Marchfocus 2018

COMMUNITY

FOCUS ourcommunityfocus.com

MARCH 2018 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

IN THIS ISSUE: • COMMUNITY ALL STARS • ANGLES FOR MINIS • RYAN JOSEPH UPDATE

PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

Julie Says

Treasuring Memories of Dad

BY JULIE ROSS

My dad, Cal Kallsen, passed away peacefully last month at the age of 92. Cal was raised with his 11 siblings in the two-story parsonage adjacent to Zion Lutheran Church, outside of Ocheyedan, Iowa, where my grandfather was pastor for 43 years. In spite of the challenges of growing up during the Depression, my dad remembered his youth fondly and liked to share stories of his large family and friends.

Because there were so many brothers and sisters, there are 40 of us first cousins.

When we were kids, every few years the whole clan would gather to pretty much take over a lakeside resort in northwestern Iowa, not far from the family hometown of Ocheyedan. The lake, Lake Okoboji, was so dear to my dad’s heart that it is where

he and my mom retired after his decadeslong career as a geologist, a job that required moving us around several times to live in various states and the province of Alberta. Retiring to the lake was like coming home, a dream come true for him.

I spent a lot of time going through the old black and white photos of Dad before he was “Dad.” One shows him working on the Alaska pipeline as a teenager with a pretty scruffy looking crew, and in another he’s in a spiffy Navy uniform during WWII. And there he is with my mom and my Uncle Al in wedding photos taken at Zion Lutheran Church, where my grandfather performed their marriage ceremony in 1952. I picked out a “generic Dad” photo, a headshot of him in a business suit, to use in his obituary.

It is sometimes hard to know what to do or say when a friend loses a loved one. I have to say I was really touched by every different expression of sympathy

and remembrance received. Some made me smile, like the note I got from an older relative on my mother’s side, which read, “I am so sorry about Uncle Cal. I had a terrible crush on him when I was young. He reminded me of George Nader, the actor.”

Ha. And then there were the notes that brought tears, such as one from my cousin Peggy. She said she was drifting through her memories of my dad and jotted down many of the same things I remember fondly: “While on vacation at Okoboji, I enjoyed the daily cups of coffee, evening meals, sitting on the dock, watching lake activity from the sun room, and sharing an evening scotch…in fact, every year we boat by the home and talk and think about the ‘old’ days.”

A friend dropped flowers and cookies off on my porch without knocking.

Others picked up the phone to talk, and a

couple said, “Come over” or “Let’s go out.”

The question I most appreciated was one asked by a friend who did not know my father: “What were some of the favorite things you did with your dad when you were growing up?” And then she listened patiently while I rambled on about ice skating, after-dinner walks, trail rides, hunting for dinosaur bones, and hanging out at the lake.

My dad’s wishes were for his ashes to be interred with those of my mom when she passes away in the cemetery at Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa. Cousin Peggy suggested we plan a mini family reunion around the ceremony. Look out, Lake Okoboji, the Kallsens are coming back.

Reach out to those who have lost a loved one. I bet it will mean a lot to them.

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

SMALL TALK WITH TERI

by Teri Norbye

independent & locally owned

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

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

COVER: March’s early bloom.

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INSIDE

15 High School News

23 New Athletic Complex

25

County Homeless Crisis

19 Top Ten Music Biopics

29 Butternut Squash Frittata

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

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Meet Eddie Villicana, who lives in Bay Point and has worked at the Virginia Hills Starbucks in Martinez for a little over two years. He also works at the Kaiser Hospital in Walnut Creek as an equipment technician in the respiratory department. “I hope to work my way up to becoming a respiratory therapist.”

What is the craziest drink order you’ve ever received? Someone wanted a 15-pump chai; so half the cup was just all syrup, with a little bit of milk and some ice.

What is your favorite drink? Right now, it’s five or six shots of espresso. I have three or four cups a day.

What do you do with your free time? I feel like I’m always working. If I’m lucky, I might get one day a week off. My friends and I go to the gym; I try to stay active and healthy. I also like going to the movies with my friends.

What challenges do you face in your life right now? With all the work, just keeping my schedule together and trying to keep myself organized.

What are your goals for the future? To work, have a family, and help others.

What is your greatest fear? Disappointing my parents.

Real Estate Trends

Local Tax Advisor Offers 2018 Real Estate Tax Information

BY NORMA FLASKERUD This month’s article is written by a local tax advisor/CPA/tax attorney, Scott Haislet, at my invitation. His expertise is much appreciated. ~ Norma H Flaskerud, Realtor, Re/Max Today

President Trump signed the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” on December 22, 2017, with significant effects to homeowners and real estate investors. The new law reduced the cap on mortgage balances that trigger deductible home mortgage interest to $750k. Previously, taxpayers could deduct mortgage interest as an itemized deduction on $1 million of “acquisition” debt, which is mortgage debt incurred to buy, build, or improve a principal residence or second home. Example: A taxpayer obtaining a $1 million new purchase money

loan in 2018 for a principal residence can deduct 75% of the interest. Those with existing mortgages of $1 million were “grandfathered” and not subject to the $750k cap but instead were subject to the prior cap.

Also, the “home equity” debt rule previously allowed taxpayers to deduct mortgage interest on mortgage debt on home mortgages not used to buy or improve a residence. The new law eliminated that deduction beginning in 2018 (though it will return in 2026).

The law set a $10k cap for itemized deduction of “SALT” (state and local taxes) beginning in 2018. Thus, property taxes on personally used real estate are nondeductible for anyone paying at least $10k in state income taxes.

The new mortgage and SALT caps do not affect rental properties. Despite media hype, the SALT deduction limitation

It’s About Education

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

Over the last few years, there have been many changes in health insurance.

Many people expect there will be more changes in the near future. Those approaching sixty-five will need to learn yet another system!

Moving to Medicare and a supplemental plan to fill the gaps requires a great deal of careful planning. A mistake made at initial enrollment can be challenging to untangle and sometimes can be nearly permanent.

Education is the most important way to avoid the pitfalls and mistakes when making decisions. It is a challenge to sift through the clutter of mail and material that insurance companies, health plans, and prescription drug plans send. The material is more promotional than educational. It is best to start the planning process at least three to four months before you turn sixty-five, and planning in advance is important if you plan on

working beyond sixty-five. Coordinating Social Security, Medicare, and an insurance plan is important. Do not take COBRA for yourself if you are over sixtyfive; it is not considered credible coverage and you could end up with penalties.

“The A, B, Cs and D of Turning 65” is the title of a one-hour interactive educational presentation I enjoy giving to groups. It covers Medicare basics, when and how to apply, and selecting a Medicare Supplement. Additionally, it touches on a few “hot” topics, a timeline for retirement and benefit planning, and group benefits (“Should I stay or should I go?”).

The next presentation is at the Danville Senior Center, on Tuesday, March 13, from 10:00-11:00am, at the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville, 400 Hartz Avenue. Please join us.

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

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does not actually affect many California taxpayers with good paying jobs, including many dual-income couples, because of the alternative minimum tax (AMT). AMT is a system that runs parallel to the regular system. Since the late 1970s, taxpayers are required to compute their “regular” taxes and their “alternative” taxes each year using different rules for each. SALT was deductible for regular taxes but never deductible for AMT. Thus, many taxpayers could not deduct SALT in prior years anyway. The new law retained the AMT and non-deductibility of SALT for AMT.

The new law did not change the gain exclusion of $250k on the sale of a principal residence owned and occupied by the taxpayer for at least two of the five years, ending on date of sale. The exclusion is $500k for marrieds filing jointly. There is no “rollover” provision (repealed in 1997), thus, gains exceeding the $250k/$500k thresholds will be taxable, though an

advanced strategy using a 1031 exchange may defer those additional gains.

The new law retained 1031 exchanges for real estate (e.g. tax deferred on sale of investment real estate provided taxpayer acquires “like kind” investment realty and follows 1031 protocols). The new law eliminated 1031 for non-realty such as vehicles and machinery. The new law increased the estate tax exemption cap to $11.2 million per person. Thus, taxpayers should consider revising their estate plans to replace older plans designed under prior tax law.

Call the Flaskerud Team at 925-3382980 for all your real estate needs or email DonandNorma@gmail.com.

G. Scott Haislet, a Lafayette tax adviser/CPA/tax attorney, contributed to this article. He may be reached at (925) 2831031 and www.goscott.com. He focuses on tax planning, real estate, 1031 exchanges, and estate planning (e.g., living trusts).

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Estate Planning

What Happens to Your Debts When You Die?

BY JEFFREY HALL, Elder Law Attorney

When you die, your debts do not expire with you. Most debt still needs to be paid off, if possible, although who is responsible for paying the debt depends on the type of debt, and some assets are protected from being used to satisfy a debt.

Outstanding debt may include mortgages, credit card bills, car loans,

personal loans, condominium fees -- even car leases, when death is considered “early termination” of a contract.

Usually your estate is responsible for paying any debts you leave behind. If the estate does not have enough money, the debts will go unpaid. In general, debt collectors may not try to collect payment from your relatives and heirs. However, there are some exceptions. Co-signers and guarantors of a particular debt are responsible for that debt, and someone who held property jointly with you would

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be responsible for any debts on the joint property. In addition, spouses in “community property” states -- states where property acquired during marriage is owned jointly by both spouses -- may be responsible for some debt.

Creditors are paid from the part of your estate that passes through probate, which means any property that passes through a will. The person who is appointed personal representative or executor of your estate is responsible for making sure the creditors are paid. The personal representative uses estate assets to pay off the debts before any money passes to heirs.

If you have significant debts, it is possible that your entire estate will be used to pay creditors. Be careful of those who have been nominated as Executor and who accept that role because the CA Probate Code requires that the decedent’s Will be “lodged” with the Probate Clerk within 40 of days of death. The lodging of the Will is intended to report to various states agencies such the DHCS, SSA, FTB, and CDCR any debts owed by the decedent.

These creditors have a one-year statute of limitations to make a claim upon the estate. However, if the Executor negligently (as most do) fails to lodge the Will and, thereby, deprives the unsecured state creditors from collecting within the oneyear period, the CA Probate Code makes

the Executor personally responsible for those debts. Some clients say that doesn’t apply to them since mom died owning no assets and thought no debts existed only later to discover that mom (oops) did owe debts (Vegas ever come to mind?), but since the creditors were unable to make their claim, the negligent Executor is potentially personally on the hook for those debts. That’s why I always instruct my clients who go it alone in probate to minimally “lodge” the Will, whether the estate is big or small. Protect yourself.

Creditors cannot be paid from any assets that pass directly to a beneficiary.

For example, a jointly held bank account would pass directly to the joint owner, and the funds in that account could not be used to pay creditors. Similarly, life insurance policies pass directly to the beneficiaries, so creditors do not have access to those funds. Whether or not a creditor can access funds in a trust depends on state law as well as what kind of trust it is.

Consult with your Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney, Jeffrey Hall, CPA, JD at 925-230-9002 or visit his website at www.

HallLawGroup.com.com for questions regarding probates and the consequences of not making creditor payments. Protect your assets and maintain your peace of mind.

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The Law Office of Jeffrey Hall, Inc., is an estate planning law office serving Contra Costa county in a wide range of estate planning matters, including:

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

www.HallLawGroup.com 925-230-9002 4 | MARCH 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Over 650 homes sold in Pleasant Hill Choose the Flaskerud Team— Don, Norma and Erik—as YOUR Realtor!

Don, Norma, and Erik’s listings...

COMING SOON

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101 Price Ln Pleasant Hill $860,000

Poets Corner Area $1,150,000

1030 Santa Cruz Dr Pleasant Hill $640,000

3 bed, 2 bath; 1,958 sq ft house on 0.17 acre.

Walk to town, schools; private yard; large master suite.

4 bed, 2.5 bath; 2,106 sq ft house on 0.21 acre.

Remodeled to perfection. Detached cottage-office.

3 bed, 2 bath; 1,157 sq ft house on 0.17 acre.

Tree lined street, close-in to town, updated.

COMING IN APRIL

939 Autumn Oak Cr Concord $1,050,000

6 Dublin Ct Pleasant Hill $990,000

Concord $685,000 Call for details

4 bed, 3.5 bath; 3,240 sq ft house on 0.18 acre Stunning Crystal Ranch offers expansive views.

4 bed, 2.5 bath; 2,038 sq ft house on 0.25 acre Backyard deck, lawn, tropical pool-oasis retreat.

3 bed, 2 bath; 1,891 sq ft house on 0.26 acre.

Original Owner well-maintained, detached workshop.

Call The Flaskerud Team for ALL your Real Estate needs Don & Norma Flaskerud Erik Flaskerud

RE/MAX Today 367 Civic Drive #7 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

925-338-2980 Visit them at www.PleasantHillRealEstate.com or email DonaldFlaskerud@Remax.net NormaFlaskerud@Remax.net or EFlaskerud@Remax.net

CalBRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031, Erik: 01891688

DO IT YOURSELF

A Spin on DIY Family Fun Picking Fruit

BY REBECCA SEIDENSPINNER

On Sundays I love to shop at the farmers’ market. The colors of the fresh fruits and vegetables are so beautiful and vibrant. I stroll up and down the market, carrying my basket while silently planning my menu for the week.

I love to buy what is fresh and in season. I have a big garden at home but don’t have the space to grow enough food to last all season long. Another favorite place of mine to visit for fresh fruits and vegetables is Brentwood. The town of Brentwood is a short, 30-minute drive from Martinez. It is filled with over 40 U-pick farms. There are tons of farm stands that sell a wide variety of produce around every corner. We are so lucky to have access to these farm fresh products locally.

Every year I pack up my family in

the car to head out to Brentwood for an adventure in fruit picking. The kids love to pick buckets of fruit, and we secretly taste a few while doing the hard work.

One for me, one for you. It depends on the month, but we have picked cherries, peaches, strawberries and apples -- you name it -- all the best ones. This last year I decided I wanted to try and make homemade jam. Making jam is SO easy.

All you need is Mason jars (we all know I am the queen of Mason Jars), the fruit of your choice, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. You can buy Ball canning pectin, but it isn’t necessary. This version is for freezer jam that will last up to six months in the freezer. Here is my most recent version.

Old Fashioned Blackberry Jam Recipe: 1. Rinse the berries (I use about six big baskets of blackberries).

2. Mash the berries until there are no big seeds.

EXPIRES 3/31/18

6 | MARCH 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

3. Measure out equal parts sugar and mashed berries (I did two cups each).

4. Pour berries into a saucepan and let boil.

5. Add sugar and a few drops of lemon juice. Bring to a boil again while stirring constantly.

6. Boil for a total of 10 minutes.

7. Using a funnel and a ladle, spoon the jam mixture into the jars.

8. Put the jars of jam into the freezer.

9. This recipe yields 10 jars.

You can also look up how to can or boil the jars and lids so they don’t have to go in the freezer. This is a little bit more complicated and time-consuming.

I like to use the Ball canning website

at freshpreserving.com for tips and tricks on how to can jam. If you’re not into canning jam for future peanut butter and jam sandwiches, take a trip out to Brentwood and do the U-pick fruit adventure with your family. It is so much fun. I like to show my kids where food is grown and the hard work it takes to harvest food. I also love to support local farmers and their families. Some day I hope to have my own fruit trees so I can pick fruit from each season and make jam from my harvest. Go to the Brentwood website harvest4you.com to check out all the U-pick farms, locations, and farm profiles that show you the season for each fruit.

Angels for Minis

Miniature Horse Rescue in Walnut Creek

BY LAURIE BELLET

Introduce anyone to a horse in a tiny package and you will hear a chorus of “Aw… so cute!” Indeed, miniature horses are sweet, affectionate, and downright adorable. But what happens when these very special creatures are mistreated, neglected, or outlive their human family? The lucky ones find their way to Angels for Minis.

Nestled at the base of Mount Diablo, Angels for Minis, founded in 2013, is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of miniature horses. Home to approximately 24 minis, Angels for Minis rescues these unique animals and provides shelter, food, veterinary care, and lots of love. The horses come from all around the Western U.S. and are referred to AFM through humane societies, animal control officers, and tips from concerned parties who become aware of abandoned horses. We are one of just a few miniature horse rescue facilities in the country.

Although everyone who meets a mini is immediately enamored, few people know much about the tiny horse. Originally enjoyed as palatial pets, the miniature horse was specifically bred by the Fallabella family in Argentina, where they found a role as mineworkers pulling miners’ carts. Often misunderstood as a type of pony (which is much

larger), miniature horses cannot be ridden. In contemporary society, the diminutive horses are most frequently companion animals.

They can be seen in show rings demonstrating their jumping prowess and cart pulling skills. They can be trained as (riderless) therapy animals, and you may even find one to calm your nerves at the airport!

Horses rescued at Angels for Minis require a great deal of attention. Some horses come to AFM fully wild while others have never experienced human touch, and some have been starved. Some require special feed while others require wound care or medication. A dedicated corps of committed volunteers provides day-to-day care, socialization, and patient training. Although tiny, minis need the same maintenance care as do their larger counterparts. In addition to basic environmental care and nutrition, minis need veterinary and dental care. While they do not wear horseshoes, minis do require periodic visits and hoof trimming from the farrier. The average expense per horse after an initial veterinary visit is $350-$1,050. With the help of sponsors and those who donate their services, we are able to provide proper veterinary treatment, feed, and care for successful rehabilitation.

Angels for Minis relies solely on donations and public contributions to transport

and care for the rescued horses. The goal for every horse is a new “forever home.” In the four years since Angels for Minis was founded, more than 360 horses have been placed with new families.

At Angels for Minis, these amazing animals learn to trust. They learn to receive love and return love. Please visit us on Facebook

or www.angelsforminis.com.

You can support rescued miniature horses through Angels for Minis by donating through PayPal. All donations are tax deductible. To volunteer or adopt, please visit http://www.angelsforminis.com, “like” our Facebook page, or email us at angelsforminis@att.net.

Puppies. Spring. Any questions?

New Firefighters

Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Zachary J. Anderson, DVM Terri Lamp, DVM Joseph A. Thibedeau, DVM

Daniel Sarrasin, a College Park graduate, and Matt Abele , a DeLaSalle graduate, clown around after graduating from the Contra Costa Fire Academy on Friday, February 23. Daniel and Matt are two of the 25 selected by the county to train in the twenty-two week academy in Concord and are now working at firehouses within Contra Costa County. Congratulations!

2211 Morello Avenue Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-676-1909 www.hillcrestvet.com

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | MARCH 2018 | 7

CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

In Pleasant Hill, it is a tradition for the mayor to provide an annual address on the state of the city to the Chamber of Commerce. I had the honor of doing so on January 24. Below are some excerpts from that presentation highlighting achievements in 2017 and challenges in 2018 and beyond.

Pleasant Hill is a welcoming city. In 2017, we reaffirmed Pleasant Hill is, first and foremost, a welcoming city. Last year, with input from many residents and faith-based leaders, the city council proclaimed these values of our community: Pleasant Hill is a tolerant and inclusive city. It is a safe place for all residents and those who visit or work here. We welcome all newcomers and are committed to serve and protect all our residents. These core values bear repeating often as they inform how we interact with each other and how we govern.

Pleasant Hill is an informed and transparent city. Thomas Jefferson is attributed the quote, “An informed electorate is a prerequisite to a successful democracy.”

Pleasant Hill strives to inform its residents of the workings of City Hall and is always looking for ways to improve the delivery of information.

We have improved the city website with an interactive map of all proposed development in the city. One click and you will find many details of the proposed project and where it is in the approval process. We live stream city council meetings and are active on social media. Soon we expect to

install a new LED sign at City Hall as another means of notifying you of council and commission meetings and other important information.

I am excited that later this year we will be announcing the formation of Citizens Academy, an educational program for residents interested in learning more about our local government. We hope the academy will build new and positive relationships between you and City Hall and perhaps inspire you to become a future leader. We want to build up our “bench strength” to the level of the Golden State Warriors!

The city finances are strong! Several years ago, the city council adopted a reserve fund policy requiring a reserve of $8.9 million. Our reserve exceeded that amount for the past five years, and at the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, the reserve was a very healthy $12.6 million (not including Measure K money).

Our budget is balanced and we have been drawing modestly from the reserve to make additional investments in our street resurfacing program. Measure K monies are coming in and being sequestered for the new library and city infrastructure. The city will have no long-term debt at the end of the current fiscal year! This is a remarkable feat and sets us apart from many other cities.

My rose-colored view is clouded a bit because our city, like virtually every other city, has an unfunded pension liability. But unlike most other cities, ours is a man-

Tim Flaherty, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

ageable one. No doubt the city’s current financial outlook is impacted by the state’s past inability to properly account for our CalPERS unfunded liability. As of June 30, 2016, the most recent actuarial valuation from CalPERS, our unfunded pension liability is now stated at $38.5 million, and our annual contribution for the next fiscal year is projected at $3.3 million. However, with our continued careful management of expenditures and increased revenues, I expect our future city budgets will continue to be balanced and our reserves intact. We are updating our long-term financial plan for years 2018 through 2023, examining revenues and expenditures to make sure we achieve that objective.

Pleasant Hill may be less populous than its surrounding neighbors, but our sense of

community is stronger, our economic foundation is sounder, and our residents are just plain nicer—really—ask any realtor. We are, after all, in Pleasant Hill and at the center of everything.

If you want to see a video of the Chamber of Commerce event, including an update from our Rec & Park District, presented by its chair, Bobby Glover, and the unexpurgated version of my mayor’s presentation, you can watch it online at https://vimeo. com/253096961.

Winter wanes and the days are growing a bit longer in anticipation of the coming spring, but our rainfall is lagging far behind.

With St. Patrick’s Day a few weeks away, let’s hope the luck of the Irish brings a good mix of rain and sunshine to our March weather forecast.

Chamber Calendar

3/8 - DVC & Foundation Chamber Business Mixer, 5-7pm, 321 Golf Club Road, PH 3/15 - PH Chamber Board Meeting, 8-10am, WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., PH 3/21 - Lunch & Learn: Small Business-Big Contracts, 9-11am, John F. Kennedy University, 100 Ellinwood Way, Rm S104, PH 3/26 - Government Affairs Committee, 4:30-5:30pm, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, PH 3/27 - 47th Annual Community Awards Night & Dinner, 5:30-10pm, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., PH 680 Business Networking - 2nd & 4th Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-10am, JFK University, 100 Ellinwoood Way, PH OFF THE GRID Food Trucks - Wednesdays, 5-9pm, Trelany Road, PH

Public Meetings

City Council Mar. 5, 19 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:00pm. Contact: 671-5229 2015

Civic Action Commission Mar. 7 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Architectural Review Mar. 1, 15 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 5:00pm. Contact: 671-5209 Planning Commission Mar. 13, 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5209

Mark Ellinwood, Owner

ANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • 1 TIME SPRAY OK 8 | MARCH 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Traffic Safety Commission Mar. 13 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5229 Education Commission Mar. 28 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 7pm. Contact: 671-5229

CITY NEWS

Pleasant Hill City News Council Adopts New Procedures

The city council recently approved new public noticing for city meetings, events, and other important matters of community interest. The new procedures will result in more streamlined and efficient notification, particularly for public meetings of the city council, Planning Commission, and other city commissions and committees.

In addition to the legally required noticing procedures (by the State of California), key changes to the public noticing process include: • Installation of an electronic display board in front of the flagpoles at City Hall. This programmable reader board will provide information on meetings, events, alerts, and other important messages.

• Expanded use of social media. Staff will post important notices to Nextdoor, Facebook, and Twitter.

• Website and interactive planning map posts. Staff will continue to improve the use of the city’s website (www.pleasanthillca.org) for news and announcements and post updated project information to the “Interactive Planning Map” (www.pleasanthillca.org/map) on the homepage. This map shows all major development projects throughout the city.

• Continued use of “A-frame” signs at key locations in the city, including the police department and Pleasant Hill Library for notification on major projects or issues affecting the entire city.

• Notification to all senior living facilities and the Senior Center about major projects that might impact particular neighborhoods or the entire city.

For more information on the city’s public noticing procedures, contact Martin Nelis at mnelis@pleasanthillca.org.

ty. Awards Night will be held on Tuesday, March 27, at the Pleasant Hill Community Center. Winners are announced during the event. Tickets for the event are available through the Chamber of Commerce by calling 687-0700 or online at www.pleasanthillca.org/tickets. More details about all of the nominees are available on the city’s website at www.pleasanthillca.org/awards.

Sign up for Emergency Alerts

The city uses Nextdoor, Facebook, and Twitter to notify residents of meetings, events, and other general notifications. For emergency notifications, residents should sign up for Nixle text alerts (to your mobile phone) at www.nixle.com. You can also register for Community Warning System (CWS) alerts at https://cwsalerts. com/. These alerts are generally voice messages sent to your landline or mobile phone.

Civic Action Commission Senior Spring Cleanup Day

Are you a Pleasant Hill resident aged 65 or older and need some light yard work done around the front of your home? The Civic Action Commission is partnering with the Commission on Aging and the Senior Center to reach out to seniors in the community who may need some help with clearing weeds, trimming bushes, and other landscaping work. The event is known as Senior Spring Cleanup Day and will take place on Saturday, April 21, from 9:30am to 1:00pm. Seniors who wish to participate in the event can call (925) 671-5229 or register online at www.pleasanthillca.org/cleanup.

Volunteers needed for April 21st Event

To make this event possible, the commission needs volunteers who can assist with cleanup activities. If you are good with a rake and want to help folks in need, then we need you! For more information or to pre-register for the event online, go to www.pleasanthillca.org/cleanup or email Martin Nelis mnelis@pleasanthillca.org.

Nominees for the 47th Annual Community Awards are…

• Teen of the Year: Hailey Burns, Katelyn Downing, Jacob Eide, Brett Jones, and Ethan Tuey. All five teens attend College Park High School.

• Education Supporter of the Year: Jeff Eide • Educator of the Year: Marji Calbeck (Valhalla Elementary), Laima Haider (College Park), Ninfa Iglesias (Sequoia Middle), Bev Joukoff (Sequoia Elementary), Brendan Moseley (Pleasant Hill Middle), and Stephanie Wilson (Strandwood Elementary).

• Green Business Award: The Terraces Building and Diablo Valley College.

• Green Community Award: MDUSD Farm to School & Garden Education Program; Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden; and the Pleasant Hill Green Team.

• Business of the Year: Don & Norma Flaskerud (RE/MAX Today) and Zachary’s Pizza • Citizen of the Year: Allen & Sandy Vinson, and Jill Scheidel

Community Awards Night recognizes leaders and volunteers in our communi-

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

The City of Martinez ended 2017 in good financial shape. The general fund operating revenues totaled $22,210,623, with expenditures of $21,210,005. At the close of fiscal year 2017, general fund reserves were at $13.6 million, or at 65% of the general fund, with $5 million assigned to special reserve accounts and $8.6 million unassigned (rainy day fund).

The city’s total debt decreased by $1 million.

With the city’s bond rating of AA+,

we were able to refinance our bonds at a lower interest rate savings of $7.5 million over the remaining 22-year life of the bonds.

Earlier in 2017, the city council adopted budget guiding principals that helped us to build the 2017 – 2019 budget. We made the decision to invest in the future of the city by taking steps toward addressing the foundational needs of the organization to improve services and reduce costs. We also in-

SWAN Day in Martinez

SWAN DAY (Support Women Artists Now Day) is an international holiday that celebrates the creative power of women all over the world. The 11th annual SWAN DAY celebration in Martinez is on Saturday, March 24. Over 50 artists from around the Bay Area are expected to showcase their art at this event.

The Martinez Arts Association (MAA) has brought this international holiday close to home in downtown Martinez for the past 10 years. With the support of the City of Martinez and local artists, SWAN Day promotes and celebrates all forms of art, including visual & performing arts. This event is FREE, and all artists and lovers of the arts are invited to join in the celebration of this amazing collaboration of artists.

Every year there is a great lineup of local live music. This year’s schedule will be announced soon. This celebration is from 10am to 4pm at the Old Train Depot, and the parking lot is at the end of Ferry Street. The event goes on, rain or shine!

For more information or to participate in this free event, please visit www.martinezarts.org.

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

vested in a proactive economic development program to improve the financial well-being of the city, its residents, and businesses. These efforts are all part of charting a path toward a fiscally sustainable future.

In November 2016, Measure D was overwhelmingly approved by Martinez voters with a 72% “yes” vote. To refresh your memory, Measure D is a ½ cent sales tax that is dedicated to improving Martinez’ streets and roads and will be in effect until March 31, 2032. Measure D will have been in force for a full year as of April 2018, and it is bringing in more revenue than expected. To date, we have received an estimated $2 million and expect to receive a total of $3.4 million by the end of this fiscal year.

To maximize the return on the use of our limited road funds, the city’s focus is generally on extending the life of our “fair to good” streets versus restoring “very poor or failed” streets. While it seems counterintuitive to the average business owner and resident, the cost to repair/replace a poor to failed street is three to five times higher than extending the life of a street in fair condition.

By focusing on extending the life of the streets in better condition, the city can reduce our long-term road improvement and maintenance costs and improve the condition of a greater percentage of our street system overall by making less costly repairs to our

better streets.

In addition to expanding our restoration program, Measure D and SB1 have also allowed the city to expand our street maintenance work by the city’s street crews. The city crews conduct street maintenance work that includes maintaining street striping, replacing signage, maintaining median landscaping, and fixing potholes. When receiving complaints about potholes, crews respond immediately to temporarily fix the problem to avoid damage to cars and reduce liability. When time, weather, and funding allow, the crews return to dig out the pothole, compact the base, and install a permanent pavement patch.

The greatest advantage to this is that city street crews can respond to areas not currently in the pavement management program and make repairs that otherwise may have had to wait several years to be addressed. In the first six months following the expansion of this program, the street crews have been able to replace over 200 tons of asphalt in our neighborhood streets.

If you have any questions regarding the city’s pavement management program, Measure D, or about the timing of the repair of your street, go to the city’s website: www.cityofmartinez.org/ gov/measure_d.asp or contact the City of Martinez Engineering Department at 925-372-3500.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Mar. 7, 21 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 6-9pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Mar. 7, 2 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Mar. 14, 28 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Mar. 13, 27 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org 10 | MARCH 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

CITY NEWS

Martinez City News Cesar Chavez Commemorative Celebration

Please join the Contra Costa County Supervisors and library administration for the 25th Annual Cesar Chavez Commemorative Celebration and Youth Hall of Fame Awards.

The event is on Tuesday, March 27, at 651 Pine Street in Martinez, and begins at 11am.

These awards are presented annually to outstanding young Contra Costa residents between the ages of 12 and 18. The recipients demonstrate exemplary behavior in one or more of the following categories: good Samaritans, volunteerism, teamwork, creativity, and perseverance.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

In February, the Contra Costa County officials held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction for a transformative new 71,000 square foot county administration building that will be located at 1025 Escobar Street in downtown Martinez.

The architecturally impressive and community-friendly space will replace the existing 1960s 12-story county administration building on Pine Street. City staff has worked closely with county staff since the project was conceived to ensure that the new four-story building would complement downtown’s pedestrian friendly character and bolster the city’s economic vibrancy. Responding to the need for more parking for county employees and jurors, as well as the growing demand for downtown parking, the project will increase the number of parking spaces from approximately 75 spaces to a total of 250 at the project site. In addition, there will be public plaza areas where the soon-to-be demolished old 12-story building now sits, at 651 Pine Street.

MCE Clean Energy Service Options

The City of Martinez recently joined MCE, a community-owned, public electricity provider that offers 50% and 100% renewable electricity service options to its customers at stable and competitive rates. Beginning in April, Martinez residents and businesses can choose between using MCE or PG&E to supply the electrical generation side of their bill. PG&E will continue to transmit and distribute electricity, maintain power lines, and handle all billing.

Electrical account holders will receive mailers in the months of March, May, and June informing them of this change and how to choose a service option. Additionally, the City of Martinez will include a bilingual water bill insert in March to cover all of its 10,000 water customers and provide additional community outreach to inform customers. If Martinez residents or businesses take action, they will automatically enroll in MCE’s Light Green 50% renewable power supply per state law (AB 117). Typical customers currently pay slightly less for MCE’s 50% renewable electricity compared to PG&E’s 33% renewable electricity, with costs nearly identical. Part of MCE’s mission is to provide stable and competitive rates. MCE has reduced rates the past two years in a row (by an average of 9% and 3.9%, respectively).

Mini Motorland

On Saturday, March 24, from 10am until noon, the Martinez Waterfront Amphitheater will be transformed into a child-size interactive village, navigated by rideable toys, trikes, and bikes. Mini motorists aged 2-5 years old will be able to stop for gas or food, go fishing, or run their vehicle through the car wash. Within the village, they can visit the florist, historical museum, craft shop, and face painters. Snacks, fishing, and driver’s license are provided.

In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled, but there are no refunds. Parents should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring their child’s favorite riding toy. Bikes, trikes, and rideable toys are not provided, and no dogs or gas-powered vehicles are allowed. Register at www.cityofmartinez.org and click on “Recreation Classes” at the bottom of the page. For more information, call Martinez Recreation at 372-3510.

Onstage Repertory Presents…

The Importance of Being Earnest by Onstage Repertory Theatre begins its 10-show run on March 9 at the Campbell Theatre in Downtown Martinez. The story, written by Oscar Wilde and directed by Kim Doppe, revolves around Gwendolyn and Cecily, who both dream of marrying a man called Earnest. What will Jack and Algy do to win their hearts?

Why, of course, they will create elaborate alter egos named Earnest! What follows is a delightful comedy of mistaken identity, Victorian enlightenment, and, of course, a handbag.

The show stars Becky Davis as Cecily, Rachel Powers as Gwendolyn, Justin Hernandez as Jack, Wayne Roadie as Algernon, Jeanine Perasso as Lady Bracknell, Randy Anger as Dr. Chausable, Christine Sheppard as Miss Prism, and Randy Motta as Lane and Merriman. The show runs from March 9 to March 25, and tickets are $12-$19. For more information and reservations, call 925-518-3277 or visit https://www.campbelltheater.com/.

Stewardship Program at John Muir National Historic Site

On February 24, John Muir National Historic Site launched the first of four free Stewardship Saturdays. The ranger-led land stewardship program begins at 9am at the Strentzel Creek meadow area of Mt. Wanda and ends around noon. This area recently came under NPS management and is currently only open to visitation with a National Park Service chaperone. The stewardship project involves removing invasive plant species from the sensitive creek and surrounding meadow, and all training and tools required for this project are provided. The other three Stewardship Saturday events are on March 24, at 9am; April 28, at 9am; and May 19, at 9am.

Activities may include bending, kneeling, and walking on slopes and uneven terrain.

In addition, the closest restrooms will be one mile away, at the John Muir NHS Visitor Center. There are no restrooms at the project site. Projects are not suitable for children under the age of 12. Minors will need a volunteer service agreement signed by a parent/guardian, and those under the age of 15 must have a parent/guardian present throughout the projects. Parking will be available at 5018 Alhambra Valley Road in Martinez. For more information and to register, please email sierra_mathias@partner.nps.gov with Stewardship Saturday in the subject line or call (925) 228-8860 ext. 6429. For more information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/jomu.

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

The Walnut Creek economy remains strong. Our economic strength can be seen in the city’s operational budget as property and sales taxes have hit an all-time high.

Additionally, you can also look around our community to see how well it is doing. Not only is Broadway Plaza pushing toward the conclusion of its quarter-billion dollar investment ianto its facilities, but we have seen major wins for our multiple business sectors: 1. A 160-room Marriott Residence Inn is under construction on Pringle Avenue, and we expect a Hilton Garden Inn on Lawrence Way. 2. Apple made a sizable investment in our community with one of its “New York style” all-glass facilities, currently under construction.

3. Amazon chose Walnut Creek as one of its first brick and mortar bookstores.

4. Walnut Creek’s food scene continues to thrive and expand.

5. Walnut Creek is starting to see advancement in technology and technology based startups. In the past year, we have seen new autonomous delivery robots roaming our sidewalks, and Walnut Creek is honored to be one of eight cities nationwide accepted into the 2018 Startup In Residence Program. As part of this program, city staff identified several civic challenges, and the startups will be engaged to create solutions. For example, they have been tasked with developing an online tool to apply for residential parking permits.

Yet, we must acknowledge the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.

A combination of council fiscal policies, the past recession, and changes with CalPERS retirement costs have negatively weighed

Justin Wedel, Mayor of Walnut Creek

on our long-term fiscal forecast. With property and sales tax growth expected to slow, we are expecting shortfalls starting in the next budget cycle. Unless curtailed, spending will increase well over historical inflationary levels. Spending will climb 38% by 2027, thus driving our projected shortfall to over $9M in fiscal year 2027.

However, I am confident that we as a community can work together to solve this problem, much like our founding fathers and mothers did on October 21, 1914, when the community came together to not only found our city but to make a significant investment into solving a community wide problem by paving Main Street. Just like they did, we cannot, we should not, continue to kick the can down the road and

hope for a positive resolution. Like these visionaries, we must make the changes necessary for a brighter future.

As the council will shortly begin to develop our next budget facing shortfalls, I will remind all of you that we have been here before. Throughout our history we have faced tough budgetary challenges.

Independent of our differences, we must realize that they are not insurmountable.

Our differences are a reflection of the diversity present in our community. It is only through the understanding of our perspectives, our beliefs, and our individuality that we will come to a compromise that is necessary to solve the problems of tomorrow -- something I know we are all capable of doing.

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CITY NEWS

Walnut Creek City News Marriott Residence Inn

Construction is under way on a six-story, 160-room Marriott Residence Inn near BART. The property is bounded by North Main, Pringle Avenue, North California, and the Land Rover dealership. Parking will be underground. As part of the project, the developer agreed to provide $20,000 for a new bus stop on Pringle in front of the hotel and new striping for bike lanes on California Boulevard.

New Mural for Larkey Pool

Supervising artist Rachel Rodi, along with a host of volunteers in the community, will lend a hand to make ceramic tiles for a large-scale wall mural for Larkey Swim Center on March 22 and 23 at the Walnut Creek Ceramic Studio. The mural will be unveiled during Walnut Creek Aquanauts’ Celebration of Champions event on May 12.

More Public Art in the Offing

At the recent arts commission meeting, the commission discussed projects that are in progress as well as a pending installation this year. This month you can view the Rawr dinosaur installations by Joyce Hsu at Broadway Plaza. The project was delayed considerably, and according to Steven Huss, public art manager, “It is scheduled to be installed by March 1.” Concern was over whether the project was playground equipment or an interactive sculpture. It has since been accepted as interactive sculpture.

At VAYA, a 178-unit apartment complex, will stand a 50’ high painted steel sculpture, “Intersect in Red” by Shayne Dark, scheduled to be installed in May across from the Walnut Creek BART station. At the Walnut Creek Transit Village, Dan Corson’s two sculptures will be installed on the eastern façade of the new parking structure. They will be fabricated of powder-coated aluminum piping with recycled cobra-head light fixtures, and the lighting will respond to real-time BART train arrivals and departures.

The project is scheduled for fall 2018 completion. In addition, an Anthony Pearson sculpture will be installed at the Riviera Avenue Condos in June.

Upcoming art projects for the commission include the development of a public/private mural program, and staff is actively pursuing cost estimates to construct a mural grid structure for the exterior of the Lesher Center for the Arts. The commission is also in collaboration with public works on another project. “We have been talking to Public Works Department about the possibility of installing pedestals for the display of temporary sculptures on a rotational basis in the downtown corridor, and they are also interested in bike racks that are unique and designed by artists,” added Public Art Manager Huss.

eligibility list. Other appointments include: Jessica Thomas to a four-year term as the city’s representative on the Contra Costa Advisory Council on Aging, pending board of supervisors confirmation and effective March 6 through February 28, 2022; Frank Napoli to the Contra Costa Advisory Council on Aging eligibility list; Jasun Molinelli as the city’s alternate representative on the Contra Costa County Library Commission, pending board of supervisors confirmation and effective March 6 through June 30, 2022; Arthur Oller to a first four-year term on the Park, Recreation and Open Space Commission, effective March 6 through February 28, 2022; and the addition of Barry Mendelson to the eligibility list. Additional interviews for the Design Review and Planning Commissions were held on February 20.

2018 Dose of Awareness 5K and Health Expo

On March 25, 1-3:30pm, help tackle the local prescription drug/heroin abuse epidemic at the 4th annual Dose of Awareness 5K Walk and Health Expo at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek. Register online, build a walk team, and help fundraise.

This is a family-friendly, fun, interactive event with great exhibitors. The 5K Walk is $25/person and includes a T-shirt, and kids 12 and under walk free. Proceeds support Bay Area Public Awareness Campaigns. Visit www.eventbrite.com and search “Dose of Awareness” for tickets. The National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse (NCAPDA) is a non-profit organization working to end America’s prescription drug abuse epidemic through community education, policy change, and legislative advocacy at all levels.

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WCD New Executive Director

Walnut Creek Downtown (WCD) announced Kathy Hemmenway as the new executive director. Hemmenway has been with WCD for the past nine years and will be responsible for team leadership, driving revenue, events, and advocacy, as well as general management responsibilities. WCD’s mission is to work with its 650 members and community partners to promote and enhance downtown business and economic vitality. Hemmenway will report to the Walnut Creek Downtown Board of Directors.

During her successful tenure at WCD, Hemmenway oversaw 20 annual events, including Walnut Creek On Ice. She has developed strong working relationships with WCD members, elected officials, county and municipal staff, and leaders in the business and non-profit community. She was instrumental in implementing nine of the city’s downtown enhancement initiatives, including the Utility Box Wrap program, Walnut Creek First Wednesdays, Oktoberfest, and Movie Under the Stars.

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New City Commissioners

At the February 13 special city council meeting, the council unanimously voted to appoint Iasmine Abdennabi Klauber to a first four-year term on the arts commission effective March 6 through February 28, 2022, and to add Fritz Brunner to the

2013 • 2014 • 2015 2016 / 2017 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | MARCH 2018 | 13

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES

Estate Planning

Top Five Common Mistakes to Avoid

BY DANIEL DuREE The road to estate planning hell is indeed often paved with the best of intentions.

While assisting clients in the probate process or with a trust administration, I often encounter small missteps that result in a large headache for the surviving family. This month I am going to discuss some of the most common estate planning mistakes I run across in my practice and how to avoid them so you can have peace of mind.

1. Assets Left Outside of a Trust Even if you have a revocable living trust, if an asset is not in the trust it must go through probate if it is worth more than $150,000. Often this happens when people create a trust online or through a low cost company and they are not sufficiently reminded that assets must be titled in the name of the trust to avoid probate. It is not a bad idea to check in with your estate-planning attorney every few years, as they will always ask if all of your assets are in the name of the trust.

2. Beneficiary Designations that Conflict with a Trust A beneficiary listed on an account trumps any disposition under a trust or a will. If there is a valid beneficiary on an account that account transfers to the beneficiary regardless of what a trust says.

3. Married Couple Holding Title to Real Estate as Joint -Tenants Contrary to popular belief (and what most title companies tell people), a married couple in California should never hold title to real estate as joint tenants. Yet roughly sixty percent of my new clients hold their property this way. If real estate is held as community property or in a trust, the tax basis for capital gains purposes steps all the way up to the current value at the death of the first spouse. This does not occur for

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joint-tenants. Holding title as joint-tenants can result in a serious capital gains tax bill if a surviving spouse ever sells a property.

4. More than $150,000 in Assets and No Living Trust Even with a will, if an individual in California dies with more than $150,000 in gross assets, their estate must still go through the court supervised probate process. While a will is sufficient in many states, in California most people need a revocable living trust for proper estate planning.

5. 401(k) or IRA Beneficiary Designations Are Outdated As I noted earlier, a beneficiary designation supersedes anything in either a will or a trust. Often people amend their trust but neglect to change their beneficiary designations. It may be advisable to name a trust as a secondary beneficiary to a retirement account so that any distribution changes made to the trust will channel retirement funds according to that scheme.

By being aware of potential pitfalls and seeking out the help of knowledgeable professionals, you can avoid the calamity described above and have the peace of mind that your family will be taken care of should anything happen to you. As always, consult with an expert before making any estate planning decisions, and don’t hesitate to call my office if you have any questions.

Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. He can be reached at (925) 210-1400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES

The County’s Homeless Crisis

Only Enough Emergency Beds to Meet 48% of Those in Need

BY KAREN MITCHOFF, Contra Costa Supervisor, District IV

Homelessness is a growing reality for many families throughout the State of California. In the Bay Area, we are no stranger to this growing challenge, and this issue certainly touches every corner of Contra Costa County. Last year, more than 6,000 individuals experienced homelessness in our county. On an average night, there are 700 individuals living in temporary shelters and 900 people sleeping outside in tents, vehicles, or parks. The county only has enough emergency shelter beds to meet 48% of the need. In response, the county formed a Health, Housing and Homeless Services (H3) Division under the health services department. The formulation of H3 integrates housing and homeless services across our health system with a community partnership approach that includes multiple jurisdictions and programs.

Over the last year, H3 has rolled out Coordinated Outreach Referral and Engagement (CORE) Teams. The role of the CORE Teams is to go into the encampments areas and directly connect with the homeless population to extend available services to them such as shelters, warming centers, and mental health services.

CORE teams have reached more than 2,500 unduplicated individuals and placed nearly half of them in emergency shelters or the warming center. H3 has partnered with several departments within the county, including the Office of the Sheriff, behavioral health, and public works. CORE teams have also helped to develop new partnerships between individual cities and the county where individual cities are financially contributing to pay for their own core teams to address the needs in their community. So far, the cities of Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, and Martinez have partnered with the county.

It is important to note that CORE Teams can also be accessed by dialing 211, a database of resources managed by the Contra Costa Crisis Center. It is a free confidential service that is available 24/7 and helps connect Contra Costa residents to 700 agencies and 1,600 services.

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communities. The reality is that 80% of the homeless population in our county lost their housing in Contra Costa County and only 24% are chronically homeless. These people are our neighbors and families who have direct ties to the community.

In an effort to keep public spaces clean, H3 has also partnered with public works and local agencies to clean up encampments when they have been cleared and deserted. If you see debris from encampments or illegal dumping, please report it to the appropriate authorities so it may be cleaned up. For more information on reporting debris, please visit: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/cd/recycle/ illegal-dumping.htm.

H3 is always looking for volunteers and different ways to engage the community.

If you are interested in getting involved with H3 and other homeless service providers, please visit: https://cchealth.org/h3/.

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SCHOOL NEWS

CPHS Principal

Courage, Pride, Honor and Sacrifice JOSEPH G. ALVAREZ PRINCIPAL, COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to the students, families, school communities, and first responders from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, following the horrific shooting last week, which took seventeen innocent lives. This senseless tragedy highlights the critical importance of ensuring that our schools remain safe places for our students and staff. To support campus-wide safety, we have in place a Comprehensive School Site Safety Plan that is regularly reviewed and updated and must be approved annually by our School Site Council and our Board of Education. Copies of the plan are available at the office. Thanks to all families, staff, and other stakeholders for their important work in reviewing and contributing to this important plan.

The amount of community support for our College Park student-athlete Ryan Joseph, and athletics in general, has been outstanding! Ryan is doing remarkable things! Please continue to show your support as this young man keeps his courage and strength strong. Our recent pasta feed, sponsored by Contra Costa Fire, helped raise money for a specialized van to transport Ryan. I offer our deepest thanks to all who donated and showed community support for such a

worthy cause. In addition to the pasta feed, we also held our traditional (and always sold-out) crab feed to benefit our athletics booster club. This organization does a tremendous job of supporting students in athletic events; they are truly exceptional partners in education.

Thanks to all who helped organize and facilitate another great night, and thanks again to all who attended.

Congratulations are in order for several students and student organizations here at College Park. Junior Katelyn Downing was awarded a third place finish at the acclaimed Poetry Out Loud Competition, sponsored by the Arts & Culture Commission of Contra Costa County. The Poetry Out Loud Competition is a national competition and is now in its tenth year in Contra Costa County.

Congratulations!

Congratulations as well to our new journalism class for the launch of The Claw – the new, digital edition of our College Park High School newspaper! The online Claw is updated every two weeks; social media accounts are updated weekly. The paper will be printed quarterly throughout the year. The publication will give you the Falcon’s-eye view of school and local community events and important student perspectives on national and international events. Congratulations to teacher Miguel Castro and students Antonio Aird-Shires, Emma Cole, Will Ennis, Alexis Esparza, Zoe Holzer, Rachel Hunter, Jamie Kang, Bailey Keck,

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Linda Salas, Travis Penniall, Jessica Rosas, Camdyn Simpson, and Naomi Zuniga for this successful launch. Be sure to subscribe and follow along with The Claw social media at https://cpswoop.com/.

Some upcoming events to mark on your calendar:

• On March 15, we are pleased to have Ray Lozano, a nationally recognized drug and substance abuse prevention specialist and youth speaker, give a presentation to our entire freshmen class on positive decision-making, particularly when it comes to vaping and the use of controlled substances. This presentation continues our work on providing topical and timely community education for both our students and parents. You can learn more about Ray at http://raylozano.

com/.

• On March 20, Mt. Diablo Unified is hosting this year’s third LCAP Community Speaker Series event, “Cyber Safety with Above The Fray.” This event is 6 – 8pm at Northgate High School and is open to all district families to look at what’s happening in the digital lives of young people.

I have the utmost respect for all that continues to make CPHS the best school!

We continue having high academic progress and a student body that truly is second to none. Keep in mind that CPHS is also an acronym that stands for Courage, Pride, Honor, and Sacrifice. This defines our beliefs and values for what we hold dear as the Falcon way.

Thank you for being a part of it.

AHS Principal Tech and Old Yearbooks

TOM DOPPE, PRINCIPAL, ALHAMBRA HIGH SCHOOL

Over the past few years, the growth of our computer science courses has been one of the highlights for our school. In three short years, we have gone from zero courses to three different courses, including two AP classes, taught over five periods - truly outstanding. This year we decided to add another element to our program, a robotics club! Again, this started with nothing but a desire and some willing teachers and students. The club started early in the school year, but we questioned whether or not we would even be ready for our first competition this year. Well, not only did we make it, but our students did very well. In our first competition we made the semi-finals and third place overall out of sixteen teams. Shout out to Mr. McKibben and Mr. Walker for taking the lead in starting the club and supporting our kids. We

look forward to watching this program flourish. Go Dogs and Go Bots!

Yearbooks

We all embrace the long history of our school and its place in the community. This year we will be graduating the 114th class of Alhambra High School.

But do you know when AHS published its first yearbook? Well, it took a couple of years, but in 1909 the first “Torch” (the name of our yearbook) was published.

Want to take a look at it? We have found nearly every yearbook since 1909 and have them displayed in the main office.

It is like a little museum of Alhambra and Martinez. So please, drop on by and enjoy these treasures. From time to time people want to donate old yearbooks and, truthfully, we probably have more than we will ever need from the 1970s forward, but older ones may be appreciated. In fact, we have a few missing years in our collection. So, if you are ever opening up old boxes or know you have some old yearbooks to donate, we are looking for the following years: 1917, 1918, 1920, 1922-29, 1930, 1931, and 1933.

SCHOOL NEWS

Upcoming Performances

Legally Blonde: The Musical

College Park High School presents Legally Blonde: The Musical on April 26 and 28, May 2, 3, and 4 at 7pm, with a matinee at 3:30pm on April 27. Tickets are available at the door. General admission is $25, senior/child $15, CPHS student/staff $10, and matinee $10.

William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night a Wild West Adventure

Las Lomas High School presents William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night: A Wild West Adventure on March 22, 23, 24, 28, 29 and 30. Doors open: 7pm, curtain at: 7:30pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at the Las Lomas webstore: https:// laslomashs.revtrak.net. Advanced purchase @ LL webstore $12.00; students & seniors (60+) $8.00; general admission at door $14.00.

CP Renaissance Feaste!

On March 9 and 10 at 6pm, the College Park choirs present a magical evening of Renaissance music and merriment with their “Springtide Renaissance Feaste.” Guests will be seated by a town crier and enjoy a wonderful, full-course meal in a candlelit castle setting. The CPHS multi-use room will be converted into a castle interior for the evening and various entertainments are planned, including the gorgeous a cappella choral music of the Renaissance.

The CP choir program, fresh from a string of recent successes, has ample reason to celebrate. They will be traveling to New York in June of 2019 to perform at Carnegie Hall. Tickets for the Springtide Renaissance Feaste are $50 adult, $25 student, and $15 children. For reservations and more information, see the CPHS choir website: www.collegeparkchoirs.com.

One Billion Rising

Each year in February, the Carondelet High School community celebrates V-Day, also known as One Billion Rising, when students come together to condemn violence against women worldwide. The activities culminated at lunchtime on February 9 with students gathering to dance in solidarity and “Break the Chain.” Pleasant Hill resident and Carondelet senior Sydney King said, “One Billion Rising is my favorite time of the year at Carondelet because it allows us to promote not only women empowerment but also awareness surrounding the issue of domestic violence. We rise together in solidarity as an all-girls community, to stand up against abuse and advocate for change.”

Eagle Scouts

Ashton Lommel, College Park senior from Boy Scout Troop 277, led by Scoutmaster Frank Powell. “For my Eagle Scout project, I repaired an outdoor grill for the Diocese of Oakland Youth Retreat Center, located in Queen of Heavens Cemetery. The grill was no longer functional. When I started working on the project, the wires were rusted and bent in about every direction possible. The grill had four wires that were supposed to be at equal lengths from the grill top, yet were nowhere close. Only two of the four were still supporting the grill top. The grill grate itself was very badly bent and rusted and almost falling through the border. I replaced all of the wires and pieces to hold the wires together with new parts and all new wires. Finally, we set in a new grill grate to make it a nice looking, functional, new cooking area for all who use the youth retreat to enjoy.”

Ethan Tim Tuey, College Park senior from Boy Scout Troop 277, led by Scoutmaster Frank Powell.

Ethan Tuey, son of Tim and Lorie Tuey, earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the Court of Honor ceremonies on February 25 at the Hope Center Covenant Church in Pleasant Hill.

For his Eagle Scout community service project, Tuey, along with ten volunteers, built a small community library and installed it in the Woodside Hills neighborhood in the City of Pleasant Hill. The small community library was the vision of two Woodside Hills’ neighborhood residents, Dawn Block and Sue Fine, who sponsored and provided design specifications for the project.

The small community library is registered with “The Little Free Library,” a nonprofit organization that aims to inspire a love of reading, build community, and spark creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. It took Ethan 220.5 hours to complete his project.

Poetry Out Loud

College Park High School junior Katelyn Downing came in 3rd place at the 11th annual Poetry Out Loud county competition on February 10 at the Campbell Theater in Martinez. Downing was among thousands of students across the state to participate in the national recitation contest to engage high-school students in the presentation of poetry through memorization and performance. Gwen Stevens, a junior at Independence High in Brentwood, took first place in the competition.

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OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | MARCH 2018 | 19

SPORTS

Community All Stars

College Park and Alhambra Graduates Have Standout Collegiate Performances

BY HELENA VARDAS

Joe DeMers, a 2015 College Park graduate and University of Washington junior, threw a perfect game on February 24 against UC Riverside in an 8-0 victory.

It was the first perfect game in the Huskies’ program history and just the fifth in Pac-12 history.

The last no-hitter in the Huskies’ program history was a combined no-hitter in 2006 by Tim Lincecum and Nick Hagadone. DeMers struck out nine batters while retiring twelve by way of the groundout and only six by flyout.

He recorded all 27 outs in an efficient 84 pitches.

DeMers ranked No. 91 on the BA 500 in 2015, coming out of College Park High and stepping right into the Washington rotation the next spring. According to BaseballAmerica.com, DeMers said he was more of a thrower when he arrived at UW. After working with pitching coach Jason Kelly for three years, he has learned how to think more about his craft. “JK has really taught me how to pitch, how to set hitters up,” DeMers said. “He teaches me what he sees, the small batter tendencies.

I’m changing from a thrower to a pitcher.”

In addition to his on-field role of ace, DeMers said he has enjoyed taking on more of a leadership role this season. “I love it,” he said. “I like leading by example, filling up the zone with strikes and being the guy the team can count on.”

Trevor Larnach, also a 2015 College Park graduate and DeMers’ teammate for many years prior to College Park, is making headlines as well. On February 20, the Oregon State junior outfielder was named the first Pac-12 Conference Player of the Week for the 2018 season and also received National Player of the Week honors from Collegiate Baseball and Perfect Game after he became the first Oregon State player to homer in three consecutive games since Michael Conforto versus Bryant in 2013. Larnach went 8-for-9 in his first three games and drew three walks to start the season. Of those 8 hits, 5 went for extra bases – 2

20 | MARCH 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

doubles and 3 home runs – en- route to 7 RBIs. He reached base safely in eleven consecutive plate appearances.

After striking out in his first at bat of the season, he has been a machine at the plate. As of February 25, Oregon State is 8-0, with Larnach hitting .5556 with 15 hits, 10 walks, 4 home runs, 3 doubles, 10 runs, 14 RBIs and slugging percentage of 1.111.

Trevor was selected in the 40th round by the San Diego Padres in the 2015 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft but did not sign, instead choosing to make Oregon State his home.

The softball sisters, Kylee and Brianna Perez both Alhambra High School graduates, have been reunited at the UCLA softball field. After years of waiting, freshman infielder Briana Perez, the No. 1 recruit in her freshman class, is getting a chance to play alongside her big sister.

Brianna, named to the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team, is the shortstop and leadoff hitter and “making herself known,” said Coach Kelly InouyePerez. “To be able to fill the shoes of a pretty big name in (former UCLA softball player) Delaney Spaulding as a shortstop and leadoff, she has come in and done an outstanding job.” On February 13, Briana Perez earned Pac-12 softball Freshman of the Week honors for tallying a .611 average with 2 home runs and 11 RBIs in the first few games.

UCLA senior Kylee Perez, an infielder, recorded a prolific junior-year season in which she was tabbed All-Pac-12 Conference First Team, All-Pac-12 Defensive Team, and National Fastpitch Coaching Association All-West Region First Team.

She posted a .408 batting average with 86 hits last year – leading the Bruins in both categories and finishing the year with the fourth-best batting average and the most hits in the Pac-12.

At times both on base at the same time, the powerhouse Perez sisters are playing a big role in the Bruin’s successful 15-0 start. Kylee, batting .432, has gained

13 runs, 19 hits, 8 RBIs, 2 doubles, and a triple. Brianna is batting .429, with 18 runs, 21 hits, 18 RBIs, 5 doubles, 1 triple, and 3 home runs.

This will be the only year both sisters will get to play in a UCLA uniform. For the Perez family, their long-awaited dream has become a reality. The girls’ father tells BruinsNation.com, “Sonja and I,

Washington pitcher Joe DeMers.

Oregon State’s Trevor Larnach.

LtoR: UCLA Bruins Brianna and Kylee Perez

we’ve been talking about this moment for years, that someday they could play together one more year on the big stage, and in this moment right now, it’s pretty amazing,” Jeff Perez said. “We’ll see how everything plays out, but for right now, they’re just having a blast together. It’s been an amazing journey for the whole family.”

ATHLETE SPORTS

Ryan Joseph Improving

On January 10, Ryan Joseph, a College Park sophomore, suffered a devastating spinal cord injury during a wrestling match that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Ryan was moved to Craig Hospital in Colorado for specialized care and has been improving at a brisk pace. He is breathing on his own and eating solid food, and on February 26, a video was shared showing Ryan in a manual wheelchair. Ryan is scheduled to be released from Craig Hospital and return to the Bay Area in mid-April. He has yet to have finger dexterity and the ability to move his lower body, and it could be a year or two before they know what his capabilities are, but the family says the goal is to have Ryan walking again.

You can help the Joseph family by contributing to the CP Spirit website to help with expenses and to purchase a wheelchair accessible van at https://squareup.com/store/ college-park-high-school-athletic-booster-spiritwear, or you can mail donations to The Joseph Family, C/O Mike Halket, PO Box 2122, Dublin, CA 94568

OF THE MONTH

GUS PETRUSKE

Lady Bulldogs Going to State

Two Lady Bulldogs qualified for the chance to represent Alhambra High School in the North Coast Sectional Wrestling Championships at Albany High School on February 9 and 10. Seniors Hayley Ward and Trinity Oredina both placed 3rd overall in their weight classes. The girls advanced to the CIF State Girls Wrestling Championships held on February 23 & 24 at the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia. Submitted by Carrie Bigness.

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Gus Petruske, a junior at College Park, was voted athlete of the month for his astounding victories in wrestling. Gus came out on top in his weight division of 113 lbs in league and first in NCS. Gus was 2nd in NCS in 2016 and 3rd in 2017. Gus has qualified for CIF State Wrestling Championships, for the third consecutive year, held in Bakersfield, CA. He is ranked 26th and we wish him the best of luck. Submitted by Devin Hutslar, College Park Sports Leadership.

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ANNUAL

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

2018 CAMPAIGN

HOW YOU CAN HELP

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

WHY GIVE? STRONG SCHOOLS BENEFIT YOU!

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

HOW TO DONATE

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

Since 2009, thanks to community support, FPHE has awarded over A QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS in grants to our community’s 11 public schools.

HOW ARE DONATIONS USED?

FPHE HAS FUNDED:

Funds raised go to school grants issued in May 2018.

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

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

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

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

LEARN MORE

To become a FPHE member or learn more about 2018 campaign events, email contact@fphe.org.

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

Thank you for your commitment to education and our community.

HELP SCHOOLS THRIVE - GIVE $75!

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

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Please mail this coupon to: FPHE, P.O. Box 23851• Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Tax ID#: 26-2326345) • Please make check payable to FPHE Donations to FPHE’s 2018 Annual Campaign reduce the impact budget cuts have on the 11 Pleasant Hill public schools.

Your donation directly benefits language arts, math, science and enrichment programs.

IN THE MIX

Binge These Movies

My Top Ten Must See Music Documentaries

BY PAUL COTRUVO

In our world of “binge” watching shows on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon (yes, my cable bill is high!), sometimes you just need a break in between The Crown and The Handmaid’s Tale with a great rock documentary. Ever since I was a young lad living in the wild streets of Lafayette, I loved music documentaries, so I thought I would share some of my favorites. I think the very first film I saw was Woodstock, and I remember it like it was yesterday. I saw it on the big screen at the original Orinda Theatre.

That movie really captured the spirit of the 1960s and featured some amazing performances. But just like that, Gimme Shelter came out, following the last leg of the 1969 tour of the Rolling Stones and ending with the tragic death of a fan at the Altamont Speedway -- the hippie dream was over. I highly recommend watching these movies back to back.

There are two documentaries for me that represent what it’s like to be in a band and how fame can be destructive. In the early 1970s, The Beatles released their final movie, Let it Be, which was meant to be a British documentary that followed them recording their latest album, but what was captured on film was the breakup of the most famous band in the world. One of the

most infamous scenes was an exchange between Paul McCartney and George Harrison “discussing” a guitar part in which Harrison took offense. Later in the afternoon (not shown in the film), George Harrison quit The Beatles. It was very hard to watch but fascinating at the same time. Unfortunately, this is a hard find since The Beatles hated the movie, but hopefully it will be released one day with unreleased footage.

The other documentary is History of the Eagles, which follows the career of one of the biggest groups in the world. Even if you are not an Eagles fan, this is a must see. It chronically traces the band from its inception (they were Linda Ronstadt’s backup band) to their breakup, warts and all. I’m not going to ruin the movie if you have not seen it, but there is a scene with audio of Glenn Frey and Don Felder yelling at each other on stage and threatening each other.

Don’t think they were having a “Peaceful Easy Feeling”! Stream this movie now!

I could go on and on about some of my favorite rock movies, but here is a list of my top ten (and all can be streamed): 1) Running down a Dream: 2007 documentary of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. A great insight to one of the greatest American rock bands.

2) Living in the Material World: 2011 Martin Scorsese film chronically following the life of George Harrison.

3) Beware of Mr. Baker: The life and times of drummer Ginger Baker, former drum-

Paul’s Picks March 3: Tremoloco, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista Martinez, 8pm March 9: Alexa Heine, Dan DeShara, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Martinez, 6:30pm March 17: Crying Time (Tribute to George Jones), Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm March 22: Sin Silver, Rocco’s Pizzeria: 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, 8pm March 23: Haulin Oates, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, 10pm March 24: The Big Jangle Retro Junkie, 2112 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, 9pm March 25: Soulful Security, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm March 30: Garageland Rodeo, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4:30pm March 31: Lumberyard, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm

mer for Cream and Blind Faith, which looks back at his career and his selfdestructive attitude.

4) Muscle Shoals: Film about the famous FAME Studio and Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and the famous musicians who recorded there.

5) The Last Waltz: Another film by Martin Scorsese that filmed The Band’s farewell appearance at Winterland in San Francisco. The performances in this movie are epic, especially the showstopper “Caravan,” sung by Van Morrison.

6) I’ll Be Me: Heartbreaking yet inspiring film following Glen Campbell on his last tour and his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Keep some Kleenex handy.

7) Twenty Feet from Stardom: Follows some of the best background singers ever. Highlight? Merry Clayton sitting in a room listening and isolating her vocal on the infamous Rolling Stone song “Gimme Shelter.” Chills!

br e F

8) Searching for Sugar Man: Amazing story of a neglected artist named Rodriguez. That’s all I’ll say as I do not want to ruin this movie, but it’s a must see.

9) The Last Five Years: Documentary of the last few years in the life of David Bowie and the recording of his final two albums. One word: genius!

10) Long Strange Trip: A four-hour film following the life and times of The Grateful Dead. Even if you are not a “deadhead,” this film completely captures the time, roadies, groupies, and drugs. (It’s the reason I got Amazon Prime.)

So many more I could list, but if you haven’t seen these, please give them a shot. Turn up the volume and get inspired!

Quote of the Month: “If Music is a Place -- then Jazz is the City, Folk is the Wilderness, Rock is the Road, Classical is a Temple.” ~~ Vera Nazaria

#Ti

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naT ue s

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spavia

JFKU Sanford Institute of Philanthropy

Can I just say how much I love doing #TinaTuesday!! ;-) For this week's #TinaTuesday I had the pleasure of not only sitting down with Kristy and Booker Lucas from spavia, but I also enjoyed a complementary signature massage and Fijian foot treatment (Thank you so much, Kristy and Booker!). And, oh my goodness. I left there with serious "spa brain." On February 5, 2018 Kristy and Booker officially opened spavia in Downtown Pleasant Hill, CA and I am oh so glad they did. I was like the old Mervyn's commercials, with the lady at the window saying "open, open, open."

For this week's #TinaTuesday I had the pleasure of sitting down with Solomon Belette from the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at John F. Kennedy University. Many of you may know that we have an amazing fully accredited, non-profit University located right here in Pleasant Hill. JFKU (an affiliate of the National University) offers a range of degree programs to either finish your education or continue it by getting your Master's (thought about doing this myself), Doctoral, or Certificate Programs in these areas...College of Business and

New Day for Children This week's #TinaTuesday was eye opening and heartbreaking at the same time, so bear with me as I touch on a subject many of us are completely unaware of and the impact it has on our community and the world. I met with Executive Director, Sharon of New Day for Children today, and to say I was stunned, saddened, and then uplifted is an understatement. New Day for Children was started 10 years ago by the First Covenant Church of Oakland who reached out to the Oakland Police to see how they could help with the fast growing sex trafficking of children.ReadMore...

day

Professional Studies, College of Psychology, College of Law, Con�nuing Educa�on, Ins�tute of Entrepreneurial Leadership ReadMore...

ReadMore...

To read the the full #TinaTuesday blog posts visit https://www.pleasanthillchamber.com/blog/tinatuesday-3580 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | MARCH 2018 | 23

IN THE GARDEN

Spring Greens

A Simple Recipe for the Best Pasta You’ve Ever Eaten

BY LESLEY STILES

Like it or not, winter came and went, leaving very little precipitation in her wake and pushing us full into a prolific spring, burgeoning with blossoms and bloom of all ilk. Cherries and apricots will be here toute suite. Spring hiking in Briones gloriously delivers not only hawks building nests in the taller pine trees, dragging branches from one tree to the other, flirting loudly, mating, and chattering manically, but now, if you are fortunate, which I know you are, you may possibly spot bald eagles soaring majestically overhead. They are mating and nesting in the vicinity of Briones Reservoir and the entrance of Bear Creek, and I saw one off the Hidden Pond Trail a few weeks ago. I almost communityfocus-ecomulch-ad-2014-8.pdf fainted with pure love for those massive

10 CELEBRATING

YEARS

raptors, their blazing eyeballs seeking a rat or other rodent to consume for breakfast.

Seasonal food changes come into play in a large way. After a long enough run with broccoli and cauliflower, asparagus is standing tall and proud on farmers’ market tables. One of my favorite spring welcomers is sautéing chopped asparagus with green garlic, scrambling the whole thing with fresh eggs, and showering it with Manchego cheese. Crack sea salt over and take a deep breath before you go on.

Braising greens and salad greens are at their best in the spring. Obscenely perky and sporting colors off the wheel, chartreuse lettuce with some roasted beets and feta, sprinkled with chopped, toasted local walnuts, and drizzled with impeccable olive oil will set mouths to water. There used to be an offering, not 1 8/29/14 12:46 PM on the menu, at Bertola’s in Martinez

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called The Judge’s Pasta. It consisted of massive amounts of chopped Swiss chard, sautéed in a bunch of garlic and olive oil, tossed with capellini pasta, and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.

As long lost pivotal food moments tend to do, this pasta has been blown up hugely in my mind as one of the best things I have ever had. It is common to see it around my birthday on a party table as Swiss chard is at its peak, leaving us a royal bounty to play with. Chop from end to end, as the ribs are just as outstanding as the leaves. Braising greens cooks them way down, so use a lot more than you think you need and you will have enough for everyone to be sated and feeling greenly healthy.

Farmers’ market tables are bowing from all the chard and greens right now --sweet, crunchy and vibrant, ready to be snatched up, thrown into your reusable market bag, and cooked into the best pasta you quite possibly may ever eat.

Get out on the canal trail or into the local hills and celebrate spring and good health in our own little piece of heaven we call home.

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

Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast. net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and

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My Version of “The Judges’s Pasta” INGREDIENTS 1 pound brown rice or regular capellini 2 big bunches of Swiss chard, any variety (e.g. green rainbow), chopped 3 big stalks green garlic, chopped, greens and whites 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock Rind of 1 large lemon Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup toasted pine nuts Grated good Parmesan to garnish DIRECTIONS Boil pasta until al dente. While it is cooking, heat a large saucepan with oil. When hot, add garlic and sauté a few minutes. Add chard and sauté a few minutes more. The chard will cook down considerably, so just keep adding it as the room appears in your pan. Add the stock and lemon peel and simmer until chard is very tender and not quite bright green anymore. Add butter and stir in as it melts. Drain pasta and toss into pot with the greens. Season with salt and pepper, and toss in the pine nuts. Garnish with Parm. Will feed six people generously..

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PAIR UP

Not Quite Spring Orange You Glad It’s Still Winter?

BY MARIA TERRY

Although spring is knocking on the door in Northern California, many of winter’s best fruits and vegetables are still plentiful and in-season. Here is a vegetarian meal featuring the best of winter’s orange-colored fruits and vegetables paired with non-alcoholic beverages. After a long winter of heavy comfort foods, this is the perfect meal for those days when you want something a little lighter.

Salads come in many colors and with many different primary ingredients. This Winter Citrus Salad (recipe at www.LaSommelierre.com) is based on citrus fruits and is refreshingly sweet and sour at the same time. We are fortunate to get blood oranges and pomelos in California. They are supremely delicious. Pair this citrus salad with ice-cold water (still or sparkling) and a touch of citrus. To flavor the water, pick your favorite citrus fruit: lemon, lime, or one from the salad.

A frittata is basically a quiche without a crust. This orange-colored Butternut Squash Frittata is warm and filling. The caramelized butternut squash brings a toothsome texture and a touch of sweetness. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad made with fresh greens. To pair with this dish, try an herbalscented water. Crush the leaves of the herb before adding it to the water to release the oils for maximum flavor.

Soufflés have the most divine, silky texture. This Sweet Potato and Apple Soufflé continues the orange colored theme and results in a not-too-sweet finish to your meal.

Of course, you do have to serve them just after they come out of the oven. To make this easier to accomplish, you can make the custard up to five hours in advance and put the soufflés in the oven just as you are finishing your main course. The secret is a pinch of cream of tartar or a drop of lemon juice to help stabilize the eggs whites and help them keep their loft. Since the soufflés will still be warm, serve with a hot beverage. This way the temperatures of the beverage and the

food won’t clash. Spicy chai tea mimics the allspice in the soufflé, but a simple black tea or Earl Grey would do just fine.

So, go on. Pair Up!

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

Sweet Potato Apple Soufflé

INGREDIENTS 1 large sweet potato 1 medium apple, such as Granny Smith 1/8 tsp. salt ½ tsp. ground allspice 3 tbsp. granulated sugar 1 large egg yolk 4 large egg whites A pinch of cream of tartar or a drop of lemon juice 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. confectioners’ sugar DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place sweet potato on the sheet, and cover with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Add apple. Cover; bake until tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven; uncover, and transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely, about 15 minutes. Leave oven on.

Transfer sweet potato and apple to a food processor. Add salt, allspice, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; puree. Pulse in 1 to 2 tablespoons water, if needed, to achieve a smooth consistency. Pass through a medium sieve into a medium bowl. Stir in egg yolk and flour; set aside.

Put egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.

Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. (Do not overbeat.)

Whisk one-third of the egg white mixture into the sweet potato mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in remaining egg white mixture.

Divide among six 6-ounce ramekins.

Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until puffed and cooked through, about 14 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately.

Yield: 6 servings

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Butternut Squash Frittata INGREDIENTS 8 eggs ½ cup milk 2 cloves garlic ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, divided 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil ¾ pound butternut squash (1 small or half of a medium butternut), peeled and chopped into 1/3-inch cubes ¾ cup chopped yellow onion ¾ teaspoon sea salt, divided Freshly ground black pepper 16 fresh sage leaves (roughly ¼ cup), chopped and fried in 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and several twists of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk in about half of the cheese.

In a 10-inch, well-seasoned cast iron skillet or oven-safe sauté pan, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and stir to coat.

Cook for a few minutes, until onions are starting to turn translucent. Add squash and ½ teaspoon salt and stir. Cover pan and reduce heat slightly to avoid burning the contents. Cook until butternut

is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.

Uncover pan, raise heat back to medium, and cook until excess moisture has evaporated and butternut squash starts to turn golden on the edges, about 5 to 10 minutes (add another little splash of olive oil if the squash starts sticking to the pan).

Turn heat down to low. Arrange butternut in an even layer in the bottom of the skillet. Whisk egg mixture one last time and pour it into pan. Sprinkle frittata with remaining cheese. Put pan in the oven and bake until you can shake the pan (wear oven mitts!) and see that the middle is just barely set, about 14 to 17 minutes.

While frittata is baking, fry the sage.

Heat oil in a large (read: 12 inch) skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add sage and toss to coat. Let sage get crispy (but not brown) before transferring it to a plate covered with a paper towel. Sprinkle fried sage lightly with sea salt and set it aside.

Once frittata is done, sprinkle fried sage on top and let the frittata rest a few minutes before slicing it into 6 large or 8 smaller wedges.

Yield: 6-8 Servings

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OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | MARCH 2018 | 25

“Egg-citing”Egg Hunt | March 31

General Manager’s Message March Madness

By Michelle Lacy General Manager, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District seasonal recreation guide. With over 2,300 As excitement builds watching March activities offered each year, we have someMadness basketball teams battle it out for thing for everyone. Our programs help the National Championship, the District people, young and old, develop new skills, will add to the hoopla with lots of exciting build friendships, make connections, stay activities for you this month. healthy and play.

Score big with the largest discount we Wrap up the month of madness with a offer at our Summer Camp Expo on March nal day of play. On March 31, fuel up your 10, 9:00 am – noon at the Pleasant Hill home team at the Easter Pancake BreakCommunity Center. Save 10% on all fast in the Pleasant Hill Senior Center week-long camps and swim lessons at the before young team members participate Camp Expo and online using special promo code EXPO18 on March 10 only. The in our “Egg-citing” Egg Hunt in Pleasant Hill Park and/or the new Underwater Egg Expo is also a great opportunity to get a Hunt Hu at the Pleasant Hill Aquatic Park. sneak peek at our summer camps and What an exciting month ahead.! swim programs, meet staff and see live Thank you to all who attended the Disdemonstrations. Plan ahead. Summer will trict's Master Plan Community Meeting on be here before we know it.

March is also a good month for adults to February 13th. We appreciated all your BIG ideas for the future of recreation in Pleasshoot for more life balance. I constantly ant Hill. This meeting was just the rst have to remind myself to step out of my step in a year-long process to study and usual zone to mix it up and try something talk about the District’s existing parks, fa new. Have you ever tried Samba Drumcilities and programs to identify improveming, Fencing or Hatha Yoga? Want to ments and new opportunities in each learn how to do the Nite Club 2-Step & area. All the ideas and suggestions will be Swing or go line dancing on Saturdays? pulled together to develop The Big PicWe’ve got you covered. Perhaps, March ture, a comprehensive blueprint and Madness will inspire you to play some hoops yourself. Drop in to the Pleasant Hill action plan for the next 10-15 years. Share Middle School gym on Mondays & Fridays, your ideas at masterplan@pleasanthill 6:00-8:00 pm or Sundays, 8:00-10:00 am to rec.com or pleasanthillrec.com.

Good luck on your brackets! team up for some court time.

Need more inspiration? Check your mailGet social with us: box or visit our website to view the latest Spring/Summer issue of The Spotlight, our

Spring/Summer 2018 Rec Guide Now Available!

A Splashy New Event!

Dive in to our rst -ever Underwater Egg Hunt March 31 | 12:00-1:00 pm | Pleasant Hill Aquatic Park

Consider our District Parks, Facilities & Programs...

NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER! Spend your summer with us! PHRec & Park District is now accepting applications for Summer 2018 positions: Cashier Lifeguard Swim Instructor/Aquatic Aide Summer Rec Camp Counselor To apply, visit pleasanthillrec.com/161

pleasanthillrec.com

SENIORS

Food or Rent?

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities March 12-22 - Catch Yourself /Fall Prevention- John Muir Senior Services 1:30-3pm. This class series raises awareness about falls by practicing techniques in class. Learn how to improve your strength & balance, simplify your environment, & identify fall risks. Classes will cover home safety strategies, exercise techniques, medication management and other ways to decrease your risk of falling. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing

Many Are Forced to Choose

BY STEVEN COURTNEY, CalFresh Outreach Manager, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

For 74 year-old Theresa of Antioch, the retirement years are anything but golden. Theresa shares, “I thought my older years would be easy. Instead of easy, I’m not making it.” Theresa is not unique.

For a growing number of seniors, that is the reality. A troubling number of Contra Costa and Solano County seniors have to choose between paying rent, filling prescriptions, or purchasing food.

More and more seniors are being referred to as the “hidden hungry.”

Nationwide, it is estimated that one in eleven seniors faces hunger each day, but it often goes unnoticed because many live alone and face mobility issues. The news isn’t any better in California, where the number of food insecure, low-income seniors has nearly doubled from 2001 to 2014. Seniors make up the fastest growing food-insecure population in the U.S. Food insecurity is especially troubling for our senior population since so many are on medications that must be taken with food and because sustained good health is dependent on consistent proper nutrition.

CalFresh, a nutrition assistance program, could be the answer for many limited income seniors. CalFresh provides

March 16 - St. Patrick’s Chef’s Lunch 12pm. Wear your green and enjoy a traditional corned beef & cabbage lunch prepared by our amazing chef & talented group of volunteers. Tickets will not be sold at the door and punch cards are not accepted. Tickets: $11 members or $13 general.

March 27 - Bunco. Join this fun, social dice group. No experience is necessary-luck is all you need! Bring potluck item to share 2-5pm, $4 /person at the door only. seniors with a monthly benefit auto-loaded to an EBT (electronic benefit) card, similar to an ATM card, which can be discreetly used at most grocery stores, neighborhood stores, and farmers’ markets. This valuable monthly resource provides eligible seniors relief from deciding to pay rent or buy wholesome, healthy food. CalFresh is not a welfare program; it is a program developed to provide monthly food access to folks struggling to meet their monthly grocery bill. CalFresh is a dependable nutritional safety net available to eligible seniors because no one should have to choose between food and medicine.

Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about CalFresh?

For immediate assistance with eligibility questions or help applying for CalFresh, contact the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano at 925.603.3316. Food Bank staff is available to help you with every step on the road to food security.

SERVING

Brunch, Lunch and Dinner

March 31 - Easter Pancake Breakfast 9-11am. Hop on over before the Easter Egg Hunt!

All ages welcome! After you stuff yourself with pancakes, eggs and sausage, enjoy shopping from a spring selection of handmade items the boutique. Prices: adults: $5, children (5-10) $3, 4 & under free!

April 4-25 - Meditation & Mandala 10-11:30am. The perfect combination of mindfulness, meditation and mandala coloring. If you would like to reduce stress, relax and uplift your spirit, please join us for this amazing class. Coloring pages and pencils provided. 4 classes: $12/$10 (District residents) 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788

Martinez Senior Activities March 30 - National Take a Walk in the Park Day 9:15-10:15am. Taking a walk at a local park is an excellent way to clear one’s mind from the stresses of the day, re-energize and improve your health. Come join the staff and walk to the marina and receive a goodie bag! Meet in the lobby at 9:15am. Sign up at the front desk in advance. Free event for members only.

AARP Free Tax Preparation - Free tax preparation offered by Tax-Aide’s AARP. For TaxAide sites serving the Martinez/Pacheco area, call (925) 370-8770 or (925) 709-4525. For general information and other side locations call (925) 726-3199.

Thursdays – Bingo 1pm. Open for sales at 12pm. $5 per pack $30. Guaranteed minimum prize for 10 regular games. Plus 3 warm up and half time. Special games (prize dependent upon sales). No Bingo March 15 due to the Club’s St. Patrick’s Luncheon.

March 11 - Pancake Breakfast 8 -11am. This breakfast is open to the community and includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, orange juice and coffee. The delicious breakfast is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 10.

March 16 - St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon 12-1:30pm. Enjoy a catered, traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal provided by Wilma Lott Catering. After lunch enjoy a fun filled afternoon of games, activities, prizes and a 50/50 Raffle. Tickets sold until March 12. $15.00/ person. Members only.

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Radiation for Skin Cancer

BY CHRISTINE CHUNG, MD

Mr. S is a 70 yearold man who noticed a lump on the left side of his nose several months ago. The lump quickly grew, and a biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. He was treated for a squamous cell carcinoma on his arm several years ago with Mohs surgery, a procedure in which a dermatologist shaves off layers of skin to remove the cancer. He asked me, “I hated going under the knife for my skin cancer. Is there another option?”

SCC of the skin is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed in the US, with over 700,000 new cases each year. It occurs most frequently on sunexposed skin in fair-skinned individuals, although it may also develop in people with darker skin. SCC of the skin is associated with exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun (UVA and UVB) and occurs more often in people over 45 years old.

Over 90% of skin SCC are cured with local therapy alone, usually surgical excision like Mohs. An advantage of Mohs microsurgery is that the surgeon can look at the cells as they are being removed to ensure that all of the cancer has been fully excised. Low-risk SCC may also be treated with freezing (cryotherapy) or a topical cream such as Aldara. Some patients may need radiation after surgical excision if the cancer cells have aggressive features, such as invasion into the local nerves or if the cancer could not be

fully excised.

Radiation therapy alone is another non-invasive way to treat skin cancers.

High-energy X-rays are directed at the tumor to kill the cancer cells. Using radiation to treat skin cancer is a reasonable option for patients who cannot tolerate surgery or those who have problems with wound-healing after surgery. It is also used for skin cancers in sensitive regions where surgery could be potentially disfiguring, such as at the tip of the nose or the ears. The cure rate for early stage skin cancer is over 95% with radiation therapy alone.

Radiation therapy can be delivered in several different ways, including superficial electron radiation or electronic brachytherapy. Electronic brachytherapy using the XOFT system uses a miniaturized X-ray source to deliver radiation to the skin cancer. The treatment is given twice a week for four weeks, and each treatment lasts about five minutes. The side effects can include skin irritation and redness, hair loss in the treatment area, and possible blistering and peeling of the skin. The treatment is not ideal for all skin cancers but may be a convenient option for some patients.

Dr. Chung is a board certified radiation oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group in Pleasant Hill. She has a special interest in treating skin and breast cancer. Dr. Chung sees patients in Pleasant Hill and Berkeley. For more information, call 925825-8878.

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Read My Mind

©

The Cuban Affair

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

Nelson DeMille is one of my favorite authors. Unlike some popular authors, he doesn’t publish new books all that often. But when he does, you’re in for a treat. His latest bestseller, The Cuban Affair, really caught my eye after my wife, Dawn, and I visited Cuba a year ago. Not only does he tell a thrilling tale of intrigue with captivating characters, but he also provides a fascinating sightseeing tour of this communist country, just 90 miles off our shores.

His novels of the 1990s are some of the best spy thrillers I’ve ever read, including Plum Island, Charm School, and The Gold Coast. These took place during the Cold War with the Soviet Union and were page-turners from beginning to end. His more recent novels have focused on terrorism, both at home and abroad.

While these books were highly entertaining and I certainly enjoyed the humor of his protagonist, Detective John Corey, I was starting to get tired of books with the same theme and villain. The Cuban Affair, with its fresh faces and theme, is a welcome change.

The hero of the book is retired Army veteran Daniel Graham MacCormick, nicknamed “Mac.” A 35-year-old bachelor, Mac has settled into the good life of Key West, Florida. He owns a charter fishing boat called The Maine, named for his home state, not for the famous battleship blown up in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898. His life becomes much more interesting when he meets an antiCastro Cuban named Carlos at Key West’s famous Green Parrot Bar.

Carlos wants to hire Mac and charter his boat for a special 10-day fishing tournament off the coast of Cuba. (It should be noted that this book was written as relations between Cuba and the USA were thawing with the reopening of the US Embassy in Havana.) But Mac learns there’s more to this deal than meets the

eye when he’s introduced to Carlos’ clients Eduardo Velasquez and Sara Ortega.

Eduardo is a diehard anti-Castro activist who wants nothing more than to see Cuba return to its good old days before the communist revolution. Sara is a beautiful Cuban-American whose grandfather fled Cuba after the revolution. He was a wealthy banker with a secret. Before he left, he stashed away $60 million in a cave somewhere on the island. Mac is offered $2 million to help Sara find the money and bring it back to the States on his boat.

Under the guise of the fishing tournament (more on this later), Mac and Sara sneak ashore and pose as part of a Yale University cultural visit to the island.

(Americans can still only visit Cuba on State Department approved tours, most of which are educational or cultural in nature. That’s how Dawn and I went.) Mac and Sara visit many of the fascinating places in Cuba that we visited, including Havana, Camaguey, Matanzas, and Ernest Hemingway’s home.

As Mac and Sara travel across the island in search of the treasure, Castro’s police and secret agents pursue them.

But Mac soon discovers that this mission is far more complicated and dangerous than retrieving the money. The real “hidden treasure” has implications that could alter the course of Cuban-American relations forever. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of intrigue and hope you will too.

A great companion read is Hemingway: A Biography by Mary V. Dearborn.

This comprehensive account of Hemingway’s life includes his life in Cuba. It even refers to a real fishing tournament Hemingway started, supposedly won

by Castro fair-and-square. As mentioned in DeMille’s book, rumors flowed that Castro’s fish were stuffed with weights!

Athletic Complex

Dedication of New Aquatics Center

Coughlin, who has earned 12 Olympic medals in her career, is featured prominently at the new athletics complex, with a larger-than-life image of her diving into the pool at the 2008 Beijing Olympics depicted on the wall adjacent to the entrance of the aquatics center.

Her image and athletic accomplishments will also be displayed in Carondelet’s Hall of Fame, to be unveiled in April.

Since its founding in 1965, Carondelet’s main campus in Concord has had no space for outdoor athletic fields or competition aquatic facilities. The new Carondelet Athletics Complex, located just two-and-a-half miles from the main campus, features a 10-lane competition pool and diving well, synthetic turf fields for soccer, lacrosse and softball, and six tennis courts.

The 6,000-square-foot student center includes state-of-the-art facilities for strength training and sports medicine, as well as dedicated space for all Carondelet students to study and socialize.

Saving the Seabirds One at a Time

BY DR. LOUISA ASSEO

Oasis Veterinary Hospital enjoyed their second annual spring fieldtrip this weekend.

Last year, we ventured to the coast for a tour of the Marine Mammal Center. This year, our amazing team went for a hike at Ano Nuevo State Park to see the breeding grounds of the northern elephant seal.

We then cruised back up the coast for a late lunch in Half Moon Bay. Aside from beautiful ocean views, delicious meals, and great company, there was one other thing that stood out to me about this restaurant.

Our beverages were served with paper straws! This may seem like a funny thing to be excited about, but as a consumer that tries to remember to ask for no straw when dining out, having a business take the initiative to ban plastic straws on their own warmed my heart.

Over the last 20 years, our use of plastic straws has skyrocketed. Every day in just our country, over 500,000,000 straws are used and discarded. Most of these straws are not recyclable, nor do we as consumers think of trying to recycle them. As a result, they can end up in our landfills and in our oceans.

Plastic straws are one of the top 10 items picked up at coastal cleanups. It is estimated that 70% of seabirds alone have been found to have plastic in their stomachs. If this plastic ends up in the ocean, sea turtles and NITY FO MU C M

US

CO

Carondelet High School dedicated its state-of-the-art aquatics facility, named for alumna and three-time swimming Olympic gold medalist Natalie Coughlin Hall, who graduated from the school in 2000. The Natalie Coughlin Aquatics Center is a featured part of the school’s brand new, six-acre, Walnut Creek-based Carondelet Athletics Complex.

“It is with both pride and gratitude that we dedicate this new facility,” said Carondelet President Bonnie Cotter. “Today, we usher in a new era at Carondelet that will open new doors of opportunity for all of our young women – now and for generations to come.” Coughlin thanked Carondelet for the recognition: “I am so grateful for the support that I have received from my Carondelet family. I am delighted to see Carondelet place a high value on athletic excellence, and I am so happy to see that this new facility will result in greater equity for female athletes and, truly, for all current and future students.”

Say No to Straws

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other fish can eat it, resulting in blockages and starvation.

An easy solution for all of us is to ask for no straw when we dine out. Or if you need a straw to enjoy your beverage, bring your own. Many companies are making reusable straws that you can carry with you. These straws are made from renewable sources such as bamboo or stainless steel. They are dishwasher safe and even come with their own brush to clean the insides. Yes, this takes more effort on our part, but once you have seen the video of a sea turtle having a plastic straw dislodged from his nose, it is easy to see how a few seconds of our time and a bit more mindfulness about our habits can save the lives of those we share our world with.

After a lovely day on the coast with the stellar team of Oasis Veterinary Hospital, I am elated and humbled that places are taking the initiative to help our planet. I am reminded that we all can make a big difference with small actions daily.

Dr. Louisa Asseo, owner of Oasis Veterinary Hospital, can be reached at (925) 954 – 8087, 6635 Alhambra Ave, Suite 100, Martinez, or visit oasisveterinaryhospital. com.

Oasis Veterinary Hospital proudly sponsors the

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(L-R) Carondelet Principal Kevin Cushing, Athletic Director Caitlin Main ‘05, Natalie Coughlin ‘00, and Carondelet President Bonnie Cotter. Photo by SusanWoodPhotography.com

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Agent 2000, Derek Knapp Bryce Schumacher, Realtor® Diablo Valley Oncology Dudum Real Estate Group East Bay International Jewish Film Festival Ecomulch Ellinwood Exterminators El Tapatio Flaskerud - RE/MAX Today Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Foundation of Pleasant Hill Education

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PURE MUIR Gala a celebration of East Bay open space

Saturday, April 28th • 5-9 pm

John Muir National Historic Site Martinez, CA

Join Master of Ceremonies Doug McConnell for a celebration of East Bay open space!

Enjoy music, gourmet dinner, wine and live auction. Learn more about what’s on the horizon.

Purchase tickets at jmlt.org or 925.228.5040

30 | MARCH 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

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march 5

march 11

march 18

march 24

Community Paper Shredding

St. Baldrick’s Shave-athon

2nd Annual Concord VIBE Beer Release

11th Annual SWAN Day

Bring your papers to Alhambra HS parking lot, Alhambra and E St, from 9am-12pm. No need to remove paper clips etc. $5 per legal size box. A Martinez Rotary supported event with proceeds donated to the community.

A volunteer-powered charity event that funds childhood cancer research. Be part of the excitement. Shave your head, volunteer, or donate, 11am-2pm, Main Street Martinez Plaza.

Sample the new “Nifty One-Fifty” stout along with other beer, food and business expo, 122pm, Hop Grenade and Salvio Square, Concord.

Visitconcordca.com.

SWAN DAY (Support Women Artists Now Day), an international holiday celebrating the creative power of women all over the world. Over 50 artists from around the Bay Area showcase their art along with local live music, 10am-4pm, Old Train Depot, Ferry St., Martinez. www.martinezarts.org.

march 6

march 24-25

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

Treasurefest One part shopping, one part feasting, and one part music and entertainment, 10am-4pm, Pier 1, Treasure Island, SF. $5 general entry, kids under 12 are free. Free parking and pet friendly. www.treasurefest.com.

Monthly meetings. Stephanie Falzone presents “Invasive Plants” at 7pm. Guests are always welcome and free. PH Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., PH. (925) 323-9314 or www.phgsc.com.

march 6

march 16

march 18

april 3 & 7

Valley Stitchers & Fiber Artist Guild

Journey Unauthorized

How to Raise Your Own Chickens

Martinez CERT

Monthly meetings. Visitors are welcome to attend at $5/meeting and encouraged to join at any time. Barbara Shapiro presents “Indigo Dying Techniques,” 10am-12pm, Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Lane, Pleasant Hill, www.valleystitchersguild.com.

The ultimate rock tribute to Journey in this live musical performance. This show is a must-see for all classic rock fans who appreciate great music from a bygone era, 8-10pm, Lesher Center for the Arts. Tickets: lesherartscenter.showare.com.

Lafayette resident Papa John Kiefer covers raising young chicks, laying hen maintenance, sustainable coop construction, and more. Workshop is free and held in Lafayette, 1-3:30pm. Reservations required. Contact chickenspapajohn@gmail.com.

Free Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response training sessions scheduled for four Saturdays, 8am-1:30pm, beginning April 7, or six Tuesdays, beginning April 3, 6 -9:30pm. Go to martinezcert.org to register and for more information.

march 9 - 25

april 21

The Importance of Being Earnest

John Muir Birthday- Earth Day

A delightful comedy of mistaken identity and Victorian enlightenment by Oscar Wilde, directed by Kim Doppe and produced by Helen Means. Campbell Theater, 636 Ward Street, Martinez. Cost: $12-$19. (925) 5183277 or www.CampbellTheater.com.

Celebrate John Muir’s 180th birthday, Earth Day, National Park Service Centennial, plus the 72nd Anniversary of the John Muir Association, free. John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. johnmuirassociation.org.

march 10

march 17

march 21

may 12

St. Paul’s Concert Series

Scan-A -Thon

Many Faces of Colorectal Cancer

Meals on Wheels Gala

Monthly world-class performances at a donation-based, family-friendly admission price.

March performance: William Feasley, classical guitarist, “Spring Sonatas,” 7pm, 1924 Trinity Ave., WC. stpaulswc.org.

Become a part of Contra Costa History! Bring your treasured photos, documents and letters to Contra Costa County Historical Society’s free scanning event, 10am-2pm, 724 Escobar Street, Martinez. To sign up, visit www.cocohistory.com.

Join experts as they present current information regarding ongoing screening, surgical techniques, targeted & immunotherapies and oncology nutrition, 6:30-8:30pm, Walnut Creek Library. Free, reservations required: (925) 677-5041x272.

Support the lifesaving funds provided by the Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services by attending the 50th Anniversary Gala at the Blackhawk Museums, 6-10pm, at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. Purchase tickets at www.mowsos.org.

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FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS

$92 a month One time join fee $99 Pleasant Hill YMCA 350 Civic Drive Pleasant Hill 925 687 8900 idfymca.org

Bring this flyer in and have the join fee waived!

MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES: 1. Over 120 free classes per week: Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, Strength Training, Circuit and much more!

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FITNESS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Weight Room Cardio Wing Four State of the Art Studios Outdoor Heated Pool Child Watch Outdoor Sports Court

Stop by for a tour and workout for the first time free!