Finalfeb lores

•february 2014

Delivered to Over 50,000 Homes and Businesses

Alhambra’s senior Dominic Weir #8, up against College Park’s freshman Reese Burkhart #9. Photo by Conrad Rowling.

• New Community Center ..............................page 3 • Truckee to Quincy ...................................... page 10 • Sunday Dinner Recipes . ............................ page 15 • AHS / CP Soccer.......................................... page 18

Teaching Transformation ................................. page 20 Support FPHE . .................................................. page 21 Wences, a Local Jewel ....................................... page 24 Anniversary of I-680 ......................................... page 30

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February 2014

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February 2014

Page 3

The New and Grand Community Center For 41 years, the original Pleasant Hill Community Center served to improve the quality of life in Pleasant Hill.

The Center provided a central place for all members of the community to come together, socialize and engage in enrichment classes, programs, recreational activities and special events.

The former community center, a predominantly wood structure, eventually began to show significant signs of decay. Extensive repairs and renovations were required to replace the rotting wood and to meet new regulatory and safety standards. An entirely new Community Center was needed.

With phenomenal support of the local community, a bond measure was

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passed in August 2009 with a favorable 75.7% of the vote. Building a new Community Center was one of four projects approved under the Measure “E” bond.

The Senior Center, and Teen Center were completed last year and the upcoming Pleasant Oaks Park will celebrate its grand opening March 2.

Today, the new Pleasant Hill Community Center, 21,800 square foot grand facility in a beautiful park setting, features the dramatic Perera Pavilion, six multipurpose rooms, a new preschool wing, catering kitchen and a private event entrance. The legacy of the Community Center now continues. Make sure to visit the Center and take in the grandness. It is something to be proud of.

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February 2014

JULIE SAYS

Wildfires: The Good and The Bad

By Julie Ross

When fires blaze out of control in our local, open space, wilderness areas, I can’t help but remember the fire scene in the Disney film Bambi.

The terrified animals run for their lives on screen, at last climbing to safety with their young on a riverbank. Whew. (Yes, I know they are animated, not real; I am almost, but not quite, that gullible.)

Last September, the Morgan Wildfire burned more than 2500 acres on Mt Diablo. Ever wonder what really happens to wildlife after a big fire? Last month, I attended a presentation to the docent group at Lindsay Wildlife Museum about the September fire and nature’s recovery process. The talk was given by Steve Elliott, the docent coordinator for Mt. Diablo State Park and also a fellow docent at the wildlife museum.

Steve coordinated security efforts during the fire – keeping the public away and safe – and he witnessed its destruction and containment first-hand. He reported that, despite the fire’s size, there was only minor property damage – a few picnic tables and fencing -- and what he had to say regarding the fate of wildlife was very reassuring.

Steve said that while there is significant wildlife displacement during a fire, there is usually not much actual loss.

Some animals hide in burrows under a fire, while others take flight or run away.

Wildfires typically travel about 7 miles per hour (faster uphill and slower downhill), so while it must be certainly scary (like for Bambi and his friends!), most creatures have a good chance of reaching safe territory.

Most of us have heard that wildfires are important for the renewal of the environment in many ways, such as by clearing out diseased trees. What surprised me was Steve’s remark that there is a 25-30% increase in wildlife after a fire. The fire clears out all the old vegetation, allowing new growth, which insects find delicious.

Independent & Locally Owned

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

The increase in the insect population in the burned area attracts the rest of the food web and recovery begins.

Steve discussed one insect, a species of wood boring beetle, which is especially interesting. He said the burned trees were absolutely covered with these bugs right after the fire. These beetles have the superpower of infrared sensors on their bodies and can detect heat from up to 50 miles away. They follow fires and eat burned trees. The beetles and their larvae become dinner for other animals. Mother Nature continues to amaze.

A negative aspect of wildfires is that a serious burn makes soil hydrophobic, or water repellent. Seed germination and root growth cannot occur in hydrophobic soil because it does not allow water to infiltrate. Crews working the fire turned the white, hydrophobic soil, breaking up the water-repellent layers to allow new growth.

Steve described how vegetation comes back in pulses or phases. Native plants like Manzanita and soap root come back first. For some wildflowers, such as

the fire poppy and purple monkey flower, A Monthly Publication delivered to over 50,000 Homes and Businesses the heat causes seeds lying underground in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Pacheco, to germinate. Other wildflowers return in Lafayette and Walnut Creek 1 or 2 years; for others it takes 3 to 5 years for a comeback. It can take 40 to 100 years for the full natural chaparral to return.

To see a photo gallery of the 2013 Morgan Fire and learn more about the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA), the park’s cooperating association leading some of the fire recovery ADVERTISING work, visit the MDIA website at www.

Reba Bower mdia.org. If you are interested in learning 925-348-1724 Reba@ourcommunityfocus.com more about what happens to animal and plant life after a wildfire, Lindsay Wildlife SPORTS EDITOR Museum has partnered with MDIA to ofChuck Nan fer a program for adults (ages 16+) at the martinezsportsed@aol.com museum the evening of Thursday, April GRAPHIC DESIGN 3. You can register for “After the Burn: The Trish Heaney Regeneration of Mt. Diablo” at the museCOPY EDITOR um’s website, www.wildlife-museum.org.

Alison Clary I know you are dying to go re-watch Bambi, so after you check out these webView the Focus online: sites, go right ahead. www.ourcommunityfocus.com You can contact Julie at julieakross@ CONTACT INFORMATION: comcast.net Community Calendar: calendar@ourcommunityfocus.com

Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com

6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)

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

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

February 2014

Page 5

Annual Film Festival Moves to Pleasant Hill

Documentaries on legendary funny men, international dramas reminiscent of the cinematic styles of Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen, and Quentin Tarantino’s favorite 2013 thriller are among the 40 international films on the 19th Annual East Bay International Jewish Film Festival schedule this March. The 10-day event will run March 7 through March 13 at the Century 16 Theatres in Pleasant Hill and March 21 through March 23 at the Orinda Theatre.

Debra Levin, the Festival chairperson and a Pleasant Hill resident, notes that the Century 16 site will launch the Festival. “While we loved the old Cinearts dome theatre, we are enthusiastic about our move to downtown. I know that our festival-goers will enjoy the shops in the area.” With that

in mind, the Festival built more time in the schedule between the morning and early afternoon films so that attendees could dine in one of the nearby restaurants. Levin adds, “This is a win-win for everyone. We get to screen films in the state-of-art Century 16 theatre, and film fans can visit the downtown area and all it has to offer.”

The superb quality of international films in 2013 also resulted in the addition of an extra day to the Festival’s schedule.

“We normally run from Saturday evening through Thursday evening, however, this year we added Friday screenings because we had a surplus of excellent movies to show our audience,” explains Levin.

While rich in dramas and documentaries, the Festival also has a lighter side.

“When Comedy Went to School features the early careers of such comedians as Mort Sahl, Jerry Lewis and Jerry Stiller, while Lunch is more like a reality show. It showcases legendary screenwriter Carl Reiner, the legendary comedian Sid Caesar and other movie and television personalities who meet every few weeks at a deli in Los Angeles for lunch and a lot of reminiscing,” Levin says.

As usual, the Festival has an international line-up with feature movies from France, Germany, Poland, The Netherlands,

Macedonia, Australia, Belgium, Canada and Israel. Levin adds, “Movies are a great way to visit the world without actually getting on a plane. That’s why our motto is ‘See a Film.

See the World.’”

The Festival is presented by the Jewish Federation of the East Bay and is sponsored

by City National Bank, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, RINA Accountancy, Diablo Magazine, Destination Wealth Management, Wells Fargo, and Aaron Metals. For the complete schedule or to purchase tickets visit www. eastbayjewishfilm.org or call 510.318.6453.

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While traveling in Vietnam and Cambodia last fall, Dawn Block and former Pleasant Hill Mayor Michael Harris brought the Community Focus along. Here they are at the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

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PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ

Just two years ago, I was keeping busy with an active law practice, family and friends, and public service as chair of the Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission and as a Pleasant Hill Planning Commissioner.

I was honored to be elected to the city council in November 2012 and, about this time last year, I was attending a conference in Sacramento for newly elected council members. Today I am writing my first column for the Community Focus as Mayor of Pleasant Hill.

What a difference a couple years make.

So at the outset, let me say thank you to all of you for the privilege of representing you.

How did I get to where I am today? I grew up in San Francisco and still maintain my law practice there. I moved to Pleasant Hill 17 years ago, a divorced dad with two kids, and was immediately embraced by my neighbors in Poet’s Corner. I was completely smitten with my new neighborhood, the local businesses on Oak Park Boulevard and the public library, all within walking distance of my new home. I was excited to see the renovation of our downtown and impressed by the architecture of our City Hall.

February 2014

Mayor’s Message

Tim Flaherty, Mayor of Pleasant Hill I wanted to be a part of this community a better place for all of us to live, (147 Gregory Lane) or call 682-0896. munity. I wanted to get involved and Come meet those people who have work and play. For more details, contact contribute to making it an even better Martin Nelis at mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill. heeded the call to volunteer at the 43rd place to live. The opportunity presented ca.us or go to www.pleasant-hill.net/ Annual Community Awards Night at itself one day as I was reading an article awards. the Community Center on Tuesday, that the city was seeking volunteers for I would like to hear from you on February 18. This event recognizes various commissions. I applied and any subject. Feel free to contact me at those citizens, teachers, teens, employwas appointed to Civic Action and, so, ees, businesses and organizations which tflaherty@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us. I will began my journey that led me to this listen. have contributed to making our comcolumn.

Pleasant Hill offers so many opportunities to serve and volunteer to Annotated Agendas of City Council Meetings improve our community, and I encour City staff has posted the ‘annotated agendas’ for city council meetings age everyone to get involved in one held in 2013 and will continue to post these agendas for all future meetings. way or another. Don’t get me wrong; The ‘annotated agenda’ contains all of the agenda items, including attachit’s not all laughs, and volunteering can ments, staff reports, and a record of the vote taken on each item, but it is not be challenging work, but I am certain the official minutes of city council meetings. Over the past year, no city council meeting minutes were produced and city staff is working to correct the you will find it ultimately rewarding. action. The annotated agendas are located in the Agenda Center on the You will make new friends and become homepage of the city website. At the January 6 city council meeting, Counmore fully woven into the fabric of our cilmember Durant addressed the issue of the lack of past and current city community. council minutes available for public view. There was also discussion about ask You can also get involved by suping voters whether the position of city clerk should be made an appointed porting community events. February office rather than an elected office to voters on the November 2014 General offers a host of opportunities to show Election ballot (or the first special election ballot before that date, if there is your support. Here are two for your otherwise a special election called for by the City of Pleasant Hill). consideration. First, the 4th annual PO Park Grand Opening

Pleasant Oaks Park grand opening is scheduled for March 2. Irrigation, site Come Together Concert is on Friday work, playfield equipment, batting cages and landscape planting, including evening, February 7, at the stunning “no-mow” grasses, is complete. The park will remain fenced off from access so new Community Center. The event the sod can establish strong deep roots, ensuring everyone can enjoy healthy benefits teen music programs in Pleasplaying fields for years to come. ant Hill, with all performers donating Downtown PH their time and talent. This year’s concert

Although dreams of the grilled cheese sandwich shop, The Melt, coming lineup is full of locally grown and reto Downtown have slipped away, the leasing agency John Cumbelich & Asgional musicians and singers. Purchase sociates has filled two additional spaces on Crescent Drive. Tenant improvetickets at the Rec & Park District offices ment plans are underway in the space located at the clock tower building to

City News

Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission February 6, 20 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 5pm Contact: 671-5209

Education Commission February 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 7pm Contact: 671-5229

City Council February 3, 24 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5229

Planning Commission February 11, 25 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209

Civic Action Commission February 5 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229

All meetings take place at City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.

For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasanthill.ca.us

City Hall Offices Closed on February 10 & 17 in observance of President Lincoln’s and President Washington’s Birthdays

house the retail store Atlas, a men’s clothing store. According to their website, Atlas is “the fashion leader that doesn’t rely on designer names and prices to define us. We offer trend-right styles that have the Northern Cal guy in mind, and we focus on a wearable collection that brings newness and excitement to your wardrobe.” Tenant improvements will include replacement of the existing clock tower roof and existing clock faces, new façade treatments and an outdoor display area. Plans are for a spring opening. In addition, the space next to T-Mobile has been leased to a beauty supply store. It will be a few more months before work is completed on the store.

Crossroads Shopping Center

Rumor has it that DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) will occupy the former Bally Fitness space next to Dick’s Sporting Goods in the coming months. Although a spokesperson from SyWest Development did not disclose who was going to be the “national retailer,” he did say the store is “highly complementary to the retailers that are already in the Crossroads Center. It meshes really well. We had a lot of interest in this space, and we specifically chose this tenant because it’s complimentary in nature to what is already out there. Our desire was to find something that really filled that niche with the existing retail. I’d say it’s a great fit!” (no pun intended?)

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February 2014

MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ

City News

Mayor’s Message

The Gamble at Campbell Pays Off

Mark Hinds, managing director of Onstage Repertory Theater (new occupants of the Campbell Theater) thanked city council at their December 18 meeting for the opportunity to use the theater. Cleaning and repairing the Campbell Theater began last October with lots of volunteers, including the Pleasant Hill Rotary Club. Onstage then produced five successful holiday performances of Christmas Bells last December. “Pat Campbell brought twelve members of the old Willows board with him, and I think they all had a great time with it. It was well received,” said Hinds. According to the agreement with the City of Martinez, at the end of a performance, Onstage would pay the city either $50 if there were no profits made from the performances or half of the profits if they were successful. Mr. Hinds was pleased to present a check in the amount of $504.25, half of the profits from the December performances.

“It’s a good start and we’re going to build on it. I’m just thrilled about that,” Hinds continued. Onstage Theatre is currently running The Book of Liz, directed

by Eddie Peabody, through February 15, at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward Street, Martinez.

New Interim City Manager

On January 16, Mayor Schroder reported in an open session that the council discussed the public employment of the interim city manager position.

Mayor Schroder announced the decision to hire Anna Gwyn Simpson, currently the deputy director of Strategic Planning and Community Development, as interim city manager by the following vote: Ayes - Mayor Schroder, Vice Mayor Menesini and Councilmember Avila Farias; No - Councilmember DeLaney and Councilmember Ross. Simpson has been with the city since July 2013. In the same motion, council directed Mayor Schroder to contact professional service firms to obtain bids for city manager recruitment and direct the city attorney to draw up a contact for Ms. Simpson with similar terms as Assistant City Manager Alan Shear.

Main Street Matters Update

Benjamin Moore is planning to revitalize a portion of Main Street in Martinez as part of its Main Street Matters program this March. Several Martinez businesses on Main Street, from Las Juntas Street to Castro Street, were contacted to undergo lead testing in order to determine what regulatory requirements need to be addressed for re-painting given Martinez’s unique needs as well as obtain written approval of their interest in the project.

On February 4, Benjamin Moore and Main Street will co-host a community meeting for property and business owners in the council chambers at City Hall, where more details about the project will be available. The areas to be painted will be determined jointly with Martinez, and Benjamin Moore representatives and the company’s color experts will consult on color choices for each building. When the work begins, Benjamin Moore will provide all necessary paint, stain and supplies for façades and other exterior building trims. Martinez is one of twenty communities across North America to launch the project.

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Page 7

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Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez vice such as a smart phone or tablet.

In the April Because it is Internet based and not an 2013 issue of application designed for the smaller Community Fodevices, a number of riders and readcus, I reported on ers have expressed frustration with the the County Consystem. The feedback I received urged nection’s new Bus the development of an app that would Tracker system. make access to real time arrival inforThis new system Photo by Stahlberg tells you where every bus in the Coun- mation easier to view when using a mobile device. ty Connection service area is located and when it will arrive at any given bus I am pleased to announce that a stop. You can also customize your per- free downloadable application is now sonal page in the system to update par- available for both Apple and Android platforms at www.thetransitapp.com. ticular routes and bus stops.

The application works in 43 cities in Bus Tracker has been installed the USA and Canada. The application on all County Connection fixed route buses, and the software uses GPS loca- is so easy to use; not only can you get tion data to predict arrival times. Buses arrival information for buses nearest your current location, there is a detransmit their location every thirty scription of where the bus routes travseconds, enabling Bus Tracker to preel, options to view the route map, acdict arrival times and make bus location available to the public on the Web. cess to complete schedule information, and access to reverse directions. It will Riders can view the upcoming bus arrival times by selecting any bus stop in also give you arrival times of the nearest BART trains. the system.

I have downloaded the app on my To use Bus Tracker go to www. smart phone and it works great. Try it ccta.org or www.countyconnection. out for yourself. Download the app or com and click on the Bus Tracker butscan the QR code. If you need help or ton. You can browse the estimated arhave any other questions about County rival times by route or bus stop, or see Connection, please call customer sera map of selected routes with the acvice at 925-676-7500. tual location of all buses on that route.

If you are a regular passenger of a specific route, it is best to personalize SCAN your Bus Tracker page for your specific needs.

THIS The only problem with the Bus CODE! Tracker system is that it is difficult to view and navigate on a hand-held de-

Public Meetings City Council Meeting February 5, 19 7pm-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500

Planning Commission Meeting February 11, 25 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500

Design Review Meeting Zoning Administrator Meeting February 26 February 5, 19 3-5pm 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500 Contact: 925-372-3500 City Offices Closed on February 12 & 17 in Observance of President Lincoln’s and President Washington’s birthdays.

All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated.

For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 8

February 2014

Edward Jones Ranks No. 1 for Financial Advisors Firm takes top spot for 19th time According to Amy M. Wasser, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Pleasant Hill, the financial-services firm Edward Jones ranked No. 1 in the WealthManagement.com. /REP. magazine annual survey of the nation’s six largest financial services firms for the 19th time. REP. magazine randomly selects financial advisors nationwide and asks them to rank their firms in various categories.

Edward Jones’ overall score was 9.5 out of 10 possible points. The firm

scored top marks across the board, earning near perfect scores in overall ethics (9.8) and public image (9.7), according to WealthManagment.com.

Edward Jones financial advisors gave the firm some of the highest scores in the technology and training category, scoring high above the other five firms in every sub-category, which includes the quality of technology, clarity and online access of client account statements and ongoing training.

“This honor is a testament to the enduring strength of our firm values,

27 Tips to Drive Up the Sale of Your Home

East Bay - Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. And, once you have made that decision, you’ll want to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest time possible without compromising your sanity. Before you place your home on the market, here’s a way to help you to be as prepared as possible.

To assist home sellers, a new industry report has just been released called, “27 Valuable Tips You Should Know to Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top Dollar.” It tackles the important issues you need to know to make your home competitive in today’s tough, aggressive marketplace. With these 27 tips, discover how to protect and capitalize on your

most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the most profit possible. Discover how to avoid financial disappointment or, worse, a financial disaster when selling your home. Using a common-sense approach, get the straight facts about what can make or break the sale of your home.

You owe it to yourself to learn how these important tips will give you the competitive edge to get your home sold fast and for the most amount of money.

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our trade-offs and our partnership,” said Wasser. “We are guided by a clear mission to serve the serious, long-term individual investor and to provide the best career-long opportunity for financial advisors who take pride in their work and appreciate the importance of the work we do.”

According to WealthManagement. com, between October 7 and November 7, 2013, invitations were emailed to print subscribers and advisors from various firms in the Meridian-AIQ database requesting participation in an online survey. By November 7, 2,333 completed responses were received. Financial advisors rated their current employers on 33 items related to their satisfaction. Ratings are based on a 1-to-10 scale, with 10 representing the highest satisfaction level.

For more information about Edward Jones, please contact Amy M Wasser, Edward Jones in Pleasant Hill, 367 Civic Dr. Suite 8, at (925) 798-5297 or John Fuller, Edward Jones in Martinez, 608 Las Juntas, at (925) 370-0184 or visit

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About Edward Jones

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm’s business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm’s 12,000 financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients to understand their personal goals -- from college savings to retirement -- and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy.

Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.

Edward Jones, which ranked No.8 on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For 2013,” is headquartered in St. Louis.

The Edward Jones web site is located at www. edwardjones.com, and its recruiting web site is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

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www.ourcommunityfocus.com

February 2014

PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700

2/7 – Mayor’s “State of the City” Breakfast – 7:30-9am. Chateau Room, Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane.

2/11, 2/12, 2/13 & 2/25, 2/26, 2/27– 680 Breakfast Club Networking 8:30-10am. Call Chamber office for information.

2/13 – Business Education Quarterly Workshop #1: “Business Resource Runway 2014” 11am1:30pm. 500 Ellinwood Dr., First Floor, Pleasant Hill.

2/14 – Ambassador Meeting 8-9am. PH City Hall, Community Room.

2/17 – Chamber Office Closed for President’s Day. 2/18 – Community Service Awards Night 5:30-10pm. New Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., Pleasant Hill. Each year nominations are made for exemplary citizens and business people in Pleasant Hill. This event will recognize nominees & winners for Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Teen of the Year, Green Award and more. In-

dividuals $45 or tables of ten $450.

Purchase tickets now by calling the Chamber or at pleasanthillcommunityawardsnight.eventbrite.com.

2/20 – Board of Directors Meeting 8-9am. PH City Hall, Community Room.

2/24 – Green Committee Meeting 4-5pm. Back Forty BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill.

2/24 – Govt. Affairs Committee Meeting 5:30-7pm. Back Forty BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill 2/26 – Chamber Open House 4-6pm. 91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11.

CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

Page 9

MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345

If interested in becoming an ambassador, contact the Chamber office.

2/11 – State of the City Breakfast 8-10am. Creekside Church Auditorium, 444 Fig Tree Lane, Martinez. State of the City: Mayor Rob Schroder and magic presentation by Gerry Griffin of the California Magic Club. Enjoy a full gourmet breakfast buffet, $25.

RSVP to Chamber required.

2/17 – Office Closed for President’s Day. 2/20 – Educational Series 121:30pm (Doors open at 11:30).

“Are You Maximizing Your Chamber Membership? Find ways to utilize the features to your business advantage.” Presented by Adam Hoffert, Chairman of the Board and John Stevens, CEO Martinez Chamber. Creekside Church Multi-Purpose Room, 444 Fig Tree Lane. $10 for Chamber Members, Non-Members $20. Non-Members that join the Chamber will get $10 credited towards their membership. Lunch will be provided. All

no shows will be charged $10.

Space limited. RSVP required at least 2 days prior to the Chamber or email info@martinezchamber. com.

2/20 - Chamber Mixer 5:307:30pm. Ambassador Mixer at Remodel Me Showroom, 3660 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez. Great networking, food, fun, raffle prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!)

2/27 – Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 5pm. Aloha Chiropractic, 649 Main St., Ste. 104, Martinez. Join us in welcoming our new member.

CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

Since 1952 -Contra Costa’s Oldest Agency

COOPER Bail Bonds• Notary 925.228.5464

921 Main Street • Martinez CA 94553 Locally Owned by Rick & Sara Calhoun • Lic 1598927

The Martinez Chamber of Commerce Congratulates...

the Winners & Finalists of the “Readers’ Local Favorites for 2013”

published in the January issue of the Community Focus.

Martinez Chamber of Commerce • 603 Marina Vista, Martinez • 925-228-2345 • www.martinezchamber.com

Page 10

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

February 2014

Truckee to Quincy Story and Photos by Christopher Vardas Part 2: Lake Tahoe - Tule Lake If you are driving the interstate to begin your journey northward onto Highway 89, I recommend taking a break in Truckee. The city has experienced a renaissance of sorts, with a more developed array of shops and eateries.

The city has also undergone a resurgence of population, growing nearly 20% in the last 5 years.

One noteworthy place worth your time is the one-of-kind Truckeee Variety Co. For those of us old enough to remember, it will bring back memories of the Woolworth five-and-dime stores; old, wooden, squeaky floors and large counters and shelves full of every conceivable game, toy, doll and knickknack imaginable. Warning: you will be hard-pressed to leave this store without an investment in memories, both past and future. For those inclined to wander through cooking stores, Truckee has a great one. Additionally, we had one amazing lunch at the Bar of America (a misnomer of sorts) because there is a family-friendly dining section. The food (Ruben and Cheddar Cheese Soup) was second-visit worthy.

Continue out of Truckee eastward, right onto Highway 89 north. After surviving the two new roundabouts, the forest surrenders to ranch lands.

(Note the snow markers to remind you of the kind of country you are driving through.) Despite it’s beauty, this highway is a bit remote, so take care to navigate curves carefully. After about 20 miles, you’ll come to an intersection called Sierraville (population: 200). This location marks the southern end of the great Sierra Valley which meanders over the next 100 miles or so northward.

Also, Highway 89 joins forces with its more famous twin, Highway 49, for a short while. Relax along this stretch of highway, as the scenery is straight out of an old West novel; barns and wooden fences, meandering streams, pockets of windbreak and stream-fed aspens and cottonwoods. This is cattle country, so watch the signage warnings for the occasional wayward steer.

For those with access to a computer, I highly recommend searching “Plumas County colors” on the Internet. These websites will serve as a valuable resource for mapping excursions throughout this part of the country. That said, I highly recommend purchasing the large format Northern California Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme for a comprehensive and detailed look at the relative quality of roads in and around this part of the country. For instance, shortly after leaving Sierraville, there is a branch/ forest road called A23 (Westside Rd.), which meanders in the backcountry southeast to Beckwourth (along Highway 70). From here, you can easily rejoin Highway 89 by heading west on Highway 70 a few miles. Such secondary

roads are common and provide lifelines to remote family farms and ranches. A note of caution: these back-roads must be taken slowly and cautiously. Curves are sometimes not marked well; roads abut property lines, driveways and open fields. You must drive these roads as if you are driving in urban neighborhoods, as children and loose animals are apt to be outside on or near these roads.

That said, don’t be afraid to travel these beautiful access roads.

No travel adventure would be complete without mentioning the Western Pacific Railroad Museum (www.wplives. org) along Highway 70 in Portola, just a few miles east of Highway 89. If you are a train buff, put this on your must-stop list. The museum resembles a working

rail-yard. You get to climb into locomotives and experience rail life first hand.

Train rides are available during the summer months, when the scenery is spectacular, to say the least.

Highway 89 and 70 converge near the village of Graeagle. Take a break here; enjoy the candy/ice cream at Buckeroo Chocolates (all low calorie, I am assured) and other small, locally owned venues that offer a variety of foods, arts and gifts. (Check out the website www. graeagle.com.) In keeping with the leisurely pace required to enjoy this trip, Graeagle offers a great place to stop and take a stretch. You may even want to consider staying overnight because of the recreational opportunities here (e.g. golfing, hiking, eating). The area around Graeagle and the road up to Quincy offers some of the most stunning views of ranch lands, streams and deciduous forests along the valley foothills on either side of the highway.

Back onto Highway 89/70 heading north some short distance is the town of Quincy. Slightly larger than Graeagle, Quincy boasts a Walgreens, large food markets, Les Schwab Tire Center, an intersection light and a myriad of motels.

We stayed at an eclectic but nice, clean motel at the south end of Quincy called Ranchito, whose appearance is right out of a movie set from old Spanish California; white adobe, brick with wagon wheels and large, plank doors. The price was right, the shower great and people friendly. (There is a newer wing with queen beds for a bit more comfort.)

Because of the increasing popularity of this part of the country for tree color viewing, I recommend making a careful plan of your itinerary and making reservations ahead if staying over a weekend.

Mid-October weekdays did not seem to present any problem finding accommodations, but weekends book up many weeks ahead.

Next up: Quincy, Greenville and Lake Almanor View more of Christopher and Elaine’s photos at www.vardasphotography.com.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

February 2014

Page 11

Real Estate Update

By Nathan Hitchcock of 2013 with no buyers, this property now this property. His reply clearly defined data is that nearly everything dropped in had multiple people willing to pay more where the market was headed just 13 days December, which it always does, given the than what the comparable sales in the area into the new year: “Well, we currently have distractions of the holiday season. indicate it is worth. That, my friends, is a multiple offers on this property and it looks This phone call, in fact, lasted only seller’s market. Hang on to your hats and like we’ll be under contract soon.” two minutes. It was with a listing agent keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at I paused a moment, attempting to for a bank-owned property that essentially all times, because it’s going to be an exciting comprehend what I had just heard. After needed a full remodel to be habitable again. ride ahead. confirming we were in fact talking about The property had been listed on the market Nathan Hitchcock can be reached at the same property, he admitted it was a for well over four months, which was nathan@hitchcockrealty.com or (925) 825surprising turn of events. Having been on unsurprising, as it was priced 25% too high 1100. when factoring in surrounding home values the market for nearly the entire second half and the renovation investment required.

The purpose of my call was to learn how successful my prospective buyer would

By Daniel DuRee be in submitting an offer over 30% below Professional Third Party Fiduciary: The One of the primary the current listed price. Knowing banks primary benefit of choosing a professional considerations in the have a habit of only entertaining offers third party fiduciary is you know your wishestate planning procwithin a few percentage points of their list es will be carried out without the potential ess is deciding who will price, I didn’t want to waste anyone’s time conflict encountered among family trusadminister your affairs if the offer would be rejected outright due tees and family beneficiaries. The primary if you become incapacito an internal “negotiation policy” on the drawback of a professional trustee is the cost. tated and, later, after you bank’s end. pass away. In a trust, this person is called the A professional will usually have a minimum As expected, the agent’s response was, successor trustee. The successor trustee takes fee and also charge fees based on the size “No, there’s not much point in writing an of the estate. These fees could run into the over management of a trust when the origioffer like that.” I prodded, trying to uncover tens of thousands of dollars, depending on nal trustee or co-trustees are no longer able where the bank’s bottom line might be on to fulfill their duties. The successor trustee is the size and complexity of the estate. The other potential problem with a professional called a fiduciary because they have a legal fiduciary is the person you choose may no (“fiduciary”) duty to act in the best interest longer be working or even alive when you of the trust beneficiaries and/or the trust need him. One way to deal with this issue creator.

“Nathan was is to allow the beneficiaries to choose, by ma When deciding who will be your suca dream to jority vote, which professional fiduciary to cessor trustee, you can appoint a layperson work with. Very hire as trustee. The one major drawback to or a professional, licensed, third party fiduciprofessional, this scheme is that the beneficiaries will need ary. Which type depends largely on your hardworking Our goal is not to sell the most homes, it's to get to be aware of the trust and have access to a particular circumstances and goals. and easy YOU the most for YOUR home. going. He put copy of it should something happen.

Layperson as Trustee: The vast majority of That comes with quality, not quantity. Call or click our needs A third option is to combine a layperpeople have a family member(s) as succestoday and experience the difference for yourself. before his.” son and a professional fiduciary as cosor trustee or co-trustees. These trustees Joe Resident trustees. The main downside, however, is the are largely guided by the terms of the trust, 925.825.1100 • www.hitchcockrealty.com expense of the professional fiduciary. and although conflict is possible, most trust Deciding who to designate as your sucadministrations are a fairly straightforward cessor trustee or co-trustees is an important and amicable process. People often choose choice. The successor trustee is the gateone of their children, a sibling, or a trusted Estate Planning Attorney keeper who ensures your wishes are carried friend. You can appoint co-trustees to act out. It is not a difficult job to be a successor together in the trust administration. In Please call today trustee, but you should take care to choose a choosing a layperson as a successor trustee, for a complimentary consultation it is probably best to choose from among the successor that you and your beneficiaries can at my office or in your home. beneficiaries to ensure that their personal in- trust implicitly.

Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation terest is aligned with the beneficiaries of the 925.210.1400 1535 North Main Street, resident of Contra Costa County and a litrust. In California, even a layperson trustee Suite 240 • Walnut Creek censed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. is entitled to reasonable compensation unWILLS • TRUSTS • HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVES less the trust explicitly requires the trustee to He can be reached at (925) 210-1400 or visit POWERS OF ATTORNEY • PROBATE www.DuReeLaw.com. waive compensation.

The day is January 13, 2014, and I’ve just gotten off a phone call that has solidified my opinion on how the local real estate market will fare in 2014 -- at least for the first six months.

For those of you who follow this column, you know that as 2013 closed, my crystal ball predicted a relatively high likelihood that 2014 would start as a seller’s market and home values would rise as a result. Well, consider me all the way out on that limb; we are currently in a seller’s market, prices are on the rise, and this condition will continue at least until midsummer.

No, this phone call was not a one-hour conference call with the chief economist for the California Association of Realtors.

Nor did it involve the evaluation of the latest pending home sales, unsold housing inventory, foreclosure rates, or any other housing-related statistics. In reality, it’s far too early in the year to evaluate those numbers anyway. All we know from our latest

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www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 12

February 2014

GS Silver Awards

Outstanding Corporation

Brooke Bechter, Emilie Fleck, and Karina Dominguez received Girl Scout Silver Awards for their project, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Can Do It.â&#x20AC;? They donated creatively painted garbage cans and recycling cans to Valley View Middle School. To attain this award, a Cadette Girl Scout must complete a minimum of 40 hours of preparation, planning and work to accomplish goals set by the girls. The girls are part of Troop 31061 in Pleasant Hill. Anne Baker, recycling coordinator at Republic Services served as Project Advisor. Lori St. Marseille is the troop leader.

Wells Fargo continues a long tradition of supporting the Martinez community and Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) by making a generous donation in the amount of $10,000 to MEF. Since 1994, Wells Fargo has contributed $140,500 to the foundation.

MEF would like to recognize Wells Fargo as an outstanding corporate citizen for their continued support of Martinez public schools and Martinez students and encourages Martinez businesses, parents, teachers, students and other community members to patronize Wells Fargo and express their appreciation and thanks the next time they do business with any Wells Fargo team member.

Pictured are: Lori St. Marseille, troop leader of 31061; Karina Dominguez; Emilie Fleck; Ean Ainsworth, principal, Valley View Middle School; Brooke Bechter and Anne Baker, Republic Services.

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Pictured L to R: Rami Muth, superintendent of Martinez Unified School District; Marko Ignacio, Wells Fargo Martinez branch manager; Ashoo Vaid, Well Fargo district manager; Cheryl Vereschagin, MEF president; Cynthia Webster, MEF secretary; Mike Beck, MEF board member; Greg Young, Wells Fargo community development officer; Jenn Clauson and Heather Hamilton, MEF board members; and Bob Ceglio, Wells Fargo Mt. Diablo Region president. Photo Credit: Diane Beck.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

February 2014

Page 13

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Page 14

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

February 2014

WATER: Enough to Use, None to Waste

By Chris Dundon, CCWD Water Conservation Manager, Richard Harris, EBMUD Water Conservation Manager today to save water: With the lack of rain and snow so with high-efficiency clothes washers – Find & Fix Leaks: Leaks account for far this winter, there’s real concern about plus get a combined rebate from your a significant amount of water loss and, if statewide water supply. In fact, on Januwater agency and PG&E. At minimum, be unrepaired, they can result in property ary 17, Governor Jerry Brown declared a sure to run full loads only no matter what damage. Two key places to look for leaks drought state of emergency, urging a 20 kind of washer you have. are your toilet tank and sprinkler valves. percent reduction in water use.

Add Mulch: Landscape areas should Check toilet leaks by inspecting the Most Bay Area water agencies are have 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch. tracking their water supply closely and are tank and ensure the water level is set 1” Mulch keeps moisture from evaporatbelow the top of the overflow tube. Place helping customers conserve by providing ing from the soil and as it decomposes, food coloring or dye tablets in the tank tips and access to conservation services it improves the soil structure and adds water. Wait ten minutes and check the and rebates. nutrients.

Mulching your yard will keep plants healthy.

Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) toilet bowl. If the colored water made its

Long time Martinez resident Tami Maytum recalls the drought in the 1970’s way into the bowl, it means you need to and East Bay Municipal Water District and how she and her family conserved water. Below are a few of her conservareplace the toilet flapper.

(EBMUD) are asking customers to contion tips that could be applied today.

Turn Off Irrigation Timer: Autotinue their conservation efforts and check

“We would have a bucket in our bath tub under the faucet to catch cold water while we waited for our shower to warm up. Once warm, we would rematic sprinkler timers can ‘automatically’ to see if they are using water efficiently. move the bucket and use the excess water on the plants inside, or dump into a Each agency has a wide range of conserva- waste water. This time of year, automatic bigger bucket in the backyard to water the flowers and plants outside. We also sprinkler timers should be turned off, tion services, including home water use took military showers. We would get our body/hair wet then turn off the water, even though it may be tempting to keep evaluations, toilet rebates, clothes washer wash our hair and body and then turn water back on to rinse. In my house you them on given current weather condirebates, lawn to garden rebates, and more. couldn’t have the water running longer than 2 minutes. I also remember my tions. If the lawn or landscape requires For details on specific water conservation parents and grand parents placing a brick in their toilet tanks. With the efficient toilets of today, I am not sure if this would be necessary. We also let the lawns irrigation, use it in the manual mode only services, visit their websites: die, they just took too much water.” when plants need it.

CCWD: www.ccwater.com/conserve

Feel free to send your water conservation tips to the Community Focus at EBMUD: www.ebmud.com/watersmart Invest In A New Clothes Washer: info@ourcommunityfocus.com for a possible mention in an upcoming issue.

You’ll save water, energy and detergent Below are a few actions you can take

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February 2014

Pair Up

Page 15

CORKS AND FORKS

With La Sommelierre Maria Terry to make anything elaborate, my go-to, wine-friendly starter is a salty bag of chips.

They go with just about any wine and are easy to grab from the pantry. Two other staples are cream cheese and canned clams.

My good friend John Horn gave me a recipe for clam dip that is super-quick to blend up and is loved by almost everyone. Pair it with Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine. You will love the citrus-floral flavors of the wine with the delicate brine of the clams enrobed in the creamy dip.

Sunday Dinner Sunday dinners are about family and close friends. There is a special quality to Sunday dinner; often, the food and wine is prepared and consumed in a more relaxed fashion compared to the hustle and bustle of a workweek meal. Sunday meals also give us an opportunity to talk about what is coming up in the week ahead.

I always like to have a beverage and something to nibble on when folks gather in the kitchen before a meal. If I don’t want

Clam Dip

INGREDIENTS 8 oz. cream cheese 1 tbsp. minced dried onion ½ tsp. lemon juice (opt) 5 drops Tabasco sauce, or to taste 1 can minced clams Salt and pepper DIRECTIONS Drain clams and reserve juice. Place cream cheese, onion, lemon juice and

Tabasco in a food processor and blend until thoroughly combined. Add clams and pulse briefly. Add reserved juice and pulse a few times until combined and desired consistency is reached. Adjust seasoning to taste. Dip will thicken slightly upon refrigeration. Serve with Fritos Scoops corn chips or Kettle Cooked potato chips.

Yield: About 2 Cups

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Roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy is a quintessential Sunday dinner. You will need to start it about two hours before you want to eat, but it requires almost no work. You could even slice the onions in the food processor before making the clam dip and just clean the bowl once. Roast beef is a classic red wine dish. A great valueconscious choice is one of the rich, red wines from South America. Try a Chilean Cabernet or an Argentinian Malbec. It is easy to find terrific options for under $10 at any local store that sells wine.

Since dessert is rare during the week at my house, serving dessert makes the

meal feel more special. Poached Pears With Quick Chocolate Sauce fits perfectly with the simple, cook-ahead MO of the rest of this meal. Choose Sauternes, a sweet French dessert wine, to complement the pears. You can find some great values on half-bottles at Costco and other wine shops for between $10-20. They are super sweet and have classic aromas of honey, gardenia and pear.

And, if you don’t finish the bottle tonight, it will keep in the fridge for up to a month.

So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com.

Poached Pears with Quick Chocolate Sauce INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cinnamon stick Peel from 1/2 orange Juice of 1/2 orange 4 Bosc pears Quick Chocolate Sauce 1/3 cup heavy cream 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips DIRECTIONS In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange peel, and orange juice to a boil.

Peel the pears, leaving the stem intact.

Core the pears from the bottom using a

corer or vegetable peeler.

Add the pears to the simple syrup, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the pears are tender, but not mushy, about 15 minutes. Chill the pears in the syrup.

For the sauce: Place the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Heat the heavy cream to hot, but not boiling in the microwave, about 15 to 20 seconds. Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Mix until smooth and serve.

Place the pear standing up on a dessert plate and drizzle with the chocolate sauce.

Yield: 4 Servings

Roast Beef with Pan Gravy INGREDIENTS 1 (3 to 3 1/2-pound) bottom round rump roast, at room temperature 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 large yellow onion, sliced 3 sprigs fresh thyme 3 cups canned low-sodium beef broth 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 cup water DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 275°F. Season the meat on all sides with the seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven and brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the roast from the pan and add the onion

slices and thyme sprigs. Place the roast on top of the onions, fat side up. Add beef broth to the pan and place in the oven, uncovered. Roast until the beef is tender and registers an internal temperature of 130° to 135°F. Transfer the roast to a platter or cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Meanwhile, use a slotted spoon to discard the onions and thyme sprigs. Place the Dutch oven over medium-high heat to heat the beef drippings. Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until dissolved. Add the cornstarch mixture to the beef drippings and bring to a boil.

Cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.

Yield: 6-8 Servings

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 16

February 2014

Rec and Park Updates Come Together 4 Tickets On Sale Now! Don’t miss this All-star Benefit Concert for Teen Programs, February 7th, 7:30 – 10:00pm at NEW Pleasant Hill Community Center https://cometogether4. eventbrite.com or call (925) 682-0896.

Team Up for Adult Sports League Fun! Spring Softball - Soccer - Kickball - Flag Football. Team packets now available at www.pleasanthillrecsports.com.

oping strong roots in self-confidence, creativity and academics. Come grow with us! Visit www.pleasanthillpreschool.com.

Fairytale Princess Party (age 2-6 yrs + parent) March 19, 3:30 – 4:30pm at the Winslow Center. Register by March 12 at pleasanthillrec.com.

Plan Early! PHRec Summer Camp information available March 10 LEGO, Harry Potter, Incrediflix Film, Mad Science, Spanish Immersion, Wildlife Habitat Exploration, Art Camps and many more!

Got Tots? We’ve got lots of fun preschool activities this spring! • NEW! California Gymnastics (3 classes offered starting at age 14 months) • Let’s Make Music with Andrea Gaspari (12 mos – 4 yrs + parent) • Parent Tot Preschool Prep (22 mos – 3 yrs) Visit pleasanthillrec.com to register.

Pleasant Hill Preschool 2014-2015 Registration Begins March 8. Learn.

Play. Grow. Since 1973. Pleasant Hill Preschool nurtures each child, devel-

DOLFIN SWIM TEAM Registration Now Open (January 6 – May 20) http:// pleasanthillrec.com/aquatics/dolfinsswimteam.html or call (925) 682-0896.

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February 2014

Page 17

2014 Season Tryouts

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MISSED TRYOUTS?

Complete online it card. and pay by cred registration form

U15-U19 March & April

Visit www.diablofc.org and register for the appropriate age group.

You will be contacted to come to a player evaluation session in Concord.

Pre-register at www.diablofc.org No charge to tryout.

Diablo FC Alumnus Chris Wondolowski US Men’s National Team

2014 Age Matrix U8 U9 U10 U11 U12 U13 U14

8/1/06 - 7/31/08 8/1/05 - 7/31/06 8/1/04 - 7/31/05 8/1/03 - 7/31/04 8/1/02 - 7/31/03 8/1/01 - 7/31/02 8/1/00 - 7/31/01

www.diablofc.org

925

798-GOAL

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Page 18

HOME TEAM

DVC Baseball

On January 28, the DVC baseball team opened its 2014 season playing Merced on its newly renovated field. Returning as coach is former athletic director and Hall of Fame Chairman Steve Ward. “We should have a strong pitching staff led by sophomore LHP Ben Krauth (Northgate HS and All Big 8 selection last year), sophomore RHP Jesse Scholtens, back from the University of Arizona, and freshman Johnny York (Acalanes HS),” he told Community Focus. DVC baseball games are free. Parking permits on campus are $3.

February Home Game Schedule Tuesday, Feb. 4 vs. San Mateo @ 2pm Thursday, Feb. 13 vs. Contra Costa @ 2pm Wednesday, Feb. 19 vs. Lassen @ 2pm Friday, Feb. 21 vs. Laney @ 2pm Friday, Feb. 28 vs. Mendocino @ 2pm

Krauth (pictured) pitched 8.1 Innings with 11 strikeouts. Athan Koutsoubinas (College Park) and Anthony Taliaferro (Alhambra) both had two RBIs each. Final score DVC 7, Merced 3.

A Healthy Rivalry

The College Park varsity boys soccer team defeated host Bulldogs 3-1 under the lights at Alhambra High School. The very physical and well-attended non-conference game took place on January 24.

Andre Garcia scored the first goal for the Falcons in the first half. In the second half, Garcia sent a pass to Joey Brauer who was able to add to the score, giving the Falcons a 2-0 lead. Alhambra’s Jesus Maldonado took control and scored soon after Brauer, shifting the score to 2-1. It was Garcia’s second goal, the result of a penalty that sealed the win for the Falcons.

Varsity coach Edgar Sagastume reflected on the match and said, “The game against Alhambra was played with great intensity by both teams due to the healthy rivalry that has always existed between these two schools. Fortunately for us, it was one of those games where our combinations as a team and individual

efforts together worked to our advantage.”

With the end of the season approaching mid-February, Sagastume’s plan is to “accumulate as many wins as possible to stay above .500 in our records both league and overall. We need to concentrate on combining those individual efforts with the passing skills of the rest of the team, build consistency and to believe in ourselves, so that if we make playoffs, we will be there to represent College Park with pride.”

At press time, both varsity teams have four games remaining on their schedules.

Alhambra’s overall record is 8-5-3 and 3-22 in league. The Falcons are 4-5-6 overall and 3-2-1 in league.

You can view Conrad Rowling’s photos of the match by visiting http://conradsphotography.smugmug.com. Video highlights courtesy of Brad Holst can be found on UTube here: http://youtu.be/bLmWnB8UGI.

CP Patrick Holst #1, rushing for the ball against AHS’s Nick Goulding #4 & Juan Sanchez #2. Photo by Conrad Rowling.

February 2014

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February 2014

Page 19

HOME TEAM

College Park Lady Falcons Flying High In January the Lady Falcons varsity soccer team participated in the Tri-Valley Tournament, the top showcase for women’s high school soccer in the Bay Area. College Park got off to a slow start by losing to Castro Valley High School 3-1. They would re-group by making some minor adjustments on defense and in the midfield positions. The results were immediate, as the team would finish the tournament strong by winning their remaining three games. According to senior Jessica Jordan, “Losing to Castro Valley in the Tri-Valley Tournament was a wake-up call to my team because we knew we could play better than that; we’ve won every single game since that loss.”

The Lady Falcons have demonstrated their resiliency and versatility by winning the next eight games, including wins against cross-town rivals Alhambra and conference rivals Northgate, Concord, Ygnacio Valley, Berean and last year’s 3rd place DVAL winners, Clayton Valley Charter High School 2-0.

The offense, led by juniors Jacky Scharff and Dominike Tambazidis, sophomore Logan Silva, and senior Brianna Vassar, continues their dominant play by scoring 31 of the team’s 35 goals thus far.

Seniors Stacey Oliver and Emily Kastell, along with juniors Marianna Perez, Sophia Rumph, and sophomore Breanna Eales, have also shown the ability to score when called upon. Team captain Jacky Scharff stated, “I am happy to be part of this great group of girls. We want to keep winning so CP can be DVAL champions.”

Submitted by Howard and Vangie Jordan mates sharing one goal. Go Falcons!”

Starting midfielders Alexandra Head coach Randy Madison and Gonzalez, Torrez Ramsey, and Kendall assistant coach Larry Hall have a comMarsh have combined for 58 steals to lead bined 27 years of coaching at College Park the team in take-aways and an impressive and have won many league titles at every five assists on goals. The defense, lead by level of high school soccer: frosh, junior seniors Jessica Jordan, Mary Stammers, Rachel Lindenauer, Gabby Silva and junior varsity and varsity. When asked to share his thoughts about this years’ team, Coach Melissa Kastell, have really stepped-up to Madison stated, “The team as a whole is take control of the back line during this gelling at the right time. It has taken some eleven game winning streak. Senior Cheltime to become proficient in our new sea Realini, senior Jamie Merjano, junior system of play, but the goals are starting to Kallista Wilson, and sophomore Caleigh Silva support them. Goalkeeper junior Katie McLaughlin continues to show why she should be named the 1st team, all-league keeper as she posted a shut out in nine of the last eleven games.

According to team captain Mary Stammers, “It took us some time to get used to playing with one another, but with each game and practice we’re improving, and now we’re really starting to click and play well as a team.”

The Lady Falcons finished the first half of league plays with an astounding 14-3 record and 6-0 DVAL play. The Falcons now sit at #4 in the North Coast Section Division 1 rankings under #1 Monte Vista, #2 San Ramon Valley, and #3 California High School.

Team captain Brianna Vassar sums up this year, “As my senior year comes to a close, I can’t express enough how fun it is to be part of this team. Most of us have played together at least three years on varsity, and we are on track again to go to NCS and win our league. It is exciting to play at a high level and do it with team-

come. The defense continues to strengthen, giving up only two goals through the first half of league play. I am very pleased with where we are at this point in the season.”

Come out and support these hardworking dedicated athletes as they work to win their 3rd in a row DVAL crown. Catch the remaining games: 2/4 @ Berean 3:30pm 2/6 @ Ygnacio 3:30pm 2/11 vs. Concord 3:30pm (Senior Day) 2/13 @ Clayton 6:00pm

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Page 20

February 2014

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

The Transformation of Teaching and Learning

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

– Martin Luther King Jr. The Chinese symbol for crisis is made up of two characters; one represents danger, the other opportunity.

Like most school districts throughout the state, Martinez Unified District is grappling with how to best transition to the Common Core State Standards using a new funding model for schools called the Local Control Funding Formula.

It is the nexus of this change that sets the stage for a dynamic paradigm shift in the way teachers teach and students learn. In Martinez we have chosen to embrace these changes and see them as an opportunity to re-imagine what teaching and learning looks like in our schools. Collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication are the cornerstone of a 21st century classroom.

Common Core State Standards are not the goal, but rather the pathway to the goal. College and career readiness is the end game of this transformation, ensuring that all students are mindfully

MDUSD Headed for a Strike?

By Rami Muth, Superintendent of Martinez Unified School District prepared for success beyond high school critical component of a common core with the ability to compete and contribclassroom, and students are asked to ute in a global society. apply what they have learned to other The transition from the previous contexts and to explain, verbally and in California state standards for mathwriting, the rationale for their answers. ematics represents one area undergoing This type of institutional change the greatest change. Common Core requires mobilizing people to tackle State Standards have a strong emphasis challenges and create conditions that on both conceptual and procedural will allow them to thrive. Risk must knowledge. Topics are taught in a more be accepted as a condition of growth, integrated way. Through inquiry and and mistakes celebrated as a tool for investigation, students develop a deeper continuous growth and improvement. conceptual understanding of the math they are learning and are then asked to apply their learning to real world experiences using performance based tasks.

One key element in the new standards is the role of the teacher as a facilitator. We will no longer see a focus on the quest for the right answer, but rather on developing a keen understanding of how they arrived at that answer. Students are asked to provide evidence to support their responses, and performance based tasks require a demonstration of a much higher level of understanding. Rich discourse is a

It will require some trial and error, and we must be patient and flexible as we navigate this paradigm shift in teaching and learning. The work will be messy, but the benefits profound. The choices we make have the potential to limit or expand the opportunities for our students. Martinez is poised and ready to move forward, and we welcome this challenge and look forward to bringing this dynamic change for our students, our staff and our community.

MDUSD Education News

The unproductive November 5, 2013 bargaining session between MDEA (Mt. Diablo Education Association) and Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s Board representatives led to impasse. Since then, the state has appointed a mediator. On January 13, the bargaining team met with the mediator for the first time in an effort to make some progress on a 7% salary increase and a return to medical coverage equivalent to the Kaiser single rate being asked by MDEA versus the 3% salary increase and $0 for medical coverage offered by MDUSD. Unfortunately, the parties were unable to do so. Further, teachers held a protest at the district’s Dent Center at the January 15 School Board meeting. Members spoke about the need for improved compensation and stated that they will strike if necessary. Demonstrations

by Mt. Diablo employees continue to be seen at many schools to let the public know that six years without a salary increase is long enough.

A January 27 MDEA bargaining update stated that, “Certification to fact finding has been postponed as the District has agreed to have a 2nd look at their budget to see if estimated revenues may be understated or if estimated expenses may be overstated. MDEA’s belief is that a 2nd look will allow the Board more confidence in their ability to keep the District on a strong financial footing while meeting the Members at Sequoia Middle handing out flyers.

financial needs of MDUSD employees. Once this 2nd look has been completed, if there is room to move forward, mediation will resume”.

MDEA has scheduled a series of community meetings in order to inform parents about the situation and gather support. Although the College Park meeting was on January 23, additional meetings are as follows: Thursday, February 6, 7:00pm at the Concord High School Library; Thursday, February 13, 7:00pm at the Northgate High School Faculty Dining Room and Thursday, February 20, 7:00pm at the Mount Diablo High School Library. Informational leafleting at school sites have been in effect since January to inform parents that there may be a strike and to invite them to attend the community meetings to get more information and to show their support.

MDUSD School Board News

At the December 11 Mt. Diablo Unified School District School Board meeting, board member Barbara Oaks was elected as board president. Ms. Oaks was a former principal at College Park High School. She was elected in 2012 and her term expires in 2016. In addition, Brian Lawrence was elected as board vice president and Superintendent Nellie Meyer was appointed as secretary of the board.

MUSD Common Core Funding

After the passage of Assembly Bill 86 (AB86) in July 2013, the State of California will be distributing $1.2 billion to school districts in support of the transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The allocation for Martinez Unified is approximately $800,000. These one-time funds can only be spent in three areas over the next two years: professional development, instructional materials, and technology. MUSD presented an expenditure plan to the governing board on December 9 outlining how funds will be allocated in the three categories. It was proposed that an estimated $445,000 be spent on professional development, $275,000 allocated to instructional materials and $80,000 towards technology.

February 2014

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Page 21

FPHE Kicks Off 6th Annual Campaign!

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

6th Annual Campaign Goal: $60,000 How You Can Help: Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE) suggests a donation of $75 or more. Donations of all amounts are appreciated. FPHE’s ability to issue school grants is solely dependent on the support of the community.

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

How are donations used? Funds raised go to school grants issued in May 2014.

Why Give? Strong Schools Benefit You. Strong schools greatly benefit students. They also help increase property values as more homebuyers understand our community’s dedication to supporting local education. Businesses thrive and grow. Most importantly, strong schools enhance the future of our community.

Since 2009, thanks to community support, FPHE has awarded over $158,000 in grants to our community’s 11 public schools.

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

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

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

• Items to support the arts: musical instruments/supplies, stage lighting, audio equipment.

Learn More: To become a FPHE member or learn more about 2014 campaign events, email contact@fphe.org.

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

HELP SCHOOLS THRIVE - GIVE $75!

DONATE AT www.fphe.org

Donations to FPHE’s 2014 Annual Campaign reduce the impact budget cuts have on the 11 Pleasant Hill public schools. Your donation directly benefits language arts, math, science and enrichment programs.

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

Help Schools Thrive

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Page 22

THE GARDEN

It is hard to choose from so many winter greens in season, courtesy of so much sunshine, wanted or not. Take a chance and glom onto some tatsoi from the farmers’ market. You can identify tatsoi by emerald green, spoon-shaped leaves tasting faintly of salty, honey mustard. With immense depth and flavor, they perk up your daily bowl of fresh greens. In season now in Northern and Southern Cali, tatsoi has flavors that feel like rippling sunlight on your tongue when tossed with good olive oil, citrus peel and avocado.

When lightly sautéed with garlic, cilantro (in season), olive oil, and possibly incendiary pepper flakes, tatsoi achieves a deeper dimension and begs to be placed under sesame, grilled, local salmon. Brimming with calcium and iron, tatsoi may also be added a la minute to soups and stews after retiring the flame, letting tender leaves cook by the heat of pot contents alone. Being a cool weather crop, tatsoi leaves may be substituted for summer basil in pesto, joining parsley and cilantro leaves along with local walnuts, garlic, good olive oil and Meyer lemon juice and peel. Being an unusual green, local tatsoi is almost only available at farmers’ markets while the mercury dips, but it is incredibly easy to grow, just as lettuce, arugula, chards, mustard greens, kale and other winter greens are. Another joy of winter, albeit a dry, cold one.

Another winter crop experiencing a lengthy crescendo is citrus. We brought a citrus tasting to our garden classes at College Park, helping students realize and taste the immense variety of citrus we are

Enjoy the Tatsoi

By Lesley Stiles fortunate to have around Diablo Valley. drizzled with local honey on toast. Maria stunning salad, brilliantly crisp. Reduce We tasted blood orange, Cara Cara orangnate chopped kumquats in vodka and let blood juice with a bit of cream, and then es, Page tangerines, Satsuma mandarins, it macerate awhile before straining over add segments at the end for a luxuriously Japanese grapefruits, Rio red grapefruits, ice -- sublime. Note to self: Make now for thrilling roasted chicken breast. Three navel oranges and the list goes on. Most next year’s New Year’s gig. words: fresh, now, aaahhhh. were acquired at the Diablo Valley farm In a deep sauté pan, brown turkey Japanese grapefruit is another citers’ markets at Kaiser Shadelands on a Satthighs along with sliced onions and garlic rus we tested the students on that is now urday. Grocers now offer a few of the unavailable at the farmers’ market. This is an in olive oil. Add a handful each of whole usual choices too, such as honey tangerkumquats and whole, dried apricots, then amazing taste treat and almost tastes like ines as well as the ever-popular Cuties and deglaze with a splash of white wine and a you cut one open and doused it with sugHalos; it’s a genius market tool to get those couple cups of chicken stock. Cover and ar, but you didn’t! It actually comes that zipper-skinned, seedless Satsuma mandasimmer on low for 90 minutes. Brace for way. Hamada Farms at the Diablo Valrins out there. Students learned about the meltingly luscious flavors to caress your ley farmers’ market has really good ones!! differences between varieties while getting olfactory senses, while leaving exotic citThese sweet delights are pushing their the info that they are all from the same rus traces for your tongue to figure out. way to the top of the citrus popularity list family. We love this lesson because it goes and are not available in grocery stores. On At commencement of penning this beyond citrus and crosses over into teachcolumn, there has still been no rain. While to odder bedfellows, kumquats rate high ing tolerance for other families of differhiking in Briones and surrounding ridgon the weirdness scale in produce circles. ent varieties in their lives. They always es, it is almost moonscape-ish out there.

Compact orange ovals, they are curious love the blood oranges for their ghoulishly Stunted traces of upcoming wild flowers for sure and so often overlooked and disbloody flesh, a teenager thing, I guess. can be seen here and there, peaking out carded. In fact, the kumquat has a dis Harking originally from Sicily in their little heads and legs in shadier spots. tinctly steamy side that, once delved into, the 1500s, blood oranges and their crimLet’s hope for rain the whole month of deepens awakening winter curiosity. Person shot, scarlet flesh and juice can be February!! Rain or not, you’ll want to get fectly tasted in two bites, you need to be shocking to the virgin taster who slices a walk up on the ridge; it is beautiful, and able to actually grasp opposite upheavals into their flesh. A mutation of sweet orwe are fortunate indeed to have it in our of your taste buds. Meant to be eaten skin anges, bloods can be smaller than their and all, it is a completely backwards citrus, backyard. cousins, but lack nothing in flavor when with an organic conundrum similar to the Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the Calipurchased locally at their peak freshness. fornia Culinary Academy, sustainable hard-to-grasp, inside-blooming fig factor.

With haunting tropical tastes and raspcaterer and school garden educator. ConKumquat skin is shockingly sweet, while berry nuances, blood oranges lend their tact Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast.net, balanced by cheek-tightening tartness of talents smoothly to a plethora of culinary www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit the flesh. They are lovely for concocting pleasures. Squeezing their fresh juice in her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods. jams and marmalades, and it is easy to champagne blushes the cocktail pink to com. chop just a few and stir into sweet butter go with your cheeks. Margaritas crave the addition of the blood juice as well. Combine sliced, roasted, yellow beets with magenta segments to blend color and flavor, Onion Soup • Organic Spring Mixed/Ginger Dressing then add rice vinegar and place on winHibachi Shrimp Appetizer • Hibachi Vegetables ter arugula dotted with chevre to create a Entrée Choices: Certified Angus NY Steak & Shrimp $31 stellar main or side dish. Fennel, jicama Main Lobster Tail & Filet Mignon $40 and bloods, all in season right now, make Kobe Beef & Maine Lobster Tail $59

Happy Valentine’s Day Hibachi Dinner

Citrus and Avocado Salad Ingredients:

1 pound mixed baby greens 2 oranges, peeled and sliced 1 large Japanese grapefruit, peeled and sliced

Directions:

February 2014

1 large avocado, peeled and sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

In a salad bowl combine lettuce with citrus and avocado and lightly toss. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste and toss lightly again.

Serves 4.

Dessert Fresh Fruit

Sushi Lounge

Miso or Onion Soup Organic Spring Mixed / Ginger Dressing Entrée Choices: Chicken Katsu & Combo Tempura $26 NY Steak & Yakitori $26 Maine Lobster Tail & Seafood Teriyaki $28 Sushi Omakase or Sashimi Omakase $31 Dessert Fresh Fruit 1918 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill • www.kobejapanrestaurant.com

925-705-7065/7066 (PHONE) • 925-705-7067 (FAX) Reservations Recommended • With Voucher Only. Not Valid w/ other offers • Expires after 2/28/2014

February 2014

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Page 23

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

By Jim Bonato, Pleasant Hill CERT Program Manager What if neighbors expanded this Response Team (CERT) would be happy In my November article, “The Shakfoundations and crawlspace walls are concept and helped each other prepare to give your neighborhood some pointers ing Is Over…Now What?” we explored reinforced. Helping each other secure on disaster preparedness and neighborsome immediate actions to take following for an earthquake and looked out for each water heaters properly and insuring hood response. If you would like more a major temblor. Because you have taken other following a major quake? Not only everyone has a first aid kit, a stash of information, call me at 938-5433 or send precautions to prepare your house and its are neighbors looking out for their neighwater and food, and a fire extinguisher contents and have prepared and practiced bors, neighbors are helping neighbors. makes neighbors feel more confident and an email to: jbonato@aol.com. You can This concept is driven home when you also view past columns at www.ourcomyour family’s emergency plan, you now competent in caring for each other. munityfocus.com. realize the benefits of earlier preparations. realize how few emergency responders Your local Community Emergency will be available after an intense shaking Your next thoughts might turn to your in your community. Our first respondelderly neighbors; are they ok?

There are well-established Neighbor- ers will initially be focused on major fires and major public safety issues. There’s hood Watch programs in Pleasant Hill By the Hagin’s Staff no telling when they would be available where individual neighborhoods have • Low refrigerant How often should I service to respond to smaller fires, damage to organized fellow neighbors to be on the • Loose drive belt my vehicle’s A/C? homes, downed power lines, and broken lookout for potential crime, vandalism, • Slipping compressor clutch Your vehicle’s air conditioning may water mains in our neighborhoods. or safety issues in the neighborhood; in • Partially clogged valves or filters need to be serviced every one to five Helping each other prepare for the other words, neighbors looking out for • Slow leaks in components or hoses years, depending on its age. Even if you coming earthquake can become a fun neighbors. If anything suspicious is ob• Clogs in the evaporator or condenser are not having any issues with your air neighborhood activity -- meeting your served, a quick call to the police departconditioning, you should have it serviced Why did my air conditioning neighbors, rekindling friendships, checkment sets the ball in motion to remedy suddenly stop working? once every five years. It is better to have ing to see that homes are bolted to their the situation. What a great concept!

The most common reasons an air condiinspections and service done more fretioning system stops working include: quently on the air conditioning system • Broken or very loose drive belt rather than wait for a problem to occur.

• Blown fuses There are a lot of components in the automotive air conditioning system that • Broken compressor or compressor clutch should be checked regularly.

• Leaks in components, seals or hoses A leak in your vehicle’s air condition- • Defects or clogs in the expansion valve, ing system is a serious problem. Some of orifice tube, accumulator, receiver-drier, the chemicals can be toxic; a trained proor hoses fessional should repair all leaks imme If you are asking yourself either of diately. It is not a good idea to try to use these questions, it’s time to have your veThanks to our customers for voting us #1! a low-cost, leak-repair product as it may hicle’s air conditioning system checked. interact with the chemicals or blow back Finding a solution that corrects the probthrough the air-conditioning system, per- lem now will help you save on repairs and manently damaging it. maintenance down the road.

I’m not getting enough cold air, what’s Hagin’s Automotive, located at 3725 wrong?

Alhambra Avenue in Martinez, can be Not enough cool air or air that is warmer reached at (925) 228-5115 or via their than usual is generally caused by: website at www.haginsauto.com.

Air Conditioning System

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Page 24

February 2014

IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS

Wence’s, a Local Jewel

A BAY AREA FAVORITE SINCE 1946

Thanks for voting us Best BBQ and Best Sandwiches!

Catering available for pick-up, delivery or on-site Holiday Parties • Business Luncheons Corporate Events Martinez 536 Center Ave 925-957-1400 Pleasant Hill, 2227 Morello Ave, 925-798-2333 Concord, 1776 Arnold Industrial Way, 925-825-2333 Walnut Creek, 1293 Parkside Dr, 925-952-9000 Walnut Creek, 1831 Ygnacio Valley Rd. 925-952-9393

www.kindersbbq.com Homemade Ravioli since 1925

MOLINO’S RAVIOLI FACTORY

Wence’s in Pleasant Hill is a familyowned restaurant that serves the entire East Bay. We offer freshly prepared and artfully presented California cuisine.

Wence’s serves lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on weekends. Our extensive menu offers choices for everyone, inspiring guests to return eager to try new dishes. Our lunch menu offers a variety of fresh, crisp salads, sandwiches, and succulent burgers such as Junior’s Burger, which has melted cambozola cheese, smoked apple wood bacon, sliced bright tomatoes, crisp lettuce, fried egg and certified Angus Beef, served on a lightly toasted brioche bun smeared in our Wence’s sauce. If you are in search of a lighter choice, Wence’s offers many options such as our BBQ Chicken Salad with crisp romaine, avocado, green onions, corn, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, grilled chicken and a chipotle flavored BBQ ranch dressing.

At Wence’s, the specialty of the house is our fresh seafood. Come in for dinner and start with a light appetizer of Jumbo Pan-Seared Scallops topped with our Citrus Habanero Glaze. For your en-

trée, enjoy our tender and flaky Chilean Sea Bass served on a bed of fresh jumbo prawns, clams, chorizo, Mediterranean black mussels, shallots and cherry tomatoes, all sautéed in the ultimate complementary white wine saffron cream sauce. Finally, indulge in one of our house- made desserts such as our cookie melt skillet, a warm, rich, chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla gelato and drizzled with caramel and chocolate.

At Wence’s you’ll find consistency in the fresh and fine ingredients used to make our flavorful dishes. With over 21 years of experience in preparing and presenting food, Chef Gerardo Wence has finally made his dream a reality.

Chef Wence participates in all food preparation and works side-by-side with wife Sandra Wence, who manages the front of the house to ensure equilibrium of quality food with quality service. At Wence’s you’ll find the whole family hard at work to provide the utmost dining experience for you, our honored guest! Wence’s is expanding their dining room. Watch for information in the Focus as plans come together.

HOMEMADE MEALS - JUST HEAT & EAT Come and Visit our Production Line and see Ravioli Made the Old-Fashioned Way

Ravioli Flavors Beef • Chicken • Spicy Chicken • Cheese Cheese & Basil • Seafood • Butternut Squash Vegetarian • Portabella Mushroom • Sweet Potato Sauces • Cannelloni • Lasagna • Fresh Pasta Poleta Pie • Soup • Potato Gnocchi • Large & Small Ravioli • And Much More

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Celebrate Valentines Day with Molinos, over 60 years of family memories!

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February 2014

Page 25

In the Mix Interview with Frankie G. There’s a great song by blues artist Albert Cummings called, “The Blues Makes Me Feel So Good,” with the lyric, “Well it’s hard to feel bad when the blues makes me feel so good.” I couldn’t have found a more perfect song to describe the one and only Frankie G. He draws you in with his emotional and passionate guitar licks, and you cannot help but feel good after hearing him play. Frankie is one of the finest guitar players and local legends to keep the blues alive here in Contra Costa County. So much of what is labeled under the “blues genre” has little relation to the traditional and classic blues, but Frankie is keeping the blues as real as ever. Influenced

by Freddie King, B.B. King, Johnny Winter and Eric Clapton, Frankie manages to deliver a high-energy, powerful show. This incredible musician is one of the nicest and most compassionate people in this area.

PC: At what age did you start playing guitar?

FG: I was 16 years old. My brother taught me some simple “box-type” scale and it came easy to me. I borrowed a guitar from a friend and started fooling around with it… that was it. I still play that scale every time I pick up the guitar.

PC: Who were your influences?

FG: Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter,

Dallimonti’s

By Paul Cotruvo, Cover2Cover and The Big Jangle Dicky Betts, Mick Ralphs, Stevie Ray FG: “Be Careful With a Fool” (cause com.) and Jimmy Vaughnn, and, of course, someday… he may get smart. He will PC: What do you think of the blues Freddie, Albert and BB. treat you so cool and chilly… then he scene here in Contra Costa?

PC: Do you remember the first band will hurt you to your heart).

FG: There are a lot of great, great playyou were in?

PC: Why? ers. Contra-Costa-speaking, there FG: Yep. Frankie G and the Meatballs.

FG: Because I like to try to pay-it-forare Steve Freund, Jim Caroompas, One gig. I was hooked. ward and treat people with kindness, SuMac, Kyle Jester, Annie Sampson, PC: What have been some of your Kelly Back, Sam-one, I could go on and hoping for the same in return. Unmusical highlights? fortunately, that doesn’t always hapon. The talent is out there, but I wish FG: Spending an afternoon with pen. There are a lot of fools out there shows were supported more. It’s a fact Brownie McGhee and being asked looking to take advantage of others, of where we live; there is just so much to play at his birthday party, sitting especially in our current day. I get a going on in the Bay Area. People who in with Coco Montoya, and anytime little cautious, sometimes. love the blues should support Arsomeone appreciates what I just played. mando’s and EJ Phair. They are terrific PC: Thanks Frankie.

PC: How did you get involved with clubs that support music with local and Please get out there and support the Delta Blues Festival (DBF)? national acts. There are outdoor venues some great local music. You can catch FG: My friend David Williamson was Frankie at this year’s “Come Together” as well. The Pleasant Hill Blues and the creator of the festival and asked me show on February 7 and as a part of the Brews Festival, The Delta Blues Festito help out. David’s life ended untimeDelta Blues Festival Benefit on March 1 val, and most music in the park (like ly and his family wanted me to take it at the Historic El Campanil Theatre in Pleasant Hill) support blues music. over. My wife Gail and our loyal volunPC: Buddy Guy or B.B. King? I know, Antioch. teers see it as a gift back to the commuQuote of the Month: tough one! nity. It’s a lot of work, but when people “I had the blues because I had no shoes FG: Freddie King. (Oops sorry!) BB… are dancing and smiling and telling us until I met a man who had no feet.” hands down. how much they appreciate the event, it – Denis Waitley PC: If you were a blues song, what gives us motivation to continue. There song would you be and why? are a lot of nice people out there, and they seem to attend our event. We like that. We have a DBF benefit concert February 1: Jim Caroompas & The Sisters of Mercy, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Mtz., 7pm. coming up on March 1. It’s a GREAT February 6: Chris Cain Band, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm. line up. The mighty Chris Cain; ChiFebruary 7: “Come Together #4” at the brand new Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 cago’s Cashbox Kings, featuring Steve Civic Dr., Pleasant Hill, 7:30pm. Featuring: The Muddy Roses; Sin Silver; Frankie G.; Mark Freund, Kathy Tejcka, Teresa & Louis; Stanley; Veronica Dangerfield; The Unplugged Jangle; Angelique and Taylor Kellogg; Wild and Frankie G & the Conviction. The Guess; Fiona and Deirdre Nelis. event benefits the Delta Blues Festival.

February 8: Stung, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, 10pm.

(Shameless non-profit plug alert! For February 15: Kyle Jester, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Martinez, 7pm. tickets: http://www.elcampaniltheatre.

February 15: Delta Wires, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm. com/coming-attractions-buy-tickets.

February 22, Lumberyard, Dallimontis, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm. html#dbf, www.ElCampanilTheatre.

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February 2014

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February 2014

To Read or Not to Read

By Zane Dundon, Senior, De La Salle HS

Dune, by Frank Herbert, is an impressively detailed and well-written book and one of the best science fiction novels I’ve ever read. Dune is to science fiction what The Lord of the Rings is to fantasy.

Both Herbert and Tolkien have written incredibly engaging stories with tangibly real characters, but, for these two authors, the story is only the tip of the iceberg. This is because they have created histories and cultures so detailed that, when you read their books, you really believe for a moment that their worlds are real.

Every facet of Dune is so detailed and thought out, from the history to the religion to the ecology of the planet, that you get the sense what you are reading is only a fraction of what Herbert created. However, unlike Tolkien, whose writing is sometimes criticized for being too focused on his created world and not on the story, Herbert keeps you hooked the whole time, keeping the action alive while still relating the rich history of his world.

The novel centers on Paul Atreides, the son of the Duke of Arrakis, a desert planet with so little water that inhabit-

ants must wear bodysuits to conserve their fluids in order to stay hydrated. In addition to the lack of water on Arrakis, the desert contains giant sandworms that grow to be hundreds of meters long, providing additional peril for anyone who ventures too far into the desert. Paul lives an easy life in the capital of Arrakis until his family is attacked by the Harkonnens, a rival house who seeks to take control of the planet from Paul’s father. Consequently, Paul escapes into the desert and joins the Fremen, the nomadic natives of Arrakis, who tell him of a messianic prophecy that he may unwittingly be connected to. Paul, a product of a long genetic experiment, discovers newfound powers that he must utilize to lead the Fremen in taking back control of the planet.

Herbert’s novel is all at once a coming-of-age story, an exploration of a foreign ecology, and an epic adventure saga. His writing is impressively eloquent, while still being readable and not distracting from the plot. Considered by many to be the best science fiction novel ever written, Dune is a fantastic read for even non-sci-fi fans.

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Page 27

Read My Mind © Book Reviews by Michael G. Harris, OD

When my wife and I returned from an extended trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, I had 32 books waiting for me at the library. And, of course, all of them were due in three weeks! I didn’t read all of them in three weeks, but here are reviews of some I found interesting.

Who would have thought that a crime novel by first-time author Robert Galbraith would suddenly jump from number 4709 on the bestseller list to number one? That is exactly what happened when the world learned that The Cuckoo’s Calling was actually written by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling under a pseudonym. The mystery of whether Lula Landry’s (“the cuckoo”) fall to her death was a suicide or murder introduces us to some interesting characters, particularly the crippled detective Cormoran Strike. While I enjoyed the book, I kept wondering whether this book would have become a runaway bestseller if Rowling weren’t the real author.

Take The Stand: My Life In The Law is defense attorney Alan Dershowitz’s autobiography. The Harvard professor’s legal career was certainly filled with interesting cases, including the defense of suspected murderers O.J. Simpson and Claus von Bulow. His stories are interesting, but contain too much “chutzpah” for my liking. If you’re interested in law and can get over Dershowitz’s ego, you’ll find some fascinating tidbits in this book.

Jeff Greenfield’s new book, If Kennedy Lived, delves into what could

have happened if JFK had survived the assassination attempt and served a second term. In this fanciful “alternate history” there would have been no Vietnam War or prolonged Cold War. Unfortunately, that was not the case. This is especially interesting reading as we just marked the 50th anniversary of JFK’s death.

Want more politics? You will have your plate full with Double Down, Mark Halperin and John Heileman’s account of the 2012 presidential election campaign.

As they did in Game Change, their bestseller about the 2008 election, they seem to be “flies on the wall” at every meeting the candidates attended. We learn the gruesome details of the Denver debate debacle, why Clint Eastwood spent 12 minutes in prime time talking to a chair at the GOP convention, and the crazy vetting process of the GOP vice presidential candidates. This is a must read for anyone interested in national politics.

Pat Conroy is one of America’s most celebrated authors for his books like The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini, a fictionalized version of his childhood.

His latest book, The Death of Santini, tells the true story of his life living with the father he hated ”long before he knew there was a word for hate.” It is a tragic tale of an abusive father and the devastating affect he had on his entire family. It is a fitting end to the Santini tale. John Grisham’s latest bestseller, Sycamore Row, is a follow-up to his first book, A Time to Kill.

Mississippi lawyer Jake Brigance has a different kind of case this time. Instead of defending a suspected murderer, he must defend the hand-written will of Seth Hubbard, who wrote it just days before hanging himself. In his usual spellbinding fashion, Grisham leads us carefully through the lives of his characters and their families until we learn why Hubbard recanted his previous will and left most of his vast estate to his black maid.

Although Sycamore Row is not as exciting as Grisham’s previous book, The Racketeer, it is still a fun read for any Grisham fan.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 28

P L E A S A N T

H I L L

C H A M B E R

O F

February 2014

C O M M E R C E

It’s Your Business.

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

Congratulations

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

BUSINESS

Back Forty Texas BBQ Big O Tires Bill’s Ace Hardware Cantrell’s Computer Sales & Service Chateaus, Carlton Senior Living Coco Swirl - Pleasant Hill Cold Stone Creamery Contra Costa Country Club Corner Bakery Café Deja Vu, A Unique Boutique Edward Jones Financial – Amy Wasser Estates Consignment Five Guys Burgers & Fries Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Kelly Ann’s Salon & Day Spa Kinder’s Meats & BBQ La Tapatia Mexican Cuisine Leading Edge Pest Management Martin Orthodontics – Jennifer L. Martin, DDS Magoo’s Grill Meow & Howl Pet Sitting Paddock Bowl Payless Painting Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Pleasant Hill Senior Center RE/MAX Realty – Don & Norma Flaskerud Senior Helpers Sinful Bliss State Farm Insurance – Christine Sampson State Farm Insurance – Matt Rinn Susan Wood Photography Tahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse Togo’s UFC Gym Wence’s Restaurant YMCA Zachary’s Pizza Zen Restaurant

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Welcome New Members Right Choice Coaching East Bay International Jewish Film Festival Placemaking Group PBC Pleasant Hill Buskirk, LLC Summit Funding J. Rockcliff Realtors Youth Homes, Inc. Banc of California Green Light Carpet Cleaning Evoke Spinal Care

LaShawn Wells Riva Gambert Dennis Erokan Terri Reno Brian Schaefer Zack Heene Laurel Pendleton Phillip Delianides Tim Green Dr. Fred Dietzen

(925) 586-4771 (510) 839-2900 (510) 835-7900 x203 (925) 746-7100 (925) 348-5625 (415) 994-3504 (925) 933-2627 (925) 222-6834 (925) 348-0748 (925) 523-1033

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

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February 2014

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY:

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

Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770

Upcoming trips. Call for Details: Canyon Country – Sep. 25 – Oct. 3, 2014. Visit three national parks: Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon. Also visit Scottsdale, Oak Creek Canyon, Kaibab National Forest, Lake Powell, Monument Valley ending in Las Vegas.

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls and Botswana – February 2015 Epic scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife come together in an incredible experience.

Washington, D.C. – Exploring America’s Capital – Spring 2015 Explore America’s heritage and history on this in-depth tour of the capital city.

Feb. 9 - Pancake Breakfast 8am-11am.

Feb. 28 - C.E.R.T. Presentation 10am– 12:30pm (Community Emergency Response Team) Don’t be Scared….Be Prepared! We are again offering a 2-hour personal emergency preparedness seminar. Learn how to prepare yourself and your family for a major disaster. This seminar is free; refreshments will be served. Please call our office to register. (925) 370-8770.

Mar. 7 & 14 - AARP Smart Driver Course (2 consecutive Fridays) 10am - 2:30pm (with a 30 minute lunch break). Program helps seniors recognize their limitations and learn how to reduce accidents and regain driving privileges. Receive a Certificate of Completion, which may offer insurance discounts. Checks payable to AARP at the time of registration; cash cannot be accepted. $15 for AARP members (bring card), $20 for Non-members.

Mar. 21 - The Vagabond Players Present: “Social Security” by Andrew Bergman 1pm. A 1986 hit Broadway comedy dealing with the timely issue of married couples caring for an aging parent. The fun and laughter begins and doesn’t stop until the surprise ending! The one-hour performance is followed by a light buffet. Cost: $10 members/$12 nonmembers. Tickets will go on sale Friday, February 7 or until we reach our capacity.

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788

Feb. 2 - Family Pancake Breakfast 8-10am. Tickets: Adults (11+) $5 / Children (5-10 yrs) $3 / 4 & under FREE. Feb. 5 - FREE Special Presentation: “Managing Health Care Expenses in Retirement” 6:30pm. RSVP: (925) 798-8788.

Feb. 13 - Valentine’s Day Social 1pm. Live music by LaSalle Street Jazz Band. Refreshments served. Tickets: $12 pp (pre-sale) / $16 pp (at door).

Feb. 13 - FREE Care Management Series Seminar: “Major FHA Changes to Reverse Mortgage Programs” 2-3:30pm. RSVP: (925) 798-8788.

Senior Club Annual Memberships only $15 per person! Learn why 3,200 seniors joined the Senior Club. Call (925) 798-8788 for info & sign up Explore Your World With Us! Now booking 2014 trips through PHRec Travel Services. Visit Adult>Trips at pleasanthillrec.com or call Jessie Wusthoff, Trip Coordinator at (925) 771-7636.

Sign up for fun enrichment classes at phseniorcenter.com!

NEW! Prelude to a Dance • NEW! Gentle Pilates • Basic Computers & You –Part 1 & 2 (NEW!) • Internet, Web & Email • Creative Writing from Life Experience • American Sign Language for Beginners • Gentle Yoga • Tango for Seniors • Quilting classes (3)

Page 29

Free Bus Rides for Seniors

County Connection’s board of directors recently approved a plan to establish a promotional free ride program for senior and disabled riders during the mid-day hours of 10am and 2pm, seven days a week, on any County Connection regular or express fixed-route service. The promotion took effect on December 22.

“County Connection is responding to a need in our community for reliable transportation options for the elderly and persons with disabilities,” said Bob Simmons, County Connection board chair and City of Walnut Creek council member. “Because this group is often living on a fixed income, we are pleased to offer this Free Ride Program during the mid-day in addition to our already reduced rates to ride at other times of the day.”

To take advantage of the Free Ride Program, riders need to show bus operators proof of eligibility. People with a

photo ID showing a birth date of 65 years of age or older or a senior Clipper card qualify for the senior pricing. Eligible disabled passengers need an RTC Discount Card, DMV placard registration receipt, a Medicare Card, or a Veteran Disability card.

The Free Ride Program will be offered by County Connection for a promotional period of six months, after which the feasibility of extending the program will be studied. As a general reminder, the first few seats of the bus are designated to allow easy access for elderly and disabled riders.

County Connection provides fixed route and para-transit service throughout central Contra Costa County. For information on all transit services, visit www. countyconnection.com or call County Connection Customer Service at 6767500.

Computer Lab is Open

There are a large number of Windows 7 computers with Internet access for members (age 50 and up) to use for pleasure and/ or learning. There is a volunteer available to help you with questions about Internet, email, and Windows; volunteers offer helpful hints to use your computer productively.

Current hours: M 9-12, T 1-4, W 12-3, F 12-3. Formal classes are available as well – check with the receptionist at the Center or the website: www.phseniorcenter.com.

Volunteers are also available for Apple users on Th 10-12.

Page 30

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Anniversary of I-680

By Jason Bezis Target/Pleasant Hill Shopping Center) January 6 was the 50th anniveropened in late 1964. Sunvalley Mall sary of a pivotal event in Pleasant Hill opened in 1967. The state planned history, the opening of Interstate 680 through the city. Flanked by politicians to build the freeway a couple of years earlier so it could feed the new and civic leaders, Mayor Lenard Grote Benicia-Martinez Bridge (opened cut the ribbon behind a big “PLEASANT HILL” banner at 2pm on January 1962). However, a dispute with East Bay MUD about relocation of its 6, 1964. This project filled a 1.7-mile gap in I-680 between Monument Blvd. aqueducts delayed awarding of the Monument Blvd./Willow Pass Rd. and Willow Pass Rd. It completed the freeway between Walnut Creek and the freeway construction contract until May 1962. (Today the aqueducts run Benicia-Martinez Bridge. along the westerly side of I-680). In late The freeway segment to the south 1962, the state widened Contra Costa of Monument Blvd. opened in 1957; Blvd. within Pleasant Hill to serve as a the I-680 section north of Willow Pass temporary conduit for traffic until the Rd. was completed in 1962. Confreeway “gap” was closed. tra Costa Blvd. was converted from Inclement weather in late 1963 de“State Route 21” into the community’s layed the freeway opening until Janu“main street.” With the diversion of ary 1964. The first section of Highway through traffic to the freeway, the City 242 freeway from I-680 into Concord of Pleasant Hill immediately set forth opened a few months later. Lack of offon a “beautification” project to calm traffic and improve conditions for local and on-ramps on northbound I-680 at residents and shoppers on the formerly Willow Pass Rd. were deficiencies of the new freeway. A “Concord Trancongested arterial. The four-lane I-680 script” editorial called for improvefreeway helped Pleasant Hill and its vicinity become a major regional retail ment of the interchange before Sunvalley Mall was built. I-680 through district. The Montgomery Ward/dome Pleasant Hill was substantially re-built theater center (now Kohl’s) opened in in the late 1990s as part of the massive, 1962. decade-long 24/680 reconstructions.

The giant Pleasant Hill PayLess That project widened the freeway to store, located next to the new Monuits current breadth and re-configured ment Blvd. off-ramp, advertised a many interchanges.

“Freeway Opening Celebration Sale.”

A large White Front store (now the

February 2014

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February 2014

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Increase Core-Strength, Decrease Back Pain

By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates support the vertebrae).

Strong core muscles These muscles have an unhave the incredible ability to healthy Catch-22 with bad support our spine and help posture. Bad posture helps prevent back pain. Unforweaken the core muscles, tunately, a sedentary lifeand weak core muscles help style and the poor posture create bad posture. And created by our chair domia lack of strength in these nant culture inhibits these deep muscles is accommuscles from working well. panied by muscular imbalances, unMorphing into the shape of our office healthy body mechanics, back and joint chair creates unhealthy body alignpain. ment. Unhealthy body alignment pre So do you need “washboard” abs vents these important, deep muscles from getting the natural exercise that is to have a strong core? Thankfully, the needed to keep our backs feeling good. answer is “no.” These “ripped” muscles are more superficial than the spine sta The core is made up of four deep bilizing, pain averting, deep muscles of muscle groups: the diaphragm (an imthe core. This means that you can have portant breathing muscle), the transenviable abs, but actually have a weak versus abdominis (the deepest of four core. And just as the bark of a tree can’t abdominal muscles), the pelvic floor successfully hold up the tree, neither (the muscles that keep our internal orcan our superficial muscles support our gans safely inside our body) and the structure without pain. multifidi (small spinal muscles that If you are healthy and fit, you can always improve on your core strength.

If you suffer from back pain, ask your doctor if you might benefit from core strengthening. Work with an exerPilates for Athletes • Pilates for Dancers cise specialist that is trained to safeModern Dance ly strengthen people with back pain.

Core Strength to take your With solid core strength, better posture game to the next level. and improved body mechanics, your back will soon be thanking you.

Tonya Marie Amos is a fully certified Pilates instructor. For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com.

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

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

February 2014

Acupuncture for IBS

By Richard Weissman, L.Ac., Acu-Wellness Center Many sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) seek relief through acupuncture. While some medical practitioners use IBS as a “one size fits all” diagnosis, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach IBS on an individual basis. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, IBS is mainly caused by an infection of the gastrointestinal system, which is caused by the pathogenic factors of dampness and heat, obtained either externally (such as from weather) or generated internally (such as internal injury from improper food).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Western Medicine Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or “spastic colon” is a functional bowel disorder. The small and large intestines do not function appropriately and there are changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain, however, no structural damage or abnormalities are found through diagnostic testing. IBS makes up 20-50% of visits to gastroenterologists, and women are affected three times more than men.

The average age of onset is between 20 and 40.

Diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBSD) is having diarrhea immediately after waking or immediately after eating, along with pain, bloating, urgency and urinary incontinence. Constipationpredominant IBS (IBS-C), also known as “spastic colon,” manifests with pain over at least one area of the colon and periodic constipation. This pain may be continuous or come in bouts and is fre-

quently relieved by moving the bowels.

Associated symptoms include bloating, gas, nausea and dyspepsia.

To avoid triggering symptoms, people affected by this disorder should maintain regular eating habits that consist of high fiber, refrain from heavy and large meals high in fat, drink plenty of water daily, avoid smoking, and develop a regular toilet schedule. Regular exercise can help relieve stress, which seems to exacerbate the disorder. Western medicine treats IBS with anti-spasmodic or anti-diarrhea medication, diet modification and stress reduction techniques.

The Treatment of IBS in Traditional Chinese Medicine To dissipate IBS symptoms, Traditional Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture to remove dampness and heat from within the system by selecting certain points along the meridians of the stomach and large intestine, located mostly along the lateral side of the legs and arms. At the same time, reinforcement techniques can strengthen the body’s immune system, while reducing techniques can relieve stress to prevent future exacerbation. A free comprehensive evaluation at the Acupuncture Wellness Center in Pleasant Hill provides an Eastern diagnosis and suggestions for a plan to minimize symptoms and stimulate healing.

Acu-Wellness is located at 2261 Morello Avenue (complex behind Hillcrest Center/ Kinder’s) in Pleasant Hill For more information call 925-6712100.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

February 2014

Why Bodywork?

Why Hellerwork?

By Kay Hogan MT-MEd What is bodywork?

I use this hands-on technique to work with the connective tissues of the muscle, called fascia, to release muscles, improve circulation and increase muscle tone. The style of work I do is called Hellerwork, also referred to as Structural Integration because the purpose of this work is to realign the body. In other words, it’s to help you stand up better, which lightens the body and makes you look younger and more attractive.

Why do people come for bodywork? They usually come in pain and have been treated by a doctor with no significant improvement, even with joint transplants, and they’ve been told there is nothing more that can be done.

The last resort is to live on painkillers. If a person isn’t interested in living on pills for the rest of his or her life or can’t tolerate drugs, they should try Hellerwork. This technique can often make significant changes in the body and pain levels when a client participates in an eleven-session series of hands-on bodywork done in one and a half hour sessions. A client can receive even better results if they are willing to make some life style changes along with their bodywork sessions.

You can visit my website www. kayhogan.com for frequently asked questions about Hellerwork, call me at 925-676-3696, or e-mail me at kayhogan@kayhogan.com.

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Antique Corner Customer Appreciation Day

Saturday March 8th • 10:30 - 5:30 Join us for snacks and a storewide sale!

500 Ferry Street, Martinez

925.372-9330

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Quality Cancer Care: Recognizing Excellence

By Sarah Buenviaje, NP Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group has received reaccreditation by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program, an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The QOPI® Certification Program provides a three-year certification for outpatient hematology-oncology practices that meet the highest standards for quality cancer care.

Our goal is to provide the highest level of care to every patient every day, and this recertification from ASCO and QOPI® recognizes our commitment to delivering excellent cancer care. Our practice was one of the first five practices in California to achieve QOPI® certification in February 2011; recertifying for another three years is very gratifying.

“Practices that choose to apply for recertification through QOPI® demonstrate their continued commitment to the pursuit of clinical care excellence,” said ASCO President Clifford A. Hudis, MD, FACP. “This certification program helps such practices assess the level of care they provide to their patients and demonstrates their commitment to maintaining quality and lifelong learning.”

QOPI® is a voluntary self-assessment and improvement program launched by ASCO in 2006 to help hematology-oncology and medical oncology practices assess the quality of the care they provide to patients. The QOPI® Certification Program (QCP) was launched in January 2010, with more than 190 practices already certified nationwide.

This certification for outpatient oncology practices is the first program of its kind for oncology in the United States.

Oncologists can achieve certification by demonstrating practice consistent with the highest standards of care. The QCP seal designates practices that not only scored high on the key QOPI® quality measures, but meets rigorous safety measures established by ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).

Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group, located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill, provides comprehensive cancer care to patients by bringing together medical oncology, hematology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, clinical trials, oncology rehabilitation and supportive care all in one convenient location.

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Thank you for voting us a 2013 Readers’ Local Favorite!

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 34

February 2014

Community Announcements

Sign Up Now for Classes at DVC Emeritus College The DVC Emeritus College Spring 2014 brochure is now available with an exciting and interesting line up of affordable classes, tours and day trips. The offerings include a tour of the California Railroad Museum, opening day on the bay aboard the USS, Potomac, a hike in the Marin headlands, and classes on art, music, philosophy, history, cooking and much more. Emeritus College, a non-profit, fee-supported program of Diablo Valley College, offers classes for people 50 and older designed to challenge your brain, stimulate your senses, and create new friendships. To see the entire brochure, visit www.dvc.edu/emeritus or call (925) 969-4316 for more information.

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club Meets Tuesday, February 4 at 7pm. New location: Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill. Speaker: Jim “Doc” Hale; Topic: Ethnobotany - Native American Uses of Edible & Medicinal Plants. Guests are welcome & free. Contact: (925) 944-4898. www.phgsc.com.

The Society of American Magicians Assembly #112 meets 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm; Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1919 Wendell Lane, Pleasant Hill. Open to all! Contact Fred at (925) 451-1292.

Clayton Theatre Company Fundraiser February 18, 11am - 9pm. Dine out at Ed’s Mudville Grill in Clayton and Ed’s will donate 20% of all pre-tax receipts to CTC.

Present our flier for dine in or carry out orders. This is a great way to support local theatre in our area. Ed’s Mudville Grill, 6200 Center Street, Clayton. To download fliers see our website at claytontheatrecompany.com.

The 2014 Wine and Chocolate Stroll presented by Main Street Martinez. Saturday, February 8, 2-5:30pm. Sample delicious wine and chocolates at participating businesses. A great way to spend the afternoon! Details and ticket sales coming soon, www.MainStreetMartinez.org.

How to Raise Your Own Chickens Sundays, February 9 and 23, from 1-3:30pm.

Lafayette resident Papa John Kiefer will offer workshops on raising your own chickens. Topics will include raising young chicks, laying hen maintenance and sustainable coop construction.

Workshops are free and reservations are required. Contact Papa John Kieferjhkiefer@comcast.net at jhkiefer@comcast. net. Raising Rabbits for Food workshops are also available on upon request.

Contra Costa Camp & School Fair Sunday, February 23, 11am – 2pm. The 2nd annual free event with booths for camps, schools, preschool, daycare, sports, martial arts, gymnastics, enrichment, performing arts, scouts and family vacations.

Free Admission. Activities and exhibitions. Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd., Lafayette. Visit www.ContraCostaCampFair.com.

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FREE CLASSES – Spring 2014 !"#$%&'()*%$+'),),-%.%/0%123+%!23+(4% CERT Basic Training - Saturday Series – March 22, 29, April 5, 12 8 AM – 1 PM at Martinez City Council Chambers, 525 Henrietta Street CERT Basic Training - Tuesday Series – March 27, April 3, 10,15, May 1,8 6 PM – 9 :30 PM at IBEW Hall 1875 Arnold Dr. CERT Basic Training - Skills Exercise – Saturday May 31, 7 AM – 2 PM You are an important part of the solution for our City. CERT will train you to be better prepared for emergencies and how to respond when your family, neighbors, and community need you most. ! ! ! !

Pleasant Hill Middle School presents Parents’ Comedy Night Party Saturday March 1, 6pm. Come out and support PHMS at our 1st ever Comedy Night Party at Zio Fraedos. Headliners include Sam Van Zandt and Veronica Dangerfield.

Dinner, Cocktails, Comedy, Raffles, Silent auction, Live Auction and more! Tickets are $35. For additional info or to purchase tickets email phmscomedy@yahoo.com or call Shelly at (510) 589-1864.

2014 East Bay Women’s Conference Monday, March 3. Presented by Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau in conjunction with Chevron and John Muir Health. Keynote speaker Cokie Roberts and guest speakers, Rita Moreno and Leah Albright-Byrd are powerhouse voices who have had an extraordinary impact on the lives of women

SWAN DAY (Support Women Artists Now Day) is an international holiday celebrating the creative power of women all over the world. The 7th International SWAN DAY is Saturday, March 29th, 2014.

Locally, the Martinez Arts Association has brought this international holiday close to home in downtown Martinez and has been celebrating for the past 6 years. With the support of the City of Martinez and local artists we have promoted the concept of celebrating all forms of art including visual & performing arts.

We invite all artists and lovers of the arts to join in the celebration of this amazing collaboration. The event is held in downtown Martinez on Saturday March 29th from 10 to 4 pm, at the end of Ferry Street in the Old Train Depot parking lot. For more information or to participate in this free event please visit www.martinezarts.org or www.swanday.org .

Martinez Unified School District Student-Centered, Common Core Aligned Instruction, Technology Integration & Mobile 1:1 Computing, Continuous Professional Development for All Staff Members, Updated Facilities, Alternative Education Opportunities for Grades 9-12, Supportive Parent Community

Now Enrolling for 2014-­15 Transitional Kindergarten* (TK) & Kindergarten Inter- and Intra- District Transfers TK & K Registration Dates: February 3 Las Juntas February 4 John Muir February 5 John Swett February 6 Morello Park

All TK&K Registration is from 9:001:00 at the District Office, 921 Susana Street, Martinez. Packets are now available and can be picked up at elementary school sites and the District Office.

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*Students who have their 5 birthday between September 1, 2014 and December 2, 2014 are eligible for TK.

More information can be found at www.martinez.k12.ca.us. Follow the link for Enrollment/Registration.

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For more information or to register for classes E-mail: Martinez.CERT@gmail.com Website: www.MartinezCERT.org

Downtown Martinez Restaurant Week!

Save the date March 7-13. Downtown dining has something for everyone! Discover something new or rediscover your favorite places. Participating restaurants will offer a prix-fixe menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Excludes tax, beverages, and tips. No ticket necessary. Visit as may restaurants as you like during the week.

List of participating restaurants, menus, and more coming soon at www.martinezrestaurantweek.com.

SWAN DAY

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around the world and who continue to act and speak out for positive change. ABC 7 news anchor, Dan Ashley will emcee this distinctive conference. The $195.00 ticket price includes continental breakfast, lunch, and afternoon reception. To ensure your spot, make your online reservation now at www.walnut-creek.com.

Martinez Unified School District Cultivating the Seeds of Change

Eros 3

Celebrating the Human Body February 3 - 28, 2014 I’ve Been Framed Shop & Gallery Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm 411 Ferry St., Suite C • Martinez, CA 94553

925.228.7353

February 2014

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 35

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Acupuncture Wellness Center Antique Corner Amy Wasser, Edward Jones Aspire Pilates Center Astound Bay View Yacht Charters Bella Cakes Big Air Heating and Air Conditioning Cold Stone Creamery Coldwell Banker, Marlene Haws Contra Costa Camp Fair Cooper Bail Bonds Country Waffles Creekside Church Dallimonti’s DC Solar Devil Mountain Cyclery Diablo Futbol Club

Thank You Advertisers!

Diablo Valley Oncology Donald W. Linck II, DDS Dr. Bob Schaefer Chiropractic & Weight Loss EcoMulch Landscape Materials East Bay International Jewish Film Festival East Bay Residential Realty Ellinwood Exterminators El Tapatio Flaskerud - RE/MAX Today Forma Gym Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education Gil’s Carpets Hagin’s Automotive Hammer’s Heating and A/C Heritage Soccer Club Hillcrest Church Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital

Hire My Husband Hitchcock Realty Home Detailers Housekeeping Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S. John Fuller, Edwared Jones Kinder’s Kobe Japan Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church Law Office of Daniel L. DuRee Leading Edge Pest Management, Inc. Les Schwab Tires, Martinez Linda J. Weihofen, Reverse Mortgage Martinez Auto Body Martinez Chamber of Commerce Martinez Furniture Co. Matthew C. Rinn, State Farm Insurance

Maureen Ingalls - RE/MAX Accord Molino’s Ravioli Factory Moulding Company Navlet’s Nor-Cal T-Shirts Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Hill Coin & Jewelry Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Samuels Construction Skin Science Medical Spa Senior Helpers Shell Western States Credit Union Suzanne Looker, Pacific Union International UPS Store- Arnold Drive Warren Jones, A.G Realty Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant

Winter Cleaning Special

2/28/14

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www.ourcommunityfocus.com

510-318-6484

February 2014