• MARCH 2013
Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses
See page 19 for Martinez and Pleasant Hill baseball parade information.
• Bodie - Ghost Town Extraordinaire.............page 3 • Second Chance Treasure................................page 5 • Read My Mind©.......................................... page 12 • A Letter of Gratitude................................... page 14
• Spring & Summer Activity.......................pages 16-17 • Talented “Smart Mary” Stammers..................page 18 • High School Happenings................................. page 21 • Old Martinez Train Depot............................... page 23
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March 2013
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Historic and Beautiful 395 - A Town-by-Town Series Story and Photos by Christopher Vardas Part 2 Bodie – Ghost Town Extraordinaire Bodie, one of the best-preserved ghost towns anywhere, has been on my bucket list for years. The tales of Bodie’s wildlife reputation, unbridled greed for riches, and a hard, oftentimes desperate life, fanned my interest in all things oldwest. From Carson City, Bodie lies about 100 miles south along Hwy 395. As you bid farewell to suburbia, you pass through the retirement town of Minden, past Topaz Lake and out of Nevada back into California as the road begins its gentle climb from 4700 to 8000 feet. Along the way, you pass through biologically diverse environments of high, sage desert, over plateaus, ranch lands and the eastern edge of coniferous forests and rising mountains. Continuing south past romantic names such as Shingle Mill, Junction Creek, and Devil’s Gate (7519 ft. pass), you enter the small town of Bridgeport. There are some services here, namely gasoline and a handful of motels and places to stop for supplies or a bite to eat. In less than ten miles from Bridgeport, the road junctions onto Hwy 270, a very good nine-mile paved road ending on about three miles of well-graded dirt road, easily managed by cars and RVs. Within minutes, the barren and inhospitable hills seem to multiply with a skyline that stretches forever. Your first glimpse of Bodie will likely beg the question, “Why would anyone have looked for treasure in such a place?” Historically, Bodie was the site of a gold boom in the 1860’s and 1870’s. Newspapers, a telegraph line and multiple stamp mills were all kept busy during its heyday. Take time to walk the grounds; you can pretty much wander about anywhere you want (except where posted), but please respect the future by respecting the past. Appreciate the buildings and various objects inside, out and on the ground, but do not touch. Although the area is walked routinely by thousands of people, I would recommend good sense and caution when
walking to avoid rocks, uneven ground and the remote chance that crawling critters might be hiding in dark places or sunning on a rock. The bright yellow flowered bushes are sometimes called Rabbit Brush and provide a welcome visual relief from the harsh landscape. A fee is collected at the entrance station to help offset the cost of preservation and care of the buildings and land. Of the original 2000 plus buildings,
about 200 remain, carefully preserved for many decades in various stages of decay. Be sure to stop at the restrooms near the parking lot and the information center housed in one of the older buildings. Expect crowds on weekends. Life was not easy at 8379 feet. And Bodie was harsh in the best of circumstances, downright brutal and killing in the worst of times. Winter snows routinely top 10-15 feet with unimagina-
ble cold and wind. Small buildings and stovepipes are testimony to the heroic effort people made to stay in such an inhospitable place. Buildings were often made of clapboard, tin sheets and, in some cases, canvas. Streets were muddy when wet and the risk of fire ever-present. Buildings are spread over many acres, so wear good walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. The grounds are kept as they were found when the park service assumed responsibility; wood, building debris, skeletons of rusted cars, trucks and equipment litter the grounds, frozen in time. State rangers patrol the area to help visitors keep respect for the place and provide good, friendly information about the preservation process and history of the area. You can enter a few buildings near the parking lot and peer into others through original windows and worn curtains. Other buildings must be enjoyed from behind barbed wire; the mining complex at the top of the hill is off-limits, but easily appreciated from the trail. The schoolhouse invites you to peek at old desks and a worn, sun-bleached globe and chalkboard. Like any schoolroom today, the maps and alphabet letters are still stuck to the walls. From your window perch, you can still look into an old saloon with its coat and cue racks and dust-laden pool table. Some of the residences reveal their secrets still; metal beds, rusted kitchens, worn floors and neglected, sun-bleached lace. There is a wealth of old machinery and ambience to satisfy the history buff and photographer in us all. Plan to stay at least 2-3 hours and be sure to bring food and water too, as there are no services here. Return to Hwy 395 on the same road...do not attempt back roads unless you have a high and mighty 4x4 or are willing to see your transmission relegated to junk metal and tires shredded to rubber pulp. Next stop, mighty and mysterious Mono Lake. View more of Christopher’s photos at www.VardasPhotography.com.
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March 2013
JULIE SAYS
A Bloat of Hippos Part II By Julie Ross hawks wheel and circle, riding the ris If you read last month’s column, ing warm air, it is known as “a kettle of you will recall our quest for words that hawks,” because it looks like something describe groups of animals, people and boiling up in a cauldron. inanimate objects. Deb Rose of Lindsay Wildlife Muse Well, my friend Polly hit the colum submitted several collective nouns, lective noun jackpot. She is retiring and including a “cacophony of cars,” “a toin the process of going through what tality of tweets” and one many of us can she referred to as the “peck of papers” relate to, “a tornado of tots.” Perfect! (good one, Polly) on her desk. She un All the ideas I received were woncovered a seven-page list of collective derful, making it impossible for me to names for animals, so the whole list pick the best. However, reader Peggy won’t fit here, but I will share with you Bloisa will be the recipient of the prize, three of my favorites: “a charm of humwhich is four guest passes to Lindsay Wildlife Mumingbirds,” “a romp of otters” and a “storytelling of seum, because Peggy’s ideas were the first to arrive in ravens.” my inbox. Peggy’s entries: “a chatter of squirrels,” “a Tom Moore of Pleasant Hill passed along a term squabble of jays,” “a lounge of housecats” and a seche heard used by wildlife columnist Gary Bogue – “a murder of crows.” A Murder of Crows is also the title ond one for a group of cats that I think really hits the of a program that pops up from time to time on PBS. mark, “an attitude of housecats.” Yes, Peggy, I believe It offers fascinating insights into the extraordinary in- many of us have come across those characters. Thanks to everyone who sent in their ideas and telligence of these raucous birds. (Don’t worry, when comments. Enjoy the early spring weather and the they get together they only appear to be plotting a “symphony of flowers” it brings. murder.) Send comments to julieakross@comcast.net One of our family members is a magnificent (no, we are not biased at SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1990 all) Shetland Sheepdog. My husband Murray suggests MOVING & STORAGE we use the term “a parade of Shelties” for those blessed KITCHENS occasions when several of CABINET REFACING these fine dogs are present. BATHROOMS Excellence • Experience • Efficiency Fellow Lindsay Wildlife ROOM ADDITIONS Museum volunteer MariOffice & Light Industrial • Seniors ALL TYPES OF REMODELING lyn Ayers passed along the Residential• Storage & Warehousing Call For A Free Estimate phrase “a congress of ba(925) 560-1020 boons.” I assure you I am not putting that out there as Bonded & Insured Lic#586127 www.corral-construction.com Family owned and operated since 1975. a political commentary… Oh, and speaking of Marilyn reminds me of another collective noun near Call Ron Jones today for all your real estate needs! and dear to my heart. In the fall of 2011, we went on a field trip to Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands, a beautiful location for ob• 20 Years Experience serving the annual hawk • Short Sale Specialist migration. Several species email Ron@sterlingrealtyca.com Call For Your web Sterlingrealtyca.com of hawks gather there to catch the thermal updrafts before gliding across the HOME ANALYSIS mouth of the bay. As the Licensed by the Dept. of Real Estate Corp. Lic. #01172162
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Second Chance Treasure In 2008, Marcia Almeida of Martinez turned her anxiety and fears over a breast cancer diagnosis into action, art and charity. Giving old things new life is a recently discovered talent that Almeida has turned into a means of raising funds for various organizations, from cancer support to Foster a Dream. Coming from frugal roots, Almeida has recycled and repurposed anything she can get her hands on, long before it was in style. “My mother could stretch the almighty dollar further than anyone alive. Still can. I came from an era when my mother taught me to be a good housewife, so I cook, I clean, I sew and I can throw a mean party.” When she moved into her husband’s house, Almeida wanted to make it a happy place for them both to live. Tempted by the blank canvas of a drab cinder block wall, she began painting the outside of the house with paint they had lying around. From there she moved to indoor walls and on to pieces of furniture around the house, which gave everything a lift. Almeida also made the rounds to homes of friends, helping them get organized and using recycled bricks, rocks and flower pots to decorate their yards. “When I started painting the walls of the house, it was to process the cancer things that went flowing through my mind that week and to help me decide what treatment to choose. I felt like I needed something to get through it in my head. It
By R.L. Tinker never occurred to me to sell anything HGTV! I’m starting one step at a time.” Almeida’s mother would be proud of I painted until some coaxing from her daughter’s inherited ability to make Almeida will soon be celebratfriends a couple of years ago. All of ing five years since her cancer surgery. something from nothing. a sudden, friends just happened to “Now that I see I can make a difference Almeida’s second show recently have old furniture that was on the way with a gift I never knew I had, I wish resulted in a $200 donation to Foster a to the dumps, or my husband would Dream, as well as three orders for com- I could change the world with it,” she find things like coffee tables along the missioned pieces of her work. Her next says. “I’m excited and I feel blessed.” roadside. Boxes of house paint started For more information about Marshow will be held on April 13, from showing up on our doorstep.” Anything noon to 3pm at 2300 Crescent Drive in cia Almeida’s art and for informathat doesn’t move is a potential target. tion about her upcoming shows, check Concord. Almeida says proceeds from With the goal of landing a spot Paintings by Almeida on Facebook or each show will go to different charion the Ellen DeGeneres Show during contact Marcia at marciaannalmeities. Her ultimate dream would be “to breast cancer awareness month, Alda1@gmail.com. have one of those great design jobs on meida began writing the producers by hand – she didn’t have a computer. “Her show was what helped me get By Morgan Renteria through my cancer; I wanted to have Valentine’s Day usually marks a day when people splurge on chocolate and an art show and donate the money to gifts of all kinds for their loved ones. This was not the case for some students at Diaher breast cancer charity.” While waitblo Valley College. For the past few weeks, under the direction of dance instructor ing in a doctor’s office, she came across Kimberly Valmore, dance students, the women’s soccer team as well as a few othinformation about Ford Motor Comer interested people, all came together to dance in a flash mob in DVC’s quad for pany organizing Warriors in Pink to 1 Billion Rising, an internationally recognized event for the prevention of rape and help The Pink Fund, an organization violence against women. As a participant of the event, I was very pleased with the turnout of the crowd and the amount of support we had from faculty, family and that helps cover non-medical financial students. The moment the flash mob began, there was almost a chill in the air from needs for those going through breast the silence and eyes watching what was about to unfold. Being part of 1 Billion Riscancer treatment. Having yet to hear ing changed my outlook and alerted me to the importance of equality between back from Ellen, it was the perfect fowomen and men and how lucky I am to be able to use my voice and have the cus for her desire to give back. Almeida freedom to stand up and fight against wrong doing. organized an art show called Marcia’s Pink Event and Showing at the Benicia home of her friend Cathy Watson. She intended for 100% of the proceeds to go to The Pink Fund, but one week before the show, super storm Sandy hit the east coast, so she split the $810 proceeds between The Pink Fund and The American Red Cross. Considering that she spends only pennies per project,
Artist Marcia Almeida repurposes an old chest of drawers.
One Billion Rising at DVC
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March 2013
Real Estate Update
Let us bow our heads in a moment of silence to mourn the passing of a valued real estate friend: the FHA insured loan. Well, at least in California anyway. For those who are not acquainted with the FHA loan, it is a type of mortgage loan backed by Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance. Developed during the Great Depression, FHA insured loans have historically allowed lower income Americans to borrow money for the purchase of a home that they would not otherwise be able to afford. During the “flexible” lending era that fueled the last housing boom, FHA loans became largely obsolete in California, primarily due to their inadequate loan amount limits and readily available low and zero down loan programs from conventional lenders. But following the mortgage industry’s implosion in 2008, they rocketed back to popularity as the nation’s only low down payment and low credit requirement loans. Basically, all you needed was a steady job and a 3.5% down payment and you were approved. Several downsides accompanied America’s new subprime loan. Compared to conventional financing, FHA loans typically take longer to underwrite, have slightly higher interest rates, have strict standards on the condition of the home (everything pretty much
“Nathan was a dream to work with. Very professional, hardworking and easy going. He put our needs before his.” Joe Resident
By Nathan Hitchcock gency. A discussion over which offer to About a dozen more offers could have needs to be in good working order), accept lasted about 90 seconds. been procured, but after receiving the and most importantly, cost the borrow Knowing that the appraised value first few offers, we chose to save proer more, thanks to required up front spective buyers the effort and heartache of the home would be limited by the and ongoing mortgage insurance. recent sale in the complex, the all cash by telling anyone offering around the But in today’s red-hot real esoffer with no appraisal contingency was asking price not to bother wasting the tate markets, the FHA loan is being the clear choice. The three FHA offers paper. escorted to the graveyard. The first with only 3.5% down didn’t even stand Of the thirteen offers received, deathblow came from the increasing a chance. FHA loans, may you rest in the two highest offers were 20% and availability of low down payment propeace. 23% over the list price. Both included grams from traditional lenders, such as financing with 25% down and appraisal Nathan Hitchcock is the managUnion Bank’s Economic Opportunity ing broker of Hitchcock Realty. He can contingencies. The third highest offer Mortgage. With only a 5% down paybe reached at nathan@hitchcockrealty. was all cash for close to 15% over the ment requirement and no up front or com or (925) 825-1100. asking price, with no appraisal continmonthly mortgage insurance, borrowers are saving hundreds of dollars per month compared to FHA loans. Additional blows are coming later this year from internal sources. To remain fiscally solvent, FHA administrators are not only raising the cost of the monthly insurance premium, but are also requiring that it remain in Do you have a story for The Focus? place for the life of the loan. Previously, Deadline for the April issue is March 15th. borrowers could petition to have the monthly insurance premium removed Email to info@ourcommunityfocus.com. once the loantovalue ratio fell to conventional levels. But the final deathblow is coming in the form of cold hard cash, wielded by homebuyers who have a lot of it. A recent listing for a townhome in Martinez illustrates this murderous act nicely. The sellers priced their home at the sold price of an identical unit in the complex that closed escrow a mere eight days earlier. After a carefully orchestrated ten-day marketing period, a total of thirteen offers were received.
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Page 7
PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Since 1921
Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700
3/1 – Ambassador Meeting – 8-9am. Pleasant Hill City Hall.
Keeping the Tradition
3/5 – Leadership Lunch – 11:45am. Wence’s Restaurant, 1922 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill. RSVP to Rod Harris: (925) 6984996. 3/12 & 26 - 680 Breakfast Club – Tuesdays, 8:15–10am. Networking. For more information, contact Tracy Tamura: tracy@ tamurainsurance.com or 925-639-8889.
Connolly & Taylor
3/14 & 28 - 680 Breakfast Club – Thursdays, 8:15–10am. Networking. For more information, contact Julie McCoy: Julie@ JulieMcCoy.com or 925-980-8095.
Funeral Directors 925-228-4700
3/20 – Social Media Workshop – 8-10am. Pleasant Hill City Hall Community Rm. To sign up, e-mail: megan@hoganmarketingandmedia.com.
Tribute Videos
3/25 - Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting – 5:30 – 7pm. Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill. 3/26 - Ribbon Cutting & Open House– Colleen Callahan Insurance Services. Ribbon Cutting at 4:20pm and Open House from 4-6pm. 140 Gregory Lane, Suite 170, Pleasant Hill. Contact: (925) 363-5433. 3/28 - Cantrell’s Computer Sales & Service - Celebrating 15 Years! 5-7pm. Food, Refreshments and Savings. 1936 Linda Drive, Pleasant Hill, (925) 827-1200. CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
3/20 - Business Mixer – 5-7pm. Hosted by Contra Costa Food Bank, 4010 Nelson Ave, Concord. RSVP to ann@pleasanthillchamber.com.
Personalized Printing Memorial Websites
3/25 - Green Committee Meeting – 4-5pm. Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill.
3/21 - Board of Directors Meeting – 7:45-9am. Pleasant Hill City Hall, Community Room.
MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345
4000 Alhambra Ave.
Martinez, CA 94553
Martinez Chamber of Commerce Presents
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2012
The Martinez Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce they are now accepting letters of nomination for the 2012 Citizen of the Year Awards. The awards are given in the following categories: MAN OF THE YEAR WOMAN OF THE YEAR YOUNG MAN OF THE YEAR
YOUNG WOMAN OF THE YEAR SERVICE WITHOUT BORDERS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD To nominate someone for any of these categories, please contact the Martinez Chamber of Commerce for Citizen of the Year guidelines or visit www.martinezchamber.com. Write a letter stating why you believe the person deserves the award. Please include your information and nominees’ contact information including address and telephone number on the letter. Please send letters of nomination or any inquires to the Martinez Chamber of Commerce at 603 Marina Vista, Martinez, CA 94553. Letters can also be faxed to 925-228-2356 or emailed to John@martinezchamber.com – Attention: Citizen of the Year Nomination. The Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet will be held Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 6pm-9pm at the Martinez Event Center, 524 Main Street, Martinez. To RSVP call the Martinez Chamber of Commerce at 925-228-2345.
Deadline for nomination letters is March 14, 2013
Ambassador Meeting – If interested in attending, contact (925) 228-2345 or email info@martinezchamber.com. 3/14 – Citizen of the Year Nomination Deadline – Last day we will be accepting letters of nomination for Citizen of the Year candidates. For guidelines visit www.martinezchamber.com or call the Chamber office. 3/14 – Chamber Mixer – Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm. Tes Elliott Insurance-Farmers, 5011 Blum Rd. #1, Martinez. Great networking, food, fun, raffle prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!) 3/21 – Educational Series –You on YouTube? 11:30am-1:30pm. Easy Steps for Using YouTube to Meet Your Business Goals. Presented by Robin Fox, Social Media Coach. New Location: MUSD office boardroom, 921 Susana St. in Martinez. Free to Chamber members,
Non-members $20. Non-members that join the Chamber will get $10 credited towards their membership. Lunch provided. RSVP required 3 days prior to seminar. Call or email the Chamber for more information. 3/28 – 3/31 – Carnival Butler Amusement – Thursday thru Sunday. Rides, games, food and fun. Located at Hwy 680 & Hwy 4 (Pacheco Exit off Hwy 4), All day Wristbands: $20 advance sale tickets (at the Chamber office); $25 at the carnival. Call Chamber for more information! Save the Date – Citizen of the Year Awards Dinner – Saturday, April 13, 6-9pm at the Martinez Events Center, 524 Main St., in Martinez. We will be honoring citizens from the community for their contributions to the betterment of Martinez. For dinner tickets and information call the Chamber office.
HATS OFF TO THE GRADS!
Show them how proud you are by putting them in the Community Focus! Ads up to 35 words are only $15.00. If you wish to include a photo (2.75 x 1.75) the price is only $30.00. Send announcements to info@ourcommunityfocus.com. Deadline is the 2nd Friday of each month. Photo must be in jpeg format. 1 MB miniumum size.
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PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
The Pleasant Hill Education Initiative “Our children are the future we may never see.” Well-educated children who are prepared to face the challenges life presents are essential to our future. I’ve been an educator for over fifty years and I believe this now more than ever. I also believe it’s a community’s collective responsibility to help provide our children with the educational opportunities needed to succeed and live meaningful
Mayor’s Message
Michael G. Harris, OD, Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill lives. and tradespeople volunteer in the class That’s why I’m proposing The room and after school to provide young Pleasant Hill Education Initiative, a people with opportunities to learn about multi-year community-wide volunteer various career options. effort to enhance the quality of educa We could organize forums, worktion of our students. Its goal is simple: shops, and summits that teach critito better prepare our children for colcal skills needed for success. Talented lege, careers, and life through enhanced volunteers could establish after-school educational opportunities. I’m hoping workshops in music, the arts, theater, we can also raise high school graduation reading, math, and science. (I can help rates and make learning more fun! with the math and science, but my mu What kind of programs could The sical and artistic talents are extremely Initiative organize and develop? Here limited. My wife would say they’re toare just a few examples. An active mentally nonexistent.) toring program could be established Each of us has strengths and talents where business people, professionals, we can use to enrich the lives of young people. The seniors in our community have much to offer our children through their rich and varied experiences. Our neighbors at Diablo Valley College and John F. Kennedy University have proHill city line to the south and waregrams that train teachers and others, houses grouped along Vincent Road to and they could mentor high school and the west. It was decided that the Iron middle school children. Horse Trail corridor be excluded from Our library could hold after-school the area. The area is roughly 37 acres, and evening workshops to teach chilincludes 19 buildings, is located on a dren the importance of math and scitransit route and is in close proximity to ence. I attended one such workshop last existing social services for the homeless. year, where young inventors showed off The ordinance was introduced homemade remote controlled cars and with minor amendments: launched paper rockets. It was a won• Adequate lockers will be provided for derful learning experience and great fun clients and their personal property. to boot! • Lengths of stay will be for 180 days The first step is to form a steering maximum and a minimum of 60 days committee that would organize and debetween consecutive stays (with docuvelop the various programs. I hope the mented stays by management and availsteering committee could begin its work able upon inspection). • The city has the right to impose fees and other exactions in the event that Architectural Review Commission the operation of facility becomes a nuiMarch 7, 21 sance or requires additional city servCity Hall, 100 Gregory Lane ices. Small Community Room, 5pm Contact: 671-5209 • Possession of controlled substances and alcohol will be prohibited. City Council March 4, 18 Should Pleasant Hill not have an City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane approved housing element or comply Council Chambers, 7:30pm with the ordinance, it could lose local Contact: 671-5229 transportation dollars, such as Measure Civic Action Commission J grant funds, and funding for services March 6 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane and roads that benefit our community. Small Community Room, 6:30pm Adoption is expected at the next city Contact: 671-5229 council meeting.
Emergency/Homeless Shelter Update
On February 4, the Pleasant Hill City Council approved a zoning district for an emergency homeless shelter (but also put in place reasonable operating standards to protect the neighbors looking forward) in the eastern part of the city. Senate Bill No. 2 (SB 2) requires all cities and counties (“localities”) to provide at least one zoning category in which emergency shelters can be located without discretionary approval from the local government. Each locality must identify in its housing element at least one zoning category in which homeless shelters are allowed without a conditional use permit or other discretionary review. The shelter must be large enough to accommodate the city’s unsheltered homeless population. The last homeless census conducted by the county in 2011 identified 116 unsheltered homeless persons in Pleasant Hill. State law does not require Pleasant Hill to construct an emergency shelter, and no shelter is currently proposed for construction. The designated area in which the emergency shelter will be located is a Limited Industrial (LI) District, which is bounded by Fair Oaks Elementary School to the north, the Pleasant
March 2013
this month and launch the first programs in the fall. The City of Pleasant Hill will take a significant role in this endeavor, which would be led by our Education Commission. Our Rec & Park District, the Mount Diablo Unified School District, principals, and teachers are critical to this endeavor. I’m pleased that they have already endorsed The Initiative. Parent groups and teachers are also essential to the success of this proposal. To be successful in this effort, we must engage our local foundations, the Pleasant Hill Library, our business community, other regional organizations, and local institutions of higher education. We will also need the support of our newspapers and websites. So here’s my challenge to you: Will you be a part of this vital communitywide volunteer effort? If so, please go to the city’s website (www.pleasant-hill.net/ phei) and register to be one of our hundreds of volunteers. You can make a difference with as little as one hour a week! Remember, it’s our responsibility to provide our children with the tools they need for success. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future.” When we do this, we’ll make our city and the world better today and in the future. Thank you for joining me in this effort. Our kids are counting on you.
City Calendar of Events Education Commission March 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 7pm Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission March 12, 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209 For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
March 2013
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Mayor’s Message Boards, commissions and city councils traditionally hold annual retreats to talk about accomplishments of the past year, but more imPhoto by Stahlberg portantly, to hammer out the goals and priorities for the next one to five years. The meetings are usually not held in city hall, but in another, less formal facility that is open to the public. This year, the Martinez City Council met on a Saturday morning at the Martinez Yacht Club for a four-hour session facilitated by Larry Bienati, PhD., at no cost to the city. Larry is a government and business consultant and has also taught at St. Mary’s College, UC Berkeley, California Maritime Academy and Sacramento State University. Each council member had an opportunity to express his or her top five priorities for the city. It took about an hour for all five of us to speak, while the facilitator wrote down our thoughts on a poster board and then taped it to the wall behind us. Once each of us had a turn, we reviewed each sheet and analyzed the similarities and differences. Everyone felt public safety was the number one priority, closely followed by a solid and secure balanced budget.
Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez Other priorities included economic demunity for the same reason. We all care council is rowing in the same direcvelopment, improving infrastructure, deeply for Martinez and are working tion. We all have different personalideveloping the waterfront (including for the betterment of our community ties, styles and opinions, but most imthe marina), and several quality of life and neighbors. portantly, we all are serving our comissues including code enforcement, cultural activities and community wellness programs. Because of the prudent manageYouth Baseball Parade ment of the city by the city council, city The Martinez Youth Baseball and Softball Pamanager, chief of police and city staff, rade, picnic and pictures take place on Saturday, March 9. The parade features athletes from Martinez is on solid financial ground. Martinez Baseball & Softball Association and the We have an unrestrictive reserve of $3.9 Martinez Baseball Club. The parade will start at million (an increase of $600,000 from City Hall at 10:00 am, and the picnic will start at last year). We expect property tax in11:00 am at the Martinez Picnic Area in the macome to remain flat next year, with sales rina. Hot dog and hamburger lunches will be tax increasing from 2% to 3%. available for purchase. Harriet Burt will be the announcer. Photo by: Melinda Yee We see improvements in the overArbor Day Celebration all economy with declining unemploy On March 13, Martinez Park and Recreation staff will provide crafts ment, increasing housing prices and a and planting opportunities for Arbor Day participants in Susana Street Park strong stock market. With economic from 10am-12pm. The general public development and waterfront improveis invited to participate in this celebraments on the top of our list, we agreed tion of trees and wildlife. Since 2003, to create and fund a new position on the National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Martinez as a “Tree the senior staff to work on economic City USA.” This distinction demondevelopment, housing, waterfront destrates the community’s commitment velopment and overall revitalization. to urban forestry and promoting the We have very dedicated, talented and benefits of trees. Residents are enoverworked staff with very important couraged to support the principles of skill sets. However, no one on the curArbor Day year round: reduce, reuse and recycle all paper products. For rent staff has this particular skill set, and if they did, they would not have the time information, go to www.arborday.org. Volunteer Opportunities to dedicate to this effort. Want to make a difference in your community? If so, Downtown Marti I came away from the session with nez can use your help! a feeling that every member of this city
City News
Berrellessa Crossing At the February 6 City Council Workshop, the council discussed alternative accesses to the Court Street overcrossing, and a motion was made and voted to approve to move forward with Alternative B (taken from the Martinez Waterfront Alternative Access Study), which would provide the connection from the future Amtrak parking lot on the north side of the tracks to Berrellessa, but would not include the Berrellessa overcrossing. Martinez will build a bridge across Alhambra Creek from Berrellesa Street. The city is also developing plans for approximately 300 parking spaces to be shared by NorCal
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
Sports, the Universal Sports Academy and the Amtrak station. The project is designed to provide another access to the Martinez waterfront for bicycles, pedestrians and emergency vehicles, as well as to help revitalize the waterfront. With the openings of the two sports complexes, the waterfront is attracting a variety of athletic teams that use the facilities on a daily basis. Currently, Ferry Street provides the only access road for vehicles traveling to and from the waterfront. Funding sources come from Measure J funds in the amount of $10 million.
Main Street Martinez is a volunteer run organization and is looking for people who want to help with this year’s events and projects. Jobs range from office help, event set up and take down, clean up day, NEW Downtown Ambassadors, and more! To learn more about Main St. Martinez, visit: www.mainstreetmartinez.org. To sign up to volunteer, email director@mainstreetmartinez.org.
City Calendar of Events City Council Meeting March 6, 20 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting March 12, 26 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Design Review Meeting March 13, 27 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Zoning Administrator Meeting March 6, 20 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Park, Recreation, Marina & Cultural Commission Check City Website for Date 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated. For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
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www.ourcommunityfocus.com
March 2013
A Sure Bet: Big Quake Ahead...But When?
By Jim Bonato quakes along the Hayward Fault occur You’ve taken Friday off work to about every 140 years, and a magnitude catch-up on chores around the house. 7 quake on the fault today would likely You glance at your watch. It’s 2:15 and leave about 100,000 people homeabout time to round up the kids from less and cause more than $1 trillion Pleasant Hill Elementary and Coldamage. The last major quake on the lege Park High School. You hear a low Hayward Fault occurred in 1868…145 pitched rumbling in the distance, then the rattle of the house’s windows, then a years ago. The temblor clock is ticking. Are jolting boom as the earthquake shakes you and your family prepared? the house’s foundation. Dishes fall In future columns, I will be writfrom the cupboard and the bookcase ing on specific ways to make your topples in the family room. The smell home and your family better prepared of rotten eggs begins to permeate the to withstand a major earthquake, what house -- gas! Car alarms are triggered to do during a quake to make you less in the neighborhood by the jostling of prone to injuries, and what steps to the earth as the shaking continues. take after a quake to reunite the family At the Kaiser tower in Oakland, and survive the following 72 hours…a your spouse feels the rolling and swaylittle more comfortably. ing of the building; ceiling tiles begin to fall and the lights go out. In the dark, In the meantime, take a look at www.ready.gov. This is a terrific primer your spouse hears the moaning of several colleagues amid the louder cacoph- on the steps every family should take right now. ony of people trying to reach safety. Thoughts rush through both of your heads: We’ve just been hit by a quake on the Hayward fault. Are my family and home safe? In a 2007 article, San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Carolyn Jones quoted U.S. Geological Survey Senior Seismologist Tom Brocher: “The Hayward Fault is a tectonic time bomb. It’s the single most dangerous fault in the entire Bay Area, because it is ready to pop and nearly 2 million people live directly on top of it. Jones further states that, according to the USGS, major
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Pleasant Hill Senior Activities
Martinez Senior Activities
233 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788
818 Green St. (925) 370-8770
Fridays: Chef’s Lunch 11:30am. Best deal in town! Homemade soups, salads, desserts, breads and rolls for only $5. On the menu, bottomless soup from October - March and a colorful salad bar April - September. Call the Center to find out what is being served, (925) 798-8788. Lunch is available to go! Pleasant Hill Senior Center (No lunch on March 15). $5/person or 10-lunch punch card for $45. Mar. 4 & 11 - Care Management Speaker Series 2-3:30pm. The PH Senior Center, The Chateau’s of Pleasant Hill and other local businesses bring you information on life’s important topics. Light refreshments will be served. Free but space is limited, call the Senior Center to reserve space, (925) 798-8788. The 2nd Thursday of every month in Classroom 1. March 14: How to Find Affordable Housing presented by EBHO. April 11: Nutrition as We Age, presented by Care Indeed. Mar. 8 - For the Love of Dogs! 1:30pm. The San Ramon Valley Guide Dog group will share information on how a person becomes eligible to have a guide dog, how the puppies are trained, and they’ll bring some of their puppy students. You don’t want to miss this fun and educational program! Pre-registration is suggested. Free! Pleasant Hill Senior Center. Mar. 15 - Life Stories Worth Sharing! 10:30-11:30am. You have stories that are funny, full of wisdom and poignant. This class will help you recall, write, edit, organize and publish them. We will begin with a blank timeline that gets filled-in as the big and little moments of your life are revisited. Class includes writing prompts, storytelling games, organization strategies, and peer & teacher editing. Instructor: Terra Wilson-Kaysser. Class runs every Friday for 7 weeks. Call (925) 798-8788 for more information or to register. Mar. 30 - Easter Pancake Breakfast & Spring Boutique 8-11am. Pancake breakfast followed by a wonderful spring selection of handmade boutique items including quilts, baby clothes and more. Adults (11&up): $5 / Children (5-10 yrs): $3 / Children 4 & under: Free! PH Senior Center.
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Wednesdays - Alzheimer’s Respite Program 10am-4pm. The Martinez Respite group is for those with Alzheimer’s or memory loss from other causes. Activities include discussion groups, exercise, crafts, table games and projects to maintain social skills. Class size is limited. A one-time $20 registration fee and a daily lab fee of $15. Lunch is included. Program sponsored by the City of Martinez. Call (925) 370-8772 for more information and to register. We cannot accommodate drop-ins. March 8 - AARP Driver Safety Refresher Course 11am-4pm with a 30-minute break. This one-day 4.5-hour course is for anyone who has taken the 8-hour AARP Driver Safety Training in the past four years. Either course qualifies you for a mature driver discount with your auto insurance company. (Please check with your insurance agent for details.) Fee: $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Register by calling the office at: 370-8770. Make checks payable to “AARP” and give to the instructor the day of class. March 10 - Pancake Breakfast 8am-11am. This delicious breakfast includes pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Cost: $3.50 for adults/$2 for children 10 and under. Handmade crafts, perfect for gifts, will be on sale during the breakfast. March 22 – Vagabond Players Present Agatha Christie’s “The Unexpected Guest.” Doors open at 1pm; performance begins at 1:30pm. Don’t miss the fun trying to solve this murder mystery. Michael Starkwedder stumbles onto a foggy estate in Wales to discover a man murdered and everyone in the household a suspect. Will you be able to guess who did it? Miss Christie pulls her almighty knockout punch and produces one of her famous surprise endings. Cost: $10 members/$12 non-members. A light buffet will be served after the play. Contact the Senior Center for tickets: (925) 646-2598.
A Special Partnership Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services is now partnering with the Contra Costa County Sheriff ’s Department. Specifically, the Friendly Visitors Program has been added to the Sheriff Department’s list of available volunteer opportunities. The Contra Costa Sheriff ’s Department has over 700 volunteers participating in a variety of volunteer opportunities, from Animal Services to Search and Rescue. Citizens volunteering through the Sheriff ’s department include caring individuals who still want to be active in their communities. The Friendly Visitors Program is an important community service that creates lasting and enriching companionship between seniors and volunteers. Often times seniors feel isolated or lonely, and this program can help provide a more safe and comfortable feeling simply by sharing stories, having
tea, taking walks and playing cards or games. Other activities might include reading, helping a senior write a letter or assist with other tasks that may have become too difficult for the senior to do. Who are Friendly Visitors? Friendly Visitors are Senior Outreach Service volunteers from the community who are dependable and caring people with a positive outlook. Friendly Visitors are matched with seniors who share similar interests. Your minimum commitment of one hour per week for a six-month period would surely put a smile on your face and warmth in the hearts of both you and your senior companion. If you would like to make a difference and volunteer for this rewarding program, please contact Cynthia Black at 925-937-8311 extension 119 or cblack@mowsos.org.
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March 2013
Read My Mind ©
My Spring Reading List Harry Potter’s mother has grown up. The Casual Vacancy, J.K. Rawlings’ first book since her Harry Potter series, is definitely not child’s play. The “casual vacancy” occurs on the council of the English town of Pagford when Councillor Barry Fairbrother dies unexpectedly. The fight to fill his vacancy centers on what will happen to a ramshackle area of town called the Fields. There is much more at stake than meets the eye in the infighting over filling this vacancy, as a variety of devious characters have their own agendas. While I enjoyed the book and found many of the characters strangely interesting, the story didn’t grab me the way the Harry Potter books did. We’ll have to see what Ms. Rawlings has to offer in the future. Do you believe in life after death and heaven? Regardless of your answer, you are going to be fascinated by Eben Alexander’s bestseller, Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife.
Book Reviews by Michael G. Harris, OD Politics of The PerAlexander is a physician sonal. Chafe traces their and scientist who had a personal and profesnear-death experience sional lives from early (NDE) in which he enchildhood to present tered heaven. His NDE is day. We get insights into different from others I’ve their character and what read about and is much makes them tick; insights that are lacking more compelling. in other books I’ve read. This “no holds Most NDEs last only minutes in barred” account of their life and relationpeople whose hearts stop functioning. ship is spellbinding and a must-read for The patient’s brain is alive and active anyone interested in politics or gossip. during these NDE episodes. Alexander, Speaking of politics and gossip, on the other hand, spent seven days in a coma caused by bacterial meningitis. He you can skip Arnold Schwarzenegger’s autobiography, Total Recall: My Unbelievwas brain-dead, yet his “consciousness” able True Life Story. Co-authored with lived on in a place of love and beauty Pete Petre (who probably did most of the more wondrous than words can express. writing), this 646-page tome seems nothWhether or not you believe in life after ing more than an ego trip for the former death, Alexander’s experience will make “Governator.” By the way, 646 pages you hope that heaven really does exist. averages out to 10 pages for every year I’ve read many books about Bill and of his life! Yet, in less than two pages, he Hillary Clinton, but none has given me dismisses his affair with his housekeeper as complete an understanding of these and his illegitimate son, without so much two fascinating people than William H. as an apology! To me, Total Recall is “total Chafe’s bestseller, Bill and Hillary: The
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baloney.” If you like good fiction, I recommend Richard North Patterson’s latest bestseller, Fall From Grace. Adam Blaine returns to Martha’s Vineyard for the funeral of the father he hasn’t seen in years, only to learn that Dad’s death may not have been the result of an accidental fall. Dad left behind a seemingly grieving widow and a celebrity mistress, both who have much to gain from his death. Adam discovers additional family secrets that point to other kin as suspected murderers. This “whodunit” is as suspenseful and engaging as Patterson’s other bestsellers. Chris Cleave’s Gold is the story of Kate and Zoe, two friends who compete for the USA track cycling championship and one spot on the Olympic team. But, as we learn, there is much more to win or lose than Olympic Gold. Cleave’s description of sprint cycling will get your heart pumping as you cheer for the winner. Happy reading everyone!
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March 2013
Page 13
CORKS AND FORKS
Pair Up Spring Into Green Spring has arrived in Northern California! I was so inspired by the beautiful green hills; I put together a menu with bright green ingredients and paired them with “green” beverages. Cocktails are a festive way to start any evening. The Green and Gold cocktail recipe is based on verjuice, the nonalcoholic juice from the green harvest of grapes. A green harvest is performed when the winemaker chooses to reduce his crop mid-way through the season by removing some grape clusters from each vine. The remaining grapes receive all the
With La Sommelierre Maria Terry guages. Vinho Verde literally means green However, the hallucinogenic properties energy of the plant and their flavor is inassociated with it were proven false and it wine. It is made in Portugal, is slightly tensified. If desired, the unripe grapes can is now readily available. For fun, I found effervescent and comes in red, white or be pressed into a non-alcoholic juice and a unique recipe for a Fennel Cake with rosé. The white wines are light yellow or used in recipes in place of vinegar or in Anise Syrup. It has an almost puddingslightly peachy in color, around 8.5 to cocktails like the Green and Gold. Asian like texture and I found it interesting to 11% alcohol, and are made from local flavors pair well with this cocktail because experience different mediums that deliver grape varieties. Pair the white variety of its sweet and sour profile. I like it with similar flavors. with an entrée salad like a Prawn Salad Concord Costco’s CJ Foods’ Chicken So, go on. Pair Up! with Cilantro Vinaigrette for a light, Cilantro Won Tons. They fry up in eight springtime meal. If you can’t find a Vinho Recipes for the Green and Gold minutes and are perfect with a Sweet and cocktail and the Sweet and Sour Verde, Sauvignon Blanc will substitute Sour Dipping Sauce. The chicken is light Dipping Sauce can be found at www. nicely. and the herbal flavor of the cilantro gives LaSommelierre.com. Maria Terry is a The greenest beverage I have ever them a fresh flavor. The sweetness of the Certified Sommelier and Wine Eduseen is Absinthe, an anise-flavored spirit dipping sauce offsets the tart beverage. which contains trace amounts of thujone, cator in the San Francisco Bay Area. Verde means green in many lanFor more great wines and information once thought to have effects on the huplease visit Maria’s website at www. man brain similar to THC. For this reason, Absinthe was banned for many years. LaSommelierre.com. a large bowl, using a handheld mixer, beat the egg yolks with the sugar at high speed until light in color, about 2 minutes. At low speed, blend in the INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALAD 1/4 tsp. oregano toasted fennel seeds and the ground 8 large, cleaned, chilled prawns Sea salt and freshly cracked nuts. Stir in the cooked fennel. 1 avocado, sliced pepper, to taste. In a large, stainless steel bowl, 1-2 slices of red onion, separated DIRECTIONS beat the egg whites to firm peaks. Fold into rings Blend together the buttermilk, one-third of the beaten whites into 1 large tomato, cut into 1/8 wedges mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, the cake batter to lighten it, and then Chopped Romaine lettuce jalapeno, green onion, minced garlic, fold in the remaining whites until no lime juice, cumin, oregano, sea salt, INGREDIENTS FOR THE DRESSING streaks of whites remain. Scrape the and freshly cracked pepper, to taste, 1/2 cup of buttermilk batter into the prepared pan, and bake using an immersion blender until well 1/4 cup of olive oil mayonnaise for about 40 minutes, or until the cake combined and creamy. Set aside to let 1/4 cup of sour cream is just set. Transfer the cake to a rack the flavors mingle. 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped and let cool for 20 minutes. Place some chopped romaine in 1 small jalapeno, seeds removed & In a small skillet, toast the star a serving bowl. Toss the lettuces with chopped anise, fennel and anise seeds over the dressing. Arrange avocado, tomato 1 green onion, chopped moderate heat until fragrant, about 3 and prawns artfully on top and drizzle 1 clove of garlic, minced minutes. Add the water and sugar and on a bit more dressing overall. Juice from 1/2 a lime bring to a boil. Add the sliced fennel, Yield: 4 servings plus extra dressing 1/4 tsp. cumin cover and simmer over low heat until translucent, about 20 minutes. Let cool until warm. Boutique Style Consignment Store “Bay Area rry Remove the sides of the springWe ca ’s Parent” Magazine Family Favorite Since 2004! n wome g clothin form pan. Transfer the cake to a plat! o to We Are ter and cut it into wedges. Place a slice of cake on each plate, drizzle some syrup on the side and dollop whipped with Spring & Easter Wear! cream on top. Come and check us out! The cake can be kept at room Tu-Sat 10-6, Sun-Mon 11-5 temperature overnight. The syrup can www.aweechange.com • 925.930.8442 be refrigerated overnight; bring to 1551 Palos Verdes Mall (near Lunardi’s) Walnut Creek room temperature before serving. 25 Yield: 4 Servings
Fennel Cake with Anise Syrup INGREDIENTS FOR THE CAKE: 1 tablespoon fennel seeds 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 fennel bulb (8 ounces)—halved, cored and thinly sliced 1 cup whole blanched almonds, coarsely chopped 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios 6 large eggs, separated 1 cup sugar INGREDIENTS FOR THE SYRUP: 4 star anise pods 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1/2 teaspoon anise seeds 1 cup water 1/2 cup sugar 1 small fennel bulb—halved, cored and thinly sliced Unsweetened whipped cream, for serving DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter a 10 1/2-inch spring form pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and butter the paper. In a medium skillet, toast the fennel seeds until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the fennel and cook over moderate heat until tender and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Let cool. In a food processor, pulse the almonds until finely ground. Transfer to a small bowl. Repeat with the pistachios, adding them to the almonds. In
Prawn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
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March 2013
A Letter of Gratitude My name is Steve Wald and I want to take the time to say thank you and share how amazing the community of Pleasant Hill truly is. On January 19 of this year, my wife Lyssa Wald unexpectedly passed away. We have three children, aged three, six and nine. Immediately after my wife’s death, one of the wonderful Strandwood mothers, Debbie Wilson, set up a website for the community to help my family through this difficult time. I had never dealt with a family death; the things that needed to be done in those first weeks were overwhelming. I was amazed how the community stepped up in support of my family. To date, eighty-seven families have signed onto the website to provide nightly meals for my children and me. Many of these meals come from families I have never met, but who just felt it in their hearts to offer support in a time of crisis. The time and effort that have gone into the meals people have provided has meant a lot to us. We have been comforted by homemade lasagna, pizza, spaghetti, stew, chicken dishes, enchiladas, steak fajitas and delicious desserts and baked goods. Families have volunteered to take my children out for play times, giving us all much-needed breaks. People have sent warm cards and thoughtful gifts. One mother hand-sewed each of the kids a pillowcase with a heart on it to remember their mom. Another mother brought us heart shaped helium balloons with pens for my kids to write messages to their mother, and we took the balloons to her grave and sent them off with a goodbye prayer. My son’s basketball team collected and delivered cards along with money for the kids’ future. A group of women I
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have never met provided meals for the memorial service, which our church, Oak Park Christian Center, conducted entirely at no cost and with plenty of emotional support. A Cub Scout den delivered handmade cards, and several families brought my three-year old daughter stuffed animals. A group of fathers stepped up and helped both of my boys make their annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby cars. This is something I have done for the past four years, but did not have the time to do it this year. These fathers insisted on stepping in to help and they spent the last three weeks working with my boys and finished the cars. I cannot find the words to say thank you to all of the people who have provided my children and me with unconditional love and care. Please accept this letter as my show of thanks for the generosity of those families we know and to the many we have not met. Your efforts are appreciated, and we are truly humbled and blessed to live in such a caring community. My children and I are eternally grateful. – Steve Wald
If interested in assisting the Wald Family, you may donate to: The Wald Fund at Pacific Service Credit Union 2051 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill. (888) 858-6878
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Recreation and Park Updates Spotlight is on its way to your mailbox! The new Spring/ Summer Spotlight is packed with new classes, programs and activities including Summer Camps! Over 25 camp experiences for youth to pre-teen can be found inside. Registration for Spring/Summer begins March 4th. PHRPD Construction Update: The Community Center takes shape! Take a trip down Taylor Boulevard and you will see the future Community Center taking shape and at a good pace. Steel columns weighing between 1,500 & 8,000 pounds each have been raised and welded while customary framing work continues. The new Pleasant Hill Community Center has an estimated completion date of December 2013.
The New Community Center under construction.
Check out the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District website for more bond project updates and photos at www. pleasanthillrec.com. Special Events “Egg” Citing Egg Hunt – Rain or Shine! Saturday, March 30 at the Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Important: pre-registration is required by
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12pm, March 29! To register call (925) 682-0896 After a great pancake breakfast at the Senior Center, make your way over to the park and enjoy lots of fun and entertainment including music, juggling performances, face painting, train rides
on the Pleasant Hill Express and visits with the Bunny. Don’t forget your camera! Check in begins at 9:30am and egg hunts begin at various times depending on your child’s age. Visit www.pleasanthillrec.com for more information. Join us for a FUN-RAISER March 6, Wednesday ALL DAY! 11am – 9pm. Devino’s Pizza and Pasta (2221 Morello Avenue) will donate 15% of all orders to the PHRPD Capital Campaign to help equip and furnish the NEW Senior Center, Teen Center and upcoming Community Center. Just mention Pleasant Hill Rec when ordering! For questions, call (925) 682-0896. Partnership for Success — Summer Job Fair March 13, 10am–2pm. Looking for a summer job? Come to the Summer Job Fair with 25+ recruiters looking to hire for summer positions. DVC Cafeteria, 321 Golf Club Rd.
Royal Family Kids Walk Royal Family Kids (RFK) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization benefitting foster kids in Contra Costa County. We are organizing our 3rd annual charity walk to raise money to send foster kids, aged 7-11, from Contra Costa County, to a week-long summer camp. Please join us on Saturday, May 4, at the Contra Loma Reservoir in Antioch for an easy 2.75 mile walk. All proceeds will be used to offset the ex-
pense of sending these kids to camp. Currently, the cost for sending each child to camp is $800.00 per week. Since 2000 we have taken over 350 foster children to camp. At RFK we firmly believe that if the cycle of abuse can be broken for a week, it can be broken permanently. Please go to our website www. rfkcharitywalk.dojiggy.com for further information or to register to participate on the walk.
COMMUNITY FOCUS 2013
Spring and Summer Activity Guide Boys and Girls Club of Martinez -Summer Program 2013 June 17 - August 9, 2013 7:30-11:30am: Early bird $100.00/week 11:30am-5:30pm: Hours included with annual membership fee ($24.00/year) Over the summer we have many activities and fieldtrips for the youth to engage in: Art, Science, and Technology academies. Some of our field trips include baseball games, museums, the Oakland Zoo, Rankin Aquatic Center and much more! Want to join or receive more information? For questions or to schedule a tour of the Club contact: April Serrao-Muti, Program Director 1301 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, Ca 94553 (925) 228-3896 Ext.103 • www.bgcdv.org Early Registration Discounts: Register by May 1st for our 8-week summer early bird hours (7:30-11:30am) and get a discounted weekly rate of $75/week.
CITY OF MARTINEZ Recreation Dept
Lindsay Wildlife Museum Wild Times Summer Science Camp 2013 Session I: Dino Mania - Age 4-6 Time: 1-3:30 PM June 24-28 $135 (member $115) Session II: Animal Habitats - Age 6-9 Time: 1-4:30 PM Dates: July 8-12 $160 (member $135) Session III: Body Shop (animal/wildlife care) - Age 9-12 Time: 1-4:30 PM July 22-26 $160 (members $135) Session IV: Animal Senses - Age 6-9 Time 1-4:30 PM July 29-Aug 2 $160 (member $135)
LOOK. TOUCH.
SPORTS
Golf NEW Tennis THIS YEAR
CAMPS
Engineering Swim & Nature
SWIMMING
Swim Lessons Pool Parties AND SO MUCH MORE!
We now have SUMMER CAMPS!
Look for our Activities Guide coming out April 22
For more information visit WWW.BGCDV.ORG or call 925-228-3896
For more information visit
DISCOVER. At Wild Times Summer Science Camp, your young naturalist will marvel, laugh and learn with new adventures every day—live animal encounters, fun science experiments, games, stories and crafts. Weekly half-day sessions for ages 4–12. Learn more and register today at
www.wildlife-museum.org
• Mini Motorland April 13 • Easter Egg Hunt-March 30 Martinez Waterfront Park
www.cityofmartinez.org or call 372-3510
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3/20/12 1:00 PM
COMMUNITY FOCUS 2013
Spring and Summer Activity Guide Martinez Recreation
So You Want To Be A Lifeguard? The Bay Area Public Pool Operator’s Association (BAPPOA) is made up of sixty cities, organizations and business in the Bay Area that operate swimming pools or promote swimming in the San Francisco Bay Area. For up to date listings of lifeguard and water safety instructor classes, job postings for lifeguards, pool managers, assistant pool managers and classes visit www.bappoa.org. Lion’s Club Egg Hunt Saturday, March 30 10am (sharp!) Waterfront Park Children ages 2-9 years old. Face painting, bunny ears and pictures with the Easter Bunny! Everything is free. Daylight Cemetery Tours Alhambra Pioneer Cemetery Tuesday, March 26 10am. Free, must pre-register. Space is limited.
Hours of Operation: Thursday 4p.m.-10p.m. Friday 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-11p.m. Sunday Noon—10 p.m.
Spring Break Day Camp Monday – Friday, 9am – 3pm Golden Hills Park Children ages 4 years – 5th grade. Reasonable rates. Pay for only the days you need! Crafts, theme days, games, sports and lots of fun! Mini Motorland Returns! Saturday, April 13 • 10am – noon $8 per child Ages – 2-5 years old. A unique track for electric ride-on cars, big wheels and tricycles will be created at the John Muir Amphitheater for youngsters. Fee includes driver’s license, fishing permit, library card and snacks. Children can visit the repair shop, doctor’s office, museum, library, flower shop and so much more! Parents don’t forget the camera! Tea Party at the Library Monday, April 8 • 6:30pm $2 per person Dress up and enjoy tea from beautiful fine china. Snacks, crafts and activities.
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HOME TEAM
Talented “Smart Mary” Stammers
College Park women’s varsity soccer team had another successful season, becoming DVAL champions for the second year in a row. Their run ended in the second round of NCS after losing a battle with Berkeley High in overtime 3-2. Defender Mary Stammers stands out to her teammates and coaches as an unsung hero. Coach Randy Madison said, “Mary is the top defender on our team and the top defensive field player in our league. She is probably the most talented, intelligent defender we have ever had. She is our last line of defense and often it has come down to her making that last defensive stand to keep our opponents
out of our goal! She is amazingly quick and fantastic in the air with headers.” One of Mary’s teammates, Jessica Jordon, told us she is more than just an amazing defender, “We call her ‘Smart Mary’ because she is Smart Mary! Mary is the team mom, team manager, team captain, assistant coach, team doctor, team judge, team comedian, team secretary and a defender, all in one. Everyone loves Smart Mary.” The coaching staff knows upon graduation that Stammers, a junior, will be playing at the next level. For now, they feel fortunate to have her for one more year... DVAL champs again in 2014?
March 2013
CP Girls Win First Round
On February 13 the College Park varsity girls hosted Heritage HS in the first round of the NCS tournament. CP scored first on a beautiful header by Jackie Scharff but Heritage quickly scored to tie the game. Through regulation play and double overtime the score remained the same with College Park maintaining possession but just unable to get the winning point on the board. The game went to penalty kicks where College Park keeper Kylie Aliamus stopped two of the shots to seal the victory. The girls’ NCS run came to an end the next weekend as they were defeated by Berkeley High School in overtime. Congratulations College Park on a fantastic year.
Photo by TodGomes.com.
College Park Basketball
Finishing 10-2 in league, and 2nd place in DVAL, the Lady Falcons made the NCS playoffs for the second time in 3 years. The Lady Falcons, seeded 13th came up short against 4th seed Alameda High School in the first NCS round ending their season February 19.
Photo by TodGomes.com.
AYSO Soccer Registrations
The Pleasant Hill, Martinez AYSO soccer league is having their 2013 season signups. The signups are: March 12: 6:30-9:30pm, March 27: 6:30-9:30pm, April 8: 6:30-9:30pm and April 18: 6:30-9:30pm Registration will be at the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center located at 233 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill. For questions or more information please check out our website at www.phmsa. org or email us at soccer@phmsa.org.
Senior, Shelby Salling scores for College Park. Photo by TodGomes.com.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
March 2013
Page 19
Football Star Jared Leaf Returns
HOME TEAM
By Chuck Nan Former AHS Bulldogs Will Have 2-Years of Eligibility Remaining at SJSU After spending two years at the University of Hawaii, Jared Leaf has decided to return to California and enroll at San Jose State this spring; thus begins his Spartan career as an inside linebacker. Leaf, a Martinez native and Alhambra alum, was a running back on the 2011 and 2012 U of H teams. He redshirted in 2011 and played in twelve games this past season. He contributed five special teams tackles, caught one pass and returned one kickoff. After sitting-out the mandatory one season, Leaf will be available to SJSU in a playing capacity in 2014. New Spartan’s head football coach Ron Caragher is delighted to have Leaf in the fold. He had this to say about the rugged athlete: “We’re excited about him coming back to the Bay Area and ‘home.’ Although he can play either the linebacker or fullback positions, we see him playing linebacker for us. He’s a physical, athletic and hard-hitting linebacker who tackles well in open space.” Leaf, 6’2” and 235 pounds, is a 2011 graduate of Alhambra where he was named first-team All-DFAL on both offense at running back and defense at linebacker. Leaf was also selected as a member of the Contra Costa Times’
Bulldog Jared Leaf, #44. Photo by Tod Fierner, 2009
Cream of the Crop Top-20, was an Honorable Mention All-Metro running back by the San Francisco Chronicle, and the school’s 2010 Male Athlete of the Fall Semester. His senior season, Leaf rushed for 1,381 yards and had a league-best, nineteen total touchdowns in just eight games. In one game, he romped for an amazing 323 yards on thirty-three carries and scored five touchdowns against El Molino. Leaf enjoyed a solid junior season as he was named First-Team All-DFAL as a linebacker while registering 718 yards and three touchdowns on eighty-five carries. In that season, 2009, he was named team’s Most Valuable Back and helped lead the Dogs to the league champion-
ship. At the conclusion of his prep career, Leaf was selected to play in the 2010 Holiday Classic All-Star football game in
Sacramento and was picked as the city of Martinez’ “Male Athlete of the Fall.” Leaf indicated that he plans to major in communication studies. One of Jared’s cousins, Patrick Stoudemire, completed his third season with the Spokane Shock of Arena Football League in 2012. His sister, Nicole, is a sprinter on the Southern Oregon University women’s track and field team. One of his uncles, Jerry Santos, is an award-winning singer for the Hawaiian band, Olomana. Leaf will recognize at least one of his new teammates, all-league nose guard Travis Raciti, from Pleasant Hill/College Park, who is a part of the SJSU foundation on defense. The two faced each other as high schoolers.
College Park Basketball
The men’s varsity team finished undefeated in league play with a 12-0 record earning them 1st place in DVAL (for the second year in a row). Their overall record is an impressive 22-4. Coach Battle has taken them to NCS playoffs for the last five years. CP (# 5) hosted Livermore (#12) for the first round of playoffs February 19 resulting in a 68-54 victory for College Park.
Youth Baseball Parades
Martinez Youth Baseball and Softball opening day parade will take place on March 9 at 10am, leaving from City Hall Plaza. The parade will make its way to Alhambra Ave., then on to Main Street. The parade is followed by a picnic at 11am at the Marina’s picnic area. Pleasant Hill Baseball Association’s opening day parade will begin at 8am on March 9 at the intersection of Boyd Road and Patterson Boulevard ending at Pleasant Hill Middle School. There will be food and games for the kids.
Wrestling Champions For the eighth year in a row the College Park wrestling team took home the DVAL Championship title claiming seven individual championships. Falcons atop the medal stand included: Kaelan Kelly (108 pounds), Danny Croff (122), Anthony Urbina (147), Marc Wilhelm (154), Matthew Zachary (162) and Grant Hamant (197). Cory Campbell pinned Northgate’s Max Moore for the 287-pound title in the final match of the tournament. CP’s Mikey Eggleton goes for a lay-up against Mt Diablo. Photo by TodGomes,com.
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Page 20
March 2013
Student is a Candidate in Scholars Program Sean-Patrick Sullivan, a graduating senior at De La Salle High School, has been named one of more than 3,000 candidates in the 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.4 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2013. Inclusion in the U. S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 49th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.
Over 3,000 candidates were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. In addition, each Chief State School Officer (CSSO) was invited to nominate three male and three female candidates who reside in his or her jurisdiction and have a record of outstanding scholarship. Further con-
State Cup Champions! The Heritage Crush U12 girls came home from Woodland February 17 as State Cup Champions of Gold 1 Bracket after a very hard fought game against San Ramon Azuri. San Ramon actually lead 1-0 at the half after HSC failed to score on several occasions before the whistle. The wind seemed to play havoc on them time and time again, as the ball continued to sail over the net. After the half time break, that all would change. A quick score tied the game 1-1, and then with less than two minutes remaining in the contest, HSC punched in a second goal to take the lead for good. For their efforts, Coach Bree Lisle, Trainer Cesar Chavez and the players were rewarded with a huge state cup trophy and individual medals. Prior to the title game, HSC had to get by two worthy opponents. On Saturday February 9 they shut down Juventus Sports Club from Redwood City 4-0 and then survived a relentless comeback by rival Lamorinda to win 3-2 in Golden Goal (overtime). Coach Bree commented, “This team is like family, and the girls understand what playing for each other means. They worked really hard all season and finished strong.”
Front Row (L-R): Coach Breanna Lisle, Elizabeth Dutton, Jillian Waters, Rachel George, Coach/Trainer Cesar Chavez. Middle Row (L-R): Sam Gingrich, Sophie Harrington, Jaycee Armosino, Bailey Matthews, Caitlynn Mendelssohn. Top Row (L-R) Allyson Carroll, Evelyn Kim, Natalie Ahearn, Megan Hood, Samantha Pearson, Jasmine Safarians. Photo by David Dutton.
sideration is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 500 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will make the
final selection of scholars. They will select one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad; 15 students atlarge; and up to 20 students from the creative performing arts. The U.S. Department of Education will announce the scholars in May. Scholars will be invited to Washington, DC for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities with their elected representatives, educators, and other leading individuals in public life.
A New Mural at PHMS
There is a new mural in Pleasant Hill Middle School’s multi-use room designed and painted by 8th grader Madison Hartung. The beautiful tree mural was created in memory of Marilyn Watson, a resident who dedicated her life to the children of Pleasant Hill. Marilyn was an active leader in the city. She attempted to establish a Pleasant Hill School District, was a founding member of Pleasant Hill Citizens for Re-
sponsible Growth and the chair for three city council election campaigns. She was also instrumental in the conversion of the former Pleasant Hill High School to Pleasant Hill Middle School where she served as a noon supervisor for many years. The tree mural demonstrates the many branches of life that Ms. Watson touched and is a token of thanks for the energy and commitment she gave to the school.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
March 2013
Page 21
HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS A New Educational and Professional Development Experience for High School Students
In an effort to encourage struggling high school students to become more college and career minded, Alhambra High and Vicente High in Martinez have partnered up with UC Berkeley’s program, Envision Tomorrow, designed to motive and encourage students in certain careers and increase the number of high school graduates entering UC Berkeley. The pilot program began on February 21 and involves 21 students, 14 from Alhambra and 7 from Vicente. The program’s goal is to give students direction, help them learn more about careers and give them college experience. Isidro Farias, a project manager at UC Berkeley, local architect and the program’s coordinator, stated in his presentation to
Envision Tomorrow
Martinez City Council on February 6 that UC Berkeley came up with an innovative program to introduce under-represented youth to the university system. “We want to give students resources to graduate from high school and succeed in college,” said Farias. Mr. Farias explained that Envision Tomorrow is a three-phase linked concept. The program is seven months long and begins with eight after-school sessions with industry professionals at Alhambra. The sessions are bi-weekly, and students learn about careers such as landscape architecture, civil engineering, architecture, finance and banking, and construction management. The second phase takes students to UC Berkeley for a two-week workshop. While there, students work with UC Berkeley professors, graduate students
CPHS Performances
and staff on a two-week project, drawing together their learning from the sessions in phase one of the program. Students will also work with professional staff in their respective fields. The last phase is in August, when students present reports on their experiences and receive certificates. Isidro feels the program “gives each student an opportunity to think of how the future can be.” In addition to Isidro Farias, project committee members include: Vicki Gordon, Board Member, Contra Costa County Community College District; Nermin Fraser, Principal at Alhambra; Carol Adams, Principal at Vicente High; Rona
Zollinger, teacher; and Kathi McLaughlin, MDUSD Board Member who worked out the details of the program. “Farias and Principal Frazier did presentations in all the sophomore history classes and handed out questionnaires and applications to the students,” said Vicki Gordon. The program received 39 applications, 8 from Vicente and 29 from Alhambra. “Then, at the Martinez City Council meeting, we were introduced to Kim Castaneda with Foster A Dream, and now we are looking at the possibility of adding a few more from their program,” Gordon continued. There is no cost to the students to participate in this program.
The Art of Masks
Denise Fuller’s Art Survey class at Alhambra High School recently studied masks from many cultures. “They learned that masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes and that masks are common among most cultures worldwide,” said Fuller. The masks are made out of recycled cardboard, paint and feathers.
Bella Notte!
The College Park High School Choirs invite you to Bella Notte! – an evening celebrating the food, music, romance, and magic of Italy. Enjoy delicious Italian food prepared by local restaurants and chefs in a cozy trattoria atmosphere. Revel in the glorious sounds, the soaring melodies, the passion and lyricism of Italian opera and popular music while being serenaded by the talented students in the CPHS choirs. This event happens on Friday, March 15 at 6:30pm in the Multi-Use room. The cost is $25 adult/$15 students and ages 7 and under are free. To purchase tickets, go to: www.collegeparkchoirs.com. For additional information contact Bruce Rockwell, Choir Director at rockwellb@mdusd.org.
Orchestra and Band Events
• MDUSD Honor Orchestra concert is on Saturday, March 9, at 7:30pm in the CPHS Multi-Use Room. • College Park Area Band Festival is on Monday, March 11 at 7pm in the CP High School Gym. • College Park Area Orchestra Festival is on Monday, March 25 at 7pm in the CP High School Gym.
COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL CHOIRS INVITES YOU TO
BELLA L NOTTE T & it alian dinner
show
Friday March 15th, 6:30pm
CPHS Multi-Use Room • 201 Viking Dr, Pleasant Hill Bella Notte! is a fundraiser for the CPHS Choir Boosters • tickets/info: www.collegeparkchoirs.com
Students Michelle Aung and Sierra Morales Hallmark are wearing original mask creations they made in the Art Survey class at Alhambra High School.
HATS OFF TO THE GRADS! Show them how proud you are by putting your grad in the Community Focus!
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
June 2011
Page 15
Grad Announcements
Caitlin A. Diggs, College Park
Congratulations to Forest McMillin!
Lauren Cefali, College Park
Molly Gaoiran We are proud of the
Congratulations Caitlin! We are proud
College Park 2011 As you gradu-
Congratulations on your graduation
young lady you have become! Can’t
of YOU, your accomplishments and
ate from CPHS and head off to UCSB,
and being accepted to the Coast
wait to see you playing Water Polo at
Guard Academy. You are an amazing
DVC! Your beauty comes from your
person; we are so proud of you and
heart and we love you!
prouder family. Love You, Dad, Mom,
ally amaze me. You have my love and
love you so much! Love Mom, Dad,
Mom & Dad
Jack and Molly
support on any journey you take. May
and WIll.
hard work. Off to Davis to make your
I want to tell you how proud of you I
dreams a reality! There couldn’t be a
am. Your accomplishments continu-
your dreams come true! Love, Mom.
Steven St. Germain proudly graduMadeline Jane Weiss, Bentley
Dane Hutslar, College Park 2011
Announcements: $15 for up to 35 words, $30 with a photo. Email photo and text to info@ourcommunityfocus.com. Deadline: 2nd Friday of each month. Photo must be in jpeg format.
ates with honors from College Park on
We are beyond proud of the young
Jason Eitelgeorge, Alhambra High
School Congratulations, Maddie! We
June 6th. Active in the classroom, on
man you have become and look
2011 “All your dreams can come
could not be more proud of you and
athletic teams and in our community,
forward to watching your bright future
true... if you have the courage to pur-
we share your excitement about your
Steven will continue his pursuits at
unfold. The world is waiting for YOU!
sue them.” - Walt Disney. Congratula-
next adventure at Southern Oregon.
With much love, Mom, Dad, Brandon,
tions! We are very proud of you.
All our love, Mom, Gibby, Jack and
Cole and Devin.
Love, Dad, Mom, Eric and Jeffrey
Benjamin
UCLA this fall. Congratulations! Katherine Duran Congratulations on your graduation from College Park. The success you’ve achieved is a great foundation for your future. We are very proud of you and confident that you will do great at Saint Mary’s. Love, Mom, Dad, Elizabeth and Grandma Diane Ethan Marsh, College Park Congratulations on your many accomplishments over the years. We are
We’re proud of you, Erik Naccara!
Kelsey Ertola, Alhambra High School
Maggie Schoemann, College Park
College Park, 2011
We are so proud of you and excited
We are so proud of you as you gradu-
You’ve worked so hard and now
for you as you go forth on your journey
ate from high school. Your energy,
you’re off for a great adventure at the
to Sonoma State and beyond. Con-
enthusiasm, and passion will carry you
Prep school for the US Coast Guard
gratulations!
a long way in life. Follow your dreams
so happy and very proud of you. We wish you nothing but the best always. Love, Mom, Dad and Kendall
Academy. Oh, the places you’ll see!
We love you, Mom, Dad, Anthony and
and never give up. Love, Mom and
If you would like to announce your graduate
Next stop, New London!! Love, Mom,
Nick
Dad.
please contact us for more information. info@ourcommunityfocus.com
Dad and Allie
Page 22
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
And the Winner is...
At the annual crab feed fundraiser, College Park Athletic Boosters raffled off the Stokley’s 1965 Mustang for tickets priced at just $100. The keys were handed to the lucky winner, the Baleto Family.
March 2013
Golf Fore Kids’ Sake
The Boys & Girls Club of the Diablo Valley is presenting its 9th Annual Golf Fore Kids’ Sake Tournament on Friday, April 26, at Roddy Ranch Golf Club, located at 1 Tour Way in Antioch. Registration will begin at 10:30am. Played in a 4-person scramble format, the tournament will include a $1000 hole-in-one prize, raffles, dinner, drinks and lots of fun! Individual golfers can play for $125, which includes green fees, cart rental, range balls and dinner, or you can purchase a foursome for $500. Sponsorships are also available beginning at $100. The Boys & Girls Club golf tournament is one of four major fundraisers throughout the year that raises much needed funds to help sustain the programs that are offered to our community’s youth. Research shows that Boys & Girls Clubs play a key role in reducing delinquency, increasing academic achievement, providing access to technology, developing career goals and improving
attitudes toward school. The Boys & Girls Club of the Diablo Valley has been an integral part of the Martinez community and surrounding area for more than fifty years. Its mission is to enable all young people to reach their fullest potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens by providing quality after-school and summer programs at little or no cost to families – a fact that sets them apart from other afterschool programs. Located at 1301 Alhambra Ave. Martinez, the Club is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 2pm to 6pm and Wednesdays from 1pm to 6pm. Programs offered include: Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports Fitness & Recreation. For more information about Boys & Girls Club programs or activities, please call (925) 228.3896 ext.102 or visit our website at www.bgcdv.org.
POKER
TOURNAMENT 1ST Place
2ND Place
$500
$250
Join us for a pasta dinner and Texas Hold ‘Em fundraiser to benefit the College Park Softball Team. We are raising money for much needed equipment to help these hard working girls succeed!
When: Saturday March 16, 2013 Dinner 5:30-7pm; Poker 7:30-11pm Where: Martinez Sportsman Club, 304 Embarcadero, Martinez $60 includes Pasta Dinner and Poker – No Host Bar
FOR TICKETS CONTACT:
Darren Johnson – 925-586-6803– code3inc@comcast.net Patrick Monahan – 510-672-4157 – norcalshockers@hotmail.com
GO FALCONS!
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
March 2013
Page 23
MARTINEZ HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Martinez Historical Society Plaque #6 states, “First located here April 28, 1876 by Central Pacific RR. First passenger train passed through on September 25, 1877 with Leland Stanford aboard.” The Northern Railway Company began construction of a line to connect Oakland and Martinez in 1877. This was no easy task, but the entire line was open from Tracy through Martinez to Oakland in 1878. In late 1877, construction of the original “Swiss-Rustic” Martinez Train Station was completed. Martinez became an official stop on the transcontinental line in 1878, but then the Central Pacific Railroad Company turned its attention to ferrying trains across the strait, bypassing Martinez except for the trains to the Central Valley and Southern California. The track began in Oakland and snaked its way up Carquinez Strait to Martinez. Passenger and freight traffic
The Old Martinez Train Depot
The Old Train Depot, 1877 before expansion of freight area and addition of the waiting room.
increased over the years, and the original station building was expanded several times. The freight section was extended further east and a new waiting room was added onto the west end of the building. In 1940, a fire damaged the station master’s living quarters on the second floor. This presented an opportunity to
Timing Belts
By Hagin’s Auto Staff manufacturer of your vehicle recommends Does my vehicle even have a timing belt? When do I need to change my timing replacement intervals based on engineering research and past experience from belt? What happens if I don’t change my field-testing. Following the manufacturer timing belt? These are questions we will recommendations will extend the life of answer today. your vehicle and help you avoid costly The best place to find out if your breakdowns. vehicle has a timing belt is your vehicle’s If you do not replace your timing belt owner manual, however not all manuals it will eventually break. When the belt are clear about the use of a timing belt breaks, there is a possibility the engine’s on your vehicle’s engine because these manuals are often used for more than one pistons will contact and bend the engine vehicle model and engine combination. As valves in the cylinder head. This will require a major engine repair and possibly a general rule of thumb, most timing belt engine replacement, depending on the driven engines use plastic timing covers, but this is not 100% true. There are vehicle severity. Even if the engine does not bend the valves, the engine will die and leave manufacturers that use metal timing covyou stranded. This will leave you paying ers on timing belt driven engines. the cost of the timing belt replacement and Timing belt replacement is a scheda tow bill. uled maintenance item that your vehicle’s If you would like more information, manufacturer recommends you perform at a specific mileage and/or time intervals. you can give us a call at 925-228-5115 or contact us via our website www.haginThese service intervals are often listed sauto.com. If you stop by the shop, we can in your vehicle owner’s manual, but are sometimes hard to find. The famous ques- tell you if your vehicle has a timing belt. It only takes a few minutes to look up the tion is “how long do I have and when will information or check your vehicle for the it break?” There are too many variables presence of a timing belt. We will provide in a vehicle’s daily operation to answer you with this information free of charge. that question. The best answer is that the
“modernize” and “update” its appearance, a project which was completed by 1942. The second floor was removed and the waiting room walls were extended higher. The hipped roof and “captain’s walk” over the waiting room were replaced with a simple gable roof, similar to that covering the freight section. The exterior was clad in asbestos shingles, which can still be seen covering the building today. The exterior of the building was then clad in corrugated asbestos-cement shingles, in
fashion at the time as a fire-proof material, but out of favor today because asbestos is considered a hazardous substance. In 1987, another remodel occurred which removed the glass blocks around the doors and replaced the doors themselves, and also added the “eyebrow ridge” over the doors and windows, still in place today. In 2008, Measure H was approved, which included the renovation of our library, and the depot served as an interim library until the reopening of the Martinez Library in 2011. The depot recently housed the Martinez Art Association Holiday Boutique, and on March 30, SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Day will once again be held in the depot and surrounding parking lots. Each October the Martinez Historical Society holds the Martinez Home Tour to raise funds to restore the “Old Train Depot.” This year’s Home Tour will be October 12 with check-in, historical displays, and refreshments at the Shell Clubhouse.
Call M-F 8am-5pm or scan the QR code below for an appointment
Includes up to 5 quarts of 5w-20 or 5w-30 standard chevron oil Replace engine oil and engine oil filter Top off under hood fluids (synthetic fluids extra) Check and adjust tire pressures as needed Complimentary Visual Vehicle Inspection
*Coupon must be presented at service counter and can’t be combined with any other discounts / offers.
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Page 24
March 2013
In the Mix “Everyone’s Irish on March 17” is emblazoned on a beam in the Guinness Store house in Dublin, Ireland. This, of course, refers to St. Patrick’s Day and the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death in the year 461. Not a legal holiday here in the United States, but a celebrated day and night of Irish and Irish American culture. The wearing of green, consumption of alcohol and food, parades, dancing and religious observances encompass this great day. For me, it is a time when I revisit the richness and diversity of great Irish music. Over the years, Ireland has produced some of the most moving and popular songs, which have become classics here in America. Traditional Irish folk music has had enormous influence on some of our greatest artists, such as Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. The story of Irish music is intertwined with its history. It was an occupied country for nearly a thousand years and it fought back in two ways: in battle and in song. Now, being an Italian, what would I know about Irish music anyway? I decided to ask two local Irish residents about their favorite songs (and maybe some that are not favorites). Singer-songwriter Sin Silver (formerly of County Clare, Ireland) says: “My go-to song would be ‘Whiskey in the Jar,’ a rousing drinking song. As I always say, if you haven’t drunk whiskey on the Cork & Kerry Mountains, add it to the bucket list. The Cork & Kerry Mountains are stunning, some of the
By Paul Cotruvo, Cover2Cover most beautiful countryside in Ireland. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” – U2 The song has been covered by Thin “One” - U2 Lizzy (a great Irish band) and Metal“I don’t like Mondays” - The Boomlica. ‘The Fields of Athenry’ would be town Rats one of my ballads of choice. Arguably “The Irish Rover” - The Pogues/The over-sung, but still conveys those great Dubliners Irish emotions of longing and loss. “Long Journey Home” - Elvis Costello ‘The Seven Deadly Sins’ is a terrific “Danny Boy” - Shane MacGowan and song made famous by the Dubliners. The Popes Not as well-known as ‘Seven Drunken “Molly Malone” - The Dubliners Nights,’ but terrific humorous lyrics. “Into the Mystic” - Van Morrison Ronnie Drew, with his raspy Dublin “The Foggy Dew” - The Chieftains/ lilt, does justice to this song. ‘Galway Sinead O’Connor Girl,’ a modern Irish song that is huge “Whiskey in the Jar” – The Clancy in Ireland but written by a Yank, none Brothers other than the great Steve Earle. Makes So get out there on March 17, find you want to get up and dance with your neighbor. My absolute favorite Irish song? ‘Spancil Hill.’ Worst songs? I There is a new twist to Pleasant Hill don’t mean to offend anyone because Rotary Club’s popular St. Patrick’s Day these songs have a special place in event and you won’t want to miss it! many a heart, but from my perspective, Pleasant Hill Rotary will host their St. they are over played and a touch ‘stage Patrick’s Day celebration and fundraiser Irish.’ The word cheesy comes to mind. at the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center on ‘Toora Loora Loora’ and ‘When Irish Saturday, March 16 at 6pm. This year’s Eyes are smiling!’” event will be an Irish themed cocktail City of Pleasant Hill’s Public Inforparty with an all-you-can-eat food court mation Officer Martin Nelis (former so guests can mingle, eat, and drink at resident of Derry, Ireland) said: “Best their leisure. During this extended cocksong is ‘Song for Ireland.’ Search for tail party there will be silent auction items it on YouTube and listen to the Mary and an Instant Wine Cellar - 48 bottles of Black version. The lyrics are beautiwine - to be won by a single raffle winner! ful. My other favorite is The Muppets’ There will also be raffle prizes and a live version of ‘Danny Boy.’” Really Marauction. Tickets are $50 per person. tin? The Muppets? But I will definitely Space is severely limited, so contact check out all these tunes. Jim Bonato to buy or reserve tickets now, My favorite songs combine the 938-5433 or JBonato@aol.com. Corpotraditional and pop side. As I revisit rate sponsorship opportunities are also some of these great classics, I will not available. only enjoy them on March 17, but year round. (This list might make my Irish friends defriend me on Facebook) but here it goes:
PAUL’S PICKS FOR MARCH March 7: Chris Cain Band, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm. March 16: Modern Edge, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm. March 17: Dave Martin/Ken Cooper, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 8pm. March 22: Jinx Jones & Jessica Rose, Back Forty, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill, 6pm. March 23: Paul Cotruvo, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St. Martinez, 7pm. March 30: The Big Jangle, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm. March 30: Frankie G & The Conviction, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista Martinez, 8pm. March 30: Sin Silver, Rocco’s, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8:30pm.
some Irish music, have a pint and sing! Chime in with your favorite Irish songs on our website: www.ourcommunityfocus.com. Also, if you are in the mood to hear a fabulous Irish songstress, please check out Sin Silver on St. Paddy’s day at the Rellik Tavern in Benicia from 1 - 4pm. Or the night before at Christ the King dinner-dance in Pleasant Hill on March 16, from 5:30 to 9pm. Please check out her website at www.sinsilverandtheavenue.com. Quote of the month: “Never iron a four-leaf clover, because you don’t want to press your luck.”
St. Patty’s Day Plans?
Dallimonti’s
Restaurant www.dallimontis.com
Come for the food stay for the music! FRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT • GRAB THE MIC AND ROCK OUT LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY
3/2 The Shillz • 3/9 The Famous Three-O • 3/16 Modern Edge w Stephanie Harwood 3/17 St. Pat's w Dave Martin & Ken Cooper & Friends • 3/23 The Business 3/30 The "Big Jangle" Tom Petty Tribute Band w Paul Cortruvo & Friends • A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner • Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome • Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood
1932 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 925-944-5224
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March 2013
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THE GARDEN
It’s Time for Spring Garlic and Onions
After the dry spell called February, it looks like oodles of baby buds have formed on local spring and summer fruit trees. Hopefully, all will be well with gentle spring rains, and we will reap amazing fruits down the road. As we participate in the fine but diminishing art of taste anticipation regarding upcoming cherries and apricots, our late winter/early spring gardens abound in glorious shoots of velvety, sweet, green love, more commonly referred to as spring onion and garlic, to be enjoyed presently. Slender, lush hued stalks taper down to white bulbs with, as yet, pretty unformed baby bumps of onions and garlic. In their sublime immaturity, these cousins have yet to develop much heat and are so sweet and nutty they can be easily eaten raw in salad as well as sliced thinly and caramelized in sweet butter to lavish on just about anything you can imagine consuming. Subtle differences divide the chicks from the hens in the alliums’ world. Green onions, available yearround, are not to be confused with spring onions, available only in spring. Nature’s sweet previews of summer bounty are simply immature onions. Farmers specifically plant fields of onions for pulling young alongside fields of old timers destined for golden, drying rays of summer sun. Along with bad behavior, immaturity also brings
By Lesley Stiles eggshell white bulbs, shaded with If you are not growing your own winter garden. purple striping and reaching for elonluscious winter vegetables, do not de Also on the late winter/early gated, sweet shafts of tender green spair! Just get down to a local farmspring garden slate are snow peas and tops to use in their entirety. Marinate ers’ market or to Pleasant Hill Produce spring peas. Winter crops that twine perfect cremini mushrooms in pureed Market and ask Nate or Matt to steer their vines among summer vegetable spring onion sloshed with fresh lemon you to the local winter stuff. trellises all winter, peas are a true garjuice, awesome olive oil and chopped Spoiler Alert!! Wild flowers have den wonder. Sweeter than imaginable, oregano. Spring onions create amazmost peas never make it into the house been spotted by yours truly popping ing music when tossed in olive oil and up all over the high, open ridges of after being picked. We grow tons of sea salt, then grilled whole alongside our own Briones and they are AMAZthese at the College Park garden and an organic, rosemary scented chicken, pick them for the cafeteria for the kids ING!! Get up there and see for yourself blistering on a hot wood fire. Dice fine while enjoying incredible views from to eat in French fry boats minus the to mix with local white wine vinegar the peaks. Side effects: strong, healthy fried potato product. I must admit and coarse ground black pepper for quadriceps, lungs and hearts, looser that our peas at CP are slow this year, mignonette to pack with a special bubjeans and a healthier sex life!! but they are coming along nicely, and bly for tripping up the coast in pursuit Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the we should start the supply chain from of briny local oysters. California Culinary Academy, susfarm to table sooner rather than later. Spring garlic, aka green garlic, is tainable caterer and school garden We have been enjoying lots of fresh just as wonderful as the spring onion educator. cauliflower and broccoli, and our next and can be easily interchangeable in Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@ big project will be coleslaw with our any recipe. I have a great friend, Krislovely heads of cabbage, fresh dug car- comcast.net, www.lesleystiles.blogtie Knoll, who, along with her husspot.com and visit her new website: rots, chopped garlic and chopped onband Rick, grows acres of green garlic www.lesleystilesfoods.com. ions, all from the CP garden. in Brentwood to sell at the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market and to lots of local restaurants. Her preferred method of using the green garlic is to chop it very Ingredients: fine, green and whites alike, and toss 2 tablespoons of chicken or vegetable stock 1 pound of sugar snap peas, de-stringed copious handfuls of the jewels into 2 tablespoons chopped mint 2 bulbs of green garlic, chopped Cow Girl Creamery Fromage Blanc, Kosher salt 2 tablespoons of olive oil mixing it in well. We sample this darDirections: ing yet simple concoction on slices Heat oil in a large sauté pan on medium heat and add garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add the peas and sauté for 2 minutes until they start to green up. Add the stock and cover for 2 of Acme bread to the masses and no minutes. Season with kosher salt and add the chopped mint. Serves 4. one has ever guessed that it is simply a boatload of fresh chopped garlic and cheese. Breathtaking. Both spring onion and spring garlic are extremely shop for easy to grow and, if not already there, shop for should become a staple of your next
Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas with Garlic and Mint
bargains, foster children
Peas and Pea Shoot Pesto Crostini with Citrus and Chevre Ingredients:
1 pound fresh English peas, shelled ½ bunch pea shoots or tops, chopped ½ bunch chopped fresh Italian parsley 2 cloves chopped fresh garlic Juice and peel from 1 lemon
Directions:
March 2013
Peel from 1 orange ¼ to a ½ cup good fruity olive oil ¼ cup chevre Croutons Salt and pepper
Place peas, pea tops, parsley, garlic and citrus juice and peel in bowl of food processor or blender. Pulse to chop fine. Add oil in a steady stream to desired consistency and season with salt and pepper. Place a small amount on a crouton w/ a dollop of chevre. Makes 2 cups.
Youth Homes Auxiliary Thrift Shop raises money in support of the needs of young people in the care of Youth Homes, Inc. SENIOR 5% DISCOUNT EVERYDAY 15C Vivian Dr Pleasant Hill, CA (Behind Jack in The Box)
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March 2013
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Urban Farm Expo and Plant Sale
Chipper birds awaken us, and the sun is headed in our favorite direction. This means it’s time to start thinking about tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and other favorite summer vegetables and herbs! Are you ready for your best summer harvest ever? By starting now, you can enjoy a long, delicious season. Use these four “S’s to make your garden the envy of your neighbors: Sun: How much have your or the neighbors’ trees or bushes grown in the last year? Summer vegetables need 6 – 8+ hours of direct, continuous sunlight. Do you need to prune or readjust containers or areas where your vegetables will go? Soil: It’s time to amend with organic compost or worm castings. Have you tested for pH and nutrient amounts? Do you know what your soil needs and why?
Do you know whom to ask? Seed or Seedling: If you’re starting from seed, it’s time to get those trays started! But if you’d prefer to have local experts start those seeds for you, come to the... SALE for an amazing selection of: Locally grown heirloom, organic vegetable, herb and flower seedlings you won’t find just anywhere; Short classes on how to best care for them; Exciting products new to the market that get your plants off to the best start. Come to the Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm and Teaching Gardens. Saturday, April 6, 10am – 4pm • 315 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill. Admission and classes are FREE. Visit www.RodgersRanchUrbanFarm.org for class schedule and vendors list. Ready, Set, GROW!
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Waterwise Landscapes Learn a lot about low-water landscaping at these upcoming events: Ninth Annual Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, Sunday, May 5, 10am – 5pm. This free, self-guided tour will feature forty East Bay gardens that conserve water, are pesticide free, provide wildlife habitat and contain sixty percent or more native plants. The event includes talks by landscapers and other experts, and this year there are two-day companion plant sales at native plant nurseries in the region. Please visit the website below. Drip Irrigation, Smart Timer and Native Plant Workshop Saturday, May 18 At this one-day workshop, you’ll
learn all about water-wise gardening, from installing a drip irrigation system to choosing native plants. Visit the website below and click on the link for “2013 Select Tours.” Mow no Mo! Sunday, May 19 In this hands-on workshop you will learn how to get the water-wise garden you really want. You’ll try your hand at sheet mulching, so bring your own rake, shovel, and garden gloves! Then we will visit two other gardens to show you the many possibilities. Visit the website below and click on the link for “2013 Select Tours.” For more information and registration, go to: www.bringingbackthenatives.net.
Photo by: Kathy Kramer
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New Drugs Give Hope for Colon Cancer By Jewel Johl, MD March is colorectal cancer awareness month and a reminder to patients aged 50 and older to be screened either through occult blood testing or colonoscopy. Screening for colorectal cancer can identify premalignant lesions and detect early stage cancer. Approximately 150,000 new cases of large bowel cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, of which 108,000 are colon cancers and the remainder are rectal cancers. Annually, approximately 50,000 Americans die of colorectal cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death, and accounts for approximately nine percent of cancer deaths overall. Several new drugs have been approved for metastatic colorectal cancer and have the potential to extend survival and improve patient quality of life. Some of these drugs work in a unique, biological way. While some are approved to be given in combination with chemotherapy, one is approved to be given by itself to patients who have advanced metastatic colorectal cancer and have run out of standard chemotherapy options. While new drugs continue to give hope to colorectal cancer patients, early detection is still critically important to patient survival. Screening
for colorectal cancer can identify premalignant lesions and detect early stage cancer. There are several tests available for colorectal cancer screening. While a stool occult blood test can detect cancer at an early stage, colonoscopy has the potential to prevent cancer by detecting polyps that can be removed prior to malignant transformation. Screening needs to start even earlier for patients with hereditary forms of colon cancer (HNPCC) or when a strong genetic predisposition is suspected. Jewel Johl, M.D., a Medical Oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. One of his specialties is treating colorectal cancer. He practices at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill and at a satellite office in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-677-5041 Diablo Valley Oncology is located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. The cancer center is the largest freestanding, nonhospital based facility in Contra Costa County. The center brings together medical oncology, hematology, radiation, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, clinical trials, and supportive care services – all in one convenient location. Satellite offices in Rossmoor, San Ramon, and Brentwood.
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March 2013
Getting Enough Sleep? By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates Sleep experts tell us that most adults need about eight hours of sleep nightly. The body repairs itself while sleeping, and it’s essential for a good mood, sound judgment, focus and safety. Getting enough sleep also means our skin looks healthier, we have better energy, reaction time, agility and coordination. We know that too little sleep can cause depression, memory problems, weakened immunity, weight gain, and an increase in the perception of pain. With busy, over-stimulated lives, it’s all too common to shorten hours of rest or toss and turn all night. Try these tips to get the rest your body and mind crave: • Limit caffeine to early in the day. A healthy, afternoon snack can give a needed burst of energy without the insomnia. • Exercise regularly. This will improve your sleep and life in general. • Swap your lunch for dinner. Eating a light meal at night helps your body prioritize sleep over digesting a difficult meal. • Have a consistent bedtime routine. A cup of chamomile tea, a warm bath, or a good book goes a long way to ease into sleep. • Purge your brain. Keep a pen and paper next to your bed to “pour” the buzzing thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Stashing these “open loops” for safekeeping will soon make
way for the “zzz’s.” • Turn off the computer. Computer usage before bedtime may keep you awake and counting sheep. A decrease in melatonin (which is necessary for healthy sleep cycles) has been linked with the artificial light from computer screens. Add a couple of these healthy sleep tricks for restful nights and happier days. If you still don’t feel rested after consistently getting a good night’s sleep, check in with your doctor. Sweet dreams! Tonya Marie Amos is a fully certified Pilates instructor with over 1000 hours of training including advanced certifications in Movement Medicine, Scoliosis, Osteoporosis, Pre/Post Natal and Pilates For Golf. For more information, contact please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com.
SUMMER INTENSIVES: Pilates for Athletes • Pilates for Dancers Modern Dance
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March 2013
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Page 29
Swimsuit Season! Ready? March 4 - Light up the Night
By Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath acid reflux, and high blood Soon department store sugar, and they discover dressing rooms will echo increased energy, clearer with the disgruntled sighs of thinking, and improved sleep women trying on swimwear. as well. No spandex thing can morph Warmer weather is a mature woman into a around the corner. This year, model-like figure in front of a take the opportunity to make full length, three-sided mirror. a difference that will last a Every year women desperately turn to extreme diets or 24-hour exercise lifetime. Connect to the vitality that is programs, practices that take their toll on your true good health and call Myra 8263858 or visit www.myranissen.com to one’s health and body. find out more. Metabolic Balance® offers a healthy “Metabolic Balance® is the one best alternative that is intended for a lifetime. piece of nutritional advice I have ever More than a diet, Metabolic Balance® is gotten.” Karen Allen, SF. See more testia proven, food-only based program that monials at http://youtu.be/yJPSX23tnE4. is tailored to your body’s unique chem I offer Metabolic Balance® Program, istry. It takes into account your inhera personalized food-based nutrition proited metabolism and food preferences. gram that is based on a person’s unique When your metabolism is in balance, chemistry. A balanced metabolism your weight and health fall into line. As your waist shrinks, your health improves stabilizes weight, improves health, and helps a person’s well-being. Call Myra because your body is getting the specific Nissen, CCH at 925.826.3858 or visit nutrients it needs. Many people have www.MyraNissen.com. found relief from allergies, joint pain,
Get Ready for
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Say you saw this in Community Focus!
To remember and honor those who have cancer, had cancer, or have been taken by cancer, a special “Light up the Night” or “Luminaria” event will be held on Monday, March 4 from 6:30 to 8pm at DeVino’s Pizza and Pasta, 2221 Morello Ave., in the Hillcrest Shopping Center. This free event is open to everyone and is sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Relay For Life, a local fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. A Luminaria is a white paper bag decorated with words and artwork, illuminated by a glow stick and dedicated to a loved one with cancer. At the March 4 event, Luminaria bags may be purchased ($10 suggested) and decorated with materials provided, and people may participate in a brief Luminaria ceremony from 7 to 7:15pm.
Children are welcome to attend and decorate Luminaria bags. Those who wish to have dinner during the event will be pleased to know that DeVino’s will donate 15% of the food purchases to Relay For Life. The Luminaria event is a precursor to the fourth annual Pleasant Hill Relay For Life, which will be held June 1-2 at the Pleasant Hill Middle School. The Relay for Life is not a race or a run; teams form beforehand and raise money. During the relay, teams keep at least one member on the track for a full 24 hours to signify that cancer never sleeps and neither does the fight against cancer. For more information, go to www. RelayForLife.org/PleasantHillCA, e-mail relayforlifeph@yahoo.com or call 925-944-4898.
Empty Bowls 2013 Join the Food Bank on Saturday, March 9, from 5-7pm for Empty Bowls, presented by Chevron. Enjoy a simple meal served in a handcrafted keepsake bowl at Food Bank’s Concord warehouse, located at 4010 Nelson Avenue. Learn about how the Food Bank and our partner agencies are working to end hunger in our community and how you can get involved.
The cost is $10 per adult and $5 for children under nine. Empty Bowls will feature raffle and door prizes, a variety of soups with bread and speakers who are passionate about ending hunger in our community. For reservations, raffle donations or if you would like to help sell tickets, please contact Renee’ at: rbaptiste@ foodbankccs.org or (925) 771-1310.
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Page 30
March 2013
Calendar events 3/8– Contra Costa Humane Society Fundraising Event: Pins for Paws -Join CCHS for our annual bowling fundraiser Friday from 7-9 pm at Danville Bowl, 200 Boone Court. $15 per child and $20 for adults and you’ll receive two games plus shoes! Eat a hotdog meal in at Rocky’s Place and CCHS receives $1 from each meal. Plus win a raffle prize or a contest. Advance reservations encouraged as we sold out last year! Come with friends and form teams. Reservations can be made by mail or on-line at www. cchumane.org. Contact 925-279-2247 for more information. 3/5 - Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club 7pm. Camellia Room, Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek. Speaker: Ernesto Sandoval (UC Davis). Topic: “Southern Africa’s Amazing Plant Diversity: A Succulent Lover’s Perspective.” Guests are welcome & free. Contact: 925-944-4898, www.phgsc.com. 3/16 - St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at Grace Episcopal Church, 130 Muir Station Road, Martinez. Social -5:30, Dinner - 6:30. Tickets $15.00, raffle, live music. Phone 510703-0581. 3/20 - Society of American Magicians Assembly #112 meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Open to all! Round Table Pizza, 2960 Treat Blvd., Concord. Join us this month and learn magic! Contact Fred at (925) 451-1292. 3/22 – East Bay Senior Resource Expo Connecting Families with a Community of People That Care, 10am to 4pm. For families, seniors and adult children! Visit exhibitors who provide products and services to make life better in the later years. Enjoy a day of information, entertainment & a chance to win a door prize! Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord. Free admission. For more information, contact the Concord Chamber at (925) 685-1181 or www.concordchamber.com. 3/24 - Contra Costa Humane Society Fundraising Event: Hunt is On - Bring the whole family and hunt for eggs and bones on Sunday from 2-4 pm at Rodgers Smith Park, 750 Grayson Rd in Pleasant Hill benefiting Contra Costa Humane Society. Create arts and crafts, have an Easter picture taken, win a raffle prize, fill up your basket by purchasing bake sale goodies and redeem your eggs for cute prizes. $5 per
participant (dog or child), $8 for two (any combination). Registration starts at 2pm on site, the hunt at 2:35 pm. Bring your own basket and have a blast. For more information visit www.cchumane.org or contact us at 925-279-2247. Proceeds benefit CCHS animals and programs. 3/28 – FREE Skin Cancer Screening Spot it Early is a new program being offered at the California Skin and Melanoma Center in Pleasant Hill. Rachel Ghiorsi, a Physician Assistant with Christine Lee, MD from The East Bay Laser and Skin Care Center will be performing complimentary full body skin cancer screenings from 9-11am at 400 Taylor Blvd. #305 in Pleasant Hill. Limited appointments available, please call to schedule at 925-677-7287. 3/30 - Egg Hunt hosted by Martinez Lion’s Club and the City of Martinez, 9:30am12pm at Waterfront Park. The hunt will start at 10:00am sharp! No registration is needed. There will be face painting and of course a visit from the Bunny. Bring your camera! 3/30 – SWAN (Support Women Artist Now) Day 10am-4pm. This is an international event featuring women artists. This is the 6th year of SWAN Day and this year there will be over 900 events in 23 countries. Come to see the various art projects at the Old Train Depot, Ferry Street, Martinez. FREE. 4/1 - Valley Stitchers and Fiber Arts Guild will meet Monday, 10am to see Susan Heller’s Masks, designed for artistic and visual pleasure using different materials and techniques. To get a sneak peek at her work, visit quiltedbysusanheller.com. Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Lane, Pleasant Hill. You’re invited to buy items at our “Little Shop.” Guests are most welcome. For questions, please call Sheila Rogstad at (925) 945-1338. 4/7 – Brickyard Run 8:30am. A 4-mile race will be held rain or shine. Meet at Rankin Park, Buckley St., Martinez. $25. Register online at www.martinezbrickyardrun.com or pre-register day of event starting at 7am. 4/13 - Mini Motorland Returns! 10amnoon. A unique track for electric ride-on cars, big wheels and tricycles will be created at the John Muir Amphitheater for youngsters. Ages 2-5. $8 per child. Fee includes driver’s license, fishing permit, li-
brary card and snacks. Children can visit the repair shop, doctor’s office, museum, library, flower shop and so much more! Parents don’t forget the camera! 4/20 – John Muir Birthday - Earth Day Celebration 10am-4pm. Bring the family for fun filled activities and entertainment: music, fashion show, silent auctions, tours, cake and much more! Event is free. Food and beverages available for purchase. For more info visit www.johnmuirassociation. org. 4/20 – Bay Area Craft Beer Festival 124pm. Festival highlights the art and flavor of craft beer in Martinez and surrounding communities offering beer from over 30 microbreweries, music and food. Event produced by Main Street Martinez. Adults $35 in advance, $45 at the gate. Designated drivers $2. 4/28 – FPHE’s 2nd Annual Amazing Race - Visit www.fphe.org in March for details.
AT THE LIBRARY Pleasant Hill: Tuesdays - Doorstep Farmers Pick Up 5-7pm. Sign up with Doorstep Farmers, a local CSA, at www.doorstepfarmers.com. All subscribers will receive a 5% discount for choosing Pleasant Hill Library as their pick-up location. Wednesdays - English Conversation Practice for Adults 1:30-2:30pm. Thursdays - Preschool Storytime 11:1511:45am. Ages 3-5. Fridays - Storytime 11:15-11:45pm & 1:15-1:45pm. Ages 0-3. Fridays - Contra Costa Teen Chess Club 3-5pm. Instruction, friendly matches, and tournaments. All levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring own chess board and pieces. Saturdays - Story Time 11:15-11:45am. Babies, Preschoolers, Kids. Saturdays – Lego Creators Club - 2-3pm. Ages 5-11.
for your time. 3/16 & 3/30 – Library Volunteer Orientation 3-4pm. Want to volunteer at the Pleasant Hill Library? Pick up an application and get started with our Volunteer Orientation. 3/19 – Book Discussion - 6:30-7:45pm. Join other community members to discuss a chosen book for lively conversation and exploration. This month we are reading Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon. For Children’s Programs questions contact Patrick Remer, 925-927-3235 Martinez: Tuesdays – Mother Goose Story and Craft Time 10:30-11:30am. Ages 0-3, includes a story time and a simple craft. Enjoy some early literacy fun at this light-hearted story and craft time designed just for the youngest crowd. Join us as we bounce, tickle, and rhyme our way through the morning! Ages 6 months through 3 years old. No registration required. New! Wednesdays 3/13 through 4/24 Tween Book Club: COMIX.@$#! A Graphic Novel Discussion Program at 2:15 pm. Tweens and teens are invited to join us at the Martinez Public Library program room to discuss a series of graphic novels chosen by the California Center for the Book in partnership with the California Library Association. Meet new friends and have fun while earning extra credit! For more information call the library at 925646-9900. 3/12 – Book Club 6:45-7:45pm. Club meets once a month on the second Tuesday of the month. We will celebrate Irish Heritage Month by discussing different Irish authors and enjoying a special St. Patrick’s treat. 3/13 - Wayback Wednesday! As part of our 100th Birthday, join us for a special celebration of history here in East County with fun for the whole family. Help us celebrate 100 years of “Bringing People and Ideas Together.” Note: This event takes place at the Brentwood Community Center, at 35 Oak St., Brentwood.
3/6 & 3/20 – Wii Wednesdays for teens. 3-4:30pm.
3/16 - 100th Birthday Celebration: History of the West County Libraries at El Sobrante. 1-3pm.
3/13 – Teen Advisory Group (TAG) 3:305pm. Join the TAG to meet with the teen librarian to create fun programs and suggest new resources at the library for you and other teens. Receive volunteer hours
For Children’s Programs questions contact Lea Stone, Youth Services Librarian, 925646-9900. For Adult Programs questions contact Catherine Oliver Library Assistant, Adult Services (925) 646-9921.
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March 2013
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March 2013
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Discover Downtown Martinez www.MainStreetMartinez.org All Lighting On Sale Now!
686 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553 • 925.372.5832 • www.lightsofdiablo.com
It pays to comparison shopwe start with lower prices, so no coupon needed. Check I've Been Framed first.
411 Ferry St., #C • Downtown Martinez • 925.228.7353
A consignment store for women. Shop for Spring Now!
BAY AREA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL APRIL 20, 2013 - 12pm to 4pm
At the Martinez Waterfront Park Downtown Martinez
30+ Top Microbreweries! Rockin' Live Music!
Fabulous Food Available for Purchase! FREE Shuttle from North Concord BART & Best Western John Muir Inn
Beer Tasting $35 (at the door $45 if available) Includes Logo tasting glass & unlimited tasting! Designated Drivers $2 (at the door $5)
Leah’s Closet • 831 Main St. • 925.372.6700 Tuesday thru Friday 10am - 5pm Saturdays 11am - 4pm
Event is 21 years and over only. Beer tasting 12-4
www.BayAreaCraftBeerFestival.com Scan for website
A Main Street Martinez Event 649 Main St., Ste 106 Martinez, CA 94553 925.228-3577