March 2016 Community Focus

Pleasant Hill • Concord • Martinez • Lafayette • Walnut Creek

COMMUNITY

FOCUS

MARCH 2016 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

ourcommunityfocus.com

IN THIS ISSUE: • MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR • AS RUSS SEES IT • OPENING DAY PARADES

Julie Says The Verdict is In

BY JULIE ROSS

Late last year, I received a summons for jury duty. The form included a line below my name and address that read, “Failure to respond to this summons will subject you to a fine, a jail term, or both.” A mandatory RSVP – what a brilliant strategy! Party planners take note.

So, because this appeared to be more of an order than an invitation, I called the number provided during the assigned time window. I was instructed to appear at the courthouse in Martinez the following afternoon.

Thus began a 4-day voir dire process whereby I was ultimately selected as Juror #6 from a starting pool of more than 100 Contra Costa County residents. (As the judge put it, we were all interviewed for a job nobody wanted.)

Following the jury selection process

was a pretty intense criminal trial, three weeks in duration.

An inconvenience, you say? Maybe even a hardship? Perhaps, but there were actually some positive things about the experience. I will share highlights here, as well as a few tips for making jury service in Martinez more enjoyable should you receive that special invitation (order) to join fellow jurors in the box for a week or two. Or three.

Highlight #1: Perfecting my parallel parking skills. Unless you have exceptional parking karma, you will need to parallel park many times over the course of your jury duty. By the end of my service, I could swoop backwards into a tight space on the first attempt.

Parking Tip #1: There is a free lot for jury parking, but it’s almost always completely full in the morning. It is, however, sometimes possible to park at a meter in the morning and then move

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COVER:

Opening day at Pleasant Oaks Park.

PHOTO BY: Tod Gomes

INSIDE

16

Mr. Pleasant Hill

22 Local Designer on HGTV

29

Community Award Winners

18 Is Gluten BAD For You?

28 Local Live Music Listings

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

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march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

your car to the free lot at lunchtime.

Parking Tip #2: If you don’t mind a walk, you can park on a side street off of Green, where there are no meters and resident permits are not required.

Parking Tip #3: Bring quarters!

Many of the 10-hour meters in downtown Martinez only take coins. I bought a couple rolls of quarters at the bank to cover me on those days I couldn’t find a meter that took a credit card. I was often in court for 7 hours, which meant 14 quarters!

Conversation Tip #1: Because you are not allowed to discuss the case with your fellow jurors until deliberation, comparing parking options is a good icebreaker and bonding opportunity.

Highlight #2: Moving beyond the topic of parking and getting to know my jury mates -- We had a great group of people and frequently descended en masse to various Martinez eateries, which leads me to:

Highlight #3: Downtown Martinez eateries! Jury favorites: Primavera (fam-

ily-owned Mexican restaurant slightly off the beaten path on Pine Street); Copper Skillet Courtyard on Ferry (get there right at the noon lunch break or it will already be full); and Roxx on Main (delicious flat bread pizzas and sandwiches; service is a bit on the slow side, but the court lunch break is 90 minutes, so we had plenty of time. Open for lunch and dinner Thursday-Saturday only). Best coffee ever at Barrelista on Main Street.

Conversation Tip #2: During the morning break, talk about where to have lunch.

Highlight #4: It’s over!

Serving on the jury for this trial was a difficult, emotional experience, with a really weighty decision made at its conclusion. Sharing the responsibility with good people lightened the load.

Jurors #5 and #12 live in Pleasant Hill, so our paths might well cross again. I just hope it’s not in Superior Court.

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

SWAN Day

A Collaboration of Creative Women

SWAN Day (Support Women Artists Now Day) is an international holiday that celebrates the creative power of women all over the world. For the past eight years, the Martinez Arts Association has brought the celebration close to home in downtown Martinez. This year, SWAN Day is 10am4pm, Saturday, April 9, in the Old Train Depot parking lot, at the end of Ferry Street, in Martinez.

With the support of the City of Martinez and local artists, we promote all forms of art, including visual and performing arts. This amazing collaboration of artists is a FREE event, and all artists and lovers of the arts are invited. Every year there is a great line-up of local live musicians. The full line-up will be announced soon but includes Jessica Leia, winner of Big Fuss Records’ “Artist to Watch in 2016” and the November 2015 Akademia Music Awards. She has made her way onto Internet and radio stations across the globe, onto soundtracks of multiple documentary films, and into the hearts of every person she performs for live, in and around the Bay Area. For more information or to participate in this free event, please visit www.martinezarts.org.

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St. Baldricks

Join the St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event at 10am on March 13 at the Main Street Plaza in Martinez. Citrus Salon and Creek Monkey Tap House are sponsoring the event.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long, healthy lives. “Shavees” ask friends and families to make donations “on their head,” and in return, they attend one of the thousands of volunteer-organized events around the world to have their heads shaved in solidarity with kids fighting cancer.

In the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease -- more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies, and diabetes combined.

And yet, all types of childhood cancers combined receive only 4% of the U.S. federal funding for cancer research.

Join the Martinez community for this worthy cause! Not everyone who participates has to be a “shavee.” You can also start a fundraising team, volunteer or donate.

For more information, visit www.stbaldricks.org and search “Martinez Shave-A-Thon,” or find us on Facebook under “St. Baldrick’s Martinez.”

Martinez Mayor Schroder gets his green hair shaved by Citrus Salon hairstylists at last year’s St. Baldrick’s event.

2015

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WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The Cobra Experience

777 Arnold Dr., Ste. 200 Martinez 925.558.5585

Martinez Museum Reflects Passion for Original Cobras

In the 1960s, the Shelby Cobra captured the hearts and imaginations of car racing enthusiasts. Carroll Shelby, the facilitator of the famous Shelby Cobra, GT40, Daytona Coupe, and GT350, amongst others, campaigned cars from 1962 to 1968 at Shelby American in Southern California.

These cars remain giants for their contributions to the evolution of the muscle car industry in this country.

The linchpin of the Cobra Experience is the promotion, conservation, education, and preservation of cars produced by Shelby American. In the early ‘70s, Drew Serb, founder and curator, was captivated by the Cobra and started his journey of restoration and dedication to this special car. Through the years he gained experience in Cobra repairs and amassed an enviable inventory of spare parts, artifacts, and memorabilia. He wanted to share these increasingly rare cars with the public and was able to transform his passion for the cars into the Cobra Experience. He is fortunate to run this museum with his wife, Janet, and daughters, Emily and Kate.

The Serb family has always been local to the East Bay and is very proud to be able to share their passion with our tight knit community. Further education of the masses, especially the next generation, is what they hope to accomplish.

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square foot museum located in Martinez, and it showcases the original Cobras, Shelby Mustangs, Daytona Coupe, GT40, King Cobra, Sunbeam Tigers, and a Lotus.

Currently there are 24 cars on display.

There are engine and wheel displays, posters, photos, and a shop scene as it was at Shelby American in the ‘60s. Unique to the museum is a 40-seat surround sound theater that features an HD film about

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the cars and about the Ford and Shelby American story. The facility is available to rent for events and can accommodate up to 300 people. The theater seats up to 40, a board room/library is available for small groups, and a lounge adjoining the large covered patio area seats up to 80.

To find out more about The Cobra Experience, visit www.cobraexperience.org or call 925-558-5585.

UPCOMING EVENTS: OPEN DAY - March 20, 11am-4pm OPEN DAY - April 17, 11am-4pm SEIS DE MAYO CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER May 6, at 6pm OPEN DAY - May 15, 11am-4pm COBRA DAY CAR SHOW ALL FORDS PRE-’70 - June 4, from 12-4pm OPEN DAY - June 19, Father’s Day, 11am-4pm

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5

Estate Planning

SWS Financial Credit Unions vs. Banks

From the beginning, the credit union movement has provided hope during times of extreme upheaval and economic depression. Credit unions started around the middle of the 19th century. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing when people were living in a feudal system tied to an agrarian structure. Banks were for the rich only, and because people had few options, they were ready prey for loan sharks.

The confusion caused by these growth pains was responsible for a time of tremendous suffering in Europe. Plague, famine, and hopelessness ran rampant, with no adequate relief structure in sight.

Meanwhile, banks continued to flourish.

People discovered that by banding together they could help each other, so they formed credit societies organized on the principals of the co-op. These early organizations, over time, were called cooperative credit, credit societies, people’s banks and, finally, credit unions. From the beginning, they have been based on the four rules of the co-op: 1) It is owned and controlled by its members.

2) Services to members are based on relationship to the co-op, rather than just the profit that can be made off of them.

Incapacity Planning for the Elderly

3) Cost is less because no revenue goes to stockholders, therefore, dividends on deposits can be higher, and loan prices can be lower.

4) Credit unions exist to serve their members and can often be more innovative in providing financial services.

In America, The National Credit Union Act was passed in 1934 to help the country dig out from the Great Depression, while the banking industry was still in some disarray.

While it is true that credit unions conduct banking transactions and can look very “bank like,” the similarities are superficial. The credit union is a not for profit organization and has a purely volunteer board of directors. This affects not only the cost structure but also strategic planning and management decisions. In other words, credit unions and banks may look similar, but they act very different.

Today, credit unions serve people on a worldwide scale. Our mantra, “People Helping People,” is as alive today as it was over 100 years ago.

Call SWSFCU today at 925.228.4545 or visit us online at www.SWSFCU. org1700 Pacheco Blvd. | Martinez, CA 94553 Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.

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BY DANIEL DuREE

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

Transitioning Management of a Trust

Generally, a person will serve as trustee of a trust until passing away or being declared incompetent by two separate doctors. Only at that time will the successor trustee take control and start managing the trust property. However, management can be more easily transferred by amending the trust and making the first successor trustee a co-trustee. This way, the original trust creator can still help manage the property alongside the co-trustee and eventually leave the co-trustee to do most of the management. Another benefit to this is that the original trust creator need not be declared incompetent and will remain a co-trustee until death. This simplifies tax preparation as well because a separate tax return must be filed when the creator of the trust is no longer a trustee or co-trustee.

Transitioning Management of Financial, Personal, and Healthcare Decisions

Similar to the trust management succession above, most Durable Powers of Attorney and Advance Healthcare directives do not take effect until a person is deemed incapacitated by two doctors. However, if a family member is slowly losing capacity but is presently still competent, an immediate durable power of attorney and/or advance healthcare directive may be created to transition decision making to another person. With an immediate durable power of attorney, for example, the creator can still write checks, file taxes, etc., but their agent can also do these things on their behalf. So, instead of management going from only the principal having authority to only the agent having authority, there is a smooth transition where both parties have legal authority to manage the principal’s finances.

If the deteriorating capacity of a loved one is addressed early enough, you can transition management smoothly without having to resort to declaring the person incapacitated or going through the painful conservatorship process.

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

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

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Springtime!

Joy and Health to All Family Pets!

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Millennials Leading the Way

Last year real estate experts slated 2015 as the year of the millennial homebuyer, but that never quite came to fruition. It was an early prediction that apparently needed time to ripen. This year it is safer to say that both millennials and Gen-Xers will be the force leading real estate trends.

First, for us newbies, what is a millennial? A millennial is someone born between 1980 and 2000. At the upper end of that range is someone in their early thirties. A Gen-Xer is between the ages of 35-50. As we’ve all heard, the economy has come back strong not only in California but across the nation.

Job growth has primarily benefitted the millennial age bracket. They are not only employed and in demand but, more importantly, they are building qualifications for home loans.

Why is this important to you? If you’re a homeowner selling, it’s important to know whom your buyer is and what somebody is looking for in a home as well as a community. According to the National Association of Realtors, millennials made up 32% of the market in 2015, making it the largest percentage of homebuyers.

Pleasant Hill is prime real estate for millennials. We have found there are two types of millennial homebuyers. Some millennials and Gen-Xers are foregoing marriage and family and opting to invest in real estate first. Many are not looking for their “forever” home but rather a short-term home they can work on, update, and use as a steppingstone to their next investment. A larger portion of millennials in our area are looking for homes in suburban areas to lay down roots where they will eventually start families and benefit from everything a place like Pleasant Hill has to offer, yet still be close to more metropolitan areas for work. Favorite attributes of Pleasant Hill would be: walkability compared to other surrounding areas; parks and recreation; character of the homes; above average lot size;

Ken Marson and Cristina Candelori, J. Rockcliff Realtors

and, of course, the high ranking school system. Millennials are going to prefer open floor plans, neutral colors, and a place for a home office. This is where an experienced real estate agent can help homeowners with staging and suggestions they know will appeal to more buyers.

For millennials looking to buy their first home, it’s important to find a real estate agent with knowledge of the area who can also help set realistic expectations. No house is perfect, and helping homebuyers see through the wood paneling to the home of their dreams can take a guiding hand. From baby boomers to millennials, we care about you at every age. We are Marson and Candelori, and we want you to love where you live.

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march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

As Russ Sees It Looking Good

BY RUSS CARROLL

So my driver’s license says I am 6’2” and 185 lbs. Yes, it’s an expired one from 1976, but I still keep it in my wallet. My current license says 6’1” and 186 lbs.

Much more realistic. I am not fond of the picture, but who does like their driver’s license photo? Under the description for hair, it simply reads “balding.” The picture reflects so little hair that it looks like I have a Mohawk. Must have been the lighting. Or, perhaps, the fault of the knucklehead at the DMV that took the photo. I mean, what do they know about photography? My feet were squarely placed on the little picture of feet on the floor, so I know I did my part. Perhaps I should go back and demand a reshoot.

It’s not right that the picture makes me look like a middle aged, overweight, balding has-been. I scream “photo foul”!

The other day while shopping for some new clothes, I thought I would try on one of those new compression shirts.

It’s safe to say it did not go well. I am certain you could hear laughter from the dressing room from outside the building.

It was one of those life moments where you could either laugh or cry. I opted for laughter (ok…I was really crying but covered it up well with fake laughter). I am not sure why these shirts are so popular.

I’m still not sure what looked bigger, my belly or my boobs! My reflection reminded me of one of those mirrors in

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the funhouse at a carnival. It’s safe to say I looked nothing like the mannequin on display from where I grabbed the shirt.

The movie Son of Flubber came to mind.

I guess I thought the shirt would offer me the same rippling biceps, pecs, and six-pack that the mannequin was rocking, but sadly, no. Why don’t they have mannequins that reflect normal, realistic physiques like mine? There should be a whole different line of mannequins for “plus-sizes.” I mean, if the mannequin had a similar build to my own, I would have known how ridiculous I would look and never tried the darn shirt on to begin with. I did revel in one small victory over the mannequin….at least I have a head! I will trade his overly impressive physique for a head. However, mama didn’t raise no fool, so I passed on trying on the compression underwear. And while I am on the topic, why do female mannequins have nipples? Or, perhaps, the question is why do I notice that female mannequins have nipples? The good news is that the female mannequins have no heads either, so they couldn’t see how ridiculous I looked in a compression shirt. Do they make mumus for men?

So, until next January, when I institute my pending New Year’s resolution to get into shape, I will simply avoid mannequins, with or without nipples, and any material called compression. I think I will stick with baggy shorts, flip flops and oversized sweatshirts. And of course, a hat, because after all, I do have a head!

But…that’s just how I see it.

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City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message A Response to Concerned Residents Regarding Oak Park Elementary Site

A number of Pleasant Hill residents recently signed a petition addressed to the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District in support of the District’s efforts to negotiate with Contra Costa County to purchase the 10acre site on Oak Park Blvd., known as the Oak Park Elementary School site. A copy of the petition was provided to the Pleasant Hill City Council, along with a letter from concerned residents requesting the City Council support the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District in purchasing the land to be used for a library, playing fields, and detention basin. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my response to that letter.

Dear Community Members,

I am writing to thank you for your letter, dated January 14, 2016, in reference to the 10-acre site known as the former Oak Park Elementary School site on Oak Park Blvd., owned by Contra Costa County. I appreciate all of your efforts in garnering community support among residents regarding the future development and use of the site.

There are a number of issues pertaining to potential uses of the 10-acre site that I would like to bring to your attention.

First, in reference to the possible use of the site as a flood detention basin, two major feasibility studies were completed by the Contra Costa County Flood Control District in consultation with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Pleasant Hill.

The studies, completed in 1993 and 2013, concluded that a large regional flood protection system, such as a detention basin, would be extremely costly and would not qualify for any federal funding because the costs outweighed the benefits. The 2013 study estimated the cost to construct a basin on this site would be between $17.3m to $31.0m, depending on the scope of the project.

In regard to the possible use of the site for ballfields, it is my understanding that the Recreation & Park District plans are in the very early stages and limited information has been received regarding the intended usage and estimated costs.

It is my understanding that in addition to ballfields, the project may need to include infrastructure improvements.

That said, I am hoping that the city and the district can work together to achieve the most desirable outcome for both agencies and the greater Pleasant Hill community. At this time, the city’s focus, in partnership with the Library Task Force, is on finding a funding mechanism to build a new community library. Members of the city council, recreation district, county, and Mount Diablo Unified School District participate on the task force. In addition, city staff has been working with county staff over the past 20 months to find a way to replace the current library with a state-of-the-art facility that will serve our community for the next 50 years.

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march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Sue Noack, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

County staff and its consultants have been regular attendees at the Library Task Force meetings and have provided regular updates on the work done in relation to the disposition of county owned properties, including the 10-acre site, the current library site, and another property off of Beatrice Road. The county has hired consultants to determine what development would be appropriate for the 10-acre site. Permits for any development on this site will be needed from the city, and public hearings will be required before consideration.

I believe the county has made it clear that it wishes to receive fair market value for the sale of all three properties. I understand that there is not an agreement as to that value between the county and the recrea-

tion district. The city is not a party to the negotiations, so I am unable to comment on that subject at this time.

It is possible that some type of joint project, involving ballfields and a new library, could be realized on the 10-acre site. However, there are many unanswered questions at this point regarding such a proposal, not least of which is how to finance it.

The City of Pleasant Hill will continue our discussions with both the recreation district and the county, and I will do my best to keep you informed. Thank you again for interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you and other concerned residents on this issue as we move forward.

Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission Mar. 3, 17 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 Civic Action Commission Mar. 2 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 City Council Feb. Mar. 7, 21 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Library Task Force Mar. 14 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 11am. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Mar. 8, 22 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Education Commission Mar. 23 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Community Room, 7pm For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

Chamber Calendar

March 4 – Ambassador Meeting 8:30 – 9:30am March 10– Business Mixer 5-7pm, hosted by WiseGirl Ristrorante and PH Rotary, 1932 Oak Park Blvd.

March 28 – Government Affairs Committee 5:30 – 7pm, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, PH. March 28 – Green Business Committee 4 – 5pm, Pleasant Hill Chamber office, 91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11, PH. March 30 – 680 Professional Women’s Business Network 6 – 8pm, call Chamber to RSVP and for location.

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City of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill City News Molino’s Ravioli Closure

The long-standing Molino’s Ravioli on Pleasant Hill Road closed its doors in January, leaving neighbors and the broader community wondering what will happen to the property in the future. Jim Molino took over the business after his mother, Margherita Molino, passed away in May 2014. Margherita, along with her husband and his parents, operated Molino’s Ravioli for over 50 years until she fell ill in 2012 and passed the business on to her son. Jim Molino passed away last September.

The size of the property is significant for Pleasant Hill and includes five parcels. According to the Contra Costa County assessor’s map, the entire property sits on 5.1 acres.

The zoning is R-10, allowing for medium density, single-family residential land use at densities from 3.1 to 4.5 units per net acre. The minimum lot size is 10,000 square feet.

A future developer may consider a Planned Unit District (PUD), which would allow some of the development standards to be flexible. PUDs allow for smaller lot sizes, smaller setbacks between the property lines and the homes, but they would need justifications. Thus far, no applications have come in to the City of Pleasant Hill from any developer interested in any or all of the parcels.

In addition, the Molino home is listed in the city’s general plan as a “Structure of Potential Historic Significance” and is described as an “Italian style house with kitchen in basement and adjacent tank house.” The Architectural Review Commission will need to evaluate the historical significance of the building. Some residents will undoubtedly raise the issue over preserving or possibly moving this home to another location during public comment at a future city meeting. Given that any development proposal is obligated to go through the Architecture Review Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council, as well as public hearings, the likelihood of seeing any development on the property wouldn’t be for another 18 months to two years.

Sloat Replaces Navlet’s Sloat Garden Center is now running Navlet’s Garden Center’s four East Bay locations: Concord, Danville, Martinez and Pleasant Hill. The garden center posted on their Facebook page, “We are proud to continue Navlet’s tradition of expert gardening know-how. Both Sloat and Navlet’s were built through a passion for gardening, a commitment to community, a responsibility for sustainable gardening, and a desire to offer the highest quality plants, pottery, and products. The vast majority of Navlet’s teams have stayed with the stores – we are excited that they’ve joined Sloat Garden Center.”

Sloat Garden Center started in 1958 and the first store was located at the corner of 34th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco. Sloat is an independently owned garden center with 13 locations.

Upcoming CERT Training

Pleasant Hill CERT is offering free disaster preparedness training beginning Saturday, April 9, in the Pleasant Hill City Hall’s large community room. This six-Saturday morning course provides training on what steps to take to prepare you, your family, and your dwelling for a disaster, such as an earthquake, and how to safely respond following that disaster to help your family, neighbors, and community. Classes are 8am to 11:30am. Sign up online at www.pleasanthillcert.org or call Jim Bonato at 938-5433.

City News Continued

The installation in Gregory Gardens will mostly be via boring which will require a number of large pits to be dug along the sewer line. For more information, please contact Community Affairs Representative Chris Carpenter at 925-229-7316 or ccarp@centralsan.org.

Marijuana Cultivation Indoors

Due to passage of AB 243 and the March 1, 2016, deadline for local governments to retain local control over the licensing of marijuana cultivation by putting in place regulations governing cultivation, city council addressed and made explicit the implied ban on indoor cultivation.

At the January 25 meeting, council voted 4-1 (Flaherty dissenting) to introduce the ordinance to ban the indoor cultivation of marijuana, with the exception that residents are allowed to grow a total of no more than three plants indoors (or outdoors) for personal use, assuming he or she is a qualified patient with a medical marijuana license.

If grown outdoors, plants are required to be five feet from any property line and not visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent parcel. If grown indoors, plants cannot be visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent parcel. No more than three marijuana plants per parcel are allowed to be cultivated indoors, regardless of the number of qualified patients residing on the parcel.

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Sewer Line Project

Beginning in April, the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) will be installing a new sewer line through parts of Gregory Gardens and north along Pleasant Hill Road (from Westover to Devon). The installation in Gregory Gardens will affect the following streets: Westover Drive, Westover Ct., and parts of Maureen Lane, Lucille Lane and Kathleen Drive. For complete details, visit the city’s website at www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us.

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City of Martinez

Mayor’s Message

Martinez has always been a leader in sustainability programs that reduce impact on the environment. That may seem like a strange claim, being the home to heavy industry such as Shell Oil and Eco Systems, but over the last several years, Martinez has instituted programs and policies, both internally and externally, to make that claim.

In the early stages of my years in office as a city councilman, Martinez instituted an aggressive single stream recycling and green waste program with the help of our solid waste hauler. Soon after that, we rolled out a commercial recycling program. Just recently, that program was expanded to include many other types of recyclables, including plastic bags. Green waste was expanded to include kitchen food scraps and soiled paper food containers, and weekly pickup was added.

All city-owned buildings have been converted to energy efficient systems, and City Hall has earned an LEED certification.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design and is a green building certification program that recognizes bestin-class building strategies and practices.

Just in the last few months, we worked with PG&E to replace all streetlights with low energy LED lamps. Martinez was also the first city in Contra Costa County to install electrical charging stations in the downtown area.

Stations are currently located at City Hall,

the Amtrak station, and at Court and Main Streets.

Now, all residents of Martinez have a chance to help the city achieve recognition as the “Coolest City in California” and save energy and water at the same time. The CoolCalifornia Challenge was recently announced by the Energy Upgrade California as an initiative to help Californians take action to save energy and conserve natural resources, help reduce demand on the electrical grid, and make informed energy management choices at home and work.

The California PUC, the California Energy Commission, utilities, regional energy networks, local governments, businesses, and non-profits support it.

The CoolCalifornia Challenge is a competition between California cities to motivate and reward residents for reducing their carbon footprints and build more sustainable communities. With 22 cities vying for the title of “Coolest California City,” I upped the stakes by taping a video segment, urging Martinez residents to accept the challenge. If you have a chance to take a look, please do. The link to the video is https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xJ2PXGUMxNY.

Households in Martinez can join the CoolCalifornia Challenge by registering at CAChalleng.org. They can then track energy use and vehicle miles driven, as well as

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

share energy savings tips to earn points for their cities. The city with the highest sustainability points at the end of the challenge will be crowned “Coolest California City.” Two runner-up cities will be named “Cool California City,” and all participating cities will receive a portion of the $150,000 overall prize to help support local sustainability projects.

Participating cities include Claremont, San Mateo, Buellton, Indio, Burlingame, Long Beach, Elk Grove, San Carlos, Lynwood, Martinez, South Pasadena, Redwood City, Huntington Beach, San Pablo, Benicia,

Corte Madera, Mill Valley, Sausalito, El Cerrito, Fairfax, Larkspur, and Richmond.

Current standings of the cities can be found on the leaderboard at the bottom of the Cool California Challenge webpage. The CoolCalifornia City Challenge ends March 30, 2016, and the winning city will be recognized during Earth Week on April 21, 2016.

So come on Martinez, we can beat those other cities! And if you live in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, or Pleasant Hill, urge your friends and family who live in Martinez to sign up. As of this printing, we were in 7th place. Sign up and let’s win this thing!

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015

To RSVP call the Martinez Chamber of Commerce at 925-228-2345.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Mar. 2, 16 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Mar. 9, 23 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Mar. 8, 22 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Mar. 2,16 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

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

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March 3 - Citizen of the Year for 2015 Nominations Deadline: last day to accept letters of nomination for Citizen of the Year candidates. For guidelines visit www. martinezchamber.com or call the Chamber office.

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March 10 – Chamber Mixer at Xtreme Scaffolding 5:30-7:30pm. 3503 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez. Great networking, food, fun and raffle prizes. Bring a raffle prize and have your business announced.

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March 22 - Board of Directors Meeting 12pm, Martinez Unified School District, 921 Susana Street, Martinez.

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Chamber Calendar

march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

April 30 - Citizen of the Year Awards 6-9pm. $55 per person. Call the Chamber to purchase your ticket.

City of Martinez

Martinez City News St. Baldrick’s Head Shaving

St. Baldrick’s Foundation Day on March 13 will take place in the Main Street Plaza starting at 10am and Mayor Rob Schroder will have his head “shaved” at 12 noon for the third year in a row. Mayor Schroder said that on Friday, March 4 at 10am, “I will be at Citrus Salon along with Jim Blair, the owner of Creek Monkey Tap House and maybe even District Attorney Mark Peterson, and we are going to dye our hair green. Mark is not interested in shaving his head but he said he would dye it green as long as he can wash it out.”

City News Continued tion. This distinction demonstrates this community’s commitment to urban forestry and promoting the benefits of trees. Residents are encouraged to support the principles of Arbor Day year round: reduce, reuse and recycle all paper products. Call 925372-3547 for information and to participate.

Egg Hunt

A free egg hunt is at 10am on Saturday, March 26, at the Waterfront Park Grass Area. Please arrive by 9:45am! Enjoy face painting. Bring your own camera to take pictures with the bunny. The egg hunt is for ages 2-9 years old.

Special City Council Meeting

Brickyard Run 2016

City Council will hold a special meeting on March 9 at 7pm to address the request to rescind the Pine Meadow approvals. If the council allows the project’s approval to be cancelled, the referendum would not appear on the November ballot. The vote will let the citizens of Martinez decide whether Pine Meadow will remain Permanent Open Space/Recreation. No other issues will be discussed at that time.

On Sunday, April 10, you can be a part of 48-year old local tradition- The Annual Luka Sekulich Brickyard Run. The run benefits Alhambra High School and Martinez Recreation Scholarship Program. Check in and registration is at 7am and race time for the 4 and 8 mile run is at 8:30am. Register at eventbrite.com after March 1.

Fees: 4 mile run is $25/$30 on race day. Fees include T-shirts and awards. Course: 4 mile race “out and back” on Carquinez Scenic Drive. For questions contact: Brickyardrun@gmail.com.

Community Groups Funding Program

The city has long been a supporter of local non-profit organizations that serve the Martinez community and is now accepting applications from community organizations for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2016-17, which starts July 1, 2016. The primary intent of the funding provided by this program is to serve Martinez businesses and residents. Applicants must be community-based, 501 (c) nonprofit organizations that promote and provide services to residents and/or businesses in the city. Applicants must explain how the proposed project or program will serve Martinez residents and/ or businesses.

Application forms are available at the City Clerk’s office (Martinez City Hall) at 525 Henrietta Street. Please note that completed and signed applications for Fiscal Year 2016-17 must be submitted by 3pm on Friday, April 15, to the City Clerk’s office, or scanned and sent via email to mcabral@cityofmartinez.org. Applications will be reviewed by city staff, considered by the Budget Subcommittee, and forwarded with recommendations to the City Council. A total of $7,500 from the General Fund was approved to support this program last year, and ten local organizations were approved to receive community grants.

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Downtown Clean Up Day

Head to downtown Martinez on Saturday, March 26, to help make downtown sparkle at the annual Downtown Clean Up Day! You can make it a fun day beginning at 8am with family, friends, co-workers, Boy or Girl Scout troops, or just yourself! Grab brooms, gloves, rakes, power washers, and saws, and descend on downtown to make the place shine. Parking lots and grassy medians are swept and mowed, litter is removed, brick sidewalks are given a good going over with power washers, and weeds are knocked down. The event runs from 8am-noon, and coffee and donuts will be provided in the morning as well as a BBQ lunch for volunteers. Sign up today! Email bjkapsalis@aol.com or call (925) 408-1338.

Arbor Day in Susana Park

Arbor Day is Wednesday, March 9, and at 10am in Susana Park the Martinez Park and Recreation staff will provide crafts and planting for Arbor Day participants. The public is invited to participate in this celebration of trees and wildlife. The City of Martinez continues to be recognized as a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundaourcommunityfocus.com • march 2016

13

City of Walnut Creek

Mayor’s Message

How would you use an abandoned walnut warehouse in the center of town?

Walnut Creek and the performing arts groups in the area turned that warehouse into “The Nuthouse,” the nickname for the 449-seat Civic Arts Theater and Gallery in

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1965. It was such a success that needs exceeded the available space. An arts facility study done in the mid-1970s confirmed what people already knew: Walnut Creek needed a new arts center.

In 1980, the city council allocated $500,000 in start-up money, and the nonprofit Regional Center for the Arts, Inc. kicked off a successful fundraising campaign. Some 2,000 individuals and businesses made private donations of approximately one-third of the center’s $21 million price tag. This proves, once again, that “Walnut Creek Works.” The Regional Center for the Arts (now known as the Lesher Center for the Arts) became a reality.

The construction began in 1988 and was finished in late 1990. The opening celebration had a sell-out crowd of 800 people who paid $1,000 each to attend gala performances by Bob Hope, Joel Grey, Vic Damone, and Diahann Carroll.

The 25th anniversary of the center was celebrated with equal joie de vivre in October 2015, with fine dining and live entertainment. This event, produced by Diablo Regional Arts Association, raised funds that support DRAA’s unique Arts Access program. This program makes it possible for more than 6,000 low-income children to attend high-quality performances at the theater each year. For many of these students, this opportunity is life

Loella Haskew, Mayor of Walnut Creek

changing.

The public/private partnership between Walnut Creek and DRAA is one of the most tangible examples of how “Walnut Creek Works.” In addition to its traditional fund raising, DRAA’s “Find Your Center” campaign is well on its way to raising an additional $5 million to expand educational outreach, promote artistic excellence, and bring the latest technology – such as computerized special effects - to the stage.

To whet your appetite, the following is a summary of just some of the productions at the Lesher Center in March: In the Hofmann Theater (the largest of the performance venues):

• In The Mood, an Artbeat production. This is a celebration of the music of America’s greatest generation, highlighting works of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, and many more.

• Pink Floyd Concert Experience or Zep Live! The Led Zeppelin Concert Experience, both produced by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters.

In the Margaret Lesher Theater (the middle-sized venue):

• Fantasy Forum’s Once Upon a Time, a tuneful combination of Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks aimed at the young and the young-at-heart.

• Percussion Discussion with Ken Bermann, a delightful and hysterical romp through the world of things to thump.

• Pirates of Penzance Sing-along, where the Lamplighters give the audience a chance to really participate in the performance along with the cast.

In the newly rededicated George and Sonja Vukasin Theater (the smallest of the venues):

• Pageant is presented by OMG, I Love That Show! Productions. This is a “real life” pageant, with audience members chosen as judges.

• I Love a Piano, a Brentwood Theater Company production that highlights the music of Irving Berlin.

Not included in the small sampling above are classical music, ballet, film, and young people performances. To find out more about the productions for March and the rest of the year, please visit the website www.lesherartscenter.org. Tickets can be purchased through the website and at the outlet located in the Walnut Creek Library. When available, you can purchase half-priced, day-of-show tickets by calling 925-943-SHOW (7469), prompt #7. You may have the chance to get tickets for a sold out show by hanging around the ticket office to see if there are any tickets turned in at the last minute.

Come to the theater; it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Safety tip for March: Drivers, please keep your windows clean. Drive only when you have a clear view looking forward, to the side, and to the rear.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Mar. 1, 15 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6-11pm. Contact: 943-5819 Design Review Meeting Mar. 2, 16 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Planning Commission Meeting Mar. 10, 24 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 943-5819 For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org 14

march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

City of Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek City News Walnut Creek MEDS Coalition

Walnut Creek resident Nancy Juracka coordinates the Walnut Creek MEDS (Medication Education and Disposal Safety) Coalition, and their kick-off meeting is at Sports Basement in Walnut Creek on March 2 at 6:30pm. March is prescription drug awareness month, and the coalition’s goal is to bring community awareness to this issue. The meeting includes a short film entitled Parents 360 RX, about the impact of prescription drug abuse on families, followed by a panel discussion.

Juracka works with April Rovero, who lives in San Ramon and who started the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse (NCAPDA) after her son, Joey, died of an overdose at Arizona State University. Rovero started an active MEDS Coalition with about 20-30 members. Juracka joined her as an outreach director for Walnut Creek and continues to branch out to other communities. “This cause is personally important to me because my son also died from alcohol and drug abuse.

Many of my friends have also lost children, and we believe education is key. I hope to get others from the community interested in joining me. I have met with the police officer at Northgate and will be teaming up with her for school programs. There is a lot that we can do,” said Juracka.

You can read more about MEDS and April Rovero at www.ncapda.org and can read about the landmark case in Los Angeles where the doctor who was prescribing pills to students at ASU was just sentenced to 30 years for the death of 8 students, including April’s son.

The 2nd Annual “Dose of Awareness” 5K Walk and Health Expo was held on February 28, when community members walked in memory of thousands of Americans who have been lost to our national prescription drug abuse epidemic. Their mission is to educate and equip youth and adults of all ages with information and resources that can help keep them safe. “I am hopeful that we will do something like this at Heather Farm Park in the future,” added Juracka.

City News Continued recent history.

The Faces of Wildlife Gala will be an unforgettable experience, with live animals, talented local artists, and cocktail and live auctions featuring unique Lindsay experiences and vacation getaways. This year’s gala focuses on Shadow, Lindsay’s great gray owl, who was found in Minnesota and treated for a wing injury and has been at Lindsay since 1999. Guests will enjoy a scrumptious gourmet dinner followed by a dance party.

Emceeing the event is KPIX 5 Morning and N ews at Noon Anchor Michelle Griego. Individual tickets are $250; tables of 10 are $2,500. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 925-627-2950 or visit www.lindsaywildlife.org/gala.

Authors On Deck - A Library Gala

Tickets to the Walnut Creek Library Foundation’s Authors Gala go on sale March 1. The April 16 event is always a sell-out, with the opportunity to mingle with authors over cocktails and dinner at the library. Two options are available: $75 for the Bon Voyage cocktail reception, and $250 for Dinner on the Promenade. Meet the guest authors and enjoy the silent auction, libations, and hors d‘oeuvres. Following the reception, guests will move topside for Dinner on the Promenade with Bay Area authors. The gourmet dinner will be prepared and served by Grace Street Catering.

Tickets are $250 for Dinner on the Promenade (includes the Bon Voyage Reception) and $75 for the Bon Voyage Reception only. Limited seating is available. Proceeds support essential programs and collections for the Walnut Creek and Ygnacio Valley libraries. For a list of participating authors, visit www.wclibrary.org/2016authors/.

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Library Garage Now Closed Midnight to 6am

The Walnut Creek Library garage is now closed from midnight until 6am. The change is due to an increase in car break-ins and vandalism taking place in the early morning hours, as well as persons sleeping in the garage stairwells overnight. Anyone who leaves his or her car in the garage after midnight will need to wait until 6am to retrieve it. For questions or concerns regarding this change, contact Carla Hansen at hansen@walnut-creek.org in the City Manager’s Office.

Community Garden Survey

The City of Walnut Creek is considering installing additional community gardens/farms within the park system. You can show your level of interest on this issue by taking a short survey. Questions range from: “Does the idea of promoting Walnut Creek as a leader in the urban agriculture movement appeal to you?” to “What sorts of activities might interest you in a community garden/farm?” The parks under consideration for a community garden/farm include Arbolado Park, Heather Farm Park, and San Miguel Park. As of this printing, there have been over 100 responses so far. To participate, go to the City of Walnut Creek’s website at www.ci.walnutcreek.ca.us/ and click on “Community Garden Survey.” The deadline to submit the eight-question survey is midnight, March 14.

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Sixth Annual Faces of Wildlife Gala, scheduled for Saturday, March 19, at Diablo Country Club. This wild evening event raises money for Lindsay Wildlife, which treats more than 5,500 injured and orphaned animals each year. 2015 was a record year for Lindsay, with the drought bringing in more and worse-off animals than in

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15

Community Award Winners

Top row (LtoR): Laura Maule (Teen of the Year), Liz Kim (Educator of the Year), PH Fourth of July Commission (Mayor’s Award), Monument Crisis Center (Rec & Park District Community Service Award), Anne Baker (Green Award), Ron Jewison, UPS Store (Business Person of the Year), Pleasant Hill CoHousing (Green Business Award). Bottom row (LtoR): Brad Waite and Angela Warren, Land Home Financial (Rec & Park District Board Appreciation Award), Scott Luke (Chamber Board Appreciation Award), Pamela Green (Chamber Ambassador of the Year), Mike Furtado (Community Plus Award), Matt Rinn (Citizen of the Year), Susan Wood (Chamber Ambassador of the Year) and Bob Berggren (Community Foundation Cornerstone Award). Photo by Mark Gebhardt Photography.

16

march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

PH Rec & Park

Announcements and Events

Spring/Summer SPOTLIGHT is here!

Registration is now open for summer camps and spring/summer activities for the whole family. Mark your calendar for exciting upcoming events! Visit pleasanthillrec.com.

Spring Break Camps for Youth & Teens (3/28-4/1/16). Sign up for one of our exciting Spring Break camp programs. KIDSTOP Spring Break Camp (Grade K-5), Youth Tennis Camp (6-12 yrs) and Xtreme Break Camp at the Teen Center (Grades 6 & up; siblings 3 & up). Visit pleasanthillrec.com.

Join the Adventure! Summer Camps for Preschool, Youth & Teens. Camp programs fill up fast. Enroll early for wide variety of exciting camps to fit your summer schedule. See pleasanthillrec.com for details.

NFL Youth Flag Football (Co-Ed, Grades 3–8) Hut! Hut! Hike! Join our spring Youth Flag Football program sponsored by the National Football League. Season play begins 4/16 for 6 weeks. Saturday games. Sports jersey and football included. Fees: $145/$130 (Dist. Res.). Register at pleasanthillrec.com by 4/1/16.

Tennis Lessons Available For the Whole Family! Introduce family members (6 yrs & up) to a wonderful lifelong sport! Private and group lessons available. Visit phrecsports.com/tennis.html.

Teens Make A Difference!

PH Teen Council Now Accepting Applications for 2016-2017! (Grades 6-12). Teens plan fun peer events and participate in community service activities. Download applications at phteenscene.com. Questions? Call Jenny Cooper at (925) 691-5645.

Easter Breakfast with Bunny (1–10 yrs) Saturday, March 19, 8:30-9:30am at the Dining Room, Senior Center. Pancake breakfast and crafts with Bunny! Bring camera. All attending (parent & child) must register by 3/18 by calling (925) 682-0896. Admission: $9.50/$8.50 (Dist. Res.), Children <1 yr in stroller/backpack, free.

Eggciting Egg Hunt!

In Pleasant Hill Park. Saturday, March 26, start times vary by age group. Check-in begins for all age groups at 9:30am. $6 per child. Online pre-registration at pleasanthillrec.com required by noon, March 25. Hunt eggs and enjoy lots of “egg”citing entertainment! Ride new Pleasant Hill Express train. Find GOLDEN TICKET to win special prize! Participants receive goody bag. Bring camera and Easter baskets. Enjoy a visit with the Easter Bunny.

All activities close at noon.

Easter Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 26, 9–11am, Chateau Room, Senior Center. Fuel up before or after our “Egg” citing Egg Hunt! Join us for our pancake breakfast! Tickets: Adults 11+: $5; Children 5–10 yrs. $3; 4 & under: Free!

PH Dolfin Swim Team Have Fun! Swim Fast! Sign up for swim team through May 20 at District Office, 147 Gregory Lane. For more info, call (925) 682-0896 or visit pleasanthillrec.com.

Now Hiring Lifeguards for Summer!

Interested? Call (925) 682-0896 or visit pleasanthillrec.com.

Wine, Women & Shoes Buy Tickets Now! 2016 Sunday, May 15, 2-6pm, Perera Pavilion, Community Center. Be there! Be fabulous! Sip fine wines, savor delicious food, shop the latest in designer shoes and fashion, bid on exciting auction prizes and enjoy an incredible fashion show. Benefits Rehabilitation Services of Northern California and Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District.

Buy Tickets here: http://winewomenandshoes.com/contracosta.

Insurance News Advice About Life Insurance

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

March is a long month -- no three-day weekends. At least we can celebrate St. Patrick!

March is also when my health insurance association, CAHU, reviews hundreds of health related bills that our representatives present to the State Assembly and Senate. The local legislative chairs are responsible for studying two to three bills, preparing a summary, and making recommendations to support, oppose, or remain neutral on a given bill. It is a very interesting aspect to our complicated process of making new laws.

The people on this committee are licensed health insurance agents and volunteers. I am lucky to be a small part of the process. Each year, I am impressed by their passion and diligence. Many have served for years. They focus on what is best for their clients and care deeply about the industry.

It is important to mention the unsung heroes that have helped me grow in my business. It is especially important because a

tech company in San Francisco that entered the insurance business a couple years ago is currently being investigated for licensing violations in Washington and California. The CEO resigned unexpectedly in February.

There will likely be more scrutiny of health insurance agents because of the unprofessional activities that apparently permeated the company culture.

I am confident the truly professional insurance agents will weather this storm. If your company switched brokers last year, it would be wise to verify the agent selected does indeed have a valid California insurance license. You can confirm this by looking up agents on the California Department of Insurance website: www.insurance.ca.gov.

Please call me if I can be of help. I am licensed.

For those of you with a Medicare Supplement, remember, if it is your birthday month, it is a good time to review your plan as rates have increased.

Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located in Pleasant Hill. Contact her at 925363-5433 or ccallahan@callahaninsurance. com.

Be there. Be fabulous!

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2016

2:00 - 6:00 PM • Pleasant Hill Community Center’s Perera Pavilion • • • • • •

Sip fine wines from top vintners Savor delicious food bites Shop the latest in shoes & fashion accessories Mingle with Shoe Guys Bid on one-of-a-kind silent & live auction items Kick up your heels for a fashion show

Benefitting Pleasant Hill Recreation & Rehabilitation Services of Northern California

PURCHASE TICKETS AT WINEWOMENANDSHOES.COM/CONTRACOSTA ourcommunityfocus.com • march 2016

17

Mr. Pleasant Hill

State Farm Agent Matt Rinn Named Citizen of the Year

Hard-working Pleasant Hill State Farm agent Matt Rinn was awarded the 2015 Pleasant Hill Citizen of the Year at the Community Awards Night on January 27.

The Community Focus interrupted Matt at a recent volunteer stint to ask him about this cherished award, his young family, and the many organizations he gives his time to within Pleasant Hill and beyond.

CF: Congratulations Matt! What does this award mean to you?

MR: This award is such an honor -- to be recognized by the people and organizations that work to make Pleasant Hill such an amazing community to raise a family and run a business.

CF: What community nonprofits have you been part of? And which one has been most impactful?

MR: Chamber of Commerce (chairman, board, ambassador and ambassador chairman); Rotary Club (past president); Irvin Deutscher YMCA (advisory board); PHMSA (soccer coach and referee); PHBA (softball coach); Pleasant Hill Education Commissioner; Contra Costa Community College District (governing board); Fourth of July Commission (fundraising chair); Boy Scouts; Art, Jazz, and Wine Festival; Blues and Brews Festival; Wine Women and Shoes; Relay for Life; Special Olympics; and College Park High School Boosters. They all have made an impact on me one way or another. Being a volunteer, whether leading the organization or not, you learn about people and their true selves. To see people give their time and money for others is very inspirational.

Often, recipients never know what went on behind the scenes to make things happen, but seeing the end result really fills your heart.

CF: Has your insurance background been helpful in your leadership roles?

MR: Being a trusted business leader in this community has made for an easy transition to the various organizations and committees I serve on. Most of the people I already interact with frequently, 18

Matt Rinn with his daughters Emily and Madison. Photo by Mark Gebhardt Photography.

so we have a good working relationship and can get a lot accomplished.

CF: How do you manage your busy schedule with a young family and keep it all organized?

MR: I am lucky to have an amazing wife, Ashley, who keeps the household on track. With younger kids, we usually eat at 5pm, so I am able to eat dinner at home most nights and spend some time with them before heading out to a 7pm meeting. Living and working in Pleasant Hill really helps, as some meetings are coffee or lunches, which I can get to pretty easily. I also use technology to help manage my calendar and most communications.

Much of what I do can be done on the go and at any time of day electronically.

CF: Does your family enjoy volunteering as much as you do?

march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

MR: As with most kids, they don’t have long attention spans. For example, if we are helping clean up our local school on Community Service Day, we pick a project geared towards them that can be completed in a decent amount of time. If it is a festival that I have helped plan, they come to enjoy it the day of. They are very proud of the work we do locally and often point out things we have done as a family.

As they are getting older, they are doing more projects with their Girl Scouts and their group of friends.

CF: Did your parents instill the value of community involvement?

MR: My parents split up when I was in elementary school, so I grew up with a single mom trying to raise 3 boys. I think being the middle son, I tried to be the peacekeeper and make things better for

those around me. As a parent, I try to do the things I always appreciated as a kid or wished my parents had done.

CF: Why did you choose Pleasant Hill as your home?

MR: State Farm had an agent retiring in Pleasant Hill and part of the recruitment deal was to manage those clients from Pleasant Hill. Soon after I started, I got involved in the Chamber of Commerce and got to know the leaders of the community. It started to feel like home and a perfect caring community to raise my family. We relocated from Dublin and have been loving it ever since.

CF: What do you take away from your involvement?

MR: That together we can accomplish great things. This community is so caring about each other that people outside of here don’t believe it. Just go to any event and see for yourself all the volunteers and community leaders who are engaged to make it the best place to live and work.

CF: You are seen coaching on the fields. How does this role compare to others?

MR: I think being an Under 8 Girls Soccer coach for one of my kid’s teams was probably the hardest and most rewarding at the same time. I am very competitive by nature, so I had to get over that quickly. It taught me to really take a step back and look at the little things and enjoy those cute moments. Helping them build confidence in themselves, learn new skills, work as a team and build friendships were the biggest victories that season.

CF: What is your next big role?

MR: I am not sure at this point. I am really passionate about the community and want to continue to work on making it a better place. I have been approached to run for a political position in 2016, but just not sure in what capacity as of yet.

For now, just continuing to try and be the best dad to my kids, have a successful agency, serve the organizations I am involved in, and maybe get a nap in there somewhere.

Film Festival

Read My Mind

The East Bay International Jewish Film Festival kicks off its 21st season on Saturday evening, March 5, at the Century 16 Theatres in Pleasant Hill with Best Foreign Film Oscar nominee Labyrinth of Lies. It concludes with another Oscar submission in the foreign language category, Baba Joon, on March 13.

“We’re delighted that our 21st year will bring many award-winning films to our community that speak to a broad audience,” says Chair Margaret Winter, a Contra Costa resident originally from London. “And while many of our films embrace serious issues, festival-goers will also be able to enjoy lighter fare, such as the romantic French comedy Serial Bad Weddings and the American romance 5 to 7, co-starring Glenn Close and Frank Langella.”

The festival includes films from Spain, France, Canada, Germany, Morocco, New Zealand, Poland, and Israel. Based on a true incident, the Spanish World War II thriller Dirty Wolves follows the heroic exploits of two women who sabotaged a Nazi mining operation. “The Canadian drama Remember stars two legendary actors, Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau. It is a must see,” adds Margaret. “You will remember this film long after the credits roll.”

The critically acclaimed drama Phoenix is also on the festival’s nine-day schedule. This German film has been favorably compared to Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Vertigo.

The festival committee has proudly expanded its scope to include films with a universal message. “We’re especially glad to present several movies that one would not typically find on a Jewish film festival line-up. We chose them because of their power to raise awareness of issues that are very important in today’s world,” explains Winter. Set in contemporary France, the award-winning film Welcome brings us into the life of a Kurdish young man desperate to be reunited with his girlfriend living in England. White Lies dramatizes the stereotyping against the indigenous Maori people in New Zealand during the 19th century.

The festival is co-sponsored by the City of Pleasant Hill, the Pleasant Hill Downtown Merchants, and the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, along with RINA Accountancy, City National Bank, Destination Wealth Management, Diablo Valley Oncology, Aaron Metals, Davidson & Licht, Kabab-Burger, AA All Metal Recycling, Buttercup Grill & Bar, Ayala’s Skincare, and Diablo Magazine.

To receive a brochure and get the festival’s monthly online ReelTalk, email eastbayjewishfilm@hotmail.com or call 925.240.3053. The day-by-day schedule can be seen at eastbayjewishfilm.org.

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

Mitch Albom has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read his groundbreaking memoir, Tuesdays with Morrie, subtitled “an old man, a young man, and life’s greatest lesson.” It’s the true story of Mitch reconnecting with his favorite college professor, Morrie Schwartz, sixteen years after graduating from Brandeis University.

By happenstance, Mitch, a sports columnist for the Detroit Free Press, sees a Nightline episode featuring an interview with Morrie, who is dying from ALS. This inspires Mitch to reconnect with this wise mentor whom he met on campus every Tuesday when he was a student. They take off right where they left off, with Mitch spending Tuesdays with Morrie and Morrie providing life lessons to his young protégé. If you haven’t read this marvelous book or haven’t read it in a while, read it now.

You will be inspired the way I was the first time I read it.

Over the years, Mitch (whom I met years ago) has written other bestsellers, both fiction and nonfiction. While I enjoyed his other books, none grabbed me the way Tuesdays did until I read his latest novel, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto. Narrated by the voice of music, this is a beautiful fable and not a true story, as some believe.

An orphan raised in Spain by a blind musical Maestro, Frankie is a child prodigy who plays the guitar like nobody’s business. He eventually moves to London, where he meets the love of his life, and then to the United States, where his artistry influences the greats and near greats of music. Frankie even stands in for Elvis at a concert and nobody knows the difference.

Eventually he becomes a rock star in his own right as his musical talents shift from classical, to jazz, and finally, to rock ‘n roll. Overwhelmed by his

Jewish Films for a Broad Audience

One of the films Iris, is a revealing documentary that showcases the legendary woman whose slogan is “More is more, less is a bore!”

©

Mitch, Frankie, and Isabel

fame, Frankie disappears for years, only to reappear magically and mysteriously.

“Interviews” with music giants Little Richard, Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, Carole King, and Hank Williams describe Frankie’s incredible life and his inspiration as “the greatest guitarist who ever lived.”

But the six “magical strings” on his guitar provided more than magnificent music. When Frankie strums them in a certain way, one turns blue. When this happens, Frankie’s talent changes somebody’s life. Throughout the book, the voice of music reminds us that “everyone joins a band in this life,” whether it’s with music, family or friends. This unforgettable parable will mesmerize you and open your ears to the music all around us.

Now, for another terrific author and marvelously told story. Isabel Allende is famous for novels and memoirs about her native Chile and Peru. Her books, written in Spanish and translated into English, deal with reflections on her family and romantic stories with a Latin theme. Her latest novel, The Japanese Lover, departs from the Latin theme.

Nonetheless, it is one of the most romantic tales she’s written.

The story centers on Alma Belasco, the adopted daughter of a prominent San Francisco Jewish family, and the son of their gardener, Ichimei Fukuda.

They first meet when they are seven years old and continue a secret love affair for seven decades. Even through long separations, their passion continually draws them back to each other.

Other prominent players in this love story are Alma’s caretaker, Irena, who struggles to overcome the nightmares of her childhood, and Alma’s grandson, Seth, who falls in love with Irena.

The book intertwines events that affect their lives, including the Holocaust, Japanese internment camps, and the AIDS epidemic, while remaining a beautifully written love story. This is a must for Allende fans.

ourcommunityfocus.com • march 2016

19

Carondelet Contributes

Recently, the Carondelet soccer program participated in a week-long clothing drive for the local charity “What’s Mine Is Yours.” Let by JV player Hannah Macaulay, Carondelet’s three soccer teams came together to make a large donation to the charity that was created to give back to local girls in shelters and foster care.

Macaulay, a freshman, followed in the footsteps of her older sister, Allison, who organized this clothing drive last year with the varsity soccer team. Hannah expanded the drive and distributed pink collection bags to all three soccer teams who competed to bring in the most articles of “gently loved” clothing. “The number of items donated by each player was counted, and the team that donated the largest number of items won Starbucks gift cards for each player,” said Macaulay. Overall, the teams donated a combined 1,177 pieces of clothing to the charity. The varsity team took home the gift cards by donating a total of 466 pieces.

“What’s Mine is Yours” is a local non-profit organization started in 2012 by two local teens: Paige Blake, a senior at Bentley High School, and Katie Easterly, a senior at Northgate High School. They are currently in need of dresses and gowns! “With prom and graduation season quickly approaching, I am sure we will be receiving more requests for formal attire,” said Blake. Their organization is dedicated to collecting gently loved clothing and donating these items to girls in our community in need through organizations such as Shelter, Inc., Bay Area Crisis Nursery, Concord Youth Center, and STAND! To date, their organization has donated almost 19,000 items back to girls between the ages of 12 and 17. You can learn more about the organization by going to: www.whatsmineisyours.us.

AHS Scares Hunger Away

Generous Martinez companies came through for their community again by sponsoring Scare Away Hunger, an event benefitting the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and Alhambra High School athletic programs. Last October, various sports teams at Alhambra competed against one another to collect the most pounds of food for the food bank, resulting in over 6,300 pounds of food collected.

Participating local businesses included Les Schwab Martinez, Hagin Automotive, Republic Services, and Matt Rinn/State Farm. These caring businesses also volunteered their time and provided vehicles for students to “trick or treat” for food and/or donations in Martinez neighborhoods.

In the week leading up to Halloween, students left paper bags on porches and later collected the bags filled with nonperishable goods. Martinez residents also brought food and monetary donations to sponsor locations or Alhambra High School.

This annual event provides much needed food for the food bank and also helps raise funds for Alhambra High School sports teams. The team that brings in the most food receives a monetary bonus. This past year, the winner was the boys soccer team. They brought in the most food and also the largest amount of financial donations.

The food bank has been serving the community since 1975 and serves one in eight residents. Twenty million pounds of food is distributed annually through eight direct distribution programs and through partnerships with 180 local charitable agencies.

Beyond generating food and funds, Scare Away Hunger helps foster team camaraderie, fulfills student community service hours, and creates a community bond between sponsoring companies and Alhambra High School students. If you are interested in being a sponsor for the 2016 Scare Away Hunger, contact Renee Baptiste at rbaptiste@foodbankccs.org or (925) 771-1310.

Pictured is the Carondelet JV soccer team with the pink bags that were donated to the local charity, “What’s Mine Is Yours.”

Photo credit: Sandy Macaulay.

Senior Falcons Soar

On February 4, the Lady Falcons tied their league game against Concord by a score of 1-1. After the game, College Park honored the nine seniors graduating from the program. The soccer season ended with an 11-5-5 record.

Pictured (LtoR): Dwayne Glemser, Alhambra soccer team, Matt Rinn and Anne Baker.

Falcons Leave the Nest

College Park seniors Alan Hernandez, Ray Mulenkamp and Ryan Jones were honored at their last home game on February 11 as their last soccer season as Falcons comes to an end. These seniors have participated in College Park soccer since they were freshmen.

Pictured (LtoR): Madeline Shugrou, Olivia Gin, Logan Silva, Lezlye Ramos, Madison Cantrell, Caleigh Silva, Charlotte Bueno, Holly Nelson, Melisa Torres. Photo by Congrads-photography.com.

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march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

U12 Tournament Champs

The Pleasant Hill Martinez U12 Girls Select Soccer team, Legends, placed 1st at the Presidents’ Cup on Presidents’ Day weekend in San Jose.

The team was just formed in December with girls selected in a draft pick to form two teams to represent the U12 Select Pleasant Hill Martinez Soccer Association (PHMSA) program. Having just a few practices because of the rains, the team struggled in their first few games of the season and didn’t win a single one.

The Presidents’ Cup tournament was the team’s first tournament of the season. On day one their record consisted of 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. On the following day, the girls won all three games and took home 1st place. These girls fought hard and represented PHMSA as a class act program. The team’s goalie won a sportsmanship award on the first day for her excellent conduct on the field. The community should be proud of their girls!

Submitted by Anthony Rardin.

HOME & GARDEN SHOW

APRIL 1 • 2 • 3, 2016

Friday • Saturday • Sunday

Concord Pavilion • 2000 Kirker Pass Road

Hundreds of Exhibits!

Turn Your House Into The Home Of Your Dreams!

HOME

• Kitchens & Baths • Windows & Doors • Heating & Air • Sunrooms & Floors • Decorating Ideas

REMODEL TODAY! Pictured front row (LtoR): Caroline, Magdalena, Alexea, Isabella, Stacy, Jasime. Back row (LtoR): Coach Tony, Isabelle, Rilee, Senne, Maya, Mackayla, Leia, Coach Scott. Photo by Amador Alviz

A Perfect Season

Congratulations to Christ The King’s 4th grade girls basketball team on completing a perfect 12-0 season! Your parents and coaches are very proud of you.

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SHOW HOURS Friday Noon-6 Saturday 10-6 Sunday 10-5

FOR BOOTH INFO CALL 855-331-5999

Good For One

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ADMISSION Front row (L to R): Miranda D’Angelo, Sofia LeGrow, Giselle Lau, Maddie Karst, Gia Malone, Emma Boyden, Savanna Lau. Middle row (L to R): Lainey Peters, Charlotte Beyler, Ashley Bricca, Kailey Alumbaugh. Back row (L to R): Coach Steve Peters and Coach Andy Bricca. Submitted by Andy Bricca.

HOME & GARDEN 31stAnnual

Contra Costa Spring Show

APRIL 1 • 2 • 3, 2016

Friday Noon-6 • Saturday 10-6 • Sunday 10-5 Photo Copies Not Accepted

CONCORD PAVILION

www.capitalshowcase.com ourcommunityfocus.com • march 2016

21

Is Gluten Bad for You? Clean Diet Alone can Make you Feel Better

BY KEVIN ARNDT, FORMA TRAINER

I am often asked what my opinion on gluten is and if it is that bad for you. The answer I give is, it depends. For the most part, it’s not nearly as bad as it is portrayed. Everybody lies on a spectrum between gluten having no effect whatsoever (most people) to gluten literally causing death (celiac disease).

Simply put, gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, barley, and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). Gluten acts like glue that binds food

together and helps keep its shape. It is most commonly found in breads, baked goods, soup, pasta, cereal, sauces, beer, and salad dressings. If you have gluten sensitivity, ingesting gluten can cause many different symptoms.

Gluten sensitivity can manifest as depression, a cloudy mind, ADHD-like behavior, abdominal pain, bloating, headaches, bone and joint pain, and other symptoms. But as the celiac foundation points out, individuals who have been diagnosed with gluten sensitivity do not experience small intestine damage or develop tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies found in celiac disease. Most

Opening Day Parades

Martinez

The 20th Annual Youth Baseball Parade is Saturday, March 5, at 10am, beginning at City Hall Plaza, 525 Henrietta Street. Athletes and coaches from Martinez Baseball Club and Martinez Youth Baseball and Softball Association will march down Alhambra Avenue, turn right on Main St. and continue on to Las Juntas Street. Local celebrity Harriett Burt will introduce teams and coaches. Alhambra Avenue will be closed to traffic between Jones and Main Street for approximately 25 minutes. Main Street will be closed to parking from 9am-12pm and closed to traffic 10am-12pm. Following the parade, Martinez Youth Baseball and Softball League will hold team pictures and a barbecue lunch at Waterfront Park. For more information, call Martinez Recreation at 372-3510.

Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill Baseball Association’s Opening Day is also March 5. The parade starts sharply at 8am followed by opening ceremonies to be completed by 9:30am. The kids will first assemble at Sequoia Middle School, march down Boyd to Patterson, and wind up at Pleasant Oaks Park. Opening ceremonies and brief remarks will be made by the mayor and vice mayor, volunteers will be recognized, the College Park Choir will give a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” a local Boy Scout troop will give the pledge of allegiance, and the customary “play ball” declaration will be given. The police department and Con Fire will participate in the parade as well. PHBA expects 5,000 people to attend. Over 1,700 players will play their first games of the season following the events.

Youth Baseball & Softball Parades. Photo by Tod Gomes 22

march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

people that have sensitivity just feel uncomfortable, without the intestinal damage.

I have only come across a couple of people that have a true issue with gluten.

I find a lot of people just think they have a problem with it. Many times I hear something along the lines of “I truly do have a gluten intolerance. I removed it from my diet and I feel better.” I usually just nod my head and say, “That’s good, keep it up.” And I mean it. But here’s the thing about people removing gluten from their diet: they feel better because they tend to eat more nutritious, whole foods. Instead of eating a bagel for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, and pasta, bread and alcohol for dinner, they are eating more fruits and vegetables and taking out the alcohol. So was it the gluten or their eating habits?

For me, it doesn’t really matter what you are doing, as long as it is a positive change.

In a 2015 study in the journal Diges-

tion 392, patients reporting gluten-related symptoms were removed from gluten diets for six months and then had gluten reintroduced for one month. 86% were not gluten intolerant, while 1% had to avoid gluten. Julie Upton of US News surveyed adults and found 30% of people shopping nowadays chose gluten-free options, and 41% feel gluten-free options are beneficial to everyone. Furthermore, gluten-free products are found to have fewer nutrients and more sugars than their counterpart. Although I am citing only one study, there are endless amounts of research to back this up.

This doesn’t mean you should start to rush for breads, pasta, cereal, and beer.

It means don’t rush for gluten-free options because it is the buzzword. If you truly want to be healthy and feel better, eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and lean meats. You will be surprised how much better you feel within a week.

MEF Donates Over $100,000

Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) is proud to announce it recently awarded $168,120 in grants to teachers and staff throughout the Martinez Unified School District schools. Schools receiving grants include Alhambra High School ($56,829), Martinez Junior High School ($31,305), Morello Park Elementary ($9,519), Las Juntas Elementary ($25,781), John Swett Elementary ($3,650), John Muir Elementary ($40,069), and the Martinez Early Intervention Preschool ($967). Additional information about MEF can be found at www.martinezedfoundation.com. MEF thanks and appreciates all of its donors (Run For Ed., Mail-A-Thon and Busi-kids) and volunteers for their great support throughout the year allowing MEF the opportunity to make Martinez schools better.

Get Real Academy

Life Skills for Senior High School Girls from the Soroptimists

The 13th annual Get Real Academy will be held at the Concord Hilton Hotel Thursday, March 3. Get Real Academy is sponsored by the six Soroptimist International clubs in Central and East Contra Costa Counties, and this event is open to all high school senior girls in Contra Costa County. The goal is to empower young women to enter adult life armed with life skills and resources as they move on to employment, vocational school, or college. Many of these students will form the future population of our cities, and these project workshops hammer home the importance of making good financial decisions, dealing with violence and health issues, and seeking and maintaining employment. These experiences are the building blocks of good character

and productive citizenship. Attendance has increased over the years from 75 to more than 250 students and counselors who participate in a free day of lifeskills workshops. Workshops are led by working professionals and titles include: How to Get a Job and Keep It, Managing Money and Credit, Women’s Health, Domestic and Workplace Violence Awareness, and Mock Interview. The event includes keynote speakers, breakfast and lunch. The success of this event is reflected in the rave reviews received by past participants, school administrators, and the business community.

This life-skills day is free to students who apply at their high school by contacting the principal or school counselor. While the day is free to students and their school chaperones, it costs about

Staying Informed

$150 per person. Contributions for this worthwhile event are welcome from local businesses and individuals.

Get Real Academy is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. For more information, contact Bert Vigil at bvigil_macmusd@yahoo.com or visit our Annual

CS Cake Ad February 2015.pdf

1

Get Real Academy Facebook page.

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Visit Soroptimist.org for more information.

1/26/15

2:50 PM

“Dabs” and Your High Schooler

Officer Raquel Cantillon of the Walnut Creek Police Department recently sent out an alert message to the parents of Northgate High School students. Although it was sent to Northgate, Officer Cantillon, who is the student resource police officer, has allowed the Focus to reproduce the information and added, “Dabs are a problem at every high school at this time.” Below is the message she sent to the community:

Have you heard of “dabs” or “wax”?

Dabs, Wax, Oil, Hash, Shatter, and BHO (Butane Hash Oil) are all common terms for concentrated cannabis. It is extremely prevalent among teens in general and among our student body in particular. Not only is it something you should be aware of, it is also extremely dangerous.

Let me start by explaining how BHO is made. Butane is used to extract the THC (the substance that makes one “high”) from the marijuana plant. This is a highly dangerous and explosive process. Regular marijuana contains approximately 15-17% THC, while the concentrated version has closer to 80-90% THC. The concentrated THC is then pooled together and looks like

brown/yellow “wax.” The substance is hard but malleable. The “wax” is broken apart (i.e. slang term of “shatter”) into smaller pieces and generally kept in small circular plastic containers.

Some general things I’d like to note: BHO is highly concentrated marijuana and a small amount of BHO goes a long way. It is extremely easy to conceal, as only a small “dab” is needed to get a “high.” It does not smell as potent as plant-based marijuana, and a lot of teens smoke their “dabs” with Vape Pens, before or after school. We are seeing more and more of this among our high school community. You can watch a YouTube video on DABS in a vape pen: https://youtu.be/IDrqVogO4yE.

I hope you will assist the high school staff, your students, and me by having an open dialogue about this issue. It is my goal that your students have a safe and secure place in which they can learn, every day. Working together, we can accomplish this.

Officer Raquel Cantillon can be reached for questions at (925) 943-5899 x7654.

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Spring Performance

Las Lomas High School presents William Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream on March 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and April 1. This version of Shakespeare’s play involves a madcap romance, set in 1930s Louisiana Bayou, with fairies, magic, and crocodiles!

Directed by Taron C. Hensley, Las Lomas’ production of Midsummer Night’s Dream features sets, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, props and publicity designed and built by over 50 students enrolled in the school’s two stagecraft courses, taught by Mr. Hensley and Ms. Meredith Tate. Door opens at 7pm and performances start at 7:30pm in the Las Lomas Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $8 for students and seniors, $10 for general admission.

Las Lomas Rummage Sale

Every year, the sophomore class of Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek hosts a rummage sale to end all rummage sales. The event features a great mix of high quality items, the prices are amazingly affordable, and all proceeds benefit the students! Cash and credit cards (with a $25 minimum purchase) are accepted. Local delivery service is also available for $25.

The Las Lomas Rummage Sale is Saturday, March 12, 8am-2pm. Early bird entrance starts at 7am! Arrive early to get the best selection. Entrance fee is $3; $6 for early bird entrance; and children under 10 free! Fresh organic coffee will be served!

All proceeds benefit the Class of 2018 and their All Knighter, a graduation all-night event. For general inquiries, email: llhs2018rummage@gmail.com. For more information, visit www. laslomasrummagesale.com. Las Lomas is located at 1460 South Main Street in Walnut Creek.

Music Festival

College Park Host’s Area Festival

College Park High School will host two area music festivals for band and orchestra, featuring middle and elementary school musicians of Pleasant Hill.

These concerts include students from Gregory Gardens Elementary, Hidden Valley Elementary, Pleasant Hill Elementary, Sequoia Elementary, Strandwood Elementary, and Valhalla Elementary. The high school musicians, directed by Jorge Jimenez, along with middle school musicians from Pleasant Hill Middle, directed by Mundy Viar, Sequoia Middle, directed by Jennifer Batson, and Valley View Middle, directed

by Nick Cooper, will perform.

The band concert, which includes performances by the concert band, symphonic band and wind ensemble, as well as the middle school and elementary school students, will be on March 7. The orchestra concert includes performances by the CPHS string orchestra, chamber and symphony orchestras, as well as the middle school and elementary school orchestras. Both concerts are on March 14, beginning at 7pm, in Hurtado Gym on the College Park High School campus.

These concerts are a great opportunity to hear the development of musicianship through the years. It also marks the beginning of the return of 4th grade music instruction in the Mount Diablo School District after a year’s-long absence. Fifth grade music instruction was reinstated in the 2014-2015 school year. Both concerts are free of charge.

Local Winners

“Poetry Out Loud” Performances

FOREST HILLS Swim Team

e take a S PLA Com

S

H Join Forest Hills Swim Team!

w it h u s in 2 0 1 6!

Ages 4-18. Basic swim skills required; see our website for details.

Fun, family-oriented program at the beautiful Forest Hills Aquatic Park, convenient to all Pleasant Hill and Martinez homes!

Registration beings Monday, March 21st!

Practice starts April 26th!

www.fhst.org Questions: Sandra Muller (925) 216-3137 membership@fhst.org Forest Hills Aquatic Park, 375 Lindsey Drive, Martinez 24

march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Kiara Chatman, a junior at Deer Valley High in Antioch, took first place in the Contra Costa County “Poetry Out Loud” competition on February 6. In a close race, the runnerup position went to junior Chloe Dichoso from Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond and third place to senior Madeline Zeiger from Las Lomas High in Walnut Creek.

The three were among thousands of students across the state to participate in the national recitation contest, a program started by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and run by the California Arts Council and, locally, by the Arts & Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5) to engage high-school students in the presentation of poetry through memorization and performance.

The students performed their recitations in front of a large audience at Las Lomas High School’s Theatre in Walnut Creek. This is Contra Costa’s ninth year of Poetry Out Loud competition, and many attendees said this was the strongest group of competitors they’ve seen. Ms. Zeiger’s “Dirge Without Music” by Edna St. Vincent Millay helped secure her third place win.

The very competitive pool of finalists consisted of students from fifteen county high schools, including Acalanes, College Park High, Las Lomas High, and Northgate.

Countywide, over 2500 students memorized a poem for the program this year.

SAVE THE DATE College Park Falcon Football Poker Tournament

Saturday March 19, 6pm Winslow Center, Pleasant Hill FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

RUSSELL JOE rjoe@gmail.com or 925.348.5626

PTSA Reflections

Zoe Tcheng Advances to State Level

Nine College Park students participated in the PTSA sponsored Reflections program, with their interpretations of this year’s theme, “Let Your Imagination Fly”: Anthony Cannon – photography; Natalie Christensen – photography; Joseph Higgins – photography; Anna Cordes - photography; Amelia Carlson - visual arts; Xavier Garcia-Roy - visual arts; Olivia Hunter-McElroy - visual arts; Amy Grove – literature, and Zoe Tcheng - dance choreography.

Of the nine entries, one entry was selected from each category to advance to the district level. Congratulations to Anna Cordes, Amy Grove, Olivia Hunter-McElroy, and Zoe Tcheng.

Out of the 70 entries entered into the district level, 28 were selected to advance to the state level. Sophomore Zoe Tcheng’s dance choreography, “The Willows’ Laughter,” was selected to advance to the state level. She will be invited to the PTA state convention in May in San Diego. At the dinner, they will announce the winners who will advance to the national level.

“The theme this year inspired me to choreograph a dance about what I think is beautiful - the willow trees. ‘The Willows’ Laughter’ is in the style of Scottish country dancing, which I have been participating in for six years. This dance is largely named after the tree nymphs of Greek mythology, since they are spirits of nature that protect the forest and are generally benevolent and joyful. They are also mysterious and elegant, which I captured in this dance by making it a strathspey, a slow dance, and including figures that are smooth and flowing,” said Tcheng. The theme for next year’s 2016-2017 Reflections program is, “What is your story?”

CP Musicians Honored Congratulations to the CP Jazz Ensemble

The College Park Jazz Ensemble recently placed 2nd in the AA (most advanced high school) division at the 41st Annual Campana Jazz Festival, February 6, at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton. In addition to this outstanding honor, individual musicians and sections received the following scholarships and awards: Jonathan Kaminek and Jacob Cummings (Lafayette Jazz Camp scholarship winners); David Phair and Jordan Fetterman (outstanding musicians); and CP Trombones (Emmet Berlin, Derek Sorensen, Cameron Wilson, and Josh Deilke) won the section award and placed third.

College Park’s All-State and County Honor Musicians

Congratulations to Kate Brown (viola) who performed as part of the California AllState Honor Orchestra under the direction of Jung-Ho Pak of the Cape Symphony.

Congratulations to our Contra Costa County honor band musicians who performed on February 6: Parker Grube (bari sax), Bailey Ulrich (flute), Bryce Ulrich (alto and soprano sax), Keeley Waite (bassoon), and Kyle Wright (clarinet).

One Billion Rising

On February 11, Carondelet students and teachers gathered in the amphitheater for the 4th annual One Billion Rising event to rise, dance and demand justice and an end to violence against women. “It is such a powerful and amazing movement.

Our Rise for Revolution raises awareness to the developing young women at Carondelet about domestic violence. Coming together and expressing our passion for women and our rights through dance not only strengthens the sisterhood bond, but also inspires us to have courage to take a stand,” said sophomore class representative Sidney King. The campaign, launched on Valentine’s Day in 2012, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that one in three women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime.

Bella Notte Dinner Show

The College Park High School Choirs are proud to present their fifth annual Bella Notte Italian Dinner Show at 6pm on Friday, March 18, at the College Park multi-use room.

Bruce Rockwell, the CPHS choir director said, “Italian culture is centered around great food, music, family, and community. And in a way, that is also the vision of our choir program. Our choir families work hard to create a cozy trattoria atmosphere for this night, which is our celebration of the lyricism and passion of Italian music and culture - from Italian Renaissance madrigals and Puccini, to Frank Sinatra and Andrea Bocelli. Bella Notte has become a beloved tradition that the students and local audiences look forward to.”

Bella Notte is a fundraiser to benefit the CPHS Choir Boosters. Antipasti will be served at 6pm and Primi Piatti at 6:30pm. All reservations must be purchased by March 15. For more information, prices, or to purchase tickets, see the CPHS choir website: www.collegeparkchoirs.com.

ourcommunityfocus.com • march 2016

25

Girl Scout Fun

Falcons Win DVAL

Girl Scouts from Troop 33597 enjoyed the Sock Hop at Strandwood Elementary.

They donated socks, danced and enjoyed ice cream and photos. Submitted by Katrina Hunn.

Pictured (LtoR): Sofia Martin, Rian Monaghan, Annie Constanti, Mara Hill-Hunn, Genna Kozina and Avery Seidenspinner.

The College Park Falcons celebrated earning the DVAL Champion title for the 5th year straight after beating Concord High School 72-67 on February 20. Photo submitted by Honey Lynn Taheri.

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Earning Eagle Scout Rank

College Park sophomore John Schroebel, 16, of the Pleasant Hill Boy Scout Troop 239, led by Scoutmaster Steve Bachofer, will be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Hill. John’s project entailed building a drought-tolerant garden at Sequoia Middle School. He used recycled tires as planters and painted them with recycled paint. It filled a busy, formerly barren part of the school.

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march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

2015

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

ANNUAL

CAMPAIGN Be a Part of Progress – Donate Today for the Future of Our Community’s Schools

2016 CAMPAIGN GOAL $50,000 WHY GIVE? STRONG SCHOOLS BENEFIT YOU!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE) suggests a donation of $75 or more. Donations of all amounts are appreciated. FPHE’s ability to issue school grants is solely dependent on the support of the community.

Strong schools greatly benefit students. They also help increase property values as more homebuyers understand our community’s dedication to supporting local education. Businesses thrive and grow. Most importantly, strong schools enhance the future of our community.

HOW TO DONATE

Since 2009, thanks to community support, FPHE has awarded over $220,000 in grants to our community’s 11 public schools.

Donate online at www.fphe.org or mail to FPHE, P.O. Box 23851, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

FPHE HAS FUNDED:

HOW ARE DONATIONS USED?

• Books for entire grade levels: reference, biographies, literature pieces, early readers.

• Classroom equipment: maps, graphing calculators, DNA research tools, lab equipment, LCD projectors, interactive whiteboards.

• Curriculum support items: math/science programs, “living history” programs, literature programs.

• Items to support the arts: musical instruments/supplies, stage lighting and audio equipment.

Funds raised go to school grants issued in May 2016.

LEARN MORE

To become a FPHE member or learn more about 2016 campaign events, email contact@fphe.org.

Be a Part of Progress - Donate Today at www.fphe.org or mail the coupon below. Questions? Email contact@fphe.org.

Thank you for your commitment to education and our community.

HELP SCHOOLS THRIVE - GIVE $75!

DONATE AT WWW.FPHE.ORG

I wish to contribute the following to Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education: $75

HELP SCHOOLS THRIVE

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Please mail this coupon to: FPHE, P.O. Box 23851• Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Tax ID#: 26-2326345) • Please make check payable to FPHE Donations to FPHE’s 2016 Annual Campaign reduce the impact budget cuts have on the 11 Pleasant Hill public schools.

Your donation directly benefits language arts, math, science and enrichment programs. ourcommunityfocus.com • march 2016

27

Local Designer an HGTV Contestant PH Resident’s Talent Showcased on Ellen’s Design Challenge

New Pleasant Hill resident Melissa Rivera Torres was one of eight talented contestants on season two of HGTV’s Ellen’s Design Challenge. The designer’s enterprising spirit and upbeat personality were evident as she shared a little about herself, her creations, and her HGTV adventure.

CF: Tell us where you’re from, where you grew up, and what brought you to Pleasant Hill?

MRT: I am originally from Mexico, about an hour south of Mexico City in a place called Cocoyoc, but I have lived in several places. I went to college for a year at CU Boulder, then studied Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. After three or four years back in Mexico I returned to Providence for my master’s in Art and Design Teaching Education. We were most recently in Little Rock, Arkansas when my girlfriend got stationed at Travis, AFB. With my design career, I figured I would likely find a

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job near San Francisco, and Pleasant Hill seemed to be the best middle point for us price-wise and location-wise. I love it!

CF: What led you to design?

MRT: I grew up playing outside and always creating things. I always enjoyed imagining the world in a variety of ways, toys in different shapes, treehouses and things around us that could be used differently. My passion to create and use my imagination was the trigger for me to explore a career in design. I love how design affects the world and how it can improve people’s lives, whether it’s an older person, a young kid, a pet, you name it.

CF: Is it specifically furniture or do you design for whatever a client is looking for?

MRT: I design anything, for anyone, in any way. I love challenges and I never have wanted to pin myself in one category of design. Ellen’s Design Challenge was a furniture based show, so I was competing with designers who specialize in furniture, but one of my strengths is that I am ready to take on any challenge, for any client, with whatever time or budget I am given. I always try to do different things and surround myself with a variety of creative people who open my eyes to how everything connects. I have been able to design furniture, interiors, products, fashion stages… you name it, and I love every aspect of it.

CF: How did you land a coveted spot on Ellen’s Design Challenge?

MRT: My brother showed me an ad for the show and I had to apply. I love and respect Ellen and really like what she stands for. The show was a great opportunity to do something that I love, which is designing something bold, unique and different.

CF: What was the most challenging aspect of being on the show?

MRT: The days were very long, but for the most part coming up with ideas quickly with little time to build and make the furniture pieces was the most challenging part. This was a TV show, so there is not much time to edit, fix, or re-do things. I wanted to approach every de-

march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Photo Credit: HGTV

sign as a totally different client, so I tried to push myself to come up with different pieces to show the range of what I can do.

CF: Was there a comfort zone you had to push beyond, or were you more in the mindset of “bring-it-on!”

MRT: In this kind of show, I don’t think there really is a comfort zone. You’re surrounded by cameras 24/7, working in a very unique situation with lots of pressure, knowing you need to stick to a tight budget and time frame while still producing something of quality to stay in the competition. However I would say my “comfort zone” was knowing I was chosen to be there for a reason and that I just had to be myself and focus on the task – like I do for my business. As far as “attitude” goes, you HAVE to stick to the “bring it on” vibe. I was ready to take on all the challenges I could get.

CF: What’s next for you? Did being on the show change or broaden the

way you think about your direction in the future?

MRT: The show was an awesome experience. Yes, it did make me realize that I want to keep doing what I do and push myself to keep growing. The experience came to me at an interesting time in my life and I was very fortunate and thankful that I was invited to be in it. It gave me more motivation and highlighted that all the hard work I have done is going somewhere. I found a home in Pleasant Hill, which I love, and an amazing design job at a fabulous company called Group Delphi in Alameda, and I have my business on the side called Unleash Studio. You you should check it out, www.unleashstudio.com. I am focusing a bit more on my job right now since it is a perfect opportunity to be around the coolest, most creative individuals I know, giving me a chance to keep doing what I love, changing the world one design at a time.

Know Your Rights

Free Series by Local Employment Law

This March and April, the Employment Law Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, through a grant from the State Bar of California, Labor and Employment Law Section, is presenting a series of four talks by local employment law attorneys for employees and employers. The series is free, open to the public from 6 to 8pm, at the Concord and Pleasant Hill public libraries and JFKU in Pleasant Hill. Please come and spread the word!

Employment Law 101 for Small Businesses, Including Law Firms.

Employment law basics every employer needs to know.

Speaker: James Wu, Esq., Wu Castillo, P.C. Monday, March 21, 6-8pm JFKU,100 Ellinwood Dr., Room S312, Pleasant Hill.

Refreshments provided.

6:00pm - 6:15pm: Sign in, networking.

6:15pm - 7:30pm: Speaker.

7:30pm: Q & A. Appeal Your Denial of Unemployment Benefits.

How to represent yourself. For employees.

Speaker: Marjorie A. Wallace, Law Office of Marjorie A. Wallace.

Thursday, March 24, 6-8pm Concord Public Library, 2900 Salvio

Street, Concord.

Refreshments provided.

6:00pm - 6:15pm: Sign in, networking.

6:15pm - 7:30: Speaker.

7:30pm: Q & A. What is Workplace Sexual Harassment and What to do About it.

Best practices for prevention and resolution for employers and employees.

Speaker: Shannon Walpole, Esq., Ross Stores.

Monday, April, 6-8pm Pleasant Hill Public Library,1750 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill.

Refreshments provided.

6:00pm - 6:15pm: Sign in, networking.

6:15pm - 7:30: Speaker.

7:30pm: Q & A. Acoso Sexual En El Empleo: Como Identificar y Responder Al Acoso.

Presentado en Español Para Empleados.

La Oradora: Andrea Kelly Smethurst, Abogada y Investigadora.

Jueves, 21 de Abril, 6-8pm Biblioteca Pública de Concord, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord.

Refrescos.

6:00pm - 6:15pm: Inscripción y refrescos.

6:15pm - 7:30pm: Discurso.

7:30pm: Preguntas y respuestas.

Upcoming Muir Gala

Campana Farm, 2151 Camino Pablo, Moraga Music – Fine Wine – Gourmet Dinner – Live Auction – Beautiful Surroundings Buy tickets now and join master of ceremonies Doug McConnell and hundreds of John Muir Land Trust supporters for our annual gala in celebration of Contra Costa open space! www.jmlt.org/gala2016

IN FOCUS

R.C. Sausedo General Contractors

Robert C. Sausedo founded and licensed R.C. Sausedo General Contractor in 1978. Robert entered the construction industry as a union carpenter in 1968 and is currently a general contractor in Martinez. His goal is to provide the highest quality of home improvement possible, and he hand selects each employee and sub-contractor working on his sites. R.C. Sausedo specializes in residential, lite commercial, and custom home building, from dirt to turn-key, as well as remodeling and room additions. This includes but is not limited to electrical, plumbing, sheet metal (mechanical), painting, stucco, siding and trim, windows, doors, flooring, baseboards, and crown molding.

From beginning to end, projects are warranted by quality. R.C. Sausedo General Contractor is vested in making your building experience a quick and painless process, and through home design software, R.C. Sausedo enables you to see your dream before it begins.

R.C. Sausedo General Contractor, License #361771,925-250-4007, 1056 Plaza Drive Martinez, www.rcsausedoca.com, rcsausedo@sbcglobal.net.

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Cell: 925-250-4007 • Fax: 925-387-0781 rcsausedo@sbcglobal.net 1056 Plaza Drive Martinez, CA. 94553 ourcommunityfocus.com • march 2016

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SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL

Proudly Sponsored by Les Schwab Martinez

Does Someone You Love Need Help?

ORGANIZATIONS

By Rhonda James, LMFT, Executive Director Placing a burning candle in a window is an age-old tradition and has various meanings, mostly having to do with welcoming someone home or holding out hope for a safe return from an arduous journey. The Contra Costa Crisis Center serves as the candle in this community’s window, offering hope and assuring access to 24-hour counseling help in times of need.

The Contra Costa Crisis Center is your local crisis center. We are a non-profit, community-based organization, and our mission is: To keep people safe and alive, to help them through crises, and to connect them with culturally relevant resources in the community. All services are free and confidential, and we answer our telephone every time, no matter what the time!

For well over 50 years, the Contra Costa Crisis Center has seamlessly provided 24/7 telephone crisis counseling services, 211 information & referral to health and human services, and in-person individual and group grief counseling support on-site in our Walnut Creek office, in Antioch, and in West County.

Services are provided by a blend of professional staff, clinical interns, and highly trained volunteers, and we offer an engaging and comprehensive crisis counselor training course twice each year for those interested in joining our work. Please visit our website at www.crisis-center.org (volunteers & interns tab) if you are interested in learning more about our spring volunteer training class, beginning in April.

You can help us keep a candle in the window for those in need by referring anyone in crisis to 800-833-2900 for 24/7 responses and by joining our volunteer team.

Serving Families with Special Needs

All in Need, Family Support (AiN) serves families with special needs children, ages 18 and under, who live in the East Bay area. AiN offers support in a nurturing and learning environment that promotes social interaction and gross and fine motor activities, all in a sensory based atmosphere.

The “Revive” respite care program gives parents the chance to take care of themselves, so they can take better care of their children.

Special events are held several times throughout the year for the entire family to enjoy. These are age appropriate activities offered in a mainstream setting, allowing kids to participate in a safe and positive atmosphere. Whether decorating cookies with Santa, exploring for eggs and prizes at the annual Easter egg hunt, or dressing up in costumes and participating in safe and fun trick or treating at Trunk-or-Treat, kids and families are engaged in unique and fun events. Because it is so important for families to share their stories and support each other, these events not only encourage friendships among AiN Children, but offer an opportunity for parents to network with other AiN families.

AiN was awarded its first grant from SMPS Family Fund for $3,000 last month. The money will be used for special events. AIN was surprised to learn they were also awarded a $250 grant from the Jim and Sharon Walker Family Fund. Autumn Green, executive director and founder of AiN, says she cannot express her gratitude enough for these two grants.

If you would like more information on AiN programs or how you can support AiN, visit www.allinneed.org.

FREE PRE-TRIP CAR CHECK Tires, Alignment, Brakes, Battery, Struts/Shocks, Tire Air Pressure

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Dwayne Glemser Manager

30

3800 Alhambra, Martinez • (925)370-6382

march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

No purchase necessary, must present coupon.

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY: MICHAEL BRIONEZ

Your Neighborhood Realtor 925.288.0477

michael@michaelbrionez.com

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

Wednesdays – Jack’s Sweet 100 Line Dances, 10:30am-12pm. Line Dancing to country-western, popular and Latin Music. Enjoy the exercise while meeting friends new and old. Cost: $3 per class.

Thursdays – Bingo, open for sales at 12pm, games start at 1pm.

Fridays - AARP Free Tax-Aide Tax Preparation Notice for 2015 9am. Free service, provided by IRS certified tax counselors, is held Fridays at 9am. Tax-Aide does not specify an income limit, but the service targets low and moderate income taxpayers of any age, with special attention given to seniors 60+. For appointments and information, call Mtz. Senior Center (925) 370-8770 or Pacheco Community Center site (925) 709-4525. For general information, call (925) 726-3199.

Mar. 4 & 11 - AARP Driver Safety Training Program two consecutive Fridays (8-hour course).

Mar. 20 - AARP Driver Refresher Course 4.5-hour course for those who have already taken the AARP Driver Safety Training Program (8-hour course) in the past 4 years.

Sons in Retirement Men’s Social Club Tours the Haight

Members of the men’s social club Sons in Retirement (John Muir Branch #19) recently spent an enjoyable day trip to San Francisco’s eclectic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. The trip was organized to recall and commemorate the 1967 “Summer of Love.” Seventeen folks, including husbands and wives, commuted from the East Bay into the city to partake in a unique and interesting flashback walking tour of the Haight. The focus was on the cultural impact and music coming out of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury community during the late 1960s. The two-hour walking tour included stops at the former residences of Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane, as well as The Diggers’ community firehouse and the Panhandle. SIR members and their wives also had the opportunity to see and learn about the colorful history of the “painted ladies.” These are some of the beautiful Victorian homes that have become an integral part of the neighborhood. The seminal Haight-Ashbury community is yet another interesting example of one of the many different neighborhoods that help comprise the unique fabric of the Bay Area. For information about SIR Branch #19, go online to www.sir19.org or call the SIR Hotline at 925-338-1996. Branch members meet monthly over lunch at Oakhurst Country Club in Clayton to enjoy interesting guest speakers, make new friends, and socialize with existing retired buddies. Membership is free and new members are welcome.

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY:

Linda J. Weihofen

Reverse Mortgage Specialist 925.348.4267 • TALK2LW@yahoo.com Helping you to understand the NEW Reverse Mortgage

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 March 4 – Vagabond Players present On Borrowed Time, at 1:30pm. Grab lunch before the play at the Chef’s Lunch (not included in ticket price), then watch this award-winning live theater group put on a show. Pre-sale tickets: $10, day of: $15, Chateau Room, Senior Center.

March 6 - Pancake Breakfast 9:30-10:30am and a special Easter Pancake Breakfast March 26, 9-11am at the Chateau Room. All ages welcome! Enjoy a stack of pancakes or French toast, eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee. Adults (11+): $5, children (5-10): $3, 4 & under: free.

March 10 - Care Management Series 2pm. Care Management Series topic: “Protecting Your Assets,” presented by Littomo Law Group, Chateaus of PH. Call (925) 798-8788 to reserve spot.

Save the Date May 6 - Laugh, Love & Learn: Senior Live Well Forum, 9:30am1pm. A day full of educational and uplifting speakers and lunch. All funds raised benefit the Senior Center Care Management Program. Buy tickets now! Event is a sell-out! Tickets: $25 if registered by April 22; $35 thereafter. Featured topics: “Bulling Doesn’t Just Happen in High School,” “Maximize Your Memory,” and “Adult Coloring Books: Discover Ways to Support Calming and Relaxation.” For registration and more information, call the Senior Center at (925) 798-8788.

The Grateful Dead house in the Haight. Pictured (L to R): Gayle Duncan, Elaine Stephenson, Jack Duncan, Jim Garcia, Bobbi Silberman, Barry Silberman, Lorraine Ruppert, John Fernando, tour guide Kurt Weitzmann, Tom Ruppert, Mike Krawesky, Bill Stephenson, Connie Krawesky, Michelle Barnaba, Jack Barnaba, Hilda Luke, Nelson Luke, Bernie Theobald. Submitted by Bernie Theobald, SIR Branch #19.

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ANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • 1 TIME SPRAY OK ourcommunityfocus.com • march 2016

31

In the Garden

March is a Paradoxical Month

BY LESLEY STILES

March comes at the perfect time in Diablo Valley. We are coming out of a short winter, comparable to the rest of the country, but as of late, we are filled with a nagging desperation over rain and snowfall. Even though we have had more rain and snow this year, lingering memories of painful water bills and all that comes with drought prevail in the back of many minds, mine included.

Rebirth happens as winter gives up the fight and spring bestows kaleidoscopic gifts of blossoms harboring and promising fruit. As the rest of the country still shovels snow, Diablo Valley turns verdantly chartreuse, nourishing our minds as much as the long wet Briones grasses nourish cows and calves, letting us know that all will be well in months to come.

Sun-drugged gardens shoot weeds

up around precious, mature broccoli and other cruciferous winter veggies, luring us outdoors to dig in settled soil and unearth baby lettuces, arugula, and greens.

March is a paradoxical month, quivering with life, fighting between chilly nights, unpredictable rains, and sun filled days -- perfect for putting in new carrot, radish and lettuce seeds, which love unbalanced weather. Start summer tomatoes and peppers inside for later hardening off when nighttime mercury rises.

Of the aforementioned culinary vegetable treats, carrots are a particular favorite in many sets. Emerging out of loose, loamy soil comes one of nature’s most perfect creations. Orange, purple, red, yellow, and white -- many hues adorn this sweet and tender root vegetable. Carrying baggage of wild Persian ancestors, great nutrition, and improved eyesight, carrots improve everything, from inside digestion to outside skin tones.

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Onions, leeks and chives are helpful companions to grow alongside carrots, repelling carrot moths, while carrots left to flower protect by attracting predatory wasps that eat many garden pests and induce pollination in lettuces and herbs, including rosemary and sage. Carrots proudly reside in the same family as parsley, fennel, dill, caraway, cumin, and coriander, and their flowers interact like sweet old aunts gathered in the parlor.

Widely available as well as readily grown in home gardens year round, carrots are happiest and sweetest in cool weather, which bodes well for the soup lover in you. Sauté chopped carrots, chopped butternut squash, and onions in butter or olive oil with a touch of chopped garlic. Add a splash of white wine and enough stock to cover. Simmer a bit, puree, and season with orange peel and salt. Top with a dollop of crème fraiche and savor. Fresh picked colorful carrots procured at your farmers’ market, chunked up and roasted with turnips, parsnips and sweet onions, tossed with olive oil, lemon peel and salt, bring bounty to any midwinter table gathering. Classically grated into fresh dried grapes, toasted walnuts, creamy yogurt, cinnamon, and a touch of honey brings new life to an old friend. Carrot coins

Carrot Ginger Soup

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INGREDIENTS 5 carrots, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped 4 cups stock 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1/2 cup crème fraiche Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Sauté carrots, onion and garlic in olive oil in tall soup pot for 5 minutes. Add stock and vinegar and simmer until carrots are tender. Puree and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with crème fraiche.

Yield: 6 Cups

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

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march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

slowly sautéed with butter, cumin, and parsley and enliven sun thirsty winter smiles while invoking historic memories of dinners at the old steak houses in San Francisco. Make a beautiful end of winter salad by tossing kale leaves with carrot curls and mandarin segments doused with lemon juice and a touch of walnut oil to bring early spring to merry palates.

Farmers’ markets explode in March, bearing tables laden with all winter and spring have to offer in California. A wealth of delights so savagely robust, it is wise to use caution whilst procuring, as over-buying is not only common but also accepted in certain circles. Hopefully, when you are drawn to fill every bag you own, unpredictable weather will turn cool again, and many pots of soup will take care of any over indulgence of spring’s bounty in your refrigerator!

In March we shed our winter blues, baggy coats, weight off our bodies and weight off our minds, and resurface into a new year filled with hopeful outdoor appreciation of our food growing capacities, astounding valley, and rugged ridges. Give yourself the gift of a sunrise over Mount Diablo on a perch above it all.

Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sustainable caterer and school garden educator.

Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast. net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods.com.

Sautéed Kale INGREDIENTS Separate and wash 1-2 bunches kale 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil 3 tablespoons vegetable stock 3 cloves garlic – chopped DIRECTIONS Slice kale into ½ inch pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in sauté pan over medium heat and toss kale in pan. Sauté 3 to 4 minutes. Add vegetable stock and finish cooking until kale is limp but still colorful.

Season with sea salt to taste. Drizzle rice vinegar over to taste if desired.

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In the Mix Legends Lost

BY PAUL COTRUVO

2016 has not started off kindly to some of my musical heroes and influences.

The strange thing is that each passing of these fallen rock legends intertwines with a personal “soundtrack of my life.” Growing up in the early ‘60s, no question, The Beatles and The Stones were all the rage. But I soon fell in love with the San Francisco Sound. One of the pioneers of this sound was Paul Kantner, founder and leader of Jefferson Airplane. With hits like “Somebody to Love,”“Wooden Ships,” and “White Rabbit,” Kantner really helped shape the whole psychedelic sound. His writing usually ventured into more of a science fiction theme. His solo record in 1971 was Blows Against The Empire, a concept album about a bunch of people escaping earth in a hijacked starship, a subject he wrote about for years to come and which led to his starting the Starship band.

Then, around the late ‘60s, I discovered the music of David Bowie. Bowie’s music was very unique and innovative.

He also pioneered and changed the visual concept for live stage performances. One of my favorite things about Bowie is that he always reinvented himself, not only with different characters he portrayed, but the music itself. Whether it was rock, funk, blues, or techno, he never stopped evolving. Of course, one of my favorite trivia bits about David Bowie is that his real name is David Jones. He changed it so as not to be confused with Davey Jones from The Monkees.

The early ‘70s found me back to following local Bay Area bands, which led me to Tower of Power. One of the leaders of this band was the one and only Mic Gillette, who played trumpet and trombone.

I feel they changed the musical landscape with their tight arrangements of the funkiest tunes around, although it was the ballad “You’re Still a Young Man” which shot them into stardom. Mic played the infamous opening trumpet solo, which still gives me chills all these years later. And I was lucky enough to meet him and hear him play that very lick at the 2014 Blues and Brews Festival in Pleasant Hill.

Also in the early ‘70s, another style of music was becoming extremely popular, the Southern California Country Rock sound. Pioneering this was the legendary Eagles. One of the founding members, Glenn Frey, helped write and sing some of the biggest classic rock songs in history.

“Take it Easy,”“Peaceful Easy Feeling,” and “Tequila Sunrise” not only changed rock music but led to the modern country sound of today.

Then, in the mid 1970s, I heard the song “Shining Star” and needed to find out the band that crafted this gem. It was none other than Earth, Wind, and Fire, another one of the all-time best R&B bands of our time. The amazing Maurice White not only sang but also co-wrote many of their songs and was truly an inspiration. In addition to being a leader of Earth, Wind, and Fire, he went on to produce and write songs for other artists. One of his songs, “Best of my Love” by The Emotions, won a Grammy in 1977.

It was shocking to hear the passing of

these legends, all within days and weeks of each other. Equally strange was that all their music shaped my life. But thank God, their music will live on. They have been and will continue to be a staple on my playlist. I thought I’d share some of my favorite songs (in no particular order): 1) “Wooden Ships” - Jefferson Airplane 2) “Space Oddity” - David Bowie 3) “Fame” - David Bowie 4) “Take it Easy” - Eagles 5) “Lyin’ Eyes” - Eagles 6) “Reasons” - Earth, Wind and Fire

7) “September” - Earth Wind and Fire 8) “What is Hip” - Tower of Power 9) “You’re Still a Young Man” - Tower of Power 10) “HaveYou Seen the Stars Tonight” - Paul Kantner

I would love for you to share with me some of your favorite songs or memories from these rock legends. Go to ourcommunityfocus.com and let me know.

Quote of the Month: “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” -- David Bowie

Y! A OD T N

I

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Paul’s Picks March 3: Kyle Jester, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm March 5: Jim Caroompas, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Martinez, 7pm March 10: Jeff Campbell, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm March 17: Zoo Station, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm March 18: The Lost Weekend, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4:30pm March 18: Tender Mercies, Wise Girl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm March 19: Billy Schaub, Rocco’s, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8:30pm March 26: Cut Loose, Wise Girl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm ourcommunityfocus.com • march 2016

33

Pair Up

What to Pair with Family Favorites?

BY MARIA TERRY

My good friend Lisa makes one of the best artichoke dips.

The whole family cheers when she arrives. However, one of the most challenging pairings for a sommelier is wine with artichokes. This yummy vegetable contains cynarin, a type of organic acid that produces an undesired sweet taste in wines that do not normally possess a sweet component. Fortunately, extremely dry, acidic white wines are not affected so adversely in pairings with artichoke preparations. In fact, a suppressed or hidden fruit quality in the wine may be enhanced, actually improving the overall structure. On top of that, artichokes can leave a bitter taste in the mouth. Lisa’s creamy dip, made with mayonnaise, coats

the palate and counteracts the bitterness.

A great wine pairing with artichokes and a festive party-starter is Brut Natural. Brut Natural is a sparkling wine that is fermented dry and has little or no sugar added. As a bonus, the bubbles cleanse your palate after each bite.

The cheering continues when the Roasted, Salted Chicken with Bread Salad emerges. This preparation of chicken takes a little advanced planning but couldn’t be simpler to make. It is just salt and chicken. One might think that chicken sitting up to a week under a blanket of salt would become overly salty.

Actually, the meat is flavorful and the skin is heavenly crispy. Along with a simple salad that surrounds chunks of French bread seasoned with chicken drippings, this dish sings with Pinot Noir. Lower in tannins, higher in acid, and with pretty

red fruit notes, the Pinot cuts through the fat of skin and highlights the red currants in the salad.

If my family is choosing dessert, milk and cookies are the only choice. One of their favorites is a cookie that I actually developed. (Quick disclaimer: I don’t usually create the recipes I share; I find them online). I hobbled together this recipe when I was in college and had to do a project that included collecting data.

I thought it would be fun to measure preferences for chocolate-chip cookies (e.g. crunchy vs. chewy). I spent weeks trying different combinations of ingredients to arrive at the most popular cookie. The secret is using pulverized oats in place of half of the flour, resulting in a chewy cookie that retains a fine texture. Don’t serve these cookies with wine; coffee or milk is your best bet with this super sweet ending.

So, go on. Pair Up!

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

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INGREDIENTS 16 oz. cream cheese 1/2 cup mayo 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup Parmesan cheese, reserve ½ cup for topping (2) 14.5 oz. cans artichokes, drained Topping: Remaining 1/2 cup cheese Garlic salt Pepper Dill weed Paprika DIRECTIONS Place first four ingredients in food processor and blend until well combined.

Add artichokes and pulse until desired consistency. Pour in a 13” X 9” pan. Sprinkle with topping of reserved cheese and seasonings to taste. Bake at 350° F for 40-45 minutes. Serve with veggies, chips, or cubes of French bread.

Yield: One Large Pan

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Roasted, Salted Chicken with Bread Salad INGREDIENTS Chicken: One 8-10 lb. chicken, cleaned, rinsed and dried Kosher salt, one tsp. of salt per one pound of chicken Salad: 16 oz. day-old, French bread, torn into uneven chunks 1/2 cup olive oil 3 tbsp. vinegar Salt and pepper 1/4 cup dried red currants 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup water Olive oil 6 cloves garlic, slivered 8 green onions, sliced 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted 1/4 cup chicken drippings 16 oz. mixed greens DIRECTIONS

Rub the salt all over the clean, dry chicken and rest uncovered in refrigerator for 1-5 days.

Heat 8 x 8 baking dish in 475º oven.

Pat chicken dry once more and place breast side up in the hot dish. Cook for one hour. Flip, cook for 40 minutes and then flip, cover breast with foil, and finish cooking for 20 minutes. Leg should move freely in socket when fully cooked.

Remove and rest for 5 minutes.

Mix oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in small bowl. Rehydrate currants in vinegar and water. Place bread in a large, ovensafe bowl and toss with vinaigrette. Sauté the garlic and onions and add to bread along with drained currants and pine nuts.

When the chicken comes out to rest, add pan drippings to the bread salad, toss, and put in oven to warm.

Remove legs and wings, arrange on plate. Cut out backbone and discard, or save for soup. Quarter remaining chicken and plate. Toss greens with the warm bread salad. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4-6 servings

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Wild and Free

Rescued Gray Fox Goes Back to the Wild

BY ELISABETH NARDI

The Lindsay team got another chance to do what is perhaps the best part about being involved with Lindsay Wildlife. While we all enjoy up-close views of animals at Lindsay, a rehabbed animal running away is a gift.

We watched an orphaned fox that was brought in last April run into the hills of Orinda. At dusk on February 8, a gray fox was released by a team from Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, in the same place where he had been found.

The four-week-old fox was treated by hospital staff and volunteers after he was found crying for his mother.

Just after a spring rain in April, the fox was observed running around for many hours, wet and alone, desperately calling for his family. The rescuers did all the right things before bringing him to Lindsay: they looked for the den for a long time and stood quietly in the spot where he was found, watching and listening

for other foxes. According to our Wildlife Hospital Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Guthrum Purdin, DVM, such a small baby fox couldn’t possibly survive alone in the wild without his parents. We are all grateful that these rescuers found the fox and brought him to Lindsay.

Once at Lindsay, the fox was treated for mild dehydration and then transferred to one of the hospital’s expert mammal homecare volunteers, Kathy Jones. There he was fed and cared for.

Jones said, “The little fox was even given a bath. And he really enjoyed running through his food!” He had a 25 percent increase in his body weight after just one week in Jones’ care!

Lindsay Wildlife Experience worked with several organizations to coordinate the care and release of the gray fox.

Fresno Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Service managed the final stage of rehabilitation, letting him live among other foxes and learning to be wild. And

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witness an animal running off to the life they deserve. “Seeing this fox again under these circumstances is what I consider my ‘thank you’ from this animal,” Jones said. “Seeing it run away from me is a job well done by all that have worked so hard to give it a second chance.”

1 8/29/14 To find out more about Lindsay go 12:46 PM to www.lindsaywildlife.org.

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once he was ready, he was brought back to Lindsay and back to Contra Costa County to go home -- into the wild!

With the very rescuers who brought this fox to Lindsay watching, the fox bounded into the hills. Lindsay treats around 25 gray foxes every year, along with morecommunityfocus-ecomulch-ad-2014-8.pdf than 5,500 other patients.

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35

Reduce Your Cancer Risk Aspirin and Colorectal Cancer

BY JEWEL JOHL, MD

Colorectal cancer ranks among the most common malignancies in the United States and other economically developed countries. Approximately six percent of the population will be diagnosed with this malignancy during their lifetime.

The risk of colorectal cancer can be reduced by screening with colonoscopy. Besides screening, prevention of this cancer through use of certain diets, change in lifestyle factors, and use of medications has been an area of active research in recent years.

In the late 1980s, aspirin use was coincidentally found to lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Since then, various clinical studies have been conducted showing that aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of adenomas in the colon (which are precursors of colon cancer in most cases) and colorectal cancer in the range of 20-40%. Some studies have shown an even greater benefit. While most of the studies were conducted in patients at high risk of developing colorectal cancer, such as those with a history of colon cancer or adenomas, other studies have also found the benefit of

aspirin and NSAIDs in people without any risk of colorectal cancer.

The way aspirin and NSAIDs reduce the risk of development of adenomas, polyps, and colorectal cancer has also been studied extensively. These medications have been shown to reduce formation of cancer through inhibition of certain enzymes in the cells that promote cancer growth.

While we do know the beneficial effects of aspirin and NSAIDs for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, the question still remains in terms of optimal dose and duration of use of these medications. Some studies have shown the benefit of using 81 mg of aspirin, while others used 325 mg of aspirin. Duration of aspirin use also varied between 2 years to more than 5 years. While the dose and duration of aspirin has varied considerably in various clinical studies, most of them have shown a consistent benefit in terms of reducing the risk of developing colon cancer.

One must also be aware of the risks of aspirin, including bleeding from stomach and other parts of the intestine and risk of kidney injury; therefore, you should always consult with your physician to see if aspirin or NSAIDs are right for you. Regular screening colonoscopies and healthy diet have proven

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benefits without major risks and should always be a priority.

Dr. Johl is a Medical Oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group. He sees patients in Pleasant Hill and Brentwood. Join

Dr. Johl and other medical experts at an educational event focusing on the unique issues of patients with colon cancer on March 24, 6:30pm, at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. For more information, call 925-677-5041.

Urology News Two Physicians Named Top Doctors

Pacific Urology is pleased to announce that Castle Connolly has published its newest edition of America’s Top Doctors and has selected Dr. Judson Brandeis and Dr. Parminder Sethi for this exclusive honor. The San Francisco magazine listed both physicians in their “Top Doctors of the Bay Area” January 2016 edition.

This award is given to physicians who are nominated by their peers and meet Castle Connolly’s rigorous criteria, including board certification, medical education, training, hospital appointments, disciplinary histories, and much more. Only the top 1% of physicians in their specialty are included in America’s Top Doctors.

Dr. Brandeis attended medical school at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, performed transplantation research at Harvard Medical Center, and completed his urology residency at UCLA. He has served as the chief of urology at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek for the past six years and chief of urology for the Hill Physicians Medical Group for the past five years.

Recently, he introduced MRI fusion guided 3D prostate biopsies to the East Bay. Dr. Brandeis has expertise in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as the treatment of benign prostate enlargement. He is an expert in the fields of kidney stone treatment, female urology, and reconstructive surgery, and he has performed over 2000 vasectomies.

Dr. Sethi is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and completed his

urology residency at Ohio State University and trained at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Sethi is one of a few Dr. Parminder Sethi urologists who specialize in the use of advanced technology to treat incontinence and overactive bladder and was instrumental in developing Dr. Judson Brandeis Pacific Urology’s Continence Center. His special interests include treatment for incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and enlarged prostate, as well as bladder reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive kidney stone surgeries.

Dr. Brandeis and Dr. Sethi are physicians with Pacific Urology, the surgical division of Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group. Together, these groups have developed the first Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence in the East Bay. Their team of highly experienced prostate cancer specialists, including da Vinci trained-robotic surgeons, provide patients with a level of care equal to top-tier academic centers.

For more information, please call 925937-7740 or visit www.PacificUrology. com.

P L E A S A N T

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It’s Your Business.

Looking for a Great LOCAL Dining Experience?

To find amazing and diverse dining opportunities, you need not look very far! Whether you are looking for casual, romantic, fun or just a fast bite, your favorite place to eat is near. The next time you are choosing a restaurant to meet friends or are planning a catered event, please visit one of our many Chamber member restaurants!

March 2016

Back Forty Texas BBQ

Mountain Mike's Pizza

1962 Contra Costa Blvd., PH (925) 363-3494 www.mountainmikes.com

Togo's Restaurant 55 Crescent Drive, PH (925) 687-9111 www.togos.com

Dave's Cuisine Catering

Mountain Mikes Pizza10

Vitality Bowls

100 Coggins Drive, PH (925) 935-1440 www.backforty.us

P.O. Box 23364, PH (925) 997-7526 www.davescuisine.com

30 Golf Club Rd, PH (925) 826-5101

Off the Grid (Food Trucks)

El Tapatio Restaurant* 40 Golf Club Road, PH (925) 676-2420 www.eltaps.com

Every Wednesday at 5pm Behind City Hall, Trelaney Blvd., PH (415) 339-5888 www.offthegridsf.com

Wence's Restaurant

JACK'S Restaurant & Bar*

Peet's Coffee & Tea

WiseGirl Ristorante

Kinder's Custom Meats, Inc

Perry's Catering

60 Crescent Dr. #15A, PH (925) 849-6195 www.JacksRestaurants.com

65 Crescent Dr., PH (925) 969-1604 www.peets.com

2227 Morello Avenue, PH (925) 798-2333 www.kindersmeats.com

1044 Shary Circle, Concord (925) 435-9867 www.perryscatering.com

KOBE Japan Restaurant

Slow Hand BBQ

1918 Oak Park Blvd., PH (925) 705-7065 www.kobejapanrestaurant.com

1941 Oak Park Blvd, PH (925) 942-0149 www.slowhandbbq.com

Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ

Tahoe Joe's Famous Steakhouse

Sunvalley Shopping Mall 999 Contra Costa Blvd, PH 486 Sunvalley Mall, Concord (925) 687-8096 (925) 677-7427 www.tahoejoes.com lucillesbbq.com/locations/concord

Magoo's Grill of Pleasant Hill 1250 Contra Costa Blvd, PH (925) 682-4868 www.magoosgrill.com

Tuong Truong Peter Maclennan Ramon Valesco Jelani Tyler Rachel Martinez Francisco Javier Hernandez Peg Jackson Peter Hutcheson Natalie Puljiz Mona FosterWhite Angela Warren

1922 Oak Park Blvd., PH (925) 566-8971 www.wencesrestaurant.com Italiano & Cocktails 1932 Oak Park Blvd, PH (925) 944-5224 www.dallimontis.com

Yalla Mediterranean

55 Crescent Drive, PH (925) 825-8644 www.yallamedi.com

Zachary's Pizza

140 Crescent Drive, PH (925) 602-7000 www.zacharys.com

* Community Impact Partner

The Original Pancake House

2059 Contra Costa Blvd., PH (925) 798-3081 www.originalpancakehouse.com

“The Pleasant Hill Chamber is a great resource for you to find a local business to fit your every need. Ready for a hair cut? Would you like to get organized? Need an Accountant, Lawyer or Realtor? Maybe it’s time to look at Assisted Living or Elder Care for a loved one? Or, perhaps you need to find a Hotel for your mother-in-law who is visiting next month? No matter what you are looking for, you can probably find it in our website business directory.

Welcome New Members

Boys & Girls Club of Diablo Valley Perception Real Estate El Tapatio Everlast Construction IBEW #302 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Peg Jackson & Associates Peter Hutcheson Designs Love & Sweet Nectar Event & Beauty Botique Law Offices of Mona M. FosterWhite WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails

100 Crescent Drive, PH (925) 349-6845 www.vitalitybowls.com

(925) 228-3896 (925) 385-8798 (925) 676-2420 (925) 334-7600 (925) 228-2302 (925) 864-9932 (415) 609-5341 (415) 377-5857 (415) 426-0722 (510) 851-2576 (925) 448-9888

Supporting Chamber members helps them, helps you and helps us...a win-win-win!”

Ann Luke President & CEO

91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11 • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • 925.687.0700

www.pleasanthillchamber.com

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Diablo Valley Oncology East Bay Jewish Film Festival EcoMulch Ellinwood Exterminators El Tapatio Flaskerud - RE/MAX Today Forest Hill Swim Team Forma Gym Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education Hagin’s Automotive Hammer’s Heating and A/C Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Hire My Husband Home Detailers Housekeeping

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Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S. King’s Cleaning Kobe Japan Law Offices of Daniel L. DuRee Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski Les Schwab Tires Linda J. Weihofen Martinez Auto Body Matt Rinn – State Farm Insurance Maureen Ingalls - RE/MAX Accord Michael Brionez, J. Rockcliff Moulding Company

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Pacific Urology Parkway Smiles Dental Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Hill Rec & Park RC Sausedo Construction Renew Cryotherapy Samuels Construction Senior Helpers Shell Western States Credit Union Susan Wood Photography Trio Skincare Inc. Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails

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Make Some Plans ongoing

march 8

march 16

march 19

Buchanan Fields Golf Club

Beekeeping And BeeFriendly Gardening

Concord Naval Weapons Station

St. Patrick’s Dinner

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

Expert from the Mt. Diablo Beekeeper’s Assoc. will discuss bee biology, equipment, installation, seasonal management, bee-friendly gardens and much more. 6:30-8:30pm, Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Rd., PH; $20, register at sustainablecoco.org/workshops.

Community Coalition for a Sustainable Concord presents a site plan focusing on open space and environmental protection. Sponsored by Diablo Valley Democratic Club. 7pm,Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Rd, Walnut Creek. Details: 925.946.0469 or www.dvdems.org.

Grace Episcopal Church, 5:30pm social hour, 6:30pm dinner, 130 Muir Station Road, Martinez. Tickets, $25 general / $10 ages 12 and under. Call 925.228.6574 for reservations/information or e-mail info@ gracechurchmtz.org.

march

march 17

march 19

Spring CERT Classes Registration

Relay for Life of Pleasant Hill

Greywater Installation Workshop

Martinez CERT Basic Training: www.martinezcert.org; Pleasant Hill CERT Training: www.pleasanthillcert.com; Walnut Creek CERT Training: www.walnut-creek.org/CERT

Learn about, and sign up for the Relay For Life , an event to raise funds to fight cancer, 2-3:30pm, Pleasant Hill Senior Center. Relay is May 2122, 2016 at PH Middle School track. Contact: 925.957.9991 judiirich@comcast.net, www. relayforlife.org/pleasanthillca.

Learn how to reuse water from your bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. 10am-3pm, private home in Pittsburg. Register at http://sustainablecoco. org/workshops.

march 1

march 11 & 13

march 21

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

Diablo Choral Artists

Sons In Retirement

“Bach and His Predecessors,” featuring works

by Bach, Schütz, Telemann and Buxtehude, with string ensemble. March 11, 8pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Walnut Creek and March 13, 3pm, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Orinda.

Details at www.dcachorus.org.

SIR Branch 116 monthly luncheon begins at 11am, $15. WC Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr. Call 925.322.1160, www.Branch116.org.

Marlene Simon presents: “Mediterranean Gardening.” Guests are welcome and admission is free. 7pm at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, PH. 925.323.9314, or www.phgsc.com.

march 4

march 12

march 18 - april 3

march 21 & 24

From the Ground Up

Martinez Historical Society Crab Feed

Bloody Murder

Employment Law Workshops

Gain an understanding of how plants can be reproduced under your direction. Learn how to start your plants from seeds and cuttings. Class at 9:30am. Members $25/ non-members $30. Register at www. gardenshf.org, or call 925.947.1678 for more information.

Crab is coming from Washington and Oregon and will be fresh. No butter warmers allowed, melted butter available.

Social hour, 6pm and dinner, 7pm, $45.

Reservations: Kathie Parker, 925.943.6126.

Onstage Theatre presents this British murder mystery at Martinez Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward Street, Martinez. Visit Onstagetheatre. homestead.com for show times and ticket prices, or call 925.518.3277.

101 for Small Businesses, including Law Firms, 3/21.

Speaker: James Wu, Esq., Wu Castillo, P.C., 6-8pm.

Free. JFKU, 100 Ellinwood Dr., Room S312, Pleasant Hill. 3/24, Appeal Your Denial of Unemployment Benefits, for employees. Speaker: Marjorie A. Wallace, 6-8pm, Concord Library, 2900 Salvio St.

march 8

march 12

march 19

march 24

Local History Research Workshop

Road Map to the Night Sky

Scan-a-thon

Pleasant Hill Historical Society

The Contra Costa County Historical Society discusses how archives can be used in researching local and family history and more. Sponsored by Martinez Library.

Martinez Library, 740 Court Street, 6-7pm, free. www.ccclib.org/locations/martinez.

Join National Park Service rangers for a stargazing adventure at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez. This free, 90-minute program begins at 7pm inside the park, 4202 Alhambra Ave. www.nps.gov/ jomu or 925.228.8860.

Scan family documents, photos, and negatives into digital copies. Large newspaper-size scanner available along with trained staff.

Restrictions may apply. $5 suggested donation to Contra Costa History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez, 10am-3pm. www. cocohistory.com for details.

Monthly meetings are the 4th Thursday of each month, 7pm. We encourage people, especially youth, to take part in events that heighten awareness of the city’s past and promote preservation for future generations.

Rodgers Ranch, 315 Cortsen Rd.

ourcommunityfocus.com • march 2016

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ENJOY INTERNATIONAL FILMS IN CONTRA COSTA Award-winning films from Bulgaria, Canada, England, France, Germany, Israel, Morocco, New Zealand, Poland and Spain, including: LABYRINTH OF LIES: This critically acclaimed drama is Germany’s submission for an Oscar for Best Foreign Film.

MARCH 5–13 CENTURY 16 THEATRES, PLEASANT HILL

SERIAL BAD WEDDINGS: A riotous French blockbuster about love, marriage and in-laws.

DIRTY WOLVES: A stirring Spanish thriller about two heroic women who fought against the Nazis.

Our corporate sponsors include: RINA Accountancy Destination Wealth Management DIABLO Magazine City National Bank Davidson & Licht Aaron Metals Kabab-Burger Diablo Valley Oncology Buttercup Grill & Bar Ayala’s Skin Care AA All Metals Recycling Martha Ann Wishnev/Realtor Krasna Financial Group

PHOENIX: One of the best films of 2015, this German film has been compared to Hitchcock’s classic Vertigo.

5 TO 7: From America comes this romantic coming-of-age story. Co-starring Glenn Close and Frank Langella.

REMEMBER: Christopher Plummer stars in this gripping Canadian drama that you will remember long after the credits roll.

F O R O U R C O M P L E T E L IN E U P O R T O P URCH A S E T ICK E T S ONL INE :

EASTBAYJEWISHFILM.ORG

OR CALL 925.240.3053 40

march 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com