February 2015 Community Focus

Pleasant Hill • Concord • Martinez • Lafayette • Walnut Creek

FEBRUARY 2015 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

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IN THIS ISSUE: • COME TOGETHER • CONTRA COSTA COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • HAWAI’I

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february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

The Return of Come Together

PHOTOS: Ann Luke

Talented Local Musicians Perform

BY PAUL COTRUVO

The Pleasant Hill Rec & Park District proudly announces the return of Come Together, an all-star benefit show for the Pleasant Hill Teen Programs. The event is February 27, 7:30pm, at the Pleasant Hill Community Center.

The show’s concept is to bring together local, well-known musical acts with up and coming younger musicians. Come Together 5 will feature diverse genres such as blues, country,

singer-songwriter, and even some Doo-Wop. Another great aspect of the show is you never know who might show up for a song or two. This annual event has become a highlight every year.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through Eventbrite, https:cometogether5.eventbrite.com.

There will be a limited number of tickets at the door, but the show has been extremely popular in the past, so get your tickets early.

This year’s line-up features: • Clambake (David Martin and Ken Cooper)

• Kymber Starmack

• 2am

• Colton Waters & The Sensations

• Frankie G.

• SideStreet

• The Bell Brothers

• Dangerfall

• Jim Caroompas and the Sisters of No Mercy

• Deirdre Nelis & Friends 2014 performers: (Top) Danny White, Taylor Kellogg and Angelique Kellogg, (Bottom) The Big Jangle

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Julie Says Shake it Up

BY JULIE ROSS

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day comes around every February and the pressure is on.

Weary of hearts and chocolates? Here are four ways to shake it up this Valentine’s Day, whether you are single or half of a couple.

1. Cupid’s Undie Run – I’m With Cupid.

You are invited to join hundreds of halfnaked runners for a one mile-ish run in your underwear. This fundraiser started with the goal of raising money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Last year, $2.8 million was raised in 30 cities worldwide. Who knew so many people liked to run in their underwear in the middle of February? As the website says, “Pants drop this February. Be there.” Cupid’s Undie Run begins at Pedro’s Cantina in San Francisco on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14. Doors open at noon, the run starts at 2pm, and an after-party goes late into the evening. Singles, couples,

and teams welcome. Register online at www.cupidsundierun.com.

2. Watson Adventure’s Naked at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt. You are welcome to search for nudity in art this Valentine’s Day at the Legion of Honor art museum in San Francisco. Come scrutinize provocative paintings, sultry sculptures and more. Not an art expert? Don’t worry.

The website states “No previous experience with art or nudity is required.” The hunt begins at 2pm on February 14. To buy tickets, go to www.watsonadventures.com or call (877) 9GO-HUNT.

3. ValenSTEIN’s Day Beer Pong Tournament. Singles are encouraged and couples are welcome to attend this Valentine’s Day event at the Pyramid Brewing Company in Berkeley. Tickets include a ValenSTEIN’s Day beer stein and one fill-up, with discounts on refills. Beer pong balls, cups, and water are provided for free, thank heavens. The fun begins at 6:30pm on February 14.

Purchase tickets at valensteinsday2015. eventbrite.com. $5 from every ticket will be

donated to Project Open Hand. For ages 21 and over.

4. Kiss and Tail: An Evening of Wild Romance. Looking for something closer to home? Enjoy the “tails” of wild animal romance at Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. Sip a glass of wine (our friends at Climbing Monkeys Winery in Martinez will be coming to pour!) and nibble delicious sweets as you learn amazing courtship rituals from the animal kingdom. The Kiss

and Tail event will be held at Lindsay on Thursday, February 12 (a couple of days before Valentine’s Day) from 7-8:30pm. For tickets, go to Lindsay’s website at www. wildife-museum.org, or call (925) 935-1978.

Hope to see you there! For ages 21 and over.

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and happy February!

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net.

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PUBLISHERS: Becky Coburn Jennifer Neys Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com ADVERTISING:

SPORTS: Sport Story Submissions info@ourcommunityfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION: Community Calendar calendar@ourcommunityfocus.com Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com

Reba Bower 925-348-1724 Reba@ourcommunityfocus.com COPY EDITOR: Alison Clary

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

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february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

INSIDE

5 City News

16 Local Sports

27

C.C.C.N.G.

8 12

to

Jenna Betti Memorial Golf Tourney

18 19

to

Big Island

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

The Big Jangle’s Paul Cotruvo, Dan Hertlein and Kiki Stack at Come Together 2014.

PHOTO BY: Ann Luke ............................................

Contra Costa Community News Group New Newspaper Group Unfolds in East Bay

BY PEGGY SPEAR

The media landscape in the East Bay is shifting again, as five local community papers band together to create the new Contra Costa Community News Group (CCCNG).

Publishers from the Clayton Pioneer, Concord Pioneer, Lamorinda Weekly, Community Focus and Valley Sentinel launched the new CCCNG late in 2014, mainly as an avenue to attract national and regional advertising. The combined circulation of the new enterprise is 150,000, with free delivery to homes and businesses. The founders of the new association say the end result will be better coverage for readers.

“CCCNG can help strengthen our community newspapers mainly with revenue,” says Community Focus publisher Elena Hutslar, who runs the Pleasant Hill-based paper with Jennifer Neys and Rebecca Coburn. communityfocus-ecomulch-ad-2014-8.pdf

That revenue, according to

Publishers LtoR: Tamara Steiner, Becky Coburn, Elena Hutslar, Denise Rousset, Wendy Scheck and Jennifer Neys Photo courtesy of rochellezphotography.webs.com.

Pioneer Editor and Publisher Tamara Steiner, will result in better papers.

“More revenue means more resources for more and better news coverage.”

Wendy Scheck, associate publisher of 1 8/29/14 12:46 PM the Lamorinda Weekly, agrees. “As all

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of our papers are written and printed with significant costs and delivered free to all the single family homes in each of our communities, by forming this group and making it easier and more efficient for regional and national advertisers to place media buys with us, our newspapers will be stronger financially —and that means we can continue providing the local coverage our communities have grown accustomed to.” The Lamorinda Weekly debuted in March, 2007.

Each of the papers will continue to cover local stories in their communities, with little or no overlap in news coverage. The nearly six-year-old Community Focus will also expand its coverage to include Walnut Creek.

The newspaper scene in Contra Costa County has undergone big changes in the past decade as the Contra Costa Times — part of the Bay Area News Group — covers more Bay Area-wide news in its daily newspaper.

It still operates a handful of community weeklies, but in recent years, more competing weekly, bi-monthly and monthly publications have sprung up.

Several online sources have also attracted more readers, if not advertisers.

“It’s pretty clear that the big, urban daily is a dinosaur,” Steiner says, who has operated the Clayton Pioneer since

2003 and in September launched the successful Concord Pioneer. “The print newspapers that will survive and succeed are the local papers. People read them and keep them. The papers stay around for weeks on kitchen counters and coffee tables. If advertisers want Contra Costa reach, we have it.”

Steiner says that the new CCCNG is “simply a way to get us in the game.

Our circulation now makes us pretty attractive to regional and national advertisers who want saturation in the demographically diverse and rich Central Contra Costa.”

CCCNG is unique because the independent publishers will still own their papers, but with a common goal — to use the large combined circulation numbers to attract large advertisers that are looking for a way to saturate the community. Hutslar says, “Some would think we are competitors but we respect each others’ publications and learn from each other. It is nice to work collaboratively.” Denise Rousset, who has run the venerable Valley Sentinel for 20 years, agrees. “The collaboration is invaluable.”

All six of the women live in the communities they serve. “A community paper must be more than just about the community; it must be of the community,” Hutslar says. “Our papers connect to readers in a way that out-of-state and corporate publishers can’t.” Steiner agrees. “When an advertiser is sharing the page with the local Little League team or the high school scholarship winners, there is an intimacy and credibility that they can’t get in the bigger regional papers.”

Going up against the more established local daily, Steiner says, is a “David and Goliath” thing. “But, with our circulation of 150,000,” she notes, “one might ask ‘who is David and who is Goliath?’”

For more information on CCCNG, visit its website at www.cccommunitynewsgroup.com, or call 844-4577665.

ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

5

Spruce Up for a Spring Sale Best Return on Your Investment

BY GLENN ALLEN

“What projects should I tackle and how much should I spend to update my home prior to putting it on the market?”

That is a question I help sellers answer day in and day out. If you were trying to sell your car for top dollar, you would have it detailed to make it sparkle and take care

of any maintenance issues so it wouldn’t rattle. This same strategy works when selling your home, but the stakes are much higher. It’s no mystery that listings in better shape typically sell for more than those in poor condition. Sellers are often resistant to the notion of investing time, effort and money into property they are moving out of. They may prefer to credit the buyers and let them pick the colors and carpets.

Yet, time and again, sellers who properly

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prepare their homes reap the benefits in terms of faster sales and higher prices.

Fixing your home up needn’t cost a lot, however, you must know how to effectively spend your efforts for maximum results. The right improvements will give you the biggest return on your investment.

So that begs the questions: What should I do? How much should I spend? The answer lies in the balance of your budget, the amount you spend on improvements, and the improvements you choose to do. It is my job to walk you through this process and make this as easy as possible for you.

The most common improvements include painting, flooring, tidying up the landscaping, de-cluttering, and staging.

Picking the right paint colors is just as important as anything else you do. This is where my staging designer’s expertise comes into play. She always picks the right paint colors, the right granite colors, and the right flooring colors; she is a master colorist! Changing outdated outlets, switches, light fixtures and mirrors will

help modernize your home on a budget.

Another common improvement is changing out the baseboards so they match throughout the home. If you have an outdated kitchen, there is a cost effective way to update for less than 15% of the cost of a new kitchen. Painting the cabinets, changing the hardware and putting in new granite countertops will have a huge impact.

My job is to help you make wise decisions, and as an additional service to my clients, I manage the entire process. I have extensive experience and have a team of professionals that can make this happen.

Next month I will detail the steps of this process and give you greater insights.

Contact me for a private consultation or for a free report, Best Strategies for Getting Top Dollar For Your Home. You can also follow my blog at www.TalktoGlenn.com\blog.

Glenn Allen, RE/MAX Real Estate agent, can be reached at glenn@TalkToGlenn.com, 925-709-1000 or visit www.

TalkToGlenn.com/blog.

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costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for, and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

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Estate Planning

Birthday Rule

BY DANIEL DuREE

Regardless of how well drafted our estate planning documents are, life changes inevitably require changes to our estate plan. The type of change and the document it affects determine how we make these alterations. Below are methods for making changes to the following estate plan documents.

Living Trust

Life changes which alter how you wish to distribute your assets or who you want to be in charge of that distribution are changes that involve the living trust. A living trust is changed by doing an amendment to the trust. An amendment is a separate document that will be attached to the trust and describes the changes that will be made. The downside to a simple amendment is that when you are gone, people will see the original trust as well as the change. So if you are making a change that may hurt feelings of a loved one (such as removing one child as successor trustee in favor of another), you can always do a restatement, which is basically a complete new version of the trust with the new terms. With a restatement, there is no evidence of what the original terms of the trust were.

Will

With a trust based estate plan, a pour-over will is generally used which leaves everything to the trust. Because

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

February is an interesting month. It is the shortest month; it has a holiday dedicated to a Saint who was beheaded for marrying young people (http://www.history.com/this-day-inhistory/st-valentine-beheaded); and it has a long weekend called President’s Weekend.

According to an article in the Washington Post last year, it is not clear which presidents are being celebrated: Washington, Lincoln, or Jefferson?

Since the topic of birthdays is relevant this month it seems appropriate to address the Medicare supplement “Birthday Rule” in California. Did you know that those who already have Medigap insurance have 30 days of “open enrollment” following their birthday each year? That means if you are not satisfied with your current Medicare Supplement for any reason, you may buy a new Medigap policy without a medical screening. In short, that means that your current health would not prevent you from qualifying for a different plan. The new policy must have the same or less benefits as the old policy. If you have had your Medicare Supplement for several years, it might be worth requesting a review. There might be a policy that is more suited to your needs or one that is more competi-

Making Changes to Your Plan

of this feature, if you are making a change in asset distributions, you do it through an amendment to the trust rather than changing the will. However, if you are changing who you wish to be in charge of your estate when you pass away, you should also change the executor of your will. A will is changed by creating what is called a codicil. It is similar to an amendment to a trust and is a separate document that is then kept with the will.

Durable Power of Attorney or Advance Healthcare Directive

If you wish to change who will be in charge of your financial, personal, or healthcare management should you become incapacitated, you will need to appoint a new agent under your durable power of attorney and/ or advance healthcare directive. There is no amendment method to these documents, and new documents will be drafted.

Remember when making any changes to a will or a trust that the same execution requirements apply, so a trust amendment must be notarized, and a will must be witnessed by two independent witnesses. If you have any questions about changes to your estate planning documents, please feel free to call my office.

Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. He can be reached at (925) 210-1400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.

Medicare Supplements in February tively priced.

You can find more information on this rule at the California Department of Insurance website. There is a fact sheet available at insurance.ca.gov. Please note this rule is for those on traditional Medicare Supplement plans, not those with Medicare Advantage plans.

I find it best to be able to talk with clients about six weeks in advance of their birthdays to see if making a change will benefit them. Please feel free to give me a call if you have questions. I would be happy to help you review your current policy. If you are turning 65 this year, I have a few quick tips that you might find helpful too.

Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located in Pleasant Hill. Contact her at 925363-5433 or ccallahan@callahaninsurance. com.

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TRUSTS • WILLS • PROBATE ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

7

City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message

I was lucky enough to grow up in Pleasant Hill and attend both Pleasant Hill Middle and Pleasant Hill High Schools. I often share stories with friends about going to Frank’s Diner, now Ann’s Sunshine Café on Oak Park Blvd., after school and getting what Frank called a Brown Derby -- a glazed donut with ice cream, whipped cream, and hot fudge, all for 35 cents. I have many other fond memories, such as playing baseball in PHBA at Pleasant Hill Park. For all the years I was away, there was always the sense of needing to go home and be a part of my community from childhood. Fortunately for me, and all who live here, these aren’t just memories, it’s the Pleasant Hill of today. It is this community and spirit of Pleasant Hill that finally brought me back home in 2005 and motivated me to get involved and be a part of it.

While I am proud to be an active part of this community, I often find myself in awe of so many of our community members who get involved and give so much of themselves.

Pleasant Hill is teaming with dedicated service organizations and volunteers.

Our own Civic Action Commission devotes hundreds of hours to bring us the Summer Concert Series, Community Service Day, and other activities, which give us all the opportunity to come together to celebrate and build our community. So many service organizations and businesses join in and support Pleasant Hill in so many ways it would be impossible to name or recognize them all. This year’s 44th Annual Pleasant Hill Community Awards held on January 29 is just one small way we honor and appreciate those who give so much of themselves to support our great city. Personally, I am grateful for all who serve or volunteer in whatever capacity they are able.

In the tradition of Pleasant Hill’s 8

community service and awareness on Friday, February 27, the fifth annual Come Together Concert will be held at the beautiful Community Center.

This event benefits teen programs in Pleasant Hill, with all performers coming together to donate their time and talent. This year’s concert lineup is full of locally grown musicians and singers.

Tickets can be can be purchased at the Rec & Park District offices (147 Gregory Lane) or online at https://cometogether5.eventbrite.com.

Another celebration this year is the 50th anniversary of the Pleasant Hill Rebels. Since its inception in 1965, the youth football and cheer organization has been a staple of our community. In 2005 they expanded beyond Pleasant Hill to include Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda, essentially tripling the organization’s size. They have officially changed their name to the Pleasant Hill Lamorinda Rebels, but continue to be an integral part of the Pleasant Hill community and our youth. Their anniversary will be celebrated at this year’s homecoming game. Stand by for the date; you won’t want to miss this game.

Finally, one of the organizations that keep this community vibrant and exciting is the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. Each year, they host the Mayor’s Breakfast, which gives me the opportunity to present my “State of the City” and talk about what’s coming up this year. The breakfast will be held at the Senior Center on Friday, February 20, beginning at 7:30am. If you wish to purchase tickets, call the Chamber at 687-0700 or go online at www.pleasanthillca.org/mayortickets.

If you are unable to attend the Mayor’s Breakfast, feel free to email me with any questions or comments. I am happy to listen and exchange ideas, kcarlson@pleasanthillca.org.

february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Ken Carlson, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission Feb. 5, 19 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 Civic Action Commission Feb. 4 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 City Council Feb. 9, 23 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Library Task Force Feb. 9 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 11am. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Feb. 10, 24 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Education Commission Feb. 25 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Community Room, 7pm City Hall closed for Lincoln’s Birthday February 12 and Washington’s Birthday on February 16.

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

Chamber Calendar

680 Business Clubs, Business Building Networking, meet twice monthly. Please call the Chamber office for more information.

Wednesdays - Off the Grid Food Trucks 5-9pm. Trelany Road, PH. 2/10 - Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening 5:30-6:30pm. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Drysdale Properties, 1954 Contra Costa Blvd., PH, (925) 7878746.

2/12 - Business Mixer 5-7pm. Residence Inn Marriott, 700 Ellinwood Way, PH, (925) 689-1010.

2/16 - Chamber Office Closed in observance of President’s Day. 2/20 - State of the City Mayor’s Breakfast 9am. Chateau Room, Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, PH. Open to the public. Purchase tickets at www.pleasanthillchamber.com.

2/23 - Green Business Committee Meeting 4-5pm. Daily Digital, 3440 Vincent Road, Suite I, PH. 2/23 - Government Affairs Committee Meeting 5:30-7pm. Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, PH.

City News

New Ordinance for Massage Establishments and Therapists

On January 12, Pleasant Hill City Council members approved an ordinance requiring owners of massage establishments to obtain a police permit to operate in the city. The massage establishment permit applicant must pass a background check that includes fingerprinting, approximately $79 for residents and $89 for non-residents, and meet the conditions and requirements of the ordinance. The chief of police would make the final decision on the massage estab-

City of Pleasant Hill City News Continued

City News Continued

lishment permit, which would be good for two years. Massage establishments would be required to obtain a police permit within 45 days of the effective date of the ordinance. No massage establishment and no registered massage therapist or practitioner may provide massage service between the hours of 10pm and 7pm.

The proposed revisions of Municipal Code Chapter 6.30 are a result of a new state law (Assembly Bill 1147) that took effect on January 1, 2015, allowing cities to once again require a police permit for massage establishment businesses. The proposed ordinance includes a mechanism for a reconsideration hearing before the police chief upon notice of a denial of a massage establishment permit. Home-based massage businesses are not included.

In 2008, the California Legislature adopted legislation that created the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), a nonprofit organization responsible for issuing certificates to massage therapists or practitioners and disciplining them for unlawful acts. The 2008 state legislation created two categories of massage therapists: certified and uncertified. Local governments were preempted by state regulation and had very little authority to regulate certified massage therapists or massage businesses that use only CAMTC certified professionals.

Cities have not been able to regulate certified therapists who engage in illegal activities. The number of massage establishments and independent contractors in the city of Pleasant Hill has increased from 48 in 2012 to 82 in 2014. Since October 3, 2013, the police department has conducted 41 undercover operations at 16 massage establishments in the city, resulting in 9 arrests for acts of prostitution.

“It feels too much to me to put judge, jury and executioner all in one place, one person, without some greater clarity around what the ultimate criteria are.

I’m not clear how the police chief is to make the determination about whether such an act prohibited has occurred. It cannot be the case that the police chief simply says, ‘act was prohibited, end of discussion’. There has to be something more than just a ‘belief’ on the part of the chief that the prohibited act has occurred,” said city councilmember David Durant.

A new set of fingerprints would provide the police chief with additional information about the applicant. “The fingerprints will provide me with a criminal history check and within that check it may include arrests but not convictions.

An arrest may be something that I want to look at more closely, whether or not I want to issue a permit to that establishment,” said Police Chief John Moore.

Added to the ordinance will be a line that indicates an annual report by the police department that includes permits issued, denied, suspended or revoked, as well as other enforcement related activity to be provided to city council for review.

Pleasant Hill Library Task Force

City Adopts Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance

On August 4, the city council adopted an ordinance to prohibit single-use (plastic) carryout bags in all retail stores. The ban goes into effect on February 4, 2015. Under the ordinance, all restaurants, groceries, pharmacies, and retail stores in Pleasant Hill will no longer provide single-use carryout plastic bags.

Stores will be permitted to sell paper bags with handles for a minimum of 10 cents per bag. Customers will have the option to bring their own reusable bags, pay for paper bags, or opt not to use a bag to carry goods from the store. Smaller protective plastic or paper bags without handles would still be allowed under the ordinance at no charge to the customer. Retailers will be encouraged to sell reusable shopping bags that meet certain standards in terms of durability and the type of material used to manufacture the bag.

On December 15, the Library Task Force meeting included a review of “a draft funding timeline with key elements in moving towards a possible bond measure in the fall of 2016 to fund the construction of a new library. Some of these elements include polling/surveys, a public information campaign, a feasibility study and design costs for the new facility.” Jessica Hudson, Contra Costa County librarian, stated that the subcommittee was working on a letter of intent to a grant program to Tesoro asking for a $10,000 grant to be used for Friends of the Library programming. If successful, this would free up funds from the Friends group to be used for future costs as part of a public information campaign about the new facility.

The eleven-member Task Force continues to look at various sites in Pleasant Hill for a future 22,500 sq. ft. library, including former Oak Park Elementary site (county owned property), Flood Control District property (Beatrice Road), the PH Middle School track and field area owned by MDUSD, and Pleasant Hill Park, owned by the PH Rec & Park District, as well as the current library site. Approximately 2.5 acres is needed.

At the January 12 city council meeting, an update on Library Task Force activities was provided. Task Force Chair Michael Harris said, “We are trying to figure out what sites in the city make good sense to place a library, and we have a number of different options available.” The Task Force made a presentation on January 22 to the PHRPD board and critically looked at the small parking lot at Pleasant Hill Park as a possible site for a new library. “The beauty of that site is its location.

We would have to figure out a way to make the park district whole by swapping land in other places.” Continued Task Force Chair Harris. The Task Force goal is to narrow their sites down to a primary and secondary site to present to city council by March. A town hall meeting to solicit feedback from the community about what they want to see in a new library facility will be scheduled in the near future.

An online survey asking for community input is currently available on the Community Focus and the city webpage.

Mayor’s Breakfast

The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce will host the Mayor’s Breakfast on Friday, February 20, in the Chateau Room at the Senior Center beginning at 7:30am. Mayor Ken Carlson will present the “State of the City” and highlight city events and programs. Tickets are $30 per person and available at the chamber offices, 91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11, or online at www.pleasanthillca.org/mayortickets. Contact Ann Luke to rsvp at 687-0700, or email her at ann@pleasanthillchamber.com.

Civic Action Commission Update

Sheila Cotruvo has stepped down from her position as chair for the last two years. At their January 7 meeting, the commission elected Allison Koerber to take over as chair along with Vice Chair Steve Oldenberg. Long-time commissioner, Mary Gray, has resigned.

Improvements to the Downtown

Upcoming Downtown improvements will include new, lighter colored painting on the Century Theatre building. A new tenant, Vitality Bowls, has taken over the space next to Zachary’s Pizza. Vitality Bowls is a superfood café, specializing in making seasonally driven Açaí bowls, smoothies, fresh juices, soups, salads, and panini. Outdoor seating will also be available. Improvements to the Clock Tower building are completed, and outdoor seating benches and bike racks are also in place.

ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

9

City of Martinez PHOTO BY STAHLBERG

Mayor’s Message Plastic Bag Ban

If you have been to the grocery store in the last month, you no longer hear that familiar phrase from the courtesy clerk, “Paper or plastic?” The question now is, “Did you bring your reusable bag or would you like to buy a paper bag for 10 cents?”

Yes, like it or not, as of January 1, single-use plasic bags are banned in the City of Martinez. Over 100 cities statewide have adopted similar bans on these bags. This includes Contra Costa cities such as Pleasant Hill (on February 4), Walnut Creek , Pittsburg, Richmond, El Cerrito and San Pablo. Alameda County adopted its ban in 2012. Plastic singleuse bags will be banned throughout the State of California as of July 1, 2015.

The use of polystyrene (styrofoam) containters was banned in Martinez back in 2009, but it was never enforced. In conjunction with the plastic bag ban, the ban on polystyrene is now being enforced.

After several workshops with businesses and the community, the city council held a public hearing in early June of last year and adopted the plastic bag ban. Because we wanted to do

extensive outreach and eduction with the public, it was decided to delay the implementation of the ban until the beginning of 2015.

During those 6 months, city staff conducted a comprehensive education program with the community on the new guidelines, educated middle and high school students, and met with business owners, residents, and property owners. Main Street Martinez and the Martinez Chamber of Commmerce were very helpful in getting the word out.

At a recent trip to my local grocery store, I asked the clerk how his customers were adapting to the new regulations.

He told me that 2/3 of his customers were aware of the new ban and supported the change. The other 1/3 were surprised and had no idea of the new ordinace. Most were supportive of the new move, and only a handful expressed opposition, with one or two being very upset at the change.

The most interesting comment the clerk made to me was, “In three months, most people will be used to bringing in their reusable bags and the question of ‘paper or plastic’ will be a phrase that only those over thirty will remember.”

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

City Manager

On another note, by the time this article is published, we will have announced that we have hired a new city manager. It has been over a year since Martinez has had a permanent city manager, and I am very excited about getting back to work and moving this city forward with a new manager at the helm.

I would like to publicly thank both Assistant City Manager Alan Shear

and Deputy Director of Housing and Economic Development Director Anna Gwyn Simpson for their excellent work in filling in as interim city manager for the last year. Both are valuable assets to this city, and I look forward to working with them and the new city manager over the next several years. Both of them have served this city well in a very difficult political environment. Now is the time to put the politics behind us and move this city forward.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Feb. 4, 18 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Feb. 11, 25 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 3-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Feb. 10, 24 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Feb. 4, 18 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 3-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 City Hall closed on February 12 in observance of Lincoln’s birthday and February 16 for Washington’s birthday.

For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

Chamber Calendar 2/12 – Chamber Mixer 5:30-7:30pm. Englund’s Café & Catering co-hosted w/ Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, 4061 Port Chicago Hwy, Concord. Great networking, food, fun, and raffle prizes. Bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!

2/16 – Office Closed for Presidents’ Day. 2/17 – State of the City Breakfast 8-10am. Creekside Church Auditorium, 444 Fig Tree Lane, Martinez. State of the City: Mayor Rob Schroder. Guest speaker: Rami Muth from Martinez Unified School District. Enjoy a full gourmet breakfast buffet, $25. RSVP to Chamber required by Feb 12.

2/19 – Deadline for Citizen of the Year for 2014 Nominations. 2/19 is the last day we will accept letters of nomination for Citizen of the Year candidates. For guidelines, visit www.martinezchamber.com or call the Chamber office.

2/19 – Educational Series 12-1:30pm, doors open at 11:30pm. Taxes, Retirement Planning and You presented by H&R Block. Creekside Church multipurpose room, 444 Fig Tree Lane. $10 for Chamber members, $20 for nonmembers. Non-members joining the Chamber receive $10 credit towards membership. Lunch provided. All no shows will be charged $10. Space is limited. RSVP required at least 2 days prior to the Chamber or email info@martinezchamber.com.

10

february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

City of Martinez

City News The City Plans for Two Outdoor Concerts

Main Street Martinez and Prime Time Entertainment (event promoter) are intending to organize and produce at least two concert events at the Martinez Waterfront Amphitheater in May 2015. Both events will take place on one weekend, with Blues by the Bay festival on Saturday, May 2 and a Latino heritage event on Sunday.

Councilmember Lara Delaney said, “I like the idea of the partnership. We’ve had such a great track record of success with Main Street Martinez organizing events. I think that brings an additional level of experience particularly with marketing events. I think it could be a winning combination.”

On August 8, 2013, the Martinez City Council approved the allocation of $49,750 from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to fund a concert at the Martinez Waterfront Amphitheater and directed staff to attempt to recoup 100% of the funding. On May 10, 2014, the city hosted the first Blues by the Bay festival, which resulted in recovering 100% of the city-provided funding, plus an additional $14,605 in net proceeds.

On January 13, the city council approved those $14,605 net proceeds to be given to Main Street Martinez to use towards the two events specified. Additionally, Main Street Martinez will receive $10,000 in seed money from the city for the production that would be reimbursed from future proceeds. Finally, if there are any profits remaining after the money is reimbursed to the city, those proceeds would be shared, with Main Street Martinez receiving 35%, Prime Time Entertainment receiving 25%, and the City of Martinez receiving 40%, which would be dedicated to future events.

Mayor Schroder said, “I’m happy to see the amphitheater is being used. I wish it was used every weekend, and I hope in the future we are able to develop that into a turnkey operation and have events there all the time.”

Chamber Accepting Letters of Nomination

The Martinez Chamber of Commerce is accepting letters of nomination for the 2014 Citizen of the Year Awards. The awards are given in the following categories: Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Young Man of the Year, Young Woman of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Service Without Borders, and Educator/Teacher of the Year.

To nominate someone visit www.martinezchamber.com or contact the chamber for a guideline form. Deadline for nominations is Thursday, February 19, at 5pm.

Pine Meadow Golf Course Headed for Development

At the January 21 city council meeting, 4 of 5 council members approved actions for the development by DeNova Homes for 99 single-family residences on the property at 451 Vine Hill Way, approximately 25.9 acres at the intersection of Center Avenue and Vine Hill Way.

Councilmember AnaMarie Avila Farias said, “I’ve had a lot of time to vet this and review the documents. We need to embrace change and growth. We don’t have the financial resources to acquire this parcel given all our other competing needs. The median age in Martinez is 41 and includes young families and middle class professionals. The reality is that our community demographics has changed, and with that we’ve become a more diverse community with diverse needs and this is a good thing. We need housing that attracts new families. We need housing that caters to people wanting to downsize.

You’re going to have families, seniors, and first time homebuyers, so I am very pleased to hear what you are proposing. I support the project wholeheartedly.”

The property has been used as a golf course for 50 years and is vacant of structures except for a clubhouse and storage sheds. The project site currently has an Open Space & Recreation, Permanent General Plan Land Use Designation. The city will change the zoning to Planned Unit Development (residential) to allow for the development.

Councilmember Lara Delaney was in opposition to the development and said, “This is probably THE most difficult decision that I’ve faced on my 12 years on the council so

City News Continued far. It is the most controversial. I am pro housing and pro growth and pro jobs. They are all the things I support and all the things I want in this community; I want us to move forward and have the housing opportunities for people to move into Martinez and enjoy Martinez, but we need to be sensitive to the residents that live here as well, and the residents that live here have seen this piece of land that has a permanent open space recreation designation on it for the last 40 years. I think we owe it to them to preserve it.

We are choosing here not to honor that. I think the community deserves better than just 99 houses on that site. I will not support it.”

Downtown Events Studios on the Streets

The Martinez Chamber of Commerce will be presenting Studios on the Streets in Martinez this spring. Unique from other events in the area, it encompasses not only the works of visual artists, but also visual artists themselves, working on site. All visual artists showing their work will be involved in their craft of painting, sketching, etc. In addition, there will be mimes, musicians, and vocalists interspersed among the visual artists.

“I have been to over 50 arts and crafts events in the Bay Area and beyond and have not seen an event that addressed the arts in this manner,” said John Stevens, CEO of the chamber.

To create an even greater sense of this being an arts event, there will be no tents on the street, but rather umbrellas for artists to work under. This will also allow foot traffic to flow along the sidewalks

and in and out of businesses more easily. Visual artists’ works will be displayed in businesses adjacent to where the artists are working.

The event is May 9 and will be held in lieu of Open Studios, which has been hosted in the past by the Martinez Arts Association (MAA) on the first weekend of May. Studios on the Streets will be noon to 6pm and will be along the 500-900 blocks of Main Street and in the vicinity of downtown Martinez. The MAA has been working in collaboration with the chamber and was an inspiring element in creating this event.

To find out more about the event and how you may participate as an artist or a local business, see www.StudiosontheStreets.com or contact the Martinez Chamber info@martinezchamber. com or 925-228-2345.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

11

City of Walnut Creek

Great News for Walnut Creek!

City News 2015 Citizens Institute

In response to consistent requests, Community Focus will be expanding our Walnut Creek circulation in 2015.

For Walnut Creek residents that means: coverage of city news, school happenings, high school sports and events that are not to be missed.

A brand new city for a brand new year!

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Feb. 3, 17 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 943-5819

Registration is under way for the 2015 Citizens Institute, which will be held on Wednesdays, 6:30-9pm, from February 25 through April 8. Final graduation celebration is on Saturday, April 11, 9am to 1:30pm.

The Citizen’s Institute consists of a series of sessions in which citizens learn first-hand how the city works. You can meet and get to know your neighbors, city officials, and city employees, and gain an improved awareness of available city services and community resources. You will discover opportunities to be involved with local government. Anyone who lives or works in Walnut Creek (including unincorporated Walnut Creek) and has an interest in local government is invited to sign up. Classes are designed for 30-35 students to encourage discussion, involvement, and interaction. The classes are popular and usually fill up fast! The cost is $25, payable on the first day of class. To sign up, please email community@walnut-creek.org or call Gayle Vassar at 943-5895.

Typical Curriculum: Understanding the Big Picture

Design Review Meeting Feb. 4, 18 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 3-5pm. Contact: 943-5819

Meet the mayor and city manager. Explore the role of government and what it means to all of us. Learn how the city council, commissions, and advisory committees work together.

Planning Commission Meeting Feb. 26 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 943-5819

Enjoying Yourself in Walnut Creek

Park, Recreation & Open Space Feb. 2 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819

Learn about services that enhance quality of life (e.g., recreation, arts, and community services programs). Take a backstage tour of the Dean Lesher Regional Center For The Arts, and enjoy a reception in the Bedford Gallery.

For further information, contact Gayle Vassar, Communications & Outreach Manager at (925) 943-5895 or E-Mail: vassar@walnut-creek.org. To be added to the class roster, email community@walnut-creek.org.

For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org

Thank you for voting us your local favorite!

Need sand bags?

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

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

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Help reduce the chance of flooding by clearing leaves out of street gutters so storm drains can work properly. The city has sandbag stations at the following locations: 1. Heather Farm Park in the community center parking lot off of San Carlos 2. Larkey Park parking lot at 2771 Buena Vista Ave. 3. Howe Homestead in the parking lot at 2950 Walnut Blvd.

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february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

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Home Cooking in Your New Home

At Carlton Senior Living, we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to make you or your loved ones feel at home in our communities.

Call today to schedule a visit and complimentary luncheon.

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So, when Grandma has moved into her great new home at Chateau on Broadway, you will know she is still enjoying those great family meals, and we’re taking care of the clean up!

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Chateau on Broadway 1700 Broadway Street Concord · CA · 94520 (925) 686-1700 Lic. No. 5005347

CarltonSeniorLiving.com ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

13

Read My Mind©

PH Rec & Park

What If? And Other Gems

Upcoming Events and Activities

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

Have you ever wondered, “From what height would you need to drop a steak for it to be cooked when it hits the ground?” or “If everyone on the planet stayed away from each other for a couple weeks, would the common cold be wiped out?” The answer to these and other rather bizarre questions can be found in What If? a fascinating book by Randall Munroe.

Munroe is a former NASA roboticist who created the webcomic xkcd.

Never heard of him or xkcd? Well, you’ll probably need to ask someone under 30. What If? is a compilation of “serious scientific answers to absurd hypothetical questions.” My favorite question is, “If you call a random phone number and say ‘God bless you,’ what are the chances that the person who answers just sneezed?” Using stick diagrams and his solid scientific background, Munroe calculated the odds at 1 in 40,000. This book is great fun for anyone interested in math, statistics, or weird science.

Do you remember Little Golden Books, those wonderfully illustrated books for young readers? Editor Diane Muldrow has compiled all of life’s lessons into a charming book, Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book. Filled with those famous Golden Book illustrations, we learn such lessons as “Be a hugger,” “Stay curious,” “Let your children know you love them,” and, one of my favorites, “Turn off the TV from time to time… and crack open a book!” This is a thoroughly delightful book you can share with the entire family.

10% Happier: How I Tamed The Voice In My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, And Found Self-help That Actually Works is the true story of ABC television reporter Dan Harris’ battle to overcome “the incessant, insatiable voice in his head.” Harris

PHRec SPOTLIGHT now available.

Registration is open for winter/spring classes, activities, and events! Visit pleasanthillrec.com or pick up your SPOTLIGHT copy at the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s facilities.

Spring Break Camps!

Planning ahead for spring break?

PHRec will offer a NEW youth/teen fullday sports recreation camp, a full-day KIDSTOP camp (5-11 yrs), two specialty Sciensational Workshop camps, and a half-day tennis camp during the week of April 4-10. Online registration opens March 3. Visit pleasanthillrec.com/ camps for more details.

Team Up for Adult Sports in 2015!

Online sports registration opened January 26 at pleasanthillrecsports.com. The Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District offers a wide variety of fun spring adult league sports, including flag football, softball, bocce, basketball, soccer, and kickball. Team sizes vary by sport. Visit pleasanthillrecsports.com for more information, registration, and team packets. Play starts mid-March.

New to Adult Sports this Spring: Cornhole League Cornhole, similar to horseshoes, is a game where players take turns throwing bags of corn at a raised platform with a hole in the far end.

Tennis classes are also available for all ages.

Pleasant Hill Recreation Preschool 2015-2016 -- Registration Opens February 7. In-person registration is required, February 7, 9am, Community Center, 320 Civic Drive. Visit www. pleasanthillpreschool.com for detailed preschool information. Questions?

Contact Preschool Director Sarah Smith

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(no relation, even though I have a son named Dan) suffered a major panic attack during a nationally televised Good Morning America episode.

After trying traditional medicine without success, he found the answer to his inner demons through mindfulness meditation. The book contains an appendix with easy to follow instructions on how to meditate. “Meditation won’t fix everything in your life…but it can make you 10% happier, or maybe much more.” I’ve been doing meditation and yoga for years, and it certainly works for me! (How else could I put up with those all-night city council meetings?)

“One of the most important scientific discoveries of the Twentieth Century.” That’s how author Jonathan Eig describes the birth control pill in his bestseller The Birth Of The Pill: How Four Crusaders Reinvented Sex and Launched A Revolution. The science behind the invention of the Pill is fascinating. Even more interesting is the political, cultural, and social challenges in bringing the Pill to market. We meet Gregory Pincus, a disgraced Harvard professor who invented the Pill, Katharine McCormick, who bankrolled the project, and Dr. John Rock, who battled his Catholic church to become one of the Pill’s most effective advocates.

But this story would not be complete without the fourth Crusader who started it all, Margaret Sanger, the “fiery feminist” who championed birth control and women’s rights in the first half of the 20th century. This true story of their efforts to change modern society is captivating.

The Secret History Of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore is the story behind “the most popular female comicbook super hero of all time.” This well researched book delves into the origin of Wonder Woman and finds a connection to Margaret Sanger. Yes, that Margaret Sanger! These two books give us great insight into the women’s rights movement.

february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

2014 Wine, Women and Shoes Event. Photo by Susan Wood.

at (925) 676-5200 ext. 626 or ssmith@ pleasanthillrec.com.

My Little Sweetheart Dinner Dance Friday, February 13, 6:00 – 7:30pm, Senior Center, Chateau Room. Parents, celebrate Valentine’s Day with your little sweetheart! Dinner and dancing for boys and girls ages 2–10 with parents. Pasta, salad, bread, and dessert included. Siblings under 2 welcome.

Pre-registration required per person

by February 9. Admission: $10/$9 (Dist.

Res.) Come Together 5 All-star benefit show for Pleasant Hill teen programs on Friday, February 27, 7:30 pm, Pleasant Hill Community Center. Featuring musical performances by Clambake (David Martin and Ken Cooper), 2am, Frankie G., The Bell Brothers, Jim Caroompas and the Sisters of No Mercy, Kymber Starmack, Colton Waters & The Sensations, SideStreet, Dangerfall, and Deirdre Nelis & Friends. Tickets limited! Get your tickets TODAY at https://cometogether5.eventbrite.com.

Tickets: $20 per person.

Wine Women & Shoes Contra Costa Fundraiser Benefit Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District and Monument Crisis Center, May 17, 2:00 – 6:00pm, Community Center, 320 Civic Drive. Tickets on sale now at wwsmay2015.eventbrite.com.

Kick up your heels for an afternoon of fun. Sip fine wines from top vintners.

Savor delicious food bits. Shop the latest in shoes & fashion accessories.

Mingle with the Shoe Guys. Bid on oneof-a-kind silent & live auction items. Be there. Be fabulous. Keep in step with the action at facebook.com/wwscontracosta.

In Focus Nash Iron Works

Nash Iron Works is a complete fabrication shop offering plasma cutting, pipe bending, welding, forging, and custom designs. Roger Nash started the business in 2014 after 20 years in structural steel erection and fabrication for a Bay Area company. Roger’s keen eye for perfection and need to please make him a client favorite! With a mobile welding truck and a forward thinking shop, no job is too small.

Working closely with his clients, Roger meets their needs with ease and in a timely fashion. Nash Iron Works is available to help you with any metal needs, whether it’s a handrail, gates, custom furniture, or your artistic, oneof-a-kind design.

We are located in Concord at 2655 Coverdale Ave Unit I. You can reach us at 925-457-1445 or visit us on the web at www.nashironworks.com.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

15

SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL

Proudly Sponsored by Les Schwab Martinez

ORGANIZATIONS

Jenna Betti Memorial Golf Tournament

Soroptimists Sponsor Special Speaker Meeting

The community is invited to the 1st Jenna Betti Memorial Golf Tournament on March 2 at Franklin Canyon Golf Course. It will be a day immersed in celebrating life and making a difference through the collaborative efforts of the Betti family non-profit, #hersmile. Their mission to bring hope, strength, and inspiration to those who have experienced a tragedy by designing and presenting learning opportunities in a way that helps individuals develop and improve their mindset. All proceeds of the tournament go to #hersmile.

You can sign up on Eventbrite by going to www.ourcommunityfocus.com and click on the article on the home page. For additional information, email info@hersmile.org.

Soroptimist International of Martinez invites the public to an open meeting with speaker April Rovero, the Founder and CEO of The National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse (NCAPDA). The meeting is at 6:30pm on March 9 at the IBEW Local Union 302 Hall.

Mrs. Rovero leads the San Ramon Valley Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force as well as the Contra Costa County Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition. She is a founding member of the California Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Work Group and works at the national level as the Co-Chair of the Fed Up! Coalition.

Soroptimist International of Martinez is sponsoring this open session to coincide with National Prescription Drug Awareness Month in March. Come hear April’s personal story, and learn how we, as individuals and a community, can raise awareness of widespread prescription drug abuse and get involved through education and legislative advocacy.

NCAPDA is 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was established in 2010 to generate nationwide awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and abuse and is run via 100% volunteer support. NCAPDA supports policy changes and state and federal legislation that are designed to help curb America’s prescription drug abuse epidemic.

NCAPDA’s mission is to reduce prescription drug related overdose deaths and addiction. Learn more at www.ncapda.org. RSVP by email to info@soroptimistmartinez.org.

Foster Homes for Feral Cats The Feral Cat Foundation (FCF) is in need of good foster homes for tame but homeless kittens and cats. Foster families provide muchneeded shelter and care for these wonderful felines until they find their “forever” home - and we cannot rescue them without this “temporary housing”. FCF provides the medical care - you provide the love. To learn more visit feralhelp@feralcatfoundation.org. If you can help, please email katykat37@gmail.com.

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february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

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How to Achieve Success Hard Work Trumps All

BY KEVIN ARNDT

A few months ago I wrote that consistency was the “magic pill” for getting results. After having a conversation with my boss about getting results, whether it is in sports, the gym, or life, we both agreed that hard work is the only thing that you can control and will almost always get you results. John Wooden, one of the greatest coaches and motivators in sports history, said, “Success travels in the company of very hard work, there is no trick, no easy way.” This quote was one of the most important pieces of advice I have ever received. We all want certain things in life, but we all want the easiest way to achieve it. There is nothing wrong with that. The human body and mind are designed to find the path of least resistance. The problem is nothing worth

achieving comes without hard work.

Consistency and hard work travel together. It takes discipline to get up early every single morning, even when every bone in your body is telling you to go back to bed. It takes hard work when something comes up unexpectedly and gets in the way of your goal for the day, like when you are drained at the end of the day and just want to watch TV or when pizza sounds better than a healthy meal. Hard work isn’t always associated with sweat, exhaustion, or feeling like a truck hit you after a workout. Hard work is more often associated with the day-to-day grind of the little things.

No athletes do this better than swimmers. Many swimmers have an amazing work ethic. They usually get up around 5:30am, go to swim practice or a workout, go to school, go back for another 2 hours of practice, go home, and do homework, all while still man-

aging to find enough sleep and get good grades. It is part of their culture, but they also have a great understanding that to get what they want out of life, they have to work hard and do things they don’t want to do. Because of this work ethic, many of them become successful in one capacity or another.

This is the mentality that athletes,

or anybody for that matter, need to have in order to reach their goals. It won’t always be easy, but in the end, they will not only reach their goals, but also learn that hard work gets them farther than any other trait a person possesses.

Kevin Arndt is an athletic trainer at Forma Gym in Walnut Creek. You can reach him at Kevin@Formagym.com.

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

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

ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

17

CP Varsity Basketball College Park Falcons hosted Berean Christian on January 14 and Ygnacio Valley on January 16 to gain two more league wins for College Park. CP Head Coach Troy Faulk said, “Although these two opponents are in rebuilding periods and could not match up with CP physically, it was refreshing to see his younger players get to contribute and grow their games.” Freshmen guard Blair Newman posted 14 points vs. Berean and followed that up with 11 points vs. Ygnacio Valley. Raazhel Watkins, a sophomore guard, contributed 13 points vs. YV as well. “Also refreshing was seeing back up big men Will Klotz and Antonio Miller contribute large chunks of productive minutes off of the bench. They are blessed by having the opportunity to face off against two of the best forwards in the area in practice each day, but that also means limited playing time in most close games. They will both be big contributors next year, and I think they need this experience to keep them sharp and focused for when they are called upon this season,” added Coach Faulk.

Final Scores: CP 67-Berean Christian 35; CP 71-Ygnacio Valley 28. As of press time, College Park is 5-0 in league and 15-4 overall.

DVC Stands Alone Leading the Big 8 Conference

The Diablo Valley College womens basketball team now stands alone atop the Big 8 Conference standings after a Raeona Ford three-pointer at the buzzer sent everybody into a frenzy and sent the Mustangs of San Joaquin Delta back to Stockton, second-guessing the 70-67 outcome in Vikings Gymnasium. The January 16 win was Diablo Valley’s ninth straight and 13 of their last 14.

Ford’s game-winning three gave DVC their fifteenth win of the season and kept the Vikings undefeated against Big 8 Conference opponents.

Ford was perfect from beyond the arc,

hitting all four attempts, and matching a season-high with 12 points.

Despite having a sophomore-laden roster, it was the key contributions of three freshmen (Raeona Ford, Kayla Taylor, and Felicia Clarissa) that made it possible for the Vikings to pull out the victory in front of the home crowd.

Taylor, a freshman from Clayton Valley Charter, led the way with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Clarissa, a freshman from Indonesia, came off the bench and shot 4 of 6 from the field for 9 points that helped ignite the second half surge to propel Diablo Valley past the Mustangs.

#15 Sabrea Coleman at the free-throw line. Photo by Sports Information Director, Rich Hamilton.

Top Teams Battle for Win Two of the league’s top soccer teams, Northgate Broncos and College Park Falcons, faced off for the second time on January 23. Senior Falcon Eric Lopez made the game’s single and game winning goal, while Noah Fisher, senior goalie, garnered the Player of the Game title after two key saves, keeping the Falcons atop the DVAL. Picture courtesy of todgomes.

Best Mechanic

Pictured in center is Falcon Eric Lopez #11.

18

february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

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PHBA Teams for Boys Pleasant Hill Baseball Association (PHBA) is pleased to announce our “new and improved” Boys Majors Division! We are seeking boys ages 15-17 to play recreational baseball with us this spring! Our goal is to offer local and surrounding communities the opportunity to continue playing recreational ball at an age when most players bow out. We offer a 16-game guarantee and a minimum of two post-season games at a very affordable price! Our motto, “Where Every Kid Plays!” says it all. To register, please log on to our website, www.phba2.leag1.com. If you have additional questions, you may contact the division commissioner, Chris Baker, at thebake05-phba@yahoo.com.

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19

FPHE Kicks Off 7th Annual Campaign!

Be a Part of Progress – Donate Today for the Future of Our Community’s Schools

7th Annual Campaign Goal: $60,000 How You Can Help: Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE) suggests a donation of $75 or more. Donations of all amounts are appreciated. FPHE’s ability to issue school grants is solely dependent on the support of the community.

How to Donate: Donate online at www.fphe.org or mail to FPHE, P.O. Box 23851, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

How are donations used? Funds raised go to school grants issued in May 2015.

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 thrive and grow. Most importantly, strong schools enhance the future of our community.

Since 2009, thanks to community support, FPHE has awarded over $201,000 in grants to our community’s 11 public schools.

FPHE has funded: • Books for entire grade levels: reference, biographies, literature pieces, early readers.

• Classroom equipment: maps, graphing calculators, DNA research tools, lab equipment, LCD projectors, interactive whiteboards.

• Curriculum support items: math/science programs, “living history” programs, literature programs.

• Items to support the arts: musical instruments/supplies, stage lighting, audio equipment and a $15,000 grant to the CPHS arts program.

Learn More: To become a FPHE member or learn more about 2015 campaign events, email contact@fphe.org.

Be a Part of Progress - Donate Today at www.fphe.org or mail the coupon below Questions? Email contact@fphe.org. Thank you for your commitment to education and our community.

HELP SCHOOLS THRIVE - GIVE $75!

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Donations to FPHE’s 2015 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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february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

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In the Garden

A Lot to Love at the Winter Markets

BY LESLEY STILES

February is chock full of hearts: heart for lovers, heart for health, and heart for black history. While hiking the other day, I had a random thought about my parochial days at Christ the King school as a left-handed child. How bizarre that not long ago (seriously, I’m not that old), I was being rapped across the knuckles for using my left hand to write and eat. My mom went through the same thing during her parochial career, and it occurred to me that civil rights might have traveled a similar path. At the same moment I was being whacked on my left hand for forgetting to use my right hand, black kids in America were being beaten for attempting to go to a “white” school, trying to buy a soda or ice cream after school, or even finding a place to go to the bathroom or sit down on public transportation.

Schools have been integrated, and I have not checked lately, but I’m sure that left-handed kids are allowed their diverse writing style with no questions asked these days, but it seems that progress may have stalled a bit over the years. Along with opening your heart to your loved ones, try opening it to everyone and everything this month.

When my son Lucas was in 1st and 2nd grade at Strandwood Elementary, he had Mrs. Erickson, one of the best teachers in his school career, and she had a strong mission to teach children about the life skills of patience, tolerance, flexibility, humility, compassion, and love. Nowadays, these skills are referred to as soft skills because they are taught to youngsters, but I think (and I try not to say “I think” too often in this column) they are solid life skills and can go a long way towards opening hearts and fostering tolerance among all of us during this month of heart and love.

Winter produce is peaking in February, reflecting even more love for health and good foods. Princess Grapefruit, aka Cocktail Grapefruit, are

shoving their large, pale yellow orbs to the front of the line, demanding a ride in your shopping bag nestled next to Paige mandarins and Satsumas.

As choices and varieties of fruits hit their all time yearly low at the farmers’ markets, dried fruit offerings from the fruit tree farms are not to be overlooked. Chewing and savoring a dried white nectarine with tropical and warm flavors that burst onto your tongue is not to be missed. Local raw nuts, probably weighing down the same tables, are also sweet and crunchy on their own, without the tannins of longstored, massively grown nuts. Ever popular Cara Cara oranges and sexy blood oranges are popular treats and are sweetly beguiling, habit-forming snacks for any time of day or night.

Greens of all kinds are ever present, sporting sweet, crunchy, organic, nutritional love in every bite. Morning shakes are so amazingly embellished by the addition of spinach or kale and will keep you going long past the midmorning slump. Vibrantly emerald, underappreciated parsley is a stellar love match for abundant lemons as eye and flavor candy on any concoction savory.

In some circles, Mediterranean native parsley is considered the world’s most healthy food and offers every nutrient from vitamin A to K, with fiber, iron, calcium, antioxidants, breath freshener, plate garnishes, and palate cleansing.

In days of old, parsley wreaths and boughs were invoked, incanted, and infused with spells to ward off evil drunken sprits that brought wily, latenight tricks to the manor.

Ask the French about bouquet garni, bundled up parsley w/thyme and marjoram to flavor soups and stocks. Osso Bucco would be naked without gremolata, chopped parsley with copious amounts of garlic and lemon. Delicate fine herbs artfully upset the ménage a trois of chervil, chives, and tarragon on a honeymoon together with parsley, elegantly careening across our taste buds. My personal favorite, a powerful, competi-

tion-winning, secret weapon, combines chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice and zest, chopped garlic, and grated parmesana reggiano to garnish delicate soups, seafood stews, and addictive, buttery croutons, along with anything else, including body rubs. Charmoula marries parsley, cilantro, mint, garlic, lemon, and freshly toasted and ground cumin to round out roasted codfish or grilled chicken breast. A good handful of parsley, a proven antioxidant, can calm your jumpy stomach while at the same time sweetening even the most potent of garlic breath, allowing you peacefully and in a relaxed state to love your clove with whom you love.

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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1/22/15 ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

5:05 PM 21

Pair Up

Smart Money

BY MARIA TERRY

The economy is on a roll, but it never hurts to have an economic meal in your backpocket. This meal is elegant enough to serve to guests but simple enough for a weeknight family meal. As usual, I have included beverage pairings. As a bonus, these pairings won’t result in a hangover for your head or your wallet.

I love having spinach in the refrigerator. A large container is inexpensive and will stay fresh for 10-14 days. It is delicious sautéed in olive oil with garlic or served raw in a salad. Keep in mind, salad can be challenging with wine because the acidity of the dressing makes the wine taste flat. Spinach is even more difficult because its astringency actually increases the perception of the bitter tannins in wine. So in place of wine, serve your salad with sparkling

water garnished with orange slices. The orange flavor will add interest to the water and echo the orange flavors in the Spinach-Orange Salad with Spiced Pecans.

South American red wines are one of the best wine values on the market.

You can get fantastic Cabernets from Chile and Malbecs from Argentina for around $7-8. Rich, fruit-forward, and full-bodied, these wines are perfect with the warm comfort foods our bodies crave in the cold winter months.

Meatloaf with Sour Cream Gravy fits these requirements perfectly. (Find the recipe on www.LaSommelierre.com).

Bacon and sausage add tons of flavors to the meat, and sour cream gravy will be a nice change from ketchup. You can serve the meatloaf with requisite mashed-potatoes and a simple, steamed green vegetable.

Easy Coffee Pudding has very few and inexpensive ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen. I like

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february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

the idea of ending a meal with the flavor of coffee, but I don’t like actual coffee with the texture of pudding; I think hot coffee tastes better with crumblytextured desserts like cake and cookies.

With this dessert, sparkling water is a great way to cleanse your palate.

So, go on. Pair Up!

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

Easy Coffee Pudding INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch salt 2 cups whole milk 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract DIRECTIONS Whisk the cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon and salt in a 2-quart heavy saucepan.

Gradually whisk in the milk. Boil the mixture over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, about 2 minutes.

The mixture will be thick when done.

Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Whisk in the espresso and vanilla until smooth.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Chill the bowl in the fridge until cold, at least 2 hours.

Serve the pudding chilled.

Yield: 4 Servings

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

Spinach-Orange Salad with Spiced Pecans INGREDIENTS 3 cups fresh baby spinach, washed & dried 2 green onions, chopped 1 orange, supremed* and halved 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 cup pecan halves 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1/4 teaspoon cayenne Salt and freshly ground black pepper *Supremed means white membranes are removed.

DRESSING: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons orange or grapefruit juice (or a combination) 3 tablespoons canola oil 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS Put the spinach and green onions in large salad bowl and sprinkle with the halved citrus supremes. In a small sauté pan over medium heat, add the butter and sugar and stir until the butter is melted. Add the pecans and toss until the pecans begin to brown. Stir in the rosemary and cayenne and stir just a few seconds to release the aroma. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle the pecans on the salad while still warm. Drizzle the dressing over salad and serve.

Dressing: In a small bowl, add all the ingredients and whisk until emulsified.

Yield: 4 Servings

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

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In the Mix

Kevin Suto

BY PAUL COTRUVO

Life is always full of surprises. A few years ago, I became acquainted with Kevin Suto, lead guitar player with the country band, The Bell Brothers. I was always impressed with his technique and virtuosity. In other words, he is a monster guitar player, and, on top of that, an extremely nice gentleman. But what I didn’t know about Kevin is he also happens to be the CEO of Zachary’s Pizza. My all-time favorite pizza! I practically lived at the Rockridge location in my 20s and 30s. Well, this news was not only exciting to me, but made me want to know more about Kevin. As this is a music column, I will stick to music questions. So let’s find out a little more about the one and only, Kevin Suto.

PC: When did you first start playing guitar and why?

KS: I took up guitar in 9th grade in San Diego. The kids in the high school that I had recently moved to were really into the guitar rock of the day - bands like AC/ DC, Van Halen, and Led Zeppelin. I met a couple of friends who had just started playing guitar, and music was pretty much all they ever talked about. I got obsessed with the idea of learning guitar after seeing a couple of local bands play at the high school. I was blown away by the dude with the big hair and flying V playing “Running with the Devil”! I got my first guitar that year, took some lessons, learned a few riffs and chords, and was on my way.

PC: Who are some of your influences?

KS: From the cradle, Elvis was a bigtime influence. My dad had a few Elvis albums and a console record player in the basement. He had the early Elvis RCA records with the Jordanaires. Great stuff.

“Heartbreak Hotel” is an amazing recording. My mom had a great collection of 45 singles from the 50s that we used to wear out. Unfortunately I used them as targets for hockey pucks one winter, and I had a pretty accurate shot. That did not go over well with the rest of the Suto

clan. And who hasn’t been influenced by the Beatles? My aunts and uncles were big fans and we used to sing along with the Beatles in the car. My first guitar teacher in Berkeley, Adam Grieffer was a British blues player. He got me to listen to Jeff Beck, Cream, and Albert King, and showed me the pentatonic scale.

That is when things clicked for me, and I progressed rapidly. I started taking lessons from Joe Satriani, and he blew my mind on a weekly basis for several years.

Eddie Van Halen was like a god to me, but I never attempted to try to play like him. My musical influences these days are more rooted in blues, blues-rock, and country rock. Albert King and Freddy King wrote the forward in my imaginary book of guitar playing. Clapton, Hendrix, Scotty Moore, James Burton, Pete Townshend, Eddie Van Halen, and Joe Satriani have all written chapters. I am also not ashamed to say KISS was a big influence on me! I think I know all of their songs, at least the ones written in the 70s. Ha! Maybe there is a tribute band in the future?

PC: Do you have a favorite musical moment of your career so far?

KS: I had the privilege to play with the Bell Brothers as a support act for Dwight Yoakam at the Salinas Rodeo a few years ago. There have been a lot of great times, but this was the peak thus far for me.

The promoter was great - they gave us the mini rock star treatment. We had our own trailer and a cooler of PBR right behind the stage! We played a great set and were well received. We had a meet and greet with Dwight and watched his set from the side of the stage and had our picture taken with him as well. I will share a light-hearted moment from that night: Dwight put his arm around my shoulder and pulled down with great force while posing for the picture. I couldn’t figure out why until I saw the picture itself - he had his arms around Russ and me, and with his big hat on he was the same height as the rest of us! Russ, Scott, and I are all comfortably over 6 feet tall, and so was Dwight at that point! His set killed.

Dwight is a pro’s pro.

PC: If you were a song, what would it be and why?

KS: Wow, is this a Super Bowl media day question or what? That is a tough one.

How about “Chicken Fried”, by the Zac Brown Band? The song hits the mark on several fronts. I love to cook (and eat) great food! I wear jeans every day, though they don’t always fit just right! He touches on humble roots in his hometown, the love of his family, and appreciation of our country. I also like a cold beer on a Friday night; I can sometimes be found enjoying an after-work beer at the Pleasant Hill Zachary’s on Friday nights about 8pm. Stop on by, say hi, and raise your glass for a toast!

Kevin and The Bell Brothers will be a part of this year’s Come Together 5 show on February 27, at the Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive. Show time is 7:30pm, $20 per person. Along with The Bell Brothers, performers include: Clambake (Ken Cooper & David Martin), Frankie G., Jim Caroompas & The Sisters of No Mercy, Dangerfall, Kymber Starmack,

Colton Waters & The New Sensations, 2:am, Side Street, Dierdre Nelis & Friends. If you have ever been to one of these shows, you are already aware that this is one of the best events of the year. Plus, you just never know who might show up for a song or two. Get your tickets on Eventbrite. For more information, contact the Pleasant Hill Rec & Park.

Paul’s Picks February 12: Lorin Rowan & Ken Emerson, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm February 22: The Sunday Paper, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4pm February 27: Come Together 5, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., 7:30pm February 28: Fleetwood Mask, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive Walnut Creek, 10pm

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1918 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill 925-705-7065/7066 (PHONE) • 925-705-7067 (FAX) www.kobejapanrestaurant.com ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

23

Finding Cancer

Warm Up

BY KASRA KARAMLOU, MD

It is known that cancer is developed through multiple mutations in the body, and in some cancers those early mutations cause clonal expansions. It was hypothesized that duplication of specific mutated genes could be identified as predecessors to hematologic cancers.

A study published November 26, 2014, with the New England Journal of Medicine shows an interesting promise toward detection of hematologic cancers prior to onset of clinically apparent symptoms through DNA sequencing. The study was conducted on 12,380 persons who received complete DNA sequencing and then were followed up for 2-7 years.

It was found that four genes resulted with higher numbers of mutations than others. These genes were identified as “drivers” of somatic mutation, meaning that they contribute to production of cells arising from a single cell. Data shows that as individuals age, they are more likely to possess gene drivers that may be a contributor to hematologic cancer. It was also found that as the age of the individual increases, so does the amount of mutations found.

Upon observation it was apparent

BY TONYA AMOS

Winter is here with its blustery wind, cold air, and maybe even some rain. We can hibernate during this time of year or we can keep moving. Working out in the cold has challenges, but with a bit of planning, you can successfully exercise all the way through the cold season.

Cover up. Ever notice that dancers are layered from head to toe? Keeping the body warm is essential to protecting muscles and joints from injury. From cramping muscles to torn ligaments and tendons, it’s easy to hurt yourself when it’s cold. And warm muscles have more flexibility, which improves the quality of your activity. Layering your clothes means you can pull them on and off as your body temperature shifts during your workout. As a dancer, I’m partial to tights as my first layer to keep warm without adding bulk. Use a hat, headband with ear coverings, or scarf to minimize losing body heat from your head and neck. Visit your local athletic store to find the right layers for your sport or activity.

Warm up well, and then change your wet clothes immediately after your workout. Having a spare set of warm, dry clothes in your car, locker, or workout bag will get you warm faster. This will

DNA Analysis & Hematologic Cancer that the same driver gene mutations that were detected in participants were present in individuals with hematologic cancers.

These genes can be mutated and leave individuals un-symptomatic for long periods of time before perhaps cooperating events attribute to hematological cancer.

While currently there are no interventions available for individuals who have a slightly elevated risk of hematologic cancer, and testing positive for these mutated genes does not warrant a diagnosis of such, it is hoped that strategies may be developed for eventual early detection and prevention of the hematologic cancer and other diseases so risks can be calculated with DNA screening.

Dr. Karamlou is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology in Pleasant Hill. He specializes in treating hematologic malignances and benign hematology. To hear more on leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, join Dr. Karamlou and Dr. Robles for a free event focusing on the unique issues of patients with blood cancer. They will discuss and share exciting new research, treatments, and therapies recently announced at the American Society of Hematology’s annual meeting. Q & A session to follow. February 11, 2015, 6:30pm at Walnut Creek Library’s Oak Room, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. For more information, visit dvohmg.com or call 925-677-5041.

Who Else Wants to Lose 20 lbs in 6 weeks for FREE? Join hundreds of East Bay Residents who transformed their body and their life in just 42 days!

Warm Body, Cold Workout Days help keep your body temperature stable instead of plummeting dramatically after a hard workout in the cold.

Drink plenty of water. You may feel less thirsty when working out in the cold vs. intense heat, but you are still sweating.

Heavy clothes can cause extra perspiration, which means even more loss of fluids.

Resist the urge to hibernate this winter. Doing a solid warm-up, wearing the right gear, and staying hydrated will keep you from turning into Frosty the Snowman while staying in shape. And the sun will come out tomorrow….or soon, at least!

Tonya Marie Amos owns Aspire Pilates Center in Concord. For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com

Tropical Pilates Retreat March 7th - 14th, 2015

7 Nights Relaxation for Body & Mind Pilates, Cooking & Spanish Classes This is your chance to escape!

www.MexicoPilatesRetreat.com

With years of remodels behind us we look forward to helping you make your house the home you've always wanted.

SAMUELS CONSTRUCTION ALL PHASES OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS AVAILABLE

Katie lost 22 lbs and 14 inches off her waist

Molly lost 23.6 lbs and 8 inches off her waist

Simon lost 23.2 lbs and 4 inches off his waist

Only 30 spots available. Program Starts February 23, 2015 You must attend one of the orientations to apply.

Visit www.20lbs42days.com to RSVP for an orientation.

E-mail Anna at anna@transformfxfitness.com Or call 925.289.8042 for any inquiries.

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february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Kitchens • Bath Remodeling Tile • Cultured Marble Granite • Additions Windows • Doors Concrete • Foundations Driveways • Patios • Fences General Contractor Lic#652185

samcon60@gmail.com • 925.260.4448 313 Gloria Drive, Pleasant Hill

MEMBER

Music Fundraiser

World’s Greatest Race…Ever!

The College Park Instrumental Boosters have organized a Selfie Adventure Race on February 7 at 11am in Pleasant Hill Park as part of a fundraiser for the Symphony Orchestra and String Orchestra at College Park High School. The students are fundraising for travel to Florida this April. Planned performance venues include Disney World, Epcot Center, and Universal Studios. The students will have a clinic at the University of Florida and share their skills at a joint concert with a local Florida high school. Educational activities will be included throughout the week, including time at the Kennedy Space Center. “The tour experience extends musicians’ abilities, bonds student musicians into a more cohesive ensemble, and gives students the opportunity to showcase both their talents and the musical excellence of the College Park High School Instrumental Music program,” said Frank Monaghan, a College Park instrumental music booster.

College Park orchestra members hard at work.

Over 70 high school musicians and their equipment will be traveling across the country. The boosters have raised over $90,000 as of this printing and still need to raise $27,000 by Feb. 15, 2015. The community can help fund this trip by going to the GoFundMe website: www.gofundme. com/j3li48 to make a donation of any size. Any community support is greatly appreciated.

Students work in teams of two (or more) and receive a list of crazy clues.

After solving each clue, teams go to locations and snap photos of all team members there. Team members use the Internet to solve clues. Photos are inspected at the finish line. The team to reach the finish line first with the correct photos wins the team trophy.

“The idea for the ‘World’s Greatest Race…Ever!!!: A Selfie Adventure Race’ was conceived by parent members of the College Park Instrumental Music Boosters organization,” continued Monaghan.

Local Campus News 78th Annual Student Speakers Contest

The Pleasant Hill Lions Club is sponsoring a Student Speakers Contest on the topic of “Water Conservation: How Can We Reduce, Recycle and Reclaim?” The competition will be held Thursday, February 5, 7pm, at Pleasant Hill City Hall. Winners of this contest receive $100 and go on to the next level, with a chance to win thousands in college scholarship money.

Lions are an international network of 1.35 million men and women dedicated to making a difference locally and globally.

New Courses at Alhambra High School: Project Lead the Way

Director of Curriculum and Educational Technology Audrey Lee presented information to the MUSD Board about the Project Lead the Way Courses. The curriculum, approved by the Curriculum Advisory Council (CAC) on January 6, approaches teaching and learning through activity, projects, and problem-based curriculum. These courses are STEM-based and offer students the opportunity to explore content, identify problems, and find unique solutions. The program also offers teachers a rigorous professional development model.

All these rigorous courses meet University of California A-G requirements, are accessible to all learners, and can earn students 6 units of college credits. At the meeting, the board approved the Project Lead the Way. These classes will be included in upcoming catalogs, promotional materials, and parent meetings. Staff also hopes the middle school will have a feeder program in the future.

MUSD Schools Apply for Award

Martinez Junior High School and Alhambra High School are applying for the California Gold Ribbon Award. This award honors schools while the California Distinguished Schools Program is on hiatus while California schools transition to a new assessment and accountability system. The new award recognizes middle and high schools in 2015 and elementary schools in 2016.

The award recognizes California schools that have made tremendous gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education for all students, including English learners. These include, but are not limited to, the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, California English Language Development Standards, Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, and Next Generation Science Standards. Award winners will be announced in April.

Northgate Student Selected for 2015 Grammy Camp – Jazz Session

Northgate student Jonah Moss has been selected for Trumpet Lead for the 2015 GRAMMY Camp’s Jazz Session February 5-7. He will be joined with 31 other high school students from across the United States. Their selection launches them into the spotlight surrounding the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards and provides them with opportunities to perform for some of music’s biggest names. The students will travel to Los Angeles for a weeklong musical adventure. Each student will be eligible for more than $2 million in college scholarships made possible through the GRAMMY Foundation’s college partners: Berklee College of Music in Boston, Manhattan School of Music, The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, and USC Thornton School of Music. In addition, each selectee’s school will receive a professional cymbal courtesy of the Zildjian Company.

The young musicians will record at the legendary Capitol Studios & Mastering in Hollywood, courtesy of the EMI Music Group. The group will also attend the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8 as guests of The Recording Academy and will perform at the GRAMMY celebration after-party.

ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

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Support FPHE New Jewelry For a Good Cause

Looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry for someone special? Pleasant Hill Coin and Jewelry is a long-time partner of Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE) and is holding a Valentine’s Day fundraiser to benefit FPHE and its 2015 grant program. Purchase your Valentine’s jewelry gift at Pleasant Hill Coin and Jewelry between now and February 14 and they will give you a 20% discount. When you mention “FPHE,” they will give 15% of your sale to FPHE.

Since 1997, Pleasant Hill Coin and Jewelry has been at 3264 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill, next to Best Buy. They are open Monday-Friday, 10:00am-6:00pm, and Saturdays, 10:00am-4:00pm. They sell beautiful fine jewelry for below wholesale

prices, and their coin selection draws enthusiasts from all over the Bay Area.

There is something exciting for everyone.

Pleasant Hill Coin and Jewelry has been an active supporter of FPHE, our schools, and many community organizations. Please join with FPHE in honoring Pleasant Hill Coin and Jewelry by participating in this wonderful fundraiser.

Cub Scouts Carol for Seniors

Cub Scouts from Pack 464 joined residents at the Sunrise Senior Living in Walnut Creek for an afternoon of caroling and visiting on December 20. Dressed in their formal uniforms, Twenty Cub Scouts and their parents gathered in the main lounge to sing lots of holiday favorites. Many joined in as the boys sung songs including “Jingle Bells” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The boys got adventurous (as they are known to be) and took requests, including “White Christmas,” which turned out quite nicely! Everyone’s favorite part of the day was meeting, talking and sharing stories about the holidays, Scouting, or other interests.

Cub Scouts is an organization focused on providing activities, fun and learning for boys in the 1st through 5th grades. Boys from Valle Verde Elementary, Seven Hills, and Eagle Peak make up Cub Scout Pack 464 in Walnut Creek. The Pack is always happy to welcome new members! More information is available on the Pack website at pack464walnutcreek.org. Story and photo submitted by Jessica Grant.

Lic # 07090995

Valentine’s Day Fundraiser 20% OFF JEWELRY* 15% OF SALE PRICE GOES TO FPHE* We love our customers & our schools!

Mention “FPHE” when you shop at our Valentine’s Day Sale from January 14 to February 14 and we’ll give 15% of the sale price to FPHE.

DVC Summer Job Fair

This event is an amazing opportunity for DVC students, alumni, and community members to meet with potential employers to discuss career and internship opportunities. The DVC Summer Job & Internship Fair is on Wednesday, March 4, in the walkway (known as Main Street) between the Food Court and Student Services Center on the Pleasant Hill campus. As a bonus, DVC’s San Ramon Campus (SRC) will be hosting a job fair on Tuesday, March 10, 11am-2pm, in the SRC campus quad, 1690 Watermill Rd. The SRC location will only be able to accommodate 25 employers, so register soon. Note: In case of inclement weather, both job fairs will be relocated indoors. Questions? Call 925.969.2137.

MON-SAT 11-6

That’s right! Find a beautiful ring for $300 & we’ll write a check to FPHE for $45! *Some items excluded. Retail sales tax is in addition and not included in sale price.

PLEASANT HILL COIN & JEWELRY EXCHANGE www.coin-and-jewelry.com • 925-937-7877 Open Mon – Fri 10am to 6pm Sat 10am to 4pm 3264 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill Just off Hwy 680 - Next to Best Buy 26

february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Women’s Quality Consignment 925.808.8765 • thedejavuboutique.com

1630 CONTRA COSTA BOULEVARD, SUITE A • PLEASANT HILL

Story and Photos by Christopher Vardas

Vardas’ Adventures The Big Island of Hawai’i

A

s the plane touched down on the final leg of the journey to the Big Island of Hawaii, I felt as though I were living a page from a Michener novel. Here I was, after a nearly all-day crossing of the great Pacific, in search of a new culture, strange natural wonders, sunshine, and the opportunity to wear shorts and sandals for an entire week.

What I did not expect was how amazing the next ten days would be. My wife and I discovered new foods, a new language, strange plants, beautiful and majestic wildlife, truly wonderful people, and a lot about ourselves.

We landed at what seemed to be a rural airport’s facilities: no gates, automated walkways, or buildings, per se. The feature of “open-air” would repeat itself later in the trip; restaurants, churches, and even some stores were all open to the elements. What a concept. This was

necting Kona to Hilo, bisects the island, reaching an elevation of 7,000 feet. We drove it from warm sun, through clouds, past snow covered mountain peaks, and then into fog and rain showers in a matter of ninety minutes.

In the late 1780s, the large rolling hills at the base of Mona Kea became home to what would later become the largest cattle ranch land in the world.

Mexican vaqueros were hired to manage the large herds of cattle. Later becoming known as “paniolos” (Hawaiian cowboys), the vaqueros were responsible for what has since become a major cultural presence on the island. Today, the cowboy ranch lands and BBQ/hoe-down experiences have become a major tourist draw.

It was on just such an excursion that we met a pet razorback pig, authentic Hawaiian cowboys, and a rescued military dog that served as a bomb sniffer in Iraq.

My wife and I discovered new foods, a new language, strange plants, beautiful and majestic wildlife, truly wonderful people, and a lot about ourselves. another clue that life here was going to be pretty favorable.

We were positioned nicely in a medium-size condo complex just two miles south of Kona. Our residence had a lovely “partial” view of the ocean, a pool, and access to a private beach; we were witness to a string of beautiful sunsets, palm trees and all. We felt a lot like John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row character, the Seer, who said, “ I have come to believe the sun won’t set without me.” And so it went for ten lovely days and ten lovely sunsets.

The Big Island of Hawaii is so big you can fit all the other Hawaiian Islands twice within its borders and still have land left over. It possesses nine of the eleven major climate zones of the world, lacking only the arctic and sub-Saharan environments. Mona Kea, the northern most mountain/volcano, is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from sea floor to its peak elevation, totaling over 33,000 ft. The newly renovated Daniel Inouye Memorial Highway, con-

Not unlike Hwy 1 north of Marin country, travel on the island is generally slow. There are few four-lane “highways.”

A trip from Kona to Hilo, though only some 50 miles, requires at least 1.5 hours; traveling to the volcano region south from Kona will take two and a half to three hours each way. We twice visited the area just 15 miles south from Kona, stopping at Kealakekua to explore the variety of local candy, fabric, antique and dress stores, and coffee plantations that dot the roadside. We met islanders, visitors, and transplants who all had great stories to tell. We encountered many transplants who had surrendered their mainland life for a chance to carve out some time here, “doing what one must do to live in paradise.” The younger folks admitted that life was hard in that it often required working multiple jobs to pay the high cost of living. But everyone agreed that living the island life was worth the sacrifice, even if for just a few years.

We spent many days at the local

farmers’ markets (very popular everywhere on Hawai’i) where you could buy fresh produce and just about any kind of tourist trinket imaginable. People watching is a favorite past-time at the markets.

Vendors are generally very amiable and willing to share their personal “island” story. Open-air markets can be found in nearly every neighborhood, and attending them is a major tradition here.

Along the highway toward Cook’s inlet, south of Kona, is the Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary (www.paleaku. com), a garden complex of trees, plants, flowers, plaques, and viewpoints dedicated to the major religions of the world.

Travel here to experience unobstructed ocean views, quiet, and calm unlike anywhere else on the island. A short distance away is the “Painted Church,” a local, open-air Catholic church that houses stunning paintings of church-themed images that are translated using island motifs and figures. A few miles further, we came to one of the more sacred sites called the “place of refuge,” Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. Part of the National Park system, it is in a lovely location along the water and protects the original structures and lands of the native culture (www.nps.gov/puho/ index.htm). Many of the rangers are natives and take great pride in explaining the traditions and history of their culture. The south Kona coast is popular for growing a relatively new crop, coffee.

This region of the island has a unique volcanic soil that lends itself well to the cultivation of a much sought-after quality coffee, prized around the world. There are many coffee plantations along the remote roads that offer short tours and good explanations of coffee growing and processing. Do your homework ahead of time though, as some of these tours are expensive and do little more than offer you the opportunity to buy very expensive coffee.

Next up: Pele’s Unforgiving Beauty Visit In This Issue online at www.ourcommunityfocus.com to view more photos by vardasphotography.com. ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

27

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY:

Linda J. Weihofen

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

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

Feb. 8 - Pancake Breakfast. This delicious breakfast includes pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Cost is $4.00 for adults/$2.50 for children 10 and under. Handmade crafts, perfect for gifts, will be on sale during the breakfast.

Feb. 9 - Pacific Northwest Explorer Presentation and Sign Up 9:30am. Take in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest from the sights of Seattle to the beauty of Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada. Pick up a brochure for a detailed itinerary; you won’t want to miss this trip. Trip dates are August 20 – August 25, 2015.

Feb. 27 – Bunco. Introduction to game/rules at 11:30am; lunch served at 12pm; games begin at 1pm. Join us even if you have never played the game. You will catch on quickly and have so much fun. Cash prizes will be awarded. Lunch is at noon and a “Dessert Bar” is during break. Donation: $12. Tickets on sale now. Deadline to purchase tickets is February 23.

Coming soon…AARP Safe Driving Course – March 6 & 13, 2015.

Call the center for more information and to register. (925) 370-8770

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Feb. 6 - Vagabond Players present Bull in a China Shop 1:30pm. Award-winning live theater group puts on a delightful show. Reception with refreshments follows each performance. For more information, call the Senior Center at (925) 798-8788. Tickets: $10/person presale or $15/person day of.

Feb. 12 – Valentines Dance & Afternoon Tea 1pm at the Senior Center, Chateau Room. Sing, tap your toes, and dance the afternoon away with friends or your valentine to wonderful live music by the LaSalle Street Jazz Band. Take a break from dancing and enjoy an afternoon tea with hors d’oeuvres. Dance partner not required! Tickets: $12/person pre-sale or $16/person day of (depending on availability).

Feb. 17 – Mardi Gras Party 2pm. 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 (non-alcoholic available). Appetizers will be served! Live New Orleans Jazz music will get you in the party mood! Sponsored by the Chateaus of Pleasant Hill. Tickets: $10/person pre-sale or $15/person day of (depending on availability).

Disaster Prep

Making a Plan for Your Business

BY JIM BONATO

Your business or the business you work for is vitally important to your family’s financial security.

Thinking in broader terms, every area of our country relies on its local businesses to remain open after a disaster in order for communities to recover quickly. Surprisingly, fewer than half of all American businesses, mostly small businesses, have taken the time to develop a disaster plan.

The first step in developing your plan is to identify the risks to your business and the hazards you and your employees face.

Recall the business closures caused by the recent earthquake in Napa. Every minute your doors are closed creates an increasing opportunity for your competitors to step in and take a bite out of your market share. Waiting until a disaster strikes may be catastrophically too late to identify what you wish you had done to prepare your business for that event.

Very few buildings in our area are of unreinforced masonry – the construction material most susceptible to collapse in an earthquake. However, tenant improvements consisting of interior walls of unreinforced masonry or walls not properly integrated into the support structure of the building may put employees at risk of injury due to wall collapse. Likewise, unbraced suspended ceilings and suspended lighting, unanchored tall shelving and equipment, file cabinets and improperly

anchored overhead HVAC equipment may pose a significant risk of injury and contribute to a terrific (and costly) mess. Any weakness in the installation of overhead fire protection sprinklers and piping may create a major disruption to your business operations should a break occur from lateral shaking forces of an earthquake.

If your computers are damaged, do you have a plan to retrieve and access all the data you maintain about products, inventory, vendors, customers, accounts receivable and accounts payable, payroll, and employees? Hopefully, files are backed-up in “the cloud” or on flash drives or discs that are stored offsite.

How about one of THE most important assets of your business – your employees? Will they be able to keep your business open and running? Their focus will be on their own safety and the safety of their families and homes. Will they be available to help you keep your doors open? Are they prepared at home if a disaster occurs while they are at work, and vice versa? Is your business equipped with adequate fire extinguishers, first aid supplies, drinking water, and nonperishable food items? Are there customized emergency plans for persons who are physically challenged?

A meeting with your staff and employees will be very beneficial in identifying the risks they see to the business, its continuity, customer service, and jobs.

Next month, we’ll begin addressing those risks and hazards.

Jim Bonato is the Pleasant Hill CERT Program Manager

Join us for our Early Bird specials.

Monday-Thursday 3-6pm & Friday 3-5pm.

New exciting menu to choose from.

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

Wencesrestaurant.com

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february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Brunch • Lunch • Dinner

Overall Best Restaurant

P L E A S A N T

H I L L

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

It’s Your Business.

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

Congratulations

Sweeten Your Business Success in ‘15!

to our Chamber Members who were Winners and Finalists in the recent Community Focus “Readers’ Local Favorites” contest!

Business Club

Back Forty Texas BBQ Cantrell’s Computer Sales & Service Chateaus, Carlton Senior Living Coco Swirl - Pleasant Hill Contra Costa Country Club Courtyard Marriott, Pleasant Hill Deja Vu, A Unique Boutique Edward Jones Financial – Yvonne Ceresa Estates Consignments Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Hyatt House, Pleasant Hill Michael E Huguet, DDS Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Kinder’s Meats & BBQ Kobe Japan La Tapatia Mexican Cuisine Leading Edge Pest Management Martin Orthodontics – Jennifer L. Martin, DDS Magoo’s Grill Massage Envy Noni’s Pet Botique & Grooming Payless Painting Peet’s Coffee & Tea PH Rec & Park Senior Services RE/MAX Realty – Don & Norma Flaskerud Sinful Bliss SkinScience Med Spa Slow Hand BBQ State Farm Insurance – Matt Rinn Stokley Properties Susan Wood Photography Tahoe Joe’s Togo’s VinoCruising Wence’s Restaurant YMCA Zachary’s Pizza

Building Business Relationships

Want more referrals? One of the

680 Facilitators L to R: La Shawn Wells, Jennifer Voss, Peter Paredero, Yvonne Ceresa, and Péllo Walker

BUSINESS RUNWAY 2015

Resources to Propel Your Business.

Another great way to take advantage of your Chamber membership is to attend the Business Runway 2015 workshop series. The Business Runway program provide to members and non-members, mini educational workshops scheduled throughout the year. Subject matter experts are brought in to share with you the latest in trends, technology, marketing and business operations to help you stay current without having to spend a lot of time trying to figure it out on your own. Go to the Chamber website calendar or give a call to the Chamber.

For more information please contact the Chamber office at chamberinfo@pleasanthillchamber.com or (925) 687-0700

Welcome New Members ComForcare Senior Services Yalla Mediterranean Perry's Catering Putman Berggren Tonti Dave's Cuisine Catering Jeremy Carlson Schopp & Co., An Accountancy Corporation Paul Mitchell The School- East Bay Mona Mokarram, D.D.S., Inc. Hackingtons The Cobra Experience

Mike Mendaros Erick Santiago Stephanie Perry Donna Berggren Dave Krider Margaret Schopp Steve Eidle Mona Mokarram Matthew Highland Emily Lambert

best ways to take advantage of your Chamber membership is to join and attend one of the 680 Business Club networking groups available to Chamber members. The 680 Business Club groups meet twice a month, for six months and are limited to one person per industry per group designed to help you build business relationships.

(925) 429-8320 (925) 825-8644 (925) 435-9867 (925) 827-1400 (925) 997-7526 (925) 287-9420 (925) 689-2200 (925) 691-7687 (925) 228-6734 (925) 391-5589 (925) 558-5585

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

www.pleasanthillchamber.com

ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

29

Make Some Plans february

february 14

Martinez Unified School District

Mt. Diablo Writers Club

Kindergarten & Transitional Kindergarten registration is first week of February. Packets (and lower case r in registration) are available at the district office 921 Susana Street. Visit www.martinez.k12.ca.us.

february

Spring Co-Ed Flag Football California Football Academy. Register on-line now!

Fun, family-friendly league for ages 4 - 14; all skill levels. Sundays, March 8 - May 17. Mt Diablo High, Concord, californiafootballacademy.com.

925.625.2222.

Susan C. Shea presents “Writing What We Know— What Does That Mean?” Zio Fraedo’s, 611 Gregory Ln., PH. Check in 11:15. $20/members, $25/guests.

Reservations by 1/7, Robin Gigoux at ragig@ aol.com, or 925.933.9670. cwcmtdiablowriters. wordpress.com.

february 14

Constellation Work Introduction to Hellinger Family Constellation Work 1 5pm. Explore the theoretical underpinnings of Hellinger Family Constellation work. 43 Quail Court, Ste 215,Walnut Creek. RSVP 925.826.3858. Fees: $40 to represent, $150 for a constellation. myranissen.com/blog/attendintroduction-hellinger-family-constellation-work/.

february 3

february 17

Martinez Memories Film Series

Best In Show

presented by Martinez Historical Society.

February 3 to February 24, 6pm, Martinez Library, 740 Court St. 925.646.9900

with CCHS, 6pm-8:30pm. Live broadcast of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on the big screen. Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Tickets are $75; group packages available.

BestInShow2015.eventbrite.com. 925.279.2247 or www.cchumane.org.

february 3

february 18

PH Garden Study Club

Ash Wednesday

Marian Woodard presents Sustainable Home Garden Practices. Guests welcome and free. 7pm at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, PH. 925.944.4898 or www.phgsc.com

Worship Services at Hillcrest Church Noon and 7pm. 404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Visit our website at hillcrestucc.org or call 925.689.8260.

february 7

february 19

I Downtown Martinez Wine Stroll

Metal Art Exhibit

2pm-5:30pm. Visit businesses in downtown Martinez to sample delicious wines and chocolate treats! Tickets at www. mainstreetmartinez.org

The Object & the Void: West Coast Metal Sculpture Opening reception Bedford Gallery, 6-8pm. February 17 – April 12. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.

february 7

february 19

DVC Athletics Poker Tournament

Sustainable Living Workshops

Happy hour: 6pm. Tournament: 6:45 – 11pm. $75 BuyIn; $20 Re-Buys; Payouts for Top 3. Must be 21 or over.

DVC Campus, Culinary Arts Building, 321 Golf Club Rd., PH. Tickets: Marisa Greenberg: mgreenberg@dvc.edu or 925.969.2746

3rd Thursday of each month through October, 10am – 12pm. February: Raising Chickens. Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Rd. PH. $20/workshop.

Info and registration: www.sustainablecoco.org/ workshops.

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february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Local Fundraiser A Donation of a Different Kind

Please join the community on March 15, when Martinez hosts a St. Baldrick’s signature head-shaving event.

In the U.S, more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease – that’s more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies, and diabetes combined.

And yet, all types of childhood cancers combined receive only 4% of the U.S. federal funding for cancer research.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers so that survivors can live long, healthy lives.

“Shavees” ask friends and families to make donations “on their head,” and in return, they attend one of the thousands of volunteer-organized events around the world where they have their heads shaved in solidarity with kids fighting cancer.

Not everyone who participates is a “shavee.” You can also volunteer, donate, or start a fundraising team.

This event is March 15, 10am at the Main Street Plaza in downtown Martinez.

Business Directory Local Qualit y You Can Trust!

Pleasant Hill

COLLISION

Collision Repair & Painting • Frame Straightening Insurance Claims • Glass • Customs

www.PleasantHillCollision.com • email phcollision@aol.com 925-939-1160 • 1581 Oak Park Boulevard • Pleasant Hill

ADVERTISE • Reach over 40,000 local customers!

• Largest circulation of any local paper!

• Get more for your advertising dollar!

BUCK CHESHIRE Happy Fun "LIVE" Music From the 50’s thru 80’s •

• Assisted Living Convalescent Homes • Hospitals

One Dog At A Time • Call for Same Day Appointments • Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat and Sun • 9am - 6pm and Some Evenings

• Drop in nail trimming Sunday & Monday's • Located in and Backed by Central Bark, Downtown Martinez

Buck Cheshire• 925-787-6149 www.buckshotozoneband.com

melonie jackson • 925-822-7858 821 Escobar St, Martinez

LEADING EDGE

PEST MANAGEMENT, INC. TERMITE SPECIALISTS Inspections, Eco-Friendly Treatments & Professional Repairs

800-471-5555

BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY AD

WWW.LEADINGEDGEPM.COM

925.335.NEWS • www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Lic.#PR6202

ADVERTISE • Reach over 40,000 local customers!

• Largest circulation of any local paper!

• Get more for your advertising dollar!

BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY AD 925.335.NEWS • www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Advertisers Aspire Pilates Center Bay Area Festivals, Inc. Bay View Yacht Charters Carlton Senior Living Cold Stone Creamery Colleen Callahan Insurance Services Country Waffles Deja Vu Boutique Diablo FC Diablo Valley Oncology EcoMulch

East Bay Residential Realty Ellinwood Exterminators El Tapatio Flaskerud - RE/MAX Today Forma Gym FPHE Glenn Allen Team – RE/MAX Hagin’s Automotive Hammer’s Heating and A/C Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Hire My Husband Home Detailers Housekeeping Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S.

Kobe Japan Lamorinda Presbyterian Church Law Offices of Daniel L. DuRee Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski Les Schwab Tires Linda J. Weihofen Matt Rinn – State Farm Insurance Maureen Ingalls - RE/MAX Accord Moulding Company Mt. Diablo Solano Oncology Group Nash Iron Works Navlet’s Parkway Smiles Dental PHBA (Chris Baker)

Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Hill Coin & Jewelry Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Samuels Construction Senior Helpers Shell Western States Credit Union SkinScience Medical Spa Suzanne Looker, Pacific Union International Total Property Solutions Transform FX Fitness Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant

Winter Cleaning Special

2/28/15

ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2015

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FREE ADMISSION LAFAYETTE Sun. Feb. 22, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Acalanes High School 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd., 1/2 mile off Hwy. 24 near I-680

www.ContraCostaCampFair.com

Don’t miss the 3 Biggest Camp & School Fairs of the season ALL FREE! Bring the entire family.

FREE Find out about Camps, Day Care, Preschool, Goody Bag to first 200 families

SAN RAMON Sat. Feb. 21, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

12885B Alcosta Blvd.

One block off Crow Canyon Rd. near Post Office

www.TriValleyCampFair.com

Family Vacations, Sports, Scouts, Enrichment, Performing Arts, Gymnastics, Martial Arts & More Schools for all ages & subjects

BRENTWOOD Fri. Feb. 20, 5 - 8 p.m.

Free Raffle at Camp Fair

Nee Check website for location Ne

www.ContraCostaCampFair.com

www.camperoo.com

1 Free Raffle Ticket for each canned good donation

Free Camps, Great Prizes

Produced by (925) 408-4014 jay@BayAreaFamilyFest.com

MAGAZINE

www.SportStarsOnline.com

East Bay MoMMy & ME ConsignMEnt salE March 27-28-29 in Walnut Creek Hey Moms!

Ready to make some money?

• Consign or Shop • Amazing Designer Deals • Women's, Kid’s & Teen Clothing • Get Paid in 72 Hours!

• Spring & Summer Clothes Benefiting

(925) 250-6046

ContactUs@EastBayConsignmentSales.com

www.eastbayconsignmentsales.com

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february 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com