• February 2013
Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses
COME TOGETHER 3 An All Star Benefit Show
FEB-15 PLEASANT HILL SENIOR CENTER
Guitar graphic by Ann Luke
• Come Together................................................page 3 • PH Community Awards................................page 5 • Martinez City News..................................... page 10 • Payless Gives™ Shoes 4 Kids....................... page 14
• Alhambra High App........................................ page 18 • A Local “Worst Cook”......................................page 19 • Highway 395 Series........................................... page 22 • Boydstun Construction in Focus.................... page 27
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February 2013
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Page 3
The Story of Come Together By Paul Cotruvo, Cover2Cover A few years ago, my lovely wife Sheila Cotruvo ran into Katrina Hunn, Director of Teen Programs for the Pleasant Hill Rec & Park District. Katrina mentioned she needed some ideas on how to raise funds for her teen programs, more specifically for the “Garage Bands by the Lake Concerts” (an opportunity for teen bands to get some exposure). Sheila immediately volunteered my band Cover2Cover for a dance at the old Pleasant Hill Community Center. Because it was so successful, we repeated the event the following year. When Katrina wanted to repeat the event in 2011, I thought instead of the same old thing, I would recruit lots of local talent and make it more of an “unplugged” concert. Hence, Come Together was born. That night was an epic five hours of music featuring some amazing talent, including an impromptu performance by none other than Carlos Reyes and his electric harp.
Dan DeShara
Scott Bell
The following year, the community center was torn down, so we decided to make it a little more intimate and held it at the Winslow Center. Another incredible night of music was had. (I kept this one down to only 4 hours.) This year’s show will be held February 15 at the new Senior Center in Pleas-
ant Hill, and will feature some incredible musicians. Headlining this year will be Tender Mercies, a side project for two members of the Counting Crows, Dan Vickrey and Jim Bogios. Along with singer/songwriter Patrick Winningham, they released a CD in 2011 with rave reviews. They are not to be missed!
Sharing the bill will be local country band The Bell Brothers, the extraordinary Jim Caroompas & The Sisters of Mercy, Dan DeShara, Cover Story, The Ro-Duo w/ Jay Olson and the great Liz Lewis. Opening the show this year will be Fiona and Deirdre Nelis, two local teens who stole the show at last year’s event. I would also like to mention that all the musicians who perform, along with soundman Trevor Donaghu, do this event for free, giving their time and talent to help out the teens of Pleasant Hill. I highly recommend coming out to this year’s show, not only for the great cause, but for the amazing music! You will not be disappointed. It will most likely be the show of the year. Tickets are $20. You can purchase them online at Cometogether2013.eventbrite.com, or by calling (925) 682-0896. There will be wine and beer sold at this event, so you must be 21 years or older.
COME TOGETHER 3
PH Senior Center Chateau Room 233 Gregory Lane
Friday, February 15, 2013
Featuring:
Tender Mercies
The Bell Brothers
Jim Caroompas and the Sisters of Mercy Cover Story
Dan DeShara
The Ro-Duo w/ Jay Olson Liz Lewis
Fiona and Deirdre Nelis
TICKETS $20
purchase online: Cometogether2013.eventbrite.com
(925) 682-0896
Must be 21 years or older • No Host Beer & Wine
Page 4
JULIE SAYS
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
February 2013
A Bloat of Hippos?
By Julie Ross a friend had compiled a list of phrases that Last year we received one of those pagemight be used to describe a group, quantity, a-day calendars as a gift – the kind where you gathering or simple population of birds. Here rip off the top sheet every day to reveal the are some of my favorites from Tracy’s list: a next date. We kept our “1,000 Places To See humility of doves, a dabble of ducks, a jamBefore You Die Calendar” (cheery name!) on boree of jays, a ballet of swans. Oh, and one the kitchen counter. We did a pretty good job more I really like: a faculty of owls. (Thanks, of keeping the current date displayed to check Tracy.) out potential bucket list destinations. Now this got me thinking and I started If a particular landscape, castle or wild to play with some of my own ideas. I recentanimal from an exotic region struck my fancy, ly led a school program about animal characteristics at I would stick it up on the fridge for a week or two. Some Lindsay Wildlife Museum to a “curiosity of kindergartenof them – a pair of African elephants (Botswana, October ers.” Then, while picking up my son in the community 27), a toucan (Belize, December 13) and a koala (Kangacenter parking lot after school I encountered a “slouch of roo Island, date portion ripped off) are still on there. teenagers” as well as a “babble of middle-school girls.” In But the entry that really caught my attention was downtown San Francisco I have come across a “starch of the one for Thursday, March 22. It had a photo of what I executives” as well as a “confusion of tourists.” would ordinarily call a herd of zebras. Upon reading the Which brings us to the February challenge. See caption, however, I learned that the group is also known as the more zebra-specific collective noun “zeal.” Who knew? if you can come up with some descriptive names for The caption went on to include a bulleted list of names for groups of animate beings or inanimate objects for that matter. E-mail them to me and we’ll print them in an groups of other African animals. I think most of us have heard of a pride of lions, but how about a tower of giraffes, upcoming column. Perhaps there will even be a prize for the most creative…stay tuned! a float of crocodiles, a crash of rhinoceroses, or my par Send your comments and ideas to me at juliticular favorite, a bloat of hippopotamuses? I came across the March 22 calendar page while sort- eakross@comcast.net -- thanks! ing through the “important” paperwork I had saved in 2012, just a couple of days beMOVING & STORAGE fore I went on a bird walk in January. Tracy, a fellow docent 1029 Arnold Dr. Suite 9 Martinez, CA 94553 at Lindsay Wildlife Museum, is an expert birder and reExcellence • Experience • Efficiency cently began inviting novices to learn to locate and identify Office & Light Industrial • Seniors ask about our the abundance of bird species Residential• Storage & Warehousing NEW PATIENT in our area. At Heather Farm SPECIALS! Park that morning, in just over an hour, we witnessed Most insurances accepted. Family owned and operated since 1975. a great blue heron striding before us in the lake, a magnificent snowy egret wading in shallow water, a soaring red-shouldered hawk, a night heron, buffleheads and mallards, a grebe, cormorants, Canada geese and several Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers.Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating song bird species. Non-bird location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2010 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Exp. 2/28/2013 sightings included four river otters swimming and diving together. It was amazing. Anyway, as we made our way around the lake, Tracy mentioned that he and
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February 2013
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Community Awards Night Winners
Photo by SusanWoodPhotography.com
Fest in 2011 & 2012. Green Award - Sequoia Middle School EARTH Club and the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection In only its second year, the Green Award received six nominations – a testament to the growing awareness of the importance of building a sustainable community and promoting green practices at home and in the workplace. Sequoia Middle School EARTH Club was recognized for its activities related to science, ecology and the environment. The Episcopal Church was honored for its many green accomplishments at the church and for educating its congregation on how to practice sustainability at home.
Community Focus Business of the Year
The Community Focus publishers were the proud recipients of Pleasant Hill’s 2012 Business of the Year award last month at the 42nd Annual Community Awards Night. We would like to thank Matt Rinn for the nomination and also thank the voting committee for choosing the Focus. The Community Focus would not exist without the support of our advertisers. We appreciate the trust and the relationships we have built with them over the past three and a half years. For making the paper a “must-read,” we are grateful to our long-time contributors; some of them have been contributing articles since our very first issue, back in
August of ’09. And thank you to Susan Wood (Susanwoodphotography.com) and Tod Gomes (Todgomes.com) for always saying, “yes” when we ask for photos. We also thoroughly enjoy our partnerships within the communities of Pleasant Hill and Martinez: the chambers of commerce, city administrators, recreation and park organizations and libraries. Finally, we want to shout out a huge thank you to our Copy Editor, Alison Clary and our Graphic Designer extraordinaire, Trish Heaney! We would not, could not do without them! Becky Coburn, Jennifer Neys and Elena Hutslar
Teen of the Year - Helena Encarnacion-Strand Helena was recognized as current Chair of the Teen Council and for her volunteer work as a member since 2009. An active member of Interact Club at College Park High School also, she has performed hundreds of hours of community service at many special events and programs. Educator of the Year – Aida Attiga Sequoia Elementary School teacher, Aida Attiga, was honored for her successful efforts in introducing modern technology into the classrooms and serving as the school’s technology representative to Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Community Plus Award - Martin Nelis During the past five years, Martin has been a major player in every aspect of our community life. In addition to his official responsibilities with the City of Pleasant Hill, he always finds time to volunteer to help other organizations with their events: Art, Jazz & Wine Fest, Downtown Plaza Concert Series, Pleasant Hill Commu2835 Contra Costa Blvd., Suite E | Pleasant Hill, CA
The 42nd Annual Community Awards Night was held on Thursday, January 17th at Back Forty Restaurant in Pleasant Hill. This event is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, City of Pleasant Hill and the PH Recreation & Park District each year to honor citizens, businesses and employees who have made a significant contribution to the Pleasant Hill community through their selfless dedication and volunteerism. All of the nominees were honored and recognized for enhancing the quality of life in Pleasant Hill. The winners of the twelve award categories were as follows: Citizen of the Year - Leanne Hamaji Having served on numerous education related committees and as a founding member of the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education, Leanne is an advocate of quality education for all children in Pleasant Hill. Her resume as a volunteer and supporter of schools in Pleasant Hill is second to none. Pleasant Hill Chamber Board Appreciation Award - Judith Sosnowski Judith has dedicated countless hours of volunteering over the years on the chamber board, at mixers and community events, and in particular, the massive job of chairing the Art, Jazz and Wine
nity Foundation events, FPHE events and countless others. PH Community Foundation Cornerstone Award – Aloma Levine Aloma has volunteered for all 12 years of the PHCF’s annual Allied Waste Golf Classic, the foundation’s major fundraising event. The PHCF appreciates Aloma’s countless hours in taking charge of the silent & live auctions and raffle prizes and the overall contributions she has made to the foundation’s success. Other Awards: Mayor’s Award - Lesley Stiles, Teen Center Staff & Teen Council, and Jack’s Restaurant PH Rec & Park District Board Appreciation Award - Cheryl Kolano PH Rec & Park District Community Service Award - Aegis of PH and The Chateau’s Business of the Year – Community Focus Pleasant Hill Chamber Ambassador of the Year - Sue Damhesel DID YOU KNOW...WE DO MORE THAN BUSINESS CARDS?
Minuteman
Press
PLEASANT HILL
925-256-6444 www.minutemanpressph.com
WE CAN HANDLE ALL OF YOUR NEEDS... NEED FLYERS FOR YOUR SCHOOL EVENT? NEED POSTERS FOR YOUR UPCOMING EVENT? OR DO YOU NEED.... COLOR COPIES OR EVERYDAY OFFICE FORMS ANNOUNCEMENTS... BABY, GRADUATION INVITATIONS OR HOLIDAY CARDS PROMOTIONAL ITEMS ... TSHIRTS, STICKERS POSTERS, TICKETS FLYERS, PRINTED OR COPIED EVENT PROGRAMS, SWIM MEET EVENT BOOKS WHAT DO YOU NEED? WE CAN HANDLE IT FOR YOU Pleasant Hill City Hall Photo by Susan Wood Photography
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February 2013
Real Estate Update My wife and I recently had the pleasure of traveling on business to Bend, Oregon, and Dallas, Texas, two places neither of us had visited before. When we travel someplace new, we always make a point of “drinking in” the community and the real estate market as deeply as possible, comparing and contrasting it to the Bay Area and our beloved city of Pleasant Hill. This has become a hobby of sorts, fueled by our passion for real estate and everything related to it. What does it cost to live there? What are the people like? Are they friendly?
By Nathan Hitchcock
A lovely Pleasant Hill summer night. Photo by susanwoodphotography.com
Are they happy? How’s the weather? How beautiful is the surrounding geography? How bad is the traffic? How are the restaurants? How are the schools? The list is endless, but we’re usually able to draw clear conclusions after only a few days of exploring. Though we use these findings in a number of ways, the most important is to
Check your Engine
By Hagin’s Auto Staff Do you recognize these lights? These are called Check Engine or Emissions warning lights. When a malfunction is detected, the Check Engine light (CEL) will come on in the dashboard to let the driver know a problem has been detected. Un- fortunately, the light itself doesn’t tell the driver what the problem is. most likely uses one of the lights shown When your vehicle’s computer has above. detected a malfunction in one or more of its systems’ circuits, the Check Engine What do you do when your check light is triggered and the Engine Control engine light comes on? If the light comes on solid, give us a call and set up an Unit (ECU) will log one or more codes to point mechanics toward the system or appointment. If the light is flashing, you should stop diving the vehicle immedicircuit with the problem. There is a lot ately and give us a call. When the light of confusion over these lights due to the starts flashing, it is warning you that you fact that not all manufacturers use the are damaging your vehicle. same symbol to warn you. Your vehicle
always test our conclusion that California, and Pleasant Hill in particular, is the best place in the United States for our family to call home. And while we feel strongly that this fact is true, we’re not naive enough to believe that our limited exposure to all the amazing cities in the USA provides us with an exhaustive and complete analysis of the subject. After our recent visits, neither Bend nor Dallas was able to unseat Pleasant Hill as our ideal place to live, but we came away with some distinct observations: Many Californians, especially those in large metropolitan areas, have become rather uptight, as well as noticeably unfriendly and uncaring in the process. This was made abundantly clear when we compared our interaction with the shuttle bus driver who took us from the rental car office to the Dallas airport, to the interaction -- or lack thereof -- with the shuttle driver who took us from the Oakland airport to the BART station. The Bay Area is no longer the only place to find really good food when dining out. In fact, I challenge anyone to find an area with a higher concentration of restaurants than Addison, Texas,
“Nathan was a dream to work with. Very professional, hardworking and easy going. He put our needs before his.” Joe Resident
a northern suburb of Dallas. We were shocked at the amazing quantity, variety, and quality of cuisine in this city of only 13,000 people. The Bay Area has an exceptionally high cost of living, but it’s not due to the cost of our consumables. Groceries, fuel, movie tickets, dining out, and clothing all cost pretty much the same. It’s our cost of housing, both to procure and maintain, that is exceptionally higher. While the rest of the nation, for the most part, is experiencing a housing market rebound, it pales in comparison to the vehemence of ours. The market numbers confirm it. Nationally in 2012, median home prices rose by about 5%, compared to about 25% in Contra Costa County. The reason for this intense rebound in part lies in another clear fact: our local economy is comparatively booming. Thanks in no small part to our thriving tech industry, people are flocking to the Bay Area for work, and they all need a place to live. So prepare yourself for another year of rising housing demand and home values locally. Prepare yourself also for increased tension in the marketplace as buyers struggle to compete with one another. In the meantime, I’m going to do my part to bring a little more Southern friendliness to our community. Life really is better spent with a smile on your face. Care to join me? Nathan Hitchcock is the managing broker of Hitchcock Realty. He can be reached at nathan@hitchcockrealty.com or (925) 825-1100.
WE ARE NOT #1... AND WE ARE PROUD OF IT. Our goal is not to sell the most homes, it's to get YOU the most for YOUR home. That comes with quality, not quantity. Call or click today and experience the difference for yourself.
925.825.1100 • www.hitchcockrealty.com
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February 2013
MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345
2/12 – State of the City Breakfast Tuesday, 7:30-9:30am, Creekside Church Auditorium, 444 Fig Tree Lane, Martinez (Morello Ave to Midhill Rd), State of the City: Mayor Rob Schroder, Guest speaker: Rami Muth, Superintendent of the Martinez Unified School District. Enjoy a full gourmet breakfast buffet, $25. RSVP to Chamber required. 2/18 – Office Closed - Presidents’ Day 2/21 – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Thursday 5pm, Martinez Furniture Company, 742 Arnold Dr., #B, Martinez – Mixer to follow! 2/21 - Chamber Mixer – Thursday, 5pm7:30pm – Martinez Furniture Company, 742 Arnold Dr., #B, Martinez. Great Net-
working, food, fun, raffle prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!) 2/21 – Educational Series – New Employment Laws for 2013, presented by Lisa Barnett Sween, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith’s Law Office - Thursday, 12-1:30pm, Doors open at 11:30. New Location: Martinez Unified School District Office Boardroom, 921 Susana St., Martinez. Free to Chamber Members, Non-Members $20. Non-Members that join the Chamber will get $10 credited towards their membership. Lunch will be provided. RSVP required 3 days prior to seminar. Call or email the Chamber: info@martinezchamber.
Pleasant Hill Chamber Presents
2013 Mayor’s Breakfast Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 7:30am-9am Back Forty • 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill
State of the City Michael Harris,
Mayor of Pleasant Hill
Page 7
PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700
2/1- Ambassador Meeting - 8-9am, Pleasant Hill City Hall. 2/6 – Ribbon Cutting 5pm & Open House 5-7pm at Fountainhead Montessori School 490 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. 2/7 – Mayor’s Breakfast - 7:30am– 9am at Back Forty Texas BBQ,100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill. $25 until Feb 1st. /$30 thereafter.
2/25 – Green Committee Meeting - 4-5pm, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill. 2/25 – Government Affairs Committee Meeting – 5:30-7pm, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill. CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
2/18 – Office closed Presidents Day. 2/20 – Chamber Member Business Mixer: Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 5–7pm at 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. 2/21 – Board of Directors Meeting 8-9am, Pleasant Hill City Hall, Community Room.
Ribbon Cutting
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On Saturday, January 19, Déjà Vu - A Unique Boutique celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting in Pleasant Hill with a crowd of family, friends and city and chamber officials. Déjà Vu is the place to shop for women looking for high-end merchandise at affordable prices. With new inventory being received daily, there is always a fantastic selection of women’s clothing and shoes in a range of sizes as well as handbags, jewelry and accessories, all at a fraction of their original retail cost. Owners Nancy Rondum and Sue Damhesel take great pride in the store’s boutique-style open feeling, where excellent quality, personal attention and customer service are always the priority. Sue and Nancy have worked to create strong consignment partnerships, and they love helping customers find just what they need for every occasion. As noted by one customer’s comment on Facebook: “Congratulations ladies, your shop is so cute and comfortable. I love my Chanel jacket. Wonderful treasures can be found at Déjà Vu!!” Consigners and shoppers, get an introduction to Pleasant Hill’s newest shopping destination and keep up with new arrivals by checking out http://thedejavuboutique.com/. Better yet, come visit Déjà Vu in person at 1630 Contra Costa Blvd., Ste. A in Pleasant Hill (near Melo’s). Phone: (925) 808-8765. Déjà Vu is a proud member of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, Pleasant Hill Rotary and Association of Resale Professionals (NARTS). We look forward to seeing you!
Page 8
PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
February 2013
Mayor’s Message
Michael G. Harris, OD, Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill paired in ages. Walking without tripping is We tend to take the simple joys of liv Dawn and I Aires (and they do have some wonderful a chore for the able-bodied and downright ing, working, and playing in Pleasant Hill spent last Decemmuseums, provided your Spanish skills are impossible for the disabled. for granted, but we shouldn’t. We live in a ber traveling in up to snuff), it was delightful to get back to In addition to navigating along broken wonderful and comfortable city that didn’t Chile and Argenour hometown. What a pleasure to walk on sidewalks, you have to watch every step to tina, two very interwell-maintained, clean, poop-free streets. It’s happen by accident. Our staff and our resiavoid the dog poop. There are no leash laws, terrific having traffic signals and crosswalks dents treasure the pleasures of our city and esting and beautiful and owners don’t clean up after their dogs. make sure they are available for all to enjoy. countries. We exaccessible to everyone. And then there’s the There is litter, trash and graffiti everywhere. So please take a moment and be thankperienced everyjoy of eating at a good restaurant or sitting Crossing streets is a common hazard as ful that you live in your wonderful homething from hiking on glaciers to enjoying in a beautiful park without people blowing there are often no traffic lights indicating town of Pleasant Hill. the two-mile long majesty of Iguazu Falls smoke in your face. when it’s safe for pedestrians to step off the up close and personal. We’re fortunate that we’ve been able to travel to lots of wonderful curb. And when you do step off the curb, you need to be especially careful because places, but no matter where we go, we are By Jaki Jones pedestrians do not have the right-of-way. always grateful to return to our hometown In the coming weeks, the police de John Moore, Pleasant Hill Police De It’s tough to enjoy the excellent food at of Pleasant Hill. partment Interim Police Chief, recently met partment will visit with the administration a restaurant because “Portenos” (the nick In addition to seeing wonderful wildat each school and review the site secuwith representatives from each of the nine name for Buenos Aires residents) can and life, including 900,000 penguins (yes, that’s rity component of the Safety Plan. “We all Pleasant Hill schools with the purpose of do smoke wherever they want. As many right, 9 with 5 zeros… and Dawn insisted understand the different roles and respondiscussing campus safety and security. The of you know, I love ice cream, especially on photographing each and every one of sibilities of the schools and of the police meeting was held at Pleasant Hill Middle them!), we explored many interesting cities, chocolate. We found some pretty good ice department. The Department wants to have School and discussions ranged from proincluding Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. cream in Buenos Aires, but had to endure more interaction with and a better undercedures currently in place to ensure school long lines to get it. And speaking of long We walked for hours taking in the sights standing of the specifics of each school to security to ways the PHPD can become and sounds of this famous city. While doing lines, getting money from an ATM can more familiar with each school site and help help provide for a safe environment for the be an all morning experience. Once pesos so, I couldn’t help but make comparisons students, faculty and administration,” said strengthen the Safety Plan of each camwere withdrawn, spending them seemed between Buenos Aires and our hometown. Moore. Lieutenant Dan Connelly will also pus. By law, each school is required to have difficult. Business people preferred we pay While Buenos Aires is a beautiful city, visit each school and walk the campus to get a Safety Plan, and the PHPD will provide in good old American greenbacks (which I was struck by how challenging walking a clear perspective of the layout and identify recommendations on the document that, aren’t depreciating by the hour as is their loaround the city was compared to Pleasant potential safety concerns. In the future, the among other items, describes policies and cal currency). Hill. Many of the streets and sidewalks are department will have a copy of each school’s procedures to provide a safe learning en In spite of the splendor of Buenos made of cobblestone and haven’t been reSafety Plan that can be modified as needed. vironment and strategies for school in the Pleasant Hill Middle School Principal event of an earthquake, fire, intruders and Terry McCormick appreciated the outreach other threats. The Mt. Diablo School Disby the police department. “The meeting was trict requires each school site to maintain a The City is submitting a State Trans- The remaining project funding balance comprehensive school safety plan that is re- a nice coming together and collaboration will be funded with City local funds. portation Development Act (TDA) Arviewed and revised by the site and approved with the police department. Our priority is Should the project be awarded TDA ticle 3 grant application in the amount of to make sure our students are safe,” she said. by the Board of Education annually. $100,000 for the design and construction funding, staff will continue to explore of the Elinora Drive Sidewalk Installation other Federal and State grand funding opportunities to offset local funding Project. It is an identified project under match contributions for project implethe New Sidewalk Installation Program Architectural Review Commission Education Commission February 7, 21 February 27 mentation or program the project in the in the City’s approved 2013-2018 Capital City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane next Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Improvement Plan (CIP). Small Community Room, 5pm Small Community Room, 7pm budget. The project scope consists of the Contact: 671-5209 Contact: 671-5229 Elinora Drive is one of the busiest installation of approximately 730 feet of City Council Planning Commission residential collectors in the City of Pleas4-foot wide concrete sidewalk along the February 4, 25 February 12, 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane ant Hill, with traffic of over 6,000 vehicles west side of Elinora Drive, between the Council Chambers, 7:30pm Council Chambers, 7:30pm existing sidewalk along Gladys Drive and per day and currently pedestrians are Contact: 671-5229 Contact: 671-5209 Gregory Lane. It will provide a pedestrian forced to walk very close to moving veCivic Action Commission Zoning Administrator hicles. Over the past seven years the City path of travel along Elinora Drive, conFebruary 6 February 14, 28 of PH has spent approximately $56,000 necting Strandwood Elementary School City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Public Works Conference,Room, 5pm local funds to construct sections of constudents and residents in the area to variContact: 671-5229 Contact: 671-5209 crete sidewalk along Gladys Drive, from ous destinations along Gregory Lane. For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us Project cost is estimated at $240,000. Strandwood Elementary to Elinora Drive.
PHPD and School Safety
Elinora Gets a Sidewalk
City Calendar of Events
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
February 2013
Page 9
Mayor’s Message Every year all transportation agencies in the nine Bay Area counties are required by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to adopt a Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP). This plan is the blueprint for each and every transit provider such as BART, the County Connection, Muni, AC Transit, etc., for the following ten to fifteen years. This year the Water Emergency Transit Authority (WETA) developed their first SRTP. For years the City of Martinez has been in WETA’s plans for the expansion of ferry service, along with Antioch and Hercules. They have performed studies on the best locations for ferry terminals and authorized funding for the required environmental work that goes along with any kind of waterfront development. However, in the first draft version of WETA’s SRTP,
Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez Martinez, Antioch and Hercules were left between the parties was the reinstatement facilities would be very important. Water out of the report, signaling that WETA transportation might be the only function- of Martinez, Antioch and Hercules to the was dropping their plans for expansion to SRTP and the inclusion of $25 million for ing system in the Bay Area. the East Bay Area. This was a huge setback expansion of ferry service to our cities. Senator Mark DeSaulnier called a for plans to revitalize our waterfront and Although many individuals were inmeeting of all the stakeholders, includdowntown. volved in this effort, Martinez resident ing representatives of Martinez, Antioch, We immediately joined forces with and consultant for Antioch, Victor CarniContra Costa County and WETA staff Antioch and worked together to convince glia, deserves much of the credit for this and commissioners. The result of that WETA to put us back in their short-range success. meeting and subsequent communication plans for expansion of ferry service. One of our main arguments was that the “E” in their name was being ignored. The ferCity Budget Photo Contest ry agency was previously known as just The City of Martinez is about to begin work on its 2013-15 Biennial Budget Water Transit Authority (WTA). The “E” and is sponsoring a photo contest once again. The winning photographs of (emergency) was added when former AsMartinez will be showcased in the document. The pictures should be hi-resosemblyman Tom Torlakson carried a bill lution digital images (landscape format) that illustrate the beauty, character, in 2007 that created a Bay Area water tran- and unique charm of Martinez. When submitting, please describe your pictures and specify where and when they were taken. The deadline for submitsit system capable of responding to emertal to mtzphotos@cityofmartinez.org is February 15. Winners will be recognized gencies or disasters affecting the transporat a city council meeting and will receive byline credit in the budget. tation system in the region as a whole. Free Magic Show Martinez is the county seat and home A free magic show will be held at the Campbell Theatre on 636 Ward to the Regional Medical Center, the Office Street in Martinez on February 23, beginning at 11am. The hour and a half magic and craft show features Dan Chan the Magic Man. An award-winning of the Sheriff and the Office of Emergency magician, Chan is recognized for his sleight of hand, pick-pocketing and jugServices. In the case of an emergency or gling skills. The event is funded entirely by the Martinez Restaurant Tour. For disaster, transportation in and out of these
City News
more information, call 372-3510.
Since 1921
Keeping the Tradition
Connolly & Taylor Funeral Directors 925-228-4700
Tribute Videos Personalized Printing Memorial Websites 4000 Alhambra Ave.
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
Martinez, CA 94553
Library’s 100th Birthday Celebration – 1913-2013
Throughout 2013, community libraries will host events to celebrate Contra Costa County Library’s 100th birthday. At the January 16 city council meeting, county librarian Barbara Flynn announced the celebration will take place at the Pleasant Hill Park and Teen Center on Sunday, July 21, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Prior to the big event, there will be a series of kickoff events beginning at the Martinez Library on Saturday, February 9 at 2:00pm. Andrea Blachman, Director of the Martinez Museum, will give a presentation on the history of the Martinez Library, founded in 1885. Ms. Flynn also expressed appreciation to the city on behalf of Martinez librarian Karen Hansen Smith for funding the purchase of a portable projector and screen for the downstairs room.
Special Recognition to Bob Kelly
At the January 16 city council meeting, Mayor Schroder and the council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Martinez resident Bob Kelly, “Home Town Hero,” for his long history of volunteer work for schools, Meals on Wheels and the American Diabetes Association.
City Calendar of Events City Council Meeting February 6, 20 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting February 12, 26 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Design Review Meeting February 13, 27 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Zoning Administrator Meeting February 6, 20 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Park, Recreation, Marina & Cultural Commission February 19 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated. For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
Page 10
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
February 2013
Centered Around Seniors
For Senior Center Supervisor Kendra Luke, the road to the grand opening on January 7 was a long and sentimental one. From the passing of the Bond Measure E in August of 2009, to the closing and farewell party of the former center in April of 2011 and subsequent months of construction leading up to the opening last month, it’s been a satisfying journey. “I remember the farewell party at the old Senior Center and sitting on the blue-grey couch in Building 1 all by myself. Everyone had gone home and I was enjoying a glass of wine, looking
By Jaki Jones, Photos by susanwoodphotography.com around at an aged room that had meant time -- it actually felt like a building,” so much to me and so many others over reflected Luke. the years. It was now decorated with Recreations & Park staff, senior caution tape and hard hats. I remember volunteers and Pleasant Hill residents hauling all our stuff over to the Little stood with Luke as they watched a specHouse thinking, ‘well, here we go.’ I tacular new 22,500 square-foot facility remember pressing my face up against emerge from the ground up. Since the a chain link fence as I watched giant opening, the response from the commetal claws chomp into the building. I munity and surrounding areas has been remember walking on the concrete slab positive and overwhelming: “We never of the new building for the first time expected so many people to show up at thinking ‘holy moly...this place is going the Grand Opening. We estimated close to be huge.’ I remember seeing the to 3,000 people came through during first wall standing and then getting to the 3-hour event, and there has been walk into the new building for the first a steady flow since the doors opened. Classes are full, the lunchroom is packed and rental inquires are non-stop.
Teen Center Update
Since its grand opening, the Teen Center has been bustling with after school programs and birthday parties. The Pleasant Hill Rec and Park has been picking up students from the local middle schools and College Park High after school for a nominal $2 fee. Once students arrive at the center they can play pool, ping-pong, foosball or video games, use sports equipment, get help with homework, use computers and enjoy the snack bar. The staff at the center includes college students and recent graduates who organize daily activities such as scavenger hunts, craft projects, brainteasers and charades. The daily activity calendar includes periods for fitness, homework, video games, timed computer and free time. Ethan, who attends the after school program says he enjoys “seeing my friends and playing pool and foosball.” Teen Supervisor Katrina Hunn is work-
ing on attaining extra copies of school textbooks to make it easier to help students with homework. To utilize the Teen Center, you need only purchase an annual membership. Memberships are $35/$25 for PHRPD residents and come with a bonus discount off enrichment classes. The rental of the Teen Center has become popular. Depending on the day of the week, the four-hour room rental rates range from $56-88/hour for residents and $70-110/hour for non-residents. Non-profits range from $53-83 per hour. Birthday packages are available! The center’s meeting room is also available for rent at a rate between $34-50/hr. with a two-hour minimum requirement. For more information regarding the Teen Center and room rental, visit http://www.pleasanthillrec.com, or call 925-682-0896.
In just one month, we have signed up over 1,300 members, with over 250 of those being NEW members,” she said. The facility is equipped with a library, computer lab, dance studio, banquet room, bocce ball courts and more. The membership fee is $12 per year and members must be 50 years of age or older to join. “We’re so excited to continue to grow the senior programs in Pleasant Hill and share our new home with everyone,” continued Luke. The Senior Center is located at 233 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill. For more information, call 925-798-8788 or visit the website at: www.phseniorcenter.com.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
February 2013
Page 11
Pleasant Hill Senior Activities
Martinez Senior Activities
233 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788
818 Green St. (925) 370-8770
Feb. 12 - Mardi Gras Social 3-5pm. If you weren’t able to make it to New Orleans this year, don’t worry! Let us fill your wine glass with some wonderful wine selections (nonalcoholic available). Appetizers will be served. Sponsored by The Chateaus of Pleasant Hill. $10/ $15 non-members. Tickets sold at the door based on availability. Senior Center Dining Room. Feb. 14 - Valentine’s Dance 2-4pm. Grab your valentine or some friends and dance the afternoon away! Live music, light refreshments and loads of fun. Dance partner is not necessary! $11 presale/ $15 at the door, Senior Center Chateau Room. Feb. 20 - Will My Kids Ever Grow Up? - 1pm FREE! Explore the ways in which parenting adult children impacts your life. Fran Rapoport of Discovery Counseling Center of San Ramon Valley will share tips on how to be a parent to your grown children. Senior Center Classroom. Mar. 3 - Pancake Breakfast - 9-11am. Our monthly pancake breakfast is back! Enjoy a stack of pancakes with eggs, sausage and orange juice. Adults (11&up) $5, Children (5-10) $3, 4 & under free. Senior Center Chateau Room.
Dine to Raise Dollars! February 21st, 5 – 8pm
After the enormous success of our Tahoe Joe’s fundraiser last year, we’re happy to announce another opportunity to enjoy dinner while helping out the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. This time it’s even easier! Simply visit http://www.pleasanthillrec.com/FunRaiserFlyer.pdf or stop by the new Senior Center (233 Gregory Lane) and pick one up and bring it to our local Sweet Tomatoes (at 40 Crescent Drive) on February 21st for dinner (between 5—8pm) and 15% of your bill will come back to Pleasant Hill Senior Center! So mark your calendars now and we’ll see you there! REMEMBER: YOU MUST BRING THE FLIER THAT NIGHT!
Care Patrol Housing For Seniors
“Helping Families Make Safe Choices” Helping families find Assisted Living Options We have reviewed and met ALL of our Communities We will tour clients to recommended communities, from 6 resident homes to communities of 200
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For more information call 925-808-1578
Feb. 10 - Pancake Breakfast 8am – 11am. This delicious breakfast includes pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Cost: $3.50 for Adults/$2 for Children 10 and under. Handmade crafts, perfect for gifts, will be on sale during the breakfast. Mar. 8 - AARP Driver Safety Refresher Course 11– 4pm with a 30-minute break. This oneday 4.5-hour course is for anyone who has taken the 8-hour AARP Driver Safety Training in the past four years. Either course qualifies you for a mature driver discount with your auto insurance company. (Please check with your insurance agent for details.) Fee: $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Make checks payable to “AARP” and give to the instructor the day of class. Call the Martinez Senior Center office (925) 646-2598 to register. Mar. 22 – Vagabond Players Present Agatha Christie’s “The Unexpected Guest.” Doors open at 1pm; performance begins at 1:30pm. The Vagabond Players bring this “whodunit” play to our center; don’t miss the fun trying to solve this murder mystery. Stranded and lost in the fog, Michael Starkwedder stumbles onto a foggy estate in Wales to discover a man murdered and everyone in the household a suspect. Will you be able to guess who did it? Just when you think you’ve solved the murder, Miss Christie pulls her almighty knockout punch and produces one of her famous surprise endings. Cost: $10 members/$12 non-members. A light buffet will be served after the play. Contact the Martinez Senior Center for tickets: (925) 646-2598.
Specializing in Helping Seniors Find a Home
CarePatrol Contra Costa helps families find assisted living, independent living, memory care and in-home care. We are a free community service and would like the opportunity to work for your family. As certified senior care advisors, we look beyond chandeliers and fancy lobbies and review each community’s care history so we can recommend only the safest options. CarePatrol completes thorough Care Discovery reports on different communities and then recommends pre-screened locations that best meet your geographical, financial and care needs. After reviewing care and violation histories, we coordinate and accompany you on tours to facilities that meet your needs, much like a realtor shows families new homes. We are with you every step of the way to provide local expert counsel, guidance and reassurance until your senior living decision is made. After your decision, we stay in contact with you and your loved one to make sure everything continues smoothly. As senior care advisors, we help you better understand care options like assisted living, independent living, a nursing home or in-home care. We help define the financial requirements for each type of care and help identify government
Jim and Jackie Winkel, CarePatrol
and state aid programs. CarePatrol is the National Senior Placement Franchise leader and has offices across the nation. Each CarePatrol franchise is independent and locally owned. CarePatrol Contra Costa specializes in housing communities in Northern Contra Costa county. All recommended facilities in our registry have been personally visited by Jim & Jackie Winkel, the CarePatrol franchise owners. Call us with your questions and let us help you find the safest home for your loved one. For more information please contact JackieWinkel@CarePatrol.com or call 925.808.1578.
Page 12
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
February 2013
Read My Mind ©
Winter of the World by Ken Follett If you’re an avid reader like me, you can’t wait for the next book by one of your favorite authors. That’s the way I feel about Ken Follett. I’ve been a big fan since his early spy thrillers, Eye of the Needle and The Key to Rebecca. Follett became an even more engaging author with two novels set in medieval England, Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. It’s not often an author can switch genres as effortlessly as Follett does. In these books, he shows a knack for vividly tracing history with fictional characters that matter. He continues this style with his new Century Trilogy. After reading the first book of the trilogy, Fall of Giants, I could hardly wait for the second book, Winter of the World. I read it as soon as it came out. I was not disappointed. Winter of the World is a meaty pageturner at almost 1000 pages with dozens
Book Reviews by Michael G. Harris, OD of interesting characters. ThankWar II, and the beginning of the fully, Follett lists them and their Cold War. He places his characters relationships at the beginning of at pivotal points in history so you the book. Please don’t be discourcan experience them with these aged by the size or complexity of enduring and indelible individuals. the book. The time taken to read it Who can resist characters as is well worthwhile. engaging as young Woody Dewar, Here, Follett tracks the next the son of a prominent United generation of the five interconStates Senator who finds himself nected families we first met in Fall at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day of Giants - the American Dewars, the Rusin 1941, or Carla Von Ulrich, a young nurse sian and American Peshkovs, the English who risks everything in Nazi Germany to Fitzherberts, the German Von Ulrichs, and help overthrow that evil regime? And then the Welsh Williams. Follett sets up the charthere’s Lloyd Williams, illegitimate son of acters and events in Winter of the World so an English Lord and his maid Ethyl, who you can relish the book in all its grandeur, volunteers to fight in the Spanish Civil War. without having read Fall of Giants. NeverAnd I haven’t even mentioned the members theless, I recommend reading Fall of Giants of the Peshkov family, the beautiful Amerifirst, if possible. can social climber Daisy and her cousin, the Follett uses these fictional characters cunning Russian spy Volodya. and their interrelationships to trace world Follett brings the Spanish Civil War history during the Great Depression, World alive through the eyes of Lloyd Williams. I
The Focus Hits Chile
felt the attack on Pearl Harbor when Woody and his fiancée are caught in the surprise assault. I suffered with Carla and her family as the Nazis come to power in Germany and inflict unspeakable horrors on innocent people. I endured the bitter Russian winter as the Red Army tries to defend Moscow against the German onslaught. I felt proud when Lloyd and Woody exhibit unbelievable valor in the face of mortal combat. Yes, a really good author can do that when he paints vivid and authentic characters with which you can empathize. Isn’t that what you want when you buy a novel? Follett did that for me in his previous books and he does it again in Winter of the World. If you relish good fiction as much as I do, read any Ken Follett book. But make sure you don’t miss Winter of the World. And now, I can hardly wait for the final book of this trilogy. It promises to be another really great read.
Suzanne Looker Joins Pacific Union International
Suzanne Looker, “Your Pet Friendly Realtor,” has joined the Lafayette office of Pacific Union International. Suzanne comes with a passion for animals through her long term volunteer activities at ARF (Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation) and general animal advocacy. Suzanne is an experienced realtor with a corporate trained background as a regional manager and is able to utilize her organizational and negotiating skills in favor of her clients. She currently stands on committees for the Martinez and Walnut Creek Chambers and is an active member of the Lafayette Chamber. Having lived in Piedmont, Oakland, Berkeley and Contra Costa County, Suzanne is able to assist her clients in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Most recently, Suzanne was awarded Diablo Magazine’s Five Star Award for Real Estate Agent 2012 in the San Francisco Bay Area. This select group represents less than 2% of Realtors and is awarded based on the highest overall score of client satisfaction. Suzanne can be reached by cell at (925) 917-9070 or email, Suzanne.Looker@pacunion.com. I’VE MOVED!!! Same Great Service Throughout the East Bay Area with an Office in Lafayette Predictions are that 2013 will be the Year of the Seller. Home values are increasing and interest rates are still historically low for your buyers. What is holding you back from upsizing, downsizing, investing or just investigating where to go from here? I’m available to assist you with all your real estate needs. Ask me what I can do to make the move easier for you and your 4 legged family members! :KDW LV \RXU KRPH ZRUWK" ,·P MXVW D SKRQH FDOO DZD\ WR ÀQG RXW. Suzanne Looker
Pleasant Hill Mayor Michael Harris and his wife Dawn Block recently visited Chile and Argentina. In addition to experiencing the scenic wonder of Iguaza Falls and hiking on the Moreno Glacier, they shared the Community Focus with a few of the 900,000 penguins they met.
‘Your Pet Friendly Realtor’
925.917.9070 suzanne.looker@pacunion.com DRE# 01440575
PacUnion.com
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
February 2013
Page 13
CORKS AND FORKS
Pair Up Chinese New Year This year Chinese New Year will begin on February 10 all over the world in countries with significant Chinese populations, such as Thailand. Pork, a classic protein found in many holiday dishes, is a central theme of this menu and is a delicious and cost effective way to kick-off your new year. I found a recipe for Pork Lettuce Wraps that I consider one of the most authentic recipes I have ever made. The dipping sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, sour and spicy. The flavor of the caramelized garlic is excellent. You can even double the recipe and serve it as an entrée.
With La Sommelierre Maria Terry different from the Nouveau Beaujolais that Choose a wine that is fruit forward, arrives once a year in November. These are like an off-dry White Zinfandel. The fruit serious wines with complexity and weight. flavors will be intensified by the umami The Gamay grape is known for its bright flavors of the pork and fish sauce. The slight raspberry and strawberry flavors, and when sweetness in the wine will create a nice you combine this with the rustic leather cooling effect on the spice from the chilies. and dark earthiness often found in French Asian Pork Tenderloin is the star of wine, you get a nice balance of fruit and your main course. It is very easy to make earth that will harmonize and complement and you can add white or fried rice along the soy and Worcestershire in the meat with steamed sugar snap peas for a commarinade. Each of the ten Cru Beaujolais plete plate. This recipe can handle a wine (e.g., Fleurie, Morgon, etc.) has its own with a bit of depth, but would still benefit personality, but they should all work well. from lighter tannins due to the slight heat. If you prefer your wines closer to home, Consider a Cru Beaujolais. Made from a lighter style Zinfandel from Sonoma or the Gamay grape, Cru Beaujolais is very Mendocino would substitute. Celebrate the end of the meal with a together. Cook in a double boiler, stir ring constantly, until it resembles soft scrambled eggs. Pour into a small casINGREDIENTS serole dish. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar Brown under a broiler. 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon Asian fish Yield: 4 Servings sauce
Thai Coconut Custard INGREDIENTS 1½ cups coconut milk 6 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS Beat coconut milk, eggs, sugar and salt
Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps
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Thai custard that has a delicate sweetness. You will need to seek out a sparkling wine with a touch of sweetness to match. Look for words like Demi-Sec, Doux or Dolce on the label. If you can find a Blanc de Blancs, that is great. Blanc de Blancs literally means White of Whites. It is made from 100% Chardonnay, which often has tropical flavors that pair well with the coconut. Find the recipe for Asian Pork Tenderloin at LaSommelierre.com. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommelierre.com.
1/25/13 10:06 AM
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 3 Thai chilies, very thinly sliced with seeds 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1/2 pound ground or finely chopped pork 2 tablespoons soy sauce Salt and pepper 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup torn Thai basil leaves 1/4 cup torn mint leaves 1/4 cup torn cilantro leaves Boston lettuce leaves, for serving DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, combine lime juice
with 2 tablespoons of the fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, two-thirds of the chilies and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir to dissolve the sugar. In the skillet, heat the oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderately low heat, stirring a few times until golden brown, about 1 minute. Add 1 teaspoon of the sugar and cook for about 20 seconds. Add the ground pork and cook over moderately high heat, breaking up the meat finely, until no pink remains, about 3 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of the fish sauce and soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, add onion, basil, mint, cilantro and the remaining chili. Serve in lettuce leaves and season with the dipping sauce. Yield: 6 servings
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Page 14
February 2013
Kids are All Smiles
Payless Shoe Source launched an international children’s shoe-giving program, Payless Gives™ Shoes 4 Kids, and announced its selected charity partners, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Diablo Valley. The program – implemented in all fifty states, Canada, Puerto Rico and eleven Latin American countries – will give $1.5 million of free shoes to children of families in need this year. On January 23, a group of children served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Diablo Valley participated in a shoeshopping trip at the Payless Shoe Source
store on Center Avenue in Martinez. The children enjoyed shopping and selecting their own pair of free shoes. For many kids accustomed to used and hand-medown shoes, this was their first pair of brand new shoes! The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Diablo Valley is a non-profit organization that “enables all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” To learn more about this organization, visit www.bgcdv.org or call 925-228-3896.
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www.ourcommunityfocus.com
February 2013
music
dance
theater
Cal Performances
Page 15
Five Key Vitamins
2012–2013 SeaSon
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From the Ground Up
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Made possible in part by the Macquarie Group Foundation.
By Jason Olson, Grocery Outlet, Pleasant Hill other problems. Citrus fruits, cantaloupe, Everyone knows that vitamins are essential to good health, so here’s a quick look strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and cabbage are good sources of Vitamin C. at five key vitamins that should be part of Vitamin D is essential for strong bones your everyday diet. and teeth, and helps your body absorb Vitamin A helps us see in dim light calcium. A lack of D can cause weak bones, and at night. It’s part of the maintenance of while too much D can cause loss of appetite healthy skin, hair, bone growth, and teeth. and weight, nausea, headache, or depresA lack of A may cause disorders like night sion. Vitamin D can be found in fish liver blindness and dry skin. Vitamin A can be oil, egg yolks, milk and other dairy prodfound in eggs, milk, carrots, spinach, sweet ucts. Get some sun: your body will produce potatoes, fish oil, liver, butter, broccoli, D when exposed to sunlight. apricots, nectarines, and cantaloupe. Vitamin E is essential for the inhibi Vitamin B is a complex of vitamins tion of oxidation in body tissues, and the like: B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, and folic acid. formation of red blood cells. A shortage They help your body make protein and of E can cause cancer, diabetes, heart and energy. A lack of B can cause cracked lips, Alzheimer’s disease. E is found in grains, weak muscles, affect normal growth or leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks, disturb the nervous system. B is found in leafy green vegetables, seafood, beans, peas, nuts, bread, cereals and seeds. Jason Olson is the owner/operator of citrus fruits, grains, poultry, meats, and Grocery Outlet Pleasant Hill (along with dairy products. his wife Kathy.) He loves wine and is more Vitamin C gives structure to bones, than happy to share his recommendations cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. A deficiency of C affects skin; bleeding in gums, at pleasanthill@groceryoutlet.com, or at (925) 676-3660. easy bruising, and pain in joints, among PAID ADVERTORIAL
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Page 16
HOME TEAM
Laura Gordon Continues Soccer Career
By Chuck Nan Cumming, Georgia. Scott and Vicky Former Alhambra soccer star Laura Gordon, Laura’s parents, also made the Gordon was part of the 2012 UC San trip east. Diego (UCSD) Women’s Soccer team Gordon transferred to UCSD after a that fell just short of an eighth national stop at USF. For the Lady Dons, Gordon title this past season. The Tritons,17-3-4 played only eleven matches and started overall, fell in a narrow 1-0 game to the University of West Florida in the National seven. She scored three goals and added an assist before an injury ended her only Championship game on December 1 in season at USF. The first goal of her colEvans, Georgia. legiate career was a game-winner off a Despite the loss, the women’s soccer team is the only UCSD squad this season header in the 73rd minute. A 2009 graduate of Alhambra, to earn a conference title. After ending Gordon was named 2008-09 DFAL Most regular season play with a nice 17-2-3 Valuable Player, 2nd-Team in 2006-08 record and earning the CCAA South and Honorable Mention in 2005-06. In Division title, the Tritons took the tourall, she logged 56 goals and 47 assists in nament championship with a penalty88 starts for the Bulldogs. She hopes to kick win over Sonoma State to nab the enter law school next fall. automatic bid. Gordon played in 23 games this sea Advancing to the NCAA Division son, starting four. She notched one goal II West Regional, the Tritons continued and three assists. to take down higher-ranked opponents On the Lady Tritons, Gordon is on the national stage en route to earnjoined by Pleasant Hill resident and 2011 ing UCSD head coach Brian McManus’ College Park graduate, Michelle Yasutake. 314th career win. The 26-year tenured Michelle, majoring in Environmental coach currently holds the record as the Engineering, has earned the starting posiwinningest coach in Division II history. At the Division II finals, former Martinez tion as an outside back playing just about every minute of all games (but the senior residents Mark and Susan Waterman day game) including several double over came out in support of Laura, driving time matches for 110 minutes. three hours from their new home in
CP Alumni Game
Lady Falcon soccer players, both past and present, met December 22nd to play in an Alumni soccer game at College Park. The Alumni players wore special white CPHS Alumni jerseys that they were allowed to keep as a gift from this year’s varsity team. The fun-filled game included some rain, lots of laughs and good-natured ripping between both teams. After the game the players and spectators were treated to a beautiful holiday double rainbow. No score was kept.
February 2013
The Power of Brauer Joey Brauer, a junior a College Park, is the consummate soccer player. As a midfielder on the varsity team, Joey has scored 5 goals thus far, and one of them has become legendary among the College Park soccer community and beyond. His amazing bicycle kick goal on January 10 lead to a 2-1 win over Clayton Valley Charter High School. “The goal was a jaw-dropper. It caught me by surprise and I’m just happy I managed to get the video footage,” said Falcon parent Brad Holst. The goal was not an accident, but the result of considerable training and determination. “I practice bicycle kicks at almost every practice. This is the first one I have scored in a game though,” said Brauer, who’s favorite professional soccer
players are Xavi Hernández and Anrdés Iniesta from FC Barcelona. What’s amazing is that last season Brauer was out with an injury. “Last year Joey broke his collar bone and was out for most of the season. As you can see that injury has not slowed him down,” said varsity coach Sandy Jones. With 21 games played so far, the varsity record is 10 wins, 7 losses and 4 ties. The final Varsity game of the season will be an away game on Tuesday, February 5 against Clayton Valley Charter High School. To see Brauer’s goal, follow the link to the Youtube bicycle kick on the College Park Boys’ Varsity webpage: www.cpboysvarsitysoccer.com.
College Park Varsity soccer player, Joey Brauer #9, is up against players from James Logan High School during the December 29 game. Photo credit: Conrad Rowling.
RUSH Takes Championship
MPHFC RUSH battled rain, sleet, and very cold weather to win the Girls U13 Bronze 2 State Cup Championship. The championship, combined with the NorCal Silver 1 League Championship and the Dublin Shamrock Tournament championship, capped a very successful inaugural season for RUSH!
Pictured: Front Row: Kendall Capolungo, Annie Klopstock, Sophie Riker, Kally Cunningham, Payton Wallahan, Ashley McClearnen and Kenzie Lyall. Back Row: Lauren Renner, Miriam Ramstad, Hannah Eales, Caitlin Logan, Julia Quontamatteo, Jordan Davis, Jenna Stefanski and Abigail Burns.
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February 2013
Page 17
HERITAGE SOCCER CLUB “Talk with your feet‌ Play with your heartâ€?
2013 HERITAGE TRYOUTS ~ COLLEGE PARK HS Boys/Girls U13 (including Crush) ~ Feb 9 11:30-1:30 & Feb 10 1-2:50 Boys/Girls U14 ~ Feb 9 2-4 & Feb 10 3:15-5:15
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Competitive Soccer Program for Girls & Boys U8-U18
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Page 18
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February 2013
20th Annual Teen of the Year Award Nominees
Two teens were nominated for the 2012 Teen of the Year at Pleasant Hill’s 42 Annual Community Awards Night. Both deserve recognition for their volunteerism and dedication to making their community a better place to live. Helena Encarnacion-Strand (winner) has been a member of the Pleasant Hill Teen Council since 2009 and is currently serving as its Chair. As such, she has demonstrated excellent leadership and motivational skills by involving the Teen Council in many community events such as the Youth Summit, Relay
for Life and the grand opening of the Teen Center. She is an articulate spokesperson for her peers and has represented the Teen Council at public events and meetings. At College Park, Helena is a member of the Interact Club, which is the service club of Pleasant Hill Rotary for teenagers. As an Interact Club and Teen Council member, she has served on event committees and volunteered hundreds of hours over the past several years to many events in the community. Dakota Valdez is the current
president of the Interact Club at College Park. She has participated in Camp Venture, a program for high school students intending to work in the business community and she has attended Camp Royal, which helps future leaders develop the skills and confidence to lead their Interact Club. Dakota has volunteered her time to
many community activities over the past years including Relay for Life, Salvation Army Toy & Joy Drive, the 2012 Veteran’s Day Breakfast and Pleasant Hill Rotary Events. As a part of Relay for Life since its inception three years ago, Dakota has been responsible for organizing and leading the Fight Back Tent and Luminara Ceremony.
Prom Preview Show Enjoy an afternoon viewing the latest prom fashions worn by members of the Pleasant Hill Teen Council at this year’s Prom Preview Fashion Show. This event will be on Sunday, March 3, from 2-4pm at the new Senior Center in Pleasant Hill. Light refreshments will be served and raffle tickets will be sold for prizes. The proceeds for this fundraising event will benefit the Teen Center furniture fund. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased online at www.pleasanthillrec.com/home/specialevents.html or by calling the Rec and Park office at 682-0896.
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Dakota Valdez
Helena Encarnacion-Strand
Downtown Martinez
Last year’s Pleasant Hill Teen Council.
A High School hAPPy Communication at Alhambra High School is a priority for Principal Nermin Fraser, and keeping up with the latest school news can be found on the newly redesigned website, in the daily bulletin and also on Facebook. Now, to further improve communications, “There’s an app for that!” When contacted by the people at SchoolInfo App several months ago, Principal Fraser welcomed the idea of yet another avenue for the Alhambra community to find and take note of high school news and announcements. The app allows for quick access to all school events through the calendar, including sports schedules and scores, a faculty and staff directory and links to the website and
social media. Students can even use the “assignments” feature to help keep track of project due dates and scheduled exams. Content management has recently been turned over to senior Alex Manuli, who regularly updates not only the new app, but also the school’s Facebook page. Manuli, who is a school site council member, is also an accomplished water polo player and plans to play for Long Beach State University. Principal Fraser has plans for additional communication enhancements in the future and said “If enough kids are interested, I’d like to get a school newspaper off the ground.” The free app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Tickets: $15 ea in advance $20 at the event Includes a tasting glass, wine glass charm, wine tasting passport/map Purchase tickets in advance at these locations, Cash or Check only: AtticChild FUNiture, 653 Main St. Leah’s Closet, 831 Main St. Main Street Martinez, 649 Main St., Suite 106 Purchase tickets with a credit card at www.MainStreetMartinez.org Redeem advanced purchase tickets or buy tickets at the event beginning at 2pm at either these locations: Martinez Gallery, 630 Court St. or Main Street Martinez, 649 Main St.
For more information (925) 228-3577 MainStreetMartinez.org
Saturday February 9th 2pm-5:30pm
Spend a relaxing afternoon strolling the tree-lined streets in downtown Martinez, sipping wine and sampling chocolate at local businesses. Must be 21 years or older to participate. No refunds.
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February 2013
On the Red Team with Chef Anne Burrell
Page 19
Local Doctor Hits Primetime
Dr. Bob Schaefer of Pleasant Hill is a chiropractor and runs a successful weight loss clinic, but recently he took on the unique challenge of being a contestant on Worst Cooks in America. Bob’s wife Charlene, the love of his life, has always taken responsibility for the family cooking during their almost forty-year marriage, but now that their daughter is out of the house, Bob has been hoping to learn his way around the kitchen. Worst Cooks in America, the primetime Food Network hit that turns kitchen zeroes into kitchen heroes, returns for a fourth season with a rematch between undefeated series champion Anne Burrell and culinary master Bobby Flay. Premiering on Sunday, February 17th at 9pm, this season’s fourteen cooking-challenged contestants are split into two teams, one led by Anne and one by Bobby, for a grueling seven-episode competition designed to turn them into competent cooks. A $25,000 grand prize will be awarded to the
Photo courtesy Food Network
winning contestant who has achieved the most successful culinary transformation, along with a victory for their team leader. “Worst Cooks is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these hapless cooks to learn from the best of the best - Anne and Bobby. Their naturally competitive nature and sense of humor in dealing with their team’s mishaps and blunders have made the show an audience favorite,” said Bob
Tuschman, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Food Network. “The culinary transformations are heartwarming and hilarious – viewers will be amazed at just how far the contestants come.” In the season premiere, the fourteen recruits, each nominated by family and friends for their awful cooking skills, are greeted at culinary boot camp by Anne, Bobby and grocery bags of food found in the contestants’ homes. Using their processed, packaged and canned foods to cook their ‘best dish,’ each contestant faces a brutal first tasting and teams are selected. For their first challenge, the teams must create a classic meat and potatoes meal without using a microwave. Anne’s team attempts Seared Pork Chop with Bacon and Grape Port Wine Sauce, while Bobby’s team tries Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom, Mustard and Red Wine Sauce. The contestant with the least successful dish on each team is sent home, while the remaining twelve competitors survive to cook another day. Upcoming episodes feature a fresh fish challenge, a
gelato laboratory road trip and a role reversal where the recruits must teach Anne and Bobby. The series culminates in the finale on Sunday, March 31 at 9pm, when the two remaining contestants prepare a three-course meal for a panel of culinary titans – Andrew Carmellini, Anita Lo and Floyd Cardoz -- who will determine which chef has mentored their recruit to winning status. As a contestant, Bob is limited by what he can reveal until after the show airs, but he did say that preparing his first meal on the show was the most difficult because he’d never cooked a real meal in years. He joked that his cooking skills quickly improved, however, because “when you are at the bottom, there is no place to go but up.” Bob added that this was a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience, particularly because he was taping the show in New York when Hurricane Sandy hit, making him miss his family more than ever. Now that he’s back home, he will leave the cooking to his dear wife Charlene and the restaurants.
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February 2013
HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS On January 12, the 32nd District PTA presented the Reflections Showcase at Alhambra High School. This year’s showcase displayed the projects of five College Park students who worked with the theme, “The Magic of a Moment.” The Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students and is sponsored by the National PTA. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art outside of school projects for fun and experience. Students are encouraged to sub-
Reflections Winners
mit original works of art in the following categories: Dance Choreography; Film Production; Literature; Musical Composition; Photography and Visual Arts. This year, six College Park students submitted projects: Monica Elizondo, 12th grade, literature piece, A Moment that Lasted a Lifetime; Amelia Carlson, 9th grade, photography piece, The Magic of Seattle; Anthony Cannon, 9th grade, photography piece, Mother Nature’s Magical Moments; Savannah Thompson, 11th grade, film piece, The Magic of A Mo-
Pictured are the College Park students that advanced to the 32nd District PTA Reflections Showcase. The winners had their names announced and were awarded a certificate and keepsake necklace. L to R: Amelia Carlson, Monica Elizondo, Savannah Thompson and Jessica Neuman (missing: Taylor Williams). Photo credit: Corrin Canale.
ment; Taylor Williams, 12th grade, choreography piece, Magic; Jessica Neuman, 10th grade, visual arts piece, First Kiss. Five of the six students advanced to the 32nd District Reflections Showcase. “I really enjoyed working on the Reflections project,” said Corrin Canale, Program Chair. “I enjoyed seeing all the different projects the students submitted,
and I am very impressed with the level of talent that our students displayed. I am hoping for more participants next year.” Next year’s theme is “Believe, Dream and Inspire.” For information on the Reflections Program, visit: www.pta.org and click on the “Programs” tab at the top or contact Corrin Canale at ccanale@comcast.net.
Grants Awarded to CP
At the January 8 PTSA meeting, Betty Geishirt Cantrell from the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation presented College Park PTSA with two grant checks. The biology department was awarded $667 with the goal of providing three-dimensional anatomical models as a multi-sensory learning tool for all science students. The second check in the amount of $150 was for a literacy magazine subscription for the creative writing class. The music department was awarded $1,000 with the following goals: expose 4th and 5th graders to the world of instrumental music through music appreciation, learn beginning skills in band and orchestra and interact with CPHS students experienced in instru-
mental music. Funding will be used to purchase student model instruments, music books, sheet music and basic instrumental supplies. The Athletic Boosters was also awarded $750 for the varsity boys’ soccer team to replace their uniforms. The girls’ tennis team was given $1,000 to purchase six tennis court nets for the CPHS tennis courts. Three Chevron grants were also awarded to College Park. Science teacher Janet Spencer was awarded $427.45 to purchase a Functional Human Eye Model; math teacher Janet Evans was awarded $799.99 to purchase a multimedia projector and math teacher Jan Bunten was awarded $758.99 to purchase an HP EliteBook.
Poetry Out Loud
Submitted by Kit Hein, CP Teacher Librarian literary arts to students, a critical need On January 17, students from Colin U.S. schools, according to the NEA lege Park participated in the Second Annual “Poetry Out Loud” competition. report, “Reading at Risk,” which found a dramatic decline in literary reading, Natalie Hill received the title of 2013 especially among young readers. CPHS Poetry Out Loud Champion. Natalie will go on to the Contra Suzannah Thomas was first runner up, Costa County competition, to be held at Dean Engle came in third and Alexthe Las Lomas High School Theatre on ander Hamiter received an Honorable February 9 at 11am. The county compeMention. tition, sponsored by the Arts & Culture Poetry Out Loud is a national arts Commission of Contra Costa County education program that encourages (AC5), is open to all who wish to atthe study of great poetry by offering tend and is free of charge. College Park educational materials and a dynamic families and the Pleasant Hill commurecitation competition to high schools nity are encouraged to attend and supacross the country. Poetry Out Loud competitions start in the classroom and port Natalie in her quest to be a national champion. More information about the continue into the school, county, state, competition can be found at www.poetand national finals, similar to the strucryoutloud.org or http://www.ac5.org/ ture of the spelling bee. The national events-programs/poetry-out-loud. initiative is part of an attempt to bring
Pictured are LtoR: Science teacher Janet Spencer, Principal Paul Gengler, Betty Geishirt Cantrell of PHCF and grant writer, Jo Alvarez.
Donation Drive Results The College Park PTSA raised $9,613 during the November and December 2012 donation drive, with 100% of the funds spent on students. The PTSA supplies laptops, books, supplies, as well as support to the College & Career Center, organic garden, academic and service scholarships and more. All donations are tax deductible. You can go to the PTSA website to see what was purchased last year and what is planned for the 20122013 school year.
February 2013
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Local Woodpeckers By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum pecker! You might want to have your Mylar ribbon (Bird ScareÂŽ) from the eaves home checked for insect damage. The or try Mylar balloons with â&#x20AC;&#x153;predator eyes.â&#x20AC;? woodpecker will continue to drill as long â&#x20AC;˘ RopelÂŽ, a bitter but non-toxic product, as insects are present. may be sprayed on houses, trees or other Acorn woodpeckers drill multiple surfaces. holes about ½â&#x20AC;? across and then pound â&#x20AC;˘ Fake owls or rubber snakes do not work acorns into the holes to store for the winas deterrents. ter. They drill in tree trunks as well as You can help woodpeckers by being barns or other wood structures, often usvery careful when trimming trees. Many ing the same holes for many years. baby woodpeckers are brought into our All woodpeckers are cavity nesters. wildlife hospital every year when their They nest in cavities that they excavate nest is accidentally destroyed. The safest in dead branches or trees. They typically time to prune trees is late fall or early win- nest boxes that are available at many wild birds stores. construct a new nest each year, but may ter, after the babies have flown away and reuse nests if dead trees are scarce. Bebefore the next nesting season. If you can, For more information about Lindsay Wildlife Museum and ways you can help cause dead trees are often removed in citleave dead tree limbs or snags for woodwildlife, visit www.wildlife-museum.org. ies and suburbs, potential nesting sites are peckers to live in or hang woodpecker at a premium, so woodpeckers may use your house instead. If woodpeckers are drilling into your By Robert W. Konkle, Founder & CEO, Village Center for the Arts home, there are several deterrents that On December 9, 120 courageous and of people acknowledging their accommay work. plishments looks like.â&#x20AC;? Students are also talented Village Music School students â&#x20AC;˘ Try covering a problem area with a performed to an appreciative audience of coached to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud of myself,â&#x20AC;? as heavy, slippery plastic. they bow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I run through this as a part of proud parents, friends and families at St. â&#x20AC;˘ Hang two-to three-foot long pieces of Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebration Center. It was truly the rehearsal. Getting a room full of kids to yell out, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud of myself!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the a special day, where students received best part of my job!â&#x20AC;? round after round of applause for their hard work, preparation and excellent per- â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our students did a fantastic job of getting up there and courageously sharing formances. with the world all the musical skills and Performers of all ages played a varitools they have been studying!â&#x20AC;? said Exety of instruments including piano, ukuecutive Director, Liz Beggs. lele, electric guitar, drums, saxophone, The venue was St Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebraflute, bass, acoustic guitar, and clarinet. Hillcrest sees years of love tion Center, a large spacious hall with Several students performed original mahigh ceilings and floor-to-ceiling winterial they composed with their teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and loyalty ahead dows that provide a cascade of natural guidance. A proud parent noted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The kids get to see each other play for onceâ&#x20AC;Ś. light. The building served as a charming environment to capture the essence of a all of the different instruments, ages and live performance and the celebration of skill levels, this is just great!â&#x20AC;? creative progress. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Performance speaks directly to the CONGRATULATIONS to all Village positive and rewarding results of pracMusic School students who participated tice, and it takes courage,â&#x20AC;? said Robert W. in the recital! The Village Center for the Konkle, Founder & CEO of Village CenArts team would like to wish everyone a ter for the Arts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Performing and playing Happy and Healthy 2013! music should be fun! The most impor Village Center for the Arts is locattant thing is that students are staged for ed at 1720 Linda Dr. Pleasant Hill, CA success, and having a successful associa94596. VillageCenterForTheArts.org | tion of their experience is key!â&#x20AC;? Robert went on to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;During recit- 925-676-8400 HILLCREST VETERINARY HOSPITAL al rehearsals, I tell students to look at the 2C@ÂąCJNKDO<GÂąRDOCÂąOC@ÂąA<HDGTÂąOJP>C audience applauding them; they earned +PTFQI " 5IJCFEFBV %7. t -PVJTB . "TTFP %7. it and should remember what a room full 925-676-1909
There are eight species of woodpeckers found in the Bay Area. The most common species are Nuttallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Downy, Acorn, and Northern Flicker. Woodpeckers are easy to identify; usually they are distinctively marked with black and white feathers, often with red on their head. They have strong claws, short legs and stiff tails that enable them to easily climb and cling to trees in search of food. They use their strong, sharp bills to drill holes and look for insects or sap; drill larger holes to store acorns; create nesting cavities, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;drumâ&#x20AC;? territorial signals to rivals. Most woodpeckers are solitary except for Acorn woodpeckers, which nest, roost and feed in groups. Woodpeckers drill holes for many reasons. If one is drilling small holes in your eaves, it is foraging for insects and you have a bigger problem than the wood-
State of the Arts
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February 2013
Historic and Beautiful 395 - A Town-by-Town Series Part 1 First Stop: Virginia City Side Trip to the Old West I invite you to travel with me as we journey down Highway 395 from Reno to Lone Pine, what some would call the prettiest avenue ever seen. Along the way discover quaint towns, extreme geologic forces, tourist destinations, sweeping vistas and a few great food discoveries. Perhaps you will be inspired to plan a grand adventure of your own down this remarkable and historic highway. To help you plan your trip, spend some time researching travel websites and bring along a good map, even if you have a navigation system. I had good fortune using www.TripAdvisor.Com to learn about restaurants, places to stay and points of interest along the way. Additionally, I strongly recommend having good maps such as those provided by AAA or “Hwy 395, Carson City to Lone Pine,” available from Amazon.com. Although there are a number of high Sierra passes that will connect you with Hwy 395, they are often closed in winter (Hwy 89 Monitor Pass, Hwy 108 Sonora Pass or the Hwy 120 Tioga Pass). I recommend you begin in Reno. The Eastern Sierra is rugged country; roads demand you plan for extremes in weather, environment and altitude. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, warm clothing (even in summer), strong shoes, well-running vehicles with top notch brakes and transmissions and, most importantly, awareness of your health concerns as altitude
Story and Photos by Christopher Vardas gains are sometimes rapid and sunshine at 9,000 feet is very unforgiving. It is important to note that cell towers are few and far between, so cell phone coverage can be unreliable. Let’s begin the journey just outside of Reno, Nevada, in one of the area’s most charming tourist destinations. From Hwy 395 south bound, take highway 341 to venerable Virginia City, the grand dame of late 1800’s silver mining and Mark Twain tales. The curvy road quickly ascends above Reno. As you ascend, take a moment at the overlook pullout to appreciate the climb and vista of the Reno valley. Virginia City is perched on a hill; the streets above cascade down in steps, visitors a chance to glimpse the history of each level a new lettered street. Aside people who called the area home. If time from a few modern homes clinging to the permits, take a walk through the Mahillsides, the view sonic and adjoining quickly changes grounds; from here from suburban chic you will get an idea to 19th century anof how people lived, tique. Homes with a whether they were modicum of frill and rich, poor, or posifancy, leaning walls tioned and had famand sagging decks ily or not. The view and tired but proud from the cemetery storefronts, confront hillside will give you one another face to a good sense of the face in an endless town’s spread, the duel to survive the surrounding geogramodern world. phy, vegetation and “C” Street is mining way of life. your entry point into town. At the north Reservations are highly recommended end and below are the cemeteries, placefor motels and B&B’s, especially on weekholders of memory that offer respectful ends and popular travel months. A quiet, early morning stroll into town before the crowds arrive adds to the ambience and character of the place. Along the way you find many buildings built in the latter 1800’s, still in character and lovingly preserved “the way it was.” This walk into town is a lesson in Victorian architecture, filigree ornamentation and “whatever works.” Collapsed stone walls, uneven plank boardwalks, tall window and doorframes and sagging wood structures echo Virginia City’s past-itsprime look and feel. Good family attractions include the mine tour, gold panning experience, a ride on the Virginia and Truckee Railroad and costumed western-
theme photo shops. Slow down, sashay or saunter down the boardwalk while you imagine jingling spurs, gingham dresses and a stagecoach pulling into town. Though only a few blocks long, the town is full of interesting, entertaining storefronts and historic sites best enjoyed at a slow pace. For dinner, locals referred us to the Cafe Del Rio (south end of town); the continental menu, specials of fish, steak, chicken and Mexican plates were beautifully prepared and priced fairly. The next morning, we ate at the Virginia City Coffee House and enjoyed our breakfast sandwiches and good coffee outside so we could absorb the panoramic view of the Washoe Valley and parade of horses walking loose down the main street. Stand on the edge of “C” street, look east, and contemplate the rugged, never-quitefinished look of the town: the spire from the Catholic Church piercing the skyline, the barely visible painted signs on the walls of old buildings, the windswept barren hills, and the sense that there are ghosts still roaming the area, not quite able to give up on the dream that was Virginia City. When you leave, I recommend the drive south out of town to Highway 50 and then west to reconnect to southbound 395. Next month, Bodie- ghost town extraordinaire... View more of Christopher’s photos at www.VardasPhotography.com.
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February 2013
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Is the CinéArts Dome Doomed?
As news spreads of the pending demolition of the CinéArts Theatre (the Dome) in Pleasant Hill, a Facebook page entitled “Save Independent Film and the CinéArts Dome in Pleasant Hill” has been created to save the historic theatre from demolition and redevelopment into a Dicks Sporting Goods store. Built in 1966,
with a giant curved screen, the Dome shows both independent and commercial films. Pleasant Hill resident Kelly St. Germain said, “CinéArts has done an excellent job of adapting the Dome to the marketplace. High quality movies are playing there all the time. Even during
School Writing Contest By Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff Middle school students all over Con- guidelines for our contest and details of our workshop. Deadline for this year’s tra Costa County are preparing for the contest: April 1! annual Young Writers Contest. Since 1995, the California Writers Club, Mount In addition, our Young Writers Program has been awarded a grant from the Diablo Branch, has offered cash prizes Leroe Foundation to place authors in loand certificates to students for their writcal classrooms. If you are a principal or ing. What started with thirty entries teacher who would like a free writing from the Mount Diablo School District workshop at your school, tell us why by has grown to include every Contra Costa e-mailing youngwriters@mtdiablowritschool that reaches sixth, seventh and eighth grade school students in our coun- ers.org and you will get a fabulous poetry or short story writing workshop for your ty. students. Last year we received over 500 entries and awarded 24 prizes in the catego- Finally, if you are an adult who enjoys writing and/or reading, the Mount ries of short story, poetry and personal Diablo Branch of the California Writnarrative. We bestow $100 to first place winners, $50 for second, and $25 for third ers Club meets the second Saturday of every month at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant place winners in each category and in in Pleasant Hill. We listen to speakers each grade. In addition, there are numerdiscuss their books and the publishing ous honorable mentions. First, second and third place winners world. We are open to the public as long and their parents and teachers are invited as you send us your reservation ahead of time. Visit us online at http://mtdiablowto the awards banquet held in May at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant in Pleasant Hill. This riters.org/. year, the event will be held on May 11 and Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff is a author Mike Jung is our featured speaker. Pleasant Hill resident and author. She gives writing prompts for students and If you have a middle school student or adults on her blog and answers questions know of one, please visit: about writing and the publishing world. http://mtdiablowriters.org/youngWrithttp://lizbooks.wordpress.com/ ers.html to discover the complete writer’s
the day, many auditoriums are full. Not only is the theatre nostalgic, but economic factors make the Dome a valuable site for Pleasant Hill. Two Sports Authorities, Sport Chalet, Sports Basement, REI, and Any Mountain are located within a few miles of each other. Dicks will fail or will force its competitors to. There is no
value there.” Ideas to save the site from demolition include registering the Dome as a California historic site. A petition has been created on Change.org by Supporters of the CinéArts Dome. The plan is to deliver it to SyWest Development and the city planner of Pleasant Hill in the coming weeks.
Soroptimist International of Martinez and Soroptimist International of 24-680 are holding a Crab Feed and Silent Auction at the Oakwood Athletic Club in Lafayette on Saturday, February 9 beginning at 5:30pm. Tickets are $45.00 per person and must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. For tickets or additional information contact Gay Gerlack at 925.228.6717 or ggerlack@aol. com. Soroptimist is an international organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Over 80,000 soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community–based and international projects that benefit women and girls. The name Soroptimist means “best for women,” and that’s what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best. Soroptimist members belong to local clubs, which determine the focus of vol-
unteer work for their communities. Club projects include renovating domestic violence shelters, providing mammograms to low-income women, and sponsoring self-esteem workshops for teenage girls. In addition, soroptimists participate in organization-wide programs including: the Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards, Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls, the Soroptimist Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence, the Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award and Soroptimists STOP Trafficking. Soroptimist also sponsors Live Your Dream.org, an online community empowering offline volunteer action. The self-motivated network is made up of people who wish to support women and girls in their quest to lead better lives while gaining inspiration in their own lives. Members of the free online community work on topics such as women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women, human trafficking, and more. They also have access to inspirational articles, tips, and blogs that can help them live their own personal dreams.
For twenty years, Star Quest of Pleasant Hill has brought amazing performances from our youth to the community. The committee is now planning the show for 2013 and encourages school-age children to audition. Since Star Quest began in 1992, its intent has been to provide a positive program where young people of Pleasant Hill, grades K through 12, could showcase their artistic and theatrical talents. Last year, Star Quest celebrated its 20th anniversary with an amazing show that included special performances from the past twenty years and several past Star Quest vets.
The show this year is on April 20 and 21 at DVC theatre. Applications are now available at local schools, the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Office, and at Pleasant Hill City Hall. If you are a singer, dancer, musician, comedian, magician, etc., pick up an application and submit it to the Recreation & Park District Office at 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Auditions will be held in early February for those applying. For further information, call Pleasant Hill Rec at 682-0896 or the show’s producer, Jim Nunes, at 689-2249. Star Quest is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill.
Support Soroptomists
Seeking Performers
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February 2013
In the Mix By Paul Cotruvo, Cover2Cover but it really kicked in about age1415, when I got my first electric guitar. From then on it’s been a part of me. PC: How old were you when you had your first paid gig and where was it?” CB: What? You mean we can get paid for this? It was no doubt some backyard high school party over on the peninsula around Menlo Park when I was a 17-18. We played a LOT of gigs back in the day, all throughout San Mateo County. PC: Who are some of your influences? CB: There are many, but the main ones are the Stones, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Replacements and lots of old blues guys. To this day I’m still influenced by come to the call to help others without the artists I listen to or other musicians hesitation is amazing. Meeting new I play with. There’s always something people and hearing as well as playing new to learn - I often hear or see things with them at open mics or various gigs. I then copy from beginners as well as Hooking up with the group of people seasoned pros. I play with now in GLR and RockingPC: I know you perform in many difhorse - both the full time members and ferent formats. What is your favorite: the part-time subs - I’m having a blast duo, trio or full band, and why? at this point in time making noise with CB: I think with the duo it’s easy to try these folks. new things and it provides the most PC: What are your views of the music freedom to explore things, but the full scene here in Contra Costa? band (GLR plus the Horny Boiz), when CB: There’s an amazing amount of it’s all coming together, is my current talent in the area, but fewer and fewer favorite. GarageLand Rodeo and Rockvenues. I wish there were more places inghorse, to an extent, often allow the like Armando’s - venues where the material to go where it wants, to live and breath on its own in rehearsals and performance. I find, when all the musi There is a new twist to Pleasant cians are really listening to each other Hill Rotary Club’s popular St. Patrick’s and exploring a bit, things really gel. Day event and you won’t want to miss PC: What have been some of your fait! vorite moments in your career so far? Pleasant Hill Rotary will host CB: The feeling I get from the various their St. Patrick’s Day celebration and benefit shows I’ve been a part of are fundraiser at the new Pleasant Hill the most moving. The willingness of all Senior Center on Saturday, March 16 these great musicians I’ve been fortuat 6pm. This year’s event will be an nate to meet and work with who have Irish themed cocktail party with an allyou-can-eat food court so guests can mingle, eat, and drink at their leisure. February 7: Chris Cain Band, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm. During this extended cocktail party February 7: GarageLand Rodeo, The Round-Up, 3553 Mt. Diablo Blvd-Lafayette, 9pm. there will be silent auction items and February 15: Come Together Benefit Concert featuring: Tender Mercies, Jim Caroompas an “Instant Wine Cellar” - 48 bottles of & The Sisters of Mercy, The Bell Brothers, Cover Story, Dan DeShara, The Ro-Duo, Liz Lewis and Fiona and Deirdre Nelis, Pleasant Hill Senior Center 233 Gregory Lane, 7:30pm. wine to be won by a single raffle winFebruary 16: Lumberyard, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm. ner! There will also be raffle prizes and February 23: The Rowan Brothers, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm. a live auction. Tickets are $45.00 per February 23: Sin Silver, Rocco’s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd Walnut Creek, 8:30pm. person.
This area is filled with such amazing musical talent; it sure makes my job of sharing it with you easier. But not only is it about the talent, it is about using this talent for the betterment of our community. One such humanitarian is Chris Bryant. Chris, also known as “cb” or “CH’Bodi,” is a huge believer in local community involvement and recruiting other musicians to volunteer their time and talent for various causes – and just for keeping live music alive! Some of his recent accomplishments are raising money for Toys for Tots and the Martinez Relay for Life. Chris also co-hosts an open mic every Thursday at Roxx on Main in Martinez. He is a true believer in the power of music, and feels everyone should have a voice. Cb has been playing guitar and making music since he was in his teens. He is the founding member of GarageLand Rodeo, a local band which plays cover tunes in their own musical style. Or, as he puts it, “the belief that there are only two kinds of music in the world, the kind you like and the kind you don’t.” No compromises. He is also a member of Ro-Duo, an acoustic smaller version of “the Rodeo”, featuring the amazing vocalist, Jenny Starmack, and Jay Olson on harmonica. He is also a member of the original band, Rockinghorse. So, it seems time to put him in the limelight to share a little bit of himself. PC: At what age did you decide to become a musician? CB: I’ve always had a love of music,
PAUL’S PICKS FOR FEBRUARY
Chris Bryant, photo by Martinez Bee
music is the focus and not an after thought. PC: If you were a song, what would it be and why? CB: I don’t even know how to answer that...it’s different daily, but I like to think it’d be something that made you take notice and moved you in some positive way... I know, cop out. Come and check out “The Ro-Duo w/ Jay Olson on February 15 for the Come Together #3 event. Check out www.garagelandrodeo.com Quote of the month: “Without music, life would be a mistake.” --Friedrich Nietzsche
St. Patty’s Day Plans?
This year’s event is being held at the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center located on Gregory Lane. Space is severely limited, so contact Jim Bonato to buy or reserve tickets now, 938-5433 or JBonato@aol.com. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available.
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February 2013
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RESTAURANT GUIDE for more information contact us atcontact us at for more please information please
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Page 26
THE GARDEN
Healthy Heart Month of February
Broccoli crowns protrude out of fat emerald stalks and await the slice of a student’s nursery knife to unite with sizzling olive oil and fresh, green garlic, culminating in mouthwatering, palate tickling, steaming bowls of love. No harm is done to any creatures by downing a bunch of fresh grown, organic vegetables. In fact, how apropos a meal for the self-proclaimed Healthy Heart Month of February? As you may have guessed, the organic gardens in our schools, especially College Park High, are teeming with winter crops such as mizuna, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula, red mustard, celery, radishes, onions, garlic, leeks, peas, lemons, and oranges…to name a few. We are fortunate indeed to be able to guide our willing squires through the entire growing process. Seeds and little seedling plants, placed into the warm soil of September and October by the enthusiastic hands of our students, morph into trailing, bushy stalks and trees of edible nourishment for body, heart, soul and mind in the chilly days of late winter. Our students are mesmerized by the Cara Cara orange. It is plucked off a burgeoning tree then peeled and eaten while juice drips down chilly arms gesticulating wildly at the pink flesh of an extremely sweet orange. Turn
By Lesley Stiles your thoughts to ruby, deep-water please!” Satsuma Mandarins, found salmon flesh tones to imagine the inat the Pleasant Hill BART’s Wednesside color of the Cara Cara. Originatday farmers’ market (11am to 6pm, ing at the Hacienda de la Cara Cara in east side of the station) from Ken’s Top Valencia, Venezuela, in the 1070’s, it Notch Organic Produce, are astoundhas only recently burst upon the scene ingly ugly and sweeter than you can of who’s who in citrus land. Tropical imagine. He has sweet tangerines and and richly sexy this winter, citrus is the lovely Cara Cara as well. At all the best eaten peeled and sliced into preyear round farmers’ markets you will cious segments for breakfast by itself find delicious citrus to taste and puror placed into a fruit salad with kiwi chase, helping to maintain that healthy and dried cranberries. For a sophistiheart thing, not just for this month, cated dinner partner, try tossing arubut at least a couple more to come. gula, shaved fennel, dried Italian olives Pommelos, yellow and pink grapefruit, and Cara Cara slices with juice of the blood oranges, tangelos, navels, honey showy Brazilian navel, rice vinegar and tangerines, this list just goes on and very good olive oil. Finish with salt on. Kiwi also are readily available this and pepper and translucent shavings month and taste so good when local of reggiano parmesana. Smooth and and in season that they are more than low in acid, the juice is amazing drizworth the effort to peel. zled into champagne or citron vodka I am sure our resolve to carry on and adds a touch of sweetness and a new beginnings, habits and resolupink glow to the drink as well as the tions decried on the eve of the New mood. Word on the street says this is Year stand as solid as the ice of mida cross with the brash, albeit wonderJanuary on plants and in puddles. No? ful, grapefruit. Not so, and it would be Well guess what? You have another criminal to miss this glorious citrus chance to fulfill! As Healthy Heart ode to winter thinking it so. As you Month moves along for 2013, besides may have guessed, the Cara Cara is a eating right and eradicating junk food farmers’ market find. from your house, your car and off the All citrus is at peak season, bowplanet, one of the healthiest deeds coning market tables and bending branchtrived for the heart and lungs is yours es of local trees everywhere in town. for the doing. One foot in front of the If you see a tree with crazy excess fruit other - almost anyone can walk - no and you want some, go to the door and politely ask if you may pick. Usually the answer is a resounding “Yes shop
Roasted Beet and Orange Salad Ingredients:
4 medium sized beets (I use golden beets when I want color integrity of the dish; red beets tend to color everything in their wake a hypnotizing red hue.) 1 Cara Cara orange 1 blood orange
Directions:
February 2013
1 navel orange 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar ¼ cup crumbled chevre or feta 3 cups assorted salad greens Salt and pepper to taste
Wash beets and remove stem end and root tail. Rub with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place in baking dish, cover and roast at 350º for about 45 minutes to an hour until beets are easily pierced with a knife. Let cool until you can easily handle them. Peel, quarter and slice the quarters about ¼ inch thick. Peel and slice the oranges. Place greens in a bowl. Toss in the beets, oranges and goat cheese. Drizzle remaining olive oil and rice vinegar over. Season with salt and pepper and gently toss to mix all. Serves 4.
College Park students showing off some of the vegetables grown in the organic garden.
charge, no fancy anything, and the rewards are endless. Electrifying sunrises and sunsets, mossy green paths, hawks in flight, people to pass and greet enthusiastically…and at the end, ruddy cheeks encasing a carelessly wide smile. Move it or lose it! Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sustainable caterer and school garden educator. Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@ comcast.net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods.com.
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February 2013
Page 27
IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS • IN FOCUS • IN
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Boydstun Construction was founded in 1986 by my father, Bill Boydstun. Since Dad’s retirement in April 2005, Boydstun Construction continues making client satisfaction a number one priority. Our philosophy has always been a simple one: “We do what we say we’re going to do.” We take pride in every job, no matter how big or small. We dedicate ourselves to our beliefs of honesty, integrity, quality and, most importantly, client
satisfaction. In May 2009, we moved our shop to Martinez. Because of client demand, we expanded our business and opened a beautiful showroom and design center, BCI Cabinet Design. We are authorized dealers of Merillat Cabinetry and Canyon Creek Cabinets, as well as Cambria, Caesarstone and Silestone Counter-
tops. We are proud to have David Brown, a full-time, experienced designer on staff. Showroom hours are Monday through Friday 7am to 4pm and Saturdays 9am to 3pm. Appointments are available outside normal business hours if needed. We are a residential remodel contractor and are skilled in all areas of electrical, plumbing and carpentry. Our remodel expertise ranges from ceiling to floors and everything in between, with a specialization in kitchen and bathroom remodels.
We have the knowledge and experience to guide you through your entire project, from design and product selection through job completion. We have over a thousand satisfied clients. We don’t want to be your one-time contractor; we want to be your contractor for life. We want you to be proud of your choices and thrilled with your project. Call us today, we are here for YOU! 925-370-7070 Jonathan D. Boydstun, President Boydstun Construction, Inc. dba BCI Cabinet Design
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February 2013
Oncology Doctors Exercise Equals Immunity By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates Receive Coveted Award
The Patients’ Choice Award reflects the difference a physician has made in the lives of their patients. The honor is bestowed on physicians who have received near perfect scores as voted by their patients. Of the nation’s 830,000 active physicians, only 5% were accorded this honor by their patients in 2012. Every physician at Diablo Valley Oncology recently received this prestigious award. They are physicians Matthew Sirott, Robert Robles, Jewel Johl, Tiffany Svahn, Gigi Chen, Esther Catalya, Sachin Kamath and Sophia Rahman. These medical oncologists, hematologists and radiation oncologist were rated by their patients on various components of care such as ease of appointment, promptness, courteous staff, diagnosis accuracy, amount of time spent with the patient, bedside manner and follow-up care. They all received the highest scores, a near perfect four star rating by their patients. In fact, the practice has more doctors recognized than any other oncology practice in the area. Dr. Robles, the group’s blood cancer
specialist, has received the award three years in a row. One comment from a patient’s review stated: “Dr Robles explained my blood disease to me in a way I could understand. His medical knowledge and experience really impressed me. I know I am in good hands in his care. I would recommend Dr Robles to my best friend or parents.” Another patient wrote about Dr. Catalya: “The nicest doctor I have ever had. Wonderful lady and smart too!” To view the complete Patients’ Choice “MD report card” profile of each physician, go to: www. patientschoice.org Diablo Valley Oncology is located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. The cancer center is the largest freestanding, nonhospital based facility in Contra Costa County. The center brings together medical oncology, hematology, radiation, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, clinical trials, and supportive care services – all in one convenient location. Satellite offices in Rossmoor, San Ramon, and Brentwood.
Who wants to exercise in this cold weather anyway? The winter days are chilly and it gets dark way too early. Maybe there’s a nasty illness traveling around town and you think you’re getting the sniffles. Although you are inclined to hibernate under warm blankets, exercise may be the extra boost needed to stay healthy during the cold winter months. Age, stress, lack of sleep, and nutrition all impact the immune system. Exercise is often overlooked, but is a wonderful partner in immunity. Have you ever felt like you were getting a cold, but gently worked out anyway? You may have felt better after this exercise and possibly even dodged getting sick. On the opposite spectrum, have you ever worked out aggressively as you were starting to get a cold? After doing this intense exercise, you may have been exhausted and wound up miserSERVING YOUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1990
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ably sick. Moderate exercise (gentle biking, walking, playing golf, etc.) keeps us standing strong against illness. Researchers have various theories about why gentle exercise helps boost immunity. Faster circulation of antibodies and white blood cells through the body targets bacteria and viruses, may help flush bacteria from the lungs, increases body temperature (e.g., a fever may prevent bacterial growth) and slows down the release of stress hormones that break down immunity. While moderate exercise is linked to an increase in immunity, intense exercise (e.g., marathon training, intense gym workouts, etc.) can actually decrease immunity, so finding that happy balance is important. During the winter months, bundle up, wash your hands frequently and get your body moving. You’ll feel warmer, have more energy, happier joints, and your immune system will be ready for the sneezes and runny noses around you. Feeling a sniffle coming on? Check with your doctor then go for a walk.
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Do you have a story for The Focus? Deadline for the March issue is February 15th. Email to info@ourcommunityfocus.com.
February 2013
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Your Waistline Matters By Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath with less prostrate or testicu Did you know your lar cancers. waist measurement is one You Cannot Change Your of the most important risk Height, You Can Change factors to your health? The Your Waist Size World Health Organization What can you do if considers a person’s waistyour waistline is out of proto-height ratio -- the waist portion? Metabolic balance® circumference (in inches) is the answer. An independdivided by height (in inches) -- a more efficient predictor of mortality ent study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism proved that than waist circumference or Body Mass metabolic balance® is an effective proIndex (BMI). gram for weight loss and has a positive Calculate Your Waist-To-Height Ratio: effect on health and personal quality of Waist Circumference in inches life. 62% of people losing 5% of their ÷ Height in inches body weight kept it off after one year. I offer metabolic balance® Pro For women, a waist-to-height ratio gram, a personalized food-based of 0.7 correlates strongly with general nutrition program that is based on a good health, fertility, and less susceptiperson’s unique chemistry. A balanced bility to diseases such as cardiovascular metabolism stabilizes weight, improves disorders, diabetes, PCOS, and certain health, and helps a person’s well-being. cancers. Women with higher waistStart now and take advantage of Give to-height ratios have lower pregnancy rates, regardless of their BMI. Men with Back By Losing Challenge. Call Myra Nissen, CCH at 925.826.3858 or visit waist-to-height ratios of 0.9 have been www.MyraNissen.com. shown to be healthier and more fertile,
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February 2013
Calendar events 2/2 – 2/28 - Jade Fon Painters Exhibit and Tribute to Jade Fon. The Jade Fon Painters are having an exhibit of their paintings and artwork at the Orinda Library Gallery. The exhibit will include a retrospective tribute to the influence, teaching and guidance by Jade Fon, and will include some of his paintings, sketches, art materials, quotes and personal mementos. Please join them at a reception at the Orinda Library Gallery, 124 Orinda Way, Sunday, 2/10 from 2:304:30pm. Admission is free. Library hours: Mon-Thu, 10am-8pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 1-5pm. 2/4 - Stitchers Unite! Valley Stitchers and Fiber Arts Guild will meet at the Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Ln., Pleasant Hill, to watch Jane Belitti present the History of Ballet through costumes. Please arrive before 10am to go through our sales tables full of different arts. Guests are most welcome! For questions, please call Sheila Rogstad at (925) 945-1338. 2/5 - Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club monthly meeting, 7pm. Camellia Room -Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek. Speaker: Mimi Clarke. Topic: A Year in the Garden. Guests are welcome & free. Contact: 925-944-4898, www.phgsc.com. 2/9 – Wine and Chocolate Wine Stroll 2-5pm. Stop in participating stores and restaurants to sample delicious wines and chocolate treats. $15 advance purchase tickets include wine glass, wine charm and passport. Purchase online at http://www. eventbrite.com/event/5146832314 or call 925-228-3577. 2/12, 2/13 & 2/16 - Free College Funding Workshops: Tue. 2/12: 6:30-8pm; Wed. 2/13: 6:30-8pm; Sat. 2/16: 10-11:30am. All workshops will be held in the newly opened Teen Center, 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Offered by Tamura Insurance Services. To register online, go to www.fundsforthefuture.net, call 925-639-8889 or email tracy@tamurainsurance.com. 2/13 - Society of American Magicians Assembly #112 meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Open to all! Round Table Pizza, 2960 Treat Blvd., Concord. Join us this month and learn magic! Contact Fred at (925) 451-1292. 2/16 & 17 - Join Valley Stitchers and Fiber Arts Guild who are participating in a 2-day
workshop on Art Quilt - Free Motion Stitching - Quilt of Mt. Diablo or Vineyards. From 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday at Wooden Gate Quilt Shop in Danville. Cost: $50 payable to VSG; plus quilt kit, payable to the quilt shop (price to be determined). Minimum participants 8; Maximum 10. Must pay to be counted. 2/24 - Contra Costa Camp Fair, 11am – 3pm – 2 gymnasiums filled with camp, preschool, daycare, sports, martial arts, gymnastics, enrichment, performing arts, scouts, family vacations. Free face painting, Radio Disney Crewser, JoJo the Clown, Monster Mural, sports, games. Free Admission. Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd., Lafayette. www.ContraCostaCampFair.com
crab feeds 2/9 –40th Annual Crab Feed jointly sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Lions Club along with the Pleasant Hill Dolfins Swim Team, at the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. All the crab, pasta, and salad you can eat for $50 per person, with door prizes, silent auction, raffles, music and dancing! No Host Bar at 6pm and dinner at 7:30pm. Contact Ken Wombacher at (925) 687-0858 or the PH Recreation & Park District at (925) 682-0896 or any Lion or Dolfin parent for tickets. Come and have a good time and also check out the new Senior Center! 2/16 - Mt. Diablo High School Sports Hall of Fame Annual Crab Feed. Zio Fredo’s 6pm. Music & Dancing. Tickets are $55 per person. All tickets will be held at the door. Reservations required: call Lou Adamo 925-212-9332 or email louadamo@ gmail.com. We hope you can join us! Proceeds go towards helping fund sports programs at Mt. Diablo High.
FPHE Events 5th Anniversary Party - Music by the FOG5! Place and date to be determined. Check website for updates. Dine Out for Education – February/ March restaurant fundraisers. Details available soon at www.fphe.org. 4/28 – 2nd Annual Amazing Race - Visit www.fphe.org in March for details.
AT THE LIBRARY 2/18 - All libraries are closed for Presidents’ Day.
Pleasant Hill: Tuesdays - Doorstep Farmers Pick Up 5-7pm. Sign up with Doorstep Farmers, a local CSA, at www.doorstepfarmers.com. All subscribers will receive a 5% discount for choosing Pleasant Hill Library as their pick-up location. Wednesdays - English Conversation Practice for Adults 1:30-2:30pm. Wednesdays - Mother Goose Storytime 11:15-11:45pm. Ages 0-5. Wednesdays - 2/6 & 2/13 - One-On-One Computer Tutor 11am-12pm & 12-1pm. Set up an appointment for a one-hour, one-onone computer training session with one of the Pleasant Hill Library’s trained computer tutors. Thursdays - Preschool Storytime 11:1511:45am. Ages 3-5. Fridays - Storytime 11:15-11:45pm & 1:151:45pm. Ages 0-3. Fridays - Contra Costa Teen Chess Club 3-5pm. Instruction, friendly matches, and tournaments. All levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring own chess board and pieces. Saturdays - Story Time 11:15-11:45am. Babies, Preschoolers, Kids. 2/7 & 2/21 – Wii Thursdays for teens. 3-4:30pm. 2/9 – One-On-One Computer Tutor 11am4pm. Set up an appointment for a one-hour, one-on-one computer training session with one of the Pleasant Hill Library’s trained computer tutors. 2/12 – Valentine’s Day Family Story Time 6:30-7:30pm for ages 0-11 years. Come dressed in pink of red for songs and stories. 2/13 – Teen Advisory Group (TAG) 3:305pm. Join the TAG to meet with the teen librarian to create fun programs and suggest new resources at the library for you and other teens. Receive volunteer hours for your time. 2/16 – Library Volunteer Orientation 3-4pm. Want to volunteer at the Pleasant Hill Library? Pick up an application and get started with our Volunteer Orientation. 2/19 – PH Book Discussion 6:30-7:45pm. This month we are reading David Brook’s The Social Animal. 2/26 – Cascada de Flores: A Celebration of Song & Traditions of Mexico and Beyond 6:30-7:20pm. This musical group creates a
sound that harkens back to the golden age of song from Mexico and Cuba. They will perform on a variety of guitars and will enchant audiences of all ages with dance and storytelling of their musical traditions. Program is free. For Children’s Programs questions contact Patrick Remer, 925-927-3235 Martinez: Tuesdays – Mother Goose Story and Craft Time 10:30-11:30am. Ages 0-3, includes a story time and a simple craft. Enjoy some early literacy fun at this light-hearted story and craft time designed just for the youngest crowd. Join us as we bounce, tickle, and rhyme our way through the morning! Stories are followed by a simple craft time that will enhance motor skills and creative expression. Ages 6 months through 3 years old. No registration required. 2/5 & 2/19 – Knit and Crochet Class 5:156:15pm. Learn the time-honored arts of knitting and crochet at this 6 week class run by blue-ribbon experts. Materials will be provided free of charge for those under 18 year. Registration is required, so sign up now! 2/9 – 100th Birthday Celebration: A Walk Down Memory Lane 2-4pm. Join us for an afternoon of history and entertainment at the Martinez Library, celebrating the 100th birthday of the Contra Costa County Library. Andrea Blachman, Director of the Martinez Museum will give a presentation on the history of the Martinez Library (founded in 1885). The presentation is followed by refreshments and music by Spinning Wheel. Help us celebrate 100 years of “Bringing People and Ideas Together.” 2/12 – Leung’s White Crane Lion Dancers 6:30-7:30pm. Celebrate the Chinese New Year at this special performance by the renowned dancers. Prepare to be delighted! Rich costumes and astonishing acrobatics define these dancers. Bring a little “lettuce” to feed the lion; start the New Year right! Event for all ages. 3/2 – Early Spring Book Sale 11am-4pm. Friends of the Martinez Library will hold a bag-of-books sale (one bag, $8; two bags, $15). Sale held at lower level of library, 7400 Court Street. All proceeds support library programs. Book discussion group cancelled until 3/12. For Children’s Programs questions contact Lea Stone, Youth Services Librarian, 925646-9900. For Adult Programs questions contact Catherine Oliver Library Assistant, Adult Services (925) 646-9921.
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February 2013
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February 2013
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FPHE Kicks Off 5th Annual Campaign!
5th Annual Campaign Goal: $60,000. It’s an aggressive goal, but with community help, FPHE will reach the goal.
How You Can Help: FPHE suggests a donation of $75 or more, but donations of all amounts are appreciated. Funds raised go to May 2013 school grants. FPHE’s ability to issue grants is heavily dependent on the support of the community. You can donate online at www.fphe.org or to FPHE, P.O. Box 23851, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. Why Give? Strong Schools Benefit You. Strong schools greatly benefit students. They also help increase property values as more homebuyers understand our community’s dedication to supporting local education. Businesses also thrive and grow. Most importantly, strong schools enhance the future of our community.
2013 Campaign events include:
• Fund Drive – FPHE’s appeal to the community to support our schools. • Dine Out for Education – February/March restaurant fundraisers. Details available soon at www.fphe.org. • FPHE’s 5th Anniversary Party - Date and Place to be determined, check website for details . Come dance to FOG5! • The Pleasant Hill Amazing Race – The 2nd annual Amazing Race will take place on April 28. Be sure to join us this year! Visit www.fphe.org in March for details. Since 2009, thanks to community support, FPHE awarded $120,000 to our community’s 11 public schools. FPHE funded: books for entire grade levels: reference, biographies, key literature pieces, early reader series; classroom equipment: maps, graphing calculators, DNA research tools, lab equipment, LCD projectors, interactive whiteboards, PC stations; curriculum support: Board Math, science/math Probeware, history and literature programs.
Be a Part of Progress - Donate Today for the Future of Our Community’s Schools. Please donate at www.fphe.org or mail the coupon below. Questions? Email generalinfo@fphe.org. Thank you for your commitment to education and our community.
HELP SCHOOLS THRIVE - GIVE $75! DONATE AT www.fphe.org
Donations to FPHE’s 2013 Annual Campaign reduce the impact budget cuts have on the 11 Pleasant Hill public schools. Your donation directly benefits language arts, math, science and enrichment programs.
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