• JANUARY 2012
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January 2012
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Snow on the Mountain By Randy Wanser Let’s see how many school-age children read the newspaper… Show of hands: Who believes that when it snows on Mount Diablo, those days should be deemed “Snow Days,”
requiring all local schools to immediately close, thereby allowing students the pursuit of winter fun? Whoa, settle down kids! That was quite a reaction! Nice to know you’re
Brothers Cameron and Christian Wanser with their Mount Diablo snowman near the mountain’s summit in Winter, 2011. Park Service officials estimate that Mount Diablo provides nearly a week of snowy conditions each year for visitors to enjoy. Photo by: Christina Wanser
out there. Now, please read on… Anyone who was raised in a snowy region remembers snow days. You wake up, look out your bedroom window, optimistically assess the snow accumulation, turn on the radio, hold your breath, and listen for your school’s name to be called out among the closures. Oh, the pure joy and unsurpassed freedom of a snow day! “Wait. You’re kidding, right? I don’t have to go to school, AND I get to play in the snow all day long? Suh-weeeeeeet!” Setting that notion aside for a moment (stay with me, kids), consider how fortunate we residents of Contra Costa County are. We live in the suburbs of a thriving metropolis, yet also have our very own mountain, with all the fun and adventure it brings. Hiking. Biking. Camping. Climbing. And, most inspiring of all: Snowfall! Granted, it doesn’t snow often in these parts. According to park service officials, most years provide just a few opportunities to experience snowfall on 3,864 foot high Mount Diablo. Perhaps three or four days host an accumulation of snow suitable for that great Ameri-
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can pastime of building a snowman. This scarcity of snow – and the true blessing that, with our climate, it even snows at all – is what makes snowfall on Mount Diablo such a revered event. About those Mount Diablo snowmen... small in stature, big in heart. Welcoming the day with Foothill-pine branch arms outstretched, braving the chill of night smartly with lava rock buttons and pine cone derbies. Unlike their lily-white Sierra brethren, Mount Diablo snowmen wear uneven patches of brown earth as testament to the mountain on which they proudly stand. And then, there’s this latest phenomenon of the hood ornament snowman. Some enterprising family a few years ago drove all the way down the mountain and into town with a small snowman perched upon the hood of their vehicle. Now, every winter, scores of families who visit the snowy Mount Diablo summit strive to make it down the mountain, around all its twists and turns, and all the way home, with their very own hood ornament snowman intact. Kids of Contra Costa County: I know you’re still listening. It’s winter. Your snowman will soon be calling. Which brings us back to snow days, and the fact that folks need not wait to be excused from school or work to enjoy a local winter getaway. After all, local is the “in thing.” Many families, due to the slowed economy, are giving up exotic vacations and are instead enjoying local “staycations.” Great America instead of Great Britain. Monterey in place of Maui. Why not Mount Diablo for Lake Tahoe? It was fellow Contra Costan and Martinez resident John Muir who famously said, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.” With such a magnificent mountain as the centerpiece of 20,000-acre Mount Diablo State Park, with a paved road running from your doorstep to the very summit, why not spend your next snow day with your family making a snowman on Mount Diablo? Good tidings, indeed!
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JULIE SAYS
January 2012
Rain, Rain, Go Away!
By Julie Ross it rain. -Henry Wadsworth Longfel Come again another day. Soon, low, American poet we will be back in the midst of a brand Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshnew rainy season. But rather than fall ing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilainto some kind of gloomy “down with rating. There is really no such thing as rain” melodramatic funk, let’s accentubad weather, only different kinds of ate the positive and embrace the drizgood weather. - John Ruskin, English zle, the showers, and the downpours author, poet and critic that bring back the green. Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain I have assembled a few quotes for beat upon your head with silver liquid you to pull out and enjoy on our next drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. rainy day: -Langston Hughes, American poet, Rain is grace; rain is the sky condenovelist and social activist scending to the earth; without rain there would be no And finally, for those of you lacking a philosophilife. -John Updike, American author cal streak, here is some practical advice: I’m singing in the rain, just singing in the rain; Never run in the rain with your socks on. -Green what a wonderful feeling, I’m happy again. -Arthur Day, American rock band Freed, American lyricist and Hollywood film Rain or shine, have a Happy New Year! producer The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let Send comments to julieakross@comcast.net
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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397) “I hope for good health and great prosperity for Downtown Martinez.” -Anne Mobley, Owner, White Rabbit Boutique
“I hope to open my own restaurant in Woodland and I hope for my family to be healthy.” -Dennis Huitt, Director of Operations, Smokey D’s
“I hope for what every business owner hopes for: a busy and prosperous year and a big growth in business.... even a little growth” -Karen Del Bontá, Owner & Artiste, Le Gâteau Élégant
• Local Real Estate.............................................page 9 • Harry Benzie Wins Title............................. page 12 • High School Happenings.....................pages 14-15 • PH Rec and Park Updates........................... page 18
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.
• In the Mix..........................................................page 24 • Community Calendar......................................page 26 • Local Opinion................................................... page 29 • Business Service Directory.............................. page 31
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January 2012
Page 5
Is Adoption an Option? On December 20, Cara Helberg, Executive Director of Angels’ Haven Outreach, brought fifteen children from Ukraine over for the holidays. This is a continuing effort to connect children from various countries with loving families in the United States. Kolya, an
By R.L. Tinker eight-year old boy, and Ira, a six-year old Shuey was among the group of host families that greeted the new arrivals at the girl, are being hosted by families in the Pleasant Hill community. These families airport. Just two short years ago, Charwill advocate for them during their holi- lie - then called Viktor - was a nervous nine-year old among a group of children day visit, while others are hosted in the from Ukraine who came to spend the South Bay. winter holidays with host and potential As has become tradition, Charlie adoptive families. Cara says “He knows he was there just a few years ago praying to have a family before he returned to Ukraine!” Happily settled with his Clayton family for over a year and a half, Charlie has become an ambassador to these young, hopeful visitors. The children will be in the U.S. until mid-January. Over the duration of their visit, they and their host families will gather with the entire group for various
events to celebrate the season and facilitate introductions to potential adoptive parents. Through these cultural visits, Cara has had great success in placing hundreds of orphaned children with open-armed families. If adoption is an option your family or someone you know has considered, or if you would be interested in hosting a child for a future visit, explore the Angels’ Haven Outreach website at www.angelshaven.org and contact Cara Helberg at adopt@ angelshaven.org, or call: 1-877-378-9781. Angels’ Haven Outreach is a non-profit organization committed to finding adoptive families for orphaned children from around the world.
Anastasia, Sidney and Sadie Helberg along with Nicole Spinos and Charlie Shuey gathered around 6-year old Ira upon her arrival.
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Page 6
Tax Laws Keep Changing Many favorable tax rules were extended by the major tax bill last December, however, not all rules got the same treatment. Some expire this year and some will expire after 2012. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you gather tax records for 2011: Tax Rates will remain at current levels through 2012. In 2013, the “Bush Tax Cuts” are set to expire and this would lead to higher rates for everyone. The following deductions are available for the 2011 tax year but will expire on 12/31/11: • Elementary and secondary school teacher expenses • State and local sales taxes • Mortgage insurance premiums • Qualified tuition and related
By Donna Berggren expenses. The 2010 Tax Relief Act authorized a reduction in the employee’s share of the Social Security payroll tax from 6.2% to 4.2% for 2011. As you may know, Congress extended the payroll tax break for two additional months. Charitable Deductions for Outof-Pocket Expenses are allowed if incurred in donating services for a charity. For example, expenses in caring for foster cats in your home as a volunteer for a qualified organization are deductible. Such expenses could be veterinary bills, pet food, and cleaning or other supplies. Standard Mileage Rates: The IRS raised the standard mileage rates for the last six months in 2011 to 55.5
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Helping People Make Our Communities Safe and Workplace Fair
The Venardi Law Firm’s mission is to fight for workplace fairness, community safety, and fair compensation for injuries. At the Venardi Law Firm, we are guided by three basic principles: 1) treat others with respect, kindness, and dignity; 2) provide deserving clients with the highest quality legal representation; and 3) humanize the litigation process. At the helm of the firm is Mark Venardi, once a defense attorney for fortune 500 companies. Mark has had an AV-rating, the highest achievement given by the peer review rating system, since this 10th year in practice, and has been named a Super Lawyer in 2009, 2010, and 2011 by Northern California Super Lawyers Magazine. “We are in it to win it,” Mark says. “We fight for injured individuals and small companies because they deserve the same vigorous, competent and tenacious representation
as the big companies with big bucks.” While Mark will attempt to resolve cases outside the courtroom whenever possible, he will not hesitate to take a case to trial. He litigates every case personally to help seriously injured clients, employees and small businesses receive fair compensation. The Venardi firm is located in Walnut Creek, California, but litigates cases throughout the state. The firm’s areas of practice include personal injury, jones act, maritime injuries, boating accidents, auto accidents, segway accidents, wrongful death, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblower protection, wage and hour, business torts, and insurance bad faith. If you or your loved ones are looking for an experienced and caring group of attorneys who understand people and work collaboratively with clients throughout the litigation process, please call us so we can help.
cents per mile for business miles driven and 23.5 cents per mile for medical or moving expenses – for both a 4.5 cent per mile increase over the rates in effect for the first six months of the year. The rates for 2012 will be 55.5 cents per mile for business miles and 23 cents per mile for medical or moving expenses. IRS Warns Taxpayers about Phony Emails: The IRS reminded the public that it doesn’t contact taxpayers by email to alert them of a pending refund, inform them they are eligible to receive a tax refund, request a response or other action, or ask for detailed personal and financial information such as social security numbers, PIN numbers and passwords. Do not become a victim of these scams. For more tax information you can check out www.IRS.gov or give us a call. Putman • Berggren • Tonti 380 Civic Drive Suite 200, Pleasant Hill, CA, 925-827-1400.
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January 2012
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Mayor’s Message On behalf of the staff and council, I’d like to wish all our Pleasant Hill residents and neighboring cities a Happy New Year. Having completed celebrating Pleasant Hill’s 50th Birthday, we look forward to beginning the march towards our next milestone. During the past year, we recalled many changes that took place, from new downtown and upgraded commercial centers to new housing and infrastructure. We also celebrated the one constant over those 50 years - our engaged, hardworking and committed residents and city employees who have been generous with their time and efforts to better our community. With the 51st year providing its own challenges and opportunities, it gives us much to build on and look forward to for the next 50 years. As many are aware, the fiscal challenge for
Page 7
PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
John Hanecak, Mayor of Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill is ongoing, with revenues munity by inviting neighbors over. As potlucks. In the upcoming year, I look falling for the past number of years. It forward to supporting our city services, Plato once said, “This City is what it is requires revisiting the ways we probecause our citizens are what they are.” enjoyable programs, and efforts made vide services we all desire in the areas by individuals and families who foster a We can be proud of what Pleasant Hill of police, public works and commusense of neighborhood within our com- has become. nity development. With the help of our residents and city employees, solutions have been and will continue to be found By Jaki Jones and implemented. As the new year beCity Planner, “The project will include a After years of abandonment and gins, the California state budget talks deterioration, the former site of Blondie’s number of features emphasizing sustainand the California Supreme Court deciability and energy conservation, includPizza and Rasputin Music is receiving sion on Redevelopment Agencies will ing an array of roof-mounted photo-volan overdue facelift. The location on the have a direct impact on our city. taic panels. It is our understanding that corner of Contra Costa Boulevard and On the opportunity side, many of the project will be completed this spring. Taylor Avenue obtained approval from our annual events have continued to No tenant has been identified to us for Pleasant Hill’s Architectural Review grow and attract more residents than the building at this time. ” Commission to commence a remodever (Concerts by the Lake, Commu A roofing company is removing and el and re-landscaping of the site. The nity Service Day, Light up the Night, replacing the roof to prepare it for instalproject involves façade, signage, roof, National Night Out, writing & drawing lation of photovoltaic panels, roof-equipwindow, landscape and parking lot imcontest, etc.). In addition, we saw neighment screening and installation of a new provements. However, the basic buildborhoods come together in unique decorative 4 parapet wall/facade at the ing configuration will remain the same. ways such as neighborhood float build According to Greg Fuz, Pleasant Hill northeast corner of the building. ing for the 4th of July parade, the establishment or maintenance of neighborhood watch programs and block party get-togethers with barbeques or
Eyesore Receives Repair
Nominations Sought The 41st Annual Community Awards Night takes place on Thursday, January 19 at Back Forty restaurant in Pleasant Hill. The awards committee is currently seeking nominations in the following categories: Citizen of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Teen of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. For eligibility criteria, or if you would like to nominate someone in any of these categories, please go to www. pleasant-hill.net/awards and download
the nomination form with instructions. Submit your nomination to the PH Recreation & Park District Offices (147 Gregory Lane) by Wednesday, January 4th by 5:00pm. Nominations may also be emailed to mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us. Information on how to purchase tickets for this event is also available online. For more details, email Martin Nelis at mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us or call him at (925)671-5229.
Renovations in progess on the site
City Calendar of Events City Council January 2, 16 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5267 Civic Action Commission January 4 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229
Education Commission January 25 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 7:00pm Contact: 671-5229 For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
Drawings of the renovated building.
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Page 8
PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1/6 - Ambassador Meeting City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 8am - 9am 1/10 – Ambassador Lunch Pasta Pomodoro, 11:45pm-1pm 45 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill
January 2012
MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
1/30 – Government Affairs Committee Back Forty, 100 Coggins Dr., 4:30pm
Ambassador Meeting – If interested in attending, contact Reba at (925)228-2345 or email Reba@martinezchamber.com
Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700
1/3 – Chamber Office reopens after the Holidays – Happy New Year!!
CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
1/12 - Chamber Mixer – Thursday, 5:307:30pm - Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez. Great Networking, Food, Fun, Raffle Prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!)
1/18 – Mixer – Tahoe Joes 999 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill 5:30pm - 7:30pm 1/19 – Board Meeting City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 7:45am
1/14 – Crab Feed & Raffle – Saturday, 6pm - Boys & Girls Club of Diablo Valley, 1301 Alhambra Ave, Martinez. Contact the Boys & Girls Club at 925-228-3896 x 101 to purchase tickets.
1/19 – Community Awards Night Back Forty, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill 6:30pm
– Creekside Church Auditorium, 444 Fig Tree Lane, Martinez. Guest Speaker, Paul Gabbard, General Manager, Shell Martinez Refinery. Enjoy a full gourmet breakfast buffet, $25. RSVP by 1/24 to Martinez Chamber (925) 228-2345 or email Reba@martinezchamber.com From our Chamber Office to you – Have a Wonderful New Year!! Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345
CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
1/16 – Office Closed - Martin Luther King Day
Ribbon Cutting
1/19 – Ribbon Cutting – Thursday, 4pm – No Drugs, Inc., 827 Arnold Dr., #70, Martinez. Please join us in welcoming our new member!
Sips Cellars
2/7 – Save the Date – Tuesday, 7:30am9:30am–Martinez State of the City Breakfast
Ribbon Cutting Compass Star
Sips Cellars was born from the idea that good wine and good company pair well together. In addition, having a diversity of wines exposes pallets to more and greater varietals and brings about new experiences. We here at Sips Cellars intend to provide a friendly, fun atmosphere and a variety of value priced wines to our customers. We wish to share our love of wine, bring a smile to a heart and become a trustworthy partner in our community. We offer sips, flights, glasses, bottles and fun! Taste wine, listen to live music and socialize in our newly remodeled wine lounge. We are located at 2685 Pleasant Hill Rd, in the TJ Maxx Plaza in Pleasant Hill. Reach us at 925-988-9122 or visit us at sipscellars.com. Hours are: T-Th, 11am-7pm; Fri & Sat, 11am9pm; Sun, 1-6pm. Closed Mondays.
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The Compass Star at 915 Main Street in Martinez is now open from 7:30am to 2:30pm Monday through Friday serving locally roasted coffees and teas and small producer wines from Napa and Sonoma. Chefs Rachael Zavala, formerly of Wente Winery’s Catering Department and Perbacco Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, and Brian Stein, formerly of Postino in Lafayette and Vesu in Walnut Creek, cure and smoke the pastrami, bacon, ham, corned beef and all of the salami in-house. The Compass Star is an old world delicatessen in beautiful Historic Downtown Martinez. Like The Compass Star on Facebook to learn about daily specials! www.compassstarcatering.com.
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January 2012
Real Estate Update
Page 9
HOUSING NEWS
By Nathan Hitchcock The discussion about what lies ahead for the real estate market always reaches a fever pitch during the holiday season. What are home prices going to do? Is the market stabilizing? Is now the time to buy? Is now the time to jump ship? Will the rebound come in 2012?
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There are, without a doubt, as many opinions as there are grains of sand on a beach. And since 2006, my real estate crystal ball has spoken more like a politician than a fortune teller -heavy on the speculation and light on the predictions. One thing for certain is that the table is nicely set for a housing rebound. Mortgage rates are at about 4.0% -so low it’s almost obscene. Couple that with home values that are not too far from where they were at the turn of the century, and you are left with a home affordability index that is higher than it has been in most of our lifetimes, especially here in California. And let’s not forget about all of those buyers who have been sitting on the fence since 2006. If my own list of clients who are eagerly watching from the sidelines is any indication, there are likely countless buyers out there
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patiently waiting to strike. In my opinion, one of the most underrated factors contributing to a potential housing market rebound is that construction of new housing has all but ceased. From January 1959 to September 2008—nearly 50 years— the lowest annualized rate of housing starts recorded for any month was 798,000 and the average rate was more than 1.5 million units. Since January 2009, the highest rate recorded for any month has been 687,000 and the average rate has been just 575,000. That’s nearly two-thirds off the average rate for the past 50-plus years! But to be honest, the table has been set for a housing rebound for quite some time now, so why hasn’t it arrived? Because we’re still lacking two critical components: money and the confidence to spend it. For this, we can thank our struggling economy.
Based upon my review of the market numbers, as well as my gut feeling of recent buyer sentiment, here are my real estate predictions for 2012: • Buyer activity will be strong throughout the first quarter. Both pending and closed sales will be up, possibly by a large margin. • Inventory will also be up, tempering the possibility of any significant increase in home values. But, ultimately, home values will rise slightly, at least through the first quarter. • Foreclosure activity will drop off dramatically. The first evidence of this trend will show up in Q4 numbers for 2011. • Countering this drop in foreclosures will be a dramatic rise in short sales and the short sale approval process will be significantly hastened. Greatly increased scrutiny over the foreclosure process is sending banks scurrying in this direction. There are still lots of people out there who owe more than their house is worth or are struggling to keep their mortgage paid, so that cancer still needs to be excised from the real estate market. • If the economy continues the growth hinted at in 2011’s Q4 numbers, the positive activity in the real estate market will continue through the end of 2012 and probably won’t stop for the foreseeable future. If, instead, the economy continues to falter, or if Europe’s economic challenges continue to hold us back, things will level off. Will my predictions hold true? Stay tuned to this column and we’ll find out together. Happy New Year everyone! Nathan Hitchcock is the managing broker of Hitchcock Realty, a residential real estate brokerage and property management firm in downtown Pleasant Hill. He can be reached at nathan@hitchcockrealty.com or (925) 825-1100. Data contained herein was obtained from the CCAR Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
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Page 10
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
With funding from state and federal agencies, the city of Martinez acquired two parcels just north of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at the Intermodel train station downtown in November 2007. These parcels totaled 6.3 acres and had various buildings and surrounding parking. The funding for this acquisition was part of the long-term, multi-phase plan for the Intermodel facility to provide additional Amtrak parking and a pedestrian bridge connecting the new parking lot to the station. In 2009, the city council approved the removal of the Quonset-style buildings, but decided to keep the two tilt-up concrete warehouse buildings (commonly known as the Zocchi property), thinking that they may have some interim use. As we found out, there was much interest from many groups to utilize the buildings as indoor sports facilities. In the meantime, the larger of the two buildings
January 2012
Mayor’s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez has been used for the last three Bay Area and a study room to provide casual and Craft Beer Festivals, Foster a Dream’s organized use. NorCal Courts will ocHoliday Wonderland and Christmas for cupy 360 Court Street and provide five Everyone. indoor basketball/volleyball courts and a The city’s use of the Zocchi property training room and fitness area for rental. includes construction of parking facilities It will also host tournaments, camps and for the Intermodel Facility and a pedestrileagues. an bridge. The funding for these projects NorCal Courts started construction totals $3.6 million and will be available to in late November 2011 and is slated to be the city this fiscal year, with construction open for business in February. Universal starting in late summer. In the summer of 2010, the city council directed staff to create and circulate a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the use of the buildings located at 330 and 360 Court Street (Zocchi property). The RFP was mailed to 13 interested parties and three proposals were received: two were sports-oriented vendors and one was a local brewer/entrepreneur. The council chose the sports-oriented vendors and recently approved 15-year leases with both organizations, each taking a separate building. Universal Sports Academy will occupy 330 Court Street and will offer batting cages, indoor soccer/sports fields,
Martinez Events Annual Crab Feed and Auction The Martinez Boys & Girls Club of the Diablo Valley is holding their 33rd annual Crab Feed on January 14th. The Boys & Girls Club is a youth development program that provides life-enhancing opportunities to young people. The club reaches over 1,000 youth between the ages of 6 and 18 years old through its various programs. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at the Club at 1301 Alhambra Avenue. For tickets and table reservations, contact Tuong Truong at 925-228-3896. Additional information and a membership application can be found on the website: www.bgcdv.org. Martinez Holiday Tree Recycling Information Remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights and stands from trees. Flocked, fireproofed, or artificial trees are not accepted. Curbside Collection – Unflocked holiday trees will be picked up curbside the week of January 2-6. Yard Waste Cart – Place unflocked trees in your yard waste cart. Branches must be 6 inches or less in diameter and 3 feet or less in length. Cut off tree tops. Lid must be closed. Drop-off Option – If you miss curbside collection you can bring your unflocked tree to 444 N. Buchanan Circle in Pacheco, M-F, between 8am-4pm. Flocked trees can be collected curbside for a fee of $40 per tree. Pickups must be scheduled in advance. Call (925) 685-4711.
Sports Academy just started construction in early January and will be open in the spring. These new additions to downtown will not only provide all weather athletic opportunities to Martinez youth, but will attract people from all over Northern California to our downtown. This is yet another facet of our plans for economic development of downtown Martinez.
Proposed layout model of the 48,000 sq. ft. Universal Sports Academy facility.
V.I.P.S. Recruiting Now The Martinez Police Department is now accepting applications for Volunteers in Police Service. Potential candidates for volunteers must meet the following minimum criteria: Minimum age of 18 years, no felony convictions and be able to pass a background. In addition, volunteers must complete a City of Martinez application. Applications can be found on the city website, or at the city personnel office. Applications can be
mailed or delivered to: Martinez Police Department, 525 Henrietta Street , Martinez, 94553, Attn: Renee Jacobs. Only those who successfully complete the V.I.P.S. process will be eligible for selection. V.I.P.S. will be selected on an as needed basis. If you have additional questions please contact Lieutenant Aaron Roth at (925) 372-3444 or inquire at vips@cityofmartinez. org.
City Calendar of Events Zoning Administrator Meeting January 4, 18 3:00pm-5:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Design Review Meeting January 11, 25 4:00pm-6:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting City offices closed January 2. January 10, 24 City offices closed January 16 7:00pm-11:00pm For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org Contact: 925-372-3500
January 2012
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Pair Up
Page 11
CORKS AND FORKS
With La Sommelierre Maria Terry Winter Fresh After the indulgence of the holidays, it is nice to have a meal that is both appetizing and good for you. Take advantage of the abundance of tempting produce available in Northern California to create a meal that will shake off those mid-winter blues. Start with a salad of fennel, arugula and aged jack cheese. This lightly dressed salad is unique and pairs nicely with sparkling water jazzed up with fresh cut cucumber slices. While citrus, berries, and mint are all also delicious, I find the green flavor of cucumber particularly refreshing. Water is essential to good health and changes dramatically with these additions. Whether you prefer sparking or still, lightly flavored water is the perfect partner for your salad.
For the main course, open up a winter white wine like Chenin Blanc. It is a welcome reprieve from the red wines often served in cooler winter months. Chenin Blanc’s herbal notes will pick up on the ranch spices found in the Original Ranch Roasted Potatoes listed here. Add some grilled boneless
Fennel Salad INGREDIENTS 1½ tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. sugar ½ tsp. olive oil Salt and pepper 2 cups thinly sliced fennel, about 1 bulb ½ cup thinly sliced sweet onion 4 cups trimmed arugula
1 oz. shaved aged jack or parmesan cheese DIRECTIONS Whisk together dressing. Toss fennel and onion with dressing. Place arugula on plate and a mound of fennel onion on top. Finish with cheese shavings. Yield: 4 Servings
breasts of chicken that have been marinating in your favorite citrus juices, olive oil, rosemary and salt. Cook it over
an indoor grill pan and you can stay inside where it is nice and warm. Complete the meal by coating some aspara-
gus with olive oil and salt and throwing it into the oven with the potatoes. Let them roast together for the last 7-10 minutes. Chocolate Walnut Meringues are a heavenly way to end this meal. Plan to make them well in advance because, while they start in a pre-heated oven, they need to cook with the oven off for at least two hours to obtain their crisp crunch. Since these cookies are too sweet for wine, pair them with some slightly nutty chai tea to complement the chocolate and echo the toasty flavor of the walnuts. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommelierre.com.
Original Ranch Roasted Potatoes INGREDIENTS 1 pound small Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered 2 tbsp. olive oil ¼ -½ packet (1 ounce) Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix DIRECTIONS Place potatoes in a gallon-size zip-
lock bag and add oil; seal bag. Toss to coat. Add salad dressing mix and toss again until coated. Bake in parchment lined baking pan at 450°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until potatoes are brown and crisp. Yield: 4 Servings
Chocolate Walnut Meringues INGREDIENTS 2 large egg whites, at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 2/3 cup superfine granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped semisweet chocolate 1 cup finely chopped walnuts DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and beat until fluffy but not at all dry. (Be careful not to over beat.) Add the sugar gradually, about 3 tablespoons at a time. When
1/2 of the sugar has been added, add the vanilla extract. Continue beating and adding remaining sugar in batches, until all of the sugar is dissolved and the meringue is very shiny and tight. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Working one teaspoon at a time, push a teaspoonful of meringue from the tip of 1 teaspoon with the back of another teaspoon onto the lined baking sheets, leaving 1-inch of space between cookies. Place baking sheets in the preheated oven and turn the oven off. Leave the cookies (undisturbed) in the oven for at least 2 hours and up to overnight, or until cookies are crisp and dry. Yield: 48 Cookies
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Page 12
January 2012
SENIOR ENVY
Harry Benzie Wins Another Senior Softball Title
By Chuck Nan Harry Benzie, a 15-year resident of Don Farber, who grew up in San Fran In early September, the Seals won Martinez, recently won the 2011 Senior cisco and now lives in Napa. Farber the Senior Players Association (SPA) played in the New York Yankees farm Softball World Series in Phoenix with National Tournament in Sparks, Nesystem in the early 1950s and had a his team, the San Francisco Seals. The vada. They were there to defend their stint with the Oakland Oaks of the PaSeals is a team for over 70 year olds Men’s National Championship title in cific Coast League. Two other players and has been quite successful over the the SPA’s 70-plus age group. Later in on the team also played professional past several years. the month, the Seals won the LVSSA baseball. The Seals were formed in 2003 by World Masters Tournament held in Las Vegas. In mid-October, the Seals were victorious in three events back in 249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788 Phoenix: the SSUSA Western Nationals, Triple Grand Slam and the World Dancercise – Tuesdays, 1-2:30pm. A fun way to get exercise and practice your dance moves at the same time. A variety of dances are taught to keep your feet Championship. moving and toes tapping. Drop in only. Class is offered in cooperation with the Benzie had a momentous season Chinese American Senior Center. $4 / Member, $2 / Drop in only. Chateau III: 175 once again. For 66 games in the year, Cleaveland Rd., Pleasant Hill. Harry had a batting average of .577 High Beginners & Intermediate Line Dance – Saturday Drop In. Country western, and an on-base percentage of .637. He polkas, waltzes, and Latin line dances. Partners are not required, men and women welcome. Note: Please refrain from wearing heavy perfumes and scents. Instrucalso chipped-in with 57 runs battedtor experiences perfume allergies. High Beginners: 9:15–10:15am. Intermediate: in. For the championship events at 10:15am–noon. No class Jan. 21st, $5 per class. St. Andrews Church: 1601 Mary Dr., season’s end, Benzie was named to the Pleasant Hill. all-tournament team. In five games, he Jan. 13 - The Morning Joe – 10am. Miss our regular Friday Chef’s Lunch? Come to this batted .583 and had an on-base per“open house” to visit and catch up with friends! We will have coffee and light snacks; feel free to bring something to share! VFW: 1919 Wendell Lane, Pleasant Hill. Free! centage of .667.
Pleasant Hill Senior Activities
Jan. 20 - Friday Flik - 12:30pm. “How Do You Know” featuring Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson & Jack Nicholson. FREE! Winslow Center: 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd., Pleasant Hill. Jan. 29 – Bunco – 2-5pm. Potluck at 2 pm; Bunco begins at 3 pm. Fun and friendly atmosphere where no prior knowledge of the game is necessary! Buy your ticket at the Senior Center office (relocated to the Little House.) Tickets: $4 plus bring potluck item to feed four people. VFW Bldg.: 1919 Wendell Lane, Pleasant Hill.
Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770 Yoga with Linda – Tu & Th, 8-9am & Sat. 8-9am. Linda Burkard has studied extensively in various styles of yoga, specializing in Yoga Therapy. Classes cover variations for all skill levels. Wear loose fitting clothes and bring a yoga mat. $3 drop in/$25 – 10 class punch card. Sat. $4 drop in – card not accepted. Zumba Gold – Thursdays – 11:45-12:30pm. Join the fun! Zumba Gold fuses Latin and International rhythms with easy-to-follow dance moves for 50 minutes of non-stop fun. Zumba Gold was designed for the active older adult or Zumba beginner. Cost: $20 per session (4 classes). Call the office for session dates. 3708770. Instructor: Jo Nash. Jan. 28 - 7th Annual Crab Feed - Doors open at 5:45 pm/Dinner served at 6:30 pm. We will be serving our famous gourmet salad, pasta, garlic bread, delicious marinated crab and dessert and complimentary Iced Tea, water and coffee. Tickets sold for wine, beer and soft drinks. Cost: $45 pp. Purchase tickets prior to Jan. 13 (we may sell out prior). There will be a fabulous silent auction and drawings during the evening. Meditation for Health and Well-Being Class – 10:30–11:30am. Call the office for session dates and class fee: 370-8770. Meditation has long been known to promote inner peace and well being, leading to improved health and a deeper spiritual connection. Learn how to relax, quiet the mind, and tune in to a higher state of consciousness. The instructor, Mary Bruns, has practiced and taught meditation for over 25 years.
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January 2012
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Page 13
MARTINEZ HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Royalty of Radios
By John D. Curtis, President of the Martinez Historical Society When you were last in the Martinez Museum, you may have noticed a Zenith Trans-Ocean Radio on display in the County Room. Unfortunately, it looked rather shabby and it wasn’t working. Now, however, the radio has been cleaned up and repaired and looks very sharp. And it works just as well as it did when new – back in 1951. The history of the Zenith TransOcean line of radios is quite interesting. Development of the radio began in the late 1930’s, when Commander
McDonald, the head of Zenith Corporation, could not find a radio that performed well when he was sailing on his yacht. After working closely with his engineers, he introduced the first Zenith Trans-Oceanic Radio to the public in October of 1941. It was the most powerful (and most expensive) portable radio on the market. Though the radio was “portable,” it was huge by today’s standards, about the size of a portable sewing machine case. Its large size was due to the space required by its many tubes, large battery, circuitry needed to cover 6 bands of the radio spectrum, high-quality components from which it was made, and the rugged carrying case enclosing the radio and protecting it from damage during travel. Only two months after the TransOceanic radio hit the market, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, catapulting the United States into World War II. In April of 1942, Zenith stopped producing radios for the public and switched over to manufacturing military models and material for the war effort. Civilian and military models of Trans-Oceanic radios went off to war with our troops.
During the Korean War, the Trans-Oceanic again went overseas with our troops. The photograph shows G.I.s in Korea listening to the results of the 1952 election on a military Trans-Oceanic radio.
While stationed overseas, our boys used the radios to listen to short wave broadcasts from the British Broadcasting Service (BBC), Radio Free Europe or the Armed Forces Radio Service. Groups of soldiers would cluster around TransOceanics to hear news from back home, popular music (mainly Big Band music), sound tracks from Hollywood movies and, of course, propaganda from Tokyo Rose (in the Pacific Theatre) and Axis Sally (in Europe). After the war, Zenith switched back to producing civilian radios again. By 1946, Zenith made available to the public an updated Trans-Oceanic model, the G500. Production of the G500 continued until May of 1951, when the H500 was introduced. This is the model you see in the Martinez Museum. The Trans-Oceanic continued to be produced in the basic H500 configura-
tion until 1962, when Zenith stopped producing tube radios and switched entirely to transistors. The Trans-Oceanic radios were very expensive. Our museum’s model was priced at $129.95 when new. This would be the equivalent of $950 today (in 2004 dollars). Despite the high price, there were many upscale consumers who were willing to pay for the privilege of owning the world’s finest portable radio. They could use it at home, at the beach, or at their mountain cabin – and could be assured that they would have the best possible reception of both local AM stations and short wave broadcasts from around the world. The photo of the Zenith radio is courtesy of The Radio Era Archives and the photo of the military is courtesy of Richard Post.
Star Quest 20 Years The theme for the show on April 21st and 22nd, 2012 will be “A Star Quest Homecoming” which will highlight many of the special performances of the last 20 years and will include several past Star Quest vets. All Star Quest alumni are invited to attend this special anniversary show. Since Star Quest began 20 years ago, its intent has been to provide a positive program where young people of Pleasant Hill, in grades K through 12, could showcase their artistic and theatrical talents. Applications are now available at local schools, the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Office, and at Pleasant Hill City Hall. If you are a singer, dancer, musician, comedian, magician, etc. pick up an application and submit it by February 3, 2012 to the Recreation & Park District Office at 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Auditions will be held in early February 2012 for those applying. Call Pleasant Hill Rec at 682-0896 or the show’s producer, Jim Nunes, at 689-2249 for further information.
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Page 14
HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS
College Park’s Winterfest
On December 14, the College Park community came together for Winterfest, an annual event that celebrates all of the visual and performing arts at the high school. A concert in Hurtado gym featured the Mixed Choir and Concert Choir under the direction of Bruce Rockwell and the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jorge Jimenez. In the Multi-Use room, the visual arts students displayed original artwork from ceramics, glass, photography and art classes. This was the first Winterfest for Instrumental Music Director Jorge Jimenez, who was pleased with the outcome and remarked that, “I thought it was very smooth and well attended. By the end of the night we must have had anywhere from 300 to 500 people. Maybe more. I’m especially pleased with the outcome of the full symphony orchestra performance. Being that we don’t have a class dedicated
to full symphony with winds and percussion, I’m very pleased that the students were willing to put together the full orchestra and attend additional evening rehearsals for the last three weeks. It paid off. Overall, I thought the night went well and I look forward to many more!” Marcia Eaton, Music Boosters President, expressed admiration: “One of the things that always impresses me about these students—they are excellent musicians and excellent students BUT they don’t do just music! They are involved in sports, Boy Scouts, church groups, taking extra classes at DVC, playing in music groups outside of high school. We are extremely proud of our student musicians at College Park.”
January 2012
AHS Lawn Chair Club
Pictured are members of the Alhambra Lawn Chair Club. The club is a great way for students to meet new people and escape the pressures of the school day. They hold monthly lunchtime gatherings/potlucks and are planning some community service projects and a special movie night for the students in the club. Any club on campus is open to any members of the student body.
(L to R) John Highleyman, Niels Wetzel, Tyler Sylvia, Mazi Stitzwoh, Troy Alexander and Sam Randall
(L to R) David Retta, Jordan Wygal, Alex Manuli and Gina Wood
College Park Instrumental Music Director Jorge Jimenez. Photo by: Thad Eaton
Photography student Sarah Beth Maney, a sophomore, was one of the many visual artists who displayed their work in the Multi-Use room at College Park for Winterfest.
Winterfest Wind Ensemble performers are pictured L to R: Trevor Eaton, Kevin Coons, Devon Martin and Jake Mikesell. All sophomores at CP.
Alhambra Blood Drive
On Friday, November 18, students at Alhambra High spent the day checking in and organizing the drive with the Red Cross. Pictured are: Kyrah Thomas and Angelica Cornielius.
January 2012
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Page 15
HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS
A San Francisco Symphony Open Rehearsal As we emerge from the stuffy BART Civic Center station into the brisk morning air, we all look up at the skyscrapers in wonder. Though College Park High School may not be in San Francisco, it is still our city and the instrumental music students are here to watch the San Francisco Symphony open rehearsal. After a ten-minute walk, the College Park Orchestra and Band arrives at Davies Symphony Hall. At the entrance we head straight up to the second floor. We are watching a symphony rehearsal, so we will hear all the songs from an upcoming concert in a less formal setting. The usher directs us to a balcony that can accommodate everyone and is closest to the stage. We gently push on the swinging doors and once again have our breaths stolen in wonder. The hall is a sweeping, majestic building with smooth, rounded walls and a dark wood stage. The students all fight to get seats closest to the front. Especially at the rehearsal, the symphony feels like a local community orchestra gone international. The players come on stage in their own time, wearing usual street clothes, chatting with other section members. When everyone’s on stage the conductor meanders out, also in street clothes. He gets a loud applause even though the symphony hall is only half full. Then, as the glass sound
By Paul Ramstad
Pictured is the College Park Symphony Orchestra. On December 8th, the College Park Orchestra class had the opportunity to attend an open rehearsal of the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. The Symphony Orchestra is not a “regular” class at CP. The students also devoted a considerable amount of extra time to prepare for Winterfest performance at College Park on December 14. Photo Credit: Thad Eaton
screens are lowered from the ceiling, the conductor waves his arms and the symphony begins. Right about now the similarities with a community orchestra disappear. The sound is strong and together, the instruments blend like water and salt. The orchestra begins with a piece called “Pohjola’s Daughter” by Sibelius, which features a great section where the musicians play so softly and slowly that, even when looking hard, you can barely see who is moving their bow. It sounds like one instrument playing a few long notes, but of course it is simply because of the perfect pitches. A cello solo follows, which is also slow and melodic. At the end of the piece, a violinist comes out and stands next to the conductor. I wonder what is going on until the conductor subtly cues her. Then she
begins playing “Violin Concerto,” which was composed by the conductor. For the first few minutes she plays alone, sliding up and down the strings with unbelievable speed. Her violin casts its melody to every corner of the hall, from her fortissimos to her pianissimo. Then the orchestra joins the soloist, and they proceed to finish the piece. The violinist, with her many long runs up and down her strings, earns a standing ovation. Taking her place for the next piece is a soprano singer. When it is her turn, she begins belting out a long run of fluid notes. I believe the language was German, and it flows smoother than English. Even with the orchestra blaring behind her at parts the soprano stays strong, her voice never wavering. Then, with a final crash of the cymbals, it is over. We ate lunch in front of City Hall
and discussed the rehearsal. It’s always surprising how many of us kids enjoy classical music. None of us listens to classical all the time, but we can’t deny that the music they played was genius. The trip was short and sweet, an escape from school to the city. But perhaps my favorite part of the morning was hearing why December the 8 was an important day. It was the Symphony Orchestra’s 100th birthday, their first concert being on December the 8th, 1911. It’s amazing that five years after the San Francisco earthquake, an orchestra was formed that would last for one hundred years and gain international recognition. But then again, it’s San Francisco, and anything less would have been a disappointment. Paul Ramstad is a Freshman at College Park High School. He plays the cello.
College Park Leadership Hosts Book Drive
Aspiring Artists Alhambra High art teacher, Kristen Holmberg, gave her students a Kwanzaa assignment in December. The artist for the Maya Angelou piece shown here is Claire McKillip, 12th grade.
The Leadership class is currently collecting books for the Children’s Hospital in Oakland. “We chose to have a book drive to benefit the Children’s Hospital because we thought it would be a unique way to help the community during these winter months. We are requesting donations of new or gently used children’s books, preferably not fabric books though,” said Lauren Hantos, ASB President. The drive will run through February 1st and you can drop your donations off in the designated boxes in Student Services North.
Alhambra Crab Feed Tickets On Sale Now
Don’t miss out on the 6th Annual Crab Feed taking place February 3 and 4, 2012! Tickets are on sale now. Proceeds benefit Martinez schools and Aftermath Student Center. Event details: Creekside Church, 444 Fig Tree Lane in Martinez. Friday, February 3rd at 6pm and Saturday, February 4th at 5pm. Tickets are $45 for all you can eat! Make your check payable to: Creekside Church Community Partnership. You can reserve a table of 8 or 10 people. For more information, call 925228-8156 or go to www.creakside.org. Childcare will be available for infants through 5th grade. Cost is $5 if you pre-register or $10 at the door. Price includes dinner.
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HOME TEAM
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January 2012
Season Ticket By Chuck Nan
Travis Raciti at SJSU Redshirt freshman Travis Raciti has been the cog in the middle of San Jose State’s defensive line this season. Raciti lines-up at nose tackle each play to bump heads with the opposing team’s center. The impact of the 6-5, 293-pound graduate of College Park was especially evident recently in the national televised win over Hawaii, 28-27. Raciti put consistent pressure on the talented Warriors pass offense. The Spartan’s win over Hawaii was their first at home since 1997. Raciti averages 3 tackles per game and has had 4 for a loss thus far. Raciti is a 2010 alumnus of College Park where he was a standout football and basketball player. He was selected All-DVAL in football as he anchored the defensive line and was an unstoppable tight-end on offense. He was also a 2009 CalHiSports.com second-team All-State pick, a second-team All-Metro selection and the Co-Most Valuable Player of the DVAL. He also lettered in basketball and maintained a 3.00 GPA average. Brandon Rutley is Reliable Raciti’s teammate, Brandon Rutley, continues to have a strong senior campaign for the Spartans as well. Rutley is among the NCAA leaders in combined yards-per-game. A look at the official NCAA Statistic shows Rutley with 146.1 yards-per-game (6.46 per play). The combined statistic takes into account positive net yards gained via
rushing, receiving and kick returns. Sydney Babiak Rolls in NCS Golf Martinez resident and Bentley School student Sydney Babiak has had quite a run recently on the links. The high school freshman plays golf for her school, but because it is so small, they do not field a girls team in the fall, as most of the other schools in the North Coast Section. Babiak will play co-ed golf in the spring, when the boys traditionally tee-it-up. However, that did not prevent her from trying to qualify for the individual medal. On October 17, Babiak had to play a Division II (D II) qualifying round at San Francisco’s Lincoln Park and finish in the top three just to be in the field for the D II competition. Babiak shot a round of 82, good for third and the slot in to DII final. On October 24, at the Jack Clark Course at Chuck Corica Golf Complex in Alameda, Babiak faced stiff competition from girls as far away as Eureka and Arcata. She shot a 77 to finish in a tie for third. In a sudden death round to determine NCS order of the top 4 finishers, Babiak won on her second hole for outright third-place. She then moved onto Las Positas Golf Course in Livermore. This coming just one day after her two-day participation in the JGANC Championships at Silverado Golf and Country Club in Napa. There she checked-in with a 77, just falling short of medaling.
What a busy girl! We will keep you posted on her ongoing success. Steve Hammond: A Pitcher’s Around the World Odyssey Since we last gave you an update on local, professional baseball pitcher Steve Hammond, the young man has literally traveled the world. After completing the 2009 at Triple-A Fresno of the Pacific Coast League, the Giants top affiliate, Hammond was released. From that point, a two-year travel odyssey would commence. The 2010 season saw Hammond signed by the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League, an independent league. There he was 7-5 with a very solid 2.71 earned run average in 15 games. He also had a nearly two-to-one ratio for strikeouts to walks. However, he was released and forced to look elsewhere. For 2011, the La New Bears of the China Professional Baseball League (Taiwan) contacted Hammond. He was more than happy to make the trip across the Pacific and continue his career. There he was reportedly paid $10K per month or $30K for the shortened season in China. After completing the season abroad, Hammond came home to the United States to an invitation from the Lancaster Barnstormers of Atlantic League, a rival of his old team, the Riversharks. Hammond, 29 and a graduate of Alhambra, has a 53-5 lifetime record
in the domestic minor leagues of the United States. In 2009 at Fresno he was a workhorse where he had an 11-12 record with a 5.73 ERA. Hammond came to the Giants organization from Milwaukee, the team which originally signed him in the Ray Durham trade along with sometimes Giants outfielder Darren Ford.
Steve Hammond
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1/31/12
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January 2012
CYO Girls Basketball By Mike Kim also took 2nd place in the earlier MVP The CTK 6th Grade American Preseason Tournament and are curCYO Girls Basketball team ran the tarently undefeated in league play with 4 bles recently and won all three of their games (18-8, 26-9, 31-14) to take home and 0 record. They are 9-1 overall. The team is on a roll and the girls are havthe MVP Turkey Shoot Out Tournament Championship trophies. The girls ing another great season.
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HOME TEAM
Boys JV Champions The College Park High School Falcons Boys JV Soccer Team started its season on a very strong note over Thanksgiving weekend as Champions of the James Logan JV Classic Tournament. The Falcons competed in the very competitive Gold division of the tournament, but secured solid wins over Berkeley (2-0), San Ramon Valley (4-1), and Monte Vista (1-0), before meeting a very strong De La Salle team in the finals. Although the Falcons fell behind three times, the boys fought back with determination, and came out on top, with a 4-3 win. Notable individual achievements included Alan Morales, who scored six goals in the tournament (with a hat trick versus SRV), and Ben Reiter, who scored a hat trick versus DLS. Overall, the success was earned with solid defense by Andrew Tabone, Cameron Peterson, Kerry Quinlan, Scott Hroza in goal and great overall team play. Coach Sandy Jones’ team is looking to carry the results into a successful season.
Top row L-R: Coach Ray Ramirez, Kalane Bessard, Kianie Ramirez, Kelly Ruff, Lauren Etnyre, Abigail Radutiu and Coach Mike Kim. Bottom row: Jasmine Safarians, Evelyn Kim, Leah Walton, and Maggie Scaff.
PLEASANT HILL BASEBALL ASSOCIATION
St. Catherine’s Champs
NEW BOYS’ LEAGUE OPENING FOR AGES 16-18
Pleasant Hill Baseball Association is pleased to announce our new baseball league for boys ages 16 - 18. This will be an all wood bat league and will play other interlocking cities with teams in the same age group. Not playing high school ball? Come play with us.
Late registration scheduled for January 7, 2012 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am Ages are as of April 30, 2012 Our other ages groups for both boys and girls are still accepting players as well. We have teams for boys and girls ages 4 - 18. First time players can "buddy-up" with a friend!
VISIT WWW.PHBA.ORG FOR DETAILS
St. Catherine’s 5th grade basketball team won the 2011 MVP Holiday Classic Tournament. Teams players are Wyatt Hammer, Brody Eglite (not pictured), JT Griffin, Dillon Elliott, Diego Paredes, Calvin Reed, and Thomas Major. Coaches are Brian Griffin and Mike Hammer. Photo submitted by Marianne Griffin
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January 2012
Pleasant Hill Rec and Park Updates
Pleasant Hill Teen and Senior Centers Taking Shape Walls are going up at the Pleasant Hill Senior and Teen Centers! Wood framed walls are being put in place using a small crane and masonry is being applied to outside walls. Bond Coordinator Carrie Miller reported these milestones in her weekly bond report available on the District’s website at www.pleasanthillrec.com. The Dahlin Group, architects of the new Pleasant Hill Community Center, presented interior design plans for the new building at a special meeting of the District Board of Directors on December 14. In a very comprehensive presentation, the interior designer reviewed tile, paint, and carpet samples for every room in the new facility. The Board approved the recommendations and presentation display boards are available for public
The Teen Center is coming together!
review. For more information on Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s Bond Projects, visit www.pleasanthillrec. com/Bond.html or attend a meeting
Rec & Park Launches Capital Campaign The residents of the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District made local history when they voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bond measure to build a new Senior Center, Teen Center and Community Center, and make a number of park improvements. However, furnishing the new buildings is beyond the scope of the bond. Thus the District has launched a $1.8 million capital campaign to purchase the furnishings and equipment necessary to enhance the District’s multitude of programs and events for many years to come. The Senior Center and Teen Center are under construction and scheduled to open next year. Furnishings for each of these facilities must be ordered early in the year, about six months before opening day. The cost is $907,065, and the District has $655,924 left to raise in order to reach that goal.
To allow as many people to participate in the campaign as possible, gifts of $500 or higher may be pledged over 5 years. Names of donors giving $500 and up will be inscribed on a permanent donor wall in one or more of the new facilities. Donor options include naming opportunities, purchase opportunities and inscribed bricks for the Senior Center walkway. The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation is serving as fiscal sponsor of the campaign, assuring tax deductibility for donations. All gifts, checks and pledge payments should be made payable to the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation, with a designation to the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District (PHRPD) Capital Campaign. For more information, go to: www. pleasanthillrec.com/capitalcampaign or call 925.682-0896.
of the Board of Directors, scheduled in January for the second and fourth Wednesdays at 6 pm at 147 Gregory Lane. 2012 A Year of Change at Pleasant Hill Rec With the new year, the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Board of Directors elected new officers including Dennis Donaghu as Board Chair, Bobby Glover as Vice Chair, and Sherry Sterrett as Board Secretary. Sandra Bonato, outgoing Board Chair, will serve as a member of the board along with Cecile Shepard. The District is also unveiling a new logo and a new website in January. According to Recreation Supervisor Tina Young, the 61-year-old Recreation & Park District will have a new identity to project a modern, fun, clean, engaging new image. Think & Be Fit! If fitness is your goal, Pleasant Hill Rec has programs for all ages, interests, and abilities beginning in January. Pick
up the latest Spotlight with Fitness Instructor Alison Klippel on the cover at the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Office on Gregory Lane, the Pleasant Hill Library, and other businesses around town. Sign up now for Jazzercise, Pilates, or Yoga, Fencing, Kick Boxing, and Mixed Martial Arts. Classes in Weight Training and Total Fitness are a great way to energize and revitalize! Year-round classes in Water Aerobics and Swim for Fitness will give you an aerobic workout without stress on joints. 50 years+ can choose from Living Tai Chi, Weight & Strength, and Zumba Gold classes or attend all three. For information, visit www. pleasanthillrec.com, or call the office at 682-0896. Save $100 on Trip from Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Travelers who sign up by January 21 will save $100 on an exciting trip to Philadelphia and Washington D.C. The American Spirit Family Discovery Trip is a brand new offering from PHR&PD. It’s a great opportunity for families to spend a relaxing week together exploring the birthplaces of our nation with all of the planning and travel arrangements done by someone else! The trip is scheduled for July 21 through 28, and includes Amish Country, Williamsburg, Gettysburg as well as Philadelphia and Washington D.C. An informational meeting is scheduled for February 18 at the VFW building, 1919 Wendell Lane, Pleasant Hill. But act now and save! For more information or to reserve your spot at the informational meeting, call Trip Coordinator Jessie Wusthoff at 7988747 x19.
Teen Center Survey As construction proceeds, the staff from the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District is working hard to develop programs that fit the needs of the community. The second of two surveys has been developed and staff is now asking for high school students and their parents to give input on what programs and activities older teens would like to see at the Center. To access the six-question survey, please visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TeenCenterHS. The survey will be available online through January 20.
January 2012
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Page 19
Valhalla Third-Graders Visit Pleasant Hill City Hall On a crisp November morning, I had the pleasure of leading thirdgraders from Valhalla Elementary School on a tour of Pleasant Hill City Hall. The students had an opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned in class about local government as they participated in a mock city council meeting held in the council chambers. The students elected their own mayor, council members, and city staff. After Mayor Casey Strand called the meeting to order and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, City Clerk Sofia Berryhill called the roll. Council members Lauren Swaney, Kennedy Brandow, Noah Mitchell, and C.J. Wigren, along with Mayor Strand, were all present. They heard arguments from fellow third-graders for and against three issues important to Valhalla students that had been discussed in class. Mrs. Criner’s class discussed:
The solar program in the Mt. Diablo school district has been proceeding remarkably well and Project Manager Pete Pedersen is delighted with the progress thus far. “While I have managed construction projects for the district for nearly 30 years, I have never experienced such a high level of collaboration, communication and flat-out excitement about a project as with this historic venture.” Pedersen goes on to comment on the progress since the return of the school year last August. “By the end of the first week of school we had all steel array structures permanently installed at 33 school sites; we originally scheduled to have only 17. Photovoltaic panel installation will be complete at the remainder of the 27 sites by the end of January.” Last month six school sites, including College Park, were given permission to operate by PG&E and began producing power, with 17 more sites in line. Strandwood Elementary has all panels installed and the electrical work/ wire management is currently in process. Construction at Pleasant Hill Education Center/Middle School has begun
By Micheal Harris, OD, Councilmember, City of Pleasant Hill
Should Valhalla have more ball walls on the playground? Jordan DeAlba argued in favor, while Emaan Nasiri argued against. The proposition failed on a 5-0 vote. Mrs. Robert’s class discussed: Should Valhalla serve larger and healthier lunches in the cafeteria? Arguing in favor were Jessica Riker and Miranda Bowdish. Sydney Carle and Emma
Johansson argued against. The proposition won on a unanimous vote. On a hotly contested issue, Mrs. Snitselaar’s class discussed: Should Valhalla sell chocolate milk in the cafeteria? Speaking in favor were Kylie Ziemke and Isabel Cannon. Speaking against were Alexis DeAlba and Ava Jahangiri. After much debate, the proposition
MDUSD Solar Update
Fencing for the solar project is in place at Sequoia Elementary School. The panels will be constructed at the back of the field near the back line fence.
and is expected to be complete by April. Although construction takes place during the school day, there is little or no disruption to the classroom instruction or activities. Fencing has been erected at Gregory Gardens Elementary and construction will begin on January 5. Fencing and construction will begin at Fair Oaks Elementary on January 9-10 and Valley View Middle on January 12-13. Sequoia Elementary Principal David Franklin and his staff are especially excited about the solar project’s March completion
date. Franklin said, “Air conditioners and new heating will be installed in all classrooms this summer. Each classroom will have individual controls for heat and A/C. The solar panels will provide 8090% of the energy costs for the HVAC.” In order to minimize adverse impact to Valhalla Elementary and the surrounding community, the district worked with SunPower to revise the schedule to have all drilling completed during winter recess. Principal Marji Calbeck noted that “They have created a special cover for the holes that will allow
won on a close 3-2 vote. The student audience clapped enthusiastically when the vote was announced! All in all, the students had a great time and demonstrated outstanding knowledge of local government. They even had a chance to see “the secret room” in City Hall, but don’t ask them about it. It’s a secret for third-graders only!
the kids to keep playing on the playground after the drilling and we won’t have to have any fencing to block off any part of the area.” Work will resume during either spring recess or summer break. The plans for Pleasant Hill Elementary, Hidden Valley Elementary and Sequoia Middle are to have several classrooms with solar roof-top systems incorporated in the design and the district is looking to defer all disruptive construction until the summer of 2012. “Not only will this installation strategy result in a savings to overall construction cost, but it conserves playground space that would otherwise be needed to install ground-mounted solar arrays,” said Pedersen. In December 2010, MDUSD gave an award to SunPower for the design, installation and maintenance of solar power systems at 51 schools, totaling 11.2 megawatts of solar capacity. It is expected to save the district $192 million over the 30-year life of the systems. SunPower will maintain all systems and system components for twenty years.
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January 2012
Wells Fargo Presents $200,000 in Grants At an event held at the Contra Costa County Office of Education, Bob Ceglio, president of Wells Fargo’s Mount Diablo market, presented $200,000 in grants to school districts and school foundation representatives. Following are the school districts and foundations, and the amounts awarded: • Antioch Schools Education Foundation: $20,000 (to benefit Antioch Unified School District) • Brentwood Union School District Foundation: $10,000 (to benefit Brentwood Union School District) • Education Foundation of Orinda: $5,000 (to benefit Orinda Union School District) • John Swett Education Foundation: $5,000 (to benefit John Swett Unified School District) • Lafayette Arts & Science Foundation: $5,000 (to benefit Lafayette School District)
• Liberty Union High School District Education Foundation: $5,000 (to benefit Liberty Union High School District) • Martinez Education Foundation: $10,000 (to benefit Martinez Unified School District) • Moraga Education Foundation: $5,000 (to benefit Moraga School District) • Mt. Diablo Unified School District: $40,000 (to benefit Mt. Diablo Unified School District) • Oakley Union Elementary School District: $5,000 (to benefit Oakley Union Elementary School District) • Pittsburg Unified School District: $10,000 (to benefit Pittsburg Unified School District) • San Ramon Valley Education Foundation: $30,000 (to benefit San Ramon Valley Unified School District) • SEED Foundation: $5,000 (to benefit
Comedy Writing Workshop and Contest You’ve heard there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but now there IS a completely free writing workshop! The California Writers Club, Mt. Diablo Branch, and the Walnut Creek Library will hold a comedywriting workshop from 9am until noon on January 21, for 6th, 7th or 8th grade students. If that’s not enough to inspire your pre-teen or teen, they should sharpen their pencils, plug in their laptops, or find a quiet spot to collect their creative ideas because our annual California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch’s Young Writers Contest needs original poems, personal narratives, and short stories written by Contra Costa County students, postmarked by April 1, 2012. For Contest guidelines and writing tips, go to: http:// cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/ young-writers-contest/ Intrigued by our workshop? Reserve a space now, as it’s popular and there’s only one this year instead of two.
Make ‘em Laugh! Write Funny: Learn comedy techniques from two published authors. What makes readers laugh? How can YOU create humor in your writing? Develop quirky, funny characters through games, writing tips, techniques and exercises so you’ll produce a humorous plot, action and dialogue in a terrific page-turning story. Two professional children’s authors who love writing share their best secrets on writing! You’ll get a chance to ask questions about the publishing world, write, play some games, meet other writers, and “talk books.” Led by children’s authors Sarah Wilson and Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff. Visit them at www.sarahwilsonbooks.com and www.lizbooks. com Bring pen and paper and get ready to WRITE! Register for the Walnut Creek Jan. 21 workshop here: http://tinyurl. com/7humdhm
Byron Union School District) • Walnut Creek Education Fund: $10,000 (to benefit Acalanes/Walnut Creek School District) • West Contra Costa Education Fund: $35,000 (to benefit West Contra Costa Unified School District) Wells Fargo has a long-standing commitment to local education. In Nov. 2011, Wells Fargo announced that the company was donating $1 million to benefit education throughout the Bay Area. Including the $1 million dollars, Wells Fargo has donated more than $13.3 million to schools and nonprofit organizations for educational purposes in the Bay Area, since 2009. “I am glad that Wells Fargo continues to support the local communities where our customers and team members raise their children,” said Bob Ceglio, president of Wells Fargo’s Mount Diablo market. “By funding our
Larry Lippow and Bob Ceglio, president of Wells Fargo’s Mount Diablo Region
local schools, we can help provide more resources for our students to be better prepared for the future.” The grants presented at this event were designated to benefit select school districts with significant enrollment from students coming from low-tomoderate income families.
FPHE Kicks Off Annual Campaign FPHE is starting its fourth year with the campaign goal: Raise $60,000. It’s an aggressive goal, but with everyone’s help we will be successful. Ongoing budget cuts impact every school in the College Park feeder pattern. In order to help our schools thrive, we suggest a donation of $75 or more. Donations of all amounts are appreciated. Donate either online at www.fphe. org or by mail to FPHE, P.O. Box 23851, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. Why give? Because strong schools benefit students and you. Strong schools increase property values as homebuyers understand our community’s dedication to supporting education. That helps businesses and enhances the future of our entire community. Campaign events include: Fund Drive – FPHE’s appeal to the community to support public schools. Dine Out for Education – FPHE’s weekly restaurant fundraisers. Details available at www.fphe.org Pleasant Hill’s Amazing Race – The first
city-wide Amazing Race will take place on April 21. Don’t miss it! Details will be available at www.fphe.org. Since 2009, thanks to community support, FPHE awarded $85,000 and 99 grants to the public schools within the College Park feeder pattern. FPHE funded books for entire grade levels: reference, biographies, key literature pieces, and early reader series. FPHE funded classroom equipment: graphing calculators, DNA research tools, LCD projectors, interactive whiteboards, and PC stations. Ongoing curriculum support was also funded: Board Math, science and math Probeware, and ancient cultures Art in History programs. FPHE will continue to reach out to schools to ensure familiarity with the grant process in order to make FPHE grants far reaching and equitable. FPHE’s ability to issue grants and raise funds is heavily dependent on the support of our community. Be a part of progress and donate to FPHE. Help schools thrive - Give $75!
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January 2012
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Get Ready for Winter Visitors Winter is a great time to see birds in the Bay Area. Even though the weather feels pretty chilly to us, it’s a warm winter destination for thousands of birds every year. Birds that spend summers north of us or at high elevations east of
By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum us come here for the warmer weather yarrow and California poppies. and the abundant food supply. Many of Cedar waxwings arrive here in these birds visit our backyards and are large flocks, often mingling with easy to see and identify. robins. Robins are here year round, White-crowned and goldenbut their numbers increase during the crowned sparrows show up in the fall winter. Hermit thrushes don’t usually with the first cool days. These seed-eatflock with the other birds but are also ers are after all the seeds of the weeds here in the winter. They are all after you didn’t get around to pulling before the same thing—berries; pyracantha, they set seed. They also like the seeds toyon, elderberry, wild currant and cofof many flowers such as coneflower, feeberry are all bird magnets. The birds descend on bushes in huge numbers when the berries are just ripe enough. It’s hard for us to know what a ripe pyracantha berry looks like, but the birds don’t seem to have any problems with that. The birds gorge on these berries until they weigh far more than they did when they sat down at the dinner bar. After gorging, they can be uncoordinated when they try to fly. They might be unbalanced, and sometimes look like they’ve had too much to drink. It has not been substantiated, however, that the berries actually fer1/31/12
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ment and the birds get drunk on them. During the breaks between January storms, take a walk outside and look for the winter visitors in your neighborhood. For more information about Lindsay Wildlife Museum and ways you can help wildlife, visit www.wildlifemuseum.org.
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January 2012
Refresh and Reorganize By Tina Traum It’s that time of the year again. Time to set goals, make resolutions and organize your life. Here are a few tips to start the New Year off on the right foot. • Set up new systems. This is a great time of year to check in on what’s not working, and to develop new strategies that serve you better. Are those piles of paper frustrating? Take some time to set up a paper management system. If you don’t have a strategy for filtering through your email, look up a few ideas on how to get through your inbox and find one that works for you. • Revise current processes. If you already have strategies to help you manage life’s details – great! The New Year is the perfect time to review what you have in place, and make adjustments to ensure that everything is working as well as it can. For instance, in your paper filing system, do all the category names still make sense? Are the tabs legible? Are the folders still in good condition? Take a few minutes to look over your categories, print out new labels and replace frayed folders with fresh ones. Review all the systems you currently have in place and see where small changes can be made. • Give yourself some time. We all could use more “me” time, and this is a good opportunity to build some into
our lives. Make a “wish list” of projects or interests you would like to pursue. Look at your calendar and carve out some extra time for yourself. Set it as an appointment on your calendar – writing it down helps make it real.
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January 2012
Atonement Dust settles into quiet corners as radiators sizzle and rain lends a soothing melody to the marked peacefulness of January. After the holidays have come and gone, the month of atonement arrives. My gym classes fill up with faces seen only one month a year, and I challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and either arrive early or be content with whatever spot is left. My hope is that these faces, as well as many others, will remain in class all year. Starting or ending your day with a stimulating work out is a good thing. It can change your life in more ways than just where to squeeze it in. Once you get used to the squeezeit-in part, it definitely becomes a matter of squeezing the rest of your life around don’t-mess-with-my-workout time. Even a nice daily walk for 30 or 40 minutes can change your life and your outlook on everything. As we move up the food chain to the previously unthinkable 40’s 50’s, and beyond, it becomes essential to adopt some form of vigorous routine exercise. Weight bearing exercise has to become a part of life now, if it is not already. Compared to generations go, we are living longer, working longer, taking care of people longer and being more
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THE GARDEN
By Lesley Stiles active in sports, travel and everyday life. cising the fun way. Get rid of soda! Eat make or break a habit, so just see if you In order to maintain or improve a phys- the whole fruit, skip the juice. See if can make some easy, sort of unnoticeical quality of life, you gotta lift weights, you can go a week without white sugar able changes and keep it rolling in that get stretching with yoga or Pilates and direction all year. or flour. Just a week! Make it a family strive for a combined 3 to 5 hours of project. Read labels all the way through. Move it and lose it! Happy New cardio activity a week. Subtle reminder: Year all! Small changes can make a big differyou can’t take care of everyone and ev Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the ence. When you are hungry for a fatty, erything if you are unwell yourself. So California Culinary Academy, sustainsalty, high calorie snack, heat up some atone already, and give yourself the best of the vegetable soup you just made and able caterer and school garden educagifts of all: self-confidence, joy in your tor. Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comeat it first. Then re-evaluate the situaworld and a smaller clothes size. cast.net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com tion. I am not a big believer in replace Along with the workout comes the and visit her new website: www.lesleyment foods, just good healthy choices. food intake part. I am sure everyone stilesfoods.com. Remember, it takes about a month to is already eating healthfully, so this is simply a reminder that it ain’t just for This is a great dish to have hanging around for meals or snacks. To make it into a soup, triple the month folks; it’s for your life. Last the stock. All veggies are available through the winter at your farmers’ market. year, my 80-something year old dad was diagnosed with lymphoma. He was Ingredients: 1 large celery root, peeled and cubed 2 tablespoons olive oil overweight and his oncologist did not 1 garnet yam, peeled and cubed 2 cups vegetable stock or 6 cups for want to chance harsh chemo drugs on 1 red potato, cubed soup an 80 year old diabetic, fearing it would 1 turnip, cubed 1 bunch chopped fresh kale or chard do more harm than good. Dad vowed 2 carrots, sliced ½ cup chopped fresh parsley to her and my mom to drop the weight 1 cup chopped butternut squash 3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano and she gave him the drugs. Today he 1 cup sliced fresh shitake mushrooms Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to is 50 or so pounds lighter, on the way 1 red onion, chopped taste low end of diabetes and cancer free. 3 cloves garlic, chopped He did great and it was 99% due to his Directions: diet and lifestyle change. Sometimes it Sauté onion, garlic, and shitake mushrooms in olive oil for 3 minutes. Add rest of takes a catastrophe to get us moving, the vegetables and sauté for 4 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a simmer. Let but why wait? Limit harshly processed simmer 30 minutes. Add kale or chard, parsley, oregano and season to taste. Alfoods and eat more vegetables, fruits ternately, you can put the whole thing into a big roaster, put a lid on it and cook and whole grains. Make it organic and in a 350* oven for an hour or 2 and finish with the greens, herbs and seasonings as you not only do yourself a huge favor above. Serves 6. but the earth as well. Bonus points for visiting the farmers’ market and exer-
The Community Focus is available at the following locations: Pleasant Hill Market • Pleasant Hill City Hall Pleasant Hill Senior Center • Pleasant Hill Library Mt. Diablo YMCA • UPS – Virginia Hills, Mtz. Chamber of Commerce (P.H. & Mtz.) Pleasant Hill Rec and Park (Civic Dr. & Gregory) Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Pleasant Hill Legal Grounds, Martinez • Martinez Senior Center Les Schwab Tires - Alhambra Avenue Best Western, John Muir Inn, Martinez Headways Salon, Main Street
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Winter Vegetable Stew
2012 Farmers Market Calendar
Great news! The Farmers’ Market Lovers Calendar for 2012 is hot off the presses and ready to be scooped up for all those veggie lovers on your holiday gift list! Preview at lesleystilesfoods.com or at the Diablo Valley Farmers Market, Orchard Nursery, Mrs. Dalloway’s Books, Orinda Books or the Gardener! More info: Lesley at 925. 934.3128 or lesleystiles@comcast. net.
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January 2012
Art World Unconfidential The aspects of things that are most important to us are hidden because of their simplicity and familiarity. – Ludwig Wittgenstein I like this quote because, while it’s from a mid-century philosopher, it reflects philosophical relationships between the world, thought and language. It also explains how we often hide away our personal or family artifacts in drawers and boxes that never see the light of day. We do this because we don’t always view these things as valuable creative or artistic objects. In a culture of constant technological invention and digital
By Tony Michael Vecchio years, fun family photos, and any other entertainment, we sometimes don’t realize that the personal memorabilia of personal objects—are worth sharing, rather than hiding away from view. In our lives can have a prominent place in our various environments in simple, but doing so, they reflect your personal history and maybe even tell a story of who effective, exhibits that honor and value you are today. our exquisite emotional connections. Maybe you found an old photo in Almost everything we collect a book that has been overlooked for can be simply but elegantly framed in years. Or you came across an iconic unique and interesting ways. Think item that reminds you of a certain time about the many wonderful photos, and place in your life. Such things can found items, and vacation memories become works of art, if you treat them in your personal archives. We all have as if they are. For example, consider: different passions and interests, and we interesting menus from vintage eateries, all are inspired by and drawn to visual concert ticket stubs, sports paraphernaimages that touch us in some way. The small and not so small treasures that we lia (i.e. baseball mitt, game programs), old fishing lures, antique bank notes, find—century-old letters from relatives, vintage baseball cards of a favorite invoices with interesting letterheads or old legal deeds, and vintage ephemera player, childhood trinkets like small (i.e. old advertising labels, feathers toys, unique buttons collected over the
found while hiking). The best way to frame your collection simply depends on your personal decorating tastes, resourcefulness and, of course, your budget. But you can explore many options. Consider buying a new, off-theshelf frame for flat or three-dimensional items. However you exhibit your treasures, you will find satisfaction and a sense of pride in being able to display the items that you find beautiful, important, and meaningful. And you can be sure that your guests will also see what you see. Contact Tony Michael Vecchio at tonymvecchio@gmail.com. View his collage illustrations and paintings at etsy.com/shop/WabiSabiDaddi, and selected work at the Blackhawk Gallery.
In the Mix One of the reasons I enjoy writing this column each month is I get to share with you some of the great musical talent here in Contra Costa County. One of my all-time favorites is Ken Cooper. Ken is one of the most respected and well-liked musicians in the area. A longtime career musician and an incredible guitarist and vocalist, Ken can be seen every week performing with one of his great bands or as a solo. I can still remember the first time I saw him perform. It was with the “legendary” Buzztones down at Abernathy’s in Walnut Creek (yes, I admit I am over 29). I was blown away by his note for note cover of the Beatles’ “Hard Days’ Night,” including the famous opening chord, “Fadd9”! But, I think what truly makes Ken special is his personality. He is an extremely genuine and approachable person. In other words, just a really nice guy! And nice enough to answer
By Paul Cotruvo highlights of your musical career? some of these questions: KC: There are too many to list and new PC: How old were you when you ones every week! first played the guitar and do you PC: I have one of your singles, and it remember your first guitar? KC: I played a little before but I got my was a Christmas song. What inspired you to write a Christmas song? first guitar at age twelve -- an Airline KC: I guess I just really like holidays acoustic (I still have it.) and that year I wrote a Christmas PC: Who were some of your song, “I Can’t Help Feelin’ Good at influences? Christmastime.” There was some local KC: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, interest in me making a record at the The Stones, Mike Bloomfield, Johnny time so that tune became the A side. Winter, Jeff Beck, Sixties S.F. hippiePC: And finally a fun question, if you rock, surf rock...the list goes on and were a Beatles song, what song would on. you be? PC: Can you name all the groups you have been a part of? KC: I think I can. Let’s see: SofChu, The Burger City Stompers, Itchy Brother, The John Coinman Band, Shiner, The Ken Cooper Band, The Buzztones, Pure Honey, The Hired Guns, The Shillz ,The Famous Trio, The Michael Fender Group, DaveMartinHouseParty, Forest Fox and Friends. My apologies to any I may have forgotten to mention. Presently, I’m in Mersey Beach, AKA, The Famous Three0 and THE BIG SIRS. PC: What are some of your favorite
KC: Hmm that’s a tricky one. “Good Day Sunshine?” “Blue Jay Way?” “I Feel Fine,” yeah, that’s it. Thanks Ken! Please check him out around town. He regularly performs at Back 40 in Pleasant Hill, Rocco’s in Walnut Creek and Dallimonti’s in Pleasant Hill. Check his website at www.kencoopermusic.com for exact dates and times. Quote of the Month: A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. Anonymous
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January 2012
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Page 26
January 2012
Calendar events
At the library
1/2 -12 - Valley Stitchers and Fiber Art Guild presents Carol Larson. Her love of color, texture, and pattern led to a lifetime of interest in wearable art, hand weaving, knitting and needlepoint. She works in mixed media using multiple layers of dyes, selective dye removal and screen-printing with original imagery. 9:30am at Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Lane, Pleasant Hill. $5 per guest. For more information contact: Francine at 925-689-6311.
Pleasant Hill: Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: 1/16/12
1/3 - Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club. Speaker: Susan Morrison on “Vertical Gardening”. 7pm. Free. Camellia Room, Heather Farms, 1540 Marchbanks Dr., WC. Visit www.phgsc.com or call 925-944-4898.
1/5 & 1/19 – Wii Thursdays for Teens – Wii or play some board games too! 3pm4:30pm. Room A.
1/8 – Preschool Faire featuring more than 45 preschools from Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Concord, Lafayette and Alamo. This free event is at Shadelands Art Center, 111 No. Wiget Ln., Walnut Creek, 1-4pm. Visit www.mom4mom. org/2012PreschoolFair.html for more info. 1/14 - Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA) will be presenting “Connect to the Vitality that is Your True Good Health”, 2pm at the Walnut Creek Forma Gym, 1410 N. California Blvd, Walnut Creek. 1/22, 2/5 & 2/19 - How to Raise Your Chickens. Raising young chicks, hen maintenance and sustainable coop construction. Workshops are free and will be held from 1:30-3:30pm. Sign up by email: jhkiefer@ comcast.net. 1/23 - Hot Cocoa & S’mores Camp. We are back at the Nancy Boyd Recreation Room for one day of winter fun and a little cooking. We’ll also include cooking brownies in a cup, crafts, and games. 9:00am -3:00pm; Ages: 4 – 11. Fee: Drop-in $20/$18 Resident. Nancy Boyd Recreation Room, 90 Church Street, Martinez. 1/28 – Discussion on “Advantages of Metabolic Balance”: an innovative all-natural nutrition program from Europe that brings balance to your hormones, optimizes your health, and leads to a new invigorating lifestyle resulting in successful long term weight management. 3 pm at the Vitamin Shoppe,1602 Mt. Diablo, Walnut Creek.
Wednesdays & Fridays - Mother Goose Storytime, ages 0-3. Wed. 11:15-11:45am. Fri. 11:15-11:45pm & 1:15-1:45pm. Thursdays - Preschool Storytime, ages 3-5. 11:15-11:45am. Saturdays (closed 24th) – Saturday Story Time, Babies, Preschoolers, Kids. 11:1511:45am.
1/10 – Book Club. We will be reading Chris Cleave’s “Little Bee.” 6:30pm-7:30pm. Contact: 646-6434. 1/11 – The PHUN Team, Pleasant Hill United Nerds Team, formerly known as the Teen Advisory Group (TAG). Meet other community teens and the young adult librarian to share and plan what you want to see happen at the library. Every 2nd Wed. of the month, this group is teen-only, ages 1318. 3:30pm-5pm. Room A. 1/31 - Musical Adventures with Andrea Gaspari. Join Andrea Gaspari as we sing, dance and tell stories with our bodies. We’ll play instruments and and make all kinds of music. For kids and pre-schoolers 6:30pm - 7:15pm. Contact: Patrick Remer 925-9273235 Martinez: Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: 1/16/12 1/10 - 3:30 pm - Myth Busters Lego Workshop with Charles Esseltine. At this fun workshop, watch an episode of Myth Busters, then use provided Legos to follow along and make one of the items from the show then test the Lego creations to see if we get the same results as the TV show. A little Lego, a little science, a whole lot of fun! Teens & Tweens. Free! 1/10 - 6:45 pm - Martinez Library Book Club. Join us every second Tuesday of the month for lively discussion and pleasant company. Check with the library for our January selection. Adults. 1/13 - 3:30 pm - Tweens - Duct Tape Class. Make a durable creation out of duct tape.
Tuesdays beginning 1/17 - 10:30 am Mother Goose Time Returns! Come have some early literacy fun at this story and craft time designed just for little ones age 6 months to 3 years old. 1/17 - 6:30 pm - Crochet Workshop (6 week series) Learn the art and craft of crochet. Supplies will be provided by the American Needlework Association at no charge, or bring your own for a special project. All Ages. Space is limited, so sign up today at www.ccclib.org/programs.
Hollywood.” Tickets are $45.00 per person or $425 for a table of 10. Includes champagne, appetizers, food, entertainment, dancing, and Irish merriment. All proceeds to benefit many charities! This event is being held at the Big C Athletic Club is located at 1381 Galaxy Way, Concord. Dress as your favorite Hollywood character. Best Costume wins a nice prize. Space is severely limited, so contact Jessica Braverman to buy tickets now (Jessica@ BravermanSolutions.com). There are corporate sponsorship opportunities still available.
1/18 - 12:30 pm - Steampunk Journal Making. Craft your own Steampunk journal and immerse yourself in the fantastic world of Steampunk. Bring a journal to work with, or make one from scratch. Check out our Steampunk collection while you’re at it. Teens & Tweens.
1/14 – Crab Feed & Raffle – Saturday, 6pm at the Boys & Girls Club of Diablo Valley, 1301 Alhambra Ave, Martinez. Contact the Boys & Girls Club at 925-228-3896 x101 to purchase tickets.
1/21 - Martinez Friends of Library Book Sale. The book sale is open from 10am to 11am for members of the Friends of the Martinez Library. (Memberships available at the door.) Open to the general public from 11am - 4pm. $8 per book bag, 2 bags for $15.
1/21 – 1st Annual Crab Feed at the Veterans Memorial Building. Crab, penne pasta, homemade coleslaw, corn on the cob, wine, dessert and entertainment all beginning at 5pm at 930 Ward Street, Martinez. Tickets are $35. Please RSVP to Dave at 925-5183295.
1/24 - 6:30 pm - Chinese New Year Celebration with Lion Dancers. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with this outstanding performance by the White Crane Lion Dancers! Be amazed and delighted as the lion dances among the audience. These awesome, acrobatic dancers will astonish you, and will bring us all good fortune in the New Year. For all ages.
1/21 - 39th Annual Pleasant Hill Lions Club Crab Feed. Enjoy all the crab, pasta, salad, and bread you can eat. There will also be a raffle, a silent auction, dancing, and a $400 cash door prize! Get your tickets ($45) early. Event sells out. Doors open at 5:30 pm and dinner served at 7 pm. Contact Don Flaskerud at 925-676-5859. Event held at Big C Athletic Club, 1381 Galaxy Way Concord. All proceeds go toward programs for the visually impaired.
1/27 - 3:30 pm - Games. Board games provided or bring your favorite to share. Teens & Tweens.
ANNOUNCEMENTS The Martinez Grange No.853: Join a grass roots organization that began in 1867 and open to all members of the family. Junior Grange for ages 5 to 13 1/2 years, and regular members are 14 and up. The Grange has ten thousand members and 207 chapters across California. For more info. email: MtzGrangeMom@aol.com. St. Pat goes to Hollywood! On March 16, 2012 at 6pm the Pleasant Hill Rotary joins the Big C Athletic Club in a St. Patrick’s Day celebration and fundraiser, “St. Pat goes to
CRAB FEED tickets
2/3 & 2/4 - 6th Annual Crab Feed benefiting Martinez schools and Aftermath Student Center. 2/3 at 6pm and 2/4 at 5pm. $45 for all you can eat! For info and tickets call 925-228-8156 or visit www.creakside. org. Childcare will be available for infants 5th grade. $5 pre-register or $10 at the door. Price includes dinner. Creekside Church, 444 Fig Tree Ln., Martinez. 2/25 – 32nd Annual Diablo Symphony Crab Gala - Saturday, 5:00pm, Rossmoor Del Valle Clubhouse. Music Entertainment, Silent and Live Auction, Wine Pull and Raffle. All for $60. Call Leo Vardas, 925-9475776 for reservations.
January 2012
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Page 27
How to Succeed with Your Fitness Resolution
The Five Signs of Metabolic Syndrome
By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates Build a solid foundation of good “This is the technique and healthy body mechanics. year! I’m going to This enables you to realize fast results do it! I’m going while, simultaneously, preventing to follow through injury. Start slowly and work steadion my New Year’s ly. This enables your body to become resolution to get strong, flexible and prepared to accomin shape no matplish your fitness goals. ter how badly it Remember, there is always tomorhurts!” Unfortunately, because many of us tend to over extend ourselves during row. You don’t have to hit that fitness goal before the gym closes tonight. the first week of January, our positive energy and enthusiasm become quickly Find a good teacher or mentor. Working with someone well qualified makes dampened by sore muscles or injuries. a huge difference in helping you start The injuries stop us in our tracks and the sore muscles transform working out and stay on the path to long-term success. into torture. Taking the time to establish a Eventually we end the torture. We stop working out. Then there is the guilt healthy foundation on the front end of not accomplishing our resolutions. In goes a long way to keeping you on track. When you’re the long run, the injury free and still “No pain, no gain” going strong in philosophy has not April, August, and served us well. beyond, you will Make 2012 the be so glad that you year you accomgave your body the plish your resolutime it needed to tion of becoming catch up with your fit and pain free. aspiring mind. 2012 will be your best You can do this by embracing the phifitness year yet! losophy of “No pain, BIG gain.” It’s the Tonya Marie Amos danced properfect way to break old patterns and fessionally in New York for 15 years start fresh. What’s the key to “No pain, before opening her studio, Aspire big gain”? Start slowly and build a solid Pilates Center in Concord. For more foundation of healthy body mechanics. information, contact please call (925) You CAN be successful this year! 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesHere are some tips to help you accomCenter.com. plish your goals:
By Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath Metabolic syndrome affects 10% of people in their 20’s and 40% of people in their 60’s. The biggest health risks for metabolic syndrome include Type II diabetes and heart disease. The Mayo Clinic defines metabolic syndrome as a cluster of conditions such as excess weight around the waist, abnormal cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar levels. Two of the most important risk factors for metabolic syndrome are extra abdominal fat and insulin resistance, when cells do not respond correctly to a normal amount of insulin. Other risk factors include aging, lack of exercise, and a body-mass-index (BMI) greater than 25. Who is at Risk? The American Heart Association & National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute list 5 factors that make up metabolic balance syndrome. If a person has at least 3 of these 5 factors, they have or are at risk for metabolic syndrome.
FACTORS
WOMEN
MEN
1. Waist Measurement
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≥ 40”
2. High Blood Sugar
≥ 100 md/dL or higher
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3. Anyone taking a medication to control blood pressure or High Blood Pressure
≥ 135/85 mm Hg
≥ 135/85 mm Hg
4. Anyone taking a medication for cholesterol reduction or Low HDL Cholesterol
≥ 50 mg/dL
≥ 40 mg/dL
5. High Triglycerides
≥ 150 mg/dL
≥ 40 mg/dL
Reducing Risks of Metabolic Syndrome Simple lifestyle changes help: weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, and diet changes. Metabolic Balance® & Metabolic Syndrome Metabolic Balance® is a food-based weight management program that has proven effective for weight loss and the improvement in personal quality of life. An independent study published in the Journal of Metabolism shows that a Metabolic Balance® improves the symptoms of metabolic syndrome. After one year, 76% of clients no longer met the criteria for this diagnosis. If you think you are at risk for metabolic syndrome, I can help you. Give me a call today at 826-3858, Myra Nissen, CCH Board Certified Homeopah at www.MyraNissen.com or www.MetabolicBalanceCalifornia.com
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Toys for Tots
The Psychochicks, a 14 year and under girls soccer team from the Martinez Pleasant Hill Fubol Club (MPHFC), collected toys for the Toys for Tots drive. Pictured is the team bringing the donated toys to Fire Station #5 on Boyd Road in Pleasant Hill. Photo submitted by Jana Vinogradov
Making a Difference
John Malley of MassMutual Financial Group and his son Mark make a $2,000 donation to Paul Kraintz of Contra Costa Meals on Wheels. The donation is from General Agent Robert FaKhimi and his agents of the San Francisco Bay Area Agency of MassMutual.
Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers.Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2010 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Exp. 1/31/2012
January 2012
Help at Marathon
The College Park athletic boosters and sports leadership student athletes worked together at a water station during the Walnut Creek Half Marathon held on December 10. The race began at the Rudgear Overpass at Broadway
in downtown Walnut Creek and ended at Civic Park. College Park Boosters received a 1/6th share of the marathon proceeds assigned to the 6 booster clubs in the Mt. Diablo School District.
Bottom LtoR: Amanda Baker, Alazne Ramirez-Hong, Caitlin Shillings, Marianna Rumpf, Marlo Castro, Madison Teixeira, and Wilson Jones. 2nd Row LtoR: Matthew Nissen, Tommy Goonan, Tommy Hammill, Victoria Peleras, Kyle Banuelos and Kyle Leung. Back Row LtoR: Don Wildes, Lucas Kelso, Noah Burnham, Chris Croft and Kylie Aliamus.
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January 2012
Bringing Oncology and Urology Together By Matthew Sirott, MD Economic trends in health care combined with new opportunities in continuity of care has led our two practices to form Contra Costa County’s first multi-specialty group of its kind. Pacific Urology, a six-physician practice with origins dating back to the 1980s, is merging with Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group, a seven-doctor group specializing in treating cancer and blood disorders. There are two principal reasons we are merging our practices. 1 - New opportunities to deliver a stronger continuity of care for patients. 2 - Increasing economic pressures and challenges in delivering health care. Our practices have developed an organizational structure that will best meet patients’ needs through collaborative treatment of cancers of the prostate, kidney and bladder. Both practices will retain their individual names, but will now share infrastructure and resources such as information technology systems, business office processes and clinic locations. The costs of practicing medicine are escalating while reimbursements are declining. We anticipate a 30-40 percent decrease in Medicare payments in 2012. By combining our practices, we secure the future for both organizations, allowing us to see more patients
in more locations, reduce our overhead expenses, and collaborate more closely than ever before. As an example of improved care for patients, physicians from both specialties will hold regularly scheduled case reviews in order to confer on more difficult cases. Such multi-specialty conferences are not uncommon in university and hospital settings, but can be impractical for private, stand-alone practices, where doctors from different specialties rarely appear in the same physical locations. With our new organizational structure, we will be able to provide collaborative tumor boards to patients in the private practice setting. Matthew Sirott, MD is a medical oncologist and the president of Diablo Valley Oncology. His practice is home to the largest single site for cancer treatment in Contra Costa County. Its seven physicians bring together medical oncology; hematology; chemotherapy; radiation therapy; diagnostic imaging; clinical trials; and supportive care all in one convenient location. DiabloValleyOncology.md Pacific Urology is one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s largest urology practices. The group’s mission is to provide university quality of care in a private practice setting. www.PacificUrology.com
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Investment Activism By Bill Holt Why not unplug from Wall Street The goal of investing is to make and keep our investments local, espemoney with our money, but should our goals end there or is there more we cially if it means taking less risk and actually making money over time? Trashould be asking our money to do or, ditionally, this has meant going to local even more importantly, not to do? The most common way people in- banks with your money for a CD, but vest is to speculate in stocks via mutual most banks now charge borrowers way funds. Speculating in the stock market too much while paying you too little has not only been sold to us as a way to interest. Enter peer to peer lending, the growing alternative to investing with make the most money over time, but banks, where borrowers and lenders as patriotic, bold, optimistic, and part of the “American way.” Take a moment are matched for a nominal fee, outside to grasp how hard stock ownership has of a bank, resulting in lower borrowing costs and much higher returns. been sold to the middle class, despite We have a local San Francisco most people having lost money (and based company called Lending Club hair) as a result. that pays upwards of 8% to you for But besides going up and down money made available to their borlike a roller coaster, what does your rowers, who range in creditworthiness money actually do in the hands of and, thus, risk. Like any investment, large public corporations? Mainly, it the greater the credit risk, the greater gives them enormous economic leverthe return and you can choose what age and power -- power to acquire loans you are comfortable funding. competitors, export jobs overseas, and Small businesses and individuals in lobby the state or congress for unour community are direct beneficiarearned competitive advantage. Public ies of this money. You make a lot more companies are focused on maximizthan you would at a bank and your ing short-term profits in order to keep their stock price inflated and, thus, pay economic power stays in your community. Check them out at www.Lendingenormous sums to its upper manageclub.com. ment. In effect, our collective specula I now know it is possible to feel tion in the stock market has helped good about investing. You can, too. fuel the growing wealth gap between worker and CEO, increased unemploy- Bill Holt, CFP Second Opinion ment and harmed local, private busiFinancial, LLC (925) 899-2044, wilnesses that support our community. liamrholt@yahoo.com
Martinez Kiwanis Club
Congressman George was the speaker at the November 10 Kiwanis Club of Martinez’s luncheon meeting. Introducing Congressman Miller was his sister, Kiwanian Laura Miller. Members were given an update on the latest happenings in Washington DC and had the opportunity to ask specific questions.
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January 2012
7th Annual North Pole Revue The Center STAGE Theater of Diablo Valley, in association with Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park’s STAGE Troupe program, just wrapped up their heartwarming production of North Pole Revue. Directed by Dona Foreman and Stephen Foreman, with the script by Dona Foreman, the production includes many songs by Barrett LindsaySteiner. North Pole Revue is a fun Christmas show with elves, reindeer, toys, and even Santa! Center Stage is a community theater group that has teens from many different schools, including Valley View Middle, College Park High School, Alhambra High School, and Martinez Junior High. It’s all the most talented and amazing teens from each school concentrated into one theater-loving family. It’s so fun and
By Lucy Holt, aka Prancer the Reindeer, age 12 (925)682-0896, “Like” our Facebook lie Brown, and, of course, our annual such a great experience, and every one page, or check us out at centerstagedv. Christmas show, North Pole Revue. of us has an obvious passion for acting, org. We are going to be performing Babes dancing, and singing. We hope to see you at auditions or in Arms in March and April, and if “Center Stage is a second family. in our audience soon! you would like to audition please call We all work together to make something special,” says Karina Dominguez, age 12, who played Polly the Elf and Dancer the Reindeer. Kathryn Butler, also 12 and who played Molly the Elf says, “What I like about Center Stage is that it teaches more than just great theater skills. How the cast can have each other’s backs and support one another makes it so that the experience teaches you to be a great person, as well as a great performer.” Center Stage has been doing many different shows since 1998. Some include, ‘Twas The Night Before, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Godspell, From Left to Right: Makena Vadnais, Carly Vadnais, Gabriella Marchion, Mark Metzger, Joanna Sachs, Kathryn Butler, Sophia Pagan (hiding behind Kathryn); Jacob Lord, Laura Mercier, Kailee Sanderson. Seussical, You’re a Good Man CharPhoto Credit: Richard Spitzer
Police Pursuit Opinion By Jeffrey Eitelgeorge, 8th Grader St. Perpetua High-speed police pursuits in the United States kill police, alleged criminals, and innocent civilians. Some people question if police officers should continue high speed pursuits because they are also one of the top causes of car accidents. Police officers in a pursuit can often disregard the safety of the public because of the dangerously high speeds involved. Pursuits by law enforcement are much more dangerous than most people think. Although more people are killed in the United States by high speed pursuits than by police firearms, these fatal accidents will most likely still continue to occur year after year. This is why many people think that law enforcement officers need to think about the crime that has been committed and whether it is worth following through with a pursuit.
Other people say that if the police do not pursue less serious crimes, the number will increase because criminals may think if they can at least get into their car and speed off, they will not be caught. This is a well-thought-out argument, but not participating in high speed chases would save many more innocent lives and there are many other, less dangerous ways for police to catch criminals. Police officers can catch criminals by tracking them down with helicopters, getting their license plate numbers, seeing what they look like on security cameras, investigations, and using eye witnesses. Most police departments have not created a formal high speed pursuit policy or they provide little or no training about the policy. When it comes to a suspect fleeing, officers need to make quick, rational decisions and remember that high speed pursuits can kill and injure innocent people. Making rational decisions before pursuing a chase would lead to the overall safety of the public and prevent unnecessary accidents.
From left to right: Laura Mercier, Karina Dominguez, Kathryn Butler, Gabriella Marchion, Lucy Holt
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January 2012
Page 31
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January 2012
Page 32
“I had fun. I learned a lot from the training.” Matt • Age 8
Winter Soccer Academy Learn the Diablo FC way.
Soccer is the world’s game and we’ll teach your child how much fun it can be. Professional coaches from the renowned Diablo FC Soccer Academy will teach basic dribbling and juggling skills, passing and receiving the ball and ball striking. The emphasis is on individual player development in a fast-paced, friendly environment without the pressure of game performance. Players interested in trying out for 2012 competitive teams receive great training in preparation for tryouts. Any Academy player joining a Diablo FC team in 2012 will receive a $45 credit on player registration fee. DATES: Mondays & Thursdays, Jan. 5 to Feb. 17, 2012 TiME & LocATion: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m at Willow Pass Park #5, concord (Salvio St. & Olivera Rd.) ELiGiBiLiTY: 5 to 12-year old Girls & Boys All skill levels welcome! coST: • $95 per child. Includes training fees, Academy T-shirt, Diablo Fc pin & window sticker ($45 applied to 2012 club registration)
• $50 per child for current Diablo FC players & siblings • No charge for U8 Academy players. (Visit diablofc.org for more info)
Chris “Wondo” Wondolowski 2010 & 2011 MLS Top Goal Scorer 2011 MLS All-Star 2011 & 2012 USA Men’s National Team
3 WAYS To REGiSTER: • www.diablofc.org (Complete online registration form & use credit card to pay fee) • Mail check payable to Diablo FC Academy, P.O. Box 97, Clayton, CA 94517 • Sign-up at first Soccer Academy session on Thursday, Jan. 5 “You won't find a better soccer experience for your child!”
J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J
2012 Season Tryouts
Diablo FC is the area’s premier youth soccer club with competitive teams for boys and girls from Under 8 through Under 23. Diablo FC takes pride in the development of each player and the excellent performances of our players and teams in all age groups. our club has exclusive area membership in Western College Development Association and National Premier Leagues offering our players unparalleled competition and college exposure.
If you are interested in trying out for a 2012 Diablo FC competitive team, please complete our online tryout form today. Players are encouraged to attend all tryouts to maximize their exposure to the coaches as they evaluate players for team selections. Note: New Dates
➜
Complete Schedule, Pre-register at www.diablofc.org No charge to tryout.
U9 - U11 Tryouts Thursday, Jan. 26
U9-U11 Girls 6-7:30pm U9-U11 Boys 7:30-9pm Willow Pass Park, Concord
Saturday, Jan. 28
U9-U10 Girls 9-10:30am U9-U10 Boys 10:30am-12noon U11 Girls & Boys 12noon-1:30pm Ygnacio Valley High School, Concord
Sunday, Jan. 29
U9-U10 Girls 9-10:30am U9-U10 Boys 10:30am-12noon U11 Girls & Boys 12noon-1:30pm Clayton Valley High School, Concord
U12 - U14 Tryouts Thursdays, Feb. 9, 16 Sunday, Feb. 12 Complete U12-U14 Tryout times & dates at www.diablofc.org
U8-U11 FREE CLINICS All Clinics at Willow Pass Park, Concord 6-7:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 12 U8-U11 Girls
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