February 2017 Community Focus

COMMUNITY

FOCUS ourcommunityfocus.com

FEBRUARY 2017 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

IN THIS ISSUE: • LOVE, CHOCOLATE, AND NEUROTRANSMITTERS • LOCAL BUSINESSES IN FOCUS • BRIONES ARCHERY CLUB

PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

Julie Says

Love, Chocolate, and Neurotransmitters

BY JULIE ROSS

I hope it’s bright and sunny outside as you read this. As I write, we are crawling out from under January’s multi-day deluge but still feeling the weight of overcast skies. The scene out the window is drab and damp. It’s no wonder that the shorter, gloomy days of winter can make us feel tired, anxious, and moody.

Scientists tell us a disruption in our circadian rhythms, the dark/light cycle of our body clock, is to blame. For most of us, the effects are thankfully mild; others live with the debilitating syndrome of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When bright natural daylight is not available, many people suffering from SAD find relief by sitting near a “sun box,” which provides exposure

to super bright artificial light for 30 or more minutes a day. Others use a “dawn simulator,” which mimics daybreak with gradually increasing light in the morning.

For those of us who are just feeling a bit down, what advice is out there to brighten our mood? I read about the obvious -- listen to cheery music, get outside, help others, do yoga. Then I came upon the best suggestion yet: Eat chocolate. Brilliant!

There are 300 naturally occurring chemicals in chocolate, many of which affect your brain in a feel-good way.

Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that activates a receptor to produce dopamine to provide a feeling of well-being.

Anandamide is named for ananda, the Sanskrit word for “bliss.” (Pass the Ghirardelli squares already!)

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, stimulants also shown

to produce dopamine. Then there’s tryptophan, which releases serotonin, a mood lifting neurotransmitter. Having a rough day? Eating chocolate releases endorphins into the brain, decreasing levels of stress and pain.

Adding to the joyous chocolaty complexity is the presence of phenylethylamine, a “love drug” that lends alertness, provides a degree of excitement, quickens your pulse, and, well, just makes you happy.

More good news – you only need a small amount of chocolate, about half an ounce, approximately the equivalent of two Hershey’s kisses, to reap all these pleasurable benefits.

If no one gifts you with chocolate on February 14 this year, be your own Valentine and treat yourself to a heartshaped box of the good stuff. Bring on the bliss!

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

SMALL TALK WITH TERI

by Teri Norbye

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COVER:

When it rains....Madison & Emily Rinn make the best of downpours.

PHOTO BY: Susan Wood Photography.

INSIDE

7

A Spin on DIY

17

American Pickers

14 Choir Festival

Alhambra Girls Basketball

18

36

East Bay Jewish Film Fest

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

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february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Meet Roxanne and Reed Cole.

They’ve been married for 20 years, live in Martinez, and have three children and five grandchildren.

Roxanne is the owner of Roxx on Main in Martinez. Reed works at the S.T. Johnson Company and also helps out at the restaurant. Their favorite Valentine’s Day memory is the time Roxanne sent the kids away, made a nice dinner, and put their wedding video on.

Best parts of owning a restaurant?

“The best part is getting to know more about my community and the friends we’ve made. And every day is different; it’s a constant change, and I enjoy change.”

What’s it like to work together?

“There’s live music at the restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights. Whenever our favorite song, “Georgia” by Ray Charles, is played, we’ll just stop what we’re doing and dance.”

What do you love most about each other?

Roxanne He’s my best friend and the kindest person I’ve ever met.

Reed I’ve been in love with her since the day I met her 27 years ago. She used to work at a supermarket on Contra Costa Blvd. called Fry’s. I used to always go there and try to find her.

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IN FOCUS

Law Office of Jeffrey Hall Local Estate Planning Attorney

Long term Pleasant Hill resident Jeffrey Hall didn’t follow the traditional path to practice law. Indeed, Attorney Hall grew up in central Los Angeles with no expectation he would attend college, and law school was simply not an option. However, after completing his bachelor’s degree in economics from Saint Mary’s College, he volunteered with the Air Force in 1981 and served for 9 years, both reserve and active. Upon returning to California, he and his wife made Pleasant Hill their home and have remained since. Thereafter, he worked 15 years, holding senior management positions in public and corporate accounting. While working full-time, he attended night school to earn his graduate degree in accounting and then passed the CPA exam.

In 1991, he transferred from the Air Force Reserve to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and served for 25 years before retiring as a commander in 2016. During his civilian work, he later attended law school (again, while working full-time) and became a licensed attorney in 2003. With his extensive experience in both business and taxation, he had a natural interest in estate planning and business law.

Today, Attorney Hall is a very experienced and seasoned estate-planning attorney specializing in trusts, trust litigation, and estate administration. Attorney Hall frequently appears in superior court on matters concerning trust litigation, trust reformations, conservatorships, and probates. He is a frequent speaker and author of many published articles on the subject of estate planning.

He began his practice in 2003 and later joined the Law Office of Gizzi and Reep, LLP in 2006 where he managed the firm’s estate planning practice. He maintains his affiliation with (now) Gizzi, Reep, & Foley but mostly serves clients in private practice in Pleasant Hill. Attorney Hall offers all prospective clients a free 30-minute consultation. Call now at 925-230-9002 or schedule an appointment at www.HallLawGroup.com. We’re a veteran-friendly and veteran-owned law firm.

IN FOCUS Wence’s Restaurant

Wence’s Restaurant, located in Pleasant Hill, is a family-owned restaurant serving the entire East Bay. At Wence’s Restaurant we strive to bring you delicious, innovative, and inviting California cuisine. We believe even the smallest detail matters to ensure every customer is pleased and eager to return.

If you have been in search of unique cocktails in a decadent environment, Wence’s new bar may just be the spot for you! Mixing both classic and seasonal cocktails such as the Prosecco Blush, Wence’s is sure to become your favorite local spot. Pop in for a drink, maybe a snack, and join your friends at our brand new bar.

Emphasizing organic, hand-made, and all-natural products, Wence’s offers a variety of freshly prepared, artfully presented entrees for everyone. Indulge in our Mediterranean Black Mussels, Wild Chilean Sea Bass, Dungeness Crab Louie, Lobster Truffle Mac and Cheese, specialty burgers, filet mignon, and more! Join us on the weekends and savor a Mimosa with our Dungeness Crab Benedict.

At Wence’s you’ll find consistency in the fresh and fine ingredients used to make our flavorful dishes. With over 25 years of experience in preparing and presenting food, Chef Gerardo Wence has fulfilled his dream through Wence’s. Chef Wence participates in all food preparation and works side-byside with wife, Sandra Wence, who administers the front of the house to ensure a balance of quality food with quality service. At Wence’s you’ll find the entire family hard at work to provide you with the utmost dining experience for you and your honored guests!

1922 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 566-8971, wencesrestaurant.com.

Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

JEFFREY HALL, MBA, CPA, Esq.

Chef Gerardo Wence and Sandra Wence.

Honest & Reliable CALL US FOR ALL OF YOUR HEATING & COOLING NEEDS. The Law Office of Jeffrey Hall, Inc., is an estate planning law office serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties in a wide range of estate planning matters, including:

Probate Trusts and Estates Trust Administration Trust Litigation Conservatorships

www.HallLawGroup.com 925-230-9002 4

february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

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5

The Rain and the Creeks

BY NORMA FLASKERUD

Throughout January it rained -- a lot.

This reminded us to check the creek running through Poets Corner, which flooded in 1997, 2005, and 2008. Murderers/Grayson Creek was running high but smoothly, and it did not over-flow its banks. City maintenance crews some years back began a program that required homeowners backing said creek to keep it clear of debris, and it has not flooded as readily since.

But why is it called Murderers (aka Murderous) Creek? It was named when surveyors in 1849 (or 1852, depending on the history book) found a victim hanging from a 200-year-old oak tree near the stream running below the hillside near Pleasant Hill Road and Withers Avenue. Said stream continues, crosses Pleasant Hill Road, and goes under Oak Park Blvd, east of Stevenson, runs through Poets Corner, under Boyd Rd. west of the Sequoia Schools, and meanders to Pacheco. Grayson Creek (which first showed up on a map in 1864 and was named by Daniel Grayson because the creek crossed his land in the 1860s), aka Murderers Creek, flows northeasterly 7.4 miles from its origin in Briones Regional Park to Pacheco Slough, 4 miles east of Martinez. Pacheco Slough connects to Suisun Bay. (Sources: Wikipedia and History of Pleasant Hill, California by Vallie Jo Whitfield.)

There are really two stories here:

the ability of the creek to carry heavy rain run-off and the back-story on its name, Murderers Creek (aka Murderous Creek in 1850s historical documents).

The victim found hanging from that Oak tree was Native American. Back in the 1850s, the law was weak and vigilante justice was common in California.

In 1849 - 1953 there were 200 cases of lynching. Over the next four years, the number decreased to 100 as courts and jails were established. The story goes the Indian was hung for horse stealing.

(Sources: Hang ‘em High: Sudden Death in Old Contra Costa and Shadow on the Hills by William Mero.)

Back in 1984, the county made suggestions to build concrete lined channels along Grayson Creek to help with flooding but was fought off by a citizens group called Friends of Creeks in Urban Settings, now an affiliate of Urban Creeks Council. So many of us enjoy the natural beauty of creeks and are thankful for their efforts, but the flooding concerns have led to a project proposed by the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to improve the sub-regional drainage improvements in the Grayson/Murderers Creek sub-watershed, primarily in downtown Pleasant Hill and Poets Corner near Patterson Blvd. and Oak Park Blvd. It is a study and work in progress.

Call The Flaskerud Team for all your real estate needs. Don and Norma: 925338-2980 or DonaldFlaskerud@Remax. net or NormaFlaskerud@Remax.net.

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Estate Planning The Role of a Trustee

BY DANIEL DuREE

This month I am going to talk a little more about the office of trustee. While some people are familiar with the concept of a trust, many do not understand the role of a trustee or the duties that accompany the position.

Becoming a trustee

First, here is some background about becoming a trustee. A person named as a trustee or co-trustee does not automatically become one by law. A person may either accept or reject the position. A named trustee or successor trustee accepts the position by either signing the trust document, signing a separate written acceptance, or by knowingly exercising powers or performing duties under the trust instrument. Once a person accepts the position of trustee, they owe certain duties to the current beneficiaries of the trust.

Duties of a trustee

The trustee of a trust can be analogized to the CEO of a corporation. The trustee is the manager of the trust and is legally bound to carry out the purpose of the trust on behalf of the beneficiaries. This is similar to how a CEO carries out the purpose of a corporation on behalf of the shareholders.

Like a CEO, a trustee has certain legal duties they owe to the trust beneficiaries.

When a revocable trust is created, the creators of the trust are both the trustees and the beneficiaries as long as they are both alive and competent. Upon the death

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of the original trust creator(s) there are new beneficiaries as well as a successor trustee or co-trustees. It is the successor trustee which owes certain legal duties to the new trust beneficiaries. This list is not comprehensive and some of these duties may be altered by the actual trust instrument.

Duty to administer the trust

On acceptance of the trust, the trustee has a duty to administer the trust according to the trust instrument. For a revocable trust this generally means the successor trustee must get the assets together, settle any outstanding liabilities and make the listed distributions to the beneficiaries.

Duty of loyalty to trust beneficiaries

The trustee has a duty to administer the trust solely in the interest of the beneficiaries and never for his or her own personal profit.

Duty to inform beneficiaries

The trustee has a duty to keep beneficiaries of the trust reasonably informed of the trust and its administration. This includes a duty to provide the terms of the trust to a beneficiary.

Although acting as a trustee may sound daunting, it is fairly straightforward when approached methodically. If you have any questions about being a trustee or choosing a successor trustee, please do not hesitate to call; I will be happy to talk with you about it.

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.

925.210.1400 1535 North Main Street, Suite 240 • Walnut Creek

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

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TRUSTS • WILLS • PROBATE

Antique Archeology American Pickers to Film in California

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to California!

They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout the region this spring.

American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ in history. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.

Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find

extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. American Pickers is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send

us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix. com or call 855-OLD-RUST. Mike and Frank do not pick collections from stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses or anything open to the public.

Durant Retires 17 Years on PH City Council

Former Mayor David Durant retired from the Pleasant Hill City Council on December 19. David served on the council for 17 years after serving as a Planning Commissioner and a Redevelopment Advisory Committee member.

David was mayor of Pleasant Hill three times in 2002, 2007, and 2011. Former Mayor Sue Noack read a proclamation declaring “Monday, December 19, as David Durant Day in Pleasant Hill.”

David was highly respected by all fellow councilmembers and will be remembered for his meticulous attention to detail and expert analysis on complex issues that came before the city council during his tenure.

As a longtime board member of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, David was instrumental in securing

funding for many infrastructure projects in Pleasant Hill, including Buskirk Avenue improvements, Contra Costa Boulevard enhancements, the Golf Club Road Bridge Replacement Project, and the Geary Road Improvement Project.

In total, during his time on the CCTA board, more than $30 million in grant funding was approved for Pleasant Hill projects.

In addition to all of his city responsibilities, David still found time to volunteer for multiple organizations, including his church, legal services agencies, and Habitat for Humanity. He currently serves on the board of directors of two non-profit organizations: Legal Assistance for Seniors and Youth ALIVE!, a youth violence prevention and leadership training organization.

American Pickers’ cast: Mike Wolfe, Danielle Colby Cushman and Frank Fritz.

Former Mayor Sue Noack reads a proclamation declaring “Monday, December 19th as David Durant Day in Pleasant Hill.” ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

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City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message Turning the Page on a New Chapter in Pleasant Hill ©

As we begin the New Year and I begin my fourth term as Pleasant Hill’s mayor, I’d like to thank Mayor Sue Noack for helping make 2016 such a wonderful year for our city. Sue managed to attend every event in town and served our city with grace and dedication.

I also want to thank former Councilmember David Durant for his 17 years of service on the city council. David’s knowledge and insight have made our city a better place to live and work.

Congratulations to our recently re-elected Councilmembers Ken Carlson and Tim Flaherty and City Treasurer Mark Ceilo.

Congratulations and a warm welcome to newly elected Councilmember Matt Rinn.

And a special thanks to our marvelous staff for all the hard work and effort they put in on behalf of our residents.

2016 was a banner year for Pleasant Hill. We launched our mobile phone app, Ask PHill, which allows for fast and easy communication between residents and city staff. We completed numerous improvement projects, including the Golf Club Road Bridge replacement and new sidewalks on Boyd and Elinora. Other projects scheduled for completion early this year are the Contra Costa Blvd. improvements, Old Quarry Road roundabout, I’m not in trouble anymore!

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and citywide street resurfacing. The city will be spending $15.6 million on capital improvement projects this fiscal year to make your city safer and more beautiful.

To me, our most exciting accomplishment last year was the passage of Measure K, which opens a new chapter for our city. Passed with 67% approval, Measure K will add an additional $4 million per year to our coffers, which will be used for street upgrades, sidewalks, bike paths, storm drains, and a new library.

This year’s financial picture is extremely strong. Even before Measure K gets implemented, we anticipate $24.5 million in revenue, 38% from sales tax.

Our estimated expenditures total $26 million, with the majority going to personnel costs and capital improvements. (Expenditures include additional funds for street resurfacing.)

In my previous three terms as mayor, I introduced programs to improve the quality of life of our residents: in 2005, Community Service Day, which celebrates its 13th anniversary this year; in 2009, the Senior Summit; and in 2013, The Pleasant Hill Education Initiative.

This year is no different. Based on the overwhelming support for Measure K, this year’s program will center on designing our new library. (Thanks to the Library Task Force for getting us to this

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Michael G. Harris, OD, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

point.) Imagine a modern library with ample free parking welcoming over 1600 visitors a day to an open floor plan with tens of thousands of books and other items. Space would be flexible to accommodate large gatherings as well as small afterschool activities. It would have conference rooms and study spaces for homework clubs and tutoring

The library would have an expanded children’s area and a teen area designed to provide a safe, social, and inspiring destination for young people. This 21stcentury library would have state-of-the-

art technology and equipment, providing the ultimate workspace for adults and students. And, it could have a Friends of the Library Bookstore, staffed by volunteers, with the proceeds going to library programs and collections.

Throughout the design process, there will be ample opportunity for public engagement and input through a series of workshops and public hearings. With your help, we will design and build a new library that will make our community stronger. For, “Without libraries, what are we? We have no past and no future.”

Public Meetings Civic Action Commission Feb. 1 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Architectural Review Commission Feb. 2, 16 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 City Council Feb. 6, 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Feb. 7, 21 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Commission on Aging Feb. 9 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5229 Education Commission Feb. 22 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Community Room, 7pm For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

Chamber Calendar Feb. 3 - PH Chamber Ambassador Meeting 8:30-9:30am, City Hall Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill Feb. 9 - Chamber Business Mixer 5-7pm, Wence’s Restaurant, 1922 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill Feb. 20 - Presidents’ Day Chamber Office Closed Feb. 16 - PH Chamber Board Meeting 8-9am, City Hall Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill Feb. 21 - 46th Annual Community Awards Night 5-10pm, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill Feb. 27 - Government Affairs Committee 5:30-6:30pm, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill 680 Business Networking 8-9am, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays or Thursdays, JFK University, 100 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill OFF THE GRID Food Trucks 5-9pm, Wednesdays, Trelany Road, Pleasant Hill

City of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill City News PH Library Celebrates Chinese New Year

On February 6 at 6:30pm, usher in the Chinese Year of the Rooster with the Red Panda Acrobats at the Pleasant Hill Library. Lion dancers extraordinaire, they will bring luck in the new year. Event is for all ages!

Community Awards Night

The 46th Annual Community Awards Night will be held on Tuesday, February 21, at the Pleasant Hill Community Center on Civic Drive. The event includes awards for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Teen of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Mayor’s Award, several Green Awards, and others. Tickets for Community Awards Night are available through the Chamber of Commerce by calling 687-0700 or online at www.pleasanthillca.org/tickets.

New Gateway Signs Installed Around Pleasant Hill Dinosaur Hill Park the design inspiration

In an effort to update the city’s image and enhance main entryways into Pleasant Hill, new gateway signs have replaced the old “pagoda” style signs.

In late December, the city installed eight new gateway signs equipped with solar panels at major entryways to Pleasant Hill. In addition to the gateway signs, the city will also install 29 “wayfinding” signs at various locations in the coming weeks.

These signs highlight main attractions for residents and visitors such as Downtown, City Hall, Pleasant Hill Library, PH Community Center, and other key buildings and parks in order to help both residents and visitors navigate to major destinations in the city.

The gateway and wayfinding signage was designed over an 18-month period and included ten public workshops and multiple focus group meetings during which input was solicited from various community members regarding design concepts and locations for the new signs.

“When we had those conversations with community members, people talked about the character of the city and how important the character, the rural history, and the edges of the city was to them. This feedback led the design team to the Dinosaur Park location and the impressive oak tree and views of Mt. Diablo for design inspiration for the gateway signs. The rustic heritage of the past mixed with contemporary design elements represent the current growth, prosperity and opportunity of the city,” said Economic Development Manager Kelly Calhoun.

What’s more, the city plans to do a colorful light treatment to illuminate the Monument Blvd. freeway underpass, along with illuminating the Soldiers Monument on Boyd Road.

Proposed Day Care Facility on Boyd Road

The City of Pleasant Hill has received a resubmittal for a request for a use permit to allow a 72-child general day care facility at 409 Boyd Road. The property owner, First Church of Christ, Scientist, wants to convert two of the three existing church buildings on the property to Montessori Childcare Center, which would have three classrooms for 72 children, ages 2 through 6 years old. The center would include a 3,750 square foot outdoor playground adjacent to Boyd Road and Kahrs Avenue.

The third building would remain a church. The applicant has tried in the past to convert the church into a childcare center and was met with backlash from the neighborhood. Concerns over property values, traffic congestion, and noise were associated with the center. The applicant recently submitted a traffic and acoustic study to the City of Pleasant Hill. The study states there should be no significant impacts related to the childcare.

The zoning is R7, and a childcare center is within zoning requirements. On December 16, a public hearing was held to consider a permit approval of the proposed

City News Continued day care on the site of the First Church Christ Scientist. The public will have another opportunity to weigh in and hear more about this project in the spring. According to Lori Radcliffe, assistant planner for the City of Pleasant Hill, “The application is currently being reviewed for completeness. The Planning Commission and the Architectural Review Commission will review this project. We anticipate the public meeting to start around March/April.”

The Planning Division has created a webpage at www.ci.pleasant-hill. ca.us/1095/Pleasant-Hill-Daycare---409-Boyd-Road to provide information to the community about the proposal, including the project application, plans, status and other pertinent information.

Sandbag Stations

During the winter storm season, fill-your-own sandbag stations are located at: • City Hall parking lot (100 Gregory Lane at Trelany Road – behind Michael’s) • Community Center parking lot (320 Civic Drive – behind the Police Department) • Parking lot on north side of Hawthorne Drive (opposite Pleasant Oaks Park)

For those unable to fill their own sandbags, a limited number of pre-filled bags are available at the Public Services Center at 310 Civic Drive. Call (925) 671-4646 to check sandbag availability before going to the center. No prefilled sandbags are available after 4pm, Monday through Thursday, or after 10:30am on Friday at the Public Service Center. The fill-your-own sandbags locations are available 24/7.

Come Together Benefit Concert 7 On Friday, February 24, from 7:30-10:30pm, don’t miss Come Together 7, an allstar benefit show for PH Teen Center. Be awed by the amazing talent of local musicians performing at the Pleasant Hill Community Center’s Perera Pavilion. Adult beverages will be available for purchase. Must be 21 years old to register. Tickets available soon: $20 advance/$25 at the door.

Fate of Old Schoolhouse Uncertain

It is no surprise that the PH Recreation and Park District’s Old Schoolhouse on 2050 Oak Park Blvd. is in disrepair and too dangerous to inhabit. Future plans for the almost century old building are still uncertain, but the property could possibly be added to the National Register of Historic Places, making it the second in Pleasant Hill after the Rodgers Ranch site was established circa 1867. Although the Old Schoolhouse is not currently designated as a City of Pleasant Hill cultural resource, it is listed in the 2003 general plan as a structure of potential historic significance. According to the city’s general plan, the Old Schoolhouse is described as the “Oldest public building in the city, 1920; owned by Rec & Park District; became a Police Department office in 1970, and a cultural center, theatre and museum since 1982.”

Michelle Lacy, general manager for the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District, said, “The board of directors has not discussed any options related to the schoolhouse, therefore, no decisions have been made. The Land and Facilities Committee, which consists of two board members, have directed staff to hire a consultant to evaluate the property’s cultural significance and provide cost estimates for a variety of options, from restoration to relocation. I don’t anticipate that study will be complete until late spring, and I don’t believe the board or the committee will have any discussions related to the schoolhouse property until that evaluation is complete.”

In the meantime, a Change.org petition, Save the Pleasant Hill Old Schoolhouse, has been created. It states: “Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District board have the forward wisdom and vision to save the 97-year-old Pleasant Hill Schoolhouse at 2050 Oak Park Blvd. We urge the PHRPD to pursue efforts to save the iconic structure, either by rehabilitating it or preserving it at a minimal level until such time that the board finds the funding to preserve the building. The Old Schoolhouse can serve the community both culturally and educationally in many ways.” ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

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City of Martinez

Mayor’s Message business and property owners were prepared with plywood, plastic, and sandbags to block doors and other openings in their buildings. After the water receded, it left behind a mess of mud, gravel, and debris.

City crews worked all night and into the early morning to control the rising waters and direct them out to the river. They immediately started the clean-up and returned early the next day to make sure the downtown was free of mud and businesses could open.

Unfortunately, the inundation damaged some underground electrical equipment, and only minor electrical power was available until PG&E crews could make the needed repairs later in the evening.

After finishing the downtown, cleanup crews moved into neighborhoods throughout the city to do the same. Crews scooped up mud and debris into trucks, fire hoses washed down sidewalks, and street sweepers made passes back and forth to clean the asphalt.

It took about a week of long hours

and hard, backbreaking work to recover from the flood of 2017,which is amazing considering the size of the area to be cleaned and the amount of mud and debris that was removed.

Because the city was prepared with preventative maintenance of storm drains, removal of obstructions in Alhambra Creek, and a plan to deal with the possibility of flooding, damage was kept to a minimum, and cleanup was efficient and well organized.

I have been asked why there was a flood at all since the city spent millions of dollars on a downtown flood control project that runs from Ward Street to the Carquinez Straits. The answer is that the improvements did what they were designed to do: carry water from the

downtown out to the river.

Downtown flooded this year because of the overflow that occurred at D Street and Shell Avenue, over a mile upstream.

The rain has been a welcome gift after so many years of drought, but hopefully, we will continue to have moderate rain, with breaks for a few days here and there.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Feb. 1, 15 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 6-9pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Feb. 1, 15 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Feb. 8, 22 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Feb. 14, 28 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

NITY FO MU C M

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City Crews Respond to Downtown Flooding

Just a little over a week into the New Year and Martinez experienced its first flood in a decade. After days and days of heavy rains saturating the surrounding hills and several king tides, Alhambra Creek surpassed its capacity to drain the watershed and overflowed its banks near the D Street/ Shell Avenue Bridge near the Teamsters Building.

The overflow found its natural flow point surging down Castro Street and Alhambra Avenue towards downtown and the Martinez Waterfront. The runoff from the hills to the east and west joined the newly formed rivers, leaving behind a layer of mud and gravel in the neighborhoods it passed through.

Once the water arrived in the downtown area, some water turned left at Main Street, flooding the 500, 600 and 700 blocks. The rest continued down to the Waterfront and spilled back into Alhambra Creek at Marina Vista and the city maintenance yard.

Most downtown homeowners,

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

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City of Martinez

Martinez City News Picnic Area Rentals Martinez Picnic Area Rental Reservations Open February 15

Martinez residents, organizations, and businesses may reserve a picnic area in a city park beginning Wednesday, February 15. Reservations for non-residents begin Wednesday,

March 1. Reservations will only be accepted for dates between April 1 and October 22 and can be made over the phone with a credit card or by stopping at the Recreation Office at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street. You will need to bring a deposit to the office and pick up your picnic permit. Jump houses are not allowed in any City of Martinez parks. Go online at www.cityofmartinez.org for a list of facilities, capacities, and rates, or call 925-372-3510.

Two-City Joint Contract Martinez and Pleasant Hill Consider Joint Outreach to the Homeless

The Martinez City Council has made it a priority to help resolve the homeless issue in their city. At the January 18 meeting, city council directed staff to draft a joint contract for services with the City of Pleasant Hill and the Contra Costa County division of Health, Housing, and Homeless Services to provide outreach to the homeless population in Martinez and Pleasant Hill.

If this contract moves forward, the Health, Housing, and Homeless Services Division of the County will hire two CORE (Coordinated Outreach, Referral, and Engagement) team members to provide services to Martinez and Pleasant Hill. The team would engage the homeless population and be the direct shelter placement providers for county operated adult shelter beds that are vacant. Referrals would get people into the system of services so they could be assigned caseworkers, and the team would also have access to resources such as field medical aid and behavioral health assessments.

Chief of Police Manjit Sappal noted that the City of Martinez and the City of Pleasant Hill would share the costs of a CORE team dedicated to providing outreach, and each city would benefit from 20 hours of outreach services each week. The county would hire the personnel, and the team would focus all of their time in Martinez and Pleasant Hill. Not only would they be responsible for outreach efforts in both jurisdictions, they would be connected to all county resources and services within the coordinated entry program. The dates and times would be coordinated with both cities and adjusted as needed.

The cost to contract a full-time CORE team from the county amounts to $109,760 annually. If shared between Martinez and Pleasant Hill, the cost would be $54,880 for each city. The CORE team members would be county contracted employees, and the city would contract for their services.

Mayor Rob Schroder said, “I’m very happy to see something that could be a very comprehensive program, rather than just shuffling these folks around. I am in complete support of this and am glad to hear that existing funding is going to be enough to take care of it, and whenever we do need additional funding, I’m in complete support of moving forward with it.” City council requested an update on the progress of the contract in thirty days.

City News Continued trict trail, just past Alhambra High School.

• Ferry & Allen Streets, at the corner of Ferry & Allen St. by the Kiwanis Club.

• Rankin Park, at the end of Buckley St., upper parking lot.

• Sand bags are at City Hall, 525 Henrietta St.

If you have any questions, you may call the public works maintenance yard at 372-3580, M-F, 7am-3:30pm.

A Generous Wish Collecting “Comfy Cozies”

Members of the Martinez Police Department and Martinez Police Officers Association are excited to partner with Jackson Murtha, an enterprising 8-year-old boy.

Jackson’s wish for his 9th birthday on March 19 is to provide big, soft and warm blankets (he calls them “comfy cozies”) to children in hospitals who are fighting debilitating illnesses. He reminds us that these children often do not have their favorite blankets from home to make them feel safe and snuggly.

Jackson is collecting blankets to be delivered to local hospitals and specialized hospitals such as Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Hospital and Shriner’s Hospital by March 31. The Martinez Police Department is a safe drop site for blankets and other donations that make children feel a little more special and a little more loved when they face painful treatments.

Shaunna Murtha, Jackson’s mother, told the Focus, “Jackson spent time off and on in Children’s Hospital Oakland. He had surgery at birth and has always given back to children in some way (e.g. giving his allowance to foster youth and shaving his head last year for Children’s Cancer research, when he raised $1000 for St. Baldricks). His giving nature is part of who he is. This year

he decided it was important for kids and youth in hospitals to have a Comfy Cozy.

When Jackson spent time in the hospital it was important to have his blanket with him.”

When asked why Jackson chose to enlist the Martinez Police Department for help, Shaunna replied, “He asked the Martinez Police Department to help because he believes they are heroes and ‘Heroes help people.’ MPD has been so wonderfully gracious to Jackson and agreed to be a drop stop. Jackson also asked UFC-Concord, and they agreed as well.”

Jackson believes anything is possible.

Let’s show him just how giving our community can be. You may drop off blankets, reading books, coloring books and crayons, stuffed animals, or anything you believe will brighten a child’s day. The police department doors are open 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. If you should arrive after hours, you may pick up the phone to the right of the lobby doors, and an officer or other MPD employee will gratefully accept your donation. If you wish to make a cash donation, Jackson and his family will be happy to purchase blankets and books. Please make any checks payable to “Shaunna Murtha,” and you can drop those off at the Martinez Police Department.

City Sandbag Locations The City of Martinez has designated the following locations for the stockpiling of sand and one location with sand bags only for use by residents during heavy rains and or flooding. All locations are lighted, have easy access, and will be stocked with sand and a sand filling station. Sand bags are located at City Hall in front of the Police Department. Residents need to provide their own tools for loading the sand.

• Nancy Boyd Park, at Pleasant Hill Rd E & Church St. • F Street, at the west end of F St. off of Alhambra Ave., at the beginning of the park dis-

Jackson (left) with twin brother Duncan (middle) surrounded by the Martinez Police Department. ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

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City of Walnut Creek

Mayor’s Message

Howdy Folks!

As Loella Haskew mentioned in her final article, I am the mayor of Walnut Creek for this year and have the privilege of writing this monthly article. Initially, I would like to publicly acknowledge the outstanding job Loella did as mayor of Walnut Creek last year. She has left “big

shoes to fill.” But, with the help of the entire council, we should be able to accomplish much this year.

Speaking of the entire council, ours is vibrant and diverse and should enable thoughtful discussions through different perspectives on the variety of topics to be addressed this year. While

Public Meetings Design Review Meeting Feb. 1, 15 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 City Council Meeting Feb, 7, 21 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6pm. Contact: 943-5819 Planning Commission Meeting Feb. 9, 23 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org

Thank you for voting us your local favorite, 2 years in a row!

Rich Carlston, Mayor of Walnut Creek

we were sorry to say good-bye to Bob Simmons, who served two terms on the council, we welcomed Kevin Wilk. Kevin has a substantial amount of community service as well as previous commission service in Walnut Creek. We look forward to his wisdom, energy and enthusiasm.

To learn more about Kevin, as well as each of our council members, please go to www.walnut-creek.org/government/ city-council. In addition to Kevin and me, Justin Wedel is our mayor pro tem, and Cindy Silva and Loella Haskew (both former mayors) round out the council.

Although Walnut Creek has its challenges, like other cities do, it is important to note it is repeatedly recognized on a national basis. For example, Liveability.com selected Walnut Creek as the 11th most livable city in the United

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States. What a legacy to our prior city councils, our city staff, our businesses, our non-profit organizations, our schools, our hospitals, our faith-based communities, and most importantly, our residents and visitors.

Principal among the challenges facing Walnut Creek this year is the challenge of replacing our former city manager, Ken Nordhoff. After years of public service, Ken decided to join the private business world. We greatly appreciate the service Ken provided to Walnut Creek and the legacy he has left and congratulate him on his new career. But, we are still left with the need to replace him. By unanimous vote, Fran Robustelli is our interim city manager and will be leading the city during this transition period.

To help us find our new city manager, we have engaged Bobbie Peckham, an experienced placement professional with extensive experience in locating qualified city managers. To aid in the selection, we are soliciting input from community leaders and our senior staff, as well as our commissions. As the process proceeds, we hope several highly qualified candidates are provided. The council will then interview each of these candidates with the expectation that one of them will stand out and be selected to be Walnut Creek’s next city manager. If none stands out, then we will repeat the process.

As Mayor Schroder of Martinez knows, sometimes this process takes considerably longer than originally anticipated.

In the meantime, we continue working on several outstanding projects and issues. From specific plans, to the Heather Farm swim complex, to our open space, to housing issues, to building and permit improvements, to responding to Proposition 64, to revising our long-term financial forecasts, to managing our many and varied programs, along with many other matters, this next year will be robust and rewarding. So, stay tuned …

City of Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek City News

City News Continued 2011, it’s a good reminder of how dangerous these canals can be.

With the recent heavy rains our normally calm creeks and channels can become full of swift moving water and debris without warning. Please stay out of the creeks and channels and stay alive! We must take advantage of this opportunity to speak to our children and friends about the dangers of fast moving storm water and the almost certain fate that awaits anyone who goes into rain swollen creeks and channels.

The flood control channels are part of our community’s infrastructure and, like freeways or railroad tracks, should never be used for recreation. The flood control channels are designed to drain storm water from our communities and take it swiftly “out to sea.” preventing flooding. Water from the surrounding watershed area first gathers in small streams and creeks and then flows into the large channels for a swift trip to the Delta, Carquinez Strait, and San Pablo Bay. This storm water can pass from small open creeks to large underground tunnels; from narrow rocky stream beds to wide concrete channels; all the while gathering debris, speed, volume and power.

At key points along the way, large structures have been built into the system to slow down the water and control the power. This allows the water to flow back into wide earthen channels without destroying their natural habitat or causing erosion. These structures are an efficient tool in managing our floodwaters but can be deadly for humans.

If you see someone in any of our canals, please call 911 immediately! Keep visual on the subject and keep our dispatchers updated. Never jump in and try to rescue yourself. The water can be very deceiving and incapacitate you in a matter of seconds.

Leave the rescuing to your fire and police experts equipped with the proper equipment.

Valentine’s Aloe Tours

Fifth Annual Aloe Day Event at Bancroft Garden

Ruth Bancroft Garden’s Aloe Day Tours are on Saturday, February 11, 10am3pm. It’s an all-day event focused specifically on the garden’s dramatic aloe collection. You and your sweetie will enjoy a guided tour of the garden led by curator Brian Kemble, world-renowned aloe expert. The garden has an unparalleled collection of aloes, including hybrids not found anywhere else in the world. These winter bloomers put on a stunning show, with colorful, dramatic flower stalks. Enjoy hot beverages or a mimosa and plate of sweet treats in our covered shade house. Take home the succulent planter on your table as a remembrance of your visit.

Tours with Brian start at 10am and 12pm and last 60-90 minutes, followed by your sweets seating. Space is limited for this special event, so pre-registration is required. Sign-up online or members call the office to make your reservation. Event will be held rain or shine. $50/couple for members; $65/couple for non-members.

Visit www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/2017AloeDay.html to sign up.

Farewell to Crogan’s Bar and Grill

After 39 years, the popular bar on Locust Street closed its doors on January 23.

A post on their Facebook page said, “Many of you have been following the dealings with Crogan’s and the City of Walnut Creek. Unfortunately, the city has made it clear that they have very specific ideas in mind for what Walnut Creek should be, and Crogan’s no longer fits into their narrative. Ultimately, we have been forced to close our doors. Crogan’s is all our family has known, and we’re heartbroken to see it come to an end the way it has.” Crogan’s celebrated 39 years of business with community and family on Sunday, January 22.

communityfocus-ecomulch-ad-2014-8.pdf

Vehicle Charging Stations

10 CELEBRATING

The city has installed five electric vehicle chargers in the Walnut Creek Library Garage (1644 North Broadway) for public use. The chargers are located on the west end of the downstairs garage and are free. There is an option to download the app to track your usage and receive texts when you’re fully charged. Or, drivers can simply plug the charger into their car and charge until they are full.

YEARS

Call for Artist Entries!

Sweet-n-Low: An International Juried Show of Cute at the Bedford Gallery

The artists selected for Sweet-n-Low will extend the genre of “cute,” from cuddly and precious to creepy and ironic. From kitsch and Margaret Keane’s big eyes, to Japanese anime and the contemporary Pop Art work of Takashi Murakami, we’re looking to unleash the roly-poly, goofily-gamboling, saccharine-honeyed creatures on this earth and beyond! Jurors include Evan Pricco from Juxtapoz Magazine and Susannah Kelly & Neil Perry from Antler Gallery. The show is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. The exhibition at the Bedford Gallery runs June 22 through September 3, and the deadline to apply is March 10. For submission details, prizes, and how to apply, visit: www.bedfordgallery.org/sweetnlow.

Canal Dangers During Heavy Rains

The Walnut Creek Police Department recently posted the following on Nextdoor, and the Focus is reprinting, with permission, the following information on our channels. With the loss of two Los Lomas High School students to the canal in

8/29/14

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Sandbag Stations

Sandbag stations are located at Lancaster Drive, Heather Farm Park, Larkey Park, Howe Homestead and Rudgear Park. You must bring your own shovel. During these rainy days, the public works crew is busy patrolling city streets to ensure storm drains remain unclogged. If you see flooding caused by a clogged storm drain during business hours, please call 925-943-5854.

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13

A Spin on DIY Spreading the Love

BY REBECCA SEIDENSPINNER

I have a secret crush on Valentine’s Day, and it’s not because I love flowers and chocolates.

It is the perfect opportunity to create something special and share it with someone you love. I love crafts, but most of all I enjoy sharing goodies and treats with others. A small gesture may bring a smile to their day and show my love and appreciation. Here are a few inexpensive projects that your friends and family will adore.

I’m obsessed with decorative pillows in all shapes, textures, and sizes. I found solid white and red pillow covers at IKEA for only $4 each, and the down inserts cost just $5. When painted, these pillows make the perfect gifts for the sweethearts on my Valentine list. I started by lining the inside of the pillow with newspaper

so the paint would not bleed through. I dipped a cookie cutter in acrylic paint (on a paper plate) to create the perfect heart on the pillow, and then used a paintbrush to add a little paint to the inside of the heart. Tip: When you dip the cookie cutter in the paint, test it on paper a few times before transferring to the pillow to make sure all the edges are covered. I find myself holding my breath each time because I am so nervous I might mess up! I painted a big red heart on one pillow and let my daughter paint a few as gifts for her grandparents. These are treasures you can bring out every year for decoration!

A Mason jar makes a great vase for giving flowers to a friend or your child’s teacher. I fancied up my Mason jars with a small amount of Modge Podge and heart-themed tissue paper I found in the gift-wrap section at Wal-Mart for $1.99.

First, cover the jar with Modge Podge using a paintbrush. Cut the tissue paper into small squares and stick them on the jar

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february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

until it’s covered. Paint a second layer of Modge Podge over the top of the tissue.

Tip: Modge Podge will dry clear, so don’t worry if it looks messy. These heartcovered Mason jars can hold flowers, chocolates, or any kind of treat for your Valentine. I’m crazy about them!

Who else remembers bringing a shoebox to elementary school on Valentine’s Day to make a mailbox to hold their Valentine’s cards? I would decorate my shoebox with stickers and glitter, and it was so amazing! I loved delivering my Valentine cards just as much as sorting through them at the end of the school

day. Now I like to surprise my kids with a heart-shaped sandwich inside their lunchbox or a note that says, “From your secret admirer.” These are lovely ways to make them smile. I have chosen some free printable Valentine cards from Pinterest. These creative and unique little treats paired with a clever saying are sure to be the perfect Valentine’s Day cards for your little cuties. All of these printables can be found on my Pinterest board called “Heart” under the username Rebecca Seidenspinner. Follow me on Pinterest to see all the cute crafts on my DIY list. Sending you all Xs and Os.

ANNUAL

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

2017 CAMPAIGN

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.

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.

HOW TO DONATE

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

Since 2009, thanks to community support, FPHE has awarded over A QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS in grants to our community’s 11 public schools.

HOW ARE DONATIONS USED?

FPHE HAS FUNDED:

Funds raised go to school grants issued in May 2017.

• 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 and audio equipment.

LEARN MORE

To become a FPHE member or learn more about 2017 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!

DONATE AT WWW.FPHE.ORG

I wish to contribute the following to Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education: $75

HELP SCHOOLS THRIVE

Card # Security Code Address

$100

$250

$500

Other

Payment Enclosed

Expiration

Please Charge my:

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Please mail this coupon to: FPHE, P.O. Box 23851• Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Tax ID#: 26-2326345) • Please make check payable to FPHE Donations to FPHE’s 2017 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. ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

15

Local Teen Nonprofit Success Warm Winters Receives 10K Check from Mazda

BY JAKI JONES

Warm Winters, a nonprofit from Walnut Creek, was one of the four runner-up winners in the 2016 Mazda Drive for Good Nonprofit Contest. The two teenagers who founded Warm Winters, Corinne Hindes and Katrine Kirsebom, received a check on February 12 for $10,000 for goods and services to continue doing good in the communities in which they serve.

Corinne Hinds, a senior at Horizons Center for Independent Study in Pleasant Hill, and Katrine Kirsebom, a senior at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek, started their non-profit in 2011 in reaction to seeing an under-clothed homeless person in winter on the streets near their homes.

Soon after, the girls, both avid skiers, went to the lost and found at a ski resort to look for a hat and in the process noticed piles of unclaimed coats, hats, gloves and scarves.

They asked the resort if they could give the forgotten garments to the homeless in their community, thus marking the beginning of their heartfelt nonprofit operation.

Today the organization receives unclaimed clothing from 30 ski resorts in 12 states and redirects it to the homeless. To date, the duo have distributed 40,500 items of warm clothing, new socks, and toiletries to over 26,000 homeless community members across the United States for a total community impact of $1,000,000.

The seniors will head to college after

graduation. “I plan to major in nonprofits and social innovation and minor in jazz performance at a college on the West Coast. Still waiting for college decisions to come in before I pick where I will be. I plan to continue to grow Warm Winters throughout my college years,” said Corinne Hindes. Katrine Kirsebom said, “I plan to major in fashion design at a school on the East Coast, where I will learn the ins and outs of the fashion industry. Haven’t made my final school choice yet. I will continue to run Warm Winters in college.”

As the teens head to college in the fall, maintaining the momentum of Warm Winters is a concern. They said the check from Mazda will “allow us to expand our capacity, putting needed systems and support into place that will ensure that Warm Winters’ day-to-day operations continue to run smoothly when we are in college.”

Warm Winters has grown into a national movement of passionate youth, improving the lives of the homeless. Learn more about this organization by going to www.warm-winters.org.

Principal’s Corner Appreciating the Falcon Family JOSEPH G. ALVAREZ PRINCIPAL, COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

As we enter the second semester of the school year, I am still in awe of our fantastic student body. Although we approach 2,100 students at CPHS, I am still impressed with the small, family-like feeling of our campus.

There are three things I ask of all our students. First, become engaged in their schoolwork. Second, get involved in our school campus. Third, have a plan of action, especially for when the going gets tough.

Recently, I received fantastic news that seven of our students received the Presidential Service Award from the Pleasant Hill Education Foundation Committee in honor of outstanding service this past year: Alyssa Gaigalas, Jackson Thomas, Jennifer Stefanski, Mathew St. Germain, Queenie Li, Tawnee Doty and Tina Kadavil. I agree -- these students have gone above and beyond not only at school but in our greater community as well.

In speaking about our community, I am so grateful for your contributions.

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Thanks to your generosity, more than $8,000 has been raised to help support some very deserving students who need additional financial support to focus on academics and their wellbeing. I can speak for the entire CPHS community when I say, Thank You! These students are very appreciative of your support, and it has encouraged them to work even harder on being successful in school and in life.

I’ve been at College Park for six months now; the time has just flown by, and I remain so happy and honored to be here. The staff and I continue to define what the “CP graduate experience” should encompass to be meaningful for all students. We continue to focus on transforming lives by instilling 21st century skills and inspiring lifelong learning in every student, every day. This work takes place both inside and outside of our classrooms, revolving around what we call the five C’s: Collaboration, Communication, Critical thinking, Creativity and Character.

As the students and staff continue to define what these five C’s look and feel like, I encourage you to engage your student in a conversation about this, for the work ahead is not done in isolation but in partnership with our community.

february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Pictured (LtoR): Corinne Hindes, co-founder of Warm Winters; Katrine Kirsebom, co-founder of Warm Winters; Benjamin Coy, Mazda, Western Region, Regional Marketing Manager; Victor Amendola, Mazda, Western Region, District Manager. Photo taken on February 12 at the Concord Mazda Service Facility. (Photo credit: Harry Who Photography).

Orchestra & Band on the Run

There’s something exhilarating about listening to live music -- toes tap, hearts thump, and there is a feeling of electricity in the air. Add dinner, adult beverages, and an exciting auction, and you have a party on your hands – which is exactly what the third annual “Orchestra and Band on the Run” fundraising event offers, starting 6pm on Saturday, March 4, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lafayette.

“The event recaptures the feeling you get when visiting a nice club where a tight band is playing, the lights are low, and you become part of the music,” said Scott Haney, who, along with his wife, Debra, came up with the idea for the event two years ago.

Performances by Northgate High School’s award-winning Jazz Combo I, Jazz Combo II and String Quartet, as well as a jazz combo featuring stellar Foothill Middle School musicians, will highlight the evening, as top-flight craft beer is served from Calicraft Brewing in Walnut Creek and fine wine is offered from Duvin Wine Bar in Oakland.

Afterward, Scott Haney will be spinning dance music to round out the evening.

Sponsored by the Northgate Instrumental Music Boosters, the goal is to raise $10,000 to purchase and repair musical instruments, fund transportation and entry fees to music festivals, and buy music scores and other related music equipment.

“Last year’s sold-out event helped to raise much needed funds for the program,” said Debra Haney. “This year, we have an even bigger need for sustaining this nationallyrecognized program.”

Tickets are $50 and go on sale February 4 through Brown Paper Tickets: www. brownpapertickets.com/event/2727182. Article submitted by Jennifer Wake.

Update on Proposed NUSD Contention Continues

BY JAKI JONES

The Northgate Community Advocacy for our Public Schools (NCAPS) continues the process required to create a new school district, while opposition mounts to the secession from MDUSD in the form of Northgate Uncapped.

NCAPS believes it has collected more than enough signatures of registered voters in the new district attendance area to further its mission to create a Northgate Unified School District (NUSD). Jim Mills, community outreach for NCAPS says, “The signature goal for the petition was 25% of registered voters within the boundaries of

the proposed NUSD, which is a very high bar to meet. So our goal is just under 5,000 valid signatures. We believe that we have met the 25% goal, but we are still gathering extra signatures as a cushion. We are checking every name against the voter database provided by the county, and discarding signatures that don’t conform.”

In addition, the group must produce a report showing the proposal meets the nine criteria for a district reorganization recommended by the California State Board of Education and submit the report to the county committee on school district organization. The county and state boards

High School News 2017 Area Choir Festival Festival Brings Together Hundreds of Students from Pleasant Hill Public Schools

The College Park High School Choir Program and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District are proud to present the second annual Pleasant Hill Area Choir Festival in the Hurtado Gymnasium on the College Park High School Campus at 7pm on Wednesday, February 22.

The Pleasant Hill Area Choir Festival brings together hundreds of students from all Pleasant Hill public schools - College Park High School, Valley View Middle School, Pleasant Hill Middle School, Valhalla Elementary, Gregory Gardens Elementary, Pleasant Hill Elementary, Sequoia Elementary, Fair Oaks Elementary, and Strandwood Elementary. According to the CPHS Choir Director Bruce Rockwell, “Last year’s inaugural event was an enormous success.

It was such a thrill to have so many students from all of the public schools singing in glorious harmony together under one roof. This year will be even better! For music lovers of all ages, this is a must-see event for the Pleasant Hill community.” Admission is a $5 suggested donation at the door. The concert will be approximately one hour long.

MDUSD Community Speakers Series

The Community Speakers Series was established as an activity to support goals of the district’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) for Parent/Family and Community Engagement. All students, parents, and MDUSD staff are welcome to attend. Upcoming presentations are: • February 1 - What’s Going On With Math: Supporting Your Student with Common Core Mathematics. Wednesday, February 1, 6pm, at Northgate High School, 425 Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek. For more information, call (925) 682-8000 x4016 or go to www.mdusd.org.

• February 22 - Kids in Today’s Pressure Cooker: Fostering Resilience in Students, Wednesday, February 22, 6pm, at Concord High School, 4200 Concord Blvd.

One Billion Rising at Carondelet

Now in their fifth year of celebrating the international One Billion Rising mass action, Carondelet is taking on a larger role this year as a host site. Members of the community-at-large are invited to campus to join with students and faculty as they rise in solidarity to end violence against women. In addition to a number of student-focused events beginning on Thursday, February 9, they will also host a student-led community-wide event, “Carondelet Rising: Empowering Women to be Agents of Change” on Monday, February 13 from 5:30pm to 7pm.

The program will include guest speakers, including Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister, engaging activities, dancing, a “Rise Up” performance by the nationally acclaimed dance team, informational booths, and more. Please mark your calendar and RSVP at http://www.onebillionrising.org/events/carondelet-rising-2017-empowering-women-agents-change/.

of education would have to approve the proposal, which the group plans to submit in February. Once the petition is submitted, the county superintendent of education has 30 days to determine its sufficiency. Mills added that, “After that sufficiency determination is made, the county committee will have to schedule hearings within 60 days.” Mills believes the entire process will be lengthy, but if all goes as planned, the initiative will become a local ballot measure. In the meantime, the community, affected teachers and administrators, will continue to discuss, debate and learn more about the proposed school district.

Not everyone is pleased about the possible “divorce” from MDUSD. Those opposed, including educators, parents and community members, have formed a growing coalition against the secession movement. On January 13, Northgate teachers distributed leaflets before school to inform parents that they want to remain with MDUSD. The Facebook page, Northgate Uncapped, advocates against NCAPS proposal. The group adds a positive perspective, highlighting what is

working well at Northgate and the feeder schools, and how any past grievances with MDUSD are no longer relevant. Northgate High School teacher Meg Honey said on the Facebook page, “Northgate CAPS does not speak for me, nor does it accurately represent the experience I have had in our district as a student, coach, or teacher. I am deeply troubled by the narrative they have constructed and truly hope that you will ask a lot of questions before signing a petition.” The page also details instructions for community members who would like to withdraw their NCAPS petition signature.

On January 11, Northgate HS Principal Michael McAlister penned an open letter to the community stating, “I believe that breaking away from MDUSD in order to form NUSD is a decision that should be addressed with great care. It should also be cause for concern for each person in our community.” The letter goes on to detail many of the financial and logistical challenges the proposed new district would face.

Stay up to date on both sides of the issue on Facebook at Northgate CAPS and Northgate Uncapped.

Poetry Out Loud Winners

Congratulations to Poetry Out Loud winners Katelyn Downing from College Park High School and Lena Awadalla from Northgate High School. Each will represent their schools at the Contra Costa County Poetry Out Loud competition on February 11, at 11am at Los Lomas High School. The students will perform their recitations in front of a large audience at the Las Lomas High School Theatre in Walnut Creek.

Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Information on the time, date, and location of state finals will be on the website: www.poetryoutloud.org.

Pictured are (LtoR): Northgate student Erica Nguyen, Runner-up; Northgate student Lena Awadalla, Winner and Robin Moore, Poetry Out Loud Coordinator for Contra Costa County.

Winner Katelyn Downing from College Park High School.

ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

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SOCCER TRYOUTS STARTING FEBRUARY 13 FOR DIABLO FC! For players born between 2004-2006

Diablo FC is the premier soccer club in the East Bay. Our dedication to developing our players is unmatched. Our professional coaching staff works hard to give each child the attention they need to improve and be successful.

Carondelet Soccer in Texas

Amid rain, snow, and frigid temperatures, 37 high school women’s soccer teams competed at this year’s National Elite Prep Showcase (NEPS) in Texas on January 5-7. The event, now in its 15th year, is played out at five facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The Varsity Cougars played three games against nationally known programs, with the first match on January 5 between Carondelet and Ursuline Academy, where Carondelet defeated Ursuline (2-1) with goals by Angelina Scoma and Kiki Ilagan-Evangelista.

On January 6, frigid weather forced Carondelet’s two matches indoors at Texas Christian University’s indoor arena. The matches included two 30-minute halves. Carondelet defeated both Round Rock High School (1-0), with a goal by Kaeli Ilagan-Evangelista, and San Antonian High School (3-0), with goals by Erin Ospeck, Angie Scoma, and Rory Biles.

The trip also included meeting with TCU’s Women’s Soccer Head Coach Eric Bell, who organized a tour of the TCU campus. Despite the chilly temps and a cancelled fourth game, Carondelet finished third in the showcase with three wins and a total of six goals.

According to TopDrawerSoccer.com, Carondelet is currently ranked #3 in regionals and #3 in state. As of this printing, the varsity team is 13-1-1 overall and 6-1-1 in league.

Since 2015, we have placed 36 of our players into playing soccer at a 4 year college!!

We have teams for players of all ages and encourage you to come tryout for Diablo FC. Diablo FC values players of all ages and abilities. We have programs for kids from 3-19 years old.

We offer financial aid and have monthly affordable payments options!

For questions or more information contact: Director of Coaching • Zach Sullivan • docdiablofc@gmail.com

To register for tryouts go to www.diablofc.org

BORN IN 2004-2006

Feb 13 - Mt. Diablo H.S.

5:00pm-6:00pm (2006 girls & 2006 boys) 6:00pm-7:00pm (2005 girls & 2005 boys) 7:00pm-8:00pm (2004 girls & 2004 boys)

Feb 14 -Ygnacio Valley H.S.

6:00pm-7:00pm (2006 boys & 2005 boys) 7:00pm-8:00pm (2006 girls & 2005 girls)

Feb 15 - Diablo Valley College

7:00pm-8:00pm (2005 girls & 2005 boys) 8:00pm-9:00pm (2004 boys & 2004 girls)

CP Basketball Soars

An enthusiastic game was played January 13 between host College Park Falcons and Northgate Broncos. Both teams’ 6th man section contributed to the rivalry with hype and banter. College Park (12-6) came away with the win. Northgate (6-12) hosts College Park on February 3, at 7pm.

Feb 16 - Ygnacio Valley H.S.

6:00pm-7:00pm (2006 girls & 2004 girls) 7:00pm-8:00pm (2006 boys & 2004 boys)

Feb 18 - Ygnacio Valley H.S.

9:15pm-10:30am (2004 girls) 10:30am-11:45am (2005 girls) 11:45am-1:00pm (2006 boys & girls) 1:00pm- 2:15pm (2005 boys) 2:15pm- 3:30pm (2004 boys) BORN IN 1999-2003 Tryouts will be in MAY 2017 (TBD)

Ygnacio Valley HS- 755 Oak Grove Rd, Concord Diablo Valley College- 201 Viking Dr. Pleasant Hill Mt. Diablo HS- 2450 Grant St. Concord 18

Caption: The Carondelet varsity soccer team at TCU. Pictured (LtoR): Kiki Ilagan-Evangelista, Sophie Harrington, Alli Moody, Lila Mague, Mackenzie Biles, Rory Biles, Gillian Cabral, Keeley Murphy, Erin Ospeck, Francesca Monti, Brianna Wolfe, Jenny Stark, Angelina Anderson, Stephanie Neys, Hannah Macaulay, Natalie Ospeck, Ellie Ospeck, Angelina Scoma, Cassidy Tshimbalanga and Devin Lozano.

february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Pictured is College Park senior guard and captain, Nick Lombardi going for 2. Photo by Susan Kaneda.

DVC Basketball

Vikings Shoot for Conference

BY MATT SCHWAB Mens Basketball

Victor Mijas, DVC’s dead-eye outside shooter, bombed in seven 3-pointers and scored a season-high 26 points, and Rodney Pope added 19 points as the Vikings thumped visiting Cosumnes River 82-68 on January 20 in the Big 8.

A big Golden State Warriors fan and a 6 foot 4 graduate of Estrella Sirius in Brazil, Mijas helped the Vikings (15-6, 3-3) stay just two games behind conference, leading Santa Rosa. Pope, a former Freedom High star, has been solid all season running the offense.

Womens Basketball

Sophomore forward Kyla Miller, a College Park graduate, had a career game, with 20 rebounds and 12 points in the Diablo Valley womens basketball team’s 6058 win over upset-minded Sacramento City on January 17 in the Big 8. The Vikings, who played without floor general Safiyyah Yasin, rallied from an 8-point deficit, with a 20-10 fourth-quarter run.

On Friday, January 13, the Vikings lost a tough contest to Northern California No. 1 Sierra 78-75, playing without Yasin in the second half after she scored 18 points in the first half.

February Home Games Friday, February 3 vs. Santa Rosa, 5:30pm (Womens), 7:30pm (Mens) Friday, February 10 vs. Sacramento City, 5:30pm (Womens), 7:30pm (Mens)

Alhambra Girls Basketball

#HERSMILE Golf Tournament

On March 3, the #HERSMILE nonprofit, in partnership with the Betti family, is hosting its 3rd Annual Jenna Betti Memorial Golf Tournament. Fourteen-year-old Jenna Betti was struck and killed by a BNSF train in Martinez on March 2, 2014. The #HERSMILE nonprofit was started in honor of all the love and support that was given to the Betti family after the tragic passing of their daughter. To date they have helped more than 50 families who have experienced a tragic loss of a child or the loss of a parent with Jenna Betti dependent children.

In an email letter inviting local family, friends, and community members to the March 3rd memorial tournament, Dena Betti writes, “It’s extremely bittersweet for me to be writing this email to you. I’m sure it’s no wonder to you that the bitter or harsh reality for our family is we’ve lived without Jenna for almost three years now and there hasn’t been a moment in a day when we haven’t thought of her or missed her. And although the road of grief is a trying, long journey, there is still beauty and sweetness to be found by living in our love for Jenna, our family, friends and community, each and every day. It’s in that spirit that we’d like to invite you, once again, to join this continually sold-out event for a day of love, friendship, laughter and contribution.” Jenna’s tournament is being held at Hiddenbrooke Golf Course, an Arnold Palmer Signature course in Vallejo with amazing facilities and views. The event format is a 4-man scramble with a 12pm shotgun. To register to play, donate and/or sponsor the event, go to http://bit.do/hersmilegolf.

You can support #HERSMILE by attending this very special event. For more information, please visit www.hersmile.org.

At press time, the Lady Bulldogs had notched an impressive 16-2 record overall and 3-1 in Diablo Athletic League play. Team captain and guard, Lara Lani, an Alhambra senior, scored 16 points with 4 rebounds and 2 steals in the game against San Rafael. Catch the last two home league games on February 7, vs. Concord, and February 10, vs. Clayton Valley Charter, both at 5:30pm.

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

Spring U13G Spring U12B 2004 Birth Year

2005 Birth Year

February tryout dates available.

Visit MPHFC.com for more info.

U14G and U17G team tryouts tentatively May 2017.

NEW TEAMS AND COACHING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE VISIT MPHFC.COM

Alhambra’s Lari Lani (#0) defends the rim at Petaluma. Photo by Greg Jungferman.

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Read My Mind

Candidates Sought

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

Over the last several months, there have been numerous books written by women about women. I’m highlighting some of the more interesting ones in this column.

They range from heartfelt memoirs to insightful advice books.

Perhaps the most insightful and controversial book is Amy Schumer’s memoir, The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo. Schumer is the raunchy standup comedian made famous by Saturday Night Live and her 2015 movie,Trainwreck. A good deal of the book deals with her standup comedy routine about her body parts and sexual encounters. A word of warning: this book is not for everyone!

The language is raw and, at times, rather filthy. If you can get over that, you’ll find the book touching and unbelievably funny.

Schumer led no charmed childhood.

Her parents were in an unhappy marriage that ended with an affair and divorce. To make matters worse, her father, once a successful businessman, became an alcoholic and an embarrassment to his family. Schumer bore the scars of this childhood for many years. Her story is a deeply moving glimpse of family love told with great humor.

TV journalist Elizabeth Vargas tells her story of drug addiction in Between Breaths. Having suffered from chronic anxiety since childhood, Vargas “turned to alcohol for relief.” While not a great book, I appreciated her strength and courage in fighting this never-ending struggle with addiction and how important the help of family and friends can be.

“Julia Greenfield has a problem: she’s 26 years old and still a virgin.” To restart her life, she visits her Aunt Vivienne in Emma Rathbone’s novel Losing It only to learn that her 58-year-old aunt is also a virgin. Their relationship is the crux of this story and the start of Julia’s journey

BY SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, DISTRICT IV

The County Planning Commission (CPC) consists of seven members appointed by the board of supervisors.

Each supervisor appoints one member from their district, while the remaining two are at-large seats appointed by the board of supervisors as a whole. The appointed commissioners serve four-year terms, beginning July 1 and ending June 30.

Candidates are sought to fill a vacancy for District IV, which includes the Cities of Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, and part of Walnut Creek. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of District IV, be a registered voter, and not currently hold an elected office.

The Planning Commission is responsible for: • Exercising all powers and duties prescribed by law, including consideration of matters referred to it by the zoning administrator, except those powers and duties specifically reserved

©

Girls will be Girls

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to true happiness.

This is “chick lit” with a message for all who are trying to find themselves.

Peggy Ornstein’s Girls & Sex explores the “new sexual landscape” girls are facing today. With astute interviews, Orenstein gives “readers comprehensive and in-depth information to understand and navigate this complicated new world.” Truly informative reading.

“The dominant force in the lives of girls coming-of-age in America today is social media.” This is the theme of Nancy Jo Sales latest book, American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Life of Teenagers.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure this out.

Wherever I go, I see teens texting each other on their cell phones rather than talking to each other. This has led to “a culture in which teenagers are spending so much time on technology and social media that they are not developing basic communication skills.” This does not bode well for the future.

So what can we do to help our daughters? We can turn to Nina Tassler’s new book, What I Told My daughter: Lessons from Leaders on Raising the Next Generation of Empowered Women. Tassler “brought together a powerful, diverse group of women to reflect on the best advice and counsel they have given their daughters either by example, in character building, or teachable moments between parent and child.”

World leaders, entertainers, renowned professionals, and everyone from Marie Osmond to Ruth Bader Ginsburg contributed short lessons they taught their daughters to help them grow into principled women.

“In a time when childhood seems at once more fraught and more precious than ever, What I Told My Daughter is a wise book no one concerned with connecting with a young girl can afford to miss.” (And, by the way, its lessons apply to sons as well.)

february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

County Planning Commission

or delegated to other divisions of the planning agency.

• Initiating preparation of general plans, specific plans, regulations, programs and legislation to implement the planning power of the county.

• Being generally responsible for advising the legislative body of matters relating to planning.

• Being the advisory agency as designated in Title 9 of this code for the purpose of passing on subdivisions.

• Hearing and deciding all applications or requests for proposed entitlements estimated to generate one hundred or more peak-hour trips, unless otherwise provided by this code or board order.

• Hearing and making recommendations regarding proposed development agreements when it is hearing the related project applications being processed concurrently with the development agreements.

Applications can be found at www. co.contra-costa.ca.us. For more information, contact Hiliana Li at (925) 674-7205.

Mail or deliver applications to Contra Costa County, Clerk of the Board, 651 Pine Street, Room 106, Martinez, CA 94553.

PH Author Awarded

The 2016 Bay Area Independent Publishers Association Book Awards were announced in December and Pleasant Hill author Dennis Koller won first place in fiction for his novel The Oath.

Dennis Koller was born and raised in San Francisco and attended St. Mary’s College, where he earned a degree in philosophy and later an MBA, spending the first 20 years of his career life in marketing.

Dennis Koller with his BAIPA first place award for his novel,

However, he had a story to tell about The Oath.

Vietnam POWs and started it in 2008, but by the end of 2012, he had completed only 55 pages. At that rate, Dennis calculated he wouldn’t complete it until all the Vietnam vets were dead. So in October 2012, he started writing full-time. His writing business is part of his company, Pen Communication. By the time he wrote “The End” to The Oath, he had experienced such a spine-chilling rush, he jumped right into his next book, Kissed by the Snow.

The Oath, Kissed by the Snow, and Koller’s third novel, The Custer Conspiracy, are available at www.denniskoller.com.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

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february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Family Justice Center Community Fellowship Applications

The Contra Costa Family Justice Center is pleased to announce that the 2017 Community Fellowship Program is now accepting applications through February 10, 2017.

In March 2016, the center launched a new iteration of its community fellowship program designed to equip survivors of interpersonal violence with leadership skills to empower their long-term success.

This 10-month program is currently looking for five fellows for its Concord office, located at 2151 Salvio Street, Suite 201.

Their work aligns with the Center’s mission of violence prevention/interruption and long-term sustainability for community members in the areas of domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking.

As part of a cohort, the fellows will receive training on how to develop and complete community projects on their own while guided by mentors in track areas, including advocacy, training/events, project coordination, and technology.

Last year’s projects included: transforming the West Center’s outdoor space into a healing sanctuary, creating

a step-by step resource guide for Latino parents of children with special needs, distributing self-care bags for victims, hosting monthly community circles for survivors, and connecting the GRIP shelter to the Cooking Matters Program, among others. “The leaders in this program were willing to stretch past their comfort zones, to change and grow as part of their commitment to positive change in their communities,” said Annabelle Berrios, the Community Fellows Program lead, who developed a leadership curriculum adapted from the leadership model of Dr. Monica Sharma, former leadership and capacity development director at the United Nations, and Dr. Vernice Solimar, former core faculty at the College of Graduate Professional Studies at John F. Kennedy University.

To download a flyer and application, please go to: www.cocofamilyjustice.org/ fellows.

For more information, please contact Annabelle Berrios, advocacy & training manager and Community Fellows Program lead, at: annabelle@cocofamilyjustice.org.org.

Singing for Food

The College Park High School A Capella Club went door to door this holiday season. They harmonized a classic holiday song in return for a donation of food for the Food Bank of Contra Costa County and Solano. In their third year of this tradition, they collected 235 pounds of food for donation.

Martinez Arts Gives Back

The Martinez Arts Association recently awarded approximately $2,000 in grants to 12 local teachers to fund art projects in their classrooms. Teachers requested funds to support projects such as murals, tiles, and even butcher paper for “mummification” of students.

Students will receive supplies for digital arts, as well as drawing boards, sketchpads, easels, paint, and videos.

MAA donates 15% of its sales from the gallery toward these grants, and this year funds were supplemented by Shell Martinez Refinery. Supporting art in the schools is a primary mission of Martinez Arts Association. The grants support teachers and help students benefit from enhanced classroom activities.

For more information about MAA, visit www.martinezarts.org.

EXPIRES 2/28/17 Pictured are Kindergarteners at Morello Park Elementary School (Clara Wojcik in front left) with their teacher, Janine Reed, one of this year’s recipients of the grants. ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

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Don’t Forget About Their Teeth Smile! It’s National Pet Dental Health Month

BY DR. LOUISA ASSEO

This month was designated to bring awareness to the oral health care needs of our dogs and cats. Daily home care through teeth brushing, safe oral chews, oral rinses, as well as regular prophylactic dental cleaning by your veterinarian, are suggested to help keep your dog and cat’s teeth healthy. The American Animal Hospital Association has guidelines to help pet owners understand the importance of regular dental care and offers tips on how to find a plan that will work for you and your dog or cat. See www.aaha.org/ pet_owner for more information.

In honor of national pet health month, I would like to focus on our small mammal companions that need dental care, too. Ferrets and hedgehogs have teeth that are similar to cats. These adorable and

mischievous critters have a full set of teeth that are susceptible to plaque and tartar build-up that can lead to gingivitis, tooth root abscesses, and oral pain. Many ferrets will allow owners to brush their teeth as a dog or cat would allow. In addition, annual wellness exams with a veterinarian trained in these exotic animals are crucial for making sure their little mouths are healthy.

Rabbits, or lagomorphs, have very specialized teeth designed for eating grasses and hay. Bugs Bunny taught us all that rabbits have big front teeth, or incisors. But did you know that they have smaller incisors called peg teeth right behind these incisors? Rabbits also have a full set of molars farther back in their mouths, designed to help them grind fibrous grasses and hay.

Guinea pigs and chinchillas are rodents that also have very specialized teeth to help them grind hay and fibrous greens.

The incisors of rodents, except guinea pigs, have a thick layer of enamel over the

surface, giving them a normal yellow to orange coloration.

What do rabbits, chinchillas, and guinea pigs have in common? They all have elodont dentition. This means they have a complete set of teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. In order for these teeth to stay healthy, they need a proper diet designed to help wear these teeth down on a daily basis. If these teeth are allowed to overgrow, it can lead to oral pain, dental abscesses, runny eyes and nose, drooling, and not eating, to name a few. Providing dental care to these teeth that sit behind a diastema (the gap between the incisors and the molars), let alone even seeing them, requires specialized equipment and training.

Other rodents such as rats, mice and hamsters, have incisors that grow continuously, but their molars do not. This reflects how different their diet is from the other rodents mentioned above. These tiny crit-

ters do not rely on hay for healthy digestion, therefore, they do not need these teeth to grow throughout their lives.

Each of these species has unique dentition and dietary requirements. These teeth all have unique angles and lengths at which their teeth grind the best. Finding a veterinarian trained in these species is crucial in helping your small furry friends live longer and healthier.

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

Oasis Veterinary Hospital proudly sponsors the

PET ADOPTION CONNECTION www.ourcommunityfocus.com

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february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Spring Planting

Prep Soil and Enjoy Winter Blooms

BY ANGELA HARTMAN, RUTH BANCROFT GARDENS

Sick of winter but not quite ready for spring? February can be an interesting time of year, when cold temperatures mingle with periods of sunsoaked warmth to give us a glimpse of what lies ahead. Tempting as it is to stay inside with a warm blanket and a cup of hot tea, there is plenty of work to tackle outside to prepare your garden for the upcoming spring.

February is a good month to ready your soil for new growth. Most cacti and other succulent plants grow well in slightly acidic soil with a pH around 6. Soils in the East Bay tend to have a pH of 7.0, which is slightly neutral to alkaline. Composted organic matter can lower pH by a half a point, which is usually sufficient.

Prepping your beds for proper drainage using Bancroft bedding blend to create raised or sloped areas is one way to ensure your succulents will have good drainage. Adding pumice to your soil (which we carry in the nursery) will also provide increased soil aeration. Removing newly sprouted weeds is notably easier once the bed area is saturated from winter rains.

Incorporating winter bloomers like Aloe ‘Erik the Red’ will add a vibrant flare to your garden. If you’re looking for a pop of cheery yellow, Acacia vestita (as shown in the photo) and Acacia merinthophora are go-to shrubs to fill this

Acacia vestita

need. Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga macrantha will soon be exhibiting sun kissed orange, bell-shaped flowers to an otherwise gray winter-scape.

Additionally, pick up some Lomandra longifolia ‘Breeze,’ an Australian rush that is an extremely cold and hardy low maintenance ground cover. Stop by the garden and nursery to see these winter bloomers in person, and get tips on how to set your garden up for success this spring.

For more information on the Ruth Bancroft Garden please visit, www. ruthbancroftgarden.org.

Add Color and Style with Succulents!

Bring in this coupon to receive: 10% off nursery purchases (non members) & 15% off nursery purchases (members).

Plan Ahead for Medicare

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

If you are planning to work beyond age 65 and remain on your employer health plan, it is very important that you plan ahead at retirement time. Remember, you must have both Parts A and B of Medicare in order to apply for a Medicare supplement. If your spouse is over 65 and has been a dependent on your employer plan, he or she must also have both Parts A and B.

Part A covers hospital services and Part B covers physician or medical services. For 2017, the standard rate for Part B is $134. That is a premium you pay your uncle in Washington, DC. It is also possible you could pay a higher premium. The cost is tied to earnings.

You can apply online for Medicare Part B. There is a video on the Social Security website. If you need to go to a Social Security office, request an appointment and expect a wait. Once you have

applied, it could take a couple weeks to receive your card.

Our client meetings vary; some people prefer an educational presentation before applying for Part B. Some arrive in our office with the card in hand, ready to learn the basics, and apply for a supplement and a prescription drug plan. Our presentation takes about 45 minutes.

The applications are fairly short since no medical questions are required. Once we submit the applications, we normally have approval in less than a week. The wallet cards arrive 7-10 days later.

It is very important to plan ahead.

If you will be turning 65 in the next six months or are over 65 and are working and planning to retire in the next six months, start planning now. It would be great to meet you in the next couple of months!

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

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Moving You On To Better Things ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

25

In the Mix

This Kid is Going Places

BY PAUL COTRUVO

Many years ago, in Concord, I went to see my daughter perform for her school’s talent show. Of course she was fantastic, but at that same show, a little boy sang and blew me away. I could not believe a 7 or 8 year old could have those pipes. I’m sure we all have had the experience at one time or another of seeing a young performer and thinking, “That kid is going to be somebody.” Well, that kid is somebody and his name is Mario Jose. I felt honored then to have experienced the voice of an angel and feel honored now, when he is grown up and following his dream. Over the years, I’ve seen Mario share his talent with John Legend on Duets and watched him on American Idol. While attending the Berklee School of Music, he was part of a group called Pitch Slapped and worked as the tour assistant for the a capella group Pentatonix, singing alongside them

as well. As you can tell, this kid is going somewhere. He is an accomplished singer and songwriter and also a very down to earth, nice guy. He graciously took time to give me a little interview before he started rehearsals for his upcoming tour.

PC: How old were you when you first began to sing?

MJ: I was 2 ½ years old when I started singing!

PC: Who were some of your influences?

MJ: Some of my musical influences are Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston. More recently, Bruno Mars, Adele, Sam Smith, and John Legend have been incredibly inspiring.

PC: Do you remember your first gig, and can you tell us a little about it?

MJ: I had my first gig with my mom when I was 7. It was at the Heather Farm Rose Garden for a family friend’s wedding.

PC: I know you write some of your own songs. Take me through your process.

MJ: Writing my own music is actually

Paul’s Picks

February 3: The Big Jangle, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm February 11: It’s a Beautiful Day, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm February 14: Soulful Security, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm February 16: Duo Gadjo, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm February 18: Syria, Back Forty, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill, 6pm February 24: Come Together, PH Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, 7:30pm February 25: Sin Silver, Rocco’s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8pm February 25: Stung, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm

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february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

something very new to me. I was always so scared to say stuff that’s already been said. With writing “Heart of Gold,” I reached out to all of my favorite songwriting friends and asked if they would join forces.

Everyone was so on-board and willing to help. I usually start with a lyric or melodic idea and branch off from that, then add chords and production. So far, everything I’ve written has been a real situation or feeling I’ve experienced, and to me, that’s the kind of writing I want to continue to do.

PC: What do you find more challenging, touring or recording?

MJ: Well, my tour with Post Modern Jukebox in January will be my first where I’ll be singing, so we’ll see which I find more difficult! Recording is always fun. I love being in the booth and letting my emotions pour out.

PC: What have been some of your favorite moments of your career so far?

MJ: Working and singing with Pentatonix will always be a highlight. I think they’re gods (and goddesses) among men. Singing with Prince was incredible; working with Meghan Trainor is an absolute joy...I just love to sing with people that love and appreciate music.

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

MJ: If I were a song, I would want to be Donny Hathaway’s arrangement of “A Song for You” because, to me, that is what music is about: connecting with people.

You can travel all over the world and sing at people, but I want to sing to people. I want to look into people’s eyes and relate to them, their hearts, and their insecurities because, at the end of the day, we’re all human. The lyrics that Leon Russell wrote are simple and to the point and beautiful. “...listen to the melody, ‘cause my love is in there hiding...” ONE OF THE BEST LYRICS OF ALL TIME IN MY OPINION.

Thank you, Mario! I highly recommend checking him out when he is in the Bay Area. He will be opening for Post Modern Jukebox at the Bing Concert Hall at Stanford on February 15. Get your tickets now! Also, check out Mario’s website at www.mariojosemusic.com. You can download his latest EP, Heart of Gold, on iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play and Apple Music.

One of my favorite events of the year is happening this month. Come Together #7 will be held at the Pleasant Hill Community Center on February 24 at 7:30pm.

This year’s lineup features Carlos Reyes, Sin Silver & The Avenue, The Lost Weekend, Hard Rain, Alexa Heine, and Izzy Traina.

And, of course, you never know who might show up for a song or two. Don’t miss out, as this will be an amazing show.

Go to the Pleasant Hill Rec & Park website for more information and tickets at www. pleasanthillrec.com.

Quote of the Month: “Music is the moonlight in the gloomy night of life.” -- Jean Paul Friedrich Richter

Archery Club in Briones Testing their Skill

Founded in the early 1960s, the Briones Archery Club attracts archery enthusiasts of all ages. Situated among shady oak and bay trees within Briones Regional Park, the range is accessible via the Seaborg/Crescent Ridge Trail, approximately three quarters of a mile east of the park’s Bear Creek Road entrance.

The Briones Archery Club is a nonprofit volunteer organization, established to promote the sport of archery in its various forms. Club members work hard to maintain a safe, enjoyable shooting experience. The range is set up to National Field Archery Association specifications, with a large, open practice range and three separate 14-target field rounds.

The range is open to the general public during park hours, and there is no cost to use it. Phil Myers, Briones

Archery board member, tells the Focus, “Although the archery range is open to the general public, club members do all the maintenance and upkeep of the range facilities. Our claim to fame is our ‘Monday Night 3D Shoots” in the spring and summer months, where we attract up to 100 shooters. I believe it is the natural setting of the range that make it an attraction.”

Weather permitting, the Briones Archery Club holds a monthly shoot at the range the second Sunday of the month, at 9:30am. On the Wednesday prior to the club shoot weekend, the club has a monthly meeting at 7pm at Round Table Pizza, 3637 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. It’s a great time to inquire about membership and meet club officers. The next meeting is February 8, and the club shoot takes place Sunday, February 12. The shoot day is a great

way for prospective members to get a feel for the club and show off some skill.

A sandwich lunch is provided.

Monday Night Shoot season begins April 10. The last shoot will be August 14. Save the date for Father’s Day, June 18, for the annual Bear Creek Open 3D Shoot. Gates open at 6:30am; registration is 7-8:30am; and starting time is 9am. For more information, visit www. brionesarchery.org.

PH Represents at March

After taking her young daughter to the Walnut Creek Women’s March in the morning, Pleasant Hill resident Kim Ban joined friends and neighbors and BARTed into San Francisco on February 21 to participate in the larger march. “It was such a memorable day, and sharing it with a group of close friends as well as thousands of strangers made it even more powerful. There was such a peaceful, positive and determined energy throughout the crowds,” Kim said. “It was an experience I’ll never forget, and one I intend to draw on throughout the next four years!”

Do I Empathize?

Yes I do. Please call me, Kate Lane, Pre-Arrangement Specialist at Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary.

Pre-planning is the best thing that you can do for those you love. klane@stonemor.com or (925) 935-3311

Oakmont Mortuary & Crematory 2099 Reliez Valley Rd. Lafayette, CA. 94549 Pictured (L to R) Back row: Laurie Wozniak, Alborz Wozniak, Sean Taheri, Sue Austin, Honey Lynn Taheri; middle row: Jenny Holt, Gabriela Maxfield; front row: Kim Ban, Amy Kritikos, Nick Kritikos

FD #875

ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

27

Pair Up

Introducing BottleCru®!

BY MARIA TERRY

Seriously, I don’t know how I lived without my smartphone. It is so nice to have access to the world of information at the tap of a button. Put all that information into a great app, and you had me at hello. When the folks from BottleCru® asked me to help them out with the food and wine pairing portion of their fancy new wine app, I was delighted.

Now, I am happy to share it with you!

BottleCru® has created a fun, interactive way to learn about, find, and pair the wines you love. Instead of looking at wines as just “varietals,” BottleCru® considers their “style.” A wine’s style is defined by many things, including where the grapes are grown and the decisions made during production. The style affects the taste of the wine and how it pairs with food. Of course, the best part of the app is the engaging “Vinotars®” that help you remember each wine style.

A unique feature of this app is that it is web-based. This means it is always upto-date and won’t take up any space on your phone. Since you don’t download it to your phone, you won’t find it on the app store. All you do is go to www. bottlecruapp.com and bookmark or add it to your home screen. Don’t forget to create your own account so you can access all the wine styles and keep track of wines you have tasted.

Naturally, I’m rather partial to the database of over 500 food & cheese wine-pairings! It’s like having La Sommelierre on speed-dial to tell you what wine to choose for your dish. For example, let’s say you are looking for a wine to go with Chilled Asparagus Salad (recipe below). You would go to the main menu of the BottleCru® app, tap on Food Pairings, and search for “asparagus.” Every food item featuring asparagus will pop up. Tap the picture and “boom,” five wine options are offered. Grüner Veltliner, known as Racy Lina® in the BottleCru® app, is one of my favorite wine styles with asparagus because it is intensely aromatic and flavorful. Classically, it has flavors of apple and pear with a hint of white pepper. These sweet and savory flavors will mask the slightly bitter flavor of the asparagus.

On the other hand, let’s say you have a special bottle of Grenache, like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. BottleCru® calls this wine style Earthy Gil® because of its

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CULINARY ADVENTURES

february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

peppery, earthy flavors. If you want to know what the “Go-To” pairings are for this wine, start from the main menu, tap on Wines & Styles, and scroll down until you see Grenache Noir. After a tap and a swipe right, choose Earthy Gil® from the three word clouds. One more swipe right and you will see a list of delicious foods that are perfectly suited to the ripe, baked red & black fruits of this wine. Try it with Roast Quail and Mushrooms a la Plancha. The delicate gaminess of the quail and earthiness of the mushrooms will bring those luscious fruits to the forefront!

So, now you know two ways to find great food and wine pairings, but here’s one more. Let’s say you know you want a fruit dessert but don’t know which one to try. Again, start from the Food Pairings at the main menu, and scroll through the categories of foods until you find “Desserts.” Select Fruit Desserts and find Peach and Apricot Tart. I have a great recipe for Peach Apricot Galette (which is basically a rustic tart). I love

Mushrooms a la Plancha INGREDIENTS 1 pound mixed cultivated (maitake, oyster, shiitake) and wild mushrooms (black trumpet, yellowfoot, hedgehog) 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (for high heat) Sea salt Black pepper Lemon Good extra virgin olive oil DIRECTIONS Season the mushrooms with the grapeseed oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Heat a large, cast iron skillet to high heat and gently wipe out the skillet with a lightly oiled rag. Add mushrooms in a single layer and sear on one side.

Stir gently and add to a mixing bowl.

Add a few tablespoons of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice to mushrooms and lightly mix.

Yield: 4 servings

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it with a sweet Pinot Gris from Alsace.

BottleCru’s® name for this wine style is Sweet Piper® Its full-bodied sweetness is balanced by lively acidity and a smooth texture. Its aromas of stone fruits are perfect with the peach and apricot flavors in the tart.

Be one of the first to try out this wonderful new app, and do it right away. The first 500 users will be grandfathered in for free. So, go on, sign-up today and Pair Up with BottleCru®!

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

Chilled Asparagus Salad INGREDIENTS 6 quarts salted water 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 32 stalks small to medium-size green asparagus, washed and ends trimmed 2 lemons, juiced 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon honey 2 tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard 4 tablespoons olive oil DIRECTIONS Bring the water to a boil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sugar. Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl, large enough to hold the asparagus, with cold water. Add some ice cubes. Plunge the asparagus into the ice bath before cooking to bring any limp stalks back to life. Remove from the ice bath and drop into the boiling water. Cook 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer back to the same ice bath and let them sit for a few minutes.

Remove and dry stalks.

Transfer asparagus to a large plate or platter lined with a kitchen towel and refrigerate. In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, honey and mustard. Stir to blend.

Whisk in the olive oil in an even, steady stream. Season to taste. Just before serving, toss the asparagus in the dressing to coat completely.

Yield:4 servings

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

Free Tax Preparation for the 2017 tax season will be offered by Tax-Aide’s AARP sponsored program. The service, provided by the IRS certified tax counselors, will be available starting February 2017. Tax-Aide does not specify an income limit but the service targets low and moderate income taxpayers of any age, with special attention given to seniors age 50 or over. For general information and site locations other than Martinez Senior Center, call: (925) 726-3199. To complete tax return, bring the following to your appointment: Social Security Card or ITIN, W-2s, photo ID for tax payers,1098s and 1099s, other income and deductions, and 2015 tax return.

Feb. 12 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. 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.

Mar. 3 & 10 AARP Driver Safety Course 10am-2:30pm. Designed for drivers 50 and older to help update driving skills and knowledge of the rules and hazards of the road.

Learn about normal age-related physical changes and how to adjust your driving, how to reduce chances of receiving a traffic violation, getting into an accident, or becoming injured. Sign-ups available in person one month prior to class date. Spaces are limited.

A current driver’s license is required for sign–up. Payments made day of class. $15 for AARP Members and $20 for Non-AARP Members.

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788

Celebrating Diversity

On February 24, Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill unites two very vibrant and accomplished choirs. Clarinet Fusion, the Bay Area’s foremost clarinet choir, teams up with Christ the King’s fantastic adult vocal choir to present a free concert, What A Wonderful World, including such pieces as “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and “Jamaican Market Place.” Extra special pieces are “Mendelssohn - Organ Sonata No. 6 in D minor,” in which clarinets sound like a church organ, and “O Sifuni Mungu,” a powerful African chorus with fiery syncopations. Of course, we will perform our theme song of the event, “What a Wonderful World,” and more!

These two choirs invite the local community to come together to celebrate our diverse backgrounds, assortment of religions, and variety of cultures. It is a celebration of the wonderful world in which we live and the abundant possibilities we can all pursue. All ages, all faiths, and all cultures are invited to join these very fine choirs in a great celebration of music and community.

Clarinet Fusion has been delighting audiences from around the Bay Area for many years, with performances at venues such as Lesher Center for the Arts, Event Center at Rossmoor, Blackhawk Museum, Pleasant Hill Senior Center and more. They have participated in San Francisco Symphony’s Community of Music Makers Workshops for four consecutive years under the tutelage of a symphony clarinetist and play a wide variety of music in jazz, popular, classical, and other genres.

Christ the King’s Adult Choir is led by Angela Schmidt, who also teaches music in the Lafayette School District and is a director of the Danville Girls Chorus. The church choir continues to grow in numbers and strength. They are a vital component of Christ the King’s community of committed followers. Under Angela’s direction, they continue to demonstrate diversity in their musical selections and performances.

This free concert is at 7:30pm on Friday, February 24, at Christ the King Church, 199 Brandon Rd., Pleasant Hill. For additional information, e-mail clarinetfusion@ sbcglobal.net.

Feb. 5 - Pancake Breakfast, 8:30-10:30am, PH Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. Bring family and friends to enjoy pancakes or French toast, eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee. Tickets: Adults 11+ $5; children 5–10 yrs. $3; and 4 & under free!

Feb. 9 - Valentine’s Dance, 12pm, PH Senior Center. Sing, tap your toes and dance the afternoon away with friends or your special Valentine. Live music from The Paul Fontes Band. Lunch will be served. Dance partner not required! Tickets: $15 presale or $20 day of (based on availability). No refunds.

Feb. 9 - CMP Series presents: “What is a Captioned Telephone.” FREE, presented by Hamilton Relay, 2-3pm, PH Senior Center. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot by calling (925) 798-8788. Sponsored by Carlton Senior Living.

Feb. 24 - Vagabond Players Presents “Born Yesterday,” 1:30pm, PH Senior Center.

A live play about rich, powerful, crooked, hot-tempered junk tycoon Harry Brock who comes to Washington to throw his financial weight around. Presale tickets: $10/$15 (day of).

Feb. 28 - Mardi Gras Party, 3pm, PH Senior Center. Celebrate Mardi Gras right here in Pleasant Hill! Appetizers and beverages served. Live entertainment provided by Elite Jazz Band! Sponsored by Carlton Senior Living. No refunds. Tickets: $13 presale, $16 at the door (if available). No refunds.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

29

In the Garden

New Citrus Varieties Liven up Winter Months

BY LESLEY STILES

February represents hearts and love in so many ways; you could celebrate one or the other every day of the month.

Since this year isn’t a leap year, February will pass through bearing only 28 days.

Being a shortened month, uncommonly, it can pass completely without a single full moon. For some that would be yet another cause for celebratory swings.

Named for the Latin term februum, which translates into purification, February can easily carry on the cleaning and betterment of our physical abodes, perhaps starting a tad slowly from January. That dang month slipped by far too swiftly anyway.

If you are fortunate enough to be born in the short month, you have Viola for your birth flower, Aquarius for your sign, and the all powerful and stunningly

beautiful crystal amethyst for your stone, chosen, as legend goes, as a fertility enhancer, as plants were being started for the new year’s season of crops. Currently in our gardens, we can find loads of life-sustaining green vegetables. Red kale brings bright ruby beauty to winter faded landscapes as does vibrant Swiss chard, while delivering power punches of sautéed or steamed flavor to ramp up energy to get on the slopes or clean up the yard.

Lettuces, radishes, carrots, peas, onions, and garlic, to name a few, are winter weather crops and lovers of the cold, just when we need an immune system boost.

Bending farmers’ market tables this month you will find an amazing array of stunningly different, albeit very tasty, citrus backing up the nutrient power play for long, cold, wet days and nights. As with most other seasonal offerings, farmers are always looking for a wow factor to bump up sales. A newer to us but ancient citrus with a crazy, unusually awesome flavor is

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february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Yuzu. Perfectly pairing a sour mandarin orange with an ichang papeda, an Eastern Asian fruit that slightly resembles a small grapefruit with overtones of lime, a Yuzu is born, rapidly becoming the darling of the culinary world, regardless of the nature of the cuisine. Yuzu itself looks like a small, bumpy grapefruit, mottled with yellow and green, and has a history of being confused with pommelos. Used for skin and juice, the center does have some pulp, but it is mostly seeds and juice. Flavor scale ranges from indescribable to a cross between the best qualities of mandarin, lemon, lime and grapefruit, which doesn’t do it justice. Possessing that ethereal quality of umami, where you have a taste of some delectable morsel and are hit with a “Hello! What is that flavor?”Yuzu is indeed very difficult to put into a box but not, however, a farmers’ market bag.

Another lovely citrus making a splash among sweet, juicy citrus lovers is the Cara Cara orange. Originating from a somewhat freakish mutation, it’s a cross between two different oranges, a Brazilian Bahia and Washington navel on the Hacienda de Cara Cara in Venezuela in 1976. This luscious, candy sweet, nonacidic orange locked itself into the hearts of low acid citrus lovers everywhere, with wide distribution and availability outside Argentina in the late 1980s. Initially only available from savvy California growers at farmers’ markets after the first imports, this ruby red to deep-water salmon pink flesh-toned orange is almost too beautiful to grasp at first sight, leading one to think only of ruby grapefruit. But, alas, the Cara Cara has no connection at all to any grapefruits, aside from the color, and it has no ill

effect on our drug popping, high cholesterol friends. Now, several years after its initial burst upon the scene of who’s who in citrus land, this tropical and richly sexy winter citrus has earned a spot in line with the bloods and tangerines in the winter fruit mix at farmers’ markets.

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.

Roasted Beet and Orange Salad

Beets are probably one of the most amazing cleansing vegetables there is, not only because they are strong diuretics but because they leave copious amounts of iron in their wake while blending seamlessly with oranges, as if married for years with many babies.

I use golden beets when I want color integrity of the dish, as red beets tend to color everything in their wake with its stunningly hypnotic hue. Using half and half will lend a brilliant outline to the yellow beets.

INGREDIENTS 4 medium sized beets, any color you wish 1 Cara Cara orange 1 blood orange 1 navel orange 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar ¼ cup crumbled chevre or feta 3 cups assorted salad greens Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS

Wash beets and remove stem end and root tail. Rub with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place in baking dish, cover and roast at 350 for about 45 minutes to an hour, until beets are easily pierced with a knife.

Let cool until you can easily handle them.

Peel, quarter, and slice the quarters about ¼ inch thick.

Peel and slice the oranges. Place greens in a bowl. Toss in the beets, oranges and goat cheese. Drizzle remaining olive oil and rice vinegar over. Season with salt and pepper and gently toss to mix all.

Serves 4

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P L E AS ANT

HILL

CHAMB E R

OF

CO MME RCE

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.

Do you know if your business is complying with the 2017 California and federal employment laws? If you are like most small business owners, it is next to impossible to stay on top of the always changing employment laws. Please join us on February 15th, and learn from Human Resources expert Bruce Jobson, on what your business should be doing to comply with the 2017 employment laws and enjoy a great lunch provided by Yalla Mediterranean!

Welcome New Members Steve Van Dorn President & CEO

Dancing Hands Massage & Bodywork Pleasant Hill Dental Goodwill Industries of the Great East Bay Junior Achievement of Northern California, Inc. Banc Home Loans/Banc of California Painting with a Twist Changemakers Publishing & Writing Law Offices of Jeffery Hall Mustard Splatter Design

Katie Walter Rosa Vega Linda Pratt Maggie Kelley-Bucci Bob Taylor Dawn O’Connell Gini Graham Scott Jeffery Hall Edith Mustard

(925) 378-8407 (925) 692-2010 (510) 698-7200 (925) 465-1068 (925) 357-6304 (706) 614-6898 (925) 385-0608 (925) 230-9002 (925) 934-2006

Dont forget to check out the events calendar on our website so you won’t miss out on the many networking opportunities we have scheduled in the coming months.

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

www.pleasanthillchamber.com

ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

31

Garden Club Spreads Cheer

A Vaccine for Cancer is HERE

Members of the Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club continued their holiday tradition of donating houseplants to homebound hospice patients. Thirty plants were given to each Hospice of the East Bay and Sutter Care at Home for deliveries to patients.

BY GIGI CHEN, MD

This year, the California Department of Public Health is holding a preteen vaccine week, February 12 through 18. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that 11 and 12 year olds have the Tdap (required), Meningococcal, Influenza, Chickenpox, and HPV vaccines before entering into 7th grade.

As a medical oncologist, I encourage all parents to view the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine as a requirement rather than a suggestion. It is true for all cancers that early detection is crucial. HPV is the primary cause of cervical and anal cancer, making it pertinent for both girls and boys to be protected.

Furthermore, certain types of HPV are called “high-risk types” because they are strongly linked to cancers, including

Carol Nelsen, left, and Gail Sutherland distribute donated plants to hospice organizations.

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cancer of the cervix, vulva, and vagina in women, penile cancer in men, and anal and oral cancer in both men and women. Infection with HPV is common, and in most people the body is able to clear the infection on its own.

Sometimes, however, the infection does not go away and becomes chronic. It is the chronic infection that can lead to the development of cancers. All that is needed to pass HPV from one person to another is skin-to-skin contact with an area of the body infected with HPV. While this usually means transmission during intercourse, it is not the only rule.

As all other vaccines, the HPV vaccine has been carefully studied. While there are mild side effects such as fever, dizziness or fainting when given to preteens and teens, serious side effects are rare. Always tell your child’s physician if your teen has any severe allergies or is pregnant.

Gigi Chen, MD is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. She has extensive experience in treating all types of cancer, with a special interest in lung and gynecologic cancers. She sees patients in Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor and San Ramon. To contact Dr. Chen, please call 925-677-5041 or visit www.dvohmg. com.

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PLEASANT HILL • WALNUT CREEK • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • CONCORD • CLAYTON A monthy resource publication of Community Focus and Concord Pioneer & Clayton Pioneer

Special pull-out section will be delivered to 86,000 homes and businesses in Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Lafayette, Clayton and Concord.

In print and online with links to advertisers’ websites and emails.

Print and Digtal packages available.

For advertising and information please contact Community Focus 925-335-6397 32

february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

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BUSINESS Laurie Limrite Ext. 213 Derek Knapp Ext. 210 Commercial Lines Commercial & Personal Lines

Lori Knapp Ext.211 Personal Lines

Main # 925-827-0510 • Fax 925-827-0643 www.insuranceagent2000.com 3585 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA 94519

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Onstage Performance

Three middle-aged men, inseparable as adolescents, reunite beneath a magical “catfish moon” in an attempt to recapture the friendship of their youth in this Onstage Theatre production of Catfish Moon, at the Martinez Campbell Theatre. The comedy, written by Mississippian Laddy Sartin, is helmed by Artistic Director Helen Means.

“While fishing from a favorite boyhood pier, the weight of adulthood is lifted by these characters’ love of the sport,” said Means. “With everything going on in the world right now, this play really allows us to focus on the present. What better way to enjoy life than to spend time with friends and family?

Performances of Catfish Moon run through February 11 at the Martinez Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St. in Martinez. Tickets at the door are $18 general, $16 seniors, and $10 students, and may be reserved by calling (925) 518-3277. On Bargain Night Thursdays, all tickets are $12. Show times are Thursday, Friday & Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. For more information, visit Onstagetheatre.homestead.com.

Citizens Academy Focus on Central San Operations

Ask anyone what they think about their sewer service and they will likely say that as long as their toilet flushes, they have nothing to think about. But for those who wonder what happens after that waste disappears from view, the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) invites you to attend their Citizens Academy, which provides a free, behind-thescenes look at a core service that seldom sees the spotlight: wastewater treatment.

Participants in the Academy learn how Central San operates as a government agency; how it increases recycled water use throughout central Contra Costa County; and how it cleans wastewater using biology, chemistry, engineering, and technology. They also tour its treatment plant, laboratory, recycled water fill station, and household hazardous waste collection facility.

“Central San Academy demystifies the nature of the services we provide

and explains how and why we invest the money our customers pay for those services,” said Roger Bailey, Central San’s general manager. “We describe what we do, how we recover resources, and how we keep costs down. No one comes out of the Academy saying they don’t know what Central San does or why they have to pay for our services.”

The Central San Academy earned the Exceptional Public Outreach & Advocacy Award from the California Special Districts Association in 2016.

The Academy is FREE, but interested individuals must apply. Classes will be held one evening each week from April 4 to May 9 (except for a daytime tour on April 25) at Central San headquarters, 5019 Imhoff Place in Martinez. Participants must be 18 or older. Apply now – space is limited!

For more information and to apply, please go to CentralSan.org/Academy.

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Business Directory Local Qualit y You Can Trust!

Pleasant Hill

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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

Buck Shot & Any Reason Fun "LIVE" Music from the 50’s thru 80’s For Any Occasion

Special Shows for Assisted Living, Convalescent Homes & Hospitals

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

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PLEASANT HILL • WALNUT CREEK • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • CONCORD • CLAYTON A monthy resource publication of Community Focus and Concord Pioneer & Clayton Pioneer

NorthBay Restaurant Health Department Plans Providing our clients with plans & support to get the fastest health department approval possible.

707.332.0020 www.NorthBayRestaurant.com

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Agent 2000, Derek Knapp Cantrell’s Computer Sales & Service Cold Stone Creamery Colleen Callahan Insurance Diablo FC Diablo Valley College Diablo Valley Oncology Diablo View Veterinary Medical Hospital Ecomulch Ellinwood Exterminators

El Tapatio Flaskerud - RE/MAX Today FPHE Hagin’s Automotive Hammer’s Heating and A/C Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Hire My Husband Home Detailers Housekeeping International Jewish Film Fest Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S.

Get your business in Central County Homes, a guide for Homeowners and House Hunters.

REACH 200,000 CUSTOMERS!

Law Offices of Daniel L. DuRee Law Office of Jeffrey Hall, Inc. Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski Martinez Auto Body Martinez Pleasant Hill Futbol Club Matt Rinn – State Farm Insurance Maureen Ingalls - RE/MAX Accord Michael Brionez, J. Rockcliff Moulding Company Oakmont Memorial Park & Mortuary Oasis Veterinary Hospital Parkway Smiles Dental

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CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE - 925-689-9823 34

february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Ruth Bancroft Garden Samuels Construction Senior Helpers Shell Western States Federal Credit Union Susan Wood Photography Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails

CLEANING SPECIAL

$50 OFF On First Detailed Cleaning For New Clients Only SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! BONDED

EXPIRES 2/28/17

Make Some Plans february

february 10

february 11

february 18

Aboutface Painting Workshops

Kiss and Tail: Lindsay Wildlife

Crab Feed

Stocks and Sauces

The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County is excited to work with veterans to build self-understanding through selfexpression at no-cost painting workshops around the county. For times, dates & registration, visit www.AC5.org.

Join Lindsay Wildlife Experience on Friday, 7 to 9pm, for a WILD Valentine’s event. Enjoy wine tasting, delicious delicacies, and music, and meet and greet the animals at our annual Kiss & Tail! Tickets available at www.

Lindsaywildlife.org.

The Martinez Historical Society hosts their crab feed at the Shell Clubhouse. Social hour at 6pm, dinner at 7pm, $45. Call Karen for reservations at 925-228-1624.

Chef Townsend will lead a class in creating stocks and sauces in DVC’s culinary kitchens.

February 18 - March 4, 9am – 12pm, $90, Diablo Valley College, www.dvc.edu/communityed.

february 1

february 11

february 11

february 19 & march 5

Breast Cancer Update

Valentine’s Aloe Tours

DVC Athletics Poker Tournament

Chicken Workshops!

Support DVC Student-Athletes! Must be 21+. $75 buy-in, re-buys and add- ons! Happy hour is 6-6:30pm; tournament is 6:30-11pm.

DVC’s HSF Building. Ticket info: mgreenberg@ dvc.edu or 925-969-2746.

Papa John Kiefer offers workshops in Lafayette on “How to Raise Your Own Chickens.”

Topics include raising young chicks, laying hen maintenance, and sustainable coop construction. Free! Reservations required. Email jhkiefer@comcast.net.

february 7

february 12

february 24

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

East Bay Comic Con

Come Together 7

Contra Costa County’s Biggest and Best OneDay Comic Book, Toy and Fantasy Convention, 10am-5pm, at Crowne Plaza, Concord. $8 at the door, www.eastbaycomiccon.com.

Rockin’ all-star benefit show for the PH Teen Center features Carlos Reyes, Sin Silver & The Avenue, The Lost Weekend, Hard Rain, Alexa Heine, and Izzy Traina. You never know who else might show up! Tickets at pleasanthillrec. com.

Dr. Tiffany Svahn, a breast cancer specialist, gives an overview of new research presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, 6:30-8:30pm, Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Ave., Walnut Creek. Space limited, register at 925-677-5041 x272.

The Ruth Bancroft Garden’s Aloe Day Tours, an all-day event, focuses specifically on the garden’s dramatic aloe collection, 10am-3pm, with tours at 10am and 12pm. Hot beverages, mimosas, and sweets. Members: $50/couple; non-members: $65/couple. 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. www.ruthbancroftgarden.org.

Dan Smith of Pacific Groves Nursery presents Growth and Care of Fruit Trees. Guests are always welcome and free. PH Community Center, 6:30pm. 925-323-9314 or www.phgsc. com.

february 7

february 11

february 12

february 25

Hunger Discussion

Book Sale

Food Bank Executive Director Larry Sly and Meals on Wheels SOS Executive Director Elaine Clark explain the challenges of fighting hunger in Contra Costa. Sponsored by Diablo Valley Democratic Club, 7pm, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Rd, Walnut Creek. 925.946.0469 or www.dvdems.org.

Friends of the Library Book Sale, $5 a bag.

Open to members at 10am, open to public at 11am. Martinez Library, 740 Court Street, Martinez.

Strut your Mutt Dog Show

Baking French Macaroons

Show your support for the Contra Costa Humane Society and let your pup shine on the runway in the 1st Strut Your Mutt Dog Show.

Well behaved, fully licensed and vaccinated pups (on leash) welcome! Register at www. cchumane.org.

Chef Masumi leads this hands-on class in baking macaroons in DVC’s culinary kitchens, 1 – 4pm, $85, Diablo Valley College www. dvc.edu/communityed

february 9 & march 9

february 11

february 14

march 18

Free Legal Clinic

Wine & Chocolate Stroll

Foods for Romance

Fermentation for Health: Dairy

Contra Costa Senior Legal Services prepares/ notarizes Advance Health Care Directives for any senior 60 or older residing in Contra Costa County. Please call the Concord Senior Center at (925) 671-3320 for your appointment.

Stroll from business to business in downtown Martinez. Stop in participating stores and restaurants to sample delicious wines and chocolate treats! 2-5pm, $20, www.mainstreetmartinez.org.

Chef Lisa prepares foods with aphrodisiac properties to “spice” up your love life, 6 – 8pm, $65, Diablo Valley College www.dvc. edu/communityed. february 18

Chef Negrin leads students in preparing and preserving dairy items. March 18, 10am– 12:30pm, $90, Diablo Valley College www. dvc.edu/communityed

ourcommunityfocus.com • february 2017

35

March 2017

THE 22nd ANNUAL

SEE A FILM. SEE THE WORLD.

Award-winning films from Argentina, Canada, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland

MARCH 2–12, 2017 CENTURY 16 THEATRES, PLEASANT HILL For complete schedule & tickets:

eastbayjewishfilm.org 36

february 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com