December 2016 Community Focus

COMMUNITY

FOCUS

DECEMBER 2016 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

ourcommunityfocus.com

IN THIS ISSUE: • HOLIDAY GIVING AND BOUTIQUES • CHRISTMAS CRAFTING • LOCAL AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

Julie Says

On Dasher, On Dancer!

BY JULIE ROSS

Spoiler alert! I have information that might surprise you. Do NOT read further if you think “The Night Before Christmas” is a work of non-fiction and/ or have ever been involved in circulating or signing a petition granting Rudolph the right to take part in “reindeer games.”

OK, sure you want to continue?

Here we go. My friend Diane Lang is a poet and the author of Vulture Verses: Love Poems for the Unloved, which portrays creatures often thought to be creepy or unpleasant (such as spiders, bats, cockroaches and skunks) as possessing attributes worthy of respect and admiration. Diane has three other soon-to-be-published children’s books in the pipeline for 2017 and 2018. She

has penned many, many poems and rhymes designed to teach children (and the grown-ups around them) about our natural world.

Diane has given her permission to print the following sing-along verse, with a surprise reveal about Santa’s reindeer, for you to enjoy this holiday season.

Reality Rudolph By Diane Lang (Sung to the tune of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer”) Rudolph, the cold-nosed reindeer, Lived way up in ice and snow.

“Caribou” some would call her; By either name her nose won’t glow.

Under the snows of winter Lay the food she often found: Lots of those tiny lichen, Growing on the stony ground.

She would use her antlers large To scrape away the snow,

Then she’d nibble on her meal, Hidden there below.

Why did she have those antlers?

Aren’t they gone by end of fall?

Only for males and young ones.

Females need them most of all.

They must keep those useful tools All the winter through, So they find the food they need – They’re eating now for two.

Caribou girls at Christmas, Have the only antlers tall, So Rudolph and all her teammates Were all females after all.

Well, who knew? All women. I’ll have to check with Diane about the whole flying thing.

For fun nature facts and tips on how to live in harmony with our wild neighbors, visit Diane’s website at dianelang.net. For a different sort of holiday gift, “Vulture Verses” is available on Amazon.com. You can reach Julie at julieakross@comcast.net.

SMALL TALK WITH TERI

by Teri Norbye

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COVER:

STAR QUEST performers at the 2015 Holiday Festival.

PHOTO BY: Susan Wood

INSIDE

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Ice Skating Giveaway

Front Room in Focus

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20 31 37 Alhambra Athletes Sign

Holiday Hazards

Clarinet Fusion

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

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december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Meet Songkarn Joongjit (left) and Sriphrai Thongurai (right). They both work at Thai Village Restaurant in Pleasant Hill. They are also best friends who have known each other for 11 years. They say the most popular dish people order at Thai Village is Pad Thai. The most popular dessert is sticky rice with mango.

How would you describe your friend?

Songkarn She is adventurous, fun, and helps me a lot. When we first met, I couldn’t drive and she drove me everywhere.

Sriphrai She is fun and laughs a lot. She can be very serious and has high expectations.

What do you like to do for fun?

Songkarn I like to go shopping at Sunvalley Mall and in Walnut Creek. I also like to work out at the Lafayette Reservoir.

Sriphrai I like to golf and go hiking. I also like to go to the Thai temple and have lunch with friends.

What do you like to eat at home?

Songkarn Spicy Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) and Seafood Salad (Yum Talay).

Sriphrai Spicy Papaya Salad and Glass Noodle Salad (Ya Mun Sen). I like to make the noodle salad when I want to diet because it’s low in carbohydrates.

Holiday Greetings Over 600*homes sold in Pleasant Hill Choose the Flaskerud Team— Don, Norma and Erik—as YOUR Realtor!

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ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

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Estate Planning Gift Giving and Receiving

BY DANIEL DuREE

Since it is December, I am going to revisit the (alleged) reason for the season: that’s right, everybody’s favorite topic, gift giving (and receiving).

Although gift giving is less important in recent times than in years past (because of a larger estate tax exclusion), it can still be used as a tool in estate planning or as a tool to simply help other people.

As I have discussed before, the 2016 federal estate tax exclusion is $5,450,000 per person, up from $5,430,000 per person last year. However, the taxable federal estate includes not only the net value of the property of the decedent; it also includes any lifetime taxable gifts made since 1977.

Most of us will never need to worry

about reaching that $5,000,000 plus estate bar, but politicians have been known to change their minds, and that number could very well come back down from the historically high level it is at today. For that reason, it is important to consider the types of gifts that are excluded from lifetime taxable gifts.

The most well known exclusion is any gift to a qualified charity. A gift to a qualified charity is not taxable either while a person is living or as part of their estate if the gift is made at death through a will or a trust. Along similar public policy lines, there are also unlimited gift exclusions for any medical or educational costs paid directly by a donor.

Another exclusion is the annual gift exclusion. In 2016, any person can give any other person $14,000 without the gift being taxable. This is the same as

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december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

2015. There is also a onetime aggregate gift exclusion amount that is equal to the estate tax exclusion of $5,450,000 in 2016. The annual exclusion also happens to be excluded from the onetime exclusion. The tax code once again amazes with its simplicity. By using an irrevocable trust, a person can also take advantage of these gift exclusions while still retaining control over the assets until a certain point in the future. By making gifts, we cannot only support causes or people in whom we

believe; we can also lessen the chances of having to pay estate taxes one day.

Please call my office for complimentary information about a variety of estate planning strategies.

Best wishes for a lovely holiday season, and a happy new year!

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.

Real Estate Tidbits

BY NORMA FLASKERUD

Pleasant Hill can use more affordable housing; watch for it.

The Pleasant Hill nonprofit Rehabilitation Services of Northern California wants to build affordable senior housing on its 4-acre property on Golf Club Road near DVC. This would include a new facility for the organization, 34 assisted living units for seniors with moderate incomes, and 82 residential units for low-income seniors with multiple chronic health conditions, as an alternative to nursing homes. The 67 year-old nonprofit provides day care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, social activities, and P/T, with other therapies. The goal is to allow residents to age in a place with wraparound services they need. Feasibility and funding work is in progress.

The end of an era is how the November 4th Pleasant Hill-Martinez Record described the razing of the Molino family homestead on Pleasant Hill Road. I can remember my father taking me there when I was little to buy ravioli. Most of us have similar memories, dating back decades, and were saddened to see the old home go. The Molino family turned out the ravioli they were known for for more than fifty years! After Margherita Molino died in 2014, her estate, including the 5-acre

homestead on Pleasant Hill Rd., was in turmoil, forcing the heirs to sell. The new owners, Mt. Diablo View Associates, razed the pair of houses right away but have yet to submit a development application to the city. Under current zoning, the owners can build about 18 single-family homes. A more detailed story, including the Molino family story, is in the above-mentioned article in the East Bay Times.

City of Pleasant Hill Senior Planner Troy Fujimoto advised that a subdivision is proposed near the intersection of Taylor Blvd. and Mercury Way on the hillside south of Taylor and east of Mercury. An 18-home PUD has been proposed, with 6000 sq. ft. lot sizes, smaller than normal. The intent is to preserve the hilltop.

With new construction comes the opportunity to upgrade your home to a newer one without leaving Pleasant Hill. If that interests you, have us over to evaluate what your home would likely sell for. With this information you can decide if a change works or not. As things develop, we will share information. No one knows yet what the prices, sizes of homes, or timeline for completion will be, but change is coming, and we will keep track of it and report back to you.

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

COUNTY ASSESSOR’S INFO Proposition 60

Transfer of Property Tax Base for Senior Citizens

Information Offered by Gus S. Kramer, County Assessor’s Office

On November 4, 1986, the voters of California passed Proposition 60 to provide to qualified homeowners the transfer of the base-year value of their principal residence to a replacement dwelling located in the same county, under certain circumstances.

The requirements for this exclusion are: 1. At the date of transfer of the original property, the transferor (seller) must be at least 55 years of age. (If married, only one spouse must be at least 55, but must reside in the residence; if co-owners, only one co-owner must be at least 55 in the residence.)

2. The replacement property must be purchased or newly constructed on or after November 5, 1986. The replacement residence must be purchased or newly constructed within two years before or after the sale of the original residence.

3. The sale of the original residence must qualify for reassessment as the result of its transfer.

4. The principal claimant must have been (1) receiving, or eligible for, a Homeowner’s Exemption or (2) have been receiving a Disabled Veteran’s Exemption on the original and replacement residences.

5. The replacement residence must be “equal to or lesser” in market value than the original residence.

In general, “equal or lesser” than market value of a replacement dwelling has been defined as: 100% of market value of original property as of its date of sale if a replacement dwelling is purchased before an original property is sold; 105% of market value of original property as of its date of sale if a replacement dwelling is purchased within one year after the sale of an original property; 110% of market value of original property as of its date of sale if a replacement dwelling is purchased within two years after the sale of an original property.

6. The claimant and/or claimant’s spouse can only be granted relief under this section once. The disclosure of social security numbers by all applicants is required. They are used by the assessor to verify the eligibility of persons claiming this exemption and by the State to prevent multiple claims in different counties. This claim is not open to public inspection.

If you feel you meet the qualifications for this exclusion, you must provide evidence and/or declare under penalty of perjury that you are at least 55 years old, and complete the claim form. The claim for relief must be filed within three years of the date a replacement dwelling is purchased or new construction of the replacement dwelling is completed.

To obtain a claim form, call the Assessor’s Office at (925) 313 7400, or write to: Gus S. Kramer, Assessor County of Contra Costa 2530 Arnold Drive Martinez, CA 94553

Q. Is it true that only one claimant, out of several co-owners of a replacement dwelling, must be at least age 55 as of the date of sale of an original property in order to qualify?

A. Yes. Only one claimant/occupant (or his/her spouse who was also an occupant) who was a qualified record owner of the original property must be at least 55 years of age.

Q. Can a taxpayer apply for and receive the benefit of Proposition 60 numerous times during the course of his/her lifetime?

A. No. Only claimants who have not previously been granted this property benefit are eligible.

Q. When making the “equal or lesser value” test comparison, is a simple comparison of the sales price of the original property and the purchase price/cost of new construction of the replacement dwelling all that is needed?

A. No. The comparison must be made using the full market value of the original property as compared to the full market value of the replacement dwelling as of its date of purchase/completion of new construction. This is important because the sales/purchase price is not always the same as market value. The assessor must determine the market value for each property, which may differ from the sale price.

Q. If the current full cash value of my replacement dwelling slightly exceeds the “equal or lesser value” test as compared to the full market value of my original property, can I receive partial benefit?

A. No. Unless the replacement dwelling satisfies the “equal or lesser value” test, no benefit is available.

Q. Can two otherwise qualified taxpayers who have recently sold their separately owned original properties combine their claim for Proposition 60 benefit when they buy a single replacement dwelling together?

A. No. They can only receive benefits if one or the other, not both, qualifies by comparing his/her original property to the jointly purchased replacement dwelling.

Q. May I give my original property to my son/daughter and still receive the Proposition 60 benefit when I purchase a replacement property?

A. No. The law provides that an original property must be sold for consideration and subject to reappraisal at full market value at the time of sale. Original property transferred to a child or disposed of by gift or devise does not qualify.

Q. Isn’t the assessor precluded under Proposition 60 from issuing supplemental assessments when the factored base-year value is transferred from an original property to a replacement dwelling?

A. No. When the replacement dwelling is purchased or newly constructed, the assessor is mandated by law to issue supplemental assessments (positive or negative) for all transactions that result in a base-year value change, including those that qualify under Proposition 60.This is accomplished by comparing the factored

base-year value of the original property to the factored base-year value of the replacement dwelling property.

Q. After receiving the notice that my application has been granted, do I still need to pay both installments of the secured tax bill at the higher value?

A. Yes. Any reduction in value will be refunded in the form of a negative supplemental. Please be aware that the refund may not arrive before the second installment of the secured tax bill is due.

No adjustments are made to the secured tax bill to reflect the Proposition 60 exclusion.

Q. If a qualified claimant first sells his/her original property and then transfers its existing factored base-year value of $60,000 to a subsequently acquired replacement dwelling that has an existing taxable value on the roll of $40,000, should a supplemental assessment be levied for $20,000 as of the date of purchase of the replacement property?

A. Yes, assuming the current market value of the replacement dwelling exceeds the new base- year value which resulted from a change of ownership of the replacement dwelling. Although the new base-year value was transferred from the original property, it results in a supplemental assessment for the difference between the new base-year value and the current roll value, or $20,000.

Q. Is it true that a replacement dwelling may be acquired any time within two years (before or after) of the date of sale of the original property?

A. Yes, provided the replacement dwelling is acquired on or after November 6, 1986.

Q. If a lot is purchased and a home constructed, must the new construction be completed within two years of the purchase of the lot?

A. No. The replacement lot may be purchased anytime before the sale of the original property; however, the new construction of the residence must be completed within two years of the sale of the original property.

Q. May I, as a former co-owner of an original property, receive partial benefit on my replacement dwelling along with the other co-owners on their separate replacement dwellings?

A. No. The law provides that only one co-owner of an original property which is/was qualified for the homeowner’s exemption may receive the benefit in a situation like this where all co-owners must determine, between themselves, which ones should receive the benefit. Only in the case of a multiple-residential original property where several co owners qualify for separate homeowner’s exemptions may portions of the factored base-year value of that property be transferred to several qualified replacement dwellings.

Q. Can an original property mobile home qualify for Proposition 60 when a replacement property is acquired?

A. Yes, but only if the mobile home is enrolled as real property. If it is not, then the mobile home is not eligible since there is no real property base-year value to be transferred. ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

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Giving a Gift that Makes a Difference

Annual List of Organizations that Offer Critical Support in Our Community Each December, the Community Focus compiles a list of local organizations that provide services and caring for those in need of assistance over the holidays and year round. We’ve also “Spotlighted” three non-profits that serve hundreds of young people every day, and have an increased need over the winter months. Gifts to any of these organizations have a direct impact on seniors, families, and homeless individuals right here in our community. Donations needed range from gently used blankets and clothing to food, cash, and volunteer hours. Take a look and consider where you might be able to help this year: Catholic Charities East Bay works with youth, children and families to promote self-sufficiency, strengthen families, and pursue safety and justice.

3540 Chestnut Ave. Concord, CA 94519 (925) 825-3099 www.cceb.org Christmas for Everyone provides each person with a new gift and almost-new clothing, serves a traditional Christmas meal, and provides entertainment for both children and adults. Food and gifts can be delivered to the homebound upon request. Visit website or call for various donation sites.

(925) 228-2233 www.christmasforeveryone.com Community Outreach Hillcrest Congregational Church has three programs-food, clothing and layette, staffed by volunteers and serving Contra Costa County for more than 40 years!

404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 689-8260 www.hillcrestucc.org Contra Costa Interfaith Housing provides permanent, affordable housing and vital support services to homeless and at-risk families and individuals in CC County.

399 Taylor Blvd., Suite 115, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 944-2244 ccinterfaithhousing.org Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano works to end hunger and increase access to nutritious food for low-income individuals and families.

P.O. Box 6324, Concord, CA 94524 (925) 676-7543, ext. 213 www.foodbankccs.org 6

Foster A Dream provides programs and resources that build the hopes, dreams, and futures of Bay Area foster children and is a guiding source for successful transition into the adult world.

628 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 228-0200 www.fosteradream.org Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa feeds the hungry by providing free, hot nutritious meals at local dining facilities.

835 Ferry Street, Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 293-4792 www.loavesfishescc.org Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa Your cash donation will be used to help prepare and deliver a hot meal to an elderly senior that says, “You are not forgotten.” Volunteer drivers are always needed.

P.O. Box 3195, Martinez, CA 94553 (866) 669-6697 www.mealsonwheelsofcontracosta.org Meals on Wheels & Senior Outreach Services coordinates care for older adults (over 60) in Contra Costa who have a wide variety of needs. Their six programs-Meals on Wheels, Fall Prevention, Home Care Referral, Friendly Visitors, C. C. Cafes, and Geriatric Care--offer full-service resources to seniors in need.

Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors rely on volunteers to deliver hot meals to 700 homebound local seniors or provide weekly one-hour visits to isolated seniors.

1300 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 937-8311, ext. 133 www.mowsos.org

december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Monument Crisis Center offers nutritious food, resources, and referrals to low-income individuals and families to help them become stable and secure.

1990 Market St., Concord, CA 94520 (925) 825-7751 www.monumentcrisiscenter.org Salvation Army works towards “the advancement of the Christian religion - of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole.”

3950 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94521 (925) 676-6180 www.salvationarmyconcordca.org Shelter Inc. of Contra Costa rebuilds lives, one family at a time, by giving them a home, the skills and the resources to live the life they deserve.

1333 Willow Pass Rd., Suite 206, Concord, CA 94520 (925) 335-0698 www.shelterincofccc.org

STAND for Families Free of Violence is a catalyst for breaking the multigenerational cycle of violence, promoting safe and strong relationships, and rebuilding lives.

1410 Danzig Plaza, Suite 100, Concord, CA 94520 (925) 676-2845 www.standagainstdv.org Winter Nights Shelter provides a clean, safe, and warm facility at night and a daytime services center during winter for homeless seniors and families with children.

1543 Sunnyvale Ave. Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 933-6030 www.cccwinternights.org

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

–Winston Churchill

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH

Helping the Most Vulnerable

Knowing Someone Cares

Classmates in Need

BY HELENA VARDAS

Located in downtown Martinez is a little oasis for local youth called the Boys and Girls Club of Diablo Valley. The club was chartered in 1955 to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. It offers a safe place year-round for over 700 primarily at-risk youth, ages 6 through 18. The average attendance is 130 kids per day and they participate in hands-on art activities, computers, science, and tutoring and academic support. They also enjoy games and sports activities in the gym and fitness center.

Monday through Thursday the club offers Power Hour, a time when older kids help the younger ones with homework.

The staff help, but they rely heavily on volunteers to tutor. Tina Busker, director of operations, commented, “Tutors come from everywhere including the local high schools, local service clubs and from the community - residents who want to give back in an educational capacity.”

Many of the club’s members are struggling and facing adverse situations including homelessness, domestic violence (witness to), addiction, and incarcerated and absent parents. But Tina boasts, “Here members enjoy a safe and positive environment to be themselves without threats of violence, racism or bullying. Our programs and staff help shape members to become productive and successful citizens and we expect 100% graduation rates.”

Upon arriving at the Great Futures fundraising luncheon for the club November 7, we were greeted by gregarious and self-confident children eager to introduce themselves, shake our hands and show us around their second home.

They pointed out their art room, science room, and the many games and books they enjoy. My personal tour guide told me, “I love this place and enjoy my days here. If I went home after school I would just sleep because there isn’t anyone home or anything to do there. Here I work on the computers, dance in the

The Mount Diablo School District has an outreach program in place to help students who need resources to meet their basic needs such as clothing, food and shelter. While many students go about their normal day at school, some of their classmates are hungry and haven’t slept. Their secret is hidden to many but school staff work to identify and help those in need of support and services. Nathalie Keating, a student resource technician at College Park High School, and enrichment specialist with the district says, “There are upwards of 1,000 students in need of assistance in the district, and 367 of these students are officially tagged as homeless, with 40 of those attending College Park.” Keating says some students come in for help while others are referred by concerned faculty and friends.

“Some of our students experience domestic violence, some lost their homes due to fires, evictions or loss of a parent or parents.

Our job is to help them get into shelters, place students with host families and assist them to rebuild with community donations of clothing, food and gift cards.” Nathalie would like to “encourage the public to think of the youth in our community this season and all year-round,” to help meet their basic needs so they can focus on school and have the opportunities that so many of us take for granted.”

If you want to make a real impact in the life of a local child, consider contributing to Mt. Diablo HOPE or College Park Outreach. 100% of your donation goes to the children.

Please make December 1, the day that YOU become the HOPE and:

music room and talk with my friends.

I tutor the younger kids because I get straight A’s.” Another member shared her story to the lunch attendees. She spoke about the impact the club made on her, offering her a stable and reliable environment where she could look forward to going after school, and to focus on classwork. “I now have good grades and plan on attending college in San Diego.

This club is helping me attain my goals.”

Visiting the club left me with optimism and pride in our community and hope for our youth. We are fortunate to have an organization that offers the stability of a home we often take for granted and a place that instills a sense of competence and belonging.

Tuition for the club is just $24 a year.

For youth living in shelters or foster care, the fees are waived. The club serves youth regardless of where they live. During the summertime they have members coming from Brentwood, Antioch, Pittsburg, Hercules, Pinole, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill as well as Martinez.

When asked how the community can help the children at the club, Tina Busker replied, “Donations of time, inkind, or monetary gifts!” To donate $24 for a year scholarship, or other amount, please send to 1301 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez, CA 94553. Tax ID: 94-1333618.

To volunteer, call 925-228-3896. Visit www.bgcdv.org for more information and to donate online.

• SPONSOR CHILDREN in a family for the holidays! Use the link below to see their personal wish list. Go to https://goo.gl/ Hj33Ex or contact Elsa at hope@mdusd.org or call (925) 682-8000 x3054.

• BUY GIFT CARDS that enable caregivers and youth to pick out their own items. Target cards are best as families can purchase food, clothes, toiletries and even medicine.

Target cards can be purchased and shipped to College Park Outreach, 201 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 or Mt. Diablo HOPE, 2730 Salvio Street, Concord, CA 94519.

• MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION Send check to “Mt. Diablo HOPE” 2730 Salvio St., Concord, CA 94519 or make a donation utilizing VENMO under MDUSD HOPE. • DONATE NEW HOODIES OR SWEATSHIRTS for our youth. Please drop off or send to: • Mt. Diablo Unified District Office, 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord, CA. • Willow Creek Education Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord, CA. • For online shopping please ship to: Mt. Diablo HOPE, 2730 Salvio St., Concord, CA 94519

For more information please call 925682-8000 x3054, or email hope@mdusd. org, or James C. Wogan, LCSW, Administrator, School Linked Services woganj@ mdusd.org.

Getting a Second Chance

The Juvenile Hall Auxiliary is a non-profit, volunteer organization giving youth in the Contra Costa County juvenile justice system a second chance. Since 1955 the Auxiliary’s support has enabled young people to finish high school, attend college or vocational certification programs, get workforce training, and successfully re-enter their communities as productive adults. The Juvenile Hall Auxiliary runs a Christmas Closet holiday boutique within their regular thrift store. It is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am-1pm. Shop for bows, ribbons, holiday cards, stuffed animals, wreaths, toys, and much more for a price far below retail. The Christmas Closet operates with zero overhead and is run 100% by volunteers. All revenue generated by the Christmas Closet goes back into serving at-risk and disadvantaged youth. Shop, donate or volunteer at 100 Glacier Dr., Martinez, CA 94553. www.reachingouryouth.org. ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

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IN FOCUS

Front Room Martinez

A favorite restaurant of locals and visitors, the Front Room Martinez emphasizes fresh and fine dining for all ages. The atmosphere is friendly, airy, and chic, and the food is a combination of the finest fresh ingredients for subtle American dishes with distinctive flavors of European influence. There is a large open kitchen for everyone’s viewing, and patio seating is available.

As you walk in, you are met with the aroma of the day’s specials, along with fresh baked bread. The enriched flavors of American nouveau cuisine offer a mouthwatering menu. Garden fresh salads, such as Shrimp Louie or Chef Salad, top the list of six salads and are served with homemade dressings and freshly baked bread sticks. Eight pasta dishes are offered, including the favorite Seafood Linguini, made with succulent scallops, prawns and mushrooms in a clam sauce. Try the popular Drunken Chicken, sautéed with onions and mushrooms and topped with a brandy white cream sauce. How about seafood, such as prawns, trout, and cioppino? Or beef dishes such as Pepper Steak, Sirloin Tip, and a Front Room favorite, Surf and Turf? Front Room Martinez also offers 14 varieties of half-pound burgers with your choice of onion rings, French fries, or minestrone soup.

Front Room Martinez also takes pride in being recognized as “The Best Pizza in Town,” offering 23 fresh toppings for a “make your own style” pie. From the 7” personal to the 16” large, pizza is always the family favorite, offering regular, thin crust, or the dynamic deep dish.

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City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message

The past month of November was a time for giving thanks. First, I am thankful our election season is over. I have never seen less dignity or respect in the nation as I have over the last couple of months. Personal attacks and mischaracterizations were abundant. Tensions continue to run high, but I am thankful that this nation is typically resilient. I truly hope that we can pull together and heal the many wounds created.

I want to give thanks to the people of this city. We were not a microcosm of the nation’s rancor. While disagreements existed, most were met with civility and decorum. The city will usher in a new city councilmember come December and two new Recreation and Park board members. While an exciting time for all, it is with a degree of sadness that three excellent public servants retire from long service to our community. I want to thank them for all they have done.

David Durant is completing his fourth term on city council. He held the office of mayor in 2002, 2007, and 2011.

Prior to serving on the council, he was a member of the city’s planning commission from 1996 to 1999, and before that he served three years on the Pleasant Hill Redevelopment Advisory Committee. It has been an honor to serve with David over the last two years. He has

always been thoughtful and diligent. His historical perspective has been invaluable in our council deliberations.

Sherry Sterrett has been a Rec & Park board member for twenty years. In addition, she served on city council from 1987 to 1995 and was mayor in 1992.

Prior to city council, Sherry served on the Mt. Diablo Unified School District Board of Directors from 1980 to 1986. I also want to note that she has been an active participant on the library task force over the last two years.

Dennis Donaghu has served on the Rec & Park board for ten years. Prior to that and during his tenure he also served as Pleasant Hill’s representative on the Contra Costa County Iron Horse Corridor Advisory Committee from 1999 to 2009.

All three will be missed, but I am sure they will be around to lend their guidance if needed.

I want to thank the residents of Pleasant Hill for supporting our Measure K. The revenues derived from this measure will bring much needed work to our infrastructure as well as a new library.

I am thankful for your trust in our city council to use these funds as indicated.

We will honor that trust and keep you updated on the status of projects.

I also want to thank everyone for supporting me as mayor this year. I have

Sue Noack, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

had the opportunity to meet so many people and get to know numerous organizations that make this community great. I appreciate the opportunity to build closer relationships with the Rec & Park board and the MDUSD Board. I look forward to continuing my service on city council and maintaining my involvement in the community.

As you begin your holiday shopping, please don’t forget to thank our local businesses by shopping at their establishments. Festive banners and decorations throughout the city along with free parking will keep you in the holiday mood while keeping our businesses

healthy and jobs in place. The city’s many excellent restaurants will make shopping a fun family outing.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention upcoming holiday festivities.

Don’t miss our Light Up the Night on November 30 in downtown Pleasant Hill.

It’s always a great family event. Rodgers Ranch has a holiday boutique on December 3 & 4, 10am to 4pm, and Rec & Park’s holiday festival is at the Community Center on December 7, starting at 5pm. There will be lots of fun family activities at this annual favorite. I hope to see you all at these events. Happy Holidays!

Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission Dec. 1, 15 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 City Council Dec. 5, 19 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Civic Action Commission Dec. 7 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Commission on Aging Dec. 8 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5229 Library Task Force Dec. 12 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 11am. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Dec. 13 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Education Commission Dec. 28 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Community Room, 7pm For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

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Chamber Calendar Dec. 2 - Ambassador Meeting 8:30-9:30am, City Hall Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, PH. Dec. 8 - Pleasant Hill Coin & Jewelry Exchange 20th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting 5-7pm, 3624 Buskirk Ave., PH. Dec 14 - End of Year Business Runway Lunch 11:30am-1pm, JFK University, 100 Ellinwood Way, PH. Dec. 23 - Jan. 2 - Holiday Break Chamber Office Closed.

Jan. 5 - I Heart art Ribbon Cutting 5-7pm, 15A Vivian Dr., PH.

City of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill City News Light Up the Night

Santa arrives in Pleasant Hill this year on Wednesday, November 30, as part of the 9th Annual Light up the Night Holiday Celebration. Festivities will include the lighting of a 25-foot decorated tree in the small plaza in front of the Clocktower building. Local dance and choral groups will perform throughout the evening and families will enjoy free horse drawn carriage rides around City Hall, a holiday arts & crafts fair along Crescent Drive, and free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies served by volunteers from the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education, Civic Action Commission, PH Chamber of Commerce, and Teen Council. Merchants around Downtown will participate in an “Elf on the Shelf” treasure hunt.

Keep Holiday Shopping Local Get your free Pleasant Hill Reusable Shopping Bag at City Hall

Shopping for friends and family during the holidays can be enjoyable when the outing is local. Parking is free throughout the city, with over 1,700 spaces downtown, including over 600 in the garage across from Century Theaters. A digital sign at the garage shows how many spaces are available to help make parking even easier.

When you shop at Pleasant Hill stores, there is the added benefit of contributing to the vibrancy of the city’s local economy. Your taxable purchases help businesses thrive and grow, keep jobs in place, and City Information Officer Martin Nelis says, “Don’t forget to use your Pleasant Hill reusable shopping bag this provide revenue for improvements and holiday season. If you don’t have one, stop by City Hall to services in the city. So, when you are depick one up – one free bag per resident!” ciding where to shop this holiday season, please consider shopping Pleasant Hill first. If you would like more information on shopping options, visit www.shoppleasanthill.org or Facebook at ShopPleasantHill.

City News Continued board, replacing Sterrett and Donaghu. Ortega said about the Rec and Park and her new position, “I am so impressed by the wonderful facilities and programs that Rec and Park provides for our greater community. I’m eager to work with the board to create the kinds of spaces and programs that will enrich the lives of local youth, families, seniors and all of our neighbors.”

Rodgers Ranch Holiday Boutique

On December 3-4, enjoy shopping in the Rodgers Ranch 1860s farmhouse for unique and homemade gifts, 10am-4pm, at Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill.

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Certificates of Appreciation

At the November 7 council meeting, Certificates of Appreciation were given to Dennis Donaghu and Sherry Sterrett in recognition of their service on the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Board of Directors. Donaghu has served on the board for 10 years, from 2006 to 2016, and Sterrett has served for an impressive 20 years, from 1996 to 2016.

“I’d like to think I’ve done a little bit to help make Pleasant Hill more pleasant, and I’ve certainly enjoyed every minute of it. And I’m still going to make hot chocolate at Light Up the Night!” Donaghu said.

Beyond her service with the Rec and Park board of directors, Sterrett was a Mt. Diablo Unified School District board member from 1980-1986, a Pleasant Hill city councilmember from 1987-1995, Pleasant Hill mayor in 1991-1992, and a member of the Pleasant Hill Library Task Force.

Councilmember Harris added, “I have had the pleasure to work with both of those wonderful folks, and they are truly assets to this community and they both embody what is so great about Pleasant Hill: people who work hard and are dedicated to what is in the best interest of the folks that they represent.”

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City of Martinez

Mayor’s Message

The November elections are behind us now, and we can all exhale before taking another deep breath and forging on. We all have lots of work to do to bring this country together and move forward. I have a strong belief in our national, state, and local governmental process, and we all need to support that system.

At the local level, the most recent campaigns for county, city, and regional issues were lively, to say the least. Most were civil, with an extensive debate of the issues at hand. Others became personal and nasty, with accusations being made from both sides.

I am very pleased that the race for the two seats on the Martinez City Council was an introduction of the

candidates’ qualities, with a civil debate on the priorities for the city’s future.

Longtime City Council Member Mark Ross was re-elected to a 5th term, and lifelong resident and small business owner Noralea Gipner was chosen for the seat vacated by Anamarie Avila Farias. I am looking forward to working with them along with incumbent Council Members Lara DeLaney and Debbi McKillop. On December 7 the council will reorganize, and Mark and Noralea will be sworn into office. Lara will be appointed as vice mayor, and I will make initial appointments to council subcommittees.

I would also like to congratulate my long-time friend and colleague Federal Glover on his re-election to the board

Thank you to all my dear friends in Martinez for all your hard work, support and belief in my ability!

I promise to work hard for our city!

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Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

of supervisors. I have known Federal since he was a city councilmember and mayor of Pittsburg and have served with him on Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) since 2002.

The best news for me in this last election was the passage of Measure D, the ½ cent sales tax proposal to fix Martinez roads. Martinez voters agreed and saw the need to raise more revenue to accomplish this, and 71.35% of them voted in favor of the measure. It is expected that Measure D will generate over $2.1 million per year and triple our

budget for paving and road repair.

I would like to publicly thank my colleagues Lara DeLaney and Mark Ross for their hard work in getting signs out and being public advocates of the measure. Thanks to our treasurer, Paul Abelson, for paying the bills and making the FPPC filings and also to Pete Sabine for developing and managing our social media campaign. This small group of people managed to get the word out to voters with a successful result that will improve the infrastructure of Martinez for the next 15 years.

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

City of Martinez

Martinez City News Eco Awards Recipients

To encourage businesses to use sustainable business practices, Republic Services along with the City of Martinez presented their 2016 Eco Awards to top achievers. The winners were recognized at the November 2 city council meeting.

They included: Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, Barrelista Coffee House, and John Swett Elementary School. All of the winners recorded having more recycling collected than trash on a weekly basis, embraced Republic’s suggested food waste program, and followed the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle principals.

Marie Knutson, Republic Services’ recycling coordinator for Martinez, presented the awards and said, “I’m excited to honor these people that are doing so much for sustainability and for the environment.” She went on to say that 1st place winner, Loaves and Fishes, “has doubled the amount of recycling going out as they do in trash.” Since 1983, Loaves and Fishes has served over 4.4 million meals to many thousands of hungry people throughout Contra Costa County.

The “green team” students at John Swett Elementary attended the awards presentation, and Knudsen acknowledged their recycling efforts by saying, “This school is a trendsetter in its education of food waste and recycling practices, and I want to thank them for inspiring the youth to embrace all of this sustainability.”

City News Continued hosted by Main Street Martinez! Come join the jolliest bunch of Santas this side of the bay as they walk around the downtown corridor of Martinez, sampling beers from over 20 great craft breweries stationed inside some of the small businesses along Main Street. The event runs from 2:30-5:30pm, and free shuttles will be available to and from the North Concord BART station from 1-8pm. Early bird tickets are $25 from now through Dec. 5. After that, tickets are $35 each until Dec. 12 or until sold out. For tickets, visit www.santabeercrawl.com.

Children’s Light Parade

This family-friendly light parade on Friday, December 2, begins at 6:30pm at City Hall and ends 7 blocks away at Ferry Street. Little ones can decorate and drive their electric vehicle, tricycle, or wagon. To register for the parade, please call Recreation at 372-3510.

Activities will include the reindeer stop at Veteran’s Hall, ice skating rink, hot cocoa with Frosty the Snowman, lighting of the Court Street tree, children’s light parade, visits with Santa, crafts, games, face painting and balloon animals. In addition, the Martinez Museum will be a Gingerbread House for the day, and the library will host Candy Cane Lane.

Breakfast with Santa

Join Santa for pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, juice, and coffee on Sunday, December 11, 8-11am, at the Martinez Senior Center, 818 Green St. Bring a camera because this is sure to be a great photo opportunity. Homemade crafts will be for sale. Cost is $4/adults, $2.50/children (10 years and under). Call 3708770 for more information.

Letters from Santa Claus (Carte de Santa Claus)

Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder and city council members with 2016 Eco Award winners, including Steven J. Grubka, Martinez’ Top Point Earner of the 2015-16 Cool California Challenge.

Waterfront Park Improvement Project

The design of the project is nearing completion. The project will include alternate bid items. The Parks, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission subcommittee will review bids and make recommendations to the city council on alternate bid items once they are received in late January 2017.

The Waterfront Park Renovation Project would make improvements to the existing Waterfront Park. With the exception of the skate park, bocce ball courts, and newly renovated restroom building, most of the 31-acre park site would be renovated. The proposed improvements include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible paths, addition of a new ADA accessible playground restroom, renovation of existing ball fields, improvements to the concession area, path lighting and electrical improvements, field lighting, parking and playground improvements, and improvements to the existing group picnic area and events meadow.

Santa Beer Crawl

Dust off your Santa suits and ugly Christmas sweaters because it’s time to head to downtown Martinez on Saturday, December 12, for some holiday cheer

Every child loves to receive mail, and a letter from Santa Claus would be an extra special surprise! Santa’s Elves will send a friendly, warm letter (with no special promises) approximately one week before Christmas. The letter includes information about Rudolph, elves at the workshop, and a holiday activity. Letters are also available for Spanish speaking children. Reserve a letter by going to www.cityofmartinez.org or by calling the recreation division at 372-3510. Also, you may drop by the office at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street. Santa’s helpers appreciate the donation of a first class stamp per child. The last day to request a letter is Monday, December 12.

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City of Walnut Creek

Mayor’s Message Walnut Creek Celebrates the Holidays

Walnut Creek is one of the most magical places on earth, but there is no more magical time than the holiday season. Of course, there will be lots of decorations and special foods, but there are also some long-standing traditions that will delight and allow you to reminisce about Christmases past.

It would not be Christmas without seeing Center Repertory Company’s A Christmas Carol. Reputed to be one of the best versions of the time-honored story by Charles Dickens, this production improves and adapts each year.

The play runs at the Lesher Theater December 8 through 18. Also, there’s holiday improv in the small theater on

December 2. Rita Moreno narrates Peter and the Wolf, adding a little extra glitter to the California Symphony’s holiday concerts, December 20 and 21. Please check the Lesher Theater’s website https://lesherartscenter.showare.com for more seasonal performances.

Strap on a pair of skates at Walnut Creek on Ice in Civic Park. The rink generally opens at noon during the week and 11am on weekends and holidays.

The closing times are 8pm during the week and 11pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tuesday nights are designated as family nights.

Broadway Plaza kicks off its holiday season on December 1. At 7pm, find a good spot on Broadway Plaza Street for the Parade of Lights, ending with a very

Loella Haskew, Mayor of Walnut Creek

special appearance by Santa Claus, who will light Broadway Plaza’s Christmas tree and make it snow! Speaking of Santa, he will be available for pictures and visits until December 24. I guess he’s got something else to do that day. He can be found at the promenade fountain on most days between 10am and 2pm and from 3pm to 6 or 7pm. Starting at 4pm on December 24 through January 1, there will be a nightly lighting of a huge menorah.

Walnut Creek Arts & Rec department also shines with special events.

There’s the handcrafted holiday sale December 2-4 at the Center for Community Arts on 111 N. Wiget Ln. You can shop for everyone on your list. The sale brings together handmade ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, prints, and more – all done by Community Arts teaching artists and students.

The schedule is: Friday, December 2, 5 - 9pm; December 3, 10am - 6pm; and December 4, 10am - 4pm.

Imagine a chance to have breakfast with Santa at the Boundary Oak Golf

Course (3800 Valley Vista Rd.).

It can be done on Sunday, December 11, 10am – 12pm. Enjoy a fabulous breakfast buffet and get those last minute requests in to Santa. For reservations, call 925-934-4775 x20 or visit www.playboundaryoak.com.

Waiting for Christmas can be challenging for the little ones. How about a holiday puppet show and fun with Santa on Saturday, December 17, 10am12pm, to fill the time? Be entertained by the holiday Itty Bitty Variety Puppet show, performed by the Caterpillar Puppets. Take your picture with Santa, enjoy a holiday treat, and make a holiday craft to take home! The puppet show begins promptly at 10:15am at the Lakeside Room, Heather Community Center. Space is limited, so register online at www.walnutcreekrec.org or call 925-943-5858.

There is no safety tip this month, just my wishes for you, your family and friends to have the happiest, safest of holiday seasons, filled with traditions old and new.

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

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Walnut Creek City News Santa at Broadway Plaza

Santa will be available through December 23 for photos and visits at his winter home near the Broadway Plaza promenade fountain. Reservations are available but not required! Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am-7pm (Break: 2-3pm); Sunday, 11am-6pm (Break: 2pm-3pm).

City of Walnut Creek City News Continued

City News Continued

Parade of Lights, Tree Lighting, & Open House

La Virage.

The project requires an amendment to the general plan street setback designation. The zoning designation for the project site would remain unchanged as Mixed Use Planned Development (MUPD). However, the MUPD district requires a Planned Development Permit (PDP) for any new development to be approved by the city council.

On Thursday, December 1, 6-9pm, music and festivity will fill Broadway Plaza, beginning with a retailer open house at 6pm. At 7pm, find a good spot on Broadway Plaza Street for the Parade of Lights, which ends with a very special appearance by Santa Claus himself to light Broadway Plaza’s magical Christmas tree and make it snow!

Menorah Lighting

Carondelet Athletic Complex

The nightly menorah lighting tradition begins December 24 to celebrate Hanukkah, and continues through January 1, 2017. The East Bay’s largest menorah will be placed near the promenade fountain, across the street from Nordstrom.

On Sunday, December 25, from 4 to 6pm, families are invited to enjoy the Grand Menorah Lighting. Nightly menorah lighting times vary. Visit www.broadwayplaza.com/Events for updated information.

On October 27, Carondelet High School in Concord presented its state-ofthe-art athletic complex project to the Walnut Creek Planning Commission and received a unanimous (5-0) vote recommending approval. This vote paves the way for Carondelet to move the project forward to the Walnut Creek City Council.

Carondelet submitted revised drawings in response to concerns of the planning commission, design review commission, and citizens. The revisions include a proposed sound barrier adjacent to the pool and along the entire length of the west property line; a reduction of light pole height around the softball field; upgrades to the existing tennis court light poles, slated for retention to improve the existing spillover light conditions; preservation of trees along the south property line; planting of 14 new trees; and a proposed third party usage plan.

Carondelet High School will continue to provide neighbors and youth programs access to the site when the facility is not in use by the school athletic programs by way of leasing agreements.

Walnut Creek Half Marathon, 13.1 Relay & 5K Race

The Walnut Creek Half Marathon is on Saturday, December 10. The majority of the run goes along Treat Blvd., then right onto Cowell Road, right onto Ygnacio Valley Rd. to Heather Farm Park, continuing to Civic Park and the finish line.

The Half Marathon Relay gives a new perspective on the half marathon. This 2-person team-timed relay is sure to be a fun and exciting event for folks of all ages. Teams can choose to run the first or second leg.

The start line of the event is located at the Civic Park entrance. The half marathon relay and the half marathon will start simultaneously at 7am. The 5K (3.1 miles) begins at 7:30am in Civic Park East, where the festival is hosted. The 5K is a flat course, and runners will negotiate minimal turns, making this a fairly straightforward run.

Walnut Creek is expecting 2,000 participants to run through the streets to raise funds for local high schools’ sports programs For more information, visit: www.runwalnutcreek.com.

WCPD Body Cameras Forthcoming

Chief of Police Tom Chaplin and Acting Lieutenant Andy Brown presented a report at the November 1 city council meeting. Chief Chaplin reported that over the past few years there has been an increase in public demand for law enforcement accountability and transparency. Body worn cameras (BWCs) can serve as a tool to demonstrate law enforcement legitimacy, accountability, and transparency, and can enhance the community’s trust and confidence in its police department. Chief Chaplin also provided options for implementing a BWC program at the Walnut Creek Police Department.

In August 2015, WCPD in conjunction with the city’s communications division of the city manager’s office worked with police department personnel and conducted an open town hall survey on BWCs. Of the 477 Walnut Creek residents who responded to the online survey, 92% supported the idea of officers wearing BWCs. A major benefit of these cameras is that they provide unbiased documentation of police contact from start to finish, and studies have shown they have a taming effect on both officers and citizens. Council voted unanimously to direct city staff to develop a BWC program, policies and budget.

BayRock Multi-family Housing Development

On November 1, city council approved the BayRock multi-family, five-story, 52 one and two-bedroom unit housing development general plan amendment and planned development permit at 2211 North Main Street. The development would be a newly constructed market rate apartment building near the Walnut Creek BART station. This site was the location of the long-established restaurant

Rendering of the Carondelet Athletic Complex at 3737 Valley Vista Road in Walnut Creek.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

17

Deer Deterrent

Hey Santa! Leave Your Deer at the Gate

Brunch • Lunch • Dinner • Brunch • Lunch • Dinner

BY TROY MCGREGOR, RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN NURSERY MANAGER

Gardening during the drought is tough. Adding deer, with their insatiable appetites, to the equation can demoralize even the hardiest of gardeners. Forget about the fences, motion activated water cannons, and scary animal pee (gross), and move the deer along with smart plant

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choices instead.

Deer detest smell, spike or texture.

Pokey succulents are a natural choice. One bop on the nose and they’ll soon get the message. Not into spikes? Try non-edible members of the mint family. They are the unsung work horses of the garden.

They are non-spreading evergreens, hardy to both cold and heat, and require

only occasional water during the warmer months. Some of our favorites originated in Australia. Let’s explore some options.

Westringia, or Coastal Rosemary, is a tough option for full sun gardens, with hardiness down to the low 20s and season-long flowers. Westringia fruticosa ‘Smokey’ works well as a living fence that can be pruned or left alone. It grows to 4-6’ high. Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Highlight’ only reaches 4’ and looks quite dapper with its variegated foliage. Westringia ‘Low Horizon’ forms a low and wide carpet of foliage that softens up rock walls if allowed to spill over.

For morning sun or filtered light areas, try Prostanthera ovalifolia ‘Variegata.’

It is also cold hardy to the low 20s and has a super minty fragrance. In late winter and early spring, the soft variegated leaves are almost obscured by masses of purple bell flowers.

If shade is your only option, try Plec-

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december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

tranthus argentatus. It has thrived for years under our big trees at the garden with very limited summer watering. The fuzzy silver leaves really lighten up dark areas.

This is a fast growing plant out to 5-6’ but can be kept smaller by pinching out the growing tips every now and again.

Stop by the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery and say hello to new options for saying goodbye to deer.

In the Garden

Embracing The Season with Others in Mind

BY LESLEY STILES

The closing month of the year, December, has an ever-changing variety of weekend arrangements to determine how crazy one can get. Sometimes the month has four fabulous and perfect weekends that allow different holiday party celebrations, services, pageants, sales, shopping, visiting and all around madness. But sometimes it gets a little smooshed together, and that can be good or bad depending on how your energy level is or isn’t maintained. Another perspective bender is the fact that Hanukkah actually begins at sundown on December 24, aka as Christmas Eve for some, perhaps creating, I hope, a magic opportunity for communities to celebrate together. As we recover from one of the most contentious elections ever in recent history, celebrating cultures together can’t be a bad thing.

As usual in this column, I would like to bend your ear a bit with regard to giving back and staunching consumer madness. Rarely do I start sentences like that in the public forum, but I have been heading more in the direction of gratitude as of late. Giving generously to others while possibly forgoing a shiny object is a good thing. More importantly, teaching our young people to go this way and having them carry it on through their generation allows more of those in need to have a little brighter holiday. We are blessed with many local organizations that can be the receivers of our love and generosity: Monument Crisis Center, STAND, Juvenile Hall Auxiliary, Shelter Inc., these are just a few. With a slight click of your mouse, you have a zillion more options at your fingertips. Don’t do it by yourself. Take kids with you, even if you have to borrow them. Being a part of something creates ownership, and that is very important when teaching life skills. Compassion coupled with

generosity is pretty important this time of year -- and always.

Take time for yourself this holiday season, even if it just means a trip to the farmers’ market to purchase some amazing local citrus to take with you anywhere you mosey, pixie dusting all you come into contact with and showering vitamin C carelessly about.

Be reckless in tossing kale and spinach about too (prepared, of course). Take salads and sautés with you to parties so you have life-giving food to partake in, peppering sugar-laden temptations here and there. As we all know, blah, blah, one soda water for every alcoholic beverage. Sorry to nag, but sometimes we get a sweet li’l buzz and forget, and I know I’m not alone when regret hammers down about 3am. Temper it is all I’m yawning on about!

Farmers’ markets do not close in the winter. We have amazing produce to apply to our health in raw or cooked form. Yay! Some of the highlights are citrus of all kinds plus a lot of interesting varieties not found in most stores: pomegranates, persimmons, greens, kales, spinach, onions and leeks, celery and carrots. These are all perfect ingredients for cool (hopefully, rainy) weather stews, soups, and luscious concoctions steaming out of favored pots.

Lemon Glaze INGREDIENTS 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla ½ teaspoon salt Rind and juice of 1 lemon DIRECTIONS

Mix all together in a small bowl.

The texture should be similar to a semi thick sauce so that you can spoon over cookies covering the surface without picking them up and spreading. You can use the back of the spoon to cover the cookie. This gives the cookies a smooth, poured on look. You can also put it into a squeeze bottle and drizzle over cookies. You can finish with some colored sugar sprinkles if the spirit moves you!

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Happy Holidays to all of you out there, and please remember to walk, even in the rain, with heavy sighing about half way through to carry on with your beautiful, fortunate lives.

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.

Lemon Verbena Shortbread Cookies w/ Lemon Glaze Chopped fresh Lemon Verbena adds a nice spice and interesting twist to traditional shortbread cookies. The star cookie cutter is really about the holiday season; any shape will do the rest of the year. The herb can also be replaced with lemon thyme or lavender.

INGREDIENTS 18 tablespoons butter (2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons) 1 cup confectioner’s sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 teaspoons chopped fresh lemon verbena 2 teaspoons chopped lemon zest 2 cups white whole wheat flour ½ teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325* and lightly spray a couple of cookie sheets.

Cream butter and sugar together. Add vanilla and herbs. Sift flour with salt and add to butter and sugar mixture.

Beat until flour is absorbed and well blended.

Roll out on a flat surface dusted with confectioner’s sugar to about ½ inch thick. Cut out star shapes and place on cookie sheet. Alternately place rolls of dough onto plastic or parchment and roll up. Chill and slice. Bake about 15 minutes. You do not want the cookies to get brown or over bake them. Pull them out even if you think they aren’t done. Remove to a rack and cool at least 10 minutes and glaze with Lemon Glaze.

Makes about 30 Cookies.

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Turtle Beans Baja Style This recipe was inspired by a trip to the East Cape region of Baja using local vegetables and herbs. As with any bean recipe, you can substitute any vegetables or seasonings to make your own inspired pot of luscious black velvet.

One cup of beans, soaked, will yield about 2 ½ cups cooked. Turtle beans are also known as black beans.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups turtle or black beans, soaked for at least 3 hours or overnight About 12 cups water 4 cups stock 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed 1 large red onion, chopped 2 medium carrots, chopped 1 dried ancho chile, rehydrated, with spine and seeds removed and chopped or fresh pasilla pepper, chopped 6 cloves garlic, chopped 1 bunch fresh oregano or 2 tablespoons dried 2 tablespoons freshly toasted and ground cumin 2 cups tomato sauce 2 tablespoons grated lime peel Sea salt and pepper DIRECTIONS

Drain soaked beans and cover with 12 cups of water and bring to a boil. Boil vigorously for 10 minutes and reduce heat to simmer until beans are soft.

Drain and put back into pot, adding stock, tomato sauce, onions, carrots, sweet potato, garlic, oregano, cumin, and chile. Bring back to a simmer and simmer until the vegetables are soft.

Add lime peel and season with salt and pepper.

Serves 8

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ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

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Alhambra JV Undefeated

Alhambra Signing Day

Alhambra JV volleyball finished their season in 1st place, dominating the league with a 10-0 record. The Lady Bulldogs brought home the championship trophy from a tournament held at Pittsburgh High School on October 14 &15. Submitted by Coach Amber Cole.

Alhambra softball players signed their National Letters of Intent on November 16. Kimiko Zapanta will be playing at St. Mary’s College; Karlee Sparacino at UC Berkeley; Brianna Perez at UCLA, and Maci Sheppard at Whitworth University. Photo from Sonja Perez.

L to R: Karlee Sparacino, Maci Sheppard, Brianna Perez and Kimiko Zapanta.

XC Falcons Soar at League

Alhambra JV Volleyball team.

SUPPORTING

Dwayne Glemser Manager Proudly Sponsored by Les Schwab Martinez

LOCAL YOUTH

With the recent restructuring of the local athletic leagues there was uncertainty about how teams would place. College Park Lady Falcons cross country had nothing to be concerned about. The womens JV team had an undefeated season, winning the league title hands down. The varsity ladies struggled with injuries but ended the season with a respectful second place behind a dominate Campolindo. Only graduating one senior, the Falcons look toward next year!

Noah Hurley - Princeton Bound

JV L to R: Ariana Gonzalez, Chloe Pelster, Alyssa Gaigalas, Reyna Winn, Candace Nguyen, Brooklyn Aguilar, Emily Pelster, Isabelle Ariana, and Kristin Joo

College Park senior Noah Hurley committed to Princeton University. Noah is a scholar athlete and will compete in the Pole Vault for the Division 1 Princeton Tigers. Congratulations.

www.lesschwabmartinez.com • 3800 Alhambra, Martinez • 925-370-6382 20

december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Varsity L to R: Coach Gil Llacuna, Emma Swanson, Kylie Tseng, Julia Parks, Kelly Seto, Chloe Beardsley and Gabby Orellana

Bautista Coach of the Week

The Oakland Raiders High School “Coach of the Week” program promotes high school football, giving high school coaches and teams the recognition they deserve.

The “Coach of the Week” program is designed to honor coaches who have created successful programs for teams and players, both on and off of the playing field, and provides teams with financial assistance to maintain their football programs. The program selected College Park’s first year head coach, Joe Bautista, in recognition of his hard work. The Oakland Raiders, along with the NFL Foundation, awarded College Park High School with a $1,000 donation to the school’s football program.

Viking Soccer

DVC Women are Big 8 Champs!

BY MATT SCHWAB

The Diablo Valley College womens soccer team earned its first-ever conference championship November 8. The Vikings (14-1-6, 9-1-6), were guaranteed at least one home playoff game and proceeded to nail down the Big 8 crown with a 3-0 win over American River on November 8, and Santa Rosa could not answer as it played ARC to a stunning 0-0 draw on November 11. Surging Folsom Lake (10-3-3) closed with a fivegame winning streak in the Big 8.

It has been a coming-of-age season for coach Cailin Mullins’ squad. DVC finished fourth in the Big 8 in 2015 with five conference wins. They were sixth in 2014 with four conference wins, fifth in 2013, and fifth in 2012. Why the big jump this time? Good players. Plus, the Vikings push themselves and play for each other. Noelle Lemos, a former Benicia High star who redshirted at UC

Davis, leads the Vikings in scoring with 13 goals and in points with 27. Vanessa Ruvalcaba and Karla Ramos are tied for No. 2 on the team with eight goals apiece, but Ruvalcaba has 21 points and Ramos has 20.

DVC’s Iron Women, those that have started all 21 games, are goalkeeper Katie McLaughlin, Ruvalcaba, Chloe Lindemann, Jessica Jaime and Megan Melara. Defender Deiziana Dargan started 20 games.

Against ARC, Lemos scored in the first and 10th minutes off assists from sophomore and College Park graduate Ale Gonzalez, and Ruvalcaba, with a bent for the spectacular goal, rounded out the scoring in the 41st minute. Goalie Katie McLaughlin, a DVC sophomore and College Park graduate, allowed just 10 goals and logged 77 saves this season.

Coach Joe Bautista poses with his team and Oakland Raiderettes

Avalanche Championship

Congratulations to the PHMSA U12-2005G Team Avalanche for winning the 2016 Stanford Summer Classic. The girls advanced through the tournament allowing only one goal and scoring 11 goals between six different players to reach the championship game.

Scoring early in the first half, the girls were able to close out the tournament undefeated, winning the fast paced and exciting championship game 1-0.

Pictured (LtoR) Front row: Gabby Berringer, Sydney Sopenoff. Middle row: Mikka Sopenoff, Abby Wood, Caroline Rardin, Katelyn Crossman, Jessica Kozlowski, Sophia Hall, Ava Salazar. Back row: Allie Watkins, Molly Harrison, Kylie Long, Ryan Hoppe.

Coaches: Coach Jon Hoppe, Coach Kevin Crossman, Coach Tony Rardin. Submitted by Kevin Crossman. ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

21

Read My Mind

Inspire Gratitude

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

With over 300,000 books published in the U.S. this year, even I can’t read all of them. But I did read some good ones you may have missed.

Alain de Botton’s The Course of Love answers that age-old question: “What does it mean to live happily ever after?”

This beautifully told love story follows Rabih and Kristen from the first inklings of infatuation, through the inevitable disappointments of any relationship, and finally to the realization that “love is in essence a skill we need to learn.” As with many marriages, there are times when couples “want to murder one another… and kill themselves.” Surviving all of marriage’s’ challenges is “the real love story.” Both men and women will enjoy this tender and moving story.

Emma Cline’s formidable debut novel, The Girls, “traces the blameless dream of California in the late ‘60s.” In 1969, fourteen-year-old Evie Boyd joins a cult that engages in free love, murder, and mayhem. If this founds familiar, it should since it’s leader Russell and his followers will remind you of Charles Manson and his ragtag minions. Even though I lived through the Manson case, Evie’s story and Cline’s insightful writing captivated me in this “complex story of girlhood, violence, and the psychology of cults.”

Jeffrey Toobin’s American Heiress is “The Wild Saga Of The Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial Of Patty Hearst.” In 1974, the Symbionese Liberation Army kidnapped Patty, an heiress to the Hearst publishing fortune. Through what some call “the Stockholm Syndrome,” Patty became a member of the SLA named “Tania.” Videotape captured a machine gun toting Patty robbing a San Francisco bank. Willing participant or victim, Patty’s crimes, “year on the lam,” and trial make compelling reading.

After You is JoJo Moyes’ sequel to

BY SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, DISTRICT IV

One of my favorite aspects of the holiday season is the culture of generosity that surrounds our community. Having a season to celebrate and inspire gratitude helps us all to be more aware of how much we have to be thankful for. It also encourages us to think of the less fortunate and donate, contribute, and volunteer our time.

Each year, Contra Costa County participates in the County Food Fight, a fun and competitive way to raise money for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

Our office will be selling $5 reusable bags designed by a local high school student, and all of the proceeds from these bags will benefit the food bank. One in eight

©

Good Books You May Have Missed

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her bestseller Me Before You. Louisa Clark is now on her own and struggling to make sense of her life. She’s unhappy in her meaningless job and starving for companionship. She finds other damaged souls and a new love through a support group. Without giving away the ending to this touching story, Louisa must choose between a new man in her life and a new career.

If you liked Me Before You, you will take delight in After You.

The latest book of Pulitzer Prize winning humorist Dave Barry is The Worst Class Trip Ever. We join Wyatt and his Culver Middle School eighth-grade classmates in a hilarious class romp that begins with their flight from Miami to Washington DC and ends in a most surprising way. On the flight, Wyatt and his pals become suspicious of two foreigners who have aerial photos of the White House and a small electronic device. Told from Wyatt’s standpoint, their escapade includes kidnappings and a potential assassination. It’s a fun read for kids and parents. I laughed so hard I can hardly wait to go on Dave Barry’s next class trip!

In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, we catch up with Harry and his children 19 years after Harry defeated Lord Voldemort. Life is not easy for the Potter family as Harry takes on the responsibilities as the head of the Ministry of Magic and youngest son Albus “struggles with the weight” of his father’s legacy. Written in the form of a screenplay, this story is as enthralling as the previous Harry Potter books.

Other “good books” include Alan Furst’s A Hero For France, a story of the French resistance during World War II, and Dominic Smith’s The Last Painting of Sara De Vos, a fascinating novel about the Renaissance’s most renowned female artist and her most famous masterpiece. Enjoy!

december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Creating a Culture of Generosity

families in Contra Costa relies on the food bank, and these bags serve as an excellent way to show your support. Feel free to drop by my office during office hours and pick up yours! If you’re a Concord Disposal customer, you can also support the food bank by signing up for paperless billing up until December 2, 2016. Current customers can sign up to “Give Back” and get free paperless billing by calling (925) 682-9113.

Concord Disposal will donate $2 for each new sign-up.

The Trinity Center needs volunteers for their Winter Night’s Shelter, and they are not alone. Numerous organizations, including the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, need extra volunteers this season. I encourage you to seek out opportunities to engage with our community this holiday season. Giving back can be very rewarding, and your generosity can make the difference in District IV.

70% Will Need It

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

November was Long Term Care Awareness Month. I attended a day-long seminar that included an elder law attorney, psychiatrist, a lecture regarding a new California law for long-term care policies, and a discussion addressing the future design for insurance policies.

The speakers agreed that planning and saving for long-term care expenses must begin in our 50s. It is important because the planning must start while people are healthy. One eye-opening fact is that 70% of those who reach age 65 will need some form of long-term care assistance during their lifetimes. It is not really a matter of if; it is a matter of when.

The elder law attorney and the psychiatrist warn family members to watch for signs of dementia and elder abuse and to be suspicious of “new friends” of the elderly.

Seniors are vulnerable, and there is no shortage of people looking to profit at the

expense of the vulnerable.

As we age, it is crucial to have a plan and communicate that plan to children, relatives, and trusted advisors. Parents, talk to your children and keep them informed of your wishes, health, and plans.

Be ready to ask for and accept help. It is understandably an uncomfortable time, but early planning and discussions make executing the plan easier on everyone.

Baby boomers, begin planning now.

Remember, if you want an insurance policy, you must qualify, so apply while you are healthy. Websites like Longtermcare. gov and Genworth.com offer guidance and information on the cost of care in your area. Long-term care insurance policies have benefits that cover care in a facility, care at home, help with costs for care coordination, and even home modification. I can help you get started with the planning. Please call me when you are ready.

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

Local Author Spotlight The Community Focus Proudly Presents Four Local Authors Gretchen de la O

Gail Johnston & Eric Nichols

My name is Rose Newton, and I sell my body on the streets of San Francisco. I’m what you call society’s dirty little secret. On the outside, I’m in control, the woman who makes her own rules and gives nothing away for free. Inside, I’m broken and numb. Torn and shattered by my past, my life is nothing more than the lost fragments of what’s left of me.

Shane West represents everything that’s foreign to me. He’s brave, kind, funny, gorgeous and persistent. When fate brings us face to face, an undeniable attraction blazes between us. He becomes the constant I’ve never had and the only man I’ll ever trust. There is nothing simple about falling in love when you’re keeping a secret like mine.

“With a heartbreakingly raw, gritty, yet beautiful storyline paving the way, Mrs. de la O manages to open not only your eyes but your soul to the dark, haunting truth consuming the reality of one too many innocent lives walking this earth. Gripping in every way possible, Broken Girl left her scars all over me. The end result is de la O’s finest work yet!”~ Gail McHugh--New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of the Collide series.

Broken Girl, a contemporary romance, is Gretchen’s fifth published full-length novel. *Reader’s discretion advised. Certain content might not be suitable for some readers.

Cat lovers are a creative bunch, judging by the proliferation of cat videos and adorable cat photos with cheeky sayings on the Internet. But creativity comes in many forms, and the authors of Creative Cues From the Cat want everyone to be in on it.

Pleasant Hill author Gail Johnston and Eric Nichols (who resides in North Pole, Alaska!) call our attention to fifteen traits that cats and creative people have in common.

Courage, curiosity, focus, flexibility, patience - these are some of the features we observe in the cat that are exactly what we need for our creative, innovative spirits to flourish. With humor, quotes, clever analogies, and great photography, Creative Cues From the Cat amuses and inspires the reader on every page.

Critics have their say: “A fun, insightful read that will keep you thinking long after you’re finished.” - Jonah Berger, best selling author of Contagious: Why Things Catch On “Gorgeous photography paired with feline wit, wisdom and inspiration. As beautiful as it is thoughtful.” – Debbie Glovatsky, founder of Glogirly, voted 2015 “Best Cat Blog” “This is catnip for cat lovers!” - Michael Larsen, co-founder of the San Francisco Writers Conference Creative Cues From the Cat is available at www.catvisionbook.com and on Amazon.

To learn more about Gretchen de la O and her books, visit her online at: www.gretchendelao.com, www.facebook.com/booksbygretchendelao • www.Twitter.com/GretchendelaO • www.instagram.com/ GretchendelaO • www.amazon.com/author/GretchendelaO

Dennis Koller

Andree Prendergast

Pleasant Hill author Dennis Koller recently announced the release of his latest mystery/thriller, The Custer Conspiracy. “This is my third Tom McGuire novel,” Koller said. “He’s a SFPD homicide inspector and, like Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch, the public has started to embrace him. A hero, but one who has the insecurities and limitations of a real person. He makes mistakes. He’s a good cop, but not a superhero.”

In The Custer Conspiracy, McGuire is invited by a friend to the Little Bighorn Battlefield to share a secret he’s uncovered about Custer and what really happened at that battle. When McGuire arrives, he finds his friend lying on Last Stand Hill with the back of his head blown off. This starts the action and the who, what, where, and why of the mystery.

“One reviewer compared the writing and story to a cross between Dan Brown and Michael Crichton,” said Koller. “While that’s high praise, and I can only aspire to write like either of those two, The Custer Conspiracy is similar to their novels in that all three of us have intricate, yet believable plots; interesting and credible details; and short, sweet, and compact chapters.”

The Custer Conspiracy is available in both eBook and paperback editions.

It can be found on Amazon or through your local bookstore. Personalized and autographed copies are available on Koller’s website: www.denniskoller.com.

Toby is a gentle, brown-eyed, shaggy white dog adopted by a great family that thinks he is the best dog ever. Although Toby loves his new family, his adventurous nature gets the best of him and off he goes!

He plans to come back, but along the way he gets in a little bit of trouble.

Children will enjoy listening to Toby’s story as they travel with him and learn how, through courage, determination, and the love for his family, he follows his heart home.

The heartwarming Toby Got Out! is available in print, as a book CD, and now as an audio book on Audible at www.audible.com. Beautifully narrated by Becky Parker, this children’s book makes a great gift for kids 5-10 and pet lovers of all ages. To see some of the beautiful illustrations and learn more about the book, go to the author’s website, www.kidsplaypress.com. Also available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

Andree Prendergast, lives with her husband, her dog Toby, and his buddies Lila and Dolly (not to forget his 4 feline friends). This is Prendergast’s second children’s book; the first was Every Little Girl is a Princess, published by Create Space in February 2012.

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

23

Holiday Blessings for the Whole Family From Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital ... Since 1976

Mitten Project

Alhambra’s Project and Challenge

You can help Alhambra’s student leadership with their service projects during the holidays.

For the Mitten Project Alhambra families, individuals, clubs, sports teams and student groups “adopt a family” to provide gifts during the holidays. They are collecting items such as hats, scarves, fleece blankets, personal hygiene kits, and socks to help organizations in our community help others. Generally, each family member is given 3-4 gifts. If you prefer, you can donate a gift card so leadership students can shop for the gifts. Leadership’s Cereal Challenge will be donating collected boxes of cereal to various organizations helping those in need. Presents (preferably gift wrapped), and other items, can be dropped off to the school by Tuesday, December 6. Contact mgriffin@martinezusd. net with any questions.

High School News

Zachary J. Anderson, DVM • Terri Lamp, DVM • Joseph A. Thibedeau, DVM 2211 Morello Avenue • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • 925-676-1909 • www.hillcrestvet.com

MDUSD Board Member Brian Lawrence Re-Elected

MDUSD incumbent board member Brian Lawrence, who decided not to run for re-election last October but whose name was on the ballot, was reelected to the board, receiving almost 27% of the vote. Joanne Durkee won the other seat with 31% of the vote. Cherise Khaund was also a candidate and came in third, with 24% of the vote. Lawrence attempted to have his name removed from the ballot several months ago but had missed the deadline to do so.

Lawrence said on his Facebook page, “I’m honored that over 24K people voted for me. I’m humbled by the number of people who said they knew I wasn’t campaigning for reelection but voted for me anyway.” On November 17, Lawrence confirmed he will serve on the board once again. “I was reluctant to run, but I’m not reluctant about serving for the next four years. There are lots of important things for us to work on!” he said.

College Park High School Candlelight Concert

On Friday, December 9, join the College Park community for an evening of moving and stunning performances by College Park musicians and award-winning ensembles. The program includes seasonal classics and favorites performed by the concert choir, treble choir, chamber and string orchestras, and symphony orchestra. The program includes Sleigh Ride, selections from the Nutcracker, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Carol of the Bells, Hallelujah Chorus and much more. The concert takes place at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Hill, 6pm and 8pm. $12 general admission and $10 seniors and students.

EL TAPATIO authentic mexican restaurant

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SUNDAY BRUNCH SERVED 10 AM - 2 PM

Open 7 Days: Mon - Sat 11AM - 9 PM • Sundays 10AM - 8PM

40 Golf Club RD., Pleasant Hill 925.676.2420 • WWW.ELTAPS.COM 24

december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

College Park Visual Arts Show

On Friday, December 2, from 5 to 9pm, see wonderful artwork by College Park High School Visual Arts students.

Each visual art class has prepared items unique to their specialty. Come meet talented students on hand to hear how they created these unique giftables.

The glass students will have handcut and/or etched, stained and fused glass tree ornaments and night-lights.

There will also be glasses with the College Park logo etched into them. The ceramics students will have handmade mugs, whimsical spoon rests for the kitchen, bowls, and vases in all sizes. In addition, there will be mugs with the College Park logo silkscreened onto them. The photography students will use their unique photos and apply them (using different methods) to numerous gift items such as ornaments, key chains, coasters, artists canvas, mouse pads, and candle holders, to name a few.

The advanced photography students

will have matted prints of their personal photography for sale as well as action photography taken of the College Park sports teams. The fine art students will have hand-painted notecards, beautiful bookmarks, and an assortment of jewelry. Advanced students will have 12 x 18 size works in acrylic, as well as other fine art drawings and/or paintings. In fact, the watercolor that is the background for their poster was designed and painted by one of the advanced students.

Hot dogs, chips, and beverages will be available for sale, and proceeds will support the visual arts programs. The College Park Visual Boosters (CPVAB) supports fine arts (painting/drawing), photography, ceramics, and glass, and there will be something for everyone. All items are for purchase, and the non-profit CPVAB will process the sales.

Your purchases should be tax-deductible. For questions, contact cphsvisualartsboosters@gmail.com.

College Park Visual Arts Boosters would like to invite you to attend the

Winter Fine Art Showcase & Craft Fair

Artwork by Cheyanne S., CPHS Fine Art Student

Art Showcase

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2nd 5:00pm - 9:00pm COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL MULTI-USE ROOM

CPHS art students will offer art & crafts for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Visual Arts programs College Park Visual Arts Boosters will offer a snack dinner for purchase

Holiday Dickens Carolers

Let the College Park choir fill your holiday event with the magic of music! The College Park choir’s Holiday Dickens Carolers will add just the right touch to your holiday party. Dressed in festive Victorian garb, these talented singers will delight your guests with a merry set of beloved carols and seasonal classics. Bookings fill up fast, so don’t delay! Email coordinator Teri Norbye at teri.norbye@gmail.com for pricing information and availability. Holiday Dickens Carolers is a fundraiser of the CPHS Choir Boosters.

Dr. Jim Beebee and the staff of Diablo View Veterinary Hospital would like to welcome Dr. Jill Oliveira, our new associate!

We are a caring, full-service animal veterinary facility that provides comprehensive medical services for your companion dogs, cats, rabbits and pocket pets.

2609 Pleasant Hill Road • Pleasant Hill 925-942-4411 diabloviewvet.com HOURS: Monday -Friday 8:00am-6:00pm

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

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Holiday Shopping Super Boutique Adult Ed Annual Art & Crafts Sale

Holiday Gifts Galore

Mark your calendar to attend the Annual Open House and Art & Crafts Sale Saturday, December 3, 9:30am-3:30pm, at the Pleasant Hill Education Center, One Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill. Follow the signs to find unique handmade gifts for family and friends.

Adult students present over 1,000 original works of art and crafts using skills acquired in adult education classes. The sale features hand-crafted items, including: wooden toys, unique jewelry, handmade greeting cards, original paintings, quilted and knit items, weavings, woodcarvings, wood turned objects, and more. You won’t want to miss the quilt show, art shows, and demonstrations!

Do you have someone on your gift list that is difficult to shop for? Consider a gift certificate for class tuition. Coordinator Judith Sosnowski invites you to enjoy the crafts sale, visit open classrooms, meet the instructors, and watch students at work. Enter a chance to win a $25 tuition credit for a class of your choice. Please phone 925.937.1530 for additional information.

The holiday season’s largest shopping extravaganza in Central Contra Costa is at the seventh annual Super Holiday Boutique on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Pleasant Hill Community Center. Shoppers will find a potpourri of gift items and get free photos with Santa and Olaf.

The free indoor holiday event allows shoppers to get those special, one-of-akind holiday gifts, and stocking stuffers for family, friends, and colleagues from a variety of arts and crafts vendors, home-based businesses, and commercial exhibitors. Toys, clothing for babies, kids and adults, jewelry, purses, cosmetics, candles, soaps, candy, fashion accessories, home goods, bath and body care, kitchenware and cooking products, baked goods, and so much more will be available. There will be holiday decorations, ornaments and books galore. There are also several self-help and home improvement exhibitors.

Local shoppers actually have two opportunities to attend free Super Holiday Boutiques: • On Saturday, Dec. 3, 10am-2pm, at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., off Taylor Blvd. in Pleasant Hill.

• On Sunday, Dec. 4, 11am-3pm, at Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Rd. in Concord (one block off Ygnacio Valley Rd./Kirker Pass Rd. next to Clayton Valley Bowl).

Santa will be on hand to hear holiday wishes and pose for free photo opportunities with kids of all ages. Olaf from Frozen, Disney’s biggest animated movie ever, will be making a special, exclusive appearance.

Free holiday arts and crafts activities allow kids to make keepsake presents for their family and friends while parents are shopping. Each attendee will receive a free raffle ticket for numerous prizes donated by boutique vendors. Each donation of canned food to the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano earns the donor another raffle ticket. The first 200 families through the door each day will receive a holiday goody bag. Super Holiday Boutique is free to the public, with ample free parking around each venue. Visit www.superholidayboutique.com for more information.

Martinez Arts Boutique Shop in the Old Train Depot

Continuing a long-standing tradition, the Martinez Arts Association will be hosting their annual holiday boutique with over 20 local artisans from December 2 through 18. Visitors will find a wide range of unique art, crafts, and other goodies that make great gifts.

The boutique will be open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am to 7pm, and Sunday, 11am to 3pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted. The old train depot is located downtown at the north end of Ferry Street by the train tracks.

The Martinez Arts Association presents the 5th Annual

December 2 - 18, 2016

Boutique hours: Open Wed. through Sat. • Showcasing local artisans & craftspeople 11:00 am to 7:00 pm • Unique handmade gifts and treats Sunday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

for family and friends of all ages

In the Old Train Depot

at the bottom of Ferry Street in Downtown Martinez 26

december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Rodgers Ranch Boutique

On December 3 and 4, enjoy shopping in the Rodgers Ranch 1860s farmhouse for unique and homemade gifts by vendors such as Deb’s Sweets & Savories, Body

by Bees, Mosaix Designs, Rust and Roses, Divine Dog Jewelry and much more! Visit from 10am-4pm, at Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill.

More information can be found at RodgersRanch.org.

#HERSMILE Holiday Fair

On December 4, 10am-2pm, the #HERSMILE non-profit will host a community holiday fair at Morello Park Elementary, 1200 Morello Park Drive, Martinez. Proceeds will help children dealing with loss by sending them to a local grief camp.

More than 19 local vendors and crafters offer countless gift options, including custom gift baskets, household goods and crafts, cosmetics, fine costume jewelry, high quality clothing, and much more. This event offers photo opportunities with Santa Claus and local heroes from the Martinez police and fire departments. A local Girl Scout troop is hosting a bake sale at the event that includes baked goods from a local baking artisan. Gift wrapping services are also offered for a nominal charge. This event has something for everyone!

“We are continuing to provide events and programs that give back to the greater Bay Area. By hosting the 2016 #HERSMILE Holiday Fair, we are providing residents an opportunity to have their shopping dollars impact the community in which they live. That is powerful,” says Dena Betti, executive director of #HERSMILE.

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

Kiwanis See’s Candies Sale

Martinez Kiwanis is once again selling See’s Candies from November 28 through December 24. You’ll get the same great value as well as a fine selection of candy without having to wait in line.

The selling of See’s Candies is the primary fundraiser for this local non-profit service organization. All proceeds will be donated throughout the community to other non-profit organizations that serve youth, the elderly, and the needy. In addition, scholarships will be given to Martinez high school seniors who have either achieved a level of academic excellence and wish to further their education by attending a 4-year college, or have chosen to pursue a career in a vocational program.

Martinez Kiwanis is a member of Kiwanis International, a global service organization of volunteers whose mission is to improve the lives of children throughout the world, one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis has been a member of the Martinez community for over 85 years and has been dedicated in fulfilling that mission. The club is currently 62 members strong and made up of people who wish to give back to their community by volunteering their talent, expertise and time. Collectively, they give over 2,000 volunteer hours per year to the community and other non- profit organizations, a group clearly dedicated to service.

You can help support this worthwhile organization by purchasing See’s Candies at one of their local locations and/or visiting www.martinezkiwanis.org.

Christmas Boutique Saturday, December 3, 2016 • 10am - 2pm

THE LAFAYETTE CHAMBER PRESENTS

A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

ful Lif e r e d on in Lafayette Friday, December 2 • 4pm-6:30pm • Lafayette Plaza W Sponsored byThe Dana Green Team and Branagh Development

It’s a

Come celebrate the holidays with tree lighting, food, drinks, music & entertainment, children’s activities, and Santa!

Join us for a fun day of shopping for holiday gifts, crafts, baked goods, decorations and more. Support local crafters and business owners.

Faith Lutheran Church 50 Woodsworth Lane in Pleasant Hill (925) 685-7353 www.welcometofaith.com

LOVE LAFAYETTE !

...a time for gathering, giving & gratitude.

try lafayette first!

Visit www.lafayettechamber.org | Support Local Businesses. Try Lafayette First. ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

27

DIY Holiday Crafting Spruce Up Your Home this Season!

BY REBECCA SEIDENSPINNER It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and with this favorite winter holiday comes the opportunity to decorate every inch of your home with garland, bows, twinkling lights, and jingle bells. If you are a Pinterest follower, then DIY crafts and holiday decorations are endless. Pinterest is a great way to find ideas and entertain yourself and your children with fun crafts. Here are a few DIY projects to dazzle your holiday guests and even impress the famous Santa Claus!

Family Photo A new holiday trend that has popped up over the past few years is a family photo shoot that is styled beautifully for the perfect holiday card. Families are photographed in outdoor locations with festive colors and the perfect backdrop. This was our first year taking a family photo, and I knew I needed a photo prop that would send my pictures into the “out of this world” category.

I decided on a wooden sign I could reuse after the photo shoot to hang over my fireplace as a focal point. I went to Home Depot and bought two wooden fence boards for $1.68 each. I asked the worker to make two cuts evenly on each board, and I had two small pieces left over.

(I sometimes show the workers the photo of my craft project to help communicate my needs.) I used the two leftover pieces on the back and six screws to fasten the boards together. So easy! I painted the boards white with acrylic paint and used a set of stencils and a pencil to trace letters onto the boards. I painted the inside of the letters with red paint. Don’t worry if you mess up; you can sandpaper off any mistakes. This actually gives it an old rustic or farmhouse look, which is my favorite. This project cost me less than $10 to make, and I can’t wait to send out my holiday photo cards.

Snow Globes Mason jars have become really popular and are now used for so much more than storage containers. A Mason jar makes a great gift when used as a vase with flowers or a pre-measured holiday cookie mix. I had a bunch of mason jars left over from canning some strawberry jam last spring, so I thought I would make some Mason jar snow globes. I went to Wal-Mart and bought a bag of fake snow, some little figurines that go along with the Christmas village displays, and some miniature fake trees. My children each picked out a favorite figurine, but you could also use action figures, Lego men, or any type of little trinket or treasure. Using my hot glue gun, I glued items to the lid, put the jar over them, and screwed the lid on. I display them in a galvanized pet food tray from Wal-Mart that cost me $3.98. This project was super easy, with no mess!

Cardholder I wanted to bring the outdoors inside by creating my own holiday cardholder with fresh greenery. I bought a medium-sized embroidery hoop at Michaels, a roll of twine, and some clothespins. With permission, I headed over to the neighbor’s yard to pick some greenery. I did buy one bunch of greens at the grocery store and clipped some fresh rosemary from my own garden. I wrapped the embroidery hoop with the twine and then wove the greenery around the edge of the hoop. It smells amazing and looks like a dream catcher! Double love! I can’t wait to add my holiday cards. This project was created from love and inspiration of the outdoors and cost under $10 to make.

Hot Cocoa Bar Dress up your hot cocoa with delicious fixings and tasty toppings by creating a hot cocoa bar in your home. All you need is a few holiday mugs, a cute and inviting chalkboard sign, and the biggest jar of marshmallows! Beware: your kids will want to make hot cocoa everyday after school. Don’t forget to stock the refrigerator with whipped cream, too!

Whether you take on a big DIY craft project or something small, handmade crafts are an inexpensive way to decorate your home. And, they sure are fun for all!

28

december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

HOLIDAY BEVERAGES Holiday Mule 4 parts vodka 3 parts cider 3 parts ginger beer

2 splashes lemon juice 2 apple slices 2 whole cinnamon sticks

Fill highball glasses with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Garnish with apple slice and cinnamon stick.

Warm Bourbon Cider 1 gal. fresh apple cider 5 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

2 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 3 c. bourbon

In a stockpot, heat apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

When mixture is hot but not boiling, remove from heat and add bourbon. Stir to distribute spices and divide cider among 20 mugs.

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate 6 cups milk 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder 1/4 cup sugar 2 tbsp. molasses 3 tsp. ground ginger 2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg 1/4 tsp. allspice 7 ounces good quality milk chocolate, chopped Whipped cream, for serving Mini marshmallows, for serving

Combine the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon nutmeg and allspice in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar, cocoa powder and spices are dissolved and the milk is steaming, about 5 minutes.

Do not let the mixture come to a boil. Whisk in the chopped chocolate a little at a time until smooth. Divide among 6 to 8 mugs and garnish with whipped cream and mini marshmallows.

Toast to good cheer during the holidays with colorful and festive cocktails that are certain to put you in good spirits.

Candy Cane Cocktail 2 shots vanilla vodka 2 shots white chocolate liqueur

2 shots peppermint schnapps 2 candy canes

Add all liquid ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into martini glass. Garnish with candy cane.

Hot Buttered Rum 4 parts dark rum (aged) 8 parts boiling water 2 parts honey 2 tsp. butter

2 pinches nutmeg 2 lemon slices 2 whole cinnamon sticks

Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass. Pour into a festive mug.

Garnish with lemon and a cinnamon stick.

Gingerbread Eggnog White Russian 3 tsp. cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses 4 oz. eggnog 4 oz. vodka 4 oz. Kahlua

3 tsp. molasses 1/8 tsp. ground ginger Whipped cream for topping Molasses drizzle for topping

Mix cinnamon and sugar and pour onto a plate. Wet rims of each glass and dip them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour eggnog, vodka, Kahlua, molasses, and ginger. Shake to combine. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream, then add a light drizzle of molasses.

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

29

P L E A S A N T

H I L L

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

It’s Your Business.

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

2017 Pleasant Hill Chamber Board of Directors Tom Guarino Guarino,, PG&E (Chair) Joe Stokley, Stokley Properties (Chair Elect) Julie McCoy, ReMax Accord (Past Chair) Mike Robertson, Risk Concepts Insurance Brokers,Inc (Treasurer)

From the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Ambassadors and Staff

“Thank you for making the Pleasant Hill Chamber a success for all in 2016!”

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Government Affairs Committee supported and advocated for Measure K, Propositions 51, 52, 54, 67 and BART'S Measure RR Monthly Business Mixers were brought back due to popular demand Launched "Member of the Month" program Ambassador Committee mentored over 50 new members 680 Business Clubs continued their great work in building stronger relationships Green Business Committee helped businesses to reduce, reuse & recycle 680 Business Clubs provided network to build stronger business relationships Hosted another successful Mega Business Mixer in Pleasant Hill Annual Art, Jazz & Wine Fest, Blues & Brews Festival (in partnership with PHRPD), & many other great events brought thousands of visitors to our community and new business to our members

Welcome New Members

East Bay Loyalty Monarch Consulting Group De La Housaye & Associates, ALC Dos Coyotes Border Cafe Anderson Creative Kait's Art Vintage Home GMG Cleaners National Alliance on Mental Illness, CCC 30

Bruce Hunt Leon Key David Armanini Jason Wolenik Jon Anderson Kaitlin Frisk Eugene & Gina Dela Cruz Will Taylor

december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

(866) (323) (925) (925) (415) (925) (925) (925)

582-7670 259-2609 944-3300 676-0400 412-3104 383-5470 691-1120 289-9859

Heather Schiffman, Contra Costa Association of Realtors (Secretary) Connie Anderson, Anderson Organizing Yvonne Cer Ceresa esa,, Edward Jones Maria Dempsey, JetSuiteX Susan Hurl, Republic Services Bruce Job Jobson son,, Job Jobson son Group Howard Jordan, Jordan Consulting and Investigations Da David vid Le Levien vien,, Pruden Prudential Laur Lauren en Sm Smyk yko owski ski,, Law Offic Offices es of of Lauren Lauren Sm Smyk yko owski Christopher Thomas, Land Home Financial Jennif Jennifer er V Voss oss,, Voss oss Global Global Communic Communication Ang Angela ela W Warr arren en,, Land Land Home Home Financial Financial/WiseGirl Jim Wunderman, Bay Area Council

It is hard to believe I am celebrating my seventh month as your President & CEO. It has been an amazing experience so far and I am looking forward to even more positive changes in 2017. I want to thank my dedicated Staff, Board of Directors and Ambassadors for their support and hard work to enhance Pleasant Hill’s vibrant business community.

Our entire organization wishes everyone a very Happy Holiday Season and a prosperous New Steve Van Dorn Year!

President & CEO

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

www.pleasanthillchamber.com

Holiday Hazards

Playing Outside

BY DR. LOUISA ASSEO

As the year comes to a close and we think ahead to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, please keep these tips in mind to keep your furry friends safe during the season.

1.Tinsel and Ribbon. These items are incredibly intriguing as toys – especially for cats. However, if they are ingested, they can cause serious intestinal obstructions that usually require surgery to correct.

2. Poinsettia. While they look great around your house during the holidays, these festive plants are mildly toxic to your pets and can cause vomiting and diarrhea if your pet eats them.

3. Mistletoe. While mistletoe is great for inspiring loved ones to show their affection, it contains toxalbumin and pharatoxins, which if ingested by your pet can cause gastrointestinal irritation, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. So, please keep your mistletoe up high, where it can do its holiday duty for you and your loved ones while remaining out of your pet’s reach.

4. Chocolate. Chocolate is delicious, and your dogs think so too! Unfortunately, cacao, from which chocolate is made, contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to your furry family members. Also, be sure to keep those candy bowls on high tables or counters, where your dogs can’t help themselves. If you suspect your dog may have gotten into chocolate (severe symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures), contact your veterinarian immediately.

5. Secure your Tree. What cat can resist climbing that fancy new cat tree you got for them, especially when it’s covered in tinsel and other shiny toys (otherwise known as ornaments)? Even when installed in a holder, Christmas trees can still be somewhat unstable

BY EMILY HOLM

“How can I make sure my child succeeds in life?” This is the chorus of laments from modern parents, starting at a very early age. Many seek out music lessons, language classes, athletic training and even admission coaches, all before their child even enters preschool.

All of these can be wonderful endeavors. But there is an avenue of wonder that many parents do not seek out that is documented to provide a broad range of benefits for children, including; stress reduction, improved academic performance, better eyesight, more advanced motor skills, heightened creative play, increased concentration, and lower risks of obesity. This free activity you can do with your child does not take any special skills or training: Help children build a personal relationship with nature!

Numerous studies from the past few decades show that spending time playing outside offers children all of these benefits, and more. Yet kids are spending less and less time playing outside.

Richard Louv named this trend, “naturedeficit disorder” in his book, The Last Child in the Woods.

There are actually a number of reasons that kids today may not spend much time playing outside, including distractions from technology, lack of access to natural spaces, and physical discomforts, such as bugs and heat. But if children have a personal experience with nature, they are almost twice as

Keeping Your Pets Safe this Season and easily toppled. Make sure your tree is properly and fully secured in its stand to minimize the chance of tipping over.

6. Lighting on low branches. Remember that scene from Christmas Vacation?

Seriously, dogs and cats like to chew on things, especially things that have the smell and taste of a fresh Christmas tree. While LED Christmas tree lights are definitely safer and use less power than older types of lighting, they still require electricity and are not impervious to your pet’s teeth. If your pet likes to chew on things (or if you’re uncertain), keep those light strings out of the lower branches, so they don’t become a temptation.

7. Holiday Meals. As tempting as it may be (especially when they’re giving you that “look” from under the table), avoid sharing your holiday meals with your dogs. While not specifically toxic, many holiday foods can pose other dangers.

Turkey bones are brittle and easily splintered, resulting in tiny, sharp fragments that can scrape, cut, or perforate your pet’s gastrointestinal tract on its way through. For those that prefer prime rib over turkey, it may be tempting to give those bones to your dog to chew on. However, those bones, especially cooked, are very hard, and can result in broken teeth.

It has been a pleasure being part of your lives this year, and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

From all your friends at Oasis Veterinary Hospital, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

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

Oasis Veterinary Hospital proudly sponsors the

PET ADOPTION CONNECTION www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Sharing Nature with Children

likely to enjoy spending time outside with their peers and be more appreciative of the natural world and the value of protecting the environment. At Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek, a main goal is to help children create that connection with wildlife by teaching them about the animals in their own backyard!

Building a relationship with nature does not have to be difficult or costly.

Families can go into their own backyards or neighborhood parks, look closely at the different colors they can find, count bugs, “paint” with water on rocks, close their eyes and listen for wildlife sounds, or make mud soup.

Sometimes, the best plan for playing in nature is to have no plan at all!

Giving children a chance for regular, unstructured time in nature can be the most impactful. Especially for young children, environmental education should begin with teaching them that the natural world is a special place for play, hands-on exploration, and discovery.

Sadly, there is no single, miraculous solution for success, but making sure the children in your life are getting outside and supporting programs that give all children access to natural areas may be the closest we have.

The Lindsay Wildlife Hospital is located on the west side of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience building at 1931 First Avenue in Walnut Creek. For more information, go to the website at www. lindsaywildlife.org

Special Event, Aviation & Adventure Photographer in Pleasant Hill, CA

San Francisco Bay Area photographer, Susan Wood chases light from land, sea & sky, delivering high quality images to corporate and non-profit clients, families, and individuals. Shooting with passion and high energy, her ability to “capture the moment” shines through in the wide variety of photographs she delivers.

2015

(925) 939-7060 | SusanWoodPhotography.com | susanwoodphoto@hotmail.com ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

31

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december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

In the Mix

I Have My Favorites. Do You?

BY PAUL COTRUVO

We could not be more divided in this country. Wait, I’m not talking about the election (but we can all be thankful that it’s over). I am talking about the love or lack thereof for holiday music.

Seems the pundits are split right down the middle. Is it “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” by Elmo & Patsy, “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, or just shutting off the radio altogether?

Well, if you chose the latter, it may still be hard to escape. Yes, folks, it’s that time again when everywhere you go holiday music will become a part of your life. It will be piped in at shopping malls, department stores, gyms, and even the restroom. For me, this is the last place I need to “Hallelujah” while taking care of business. (And yes, this has happened to me.) Yes, friends, you may hear “Jingle Bells” played in every style of music possible: jazz, classical, rock, blues, country, spoken word, rap, heavy metal, and reggae. And let us not forget the infamous barking dogs version.

But don’t think for a minute that I hate holiday music; actually there are some amazing arrangements out there for the listening. I always tend to either go for some of the alternative versions or the old classics. So, if you are thinking about putting a playlist together for

any upcoming parties, check these out.

1) Right off the bat, you can never go wrong with “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love. Rolling Stone magazine ranked this song number one on its list of the greatest rock and roll Christmas songs.

2) Keeping with the somewhat traditional theme, Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” would be my next choice.

It’s Elvis at his best.

3) My first choice for an alternative song is by the group My Morning Jacket, “Xmas Time is Here Again,” a very cool song written and sung by Jim James, the band’s lead singer.

4) If you have a dysfunctional family, the ultimate song is none other than Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas From the Family.” Maybe not a politically correct tune, but funny, and you will be playing this over and over again.

5) My next choice is by someone I never thought would release a Christmas album. Yes, Nobel Prize winning Bob Dylan released an album in 2009 called “Christmas in the Heart.” This album is not for the faint of heart. You will either love it or hate it. There is no middle ground here. But his version of “Must Be Santa” needs to be on your playlist – an up-tempo song the whole family will sing along with.

6) My list would never be complete without a funky blues tune. Otis Redding’s version of “Merry Christmas Baby” is the best version out there.

Although covered by many, this is the one for me.

7) A song that always takes me back to my childhood and continues to be a favorite of mine is Bobby Helm’s “Jingle Bell Rock.” A classic for sure!

8) “Celebrate Me Home” is a song written by Kenny Loggins, and he does have a nice version, but my favorite happens to be the Lady Antebellum version. Perfect harmonies.

9) Next on the list is “Baby its Cold Outside.” Many have recorded this song over the years, but for my playlist I would choose the Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan version. Warming up some cocoa just thinking about this tune.

10) And finally, I could not make any

kind of list without including the Beatles. They recorded various Christmas records to their exclusive Beatle Fan Club as a thank you. These recordings are rare and hard to find, but their song “Christmas Time is Here Again” is rocking and hilarious. If you can find it, get it!

So, I guess I really do like holiday music! As I made this list, I started to think of a dozen or so more. Finally, I wish all of you a very happy holiday season. I look forward to seeing you out supporting local music in 2017!

Quote of the Month: “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” ~ The Grinch

Advanced Planning is a thoughtful and considerate act that your loved ones will truly appreciate. A death in the family is difficult enough without the added burden of making arrangements at the last minute.

The holidays, when families are together, are a good time to talk about your family’s future.

The average funeral costs around $7500

Oakmont Mortuary is offering a 10% discount that could save you about $750 on Pre-Arranged Funeral Goods and Services until Dec. 31, 2016

Please call to arrange an appointment with Kate Lane

(925) 935-3311 • klane@stonemor.com

Oakmont Mortuary & Crematory 2099 Reliez Valley Road Lafayette, CA. 94549

“Thoughtful service within the means of all”

FD #875

Paul’s Picks

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

December 3: Caroompas Room, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm December 4: 8th Annual MMM Toy Drive, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 3pm December 9: The Big Jangle, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm December 10: Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Ensemble, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm December 23: The Sunday Paper, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm December 29: The Buzztones, Rocco’s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, 8pm December 31: Lumberyard, Back 40, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill, 7pm December 31: Queens & Thieves, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm December 31: Garageland Rodeo, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm December 31: Mad Karma, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, 10pm

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

tel. (925) 229 8890

www.parkwaysmilesdental.com 1029 Arnold Drive, Suite 9 Martinez, CA 94553 (between Walmart and Home Depot) New patients are welcome! In-Network with most PPO plans Specials available for non-insured patients

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

33

Pair Up

Smoky Smorgasbord

BY MARIA TERRY

Winter is the time of year when the smell of a fire burning in a hearth brings comforting warmth to the cold winter air.

Bourbon can have a similar effect. Like fine red wine, bourbon is aged in charred oak barrels, which impart deep, smoky aromas. There seems to be something almost magical about this warm brown liquid, made from corn, that makes you want to while away the hours in the town for which it was named, Old Bourbon, Kentucky.

The quintessential bourbon cocktail, the Old Fashioned, was invented in Louisville, Kentucky. This inaugural drink is served in its namesake glass and offsets bourbon’s high alcohol and smokiness with sweet sugar, complex bitters, and a twist of floral citrus rind. Pair this slightly sweet, smoky drink with smoked salmon.

Each guest can create the perfect bite when you set out little rye bread rounds, softened cream cheese, chopped red onion, and herbaceous capers in accompaniment. The spice notes in the bourbon contrast the fattiness of the salmon, while the smoke in the bourbon complements it. The soda and ice cleanse the palate, and the orange twist is a bright

foil to the briny fish.

As a highlight of the evening, bone-in rib eye roast is one of the most spectacular cuts of meats to serve. Go one step further and spoon Spiced Cherry Bourbon Sauce over the top of each piece. When you flame the bourbon before adding it to the sauce, most of the bitter alcohol will burn off. Then, blend with meaty broth, tangy shallots, and sweet-spicy cherries for a sublime result.

Choose premium single barrel bourbon for its powerful aromas of caramel, cocoa, vanilla, and maple syrup. It serves as a worthy adversary to the intense flavors of the meat and sauce. As for the rest of the plate, simple, creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite green vegetable soothe your palate, and the colors of red, white, and green please the eye.

Pear Spice Bread Pudding is a praiseworthy “comfort” dessert to end this winter feast. I like the addition of pears as they reinforce the sweet pear and apple flavors found in the blended bourbon you pair with it. Serve the bourbon over ice or mix with a bit of water to tamp down the alcohol levels and bring out the aromas and flavors.

So, go on. Pair Up!

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

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Old-Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail INGREDIENTS 1 sugar cube 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters A splash of club soda 2 oz. bourbon 1 Old-Fashioned glass DIRECTIONS Place the sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon loose sugar) in an Old-Fashioned glass.

Wet it down with 2 or 3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a short splash of club soda.

Crush the sugar with a wooden muddler. Rotate the glass so that the sugar grains and bitters coat the inside of the glass. Add ice cubes. Pour in the bourbon and serve with a stirring rod.

Yield: 1 Drink

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

Spiced Cherry Bourbon Sauce INGREDIENTS 2/3 cup bourbon 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots 2/3 cup beef stock 1/2 cup crushed spiced cherries, pitted and chopped, or left whole (your preference) DIRECTIONS Heat bourbon in heavy small saucepan over medium heat until warm.

Remove from heat; carefully ignite with match. Let burn 30 seconds, then cover to extinguish flame.

Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet; add shallots and sauté 2 minutes.

Add stock, cherries, and bourbon; boil until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Remove from heat. Add remaining 5 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking just until melted. Spoon sauce over your favorite grilled steaks and serve.

Yield: 1 Cup

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

Pear Spice Bread Pudding, Bourbon Hard Sauce INGREDIENTS 2 2/3 cups granulated sugar, divided 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon 4 large fresh pears, cored and sliced 1 loaf of Italian bread, cubed 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 9 eggs 2 tablespoons vanilla extract Hard Sauce 1 cup butter 3 cups powdered sugar 4 tablespoons bourbon DIRECTIONS Mix 2/3 cup granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Toss 2 tablespoons of cinnamon-sugar mixture with pears. Set pears aside. Toss bread cubes with melted butter and sprinkle liberally with remaining cinnamon-sugar. Arrange on baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown. Cool at least 5 minutes.

Butter sides and bottom of 9x13x2-inch glass baking dish; set aside. Combine milk, cream, eggs, 2 cups granulated sugar and vanilla in mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Place one layer of bread cubes in glass dish. Arrange layer of pear slices on top. Repeat layers, ending with bread cubes. Pour egg mixture over all. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Place pudding pan with foil cover in larger pan of cold water on lower shelf in oven. Bake at 350° F for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until sharp knife inserted in center comes out clean.

To make Hard Sauce: Cream butter before slowly adding powdered sugar. Blend the mixture until it is light and fluffy before adding the liquor.

Once thoroughly combined, chill the hard sauce until you are ready to serve it. Hard sauce can keep for several days in the refrigerator.

Yield: 8-10 Servings

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

Women’s Chorale Kicking off the Holiday Season

Diablo Women’s Chorale invites you to join them for POP! Goes the Season on Saturday, December 10, at Hillside Covenant Church, 2060 Magnolia Way, Walnut Creek. Show time is 2pm.

Get ready to kick off your holiday season with a mashup of old and new holiday songs and pop favorites as director Steve Mullins, accompanist Carolyn Wolf, and the spirited sounds of the Diablo Women’s Chorale present POP! Goes the Season, featuring music from a live band. It’s entertainment for the whole family and a great way to get

into the holiday spirit! Tickets are $17/ general admission, $10/student, and $22/premium seating. Limited number of tickets available at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.DiabloWomensChorale.org or by calling 1-800-838-3006.

Diablo Women’s Chorale is a lively group of women singers from the Bay Area that presents concerts in December and May. New members are welcomed in August and January. For further information, visit www.DiabloWomensChorale.org.

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY: MICHAEL BRIONEZ

Your Neighborhood Realtor Looking for a single level home? Call Michael!

925-288-0477

michael@michaelbrionez.com

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

Dec. 11 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. This delicious breakfast includes pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Cost is $4.00 for adults/$2.50 for children 10 and under. Handmade crafts, perfect for gifts, will be on sale during the breakfast.

Dec. 16 – Christmas Luncheon 12pm. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! Join us for our annual Christmas Luncheon and see the center transform into a Winter Wonderland. Catering by Cynthia will be providing a delicious holiday meal. Make sure to pick up your ticket and sign up at the front desk. $20.00 members/$22.00 non-members.

Dec. 31 - New Years Eve Bingo. Doors open at 5:30pm and games start at 7pm. What better way to ring in the New Year then to spend it at the Senior Center playing bingo!

There will be guaranteed $50 pots, prizes and refreshments. Everyone is welcome and no reservation is necessary. Just show up and join the fun!

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Dec. 2 - Holiday Taste of the Vine 3-5pm, PH Senior Center. Cozy up with us for the perfect holiday happy hour. Enjoy wine, food, laughter and a chance to win prizes.

Sponsored by Carlton Senior Living. Tickets: $10 pre-sale or $15 day of event.

Dec. 4 - Pancake Breakfast 8:30-10:30am, Chateau Room. All ages are welcome. Enjoy pancakes or French toast, eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee. Adults (11+)$5; children (5-10) $3; 4 & under Free!

2015

Dec. 8 - Clarinet Fusion “Silver Bells” Holiday Music Concert. Doors open at 6:30pm, concert begins at 7pm, PH Senior Center. Tickets: $5 pre-sale, $8 day of. No refunds.

Dec. 16 - Holiday Luncheon 12pm, PH Senior Center. Get into the holiday spirit with festive entertainment and a delightful lunch. Buy tickets at the center in advance. (Not available day of.) Members $15/person; non-members $20/person.

Mark Ellinwood, Owner

ANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • 1 TIME SPRAY OK

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ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

35

A Gift to Our Community - The Cancer Support Community

BY JEWEL JOHL, MD

As a medical oncologist, I see patients who endure physical and emotional stress caused by cancer.

While working to eradicate the cancer, I always take into account the condition of the body and mind. From the time of diagnosis to after completion of treatment, psychosocial support is always recommended for the patient, their family members, and caregivers.

One of the most valuable resources in our community for cancer patients and their families is the Cancer Support

Community in Walnut Creek.

For over 15 years, my colleagues at Diablo Valley Oncology and I have referred our patients, friends, and loved ones to them. The Cancer Support Community provides services free of charge that include counseling, support groups, nutrition, exercise, patient education programs and much more.

In 2016 so far, over 2,200 patients and their families have made 22,000 visits to Cancer Support Community. Through their programs, they enable cancer patients to achieve an improved quality of life. All of their programs and services are evidence-based to positively impact cancer treatment outcomes Lic.0506034

and/or immune system functioning, and are delivered by professionals who are licensed or certified in their area of expertise.

As the year draws to a close, many people embrace the spirit of giving by making tax-deductible contributions to nonprofit organizations and charities. Please consider making a year-end gift to the Cancer Support Community annual appeal, “Campaign for Hope.” All funds raised will help this organization continue to provide valuable programs and services to our local community.

Dr. Johl is a board certified medical oncologist and hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group and serves on the board of directors for the Cancer Support Community. To learn more about Dr.

Johl and Diablo Valley Oncology, visit www.dvohmg.com. The Cancer Support Community can be reached at 925-9330107 or www.cancersupport.net.

Please plan to attend a Holiday Boutique & Fundraiser sponsored by Diablo Valley Oncology in Pleasant Hill on December 9, 1-4pm. Vendors include Sloat Garden Center, Amphora Olive Oil, Chloe + Isabel and Beauty Counter, and all donate a portion of their sales to the Cancer Support Community. For more information, call 925-677-5041.

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2013 • 2014 • 2015 36

december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Ring in the New Year: Healthier Than Ever

BY DR. ARMANDO SAMANIEGO, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, STAT MED URGENT CARE

With winter settling in and family and friends gathering for the holidays, there is something else to remember during your preparations: avoid a visit to the ER. There’s nothing like the added stress of very long waits or missed family time to dampen your holiday spirit and the start of a new year.

Are these familiar holiday memories?

• Missing holiday dinner because congestion turned into pneumonia • Experiencing a deep cut from broken glass washing holiday dinner dishes • Spraining or fracturing a bone while working on roof lights • Wishing you hadn’t grabbed the falling carving knife • Enduring a painful burn from grabbing a stove pot or spilling hot liquid • Catching the flu from out of town guests

No one plans for an illness or injury, but did you know that roughly 70% of visits to the ER can be handled at an

urgent care like STAT MED Urgent Care?

Having worked in Bay Area emergency rooms for many years, I saw patients this time of year endure extended wait times in addition to the expense of a visit to the ER.

STAT MED is prepared for medical needs requiring more advanced care to basic levels of care, such as stitches, strep tests, or physicals. And STAT MED offers an online check-in option.

This year, remember you have an alternative to going to the ER that offers exceptional care alongside an outstanding experience so you can feel better sooner!

With doctors on-site 7 days a week including holidays, along with x-rays and labs, the attentive team at STAT MED Urgent Care can diagnose and treat whatever is urgent to you. Learn more at statmed.com or by calling 925234-4447 for our Pleasant Hill location near Sunvalley Mall. Almost all insurance plans are accepted.

Clarinet Fusion

Holiday Extravaganza for the Family

BY TOM WEBER

Clarinet Fusion, the Bay Area’s premiere clarinet choir, returns to the Pleasant Hill Senior Center on Thursday, December 8, at 7pm. With musical selections spanning all ages, this special performance is a great opportunity for the entire family. This is Clarinet Fusion’s fifth performance at the center. These fine musicians thoroughly enjoy the great reception they receive, and their audience grows with each return.

At this event, a trio of beautiful voices from a local church joins us for special tunes and leads us all in a holiday singalong. We will have a few distinct tunes for the younger folks, including “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen and a medley of music from Pirates of the Caribbean. And, of course, we will be playing many of your old favorites. Music lovers of all ages will enjoy this wonderful new program!

It is exciting to see youngsters dancing to the tunes, delighting both their parents and grandparents. Let your children and grandchildren get up close and see these grand instruments; introduce budding young musicians to the wonders

of music and encourage them to learn to play.

The nine musicians from Clarinet Fusion will perform on six uniquely different clarinets, from the small and high-pitched E-flat to the low-toned big daddy of the clarinet family, the double B-flat contrabass.

Come early to enjoy seeing the wide variety of clarinets on display. The musicians of Clarinet Fusion will set up tables full of wonderful and unique clarinets to share. The musicians will also be available to answer questions from young and old alike.

This is a great opportunity to enhance the interest of young people in the wonderful world of music and musical performance.

Doors open at 6:30pm. Presale admission is $5 or $8 at the door. For more info and to purchase tickets, call 925-798-8788.

For more information about Clarinet Fusion, visit www.clarinetfusion.org. You can also contact Tom Weber, the group’s business manager, at clarinetfusion@ sbcglobal.net.

ROAD TRIPS presented by Les Schwab in Martinez Snow Tubing at Soda Springs Winter Resort

One of the oldest family winter traditions has become a little easier at Soda Springs Winter Resort. Just over a 2 ½ hour ride from Martinez, it’s a straight shot located 1 mile east of I-80 at Soda Springs exit. Soda Springs’“Planet Kids” snow play area designed specifically for children (age 7 & under), is like a winter carnival, with a tubing hill, snow tube carousel, mini-snow tubing for little ones, and a snow volcano. “Tube Town” is the resorts’ area for adults and kids 42” and taller. The premier snow tubing area has 20 lanes and a 400ft slope with a surface lift to take you back to the top. For information and tickets visit www.skisodasprings.com.

FREE PRE-TRIP CAR CHECK

Tires, Alignment, Brakes, Battery, Struts/Shocks, Tire Air Pressure No purchase necessary, must present coupon.

Dwayne Glemser Manager

www.lesschwabmartinez.com

3800 Alhambra, Martinez • (925)370-6382 THE CARS CAN'T TALK BUT WE CAN!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

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Knowledgeable Sales Staff Large Selection in Stock Designer Quality at Affordable Pricing Next Day Delivery Best Price in Town

Come visit our designer showroom

TRANTHAM FAMILY

FUNDRAISER 7-11 PM

See the exhibits, nosh on appetizers, and leave a cash or check donation for the Trantham Family.

LAST DATE FOR 2016 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

2310 “D” Bates Avenue (Near HWY 4) Concord, CA Mon- Fri 7 - 5 • Sat 9 - 2 925-798-7525 • 1-800-566-8534

CARS, KIDS & COFFEE 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae

themouldingcompany.com Our Professional Staff

The museum will open at 10:00 to those participating in Cars, Kids & Coffee, or to Museum Members. Regular pricing applies.

Visit our website to register

www.cobraexperience.org 925-558-5585

777 ARNOLD DRIVE, SUITE 200, MARTINEZ ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

37

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Special Shows for Assisted Living, Convalescent Homes & Hospitals

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Flaskerud - RE/MAX Today Front Room Martinez Gil’s Carpet Gus Kramer, County Assessor Hagin’s Automotive Hammer’s Heating and A/C Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Hire My Husband Home Detailers Housekeeping Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S. Kiwanis Kobe Japan Lafayette Chamber of Commerce

Law Offices of Daniel L. DuRee Law Office of Jeffrey Hall, Inc. Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski Les Schwab Tires Main Street Martinez Martinez Arts Association Martinez Auto Body Matt Rinn – State Farm Insurance Maureen Ingalls - RE/MAX Accord Michael Brionez, J. Rockcliff Moulding Company Noralea Gipner for City Council Oasis Veterinary Hospital Pak Mail Parkway Smiles Dental

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december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Ruth Bancroft Garden Safe At Home Samuels Construction Senior Helpers Shell Western States Credit Union Stat Med Urgent Care Susan Wood Photography Total Wine and More Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails

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Make Some Plans november 30

december 2 & 4

december 6

december 10

Diablo Valley Democratic Club

Diablo Choral Concert

Tips for a Healthy Prostate

POP! Goes the Season

St. Mary’s professor Monica Fitzgerald and Government and Community Relations Director Tim Farley discuss the implications of the elections. 7pm, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Rd, Walnut Creek. 925.946.0469 or www.dvdems.org.

Diablo Choral Artists present “Christmas Pudding,” a concert of traditional English songs.

12/2 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Orinda, 12/4 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Hill. www.dcachorus.org.

Free educational event focusing on issues affecting prostate health and newer approaches to treating enlarged prostate without medication or major surgery. 6:30-8:30pm, WC Library, Oak View Room, 1644 N. Broadway. Advanced registration required, call 925-677-5041 x272 or www.pacific-urology. com.

Diablo Women’s Chorale presents a mashup of old and new songs and pop favorites. A great way to start the holidays! Hillside Covenant Church, 2060 Magnolia Way, Walnut Creek, 2pm. www.DiabloWomensChorale.org.

november 30

december 2 - 4

december 6

december 17

Light Up the Night

Handcrafted Holiday Sale

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

CC Humane Society Benefit

Ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, prints, and more by Community Arts teachers and students. Center for Community Arts at Shadelands. Free admission. 12/2, 5-9pm; 12/3, 10-6pm, and 12/4, 10-4pm.

Holiday program and potluck! Programs open to all interested in gardening. Guests are always welcome and free. PH Community Center, 6:30pm. 925-323-9314 or www. phgsc.com.

Kendra Scott Gives Back Party benefitting CCHS. 5-8pm, 91 Broadway Ln., Walnut Creek.

Sips, sweets & jewels, onsite dog adoptions and drawings for prizes. 20% of jewelry sales go to CC Humane Society.

now - december 18

december 2

december 7

december 27

The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute

Holiday Improv for Trantham Family

Hospice Tree of Lights

Year End Comedy

A dramatic exhibition of photographs from the Civil War to the War in Iraq captures the essence of American soldiering. The exhibition is on view at Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, 11am-4:30pm. www.stmarys-ca.edu.

Act II improv presents “Holiday Improv” at Lesher’s George & Sonja Vukasin Theatre, 7:45pm. 100% of ticket sales will be donated to help the Trantham Family of Martinez. $15 at the box office or at www.lesherartscenter. org.

The Hospice East Bay Tree of Lights Celebration will be held at John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, 5pm.

now - january 18

december 2

january 10

Walnut Creek on Ice

Holiday Frolic & Snow Park

Free Legal Clinic

Join the annual Light up the Night in Downtown Pleasant Hill. Craft fair, carriage rides, caroling, Elf On The Shelf, Treasure Hunt, Studio A Dancers, free hot chocolate & cookies, and merchant giveaways. 5-8pm.

Walnut Creek Downtown and Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce present Walnut Creek on Ice, back for its 12th season, now through 1/18. For hours and information, go to www.iceskatewalnutcreek.com.

Guaranteed to make you laugh out loud on purpose, The Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show is all about fun. Martinez Campbell Theater. Check www.mainstreetmartinez.org for details.

Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, PH Rec & Park, & CSAA Insurance Group Legal Division offer Advance Health Care Directives for seniors aged 60 and older. 1:30-4:30pm PH Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. Call (925) 798-8788 for a private appointment.

In Downtown Martinez. Light parade, snow play area with 25 tons of real snow. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. Visit www.downtownsnow.com for hours and information.

now - january 8

december 3

december 9

february 19 & march 5

Ice Skating in Martinez

Open House Art & Crafts Sale

Holiday Boutique & Fundraiser

Chicken Workshops!

Main Street Martinez and DC Solar present the DC Solar Downtown Holiday Ice at Ferry Street and Marina Vista Ave. Available for private events. For hours, prices and information, visit www.DowntownHolidayIce. com.

Follow the signs to find unique handmade gifts for family and friends at Mt. Diablo Adult Education’s annual event, 9:30-3:30pm at Pleasant Hill Education Center, One Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill.

Vendors include: Beauty Counter, Sloat Garden Center, Amphora Olive Oil, and Chloe & Isabel Jewelry. Percentage of sales goes to Cancer Support Community. 1-4 pm, Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group, 400 Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill.

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

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

ourcommunityfocus.com • december 2016

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2 9 TH A N N UA L

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P L E A S A N T H I L L R E C R E AT I O N & PA R K D I S T R I C T

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Holiday Festival

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T he magic continues!

Wed., December 7 5:00- 8:30 pm Pleasant Hill Community Center 320 Civic Drive

* A Winter Wonderland *

LEGOŠ Village * live music

* Kids crafts * petting zoo *

Holiday Marketplace * Santa * food *

Holiday Xpress train rides * and lots more!!

Join us for this F REE evening of holiday fun!

(925) 676-5200 | pleasanthillrec.com

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december 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com