• january 2013
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To new beginnings, Happy New Year! Photo by www.Susanwoodphotography.com
• Local Hiking Adventures...............................page 3 • Hagin’s Celebrates...........................................page 6 • College Funding........................................... page 10 • Winter in Argentina.................................... page 13
• All-League Selections...................................... page 16 • $100 1965 Mustang...........................................page 18 • Mandatory Fees Violate Law........................... page 21 • Foster A Dream................................................. page 24
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January 2013
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Local Hiking Adventures “Another lovely day, mostly solid sunshine. Took a fine fragrant walk up the west hills with Wanda and Helen, who I am glad to see love walking, flowers, trees and every bird and beast and creeping thing. Buttercup, clover, gilia, Brodiaea, Allium, Dodecatheon, larkspur and portulacas are in flower. The oaks are in full leaf. A fine fragrant walk, the babies are delighted.” John Muir, April 12, 1895 When holiday lethargy has hit its peak and the impression in your favorite chair appears to be permanent, get up! Get out! Take the dog, the kids, a friend or your parents and regain some perspective. Take advantage of our mild winter weather and start your year off with a hike, exploring the greening hills that surround us. If John Muir’s young daughters were delighted to roam these slopes, odds are good your post-holiday spirits will be elated by a walk up one of our local treasures. Mt. Wanda Named after Muir’s oldest daugh-
ter, Mt. Wanda in Martinez is open seven days a week – sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed on a leash, so please be sure to clean up after your hiking buddy. This 2.3 mile partial loop hike is an uphill saunter of half a mile to the nature trail, and one mile to the top. The highest point in the park is the summit at 640 feet. The entrance gate for Mt. Wanda is located by the Park & Ride lot on Franklin Canyon Road and Alhambra Ave. Martinez. For more information visit the National Park Service website at: www. nps.gov/jomu/index.htm. Mt. Diablo Information taken from the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association website: www.mdia.org Rains Bring Waterfalls to the Mountain In the winter and throughout the spring, the Falls Trail (approximately 5.5-mile loop of moderate difficulty) offers fine views of one of the moun-
tain’s most spectacular attractions, several waterfalls up to 100 feet high. But did you know that you can also find waterfalls elsewhere in the park when the rainfall is plentiful? Last spring, a cascade along Black Hawk Creek Road was falling approximately 25 feet. The nearest trail-head is in Rock City, requiring a hike of approximately 4 miles one way. Another waterfall was spotted last year on Dunn Creek in the Three Springs area of the park near Quarry Road. The closest trailhead is on Marsh Creek Road. Check the Event Calendar on Mt. Diablo State Park’s website: www.mdia.org during winter and spring for guided hikes to the falls. If you do decide to explore the various waterfalls in the park, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain and please refrain from scrambling to the falls; it is dangerous and damages the landscape. For a guide to the Falls Trail Loop visit www.mdia.org.
The Summit Building Observation Deck will be closed until early February 2013 for repair and weatherization. The Summit Building Visitor Center and Museum is scheduled to remain open daily from 10am to 4pm; however, some closures of the interior may be needed as the deck repair continues. East Bay Regional Trails The Park District has more than 1,200 miles of trails within its parklands, which offer year-round enjoyment. There are over 150 miles of paved trails linking Regional Parks that go through cities and along major streams and channels. The District sponsors the “Trails Challenge” program for the adventurous that enjoy exploring new trails by foot, bicycle, horseback, or even in-line skating! For more information call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757. Visit www.ebparks. org/parks/trails to learn more about the local hikes in our area.
Mt. Wanda in January. Photo by www.susanwoodphotography.com
Snow on Mt. Diablo summit. Photo by www.susanwoodphotography.com
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January 2013
JULIE SAYS
For Auld Lang Syne, My Dear!
By Julie Ross plentiful year round here in California. Among the many New Year’s tradi Some herald the new year by wearing tions, there is one that is sweet and nostalpolka dots. Because they are round like gic; the rest are mostly about driving out coins, the belief is that wearing polka dots evil spirits and securing good luck. on New Year’s Eve will bring wealth. In The heartwarming tradition I am Venezuela and Columbia, wearing yellow referring to is gathering to sing “Auld underwear supposedly accomplishes the Lang Syne,” whose words encourage us same thing. Both of these seem like a bit to remember people from our past with of a stretch to me, so I’m not taking part fondness. Most of us have managed to in either of these customs. You can decide butcher our way through the first stanza whether or not you want to participate, and chorus, but it is the four little-known but remember most of us don’t really want stanzas that follow that truly pull at the to know the color of your underwear. heartstrings, albeit using some baffling old Scottish And last but not least, back to the Scottish for one words. more harbinger of good luck. If a tall, dark and hand The third and fourth verses lament how friends some man is the first to enter your house in the New who used to run about the hills gathering flowers (run Year, it is considered very lucky. But really, exactly when about the braes and pou’d the gowans fine) and paddled wouldn’t it be? in the stream from dawn until dusk (paidl’d in the burn Happy New Year! frae morning sun till dine) are now separated from us by You can reach Julie at julieakross@comcast.net. time and distance (but seas between us braid hae roar’d = broad seas have roared between us). That is so very true, so very melancholy, yes? But in the last stanza, we are reminded there is a way to connect with old friends, if not in person then by remembering the times we shared. We can raise our glasses The Community Focus welcomes in a toast to our fond memories with a good-will drink Paul Skrentny to our Sales team! Paul (a right guid-willie waught – OK, no wonder we don’t joins us with a strong background in sing all the verses…). But still, it brings a tear to your eye, right? Let’s all share a cup of kindness for times gone by. advertising sales experience as well as As for driving out evil spirits (and I don’t mean those a passion for food and photography. nasty flavored vodkas, just pour those down the sink), there appear to be two camps. One is fireworks, a noisy tradition that uses explosions of various sorts to scare off We look forward to working with the demons. The other custom is to just open your doors Paul in the coming months to meet and let the wind blow the spirits out. I recommend the latter; it is much more peaceful and far less expensive. our goals for 2013! Food plays a big part in many cultures for procuring good luck in the New Year. A custom originating in the South is to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. I like black-eyed peas fine, but don’t really get the connection between them and good luck – I’ll eat some just to be on the safe side, though. A tradition stemming from Spain is to eat twelve grapes Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers.Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating at midnight on New Year’s location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2010 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Exp. 1/31/2013 Eve to secure good luck in each month of the coming year. That seems like a good plan with the one-to-one correlation and all, and also convenient since grapes are
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Warming our Community Photo and Article by Sandra Muller Council. All our kids showed great en Hidden Valley Girl Scout Troop thusiasm, even when bad weather was 32132 and the Hidden Valley Elemenpresented to us, and our drive protary Student Council teamed up for duced wonderful results that will help their first-ever One Warm Coat drive. many families in our community.” Rain or shine, before and after school, The items collected will be donatthe troop collected coats, hats, gloves ed to two local organizations, Mounand scarves on campus, while the tain View Emergency Family Shelter student council made classroom anin Martinez and Contra Costa Comnouncements and collected coats durmunity Services in Concord. A special ing the school day. Our community at thank you to Lonnie Wickham (troop Hidden Valley Elementary helped us parent volunteer) for coordinating our collect 326 coats and 61 hats/gloves/ One Warm Coat drive; Susan Jones scarves. Troop Leader Michelle Arnold was (4th grade teacher and student council leader) for involving our student counamazed at the generosity and support cil; our girls and our student council. of the families. “I couldn’t be more To donate to One Warm Coat, proud of our Girl Scout Troop 32132 and Hidden Valley Elementary Student contact onewarmcoat.org.
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Den 6 Gives Back Photo and Article by Steve Wald Grocery Outlet in Pleasant Hill and did all Den 6 Cub Scouts, Pack 282 from Strandwood Elementary delivered Thanks- the shopping for the families ahead of time. giving meals, cards and decorations to Individual families got boxes full of eight families at the Pittsburg Center for Thanksgiving meal items so they could Shelter Inc. on November 14. All the Cub prepare their own Thanksgiving feasts. Scouts had a chance to meet some of the Afterwards, the scouts and some of the residents and personally bring the meals residents’ kids played in the courtyard into their homes. together and had a good time. One of After each resident prepared a desired the residents said when his son was old shopping list to Shelter Inc., the scouts and enough, he was going to put him in the their parents put together meals for each Cub Scouts after seeing what they did for family. Two of the scout moms went to him and his family.
Sewing - Service - Support
Rotary Club Helps Out
Larry Sly (left), Managing Director of Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, receives check for $1,000 from Martinez Rotary President-elect Shelley Pighin (right) at the regular meeting of the Martinez Rotary Club on December 5, 20012. Recognizing the additional needs this year, Martinez Rotary decided to make this additional contribution to the Food Bank.
2835 Contra Costa Blvd., Suite E | Pleasant Hill, CA
Troop 32132: Lorelei Arnold, Chelsea Martin, Jessica Cortez, Kayla Usedom, Logan Muller, Cassidy Harn, Emma Kleiff, Gianna Guarnera, Kate Johnson, Cassie Wickham, Christina Cortez.
By Sheila Lopipero are away. She is endorsed by the Depart The Sewing Machine Shop of Walnut ment of the United States Army and is a volCreek is holding a fabric and sewing maunteer at Army Community Service. She is chine drive to benefit the efforts of Barbara heading back to Fort Drum, New York, this Bretzinger’s “Service, Sewing and Support” month with over 400 pounds of donated community project. Barbara’s son Donny fabric collected by The Sewing Machine has served three tours of duty and is going Shop. back to Afghanistan in January for another. Barbara’s efforts have been so apBarbara relies on sewing to help deal with plauded by the United States Army that they the stress of having a son in the service have asked her to set up teaching facilities in overseas. several additional locations. Five years ago she began purchasing For information on how to donate cash sewing machines from garage sales and for shipping fabric directly to Fort Drum, taught military wives how to sew. She now New York, please contact Sheila@sewingacts as a mentor to young service wives, machineshop.com or 925-937-7575. teaching them to sew while their husbands DID YOU KNOW...WE DO MORE THAN BUSINESS CARDS?
Minuteman
Press
PLEASANT HILL
925-256-6444 www.minutemanpressph.com
WE CAN HANDLE ALL OF YOUR NEEDS... NEED FLYERS FOR YOUR SCHOOL EVENT? NEED POSTERS FOR YOUR UPCOMING EVENT? OR DO YOU NEED.... COLOR COPIES OR EVERYDAY OFFICE FORMS ANNOUNCEMENTS... BABY, GRADUATION INVITATIONS OR HOLIDAY CARDS PROMOTIONAL ITEMS ... TSHIRTS, STICKERS POSTERS, TICKETS FLYERS, PRINTED OR COPIED EVENT PROGRAMS, SWIM MEET EVENT BOOKS WHAT DO YOU NEED? WE CAN HANDLE IT FOR YOU Pleasant Hill City Hall Photo by Susan Wood Photography
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January 2013
Real Estate Update New Year’s Day, 2012: General confidence in the real estate market was suspect at best. Countywide, the median home price was $525,000, with Pleasant Hill at $435,000 and Martinez at $312,900. Bank-owned properties made up 27.0% of the market with short sales and pre-foreclosures ringing in at 25.9%. The average time it took to sell a home was an agonizing 68 days, and we had enough inventory to last 3.6 months. What a difference a year makes. Today, general confidence in the market is arguably stronger than it was in the heyday of 2005. Appreciation rates are on par
By Nathan Hitchcock with the best pace any of the boom years locally for 2013? Look for the market to had to offer, and it shows in the market jump into high gear right out of the gate. numbers. Inventory will be tight and demand will The county median price for a be high. As a result, home values will detached home is now $646,250, up continue rising, likely at the same rapid 23.1%, with Pleasant Hill and Martinez pace of 2012. This trend should continue at $550,000 and $342,500, up 26.4% and well into the summer months, its pace 9.5% respectively. Townhome and condo and endurance set by how well the market median prices are up nearly 47% countyabsorbs the demand. If we don’t get a wide. Bank-owned properties now only boost in inventory, it may just forge ahead hold 11.5% of the market, with short the entire year and beyond. sales holding on to a slightly larger share Bank-owned listings will likely drop than before at 26.2%. Now for the really to insignificant levels. The shrinking impressive numbers: the average days on number of foreclosures that actually occur market for a home is only 37 days, down will mostly be consumed at the auction 45.6%, and we have less than 30 days of level by investors and eventually resold on inventory, down 72.2%. the open market as traditional sales after So what does my crystal ball predict some degree of rehabilitation. What makes me so optimistic? Just a couple of weeks ago, in the middle of the “quiet” time of the year, I assisted a client with placing an entry-level Pleasant Hill chased a larger building and on June 1, home on the market. The catch was that 2004, moved operations to 3725 Alhamthe home was not actually viewable inbra Ave. On October 1st, 2012, Hagin’s person by prospective buyers, so an online Automotive celebrated 14 years in busi-
Hagin’s Celebrates While following in the footsteps of his father, a technician of 25 years who later became an automotive teacher at College Park High School, Andy Hagin, owner of Hagin’s Automotive, started his automotive career at the ripe young age of 15. At the age of 35, Andy opened Hagin’s Automotive for business on October 1, 1998 on Pacheco Blvd. Hagin’s operated at that location for five and a half years. Hagin’s outgrew that facility and needed a bigger shop. Andy pur-
ness. Next year will be Hagin’s Automotive’s 15th anniversary. They are throwing around the idea of having a barbeque and car show, and would like to know what you think. You can post ideas on their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/haginsauto or let them know the next time you visit the shop.
“Nathan was a dream to work with. Very professional, hardworking and easy going. He put our needs before his.” Joe Resident
virtual tour was going to have to suffice. Normally I would advise against this tactic, as it usually results in a lower sales price; but there were extenuating, timesensitive circumstances that necessitated the arrangement, and I’m always up for a challenge. Within the first 24 hours, the home received five sight-unseen offers, the highest at 12% over the asking price. Time was of the essence, so our market time was cut short at this point. Additional days on the market and a proper marketing campaign would have undoubtedly resulted in higher yields; nonetheless, it demonstrated the intensity of the current market, especially at the entry- and mid-level price points of a given city. Only time will tell if my predictions prove accurate. I, for one, can’t wait to find out. Nathan Hitchcock is the managing broker of Hitchcock Realty. He can be reached at nathan@hitchcockrealty.com or (925) 825-1100.
WE ARE NOT #1... AND WE ARE PROUD OF IT. Our goal is not to sell the most homes, it's to get YOU the most for YOUR home. That comes with quality, not quantity. Call or click today and experience the difference for yourself.
925.825.1100 • www.hitchcockrealty.com
www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
Get Your Calender Now
Page 7
PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700
1/4- Ambassador Meeting - 8-9am, Pleasant Hill City Hall.
A Day in the Life
1/5 – Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: Pleasant Hill Senior Center - 1-4pm at 249 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.
of Pleasant Hill
1/16 – Chamber Member Business Mixer: Déjà vu Boutique, 6-8pm at 1630 Contra Costa Blvd, Ste. A, Pleasant Hill.
1/19 - Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: Déjà Vu Boutique – 11am at 1630 Contra Costa Blvd., Ste A, Pleasant Hill. HAPPY NEW YEAR! CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
1/17 – Board of Directors Meeting 8-9am at Pleasant Hill City Hall, Community Room. 1/17 – Pleasant Hill’s 42nd Annual Community Awards Night - 5:30pm at Back Forty BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill.
Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345
2013 “A Day in the Life of Pleasant Hill” 2013 Calendar available at City Hall. This 2013 calendar featuring twenty photographs taken by amateur photographers as part of the city’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 2011 is now available for purchase at City Hall. “A Day in the Life of Pleasant Hill” took place on Saturday, September 17, 2011. During this 24-hour period, a group of local photographers explored the people, places and character of Pleasant Hill and then submitted their best photographs as part of a competition organized by Dick Hixson of Hixson Photography during the 50th Anniversary. The 2013 calendar may be purchased at the reception desk at City Hall for $10.
Since 1921
Keeping the Tradition
Connolly & Taylor Funeral Directors 925-228-4700
Tribute Videos Personalized Printing Memorial Websites 4000 Alhambra Ave.
MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Martinez, CA 94553
Ambassador Meeting – If interested in attending, contact (925) 228-2345
February – Date to be determined for the Martinez State of the City Breakfast
1/2 – Chamber Office reopens after the Holidays – Happy New Year!
From our Chamber Office to You – Have a Wonderful New Year!
1/10 - Chamber Mixer – Thursday – 5:30-7:30pm – Cosi Bella Day Spa, 514 Ferry Street, Martinez. Great Networking, Food, Fun, Raffle Prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!)
CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
1/12 – Crab Feed & Raffle – Saturday – 6pm. Boys & Girls Club of Diablo Valley, 1301 Alhambra Ave, Martinez. Contact the Boys & Girls Club at 925228-3896x102 to purchase tickets. 1/21 – Office Closed for Martin Luther King Day
Nominations Sought for Community Awards The 42nd Annual Community Awards take place at Back Forty restaurant on Thursday, January 17. The event includes nominees for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Teen of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and the Green Award. If you would like to nominate a Pleasant Hill resident, business or organization for one of these awards, please go to http://www.ci.pleasanthill.ca.us and click on the Community Awards 2012 link to download the nomination forms along with eligibility criteria. Nominations for
all awards are due by Friday, January 4th and can be emailed to ann@ pleasanthillchamber.com or dropped off at the Pleasant Hill Chamber office at 91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11. The celebration begins at 5:30pm with a social hour, followed by dinner at 6:30pm and the awards program. Tickets are $40 per person and may be obtained at the Rec & Park District Offices. Call Katrina Hunn at 691-5645 for more information. RSVP’s for the dinner and ticket purchases must be finalized by January 11.
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PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
Mayor’s Message
Michael G. Harris, OD, Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill in Pleasant Hill. We will also be welcoming I would like to the Corner Bakery Café to our downtown. take this opportuniServing breakfast, lunch and dinner, the ty to wish all PleasCorner Bakery Café is sure to become a ant Hill residents Pleasant Hill institution. and businesses best As much as I’m looking forward to wishes for a happy the great food at these new restaurants, and healthy new my wife Dawn is looking forward to great year. Last year was bargains at the new Nordstrom’s Rack, a great year for our city. We made major opening later this year on Contra Costa strides to protect the economic future of Pleasant Hill while continuing to provide a Boulevard, next to Safeway. I’m sure our recently reelected City Treasurer Mark safe and enjoyable place to live and raise a Celio is looking forward to the additional family. This year promises to be another great revenue these businesses will generate for the city. year for Pleasant Hill. After the success This year, we will see new faces in city ful opening of the new Teen Center, we look forward with great anticipation to the government. We welcome new City Councilmembers Ken Carlson and Tim Flaherty opening of the new Senior Center. I had the opportunity to tour the building sever- and new City Clerk Kimberly Lehmkuhl. I al times before completion, and it promises hope they enjoy serving the city and you as much as I have. I congratulate them along to be a fantastic setting to serve the needs of our senior citizens. I’m also looking for- with reelected Councilmember David Duward to attending many community events rant. in this spacious and beautiful facility. Hats We say goodbye to two longtime devoted public servants who did not seek off to our Rec & Park District and all the folks who worked so hard to make the new reelection in 2012. Councilmember John Hanecak and City Clerk Marty McInturf Senior Center a reality. have served the city for the past eight years. We’ve got more great things happenPlease join me in thanking them for their ing in Pleasant Hill this year. I’m eagerly efforts and dedication in helping make anticipating the opening of the new ZachPleasant Hill the best it can be. John and ary’s Chicago Style Pizza later this month Marty, thanks also for being such great in our downtown. Zachary’s has been an institution in Berkeley for thirty years, and friends. I’ll miss you. Much good luck in the future. I’ve been a big fan. I’ve eaten there dozens Stay tuned for next month’s column in of times and taken home hundreds of pizzas since they first opened in 1983. Now I’ll which I’ll announce a major new program be able to get their delicious stuffed Chica- for our community. Until then, take care and be well. go style pizza and other goodies right here
City Calendar of Events
Architectural Review Commission January 3, 17 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 5pm Contact: 671-5209
Education Commission January 23 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 7:00pm Contact: 925-671-5229
City Council January 7, 28 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5229
Planning Commission January 8, 22 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209.
Civic Action Commission January 2, 16 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229
For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
January 2013
City News City Sales Tax Revenues Increase
At the November 19 City Council meeting it was reported that sales tax revenues for the City of Pleasant Hill have increased 6.2% over the same reporting period last year. This is primarily attributable to the new businesses that were added in the past year, including Big 5 Sporting Goods, the Safeway gas station on Contra Costa Blvd. and In-N-Out Burger. Sales were also up for quick serve restaurants, family apparel and grocery-liquor stores. According to Finance Manager Mary McCarthy, sales tax revenue accounts for approximately 35% of the general fund. Looking forward, the city expects to see increased sales tax revenues in 2013 from the opening of new businesses like Zachary’s Pizza, the Vitamin Shoppe and The Corner Bakery. Sales tax revenues provide additional funding for general city operations and will help maintain the city’s strong financial position.
1035 Contra Costa Boulevard
The former Blondie’s site on the corner of Taylor and Contra Costa Blvd. has seen some landscaping improvements over the last few months. According to City Planner Greg Fuz, “The last word we received from building owner Ken Sarachan is that Rasputin Music will be moving into this space shortly.” The space configuration is yet unknown, as Sarachan has not submitted any interior tenant improvement plans. Some may remember that several years ago the building used to house Blondie’s Pizza and Rasputin Records, the large independent record store.
Dick’s Could Replace Dome
At the December 6 Architectural Review Commission (ARC) meeting, a study session was held to provide initial design input on plans to develop an area of the Crossroads Shopping Center on Monument Boulevard. Plans include demolishing the CineArts dome theatre building and constructing a new two-story commercial building of approximately 73,000 square feet to accommodate Dick’s Sporting Goods, a full-line sporting goods retailer. The project also includes renovating the existing 21,000 single-story square foot building (formerly Bally’s Gym building) resulting in a total of 94,964 square feet of commercial space. The additional modifications include refurbishing the existing parking lot to provide more parking spaces and new landscaping throughout the surrounding area. At this time, no tenant has been determined to fill the single-story space. Zachary’s Pizza is planning on a mid-January openArtists drawing of the new Zachary’s Pizza on Crescent Drive ing. Nordstrom Rack only plans two store openings a year and is looking at an August 2013 opening date for the Pleasant Hill location.
Continued Buskirk Avenue Improvements
The Fair Oaks Market underground storage tank removal and site demolition work is complete. The project included the building demolition, gas tank removal, underground storage tank removal, testing of soil, backfill and final on-site grading. The contractor, Pantano Engineering, started work in October 2012 and substantially completed the project in November 2012. The work was necessary in order to allow for the new roadway improvements for the upcoming Buskirk Avenue Phase II Widening Project. The project is being advertised for public bid and the city council will consider awarding the project in February. The project will extend and realign the roadway south of the existing Crossroads Shopping Center intersection, creating a more functional transportation corridor. These roadway improvements will provide access and accommodate the future development of the Crossroads Shopping Center. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2013 and be completed by the Winter of 2014.
Newly Elected Mayor and Vice Mayor
At the December 17 City Council meeting, the new mayor and vice mayor were installed. Congratulations to now Mayor Michael Harris and Vice Mayor Jack Weir. They will serve in their positions in 2013.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
Mayor’s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez our city that are just as important, but have opened downtown. The outdoor having a vibrant, safe and comfortable dining platforms and lights strung downtown core is important to the vifrom lamppost to lamppost have imability and quality of life in any comproved the ambiance of Main, Castro munity. If the heart is not healthy, the and Ferry Streets. The rebuilding of the body is not healthy. streetscape on Marina Vista now gives Over the years we have worked on those entering our city an old town feel many strategies to revitalize our downthat is clean and safe. town, and we have had some successes. We had hoped that establishing a Many new restaurants and retail shops redevelopment agency would allow the city to finance more improvements to the downtown infrastructure including: rebuilding the Marina; helping owners City council appointed councilmember Lara DeLaney as vice mayor for the year of our historic unreinforced masonry 2013 at the December 19 City Council meeting. buildings complete earthquake retro1124 Arnold Drive fitting; running underground power Last month the Planning Commission approved construction of a new twolines; repairing sidewalks, and buildbuilding commercial development on 1124 Arnold Drive. Plans are to develop the ing a parking garage. Unfortunately, the Francis Medical Building, an 8,000 square foot space to house the Francis’ Dental office on the second floor and a commercial-retail area on the ground floor. A governor and legislature abolished the freestanding Taco Bell restaurant with drive-thru is part of the plan. According to formation of new redevelopment agenCity Manager Phil Vince, “The applicant worked well with the Design Review Comcies and closed down existing agencies mittee (DRC) to come up with designs that effectively blend the design of the two in 2011. buildings, and the Commission unanimously approved the project.” The commit Since that time, the city council tee found the use of balconies, wood detailing and central tower attractive upgrades. Both buildand staff have been evaluating other ings will share a unified landscape theme. economic tools to help us improve the The triangular site is currently vacant and locity. In mid-November, the city council cated along a commercial corridor, backing onto unanimously approved the formation the Highway 4 John Muir Parkway (freeway). The of an Economic Development Corposite will be the westerly most developed portion of a row of “strip” neighborhood commercial shopration (EDC) and also approved the ping centers located on the north side of highway seed money to formulate and adminis4. The property will have its own access on Arnold ter the corporation for the first year. Drive. What is an EDC? An EDC is a The developer will be required to widen Arnold Drive by 5 feet to improve the utility of the existing center turn lane in front of the project. non-profit 501(c)3 corporation that, Diamond Classic through a board of directors and ex The Seventh Annual Diamond Classic Derby will take place January 26. This ecutive director, provides commercial/ popular event draws hundreds of anglers to Martinez, and children under 15 parindustrial loans and services on a city Revitalization and economic development of downtown Martinez has been the mantra of every candidate that has ever run for the Martinez City Council, including me. Not that there aren’t other issues facing
City News
ticipate for free. It is a great way to promote the marina and Martinez. The award ceremony is held in the Martinez Events Center on Main Street. For more information go to www.diamondclassic.org or call 313-0942.
Composting Workshops
The City of Martinez is hosting free backyard composting workshops and offering high-quality compost bins for $58. Composting your yard trimmings and food scraps is easy, great for your yard and garden, kind to our environment and good for you too! Save money, save water, and conserve natural resources. Attend the next free workshop on Saturday, January 12th, from 10 a.m. to noon at City Hall, located at 525 Henrietta St. Registration is simple, just email compostrsvp@ cityofmartinez.org or call (925) 372-3531.
City Budget Photo Contest
Martinez is about to begin work on its 2013-15 Biennial Budget and once again is sponsoring a photo contest. The winning photographs of Martinez will be showcased in the document. The pictures should be hi-resolution digital images (landscape format) that illustrate the beauty, character, and unique charm of Martinez. When submitting, please describe your pictures and specify where and when they were taken. The deadline for submittal is February 15, to mtzphotos@cityofmartinez.org Winners will be recognized at a city council meeting and will receive byline credit in the budget.
Page 9
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
wide basis. It can finance city sponsored projects and provide services for commercial and industrial development and business growth. An EDC receives and utilizes funds from public and private sources. The EDC enters into agreements with lenders to generate both real estate and business based loan programs. It can participate in infrastructure financing programs and can apply for grants from public and private foundations and programs. Because traditional loan resources are too restrictive and expensive, not all property and business owners can qualify or afford a traditional loan from a bank. An EDC can develop public/private loan programs individually tailored for improving properties to enhance structures and businesses throughout the city. There are many reasons that an EDC makes sense in Martinez. It is an umbrella that supports financial business growth and other economic development activities. An EDC is independent and represents all elements of the community. It leverages public and private funds to finance a wide variety of community projects and programs. We have taken the first step in this process, and I have high hopes that this tool will be a valuable piece of our revitalization and economic development strategy.
City Calendar of Events City Council Meeting January 16 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500 Design Review Meeting No Meetings in January 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500 Park, Recreation, Marina & Cultural Commission January 15 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting Please contact City Hall for January schedule 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting January 2, 16 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500 City offices closed until January 2.
All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated. For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
www.ourcommunityfocus.com Page 10
College Funding The Realistic View
By Tracy Tamura, Life Insurance and Planning Specialist almost any summer or winter sport The current cost to attend a Califor our family adventures within a few fornia university (including tuition, hours of travel. We work hard to afford room and board, and daily living expenses) is over $35,000 for in-state res- a lifestyle in the Bay Area! We don’t want to sacrifice these adventures that idents. That’s more than four times the give meaning to our lives, and yet we cost only ten years ago! want a quality education for our chil This year, tuition is predicted to dren, while also fulfilling our dreams of increase 4.8%, furthering a long-term retirement. Can we achieve it all? pattern of college tuition outpacing What are our options? inflation rates. Additionally, many col Choose less expensive schools? lege freshmen take longer than the Borrow the funds and increase our traditional four years to achieve their debt (and maybe create debt for our undergraduate degrees, even while a children)? Forget about college all togrowing number live at home. In fact, gether? Spend all night online or weeks roughly forty percent of those who trying to sort out the difference bestart a four-year degree program still tween “fact and fiction?” There has to have not earned one after six years. be a better way! As parents, we all want to provide Like most complex topics in life, our children the best possible college the smartest answer is often working experience without compromising with a team of trusted advisors to help their educational quality or our own turn dreams into prioritized goals and meaningful journey one day into rethen goals into reality. An experienced tirement. team can clarify options that make Personally, I have three children, sense for your timeline and unique each four years apart, yielding a minifamily goals. mum of twelve years of college fund Now that doesn’t sound so bad ing– yikes! So, when my clients talk to does it? If I can find a way to navigate me about their college funding conthrough college funding, you can too. cerns and the impact it will have on I bet you’ll even relax and enjoy the their retirement savings, I can comprocess once someone helps map pletely and personally out the journey for you. What relate. Planning my could feel better than watchown family’s future ing your child walk across that made it crystal clear esteemed stage to receive a dito me that fundploma, knowing your life ing our chilis also secure and dren’s college full of continued education is no promise? simple matter. The As a New topic of college Year’s gift to funding is ofyourself, visit ten at the top www.fundsof the list with forthefuture.net friends, clients to download and, of course, our Top Ten my own family. College Fund We live in an ing Tips report. extraordinary part of To learn more about Tracy the world where we can enjoy an and Tamura Insurance visit: www. ideal climate, strikingly beautiful scentamurainsurance.com. ery, urban culture in all its glory, and
January 2013
Make 2013 the Year Your College Savings Goals Become a Reality! Tuition and fees at public four-year colleges have tripled over the past 30 years! Don’t be caught unprepared. Get all the information you need to get started in one 90-minute workshop! What is your time worth? In this free educational workshop we will explore: • Current and future college costs • Sources of college funds • Financial aid, scholarships, and loans • 529 plans & Coverdell Education Savings Accounts • Other investment options for college savings and tax advantaged strategies Attendees will receive a full-color, 20-page workbook and are eligible for a complimentary consultation.
Workshop Offered by: Tamura Insurance Services – Life Insurance and Planning Specialists
Three Workshops in February: Tuesday 2/12 6:30 to 8:00 pm Wednesday 2/13 6:30 to 8:00 pm Saturday 2/16 10:00 to 11:30 am Location: All workshops will be held in the newly remodeled Teen Center @ 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. To register: online, go to www.fundsforthefuture.net, call 925-639-8889 or email tracy@tamurainsurance.com.
Sponsored by:
The Pleasant Hill Teen Council and the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce.
Tracy Tamura • 6680 Alhambra Avenue #196• Martinez, CA 94553 Office: (925) 335-9749 • Fax: (925) 335-9779 CA License #0B20349
www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
Page 11
January 10, 1913
There is a certain sense of awe, wonder and reverence for one who has lived 100 years, experienced so much and yet still maintains an innocence and enjoyment of life. In our culture, we don’t give our seniors the respect they deserve. Sometimes we shove them to the side and barely acknowledge them. This is a mistake, as one can learn so much from
By Jenny Lind, Senior Helpers our elders, especially those who have her life is extraordinary. What is her seaged so gracefully as this 99-year-old cret to aging so successfully; to be this age woman has. I had a recent conversation and have no significant health challenges with Ms. Josephine Heruth-Nation which except some loss of eyesight? In her case, I’d like to share. was it any of the following... The two of us sit in a quiet house on Two happy marriages (really happy), a quiet street in Martinez. She says there hard work (really hard work), being an is nothing to talk about, nothing special, orphan, adopting a child, walking the golf and that her life is ordinary. I tell her that course (a lot), not drinking, not smoking, not eating junk food, a lot of dancing (loving to dance!), fighting off cancer three times, having good doctors and being able to communicate with them, eating her sister’s vegetables each night when they were kids so that her sister wouldn’t get in big trouble (but sadly, later losing her sister to tuberculosis), feeding the pigs before herself, picking and drying
prunes as a child laborer, knowing what she didn’t like and moving on, knowing what she liked and working really hard at it, honesty, giving a lot to charity and of herself to others, staying in the same house for more than 60 years, starting a local cable company, becoming a local politician, sadly outliving both of her children, holding her true love in her arms while he passed away, having a good sense of humor, and traveling the world? NO, none of these things! The answer, my dear readers, according to Josephine (a.k.a. Jo) Heruth-Nation of lovely Martinez, California, is merely this: When they ask you about your age say, I don’t know, and just don’t think about it at all. This is the secret to healthy aging!
Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770
Advice for the Ages
What other advice does Jo have to share? Q: What advice would you give an 18 year old? Jo: Don’t sit around, work hard! Don’t expect anything to be given to you. Q: What advice would you give a 30 year old? Jo: That depends. Q: What advice would you give a 50 year old? Jo: Be a good citizen. Q: What advice would you give a 60 year old? Jo: Same. Q: What advice would you give to a 70 year old? Jo: Silly question. Q: What advice would you give an 80 year old? Jo: Laughs! Q: Favorite gift ever received? Jo: The love of my family. The date is in the title, but we don’t mention what it means today. (Happy Birthday, Jo, with utmost respect and love.) Jenny Lind, owner, Senior Helpers, which, by the way, Jo and her friend lovingly call “Hamburger Helpers.” And that my dears, is another story...
Jan. 4 – C.E.R.T. – Personal Emergency Preparedness Class 10am-12pm. In this informational seminar, you will learn how to prepare yourself and your family to be ready when a major disaster strikes. Topics to be covered will include: basic supplies and equipment you should have and plans to make to insure you are ready to meet this challenging time. Please call our office (925) 370-8770 to register for this free seminar. Jan. 13 - Pancake Breakfast 8am–11am. Pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. $3.50 adults/$2 10yrs. and younger. Jan. 26 – Annual Crab Feed. Doors open at 5:45pm. Dinner will be served at 6:30pm. It is that time of year, and back by popular demand. We will be serving our famous gourmet salad, pasta, garlic bread, delicious marinated crab and dessert. Complimentary ice tea, water and coffee will complete the meal. There will be plenty to eat so bring your appetite. Cost: $45. Call for availability. (925) 370-8770.
Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788 Jan. 5 - SAVE THE DATE… SENIOR CENTER GRAND OPENING! The day we have been waiting will soon arrive. Join us from 1pm to 4pm at the new Senior Center for an afternoon of fun! A New Year brings Pleasant Hill Seniors a new building and lots of new adventures! Here is a list of just some of the new classes starting in January to start the adventure: Life Stories Worth Sharing: This class helps you to recall, write, edit, organize and publish them. Dance for Joy: A gentle dance class done at your own level. Jazz, ballet, belly dance, tap & some yoga are incorporated. Improve strength, flexibility & mental agility. Quilting Basics & Beyond: Use of color, picking out fabrics, piecing techniques, rotary cutting, and introduction to machine quilting, basting, binding & more. Art Healing Workshop: Based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people resolve conflicts, solve problems, reduce stress & more. Painting on a water surface is the subject of this workshop, a technique called Suminagashi. 1/10 - Care Management Educational Series: Coffee & refreshments served, compliments of The Chateau’s. What is Assisted Living? Presented by The Chateau’s from 2-3:30pm. Free but space is limited. Call to reserve your spot! 1/25 - Crab Feed Fundraiser: All you can eat fresh crab, pasta, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Buy your tickets early to insure you are there for the first Crab Feed in the new building! 6pm to 8pm, $45 / $40 members.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com Page 12
January 2013
Read My Mind ©
Madam and Mister Secretary Two former Secretaries of State, Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell, have written memoirs that deserve your attention. While they shared the same high office, they got there along different paths. Their distinctive backgrounds and experiences offer valuable lessons for all of us. Madeleine Albright was the first female Secretary of State. Her memoir, Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War, 1937–1948, provides a unique view of life in Eastern Europe during World War II and the Cold War. Albright was born in Czechoslovakia prior to the outbreak of World War II. Her father, Josef Korbel, was a Czech diplomat. Just before the Nazi takeover of their country, the family escaped to Great Britain, where Korbel became the voice of a democratic and free Czechoslovakia. Young Madeline and her family returned to their homeland after the war only to find a country that was now under the tyrannical rule of Soviet Communism. Albright tells the compelling tale of the hatred and brutality to her countrymen at the hands of both the Nazis and
Book Reviews by Michael G. Harris, OD service. shelter in the the Soviets. Al While I found his stories interesting crowd,” and why bright was raised and his style engaging, I had a hard time “some people a Christian, but relating to some of his examples. I did, become stronger dozens of years however, relate to the core of this book in the face of after the war, she his “Thirteen Rules.” We can all gain from adversity while was stunned to Powell’s advice, such as: “It ain’t as bad as others quickly learn of her famyou think. It will look better in the mornlose heart.” ily’s Jewish backPrague Winter ing,” and “Remain calm. Be kind.” ground. Over Both books reminded me that we is a testament to twenty of her live in a truly great country. Where else the courage and relatives, includcould a young Czech immigrant and the ing three grandparents, were killed in the conviction of extraordinary people in son of Jamaican parents rise to such high spite of the terrible costs they faced. We Holocaust. Through intimate interviews office? In America, people can achieve learn much about the tragedy in Eastern and letters, she traces the tragedy that their dreams by hard work and perseverbefell millions of Jews through the eyes of Europe during this period. We also learn ance. We value people’s talent, effort, and that hope and spirit can conquer our these relatives who were forced into concharacter, not where they come from. If centration camps and then exterminated. worst fears and what it takes to be a true you weren’t already proud of this country hero. Her book offers an enlightening and the people who serve it so well, you Colin Powell’s book, It Worked For history of Czechoslovakia and its freeMe: In Life and Leadership, is based on his will be after you read these books. dom loving people who founded their (To learn more about the lives and long and distinguished career in public country, only to lose it to the Nazis, and lessons of these two exceptional public service, culminating with his appointthen recovered it ever so briefly, only to servants, I also recommend their previment as the first African-American lose it again to the Soviets. Finally, they achieved independence again in the form Secretary of State. His examples of leader- ous memoirs, Madam Secretary and My American Journey.) of two countries, the Czech Republic and ship come from his decades of military Slovakia. Albright helps us understand what “prompts one person to act boldly in a moment of crisis and a second to seek And the Flaskerud Team prepares for the Opening of their NEW office
It’s a NEW Year!!!
Recreation and Park Board Vacancy Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District announces a vacancy on the board of directors. The district board is requesting letters of interest from district residents who would like to serve on the board. The term will be from January 24, 2013, until the next election in November 2014. The board of directors meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, except in November and December when it is changed to the 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Qualifications for office, as required by the Public Resources Code, under which Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District is organized, are: • Persons must be 18 years of age or older; live in the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, and be a registered
voter. The deadline for submitting a letter of interest to the Recreation & Park District Board is Wednesday, January 16, 2013. The current board of directors will interview and select the new member at the January 24, 2013 board meeting. The meeting will be held at the District Administration Office, Conference Room, 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill with interviews beginning at 6:00pm. Letters of interest should be submitted to Bob Berggren, General Manager, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District,147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 or by email at bberggren@ pleasanthillrec.com. For more information, please call 682-0896.
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www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
Page 13
CORKS AND FORKS
Pair Up Winter in Argentina It’s cold outside, but if you can find a dry place to do some grilling, here is a menu of Argentinian foods that features grilled foods paired with smoky beverages from different parts of the world. This is definitely a meal that will warm you up on a cold, Northern hemisphere, winter night. Start off with grilled provolone cheese paired with a dry stout beer. Dry stout is stout beer in its purest form. It is dark black with a roasted coffee-like taste.
Chimichurri Sauce INGREDIENTS 1 cup (packed) fresh Italian parsley 1/2 cup olive oil 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup (packed) fresh cilantro 2 garlic cloves, peeled 3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
With La Sommelierre Maria Terry Chimichurri Sauce. Chimichurri is bright Most dry stouts are brewed in Ireland green and super garlicky. Add roasted poand not necessarily high in alcohol contatoes and Brussels sprouts and you have tent. One of the most well-known brands a complete plate. You could even toss the of stout beer is Guinness Stout. Other sprouts with cumin and chili powder bepopular brands are Murphy’s Irish Stout fore roasting to give them a smoky flavor and Beamish. Beer is a great beverage to like the grilled meat. Of course, a bold red drink while tending the grill and it will wine is needed to stand up to the strong complement the tangy provolone cheese flavors of this meal. Argentinian Malbec that has picked-up the smoke from the is perfect. The high altitude vineyards of grill. the Andes Mountains allow the grapes Argentina is known for its top qualto ripen fully while maintaining a fine ity beef. Choose your favorite cut and quality to the tannins. These wines can be make it Argentinian by topping it with a inexpensive and offer great value. If you want to really finish off the meal with a true Argentinian dessert, 1/2 teaspoon salt Pasta Frola (full recipe at www.LaSomDIRECTIONS Puree all ingredients in processor. Transfer to bowl. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and let stand at room INGREDIENTS temperature.) 4 3/4-inch thick slices of provolone Yield: 1 Cup cheese
melierre.com) is a wonderful dessert made with a cookie-like shortbread crust and dulce de membrillo (quince paste) filling. Pasta Frola is an example of the influence of Italian food on Argentinian cuisine - pasta frolla (with the extra “l”) is Italian for shortbread crust. As a beverage pairing, look for a coffee with bright fruity notes to echo the fruit filling. Kenyan coffees are known for their fruity, red wine character. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommelierre.com.
Grilled Provolone Cheese on Toasted Bread
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1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon oregano 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 8 thick slices of bread DIRECTIONS Place the cheese slices in a shallow dish and drizzle with olive oil. Turn the slices so that each side is coated with oil. Sprinkle the cheese with the salt and the oregano (and red pepper flakes if desired). Place the cheese in the freezer while you prepare the grill. The cheese should be cooked quickly over fairly high heat so that the
outside browns before the inside melts too much and starts oozing down into the coals. Brush the grill with a generous amount of olive oil to help prevent sticking. When the grill is ready, place the cheese slices directly on the grill, and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until cheese is hot, slightly browned, but still holding its shape. Remove cheese to a plate. Brush bread slices with any remaining olive oil left in the dish that had the cheese. Grill bread slices until slightly toasted. (If your grill is large enough you can grill the cheese and bread simultaneously). Serve cheese on bread to eat. Yield: 6 servings
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January 2013
The Alhambra Pioneer Cemetery The Alhambra Pioneer Cemetery is documented to 1854, but it is believed to be at least three years older and is a California State Point of Historic Interest. In this cemetery, many early pioneers of Contra Costa County were laid to rest. The land was part of the Don Ygnacio Martinez land grant, El Rancho Pinole, and was platted in the original survey of Martinez of 1849 by surveyor Thomas A. Brown for Col. William M. Smith, the son-in-law and agent for the Martinez family and founder of the City of Martinez. The Martinez Historical Society website offers a virtual tour of the Alhambra Cemetery at www.martinezhistory.org. The tour shares the history of the many pioneer families with a picture record of the gravesites. Here are some interesting facts shared during cemetery tours in previous years: • In 1872, the Alhambra Cemetery Association set a price of $25.00 for a plot of 150 square feet. • “Buddy” is the only animal buried in the cemetery. Someone snuck in and buried the pup under a headstone that reads, “The cutest dog you ever saw.” • In 1873, Potter’s Field was established. Those buried in Potter’s field were either strangers or society’s castoffs who no one was willing to claim, or who did not have money for funeral expenses. The deceased were given a brief service and buried under a small numbered marker. In 1880, the Cemetery Association began charging the county $4.00 for each pauper’s burial site. • In the far right section of Potter’s field is the site of the Chinese Ovens. In the 1870’s, 1500 Chinese were working in the area. Many of the leading families of Martinez, including the Muir’s, employed Chinese cooks, house cleaners and laborers. Others were employed at the Martinez Fruit Cannery and for the railroad. When a family member died, survivors would bring food to the cemetery to cook for the deceased who would need the sustenance for the long journey to heaven. • Because of a fire, an unscrupulous caretaker during the 1940’s and 50’s, and the
Material provided by the Martinez Historical Society and Harriett Burt
careless destruction of some records by the county, no one knows exactly how many gravesite deeds are unused. Efforts have been made to document everyone in the cemetery, and the Cemetery Commission, the city, and the Martinez Historical Society have concluded that there are slightly over 3300 individuals buried in the Alhambra Cemetery. Only descendants of families with plots in the cemetery can be interred there. Here are some interesting facts about some of the individuals and families of the Alhambra Cemetery. • J.D. Carrothers was the founding father of Pacheco. He served one term in the California State Legislature and later died of an opium overdose. • Louis Wittenmeyer was the first mayor of Martinez. He was elected in 1876, right after the city was incorporated. He moved to Martinez in 1851 and was elected county clerk in 1857. • The Fishes were the first millionaires in Contra Costa County. Lafayette and Charles brought mechanization to the county. In 1862, they had a steam-powered plough built in Pacheco because the 18,000 acres of wheat they owned demanded an efficient harvesting method. • Eliza Nottingham, as an eight-yearold girl, saved a four-year-old boy from drowning in a Kentucky creek. That little boy grew up to become President Abraham Lincoln • Following the death of John Muir’s father-in law, Dr. John Strentzel, in 1890,
the family’s vast orchards and farm had fallen into the care of John Muir. His wife, Louie Strentzel Muir, knew how important his travels and writing had become, so she suggested that John invite his family to help run the farm. The first to arrive was his sister Margaret Muir Reid and her husband John, who became a ranch foreman. When Muir’s brother David’s business failed in 1892, Muir offered him and his wife Juliette a chance to farm a share of the property. Later, David’s son Will and his wife Sara moved in, as did John Muir’s widowed sister Sara Muir Galloway, following the death of their mother. All are buried at the Alhambra Cemetery, while John and Louie are buried in a separate gravesite on Alhambra Creek, south of the trestle. • The most famous person buried in the Alhambra Cemetery is Captain Joseph Rutherford Walker, a pioneer, trailblazer, explorer, and mountain man. At the age of
21, he helped to build Independence, Missouri, which he named. He was elected that town’s first sheriff. He served under Andrew Jackson fighting the Creek Indians, and at various times rode with Kit Carson, Jim Bridger and Sam Houston. In 1833-34, he followed the Humboldt River and crossed the Sierra Nevada into California. He and his crew were the first Europeans to cross the Sierra from east to west, and he was the first white man to see Yosemite Valley. He led the first wagon train of immigrants into California. Walker warned the Donner Party about trying to cross the Sierras so late in the year. He was dismissed by them as an “ignorant Missouri pike.” In 1846, he was with Fremont at Hawk’s Peak when Fremont stood off the Mexicans and then lost his nerve and retreated. Walker quit Fremont in utter disgust and never had a good word to say about him after that. He exclaimed, “He (Fremont) was the greatest moral and physical coward I ever met,” adding, “I would call him a woman, if it weren’t a slur to the sex.” At age 65, he led a party of miners into Arizona, capturing the Apache Chief Mangas. U.S Troops took Mangas away from Walker and murdered him. Walker never led any white men anywhere after that. That was Walker’s last expedition. He retired to his nephew James’ ranch on Mt. Diablo. He was an honorable, kind and courageous man. Walker River, Walker Pass, and Walker Lake are all named for him. For more information on the cemetery please visit www.martinezhistory. org.
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
www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
Page 15
Valhalla Third Graders Visit City Hall
Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae
On a beautiful November morning, third-graders from Valhalla Elementary School visited Pleasant Hill City Hall for a mock city council meeting and tour led by Vice Mayor Michael Harris. The students had an opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned about local government in the council chambers. The students had elected their own mayor, councilmembers, and city staff. After Mayor Kira Funk called the meeting to order and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, City Clerk Declan Jensen called the roll. Councilmembers Mario Taylor, Cody Hall, Jacob Mascaro and Kaleena Fowler, along with Mayor Funk, were all present. They heard arguments from fellow third-graders for and against three issues important to Valhalla students that had been discussed in class. Ms. Kaput’s class discussed: Should Valhalla students have more access to the school library? Marcus McClennon spoke in favor while Josh Nieman spoke against. The item failed on a 5–0 vote.
Mrs. Roberts’ class discussed: Should Valhalla get a second ball wall? Chris Arellano spoke in favor. The proposition failed in a unanimous vote. In a hotly contested issue, Mrs. Snitselaar’s class discussed: Should Valhalla get a new, larger play structure? Speaking in favor was Patrick Toman. Speaking against was Alexis Fell. After
much debate, the proposition failed on a close 3-2 vote. All in all, the students had a great time and demonstrated outstanding knowledge of local government. They even had a chance to visit “the secret room” in City Hall, but don’t ask them about it. It’s a secret for third-graders only!
Pleasant Hill Community Foundation Youth Grants
The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation has awarded its annual Youth Grant Awards. The proceeds from the 12th Annual Pleasant Hill Allied Waste Golf Classic held last October provided the funding for these awards: • American Association of University Women for its Math and Science Camp • College Park High School for biology anatomical models, a creative writing class, tennis net replacements, soccer uniforms and high school instrumental mentoring of elementary students • Fair Oaks Elementary for headphones • Pleasant Hill Elementary for classroom sports equipment • Pleasant Hill Library for books for young readers • Strandwood Elementary for an antibullying program
• Valhalla Elementary for Livescribe Smart Pens. Youth Grant Awards Chair Betty Geishirt Cantrell stated, “The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation is very thankful to all the people who have participated in over a decade of our Golf Classics. Their generosity has enabled local community organizations to support these vital programs for the youth of Pleasant Hill. We are also very excited to welcome new board member, Adrianne Roe, to our Youth Grant Awards Committee to help evaluate the twenty proposals we received this year.” The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation will be accepting proposals for its Community Grant Awards in spring 2013. Applications will be available on our website, www.PHCommunityFoundation.org.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com Page 16
January 2013
HOME TEAM
Fall 2012 All-LeagueSelections ALHAMBRA Football First-Team: Taylor Poyadue (O), Miguel Lara (O / D), and Joe Pierce (D) Second-Team: Ethan Little (O) Honorable Mention: Nick Revetta (O) and Julian Archuleta (D) Girls Golf Second-Team: Channel Drucker Girls Tennis Honorable Mention – Singles: Tanya Wright Girls Volleyball Honorable Mention: Sawyer Norried Boys Water Polo First-Team: Michael Bull Second-Team: Drew Cisterman Honorable Mention: Christian Bumala Girls Water Polo First-Team: Alex Manuli Honorable Mention: Cami Vereschagin COLLEGE PARK Boys Cross Country First Team: Nathaniel Comer and Parker Marson Second-Team: Drew McDonald Honorable Mention: David Phair and Shane McKenzie
Girls Cross Country First-Team: Victoria Miguel, Emily Dowey and Selina Saliba Second-Team: Kendall Stuscavage, Taryn Niederberger, Parisa Broomand and Mariana Perez Football First-Team: Matt Da Silva (O), Sean Hennessey (D), Steven O’Brien (D) and Nick Luna (D) Second-Team: Timmy Jackson (O), Jaelen Collins (O), Sean Alkire (D) and Tanner Utler (Sp) Girls Tennis First-Team: Gina Alvarez Second-Team: Erica Kemp, Stephanie Schenk and Kayla Southwick Honorable Mention: Isabelle Bollas, Meixi Luan Girls Volleyball First-Team: Sierra Stratton and Anni Tappe Second-Team: Emily Bedolla Honorable Mention: Clare Alden Girls Water Polo First-Team: Shelby Salling Boys Water Polo First-Team: Max Creamer Second-Team: Brandon Evans Honorable Mention: Damien Pandza
Local Soccer Champs College Park High School sophomores Jackie Scharff and Ale Gonzalez just completed a successful 2012 soccer season with their premier level club team, Bay Oaks Botafogo U16 Girls which is ranked #1 in California, 4th in Region IV and #12 in the nation. Below is a summary of Bay Oaks Botafogo 2012 season: Northern California Spring Showcase - Champion • CYSA Cal North State Cup - Champion • CYSA North/South League - Champion • Regional IV Championship - Semi-Finalist • Nike Mustang Stampede - Champion • Pleasanton Rage Showcase – Far West - Champion • CCSL Premier League U-17 - Champion • Placer United Cup - Champion
Free Clinics
Mondays, Jan. 14 & 21 U9-U14 Girls 6:15pm U9-U14 Boys 7:30pm Willow Pass Park, Concord Tuesdays, Jan. 15, 22 & 20 Goalkeepers U9-U14 4pm Baldwin Park, Concord
Age Matrix U8 U9 U10 U11 U12 U13 U14
8/1/05 8/1/04 8/1/03 8/1/02 8/1/01 8/1/00 8/1/99
-
7/31/07 7/31/05 7/31/04 7/31/03 7/31/02 7/31/01 7/31/00
Tryout Dates In Concord for boys & girls competitive teams
U9-U10-U11-U12 boys U9-U10-U11 girls Jan. 26-27-28 Boys born 8/1/2001 - 7/31/2006 Girls born 8/1/2002 - 7/31/2006
U12-U13-U14 girls U13-U14 boys Feb. 2 & 4 Girls born 8/1/1999-7/31/2002 Boys born 8/1/1999-7/31/2001
No charge to tryout. Signup today at www.diablofc.org
Check www.diablofc.org for tryout and clinic times & locations Call (925) 779-2102 for tryout weather updates. Tryouts will be held rain or shine! U15 - U19 Tryouts in Spring. Ale Gonzales and Jackie Scharff
www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
Alhambra Varsity Soccer
Alhambra HS Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team won the Consolation Championship in the Winter Soccer Classic-Bronze Division: Group results: 11/21/12- Alhambra HS 4 - American HS 1. AHS Goals: Julian Soria (assist: Juan Sanchez), Juan Sanchez (assist: Jose Ojeda), John Billecci (assist: Jeffrey Drevno), Bryce Contant (assist: John Billecci) 11/26/12 - Alhambra HS 2 - Mission SJ 2. AHS Goals: Jesus Maldonado (Unassisted), Osiel Mendoza (assist: Jesus Maldonado) 11/28/12 - Alhambra HS 0- Northgate HS 0. Consolation Final: 12/1/12 -Alhambra HS 2- Miramonte HS -1. AHS Goals: Jose Ojeda (Assist: Jesus Maldonado), Julian Soria (assist: Jeffrey Drevno) AHS Record: 2-1-2 as of 12/3/12
Page 17
HOME TEAM
Athlete Spotlight
Article and Photo by Tod Gomes Photography begin coaching. When asked about his Two local athletes have gone to college to continue their education as well as contributions to the community, Watkins said, “Every year the football players help play the sport they love. Thaddeus Watkins and Travis Raciti worked together as the coaches with a kids’ camp towards the end of spring ball, and before school teammates for the College Park Falcons starts, the players help the students with a (2008-2010), then as coach (Watkins) project called Bobcat Build, where we go and player (Raciti). Recently, however, around the community and paint houses, they were on opposite sides of the ball. The Texas State Bobcats and the San Jose pick up trash, pull out weeds and fix yards -- pretty much clean up the comState Spartans met on the field this fall, and the Spartans came out on top, 31-20. munity.” Raciti is in his sophomore year, plays Watkins is in his junior year, plays defensive tackle and wears number 3 for offensive line and wears number 56 for the San Jose State Spartans. Raciti is a the Texas State Bobcats. He has received his degree in Liberal Arts and Studies for communications studies major and says one day he would like to open a local Exercise and Sports Sciences and would (Pleasant Hill) restaurant or own a gym. like to be a graduate assistant, and then
Pictured bottom row (l to r): Harits Abdurrohman #28, Jeffrey Drevno #13, Dominic Weir #8, Ivan Rodriguez #4, Austin Guard GK #51, Garrett George #2, Jose Ojeda #33, Alejandro Ortiz #27, Joey Fuller #16, Jesus Maldonado #10, Manny Maldonado #7. Back row (l to r): Assistant Coach Farhad Amini, Harrison Brown GK #50, Julian Soria #12, John Billecci #5, Ari Amini #3, Juan Sanchez #11, Osiel Mendoza #6, Nick Goulding #9, Bryce Contant #15, Head Coach Mark Eitelgeorge.
HERITAGE SOCCER CLUB “Talk with your feet… Play with your heart”
7th ANNUAL FREE WINTER CLINICS ! Sunday January 6th 10:30am-1pm Saturday January 12th 11:30am-2pm Saturday January 19th 11:30am-2pm FREE For Boys & Girls Ages 8-14 Years College Park High School Turf Field Visit www.HeritageSC.com to register
Competitive Soccer Program for Girls & Boys U8-U18 #3 Thaddeus Watkins and #56 Travis Raciti. Photo by Tod Gomes Photography
Heritage Soccer Club Offers: x x x x x x x x x
Raciti Earns All-Western Athletic Conference
Excellent Coaches & Trainers Affordable Club Fees Free Clinics & Discounted Camps Free Health, Strength & Conditioning Program (HSC) Local Practice Fields (incl. indoor) Local Home Fields (all-weather turf and grass) Competitive Teams in each Age Group High School & College Prep 5 to 9 year old Academy
So Come and JOIN THE CLUB !!
HSC ALSO RUNS ADULT MEN’S, CO-ED, & YOUTH INDOOR LEAGUES AT USA MARTINEZ
2013 Heritage Tryout Dates Jan 26th, 27th & Feb 2nd 8am-1pm Boys and Girls Ages U8-U12 (Birthdates Aug 1, 2001 thru July 31, 2006) College Park High School Turf Field. Go to www.HeritageSC.com for details & forms! Questions? Please contact Julio Borge at Julio@HeritageSC.com
www.heritagesc.com
www.heritagesc.com HSC is a Non-Profit Organization
By Chuck Nan The 24th-ranked San Jose State University football team added another honor to its list this season when sixteen Spartans were named either First or Second-Team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) honorees as voted by the league’s head coaches. SJSU led the way with the most honorees of any team this season. Named to the First-Team All-Defense squad was sophomore lineman Travis Raciti. The College Park alum finished the regular season with 47 tackles (12 for loss) and 7.5 sacks. Raciti’s tackle total was third best on the team and second-best for sacks. The Spartans 10-2 (2nd-place in the WAC) season continued with one more reward, a bowl game. SJSU played in the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman on December 27 against Bowling Green in Washington, D.C.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com Page 18
State Cup Champions The Heritage Soccer Club (HSC) Celtics won the Under 13 Boys’ Bronze Division and the HSC Minions won the Under 10 Boys’ Premier Division. The Celtics had an exciting path to the championship. In the quarterfinal game, Jake Eide scored in the second sudden death overtime period to win the game. In the semi-final, Mikael Scordelis scored in the first sudden death overtime period for the victory that sent the team to the championship game.
Back Row LR – Coach Sandy Jones, Jake Eide, Sal Placencia, Daniel Swartz, Pedro Garcia, Brett Jones, Casey Bassler, Joey Damianakes, Kristofer King, and Coach Juan Ramos. Front Row LR – Kevin Martinez, John Eric Wilcock, Mikael Scordelis, Diego Salcedo, Jeffrey Johnson and Dillon Morley.
January 2013
College Park Athletic Booster Crab Feed The 23rd Annual Crab Feed to support College Park’s athletic programs will take place on Saturday, February 2 at the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center. This event is the boosters’ largest fundraiser each year, and the school relies heavily on these funds to keep the athletic programs alive. This year’s event will be one of the first held at the new Senior Center located at 233 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill, and the boosters are looking for a good turnout from parents, business leaders, alumni, and members of the community. The Athletic Programs Need Donations A large part of the fundraising comes from donations for the live and silent auctions held during the crab feed. College Park boosters are look-
ing beyond items donated by parents, and they can use your help. If you are a College Park alum, an active community member, or a business with an item, product, or service you are willing to donate, please contact Joe Stokley at joestokley@comcast.net or Dennis Murphy at dennis_w_murphy@yahoo.com. According to Jerry Southwick, the JV Softball Coach, “The boosters’ funds are a vital resource for College Park Athletics. As coaches we rely on the boosters for equipment, uniforms, maintenance and facilities improvement. Perhaps most importantly, they entirely fund the Athletic Trainer to help keep our kids safe.” The College Park Athletic Boosters are a non-profit organization made up of parents, alumni, coaches and staff members.
College Park High School Athletic Boosters Minions: Back Row LR – Justin Villegas, Edgar Castaneda, Eric Saldana, Coach Cesar Chavez, Matthew Coronel, Ignacio Rios and Erik Lindenauer. Front Row LR – Regulo Arjona, Jason Eide, Diego Ramos, Agustin Duenas, Blas Guerrero and Anthony Torres (Christopher Torres is next to his brother).
$100 for a 1965 Mustang
23rd Annual Crab Feed Live and Silent Auction Fundraiser TO SUPPORT HIGHSCHOOL SPORTS Saturday, February 2, 2013 At The New Pleasant Hill Senior Center 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 6:00 pm – Midnight $55 per person Must be 21 or older Tickets must be purchased in advance at
http://cphs.mdusd.org/collegeparkathleticboosters As part of their annual Crab Feed Fundraiser, the College Park Athletic Boosters will be auctioning off a classic 1965 Mustang Coup that was generously offered by the Stokley Family of Pleasant Hill. They will be selling only 150 tickets at $100 each, with proceeds benefiting the College Park athletic programs. The car is in fine working condition and will be a great prize for one lucky winner. Tickets will be on sale through the Booster’s website at http://cphs. mdusd.org/collegeparkathleticboosters.
Also see the website to find out how you can help donate an item or service for the auction. Donations may be tax deductible. This is our largest fundraiser that helps keep our sports program functioning. Please come have a great time and support our student athletes.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
Page 19
Winterfest at College Park High School On Wednesday, December 19 the CP community came together to celebrate students who participate in the visual and performing arts. In the MultiUse room, crowds listened to vocal and instrumental music performances while simultaneously viewing original works of art created by the talented visual arts students. The art work included photography, ceramics, glass, paintings, drawings, and more. Some students offered their art for sale. Future College Park families got a glimpse of the opportunities their children will have at College Park.
Ceramics students, James Thomas, Jennifer Paredes and Chris Huft
Ceramics teacher, Lesley Jensen
Members of the CP Jazz Band
Jonny Kaminek
Art students Kyra Murzyn, Allan Diosana and Molly Dallara
David Phair and Andy Tripp.
Members of the Wambo Combo Jazz Band: Mason Johnson, Aaron Uribe and Caleb Phair. The Wambo Combo recently came together as a Musician’s Showcase auction item in October and has been practicing and performing with each other ever since.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com Page 20
January 2013
HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS
Alhambra Photography Art Projects Alhambra High’s Advanced Photo students, taught by Miriam Fabbri, were assigned a challenging project: to use one of their original black and white photos and combine color using magazine scraps to create a collage. Samples of a few of the students’ artwork are pictured below.
Olivia Green
Hannah Baaten
CP Eligble for Award
Hannah Baaten
According to the California Department of Education (CDE), there exists an “achievement gap” among student subgroups that threatens their future and the future of California. Statewide, schools and school districts are working toward closing that gap through quality educational programs. The 2013 Distinguished School Program recognizes and honors schools that have worked toward narrowing the achievement gap. College Park has met the eligibility criteria and has been invited to apply for the California Distinguished Schools Program. The school’s Academic Performance Index (calculated from the annual STAR test and High School Exit Exam) increased by 29 points to 815 last year, and a majority of significant student subgroups met their API group targets. This includes Hispanic and Latino students, English language learners and socio-econom-
ically disadvantaged students at the school. CPHS Principal Paul Gengler said, “Last year was a banner year academically for College Park. Our kids took the STAR test seriously and it paid off. Now we are being compared to some of these other high performing high schools in the area. The academic gap is closing at CP between the high achieving students and the lower achieving subgroups, and that is very exciting.” Although College Park is the only high school in the Mt. Diablo School District that met the eligibility requirements, two additional schools in the district, Diablo View Middle and Foothill Middle, also met the requirements. Evaluation of the application will be conducted in January, and notification of evaluation results will be e-mailed to school principals by the CDE in February.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
Page 21
Mandatory Fees Now Violate California Law By Jaki Jones On September 29, 2012, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law AB 1575, introduced by Assembly Member Ricardo Lara, ensuring “free schools” for all California’s public school children, regardless of economic status. Effective January 1, 2013, AB 1575 intends to identify, prevent, and address the charging of student fees. Additionally, the bill is designed to prevent stigmatizing students and families who are unable to pay for educational programs and field trips by singling them out. California’s Constitution guarantees every student the right to a free public education under Article 9. AB 1575 defines a student fee as any charge or deposit that students and their families have to pay “as a condition for registering for school or classes, or as a condition for participation in a class or an extracurricular activity, regardless of whether the class or activity is elective or compulsory, or is for credit.” Many school programs will have to rely solely on district funding, voluntary fund-raisers and
donations. However, the new law does allow schools to ask for voluntary contributions. Additional student fees now in violation include, but are not limited to: (1) A security deposit or other payment a pupil is required to make to obtain a lock, locker, book, class apparatus, musical instrument, uniform (including PE clothes), or other materials or equipment. (2) A purchase a pupil is required to make to obtain materials for classes such as culinary arts, ceramics and biology, lab fees, school choir and ASB cards. However, a fee can be imposed for finished in-school art projects, spectator events, prom, grad night and dances, student parking and damaged materials, as well as transportation for student athletes to games, to name a few. This bill will have a major impact on how schools collect funds for off campus activities. Because mandatory fees can no longer be imposed, principals, teachers and parents will need to resort to aggres-
sive fundraising. At Valhalla Elementary in Pleasant Hill, the cost to provide 5th grade outdoor education is $340 per student. “Now we need to tell the parents the cost to the school is $340.00 per person and that we can ask them to donate if they choose, but we cannot “charge them” or collect and keep track of who has paid and who has not paid, so that means we need to fundraise the entire cost which is approximately $35,000 for 100+ students”, said Marji Calbeck, Valhalla Principal. Parents can still use their scrip money to off set part of that cost. The hope is that parents will donate the cost per student to the school. How is the new law going to impact a school’s PTA requests for donations? According to the PTA’s Facebook page, PTAs are “separate entities and are allowed to do fundraising in accordance with PTA policies and procedures. As part of their fundraising efforts, PTAs may conduct voluntary fundraising to support field trips or other educational activities, as
long as it is clear that contributions are voluntary and in the amount the parent chooses to donate. PTAs may not ask each parent to “voluntarily” donate the cost for their child to attend a field trip. PTAs may set a goal of raising $500 for the 3rd grade class to attend a field trip and ask parents to contribute whatever they would like to contribute. When/if the funds are raised, the field trip will take place.” The bill also requires the State Department of Education to develop guidelines for schools, districts, and county offices of education and to post them on the department’s website. Parents and students at all public schools every year will get information about the free school guarantee and what to do if they believe this is being violated. Time will tell how the impact of AB 1575 will be felt in the Mt. Diablo School District, how much our schools will need to scale back on activities and field trips, and how much our high school departments and classes will be affected.
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www.ourcommunityfocus.com Page 22
THE GARDEN
January 2013
Rejuvenate with January’s Bounty
It’s time to gear down, slowly get back into real life and savor January in the Diablo Valley. Colors start to appear on golden, parched hills and ridges, and animals start to burrow out along trails while late winter flowering bulbs adorn begging gardens. Spring bulbs are popping heads up, looking around like the veggie version of the rodent. Vegetable gardens should be producing lots of carrots, lettuce and greens to be snipped and sweetly devoured. I recently discovered that instead of thinning vegetables one by one, I can use small scissors to snip the tops off carrots, beets, or whatever I am thinning, at the ground. This action withers what is beneath, leaving room for others to get bigger as well as netting a nice little handful of green tops and shoots to add to salad. Peas should be climbing high on their fence or strings and sporting astounding white blossoms that morph into peas as you gaze on them. Winter peas sautéed with a bit of olive oil, mint and garlic are simply sumptuous and something I could almost live on. Roasted beets sliced up with winter tangerine slices and lemon juice sprinkled with toasted walnuts is a work of art for eyes as well as the tongue. Roasted winter vegetables are grant-
By Lesley Stiles ed by law to adorn any food known to again, I have to get into my yoga mind and ones is target stuff. Trust me, when you are mankind. Said vegetables can be lovingly be indifferent to unfamiliar faces, fearfully happy, those around you are, and if they draped in olive oil and showered with sea holding real estate in my spot on the aero- are not, it is easy enough to get out of their salt, caramelized in a hot oven and thrown proximity or offer an orange and a walk to bics’ studio floor at my gym. That’s just into stews, polenta, risotto, and scramble help them move into that side of the brain. fine, I can go anywhere even if I don’t like eggs, or tossed over lettuce or spinach, Happy New Year everyone and, as the mirrors in other spots of the studio, wilting as you grab a fork. Kiwis have also usual, don’t forget to breathe! because one of my goals in life is to get made their own sweet splash into salads Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the Calipeople to exercise on a regular basis and and onto plates valley-wide. fornia Culinary Academy, sustainable eat right. That’s all. Winter citrus is beyond abundant in caterer and school garden educator. This is a really good time of year for January and begging to be zipped out of Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comrebirth and reevaluation of your life and skin and shared. Satsuma mandarins are times. Getting your resolution list together cast.net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com fantastic for healthy lunches and snacks, and visit her new website: www.lesleyand realistically carrying out attainable but citrus in our winter come in so many stilesfoods.com. tasks and visions for yourself and loved varieties that it is difficult to leave the farmers’ market without bruising biceps carrying it all out. Hint: Citrus and other Ingredients: heavy items (think butternut, cauliflower 1 large avocado, peeled and sliced 1 pound mixed baby greens salad etc.) are easier to carry in reusable canvas 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 orange, peeled and sliced bags than in the farmers’ market plastic 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tangerine, peeled and sliced ones. Blood oranges, tangelos, mandarins, Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 large grapefruit, peeled and sliced 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced honey tangerines, pommelos, and several varieties of grapefruit, not to mention Directions: In a salad bowl combine the lettuce with the citrus, kiwi and avocado and lightly toss. Add achingly sweet, plain old regular oranges the olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste and toss lightly again. Serves 4. in several different varieties, including Cara Cara, abound and beg to be taken to a nice home. A very fortunate friend of mine, upon returning from Paris, was so taken with red grapefruit sprinkled with brown sugar and bruleed, she bought a blowtorch to do her own. Along with taking back our personal food systems, we may now find ourselves with time to actually exercise again. Once
Citrus and Avocado Salad
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www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
Page 23
New Year’s Resolutions Many of us make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, exercise more or keep our homes neater, but many of us have a hard time keeping these past January. Why don’t you try some new resolutions this New Year that will help our wild neighbors? • Prune trees only from September through December to protect animals that nest the rest of the year. • Reduce or eliminate pesticide use. Many pest insects are better controlled by birds and insect-eating insects than by pesticides. • Use non-toxic cleaners such as lemon juice and vinegar. • Don’t use sticky traps—they are inhumane and can catch birds, lizards and snakes. • Rodenticides can poison more than just the rodents. Hawks, owls, foxes
By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum and other wild and domestic animals Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitacan die from eating a poisoned rodent. tion is offered January 19 and January • If you use garden netting, keep it off 22. Sign up for one of these classes on the ground to keep snakes from being the museum’s website at http://wildlifetangled. museum.org/getinvolved/adult. • If you have bird feeders, make sure you sanitize them at least once a week to prevent the spread of diseases. Do the same for birdbaths. • Keep garbage and debris picked up. Lindsay Wildlife Museum invites artEven small things like a roll of duct ists to submit two-or three-dimensional tape left on the ground can cause serioriginal artwork for the upcoming Mount ous problems for wildlife. Diablo: Visions & Vistas exhibition, April • Cut six-pack rings to prevent entan25-September 2, 2013. Submissions must glement. Crush plastic containers with depict flora, fauna or views of Mount Dianarrow necks so animals don’t get their blo. The jurors of the exhibition include heads stuck. representatives from Save Mount Diablo, • Close pet doors and don’t leave pet Mount Diablo Interpretive Association food outdoors at night. Pet food is not and Lindsay Wildlife Museum. good for wildlife. To be considered for this exhibition, • Keep your cat indoors. You will save submit only slides, photographs or digithe lives of many birds and other small tal representations of the work, not the animals, and your cat will be healthier. finished work. Include artist name, artist • Become a wildlife rehabilitation volcontact information including email adunteer at Lindsay Wildlife Museum. dress, title, medium and finished dimensions (including framing or mounting) with each submission. No more than five submissions per artist will be accepted for this exhibition. Send or deliver submissions to Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94597, Attention Marty Buxton or mbuxton@wildlife-museum. org. Deadline for submission is January 31, 2013 by 5pm. Notification of accep-
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Submissions Needed for Visions and Vistas Exhibit
tance will be sent by February 15, 2013, preferably by email. All accepted work must be delivered to the museum between April 15 and April 19, 2013. Artist, contact information, insurance value and artist statement (if any) must be on each piece. All accepted work must be delivered in exhibit ready condition. The exhibit will be installed under the direction of Lindsay Wildlife Museum curator of natural history and exhibits. Artwork may be offered for sale during this exhibition. Lindsay Wildlife Museum requires 30% of the sale’s price as a donation to the museum. Any sale’s price should include museum donation and should be on each work at time of delivery. Artists will be notified of the sale of any pieces. All works will remain on exhibition for the duration of the show. Artists must pick up all unsold work no later than September 6, 2013. For more information contact Marty Buxton at mbuxton@wildlife-museum. org, or by phone at (925) 627-2937.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com Page 24
Diablo Valley Crab Feed Boys & Girls Clubs of the Diablo Valley is presenting their 34th annual crab feed on January 12. The event will be at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Diablo Valley on 1301 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez from 6pm to midnight. The event will feature all-you-caneat crab, raffles, balloon pop, no host bar and dancing. Not a fan of crab? No worries, we will also be serving chicken and pasta. The Boys & Girls Clubs crab feed is one of four major fundraisers throughout the year that raises much needed funds to help sustain programs offered to our community’s youth. Research shows that Boys & Girls Clubs play a key role in reducing delinquency, increasing academic achievement, providing access to technology, developing career goals and improving attitudes toward school. Clubs achieve this by providing a safe and supportive environment, fun activities, supportive relationships with peers and adults, increased opportunities to learn and develop, and recognition of achievement. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Diablo
Valley has been an integral part of the Martinez community and surrounding areas for more than fifty years and has provided services to thousands of young people. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our club works collaboratively with families, volunteers, educators, businesses and community leaders to fulfill our mission to offer quality after-school and summer programs at little or no cost to families – a fact that sets us apart from other afterschool programs. The Boys and Girls Club is open after school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 2 - 6pm, and Wednesday from 1 - 6pm. Programs offered include Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports Fitness & Recreation. For more information about Boys & Girls Club programs or activities, please call 925 228.3896 ext.102 or visit our website at www.bgcdv.org.
SAMUELS CONSTRUCTION
January 2013
Season of Giving This has been an amazing year for Foster A Dream! The generosity of the community has overwhelmed us. During the holiday season we can get caught up buying gifts and planning parties and sometimes it is easy to forget the meaning of the holidays. In December, Foster A Dream was reminded of the giving spirit and goodwill the holidays bring. Foster a Dream is a nonprofit organization that supports Bay Area foster youth, whose purpose is to plant seeds of promise to children living in foster care by providing meaningful experiences that expand their perspective on life and inspire them to believe they can achieve. In December, through the Mike’s Auto Body Benevolence Giving Program and a charitable donation by AAA of Northern California, Nevada, and Utah, Foster a Dream received a 12- passenger van and a $1,000 donation to their organization. One of their biggest challenges was transportation, and this van allows Foster A Dream to
offer transportation to and from programs for their foster youth. This gift alone was overwhelming but what put them over the top happened just a few days later. Foster a Dream received another Christmas miracle from Contra Costa Supervisor Federal Glover in the form of a $10,000 gift! This generous donation helped them close their budget gap for the year. Kim Castaneda, the Executive Director said, “Not only did this bring us to tears but it also reminded us what the holiday season is really about-helping those in need and spreading love to others. This year the staff, Board and volunteers at Foster a Dream are so appreciative and have felt first-hand the good spirit from the holidays and we will spread that feeling to our foster youth into the New Year. We would like to thank all of you in our community who have given so generously this past year. Because of you, we will be able to touch the lives of hundreds of foster youth in 2013.”
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www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
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RESTAURANT GUIDE for more information contact us atcontact us at for more please information please
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Lego Creators Club If you and your family are looking for an entertaining and creative way to spend time together, consider being challenged by those multicolored interlocking bricks known as Legos. Facilitated by Patrick Remer, children’s librarian, The Lego Creators Club at the Pleasant Hill Library began last September with only fifty-five attendees and has almost doubled in size. “The club was created in direct response to requests from children in our community through a summer program called the Idea Box. With donations from our community and a federal grant, we built an impressive collection of bricks, but we continue to seek Lego donations as our club expands,” said Remer. The hour-long club has a diverse attendance, with many 2nd and 3rd graders collaborating and working along side their parents. It’s not surprising, however, to see preschoolers and independent tweens dabbling in the three-dimensional creation process too. Although there are no constraints on what participants can design and engineer, the club does offer a different theme each month and connects it to reading by offering themed books at every meeting. “I derive themes from the expressed interests of kids in the club. Our next month’s spy theme came directly from a particularly creative boy named Andrew,” said Remer, who problem-solves and provides tips and tricks to club members. “They will never cease to surprise and inspire me -
and I’ve been building with Legos myself for almost thirty years.” Challenges have ranged from “Work with other builders to construct the tallest building in one hour,” to “Make a small creation with just a few pieces, draw instructions on how you made it and give your instructions and pieces to a friend to see if they can remake it.” There is a connection not only in the Legos themselves, but between the builders and their limitless imaginations for building fantastic creatures and locations. Remer has seen a house on an exotic island, a giraffe with a staircase (to ride it), a garden on wheels, and spinning robots. “Legos are tools to create and investigate your world and the world of your own imagination. In our modern world, where passive entertainment and learning is the norm, Legos offer children a hands-on experience where they are in control. Lego has done an extraordinary job of connecting their brand to other pop cultural phenomena (like Star Wars, Harry Potter, & Batman), which makes it exceptionally appealing for children who want to recreate and play in those worlds.” Participants’ creations are photographed, displayed in the lobby throughout the month and posted on the library website. The next meeting is on January 5 at 2pm. Lego Creators Club has meetings every month in the public meeting room at Pleasant Hill Library from 2 – 3pm for children aged 5-11.
Kids and adults participating in the Lego Creators Club, held once a month, at the Pleasant Hill Library.
January 2013
PH Library Thank You By Katherine Bracken and preschool furniture as well as their As we welcome 2013, we are mentoring of the Pleasant Hill Library reminded to be grateful to all those Fund. people and organizations that support • First Five of Contra Costa County for the Pleasant Hill Library. Their contrigrant funds. butions make our library and commu• Kaiser Permanente, Pleasant Hill Ronity a better place. We appreciate their tary and Whole Foods in Walnut Creek generous support and look forward to for donating funds and goods for the seeing what can be accomplished in Kids’ Bike Rodeo. 2013! • Lesley Stiles for her exquisite food. Thank you to: • The Loja Group for donating shelves • The Contra Costa Library staff and from Borders and the Community our own Pleasant Hill Library staff for Service Day volunteers who moved fictheir dedication, enthusiasm and skill in making the most out of the available tion downstairs in 2011. • An anonymous donor who has resources. matched funds for many projects. • The Friends of the Pleasant Hill • Payless Painting for donating their Library for funding programs, library expertise to painting the new preschool materials and other resources. • The City of Pleasant Hill whose fund- area. • Bill’s ACE Hardware for donating ing of the Green Zone has kept the paint for the preschool area. library open thirty-five hours per week • Strandwood Student Council since 2009. • The volunteers who perform a variety 2011/2012 for the Penny Wars that raised money for teen furniture. of tasks and range in age from 3rd • Zoe F. who donated the money from grade to seniors. her lemonade stand for new library • The Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops furniture. who have helped on many projects. • Sean Ross of BMW & MINI of Con• The Community Service Day volcord for donating a cherry red MINI unteers who have whisked through Cooper for the Library 4th of July months’ worth of tasks in one day with entry. incredible energy and good will. • Sandy Bonato and the law firm of • The Pleasant Hill Community FounBerding/Weil for donating and transdation for grants for new materials porting chairs and tables, enabling the library to create more seating areas. • Anne Baker of Allied Waste and the Teen Advisory Group for creating and selling recycled art at the Art, Jazz & Wine Festival. • Community members for donating chess boards, board games and LEGO bricks to help more people enjoy free activities at the library. • Sherwin Williams for donating paint and materials for the new public meeting room and the Community Service Day volunteers who painted it in 2012. • Peet’s Coffee & Tea for their holiday donation. • And all our library users who attend programs, make donations and share their ideas, bringing a unique Pleasant The end result of a girl scout troop’s work packing giveaway boxes of books. Hill energy to our library.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2013
Page 27
Keeping Plants High and Dry By Chris Dundon, Water Conservation Supervisor, CCWD For plants to thrive, they need wa- tives Garden Tour on Sunday, May 5, ter and oxygen at the root system. This 2013. This annual tour includes more than fifty home gardens in the Contra time of year, however, a plant installed Costa and Alameda Counties. There too low can begin to rot due to water are also presentations by landscape desitting at its base. When this happens, no oxygen can make it to the root zone. signers, plant experts and homeowners who have successfully replaced their That is why it is important to plants trees, shrubs and perennials on a slight lawns with water-wise gardens. The tour requires registration, but is absomound, so that when the winter rains lutely free to attend. To register for the come, the plants sit high and dry. tour, visit www.bringingbackthenative. If you are re-landscaping your net. yard, consider installing a dry stre Finally, if you are considering reambed winding through the garden. placing your lawn with a water-wise This will create a low spot for rainwagarden, don’t forget that the Contra ter to sit. You can then create mounds Costa Water District (CCWD) proin the planting areas so the plants sit vides rebates for customers to replace high and dry. This is a great way to their water thirsty front lawns with keep plants healthy, and it also allows water-wise gardens. the rainwater a place to soak into the For program information, call ground while providing a reservoir for 688-8320 or visit www.ccwater.com/ the following year. conserve. Speaking of gardens, it is time to sign up for the Bringing Back the NaSERVING YOUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1990
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Being a Caregiver By Michelle Rooney, N.P. or feel too overwhelmed to Caring for a loved one ask, have treatment options diagnosed with cancer is explained, communicate tough physically, mentally with others what prognosis and emotionally. What deand plans are in place, and fines a caregiver? Caregivers comfort the patient. This are family members, friends HIPAA form is usually and loved ones who provide signed during the registrafull and part time support tion process, but can be updated at for a cancer patient. They do this by preparing food, running errands, help- anytime. Stay organized. This is easier for ing with doctors appointments and treatment, coordinating care, cleaning, some individuals than others, but the and offering emotional support for the effort is worth it. As you would for patient as well as other people involved your own care, take notes and keep track of medications, vitals, labs and in their treatment. The requirements other tests so that everyone underof caring for someone with cancer are stands the illness and treatment. Keepchallenging and endless. ing all the information organized and We want to share with you some accessible makes for an easy transition helpful tips and resources for taking when other caregivers must give medicare of yourself and those you love. cations, take the patient to appointRemember, everyone’s situation is ments and adjust to their needs. individual and unique. Be open and communicate. Com- Ask for help. Rely on the support of friends and family for the patient munication is key, not only with your as well as yourself. Battling cancer is loved one, but with his or her healthcare team, other caregivers, and people a community effort, and when you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, who are connected to the cancer or having trouble meeting the needs patient. It can take time to figure out of yourself or your loved one, talk to communication styles that work best, friends, family or a professional. but keeping everyone up to date will result in more help and understanding Take breaks and take care of yourself. As a primary caretaker, doing from those around you. One effective something for yourself can feel strange and efficient method that is becoming and selfish, but making time to take widely used is to create a blog or webpage for your loved one. Most of these care of yourself keeps you physically and mentally strong for your loved sites are free and easy to setup and one. Whether you enjoy exercismanage. Carepages and CaringBridge ing, cooking, reading or sleeping, do are two popular sites to blog on. something rejuvenating and refreshing Be HIPAA compliant. As a loved for yourself. Then you will be healthier one’s health declines, they need more and happier, and your loved one will help. If you are the primary caretaker or someone who is helping with doctor benefit from your renewed energy. Michelle Rooney is a Nurse Pracvisits, treatment, medication or other titioner and practices with Diablo medical support, it is important the patient has signed paperwork allowing Valley Oncology, located at the California Cancer and Research Institute you access to their medical informain Pleasant Hill. The center brings totion (HIPAA). Having this release algether medical oncology, hematology, lows you to be with the patient during radiation, chemotherapy, diagnostic exams, take notes, and if necessary, imaging, clinical trials, and supportcommunicate with the medical team. ive care services. 925-677-5041. As the patient’s advocate, you will be able to ask questions they may forget PAID ADVERTORIAL
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A Healthy New Year’s Resolution Action Plan By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates Are you excited about making your New Year’s resolutions healthier? To be successful, you need a plan of action to achieve your goals. “I will lose weight,” or “I will get my health together,” may be great goals, but are fuzzy on the specifics. We know that diet, exercise, sleep and stress all affect our weight, fitness and overall health, so use these concepts in your plan. Diet: While a great goal may be “I’m going to eat healthier food,” be specific on what you are going to change in your diet. “I’m going to add one more serving of veggies a day,” or “I’m going to cut all of my desserts in half,” are specific, easy tweaks that will have a cumulative effect on how you look and feel. Exercise: “I’m going to start working out,” is vague and easy to ignore. Specifics like, “I will take the stairs once a day at work,” or “I will stretch for two minutes at noon every day,” are simple, measurable steps that will soon motivate you to increase your activity. Sleep: We know that a lack of sleep affects both our weight and overall health. A small change may be, “I will go to sleep 15 minutes earlier,” or “I will take a 20 minute power nap on Wednesdays at 2pm.” This small change will grow organically over time.
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Stress: Scheduling something that you love goes a long way towards lowering your stress level. Once a week “I will have a 10 minute chair massage,” or “I will call a friend to talk for 10 minutes,” helps not only your mood, but may also impact your overall health. Your New Year’s resolutions are just a plan of attack away. Remove the nebulous cloud of January 1st dreams and put specific, attainable steps in place. These tiny lifestyle changes add up, create lasting habits, and will soon transform both your body and mind. Tonya Marie Amos is a fully certified Pilates instructor with over 1000 hours of training including advanced certifications in Movement Medicine, Scoliosis, Osteoporosis, Pre/Post Natal and Pilates For Golf. For more information, contact please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com.
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January 2013
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Achieve Your Resolution By Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath your goals, whether it’s to lose Eating better and losweight, gain weight, or just be ing weight are among the top healthier. Plans for vegetarians resolutions in the nation. How are offered as well. In addimany times have you gone into tion, I offer twelve coaching the new year determined to sessions to ensure success. achieve a goal and failed? Did New to the United you know 75% of people who States, Metabolic Balance® is a make a New Year’s resolution scientific program developed fail? by Dr. Wolf Funfack, a prominent Ger According to a recent article in Psyman physician with a 30-year track record chology Today, ingredients for successful in Europe with over 700,000 participants. resolutions include: “I am impressed with Metabolic Bal• Planning resolutions in advance ance®. Being one of the most unmotivated • Being strongly committed to making a ‘dieters,’ I decided to try the MB diet to change kick-start some good eating habits. I was • Having coping strategies to deal with surprised at the foods chosen for me; there problems along the way were foods that I love that I thought were • Mechanisms to track progress no-no’s for diets...lost 17lbs in 3 weeks, felt Achieve your goal! If your resolugreat and resolved hormonal symptoms. tions are to eat better and lose weight, I kept that weight off six months later. and you want a winning strategy to stay Thank you, Myra! “ ~ Julie, Venice, CA on track, Metabolic Balance® is for you. Contact Myra Nissen at Based on your unique chemistry, you will 925.826.3858 or visit www.MyraNissen. receive a menu plan that provides the com. best combinations and portions based on
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CRAB feeds 1/12 - Boys & Girls Clubs of Diablo Valley 6pm to Midnight. 34th Annual Crab Feed located at 1301 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez. Tickets are $50 each and include all you can eat crab, raffles, balloon pop, no host bar and dancing. Not a fan of crab? No worries. We will also be serving chicken and pasta. The Boys & Girls Clubs crab feed is one of four major fundraisers throughout the year that raise much needed funds to help sustain the programs offered to our community’s youth. Call the Club at (925) 228-3896 ext. 102 to purchase your tickets or purchase tickets on-line: www.eventbrite.com/event/4928193359. 1/19 - Grace Episcopal Church Annual Crab Feed Dinner Includes; pasta, salad, bread, and dessert. 5pm social hour; 6pm dinner. Grace Episcopal Church, 130 Muir Station Road, Martinez. $40.00 per person. Contact: Pat at 925 876-6916 or Connie 510 799-1322. 1/26 - The Diablo Symphony’s Crab Gala and fundraiser! Join us for an evening of fun with silent and live auctions, local celebrities, auctioneers and live musical entertainment! Held at Rossmoor’s Del Valle Clubhouse. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 5pm (no host bar). Dinner at 6:30pm. Tickets are $60 per person, tax deductible. Reservations made by sending a check to Diablo Symphony Association, 126 Linda Lane, Pleasant Hill 94523, attn: Leo Vardas. Call: (925) 947-5776 or email: lvardas@astound.net. 1/26 – CYO Crab Feed 6pm-11pm at Christ the King Church, 199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill. You may reserve a table for 10 people. Tickets are $50 per person. Checks should be made payable to CTK CYO and mailed to: Vince Cirelli, 2231 Bryce Dr., Martinez 94553. For questions call (925) 997-1273 or email cirellihomes@gmail.com. 2/1 & 2/2 - Creekside Church Crab Feed, Feb. 1 at 6pm and Feb. 2 at 5pm, 444 Fig Tree Lane in Martinez. Don’t miss out on the two-day 7th Annual Crab Feed benefitting Martinez schools and Aftermath Student Center. All you can eat crab, chicken and tri-tip. $40/ adults; $15/children. Childcare for infants through fifth graders is available at $5 per child. Check the church’s website for special prices on tables: www.creekside.org. 2/2 – College Park Athletic Boosters’ 23rd Annual Crab Feed, 6pm – Midnight. This is the largest fundraiser for the athletic boosters and keeps the sports programs functioning. There will be a live and silent auction too. Held at the new Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Purchase $55 tickets in advance at http://cphs.mdusd.org/collegeparkathleticboosters. 2/9 –40th Annual Crab Feed jointly sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Lions Club along with the Pleasant Hill Dolfins Swim Team. Crab feed will be at the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center at 233 Gregory Lane. All the Give Back by Loosing crab, pasta, and salad you can eat for $50 per A New Year’s Challenge person, with door prizes, silent auction, raffles, music and dancing! No Host Bar at 6pm Receive $2 for every pound you lose during the challenge. Plus, and dinner at 7:30pm. Contact Ken WomMetabolic Balance® will donate $2 bacher at (925) 687-0858 or the PH Recreato Action for Healthy Children. Chal- tion & Park District at (925) 682-0896 or any lenge period: 01/01/13 to 03/31/13. Lion or Dolfin parent for tickets. Come and Be a winner! Sign up today through have a good time and also check out the new MyraNissen.com or call 826-3858. Senior Center!
www.ourcommunityfocus.com Page 30
events Martinez Farmers’ Market. Sundays, 10am2pm Year-round! Main St. between Castro & Ferry St. Stop by to pick up your locally grown winter produce and support the market this year! 1/1 - 4th Annual Polar Bear Plunge at 12pm. All ages welcome! Start your New Year with an invigorating plunge in the unheated water of PH Aquatic Park! Warm up with coffee and hot chocolate after your plunge. Thank you to our sponsor: Sports Basement Walnut Creek. PH Aquatic Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Pre-Reg $20. Contact: 682-0896. 1/5 – Iceberg Swim at 9am. Brrr...ing some excitement to your New Year with an icy dip at the Rankin Aquatic Center, 100 Buckley Street in Martinez. After post-frigid plunge enjoy hot beverage, bagels and donuts. Costumes are encouraged! Fee: $6 per person, paid at the pool. Call to reserve a snack and hot beverage: 372-3510. Proceeds benefit the Learn to Swim Scholarship Program. 1/7 - Stitchers Unite! 1pm to 4pm .Valley Stitchers and Fiber Arts Guild will meet at the Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Lane in Pleasant Hill to watch Robin Berry demonstrate her Medieval embroidery and re-enactments. Arrive before 10am to go through our sales tables full of different arts. Guests are welcome. For questions, call Sheila Rogstad at (925) 945-1338. 1/7 - Join Valley Stitchers and Fiber Arts Guild who are participating in an exciting workshop on Black Work Embroidery: Needle-case. From 1pm to 4pm. Place to be announced at morning meeting, noted above. Cost: $25 payable to VSG and $14 to Instructor. Please call to confirm that this workshop is being held at Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Lane in Pleasant Hill. Too few enrollees will cancel the workshop. Contact Pamela at (925) 672-9543. 1/8 - Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club at 7pm. Camellia Room - Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek. Speakers: Denise Koroslev & Martha Scheer discuss “All about Herbs.” Guests are welcome and free. Call for Info: 925-944-4898 or visit website: www.phgsc.com. 1/12 - Preschool & Parenting Fair 9am– 12pm. Sponsored by the Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek Mother’s Club and held at the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. Preview 40 pre-schools located in
January 2013
Calendar Alamo, Concord, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, and Walnut Creek and a myriad of parenting and family resources in the East Bay. Co-sponsored by Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District. For information visit www.mom4mom.org, email preschoolfair@ gmail.com or call: (925) 939-6466. 1/16- 2/10 – Global Ethics Interfaith Series Wednesdays at 7pm and Sunday February 10 at 4pm. Hosted by Hillcrest Church, 404 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill. “Opening Our Hearts: Interfaith Truth in Action” builds on the Parliament of World’s Religions’ Towards a Global Ethic. The series is devoted to experiencing and sharing from our different traditions and to opening up ways for people of diverse communities and beliefs to move together and put into practice a genuinely global and healing ethic. The presenters are leaders representing a variety of faiths including Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim, who are active in local communities as well as nationally and internationally. Come to one or all meetings. For more information on speakers contact Hillcrest Church at 925-6898260 or go the website at www.hillcrestucc. org. 1/21 – Society of America Magicians Awards Banquet at Concord Elks Lodge. Reservations are required. Contact Fred at (925) 451-1292. 2/15 - Come Together Benefit Concert 7:3010pm. Past years have received rave reviews, so don’t miss this special intimate all-star Benefit Show for Pleasant Hill teen concerts and programs. Winslow Center, 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Pleasant Hill. $25/person. For tickets call (925) 682-0896 or visit the PH Recreation office at 147 Gregory Lane. 2/17 & 3/2 - How to Raise Your Own Chickens 1-3:30 pm. Lafayette resident Papa John Kiefer will again offer workshops covering topics including raising young chicks, laying hen maintenance, and sustainable coop construction. Workshops are free. Reservations are required. Contact: jhkiefer@comcast.net.
AT THE LIBRARY 1/1 - All libraries are closed. Happy New Year! 1/21 – All libraries are closed for MLK Day. Pleasant Hill: Tuesdays - Doorstep Farmers Pick Up 5-7pm. Sign up with Doorstep Farmers, a local CSA, at www.doorstepfarmers.com.
All subscribers will receive a 5% discount for choosing Pleasant Hill Library as their pick-up location. Wednesdays - English Conversation Practice for Adults 1:30-2:30pm. Wednesdays - Mother Goose Storytime 11:15-11:45pm. Ages 0-5. Wednesdays - 1/2 & 1/9 - One-On-One Computer Tutor 11am-12pm & 12-1pm. Set up an appointment for a one-hour, one-onone computer training session with one of the Pleasant Hill Library’s trained computer tutors. Thursdays - Preschool Storytime 11:1511:45am. Ages 3-5. Fridays - Storytime 11:15-11:45pm & 1:151:45pm. Ages 0-3. Fridays - Contra Costa Teen Chess Club 3-5pm. Instruction, friendly matches, and tournaments. All levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring own chess board and pieces. Saturdays - Story Time 11:15-11:45am. Babies, Preschoolers, Kids. 1/4 – Afternoon Book Discussion 1-2:30pm. First Friday of the month. This month we are reading The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka. 1/5 – Lego Creators Club 2-3pm. Let your imagination run wild at our monthly meet-up of brilliant builders. We’ll have new themes, tips, and challenges every month, plus a great selection of book tie-ins to take home. Ages 5-11. 1/5 & 1/19 – Library Volunteer Orientation 3-4pm. Want to volunteer at the Pleasant Hill Library? Pick up an application and get started with our Volunteer Orientation. 1/9 – Teen Advisory Group (TAG) 3:30-5pm. Join the TAG to meet with the teen librarian to create fun programs and suggest new resources at the library for you and other teens. Receive volunteer hours for your time. 1/10 & 1/24 – Wii Thursdays for teens. 3-4:30pm. 1/12 – Apples to Apples! for Teens – 1-2:30pm. 1/15 – PH Book Discussion 6:30-7:45pm. This month we are reading Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. 1/23 – Training for Adult Literacy Tutors. Please see website or contact Laura Seaholm
at 925-927-3250 for information on requirements and times of training. 1/29 – Chinese New Year Lion Dance! 1pm. In anticipation of Chinese New Year, the White Crane Lion Dancers will bring their fabulous dance to the library. The whole family will be awed by this colorful gymnastic display and ferocious drumming! For Children’s Programs questions contact Patrick Remer, 925-927-3235 Martinez: Tuesdays – Mother Goose Story and Craft Time 10:30-11:30am. Ages 0-3, includes a storytime and a simple craft. Enjoy some early literacy fun at this light-hearted story and craft time designed just for the youngest crowd. Join us as we bounce, tickle, and rhyme our way through the morning! Stories are followed by a simple craft time that will enhance motor skills and creative expression. Ages 6 months through 3 years old. No registration required. 1/8 - Origami Club 3:30 - 4:30pm. This program is appropriate for upper elementary school and middle school kids. Younger children may attend with a caregiver. Learn how to sculpt with paper and design by folding at this monthly workshop led by expert origami sculptor Charles Esseltine. 1/8 – Book discussion group. 6:45-7:45pm. In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, we will discuss The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. published in 1998, edited by Clayborne Carson professor of history at Stanford University. According to Mr. Carson, “…here at last is Martin Luther King, Jr.’s unforgettable chronicle of his life and times. Years in the making, and woven together from thousands of recordings and documents, including letters to his family and diary entries, this book is an unprecedented literary event… one that gives us a poignant new picture of the student and son, husband and father, minister and world leader, who was Martin Luther King, Jr.” 1/26 - Pajama Time 6:30pm. Curl up with a warm story and a cool craft. Don’t forget to wear your jammies! Ages 3 - 6 years old. For Children’s Programs questions contact Lea Stone, Youth Services Librarian, 925646-9900. For Adult Programs questions contact Catherine Oliver Library Assistant, Adult Services (925) 646-9921.
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January 2013
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Page 32
GRAND OPENING AND OPEN HOUSE
SeniorCenter Pleasant Hill
Saturday, January 5th 1:00 – 4:00 PM 233 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill
From Rendering to Reality! We hope you will join us!
Boutique Sale Blood Pressure Screening Raffles Class Registration Discounts Live Music Sweet Treats & Goodies Photobooth
1:00 pm Ribbon Cutting 2:00 pm Presentations & Video “Mini Fit” Class Demo’s in the Dance Studio Get in a quick workout while you try a new class!
1:25 pm 1:45 pm 2:15 pm 2:45 pm 3:15 pm
Line Dance Zumba Gold Fit for Life Dance for Joy Weight & Strength
C A L L 7 9 8 - 8 7 8 8 F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N