Community Awards. A total of 18 nominations were submitted to the six competitive award categories. The winners were Leanne Hamaji, Citizen of the Year, The Community Focus, Business of the Year, Helena Encarnacion-Strand, Teen of the Year, and Aida Attiga, Educator of the Year. The Mayor’s Award went to Lesley Stiles and the Teen Council.

Congratulations to all.

At the Mayor’s Breakfast, I launched the Pleasant Hill Education Initiative, a multi-year volunteer program to enhance the quality of education for students in our schools. In only eight months, the Initiative has signed up more than 70 school volunteers to assist with Reading Readiness and other in-school programs, hosted a Career Night, hosted a Navigating Middle School Forum, and sponsored the Night of 1,000 Inventions.

We welcomed a variety of great new businesses to Pleasant Hill, including Zachary’s Pizza, The Corner Bakery, and my wife’s favorite, Nordy’s Rack. The farmers’ market continued to grow in its new location in Downtown Plaza.

Our wonderful Civic Action Commission, along with Republic Services,

organized the inaugural Citywide Garage Sale. More than 170 homes participated in the event, which gave residents an opportunity to protect the environment and conserve resources by reusing household items.

Pleasant Hill is blessed with an abundance of festivals and events that provide great family fun throughout the year. Here are just a few that I would like to highlight: The 16th season of the Sunset by the Lake Summer Concert Series ran from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day this year on the lawn at City Hall.

An estimated 6,000 people attended the eight concerts hosted by the Civic Action Commission.

Pleasant Hill co-sponsored the popular Downtown Plaza Concert Series from June through September, with great music and a very lively and fun atmosphere in the downtown.

The Fourth of July celebration was one of the city’s signature events, with a full day of activities including: the Firecracker Run, downtown parade, Party at the Park, and fireworks at College Park in the evening. I congratulate Allen Vinson and the Fourth of July Commission on a job well done.

Our 9th Annual Community Service Day was held at the end of September, when more than 1,000 volunteers worked on 33 projects around the city. The list of projects and accomplishments are too numerous to mention, but I am especially grateful to everyone who participated in

Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission December 5, 19 Small Community Room, 5pm Contact: 671-5209

Education Commission December 11 Large Community Room, 7pm Contact: 671-5229

City Council December 2, 16 Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5229

Planning Commission December 10 Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209

Civic Action Commission December 4 Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229

All meetings take place at City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.

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

City Hall Offices Closed on December 24 & 25 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

this wonderful community event.

The 11th annual Art, Jazz & Wine Festival, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, was a huge success this year. The two-day event featured live music, arts & crafts, and a children’s’ entertainment area. It brought thousands of residents and visitors to our beautiful downtown.

The Hospice Tree of Lights ceremony returned to Pleasant Hill this year. We conclude the year by celebrating the holidays at our annual Light Up the Night festival, which includes carriage rides,

music, a visit from old St. Nick, and my favorite, hot cocoa and cookies (sorry Santa).

None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our wonderful staff and hundreds of volunteers who love our city as much as I do. Thanks for all you do. Yes, it’s been a very good year. It has been an honor and a pleasure serving as your mayor. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. My best wishes to you and yours for a happy and healthy holiday season.

City News Sidewalk Repair Program to begin January 2014

Have you noticed all the white spray paint on many of the sidewalks in town?

The city has been marking sidewalk areas that are raised, sunken, cracked, damaged by tree roots or broken with temporary white paint as part of the Sidewalk Repair Program. If you have received a sidewalk repair letter, then your sidewalk has already been identified as a tripping hazard, and you may be liable should an accident occur.

The city created the Sidewalk Repair Program in 2000 due to an increase in the number of tripping hazard claims received. The program was designed to improve the safety of sidewalk areas and minimize property owner and city liability for tripping accidents.

The Sidewalk Repair Program is divided into four zones. Zone 1 targets areas around schools, senior citizen facilities, and heavily travelled areas. Zone 2 represents commercial areas and the oldest neighborhoods, while Zones 3 and 4 include progressively newer neighborhoods. The program’s intention is to target repairing one zone every few years. The 2013/2014 Sidewalk Repair Program will focus again on repairs in Zone 1, which consists of about 22 miles of sidewalks. Once the total amount of Zone 1 sidewalk repairs are quantified, the city will solicit contractor bids for the work. The city will select the lowest qualified contractor bid, calculate the sidewalk repair costs per square foot and then notify the affected property owners of these costs.

Affected property owners adjacent to damaged sidewalks should receive a second city letter no later than December 2, 2013. If you have not received a second letter by this date, most likely you have no sidewalk repairs at this time. After the city has bid the project and determined the costs, affected property owners will receive a third letter.

Property owners may repair the sidewalk to city standards under a city permit by themselves, hire a contractor, or pay for the repair costs using the city-hired contractor. Work is expected to begin in January 2014.

If you have questions regarding this program, please call the information line at 925-671-5291 or see the city website at www.pleasant-hill.

A neighborhood sidewalk marked with white spray paint shows damaged areas in need of repair. net/sidewalk.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

December 2013

Page 9

Mayor’s Message

About four years ago, I was fortunate enough to have been appointed to the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board (SFRWQCB) Photo by Stahlberg by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The process of applying and interviewing for a statewide gubernatorial appointment is a learning experience in itself. It took about a year and included interviews with the attorney general’s office, deputy director of CalEPA, and the undersecretary of the resources department. Once the appointment was made, I was briefed in laws that apply to a water board position in a four-hour meeting with the attorney general’s office. Another long briefing in water board policies and activities by the executive officer followed that.

As mayor of a Bay Area city, I had attended meetings of the SFRWQCB in the past and had spoken on behalf of the Contra Costa Storm Water Program during the permit approval process. At that time, I was very concerned about what seemed to be very draconian regulations for reducing waste and pollution in the storm drains, catch basins, and creeks that flow into the Carquinez Straits and, eventually, the San Francisco Bay. No one can argue against cleaner water and reducing pollution, but from a city perspective, the water board was mandating very strict regulations with no funding source to pay for implementation of the improvements. I saw it as just another unfunded mandate from a bunch of bureaucrats and scientists with no real

MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez life experience on what it takes to run a workshops will be held over the next sevour environment for hundreds of years. city and provide for the welfare of its resieral months, taking input from residents Many cities in the Bay Area will need dents. to implement a plastic bag ban to meet the and merchants to craft an ordinance that But after spending a year on that water board’s trash reduction requirement, reduces waste and minimizes negative imboard and getting to know my fellow pacts to the business community. including Martinez. The city council reboard members and water board staff, I As we move through this process, I cently gave direction to city staff to move realized that although the regulations they will continue to have updates on the speforward on developing an ordinance with were developing and imposing on local cifics of the ordinance as it is developed. other local cities and the county. Local government and industry were very strict, they did understand the practical challenges we were facing in funding the imMore on Martinez Plastic Bag Ban provements required by the regulations.

At the November 6 city council meeting, City Engineer Tim Tucker and Recently, the water board has focused city council discussed the looming ban on single-use plastic bags in the City of on trash reduction in the new National Martinez.

Pollution Discharge Elimination System

All Bay Area cities and most California cities are under water board manPermit (NPDES). This requires cities to dates to reduce trash that may ultimately find its way into waterways. The reduce trash in storm water systems and water board is requiring the City of Martinez to produce a long-term trash recreeks by 40% by July 2014, 70% by 2017, duction plan by February 1, 2014. To meet the requirement, measures need and 100% by 2022. In an effort to meet to be taken such as the single-use plastic bag ban. Staff will look at a phased approach, which initially focuses on larger chain retail stores (10,000 sq. ft. or these requirements, the City of Martinez larger) banning single-use plastic bags by July 1, 2014. A second phase would has installed trash capture devices in apinclude medium sized markets and stores by January 2015. In addition, fees to proximately sixty inlets. These devices use paper bags may be implemented -- the ultimate goal being to use reuskeep the trash from entering the storm able bags and help the environment. water system, but must be cleaned out on a

Exemptions would likely include farmers’ markets, the “protective” plastic regular basis in order to function properly. bags used in meat and produce departments at grocery stores, charitable We also have a very successful recycling reuse organizations and small retail stores. Public workshops and outreach to and litter pick up program through our the business community to discuss the impact of this ordinance will be coming soon. franchise agreement with Allied Waste. In

Mayor Schroder says, “I think we need to move forward with this. I think a order to further reduce our waste stream, phased-in approach is a good approach. I think we need to look at excepthe city will also need to phase in a ban of tions very carefully, and it’s a direction that we need to move in. I would really “single use” carryout bags and enforce our like to move in concert with other cities, specifically in Contra Costa. If Pittscurrent prohibition on the use of polystyburg is out there by itself, or we are, and other cities say, ‘No, we are not dealrene foam food containers. ing with it,’ it’s going to create some problems. Not only confusion for business Californians use nearly 20 billion sinowners but also for customers.” gle-use plastic bags per year and discard over 100 plastic bags per second. Although state law has mandated the recycling of plastic bags since 2007, only 3% to 5% of bags are being recycled. Most single-use bags do not biodegrade and can pollute

City News

Public Meetings City Council Meeting December 4, 18 7pm-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500

Planning Commission Meeting December 10 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500

Design Review Meeting December 11 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500

Zoning Administrator Meeting December 4, 18 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500

City Offices Closed on December 24 & 25 in Observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated.

For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Annual Light Parade as Martinez kicks off the Holiday Frolic weekend, December 6 at 6:30pm. Vehicles, wagons, bicycles and people decked out in lights will lead Santa from Martinez City Hall to the Main Street Plaza. Light wands will be provided to the first 600 children to register for the parade. Before and after the parade, participants can enjoy a variety of activities throughout downtown including air jumps and crafts as well as a snow park and ice skating rink, open December 6,7 & 8.

Visit Santa Claus at his Red House at the Main Street Plaza beginning December 6. For photo schedule information and snow park & ice skating rink details, visit www. downtownsnow.com. For more parade information or to participate, please call Martinez Recreation at 372-3510.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 10

Uncharted Waters

By Colleen Callahan, CLU, CASL, LUTCF unsettled waters. I am hope I am grateful for the ful the New Year will bring patience and understandfresh ideas and options and ing clients and friends have maybe some clear answers to graciously shown during the myriad of questions we the busiest time ever in my all have! career. People cheer us on

While people are and remind us to breathe! thinking about gifts and The deadlines we are facing wish lists and checking them in business are daunting. twice, I suggest December is a good People are confused. Is my plan time to make certain the beneficiary being cancelled? What if I like my plan designations are all correct for your life and my doctor; I thought I could keep insurance policies, annuities, retirement it. What are my choices for 2014? I accounts and 401K plans. thought it was going to be less expen Enjoy the Holiday Season. sive. Isn’t the law called the Affordable Colleen Callahan Insurance Care Act? Services is located at 140 Gregory Lane, This has been a year of monuSuite 170 in Pleasant Hill. She can be mental change in the health insurance reached at 925-363-5433. industry, and we are in uncharted and PAID ADVERTORIAL

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December 2013

Page 11

Green Business Committee Leads the Way

The Green Business Committee had a productive year, kicking off 2013 at the Pleasant Hill Community Awards Night by celebrating the winners of the Green Award: The Church of the Resurrection and Sequoia Middle School’s EARTH Club. We proudly assisted two businesses to become green certified through the Contra Costa Green Business Program. Congratulations to Matt Rinn, State Farm Agent, and the Verizon Click Away store for being business leaders in sustainability.

One area of focus was promoting waste reduction and recycling to businesses.

Armed with recycling postcards created by Daily Digital Imaging, we reached out to several local businesses. We offered tours of the Concord Recycling Center, the Contra Costa Transfer Station and the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. Attended by over 70 people, the tours offered insights into how recyclables are processed and a look into the astonishing amount of

trash generated in our area.

Over 40 people enjoyed a screening of the movie “Wall-E,” which addresses the enormous impact humans have on the earth. Lesley Stiles created a delicious feast using produce provided by Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm and Doorstep Farmers. It was a completely zero waste event.

We monitored plastic bag bans throughout the county and state and encouraged our mayor and city council to work with other cities in central Contra Costa in a coordinated effort to phase out the distribution of single-use plastic bags, and we offered people free reusable bags, sponsored by several local businesses at Community Service Day and Art, Jazz & Wine.

We are looking forward to soliciting nominations for the Green Award for 2013. If you are interested in submitting a nomination, please contact Anne Baker at abaker@republicservices.com.

Thanks to the dedicated members of the Green Business Committee: Wade Cantrell, Anne Baker, Mary and Pello Walker,

Liz Fisher, Marian Woodard, Erik Reimers, Jubilee Daniels, Mathew Rice and Sheila Hill.

On November 10, New Leaf staff and students volunteered for the fifth year at the Bay Area’s most sustainable event, The Green Festival in San Francisco. The Green Festival was formed ten years ago through a partnership between the non-profit organizations Green America and Global Exchange, and it continues to grow at a rapid rate, making it the world’s largest sustainability event. Alisa Gravitz of Green America said, “Let’s celebrate solutions.” The festival brings together the most amazing, green-friendly businesses, inspiring activists, and environmentally caring citizens.

Volunteers are always welcome to help the event live up to its sustainability motto and reduce as much waste as possible from piling in a landfill. Students at the New Leaf school discover new horizons for living greener lifestyles every day and were assigned the task of managing waste

stations with bins for landfill, recycle, and, most importantly, compost. The students informed the public about being responsible with trash they throw away and how most of it shouldn’t automatically go into landfill. Besides food, most of the utensils and serving dishes at the event were biodegradable. This type of trash could be thrown in the compost bin and turned into soil used for commercial landscaping. Once each bin was filled, the waste was dumped outside to a sorting station, where more volunteers double-checked every piece of trash to make sure it was in the correct bin.

This very simple job is what keeps Green Festival from generating tons of waste and preventing further pollution to our planet.

With over 300 exhibitors the Green Festival was the most exciting, enlightening, and sustainably friendly event New Leaf had the privilege to assist and attend.

The Green Festival

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Community banking is at the heart of what we do. From giving customers more convenient access to their money to financing their homes in the neighborhood, Union Bank® believes in acting locally.1 We also believe that investing in local businesses helps everyone. For nearly 150 years, Union Bank has grown strong, one community at a time. We live here.

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Experience the strength of community banking. Stop by your local branch today.

Martinez Branch – 634 Ferry Street, Martinez, CA 94553 Ricky Aquino, Branch Manager, 925-228-1300 Pleasant Hill Branch – 1902 Contra Costa Boulevard, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Rosanna Sezar, Branch Manager, 925-687-7504 Walnut Creek Branch – 1555 Mt Diablo Boulevard, Walnut Creek, CA 945963 Reimund Maks, Branch Manager, 925-945-8759

unionbank.com (1) Loans subject to credit and collateral approval. Financing available for collateral located in CA, OR, or WA. Restrictions may apply. Terms and conditions subject to change. ©2013 Union Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

Page 12

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Not Just Another Tree

By Sheila Hill to exist; they were only studied in fossil Just beyond the fence separating ized form. In the 1940s a small grove of Fair Oaks Elementary School’s sports the trees were “found” in a remote valley field from a small grove of redwood trees in China. Scientists distributed its seeds to stands a magnificent bronze tree contrasted against the dark green foliage of its universities and arboretums throughout the world in an effort to give propagation brethren coast redwoods. It looks like a of the trees the best chance and, hopefully, dying pine, but is actually a relatively old prevent its extinction. They came up with Dawn Redwood, one of very few conia common name for Metasequoia, the fers that are deciduous (plants that lose “Dawn Redwood.” their foliage in the fall). If you go see this Given the brief time it’s been outside tree, don’t go on a gray day, pick a sunny of China in that one small grove, it is still one, and you will be dazzled by its bronze color. Visit soon, or the show will be over, quite rare to see. It would be nice to know and check out the trunk; it is quite unique. how this tree came to be here in Pleas Metasequoia is the lost, once thought ant Hill; someone might read this article, remember, and come forward to solve the extinct, third branch of the Sequoia fammystery. ily. The only other two still in existence We really should try to protect the are the beloved Coast Redwood and Gitree and put a sign up telling people about ant Sequoia. Though it was once found its roots. throughout the world, none were known

December 2013

PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700

12/23 – 12/27 – Chamber Office

12/4 – Light Up the Night 5-8pm.

Downtown Pleasant Hill.

Closed.

CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

12/6 – Ambassador Meeting 8-9am. Pleasant Hill City Hall.

12/10, 12/11 & 12/12 – 680 Breakfast Club Networking 8:3010am.

12/18 – Business Mixer 5-7pm.

Back Forty Restaurant, 100 Coggins Lane, PH.

MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345

12/6 – Martinez Holiday Light Parade. The parade starts at 6:30pm from Martinez City Hall and goes through Downtown Martinez.

To register to participate call 3723510.

Financial Services, Inc.– 533 Main Street, Martinez. Great networking, food, fun, raffle prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced.)

The Martinez Chamber Office will close at noon on December 24th And re-open Thursday, January 2, 2014.

12/6 – 12/8 – Martinez Holiday Frolic & Snow Park – Synthetic ice rink, snow park, kids games and crafts, Friday will feature the parade and Children’s Activities.

From our Chamber Office to You – Have a Safe and Joyous Holiday!!

12/12 - Chamber Mixer – Thursday, 5:30 – 7:30pm - Land Home

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Page 13

News From Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park

Celebrate the Holidays with Us! PHRPD has the perfect venue for your next holiday celebration with family, friends and/or co-workers. Contact Ryan Herriman at (925) 771-7639 to reserve your space.

SAVE THE DATE! New Community Center Grand Opening! Sunday, January 26, 2014, 2 – 5pm at 320 Civic Drive in Pleasant Hill. Join us in celebrating the completion of your new, beautiful Community Center.

NEW Winter/Spring SPOTLIGHT on the way!

Registration opens December 2, 2013. Classes begin in January. Visit pleasanthillrec.com to register.

Find Your Perfect Tree at the Dolfins Tree Lot through December 23 at the Winslow Center Parking Lot, 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd. MondaySaturday, 9am - 9pm; Sunday, 12:30pm - 9pm.

New Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Website LIVE in December! Visit pleasanthillrec.com.

December 14 – Breakfast with Santa. Two Sessions: 8:30 – 9:45am and 10:15-11:30am, Senior Center (Chateau Hall). Join Santa for a morning of holiday cheer, breakfast and live entertainment. Must pre-register by December 10. Admission per person: $8.50/$7.50 (Dist. Res).

December 22 & 23 - Santa Visits Your Home. Ho! Ho! Ho! Reserve your time for Santa to visit your home! Call District office at (925) 682-0896.

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring live music by Cover2Cover at the PH Senior Center. Doors open at 7pm (VIP only) and 9pm (party only).

All tickets include live music & dancing, photo booth, party favors, balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight. VIP tickets include prime rib/chicken dinner and VIP seating. Space is limited. Buy tickets at pleasanthillrec.com or call (925) 682-0896.

Get your holiday shopping done with Tiny Tot Morning Care.

Let the caring staff at Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District watch your children (1 – 3 years) while you run holiday errands. Snack provided. Pre-registration required. Call (925) 682-0896. $25/day per child.

Youth Tennis Winter Break Camp (Ages 6-12) December 30-January 3, Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm, College Park tennis courts (adjacent to Community Center parking Lot), 320 Civic Drive. Keep your kids moving over winter break!

Age-appropriate activities and games.

Space is limited. Register at pleasanthillrec.com or call (925) 682-0896.

Youth Basketball Winter Break Camp (Coed/Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8), December 30, 31 and January 2 & 3 (4 days). Grades 3-5 at 12-1pm; and grades 6-8 at 1– 3pm. PH Education Center Gym, 1 Santa Barbara Road. Hoop It Up Kids! Learn skills, coordination, agility, teamwork, and sportsmanship through practice drills and instructional scrimmages. Register at pleasanthillrec.com.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 14

December 2013

Real Estate Update

I approached the tunnel giddy with anticipation, arching my neck to see as far around the freeway curve as possible so I might see it just a split second sooner. I felt like a young boy coming down the stairs on Christmas morning, rushing to catch my first glimpse of the tree and the bounty beneath it. In the car with my wife and daughter, I was not alone in my excitement for what we were about to experience. Today was the tunnel’s grand opening, and just a few hours earlier, the very first public vehicles traveled through it.

We marveled at every inch as best we could while traveling at freeway speed.

Applause broke out again as we exited the other side, greeted by beautiful California sunshine and a breathtaking view of the

By Nathan Hitchcock the wheel in my first Caldecott Tunnel San Francisco Bay. It took only minutes, backup at 16 years old, the ink barely dry but it seemed like half an hour. Were we on my driver’s license. I shudder to think, not late for a mini family reunion at my after 23 years of traveling through that parents’ house, I would have gladly exited tunnel, how many months, if not years, the freeway to travel through the tunnel of my life have been spent waiting in that again. traffic.

As you may have guessed by now, More important to the readers of this I’m gushing over the new fourth bore of column, though, is how this tunnel develthe Caldecott Tunnel. In reality, it’s just opment will make living in Contra Costa your average tunnel, only two lanes wide County that much more appealing. After and not even three quarters of a mile in a decade of working with buyers considlength. It doesn’t go through a famous ering the move from San Francisco to the mountain or under a massive body of water. As far as I know, it wasn’t even that East Bay and the land of plentiful parking spaces and two-car garages, I can assure hard to build. What makes this tunnel you it is a very big factor. After falling in so special, at least to me and to the more than 160,000 people who travel through it love with the wide streets, good schools, and endless sunshine, the luster was often each day, is how much easier it will be to get to and from Contra Costa County and quickly scrubbed off after a 20-minute wait to get through the tunnel on their the East Bay. way back home.

Personally, I’ve been waiting for In the years following the opening this magical day ever since I sat behind of the original Caldecott Tunnel and the subsequent upgrade of the roadway it housed to a modern freeway, the Diablo

Pet Trusts

By Daniel DuRee management and distribution of funds.

For many people, The trustee can be the same person as a pet is an integral the animal’s new caretaker or a different part of their family. person. The directions in the trust can be Caring for an anivery specific regarding veterinary care, mal takes time and a shelter, diet, and grooming. The terms significant amount can be as broad or as specific as desired. of money. So how If there are still funds remaining when do you provide for the care of your pets the animal passes away, they will pass to when you are gone? In California, since a secondary beneficiary you have named.

2009, one option is to create a CompanThe secondary beneficiary can be a charion Animal Trust. Colloquially referred to as a “pet trust,” this legal device allows ity, a person, or a combination of both.

Companion animal trusts are a person to set aside specific funds becoming more and more popular. They exclusively for the shelter, health, care, can be either within a revocable living maintenance, and socialization of their trust or as a stand-alone trust. People animal. want their animals to be cared for, but The creation of trusts with an animal beneficiary is a fairly recent develop- do not want to financially burden the caretaker or compromise the standards ment in trust law. When hotel heiress of care for their pet. A pet trust is a great Leona Helmsley left $12 million to her way to accomplish this goal. appropriately named Maltese “Trouble” in 2007, pet trusts were not formally rec- Daniel L. DuRee is a third generaognized in the state where she was living. tion resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Litigation resulted, and the amount was Walnut Creek. He can be reached at eventually reduced to $2 million.

(925) 210-1400 or visit www.DuReeL When a companion animal trust is created, a trustee is chosen to oversee the aw.com.

“Nathan was a dream to work with. Very professional, hardworking and easy going. He put our needs before his.”

Joe Resident

Valley area literally exploded in response, transforming from a farming community and urban getaway into a major suburb.

While we won’t likely see as significant a change with this expansion, I predict we’ll see home values markedly increase in response to the improved accessibility.

With prospective buyers distracted by the holiday season, it will probably take a month or two for the market to respond. But come late winter, coupled with the normal seasonal market uptick, I assure you that it will be standing room only at open houses and bidding wars will be more common than not. So, if you are a prospective homebuyer, I strongly encourage you to keep at it this month while your competition is drunk on holiday cheer. You’ll love sitting back in your dining room next spring, listening to your friends complain about how tough and competitive their home search has been.

Nathan Hitchcock can be reached at nathan@hitchcockrealty.com or (925) 825-1100.

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WILLS • TRUSTS • HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVES POWERS OF ATTORNEY • PROBATE

December 2013

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Top Tier Gasoline

IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS

Carlton Senior Living The Chateaus Carlton Senior Living is a local, family-owned company that provides independent living, assisted living, enhanced assisted living and memory care services to seniors throughout the east Bay Area. Carlton Senior Living was founded in 1986 and operates eleven communities throughout Northern California, including The Chateaus in Pleasant Hill and Concord. Each provides a variety of services to relieve residents of the day-to-day burden of running a household while providing the activities and services they need to live well each day including: truly delicious meals, transportation, laundry and housekeeping. Communities offer a full schedule of activities: live entertainment, fun outings and attentive staff to assure top-notch service.

Carlton Senior Living has designed á la carte options that encourage choice and independence, allowing residents a level of freedom to choose, something other senior communities cannot match. Residents enjoy ever-changing, seasonal menus in all-day dining rooms or quick snack

selections from the 24-hour Carlton Café. Activities are designed around the interests and hobbies of residents, with many created to allow quality time for residents to enjoy with their families.

The quality of care at Carlton Senior Living is directly proportional to the high quality of life enjoyed by residents. In addition to friendly staff, Carlton Senior Living has been recognized with national awards for Advanced Caregiver Training, Balance Fitness, Mobility Assistance, Diabetes Management and Memory Care.

“We are very proud to be recognized as the ‘best’ with awards for innovative programs,” said Tom MacDonald, founder of Carlton Senior Living. “It is our inspiration for a continued focus on improvement, realizing the best can always get better. And, when we get better, residents in our communities are the first to benefit.”

When you come to any Carlton Senior Living community, you are not merely moving. You’re relocating your life. Your lifestyle. Your way of Living.

Don’t just move in, move home.

Page 15

By the Hagin’s Staff TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is the premier standard for gasoline performance. Seven of the world’s top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, recognize that the current EPA minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to ensure optimal engine performance. Since EPA first established the minimum additive performance standards in 1995, most gasoline marketers have actually reduced the concentration level of detergent additive in their gasoline by up to 50%. As a result, the ability of a vehicle to maintain stringent Tier 2 emission standards has been hampered, leading to engine deposits that can have a big impact on in-use emissions and driver satisfaction. These automakers have raised the bar. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline helps drivers avoid lower quality gasoline, which can leave deposits on critical engine parts and reduce engine performance, something both drivers and automakers want to avoid.

Why TOP TIER? The intention of the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards is to create a winning situation for gasoline retailers, auto manufacturers and driv-

ers. Currently, many gasoline retailers provide fuels with lowerquality additive packages that can build up deposits on fuel injectors and intake valves.

Others can build up deposits in combustion chambers and may lead to intake valve sticking.

These lower levels of additives can have negative impacts on engine performance and vehicle responsiveness.

TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Retailers Gasoline retailers must meet the high TOP TIER standards for all grades of gasoline in order to be approved by automakers as providing TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. In addition, all gasoline outlets carrying the brand of the approved retailer must meet the TOP TIER standards. Additional gasoline retailers are added to the TOP TIER list as they meet the standards. The retailers known to be on the TOP TIER list are shown below.

USA, 76 Stations, Aloha Petroleum, BP, Chevron, Conoco, Country Mark, Entec Stations, Exxon, Hawaii Fueling Network (HFN), Holiday Stationstores Inc., Kwik Trip / Kwik Star, MFA Oil Co., Mileage Stations, Mobil, Ohana Fuels, Phillips 66, Quik Trip, Road Ranger Scheirl Oil, Shell, Texaco, TriPar Oil Co., and U.S. Oil.

Call M-F 8am-5pm or scan the QR code below for an appointment

Includes 5 quarts of standard chevron oil Replace oil filter and oil filter gasket Top off under hood fluids Check tire pressure and reset maintenance light Complimentary Visual Vehicle Inspection A council of residents helps select activities and excursions at Carlton Senior Living, allowing each community to reflect a unique personality as determined by its residents.

*Coupon must be presented at service counter and can’t be combined with any other discounts / offers.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 16

Landscape Materials

December 2013

Hometown banking at it’s best...

OUR PRODUCTS We have designed products that are environmentally preferable and ecologically friendly: Colored Mulch, Natural Mulch, Organic Soil, Compost products.

THE COMPANY Locally owned by Grant and Heather Hamilton, Ecomulch was founded to re-purpose the woody materials generated by parent company, Hamilton Tree Service, Inc. All of our materials are derived from local tree and landscape companies and are processed right here in Martinez.

VISIT OUR RETAIL SITE: Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:30pm 5010 Pacheco Blvd.,Martinez, CA 94553

myecomulch.com 925.228.1673 myecomulch@gmail.com Like us on Facebook!

Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital +PTFQI " 5IJCFEFBV %7. t -PVJTB . "TTFP %7.

Local since 1946, Shell Western States Federal Credit Union offers banking services to all Martinez and Pacheco residents.

Join today to enjoy: • Free Checking • Free Bill Pay and Homebanking • Visa Debit Cards • Free Checks for First Order of Personal Checking Accounts • High Yield Rates on Savings Accounts • Personal Branch Service • Low Cost Loans • Retirement Solutions/IRA Rollovers

SWS

Shell Western States Federal Credit Union 1700 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez CA 94553 2C@Âą&DGG>M@NOÂą2@<HÂą<I?Âą$G<OÂą1O<IG@TÂą5DNCÂąTJPÂą&<KKTÂą&JGD?<TN .03&--0 "7&/6& t 1-&"4"/5 )*-- $" t t )*--$3&457&5 $0.

925-228-4545

Visit us on the web: www.swsfcu.org

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

December 2013

Page 17

Discover Downtown Martinez www.MainStreetMartinez.org Main Street Martinez - Creek Monkey Tap House - The Brewing Network and the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival present....

SANTA CRAWL Downtown Martinez FREE Shuttle from North Conco rd BART!

EK MONKEY TAP HOUSE

611 Escobar St. Martinez, CA 94553 925.228.8787 ph • 925.228.8769 fax

WE CATER!

Do you have a big event coming up?

Don’t want to cook?

Let CMTH take care of all your catering needs!

We Offer A Variety Of Fresh And Healthy Ingredients, Many Locally Sourced. Snacks Or Full Meals, Pick Up, Drop Off Or Full Service.

Starters • Salads • Sandwiches • Entrees • Desserts For more information call General Manager Kevin Sharp at (925) 250-6904 or Email: Kevin@creekmonkey.com

info@creekmonkey.com • www.CreekMonkey.com

20% Off all in-store holiday items

Char’s Flower Shoppe Full Service Florist & Unique Gift Boutique

Saturday Dec. 14th

2:30-5:30pm sample d hand-crafte beers from the bay area

Must be 21yrs or older.

No alcohol to be consumed outside tasting locations.

20+ Local Craft Breweries

Sample local craft beers inside downtown businesses.

Take the FREE shuttle from North Concord BART Shuttle hours 1pm - 7pm

Get info and tickets at www.santabeercrawl.com

M

A

MON K

Z

K EE

EY

CR

$25 per person through Dec. 6 $35 per person Dec. 7-14. No tickets sold at the door. No refunds.

Bring ticket confirmation to 611 Escobar St. to check in and pick up tasting glass, wristband, passport and map.

R TI NE

Charlene West, owner 635 Main St. Downtown Martinez 925-228-1100 Fax (925) 228-1396

Page 18

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

CORKS AND FORKS

December 2013

Pair Up With La Sommelierre Maria Terry

Intimate Italian Dinner for Two The holidays are laden with feasts for families and gatherings for groups.

Sometimes an intimate dinner for two is a welcome respite from the holiday cacophony. Here is a menu that celebrates the best that Northern Italy has to offer, with delicious wines from the region and recipes that are quick and easy to make on a smaller scale.

I found this great recipe for Crispy Prosciutto Cups with Pear and thought it would be a fun twist on the classic prosciutto and melon starter. Although the recipe makes 24 cups, it could easily be divided into thirds to make a better portion for two people. The perfect partner for these salty-sweet bites is Italian Prosecco, an off-dry sparkler from the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions.

The bubbles are a romantic way to start the evening and will cut through the fat of the meat and complement the sweet-

ness of the pears. Even the lemon drizzled on the pears will resonate with the citrus flavors in the wine.

While the appetizer for this meal is light and delicate, Rosemary Lamb Chops with Red Wine Reduction is hearty. Serve it with Barolo, Barbaresco, Gattinara or Ghemme. All these wines are made from the Nebbiolo grape and come from the Piedmont region. Nebbiolo based wines offer earthy aromas of herbs and tar along with sweet fruit notes of cherry and fig.

Any one of these wines would be harmonious with the slightly gamey flavor of the lamb. Alongside, serve some creamy polenta and your favorite roasted vegetable.

Conclude your Italian tête-à-tête with the wine and dessert pairing of Recioto and Sbrisolona, a Lombardian cake with a crumbly texture. Another blended wine, Recioto, is made primarily from Rondinella, Corvina, and Molinara.

It comes from the Veneto region, where

only the best grapes are selected. They harvest only the highest, ripest grapes on the bunch, the part that gets the most sun. In Veronese, they call these grapes the “recia” (“ears”) of the grapes. Once the grapes are dried, the small amount of juice liberated results in tiny quantities of Recioto produced each year. The wine has

Rosemary Lamb Chops with Red Wine Reduction INGREDIENTS 2 (8 oz.) lamb chops 3 tbsp. butter Salt and pepper to taste 2 tbsp. rosemary 1 cup dry red wine DIRECTIONS Allow the lamb chops to come to room temperature and season with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Melt two tablespoons butter in a skillet over mediumhigh heat. Sear the chops on the skillet

Crispy Prosciutto Cups with Pear a mini cupcake tin. Bake until fat turns golden, about 15 minutes. Using a fork, immediately transfer to a paper towel to drain; cool completely. In a small bowl, combine pear and lemon juice. Place 1/2 teaspoon mixture in each cup just before serving.

Yield: 24 pieces

Sbrisolona

INGREDIENTS 1 3/4 stick unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for the pan 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cup blanched almonds, finely ground 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract ¼ tsp. lemon zest, grated 6-10 whole almonds, unpeeled DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 10-inch springform pan; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, sugar, salt, vanilla and zest. Cut

in the butter with a pastry blender until it is completely incorporated and there are no dry crumbs. Squeeze the mixture to form pea-size to 1-inch clumps.

Gently press three-quarters of the miture into the prepared pan, and sprinkle evenly with remaining crumbs. Place whole almonds decoratively on top.

Bake until cookie begins to turn golden, about 25 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F, and continue to bake until golden brown and fairly dry, about 10 minutes more. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Remove sides of pan to unmold.

Yield: (1) 10” cookie

for about four minutes per side (medium-rare to medium). Remove the lamb and cover with foil.

For the sauce, deglaze the pan with the wine, bringing up the cooked bits that are left behind. Allow to reduce and thicken slightly. Add one tablespoon butter, whisk until fully combined and glossy. Remove from heat and serve with the lamb.

Yield: 2 Pounds

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INGREDIENTS 3 oz. prosciutto, thinly sliced 1 ripe Bartlett pear, finely diced 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut prosciutto into (24) 2” squares. Place one square (overlapping any tears) in each cup of

a beautiful, crushed velvet texture, a spicy bouquet, and hints of dried plums and chocolate on the palate.

So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com.

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December 2013

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Page 19

THE GARDEN

Equilibrium Through Holiday Hullabaloo December brings emotional, spiritual, physical and familial highs and lows. As we move through the holiday season, the best in humanity comes out through uncensored giving and doing. When the flip side gets a bit darker, remember that deep breathing beats the pants off of screaming obscenities at single-minded shoppers. (The parking lot scene from “Fried Green Tomatoes” comes to mind.)

We attend more parties, see more plays and shows, enjoy more music and push ourselves relentlessly to be absolutely sure we get a lifetime of fun and good in the 12th month of each year. Magically, it all comes together, for me anyway, and I am struck wordless with gratitude for this life’s abundance. My words of peace, joy and nonsense are always pretty much the same, but I’ll say it again: slow that wagon down and smell the simmering cranberry sauce before it scalds the pan. Perhaps a day of gift making is in the cards to keep you off of Contra

By Lesley Stiles Costa Blvd. or out of Broadway Plaza traffic. impeccably fresh and chemical-free foods, toss into basket. Hot veggie stew or quinoa Possibly, like me, you are downsizing. I have very little effort is needed to make you and salad is a great way to fill up and leave no six siblings with families, my mom and dad, room for cranberry chocolate pecan marsh- it shine as bright as a winter star. and my sweet son, and it gets just plain loco I wish everyone a holiday filled with mallow bliss or mediocre pumpkin bars. around the holidays. Years ago we reined it Salad greens are beyond sweet and crunchy love and family. May you wake up on New in and now have a blast doing a “draw the Year’s Day feeling deliciously rested, cravin December and beg for equally crunchy number” gift exchange on Christmas Eve. ing cinnamon toast and soft boiled eggs, Fuyu persimmons and toasted almonds, It has turned into an entire evening’s activand not thinking that this was why purgashowered with grated pecorino and a ity, next to a fabulous meal and a lot of my tory was invented--reaching for Motrin and squeeze of Meyer lemon juice added as you brother’s wine, of course. It pulls us all todetox vitamins. Although, I have woken place on the table. gether for a few hours of blissful family love up that way, just a few times, and had good Apples are pretty much picked and accompanied by deep belly laughs. memories of a really fun night. Happy Holiin cold storage, but there is a grower at the Not to sound like a broken record, but days y’all!

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market in Walnut always bring something you want to eat to Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the CaliCreek called Billy Bob Orchards that sports every party so you don’t destroy months of fornia Culinary Academy, sustainable caseveral varieties of sweet, tart, juicy or bakgetting into those jeans. More importantly, terer and school garden educator. Contact ing apples. I did an apple tasting recently at bad eating messes with your mind, leaving Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast.net, www.

Orchard Nursery, and they were all incredyou acutely aware of all the nooks and cranlesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new ibly different in taste and texture, even in nies, good or bad. Not a good thing in Dewebsite: www.lesleystilesfoods.com. the way they smelled. When you start with cember, so keep focused and avoid running afoul with the weird dips and casseroles that would otherwise invite massive eye rolling any other time of the year.

It is another year and another Farmers’ Satsuma mandarins are abundant and Market Lovers Calendar is on the scene. the perfect party food to take. No prep inThis year’s calendar contains even more volved and everyone loves them. Open bag, amazing watercolors from Dave and col-

Farmers’ Market Calendar 2014

Apple, Onion and Squash Gratin This is a great holiday side dish, special enough to be made just a few times a year.

Ingredients:

2 apples of your choice (get sweet if you like sweet or tart if you like tart), cored and sliced thin 1 red onion, sliced thin 2 delicata squash, peeled, seeded and

Directions:

sliced thin 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2 cloves garlic 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese 1 pint cream

Spray a large baking dish and layer apples, onions, garlic, squash and cheese in dish. Drizzle cream over and sprinkle fresh thyme, salt and pepper. Bake covered in a hot 400* oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and cook for 20 minutes more until browned on top. Serves 4.

orful prose from me for an exciting new season of local eating and recipes. The calendar sells for $21.50 plus tax and can be found at www.lesleystilesfoods.com, Mrs. Dalloway’s in Berkeley, Orinda Books, Orchard Nursery, and at a few farmers’ markets. Or, you can send me an e-mail: lesleystiles@comcast.net, and I’ll meet you almost anywhere, so you can avoid all the postage and handling nonsense on the website! I have not been able to get a preview on my blog yet, but it is all over my website, so take a peek. It makes a great gift idea for chefs, gardeners and lovers of food art in your realm!

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Page 20

December 2013

HOME TEAM

Babiak Enjoys Impressive Run on Links

Martinez’s Sydney Babiak enjoyed a four-week span of her golf game, consistently placing and finishing in the top-tier at events around California and Arizona.

Babiak, a 16-year old junior at Bentley High School in Lafayette, was the lone representative of her school in the North Coast Section (NCS) Division II championship, way up in McKinleyville.

Despite the long, 300-mile trip north, she did not wilt, shooting an impressive 77 at Beau Pre Golf Course. That score put her and Justin-Siena’s Kathleen Scavo in a deadlock after 18 holes of regulation play.

Scavo triumphed in a playoff, but the pair

By Chuck Nan two-day event. But she finished just four known, as all-time golfing great Jack qualified for the NCS Division I tournashots off the lead -- a fantastic showing!

Nicklaus designed it. ment the following week.

Finally, a week later, Babiak was at The FCWT is one of the premiere At San Rafael’s Peacock Gap Golf another FCWT event, this time much events for prep golfers throughout the Course, Babiak shot a fine 4-over par 74, closer to home. At Coyote Creek Golf United States and attracts scouts and just four shots off the lead. Babiak’s effort Course (CCGC) in South San Jose, she coaches from the high-profile NCAA earned her a top-10 finish among a field finished fifth in the field. CCGC is well Division I schools. of over 125 competitors.

In early November, Babiak traveled to Tempe, Arizona, to compete in the Future Collegians World Tour (FCWT) Girl’s 15-19 year-old tournament. Playing at Arizona State University’s Karsten course, a tough, link-style classic course

By Chuck Nan with signature mounding and creative After dealing with the disappointment of three consecutive setbacks in the bunkering, Babiak was 11-over par in the North Coast Section (NCS) Division II title game, the Alhambra boys water polo team finally broke through for their first title.

The hungry Bulldogs, who were the top seed in the bracket, would not be denied this time as they held on to defeat Redwood (Larkspur) 9-6 in the finale. The Giants had been the No. 2 seed.

Alhambra (21-6) took control early with a 2-0 score after one period that set the tone. They extended their lead by halftime 6-2, but had to play tough defense one team in the same year is an exin the second half as the Giants rallied for four goals. Drew Cisterman was the ceptional achievement, and Athletic hero for the Dogs as he tallied five goals. Goalkeeper Harrison “The Wall” Brown Director Pat Ertola noted, “these girls made 10 saves and nabbed 6 steals. are the cream of the crop…and it’s not

Dogs Celebrate First Water Polo Crown

Alhambra Softball Players Sign Letters

On November 20, Alhambra High School witnessed the signing commitment for athletic scholarships of several of its softball players. Nicole Curry: 1st Base 1-time DFAL MVP, 3-time DFAL First Team All League, will attend Cal State Bakersfield; Erin Enke: Pitcher, 3-time DFAL First Team All League Pitcher, will attend Central Methodist in Missouri; Kylee Perez: Short-stop, 2-time DFAL MVP, 3-time DFAL First Team All League, will attend UCLA; and Hailey Sparacino: 2nd Base, 3-time DFAL First Team All League, will attend St. Mary’s College.

The signing of four athletes from

because they’re really good softball players. These are four young ladies, along with the support of their teammates and their families, who, without question, selflessly represent us remarkably.”

And Alhambra Principal Tom Doppe proudly recognized the four athletes for representing “the ‘Alhambra Way’ before there was an Alhambra Way;” valuing education, holding themselves accountable and showing integrity, dedication and resiliency in what they do.

Pictured: Kylee Perez, Nicole Curry, Hailey Sparacino and Erin Enke

Left to right: Coach Mike Agostino, Aidan Conception, Kyle Johnson, Tanner Largent, Connor Sullivan, Nick Lucido, Tanner White, Harrison Wygall, Jared Davis, Jordon Morofsky, Matthew Dragicevic, Matthew Bramlett, Harrison “The Wall” Brown, Drew Cisterman, Michael Bull, Bailey Abbott, Kevin Chouinard and Coach Ben Baldwin. Photo by: Bryan Cisterman

December 2013

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Lose the Shoes

In late September, Alhambra High School hosted its annual Lose the Shoes 3-on-3 barefoot soccer tournament to benefit the Grassroots Soccer organization, which “uses the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities to stop the spread of HIV.” For information about hosting a benefit tournament visit www.grassrootsoccer.org.

Page 21

HOME TEAM

X-Country Place at NCS

The Falcon boys and girls Cross Country teams competed at the NCS Championship at Hayward High last month after placing first and third, respectively, at the DVAL Championships. At NCS, the boys, led by Nathanial Comar, placed third, qualifying them for the State meet, while the girls placed fifth, with Jamie Busby, fifth overall, qualifying for State.

LtoR Seniors Evan Shaw, Jarod Tansig, Andrew Regner, Ian Decries, Camille Woerner, Parth Kumar and Riley Griffin. Photos: Carmina Regner.

Back Row: Mike Stone (Asst. coach), Kevin Orellana, David Phair, Earl Meneweather, Shane McKenzie,Nathanial Comar, Vince Sturgis (Asst. Coach), Drew McDonald, Paul Ramstad, Parker Marson, Nicholas Chuman, Gil Llacuna (Coach) Front row: Jamie Busby, Carrie Hunter, Olivia Ray, Marcy Zamora, Emily Dowey, Selina Saliba, Mariana Perez, Taryn Niederberger. Photo by Lisa San Felipe

CP Freshmen Football The College Park freshmen football players ended their season with a record of 6-3-1.

PHMSA Killer Whales

Killer Whales from PHMSA U-10 girls soccer fought their way to one of four finalists to compete in the Area Cup tournament on November 16.

Players from top right: Adiva, Mia, Izzy, Morgan, Erica, Maddie, Brenda, Waverly and Sophia. A big thanks to coaches, Brian, Bob and Ali (not pictured.)

Back row: Nick Linstad, Adam Santoyo, Brandon Smith, Will Klotz, Forrest Steele, Colton Uribe, Jack Slininger. Joey Higgins, Austin Santos. Second row: Jack Battuvshinn, Marcus Sander, Damien Roe, Kyle Brown, Justin Bedig, Antoine Robinson, David Duarte, Malik Walker, Stephen O’neal, Ian Prather. Third row: Erick Mejia, Kamal Elatrache, Jacob Sprung, Chase McCormick, Jared Glemser, Colby Hall, Mario Villanueva, Ryan Hood. Last row: Micheal O’Neal, Spenser Grinbergs, Alfredo Sanchez Jr., Josh Manko, Billy Hamant, Devin Algarin, Travis Foust, Abraham Tesafaye. Not pictured: Greyson Gottschalk, Kyreece Gray, Octavio Limon, Alicides Fuentas, Christian Clark. Photo submitted by Lia McCormick.

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Page 22

Go Bolt!

December 2013

Honest & Reliable

Bolt, Heritage Soccer Club’s girls U12 Gold Team took 1st place in the Heritage Harvest Cup. This is the 5th time Bolt has placed in a tournament this year. They placed 2nd in the 6 v 6 Tournament, 1st in San Ramon Azuri, 3rd in Santa Cruz Breakers Cup and 2nd in Walnut Creek Summerfest.

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Back row: Sammie Monroe, Oliva Rosen, Karina Umali, Jessica Vinogradov, Laura Bocek, Christina Abudayeh, Rylee McCormick. Middle row: Julia Giannini, Emily Gillett, Mia Vahey, Mia Delos Santos, Maia Pecher, Katie Gingrich. Front row: Grace Shughrou, Zeta Olvera, Carlee Palmer. Submitted by Lia McCormick.

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Season to Give Helping College Park Families this Holiday Season

The College Park PTSA has created a simple way to give back to the community through their year-round outreach program. However, there are many College Park families who are in need of some extra help this holiday season, and the PTSA would like to provide each of these families with a gift card to TARGET to assist in making their holiday special. If you would like to contribute to this worthwhile program, donating online through the PTSA webstore is easiest. Select this link: [http://collegeparkptsa.revtrak.net/tek9.asp ] and click on Donations. All donations are tax deductible and must be received by Friday, December 13.

If you would like to send a check, make it payable to CPHS/PTSA, write “Outreach” on the memo line, and mail to: College Park PTSA “Outreach,” 201 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

The Mitten Project & Canned Food Drive at Alhambra

The Alhambra High School student leadership is asking the community to help with two of their service projects during the holidays. The “Mitten Project” (adopt a family) provides gifts for a family/child during the holiday season. Families, individuals, even clubs and sports teams can “adopt a family” and help. Presents, preferably gift wrapped, can be dropped off at the school by Tuesday, December 10. You can also donate a gift card so leadership students can shop for the gifts.

The Canned Food Drive helps with a holiday meal for local families in our community. Drop off cans of green beans or canned corn to the main office by December 10. Sign up to participate in one or both projects by going to the Alhambra High School webpage at http://ahs-martinez-ca. schoolloop.com and click on “Mitten Project Sign Up” under Announcements on the right hand side. For questions about the programs, contact Mrs. Griffin at mgriffin@martinez.k12.ca.us.

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December 2013

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College Park News Photography Students Focus on AjA Project at CP

Jennifer Kennedy’s photography students have been busy recording their visual images as part of the AjA project, a photography-based educational program where students have an opportunity to look at their environment and what’s happening around them; to notice how it impacts them and their role in it.

The AjA Project - an acronym for a Spanish phrase, which loosely translated means “supporting self-sufficiency” - is funded through the federal S3 grant (also used to fund Link Crew and Challenge Day), and was pilot tested in the advanced photo class for a month last year, producing some amazing images with powerful themes. The students responded to issues such as loneliness, stress, depression, beauty and body image. Now Kennedy is taking the entire school year to work on the program with AjA lead instructor and freelance photographer Lauren Crew and all 150 photography students.

Kennedy explains, “The idea is for our College Park kids to take a look at their school community and their lives, to photograph it, and then to look at ‘what can I do to make it better’, or ‘what are the things about it that are positive and working for me.’”

This year, Kennedy’s students are responding to the theme of school climate: the campus environment, and interactions among kids and adults. Their images reflect how they see school climate and how they want to communicate that theme; Kennedy has an opportunity to see 150 different perspectives. “What I’m so impressed by is the communication of the kids. They are speaking very clearly and strongly with their images and working out things that bother and concern them,” she said.

At the end of the semester in January and again in May, the students will produce two off-campus pubic shows to display their creative expressions. Kennedy is still working out what the show will look like, and a local venue will be announced soon.

Page 23

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

CalMAPP System to Replace STAR Testing On October 2, Governor Brown signed AB 484, legislation that implements a new assessment program for California to replace the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. The new testing tool is called CalMAPP’s (California Measurement of Academic Performance and Progress), and it takes effect on January 1, 2014. AB 484 requires schools to participate in the spring 2014 Smarter Balanced Field Test in order to gauge the validity and reliability of the test. The spring Field Test is for English Language Arts (ELA) and math in grades 3-8 and grade 11, along with a small sample of students in grades 9 and 10. Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, the new Smarter Balanced tests will be delivered to grades 3-8 and grade 11 for English language arts and math (as opposed to grades 2 through 11, with the current STAR test). In addition, the science portion of the STAR test will still be given to grades 5, 8 and 10 next spring.

The state will pick a scientific sample of about 681,000 kids, in grades 3 through 11, to take a portion of the Smarter Balanced Field Test. “The process for determining what schools will be selected is still under development,” said College Park Principal Paul Gengler. According to the California Department of Education website, “The Smarter Balanced Field

Test will take place between March 18 and June 6, 2014. Students will be assessed via computer in English language arts OR mathematics. The Field Test is critical to ensure that assessment items are accessible to all students and produce results that are valid, reliable, and fair. Participation in the Field Test will give students, teachers, administrators, and local educational agencies valuable exposure to the future assessment system.” The test will take about 3-4 hours to complete, and scores do not go back to the students or schools.

The testing is computer based, and College Park will need to prepare with additional computers and space. “A portion of the library will be turned into a computer lab with 74 work stations available to kids year-round. We will have 2 classes of 37 students using the lab. As we know, the Common Core is technology related, and we need to reuse our space,” said Principal Gengler. Funding from Measure C will help prepare for the Smarter Balanced assessment testing of approximately 500 juniors in 2015.

The CDE now has a web page dedicated to providing information about the spring 2014 Smarter Balanced Field Test.

The web page, available at www.cde.ca.gov/ ta/tg/sa/smarterfieldtest.asp, describes the purpose of the Field Test.

The photo, taken by College Park junior Kelisha Abad, represents last year’s AJA project. “I wanted to focus on the way different types of outfits can make people feel. When somebody dresses for themselves, they tend to be happier (left). When somebody dresses to impress others, they aren’t as happy as they could be (right).

Dressing for others can make somebody uncomfortable, and that can really show,” said Abad.

College Park’s Annual Winterfest Celebration December 18

College Park’s Winterfest is a celebration of the arts and of the winter season, involving student artists of all disciplines - the visual arts and photography, ceramics, glass, music, drama, and more. Student artwork will be on sale and would make for great holiday gifts. The evening also includes performances by instrumental music ensembles, the newly-created CPHS womens choir, student actors, and dancers. Admission is free to this popular annual tradition, which begins at 7pm on Wednesday, December 18, in the CPHS Multi-Use Room.

College Park Music Department’s Elegant Candlelight Concert

An intimate concert of music celebrating the winter holiday season will be given on Saturday, December 14, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill. The concert features the top music students from the vocal and instrumental music programs at College Park High School. The school’s full orchestra ensemble and concert choir will join together in the beautifully decorated, candlelit sanctuary of St. Andrew’s to present this elegant evening of beloved seasonal music.

Tickets are $10 Adult/ $8 Student, and are available at: www.collegeparkchoirs. com.

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Page 24

December 2013

Frisbee Club a Favorite at College Park

By J.C. Arbelbide and Shane McKenzie, Seniors, CPHS

For the past several months, a group of College Park kids have been getting together each weekend to play a variety of Frisbee games. The founders of Frisbee club were first introduced to the sport during crosscountry and track. Frisbee has been a staple of distance running at our school since before we were freshmen. Eventually, Frisbee branched out and became a favorite thing to do on the weekends for a small group. By senior year, we wanted to connect and play with more people. One of our club leaders, Doug Strange, suggested we form a club at school; thus, the College Park Frisbee Club was born.

Made up of kids from all grade levels, we have had games once a week with turnouts between 12 and 20 people. Different people come almost every time, but there is a core group of regular attendees. What makes Frisbee so appealing is its versatility. A wide array of different games can be played with just a Frisbee: Frisbee basketball, Frisbee baseball, Frisbee golf, and Frisbee Hunger

Oliver Armand (grade 9) & Kenny Olden (grade 11) block the shot by J.C. Arbelbide (grade 12)

Doug Strange (grade 12) flies over Andrew Ramsey (grade 12)

Games. Envision the battle for supplies at the Cornucopia from the Hunger Games. Every Frisbee available is placed in a pile and all the players surround the pile 30 paces back. At “go,” everyone bolts for the Frisbees to throw at other players. If a player is hit by a Frisbee without catching it, he is out. Last player standing is the victor! It’s less bloody than

the actual battle and a lot more fun!

The rules of Ultimate, the most commonly played game involving Frisbees, are simple. No running when holding the Frisbee, but a pivot foot can be established. Two teams of seven face off against each other on a field, but to accommodate our whole club, we have everyone play at once. A player has

10 seconds to throw the Frisbee or it is given to the other team. If a player knocks down a thrown Frisbee or a receiver fails to catch it, the Frisbee goes to the other team. Ultimate is not called “Ultimate Frisbee,” as is commonly done, because Frisbee is a trademark of the Wham-O Toy Company. Although the term Frisbee has become generic, it is still a trademark.

We are always looking for more members! The fact that we don’t have any girls who play right now prevents us from playing some co-ed teams, which we are working to do, so we’d encourage any College Park students who might like to play to contact us at cphsfrisbee@gmail.com. We are trying to connect with Frisbee clubs at other schools to get together for games as well. We look forward to our club’s continued success and hope it will continue at College Park by younger club members after we graduate.

The editor would like to thank Wil Sheets (9) for his assistance with details in this article.

What Ultimate Does for Girls

Feet pound down the field and teammates shout, “Go, go, go!” My eldest daughter jumps, catches, turns, and lands on the grass in the end zone, then leaps into her teammates’ arms. For six years I’ve sat on the sidelines in heat, rain and wind, watching my children play Ultimate Frisbee. Those six years have coincided with tremendous growth for my daughter, literally, but this sport has also deeply shaped her into the person she has become. Whenever a parent asks me what Ultimate did for my daughter, I say it gave her three things: a voice, a body, and a tribe.

Since Ultimate is self-refereed, the player herself has to make a call of foul, out of bounds or stall count. Fellow players and the coach can’t call it, and she might have to argue with the other player about her call. It might take her years to have the confidence to do that, as it did my daughter. But when she raises her head and yells, “Stall!” it’s all her. Her take is assumed valid, and she and the other player will stop the game, decide if they can agree on the call and let their decision stand. It can’t be overruled by outside

By Stefani Leto, Ultimate Mom sages to focus on the outside of their bodies agents. Even if they disagree, she gets to make that call, and the game will resume ei- and what they look like, Ultimate is the antidote. It forces them to inhabit their bodies ther from that point or the one before it.

If a girl wants to play well, she’ll spend a fully in order to play. lot of time throwing a disc, running, diving, When my eldest daughter was a skinny little thing and watched girls on the high jumping and generally working very hard. school team take the field, she’d sigh and say, She’ll learn that placing her fingers in a par“They look like tigers. I want to be like that.” ticular v-shape on the underside of the disc And they did. That arrogant, stalking walk, will make it curve this way or that. If she the way they’d line up for the pull — these balances on the balls of her feet and swings an arm down, she’s more likely to make that were girls who had more on their minds hand block. In a society that sends girls mes- than how they looked. They were there to

Sarafina Angstadt-Leto with a member of the Berkeley HS Coup team. Photo by Valerio Iani

Sarafina Angstadt-Leto and Rio Chuck (Berkeley High School alums) Photo by Valerio Iani

play. And they embraced my daughter, even if she was younger and not as tough as they were. The boys on the team formed the same kind of welcoming mob.

Every tournament begins with an armlinked circle. Every loss is met with supportive hugs; every win is celebrated with joy. The spirit of the game — the idea that there is a higher ideal than winning and that fierce competition doesn’t mean acting in unsportsmanlike ways — supports the players. My girls play with kids younger than themselves; they play with adults and against teams of college students. In each case, it’s assumed that they are all the same kind of people — Ultimate people, a family of a kind forged by lots of work, lots of experience and more fun than seems quite reasonable.

Bay Area Disc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on individual donations to fund its programs. Make a donation to strengthen the Ultimate community and create opportunities for youth Ultimate athletes to interact, develop and compete at www.bayareadisc.org.

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December 2013

Page 25

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Page 26

December 2013

In the Mix Well, here we are again, finally reaching the end of the year and, as we say goodbye to 2013, I thought it appropriate to reflect on some of the incredible musical highlights that took place in Central Contra Costa. As I look back, it always reminds me of how lucky we are to have such amazing talent right here in our backyards. And in these hard economic times, how lucky we are to be able to escape our hectic lives, if only for a few hours, and enjoy many local artists.

I have to say Pleasant Hill and Martinez really stepped up to the plate this year with some amazing events. Armando’s in Martinez was the place to be in 2013.

Thursday night has turned into blues night, with the amazing Chris Cain Band holding court on most first Thursdays of the month and always bringing the house down with their amazing blues and jazz. Some other great acts were Counting Crows’ offshoot band Tender Mercies, Caroompas Room, Delta Wires, and so many others. The blues jam nights, and bluegrass nights as well, are the best in the area. If you haven’t visited this intimate venue, you are truly missing out.

February saw the return of the “Come Together” benefit show for teens of Pleasant Hill at the brand new Pleasant Hill Senior Center. It was a huge success, featuring another incredible lineup of amazingly talented local artists who donated their time.

We started off with Fiona & Deirdre Nelis

By Paul Cotruvo, Cover2Cover and their friends singing some great acapare to have all this music in our area. And I Pleasant Hill’s Third Thursday Series. So pella, followed by Liz Lewis, The Ro-duo, know 2014 will be just as amazing, so please much music, and so little time!

Cover Story, Tender Mercies, Dan Deshara get out there and support local music. You And I would personally like to thank and Carlos Reyes, The Bell Brothers and Jim will not be disappointed. Wishing everyone all the venues in this area that provide live Caroompas and the Sisters of No Mercy. Do a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year and music in our little corner of the universe. not miss the next show in February 2014.

I hope to see you out at a show.

Some of them include: Dallimonti’s, ArThis is becoming one of the hottest tickets mandos’s, Dan’s Bar, Vinnies, Back 40, Roxx Quote of the month: in town!

“For last year’s words belong to last year’s on Main, The Round Up, Rocco’s Pizzeria, Pleasant Hill’s “Sunset by the Lake” language. And next year’s words await anE.J. Phair and Pyramid Breweries, to name series continued to bring quality acts for other voice. And to make an end is to make a a few. free. This year featured Tender Mercies, beginning” -- T.S. Elliot I cannot stress enough how lucky we Zoo Station, East Bay Mudd, Spinout, Dave Martin’s House Party, Cover2Cover, Patron Latin Rhythms, and Gumbo Stew--the December 1-5: Annual Martinez Music Mafia Holiday Pageant and Toy Drive, strongest lineups yet for this popular series.

Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 3pm So many great events to mention, such December 14: Caroompas Room, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm December 20: Zoo Station, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm as the 4th Annual Pleasant Hill Blues and December 21: Kyle Jester Blues Duo, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Martinez, 7pm Brews which featured co-headliners, The December 27: Keith Crossnan Band, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm Candye Kane Band and The Chris Cain December 30: The Famous Trio, Rocco’s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Blvd., W.C. 8:30pm Band (yes, co-cains if you will), as well December 31: Cover2Cover, Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, 9pm as amazing performances by Caroompas Room, Jinx Jones and The Kingtones, Frankie G. and The Conviction and Red Eye Revue. Cannot wait for the 2014 event!

The successful Lafayette Art & Wine www.dallimontis.com Festival had four stages this year. Some of the acts that packed them in were The Sun Kings, Aja Vu, The Spazmatics and Petty FRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT • GRAB THE MIC AND ROCK OUT LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY Theft.

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December 2013

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Jeb brought ambition, know how and his most important asset, Martha and her recipe for “country waffles.” Hot maple syrup, home-churned butter and

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December 2013

December 2013

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To Read or Not to Read

By Zane Dundon, Senior, De La Salle HS

The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton is a novel unlike any other because it has a villain unlike any other.

Crichton’s novel is somewhere between a thriller, with its chilling suspense, and a science fiction novel, with its technical discussions of the biology of an alien organism. But, unlike most aliens in sci-fi novels, the alien organism in The Andromeda Strain is a virus. Because the antagonist of the novel is a microorganism, it is even more impressive that Crichton can inspire such fear in his readers. One of the reasons Crichton’s novel is so believable, and therefore frightening, is that he presents the story as if it were true. He even thanks various fictional characters in his “acknowledgements” page for helping him research the “history” of the Andromeda Strain incident, and he includes maps and diagrams that he discovered in his “research.”

Because the novel is written as a dramatized history of a real event, Crichton’s writing is direct and factual, but, rather than decreasing the suspense, his declarative style heightens the intensity and makes you believe that what you’re reading actually happened. The novel opens with the crash landing of a military satellite that has been contaminated with an alien microorganism. Two of the main

characters, Doctors Jeremy Stone and Charles Burton, are sent to investigate the town and, in one of the most hairraising scenes in any book I’ve read, they witness firsthand the horror the virus can cause.

Without giving anything away, I’ll just say that this tiny alien microorganism is at least as dangerous as any other alien you’ve seen in movies or books.

Although the majority of the novel takes place in an underground laboratory where scientists attempt to understand and stop the virus, Crichton maintains the suspense and shock all the way through.

Crichton also succeeds in explaining the science involved clearly enough that anyone can understand, while not talking down to his audience. Crichton specializes in sci-fi thrillers that contain (at least some) science fact as well as fiction.

In describing a situation that, although fictional, is similar to various medical and scientific emergencies in the real world, Crichton reveals the emotions, problems, and terror of a crisis such as this one.

Although Crichton has written many excellent novels, his first one is his best. The alien virus in The Andromeda Strain is as frightening a character as any monster or psychopath and exemplifies Crichton’s skills as a writer.

Read My Mind ©

Page 29

Book Reviews by Michael G. Harris, OD give someone an advantage Malcolm Gladwell’s latest later. book is David and Goliath,

While I enjoyed this the story of underdogs, book, it lacked the power of misfits, and the art of bathis earlier books. Some of his tling giants. Like his previous examples seemed disjointed bestsellers The Tipping Point, and somewhat off point, as Blink, and Outliers, David if they belonged in a differand Goliath provides insight ent book altogether. One into human behavior and such chapter is the story challenges our preconceived of Caroline, an outstandnotions and conventional ing high school student wisdom. who dreamed of becom We all know the story ing a scientist. While not a of David and Goliath, or at misfit, she was “misfitted” least we think we do. David, in her choice of colleges. a young shepherd boy, After getting into the elite volunteers to represent his Brown University, she people in a battle with the discovers she is just one giant Goliath. The small boy is such an underdog that no one thinks of hundreds of brilliant students and he has a chance against this behemoth, classes are graded on a curve. Because but, lo and behold, he fells Goliath with she was competing with the brightest of the brightest, she did not do well in one stone from his slingshot. freshman chemistry and became dis As Gladwell points out, David couraged about becoming a scientist. may not have been the underdog we Unfortunately, Caroline followed the all thought he was. In fact, being “the path of “more than half of all Ameriunderdog” may have been an advancan students who start out in science, tage. “When we see the giant, why do technology, and math programs only we automatically assume the battle is to drop out…” Had she gone to her his for the winning? And what does it backup school, the less competitive and take to be the person who doesn’t accept the conventional order of things as better “fitted” University of Maryland, Caroline would have been one of the a given?” What makes the difference is brightest students and probably fulhow underdogs and misfits often have filled her dream of becoming a scien“the freedom to try things no one else tist. ever dreamt of ” and pull off amazing victories. Would a trained warrior have Her story has made me reconsider my preconceived notion of encourever thought of fighting Goliath with a aging students to attend the highest slingshot? Certainly not, but the sheprated university that accepts them. herd David had honed his skills with Perhaps the competition at that school a slingshot, killing wild animals that will be so great that it will discourage preyed on his flock. He faced danger their dreams. Perhaps it is better to be on a daily basis and knew how to deal “a big fish in a little pond.” Gladwell with it in an unconventional way.

Gladwell also illustrates how other concludes by pointing out that “the “disadvantages,” like surviving the Lon- powerful are not as powerful as they don Blitz or having dyslexia, may actu- seem–nor the weak as weak.” The misally give people the upper hand in later fortunes that many of the weak suffer life. Using such examples, he illustrates can bring them renewed strength and courage in battling giants in the future. how conquering fear in one situation can make someone more courageous in If you want to see Gladwell at his best, read his earlier books, like Blink. They another and how learning to deal with are real “eye openers.” a supposed disadvantage can actually

Page 30

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

December 2013

Seasonal Lake Tahoe I relish the idea of travel during the off-season months because the backcountry roads and small towns are less crowded, like when I travelled down Highway 393 last year in August/September. It is my pleasure to share some of the places we visited this past fall in the hopes of encouraging you to plan a similar getaway for the shear enjoyment of experiencing new places and a new reason to travel: fall colors. Travel this year will take us primarily along Highway 89, between the west side of Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Quincy, Greenville and Lake Almanor, Chester, and then points north from Susanville up to Tule Lake.

Lake Tahoe is renowned for it’s scenic beauty and recreational gifts of water in the summer and snow in the winter.

As we discovered, it is also a source of additional beauty because of the array of changing colors in the forests surrounding the lake and developed communities that landscaped for this same reason. Within minutes of entering Truckee and traveling along the Truckee River to the lake, you are immediately surrounded by a forest in transition. From mid-September through mid-October (the dates where you are most assured to see color), the forest transitions from variations on the theme of green to a symphony of colors, with each variety of tree providing a palette of lime, yellow, orange, fire-engine red and deep maroon.

Not all trees change color. As the name implies, the evergreens remain just that, green. However, in areas where there is flowing water, you will find color change more evident. One place that best demonstrates this is Taylor Creek, located near the southern edge of Lake Tahoe. In the fall months, one can view the spawning of kokanee salmon as they migrate from the lake up Taylor Creek. Access is excellent, with large parking areas, paved and flat dirt paths, good signage and access to a beautifully developed park that highlights a complex wetlands environment. This is an especially family friendly area during the summer, though you might expect reduced activities and resources once school has opened. Regardless, this park

Story and Photos by Christopher Vardas offers exceptionally beautiful walking again and again. access through the wetlands marsh, forest Be sure to bring a camera, binoculars, and beach areas. On our visit, there was a notebook to record what you see, a good a singular, slow-moving and methodical map (remember to look for creeks to help egret mining a small pond for food. Just you plan for tree color), and a sense of southeast of Taylor Creek, about a ¼ mile, adventure. Special thanks to my family is Fallen Leaf Road. There’s a slow-moving, narrow access to beautiful meadows and groves of aspen. Heading back northwest along Highway 89, you quickly encounter groves of aspen along Tallac Creek (water source) and amazing views of Emerald Bay (worth a stop any time of the year).

Along the highway, just north of Meeks Bay, is a must-see spot called Ehrman Mansion, Sugar Pine State Park. In the best tradition of nicely planned public parks, this facility offers access to the lake, a public wharf and amazing views of the surrounding mountains, shoreline and a turn-of-the-century period piece of historic architecture. And, yes, there are some amazing colors to be seen here. Tours of the mansion are available through the end of September, so plan accordingly, though the park remains open after the tour season.

Seasoned travelers are familiar with the adage “got off the main highway.” It is very applicable here as you drive along Highway 89. Though much of the area above the highway is developed, there are ample roads that will allow you to enjoy, from your car, views of remarkable homes and even lovelier landscaping. Some of the finest examples of maples appear in and around civic buildings in Tahoe City and the surrounding communities along the north beach drive to King’s Beach.

Where possible, spend your travel dollars locally. There are numerous places to stay and stop for a bite to eat in Meek’s Bay, Tahoma, and Homewood on up to Tahoe City (the largest of the north lake communities). If you have access to a computer, I recommend the Trip Advisor and YELP as contributor-supported websites that offer experiences and recommendations by travelers on places to stay and eat. Otherwise, AAA offers guidebooks and maps of the area. Experiencing Lake Tahoe in the fall is a must-do experience and something we plan to do

for encouraging this trip and guiding us to these and many other wonderful places at Lake Tahoe. Next up: From Truckee to Quincy along Highway 89 View more of Christopher’s photos at www.VardasPhotography.com.

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December 2013

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Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770

Dec. 8 - Pancake Breakfast with Santa 8am – 11am. Pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Cost is $3.50 for adults/$2 for children 10 and under. Handmade crafts, perfect for gifts, will be on sale during the breakfast.

Parents, bring your camera.

It’s Membership Renewal Time for 2014! Renew your membership, still a bargain at only $10 per person per calendar year. You will receive an informative monthly bulletin, sign up for trips when first available, save money on special events and much more.

Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Bingo Bash. Doors open at 5:30pm/ Games begin at 7pm. Food * Prizes * Bingo – Everyone is welcome. $40 guaranteed minimum “pot” for the regular games. 16 games with 16 winners. Refreshments will be served. Cost: $5 for one 10-game regular pack. You could win movies or a free trip to a gambling casino. Please call the office to sign-up so we can plan our menu.

Mondays – New Pilates Class 11am– 12pm. Improve flexibility, increase core strength and improve joint mobility. Cost: $5 per class.

Instructor: Maureen O’Neil.

Feb. 1 - 29th Annual Crab Feed. Doors open at 5:45pm/Dinner served at 6:30pm. Serving our famous gourmet salad, pasta, garlic bread, delicious marinated crab and dessert, plus complimentary ice tea, water and coffee. Silent auction and drawings. Crab Feed cost: $48. Tickets go on sale Dec. 2 through Friday, January 24, unless we sell out.

Note: If you are with a large group please let the office know when you sign up.

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788

Dec. 5 - Holiday Taste of the Vine, Dining room, PH Senior Center, 3-5pm. Enjoy a glass (or two) of wine & appetizers. Non-alcoholic beverages also available. Tickets $10 pre-sale or $15 at the door.

Dec. 5 - Gift Wrapping Event, Senior Center, 9am-4pm, and Friday, Dec. 6, 9am-3pm. We wrap your gifts! No boxes available. All proceeds donated to Meals on Wheels. Prices: small $1, medium $2, large $3.

Dec. 10 - Holiday Party at Senior Center, Chateau Room, 3pm cocktails, 4pm dinner & dessert. Music by Basin Street Band. Tickets: $15 members/$19 non-members.

Dec. 14 - Holiday Bingo Bash, Chateau Room, PH Senior Center, 4pm. Buy your tickets at the front desk at Bingo! $14 includes dinner and guaranteed $100 pot every game. Raffle prizes too!

Fridays - Soup’s On, PH Senior Center, 11:30-12:30pm. Beat the Chill! Enjoy “Soup & Savory” menu, Fridays, through March 2014.

For $5, hot soup is paired with a hot sandwich or other menu item.

No reservations required, just drop in!

Page 31

Home for the Holidays

Diablo Women’s Chorale (DWC) presents their December concert, “Home for the Holidays,” Saturday, December 7, 3pm, at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek.

“Home for the Holidays” is an intimate concert of home, heart and chimney!

Join us for joyous holiday songs, jazzy tunes from Broadway and beyond, and sing- alongs for the whole family. Our house band, the Homebodies, will entertain, Stephen Evans’ charming cello choir will perform, and special guests will delight and amuse you. DWC is under the direction of Mary Sorenson and accompanied by pianist Stephen Evans.

The Diablo Women’s Chorale, founded in 1942, is a diverse group of women singers from the Bay Area.

Main concerts are presented in Decem-

ber and June. The Chorale also performs at community and private events in the area. American styles are emphasized including jazz, folk, country, blues, spirituals, gospel, Broadway, and pop. If you are interested in becoming a Chorale Member, please contact Mary Sorenson, director, at 925-256-8951, to arrange an informal, brief audition.

“Home for the Holidays” tickets are available at the door or online, $15 per person/$10 students. For tickets or further information, go to www.diablowomenschorale.org.

Diablo Women’s Chorale welcomes new members for its spring season beginning January 13. Call Director Mary Sorenson at 925-256-8961 to arrange for a visit and/or an informal brief audition. Come for the music, stay for the fun! For further information call Sonja at 925-672-2689 or go to www. diablowomenschorale.com.

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Page 32

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Page 33

Doorstep Farmers Give Back to the Community Story and Photo By Alicia Watson

OUTLET PRICES

With the holidays fast approaching, many residents are moved to contribute to local charities. But for Doorstep Farmers, giving back is more than a seasonal endeavor.

While the Pleasant Hill-based business delivers fresh, locally grown organic produce to customers’ doorsteps, it actively supports charities that benefit their community year-round.

“Part of our commitment to the community is to give back in any way we can,” says company owner Michael Wedgely. And that commitment is readily apparent. Every week, Doorstep donates more than 100 pounds of fresh, organic fruit and vegetables to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. “From day one, Michael has been involved with the community and wanting to give back,” says the Food Bank’s Joan Tomasini.

Doorstep also gives regularly to the Pleasant Hill library, donating a percentage of its weekly revenue toward the purchase of new books. “That money goes straight into our programs

and (new book) collections,” says Use Librarian Patrick Remer.

“It’s been a really great partnership (with Doorstep) over the years.”

David Anderson of RES Success, a non-profit serving the disabled community in Hercules, shares the sentiment. He says Doorstep routinely hires RES clients, “mostly Asperger or autistic adults,” to distribute door hanger ads throughout local neighborhoods. “It’s very beneficial for the participants,” Anderson says. “They really enjoy and take pride in what they do, and they love receiving a paycheck. To be able to have that opportunity is fantastic.”

And creating opportunity is something Michael Wedgely does well.

When he started his business three years ago, he pondered ways to help ease the recession’s impact on local residents. “I wanted to do things close to home and that contributed to our community,” he says. Wedgely found plenty of opportunities to do just that.

And Doorstep Farmers does it all year long.

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Page 34

December 2013

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Holiday Home Safety - Keep Merry and Happy Many of us readily remember heavy rainfalls that often seem to occur in the midst of the holiday season in late December. In residential areas of Pleasant Hill and Martinez, overflowing creeks can send water and mud into yards, garages, and even homes themselves. Forecasts of heavy rainfall remind us all to be prepared.

The November/December issue of the City of Pleasant Hill’s “Outlook” newsletter contained a very helpful insert, advising residents of steps they can take to protect their property and minimize damage. Readers outside the Pleasant Hill area can access this information online at www.ci.pleasant-hill. ca.us and click on “Outlook Newsletter” on the right hand side. Take a moment to revisit this insert for several helpful tips.

The most cheerful time of year is upon us, but that doesn’t mean we should stop being vigilant about safety.

As we get ready to decorate and cele-

By Jim Bonato, Pleasant Hill CERT Program Manager with extra items for the family. On a have ample tread. A reliable battery brate with family, relatives, and friends, lighter note, pack some games for the it’s important to take a minute to reflect is a must. Don’t forget tire chains if you’re headed to the mountains, even if kids in case you encounter a lengthy on how to approach the holidays safely. you drive an all-wheel drive vehicle. Be delay waiting for the road to re-open Every year we read about home fires after a heavy snowfall. prepared for emergency situations on that tragically dampened the holiday Stay safe all, and enjoy the holithe road by freshly stocking your car’s season because of careless oversight. days!

‘Disaster Supply Kit’ (May 2013 issue) Candles left burning unattended near flammable objects, faulty wiring on Christmas trees, unsafe connections on outdoor holiday lights, and overloaded

By Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath extension cords are just a few of the hazards that are so avoidable, yet can vitiligo, such as Alumina, Vitiligo is a condition end up ruining the happiest of holiNatrum carbonicum, Phosthat causes depigmentation days. That ‘perfect’ tree will continue phorus, Sepia, Silica, and on parts of the skin. It occurs to need watering so it doesn’t dry out Sulfur. One homeopathic remwhen melanocytes, the cells and become a fire hazard. Indoor edy is not right for everyone. responsible for skin pigmentatrees should always be kept a sensible According to homoeopathic tion, don’t function properly. distance from fireplaces, heat registers, philosophy, vitiligo is not a Vitiligo can be genetic, but the and other heat sources. disease in itself, but an exprescause of vitiligo is unknown.

Are you making plans to travel sion of an inner disturbed state Research suggests autoimduring the holidays? Here are some of the body.

A homeopath looks into the mune disorders, neural disorders, or simple tips to maximize the safety health history and life history of a person viruses may trigger it. It often shows up as of your trip. Make sure your car is to find the best remedies that are the most white patches in symmetric patterns on prepared for travel. Check to see that compatible with the individual. Good the skin. brakes have plenty of life left and tires news: homeopathy works with other A small study at the Department of

Help Aid Vitiligo Naturally

Dermatology at the University of Alabama Birmingham Medical Center found that certain supplements such as vitamins C, B-12 and folic acid might help.

While sunscreen can sometimes help reduce the spread of vitiligo, exposure to certain bands of light, such as narrow B UVB light, can help reduce vitiligo. Some dermatologists offer light therapy called phototherapy. Narrow B UVB light systems can be found for home use as well.

Certain homeopathic remedies are also known for aiding the symptoms of

vitiligo treatments.

I am happy to meet with you and discuss how homeopathy may benefit you. Until the end of the year, I am offering a 30-minute wellness consultation at no charge if you mention this ad. Contact Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom (NA), and board certified classical homeopath, to schedule your appointment today.

925.826.3858. Visit www. MyraNissen.com.

Wishing you and your family happiness and wellness for the holiday season ~ Myra.

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Page 36

December 2013

Controversy Over PSA Screening

By Stephen Taylor, MD ing based on their life expectancy, family and a prostate biopsy are often necessary

Prostate Specific Anto establish the cause of the elevated result history, and co-morbidities. We believe tigen is a simple non-fasting healthy men should have a baseline PSA and determine if there is prostate cancer blood test. PSA is from both when they turn 40, then at intervals rangpresent or if there is a benign cause. benign and malignant prosing from 1-10 years, based on the initial In the pre-PSA era, 90% of prostate cells, so all by itself, it value. tate cancers were detected at incurable does not signal prostate can Dr. Stephen Taylor is a urologist at stages. In the PSA era, 90% of prostate cer. An elevated PSA blood Pacific Urology. He specializes in robotic cancers are detected at curable stages. We test can be indicative of prosurologic surgeries and prostate, kidney know that some prostate cancers grow tate cancer, an enlarged beand bladder cancers. To reach Dr. Tayso slowly that they do not require treatnign prostate gland, a prostate infection, lor, call 925-937-7740. ment in men with a less than 10-year life or other causes. A digital rectal exam, expectancy. These men are usually placed prostate ultrasound exam, prostate MRI, on active surveillance. Young men with PAID ADVERTORIAL over 20 years of life expectancy are offered treatment with curative intent: either total removal of the cancerous gland (robotic radical prostatectomy) or radiation therapy (image guided radiation therapy). Both of these new ultramodern

By Robert Robles, MD treatments offer very high success rates dosing because they elimi Treatment for a deep veand very few side effects. The American nate through the kidneys. nous thrombosis (blood clot, Urologic Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation is Overall, the risk of bleeding typically in the leg) and/or that men should discuss with their urolois equivalent to warfarin. pulmonary embolus (blood gist whether or not each individual paThere are no approved clot in the lungs) has long tient is a good candidate for PSA screenreversal agents for managfollowed a standard treatA PROUD RECIPIENT OF DIABLO MAGAZINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ing bleeding, and Vitamin ment regimen. Originally, FIVE STAR AWARD FOR 2012-2013! !

K and fresh frozen plasma intravenous heparin (requir"#$%&!'()!*+,-%./!0(1!/-+-*.,%2!3-!$/!(%-!(0!.#-!.(4!56!(0!7-$+.(1/!,%!.#-!8$/.!9$': (used to reverse the effect of ing hospitalization) followed warfarin) are ineffective in reversing the by warfarin pills was the standard of blood thinning effect of the newer oral care. More recently, the use of low molecular weight heparins or fondaparinux anticoagulants. Special kidney dialysis !"#$%&'$%()*$%+*%"%,"&%+-%.+/0% techniques may remove some Pradaxa, (Arixtra), which can be given as injec"%1+2"&)+2%"&%345%)6%7"1$%)2% while Xarelto and Eliquis cannot be tions under the skin followed by warfa8+9-%:"7$%;)&'%$#$-<% removed effectively by standard kidney rin, has become a more convenient and &-"26"=&)+2%=>+6$1? dialysis.

Orally administered activated equally effective treatment protocol.

Suzanne Looker charcoal given within 2-6 hours of the The recent approval of newer oral 34)+'$/&0$5'6&-.7*$8&,70)'" last dose of Eliquis may help reduce anticoagulants deserves some review !"#$!%&$!'&' further absorption of this drug and can and discussion. Dabigatran (Pradaxa), ()*+,,-$.//0-123+4),5/,$4/6 789:'%;;'#&# !"#$%&'&$()'$*)+$,-.$*)+'$/&012 also be considered for Xarelto. rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis) are oral anticoagulants approved for In summary, the new anticoagulants provide equal benefit and no extra the prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) is also ap- risk for individuals requiring blood proved for the treatment of deep venous thinners. However, like all new medications, they pose unique challenges for thrombosis and pulmonary embolus safe use. and for blood clot prevention following Robert Robles, MD is Board Certiknee or hip joint replacement surgery. fied in Medical Oncology and HematolThese oral drugs have made long-term Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics ogy. He practices with Diablo Valley anticoagulation much simpler. There Oncology/Hematology Medical Group, is no need for routine monitoring, and 401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126 located at the California Cancer and there are few interactions with food or PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. Dr. other medications.

925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288 Robles can be reached at 925-677-5041.

Each of these drugs requires safe www.drjennifermartin.com

Urologists have advocated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer for over 20 years. This is the most common cancer in men and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men, second only to lung cancer. In its earliest stages (curable stages), prostate cancer can only be detected by PSA and occasionally by digital rectal exam.

Issues with the Newer Oral Anticoagulants

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Sneak in Some Exercise During the Holidays

By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates fect spot at the mall, park at “The most wonderful the far end of the parking lot time of the year” is upon for a little cardio. Use stairs us. Twinkling lights, office vs. the elevator. parties, family fun, and ex While traveling by pectations of joy and merriair, carry your own bags as ment abound. strength training. Avoid Children wait breathmoving walkways. Stretch, lessly for the holidays, while do isometric exercises and adults often experience a deep breathing while at the gate. If mix of excitement and can feel overyou’re going to be stranded waiting for whelmed and melancholy. With our your plane, you might as well take adbig plans for fun, we know we should take care of ourselves during this whirl- vantage of it. You will feel great and your stress level will drop. wind time, but soon get discouraged Work out before going to stressand often give up, opting for, “I’ll take care of myself in January.” With a little ful family meals. This will help with nervous eating, as well as your abilstrategy, you can have an outrageous ity to cope with those, um, interesting holiday season while mitigating stress conversations. Walk with your family and depression. to see the neighborhood lights. Avoid Live in comfortable shoes so you ing the car can be great family bonding can take advantage of using your body time while establishing a tradition of physically at any moment. Instead of holiday exercise. driving around in circles for that per Socializing and eating questionable food is part of the fun of the holidays.

Sneaking in a bit of exercise will keep your energy up, your stress level down Tropical Pilates Retreat and your waistline in check. And while March 15th - 22nd, 2014 you’re at it, get a massage and enjoy a 7 Nights Relaxation for Body & Mind hot bath! You’ll begin January with Pilates, Cooking & Spanish Classes This is your chance to escape! high energy, a great sense of accomwww.MexicoPilatesRetreat.com plishment, and ready to make 2014 a fantastic year.

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

Page 37

The “New” Acu-Wellness Center

By Richard Weissman, L.Ac., Acu-Wellness Center pose is to improve your eating habits, un Welcome to the “NEW” Acu-Wellderstand your body better, make self-care ness Center. With eighteen years of exa priority in your life, and feel confident in perience, we offer the most effective acuchoosing and preparing a diet. The propuncture and herbal formulas to treat gram is personalized to your needs. chronic pain, arthritis, stress, migraines, Hypnosis removes negative attitudes spine and joint problems, insomnia, faand replaces them with positive ones. tigue, allergies, digestive disorders, anxiEmotional blocks need to be cleared to ety, immune system, neuropathies and lung issues. Traditional Chinese Medicine help achieve our goals. The child within us needs healing. The sub-conscious stores has become mainstream in the West over the past few decades, but has actually been emotions, buried memories, anger, hurt and trauma. Rather than reacting, we around for 7,000 years. need to address the cause in order to have Treat your health this holiday season and reach New Year’s resolutions by taking a more joyful, productive life.

Aloe Body Wraps are a toxin cleanse advantage of new additions to our Wellwith a very definite size loss of fatty tissue. ness Center: four experienced certified massage therapists, a health coach special- Aloe Vera in the solution will moisturize, tone and tighten the skin, as well as penizing in diet and weight loss, a certified etrate protein surrounding fatty tissue and hypnotherapist, and an aloe body wrap dissipate toxins from the lymphatic sysspecialist!

Massage provides relaxation, renewal tem. As inches are lost, the skin becomes softer and smoother. and relief from stress and sore or fatigued These therapies are housed in the muscles. Swedish, acupressure, deep tis“NEW” Acu-Wellness Center. Call 925sue, and shiatsu modalities are enjoyed individually or in combination. Our thera- 671-2100 to get your questions answered.

We are currently offering a free, one-hour pists will assist in decreasing tension, improving circulation, flushing toxins, allevi- comprehensive evaluation to assess your ating fatigue, and increasing joint mobility. wants and needs and a comfortable plan to achieve them! Gift certificates available!

Sessions are customized to your needs.

Acu-Wellness is located at 2261 Mo Our Health Coach offers health and rello Avenue (complex behind Hillcrest nutritional counseling to find out what foods are best for the individual. The pur- Center/ Kinder’s) in Pleasant Hill.

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Page 38

December 2013

Community Announcements

The Society of American Magicians Assembly #112 meets 3rd Wednesday of the month, (except January), at 7pm; Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1919 Wendell Lane, Pleasant Hill. Open to all! Contact Fred at 925-4511292.

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club meeting Dec. 3, 8pm at Fellowship Hall at Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Lane, PH. Sylvia Rose McDougall presents “Gardens of the Holy Land.” Guests are welcome and free. Contact: 925-944-4898 or www.phgsc. com.

Annual Light up the Night Tree Lighting Dec. 4, 5-8pm Downtown Pleasant Hill.

View ad on page 3 for more details.

Breakfast With Santa for children with special needs. All in Need invites you to breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 14 9-10:30am. Photos will be taken courtesy of Brittany Erin Photograph. Food will be served, including gluten-free choices. $10/ child; $25 VIP (sit with Santa). Space is limited. Register online at allinneed.org/sign-up.

Journey To Bethlehem is a walk through live nativity that happens continually throughout the evening on Dec. 14 & 15, 6-8pm. At Christ Community Church of the Nazarene, 1650 Ashbury Drive in Concord.

(925) 685-4343. See page 6.

Pleasant Hill CERT Free Training for residents, students and workers who want to help their families, friends, and neighbors in the next major disaster. The Pleasant Hill CERT will be conducting its next training

course starting on Jan. 13, 2014. It’s free 6 week course open to all residents and workers in Pleasant Hill ages 14 and up. Classes: Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 24 and Mar. 3. Classes: 6pm at the Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy, 796 Grayson Road, Pleasant Hill. The disaster simulation will take place on March 8, 2014. For info: PH Police Lieutenant Dan Connelly at (925) 288-4633 or Jim Bonato at 938-5433 or sign up at www.pleasanthillcert. com.

MDHOF Crab Feed. Sponsored by the Mt. Diablo Hall of Fame, supporting Mt. Diablo High School sports programs, Saturday, Jan. 25, at Zio Fraedo’s, Pleasant Hill, 6:30pm.

Meal includes fresh cracked crab, pasta, salad, dessert, dancing and raffle prizes. Don’t delay your registration. Tickets are $50 until Dec. 31, 2013, and $60 after. For more information visit our website: MDHSSHF.org to download a flyer or call Lou Adamo at 925212-9332 or email: louadamo@gmail.com.

43rd Nominations for Annual Community Awards Night taking place February 20th, 5:30 – 8:30, at the new Community Center.

Need nominees for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Teen of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and the Green Award. Forms can be completed online and submitted to Pleasant Hill Chamber Office. Nominations for all awards are due by 5pm on Friday, January 4, 2014. Email ann@pleasanthillchamber. com.

23rd Annual MOWSOS Crab Dinner Fundraiser The Meals on Wheels Senior Out-

reach Fundraiser (MOWSOS) will take place on Jan. 31 at Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Rd. in Concord. Doors open at 5:30. This fun-packed evening is the largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds help seniors in need in Contra Costa County. Dine on fine wine, pasta, salad, and delicious crab! Auction items, raffle, and quality wines. Space is limited to 40 tables of 10. Purchase your tickets early, since we sell out. Table of 10 $650; Half table of 5 - $325; Single Tickets - $65. To purchase, call (925) 937-8311 ext.

118. Or buy online: www.mowsos.org/crabdinner/. Contact Susannah Meyer, Community Engagement Officer, (925) 937-8311, ext 133, or email: smeyer@mowsos.org.

Book Signing by Martinez Resident Author, Margaret Netherby, a long time Martinez resident whose book of poems is a diary in a life journey spanning over 40 years.

The book, Some of My Seasons is about appreciation for wonder and beauty, especially when found in unlikely times and places.

It’s about saving moments of inspiration to return to time and again. Margaret’s book is a delightful collection of her very personal writings from 1972 to 1995 and makes a wonderful gift. She will be signing copies of her book at White Rabbit Boutique, 529 Main Street, Martinez, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2-4pm.

Christmas at Creekside Join us on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, for Christmas at Creekside. We will have three celebration services at 2pm, 3:30pm, and 5pm. Creekside

The

Martinez Historical Society Invites you to a

Holiday Frolic

Gingerbread House at the

Martinez Museum 1005 Escobar Street - Martinez

Friday - December 6 From 3 to 5 PM

Holiday Tea Saturday - December 14 6:30 to 8:30 PM Veterans Memorial Building 930 Ward Street Martinez Purchase tickets at the Martinez Museum 1005 Escobar Street $10

Church, 444 Fig Tree Ln., Martinez; www. creekside.org. See page 6.

Holiday Bash at Creekside For K-5th graders on Saturday, Dec. 14, 9am to 1pm. Cost: $10, and includes breakfast, lunch and 4 hours full of crazy fun and games. This is a great time for parents to do some lastminute shopping! All children must preregister online at www.creekside.org under “Events” then “C-Games Holiday Bash.”

4th Annual Super Holiday Boutique, Centre Concord, Sunday, Dec. 8, 11am4pm. Special one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Free holiday arts & crafts activities, entertainment and free Santa photo opportunity. Benefiting Food Bank & Contra Costa Suzuki Strings mission to Honduras. Info: www.ConcordHolidayExpo.com.

Martinez Kiwanis is selling See’s Candies at its new downtown location at 516 Main St., Martinez. The stores are run by volunteers only and will be open every day through Dec 21, 10:30am-3pm. Fundraiser money is returned to the Martinez community through scholarships and local grants.

Effective communication for the gay and lesbian community. Free six-week class, 7-8:30pm, starting Jan. 7, 2014, 2275 Morello Avenue, Pleasant Hill. Limited to the first 12 who sign-up. May attend class without being in a relationship. Register by calling (925) 708-5337 or via email at ron@connectingwithlifenow.com.

December 2013

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Page 39

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December 2013

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