July 2020 Community Focus

COMMUNITY

FOCUS ourcommunityfocus.com

IN THIS ISSUE: • VIRTUAL 4TH OF JULY • GETTING MASKADAISICAL? • HOT REAL ESTATE

PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

JULY 2020

SMALL TALK WITH TERI independent & locally owned

by Teri Norbye PUBLISHERS: Becky Coburn Jennifer Neys Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com ADVERTISING: Community Focus info@ourcommunityfocus.com COPY EDITOR: Alison Clary GRAPHIC DESIGN: Trish Heaney

SPORTS: Sport Story Submissions info@ourcommunityfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION: Community Calendar calendar@ourcommunityfocus.com Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com SUBMISSION DEADLINES: All articles must be sumbmitted by the 15th of each month.

ONLINE: www.ourcommunityfocus.com

INSIDE

8 10 &

Library Updates

13 Scholarships

Awarded

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

COVER:

22

Mayors’ Messages

9 Inside Job

20 21

&

Homeless Action Commission

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Payton Heaney is all smiles during a past 4th of July parade in downtown Pleasant Hill. Looking forward to the parade returning in 2021.

Photo by: Trish Heaney

2013

6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

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2014

2015

Best Insurance Agent

2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016/2017

2 | JULY 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Meet Jason Olson who lives in Pleasant Hill with his wife, Kathy, and their three kids. The Olsons have owned the Grocery Outlet store in Pleasant Hill since 2011. Jason posts daily Facebook Live videos to show their customers what merchandise they have in stock. Their store was recently named Contra Costa County’s “Small Business Of The Year.”

How has COVID-19 affected you? The main effect is that we’ve been working a lot and we’re glad that we’re able to.

Our hearts go out to those that haven’t been able to work. We’ve worked the last 103 days straight, with the exception of Easter. What I missed the most during the quarantine was having a day off with my wife. Before COVID-19, we’d typically work 20-22 days straight and then take two days off. We’d go up to Napa because we both like wine.

More about Jason: 1. I’m a Marine Corps veteran and I’d describe myself as easygoing and kind of goofy. I pride myself on trying to be a good father and husband.

2. Our idea of fun involves food, wine, travel, and family time. We work hard and we play hard.

3. In July, the Olsons will celebrate both their 25th wedding anniversary and their 50th birthdays!

Snippets of the New Reality in Real Estate Effects of Pandemic Shutdown into Month Four

We have experienced first-hand some interesting changes in the real estate market since the pandemic shutdown began 3.5 months ago. For one, there is a strong surge of buyers coming from urban centers and more expensive areas in and around Silicon Valley to central Contra Costa County.

The suburban home with surround-

ing land and clean air to breath offers the ability to distance and enjoy your own backyard and grow your own vegetables and chickens. You can take walks without mobs and avoid elevators and enclosed buildings. It is more appealing than ever!

The new normal of working from home is expected to continue even as offices reopen. The theory is some may work at home for four days a week and drive to work one day, making a longer commute tolerable when done less often.

Julie Says

Getting Maskadaisical?

BY JULIE ROSS

Halfway to the grocery store, I realized I had carelessly forgotten my mask and went back home to get it.

After weeks of compliance, I am apparently in danger of becoming a bit “maskadaisical.” (Urban Dictionary Word of the Day on 6/16/2020. Maskadaisical: Slacking off wearing a mask in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus.) I promise myself to do better.

Finally masked-up at the store, there I am at the deli counter when this covidiot barges up and stands right next to me, practically touching my shoulder. (Covidiot: someone who disregards health and safety guidelines about the novel coronavirus -- Dictionary.com) As I head back to my car with groceries, I come across a whole group of moronaviruses (reference synonym “covidiot” above) whooping it up together in the parking lot. *

I roll my eyes and head home for some extended afternoon doom surfing (compulsively checking the internet for the latest upsetting news. See also doom-scrolling -- Merriam-Webster.com) followed by, whew, a virtual happy hour.

The COVID-19 pandemic (coronapocalypse, coronageddon -- so many new vocabulary words) continues to be devasting. We are finding ways to cope with it, albeit with

varying levels of success. Isolation is taking its toll on all of us in some way. On the lighter side and in the spirit of staying connected to friends and family, I would like to share some drink recipes to enjoy at your next virtual or socially distanced gathering.

Quarantini

Microwave 2T honey and 2T water for 60 seconds. Stir and let cool. Add 3oz. vodka or gin. Pour into a cocktail shaker full of ice, shake, and strain into martini glasses.

Garnish with a lemon twist. Serves two.

Moscow Mule Mocktail

Fill a copper mug ¾ full of ice. Pour in ½ cup of non-alcoholic ginger beer, 3T fresh lime juice, and 3T of club soda. Garnish with a slice of lime. Serves one.

Coronarita

Rim a large glass with lime juice and coarse salt. Add ice. Pour in 1oz lime juice, ½ oz triple sec, 1½ oz tequila, and a 7-ounce bottle of Corona. Garnish with a lime wedge. Serves one.

Together, let’s make a toast to better times ahead. We’ll get through this one way or another.

*Please note that Julie does not condone the out-loud, public use of the words “covidiot” and “moronavirus” used in this column. These quarantine-shaming words are to be stored in your head for private use only. Please remain civil. Thank you.

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

Meanwhile, the suburbs afford families a healthier lifestyle. While our area has always been more affordable than the city, peninsula, or Silicon Valley, which in itself is more appealing, the draw of escaping the urban setting and sky-high prices of those areas is creating a buyer’s bidding frenzy on many homes. We are seeing new price points we’ve never seen before!

What is coming? Besides the move from urban life to suburban life and working from home (including a need for that home office/extra bedroom), many babies are being born to young millennials. They want to raise their children in a suburban lifestyle. They want to walk to town, access freeways easily, and enjoy lots of outdoor dining options (until they can dine indoors again)!

There is a new factor. The pandemic and additional time at home has given everyone the opportunity to rethink

what’s important in life and how the home can reflect those priorities. In many ways, we’re asking questions about what we really want out of our personal and professional lives. As a result, some consumers will start making buying and selling decisions based on the quality of life, which includes opportunities for community involvement, advocacy, and political action. The threads we weave in our lives are varied and complex, creating a tapestry never before seen or anticipated. In our area, that translates into high buyer demand and a robust seller’s market.

Contact us for a market analysis and guidance on preparing your home for market if a move is on your radar. We also offer expert guidance on the home buying process. Flaskerud Team: Norma 925-7666679, Erik 925-381-7276, Re/Max Accord , DRE #: 00867031 SPONSORED CONTENT

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925.766.6679 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JULY 2020 | 3

Farmers to Families In-Law Units Food Boxes to Rescue Groups

Just weeks ago, hundreds of tons of fresh produce were rotting in farmers’ fields due to COVID-19’s impact on the restaurant and hotel industries. Meanwhile, millions of people without jobs were struggling to find food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) quickly set up an emergency program called “Farmers to Families Food Box” to help farmers, food distributors, and hungry families. Now, two food distributors are shipping thousands of these food boxes to the Pleasant Hill based food rescue nonprofit White Pony Express (WPE) for further distribution to those in need.

Under the USDA program, local and regional food distributors of farm products can submit bids to the USDA to assemble boxes of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products.

As part of their bid, they select a nonprofit serving people in need. Then, if awarded a contract, they deliver the food boxes to the nonprofit for distribution.

Two food distributors, Vesta Foodservice of Hayward and CDS Distributing, in South San Francisco, named White Pony Express as the nonprofit that would receive their food boxes. The Vesta food boxes include milk and combination boxes, which have fruit and vegetables as well as butter, cheese, yogurt, and milk. The CDS boxes contain fresh carrots, romaine hearts, apples, oranges, potatoes, and onions.

WPE is incorporating these food boxes into its food rescue program to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the last seven years, WPE has been rescuing surplus food from supermarkets and food distributors and delivering it, free of charge, to shelters, community centers, senior housing, and churches that feed the hungry.

Diminishing supply, surging demand

“The food boxes from Vesta and CDS Distributing couldn’t have come at a better time,” says Eve Birge, executive director of White Pony Express. “Our food donations had plummeted while the demand for food had skyrocketed due to COVID-19. We are so grateful to these two companies for reaching out to White Pony Express. We lovingly deliver the food boxes from Vesta and CDS, free of charge, to our community partners, who will give them to those devastated by the pandemic.”

WPE’s School Pantry and Food Sourcing Manager Pete Olson says, “When I learned about the Farmers to Families program, I felt this would be the supplement we’d been looking for. It was a dream come true when Vesta and CDS asked if White Pony Express would like to receive their food boxes. This has been a game-changer for us!” Each week, White Pony Express receives about 36,000 lb. of food in the food boxes from Vesta and CDS combined.

I’m focused on two things:

1) Your home 2) Our schools I’m a neighbor, former teacher, and Realtor serving Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Walnut Creek & Lamorinda.

Angie Evans Traxinger 925.305.8677 www.angieandjoan.com angie@angietraxinger.com CalBRE #01828901 4 | JULY 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

California’s 2020 State-Mandated Rules

On January 1, 2020, it became easier than ever to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in California thanks to a package of new bills from the legislature. These bills invalidate local ADU ordinances across the state and replace them with state-mandated rules. The key highlights of the new law are summarized below.

Reduced Costs and Burdens for Developing ADUs • Cities must approve ADU applications within 60 days, without a hearing or discretionary review.

• For ADUs permitted by 2025, cities cannot require the owner to live at the property.

• Cities cannot charge any impact fees for ADUs under 750 square feet. Fees for larger ADUs are limited.

• Homeowners associations must allow the construction of ADUs. • ADUs can be developed at the same time as a primary unit under most of the same rules.

• A city must delay code enforcement against an existing unlawful ADU to allow it to be legalized.

• For areas where development is county-controlled, all the same rules apply to counties.

ADUs Subject to Automatic Approval — No Local Limits

Cities must permit certain categories of ADUs without applying any local development standards (e.g. limits on lot size, unit size, parking, height, setbacks, landscaping, or aesthetics) if proposed on a lot developed with one single-family home. ADUs eligible for this automatic approval include: • An ADU converted from existing space in the home or another structure (e.g. a garage), as long as the ADU can be accessed from the exterior and has setbacks sufficient for fire safety.

• A new detached ADU that is no larger than 800 square feet, has a maximum height of 16 feet, and has rear and side setbacks of 4 feet.

•B oth of the above (creating two ADUs), if the converted ADU is smaller than 500 square feet.

ADUs Subject to Ministerial Approval — Minimal Local Limits

Even if not subject to automatic approval, a city generally must approve any attached or detached ADU under 1,200 square feet unless the city adopts a new ADU ordinance setting local development standards for ADUs. If a city adopts such an ordinance, it must abide by the following restrictions: • No minimum lot size requirements.

• No maximum unit size limit under 850 square feet (or 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom ADU).

• No required replacement parking when a parking garage is converted into an ADU. • No required parking for an ADU created through the conversion of existing space or located within a half-mile walking distance of a bus stop or transit station.

• If the city imposes a floor area ratio limitation or similar rule, the limit must be designed to allow the development of at least one 800 square foot attached or detached ADU on every lot.

Adding Units to Multifamily Properties

For the first time, the new laws allow units to be added to multi-family buildings. Cities must permit these types of units in multi-family buildings without applying any local development standards: • New units within the existing non-living space of a building (e.g. storage rooms, basements, or garages). At least one unit and up to ¼ of the existing unit count may be created this way.

• Two new homes on the same lot as the multi-family building but detached from it, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks and a 16-foot maximum height. *See “Californians for Homeownership” website for more information: https://www.caforhomes.org/aduupdate

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Real Estate Advice

How to Buy Your Next Home Before You Sell

BY PETE SABINE

A bridge loan is a short-term loan that uses the equity from your current home to help you make an offer on a new one, without rushing to sell. A bridge loan is a simple solution to bridge the gap between the home you have and the home you want to buy.

A bridge loan can be a viable option if you can cover the cost of the loan along with the additional monthly payments due until your current home sells to pay off the short-term bridge loan.

Key benefits of a bridge loan for buying your next home: * Avoid weakening your negotiation position with an offer contingent on the sale of your home. * Take out the anxiety of selling your home first without having another home

to buy in a competitive real estate market with limited inventory. * Avoid the hassle and expense of a double move.

The Bridge Loan Advance Solution

The Compass Bridge Loan Advance is available exclusively for our qualified clients with traditional bridge loans who are working with us to sell existing primary residences. If you are approved for the Bridge Loan Advance, it has a 0% APR for the life of the loan and has no additional application or loan fees.

What rates and fees accompany a bridge loan?

The lender determines the rates and fees for each bridge loan. We recommend reaching out to a bridge loan lender directly to learn more. The bridge loan can be from any lender of your choice.

What does the Bridge Loan Advance cover?

Introducing Compass Bridge Loan Services A simple solution to bridge the gap between the home you have and the home you want Compass Bridge Loan Services provides you with access to bridge loan lenders with competitive loan rates plus the option to get advanced funds equal to 6 months of bridge loan payments when you sell your home with Compass.

GET STARTED TODAY! Visit www.Compass.com/Bridge-Loan-Services/PeteSabine

The Compass Bridge Loan Advance can equal up to 6 months of monthly bridge loan payments and eligible closing costs incurred from the bridge loan.

Eligible closing costs include the dollar value of any loan fees paid upfront, origination or application fees, if applicable, and appraisal fees.

How it Works Step #1 Inquire directly with a bridge loan lender such as Better.com or Freedom Mortgage to see financing options and conditions of your loan qualification.

Step #2 Apply to get pre-approved for a bridge loan with the lender of your choice.

Step #3 If approved for a bridge loan, apply with Notable, an independent lender, for the Bridge Loan Advance to

cover the first six months of your bridge loan payments.

Step #4 Use your approved bridge loan to strengthen your offer on your next home.

Step #5 Move into your new home while we market to sell your current home.

Pro Tip: Use Compass Concierge home improvement services to sell your home faster and for more money.

Step #6 Use the proceeds from the sale of your former home to pay back the bridge loan and Bridge Loan Advance.

Pete Sabine & Leslie Whitney, Compass #00889760 Contact us to find out the current value of your home to determine if you have enough equity for a bridge loan. Call or text 925-297-5335.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Accepting Grants

The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation has changed its grant application period and will review applications on an ongoing basis for the next several months.

This will allow its Community Grant Awards to be more responsive to the needs of the organizations serving the residents of Pleasant Hill. We fund nonprofit and public organizations that provide educational, recreational, and cultural programming.

We understand that the needs of the community have changed during the challenging environment of COVID-19. For the next several months, we will accept new grant applications. For this first month, we are providing grants to Choices in Aging, Rainbow Community Center, Bay Area Bike Project, and Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging. Each of these organizations are still providing services during shelterin-place.

The grant application can be downloaded from our website at http://www. phcommunityfoundation.org/grants-scholarships/. For any questions about the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation or our Community Grant Awards, please contact info@PHCommunityFoundation.org.

Learn more about bridge loan lenders and how the Bridge Loan Advance can help you

buy the home you want before you sell the home you have Contact us to find out how we can help you reach your goals

Pete Sabine

Leslie Whitney

925.297.5335

510.388.5794

DRE #00889760

DRE #01950037

The Bridge Loan Advance for Compass clients is a loan by Notable Finance, LLC. NMLS#1824748 and is available to all Compass clients working with the bridge loan lender of their choice. Loan eligibility is not guaranteed, and all loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting by Notable. Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license. Compass is not a lender and is not providing loans as part of Compass Bridge Loan Services. Compass license #01866771.

6 | JULY 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S. Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288 www.drjennifermartin.com

Celebrating the Fourth of July Stay at Home Celebrations During COVID-19

The Pleasant Hill Fourth of July Commission has organized an annual Independence Day celebration for over four decades and this year is no exception!

All of us are giving back to our community and doing our part by following California COVID-19 safety guidelines, which means cancelling all events involving large gatherings. However, you can’t “cancel” the 4th of July and our commission has been busy organizing several new and exciting activities to celebrate this year:

10AM CHEER – Everyone go outside and yell, scream, bang pots and pans, just MAKE SOME NOISE at 10AM to celebrate the 4th of July!

“HAPPY 4TH OF JULY PLEASANT HILL” – Look to the sky, starting at 10AM, for our 4th of July message to the community, with an aerial flyover & banner (pending FAA approval).

AUTO TOUR THROUGH PLEASANT HILL HONORING ESSENTIAL WORKERS – Shhhhh! The route is a secret, but at 10AM, go out front, put out a chair and cooler, wave to your neighbors,

Handprint Flag Shirts

What you need: T-shirts, foam brushes, fabric paint in red, blue and white Cardboard for the form to put the t-shirt around If you want to make stars on the handprints, you could get a foam star stamp Directions: • Form each t-shirt around a cut piece of cardboard •P aint the left hand with foam brushes using the blue paint. Paint it generously- you want the paint thick.

• Press the hand on the shirt. Then wash hands!

•P aint the stripes on using the tip of a foam brush. T-shirts don’t really allow you to make strokes, you really just have to dab the line across with the brush. You might want to practice on an old piece of fabric so you know what to expect. Just eyeball the stripes- they are not meant to be perfect.

• Then set aside to dry before adding stars. It doesn’t take long to dry.

•P aint a star stamp with the white paint and add as many stars as you want to the blue hand print.

• Then let that dry again.

and maybe a parade will come down your street!

INDEPENDENCE DAY HOUSE DECORATING COMPETITION – Get out the red, white, & blue banners, balloons, and flags. Register your house at ctiptonph@ yahoo.com and our commission judges will reward the best houses with a prize!

PLEASANT HILL FOURTH of JULY PHOTO SUBMISSION – Submit your favorite photos of past 4th of July celebrations to ctiptonph@yahoo.com CELEBRATE IN PLACE – Celebrate virtually with the 4th of July Commission

on our website https://phjuly4.com, featuring a live stream of the auto tour, sing-alongs, special guests, and other ideas for unique ways you can celebrate at home!

We’re looking forward to another exciting 4th of July! Your support over the years has been amazing, and we hope to be back together again as a community in 2021 and many years to come! THANK YOU PLEASANT HILL!!We greatly appreciate all of our donors and look forward to planning a spectacular 2021 celebration.

Fourth of July Treats

Star Spangled Cones You will need: Ice cream cones Vanilla candy melts in red, white and blue Sprinkles Wax paper

Tip: Navy blue candy melts are kind of hard to find. I found mine at Hobby Lobby. You can also use white candy melts and blue candy coloring to make navy.

Melt candy melts in the microwave for about 15-20 second intervals, stirring between intervals till smooth and melted. Dip the cone to cover lightly with chocolate so it’s not too heavy, add the sprinkles to it while it’s still wet and lay it on wax paper top side down to harden. You can make these ahead of time. Just store in an air tight container in a cool dry place till you are ready to use them.

Fruit Skewers You will need: Wood skewers, broken in half Blueberries Watermelon Star cookie cutter

Slice watermelon and cut stars out with the cookie cutter. Skewer water melon star followed by blueberries.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JULY 2020 | 7

CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

I would like to take this opportunity to share a message to the city from Pleasant Hill Police Chief Bryan Hill ~ Mayor Matt Rinn

Over the past few months, our nation and our community has experienced traumatic and unprecedented events. This began with the pandemic and rolled directly into the civil unrest we are currently experiencing. We have diligently striven to communicate with you along the way because we believe that is what partnerships are about.

In the past, when significant events have occurred that affect our nation or our city, I have personally reached out to communicate with you directly. Examples of those past events include mass shootings around the country, the Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and the COVID-19

8 | JULY 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

pandemic.

While I love our partnership and communicating with you, it is with great disappointment and sadness that I share today’s message. Like you, I suspect, I am dismayed and angered by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer whose job was to protect others.

The force used was altogether wrong. Mr. Floyd died needlessly and I am sorrowful for his family, the Minneapolis community, and our country because of this.

I am also angered because the actions -- and inactions -- of those now former officers stand in stark contrast to what our profession is supposed to represent. Our mission and commitment is to lawfully protect lives and property and safeguard individual rights and liberties.

While these important fundamentals ap-

Matt Rinn, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

peared to be lacking in Mr. Floyd’s death, I want to assure you they are not lacking in your officers, the men and women of the Pleasant Hill Police Department. I have great trust in the men and women of our Department. While we are not without fault and are constantly striving to improve, we serve with the highest level of professionalism and are committed to the impartial and lawful resolution of problems and enforcement of laws.

I want you to know that your officers are well trained in the proper application of force, which includes de-escalation techniques and interpersonal communications as well as fair and impartial policing. In addition, our use of force policy explicitly requires officers to intercede if they see another officer using unreasonable force. Most importantly, we only hire people who care -- those who respect the dignity of others and the sanctity of life.

While our policies, training and accountability processes are sound, we seek and hire only those whose values meet our organizational values of respect, courage, integrity and service for ALL people.

Lastly, I would like to address the civil unrest occurring in our nation, region, and even our own community. We are dedicated to safeguarding rights and liberties.

We hold dear the inalienable right to gather and protest as guaranteed by our Constitution. We recognize protests and

demonstration have many different forms and we support that as well. We also understand the role civil disobedience plays in enacting change.

The looting and vandalism that occurred in our community on Sunday, May 31, was not a protest or demonstration.

On that Sunday evening, individuals came here and to other communities seeking opportunities to commit criminal acts in our town under the guise of a righteous cause. People do not have the right to violate the safety, freedoms, rights, or property of others. Consequently, on that evening, our officers responded swiftly and with resolve. I am proud of the actions, teamwork, and professionalism displayed by our officers and dispatchers during that challenging evening. They were diligent in their efforts to maintain the peace, all while maintaining the high professional standards they swore to uphold.

Our officers are ready to protect those exercising their First Amendment rights.

Just as importantly, they stand ready to protect you, your family, and those who work or visit our community from others who would seek to commit criminal acts.

I thank you very much for the overwhelming support you have shown us recently. We are committed to you and to being an integral part of our community.

Chief Bryan Hill

CITY NEWS

Pleasant Hill City News Senior Van Service to Resume

Senior van service is scheduled to resume this month. COVID-19 and shelterin-place has interrupted the service to seniors, but the van will be available again in July with appropriate safeguards. City Manager June Catalano said, “We are going to install a plastic screen in the van, like you would have in taxi cabs, and limit the number of trips the van will be able to do at first.” For more information on the service, visit https://www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us/402/Senior-Van-Information. Updates will be available after July 6. For reservations, call 671-5272 one business day in advance of the ride.

Off the Grid Moved to August

At the June 16 city council meeting, Councilmember Carlson noted that the ever-popular Wednesday night Off the Grid food trucks would resume in August.

“We want to give some of our downtown and other local restaurants the opportunity to get a jump start on things and give them a little boost,” said Carlson, who is a member of the Economic Development Committee. He went on to mention that Jack’s Restaurant and Bar and Wence’s have taken advantage of the temporary use permit for outdoor dining. This permit allows outdoor seating for a proposed 90 days with potential extensions. It provides eating and drinking establishments flexibility in the number and location of outdoor seating and allows outdoor seating within parking spaces, provided they are located as close as possible to the eating and drinking establishment.

Temporary Library at City Hall

At the June 16 city council meeting, council voted to relocate temporary library services to the Community Rooms at City Hall instead of the Senior Center. The Community Room building consists of two rooms for a combined 1,112 square feet, comparable to the space available at the Senior Center, and ample nearby parking. Storytime and other programs will be provided at the Teen Center at Pleasant Hill Park, which is across the street from City Hall and the Community Rooms.

The temporary library is scheduled to open on July 14 with a Tuesday – Saturday schedule. Hours of operation: Tues. 1-8pm; Wed. and Thurs. 11am-6pm; Fri. and Sat. 10am-5pm; and closed Sunday and Monday. The temporary library site will make approximately 10,000 items available for check-out, including DVDs and the popular “Lucky Day” collection of new books. Computers will be accessible and library staff (up to seven employees, with a maximum of six staff on-site at any one time) will be on hand to assist with everything from book recommendations to online searches. The ability to order materials from ccclib.org for pick-up at the temporary library will be offered. Two accessible white book-drop boxes will be next to the parking lot and flank the entrance to City Hall grounds.

system and working to redesign the website in order to start selling books online. Features will include local delivery, contactless pickup, and mailing to the local customer base.

The Friends are ready for your donations! For contactless donation pick-up, contact the Friends at (925) 440-2900 or info@phlibraryfriends.org to arrange a day and time, and one of their volunteers will collect your donation from your driveway. Please do not leave any donations outside the retail space on Crescent Drive. All profits go toward books, programs, resources and services for the new Pleasant Hill Library.

Take the Summer Bike Challenge

Pleasant Hill residents are invited to participate in 511 Contra Costa’s free Summer Bike Challenge through the end of August. Sign up online and you’ll automatically be entered in the grand prize drawing of an iPad. Bike to as many challenge square destinations as you can, including Pleasant Oaks Park, Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, and the City Hall pond. Simply take a selfie of you and your bike from your favorite challenge square destination and email to sbc@511cc.org, then choose a prize, such as a Starbucks or Jamba Juice gift card. To start, download your free Challenge Card at 511cc.org/sbc. Enjoy the ride!

Library’s Farewell Trellis

After the closing of the Pleasant Hill Library on June 3, staff set up a “farewell trellis” on the patio of the library. They invited the community to come and leave some sort of goodbye message. The colorful display was visible from the street through June 20. The classic yellow bookends were also available for those that wanted a memento of the old library.

The Friends Find Retail Space

The Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library recently signed a lease to open a retail bookstore in downtown Pleasant Hill at 35 Crescent Drive (the site of the former Corner Bakery). This large retail space will allow the organization to display its entire inventory as well provide space to store, sort, and price new donations.

Friends President Susan Weaver said, “We are delighted to be located right in the heart of downtown Pleasant Hill and are so grateful for the city’s support. Together, we are confident that our store will be a huge success.” After some interior reconstruction is completed, the store will be ready to open sometime in July. How operations proceed depends on county health regulations for COVID-19.

From the time the Pleasant Hill Library closed, on June 3, the Friends team has been busy entering all of the books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, etc. into a new inventory OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JULY 2020 | 9

CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

As I was walking down Main Street from my office to Dave Krider’s Haute Stuff Café to grab lunch, I was struck by how many businesses were open. The sidewalks were busy with people and most of the parking spots were taken.

I realized that over the last few weeks, Martinez has been slowly opening up and people are venturing out of their homes and home offices.

Because insurance is considered an “essential service” under financial services, my office continues to operate every day, with some staff working from home.

When the shelter-in-place order was first announced in mid-March, downtown

Martinez was an eerie place. No cars, no open businesses, no people. Restaurants that hadn’t closed survived with take-out and delivery orders. Retail was completely closed down but is now open for in-store shopping. Hair salons and barbershops are also open, subject to strict social distancing regulations.

The city has created a Downtown Martinez Temporary Outdoor Restaurant Seating/Retail Display Program, which was designed to provide downtown merchants an opportunity to use portions of the sidewalks and streets front their businesses. Main Street will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from

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Alhambra Avenue to Court Street, from 3pm to 8pm on Fridays and 8am to 10pm on Saturdays. Estudillo Street will be closed between Marina Vista and Main Street during the same days and hours.

The Martinez Farmers’ Market will continue to operate from 10am to 2pm every Sunday.

It is possible that Martinez will have professional baseball later this summer, starting in September and going through October. Depending on county health orders, four teams in the Pacific Division of the Pecos League could play a 30 game schedule. We are watching what is happening with professional baseball and football, and if they can pull off some type of season, we will follow their lead.

Recreation staff launched a three-week camp, starting on June 22,

with three separate locations with three pods of 12 children and two recreations leaders. They have also been working closely with the Martinez Community Swim Team to allow modified stable groups to use the facility for practice and workouts between the competition pool and splash pool. A modified schedule of limited programming for adult lap swim and water aerobics has been developed which will follow directives from the current County Health Order.

Everyday life is getting back to some degree of normalcy, and I hope that a vaccine to protect us against this horrible virus is developed. Even so, this experience has changed all of us in many different ways. I hope that in looking back we see more of the positive than the negative.

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CITY NEWS

Martinez City News PRMCC Retirements

At the July 1 city council meeting, the council had two appointments to make to the Parks, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission (PRMCC), and Mayor Schroder had two recommendations on the agenda. Members Richard Patchin and Adrienne Ursino have retired and will be leaving the commission. The PRMCC is made up of 9 members and one alternate appointed by the mayor to serve a four-year term that may be renewed.

Take the Summer Bike Challenge

Martinez residents are invited to participate in 511 Contra Costa’s free Summer Bike Challenge through the end of August. Sign up online and be automatically entered in the grand prize drawing of an iPad. Bike to as many challenge square destinations as you can, including Susana Park, Carquinez Scenic Drive, and Nancy Boyd Park. Simply take a selfie of you and your bike from your favorite challenge square destination and email to sbc@511cc.org. Then choose a prize, such as a Starbucks or Jamba Juice gift card. To start, download your free Challenge Card at 511cc.org/sbc. Enjoy the ride!

Outdoor Seating and Retail Display Program June 19 marked the launch of the Outdoor Seating and Retail Display Program, which was developed by the City of Martinez in consultation with Main Street Martinez to provide residents and visitors with opportunities to dine and shop outdoors and give a needed economic boost to the downtown businesses.

COVID-19 and restrictions on business activity have created economic hardships for many Martinez small business owners. Downtown business owners approved for the program can use portions of the sidewalks and streets in front of their storefronts during specified days and times for restaurant dining and the display of retail goods. The new initiative is designed to help facilitate the physical distancing of patrons to comply with the current County Health Order and also to draw additional people downtown to support these establishments by shopping and eating locally.

Participating businesses: Bar Cava, Barrelista, Del Cielo, Five Suns, Mighty Market, Nu Rays, Roxx on Main, and White Rabbit Boutique. Additional businesses may also submit program applications for future weekends. Program hours: Fridays, from 3pm until 10pm, and Saturdays, from 8am until 10pm, until further notice. Street Closures: Main Street between Alhambra Avenue and Ferry Street, from 3pm on Fridays through 2pm on Sundays (to include the Sunday farmers’ market), and Estudillo Street between Marina Vista and Escobar streets, from 3pm on Fridays until no later than 11pm on Saturdays, until further notice.

Martinez Temporary Curbside Pick-Up Locations

The City of Martinez has created 26 downtown curbside pick-up spaces in 16 locations. The temporary 20-minute pick-up spaces make it easy and convenient for residents and visitors to pick up to-go food and retail goods from the downtown businesses. Use the link: https://bit.ly/37dFww3 to see an updated map with the locations of all downtown curbside pickup spaces and zones.

2nd Sundays Open Air Market

On July 12, head to downtown Martinez from 10am-2pm for the open-air market.

The market features vintage, collectibles, antiques, arts and crafts, and more alongside the Sunday farmers’ market. Depending on the weather and attendance, the market is located on the 800 block of Main Street or in the Main Street Plaza near Starbucks.

Road to Reopening The Contra Costa County timeline for reopening in July includes:

Starting July 1: Indoor dining, bars (with or without food), indoor religious services, gyms and fitness centers, limited indoor leisure (arcades, billiards, bowling alleys, etc.), indoor museums, and hotels (for tourism and individual travel).

During July and August: Schools, including primary, secondary, and higher education (contact your local school district for start date).

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OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JULY 2020 | 11

Estate Planning

The Harmonious Family that Won’t Fight? The Outcome May Surprise You

BY JEFFREY HALL, CPA, JD Probate /Trust Attorney

Most families are happy families. They get together for holidays, share laughs, and tell stories. Everyone gets along and enjoys each other’s company. Then, the matriarch or patriarch dies. Suddenly, years of pent-up resentment and hurt feelings bubble to the surface, and the once happy family is now embroiled in litigation over the decedent’s estate.

When everyone is alive and happy, it is easy to think that nothing will break a family apart. Many people think that since everyone is getting along, estate planning is not I called Hire My Husband to take care of our “Honey Do List�!

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needed because everyone will look out for one another and do what is fair. However, it is crucial that you have a properly prepared estate plan. Failing to plan not only takes all of the control out of your hands but can also leave hurt feelings and possible confusion over what your true wishes were. This confusion will force family members to the only source able to remedy the misunderstanding: the probate court.

While a lack of planning can lead to disastrous consequences, poor planning can be just as harmful. Documents that are vague, improperly prepared, or not up-todate can lead family members to challenge them. If the documents are not clear, family members may have differing opinions as to the true intention of the decedent. This is

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especially unfortunate for those with a trust.

One of the primary reasons to have a trust prepared is to avoid court involvement.

If your documents are up to date and clearly state your intentions but you worry that your decisions may displease your family, you do have the ability to include a no-contest clause that may prevent or limit challenges to your will or trust. A no-contest clause is a provision that states that if a person contests your will or trust—whichever document contains the clause—and is unsuccessful, they will receive nothing. However, their effectiveness can vary from state to state, so if you think your family might contest your wishes, it is incredibly important to seek the help of an experienced estate planning attorney.

One common situation where contests can arise is when someone is left out of the will or trust. If you want to intentionally disinherit a family member, consider leaving them a nominal amount at your death and using a no-contest clause. By doing this, if the contest is unsuccessful, the family member has something to lose. This may discourage them from contesting your wishes in the first place. However, as previously mentioned, you need to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to make sure this strategy is the best one for you based on your state’s law and your fam-

ily situation.

As an alternative, if you are concerned about a beneficiary receiving a sum of money outright because of creditor issues, spending habits, etc., you do not need to disinherit them. By utilizing a discretionary trust, you can set aside money for the individual that is distributed to them when and how you determine. Leaving money to a family member does not have to be an all or nothing decision.

Regardless of your family situation, it is incredibly important that you have a welldrafted, up-to-date estate plan in place.

Will or trust contests can be very costly and can quickly drain the estate or trust, which means your loved ones will end up with less than you intended. We can assist you in creating an estate plan that will ensure your wishes are carried out and harmony can be maintained within your family after you are gone. Call your neighborhood estate planning attorney, Jeffrey Hall, at (925) 230-9002 to schedule an appointment or visit his website at www.HallLawGroup.com. We are a veteran owned --veteran friendly law firm.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice nor the establishment of an attorney-client relationship.

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Medi-Cal Planning Trusts and Wills Trust Administration Trust Litigation Probate

www.HallLawGroup.com 925-230-9002

Stronger Than You Know Inside Job

BY DENA BETTI

It has been a challenging and heartbreaking several weeks of witnessing pain, sorrow, and anger over the murder of George Floyd and all that has ensued in our country since.

Many people I’ve spoken to are feeling overwhelmed. Burdened by their own traumas, fears, and experiences, they have shared feelings of helplessness, sadness, and shame. But while we may have still more to endure, we should take comfort that more equitable and more loving days will return. And when they do, we will have proven ourselves to be more compassionate and earnest than many of our ancestors were by building a better tomorrow for all.

The pride of who we are is not lost on our past but can continue to evolve and improve. You don’t have to be a social activist

or show up loud on social media to make a change. You can start within yourself and in your own home. Here are a few suggestions: 1. Turn Inwards

Did you know we all have biases? Yep! Research indicates that we human beings innately perceive anyone different from us as a threat because our brain has an evolutionary requirement to do so. “The capacity to discern ‘us’ from ‘them’ is fundamental in the human brain,” wrote David Amodio, associate professor of psychology and neural science at New York University, in his 2014 paper, “The Neuroscience of Prejudice and Stereotyping.” As uncomfortable as it is to accept, it is true. When you start with this understanding, it takes the shame away and frees you up to start noticing where your biases may lie.

2. Seek to Understand

In his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ®, Dr. Stephen R. Covey said,

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply.” So as you celebrate and support the cultural diversity of this nation, seek to understand what it means to be a person who promotes the spirit of mutual respect and understanding. But above all, in the quiet moments, ask yourself what you are doing in your own life and personal interactions to reverse structural racial inequalities.

Then, if you do not understand, ask caring questions. Remember, when you seek to understand, your intention is to understand something through someone else’s lenses.

3. Commit to Love

The Dalai Lama said, “Even more important than the warmth and affection we receive is the warmth and affection we give.

It is by giving warmth and affection, by having a genuine sense of concern for others, in other words, through compassion, that we gain the conditions for genuine happiness. More important than being loved,

therefore, is to love.”

That’s it! Make an effort to show up in a loving, kind, and compassionate way. Of course, you will fall into anger and judgment at times, but you can always choose love again.

Final Thoughts

Many of us are left to feel like we are not doing enough or are aware enough.

But that could not be further from the truth.

You are here to learn and grow…to be more today than you were yesterday. Be fair to yourself. It’s all an inside job, and those changes will ripple out to create transformations in the world that are so desperately needed right now and far into the future.

Dena Betti is a graduate of the University of San Francisco, executive director of the #hersmile Nonprofit, and a certified personal and business coach. Email dena@strongerthanyouknow.com to book a coaching appointment or for more information.

MEF Run Logo Chosen

Congratulations to Alhambra High School senior Alyssa Christensen for designing a logo for the 18th Annual MRC/MEF Run for Education. Logo entries were submitted from Martinez Junior High and Alhambra High School just before and during school remote learning. The Run for Education is scheduled for Sunday September 27, 2020, as a VIRTUAL EVENT. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome to create their own race, set their own pace, and choose either the 5k or 10k option. This year has presented tremendous challenges for our society, and we look forward to continued community support in providing our local schools with quality programs and services!

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Download iSoulify on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or RSS! OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JULY 2020 | 13

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The Body

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

Move over Gray’s Anatomy! You’ve been replaced. (I’m talking about the venerable 1858 medical textbook on human anatomy, not the TV hospital melodrama of the same name but a different spelling.) From the brilliant mind of British author and humorist Bill Bryson comes a wonderful new anatomy book, The Body: A Guide for Occupants. Bryson’s previous best sellers include A Walk in the Woods and A Short History of Almost Everything.

I studied Gray’s Anatomy as a student at Cal. I learned a lot about anatomy but remember two major things about the textbook. At 1,280 pages, it was extremely long and extremely boring. At 450 pages, Bryson’s book isn’t especially long, and it certainly isn’t boring. He does an amazing job of teaching us about all the vital organs of the body and the many discoveries that led to our current understanding of how

Back in the Office

Welcome to the New “Normal”

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

After nearly three months at home, we are back in the office experiencing the new “normal”! It is strange wearing masks while talking with coworkers. It is annoying that my glasses continue to fog up mid-conversation.

There are many adjustments. Will we still have “Take-out Tuesday?”

During the shelter-in-place, it was gratifying to experience the appreciation and patience our clients displayed.

Making the transition to working from home while attempting to offer the same level of customer service presented challenges. Our clients were accepting and able to roll with it.

During the same time, health insurance companies were adjusting requirements and assisting clients with claims, premium payments, and coverage for COVID-19 related treatment. Life insurance companies reduced the underwriting requirements for exams.

The renewal season is upon us. For many small groups it is time to evaluate benefits. After the turmoil of the past 16 | JULY 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

few months, employees have greater appreciation for the benefits employers provide. We look forward to helping existing clients review the benefits and make selections for the coming year. The small employer will need to be very selective and careful. Many have reduced staffing and will slowly rebuild.

We are here to help as local small businesses return to work.

For the near future, we expect most client meetings will be virtual. We will continue to conduct reviews and educational meetings. We can provide electronic enrollment assistance. Regarding employee benefits, our focus is in the small group arena, helping employers each step of the way.

Please give us a call if you have questions about your renewal, would like a second opinion, or need to investigate benefits for the first time. Kelly Nicoll is the employee benefits guru; she will be glad to lend a hand.

Colleen Callahan, CLU, CASL, LUTCF. Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located in Pleasant Hill. Contact her 925.363.5433 or ccallahan@ callahaninsurance.com.

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our bodies tick.

The Body is filled with wonderful stories about people who influenced our thinking on how the body works with their discoveries. Some of these discoveries have altered our lives for the better while others are more dubious. Bryson chronicles examples of medicine gone amok, like bloodletting.

Bryson’s book covers everything you would want to know about the human body, from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. Insightful chapters discuss such important topics as: the brain, down the hatch (mouth and throat), the immune system, the gut, sleep, food, nerves and pain, and heart and blood.

“Each chapter weaves together history, anecdotes, expert interviews and vocabulary lessons. We learn about horripilation (the proper name for goose bumps) and adermatoglyphia (the rare condition of having no fingerprints).” Now, I can hear you saying to yourself: “That sounds really boring.” But it’s quite the opposite.

To read or hear Bryson talking about your organs and bodily functions makes anatomy easy to understand and really fun.

Here are just a few things you’ll learn from this marvelous book. Do you know what is the largest organ in our bodies?

Not only will you learn that it is the skin (yes, the skin is an organ!), but you’ll also learn that the skin serves numerous important functions that we simply take for granted, such as keeping our organs, blood vessels, bones, and muscles from falling out. What a mess that would make!

The body is quite a powerful machine. You’d need 59 different elements to build one. It runs on just food and water and keeps working for decades.

Pretty amazing when you consider the heart beats 3.5 million times during an average lifetime, while the lungs process 4,000 gallons of air a day. Yes, the body is an incredible machine, and we are learning more about it every day.

You’ve heard the myth that we only

use 10% of our brain’s capacity. This is far from the truth. “We use the entire thing.

Amazingly, all we need to run it is just as many calories per day as one gets from a blueberry muffin.” Sleep takes up 1/3 of our lives, but no one knows for sure why we need it. Studies have shown that sleep is like a reset button for many systems in our body, but there is so much more to learn.

You’ll find out that we just aren’t built to walk on two legs: “Becoming upright puts extra pressure on the cartilage discs that support and cushion the spine, causing displaced or herniated discs, popularly known as slipped discs. General back pain is ridiculously common.

Some 60% of adults suffer from it. Our knees and hip joints are nothing to brag about either, giving out with dispiriting frequency.”

Bryson goes to great lengths to emphasize “the extraordinary benefits of exercise.” Just 11 minutes of exercise a day can add nearly 2 years to the lifespan of an average 40-year-old. As little as an hour of daily exercise can extend your life by over 4 years. Exercise also strengthens our bones, improves our immune system, and reduces the risk of serious diseases like cancer and diabetes.

“If someone invented a pill that could do for us all that a moderate amount of exercise achieves, it would be the most successful drug in history.”

Unfortunately, the book has one major flaw. It was written before the COVID-19 pandemic. We all know that great medical advances have occurred over the last century. Prior to COVID-19, 2010 was the last year communicable infectious diseases from others caused more deaths worldwide than aliments that start within our own bodies, like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Now that’s all changed. I’m expecting a second edition of Bryson’s book to help us better understand COVID-19. Hopefully, by the time it comes out, we will have a vaccine for COVID-19 and be able to resume somewhat normal lives.

PAIR UP

Summer Nights

Pairing Your Favorite Summer Meals with Beer

BY MARIA TERRY

Summer is here and it’s the perfect time for a cold beer.

There are so many great summer foods that are delicious with beer. Beer is the quintessential partner for all things spicy or fatty because of its carbonation and, in general, lower alcohol level as compared to wine. Since alcohol increases the perception of spice, a high alcohol beverage makes spicy foods even spicier. The bubbles in beer are like a napkin for your tongue, cleansing your palate of fat and getting you ready for your next bite.

Just like wine, beer comes in many different styles and flavors. One reason beer is bitter because it is made with hops.

Originally, hops were added to prevent bacterial contamination on long ship voyages. India Pale Ale (IPA) gets its name from its aggressive use of hops used to sustain the beer on long trips from England to India. Hops are now used primarily to provide fruity, floral flavors and provide the bitter bite that beer drinkers enjoy. If you like your beer a little less bitter, look for an “East Coast IPA.” They tend to have

Coffee Banana Foster INGREDIENTS 1 banana, peeled and sliced lengthwise ¼ cup coffee-flavored liqueur (such as Kahlua®) 2 Tablespoons butter 2 Tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon DIRECTIONS Preheat grill for medium heat. Place banana, coffee-flavored liqueur, butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon on a large section of heavy aluminum foil.

Bring up 2 sides of foil to touch and fold down twice to seal. Double fold ends of packet to securely seal.

Place packet on preheated grill and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Yield: 2 Servings

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a high malt ratio. On the other hand, West Coast IPAs have a higher hops ratio.

Whichever you chose, either style works with this salad of spring greens with Irish cheddar, walnuts, cranberries, and apples.

The sweet apple and cranberries offset the bitterness of the beer, and the bubbles cleanse the palate of the fat from the dressing and cheese.

If you are looking for even more bitterness, a Double or Imperial IPA is an IPA turned way up. It has classic fruit, citrus, pine, or floral qualities and even bolder malts for balance. This kind of bitterness makes it a good time to get out your sweet recipes. Try Sweet Pork Ribs rubbed with sugar and spices and slathered with a sweet, tangy sauce. Add Bacon Wrapped Corn as a sweet, spicy side dish and you are all set.

It might seem strange, but beer goes well with some desserts because of its relatively low acidity and alcohol. By contrast, high acid wines taste sour and alcoholic with sweet desserts. Seek out a Scottish ale, a malt-forward beer with caramel flavors and a soft, chewy mouthfeel. An

Bacon-Wrapped Corn INGREDIENTS 10 ears corn, husked and cleaned Cajun seasoning to taste Salt and black pepper to taste 1 pound of raw sliced bacon DIRECTIONS Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Sprinkle each ear of corn with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, and wrap each ear with 2 slices of bacon, covering the ear as completely as possible. (A big ear might need 3 pieces of bacon.) Wrap the ears in aluminum foil, twisting the ends tightly to seal.

Place the wrapped corn on the preheated grill, and grill on high heat until the corn is hot, about 10 minutes per side.

Turn the heat to low and grill the corn until the bacon is cooked and the corn is tender, about 45 minutes.

Yield: 10 Ears of Corn

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

Sweet Pork Ribs

excellent choice for dessert is Coffee Bananas Foster. It includes coffee liqueur for a rich bitterness that echoes the bitterness of the beer. Likewise, the silky texture of the banana compliments the softness of the beer.

So, go on. Pair Up!

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

Irish Cheddar-Apple Salad INGREDIENTS Salad: 4 cups of mixed salad greens Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste 1 medium pink lady apple, cored and chopped 2 Tablespoons dried cranberries 2 Tablespoons vinaigrette 1 ounce Irish Cheddar cheese, shredded 2 Tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts Dressing: 1/4 cup apple cider 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 Tablespoon cider vinegar 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS Put all dressing ingredients into a jar.

Put the lid on and shake well.

Place the salad greens in a bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the chopped apple and dried cranberries. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss well to combine. Place in a serving dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese and toasted walnuts.

Yield: 2-4 Servings

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

INGREDIENTS 3 pounds pork spareribs 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 Tablespoon packed dark brown sugar 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1½ teaspoons kosher salt ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper BBQ Sauce: 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup ketchup ½ cup apple cider vinegar ¼ cup honey 2 Tablespoons whole grain mustard 1 Tablespoon molasses 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1½ teaspoons hot sauce ¼ teaspoon kosher salt DIRECTIONS Place the ribs in a roasting pan, cutting the racks in half to fit if necessary. Combine the garlic, rosemary, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl, and rub the mixture evenly all over the ribs. Allow the ribs to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Pour 1/2 cup water into the roasting pan and cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Roast the ribs until the meat is very tender and separates easily from the bone, about 1 1/2 hours. While the ribs are roasting make the BBQ sauce.

Place the balsamic vinegar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to medium and cook the vinegar until it is reduced by a third, about 8 minutes.

Whisk in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, molasses, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and salt. Bring the sauce back to a boil then lower the heat and simmer until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. To finish, remove ribs from the oven and transfer to 2 aluminum foil lined baking sheets. Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F. Brush both sides of the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until the sauce is browned and sizzling. Allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Yield: 4-6 Servings

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

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JULY 2020 | 17

IN THE MIX

In the Mix Summer Playlist

BY PAUL COTRUVO

Believe it or not, we are only halfway through 2020.

Think about that for a minute. We went from celebrations to social distancing, from cubicles to home offices, inseparably connected to isolation in the blink of an eye. No concerts, sports, or any other group settings seem unfathomable, but being the optimist I am, I know a cure for this unprecedented time. Music.

It has always been my belief that music not only shapes our beliefs but also shapes us as human beings. Music affects our emotions. And I do believe music will be the common denominator for making a change in this world. I know what you are thinking – it’s such a Pollyanna take -- but hey, I’m a child of the ‘60s and was there when so many

great protest, love, and inspirational songs were born. I honestly believe music did make a change. It made us think, opened our eyes to other perspectives, and, if nothing else, made us get up and dance. Music is the wonder drug for the soul.

Below is my playlist for the summer -- songs that have always inspired me, made me feel good, made me think, and just spoken to me. These songs are as relevant today, maybe even more, than when they were first released. Here is my top five: “Mother, mother/There’s too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother/There’s far too many of you dying You know we’ve got to find a way/To bring some lovin’ here today.”

This is from Marvin Gaye’s 1971 masterpiece, “What’s Going on.” Even though it was written about his broth-

er’s return home from the Vietnam War, you can also hear it from the perspective of the hippie-era ending and the reality of poverty, war, and racial injustice.

With all that is going on in 2020, this song needs to be played.

“You may say I’m a dreamer/But I’m not the only one I hope some day you’ll join us/ And the world will be as one.”

John Lennon’s “Imagine” is his prayer for peace. One of the 100 most performed songs in the 20th century; Rolling Stone magazine ranked it #3 of the greatest songs of all time.

“Come senators, congressmen, please heed the call Don’t stand in the doorway, don’t block up the hall For he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled The battle outside ragin’ will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls

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For the times, they are a-changin.’’”

Yes, indeed folks, “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” Bob Dylan, who I consider the poet of the century, wrote an anthem of change. He wrote it about civil rights in the ‘60s but could have written it last week for today’s climate.

“Love’s in need of love today/Don’t delay Send yours in right away/Hate’s goin’ round Breaking many hearts/Stop it please Before it’s gone too far.”

On the inspiration for this song Stevie Wonder said, “The concept I had in mind was that for love to be effective, it has to be fed.” No truer words have been spoken.

“You’re broken down and tired/Of living life on a merry- go-round And you can’t find the fighter/But I see it in you so we gonna walk it out And move mountains/We gonna walk it out And move mountains And I’ll rise up/ I’ll rise like the day I’ll rise up/ I’ll rise unafraid I’ll rise up /And I’ll do it a thousand times again.”

Andra Day’s inspirational song “Rise Up” reminds us all not to lose hope.

You can see by just these five songs that music can make the world just a little bit better. What is on your playlist?

In these crazy times, we need whatever it takes to get us through the isolation and uncertainty. And yes, music will change the world.

Again, no Paul’s Picks this month, but please check out the virtual streams on Facebook and Instagram. This is the new normal for musicians. So many to choose from, so search them out.

Quote of the Month: “Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights!” ~~ Bob Marley

From the Contra Costa County Historical Society

A History Note On the Fourth of July

BY MARJORIE NEWTON

Independence Day honors the birth of our nation and is a day when we recall and pay our respects to those who have served in protecting and defending our country over the years.

One of the earliest monuments to our servicemen and women in Contra Costa County is the Soldier’s Memorial Monument in Pleasant Hill. The drive to collect funds and erect the tower to honor our county’s soldiers who served in World War I was the work of Sheriff R.R. Veale, Contra Costa County’s longest serving sheriff. The monument was dedicated on December 11, 1927, and was originally located on Monument Boulevard. Records of the members of the committee who spearheaded the effort as well as the donations for it are archived at the History Center. A program from the dedication that includes the names of the honorees can also be viewed at the History Center. In 1954, the monument was moved to make way for the 680 freeway. Funds were collected to refurbish the aging structure, and it was rededicated in 1998. From the beginning, a black soldier’s image is featured on one of the monument’s four sides.

On July 17, 1944, at 10:18pm, an explosion rocked the Bay Area and destroyed

the town of Port Chicago, killing 320 men.

A memorial to those who lost their lives in the largest cause of death of Navy personnel ever to occur in the United now stands on that site. In order to visit, arrangements must be made at least two weeks in advance with the National Park Service. The majority of the men killed were black. When the sailors were sent to Mare Island and found that they were to load munitions on ships, many refused. Of those that refused, 50 were tried for mutiny and imprisoned.

Much of this history has been written about in books that are available at the History Center’s bookstore and on the History Center’s website.

One of the most beautiful memorials in the county is the All Wars Memorial, located on Stone Valley Road in Danville. It was designed to be wheelchair accessible. Along the path, there is a statue of two bronze figures, one is wounded, and the other is helping him. The range of time memorialized is from the Revolutionary War to the current war on terrorism. The photo pictured is from their website: http://allwarsmemorial.org.

In 2003, nineteen white crosses were planted on a Lafayette hillside overlooking the freeway to commemorate the death of servicemen killed in the Iraq War. Vandals

destroyed them. In 2006, 300 crosses were erected to mark the lives lost in Iraq and Afghanistan up until that time. The number of crosses is now recorded on a sign and has reached its limit of 5,000.

Antioch has chosen to honor its servicemen and women with a Veterans Memorial Banner Program. Large banners feature pictures, ranks and years of service, and the births and deaths of servicemen.

The banners are hung from street and traffic

poles on major streets.

This Independence Day is a good time to remember how it is that we have our independence.

“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.

Applicants Sought

On October 31, 2020, Priscilla A. Couden, who has been the executive director of the Contra Costa County Historical Society and History Center for the past 10.5 years, will be leaving the society for a well-deserved retirement. She will miss the interactions she has had with so many of the county’s personnel and agencies, as well as her close relationship with the many volunteers and board members of the History Center but is looking forward to putting her energy into her long-delayed interests in photography and gardening.

“Priscilla has had a great run with us,” said Board President John Greitzer. “We have been on a very pronounced growth trajectory in recent years, and Priscilla has been a key driver. We will miss her commitment, her vision, and her hard work.”

Priscilla has taken the History Center through many phases of growth, including influxes of archival materials from the Contra Costa Times and, more recently, the Contra Costa County Public Libraries, and the physical move from Main Street to Escobar Street in 2013. Along the way, she has been the impetus behind many of the society’s projects and the receipt of national and regional grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation, Chevron Federal Credit Union, and Martinez Community Foundation.

The society will be acquiring a new executive director in mid-October. The announcement of the executive director position is also being distributed.

P.H. Senior Center Zoom Smart Phone Workshops Don’t know what a smart phone is? Think your smart phone is smarter than you? This 2-day workshop will help! To participate in this Zoom class, you must have 1) a computer, laptop or tablet, 2) internet access, 3) a cell phone, and 4) a camera on your computer device (not required, but highly recommended). Once registered, you will receive a phone call from the instructor to be sure you know how to access the class via Zoom. After the class, you will receive a hard copy of the training guide and be able to access the recorded session within 7 days after the class. iPhone: 7/13 & 7/14 (2 classes), Monday/Tuesday, 10am-11am, $12 Android: 6/29 & 6/30 (2 classes), Monday/Tuesday, 10am-11am, $12, and 7/27 & 7/28 (2 classes), Monday/Tuesday, 10am-11am, $12 TED Talks Via Zoom Friday, July 10, 10am-11am • Meeting ID: 810 3384 2981• Password: 100100 Join us to watch videos and then discuss in a polite manner afterwards. Videos: A Brief History of Plural Word...s, Can Democracy Exist without Trust, Pirates, Nurses and other Rebel Designers, Let’s Use Video to Reinvent Education.

233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Register for classes and events at www.pleasanthillrec.com

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Martinez Arts Association Awards $4,000 in Scholarships to Seniors

In what turned out to be a very different season for graduating seniors, Alhambra students proved themselves resilient and adaptable to dramatic change. Along with the cancellation of a traditional graduation ceremony and other senior events was the awards ceremony, when scholarships are normally handed out. Instead, seniors participated in a video awards show on May 20. Among those honored

were four talented seniors recognized for their achievements in the arts.

Amberly Bateman was involved in three drama productions at Alhambra.

She has been an actor and dancer and has taken art classes throughout high school.

Her projects have included digital drawings, short animations, sculptures, paintings, and a mural. She has been accepted at Brigham Young University, Idaho, in the

COVID-19 Plans

Phases for High School Athletics

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) believes education-based athletics and all co-curricular activities are essential to the physical, mental, and social well-being of students and understands the impact and challenges of COVID-19 on our member schools and education-based athletics.

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CIF continues to monitor the directives and guidelines released from the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, the California Department of Education, and state/local/county health departments and agencies as these directives and guidelines are followed by our member schools/ school districts as they plan when and how to reopen school this fall. As member schools begin planning for the reopening of school, the CIF, in collaboration with our 10 Sections, will determine by July 20 whether fall sports will continue as currently scheduled. The CIF is prepared to offer alternative calendars if it is determined by July 20 that fall sports may not start as scheduled due to ongoing public health and safety concerns.

In anticipation of student-athletes returning to physical activity, the CIF is providing several resources to assist the member schools and student-athletes while recognizing their obligation to the health and safety of all involved. In the link below, you can view the framework that schools and school districts need to consider in designing return to physical activity/training standards that are in accordance with state and local county requirements. They are detailed per sport. These guidelines are meant to assist schools and school districts as they begin to return to on-campus physical activity/training but are not intended to supersede the state and local county directives designed to ensure student health and safety. Details can be found here: https://cifstate.org/covid-19/ Resources/RTP_Combined.pdf

fall where she will be studying illustration before transferring to BYU, Provo, for a double major in animation and illustration. Her eventual aim is to work for Pixar.

Elam Bender has contributed to eight theatre productions as a theatre tech. His expertise has helped transform stages by monitoring spotlights and microphones.

He has also used skills in stagecraft to create beautiful and ornate sets to complement the drama productions. Elam plans to attend DVC to study film and the visual arts before transferring to UC Berkeley or UCLA. Eventually, he wants to work on a film crew as a film producer.

Amaya DeShasier has been involved in art classes every year in high school and has focused on skills in drawing, painting, and set design. She has already taken an art class at DVC and has been accepted at Humboldt State University.

Jennifer Rualo plans to major in architecture and has created artistic works

in watercolor, acrylics, colored pencils, charcoal, and wood burning, among other mediums. Some of her projects are related to social justice issues. She has participated in internships at an architectural firm and with a home builder. She is drawn to architecture because it is a form of art that blends with math and physics. She has been accepted at Cal Poly Pomona and at the California College of the Arts. We wish these young artists the best as they continue their paths in the arts.

Founded in 1968 as a nonprofit organization, the MAA organizes and participates in many community events throughout the year. MAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to encourage art culture and education for the local community. Fundraising proceeds provide scholarships to graduating seniors as well as art grants for elementary through high school teachers.

For more details about MAA, please visit www.martinezarts.org.

Amaya DeShasier

Amberly Bateman

Elam Bender

Jennifer Rualo

AAUW Award Scholars SUBMITTED BY SHERRIE MOORE, PLEASANT HILL-MARTINEZ AAUW

The American Association of University Women is a national organization that advocates the advancement of equity for all women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. We empower women as individuals and as a community. At our Pleasant HillMartinez AAUW June Zoom Brunch, college scholarship awards were presented to six local high school seniors.

These deserving girls were recognized for excelling in their high school years, not only with excellent grades but also through community service and leadership ability. They were each awarded a $1,000 AAUW scholarship in recognition of their achievements. This year’s recipients of the Pleasant Hill-Martinez AAUW Scholarships were: Olivia Cervantes Llamas, Emma Cardinale, and Anna Szakats, from College Park High School, and Sierra Dabby, Layla Gomes, and Fatima Lizarde, from Alhambra High School.

In the fall, Olivia is going to UCLA and majoring in international development studies, Emma is going to St. Mary’s to study allied health services, and Anna is headed to Purdue University to major in aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Sierra will attend UC Berkeley and study atmospheric and oceanic sciences, Layla is off to Sonoma State University to study biochemistry, and Fatima will attend USC with a major in political science and a related subject, probably history.

Our branch is proud to award these young women our 2020 scholarships. We strongly support the local scholarship fund through several fundraisers, including our Silent Coffee Klatch, proceeds from our Grand Slammer Bridge group, and individual member donations.

Olivia Cervantes Llamas

Emma Cardinale

Anna Szakats

Sierra Dabby

Rodger’s Ranch Mission

Hello to all our community friends! We miss you and hope this finds you safe and well. In compliance with the Contra Costa Health Services mandate due to COVID-19, the ranch is closed but will open soon, and we continue to move forward with essential renovations: • New Roof on Farmhouse Shellco General Contractors did an excellent job, with great efforts to keep the historic look of this 1867 structure, the oldest residence in Pleasant Hill. Huge thanks to Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District for their continued support!

• New Range and Hood Installations in April will accommodate basic kitchen needs, events, workshops, and Urban Farm DVC Culinary classes.

• Tankless Water Heater Installation is imminent and will provide more hot water but without the waste.

RRHC and our partners, RR Urban Farm, Herb Society of America – Northern CA Unit, Contra Costa Succulent Garden Club, Berkeley Herbal Center, and Sustainable Contra Costa, are eager to resume activities as soon as it is safe.

We’re all in this together!

Thank you for your support in making Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center a unique place to visit! If you’d like to make a donation, go to www.rodgersranch.org Donations are tax-deductible. Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501C3 organization. RRHC, 315 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant Hill, California 94523

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Layla Gomes

Fatima Lizarde

CONTACT SUSAN

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | JULY 2020 | 21

New Community Arts Award Supporting Local Music

The Martinez Arts Association (MAA) has selected the Martinez Music Mafia as the recipient of the first ever Community Arts Award. The organization will receive $2,000 to support their ongoing efforts to bring free live music to our local community.

For the first time in 51 years, MAA had to cancel this year’s Art in the Park festival due to COVID-19. Art in the Park is a muchloved event that supports local artists and musicians. The event typically hires four to five bands and a sound crew for the day.

To help compensate for the loss, the MAA Board of Directors decided to create a Community Arts Award to recognize and support an innovative community arts organization. The Martinez Music Mafia was selected as a leader that quickly figured out how to provide the community with live music during the pandemic shutdown.

The Martinez Music Mafia began as a loose affiliation of Martinez based musicians who wanted to use music to benefit

the local community. The success of their annual Holiday Toy Drive over its first 10 years convinced the organization that they could do even more, and they attained 501(c)(3) certification in 2019.

Their efforts have benefitted charities, musicians, artists, and local businesses.

MMM’s mission is to promote local musicians and artists by organizing and promoting live music happenings and charity events in and around Martinez.

When the pandemic made it clear that in-person live music events were going to be on hold indefinitely, they moved quickly to launch the weekly Virtual Happy Hour and 1/2 broadcast, which has provided a way for over 40+ musicians to get their music in front of people. The performances can be watched on facebook. com/MartinezMusicMafia every Friday at 4:30 pm. Past events can be found on YouTube.

Art in the Park event is the MAA’s largest annual fundraiser, which supports community arts programs. “We are fortu-

Chris Bryant of MMM receives award from MAA President Dorrie Langley. Also pictured L to R: Brian Walker, Scotty O’Neill, Bruce & Cassy Campbell, Steve Riccobono, Julie Christopher, Peggy O’Farrell, and RC Ferris

nate to be able to award the innovative artists of MMM, even though we’re not currently receiving grants from the community and local businesses. Past events, grants and membership dues helped us provide funding for this award,” said MAA President Dorrie Langley.

Founded in 1968 as a nonprofit organization, the MAA organizes and participates in many community events

45 Years of Service

BY JENNY KING

This summer marks the Food Bank’s 45th anniversary, and together—as a community— we have certainly been through a lot: eight presidents, six recessions, the Loma Prieta earthquake, devastating fires, and now, a pandemic.

Understandably, when disasters strike people often ask us if the Food Bank is going to run out of food. The short answer is “No” because we are not going to let that happen. And we know our supporters aren’t going to let that happen either.

As we try to navigate this new COVID-19 world, you generous hunger fighters have been coming through for our impacted neighbors. Thank you for matching the unprecedented demand for food with unprecedented support!

Over the years, you have helped us grow and develop an incredible network of donors, volunteers, suppliers, and nonprofit partner agencies. Without this solid foundation, we would not have been able to quickly spring into action and help the thousands of new people turning to us after unexpectedly losing their jobs.

Not only can we count on you to answer the call for help during widespread emergencies—but you also choose to nourish our neighbors when they are experiencing personal crises. Before anyone even heard of Coronavirus or thought of stockpiling toilet paper, you were helping us serve 178,000 people per month—from toddlers to senior citizens.

Past recessions have taught us that it will take years, not months, for many families to get back on their feet. Rest assured, with you by our side, we will continue to nourish our community through these ever-changing times until chronic hunger no longer exists.

• For more information on our COVID-19 relief efforts, visit foodbankccs.org/covid19

• For more information on where to get help with food, visit foodbankccs.org/getfood

• For more information on our advocacy efforts to achieve lasting change for equitable access to food, visit foodbankccs.org/advocacy

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throughout the year. MAA’s goal is to encourage art, culture, and education for the local community. Fundraising proceeds provide scholarships to graduating seniors as well as art grants for elementary through high school teachers.

For more information and to contact the MMM, please visit www.martinezmusicmafia.com. For more details about MAA, please visit www.martinezarts.org.

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Virtual Relay for Life

IN THE MIX

A Success Story

BY SARAH SVAHN

On June 6, 2020, the American Cancer Society’s Diablo Valley Relay For Life held its first “virtual” event. In previous years, the relay’s home was Pleasant Hill Middle School, where many teams of individuals of all ages set up booths and tents and filled the track and field with their activi-

ties. This year, the leadership team, headed

by Sara Wright, Sharon Wilkerson, and Karen Sanderson-Graham, under the guidance of American Cancer Society’s Jennifer Nash, was not deterred by the necessary shelter-in-place restrictions caused by the pandemic; they were determined to make this year’s relay as successful as ever.

Homeless Action Coalition

On June 16, the Martinez Homelessness Task Force, led by City Councilmember Noralea Gipner and a coalition of community and faith leaders, announced the next phase of its work with the launch of the independent Homeless Action Coalition (HAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community benefit organization.

“Most of us take the basics for granted. But many of our neighbors don’t have that luxury,” said Gipner, president and CEO of the HAC. “Imagine not being able to wash your hands, have a warm dinner, or fall asleep feeling safe each night. That stress takes its toll and can make it a challenge to heal trauma and enter the workforce. Our coalition is going to ensure all of Martinez’s unhoused residents can land on their feet and transition into housing.”

With more than 150 unhoused residents living in encampments, embankments, and parking lots, Martinez has one of the highest per capita homelessness rates in Contra Costa County. With such great need, Martinez leaders were compelled to act. Over the past year, community groups and the Martinez Homelessness Task Force have partnered to address urgent needs, most recently operating a weekly homeless service center at the Martinez Waterfront Park. There, the Bay Church and other faith partners offered showers, laundry service, and toiletries. The Martinez Police Department and Contra Costa C.O.R.E. connected people to shelters and other public resources, while Contra Costa Health Services provided a free mobile clinic. Community volunteers offered haircuts and organized a clothing exchange program. Prior to COVID-19, 30-40 individuals participated in these services every week.

Moving forward, the Homeless Action Coalition will serve as a hub for these resources, coordinating strategy and funding within Martinez and its adjacent communities. Since officially incorporating as the successor organization to the Martinez Chamber Development Corporation this past winter, the HAC has built an internal infrastructure with a board of directors, a Faith Community Advisory Committee, and an effective fundraising apparatus, raising nearly $30,000 from individual donors, faith organizations, and labor groups prior to its formal launch today.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HAC has already deployed four sanitation stations throughout the city to provide residents with safe and reliable access to bathrooms.

It has also organized essential services for the city’s waterfront encampment, providing food, clothing, tents, and other supplies to residents who agree to abide by county health rules and self-govern the area to ensure resident safety.

Once the pandemic subsides, weekly group services will return, and the HAC will embark on a series of innovative projects to help unhoused residents start new careers, access affordable housing, and connect with mental health services. “By listening to the people we serve, staying nimble, and recruiting our neighbors to help out, we believe we’ll be able to have a real impact,” said Jonathan Bash, chair of the HAC Board of Directors. “Our region’s housing crisis is complicated, as are the structural roots of poverty. We can’t do this alone. We need people to get involved in the way that works best for them: donate, volunteer, or advocate for those who need a voice.”

Residents, business owners and community leaders who wish to get involved can learn more by visiting www.homelessactioncoalition.org.

In fact, the online platform allowed for some additional opportunities that were not previously available. Content such as speeches, scavenger hunts, exercise videos, and performances were uploaded to the website according to the schedule.

The virtual event also had pre-recorded messages from the mayors of Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek. Participants could follow along as the day progressed or watch each piece at their convenience. My mom, Tiffany Svahn, an oncologist at Diablo Valley Oncology, delivered a speech about her work with cancer patients, advances in cancer treatment, and the role that fundraising plays in raising money for cancer research.

One of everyone’s favorite events at the relay is the Luminaria Ceremony, which is typically held at nightfall. The ceremony includes meaningful words, poems, music, and a survivor speech. The track is beautifully lit by luminaria bags that have been decorated in honor of survivors or in memory of those who have lost their lives. This year, the luminaria bags were decorated online, and a video montage of the bags was set to live music by the talented Don Richardson. Cancer survivor Shari Palladino poignantly shared the story of her cancer journey. It was my role to lead the Luminaria Ceremony, which I have done for the past three years.

My goal and hope this year was that our

virtual attendees felt they were actually sitting on the field and experiencing the ceremony in person.

This year’s virtual Relay For Life had 132 registered participants plus many more who “stopped by” to take part in the event, raising an impressive $74,835!

Donations can still be made through Saturday, July 18, via the Diablo Valley Relay For Life website. Sponsors included Diablo Valley Oncology, Postino, Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill, Fremont Bank, Republic Services, 96.5 Koit, Pleasant Hill Lions Club, and 102.9 FM KBLX. All content from the 2020 Virtual Relay For Life of Diablo Valley is still available for viewing on the website.

All in all, Diablo Valley’s first virtual Relay For Life was a tremendous success, and we look forward to seeing what next year’s relay will bring!

Sarah Svahn is a senior at Miramonte High School, the volunteer coordinator at California Cancer & Research Institute, and chairperson for American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Luminaria Ceremony for the past three years. Dr. Svahn is a medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist with Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group in Pleasant Hill. She is the medical director of the Women’s Cancer Center of the East Bay. For more information, please call 925-677-5041 or visit www.dvohmg.com SPONSORD CONTENT

Pictured is Sarah Svahn with her mother, Dr. Tiffany Svahn.

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