January 2020 Community Focus

COMMUNITY

FOCUS

JANUARY 2020

IN THIS ISSUE: • GLAMOUR GIRLS • THE ULTIMATE RESOLUTION • HONORING CP ALUM JOHN DAILY

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PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

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COVER:

INSIDE

11 World Menu

18 Books You May Have Missed

21

Friends of the Library

16 AAUW Layette Shower

19 Death of a Martinez Building

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CP Lady Falcons at Berkeley High School.

6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

Photo by: Trish Heaney

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2013

2014

2015

Best Insurance Agent

2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016/2017

2 | JANUARY 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Meet Pat McCoy who lives in Walnut Creek. “I grew up in Saint Helena on the wrong side of the wine train tracks.”

Pat is a member of Local #3 Operating Engineers. He also hosts a comedy show with national headliners and the best comedians in the area on the second Tuesday of the month at The Greenery Sports Bar in Walnut Creek.

How did you get into comedy? When I was in college, there was a comedy competition in Chico and someone dared me to do it. I eventually ended up sharing a stage with Margaret Cho, Chris Titus, and Paula Poundstone at the Punchline in San Francisco. I enjoy writing new material and making people laugh.

More about Pat: 1. I used to race motocross at Sand Hill Ranch in Brentwood until I shattered my back in a motorcycle accident 10 years ago. After that, I switched from riding motorcycles to riding mountain bikes.

2. I’m looking forward to retiring in two years and doing comedy full time. I love doing obscure shows in the middle of nowhere. They’re fun because you’re performing for hard-working people that enjoy a good laugh and think you’re big time when you’re not.

Glamour Gals

High School Students and Carlton Residents Glam it Up

BY ALISON CLARY

Last month, 20 residents and 11 high school girls happily participated in a Glamour Gals event at Carlton Senior Living Center in Pleasant Hill. Glamour Gals Foundation is a national organization that inspires conversation and companionship through complimentary beauty makeovers given by teen volunteers to seniors living in residential care. The nonprofit believes “senior care should not be limited to food, shelter, and healthcare.”

An estimated 60% of seniors in residential homes never receive visitors. Being separated from family and community contributes to loneliness and isolation, which studies have shown make an undeniable impact on mental and physical health. Glamour Gals provides a unique opportunity for people from different generations to get to know each other through the power of touch as well as conversation.

Molly Taylor, a high school junior, started the chapter of Glamour Gals at College Park High School and explains, “Skill level is not a factor. The main goal is to make connections with the seniors.

Glamour Gals sends us free supplies, including nail polish, lotion, foundation, blush, lipstick, face soap, and face lotion, and we provide women with manicures, facials, and some light makeup.” Molly says men are more than welcome to come, but the makeovers tend to attract women more often. “Even people who don’t want a makeover are welcome to come sit, watch, and visit!” At the beginning of the first visit, one resident demurred and said, “Oh, I’m too old to be looking in the mirror,” but Molly reassured her that she was beautiful. After several residents had blush applied to their cheeks, everyone gushed at the pretty new look. Some residents have memory issues, but the girls are patient and accommodating.

The Glamour Gals slogan is “Makeovers and manicures are just half the story,” and these intergenerational visits benefit both age groups. Residents

receive services that make them feel pampered, respected, and appreciated.

They also benefit from the girls’ youthful energy and tap into a different type of cognitive stimulation, all while gaining a boost in confidence in their appearance.

High school students chat with the women one-on-one and learn about their interesting pasts, perhaps gaining nuggets of wisdom about history and different cultures along the way. They might also gain a new perspective on aging and get that feel-good effect from nurturing a vulnerable local population.

Carlton’s Personal Expressions Manager, JC Paleja, observed how much the girls and ladies all loved talking to each other: “Residents love visitors. Every time we have an intergenerational opportunity, I always see a different spark in their eyes and lots of smiles.” These monthly connections provide both parties with a sense of purpose and fill a different niche than something like teaching seniors how to use cell phones.

When it was time for the students to leave, one resident said, “Oh, please don’t go!” Fortunately, Molly’s group will return, volunteering monthly at Carlton so they can create lasting relationships with the seniors, whom she describes as excited, grateful, and interested in the teenagers’ lives. “I have learned the importance of reaching out to people I wouldn’t normally make connections with.” Molly hopes they can visit more senior homes in the future and wants to keep the club alive after she graduates, perhaps opening a new chapter wherever she attends college. For more information on Glamour Gals, visit https://www. glamourgals.org.

Members of Glamour Gals at CPHS: Savannah Alkhoury, Brooke Ballentine, Lauren Bankerd, Maddie Bielskis, Miranda Bowdish, Sophia DeVille, Olivia Greenwood, Erin Hurley, Riley Minka, Claire Moran, Claire Muhlenbruch, Vienna Nikooei, Emi Szakats, Molly Taylor, Josie Thomas, Isabella Triana, Mercedes Valdez, Ryenne Warren, and Freya Williams.

Carlton Senior Living resident Pat Mayo receives manicure from College Park junior and Glamour Gals member Isabella Triana.

College Park students from Glamour Gals club visit Carlton Senior Living OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 2020 | 3

Stronger Than You Know The Ultimate Resolution

BY DENA BETTI

For most of us, the new year brings hope for a brighter tomorrow. Perhaps it’s that one time of year when you’re excited or inspired to be something more. You’re hopeful that 2020 just might be the year...your year. But this story isn’t a New Year’s resolution story. This story is about getting unstuck, learning to control your energy, and learning how to make the most of life’s circumstances so every year is a meaningful year.  Â

Inner energy is one of those great ironies in life because we know we have it but do we really know how to use it to our advantage? Our thoughts, feelings, and emotions happen without us really understanding what makes these seemingly automatic activities take place.

Whether our outside circumstances

are really good or really bad, that voice inside our head never stops talking. And if you’re thinking you don’t have that voice...well the voice that just told you you don’t have that voice is the voice I am talking about.

Many of you have heard all or part of my story, but this part of the story is worth repeating. The moment I realized my daughter Jenna was gone, the voice inside me was deafening. Each thought fueled the catastrophic emotions that ran rampant through every cell in my body. My outside voice was all but silenced, yet nothing could be farther from the truth for my inside voice. I’ve never been so conscious of that energy inside me until that day. That energy fueled an internal conversation so intense it’s indescribable. It was like the game of tug-of-war we played as kids was being played inside of me. The energy of love and despair pulled me in

two distinctly separate directions. The game of life was on.   The game of life shows up in those moments that forever change us.Â

The game is said to break us or break us open. If you look at the times in your life when you experienced emotions of love, loss, achievement, pride, sadness, despair, or humility, you were filled with intense energy that polarized you.  What you’ll see, if you pay attention, is that you have an amazing amount of energy stored inside you and it’s always available to tap into. But it doesn’t come from the amount of sleep you get or the quality of food you eat. When you’re filled with this energy, you feel like you can achieve anything.

When it is flowing strongly, it helps to restore, replenish, and recharge you.  The only reason you don’t feel this energy all the time is because you block it by

closing your heart and allowing life’s circumstances to harden you. When you close your heart or close your mind, you close off your energy. When there is no energy, there is no light. That is what it means to be blocked.  You should know about this energy because it is yours. It’s your birthright and it’s unlimited.

You can call upon it any time you want.

Energy doesn’t get old and it doesn’t get tired. So, as you consider your goals for 2020, I suggest your number one goal be to keep your heart open so you can tap into the bountiful energy inside yourself.

For it is this energy that makes anything is possible. Happy New Year!Â

Dena Betti is a graduate from the University of San Francisco, on the board of #hersmile Nonprofit and a certified life coach. For more information, email  dena@strongerthanyouknow. com.

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Homeless Not Hopeless

Rotary Club of Walnut Creek Sunrise Lends a Hand to Trinity Center

BY VICTORIA BRISKIN, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Trinity Center, a non-residential program serving homeless and working poor adult men and women in Walnut Creek and Central Contra Costa County, was presented with a $15,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Walnut Creek Sunrise on November 19 at Trinity Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly board meeting.

Trinity Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day program has experienced a significant increase in demand for services that continues to grow. The daily average number of people served jumped from 50 to 70 people. Trinity Center is preparing for their 4th Evening Winter Program, which operates during the vulnerable winter weather months of December through March and provides emergency overnight shelter for up to 50 people in space rented from The Armory in Walnut Creek.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rotary is proud to support the efforts of Trinity Center for the great work done on behalf of the homeless,â&#x20AC;? says Richard Callaway, president of the Sunrise Rotary Community Foundation.

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Mayor’s Message Together We are Better

I am often asked my Pleasant Hill story. It began when I opened my insurance agency on Gregory Lane over eleven years ago. I was new to town, and my first stop was the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce office to apply for a membership and find out more about the community. Not long after, I got involved in the chamber’s ambassador program and was able to meet various business owners and local residents involved in the betterment of Pleasant Hill.

After two years of commuting from Dublin each day, we made the decision to move to Pleasant Hill. We had two year-old and four year-old daughters at the time, so with daily walks and playtime in the front yard, we soon got to know our neighbors and our girls gained several ”surrogate grandparents.” We were welcomed with open arms and discovered the great programs through our library and Pleasant Hill Rec. and Park District. I continued being involved with the Chamber of Commerce and was ultimately elected as chairman of the board.

In 2011 I was recognized as Pleasant Hill Business Person of the Year. When my

daughters were old enough for sports, we got involved in our local soccer league (PHMSA) and softball (PHBA).

Being a coach and soccer referee, you see first- hand the dedication of many parent volunteers who give countless hours for the betterment of our kids.

I got involved in the Rotary Club and eventually became president. My Rotary experience has given me a good understanding of the various organizations and charities that work to provide services in our community, and I was asked to serve on the Pleasant Hill YMCA Advisory Board. My first foray in public office was when I was appointed to the Contra Costa Community College Governing Board, where I got valuable insight into running a public agency and the nuisances behind it. I also joined the Pleasant Hill Education Commission and was elected to the Strandwood Elementary Site Council. In 2015, I was awarded Pleasant Hill’s Citizen of the Year award.

At the end of 2016, one of the city council’s incumbents decided not to run for re-election, so I threw my hat into the ring and was elected.

Over the last three years as your city council member, I have gained a deeper

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Matt Rinn, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

understanding of local governance and an appreciation for all our community partners working to make Pleasant Hill a stronger, safer, better place to live. I am honored to serve as your mayor for the next year and look forward to seeing you at many of the amazing community events.

Wishing you all the best in 2020.

Public Meetings Civic Action Jan. 8 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 City Council Jan. 13, 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:00pm. Contact: 671-5229 Architectural Review Jan. 9, 21 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 5:00pm. Contact: 671-5209 Planning Commission Jan. 14, 28 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Commission on Aging Jan. 9 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5:00pm. Contact: 671-5229 Education Commission Jan. 22 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 7pm. Contact: 671-5229 PH Rec & Park Board Meetings are typically held the 2nd & 4th Thursday each month at District Office, 147 Gregory Lane. Meeting dates and agendas are posted 72 hours prior to meeting. Refer to recent agenda for meeting dates.

District residents are encouraged to contact board members about current issues facing the district.

Chamber Calendar Jan. 8 - 680 Networking Group- 8:30-10am, JFK University, 100 Ellinwood Way, Room 112 Jan. 9 - Chamber Business Mixer- Co-Hosted by Slowhand and Tri-Active, 5-7pm, 2342 Estand Way, Pleasant Hill Jan. 10 - Ambassador Meeting- 8:30-9:30am, Pleasant Hill City Hall Community Room Jan. 14 - Morning Business Mixer- Hosted by Office Evolution, 8-9am, 1990 N. California Blvd. Suite 20, Walnut Creek Jan. 16 - Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting- 8-10am, Large Community room at City Hall Jan. 16 - Young Professionals Mixer- 5:30-7pm, Courtyard by Marriott Jan. 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day- Chamber Office closed Jan. 23 - Ribbon Cutting for C&O Travel- 5-7pm, Wisegirl Ristorante, 1932 Oak Park Blvd.

Jan. 22 - 680 Networking Group- 8:30-10am, JFK University, 100 Ellinwood Way, Room 112 Jan. 27 - Government Affairs Committee- 4:30-6pm, WiseGirl Ristorante, 1932 Oak Park Blvd.

CITY NEWS

Pleasant Hill City News Council Reorganization

The Pleasant Hill City Council Swearing In Ceremony took place on December 16 for the mayor and vice mayor for 2020. A motion was made to elect Councilmember and former Vice Mayor Matt Rinn as mayor and Councilmember Sue Noack as vice mayor. Councilmembers also recognized and thanked outgoing Mayor Ken Carlson for his leadership in 2019.

Mayor’s Breakfast and State of the City

Come hear what’s happening in Pleasant Hill at the State of the City Mayor’s Breakfast. Hosted by the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, the breakfast will take place on Tuesday, February 4, from 7:30-9am, at the Contra Costa Country Club. The newly appointed mayor, Matt Rinn, will share his priorities and vision for the year ahead. Tickets are $45 and are available at pleasanthillca.org/mayortickets.

Community Workshop Summary

On November 14, 15, and 16, the city hosted a three-day community workshop to get input that will help in the development of alternatives to be considered as part of the General Plan update. If you were not able to attend the community workshops, you can still take the two online surveys until January 6, 2020.

You can provide input on the main activities held during the workshop. You can also check out the posters created and watch the closing presentation video. The “Visual Preference” survey is designed to get your input on one of the main exercises -- design choices that could be applied to future development. The “Nine Focus Areas” survey is designed to get your input on one of the main exercises conducted during the workshop. To take the survey or learn more about the workshops, visit http://pleasanthill2040.com/engage. Look for details on the city website for the next General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting happening this month.

that has been a leader in protecting the environment? Do you know a nonprofit that inspires every day in helping others? Here’s your chance to recognize their contributions in making our corner of the world a better place. Nominations are being accepted online through Friday, January 24. Go to www.pleasanthillca.org/ awards for details and a link to the nomination form.

Award categories open for public nomination are: Teen of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Education Supporter of the Year, Business of the Year, Green Award, Citizen of the Year, and the newest categories: Nonprofit of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

The Community Awards are hosted by the City of Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education, and the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation. Questions?

Please contact Community Relations Manager Gayle Vassar at 925-671-5229 or gvassar@pleasanthillca.org.

Downtown Improvements

The application is still under review for site improvements to the Downtown West Plaza area (45 Crescent Drive) to include outdoor seating, festoon lighting, a fire pit, and additional landscape. The space slated for improvement is in front of Spavia and Fat Maddie’s Barrelhouse & Bistro.

City Development Projects Under Review

According to the city website, CVS pharmacy has plans to occupy 1530 Contra Costa Boulevard, the 14,000 square foot space currently in use by Bill’s Ace Hardware. On November 12, 2019, the applicant, Boos Development, submitted an Architectural Review Permit and Use Permit to the city. The project description includes exterior modifications to the existing building and modified site improvements to parking and landscape. In addition, a Use Permit request was made to establish a drive-through facility, with the drive-thru window to face Beth Drive. The project still needs to go through Design Review and Planning.

Façade Improvements

The application is still under review for Pleasant Hill Square (next to the post office) at 2001 Contra Costa Boulevard. The applicant, FCGA Architecture, proposes to renovate two exterior shell buildings in the Pleasant Hill Square Shopping Center. This renovation enhances the current shopping center with a fresh look and new materials. The scope includes minimal site work, removal of an existing trash enclosure, and construction of a new trash enclosure, landscaping, lighting, and façade remodel that will enhance the urban fabric of Pleasant Hill.

Community Awards Night Returns!

With two new award categories

Get ready to celebrate the contributions of the people, nonprofits, and businesses that enrich Pleasant Hill’s quality of life at the 48th Community Awards Night. This year’s event takes place on the evening of April 14 at the Pleasant Hill Community Center and includes two new award categories. Eight of the award categories rely on nominations from the community. Is there a teacher that’s made a difference in the lives of local students? What about a person or business

615 ALHAMBRA AVENUE, MARTINEZ, CA 94553 THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR VOTING US #1!

2013 • 2014 • 2015 2016 / 2017 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 2020 | 7

Mayor’s Message

For the third time in 2019, representatives from the City of Martinez have appeared before the Water Emergency Transit Authority (WETA) in San Francisco. Community and Economic Development Director Christina Radcliffe and I attended the December meeting of WETA, and I requested that they consider the formation of a working group to explore the future feasibility of Martinez ferry service. Here are a few of the things I pointed out to the board: • The marina is located less than ½ mile from the Amtrak transit hub and historic downtown.

• Downtown Martinez is the county seat

of Contra Costa County, with the new County Administration building representing the county’s commitment to the Downtown Martinez location.

• While the Martinez population is 38,000, it swells by over 10,000 during the weekdays from commuters and the Contra Costa Superior Courts.

• Key plans and projects the city is working on include committing $500,000 over the next two years to develop a Waterfront –Marina Master Plan, with funding to upgrade our guest dock to be ADA accessible to allow the smaller private ferry operators (Prop SF & Tidelands) to load and unload passengers.

• We’re working closely with the Contra

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

Costa Transportation Agency (CCTA) as well as the City of Antioch on establishing a pilot commuter ferry program between Antioch and Martinez.

The chair of the board, retired Vice Admiral Jody Breckenridge, directed WETA staff to agenize our request to a future board meeting for discussion and consideration. If approved, this could move Martinez ferry service closer to a reality.

On the Martinez Baseball front, the city council approved a one-year license agreement with the Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs for the use of Field 3 at the Joe DiMaggio Ballfields at Waterfront Park. The season will be from May 21 through August 31, and the team will play in the Pecos League and not the Pacific Association of Baseball, as the Clippers did. This change was made for many reasons by the owner of the new team.

The team will be named the Martinez

Mackerel, at least for the first year. The owner has said he would consider a different name after the first season is over. Holy mackerel! It just might catch on!

And, ending on a sad note for 2019, the Martinez-News Gazette has published its last edition on Sunday, December 29, after 161 years. It was established in 1858 and was the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States. I am sorry to see its demise and worry how we will be able to access honest and factual local news.

Certainly not through social media.

Chamber Calendar Jan. 16 - Business Mixer 5:30-7pm, Martinez Chamber of Commerce Office, 603 Marina Vista Ave., Martinez.

State of the City Mayor’s Breakfast , Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 7:30 to 9:30am Each year, the Martinez Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Martinez hosts the annual State of the City Mayor’s Breakfast. This annual event showcases our city’s direction and plans for upcoming projects and vision for the future. The Chamber of Commerce convenes business leaders and influencers throughout the community to this “must attend” event. At the Creekside Church, 444 Fig Tree Lane in Martinez.

Call the Martinez Chamber Office to Purchase Tickets 925-228-2345

Public Meetings

Senior Helpers 925-677-2150 www.seniorhelpers.com/ca/concord/careers

8 | JANUARY 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

City Council Meeting Jan. 15 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 6-9pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Jan. 15 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Jan. 8 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Jan. 7, 28 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 For confirmation, visit www.cityofmartinez.org

CITY NEWS

Martinez City News

Ross elected Vice Mayor

At the December 4 city council meeting, council voted unanimously and adopted a resolution appointing Councilmember Mark Ross as vice mayor from December 4, 2019, through December 2020. According to City Council Policies and Procedures, the mayor shall appoint a vice mayor, subject to ratification by the city council, to serve a one-year term commencing on the first regular meeting of December or at the first meeting after the certification of election results.

(including Martinez) from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, and Texas. At this time, the team name will be the “Martinez Mackerel” (as proposed by Pecos) or another name mutually agreed on by both parties for this initial one-year term. Team games and practices are estimated to start May 21. The city anticipates revenues for the season year will be approximately $10,000 - $12,000 through the license agreement.

State of the City Mayor’s Breakfast

The State of the City Mayor’s Breakfast is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, from 7:30am to 9:30am, at the Creekside Church, 444 Fig Tree Lane, in Martinez.

Each year, the Martinez Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Martinez hosts the annual State of the City Mayor’s Breakfast. This annual event showcases the city’s direction and plans for upcoming projects and vision for the future. The Chamber of Commerce convenes business leaders and influencers throughout the community to this “must attend” event. Call the Martinez Chamber Office to purchase tickets at 925-228-2345.

Martinez PD News

At the December 4 city council meeting, Chief of Police Chief Manjit Sappal stated that the department has hired three new police officers, currently in training, bringing the department to 34 sworn, with three vacancies. “I’m very confident that they will be successful. Were making some pretty good progress with hiring. We recently extended job offers to two dispatchers,” he said. The dispatchers stared on December 16, and the swearing in of the new police officers was on December 9.

MAA 2019-2020 Teacher Grants Awarded Martinez Arts Association (MAA) recently awarded over $2,000 to local teachers to fund materials for art projects in their classrooms. Purchases will include paints, brushes, a variety of papers and display boards, tiles, art journals, card stock, and markers. One project planned by Kristen Paradiso at Alhambra High School is termed a “Memory Project,” in which students paint portraits of refugee children from photos sent to them. The Martinez students will send the portraits to the children as gifts. Membership dues and proceeds from Art in the Park and other MAA events and generous donors provide the annual funding for the grants.

ARCHITECTURAL MOULDINGS

The Glass Menagerie at Campbell Theater

Next up at the Martinez Campbell Theater is The Glass Menagerie, a play by Tennessee Williams, from January 17 - February 2. The iconic mother and daughter in this play (Amanda and Laura) are played by actual mother and daughter Shay Oglesby-Smith and Anna Oglesby-Smith and directed by Randy Anger. Play times are Thursday at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and a Sunday matinee at 2:30pm. Tickets are $22.00 for adults and $19.00 for seniors and students. For tickets, visit http://www.campbelltheater.com. Campbell theatre is located at 636 Ward Street in Martinez.

Baseball Club to Play at Waterfront Park

At the December 18 city council meeting, council discussed and adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a license agreement with the Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs (“Pecos”) for the use of Field 3 and associated facilities at the Joe DiMaggio Ballfields at Waterfront Park for professional independent league baseball. The Martinez baseball team will play in the Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs due to the stability and organizational strength of that league. The Pecos League has been in existence for eight years and has grown from six teams at its inception to what will now be 12 teams

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message Looking back—Looking Forward

Last month, I was honored by my fellow city councilmembers to be selected as mayor for 2020.

While the year ahead looks to be one with lots to celebrate, with a few challenges as well, the new year is also a time for reflection and looking back at milestones and achievements over the past year. Every two years, our council sets priorities for the city. What follows are my thoughts on how we are doing with respect to those priorities.

Priority 1: Economic Development Establish priorities within the

10 | JANUARY 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

adopted Economic Development Strategic Plan with an emphasis on creating high paying jobs, improving the jobhousing ratio, and diversifying our local economy. An example of our success in this area is the reduced vacancy rate in the Shadelands Business Park, reflecting new enterprises moving there.

One of most dramatic changes in the Shadelands is the opening of the COPA Training Center, a facility loaded with technology designed to develop soccer skills for players of all ages and skills.

For those more interested in the graceful arts, Encore Gymnastics is next door.

Loella Haskew, Mayor of Walnut Creek

There are several other sports/fitness options in the works at the Shadelands SportsMall.

2. Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Update the city’s Climate Action Plan to include sustainability priorities for the next 10 years. Those initiatives are targeted towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing deep green initiatives, and addressing other sustainability goals. Under the approval of the council, Walnut Creek is now using 100% deep green energy-sourced power. The city has also authorized funds to contract with consultants to start revising the current plan in earnest.

3. Fiscal Sustainability Prudently manage city resources by setting focused priorities, ensuring balanced budgets, managing costs (including pension obligations), continuing healthy reserves, maintaining updated fiscal policies, maximizing sales and use tax, and exploring grants and other long-term funding options. The city’s ordinance required a two-year budget.

While this is a good business practice, the budget was out of sync with the implementation of council priorities that were both set on a two-year cycle in opposite years. In 2019, the council voted to do a one-time single-year budget to combine the two planning operations so that the budget can reflect any adjustments to the priorities. The city staff has made it a high priority to learn and meet the requirements of state level grants.

4. Infrastructure and Facilities Provide for critical infrastructure needs by establishing clear project priorities and funding strategies to support public assets such as roads, storm drains, sidewalks, parks, athletic fields, community buildings, and other facilities.

Walnut Creek, like all other cities in the

state, has been a beneficiary of very welcome additional road improvement funds from SB1. The road maintenance crew immediately started tapping those funds to address key projects.

The city also undertook a strategic effort named “Rethinking Mobility.” This project centers on moving people from their cars to other forms of “getting from here to there.” Another project was the wrap up of the “Your Parks, Your Future” advisory committee report and starting to roll up our collective sleeves to translate the input into practical reality.

We did not forget one of our earlier identified priorities either—dealing with our homeless population. There are a couple of reportable successes here as well. Construction of an affordable housing project named St. Paul’s Commons, run by Trinity Center, is in its final stages and should be available for low-income tenants very soon. With the help of a very generous congregation, one of our churches is sharing its parking facilities for a pilot program that allows a safe place for those people who live in their cars to park overnight.

Looking forward, the city still has plenty to accomplish in 2020. But in this new year, with its challenges and inevitable distractions, we give great thanks for our incredibly dedicated, creative, enthusiastic, and determined Walnut Creek City staff to get us through. We give thanks for our nonprofit groups who take on complex challenges with aplomb and make solving the nearly impossible seem easy. We give thanks for so many community volunteers who are there when we need them. We give thanks to the visitors who spend time (and, of course, some money) to enjoy shopping, eating, hiking, and the arts. I wish all the readers a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Friends of the Library

The Life Cycle of a Book at Pleasant Hill Library

BY TORREY WALL, VOLUNTEER RECRUITER

How did the volunteers of the Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library manage to raise $90,000 in 2019? To answer that, imagine the life of one donated book…

Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon comes out in paperback in 1999. Maybe a book lover buys a copy from Borders in Pleasant Hill and hopes it will inspire her to travel. When she finishes reading it, she finds a place for it in her bookcase alongside her other

favorites. Ten years pass by. Now her copy of Blue Highways must go in order to make room for new favorites. She takes it to the Friends’ donation closet at the library. From there, a sorting volunteer brings it out to the sorting shed, where it’s priced and set aside for the next book sale. Two weeks later, a book sale volunteer sets Blue Highways in the travel section, where another book lover, maybe a man who once drove some blue highways himself, picks it up.

(Blue lines on old road maps represented state routes and other alternatives to

Fundraiser for New Center

Over 700 generous supporters gathered on November 2 for the 6th annual “Celebrate John Muir Health” dinner and auction gala in support of the new Comprehensive Cancer Center. One of the East Bay’s premier black-tie charity events, the theme of this year’s gala was “There’s No Place Like John Muir Health,” and it took place in a private hangar at the Concord Jet Center. Together, in an incredible display of community support, guests raised over $3.3 million – the most the event has ever raised.

More than 12,100 people in the East Bay were newly diagnosed with cancer in 2018.

The Comprehensive Cancer Center will serve as a hub for John Muir Health’s cancer care sites through the East Bay, including Berkeley, Brentwood, and Pleasanton. The centralized 100,000 square foot Walnut Creek Cancer Center will offer patients the most advanced screening, treatment, prevention, survivorship services, research, and clinical trials available.

Mike Thomas, executive vice president and chief transformation officer at John Muir Health, spoke during the event: “We all know someone who has cancer or has been affected by cancer … (We are here tonight) to inspire those who are fighting cancer, to remember those whom we have lost, to honor our clinicians who provide such exceptional care, and to share our vision for the future.”

About John Muir Health Foundation

John Muir Health Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and stewarding philanthropic support for all health services, programs, and facilities of John Muir Health. As a community-based, not-for-profit health care organization, John Muir Health invests all revenue back into its services and the local community.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, Alameda, and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, more than 6,000 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including Contra Costa County’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center.

John Muir Health also has partnerships with UCSF Health, Tenet Healthcare/San Ramon Regional Medical Center, and Stanford Children’s Health. The health system offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient, and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, gynecologic surgery, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics, and highrisk obstetrics care.

highways). He enjoys the book and puts it in his bookcase for a few years until he also has to cull his collection. Back it goes to the Friends of the Library, the spine showing a few lines of wear and the pages a bit paler. By now it’s 2019.

The Friends of the Library has a team of brilliant new volunteers. They’ve combined their knowledge of literature, worked hard, and opened a used bookstore inside the library. When one of the bookstore volunteers spots Blue Highways in the donations, she decides it will nicely round out the travel section of the store. There, it’s quickly pur-

• • • • • •

chased and becomes one of the tens of thousands of books sold this year by the Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library.

It takes many volunteers and one book at a time to get to $90,000.

The Friends Bookstore, located in the genealogy room of the fiction area, is open Tuesdays, 1pm - 3pm, and Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11am to 3pm. Book sales are once a month.

Our bookstore on eBay offers collectible books. Please join us as a donor, customer, or volunteer. Visit phlibraryfriends.org, email volunteer@phlibraryfriends.org, or call 925-440-2900.

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Estate Planning

Estate Plans That Benefit Special Needs Children

BY JEFFREY HALL, CPA, JD Probate /Trust Attorney

Parents want their children to be taken care of after they die, but children with disabilities have increased financial and care needs, so ensuring their long-term welfare can be tricky. Proper planning by parents benefits children with disabilities, including adult children, and assists siblings who may be left with caretaking responsibilities Special Needs Trusts

The best and most comprehensive option to protect a loved one is to set up a special needs trust (also called a supplemental needs trust). These trusts allow beneficiaries to receive inheritances, gifts, and lawsuit settlements without losing eligibility for certain government programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Three main types of special needs trusts: • A first-party trust is designed to hold a beneficiary’s own assets.

While the beneficiary is living, the funds in the trust are used for the beneficiary’s benefit, and when the beneficiary dies, any assets remaining in the trust are used to reimburse the government for the cost of medical care. These trusts are especially useful for beneficiaries who receive

Medicaid, SSI, or other needs-based benefits and come into large amounts of money because the trust allows the beneficiaries to retain their benefits while still being able to use their own funds when necessary.

• The third-party special needs trust is most often used by parents and other family members to assist a person with special needs.

These trusts can hold any kind of asset imaginable belonging to the family member or other individual, including a house, stocks and bonds, and other types of investments. The third-party trust functions like a first-party special needs trust in that the assets held in the trust do not affect a beneficiary’s access to benefits and the funds can be used to pay for the beneficiary’s supplemental needs beyond those covered by government benefits. But a third-party special needs trust does not contain the “payback” provision found in first-party trusts. This means that when the beneficiary with special needs dies, any funds remaining in the trust can pass to other family members or to charity without having to be used to reimburse the government.

• A pooled trust is an alternative to the firstparty special needs trust.

Essentially, a charity sets up trusts that allow beneficiaries to pool their resources with those of other trust beneficiaries for investment purposes while still maintain-

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www.HallLawGroup.com 925-230-9002 14 | JANUARY 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

ing separate accounts for each beneficiary’s needs. When the beneficiary dies, the funds remaining in the account reimburse the government for care, but a portion also goes towards the non-profit organization responsible for managing the trust.

Life Insurance

Not everyone has a large chunk of money that can be left to a special needs trust, so life insurance can be an essential tool. If you’ve established a special needs trust, a life insurance policy can pay directly into it, and it does not have to go through probate or be subject to estate tax. Be sure to review the beneficiary designation to make sure it names the trust, not the child.

You should make sure you have enough insurance to pay for your child’s care long after you are gone. Without proper funding, the burden of care may fall on siblings or other family members. When looking for life insurance, consider a second-to-die policy.

This type of policy only pays out after the second parent dies, and it has the benefit of lower premiums than regular life insurance policies.

ABLE Account

An Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account allows people with

disabilities who became disabled before they turned 26 to set aside up to $15,000 a year in tax-free savings accounts without affecting their eligibility for government benefits. This money can come from the individual with the disability or anyone else who may wish to give him money. Created

by Congress in 2014 and modeled on 529 savings plans for higher education, these accounts can be used to pay for qualifying expenses of the account beneficiary such as the costs of treating the disability or for education, housing, and health care, among other things.

Get Help With Your Plan

However you decide to provide for a child with special needs, proper planning is essential. To determine the best plan for your family, consult with your neighborhood estate-planning attorney, Jeffrey Hall. You may visit his website at www.

HallLawGroup.com or call (925) 230-9002.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Jacob King Eagle Scout

Jacob (Jake) King, a freshman at De La Salle High School has earned his Eagle Scout badge. Jake is a member of Troop 405 with Scoutmaster Michael McDowell. Jake is the son of Patrick and Mary King of Pleasant Hill.

For his Eagle project, Jake built redwood benches at Christ the King Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill. The benches were a memorial tribute to long-time pastor Father Brian Joyce, who passed away earlier this year. Jake graduated from Christ the King Catholic School in May 2019.

As a scout, Jake served as Den Chief and Patrol Leader for the troop and received the following awards: Ad Altari Dei, Wolfeboro Pioneers and National Outdoor Camping Award. He earned 26 merit badges.

His court of honor will be held at Church of the Resurrection in Pleasant Hill.

SPORTS

MPHFC Win State Cup

Honoring Alum John Daily

2nd Annual Blood Drive on January 15

College Park High School Leadership and CPHS Boys Basketball are hosting a blood drive to honor CP alumnus and former Falcon basketball player John Daily. Officer Daily was hit by a drunk driver last year on Christmas Eve while responding to a call.

He was severely burned and just underwent his 33rd surgery on December 15. The boys basketball program would like to honor John for his dedication to saving lives by sponsoring a blood drive to help save more lives. The drive will be held in the small gym at CPHS on Wednesday, January 15, from 8am-2pm. Anyone can pre-register, and students ages 16 and 17 can donate with a parent’s permission. To pre-register, visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor= CPHSPH.

Martinez Pleasant Hill FC Avalanche brought home the NorCal State Cup. Our girls have been playing state cup games every Sunday, starting back in August. They advanced to the finals last weekend in Modesto to beat San Francisco 2-1, scoring the winning goal with less than a minute to go. This team started out as a local U10 Select team. Upon the threat of being broken apart, the team decided to move over to MPHFC. It took some time to adjust to NorCal’s level of competition. Last year we never made it past the first round. These girls never gave up and came back this year determined to place. Our girls represented our community as a class act on and off the field. Congratulations, Avalanche! Submitted by Anthony Rardin

Roll up Your Sleeve for Officer John Daily CPHS Class of 2012

2nd Annual Blood Drive January 15, 2020 College Park High School (Small Gym) 201 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill

Top row (L to R): Coach Brian, Reese, Ella, Brooke, Reagan, Daphne, Coach Tony. Bottom row (L to R): Mary, Paxely, Cassidy, Mackayla, Aishani, Lola, Carly. Photo by Kristy Rak

CP Varsity Soccer

Another rainy soccer season has started and the College Park girls varsity squad is currently 4-0-1 to start off the 2019-2020 winter season. The entire program is under new leadership, with Coach Dave Adams at the helm. Wins have been against Deer Valley (5-1), Heritage (3-1), Acalanes (2-1), and Mt. Diablo (14-0). Their only loss was this last Saturday on December 14, in a last minute goal against NCS rival Berkeley. With eight returning seniors, the Falcons have a good mix of old and new skills and the season looks bright.

Upcoming home games: Friday, January 10 vs. Concord and Wednesday, January 15 vs.

Alhambra, games start at 7pm. For more information on upcoming games, visit www. collegeparkathletics.com.

To schedule your appointment visit: www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/driveresults?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=CPHSPH

Follow John’s progress on Facebook: I FIGHT WITH JOHN Sponsored by the College Park Boys Basketball Program and Leadership OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 2020 | 15

PAIR UP

Warm Winter

A Menu for all of the Hemisphere’s

BY MARIA TERRY

When I created this menu, the idea was to come up with a winter meal that was warming but not standard comfort food. In the end, I realized that this meal could be enjoyed in either hemisphere and just about any climate. The starter salad is warm, but the wine is refreshing.

The pork roast main course would be appealing on the slopes or at a luau. And, a dessert wine with cheese is pretty appealing anytime or anywhere.

Because New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, December is summertime. This makes their grape growing season the exact opposite of California’s.

However, it has a cool maritime climate similar to our coastal growing regions. The resulting wines are intensely flavored and highly acidic. Acclaimed for their Sauvignon Blanc, they also make great Pinot Noir and other white wines. Just about any of the no-oak whites will go with a Warm Balsamic, Kale, and Delicata Squash Salad. I like the idea of choosing a Gewürztraminer. The floral notes of a Gewürtz contrast the earthy flavors of the onion, garlic, and cheese while coaxing out the spicy notes in the squash and red pepper.

Additionally, the wonderful acidity stands up to the vinegar and acts as a refreshing palate cleanser.

Choose a New Zealand Pinot Noir to pair with the Roast Pork and Chestnut Puree for the main course. The earthy pinot perfectly complements the savory pork, and the silky texture of the puree mimics the texture of the wine. Add color to the plate with a seasonal green vegetable. Consider Brussel sprouts in a colder climate or, in a warmer area, some verdant green beans with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the dish.

One of the most versatile, simple, and welcoming desserts is wine and cheese.

Go all out with a French Sauternes, a combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Its honeyed, stone fruit sweetness

16 | JANUARY 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Pork Loin Roast

is to-die-for with a Cambozola cheese.

Cambozola is a brie cheese that has been inoculated with a blue mold. It is super creamy with just a hint of blue pungency.

Serve it with thin slices of French baguette and make it even more dessert-like with a drizzle of honey over the top.

Warm Balsamic, Kale & Delicata Squash Salad INGREDIENTS 2 Tablespoons butter ¼ cup diced onion 1 red pepper, diced ½ delicata squash, peeled, seeded and diced 8 oz. baby Portobello mushrooms, sliced 4 cups kale 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar ¼ cup Asiago cheese Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add the squash, onions, and peppers and sauté for several minutes until softened. Add the kale, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Sauté until the kale is deep green but not fully wilted. Remove from heat and serve topped with Asiago or Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Yield: 2 entrée or 4 side servings

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

So, go on. Pair Up!

Maria Terry is a certified sommelier and wine educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com.

Savory Chestnut Puree INGREDIENTS 1 14.8 ounce jar roasted chestnuts 1 bay leaf 1 medium onion, chopped coarsely 1 cup chicken broth ¾ cup milk, warmed 3 Tablespoons butter, softened Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS

Pour broth into a large saucepan with the bay leaf and add the onions. Bring to a boil and simmer 3-4 minutes. Add the chestnuts to the pan. Bring back to a boil and simmer 15 minutes. Most of the liquid will be absorbed by the chestnuts. Strain out the excess broth. Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Place the chestnuts and onions in the bowl of a food processor while still warm.

Give the mixture 3-4 turns in the processor.

Add the warm milk and process again until smooth. Add the softened butter and process again until smooth and incorporated.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm.

Yield: 6-8 servings

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

INGREDIENTS

One (2-pound) boneless pork loin roast with a generously thick layer of fat and, if possible, preferably with the skin still attached and definitely with a thick layer of fat on the top side 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil Coarse sea or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 475°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or shallow roasting pan with foil.

Pat the pork skin with paper towels until it is completely dry. Using a sharp knife, score the skin by making deep, long, parallel cuts in the fat, 1/8 to 1/4 inch apart, being careful not to cut through to the underlying pork. Rub the skin with the oil and sprinkle with a generous amount of salt and pepper.

Place the pork on a wire rack, skin or fat side up, and place the rack and pork on the baking sheet or in the roasting pan. Roast for 25 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and roast until cooked through, 40 to 45 minutes longer, rotating the pan once halfway through to ensure even cooking. The meat should be slightly pink in the middle, although the juices flowing from the pork should not be bloody. If you have a meat thermometer, it should read 145°F. You may need to adjust the cooking time, depending on the weight of the pork roast. The pork will continue to cook even after it’s removed from the oven.

Transfer the pork roast to a warm platter and let it rest in a warm place for 10 to 20 minutes before carving. Don’t cover the roast, as any steam coming from the resting pork will soften the skin or cracklings.

To carve the pork roast, remove the cracklings, and cut the crisp pork skin into strips. Carve the pork roast across the grain.

Yield: 4 servings

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

Real Estate Trends Times Have Changed

BY NORMA FLASKERUD

Any seller who has not sold a home in the past five years is in for a shock.

Everything they thought they knew about selling a home has changed. These three changes have altered the homebuying and selling landscape forever.

Change #1: The advent of HGTV

Buyers spend countless hours watching HGTV and have developed extremely refined tastes. When they look at homes for sale, they are looking for properties that look similar to what they have seen and liked on TV. Change #2: The advent of mobile devices and HD Internet connectivity

Buyers used to have to visit a home to add or remove it from their short list.

That’s no longer the case. Today’s sellers have between seven and ten seconds to sell their home, and those seconds are on a mobile device. If a buyer does not like an online listing, they will move on to the next home in a heartbeat and will usually not come back to review. Nor will they waste their time visiting in person.

Change #3: The advent of Internet real estate sites

Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and broker-owned sites have populated the internet with user-friendly websites that provide property data, historical facts, HD pictures, automated valuations,

neighborhood and school info, and more.

They have completely removed the need for buyers to visit in person to determine if they like a home. Once a buyer has shortlisted available inventory, they only visit the select few they like.

Historically, there were three groups of buyers: Top-tier buyers: Willing to pay a premium, this group looked for move-in ready homes that had all the amenities they were looking for.

Middle-tier buyers: Looking for homes in “original” condition, this group hoped to get a decent price and then improve the home over time with sweat equity.

Bottom-tier buyers: This group included contractors and flippers looking for distressed properties they could buy for a good discount below retail value.

The middle tier, which historically represented a significant percentage of market sales, is disappearing. More comfortable with tech than construction, today’s buyers are forgoing the middle tier en masse and paying more to obtain move-in-ready homes that look like the finished properties they have seen on HGTV.

This is not simply the consequence of real estate related technologies. The past few years have seen sweeping societal shifts. Homebuyer wannabes, for many reasons, are less willing or even capable of fixing up a home they’ve purchased. They know exactly what they like

when they see it but have almost no idea how to produce it themselves. The No. 1 question buyers ask about our listings is, “Can we buy the staging?”

With buyers moving away from “original condition” properties they perceive as needing upgrades, homes that appear in the middle tier are being forced down into the bottom tier and need to be priced accordingly. Sellers who do not understand this new reality stand to end up with far less than they imagined. We have experienced this more and more over the past year or two, so please invite us in to guide you as you move towards marketing your home and deciding what to do, or not do, to prep it for market!

Contact The Flaskerud Team Remax Accord: 925-338-2980 NormaFlaskerud@ Remax.net ErikFlaskerud@Remax.net or 925-381-7276 SPONSORED CONTENT

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The Flaskerud Team is happy to accept new clients. We currently have sold most of our inventory although we have a couple of clients working on home fix-ups, to get ready to sell. Call us to create the best game plan to sell your house for top dollar. Our concierge service might just be what you are looking for!

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Estate Planning

Incapacity Planning for the Elderly

BY DANIEL DuREE

You may be familiar with using a durable power of attorney for incapacity planning as part of your estate plan, however, what if you have a family member who has an estate plan in place but starting to lose capacity due to dementia, Alzheimer’s, or simply old age? With some basic steps, you can smoothly transfer management of financial, personal, and healthcare decisions without going through the painful process of declaring someone incapacitated.

Transitioning Management of a Trust

Generally, a person will serve as trustee of a trust until passing away or being declared incompetent by two separate doctors. Only at that time will the successor trustee take control and start managing the trust property. However,

management can be more easily transferred by amending the trust and making the first successor trustee a co-trustee.

This way, the original trust creator can still help manage the property alongside the co-trustee and eventually leave the co-trustee to do most of the management. Another benefit to this is that the original trust creator need not be declared incompetent and will remain a co-trustee until death. This simplifies tax preparation as well because a separate tax return must be filed when the creator of the trust is no longer a trustee or co-trustee.

Transitioning Management of Financial, Personal, and Healthcare Decisions Similar to the trust management succession above, most Durable Powers of Attorney and Advance Healthcare directives do not take effect until a person is deemed incapacitated by two doctors. However, if a family member is slowly losing capacity but is presently still

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competent, an immediate durable power of attorney and/or advance healthcare directive may be created to transition decision making to another person. With an immediate durable power of attorney, for example, the creator can still write checks, file taxes, etc., but their agent can also do these things on their behalf. So, instead of management going from only the principal having authority to only the agent having authority, there is a smooth transition where both parties have legal authority to manage the principal’s finances.

If the deteriorating capacity of a loved one is addressed early enough, you can

transition management smoothly without having to resort to declaring the person incapacitated or going through the painful conservatorship process.

As always, please consult with a licensed attorney before you make any decisions regarding incapacity planning. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give my office a call. I am happy to assist you in any way possible.

Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. He can be reached at (925) 2101400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.

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AAUW Layette Shower

BY SHERRIE MOORE

At their Annual Layette Shower, the Pleasant Hill-Martinez AAUW (American Association of University Women) branch generously donated baby gifts to the Hillcrest Congregational Church Pleasant Hill Social Service Program. So many beautiful items were received: a handmade afghan, receiving blankets and hats, and adorable baby clothes --- sleepers, newborn outfits, blankets, and sweaters. They sent a big pile of newborn necessities to happy babies and grateful moms.

Hillcrest Church packages up complete layettes for boys and girls. They are picked up by Contra Costa Health Services public health nurses and given to new moms when the nurses visit their homes to assess their needs and the health and needs of the baby after they return from the hospital.

AAUW is a national organization that advances equity for all women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. The Pleasant Hill-Martinez branch also gives college scholarship and Tech Trek camp awards to students from local schools.

To learn more about the Pleasant Hill-Martinez branch of AAUW, please visit www.aauw-pleasanthill-martinez.org.

Read My Mind

©

2019 Must-Reads and Disappointments

I read scores of books last year that I didn’t have time to review in my column.

Some were really good and worth your time, while others were rather disappointing! Here’s a brief peak at a few.

Three are must-reads. Colson Whitehead’s novel The Nickel Boys is based on true story of a Florida reform school.

Nicknamed “The Nickel Academy,” it was intended “to bring a more enlightened approach” to dealing with troubled and orphaned boys,” but became “an underworld of torture, rape and murder.” While troubling to read, Whitehead presents this “ugly house of horrors” in a gripping and insightful manner.

Delta Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing is an intriguing mystery about the death of Chase Andrews in a small North Carolina town. The main suspect is his girlfriend, Kya Clark, known as the “Marsh Girl” because she is a recluse living in the nearby marshes. Kya is tried for murder, found innocent, and goes on to become successful writer.

It’s only after her death many years later that the real story is revealed. Beautifully written, Crawdads will have you guessing until the very end.

The third must-read is The Library Book New York Times by bestselling author Susan Orleans. At its core, the book is the story of the 1986 fire at the Los Angeles Public Library that destroyed hundreds of thousands of books. But who set the fire and why are only part of the story.

Orleans provides a fascinating story of libraries in a unique way. She uses the library fire “to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives.” This is a most compelling read, especially since we will begin building our new Pleasant Hill Library this year.

No one can deny that Melinda Gates, husband Bill, and the Gates Foundation are doing wonderful work in improving the lives of millions in developing countries.

Unfortunately, her book, The Moment of Lift:

How Empowering Women Change the World, doesn’t do her or her foundation justice. At times, it seems more like a travelogue of her overseas adventures than a manifesto of her great philanthropic efforts helping impoverished people, especially women. I applaud her endeavors because it’s hard to refute that “when you lift up women, you lift up humanity,” but the book could have been so much more powerful.

Another disappointment was Evan Thomas’ biography First: Sandra Day O’Connor, the story of the first female Supreme Court Justice. O’Connor’s appointment to the Court was a major step forward in shattering the “glass ceiling.” But Thomas underplays her role as a Justice to tell the story of her “cowgirl” upbringing on an Arizona ranch and law school romance with classmate and future Justice William Rehnquist.

There’s no doubt that O’Connor was a trailblazer and deserves all the accolades for her many accomplishments, but the book fails to provide much insight into the rationale for some of her most important rulings, especially Bush v. Gore. In that historic case, following the controversial 2000 presidential election, O’Connor was the swing vote that stopped the Florida recount, which might have given the White House to Gore. It would have been valuable to know why she voted the way she did. Or was she just voting along party lines?

I’m a great admirer of Teddy Roosevelt, but feel free to skip Dan Abrams’ Theodore Roosevelt For The Defense, the story of a libel suit that “saved his legacy,” and Clay Risen’s The Crowded Hour: Theodore Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and the Dawn of the American Century. Neither adds much to previous and more insightful biographies, like Edmund Morris’ monumental trilogy of his life.

Award Season

Pleasant Hill Community Awards

Get ready to celebrate the contributions of the people, non-profits, and businesses that enrich Pleasant Hill’s quality of life at the 48th Community Awards Night on April 14 at the Pleasant Hill Community Center.

Eight of the award categories rely on nominations from the community. Is there a teacher that’s made a difference in the lives of local students? What about a leader in protecting the environment? Or a nonprofit that inspires every day by helping others?

Nominations are being accepted through Friday, January 24. Go to www.pleasanthillca.org/awards for details and a link to the nomination form. Award categories open for public nomination are: TEEN OF THE YEAR - Candidate lives and/ or goes to school in Pleasant Hill and has shown responsibility in his or her personal and school life. He or she should have a record of assisting and volunteering in the Pleasant Hill community and been involved in more than one area of community interest.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR - Nominee must be a teacher in a Pleasant Hill school who has made unique contributions toward educating our children and demonstrating dedication, innovation, and enthusiasm. This award is sponsored by the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE).

EDUCATION SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR Schools thrive when parents and volunteers support teachers and students. This award honors an individual or individuals who have made a significant contribution in contributing to the ongoing success and student achievement at their school(s).

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - Candidates have made significant contributions to the community and shown initiative and innovation in the business affairs of the Pleasant Hill area.

NEW! NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR - Nominees have made significant contributions to the community and shown initiative and innovation in accomplishing their mission.

GREEN AWARD - This award recognizes a person, organization or business that has shown outstanding leadership in sustainability and protecting the environment in

one or more of the following areas: energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction and/or pollution prevention.

NEW! VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - Nominees have made a significant contribution in the past year (2019) in supporting civic and/or community groups in Pleasant Hill, thereby improving our community.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD - The successful candidate has a broad-based, multiyear record of assisting or supporting civic and/or community groups in Pleasant Hill and has made substantial contributions toward improving our community.

The Community Awards are hosted by the City of Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education, and the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation. Questions? Please contact Gayle Vassar, community relations manager, at 925-671-5229 or gvassar@pleasanthillca. org.

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General Manager’s Message Bring on the POW!

By Michelle Lacy General Manager, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District

2019 was all about the WOW! • Master Plan Implementation 2020 is all about the POW! The Board took the rst step toward My staff worked diligently all year with our implementing the future vision for our new vision in mind: To be the leaders in propark system by authorizing the placeviding WOW! experiences every day. Based ment of a Bond Measure on the ballot on the overwhelmingly positive feedback for March 2020. Funds raised would be through our Master Planning research, used to x aging restrooms, improve our Share the Love campaign, and from safety and security and upgrade unsolicited social media commentaries, deteriorating facilities.

Rec & Park is very successful in creating tremendous value and WOW! experiences • Purchase and Development of a 5-acre park on Oak Park Boulevard for our residents.

Rec & Park is committed to purchasing 5 acres of land to develop a future In 2020, we will continue our efforts on community park adjacent to Pleasant the WOW! and also get to work on the Hill Middle School. We are working POW! which is just a simple way to convey closely with our partners, the City of that we will be taking action to implement Pleasant Hill and Contra Costa County plans in the new year. to provide new lighted sports elds, bocce ball courts and a meandering Here are some of our exciting projects in ADA compliant trail along the existing the pipeline: creek. c • New All Abilities Playground • Pathway Renovation at Frank Rec & Park is following through on our Sallngere Park commitment to complete the play The District will replace the crumbling ground at Pleasant Oaks Park that was asphalt pathways in the park adjacent put on the back burner due to a shortfall to the Pleasant Hill Community Center. of Measure E funds.. We anticipate the This project will enhance safety and Grand Opening in early Spring 2020. provide a much-needed ADA-compli p ant pathway from Taylor Boulevard to

COMING SOON

NEW! All-Abilities Playground at Pleasant Oak Park 2 Santa Barbara Rd. , Pleasant Hill

get inspired:

Civic Drive which serves students attending College Park High School and Valley View Middle School.

2020 will be busy year for staff and the Board as we move these projects forward but with the support of the community behind us, together I am conndent that we wewill make our recreation and park system the best it can be for our residents and for future generations.

We’re ready to get to work so bring on the POW! in 2020. Happy New Year!

upcoming events: Jan. 3

Stay connected in the New Year!

Follow us @pleasanthillrec

| Big Fat Kiss Off Comedy Show

Jan. 10 | Inclusive Recreation Dance Jan. 18 | Diablo Valley Preschool Fair Jan. 31 | Pop-Up Play Date at Teen Center Feb. 7

| My Little Sweetheart Dance

pleasanthillrec.com

From the Contra Costa County Historical Society

A History Note Death of a Martinez Building

BY MARJORIE NEWTON

It was only forty-five years old when plans for its demise were detailed in the Contra Costa Times of November 25, 1998. It was described as a mess --old, out of code, deteriorated, cramped, poorly suited for computer networks, and beset with plumbing and electrical problems. In its north wing, the air conditioning ran in the winter and the heat came on in the summer, year after year.

Some time next year, the Contra Costa County Administration Building, at 651 Pine Street in Martinez, will be gone. The ground where it has stood since 1964 will be a parking lot. Its historic neighboring buildings -- the County Courthouse, built in 1901-03, and the Hall of Records, built in the early 1930s -- will continue to stand and function, although both have been repurposed.

The twelve story, fifty-five year old Joseph P. McBrien County Administration building – the only skyscraper in Martinez -- will be disassembled in pieces to prevent a cloud of asbestos that implosion would create through-

out downtown Martinez. The new $60 million County Administration Building will be just across Escobar Street from the doomed current building. The new building, currently under construction, will contain offices and a large assembly room for meetings of the Board of Supervisors. The building will be the sixth one used for county government since the creation of the county in 1850. The county is also building a new $40 million emergency operations center near Highway 4 and Arnold Drive in Martinez to centralize the Sheriff’s Department facilities, which are currently scattered among multiple properties in different areas.

The outgoing County Administration Building was dedicated on September 26, 1964. The building was re-dedicated in 1986 to former County Administrator Joseph P. McBrien following his death in 1985. McBrien had championed construction of the building in the late 1950s, as he felt the county building then in use was too small.

He planned to build it near Highway 4

for easy highway access, but downtown Martinez merchants and city officials convinced the county to build the new headquarters in the downtown area.

So the county purchased the land from the Fernandez family, an old Martinez clan, and built the structure that became 651 Pine Street. McBrien served as county administrator from 1958 to 1974. The county administrator is the top staff person in county government and reports to the elected Board of Supervisors. The building McBrien first served in – the Hall of Records, at 625 Court Street -- only served as the county administration building for thirty years, so McBrien

might not have been surprised that the headquarters he built lasted only fortyfive years.

Information for this article was gleaned from the newspaper clippings, files, and other archives of the Contra Costa County Historical Society and from the recollections of county employees.

A History Note is presented by the Contra Costa County History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez, using materials from the society’s collections. Open hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, from 9-4, and the first and third Saturdays, from 10-2. Check out the website: www.cocohistory.org

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities Jan. 5 Pancake Breakfast 8:30-10:30am. Enjoy a stack of pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage with bottomless cups of orange juice and coffee. Special addition, biscuits and sausage gravy! Adults (11+): $5, Children (5-10): $3, ages 4 & under eat for FREE! Jan. 9 - Care Management Series Presents, “Planning for Quality of Life Throughout Life’s Changes” at 2pm. We will discuss different referral agent practices as well as nonmedical resources you may wish to employ at some point to maintain the best quality of life. Other topics to be discussed: how costs are determined for home care & assisted livings and payment options when not covered by medical insurance/Medicare. Presented by Beacon Home Care * Free, but please RSVP to 798-8788.

Jan. 17 - Chinese New Year Chef’s Lunch 12pm. Enjoy a chef prepared, spin-off of the popular Chef’s Lunch to celebrate the year of the Rat. Purchase your tickets early to avoid missing out on this amazing meal! Tickets: $10, for members purchasing before 1/7, $14 after. Nonmembers are $4 more. On sale now at the front desk.

Jan. 24 - PHSC Annual Crab Feed 6pm.Get your tickets early-don’t delay! $45/$55 after January 10. Fresh crab, salad, spaghetti, garlic bread and dessert! Tickets on sale now at the Senior Center.

Jan. 29 - Coffee with the Cops 9-10am. Enjoy a cup of joe and a donut with Pleasant Hill’s finest. Learn what is going on in Pleasant Hill or find out what it is like to be a police officer. You don’t have to be a Pleasant Hill resident to attend. Free for all ages and no RSVPs needed.

233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Register for classes and events at www.pleasanthillrec.com OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 2020 | 21

Diablo Valley Oncology

Understanding Your Breast Cancer Risk Factors

BY MICHELLE FRANKLAND, NP Approximately 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, 65% are considered sporadic, and the other 25% are familial. One quarter of all breast cancers have some sort of familial link, and this is the group that really needs to understand their risk.

The first step in understanding risk is talking to your family. Find out if parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., have had cancer and, if so, what kind.

Next, talk to your health care provider who orders and reviews your mammograms. Ask if you have dense breast

tissue and if there are any areas the radiologists are monitoring. Third, initiate a conversation about cancer risk with your gynecologist or primary care provider. Ultimately, the best and most comprehensive way to understand risk is to talk to a genetic counselor and then, if recommended, undergo genetic testing.

Because of my family history, I knew I needed additional screening and genetic counseling. My healthcare provider ordered a screening breast MRI, which found suspicious areas that required biopsy. They found a high-risk lesion, so surgery was recommended. I proceeded with genetic testing, which showed that I have a mutation -- most

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likely not BRCA since my Mom tested negative -- but a mutation that falls into a category of VUS, “variants of unknown significance.” If you have a VUS, the genetic testing labs and geneticists will follow the mutation as scientists seek to understand if it does, in fact, increase cancer risk. 98% of VUS are ultimately found to be benign. While I had several options, I have decided to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction.

Understanding my cancer risk allowed me to make this decision with confidence and certainty.

Make it a goal to learn more about your family history and tell your friends to do the same. If you have had breast cancer and not had genetic testing, talk to your providers to understand if you would benefit from it. If you have family history and have not had breast cancer, talk to your provider to see if you should be referred for a genetic risk I’m not in trouble anymore!

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evaluation. Bottom line, truly understanding your cancer risks helps you make decisions about yourself; and if you have children, it will aid in seeking appropriate and necessary screening and surveillance for them.

Attend a Breast Cancer Risk Seminar where medical experts explain genetic counseling, MRI breast screening, chemoprevention therapy, and lifestyle changes. January 28, 2020, The Lafayette Library, 6:30-8:30pm.

Reservations recommended. Call 925677-5041 or email sjung@dvohmg. com.

Michelle Frankland is an oncology certified nurse practitioner with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group and the Nurse Navigator for the Women’s Cancer Center of the East Bay, both located in Pleasant Hill. Michelle can be reached by calling 925-825-8878.

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january 28

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

The Life Story of Olympian Eddie Hart

The Glass Menagerie

Your Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Club meets Tuesday, 7pm. Free, all are welcome. Pete Veilleux presents, “Choosing Native Plants for Your Landscape.” Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., Pleasant Hill. www.phgsc.com

CCC Historical Society presents Olympian Eddie Hart at their annual meeting and holiday luncheon. Eddie tells his life story and achieving Olympic gold.

12-2:30pm, Alamo Women’s Club, 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo. $45 pp. Book sales and signing. RSVP required. Call 925-229-1042 www.cocohistory.org.

A drama of great tenderness, charm, and beauty, The Glass is an icon of the American theater

by Tennessee Williams. Various show times Thursdays through Sundays. Check for times and ticket info at www.campbelltheater.com.

Campbell Theater, 636 Ward Street, Martinez.

Panel of medical experts will give an overview of genetic counseling, MRI breast screening guidelines, dense breast tissue findings, recommendations for chemoprevention therapy and lifestyle changes. Res. recommended. 6:30-8:30pm, Lafayette Library.Call 925-677-5041 x272 or email to sjung@dvohmg.com

january 16

“Fruit Trees 101” Workshop is from 10am - 12pm. at Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant Hill. Learn how to choose, prep, plant, prune, and maintain fruit trees. $25, register at sustainablecoco.org.

january 8

january 18

ongoing

Magic Club

Lions Crab Feed

Volunteer with Seniors

Assembly #112 Magic Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant, 1313 Willow Pass Rd., Pleasant Hill. 6:307pm – Greet and Meet; 7-8:30pm – Workshop Time (learn new effects or Lecture Time), 8:30-10pm – Performance Time (bring a trick to perform). https://sam112.com

The Pleasant Hill Lions annual fundraising crab feed includes all you can eat crab, pasta, salad, and garlic toast. The pasta and salad will be from Wence’s. Live music, dancing, live and silent auctions, door prizes, and a raffle. Tickets available online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pleasanthill-lions-annual-crab-feed-tickets-71112378037

Spectrum Community Services is looking for individuals who would like to volunteer in senior centers all around the East Bay. Please call Spectrum Community Services at 510-8810300 ext. 242 or fill out an application at www.

Spectrumcs.org.

january 16-18

ongoing

Once Upon a Mattress

Volunteers for Senior Van Service

Our middle schoolers travel back to a fantasy time and take on the classic musical comedy, Once Upon a Mattress. For tickets and show times visit www.townhalltheatre.com. Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street, Lafayette.

Pleasant Hill Senior Center Van Service is looking for a volunteer ride schedule dispatcher. Only one morning shift each week (9-11am). For more information, visit pleasanthillca.org/seniorvan or call 925-671-5288.

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