Community Focus August '16

COMMUNITY

FOCUS

AUGUST 2016 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

ourcommunityfocus.com

IN THIS ISSUE: • NATIONAL NIGHT OUT • A WISEGIRL RESTAURATEUR • CENTER OF GRAVITY

PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

Julie Says

SMALL TALK WITH TERI

Hawks Eat Fairies?

BY JULIE ROSS

As many of you know, Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek permanently houses a number of birds of prey that have sustained an injury that renders them unable to survive if they are released back into the wild. These animals serve as ambassadors of their species. They possess temperaments that allow them to be comfortable in the presence of people. Visitors have the experience of seeing wild animals up close while learning about their natural behaviors. Most importantly, the animal ambassadors at Lindsay inspire awe and respect, which in turn fosters a desire to protect these beautiful creatures and their habitats.

I am happy to be a volunteer docent at Lindsay, helping members of the public of all ages better understand our wild neighbors and how to live in harmony with them. One program I particularly enjoy being a part of is “Mini Monday,” usually held the last Monday morning of the month for preschoolers and their adult guardians. There is a different theme each time, accompanied by a variety of crafts, presentations, and activities. A recent Mini Monday was all about “Cozy Critters Camping.”

I had sorted through my puppets for a presentation to the little ones and their caregivers about animals they might see on a camping trip, and this was followed by a visit with a live acorn woodpecker and a story.

I was setting up in front of the Animal Activity Area in the center of the Exhibit Hall that was occupied by several hawks at the time. A charming girl of three or four walked confidently up to me, looked me in the eye, and informed me, “Hawks eat fairies.”

Well, that was certainly a remark I was not expecting! I assured the little girl that none of the hawks at Lindsay, nor any hawk I had ever met for that matter, had ever eaten even one single 2

by Teri Norbye

fairy. I then caught up with her grandmother to ask where on earth the girl came up with that bit of disturbing information.

According to the grandma, there is a Disney movie with Tinker Bell and other assorted fairies that are terrorized by hawks. Really, this animated depiction of hawks as fairy-eaters certainly does not help the reputation of real live hawks, nor does it work toward inspiring the kind of environmental stewardship the staff and volunteers at Lindsay are aiming for.

Through education, we try to dispel myths and misunderstandings that drive the irrational fear of spiders, snakes, bats, and the “big, bad wolf.”

We all have our place in the balance of nature. Predatory birds do eat meat, but let’s put an end to the Disney rumor that hawks eat fairies. That kind of thing gets in the way of developing a love of wildlife among children.

Has it been a while since you have been to Lindsay? There are new animals, presentations, activities, and exhibits for people of all ages to experience, learn from, and enjoy. Check out the website www.lindsaywildlife.org to find out more. And when you visit, please don’t worry. No fairies will be in danger.

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Meet Larry Parker. He works at the member services desk at the Pleasant Hill YMCA. He lives in Concord and has been working at the YMCA for 16 years. Larry and his wife, Delores, have been married for 28 years. Between them, they have seven children.

What is one thing about you most people don’t know? “I’m an avid scuba diver. I love it! There’s something about being weightless.

I couldn’t do the astronaut thing. I’m afraid of heights and scared of flying. So, instead of going up, I went down. You can be weightless underwater, which is nice. There’s so much beauty to see.”

What do you like to do when you’re not working? “I love to read. I’m a big James Patterson fan. You can immerse yourself in his books and feel like you’re getting away without actually going anywhere.”

What has been your greatest challenge so far? “Continuing to work after seven back surgeries. The doctors all did the best they could. I don’t fault any of them. It’s hard living with a bad back, but there’s something about working here.

When I’m here, I am the Y.”

independent & locally owned

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

SPORTS: Sport Story Submissions info@ourcommunityfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION: Community Calendar calendar@ourcommunityfocus.com Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com

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SUBMISSION DEADLINES: All articles must be sumbmitted by the 15th of each month.

ONLINE: www.ourcommunityfocus.com

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

COVER:

National Night Out August ’15, at Pleasant Hill City Hall.

PHOTO BY: Susan Wood Photography

INSIDE

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Tranthams Need Your Help

20

Seven Years - No Itch

7 All League Spring

Going Blind

17

22

Aquabears at Trials

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

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Great to be Missed!

National Night Out, held annually since 1984, is a communitybuilding campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. Neighbors participate across thousands of communities from all 50 states, United States territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Project Coordinator Matt Peskin said, “This is a night for America to stand together and promote awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement. When law enforcement and the community work closely together, some amazing things can happen.”

Below are local National Night Out events being held Tuesday, August 2: Martinez

Martinez residents are invited to meet their neighbors and some of Martinez’s finest as part of National Night Out at the Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm at 2647 Re11:28 AM liez Valley Road from 6-9pm. Local realtors and Neighborhood Watch organizers Pete Sabine, Michael Moore and Lori O’Brien are partnering with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff for National Night Out.

The event is free, and all are welcome.

This year the Food Bank of Contra Costa – Solano will benefit from a fundraising food drive. Attendees who bring a food dona-

tion will receive a free raffle ticket for the main event’s raffle at 7:30pm.

For more information or to RSVP, visit www.NationalNightOut2016. eventbrite.com or call Pete Sabine (925) 297-5335.

Meet local California Highway Patrol officers from the Golden Gate Division at Creekside Church, 444 Fig Tree Lane, Martinez, from 7-10pm.

Pleasant Hill

This year’s event is from 6-8pm on the City Hall lawn and features free BBQ’d burgers, bouncy-house and face painting for the kids, fire truck from Engine 5, AMR ambulance, police car, and a K-9 demonstration. Police officers will be present to answer questions or just chat. Do not miss out on this great opportunity to spend a relaxing evening with your family, listening to great music and getting to know your local police officers and community members.

Walnut Creek

Neighbors throughout Walnut Creek and across the nation are asked to lock your doors, turn on your front porch lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and law enforcement. Walnut Creek residents are invited to attend this family friendly annual event, 4-7pm, at Civic Park, 1375 Civic Dr. Meet Walnut Creek Police Officers, Cadets, Reserves, and the Walnut Creek Police Bomb Team.

Enjoy K-9 demonstrations, Motor Units, and a variety of other vendors.

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Pleasant Hill Police with a young recruit. Photo by Susan Wood, SusanWoodPhotography.com.

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august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Seven Years - No Itch

Community Focus Celebrates Another Year

BY RUSS CARROLL

August 2016 marks the seven-year anniversary of the first publication of the Community Focus. After all the publication has done for our community, I felt it appropriate and long overdue to focus on the wonderful women behind this effort: Becky Coburn, Jennifer Neys and Elena Hutslar.

The paper, initially published as the Pleasant Hill Community Focus, originally zeroed in on activities mostly related to College Park High School neighborhoods.

They felt that local schools and organizations needed a voice in the community. The response to early publications was strong and clear; the community wanted more.

Organizations wanted to share their activities, and local merchants sought exposure for their businesses. It has grown organically from there. Based on expanded interest, the paper later changed its name to Community Focus and now encompasses multiple communities and a readership of over 100,000, far beyond their expectations.

I recently had the chance to sit down with the “girls” and ask them a few questions.

What a treat it was! The following is a summary of their responses.

Q: What prompted the idea for the paper?

“The local newspapers were filled with troubling news and very little, if any, focus on ‘local.’ We felt Pleasant Hill and surrounding communities needed a public voice, and we wanted to create a vehicle for that.

There are so many individuals who volunteer countless hours toward schools, sports, fundraisers and events, and there was no light being shed on their efforts. We wanted to supply that. We highlighted organizations that needed exposure: youth sports leagues, service organizations, non-profits that serve every generation - all these people doing great things in the community despite the economy. We wanted to supply a hub for positive information.”

Q: What skills for this type of publication did you guys bring to the table?

“None! [laughter] We met with anyone who would talk to us that had experience in the newspaper field and sort of picked their brains. Over time, we grew into certain roles and uncovered our individual skills and de-

Becky Coburn, Jennifer Neys and Elena Hutslar. Photo by: Susan Wood Photography

veloped the ones we were missing. Early on we realized we couldn’t manage the graphic design element and were lucky enough to find someone who could does this and so much more! Trish has spent many nights past midnight with us, still managing to laugh. We don’t know what we would do without her.”

Q: What obstacles were out there for you?

“There were a lot of naysayers out there, especially from people in the publishing business. We heard, ‘You guys don’t know what you’re doing,’ or ‘What a cute idea.’

One told us flat out that we had rocks in our heads. She’s become a good friend and collaborator now. We hung in because the community was so supportive of what we were doing.

Q: Did you ever feel like quitting?

“There were many times where we just looked at each other and said, ‘I am so done with this.’ [laughter] But again, we just hung in there. We believed in what we were trying to do and the dream we all had, even when we felt beat up. We went a few years without any financial reward at all. It was really a labor of love. It would be impossible to calculate the hours we have invested, but honestly, it has rarely ever felt like work.

We stuck with ‘family first, paper second, ’ from the very beginning and work from that perspective still. ” Q: How was the start-up funded?

“From our grocery money,” they said jokingly. “We each pitched in a few bucks and had some help from family members for the first month. The paper has been supported solely by advertisers ever since, and

many of them have been with us since our first issue in August of ‘09. Those relationships hold a special place for us and we’re grateful they took a chance on us and saw the benefits of being part of a community paper. We never wanted to be in debt for the paper, so every dime we collected went back into the effort. We just made it work.”

Q: Is it safe to say that you enjoy working with each other?

“Yes! [No laughter here, just a rousing YES!] We are really good at complimenting each other in our efforts as well as laughing with each other. When you are sort of making it up as you go, you are going to make some mistakes, and some of ours have been doozies! However, we never lost sight of each other’s efforts and the collective dream.

It helped that we were all friends before starting the paper. We have also enjoyed working with Alison, our copy editor and occasional writer, and Reba, our salesperson.

They have helped us immeasurably and we consider them friends. We have been so fortunate ” Q: So over the past seven years you have published about 84 papers. Is there a favorite issue?

The girls stared at each other for a few seconds and then Elena piped up, “May 2016. We featured an article about moms overcoming tragedy, and I had an epiphany.

I realized this is exactly why we started this paper. Giving a voice and exposure to people’s stories that otherwise may not be heard. That’s when I knew we were doing the right thing.” Becky and Jennifer quickly agreed. That was their moment.

Q: So, you started as the Pleasant Hill Community Focus but then dropped the “Pleasant Hill” and went with just Community Focus. Why?

“We kept receiving more and more interest from the surrounding communities who appreciated what we were doing. This was coming from residents, organizations and businesses. These folks wanted local news and exposure, and they felt what we were doing offered that. We wanted to serve a larger community and when the opportunity presented itself, we jumped at it. The response to adding surrounding communities has been well received.”

Q: What are your favorite thoughts about what you have built? About your success?

[glancing at each other] “We love that we’ve brought vision to reality. It’s incredibly satisfying when someone calls or comes up and says, ‘Thank you for doing that article on XXXXX,’ or ‘I’ve learned so much about my city!’ It could be anything. We are proud of our longevity. Happy to have been able to accomplish something that many said we could not do. Sometimes people just can’t fathom that we three women started this business and that we’re the owners and publishers and that it’s not part of some big publishing group.

Q: What would you like to say to the communities that have supported you and contributed to your success?

“Thank you! We hold the relationships we have made in this process dear to our hearts. To all the readers, contributors and advertisers, we say, thank you so much.

Thank you for responding to and supporting our dream.”

Q: Lastly, what is your favorite memory?

This was an easy one. “We have received many phone calls expressing gratitude and handwritten thank you notes, but our favorite is the note saying, ‘This is the best newspaper to hit my driveway in 82 years!’”

As a long time contributor myself and avid reader of Community Focus, and on behalf of all the other contributors, readers, and advertisers, I would like to say, thank you Becky, Jennifer and Elena. All of us enjoy your dream and are certainly glad you followed it!

ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

5

Estate Planning

An Invaluable Estate Planning Tool

BY DANIEL DuREE

A revocable living trust is an invaluable estate-planning tool for spelling out who will receive your property while avoiding the scourge of the probate process.

However, if a revocable living trust is not properly funded, it may end up being essentially useless. This begs the question, “What does proper funding of a revocable trust entail, and how do I know if this was done for my trust?”

Funding a revocable trust means transferring legal title of the asset into the name of the trust. Depending on the character of the asset, this will take a variety of different forms. I will discuss a few different common asset types and

how to ensure that they are properly transferred into your living trust.

Real Estate

Real estate is the asset most likely to cause problems in estate planning and end up stuck in probate. Real estate must be transferred into your living trust by grant deed, either during the initial purchase or via subsequent written instrument. Often, people will transfer their house into their living trust when they create the trust, but later move and forget to have the title company put the new property in the trust. This is very common and requires probate to eventually distribute the property.

Savings Accounts, Brokerage Accounts, and CDs

A savings account, brokerage account, or CD must similarly be titled in

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the name of the trust in order for the trust to function properly and keep the assets out of probate. An account or CD is titled in the name of your living trust by the institution where the account or CD is held. You must inform the institution that you want the account held in your living trust and give them a “certificate of trust” transfer document, which should have been included in your estate plan package. The institution will then put title to the account in the name of the trust. When this is done, your account statements will have the name of the trust as the account holder.

LLC of Small Corporation Interest

An LLC membership or shares in a privately held corporation must also be transferred into the name of your living trust. This is done with transfer of ownership forms.

IRA, 401(k)

Tax-deferred accounts deal with

succession via beneficiary forms and are therefore not transferred into the trust.

Depending on the circumstances, however, a trust may be named as a beneficiary. There are important tax considerations in this area, and you should talk to a tax professional regarding your particular circumstances.

Because of the importance of keeping your living trust funded, you should periodically check to make sure that no assets have been left out. A little bit of effort now can save a lot of time, money, and inconvenience someday down the road. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call my office and I will be happy to help.

Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. He can be reached at (925) 210-1400 or visit www.DuReeLaw. com.

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Family in Crisis

Tranthams Fight to Overcome a One-Two Punch

BY ALISON CLARY

We strive to bring stories that enlighten and entertain our readers.

We also like to print stories that help those in need. The Trantham family in Martinez is going through a crisis involving an unbelievable coincidence. Matt Trantham, a 53 year-old general contractor, husband, father, coach, and friend to all, underwent a stroke in January. Just as his wife, Angela, and their two young sons began to recover from this turn of events, Angela suffered a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage in April and then a seizure in May. She is coming out of the woods, but Matt has a long and arduous road ahead.

Angela posts regularly on a website that provides a forum for disseminating information widely. She reports her husband’s complex medical issues straightforwardly and clearly understands the challenges ahead, but her expressions remain tender, loyal, and optimistic. Despite her own health issues, she always focuses on her “warrior husband.”

In posts going back to when this all started in January, Angela said Matt called her from work saying he was dizzy and his lips were going numb.

“I could hear the fear and panic in his voice and raced to the site, where emergency personnel were loading him into an ambulance.” Matt had trouble breathing and had to be intubated. He was in critical condition and Angela braced for the worst when they told her they didn’t think he was going to make it. A brain

hemorrhage was blocking the circulation of spinal fluid and they had to drill a hole in his brain to drain fluid and relieve the pressure. Matt has since gone through agonizing months of rehabilitation from the bleeding stroke.

After leaving John Muir Medical Center, Matt went to the Centre For Neuro Skills (CNS) in Emeryville for intensive rehabilitation. His medical team now consists of various neurological specialists, nurses, a case manager, and a never-ending rotation of speech, educational, occupational, and physical therapists. In June, Angela posted, “The damage from Matt’s stroke is significant; it has affected his eye sight, his cognitive skills, his speech, his swallowing and physical abilities. I asked the doctor if we will ever hear Matt’s ‘real’ voice again.

The doctor said no, this is Matt’s new voice… We are nearing the end of Matt’s time at CNS, as insurance is pulling the plug on his in-patient status there.”

A close family friend says, “Angela and Matt are two of the most selfless, hard-working, and good-hearted people we know, and they would never ask for help. They face weeks, months, and years of physical, emotional and extreme financial hardship as Matt is self- employed and Angela was working hard to start her own pie making business, Simply Heaven Mini Pies. They are a close family and are adjusting to their new normal. The boys, Hunter, 15, and Austin, 12, love their dad something fierce. What they wouldn’t give to be

Angela and Matt Trantham

able to play catch with him again.”

If you are interested in reading Angela’s journals about the family’s journey through this long-term recovery process, go to www.caringbridge.org and enter “Matt Trantham.” If you would like to help them fight the good fight, you

can donate using any of these methods: gofundme.com/tranthamfamily www.paypal.me/TEAMMATT

You can also send a check payable to Angela Trantham, c/o TEAMMATT Account, Bank of The West, 1969 Diamond Blvd, Concord, CA 94520.

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A Wisegirl Restaurateur

Angela Warren’s First Solo Foray an Homage to her Upbringing

BY JAKI JONES

It’s 10:15am on a Monday and Angela Warren is living her dream. She gracefully moves about the bar and dining room – a space designed to salute the speakeasies of the roaring ‘20s – and prepares to indulge customers that will arrive in just under an hour. Opened only six months ago, WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails took over and completely altered the former Dallimonti’s on Oak Park Blvd. in Pleasant Hill.

Warren, a native of Pleasant Hill, is no stranger to the intricacies of the restaurant business. Her grandfather, Alfred Rapisardo, owned eight local restaurants in his lifetime, including Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill and Rapisardo’s on Locust in Walnut Creek, where she spent a good deal of her childhood. “I grew up eating fried ravioli and drinking Shirley Temples in his restaurants,” she said. The Sicilian restaurateur tried to dissuade his granddaughter from going into the food service business, but fate prevailed. Angela didn’t intend to stay working in the restaurant business after college, but when she married Mike Warren they, along with Jeff Erb, became a solid team, owning and growing the successful Back Forty Texas BBQ, formerly on Oak Park Blvd. and currently on Coggins Drive. “My life at Back Forty started in 1998, and the 15 years I spent there were

impactful. Those were really important years, going from my mid-20s, having children and moving into my 30s. That’s where I think I developed my passion for the business,” she said. Although she and Mike parted and Angela is no longer a part of Back Forty, she credits her years spent there for the experience and wisdom gained. “I will be forever grateful for the opportunity that Jeff made available to us.”

Warren envisioned owning a bar over a decade ago. She mentioned that vision to friend Art Lopez a few years back, and when Dallimonti’s became available, he brought the opportunity to Warren, ironically, returning her to her Oak Park Blvd. roots. Angela said, “I always wanted to have something that was reflective of my family,” and indeed it is. As you would expect, the menu is Italian. Warren worked to keep it simple, family friendly, and close to her heritage, with homemade items consisting of Angie’s fried cheese ravioli, homemade gnocchi, calamari, Rigatoni Rapisardo, and prime rib.

This wise girl acutely understands the risk and whimsy involved in owing a restaurant, and she believes a positive customer experience is vital. “The restaurant business is very emotional. You basically have this melting pot of the outside world - people bringing in their stories and emo-

tions and the experience they expect to have - and then you have your staff who commit a huge part of their life and time.

You can’t fake it. It’s in your blood. You either get it and understand the treatment of people and remain resilient to how things change night after night, or you don’t. If you truly love people and you are relational, that is the reward, the benefit,” she admitted.

The bewildered have often asked, “Why did you call it WiseGirl?” (as opposed to WiseGuy), to which she responds, “Why not? It’s the same meaning, it’s just one is feminine and one masculine. In truth, it has a dual meaning: it’s a nod to the old school Italian and Prohibition era, and it also honors the “wise” part in me and other women.”

But make no mistake; there is nothing effeminate about the décor or the ambiance. The vibe is vintage and classy, an homage to the Prohibition era. “You come in to be with people, and if that’s having

drinks, or a meal, or bringing your family, we want that,” she said. Incidentally, Alfred Rapisardo, now 91-years-old, proudly frequents the restaurant. In fact, you might catch him midday any given Thursday, testing the food, fixing the lights, or adjusting the temperature.

Looking to the future, Warren would consider expanding the restaurant to create more space for live music and dancing.

For now, you can find live acoustic music on Thursdays at 8pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, a variety of bands, booked by her friend Paul Cotruvo, are on scene beginning at 9:30pm. What’s more, to ease the parking pressures, Warren is working on a plan to offer complimentary weekend valet parking. Stay tuned.

WiseGirl is open seven days a week at 11am. Food is served until 9pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit their Facebook page or call (925) 4489888.

Angela Warren, Pleasant Hill’s Wisegirl. ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

9

City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message Show Support Get to Know Your Police Officers

On August 2, Pleasant Hill participates in the annual National Night Out at City Hall. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

It is with a heavy heart I think about all the senseless deaths we have experienced in this country and abroad. We are extremely lucky to have a great police force that continues to be focused on working partnerships with residents and businesses in Pleasant Hill. The mission of the police department is to provide the highest level of professional police service to all members of the community. They are committed to the impartial and lawful resolution of problems. They seek to ensure a quality of life that allows residents and visitors to feel safe and are constantly striving to build and maintain the public’s trust.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department provides training to all our officers in accordance with the standards set by the California Commission of Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). Every

police officer must complete over 1000 hours of POST Academy Training, which includes 19 hours of cultural diversity/racial profiling training. State law also mandates that all officers must complete 5 hours of racial and cultural diversity training every five years. In addition, we are in the process of sending all officers to Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). Although the program is not specifically designed to address cultural diversity, the instruction includes how to de-escalate crisis situations and how to reduce the necessity for use of force.

Our police have taken a couple of steps in the last year to further their partnerships in the community. They have been more actively participating in community events, interacting with participants and ensuring that we feel they are part of us. Please feel free to introduce yourself to them. The better we get to know each other, the stronger the community.

The police officers have also been participating more at our schools. Each school has been assigned an officer and, during the school year, they will be stopping by the school for at least thirty minutes a week. This will allow younger members

Sue Noack, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

of our community to get to know our police officers; to know that they are there to protect and serve, not just to respond to a crisis, and to interact with them in a positive way. In many ways, it’s all about building trust and respect between our police officers and youth.

I do want to thank our community for its strong support of the Pleasant Hill Police Department. After the horrific shooting of the Dallas police officers, an outpouring of support was shown to our officers. Many people dropped by the Police Department

to bring food and other items. One generous citizen dropped by the Sirens Sandwich Shop, leaving $200 to cover sandwiches for any police officer that stopped in. What a wonderful demonstration of the strength of this community.

I hope you all will continue this support by stopping by on August 2 at National Night Out in Pleasant Hill, which takes place on the lawn at City Hall from 6:00 to 8:00pm. There will be kids’ entertainment and free food and beverages for everyone. See you there!

Public Meetings Civic Action Commission Aug. 3 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Architectural Review Commission Aug. 4, 18 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 City Council Aug. 1, 15 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Library Task Force Aug. 8 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 11am. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Aug. 9, 23 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Education Commission Aug. 17 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Community Room, 7pm For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

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Chamber Calendar Aug. 3 & 4 / 17 &18 - 680 Networking Group 8:30-10am, JFK University, 1 00 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill Aug. 4 - “Wine at the Plaza” Summer Concert Series 6-8:30pm, Downtown Plaza, Pleasant Hill Aug.11 - Ribbon Cutting/Open House 5:30pm - Open House, 6pm - Ribbon Cutting, Envisage Companies,140 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill Aug. 8 - PH Chamber Board Meeting 8-9am, City Hall Community Room, 1 00 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill Aug. 19 - Ribbon Cutting 11am-12pm, Center of Gravity, 2702 Pleasant Hill Rd., Pleasant Hill Aug. 25 - Business Mixer 5-7pm, Wence’s Restaurant, 1922 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill Aug. 29 - Government Affairs Committee 5:30-6:30pm, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill OFF THE GRID Food Trucks Wednesdays, 5-9pm, Trelany Road, Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill Farmer’s Market Saturday’s, 10am-2pm, Trelany Road, Pleasant Hill

City of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill City News PHIG’s Partnership with Pleasant Hill Middle School

Last year the Focus reported on the collaboration between the Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden (PHIG) and Pleasant Hill Middle School on a composting program. Last fall, students at the middle school took their cafeteria’s kitchen scraps and twice weekly salad bar discards to the PHIG’s four bin composting system. Monika Olsen, teacher and master gardener at PHIG reported, “We have composted almost 500 pounds of cafeteria discards this past school year, which has been diverted from landfills, as part of the Green Team - Environmental Initiative for PH Schools.” The program also taught the middle school students about the environmental benefit of composting. “Natural processes like composting reduce the amount of the greenhouse gases, methane and carbon dioxide from landfills released in the air we breathe and which contribute to global warming,” Olsen added.

PHIG is looking to continue the composting efforts this school year. However Olsen said the new partnership wasn’t without its challenges. She believes getting more kids and classes involved in composting and recycling will be key this year. “I think we need more individual school recognition to students for making a difference and we need more incentives, which may translate into donations to provide t-shirts, pizza parties, special events, or whatever may motivate students to help their school and their environment,” she said.

If you would like to help, you can email Monika Olson at: phigarden@gmail.com. You can also view the composting log on the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education’s website at www.fphe.org/green-team.

Visit the Garden or Join the Party!

The Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden (PHIG) is a water conservation demonstration garden. PHIG practices drip irrigation, low-flow overhead sprinkling, mulching, and other water saving measures. The garden uses no pesticides and includes drought-tolerant and native plantings. It is also a certified wildlife habitat with the National Wildlife Federation.

The next garden work party is on August 7 from 9:30am-12noon. Several volunteer activities will take place: composting, pruning, weeding, planting, creating seasonal wildlife habitat and improving garden beds. Email your RSVP at phigarden@gmail.com. You can visit the PHIG website at http://phig.webs.com/index.html. The garden is located at Pleasant Hill Education Center, 1 Santa Barbara Road, at the end of the street, next to Pleasant Hill Middle School.

Current Sidewalk Installation Projects

The Boyd Road/Elinora Drive sidewalk installation projects, approved by city council on June 20, will construct a new ADA compliant concrete sidewalk on Boyd Road, along the north side between Horten Court and Liahona Court, and the east side of Elinora Drive, between Gregory Lane and Gladys Drive.

The purpose of the project is to provide safe routes to school and fill in sidewalk gaps between adjacent residential neighborhoods and the nearby Sequoia Elementary School, Sequoia Middle School, and Strandwood Elementary School. The project began in July and should be completed by fall. Traffic delays are expected during construction.

City News Continued evening with your family, listening to great music and getting to know your local police officers and community members. National Night Out is a nationwide celebration of the partnership between local communities and police departments.

Firecracker 5K Results

The Firecracker 5K on July 4 raised nearly $11,000 for Pleasant Hill schools. During the registration process, each registrant was asked to designate a Pleasant Hill school to receive the net proceeds of registration fees. The checks will be distributed to principals of Pleasant Hill schools at the 4th of July Commission’s October meeting. This brings the total raised to date to over $120,000 since this tradition began 12 years ago.

6th Annual Bark For Life

Dog owners are invited to walk a track and play games with their dogs while fighting cancer at the 6th annual Bark For Life on Saturday, August 13, 9am to 11am, on the grounds of the Pleasant Hill City Hall. Registration is $25 per dog, and proceeds will supplement the $75,000-plus raised for the American Cancer Society at the Pleasant Hill Relay For Life, held in May.

Since dogs are not allowed at the relay, this is a chance for them to participate in an event that recognizes both their importance as caregivers to cancer patients and their own vulnerability to cancer. Games with prizes will include contests of agility, most licks, and a musical “sit.” Register at the event or in advance online at relayforlife.org/barkpleasanthillca.

For more information, call 925-944-4898 or e-mail lmasseo@yahoo.com.

2016 Community Service Day

The 12th Annual Community Service Day is scheduled for September 24. The event begins at 7:30am at Pleasant Hill Park on Gregory Lane. Volunteers receive a free pancake breakfast at Pleasant Hill Park, beginning at 7:30am, and the first 600 volunteers receive a free T-Shirt. The Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission organizes this event. For more information, contact Martin Nelis at mnelis@pleasanthillca.org, or call (925) 671-5229.

DeNova Homes Subdivision

DeNova Homes is proposing a major subdivision and rezoning project. The 9.86-acre intended project site is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Mercury Way and Taylor Boulevard.

The hillside project site is currently undeveloped and configured. The four existing legal parcels may be used for home sites at the highest elevations of the property and on top of the prominent hilltop. The project proposes to merge and reconfigure these four existing legal parcels into a single 2.80-acre parcel that would be designated as common open space. The remaining 7.06 acres is proposed to consist of a Planned Unit District (PUD) that would include 18 detached single-family residential lots ranging from 6,004 square feet to 12,630 square feet, with an average lot area of 8,611 square feet. More information can be found on the city’s website: http://www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us.

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

Upcoming General Elections Three Councilmembers and One City Treasurer

The City of Pleasant Hill’s next municipal election will be conducted on November 8.

Three city council seats will be up for re-election for a term of four years. The incumbents are Kenneth W. Carlson, David E. Durant, and Timothy M. Flaherty. In addition, the city treasurer is up for re-election, with Mark W. Celio as the incumbent.

National Night Out

This year’s event is on Tuesday, August 2, 6 - 8pm, on the City Hall lawn and features free BBQ burgers, bouncy-house and face painting for the kids, fire truck from our local Engine 5, AMR ambulance, police car, and a K-9 demonstration. Police officers will be present to answer questions or just chat. Do not miss out on this great opportunity to spend a relaxing

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ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

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City of Martinez

Mayor’s Message

Each of the 19 cities in Contra Costa County have unique attributes that set their downtowns apart. Concord has Todos Santos Plaza, Pleasant Hill has Crescent Drive, and Clayton has Concerts in the Grove. Martinez has a historic and quaint downtown adjacent to the waterfront with a cluster of government buildings that loom above all others.

Since Contra Costa became a county, Martinez has been the county seat, and host to all that that designation brings. This includes the board of supervisors, sheriff, district attorney, superior courts, county hospital and welfare services thus bringing

employees, attorneys, jurors, defendants and the general public from all over the East Bay into downtown Martinez. It also brings in those released from jail, released mentally ill patients, and individuals seeking welfare services and support. This has created a huge challenge for the Martinez Police Department, public works and the businesses in the downtown.

But about 12 years ago a gentleman by the name of Doug Stewart appeared on the scene and offered his help to the city in stemming our problem of homelessness.

Doug had started to seek out solutions to the homeless issues in Pacheco as a member

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

of the Pacheco Municipal Advisory Council by going out at night and finding homeless people in his community and getting them help. He would provide blankets, socks, personal hygiene kits and rides to BART or a bus. Thus was born the Pacheco Homeless Outreach.

Doug expanded the operation into Martinez and we immediately saw the benefit. To help defray costs, the city granted Doug a small amount of money, which eventually turned into a budget line item of $30,000 per year. The organization became Pacheco/Martinez Homeless Outreach.

Soon the communities of Richmond and Concord saw the good work Doug and his volunteer crew were accomplishing and they contracted for his services. The organization then became Contra Costa Homeless Outreach. For years they went out almost every night of the week, seeking out the homeless and getting them the services they needed: clean and dry socks, a blanket, a ride to a shelter.

For a multitude of reasons, including financial and personal, Doug has decided to retire from this line of work and shut the

organization down. All operations ceased on June 30, leaving a gaping hole in homeless services in Contra Costa County.

As a result, I recently met with Police Chief Manjit Sappal, City Manager Brad Kilger, Doug and Bill Schiltz, (Homeless Outreach board member). We wanted Doug and Bill to explain what we should expect to find in the Martinez homeless community. Where the encampments are, who are the regulars they dealt with, what challenges they had, and what they thought needed to be done.

Out of that meeting we have mapped some initial strategy on how to move forward and not only continue, but improve the services that Contra Costa Homeless Outreach has been providing the homeless, and therefore the entire Martinez Community. And since homelessness is not just a Martinez problem, we will be contacting other cities to see if they will have an interest in working with us.

Through the generosity of Tesoro and a grant of $90,000 over three years, combined with the money already allocated in the police department, we will be able to get started.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Aug. 3, 17 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Aug. 10, 24 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Aug. 9, 23 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Aug. 3 ,17 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

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City of Martinez

Martinez City News MUSD Bond Measure

The Martinez Unified School District adopted Resolution No. 2016-21 on June 27 to place a bond measure referred to as the “Martinez Unified School District Classroom Safety, Renovation and Repair Measure” on the November 8 ballot. The vote would authorize the sale of up to $120,000,000 in bonds for the district to finance school facilities. If approved by 55% of the votes cast, the district expects to issue the bonds in multiple series over time.

Stargazing Set for August 17

Join John Muir Land Trust and the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society at 5:309:30pm on Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez for another stellar evening of stargazing. This annual free event is perfect for families and kids of all ages. Enjoy spectacular views through the Astronomical Society’s phenomenal telescopes and even a free ice cream social. Experience the vast expanse of our solar system on a docent-led walking tour. For event schedule and to RSVP call (925) 2285460 or visit http://jmlt.org/stargazing2016.html.

NPS Turns 100

The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, and everyone can take part in the celebration! The centennial will kick off a second century of stewardship of America’s national parks and engaging communities through recreation, conservation, and historic preservation programs. The John Muir National Historic Site will be celebrating with a mixture of park events and getting the message out by participating in regular community events. Visit www.nps.gov/jomu for upcoming events.

Joltin’ Joe Heads to Tahoe

The City of Martinez has submitted an entry form for the Joltin’ Joe to participate in the 2016 Antique and Classic Boat Society International Show, September 17-25, at Carnelian Bay in Lake Tahoe. The twenty-two foot Chris Craft boat once owned by legendary New York Yankee and Martinez native son Joe DiMaggio, was restored to original specifications and museum quality under the supervision of master boat builder Don Curtis. In July and August 2015, the Joltin’ Joe won awards at the South Lake Tahoe Wooden Boat Classic and the Lake Tahoe Concours d’ Elegance.

CCWD Expresses Thanks

Contra Costa Water District Board Vice President John Burgh expressed his thanks to the Martinez residents for their water conservation during the drought crisis. Although people were asked to conserve water use by 25%, Martinez residents went even further. “People just wildly overly achieved! People responded wonderfully and we ended up with something where everyone has benefitted throughout the drought,” he said. Martinez customers slashed water use by 34% through May, with new records set in water conservation programs. Conservation kept water banked in Los Vaqueros for this year.

Vice President Burgh also spoke about the possibility of expanding Los Vaqueros reservoir to 275,000 acre feet by having other water agencies pay for it so we all can benefit. Conservation services continue, such as the lawn to garden conversion program and the high-efficiency clothes washer incentive. The next Lose the Lawn, Get a Garden workshop is on August 6, 9am to 12pm, at the water district. Visit www.ccwater.com for more information.

Upcoming Election

November’s general election will be held for the following officers: Councilmember – two seats (The incumbents are: Anamarie Avila Farias and Mark Ross); City Clerk – one seat; City Treasurer – one seat. A nominee must be a regis-

City News Continued tered voter residing within the city. Nomination petitions may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, located at 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez and shall be filed with the Deputy City Clerk in person no later than 5pm, August 12, 2016.

Sales Tax Ballot Measure on November Ballot

On November 8, Martinez voters will likely get the chance to decide whether or not to increase Martinez’s sales tax by a 1/2 cent to finance street and roadway repairs. The vote would require two-thirds approval to pass.

The City of Martinez street system is at a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 51. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission report places Martinez within the bottom of the “At Risk” category. Revenue for street repairs is primarily raised through the steadily declining gasoline taxes.

At the July 6 city council meeting, council deliberated on whether to place a sales tax ballot measure on the November ballot. The city’s current sales and use tax rate is 8.5%. The special tax proposed in the ordinance would be a one-quarter percent to a one percent (0.25% to 1.0%) to begin on April 1, 2017 on retail sales in Martinez. The 0.25% tax could raise about $1 million each year for road repairs and paving. The 0.50% option could raise more than $2.1 million and a 1% sales tax could bring in about $4.2 million each year. A supermajority of the council (4 out of 5 members) must approve.

Mayor Schroder has been very vocal about the need to pave local roads and fix the pot holes and stated in his April Community Focus Mayor’s Message that, “I believe it is time to get serious about bringing the streets and roads to an acceptable condition.”

Councilmember Ross agreed that a sales tax committed to the roads should come sooner rather than later. “I don’t think we need to do a lot of polling. We need to come up with how the money will be spent and what threshold we would be seeking and I think the need is now. It’s not a fiscal emergency, but it’s a physical emergency.”

Vice Mayor AnaMarie Avila Farias expressed concern over the Martinez School Board’s November bond measure competing with the city’s sales tax ballot measure as well as the insufficient amount of time to educate Martinez voters on the ballot measure.

The discussion to consider a resolution continued to the July 20 meeting, where Councilmember DeLaney said, “We’re on the verge of failing roads here in Martinez. Our residents are smart enough to see the condition and see that something needs to be done and they’ll back us on this. I have faith in the Martinez voters that they can assess what this will mean to them. A 0.25% would only generate a million dollars a year, but that’s a million dollars we don’t have enough of now, so I’m willing to go forward; we have to show leadership.” However, Mayor Schroder and Councilmember Mark Ross supported an even higher 0.50% tax rate.

After further debate, the motion was made and voted unanimously to place a sales tax ballot measure on the November ballot to increase the Martinez sales tax by 0.50% for street and road maintenance. In addition, the measure will have a time limit, or “sunset date,” of 15 years. The draft ballot measure also provides that a Citizen Oversight Committee will be established in the event the measure passes with the required two-thirds vote. An ad hoc subcommittee (formed by Mayor Schroder and Councilmember DeLaney) will be formed to write a ballot argument to be reviewed by the entire city council at a future meeting. Council will schedule a second public hearing to approve the ordinance and adopt the resolution calling the election for November 8. This will happen in advance of the August 12 deadline.

ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

13

City of Walnut Creek

Mayor’s Message Looking For A Good Meal?

“Yum!” “Fantastic food!” “Great experience!” “Loved that new restaurant!” Stroll any street in downtown Walnut Creek and that’s the kind of thing you’ll hear. It really is no surprise that Walnut Creek was designated the 2016 Tenth Best Foodie City in the country by Livability.com. My surprise is that the city was only ranked 10th.

Let’s look at some of the reasons why Walnut Creek won. The criteria for judging had something to do with the result. First, restaurants had to be critically acclaimed. Second, many restaurants had to be independent (and not part of a larger chain). Third, there had to be access to healthy foods and farmers’ markets, and fourth, James Beard award winners had to be in the mix. The final criterion was there

had to be a low obesity rate. Fortunately, Walnut Creek has so many places to walk, swim, bicycle, ice skate (in the winter), golf, work out, or shop (a favorite Walnut Creek exercise), foodies get enough exercise to counter all the fabulous eating opportunities.

If the judges had added two key additional benchmarks, surely Walnut Creek’s ranking would have jumped even higher.

The first yardstick would be that there are a variety of cuisines. While no one may be able to list all the cuisines and subgroups, with very little research and in no particular order, I found: Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Russian, continental, South American, deli (the kind with sandwiches and salads), Indian, Vietnamese, Persian, Greek, the all-inclusive Middle Eastern,

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Spanish, Korean, Caribbean, Mediterranean, American, fusion, steakhouse, seafood, hamburger joint (from low to high end), barbecue, vegetarian, vegan, and noodle.

The second measure would be of options for when to eat out and why. Exemplars of this standard would include: specialty breakfast spots, places to grab just a bite or a power lunch, great food but casual dress places, very special occasion places, TGIF with the gang places, ice cream for supper places, sophisticated pre-dinner cocktail places, the food-is-important-butoh-the-ambience places, places to take the kids and the corollary spots for dinner for two. And finally, options for those times when you simply want to try something new. Walnut Creek has outstanding dining opportunities in all those categories.

There is not a single restaurant named in this article. That is intentional.

There is no way one could pick one or

two fantastic Italian restaurants in Walnut Creek without leaving out scads of other delightful, delicious, attractive, and special Italian restaurants. Multiply that by the variety of dining choices and this column would be filled with nothing but names.

Wikipedia defines foodie as “a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food and alcoholic beverages.” (Nonalcoholic beverages should be included in my opinion.) “A foodie seeks new food experiences as a hobby rather than simply eating out of convenience or hunger.” I say there is no better place to learn the finer points of foodie-ism than Walnut Creek.

Come join us. Eat, drink, and enjoy!

Safety Tip: Courtesy and forgiveness go a long way to making driving safer and more enjoyable for everyone. If you find yourself getting stressed, remember to take a deep slow breath to bring back calmness and good judgment.

Public Meetings Park, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Aug. 1 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6pm. Contact: 943-5819 Public Education Committee Aug. 2 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street. Contact: 943-5819 City Council Meeting Aug. 2 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6-11pm. Contact: 943-5819 Design Review Meeting Nothing Scheduled for August Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Planning Commission Meeting Nothing Scheduled for August Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 943-5819 For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org

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august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

City of Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek City News Broadway Plaza Summer Concerts

Broadway Plaza’s Summer Concert Series is back, every Thursday night in August, 6:30 to 8:30pm, and all concerts are free! This year’s series is located in Broadway Plaza’s brand new Event Plaza, near Macy’s and the newly opened Broadway Lane. Concert series line-up: August 4, Petty Theft; August 11, Foreverland; August 18, Mustache Harbor; August 25, Tainted Love. No outside food or beverage, please. Food and beverages available at all concerts.

Movies in Civic Park

Enjoy dinner downtown at one of the many delicious restaurants, or grab your dinner to go and eat in the park! Civic Park events include live music before the movie, beginning at 7pm. Please do not bring pets. For further information: (925) 943-5858 or WalnutCreekRec.org. Friday, August 19: Aladdin. Saturday, September 10: Toy Story.

Northgate March-A-Thon

Northgate High School’s award-winning marching band energizes Walnut Creek with its annual march-a-thon on Saturday, September 10, 9am to noon. Uniformed musicians and auxiliary entertainers parade from Northgate High School to Snyder Ln., Quiet Place Dr., Natchez Dr., Springfield Dr., Meander Dr., and surrounding neighborhood streets. Come on out, join the fun, and support all of Northgate’s music programs! Tax-deductible donations are accepted at www. northgatehs-pfc.com/donateall.

City News Continued on Wheels awareness campaign, celebrating the collaboration of local organizations, businesses, government, and compassionate individuals that ensure our seniors are not forgotten.

Throughout the month of March, community leaders rode alongside volunteer drivers to deliver hot meals and a friendly smile to frail homebound seniors throughout Contra Costa County. Nearly $400,000 has been granted to 265 local Meals on Wheels programs and one Meals on Wheels America-affiliated State Association, based on their March for Meals efforts. Based in Walnut Creek, the agency serves older adults all across Contra Costa County. More information can be found at www.mowsos.org.

Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity Requested Acquisition Financing from the City

At the July 6 meeting, city council approved authorization for a $550,000 fund transfer from the Housing Program and Administration reserve funds to the New Construction/Acquisition Reserve Fund and a $3.15 million acquisition and predevelopment loan to Habitat for Humanity for the purchase and predevelopment of a vacant property at 1250 Las Juntas Way. The 2.05-acre site is located adjacent to the Contra Costa Centre BART Station.

In November of 2014, Habitat submitted a letter of interest to Contra Costa County to purchase the site for the development of affordable housing at a below market price of $3.15 million. Last March, the county board of supervisors approved the purchase and sale agreement.

Habitat is proposing to construct up to 52 units of affordable ownership housing. The project will include one, two, three and four-bedroom units, 75% of which would be affordable to low-income and 25% affordable to moderateincome households. The project would be developed in three phases over the next five years. The project is conceived as a three-story townhome style development, with a density of approximately 27 dwelling units per acre.

Community concerns expressed at the meeting included worries over traffic, parking and density. City council was overall supportive of the project, and Councilmember Cindy Silva said, “Habitat for Humanity has an exceptional model for affordable housing. This is a good site; it is appropriate for multi-family. I think 52 units not only ensures that more people have affordable housing, but it also ensures that we have more money still in our fund for some other families.”

The applicant intends to submit a formal development application in September 2016 following the close of escrow. The project is expected to be under construction by 2019.

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As Russ Sees It

Is the Bra the New Fanny Pack?

BY RUSSELL CARROLL

Okay girls … gotta question for you. What’s up with this new fad of storing items in your bra? I once watched a gal at the grocery store pull her wallet out of her bra to pay for her items. I was a bit taken back as this was not a small change pouch or a money clip. This was a full blown double fold, snap shut, knock-off designer wallet. After paying, she simply made the wallet disappear by stuffing it right back in there. I thought, wow, that’s pretty impressive. I had to wonder if it was uncomfortable for her. According to my observations, this new phenomenon is not a rarity but more of a trend.

I have always known the bra to be a device to hold what the good lord gave

you, but it has apparently evolved into a storage compartment of sorts. The new generation’s answer to the fanny pack. In an airport line, I witnessed a gal in front of me remove from her bra both her passport and her boarding pass. Once the items had served their purpose, right back into the bra they went. Later, at the boarding gate, I watched another gal pull her cell phone and ear buds from her bra. I was waiting for her to produce a paperback novel, but thankfully that never happened. Now, I have to admit I have always been a bit enamored with the contents of a bra, but this latest trend has increased my interest considerably.

I sat at the gate and witnessed other women pulling “rabbits from their hats.”

The activity is a bit like watching a novice magician. I wondered if sometime soon the bra will be considered carry-on luggage. After all, it appears the garment

has become luggage with straps. When preparing to board the plane, a young woman digging through her bra for her boarding pass produced a tube of Chap Stick and commented to the gate agent, “Oh there it is. I thought I had lost that.” I thought, wow! How long have you had that bra on? She was able to locate her boarding pass by simply switching her search to the other compartment.

Recently, while enjoying a beverage at a local restaurant, a young woman walked in and took her place at the bar.

When the bartender asked for her ID I knew what would happen next. Yep… into her bra she went. Once settled, she traded out her sunglasses for regular glasses. Glasses came out of her bra and sunglasses went in. Next appeared the cell phone and soon the wallet. Car keys came next. I thought, are there separate storage compartments built into these

Free!

things? It was like watching one of those clown cars where things just keep pouring out. She soon produced a pen and then asked the bartender for a piece of scratch paper. What? She couldn’t fit a piece of paper in there? She must have forgotten to pack the paper. I was waiting for her to produce an iPad, but it never happened. Now my mind is racing… do you have to buy a bigger size to store all your miscellaneous items?

So, I must say ladies, I find this new “fashion” rather intriguing. It’s both clever and fun to watch, and I can’t wait to see what you produce out of there next. The old fashion purse is soon to become obsolete. Hopefully, the male race will never follow suit. We don’t need any additional reasons to be digging around in our underwear. But…..that’s just how I see it.

Russ Carroll can be reached at russcarrollemail@gmail.com.

sunset by the lake

summer concerts On the lawn by the lake at

Pleasant Hill City Hall

Gregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd

LIVE MUSIC & FUN! FOOD & BEVERAGE sales!

Aug 7...Sugadady A cover dance band Ice cream sales by BSA Troop 221 Sponsored by Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission Visit www.pleasanthillconcerts.com for all concert information.

Restaurants tentatively scheduled to sell food: Aug 7 Aug 21 Sep 4

Steel Smokin BBQ Meson Azteco Steel Smokin BBQ

Aug 21...East Bay Mudd Classic fun and soul

Club of Pleasant Hill

16

august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

6-8 pm

Going Blind

©

Perspectives on Losing My Vision

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

I recently learned I’m going blind. My first reactions were rather strange. Instead of fearing the potential dire consequences, my first reactions were, “My, isn’t that interesting?” and “How ironic.”

Interesting and ironic indeed!

As a professor of optometry, I’ve spent the past 50 years training young doctors to detect, diagnose, and treat eye ailments. I take delight in seeing my students understand the vital role they play in helping preserve their patients’ vision. But the lessons I taught them could not save my own vision.

Several weeks ago I noticed some rather strange visual phenomena. While watching television and drinking out of a glass, the screen became distorted out of my right eye. I didn’t think much of this and assumed it was due to some optical interference from the glass. When it continued after I put the glass down, I became concerned.

I went to see my optometrist the next day. When he did a routine vision test and covered my left eye, the chart was completely distorted out of my right eye. I couldn’t even see the “Big E” (the 20/200 line, the threshold for legal blindness). My first thought again was, “Isn’t that strange?”

Then, I knew this wasn’t just some transient reduced vision that could be corrected with a new prescription.

The central vision wasn’t just blurred; it was distorted in such a way that an “O” looked squashed, with the top part missing.

A square looked like it was squeezed in on all four sides. The distortion out of my right eye was so bad that my wife’s beautiful face looked like it did before she had her nose job. (If you think losing your vision is scary, you should have seen my wife’s original nose!)

As an eye doctor and scientist, I was fascinated by the distortion and the visual phenomena. As a patient, I was scared to death. Reality started to set in. What does this mean for me in the future? How would it alter or limit my life? What new challenges would I have to face and overcome?

I’ve known for some time that I have age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), a hereditary disease that can destroy central vision. In fact, it is the most common cause of irreversible central vision loss in the elderly. But I’m not elderly, and I’ve had the dry type of ARMD, which generally progresses rather slowly and leads to reduced vision but not necessarily blindness. Unfortunately, the macular degeneration in my right eye had become much more severe and has indeed destroyed that eye’s central vision entirely.

My first concern was driving. Right now I see well enough out of my left eye to drive, but what would happen if the ARMD in my left eye progresses as it did in my right eye?

Then my vision wouldn’t be good enough to pass the standard DMV driver’s test. And, interestingly enough, I just made a down payment on the new Tesla Model 3, due out in 2018. Now I’m hoping I get the car while I’m still able to drive!

So, what are my options if worse comes to worst? With a restricted driver’s license, I still could drive locally to the Y, library, and local restaurants. But in the absence of a license, how would I get to my favorite haunts? There’s always Uber and the kindness of strangers. I also could hire a driver or purchase an electric bike or Segway. Hopefully, it will be some time before I’ll have to consider these options. By the way, when will self-driving cars be available?

Other concerns about losing my vision relate to my ability to continue doing various activities I enjoy so much. Will I still be

able to read and write my book review column? Will I still be able to perform my duties as a Pleasant Hill councilmember? The often lengthy and detailed agenda packets are a challenge to read with normal vision.

Will I be able to read stories to my grandson? Enjoy sports on TV and go to the movies? Recognize my friends when I see them on the street? Use my computer and iPhone? Enjoy my workouts at the Y?

And how will losing my vision affect my ability to enjoy the national and international travel that Dawn and I love so much?

Will we still be able to visit adventurous and mysterious places and enjoy their sights and sounds? What limitations might I encounter?

How will this affect my relationship with friends, colleagues, and students? Will my personality change? I consider myself a rather friendly, optimistic, outgoing, gregarious guy. Will this change as I face the adversities of going blind? Will I lose my sense of humor? I sure hope not. I’ve always relished a new challenge. So I’m looking at this loss of vision as an opportunity to learn more about myself and my abilities to cope with adversity.

When thinking about my new vision difficulties, never once did I become angry or ask, “Why me?” or “Is God punishing me for some past sin?” This makes no more sense to me than asking “Why me?” when things are going well. Perhaps my attitude has been influenced by one of the most valuable books I’ve ever read, When Bad Things Happen To Good People by Rabbi

Harold Kushner.

Like Kushner, I don’t hold God responsible for my loss. It makes more sense to believe in a God who “hates suffering but can’t eliminate it” rather than a God who causes suffering for no apparent reason. I should not be asking “Why did this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this?” That’s an unanswerable, pointless question. A better question is, “Now that this has happened to me, what am I going to do about it?” And that’s exactly what I intend to do!

I’ve been a rather lucky guy, given the wonderful and healthy family and friends I have. While I’ve had my aches and pains and minor injuries, I’ve never suffered anything that was life threatening or severely limited my activities. The prospect of going blind has really put everything into perspective.

The other annoyances of growing old no longer seem as formidable as they once did.

In fact, they now seem like minor inconveniences.

As my vision diminishes, will I be more sympathetic to others with disabilities? Will I have more empathy for the elderly? Will I truly appreciate all the wonderful people and things in my life? Will I become a better person? I sure hope so.

As I’ve grown older - and hopefully wiser - I realize more than ever that life is a great adventure, filled with challenges and opportunities. As I face this new chapter in my life, I look forward to overcoming the challenges it presents by finding new ways to make a difference in people’s lives. As always, I remain optimistic about the future.

ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

17

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Center of Gravity

www.centerofgravityece.org

Where Children are Recognized as Natural Born Researchers

STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a fast-growing international trend, although not one usually associated with Early Childhood Education. This however, is about to change. The City of Pleasant Hill is now home to one of the first STEM Early Education schools in the country: Center of Gravity, located at 2702 Pleasant Hill Rd., on the corner of Devon Ave.

The Center of Gravity - recently recognized by the California State Legislature via Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla - is a full-day, year-round early education lab school focused on teaching children 2.9 - 6 years old. The school, which launched in June, was dreamed up and created by a diverse group of local early educators, families, and researchers, all working together with local school districts and policy officials to redefine early childhood education in the 21st Century.

Executive Director Michelle GrantGroves describes the new school as “a place where we recognize children as natural-born researchers. We’re focusing on understanding and studying children’s play and using STEM-based materials and academic language to describe their complex ideas and inventions. Technology is used strategically to help children engage and extend their ideas, investigations and designs. We believe this is the new school readiness for the 21st century.”

The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special grand opening/ribbon cutting on Friday, August 19, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

The event and school campus will be open to the public.

“We believe that equity is our center of gravity, and we have to design for it in order for more children in our community to be able to thrive,” stated GrantGroves, when explaining the school’s 18

Tours & Info: (855) ECE-STEM or 855.323.7836 2702 Pleasant Hill Rd, Pleasant Hill

Center of Gravity students learning while playing.

tuition and enrollment structure. The program offers a blended constellation of full-tuition, mixed income and lowincome spaces in order for more families to be able to access the high quality educational opportunities offered through the school.

Full-time, year-round tuition includes: • State Credentialed Early Educators • STEM & Project Based Learning • All meals & snacks, courtesy of Be.Love.Farm.

• All field trips & excursions • Arts Integration Specialist • Dual Language Instructional Coach • Personal compilation of child photos & videos collected throughout the year (aligned to both the curriculum & state school readiness assessments)

Strategic partners associated with

august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Center of Gravity Staff pictured (LtoR): Demetria Williams, Michelle Grant-Groves, Katherine Brehob, Whitney Lee

the school are: I3 Institute (Inquiry, Intention & Innovation), a national early childhood education consulting firm; Kodo Kids, a national STEM focused toy

and learning material company; The Center for Play Research, located at Mills College in Oakland; and Be.Love.Farm., a local organic farm located in Vacaville.

Cancer Sucks

Disease Hits our Four Legged Friends Too

BY DR. LOUISA ASSEO

According to the American Cancer Society, more than one million people in the United States get cancer every year. About half of all men and onethird of all women develop some form of cancer within their lifetimes. Sadly, cancer is not just a human disease; it significantly impacts our furry and scaly family members as well.

As a veterinarian, I see cancer almost daily in my dog, cat, small mammal, and even reptile patients. Some cancers lurk inside the body, while others boldly stare us in the face. They can be obvious, angry lesions or subtle, quiet lesions. Even a quiet looking skin mass can be a concern.

Finding out what kind of cancer we are dealing with is incredibly important, and I cannot stress enough how important early detection is for achieving a favorable outcome. Sometimes these cancers are benign and minimal treatment is needed to cure them, but other times, we look towards more advanced treatment options.

Thanks to advances in both the human medical field and the veterinary medical

field, we can now offer a host of solutions.

We are so fortunate to live in a community of collaborative care, with compassionate and talented oncologists, surgeons, and alternative medicine veterinarians just down the road.

Cancer has touched all of our lives in some way. Extensive research, especially over the past 20 years, has led to amazing progress in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment on all fronts, but there is still much we do not understand and a lot more to learn.

Bark For Life, Saturday August 13

The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. For more than 65 years, the American Cancer Society has been finding answers that save lives - from changes in lifestyle, to new approaches in therapies, to improving cancer patients’ quality-of-life. In fact, no single, non-governmental, not-forprofit organization in the U.S. has invested more to find the causes and cures of cancer.

Oasis Veterinary Hospital is honored to support this annual event! Please come join us from 9am to12pm on Saturday, August 13, at Pleasant Hill City Hall. We look

#HERSMILE Fundraising Gala

The Second Annual #HERSMILE Twilight Gala is Saturday, September 10, at the Chateau Room in Pleasant Hill. This fundraising event will begin at 7pm and feature sip and savor wine and beer pairing stations, live music by Bay Area’s own The Cheeseballs , dancing, silent auction, and prize opportunities.

Master of Ceremonies Will Tran of KRON 4 News leads this special event, with all proceeds benefiting the lives of families that have bared the loss of a dependent child or the loss of a parent with dependent children. To date, #HERSMILE has provided support to more than 35 local families and hopes to provide hope, strength and inspiration to countless more.

“Life for our family over the last two years has been about making it through

the storm,” explained #HERSMILE president and founder Dena Betti. “Through building #HERSMILE together, we are helping make our world a better place, and I know that this is the gift our daughter Jenna left for all of us.”

The #HERSMILE mission is to bring hope, strength and inspiration to those who have experienced a tragedy by designing and presenting learning opportunities in a way that helps individuals develop and improve the power of their mindset and/or by extending monetary gifts.

For ticket and sponsorship information, please visit www.hersmile.org. For additional information, contact Michelle Foxworthy via email at foxworthy@comcast.net or by calling (925) 209-7538.

forward to seeing you and your canine friends for some games, demonstrations, and contests.

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

Oasis Veterinary Hospital proudly sponsors the

PET ADOPTION CONNECTION www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Please join us for an evening to remember with master of ceremonies, Will Tran of KRON 4 News, sip and savor at 10 unique wine and beer pairing stations, then close out the evening with entertainment by Bay Area’s favorite cover band, The Cheeseballs.

2nd Annual Twilight Gala Saturday, September 10, 2016 The Chateau Room, Pleasant Hill Senior Center 7:00 pm – Midnight For tickets, please visit:

www.TwilightGala.info All proceeds benefit #hersmile nonprofit. Our mission is to bring hope, strength and inspiration to families who have endured the tragic loss of a child or a parent to dependent children.

For more info about #hersmile and the Twilight Gala, visit our website:

ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

Please join us for an evening to remember with master of

19

All League Athletes Spring 2016 Baseball MVP: Nicholas Simmons, N (12) MVP-Pitcher: Ian MacIver, CP (11) First Team: Manny Alcantar, YV (12); Sam Behrens, CP (12); James Biles, CVC (11); Kevin Clancy, N (10); Jack Downing, CP (12); Christian Encarnacion, CP (10); Jesus Hernandez, C (11); Ryne Mannie, N (12); Jack Miller, CVC (12); Nick Nunez, C (10); Bill Ralston, CVC (11); Casey Schwitters, BC (12); Ian Villers, N (10); Brian Wright, N (12); Tyler Peters, A (12). Second Team: Will Batz, BC (10); Doug Bermudez, CVC (10); Anders Capener, N (12); Daniel Glorioso, BC (12); Chris Gotz, BC (12); Alejandro Lopez, YV (12); Patrick O Shea, C (12); Ryan Parisi, C (10); Chris Rogan, N (10); Justin Roper, CVC (11); A.J. Speer, CP (10); Jonathon Stover, C (11); Rob Towne, CVC (12); Eli Zurita-Haber, YV (11); Trent Greene, A (12); Cole Gifford, A (12). Honorable Mention: Andrew Abbott, CVC (12); Jordan Aguallo, YV (9); Drey Avizenis, BC (12); Danny Bonano, N (12); Aaron Byrd, C (12); Zach Corkran, C (12); Sean Hall, CP (11); Scott Lewis, BC (12); Milan Mijanovic, CVC (10); Josh Nelson, CP (12); Jacob Samuels, YV (11); Kevin Snyder, CVC (11); Matt Tortolani, YV (11); Kendrick Utt, BC (12); Brett Sterrer A (11). Golden Glove: Matthew Beck, A (10).

Softball MVP: Morgyn Wynne, C (10); Karlee Sparacino, A (11) MVP-Pitcher: Juliana Pichardo, C (11); Samantha Whitworth, A (12) Frist Team: Elvia Alvarado, C (12); Morgan Batesole, N (11); Hannah Brajkovich, N (10); Alyse Butterfield, BC (12); Veronica Castaneda, C (10); Sophie Damianakes, CP (12); Athena Franklin, CVC (11); Isela Garcia, YV (11); Tammy Mason, CVC (9); Tyce Miranda, CVC (11); Melissa O’Driscoll, Mt. D (10); Aleya Rath C (10); Sophie Wheeler, CVC (10); Emma Wigren, CP (10); Regan Silva, A (11); Lindsey Osmer, A (10);

Briana Perez, A (11); Kimiko Zapanta, A (11); Miranda Nilson, A (11); Morgan Azevedo, A (11). Second Team: Sarah Clifton, C (10); Cami Cohen, CVC (11); Lucy Decker, N (11); Rebecca Dodenhoff, Mt. D (12); Angela Garcia, YV (9); Adriana Gonzalez, YV (10); Cheyenne Harman, CVC (12); Julia Kiester, C (11); Brianna Klopatek, Mt. D (11); Taylor Lehner, CP (10); Nikki Mason, CVC (11); Taylar McCullough, BC (11); Haley Randall, N (9); Sadie Whatley, BC (10); Gabriella Zagone, CP (10); Cara Dimecurio, A (12). Honorable Mention: Maya Berry, CVC (11); Gabriella Kapia, Mt. D (12); Amanda Koeppe, CP (9); Kirsten Kennon, N (11); Madison Kincaid, BC (9); Molly Kolander, BC (10); McKenna Martin, CVC (10); Angelina Perez, Mt. D (11); Francisca Rodriguez, YV (12); Olivia Schmidt, CP (10); Lauren Simitz, N (11); Alaina Tonna, C (10); Fiona Walsh, C (10); Madeline Cervantes, A (12); Maci Sheperd, A (11); Briana Edwards, A (10).

Tennis- Mens MVP: Akbar Mamirov, CP (11) First Team: James Andrews, CP (11); Amadeo Ashe-Ramirez, N (11); Dylan Kies, CVC (12); Josh Lofamia, CP (10); Kyle Lofquist, CP (12); Said Mamirov, CP (9); Leonard Markiwiecz, N (11); Andrew Miller, N (10); Matt Osterkamp, CVC (12); Nick Toman, CP (9); Noah Zakaria, N (10). Honorable Mention: Nick Ertola, A (12).

Volleyball- Boys MVP: Bailey Mundy, BC (12) First Team: Matt Zamolo, BC (11); Anthony Tara, C (12); Liam Totten, CVC (12); Frank Stringer, CVC (11); Zach Hanson, CVC (12); Kyle House, CP (12); Dylan Ban, CP (11); Will Jochum, A (12).

Second Team: Landon Nortune, BC (11); Duncan Morrison, BC (12); Joe Nelson, CVC (11); Chris Neely, CVC (11); Lucien Gerhardt, C (11); Mike Stehlik, CP (12); Conner Burr, C (10); Allin Torio, A (120;

Jerald Jianorian, A (12); Savion Prieto, (12). Honorable Mention: Sky Lopez, C (12); Kenji Kamiya, BC (10); Christian Bulanadi, CVC (12); Tyler Stokes, CP (11); Calder McClure, CP (11); Evan Benson, BC (11); Justin Lavezzoli, CVC (12); Bailey Abbott, A (12).

Golf – Boys MVP: Dominic Salomone, CP (12) First Team: Brooks Williams, CP 12; Daniel Schaefer, CVC (11); Jacob Ricafrente, N (12); Steve Harvey, N (12); John Scott Senz, C (12); Woojin Gallo, BC (10). Second Team: Michael Johnsonbaugh, CP, Larry Dombrowski, CVC, Grant Sandburg, N, Mike Cosmi, C, Ben Smith, BC (12); Tyler Blazer, CVC (12). Honorable Mention: Grayson Pulver, BC (12); Josh Quiamboa, N (12); Marcellus Medrano, CVC (12); George Speris, C (12); Otto Steindorf, YV (12); Jack Fowler, CP (12).

Lacrosse- Girls First Team: Brooke Bechter, CP (11); Adriana Uyehara, CP (11); Molly Ferrari, CP (12); Cameron Adams, N (12); Sofia Campos, YV (12). Second Team: Maddy Gorham, CP (11); Kelly Seto, CP (11); Melissa Rivas, CP (11); Josie McGregor, N (12); Rylee Heinz, CVC (12); Marcia Seguras, YV (12); Kelby Fuss, A (11). Honorable Mention: Emily Fleck, CP (11); Riley Jurow, CP (10); Koryna Boudinot, N (12); Ashley Shepard, N (10); Sydney Wheeler, CVC (12); Marlinda Ramirez CVC (10); Natalie Hastings, YV (11); Luiza Daberdaku, A (11); Sarah Mills, A (11); Kiersten Soza, A (12).

Lacrosse – Boys First Team: Dakota Harman, CVC (10); Ryan Alimagno, CVC (10); Luke Beasley, CP (12); Jackson Louis, CP (12).

Second Team: Jake Eide, CP (10); Jason Madden, N (9); Torin Neal, CVC (9); James Essex, CVC (10); Travis Foust, CP (11); Ian Morford, N (12); Jason Rubio, A (12). Honorable Mention: Carter

Monahan, CP (11); Mason Campos, CP (12); Jack Morse, CVC (11); Cole Carbone, CVC (11); Will Bitner, N (12); Andrew Lentz, N (12); Garrett Arreaga, A (12).

Swimming – Boys Nikolas Weigelt, CVC (9) - 200 Free; Andrew Rodriguez, N (9) - 200 IM; Ryan Levy, CVC (12) -50 Free; Andrew Rodriguez, N (9) - 100 Fly; Maxwell Bottene, N (12) - 100 Free; Nikolas Weigelt, CVC, (9) - 500 Free; Maxwell Bottene, N (12) - 100 Back; Evan Stanziano, C (11) - 100 Breast. Second Team: Ryan Fowler, A; Tony Moore, A.

Swimming- Girls First Team: Piper Sterling, N (9) - 200 Free; Emma Smethurst, N (10)- 200 IM; Bryn Mcgowan, N (11) - 50 Free; Piper Sterling, N (9) - 100 Fly; Melissa Schoell, BC (12) - 100 Free; Seraph Woodbury, N (9) - 500 Free; Taylor Fair, BC (11) - 100 Back; Emma Smethurst, N (10) - 100 Breast. Honorable Mention: Mackenzie Duarte, A

Track and Field – Girls First Team: Jade Davis, CVC; Jessica Dong, N; Bridget Hyland, CVC; Rayna Stanziano, C; Kaylee Chaffey, BC; Amy Christensen, NG; Rylie Pearson, C; April Frantz, C; Kiersten Fouts, CVC.

Track and Field – Boys First Team: Jordan Velasquez, CVC; Andres Reynoso, C; Spenser Grinbergs, CP; Jorge Velazquez, YV; Aidan Jackman, CVC; Andrew Leonard, YV; Noah Hurley, CP; Brandon Abon, CVC; Edwin Flores, NG; Jake King, CVC; Jack Fouts, CVC; Kyle Fitzpatrick, A (12) Discus. Second Team: Jackson Norried, A (11) - High Jump. Honorable Mention: Paul Bromley, A (12) -Triple Jump.

DVAL All League selections for swimming and Track & Field are based on place. We have included First team only.

List above is restricted to athletes from MUSD and MDUSD.

A (Alhambra High), BC (Berean Christian), CP (College Park High), C (Concord High), CVC (Clayton Valley Charter), N (Northgate High), YV (Ygnacio Valley High), and Mt. D (Mount Diablo High).

20

august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

SUPPORTING

Dwayne Glemser Manager Proudly Sponsored by Les Schwab Martinez

LOCAL YOUTH

Local Olympian Selected for Rio

2012 Olympian Melissa Seidemann, a College Park graduate, Walnut Creek resident, and Stanford student, was named to the U.S. Olympic Women’s Water Polo Team for the second time.

The United States women are currently the dominant team in world water polo and the heavy favorites to win gold in Rio.

They are the reigning Olympic champions, World Cup champions, and World Championships champions, both at the senior level and at the U20 and U18 levels as well. The United States will open competition at the Olympics on August 9, against Spain.

CUFA Champions

Marking their second championship of 2016, the PHMSA Earthquakes won Tahoe’s Come Up For Air (CUFA) Tournament in the U14 girls bracket. After a tie in the regulation time of the semi-final game, the Earthquakes advanced to the championship game by defeating AYSO Canyon Country in the kicks from the mark.

The championship game between the Earthquakes and the Almaden FC Quicksilver ended in a 1-1 tie at the end of the extra time. That game was also decided by kicks from the mark, in which the Earthquakes outscored the opponent and brought the championship trophy home from Tahoe.

Melissa Seidemann, CP graduate and gold medalist.

Photo by Susan Wood.

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

Standing (LtoR): Coach Ali, Cali, Jessica, Chloe, Jenna, Megan, Lauren, Jane, Isabel, and Coach Dave. Sitting (LtoR): Vienna, Emily, Isabelle, Madison, and Natalie. Missing in photo: Tessa and Coach Rob. Photo by: Kirsten Riker.

ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

21

Olympic Trials

Swimmers Make Waves in Omaha

BY MIKE HEANEY

Five swimmers from the Walnut Creek Aquabears swim team competed last month in Omaha, Nebraska, at the USA Swimming Olympic Trials. The trip and experience is one they will remember for a lifetime. While making the USA Olympic Swimming Team is perhaps one of the most difficult accomplishments in the sport, just qualifying to swim at this meet is a great achievement.

Swimmers Brandon James (100 / 200 Backstroke), Hank Poppe (100 Breaststroke), Jackson Miller (200 / 400 Freestyle), Heidi Poppe (100 Breaststroke) and Mason Title (100 Freestyle) each took a turn at racing with the fastest swimmers in the world.

When asked about the experience, the general consensus was they really enjoyed getting to compete in front of the 14,000 + fans and spectators that gathered each day at the CenturyLink Center. According to Mason Tittle, “The venue was incredible and the energy around the event was great. I really enjoyed racing America’s best swimmers.”

Brandon James came away with a similar feeling. “Being able to compete with all of America’s best swimmers, like Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, and Ryan Murphy, in the same place was a great experience. We cross paths with some of these guys from time to time, but when everyone is at the same meet together it makes it very exciting.”

With only 26 spots open on each of the men’s and women’s Olympic teams available, the pressure of making the Olympic team always comes down to a single great performance at the right moment in time. There can be a lot of stress surrounding the meet, and athletes are provided with the best resources available. There are massage tables, an athlete lounge and even therapy dogs on site in case you need a little comforting.

Jackson Miller, who was competing in his second Olympic Trials, noticed that even though he’d been there before it can still cause some anxious moments. ”The ready room is so stressful, with all the athletes waiting to race and staring at one another. It can make you very nervous.”

Now that the meet is over and everyone is back home, there is time to reflect and look ahead. According to Hank Poppe, “The meet was great and I am now even more excited than ever to train through college and return in 2020 to try and make the Olympic team.”

Surely these athletes are to be applauded for their efforts, and it will be exciting for them to watch their peers compete this August in Rio.

Mike Heaney has been coaching swimming in Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek for 30 years. He is currently the Head Coach of the Walnut Creek Aquabears US Swim Team, which practices at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek.

(LtoR) Brandon James, Hank Poppe, Heidi Poppe, Jackson Miller and Mason Title.

22

august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

DFC 00 Nails It!

The Diablo FC 2000 Girls NPL team had two great season openers. The newly formed team dominated the “super group” bracket at the June US Club Regional Tournament at the Davis Legacy Soccer Complex and took 1st place with 3 wins and 1 tie.

This included a 4-0 win over Davis Legacy and a 4-1 win over Sac United. A great team effort resulted in 12 goals by six different players. This was followed up by a dominating 4-0 win in the final over Union FC. While the offense kept other teams scrambling, the defense shut down opponents by only allowing a single goal over four games. The team’s backline was led by goalkeeper and UC Berkeley commit Amanda Zodikoff.

The team competed in the July Davis Legacy College Showcase, their second tournament of the season, with another impressive result. Beating two highly ranked teams, Lamorinda United and Livermore Fusion, and tying their third game against Davis Legacy landed them in the championship game facing Davis once again. After regulation play and overtime, it all came down to penalty kicks, where DFC fell short, taking second place - all in all, performances the team should be proud of. Coach Zach Sullivan said, “The team is playing very well together after training together for just one month. We have very high expectations for this group.” The U17 team is currently ranked 4 in the nation and 2 in Northern California. Submitted by Kathy Verderame.

The Diablo FC 2000 Girls NPL team took 1st place at the US Club Regionals in Davis, June 18-21. Pictured are (LtoR: Sophie Harrington, Emily Kaleal, Marianna Giovannetti, Jenae Packard, Sophia Runte, Kylie Schneider, Samantha Gotz, Stephanie Neys, Amanda Zodikoff, Cassie Bizicki, Holly Gallagher, Jessie Verderame, Kylie Zentner, Santana Merryfield and Katie Hollister.

(Missing are Catie Logan, Colette Cardinale and Katelyn Beasley.)

Jenna Betti Tourney Win

The Heritage Soccer Club 2001 Girl Gold Team started their season by taking 1st place in their bracket at the Jenna Betti Tournament July 17.

First row (LtoR): Stefania Villanueva, Chiara Gaspari. Second row (LtoR): Sabine Sullivan, Kylie Lynn, Brianna Nevares, Rylee McCormick, Chloe Capanis. Third row (LtoR): Teeny Osmundsen, Vanessa Kaminski, Sloane Sullivan, Payton Heaney, Gianna Sarrasin, Holly Jordan, Hannah Alves, Magdalena Avila, Ruth Acevedo. Submitted by Lia McComick.

Common Garden Misconceptions Shade Provides Succulents a Healthy Climate

Misconceptions about succulents are common. Print media, social media and the endless world of blogs showcase some amazing succulent plantings with rich colors, wild shapes and fascinating patterns. Unfortunately, most of these gardens are in Southern California, which has a year-round mild climate. The East Bay, in comparison, has extreme swings between

cold and hot which is tough on most plants unless you provide them with the right conditions. Perhaps the biggest misconception is that all succulents are from the desert, where they enjoy blazing sun and scorching heat. While some do, many don’t.

Many succulents are from much gentler climates, such as shady canyons, cool alpine regions and coastal bluffs. The value in

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succulents is not necessarily their ability to grow in full sun, but their ability to absorb and hold moisture, and to use it sparingly during dry periods.

So how does the Ruth Bancroft Garden deal with the numerous cultural requirements of these plants and still have a diverse and wonderful display? The answer is shade. Ruth planted many trees and shrubs when she created her garden over 40 years ago. They not only provide shade but some protection from frosts, too. Aeoniums, Echeverias, Sempervivums and many others perform so much better in our local gardens once they are given some reprieve from the blasting sun.

Some excellent trees for filtered shade include: Desert Museum Palo Verde (Cercidium x ‘Desert Museum’), with masses of yellow flowers and smooth green trunk; Shoestring Acacia (Acacia stenophylla), with long droopy leaves, is fast growing and exceptionally drought tolerant; and Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis), with big pink

Desert Museum Palo Verde Tree

pitcher-like flowers is a great native choice.

All are approved by both Contra Costa Water District and EBMUD as recommended plants for their lawn to garden programs.

For inspiration, plants, and design assistance, visit the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery. We’ll be happy to help you succeed.

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Ticket prices are $14-$20 and are available through Brown Paper Tickets, (800) 838-3006. For more information visit www.stars2000.org or call (925) 324-7359.

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Like to Sing?

Martinez Art in the Park

Join Contra Costa Children’s Chorus!

Contra Costa Children’s Chorus, now in its 33rd year, is a tuition-based non-profit organization that rehearses in Lafayette. Since 1984, the Contra Costa Children’s Chorus (CCCC) has provided high quality choral music education to children in the East Bay. Under the artistic direction of Andrew Brown, the chorus continues to enrich the musical lives of its students, their families, and the community at large. The chorus includes four choir levels, an honors ensemble, a Summer Music Institute, and MetroGnomes, a program for 4-6 year olds.

The CCCC offers a comprehensive Kodaly based program of musical and vocal training that includes the performance of a wide variety of high caliber choral repertoire from all musical styles and periods. Additionally, music theory skills are taught at every regular rehearsal. This comprehensive choral music education produces well-rounded young musicians and choral singers.

In pursuit of excellence, CCCC has earned the chorus national and international recognition and the honor of singing in many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Canterbury Cathedral, La Madeleine in Paris, Smetana Concert Hall in Prague, the Vatican, and most recently, the Concertgebouw of Bruges.

Free placement interviews for the 2016-17 chorus year will take in place in September, beginning Wednesday, September 7, starting at 4pm. Open to school-aged boys and girls, 6-17, choristers are placed in levels that are age and skill level appropriate. Tuition fees are based on chorus level. No experience is needed for the first three levels, and no interview is necessary for MetroGnomes. Weekly rehearsals begin September 14.

Email frontdesk@childrenschorus.org for an interview appointment and more information, or go to www.childrenschorus.org and complete the New Student Registration form under “Join Us.”

Do you like to Sing?

Join Contra Costa Children’s Chorus and Enrich your Life with Music!

Placement Interviews in September

For appointment & more information:  Scan the QR code below  Fill out the New Student Registration Form under "Join Us”  Or, email us at frontdesk@childrenschorus. org

www.childrenschorus.org

We are a tuition-based non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. FIN: 68-0065565

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august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Caroompas Room performing at Martinez Art in the Park

The Martinez Arts Association (MAA) presents the 47th Annual Art in the Park on Sunday, August 21, at Susana Park in Martinez, from 10am5pm. Over 50 artists are expected at this free event. Come and enjoy fine arts and crafts created by local artists,

along with music, food and beverages including wine and beer.

The music line-up includes Thomas Martin, Acoustic Killbillies, New Frantics, and Caroompas Room. For the final line-up and performance times, check the Martinez Arts website or Facebook page closer to the event.

Art in the Park is the MAA’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Don’t miss this year’s silent auction that raises money to support the arts in local schools. Last year’s Flamingos were a bit hit. This year the theme is Recycled Yard Art, featuring unique, whimsical items created and donated by participating artists.

There is plenty of free parking in downtown Martinez with a golf cart shuttle from the Farmers’ Market area at the Starbucks plaza. Meters don’t operate on Sundays.

Founded in 1968 as a nonprofit organization, the MAA organizes and participates in many community events throughout the year. Our goal is to encourage art culture and education for local youth. Fundraising proceeds provide scholarships to graduating seniors as well as art grants for elementary through high school teachers. The Martinez Gallery is also a branch of the MAA, and 15% of gallery sales will be donated to the art grant program.

For more details about Art in the Park, please visit www.martinezarts.org.

ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

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Injured, Orphaned, or Kidnapped Notes from the Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital

At the Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, April through September is known as “the busy season,” when wild animals are raising their young.

Every day, animal-loving members of the public bring injured and orphaned wild animals to us for care. Over the course of a year, more than 5,500 animals, representing more than 250 different species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, come through our doors.

In addition to animals that have been injured, truly orphaned or abandoned, many are inadvertently “kidnapped” by

kindhearted people who mistakenly think an animal needs their help. This occurs most frequently with fledgling birds seen on the ground, seemingly (but usually not really), alone and helpless. A fledgling bird has feathers but does not fly well, if at all. It mostly hops and can jump to low branches. This period of being on the ground is a normal and necessary part of learning how to fly.

It helps to have a little bit of knowledge to determine whether or not a young bird should be brought into the hospital. Do not automatically pick up a

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fledgling bird. It probably does not need your help. The parents are attentive and are not likely to abandon their offspring.

They will bring it food on the ground.

A caller to Lindsay’s Wildlife Hotline recently shared an experience that illustrates this point really well. The woman said she picked up a baby crow because it was on the ground and she thought it needed help. The mother crow (or maybe it was the dad) threw a pinecone at her!

The woman got the message and backed off. Clearly, it’s not just we humans who are sure to defend our young any way we can.

It’s important for young birds to be raised by their parents. If the bird is brought into the wildlife hospital at the fledgling stage, it is likely to be in care for at least three weeks instead of starting to fly in a couple of days as it would with its parents.

What you can do: If the bird is obviously in an unsafe location, put it in a nearby bush. They are able to fly across and down at this age, but their tail feathers are not long enough to get off the ground. Keep cats, dogs, and children out of the area. Go to the Lindsay Wildlife Experience website at www.lindsaywildlife.org and click on “Found an Animal?” for information and advice. Call the Wildlife Hospital Hotline at (925) 935-1978 if you need more help or aren’t sure whether or not to bring an animal in. The hotline

is staffed from 9am until 5pm every day, April through September. The hospital is open from 9am until 7pm every day during the busy season.

If it is after hours and you find an animal that you believe needs help, do not give it any food or water. You can compromise its health or even kill an animal by giving it the wrong food. Even water given by hand, such as with an eyedropper, can go “down the wrong pipe” or offer too much water at one time. Water left in an enclosure can be a risk for drowning or hypothermia if spilled. Keep the animal warm, dark and quiet until you can bring it in. That brings the stress level down and lowers the animal’s metabolism to prevent it from burning up energy reserves used for maintaining body temperature before it can be brought into the hospital. Resist the temptation to “peek.” Leave the animal alone. Remember: warm, dark, quiet.

Another suggestion: Before you hit the road on a summer trip, put this free app on your phone: Animal Help Now. The app uses your location to provide you with information on the nearest wildlife rehabilitation facility in case you come across an animal in distress in your travels.

Check it out – you could save a life.

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

Teen Health Threat Toxic Levels of Cannabis

BY TEEN ESTEEM

Coinciding with increasing rates of cannabis abuse is the recognition of a new clinical condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, or CHS. What begins as a source of pleasure - smoking pot -eventually becomes a source of extreme pain, sparking mysterious and debilitating symptoms.

Many doctors and emergency physicians are not aware of CHS, meaning patients, oftentimes teens, go undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed, leading to serious health complications, surgery and hospitalization.

Several students in the community have recently been diagnosed with CHS, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms: Excessive hot showers or baths – to relieve the pain associated with CHS • Cyclical vomiting (intermittent episodes of nausea punctuated with symptom free periods) • Abdominal pain • Weight loss

As marijuana use and abuse become more mainstream, the incidences of CHS are expected to rise. Marijuana use has remained steady among middle school and high school students over the past five years, with 35% of high school seniors reporting they’d smoked weed within the past year, according to the National Institute of Health. The majority of high school seniors do not think occasional marijuana smoking is harmful, with only 32% saying that regular use puts the user at great risk.

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the Denver Health Medical Center’s Department of Emergency Medicine, prevalence of CHS nearly doubled after medical legalization of marijuana in Colorado.

Marijuana is medicinally prescribed to treat pain symptoms and nausea in patients. CHS causes some long-term/ excessive marijuana users to experience the opposite effect of the drug, resulting in extreme nausea, vomiting and pain. Researchers believe the accumulation of toxic levels of cannabis in an individual’s fat stores leads to this hypersensitivity.

Once correctly diagnosed, the only way to stop CHS is to stop smoking marijuana and seek substance abuse counseling if necessary.

Concerned your student might be suffering from CHS (or is abusing other drugs)? Contact your school counselor and/or your child’s pediatrician.

Teen Esteem is a non-profit organization that educates and empowers students, educators, parents, and the community on challenges young people face, including academic pressure, social media, bullying, drugs, prescription drug abuse, suicide and other topics of concern. For more information on parenting issues, visit Teen Esteem’s website at www.teenesteem. org where you’ll find helpful parenting guides and videos as well as information about our school presentations and parent education programs.

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Drink Tea to Fight Cancer

BY JEWEL JOHL, MD

Over 5,000 years ago, primarily in China and Japan, royalty began drinking tea, and this fine drink is now consumed all over the globe. There are a variety of important nutrients and natural polyphenols found in tea, an important one being Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is the most active and abundant type of polyphenol in tea. It is capable of lowering levels of a certain protein in the body that is required for cancerous cells to grow. Tea can also trigger apoptosis of cancerous cells, which is when the cell dies. Catechins, also found in tea, are capable of blocking blood vessel formation in tumors.

When this occurs, the supply line is cut off, which keeps the tumor from growing. With a combination of both the EGCG and other catechins, tea is able to stop tumor growth as well as kill cancerous cells. Tea has been shown to prevent or suppress ovarian, prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancers.

Oolong, black, and green teas have the most effective active nutrients for fighting cancer. Overall, green tea shows to be the most promising of all tea types. Its polyphenols are made up of 50-70% EGCG which, as mentioned

earlier, is the most effective and active polyphenol of them all. Packaged or “instant” tea powders do not contain the same benefits as fresh tea bags or leaves. To get the most active nutrients out of your tea, drinking it freshly brewed and plain is most beneficial.

When tea beverages are iced or other liquids or sugars are added to them, their nutritious components are diluted.

Drinking about two-three cups of tea a day can lower your overall risk for cancer.

Just shy of 600,000 people died in the United States from cancer in 2014.

There are many simple lifestyle changes that help to prevent it, just as the example stated above. By eating healthy, maintaining an ideal weight, and staying active, it is easier for your body to keep fighting off diseases so that you can live a long, healthy life.

Dr. Johl is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Diablo Valley Oncology. Dr. Johl practices evidencebased medicine with an integrative approach. He educates patients about the therapeutic benefits of natural compounds and supplements that have very little or no side effects. Call 925-677-5041 to schedule an appointment.

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ROAD TRIPS presented by Les Schwab in Martinez Point Bonita Lighthouse

A visit to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, at the southwest tip of the Marin Headlands, is a secret jewel of the Bay Area, offering a unique day trip with scenic views and cool temperatures. Point Bonita Lighthouse, the third lighthouse built on the West Coast, was completed in 1855 to guide ships through the Golden Gate straights and is still active. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains it, and the National Park Service provides access to visitors.

Point Bonita is reached by a rugged half-mile trail, with scenic views overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Midway down the trail is a tunnel that allows access to the suspension bridge to the lighthouse. Access to the tunnel is available Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 12:30-3:30pm. Docents are eager to share the history of the last manned lighthouse on the Pacific Coast.

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august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Increased Support A New Grant for Seniors

BY SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, DISTRICT IV

Our aging population is growing at a steady pace in Contra Costa County.

It is estimated that by 2025 the population of those over 65 will increase by more than 30%. This population deserves thoughtful planning and services that can assist them in aging with dignity.

Thankfully, in 1975, Contra Costa County created its Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Its aim is to develop a system of care and support for adults aged 60 and older, including adults with disabilities. The AAA is a partnership between the county and community organizations dedicated to identifying services and meeting unmet needs within the aging adult population. Part of this important work concentrates on decreasing cases of elder and dependent adult abuse.

Contra Costa is home to over 228,000 residents over the age of 60, and many are isolated, low income, or with disabilities. Sadly, elder abuse reporting has risen by 34% from 2014 to 2015, and as many as 50,000 cases of elder and dependent adult abuse go unreported every month in California.

In an effort to combat this growing issue, Contra Costa’s Adult Protective Services Program recently applied for funding through the Elder Abuse Program of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and was selected. This grant will provide resources for a multi-disciplinary team tasked with refining documentation and training for improved outcomes for victims of abuse and neglect. The grant will also create a forensic death review process to examine the circumstances of elder death in our county and identify gaps in service.

Thankfully, our dedicated county staff has amazing partners in the community working to address these and other concerns affecting seniors.

Organizations such as Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa County are

actively working to decrease cases of elder and dependent adult abuse everyday. Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa County is the primary and first advocate for the 9,000 residents of long-term care in Contra Costa County.

They are committed to visiting facilities monthly or even weekly to ensure our accessibility to residents, families, and facilities. Ombudsman Services also helps families navigate the maze of long-term care to make the best choices for their family member.

There are also numerous organizations in our county committed to helping seniors stay in their homes, such as Meals on Wheels and Rehabilitation Services of Northern California. I am grateful to have a robust system in place, but also look forward to continued improvements. With that in mind, I supported allocating significant funding to seniors and people with disabilities in the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s Transportation Expenditure Plan. This plan creates a framework for the next 30 years of transportation development in Contra Costa County. It is critical that this planning include access to increased mobility for the vulnerable members of our community. I welcome you to join me in the effort to increase services and support for our growing senior community.

Diablo Choral Auditions

The Diablo Women’s Chorale will hold auditions for new singers on August 15, at 6:15pm. We encourage any woman with choral experience, music-reading ability, and a love of good music and spirited company to audition!

Auditions for the 2016 fall season are open to all female voice parts. Singers are asked to prepare a song to sing and bring sheet music to demonstrate vocal quality, technique, and musicality.

Rehearsal Information:

We rehearse on Monday evenings, 7:00-9:00pm, at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek, with two major concerts per year. Members enjoy social gatherings and dinners out, too, and friendships flourish along with great music-making.

Singers:

Directed by Steve Mullins and comprising 40 women of all ages and backgrounds, DWC has gained a reputation

for creative and ambitious programming, high musical standards, and energetic performances of everything from classical works to vocal jazz and Broadway. Recent extracurricular performances have taken the group to the Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival and Contra Costa Women’s Commission Hall of Fame ceremony.

Chorus members include teachers, business executives, entrepreneurs, attorneys, students, artists, mothers and grandmothers. We come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences but are bound by our love of choral music and the shared experience of creating it together.

To schedule an audition, call Nancy with DWC at (925) 899-5050 or email us at diablowomenschorale@gmail.com. Tell us what voice part you sing and include a brief description of your prior vocal/choral experience. For more information, visit www.diablowomenschorale.org.

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY: MICHAEL BRIONEZ

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

Tuesdays & Thursdays - Yoga with Linda 8-9am. Linda Burkard specializes in Yoga Therapy and trained to work with seniors and those with special health circumstances. Wear loose fitting clothes and bring a yoga mat. $5 drop-in fee.

Aug. 14 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. Pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone welcome. $4 adults/$2.50 for children 10 and under. Handmade crafts for sale. Always open to the public.

Sept. 9 & 16 - AARP Driver Safety & Refresher Courses. Beginner Course (2-day) from 10am-2:30pm. Course for drivers age 50 and older to help update driving skills and knowledge of the rules and hazards of the road. Learn about normal age-related physical changes and how to adjust to compensate. Sign-ups available in person one month prior to class date.

Space is limited. Current drivers license required for sign–up. Payments made day of class.

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Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Aug. 9 - Scam Prevention Presentation 9:30-11:30am, Chateau Room. Presented by office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. RSVP: 798-8788.

Aug. 11 - Care Management Program Presents “The Myths of Dental Hygiene as We Age”

by Dr. Aaron Grafton, DDS, 2-3:30pm, Dining Room.

Aug. 16 - PHSC Show and Tell 1-3pm, Chateau Room. If you have something unique, please contact Holly Frates at the Center: hfrates@pleasanthillrec.com or 798-8788 by Aug. 12. Free to all ages to attend.

Sept. 23 - PHSC Anniversary Party 12-2pm. Celebrating 61 years! Join us for a Hawaiian themed party. Tickets on sale August 8 and available till sold out. $15 members, $20 general, tickets not available day of event.

Call for Craft Vendors: Join us for our 3rd annual Holiday Boutique & Craft Fair. All items must be hand-made. Vendor applications available at www.phseniorcenter.com. * Senior Center, Nov. 19, 9am-2pm,

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In the Garden The All-Purpose Plum

BY LESLEY STILES

August resides well in the Diablo Valley. It’s when big, spacious, blue skies accompanied by blazing hot, dry days define the eighth month of our year. Conditions such as these bode well for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons and stone fruits that thrive in loamy soil, occasionally drenched with some conserved, allotted water. The environment in the steamy side of the garden lets them soak up every sun bloated ray they can absorb to create amazingly big, fat, juicy fruits and vegetables for us to consume at will.

As peaking produce overflows our yards and farmers’ market tables, canning and jamming take center stage in the kitchens of our summer lives. Just-picked cucumbers matched with astoundingly fragrant fresh dill heads and garlic from the vine or market table will be transformed in a matter of hours, with the help of salt, vinegar, and mystical alchemy, to glistening jade jars of love. Tubs of peaches, nectarines and strawberries, washed and cut up, boiled in a sugar melted narcotic haze, combined with whatever else heat flustered minds can imagine to mix in, hold promise of the perfect piece of toast come winter.

As my Satsuma plum tree encourages vast quantities of cascading fruit onto dry ground below, I am fraught with sweet memories of my own mom’s Satsuma plums, which is why I have one growing in my yard today. Drupe in familial origin, having a large stone pit encasing inner seed, plums are indeed a fruit engineered to

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provoke tender memories stemming from an age of earlier innocence. Plums date back centuries to milder climates of Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Americas, but Roman historian and scientist Pliny the Elder maintained plums originated in Armenia and were the first cultivated fruit known.

Many cultures invest in the power of spring plum blossoms, all knowing at least half of those sweetly fragrant, showy blooms represent a plum to eat with juice dripping down the chin. Over the years, many crosses of plums have appeared in markets, probably none more identifiable than the Santa Rosa. Sugar sweet with creamy yellowish-pink flesh and tart skin, it’s pretty much the epitome of what comes to mind for a plum. Satsuma plums have deep, dark, richly mahogany red interiors, with a mysteriously herbal, tart-honeyed flesh, perfect for retrieving childhood images.

Plum wines play a major part in several cultures for simple enjoyment as well as medicinal purposes, along with beautiful ceremonial displays.

Fortunately for us, plums are still immensely popular with farmers, who continue to grow and sell heirloom varieties along with any kind of cross imaginable, almost. Apriums are a 30-70 mix of an apricot and a plum, while pluots are a 70-30 mix of plum and apricot. Softly orange inside and out with a scant fuzz or deeply magenta, both perform due diligence to represent the plum family, owning tastes that are sublime. Available only from your yard or farmers’ markets, they are summer stone fruit at its best. Before frankenfruit visions scare you off, these inter- bred fruits are crossed, not genetically modified, and as safe as a Blenheim to devour.

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august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

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Fresh plum salsa with chopped plums, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic, tossed with lime juice and a shot of fruity olive oil, is incredible accompanying freshly grilled fish and a light shower of sea salt.

Slice plums and toss with arugula, pine nuts, veiny blue cheese, and thick balsamic.

Plums set the stage for an amazingly simple crisp, slurped hot with vanilla ice cream slowly melting on top. Plums pureed and simmered with fresh ginger, garlic, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce create a dip worthy of the most royal dumpling or skewer. Plum jam assures summer in the winter and looks so good in their jeweled jars they can be used for home décor yearround. Beyond simple to prepare, all efforts pay supremely for months.

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.

GREGORY DR at TRELANY RD

Plum Jam INGREDIENTS 8 cups chopped Satsuma plums 3 tablespoons fruit pectin 2 cups turbinado sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Peel and juice from one big, juicy lemon DIRECTIONS Heat plums in a deep, heavy pan that won’t scorch. Mix ½ cup sugar with the pectin and stir into plums. Bring to a complete rolling boil that you can’t stir down and add the rest of the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Bring back to a rolling boil that you can’t stir down. When you reach that point, set your timer for 2 minutes and boil for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and place into sterilized half pint jars. Close lids tightly.

Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Makes 6 to 8 half-pints.

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AUGUST 6: Tai Chi demos & classes, by the Taoist Tai Chi Society. AUGUST 20: Classic Rock and oldies supergroup Amigos Music will be performing songs of yesteryear.

In the Mix, Community Wide Live Music Surrounds Us

BY PAUL COTRUVO

So here we are, right in the middle of summer and the music scene is thriving in our neck of the woods. With so many different festivals and concert series happening, I’d thought I’d give you some recommendations to check out and put on your calendar. And most of these are free!

The 28th annual Music and Market Series held in Todos Santos Plaza on Thursday nights in downtown Concord never disappoints - always a fine mixture of music and food. Some of the highlights coming up are the one and only Carlos Reyes and The Electric Symphony on August 11; Evolution, a Journey tribute band on September 8;

and closing out with a Prince tribute band, The Purple Ones, on September 15. All shows start at 6:30pm.

Pleasant Hill continues to make your Sundays a little better with their annual Summer by the Lake Concert Series. Held on the lawn in front of City Hall, corner of Gregory and Cleaveland, you will always find quality music and a fun atmosphere. August 7, Sugadady; August 21, East Bay Mudd; and September 4, Queens & Thieves will have you dancing on the lawn all evening long.

All shows begin at 6:00pm.

Also in Pleasant Hill, the First Thursday Summer Concert Series continues. Held between Sweet Tomatoes and Jack’s Restaurant, this event is always a blast. Checkout David Martin’s House Party on August 4, and The Fundamentals September 1. All shows

Paul’s Picks August 4 - David Martin’s Houseparty, Downtown Pleasant Hill Concert Series, 6:30pm August 4 - The Lost Weekend, Rocco’s, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, 8pm August 6 – Rye Wit, Blu 42, 1251 Arroyo Way, Walnut Creek, 9pm August 6 - Frankie G. & the Conviction, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm August 11 - Carlos Reyes & The Electric Symphony, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord, 6:30pm August 13 - The Bell Brothers, Wisegirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm August 20 - Annie Sampson, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm August 21 - East Bay Mudd, Summer by the Lake, Pleasant Hill City Hall, 6pm August 26 - Lumberyard, Vinnie’s, 2045 Mt. Diablo St., Concord, 9pm August 28 - The Sunday Paper, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4pm

begin at 6:30pm

Thursday evenings over in Moraga are rock’n as well. Moraga Commons Park Concerts bring an enjoyable family atmosphere and solid music lineup. Upcoming evenings will feature Fleetwood Mask, a (you guessed it) Fleetwood Mac tribute band on August 4; Mixed Nuts, a lively cover band on August 11; and the great Fundamentals will finish off the series on August 25.

All shows start at 6:30pm.

September holds two of my favorite events. On September 17, the 18th annual Delta Blues Festival, held in Waldie Plaza in Antioch, always brings quality blues music. This year will be no exception, as the headliner will be Jarekus Singleton. According to Blues & Rhythm magazine, he is destined to be the next big name in the blues world. Also on the bill is Wee Willie Walker and Anthony Paule, Igor Prado, the great Terry Hanck, A.C. Myles, and opening the show will be Three Brothers Blues Band. The music begins at noon.

And in Lafayette on the 21st (my how time flies), Lafayette Art & Wine Festival will be held on the weekend of September 17 and 18. Always one of the best festivals, not only because of the enticing wine, beer and food, but the music lineup is always stellar! This year will feature many tribute bands such as Evolution (Journey), Zebop (Santana) and SuperHuey (Huey Lewis

and the News). Also in the lineup will be local favorites Lumberyard, The Spazmatics, East Bay Mudd and Queens & Thieves. For the times and schedule, check out www.lafayettechamber.org/ events/art-wine-festival/entertainmentschedule.

Have you filled your calendar yet?

It warms my heart that all these cities are keeping local and live music alive!

Please go out and support. I know you will have a fantastic time!

A Special Benefit Performance, August 6

On another note, please check out the event being held on August 6 at Blue 42, 1251 Arroyo Way, Walnut Creek.

The band Rye Wit is performing with special guests Dylan Chaney, Kiki Stack & myself to raise money & awareness to defeat ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The benefit performance is in support of our friend Matt Chaney.

All proceeds go to the ALS Association Golden West Chapter.

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease.

ALS occurs throughout the world, with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. Show begins at 9:00pm Quote of the Month: “Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid” Frank Zappa

EL TAPATIO authentic mexican restaurant

JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR! MONDAY - FRIDAY 3 PM TO 6 PM SPECIALS ON HOUSE MARGARITAS & DRAFT BEERS FREE CHIPS AND SALSA TACO TUESDAY SERVED ALL DAY

Best Mechanic

SUNDAY BRUNCH SERVED 10 AM - 2 PM

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

40 Golf Club RD., Pleasant Hill 925.676.2420 • WWW.ELTAPS.COM ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

31

THE CARS CAN'T TALK BUT WE CAN!

Pair Up

Endless Summer Nights

UPCOMING EVENTS

AUGUST 21

COBRA EXPERIENCE Open to the Public Day 11 AM - 4 PM Visit our website to register

www.cobraexperience.org 925-558-5585

777 ARNOLD DRIVE, SUITE 200, MARTINEZ

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

Come visit our designer showroom 2310 “D” Bates Avenue (Near HWY 4) Concord, CA Mon- Fri 7 - 5 • Sat 9 - 2 925-798-7525 • 1-800-566-8534 Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae

themouldingcompany.com Our Professional Staff

32

BY MARIA TERRY

In Spain, dinners often start late and can last for hours. I like this idea because hanging out with people I love is truly the highlight of my life. Here is a meal that could easily be enjoyed over a period of six hours or more.

Additionally, all the food can be prepared ahead and brought out to serve or grill as needed, a hostess’s dream.

I think it is fun to try new wines. My latest find is Godello, a white grape that comes from northwestern Spain. This particular grape is easy to pronounce and reminds me of its local compadre, Albariño. It tends to be dry and zesty, with crisp citrus, apricot, and peach flavors. Its refreshing acidity is perfect to serve cold on a warm August day.

I can’t imagine a more idyllic situation than sitting outdoors and enjoying a cold glass of Godello with an overflowing Spanish “antipasto” tray of cheese, meat and veggies. Select three Spanish cheeses, like firm, nutty Manchego, buttery Mahón Tierno, and pungent blue Crema de Cabrales, to assure you have something for everyone.

Add two Spanish cured meats, like prized Jamón Ibérico and spicy Chorizo de León, for depth. Sprinkle around some olives, marinated artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes for color and punch, as well as Marcona almonds for crunch. Finally, a slab of membrillo quince paste or fig jam will add a touch of sweetness to complement the salty meats and cheeses. Don’t forget some flatbread crackers or a sliced baguette as a vehicle to get it all to your mouth.

Plan to wait until nightfall to regain your appetite before grilling up some marinated lamb chops. The marinade recipe listed here is great for all kinds of meats and even fish or vegetables. This will also be the right time to open a red, like Rioja Reserva.

These wines are aged for a minimum of three years (two of which must be in the barrel). Reservas have layered, complex flavors that are dusty and earthy, with rich, dried red fruit notes. Simple accompaniments, like the Asparagus Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette and fresh, soft bread, will

august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

keep the focus on the wine and conversation.

It may actually be past midnight by the time you get around to dessert, so keep the party going with a boost of sugar. Try a sweet Moscatel de Alexandria, a white grape grown on the southern coast of Spain in a region called Málaga. Moscatel de Alexandria is often blended with Pedro Ximénez, resulting in wines that can range in color from amber all the way to dark garnet brown. Dessert Moscatel de Alexandria usually has around 10% alcohol, which is low for a dessert wine, and offers flavors of caramelized apricots, peach jam, and tropical fruits. The low alcohol content makes it a wonderful partner to a summery peach cobbler.

So, go on. Pair Up!

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

Peach Cobbler INGREDIENTS 4 cups peeled, sliced peaches 2 cups sugar, divided 1/2 cup water 8 tablespoons butter 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour 1 1/2 cups milk Ground cinnamon, optional DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350ºF. Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir.

Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Yield: 8-10 servings

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

Fresh Garlic Marinade INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons black pepper 2 tablespoons seasoned salt 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup dried onions 1/4 cup chopped fresh garlic 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup soybean oil 4 lbs. protein (or equivalent for vegetables) DIRECTIONS To make the marinade, mix all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and place the protein or veggies in a large plastic bag. Pour ¾ of the marinade over the meat or veggies and reserve remainder for basting. Allow to marinate for a period of time (longer for meats, shorter for fish or vegetables).

Yield: 8-10 Servings

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

Asparagus Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram or 1 teaspoon dried 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed, cut into diagonal 2-inch pieces 1 small red bell pepper, diced 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted DIRECTIONS Boil vinegar in heavy small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Pour vinegar into large bowl. Whisk in oil, mustard, marjoram and garlic. Season the dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Cook asparagus in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain; rinse with cold water and drain again. Add asparagus and bell pepper to dressing; toss to blend well.

Sprinkle with pecans and serve.

Yield: 4-6 Servings

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P L E A S A N T

H I L L

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

August 2016

Local Organizing Business Goes for the Green!

Getting organized never felt so good!

On April 19, 2016 Connie Anderson, Professional Organizer and owner of Anderson Organizing was recognized by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors as a Certified Contra Costa Green Business. Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, District IV, presented Connie with her certification, one of only 16 other businesses to be recognized this quarter.

"I'm excited to share the philosophy of environmental stewardship with my clients as well as put it into practice, says Connie. "Every house, office, and storage unit always has something in it that can be recycled or donated.

Connie Anderson Often I fill my car to the brim with donations to and Supervisor drop off a local charity. It's a great feeling to work with clients who have a shared understanding that the earth needs our active participation to help keep her healthy. Together we are doing our part to reduce waste, recycle and re-use. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Applying for certification is easy and free. Anderson Organizing encourages all Pleasant Hill Chamber Members to go for the green! This is especially true if you are already running your business with a healthy planet in mind.

It’s also a great way to learn what steps you can take to start running your business in a more eco-friendly way. Your profit margin, the planet and your clients/customers will thank you!

14th Annual New Expanded

Entertainment & Activities

Saturday, October 1st 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday, October 2nd 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

PREMIUM CRAFT BEER

Garden

In Partnership With

Steve Van Dorn President & CEO

photo by Susan Wood

Travis Smith Michele Grant-Groves Kurt King Taylor Ye Michael Moore Maria Dempsey Mike Evans Trevor Donahu Louisa Asseo Kelly Magoon Jennifer Figueroa

featuring East Bay Mudd 6:30 - 8:45 pm

Event Sponsors

A Word from the CEO...

Hello Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce members and

Welcome New Members

Payless Batting Cages Center of Gravity Ameriprise Financial The Organic Coup Pacific Union Jetsuite X DeNova Homes, Inc. Dynamic Audio Concepts Oasis Veterinary Hospital Mary Kay Cosmetics Envisage Companies

presents

Saturday Evening Concert

(925) 765-0938 (855) 323-7836 (925) 937-0500 (926) 687-8077 (925) 588-4846 (866) 779-7770 (925) 685-0110 (925) 391-0392 (925) 954-8087 (925) 360-8670 (925) 284-1504

community. Hope you had a chance to visit the Blues & Brews Festival that was done in partnership with Pleasant Hill Rec & Park and the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. It was a fantastic event that attracted thousands. Mark your calendar for next year's festival on July 14-15, 2017.

We are also focused on the planning of our October 1st & 2nd Art, Jazz and Wine Festival. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE!! Contact the chamber if you’d like to discuss sponsorship opportunities or you’d like to meet with me to discuss what the Chamber can do to assist your business and the business community as a whole. I can be reached at 925-687-0700 or by email at steve@pleasanthillchamber.com.

Thank you all for your support of our organization and I look forward to seeing you around Pleasant Hill!

91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-687-0700 www.pleasanthillchamber.com ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

33

Business Directory Buck Shot & Any Reason

Local Qualit y You Can Trust!

Pleasant Hill

Fun "LIVE" Music from the 50’s thru 80’s For Any Occasion

COLLISION

Collision Repair & Painting • Frame Straightening Insurance Claims • Glass • Customs

Special Shows for Assisted Living, Convalescent Homes & Hospitals

www.PleasantHillCollision.com • email phcollision@aol.com 925-939-1160 • 1581 Oak Park Boulevard • Pleasant Hill

Contact Buck• 925-787-6149 www.buckshotozoneband.com

budget

handyman service

Specialized in Home & Commercial Repair RELIABLE & AFFORDABLE • Contractors License #777628 • EPA Certified Renovator www.budgethandymanservices.com Phone: 925.689.1339 • Mobile: 925.577.3025 Robert Angelsberg

LEADING EDGE

PEST MANAGEMENT, INC. TERMITE SPECIALISTS Inspections, Eco-Friendly Treatments & Professional Repairs

800-471-5555

WWW.LEADINGEDGEPM.COM

Lic.#PR6202

DIABETIC TEA - For Blood Sugar Control

Pacheco Bistro Burmese Cuisine

HOMETOWN TREE SERVICE

• TRIMMING EXPERTS • STUMP REMOVAL

• TREE REMOVAL SPECIALIST • FREE WOODCHIP MULCH

1333 #B Pine St. Martinez

925.381.9822

ES FRE TIM E AT ES

Call Your

45 YEARS EXPERIENCE

cwtreeservice.com

925.229.4999

NorthBay Restaurant Health Department Plans Providing our clients with plans & support to get the fastest health department approval possible.

Lic. #724531 • Insured PL & PD worker’s comp.

Advertisers Agent 2000, Derek Knapp Center of Gravity City of Pleasant Hill Clayton Business and Community Assoc.

CoCo Comedy Cobra Experience Cold Stone Creamery Contra Costa Children’s Chorus Diablo Valley Oncology Ecomulch Ellinwood Exterminators

El Tapatio Flaskerud - RE/MAX Today Forma Gym Hagin’s Automotive Hammer’s Heating and A/C #Hersmile Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Hire My Husband Home Detailers Housekeeping Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S. Kobe Japan Law Offices of Daniel L. DuRee

707.332.0020 www.NorthBayRestaurant.com

Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski Les Schwab Tires Linda J. Weihofen Martinez Arts Association Martinez Auto Body Matt Rinn – State Farm Insurance Maureen Ingalls - RE/MAX Accord Michael Brionez, J. Rockcliff Moulding Company Oakmont of Concord Oasis Veterinary Hospital Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Assoc.

Parkway Smiles Dental Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

Home Detailers Housekeeping Let the work speak for itself!

Deep Cleaning - Everytime • Dust Door Frames / Baseboards • Clean Fireplace • Complete Dusting Rotate Couch & Chair Cushions • Move Furniture • Hardwood Floors • Vacuum Furniture (Spot) Wash Walls • Oil Wood (Kitchen Cabinets, Baseboards, etc.)

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE - 925-689-9823 34

august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Ruth Bancroft Garden Samuels Construction Senior Helpers Shell Oil Shell Western States Credit Union Susan Wood Photography The Front Room Walnut Creek Downtown Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails

CLEANING SPECIAL

$50 OFF On First Detailed Cleaning For New Clients Only SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! BONDED

EXPIRES 8/31/16

Make Some Plans now - sept 16

august 3

august 13

august 19

Fridays on the Main

First Wednesday Street Fest

Walnut Creek City Showcase

Coming to the Rescue

Walnut Creek First Wednesday Festivities include live music & entertainment, arts & crafts, shopping, treats & more! Enjoy FREE parking on Wednesday nights after 5pm!

Cypress Street, between Main & Locust.

Behind the scenes at the Lesher Center, get up close with giant street-sweeping machines, and get an insider’s perspective of what happens on WCPD’s Bomb Squad. 9am12pm, Walnut Creek City Hall.

Featuring the Farmers’ Market on the 800 block of Main St., 4-8pm, and Cool Cars & Music on the 500, 600 & 700 blocks of Main St., 6-8pm. Free to attend! Restaurants are open!

Sponsored by www.mainstreetmartinez.org.

Contra Costa Humane Society’s Annual Dinner and Auction fundraiser for animals and the people that love them. Dinner, wine, ales and lagers with music by the Lost Cats from 6-8:30pm at the Perera Pavilion, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr.

ongoing

august 6

august 20

Buchanan Fields Golf Club

Rib Cook-Off

Comedy Under the Stars

This gregarious NCGA member club is looking for men and women at all playing levels to join their group. The club has three standing tee times each week. Visit www.buchananfieldsgolfclub.com or contact 2016 president Fred Arras, 559.709.8256.

BBQ ribs and chicken, beer, margaritas, bands, kiddieland and local vendors. Pro pitmaster and backyard chefs compete for cash prizes and trophies. 10am-6pm, Main St. Clayton. www.claytoncbca.org.

Benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of Diablo Valley. 8pm at Martinez Waterfront Amphitheater. Tickets can be purchased at CoCoComedy. com.

ongoing

august 14

august 21

Workplace Yoga

American Iron Car Show

Cobras Open to the Public

Pleasant Hill Rec & Park celebrates the 15th annual American Iron Car Show. Vote for your favorite. Free to public! 10am-3pm, Downtown Pleasant Hill. Register your pre-80s car and enter competition. Fee: $28. Call (925) 682-0896 for details.

View the car museum showcasing Cobras from 11am-4pm at Cobra Experience, 777 Arnold Dr., Suite 200, Martinez. Details at www.cobraexperience.org.

Type A Yoga provides various options from ergonomic chair yoga classes to industry-specific workshops.

Teachers are engaging, reasonable, and studentcentered. Clients include Contra Costa Community College District and Telecare Corporation. Get a free guide, Workplace Wellness for the Real World, or a quote, at www.typeayoga.com/workplacewellness.

august 2

august 13

august 26

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

Bark for Life

Job Seekers Get a Foot in the Door

General meeting open to the public with Michael Baefsky presenting, “Good Trees for Pleasant Hill” at Pleasant Hill Community Center at 8pm. Free. Details: 925-323-9314 or www.phgsc.com.

A noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. Bring your canines for some games, demonstrations, and contests to the Pleasant Hill City Hall from 9am-12pm.

august 3

august 13

august 19

august 28

ED & Male Incontinence Seminar

Bag of Books Sale

Movies and Music Under the Stars

9th Annual Global Multicultural Concert

The Last Minute Band performs at 7pm followed by the showing of Aladdin at Walnut Creek Civic Park. Enjoy dinner downtown at one of the many delicious restaurants, or grab your dinner to go and eat at the park!

Public is invited to a concert featuring praise choirs, worship bands, children’s choirs and dance teams from many churches and cultures represented in the Bay Area and beyond! All will sing together for Revival of our Nations. New Hope International Church, 6-8pm, 2120 Olivera, Ct, Concord.

Join Dr. Stephen Taylor and Dr. Richard Long as they discuss the sensitive issue of erectile dysfunction and male incontinence. Q & A session to follow. Space is limited, RSVP to 925-6775041 x272. 6:30-8:30pm, Walnut Creek Library - Oak View Room, 1644 N. Broadway.

For $5, fill a sack with books from a huge selection at Friends of the Martinez Library Book Sale. Proceeds benefit library programs.

10am-4pm, 740 Court Street.

Water/Wasterwater agencies offer community college classes and scholarships for a career in the industry. First class begins September 1. Registration deadline for free scholarships is Aug. 26. Visit www.baccwe. org for details.

ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2016

35

#ShellMefRun

Sunday October 2, 2016

Register online at – www.martinezedfoundation.com Run begins at 8:30 am on Main St

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE MUSD SCHOOLS 36

august 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com