JUNE 2011
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The Carnegie Chronicles By Matthew Farnitano New York’s world-renowned music venue of Carnegie Hall has hosted such musical greats as Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, The Beatles, and Johnny Cash. On April 26, 2011, a new group of artists joined that prestigious list: the Symphonic Orchestra of College Park High School. As part of an international music festival, College Park’s orchestra had the privilege of traveling to New York City and performing on the Carnegie Hall stage. As an added bonus, the group spent time exploring Manhattan and visiting a number of the city’s unique attractions. As a French Horn player with the CP orchestra, I had been looking forward to this trip since I found out about it two years earlier. Walking out onto the beautiful stage and staring up at the intricate golden trimmings left me in awe, and that was before I heard the wonderful reverberant sound that extended from my instrument. I will readily concede that the international groups from Switzerland, Puerto Rico, and Japan blew us away in
terms of musicality and sheer technical skill, but I was proud of the performance we gave—one I hope was worthy of the location in which it was given. As for the rest of the trip, we stayed busy and sleep-deprived, but the excitement kept us going. We saw Picassos at the Museum of Modern Art, hot dog stands on street corners, the Broadway show “Billy Elliot,” and more. My friends and I performed in Central Park, haggled with street vendors, and visited the top of 30 Rockefeller Center. Probably the most unforgettable location was the Ellen Stardust diner, where Broadway-level singers
The College Park Orchestra onstage at Carnegie Hall.
serenade guests and simultaneously serve food. The waiters sang selections from “Wicked,” the Beatles, and Lady Gaga in a personal atmosphere that made them much more engaging than a stage performance. This amazing trip would not have been possible without our outstanding music director, Dr. Jason Klein, as well as the tour guide and coordinator, Mrs. Kirsten O’Leary. Mrs. O’Leary managed to get 66 teenagers through the streets of New York, on subways and past angry taxis, without losing anyone. Dr. Klein, in his first year at a school with a relatively
Photo by Erik Kaneda
new symphonic orchestra, prepared a group made up of students from three different classes to play in one of the most prestigious venues in the country. We even played a piece, “Satoshi: Timeless Warrior,” by a modern composer who came to the concert to hear us perform it. And when anyone asks, I can say I held my Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 16. Not even John Philip Sousa can top that! Well, maybe… Matthew Farnitano, a Junior at College Park has been playing the French Horn for 2 years, after switching over from trumpet (which he played for 6 years).
Reflections on the Hall On April 22nd, 66 members of the College Park Symphony Orchestra traveled to New York City to perform in the New York International Music Festival, held at Carnegie Hall. Two years ago, the group was invited to the Festival after submitting an audition tape. The Focus invited comments from Dr. Klein, Symphony Orchestra participants and parent chaperones on their 5-day New York City experience. Below is a sample of remarks emailed to us and taken from our website. “It was an extraordinarily memorable tour, highlighted of course by our performance in the Hall, but also by hearing all the other ensembles perform. It was great to get a taste--more like a mouthful--of what the Big Apple has to offer.” –Dr. Jason Klein, Director “The trip to New York was amazing. It was magical to play in the Hall, and it was an honor to get to play in such a legendary place. The whole trip was a great time, and I feel so grateful that I got to go. I hope that future students have the chance to ex-
Orchestra group at the Pulitzer Fountain in front of the Plaza Hotel. Dr. Jason Klein in the lower right.
perience something like this, it was truly inspiring to be up on that stage with my classmates, and every dedicated musician deserves the same opportunity”. –Jessica Hersh, Junior, Horn Player “The students’ represented College Park superbly. They played well, behaved well and were ambassadors of fun and goodwill for the Festival. An entertaining evening was the cruise on the Hudson River. The College Park students started up the dancing and led a huge number of students on a makeshift conga line. They were excit-
ed to have their pictures taken on the boat with their Japanese counterparts and after the photos were taken, the Japanese musicians would present their new friends with small trinkets of appreciation. The students learned that music has no language barriers. To hear the ensembles from different parts of the globe, including Puerto Rico, Switzerland and Japan, plus other groups from the U.S. was thrilling to say the least. The Orchestra played well and we were very happy to receive the bronze award.” –Stacy Boschetti, Trip Organizer and
Chaperone “At first, it seemed like we were just touring New York as tourists, and not performers. Once we all got on stage for our sound check, all of that changed. The experience was breathtaking. I was in awe that I shared the same stage as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the Beatles, Tony Bennet, Ella Fitzgerald, etc. The moment we started to perform, every note was so clear that you could hear it anywhere in the hall. It’s that good. The New York trip was an experience that most high school students don’t dream of, because it seems so out of reach. We were so lucky to be a part of that festival. I have never been so proud to be a musician, until I made it to Carnagie Hall”. –Kevin Spafford, Senior,Viola Player “I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to New York. I made many friends from different countries. Our time was well spent and I made so many lasting memories. I hope we get to go back again when I’m a senior”. –Toréz Ramsey, Freshman, Violin II Player
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June 2011
JULIE SAYS
An Irritation, Pearls and the Month of June
By Julie Ross shelled mollusks. These amazing I just got off the phone from talking creatures turn their irritation into with my older son, who called to chat pearls. I am so irritated right now; if and ask about my day. I told him my I were an oyster I would have a full day had actually been very irritating in choker by morning. oh, so many ways, followed by a brief Which brings us, believe it or not, Dane Cook-style rant to emphasize to this beautiful month of June. If key points. (And please don’t irritate you were born in June, you are lucky me further by saying you don’t know enough to have the pearl as your who Dane Cook is; if you don’t know, birthstone. I love the idea of pearls look him up on YouTube for crying out –something about the transformation loud.) of an irritating particle into a thing of lasting beauty This son, who has known me for almost 23 – truly a metaphor for a satisfying life. years, laughed and said I was “very good at being Many irritations of the physical sort can be irritated.” attributed to the years of wear and tear on our bod I have to not-so-humbly agree that well, yes I ies. If only I had heard about a certain June ritual am, and it’s flattering to be recognized as having a sooner, when there was still hope. Icelandic folklore special flair in this area. says if you bathe naked in the morning dew on June A major source of today’s irritation came from 24th, you can prolong your youth. OK, so I missed my knees, which have been inflamed and making me miserable on and off for months. This condition out on this one. For those of you under 40, mark has not stopped me from hiking daily with my dogs your calendars! And that’s enough pearls of wisdom for one day. or completing so-called “moderate” (maybe used to Happy last day of school, happy June. be, not so much now) hikes at Yosemite over spring Send comments to julieakross@comcast.net. break. There is more under-the-breath cursing. Anyhow, I went to yet another The Community Focus doctor today who is available at the sent me home following locations: with yet another Pleasant Hill Market • Pleasant Hill City Hall round of exercises the community focus Pleasant Hill Senior Center • Pleasant Hill Library and a pair of very Mt. Diablo YMCA • UPS – Virginia Hills, Mtz. attractive “Knee Chamber of Commerce (P.H. & Mtz.) Sleeves with Patella Pleasant Hill Rec and Park (Civic Dr. & Gregory) Support.” Turns out Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Pleasant Hill even my kneecaps Legal Grounds, Martinez • Martinez Senior Center are irritated. Les Schwab Tires - Alhambra Avenue If only we humans Best Western, John Muir Inn, Martinez had an adaptive Headways Salon, Main Street immune-systemlike function shared by many
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• Chamber News............................................ page 8 • As Russ Sees It........................................... page 13 • Grad Announcements.............................. page 15 • Sports................................................... pages 16-17
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PUBLISHERS Becky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com A Monthly Publication delivered to over 40,000 Homes and Businesses in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Pacheco, Lafayette and Walnut Creek
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• Principals Retire . .............................................page 20 • Local Music Scene ...........................................page 24 • Community Calendar...................................... page 26 • Health & Wellness............................................ page 27
June 2011
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Art World Un-Confidential! Art in your Garden Outside of the home is one spot we can overlook as a cool place to display art. Incorporating art – especially sculpture - into your landscaping, garden, or patio can add a subtle touch of creative whimsy, elegance, or drama. I’ve seen old wooden chairs and benches become unique architectural forms in gardens, merging with their natural surroundings as they slowly weather and age. Ceramic, glass, and metal sculptures adorn fences, trees, and patios, attaining distinctive and stunning patinas from years of weather and climate. And larger metal or stone sculptures always add a dramatic focal point to the natural landscaping of a garden. An ideal place to view garden art and get ideas for your own space is right in our own “backyard”. The Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek is present-
By Tony Michael Vecchio ing the 17th annual Art In The Gardens word and plan to attend this auction to bythesea.org for information. on Friday, June 17 through Saturday, July help their fund-raising efforts. For info, Finally, I want to announce the Art16. This is a wonderful opportunity to see contact Kimiko Kogure at kkogure@ ists Helping Japan auction to be held excellent crafts and sculpture in an excepcomcast.net. this month at the Orinda Community tional water-conserving garden setting For more information, contact Center on Saturday, June 11 from noon that is both visually enlightening and inTony Michael Vecchio at tonymvecto 3:00 pm. Organized by the Drawing structive for all garden lovers. Each juried chio@gmail.com. View his collage and Painting Program at the Center, loartist displays his or her work among the illustration, mixed media assemblages, cal artists have donated artwork to raise many paths and garden areas, integrating money to benefit the earthquake and tsu- and paintings at etsy.com/shop/WabiSthe work throughout the natural landabiDaddi. nami victims in Japan. Please spread the scape. For more information visit www. RuthBancroftGarden.org. Another unique garden art venue Proudly sponsored by: not to be overlooked is the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens 20th annual juried Art In The Gardens. Featuring another fine collection, this event takes I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day. Abraham Lincoln place on Highway 1 along the Mendocino Coast on Saturday, August 6. The artists’ booths are spread out among the coastal site’s lawns and gardens of this beautiful location. I’ve participated often and found it a great setting to meet people, enjoy a nice lunch with winery pourings, and stroll along the beautiful Mendocino coastline. Visit www.garden-
David Mudgett is a gifted sculptor whose work will be on display at The Ruth Bancroft Garden’s 17th Annual Sculpture In The Gardens exhibit from June 17 through July 16. Check out www.ruthbancroftgarden.org for details. After years of working as a pipe fitter, Mudgett started his own metal fabrication business and eventually, through the encouragement of his peers, applied his gift for metalwork to sculpture and found the creative freedom to sculpt full-time. Mudgett designs and fabricates one-of-a-kind metal sculptures consisting mainly of steel or natural elements combined with steel. He specializes in large outdoor abstracts, unique steel and stone garden tables, and also finely detailed indoor pieces finished in a range of patinas and done with meticulous attention to detail. Currently exhibiting in national competitions and Bay Area galleries, Mudgett is available for both public and private commissions. See Mudgett’s work at www.davidmudgett.com.
HATS OFF TO THE GRADS! Show them how proud you are by putting them in the Community Focus! Ads up to 35 words are only $15.00. If you wish to include a photo (2.75 x 1.75) the price is only $30.00. Send announcements to info@ourcommunityfocus.com. Deadline is the 2nd Friday of each month. Photo must be in jpeg format. 1 MB miniumum size.
DOING THE RIGHT THING
LORENA CASTILLO As the Outreach & Internship Coordinator for Vicente and Briones High School in Martinez, Lorena Castillo works with students to find jobs and volunteer with organizations such as Loaves and Fishes, Downtown Clean-up Day, SF Green Festivals and Farmer's Market. She genuinely sees the potential in each of the students she encounters. Lorena has lived in Martinez since 2007. Since graduating from the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, where she was energized by that community’s dedication to caring for the environment, she has demonstrated the passion and energy of a multi-generation native when it comes to Martinez. Active in the Martinez Kiwanis, which primarily serves youth and charitable organizations, Lorena’s heart lies in art and she is driven by opportunities to combine her love of art with her desire to see her community thrive. As an active member of the Martinez Arts Association she participates in events such as Art in the Park, Peddler's Faire, SWAN Day and Open Studios. Lorena and Sally Ann Rodriquez, another local artist, are currently remodeling and creating window displays for Noodles for Kids, hoping other Downtown businesses will follow suit. Lorena calls her creations Foto-graphic Art, made by applying her own coloring techniques to film photos, which have been digitally scanned. Her work currently hangs at Noodles for Kids and Citrus Salon on Main Street. On June 12th Lorena and her students will be setting up an educational booth at the Alhambra Hills for the Open Space kick-off picnic at Susana Park. Martinez 3800 Alhambra 370-6382 • Concord 625 Contra Costa Blvd. 825-5940
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June 2011
Bankruptcy Forclosures & Short Sales By Peter Paredero your home is as painful today as it was our two primary sources of home financin the 30’s. What always stands out to ing and how long it will take to be a home is how the vast majority of people are meowner again when faced with forecloable to recover from these terrible times. sure, short sale or bankruptcy. I find that the resiliency of individuals Foreclosure who are making their way though this (Deed in Lieu/Short Sales) current miserable condition is both in FHA requires three (3) years from spiring and admirable. the date of the foreclosure, short sale or I acknowledge this won’t be the deed in lieu of foreclosure before bormost fascinating read in this month’s Forower is eligible for FHA financing, uncus, but chances are you know someone less there were extenuating circumstancwho has lost a home and might apprecies and the lender is able to grant an exate this information. Below you will see ception. Conventional financing requires a seven (7) year waiting period and is measured from the completion date of the foreclosure action as reported on the credit report or other foreclosure documents provided by the borrower. By Michael G.Harris, OD Councilmember, City of Pleasant Hill A three (3) year waiting period is permitted if extenuating circumstances can be Why the Navy? He thought they You never knew Larry Block – documented. had the spiffiest uniforms. What Larry and that’s a shame. You would have Deed in lieu of foreclosure requires didn’t know when he joined the Navy liked him. He was an easy guy to like. I a four (4) year waiting period. was that he would be seasick every day met Larry when I married his daugh Short sale requires a two (2) year of his naval career. ter Dawn 16 years ago. He had retired waiting period. from the New York Times where he had He served as a signal corpsman on Bankruptcy the minesweeper USS Plover. His ship been an electrician for over 30 years. FHA – Chapter 7 Bankruptcy rewas one of the first to land at Nagasaki He was fond of saying that he “ran the quires a two (2) year waiting period after the atomic bomb was dropped on newspaper” because he was responsible from the discharge of the bankruptcy. August 9,1945. for keeping the presses rolling every FHA - Chapter 13 Bankruptcy re Why am I telling you this? Larry night. quires that a one (1) year period of time died a few years ago from colon cancer, Larry was a child of the Depreshas elapsed under the bankruptcy and probably triggered by his radiation exsion, and as a young man had a hard the borrower’s payment performance life in a large family living in Coney Is- posure during the war. has been satisfactory (all required payland. Like many of his generation, Lar- Like so many others, he, gave his ments made on time). In addition, the life to keep America free. To Larry and ry dropped out of high school to fight borrower must receive permission from all those other brave men and womthe Nazis when World War II broke the court to enter into a mortgage transen who gave so much for our country, out. He lied about his age and enlisted action. thank you and God bless you. in the Navy at 17. These are times like none we’ve ever seen. Understatement? You bet! Millions of American families have gone through some of the roughest years we can remember since the great depression. Personally, I only know about the great depression through the History Channel and history classes but, make no mistake, losing
Conventional Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy requires a period of four (4) years from the date of discharge of the bankruptcy. If you need a more complete explanation of how long these credit derogatories will affect your credit, please feel free to e-mail me or give me a call. Peter Paredero, Mortgage Consultant for Mortgage Services Professionals has resided in Pleasant Hill since 1994. 925787-8746. pparedero@msploan. com.
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June 2011
Mayor’s Message The year is racing by! It feels like there is so much left to do and so little time. The Pleasant Hill City Council and staff have embarked on an aggressive agenda to address the needs and desires of our community in 2011. We are focusing on economic develop-
PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
David Durant, Mayor of Pleasant Hill ment, sustaining and improving our I wanted to achieve by now has been neighborhoods, improving our fiscal achieved. Even in those areas where situation, and generally ensuring that my “eyes were bigger than my stomach” Pleasant Hill remains a safe, livable, (as my grandmother used to say), or beautiful, and invigorated small city. where my reach exceeded my grasp for Good work in Pleasant Hill is unachieving our city’s goals, we have put derway and forthcoming. To be sure, forth solid effort and made meaningful much of the work this year has been movement. grunt work, getting down into the The City Council, Planning Comweeds and dealing with “stuff,” meeting mission and staff are committed to fixby meeting, day by day. Not everything ing up our zoning ordinance, which is, in some ways, out of sync with our general plan and the evolution of uses and
4th of July Celebration The 4th of July is only a few weeks away, and the Pleasant Hill 4th of July Commission is working hard to finalize plans to ensure a memorable day of celebration. The theme this year is 50 Years of Memories, to coincide with the 50th birthday of Pleasant Hill. Schedule of Events for Monday, July 4th, 2011 • 7:45 am - 100-yard dash for kids 7 and under • 8:00 am - Firecracker 5K Fun Run! Sign up online! Encourage family and friends to come out early and participate. All registration net proceeds support Pleasant Hill schools. • 9:30 am - Parade It gets better every year! Watch the parade or be in the parade! • 10:30 am - 2:30 pm - Party in the Park
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after the parade. Walk over to Pleasant Hill Park for food and beverages from Back Forty Texas BBQ, games and activities for the kids, music, and a cake-eating contest! • 6:00 pm - Gates open at College Park High School • 9:15 pm (approximately) – Fireworks The firework show gets better each year! Smokin’ Okie’s BBQ is returning and will have food and beverages for sale. The Diablo Valley College Pops Band will start playing around 8 pm. Arrive early to set up your spot. Bring a blanket and jacket. Find more information at: http:// www.phjuly4.com. We are now on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/ pages/Pleasant-Hill-4th-of-July-Commission/161327370581909. Questions? Contact Jim Bonato at 938-5433.
Summer Fun Moonlight Movies return to the lawn at City Hall with “The Goonies” showing on June 17th followed by “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” on July 29th and “Jumanji” on August 19th. The movies begin at 8:30pm and there is no charge – just remember to bring a blanket, lawn chairs and sweaters!
business types. So we are conforming the zoning code with the general plan. We are engaged with our business community about improving the way we do business and the way we work toward improving Pleasant Hill’s economic vitality. And we are working to formulate a plan to achieve it. Through it all, my abiding belief in our staff has been justified. Our city is dedicated to the stewardship of funds entrusted to us. And our staff is dedicated to serving the public.
City-wide Cleanup The week of June 20-24, Pleasant Hill residents can clean up and clear out! In addition to yard waste and wood, Allied Waste Services is including the recycling of household batteries and cell phones. Place these items in a clear, quart-size plastic bag and place next to your wood and yard waste pile or recycling cart. You may leave up to a maximum 2 cubic yards of refuse (fourteen 32-gallon bags) on your cleanup day. Total includes yard waste and wood.
Place leaves in cardboard boxes, paper bags or containers 32 gallons or less in size—leaves placed in plastic bags CANNOT be recycled. When placing items on the curb for pick-up, remember, no single item may weigh more than 150 lbs. or be longer than 4 feet. Bags cannot weigh more than 50 pounds. For further details and information, contact Allied Waste at: 925-685-4711 or visit their website: www. alliedwasteservicesofcontracostacounty.com
City Calendar of Events Commission on Aging June 1 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 9:30am Civic Action Commission June 1 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229 Architectural Review Commission June 2, 16 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5209 City Council / Redevelopment June 6, 20 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5267 For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
Zoning Administrator June 9, 23 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Planning/Public Works Conf. Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5209 Traffic Safety Commission June 14 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Community Room, 6:00pm Planning Commission June 14, 28 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209 Education/Schools Advisory Commission June 22 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 7:00pm Contact: 671-5229
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PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER NEWS cALENDAR sponsored by
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June Schedule of Events
6/3- Ambassadors Meeting PH City Hall, Lg. Community Room 100 Gregory Lane, 7:45am – 9:00am
6/15- June Mixer- Chateau’s 3 Cleaveland Rd., PH. RSVP: Ingrid@pleasanthillchamber.com 5:30pm -7:30pm
6/3- Brown Bag Lunch Series “KISS” How to Keep Presentations Short, Simple and Effective with Luanne Stevenson, Brandman University, 2950 Buskirk Avenue #307. Limited Seating – RSVP: Ingrid@ pleasanthillchamber.com 11:45am – 1:30pm
6/16 – Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Windsor Rosewood Care center, 1911 Oak Park Blvd. 5-7pm
6/14 - Ambassador Luncheon La Tapatia 1805 Willow Pass Rd, Concord RSVP: Ingrid@pleasanthillchamber.com 11:45am – 1:00pm
June 2011
Join us for a Hawaiian style roast. To purchase tickets please visit www.pleasanthillchamber.com and let’s get this roast started. FUN, FOOD, LAUGHS & LIBATIONS
Ribbon Cuttings
Giovanni’s Deli and Catering
6/24 – Challenged Golfers Club Grayson Woods, 400 Iron Hill Rd. 11:45pm. Please rsvp: Ingrid@pleasanthillchamber. com
Confirm schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com
MARTINEZ CHAMBER NEWS cALENDAR sponsored by Serving Downtown Martinez since 1997, Giovanni’s Deli and Catering is one of the most popular Philly Cheese Steak shops in the area. Whether you’re a returning customer from our previous location on Main St., or you’re trying us out for the first time, you are guaranteed to become addicted to our heavenly Philly Cheese Steaks with melted cheese, our Hot Pastrami with tasty grilled onions or our Homemade Falafel with Hummus. We also serve a delicious Chicken Cheese Steak with Mushrooms & Peppers, All American Hoagies, fresh Soups and Salads and tasty Wraps! We cater for all occasions, whether it’s for your company’s corporate meetings, your child’s graduation or your special Wedding Day. You may also come in and inquire about the hall we have available for rent, for any of your party needs!! Call ahead to have your order ready at 925228-2452 or come by our Deli at 835 Ferry Street, Martinez.
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June Schedule of Events For More Information Regarding Ambassador Meeting – If interested in attending, contact Reba at (925) 228-2345 or email Reba@martinezchamber.com 6/2 – Chamber Mixer –5:30pm-7:30pm – The UPS Store, 1155-C Arnold Dr, Martinez. Great Networking, Food, Fun, Raffle Prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!) 6/15 – Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting - 5pm – Bella Oaks Stables & Wendt Heating & Air, 120 Vaca Creek Way, Martinez. Call the Martinez Chamber for directions. 6/16 – Educational Series – Facebook for Business- Presented by Leesa Meintzer, 411 Career Doctors, 12pm -1pm – Doors open at 11:30. John Muir Best Western Inn, 445 Muir Station Rd. Chamber Members $10, Non-Members $20, Bag Lunch Included. RSVP to the Chamber at (925)228-2345 or email Reba@martinezchamber.com.
6/18 & 6/19 – 5th Annual King of the County Music Festival & BBQ Challenge – Saturday & Sunday – 11am-6pm, Family Fun, Lip Smackin’ BBQ, Amateur BBQ Competition, Rockin’ Music, Arts & Crafts Booths, Kid’s Rides & Activities, Microbreweries & Wineries, Free Admission & Parking. Call the Martinez Chamber for more information! 6/20 – Chamber Office Closed 6/23 to 6/26 – Carnival Butler Amusement – Thursday thru Sunday – Rides, Games, Food & Fun. Located at Hwy 680 & Hwy 4 (Pacheco Exit off Hwy 4), All Day Wristbands: $20 Advance Sale Tickets (at the Chamber office); $25 at the Carnival. Call the Martinez Chamber for more information!
Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com 925-228-2345
A&A Auto Repair and North Main Tow are pleased to announce the Grand Opening of our new State-Of-The-Art Diagnostic and Auto Repair Facility at 5036 Blum Road, Martinez. Our business has continued to grow due to loyal customers like you. Our new, modern facility will better serve our customers and their vehicles. A&A Auto is a family owned and operated full service auto repair facility. Our staff includes highly trained ASE Certified Technicians to provide the best service to your vehicle. We utilize only quality products and the latest equipment to service your car, truck or SUV. Our goal is to ensure that A&A Auto Repair meets all your vehicle service needs. We are an AAA approved Auto Repair Facility, your dealership alternative. Call to schedule an appointment 925-933-3368. Conveniently Located in Martinez at HWY 4/HWY680. Complimentary Shuttle Service. ASE Certified Technicians. Tow Service & Roadside Assistance.
June 2011
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HOUSING NEWS
Local Real Estate Update If you have an opinion about the real estate market, whether good or bad, you can undoubtedly find data to back it up. As with all statistical analyses, many different types of market data are available and each can be interpreted in a variety of ways. So that you may be better equipped to render your own opinion, below are a few of the more popular metrics and a summary of what the future holds for our market. Because market microclimates exist throughout the nation and can vary greatly from one another, it’s important that these numbers be evaluated on a local level, no larger than a city or county. This is the primary reason that most national and statewide reports hold little value or insight for any one homeowner in particular. Average and Median Sales Price –Without a doubt the most popularly analyzed metrics, these numbers tell us the median or average sales price of
By Nathan Hitchcock fluctuations, decreasing its effectivehomes in a given area over a given peness in evaluating trends. This number riod of time. When examined locally, has also become artificially inflated over these numbers give us a good picture the past few years due to the higher of trends in home values; however, that fall-out rate and longer escrow times picture can be skewed in down marcaused by tighter lending standards and kets because less expensive homes sell delayed short sale approvals. Locally, in higher volumes during distressed periods. Locally, although down from a this number is trending up rapidly, at year ago, these numbers are trending flat essentially the same year-to-date pace as the tax-break-heightened 2010 marto slightly up since the first of the year, ket, which is an indication of increased indicating an improving market in the buyer demand. past few months. Closed Sales – This is a count of Pending Sales – Depending on the type, this is either a count of the proper- the actual sales that have closed over a given period of time. Monthly values, ties on which contracts have been acdue to natural seasonal fluctuations, cepted over a given period of time, or less effectively, the number of properties tend to be greatly misused by novices or those looking to spin a market condition that are pending sales at a given mostory in one direction or another. Rement. This number can give us a good porting that closed sales have decreased assessment of current buyer demand, 50% from June to December can paint but tends to experience large seasonal a picture of a freeRECENT MARTINEZ HOME SALES (4/1/2011 – 4/30/2011) falling market, but Address Beds Baths Sq Ft Market Days List Price Sales Price Sales $/Sq Ft SINGLE FAMILY HOME in actuality is a nor1126 ULFINIAN WAY 2 1 1173 14 $25,000 $25,000 $21.31 mal and expected 4101 RITA DR 3 1 1205 28 $89,900 $85,000 $70.54 656 PALM AVE 2 1 1034 2 $129,900 $121,000 $117.02 occurrence. Lo1135 BERRELLESA ST 3 1 982 28 $129,900 $135,000 $137.47 1318 PALM AVE 3 1 1110 38 $144,500 $144,500 $130.18 cally, adjusted for 516 PALM AVE 2 1 1005 22 $145,000 $145,000 $144.28 2610 LESLIE AVE 3 1 1145 97 $159,900 $155,000 $135.37 seasonal fluctua1156 DELACY AVE 2 1 872 31 $159,900 $159,000 $182.34 tions, this metric 2430 MARTINEZ AVE 3 1 1172 245 $170,000 $170,000 $145.05 2306 SAXON ST 3 2 1356 85 $185,000 $170,000 $125.37 has remained fairly 411 C STREET 2 1 851 78 $198,000 $179,000 $210.34 321 F ST 3 2 1163 37 $214,000 $188,000 $161.65 level. 2408 BELLA VISTA AVE 2 1 1163 74 $215,000 $215,000 $184.87 1236 PALM AVE 3 2 1223 90 $224,900 $220,000 $179.89 Days on Mar4592 ACTRIZ PL 3 2 1205 0 $234,950 $225,000 $186.72 ket – This is the 4010 CENTRAL CT 3 2 1517 95 $249,900 $255,000 $168.09 40 GILRIX DR 3 2 1379 16 $269,950 $255,000 $184.92 average number of 742 PARKWAY DR 3 2 1490 9 $319,000 $309,000 $207.38 3 MORELLO HEIGHTS DR 3 1 1256 23 $310,000 $310,000 $246.82 days between when 2077 MARAZZANI DR 3 2 1816 8 $329,500 $310,000 $170.70 766 PARKWAY DR 3 2 1490 129 $319,900 $320,000 $214.77 a property is listed 1148 HEAVENLY DRIVE 3 2 1159 10 $339,000 $325,000 $280.41 and when an offer 1933 RAINIER CT 4 2 1523 34 $335,000 $335,000 $219.96 1054 VILLAGE OAKS DR 3 1655 ENDRISS DR 4 635 LINDEN LN 3 651 LINDEN LN 4 970 MORELLO AVE 3 1021 ARLINGTON WAY 3 228 EXPLORER WAY 4 1542 WINDWOOD CT 4 4515 GROTHMAN LN 3 554 WEBSTER DR 4 2292 YALE ST 4 6707 CORTE POQUITA 4 140 GORDON WAY 5 TOTALS: 36 LISTINGS TOWN HOMES / CONDOS / DUETS 239 VILLAGE PL 1 372 MILL RD 2 217 VILLAGE PL 2 642 FIG TREE LN 2 677 CENTER AVE 2 105 VIA CABRERA LN 3 208 PEBBLECREEK CT. 3 115 FOUNTAINHEAD CT 3 4867 STARFLOWER DR 3 1642 BEECHWOOD DR 3 265 WILLOW LAKE DR 3 TOTALS: 11 LISTINGS
2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 1 2 4 3 3
1359 1649 1583 1825 2055 1608 2271 1899 2526 1663 2977 2338 2832
22 34 75 42 10 3 56 17 17 9 609 6 7 58
$349,950 $380,000 $375,000 $370,000 $385,000 $379,000 $399,900 $428,000 $425,000 $495,000 $525,000 $679,900 $749,000 $301,079
$345,000 $355,000 $363,000 $365,000 $376,000 $379,000 $387,000 $426,000 $437,000 $495,000 $520,000 $630,000 $805,000 $295,513
$253.86 $215.28 $229.31 $200.00 $182.97 $235.70 $170.41 $224.33 $173.00 $297.65 $174.67 $269.46 $284.25 $187
1 2 2 2 1 2 3 2 2 2 2
805 911 1097 1287 890 1452 1382 1331 1515 1363 1589
12 15 80 124 18 35 28 2 38 77 5 39
$124,000 $108,900 $109,900 $127,500 $129,900 $191,900 $219,900 $217,000 $285,000 $269,000 $319,000 $191,090
$100,000 $108,900 $109,000 $125,000 $129,900 $191,000 $214,500 $217,000 $240,000 $270,000 $339,000 $185,845
$124.22 $119.54 $99.36 $97.13 $145.96 $131.54 $155.21 $163.04 $158.42 $198.09 $213.34 $145
is accepted. This number is affected by buyer demand and the amount of competition in the marketplace, and thus offers us a great picture of how challenging it will be to sell in a given market. Locally, this number is up 37% from last year, but has fallen by more than 25% since the first of the year. Months Supply of Inventory – One of my favorite metrics to use when analyzing “right now” trends, this is the number of homes currently for sale, divided by the average monthly pending sales over the last 12 months. Essentially, it tells us how quickly our inventory is being consumed, taking into account current demand as well as how many new homes are being added to the market. Low numbers indicate a seller’s market while high numbers indicate a buyer’s market. Locally, this number is trending only slightly upward since the first of the year, which when seasonally adjusted, is actually indicative of a seller’s market, and is a trend we have not seen since 2004 to 2005. Nathan Hitchcock is the managing broker of Hitchcock Realty, a residential real estate brokerage and property management firm in downtown Pleasant Hill. He can be reached at nathan@ hitchcockrealty.com or (925) 825-1100. Data contained herein was obtained from the CCAR Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
RECENT PLEASANT HILL HOME SALES (4/1/2011 – 4/30/2011) Address Beds Baths SINGLE FAMILY HOME 2407 GERALDINE DRIVE 3 1 190 DORIS DRIVE 3 1 2430 GERALDINE DRIVE 4 2 2042 HELEN RD 2 1 1918 ARDITH DR 3 1 1942 PATRICIA DR 5 3 108 LUPINE LN 3 2 901 RUTH DR 3 1 719 GRAYSON RD 2 1 1812 ARDITH DRIVE 2 2 106 DORAY DR 3 2 25 SAINT JULIE COURT 3 2 712 DUKE CIRCLE 3 2 896 JEFFRY DR 3 3 310 SKYVIEW DR 4 2 1397 STONEHEDGE DR 4 2 260 NANCY LANE 3 2 2086 PLEASANT HILL RD 4 3 1931 LUCILLE LANE 4 2 14 DUBLIN CT 4 2 TOTALS: 20 LISTINGS TOWN HOMES / CONDOS / DUETS 2350 PLEASANT HILL RD 2 2
Sq Ft
Market Days
1087 1042 1594 1258 1042 2074 1422 966 1075 1376 2018 1247 2085 2123 2041 1542 2769 2068 2038
875
List Price
Sales Price
Sales $/Sq Ft
82 3 23 12 10 29 80 46 12 21 0 0 49 182 91 29 5 77 48 23 41
$257,754 $249,950 $278,000 $330,000 $325,000 $324,900 $334,900 $339,950 $365,000 $375,000 $375,000 $370,000 $429,900 $439,950 $474,900 $539,900 $524,000 $629,500 $550,000 $669,000 $409,130
$260,000 $270,000 $282,000 $300,000 $315,000 $330,000 $334,000 $335,000 $357,000 $365,000 $375,000 $376,533 $405,000 $434,000 $461,000 $489,000 $515,000 $550,000 $555,000 $655,000 $398,176
$272.53 $186.59 $324.78 $208.15 $217.15 $239.59 $333.98 $198.63 $268.38 $321.39 $255
26
$149,900
$160,000
$182.86
$239.19 $259.12 $176.91 $238.47 $302.30 $159.11 $234.88 $346.79 $332.09
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MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
Let’s talk garbage! Not trash, garbage and recycling. You might think garbage isn’t an interesting subject, but it is something we deal with every week. How many times have you asked someone to “take out the garage, please”? It is usually answered with an unenthusiastic, “Okaaaaay,” followed by a sigh. Martinez has just completed a process of negotiating with its commercial and residential solid waste hauler, Allied Waste, on an extension of its franchise agreement with the city. The new agreement freezes garbage rates through 2012 and expands service levels and special pick-up days. The current franchise agreement was set to expire in early 2013 and will now expire in 2023. In exchange for this ten-year extension, Allied Waste has agreed to a total of nine, free special pick-up days per year which include: two for general household garbage, four for recycling and yard waste, two for bulky items such as old furniture
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Mayor’s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez and appliances, and one for spring clean Martinez has had a long and successpayment” in the amount of $500,000. This up. On the special recycling pickup days, payment will not flow into our general fund, ful relationship with Allied Waste Services. Allied will also start to accept items such as but will be earmarked to mitigate damage to We have very few calls reporting problems, cell phones, computer peripherals, batterour streets and storm drain systems affected and when we do, Allied works quickly and ies, and compact fluorescent lights. If you efficiently to make things right. They proby the heavy garbage trucks that collect our live in a multi-family unit, you will receive vide a quality service to our residents and garbage and recyclables. one recycling and two garbage pick-ups are supportive of community activities and Please note that these expanded serveach year. organizations. ices will not take effect until July 1st. When Allied automated the waste collection system and instituted single-stream recycling and green waste collection, it The 5th Annual Les Schwab Car Show in Martinez on May 15th raised $2,000 for the originally only picked up green waste every MUSD general fund. Even with the threat of rain, we had over 150 entries in the show, gave other week to keep rate payer costs and away 26 awards, and had a community supported raffle that included: a BBQ Smoker from wear and tear on our streets down. Some Kinders, a Diamondback Beach Cruiser bicycle from Schwinn City in Antioch, a set of homeowners, especially those with larger chrome wheels from Les Schwab, and several other items from local businesses. yards, were not happy with the schedule and have been urging the city to expand green waste collection to every week. In this new agreement, Allied has agreed to allow a second green waste bin for every homeowner that wants one, at no additional cost. This will expand the capacity of a homeowners’ green waste pick-up and not add an additional heavy truck to our streets every week. Finally, Allied has agreed to the payment of a one-time “community impact
Car Show Winner
School Grants Awarded The Board of Directors of the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) has announced their 2011 Grant Awards. Building on the success of several key fund-raising activities, including the MEF/Shell Run and Busi-Kids, MEF was able to award $115,100 of new technology, equipment, tools, books, musical instruments and other physical items to be used in classrooms throughout public schools in Martinez. All of the funds raised by MEF are distributed as grants or invested in the Legacy Fund endowment as determined by the MEF Board of Directors. In its 27 year history, MEF has provided $1,852,925.00 in support of Martinez public schools. This year 24 grants were funded. All school sites received
June 2011
at least 1 grant. Two awards in arts and music were made in partnership with the Cameron Baird Foundation. Larry Lippow, President of MEF, stated that “MEF supporters and community partners should be commended and admired for their sustained commitment to support Martinez public schools despite the negative effects of the Great Recession. Our donors understand the importance of educating the next generation of Martinez citizens”. For more information, go to the MEF website at www.martinezedfoundation.com. Visit MEF on facebook at: www. facebook.com/pages/Martinez-Education-Foundation/149930725077371
Midnighter’s Pick, owned by Louie Bain of Rodeo
5th Annual BBQ Festival King of the County BBQ & Music Festival – June 18th-19th. This BBQ challenge and music festival, sponsored by the Martinez Chamber of Commerce, is on Father’s Day weekend at the beautiful Martinez Waterfront Park. Come enjoy award-winning BBQ from Back-40, Kinder’s, and Bulldog BBQ. Visit microbreweries and wineries as well as over 100 arts and crafts vendors. The event is highlighted by two days of amateur
BBQ competitions and a variety of live music from Bay Area bands such as Tempest and The Billy Martini Show. Entertain the kids with rides and activities. The event is open from 11:00am – 6:00pm both Sat. and Sun. Admission and parking are absolutely FREE!!! For more information contact the Martinez Chamber at 925-228-2345 or email Reba at: Reba@ MartinezChamber.com
City Calendar of Events
Zoning Administrator Meeting June 1, 15 4:00pm-6:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Design Review Meeting June 8, 22 4:00pm-6:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting June 14, 28 7:00pm-11:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Park, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission Meeting June 21 7:00pm-9:30pm Contact: 925-372-3510
For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
June 2011
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Page 11
CORKS AND FORKS
Pair Up With La Sommelierre Maria Terry Pacific Northwest Californians are lucky to live so close to the waters of the Pacific Northwest. The bounty of the ocean provides the perfect starting place to create a wine-friendly meal. The Northwest also offers fresh blueberries as a sweet ending to your delicious evening. Shrimp ceviche is a cool way to start. I like this recipe because the shrimp are partially cooked in boiling water first and then finish ‘cooking’ in the citrus juices as they marinate. Serve this recipe in a large bowl in which to
dip tortilla chips or portion individually in cocktail glasses with a few chips perched on the side for crunch. A great wine partner for a spicy ceviche is a slightly sweet, slightly tart Washington Riesling. The wine’s bright citrus flavors are complemented by pear, kiwi and white peach. You can keep the seafood theme going with Pacific Northwest sockeye salmon as your main entree. Salmon is wonderful grilled and is one fish that defies the white wine with fish rule. Try out an Oregon pinot noir to pair with
Personally, I don’t find that sweet desserts, especially those with whipping cream, pair well with wine. My best suggestion is dark, rich coffee. We will need to depart from the Northwest for this and perhaps choose coffee beans grown in Kenya or Ethiopia. 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
Blueberry Glacé Pie
Shrimp Ceviche INGREDIENTS 1 pound medium-small shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 Tbsp salt 3/4 cup lime juice (juice 4-6 limes) 3/4 cup lemon juice (juice 2-3 lemons) 1 cup finely chopped red onion 1 serrano chile, ribs and seeds removed, minced 1 cup chopped cilantro 1 cucumber, peeled, diced into 1/2-inch pieces 1 avocado, peeled, seed removed, cut into 1/2-inch chunks DIRECTIONS • In a large pot, bring to a boil 4 quarts of water, salted with 2 Tbsp salt. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute to 2 min-
the salmon. The slight smoke from the grill will blend nicely with the oak flavors the wine takes on as it spends time in the barrel. Furthermore, the high fat content found in sockeye salmon will be complemented by the fuller body found in a red wine. The finale to this great summer meal is a dessert bursting with flavor. Blueberry Glacé Pie is made in the style of a fresh strawberry pie since the blueberries are not cooked inside the crust. It is amazingly simple to make and always gets great reviews at my house.
utes max, depending on size of shrimp. (Over-cooking the shrimp will turn it rubbery.) Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and place into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. • Drain the shrimp. Cut each piece of shrimp in half, or into inch-long pieces. Place shrimp in a glass or ceramic bowl. Mix in the lime and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least one-half hour and up to eight hours. • Mix in the chopped red onion and serrano chile. Refrigerate an additional half hour. Right before serving, add the cilantro, cucumber, and avocado. Serve with tortilla chips. Yield: 4 Cups
INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons cornstarch ¼ cup water 1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 4 cups fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon unsalted butter ¾ cup sugar Pinch of salt 1 pre-baked 9 in pastry shell ¾ cup heavy (whipping) cream 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar DIRECTIONS • Mix the cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of the water, and the lemon juice together in a small bowl, and stir until the cornstarch has thoroughly dissolved. • Place 1 cup of the blueberries and all the remaining water in a medium size
saucepan over medium high heat, and bring to a boil. Cook until the berries begin to pop, about 4 minutes. Add the cornstarch mixture along with the butter, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is thick and clear, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. • Fold the remaining 3 cups berries into the cooked berry glaze, and pour into the prebaked pie shell. Refrigerate, at least two hours but no more than eight hours. Just before serving, whip the cream until it forms soft peaks, gradually incorporating the confectioners’ sugar as the cream thickens. Either spread the cream over the pie or serve on the side. Yield: 8 Servings
Saturdays, 8am-12pm • Rain or Shine
Downtown Pleasant Hill In front of the Century 16 Theatre 6/11 Meet Pleasant Hill city officials 6/18 Fathers Day special: Enter to win an Ace Hardware gift certificate
6/25 Find Jo Jo the stuffed animal and receive a prize pcfma.com/pleasanthill
CITY OF PLEASANT HILL
1.800.949.FARM
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SENIOR ENVY
Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788 Friday Flik, June 17, 12:30pm “The King’s Speech” (2010). After the death of his father King George V and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII, Bertie who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. Based on a true story. Rated: PG-13. Playing @ Bradman University, 2950 Buskirk Ave #200 Room 304. *(This location is near the NEW AAA Bldg. and Back 40 BBQ) The Morning Joe, June 24, 10-Noon. Miss our regular Friday Chef’s Lunch? Come to this “open house” to visit and catch up with friends! We will have coffee and light snacks, feel free to bring something to share! VFW: 1919 Wendell Lane. Free! Bunco, June 26 Potluck at 2pm, Bunco begins at 3pm. Fun & friendly atmosphere where no prior knowledge of the game is necessary! Buy your ticket ($4) at the Senior Center, only 24 tickets available. Sun. 2-5pm @ VFW Building: 1919 Wendell Ln, PH. Bring a potluck item to feed 4. Thirsty Thursday, June 30th, 4-6pm. Kick off the weekend early! Enjoy a spin-off of Taste of the Vine with a Margarita twist! Wine, Margaritas, & light hor d’oeuvres will be served. Non-alcoholic beverages available. Sponsored by the Chateaus of Pleasant Hill. Purchase tickets at the Senior Center! Chateau III: 175 Cleveland Rd. Fee: $6 presale/ $8 at the door.
Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770 Pancake Breakfast, June 12, 8-10am This delicious breakfast includes pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Cost is $3.50 for Adults/$2 for Children 10 and under. Handmade crafts, perfect for gifts, will be on sale during the breakfast. Alzheimer’s Respite Program – Wednesdays, 10am – 4pm. The Martinez Respite group is for those with Alzheimer’s or memory loss from other causes. Activities to help group members function to the best of their ability include discussion groups, exercise, crafts, table games and projects to maintain social skills. Class size is limited. There is a one-time $20 registration fee, with a daily lab fee of $15, which includes lunch. Call (925) 370-8772 for information, space availability and registration. No dropins. Located around the corner from the Center at 1111 Ferry Street Let’s Be Informed- Amazing Phones –July 13, 10 – 11am Having difficulty using a standard telephone? – Make it easy again! Do you have difficulty hearing on a standard telephone? Do you have difficulty getting to the telephone before it stops ringing? Do you have difficulty seeing the numbers on a standard telephone, dialing telephone numbers or remembering telephone numbers? Do people have difficulty hearing or understanding you on the telephone? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you can benefit from the specialized telephone equipment of the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP). CTAP provides equipment at no cost to California residents who have difficulty hearing, seeing, moving, speaking, or remembering. You could also benefit from the services of the California Relay Service (CRS), which connects people who are Deaf or speech-disabled (Speech to Speech/STS) with people who are hearing. CRS is available in English, Spanish and ASL. Can you or someone you know benefit from this important program? Sign up at the lobby desk or call the office to register.
Insomnia, A Nightmare By Joyce & Jim Newport, Owners, Right at Home of Mt. Diablo harder to fall back asleep. Make As we mature, insomnia and your bedroom a sanctuary for general sleep disturbances besleep by keeping it dark and free come more common and are the of clutter. Limit noise, except for third most common reason for soft music or relaxation CDs, a medical visit, only after headwhich can help create a restful aches and the common cold. In environment. the National Sleep Foundation’s Your local expert for isSleep in America poll, 65 percent sues related to caring for your of adults aged 55 to 84 report the loved one and dedicated to keepneed to get up to go to the bathing you informed about home care, Right room a few nights a week or almost every at Home of Mt. Diablo offers in-home care night. Chronic insomnia may result in lack of and assistance so your loved one can conconcentration and lead to accidentally leav- tinue living independently. Our caregiving the stove on, leaving doors unlocked, in- ers are screened, bonded and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us creased forgetfulness, balance issues resultwith the caregiving while you focus on your ing in falls, and fender benders. loved one. When you do awaken during the For more information on Right at night, resist turning on lights, the TV or Home services, please call 925.256.4663. PC, which serve as stimulants and make it
Full Circle Have You Become the Parent of Your Parent? If you are 50 years or older, come visit, share, listen and enjoy a glass of wine with others who understand the joy, heartache and frustrations that come with caring for a senior family member or loved one. Not all situations are the same but all caregivers need support. Come to the PH Senior Center (Little House) at 249 Gregory Lane Wed. June 22 4:30-6pm (and continuing the 3rd Wednesday of each month. To rsvp or for more info call (925) 798-8788.
Life. Less complicated. Right at Home offers caregiving services for almost any family and practically any situation. Our in-home care lets loved ones enjoy life in the comfort of a familiar environment. And it lets you concentrate on caring instead of caregiving. Give us a call and let us develop a Custom Care Plan for your loved one today.
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June 2011
The Dukes of Pleasant Hill “Some day this valley will be full of people,” proclaimed Pleasant Hill pioneer William Dukes as he looked out from the hills above today’s Pleasant Hill. How right he was—and to think that this was even before people started flocking to the area in the 1940s and 50s! In Dukes’ day, prior to World War II, rapid growth meant the division of a large farm into a handful of smaller farms—nothing like the intense subdivision into little half-acre plots that, today, constitute Pleasant Hill’s homes. Dukes would probably have been surprised to see just how much the area would change in the years to come. When Dukes first came to Pleasant Hill, it was a sparsely settled gray area, really nothing more than a school district in between the established towns of Martinez, Concord, and Walnut Creek. As with many other California pioneers, it was the Gold Rush that brought him to California. Born in Tennessee, he came to Bidwell’s
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PAST TO PLEASANT
By Adam Nilsen
Bar in Placer County in 1852 at the height of gold fever and worked in the mines there. Some time between 1852 and 1870, he came to Contra Costa County and married Lucy Kinzer, who had come across the plains to California from Kentucky in a covered wagon. Lucy had been married to a member of the prominent Boss family, and it is through her that William secured land for his family. They built their home on Grayson Creek, near the intersection of today’s Pleasant Hill Road and Taylor Boulevard. Their children and grandchildren would continue
to live on this land into the 1960s. Thanks to William and Lucy’s son Sherard, who took an interest in photography and built a darkroom in his basement, we have these views of the Dukes’ ranch that give us a feel for early Pleasant Hill. We see William with the rabbits he took care of in a part of the ranch that was a pear orchard, and the whole Dukes family gathered in front of the Victorian house that William built. Few traces remain today of the Dukes’ time in Pleasant Hill. The orchards are now tract houses, their dirt road is now
the paved Grayson Road, and the woodsy area where people used to hunt quail is now Taylor Boulevard. It all makes me wonder—what would William Dukes say today if he looked out from those hills from which he made his prediction? Probably something like, “Wow, I didn’t expect there to be this many people!” Adam Nilsen is a Pleasant Hill native and a history researcher at the Oakland Museum of California. He is the author of Pleasant Hill, a history of the community, available at local bookstores and through the Friends of Rodgers Ranch.
The Difference Between Girls and Boys Girls are different than boys. I know this is certainly not a news flash but it is important to remember. Even as a young boy I noticed it right away. Girls never lost their homework and you could read their handwriting. Girls always seemed to have their hair combed and their clothes matched. When my 10 year-old daughter leaves the house for school she looks cute, sometimes trendy. When my sons, 15 and 13, leave the house they often look homeless. I regularly ask one son “are you going out with your hair looking like that?” To which I receive the classic both palms up and double shoulder shrug that means, “why wouldn’t I?” One difference that usually goes un-
By Russell Carroll noticed, until you have actually lived with lighted? I imagine the one for damaged hair is for when you want to start over. a woman is that they need more room Kind of a “ground zero.” How does my for their stuff. In my shower at home we wife use all of these products before the have 14, yep I counted them, 14 different hot water runs out? I found a little stash of bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body old bottles under her sink. Apparently this wash, exfoliates, skin energizers, peels, is where old products go to die. She buries extractors and invigorators. There are so them under the sink and replaces them many bottles I can’t even find the soap. with a new product because “you have to I‘m afraid to randomly try one of these switch up brands every once in a while.” If other products. After all, I would hate this is the case, then why are these bottles to accidentally over exfoliate. Some of these products just sound flat out danger- the size of a 40 oz can of malt liquor? I could go a month with the little bottle I ous. Does my wife get this stuff at Home steal from a hotel. Girls are just different. Depot? There are several little puffy balls There are four drawers in our of lace hanging everywhere. This must be how a Christmas tree feels. There is sham- bathroom cabinet. I have one. My wife poo for dry hair, oily hair, highlighted hair has 3. The bottom is big enough for pots and damaged hair. I guess you use the one and pans but is jammed full of female power tools. There is a hair dryer, flat iron, for oily hair until your hair becomes too curling iron, something that looks like a dry and then switch to the one for dry toaster, and a Conair 12 soft roller with hair. Do you use the one for highlighted instant heat and ion shine machine. There hair only on the hair that is actually high-
are not many certainties in life. We will all agree on death and taxes, but I believe there is a third. If a woman has straight hair she will spend a lot of time making it curly and if she has curly hair she will not rest until it is straight. I have seen my wife pull a turtle neck sweater over head while her hair is stacked full of rollers. How does she do that? I wrestle with a turtleneck and I hardly have any hair! Girls are just different. When she is getting ready to leave and I remind her that we are going to be late, and she says “I am almost ready,” that means for me to go sit down and shut-up until she is ready. Most women say “I have nothing to wear” but I guarantee the last thing my wife will say before we leave the house is “God, I hate my hair.” But…..that is just how I see it. To contact Russell, email him at russ@ourcommunityfocus.com
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June 2011
Rankin Set to Open in July Martinez residents will soon have another way to stay cool as the weather warms up. This July, the new Rankin Aquatic Center will open to the public, offering a lap pool with a 12’ dive tank and a recreation pool that includes spray features, slides and a beach entry along with a teaching and play area. After 61 years in operation, the former Rankin Park community pool, located between Buckley Street and Marina Vista near downtown Martinez, was closed in 2009. The site will soon
By Jaki Jones eight 25-yard lanes in our lap pool.” accommodate the new Aquatic Center, Additional features include vendmade possible with voter approval of Bond Measure H in the fall of 2008. After ing machines, five large shade structures, handicap accessibility and plenty of a pool subcommittee was formed, the room to relax. Families can bring in food, team looked at a variety of aquatic facilialthough no glass or barbecues will be ties to help with the overall design of the project; they also gathered the input of the allowed. A concession stand is planned for the future. Finishing touches involve community. According to Patty Lorick, Recreation Supervisor, “the top two items handcrafted tile mosaic murals behind the showers created by Bay Area artist Jane the community asked for was a diving Kelly, whose work can also be seen at the board and a larger area for young kids to Martinez Library. Lorick is excited about run around. Our swim team also asked the upcoming grand opening and believes for more lanes, so we went from six to
the Aquatic Center will add to the neighborhood and overall value of the area. “It’s gonna be gorgeous!” she says. Daily admission fees will range from $2.75 to $4.00. A daily family pass is $12.00 and includes up to 5 people from the same family. Measure H taxpayers can purchase a discount half season pass through the Recreation Office beginning June 1st. Proof of payment is required. For more information including opening day and pool hours visit: www. cityofmartinez.org.
Views of the progress on the Rankin Aquatic Center as of Monday, May 16th.
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June 2011
Page 15
Grad Announcements
Caitlin A. Diggs, College Park
Congratulations to Forest McMillin!
Lauren Cefali, College Park
Molly Gaoiran We are proud of the
Congratulations Caitlin! We are proud
College Park 2011 As you gradu-
Congratulations on your graduation
young lady you have become! Can’t
of YOU, your accomplishments and
ate from CPHS and head off to UCSB,
and being accepted to the Coast
wait to see you playing Water Polo at
hard work. Off to Davis to make your
I want to tell you how proud of you I
Guard Academy. You are an amazing
DVC! Your beauty comes from your
dreams a reality! There couldn’t be a
am. Your accomplishments continu-
person; we are so proud of you and
heart and we love you!
prouder family. Love You, Dad, Mom,
ally amaze me. You have my love and
love you so much! Love Mom, Dad,
Mom & Dad
Jack and Molly
support on any journey you take. May
and WIll.
your dreams come true! Love, Mom.
Steven St. Germain proudly graduDane Hutslar, College Park 2011
Madeline Jane Weiss, Bentley
ates with honors from College Park on
We are beyond proud of the young
Jason Eitelgeorge, Alhambra High
School Congratulations, Maddie! We
June 6th. Active in the classroom, on
man you have become and look
2011 “All your dreams can come
could not be more proud of you and
athletic teams and in our community,
forward to watching your bright future
true... if you have the courage to pur-
we share your excitement about your
Steven will continue his pursuits at
unfold. The world is waiting for YOU!
sue them.” - Walt Disney. Congratula-
next adventure at Southern Oregon.
UCLA this fall. Congratulations!
With much love, Mom, Dad, Brandon,
tions! We are very proud of you.
All our love, Mom, Gibby, Jack and
Cole and Devin.
Love, Dad, Mom, Eric and Jeffrey
Benjamin
Katherine Duran Congratulations on your graduation from College Park. The success you’ve achieved is a great foundation for your future. We are very proud of you and confident that you will do great at Saint Mary’s. Love, Mom, Dad, Elizabeth and Grandma Diane Ethan Marsh, College Park Congratulations on your many accomplishments over the years. We are
We’re proud of you, Erik Naccara!
Kelsey Ertola, Alhambra High School
Maggie Schoemann, College Park
College Park, 2011
We are so proud of you and excited
We are so proud of you as you gradu-
You’ve worked so hard and now
for you as you go forth on your journey
ate from high school. Your energy,
you’re off for a great adventure at the
to Sonoma State and beyond. Con-
enthusiasm, and passion will carry you
Prep school for the US Coast Guard
gratulations!
a long way in life. Follow your dreams
Academy. Oh, the places you’ll see!
We love you, Mom, Dad, Anthony and
and never give up. Love, Mom and
Next stop, New London!! Love, Mom,
Nick
Dad.
Dad and Allie
so happy and very proud of you. We wish you nothing but the best always. Love, Mom, Dad and Kendall
If you would like to announce your graduate please contact us for more information. info@ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 16
HOME TEAM
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June 2011
“Season Ticket” Sports
Diamond Dandys Alhambra Baseball started 10-0. Since, they have faced tough opponents in the DFAL. They currently boast a 13-8 record (5-5 in DFAL) and are still in contention for the post-season. College Park has enjoyed a resurgence under first-year coach Matt Lisle. The Falcons are 16-6 overall and 6-4 in the DVAL (Ranked No. 14). Thus far, CP has registered two shutout wins over YV and victories over Northgate and Concord. Several Falcons have enjoyed success including: Dominic Bilotti (13 RBIs), Athan Koutsoubinas (.473 average), Zack Tobias (.419 average, 13 RBIs) and Evan McCurdy (13 RBIs). John Mead leads with six wins. In all, CP has stole 84 base as a team. Spring Performances of Note Nate Burkhart, College Park – In the pool, won the 100-yard freestyle, 500
By Chuck Nan freestyle and was a member of the winmatch against College Park by shooting a ning 200 freestyle relay at the College 2-over 38 at Contra Costa Country Club. Park Invitational in early-April. Justin Green, Alhambra – The ju Jenna Krummen, Alhambra -- Went nior catcher belted out a perfect 5-for-5 at 3-for-4 with two RBIs as the Lady Bullthe plate in a 3-2 10 inning loss at Miradogs defeated Acalanes 10-0 at home in monte. He also added both RBIs. Junior softball in mid-April. Travis Volpe and frosh Leo Costa also Nicole Curry, Alhambra -- Went chipped-in with two hits apiece. Robert 3-for-3 with a home run, two doubles and Stephenson notched 15 Ks in eight inan one RBI in a 12-2 crushing of visiting nings. That was his second-best effort of Dougherty Valley in softball in late-April. 2011 and his fifth double digit mark. Dominic Bilotti, College Park – Fin John Mead, College Park --Mead ished a strong week at the plate by going was named MVP at the Mike Smallwood 3-for-7 with four runs scored, one triple, Memorial Tournament in Turlock. He one RBI, two walks and three stolen bases tossed a complete game with 10 strikein three games. The Falcons swept Freeouts in the Falcons’ 4-0 championship dom, Mt. Diablo and Northgate during win over rival Ygnacio Valley. the week in baseball. State Champion Grappler Elliot Busichio, Alhambra – On Katerina Lobsinger from Marthe links, shot a 3-under 69 at Monarch tinez Junior High prevailed in the Bay Golf Course to earn medalist hon107-pound division to win the 2011 ors at the San Leandro Invitational. Also California Girls Middle School State tied for medalist honors in a non-league
The 2011 DVAL Swimming Championships were held at College Park’s new pool on May 13th & 14th. Northgate took 1st in Womens Varsity with Clayton Valley placing 2nd and College Park 3rd. Northgate also placed first in the men’s division with College Park taking 2nd and Clayton Valley 3rd. North Coast Sectionals took place on May 21st. Two swimmers from College Park placed in the 100 yd But-
terfly: Monty Randall 9th (51.40) and Nate Burkhart 14th (53.51). Falcon lady, Hope Curran, placed 12th in the 100yd Breaststroke (106.42). The CP Men’s team placed 14th in the 400 yd Free relay (Nate Burkhart, Kyle Leung, Michael Ladazinsky, Monty Randall) 3:18.94. Diving: College Park’s Will Griffiths placed 11th with an impressive 2 ½ tuck dive.
League Championships
No Rally for DVC By Chuck Nan
The rally caps couldn’t save them.
Photo by Tod Gomes, www.creativelookphoto.com
Tournament. The event was held at Springtowne Middle School in Vallejo. Lobsinger took first-place in a field of nine competitors and finished with a 3-0 record. Amazingly, she pinned each of her opponents in under twominutes. Spartans Volley On Junior Trevor Felix, starting outside hitter, and senior Mitchell Woerner, starting libero, are two additional Martinez residents who are key cogs for the De La Salle volleyball team. The Spartans finished the EBAL league season with a perfect 12-0 record. The Spartans won the NCS Championships beating Deer Valley. According to ESPN Rise Magazine, DLS is ranked No. 32 in the country and No. 15 in California.
The Diablo Valley College baseball team locked up the rugged Big 8 Conference title with a 9-2 win over visiting Delta College in late April. Jason Kochan of San Ramon earned the win for the Vikings. Josh Nuyten (College Park) notched three RBIs in the win. DVC then earned the No. 2 seed in the California Community College Baseball Playoffs, and hosted Consumnes River College in a best-of-
Photo by Tod Gomes, www.creativelookphoto.com
three series. After taking the first game, CRC swept the Vikings the next day in a double-header to eliminate DVC. The Vikings finished 28-9 for the campaign. DVC swept the top awards for the Big 8 Conference. Scott Harkin (100, 0.96) was named Most Valuable Player. Pitcher of the Year went to Steven Swift. Head Coach Mike Neu was named Coach of the Year.
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June 2011
Page 17
HOME TEAM
CP DVAL Track Champs
Softball Success By Chuck Nan College Park softball is 10-9 overall and 6-3 in the DVAL. The team boasts a.340 team average and .421 on-base percentage. They are led by Kierra Willis (.568 average, 14 RBIs and 3 HRs), Keisi Chinen (.381 average 21 RBIs and 3 HRs). Maddie Monahan leads with six wins. The Lady Falcons registered their biggest win of the season by defeating Clayton Valley 6-5 then went 3-for-5 with four runs scored and four RBIs in a 15-9 win over San Leandro. Alhambra Softball is enjoying a magnificent season with a 16-5 overall record and a perfect 10-0 in the DFAL. They have been ranked the entire season. In all, the stellar pitching and defense of the Lady Bulldogs has allowed just two runs in DFAL play. Junior pitcher Shannon De Vries is 12-5 (9-0 DFAL). Freshman Kylee Perez leads the team in hitting with a .578 average (also leads with 6 HR plus has 19 RBIs). Nicole Curry, also a frosh, leads with 22 RBIs.
Pictured is AHS pitcher Shannon De Vries. Photo by Tod Fierner, todfierner@yahoo.com
Photo submitted by Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com
Pictured is College Park junior John Croft running the first leg in the varsity 400m relay at the DVAL Championships held at College Park. His relay team (Croft, Levy, Lopez, VargasKeeton) 49.26, placed 4th. DVAL varsity boys team totals: College Park 165, Clayton Valley 152, Northgate 101, Concord 34, Mt. Diablo 21, Ygnacio Valley 15, and Berean Christian 4. CP’s
JV boys placed 2nd, varsity girls placed 3rd and JV girls placed 2nd. At the NCS meet on 5/21, three individual qualifiers advanced to the NCS Meet of Champions. Anthony Ortolan, 800M 1:55.77; Jeff Bickert, 3200M 9:32.32; Keagan Brown, 400M 51.30 and the 4X400 relay of Sourush Aboutalebi, Anthony Ortolan, Hiroki Butterfield and Keagan Brown 3:26.39.
Pictured is CP freshman Kendall Marsh.
VISIT US AT:
www.lesschwabmartinez.com
Photo by Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com
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Page 18
June 2011
HOME TEAM
UMDAF Celebrates 2011 Athletic Graduates The United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation (UMDAF) has kept sports alive in the Mt. Diablo School district. Without this association, these athletes would not have been recruited to play their sport at a 4-year college.
Athletes: Derek Anderson–CV, Kelsey Booth-CV, Cheryllyn Brock-CV, Camille Condit-CV, Mitchell D’Angina CV, Melissa Del Bene CV, Allyson Hansen-CV, Josh Harmon-CV, Sarah Nelson-CV, Shayana GoisCV, Victoria Kobold-CV, Nick Mazza-CV, Chaz A. Meadows-CV, Michael Stupka-CV, Kaila Wakida-CV, Sarah Litwiller-CV, Kenny Johnson-CV, Ricky Lloyd-Con., Cody Chapple-Con., Kevin Chase-Con., Michelle Yasutake-CP, Marissa Buckley-CP, Anthony Ortolan-CP, Will Holland-CP, Jeff Bickert-CP, Cooper Shanks –CP, Orry Elor-CP, Keisi Chinen-CP, Zack Tobias-CP, Erik Naccara-CP, Lauren Cefali-CP, Raheem Blackmon-Mt. D., Jasmin Cunningham- Mt. D., Maddie Hagen-N., Tyler Jean-N., Jessica Carpenter-N., Erin Delaria-N., James Sorensen-N., Caroline Weston-N., Rus Williams-N., Matt Holder-N., Grant Jones-YV, J’Ron Erby-YV. *CV (Clayton Valley), Con.(Concord), CP(College Park), Mt. D.( Mt. Diablo) and N.(Northgate). Names listed are in no particular order. Not all athletes are pictured.
2010 MYF Scholars
Martinez Youth Football and Cheer would like to recognize Regan Silva, Brianna Rios, Gabrielle Anditti and Mark Azevedo for their hard work and dedication to their education and youth programs. These athletes have maintained a 3.9 - 4.0 grade point average throughout the 2010-11 school season. Congratulations!
Left to Right: Regan Silva, Brianna Rios, Tim Mohammed, president of MYF, Gabrielle Anditti and Mark Azevedo,
Fall Sports Night
2010 Rebel Scholars
The Rebels are committed to supporting the scholar athlete and encourage all Rebel football players, cheerleaders and junior coaches to apply for this honor. The winners were honored at the Diablo Valley Youth Football and Cheer Scholar Athlete Ceremony held at Charlotte Wood Middle School. Left to right: Joshua Cerejo, Sean Rigley, Wayne Stephens, president, Edylwise Romero, Nicholas Ramos-Umali, Joshua Nelson and Zyon Pullin (not pictured). Photo submitted by Melissa Cerejo.
3
Thursday, June 2nd - 6pm Hurtado Gym College Park On Thursday, June 2 all Fall Athletes and families are required to attend. This is your chance to meet your coaches prior to the first day of practice and get all of the information you will need to participate in Fall Sports including tryout dates, first day of practice, team and district contribution amounts, transportation fee requirements and deadlines along with Athletic Boosters requirements. This will be held at 6pm in the Hurtado Gym. Fall Sports include: Cheer, Football, Girls Golf, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball and Waterpolo
36 Year Member Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce
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June 2011
Page 19
Star Quest’s 19th Annual Talent Show Pleasant Hill Star Quest showcased 40 young entertainers in its 19th annual youth talent show at the Diablo Valley College Performing Arts Theatre. On April 30th and May 1st, Star Quest presented a musical tribute celebrating Pleasant Hill’s 50th anniversary as a city. Performers from 5 to 18 years old sang, danced and performed their hearts out for their families and the community. The show’s director, Lori Tassano, wrote an entertaining script that characterized the history of Pleasant Hill from the establishment of Rod-
gers Ranch in the 1800’s to present time. Using the choreography of veteran Star Quest performers Ashley Edson and Erin Repp, a cast of about 30 performed musical numbers such as “Good Morning Pleasant Hill,” “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “Singing in the Rain” and Footloose.” Twenty-two individual acts were also performed. According to the show’s founder and producer, Jim Nunes, this year’s show was a bittersweet experience because, although several new performers joined the show, eight of his veteran performers
will be leaving for college. Forest McMillin, Ashley Edson, Erin Repp, Ryan Alkire, Kailynn Hennessy, Ben King, and Paige and Keagan Brown have given a combined 60 years of performances with Star Quest and will be truly missed. While some performers have gone on to fame and fortune, Nunes points out that participants don’t have to be stars to be in Star Quest. The intent of Star Quest is to provide a non-competitive environment where young individuals from grades K through 12 can showcase their talents, strengthen their confi-
dence, and hone their ability to interact with an audience. Nunes says the main goal is to keep it fun. Since its inception in 1993, over 1,800 performers have been given this opportunity. Next year marks Star Quest’s 20th anniversary, and plans are already in the hopper for an exciting reunion show. Nunes is grateful to the many sponsors and donors that help support the Star Quest productions. He particularly is thankful to the Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill for their sponsorship and support since 1994.
Pictured is the opening act, “Good Morning, Pleasant Hill”
Celebrate, Celebrate, Dance to the Music By Tonya Amos Don’t miss the 3rd annual “Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars: A Juneteenth Celebration Through Dance,” presented by Grown Women Dance Collective. Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars is an uplifting, sway-in-your-seat, inspiring evening, perfect for the entire family celebrating Juneteenth and American history. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of African American liberation from slavery. The tradition dates back to June 19th, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were informed by Union soldiers that slavery had “ended.” This jubilant news came two and a half years after President Lin-
coln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Today on Juneteenth we celebrate African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. Inspired by incredible musical artists such as James Brown, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, and Nina Simone, the choreography and multimedia presented in Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars speaks to the struggles and achievements of African Americans
and the common experiences that we all share as Americans. “I thought that I was just coming to see a dance concert; I have never experienced anything like this,” said an audience member after last year’s performance. “I had no idea what Juneteenth was before tonight. Thank you so much for teaching me and my family about it. It was wonderful!” “Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars: A Juneteenth Celebration Through Dance” is on June 18th at 8:00pm at Diablo Valley College Theater in Pleasant Hill. Reception to follow the show. Tickets at www.Brown-
PaperTickets.com, or call (925) 680-4400. Sponsored by 106 KMEL radio station, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, Aspire Pilates Center, and Dancer’s Group. Sponsorships are available. Grown Women Dance Collective, fiscally sponsored by 501c3 Dancers Group, was founded in 2009 to create a positive and nurturing environment for mature, female dancers to create beautiful work that is relevant and accessible to diverse audiences. Formed by retired professional dancers, GWDC seeks to use the arts to bridge generations and cultures, and to introduce concert dance to new audiences.
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Page 20
June 2011
Alhambra High School Principal Retires
College Park HS Principal Retires
By Deborah Dawson and Karin Slope In September of 1980, after teaching for two years, Susan Mirkovich moved to California from New Jersey and began her career with the Martinez Unified School District. She began as a PE teacher at Martinez Junior High School and, after 13 years, Mrs. Mirkovich was appointed an Assistant Principal at Alhambra High School. In 1998, Mrs. Mirkovich became the principal at Las Juntas Elementary and served in that capacity for 8 years. During her tenure there, Las Juntas school was awarded the honor of being named “a hidden gem in Contra Costa County”. Mrs. Mirkovich rejoined the staff at Alhambra High School in 2006 Alhambra Principal Sue Mirkovich as principal. Photo by Theresa Bryson and Ryan Wilson Sue’s first message to the staff former students, families, co-workat Alhambra was that she is passionate ers and former co-workers please join about student learning. “If it’s a good us for an open house and no host BBQ idea for the students and their edu(Kinder’s) to celebrate Sue’s many cation, then there has to be a way to years of service to the families of Marmake it work.” These last few months, tinez . Check out the Facebook page as her retirement approaches, have and leave a message for Sue--just type been bittersweet for Mrs. Mirkovich in “Sue Mirkovich Retirement Celeand the students at Alhambra. She is a bration”. respected principal, leader and friend. For more information on the There will be a community celevent, contact Karin Sloper at kslopebration in honor of Sue Mirkovich er@martinez.k12.ca.us or Marianne on Saturday, June 4, from 4pm – 8pm Griffin at mgriffin@martinez.k12.us. at Alhambra High School. Students,
By Dodie Martz After 23 years at College Park High School, Barbara Oaks is retiring as principal in June 2011. She began her career in special education, and for the past eleven years has been an administrator at College Park. Former Valley View Middle School Principal and colleague Nadine Rosenzweig has had a lasting relationship with Mrs. Oaks. “At College Park, Barbara has worked tirelessly for students and provided a quality educational experience. The staff encouraged her to become vice principal and then supported her when she took Barbara Oaks with student Antoine Wade Photo by Jen Kennedy over as principal. It has been my honor break the 800 API ceiling—and they did.” to work with Barbara and call her both a Mrs. Oaks was instrumental in leadcolleague and friend.” ing the application process to win a Dis Colleague Irene Keenan, principal at tinguished School Award in 1998 and Mt. Diablo Elementary, is equally effuagain in 2007. She has mentored students, sive in her praise for Mrs. Oaks. “Barbara peers, and colleagues and has been inis highly respected in the district for her volved with all WASC accreditations durmanagerial prowess, strong work ethic ing her College Park tenure. She has a and fiscal prudence. She is a democratic great sense of humor and is modest about and innovative leader, working within a her accomplishments and stature. consensus model to effect change. She is incredibly intelligent with a strong knowl- Mrs. Oaks is married with two chiledge of the educational system and a keen dren and two grandchildren and plans to spend her retirement tending to her understanding of how to work within grandchildren and three Burnese Mounthe system. Last year she single-handedly tain dogs. She looks forward to completpushed the entire school to focus on the STAR test using logic, conversation and a ing unfinished projects and travelling to poster campaign encouraging students to the East Coast to visit her son.
The Next Step for College Park Seniors By Taylor Poulin With one hundred eighty-two students attending a community college, seventy-six students attending a California state school and thirty-seven students attending school in the University of California system, College Park High School proudly says goodbye to its senior class. Although Diablo Valley College seems to be the popular choice for students, the faculty at College Park is honored to have two students going to UC San Diego, four students going to UC Santa Barbara, thirteen students going to UC Davis, eleven going to UC Los Angeles, and three going to UC Berkeley. “Cal has been my dream
school ever since I was a little kid, and I cannot describe how excited I am to be going there this fall,” said Rachel Taylor, a senior at College Park. Hearing whether people are accepted or rejected when it comes to their first choice is quite an emotional rollercoaster. Independent schools in California seemed to be a popular decision as well this year. In the fall, seniors will be heading off to the Academy of Art University
in San Francisco, Saint Mary’s College, and University of San Francisco, along with many others. Although many students decided to stay in California, in-state schools were not the only path chosen for graduating seniors this year. Eighteen students chose to get out of California and go to schools such as University of Arizona, University of Chicago, New York University, and the Coastguard Academy. Senior Erin Repp happily said, “NYU
has been my dream school since seventh grade. I am really excited to be honored with the opportunity to study acting at Tisch School of the Arts, and I cannot wait to begin.” The class of 2011 had an extraordinary four years at College Park. They will continue to pursue their dreams in the fall, where they look forward to a new and exciting future. Taylor Poulin is a senior at College Park and will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall. A special thank you to Sheila Welsh, the College/Career Advisor at College Park High School for providing the data for this article.
June 2011
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Page 21
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By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum • A bird is sitting with its head tucked The wildlife under its wing hospital at Lindsay • The animal or bird is limping, dragWildlife Museum ging a leg or wing, or using wings for receives over 5,400 support, which could indicate a broken native wild animals bone. for care each year; • The animal has a bloody nose or ears; most are admitsquirrels that fall out of trees or get hit ted between May by cars are often seen with bloody noses. your bare hands because of the potenand August. Spring • The animal has mucous from the nose; tial for disease transmission. Watch out and summer are the hospital’s busiest raccoons can have distemper or parvotimes for a couple of reasons: one, baby for larger birds’ beaks and feet. After you virus that cause discharge from the nose have picked up the animal, don’t feed it birds and young mammals leave their and eyes. nests and are more vulnerable to lots of or give it water before bringing it to the • The animal has congenital deformities hazards, and two, more people are outhospital for care. doors enjoying the warmer weather and such as twisted limbs or crossed bills. If the wild animal you see doesn’t • The animal is not moving, lying limp are more likely to run into an animal in have any of these signs, it may not need trouble. Unfortunately, some animals are or keeping its eyes closed. to be rescued. It may just be a young • The animal was caught by a dog or cat, animal that’s not as wary as an adult. If “rescuedâ€? when they don’t need to be. even if injuries aren’t visible. How can you tell if a wild animal needs you have questions, call Lindsay Wildlife If you find an animal with any of your help? Museum at 925-935-1978 for advice bethese signs, you need to think about how fore rescuing that animal. Signs that an animal is in distress into safely get it to the wildlife hospital. clude: For more information about LindFirst, think about your safety; wild ani• The animal is leaning to one side, its say Wildlife Museum and ways you can mals have defense systems that can hurt head is tilting to one side or it is going help wildlife, visit www.wildlife-museyou. Never handle a wild mammal with around in circles. um.org.
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Page 22
June 2011
PH Community Center Closed On April 17, a loyal group from Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District gathered at the Pleasant Hill Community Center for a farewell celebration on the last day the building was open to the public. The group included current and past employees – some who had been with the District since the building opened in 1973. This building, the gem of the District, was a showcase for art from the 300-year-old stone “Kasuga Lantern” in the courtyard to the big yellow “Asfothelos” sculpture located on the lawn, visible from Taylor Boulevard. There was also a fabulous colorful tapestry in the Parkside Room. It was almost 30 feet long and depicted the performing arts – theater, music, dance, and choral. Murals adorned the kitchen walls depicting fanciful feasts. Many public cultural events have been held in the building over its 38-year life span, including the Multicultural Celebration in 2002, Literary Women annually since 1988, “Smash Hit” percussion concerts, Taste of Pleasant Hill, and the Music in Pleasant Hill Concert Series for over ten years. Of course, to be remembered, are the numerous business fairs, chamber mixers, high school proms, reunions, birthday and retirement parties, music and dance recitals, plant shows, gem shows, crab feeds, and holiday boutiques. Not to mention the thousands of classes held there beginning in 1973. The annual Holiday Festival was always a favorite event. Building Maintenance Supervisor Nick Hawkins made
it his personal mission to add more and more lights every year. There were twinkling stars, animated reindeer, Santa’s sleigh, and so many others – it was fun to try and guess what he would add next! Many people don’t know it, but the employees of the District pitched in every year and produced the event on a volunteer basis – truly making it their gift to the community. Several years ago someone at the District counted the number of events and activities held there and estimated that over 1000 persons visited the Community Center every week! After all of that use and despite the District’s best efforts to maintain the building, it was clearly deteriorating. The large glue-laminated beams needed significant repair. The ramps, flashing, roof, under-decking, and many other elements needed to be replaced. And so, working with the building inspector, the building closed to the public on April 17. Now that it is closed and the special
art has been removed for safekeeping, the building is scheduled for demolition once nesting season is over. As soon as the plans for the new Pleasant Hill Community Center are approved by the City Planning Department, they will be posted on the District’s website at www.pleasanthillrec.com. For the latest news on the big changes happening now, sign up for the District’s monthly eNEWS and Follow the Action!
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June 2011
It’s Grillin’ Season Grill season has descended upon us full bore, bringing delectable seasonal choices of locally grown produce to get our imaginative juices flowing and hearts beating fast in anticipation of meal time. As we leisurely move into summer months, variety and accessibility of warm weather produce keeps on growing at your local farmers’ markets. Make your grill area a haven for food prepara-
By Lesley Stiles juicier by the hour. Habit forming when tion: set up tables and condiments nearby, string up fun lighting for grilling after eaten out of hand for the first few weeks, cherries become a fruit to play with as sunsets, place a few chairs out for guests, the season matures. If you don’t have and have a level spot for wine glasses. one already, invest in a cherry pitter to Farmers’ tables are bowing under make yourself a real cherry pie or tart. the weight of early summer crops from Cherries pair well with duck and chickthe amazing soils of Brentwood, Stocken when doused with red wine and balton and San Joaquin Valley. Asparagus samic vinegar. is still peaking, beckoning to be grilled, roasted, sliced and sautéed, steamed with Apricots, apriums, pluots and other early stone fruits accompany cherries lemon aioli, or just plain dipped in dripin the summer fruit parade. Try cutting ping butter and lasciviously licked off apricots in half and grilling. Lube up fingers. Cherries are getting sweeter and with a bit of olive oil, stuff the cavity with a nugget of chèvre and heat on grill until the cheese thinks it is melting. This is Marianne Dundon were busy stops on what I’m talking about! the self-drive tour. Chris, who recently Eagle eyes and shrewd shoppers converted his front lawn to a low-cost, have spotted Sun Gold cherry tomalow-maintenance, water-conserving toes at the Farmers’ Market as well as in garden, said “We had more than 230 our own gardens. Sun Gold is a favorvisitors and I was amazed at how many ite with the younger set. Perfectly round were interested in replacing their lawns globes of sun-drenched yellow encase a with water-efficient landscapes. So flesh so sweet as to be a nice foil for pie. cool!” Other varieties are becoming bountiful along with heirloom tomatoes from local
Garden #46 May 1st was a busy day for gardeners during the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour featuring over 50 pesticide-free gardens throughout the Bay Area that conserve water, provide habitat for wildlife, and contain 50% or more native plants. Two Martinez gardens belonging to Troy McGregor and Chris and
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THE GARDEN
markets. Basil, sweet fresh onions, local cheeses and olive oils round that scene out. Gardens are starting to pay off as the weather is warming and grads are streaming out of learning institutions with eyes on the prize. Summer is officially here in our Diablo Valley, and with Father’s Day around the corner, the time is ripe to get the grill fired up, cook our local bounty, feed ourselves and families, and do a grand turn for the earth’s wellbeing. Along with all this great food, get out and enjoy our amazing hills with a short walk or long hike. Take along your grilled booty to devour as picnic fare while gazing out at wild flowers and hawks. Breathtaking beauty surrounds us in an area we are fortunate to call home. Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sustainable caterer and school garden educator. Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast. net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods.com.
Crispy Romaine Salad w/ Roasted Duck and Cherry Balsamic Drizzle Ingredients:
1 head romaine lettuce, medium chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup chopped green onion 1/2 pound roasted duck, shredded 2/3 cup Bing cherries, washed, pitted and halved
1/4 cup chopped toasted local almonds 3 tablespoons good, fruity olive oil 3 tablespoons balsamic drizzle (recipe follows)
Directions:
Toss lettuce, feta, green onions, duck and cherries together in a large bowl with olive oil and drizzle. Garnish with almonds. Serves 6.
Balsamic Drizzle Ingredients:
3 cups pureed cherries 3 cups balsamic vinegar
Directions:
2 cups red wine 1/2 cup honey
Pour wine and balsamic vinegar into a non-reactive saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce by half. Add cherries and reduce by one third. Add honey and simmer for 5 minutes. To this base you can add rosemary, tarragon, orange peel or crushed cranberries as variations. Use for a dressing on salad with olive oil or as a sauce to grilled chicken, roasted duck or vegetables. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 months. Makes 2 cups.
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In the Mix By Paul Cotruvo Martinez beginning June 3rd at 6:00pm “Summer’s here and time is right for – www.mainstreetmartinez.org. dancing in the streets…” “Moraga Park Foundation Summer This infamous line from the 1964 Concert Series” - Beginning June 16th hit song from Martha Reeves & the at 6:30pm – www.moragaparks.org Vandellas is the perfect proclamation “Concerts in the Plaza” - Downtown to ring in the season. I heard this song Pleasant Hill beginning May 19th, on the radio the other day (yes, the every other Thursday at 6:00pm – www. radio, that’s that thing in the middle of shopdowntownpleasanthill.com your car’s dashboard with the clock) “Music and Market Series” – In and I started thinking about all the Concord running May through great summer songs over the years. September at 6:30pm – www. You know, the songs that transport you cityofconcord.org right back in time to your last “Walnut Creek Art & day of school, vacations Wine Festival” - Heather with family or just Farms Park in Walnut enjoying those lazy, hot Creek, June 4th and afternoons. 5th, music beginning at “All we need is music, 11:00am – www.walnutsweet music, there’ll be creek.com music everywhere...” “King of the County” Summer is the best - Martinez Waterfront Park time to get out, soak up Marina- June 18th & June 19th, music the sun and take in some live music. Fortunately for our community there IS begins at 11:00am – www.countybbq. com music everywhere with choices ranging from Folk to Reggae to Rock and Soul. Maybe you will hear some of your And the best part? It’s all free and family favorite “summer” songs. Please go out friendly! Here are a few of the great local and support all your local musicians and businesses. events planned this summer. Finally, here is my quote of the “Summer by the Lake” – At Pleasant month: Hill City Hall every other Sunday A perfect summer day is when the starting May 29th at 6:00pm and sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the running through Sept. 4th – www. birds are singing, and the lawn mower is pleasanthillconcerts.com. broken. ~James Dent “Fridays on the Main” – In downtown
June 2011
1961 2011
5 GREAT YEARS!
za City
Food sales by Piz
Food sales by Magoos
Sheila’s
Daycare
Jun 26
Jun 12
Aug 7 Aug 21
SINFUL BLISS
May 29
cupcakes
Jul 10
Jun 12
Aug 21
Casey Strand Chiropractor Aug 21
Matt Rinn Agency
Sep 4
PAUL’S PICKS FOR JUNE: (ALL THESE EVENTS ARE FREE) June 2nd - DREAM POSSE – Downtown Pleasant Hill Plaza at 6:00pm June 4th - SPINOUT – Walnut Creek Art and Wine Festival – Heather Farms at 12:00pm June 5th – DANIEL CASTRO – Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival – Heather Farms at 5:00pm June 10th - GARAGELAND RODEO – Fridays on the Main – Main ST. Martinez at 6:00pm June 12th – THE BELL BROTHERS – City Hall, Pleasant Hill at 6:00pm June 16th – PRIME TIME HEROES – Downtown Pleasant Hill Plaza at 6:00pm June 26th – THE BUZZTONES - City Hall, Pleasant Hill at 6:00pm
1
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VENUES: Armando’s: 707 Marina Vista, Martinez CA • www.armandosmartinez.com Back Forty Texas BBQ: 100 Coggins Drive Pleasant Hill, CA • www.backforty.us Dallimonti’s : 1932 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill, CA • www.dallimontis.com Dan’s Bar : 1524 Civic Drive Walnut Creek CA • www.dansbar.com E.J. Phair Brewing Company: 2151 Salvio Street, Concord, CA • www.ejphair.com Pyramid Alehouse: 1410 Locust Street Walnut Creek, CA • www.pyramidbrew.com Rocco’s Pizzeria: 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road Walnut Creek CA • www.roccospizzeria.com Ferry Street Station: 600 Ferry Street, Martinez CA • www.facebook.com/The station The Roundup Saloon: 3553 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA Phone: (925) 284-4817 Vinnie’s Bar & Grill: 2045 Mt. Diablo Street, Concord, CA • www.vinniesbar.com
#1 since 1994
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June 2011
Page 25
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Get your RESTAURANT FEATURED in Community Focus Call 925-335-NEWS (6397) or email info@ourcommunityfocus.com
MOLINO’S RAVIOLI now serving hot food to go
1918 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA Tel: 925-705-7065/7066 Fax: 925-705-7067 www.KobeJapanRestaurant.com
Tuesday - Saturday 11:30am - 5:30PM* Choose your entree and your sauce. So many different combinations to make! Choose from Ravioli, Tortellini, Lasagna, Penne and more! Sauces include Meat, Mushroom, Alfredo or Pesto. Hot Italian Sandwiches just in time for summer. Italian Cheesesteak, Meatball or Italian Sausage on a french roll. Each entree includes fresh baked garlic bread. Add a small green salad and make a meal out of it. Salads come in individual and family size.
Hibachi Combo Dinner Starting At $17.95 Served with onion soup, organic spring mixed salad, hibachi shrimp appe zer, hibachi vegetables, steamed rice and fresh fruit. Choices are:
Your next picnic or outing will be a breeze with our new Hot Food To Go! Call ahead to order or just walk in. Mention this ad to receive $1 off your order
1. Angus NY Steak & Chicken: $17.95 2. Filet Mignon & Prawns: $22.95
Molino’s Hot Food & Catering
Monday – Thursday Only with this Ad / Must bring in ad. Not valid with any other offer. Expires after 6/30/2011
Regular Store Hours Tues - Sat 10:30 - 6 • Sunday 12 - 5 • Closed Monday and Holidays
Reserva ons Recommended
Dallimonti’s
For complete menu visit, www. molinosravioli.net 2150 Pleasant Hill Road., 925.934.7075 *Hours subject to change during introduction.
Restaurant www.dallimontis.com
FRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT • GRAB THE MIC AND ROCK OUT LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY • COMING IN JUNE 6/4 Tamsen Donner Blues Band • 6/11 Lumberyard 6/18 The Famous Three-O • 6/25 The Crossman Country Band • A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner • Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome • Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood
1932 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 925-944-5224
Savanh, originally Bangkok Restaurant, has been serving Thai favorites in this Oak Park location for over 20 years. Insisting on fresh market ingredients, our kitchen locates the freshest produce, seafood, and meats everyday, preparing each dish a little different from other Bay Area Thai restaurants. Our newly redesigned dining room is adorned with the nation’s symbolic emblem, the elephant. Our extensive menu boasts the traditional Thai fare, plus an array of grilled dishes. We also offer take-out. 1910 Oak Park Boulevard • Pleasant Hill Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11am-9pm (closed Sunday) 925.937.4368 • www.savanh.net
Formerly Bangkok Restaurant • New Name, Same Family and Staff
6/30/11
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June 2011
Calendar events 6/1- 6/24 – Mystery of Life. Martinez Art Gallery, 630 Court St. Portions of the sales benefit school art programs and scholarships. Gallery Hours: 11am-3pm, Mon.Fri. and 9am-1pm on Sat. 6/3 - 8/26– Fridays on the Main. Cruise to downtown Martinez for an evening of strolling along Main St. to check out cool hot rods, classic cars and trucks and dance to live music on the Plaza. 6-8pm. 6/4 - Senior Piano Recital at 7pm. Works by Schumann, Granados, and Gershwin at the Mt.Diablo Universalist Unitarian Church, 55 Eckley Ave., Walnut Creek, played by Forest McMillin. 6/4 – Document Shredding Fundraiser. All proceeds benefit Cancer Support Community. $20 for first box, $5 each additional box. CA Cancer & Research Institute, 400 Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill. 6/4, 5, 11, 12 - Art Show at Jack London Square. The Pavilion at 98 Broadway in Oakland (formerly the Barnes & Noble) 11am-5pm. This is one large segment (40+ artists) of the Oakland ProArts Open studios. Many of the artists are from Contra Costa County. Mention the Community Focus to artist Ruth McMillin and receive a free art card of your choice. FREE. 6/6 – Inaugural Diablo Valley College Athletics Golf Tournament. We have golf, vendors, golf course games, BBQ lunch, putting contest, gifts, and even a car show. This worthwhile fundraiser for DVC Golf is located at Boundary Oak Golf Course, 3800 Valley Vista Rd., Walnut Creek. Call 925-381-3612 or visit www. eteamsponsor.com/dvcathletics for tickets and more information. Now- 6/10 – Register for Pleasant Hill Rec.’s Adult Sports Leagues (18yrs +). Softball, Soccer, Kickball, and Flag Football – Registration open now for Summer Season. Visit: www.pleasanthillrecsports.com or call 925-682-0896. 6/12 – Blue Devils Family Day. Come and enjoy an evening of music and dance featuring the units of The Blue Devils family Sunday at the Diablo Valley College-Viking Field. The program will start at 5:30pm. The gates will open at 4:00pm. Tickets ($10) may be purchased at the stadium beginning at 3pm or at www.bluedevils.org or
by calling 925 689-2918 X0. Children 5 yrs. and under are FREE. Performers include the 14-Time World Champion Blue Devils “A Drum & Bugle Corps”, combined Horn Line and Drum Line presentations and much more. 6/17 – 1st Annual Alhambra Basketball Golf Tournament Fundraiser. Grayson Woods Golf Course in Pleasant Hill. Tee off time will be 4:30pm. For more information please contact coach Mike Aboussie at 925-228-8495. Cost is $50.00 per player, which includes dinner. 6/17 - Outdoors Moonlight Movie “ The Goonies”: PH City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Lawn Area from 8:30pm–10:30pm. Bring a blanket, towel, or chair. Co-sponsored by Pleasant Hill Rec & Park District and the City of Pleasant Hill. FREE. For more info. call: 925-682-0896 or visit www.pleasanthillrec.com. 6/18 & 19 - King of the County BBQ and Music Festival: Waterfront Park Marina, Martinez. 11am-6pm. More details on page 10 and 32. For more info call 925-228-2345 or email reba@martinezchamber.com 6/23 to 6/26 – Carnival Butler Amusement. Rides, Games, Food & Fun. Located at Hwy 680 & Hwy 4 (Pacheco Exit off Hwy 4). All-day wristbands. $20 advance sale tickets (at the Chamber office); $25 at the Carnival. Call the Martinez Chamber: (925)228-2345 for more information.
will be inducted. $50 pp. For more info call Jerry at (916) 813-5401 or email jerrypollar@yahoo.com.
AT THE LIBRARY Contra Costa County Library Summer Reading Program 6/11-8/20 - Summer Reading FestivalOne World, Many Stories. A variety of free programs are scheduled throughout the summer at library locations countywide for kids and teens. Reading records will be available in community libraries or online at www.ccclib.org. Use the reading record to track your reading time and earn prizes upon completion. Earn prizes all summer long. Visit your local library or website for more information. In Martinez: At the time of print the Martinez Library was closed for renovations. Please use the interim library at the Train Depot, 401 Ferry Street. In Pleasant Hill: 6/1-6/29 (Wednesdays & Fridays) – Mother Goose Time. Come join us for this lighthearted story hour just for tots ages 0 - 3. 11:15am -11:45am.
6/2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Thursdays) – Pre-school Storytime. Join us in the story corner for stories, songs, and more to stre-e-e-etch the imagination. Ages 3-5. 11:15am-11:45am. 6/2, 16, 30 – Wii Thursdays for Teens Come get your game on with the library’s Wii or play some board games too! 3pm5pm. 6/4 - Friends of the Library Book Sale & Free E-Waste Drop-Off. 10am-3:30pm 6/14 – Pleasant Hill Book Club. Meet other readers for fun, engaged discussions. The June pick is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. 6:30pm-7:30pm. 6/16 – Adam Miller Folk Music. Celebrate “One World, Many Stories” with musical and entertaining renditions of America’s tall tales! All ages. 2pm-5pm. 6/21 – A Summer Solstice of Japanese Storytelling. Megumi brings Japanese folk tales alive in this special Reading Festival event celebrating “One World, Many Stories.” For all ages. 7pm-7:45pm 6/29 – Henna Art for Teens. Rachel-Anne Palacios teaches you how to create temporary skin designs using all-natural henna dye! Attendees must be between the ages of 12 and 18 Years old. 2pm-4pm.
6/24 - Garage Bands at the Lake. Pleasant Hill City Hall lawn area. Check out local teen bands. 7pm. If you have a teen interested in performing, call 682-0896. 6/25 – Peer to Peer. National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is offering 10 Sat. afternoon classes about relapse prevention, recovery and general information about mental illness. This and a variety of other classes are being offered at 550 Patterson Blvd., PH. Call 925-497-4712 or visit namicontracosta.org for more details. 7/9 & 10 – Family Camp Out! Introduce your family to camping while staying close to home. Campfires, s’mores, music, meals and outdoor movies! Check in: 3pm and Check out Sun. at 10am. More details at pleasanthillrec.com 8/27 – CPHS Hall of Fame Inductions: Zio Fraedo’s, no host bar at 5pm, dinner at 6:30pm. Athletes, Coaches and teams
Divisions 8U 10U 12U 14U
June 2011
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Restroom to the Rescue By Tonya Marie Amos is turning to mush while proofreading that Are you becomsame page over and over again. ing one with your Want a great trick to keep you moving desk at work and during your work day? Fill a glass of waspending endless ter and drink it all at once. Now go ahead hours hunched over and focus on that really important project. the computer like In about an hour, you’ll feel the “call of nathe hobbit? Are you ture” and will be forced to emerge from your ignoring that achy chair-shaped cocoon to run to the restroom! back while your body transforms into the Restroom to the Rescue forces you to get up, shape of your office chair? stretch your legs, change your optical fo We all know that sitting at the comcus, and take a brisk walk down the hall. As puter all day is not the healthiest of activisoon as you get back to your desk, refill your ties and that we should get up, stretch our glass and drink all its water. Then return to legs and rest our eyes periodically. And, of full-focused work mode where your shoulcourse, we all know that we need more exders may soon self-elevate toward your ears. ercise. But we so often feel the pressure to But wait, in another hour... Restroom to the finish an important project or send just one Rescue! Get up, stretch those aching knees more email. Then, before we know it, three and back, and wake up that sleepy metabohours have passed and we haven’t moved lism with a walk down the hall. Once again, away from our desk. Our neck hurts, our refill your glass and drink all its water before lower back aches, and our brain feels like it sitting down to begin working again. Restroom to the Rescue throughout the day will not only make you the most hydrated person at the office, but your muscles and joints will thank you, your eyes will feel less fatigued, your brain will be less foggy, your productivity will increase, and you’ll be dancing all the way to your deadline. Tonya Marie Amos danced professionally in New York for 15 years before opening her studio, Aspire Pilates Center in Concord. For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com.
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Get Healthy Stay Healthy Do you suffer from chronic pain? Arthritis? Allergies? Backache? Fatigue? Insomnia? Digestive difficulty? Anxiety? The Acupuncture Wellness Center effectively treats patients who suffer from such symptoms but who may not have received a definitive diagnosis and feel they must “just live with it.” More and more of us are searching for alternative methods to improve our health. In 15 years of practice, Acupuncturist Richard Weissman has treated over 2,000 patients with acupuncture, acupressure, massage, herbal formulas, nutritional supplements, and interactive pressure point classes, as well as pH balance, endocrine and neurological balance. While acupuncture was illegal in California until 1976, today it is considered mainstream medicine and is endorsed by countless studies in Western medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine has its own means of diagnosing what is out of balance in the body. It never separates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual; they all interact. The radial pulses tell us much about the energy function of the
heart, lungs, digestive system, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys. Patients are treated on two levels: 1) relieving the symptoms and 2) alleviating what is interfering with the body’s ability to heal so it can get back in balance. The 1997 National Institute of Health Consensus on Acupuncture reports that acupuncture may wake up the nervous system so the body can heal. While Western medicine has a more difficult time managing chronic issues such as pain and fatigue, acupuncture is a safe and relatively natural way to get the body organs working like a team, without side effects or dangers. Beyond that, it is a relaxing treatment in this stressful world. Patients may come in with physical and emotional pain and leave free of either. Acupuncture is an affordable therapy and many health insurance plans, auto insurance and workers compensation cover the cost. Find out more about the Acupuncture Wellness Center at www.acu-wellnessonline.com, 925-6712100 or visit the center at 2261 Morello Ave. at Taylor Blvd. in Pleasant Hill.
m a k e a s p l a s h t h i s s u m me r
JOIN THE Buena Vista Swim Club
Memberships Still Available For Summer 2011 • Quiet, relaxed, shaded lawn setting • Lifeguards on duty - Gated kiddy pool • Holiday Parties, BBQ and Picnic area • No swim team to interfere with pool access • New members receive (4) 30-minute private swim lessons • Private swim lessons. Open to Non-members. Call Chip (510) 599-9997
For membership inquiries Contact Christine at christinerosa@comcast.net 197 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill • www.buenavistaswimclub.org
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THEATRE & THE ARTS
June 2011
The Artistry of Studio A
By Jaki Jones Over 60 dancers from Pleasant Hill’s Teen Large Group. Aggie Eidson, studio and took 6 first place awards. Highlights Director, was clearly delighted. “I am so Studio A brought their talent, skill and included first place in a junior tap trio for competitive spirit to the regional MOVE very proud of the Studio A Dancers. It is “Meeting in the Ladies Room” performed wonderful to watch them set high goals dance competition in April and left with by Isabella Gianatiempo, Isabella Gonzal25 trophies in a variety of categories. The for themselves and achieve recognition es, and Caitlin Marani. The trio also won for their dedication, discipline and talent. Best of Show, an award given to the highdance company’s achievements continThere was some impressive talent at this ued a month later, at the Masquerade est scoring group entry of the regional competition and it is inspiring to have regional competition in San Jose. competition. The ballet division, directed the Studio A Dancers receive such high The MOVE Competition, held in by Mercedes Sheets, took two first place accolades for their efforts.” Santa Clara on April 15-17, brought toawards in the Petite Large Group categogether over 20 studios from the Bay Area. Further accolades came on May ry with “Zorba’s Dance” and the Junior 14-15 at the San Jose Civic Auditorium, Studio A walked away with 3 first place Small Group performing “Dvorak #5 in where Studio A competed against 11 trophies in the categories of Jazz Petite B Flat”. The high-energy weekend conother dance studios from the Bay Area Duo, Ballet Petite Large Group and Jazz cluded with Studio A winning the Spirit Award for outstanding sportsmanship and overall spirit throughout the competition. By Diane Rivest Studio A dancers are scheduled to and were presented with the special The dancers, teachers and choreogperform at their annual Showcase at honor of “Most Entertaining.” Of the raphers from In Motion Dance Center DVC on June 25-26 and participate in in Martinez have done it again! On April 300-plus routines performed throughPleasant Hill’s 4th of July Parade. The out the weekend, In Motion’s routine 15-17, their competitive teams attenddancers will travel to Palm Springs for entitled “Wedding Day,” with its 7-8 year the July 8-12 MOVE National Competied the MOVE Dance Competition in old dancers, had the audience clapping Santa Clara along with approximately tion. For more information on Studio A, their hands in rhythm and the judges 20 other Bay Area studios. The dancvisit: www.studioadance.net. To view a captivated! It was another great honor ers performed routines in the genres of that director Deena Roming accepted jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemgraciously on behalf of her dancers for porary. In all, the squad walked away the creative concept and music she prowith a plethora of hardware for their efduced for this routine. forts. Success included eight first-place Cheers to another big win for In trophies and six for second, third and Motion. It was a great weekend for you, fourth places. your parents and fans. We’re extremely In addition, the dancers won overproud of you all. all awards for eight of their routines
In Motion Dance
LtoR: Caitlyn Marani, Isabella Gonzales and Isabella Gianatiempo.
slideshow of the dancers, visit the Focus website: www.ourcommunityfocus.com and click on “Theatre and the Arts” under Community.
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June 2011
Letters and Opinions
Crosswalk Danger - Grayson Road & Strand Avenue Dear Editor, I have been trying to get the City of Pleasant Hill to improve the safety of the crosswalk at Grayson Road & Strand Avenue for over 2 years. I am trying to get the City to provide a safe crosswalk for my children to cross over to Rodgers Smith Park. I have set up a
website http://graysoncrosswalk.wordpress.com that explains the dangers of this crosswalk. I am meeting with City Hall on June 14th at 6pm (Community Room) and would request as many neighbors as possible be present to help improve this crosswalk. I hope to see you there! Steve Wald, Pleasant Hill Resident
Kiwanis News Photo and Story By Gay Gerlack
At a recent Martinez Kiwanis luncheon the keynote speaker was David Seaborg, the son of Nobel Prize winning chemist and the discoverer of Plutonium, Glenn Seaborg. David Seaborg is the founder and President of the World Rainforest Fund (website: worldrainforest.org) an organization dedicated to saving the world’s rainforests. Seaborg is also an award-winning poet. The Kiwanis Club meets every Thursday in Martinez. For more information about their club visit www. kiwanisofmartinez.org.
Dodgeball Showdown
Jungle Fever defeated Team Knox for the Dodgeball Championship at College Park’s first Annual Dodgeball Tournament. Pictured LR : Dominic Bilotti, Evan McCurdy, Ben Comar,Tommy Huynh, Dane Hutslar, bottom: Erik Naccara, Benny Ilcau.
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Life is a Cabernet By Jewel Johl, MD
Resveratrol is a substance that is produced by plants in response to stress. It is a phytoalexin, a major constituent of red wine, and abundant in the grape skin. The cardioprotective and chemopreventive activities have brought resveratrol to public and scientific attention. Several animal studies performed in the lab have shown that resveratrol prevents development of cancers of the skin, breast, esophagus, intestine, colon and prostate. Not only does red wine have properties that help prevent cancer, in moderation the alcohol and antioxidants in red wine may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of “good” cholesterol and protecting against artery damage. Research has shown that resveratrol might also help protect against obesity and diabetes, both of which are strong risk factors for heart disease. However, those findings were reported only in mice, and to get the same dose, a person would have
to drink over 60 liters of red wine every day, which is not recommended. While the news about red wine might sound great if you enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal, doctors are wary of encouraging anyone to start drinking alcohol. Resveratrol supplements are currently widely available at health food stores, pharmacies and online, however, supplements are not recommended because they are not regulated by the FDA, tablet doses are not standardized, and side effects are unknown. Although clinical trials are underway, it is not currently known whether high intakes of resveratrol can help prevent or treat cancer in humans. Until more data is available, moderate red wine consumption is reasonable in terms of its health benefits. Located in Pleasant Hill, Diablo Valley Oncology is the largest freestanding, non-hospital based facility in Contra Costa County. For more information, visit: www.DiabloValleyOncology.md.
Girl Scout Awards Photos and Story By Eileen Doster
On May 11th families gathered at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Hill to honor Creekside Girl Scout Service Unit Award Recipients Gold Award – Heather Dale; Nicole Hohenstein; Kali Slaughter Silver Award – Marti Doke; Claire Kenneally; Annika Lucich; Colleen Noland Bronze Award – Abigail Burns; Naomi Emoto; Annie Iskin; Lucy Murov; Isabella Palermo, Elizabeth Warriner
Girls who have been in Girl Scouts for 10 Years: Ingrid Kan, Lauren Lovett, Alena Slaughter Ambassador Girl Scouts graduating from high school: Nicole Beadle; Alyssa Dodge; Katy Duran; Emily Mueller; Victoria Pease; Kamila Petrencik; Nicole Pettit; Danielle Pocta; Kelsey Rodocker; Jennifer Kupper; Hannah Young; Nicole Young; Nicole Hohenstein; Kali Slaughter.
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TEEN SCENE
Showdown for First
By Andy Armosino hit knocking in 2 with a double and On a gorgeous May evening the David Gonzales had a pair of RBI’s Martinez Bulldogs and Pleasant Hill Hawks 12U Pony teams battled for first with a hard single to right. place. The Hawks were 12-1 on the sea- Brett Tressen led the offense for the Hawks with a couple of singles son coming in and percentage points while Jonathan Chu and Willie Giamahead of the Bulldogs who were at 14balvo both singled and scored. 2. In what was a much tighter game than the score indicates Martinez came For the Bulldogs, Jacob Armosino went 3-3 with a double, DJ Mcout on top with an 8-2 win. Cole Shess took the mound for PH Innis had a pair of singles and Armani Smith, Matthew Beck and Peter and the southpaw sensation pitched 4 Koenen all singled and scored. effective innings holding the Bulldogs On the mound, Jordyn Eglite, Alex to 1 run while scattering 6 hits. Only Race, Wheaties Johnson, Koenen his best buddy Josh Nelson did some Smith and McInnis all pitched scoredamage, with a towering triple to the less innings. right center field gap in the bottom of Both teams will travel to Cooperthe 4th to knock in a run. stown, NY a week apart this summer to With the score 2-1 Hawks, the cap their seasons at the Cooperstown Dogs finally busted open in the 5th scoring 7 runs. Nelson had another big Dreams Tournament.
June 2011
Bridging Ceremony
Christ the King Troop #32061
The Christ the King 6th grade Girl Scout Troop 32061 took part in the Golden Gate Bridging ceremony on Saturday, May 7th, during a day-long event in San Francisco. More than 5,000 girl scouts and adults participated in the 30th annual bridge walk to commemorate the transition from Junior scouts to the Cadette program. Scouts from thirteen states, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and as far away as Florida, braved the windy golden gate! Troop 32061 is led by Fran Backhaus. Troop members are: Morgan Backhaus, Katelyn Bocek, Hanna Coloma, Vanessa Dalpiaz, Serena Giglio, Michelle Kerfs, Cassidy Koch, Adriana Lobo, Kelley Morley, Anneliese Peterson, Katie Piol, Lauren Renner and Elizabeth Warriner. Photo and story submitted by Kathy Renner.
Pleasant Hill Troop #30269
On Saturday, May 7th, 14 girls from Junior Girl Scout Troop 30269 from Pleasant Hill joined more than 5,400 others to participate in the 30th Annual Golden Gate Bridging. Bridging is a traditional Girl Scout celebration in which girls from a record-setting 13 states ceremoniously crossed the Golden Gate Bridge to symbolize their “bridging” from Junior to Cadette Girl Scouts. The 5th graders then celebrated with the others in a daylong event of fun activities in San Francisco’s Presidio. Upper Row: Samantha Huff, Rebecca Wygal, Jazmin Schwab, Nicole Ashmore, Franchesca Cordova, Kristin Tubbs, Talia Coeshott, Hannah Schuessler; Bottom Row: Rachel Gieseke, Ysabella Blanch, Sophia Llamas, Amber Sutton, Marlo Allen and Reyna Winn. Photo and story submitted by Janeen Gieseke.
United Takes Silver at Comstock
Top Row (L-R): Coach Jeff McClure, Coach Michel Jensen, Kyle Tiangsing, Calder McClure, Ryan McGough, Robert Viano, Wyatt Hattich, Arron Eskelson and Coach Keith George. Bottom Row: Drake Westphal, Liam O’Neil, John Wilcock, Patrick Bilotti and Joshua George.
Intruders Take Top Spots
U10 Intruders Take Second at Pacifica and First at Concord Cup. Pictured: Coaches Eric Pearson, Matt Hawe and Brian Trapani. From left to right: Calvin Hawe, Michael Trapani, Matt Guichard, Wesley Alpert, Mika Parodi, Noah Maytum, Reagan Cole, James Mason and Jake Pearson. Submitted by Tami Maytum
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