February 2018 Community Focus

COMMUNITY

FOCUS ourcommunityfocus.com

FEBRUARY 2018 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

IN THIS ISSUE: • RALLYING FOR RYAN • PRINCIPALS’ CORNER • READ MY MIND©

PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

Let’s Hope for a Better 2018 In the Words of Charles Schultz (and others)

BY JULIE ROSS

Wishes of “Happy New Year” this past holiday season were almost always tempered with “Let’s hope it’s better than 2017.”Yes, it was a tough year.

With that in mind, let’s count January as our “practice month” for 2018. Although many of us began trying our best to be optimistic in the new year, it has been hard to focus on the positive. Stress just keeps creeping (barging, stampeding, steamrolling) its way in.

So, to get us all on the same page, I am offering six tips we can start with in February. Each tip is accompanied by what I hope is a relevant quote to emphasize and/or clarify the suggestion. Let’s cross our fingers that these thoughts help us achieve a happier, less-stressed existence in 2018 and beyond.

1. Live in the present. In the words of Charles Schultz, creator of Peanuts: “I have a new philosophy. I’m only going to dread one day at a time.”

2. Indulge yourself (but not too much). Anonymous: “Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.” (I recommend a root beer float enjoyed slowly with a spoon. Make sure it’s a small one or guilt will reboot the stress cycle.)

3. Embrace deadlines. English author Douglas Adams: “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.”

4. Relax more. French author Jules Renard: “Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.”

5. Stand up for your beliefs (but remain flexible). Philosopher Bertrand Russell: “I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong.”

And, perhaps the best advice of all:

6. Make the most of your circumstances. Comedian Ron White: “I believe

that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade…and try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka and have a party.”

Lemon drop, anyone? Here’s my favorite recipe: 1-1/2 oz. vodka ½ oz. triple sec 1 t. superfine sugar ¾ oz. Meyer lemon juice 4 ice cubes.

Put all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and strain into a small martini glass rimmed with more superfine sugar and garnish with a lemon twist. Repeat as necessary.

Happy 2018!

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

SMALL TALK WITH TERI

by Teri Norbye

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

COVER:

College Park students rally in support of wrestler Ryan Joseph.

See story, page 4.

INSIDE

6

City News

19 Love Songs for Your Valentine

28

Pizza for Your Valentine

8 13 to

Local School News

23 Senior Activities

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

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Meet James and Melodee Parker, who live in Martinez and have been together for about 30 years. They both love watching swashbuckling pirate movies. James enjoys fencing and Melodee loves to read.

How did you meet?

Melodee: I took his fencing class at the Pleasant Hill Recreation Center. We spent most of our time together fencing and working at the Northern Renaissance Fair in Novato.

James: It was a love at first sight situation that worked out perfectly. Even though we’re total opposites, we’ve been together happily for 30 years.

How are you total opposites?

Melodee: He’s an extrovert; I’m an introvert. I don’t like watching TV; he likes TV. He likes different types of music.

James: She’s religious; I’m not.

What do you love most about each other?

Melodee: He knows me better than anybody, and we’re respectful of our differences.

James: We don’t argue. We haven’t had an extended argument in 30 years.

Your secret to a good marriage?

Melodee: Just accepting each other’s differences and being okay with that.

James: I like to cook; she likes to eat. I wish I could tell other people how to do it.

It’s hard to say. Our marriage just works.

Real Estate Trends Crab Feed Saga

BY NORMA FLASKERUD

My husband, Don, has been a member of the Pleasant Hill Lions Club for 37 years. Their primary fundraiser is the January Crab Feed, and Don coordinates purchasing the crab from “Don The Crab Man.”

Based on tickets sold and how much crab they ordered the year before, they needed four pounds per person. It is truly an all you can eat crab feed! The crabs are cleaned, cracked, put into buckets, and served on tables, with buckets refilled as needed! It’s a chance to eat crab to your heart’s content. They also serve fresh green salad, donated this year by Jack’s, garlic bread, and rigatoni with yummy red meat sauce -- a very full meal for all to enjoy.

In November, you may recall the crab

season opened on time, with local news reporting it would be a robust season and no expected delays like two years ago (caused by domoic acid found in the crabs). But something changed. The crab population was quickly depleted, domoic acid was found again, crabs were too small, and the powers to be only allowed fishing along the coast of California, not Oregon or Washington. While fresh cracked crab was for sale for $6.50/lb. at Safeway in December, it suddenly was over $16/lb.!

Don spoke to “Don The Crab Man,” letting him know he expected about 200 people and would need 850 pounds of crab. The Crab Man said he did not know if he could get it. Yes, crab fishing season had re-opened in mid-January, but stormy, high seas had kept the crab boats in port.

There was a shortage, but maybe he could get 700 pounds. Don reminded him 850

Insurance and Details

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

In our industry it is important to pay close attention to the details. We must be certain about policy dates, premium payments, mailing addresses, plan selection, suitability, and more. Recently we learned about another detail, being matched on a joint policy with the correct spouse! We had a client call to tell us that the insurance company for her medical plan showed the wrong man as her husband. Can you believe how many hours it took to fix that error?

Since dealing with insurance can be cumbersome, many people do not take the time each year to review what they have in place and make certain it still fits their needs. I recently read an article that stated seniors and baby boomers spend more time reviewing cable and Internet service and ignore reviewing their health plans.

For those on Medicare and a

Medicare Supplement, remember, in California we have the “birthday rule” that allows one to make a change to a similar or lessor Medicare Supplement.

It is worth reviewing; you will likely save money for the exact benefits. The beginning of the year is a good time to be certain the beneficiaries on all your policies are correct. Make sure you do not have minor children listed as the beneficiaries.

If your family has grown, if you have purchased a home, or if you have gotten a raise, it is time to evaluate the life insurance you have in place. It is best not to assume any insurance you have with your employer is sufficient. Plus, it is not guaranteed the benefit will continue to be offered or that you will stay with the company. Seek out a professional to help with the review. It is important for you and for your family.

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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read that prices in Pleasant Hill went up 6.7% last year. But I believe you are curious about what it takes to buy a starter home in Pleasant Hill. Since November 1, 2017, only three homes sold for under $600,000 in Pleasant Hill, and each one had “issues” – they were fixer-uppers or in bad locales.

The bottom of the market is essentially $600,000. As of January 23, there are 10 single-family homes for sale in Pleasant Hill, and setting aside a $2 million listing (which skews statistics), we have nine listings ranging from $698,000 - $1,249,000, with an average asking price of $912,291 and a median of $879,000. Pleasant Hill is a very desirable address, and people come from far and wide to look at houses here and bid on them. We are seeing a multitude of homes selling for a million plus!

Call the Flaskerud Team at 925-3382980 for all your real estate needs or email DonandNorma@gmail.com.

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was the target, and ultimately, that is what the Lion’s Club bought, at $6.50/lb. (Last year they paid $5.50/lb!) The crab was delicious, but we learned it was caught in November, so it had been frozen. It’s only now, around January 20, that crab fishing opened all the way up the coasts of Oregon and Washington to Canada, so there will be lower prices and plenty of fresh crab.

We learned “Don The Crab Man” used to supply 90 crab feeds but most recently was supplying only 30. Why? The people putting on crab feeds are getting older, and the younger generation is not joining service organizations to put on big events.

I know Don and the Lions appreciate new members, as do my fellow Rotarians. We need new, young blood and enthusiasm to create such fabulous events. I share this story to tell of the crab feed that almost wasn’t!

Regarding real estate, you may have

Enjoy a Sweet February!

Over 650 homes sold in Pleasant Hill Choose the Flaskerud Team—Don, Norma and Erik—as YOUR Realtor!

Call The Flaskerud Team for ALL your Real Estate needs Coming soon Don, Norma, and Erik’s listings...

Price Lane Dublin Court Santa Cruz Drive

Don & Norma Flaskerud Erik Flaskerud

RE/MAX Today 367 Civic Drive #7 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Visit them at www.PleasantHillRealEstate.com or email DonaldFlaskerud@Remax.net NormaFlaskerud@Remax.net or EFlaskerud@Remax.net

925-338-2980 CalBRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031, Erik: 01891688 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 3

College Park raised over $2000 at the recent basketball game vs Acalanes High.

Ryan Joseph, a sophomore at College Park High School, suffered a spinal cord injury during a wrestling match on January 10, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. Below is a statement from the Joseph Family: Ryan is strong and hopeful. He is making progress every day. Our care team at John Muir Medical Center has been kind and professional and an integral part of his healing. Currently, Ryan has good movement in his shoulders, his right arm has partial movement, and his left arm is starting to move. He has feeling in some of his torso and recently regained some feeling in both feet. His diaphragm is getting stronger and, hopefully, soon he will be able to breathe on his own without a ventilator. The healing process is long and it may take one to two years to fully establish Ryan’s capabilities.

The Joseph Family would like to thank the College Park family and the greater community for their overwhelming love, kindness and generosity. It has been a source of strength for us all. We have not slept a lot in the last few weeks and our tireless support team hasn’t slept much either! We will never know how much time, effort and organization have gone into all of the meals, fundraisers and activities that have been taking place on our behalf. We can never thank you enough for how much you are helping Ryan.

Our family is looking forward to the next stage of recovery at Craig Hospital in Denver. It is an intensive rehab program where Ryan will refine the mobility that he has and hopefully discover more as he works hard in therapy. It is a family-oriented program and we will all be there to work alongside Ryan.

Ryan would like everyone to know how much their love and support means to him. “On my worst days, I think of all of you and I know I will be alright.”

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Paul and Cindy Silva are spearheading the RideforRyan campaign to help raise funds for the family to purchase a van that will be equipped to transport Ryan. Paul was in the stands during the wrestling match and came down to assist Ryan.

Ryan’s College Park lacrosse teammates wishing him well.

Northgate High asked their students to “Purple Out” in support of Ryan and has been collecting donations.

Rick and Becca were the athletic trainers on site during the wrestling match.

(L) Daniel Romo, a CP sophomore, personally collected over $700 around his neighborhood. (R) Hunter Cantrell, a CP Senior and wresting teammate, swiftly started the Go Fund Me page on behalf of the Joseph family.

(R) Ryan shown training at College Park prior to wrestling season.

HOW TO DONATE: Pleasant Hill Elementary School sells bracelets to help fundraise for Ryan.

To help the Josephs with their upcoming medical expenses, new transportation and the necessary home remodel to accommodate Ryan please consider donating in the following ways:

A RIDE FOR RYAN PASTA FEED AND FUNDRAISER 5-8pm on Feb. 5, at College Park High School, 201 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill.

Tickets are $15. If you cannot make the event you can also make donations on the school website at http://bit.do/rideforryan. These donations will go directly to Ryans family without paying a service fee.

CARDS, CASH AND CHECK DONATIONS The family requests any cards and donations to be mailed to the Joseph Family c/o Mike Halket, PO Box 2122 Dublin, CA 94568.

A rep from the Warriors organization, Ryan’s coveted team, gifted him a basketball signed by Iguodala as well as a championship ring.

Benicia and Fairfield High gathered to honor Ryan before their match.

GO FUND ME ACCOUNT www.gofundme.com/help-our-teammate-ryan

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 5

DO IT YOURSELF

A Spin on DIY A Pizza for your Valentine

BY REBECCA SEIDENSPINNER

I love Valentine’s Day. I love hearts. I sign most of my texts and emails with X’s and O’s, which mean hugs and kisses, all year long. I love my family and my pets. My favorite thing I love to eat is pizza! Homemade pizza night is a big hit at my house. It’s easy, fast, and leaves no whining over picky eating as each child chooses their own toppings. Going out for pizza or ordering it for delivery can be very expensive these days, even with a coupon. Get ready for a fun, fabulous and easy DIY alternative.

First, we need to make the pizza dough. This recipe for homemade pizza crust is super easy and quick to rise: Pizza Dough: •5 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 cups warm water • 2 tablespoons sugar • 2 tablespoons yeast

Mix the flour, salt and olive oil in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar and yeast. Stir until the yeast bubbles. This is how it activates to make the dough rise. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and stir well. I like to put the dough mixture on the counter and knead it with my hands until a big ball forms. Then set the dough aside and let it rise. It takes about 20 minutes.

After the dough is ready, I separate it into small dough circles and let the kids roll it out with the rolling pin. In honor of Valentine’s day, I helped each of them make a heart, and we used scissors to cut cute little hearts out of our pepperoni.

Adorable. We used a jar of pizza sauce and tons of our favorite toppings. My

EXPIRES 2/28/18

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daughter spelled out “I love you” with black olives and even made an olive smiley face.

These are the times I cherish -- cooking in the kitchen with my children and

then sitting at the table eating dinner together. This is so sweet and tops any dinner at a fancy restaurant. Sending you all X’s and O’s and a Valentine wish full of love and pizza.

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

If you are looking for the wit and wisdom of Michael Harris, you will have to flip a few pages more and look for his book review column. The city council had its annual rotation election on December 18, and I was voted to the center chair of the council dais, where I am honored to serve as your mayor for 2018.

It’s Monday, January 15, and I am reflecting on the contrast between the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the current state of public discourse. Dr. King advocated for peaceful engagement and did so with an eloquence that today is rarely on display in Washington D.C.

While our leaders on the national scene may be lacking in collegiality and common decency, the same is not true here in Pleasant Hill. Our five-member city council is diverse in thought but truly homogenous in the desire to be smart stewards of the city. Our decisions

are informed by the input we receive from city staff and from you, the residents. Since I began my public service here in Pleasant Hill, I have worked hard to increase public participation, not just in our events where we derive our sense of community, but also in the decision-making processes at city council.

I am always looking for opportunities to increase public awareness and participation in our local regulatory process and to make it easy for you to stay informed about local events, city commissions, and council meetings — that is, if you want to. The city currently notifies residents through the city website, email blasts, social media such as Facebook and NextDoor, and by posting A-Frame notices at the library, City Hall, police station, and neighborhoods impacted by development projects under consideration.

The city will soon install a new LED electric

Tim Flaherty, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

signboard in front of the flagpoles at City Hall to publicize all city meetings and notify you of other items of general interest.

At the February 5 city council meeting, we will be reviewing proposed changes to the manner in which the city notifies residents of development projects in their neighborhood and around the city. The city is contemplating discontinuing the A-Frame signs as a method of notification, assuming that most of you already rely on electronic notification through the city website and social media. While there will be some cost savings realized from discontinuing the A-Frame notification, the overarching goal must be enhancing notification and increasing public awareness. If we can meet that goal, hopefully, increased participation will follow.

How important are the A-Frames to you? Change can be controversial, but we

shouldn’t reject change just because it’s different from what we have always done. I welcome your feedback on this proposed change. You can reach me at the email or phone number listed at the end of this column.

I encourage everyone to come to a council or commission meeting. Too often the gallery in the council chambers is empty.

We do live stream our meetings, so perhaps there is a large at-home audience! Please come to a meeting. Weigh in on whatever issue we are reviewing, bring a concern of yours to us, or just let the council know how you think we are doing. You need not be an adult to participate. All ages are welcome!

We meet at 7pm, the first and third Mondays of each month (except on holidays). I can be reached at tflaherty@pleasanthillca.org or 925-671-5267.

Chamber Calendar 2/13 – Spavia Day Spa Pleasant Hill Ribbon Cutting, 5-6:30pm, Downtown Pleasant Hill, 45 A Crescent Drive, PH 2/15 - Chamber Business Mixer, 5-7pm, 1938 Contra Costa Blvd., PH 2/15 – PH Chamber Board Meeting, 8-10am, WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., PH 2/26 – Government Affairs Committee, 4:30-5:30pm, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, PH 680 Business Networking - 2nd & 4th Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-10am, JFK University, 100 Ellinwoood Way, PH OFF THE GRID Food Trucks – Wednesdays, 5-9pm, Trelany Road, PH

Public Meetings 2015

City Council Feb. 5, 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Civic Action Commission Feb. 7 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Feb. 13, 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Traffic Safety Commission Feb. 13 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5229

Mark Ellinwood, Owner

ANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • 1 TIME SPRAY OK 8 | FEBRUARY 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Education Commission Feb. 28 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 7pm. Contact: 671-5229 For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

CITY NEWS

Pleasant Hill City News Idea Box at the PH Library

The Idea Box has been installed again at the Pleasant Hill Library. You can write your idea on a piece of paper, place it in a plastic ball, and then drop it into the idea contraption. “It’s a Rube Goldberg inspired contraption for collecting ideas from kids to inspire new experiences at the library and beyond,” said Senior Community Library Manager Patrick Remer. You can check out the machine on YouTube by going to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj0lrjxVung.

Library Focus Group Meetings

The second town hall meeting was held on January 23 at the PH Community Center. Discussion included the design of the new Pleasant Hill Library. The design team was on hand to present what they have heard so far from previous town hall meetings and focus groups held during November and December. The focus group meetings are designed to discuss specific issues and topics related to the library design. In February, the design team will begin the schematic design phase of the project. The schematic design phase will conclude with proposed interior, exterior, and landscaping designs for public review. There will be more opportunities for public input later in the spring.

In April 2017, the PH Recreation & Park District and Contra Costa County reached an agreement for the district to purchase the 5-acre site that currently houses the library building and former library administration offices. The district must exercise its option to purchase by December 31, 2019. If purchased, the district has also agreed to lease back the library building to the county for library services through April 2021. The district is planning to use the 5-acre site for new recreational ball fields after the new library has been completed. The new Pleasant Hill Library will be constructed on a 3-acre portion of the vacant parcel on the opposite side of the current library building, on Monticello Avenue. You can keep up to date on the design process at www.newphlibrary.org. You can also give your comments at www.pleasanthillca.org/library_comments. All meetings and focus groups are listed here: http://www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us/1281/Upcoming-Meetings.

The proposed Library development.

Golf Club Road/Old Quarry Road Improvement Project

Ghilotti Construction and various subcontractors have substantially completed the concrete, pavement, electrical, and pavement striping/sign installation work along Golf Club Road and Old Quarry Road. The landscape subcontractor began final irrigation installation and planting of new drought tolerant shrubs/trees along Golf Club Road and Old Quarry Road and is also working on the vehicle pavers at the concrete apron of the roundabout (at Old Quarry Road/

Camelback Road intersection) over the coming weeks.

All landscape related work is anticipated to be substantially complete by early February, and the installation of a stone surface treatment at the roundabout seat wall will follow. Lastly, Meyer Concrete will be repairing or replacing isolated cracked concrete sidewalk panels and curb sections along Golf Club Road and Old Quarry Road over the next three weeks as part of the project’s final punch list items. If you have questions about this project, please contact City Construction Manager Kerry Theran at (530) 301-7886 or the engineering division at 925-671-5265.

Boyd Road Day Care Appeal

On January 8, city council denied the appeal of the Proposed 72-child day care at Kahrs and Boyd Road, the site of First Church of Christ. The proposed project consists of a day care for up to 72 children (2 to 6 years old) within two of the three existing buildings on the site. The proposed day care general use would operate from 7am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. The facility would employ seven teachers and one director for a total of eight employees.

Although each councilmember expressed concerns about the daycare, the council denied the appeal, upholding the Planning Commission approval of a minor use permit and the Architectural Review Commission approval of an architectural review permit for the project, subject to the recommended findings and conditions.

Studies by city staff show the day care is not anticipated to adversely affect any nearby residences, however, neighbors worry about noise and increased traffic as they see cars on a regular basis going to and from the Sequoia schools on Boyd Road as well as those making their way to Pleasant Hill Middle School.

To help alleviate traffic, the project is designed to have cars entering the day care on Kahrs Avenue and exiting with a right turn (west) only on Boyd Road.

Councilmember Sue Noack related to the congestion and said, “My son went to Pleasant Hill Middle. The traffic is horrific. But there is a reason for that.

It’s not only the 1500 students going to the Sequoias, it’s over 900 students going to Pleasant Hill Middle School as well. Not having this child care isn’t going to make this traffic any better; it’s still going to be horrific. It’s a responsibility of the city to figure out ways to make that traffic better in general regardless of what happens on this decision. I think there are things that we need to do as a city to help with this traffic problem.” She went on to say that it is also the responsibility of the Mount Diablo School District to help solve the traffic problem as many of the students that attend those schools come from outside of Pleasant Hill, and she would like to see the district be part of the conversation and solve these traffic issues. One solution could come from staggering the start time/bell schedule of the Sequoias and PH Middle.

Mayor Tim Flaherty commented, “You’re going from an occupied park-like setting to a project that is going to introduce dozens of people to the parcel, Monday through Friday. I think I share the neighbors’ concerns that a commercial daycare in that setting, given its history, is a bit shocking to the sensibilities, but as a councilmember I’m not entitled to just react based upon what I think; I have to look at what has been presented here before me, and I don’t know that we have a lot of choice other than trying to protect your (the residents’) interests as best we can by putting reasonable conditions on the use and operation and be vigilant in checking.”

A motion to deny the appeal was made by councilmember Harris and adopted by city council to deny the appeal and upholds the decision of the Planning Commission approving a minor use permit and the decision of the Architectural Review Commission approving an architectural review permit.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 9

CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

We are already a month into the new year, and it is time for me to start preparing for the annual State of the City Meassage. This year’s event is again being hosted by the Martinez Chamber of Comerce and will be held on February 13 at 8am at Creekside Church. In prepartion for this event, city staff has charted out the major accomplishments of 2017 and major obectives for 2018. I will not go into great detail here but wanted to highlight a few major accomplishments of 2017.

• Measure H Parks & Library Improvements are wrapping up with the final few projects under construction now, with a few (incuding Golden Hills Park) to commence in 2018. The last large project

(Waterfront Park) is an $8 million project that rebuilds the aging baseball fields with new grading, irrigation, pathways, lighting, parking, and a professional field that will be the home of the Martinez Clippers.

• Paving included the long awaited Center Avenue overcrossing and Morello Avenue undercrossing at Highway 4, over 30,000 sq. ft. of street repairs in the Brandview and Vista Way areas, and over 171,300 square yards of resurfacing of streets. With the successful passage and implementation of the ½ percent sales tax dedicated to roads and streets, our future paving budgets will be tripled, allowing us to pave many residential streets that have been neglected for years.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Feb. 7, 21 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 6-9pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Feb. 7, 21 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Feb. 14, 28 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Feb. 13, 27 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

• The interim dog park was constructed and opened at Waterfront Park at the Marina Amphitheatre. Over the next year, a permanent site will be located, and plans for financing and construction will begin.

• The downtown core continues its renaissance, with quite a bit of construction taking place to upgrade buildings for new tenants. New businesses are opening every month.

• The city continues to have talks with the owners of Alhamba Highlands on purchasing the property for public open space. This property is the beautiful ridgeline above Alhamba Avenue from Forest Hills to Virginia Hills, which was once owned by John Muir and the Strenzels.

• City finances remain healthy, with a general fund budget of $22 million and an unrestricted reserve fund (savings account for emergencies) of $8.6 million.

On the issue of district elections, the city council has held three of the five required public hearings. The first public hearing was primarily an educational session for the public and the city council on the required California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) process. The second public hearing was to again review that process

and take public testimony on the issue.

At that meeting, the city council directed staff to come back to the third public hearing with examples of district maps that were inclusiving and did not segregate one neighborhood against another.

They also directed staff to move forward with four districts and retain the at-large, directly elected mayor.

At the third public hearing, proposed maps developed by the demographer and the public were discussed, and public testimony was again taken. At the fourth public hearing, testimony will again be taken, and then the city council will give direction to the staff to return to the fifth public hearing with a proposed ordinance for adoption.

Three proposed district map alternatives can be found on the city’s website: http://www.cityofmartinez.org/gov/district_elections.asp

Although I disagree with moving to district elections in a city the size of Martinez, with no specific neighborhoods clustered with “protected classes,” we need to adopt districts that benefit all neighborhoods in the entire city and not pit one area of the city against another for resources and services.

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CITY NEWS

Martinez City News Baseball Parade

The 2018 Baseball Parade will be held on Saturday, March 3, at 10am on Main Street. Plans are underway to make the day memorable for hundreds of athletes. The parade will feature the Martinez Baseball and Softball Association and the Martinez Baseball Club. Al Boyce will be the master of ceremonies.

Main Street Martinez in Top Ten!

Martinez has been selected as a top-10 finalist for season three of the Small Business Revolution–Main Street series, created by Deluxe Corporation. After considering thousands of downtowns across the country, Deluxe Corporation chose Martinez as one of the 10 communities that will compete for a chance to win $500,000 for downtown revitalization. Deluxe created the Small Business Revolution–Main Street to help those small businesses and small towns reignite the spark that drives them and keeps people coming back.

Downtown Martinez’ unique history, architecture, and push for economic development and revitalization could bolster a win. On January 6, the Small Business Revolution team visited Martinez and brought a crew of experts to learn more about the town and its small businesses and how they would benefit from a Main Street revitalization.

The crew went on to visit the other competing downtowns throughout January. During this phase, communities were asked to rally and get active on social media by sharing photos, stories, and anecdotes about what they love about Downtown Martinez on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In mid-February, the team will narrow the list to five finalists that will be up for a week-long public vote to see which town will be featured in season three. The winner will be announced in late February. Should Martinez win, small businesses will be invited to apply to be featured on the show. Filming for the series will span March-June 2018. You can see the series (seasons one and two) and learn about the competing cities by visiting: www.deluxe.com/small-business-revolution/ main-street/season-three/. Stay up to date by visiting the City of Martinez Facebook page.

supports are constructed, the placement of the 110-foot long prefabricated pedestrian bridge crossing the railroad tracks will occur between midnight and 5am on a Sunday morning (date still to be determined). The city awarded the construction contract to Gordon N. Ball, Inc., with a total bid amount of $6,150,676.

I (heart) Downtown Martinez Wine & Chocolate Stroll

On Saturday, February 10, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, spend a relaxing afternoon strolling from business to business in downtown Martinez. Stop in participating stores and restaurants to sample delicious wines and chocolate treats. Redeem your advance purchase ticket for a wine tasting glass, wine glass charm, map, and passport at Main Street Plaza, 600 Block, next to Starbucks. Visit www.mainstreetmartinez.com for tickets.

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Intermodal Facility – Phase 3

On January 5, the City of Martinez had its final groundbreaking ceremony for the initiation of the last phase of the multi-phase, multi-million-dollar Intermodal Facility project, which has spanned over 20 years.

In 1994, the City of Martinez moved forward with the property acquisition of the old railroad yard south of the tracks. Three years later, the parking lot was constructed along with enhancements to Alhambra Creek, replacement of the railroad bridge, and the addition of two northerly tracks. In 2002, the Amtrak Station building and platforms were completed and opened to the public. The city then acquired the Zocchi property in 2008, which is the parking lot north of where the tracks now exist, for the implementation of Phase 3. The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Measure J sales tax revenues fund this last phase of project.

The project is located north of the Amtrak Station and includes a 110-foot long prefabricated steel bridge to be installed over the Union Pacific (UPRR) tracks, a paved trail along the west, south, and east perimeters of the site, along with a 30-foot long prefabricated pedestrian bridge near Ferry Street and the UPRR tracks. The project also includes a new entrance road at the Ferry Street/Joe DiMaggio Drive intersection that connects to the easterly side of the recently constructed parking lot. Other features will include an elevator, wetland mitigation, landscaping, and street and parking lot lighting.

The work will be substantially complete by December 2018. Once the structural

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Estate Planning

Is It Better to Use Joint Ownership or a Trust?

BY JEFFREY HALL, Elder Law Attorney

When leaving a home to your children, you can avoid probate by using either joint ownership or a revocable trust, but which is the better method?

If you add your child as a joint tenant on your house, you will each have an equal ownership interest in the property. If one joint tenant dies, his or her interest immediately ceases to exist and the other joint tenant owns the entire property. This has the advantage of avoiding probate.

A disadvantage of joint tenancy is that creditors can attach the tenant’s property to satisfy a debt. For example, if a co-tenant defaults on debts, his or her creditors can sue in a “partition proceeding” to have the property interests divided and the property sold, even over the other owners’ objections.

In addition, even without an issue with a creditor, one co-owner of the property can sue to partition the property, so one owner can force another owner to move out.

Joint tenancy also has a capital gains impact for the child. When you give property to a child, the tax basis for the property is the same price that you purchased the property

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changes in circumstances, such as your child passing away before you.

Another benefit of a trust is with capital gains taxes. The tax basis of property in a revocable trust is stepped up when you die, which means the basis would be the current value of the property. Therefore, if your child sells the property soon after inheriting it, the value of the property would likely not have changed much and the capital gains taxes would be low. In general, a trust is more flexible and provides more options to protect you and your child, but circumstances always vary.

Should you have any questions about how to pass down your property, make an appointment with the Law Offices of Jeffrey Hall, Inc. at (925) 230-9002 or go to www.

HallLawGroup.com to schedule an appointment online. They provide a free 30-minute telephone consultation or personal appointment at their Pleasant Hill office.

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for. However, inherited property receives a “step up” in basis, which means the basis is the current value of the property. When you die, your child inherits your half of the property, so half of the property will receive a “step up” in basis. But the tax basis of the gifted half of the property will remain the original purchase price. If your child sells the house after you die, he or she would have to pay capital gains taxes on the difference between the tax basis and the selling price. The only way to avoid the tax is for the child to live in the house for at least two years before selling it. In that case, the child can exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a couple) of capital gains from taxes.

If you put your property in a revocable trust with yourself as beneficiary and your child as beneficiary after you die, the property will go to your child without going through probate. A trust is also beneficial because it can guarantee you the right to live in the house and take into account

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CITY NEWS

Walnut Creek City News Family Art Day

Family Art Day at the Bedford Gallery is on Saturday, February 24, from 4pm to 6pm. Admission is $5 or free for members. You can make a “Seed Vortex” inspired artwork out of mustard seeds and learn how to make your own mustard. Complimentary refreshments will be served, including beer tasting. The entire family can hang out, see the exhibition, enjoy refreshments, and make a project. The Bedford Gallery is located at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek.

Walnut Creek Depot Building/Vic Stewart’s

The former Vic Stewart’s restaurant on South Broadway, also known as the Walnut Creek Depot Building, will be remodeled and expanded to make way for a five-tenant retail building. The current building will increase from 6,936 square feet to 8,349 square feet. The building’s architecture is expected to remain consistent with the historical train depot building. According to the Walnut Creek Historical Society, Southern Pacific constructed the Depot Building after it began passenger service through Walnut Creek in 1891. It was originally located on land closer to the intersection of today’s Broadway and Mt. Diablo Blvd. and was relocated and converted to a restaurant in 1972.

Larkey Swim Center

Due to popular demand, the Larkey Swim Center will remain open to the public for fitness swimming through February 2018. Fitness swimming hours are Monday – Friday, 4:30-7pm. The Swim Center is located by the Lindsay Wildlife Experience at 2771 Buena Vista Avenue in Walnut Creek.

New Bart Bike Station

On January 17, BART took another step forward in promoting bicycle access in Contra Costa County by opening its newest bike station at the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre.

The new facility features space for 215 bikes and builds on the existing bicycle capacity at the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station. Most of those spaces fill up early in the morning on weekdays, which demonstrates the need for the additional bike parking provided by the new station.

The 2,300-square foot space provides secure indoor parking in a BikeLink controlled facility. Users need a BikeLink card to access the station, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The station also includes a bike retail shop and maintenance services. Funding for the new bike station comes from Measure J, which was approved by Contra Costa County voters in 2004. The total cost for the project is $425,000. BART will pay the operating costs of the bike station.

Women’s March

Supporting the Rights of All People

BY JAKI JONES

This year’s Women’s March was held on Saturday, January 20. It began at 10:30am at Civic Park in Walnut Creek and continued through downtown. The Women’s March began as a worldwide protest on January 21, 2017, to advocate for legislation and policies regarding human rights and civil liberties and to speak out against intolerance.

On January 20, thousands met in Walnut Creek, once again, with a chorus of voices and signs that read, “Love trumps hate,”“Girls just want to have FUN-damental rights,” and “Women are the wall and Trump will pay.” They took a stand on issues of equality, acceptance, immigration, and the rights of all people. Northgate High School junior Carly Ortega was there to document the day. She said, “I loved

going to this march and the one last year.

It is a great way to make a statement and publicize important issues that women and people of all genders, backgrounds, and ethnicities face.”

Families, friends, and people of all ages attended the march with knit hats and chants. Carly reflected on both marches and added, “My favorite thing is when I get to see little kids holding up their own signs that they made, especially little boys that support their sisters. No one is ever too young to learn about equality. To have kids who know what equity entails is so vital because it means that the stereotypes we see today will not have to be broken later; they just won’t exist. I feel so proud to live in such a progressive community and one that really cares about what America will be like in the future.”

Mother and daughter, Zoey and Yvonne Ortega, at the Women’s March. Photo Credit: Carly Ortega.

Public Meetings

City Council Meeting Feb. 6, 20 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6pm. Contact: 943-5819 Design Review Meeting Feb. 7, 21 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Planning Commission Meeting Feb. 8, 22 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org

Northgate High School juniors Grace Benhamou (left) and Tess Jordahl (right) participated in the January 20 Women’s March in Walnut Creek. Photo Credit: Carly Ortega.

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Estate Planning

Protecting Your Estate from Medi-Cal Claims

BY DANIEL DuREE

More and more often, end of life care, including long-term care, exhausts a substantial portion of a person’s assets. To add insult to injury, in certain circumstances, Medi-Cal can make a claim against the estate of a deceased person for services provided to that person while they were at the end of their life. With proper planning, certain assets can be legally transferred out of the estate without disqualifying the transferor from Medi-Cal eligibility. Generally, in order to protect the property from a later claim by Medi-Cal, the primary residence is the asset that is transferred. The following is a cursory treatment of how this can work. Please consult an experienced attorney

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There are certain assets that are exempt for purposes of Medi-Cal eligibility asset testing. If an asset is transferred while it is exempt, it does not disqualify the transferor from receiving Medi-Cal benefits. A primary residence is exempt for Medi-Cal purposes if either the benefit recipient currently resides in the house or is in long-term care but intends to return to the home.

If either of these criteria are met, a Medi-Cal applicant or recipient may transfer the home out of their estate and effectively eliminate the possibility of a later claim against that asset by Medi-Cal. Generally, this is done by transferring the home to their children but in a very specific way.

If you decide that transferring your home out of your estate is advantageous, how do you then protect yourself to ensure that you always have the right to reside in your home if you no longer technically own it? This is accomplished with the assistance of an experienced estate planning attorney and involves the use of a grant deed with an irrevocable life estate reserved in favor of the grantor. Concurrently all of the grantees also sign an “acknowledgement and agreement of grantor’s right to return home.” If executed properly, a primary residence can be transferred out of an estate while still maintaining Medi-Cal eligibility and keeping the home safe from a later Medi-Cal claim.

This has been a very basic overview of the topic. Please contact a licensed attorney regarding your particular situation. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call and schedule a free consultation with me in my office at 925-210-1400.

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.

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES

More Work to Be Done in 2018 Transportation is Key

BY KAREN MITCHOFF, Contra Costa Supervisor, District IV

We have made improvements towards transportation and infrastructure in Contra Costa County, but there is still more work to be done in 2018.

In 2017, the county saw added HOV lanes to 680 that spanned from Walnut Creek to San Ramon to help ease the commute going southbound.

The GoMentum Station in Concord has continued to build and leverage partnerships worldwide to increase the number of autonomous vehicles tested at the former Naval Weapons Station. This effort brings innovative technology to our community and international recognition. With SB 1 signed into law, this legislation will put dollars directly into improving the safety

Shadelands Ranch Museum Is Open for Tours

Docent led tours of Shadelands Ranch Museum resume on Sunday, February 4, following the holiday closure. Tours are available from 1pm to 4pm, Sundays and Wednesdays. The last tour begins at 3:30. The museum, a Walnut Creek treasure, is located at 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road. Construction of this colonial revival house began in 1902 and was completed in 1903 for Hiram Penniman, one of Walnut Creek’s early settlers, and his wife, Carrie, and daughter, Mary. Much of the furniture and household items on display belonged to the Penniman family. The tours are $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for students, and free for children under 6. Admission is free for anyone with a Discover and Go pass, available at the Walnut Creek Library. Come and learn the fascinating story of the Penniman family and experience life in Walnut Creek in the early 1900s. The Walnut Creek Historical Society administers the house. For more information or to schedule a group tour, call (925) 935-7871 or visit the museum’s website at walnutcreekhistory.info.

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of our roads and freeways. This bill is projected to generate $54 billion in transportation dollars over 10 years statewide. About half of the money will go to cities and counties to fix local roads and potholes, improve lanes, and address other related issues that are much needed.

With continued advocacy around funding for transportation, there is also a growing need for alternative methods of transportation to be mindfully integrated in the infrastructure of services for the aging community.

Someday that may include autonomous vehicles, but today these individuals rely on services like Meals on Wheels, public transit, and in-home care programs.

The Contra Costa County Area Agency on Aging provides systems of care and support towards independent living to the senior population. These services range from adult day care, ombudsman services (which include complaint investigation and resolution services for residents over 60), and the Fall Prevention program, among others. They also partner with local organizations like Meals on Wheels, Mobility Matters, Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, Rehabilitation Services of Northern California, and many others to provide extensive services for families across the county.

As we enter the new year, I will continue to work with my colleagues through local and regional platforms to advocate for the safety and care of our community.

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SCHOOL NEWS

CPHS Principal

A Tough Month for the Falcons JOSEPH G. ALVAREZ PRINCIPAL, COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

You may have heard or read about Ryan Joseph, a sophomore student athlete playing on both the JV lacrosse and wrestling teams. Ryan suffered a traumatic injury at a recent meet, resulting in a spinal

cord injury that rendered him paralyzed from the neck down. We do not yet know what his long-term diagnosis is, but we can tell you this young man, known for his warmth, spirit, and good humor, demonstrates these qualities even from a hospital bed. His family has asked us to share with you their gratitiude for the messages, thoughts, prayers, and cards sent to Ryan.

Please continue to keep them in

AHS Principal Career Pathways

TOM DOPPE, PRINCIPAL, ALHAMBRA HIGH SCHOOL

Among the many great things happening here at Alhambra, one that I most often like to boast about is our career pathways. The goal of these courses is to give our students real world experiences and hands-on learning in the workplace and in the community. Last year, students in our Honors Public Health class started an “Idle Free” initiative at our school that culminated with our school board passing a resolution to be an “Idle Free” school district. But that wasn’t enough for our students. Our students made connections with the City of Martinez, and over a series of meetings they have advocated and won the support of the city to be the first “Idle Free” city in the Easy Bay! This is learning at its best! Please see a brief summary below, written by our Public Health Students: 30 Seconds or Less Is Best!

The Public Health class at Alhambra High School has been hard at work to improve air quality in our community.

Their efforts paid off with the help of Councilman Mark Ross, who supported the passage of a City of Martinez Idle Free Proclamation for Motorized Vehicles on January 17, 2018. Martinez is the first East 18 | FEBRUARY 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Bay city to pass this type of proclamation, and hopefully, it will not be the last!

With this proclamation, citizens are asked to reduce idling in our city and, when necessary, limit it to 30 seconds.

Idling is the running of a vehicle’s engine without the vehicle actually in motion. This emits pollutants into the air, which decreases lung function and aggravates asthma. Idling also produces carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. In fact, just 10 minutes of idling produces a pound of carbon dioxide emissions!

Last year, the students guided the Martinez Unified School Board to pass a resolution to reduce idling on district properties. Since then, they have been spreading the word to reduce idling by educating parents and students within the school district, and their work is not done. Now the students hope to educate the greater community by working with the city to spread the word via social media and community events.

All citizens can make a difference in improving our local air quality with these simple steps: take the Idle Free Pledge at idlefreebayarea.org/idle-freepledge; stop idling when you are waiting for someone; avoid drive-through lines; and spread the word to neighbors and friends! The earth is our home! Isn’t it best if our community comes together to take care of it?

your thoughts, and if you would like to send a card, feel free to drop one off at our administration office as we will be collecting and delivering them to the Joseph family. A GoFundMe account has been set up in Ryan’s name with the family’s consent, and these funds will go toward medical expenses, rehabilitation, and needs associated with converting the Joseph’s home to be more accessible for Ryan when he is able to go back home. If you’d like to contribute, please go to https://www.gofundme.com/ help-our-teammate-ryan. And thank you.

Ryan’s situation emphasizes some key character attributes of our Falcon beliefs and values, essentially how we define CPHS. C=Courage, P=Pride, H=Honor and S=Sacrifice. These are things we teach inside and outside of our classrooms. Every day. Our students may feel challenged – maybe even bombarded – with decisions each day as they continue to learn and find their way in life. As a CPHS family, we continue to remind them to:

• Stay engaged with their studies

• Get involved on campus

• Have a plan of action

There are continued and focused efforts to develop strong action plans with our freshman class to help establish a concrete trend and tone for their high school career. There are 2,000 students in our system – all of whom I see as creative, compassionate, collaborative, forward thinking, and solution oriented, and it’s important that our staff possess these same qualities (which they do in droves) to help ensure all students have a fantastic experience at CPHS.

As we embark on a vision of creating a society of citizens who embrace and see the value of our differences, we start with the micro-community we have here at CPHS. We truly have a global environment, comprised of students from around the world – each with something unique and important that gives us reason to celebrate their uniqueness –

whether they are bi- or multi-lingual; have an exceptional talent – academic, artistic, or athletic; or have what some would consider a disability – speech, hearing, or physical – but which we know is NOT the barrier to success some might think. At the end of the day, we are all Falcons and have created a school where we look to be informed and not judge others based on differences.

One event that helps shape our school in this regard is our multi-cultural dance. At this event, students perform traditional dances and songs from their respective cultures. This is a showcase you do not want to miss. I invite you to be my personal guest and attend the parent/guardian night show on March 12. This is a very popular and exciting event, and I don’t want you to miss it!

We have many community partners who support College Park in so many ways, either through monetary donations or through their time and efforts.

An annual event that helps support athletics, for example, is the Future Ford Drive One event, which brought in more than $11,000 this year! Simply put, this is a great initiative, and I would like to thank Future Ford of Concord for their continued efforts and support. The next one is scheduled for May. If you’d like more information, please visit our athletics webpage at https://collegeparkathletics.com.

I’d also like to salute our fantastic choir, which sang the national anthem at the Warriors game and the Harlem Globetrotters game. Director Rockwell continues to bring out the best in our Falcon voices! Congratulations to our fantastic choir students! I encourage the community to visit our school website, https://cphs-mdusd-ca.schoolloop. com/, and view all the exciting upcoming events, including visual and performing arts events.

Thank you again for supporting and participating in our Falcon and College Park community. You are greatly appreciated.

SCHOOL NEWS

Creative Arts Honor Roll

MDUSD Driver’s Education

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is proud to recognize and honor the achievements of students who sustain a commitment to excellence in the creative arts. Creative arts experience is increasingly in demand in the modern workforce, and having four years of visual or performing arts on your high school transcript is a strong asset for college applications and scholarships. The district encourages students to stay actively enrolled in arts classes, and as an incentive, they offer a special honor roll program specifically for students who are working hard in the creative disciplines. This is an honor awarded to seniors based on their continuous and successful participation in visual and performing arts classes. There are two levels of recognition under this program:

1. CREATIVE ARTS HONOR ROLL For high school seniors who have successfully completed THREE YEARS (e.g. in grades 9, 10, and 11) of college preparatory arts classes with an average GPA of 3.5 or above and an overall GPA of 2.5 or above. The names of students who qualify for this honor are placed on the MDUSD Creative Arts Honor Roll, maintained on the MDUSD website page for Visual and Performing Arts. Awarded in fall of each year, this honor roll recognition is granted in time to use on college applications. Students apply for the Creative Arts Honor Roll by the end of 1st quarter of their senior year.

2. CREATIVE ARTS GRADUATION HONORS For high school students who will successfully complete FOUR YEARS of enrollment in college preparatory arts classes with a GPA of 3.5 or above and an overall GPA of 2.5. In addition to being named on the Creative Arts Honor Roll, students approved for the Creative Arts Graduation Honor will receive an honor cord to wear at commencement ceremonies. Students must apply for Creative Arts Graduation Honors by Feb. 15th of their senior year.

To learn more, visit https://www.mdusd.org and search Creative Arts Honor Roll Information.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to offer an online driver’s education class for their high school students that are least 15 years old and are currently enrolled in one of our high schools. This is a DMV-approved, 30-hour course. There is no cost for students to register for this class.

To register, send an email to: driverseducation@mdusd.org with your full name, birthdate, and school you attend. Please type in “Driver’s Ed” in the subject line. After the district has verified your information, you will receive an email back with additional instructions on how to register for this online course, typically within 3 days. If you do not receive an e-mail back, feel free to contact Michele McKimmie at 682-8000 x4027.

Education and Vehicle codes make distinctions between driver education and driver training. Driver education refers to the 30 or more hours of classroom instruction a student must complete with a qualified instructor (EC Section 51851). Driver training refers to the minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel training a student must complete with a qualified instructor in an approved vehicle (Vehicle Code 12814.6).

Individuals cannot take the driver training until they have completed the education portion.

Additionally, it is the parent’s/student’s responsibility to go to the DMV for the learner’s permit test. Students must be 15 1⁄2 to apply for learners permit and must bring their original Certificate of Completion. It is the parent’s responsibility to register their child for the behind- the-wheel training required to obtain their driver’s license. For more information, visit http://californiaportal.org/driver-licenses/learners-permit.

R

Star Quest 2018

Q U

A

T

S S

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Shell Essay Contest’s Finalists

With lights low and excitement high, the 4th annual “Orchestra and Band on the Run” fundraiser presents a musical nightclub experience, featuring three student-led jazz combos and the exquisite Northgate string quartet offering classical music during dinner. This year’s event takes place 6 -10:30pm, Saturday, February 24, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lafayette.

The evening not only features a catered dinner, fabulous music, and the chance to mingle with friends, it also includes fine wine by Duvin Wine Bar in Oakland and craft beer by Calicraft Brewing Company in Walnut Creek, as well as a silent auction, our popular dessert auction, and music provided by DJ Scott Haney. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com. Proceeds benefit the Northgate Instrumental Music Program.

DVC Performing Arts Theatre, Saturday April 28 (7pm) and Sunday April 29 (2pm)

Would you like to be a STAR?

Shell sponsored an essay competition to challenge students to examine the meaning of the phrase “diversity and inclusion.” They asked elementary, middle and high school students to “Identify what makes you and others unique and how we can be more inclusive.” Three different prompts were given to each of the grade schools.

Finalists have been determined, but unlike previous years, the winners of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will not be announced until February 5. Shell congratulates all finalists and thanks all students who participated. “The judges had a hard time choosing from such a strong pool of essays! Great job, MUSD students!”

Below are the finalists for each category, listed in alphabetical order: High school finalists: Dylan Gregory, Simarpreet Kaur, and Brianna Rivera Jr. high school finalists: Emily Romero, Kayla Welch, and Shauna Wiebalk Elementary school finalists: Ethan Carr, Chiara Ke, and Elizabeth McCauley

Northgate’s Band on the Run

26th Annual Youth Talent Show Searching for the Stars of Pleasant Hill

E

Audition for this year’s

Star Quest!

Open to students from grades K-12. Must reside within the boundaries of the PH Rec & Park District or attend school in Pleasant Hill. No application fee.

If you or some young person you know would like to be "discovered," call Star Quest now at 682-0896 for an application.

Auditions will be held February 13, 14, and15, 3–6pm at the PH Senior Center.

Singers Comedians Solo dancers Group dancers Artists Masters of ceremony Unique talents Gymnasts Magicians General cast members

Sponsored by Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill

Awards, gifts, and cash prizes. www.PHStarQuest.org

Be part of the show ...ACT NOW. Friday, February 9 is the deadline to apply for auditions. Applications are available at the PH Rec & Park District Office, the PH Police Department, PH City Hall, PH Library, and schools.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 19

SPORTS

Falcon Hoops

Carondelet Varsity Soccer

College Park Falcons (overall 16-4 and 3-2 in league), hosted their third league game on January 24 against the Acalanes Dons (overall 13-8 and 1-4 in league) and battled to the very end, with a 54-50 win for the Falcons.

The Carondelet varsity soccer team competed in the 2018 National Elite Prep Showcase on January 4-6. The Cougars competed in four games in three days, posting a perfect 4-0 record against national competition. The Cougars were dominant in their games, outscoring their opponents, 21-2, including a pair of shutouts. USC commit Cassidy Tshimbalanga scored six goals in the four games. In Carondelet’s final game of the tournament, the Cougars posted a 5-1 victory over Ursuline Academy, and senior Keeley Murphy led the scoring with two goals. Junior Hannah Macaulay recorded 18 saves, while allowing two goals for a 0.50 goals against average in the tournament.

On January 23, Carondelet honored 13 senior student athletes, including Mackenzie Biles, Rory Biles, Sophia Harrington, Darlin Hayworth, Devin Lozano, Lila Mague, Francesca Monti, Alli Moody, Keeley Murphy, Stephanie Neys, Natalie Ospeck, Cassidy Tshimbalanga, and Brianna Wolfe.

Including a 13-3-3 overall record so far this season, the 2018 Carondelet senior class has helped the Cougars post a 54-11-12 (.779) overall record the past four seasons. Additionally, this class has produced a 33-5-10 (.883) record against East Bay Athletic League opponents over the last four years. This class also helped the Cougars secure back-to-back EBAL titles in 2015-16 and 2016-17, while helping Carondelet post runner-up North Coast Section Division I finishes the last two years.

Falcon Zyon Pullin #0 shoots a free throw

On the Pitch

College Park men’s soccer, with a current overall record of 5-11-3 and 0-5-2 in league, and Alhambra, with an overall record of 1-11-1 and 0-6 in league, squared off at Alhambra’s home field in mid-December, where College Park came out on top with a 2-0 win.

Pictured are the 13 Carondelet varsity soccer seniors. Top row, (LtoR): Francesca Monti, Devin Lozano, Cassidy Tshimbalanga, Keeley Murphy, Mackenzie Biles, Natalie Ospeck and Stephanie Neys. Bottom row, (LtoR): Brianna Wolfe, Lila Mague, Alli Moody, Rory Biles, Sophie Harrington and Darlin Hayworth. Photo by Sandy Macaulay.

Viking Basketball

Pictured are College Park Falcon Carsen Utler and Alhambra Bulldog Nick Silva. Photo by Andrei K. Uyehara

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DVC Viking Steven Daily, playing with passion after being sidelined for a season in both high school and college with ACL and meniscus injuries, has developed more character than he would probably wish. For a driven athlete, it’s tough to be a bystander rather than a player. Daily, who was a College Park standout, has developed compassion for other athletes in the same predicament and is known for visiting and giving a list of must-see movies to keep motivated through recovery. Basketball may not be his only future specialty.

#hersmile

4th Annual Golf Tournament

On March 2, 2018, the #hersmile Nonprofit, in partnership with the Betti family, is hosting the 4th Annual Jenna Betti Memorial Golf Tournament. Fourteen-year-old Jenna Betti was struck and killed by a BNSF train 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 over 60 families who have experienced a tragic loss of a dependent child or the loss of a parent with dependent children. They continue to pursue educational opportunities that promote planting the seeds of resiliency in our children and have recently launched a weekly educational video series aimed at motivating and inspiring people to live a fulfilled life despite the challenges of their circumstances.

In a letter inviting local family, friends, and community members to the March 2nd memorial tournament, Dena Betti writes, “It’s extremely bittersweet for me to be writing this email to you. On March 2, 2018, in conjunction with our #hersmile Nonprofit, family and amazing team of volunteers, we are hosting the 4th Annual Jenna Betti Memorial Golf Tournament. I’m sure it’s no wonder to you that the bitter and harsh reality for our family is we’ve lived without Jenna for almost four 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 and 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.” To register to play, donate, and/or sponsor the event, go to http://bit.do/ hersmileJBgolf.

Jenna’s tournament is being held at Hiddenbrooke Golf Course, an Arnold Palmer Signature course, and it has amazing facilities and views. The event format is a 4-man scramble with a 12pm shotgun. You can support #hersmile by attending this very special event. For more information, please visit www.hersmile.org.

For additional information contact: Dena Betti, #hersmile Nonprofit at pdbetti@ yahoo.com or (925) 408-3683.

Tourney Winners

ATHLETE SPORTS

OF THE MONTH

SPONSORED BY: MATT

RINN AGENCY

JASMINE SAFARIANS

High school senior Jasmine Safarians is a four-year varsity soccer player and the lead scorer for College Park. As of press time, the Lady Falcons are second in league, with Jasmine contributing 14 goals and 6 assists this season. In their first league game, Jasmine scored 2 goals within the first 5 minutes against Acalanes, leading them to a 3-0 shut out. She also scored in the game against Campolindo, helping them win 3-0.

Jasmine is an essential player and continues to help the team win. She shows good captain and leadership skills that help lead the team to victory. Jasmine will be going to CSU Monterey Bay in the fall to continue playing soccer. Submitted by Marianna Giovannetti, College Park Sports Leadership.

The Martinez Junior High 8th grade boys team started the season off with a bang, winning the South Lake Tahoe Tournament over the January 13 and 14 weekend. Congratulations!

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Summer Activities Camps and Fairs for Everyone

“The Pleasant Hill Chamber is here to help our business members connect, succeed, and grow!”

Hello there! My name is Tina Traum, and I am the Membership and Events Manager at the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. I started a weekly blog called #TinaTuesday and every week we at the Chamber choose a different business member to highlight for this blog. I then interview that business member and of course take a selfie with them. My primary goal is to learn as much as possible about the business and then be able to share it all, basically in a nutshell or a condensed version. Not only am I trying to get our members more exposure, but the community could be learning about something that they had no idea existed. Some�mes, businesses will even include a special offer just for #TinaTuesday readers. We then publish the blog and share it with thousands throughout the community, with our weekly newsle�er, Facebook, Instagram, Twi�er, LinkedIn and now the Community Focus. Each month, we will feature the #TinaTuesday businesses that took place since the last Community Focus Issue. Here are the last three #TinaTuesday businesses. If you’d like to read more about the businesses you see here and if they have any special offers, or if you’d like to catch up on all of the #TinaTuesday posts, you can visit h�ps://www.pleasanthillchamber.com/pages/�na-tuesday

GMG Cleaners January 16, 2018

Zachary’s Chicago Pizza January 9, 2018 Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce 91 Gregory Lane, Ste. 11 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 687-0700 www.pleasanthillchamber.com

, s c i ot ing ps b Ro Cod sho rk o W

White Pony Express December 19, 2018

26-28, Memorial Day Weekend, in Concord); Bay Area Kids’ Book Fairs (3rd annual in April); Super Holiday Boutiques (each December around Contra Costa); and Super Valentine’s Boutique (each January at Hilton Concord). Bay Area KidFest has been voted Best Community Event five consecutive times by readers of Claycord. com. Bay Area Festivals has donated about $80,000 cash to educational, health, sports, and youth non-profits since 2010.

The first 200 families each day receive a free goody bag. There is a free raffle drawing for camps and KidFest tickets.

Anyone bringing a can of food for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano will receive one extra raffle ticket for each can.

Admission is free, and there is ample free parking.

Call (925) 408-4014 or visit www.

ContraCostaCampFair.com for more information or to register for a free family ticket. Camps, school, other programs, and businesses wishing to exhibit at Camp & School Fair can visit the website to register.

The Free Camp & School Fairs return to Contra Costa for the sixth year on the weekend of February 24-25, with free activities and over 75 exhibitors. Attendees can view a smorgasbord of camps, enrichment programs, schools, S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M. programs, performing arts, preschools, cooking, educational, sports and other programs this spring and summer.

The free fairs run from 11am – 2pm each day. On Saturday, February 24, the Tri-Valley Camp and School Fair is in San Ramon at Pine Valley Middle School auditorium again, and then on Sunday, February 25, the Contra Costa Camp and School Fair is held for the sixth year in Lafayette at Acalanes High School, with ample free parking at both locations. Free coding workshops allow novices to code HTML and launch their own website in just 15 minutes.

The fairs are presented by Bay Area Festivals, Inc., which also produces Bay Area KidFest (29th annual festival is May

FREE ADMISSION FREE

ADMISSION

LAFAYETTE

Don’t miss the 2 Biggest Camp & School Fairs of the season FREE

Goody Bag to first 200 families

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

www.ContraCostaCampFair.com

E E

1/2 mile off San Ramon Valley Blvd.

www.TriValleyCampFair.com

ALL FREE! Bring the entire family.

1 Free Raffle Ticket for each canned good donation

Find out about Camps, Day Care, Preschool, S.T.E.M. & S.T.E.A.M. programs, Sports, Scouts, Enrichment Performing Arts, Gymnastics, Martial Arts & More Schools for all ages & subjects

Free Camps, Great Prizes

www.ContraCostaCampFair.com

22 | FEBRUARY 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

MEET

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

SAN RAMON LAFAYETTE F Vendors Sun. Feb. 25, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. R Sat. Feb. 24, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Welcome Pine Valley Middle School - 3000 Pine Valley Rd. Acalanes High School

Free Raffle at Camp Fair

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

Sunday, April 8 Acalanes High School

1200 Pleasant Hill Rd., Lafayette

May 26, 27 & 28

Memorial Day Weekend

Downtown Concord

Sat & Sun 10am - 6pm • Mon 10am - 5pm KidFest in Concord at Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St.

www.KidFestConcord.com

Love Songs for Your Valentine

The Good, the Bad, and the Creepy

BY PAUL COTRUVO

“You’d think that people would have had enough of silly love songs.

But I look around me and I see it isn’t so.

Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs.

And what’s wrong with that?”

That’s right, what is wrong with that?

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching and love songs about to fill the air, who knew that Paul McCartney’s silly little song would ring so true. And relate something we need more now than ever. Now, I know there are many of you reading this article about to check out, but hear me out. You know there is some song that touches your heart. Even if you absolutely hate love songs, I contend that everyone has that certain song within them. Every song is a love song to some degree, about some aspect of love: the good, the bad, the hopeful, the cynical, and everything in between - even the creepy, as in The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” which can be interpreted as a love song for the controlling voyeur in all of us. (I can’t believe some use this as their wedding song.)

Love songs can even be universal.

“All You Need Is Love” was the Beatles’ anthem that “Love is everything.” They can be personal, as Van Morrison’s “Have I Told

You Lately That I Love You?” his tribute to God. Even Bob Dylan wrote many love songs, including “Make You Feel My Love,” which has been covered by many artists, including Garth Brooks and Adele.

And what if you were the inspiration for some of the all-time classic songs of the last 50 years? Patti Boyd, former wife of George Harrison and Eric Clapton, inspired “I Need You,”“Something” (later disputed

by George after the divorce), “Layla,” and “Wonderful Tonight.” Now that’s love!

So, if you have read this far, then you must have at least one song in mind.

Here’s my top ten list of great love songs (which will be a part of my playlist this month): 1) “Crazy Love” - Van Morrison 2) “And I Love Her” - The Beatles 3) “I Can’t Make You Love Me” - Bonnie Raitt 4) “Waiting in Vain” – Bob Marley 5) “If I Ain’t Got You” – Alicia Keys 6) “Love’s In Need Of Love Today” - Stevie Wonder 7) “A Song For You” – Leon Russell 8) “Something” - The Beatles 9) “In Your Eyes” - Peter Gabriel 10) “At Last” - Etta James Remember, all you need is love!

This year’s Come Together 8 Show at the Pleasant Hill Community Center is on Friday, February 23, 7:30pm.

Has it really been eight years? If you are not familiar with this show, it is a

Paul’s Picks February 3: Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm February 15: Lost Weekend, Rocco’s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8pm February 16: The Big Jangle, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm February 17: Aki Goes to Bollywood, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm February 17: Sin Silver, Rocco’s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8pm February 23: Come Together, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, 7:30pm February 23: Cut Loose, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm February 24: Lumberyard, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm February 25: Soulful Security, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm

combination of seasoned and up-andcoming musicians, always with a few surprises. It was inspired by a YouTube video I watched a few years ago of a young girl, Kymber Starmack. I knew her mom, Jenny, could sing but had no idea of her daughter’s talent. That’s when the light bulb went off, and I thought how cool it would be to feature both generations of musicians in one show. This year’s show will be another showcase of amazing talent. The lineup includes one of the best Eagles tribute bands in the area, Midnight Flyer. Their harmonies and musicianship will blow you away. Another great band performing will be The New Frantics, featuring the very talented Scotty O’Neil.

This band combines some great original songs along with their own take on some cover tunes. Needing some blues? Come for a very special and rare performance by blues legend Frankie G. and Bell “step” brother Kevin Suto. Do not miss this duo!

IN THE MIX

I am also pleased to announce that Alexa Heine will be singing again this year.

This will be her sixth year. It has been a complete joy to watch her grow as an artist over the years. She is worth the ticket price alone and represents what Come Together is all about. Rounding out the show will be newcomer Wil Sheets, Izzy Triana, and Sienna Coward, all amazing and talented kids.

So, if you love music, this is one of the highlights of the year, and the money goes to Pleasant Hill Teen Programs -- what I always refer to as a “Win Win.” Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.pleasanthillrec.com. I am also dedicating this year’s show to Kymber for being the inspiration and help launching what has now become a staple in the community. See you there!

Quote of the Month: “Life is a game and true love is a troph y.” ~~ Rufus Wainwright

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OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 23

IN THE GARDEN

February is Healthy Heart Month Reinvigorate Your Willpower

BY LESLEY STILES

Healthy Heart Month for 2018 has vastly varied meanings that are open to interpretation. As we enter February, the second month of our renewed vow to live a better life, we look hard at how it is going so far. Renewed vigor is stealthily, impudently creeping into our psyches, reinvigorating our willpower centers as January wanes and slips lackadaisically into the month of amethysts. It is my birth month and that of many of my kin, and it has always been a special month for holidays as well. Hearts come in many shapes and sizes, allowing many days and ways to continue the celebrations, ranging from no holds barred Mardi Gras to sexy St. Valentines Day, along with Chinese New Year, Ground Hog Day, Presidents Day, and Susan B. Anthony Day, to name a few.

Healthy Hearts require schooled criteria to maintain us along a safe and happy road, and a wee smidge is directly correlated to our consumption of pure foods. Love plays a part, and exercising our large muscle groups aerobically in the chilly hills of our home has a place as well in maintaining the holy trinity of body, mind, and heart. Arguably, it revolves back to food sources as well as food preparation. How we eat dictates how we play, right?

One of My Good Gals, Gigi Walker, of Walkers Auto Body, creatively suggested kaleidoscopically beautiful hearts in the foods we eat such as celery hearts, hearts of palm, hearts of romaine, artichoke hearts, carrot hearts, cabbage hearts, and the list goes on. How magical is it to peel and trim stems of broccoli down to chartreuse green, playing heart peek-a-boo. No cooking is even needed, except for a little steam maybe and some butter and salt. Sounds good to me.

We certainly have just as many types of chocolate and candy hearts as we do 24 | FEBRUARY 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

days in the month and reserve the right to indulge in as many as we want come mid-February, but what if your birthday comes two days later? Then does one still have the right to wildly indulge after St. Valentine’s Day departs? What if, just theoretically, you are turning the big 60 on that day? I plead my case that one is welcome, nay, vigorously encouraged, to indulge in and consume whatever calms the thought of more than half your life span being gone. Oops, a little morbid. Back to the veggies!! And fruits!!

Strawberries have a heart, even if half the heart is hiding under a silky robe of chocolate. Figs, sexiest and most adored of all, are entirely made of luscious, reverently juicy, floral pink hearts. Plums and peaches have stubborn hearts that cling sweetly to their stone, possibly commitment phobic in their ability to hold on to their centers, avoiding happily waiting mouths.

Seductively chartreuse with a black seeded smiley heart, tropical tasting kiwis are in the farmers’ market until late February. Kiwi fruits, aka Chinese gooseberries, are a fuzzy little brown fruit about the size of a hen’s egg that originated in China and migrated to New Zealand. Early varieties were described as about the size of small walnuts -gooseberry size. As it was exported on a small scale, it became known as the Chinese gooseberry. The late ‘60s and ‘70s became the era of the kiwi as New Zealand producers, who were frustrated with low sales, adopted the kiwi name as a marketing ploy to increase distribution. It worked, and a few years later, root- stock was imported to California and central coast regions began growing them, along with some inland valleys.

Cutting a kiwi in half and scooping out sweet, slippery pulp is one of life’s great pleasures, simple as it is. This time of year, kiwis add a special crunch with their seeds to fruit salad, along with apples and blood oranges. Substituting kiwi pulp for mashed banana in a bread recipe rewards with a remarkably moist

loaf, and a few diced into pancake batter can transform your Sunday morning favorite breakfast. A few crushed kiwis added to a shaker along with ice, mint, lime juice, and a bit of sugar and rum may be the next mojito. Once tasted, sliced kiwi and sliced winter avocado tossed with lemon oil, cilantro, and lemon juice, lovingly placed atop arugula, ensures constant companionship at dinner or lunch soirees.

Stay strong with your resolutions regarding a healthy heart this month and always. After all, it is a way of life, not a passing fancy, to be vigorous sharing life and energy with all encounters, whether it’s hiking or biking on your favorite trail or going to the local farmers’ market.

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.

Fresh Kale Salad with Pomegranate Arils

A lovely salad that can easily be “beefed” up with grilled prawns or sliced grilled chicken. Arils are now available in many stores, prepped and ready to go.

INGREDIENTS 1 large bunch kale of any kind, sliced and washed 1 tablespoon olive oil Juice and zest of 1 to 2 lemons ½ cup arils 2 Satsuma mandarins, sectioned ½ cup crumbled feta Sea salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Toss kale, arils, mandarins, and feta in a large salad bowl. Drizzle on lemon juice, zest, and olive oil and toss well.

Season with salt and pepper. To gently “cook” the kale, let sit for few minutes or up to an hour before serving.

Serves 4

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

International Jewish Film Festival Entertainment Greats Featured in this Year’s Lineup

The behind-the-scenes stories of such entertainment greats as actor/ singer Sammy Davis, Jr., TV genius Norman Lear, actress Hedy Lamarr, composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim and violinist virtuoso Itzhak Perlman will be captured on screen at this year’s East Bay International Jewish Film Festival, opening at the Century 16 Theatre in downtown Pleasant Hill on Saturday, March 3. The festival, now in its 23rd year, will continue through Monday, March 12.

Not only does the documentary I’ve Gotta Be Me showcase Sammy Davis Jr.’s electrifying talent, but it also details his support for John F. Kennedy’s presidential bid and his later political shift to Richard Nixon. Another documentary, Bombshell, reveals the little known scientific inventions developed by the glamorous actress Hedy Lamarr in the 1940s, and an in-depth film about television producer Norman Lear explores how

he used satirical sitcoms such as All in the Family, Maude, and The Jeffersons to combat prejudice. Additionally, The House of Z chronicles the ups and downs and ups again of fashionista Zac Posen, a judge on Project Runway who has dressed such A-list stars as Uma Thurman, Glenn Close, Natalie Portman, and Jennifer Lopez.

The festival also features #StandUp, a special film collection on Sunday, March 11, that portrays how bigotry and bullying negatively impact our society.

Included in the line-up is the stirring drama Marshall, which depicts one of Thurgood Marshall’s cases as a young attorney for the NAACP. Other films on the roster are Hanna’s Sleeping Dogs, about anti-Semitism in post-WWII Eastern Europe, and In the Fade -- the riveting Golden Globe and Academy Awards nominee that is a cautionary tale about intolerance.

“I often tell people that you don’t

have to get on a plane to see the world.

This year’s line-up includes movies from Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Germany, Israel, Italy, Hungary, Netherlands, Russia, and South Africa,” says Festival Chairperson Margaret Winter. “Many of our films also star actors whose names you will recognize, including Christopher Plummer, Toni Colette, Daniel Radcliffe, Elliott Gould, and Bebe Neuwirth. Diane Kruger, who starred as Nicholas Cage’s romantic interest in National Treasure, does an amazing job in the thriller In the Fade, where she

plays a German citizen whose husband, a Turkish immigrant, becomes the target of neo-Nazis.”

The complete EBIJFF schedule and tickets are available at eastbayjewishfilm. org or by calling 925.240.3053. Festival supporters include the City of Pleasant Hill and Pleasant Hill Downtown Merchants, Aaron Metals, Buttercup Grill, City National Bank, Destination Wealth Management, Kabab Burger, Sinai Memorial Chapel, the Contra Costa Jewish Community Center, and the Jewish Federation of the East Bay.

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Supporters include the City of Pleasant Hill and Downtown Merchants, Aaron Metals, Buttercup Grill, City National Bank, Kabab Burger, RINA Accountancy, Sinai Memorial Chapel, Contra Costa JCC and Jewish Federation of the East Bay

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 25

SENIORS

Annual Layette Shower

Seniors Helping Seniors

At their Annual Layette Shower, the Pleasant Hill-Martinez AAUW (American Association of University Women) branch generously donated baby gifts to the Hillcrest Congregational Church in Pleasant Hill Social Service Program. So many beautiful items were received: handmade quilts, afghans, receiving blankets and hats, and adorable baby clothes, including sleepers, newborn outfits, sweaters, and booties, as well as diapers. They sent a big pile of newborn necessities for happy babies and grateful moms.

Hillcrest Church packages up complete layettes for boys and girls. They are picked up by Contra Costa Health Services and passed on to public health nurses who give them to new moms when they visit them after discharge from the hospital to assess mom and baby’s health and needs.

AAUW is a national organization that advances equity for all women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. The Pleasant Hill-Martinez branch also gives college scholarship and Tech Trek camp awards to students from local schools. To learn more about the Pleasant Hill-Martinez branch of AAUW, please visit www.aauw-pleasanthill-martinez.org.

It’s still the season of giving, and that’s just what members of the Martinez Senior Center did for many displaced seniors in Napa when many lost their homes in the North Bay fires a few months back. The Martinez Senior Center’s very own walking club organized a fundraiser to raise money for those seniors in need. With the help of many members of the center, approximately $900 was raised. Participants of the walking club made a special visit to personally deliver the funds. The Napa Senior Center was more than appreciative of the donation and plans to use it to benefit their members.

Martinez Senior Center’s quilt class donated 31 of their quilts to Cal Fire in Sonoma, who will then distribute them to families in need.

Martinez Senior Center Walking Club donates to Napa Senior Center

(L to R) front row: Sandy Wolfe, Ginny Hargrave, Helen Pereira, Mary Shipley, Lynn Murphy, Jeanne McGinnis. 2nd row: Gayle Miner, Bea Ball, Marge Munger, Marlene Maksel, Ish Mendonsa, Sherrie Moore, Cheryl Berger, Shelley Jacobson, Alana MacDonald, and Barbara Cotton.

Martinez Senior Activities Feb. 9 - Martinez Senior Center Healthy Heart Resource Fair 9am-12pm. A free event featuring social service organizations that share information on resources available in Contra Costa County. There will also be raffle prizes! Open to the public. Don’t miss out on this free event.

Feb. 11 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. This breakfast is open to the community and includes eggs (made to order), sausage, pancakes, orange juice and coffee. The delicious breakfast is $4.00 for adults and $2.50 for children under 10.

Thursdays - T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 8:30-10am. TOPS Club, Inc., is a nonprofit network of weight-loss support groups and wellness education. TOPS offers tools and programs for healthy living and weight management. Established in 1948 to champion weight-loss support, it has helped millions of people live healthier lives. 32 yearly/$4 monthly. Leader: Renee Winter March 2 & March 9 - 2018 AARP Driver Safety & Refresher Courses 10am-2:30pm.

The course is designed for drivers ages 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 to compensate. Sign-ups available in person one month prior to class date or call 925-370-8770. Spaces are limited. Payments made day of class. $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-AARP members.

818 Green Street, Martinez 925-370-8770

Martinez Senior Center Quilters Club donates quilts to Cal Fire

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities

Feb. 8 - Valentines Social 12pm. Sing, tap your toes, and dance the afternoon away with friends or a special valentine. Lunch and live music from the Paul Fontes Band. Dance partner not required! Menu includes green salad, Chicken á La King on puff pastry, rice & quinoa pilaf, fresh seasonal vegetable and chocolate mousse-filled crepe. $15 presale; $20 day of.

Feb. 8 - Care Management Educational Series Presents “Veterans Benefits” 2-3:30pm. Join us for a presentation on the VA Aid & Attendance Pension. Veterans and surviving spouses may be entitled to long-term care reimbursement.

Learn how to qualify and what planning options are available. Estate and tax planning tips will also be discussed. Presented by: Mariel Thompson, Littorno Law Group. CMP Series is sponsored by Carlton Senior Living.

Feb. 13 - Mardi Gras Party 3pm. Didn’t make it to New Orleans this year? Don’t worry - let us fill your wine glass with some wonderful wine selections (nonalcoholic available) and tempt your senses with delicious appetizers & king cake!

Delight your ears with the sounds of the French Quarter from Elite Jazz Band, a fan favorite! Sponsored by Carlton Senior Living. $13 presale; $16 day of.

233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 27

Diagnosing Skin Cancer

BY CHRISTINE CHUNG, MD

Mr. R is a 58-yearold man with a history of recurrent basal cell carcinoma. In 2013, a dermatologist treated skin cancer on the right side of his nose by shaving off layers of skin in what is called Mohs surgery. Three years later, in 2016, Mr. R developed a basal cell carcinoma on the left side of his nose and got treated with radiation therapy. Recently, he noticed a new rough red spot on the left side of his nose. While concerned that it might be cancer, his immediate reaction was something many people can identify with: “Is there any other way to diagnose skin cancer without cutting off a piece of my skin?”

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed in the U.S., with over 4 million new cases each year. The lesions occur most frequently on sun-exposed skin in Caucasians, and people who have a history of BCC are at a higher risk of developing future lesions. BCC is associated with exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, tanning beds, therapeutic radiation, or immunosuppression. BCC also occurs more often in men over 40 years old.

A doctor may diagnose basal cell carcinoma during a clinical examination, but a skin biopsy is usually done to confirm the diagnosis. Shave biopsies or punch biopsies are often performed, and lesions may be surgically removed for diagnosis.

Unfortunately, the best way to diagnose skin cancer is by undergoing a biopsy.

Fortunately, researchers are developing less invasive methods for diagnosing skin cancers such as Dermtech’s Pigmented Lesion Assay, or PLA. This PLA test uses a sticky adhesive patch (similar to Scotch tape) to gather skin cells from a lesion. The sample is then analyzed for specific RNA molecules to diagnose melanoma, with a reported false positive rate of <1%. This test is available for the detection of melanoma, but the company is also developing a similar test for other skin cancers as well. Initial studies of this method showed promising results in identifying primary basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. For a patient, this would mean that instead of undergoing a procedure with a scalpel, the diagnosis could be made without any incisions at all.

To answer my patient’s question: unfortunately, for now, the answer is no – biopsies remain the best method for diagnosing skin cancers. In the future, however, newer genetic tests may allow doctors to diagnose skin cancer noninvasively, without the need for scalpels or stitches.

Dr. Chung is a board certified radiation oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group in Pleasant Hill. She has a special interest in treating skin and breast cancer. Dr. Chung sees patients in Pleasant Hill and Berkeley. For more information, call 925677-5041.

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Read My Mind

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Leonardo da Vinci

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

So you think you know everything there is to know about Leonardo da Vinci? Well, you won’t until you read Walter Isaacson’s recent biography, Leonardo da Vinci. Isaacson is the acclaimed historian and author who penned previous bestsellers on Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, and Steve Jobs, the first book I reviewed for this column over five years ago. Da Vinci is a worthy successor and deserves your full attention. That said, it’s so jam-packed with little known facts and tidbits that it’s a labor of love to read through all 599 pages.

Painter, architect, engineer, inventor, cartographer, anatomist, optical scientist, hydrologist, aeronautical engineer, military strategist, author, political consultant, historian, mathematician, musician, botanist, geologist, ornithologist, astronomer, sculptor, set designer, urban planner, visionary, and more are on the list of fortes for Leonardo, the original Renaissance man.

There are people who are considered geniuses for their accomplishments in one of these fields. Leonardo was so brilliant and multi-talented that he was a genius in all of them. What’s so amazing is how he used his genius in one field to make him even better in another. For example, his skill as an anatomist made him a better painter and sculptor than his contemporaries. His genius allowed him to do “thought experiments” that would not be duplicated for centuries.

Even though he didn’t invent flying machines, he foresaw them and described them in some of the over 7,200 pages of his notebooks that have survived over 500 years.

Isaacson does a masterful job of describing how Leonardo’s mind worked as illustrated in his notebooks. “Leonardo’s notebooks are nothing less than an astonishing windfall that provides the

documentary record of applied creativity.” On one page is a drawing of Vitruvian Man, with all the proportions of a man fitted perfectly within a circle within a square. Since paper was so costly, he filled each page with notes, drawings, and doodles from corner to corner and edge to edge.

Born the illegitimate son of a notary, Leonardo made his own destiny. If his father had acknowledged him as his son, Leonardo would have followed in his father’s footsteps and become a notary himself. We are so lucky that that did not happen for we would have missed out on his many masterpieces, including The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.

Leonardo’s use of his many talents is seen in The Last Supper, where he combined his genius in anatomy and architecture with his brilliance as an artist to get just the right proportions and perspective in this masterpiece. I knew this showed Jesus at a Passover Seder and that it led to the superstition regarding “13,” the number of apostles pictured.

I didn’t know it also led to the superstition about spilled salt being unlucky.

Isaacson also sheds light on the mystery behind the Mona Lisa and her enigmatic smile. He also dispels a number of rumors about the painting.

I’ve seen the Mona Lisa in person and appreciate it even more after reading Isaacson’s book.

But it was da Vinci’s insatiable curiosity that made him a true genius. Take, for example, his painstaking description of the tongue of a woodpecker. “There is no reason you actually need to know this.” But da Vinci wanted to do it “just out of curiosity. Pure curiosity.” What a genius!

If you’re curious about more recent inventions and what the future holds, I recommend Tom Hartford’s Fifty Inventions That Shaped The Modern Economy and Kelly and Zach Weinersmith’s Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That’ll Improve and/or Ruin Everything. Both are thought provoking and worth reading.

Canine Influezna

Working Pets

BY DR. LOUISA ASSEO

It is definitely cold and flu season again! Something that has been getting a lot of publicity lately is the emergence of the flu that can affect dogs. There are even anecdotal reports of this flu cropping up in our own backyards. Here is some information about the dog flu that can help us understand the disease.

Canine influenza virus is caused

by Influenza A virus. To date, there are two strains that have been identified in dogs, H3N8 and H3N2. Canine influenza is specific to dogs. There are no reports of this virus getting transmitted to people nor are there reports of the human influenza virus getting transmitted to dogs.

Canine influenza is transmitted through aerosolization of viruses during coughing, sneezing and barking. It can also be spread through contact with infected dogs without washing your hands. If your dog is exposed to the virus, he may start showing signs in 2-3 days. However, he may be contagious to other dogs before he begins to show signs. In general, dogs that have contact with other dogs may be at risk.

Similar to us, clinical signs of canine flu are coughing, runny nose, fever, runny eyes, and decreased appetite.

These signs are also present with many other upper respiratory diseases such as Bordatella (“kennel cough”) and other viruses. There is a test that can be done to determine if your dog has canine influenza. In most cases, dogs that have the flu resolve on their own, like humans do. In a very small percentage of dogs, the flu can progress to pneumonia and become a much more serious condition requiring veterinary attention.

If your dog is ill and canine influenza is suspected, proper treatment should be discussed with your veteri-

BY SHEREEN MOTARJEMI

Some of us like our jobs, but how many of us can say we are eager to go to work? This is the first part of a series about four remarkable animals -- a rat, a cat, and two dogs -- that are actually enthusiastic for their jobs. They show us that when we are driven to serve, work is joy!

BETTY THE RAT

Betty the rat works as the “bait” in a dog sport called Barn Hunt. Her job is to nestle undercover while the dog searches with its nose. You might assume this would be a stressful job for a rat, but Betty’s demeanor is relaxed as she willingly takes her place. She is a pro and knows from experience that she comes to no harm in this sport.

The game of Barn Hunt is played in an arena containing a maze of bales, tunnels, and loose straw. The object is for the dog to find the rat by using scent discernment and then to alert the human. The rat is placed inside a plastic tube (with air

holes) and hidden under the straw. Betty must know the tube is tough because she crawls into it of her own volition. She is not merely unafraid to go in but actually seems eager. Perhaps it is similar to the way a squirrel, safe in a tree, seems to delight in teasing an excited dog. Whatever her motivation, it’s all good; she gets treats and breaks after practice and is a beloved family pet.

Betty is owned by Laurie Cowhig of Redwood Ratters in Fairfield. As a team, Betty and Laurie teach dogs and their humans how to play this new sport. All are welcome, and most dogs quickly become enthusiastic for the game since it taps into a basic instinct.

You might expect that Betty was bred for her job, and you’d be right. But when Laurie was asked what traits she breeds for, her answer may come as a surprise: cuteness. Cuteness? “If I have to look at a rat’s face every day,” says Laurie with a smile, “I want to see cute!”

Betty unconcerned in her tube. The dog’s ears say, “What kind of creature can this be?” Photo by Shereen Motarjemi NITY FO MU C M

US

narian. In most cases, antibiotics are not helpful, nor are they indicated.

Treatment is aimed at supporting your dog while he clears the virus on his own. Medications for decreasing fever, suppressing a cough, if severe, and maintaining proper hydration may be needed.

There is a vaccination available for canine influenza. Like the flu vaccine for us, this vaccine covers only a few strains and is not expected to prevent transmission of the virus nor prevent all clinical signs of disease. Many doggie daycare facilities, groomers, and boarding facilities are starting to require that your dog receive this vaccine prior to staying with them. Check with your veterinarian to see if they have this vaccine available and ask if your dog should one.

Wishing you and your companions a happy and healthy winter!

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

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february 10

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LL Rummage Sale

Choice in Aging Crab Feed

YAY! FRIDAY! Teen Events

Pancake Breakfast

Save the date. Choice in Aging presents a crackin’ evening of crab, music, live and silent auction, and no-host bar. Proceeds benefit Mt. Diablo Center for Adult Day Health Care. Doors open at 5:30pm. Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Ln. For ticket info, visit www.choicinaging.org.

Celebrate the best day of the week - FRIDAY! Teens will have a blast at these monthly, seasonally themed, special events held on the 3rd Friday of every month. Movies, karaoke, games, and more.

Snacks included. 6-8:30pm at PH Teen Center, 147 Gregory Lane. $5 pre-registration; $7 at the door.

february 6

february 14

february 23

march 4

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

Valentine’s Day Comedy Extravaganza

Come Together!

A Concert in Celebration of Interfaith Unity

Monthly meetings. John Kipping presents “Native Plants Used by Indigenous Peoples” at 7pm. Guests are always welcome and free.

PH Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., PH. (925) 323-9314 or www.phgsc.com.

This year Johnny Steele brings some of his funniest pals along with him for a raucous evening of yucks. The show will be mostly PG rated but there will be some profanity and a few adult themes.

The Campbell Theater, Martinez at 8pm. Tickets: brownpapertickets.com.

Clean out your closets and get ready for Las Lomas Rummage Sale Donation Days. Furniture, instruments, home & sports goods, baby items, clothing, holiday decor, books, and collector items. Drop off Saturdays, now -3/3, between 9am-1pm, behind Las Lomas next to Whole Foods. Sale is March 17.

Questions: llhs2020rummage@gmail.com.

All-star benefit show for Pleasant Hill Teen Center. Be awed by the amazing talent of local musicians. Adult beverages available for purchase. Must be 21 years old to register. Tickets: $20 advance at pleasanthillrec.com or $25 at the door. 7:30-10:30pm at PH Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., Pleasant Hill.

Come and enjoy the best pancake breakfast in town for families large and small, grandparents, and friends alike. 9-11:45am, Social Hall, Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Park Dr., Walnut Creek. $3 adults; $1.50 children under 12. Reminder, we stop serving at 11:45am, so be sure to come early.

The Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County sponsors “Beads on One String,” music and poetry from a diversity of faiths. Reception with light refreshments follows one-hour concert.

5:30pm at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, 9 Knox Drive, Lafayette.

february 6

march 4

Martinez Memories Series

Celebrating Women of Martinez

The Martinez Oral History interviewed Ester Miller, a long time Martinez resident and will share her unique perspective of raising children in Martinez in the ‘50s, as well as recollections about this vibrant town. 6pm, Martinez Library.

Martinez Historical Society hosts an open house celebrating women who’ve changed Martinez: first female pitcher in Martinez’Little League, first women on the Martinez School Board, and first woman who founded the Second Baptist Church among many others.1-4pm, Martinez Museum, Court & Escobar Streets.

february 10 - 24

february 14

february 24- - 25

march 4 & 18

Grown More Food Permaculture Series

Ash Wednesday Services

TreasureFest

Hands-on gardening workshops. Work with nature, be more self-sufficient, conserve water, build community. 2/10: Water: Slow it, Sink it, Spread it, Save it; 2/17: Trees, Guilds & Food Forests; 2/24: To Seed or to Seedling. $40/class. Sustainablecoco. org. Rodgers Ranch 315 Cortsen Rd, PH.

Join us at 2pm or 7pm for a special service of song, prayer, reflection, Holy Communion, and imposition of ashes on this very special holy day. Connect with yourself. Connect with God. Hillcrest Church, 404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.

Locally curated festival features the best of the bay. Shop 400+ craft & vintage vendors, eat from 35+ top food trucks and eateries, enjoy local libations, listen to live music and participate in other games entertainment. $3; kids under 12 free.

Free parking, pets welcome. 10am-4pm, Treasure Island, SF, Treasurefest.com.

How to Raise Your Own Chickens

february 10

february 15

february 24

march 24

Poetry Out Loud

Getting More From Less workshop

Chinese New Year Parade

11th Annual SWAN Day

Find balance in your home by eliminating unnecessary items for a clutter-free lifestyle.

Pre-register at sustainablecoco.org or walk-in, $25. Rodgers Ranch, 315 Cortsen Rd, PH.

Elaborate floats, lion dances, fold dancers, costumed elementary school groups, marching bands, stilt walkers, Chinese acrobats, and a 268 foot long Golden Dragon. 5:15-8pm, Market and Second Street to Kearny and Jackson Streets, San Francisco. www.chineseparade.com/calendar.asp

SWAN DAY (Support Women Artists Now Day), an international holiday celebrating the creative power of women all over the world. Over 50 artists from around the Bay Area showcase their art along with local live music. 10am4pm, Old Train Depot, Ferry St., Martinez.

A national recitation contest created by the National Endowment of the Arts and Poetry Foundation, open to all high schools in the county. Learn more and register your school; contact CC County Poetry Out Loud Coordinator Robin Moore at poetryforac5@gmail.com.

11am-2pm at Campbell Theater, Martinez.

Lafayette resident Papa John Kiefer covers raising young chicks, laying hen maintenance, sustainable coop construction, and more. Workshops are free and held in Lafayette, 1-3:30 pm. Reservations required.

Contact: chickenspapajohn@gmail.com.

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